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Monday, May 26, 2008

Music

I had a very unique experience yesterday. I got to be part of a choir, for just a moment, made up of singers who had attended Emory & Henry and had been part of the Concert Choir sometime within the past 50 years. There were more than 200 voices strong. I was brought to tears several times as I listened to them from the congregation. I did not sing for the entire service because I decided not to go up for the entire weekend of rehearsals for several reasons. However, I did sneak up and join in for the Lutkin Benediction and 7 Fold Amen.

It was also a special experience because it may be one of the last, if not the last time that I will see "Doc", our former director. He is suffering from a form of dementia, and I could see the effects of it in him. That broke my heart, in itself. I watched him direct and tried to memorize it--his expressions, his motions, how his emotion would show in his entire being. I have discussed, and even heard a sermon about why this man and this choir means so much to those who have been in its ranks.
It isn't easy to describe to someone who hasn't 'been there'. I guess it must be something akin to playing on a championship team with a superior coach (not that I have any point of reference there, folks!). But maybe that is what it feels like. It is a kinship and a team related feeling to work together to bring forth the best sound possible. And what makes it even better is that you are doing so for the glory of the Lord.

Yes, Doc is just a human being. But when he is directing, he is also an instrumentalist, and we were his instrument. He tried so hard to finely tune us to raise our voices On High. I don't know how else to describe it. I tried to describe my experience in Austria with the choir in this post--maybe it'll make more sense!

And then, in addition, to have the emotions that come with going 'home' to Emory, a place where I lived for 4 years and did a great amount of living, loving, and growing up.....I was simply overwhelmed. God was certainly in the chapel, and I'm pretty certain that He was pleased!

It was also very good and comforting to me to be in a honest-to-goodness UNITED METHODIST service. I won't go into a diatribe on that, I'll just say that I don't get to experience the ritual that I have grown up with and love so much each Sunday as I'd like. This, too, added to the rush of emotions I was feeling.

I don't know....maybe this isn't making any sense to anyone but me, but I wanted to get it down and be able to remember what I felt yesterday. I also wanted to add some
hymns and scripture that was in the service. If you don't wanna read all that, feel free to skip, but please do leave me a comment! (hint, hint!)


When in Our Music God is Glorified


Psalm 98:4-9 (Message)
Shout your praises to God, everybody!
Let loose and sing! Strike up the band!

Round up and orchestra to play for God,
Add on a hundred-voice choir.

Feature trumpets and big trombones,
Fill the air with praises to King God.

Let the sea and its fish give a round of applause,
With everything living on Earth joining in.

Let ocean breakers call out "Encore!"
And mountains harmonize the finale--

A tribute to God when He comes,
When He comes to set the earth right.

He'll straighten out the whole world,
He'll put the world right, and everyone in it.



Colossians 3:12-17

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ--the Message--have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives--words, actions, whatever--be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

I don't know what to call this!

It's Saturday morning. My hubby and I had a discussion that upset me, not because of what he said but because it is true and there is no way for me to fix it. It is just something that has happened and we're just going to have to deal with it the best we can. It's financial....so that is stressful of course. I know that we will make it, though it is going to be tight for a while longer. It doesn't help that gas and grocery prices have gone through the roof, of course. But God has taken care of us in the past and He will continue to. I will lick my wounds and get over it. But it hurts right now.

Anyway, I decided that while the boys are playing with the neighbors and hubby is off helping his brother with something, I'd do a Bible study. I KNOW that I'll feel better if I will spend more time in His word. I do feel better, doing this and sitting outside. Here in a few, I'm going to hang clothes on the line...that'll save a penny or two!

Here is some scripture I found that makes a TON of sense to me, given how I've been feeling with how certain aspects of my life are going right now. I feel very out of control. The things that I feel that way about ARE out of my personal control, but God IS in control!

James 1: 5-8: "If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get His help, and won't be condescended when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought." (The Message Translation)

and this! 1 Samuel 17:37: "God, who delivered me from the teeth of the lion and the claws of the bear, will deliver me from this Philistine."

God will deliver me from this time of frustration and uncertainty!!

and what about this?? Isaiah 41:10: "Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear, for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you."

Who wouldn't feel more secure reading this??

One more...I Peter 5:6-7:"So be content with WHO YOU ARE, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; He'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you."

I feel better now, how about you?