Proud people breed sad sorrows for themselves.
Emily Bronte
Showing posts with label Quotes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Quotes. Show all posts
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Do Christian's Have A Roll In Politics?
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
John Adams
These were the words of our second president, a founder of our country and a leader of our nation. Together with many others, he labored to form a more free government and give our young nation guidelines to go by. Although the men that formed our Constitution came from differing backgrounds and religious beliefs, one thing is certain; the United States was formed by religious men, meant for religious men. But today we see just the opposite happening. We see our Constitution being changed by an unmoral and nonreligious people.
With the sad deterioration of American’s morals, the question at hand becomes, “What are Christians supposed to do about it?” Unfortunately, most Christians don’t know the answer to this question. When election time comes around, many of them just end up choosing the “lesser of two evils,” which means still choosing an “evil.” What is even worse is that our morals have been so degraded that many acclaimed Christians do not consider Biblical morals in the ballot box at all. So what do we do? Should we simply pay, pray and obey, a philosophy followed by many of the Amish and Mennonites? Or should we step out and take a stand? According to author Rick Boyer, three of every four professing evangelical Christians do not even vote.[1] It’s no wonder that a government created for a moral and religious people cannot stand, because the very people who still hold to those values cannot even cast their vote.
Unfortunately, it’s a downward hill. If Christians cannot even cast their vote, then they cannot possibly help support a moral candidate, and heaven knows they couldn’t run for office themselves. The fact of the matter is, if Christians don’t do it, someone else will. And that someone else is probably going to be a candidate that goes against righteous morals. Then we get to listen to the complaints and whining of unhappy people, who didn’t have the decency to vote, but have no problem getting upset over the results.
What Christians need to realize is that just because we are headed downhill does not mean that we cannot turn around and start heading back up. Yes, it is going to be a much harder trek, but that did not seem to frighten our founding fathers. They gave their very lives creating and protecting the freedoms that we have. What we need to do is start standing up for what is right and not choosing the less evil, but rather choosing candidates that have morals. Of course, for some of us, the words “independent” or “third-party” make us squirm, but if enough Christians started standing up for what is right, politicians might catch on, in fact some of them have already.
Matthew 5:13-16 says, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” This is a Christians roll in politics; to shine in a dark world, whether that means running for public office, helping and supporting Godly men or voting. We cannot be passive and let our nation fall into shambles. We must protect our freedoms and our Constitution. So to answer the question, "Do Christians have a roll in politics?" the answer is, "YES!" The only question remaining is, "Will Christians have the courage to take a stand in politics?"
[1] Rick Boyer, “It’s Not Too Late For America” http://www.thelearningparentblog.com/2010/10/30/its-not-too-late-for-america/
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
A Good Quote
"I was born yesterday, I shall die tomorrow and I must not spend today in telling what I have done, but in doing what I may for Him who has done all for me."
Andrew Reed - author of the hymn, "Holy Ghost, with Light Divine.
I read this in the book, "Presidential Praise."
Living a life of service to Christ is an everyday thing.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The Quest Continues...
Opera is when a guy gets stabbed and instead of bleeding, he sings.-- Ed Gardner
The opera isn’t over till the fat lady sings.
The opera isn’t over till the fat lady sings.
--ANONYMOUS
And so the quest for some different opinions on opera goes on! One opinion down, hopefully more to follow. Alright, I have some humerous, hopefully inspirational quotes on opera. Please leave a comment on what you think of opera. Like I said previously, I want to write an article on opera, but first, I want to get an idea of what people besides me think about it. I hope you all have a great rest of the week!
In Christ,
Kaila
Thursday, April 28, 2011
It's What I Do
Thursdays are always interesting days, as is every day, but Thursday is the day that I teach piano lessons. At the end of every Thursday, I like to reflect on the day.
I teach piano all day.
That's about it.
A couple of months ago, I had a student that had to quit. I had lost students before but this one was different. This student had taught me what it meant to perservere when tired, to give when I was exasperated, to be gracious when frustrated, and to celebrate triumphantly when victory was achieved. We had spent many trying hours together and conquered even more hurdles and mountains. At our last lesson, I was fighting tears. I'm not usually a very emotional person. I tend to keep it all in, which is helpful in emergencies, but that night I could barely keep the tears in. As our lesson came to a close, she looked up at me and said, "Kaila, you are the best teacher ever!" and she hugged me, something she rarely ever did. I cracked as soon as the front door closed.
