Consistency and faithfulness are good solid words that describe traits we should all nurture in our lives. I’ve been thinking about those traits lately because I’ve been thinking about some people I know who model them.
If I remember right, I was talking to someone recently about the different people who have impacted our lives for the positive. As I examined each of the people that I have admired I wondered what it was about them that caught and kept my attention, and these 2 traits kept creeping up.
They are actually 2 different character traits; consistency has to do with you they are and whether or not you change much over the years, where faithfulness shows how you behave themselves toward others and how well you keep your promises. One is internal and the other is external. And yet, they are so closely entwined and similar that we can easily substitute one for the other.
If you’re consistent, people know that no matter what you’re going through you will not change who you are as circumstances change. For instance, I know of a young girl that will either be nice or hateful, depending on what external pressure she is feeling. A consistent person will always relate to you in a nice and gentle way (hopefully) even if their world is crashing down around them. Think of Ashley in ‘Gone With The Wind’ compared to Miss Scarlet. No matter what happened to Ashley negatively, she always had a smile and thoughtful word. Whereas the only thing consistent about Scarlet was her inconsistency.
The kinds of people I was thinking of are always nice, gentle, patient, thoughtful and caring toward others. No matter pressures are on them from their jobs, kids, family members or friends they always greet you with a smile and an honest “How do you do?” And I emphasize honest.
Faithfulness is exhibited by how our consistent lifestyle is shown in relation to our promises, whether stated or implied. If we promise to be somewhere you can count on us to be there unless seriously detained. You don’t have to wonder if someone is going blowing you off or are lying. Their lifestyle gives you the assurance that they can be trusted. How can their lifestyle indicate that over time? Well, they show up even when they know there will be un-pleasantries involved. In other words, they don’t shy away from a fight or a situation that they know will cause them pain or where they know they will suffer loss. If a person is faithful in the hard times, they will be faithful anytime and you can count on them.
Say your friend is going through a tough time and it’s effecting their disposition to the point where everyone dreads seeing them. All they do is gripe and complain and snap at those they love because they are sick or worried to the point of distraction. A faithful friend will visit them anyway, endure the unpleasant conversation, smile and maybe even offer a prayer for their quick recovery.
I knew of a guy who visited his friend often when he was going through treatments for cancer. He had to drive 20 or so miles to get to the hospital and it would have been so much easier for him to just stay home, but he didn’t. He got his things together every few days and drove to the hospital to spend time with his friend. The friend eventually died, but he died knowing someone loved him, and loved him enough to spend time with him. Faithfulness is hidden away until it’s inconvenient, then it’s like a light that has been turned on and you can’t see it until it’s dark outside.
A faithful person has to be able to endure hardship and has to have some kind of inner peace and joy. Without that inner peace and steadiness they’d simply choose the easiest path in every situation and would be known as ‘unfaithful’. Having an ‘self’ built on a solid foundation makes a faithful person. Those who are not faithful are those that are easily distracted by the fulfillment of the moment and pay no attention to the cost. Their only concern about the cost is that someone else will pay it.
So, the question is, “am I a faithful and consistent man”? Do I shine in the darkness and am I always the same person no matter what pressures are pushing in on me? I always judge myself harshly and dishonestly and besides, it’s hard to judge yourself rightly on these points, but I hope so. And I’ll continue to strive to be.
Wouldn’t it be great if our tombstones simply said, “Faithful and Consistent”?
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
A Musician Without A Band Is Not Really Happy
I retired from doing the worship leader stuff a couple of years ago. I've still got a band that I can round up pretty quickly, but we don't have a regular gig anymore. I find myself wanting to get back in now; wanting to have something to work for; wanting to play with others on a weekly basis and it's just not come together.
David and Dennis and I had the idea to put together a 3 piece, but because of their schedules we've decided to not do it. David's business has him traveling too much to learn the material and make it to practice every week, so it just didn't work out. Now I've found myself with a big question mark over my head. And everywhere I go it just stays with me (like a dark cloud hovering just above my head).
I've called a couple of buddies that I've worked with before and neither have panned out yet. Ricky can't because he's starting a new business and George had to cancel lunch with me yesterday because his church service went on too long. It would be great to get George to work with. He is an amazing musician who can do it all and do it well. He's a drummer now, but is also very good on guitar and bass. He's tied up at his church every Sunday and that may keep him from agreeing to anything else, but we'll see.
