Lest We Forget

Thank you...

"And this day shall be unto you for a memorial .."

- Exodus 12:14a

Happy Birthday, Mom!

You're Still Pretty Spry for Your Age!

"And the children of Benjamin did so, and took them wives, according to their number, of them that danced .." - Judges 21:23a

Silly Song Saturday

Today is the 23rd anniversary of my 30th birthday.

Happy freakin' Birthday to me!

"They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall

be fat .." - Psalm 92:14a

Funny Foto(s) Friday

May 28th is National Hamburger Day.

Lettuce all celebrate!

"And make me savory meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat .." - Genesis 27:4a

Becoming a "Better Than OK" Chorale

This morning at 10 o'clock there is a Tennessee Mens Chorale regional rehearsal for those of us who live in the western part of the state (cowboy hats and boots .. optional) at Union University (my alma mater .. although apparently the institution has no record of me ever being a student there .. can you say cover-up??).

This is in preparation for a concert/worship experience in late June at Lifeway Ridgecrest Conference Center which .. in the actual words from their website .. is "nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just minutes from Asheville, North Carolina" (nestled .. sounds tranquil and serene, doesn't it? .. much better than right slap-dab in the middle of nowhere).

Because of the hectic schedule of most music ministers (not me .. but most) and the length of the great state of Tennessee, we usually get together the day of an event, rehearse for several hours, and then sing.

This works fine when the audience is mostly preachers who, for the most part, are non-musicians (there are exceptions to the rule .. but the percentages are so small, I believe I can stand by this statement).

If you sing loud enough (boy do we .. what we lack in accuracy, we more than make up for in volume) and put a high note on the ending (we have some first tenors who sing notes only dogs can hear), they'll "eat it up" like fried chicken at a church picnic.

However, music week is different.

There will be real church musicians there critiquing (that means criticizing .. in Jesus' name) every aspect of our performance/presentation and we want to do our very best.

This is why we are having a two hour rehearsal four weeks before the event.

They say that practice makes perfect .. or, as my choir often says .. practice ruins a perfectly good Wednesday.

J.S. Bach's quote on the subject?

"There is nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself."

Too bad I'm a singer.

"This has been my practice .." - Psalm 119:56a

Kev's Klip of the Week

Will and Megan Flowers .. married three years today.

Mom and I love you!

"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh." - Ephesians 5:31

Tap Tap Revolution

The United States Congress has officially deemed May 25th as National Tap Dance Day (it is the actual birth date of hoofer Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson .. remember his dance with Shirley Temple in The Littlest Rebel? .. classic!) and I am so glad this dying art is getting the attention it so richly deserves.

Although I don't have the good fortune of being a dancer myself (I never really had a chance .. I'm white and Baptist .. those two obstacles are almost insurmountable), I do have a great appreciation for those who can dance .. or at least think they can.

After watching these guys, perhaps there is still hope for me.

"A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance." - Ecclesiastes 3:4a

LOST Series Finale .. Finally

Well, after six very long seasons ABC's LOST has finally come to an end.

Last night, I .. along with everybody and his brother with a tv .. watched the twelve and a half hour series finale (it sure seemed that long, anyway) and helped lay to rest this significant part of television history.

Unfortunately, many were sorely disappointed with the way things "shook out" in the end (you just can't please everyone .. especially Baptists).

Perhaps this would have been a better way to wrap things up ...

"And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell ..." - Luke 9:61a

RevKev's Day Off

"His mischief shall return ..." - Psalm 7:16a

Silly Song Saturday

This is Tim Hawkins' parody of "Dust in the Wind."

The guys who read my blog will probably enjoy it.

Ladies, you can at least relate .. especially if you have boys.

BTW, here is that original music video.

"Thou didst blow with thy wind .." - Exodus 15:10a

Funny Foto Friday

Squirrel of Steel!

"I went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley, and to see whether the vine flourished, and the pomegranates budded." - Song of Solomon 6:11

Look for the ReUnion Label

For the past few weeks we have been receiving invitations from a number of seniors who have fulfilled all the academic requirements enabling them to "walk the line" (Johnny Cash would have been so proud) at their high school's upcoming graduation exercises (I'm not quite sure how they are going to do jumping jacks and toe touches in those robes???).

Although it is hard for me to believe (like the reality of global warming .. and the authenticity of studio wrestling), 35 years ago I was doing the very same thing (of course it was different back then .. leg lifts and push-ups) at South Side High School in Jackson.

This week, several from the class of '75 (man, everyone else I graduated with sure looks old!!) met to start the planning process for a reunion that will take place in September and we were all given assignments (great .. just like being back in high school .. I think I'll wait 'til the last minute .. that's the way I did things in the old days).

