A Psalm of Asaph, Chief Musician

Call on me in the day of trouble; 

I will deliver you, and you will honor me. 

Sacrifice thank offerings to God, 

fulfill your vows to the Most High

Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me, 

and to the blameless I will show my salvation.

Psalm 50:14-15, 23

This is from Psalm 50, "A Psalm of Asaph." Who was Asaph?

King David appointed some of the Levites as musicians and ministers before the Lord. Asaph was the chief minister. Together with his brothers, they were to continually serve before the Ark of the Covenant to invoke, to thank, and to praise the Lord, the God of Israel. Asaph was a priest, musician, and poet; while others played the harp, lyre, and trumpet, his particular role was to sound the cymbals. (I Chronicles 16)

This beautiful song of Thanksgiving was appointed by David to be sung by Asaph and his brothers. It is a beautiful declaration we can sing before the Lord, to "ascribe the glory due his name" and keep our hope fixed on the one who is Lord of all:

David’s Song of Thanks

8 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;

make known his deeds among the peoples!

9 Sing to him, sing praises to him;

tell of all his wondrous works!

10 Glory in his holy name;

let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

11 Seek the Lord and his strength;

seek his presence continually!

12    Remember the wondrous works that he has done,

his miracles and the judgments he uttered,

13 O offspring of Israel his servant,

children of Jacob, his chosen ones!

14 He is the Lord our God;

his judgments are in all the earth.

15 Remember his covenant forever,

the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,

16 the covenant that he made with Abraham,

his sworn promise to Isaac,

17 which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute,

to Israel as an everlasting covenant,

18 saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan,

as your portion for an inheritance.”

19 When you were few in number,

of little account, and sojourners in it,

20 wandering from nation to nation,

from one kingdom to another people,

21 he allowed no one to oppress them;

he rebuked kings on their account,

22 saying, “Touch not my anointed ones,

do my prophets no harm!”

23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth!

Tell of his salvation from day to day.

24 Declare his glory among the nations,

his marvelous works among all the peoples!

25 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,

and he is to be feared above all gods.

26 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,

but the Lord made the heavens.

27 Splendor and majesty are before him;

strength and joy are in his place.

28 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,

ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!

29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;

bring an offering and come before him!

Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;

30 tremble before him, all the earth;

yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.

31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice,

and let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”

32 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

let the field exult, and everything in it!

33 Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy

before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.

34 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

for his steadfast love endures forever!

35 Say also:

“Save us, O God of our salvation,

and gather and deliver us from among the nations,

that we may give thanks to your holy name

and glory in your praise.

36 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,

from everlasting to everlasting!”

Saint Cecilia's Day, November 22

"But bright Cecilia raised the wonder higher:

When to her organ vocal breath was given,

An angel heard, and straight appeared 

Mistaking earth for heaven."

(Dryden)

An early church martyr, the patron saint of musicians, the subject of many poems and music, not the least of which is John Dryden's "A Song for St. Cecilia's Day 1687."

The Italian composer G. B. Draghi wrote the first musical arrangement for “A Song for St. Cecilia's Day” in 1687. In the 1730s, G. F. Handel created superlative new musical scores for both of the St. Cecilia odes of Dryden. Watch this short excerpt of one verse from Handel's Ode, The Trumpet's Loud Clamour. Or watch the more famous full length composition by G.F. HÄNDEL: Ode for St. Cecilia's Day HWV 76 here.

A modern commission in 2008 was set to music for choir and organ by William Bolcom (click here to watch one version).




Photo: Saint Cecilia with an Angel, by Orazio Gentileschi

Not Your Grandma's Choir

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, 

flight to the imagination and life to everything. — Plato

Of all the things I've done in life, singing in a choir has been the most satisfying. I've sung in many choirs, under directors/conductors of all abilities, covering all styles, from classical oratorios, to broadway, opera, and contemporary and most everything in between. I've been challenged, I've been bored, but mostly I've just been happy to sing.

I've directed three different adult choirs--one for six years--and various ensembles, youth and children's choirs. But I enjoy singing most of all. And the music I most enjoy singing are songs of testimony, encouragement, eternal truth, and transcendent songs of adoration to our great God. These renew my mind, my spirit and my hope, get my eyes off the "waves and wind" and onto the Solid Rock.

