My dad had a stroke June 6. I was over there (1 mile from my house) and we were talking, when suddenly nothing but nonsense syllables came out of his mouth. At first I thought he was teasing me. He didn't seem to think anything strange was up, but kept speaking with normal inflections. We got him to try to write something, and he could only write numbers. He was jolly as ever, but Mom and I were terrified.
He'll be okay. A hospital stay, many tests, a pending surgery to unblock a carotid artery, and for now he's having physical and speech therapy sessions twice a week. In between times, Mom and I have to work him hard to reform neural pathways from ear to brain, from brain to mouth. He improves daily, though they say it can take a whole year to come back to normal. His ability comes and goes, too.
Here's why I'm writing this: singing can help. Rhythm can help. Sometimes when he can't get the words out, if he sings them, they are there. When we try to get him to say a two-syllable word, if he taps the table rhythmically (this only works when using his left hand), he can say it. Tap, tap: bath--robe. Tap, tap: toe--nail. Do you remember Mel Tillis, the singer who stuttered? He only stuttered when he spoke. If he sang, he was fluent. He even told a story about surprising a burglar in his home. He tried to call for help, but his speech impediment wouldn't allow him to get out the words. So he sang for help!
What an amazing gift music is. What an amazing God built it into us. An eternal gift.
I typed out a few Scripture verses for Dad to practice reading aloud, which I hoped would also encourage his heart.
"Who gave man his mouth? It is I,the Lord. Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." (from Exodus 4:11 and 12)
“The mind will know and understand, …and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear.” (Isaiah 32:4)
“And the God of all grace… will restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” (1Peter 5:10)
Amen. Make it so, Lord!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Setting an Example in Spirituality
Spirituality is a big subject. I'm not doing a treatise on it as if for my doctorate. Just a few thoughts.
We've probably all heard the saying, "You can't lead others where you've never been yourself." I've quoted it and believed it. But now when I stop to really think about it, I have to add something. There is no place that God hasn't been. So if a person is being led by God to lead others where the person has never been, that puts a whole different slant to it. Abraham led his household, and didn't even know where he was headed. He followed God's leading. What I'm trying to say is that we can't put limitations on God's ability to use us at any time, any state of experience or lack of.
That being said, God's abilities must never be an excuse for slacking off and being casual or lazy about our relationship with Him. We should be setting the example by spending time with our Lord daily, in communication with Him. If we want to lead others into a place of worship, we should go there regularly ourselves. The same goes for modeling a close friendship with the Most High. It's kind of like if I wanted to introduce you to the president of our nation. As an ordinary citizen, it's not going to happen. If I work in the White House, there's a breath of a chance. But if I'm the president's own daughter or son, it's a done deal.
Here are some of the areas of spirituality to attend to:
Strengthen our faith by reading God's Word daily--"faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (Rom. 10:17)Besides, if you study the real thing, you'll recognize immediately if an imposter comes along. That's what the Feds do, you know, to find counterfeit money. They study the real deal.
Prayer--requests, confession of sin, giving thanks, adoring and praising Him, and interceding for others. "Pray continually..." (1 Thess. 5:17)
Awareness; practicing His presence--He is a friend alongside. We don't want to ignore our friend who is walking alongside us, helping us, comforting and guiding us and wanting to enjoy us and vice-versa. (John 15:15)
Perhaps the most important but neglected one of all, Listening. I could have put this as part of any of the above, but I feel it needs its own category. Some say the Spirit of God speaks to us only through the written Word of God. This is short-changing His abilities indeed! And these people are missing some of the most intimate, life-changing moments with the God who loves them.
Yes, countless times He has spoken to me through His Word. Most often that's how He's revealed Himself to me. But in the spirit, He has whispered to me, sat next to me, held me, planted words in my mind and heart, given specific instructions to me, even danced with me. If any of these veered off from or disagreed with what His Word says, then I would know it wasn't from Him. Always we must test the spirits according to Scripture.
