When I was a kid it seemed many churches would get in about 10 quality minutes of rehearsing and then pray the remaining 50 minutes of the hour. Actually, there is much good that can come out of those numbers. And somehow through the years it seems we slowly got to where we would practice 50 minutes and then pray for about 10 more. (if that long) I suppose there is some good out of rehearsing your music and presentation. However, the ideal situation would be where you begin a rehearsal with prayer, rehearse the full hour, and then pray once again just to make sure you are still in tune with God.
Tonight I have a rehearsal with the musicians and worship team. I've been planning the rehearsal all week, and will probably do it something like this:
Welcome
Prayer
Introduce a few songs...
Teach the parts to all of the singers, not just the main singers.
Allow musicians to fine tune their accompaniment parts.
Put it all together.
Allow each participant to see their time hasn't been wasted.
Make any necessary announcements...
End with another time of prayer.
Wow! That wasn't too hard now was it? We will learn several new songs tonight in 90 minutes and have a great time singing them on Sunday. Do this each week and soon you will find people enjoy coming to rehearsals and services. Success doesn't happen accidentally. Success must be planned for. Proper planning prevents pitifully poor performances. The Six P's.
It's been a great day! I bought a ticket to fly home Monday and will be there until Thursday (mid-morning) when I fly back to Indianapolis for rehearsal next week. I will be so glad to see my family again. I might even have a quick rehearsal on the plane if there are enough interested passengers.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Greatness
Yesterday I decided to go run a few errands and somehow ended up over at the campus of Purdue University. The campus is beautiful and very busy as students are coming back for the fall semester. I was in between breakfast and lunch and ended up at famous local hangout called Triple XXX Hamburgers. It was featured on the Food Network recently, and even though I’ve eaten there before, this time I decided to order one of their hamburgers. I wasn’t disappointed with my decision. As I was leaving, my friend Mike called to see if I wanted to ride down with him to southern Indiana since he needed to visit one of his job sites. We had an enjoyable ride together and discussed everything from A-Z. He is also a sushi lover and we stopped at Ocean World and had a soft shell crab roll. Oh my! Everyone needs a friend who shares their love for sushi. As we drove back to Lafayette, I shot a video of the roadside corn fields and emailed it to Spencer’s phone. Somehow, he wasn’t impressed with all those rows of corn.
We drove by the office and picked up Mike’s wife, Pam. Then we were on our way to dinner at a place called The Other Pub. The menu was fantastic and we sampled several items as we discussed life, family, and ministry, among other things. As we finished with dinner, a high school women’s volleyball team came in to eat. My friends knew some of the parents of the players. As one of the dads came over to our table, it was clear he knew my friends. Mike introduced us, and later shared with me their friend was an Indiana state senator. On the way home, I began to think how possible it is to be in the presence of someone who is considered great or famous, yet we don’t even realize it. By the way he dressed (coming from his daughter’s volleyball game), I would have never guessed he was a state senator. He certainly didn’t feel the need to let me know what he did for a living. I am amazed how great people so often simply fit in and have a way of blending in the crowd without drawing attention. They don’t have to remind you of their greatness, any past accomplishments, or how smart they are. Greatness doesn’t have to be advertised.
We drove by the office and picked up Mike’s wife, Pam. Then we were on our way to dinner at a place called The Other Pub. The menu was fantastic and we sampled several items as we discussed life, family, and ministry, among other things. As we finished with dinner, a high school women’s volleyball team came in to eat. My friends knew some of the parents of the players. As one of the dads came over to our table, it was clear he knew my friends. Mike introduced us, and later shared with me their friend was an Indiana state senator. On the way home, I began to think how possible it is to be in the presence of someone who is considered great or famous, yet we don’t even realize it. By the way he dressed (coming from his daughter’s volleyball game), I would have never guessed he was a state senator. He certainly didn’t feel the need to let me know what he did for a living. I am amazed how great people so often simply fit in and have a way of blending in the crowd without drawing attention. They don’t have to remind you of their greatness, any past accomplishments, or how smart they are. Greatness doesn’t have to be advertised.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Mondays
This is the day that the Lord has made... I will rejoice and be glad in it. Yesterday was awesome! The services were great and the worship was anointed. I miss the boys and Kim so much now, and took this morning to find some flights home during the next few weeks. This morning I met with a young man who has taken an interest in piano and we worked on a few things in the sanctuary. It reminds me of back when I was younger and had the time and energy to practice all day long with my music.
