Sitting in the waiting room of the hospital, patiently concerned about my wife's procedure, a procedure considered a normal event at the age of 50, I began reflecting on how little control we actually have over our lives. Right now we are putty in the hands of the doctor, the nurses, the hospital, and in a broader sense the actions of time and health control the future. Of course we can all treat our bodies as temples and take care of ourselves, but when it comes down to it we are merely pawns in the health game of life, moving forward to the end.
Yet I am a bit of a control person in some ways. I want to own my temple and control my destiny at least a little bit if possible. So like everyone I try to eat right (naturally backsliding occasionally, love that ice cream!), exercise in mornings, walk in the evenings (not always consistently), park far away from the destination, take stairs not the elevator, use vitamins, fiber, and drink lots of water. Regular checkups, check cholesterol, watch the blood pressure, avoid bad habits (nail biting aside of course) and generally try to stay healthy.
Somehow though I am a little bit suspicious of this system, not that there is another way, but I have known health nuts who got very ill and have known chain smokers, heavy drinkers, obese people, and non-exercisers live long fruitful lives without any illness whatsoever. Yet I do think we owe it to ourselves, our friends, our family, and in a way to society to remain healthy and productive. No question that over eating and a lack of proper exercise is detrimental to good health. Also no question that taking care of yourself is an excellent hobby, one that leads to greater productivity. And although I may at times wonder about the excessive medical needs, in the end I do appreciate the medical field and the doctors who commit themselves to serving others.
But don't you every now then want to throw caution to the wind and eat a bunch of junk food and forgo exercising? Don't you ever so often feel a need to live life serving your own culinary temptations? And yet, as I write the words, I am reminded that we are a refined, civilized society, gaining strength and goodness with each passing day. So as in all things, we gain control by disciplining ourselves to know our limitations and to respect the system (at least to an extent).
Yes I will go ahead with the same procedure, but I don't have to like it!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Autism and its toll
Just read about the mother who strangled her two autistic children, claiming that she couldn't handle them anymore. In her demented mind, she seemed to think that their behavior justified her own horrific actions. Plus she insisted that we try to understand her plight, her fears, her situation, that we place ourselves in her position. But try as we might, killing our own children, regardless of their disability, is beyond comprehension.
Assuming her madness, the extreme state of her fragile mind, her feeling of hopelessness, and her desire to escape her cage of parental responsibility, we still wonder at a woman who had nowhere to turn, who gave up, who sought no help, who destroyed lives while destroying her own soul.
But rather than focus on the mother, let's take a moment to think about the children. Not knowing enough particulars to speak accurately, I feel a need to remind people that nobody wants to be autistic. This is not a desirable trait nor a choice. Children are not born hoping to be autistic. It is not a profession, an ambition, a dream in any sense. Autism is a disability that continues to afflict millions of children and adults. Unlike poor judgment or indecision, autism is not something that a child takes upon himself for attention or desire or success. It is not something to be rewarded or affirmed--"You are doing such a great job of being autistic." It is not a desirable disability. Children don't want it and parents do not want it for their children.
But it happens. It doesn't always happen to other people, it can happen to your children or your grandchildren. It is not an abstract, albeit oddly fascinating event that we read about in science fiction books or watch movies hoping to learn a little about the curious disability known as autism, it is real and those afflicted are around you.
A child with autism cannot suddenly change himself, rid himself of the disability, or pretend to understand the outside world. The world is a mystery compounded by the inability to adjust easily to the social norms of culture. Social contractarianism, a process children learn as they grow, is without any kind of meaning to a child with autism. It is a tough existence for a child as well as a parent, working hard to find a way to cope in a world that is entirely different from the world inside the head.
But there is also good news. There is a lot of help for parents and for children suffering with autism. While it is vastly difficult, and at times seems hopeless, in reality hope is prevalent and help is a phone call, email, book, or video away. For those whose lives are filled with despair with seemingly nowhere to turn, I encourage you to find a support group and learn how to help your child adjust. To the mother who destroyed her children as well as her own soul, perhaps the only good is the reminder that autism is serious and we should always urge those suffering to avoid the same vicious trappings of loneliness and hopelessness. Seek help. There are many who want to help.
