Reflecting on this past week at band camp, I am once again encouraged by today's students. We had a very positive week with over 300 band students on campus. Their spirit was uplifting and while I cannot say I heard zero complaints, I can say I heard very few. They worked hard, played hard, laughed hard, and stayed focused the entire week. There was a dedication to the goals of leadership, musicianship, and skill that was contagious, infecting students and teachers alike, pervading the camp at every level and infusing it with a blend of affirmation, responsibility, and purpose.
The camp though was and always has been hard work for very little monetary gain. In addition to the weeks of preparation, publicity, paperwork, finding staff, getting facilities ready, the week of camp is pretty grueling. Up early every morning, in bed at midnight with a full day of teaching, directing, and solving problems, it takes its toll by the end of the week. Yet my own role is somewhat minimal in that I get to direct the top band but don't have to worry about the weeks of preparation, a job for Corey and Cathy Ash. They did marvelously this year and are to be commended for their thorough approach to the complexities that form band camp. Incidentally, I had a blast directing the Wind Ensemble. What a great band and a wonderful group of students.
And now after a day of rest we head to Ridgecrest for music week. Usually we go to Glorieta but due to the lateness of music week at Glorieta, we opted for Ridgecrest. While I often wish more publishers were involved, and I believe if so we would see a greater influx of music ministers, at the same time there is no question that Mike Harland and staff at Lifeway do a great job. The music is always rich and full with an appropriate blend of old and new designed to teach and to worship. We enjoy playing in the orchestra, walking around the camp, spending time together, and drinking coffee (okay...I enjoy the coffee!). Mostly we feel comfortable letting Joel roam, knowing he will be safe, and allowing him the latitude to experience the camp in ways that are meaningful to him.
After a week in North Carolina, we return and get ready to go to Baptist All-State in Houston. Jordan is going on his 3rd year in Baptist All-State and enjoys it every time. Such a great opportunity to play his instrument for God's glory with other young Christian leaders. Sadly, for many reasons that cannot be articulated in a few sentences, Baptist All-State is much smaller than it used to be and no longer receives the financial backing from the BGCT due to the myriad of ministry needs around the state. While it is certainly understandable, it also makes for an untenable position, charging high rates in an effort to keep the organization legal, protected, positive, and solvent. Yet charging high rates makes it a group comprised of those students with access to resources. This then is the dilemma of churches today. Are we seeking the wealthy to support our institutions or are we truly committed to the mission of outreach for everyone? Are we as Baptists inclusive or exclusive? Is there a balance?
Nevertheless, in spite of the concern, Baptist All-State remains a positive experience for students and its 34 year history has produced hundreds of Christian Leaders. This reminds me of some truths--man seems inevitably to mess things up that are good, and yet God somehow finds a way to create good in spite of man's innumerable flaws!
Onward to North Carolina, Houston, then returning to direct 10 performances of the musical Annie. It all makes for an exciting summer. In the midst of these events, I have found time to do some counseling of former students, help some high school students, work around the house, clean up my office, start my book business, and watch my oldest son get married. Life is grand!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Events...
Driving to Brownwood for the visitation of Jay Adams, we had a blow out. After a quick study of the tire, I realized its future was hopeless and decided drive a little longer to find a better spot to change it. Luckily my three boys (practically men now!) were with me. So each of us had a job to do and we got it changed. It would not have been difficult, except for the "packaging" of the system was challenging. Getting the spare tire was especially difficult due to strange instructions in the manual. Finally out of frustration, I crawled under the car and muscled the thing out of its imprisonment. We got it in place and went on our way, all of us dirty, tired, and more than a little cranky.
But I was pleased with how my boys jumped in and helped. They didn't even text message while we were working on the tire. In a few days Jacob, the oldest, will be married to Olivia. We love her and realize he made the perfect choice! She is a special young lady whom we are honored to have in our family. Sometimes I remember my little boy holding my hand when crossing streets and asking me lots of questions, watching sports shows, movies, and singing children's songs. But I'm glad he grew up and now is taking the next step in adult life--marriage! He has also recently had a research project accepted and will be flying to Rhode Island in October for a poster presentation.
Lost another good man this week--Jay Adams. Fine coach, fine man, loved his family. Jay made the world a better place with his values, his personality, and his love of life. Family and fishing ruled the day for Jay who kept his Christian faith throughout his life. He was 53 when the cancer finally won. He will be missed and leaves behind a wife and three daughters.
