Sing That Funky Music, White Boy

Another Sunday. Another late post. This seems to be "business as usual," it appears, as long as revkev's blog is up and running. I've thought about taking the weekends off (from blogging .. not my church responsibilities), but I sure do hate to disappoint my "large reader base (bass)" .. one fat guy that sings low.

Tonight, our church gathered together, divided into small groups, and went to the nursing homes, veterans home, and a retirement complex (it was actually pretty simple, if you ask me) to sing Christmas carols. Afterwards, we returned to the church and enjoyed hot chocolate, cookies, and a reading of the Christmas story from Luke (make that .. Greg).

There was a wonderful mix of young, old and "every age in between" and it was a great picture of, as our pastor calls it, the "church being the church."

I do admit I was slightly concerned about some of the voices in a couple of the groups (John, you think I'm talking about you don't you? I didn't mention any names, did I?), but everything must have worked out just fine. We didn't receive a single call about anyone creating a disturbance.

Thank you, church family for taking part in this evening's activities.

You done good.

You Rang, Sir?

We started handbells back (after a four year absence) this fall and tomorrow morning they will be ringing during the worship service (prelude and offertory).

Because of our rehearsal time (Sunday evenings at 7:15 p.m.), six weeks of "Fireproof" small groups off campus on Sunday nights made it a challenge just to get everyone together to practice. When you factor in illness (a couple of rehearsals made me sick), members being out of town, fall break, etc.., it is probably a small miracle (Greg's message is on the miracles of Christmas .. how appropriate) that we are even ringing at all.

I love the sound of bells .. especially at Christmas time. Something about them really "strikes a chord" (often major) with everyone and seems to put them in good spirits (unless they have on a hearing aid .. the sound, evidently, pierces the eardrum and can cause the wearer to do lots of screaming and thrashing about .. a distraction for everyone.. especially, 'ADD Greg') for the rest of the holidays.

Tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock will be the first time the entire group (this is my fervent prayer) has been together since before Thanksgiving. I trust everything will go smoothly and we will be "ready to ring" at the appointed time (10:30 a.m.).

The familiar line, "every time you hear a bell, an angel gets his wings" may be changed to "every time you hear a bell, an anguished Gibby screams"

Gibby, I'm sorry. Turn down your ear pieces .. or come in after the music on Sunday.

Christmas Has Officially Come to Humboldt

Last night we had our annual community tree lighting at Bailey Park and it was a really cool event. Actually, it was a really cold event.

I had the "privilege" of leading Christmas carols in the 27° degree weather and man was that a challenge! My teeth chattered so much, someone asked me afterwards who was accompanying me on the xylophone. Now, that's cold!

I am just now beginning to feel my toes again (feelings .. nothing more than .. feelings) and I made a promise to never take them for granted again. When I got home last night, I had to put my feet in a bucket of ice just to warm them up a little!

Despite the freezing temperature and bitter wind (I'm not quite sure why it was so bitter .. perhaps it had been jilted), the crowd was good and in good spirits (probably because Santa was there and "he knows when you've been bad or good").

One interesting observation: there were no well diggers in sight.

Pity. The weather was tailor made for them.

Ho, Ho, Ho .. Make that Old, Old, Old

Several posts back, I wrote about growing facial hair. Though not one of the more exciting subjects of late, it's where I am at this point in my life.

We all need to "mix things up" every once-in-a-while, and this was something I could do that didn't affect others .. or so I thought.

Love it (a handful do) or hate it (my approval rating is worse than George W's), people have an opinion about the new, older looking .. me. Not only do they have an opinion, they feel it necessary, yea, even their duty (I haven't used the word duty in a while .. that felt so good) to share that opinion with me, openly, honestly and .. frequently.

I find it interesting that women can change their hair style and color as quickly as they change their minds (no nasty comments, ladies) and expect it to go either 1) unnoticed and without comment or 2) noticed and with rave reviews.

