King David - blogger

 I'm so glad David wrote down what he was feeling.  He did not sugar coat anything.  He expressed what he was going through and all the while affirming his trust in God.  It helps me to express myself and to know that it's okay to feel (and express) pain, confusion and anger.  He would probably be a blogger if he lived today. 

Save Me, O God

"Save me, O God!

For the waters have come up to my neck.

I sink in deep mire,

where there is no foothold;

I have come into deep waters,

and the flood sweeps over me.

I am weary with my crying out;

my throat is parched....

Deliver me

from sinking in the mire;

let me be delivered from my enemies

and from the deep waters.

Let not the flood sweep over me,

or the deep swallow me up,

or the pit close its mouth over me.

Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good;

according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.

Hide not your face from your servant;

for I am in distress; make haste to answer me.

Draw near to my soul, redeem me;

ransom me because of my enemies!

You know my reproach,

and my shame and my dishonor;

my foes are all known to you.

Reproaches have broken my heart,

so that I am in despair.

I looked for pity, but there was none,

and for comforters, but I found none....

I will praise the name of God with a song;

I will magnify him with thanksgiving.

This will please the Lord more than an ox

or a bull with horns and hoofs.

When the humble see it they will be glad;

you who seek God, let your hearts revive.

For the Lord hears the needy

and does not despise his own people who are prisoners."

-Portions of Psalm 69 - ESV 

Joseph is going back to college tomorrow.  It's a wonderful school, but 4 months away is a really LONG time. 

"When deep injury is done to us, we never recover until we forgive...
Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future."

"Bitterness imprisons life; love releases it." - Harry Emerson Fosdick


"You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well."  -  Lewis Smedes

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”  Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."  (Matthew 18:21-22)

Piano Lessons

I offer piano instruction in my home in Exeter and am now taking new students.

Here is the basic information:
*Lessons are once per week for 30 minutes.
*Times and Days - I teach on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after school from 4:00 - 5:30.  I currently have Tuesday and Thursday openings.
*Lessons are $15 each week (preferably paid for the month at the beginning of each month)
*Lessons books are provided by me unless you prefer to provide your own at your cost.
*Practicing each day is critical to improving and learning!
*Method - I use Bastien books.  Each student will learn from a theory book and a lesson book.
*Instrument - it is best to have a piano instead of a keyboard, unless it is a keyboard with weighted keys.
*Performances - There are 2 recitals each year, one in December and one in May.  Pieces are memorized and played for a small audience of family and friends.

A little about me:
I majored in Music Education at California State University Fresno and have a BA in Music.
I have a current teacher's credential for K-12 Music.
I have studied privately since graduation and currently play piano for the Mt. Whitney High School choral department.
I have played for many choral groups and churches over the years.

If interested please contact me at:
email:  jeanopiano@gmail.com

Collaborative Pianist

I learned from my niece, Mary, this summer that the proper title for "accompanist" is now "Collaborative Pianist".  I don't know... I kinda like the old term better.  It is true that accompanists work extremely closely with those whom they "accompany", and often the piano portion is just as difficult as the soloist's portion.  But, the job of an accompanist is to work alongside, to do all they can to help their soloist do their best.  That's my role and I like it.  The term "Collaborative Pianist" elevates the position to a much more "equal" standing with the soloist.  I like that too, but don't want to forget that I'm not the one people come to hear when they go to a concert or recital.  I am there to help... to play in such a way that the soloist (ensemble) is in the spotlight.  It's much like a frame around a picture.  The right frame only accents the beauty of the picture.  Too "gaudy" of a frame detracts attention, too simple of a frame doesn't do it justice. 
Hmmmm.... just thinking.... that's how we should all be, I suppose... living our lives to focus on the ONE who truly deserves the attention, the praise, the focus.  It's not about me.

Having said all that...anybody need an accompanist?  I'm available and my rates are reasonable.  

"For twenty-three years, I've been dying to tell you what I thought of you! And now... well, being a Christian woman, I can't say it!" - Auntie Em to Almira Gulch in "The Wizard of Oz"


I just love movie quotes.  I couldn't say it better if I tried.
What is a favorite movie quote of yours? 

"I don't remember growing older... when did they?"