I know, I know. There are those who abuse experience and exploit emotionalism, who imagine things, even who commit atrocities and claim "God told me to." But please don't "throw the baby out with the bath water"! Reverently, intelligently, fearfully (that's awe-fear, not scared-fear)seek Him and trust Him to reveal Himself to you. He promises that His sheep know His voice from a stranger's voice. He's promised not to give you a stone when you ask for bread. He created us for fellowship with Him! There is MORE!!!!!! I see so many believers--sincere, good followers of Christ--who are missing out on the vast riches of His close presence. Did you know that, according to Proverbs 3:32 the Lord actually takes us into His confidence? Only really close friends do that.
Whatever it takes, pursue Him. Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you. Ask Him for a close relationship. It's a request to which He won't say no.
A leader of a choir or a member of a choir--both need to be setting an example for other believers in developing their relationship with God. Remember: when Moses was with God, he had to cover his face afterward so people wouldn't see the glory fading from it (it is noticeable to others when we have been in His presence!).
People in the New Testament "took note that they (disciples) had been with Jesus." (see? being with Him makes a difference in us, and others see and recognize it).
2 Corinthians 3:18 says, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." There is a definite difference in those who are in close walks with Him.
Caution: as a young believer, I met someone who had a radiant face, sweet spirit, and quoted Scripture easily. She spoke in words used by evangelical Christians, appeared to be a mature and Spirit-filled woman, and I thought she must be a fellow believer. That's when the Lord taught me about the devil being able to disguise himself as an angel of light. Wanna know how I figured it out? Some of the Scriptures she used were taken out of context, and twisted just a tiny bit so the meaning was very slightly altered. There was just enough truth in what she said to make it sound right. As it turns out, she was a member of a cult! I'm including this information so you will be cautious, and ask the Lord for discernment. He will not let you slip up, and He will protect you.
James 2 and 3 has a lot to say about what we do. "Faith without deeds is dead." Deeds are important. When I was in first grade I met a boy in school who said he could fly. This was something I'd been trying to do. I'd stand on the turquoise hassock and flap my skinny little arms as fast as I could, but gravity got the better of me each time I jumped. This boy claimed to have the gift. I listened to his tales of flight with awe and anticipation. Finally, he agreed to demonstrate. He lined up the picnic tables on the playground end to end, saying he needed a long runway. He began to run, flapping his arms. At the last table, he leapt into the air, sailed about five feet, and continued his flight on the ground. I experienced shock, righteous indignation, disappointment, and even anger. Why, he was running, not flying! He had excuses. Said he was just "flying really close to the ground." But it was too late. I saw he was a fake.
Let's not be fakes in our spiritual flight. God has prepared good works in advance for us to do. If we talk all day about spiritual things but never do anything about it, what good is it? We're just flapping our lips. See Eph. 2:10.
There, I've done for the day. Do you have some ideas to add? Please do.
We've probably all heard the saying, "You can't lead others where you've never been yourself." I've quoted it and believed it. But now when I stop to really think about it, I have to add something. There is no place that God hasn't been. So if a person is being led by God to lead others where the person has never been, that puts a whole different slant to it. Abraham led his household, and didn't even know where he was headed. He followed God's leading. What I'm trying to say is that we can't put limitations on God's ability to use us at any time, any state of experience or lack of.
That being said, God's abilities must never be an excuse for slacking off and being casual or lazy about our relationship with Him. We should be setting the example by spending time with our Lord daily, in communication with Him. If we want to lead others into a place of worship, we should go there regularly ourselves. The same goes for modeling a close friendship with the Most High. It's kind of like if I wanted to introduce you to the president of our nation. As an ordinary citizen, it's not going to happen. If I work in the White House, there's a breath of a chance. But if I'm the president's own daughter or son, it's a done deal.
