Thanksgiving approaches.

I needed this today.





It's not profound but it made me laugh.



I hope you find what you need for a good Thanksgiving. I am grateful for what I have and those I can share it with.

Rubber Band Theology

Sounds kind of strange but the more I thought about it the more I made a connection with it.

We are in relationship with our savior and are called to be near to him. I admit that this sounds good but sometimes there are distractions that pull me away from Him. This creates tension and stress. Even though the pull is for me to be near to my Savior I resist and the tension and stress continue. My job is to trust and stay close to the one who is Faithful.

I have seen some break this relationship. It hurts...

TLC Sunday - Worship leading

What an incredible message.

John 12:24
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

A simple but powerful message. Are you willing to die?

I had a hard time getting there. I don't mean the message. I mean the service / worship time that surrounded the message. I usually am someone who prefers to sing rather than to listen but on this morning of an area wide worship service where the whole of the Portland-Metro Area is invited to attend, the part where I am an active participant, I had trouble engaging.

I am getting older and a little more set in my ways but I also try to find the good in others efforts even when they don't fit my needs. I hope I am not just wining but here are some things that others are discussing with me and I am going to air some of my thoughts out.

I am a worship leader and have a good bit of music background not just with general music but with music of the church - specifically accapella church music. (the term accapalla has a unique origion that is not Church of Christ specific but that for another entry) I have tried to define my efforts as a worship leader for a long time. The best identification (so far) of what I want to do is to encourage people to participate. My skills and efforts need to reflect some knowledge of who I'm leading and the needs of that body of Christians.

If my effort is to have people participate then I need to present and plan for music that most participants will find familiar and useful for the intended purpose. I also need to lead in such a way that encourages and invites others to participate with me and with the music that I am presenting.

There are some other things that I try to consider when leading a group in worship and I often miss these more than I would like but these still need to be addressed.

I'm going to begin with confidence or trust. If you do not sing the music that is with the words it is easy for those singing the parts loose confidence in the process and pull back with a "wait and see" attitude because they don't know where you are going or what you will do. It's great when a worship leader gets into the worship but the tenor that is having to work on those high notes only to have the worship leader cut out some beats and move on early will quickly pull back and loose that sense of trust.

Is there a time and a place for new music? The invitation on Sunday morning is probably not the best place to introduce a new song. This is the culmination of the message and the invitation to the congregation that there is a call to action. When I get that new song that I am not familiar with either here or before our participation in communion, it becomes a distraction and it takes away from my participation (I've been told that I am not the only one...). There are exceptions and I have presented new music on a Sunday and yes, new music needs to be included at some point, but to present it cold and for the first time in a key position for us to use as worship may not be the best choice.

There are those who feel that energy = speed, speed = emotional response and that speed/emotion = good worship. I disagree with this equation. I believe there are times for the lung buster/go for it type of worship but that requires the leader to be in tune to the congregation. Some leaders mow through the field whether the mower is doing it's job or not. I do enjoy and appreciate a song or moment in worship that seems to connect everyone as we join in worship but sometimes it feels like the worship leader is trying to force this response rather than allowing it to happen. When that feeling is not genuine or forced and the congregation is not joining in or participating with that energy or excitement (maybe because of a lack of confidence or they don't know the music well enough) to do something different. I don't like being drug through a service. A leader needs to stay in tune with the group being led or you end up with the courtesy participation which presents itself as a halfhearted activity. We've all been there. You know, sometimes it's a good song but people have trouble saying the words that fast. (Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesusmyblessedredeemer....) Or you want to praise but the music is simply moving at a pace that makes it a struggle to keep up and you can't relax and enjoy where you are. It can also be the opposite. Sometimes the pace drags so much it's almost painful. (Toiling ooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnn, Toiling oooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnn...) This sounds like a lot of fun. (Sorry...my attitude is leaking out here)

I also want recognize the effect of the feeling tone of a worship. Feeling tone is the emotion that is presented by the one leading which has an effect on the whole process. Most leaders are not even aware of it and some leaders deny that they have an effect on this at all and say that a congregation either connects with them or doesn't. Others try to force the feeling tone by exagerating their excitement or enthusiasm and then they over do the emotions to the point of being less than genuine. Still others are so flatline that you wonder if they feel anything. I need to spend more time discussing this one but the root of this is that if those being led don't feel a genuin encouragement from the one leading to participate, my experience is that they will not fully engage in the worship.

