Singing in Church

I read this article today - again:

Why Men Have Stopped Singing in Church

I have a LOT of 'thoughts' about this. I am going to share a few.

It's suggested in the article that one of the problems is how worship in the church has moved from a book of hymns to an unlimited number of songs with the added technology of projection and access to music. They point to the fact that song familiarity has lessened because of the number of songs in a congregations' repertoire and a leader's lack of commitment to make the song more familiar - more concerned with new music than familiarity.

This isn't an issue of why MEN have stopped singing. It's more of an issue of an entire congregation, minus several individuals, not singing. In some churches, worship has become more about performance than worship. We sing songs in keys that aren't accessible to most of the congregation. Most members of a congregation are non-singers - male and female. Now from a vocal instructor perspective, males are more likely than females to not sing in a group setting. (I could give you the research that shows the numbers and explanations. It is basically linked to childhood and someone telling them they couldn't sing, so they stopped. However, it's becoming a bigger issue among women, as well.)

How do you get non-singers to worship? 

• -Choose songs with lyrics worth getting stuck in your head - lyrics that reflect sound theology or are based in Scripture. Who doesn't love a song that brings Scripture to mind when you sing it?
• -Use new songs in your worship services - a LOT - like, until they become old songs. Give people options for downloading the songs, meditating on the lyrics - things that will help increase their familiarity.
• -Choose keys that allow your congregation to sing with ease - not keys that allow you to show off your 'talent'.
• -Practice enough before the worship service that you do not have to think about musical stuff and can simply worship - not perform. If you don't get to the foot of the throne, how in the world are the people you are leading going to get there? 

In my honest opinion, a lot of 'worship services' have very little worship taking place. Sometimes we need to strip away everything in order to really worship. Take the spotlight off of worship leaders, worship teams, musicians, instruments and put the spotlight on God. 

How have we complicated something that should be so simple?

God's Perfect and Permissive Will

Ronnie and I were talking last night about this and it's still stirring in my head and heart.

Has there ever been a time in your life when you knew, beyond the shadow of a doubt, what God's will was for your life at that moment? It may have been a job, a relationship, where you should live...but you KNEW that was God's will. God's PERFECT will is why we seek His face.

We desire the best that He has for us, but sometimes 'free will' gets in the way. Free will - you know that thing that God allows us to have so we're not just His puppets? And sometimes, God's Perfect will for our life is thwarted by the 'free will' of other humans (looking at you Joseph - with your nasty mean brothers). We then enter into the territory of God's PERMISSIVE will.

Now, it's one thing when WE make the choices that move us from His Perfect to Permissive will, but it's something totally different when someone else does it for you. As I was reading through a few things this morning trying to wrap my head around this topic, I found the story of "Jack and Jill".

The short version: Jack and Jill knew it was God's Perfect will for them to spend their lives together. Jack proposed. Jill said, "Yes." The day of the wedding comes and Jill becomes a run-a-way bride. Jack is instantly thrown from God's Perfect will into His Permissive will because of Jill's decision ('free will'). What does this mean for Jack? Does he now spend the rest of his life in God's Permissive will? Does he miss out on the blessings that come from walking in God's Perfect will? I suggest not. Mostly because Scripture tells me that 'all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.'

There comes a point when it's simply too late to 'go back', though - the moment has passed. Even if Jill had returned 6 or 7 months later, so much would've changed that God's Perfect will would no longer be God's Perfect will.  It's just sad and disappointing to know that God's Perfect will could have come to pass in a situation and then didn't because of someone exercising their 'free will'. (Selfish) It's frustrating to be the one who feels like you were cheated out of the best God had for you. However, because He works all things for good, you can know that He will redeem the situation.

Jill walked away from her faith and eventually ends up in a not-so-happy marriage. Jack? He's happily married and feels like through it all, God has blessed him and worked all things for good in His life.

Spiritual ADD

Ok, so ADD is no joke, but even less so in the spiritual realm.

Do you have Spiritual ADD?

