Today Lani & I fly up to Tulsa, OK to interview with the Memorial Drive Church of Christ for their Worship Minister position. We'll be going through a full day tomorrow of interviews and meals with various groups (staff in the morning, worship team representatives in the afternoon, then the elders later). Sunday I'll lead worship and then we're back home by Sunday night.
Thanks for your prayers!
Friday, March 31, 2006
Thursday, March 30, 2006
College Choir memories
Last night Hannah was showing Lani & I her choir music -- several songs that they are learning for UIL competition -- and asked us if we knew any of them. The first one was, "All That Hath Life and Breath Praise Ye the Lord" by Rene Clausen. Immediately Lani and I both started singing the song. I guess Hannah figured out right away that we knew it! Then, I said, "Wait a minute, I think I've got a recording of that" and off I went to the garage to look through all our old records.
Talk about your "memory lane"! I found the box of records and pulled out all the ones from Columbia Christian College, where Lani and I both sang in the Concert Choir, Joyful Noise, and His Heirs groups that my dad directed. Just reading through all the song titles and looking at the pictures of the groups filled my head with music and good memories. I saw some peoples' faces that I haven't thought about in years (and a couple that I couldn't remember their names). What was amazing was how many songs just came right back as soon as I read the title. I could even picture singing them in certain places.
Eventually I made it back inside with the album, "Glorify the Lord" in my hands. The first track is the "All That Hath Life & Breath. . ." that Hannah is learning. So we put it on and Lani and I kind of sang along. Then we played it again for Hannah without singing, so she could hear it. And then we just listened to most of the album with Hannah and Micah there too. I dropped the needle on "Set Down Servant", a song which I had a solo on, and Micah and Hannah didn't think it sounded like me at all! Micah actually didn't realize for awhile that this was a recording that Lani and I were both singing on; he was wondering why we knew all these old songs.
So, it was a fun time listening to our old college choir and recalling friends and choir tours and yellow tuxes and all these songs. And you know, that choir sounded pretty good too!
Talk about your "memory lane"! I found the box of records and pulled out all the ones from Columbia Christian College, where Lani and I both sang in the Concert Choir, Joyful Noise, and His Heirs groups that my dad directed. Just reading through all the song titles and looking at the pictures of the groups filled my head with music and good memories. I saw some peoples' faces that I haven't thought about in years (and a couple that I couldn't remember their names). What was amazing was how many songs just came right back as soon as I read the title. I could even picture singing them in certain places.
Eventually I made it back inside with the album, "Glorify the Lord" in my hands. The first track is the "All That Hath Life & Breath. . ." that Hannah is learning. So we put it on and Lani and I kind of sang along. Then we played it again for Hannah without singing, so she could hear it. And then we just listened to most of the album with Hannah and Micah there too. I dropped the needle on "Set Down Servant", a song which I had a solo on, and Micah and Hannah didn't think it sounded like me at all! Micah actually didn't realize for awhile that this was a recording that Lani and I were both singing on; he was wondering why we knew all these old songs.
So, it was a fun time listening to our old college choir and recalling friends and choir tours and yellow tuxes and all these songs. And you know, that choir sounded pretty good too!
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Faithwalkin'
Today I heard from a WorshipForum friend who said that he was also interviewing at Memorial Drive in Tulsa. I appreciate his openness and let him know. And we'll be praying for each other. He also indicated that they have three other guys that they're bringing in (though I don't know who they are). So, we'll be praying for them too. It just reminded me today that I'm perfectly fine with getting this job or with not getting it, because I'm confident that the Lord is at work and is leading me, my friend, and the church there. Of course, I want to do well and to lead people in an intimate worship time with God this Sunday; but, I also want God to help make it clear whether this ministry and place is a good fit for me and my family (or if it's best for someone else).
It rained most all day here. . . and I was thankful because yesterday I planted a bunch of new flowers in our flowerbeds and patched ugly places in our front lawn with new grass. Thank God for small blessings.
It rained most all day here. . . and I was thankful because yesterday I planted a bunch of new flowers in our flowerbeds and patched ugly places in our front lawn with new grass. Thank God for small blessings.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Just a nice Saturday
What a nice day! I think it topped out right around 70 and with low humidity. Caleb, Levi, Micah, and a friend who's staying with us today all went swimming this afternoon (I think the water temp. was 69 -- brrrr!). Lani & I went to Houston Garden Center and got a bunch of flowers and stuff to spruce up the yard before we put the house up for sale. I like working in the yard, especially on nice days like this (not so much in 90+ degrees and/or 90+ humidity). It may be "Adam's curse" to till the soil, but I kind of like it in small doses (I probably wouldn't want to have to make a living that way).