I've got the best schedule now, because I work regular hours; am home by 5 and am not committed to play at my church. In fact, we've just started getting involved at our church so we're not tied down at all.
So, I've been asking the Lord over and over about what I'm supposed to do now as a musician. I don't feel like I'm supposed to get involved much at this church, but I don't know what else I can do. The sermon yesterday really helped though. The pastor was talking about something altogether different than my problem, but he quoted a verse that really spoke to me, "Isa.30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
God will let me know what He wants me to be involved in. I just have to keep asking Him and keep knocking on people's doors until I find out His plan. He is not in the habit of withholding information for spite so I know I can count on Him for this.
Okay, my delete key has just messed up and it's driving me crazy. On a Mac it's the backup key, which I use constantly. So, I'm wrapping this up now. You get the picture anyway.
David and Dennis and I had the idea to put together a 3 piece, but because of their schedules we've decided to not do it. David's business has him traveling too much to learn the material and make it to practice every week, so it just didn't work out. Now I've found myself with a big question mark over my head. And everywhere I go it just stays with me (like a dark cloud hovering just above my head).
I've called a couple of buddies that I've worked with before and neither have panned out yet. Ricky can't because he's starting a new business and George had to cancel lunch with me yesterday because his church service went on too long. It would be great to get George to work with. He is an amazing musician who can do it all and do it well. He's a drummer now, but is also very good on guitar and bass. He's tied up at his church every Sunday and that may keep him from agreeing to anything else, but we'll see.
I've got the best schedule now, because I work regular hours; am home by 5 and am not committed to play at my church. In fact, we've just started getting involved at our church so we're not tied down at all.
So, I've been asking the Lord over and over about what I'm supposed to do now as a musician. I don't feel like I'm supposed to get involved much at this church, but I don't know what else I can do. The sermon yesterday really helped though. The pastor was talking about something altogether different than my problem, but he quoted a verse that really spoke to me, "Isa.30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
God will let me know what He wants me to be involved in. I just have to keep asking Him and keep knocking on people's doors until I find out His plan. He is not in the habit of withholding information for spite so I know I can count on Him for this.
Okay, my delete key has just messed up and it's driving me crazy. On a Mac it's the backup key, which I use constantly. So, I'm wrapping this up now. You get the picture anyway.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Sites that might interest you if you are a musician
Interviews with well known musicians
http://www.livinglegendsmusic.com/
A professional sound technician who rubs shoulders with the famous bands
http://www.caughtupinthefable.blogspot.com/
Ever wonder about the background to a song?
http://www.songfacts.com/
What about guitar stuff like alternate tunings or how to play?
http://www.guitarnotes.com/
Songwriting tips
http://www.musesmuse.com/
Rhyming Dictionary
http://www.rhymezone.com/
More guitar stuff
http://www.guitarists.net
http://www.livinglegendsmusic.com/
A professional sound technician who rubs shoulders with the famous bands
http://www.caughtupinthefable.blogspot.com/
Ever wonder about the background to a song?
http://www.songfacts.com/
What about guitar stuff like alternate tunings or how to play?
http://www.guitarnotes.com/
Songwriting tips
http://www.musesmuse.com/
Rhyming Dictionary
http://www.rhymezone.com/
More guitar stuff
http://www.guitarists.net
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Been a little under the weather lately and still busy, so I haven’t taken much time to write. As with most people, something’s got to be set aside when you’re feeling bad and it’s most certainly not gonna be T.V.
Actually, I haven’t watched a lot of it either. I’ve been mostly on the couch nursing a sick headache. I’ve found out it’s because my heart is much too strong for the rest of my body and it’s been pumping blood with too much force, causing a rise on the pressure excerpted on my veins. It’s a tragic situation that has no easy remedy except exercise (long term solution) and/or medicine (another long term solution). So, I go to the doctor and he says, “take your medicine and call me in a week to see if it helps”. The headache has eased off a bit for the last couple of days, hence me writing this.
