Word of the Day - Thursday

If you have ever needed encouragement, this is it. 

  "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation:  but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."  (John 16:33   KJV)

We will have troubles and tribulations, but know that God is always there, and will see you through. 

Never forget -

• It rains on the just, as well as the unjust.  Sometimes...stuff just happens.
• God will never put more on you than you can handle.
• And, after you've done all you can, just stand.  Know that the Lord will bring you through.

God Bless, and Keep on Keepin' on

Bro B

Word of the Day - Wednesday

Here is some excellent Wisdom from the Bible.

  "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:"  (Philippians 2:5-7  KJV)

  We all ought to think, and live this way.  Especially those of us who labor in the music ministry.  So many times, we as music ministers and musicians, can get a big head about our talent, or what we do.  Music is a....HUGE....part of a service, and as such, we can tend to think that "no one can do without us."  And...maybe in some cases, may get treated that way, which will add to that mentality. 

  Very, very scary place to be.  The day we begin to think that we are "irreplaceable", will be the time we learn that we are replaceable.  God does not have need of us, but we of Him.  Yes, we can contribute a lot to our church, to our congregation, and even to our Pastor, but we are never irreplaceable.  If any of us were to leave our church tomorrow, God would provide that our church with somone, with a burden for the music ministry, to replace the hole we would leave. 

  Also, as leaders of our church, and influencers of the up-and-coming generation, the more of a "servant" attitude we portray, the more we will raise up and influence others the right way....a way that pleases God. 

  Always remember, we are servants though we are leaders.  We server those we lead, both in our ministry and those we lead in worship.  The more we serve others, the more others will be willing to follow us.

Have a great day & week and....Keep on Keepin' on!!

Bro B

 

Obama's approval rating hits all time low

Here’s an excerpt from Glenn Beck’s newsletter today.  It makes my heart glad to know that other American's feel the same way I do.  It sounds like America really does want "Change"......

"Not only is Congress coming off a telling poll that reported 57% of Americans would vote ALL of Congress out, while only 25% would keep them -- President Obama is suffering as well. His latest Presidential tracking poll has him at 46% approval, by far his lowest ever. America wanted change, but it's safe to say America didn't think the change it voted for included Marxism. Check out the POLL."
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/obama_administration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll

(www.glennbeck.com - 8/31/09)



Keep on Keepin on,

Bro B

Word of the Day - Monday

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6 (KJV)

Word of the Day - Friday 8/28/09

Jesus answered, "The work of God is this:  to believe in the one He has sent."  John 6:29

  Yes, we all know to "Believe in Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved."  It is a must, and the first step to salvation and knowing Him.

  Something we also need to know and remember is, it's not the last step, just the starting point.  The Bible says that even the demons believe in Jesus, and tremble.  Our salvation doesn't stop at just knowing that he simply exists, but knowing and acknowledging he exists starts our walk. 

  The next steps are to be batized, both in water (In the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins Acts 2:38) and in the Holy Ghost (with the evidence of speaking in tounges as the spirit gives the utterance Acts 2:4).

  The last and continual step....living for Him.  Living a life of Holiness, free & separated from sin is the hardest part.  Anyone can DIE for Him, but it's harder to LIVE for Him.


Keep on Keeping on!

Bro B

Word of the Day - Thursday

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12

Where to Go Next??

Have you ever desired to do something more.....but could never figure out what that "something more" is?? That's where I'm at. I have an undying desire to do something with myself, but have no idea where to go, what do to, or where to start.

I've always wanted to have my own business, doing something I enjoy....or maybe even something I'm not crazy about, but that I can call my own. I've tried a few things...mostly MLM business that didn't get me anywhere. I've searched the web over looking for something, or someone, that would have the answer and/or idea I could run with. Alas....I can find nothing.

