Hear My Heart

 

There is something very special about the quiet.  It’s the place where we hear God’s voice most clearly, without the distractions of life.  My life gets so busy with school functions, laundry, and doctor’s appointments, feeding the dog, the cat and the fish, and a host of other necessary, yet overwhelming chores.  I long for understanding, for someone to know how I truly feel, but I simply don’t have the time to express myself completely.  The wonderful thing about God is that He, only, can hear your heart.  Without words to get in the way, He knows just how you feel.  That encourages me!  Here is a portion of a song I wrote with some friends of mine for our latest project…my prayer during the quietest time of my life!

 

 

Sometimes I feel no one’s ever been in this place before.

This is hard, and I’m not sure that I can do this anymore.

I know someday I’ll look back and all this won’t seem real, but Lord right now I need you to know just how I feel.

 

When there are no words to say and no prayer that I can pray, hear my heart.

When I don’t have strength to try and I’ve cried all I can cry, hear my heart.

Cause you know every fear and every doubt I cannot speak.

You know all the ways I need you and all the ways I’m weak, so I’ll be quiet…

So you can hear my heart.

 

                                   Sheri Easter, Wayne Haun and Joel Lindsey c2008       

                                               In The Name Of Jesus

Jeff recalls a time in his life when he was completely surrounded by fears.  His Daddy suggested that anytime he felt oppressed, simply call on the name of Jesus.  Jeff was a young teenager at the time, but is still reminded of that every time he faces a fear.  When we began reviewing songs for our new project, this song affirmed everything he had believed about the power in speaking the name of Jesus.  According to the Word of God, we stand on the promise that at the mention of His name, demons will flee, hearts will be restored and lives will be changed.                                                    

                                                    

                                                     I Don't Wanna Cry

I can't think of anything more isolating than crying alone with no one to comfort you.  As Christians, we are promised that God is always near, that He knows every teardrop that falls and that He cares about the pain we endure.  It's comforting to know that on your worst days--the days you feel like giving up--God knows you are hurting and He cares.  Remember this promise, "God will hold you when you cry wiping every tear from your eye".                                             

                                                   I Need You More Today

When Morgan began singing with us, Jeff wanted to chose just the right song to showcase her voice, her presence and most importantly, her heart.  We were on our way to an annual date in New Holland, PA, and Jeff was listening to the radio when this song recorded by The Bishops in the late eighties, early nineties began to play.  The message was perfect, the melody was perfect and there was no doubt it sounded like angels when the family harmonies began.  We felt like the song was so relevant to what a fifteen year old would experience, and ironically, the writer wasn't much older than that when she wrote the song.  The song simply cries out to God for every need, because we are not self-sufficient, no matter how hard we try to convince ourselves we can go it alone.  The truth is that we need Him, more today than yesterday!

                                        

I Get To 

 

I remember hearing this song for the first time and thinking, "That just says it all!"  We get into such a routine of living that we sometimes forget how to really live.  We dread the chores, the deadlines, and even the expectations of others until we realize the blessing wrapped up in each one.  Helping Dad wash the car and cut the grass seems so mundane--until we realize that one day, Dad might not be around.  So, instead of thinking I have to do something, we remember, "I get to".  With the awakening of life we experienced last year, Jeff and I realize all too well that we don't have to do anything, we get to.  It's become a motto of sorts around our house this year.  These days we remind each other of all the wonderful things in life we 'get' to do!

                                                               

Over The Mountain 

      

Last December, our family took a trip to Disney World.  It was just days before my final round of chemotherapy.  When I got back to the bus that evening, I commented to Jeff as we were leaving the parking lot, "I may not be over the mountain, but I can see the other side".  It's amazing how just a glimmer of hope can strengthen and carry you through the most difficult days of your life.  It's all about perspective, I could see celebration in my near future, therefore, I prepared my spirit to celebrate.  Keep your eyes on things that matter, and you'll rise above the blue!                                                

                          

                                                          

Expecting Good Things 

 

Seems if we could just somehow find perspective and see 'the big picture', we'd all do better at keeping a positive outlook on life.  Too often, we grumble and complain about minor inconveniences as if they were just the most horrible set of circumstances when, in actuality, they are just simply inconvenient.  Paul said he had 'learned to be content' in whatever state he found himself, meaning that we, too, can 'learn to be content', trusting that God is at work in our lives.  We really can trust Him with our every breath.  Just because you can't see the sun, doesn't mean it isn't there.  Wake up each morning expecting good things, knowing that the sun will shine again, and believing that God and Heaven are awaiting you! 