During your prayer time, do you end up mentally making a to-do list rather than praying?

Do you start out your day with the intention of keeping your mind on heavenly things, then someone cuts you off in traffic and you may or may not utter some unholy word offerings?

Do you have trouble focusing when you read your Bible? OR Do you just have trouble finding time to read your Bible?

Journaling sometimes helps me to focus during prayer time and sermons. How do you deal with your Spiritual ADD?

I'm Sorry. It's a Good Place to Start

Today I posted a link on Facebook about pastor stiffing a waitress. She was dining with a group. Anyone who has dined with large groups of people knows that gratuity is typically added...usually 18%. This pastor wrote (on the check) something along the line of 'I give God 10%, why should I give you 18%?' She scratched out the tip and changed the total amount. I was seriously livid!

Its been on my mind all day long. I'm still upset. I am a Christian and I have been a waitress. I loathed working on Sundays. Church people were frequently RUDE and rarely tipped...forget tipping well. This is just one example of why people shouldn't walk around saying "I'm a Christian" unless they intend to behave that way.

I'm sick of 'Christians' (and I'm using that term very loosely here) who behave like this. I am not perfect. No one is. Being a Christian does not make anyone perfect. However, I firmly believe that when you experience the life-changing love of Jesus it changes you. It is reflected in how you live your life...or at least it should be.

So, to those of you who have been hurt by individuals claiming to be Christians or have been turned off to church because of church people, I am sorry. Please allow me to apologize on behalf of the church. The church is comprised of human beings. We don't have it all together, so we have no right to act 'holier than thou'. God loves you. So do I.

I know this doesn't fix everything, but it's a good place to start.

Sound Check - October 28, 2012

Welcome to Sound Check. This is where I post worship tunes for you to check out. I give you the YouTube video to listen to. If you like the song, click the album cover that follows the video to buy the song on iTunes.

I'm going to have to make a list of songs I want to introduce you to - there is a ton of new stuff that I'm really liking...Bebo Norman, Brandon Heath, Gateway Worship, Gabriel Wilson, Veggie Tales (no I'm not kidding - I LOVE me some Veggie Tales - DON'T JUDGE!) AND Third Day's new album is scheduled for a Nov. 6 release.

However, since I mentioned FFH last week, I'll begin there. I love this entire album. I developed a deep love for FFH in college. The simplicity and clarity in their vocals makes the lyrics a central focal point and they have such beautiful harmony. The link I'm posting at the end is for the entire album. I can't pick just one song to recommend. Most of the songs are songs you already know from church, but FFH style.

Song: First Love

Album: The Way We Worship

by FFH
NOTE: This video is the only one I could find.

1 Year and Counting

Today is our anniversary. We have officially survived one year of marriage. It hasn't really felt like survival, though. I've heard a lot of people talk about how difficult the first year of marriage is. Ours was not and I'm grateful. There are several things that probably contributed to this. We dated for a very long time (over 8 years) which means we both knew what we were getting ourselves into - there were no delusions. We already knew what drove us crazy about the other one and decided we could cope (you're delusional if you think you're going to change that stuff!). We learned during our dating life that we had to communicate with each other (and use a GPS - another story for another day). People communicate in different ways - which can often be attributed to how they grew up, but we figured it out BEFORE we got married. It also helps if you really like the person - you'll spend a lot of time together. The most important element, though...God. He has to be front and center. Period.

Ronnie, you are my best friend and a wonderful husband. You love me with a depth that could only come from your love for God and your desire to serve Him even through our marriage. You cherish me. You lead with integrity and you provide with love. I am seriously blessed to call you my husband. Happy Anniversary - I love you!

