Cue the Music . . .

Follow this link:

http://www.andrealenejames.com/Listen.html

and click on the song you want to hear.

Good news / Bad news

The good news: The Augustana Choir just came to town, two miles from where we live. We went, we heard, we took home some college kids (don't worry, we returned them). Besides an incredible concert, we also received a CD: a compilation of Augie choirs 2003-2007 - and we're on there! Frequently! I had hoped to augment this blog by posting the music, but I can't. I'll have to find a way to get these recordings to you all. But they include some of my all-time dream favorites.

Among them is Franz Beibel's (sp?) Ave Maria, sung as an all-men's piece, and Angus Dei, a choral adaptation of Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings (which includes an AnDrea Dunn solo). And Isaiah just fell asleep on my shoulder as we sat and listened to them.

The bad news: I'm pretty sure life is downhill from here.

A Transfiguration Prayer

Holy One, we thank you for this day and for this time together. We are reminded this morning of the preciousness of life, the life that everywhere surrounds us and dwells within us, yet remains so fragile in every form.

We thank you for the ways in which you are revealed through that life. As we see you revealed in acts of giving that quell anxiety, acts of hospitality and welcome that break down barriers, acts of generosity that shake off fear, we are reminded that you are a God that broke down all barriers that keep us apart, a God who seeks healing, wholeness and reconciliation.

As we see you revealed in the face of the suffering, the oppressed, as we are moved by compassion and angered by injustice, we are reminded that you are call us as peacemakers, those who will work to conform the world to the plumb line of justice.

As we see you revealed in beauty, in nature, in the voices of our children singing, in loving relationships of all kinds, when the most ordinary elements of our lives begin to glow sacred, we are reminded that you are a God who wishes for us an abundant life of great promise.

As Jesus is transfigured and so reveals you, so may we be transformed to do the same. Amen.