by steve | Jan 1, 2014 | Just Life
I was a romantic this Christmas and took Deb to the Houston Symphony’s performance of Handel’s Messiah. As you might imagine Deb was thrilled with the evening and I have to say that I was quite impressed myself. Like many people I had heard parts of Messiah before. One of the most famous movements of the work is the Hallelujah Chorus which draws the audience to their feet like the coronation of British royalty. I wasn’t aware of the unofficial rise of the audience beforehand, but quickly connected it to a respect for Christ the King.
I also didn’t know before the performance that Handel had crafted the entire symphonic work around direct quotations from scripture. That’s it. Every word sung by the soloists and chorus were direct quotes from either the Old or New Testament recounting the life, mission, and glory of Christ. I have some music appreciation and background myself (no; I’m not as barbaric as I might seem at times) so I was able to appreciate the talent and time investment of every piece of the performance from the strings to the soloists and combined vocal chorus to the few brass and wind instruments as they combined into a profound musical and maybe even spiritual experience. It was indeed a great evening. Not to mention I got to sit next to the hottest lady in the building. (more…)
by steve | Oct 28, 2009 | Just Life
Well I’m happy to report that that my boys have not fallen into all the hoopla surrounding the Michael Jackson movie and all his music. But it was funny this evening when they said, “hey dad, check out this video about a guy who is blue with a blue car, or something like that.” Then I remembered it; yes I remember that cold January driving from Northern Indiana down to Cincinnati for Jack Cottrell’s “Doctrine of Grace” class with my good friend Leo and listening to the Blue Song on the car radio. Its funny how our kids will bring back memories we have whether good or bad, deep or just fun. I do remember “I’m Blue” and chuckle how Leo and I laughed about it all week while having our heads crammed with theology. Well at least I was cramming; Leo was just there for the audit. When I think about it, there are a lot of songs that come to mind from different phases of my life. During the Dark Ages of my life I was a real Pink Floyd head, ok, we won’t go there. I remember some catchy tune in High School about hard working guys complaining about all their hard work while the rock stars got “their chicks for free.” I remember discovering the deep and ministering tunes of Rich Mullins when I finally got off my rear and went to Bible College. I think the biggest maestro influence for me was Keith Green who had a HUGE love for Christ. But I suppose the best parts of these memories are the people we made them with. I’m thankful for Leo and I’m thankful for the new memories with my boys who I know are going to grow up and do a lot more for the Kingdom than I ever will. So what are some songs from the past that bring memories for you?
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