Kev's Klip of the Week

Here is another clip from comedian, Rowan Atkinson of Mr. Bean fame.

He's one talented guy .. with great timing.

"And it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well." - 1 Samuel 16:16b

49〫.. Now That's Cool

After weeks of dark cloudy skies and general doom and gloom (that kind of sounds like a military character from Li'l Abner), yesterday the good Lord "threw us a bone" .. what a gorgeous day!

As I'm writing this entry, it is forty nine degrees outside and the high for the day (that's a natural high .. like the title of the Ralph Carmichael/Kurt Kaiser youth musical from 1970 .. groovy) is supposed to be 72.

Like it or not, the weather can have a positive or negative affect on the way we view our day .. I'm positive about that.

When it's cloudy or rainy outside (especially for two weeks at a time .. again, I'm sorry about not mowing and starting this whole mess .. see http://revkevhamilton.blogspot.com/2009/09/rain-rain-dont-dare-go-away.html if you don't recall), that makes you feel "down in the dumps" or depressed.

The opposite is true when the sun is shining and bright.

Sunshine on my shoulder makes me happy (or in my case .. slightly less unhappy .. I'm Baptist .. we're not known for being 'happy' .. we tolerate and endure .. anything more might seem too charismatic).

So, basically our happiness often depends on the "happenings" around us.

If things are going great in my little world and it's pretty outside, I'm happy as a clam (they always look like they are smiling .. unless laying upside down .. but 'sad as a clam' doesn't have a nice ring to it).

If things are falling apart plus it's rainy, cloudy and storming .. stay out of my path (take away my morning coffee from this scenario and someone will have to die .. I believe this is justifiable homicide).

Yes, happiness depends on what's happening (Freddie 'Rerun' Stubbs .. dude could dance).

JOY, however, comes from knowing that the great God of the Universe loves us and is there .. even in the tough time .. even when it's rainy, cloudy and storming.

In the immortal words of the Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz after receiving his brain (diploma) .. "Oh Joy! Rapture" (Premillennial, of course).

"But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee." - Psalm 5:11

Sing It Again, Sam .. and Rick .. and Paul

Last night I had the privilege of hearing The CenturyMen in concert at West Jackson Baptist Church and I was not disappointed (unlike that Christmas when I didn't get a pony .. I did wake up a "little hoarse" .. that didn't count).

This group of 100 auditioned professional Christian musicians (thus the name .. although it could have been derived from the two or three who actually had to be at least one hundred years of age) from across the United States was formed in 1969, so this was their 40th anniversary tour (I was always good in math).

Noted composer and arranger, Buryl Red has been the Musical Director of the group since it's inception and just being in the same room as the man who did the music for "Celebrate Life," "It's Cool in the Furnace," and "Beginnings" was a real treat. He and Joseph Joubert (Associate Director/Accompanist .. dude can play the piano) have done most of the arrangements for the group over the past ten years and they really know how to capture the power and beauty of men's voices. Incredible.

The CenturyMen are known internationally (Dr. Ernesto Chioco told me he had heard of them) through their concert/mission tours abroad which occur every five years. Their overseas tours have included England, Wales, Scotland, Germany, Austria, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Switzerland, Israel, Brazil, the People's Republic of China, Russia, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

Around the world, but never to Gibson County. What's up with that?

Several of my friends (those more talented than me) sing in this group and it was great seeing them up there in the choir loft .. with their fancy schmanchy tuxedos .. singing their hearts out .. just to mock me.

Maybe, I'll audition next time there's an opening (I'm keeping an eye on those 100 year old guys .. it's like sitting at the kid's table at Thanksgiving .. waiting out Uncle Billy so you can move up to sit with the grown-ups).

On second thought, one bad apple might spoil the whole bunch and these guys seem to be doing just fine without me.

"And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing."

- 1 Chronicles 6:32a

Gone to Church - See You Monday

Did you remember it was Sunday?

I trust you are making some memories today.

"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."

- Exodus 20:8

Whether I'm Right .. Or Weather I'm Wrong

A couple of days ago one of my readers (not the other one) commented about the post, "Rain, Rain .. Don't DARE Go Away." They suggested I might want to write a retraction for that day's writing and perhaps they are right.

Two weeks straight of this "persistent precipitation" is quite enough and we are so ready to see some sunshine. However (if you recall), prior to that time it had been as dry as powder .. or one of my blog entries .. and I was merely trying to "help" the Lord out a little bit.

Obviously, just like Robert Young .. the Father knows best.

We're never content are we?

We complain when it doesn't rain for weeks at a time. Then when it DOES rain .. for weeks at a time .. we complain about that.

