http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm Fri, 11 May 2012 08:25:00 GMT http://bandzoogle.com http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=2068471 Special thanks to Marjorie Miller, who has faithfully asked us each year, to lead her church's Contemporary service, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, in Clifton Heights, PA.    Musicians, John Lucas, drums, and Adrien Synnott, bass, have also joined me, to play for this wonderful church.   This year, in 2012, marks our 9th year, in sharing my music ministry at St. Mark's!     The scripture reading focused on John 15: 1-6: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. I chose the Casting Crowns song, "If We Are the Body", to support the Gospel reading from John.   If we are the branches, than we are also the body of Christ - - His hands, His feet - -we need to be serving Jesus in all that we say and do.   I stayed in Plymouth Meeting - what a beautiful area!   The trip was inspiring.  I look forward to returning to St. Mark's, probably in late summer. Special thanks to Marjorie Miller, who has faithfully asked us each year, to lead her church's Contemporary service, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, in Clifton Heights, PA.    Musicians, John Lucas, drums, and Adrien Synnott, bass, have also joined me, to play for this wonderful church.   This year, in 2012, marks our 9th year, in sharing my music ministry at St. Mark's!     The scripture reading focused on John 15: 1-6:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

I chose the Casting Crowns song, "If We Are the Body", to support the Gospel reading from John.   If we are the branches, than we are also the body of Christ - - His hands, His feet - -we need to be serving Jesus in all that we say and do.  

I stayed in Plymouth Meeting - what a beautiful area!   The trip was inspiring.  I look forward to returning to St. Mark's, probably in late summer.]]> Fri, 11 May 2012 08:25:00 GMT D7F2F3DF7325372DC8651069459759DA http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=1956013 It's Good Friday...usually it's a cloudy, chilly day...  but today, it was beautiful, with sunshine all day.    Yet I couldnt get my mind off the darkness that covered the earth, when Jesus said, "It is finished", and He died.   After a cruel death and unimaginable suffering, my heart is heavy, as I think about the sacrifice of our Lord.   I sang at church tonight, as I do every year - - - tonight, the words, "may this not be in vain", made more of an impression on me, than ever before.   I wanted the world to stop - - everyone, everywhere, everything -- just stop -- and give our time, our hearts, and our lives, to Christ.   For all He has done for us - - can we give Him one day, without interruption, and remember His death?     I love you, Jesus... I'm sorry for also being distracted at times, today, when I should have been thinking, and focusing, on You.   Easter is coming...  and then we celebrate the Resurrection! It's Good Friday...usually it's a cloudy, chilly day...  but today, it was beautiful, with sunshine all day.    Yet I couldnt get my mind off the darkness that covered the earth, when Jesus said, "It is finished", and He died.   After a cruel death and unimaginable suffering, my heart is heavy, as I think about the sacrifice of our Lord.   I sang at church tonight, as I do every year - - - tonight, the words, "may this not be in vain", made more of an impression on me, than ever before.   I wanted the world to stop - - everyone, everywhere, everything -- just stop -- and give our time, our hearts, and our lives, to Christ.   For all He has done for us - - can we give Him one day, without interruption, and remember His death?     I love you, Jesus... I'm sorry for also being distracted at times, today, when I should have been thinking, and focusing, on You.   Easter is coming...  and then we celebrate the Resurrection!]]> Sat, 07 Apr 2012 09:05:00 GMT F2E7E604BB77526C510BB4972527B2D3 http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=1777462  I enjoyed sharing my music ministry with the congregation at Indian Mills United Methodist Church.   Shamong is a beautiful town, so evident after the eveing snowfall.   The people were so nice, and I felt right at home.  Rev. Orr is a wonderful pastor and Christian, full of God's love. The Bible reading focused on healing, and songs like "Breathe", helped the congregation to feel God's healing, through music.  I also sang "Pie Jesu" at the 8:30 AM service, and included my song, "Send Me", at the 11:00 AM service.   I am always inspired by the faith of people I meet for the first time.  In a few minutes, they share with me, their strong love for our Lord, and their desire to follow Him. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:20:00 GMT 214E40082A24445920EB258931BE4E6D http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=1701062 Hi, Friends!  It's been a while since I wrote in my blog.  Sorry for the delay!   Once I am in rehearsals for my Count Basie Theatre Christmas Concert, I fall behind on my writing!    My concert was a success, and I was blessed to work with so many talented and devoted singers and musicians.   Finding the tenor, Jeremy Blossey, was also a blessing!   