Today the boys went back to school and I feel badly that I wasn't able to go with Tate on his first day of kindergarten. Kim told me how Tate woke up, dressed himself, didn't want to eat any breakfast, and asked her not to walk him into the classroom once they arrived at school. She did anyway, and he walked over and hung his backpack up on the wall, sat down and said, "bring it on". I guess when you are a rock star and you've just completed your first three month summer tour, the first day of kindergarten really isn't a huge deal. He is growing up so fast... too fast. In fact, last night one of the girls at church (about 19 years old) shared with me how Tate told her she could be his Indiana girlfriend... because he didn't have one up here, but he had plenty in other states. Ha! He was only here from Tuesday night until Thursday! More than anything I want to see him used by God in the kingdom. Knowing that he is our last child, our baby, makes it a bit more special. Spencer and Colton have kind of found themselves already involved in ministry and things of the Lord, and for that I am very thankful. I want to see us all involved in ministry together as a family. Someday soon...
I always enjoy spending time with seniors, those who are older and have already been down many of life’s paths that I am just now experiencing. They are filled with wisdom and most have such funny stories to share that are unbelievable! Tonight was no different as I was invited over to the pastor’s house for a spaghetti dinner. His wife cooked a delicious meal! I had also forgotten how much I love sweet tea. A special treat for me was to spend some time with the bishop of the church, his lovely wife, and their grandson. After forgetting how to spell “moderation” when it comes to a plate of spaghetti, we ate and made our way into the living room. There I heard so many wonderful stories from “back in the day”.
Somehow, I could almost relate to stories of trading a guitar amplifier for a gallon of gasoline. Driving seven hours to get to your next concert or service even sounded familiar. Mentioning little towns in the south that even I had forgotten about brought back some wonderful memories. Bringing up people’s names from many years ago made me feel extremely old! Stories about the Sullivan family, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Carroll McGruder, and others made me want to be a musician again! (FYI: Today I did write a new song using my Apple MacBook Pro and USB keyboard in the motorhome.) It felt good to get back into the rhythm of writing.
An added bonus to the evening was when the pastor’s wife brought out pastor’s collection of instruments including banjo, dobro, an indian flute, etc. Why did I attempt to play the banjo in front of such accomplished musicians? Why risk such embarrassment? I’m talking people who have performed with hall of fame bluegrass musicians. How can someone not enjoy the ringing of a banjo? (Even with me playing it.) The dobro’s tones are rich and soothing. Don’t ask why, but I always have to bust out with a mid-tempo version of “Unclouded Day” whenever I pick up a banjo. It is the best piece in my repertoire, unless you count “Cripple Creek” which I first heard while watching Hee Haw on Saturday evenings. (I honestly watched that show because of the musical talent, not the additional visuals.) I’ve noticed that “Cripple Creek” catches even the ears of those who are most disinterested. My playing was so … for lack of a better word, impressive and soothing, that one of my listeners decided to sleep for about 50 minutes in the recliner. (I am reminded of when Saul requested little David to come serenade him.)
I’m a bit tired tonight and not sure if I can even endure the USA vs. China Olympic gymnastics competition. I believe tonight’s topics of conversation may have something to do with my fatigue: Travels to Korea, India, Israel, Indianapolis, etc., brush arbor meetings, tent revivals, tomato tossing (not to be confused with midget tossing), three week revivals, soul winning, Purdue Boilermakers, Indiana Hoosiers, airports and airlines, guitar-playing evangelists who sport guitars made by Martin, Gretsch, Stella, accordions, high school pep rallies, TBN, television preachers, the Mormons, the Masons, among many other topics of choice. I am so tired! It's been a very good Monday. Goodnight.
