During the summer of 1980 I worked for a high school friend of mine who had started a yard care business. Each day I got up and went to different homes where Mark and I would mow yards and weed gardens.  On a good day we were able to listen to the radio as we weeded flower beds and laid sod.  One of the songs I specifically remember hearing a lot on the radio was Billy Joel's "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me".  It's a catchy tune, but the lyrics don't have much to say (which is appropriate since the song is about the disposable nature of pop music).  Whenever I hear the song on Sunny FM, I think of the pickup truck full of grass clippings and that summer.

Songs have a powerful connection to memory which is probably why many of us learn things better when the info is put to a tune.  Those of you around my age can probably recite the entire preamble to the Constitution... as long as we sing it a la the "Schoolhouse Rock" song from Saturday morning TV.  Many of you can also recite passages of scripture because of a song. 

The book of Psalms was the songbook of the Hebrew people and it expresses the entire spectrum of emotions of God's people from joy to sorrow - bitterness to victory - fond memories to regret.  These songs were sung as they worshiped, but also as they traveled, worked, and rested.  They were the soundtrack of their lives.

Beginning this Sunday, June 13th, we'll be looking at a number of different Psalms and the types of emotions and truths they express.  We'll begin at the very beginning (a very good place to start...) with Psalm 1.  It's a song for the road - just be careful that you're on the right road!  I hope to see you there.

Be sure to get your children, grandchildren, and neighbors signed up to participate in the Wilderness Adventure that will take place next week each evening from 6:30-9:00 PM at church.  If you can plan on staying after worship this Sunday you can help get things set up.  There may also be some ways you can still help provide, so check with Mandy.