I was talking to Judge Tommy Moore (no it wasn't standing before him in court .. this time) at the TMC retreat and he quoted something our tour guide said when the chorale was in Wales two years ago.

Tommy casually said, "Looks like it might rain today," to which the man replied (please read in your finest British accent to get the full effect):

Whether the weather be mild or whether the weather be not,

Whether the weather be cold or whether the weather be hot,

We'll weather the weather whatever the weather,

Whether we like it or not.

It appears the rain will be leaving our area after today. If it doesn't, that's okay with me.

Lord, it's totally in Your control and I'll keep my opinions to myself .. on this particular subject.

"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." - Matthew 5:45

Sleep in Heavenly Peace .. Yeah Right

All the rain we've been having for the past fews weeks has drawn my attention away from a subject very near and dear (well, perhaps just near) to my heart .. sleeplessness.

If you were to search the archives of this blog site, I suspect you would find a high percentage of posts would deal with the issue of sleep deprivation (second only to juvenile bathroom humor .. as it should be, of course).

It is now 3:13 in the morning .. on my day off .. and I have been up and about since 1:20 AM.

Why do I do this? Is there something important (healthcare reform, war/general unrest around the world .. who will ultimately win 'Dancing with the Stars') laying heavily on my mind?

I'm puzzled and perplexed.

I like sleep .. I want to sleep.

Sleep is good.

Lack of sleep is .. bad (at least the insomnia has not affected my sharp wit and keen writing style).

I've often been told only someone with a guilty conscience would have trouble sleeping, but I don't believe that for one minute.

You must have a conscience for it to be guilty.

I rest my case.

Maybe it was something I ate .. an undigested bit of beef, a blot of mustard, a crumb of cheese, a fragment of an underdone potato .. a GooGoo Cluster.

Whatever the reason, this is not fun (nor a particularly interesting post).

Oh well, tomorrow is another day .. actually tomorrow is already today .. and it's going to be a long one.

".. wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious." - Exodus 22:27b

Back On the Road

I have a full day of ministry related activities to accomplish so today's post will have to be .. posthaste.

One of my YYs (Youth of Yesterday aka seniors) has been in Vanderbilt Hospital since last Friday and I haven't had the opportunity to go check on her before today. So .. with my rechargeable razor and a cup of coffee in hand (no texting, of course .. that would be too dangerous), I'm off to "Music City" .. for neither fame nor fortune.

I will be coming back through Jackson and stopping by hospital number two (there's a crude joke in there somewhere, but I'm limited on time and can't go for it) to see my secretary who had to have unexpected emergency surgery (I suppose all emergency surgeries are unexpected, actually) late yesterday afternoon (she was doing well last night).

Our deacon sponsored "Widow and Widowers Banquet" (it's kind of like a 'hook up' event) is tonight, as well. So I have to be back in Humboldt by 6:00.

If you add completing Sunday's order of worship and tying up loose ends (again .. no time to make an inappropriate joke .. darn it), I must really get going.

Looks like I'll need an umbrella .. and perhaps a small boat.

"And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth" - Genesis 7:18

Kev's Klip of the Week

Paul Clark included a link to this video in an email he sent to the TMC entitled, "Singing with Expression."

By jove, I think they've got it!

"With trumpets and the sound of a horn; Shout joyfully before the LORD, the King." - Psalm 98:6

Good Enough for Me and Bobby D

I had a great time singing yesterday with my West Tennessee Music Minister buddies for the senior adults at First Baptist Church in Jackson. They were a good audience (no beer bottles thrown .. of course we were at church) and they allowed us to go first through the food line .. an unselfish act (if you are over 65 a nice meal is your number one source of entertainment .. I work with seniors .. this is a fact).

An added bonus was seeing Bobby Newton, my old (the man has to be 112 or so) high school band and chorus director.

Last year "Bobby D" celebrated his 45th anniversary (talk about going nowhere .. stuck in the same old job) as organist of FBC Jackson and all I can say is, "Wow!"

Mr. Newton was one of those teachers you just can't forget (not one of the ones who leaves permanent scars .. the good kind). Always full of wit (this is often said of me .. or something sort of like that), he made music fun (except just before contest time .. don't ask) and enjoyable (you should hear him play and sing, 'Too Pooped to Pop' .. hilarious).

He cared about his students and took an interest in them even outside the classroom (he introduced a few of us brave souls to 'chitterling night' at the Fox restaurant in Jackson .. and to think no one thought I had the guts).

God called me into the music ministry. Mr. Newton helped encourage and train me musically to do the task.

