I'll Keep You Posted

This is my five hundred and fiftieth post since starting this "train wreck" back in May of 2008 and it is still hard to believe there are people who actually "come back for more" on a regular, semi-regular or occasional basis.

Thank you for "being there" for the good, the bad, AND the ugly (my life is an open .. webpage).

Those of you who are faithful followers (cult members?) of "my daily blog" know this past week has been a "killer" for me.

I'm certainly no more busy than the "next guy" (when I asked him about it .. he was too busy to respond), but perhaps I don't handle things as well as some (I do seem to scream .. more so than usual .. and cry a lot for no apparent reason these days).

We are only weeks away from Christmas (or more importantly .. Christmas music) and I am already in "panic mode" (teenagers running from the masked murderer in those 'slasher' films have a lower heart rate).

Our first music groups are set to ring (Carillons) and sing (SonShiners) on December 6 and then the Sanctuary Choir's musical is the very next weekend (ONLY LOVE by Jay Rouse and Randy Vader - December 12 and 13).

There is so much to do and so little time.

The signs are all there: stress .. anxiety .. insomnia .. headache .. fatigue .. irritability .. mood swings.

Hi. My name is Kevin and I have Pre Musical Syndrome.

It must be in the jeans (make that .. genes).

"the days of affliction have taken hold upon me."

- Job 30:16b

Silence Is Golden

Several sanctuary choir members and our instrumentalists assembled at 8 o'clock last night (don't worry, you're getting time and a half based on your normal pay scale .. choir) to test out the new sound system.

Of course they are not totally finished with this project and there are still some kinks to be worked out before Sunday, but all in all .. not bad.

One of my biggest complaints with the old system was all the hiss (I usually only hear this during my stand-up comedy act) and noise it produced.

My hearing is not all that great these days (it's really not that essential in my line of work), but it is still good enough to detect all the "snap, crackle and pop" sounds that our old equipment emitted.

This is understandable. I'm over fifty and have been known to emit an unexplainable sound or two, myself (ah, the joys of aging).

Even though last night's rehearsal didn't let us completely know what to expect on Sunday (btw, I've been in ministry for 34 years .. you never know what to expect on Sunday), one thing is certain .. this new equipment is essentially noise free.

It is clear to me ...

We made a sound investment.

"And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand." - Matthew 15:10

Out with the Old .. In with the New

Our system was so antiquated .. it was a crime

The good folk at Internally Sound (Phil, Mark and crew) have been busy the past couple of weeks pulling cables, hanging speakers (no .. not 'stringing up' the guys who have preached .. the other kind of speakers) and setting up mics.

That's right. We are finally getting a new sound system at First Baptist Church in Humboldt.

This "priority" (named so well over three years ago) has been bumped several times to take care of less important items .. like leaky roofs and broken air units (come on, people .. a little water and sweat never hurt anybody).

However, a few months ago after much prayer .. "And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed" - Genesis 37:6 .. and discussion .. "And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day" - Deuteronomy 11:28a .. the sound and stewardship teams aggressively sought to "make it happen" (double teaming .. it works).

Well, the people "heard our cry" and responded by giving generously (it was so inspiring I might even consider tithing .. one day).

Tonight at 8:00 (we can't start until after YYs .. that group is also a priority) the choir and instrumentalists will have the opportunity to "take it out for a spin" before Sunday's official premiere.

I am more excited "all over" than anyplace else!

The new sound system is not the only thing making headlines this coming Sunday.

Last night Bro. Greg and Sheila returned from Guatemala (she has been there for seven months!!) with their newest McFadden .. Lily (perhaps you've heard about the adoption .. our pastor might have mentioned a time or two).

It has been a long ordeal, but Ryan and Joey finally have a baby sister!

A new sound system and a new McFadden.

Darn you, Greg .. trumped me again!

"With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought."

- Psalm 45:15a

Kev's Klip of the Week

Well, zippity do dah!

"For the day of vengeance is in mine heart .."

- Isaiah 63:4a

Time to Put on My Running Shoes .. Again

Another busy day .. and short post.

The TMC (Tennessee Mens Chorale) is singing with the TLC (Tennessee Ladies Chorus) at WJBC (West Jackson Baptist Church) this AM (ante meridiem .. was this really all that helpful? .. it's Latin and means 'before midday') and I must get there ASAP (as soon as ... ah, just forget it!!).

Bottom line: We have to be in place and ready to sing at 7:45, so I don't have time to sit here and wax an elephant.

Look for Kev's Klip of the Week tomorrow.

FYI (it means for your .... aaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!) the blog surpassed 40,000 hits this week. Thanks for your support .. and poor judgement.

"And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life." - Deuteronomy 17:19a

Now .. For My Next Trick

Because of technical difficulties, this post is a "non-post" .. sorry.

I am juggling quite a bit today .. they start installing the new church sound system .. I have two rehearsals (at the same time) .. I'm speaking at a banquet tonight .. Christmas music is breathing down my neck .. nuff said.

So, pray for me .. and the poor souls who cross my path.

Why didn't I go into something less stressful .. like air traffic control??

"I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me." - Numbers 11:14

There's Nothing to Say .. It's Sunday

"Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation." - Zechariah 2:13