I’ve watched a show called “Pickers” for a couple of nights where 2 guys scour the countryside looking for people who hoard stuff that eventually turns into antiques and/or collectibles. It’s fascinating to see how much stuff some people can accumulate. Where do they get the money to buy all that stuff is my question when watching it? I mean, some of these people have fortunes set aside in the form of ‘junk’ or antiques. It simply blows the mind at the volume in some of the barns and houses. And most of the people won’t sell anything. It’s like they’ve become married to it and just can’t part with the least little part of their memory. I’m sure in some cases it’s a sickness. One guy was finally talked into selling a couple of funny looking bowling jackets and that helped him let go of some of the really valuable stuff. But, before that he wouldn’t sell a scented candle. Funny! So, for the last couple of nights I’ve dreamed of crawling around old barns looking for junk.
On another note, people have been getting on my nerves lately. I’m not sure why everyone can’t be perfect like myself. But, until they do I guess I’ll just spend time being pissed.
Like the guy at church who can’t talk to you without getting on some teaching kick. I swear, every time I try to talk to him he gets this serious look on his face and starts going into the teaching mode. I know I don’t know much, but I just feel like there’s a time for that and there’s a time for just hanging out and talking about nothing. I knew another guy like that one time and found myself avoiding him whenever I could. Come on man, lighten up and smile a bit, okay? Church seems to bring that out in people. I guess it’s a way to appear ‘spiritual’ or something. But the people that seem ‘spiritual’ to me are the ones who are full of joy and are more concerned about you than what you know. Know what I mean?
Okay, you can tell I’ve not been feeling good, right? But sometimes you just have to get things off your chest.
Bleah!
Actually, I haven’t watched a lot of it either. I’ve been mostly on the couch nursing a sick headache. I’ve found out it’s because my heart is much too strong for the rest of my body and it’s been pumping blood with too much force, causing a rise on the pressure excerpted on my veins. It’s a tragic situation that has no easy remedy except exercise (long term solution) and/or medicine (another long term solution). So, I go to the doctor and he says, “take your medicine and call me in a week to see if it helps”. The headache has eased off a bit for the last couple of days, hence me writing this.
I’ve watched a show called “Pickers” for a couple of nights where 2 guys scour the countryside looking for people who hoard stuff that eventually turns into antiques and/or collectibles. It’s fascinating to see how much stuff some people can accumulate. Where do they get the money to buy all that stuff is my question when watching it? I mean, some of these people have fortunes set aside in the form of ‘junk’ or antiques. It simply blows the mind at the volume in some of the barns and houses. And most of the people won’t sell anything. It’s like they’ve become married to it and just can’t part with the least little part of their memory. I’m sure in some cases it’s a sickness. One guy was finally talked into selling a couple of funny looking bowling jackets and that helped him let go of some of the really valuable stuff. But, before that he wouldn’t sell a scented candle. Funny! So, for the last couple of nights I’ve dreamed of crawling around old barns looking for junk.
On another note, people have been getting on my nerves lately. I’m not sure why everyone can’t be perfect like myself. But, until they do I guess I’ll just spend time being pissed.
Like the guy at church who can’t talk to you without getting on some teaching kick. I swear, every time I try to talk to him he gets this serious look on his face and starts going into the teaching mode. I know I don’t know much, but I just feel like there’s a time for that and there’s a time for just hanging out and talking about nothing. I knew another guy like that one time and found myself avoiding him whenever I could. Come on man, lighten up and smile a bit, okay? Church seems to bring that out in people. I guess it’s a way to appear ‘spiritual’ or something. But the people that seem ‘spiritual’ to me are the ones who are full of joy and are more concerned about you than what you know. Know what I mean?
Okay, you can tell I’ve not been feeling good, right? But sometimes you just have to get things off your chest.
Bleah!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Ramblings
Got a new/used guitar the other day. My friend Ricky had something called a silent guitar made by Yamaha that I have wanted ever since I saw one. It's basically the neck of the guitar extended the whole length and 2 fake curved pieces of plastic attached to give it the appearance of a guitar. You plug headphones into it and play it privately wherever you may be. I can play it at home while Kathy's watching TV and not disturb her program. Ricky found that he didn't use it very often and offered it to me at a very discounted price so I jumped on it. I've enjoyed playing it this week even though Kathy's not been home to annoy with it. It has some built in reverb and sounds really good and full through the headphones. I love technology. But only if it's uncomplicated.