Of course there are thousands of websites/links, forum posts, etc. talking about how you can make lots of money blogging. Hopefully this will someday prosper for me, but in the meantime I don't have much direction (really sad isn't it). :0)

I love and enjoy music, so someone had mentioned that I write a book about learning to play the piano. ...Hmmm.......they may have something there. I do enjoy writing (hence this blog), and I do enjoy playing and teaching music. More than anything else, I enjoy sharing what I enjoy with others, and also watching people grow and better themselves from what I can teach them. Though this passion doesn't seem it would work as a store front item for sale (Attention shoppers: "B's Betterment Emotions are now half off), but an instructional piano book.....may be on to something. I've never ventured into an endeavor such as this, but sounds fun & exciting.

Challenging would also be a fitting word for project of this sort. I took classical piano lessons when I was younger, for about 2 years. After that, I more or less taught myself everything I know. I purchased instructional video's, books, have attented multiple music conferences, and have bothered every piano player at every church I've attented. When I put all these together, over the years I have developed my style & understanding of playing the piano.

Though I would never consider myself a professional piano player, I would say that my style and music theory knowledge would be fairly advanced. Being that I am someone who needs things explained either a few different ways, or in a simple way, I feel I am, if nothing else, good at explaining things to others, so that they can comprehend them.

That being said, I'm going to try my hand at writing an instructional book on playing the piano. I'm not sure what my target audience will be, nor the content thereof, but hopefully in the end, I will have a product that will be helpful, inspirational, and something set apart from the rest. I hope it to be practical, visual, and immediately applicable to what someone will be able to use. Hey......maybe I'll include usable song material for those that either work in music ministry, or desire to.

Say a prayer for me.

God Bless & "Keep on Keeping on,"

Bro B

Hitting the Nail on the Head

  So, on my way home from work today, I was listening to the ever so talented Glenn Beck.  I enjoy listening to him, not just because he is a conservative, but because he will never say that he is always right, and that it's his way or the highway.  He will always give you the facts, and if he inserts his opinion, he will preface his statement by letting you know it's his opinion he's about to give you. 

  Anyhow, to my point.  Glenn beck was talking about how politicians won't listen the voice of the people (us), because they listen to those whom vote will matter the most, or whom they are most afraid of.  While talking about this, he pauses and sighs....then says, "What we need to do is fumeigate the White House."

  I was literally YELLING in my car, and smacking my dashboard in excitement saying, "YES! YES! YES!" over and over again.  The reason for the excitement is because...I've been saying that is what we need for about the last 6 months now.....a clean sweep of all our politicians.  Good, bad or indifferent, they need to go, and we need to start fresh.  The reason being is just what Glenn Beck was talking about.  Our politicians, ultimately, don't care what we think.  If they do, they don't fight for our voice.  Why??  Probably because they may not get re-elected if they do so.  So to ensure their own job security, they go with what the popular vote is, or what will keep them in their political position. 

  Now, I may be competely off, as this is just my own simple & humble opinion. I'm not an authority on politics by any means.  But, just watching our leaders of today, and even of yesterday.....I don't see anyone that says what THEY mean.  They're almost puppets....but I have no idea who their puppet master may be.  It's scary and disheartening.

  Just thought I'd post my two cents, and say that I appreciate Glenn Beck.  Keep on keeping on Glenn. 

Take care & God Belss

Stop the Bus, I wanna get off!!!!

Wow!! What a ride this has been. Yes, it's been quite a while since I've blogged, posted anything, or have had time/desire to do so (really sad, I know). Long and short of it:

We attended the IBC Music Festival, Music Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana back in April of this year. Let me say, that is was more than I had expected. Great clinicians, great music, and lots of useable music that will work at my local church. We all had fun (myself, my wife, bass player, drummer & sound lady), and learned a lot.

Sadly, since that time, our church has been going through a storm. A few families have left our church on bad terms, and others have been going through storms of their own, including myself & family. This has been a growing time for myself & family....and half of my musicans and praise team. My wife & I, main drummer & his wife, including my assistant & his wife were all asked to take a seat during this time, due to....well....all of use making a mistake or three.

We've all learned a lot and, I feel, have grown a lot due to this, but it's been hard. I've learned to love my wife, and I feel we've grown much closer in the last few months. You really learn to lean on each other, and feel for one another when a trial has crossed your path.