Here are some of the areas of spirituality to attend to:
Strengthen our faith by reading God's Word daily--"faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (Rom. 10:17)Besides, if you study the real thing, you'll recognize immediately if an imposter comes along. That's what the Feds do, you know, to find counterfeit money. They study the real deal.
Prayer--requests, confession of sin, giving thanks, adoring and praising Him, and interceding for others. "Pray continually..." (1 Thess. 5:17)
Awareness; practicing His presence--He is a friend alongside. We don't want to ignore our friend who is walking alongside us, helping us, comforting and guiding us and wanting to enjoy us and vice-versa. (John 15:15)
Perhaps the most important but neglected one of all, Listening. I could have put this as part of any of the above, but I feel it needs its own category. Some say the Spirit of God speaks to us only through the written Word of God. This is short-changing His abilities indeed! And these people are missing some of the most intimate, life-changing moments with the God who loves them.
Yes, countless times He has spoken to me through His Word. Most often that's how He's revealed Himself to me. But in the spirit, He has whispered to me, sat next to me, held me, planted words in my mind and heart, given specific instructions to me, even danced with me. If any of these veered off from or disagreed with what His Word says, then I would know it wasn't from Him. Always we must test the spirits according to Scripture.
I know, I know. There are those who abuse experience and exploit emotionalism, who imagine things, even who commit atrocities and claim "God told me to." But please don't "throw the baby out with the bath water"! Reverently, intelligently, fearfully (that's awe-fear, not scared-fear)seek Him and trust Him to reveal Himself to you. He promises that His sheep know His voice from a stranger's voice. He's promised not to give you a stone when you ask for bread. He created us for fellowship with Him! There is MORE!!!!!! I see so many believers--sincere, good followers of Christ--who are missing out on the vast riches of His close presence. Did you know that, according to Proverbs 3:32 the Lord actually takes us into His confidence? Only really close friends do that.
Whatever it takes, pursue Him. Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you. Ask Him for a close relationship. It's a request to which He won't say no.
A leader of a choir or a member of a choir--both need to be setting an example for other believers in developing their relationship with God. Remember: when Moses was with God, he had to cover his face afterward so people wouldn't see the glory fading from it (it is noticeable to others when we have been in His presence!).
People in the New Testament "took note that they (disciples) had been with Jesus." (see? being with Him makes a difference in us, and others see and recognize it).
2 Corinthians 3:18 says, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." There is a definite difference in those who are in close walks with Him.
Caution: as a young believer, I met someone who had a radiant face, sweet spirit, and quoted Scripture easily. She spoke in words used by evangelical Christians, appeared to be a mature and Spirit-filled woman, and I thought she must be a fellow believer. That's when the Lord taught me about the devil being able to disguise himself as an angel of light. Wanna know how I figured it out? Some of the Scriptures she used were taken out of context, and twisted just a tiny bit so the meaning was very slightly altered. There was just enough truth in what she said to make it sound right. As it turns out, she was a member of a cult! I'm including this information so you will be cautious, and ask the Lord for discernment. He will not let you slip up, and He will protect you.
James 2 and 3 has a lot to say about what we do. "Faith without deeds is dead." Deeds are important. When I was in first grade I met a boy in school who said he could fly. This was something I'd been trying to do. I'd stand on the turquoise hassock and flap my skinny little arms as fast as I could, but gravity got the better of me each time I jumped. This boy claimed to have the gift. I listened to his tales of flight with awe and anticipation. Finally, he agreed to demonstrate. He lined up the picnic tables on the playground end to end, saying he needed a long runway. He began to run, flapping his arms. At the last table, he leapt into the air, sailed about five feet, and continued his flight on the ground. I experienced shock, righteous indignation, disappointment, and even anger. Why, he was running, not flying! He had excuses. Said he was just "flying really close to the ground." But it was too late. I saw he was a fake.
Let's not be fakes in our spiritual flight. God has prepared good works in advance for us to do. If we talk all day about spiritual things but never do anything about it, what good is it? We're just flapping our lips. See Eph. 2:10.