Oh, sure, it's nice to think of the days when I've done solos, and though that's an earthly honour, it's still not as soul-satisfying as raising the roof and dancing in my home church with thousands while we celebrate victory in Jesus.

And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane 

by those who could not hear the music.  — F. Nietzsche

We wrapped up our church choir season today. While it's nice to have a break from the weekly rehearsals, I know I'll miss the music soon and will start counting down to September's start-up. Even more, I will miss the choir family--these beautiful souls all making beautiful music together, praying together and serving in humility with genuine joy.

It's an honour to harmonize with them about things that will still matter an eternity from now. I am so grateful for this gift.

Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music
is the greatest treasure in the world. — Martin Luther

Photo 1: Screenshot of First Alliance Church Choir from weekend service live-stream, May 21, 2017.

Photo 2: Saviour Oratorio, performed with NWSC, photo by Greg McCombs, April 12, 2017.

Re-membering Saviour: The Story of God's Passion for His People

First Alliance Church Choir and Orchestra with New West Symphony and Chorus
Directed by David Klob and Humberto Vargas
April 12, 2017 - Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Last evening was the second of two concerts of the oratorio work, “Saviour: The Story of God’s Passion for His People” by First Alliance Church Choir and Orchestra with the New West Symphony and Chorus. It was one of those events that becomes a lifelong memory, filled with transcendent music and the over-arching themes of God's love, mercy and faithfulness in the face of human rebellion, alienation and sin.

An event like this engages over 140 musicians and technicians coming together to deliver a profound and satisfying project with excellence and joy. The 1,500+ people who listen from the auditorium also enter in, creating a sense of unity and ensemble which I have not yet seen duplicated in any other forum. The lobby remains crowded for a long time after the concert; people lingering, visiting, in no rush to end the evening, communing with friends and sharing our individual impressions and experience from this worship experience.

Another musician on the west coast, singer-songwriter Carolyn Arends, shared a comment on her Facebook page from someone who attended one of her concerts this week, and it echoes what I saw happening for us last night. His feedback was, “Thank you. That was so connecting. I came here scattered - just disconnected from running around doing work and life - and now I'm leaving here integrated again.”

We left as an integrated whole last evening. We were many individuals coming together, and though each one of us had our own voice, our own part, and they were all different – together we were unified in harmony. As Ephesians 4:3 urges, we worked diligently over three months of preparation and during two performances to “keep the harmony of The Spirit in the bonds of peace.”

Ann Voskamp reminds us of a deeper truth that comes when we unite in worship of our Lord: that our “dismembered” and scattered parts are actually “re-membered” and made whole again.

“…all the brokenness in the world begins with the act of forgetting — forgetting that God is enough, forgetting that what He gives is good enough, forgetting that there is always more than enough to give thanks for. “

She goes on to remind us though we forget, though we're prone to chronic soul amnesia, God never forgets us, never abandons us, never gives up on us. He has written us, our very names, on the palm of his hands, written even me right into himself -- though we forget, God re-members us, puts us and the broken bits and members of us back together again.

As an individual, one who is part of a great whole, part of the re-membered body of Christ, part of this ensemble of musicians who lift our limited voices in gratitude and unity to pray:

Dear Lord, Thank you, that "we are re-membered in You --- You who engrave Your love letter to us right into Your skin.... right into Your beating heart. In the name of the only One who ever loved us to death and back to life again... In Jesus' name... Amen.”

Concert Photo Credit: Greg McCombs, used with permission

Scripture Photo Credit: accessed via Ann Voskamp Facebook post

Emerging New Artist

My husband and I just returned from Trinity Western University where we visited our son for his 20th birthday. He's in his third year there, a Psychology major with a minor in English.

Andrew is a third generation singer, songwriter and guitarist. With astonishment, I attended his band's EP/CD project launch later in a 100-year old heritage building. It was packed. He and his band played a short live show - the first time I have been able to see him publicly perform. The musical expertise and guitar playing were far beyond any expectations.