I Know I Love You

There are a lot of things in life I don't know.  Who invented the washing machine?  Where is Timbuktoo?  Why have I been so blessed?  And then, there are those things I know beyond a shadow of a doubt.  I know I love Jeff, and there is no sweeter sound than when he says my name.  I know I fell in love with my babies the moment I held them in my arms and looked into their tiny eyes.  I know that my Mama can touch my hand and communicate things that words simply cannot. I may not know everything, but I know I am loved.

Working On A Road

At a Gaither concert, Gordon Mote approached Jeff with the idea that he should record the old Lester Flatt tune, "Workin' On A Road".  Jeff and I both remembered the song and we began brainstorming ideas for how to give the old song new life.  We were both brought up listening to bluegrass music and the thing I think is so unique to bluegrass is the energy of the song.  Whether the song is slow and mournful or chicken-pickin' fast, it exudes an energy that is captivating.  Before long, you're tapping your toes or clapping your hands to a melody that feels like home.  Nothing could have made this song any better than having our long time friends and Grand Ole Opry members, Marty Stuart and Connie Smith sing along with us.  Also, joining us on some really smooth bass is the new 'voice' of WSM, Eddie Stubbs.  A great friend of more than 25 years.  Thanks to these legendary voices, the song, once again, became new!

Love Remains

After such a tough year, I told Jeff, "I hope and pray no one ever has to go through what we have, but I pray everyone can feel as loved."  Cards, letters, phone calls, floral arrangements, small gifts, books, music, emails--it was unbelievable to witness the outpouring of love from God's children.  Prayers were being offered up on my behalf; my family was being lifted 'into heavenly places' by these kind gestures.  It's amazing when your solid ground is shaken, everything is stripped away, and your faith seems distant, the one thing that remains is love.  "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days"--Psalm 90:14 (NIV)

Time For Me To Fly

Last year as we began selecting songs for our upcoming project, the song, Time For Me To Fly, was the first song I chose knowing that it would be the debut single for our daughter, Morgan.  She was accepting an awesome responsibility to travel and sing, while still attending high school.  I was very aware of the sacrifices she would have to make, but I also knew the overwhelming joy it would be to sing songs of hope and encouragement to a hurting world.  Last year was a test of faith for our entire family and Morgan knows firsthand how young people need encouragement when life doesn't seem fair.  Spread your wings, baby girl, it's time for you to fly!

Born to Climb

 Sometimes in life, the mountains we face overwhelm us at first sight, we feel defeated before we ever begin the climb.  Doubts creep in and cold, hard reality whispers, “That’s impossible, you can’t make it!”  The truth is—you can’t. The good news is—God can!  Set your sights on God, knowing that He’s working all things together for your good, knowing He loves you and has a purpose for your life, every day of it.  Then, trust Him.  Remember that ‘grace has strengthened you time after time, so don’t be afraid of the mountain, friend, you were born to climb’.

The Sun Will Shine Again

 Anniversaries require us to look back.  I recently celebrated an anniversary I never planned to celebrate, the one year anniversary of my initial diagnosis of breast cancer.  Although, I didn’t plan it, I do celebrate.  I celebrate being a survivor and I’ve done an awful lot of looking back over the past month.  I remember hurting so badly that falling asleep, when it rarely happened, was my only relief.  I remember crying so much that there were no tears left to cry, just groans out of an aching heart.  I remember anger, fear, and feeling like the unfairness of it all was simply more than I could bear.  It was a dark time.  A season without sunshine, nothing but clouds covering all my blue skies, but you know what else I remember?  I remember the intimacy of God like I’d never known.  I remember feeling so loved by family and friends that no words could adequately convey the depth.  And, I remember believing ‘the dark clouds will vanish and the rain will end, there’s a brighter day around the bend, I know the sun will shine again’.