It was then that I realized the true depths of teaching. When I teach, I am not just telling my students how to read music. I am teaching them to worship God with their music. I am instilling in them a gift that Lord willing, they will never forget.
I only have a half hour with them each week (and let me tell you, those half hours sometimes feel like five hours). I have a limited amount of time to make my mark in their lives before it's time to move on.
But, oh how I LOVE It!
It is one of the most blessed, fulfilling callings, under that of being a sister, daughter and follower of Christ.
I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Piano teaching...
It's what I do.
Piano teacher...
It's what I am.
Friend...
It's someone I strive to be.
Missionary...
It's what I love being, even from my wooden chair next to the piano bench.
My mission field is a dinning chair, in a place I call home, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Every oppertunity to share, every action, every word, they are all reflections of the life I have in Christ. I pray that all of my students will love Christ and will be drawn nearer to Him through the small time I have with each one of them.
“The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.”
Johann Sebastian Bach
It's what I strive to do.
In Christ,
“The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.”
Johann Sebastian Bach
It's what I strive to do.
In Christ,
Kaila
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Patterns in Protestant Church Music
Well, I finished chapters 2 and 3 of "Patterns in Protestant Church Music." They were very interesting. Chapter 2 was Reformed Church Music - The Basic Implications of Calvin’s Philosophy of Church Music, and it held some very interesting facts that I did not know. For instance, did you know that Calvin was opposed to four part singing and organs? I was rather surprised, because Calvin played a big part in giving us the Genevan Psalter, and whenever I think of Psalm singing, I think of 4-part harmony.
Here are some interesting quotes by Calvin:
"It would be a too ridiculous and inept imitation of papistry to decorate the churches and to believe oneself to be offering God a more noble service in using organs.... All that is needed is a simple and pure singing of the divine praises, coming from the heart and mouth, and in the vulgar tongue.... Instrumental music was tolerated in the time of the Law because the people were then in infancy." 1
"The Levites, under the law, were justified in making use of instrumental music in the worship of God; it having been his will to train his people, while they were as yet tender and like children, by such rudiments, until the coming of Christ. But now when the clear light of the gospel has dissipated the shadows of the law, and taught us that God is to be served in a simpler form, it would be to act a foolish and mistaken part to imitate that which the prophet enjoined only upon those of his own time. From this, it is apparent that the Papists have shown themselves to be very apes in transferring this to themselves."2
Because of these beliefs, many church organs were taken down, broken apart and used for other things. Here is another interesting quote about organs from Cotton Mather:
""And because the holy God rejects all He does not command in His worship, He now therefore in effect says to us, I will not hear the melody of thy Organs." 3
This is rather tricky because organs were not around in Bible times, thus they are not listed in the Bible. The Author of the book, Robert M. Stevenson says of Calvin, "In Calvin’s mind, music, when he did allow it, was conceived as Spartan in simplicity; like St. Augustine he knew the emotional power of music sufficiently well to fear it." 4
It is important to have a sort of "fear," when dealing with music. I believe that this fear should be a fear of God. But, I do not believe that instruments such as organs, and part singing cannot be used for worship. I do believe that those who are not trained in part singing should not be forced to do so to worship, but on the other hand, I do not believe that it is wrong to sing your part if you know it.
The 3rd chapter was on John Merbecke and the First English Prayer Book. I learned that the Archbishop Cranmer helped to translate the Latin verses into English and make them fit the origional tunes. He had John Merbecke help him in adapting the music for the Booke of Common Praier noted and insisted that there should only be one musical note per syllable. 5 Merebecke's musical talent later helped save him from execution.
These are just a few things I read and learned. I am interested to hear if you have any thoughts on the above quotes.