This week I subbed two days, but times in 5th grade classrooms. I kind of like that age-level. Friday I was actually in Lani's building and was her "teaching partner" (our classes traded back and forth; she teaches math/science and I did language arts/social studies). I've met all the other 5th grade team there and it was fun to work with them.
I'm enjoying the NCAA tourney! Just now saw UCLA finish off Memphis! Go Pac-10. I still can't believe Gonzaga lost that game to them Thursday though.
A week from today Lani and I will be in Tulsa interviewing with the Memorial Drive C of C. Some odd things about that weekend: we'll be doing the interview on April Fool's day and daylight savings time begins (so Sunday morning will feel especially early!).
God's blessings to you!
This week I subbed two days, but times in 5th grade classrooms. I kind of like that age-level. Friday I was actually in Lani's building and was her "teaching partner" (our classes traded back and forth; she teaches math/science and I did language arts/social studies). I've met all the other 5th grade team there and it was fun to work with them.
I'm enjoying the NCAA tourney! Just now saw UCLA finish off Memphis! Go Pac-10. I still can't believe Gonzaga lost that game to them Thursday though.
A week from today Lani and I will be in Tulsa interviewing with the Memorial Drive C of C. Some odd things about that weekend: we'll be doing the interview on April Fool's day and daylight savings time begins (so Sunday morning will feel especially early!).
God's blessings to you!
Thursday, March 23, 2006
American Idol thoughts
OK, until this year, I had never watched an entire episode of American Idol (I'd watched a few clips, but never a whole show). This year all of my family -- led primarily by Hannah -- tune in to watch most every episode. And, I confess, I've watched several (but not all) of the shows too.
I really dislike the regional, qualifying-event shows. What a big, staged farce! They show about 2/3 of the really terrible performers just for the allure & amusement and I can't stand these shows; I could turn it off and walk away at any moment. On the other hand, once they got down to the top 24 or so, then it was all pretty good.
Here are my comments at this point:
I'm so glad Kevin (a.k.a. "Chicken Little") is gone! I was cringing every time I heard him sing because of the pitch problems (and as Simon says, "This is a singing competition.").
When they had the bottom three standing there together, my son Caleb (age 10) was terribly sad, saying, "Oh, I don't want either of my favorites (Kevin & Bucky) to get kicked off. . ." I wanted to laugh & cry at the same time!
Ace has got to go! Again, he's just not a strong singer. Obviously, he's getting by on his looks. And my favorites: Mandisa (can she ever sing!), Elliott (looks odd, but has impressive vocal style & agility), and Chris (just seems like a pro already).
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Here's a great verse for today:
I really dislike the regional, qualifying-event shows. What a big, staged farce! They show about 2/3 of the really terrible performers just for the allure & amusement and I can't stand these shows; I could turn it off and walk away at any moment. On the other hand, once they got down to the top 24 or so, then it was all pretty good.
Here are my comments at this point:
I'm so glad Kevin (a.k.a. "Chicken Little") is gone! I was cringing every time I heard him sing because of the pitch problems (and as Simon says, "This is a singing competition.").
When they had the bottom three standing there together, my son Caleb (age 10) was terribly sad, saying, "Oh, I don't want either of my favorites (Kevin & Bucky) to get kicked off. . ." I wanted to laugh & cry at the same time!
Ace has got to go! Again, he's just not a strong singer. Obviously, he's getting by on his looks. And my favorites: Mandisa (can she ever sing!), Elliott (looks odd, but has impressive vocal style & agility), and Chris (just seems like a pro already).
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Here's a great verse for today:
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Here's an encouraging verse that I read today (from Heartlight):
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought. -- Jeremiah 17:7-8
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought. -- Jeremiah 17:7-8
Keep your trust in the Lord!
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I've been playing with my blog a bit. Did you notice the Flickr pictures box on the sidebar? (I got that idea from Ike Graul's blog, then had to figure out how to do it!). I tried to change the look a little, but only managed to change my overall background color (and then had to figure out how to change all the "rounders" or corners, since they weren't black before). I don't know much of anything about HTML, so whatever I attempt is trial and error. I'd love to have some sort of graphic in my top header box, but am not even sure where to begin. Maybe on some rainy day when I'm not subbing, I'll explore the template code again.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Final Four and more!
OK, first, here are my "Final Four" picks: Duke, UCLA, UConn, and Florida. So far, my top picks are still in. It's always fun to pull for an underdog and today I thoroughly enjoyed watching George Mason beat the "defending Nat'l champion" UNC. And I really pulled for Arizona to beat Villanova; it was close, but they just couldn't pull it out at the end. And though I didn't see any of this one, somewhere a bunch of Bradley alums must be awefully elated. I'd love to see Gonzaga win, but just don't think they'll get past UCLA and then I'm picking UCLA to win it all.
