Wanderings

Yearly Archive: 2008

A Few Missing Days

No way to remember everything that has happened since my last notes on Friday. Seem to have gotten very busy, and doing a lot of running around. That’s how life is, and we have to remember that (okay, I have to remember) it is not other people’s fault. It’s me that does not start off right. Something crosses my mind that needs doing, and that’s the direction I head.

Every day, we make decisions about what we will or won’t do. We can try to blame someone else, but look at it carefully. Were you put in chains and dragged somewhere? Or were you beaten and locked in a room? Kinda doubt it…

It’s what we do and what we are – sometimes, we need to tune out the “squeaking wheel” and tune in on what we need.

Finally finished James, and found two things at the end of chapter five – “prayer and praise”. Now, I know that could be the subject for a message from some pastor, but James simply says “Got a problem? Pray about it! Are you happy? Sing songs of praise”. That’s the way to start a day!

I saw My Desktop

Monentarily. Then out came the things that get used to “do” things. Pens, paper, file folders – on and on it goes, and then the once clear plain that was my desk is filled again. It’s like a growing virus. We start one thing, but that leads to another and another. You know the routine. A simple project does not always end up “simple”.

Looking over my desk, there are cables, CDs and DVDs, and of course books.

Ah, there lies the problem – get rid of the books. That would not solve the problem, because among the books are two bibles, a Max Lucado devotional and my Study Guide from church.

Perhaps “neatly arranged” is what my desk needs to be, with only what I am working on at the moment in the forefront. Might be the best choice. Working at it a little at a time might accomplish more than trying to get it done in one fell swoop.

Kind of reminds me of James 5 verse 7 where he mentions the patience of the farmer. Nowadays (is that really one word?) most farmers use some kind of irrigation. They learned that what they have to do is be ready for the early rain, and wait for the late rain in the growing season.

Farmers wait for the crop – they know it does not happen overnight. But they also know that they have to plant the seed, keep the weeds down and tend their field. Ok, I’ll be patient as I tend my desk, but the Bibles stay near by.

Play That Thing!

Just got an email inviting me to a "Masters" training session with Hector Olivera – only because I'm on his mailing list – not because I am any kind of organist. I'll put in a big plug for Hector – as far as I am concerned, he is the world's greatest organist. There was a reference to to something called the Roland Atelier. While searching their site for information, they showed a link to a video with Hector playing.

First heard and met Hector in San Francisco when he played the dedicatory concert on a new organ in my church there (Miraloma Community Church). The manufacturer had put every "bell and whistle" on the organ for a demonstration site and wanted to show off their organ to the world, and so brought Hector to S.F. Was I ever impressed (me, the guy who loves theater organs).

Then in 2006, Mount Hermon bought a Rogers Touring Organ that was just sitting around the factory. We were at the Home Schooler's Family Camp, and Dave Talbot played a "mini-concert" which was a great demonstration of his talent and the power of the instrument…and then they announced that Hector was coming to play. Decision made – done deal! Karen and I went down and spent the night just so we would not have to rush home. Hector got some impressive sounds from that organ!

Here's a link to a YouTube Video that will knock your socks off. Even if you don't like organ music, what Hector does with an organ will amaze you!

Can't wait until he is somewhere near again…