I can't believe how poorly I played piano this morning. I can really be average at times. I just get a little nervous trying to lead from the piano and sing at the same time. It probably was okay, but I didn't feel great about it overall. Yet worship is really not about me but is about Praising God. Maybe people can overlook my imperfections and Praise God anyway!
Okay, I ended up marking through the forged signatures on two first editions and selling them to Hastings for $5.00 each! One of these books cost me $250. Quite an investment--pay $250 and sell it for $5.00. Talk about a market drop. Oh well. I suppose I could have lost my self-respect and waived my integrity and tried to sell it as a real signature, but I just don't have that in me. Better to rid my stock of the crime, than to perpetuate the evil. You may think I am overstating this but I believe that forging a signature is an evil act of criminality that should be prosecuted. Just because it is a book does not make it any less of a crime. It is a form of identity theft. Books gone and my integrity still intact. In the end, maybe my integrity is worth more than money. What do you think?
Book collecting and selling sure has its ups and downs. I have learned much and my business continues to flounder. Still it is nice to be a small business owner. Just gotta keep working at it. Meanwhile, I have lots of music to write.
But I was pleased with how my boys jumped in and helped. They didn't even text message while we were working on the tire. In a few days Jacob, the oldest, will be married to Olivia. We love her and realize he made the perfect choice! She is a special young lady whom we are honored to have in our family. Sometimes I remember my little boy holding my hand when crossing streets and asking me lots of questions, watching sports shows, movies, and singing children's songs. But I'm glad he grew up and now is taking the next step in adult life--marriage! He has also recently had a research project accepted and will be flying to Rhode Island in October for a poster presentation.
Lost another good man this week--Jay Adams. Fine coach, fine man, loved his family. Jay made the world a better place with his values, his personality, and his love of life. Family and fishing ruled the day for Jay who kept his Christian faith throughout his life. He was 53 when the cancer finally won. He will be missed and leaves behind a wife and three daughters.
I can't believe how poorly I played piano this morning. I can really be average at times. I just get a little nervous trying to lead from the piano and sing at the same time. It probably was okay, but I didn't feel great about it overall. Yet worship is really not about me but is about Praising God. Maybe people can overlook my imperfections and Praise God anyway!
Okay, I ended up marking through the forged signatures on two first editions and selling them to Hastings for $5.00 each! One of these books cost me $250. Quite an investment--pay $250 and sell it for $5.00. Talk about a market drop. Oh well. I suppose I could have lost my self-respect and waived my integrity and tried to sell it as a real signature, but I just don't have that in me. Better to rid my stock of the crime, than to perpetuate the evil. You may think I am overstating this but I believe that forging a signature is an evil act of criminality that should be prosecuted. Just because it is a book does not make it any less of a crime. It is a form of identity theft. Books gone and my integrity still intact. In the end, maybe my integrity is worth more than money. What do you think?
Book collecting and selling sure has its ups and downs. I have learned much and my business continues to flounder. Still it is nice to be a small business owner. Just gotta keep working at it. Meanwhile, I have lots of music to write.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
A word or two on Guardianship
We are the legal guardians of our son Joel in the State of Texas. He is an autistic 20 year old who, although is a joy and makes the world a better place, cannot function independently. We spent quite a bit of money for lawyers and went to court to receive legal guardianship of our son. We did so to keep him protected from anyone who may wish to take advantage of him either in the work place or in a relationship.
His limitations include being unable to drive, being unable to communicate with great meaning, being unaware of subtleties, not understanding danger, and lacking in the imagination needed to solve basic human problems. So we asked to take care of him and be responsible for him. It is a heavy responsibility and goes against the American Dream of getting your kids out of the house and on their own. Yet we are comfortable in the role as guardians. I was confused as to why the court system made it so difficult and expensive until I discovered that some people ask to be guardians of the elderly, particularly those with money. Guardianship includes overseeing accounts belonging to the individual.
Since Joel had no money, it was an easy solution for us to assume guardianship. If we ever leave the state, however, we will have to reapply for guardianship with another state. This means that we will try to transfer his files to another state. Yet, due to a variation of "institutional arrogance" the new state will want us to start the process anew to ensure we are not trying to get control of Joel's estate. Remaining in the state means we will always be responsible for him. We are fine with that and accept it as our obligation to our special needs son. While some may see this as a burden, we, instead, see it as an opportunity to help and protect Joel as he matures and becomes an adult.