Yesterday I watched a ton of basketball and then at night's end I was feeling kind of guilty about it. As I prayed, I was confessing to God that all this basketball wasn't really that important and that it's all just a game for fun. And then I heard this question: "So why did you spend so much time watching it if it's not really that important?" It was hard to come up with any reasonable answer. Today I watched some games, but I folded laundry and did some other chores while it was all going on.
I'm loving the free games via computer video feed. I'll keep the CBS-televised game on and then select an online game that I wouldn't otherwise get to see. Sometimes the one on the computer is more fun to watch (and you can switch back and forth between 2 or 3 online games at once). I suppose we'll all get hooked on these free video broadcasts this year and then next year they'll charge a fee for them.
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We had a good worship experience at Spring Woodlands today. I introduced a new arrangement that I'd done of "We Want to See Jesus Lifted High". We'll come back and do it again in a couple of weeks. Carl did a great job teaching about "Celebrate Suffering". I think we were all challenged to have an attitude like Paul, Silas, and many early Christians who were positive in the midst of intense trials and suffering. Like Carl said, "I'm not there yet, but I want to be more like that!"
Yesterday I watched a ton of basketball and then at night's end I was feeling kind of guilty about it. As I prayed, I was confessing to God that all this basketball wasn't really that important and that it's all just a game for fun. And then I heard this question: "So why did you spend so much time watching it if it's not really that important?" It was hard to come up with any reasonable answer. Today I watched some games, but I folded laundry and did some other chores while it was all going on.
I'm loving the free games via computer video feed. I'll keep the CBS-televised game on and then select an online game that I wouldn't otherwise get to see. Sometimes the one on the computer is more fun to watch (and you can switch back and forth between 2 or 3 online games at once). I suppose we'll all get hooked on these free video broadcasts this year and then next year they'll charge a fee for them.
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We had a good worship experience at Spring Woodlands today. I introduced a new arrangement that I'd done of "We Want to See Jesus Lifted High". We'll come back and do it again in a couple of weeks. Carl did a great job teaching about "Celebrate Suffering". I think we were all challenged to have an attitude like Paul, Silas, and many early Christians who were positive in the midst of intense trials and suffering. Like Carl said, "I'm not there yet, but I want to be more like that!"
Friday, March 17, 2006
Latest News
Today I subbed in Jr. High band. I monitored two periods of written exams, but during the periods when bands actually rehearsed I just watched as another teacher did the directing (pretty easy day!). I also taught a math class during my "prep"; I guess I needed to actually do some teaching!
Remember your Jr. High days? To start 2nd period, they came on the intercom and said that this pinching thing had to stop, or students would be charged with physical assault (remember it is St. Patrick's Day today!). Ah, the joys and craziness of that age.
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So, here's the latest on my job search: I have an interview/try-out scheduled at the Memorial Drive Church of Christ in Tulsa, OK on the first weekend in April (yes, I'll be interviewing on April Fool's Day!). Seems like some great people there and a healthy church.
I've had some good e-mail correspondence with the senior minister at the Norkenzie Christian Church in Eugene, OR. I don't know how fast they'll be moving along, but it also seems like a good church (in a city that really needs the light of Christ!).
My back-up plan has been to seek out a music teaching job back in Oregon. I've started watching for openings there and have considered going to a big teachers' job fair there on April 4 & 5. My first desire is still to find a full-time worship-leading position, but I also need to take care of my family and so I'm ready to go the teaching route if needed. And too, God may lead me in that direction for His purposes too. We'll just keep praying and see what doors open up and which ones get closed.
To my Montana relatives: Go Griz! (Montana won an NCAA tourney BBall game for the first time since 1970-something!).
Remember your Jr. High days? To start 2nd period, they came on the intercom and said that this pinching thing had to stop, or students would be charged with physical assault (remember it is St. Patrick's Day today!). Ah, the joys and craziness of that age.
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So, here's the latest on my job search: I have an interview/try-out scheduled at the Memorial Drive Church of Christ in Tulsa, OK on the first weekend in April (yes, I'll be interviewing on April Fool's Day!). Seems like some great people there and a healthy church.
I've had some good e-mail correspondence with the senior minister at the Norkenzie Christian Church in Eugene, OR. I don't know how fast they'll be moving along, but it also seems like a good church (in a city that really needs the light of Christ!).
My back-up plan has been to seek out a music teaching job back in Oregon. I've started watching for openings there and have considered going to a big teachers' job fair there on April 4 & 5. My first desire is still to find a full-time worship-leading position, but I also need to take care of my family and so I'm ready to go the teaching route if needed. And too, God may lead me in that direction for His purposes too. We'll just keep praying and see what doors open up and which ones get closed.