Assuming her madness, the extreme state of her fragile mind, her feeling of hopelessness, and her desire to escape her cage of parental responsibility, we still wonder at a woman who had nowhere to turn, who gave up, who sought no help, who destroyed lives while destroying her own soul.
But rather than focus on the mother, let's take a moment to think about the children. Not knowing enough particulars to speak accurately, I feel a need to remind people that nobody wants to be autistic. This is not a desirable trait nor a choice. Children are not born hoping to be autistic. It is not a profession, an ambition, a dream in any sense. Autism is a disability that continues to afflict millions of children and adults. Unlike poor judgment or indecision, autism is not something that a child takes upon himself for attention or desire or success. It is not something to be rewarded or affirmed--"You are doing such a great job of being autistic." It is not a desirable disability. Children don't want it and parents do not want it for their children.
But it happens. It doesn't always happen to other people, it can happen to your children or your grandchildren. It is not an abstract, albeit oddly fascinating event that we read about in science fiction books or watch movies hoping to learn a little about the curious disability known as autism, it is real and those afflicted are around you.
A child with autism cannot suddenly change himself, rid himself of the disability, or pretend to understand the outside world. The world is a mystery compounded by the inability to adjust easily to the social norms of culture. Social contractarianism, a process children learn as they grow, is without any kind of meaning to a child with autism. It is a tough existence for a child as well as a parent, working hard to find a way to cope in a world that is entirely different from the world inside the head.
But there is also good news. There is a lot of help for parents and for children suffering with autism. While it is vastly difficult, and at times seems hopeless, in reality hope is prevalent and help is a phone call, email, book, or video away. For those whose lives are filled with despair with seemingly nowhere to turn, I encourage you to find a support group and learn how to help your child adjust. To the mother who destroyed her children as well as her own soul, perhaps the only good is the reminder that autism is serious and we should always urge those suffering to avoid the same vicious trappings of loneliness and hopelessness. Seek help. There are many who want to help.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Materialism and another loss
Walking back to the office following a funeral of a good man, I found myself reflecting again on the story he told me several years ago. Choc Wetzel, public school administrator, cowboy, family man, deacon of the church, and all round great man, once told me a story that has stayed with me.
We were driving from his place to my little place in Bangs with an old billy goat in the back of the trailer when he suddenly pointed to a spot by the highway and said, "That's God's land right there." I looked at him rather perplexed and saw a glow on his face. He told me that when his wife was in great pain from the cancer that was ravaging her body, he needed $25,000 for a surgery that would relieve her pain and prolong her life. The only way to get the money was to sell his beloved land, a small ranch he had worked all his life to acquire, the dream of his life where his horses and goats lived. Yet there was no choice. The love of his wife far surpassed the love of his ranch or his animals. She may have been against it, but without hesitation he knew he was willing to sacrifice anything for her comfort.
Waking up to get dressed and heading for the bank to finalize the sell, the doorbell rang. Standing at the door was an official looking man in a business suit. The man asked Choc who owned the little strip of land out by the highway. Choc laughed because although he owned it, the small parcel of land was worthless due to being too close too the highway and filled with caliche. The man then offered him $25,000 for it. The Glen Rose power plant needed it to extend their system.
In shock and humility, Choc accepted the offer and was able to pay for his wife's surgery. Choc and his wife are gone now, and walking with the Lord in Paradise, but the story lives on--a story of sacrifice and providence, a story that demonstrates the depth of love a man had for his wife and the love of the great Shepherd as He protects His flock.
I am changing I think and losing some of my earlier materialism. Big houses and lots of stuff no longer impress me. I find myself needing to minimize my life a little. This could be due to the amazing power of the computer and instant communication with the world. Or it could be that with a computer, music, books, friends, transportation, and coffee I am happy. I don't need a large TV, fancy chairs, expensive pens, or all the stuff that fills our lives. Just some basic needs these days (okay, that seems silly since I do like my truck, my nice clothes, hat, computer, etc.). The visit to the Biltmore mansion had the opposite effect on me I believe than most people experience. Other than the book collection which represents knowledge, nothing really meant much to me. Just a big house with lots of old stuff. Sorry to be so earthy, but it just felt excessive to me.
