Repost: Natural Temperament

While I was looking for my "Flip the Change" post, I stumbled on another post that I wrote that contained the word "flip."  The "flip" in this post is about music and vocal parts, but after reading it, I decided it need to be re-posted, too.

 

Some of the commentary about Martha and Mary has really had my mind working.  Matthew Henry pointed out the two different temperaments of the sisters, "and the temptations and advantages of each."  God created us with natural tendencies, but our fallen nature can cause trouble no matter what feels natural.  He went on to say, "it will be our wisdom carefully to watch against the temptations, and improve the advantages, of our natural temper."  He didn't mention trying to improve anyone else's natural temper - that is an exercise in futility!  A Commentary on the Old and New Testaments by Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown said, "Both are needed, each to be the complement of the other."

Respect for the natural temperament of others is vitally important for any healthy relationship.  Sometimes those natural temperaments aren't easily apparent, but in time we learn.  Let me give you an example using singers:

A children's choir usually just sings unison.  There are no apparent sopranos, altos or tenors.  They have two ways to sing, soft or loud, which often means yelling!

 

At some point most of us move up to a youth choir and start realizing we can sing parts.  There will be some girls who can't reach the high parts any longer - they are naturally altos.  The young men go back and forth from lead to tenor as their voices change, and some never can sing tenor - they are naturally basses.  And then there are ladies like me who sing soprano.  I can sing alto, but it's very unnatural.  If I'm singing alto during service - the song is probably in a very high key, or I have a cold!

By the time we reach adult choir status, our natural parts are firmly in our minds.  A choir that sings three part harmony sounds very beautiful.  When all the parts join in unison, it sounds nice, and then the parts come back in a powerful way.  Sometimes the choir director will have the parts flip - everyone is singing a part that is unnatural, but it gives a new punch!  And we're all happy (and sometimes relieved) when we go back to our natural parts.

In all of this, if the sopranos started complaining that the altos and tenors needed to sing soprano, we would all think they were silly.  Altos need to sing alto!  Tenors need to sing tenor!  And sopranos need to own their soprano part!  A choir takes natural ability, blends it together, respects differences, and comes out with a beautiful sound.

So when it comes to our natural temperaments, we need to work on blending with others who are different from us.  All types are needed, to be the complement of the others.

I'll use myself as an example here.  My natural temperament is somewhat reserved and quiet.  (Yes, really!)  I need quiet time.  I enjoy spending time with friends and family, but there comes a point that I need quiet.  I've been misunderstood plenty through the years, and I've tried many times to suppress that need, but that has backfired at times.  My spirit needs quiet.  I've been running for years.  It was only when I started training for my first marathon that I started running with music and that was only on my weekly long run.  I can run for an hour or more with just my thoughts for company and come home refreshed.  Most of the time in our home we don't have a radio or stereo playing - we're content with quiet.

I also understand that not everyone is like me.  There are people who thrive on crowds.  They want to share everything about themselves and want to know everything about everyone else.  I enjoy those kinds of people, even though I know I am not like them.  I can be talkative and friendly, but after a while I just run out of words and my ears are tired!  I'm not in a bad mood or upset, I just need quiet.  (I do realize these are just two types of the many people on this planet!)

I know there I times I need to move beyond my personal preferences.  I make an effort to speak to guests in our church, even though it doesn't come naturally.  I'd be content to let others take that role, but I know this is important whether it's comfortable or not.  On the flip side, I have heard many times that a friend can talk to me and know that I am not going to repeat anything that has been said in confidence.  My quiet nature means I know when to keep quiet.

Our natural temperament is never an excuse to be unkind to others.  "That's just the way I am," does not excuse rudeness.  "I just say how I feel," is never acceptable when we have been demeaning, hurtful, or unkind.  As Matthew Henry said, we must "carefully to watch against the temptations, and improve the advantages, of our natural temper."  

In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, the Apostle Paul gave us a beautiful illustration of being one body with many members.  Just remember this - God set the members as it pleased him.

For the body is not one member, but many.
If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
And if they were all one member, where were the body?
But now are they many members, yet but one body.
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

Musical

What role does music play in your life?

 

 

A quick glanced shows that 60 posts on this blog have the tag "music."  I hardly know where to start describing the role music plays in my life.  I've always loved music.  I remember records playing in our home when I was a child.

 

 

In a post called "Courage to Start" I wrote about learning to play the piano after Les and I got married:

I enrolled at Moorpark Community College for a semester of Class Piano.  I knew nothing about music, so I was starting at middle C!  I tried to keep it a secret that I was attempting to learn the piano.  Long before I was ready, Sis. White found out and before I could do a thing about it I was playing a keyboard in church!  Actually, I was attempting to play a keyboard in church! 

