Oops, sorry

Sorry for the confusion, blogging friends.  I changed my blog's address and then realized I had no way of telling all of you about it.  So, it is back to the original one and I hope you find me . . . .  .!

the signature of God

Last night, I watched my friend Kim Collingsworth play the piano and marveled again at the artistry of God. As one of the premiere pianists in the gospel music world today, Kim has a style all her own. You do not only listen to her music; you experience her music. The majestic strains of the Hallelujah Chorus roared beneath her fingers, and those of us in the audience were on our feet for more than one reason. Handel's music is magnificent, but when it is coupled with a heart passionate in worship, the effect is euphoric. It is impossible to observe Kim at the keyboard and not be drawn into her expression of praise to her Lord. I felt tears in my eyes as my soul responded to her offering to God.

Musicians who play from the heart achieve that synthesis of soul and fingers that causes the lines to blue until those listening cannot separate the instrument from the musician. They are one, bonded with inner passion that makes the hand pulsate with the heart's expression. When one is in the presence of such art, the majesty of God is deafening. It is like the mighty Niagara--all those near it are overawed by its very presence. It spills onto the spirit and brings the being of God into focus.

The princple of offerings brought unto God is seen throughout the Bible. Before the atoning death of Christ, substitute animal sacrifices were brought to purify the people. But now since He paid the total price, God asks us to offer ourselves and everything He has invested in us. It is to be "a spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1) This is the kind of offering I witnessed in Kim's music.

The great artists know that they are reflecting something deeper and greater than themselves. Is that what Michelangelo realized as he swabbed the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel? Is that what Bach pondered as he thundered out great fugues on his organ? Is that why the swell and tide of great music brings our palms together in a timeless expression of wonder and makes us rise to our feet in amazement? Probably. Whenever artistic expression causes in us a beatific awe, we can be sure that God is there. His signature is unmistakable.

The world is more lovely because those who have such gifts offer them up to God and let us listen in as they do. As Gloria Gaither said in a tribute to Rusty Goodman, we need these "poet troubadours" in our world. We need to feel their intensity, their dedication, and their rapture. We need them to take us with them into their world so we can better see the Creator in our own. Thank you, Kim. Thank you for being extravagant in your expression of worship through music. It brought Him into focus for us all.

how cool is that?

I just viewed a news clip about one man who lived"off the grid" for a whole year.  It seems that in that time, he ans his family did not use electicity, a car, or other conveniences as they were trying to lessen their impact on the environment.  He has written a book on their experience (published on recycled paper) and there is a documentary coming out as well.

I applaud his desire to preserve our natural resources, though I probably come at it from a different angle.  The earth is God's --He preserves it until He is finished-- man is the caretaker, the steward as opposed to the earth belongs to the human family and we need to keep it going for our children and grandchildren.  I think it's a matter of honoring a trust rather than responding to panic.  And, as those entrusted with God's world, we have an obligation to care for it in every way possible.

What I found especially interesting was one of the tips he gave for making less impact on the earth -- take a day of rest.  He went on to describe that as not turning things on or purchasing anything--understandably this would cause a family to use less electrical energy and have less "paper" products with which to encumber the earth (most purchased items have paper/plastic wrappings of some kind which add to the garbage load). 

How cool that God had the "day of rest" figured out a long time ago.  From the beginning of the planet, (yep, it did have a definite beginning, no evolutionary process needed) He instituted the work and rest cycle into everything, from vegetation growth to animal habits to human health.  (Exodus 20:11)  And even in the perfect Garden, there presumably was a day of rest, when the first couple took a break from their cartaking responsibilites.  I guess we still need one too, since we have considerably less physical resources than did they.

So, want to save the earth (hmm, well how about be a good steward of it) and give yourself a better chance at a longer life?  Do the "day of rest" thing.  It'll do you good.

measuring life

"Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my age is as nothing before You . . . ."
(Psalm 39:5 NKJV)

For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. . . ." (James 4:14 NKJV)

Like the fragrant mist rising from a cup of gourmet coffee . . . .that is the span of human life. Seems insignificant, useless, invaluable. But, yielded to Him, the aroma of one life can reflect the essence of Christ -- love and service. Just as I like to lean over my mug and inhale the spice of Southern Toasted Pecan coffee with cream, a life well lived will draw others close to enjoy the flavor it exudes.

So much is packed into our lives that it's easy to forget its brevity. It zooms by, one week disappearing into the next. That's why I want to make sure that, in the calm, sane moments, my surrender is strong and my focus is clear. If I do life any other way, that brief puff of steam will evaporate into eternity wasted on self. It's only when He is the center that I can be sure what I do will last beyond the moment and the mist of my life will be exchanged for the stratosphere of heaven.

ministry continues

Our family has made a move this summer and now serving a church family in southern Indiana. Change is as enduring as the rising and setting of the sun, and God's grace goes before and behind and continues to fill our lives with His love. He's a wonderful Father.