In Christ,
Kaila
Here are some interesting quotes by Calvin:
"It would be a too ridiculous and inept imitation of papistry to decorate the churches and to believe oneself to be offering God a more noble service in using organs.... All that is needed is a simple and pure singing of the divine praises, coming from the heart and mouth, and in the vulgar tongue.... Instrumental music was tolerated in the time of the Law because the people were then in infancy." 1
"The Levites, under the law, were justified in making use of instrumental music in the worship of God; it having been his will to train his people, while they were as yet tender and like children, by such rudiments, until the coming of Christ. But now when the clear light of the gospel has dissipated the shadows of the law, and taught us that God is to be served in a simpler form, it would be to act a foolish and mistaken part to imitate that which the prophet enjoined only upon those of his own time. From this, it is apparent that the Papists have shown themselves to be very apes in transferring this to themselves."2
Because of these beliefs, many church organs were taken down, broken apart and used for other things. Here is another interesting quote about organs from Cotton Mather:
""And because the holy God rejects all He does not command in His worship, He now therefore in effect says to us, I will not hear the melody of thy Organs." 3
This is rather tricky because organs were not around in Bible times, thus they are not listed in the Bible. The Author of the book, Robert M. Stevenson says of Calvin, "In Calvin’s mind, music, when he did allow it, was conceived as Spartan in simplicity; like St. Augustine he knew the emotional power of music sufficiently well to fear it." 4
It is important to have a sort of "fear," when dealing with music. I believe that this fear should be a fear of God. But, I do not believe that instruments such as organs, and part singing cannot be used for worship. I do believe that those who are not trained in part singing should not be forced to do so to worship, but on the other hand, I do not believe that it is wrong to sing your part if you know it.
The 3rd chapter was on John Merbecke and the First English Prayer Book. I learned that the Archbishop Cranmer helped to translate the Latin verses into English and make them fit the origional tunes. He had John Merbecke help him in adapting the music for the Booke of Common Praier noted and insisted that there should only be one musical note per syllable. 5 Merebecke's musical talent later helped save him from execution.
These are just a few things I read and learned. I am interested to hear if you have any thoughts on the above quotes.
In Christ,
Kaila
1. Stevenson, Robert M. Patterns in Protestant Church Music. London, England: The Duke University Press, 1953. pg. 14
2. Ibid pg. 15
3. Ibid pg. 17
4. Ibid pg. 21
5. Ibid pg. 26
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Luther's Musical Achievement
How I LOVE when I find a gem among the ex-college library music books that I have accumulated! I'll be honest; most of these books are not exactly what I would consider pleasure reading. Not that this is a bad thing, they're just not easy to read. It's like overdone steak. You have to chew it for a VERY LONG TIME. Well, I was looking through my music books and came across this little gray book entitled, "Patterns of Protestant Church Music." It is wonderful! (So far) I just finished the first chapter which was on Martin Luther.
Luther had such a great love for music. He believed largely in singing in church, which was an issue argued by different reformers. He said of music, "Next to the Word of God, only music deserves being extolled as the mistress and governess of human feelings.... Through the medium of praise the Holy Spirit placed His gifts into the hands of the Prophets; again through music the devil was driven away, as was the case with Saul, king of Israel.... The Fathers and Prophets desired....that nothing be more intimately linked up with the Word of God than music." 1
Luther not only loved congregational singing, but he also greatly liked polyphonic singing done by trained choirs. He is said to have defined music, "as an art which to be appreciated properly must be studied rather than merely listened to…" 2
He knew music well and had a very good voice. He believed that the study of music was an essential part of the school curriculum. He would not hire a teacher that was not trained in music. He himself knew music well enough that when he got a new song book, if he saw one slight mistake he would return it and have it corrected.
"When natural music is sharpened and polished by art, then one begins to see with amazement the great and perfect wisdom of God in his wonderful work of music, where one voice takes a simple part and around it sing three, four, or five other voices, leaping and springing round about, marvelously gracing the simple part, like a square dance in heaven, with friendly bows, embracings, and hearty swinging of partners." Martin Luther, Quotation from Luther's foreword to Georg Rhau (1538) 3
One other thing that struck me was that he enjoyed "researching" the composers of the time to see if their music was appropriate. This is something that I enjoy doing myself, to some extent.
I intend to write a brief summary on every chapter of this book as I go through. Thus far, I have been exceedingly delighted by what I have found. One thing is certain, the more you study music and the history of music, the greater appreciation of music one has.
In Christ,
Kaila
Luther had such a great love for music. He believed largely in singing in church, which was an issue argued by different reformers. He said of music, "Next to the Word of God, only music deserves being extolled as the mistress and governess of human feelings.... Through the medium of praise the Holy Spirit placed His gifts into the hands of the Prophets; again through music the devil was driven away, as was the case with Saul, king of Israel.... The Fathers and Prophets desired....that nothing be more intimately linked up with the Word of God than music." 1
Luther not only loved congregational singing, but he also greatly liked polyphonic singing done by trained choirs. He is said to have defined music, "as an art which to be appreciated properly must be studied rather than merely listened to…" 2
He knew music well and had a very good voice. He believed that the study of music was an essential part of the school curriculum. He would not hire a teacher that was not trained in music. He himself knew music well enough that when he got a new song book, if he saw one slight mistake he would return it and have it corrected.
