Happy New Year

Wow! 2010 was a year full of some losses, but many blessings for our church.  We started the year by losing Mrs. Mary Robinson to Heaven in January and ended the year with Mr. Robert Peters going to Heaven in December.  Our dear friend, Mrs. Connie Engelman went to Heaven after a battle with cancer.  Many have been sick, there have been surgeries, hospice care, emergency rooms, and near-death situations.  I have to say that throught all of this the atmosphere of our church has been positive and happy.
With my musician's personality, I have always focused on being accurate, to the point, and in sync with the music and director.  Sometimes this left no room for understanding, mercy or tolerance toward those without my exacting point of view.  I am not saying that I have decided to drop my standards, but I have decided to be happy and flexible when things aren't perfect or don't go exactly the way I plan or when people don't understand my way of thinking.
When choosing music to sing or play, the difficulty level of a song, performance presence, or the heavy-duty message of a song can overshadow the effect of the song.  Shouldn't the primary sounds a church member hears and the lasting memory of a service be one that is light-hearted and full of hope?  It shouldn't be, "Did you hear the technique of that musician?  I don't remember the song, but she sure held that high note longer than..."  I decided I don't want to choose a droll or unknown tune just because it shows off my technique or gives a "wow" factor.
When saying "Happy New Year", let's take it to heart.  Let's try to make those around us happier, let's make our loved ones happier,  let's leave people we meet out soul winning happier, let's leave our students happier in the classroom.
I'm all for a meaningful, spiritual, contributing, sacrificial life, but we must try to wrap our lives in a cheerful package of happiness. A series of happy days will lead to having an overall happy life in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ.
II Chronicles 9: ³And when the queen of Sheba had seen 
the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built, 
⁴And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, 
and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; 
his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent 
by which he went up into the house of the LORD; 
there was no more spirit in her. 
⁵And she said to the king, It was a true report 
which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, 
and of thy wisdom: ⁶Howbeit I believed not their words,
until I came, and mine eyes had seen it:
and, behold, the one half of the greatness 
of thy wisdom was not told me: 
for thou exceedest the fame that I heard. 
⁷Happy are thy men, and 
happy are these thy servants, 
which stand continually before thee, 
and hear thy wisdom. 
⁸Blessed be the LORD thy God, 
which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, 
to be king for the LORD thy God: 
because thy God loved Israel, 
to establish them for ever, 
therefore made he thee king over them, 
to do judgment and justice. 

Carols, Home, Holidays, a Funeral, and a Wedding

Music is a lot like food, you don't really think about it until you're hungry or until there's a need.  Me, I think about food all the time and music is the same.  It's not an obsession, just a part of life, like breathing.
The importance of music comes to the forefront, especially at Christmas time.  The holidays just wouldn't be the same if we didn't hear Christmas carols playing throughout our churches, homes, and places of business.   Although we love the Christmas music, it is more difficult to play and requires more practice...which reminds me... So, musicians, it is just an occupational hazard, we have to play "The First Noel" in the key of D major, almost just as written because each beat will have a different chord! In addition to the regular carols we are doing a Christmas cantata, it's been twenty-five years since the last one.  The LBT choir, adult ensembles, teen choir, and drama team will be presenting "Christmas at Home" by Ron Hamilton on December 19.
Just as Christmas wouldn't be the same without the carols, our church members' funerals need a special loving touch where music is concerned.  This week, Bro. Robert Peters, one of our faithful members and deacons, passed away of natural causes.  Today I took some time to make sure all of the piano and organ music was in order and appropriate for his service.  The order of service is ready and we are flexible to meet any of the family's requests.  This service will be held on Saturday, December 4, and we musicians will do our best to be a comfort and encouragement to the family and church membership.
Our daughter, Jessica, is getting married in two weeks.  This week was dedicated to getting all of her wedding music together and finalized.  Hey, since I'm the music coordinator shouldn't this be an easy job?  No, it's been one of the most difficult parts of this wedding.  It must be because she's been at every single wedding, heard every song sung - some good, some ... well, different.  I think we finally got it down.  I will have the opportunity to be on the listening side of the wedding music and I know that jut one song change would change the wedding atmosphere.  It is so powerful.
My husband, Scott, has been remodeling our den, which has created a domino effect.  I think I have straightened, stored, and thrown away all of the "dominos" that lost their places while we de-cluttered.  The one thing that was given priority was our CD collection.  Although downloaded onto mp3 players and computers, the cds in the cases are still valuable to me.  The Christmas music is some of our most precious, it is timeless and holds many memories.
Musicians, take your vitamins.  December is a music-filled month and needs our focus, rehearsals, and undivided attention.  Well, at least we can try!