A New Normal

Yesterday marked one year from the date that we moved everything into our apartment in Ohio. During the past year a lot has happened. I feel very blessed, but I've spent much of this year very frustrated, confused, and at times angry. Marriage is GREAT, but I have not worked full-time since June of 2011 and I H.A.T.E. it! (side note: for the stupid politicians out there who don't get it, let me give a real life example of why the government you've helped to create SUCKS! I have student loan debt because a degree supposedly = a job. SMH! So, now I have no job and a student loan because school costs too flippin' much to pay for out of pocket. I worked in a low-income school district for 6 years and you, Mr. Politician, work for a government that refused to forgive even a portion of my loans! You suck! Rant not over, but I'll save the rest for another day!)

This new chapter of our lives has been very good for Ronnie's career. He LOVES his job and God is providing, but I can't help but feel as though I should be doing more. I desire to do more with my life. I feel like I was made for more than just sitting at home. When we first moved, I felt a little jipped. I mean, I had established myself in Southern Illinois as a vocal instructor and coach. I had my own studio and students that I absolutely loved working with. (High School and College - those are the students I really like to work with!)

Here in Ohio, I still teach, but it's mostly kids - a lot of beginners. It is not my favorite time of the week and I really don't enjoy it like I used to. Right now, I'm just doing it for the money - and that stinks! I find plenty to keep me busy, but it just isn't the same as having a job AND finding plenty to do doesn't pay my student loans off or make a car payment.

I'm not certain if it is like this in other countries, but our identity in this country is wrapped up in what we do - not who we are. "Hi, I'm Sheena and I'm a _________. What do you do?" Even a year in, I still can't seem to identify myself beyond the things I 'do' and it's frustrating! I'm currently trying to accept this as my new normal and find what God has for me in all of this. I'm trying to seek His face and His will for me and I am praying for the courage and grace to accept whatever that is. I want to be able to walk through this next year content in knowing God has not forgotten me and that He has a plan for my life.

Sound Check - October 7, 2012

Welcome to Sound Check. This is where I post worship tunes for you to check out. I give you the YouTube video to listen to. If you like the song, click the album cover that follows the video to buy the song on iTunes.

The Big Daddy Weave album is NOT new. It was released in April, but I really just love this song

Song: Redeemed

Album: Love Come to Life

by Big Daddy Weave

There was a music video contest for Rest Easy. This is the winning video. Warning: You may cry.

Song: Rest Easy
Album: Light for the Lost Boy 
by Andrew Peterson

Diving Deeper

Recently, we studied Malachi at church. Malachi is tough, but something I think all believers need to be reminded of. God doesn't want our leftovers - our trash. He wants the best that we have to offer and sometimes that isn't so easy. Perhaps that is why it's called sacrifice.  Just going through the motions doesn't get it either. God desires authentic worship - a heart connected to the motions. In Malachi He asked that they just stop sacrificing. He preferred nothing at all to the junk they were offering.

We can't be a light in a 'dark world', royal priests, if we aren't giving God our very best. We must pursue God - follow hard after Him, lean heavily on Him. God is not pleased with half-hearted worship - apathetic worship - yet He will still pursue His own and He longs for the day when they/we will return. However, He did get FED UP with them and I think He gets FED UP with us.

God begins to call them (the Israelite priests) back to be the priests they were originally called to be - individuals who hold the knowledge and truth about God - His ways, His character - so that they could wisely and soundly counsel others. Today, the body of Christ lacks a depth to our knowledge of God. We can't fulfill our 'priestly duties' if we don't know scripture, if we don't possess a deep knowledge and truth about God. We can't be a "moral and ethical compass" (love this Pastor Keith!) or impart wisdom or provide sound counsel to others if we aren't disciplined enough to study scripture. 

So as I'm diving deeper, I'm going to encourage you to do the same. Give God your best and work towards being the 'royal priest' He has called you to be.

What If Today's the Day?

A friend gave me this bracelet and it gives me a sense of hopeful expectancy. It reminds me that today may not be the day that all things are made right in situations that are currently frustrating me, but it IS a day that the Lord has made and there IS something in it for me. This bracelet reminds me to remain hopeful for what He has for me and to expect it, but to find something to hold on to TODAY because His mercies are new every morning and He is faithful today. Blessings are abundant.