I spent the weekend helping someone move from Greenville S.C. back to Atlanta. My son and I did all the loading and completely filled up a 26 foot U-Haul. I was tired Sunday. In fact, we didn't go to church that day. I just didn't want to move. It's not that I was sore. I was a little, but I was mostly just tired. And grumpy. And I had to take off Monday to move the stuff into a storage building. It was a beautiful day Monday and I was grateful for the wonderful weather, but it did get a little hot in the back of the truck. My son's son noticed I was tired during the day and he said, "Pawpaw, you don't sound good". "Well, thanks Ian, I'm tired", "well, take a break Pawpaw" he said rather matter of factly. He's such a grown up sometimes.
It's amazing how much the weather affects our moods. It's been raining for a couple days now and it just sorta puts you in a lazy, relaxed mood. For all the comforts we've built over the years to protect ourselves from the weather, we still let it govern our outlook a great deal. If it's a sunny but not too hot a day, we're just chipper and happy. If it's cold out we can get grumpy and restless because we can't get out and enjoy the sun and wind in our face. For all our progress, we are still creatures of the earth.
And our band still hasn't practiced much. Everyone is always out of town with their businesses. I'm a little discouraged to be honest. It's hard to practice the music even though you know you should when no one else can play with you. Maybe things will settle down soon. I hope so.
I spent the weekend helping someone move from Greenville S.C. back to Atlanta. My son and I did all the loading and completely filled up a 26 foot U-Haul. I was tired Sunday. In fact, we didn't go to church that day. I just didn't want to move. It's not that I was sore. I was a little, but I was mostly just tired. And grumpy. And I had to take off Monday to move the stuff into a storage building. It was a beautiful day Monday and I was grateful for the wonderful weather, but it did get a little hot in the back of the truck. My son's son noticed I was tired during the day and he said, "Pawpaw, you don't sound good". "Well, thanks Ian, I'm tired", "well, take a break Pawpaw" he said rather matter of factly. He's such a grown up sometimes.
It's amazing how much the weather affects our moods. It's been raining for a couple days now and it just sorta puts you in a lazy, relaxed mood. For all the comforts we've built over the years to protect ourselves from the weather, we still let it govern our outlook a great deal. If it's a sunny but not too hot a day, we're just chipper and happy. If it's cold out we can get grumpy and restless because we can't get out and enjoy the sun and wind in our face. For all our progress, we are still creatures of the earth.
And our band still hasn't practiced much. Everyone is always out of town with their businesses. I'm a little discouraged to be honest. It's hard to practice the music even though you know you should when no one else can play with you. Maybe things will settle down soon. I hope so.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Sometimes You're Down and Sometimes You're Not
I know I've been a bit of a whiner lately because I've not felt great. I'm sorry, but I just say it like I feel it sometimes. Anyway, this week has been much better. I still have an annoying cough, but I can handle that by just covering my mouth, right?
Our little band has not been able to practice because the other guys are always out of town with their businesses. I can't really sing much but still wanted to practice on our guitars and stuff. Oh well, I'm sure we'll eventually pull it all together but I'm just a bit impatient. I'm always in a hurry for some reason and this is no exception. I've often heard that God has his time schedule and it never seems to line up with ours. I believe that's true. All I can see is a short life span and I need to cram in everything I can, but God sees the bigger picture and is not in a hurry like I am.
On a side note,,,,
Georgia weather is bipolar. One day it's sunny and warm and the next it's cold. It was actually warm at lunch today and now I've got the logs burning to stay warm. It's like winter is running short of breathe and is still trying to turn March into miserable. It can only get a short gasp of cold air out at a time and then needs to rest a bit before it hits us with another blow.
And that's all for today,,,
Our little band has not been able to practice because the other guys are always out of town with their businesses. I can't really sing much but still wanted to practice on our guitars and stuff. Oh well, I'm sure we'll eventually pull it all together but I'm just a bit impatient. I'm always in a hurry for some reason and this is no exception. I've often heard that God has his time schedule and it never seems to line up with ours. I believe that's true. All I can see is a short life span and I need to cram in everything I can, but God sees the bigger picture and is not in a hurry like I am.
On a side note,,,,
Georgia weather is bipolar. One day it's sunny and warm and the next it's cold. It was actually warm at lunch today and now I've got the logs burning to stay warm. It's like winter is running short of breathe and is still trying to turn March into miserable. It can only get a short gasp of cold air out at a time and then needs to rest a bit before it hits us with another blow.
And that's all for today,,,
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