After Homecoming Revival

It's been a week since our LBT Homecoming Revival began.  We looked forward to it, enjoyed every minute of it, and now we are still seeing and feeling the results of it.  As you can see, Bro. Wells and Oscar had an effect on Alyssa - she's been practicing telling Bible stories without moving her lips.  She has her eye on a puppet at Mardel's.  

The music department ended up doing over 40 specials throughout the week!  I am always amazed at the dedication and willingness of our LBT church musicians.  We had a different color scheme for each day, so that singers in multiple groups would still coordinate.  Three different choirs sang - the adult choir and orchestra, the all men's choir, and the teen choir.  Our grade school and jr./sr/ high pianists played during the dinner hour on Tuesday and the college musicians played on Wednesday evening.  Pastor led the singing!

Being just a part of so great a meeting was a privilege.  The preaching dominated the week and the invitations were the highlight of each service.  I couldn't wait to see how the Lord worked in lives, including mine.  

My mind is already thinking about great songs for next year!  Since we have an idea about what revival is all about we will be more excited as we prepare.  This week four people have let me know that they would love to join the special music ministry!  Praise the Lord for that!

Here's a photo of the Men of Victory quartet practicing on a Saturday evening for the Homecoming revival.  Bro. B.J. Benton, Bro. Travis Smith, Bro. Terry Thompson, and Bro. Pete Londeau (on cell phone, out of town!).  These men have been in the LBT music ministry for a combined total of 100 years!

Are you a Believer?

I have had the privilege of teaching some wonderful Christian young people in the past years.  This semester is no exception.  The Texas Baptist College freshmen class is one of the best groups of young people I've ever met.  We've only had a few weeks together in music practices and classes and the bond of fellowship is already there.  Two new groups have learned five songs in just three rehearsals. Wow!  I can't believe it, I'm very joyful about their enthusiasm, but I'm more amazed at what God can do when we yield our time, spirits, and talent to His will.
Today during a piano lesson, I noticed my student's keychain.  It said "Believe", that is her "word".  Mine is "hope".  "Believe" is a great word for anyone setting out to do something great for God and I thought today that we all need that in every ministry when we want to accomplish something eternal.
I read this morning that "the just shall live by faith", Galations 3:11.  Each time, musician, that you go to practice with a music group, choir, teach a lesson, or choose a song, you are exercising faith.  You have to "believe to see".  There is no guarantee that any of your labor will turn out, but you must BELIEVE.
Humanly speaking, with all of the obstacles, human failures, schedule changes, and attitudes that need adjusting there could be little or no music made in our churches.  But when we, by faith and belief, are faithful to take the steps day by day, then God does a miraculous work - He responds to our faith and trust in Him.
I am believing, by faith, that God will give our church musicians the strength, concentration, health, and ability to sing over forty specials for our Homecoming Revival coming up in October.  If you think about it, it is a daunting task.  But, we haven't crossed our eyes, sighed, or dreaded the challenge, we are excited and know that we need to BELIEVE and exercise our faith, God will do the rest and will bless beyond our expectations.
Are you a Believer?

