Prayerful Improvisations Podcast

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing . . . Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life” (Philippians 2:14-15). Imagine how our attitude can turn the darkest of situations into shimmering light! You don’t have to imagine. You can shine like the stars and bring “the light of all” into the world. I pray this week’s music helps you shine!

The beloved film It’s a Wonderful Life reminds us in the end that “no man is a failure who has friends.” This week’s music is a tribute to friends, to give thanks for the gift of friendship. All of this music I recorded at various times to bless my friends. “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God” (Philippians 1:3).

Life isn’t always what we hope for. I recently finished working on a new theatrical adaptation of The Book of Esther, which is full of unexpected twists and turns. Yet it shows how God continues to use and bless His people for His good purpose even when things don't go as expected. While this life may not be what you hoped for right now, there is a new life waiting . . . something MORE than you could ever hope for; “more than you could ask or imagine.” Be reminded that in Christ, “you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God” (1 Peter 1:23, NLT).

We all make plans. It’s inevitable. We’ve been given minds that can extrapolate future possibilities based on knowledge, experience and the heart (or gut). Sometimes we get too caught up in getting every step right that we forget to keep our eye on what or who we’re heading toward. This week’s music reminded me to not worry so much about the actual path but WHO the path is leading to. “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11).

Being quiet seems to be antithetical to today’s society and culture, at least in the United States. So many things tug on our attention and it can be difficult to ignore the numerous distractions in our lives. I encourage you to take the next 15 minutes or so just to be quiet. Quiet your heart, mind and soul, and breathe in peace from the music on this week’s podcast. [Special thanks to Gail Dorey for giving me permission to include her song. Be sure to check out her latest album!]

Today is the first day of autumn in New England and across the Northern Hemisphere, a time when the season change becomes noticeable in sight (leaves change color) and touch (generally getting colder). This week’s music is an aural excursion through the onset of the autumn season. Enjoy!

This week’s music is in dedication to all those who have gone before us. May any sadness we feel today be exchanged for joyful memories of our loved ones. As the scriptures say, “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.” (Psalm 30:10-11)

It is an amazing feeling to be loved. When loved by someone, you feel whole, needed, wanted, complete. If you do not feel loved today, I hope this music will remind you that there is always One who loves you no matter what. That One is the lover of your soul…

I apologize for being a day late in getting this episode out. On Monday I said goodbye to my Uncle Ron, the patriarch of our family, a wonderful gentleman, brilliant writer, mentor, and avid pianist and music lover . . . especially classical music. He always supported me in my musical endeavors, and challenged me to strive to do my best. I will miss him. So this week’s podcast is in tribute to him—all classical selections from my album Peaceful Classics. Mizpah, Uncle Ron.

This morning my wife asked me what I thought heaven looks like. I didn’t know how to answer her. Of course there is all the imagery found in scripture of a beautiful place beyond description, where God will “wipe away every tear and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” There are also scriptures that point to a day when God will make a “new heaven AND a new earth”. So what do you imagine heaven to be like? Whatever our vision may be, one thing is certain: “As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is My (God’s) love for YOU.” That is a hope and a truth we can cling to now and forever.