Sound Check - August 19, 2012

I forgot to post this yesterday...Sorry.

Welcome to Sound Check. Each week I post worship tunes for you to check out. I give you the YouTube video to listen to. If you like the song, click the album cover that follows the video to buy the song on iTunes. Enjoy!

There is only one song this week and it is by no means new, but it is beautiful!

Song: Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God
Album: Keswick (Live) - Keith & Kristyn Getty

Another Attempt at Keepin' it Real

This week has not been the greatest. In fact I have pretty much not felt like I had much of a reason to get out of bed. Don't worry yourself...I did and I've walked 9 miles so far, but life has seemed pretty pointless this week.

This is the week I would have been starting a new job.

This is the week I've had to be the go-to person for a lot of things concerning that job because everyone else is out of town. It's frustrating to be 'good enough' to fill in and answer questions and give guidance, but not good enough to be actually fill the position.

People keep thinking I need something to do. I keep trying to figure out why...it's annoying! NOTE: I am perfectly capable of finding things to occupy my time. What I need is the job God intends for me to present itself and then me actually get the job. The end.

I am not having a problem understanding that God has a purpose and plan in all of this. I get that. I am struggling with what to do 'in the meantime'. I'm struggling with being gracious towards all involved. I feel as though my 'making the most' of the situation has caused people to forget that just a few short weeks ago I was heart-broken (and still am).

I don't know when I will get over it. I am working on it. Each day is a little different. Some days are actually ok. This entire week has NOT been ok. My tolerance for people, in general, is really low. I am a little snippy and easily annoyed.

I don't like being in this place and yet, here I am.

Sound Check - August 12, 2012

Welcome to Sound Check. Each week I post fairly new worship tunes for you to check out. I give you the YouTube video to listen to. If you like the song, click the album cover that follows the videao to buy the song on iTunes. Enjoy!

This week I am featuring 2 songs from one band - Brothers McClurg. Love, Love, Love these songs from their new album entitled Join in the Sound. Check them out - you won't be disappointed. The videos are live cuts from a spot they did for Family Life - the actual MP3s sound a little different.

Song: Join in the Sound

Song: Every Stormy Wind That Blows

Sound Check - August 5, 2012

Welcome to Sound Check. Each week I post fairly new worship tunes for you to check out. I give you the YouTube video to listen to. If you like the song, click the album cover that follows the videao to buy the song on iTunes. Enjoy!

Song: You Revive Me (sung by Christy Nockels)
Album: Passion - White Flag
You can't go wrong with Passion OR Christy Nockels! This whole album is fantastic!

Song: Where I Belong

Album: Building 429 - Listen to the Sound

This song is not new, but I like it and thought you might, as well. Just a reminder that this world is not where I belong.

Living Life to the Fullest

First of all, I did my 10 miles this week. I have figured out that the day after my MS meds, is NOT a good day to plan to exercise, so next week I'm going to plan accordingly. I sweat like a freakin' pig and it isn't pretty. I smell like a moose when I'm done. That basically means that I need to exercise first thing in the morning or it isn't going to get done because I would need another shower (and hair and make-up - and that's not happening more than once a day!).

When people tell you that you feel better when you exercise, they're either from another planet or they are liars - or perhaps they're delusional. It's simply not true. Even when I was thin, I HATED most things that resembled exercise and it did NOT make me feel better. In fact, it made/still makes me a little angry (or a lot angry depending on the day!). Why am I doing it? Because my sis-in-law showed me the error of my ways through actions of her own and I'm striving to simply be better...not just at exercising, but at life.

I was given this life and I intend to live it to the fullest. Right now, I'm not sure what that looks like.

Wednesday it meant having breakfast with a dear friend, catching up, and talking about what God is doing in our lives, then having lunch with 2 other friends just to spend time together.

Thursday it meant going to "girl's breakfast" and stopping on the way to take a scone to a mama who works and can't go to "girl's breakfast".