"The Domino Effect"

We have often heard and spoken of the value of just one soul.   That's what our focus as a Christian should be - to reach just one more soul.  This morning John and Amy Robinson sang a beautiful song - "Reach Just One More Soul", written by Amy.  It hit the mark as does all of the songs that they write and sing together.
You can also use this point of view in the your music ministry - each soul that you have the honor to work with is so valuable.  If you take just one person out of your music ministry for one weekend it can change the whole program and your options.  Three weeks ago Travis and Ruth Smith were on vacation. What did that mean?  It meant that the Men of Victory Quartet could not sing and that we would need another song leader for the auditorium Sunday School class.  If I would have wanted to schedule Voice of Triumph Ensemble or the Faith Trio, that would not have worked.  This is all because one family was out of town.  The same thing can happen on any given week with any given musician out of town - that is the domino effect.
The music ministry is unlike the Sunday school and bus ministry, where workers can be replaced at the last minute or the assistant teacher or bus captain can step into a position.  Musicians work together and have to practice a song for hours before they can be ready.  So when one is out or sick, the group is usually not functional.
I have learned the value of one musician when four families are out of town and the second solo spot needs to be filled.  When I call the "one" and they agree to sing, I am grateful and know their value - irreplaceable!
When scheduling, dealing with people, and choosing music for musicians treat each one with special value.  Pray for each musician every week and express your gratitude regularly.  Birthday cards, thank you notes, and letters are thoughtful ways to make each person feel that they are valued.
When I think of musicians that have come through our church, I hope that they have fond memories of participating in the music ministry of the Longview Baptist Temple.  I also hope that every one that is currently involved in special music knows that they are special and are doing a great work.
Recognize the value of "one" and God will take care of the big picture!

"Back to Basics"

It's good to remember where you came from.  I remember being a new church pianist and having the music director look at me and say, "What key are you in?"  I looked back and said "What?"  He said, "What KEY are you in? You know, how many flats or sharps at the beginning?"  I just counted and said "4 flats."  That was the extent of my knowledge of key signatures.  I remember watching someone play a V7 chord arpeggio as an introduction, then going home and practicing.  I knew it sounded good, but I didn't know what it was.
It's easy for me to assume that every piano student had a theory book.  Not only did they have a theory book, they did the lessons.  Not only did they do the lessons, they understood them.  Not only did they understand them, they remembered them.  Not only did they remember them, they applied them...NOT!
Sorry to be a little worldly there...Theory is like any other skill, you have to do it, use it, repeat it, etc...to remember it and learn it.
I recently had a church pianist ask me a question and I sent her the following as a starter lesson.  I wish someone would have sat me down, looked me in they eye, and explained things to me when I was just starting as a church pianist.

1.  Every key has seven tones - tone 1 = tonic, tone 4 = subdominant, tone 5 = dominant.  In English - C major scale, tone 1 is C, Tone 4 is F, Tone 5 is G.  The most predominant tone/chord in the key of C is the 1, which is C.  The second most predominant tone/chord in the key of C is the 5, which is G.  The third most predominant tone/chord in the key of C is the 4, which is F.
2.  If you notice while your playing hymns, you are basically only playing three chords for each hymn.  You are playing the 1, 4, and 5 chord.  That is why you can almost go into autopilot with your left hand because you will play mostly chord 1, then chord 5, then chord 4.
3.  Keys:  Most popular for church pianists...
Key of C - primary chords - C-F-G  (G7 to go into C)
Key of G - primary chords - G-C-D (D7 to go into G)
Key of D - primary chords - D-G-A (A7 to go into D)
Key of F - primary chords - F-Bb-C  (C7 to go into F)
Key of Bb - primary chords - Bb-Eb-F  (F7 to go into Bb)
Key of Eb - primary chords - Eb-Ab-Bb   (Bb7 to go into Eb)
Key of Ab - primary chords - Ab-Db-Eb  (Eb7 to go into Ab)

The last listed for each key above is the 5 chord.  We usually use Roman numerals, but it means the same thing.
3.  The modulating chord to get to a key is the 5, with a seventh added to it, just count up seven notes from the 5,  or count back one from the 5


Part 2 coming...