To my Montana relatives: Go Griz! (Montana won an NCAA tourney BBall game for the first time since 1970-something!).
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Today's blessings
All of our house guests got off to the airport this morning. It was nice to have family visiting (we got to play cards several times, went to Galveston one day, even all pitched in for some heavy-duty house-cleaning), but now we can get things kind of back to normal. Actually, we're trying to get things in tip-top-shape so that we can put our house on the market.
Seemed like a great time of worship Sunday (especially during 2nd service). The video testimony of Jeff Pleshek was especially heart-touching and inspiring. Jeff has some sort of untreatable or incurable brain cancer, but also has a great faith in God!
Wherever I go, I'm sure gonna miss the excellent video production done by Cindy Cochran. She typically produces two special videos per week (writing scripts, shooting the footage, then editing/mixing the finished product) and they are incredibly well done!
Our church staff ate lunch today at the new Red Robin here in The Woodlands. Red Robin was one of our favorite restaurants back in Portland (in fact, Lani & I ate our first meal together there as a married couple -- we were going to eat at a fancy restaurant, but opted at the last minute to go to a favorite place where we were comfortable). Sitting in this new Red Robin (it opened two days ago), I was reminded of many other times, places, & people that I've eaten with at Red Robin. It was a good flood of memories!
Seemed like a great time of worship Sunday (especially during 2nd service). The video testimony of Jeff Pleshek was especially heart-touching and inspiring. Jeff has some sort of untreatable or incurable brain cancer, but also has a great faith in God!
Wherever I go, I'm sure gonna miss the excellent video production done by Cindy Cochran. She typically produces two special videos per week (writing scripts, shooting the footage, then editing/mixing the finished product) and they are incredibly well done!
Our church staff ate lunch today at the new Red Robin here in The Woodlands. Red Robin was one of our favorite restaurants back in Portland (in fact, Lani & I ate our first meal together there as a married couple -- we were going to eat at a fancy restaurant, but opted at the last minute to go to a favorite place where we were comfortable). Sitting in this new Red Robin (it opened two days ago), I was reminded of many other times, places, & people that I've eaten with at Red Robin. It was a good flood of memories!
Friday, March 10, 2006
Busy week!
It's been hard to post this week, since I've been extremely busy with other things! I guess this is what happens when Lani is off for Spring Break!
Since she had time off, we decided to do some painting in our house. So, we painted ceilings and walls in three bedrooms and the master bath. We started painting on Sunday and finished on Wed. night (er. . . actually Thursday morning, since it was after 1:00 a.m.!). My shoulders and back are still sore from painting over my head! Also, we cleared out gobs of stuff from these rooms. All this is to get ready to put our house up for sale. Even though we don't know where we're going, we feel that we need to be ready to move and don't want to be stuck with a house that's not sold.
Also, Lani's mom, Gladys, and her sister, Shauna, and her brother Brian's wife, Eryann, are all here for a few days, along with Brian & Eryann's youngest son, Jaden. They got here Wednesday night and leave next Tuesday. Today we went out to Galveston for the day. It was a pretty nice time there with temps in the 70's. We ate at Joe's Crab Shack, played on the beach and collected shells, and then walked and shopped on the "Strand".
Now for some job news. After a few days with no worship jobs in sight to even apply for, I've had three pop up in the last two days. One with a Christian church in Eugene, OR (I saw their listing on WorshipLeaderJobs.com), one inquiry from the First Baptist Church in Bend, OR (they had my name in their files from when my brother attended there two years ago), and today an inquiry from an elder with the Memorial Drive Church of Christ in Tulsa, OK (my name was given to him by a fellow WF member). So. . . now to do some paperwork, some prayer, and see if any of these are directions I'm supposed to head in. I've mostly only applied previously for jobs within the C of C (the previous exception was a Bible Church in Portland where I knew several people); now I've got to carefully consider how to proceed with these possibilities. I'm thinking that I should go ahead with these and see how God leads, blesses, and directs.
Since she had time off, we decided to do some painting in our house. So, we painted ceilings and walls in three bedrooms and the master bath. We started painting on Sunday and finished on Wed. night (er. . . actually Thursday morning, since it was after 1:00 a.m.!). My shoulders and back are still sore from painting over my head! Also, we cleared out gobs of stuff from these rooms. All this is to get ready to put our house up for sale. Even though we don't know where we're going, we feel that we need to be ready to move and don't want to be stuck with a house that's not sold.
Also, Lani's mom, Gladys, and her sister, Shauna, and her brother Brian's wife, Eryann, are all here for a few days, along with Brian & Eryann's youngest son, Jaden. They got here Wednesday night and leave next Tuesday. Today we went out to Galveston for the day. It was a pretty nice time there with temps in the 70's. We ate at Joe's Crab Shack, played on the beach and collected shells, and then walked and shopped on the "Strand".