Bobby D, much of what I am today is because of you.

I hope you are able to sleep at night.

"And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding." - Daniel 9:22

Singing with My Peeps

I had trouble sleeping (with all the rain we've experienced lately, you can just call me 'Sleepless in Seattle') last night .. again. This means today's post will have to be brief because "I'm running a little behind" (this is not a jogging reference nor commentary on my gluteous maximus, btw).

The West Tennessee Ministers of Music (MoMs, for short .. or even tall) will meet at FBC in Jackson this morning at ten o'clock for our first meeting of the year (2009-2010). We will reacquaint ourselves with some music from last season, do a little "polishing" (I'm bring the Brasso®) and then sing for the church's senior adult meeting at 11:30.

Lately, I seem to be spending most of my "leisure time" with seniors or singers .. make that seniors AND singers (David Whaley is in the group) .. which is fine with me.

I enjoy the fun and fellowship of being with my peers and I love how young I feel (and look) when I'm around the elderly.

For the most part, it's a win/win situation.

The downside is losing an "old" friend (David Whaley reads my blog).

"I will sing of the tender mercies of the LORD forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness." - Psalm 81:9

No Post On Sundays .. Did You Forget?

That was easy.

"Remember, I beseech thee .. " - Nehemiah 1:8a

Little Shop(ping) of Horrors

Cheryl is going to spend the day in Nashville shopping with her friend, Cyndi (today is her birthday .. Cyndi's not Cheryl's). That means I have the whole house to myself for the entire day!

A dream come true? Not by a long shot.

There are bathrooms to clean, floors to vacuum, sheets to wash and furniture to dust.

How do I know this (guys don't usually notice)? My wife told me so. That's right. She got me again.

Since both of us work during the week (everyone knows Cheryl does .. there is still question about me), there is really not much time to clean the house Monday through Friday.

Oh, we do a little straightening up along the way. However, the "heavy lifting" doesn't take place until the weekend and since Sunday is the Lord's day .. this only leaves Saturday for that endeavor.

For some strange reason .. or as fate would have it .. I have noticed Cheryl seems to always have a shower, wedding, women's conference, or (as in today's scenario) a shopping trip planned.

I don't want to read too much into this. However, I think I'm beginning to see a pattern here.

I talk to lots of guys on Sunday who say they spent all day Saturday lying on the couch watching football. Do they not have wives? Do they live in Stepford?

Since I'm really not that much of a sports fanatic .. although I do enjoy a rousing game of ping-pong as much as the next fellow .. this leaves me with no valid excuse. So ..

I guess I'll tie on my apron, slip on the Platex rubber gloves and "get with it."

Honey, have you seen my feather duster?

" .. then the priest shall pronounce the house clean .."

- Leviticus 14:48b

How High's the Water, Momma?

You "regulars" (this could also be true for you unleadeds and premiums) may recall on Monday I took some of the credit/blame for rain being in the area (I didn't mow my yard last weekend and that started it all).

If you live in Humboldt or the surrounding metropolitan area (Trenton and Milan), you know it has continued to rain all week and according to reliable sources (my bones ache in this kind of weather), there is no end in sight.

As of this writing (well after 7 AM .. I sleep in on Fridays) the bermuda grass in my yard has grown very high. By the time the precipitation leaves our area and it is dry enough to mow, the grass will most likely be up to my waist and then there will really be "no end in sight." In other words, if you are observing from behind .. there will be no behind to observe .. no ifs, ands or butts.

I have a mulching mower and the yard has to be completely dry for it to work properly. If the ground is the least bit wet, the routine is the same: You push about six feet .. the engine chokes and dies .. you pull the cord again to restart and push about six feet .... get the picture?

With the ground as saturated as it is and considering how high the grass will be by the time I'm able to actually get to the yard (perhaps mid-October .. if I'm lucky), it will probably take a week and a half to two weeks to finish the job.

Of course, if it starts raining again ....

"And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased" - Genesis 7:17a

Happy Birthday to You

I would like to wish my sister Terri a Happy Birthday!

We used to be able to "bust a move." Now, we're more likely to "bust a hip."

I hope you enjoy this, sis (it's all you're getting from me).

"For in him we live, and move, and have our being."

- Acts 17:28a

Kev's Klip of the Week

".. two vessels of fine copper, precious as gold."

- Ezekiel 8:27b

Singing with the Saints

Yesterday morning began with some much needed rain, but ended up with sunshine (make that SonShiners) when our choir for "seasoned" singers (you see a lot of 'salt and pepper' in the group) resumed rehearsals after a six week hiatus.