Have Fun While You Serve

Today is Sunday, July 4, 2010.  Maybe you thought, "What a drag, having church on the Fourth of July holiday." I honestly can say that today was an enjoyable day.  The preaching was a blessing and the atmosphere was one of thankfulness and just being happy to be an American.  I didn't have to sit outdoors swatting flies or mosquitoes!!
Because of just finishing the Teen Convention and a change in our church meetings schedule we haven't quite got our rehearsals back into the normal routine. Add vacations, sickness, and one musician called in to nursing duty and that can also cause a challenge.  In spite of these "setbacks" God blessed today and I honestly can say that I enjoyed being at church.
Was everything perfect?  Well, I don't believe so, but I do believe we did our absolute best for our Lord and that the result fit into the entire scheme of His will.
I had originally planned for the Joy Trio and Daughters to sing "Red, White, and Blue", but oral surgery of one singer prevented that plan.  Then our Strength and Beauty Ensemble was supposed to do a new patriotic song, but a deacon's meeting and a busy teen convention schedule derailed that one.   My daughter, Victoria, has been out of the special music mode for several weeks due to being a new mother and was feeling good enough this weekend to practice and sing, so I said, "Praise the Lord, let's sing on Sunday morning!"  Chandler Tolley sang a beautiful solo, as planned - "It's Time to Pray".  The Men of Victory Quartet was ready for Sunday night but our tenor was called in to work at the last minute and our men's quartet became a mixed quartet when Mrs. Sandy Londeau filled in!
I had the privilege of playing a piano trio with Amy Robinson and Nicole Koehn.  We played "Stars and Stripes Forever" and I had a great time, even though I was sitting in the middle and the skinny person should be in the middle!  I didn't have a worry with those ladies on each side of me doing all of the hard stuff!
When the problems come, just take them as a challenge, do what you can with what you have, and leave the work in the Lord's hands.  You'll have fun while you serve!

Organizing Priorities

I am so blessed to have a wonderful job in the ministry.  I love what I do and the people that I work alongside.  Another benefit is some flexibility in my schedule.  There are times when my family needs more attention than other times, like this past week - my granddaughter, Kate, was born!
Weighing in at a whopping 7 pounds 3 ounces, Kate has turned our world upside down.  Victoria delivered by C-section on Wednesday, June 23rd.  I became very ill on that day and had to leave the hospital before the delivery.  During that time as I lay in bed while my daughter was in labor, the Lord seemed to let me know that all would be well, even without my involvement!  Yes, the Lord would take care of Victoria, the baby, the doctor and nurses, and make sure that the pictures were taken...
Joanna Bagwell, a lifetime friend of my girls, came up to labor and delivery from her job in the hospital clerk's office.  She took more pictures than I would have and did a great job!  She provided "support" for Jessica and Victoria.  Even today I don't regret not being there because it must have been the Lord's doing, I couldn't think about being in the delivery room that day!
I was able to be there at the hospital the next two days and bring Victoria and the baby home to our house for a few days of recuperation.  On Monday we took the baby for a consultation with the nurse and discovered she had jaundice, so back into the hospital she went.  Victoria and Kate stayed in the hospital for three days.  I was back and forth during this time and missed a few scheduled meetings.  Today, Friday, we took Kate for her follow-up visit and found out that she has gained weight and is doing well.
My pastor has allowed me to be a mom and "Gigi" to Kate without my feeling guilty.  The music ministry has always been at the back of my mind and in my prayers.  I have been able to do some organizing work and typing and I'm ready to get back into the full "swing" of things, if the Lord allows!
When circumstances are totally out of your control it is easy to become frustrated or to feel useless, but God is doing a work on you.  He sometimes needs to show us that the ministry is not about us, it's about Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit, and helping people.  We need to live our lives fulfilling God's purposes.  My family is my primary responsibility, but my church sustains my family.  My music ministry is a bonus, it is a blessing for me to be able to do.
My church will and can survive without me, but I cannot survive without my church!

"Beating the Blahs"

Got the "blahs"?  For us, school has been out for three weeks.  I had a BIG plan of seventy-five things I wanted to accomplish this summer - want to know how many I've checked off of the list, let me see...four!  Just reading that list makes me feel "blah", I don't know what I was drinking when I typed that up, it must have been a surge of adrenaline and caffeine combined!
In the music ministry it is hard to hide a case of the "blahs", it becomes so obvious to those who work with you.  Symptoms may include...
1. Cancelled rehearsals
2. Tardiness to rehearsals or church services
3. Lack of energy and/or enthusiasm
4. Grumpiness or shortness of temper.
5. A "whatever" type of attitude
6. Having to drink two cups of coffee with three advils before going to church
7. Lack of creativity with the music arrangements, accompaniment, or your clothing!
8. Having to talk yourself into practicing or showing interest.
9. Being able to leave a stack of new music untouched for days...
10. Changing the subject when group members want to have new outfits.

