I've been becoming more interested in learning and reading especially this past week. I came off of a new chemo for me and had 3 of 4 treatments ending on Wednesday. Since then I have gone steadily downhill and have felt much worse, hastening a Dr. visit to today instead of waiting until Thursday. Since I'm doing a lot of laying down I do have time to learn. One of my many topics has been the Bible. There is so much to learn about, how does someone like me who has limited time left prioritize and get the most I can? That being said, I took the 23rd Psalm which has to be one if the most quoted Bible verses and researched the heck out of it. Instead of the typical history lesson, I became interested in how the Psalm had been incorporated into art and music. Most of the funerals I have attended include the 23rd Psalm, several musical groups have used some or all of the powerful Psalm, and some groups have alluded to the meaning of the Psalm. At the same time a commenter suggested "Ripple" from the Grateful Dead as a song to post. It might be a strong coincidence but Ripple written by longtime GD collaborator/lyricist Robert Hunter (look up his history!) does have quite a few references to the 23rd Psalm incorporated into the tune.
Once I discovered that longtime Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter used some 23rd Psalm references in the song, I thought a lot more about the Psalm. The Psalm is so simple and easy to understand. In the Latin, the cup reference is translated: You have anointed my head with oil, and my cup, which inebriates me, how brilliant it is! It gives the Psalm a bit of different take. There are many interpretations and translations of the 23rd Psalm, here is the standard often used version:
A Psalm of David
1. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me beside the still waters
3. He restoreth my soul, He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake
4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me
5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies, Thou annointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over
6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever
See if you can pick up the 23rd Psalm in the Grateful Dead and Ripple. If not, you can always hear a direct quote in many a Gospel song or Pink Floyd's Sheep. My cup which inebriates me is still bright, kept alive by good thoughts and prayers from so many kind people. I hope your cup overflows as well. Live Happy, Greg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVdTQ3OPtGY&feature=player_embedded
Once I discovered that longtime Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter used some 23rd Psalm references in the song, I thought a lot more about the Psalm. The Psalm is so simple and easy to understand. In the Latin, the cup reference is translated: You have anointed my head with oil, and my cup, which inebriates me, how brilliant it is! It gives the Psalm a bit of different take. There are many interpretations and translations of the 23rd Psalm, here is the standard often used version:
A Psalm of David
1. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me beside the still waters
3. He restoreth my soul, He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake
4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me
5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies, Thou annointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over
6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever
See if you can pick up the 23rd Psalm in the Grateful Dead and Ripple. If not, you can always hear a direct quote in many a Gospel song or Pink Floyd's Sheep. My cup which inebriates me is still bright, kept alive by good thoughts and prayers from so many kind people. I hope your cup overflows as well. Live Happy, Greg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVdTQ3OPtGY&feature=player_embedded
19 comments:
There are excellent commentaries of both the Old and New Testament. They set the nature of the people to whom the various books were written at the time they were written.
Praying
Hank
Oh my gosh, you're not going to believe me when I tell you that I got an email from pastor Janet at New Hope and she included the 23 Psalm! Wow. I'm glad you're reading the Bible, it's a lot better reading than people think. I pray for you every day.
Love you guys, Cathy
Amen Greg keep strong in faith rely on God's strength always praying for you
Greg, nice post. There has to be a greater power. I am glad i found that out a long time ago. Love Dad and Alice
Greg, nice post. There has to be a greater power. I am glad i found that out a long time ago. Love Dad and Alice
Wow - I agree with your Dad. Always sending you comfort, hope, peace, & love. Prayers - Kevin, Edie, Chris, Craig, & Michelle
Nice post Greg.
Ripple is an old favorite song of mine. I never connected it to the 23rd Psalm until tonight. Thanks!
Thinking of you and praying for you daily.
Ripple is an old favorite song of mine. I never connected it to the 23rd Psalm until tonight. Thanks!
Thinking of you and praying for you daily.
Greg: Your post gives me hope that God is in fact a Dead Head and enjoys wearing a psychedelic t-shirt once in a while. Praying for strength for you and Yvonne.
Beautiful thoughts, Greg. Jesus did wear sandals, had long hair, and travelled light. There is a higher power and it is in every bit of stardust, flower petal, rain drop, human being and memory. It's love and creation and God and Jesus and never-ending. You're enveloped in it, Greg. As you are in all our love and prayers.
We're with you, keep fighting!
Nice to hear from you Mark! And all of the anonymous and regulars. I love the comments from Phil and anon speaking about real inclusion. I will wear my tie die in your honor as much as possible. Maybe even buy another. I am feeling better and think the chemo effects are starting to lessen. On with the research and peace be with you all.
Hey 5-0 (E),
I am back from rumbling through Arizona and ripping up the Tough Mudder!
Plenty of stories to share with you!
I'll give you a call.
You certainly are missed here at the KCSO, Greg, but it's always heartwarming to still be "in touch" by having your blog posts to read.
I just want to say that your words, your musical knowledge and your spirituality are a complete inspiration to me. And the viddies you post are a joy!
You're always in my prayers because I'm overjoyed with the gifts that you offer to us as you go through this journey.
Thank you.
I am not a Minister but I have an answer for you..
Music is a comfort and a means to see the world we live in.The bible is a How To on living life that can take a lifetime to practice and understand. But it teaches us ONE message througout the entire new testiment...
To GIVE our life and our soul to Jesus Christ, he who died so all our sins can be forgiven. To put our life and all control in his hands.
so..It is time for you to take a moment and pray to Jesus Christ. Ask for forgiveness for your sins and your absence from his teachings. Ask for his guidance and strength for you and your family during this hard time. Thank him for his sacrifice and ask him to open his heart and his kingdome to you. Do this with your time and as you chose bible readings and I know Jesus will forgive you for your sins, your absence from his teachings and when the time comes, welcome you to his kingdome.
This is what all christians need to do on a daily basis as we are ALL born into sin. We cannot live life sinless. Only Jesus Christ through his love for us made it possible for us to ever enter his kingdome. So YES it is that simple. And there is NO time limit on when one gives his life to Jesus. A final moment in time or over a lifetime. A sincere heart is all that is asked...
I love you.. Keep fighting.. and take comfort that Jesus does love you and will provide... all you need to do is ask...
Mike
Amen
It really is that simple.
Love you Greg and yvonne
Praying for you to feel better and to get your strength back to be able to stay out of bed!! You have given us so much inspiration and courage to face our own life's little tests. In return, we want to let you know that we are thinking about you and sending you our love and praying for you to get well again!!!! Live Strong and Happy!!
Greg - I was so happy to read that you have picked up the greatest book ever written and found so many connections with the 23rd Psalm. This reminds me of the on going debate with my Mom and sister over the popular song, Amazing Grace. Both did not like this song until Mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer. As she neared death she told me that "she got it", that she loved the song which truly is so inspirational and powerful. I wish for you continue peace and the blessings of sharing this time with your family and dear friends. I discovered that although walking with someone on this cancer journey stinks in many ways, the blessings that you gain out of this walk have continued to bring me strength and so very much comfort. My prayers and thoughts are with you now and always.
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