"When natural music is sharpened and polished by art, then one begins to see with amazement the great and perfect wisdom of God in his wonderful work of music, where one voice takes a simple part and around it sing three, four, or five other voices, leaping and springing round about, marvelously gracing the simple part, like a square dance in heaven, with friendly bows, embracings, and hearty swinging of partners." Martin Luther, Quotation from Luther's foreword to Georg Rhau (1538) 3
One other thing that struck me was that he enjoyed "researching" the composers of the time to see if their music was appropriate. This is something that I enjoy doing myself, to some extent.
I intend to write a brief summary on every chapter of this book as I go through. Thus far, I have been exceedingly delighted by what I have found. One thing is certain, the more you study music and the history of music, the greater appreciation of music one has.
In Christ,
Kaila
1. Stevenson, Robert M. Patterns in Protestant Church Music. London, England: The Duke University Press, 1953. pg.9
2. Ibid pg.4
3 Ibid pg.9-10
Friday, October 1, 2010
Great Bach Quote
“The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.”
Johann Sebastian Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach
The Blessings of Teaching
"A good teacher is like a candle- it consumes itself to light the way for others." Anonymous
This is a quote that my mom shared with me last night. You see, I teach piano lessons. I have for several years now, and often I find myself wondering how it is, that God should choose me to be a teacher. I started teaching my younger sister when I was 11 years old and as the years have gone by God has allowed more and more students to come into my life. Just last night I started teaching two more kids. After their lessons were over I sat reflecting on the day, wondering why it is that God would bless me with the ability to teach and give me the joy of investing into others lives. I can't imagine what it would be like not teaching piano to all the girls and boys that I do. I mean, I love it so much that I greatly dread the day when I won't be able to do it anymore. As I look around and see the different paths that God has others follow I often wonder how God, in His sovereign power, decided that I would be the one He wants to teach these children. I remember times that I thought that I couldn't handle it anymore or that it was to hard, but God brought me through those hard times. Yes, there are days that I feel like that consumed candle, but God is good and He always brings in another candle to light the way for me.
There is just nothing like the joy of seeing a light bulb go on or seeing the beaming smile of a student who just played "The worst song in the whole world" perfectly. These are the joys of a teacher. If I didn't follow God's will for my life, then I would miss out on all of these simple joys that come with teaching.
So, there are days that seem like they will never end and there are nights where you feel like that burnt out candle; but if we are willing to obey God's will then when we "go out" He will send another candle to relight our flame.
Just as a side note, remember to tell your teachers how much you love their teaching. It is the hugest blessing to be told that you just made learning fun!
This is a quote that my mom shared with me last night. You see, I teach piano lessons. I have for several years now, and often I find myself wondering how it is, that God should choose me to be a teacher. I started teaching my younger sister when I was 11 years old and as the years have gone by God has allowed more and more students to come into my life. Just last night I started teaching two more kids. After their lessons were over I sat reflecting on the day, wondering why it is that God would bless me with the ability to teach and give me the joy of investing into others lives. I can't imagine what it would be like not teaching piano to all the girls and boys that I do. I mean, I love it so much that I greatly dread the day when I won't be able to do it anymore. As I look around and see the different paths that God has others follow I often wonder how God, in His sovereign power, decided that I would be the one He wants to teach these children. I remember times that I thought that I couldn't handle it anymore or that it was to hard, but God brought me through those hard times. Yes, there are days that I feel like that consumed candle, but God is good and He always brings in another candle to light the way for me.
There is just nothing like the joy of seeing a light bulb go on or seeing the beaming smile of a student who just played "The worst song in the whole world" perfectly. These are the joys of a teacher. If I didn't follow God's will for my life, then I would miss out on all of these simple joys that come with teaching.
So, there are days that seem like they will never end and there are nights where you feel like that burnt out candle; but if we are willing to obey God's will then when we "go out" He will send another candle to relight our flame.
Just as a side note, remember to tell your teachers how much you love their teaching. It is the hugest blessing to be told that you just made learning fun!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
My Favorite Music Quote
Bach gave us God's word, Mozart gave us God's laughter, Beethoven gave us God's fire. God gave us music that we might pray without words. (found outside of an old Opera House)
There are many times that I pray as I play my music or compose my own songs. Music has words that we ourselves do not seem to have. Thank you God for Music!
There are many times that I pray as I play my music or compose my own songs. Music has words that we ourselves do not seem to have. Thank you God for Music!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)