How did I come up with this list?  I live this list during certain times of the year!  Life happens when you're busy making a schedule or making plans.  Sometimes we just have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going through the "blahs" until the Lord steps in and gives us a personal revival.  If you know the symptoms of  your "blahness" you can remedy this feeling.  Here are some things that work for me.
1. Stick with the rehearsal schedule, no matter what.  Look at the calendar first and make sure you don't schedule rehearsals on holidays!
2. Go early to rehearsal!  Get yourself a treat - coffee, a coke, etc...  Get the music ready and greet each member as they arrive.
3. Take Vitamin B-12 or a B complex vitamin every day.  I use Super Subingual B-12 by Trivita.  It's not bi-lingual...  you place it under your tongue and let it dissolve, I can tell a difference if I don't take it! If you decide to try it, please give my name as a reference!  Jennifer Petticoffer, customer #13387870.  They send prizes! ha!
4. Grumpiness - if you get to rehearsal early and have time to practice alone or play and sing alone you'll be in a better mood.  For after service rehearsals, lay out all music to practice before the service so you can just walk into the room and procede with rehearsal.
5. A "whatever" type of attitude can be caused by being distracted or a general lack of thinking about your ministry.  Take time every day to think about your work.  Pray for each musician every week, pray for the groups, even pray for the P.A. man!  Revival will happen if you do that!
6. Maybe you need to go to bed earlier on Saturday evening and take a short nap on Sunday afternoon...I do! Spend more time in your Bible reading.  Have a soul winning goal of talking to a definite number of people every week and winning at least one person a week to the Lord.  Invest in the church members in ways that are not music-related - send get well cards, birthday cards, go to baby showers, bridal showers, visit sick church members in the hospital, etc...
7. Force yourself to do new songs, look for new music, and change your wardrobe colors every once in a while.  Mrs. Amy Robinson notices that whenever I'm sick I do a lot of music research and song assignments.  This is totally true!  I have stacks of music catalogs or music books to research that I don't have time for on a normal basis, but when I'm sick and bored stiff, I sit with stacks of music and work!  No interruptions except the thermometer, tylenol, and pepto!
8. Make a practice (no pun intended) to practice before eating a particular meal.  Food is a great motivator!
9. If you can leave new music untouched - call 9-1-1!  I walk in with new music and go directly to the piano.   It's important to get your "appetite" back for learning, you just have to force yourself to practice and open a new book every once in a while!
10. If singers want a new outfit - that is big!  Revival is just around the corner.  Be enthusiastic and realize that this is a commitment and expense that shows devotion to the Lord!  Be grateful!
I hope you can beat those "blahs", if you think of another way, let me know!

Summertime Survival

Summer is officially here, we reached 100 degrees in Longview on Sunday afternoon!  Looking across the auditorium I noticed a few families missing and some choir chairs with alternates, but all went well anyway!
The best thing that we musicians can do is to do is plan big -  and then have Plan B, Plan C, Plan D, E, etc...  Get your back-up plans by going through the music files and look for "dormant" groups, you know, those who haven't sung in a few months because a new babies, sickness, job changes, etc...  Have a few extra practices as soon as possible and let them know to be ready just in case they're needed.
If and when all of your regular group members show up for their rehearsals, take advantage of the time and practice a couple of old songs and let them know that these are for emergencies, you may be calling the night before!
Our choir director has a vacation calendar for all to sign at the beginning of the summer so he'll know how many to plan for in the choir each Sunday.  I usually ask each group if they'll be gone on their next scheduled singing date and then make changes if needed.  Most large groups are not affected by one or two people missing, as long as they are not "key" singers or soloists, more than that and it's probably best to reschedule.
Another way to be ready at all times is to find new music for your soloists.  Let them know that they are "on call" and need to be ready in case of emergency.  Use summer time to do music finding, research, organizing, and re-assigning songs.
If you have a big event this summer, like revival or teen conferences, you can use the music that was scheduled during the conference throughout the summertime, especially if it was new music for the conference.
Remember that you can enjoy the music ministry, even it if is summertime!