Yesterday it meant fighting with my computer over coupons (the computer won - I used hubby's Mac to print them) and grocery shopping, then spending the evening laughing with friends at The Root Cafe.

Today it meant spending the day with my husband, renting a movie from Redbox and grilling hot dogs.

As I have sat and thought this week about living my physical life to the fullest should look like, I've also thought about my spiritual life. I had a friend tell me that Christians shouldn't look any different than non-Christians - we're all human. I disagree. I don't think we should be all 'holier than thou', but I think our lives should reflect the light of Christ. And perhaps a reason many people don't go to church is because they see too many Christians who are one or the other - no different than themselves, or 'holier than thou'.  The word hypocrite is thrown around a lot when people start listing their reasons for not having anything to do with the church.

I hope my life reflects that I don't have it all together, but I'm working on it because I want to be more like Jesus.

Sound Check - July 29, 2012

Welcome to Sound Check. Each week I post fairly new worship tunes for you to check out. I give you the YouTube video to listen to. If you like the song, click the album cover that follows the videao to buy the song on iTunes. Enjoy!

Song: We Are
Album: Kari Jobe-The Acoustic Sessions
Kari Jobe has a new acoustic album. LOVE. HER. The entire album is only $4.99 on iTunes. The link is for the entire album. If you want the song only, go to iTunes and search for We Are.

Song: Your Presence is Heaven to Me

Album: Israel & New Breed (single)

This video is from Lakewood Church. The song starts at 1'51"

God Will Take Care of You

This may be the cutest thing I have EVER seen!


Adorable 2 year old Sings God Will Take Care of You from emmabelle on GodTube.

Walking in a Dense Fog

Today I am feeling frustrated. I don't want to use this space to whine and complain, but my sis-in-law and I talked about the importance of keeping it real. That's what I intend to do. At this present moment, what's real is that I'm frustrated and a bit of an emotional mess. Each day I put on a happy face, but some days that is more difficult than others. Still, I keep moving forward. Do I have any other options?

Right now I feel like I don't know what in the world I'm doing, what I'm supposed to be doing, or how to figure it out. I can't see. I can barely breathe. It's really dark - like walking through a dense fog. I feel like God keeps me in a constant state of not knowing what in the world is going on. If I ever get to a point of almost figuring something out, I think God is like, ok, moving on..." It's so flippin' frustrating right now!

I keep reminding myself of in the middle of the fog:
-God is with me. He didn't leave me here alone.
-I am blessed - no really. Even in the middle of the fog, I AM blessed and I know it!
-God is still providing (it may not be all I want, but it is apparently all I need).

I am trying to be faithful and obedient while putting one foot in front of the other. Mostly because that's all I know to do right now, but some days I feel overwhelmed by the fog. Today is one of those days.

Anyone else feeling like you're walking in a fog right now and are ready for the fog to lift?

If you're stopping by from Welcome Wednesday....WELCOME! Come back anytime.

...and the thunder rolls

Have you ever felt as though the will of man cheated you out of God's will for you? Believe me, I hadn't really given it much thought until the end of last week and now it just keeps circling in my thoughts.

I have refrained from sharing anything about this story on my blog. It was a roller coaster I really didn't want to re-ride day after day, but I am hoping this will help me process. Perhaps it will resonate with someone else, but it's mostly for me. Before I even go into the details of the past couple of months, know that I, in no way, believe that this story is over. "The End" has not yet been written, but I HATE roller coasters. They make me wanna throw up!

Right now? I'm exhausted and I want off of this ride!

On April 18th, our worship leader announced to the worship team that he would be leaving in July. I have only been with this team since January, but they've become great friends - a family to me. Our worship leader is an amazing man of God and the thought of he and his family being ripped out of my life left me feeling lost and upset. I weeped for days! Funny thing is - they're moving to Illinois! (God thinks he's funny!)

