Piano Lessons

I grew up as a pastor's kid.  What is something that all pastor's kids have to do for at least a short period of time in their childhood...take piano lessons.

I would like to say that I played hard, practiced hard, and now travel the world showing off my skills. Unfortunately, that is not the case.  Like so many, my biggest challenge was practicing.  Maybe, just maybe if I had been able to use my feet more often on the keys I would have enjoyed it a little more.  Here's what I mean:

Surprises

You may be a big fan of a song or an artist on the radio and because of that, sometimes an artist will surprise you during a live show.  There are so many serious, heartfelt, worshipful songs that tug on the heartstrings.  But before or after the songs they become a stand-up comedian.  Some examples include Mark Schultz, Matthew West, and Bart Millard of MercyMe.  I have no doubt that he is at least one of the brains behind the Cover Tune Grab Bag series.  Do you remember these songs?

"News"

Not sure how often you look at the "trending" feature on yahoo.ca, but my eyes always seem to glance over to see what is getting the most "buzz" each day.  This morning I realized that, "gossip," seems to get most of the buzz.  This morning, 6 out of 10 of the stories trending have no evidence that they are are true.  In fact, all of them say, "the rumour is..."

I'm not bringing this up to warn anyone else but to remind me of the dangers of gossip.  At google.ca I just typed in, "What does the Bible say about gossip?"    There were over 2 million suggestions!

Here are some warnings from the Bible about gossip:

Ephesians 4:29 ESV /

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Proverbs 16:28 ESV / 

A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

Proverbs 11:13 ESV / 

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

Proverbs 20:19 ESV / 

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV /

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

Titus 3:2 ESV / 109 helpful votes

To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people

As you can see, both the Old and New Testaments warn of the dangers of gossip.  Some of the highlights are: dishonest man spreads strife, whoever slanders reveals secrets (even if you were told not to), the Lord hates a lying tongue...Yikes!!!

As per usual, a song does a much better job of explaining what I'm trying to say. 

Enjoy Hawk Nelson - Words

The Cell Phone

It's hard to believe that 10 years ago I didn't even own a cell phone.  I know what you're thinking.  How did I survive?

I started with a flip phone that could really only make phone calls.  Imagine that!  Now you can make phone calls, email, take pictures/videos, listen to music, watch movies, surf the net, check your Facebook, and I could go on and on.  But...is this a good thing?

I found this online.  I hope it makes you laugh.

Hearing For The Very First Time

***WARNING- IF YOU CRY EASILY, YOU MAY NEED TO GRAB  A BOX OF KLEENEX FOR THIS...Incredible video of a baby hearing his mom for the very first time because of a Cochlear Implant.

Luke 15:7 says, I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

When I watched this video, I thought of my relationship with God.  How often is He waiting for me to speak?  How careful am I to listen when He does?    In our culture there are so many ways to find answers.  Call family or friends, watch tv, google it, etc.  I bet He is so excited when we talk to Him.  Even if it has been a long time, I'm guessing He is especially excited to hear from us again.

If it has been a long time, call out to Him.  See what happens.

Graduation

They say that as you get older the years seem to go by faster.  As I get older, that certainly seems true.  It seems like just yesterday I was accepting my high school diploma eager and ready for an exciting new world.       Congratulations to all of this year's graduates!  If you wouldn't mind, take a few minutes to watch this video and pass it along to any graduates you might know.

The Great Adventure

It was the album that changed my life.  Up until that point I wasn't even a fan of music.  I did not own any cassettes or cd's (stop laughing...cassettes were great, unless you left them in the car on a sunny day.  Then the warble sound would begin).  This guy named Steven Curtis Chapman comes along and changes everything.  Back in the early 90's I was in high school just trying to find my way by asking the tough questions.  Why won't my parents give me more allowance?  Why can't I have the car whenever I want it?  Why do I have to clean my room?  Oh, and then there were the important questions.  What should I do with my life?  What does God want me to do with my life?  In high school, it was the second verse of The Great Adventure that caught my attention:

Come on get ready for the ride of your life
Gonna leave long faced religion in a cloud of dust behind
And discover all the new horizons just waiting to be explored
This is what we were created for

At the time, that verse meant that an exciting journey was front of me filled with nothing but fun and happiness!  As I continued to live more life and experience more of life's hardships like loss of a job, loss of loved ones, it was the bridge of the same song that started to mean more.

We'll travel over, over mountains so high
We'll go through valleys below
Still through it all we'll find that
This is the greatest journey that the human heart will ever see
The love of God will take us far beyond our wildest dreams

Through the years we will experience the joys of life, but the sorrow too.  I don't know Steven personally but I do know he has enjoyed lots of success, but his share of sorrow too.  

I am so thankful Steven Curtis Chapman followed the call on his life and recorded, The Great Adventure.  Because of that song I developed a passion for music that lead to my career in Christian radio.  Now, everyday I get to play music that spreads the message of Jesus.     It is amazing to think that God could give Steven the music and lyrics to write to encourage him, but also use that same music to encourage so many others too.

Let's bring back some memories and enjoy Steven's video for The Great Adventure.

P.S.  Don't make fun of the haircut.  I have connections and will post your haircut from the 90's in my next blog ;)