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Creative Theology

I love the great community you can find online. I have made some great new new friends through Twitter and blogging. One of those people, Sam Mahlstadt, asked if I would be interested in a copy of his e-book, Creative Theology. I’m always up for new reads.

I was surprised when I began reading it. This is not just a book. It’s a creative work of art.

The premise of the book is that creativity is rooted in theology. Sam looks at examples of creativity from Scripture, reminding the reader that creativity is a gift from God, and thus should be given back to Him.

A response to beauty is a response to the Artist.

A response to creation is a response to the Creator.

He urges the reader to turn to creation for inspiration, to celebrate the beauty that God has placed around us. Sam goes on to share how there’s been a disconnect between creativity and theology. And yet there is still an intense longing to connect with creation and the Creator.

One of the things that spoke to me was how the church used to be a leader in creative arts, but sadly today, provides art that is simply… simple.

The church used to foster creative expression

from those in her pews. The church used

to respond to beauty in a passionate way.

This convicts me. It reminds me that my creative spirit is a way that I worship. Because I serve such a big God, I should create something worthy of Him.

This book is not just written words on a page. Taking his own advice, each page is beautifully designed or illustrated in a unique way that proves his point. I found myself anxiously looking forward to the next page to see what was coming next.

The book is available in a hardback copy or as an e-book. I’d recommend the hardback copy, because I found myself on more than one occasion wanting to hold the book in my hand and physically take it all in. It was hard to get the full effect on a computer screen.

Thanks for sharing your art, Sam.

 

 

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American Idol Worship

I am not a fan of American Idol.

One day while watching a worship service at home, I noticed something. A female vocalist began a song. As I listened, I noticed how hard she was pushing. She sang from her chest and as she crescendoed through pitches, she began to shout. And drift off pitch. Her pitch was flat for the rest of the song.

It was hard to listen after that.

As a vocalist, I understand the pressure to “sound” a certain way. We hear singers on the radio belting from their chest voice. As a classically trained vocalist, I struggled for years because my voice didn’t sound like those “cool” singers. And sometimes, that sound is cool. Done well, it can be extremely powerful.

But sometimes, it just doesn’t need to be done. In this particular song, I believe a softer volume and more focused tone would have been perfect. Once the shouting began, I wanted to mute the T.V. When this type of singing occurs in worship, it makes me think of American Idol. And I really hate American Idol.

Singers, let’s stop trying to sound like someone else. Stop pushing so hard. Breathe properly, focus on your pitch, and offer your absolute best in worship.

Question: Am I being harsh? What are your thoughts on these types of vocals in worship?

 

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My Utmost for His Highest = My kick in the pants

This is my 1970s version of My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers.

In case you can’t get the full effect from the picture, that is a metallic silver cover with gold, embossed lettering. It is classy.

I found this in the summer of ’98, when I attended Creation Festival (a huge Christian music festival) in Pennsylvania. That summer marked the real beginning of my faith walk, when I decided I was going to be serious about this God thing. While browsing through one of the makeshift stores under a tent, I ran across a book table. I unearthed this copy of My Utmost for His Highest. I had heard great things about the book, so I bought it. I think I paid $4 for it.

After a couple years I began to read it daily. Once I started, I was hooked. This book has fed me more than any other book or devotional outside the Bible. I tried a different devotion one year, but it just wouldn’t cut it. I always seem to come back to good ol’ Oswald. After years of reading it, something new still hits me.

Here’s what’s hitting me this year.

It convicts me waaaay too much.

I’ve gotten out of the daily habit of reading it. I have lots of excuses. But the real reason?

It makes me uncomfortable. It reminds me of the Christian I so want to be and am so far away from being.

It still inspires me, but I hate that uncomfortable feeling when a phrase hits me straight to the gut. I try to read around it, ignore it, say that it really relates to someone else. But when it comes down to it, that convicting phrase is all about me and the ways that I am failing.

So I avoid reading it. It’s easier to stay in denial than to face the truth head on.

This year, my husband and I are making the effort to read the devotional together every day. And those hard to read phrases are hitting me hard. But I vow to keep reading and to do the best I can to work on those things that I need to work on.

