I just thought I'd throw in a quick update on all the fun things happening in my life these days.
With Holy Week being this week, I'm kinda out of my head with everything that I need to get done before Wednesday and beyond roll around. I forced myself to take today completely off. It's so easy for me to go in just to get something done, but right now, I need to take the time when I can get it. I know I'll be running around like a crazy person soon, so I enjoyed my time to myself.
I joined several people and we started a dinner club. Our first dinner was on Friday, and it was so much fun. We have 5 "families" involved and a total of 7 people. I was quite impressed with the creativity first of all. I think we were there till nearly 11 o'clock that night just talking and laughing the night away. I cant wait till our next one in April.
I've been arranging quite a bit of music these days for various instruments and voices. A few of my arrangements will be used during our services this week, so I'm pretty pumped about that. I am really getting into using Sibelius which my choir gave me as a surprise Christmas gift. It is much more powerful than my other program, and a lot more rewarding. I can potentially whip out an arrangement for four or five instruments in about an hour now. I've also been playing more piano these days too. To me, it feels like I'm just tinkering around, but people seem to like it, so I'll keep going. Nothing wrong with a simple improv once in a while. Of course, now their staring to ask for me to try playing the organ. It's kind of scary that I am the parish organist all of a sudden. Last I knew, I was brought in as a guitarist. Oh well!
Lets see... other things. I've been getting into baking, candy making and card making these days. I've run into a number of old friends lately... fun! I really feel like I need a spiritual director or something similar to help me stay on the right path. Life is terribly busy, but very good right now. I cant wait till this week is over.
I'll leave you with a few quotes I borrowed from one of my favorite websites, Just Plain Folks.
"Getting there isn't half the fun - it's all the fun." -Robert Townsend
"Grab a chance and you won't be sorry for a might have been." -Arthur Ransome
"Sometimes all you have to do to inspire humans to greatness is give them a reason and an opportunity to do something great." -Brian Austin Whitney
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Worship in the Works - March 2008
Here's the latest newsletter article... enjoy.
Do you ever feel like there is something missing in your life? Like your life is unfulfilled? Empty? Directionless? Meaningless? Maybe you feel like there is something else you could have done if only you had the means or opportunities. Do you feel a burning desire inside you that you just can’t ignore? Has it been there for a long time? Do you ever feel like you aren’t helping others to be the best they can be? Are you using your talents the way God intended?
I can honestly say that I answered yes to a couple of these questions. If you answered yes to any of them, I’m sorry to say I don’t have the answers, but, maybe the stories of Jesus during this time of Lent do. If Jesus were asked these questions, I would guess that he would say a resounding “no” to them all. How do I know this? The famous last words of Christ include the following: “It is finished.” Some translations of the bible use “It is accomplished.” To me, these words come from a man who has seen his fair share of pain and sorrow, but also a man who really made something of himself. How could he have looked back over his life and said, “If only I had…” to anything? From the beginning of his ministry, he made all the choices of his heart. If we are to follow Jesus with our whole lives, then shouldn’t we also try to see our lives as a real accomplishment and success?
“Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” “Were you there when they nailed him to the cross?” “Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?” I doubt any of us can say yes to any of these questions, but if we can see that we have made the most out of our lives and really invested our talents, then we can have no cause to “tremble” before the awesome power of God. It’s hard to see beyond our “comfort zones” and really be there in the suffering of others, much less Jesus who lived over 2000 years ago. If Jesus was able to go through all the torment and agony and still come out feeling successful, then I have no room to complain. My gift to Christ, who died for my salvation, is to die to myself and give to those he died for. This continues the cycle of love Jesus began when he forgave even those who put him on that very cross.
