Music, especially singing, was a huge part of my life through college. I miss music. I feel convicted to reintroduce and reestablish music into my life and my work!

We have a new grandbaby; Ada is number five and is now nine months old. I recently realized I don’t even have a repertoire of songs to sing to this little sweetie. She loves to dance to music and will play with musical toys for the longest time.

At the Catch on Fire conference this spring for the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs, we were encouraged to celebrate even small successes. We shared and learned and grew and painted and listened to the song “Brave” by Sara Bareilles. We stood in a circle and the waves of sound surrounded us as we were encouraged to express ourselves. I had no idea what to do with myself!

In a recent blog post entitled “Why They Don’t Sing on Sunday Anymore,” Thom Schultz at holysoup.com commented that what used to be congregational singing is now often “congregational staring.” Whether this is because of an entertainment-for-the-spectator atmosphere, increased professionalism, amplified volume, or choice of music, participation is sometimes challenging.

Have you had the blessed opportunity to worship under a truly gifted music leader—one who can create an environment and lead a whole congregation in worshipful, heartfelt, and passionate singing? As soon as I read Thom’s post, I sent messages to my high school and church choir directors, thanking them for teaching me, mostly by example, how to worship. One of them replied, “Thank you, Karen. True God-centered worship is at the heart of our Christian walk.”

I do know that singing from the heart is my responsibility, too; I feel I have greatly missed the mark.

I resolve to start today singing and worshiping daily! It is at the very least a matter of obedience, digging deeply into God’s Word, building others up (Ephesians 5:18-19; Colossians 3:16), and finding joy again (Psalm 5:11)!

I decided to start an ABC list of songs to encourage worship and to create a “fire” within myself to build my business. I asked fellow entrepreneurs for help. Here’s what we have gathered so far!

B = Baroque period music is supposed to be great for concentrating!

G = “Good Morning” by Mandisa

H = “Happy” by Pharrell Williams

K = Keith and Krysten Getty (listen to their music here!)

L = “Let it Go” from Frozen

M = “My Desire” by Jeremy Camp

O = “Outcast” by Kerrie Roberts

T = “Touch the Sky” from Brave

How about you? Will you add to the ABC list? Will you resolve to sing your way to success? God bless you on this course!

Blessings,