There, I've done for the day. Do you have some ideas to add? Please do.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Setting An Example In Musicality, Part 2
What does musicality encompass? Webster's says it is "sensitivity to, knowledge of, or talent for music."
In setting the example, the first two are the only ones to be concerned with, since one can do nothing about the third (I have heard some debate on that, but I'm not going there!).
To be sensitive to music, I suppose we should listen to it carefully, study it, chew on it. Think about the meaning, how the melody and harmonies are wed with the words. Consider what effect it has on us emotionally, and how it might affect our listeners.
Knowledge. This is where I can see the most potential for setting an example. Can I expect my choir members to expand their knowledge of music if I don't? I've got to set the tone in continuing my own musical education. This may mean reading books, watching DVDs, or attending conferences, workshops and seminars. It may even mean, for some, going on (or back) to school for further training or a degree. It could mean taking quality pieces of music and analyzing them for form, range, harmonies, melody, and anything that can be gleaned from them.
It might mean studying under a well-known director (possibly just as an observer, or as a member of the person's choir). Perhaps you have areas that are weak. Work on those.
Hang around others who are musically creative, growing and studying, and discuss music with them.
Above all, be growing yourself. God's Word says that no student is better than his teacher. This makes me want to be the best I can be. I don't want to hold a talented group back!
Next time I'll talk a bit about spirituality. I've spent a little time on morale, administration, and musicality.
In setting the example, the first two are the only ones to be concerned with, since one can do nothing about the third (I have heard some debate on that, but I'm not going there!).
To be sensitive to music, I suppose we should listen to it carefully, study it, chew on it. Think about the meaning, how the melody and harmonies are wed with the words. Consider what effect it has on us emotionally, and how it might affect our listeners.
Knowledge. This is where I can see the most potential for setting an example. Can I expect my choir members to expand their knowledge of music if I don't? I've got to set the tone in continuing my own musical education. This may mean reading books, watching DVDs, or attending conferences, workshops and seminars. It may even mean, for some, going on (or back) to school for further training or a degree. It could mean taking quality pieces of music and analyzing them for form, range, harmonies, melody, and anything that can be gleaned from them.
It might mean studying under a well-known director (possibly just as an observer, or as a member of the person's choir). Perhaps you have areas that are weak. Work on those.
Hang around others who are musically creative, growing and studying, and discuss music with them.
Above all, be growing yourself. God's Word says that no student is better than his teacher. This makes me want to be the best I can be. I don't want to hold a talented group back!
Next time I'll talk a bit about spirituality. I've spent a little time on morale, administration, and musicality.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Setting An Example In Musicality
A brief update: my son got safely to Dallas and remembered to call us. My dad's speech is improving to the point where he can now read aloud a child's board book with 4-5 words on a page. He stutters and stumbles, but he gets it out. It's both encouraging and sobering.Wednesday he could only read two pages.
Now back to the subject begun on Memorial Day. We lead by example, for good or bad.
One area I get heated up about is musicality. Have you run across a mediocrity mindset in the church? Whatever we give or do is good enough--after all, it's not like it's for the public-- it's only for the church. I've seen this applied to church garage sales (if it's broken, ripped, smelly, dirty, or unwanted, give it to the church sale) and to music.
Shame on those who frown on excellence in music for our Lord! If someone builds an altar for the sanctuary, it's assumed that the person has had the necessary training for the job. If he's lacking some needed skill, he'll get help and practice at it. He might call in a more experienced carpenter to do finish work or carving. It's expected that he will use a plan, purchase quality materials, work with effective tools, and not present it until it is the best he can do. He might tell you it's a matter of pride. And rightly so. He has worked hard at his craft.
So why accuse musicians of pridefulness or conceit when they strive to offer the best they can for the glory and pleasure of God? Maybe it's because musicians are more often seen. Maybe there's some jealousy involved. Or maybe it's that demonic opposition comes more into play when it's the battleground of music. We do have an enemy who loves to twist and pervert this powerful gift of God.