Thank you all for your love and support - whether you were able to attend, or if you prayed for us.   Our focus was again on the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.   Our purpose was to share the true meaning of Christmas with the community.     And today, fast forward to January 10th!    I pray that we grow closer to God, and focus on Him, in all that we say and do this year.  Please check out my events calendar.  There are wonderful events coming up.  Please come join me, if you live in the area!     Happy New Year! Hi, Friends!  It's been a while since I wrote in my blog.  Sorry for the delay!   Once I am in rehearsals for my Count Basie Theatre Christmas Concert, I fall behind on my writing!    My concert was a success, and I was blessed to work with so many talented and devoted singers and musicians.   Finding the tenor, Jeremy Blossey, was also a blessing!   Thank you all for your love and support - whether you were able to attend, or if you prayed for us.   Our focus was again on the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.   Our purpose was to share the true meaning of Christmas with the community.     And today, fast forward to January 10th!    I pray that we grow closer to God, and focus on Him, in all that we say and do this year.  Please check out my events calendar.  There are wonderful events coming up.  Please come join me, if you live in the area!     Happy New Year!]]> Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:45:00 GMT 051133148D7DDCDE04E4F7CB7D6E5603 http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=1498260 I returned to the Middletown Public Libary, last Sunday, to give a concert.  My roots are there  -- I remember going to the library in my youth, writing term papers, and taking out many books!   They now have a wonderful recital room, and schedule many concerts throughout the year.  The concerts are free and open to the public.    Since it was Veteran's Day weekend, I included songs, such as my song, "Thank You", dedicated to our armed forces.   Today, I gave a concert at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, in Little Egg Harbor, NJ.   The church planned a great afternoon - -a free, pot-luck lunch was served, from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM.   My concert began at 2:00 PM.   After the concert, dessert was served.     I included my songs, "Covenant Love", "Send Me", "Worship the Lord", "If You Love Me", and "Divine Union".    I dedicated the concert to Adeline Stenger -- she died a few years ago, and I sang at her funeral.  The funeral was held at this church.   I met Pastor Waid, and said I would like to come back, and give a concert.  Today was the day!    Adeline's husband, Bill, was there in a wheel chair.  He had a stroke a few years ago.  During the silent prayer, I could hear people crying.    I never know which songs will have an impact on someone's heart and faith.    This congregation is very spiritual, and their sincerity and passion for Christ, is evident.   I enjoyed every minute of the concert, and the fellowship before, and afterwards.   God was with us, and I felt His presence.   Next week, we go to Clifton Heights, PA! ]]> Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:13:39 GMT A91FFDB1EB1AB6F69EC72A130F429265 http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=1237665 This past week, I vacationed in beautiful Ocean Grove, NJ.    This Christian community, founded by the Methodist Church, offers peace and relaxation, right by the ocean.   While discovering a rainbow, right above the water, I was thinking about rainbows symbolizing hope.   I wanted to share a poem I wrote about my experience: Chasing Rainbows Instantly, our eyes were pulled upward, As we caught a glimpse of the colorful arc Above us. A gift from God--- The perfect spectrum of colors: Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, Indigo and violet. Not all colors could be seen. But witnessing such beauty, Delighted our souls, And our senses. God's plan... The rainbow Would not be seen on sunny days--- Only when it rains. It's the same in our own lives; When clouds come into our lives, Rainbows brighten our days, And color our lives with hope. Today, we were chasing rainbows - - Hoping they would not fade into the mist, But remain in the sky For us to enjoy, And marvel at its beauty. From the streets, to the boardwalk, To the balcony, We caught as many glimpses Of this natural wonder, As we could. To our delight, A second rainbow appeared, Slowly fading, But enough to see this Incredible sight. Lord, help us to never stop Chasing rainbows. To strive for hope, and peace, In a broken world. To bring rainbows of love, Hope, and joy, To a world where darkness Covers so many lives. Chasing rainbows, And catching its beauty, To pass on to all the world... This past week, I vacationed in beautiful Ocean Grove, NJ.    This Christian community, founded by the Methodist Church, offers peace and relaxation, right by the ocean.   While discovering a rainbow, right above the water, I was thinking about rainbows symbolizing hope.   I wanted to share a poem I wrote about my experience:

Chasing Rainbows

Instantly, our eyes were pulled upward,
As we caught a glimpse of the colorful arc
Above us.
