I am with you, especially the music part. What is the difference between a Jerry Blackstone conducted choral concert and a U of M vs. Ohio State football game? At the Jerry Blackstone choral concert, everybody wins.
I saw your blog several days ago, but had some time today to read it, and glad I did! You speak of the transcending power of music and it's true! I dropped out of choir last year, thinking it was time; however I was on the committee to search for a new director and wanting him to succeed, I went back to choir. I must admit I don't have the stamina or lung power I used to have but am totally enjoying the experience! A well crafted anthem on a Biblical text can stir up so many emotions---often it takes the place of the sermon for me! This Sunday the choir is doing "Lessons and Carols" ---the musical offering we have done for so many years at First Pres. I will be thinking of your family, Doug. May the blessings of the season remain with you in the coming year . Georgia Hamilton
Jim and I will be singing a piece with our church choir on Christmas morning. The words of the song struck our young director so powerfully that, before starting to practice it, he actually read them aloud to us. I too find the song stunningly beautiful--it is called "Let the Stable Still Astonish" lyrics by Leslie Leyland Fields, music by Dan Forrest. It has tied in with some of the things I've been reading by Rachel Held Evans.
Good column Doug. Wish we could spend another day doing walk about with you.
I didn't know Jim was a singer! Or you, for that matter. What a wonderful Christmas morning to look forward to. I wish I could hear you (in person). And FWIW, I'm a Rachel Held Evans fan too.
He has become quite the 'in demand bass' in the church LOL. I can carry a tune, but I am more just added volume to the altos. You can hear us--Christmas day you can find the service on the church website or youtube. Rochester Christian Reformed. No promises on how well we pull it off!
Another splendid column, Doug. Here's a thought in a similar vein from my favorite Dutch Catholic: “I have found it very important in my own life to try to let go of my wishes and instead to live in hope. I am finding that when I choose to let go of my sometimes petty and superficial wishes and trust that my life is precious and meaningful in the eyes of God, something really new, something beyond my own expectations begins to happen in me.
"To wait with openness and trust is an enormously radical attitude toward life. It is choosing to hope that something is happening for us that is far beyond our own imaginings. It is giving up control over our future and letting God define our life. It is living with the conviction that God molds us in love, holds us in tenderness, and moves us away from the sources of our fear.”
I am with you, especially the music part. What is the difference between a Jerry Blackstone conducted choral concert and a U of M vs. Ohio State football game? At the Jerry Blackstone choral concert, everybody wins.
What a blog. Yes I get the most joy now from teaching art and singing in choir.
Thank you for bringing more beauty into the world!
I saw your blog several days ago, but had some time today to read it, and glad I did! You speak of the transcending power of music and it's true! I dropped out of choir last year, thinking it was time; however I was on the committee to search for a new director and wanting him to succeed, I went back to choir. I must admit I don't have the stamina or lung power I used to have but am totally enjoying the experience! A well crafted anthem on a Biblical text can stir up so many emotions---often it takes the place of the sermon for me! This Sunday the choir is doing "Lessons and Carols" ---the musical offering we have done for so many years at First Pres. I will be thinking of your family, Doug. May the blessings of the season remain with you in the coming year . Georgia Hamilton
Thank you, Georgia. I used to love hearing you sing! Glad you're back at it. All the best to you too
Jim and I will be singing a piece with our church choir on Christmas morning. The words of the song struck our young director so powerfully that, before starting to practice it, he actually read them aloud to us. I too find the song stunningly beautiful--it is called "Let the Stable Still Astonish" lyrics by Leslie Leyland Fields, music by Dan Forrest. It has tied in with some of the things I've been reading by Rachel Held Evans.
Good column Doug. Wish we could spend another day doing walk about with you.
I didn't know Jim was a singer! Or you, for that matter. What a wonderful Christmas morning to look forward to. I wish I could hear you (in person). And FWIW, I'm a Rachel Held Evans fan too.
He has become quite the 'in demand bass' in the church LOL. I can carry a tune, but I am more just added volume to the altos. You can hear us--Christmas day you can find the service on the church website or youtube. Rochester Christian Reformed. No promises on how well we pull it off!
Another splendid column, Doug. Here's a thought in a similar vein from my favorite Dutch Catholic: “I have found it very important in my own life to try to let go of my wishes and instead to live in hope. I am finding that when I choose to let go of my sometimes petty and superficial wishes and trust that my life is precious and meaningful in the eyes of God, something really new, something beyond my own expectations begins to happen in me.
"To wait with openness and trust is an enormously radical attitude toward life. It is choosing to hope that something is happening for us that is far beyond our own imaginings. It is giving up control over our future and letting God define our life. It is living with the conviction that God molds us in love, holds us in tenderness, and moves us away from the sources of our fear.”
- Henri Nouwen
Thanks, Bruce. Nouwen is my favorite Dutch Catholic too.
Nailed it Doug
Thanks, Dave
Well said as usual Doug!! Wishing you & Susan a blessed Advent & Christmas season. You are missed!! Sandy Steffen
Miss you too, Sandy