Parents of disabled children need to keep careful records and begin to make provisions for the future, including living arrangements, financial help, physical needs, and legal expectations. Guardianship is an adequate solution to those adults unable to make protective decisions for themselves.
His limitations include being unable to drive, being unable to communicate with great meaning, being unaware of subtleties, not understanding danger, and lacking in the imagination needed to solve basic human problems. So we asked to take care of him and be responsible for him. It is a heavy responsibility and goes against the American Dream of getting your kids out of the house and on their own. Yet we are comfortable in the role as guardians. I was confused as to why the court system made it so difficult and expensive until I discovered that some people ask to be guardians of the elderly, particularly those with money. Guardianship includes overseeing accounts belonging to the individual.
Since Joel had no money, it was an easy solution for us to assume guardianship. If we ever leave the state, however, we will have to reapply for guardianship with another state. This means that we will try to transfer his files to another state. Yet, due to a variation of "institutional arrogance" the new state will want us to start the process anew to ensure we are not trying to get control of Joel's estate. Remaining in the state means we will always be responsible for him. We are fine with that and accept it as our obligation to our special needs son. While some may see this as a burden, we, instead, see it as an opportunity to help and protect Joel as he matures and becomes an adult.
Parents of disabled children need to keep careful records and begin to make provisions for the future, including living arrangements, financial help, physical needs, and legal expectations. Guardianship is an adequate solution to those adults unable to make protective decisions for themselves.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
More random thoughts
My youngest son Jordan received a 1st division on his solo at the State solo/ensemble contest. It is a difficult contest and he played an excessively difficult piece-Parable by Persichetti. It is impressive for a junior to receive a first division at state, and he has continually progressed and improved to the point I believe he can become as good as he wants to be. Yet it is in the area of composition that he excels and demonstrates the greatest interest. On the other hand, composing is a tough road these days due to the plethora and eclectic music that pervades our culture.
Like everyone, I am totally disgusted with the ongoing saga of the oil spilling into the Gulf. This is a disaster that will likely affect the ecosystem for years to come. The environment is so incredibly interconnected that a change in the ocean will sympathetically cause a change in climate, germs, animals, not to mention the economy. We are a resilient people and the ecosystem will adjust, but not without pain. Very disturbing.
Church work is a tough gig. Yesterday at a funeral, a young lady wanted to sing with a track but unfortunately the CD did not function. She didn't get to sing at all. Technology causes problems and it is good to have a plan B. Meanwhile my church where I serve out of town is getting a little tougher. Some people are being critical of my choices of music. I work VERY hard to pick a balance of hymns, old choruses, gospel songs, and new choruses in an attempt to reach everyone. But there is always a risk then of offending everyone at least to an extent. Each of us has music preferences but in a collective worship service, we absolutely have to put aside our own preferences and think of the greater good.
I can handle criticism and have done so most of my career, but that doesn't mean I have to like it! Yet as I remind others, most criticism is overstated but most of it also has a grain of truth. The wise leader avoids over reacting but also tries to learn from the invective.
Sleep is often a mystery to me and I probably don't do it enough. We are told to get 7-8 hours yet 5 is common to me. I think I need to exercise more diligently and work on finishing my work each day so I don't go to sleep thinking about work. Also I think that getting older is presenting some challenges--sore heels, joints not moving as quickly, and a neck that needs additional support at night. Just common problems I suspect.
Sad about Al Gore and Tipper. No other thoughts than that I guess.
Like everyone, I am totally disgusted with the ongoing saga of the oil spilling into the Gulf. This is a disaster that will likely affect the ecosystem for years to come. The environment is so incredibly interconnected that a change in the ocean will sympathetically cause a change in climate, germs, animals, not to mention the economy. We are a resilient people and the ecosystem will adjust, but not without pain. Very disturbing.
Church work is a tough gig. Yesterday at a funeral, a young lady wanted to sing with a track but unfortunately the CD did not function. She didn't get to sing at all. Technology causes problems and it is good to have a plan B. Meanwhile my church where I serve out of town is getting a little tougher. Some people are being critical of my choices of music. I work VERY hard to pick a balance of hymns, old choruses, gospel songs, and new choruses in an attempt to reach everyone. But there is always a risk then of offending everyone at least to an extent. Each of us has music preferences but in a collective worship service, we absolutely have to put aside our own preferences and think of the greater good.
I can handle criticism and have done so most of my career, but that doesn't mean I have to like it! Yet as I remind others, most criticism is overstated but most of it also has a grain of truth. The wise leader avoids over reacting but also tries to learn from the invective.