Relationships and knowledge reign supreme over the acquisition of stuff or the accumulation of wealth. My joy is not dependent on the objects around me but rather is found in the Lord, my family, my friends, and the peace within.
We were driving from his place to my little place in Bangs with an old billy goat in the back of the trailer when he suddenly pointed to a spot by the highway and said, "That's God's land right there." I looked at him rather perplexed and saw a glow on his face. He told me that when his wife was in great pain from the cancer that was ravaging her body, he needed $25,000 for a surgery that would relieve her pain and prolong her life. The only way to get the money was to sell his beloved land, a small ranch he had worked all his life to acquire, the dream of his life where his horses and goats lived. Yet there was no choice. The love of his wife far surpassed the love of his ranch or his animals. She may have been against it, but without hesitation he knew he was willing to sacrifice anything for her comfort.
Waking up to get dressed and heading for the bank to finalize the sell, the doorbell rang. Standing at the door was an official looking man in a business suit. The man asked Choc who owned the little strip of land out by the highway. Choc laughed because although he owned it, the small parcel of land was worthless due to being too close too the highway and filled with caliche. The man then offered him $25,000 for it. The Glen Rose power plant needed it to extend their system.
In shock and humility, Choc accepted the offer and was able to pay for his wife's surgery. Choc and his wife are gone now, and walking with the Lord in Paradise, but the story lives on--a story of sacrifice and providence, a story that demonstrates the depth of love a man had for his wife and the love of the great Shepherd as He protects His flock.
I am changing I think and losing some of my earlier materialism. Big houses and lots of stuff no longer impress me. I find myself needing to minimize my life a little. This could be due to the amazing power of the computer and instant communication with the world. Or it could be that with a computer, music, books, friends, transportation, and coffee I am happy. I don't need a large TV, fancy chairs, expensive pens, or all the stuff that fills our lives. Just some basic needs these days (okay, that seems silly since I do like my truck, my nice clothes, hat, computer, etc.). The visit to the Biltmore mansion had the opposite effect on me I believe than most people experience. Other than the book collection which represents knowledge, nothing really meant much to me. Just a big house with lots of old stuff. Sorry to be so earthy, but it just felt excessive to me.
Relationships and knowledge reign supreme over the acquisition of stuff or the accumulation of wealth. My joy is not dependent on the objects around me but rather is found in the Lord, my family, my friends, and the peace within.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Baptist All-State and more
We sang at the Astros game and had a blast. Astros won with two homers and some tight pitching. Just a fun day all the way around. Worship time was also great and several students felt the moving of the Holy spirit.
In spite of the lower numbers, I am encouraged by Baptist All-State this year and the quality of the students. In addition to having strong players in the band and excellent singers in the choir, the attitude of the students is positive. They diligently apply Christian principles in their worldview and seek Godly wisdom in their decisions.
Plus the students are just plain fun. They laugh easily, love the Lord, love music, and treat each other with respect and dignity (mostly anyway!). I love to see students holding doors, picking up trash, carrying trays for each other, offering to help, and generally exhibiting a servant like attitude toward others. Our trip to a residential center for adults with functional disabilities further demonstrated the compassion and loving spirit of our students as they interacted with autistics, down syndrome clients, and various disabled adults. It was heart-warming and touching in all respects.
The musical experience was positive and the audience response tremendous in all our concerts. The adults and the students worked together to create a week of music giving glory to God and expressing the joy of the Lord. I hope to see continued commitment to this fine institution. Next summer, I will be directing the band! Can't wait.
In spite of the lower numbers, I am encouraged by Baptist All-State this year and the quality of the students. In addition to having strong players in the band and excellent singers in the choir, the attitude of the students is positive. They diligently apply Christian principles in their worldview and seek Godly wisdom in their decisions.
Plus the students are just plain fun. They laugh easily, love the Lord, love music, and treat each other with respect and dignity (mostly anyway!). I love to see students holding doors, picking up trash, carrying trays for each other, offering to help, and generally exhibiting a servant like attitude toward others. Our trip to a residential center for adults with functional disabilities further demonstrated the compassion and loving spirit of our students as they interacted with autistics, down syndrome clients, and various disabled adults. It was heart-warming and touching in all respects.
