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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Music (03/08/07)
Captivated

I wish I could tell you that I walked on streets paved in gold and strolled past a multitude of mansions, and that I mingled with the angels; but I didn’t see any of those things. It was not what I saw in heaven but what I heard that would forever change my life.

I traveled with a companion at my side. I’m not sure who he was, only that we strolled together in perfect peace. While we walked, a sound coming from behind us caught my attention. Although we were moving away from the source, it grew louder. Turning my head, I inclined my ear in its direction. I slowed my steps then finally stopped, captivated by the sound.

At first I could not tell what it was. I had never heard anything like it before. As I listened more closely, it became more clear, more powerful, more beautiful. It was music. I froze and stood in amazement, my mouth caught wide open. I was awestruck by its majestic quality. My companion stood by, allowing me to relish in my experience, and he seemed to take pleasure in my joy.

I closed my eyes to drink in the sound, to savor every note of the divine melody, and willed myself to be consumed by it. When I opened my eyes again I stared up at my bedroom ceiling.

A dream? But it was so real.

That is where my walk through heaven ended, listening to the most incredible music I have ever heard and more beautiful than anything I could have possibly imagined. Yet when I tried to repeat the notes or describe the music I could not. It was like trying to describe a color that does not exist on the color spectrum. The music seemed beyond anything humanly possible.

Although the dream remained incredibly vivid, I did not understand its relevance. So I set the memory aside and told myself it was only a dream.

Weeks passed, until one Sunday morning I was flipping though the television channels, racing past the religious programming. But something caught my attention, so I flipped back. Four women were singing a beautiful song praising God which took my breath. My mouth dropped and a memory stirred. The music had struck a familiar cord, and I remembered the dream I’d had all those weeks before.

This was not the same music, nor could it begin to compare to the music I heard in my dream, but I was drawn to it in a similar way. As a result, I began listening to worship music and it began to minister to me.

You see, I had drifted away from my faith and in my relationship with God. Listening to the messages woven within the musical notes helped me renew my faith and grow in understanding. God used music to bring me back into a deeper relationship with Him. Here are a few of the words from the song I heard that Sunday morning.

Jesus will still be there
His love will never change
Sure as the steady rain
Jesus will still be there


Amazing, isn’t it, that a dream could have such a profound effect on my life? Still, it remains as clear to me today as when I first awoke and stared up at my ceiling all those years ago.

Yes, it was just a dream. And yet, somehow I am convinced that I will hear that music again.

* * *


“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music…
Let the earth resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.
Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy;
let them sing before the Lord…” (Psalms 98:4-9 TNIV)



Song: Jesus Will Still Be There by Point of Grace
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This article has been read 1390 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
03/15/07
Awesome--the thought that the most beautiful music that stirs us here on earth is only a pale shadow of what we will hear (and sing!) in heaven. This feels like a true story--the sort of thing that stays with one forever. And you captured the feel of the music with your words, even though we can't hear it. Nice!
Sharlyn Guthrie
03/16/07
I'm amazed at the various ways God uses to draw us to Himself. I enjoyed this testimony of His grace.
julie wood
03/16/07
This story haunted me. I could identify with it, because of my own experience of sensing a "taste of heaven" one evening during a church homegroup prayer time. Wonder how that music actually sounded!

I especially liked in this the opening paragraph, with its use of verbs like "stroll."

I also liked the ending, the way the "this world" music heard by the narrator somehow connected to the heavenly music.

Great title, too--I noticed the word "captivated" used in the story, so it fit really well. Great job!
Julie Arduini
03/16/07
The title was perfect and the story well crafted, a great way to use the theme. Great job!
Myrna Noyes
03/17/07
This is a dream I would love to experience, too! Your story demonstrates the power and influence music can have in our lives--whether for good or evil. In this case, though, I'm glad it was for good! :) Well done!
Marilyn Schnepp 
03/17/07
Eye hath not seen, and I'm sure our ears have not heard the beauty that awaits those who wait on the Lord - this story made me want that more than anything in the world! Thank you for this lovely story...you've spurred me on to keep the faith and finish the course so that I can hear that same music you envisioned in your dream. Thank you! Great Job! Your story had me "Captivated".
Verna Cole Mitchell 
03/20/07
I have often thought of the music that will be in heaven. I enjoyed your descriptions and your narrative of how God drew you to Himself through music.
Patricia Casey
03/20/07
I'm blessed to read this story. I see the comparison to my story that you mentioned.

Reading your story, I remembered about a day when my husband told me He remembered a song from his youth that contained the words, "faith, hope, and charity, but the best is charity." He always wondered what charity meant.

How great is our God to keep this song with my husband all these years and to finally give him his answer about charity being love.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story, sure to touch many hearts.

In Jesus' Name,

Patricia
Pat Guy
03/20/07
I really enjoyed the 'voice' to this beautiful story. Music has always played a big part of my life too and many will be able to relate to this. And what a message of hope! Oh what music we will hear one day! Woohoo!
Jacquelyn Horne
03/20/07
Yes, music ministers. God has given us a medium that we can identify with. He's awsome!
Loren T. Lowery
03/20/07
You were blessed to hear and remember the music and we are likewise blessed for your sharing this well-written musical testimony
Joanne Sher 
03/21/07
I LOVE your voice, Jen - as usual. No one can write these pieces like you can. Thank you for blessing me once again. (Oh - I like it! hehe)
Sara Harricharan
03/21/07
A captivating piece indeed! I love that it was a dream that carried such an impact. Reminds me of when we can't think anymore, we feel and dreams are so real that it can bring us back to the things in life that really matter. Good tie in with the topic-I especially liked the touch of the companion beside her when she was dreaming. ^_^
LaNaye Perkins
03/21/07
I really liked this story and how you point out that music ministers to people. Well done!
Donna Powers
03/21/07
A great story and very fun to read. I could imagine the experience clearly through your words. Thanks for sharing this
Sheri Gordon
03/21/07
I, too, dream that the music in heaven is beyond anything we can imagine. This story is a great illustration of just how powerful music can be in our lives. Nicely done.
Tiffanie Chezum
03/21/07
Very well crafted story ... kept me captivated. Great job with this.
Betty Castleberry
03/22/07
The music in a worship is a very integral part. Thank you for stressing this. I love the heavenly music you referred to as well. This wel written piece has a very nice feel to it.