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!

VT Youth On Air

As we continue staying home, our church has gotten very creative.  We have our Sunday morning service at 11:00, Wednesday night Bible study at 7:30, Kids Power Hour on Saturday mornings at 11:00, and VT Youth on Air on Saturday evenings at 5:00.

Last night's VT Youth on Air was something special.  It started much like our monthly Youth Service with songs, prayer requests and announcements.  They then played Bible Scavenger Hunt.  Sis. Vivian and Bro. Gary gave 20 Bible verses and each contained a key word such at bed, milk or bread.  The young people were given 7 minutes to find as many of those items as they could, take a picture with the item and text it to Sis. Vivian or Bro. Gary who continued encouraging the young people as the time counted down.  The winners were Jason Wilson for the guys and Caitlin Flores for the girls.

After the game came a sweet part of the service.  Testimonies from two young people.  But these were not just any young people, but two sweet young ladies from the church in Lucena in the Philippines!  One was a prerecorded testimony and the other was a letter that Sis. Vivian read.  Oh how my heart was touched by these precious young ladies!  Such faith, trust and hope!

Sis. Divine Grace

Sis. Marisol

After the testimonies, there was a song by a brother from Lucena.  During this time of social distancing, Pastor Pabanil challenged his young people to create Bible lessons for their Sunday school children and to write an original song.  The song was an original, and again my heart was touched.  I wanted to jump on an airplane for that 14 hour flight to Manila and then spend another four hours in traffic to be back in the church in Lucena!

The service ended with a message from one of our ministers, Bro. Laster.  I realize there are many church services you can listen to online these days, but this one was special!  It is available on our church website (along with all our other services.)  Go here:  VT Youth on Air - Holy Ghost Power Hour. 

Sunday afternoon update:
I had church at home this morning while Les was in Burbank running the sound for our live stream.  Since today was the first Sunday of the month, it was Missions Sunday at Victory Tabernacle.  It was a pleasant surprise to hear that Bro. Nathan Weidner was our guest speaker.  We enjoyed spending time with the Weidners while we were in the Philippines.  They are ready to return to the Philippines as soon as they are able to fly.  We're praying that this pandemic ends soon so they can get back to the land of their calling.

Thursday This and That

I started my morning off with a trail run.  Seven miles of almost complete solitude.  I saw 8 runners, 1 walker, and 6 mountain bikers while I was out.  If you are not a regular exerciser, now is a great time to go for a walk.  Just keep your distance from others, but enjoy some fresh air.  I have some of my best ideas while I'm out exercising.  It's easy to let your mind work when you don't have any digital distractions.

If you're needing a little extra church, our services are streaming live but they are also being made available after the fact.  You might even hear me praise singing from time to time if you tune in while we are live.  You can find them at Victory Tabernacle's website right HERE.  We will be starting a Children's Power Hour on Saturday morning at 11:00.  I believe there will also be a Youth Hour on Saturdays at 5:00.  I'm thankful that our Pastor, Sunday school and Youth departments are putting this extra effort in.

When I was getting in my car after my trail run this morning, I saw a guy out walking his dog.  Nothing unusual, I see people walking their dogs all the time.  Except this guy was in his robe!  He wasn't standing on the sidewalk in front of his house.  He's was quite a ways from any houses.  I know we're all staying home, but it's probably a good idea to get dressed when you head out away from your house!

On the topic of dressing, I got this from my aunt yesterday!

No worrying about what to wear on Easter Sunday!  And for all the times we ladies have complained about our feet hurting after a long church service, just add some comfy footwear.

I saw this sidewalk chalk art while out running last week.  I don't even know the people who live in that particular house, but it made my day.

Keep hanging in there!  Don't let fear rule your heart.  Reach out to your friends and family.  Then reach out to someone who is not in your close circle.  We need each other.  Send an encouraging text, email, or make a phone call.  If YOU are feeling lonely, don't let loneliness control you.  Reach out!  You don't even have to say you're lonely - just reach out and tell someone you miss seeing them.  You'll make two people feel better.

Finally, we sang an old song last night.  "Hold To God's Unchanging Hand" was written by Jennie Bain Wilson in 1904. She was born on a farm at Cleveland, IN, on November 13, 1856, to Robert and Mary Frances Russell Wilson. Her father died while she was still in her infancy. When she was about four years old, an attack of spinal trouble resulted in her being rendered an invalid, confined to a wheel-chair and bed.  A prolific poet, she produced about 2,200 poems and hymn texts in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Yet, over the course of her life she never interjected sadness from her condition in her works.  She died in 1913 at the age of 57, still holding to that unchanging hand.