Now for some job news. After a few days with no worship jobs in sight to even apply for, I've had three pop up in the last two days. One with a Christian church in Eugene, OR (I saw their listing on WorshipLeaderJobs.com), one inquiry from the First Baptist Church in Bend, OR (they had my name in their files from when my brother attended there two years ago), and today an inquiry from an elder with the Memorial Drive Church of Christ in Tulsa, OK (my name was given to him by a fellow WF member). So. . . now to do some paperwork, some prayer, and see if any of these are directions I'm supposed to head in. I've mostly only applied previously for jobs within the C of C (the previous exception was a Bible Church in Portland where I knew several people); now I've got to carefully consider how to proceed with these possibilities. I'm thinking that I should go ahead with these and see how God leads, blesses, and directs.
Monday, March 06, 2006
What makes a song connect?
A guy came to talk to me yesterday after church and asked me, "What makes a (worship) song connect with people?" I'll admit that my first reaction inside my head was a little defensive as I wondered if he was going to be critical of some of our song choices or something. But, as I started to formulate a safe answer, he cut in and said that it was when a song uses "I" instead of "we" and "me" instead of "us" (and so on). He wasn't judging any of our song choices at all, but was just thinking about what made some songs really "connect" and others not (including songs in the service we'd just expeienced). He went on to say that he thought that songs in the first-person -- whether old hymns or new songs -- connected a lot better with people's hearts. I think he's on to something. At the same time, I think there's a time to sing together as the church or the body of Christ (like in "Revive Us Again" or "Had It Not Been the Lord"). In either case, I think that songs from our individual perspective or sung as part of the redeemed Church/family of God speak to our hearts and allow us to have engaged spirits as we turn our thanks and praise and petitions to God. More impersonal songs that talk about God or talk just to each other as believers don't seem to connect as well, in my experience. Lots of worship leaders talk about "horizontal" and "vertical" songs, "horizontal" being to each other and "vertical" being to God. So, what do you think?
Friday, March 03, 2006
Subbing in elementary music today and it's at the closest Cy-Fair school to my house. Today is Cy-Fair's last day before Spring Break, so it ought to be a little crazy I'll bet. The phone message said they had a party at the end of the day. (I'm sure all the teachers will be partying at the end of the day too!)
I found out that I'm no longer being considered for the worship leading job at the Eastside C of C in Colorado Springs. The note I got just said they had other applicants who better matched what they are looking for. I was a little bummed about it -- rejection always feels a bit personal -- but trust fully that God is in control and that that must not have been the right place for me either. On a more positive note for me, one of the Spring Woodlands praise team members (who can't always come to rehearsal due to his work schedule) just realized last night at practice that they had offered that job to another guy and that I wouldn't be there after April. He told Lani that he was really, sincerely disappointed because he had been pulling for me all along. It was kind of funny to see him just find out the news, but it was kind of a pat on the back to hear his reaction. Two church members came by my office yesterday just to say good things to me and tell me how much they enjoyed my leading there (one said he hadn't counted on how much he and others would start liking me). Now if I can just find a place with a job opening that has such open arms!
I found out that I'm no longer being considered for the worship leading job at the Eastside C of C in Colorado Springs. The note I got just said they had other applicants who better matched what they are looking for. I was a little bummed about it -- rejection always feels a bit personal -- but trust fully that God is in control and that that must not have been the right place for me either. On a more positive note for me, one of the Spring Woodlands praise team members (who can't always come to rehearsal due to his work schedule) just realized last night at practice that they had offered that job to another guy and that I wouldn't be there after April. He told Lani that he was really, sincerely disappointed because he had been pulling for me all along. It was kind of funny to see him just find out the news, but it was kind of a pat on the back to hear his reaction. Two church members came by my office yesterday just to say good things to me and tell me how much they enjoyed my leading there (one said he hadn't counted on how much he and others would start liking me). Now if I can just find a place with a job opening that has such open arms!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Back in the Classroom again
Today was my first day subbing! I taught a 4th grade "Spanish English Immersion" class at Matzke Elementary (where Lani teaches). I was eligible and equipped to sub for my first time on Monday, but decided to totally finish up my tax return before beginning the sub routine (lest I find myself on April 15 still trying to get it filed; so my taxes have now been filed -- I had to pay to bit, bummer).