He and four others make up the band Two or Three and they will be in the recording studio next month. The digital download EP and physical CD follows first quarter of 2013 (update: see link below to purchase) and touring hopefully commences in the summer. It is a huge commitment and there are questions about PA systems and "Can we use your trailer for hauling equipment and sleeping?" It makes his mom's eyes leak and knees go weak while his dad's hand moves quickly to cover his wallet.

Yet I think we know how the Spirit moves us through music and to see our offspring become accomplished in their own creative and entrepreneurial ventures brings joy like nothing else.

Andrew wants to share his gifts. Would you consider purchasing his original music - a copy of his heart and soul? His music is probably closest to the indie-folk genre and seems to appeal to all ages.

Share the links and spread the word? Why should strangers be the only ones who make good music?!

Full disclosure: Yes, I'm the mom. But I'm also a critical musician with a degree in music. I both am incredibly proud and completely astonished at what our young man has accomplished with his band in terms of sound and artistic appeal. Don't take my word for it. Listen for yourself:

YouTube (videos)
My Space (The Bees Single)
Band Camp (preview and/or purchase the EP)

Phillip Phillips Wins American Idol 11

Here is my favourite new singer in his performance of "Home" in the final competition.



After winning, Phillips' father revealed his son had suffered with a build up of kidney stones and underwent multiple operations during the Idol season to remove them. When he wins the American Idol title two nights later, he is overcome. The following rendition on that night will always be my favorite, because it shows his pain, relief and deep humanity.

A gift new, made do, worn out, and a bonus...

171. A gift new: Silver space-age-esque cylindrical containers which have spring-loaded pumps which dispense the salt and pepper. I hesitate to use new contraptions like this. But they look cool.

172. A gift made-do: A parking spot at the hockey game tonight. We made do because it was as far from the arena as one could park and still be in the lot. We had to walk quite a distance in the cold with wet, blowing snow beating at our faces, however, exercise is good, the snow wasn't deep and the location of the parking spot at the faraway end made the easiest exit from the crowd of 19,000 we've ever had, with no line up at all.

173. A gift nearly worn out: Singing by ear. I've been doing it since birth. In my previous post, the picture reminds me of when I first discovered that not everyone can harmonize by ear. I grew up doing it because it was what we did in my family. But we also knew how to read music. Twelve years of piano lessons and 10 years of choir ensured that. Perhaps hanging around those that harmonized by ear made it possible for me to do it too. Perhaps there is something in how we are wired. I just still remember my astonishment at discovering some very accomplished musician who couldn't. Yet. Kind of like me learning how to be grateful. Haven't quite got the gist of it but I keep practicing. Sometimes it's off key but it's more grateful than the past. Practice makes permanent.

174. A bonus gift: Listening to Eric Metaxas speak at the Feb. 2 Presidential Prayer Breakfast. In this video, his talk begins at 35:00 minute mark and ends at 1:05. He draws a clear dividing line between what is a false picture of God painted by dead religion vs. the reality of Jesus being exactly what our hearts long for. Funny, poignant, profound.

175. Another bonus: I sat down at the piano today. I have only done that once or twice in the past six years. I played one of my father's songs. The older I get, the more I realize what he must have struggled through. Makes it easier to forgive him for what he didn't (couldn't?) give me. His music lingers as a testament to his struggle to honour God and sustain faith.

"I can't help but love you," God whispers. "Trust me."

Question: As you mature, have your eyes been opened to a clearer understanding of why others may not be able to do what comes rather easily to you?

Music. Music. Music.

To sing is joy. As I continue to number 1000 gifts, I can't believe it's been almost two months before music surfaced in the gratitude list.

168. Music. We had the gift of two amazing people express interest in the Worship Director vacancy at the church where I work.

169. Music. I listened to Kathryn Scott. She sings the Spirit.

170. Music. My desire for singing again is so strong, I think it's time. Singing is where I feel most alive. To be able to sing is a value that exceeds anything else. To sing for the creator of the universe, that is the greatest gift.

Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. At the touch of a lover, everyone becomes a poet. Those who wish to sing always find a song. ~Plato

Question: What makes you come alive?

Bon Iver, Artistry and Hard Gratitude

Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon receives the Grammy award for Best New Artist.

