http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html Jill Pearson: Journal Jannis' PHPRss class - http://www.jannis.to/ Sat, 19 May 2012 02:28:17 -0700 http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#18 http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#18 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0800 Minnesota Christian singer/songwriter and worship leader - Jill Pearson - Journal http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#16
So as I was reading, the Holy Spirit was on my tail about how I put conditions on the love I offer. I took a little time to explore this thought, and here is what I wrote in my journal:

1 Cor. 13, Amplified

Love is patient, to a point.

Love is kind if you are kind to me.

Love feels good, but envy and boasting feed me in a different way.

Love is not rude as long as I'm being treated fairly and can still seek my own personal rights.

It is not easily angered except when you are being annoying.

It keeps no record of wrongs that I will mention unless I need some ammunition in an argument.

Love does not delight (openly) in evil, but rejoices (occasionally) in the truth, which is relative to the situation.

It always protects my own interests, always trusts in myself, always hopes for the best but plans for the worst, always perseveres until it requires more than I can give.

Love never fails, as long as things go MY way.

Ouch. But it is a good challenge to move in the direction of God's interpretation of love. I think, for today, I'll start at the beginning...love is patient. I'll let you know when I master this ;)]]> http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#16 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700 Minnesota Christian singer/songwriter and worship leader - Jill Pearson - Journal http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#15
The Sunday following, Pastor Todd spent much of his sermon talking about Ben and Tishri, their horrifying trial, their amazing faith, and our AWESOME God. This was the text he preached from...

I Thessalonians 4:13-18

13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage each other with these words.

Two of the songs we sang brought me to tears: “How Great Thou Art” and a new Hillsong tune called “Soon.” The music tuned my heart to sing God's praise and the sermon touched that tender spot where the knot forms in your throat and the tears well up. My mind went back and forth between Tishri, my own miscarriage, and the multitude of women around me who were acquainted with the loss of a pregnancy.

Before I had left the building, a song was rising up... a song to our babies in their heaven homes. Here is the first verse and chorus:

Now I lay you down to sleep,
Oh, my baby, sweet and fair,
Until we're caught up in the clouds,
I take your hand, and we meet God in the air.

Until then, I'll miss you.
Until then, I'll love you.
I can't wait to see you.
I close my eyes and dream you,
Until then.

I recorded the song today and gave it to Tishri, along with some sloppy joes and chocolate chip cookies. I cherish this opportunity to minister to her body and soul.]]> http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#15 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700 Minnesota Christian singer/songwriter and worship leader - Jill Pearson - Journal http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#14
Oh, did you know God gave your songs wings,
to take flight and soar above common things?
As a chosen witness for Your King...
it's your blessing.

Oh, did you know God gave your songs wings,
to cradle hearts like a sling?
To heal my sorrow and my pain
when I hear you sing.

God opened up Heaven's door
and sent your heart a song.
You're the angel He meant to sing it
all along.

It's how He spoke to me,
whenever I heard you sing...
because God gave your songs their wings.

Oh, did you know God gave your songs wings,
when I couldn't recall God's blessings?
You were the words of my Heavenly King...
enduring.

Oh, did you know God gave your songs wings,
you've reminded me who He meant me to be...
a child surrounded by Glory,
ever-praising.

You lift me, raise me.

God opened up Heaven's door
and sent your heart a song.
You're the angel He meant to sing it
all along.
It's how He spoke to me,
whenever I heard you sing...
because God gave your songs their wings.

God opened up Heaven's door
and sent your heart a song.
You're the angel He meant to sing it
all along.

It's how He spoke to me,
whenever I heard you sing...
because God gave your songs their wings.

You helped me praise Him.
You lift me, raise me.
You're amazing...
Oh, that God gave your songs their wings.

-by Dee Radtke, Stewartville, MN
April, 2009]]> http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#14 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700 Minnesota Christian singer/songwriter and worship leader - Jill Pearson - Journal http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#13
The odd thing is that I am about as healthy as the come. I am a boring medical patient. My doctor forms take me 30 seconds to fill out. No family history of disease. I am thankful for this. But for some reason God has given me song after song that minister to the sick and hurting. He has whispered in my ear that He never forsakes His children, that He has purpose for their suffering, and that He wants them to glorify Him no matter what. My task is to write these whisperings in the form of songs and to share them with the people He sends my way. I am humbled by this calling.

“What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the daylight. What is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs!” Matthew 10:27 This verse is my mission and my privilege.

It really doesn't matter if I get kudos for this. I am doing what God has called me to do and that is enough. But in His good grace, I am occasionally blessed by e-mails such as this:


Dear Jill,
 My dear friend, Jill Thompson, gave me two of your CDs for Christmas this year, and I have so enjoyed your music!  Jill pointed me first to your song, “Would You Do This for Me,” which was a great encouragement to me.  Like you, I am a mom.  I have three children under 11, and 5 years ago I was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer.  God has been so faithful, and at this point I count this cancer as one of my many blessings.  God has used it to refine and bless me and my family more than ever before.
 My 10-year-old daughter was also greatly touched by your song.  She heard me listening to it, and she asked about its meaning.  She asked if the song referred to me with my cancer.  I told her that it spoke about all our family, as we all have to live with my illness.  Tears came to her eyes as she joyously explained that she had always hoped to be a witness for God, but she thought that was only accomplished by very special people.  She went on to say that your song showed her that she was already doing that!  Thank you most especially for how your song touched my daughter ”¦ I still hear her playing it over and over in her room.
 My husband and I have founded a non-profit ministry to serve other families like ours, families with a terminally ill parent and children young enough to still be living in the home.  I would be honored if I could gain your permission to use your song on our website, or if you have sheet music, I would love to have someone perform it at our retreats.  You can learn more about how we serve these families through retreats, etc., at our website www.inheritanceofhope.org . 
 Thank you, Jill, for your amazing gift and for sharing it with so many.  It has touched my heart, and I know it would be a great encouragement to other families we serve.  I hope to meet you one day while visiting “my” Jill in MN!
 