God doesn't do mediocrity.
As fallen humankind, we can't be perfect in our music. That doesn't mean we shouldn't try! I am disappointed by the attitude of Junk for Jesus. I've never been driven to perfection, never criticized my choir or worship teams for mistakes made, never hinted that I'd be disappointed if we didn't do as well as expected. However, I'm convinced that we must aim for perfection. We must offer the Lord our FIRSTFRUITS, not our leftovers! That means practice. That means caring. That means more practice. That means planning and preparing. As I tell my students before recitals, there are mistakes due to nerves or distractions, and there are mistakes due to lack of preparedness. Don't sweat the former, but don't be guilty of the latter.
The single most powerful performance of a song I've ever heard came from a teen boy who had mental and physical challenges. He stood before his audience and sang from the depths of his heart. The song was about a baby born and growing up with defects, and the parents believing in him and loving him when others hinted he should have been aborted. This boy did not have a pleasant voice, was not well in tune, enunciated with difficulty, and had no stage presence to please watchers. But he had the song memorized, honored his heavenly Father with his best effort, and the audience wept, and the applause lasted many minutes. Best of all, the applause was mostly for Father God for the gift of this boy.
When we give our best effort no matter how meager it is, and work hard to hone our craft, the Lord takes and expands it.
More on musicality specifics tomorrow.
Now back to the subject begun on Memorial Day. We lead by example, for good or bad.
One area I get heated up about is musicality. Have you run across a mediocrity mindset in the church? Whatever we give or do is good enough--after all, it's not like it's for the public-- it's only for the church. I've seen this applied to church garage sales (if it's broken, ripped, smelly, dirty, or unwanted, give it to the church sale) and to music.
Shame on those who frown on excellence in music for our Lord! If someone builds an altar for the sanctuary, it's assumed that the person has had the necessary training for the job. If he's lacking some needed skill, he'll get help and practice at it. He might call in a more experienced carpenter to do finish work or carving. It's expected that he will use a plan, purchase quality materials, work with effective tools, and not present it until it is the best he can do. He might tell you it's a matter of pride. And rightly so. He has worked hard at his craft.
So why accuse musicians of pridefulness or conceit when they strive to offer the best they can for the glory and pleasure of God? Maybe it's because musicians are more often seen. Maybe there's some jealousy involved. Or maybe it's that demonic opposition comes more into play when it's the battleground of music. We do have an enemy who loves to twist and pervert this powerful gift of God.
God doesn't do mediocrity.
As fallen humankind, we can't be perfect in our music. That doesn't mean we shouldn't try! I am disappointed by the attitude of Junk for Jesus. I've never been driven to perfection, never criticized my choir or worship teams for mistakes made, never hinted that I'd be disappointed if we didn't do as well as expected. However, I'm convinced that we must aim for perfection. We must offer the Lord our FIRSTFRUITS, not our leftovers! That means practice. That means caring. That means more practice. That means planning and preparing. As I tell my students before recitals, there are mistakes due to nerves or distractions, and there are mistakes due to lack of preparedness. Don't sweat the former, but don't be guilty of the latter.
The single most powerful performance of a song I've ever heard came from a teen boy who had mental and physical challenges. He stood before his audience and sang from the depths of his heart. The song was about a baby born and growing up with defects, and the parents believing in him and loving him when others hinted he should have been aborted. This boy did not have a pleasant voice, was not well in tune, enunciated with difficulty, and had no stage presence to please watchers. But he had the song memorized, honored his heavenly Father with his best effort, and the audience wept, and the applause lasted many minutes. Best of all, the applause was mostly for Father God for the gift of this boy.
When we give our best effort no matter how meager it is, and work hard to hone our craft, the Lord takes and expands it.
More on musicality specifics tomorrow.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Getting a Load Off...