Part of this whole faith thing is coming face to face with the not so pretty parts of me.

Have you ever had a book, devotional, or Scripture that painfully spoke to you?

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Behind the Scenes Worship

It’s time to take the focus off of me.

I’ve spent the last year processing why worship music isn’t so worshipful for me anymore. And while that has been therapeutic, I’m tired of dwelling on it. There will still be some processing posts, but I’m really excited about a new idea.

I’ve led worship on stage in front of crowds of people. I’ve also worshiped with sudsy water up to my elbows, washing potatoes for crowds of people. I gotta say… those “behind the scenes” worship times are my favorite.

Musical worship is great. But it’s not the only avenue to worship.

I am inspired by stories of people who worship behind the scenes, off the stage or even out of the sanctuary. People who aren’t doing it for the glory or attention or warm fuzzies. People who are doing it for the sheer love of their Savior.

I want to share some of those stories. Not to bring glory to the people, but to remind us of the many ways there are to worship. To remind me that it’s ridiculous to get caught up in the drama of “I don’t like this song.”

I’m hoping to share one story a month. I’m looking for people who are serving and worshiping God in unconventional ways. If you know of someone, let me know. Leave a comment, or use the contact tab (A small disclaimer… I was horrified to realize that some of those e-mails sent via the contact tab have been sent to my spam folder. I’ve rectified that, but my sincere apologies if I ignored a question from someone.)

Worship is so much bigger and wider than I think it is. I try to assign boundaries to it and fit it into a neat little box.

I want to blow those boundaries up.

Will you join me?

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Guest Post: Lazy Butt Syndrome

I’m guest posting for my friend Jim Woods today. Jim’s had a busy week, welcoming his new baby boy to the world. I’m happy to guest post for him, freeing him up for some baby cuddles.

Check out my post, The Cure for Lazy Butt Syndrome.

If you’re here from Jim’s blog, welcome! I blog about worship and my struggle with most modern worship services. I’m learning to connect with God in other ways. I write to process and find that I have more questions than answers. I’d be honored if you joined me on my journey.

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She Must and Shall Go Free

Some albums never get old, no matter how many times you listen. Derek Webb’s She Must and Shall Go Free is one of those albums for me. It is one of my favorite albums of all time. Seriously.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the album, and to celebrate, Derek Webb is giving it away. You can pick it up for FREE.

These songs ask some really good questions about the church and the Christian life. The album isn’t all wrapped up and pretty. It’s raw, gut-wrenchingly honest and even a tad vulgar at times. That’s right, there are a couple of “naughty” words. No F-bombs, but those with small children might want to be warned.

I love how Derek Webb asks some really tough questions of the church. Are we really living as we should be or are we just parading our Christianity around because it looks pretty? His songwriting continues to convict me.

Seriously, download the album.

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I can still sing to worship

Through all the worship frustrations lately, I still long to use my voice to worship. I believe my voice is a gift given by God, and I want to give it right back to Him.

Lately I’ve been noticing that the finely tuned instrument of my voice is not so finely tuned anymore. After graduating from the college of music at FSU, my voice was in tip-top shape. Not so much anymore.

I sing here and there, but nothing serious. I’ve noticed my breath control is pitiful, my range isn’t so spectacular and my voice just doesn’t flow so naturally anymore. I miss singing. REALLY singing.

I’ve tried to keep my voice in shape myself, but with limited success. I need accountability. I decided to join my city’s community choir. It’s a choir of volunteers (we pay to be a part of it). It’s not all professional musicians. We’re joined by one common bond: a love of singing.

On my first night there, Dr. Andre Thomas, an amazing conductor (and one of my professors from college) took the podium and commanded our attention. My butt slid forward on the seat, my posture snapped into position and I held my music high, anxious to start. We sight read through a piece to begin. I was nervous. It had been years since I had really sight read.

Our entrance came and 100 plus voices sprang to life. My nerves dissipated immediately. My voice melded into the beautiful blend of harmony that enveloped my ears. Sight reading felt effortless. I was struck at the volume that mere voices can produce.

And the beauty of that sound.

A hundred voices all united for one purpose. To sing and to sing well.

