ISN'T LIFE JUST LIKE THE GAME CANDY LAND?

 Who's never played this game?  It was one of my favorites and I just knew I would get the frosty snowflake and get to Queen Frostine before anyone else. Didn't you? I was reminded of this fun children's game when I went to visit my grandchildren. Chad, who is 3, wanted to play a game while his older brother went to preschool. He got out Candy Land. He chose his color and then he chose mine. We then began to draw cards and move our pieces along the fruity colored trail. I'm not sure whether or not he knew what it meant to win or lose. Either way, he was having fun, was quiet, and concentrating hard on remembering his colors and how to count. He was so happy to just be playing the game. Me? I wanted to win!
That thought brought back some fun memories of myself as a child desperately wanting to beat anyone who played the game with me. It also reminded me of the times I'd played as a mother helping my own children learn how to win and lose gracefully.
Chad's good nature made me think that he had the best attitude of all. He was happy to be in the game. He was excited to draw the cards, and he delighted in moving his little man even when he drew the licorice card and had to go back.
Shouldn't we be happy to be "in the game of life?". Shouldn't we delight in participating in the joy of living? Shouldn't we be okay with having to take a few steps backwards, even if it put's us behind the "winners"?

These thoughts have been swirling in my mind and heart as I've returned to my job and "regular" life. As I greeted my first class today I was "delighted" to see their little faces, and I was happy to be engaged in a good cause,"helping children learn music," and I don't feel as worried about winning the game, but am truly grateful to be playing it. And tomorrow, if I draw the "licorice" card, I'm going to be more content with what life is giving me and not so worried about "winning".
But if you happen to see me drowning in the Molasses swamp, lend a hand--I'm sure I can find a gum drop for you.

If you're interested you can find the game on AMAZON.com
CANDY LAND

SENSITIVE SONG WRITING by SENSITIVE PEOPLE

"I'm a very sensitive person. I hurt real easy and real deep, which is why I think I have to write songs, [and] why so many of them fit the feelings of so many people that can't write. It's because I feel everything to my core." Dolly Parton

How many of you relate to that quote by Dolly Parton?  I do--of course. As a teenager I thought all my songs were the deepest, most spiritual and heartfelt pieces of poetry ever written. Now I think I worry too much about the words, or the chord progressions, or what someone might surmise from the lyrics-- and I'm trying to get back to center. I want to write things that really matter, but I've gone through a period where I had too much baggage about what's "good" writing or "bad" writing, or  how my deepest thoughts and songs might compare to others'.
As a sensitive person I've had to mitigate the ups and downs of life learning when to care, and when to protect myself, when to get involved and when to just be the artist, when to jump in and work, and when to retreat--all the while preserving my "sensitive" inner self. It's been a tough journey.
I wonder sometimes how my life would have been if I'd followed the inkling in my heart to join a band and ride a bus around--or take the stage as a theater major and abandon my dreams for an eternal family. It's not really a "what if" kind of self talk, it ends up being more of a "grateful" prayer. I'm so grateful I stayed true to my beliefs and raised four wonderful children. The memories, experiences and feelings of joy of those times are well worth the sacrifice. I'm really grateful for the opportunity I had to grow up with my children and be a part of something bigger than myself that is eternal. I've earned a unique kind of fame and fortune-eternal descendants and eternity to enjoy the blessings.
So now I find that I'm in a reggae mood about my music and I'm bursting with ideas and feelings for songs. What's the problem? Time!  So I've committed every Sunday to just focus on these songs and let my heart go. Writing about my journey and goals also helps me stay focused. I mean, I could be doing the laundry...or watching a movie--right?
As I flew from Phoenix to Des Moines I scratched out these words....
The line "standing tall on your wall of faith", came to me almost immediately. I thought "good--what's next?"
I thought of Samuel the prophet with the arrows flying all around him as he testified of Christ.
 I thought of Moroni and his Banner. What does it mean to me?

When the arrows fly at the battle cry.
Hold your banner high and tall...
it's okay....
face the enemy, let your heart believe--
standing tall on your wall of faith...
That's one version...and here's the rewrite....
When the arrow's fly at the battle's cry and all you can do is pray.
Face uncertainty with all you believe--
standing tall on your wall of faith.
This might be a BRIDGE:
Never give up-never give in-call on the power that lies within
Many times I will come up with a CHORUS first that solidifies what exactly am I trying to say in 2 sentences?
The verses then take shape after I've got my thoughts more concentrated.
Life is a circus, life is a game.
A flicker of hope or a dying flame.
Our lives can be treasured or filled with shame.
As long as we believe in the power to change.

I'm sure these lyrics will be rewritten a few more times. When I get to the piano or guitar sometimes the words need to be changed to better fit the mood of the music. No matter--I'll be working on this for a while.
Thanks for reading.....and Stand tall on your wall of faith--
Sandra

Testifying of Jesus Christ Through Song.

"He is The Light"

As we approach Easter my thoughts always turn to the great sacrifice Jesus made for us. Throughout my life I have called upon his mercy and grace to help and guide me. In my own darkest hours I have felt his great love. Although I can not comprehend the agony he experienced, I can try to understand by living as he lived-in love. Loving others can be hard. When we are hurt by others, or we have discover that we have little in common, it becomes harder to soften our hearts and love. I have found love though to be the best healing balm for a troubled heart. I pray for love and I pray others will love me. So many hearts could be healed in this way. With each day my understanding of this commandment "to love one another" is the essential principle of the gospel and of true happiness.
I wrote this song to testify to my children of Christ, but it is a song for everyone. It is a tribute to His life, His works and that He is the Light. CLICK HERE for the SHEET MUSIC AND MP3 FILE.
"HE IS THE LIGHT"

Verse 1

I wonder how the mother of Jesus felt as she gazed into her newborns eyes.

I imagine she had questions about this holy child, and was calmed by his innocent smiles.

How could she feel his greatness or the power in his soul as she wrapped him in swaddling cloth?

How could she know of the enduring love that would take him to the cross?

 Bridge

How could she understand the Father’s plan that this Promised child was the Christ?

 Chorus

He is the light of the world. He is the answer in the night.

He is the Savior of all men.  He is the truth, He is the Light.

 Verse 2

Joseph taught him daily with a heart that knew this child’s hands would work something new.

He watched him play with other children day by day and taught him to love the truth.

The learned men at the temple stood in awe of the child who spoke with them that day.

Mary and Joseph were filled with surprise when he said he was about his Father’s ways.

 Bridge

How could they understand the Father’s plan, that this promised child is the Christ? 

Chorus

He is the light of the world. He is the answer in the night.

He is the Savior of all men.  He is the truth, He is the Light.

 Verse 3

He blessed the poor and weary, healed the sick and lame and called on us to be his sheep.

He walked among the people as the Son of God to teach the message of  peace.

And as he hung upon the cross they gathered below mourning his pain and suffering.

And when he stood before them, the risen Christ, he could see that they believed.

Chorus

He is the light of the world. He is the answer in the night.

He is the Savior of all men.  He is the truth, He is the Light.

Bridge

And now they understand the Father’s plan that this promised child is the Christ.Chorus

He is the light of the world. He is the answer in the night.

He is the Savior of all men.  He is the truth, He is the Light.