Yup, I'm back. Nope, I haven't forgotten where we left off, but last week's circumstances knocked my feet out from under and the breath out of my lungs. I'm coming up for air today. If you'll bear with me, I'll unload the past week, and then tomorrow (Lord willing!) get back on track with choir.
A (not so) quick update: a week ago Saturday I zipped over to my folks' (2 minutes away), and my dad had a stroke, speaking nonsense syllables to me as we chatted. I spent much of Saturday-Tuesday in the hospital with he and Mom. Tuesday morning they received the news that a close friend had died in the night. My sister is married to this friend's son, so it's also family. Late that day Dad was released to go home.
The week was filled with exhaustion, new medications, visitation and funeral, my sister's family coming from out of town and staying with my folks, assisting a shaky Dad to his MRI (to determine carotid artery blockage), and to his doctor's appointment to switch one of the medications causing him trouble.
It was filled with packing our son up to head back to Dallas for a summer ministry at his Bible college, while he worked twelve-hour days. We sent him off yesterday afternoon, driving the thousand miles alone for the first time. He decided to drive straight through, and I figure he must at least be in southern Oklahoma by now. I wait for his call when he gets there ("When you pull into the parking lot, call me before you get distracted!"). We likely won't see him till Christmas, 6 months away, since he'll stay there for his third year. As I write, the dog expresses the heaviness in my heart with his groans. I'm not joking, the dog goes around groaning aloud when my son leaves! The first time he left, the groaning lasted two weeks.
The cracks of this week were filled with the details of our son's return to Dallas (his car got a new water pump, new exhaust system, different tire rim, front brake lines, and two new tires plus spare).
Numerous other things trickled in:
-physical therapy sessions on my broken-and-healing thumb
-learning to do speech therapy at home with Dad
-taking him for walks around the house and the driveway to help him regain strength
-continuing a rigorous schedule for our dog (who has lymphoma and was given 4-6 weeks in February, but is now living well and prospering due to the Lord directing us to lengthy walks, natural foods, juicing, and healing herbal tinctures)
-daily housework (still VERY difficult because of the mentioned thumb)
-writing a curriculum for the group guitar class I'll start teaching in a week
-hosting/administrating the first meeting of a new writers group
You probably have weeks like that, too.
I have accomplished nothing by way of choir administration. In fact, my Command Central recliner is surrounded with books, papers, folders, notes, and magazines, all watching me, waiting to be put away. Someplace. Sometime.
So I ask the Lord to allow me to work as the apostle Paul did, "with God's energy". Staggering thought! And I ask "to be filled to the measure of the fullness of Christ". Even more staggering. As Annie Ortland said, "How can you pour the ocean into a teacup?"
May the Lord give me encouraging words for choir members and directors--tomorrow.
See you then.
A (not so) quick update: a week ago Saturday I zipped over to my folks' (2 minutes away), and my dad had a stroke, speaking nonsense syllables to me as we chatted. I spent much of Saturday-Tuesday in the hospital with he and Mom. Tuesday morning they received the news that a close friend had died in the night. My sister is married to this friend's son, so it's also family. Late that day Dad was released to go home.
The week was filled with exhaustion, new medications, visitation and funeral, my sister's family coming from out of town and staying with my folks, assisting a shaky Dad to his MRI (to determine carotid artery blockage), and to his doctor's appointment to switch one of the medications causing him trouble.
It was filled with packing our son up to head back to Dallas for a summer ministry at his Bible college, while he worked twelve-hour days. We sent him off yesterday afternoon, driving the thousand miles alone for the first time. He decided to drive straight through, and I figure he must at least be in southern Oklahoma by now. I wait for his call when he gets there ("When you pull into the parking lot, call me before you get distracted!"). We likely won't see him till Christmas, 6 months away, since he'll stay there for his third year. As I write, the dog expresses the heaviness in my heart with his groans. I'm not joking, the dog goes around groaning aloud when my son leaves! The first time he left, the groaning lasted two weeks.