"It's really hard to accept this award," Vernon said humbly. "There's so much talent out here on the stage and there is a lot of talent that's not here tonight. It's also hard to accept because when I started to make songs, I did it for the inherent reward of making songs, so I'm a little bit uncomfortable up here," Vernon continued.

"With that discomfort, I do have a sense of gratitude. I want to say thank you to all the nominees and all the non-nominees that have never been here and never will be here."

Vernon ended his speech by thanking the Grammy voters for the "sweet hookup" and closed with a shout out to his home town: Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

I love his declaration that he made songs for the inherent reward of making songs. My friend Kay asked this past week: "...writers/artists, would you rather create work that you love and nobody else does, or work that everyone else loves, but you don't?" I think Vernon's statement and goal answers that with a resounding "work I love."

It seems that should resonate with most creative artists and writers, except for those rare few that are grasping at fame. They may get there, but their self-promotion and desperation makes those they encounter along the way somewhat suspect of their friendship.

Eucharisteo is an attitude of thanks. Life-filling gratitude. The Joy Dare asks us to list three hard eucharisteos today. Hard. I number them as gifts.

119. Work. It's the same life-fill as exercise. I don't like going, but once I'm there, it's fulfilling and rewarding. There are days I don't even want to quit at quitting time, but to start is a different story. I wish I felt different but I don't. I would rather stay home and sleep in. There are a few ways in my work where I can be an artist and create work I love, but more often, I fulfill a utilitarian role. I can express the hard eucharisteo because in my work, I offer it to God. He called me to this work. He provided it as a gift and it is the answer to my prayers for a way to supply a financial need. A hard, life-filling gratitude.

120. Our son's independence. He's emotionally independent but not financially so. Just like I was. When I went to school eight hours away, I didn't miss home. I loved my parents as best I knew how, especially my mom, but she and I were similar in many ways. Home demanded much of me and there were strict rules. I calculated that being away at university would guarantee my freedom and autonomy. My folks still called. More often than not, they would end the conversation before I was ready, but I really wasn't homesick. For three years. I immersed myself in school, studies, music, friends, travel, entertainment. Saw my first movie, drank my first liquor. Lather, rinse, repeat. Even when I married and moved away, I had no idea how much that must have weighed heavy on my mom. I was her only daughter, 2,400 kilometres away. I know now.

Do I begrudge our son? Not at all. Am I proud of him? Fiercely. Do I trust him? Quite so. Will he make mistakes? Definitely. Will I always love him? Without question. Do I miss him? Absolutely. Does he miss me? I have no idea. He's a guy. Doesn't talk much about his feelings. The eucharisteo is life-filling gratitude for his healthy, appropriate and normal separation from us, his self-assurance and maturity. It may even have been our weaknesses that make it possible for him to separate more easily. He is a man. He asks when he needs something, but he handles almost everything on his own. The hard part is not being needed in the same sense as when he was fully dependent. While I do not cling to it - that would be abnormal - I do miss it, and I remember it fondly. It will always be a treasure. It was for a time and that time is past. The hard eucharisteo.

121. My own weakness. "In my weakness and my failing, Lord, my heart draws near to thee." The hard eucharisteo: life-filling gratitude for how my weakness makes way for true power and strength to rise as I trust in the One who cannot help but love me - because this One is Love. I remember.

God Be Praised

In February 2010 I was at the end of my rope. I went to Florida with one of my friends and spent a great deal of time seeking God. One night I heard a song via a website and these are the lyrics that touched me and would not leave my mind. I'm grateful to Gateway Church for providing me a copy.

God Be Praised
by David Moore & Alena Moore

VERSE 1
You saved my life from death
When I was all but defeated
You spoke Your promises
And brought life to my weakness
Came as a conquering king
And You warred for my freedom
My soul can’t help but sing
Hallelujah

VERSE 2
You opened up my eyes
For the first time I saw You
Your love commanding life
And deserving devotion
You told me who I am
Now in faith I believe it
My soul can’t help but sing
Hallelujah

VERSE 3
You’ve made a place for me
Silenced all my accusers
Leading me forth with peace
Filled with joy, I will follow
Your cross demands my life
Now Your grace is my anthem
My soul can’t help but sing
Hallelujah, hallelujah