Because of my organizational skills and online computer savvy, I was asked to contact all former classmates who are on Facebook .. actually it was like an old episode of M*A*S*H where Hawkeye, BJ and Radar were trying to capture a wounded mare.

Hawkeye asked if anyone had any experience with horses and BJ said, "I stepped in some manure once" to which Hawk replied, "You're in charge."

Since I "stepped in some manure once" (I own a computer and I'm a member of this sometimes controversial social network), like Sherlock Holmes, I will attempt to solve the "mystery of the missing classmates" by searching FB's list of high schools.

If that doesn't work I might have to go back even further .. like to junior high or even ..

Elementary, my dear readers.

"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:13

Kev's Klip of the Week

A mind is a terrible thing to waste!

Barney Fife .. One of the funniest characters in television history.

"They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."

- Matthew 22:21

Drain, Drain Go Away

If you read yesterday's post, you know I went on and on about my busy schedule and how fatigued I was .. which reminds me of a story:

An exhausted blonde dragged herself in to the doctor's office. "Doctor, there are dogs all over my neighborhood. They bark all day and all night, and I can't get a wink of sleep."

"I have good news for you," the doctor answered, rummaging through a drawer full of medications. "Here are some new sleeping pills. A few of these and your trouble will be over."

"Great," the blonde answered, "I'll try anything."

A few weeks later the blonde returned looking even worse. "Doc, your plan is no good. I'm more tired than before!"

"I don't understand how that could be", replied the doctor, shaking his head. "Those are the strongest pills on the market."

"That may be true," answered the blonde, "but I'm still up all night chasing those dogs and when I finally catch one they won't swallow the pill.”

Today, I would like to share with you about my draining sinuses (yes, it's draining cats and dogs .. and they are scratching like crazy).

If you find this all hard to swallow .. you know exactly how I feel.

I have a sore throat and it is killing me.

There. I feel better getting that off my chest .. which is exactly where all that drainage is starting to settle (I sound a lot like Daphne the 'fun girl' with the raspy voice from the old Andy Griffith Show .. hey, doll)

Hopefully, this will be short-lived and I will be able to write about something more interesting next time.

Like .. my hernia.

"Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins." - Psalm 25:18

I'm Tired Today .. and I'm Not Lion

The closing lines of Robert Frost's Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening declare: But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

This is a perfect description of last week.

After flying to and from Jekyll Island (Tuesday through Thursday .. don't forget to add that 190 mile roundtrip Memphis International Airport commute), driving to and from Livingston, Tennessee (485 miles) for a concert on Friday and riding to and from Nashville (300 miles) on Saturday (btw, because of a clogged fuel filter the bus would slow to a crawl on hills .. at one point Mennonites were passing us), those words have new meaning.

It's Monday and I'm so tired .. I'm so tired I .. okay, I've got nothing (me with nothing to say? .. this IS serious).

Life is full of choices and if I could just say no (or to be polite, no.. thank you) more often, I would be in much better shape, mentally (well, maybe not much better .. but perhaps a little better).

Since I often set my own schedule, some of you naysayers are saying .. nay .. you made your bed, now lie in it.

Oh, I would if I could .. and I'd sleep until noon!

"Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes." - Genesis 31:40

RevKev's Day Off

"Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest." - Exodus 34:21a

Silly Song Saturday

I loved to watch this show when I was a kid!

"And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument." - Ezekiel 33:32a

Funny Foto Friday

According to a reliable source, today is National Dance-Like-a-Chicken Day.

This guy doesn't want to participate in the festivities and I respect that decision.

"They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance." - Job 21:11

A Strange Case .. Indeed

No time to blog today. I have a plane to catch so I need to pack up and get ready to head back to Tennessee.

The island was beautiful, but I must leave Jeykll (even though I'd rather Hyde in my room and stay another day).

I will especially miss the three new friends I made on this trip:

Robert, Louis and Steven's son (I can't quite remember his name).

Goodbye, all.

"Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island."

- Acts 27:26

Kev's Klip of the Week

"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." - I Corinthians 13:12

I Love You, Cher!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TO MY WIFE!

"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord." - Proverbs 18:22

Just a Mundane Monday

Most people dread Mondays because it means their weekend is over and it is time to get back to work.

This is the case with me, too .. usually.

However, not today.

Today is the only normal day (one man's normal is another man's crazy) I will see this week and even though it will be busy (staff meeting all morning .. noontime prayer gathering .. SonShiners rehearsal .. etc.), I am actually going to enjoy (did I really say that??) it.

Tomorrow (Cheryl's birthday) morning my dad will have knee surgery (I think he 'blew it out' with all the running he does back and forth to church) in Jackson.