The cracks of this week were filled with the details of our son's return to Dallas (his car got a new water pump, new exhaust system, different tire rim, front brake lines, and two new tires plus spare).
Numerous other things trickled in:
-physical therapy sessions on my broken-and-healing thumb
-learning to do speech therapy at home with Dad
-taking him for walks around the house and the driveway to help him regain strength
-continuing a rigorous schedule for our dog (who has lymphoma and was given 4-6 weeks in February, but is now living well and prospering due to the Lord directing us to lengthy walks, natural foods, juicing, and healing herbal tinctures)
-daily housework (still VERY difficult because of the mentioned thumb)
-writing a curriculum for the group guitar class I'll start teaching in a week
-hosting/administrating the first meeting of a new writers group
You probably have weeks like that, too.
I have accomplished nothing by way of choir administration. In fact, my Command Central recliner is surrounded with books, papers, folders, notes, and magazines, all watching me, waiting to be put away. Someplace. Sometime.
So I ask the Lord to allow me to work as the apostle Paul did, "with God's energy". Staggering thought! And I ask "to be filled to the measure of the fullness of Christ". Even more staggering. As Annie Ortland said, "How can you pour the ocean into a teacup?"
May the Lord give me encouraging words for choir members and directors--tomorrow.
See you then.
Monday, June 8, 2009
A Brief (hopefully!) Time Out
To those following this blog, I apologize for not writing this past week. I'll be back, but my dad has had a stroke and is in the hospital. His speech center has been affected. He is due to come home tomorrow, but I need to be there to help he and my mom for a few days.
If I find extra time and energy, I'll certainly post something soon! Thanks for your patience.
By the way, we are going to try something musical for Dad. Have you heard that listening to Mozart's music can help the brain to process information? My folks will be listening to Mozart regularly during Dad's recuperation. If you'd like more information on this, do a search on "Mozart Makes You Smarter". I'd guess you'll find some things.
If I find extra time and energy, I'll certainly post something soon! Thanks for your patience.
By the way, we are going to try something musical for Dad. Have you heard that listening to Mozart's music can help the brain to process information? My folks will be listening to Mozart regularly during Dad's recuperation. If you'd like more information on this, do a search on "Mozart Makes You Smarter". I'd guess you'll find some things.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Set an Example: Administration, continued
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2,3)
Communication is important. Understatement! When you consider that Jesus is the Word of God, you might begin to realize that communication is crucial. And because of its importance, the powers of darkness are set to oppose it. It is not by chance that communicating clearly is one of the most difficult things the church does.
[That said, I confess this as an area in my life needing prayer and growth. For a couple of years I created a weekly newsletter for the choir, running off copies and placing them in the numbered folder slots before each rehearsal. I would include some devotional thoughts, things or people to pray about,some humor, and reminders of upcoming singing or event dates, plus the songs we’d be singing on those dates. A few members don’t make use of e-mail, so it seemed a good idea. It worked well except for the reams of paper used. I will probably go back to it this fall, e-mailing the majority, and running copies for the few who wouldn’t get it otherwise.]
This is the first choir I’ve directed that regularly uses robes. My first choir had them, but as the ladies got to an age at which being overly warm became an issue, and the choir was moved to the balcony where heat collected, the robes were left in storage. This choir has light weight robes with reversible stoles of four colors to match the vestments in the sanctuary. The robes are downstairs, and until members go up, they are guessing what stole color to use. So finally I requested a listing of Sundays/colors, and it’s taped on the door of the robe closet. There is also a list of members there with their robe numbers, and a 3x5 card over each hanger with the number on it. They can see at a glance which robe is theirs.