The musical experience was positive and the audience response tremendous in all our concerts. The adults and the students worked together to create a week of music giving glory to God and expressing the joy of the Lord. I hope to see continued commitment to this fine institution. Next summer, I will be directing the band! Can't wait.
Monday, July 05, 2010
Joel and Packing
Joel's world is ordered. Without a sense of order, Joel has trouble functioning. As pointed out earlier, he can accept a certain amount of ambiguity provided it is planned ambiguity. For example, the bus picks him up everyday between 12:15 and 1:30. It would be ideal to establish the precise time of pick up, but unfortunately the system does not allow for that. Yet Joel is comfortable knowing it will happen within that established framework, planning for the somewhat nebulous time for arrival.
But overall he needs order to find meaning and cannot live in a constant state of confusion or randomness. This weakness, if indeed it is a weakness, is related to his lack of creativity and imagination. Looking at this from another direction, with exceptions people with a messy desk, car, or who lead a spontaneous lifestyle generally have a greater degree of personal creativity and imagination. Obviously this generalization has a consequence in that extremes are rarely beneficial in any kind of sense.
As an aside, I knew a very creative but dysfunctional musician whose lifestyle and personal habits were completely without order, resulting in total physical and personal messes without any kind of productivity at any time. It ultimately caused his own health and career demise demonstrating how any extreme rarely has any gain.
Joel, however, uncomfortable with spontaneity, missing an imagination, and not developing a sense of dreams, replaces this ingredient with a need for order amidst the chaos of the world. Loving to travel but needing to know where, how long, what to bring, and what the trip entails, he packs accordingly and specifically. Obviously this is not an unusual trait, for many people prefer to pack fastidiously, planning for the trip and any contingencies.
Where Joel differs is in his system of packing and determining the items for the trip. He lays out his clothes in order of days, sets out his personal items, creates a spot for other things--Italian dictionary for example, counts the items within the stacks and packs accordingly. He then applies the number needed, exacting the items numerically. This means that if he has packed 8 personal items on the trip, there is something missing since there should be 9. He then seeks out the 9th item whatever that may be. While most people simply make sure their deodorant is present, he instead numbers it among the 9 personal items needed. After counting the total, he then seeks out the precise number of the item.
When we were returning to Texas from North Carolina on a recent trip, he was somewhat perplexed since item number 7 was missing. Thinking through it, he found item number 7, a razor, in the shower. This completed the total and allowed him to finish packing for the return trip. His system works for him and demonstrates his continued need for order and systems. He is lacking in creativity and imagination and yet it is easy to see that he simply rewrites the definitions of those terms according to his own needs. Seems to me that it takes imagination to organize his life by his system. We may not always understand it, but we do respect it.
But overall he needs order to find meaning and cannot live in a constant state of confusion or randomness. This weakness, if indeed it is a weakness, is related to his lack of creativity and imagination. Looking at this from another direction, with exceptions people with a messy desk, car, or who lead a spontaneous lifestyle generally have a greater degree of personal creativity and imagination. Obviously this generalization has a consequence in that extremes are rarely beneficial in any kind of sense.
As an aside, I knew a very creative but dysfunctional musician whose lifestyle and personal habits were completely without order, resulting in total physical and personal messes without any kind of productivity at any time. It ultimately caused his own health and career demise demonstrating how any extreme rarely has any gain.
Joel, however, uncomfortable with spontaneity, missing an imagination, and not developing a sense of dreams, replaces this ingredient with a need for order amidst the chaos of the world. Loving to travel but needing to know where, how long, what to bring, and what the trip entails, he packs accordingly and specifically. Obviously this is not an unusual trait, for many people prefer to pack fastidiously, planning for the trip and any contingencies.