I got a great first subbing assignment. Only had eight students, since they're all from Spanish-speaking families (though they all seemed to know English pretty well), and they had an Spanish-speaking aide help for one hour in the morning and a different one help for an hour and 15 minutes in the afternoon. I'd be happy to take that job again any time! It was quite chaotic all around my classroom, however, as there were subs in all three of the adjacent rooms in that quad area and in most of the rooms up and down the hallway (seems all the teachers were pulled out for a training). So while I was enjoying a pretty easy ride, I heard some wildness here and there around me and saw one sub have to yell at her kids toward the end of the day. Funnest part of the day was all the 5th graders who peeked in my room and said, "Are you Ms. Dalzell's husband?" Recess duty was a little warm outside today (must have been about 80), but I can hardly imagine how it is in August or May!
I got a great first subbing assignment. Only had eight students, since they're all from Spanish-speaking families (though they all seemed to know English pretty well), and they had an Spanish-speaking aide help for one hour in the morning and a different one help for an hour and 15 minutes in the afternoon. I'd be happy to take that job again any time! It was quite chaotic all around my classroom, however, as there were subs in all three of the adjacent rooms in that quad area and in most of the rooms up and down the hallway (seems all the teachers were pulled out for a training). So while I was enjoying a pretty easy ride, I heard some wildness here and there around me and saw one sub have to yell at her kids toward the end of the day. Funnest part of the day was all the 5th graders who peeked in my room and said, "Are you Ms. Dalzell's husband?" Recess duty was a little warm outside today (must have been about 80), but I can hardly imagine how it is in August or May!
Saturday, February 25, 2006
A Case for Acappella & Instrumental Worship
I picked up a couple of books this week while up at the ACU Lectures and one of those addresses the acappella/instrumental music issue for Church of Christ people. "The Other Side of the Keyboard" (ISBN 0-89900-918-2, copyright 2005 College Press Pub.) is a brief, balanced, and personal book by Milton Jones. Jones tells why he has changed his view from being one who was opposed to instrumental worship music to being one who supports it's use (but doesn't judge those who use or don't use instruments).
Jones' six chapter book (only 61 pages long) explains his thinking by telling his own story and offers an overview of the traditional C of C position(s) and then his more enlightened view. The six chapters deal with 1) Jones' own experience 2) Methods of "Interpretation" 3) What the Bible says on the issue 4) How church history bears on this issue 5) "Entertainment" (what it is and whether that's bad) 6) The "Division" over this issue and how we might reunite. I found this short book to reaffirm most of the positions I've come to believe on this issue. While Jones now advocates the use of instrumental music in worship, he still maintains that those who don't use instruments should be respected for their view and that we all should be able to practice unity, if not in our actual assemblies then at least in working together in other ways. Jones' own church, the Northwest Church of Christ in Seattle, recently merged with the Shoreline Christian Church. They now have a combined leadership and ministries, yet offer two worship services representing their acappella and instrumental heritages.
I'd be happy to share this book with any of you nearby that might like to read it (it'll probably take you only about an hour or so to read).
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I had fun Friday afternoon doing an arrangement of "We Want to See Jesus Lifted High". It's a pretty pumped up worship song that's been out for quite awhile, but I didn't seem to have an acappella arrangement of it anywhere.
Jones' six chapter book (only 61 pages long) explains his thinking by telling his own story and offers an overview of the traditional C of C position(s) and then his more enlightened view. The six chapters deal with 1) Jones' own experience 2) Methods of "Interpretation" 3) What the Bible says on the issue 4) How church history bears on this issue 5) "Entertainment" (what it is and whether that's bad) 6) The "Division" over this issue and how we might reunite. I found this short book to reaffirm most of the positions I've come to believe on this issue. While Jones now advocates the use of instrumental music in worship, he still maintains that those who don't use instruments should be respected for their view and that we all should be able to practice unity, if not in our actual assemblies then at least in working together in other ways. Jones' own church, the Northwest Church of Christ in Seattle, recently merged with the Shoreline Christian Church. They now have a combined leadership and ministries, yet offer two worship services representing their acappella and instrumental heritages.
I'd be happy to share this book with any of you nearby that might like to read it (it'll probably take you only about an hour or so to read).
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I had fun Friday afternoon doing an arrangement of "We Want to See Jesus Lifted High". It's a pretty pumped up worship song that's been out for quite awhile, but I didn't seem to have an acappella arrangement of it anywhere.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Post-ACU
I had a great time at the ACU Lectures. I certainly enjoyed getting to see and visit with some dear old friends (notably, Rex Hamilton and Ike Graul). My dad and I also enjoyed chances to get together with relatives there: Dave & Joyce Dalzell, Bill & Mary Womack, Joy Crouch, and Doug Dalzell (and his companion, Leah).
The best classes I attended were Jack Reese & Ike's class on worship/hymnody, the Restoration Unity Forum, and the Kairos Church planting. Best worship experience was the Taize service on Tuesday night in the Chapel on the Hill. Best meal was the "$2.99 Taco Plate" at Rosa's (although BBQ at Harold's was a good experience too!).
