Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Wierd, Wacky, and Wonderful Instruments!

On today's Joy4Today, I want to feature the unusual musical instruments
that are the invention of my brother-in-law, Lorne Collie. 
 He takes anything, ...and I do mean ANYTHING,
...and can turn it into a musical instrument!  
Here are a few examples:


Here he is with one of his cookie tin creations.
I think this is a moose antler.  Quite unique, eh?!!

This is his ax/pick creation.
The violin duet:
 Helen's instrument made out of an ice scraper 
and Lorne's made from a "peace pipe"

This duo has been making music in spite of some trying circumstances.
In 1985, my sister Helen was diagnosed with breast cancer,
and underwent a radical mastectomy.
She said 1986 was her toughest year in that battle.
She told me that one of the things that she credits her success
in this battle, along with her faith in God, was maintaining a positive attitude,
and surrounding herself with cheerful, encouraging people.


The stop sign guitar!

The snow show instrument.

And one of Lorne's favorites, the snow shovel electric guitar.

Lorne has his own story of healing as well.
In 1988 he suffered a brain aneurysm and was in a coma
for an extended period of time.
It was after he recovered that he began making all these unusual instruments.
I asked him if God appeared to him and gave him these ideas
while he was unconscious.
His reply made me laugh.
"No," he said, "I just had a lot of time to think. 
My brain never stopped working even though I couldn't respond outwardly."


Lorne's work room

HOPE, that's what it's all about.

I hope this encourages you not to give up if you are going through tough times.
The Bible says that "with God all things are possible."



Linking with Laura for Brag on God Friday and
Charlotte for "Spiritual Sundays"


Visit my Rock4Today blog for this week's encouraging name for God!



14 comments:

Alice said...

love our brothers and sisters... Great post, too!

Jerrod Turner said...

how would someone go about purchasing one of these instruments?

please contact me & let me know if you could: jerrodnotjerry@gmail.com

Aritha V. said...

Wonderful!

Gatherer of Gratitude said...

Loved it and love you, and love the rich heritage i have because I was adopted into this family. I'm so proud to be a adopted Grusing grand-daughter.

Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.com said...

What unusual and interesting instruments and a good story of God's faithfulness too. Thanks, Gail (Bible Love Notes)

Renee said...

What a wonderful story! Such unique instruments and people too. God's love, healing, and faithfulness comes through. Thank you Lord!
www.myautumnyears.blogspot.com

Pamela said...

How fascinating! My daughter is working on a 10 page music paper so we've have music thoughts swirling around here. I loved seeing these. My father-in-law always said he played the instrument of ten string to praise God (his hands).

Charlotte said...

What an interesting brother-in-law you have. Loved seeing all the unique instruments he made. Faith and attitude are so important and this is a great example.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Lisa notes... said...

He should be on TV with all those great instruments. What a creative soul!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

These guys look like so much fun. I'm really glad Lorne was healed too. Hope the rest of your weekend is great.

Anonymous said...

What an imagination your BIL has--his instruments are very creative. Lovely, encouraging story...

Ellen said...

What a wonderful testimony to God's goodness! I love the ice scraper fiddle.

Thanks for visiting me at A Season for All Things. I'm your newest follower and look forward to reading more of your JOY journey. ~ Ellen

a joyful noise said...

As a child at school our teacher taught us to be creative. We used a comb and a piece of tissue paper and hummed into it to create music. Nothing as beautiful as your brother-in-law makes though!

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

He is amazing,...and awe inspiring. xx