Where Joel differs is in his system of packing and determining the items for the trip. He lays out his clothes in order of days, sets out his personal items, creates a spot for other things--Italian dictionary for example, counts the items within the stacks and packs accordingly. He then applies the number needed, exacting the items numerically. This means that if he has packed 8 personal items on the trip, there is something missing since there should be 9. He then seeks out the 9th item whatever that may be. While most people simply make sure their deodorant is present, he instead numbers it among the 9 personal items needed. After counting the total, he then seeks out the precise number of the item.
When we were returning to Texas from North Carolina on a recent trip, he was somewhat perplexed since item number 7 was missing. Thinking through it, he found item number 7, a razor, in the shower. This completed the total and allowed him to finish packing for the return trip. His system works for him and demonstrates his continued need for order and systems. He is lacking in creativity and imagination and yet it is easy to see that he simply rewrites the definitions of those terms according to his own needs. Seems to me that it takes imagination to organize his life by his system. We may not always understand it, but we do respect it.
Friday, July 02, 2010
It's a mess, but what the heck!
Okay, true that church music is a mess. Who knows what it should be or even is today? Should we be "contemporary"? or "traditional"? or "blended"? or "liturgical"? or "rock"? or "classical"? or "WHAT?" It is just a hodge-podge of abject confusion with no foundational past or projected future. In fact I am not even sure what my own preferences are anymore. Organ? Drums? Guitars? Orchestra? Piano? Acapella? Rock? Jazz? Classical? Choir? Praise team? Solos? Tracks? Slow? Fast? Loud? Soft?
Growing up in a Gospel/Baptist style, I quickly became a skilled and academically trained musician resulting in a plethora of professional experiences as a horn player, conductor, composer, and manager. In church settings, I have had opportunities to perform in Roman Catholic services, Jewish services, Methodist, Presbyterian, Unitarian, and several ethnic related denominations. From "high church" to "gospel/country" style, I have done it all and oddly have loved it all (okay, most of it anyway). Drop me into an Anglican church singing old hymns with an organ leading the way and a small call and response choir and I am happy.
Conversely, I am completely comfortable in a Gospel setting or rock contemporary or even African-American stylized emotional service. I can move with the best of them and have a charismatic (not tongues, don't worry) side that comes through occasionally. I love Praise and Worship music and am always eager to hear the latest chorus, but I also love "cultivated" choral music of John Rutter or "classical" string playing of Bach or a Handel Organ Sonata. It all plays a role in my faith and my joy of the Lord.
But to return to the question--what is right? What kind of of music, what style, what approach is the right one for churches today? At Ridgecrest, while the piano was important, it was the trap set that drove the music. Except for the Dennis Jernigan concert which was voice and piano, the drums set the tone and style for every hymn or chorus performed. In Biblical times, the drum set did not exist as we know it today. Perhaps this is a good reason to reject it. On the other hand, very little that we have today existed in Biblical times--instruments, lights, carpets, microphones, computers, even dress shoes, etc. Are the drums in themselves pagan or adversely secular? Scripture references drums and cymbals! Is it the beat of the music that is offensive, reminding us of hard rock on the radio with its sexually oriented words? Does a trap set move music from being "cultivated" or "classical" to being "populist" and youth oriented? Or does a trap set simply attempt to cross generation lines and give the music a familiar drive, modernizing old hymns and making them fresh?
Should my academic training govern my preference for "cultivated" or "artistic" church music? Probably not but it is hard to escape just the same. Sometimes I remember the old days at Music week in Glorieta where we focused on a large oratorio by a well-known composer and used a full orchestra and where the magnificent organ drove the hymns to great musical heights. And I get a little tired of the trap set at times and the constant syncopated rhythms of the choruses and the "building up" style of choruses and church music today. Sometimes I long for the days of simplicity and homophony of the hymns where we sang in four-part harmony and did all stanzas (or at least 3 of them!).
And yet there is no denying the powerful emotion of today's church music with its driving rhythms, punctuated text, personal statements, and extremes of joy and sentiment. While I once abhorred those crazed charismatics who lifted their hands toward God in a cheap display of their own false piousness, I now share in that experience which is a glorious way to reach out and physically express a closeness to the Lord our Savior. I cast my judgmental nature aside and accept the myriad ways to express my deepest thoughts of God's goodness. No more anger, no more intolerance, no more criticism (okay, at least not as vitriolic anyway), and no more selfishness, I now realize that God can bless us when we come to Him with an attitude of love, tolerance, and devotion.