A gift from God---
The perfect spectrum of colors:
Red, orange, yellow, green, blue,
Indigo and violet.
Not all colors could be seen.
But witnessing such beauty,
Delighted our souls,
And our senses.
God's plan...
The rainbow
Would not be seen on sunny days---
Only when it rains.
It's the same in our own lives;
When clouds come into our lives,
Rainbows brighten our days,
And color our lives with hope.
Today, we were chasing rainbows - -
Hoping they would not fade into the mist,
But remain in the sky
For us to enjoy,
And marvel at its beauty.
From the streets, to the boardwalk,
To the balcony,
We caught as many glimpses
Of this natural wonder,
As we could.
To our delight,
A second rainbow appeared,
Slowly fading,
But enough to see this
Incredible sight.
Lord, help us to never stop
Chasing rainbows.
To strive for hope, and peace,
In a broken world.
To bring rainbows of love,
Hope, and joy,
To a world where darkness
Covers so many lives.
Chasing rainbows,
And catching its beauty,
To pass on to all the world...


]]> Sun, 28 Aug 2011 03:35:00 GMT 518FE4595E791BF39CDB4C566541F771 http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=1193216 I had a great experience working with the choir at the Community Baptist Church, in Manchester, NJ.   I started the workshop, singing one of my songs, "If You Love Me", and talking about my music ministry.   Than I sang Malotte's, "The Lord's Prayer".   The choir's director, Christina Edwards, has been so supportive of my ministry, over the years.   She asked me to help her choir with pitch, blending, vocal exercises, and learning a new hymn for their worship service.   I am always amazed at the dedication of volunteers, who give of their time and talents for the Lord.  They wanted to give God their best, and improve the quality of their choir.    I am thankful for these opportunities, and hope to do more workshops!    If your church is interested, please let me know! I had a great experience working with the choir at the Community Baptist Church, in Manchester, NJ.   I started the workshop, singing one of my songs, "If You Love Me", and talking about my music ministry.   Than I sang Malotte's, "The Lord's Prayer".   The choir's director, Christina Edwards, has been so supportive of my ministry, over the years.   She asked me to help her choir with pitch, blending, vocal exercises, and learning a new hymn for their worship service.   I am always amazed at the dedication of volunteers, who give of their time and talents for the Lord.  They wanted to give God their best, and improve the quality of their choir.    I am thankful for these opportunities, and hope to do more workshops!    If your church is interested, please let me know!

]]> Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:50:00 GMT A9AC611EEC2F8C29EB814198D643081C http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=1129910 Summer is my favorite time of year.  I enjoy swimming laps, bike riding, taking long walks -- just being outdoors, as much as I can.   It's also the time of year I prepare for my music ministry schedule for the coming year.   Phone calls, planning, recording, and hopefully, booking lots of concerts and events!    Yet, my heart aches, when hearing tragic news.  Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Oslo, Norway, who are suffering from the shocking bombing in the city, and the youth retreat massacre.   Again, our faith is shaken, and we cry out to God, "Why"?   But Jesus tells us in John 16:33, "I have told you these things so that in Me, you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage – I have conquered the world.”   No matter what happens in this life, we must put our trust in God.   He will comfort and help us through these troubling times...   Summer is my favorite time of year.  I enjoy swimming laps, bike riding, taking long walks -- just being outdoors, as much as I can.   It's also the time of year I prepare for my music ministry schedule for the coming year.   Phone calls, planning, recording, and hopefully, booking lots of concerts and events!   