My heart felt full. As much as I enjoy singing other styles of music, choral music makes me happy. It makes me work. In the midst of all those voices, my voice blossoms.

With so much cynicism in my heart as of late, it’s refreshing to find music that I can put my heart and soul into. I may not be on the front row of worship with hands held high, but I will be at rehearsal each Monday evening with my posture straight and sheet music in hand.

I’m thankful that I can still lift my voice to God.

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The worship social hour

Can I get something off my chest?

I’m trying really hard to work through my worship issues. I really am. I’m trying to acknowledge when something is my issue rather than placing blame on someone else. But sometimes, I don’t think it’s my issue. Let me share a story from last month.

The Sunday before Christmas, Drew and I took a trip to the United Methodist Church in downtown Tallahassee. There’s just something about Christmas carols on a pipe organ, and it’s become a tradition for us to find a church with one during the Christmas season. We settled into the balcony and enjoyed the view looking down at the 100 year old sanctuary. As a Bach prelude boomed out of the pipes, I closed my eyes and relished in the music of my favorite time of year.

As the service began, my attention was drawn to two women sitting a few rows in front of us. They whispered back and forth to each other. They continued all the way through the offertory, a beautiful organ and flute duet. This struck me as slightly rude, but I closed my eyes and tried to shut them out, focusing on the melody of The Coventry Carol (one of my favorites). Every time I opened my eyes, they were still whispering. I gritted my teeth, growing more annoyed with each passing minute.

I thought for sure they would stop when the offertory did. No luck. The whispering continued into the sermon, all the way to the end. I was stunned… and greatly frustrated.

I don’t think I’m too off base saying that this is incredibly rude and disruptive; rude to the people who have worked to put the service together, and disruptive to everyone around you.

I watch while people come to worship and greet neighbors during the music. They have a conversation behind someone deep in worship, or someone who is trying to be. If you politely ask them to be quiet, you’re often seen as the rude one.

Some people might think it’s okay to talk during the music. It’s not. Even if it’s an offertory or something you’re not actively participating in, it’s still an act of worship. And you’re tromping all over that person’s beautiful gift to God.

Don’t even get me started on whispering during THE ENTIRE SERMON.

C’mon, people. Yes, there is a social aspect to church, but that shouldn’t take place during the service. Don’t disrupt someone else’s worship time.

Worship should be sacred and holy. Let’s treat it as such, and start by being considerate of those around us.

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Guest post: Your Dream is Important

Today I’m guest posting at Tammy Helfrich’s blog. Tammy and I met through the Quitter conference last year. She is an encourager at heart and she has been there to cheer me on many times along my journey. As I’m working on dreams of writing and music, I’m learning some things along the way. I share one of those lessons at her blog.

If you’re here from Tammy’s blog, thanks for stopping by! I blog about worship and my struggle with most modern worship services. I’m learning to connect with God in other ways. I write to process and find that I have more questions than answers. I’d be honored if you joined me on my journey.

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Gratitude list

Reflecting on the last month, here’s what I’m thankful for.

1. Live Christmas trees. I love coming home and smelling fresh pine.

2. Christmas music. Traditional Christmas carols never get old to me.

3. Spending a day at the coast with my wonderful hubby, celebrating five years ago when he asked me to marry him.

4. A week off of work right when I felt like I was going to snap. God seems to give me a break right when I need it.

5. My first electric guitar from my husband and a chance to expand my musicianship. (If you’d like to read the full, awesome story behind my Christmas gift, click here.)

Isn't it pretty?

6. Rest and creative time with my husband. I love that he enjoys being creative as much as I do.

7. Jon Acuff’s 5 Club. He continues to encourage and push me (and many others) toward passions, dreams and goals. I have a feeling 2013 is going to be a productive year.

8. Comforting passages of Scripture. As I read through the Christmas passages of the Bible, the familiar words made my heart smile.

9. Time with family. Laughter, food and copious amounts of crinkled wrapping paper make for a fun day.

10. Watching my nephews play Christmas carols on piano during a Christmas Eve service. They rocked it. (The big dramatic bow that my younger nephew took was awesome too.)

What are you thankful for this month?