This new group (I suppose technically since they are all seniors .. it's an old group) was formed in 2008 and last year they were very active .. for "one year olds."

Their first "gig" was in November when they presented a program of "Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs" at the oldest (how appropriate is that?) organized club in town .. the Humboldt Music Club.

The year continued with programs at three local nursing homes and the Tennessee Veterans Home.

But wait! That's not all (sounds like a Ronco commercial .. doesn't it?).

We also had the opportunity to sing at the opening ceremony for our local Relay for Life (an event that I refer to as 'sweatin' with the oldies' .. the temperature was in the mid to high 90s) and our choir combined with the Golden Sounds from FBC Bolivar for two performances of the musical, HOMEWARD BOUND.

This choir year promises to be eventful as well with more of the same plus a Christmas musical we will be presenting in the month of December (I am a scheduling genius, you know .. doing Christmas music in December .. what an innovative idea!!).

We had two new members (35 in total attendance) yesterday and I am expecting others to join in on the fun over the next few weeks.

Seniors rock!

"For the LORD your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song."

- Zephaniah 3:17

Rain, Rain .. Don't DARE Go Away

By the time most of you read this there may or may not be rain in the area. However, when I woke up (4:00 - 4:15 AM .. the early bird gets the worm .. no thanks, I'll just have cereal) it was really coming down out there.

This is good (unless you were supposed to play in the local golf tournament this morning .. sorry) because we have been in desperate need of the "wet stuff" for quite some time now.

It did rain two inches according to our rain gauge (yes, I'm officially old .. we have a rain gauge) on Sunday, September 6 while Cheryl and I were out of town for our twenty-ninth anniversary getaway (or "Black Sunday" as it is now known), but that has been the only precipitation we have had in some time.

I hate to brag, but I may be partially responsible for any rain we might get this week (it's in the forecast for several days .. of course we all know that can change 'as the wind blows').

Since I didn't mow my yard this weekend, that increased the possibility of rain by about 75 percent.

I just wish I had washed my car. That would have sealed the deal.

"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." - Matthew 5:45

Not You Again?

Hello?? It's Sunday and I don't post on Sunday.

See you tomorrow.

".. and they shall come again to me." - Joshua 18:4b

Retreat! Retreat!

"Napoleon's Retreat from Moscow" by Adolph Northern

I got home last night from the TMC (Tennessee Mens Chorale) Retreat in Nashville and after two days of rehearsals we all feel like the guys in Adolph Northern's painting (I wish you could 'tag' people on here like on Facebook .. David Whaley is the one laying on his side on the right).

Poor Paul Clark (our fearless leader). We finished up around six o'clock. He had to spend the night with a lot of women (that didn't come out quite right) because the TLC (Tennessee Ladies Choir) rehearsed for the rest of the evening (plus they will be there until 3:00 PM today .. Paul B. will need his own retreat when all is said and done).

We rehearsed something old ("We Are Not Alone"), something new ("Let Us Sing to the Lord"), something borrowed ("Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" .. Bill Carver, thanks for loaning me a copy .. I couldn't find mine) and something blue ("Sing a Mighty Song" .. the cover was printed in 'royal' and 'powder' .. or was it 'sapphire' and 'steel'?? .. I didn't sing for the first several measures of the song .. twelve bars .. just trying to figure those colors out).

Over the course of Thursday and Friday, we sang through and polished twenty two (but hey .. who's counting?) pieces that will be used during some of our upcoming singing opportunities like the Tennessee Baptist Convention, Ridgecrest Conference Center, a mission trip to the Ukraine .. and possibly the opening of a new Ben and Jerry's in Franklin.

Exciting times are ahead, but for now .. I'm going back to bed.

"To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever." - Psalm 30:12

We Will Not Forget

"But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God." - Psalm 40:17

I'm Nashville Bound

I'm leaving this morning for Nashville (no .. not looking for my big break .. at my age that usually means hip replacement) to attend a two day retreat for music ministers (yes .. we have to get away from pastors for a couple of days a year or we'll go insane .. God love them .. someone sure needs to).

For the revkev blog community (or should that be 'household' .. I have a very small readership .. that's not really fair .. some of you are 'big boned') this probably means no post on Friday.

I will be home later tomorrow evening and if the spirit moves I'll try to recap the highlights of the retreat (the past three years running it's been a toss up between 'pin the tail on the deacon' and 'pin the blame on the preacher').

For sure, there will be something posted on Saturday (even if it's not particularly interesting .. or funny).

In other words .. the same old same old.

"As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." - Proverbs 25:25