Let's talk about worship teams for a minute. I don't have a lot of experience participating or leading worship with a worship team but I offer this opinion and observation.

I am a bass. When I sing I hear the bass line and follow the harmonies connected with that part of the music. When there is a worship team participating with the worship the team should be singing what is written especially when the music is displayed. I don't' want to get into the reasons for or against having a worship team but I do feel that if worship leaders want to encourage participation then they should invest their time with a congregation in singing and confidence building. Maybe then there may not be as much of a need....

I am sure many could add to my list of things that worship leaders need to be aware of when leading but this is just observations from recent worship experiences. I also realize that I am one person. I don't expect every worship to be ideal for me but I do feel there are some things that can be done to help encourage more participation.

This brings me back to my original point. The message last Sunday was wonderful and powerful but the path that got me there was filled with a lack of confidence and wonder which made me a hesitant participant.

Anyone else have a thought on this?

You came......

We attended the memorial service of a man I did not know. We were there to support our friends. The service was in a neighboring ciy and a bit of a drive but their response when we showed up was a surprised and thankful...

"You came...."

Sometimes just being there is enough.

(Lord be with my friends....)

We went to the Clark County Fair Last Weekend. It was a good time. The tough trucks always put on a good show. People go out and buy a cheep truck and go beat it up on teh track. This video is the first roll I've seen here in a long time. It was a fun show but the kids thought it was a little long.


In keeping with the name of this blog I guess the transition is from upright to not so upright. Enjoy.

Summer Camp

I am still amazed...

On our way to Yamhill to take Ryan to camp for the week we stopped to eat and my wife pointed out the colors in the clouds. I grabbed the camera and took a few shots. I don't see colors like this very often.

As we were driving to camp my son started singing with the radio. He said it was his favorite song. I looked it up and found the words

I was born in Tennessee

Late July humidity

Doctor said I was lucky to be alive
I’ve been trouble since the day that I got here

Trouble till the day that I disappear

That’ll be the day that I finally get it right

There is hope for me yet

Because God won’t forget

All the plans he’s made for me

I have to wait and see

He’s not finished with me yet

I never really was that good in school

I talked too much, broke the rules

Teacher thought I was hopeless fool alright
I don’t know how but I made it through

It’s one of those things that you’ve gotta do

But I always had a knack for telling the truth

There is hope for me yet
Because God won’t forget
All the plans he’s made for me
I have to wait and see
He’s not finished with me yet

Still wondering why I’m here

Still wrestling with my fear

But oh, He’s up to something

And the farther on I goI’ve seen enough to know

That I’m, not here for nothing

He’s up to something

So now’s my time to be a man

Follow my heart as far as I can

No telling where I’m ending up tonight

I never slow down or so it seems

But singing my heart it’s one of my dreams

All I gotta do is hold on tight

There is hope for me yet
Because God won’t forget
All the plans he’s made for me
I have to wait and see
He’s not finished with me yet

I'm not finished with him either. I'm Proud of both my boys.

Have a great week at camp Ryan. I'll see you Friday

Busy Summer

We have been busy taking Ryan and Sean to different activities. Ryan and Sean had swimming lessons and Ryan has been taking fencing. I'm not sure he'll continue but he has been doing well.

Ramona Falls / Father's Day

My oldest son Ryan and I went on a hike on Father's day. It was his first hike to go any distance and he did great. I'm proud of him for doing so well. It's not easy to go 7+ miles but it was beautiful. He wants to go again. (yikes!)


We have some equiptment to get or upgrade. I got a blister on one foot but made the trip feeling good.

When I showed my 6 year old the pictures he wanted to go. I think I'll be going back soon.


It was a good father's day.

Mid-terms

Well...mid-terms went home today. I have some students that did not do very well. I hope they take the information seriously and decide to get going. It's sad when students don't do their best.

I think that's what God feels when we only do what we feel we can get away with but God sees more than the world sees.