Yet, my heart aches, when hearing tragic news.  Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Oslo, Norway, who are suffering from the shocking bombing in the city, and the youth retreat massacre.   Again, our faith is shaken, and we cry out to God, "Why"?   But Jesus tells us in John 16:33, "I have told you these things so that in Me, you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage – I have conquered the world.”   No matter what happens in this life, we must put our trust in God.   He will comfort and help us through these troubling times...  ]]> Tue, 26 Jul 2011 04:20:00 GMT F2F63F9EB29A973D81BA7389D3331F4F http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=1056462 Tomorrow night, June 24th, 2011, I will be giving my annual "God & Country" Concert, at King of Kings Lutheran Church, in Middletown, NJ.   We always schedule the concert a week before the 4th of July, to set the tone for Independence Day.    We honor our God, our country, and our armed forces.   One of my 1st graders in the Children's Choir, said it best:  "God, the flag, the Cross".   Each year, the community grows closer together, as more and more people take an interest in attending a concert like this.   I began giving these patriotic concerts in Ocean Grove, in 1997.   After 11 years, the schedule was changed, and I decided to bring "God & Country" to my home church.   I also wanted to make it a benefit concert for The Emmanuel Cancer Foundation.  This organization helps children with cancer, and their families.    It's what our country is all about  - -honoring God, our military, and helping others.   We also include a Power Point presentation, called "Loved Ones in Uniform".   People are welcome to submit photos of their loved ones in uniform for the presentation.   I wrote a special song, to honor them, called:  "Thank You".     If you live in the Middletown area, please come to the concert.  We'd love to see you there!   Nancy Tomorrow night, June 24th, 2011, I will be giving my annual "God & Country" Concert, at King of Kings Lutheran Church, in Middletown, NJ.   We always schedule the concert a week before the 4th of July, to set the tone for Independence Day.    We honor our God, our country, and our armed forces.   One of my 1st graders in the Children's Choir, said it best:  "God, the flag, the Cross".   Each year, the community grows closer together, as more and more people take an interest in attending a concert like this.  

I began giving these patriotic concerts in Ocean Grove, in 1997.   After 11 years, the schedule was changed, and I decided to bring "God & Country" to my home church.   I also wanted to make it a benefit concert for The Emmanuel Cancer Foundation.  This organization helps children with cancer, and their families.    It's what our country is all about  - -honoring God, our military, and helping others.   We also include a Power Point presentation, called "Loved Ones in Uniform".   People are welcome to submit photos of their loved ones in uniform for the presentation.   I wrote a special song, to honor them, called:  "Thank You".     If you live in the Middletown area, please come to the concert.  We'd love to see you there!   Nancy
]]> Fri, 24 Jun 2011 05:25:00 GMT 87BDCBDB063FEFE01B1D1CAB980AE4D6 http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=957473 I sang the song I wrote for Mom, in church today, at all 3 services.   I wrote the song for my Mom's 75th birthday party.  She is now 87 years old, and will be 88 yrs. old in June.   It's called "You Are My Mother", and highlights all the beautiful things about my Mom, that I hold dear.   Each day I celebrate "Mother's Day", thanking God for my Mom, as the years slip by.   Each day is a gift from God.  It's one more day I have the opprotunity to be with my Mom, and cherish the moments we have together.   Thank you, Mom, for all your love and support.   I love you!     Nancy I sang the song I wrote for Mom, in church today, at all 3 services.   I wrote the song for my Mom's 75th birthday party.  She is now 87 years old, and will be 88 yrs. old in June.   It's called "You Are My Mother", and highlights all the beautiful things about my Mom, that I hold dear.   Each day I celebrate "Mother's Day", thanking God for my Mom, as the years slip by.   Each day is a gift from God.  It's one more day I have the opprotunity to be with my Mom, and cherish the moments we have together.   Thank you, Mom, for all your love and support.   I love you!     Nancy]]> Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT 86DD2E93D4B115ED744A85CB85BB2488 http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=941313 Today was quite a day.  