Letting Go and Letting God

Pictured: Jennifer and Jessica in the Muskogee Regional Medical Center ICU after Jessica regained consciousness.


When I was growing up there were several popular bumper stickers (none of which ever donned my Daddy's chrome): "Honk! If you love Jesus", "God is my Co-Pilot", "Lucky Me I Live in Longview", "Let Go and Let God", etc...
Some were funny and some didn't mean much.  This past weekend I learned the value of the last one, I had to let go and let God do what He wanted.  I have learned this about the music ministry, but when your life is unexpectedly detoured you sometimes grab at anything and everything you can to hold on to.
It was Memorial Day weekend and I was looking forward to having our Heaven-themed service.  I knew that Pastor and his family would be out of town so we would need to "step up" and put extra effort into all of the music.  Little did we know that we would be needed in Muskogee, Oklahoma to be with our daughter, Jessica, while she was in ICU.  (You can read this story in another other blog..)
While we were on our way we all had to make phone calls - choir director, Amy Robinson, Sunday school superintendents, Connie Vazquez, Pastor, etc... to let all know we would not be able to fulfill our Sunday positions.  I thought about my Sunday School class, the specials I was supposed to play for, the choir, choir rehearsal, and just being at my church.  Then I thought, this is out of my hands, let go and let God do His work.
I never have to worry because I have capable and talented musician friends who are ready at a moment's notice to do whatever is needed.  What a blessing!  I knew that I would miss being there more than they would miss my being there and that consoled me.
Then I turned to grab at any ideas on how to help Jessica, bargain for her with the Lord, try to work things out in my life so God would heal her, find out the why and how of her illness, ask questions, etc... Then the Lord reminded me to "let go".  I couldn't change anything by saying "what if" or blaming doctors, nurses, or paramedics.  I couldn't help the situation by preaching to Jessica about the dangers of diabetes type I as she lay unconscious in the ICU.  I just sat there and worked on trusting.  I trusted the cranky nurse, the doctor who looked like he belonged on the Food Network, the "Red Neck" nurse, and the doctor who reminded me of a Pentecostal nanny.  Then I realized I was just trusting God and His perfect plan for us.  No matter how you got there, He let you get there, He is with you every step of the way, He provides each need, and He feels  our heartaches.
As I look back on it, I can chuckle a little and say, "Why did I even worry?"  But in the midst of the trial, when the fear and unknown are before you,  you have to let go and work on trusting.  Get a verse or a song in your heart, then just let go and let God.

Isaiah 65:24 - And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Memorial Day Weekend and other holidays

Just a reminder that Memorial Day weekend is around the corner.  Here at our church we focus on Heaven with the congregational songs and specials.  A patriotic offertory or special is also welcomed by the veterans, but July 4 is just around the corner so you may want to save those specials for then.
One of the staff men reads a listing of all of the members and loved ones of members who have passed away while we play "In the Sweet By and By" or "How Beautiful Heaven Must Be".
Fourth of July actually falls on Sunday this  year so pull out all of the stops and be ready for everything to be red, white, blue, and patriotic.  To me, we could be patriotic year around.  Patriotic songs need to be practiced and "dusted off" to be ready so it's probably time to get started!
I have posted a few patriotic songs on the "Song of the Day" blog.  I need to get busy myself!
After July 4th, it's time to start planning for Christmas, yes, it's hard to believe but you have to have it planned and look at it now and then with the groups and choir.
The main difference between "normal" service and a holiday service is the music.  We musicians have a job of setting the atmosphere with the preludes, specials, congregational songs, and offertories.  I've found that our clothing is even a part of it, since we're sitting up front most of the time!