Oh Yeah!!! Why do mid-terms have to go home in the middle of "Teacher Appreciation Week"?

Trey Morgan

I was looking at one of my favorite blogs to read and came across this. It made me think and while it was sad it was also thought provoking. Beautifully imperfect. Wow!

If you haven't discovered Trey Morgan's blog I would make a recomendation to take some time there. I appreciate his transparency.

Wally and Opal

The name "Wally and Opal" flows togather as if it were one person.


Wally went home to the Father yesterday.


I met them when I came to Columbia Christian College in 1987. My girlfriend (now wife) seemed to be related in some way to many and I couldn't keep up. I do remember their welcome that first year at college and Wally working around campus. He had a wonderful sense of humor that made you feel good to be there.


They had 67 (more?) years of marriage. I'm coming up on 17 years this summer. It can be done. Thanks for the example and smiles.

Ethel Jones

Ethel Jones Passes away this morning (Wednesday February 25th) at 9:15 AM.

I did some work for her last fall and she wanted to make sure I had lunch. I'm not a fan of broccoli but she made a cheese and broccoli soup. I hope I did not let it show that this was not my favorite. It was a good conversation. I'm glad I knew her.

Which one???

I have two blogs. One (obviously) is here the other was intended to be a more personal/family site but I am conflicted as to which one to post to. This blog was intended to be my thought regarding my church transition but I have more than just that to talk about.

Maybe this one will become a more public blog and the other more personal. I don't know. I do know that I like to put my thoughts down in such a way that I can see them and make sense of them. I revised the previous entry and am still not very pleased with it but it does speak to some of my feelings so I'll leave it alone.

Transitions is more than a change. It includes new opportunities as well as the small things that I have taken for granted that I am more aware of for whatever reason. I think I'll keep this theme but who knows where it will take me...

How Can I Keep From Singing...

I know I'm not the only one.

I will miss him.

I came to Columbia Christian College in the fall of 1987. That experience changed my life. It was a transition that brought me face to face with the woman that ultimately would become my wife. It also brought me into contact with people who would challenge my reasons, encourage me to try and invite me to become. The chief motivator (example) in this process was Dick Dalzell. Oh, he never demanded or told me what to do. He showed me how it could be. I watched his attitude, his concern for others and his desire to be a servant in God's Kingdom. I wanted to be like that. I had no idea the journeys that he would guide me through... not just in music but also in life.

I have been out of touch with Dick and Sue for a while now but I can still feel his example. I led a worship time at Cascade College in the fall of 2007 and someone commented and said that they recognized Dick's influence in what I did as we praised during that time. I consider this to be high praise.

I spent my first two years at Columbia Christian College living in the dorm but I was hoping for something off campus. I found out that Dick and Sue were interested in renting their basement and I jumped at the chance. I lived there for three years and then I married Susan (after 5 years of dating). We lived in that basement for most of the first year we were married and it worked out well for us. I hope we were not a burden taking up some of the space in their home. My wife and I have good memories of that time.

Then there was the college experience: choir tours, rehersals, recording sessions, chapel, Wednesday evening college groups in their home, attending the Central Church of Christ... There are so many stories.

The last time I was in Boise was while I was still in college and a memeber of the singing group "Joyful Noise". We were one of the performing groups for the northwest MENC conference (it may have been ACDA). We took the van and trailer and made a whirlwind trip one weekend with our fearless leader Mr. D. The singers had just the one performance and then we could attend some of the other presentations at the conference but Dick had a full schedule. Dick usually drove on these outings but we knew he was tired. I don't know how we convinced him to relinquish the drivers seat for the return trip home but we did and I drove the van and trailer back to Portland with Dick sleeping in the first row back, stretched out between the front seats. He was tired. He was always busy with something.

Now I make plans to travel to Boise this weekend to say "well lived" and to celebrate his life. I smile wondering if the Boise Church has enough room for everyone.

Dick Dalzell led me in song and in example. He encouraged me to be more than I thought I could be. He was so much more than just a teacher... I am grateful for my time with him.

My life goes on in endless song

Above earth's lamentations,

I hear the real, though far-off hymn

That hails a new creation.

Through all the tumult and the strife

I hear it's music ringing,

It sounds an echo in my soul.

