Monday, February 23, 2009

In search of the prefect song

I have listened to over 100 versions of Make Me a Channel of Your Peace/Prayer of Saint Francis trying desperately to find the perfect version to use at Grandma's Blessing with Bishop Gumbleton. I have yet to find one that is perfect. I am beginning to think that I may never find one.
Really, let's be honest. I want it to sound just like it does in my head, which is how I heard it in church many years ago with my Grandmother by my side at Our Lady of the Woods. A male organist for the church, playing on the Grand piano just his voice and the beautiful piano.
I'm so beyond frustrated. There are beautiful 1980's synthesizer versions, or great piano with no words or a nice voice with a cheesy background. ARGH!!!!!!!!!!! Just the piano and the voice people, that's all I'm asking for!!!. One would think that would not be so hard!

ok. sorry. rant over.

If anyone has a recorded version they would recommend, please help. I need it for Sunday. I've searched ITunes and come up with not much.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Peace among Turmoil?

I've been noticing recently that in this crazy time in my life when one might think that peace could not exist, I have recently experienced some truly amazing moments of peacefulness within myself.
I'm recording this so that I might remember, and sharing so perhaps my experiences might help others find that inner calmness and peace as well.

  • For a few moments after Yoga class the other day, my mind was still and my body didn't feel stressed and tense as it usually does.
  • I always feel better and blessed after a rousing discussion with Bethany and her prayers. She prays so beautifully. And handing over those burdens to God feels inexplicably wonderful.
  • I also noticed an unusual calmness about myself as I was reading through the book Eat, Pray, Love byElizabeth Gilbert.

Being reminded that even when things seem bad, we can make the best of them is something I need more often. I must work towards focusing myself not on the bad, but on the good in the situation.

I am so blessed to have the support of such a large family. For all of you reading this. Thank-you for your support and prayers. Continue to help me and challenge me to find that inner calm.