Today the boys went back to school and I feel badly that I wasn't able to go with Tate on his first day of kindergarten. Kim told me how Tate woke up, dressed himself, didn't want to eat any breakfast, and asked her not to walk him into the classroom once they arrived at school. She did anyway, and he walked over and hung his backpack up on the wall, sat down and said, "bring it on". I guess when you are a rock star and you've just completed your first three month summer tour, the first day of kindergarten really isn't a huge deal. He is growing up so fast... too fast. In fact, last night one of the girls at church (about 19 years old) shared with me how Tate told her she could be his Indiana girlfriend... because he didn't have one up here, but he had plenty in other states. Ha! He was only here from Tuesday night until Thursday! More than anything I want to see him used by God in the kingdom. Knowing that he is our last child, our baby, makes it a bit more special. Spencer and Colton have kind of found themselves already involved in ministry and things of the Lord, and for that I am very thankful. I want to see us all involved in ministry together as a family. Someday soon...
I always enjoy spending time with seniors, those who are older and have already been down many of life’s paths that I am just now experiencing. They are filled with wisdom and most have such funny stories to share that are unbelievable! Tonight was no different as I was invited over to the pastor’s house for a spaghetti dinner. His wife cooked a delicious meal! I had also forgotten how much I love sweet tea. A special treat for me was to spend some time with the bishop of the church, his lovely wife, and their grandson. After forgetting how to spell “moderation” when it comes to a plate of spaghetti, we ate and made our way into the living room. There I heard so many wonderful stories from “back in the day”.
Somehow, I could almost relate to stories of trading a guitar amplifier for a gallon of gasoline. Driving seven hours to get to your next concert or service even sounded familiar. Mentioning little towns in the south that even I had forgotten about brought back some wonderful memories. Bringing up people’s names from many years ago made me feel extremely old! Stories about the Sullivan family, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Carroll McGruder, and others made me want to be a musician again! (FYI: Today I did write a new song using my Apple MacBook Pro and USB keyboard in the motorhome.) It felt good to get back into the rhythm of writing.
An added bonus to the evening was when the pastor’s wife brought out pastor’s collection of instruments including banjo, dobro, an indian flute, etc. Why did I attempt to play the banjo in front of such accomplished musicians? Why risk such embarrassment? I’m talking people who have performed with hall of fame bluegrass musicians. How can someone not enjoy the ringing of a banjo? (Even with me playing it.) The dobro’s tones are rich and soothing. Don’t ask why, but I always have to bust out with a mid-tempo version of “Unclouded Day” whenever I pick up a banjo. It is the best piece in my repertoire, unless you count “Cripple Creek” which I first heard while watching Hee Haw on Saturday evenings. (I honestly watched that show because of the musical talent, not the additional visuals.) I’ve noticed that “Cripple Creek” catches even the ears of those who are most disinterested. My playing was so … for lack of a better word, impressive and soothing, that one of my listeners decided to sleep for about 50 minutes in the recliner. (I am reminded of when Saul requested little David to come serenade him.)
I’m a bit tired tonight and not sure if I can even endure the USA vs. China Olympic gymnastics competition. I believe tonight’s topics of conversation may have something to do with my fatigue: Travels to Korea, India, Israel, Indianapolis, etc., brush arbor meetings, tent revivals, tomato tossing (not to be confused with midget tossing), three week revivals, soul winning, Purdue Boilermakers, Indiana Hoosiers, airports and airlines, guitar-playing evangelists who sport guitars made by Martin, Gretsch, Stella, accordions, high school pep rallies, TBN, television preachers, the Mormons, the Masons, among many other topics of choice. I am so tired! It's been a very good Monday. Goodnight.
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