Does this mean I have no more standards for music making in church? Absolutely not for I will ALWAYS battle for excellence regardless of the style presented. We should strive for the best in terms of accuracy, sound, text, harmony, and joy. It all plays a part in the worship experience. Praise God for giving us the opportunity to sing and play to Him. Thank God for forgiving us our painful judgments against our fellow man.
Yes, I miss the old days but I love the new days also. Mainly I feel blessed every time I join with my fellow Christians in Praise. Church music is a mess because mankind is a mess. But what the heck, let's jump in and worship in spite of our failings, doing our best to worship Him, and loving each other, setting aside our differences for the sake of the greater good.
Growing up in a Gospel/Baptist style, I quickly became a skilled and academically trained musician resulting in a plethora of professional experiences as a horn player, conductor, composer, and manager. In church settings, I have had opportunities to perform in Roman Catholic services, Jewish services, Methodist, Presbyterian, Unitarian, and several ethnic related denominations. From "high church" to "gospel/country" style, I have done it all and oddly have loved it all (okay, most of it anyway). Drop me into an Anglican church singing old hymns with an organ leading the way and a small call and response choir and I am happy.
Conversely, I am completely comfortable in a Gospel setting or rock contemporary or even African-American stylized emotional service. I can move with the best of them and have a charismatic (not tongues, don't worry) side that comes through occasionally. I love Praise and Worship music and am always eager to hear the latest chorus, but I also love "cultivated" choral music of John Rutter or "classical" string playing of Bach or a Handel Organ Sonata. It all plays a role in my faith and my joy of the Lord.
But to return to the question--what is right? What kind of of music, what style, what approach is the right one for churches today? At Ridgecrest, while the piano was important, it was the trap set that drove the music. Except for the Dennis Jernigan concert which was voice and piano, the drums set the tone and style for every hymn or chorus performed. In Biblical times, the drum set did not exist as we know it today. Perhaps this is a good reason to reject it. On the other hand, very little that we have today existed in Biblical times--instruments, lights, carpets, microphones, computers, even dress shoes, etc. Are the drums in themselves pagan or adversely secular? Scripture references drums and cymbals! Is it the beat of the music that is offensive, reminding us of hard rock on the radio with its sexually oriented words? Does a trap set move music from being "cultivated" or "classical" to being "populist" and youth oriented? Or does a trap set simply attempt to cross generation lines and give the music a familiar drive, modernizing old hymns and making them fresh?
Should my academic training govern my preference for "cultivated" or "artistic" church music? Probably not but it is hard to escape just the same. Sometimes I remember the old days at Music week in Glorieta where we focused on a large oratorio by a well-known composer and used a full orchestra and where the magnificent organ drove the hymns to great musical heights. And I get a little tired of the trap set at times and the constant syncopated rhythms of the choruses and the "building up" style of choruses and church music today. Sometimes I long for the days of simplicity and homophony of the hymns where we sang in four-part harmony and did all stanzas (or at least 3 of them!).
And yet there is no denying the powerful emotion of today's church music with its driving rhythms, punctuated text, personal statements, and extremes of joy and sentiment. While I once abhorred those crazed charismatics who lifted their hands toward God in a cheap display of their own false piousness, I now share in that experience which is a glorious way to reach out and physically express a closeness to the Lord our Savior. I cast my judgmental nature aside and accept the myriad ways to express my deepest thoughts of God's goodness. No more anger, no more intolerance, no more criticism (okay, at least not as vitriolic anyway), and no more selfishness, I now realize that God can bless us when we come to Him with an attitude of love, tolerance, and devotion.
Does this mean I have no more standards for music making in church? Absolutely not for I will ALWAYS battle for excellence regardless of the style presented. We should strive for the best in terms of accuracy, sound, text, harmony, and joy. It all plays a part in the worship experience. Praise God for giving us the opportunity to sing and play to Him. Thank God for forgiving us our painful judgments against our fellow man.