If nothing else, the biggest part of my learning has been to see what an intrical part I play in our church, and how many people really rely on what I(we) do. I never really saw it, as I've just do what I do, and have for the last 9 years. Now that I've been forced to sit, I have been able to look, listen, and see what I do, who it affects, and how much of an impact it makes. It really makes you appreciate it all.

I've also learned that.....I've been way to easy on my department. When something isn't played or sung exactly the way it should be (or how I believe it should be), then I've just said, "That sounds good," and moved along. Instead of taking the time to stop what is happening and saying, "No, that's not it, let's try it again" And then continue to do so until it sounds right. What's the consequence of my actions?? Astounding!! I've seen my team, who have been singing & playing the same songs for years, not know their parts or the music. Songs in a minor key are magically played in a major. Three part harmony's become two part harmony's, or worse yet, are sung in unison. The list goes on, and on.

I have never been more upset at my team than now, and guess who's fault it is?? Ultimately, it's mine. Why is it my fault?? I'm the leader. And as such, anything that happens within my ministry/department is my fault. Good or bad.

That's just the first rule of leadership. "EVERYTHING IS YOUR FAULT!"

Please don't take me wrong. My team, even when I am playing with them, are not professionals. They try their best, and do well with what they have. We all play for God, the church, and also for ourselves. We love what we do, and are not paid for it...yet, but love the result we see when God moves, and touches others. I am proud that they have taken the reigns, and have done their best to make worship service all it can be. Being their leader, and somewhat of a perfectionist, I just know they have so much more potential than what I see. Therefore, I get frustrated with what I see & hear, knowing they should be further than where they are today.

If and when God decides it's time for me to return to my ministry, I plan to be a better, more diligent & much tougher leader than before. Not because of a power trip, but because I care about doing the best I can, and making others better. If we are ever put in this position again, I want my team to be the best, and make this ministry run as though I was still there. They are that good, and I want to bring that out in them. That's what we do as leaders.....we lead....we develop.....we bring out the best in others.

I thank God for this time of trial, as I've grown closer to Him, my wife, my family, and my minsitry. I've learn more respect for my Pastor, the man of God, and pray for him more now than I ever have. All who read this, please also say a prayer for my Pastor, John Mascroft, as he is going through a storm within our church & his ministry. I know, as always, God will bring us through it all.

Take care, and God Bless

Music for an Easter Play, Continued....

Getting ready for your Easter drama can be pretty hectic. The person putting together our drama this year, has a ton of songs they want to incorporated into our drama. So, the challenging part for me has been finding good times to practice with the band, soloists, and keeping a balance with our usual music obligations.

Preparations

Things that I have been doing to get prepared for our very musical Easter drama, are things such as this. Keep in mind, some of these things may seem like a "no brainer" to some, but I have to work very hard at being an organized director/leader (still not great at it yet, but kudos to my wife for keeping me on track):

• Typing out lyrics for singers. Providing copies of the lyrics to all singers, along with a copy of the song on CD/MP3 to all soloists.


• Providing the music to all musicians. Depending on what your group uses, this would include Chord Charts or Bass Tab/Chords with lyrics, and a copy of the song on CD/MP3.


• Learn songs completely prior to music practice. The Drum line, Bass line, Guitar, Piano, Organ, and whatever else the song may include. Learn where all the hits, cuts, and accents are.

It doesn't seem like a lot, but it can be a lot of work getting one or two songs prepared. For example, our music group will play a lot of songs that are not popular in mainstream Christian/Gospel music. I also do not splurg and spend money to purchase the actual sheet music for our songs. Another item that causes extra work is, we typically use the Tennessee number system when playing music, rather than using chord names, (which...I haven't been able to find a website dedicated to transposing chords into numbers). So because I like to make things difficult, I listen to a song over & over, type the words out in a MS Word, then learn the music by ear. I then input the numbers of the chords over the lyrics, and give this to the band.