Mrs. Martha Duckett

(pictured: Becky Duckett Lyons, Mrs. Martha Duckett, Amy Ducket Robinsin, Emily Robinson)

She doesn't make a splash or demand attention, she is just always there filling her role.  I think of her as my "big sister" and neighbor.  Mrs. Martha Duckett has always just been WILLING to be used.  I can't say enough about her willing and helpful spirit.  We've sort of grown up together raising our families, carpooling, and teaching each other's children.  She's just someone you can count on.  The one thing that is really outstanding about her is that she is a very talented singer, not a haughty person or pushy about her voice, but a servant of the Lord.

Today, she sang a solo, one of my favorites..."As We Sail to Heaven's Shore".   This song went straight to the heart and it will be with me for several days or weeks.

I just wanted to talk about Mrs. Duckett, she's a blessing in every way and she is my example.  I love you Mrs. Duckett.

Texas Baptist College Graduation 2010

Well, another year has passed and another Texas Baptist College graduation has gone by.  I keep telling my students that I started college in 1983 and haven't got to leave!
Things were purposefully changed for graduation this year:

• the ceremony was held in the Elaine Howie dining hall - totally transformed for the evening
• the ceremony was its own, not a part of the regular Wednesday night Bible study
• teens and adults only, R.S.V.P.
• each graduate was given an opportunity to address the audience

Because of the difference of the setting and protocol, the chorale wanted to put a lot of extra effort into the music to help set the atmosphere.  It was not a regular church service and was treated more formally, but we didn't want for the service to be "stuffy" or uncomfortable.  The music program began at 6:30 p.m.

• string trio - Mrs. Lyons, Miss Jordan, and Miss Fernan - they did a tremendous job playing for 30 minutes
• TBC Chorale chose three songs with the theme of "Jesus"
• "Jesus, the One and Only"
• "Jesus it the Joy of My Salvation"
• "O, I Want to Know You More"
• Pastor's sermon - "You Are Short One Hour" (Mt. 26:40) was applicable to ALL who attended

When your songs are about Jesus you can never go wrong!  Praise the Lord, hearts were uplifted and blessed.   I want our graduates to keep those songs in their hearts and memories!

I always feel very hopeful for each of the graduates, especially when I see them walk down the aisle during the processional.  As I watched them throughout the evening with their friends and family and saw the sparkle in their eyes - I have more than hope, I have confidence that they have a good start for success in their Christian lives!

The Key of "E"

I imagine you thought this lesson would help you play in the key of E major - sorry, the only thing I can tell you that helped me is to think backwards - everything is a black key except for B and E!  This lesson is about words that begin with the letter "E". 
Being a musician can leave you lonely.  It's just the nature of the occupation - you have to practice and you do this alone most of the time.  When it's time to practice with others,  it's work time and there's not much time for caring and sharing.  When you're lonely, you can become discouraged or even feel invisible.  There's not a feeling like playing or singing for the Lord with your favorite group in a full auditorium, but you will still be the last person to leave the church after late night rehearsal.  You have to be your own best cheerleader!  (I used to be a cheerleader way back when - ha!)  I also love lessons with the points with the same first letter.  This is the last lecture I teach to the Church Music Administration Class at Texas Baptist College.

"The Key of "E"..."

1.    "Endure" - II Timothy 4:5 - But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

2.    "Encourage Yourself" - I Samuel 30:6 - And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

3.     "Excite yourself and others"  - II Corinthians 9:2 - For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

4.     "Educate Yourself" -  Psalm 25:4,5 - Show me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 
      Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; 

5.     "Economize" - II Kings 4 - (the story of the widow at Zarephath)

6.     "Efficiency" - Exodus 4:2 - And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.

7.     "Energize" - Jeremiah 20:9 - Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

8.     "Educate" - I Chronicles 25:5 - All these were the sons of Heman the king’s seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. ⁶All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king’s order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman. ⁷So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight.

9.     "Enlist" - I Chronicles 16:23 - Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; show forth from day to day his salvation. ²⁴Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.

" -    "Express Gratitude Often" - Romans 13:6 - For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.  Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. ⁸Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

" -    "Enjoy the Moment" - James 4:13 - Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: ¹⁴Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. ¹⁵For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. 

12   "Eliminate" - Hebrews 12:1 - Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,