In the afternoon I will drive to Memphis to catch a plane to Brunswick, GA (there's a three and a half hour layover in Atlanta .. yippie) and then head over to Jekyll Island (around 10:30 PM) where I will be "suffering for Jesus" for a couple of days at an event called Seniors Singing by the Sea (yes, hangin' with the oldies .. again).

Wednesday night I will have the opportunity/privilege/misfortune (it could be any .. or all) to speak to around five hundred senior citizens who are expecting to hear Christian songwriter and comedian, Aaron Wilburn (he received a kidney transplant on May 6, so he won't be able to be there .. duh).

I can't wait to hear the reaction when the emcee says, "Ladies and Gentlemen .. Kevin Hamilton" (who? .. where's Aaron Wilburn?? .. I want my money back .. Mildred, let's just go on to the room).

Like children, senior adults say exactly what they think .. oh, joy.

If all goes as planned, I will fly out on Thursday (unless the powers that be think it wise to transport me by dark of night immediately after my hour and fifteen minute presentation) and return to Humboldt just in time for YYs (FBC's senior adult .. what else would you expect? .. group).

On Friday, I drive to Livingston, Tennessee for a two o'clock Tennessee Mens Chorale rehearsal and we sing that evening at 7 PM.

Depending on how I feel afterward, I will either drive back to Humboldt (about three and a half or four hours) or stop along the way and spend the night.

I do have a regular job (as of this writing) I try to work in between "gigs" so that means I must also plan next Sunday's service, prepare for rehearsals, visit the hospitals, etc. .. sometime during the week, as well.

Like I said ..

Just a mundane Monday.

"And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone." - I Kings 20:40a

RevKev's Day Off

"I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly." - Psalm 22:10

Silly Song Saturday

Here's another silly song from the always hilarious, Allan Sherman.

TWI, it is dedicated to you.

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." - Genesis 2:24

Funny Foto Friday

".. they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city." - Psalm 59:6b

Kev's Klip of the Week

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." - II Chronicles 7:14

You're As Young As You Feel

Benjamin Franklin said, "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise."

Mr. Franklin, all I have to say to you is .. go fly a kite.

I got up at 5:30 yesterday morning.

I went to bed last night just before 9 o'clock.

According to Ben, I should at least "have my health." So, why do I feel like I've been run over by a Mack truck?

Perhaps it has something to do with the numerous activities crammed in between those hours. Whatever the reason .. it ain't pretty (or rather .. I ain't pretty with these puffy, bloodshot eyes).

Yesterday was certainly jam-packed with enough "stuff" to make your head swim (I tried to stay in the shallow end .. unfortunately, I was way in over my head).

After yesterday's post, I selected and rehearsed the day's music (I'm at a retreat, remember?) and then had breakfast with my new/old bffs, the senior adults from FBC Bolivar.

Starting at 9 A.M. I led music for three morning sessions .. playing possibly the worst, most out of tune piano I have ever encountered .. ironically, it was a Hamilton.

After lunch, I went to see Bro. Ray's "little cabin in the woods" and let me tell you, it was sweet.

I led several group activities in the afternoon which included a wordsearch, trivia contest, and the old "drop the clothespin in a jar" game like we used to play at children's birthday parties.

The day concluded with a riverboat dinner cruise on the Tennessee where I was the entertainment.

I love senior adults, but they will wear you out!

"I am weary with my groaning .." - Psalm 6:6a

Singing with the Seniors

I am at a retreat (Pickwick Landing State Park) with a group of senior adults (yes .. hanging out with my peers) from First Baptist Church, Bolivar today. So, I'm going to say to you what Elizabeth Taylor said to her seventh husband:

"I won't be keeping you long."

Since there is no internet access from the rooms (evidently a Tennessee State Park 'thang' .. I've been this route before at Paris Landing), I had to come down to the lobby area to provide you with today's post (I hope you appreciate the extra effort .. a security guard just asked me to leave immediately .. or go put some pants on).

I am responsible for leading the music before each of the speakers (two of them are former pastors, Dr. Ray Newcomb and Dr. Ed North .. a 'pair a docs' I suppose??) and for providing some light entertainment (it is all scheduled before nightfall).

Since we combined choirs from Humboldt and Bolivar last August for a joint-musical project, I am no stranger to the seniors from FBC (no stranger than any other minister of music, I've been told). In fact, it has often been suggested that I belonged in Bolivar.

I don't know if that is true, but for now they sure have made me feel a sense of belonging.

Senior citizens are the best, no matter where they're from.

Plus when I hang around with them .. they make me look younger.

"Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come." - Psalm 71:18