What a grace filled weekend we had. I can't tell you how good it was for Dan and I to have this week together off work. There were times we just needed to cry, veg, and even just times we needed to drive with no certain destination... just drive and listen to music.
Music has always been important to Dan and I. Even though we consider ourselves very well rounded in our musical tastes, from top 20 to country to broadway to worship, It's amazing to us how when going through a time as this secular radio seems so empty and doesn't have anything to offer. I'm not at all saying it's wrong to listen to, I think it's a great thing to stay current with what our culture is listening to. There are some amazing musicians out there that are just so gifted. Dan loves John Mayer and his perspective he gives in his music, and I never cease to be amazed how R&B musicians can take the hardness of the streets and drugs and their pasts and put it in a song that bares their heart to the world when they probably can't even say I love you to their own mother. Yes, Music is a language all it's own.
If you've ever been a student of Dan's you know how much he loves music, but you also know he's always examining it's elements. Most of the time he can find very redeeming qualities about any song. But just to give a personal testimony about what to flood your ears during times like these, Kanye and Maroon 5 and the like just give you empty words set to a fun beat. "Keep Bleeding" and "No Air" may be good at describing what you're feeling but where is the hope? We don't want to keep bleeding and we desperately need air! That is where Songs of sound theology come in like a healing balm and fresh oxogen!
A friend of mine wrote in regard to God and suffering: "He’s the tidal wave and he’s the light at the top and he’s the fresh, cold air that their lungs will scream for." We have been gasping, But indeed how fresh the Air is!
When I say sound theology I just mean to say songs that really make much of God and show His bigness in our lives. As another friend blogged about after his wife miscarried, he wrote that "this present suffering is not our biggest problem, our sin and separation from God was our biggest problem and God has given His own Son to fully take care of that. How much more will He oversee these situations that arise in His children's lives." So, I believe and have experienced that when one is reminded of how bleak our sinful state was before Christ and how He came victorious to save, that this present suffering does grow strangely dim and we are given so much hope in a BIG God!
I wanted to give a list of some albums that we have played over and over and have truly been so helpful during this time:
Passion:Hymns Ancient and Modern
Jars of Clay:Redemption Songs
Sovereign Grace Music: Varied Albums
Crystal Lewis:Hymns:My LIfe
Chris Tomlin: See the Morning
We go on Wednesday for a Dr.'s Appointment at Duke. I will keep everyone updated! Thanks again for all your prayers and sweet words of encouragement!
We have never met, but as a member of Open Door, I think I know A LOT of people that know you :o)
I just came to your blog via Cheryl Scheonling's blog and read through your entries from June. I *wish* that I had magic words to bring you peace right now. I do know that God is faithful. We cannot see the future and that is so scary, but He knows and is faithful to give us strength and mercy, each in it's time.
Know that I will be praying for your precious child, for you, and for Dan. I am adding your blog to me feed, so I can stay up-to-date with you and be praying specifically.
Thank you for sharing this journey, so that we can stand in the gap on your behalf.
Posted by: Angela Murray | June 18, 2008 at 02:43 PM
I'm praying! And just as I suspected, you two are blessing all who know you. I'm learning from you! I love that about diversity, as rotten as it may seem. We learn from one another. Dan, you're the best. You know how I love you like a son. Thank you two so much for blogging. As you gain comfort from music, read Zephaniah 3:17. God sings over us! Including that unborn, precious child. He already is singing over that precious one his/her own song straight from His lips. Halleluia!!
Posted by: Jamie | June 18, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you guys and your sweet baby. Let us know if there is anything at all we could do for you. In the mean time, keep relying on God. He is faithful.
Katie O'Hara
Posted by: Katie and Joe O'Hara | June 17, 2008 at 09:27 PM
We were so sorry to hear about the complications with your baby (just yesterday)! Please know we will be praying for your baby and for the God of all peace and comfort to shine His light on your lives. --Amanda Aucoin
Posted by: Amanda and Brent | June 17, 2008 at 03:19 PM
I'm not sure if you remember me and my husband, Calvin, but Melanie Mann forwarded your blog to me and I have been lifting you and your family up since then. You are such a good testimony to Christ's love and faithfulness! In relation to your post, have you heard the song "Held" by Natalie Grant? I think that's who sings it...it is such a beautiful song of God's promise to hold us no matter the circumstances, but it ministered in particular to my sis-in-law when she lost her baby at 18 weeks. I know it was on WOW 2007 or 2008. Lifting you up even now...
In Him, Christin Lockhart
Posted by: Christin Lockhart | June 17, 2008 at 08:52 AM
I'm with you on the music. All types are great but there is nothing out there quite like worship music.
Sometimes I don't know what to say but I've been thinking about and praying for you guys the last couple of days. I miss you bunches Casey!
xoxo Eileen
Posted by: Eileen | June 16, 2008 at 06:10 PM
just know that we're still reading and praying. It was sweet at church yesterday to sing the songs and pray the words for you at the same time we sang...we love yall and are here for yall in the long run.
Posted by: kari breed | June 16, 2008 at 05:28 PM
I know this doesn't really pertain to your post, but I'm so glad to know that you are going to Duke! I have had personal experience with the high risk specialists there with three pregnancies and have nothing but wonderful things to say about them!
Posted by: Elizabeth | June 16, 2008 at 01:50 PM
I am so glad you had some relaxing and restoring time together. I continue to pray that the baby rotates or turns for a better view on Wednesday. Asking Him for peace and hope to fill your hearts.
Laurie in Ca.
Posted by: Laurel | June 16, 2008 at 12:15 PM
great post!! praying for wisdom at the doc appts this week... for them and you!
Posted by: nicole | June 16, 2008 at 11:46 AM