Do you ever feel like there is something missing in your life? Like your life is unfulfilled? Empty? Directionless? Meaningless? Maybe you feel like there is something else you could have done if only you had the means or opportunities. Do you feel a burning desire inside you that you just can’t ignore? Has it been there for a long time? Do you ever feel like you aren’t helping others to be the best they can be? Are you using your talents the way God intended?I can honestly say that I answered yes to a couple of these questions. If you answered yes to any of them, I’m sorry to say I don’t have the answers, but, maybe the stories of Jesus during this time of Lent do. If Jesus were asked these questions, I would guess that he would say a resounding “no” to them all. How do I know this? The famous last words of Christ include the following: “It is finished.” Some translations of the bible use “It is accomplished.” To me, these words come from a man who has seen his fair share of pain and sorrow, but also a man who really made something of himself. How could he have looked back over his life and said, “If only I had…” to anything? From the beginning of his ministry, he made all the choices of his heart. If we are to follow Jesus with our whole lives, then shouldn’t we also try to see our lives as a real accomplishment and success?
“Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” “Were you there when they nailed him to the cross?” “Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?” I doubt any of us can say yes to any of these questions, but if we can see that we have made the most out of our lives and really invested our talents, then we can have no cause to “tremble” before the awesome power of God. It’s hard to see beyond our “comfort zones” and really be there in the suffering of others, much less Jesus who lived over 2000 years ago. If Jesus was able to go through all the torment and agony and still come out feeling successful, then I have no room to complain. My gift to Christ, who died for my salvation, is to die to myself and give to those he died for. This continues the cycle of love Jesus began when he forgave even those who put him on that very cross.
School Choir Update
So, get this...
Not too long ago I posted a blog about the whole Children's choir thing? Well, this last weekend, I may have found someone to help me organize and lead the kids. I am so pumped. She is one of the parishioners here and has a great background both with kids and in music. I think she would be a perfect addition to the ministry we have going here. Her husband even said that he would nudge her a little to get her involved. This could be the beginning of a very good thing.
Not too long ago I posted a blog about the whole Children's choir thing? Well, this last weekend, I may have found someone to help me organize and lead the kids. I am so pumped. She is one of the parishioners here and has a great background both with kids and in music. I think she would be a perfect addition to the ministry we have going here. Her husband even said that he would nudge her a little to get her involved. This could be the beginning of a very good thing.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Once Upon a Time
During my day off today, I decided to watch my movies that have been sitting in my apartment for the last few days. (I do Blockbuster Online) One of these movies really touched me for many reasons. Maybe its the musician in me or the songwriter or even the person struggling to find that great relationship.
The movie I'm referring to is Once, a low budget and gritty movie about, in my opinion, finding one great friend who "gets" you. There is a lot of great music performed by the songwriters themselves. The movie is about a guy (in the credits named "guy") who makes a living out by fixing vacuum cleaners and singing songs on the streets of Dublin. He meets a girl (named... you got it... "girl") who takes a keen interest in him and his music. The movie is so simple and real, that it speaks volumes about being true to who you are no matter what, following the dreams of your heart, and respecting everything about the people you encounter.
I think the reason I was moved so much by this movie is that I feel so much like the hero portrayed. He recently ended a relationship and is wandering around looking for meaning in everything. When he finds someone who takes an interest in him and helps nudge him toward being a more than he was, he gets the signals mixed up for a time, then realizes the gem he has in her. I wonder if that's what I've been looking for for so long... someone who can inspire me, someone who can be my muse and push me to greater things.
I know it sounds selfish to say that, but it's real. Who knows what form this person is going to come in, but I do know that our friendship will be the stuff from which poems are written and legends told. I know I've missed quite a few opportunities for this kind of relationship, and I am willing to admit that I may lack what it takes to make a relationship like this happen, but I feel, right now, a longing for it. I just hope I'm ready for it when it comes. :)
The movie I'm referring to is Once, a low budget and gritty movie about, in my opinion, finding one great friend who "gets" you. There is a lot of great music performed by the songwriters themselves. The movie is about a guy (in the credits named "guy") who makes a living out by fixing vacuum cleaners and singing songs on the streets of Dublin. He meets a girl (named... you got it... "girl") who takes a keen interest in him and his music. The movie is so simple and real, that it speaks volumes about being true to who you are no matter what, following the dreams of your heart, and respecting everything about the people you encounter.
I think the reason I was moved so much by this movie is that I feel so much like the hero portrayed. He recently ended a relationship and is wandering around looking for meaning in everything. When he finds someone who takes an interest in him and helps nudge him toward being a more than he was, he gets the signals mixed up for a time, then realizes the gem he has in her. I wonder if that's what I've been looking for for so long... someone who can inspire me, someone who can be my muse and push me to greater things.
