God has truly been so faithful to me-far, far beyond what I deserve and I am not just saying that, I am living that!  But on that great and glorious day when I finally behold His face I will have one bone to pick.  Now, before you run for cover from the lightning you fear is about the strike-don't worry.  I've already talked all this over with Him and He knows my heart and my intention.  I think He probably shook His head and chuckled a bit too.  This issue, this cruel joke as I see it, is that God gave me a huge love for music yet refused to bless me with a voice to match that love.  When I say I love music, I mean I LOVE music so much so that I can't put into words how much I love it.  It is so powerful!  Think about it-have you ever heard a song and it took you right back to a specific place and time.  New Kids on the Block-I'm right back in my basement with my girlfriends making up dances until the whole carpet was fuzzed up.  Groovy Kind of Love-school dance and getting up the nerve to ask a boy to dance for Ladies choice.  I can almost smell the gym and Polo cologne!  Some of you are singing the songs right now!  I know there's a lot of music out there that's just outright tacky.  But the devil perverted everything that was good ya'll and that includes music.  I think God did "extra good" when He made music and He meant for it to be another way to draw people to Himself.  Music can change my mind and my heart.  It can bring conviction, repentance, and restoration.  It can be a catalyst for worship for me with just a few notes.  It truly touches something in my soul that explodes at a great song and it takes all I can to be a "good Southern Baptist" and contain myself!  I was telling my friend yesterday that I had to go shave my legs because I'd had goosebumps all day from listening to a Vicki Yohe CD!  I am sure that when God was putting me all together, He somehow put a "darker tone" soul in me and somewhere out there is dark skinned woman walking around wondering how in the world she got such a "white" soul!  (I hope that did not offend anyone because I mean it with total love and respect!)  Anyways, I just can't understand why He did not give me the voice I want.  I'm sure that a voice mixture of Etta James, Bonnie Raitt and Norah Jones would suit me much better.  I've tried to come to terms with this joke He's played on me.  I practice so hard when no one is around.  I turn the music up really loud and belt it out.  My heart and body rock out but that voice, oh that voice, it is just so sad!  I mourn it ya'll, I truly do!  So there is my beef, my one grievance, and I told God all about it today.  I was so fed up and so hurt about it.  I wanted to sound good for Him, ya know.  I gotta tell ya, He's so sweet and so kind.  He told me, not to my ears of course, apparently they are tone deaf anyway, but He told me to my heart which hears much better.  "Darlin' ('cuz sometimes He talks southern to me when my feelings are hurt) Darlin', I love your voice 'cuz what I hear doesn't come out of your mouth.  I hear what comes out of that soul I gave you.  When you're singing to Me, I just stop, close My eyes and nod.  And sweet child, it is beautiful music to My ears.  Bravo and well done!"  Well, I guess that changes everything.  I think I'll go sing a little while I fold the laundry!
P.S.  I posted a duet of Bonnie Raitt and Norah Jones on my facebook page.  You can also look it up on youtube.  Stinkin' awesome!