I was terrified.  Even though I could hide behind the organ, bass and drums, I was still terrified.  My keyboard wasn't plugged into the house system - I just had a small amp that I usually kept so quiet I couldn't hear it myself!  It took a lot of courage in those early months to come to service and try to play along.

I have had so many people help me through the years.  I don't consider myself a great musician, but I can carry a service entirely if I need to.  Victory Tabernacle is now blessed with many musicians who started at a much younger age and have far surpassed my abilities.  But I do think my courage to start was an example to others that they too could be a blessing to the Kingdom!

 

I wrote about the Sunday school child who said I sing like a Rock Star.  I've also written about the time it all fell apart at Pacific Coast Camp when the organ got out of tune.  I've written about Christmas recitals and music workshops.  I've written many, many posts about how a particular song encouraged or challenged me.

I wrote a post a few years ago called "The Power of Music."  If you're involved in music ministry at your church, it's worth reading.  I just want to share a little:

I have been involved in music in one way or another the majority of my life.  I started in children's choir and have been involved in just about every type of choir or group there is.  I love music and I know how it can move me.  I've written before about crying over "Jingle Bell Rock."  The thoughts I want to share have been in my heart for quite some time.  After reading Long Way Gone, I decided today would be the day to share them. 

Church Isn't American Idol
There are a couple of minor characters in Long Way Gone.  The first chapter opens with an old man playing his guitar on a street corner.  Much later we meet his grandson, Jubal.  When Jubal is going to play in front of a crowd for the first time he is very nervous, wondering how people will respond if he messes up.  "But all those people on the TV shows always get raked over the coals by the judges..."  Cooper sets him straight, telling Jubal that music is a gift that we make to give away.  And anyone who doesn't like that can "go suck on a lemon."

It's tough playing or singing in church sometimes.  Over 30 years ago I was part of a small singing group.  The director stopped us in practice and pointed me out, telling me I was not singing my part correctly.  He went over our part again.  When the sopranos sang, I just listened, trying to hear our part in a female voice and figure out what I was doing wrong.  The director stopped us and again pointed me out, telling me I was still off (even though I hadn't actually been singing.)  I've never forgotten how he made me feel and I've tried to be careful in offering even "constructive" criticism to others.

I've been on the receiving end of criticism many times.  I'm not the greatest singer or musician in the world but I give it my best.  Words hurt and and they can make people back completely away from doing what God wants them to do for His glory. Sitting in church, judging those who are striving to lead the congregation in worship only accomplishes one thing - it takes our minds and hearts away from Who we should be worshiping.  Believe me, musicians and singers know when they've messed up.  You don't need to tell them!

 

Music is Powerful
Choosing songs for a service, whether it's a solo or the entire service set, is something I struggle with.  It's not that I don't have songs.  I've got hundreds of them.  But I don't take the responsibility lightly.

Music is powerful.  It can cause people to dance and shout or bring them to tears.  Hurting souls walk through our doors every service.  They may be first time visitors or long time saints, but life has brought hurt their way.  Music can bring peace and healing. We can't take that powerful gift lightly, but must prayerfully consider each song.  

Keep on Singing!
If you're a musician or singer, I hope you'll be encouraged.   If you've been burned and are thinking about hanging up your microphone, don't!  Remember Who gave you the song in the first place and keep on singing!

Impact Music Workshop

The past few days have been super busy here in Hawaii.  Les and I flew in on Wednesday and Thursday night kicked off the Impact Music Workshop with Bro. Mark Yandris.  Thursday and Friday nights started at 5:00 with sessions for keyboardists, then the choir came at 6:00.  Saturday we had choir practice from 9:00 to 11:00.  And last night we blew the roof off in church!  I know at least one received the Holy Ghost and one was baptized at the end of service.

If you're looking for good, godly, gospel music for your church - Mark has a great CD that has been out for a couple of years.  He also has a Christmas album and an EP with four songs on it coming out this month.  They will be available on his website and through iTunes.

If you know me well (or have been reading this blog awhile) you know I've been involved in music forever.  Singing, playing, directing choirs, I've kind of done it all.  But there is nothing I enjoy more than just standing in the soprano section and singing my heart out!  I loved that the only responsibility I had was to know my part.  The choir was made up of members from at least five of the churches on the island and it was fun to be able to sing in unity with this great group.  Can you imagine how fun it's going to be singing in the heavenly choir?

Natural Temperament

Some of the commentary about Martha and Mary has really had my mind working.  Matthew Henry pointed out the two different temperaments of the sisters, "and the temptations and advantages of each."  God created us with natural tendencies, but our fallen nature can cause trouble no matter what feels natural.  He went on to say, "it will be our wisdom carefully to watch against the temptations, and improve the advantages, of our natural temper."  He didn't mention trying to improve anyone else's natural temper - that is an exercise in futility!  A Commentary on the Old and New Testaments by Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown said, "Both are needed, each to be the complement of the other."