During the 10 days that followed, an ugly scene unfolded. It was most certainly a time of God making Himself known. Those 10 days were nothing short of a wrestling match with God. This 'stubborn child' phase, (or as I refer to it - my 'kid in the cereal aisle fit') ALWAYS comes when God has something He desires for me to do and I'm trying to convince Him that He doesn't (often because I realize that it's going to require a LOT from me AND it's going to push me WAY beyond the point of being comfortable!). I can name multiple occasions where this has happened. (not proud of the fit-pitching and I'm working on being joyfully obedient the instant He speaks, but I'm not there yet!).

I have been praying about what God would have me do since before we moved in October. God provides, but He did not call me to Ohio to be a housewife or a stay-at-home mom (no offense ladies, but it takes a special person and God didn't build me like that!). Full-time worship leader wasn't even on my radar, but I feel as though God made it incredibly clear that He had just opened the door. The season of being still and waiting was because the position wasn't ready.

I will spare you the bloody details, but know that every, single day during that 10 day period, God provided conformation of His will. I laid out my 'fleece' on the 6th day. The 7th day God answered my prayer. He didn't just stop there, though. The conformations continued (because God likes to out-do Himself).On the 10th day, He provided an AMAZING devotion on discerning your calling. I turned in my application the following day. (#youcanrunbutyoucan'thide - for you Crys)

After 2 rounds of interviews in June, where I was one of 2 final candidates, they're hiring the other guy. (Let me be clear here - I'm certain that he is wonderful and my issues are NOT with him. I will continue to serve under his leadership because God called hubby and I to this particular body of believers and He led me to be on this worship team. Period.) The last several days have been nothings short of emotionally exhausting, though. I'm not going to lay out all of my frustration on here -that's not my purpose. Just know that my frustrations revolve around the way things were handled, the reason I was given for the decision that was made, and that I felt I had a clear answer from God regarding my calling. God clearly opened a door. It has now been slammed shut and I feel as though it was the will of man that slammed it - not God.

So, here's my request: Pray that God will clearly reveal Himself and His perfect will. Pray that if His will HAS been done, that I would have peace and know that the past couple of months were simply an exercise in my being obedient. However, if His will has yet to be accomplished, that He WOULD have His way (and as hubby put it, that it wouldn't take 40 years of us wandering in a desert for it to happen). Someone (or possibly more than one someone) in this situation lacked discernment. I want to draw closer to God through all of this so that if I was the one lacking, in the future I will most certainly not be.

Passive Worship

So, here's a little food for thought this week:

Passive worshipers=Passive Christians

If you disagree, feel free to comment, but I think our level of engagement in worship directly equates to our level of engagement in life with Christ beyond the walls of our church (which makes worship really important in our walks).

The words for worship in the Bible all denote action, not passivity. We should be participating, not spectating. Our job isn't to simply sit and listen. Worship is about experiencing a living, active God. You don't do that by simply watching and listening. Church is not about your entertainment. You should be engaged with God. It's a time for us to actively serve God - to invest ourselves - to offer ourselves to Him.

(RANDOM THOUGHT: Perhaps we should think of worship services as practice for Heaven. I'm thinking that we should learn to actively worship now because we're going to be doing it for all of eternity.)

For those of you who are still confused, let me try to break it down a little more. Listening to a worship song on your iPod or Christian radio and letting it 'wash over you' is passive worship. There is nothing wrong with this scenario, but on Sunday morning, try to think of what you're doing as 'coming to worship', not 'going to church'. You aren't contributing anything by sitting and letting the music and message 'wash over you'. You are not the audience. God is. You aren't there to spectate. You are there to participate!

Going to church is easy; worship may not always be. When you actively worship, you become vulnerable - you expose yourself to God's almighty power and have no control over what happens. Moments spent actively in God's presence can bring peace, hope, revelation of sin, healing, and forgiveness. It isn't possible to spend time worshiping your Creator and leave unchanged. Time spent in God's presence will ALWAYS change you.

Did you 'go to church' today or did you 'come to worship'? I encourage you to become more active in your worship time. Enter the sanctuary with the intention of encountering God and being changed.