How can I keep from singing?

While though the tempest loudly roars,

I hear the truth, it liveth.

And though the darkness 'round me close,

Songs in the night it giveth.

No storm can shake my inmost calm,

While to that rock I'm clinging.

Since love is lord of heaven and earth

How can I keep from singing?

Why Make Transition

My family's decision to consider other options for our church home was not an easy one. There were a lot of reasons behind the decision.

• Our children did not have others their age
• The service felt like a process rather than something joyful and uplifting.
• there were a few noise makers who demanded their way and their views seemed to always be acted upon.
• I did not like the way I felt and my attitude began to show it.

I don't know if I'll ever be able to clearly identify all the reasons or feelings that ultimately led to the decision to look at other options but I do feel that the stick that was once in wet moist mud was now in dry hard ground and would not move without a lot of damage to the earth around it and the possibility of a broken stick was very real. So I let go...
So now I am here with my thoughts trying to make sense of where I am and my responsibilities to use my gifts to serve and to lead/guide my family. I needed a home where I could glean and be refreshed. It was nice to roam but the desire to be identified with and folded in with a group of believers was strong.
I tried to make the change without cutting off ties to those I cared about and had worshiped with for so long but there was anger on the part of a few including some of the elders when I discussed the decision with the them. There was a lot of "what did we do?" and "how can we make it right?" that suddenly felt hollow as this was not a new conversation. It almost felt like disbelief on their part that I would actually consider making a change...
I know that there is a mentality of "company loyalty" which is like the "through thick and thin" paradigm. This is what I felt when I grew up in my hometown where there was only one church/congregation. When I moved to Anchorage and had a choice of bodies to connect with I moved to the place where I could be of most use and that fit my need for relationship, service and worship. I initially felt the need to be a part of the congregation that my parents had called home when they lived there but I found a connection with one of the other groups that worshiped in the area. I did feel some disappointment from those who felt I should attend and stay with the group I had some history with but my needs took me elsewhere.
So now I am making my way in this new place I am trying to call home. I still miss our former church home. I know that I probably do not have solutions to all these concerns but for now they are not so visible.
I was surprised that this choice had so much of an effect on others. I have told others that everything you do will effect someone else but never has this been so apparent to me as during this transition.

Sin

I had a good conversation with a co-worker yesterday that had to do with sin. Her concern was the number of young unwed girls getting pregnant and having children. The conversation continued on regarding repentance and acknowledgement of sin and how the church responds to that situation (sin). It seems that people are not willing to condemn anything any more. While we still love the sinner, the sin seems to be overlooked as if everything is OK. We show support for the girl and her child and make it look like everything is right again now that they have admitted they are pregnant (OK, it's kind of hard to hide that one).

The result of sin is still with us. Children apologize and expect the problem to be gone because they said "sorry". The item is still broken, the person is still hurt, the friend is still angry... the relationship is still damaged.

Effort to regain trust and trustworthiness is often nonexistent but the expectation is that confession has been made so it is the duty of the body to forgive and forget. Many would rather move away from or hope people forget about the problem rather than put in the effort into change or repentance.

It sometimes feels like I am being asked to move forward as if nothing has happened.

Sin is not something we readily admit to seeing and when it is seen, it is often treated with the relationship of "if you don't bother me I won't bother you".

How do we confront sin?

It reminded me of a situation that became public a couple of years ago that is still a part of our new congregation that we are currently attending. A person of leadership admitted to having an affair with a married women who also attended here. This caused his separation and ultimately led to a divorce. He did admit to the affair but it seems that many felt that the confession was the end of the problem. Many made decisions (opinions) on the right and wrong of the situation and hurt many more than those involved as people seemed to take sides. Blame flew and speculation increased. Two families go through the shredder.

Now I see him in attendance here and his former wife is attending elsewhere. I have heard that he recently had a child with another women. How is this repentance? How is this a benefit to the body?

"I have sinned" makes everything else OK?

I have talked to some about this and the most amazing comment that came back to me was that they didn't want him to loose him. While I agree regarding his salvation but are we to accept him under his terms?

This situation and the way this body appears to be handling it is making me question a lot of things. Transitions...what have I gotten myself into...