Respect for the natural temperament of others is vitally important for any healthy relationship.  Sometimes those natural temperaments aren't easily apparent, but in time we learn.  Let me give you an example using singers:

A children's choir usually just sings unison.  There are no apparent sopranos, altos or tenors.  They have two ways to sing, soft or loud, which often means yelling!

 

At some point most of us move up to a youth choir and start realizing we can sing parts.  There will be some girls who can't reach the high parts any longer - they are naturally altos.  The young men go back and forth from lead to tenor as their voices change, and some never can sing tenor - they are naturally basses.  And then there are ladies like me who sing soprano.  I can sing alto, but it's very unnatural.  If I'm singing alto during service - the song is probably in a very high key, or I have a cold!

By the time we reach adult choir status, our natural parts are firmly in our minds.  A choir that sings three part harmony sounds very beautiful.  When all the parts join in unison, it sounds nice, and then the parts come back in a powerful way.  Sometimes the choir director will have the parts flip - everyone is singing a part that is unnatural, but it gives a new punch!  And we're all happy (and sometimes relieved) when we go back to our natural parts.

In all of this, if the sopranos started complaining that the altos and tenors needed to sing soprano, we would all think they were silly.  Altos need to sing alto!  Tenors need to sing tenor!  And sopranos need to own their soprano part!  A choir takes natural ability, blends it together, respects differences, and comes out with a beautiful sound.

So when it comes to our natural temperaments, we need to work on blending with others who are different from us.  All types are needed, to be the complement of the others.

I'll use myself as an example here.  My natural temperament is somewhat reserved and quiet.  (Yes, really!)  I need quiet time.  I enjoy spending time with friends and family, but there comes a point that I need quiet.  I've been misunderstood plenty through the years, and I've tried many times to suppress that need, but that has backfired at times.  My spirit needs quiet.  I've been running for years.  It was only when I started training for my first marathon that I started running with music and that was only on my weekly long run.  I can run for an hour or more with just my thoughts for company and come home refreshed.  Most of the time in our home we don't have a radio or stereo playing - we're content with quiet.

I also understand that not everyone is like me.  There are people who thrive on crowds.  They want to share everything about themselves and want to know everything about everyone else.  I enjoy those kinds of people, even though I know I am not like them.  I can be talkative and friendly, but after a while I just run out of words and my ears are tired!  I'm not in a bad mood or upset, I just need quiet.  (I do realize these are just two types of the many people on this planet!)

I know there I times I need to move beyond my personal preferences.  I make an effort to speak to guests in our church, even though it doesn't come naturally.  I'd be content to let others take that role, but I know this is important whether it's comfortable or not.  On the flip side, I have heard many times that a friend can talk to me and know that I am not going to repeat anything that has been said in confidence.  My quiet nature means I know when to keep quiet.

Our natural temperament is never an excuse to be unkind to others.  "That's just the way I am," does not excuse rudeness.  "I just say how I feel," is never acceptable when we have been demeaning, hurtful, or unkind.  As Matthew Henry said, we must "carefully to watch against the temptations, and improve the advantages, of our natural temper."  

In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, the Apostle Paul gave us a beautiful illustration of being one body with many members.  Just remember this - God set the members as it pleased him.

For the body is not one member, but many.
If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
And if they were all one member, where were the body?
But now are they many members, yet but one body.
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

Can I Get An Amen?

Sis. White sent this to me a couple weeks ago...

Any other choir directors know this feeling?

On a brighter note - Mark Yandris has a new project out and it is fabulous!  One of the best I've heard in a while.  A Sound for God's House is one you will enjoy whether you're a choir director, choir member, or just someone who loves good music!  My top two are "Thankful for the Blood" and "He's An Awesome God."

Coming Up for Air

I can't believe I haven't blogged since last Friday.  It's been a crazy week!  We met with a tax preparer this morning.  Living in paradise for a year had some mighty expensive implications.

We are also in revival with a special emphasis on reaching out to souls.  Our goal is to connect with others, not just invite them to church.  As a part of this we are having a drama in a couple of weeks and I have a new choir song to learn and teach!

I've got some posts brewing, but not the brain power or time to complete them.  I'll have a Friday Foodie tomorrow!

Break Every Chain

We had an incredible service last night at Victory Tabernacle!  It started in choir practice.  We learned a new song and the choir came ready.  We were expecting a move of God.  I had to ask myself, "Why don't I come expecting God to move in every service??"

The song was so simple, but so powerful.  There is power in the name of Jesus.  I can't think of words that are more powerful than that!  We added cardboard testimonies to the song and the combination was dynamic!  I think we sang for about 45 minutes (I have the sore throat to prove it!) as the power of God swept into the house and chains were broken!  I have no idea how many chains came off last night, but I know there were many.  And ten year old, Kay, received the Holy Ghost for the first time!