Depending on the complexity of the song, this can be a fairly quick, or rather lengthy process. Either way, this helps our musicians, especially those who are not acustomed to learning music by ear.

Practice Times

As far as practice time goes, I try pretty hard to keep practices limited to after services during the week, and in between services on Sunday afternoon. I would recommend keeping your practice times after, or before, your church services. You tend to have a better turn out for music practice, when everyone is already at church, rather than getting together an extra evening. This is especially true when your people are there on a volunteer basis.

I'm also make it a point to bring a copy of the song to practice, as we typicall will have to refer to the song on occasion (I have a pretty opinionated music group). Hopefully, if your musicians are proactive enough, they will have the song down by the time practice rolls around.

Easter dramas can be very hectic, and people still have their personal lives to tend to, so the more thought you give to your people, the more they will respect you and will utilize the time they are asked to be there.

As I posted previously, if there are any methods you can use for preparations, this is what I have done, and so far, as worked out this week. Let me know your thoughts, and feel free to share your ideas. I'm always ready to learn and grow.

B

Getting Ready for Easter

Wow!! How time flies!!  It can be challenging to keep up with a new Blog, a 2 year old, a 4 month old, full time job and a music ministry.  Throw an Easter play into the mix, with a dozen songs (roughly).....yeah....blogging has had to take a back seat. (sorry blog)

None-the-less, all is progressing as planned (more or less).  Our choir has been able to brush up on 4 songs thus far, has almost completely learned a fairly complex song in an hour, and has one song to go.  Most all of the soloist songs have learned their songs, 5 in all.  Being that Easter is only 4 Sundays away from yesterday, that makes a music director pretty pleased.  This coming from our last years Easter play preparations....this is smooth sailings thus far for the music department. 

Is anyone else putting together an Easter play, or have you in the past.  I would love to hear from anyone else that has to either pull together an Easter play, drama, or has assisted in one, to hear what your experiences have been, and what preparations you go through.  What happened, what worked well, what didn't, what were the outcomes??

Hopefully you feel better than this when it's all said and done.

Good luck in all you do this year, and God Bless!
B

Music Conference worth attending

I have attended the To The Chief Musician music conference in Stockton, California, more many years now. Excellent, excellent music conference to attend, to help you learn more regarding the music ministry, and grow yourself musically, spiritually, and in leadership.

This is also something I would recommend encouraging anyone that is in the music ministry to attend. Whether you are the director, drummer, bassist, sound person, or just a singer in the choir or ensemble, you will receive something from this conference.

My wife, bassist/song writer, sound lady and I are going to attend the IBC Music Fest music conference, in Indianapolis, Indiana this year. Not sure what the difference is, other than thi IBC (Indiana Bible College) music conference has been running longer that the TTCM (To The Chief Musician) music conference has.

We are excited about what it has in store, and what we're going to learn from this. I plan to share all I learn, weblinks to resources, music tips, and plenty of pics & vids from the conference. If you have never attended a music conference before, you NEED to!! It's such an experience to be around like minded people, who do what you do. Plus, you get tons of questions answered, you can talk to people going through the same things you are, and learn new ideas on how to tackle things you are trying out.

Check out the two websites above, and if you can't make it to either of these conferences this year, try to make plans to attend one next year. There are plenty of other music conferences available, but these are two that I know about, and have/will attend.

Let me know what you think, or if you have any places you have been. I'd love to hear about what has worked for you.

God Bless,

B

Glenn Beck talks about the AIG bonus's and what the real issue is

Huge fan of Glenn Beck. I love that he is not biased, and will tell it like it is. I don't agree with 100% of his views, but I love the fact that he accepts those that don't share his view. As long as you can back up your view, and actually believe in your own view, from your convictions, he is good with that.

Here is an article from Glenn's news letter from today, 3/18/09, talking about this issue. I found it interesting. http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/22911/

Are you Creating a Music Ministry for the Future?

What happens to your music program (or department) when you’re not there?? Does it run smoothly?? Does everyone know what they’re doing, or can your music program not run without you there??