Sleep is often a mystery to me and I probably don't do it enough. We are told to get 7-8 hours yet 5 is common to me. I think I need to exercise more diligently and work on finishing my work each day so I don't go to sleep thinking about work. Also I think that getting older is presenting some challenges--sore heels, joints not moving as quickly, and a neck that needs additional support at night. Just common problems I suspect.
Sad about Al Gore and Tipper. No other thoughts than that I guess.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Books and family
It has been a whirlwind of a few days for me. Saturday Joel and I drove to Burnet to attend Mike Lewis' retirement party. I didn't think Mike was much older than I am, but I guess he had built up many years of teaching and can retire. He has had a wonderful career as a band director and teacher, as exemplified by the hundreds of pictures on the walls at the band hall and the hundreds maybe thousands of students who thanked him. I also treasure his friendship and have always held him in high regard. Fine Christian man and a great teacher for sure.
Sunday morning I drove to Brady and back. Napping and relaxing I received a text from youngest son Jordan wondering if he needed the original music for the state solo contest. The answer was yes. We found the music and proceeded to drive to Austin to deliver it. We arrived home around 9:30, got up early Monday and drove to Denton to deliver more furnishings and clothes to our oldest son and his fiance. We spent the day in Denton, bought a bed, ate lunch, swam in the apartment pool, and came home.
While in Denton, I went to Recycled Books to see if they would buy my two forged first editions I own. This is a source of great stress and consternation for me. I bought two signed first editions for quite a bit of money from a bookstore going out of business. But after further study and comparing signatures, I have determined they are forgeries. The store has a no return policy and now I am stuck. If I sell them as real signatures, I am breaking my own ethical integrity. If I inform a buyer I believe they are forgeries, I will never be able to sell them even as regular books. I could just use them as examples of poor judgment on my part for purchasing them in the first place. Not sure what to do. Recycled Books did not want them and I understand completely. I am embarrassed to have purchased them and almost see these books as evil examples of a terrible form of crime--forging signatures. I may end up circling the signatures in pen and stating they are forgeries. Then turn around and sell them. Mostly I wish I didn't have them. Great books but fake author signatures. Yuck.
Joel was funny yesterday. We pulled into the parking lot in Weatherford between Wendy's and Starbucks. It must have struck a memory tone for him because he proceeded to tell me with great excitement about all the shops in the area. He said two years ago we had parked in the same place. I never know what will trigger his brain into activity. Certain sparks of memory, sound, places, events seem to hyperdrive or give him a brain turbo boost.
Joel is always an adventure is trying to figure him out. Will it ever happen? Doubtful but the journey to that end is filled with joy!
Sunday morning I drove to Brady and back. Napping and relaxing I received a text from youngest son Jordan wondering if he needed the original music for the state solo contest. The answer was yes. We found the music and proceeded to drive to Austin to deliver it. We arrived home around 9:30, got up early Monday and drove to Denton to deliver more furnishings and clothes to our oldest son and his fiance. We spent the day in Denton, bought a bed, ate lunch, swam in the apartment pool, and came home.
While in Denton, I went to Recycled Books to see if they would buy my two forged first editions I own. This is a source of great stress and consternation for me. I bought two signed first editions for quite a bit of money from a bookstore going out of business. But after further study and comparing signatures, I have determined they are forgeries. The store has a no return policy and now I am stuck. If I sell them as real signatures, I am breaking my own ethical integrity. If I inform a buyer I believe they are forgeries, I will never be able to sell them even as regular books. I could just use them as examples of poor judgment on my part for purchasing them in the first place. Not sure what to do. Recycled Books did not want them and I understand completely. I am embarrassed to have purchased them and almost see these books as evil examples of a terrible form of crime--forging signatures. I may end up circling the signatures in pen and stating they are forgeries. Then turn around and sell them. Mostly I wish I didn't have them. Great books but fake author signatures. Yuck.
Joel was funny yesterday. We pulled into the parking lot in Weatherford between Wendy's and Starbucks. It must have struck a memory tone for him because he proceeded to tell me with great excitement about all the shops in the area. He said two years ago we had parked in the same place. I never know what will trigger his brain into activity. Certain sparks of memory, sound, places, events seem to hyperdrive or give him a brain turbo boost.
Joel is always an adventure is trying to figure him out. Will it ever happen? Doubtful but the journey to that end is filled with joy!
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