Yes, I miss the old days but I love the new days also. Mainly I feel blessed every time I join with my fellow Christians in Praise. Church music is a mess because mankind is a mess. But what the heck, let's jump in and worship in spite of our failings, doing our best to worship Him, and loving each other, setting aside our differences for the sake of the greater good.
North Carolina and music
Being our last day in North Carolina at the Ridgecrest conference center, I feel a need to write a few words of our experience. It is certainly beautiful here among the trees and rolling hills that become mountains of greenery and gentle aesthetic joy. Giant trees adorn the cascading landscape and seem to tower above the land, touching the blue sky that blankets the world in mesmerizing magic.
At first I felt rather claustrophobic in that things seemed close together and the sky was so far away. In Texas, particularly as one travels West, the sky feels close and the sight line extends for miles. Yet here in North Carolina, the sight is limited and one feels like a bird sitting in a nest wondering what glories exist outside of the home. But after a time, I began to accept the landscape and now feel as though a security comforter surrounds me. Different from Texas but splendid in grandeur.
The week itself was enriching in many ways--musically, spiritually, and physically. Highlights include a marvelous concert by Dennis Jernigan, a Christian artist with a strong testimony, immense talent, and an enviable career. Yet many great musicians walked the steps of Ridgecrest this week--Michael Adler, Dick Tunney, Craig Adams, Jay Rouse, the Sisters, and Brian Free and Assurance. One great song after another kept us engaged in worship. Fast, gospel, slow, meaningful, powerful music seemed to merge together to form an unforgettable experience for everyone present. It is hard to say which moment or which song was the favorite.
A side excursion took us to the monumental and famous Biltmore Mansion and estate where we walked and walked from room to room through the gardens and onward to the farm and winery. The magnificent structure was totally captivating including the pantry, dining rooms, exercise room, indoor pool, music room, and lavish art. The room that left me aching was of course the library with two floors of books I was desperate to study and hold. Yet the rope (and the guards) kept me from acting upon my temptations and I exerted great self-control, coveting along the way the books. Quite an experience all told. The rich are different that is for sure.
Back to the conference. Yes we played in the orchestra, hiked the trails, prayed, drank coffee, and even did some book shopping in the little town of Black Mountain down the road. Not wanting to leave yet knowing we must return, I finish this little essay up by saying that I feel blessed to have my family with me and to have the opportunity to worship God in so many ways.
See you back in Texas!
At first I felt rather claustrophobic in that things seemed close together and the sky was so far away. In Texas, particularly as one travels West, the sky feels close and the sight line extends for miles. Yet here in North Carolina, the sight is limited and one feels like a bird sitting in a nest wondering what glories exist outside of the home. But after a time, I began to accept the landscape and now feel as though a security comforter surrounds me. Different from Texas but splendid in grandeur.
The week itself was enriching in many ways--musically, spiritually, and physically. Highlights include a marvelous concert by Dennis Jernigan, a Christian artist with a strong testimony, immense talent, and an enviable career. Yet many great musicians walked the steps of Ridgecrest this week--Michael Adler, Dick Tunney, Craig Adams, Jay Rouse, the Sisters, and Brian Free and Assurance. One great song after another kept us engaged in worship. Fast, gospel, slow, meaningful, powerful music seemed to merge together to form an unforgettable experience for everyone present. It is hard to say which moment or which song was the favorite.
A side excursion took us to the monumental and famous Biltmore Mansion and estate where we walked and walked from room to room through the gardens and onward to the farm and winery. The magnificent structure was totally captivating including the pantry, dining rooms, exercise room, indoor pool, music room, and lavish art. The room that left me aching was of course the library with two floors of books I was desperate to study and hold. Yet the rope (and the guards) kept me from acting upon my temptations and I exerted great self-control, coveting along the way the books. Quite an experience all told. The rich are different that is for sure.
Back to the conference. Yes we played in the orchestra, hiked the trails, prayed, drank coffee, and even did some book shopping in the little town of Black Mountain down the road. Not wanting to leave yet knowing we must return, I finish this little essay up by saying that I feel blessed to have my family with me and to have the opportunity to worship God in so many ways.
See you back in Texas!
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