There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus

To break every chain
Break every chain
Break every chain

There's an army rising up
There's an army rising up
There's an army rising up

To Break every chain
Break every chain
Break every chain

I hear the chains falling
I hear the chains falling
I hear the chains falling
I hear the chains falling

Whew! Kind of Weekend

It's been a little busy here the last couple of days. But busy in a great way! It kinda started Thursday night. We switched our midweek service to Thursday last week - Bro. John Padgett from Enterprise, Alabama was here. He preached to our church Thursday night, but was really here to preach our Fellowship meeting on Saturday.


Our choir was on the schedule to sing at the Fellowship meeting, so we met for practice at 3:00. Service started at 4:00. Bro. Padgett preached about living by faith. He talked about those who died in the faith. "You can't die in the faith if you don't live by faith." Bro. Padgett gave so many examples of God coming through for him. It was a great faith building message! After a great altar time, we enjoyed a time of fellowship and by the time it was all said and done, we got home about 9:30!

Bro. Padgett preached again on Sunday morning and there was a great move of the Holy Ghost in that service.

Sunday night, Les and I went to Faith Tabernacle in Thousand Oaks. Les preached about moving from the Wilderness to the Promise Land. In case you're wondering, the Promise Land is not heaven - it means to live in victory right here! We love Pastor and Sister Prather and the saints of Faith Tabernacle and were glad to be there with them.


There's just something about being physically tired but spiritually revived that makes Monday a great day! Hope your Sunday was just as blessed!

2010 Recital

Sunday night was our annual Music Department Christmas Recital. I can't remember what year we started doing this, but it has been a fun night for everyone for a long time. It's wonderful seeing new talents and others that are continuing to improve.

We always start the night with Hillary Smith singing "Silent Night." Our church family loves Hillary. She's had an especially hard year, which included back surgery, but she's a trooper and has been on her usual spot on the front row as often as possible!


Next up was Caitlin Flores, my piano student. She played "Angels We Have Heard On High." It wasn't without a few mess-ups, but she's eight so we cheered her on! She played the piece the first time through, then she and her brother, Nicolas, sang it on the second time.


Our Kids Choir sang "Super Duper Christmas." Many of these children ride our vans on Sunday mornings and we were happy to see some of their parents in attendance.


Angelica Craig played "Joy to the World."


"Go Tell It on the Mountain" featured Italia Castro on the bass, Jasmine Benavente on the piano, Lupita Sandoval on the organ, and Krystal Rojo and Angelica Craig on vocals. This was a great "Girl Band" with one exception - Elias Lave on the drums! This was Italia's first time to play the bass for us and she did outstanding!


The choir from our branch work in Boyle Heights sang "O Come All Ye Faithful" in Spanish.


Sarah Garcia played "Bethlehem Morning." Elias Lave accompanied on drums.


Our Sign Language Team of Eliana and Chloee Tarazon did "Ring the Bells" with black lights, so I didn't take any pictures (they don't turn out!)

Elias Lave sang "Mary Did You Know?" Jasmine accompanied him on the piano and his brother, Thomas, played the drums.


Anthony Abarca followed with "Christmas Shoes." He is the only one I did not get a picture of - I was on the platform preparing to the play for the next song!

Gary Molina and Veronica Vargas sang "More Than Wonderful." I love that old song! Les played the bass, while I played the piano and Josh Mayes was on the drums.


We then presented some awards. Caitlin received her first Certificate of Promotion - she completed Alfred's Basic Piano Library Level 1A and is ready to move on to Level 1B. I am very proud of her!

Vivian Gonzales was our "Musician of the Year." She has been a tremendous help and blessing to the Music Department all year.


We presented Pastor and Sister White their Christmas gifts. We love our Pastor and his wife!


Before the music resumed, we had a short skit called "A Strange Night to be a Stranger." Todd Johnson and Melissa Elias were two shepherds telling the story of the night of Jesus' birth. It was funnier than I've ever heard before!!


Rishelle Abarca sang "Grown Up Christmas List." Well... she tried to sing, but there were technical difficulties with her sound track! After a few false starts, Jasmine played her piece, then Rishelle came back.


Jasmine played "What Child Is This?" and let me tell you, she has the right name! She jazzed that song up! Her brother, Stephen, accompanied her on the drums.


Alicia Granados sang "Strange Way to Save the World," accompanied by Chantelle White on the piano.



I sang "Lamb of God." I'm obviously singing "God" here... just belting it out like a Rock Star!


We had a quartet from our branch work in Panorama City. Andrew Gutierrez sang and played...


And these fellas joined in on "Al Mundo Pas." Joseph Gutierrez played the drums.


Rachel Pacheco sang "I Believe" and Vivian accompanied her on the piano.



We ended the night with the choir singing "Follow the Star" and "He Has Come."


The end of a wonderful night! Me and "my" kids