I shook lots of hands and inquired often about worship leading opportunites. No one seemed to have or be aware of any new full-time job leads, but several people invited me to come and be a volunteer worship leader at their church. I may end up teaching again and volunteering for a church, but at this time I'm still praying and looking for a full-time ministry position.
I also came home with a head cold and feel stuffy and achy today. I guess that might have come from all the hand-shaking!
The best classes I attended were Jack Reese & Ike's class on worship/hymnody, the Restoration Unity Forum, and the Kairos Church planting. Best worship experience was the Taize service on Tuesday night in the Chapel on the Hill. Best meal was the "$2.99 Taco Plate" at Rosa's (although BBQ at Harold's was a good experience too!).
I shook lots of hands and inquired often about worship leading opportunites. No one seemed to have or be aware of any new full-time job leads, but several people invited me to come and be a volunteer worship leader at their church. I may end up teaching again and volunteering for a church, but at this time I'm still praying and looking for a full-time ministry position.
I also came home with a head cold and feel stuffy and achy today. I guess that might have come from all the hand-shaking!
Saturday, February 18, 2006
ACU Lectureships
I'm heading to the ACU Lectureships tomorrow right after morning church services. My dad flew in from Boise tonight and we're going up together, staying at my Uncle David's. Should be a great few days there and I'm looking forward to seeing several good friends, being stimulated by some good teaching, and worshiping with the Zoe Group and others who are leading. I hope also to network a bit and see if there are any job leads.
So. . . keep me in your prayers (and pray for Lani as she's here at home for a few days with all the kids!). And I probably won't have a chance to blog for a few days!
So. . . keep me in your prayers (and pray for Lani as she's here at home for a few days with all the kids!). And I probably won't have a chance to blog for a few days!
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Things that get you excited
So, what gets you excited? What are you passionate about?
I can tell when I'm really wrapped up in something because I don't want to put it down or walk away from it. I'll ignore other things that I could or should be doing to keep doing this. I might work right through meal times or late into the night. And I feel good about the experience while I'm doing it and after I'm finished.
Yesterday (and part of today) I've been doing an arrangement of the song, "Can't Keep a Good Man Down" (performed by Newsong, when Russ Lee was still with them -- what a voice!). I spent hours yesterday tediously setting up the layout and entering notes. I love doing this (and I think this one will turn out pretty good, as long as there's a gifted soloist to present it). I could keep at this for hours and hours, maybe days and days, if it weren't for all the rest of "life" that needs my attention too. Sometimes I get like this when I'm working on home improvement/handyman projects (not maintenance like plumbing, but like when you're building something). Occasionally, I might get this drawn in by a movie, a TV show, or a book ("24" is doing this to me this year).
So, what is it for you? Is it something creative (building, song-writing, poetry, writing, etc.)? Is it something engaging like a good book or movie?
I can tell when I'm really wrapped up in something because I don't want to put it down or walk away from it. I'll ignore other things that I could or should be doing to keep doing this. I might work right through meal times or late into the night. And I feel good about the experience while I'm doing it and after I'm finished.
Yesterday (and part of today) I've been doing an arrangement of the song, "Can't Keep a Good Man Down" (performed by Newsong, when Russ Lee was still with them -- what a voice!). I spent hours yesterday tediously setting up the layout and entering notes. I love doing this (and I think this one will turn out pretty good, as long as there's a gifted soloist to present it). I could keep at this for hours and hours, maybe days and days, if it weren't for all the rest of "life" that needs my attention too. Sometimes I get like this when I'm working on home improvement/handyman projects (not maintenance like plumbing, but like when you're building something). Occasionally, I might get this drawn in by a movie, a TV show, or a book ("24" is doing this to me this year).
So, what is it for you? Is it something creative (building, song-writing, poetry, writing, etc.)? Is it something engaging like a good book or movie?
Monday, February 13, 2006
Tax Time
I started doing my taxes today and so now I've taken over our entire informal dining table. Evey year I think "this would be sooooooo much easier if I'd file things better or start using Quicken faithfully" and yet here I am again sorting stacks and stacks of reciepts and payment records and hoping I find everything.
Other notes:
In the Texas Master Chorale we're rehearsing "The Chichester Psalms" by Leonard Bernstein. It's tough! Not only are we dealing with strange tonality and lots of changing meters, but on top of that, it's in Hebrew!
We received a generous gift of support from some friends today (a "Valentine", they said). I'm still moved by the caring and love and support that so many have shown us. We are trying to be more and more careful about how we spend money because it feels like we're spending other people's money. Hmm. . . maybe we should have that in mind all the time; after all, every good gift is from our Father!