Hold to God's Unchanging Hand

Time is filled with swift transition
Naught of earth unmoved can stand 

Build your hopes on things eternal
Hold to God's unchanging hand

 

Hold to God's unchanging hand

Hold to God's unchanging hand
Build your hopes on things eternal
Hold to God's unchanging hand

Trust in Him who will not leave you
Whatsoever years may bring
If by earthly friends forsaken
Still more closely to Him cling

Covet not this world's vain riches
That so rapidly decay
Seek to gain the Heavenly treasures
They will never pass away

When your journey is completed
If to God you have been true
Fair and bright your home in glory
Your enraptured soul will view

Hold to God's unchanging hand
Hold to God's unchanging hand
Build your hopes on things eternal
Hold to God's unchanging hand

Just keep holding to His hand, it's unchanging!

The Power of Music

As I mentioned in my review of "Long Way Gone," music played a prominent role in the story.  Cooper's father was a preacher who held tent revivals for many years.  As Cooper's talent became more evident his father did his best to guide him in how he used that gift.  He told Cooper there was healing in music, it touches people in a unique way.

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. 

Where Do Your Songs Point?
It was about a year ago when Pastor McGriffin came to the end of music practice at New Life.  He talked to us about horizontal songs and vertical songs.  Horizontal songs are about us ("I'm Gonna Dance") or to us ("Everybody Will Be Happy Over There")  There's nothing wrong with these types of songs, but they shouldn't be the only types of songs we sing.

Vertical songs point to Jesus.  The songs I love to play and sing the most are the ones that I sing directly to Him.  Sitting at my piano, with an audience of One, and singing, "Jesus, I love You, because You care," draws me to Him.  Leading a congregation in singing, "You are good and Your mercy is forever," focuses all the attention on Him and what He has done for us.

There are appropriate times for both horizontal and vertical songs.  Pastor McGriffin challenged us to keep track of the mix of songs we sang.  If we are out of balance, it definitely needs to be in the direction of more vertical songs than horizontal.  There is a reason why old hymns like Amazing Grace, which was written in the 1700s, can still touch hearts today.  They point to Jesus.

Songs that lift up Jesus have a real purpose.  Jesus said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."  If we'll do the lifting, he'll do the drawing.

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?

Little Girls

We've seen a lot of people come and go while staying in Discovery Bay.  Many of the units are rented for a week or two.  We are on the 13th floor and overlook the pool deck which is on the 11th floor.  Sometimes it can be pretty loud and some folks are kind of annoying, but most of the time there is lots of laughter, splashing, and squealing.

Last week there appeared to be several families vacationing together.  There were grandparents, parents, and lots of kids!  Les and I were on our balcony and saw the cutest thing.  Two little girls, probably ages seven or eight, were sitting in the pool together.  Everyone else was lounging on the deck.  The girls were in their swimsuits with goggles and arm floaties on.  And they were singing!  Their little voices carried up to us.  We didn't understand a word they were singing, but we understood the joy of childhood.

It made me think of some other little girls in my life who have all grown up much too quickly!

Sending love to all my sweet nieces today!

Busy!

Expect my blog to have hit and miss posts for the next two weeks.  We are enjoying lots of Christmas activities and I may not post on a daily basis.  Let me catch you up a little...

Last Sunday morning (12/9) our Sunday school department put on a program.  There were puppets and the kids choir singing Christmas carols.  Voices of the puppets were some of our children, including one of our van riders. (I apologize for the quality of the pictures in this post, they were all taken with my phone.)

Last Sunday night, Les preached at our Santa Clarita daughter church.  We've visit many times for special services but that was the first time we have been there on a "regular" service. They have a growing work and it was good to see the young saints being faithful when their pastor was not there.

Last night was our Music Department recital.  It was one of our best yet!  There were a total of 25 songs ~ several instrumentals, groups, kids, young people and the finale of the night was by a couple of old folks, Les and me!

Carolers singing "Carol of the Bells"

Italia Castro directing the carolers - she did great!

Flores family - Dad and Nic on Saxophones and Caitlin singing

Youth Chorale

Les playing "Do You Hear What I Hear?" on his trumpet - he blew us away!

Wake Up Singing!

