"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,