Other notes:
In the Texas Master Chorale we're rehearsing "The Chichester Psalms" by Leonard Bernstein. It's tough! Not only are we dealing with strange tonality and lots of changing meters, but on top of that, it's in Hebrew!
We received a generous gift of support from some friends today (a "Valentine", they said). I'm still moved by the caring and love and support that so many have shown us. We are trying to be more and more careful about how we spend money because it feels like we're spending other people's money. Hmm. . . maybe we should have that in mind all the time; after all, every good gift is from our Father!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
It's all good!
So many good things to be thankful for. . .
Yesterday my good friend, Lyle Jarvis, flew into Houston to pick up a car he'd bought through eBay. Of course, I was happy to pick him up at the airport and get to spend some time with him. He came with my family to see the new Pink Panther movie after we got his car. Then we just enjoyed visiting and watching the Olympics. After spending the night and coming to church with us this morning, he was off in his new purchase, headed back to Amarillo.
Worship this morning was great! Especially in our second service today it seemed like there was both excitement and Spirit. Also, I was blessed to have several dear families come visit at Spring Woodlands today; it was encouraging to receive their hugs and kind words. We finished our services today with "This is How We Overcome". I'd never led this one before, but always enjoyed singing it at Zoe events. It was fun and encouraging to do it today.
Tonight we had a "Chili Cook-Off" event at Spring Woodlands. And as part of that, they asked several staff-member couples to participate in a "Not-So-Newlyweds Game". So Lani and I were among the six teams and WE WON! I guess we know each other pretty well (although we had to survive a playoff against the youth minister and his wife)!
I still don't know where my next job will be or where we'll be living, but it's all good. God is caring for and blessing us one day at a time.
Yesterday my good friend, Lyle Jarvis, flew into Houston to pick up a car he'd bought through eBay. Of course, I was happy to pick him up at the airport and get to spend some time with him. He came with my family to see the new Pink Panther movie after we got his car. Then we just enjoyed visiting and watching the Olympics. After spending the night and coming to church with us this morning, he was off in his new purchase, headed back to Amarillo.
Worship this morning was great! Especially in our second service today it seemed like there was both excitement and Spirit. Also, I was blessed to have several dear families come visit at Spring Woodlands today; it was encouraging to receive their hugs and kind words. We finished our services today with "This is How We Overcome". I'd never led this one before, but always enjoyed singing it at Zoe events. It was fun and encouraging to do it today.
Tonight we had a "Chili Cook-Off" event at Spring Woodlands. And as part of that, they asked several staff-member couples to participate in a "Not-So-Newlyweds Game". So Lani and I were among the six teams and WE WON! I guess we know each other pretty well (although we had to survive a playoff against the youth minister and his wife)!
I still don't know where my next job will be or where we'll be living, but it's all good. God is caring for and blessing us one day at a time.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Rrrrrriinnnnngg!
This morning I got four phone calls between 5:30 & 6:30 to sub. So. . . that means I'm in the system for Cy-Fair now. But I can't accept any sub jobs until I have my security ID, which you can pick up after you've been in the system for approx. 10 days (I'm going to check today to see if I can get it now anyway; I guess all they can say is "no, come back in a few days."). So these early morning phone calls may become a routine thing.
It's raining today -- which is good because we need it -- but the weather reporters are cracking me up with their joking about winter coming and "Siberian" air (yes, they said that this morning). It's supposed to get down to a high of 52 tomorrow. 52! OK, the overnight lows might get below freezing on Saturday night, but "Siberian"??? I think people here have led a cold-sheltered life!
At our Praise Team rehearsal last night, one lady shared that she and her husband are going to get a divorce and several others shared prayer requests for spouses or friends who were dealing with cancer, horrible back problems, surgeries, etc. It sure made me realize that my own problems aren't so bad at all. I'm very blessed and thankful. At the same time, it sure tugs at my heart to hear what others are dealing with. What an awesome God we have who cares for us all!
It's raining today -- which is good because we need it -- but the weather reporters are cracking me up with their joking about winter coming and "Siberian" air (yes, they said that this morning). It's supposed to get down to a high of 52 tomorrow. 52! OK, the overnight lows might get below freezing on Saturday night, but "Siberian"??? I think people here have led a cold-sheltered life!
At our Praise Team rehearsal last night, one lady shared that she and her husband are going to get a divorce and several others shared prayer requests for spouses or friends who were dealing with cancer, horrible back problems, surgeries, etc. It sure made me realize that my own problems aren't so bad at all. I'm very blessed and thankful. At the same time, it sure tugs at my heart to hear what others are dealing with. What an awesome God we have who cares for us all!
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