Teen Convention 2011

Singing from the heart makes such a difference!  We are blessed to have singers who actually love to practice and sing for the Lord.  It is a joy to work with people who sing with this attitude.
We just finished our Teen Convention and the LBT Teen choir and Enduring Praise teen ensemble sang during each service.  They worked very hard to memorize each piece.  We didn't have to chase people down to sing or look for missing singers.  Each person was in their place.  That is a blessing.
Each evening the Texas Baptist College Chorale sang.  I have to tell you that I was surprised just to have them here in Longview for the meeting.  All of the on-campus students went home for the summer.  Out of nineteen chorale members sixteen were present each evening.  One of our three members who were missing was home in....Australia, so we'll forgive her for that!  It had been over six weeks since our last rehearsal but they came together right away. Praise the Lord!  Even our newlywed chorale members, Josh and DeAnna Doyle joined us on Wednesday evening to sing "Somebody Prayed for Me" and "Candle in the Darkness", bringing our ensemble up to eighteen singers.  I thought about the group.  We had singers who had driven from the following states: Nebraska, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Tennessee, and South Texas (that's a drive!).
Spiritually, mentally, and emotionally they were excited and prepared to sing.  Was it perfect? - probably not.  Are they the best-looking chorale we've ever had? - maybe.  Were they used of the Lord to bless? Definitely!  Practicing with this type of group is definitely more fun, too.
I have learned to praise the Lord and thank Him repeatedly when I notice a servant's heart attitude with young people.  I can't wait to see how the Lord will continue to use their lives!!
Thank you teens and college students.  God bless you this summer!

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?

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!

Lefties of the World Unite!

About 14% of the U.S. population is left-handed.  As we began the spring semester at Texas Baptist College I noticed that several of my students in speech class were left-handed - seven to be exact!  That is about 40% of this class!   I have always been fascinated by lefties - I have three nephews and a niece who are left-handed, they say they are in their right minds.... Well, you be the judge, do you believe these students are in their "right"minds?