I know it sounds selfish to say that, but it's real. Who knows what form this person is going to come in, but I do know that our friendship will be the stuff from which poems are written and legends told. I know I've missed quite a few opportunities for this kind of relationship, and I am willing to admit that I may lack what it takes to make a relationship like this happen, but I feel, right now, a longing for it. I just hope I'm ready for it when it comes. :)
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Worhip in the Works - February 2008
Sorry about the lateness in this post. March will be here soon... lol
Worship in the Works - February Edition
How do we talk to people of other faiths about our practice of Lent? Why is it that we give things up during Lent, or do special things? Why do we put ashes on our heads at Ash Wednesday? Lent is rarely one of our favorite times of the year. Images about sacrifice and dying to ourselves come up in readings and songs throughout the season. I would like to offer another way to approach this season. The following are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs:
Elder Joseph, a shaker from Maine, wrote this “dance” song in 1848 as an expression of the shaker way of life, simple and joyful. Even though we have opportunities to simplify our lives, if left to our own devices, we probably wouldn’t. Lent is a reminder to us that God should be the first priority in our lives.
St. Francis of Assisi said, “First you Lord, then I.” Saints in all ages were known for placing their lives in the hands of Our Lord, simply. When I say simply, I don’t mean without regard for ourselves or our families, but with a single-hearted generosity and fervor that is characteristic of the people of God.
Lent is an opportunity to experience “metanoia” or holy conversion – turning as the song suggests. Even the words that accompany the application of ashes are “remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” One way to interpret this is “I am a worm.” Another is that I am a person on a twisting road, and the utmost important thing is I am constantly seeking to make myself and my life holy. God takes great delight in our efforts, though we aren’t always successful.
I am going to join all in this season as simplifying their hearts, in seeing all our experiences as touched by the Divine. Everything from going to mass on Sundays or weekdays, talking with family and friends, having dinner, going to the mall shopping, or even watching TV or movies. Then maybe I wont be asham’d to bow and bend when life’s surprises are blown my way, because I know, like the palm tree, I am again going to stand straight.
Worship in the Works - February Edition
How do we talk to people of other faiths about our practice of Lent? Why is it that we give things up during Lent, or do special things? Why do we put ashes on our heads at Ash Wednesday? Lent is rarely one of our favorite times of the year. Images about sacrifice and dying to ourselves come up in readings and songs throughout the season. I would like to offer another way to approach this season. The following are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs:When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come round right.
To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come round right.
Elder Joseph, a shaker from Maine, wrote this “dance” song in 1848 as an expression of the shaker way of life, simple and joyful. Even though we have opportunities to simplify our lives, if left to our own devices, we probably wouldn’t. Lent is a reminder to us that God should be the first priority in our lives.
St. Francis of Assisi said, “First you Lord, then I.” Saints in all ages were known for placing their lives in the hands of Our Lord, simply. When I say simply, I don’t mean without regard for ourselves or our families, but with a single-hearted generosity and fervor that is characteristic of the people of God.
Lent is an opportunity to experience “metanoia” or holy conversion – turning as the song suggests. Even the words that accompany the application of ashes are “remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” One way to interpret this is “I am a worm.” Another is that I am a person on a twisting road, and the utmost important thing is I am constantly seeking to make myself and my life holy. God takes great delight in our efforts, though we aren’t always successful.
I am going to join all in this season as simplifying their hearts, in seeing all our experiences as touched by the Divine. Everything from going to mass on Sundays or weekdays, talking with family and friends, having dinner, going to the mall shopping, or even watching TV or movies. Then maybe I wont be asham’d to bow and bend when life’s surprises are blown my way, because I know, like the palm tree, I am again going to stand straight.
I believe that children are our future...
Teach them well and let them lead the way....