God bless,
Kristen Milligan]]> http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#13 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800 Minnesota Christian singer/songwriter and worship leader - Jill Pearson - Journal http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#12 The giggling of kids in the halls could be heard.
They were dressed to the hilt for the holiday choir;
They looked like sweet elves in their gayest attire.
They’d memorized lines and practiced each song
To bring Christmas cheer to the incoming throng.

The first to march up to the front of the crowd
Were the 2-year-old Bunnies, some crying, some proud.
Their teachers arranged them with toes on the tape.
If they froze up in fear, at least they were straight.
They were too cute for words, each girl and each boy,
With one little girl nearly bursting with joy!

But I and my husband could our eyes not remove
From our sweet little Grace in her singing debut.
We noticed, however, a problem arising;
Her look of distress was a little surprising.
What on her small pudgy finger was that?
Could it be a booger she was staring at?

I’d not thought to prepare her for such a grim matter,
Though I’d styled her hair and emptied her bladder.
No tissue had she to wipe off the mess,
And I’d already taught her not to wipe on her dress.
How could we help from our spot in the pew?
We clearly did not know quite what to do.

It was all up to me, I’d give it a try,
And finally my motherly wave caught her eye.
I motioned for her to wipe on her skirt.
The light bulb came on, she wiped with a jerk.
She checked for success; her smile was restored;
She broke into song, praising the Lord.

I relaxed in my seat with a sigh so serene
Hoping the video had captured the scene.
I said a small prayer with a brief upward glance,
“What could be learned from this circumstance?”
And a still, small voice whispered to me,

“Take your eye’s off life’s boogers and sing praise to the King!]]> http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#12 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800 Minnesota Christian singer/songwriter and worship leader - Jill Pearson - Journal http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#11
As I was listening to the song We Three Kings the other day, this line struck me: “westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.” The Wise Men were from the East, but were following the star in the West...toward God, toward the infant Messiah. I want to stay on the westward path, a modern-day wise woman, seeking, searching, finding, delighting.]]> http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#11 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800 Minnesota Christian singer/songwriter and worship leader - Jill Pearson - Journal http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#10
In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made HOLY, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 2Tim 2:20-21.

It is undeniable that God has created us to be holy vessels to do His good works and that He has given us “holy hands” to raise in prayer (1Tim 2:8.) We may not treat ourselves that way but that IS who we are, and if we speak the truth aloud, we may start to believe it. As my friend Emma says, “BE WHO YOU ARE.”

I am going to set on my mantle a little red ruby goblet that is a family heirloom to remind me of the ancient vessels from the temple that God ordained “holy.” And of how I am like that little cup, holy, consecrated, and useful for God's work. I will also give pause to what I put in that cup that may be less than God's best for me.

Kudos to Beth Moore's study on Daniel that provoked this stimulating conversation. Check out a picture of my Bible study group under “photos.”]]> http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#10 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800 Minnesota Christian singer/songwriter and worship leader - Jill Pearson - Journal http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#9
Thanks, K, for inspiring this line of thought from Phillipians 2:1-11.

Out of this contemplation, I recently wrote a song called "Good-Bye." It is formed of words from a Father to His Son. It is sad and full of hope at the same time (like a good number of my songs.) It captures the loss and restoration of Christ's glory.

It is one of the songs that poured down like rain, there on my bathroom floor where I work sometimes when I don't want to be interrupted (I was still interrupted numerous times, God bless my children.)

It is strange...this feeling of being an intercessor for God.]]> http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#9 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800 Minnesota Christian singer/songwriter and worship leader - Jill Pearson - Journal http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#8
Three things have weighed heavy on my heart this week. My husband's co-worker's home went up in flames. His family of four were left with one car and their pajamas to their names at this point. Can their yoke be easy and their burden light? What does that mean?

A woman came to me after a concert yesterday and said that her husband left their marriage 4 months ago, leaving her with 9 children. She is devastated. How can this be any part of a good plan?

My friend and hero, Peggy, recently put to rest any future plans to treat the raging cancer in her body. It has been a 10-year battle. The cancer is taking over, the tumors are breaking through the skin. Why will God not just take this precious woman of faith home without the physical demise?

I am frustrated like Job. I am wrestling like Jacob. I am interceding like Moses. And yet, like Paul and Silas in prison, I am singing. The songs are bubbling up from within....songs of fire and betrayal and death. I just finished one for Peggy called Final Psalm: Ready to Fly.

Could this be a part of the puzzle? How one person's suffering incites another's response, makes us dig deep, inspires us to serve, to hunt through the scriptures to find answers, to stand in the gap, to fall facedown, to be still and know. Genius authors have written on this subject and offered wonderful conclusions. I only lift up questions, knowing that God is not offended and is happy to have my attention.]]> http://jillpearsonmusic.com/news.html#8 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800 Minnesota Christian singer/songwriter and worship leader - Jill Pearson - Journal