I'm sorry, but if your hair is jet black on Thursday and platinum blonde on Friday, I'm probably going to stare at the top of your head when we hold a conversation. I will not, however, say one negative word .. to your face. That is reserved for later, as I meet and greet the citizens of Humboldt (one of the curses/privileges of living in a small town).

So, I'm just saying if you are somewhat disturbed or appalled by my unsightly appearance, please reserve comment for the appropriate place .. behind my back.

That's the way I like it, uh huh, uh huh.

It's a Small World, After All

Tonight, our preschool and children's choirs will be singing Christmas music during the 6:30 Prayer Meeting service. Last year's program was a full-fledged musical, "Christmas in Reverse." This time, it will be a simple service of sharing song selections (rubber baby buggy bumpers, rubber baby buggy bumpers).

I used to love children .. back when other people worked with them. Now that I'm directing again, I find it a challenge each week to stay cool, calm and collected. I certainly have a new respect for those in the public school system and pledge to pray for them "without ceasing."

The boys and girls are not bad. They are just .. boys and girls. Hyper, chatty, loud, annoying .. boys and girls. They do what kids do .. I kid you not.

As much as I hate to admit it, I think I'm getting too old for all this.

Children used to love me. Now, they view me as the "crazy old man" who lives in that house on the hill .. stay out of his yard.

If you are the parent of a child in my Young Musicians choir, it's possible you may have some concerns after reading today's ramblings. I assure you, there is no cause for alarm. Your child is loved, nurtured and well taken care of, each and every week.

That's why we have additional workers.

The Busy Side of Christmas

It's December 2 and I am already in a mad dash (I don't mean to be mad .. it just happens) toward Christmas.

This morning, the West Tennessee Music Ministers will be singing for the pastors and wives at Union University's, Luther Hall (I think I went to high school with him). This is an annual event and a rare opportunity to sing without hearing a sermon afterwards. It's a great time with "the guys" (and Teresa) and we get to enjoy a good meal (it's the only perk, besides free parking).

Tonight, I am speaking to a group of pastors and wives (notice how pastors don't seem to have much to do but go to parties in December?) in Missouri .. or Arkansas .. I'm not sure which (I suppose I better try to find out). It will be a long night (even longer if they don't laugh) and I'll be getting home late.

If I could just do my job (that's what everyone at church is saying), December wouldn't be such a killer. I would still be stressed and frazzled, but I could survive.

It's the extra curricular activities for the month (parties, and banquets, and concerts .. oh my) that have me going in several different directions (Missouri .. Arkansas .. I really do need to find that email) and feeling overwhelmed.

I know there's no one to blame but myself (I tried to pin it on someone else .. nope, didn't work). I set my own schedule during the holiday season and should have learned my lesson by now.

Well, I suppose I'm a slow learner (talk with any of my old professors) and a glutton for punishment (hit me again .. please) because .. oops, I did it again.

This concludes today's edition (it's an early edition .. written just after four a.m.) of the blog. I have to finish working on my program for tonight.

I just wish I knew where I was going.

Amazing Race, How Sweet the Sound

It seemed like everyone I talked to yesterday at church was stressed. Many were students and this is a very busy time of the year for them with tests, papers and deadlines. I didn't have the heart to tell them this is the very best time in their life and it's all downhill from here (yes, encouragement is my spiritual gift). Oh well, they'll find out soon enough.

The parents are stressed. The kids are stressed. All God's chilin' got stress!

Music ministers are no exception.

December is here (I checked my calendar this morning) and we will be wearing running shoes until Christmas. It's a marathon and I'm already having trouble at the starting line (I'm 'overbooked" this week and being omnipresent is not something I've mastered).

It's a long race, so there will be many opportunities to catch up before December 25. I just hope I don't trip on something (or someone) and land on my face .. or worse. Also, I hope I am not required to take a blood test (I plan to be heavily medicated in order to actually cross the finish line).

They may strip me of a gold medal, but I'll still live to race again .. around Easter.