Then there are notices for the Sunday bulletins, and for the monthly church newsletter. Also the song title for each bulletin. The newsletter escapes me. I rarely think to include anything till it’s too late. Fortunately, we rarely need anything in it. In August, though, I want to do a membership drive, so it’s a matter of getting it on my personal calendar and remembering to look at it! The bulletins are blessedly taken care of by our pastor, who is a fine bass in the choir. It helps, too, to have one or more administratively gifted choir members who will keep me straight if (I mean WHEN) I forget something. Bless them!
I mustn’t leave out financial responsibilities. I directed for many years without pay, and was content to do so. This church pays me, and it’s at a time in our lives when we are most grateful (college-going, driving, eating, insurance-needing sons). I believe absolutely in the first 10% of every check being laid aside for the Lord’s use. And what joy when someone has a need, the Lord nudges my heart to respond, and there’s actually money there to do so! I would consider it robbing God not to tithe. I make it the first thing I do, so I don’t forget. Now, this is something the Lord has spoken very clearly to me about. What you do is between you and Him. Only do search the Scriptures on it, and do ask Him. He’ll make it plain what He wants of you. It may be different from what He’s shown me.
So what am I missing? And what can be done more efficiently? I’m sure you have a ton of ideas! Feel free to share them in the comments here. I’d surely love to hear from you.
In this little series on setting an example, I’ve covered Morale and Administration. Next will be Musicality and Spirituality.
Communication is important. Understatement! When you consider that Jesus is the Word of God, you might begin to realize that communication is crucial. And because of its importance, the powers of darkness are set to oppose it. It is not by chance that communicating clearly is one of the most difficult things the church does.
[That said, I confess this as an area in my life needing prayer and growth. For a couple of years I created a weekly newsletter for the choir, running off copies and placing them in the numbered folder slots before each rehearsal. I would include some devotional thoughts, things or people to pray about,some humor, and reminders of upcoming singing or event dates, plus the songs we’d be singing on those dates. A few members don’t make use of e-mail, so it seemed a good idea. It worked well except for the reams of paper used. I will probably go back to it this fall, e-mailing the majority, and running copies for the few who wouldn’t get it otherwise.]
This is the first choir I’ve directed that regularly uses robes. My first choir had them, but as the ladies got to an age at which being overly warm became an issue, and the choir was moved to the balcony where heat collected, the robes were left in storage. This choir has light weight robes with reversible stoles of four colors to match the vestments in the sanctuary. The robes are downstairs, and until members go up, they are guessing what stole color to use. So finally I requested a listing of Sundays/colors, and it’s taped on the door of the robe closet. There is also a list of members there with their robe numbers, and a 3x5 card over each hanger with the number on it. They can see at a glance which robe is theirs.
Then there are notices for the Sunday bulletins, and for the monthly church newsletter. Also the song title for each bulletin. The newsletter escapes me. I rarely think to include anything till it’s too late. Fortunately, we rarely need anything in it. In August, though, I want to do a membership drive, so it’s a matter of getting it on my personal calendar and remembering to look at it! The bulletins are blessedly taken care of by our pastor, who is a fine bass in the choir. It helps, too, to have one or more administratively gifted choir members who will keep me straight if (I mean WHEN) I forget something. Bless them!
I mustn’t leave out financial responsibilities. I directed for many years without pay, and was content to do so. This church pays me, and it’s at a time in our lives when we are most grateful (college-going, driving, eating, insurance-needing sons). I believe absolutely in the first 10% of every check being laid aside for the Lord’s use. And what joy when someone has a need, the Lord nudges my heart to respond, and there’s actually money there to do so! I would consider it robbing God not to tithe. I make it the first thing I do, so I don’t forget. Now, this is something the Lord has spoken very clearly to me about. What you do is between you and Him. Only do search the Scriptures on it, and do ask Him. He’ll make it plain what He wants of you. It may be different from what He’s shown me.
So what am I missing? And what can be done more efficiently? I’m sure you have a ton of ideas! Feel free to share them in the comments here. I’d surely love to hear from you.
In this little series on setting an example, I’ve covered Morale and Administration. Next will be Musicality and Spirituality.
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