I myself have run up against this challenge within my own music program. Depending on the size of church you attend, and the amount of talent that attends your church, this can prove a challenging, yet necessary, task. Though my church is limited on the amount of musical talent, I have made this a personal goal of mine for last the last two years. It’s something that will take years to develop, but if you never start….you’ll never get to where you want to be.

I am the primary piano player, and besides myself, I don’t have someone else with the experience and skill level needed to run our worship services the same way as I do. I've often encouraged and pushed others that have a desire to labor in the music ministry, to venture out....to lead a worship service, or run a practice session.

People are usually scared to step out in this fashion, as it can be nerve racking (I was when I started out). It feels as though you hold the direction of the ENTIRE service in your hands...whether it will draw people to worship, or whether it will just kill the spirit God has for that service. AAAHHHH!!!

So…….What have I done??

Recently, my job has required me to work on Sunday’s once per month. This has given me the opportunity to delegate the authority of running music practice and worship service to others within my department. It has also given others a sense of urgency, and opportunity to step out and embrace their calling. Needless to say, when someone has a great responsibility placed upon them, they will find a way to get it done, and typically do it well.

There will always be hiccups and mistakes made along the way, but we must always be encouraging our people in this regard. Encourage people to make mistakes. Tell them that by making mistakes, we learn and grow. If we never made any mistakes, it's usually because we never try, and if we don’t try, we don’t grow.

So mistakes are a good thing. Now, also be sure to re-enforce that this is a concept, and that we need to make adjustments and correct these mistakes, but to not be afraid to make them. The more confidence you show towards and in people, the less reluctant others are about stepping out and taking a chance. So don’t be stingy with praise and encouragement.

I don’t want to make this an extremely long post, so I will cover this in segments. I also want to talk more about detailed things that I have done to get the Music Ministry of tomorrow developing within my church. Tune in for more to come.

Thanks for reading, and I hope this has helped!

God Bless,

B

Discovering the "BLOG", and a Word of Encouragement

Wow!! What a vast world out there...the world of the "Blog". I've been reading up on effective blogging, and have also been straining my brain with brainstorming. What to write, what to post, so much to do....and IT'S NOT DEVELOPING QUICK ENOUGH!! I must be obsessive compulsive, not sure. :0)

None-the-less, my brain rarely shuts down when it comes to music, and now the desire to begin blogging. I'm excited about the future of what this could develop into, and who it may help, or inspire. If for no one else, even just myself.

Working in the Ministry of Music, especially when it's strictly by volunteer, can be tiresome and, many times, can become tedious. I've often asked myself, "Is it really all worth it?" I love to work and labor in the ministry for the Lord, but issues that arise can make both myself and family weary.

What makes the difference, is when you see that someone, whether it's a church member, or new comer, that comes up to you after a service and says, "Thank you for all you do." Whether you are compensated for your time and effort, or if it's all voluntary, that is the grease that keeps the engine running. Also, it's how you really know that you've been called to the work that you're laboring in.

So, with this, my second post, I would like to say, be encouraged. When the day is done and over with, even if you have only helped to ministry and touch one person...you will have fulfilled your duty, and that should give you a sense of accomplishment.

For anyone who may read this, whether you direct the choir, play an instrument, or run the show.....it's all worth it. Count it all joy!!

B

New to the Blogging World

Hello all who may read this new post. I've started a new role at my current work place, which has required me to learn this new world of "Blogging" I've never known to exist. With this being said.....it's been an extremely fun adventure and learning process.

I hope to use this, and other, blog sites as a resource for myself, and hopefully others interested, with topics I have, am currently, and will eventually deal with in the Music Ministry. I never had a resource to go to (that I knew of) and never had training, education, nor an example to follow, prior to diving into this endeavor I now am in charge of. Things I never knew I would ever run across, or thought I would deal with are; dealing with difficult people, unmotivated yet talented people, spiritual issues, etc., etc., etc.

I look forward to this project, and hope someday, this will benefit and bless someones life, ministry and soul.

We'll be talking soon, God Bless

B