Who Says There is No Such Thing as a Cherokee Princess?

It's not often that you get the chance to do something that is truly unique and meaningful.
I have been reaching into the depths of my ancestry... to touch my Cherokee roots.
I decided to make a Native American flute. I knew of a place that offered classes in flute-making, so I decided to start there.
The piece of wood I selected was Blood-wood from Central and South America. It was beautifully luminescent and deeply red. It is called "blood" wood because the sap is red and when it gets injured, the trees appear to bleed.
This particular piece of wood was warped and twisted. The master flute-maker said, "It will take a lot of care and work, but I think we can make this into a beautiful flute." I thought about that for a moment...
WE are "twisted" and "warped" but the Master, with His special care can make something beautiful out of us! I just HAD to try... in honor of my Savior!
We shaved and planed the wood until it was a perfect fit. We glued it with Liquid Nails and clamped it tight. The next week, we put it on the lathe for the true test. Would it break apart? Or, would it survive the strain?

This is my BEAUTIFUL Blood-wood flute!

I enjoyed it so much that I decided to make a SECOND flute! This time it is out of Black Walnut in honor of President Hinkley. It is lower and mellow... definitely a different personality from the first.

So, I began to think about how these flutes were once part of a living thing... like we used to be in the presence of God.
They were cut off... much like the way we have been spiritually removed from heaven.
Then, with love and caring we can take it in our hands and blow new life into it.... so it can give back something truly beautiful....
So God does with us...


Now, I'm making a drone flute out of Curly Maple. You can see some wider flutes here. It's actually two flutes together. You can play them both at the same time like a flute duet. It's truly beautiful!

I'm also making an authentic Native American costume based upon traditional patterns. We are planning to include some of this in our musical tour in Europe. We will connect music to worship and the Native American music to the visit by Christ to the Americas.

... to be continued.....

There Are No Ordinary People...

I have recently come across a quote that is life changing for me.
The more I read the thoughts of C.S. Lewis, the more I am anxious to meet him on the other side.

The following quote succinctly describes the proper respect we should have for ALL of God's children:

“It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree helping each other to one or the other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all of our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics.

“There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations - These are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals that we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit - immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.” – C.S. Lewis

It truly is a "serious thing" when we imagine every person around us has such possibility for greatness or horror. Further, the thought that every moment of every day... every interaction... we have a responsibility to help each other to the desirable destination.

Additionally, as we ponder those relationships... friendships, loves, play, politics... they become more meaningful. There is purpose, responsibility, and expected outcome.

Then, the idea that "there are no ordinary people"... this rings true as a core principle. Taking that thought further to see every soul around us as immortal beings. "Of course this is true" we tell ourselves. We know this is true. But, do we think of this as we go about our daily activities interacting with each other? Usually not.

The phrase that stings is this... that we joke with immortal beings... we work with immortal beings... we marry immortal beings... we snub immortal beings... and we exploit immortal beings. This causes honest introspection. Our actions condemn us. Our thoughts and words do not live up to our responsibility.

The result of such self-assessment returns within my heart an increased desire to remember who it is I am talking to... who it is I am looking at... and who it is I am serving.

In truth, we know that when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are only in the service of our God. This is because He places such high esteem on His children... so should we all. This re-alignment with truth is invigorating yet infuses the soul with peace.

Happiness is a Choice

Sometimes it's hard, but whenever I think of the amazing blessings of my Lord, then it doesn't matter how lonely or overwhelmed I feel... my heart fills with gladness and gratitude.

... and I feel happy...

I look at my sweetheart and think of the love we feel for each other...

... and I feel happy...

Whenever I see someone else whose struggles are more difficult than mine...
I feel compassion for them and gratitude that I don't have to endure their trials...

... and I feel happy...

I look at the mountains, flowers, sunsets, sunrises, clouds, changing leaves, wildlife, butterflies, birds, rabbits, kittens, puppies, or little children...

... and I feel happy...

Sometimes I see smiles on the backs of cars in front of me... It makes me giggle... it makes me smile...

... and I feel happy...

Whenever I hear a baby giggle, take its first steps, smile, or cuddle in my arms... I smile to myself...

... and I feel happy...

When I hear sweet voices shout, "Grandma Lynn!" and feel arms wrap around my knees... my heart swells with love...

... and I feel happy...

I choose to be happy....

Live, Laugh, Love, Learn, Leave a Legacy

I didn't grow up hoping to be abused, divorced, miserable, overweight, or lonely when I finally became an adult. "Happily Ever After..." was expected. It was expected! The path to get there seemed simple and assured. How little I understood.

When people I love are mean to me, I have a choice to make...
1.  I can hold a grudge that will fester and decay my soul.
2.  I can hold in all emotions and push them deep inside, only to have them emerge when there's to much to control the outcome.
3.  I can pretend nothing is happening like an ostrich with its head in the sand.
4.  I can let go and let God take care of it... forgive and let my heart fill with compassion and love instead of resentment. Light instead of bitter darkness.

When people I love continue to be mean to me, it hurts.
But, I still have the same choice to make.
It's not easy, but it is the only way to truly LIVE.
I become free from the chains of hell and can LAUGH at the adversary's pitiful attempts to control me.
I find exponentially increased ability to LOVE everyone, regardless of where they currently are in their own journey.
Each cycle teaches me valuable lessons. I LEARN about who I truly am and what I am capable of becoming. It's amazing!

Now I am attempting to LEAVE A LEGACY. Year at a Glance, Blogging, Facebook, and my personal history volumes.

It's been a long windy road... but I am learning how to be true to myself, my Lord, and my God. I am becoming a new creature in Christ. My heart is comforted and my soul is being healed. Over 50 years, with fewer years ahead of me than are behind me...

FULL STEAM AHEAD!