The world came together, as we celebrated the Royal Wedding, and at the same time, prayed for those who lost loved ones in the southern US, from the deadly tornadoes.   The joys and sorrows of life --- it gave me faith once again, in our human family, that we can celebrate and pray together, at the same time.   And our faith in our Lord, helps us through the hard times, when they come.   I was reminded today, of Jesus' Resurrection, and His power and might.   There is nothing that can separate us from His love.    Matthew 28:2-6 - "There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." Today was quite a day.  The world came together, as we celebrated the Royal Wedding, and at the same time, prayed for those who lost loved ones in the southern US, from the deadly tornadoes.   The joys and sorrows of life --- it gave me faith once again, in our human family, that we can celebrate and pray together, at the same time.   And our faith in our Lord, helps us through the hard times, when they come.   I was reminded today, of Jesus' Resurrection, and His power and might.   There is nothing that can separate us from His love.    Matthew 28:2-6 - "There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."]]> Sat, 30 Apr 2011 04:50:00 GMT EFE4DF1F763F969038567F77CEA613E3 http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=912319 Hearing the news of Barbara Cleary's death, a friend I've know all my life, who I grew up with, has been devastating.   Her sudden death, so close to Easter, has been a shock to everyone who knew and loved Barbara.  She is with the Lord now, and we will see her again, one day, in Paradise.   My heart is breaking, and singing at her funeral will be difficult.   Our heart, our thoughts, and our prayers go out to Barbara's family.     Jesus never promised this life would be easy.   But He promised that He would be with us, always.    Hearing the news of Barbara Cleary's death, a friend I've know all my life, who I grew up with, has been devastating.   Her sudden death, so close to Easter, has been a shock to everyone who knew and loved Barbara.  She is with the Lord now, and we will see her again, one day, in Paradise.   My heart is breaking, and singing at her funeral will be difficult.   Our heart, our thoughts, and our prayers go out to Barbara's family.     Jesus never promised this life would be easy.   But He promised that He would be with us, always.   
]]> Sun, 17 Apr 2011 09:05:00 GMT 46744094A6F18C3E4E37111DED0F7C96 http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=829581 Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Japan, in their hour of need and suffering.   It's hard to comprehend such a disaster that happens so quickly, and with such force.  None of us can imagine such an awful tragedy.    May we continue to reach out to our brothers and sisters in Japan, with our prayers and our aid.    Help us, Lord, to care, to love, and to respond.   We ask in Jesus' name.    A-men.   Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Japan, in their hour of need and suffering.   It's hard to comprehend such a disaster that happens so quickly, and with such force.  None of us can imagine such an awful tragedy.    May we continue to reach out to our brothers and sisters in Japan, with our prayers and our aid.    Help us, Lord, to care, to love, and to respond.   We ask in Jesus' name.    A-men.   ]]> Mon, 14 Mar 2011 19:14:24 GMT 89E6123E0C36DE15FFEF11ED75371C1E http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=755584 I'm looking forward to my concert at the First Presbyterian Church, Bordentown, NJ, on March 20th, 2011, at 3:00 PM.   In preparation for the concert, I will also be leading their worship service on Sunday, February 27th, at 10:30 AM.    It's so exciting to work with churches who are starting their own Contemporary service.   More and more main line churches are embracing Contemporary worship, and see this style of worship as an important part of their outreach and ministry.   On February 27th, the church will be projecting the words of the Praise songs onto screens, for the first time.   We all remember when our churches started out --- -it brings back memories of that spark; that excitement of starting something new for God! I'm looking forward to my concert at the First Presbyterian Church, Bordentown, NJ, on March 20th, 2011, at 3:00 PM.   In preparation for the concert, I will also be leading their worship service on Sunday, February 27th, at 10:30 AM.    It's so exciting to work with churches who are starting their own Contemporary service.   More and more main line churches are embracing Contemporary worship, and see this style of worship as an important part of their outreach and ministry.   