Now, I'm not fully convinced that signs just appear in our life as a supernatural thing, but I do believe in reading the signs of the times. Lately, I have had my awareness swamped with words and images pertaining to leading, teaching and being mentors to children. Case in point:
Now, I'm not fully convinced that signs just appear in our life as a supernatural thing, but I do believe in reading the signs of the times. Lately, I have had my awareness swamped with words and images pertaining to leading, teaching and being mentors to children. Case in point:
- I just got a professional magazine (Pastoral Music) in the mail last week. The subject of the majority of the articles was directing children's choirs. I just about read that magazine cover to cover. Loved all the suggestions and examples they gave.
- The headlining story in the Faith and Values section of the newspaper on Friday was about when and how to introduce children to prayer and questions of faith. It was a very interesting read from several of the local faith leaders in the area here.
- I had a nice long conversation with a classmate in my summer master's program this weekend. One of our topics, among many others, was about school choirs and cantors. This really stuck out to me for some reason.
I gleened several things from this succession of events in my life. Here at Good Shepherd, we are blessed with a vibrant school choir and good school liturgies. We have quite a few very talented cantors in the school and many more coming up through the grades.
I have recently been given the school choir as one of my tasks, and I've been trying to think of how to really make their experience a good one. Luckily, I have a great piano player who is so reliable and gifted. I am really finding it more crucial for me to learn how to utilize these gifts and talents as well as I can. I know my management skills aren't always the best as my creative and adventurous side likes to get in the way. I started praying for someone to come along who would be interested in helping to lead the choir with me. We'll see how that turns out.
These are great kids, and they deserve great opportunities.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Gifts abound
Sunday was the anniversary of the deaths of two great men. One, you probably know, is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He began playing piano at the age of three and composing music at the age of five. His talent will be remembered for a long long time, and his melodies, though sometimes defiled by remakes, are timeless and speak to our souls.
The second person is someone you probably dont know, St. John Chrysostom. He was the bishop of Constantinople in the 300's. He was known for his pointed and powerful preaching (Chrysostom translates as golden mouth). One of his famous quotes is "Feeding the hungry is a greater work than raising the dead."
Sometimes, in the shadows of greatness, it's hard to see our own gifts and talents in the proper light. This weekend, our youth group went down to the homeless shelter downtown and had a great time. Two weeks ago, they also put on a very nice musical written by two of our high school students, in our cafeteria. Last weekend, a small band of musicians and singers gathered to make some very impressive music for our Saturday mass. Beginning this month, I am helping to start a dinner club comprised of some friends of mine in the parish.
This parish has so many gifted people. I guess I'm writing this to thank everyone for all their work and effort in making Good Shepherd Parish a great place to be and worship each and every week.
Talents are so often overlooked, or squelched early on. I cringe everytime I hear a mother or father tell their child that they cant sing or they dont have rhythm. If you are in the Simon Cowell school of parenting as a talent show, maybe, but why not let them try. I know I would have never discovered my voice or musical talent (or any other for that matter) if I hadn't been encouraged and given the chance to fail or succeed. Where would the world be without the 3 year old Mozart being given the chance to sit at a piano when the rest of his class was out playing somewhere?
The second person is someone you probably dont know, St. John Chrysostom. He was the bishop of Constantinople in the 300's. He was known for his pointed and powerful preaching (Chrysostom translates as golden mouth). One of his famous quotes is "Feeding the hungry is a greater work than raising the dead."
Sometimes, in the shadows of greatness, it's hard to see our own gifts and talents in the proper light. This weekend, our youth group went down to the homeless shelter downtown and had a great time. Two weeks ago, they also put on a very nice musical written by two of our high school students, in our cafeteria. Last weekend, a small band of musicians and singers gathered to make some very impressive music for our Saturday mass. Beginning this month, I am helping to start a dinner club comprised of some friends of mine in the parish.
This parish has so many gifted people. I guess I'm writing this to thank everyone for all their work and effort in making Good Shepherd Parish a great place to be and worship each and every week.
Talents are so often overlooked, or squelched early on. I cringe everytime I hear a mother or father tell their child that they cant sing or they dont have rhythm. If you are in the Simon Cowell school of parenting as a talent show, maybe, but why not let them try. I know I would have never discovered my voice or musical talent (or any other for that matter) if I hadn't been encouraged and given the chance to fail or succeed. Where would the world be without the 3 year old Mozart being given the chance to sit at a piano when the rest of his class was out playing somewhere?
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