CHORUS
Hallelujah, we’re redeemed and made free
By the blood of the Lamb, we have won
Hallelujah, we will sing victory
Jesus conquered the grave, God be praised

Beautiful

I was able to attend an amazing concert last night:

STARFIELD

with special guestsBethany Dillon
Shane and Shane
David Nasser

Beautiful   (by Bethany Dillon)

I was so unique
Now I feel skin deep
I count on the make-up to cover it all
Crying myself to sleep cause I cannot keep their attention
I thought I could be strong
But it's killing me

Does someone hear my cry?
I'm dying for new life

[Chorus]
I want to be beautiful
Make you stand in awe
Look inside my heart,
and be amazed
I want to hear you say
Who I am is quite enough
Just want to be worthy of love
And beautiful

Sometimes I wish I was someone other than me
Fighting to make the mirror happy
Trying to find whatever is missing
Won't you help me back to glory

[Chorus]

You make me beautiful
You make me stand in awe
You step inside my heart, and I am amazed
I love to hear You say
Who I am is quite enough
You make me worthy of love and beautiful

Go to itunes and download this song - it will be the best 99 cents you've spent in a long time.

Deeper Still

recorded by Ronnie Freeman

There’s a place inside of me, there’s a hunger for a change
I have tried to satisfy, I have tried to rearrange.
Needing Him completely I come ready for my fill.
It is then He asks of me: will I go deeper still?

Listen!

Can you hear His voice?

Hear Him calling?

Let your heart rejoice and leave the shallow place you’re in.
Come and meet Him if you will.

He beckons and He speaks to us – will we go deeper still?

Deeper than the waters I have stood in for so long
Setting out to see where I know the hand of God is strong
Leaving all the worries I let keep me from going on
He travels where I stand until I go deeper still

What He has for us
is wrapped up in mysteries unknown to the mortal mind
If we release and go deeper, beyond what we can see
Then I know life awaits us abundantly.

Listen…

Hear Him calling…

And leave the shallow place you’re in, come and meet Him if you will.

Listen! Can you hear His voice?
Hear Him calling?

Let your heart rejoice and leave the shallow place you’re in.
Come and meet Him if you will.
He beckons and He speaks to us – will we go deeper still?

Will you go deeper?




Deepest thanks to Violet for posting this artist on her blog.

Jonny Lang

Sometimes getting the "Selection of the Month" from Columbia House is a good idea.

Jonny Lang "Turn Around"

"This album is hotter than the proverbial dog days of August, dripping with soul, gospel, and all things funky."

Take a listen at www.jonnylang.com

Musing about Ministry

My current church involvement includes leading a women's small group study, singing with 3 others for worship through music at the women's weekly study. I sing with a worship band every 8 weeks for weekend services. I am "trying out" at the info desk - greeting people and answering their questions.

I used to be a person that would dive head first into whatever needed doing, but now I'm surprised by my own hesitation. Fear of failure is not usually something that affects me, but somehow it does in relation to Worship Arts at church. The demand for "excellence" is so high, I fear I won't measure up.

This fear seems to go beyond simple insecurity. I don't want my human error to become one of those dreaded distractions in the service. I'm finding it difficult to truly judge my competency level (as it relates to music) and have usually relied on the feedback of others to help measure that. I am not comfortable with self-promotion (that's just wrong) or asking to do a specific thing.

I want to do things that bring joy to God's heart. I want to be able to serve Him in humility, not think more highly of myself than I ought (which has been my pattern in the past), to be clear in judging my motives, and not seek out human applause or promote my own agenda. This is a daily cross. If I don't die to myself in these areas, my motives become suspect.

It is part of the basic human condition that we desire to make a significant contribution, to be recognized as competent, to be needed, to be loved. That has happened in very limited ways for me so far in the music area of the church. So now, I remind myself of the (very true) cliches about this: God often calls us to go outside our comfort zone. He equips those He calls. He is the Audience of One. In our weakness, He is strong. A man's gift makes room for him.

I want to try to find the ways I can touch people and change lives by helping where it is most needed. I'm no clearer today on where I would best fit in, but I will prayerfully consider doing whatever I'm asked to do.