On February 27th, the church will be projecting the words of the Praise songs onto screens, for the first time.   We all remember when our churches started out --- -it brings back memories of that spark; that excitement of starting something new for God!]]> Thu, 10 Feb 2011 05:13:04 GMT 0842F5A37F2E16238DE3732F9DBD1979 http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=743903 Hi, everyone!   Here in the Northeast, we have been bombarded with snowstorms, ice, and freezing rain.   Yet, I'm looking forward to the year ahead, for my concerts, worship services, and recording.   This Monday, I go back into the studio to finish editing and mixing my Count Basie Christmas concerts.   I love being in the studio!   It's similar to the feeling you have when you go to a movie.  You can "get away from it all", and it's just you, the people you are with, and the movie screen.   The focus is on the movie, and the cares of the world are put on hold. In the recording studio, the experience is similar.  I am shut off from the world for a while, and I can focus on my music.   I've had times of immense joy listening to a song, a word, or a phrase.  I've also had moments of a "meltdown" - a note, chord, or song, touched my heart so deeply, I just broke down and cried.    Even there, I can grow closer to God, in that space and time.  Times are still hard for many people, and I pray that my music ministry can help others.    Thank you all, for your continued prayers and support... Nancy  Hi, everyone!   Here in the Northeast, we have been bombarded with snowstorms, ice, and freezing rain.   Yet, I'm looking forward to the year ahead, for my concerts, worship services, and recording.   This Monday, I go back into the studio to finish editing and mixing my Count Basie Christmas concerts.   I love being in the studio!   It's similar to the feeling you have when you go to a movie.  You can "get away from it all", and it's just you, the people you are with, and the movie screen.   The focus is on the movie, and the cares of the world are put on hold. In the recording studio, the experience is similar.  I am shut off from the world for a while, and I can focus on my music.   I've had times of immense joy listening to a song, a word, or a phrase.  I've also had moments of a "meltdown" - a note, chord, or song, touched my heart so deeply, I just broke down and cried.    Even there, I can grow closer to God, in that space and time.  Times are still hard for many people, and I pray that my music ministry can help others.    Thank you all, for your continued prayers and support... Nancy  ]]> Fri, 04 Feb 2011 22:15:00 GMT 7BA24DED46819184704287AD2D8560C6 http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=704544 Out of the horror and tragedy of the Arizona Shootings, are miracles and signs of hope.    Congresswoman "Gabby", opens her eyes, moves her legs, and is taken off the critical list.  A miracle right before our eyes!   A little girl's life was saved in New England, by Christina Green's parents, who donated Christina's organs to the girl, struggling to survive.    They can't wait to meet this little girl, who will live, because of this gift of life.  Christina was the 9 year old girl, who was killed in the shooting.   Not only have we seen miracles come out of this tragedy- - we have also seen how a 13 year old boy in Australia, sacrificed his own life, to save his mother and his brother.    Unfortunately, his mother was swept away by the currnet, along with the boy.  But his brother did survive.    God is always with us, no matter what happens in life.   He will turn our darkest hours, into miracles.   He will give us signs of hope, even in desperate times.    There is more to life, than what we see.    God knows the Eternal plan.   I know my faith is always shaken in difficult times.   Yet, I see that God has not abandoned us.   He is with us, now, and forever.   Out of the horror and tragedy of the Arizona Shootings, are miracles and signs of hope.    Congresswoman "Gabby", opens her eyes, moves her legs, and is taken off the critical list.  A miracle right before our eyes!   A little girl's life was saved in New England, by Christina Green's parents, who donated Christina's organs to the girl, struggling to survive.    They can't wait to meet this little girl, who will live, because of this gift of life.  Christina was the 9 year old girl, who was killed in the shooting.   Not only have we seen miracles come out of this tragedy- - we have also seen how a 13 year old boy in Australia, sacrificed his own life, to save his mother and his brother.    Unfortunately, his mother was swept away by the currnet, along with the boy.  But his brother did survive.   