I received the following quote from Runner's World yesterday:

There's nothing quite like the feeling you get from knowing you're in good physical condition. I wake up alert and singing in the morning, ready to go.
~Stan Gerstein, runner

I love it! I do wake up alert most mornings raring to go for a run or bike ride. But no matter what your physical condition, you can still wake up with a song. Give this one a try:

He Keeps Me Singing

1) There’s within my heart a melody,
JESUS whispers sweet and low;
Fear not, I am with thee, peace, be still,
In all of life’s ebb and flow.

Chorus
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS,
Sweetest name I know;
Fills my every longing,
Keeps me singing as I go.

2) All my life was wrecked by sin and strife,
Discord filled my heart with pain;
JESUS swept across the broken stings,
Stirred the slumbering cords again.

3) Feasting on the riches of His grace,
Resting ´neath His sheltering wing;
Always looking on His smiling face,
That is why I shout and sing.

4) Though sometimes He leads through waters deep,
Trials fall across the way,
Though sometimes the path seems rough and steep,
See His footprints all the way.

5) Soon He’s coming back to welcome me,
Far beyond the starry sky;
I shall wing my flight to worlds unknown,
I shall reign with Him on high.

~ Words & Music: Lu­ther B. Bridg­ers.

And just in case you think you have nothing to sing about ~ Bridgers wrote this song in 1910 after a tragic fire killed his wife and three sons. Jesus is still the sweetest name I know!

Go Tell It On the Mountain!

Oh! What a wonderful time we had last night! I don't know if I can even describe it all. The Blind Boys of Alabama were fantastic!!

These pictures are inside the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

The Lobby:


Inside the Hall



There is a pipe organ in this picture. The pipes are huge!


The stage is ready...


And so are we! Look - no sunglasses!!


I had taken these pictures with my iPhone when an usher told me no pictures during the show. I was okay with that - I put my phone away and just enjoyed myself!

The concert opened with the entire group stepping onto the stage hand to shoulder. Yes, four of the members are truly blind. They were like a little train getting into place.



Let me tell you about the group first:


Jimmy Carter is the oldest member of the group. He is in his late 70s and is amazing!! He was the "front man" of the group - introducing the songs, saying "Well, how about that?" between sets, and singing like a youngster!


Billy Bowers was on vocals and man could he sing! He was so cute! More than once he would get excited about a song and just do a little jig right there on stage!


Ben Moore was also on vocals. He swayed and danced to every song, whether he was singing or not!


Eric "Ricky" McKinnie is the drummer and also sang vocals. He sang a beautiful duet with Ben Moore on "White Christmas." He is known as the only Blind Gospel Drummer and he is excellent!

Rounding out the group are a couple of guys that can see!

Joey Williams played lead guitar and sang harmony. He played a fun role at the end that I'll tell you about later.

Tracy Pierce is the bass player and sang harmony on many of the songs. He wore a black top hat the entire night.


There was also a guest organist, whose name I don't recall! Update: His name is Peter Levin and has been traveling with the group for the past year and a half. He had that Hammond B-3 singing!!

Jimmy opened the show by telling everyone they are a Gospel group. "We sing about the Good News!" Not every song was from their Christmas album, but they were singing about Jesus so that was just fine! They did sing four Christmas songs - "White Christmas," "I Pray on Christmas," "Go Tell It On the Mountain," and "Silent Night."

They sang "Way Down in the Hole" (that's where you gotta keep the devil!), "Look Where You Brought Me From," "Perfect Peace" and I'm sure others I can't think of right now! Their harmonies were beautiful!!

Their version of "Amazing Grace" was off the charts! The music had a different beat, changing the song from 3/4 to 4/4 timing, but it was incredible! Ben Moore sang the first two verses, then Billy Bowers sang verse four ("when we've been there ten thousand years...") and Jimmy Carter came in on the end just singing about Grace.

The finale of the night was "Free at Last" The "Boys" couldn't hold their excitement. All night, the three of them would sit in chairs and stand when it was their turn. But they couldn't stay down on that song! Finally, Joey stepped into action - he would walk behind Ben and sit him down, then Billy would hop up and Joey would sit him down. This went on and on, while Jimmy was singing lead and getting more and more excited! It was obvious that this was part of the show, but it was so fun! With a little help, Jimmy ended up in the aisle, still singing and blessing the place!

We walked out just smiling and so glad we went. The Blind Boys have more than 30 albums and I currently own ONE. That IS going to change!!!