God is always with us, no matter what happens in life.   He will turn our darkest hours, into miracles.   He will give us signs of hope, even in desperate times.    There is more to life, than what we see.    God knows the Eternal plan.   I know my faith is always shaken in difficult times.   Yet, I see that God has not abandoned us.   He is with us, now, and forever.   ]]> Mon, 17 Jan 2011 11:30:00 GMT 79A9AC025B62507232A23E1424850879 http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=692088 Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims, survivors, and families effected by the horrific shootings in Arizona.    The outpouring of love and concern across our country, has been amazing.   Heroes are emerging, as the events of that day are being reported on the news.    The tragedy would have been worse, if brave citizens had not stepped in, and stopped the gunman.    We pray for Congresswoman Giffords, and all of those in intensive care, that they survive this horrible tragedy.    We will never forget the victims who lost their lives, including a 9-year old girl, Christina Green. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims, survivors, and families effected by the horrific shootings in Arizona.    The outpouring of love and concern across our country, has been amazing.   Heroes are emerging, as the events of that day are being reported on the news.    The tragedy would have been worse, if brave citizens had not stepped in, and stopped the gunman.    We pray for Congresswoman Giffords, and all of those in intensive care, that they survive this horrible tragedy.    We will never forget the victims who lost their lives, including a 9-year old girl, Christina Green.]]> Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:50:00 GMT 1482D4B0AC8F68AC271A4D06B661E969 http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=684212 The end of 2010 was dramatic, with the worst blizzard I had ever seen, here in New Jersey.   32 inches of snow pounded Monmouth County, with the snow falling for hours, along with howling winds.   The storms of life will come -- yet, this too shall pass.   God promises to be with us, in the good times, and through the storms of life.   May we lean on Him this New Year, and draw closer to His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.    The end of 2010 was dramatic, with the worst blizzard I had ever seen, here in New Jersey.   32 inches of snow pounded Monmouth County, with the snow falling for hours, along with howling winds.   The storms of life will come -- yet, this too shall pass.   God promises to be with us, in the good times, and through the storms of life.   May we lean on Him this New Year, and draw closer to His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.    ]]> Fri, 07 Jan 2011 10:08:38 GMT CB1F10D2287BC5B51C4FC5912B9AE852 http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=558909 I'm writing a song for the Children's Choir for my "Christmas Is Love" Concert at Count Basie Theatre.   It's called, Be the Light of My Heart.   I love writing a special song for the kids.  The Ecumenical Choir will also be a part of the song.  One of the little girls from the choir, Maggie Lu, will be singing a solo.  I like to work with the kids first, before I finalize the music and the words.    When you write for yourself, you know your own vocal range.  But with the kids, I want to make sure the range is comfortable for them.   Children are an inspiration.  Their faith is pure, sincere, and honest.   I learn so much from them!  I'm writing a song for the Children's Choir for my "Christmas Is Love" Concert at Count Basie Theatre.   It's called, Be the Light of My Heart.   I love writing a special song for the kids.  The Ecumenical Choir will also be a part of the song.  One of the little girls from the choir, Maggie Lu, will be singing a solo.  I like to work with the kids first, before I finalize the music and the words.    When you write for yourself, you know your own vocal range.  But with the kids, I want to make sure the range is comfortable for them.   Children are an inspiration.  Their faith is pure, sincere, and honest.   I learn so much from them!  ]]> Sun, 07 Nov 2010 05:05:00 GMT 44578CF7C5A01CB019BA01962D012F5C http://nancyscharff.com/blog.cfm?feature=1204345&postid=536784 I don't know where the time goes, but we are busy working on my Count Basie Theatre Christmas Concert.  The Children's Choir is growing!  Each week, I meet more children, and feel blessed to have such a wonderful response.    The children not only sing, but we pray and talk about the true meaning of Christmas.    The kids LOVE prayer time!  As soon as they arrive, they ask me when they can pray!   I pass around the microphone, and each child prays.   Their prayers are always sincere and precious.   My concert is an outreach to the community - - the band, orchestra, Ecumenical Choir, duets, soloists, Children's Choir, bell choirs -- all focus on music that brings glory to God, and our Savior, Jesus Christ.  It's all about Jesus!!  I don't know where the time goes, but we are busy working on my Count Basie Theatre Christmas Concert.  The Children's Choir is growing!  Each week, I meet more children, and feel blessed to have such a wonderful response.    The children not only sing, but we pray and talk about the true meaning of Christmas.    The kids LOVE prayer time!  As soon as they arrive, they ask me when they can pray!   I pass around the microphone, and each child prays.   Their prayers are always sincere and precious.  

My concert is an outreach to the community - - the band, orchestra, Ecumenical Choir, duets, soloists, Children's Choir, bell choirs -- all focus on music that brings glory to God, and our Savior, Jesus Christ.  It's all about Jesus!!  ]]> Thu, 28 Oct 2010 23:55:19 GMT 0F9B14248303AC659762DD15F641B405