I like the country song called “I've Always Been Crazy” by Waylon Jennings.
It is from his “Greatest Hits” album (1990)
These are the lyrics:
“I've always been crazy and the trouble that it's put me through
I've been busted for things that I did, and I didn't do
I can't say I’m proud of all of the things that I’ve done
But I can say I’ve never intentionally hurt anyone
I've always been different with one foot over the line
Winding up somewhere one step ahead or behind
It ain't been so easy but I guess I shouldn't complain
I've always been crazy but it's kept me from going insane
Beautiful lady are you sure that you understand
The chances your taking loving a free living man?
Are you really sure you really want what you see
Be careful of something that's just what you want it to be?
I've always been crazy but it's kept me from going insane
Nobody knows if it's something to bless or to blame
So far I ain't found a rhyme or a reason to change
I've always been crazy but it's kept me from going insane”
I can relate to this song because I felt I was a “wild and crazy guy” in High School.
Back then, I enjoyed dressing differently from other boys ... (I loved to wear brown suede shoes, or black and white saddle oxfords). My favorite jacket was a brown leather “bomber jacket”. Also, I drove my Mom's white 1960 Pontiac Convertible with fake red leather interior. My brother and I had cutout pipes installed in each side of the duel exhaust system, When we unscrewed the caps, the engine made a beautiful roar!
I was a smart-alec (like the other four kids in our family (we got it from our Mom). Dad would often say “Nobody likes a smart-alec! We all enjoyed our sarcastic sense of humor, and were all witty. Life in the McConnell clan was a lot of fun!
So, like Waylon Jennings, I've always been crazy but it's kept me from going insane.
We are different in many ways (he was plagued with drug and alcohol addiction .. (before he finally went into rehab)....I have been fairly laid back most of my life (but have my own problems). But we both found that it helps to lighten up and enjoy life..
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
I Confess – I Am an Introvert
By William T. McConnell
(My younger brother, Bill)
If you have spent much time with me, you have discovered that I am an introvert. Most people don't understand that about me because my profession forces me to do many things that come naturally to an extrovert. Against my nature I am forced to mingle with people in social situations, strike up conversations with total strangers and speak in public on a regular basis.
Often, when an extroverted friend discovers that I am an introvert, he or she often takes on the self-appointed task of straightening me out; which means, making me into an extrovert. Being an introvert is just unacceptable to many extroverts. It is for my extroverted friends that I share this wonderful column by Brian Kim.
Top 5 Things Every Extrovert Should Know About Introverts
By: Brian Kim - October 2, 2007
First off, there are those who are reading this who might not know which camp they fall into, the extrovert or the introvert. Chances are, the majority of those reading this will know, but for those who don't, let's define those two terms here very broadly.
Extroverts tend to be those who are more energized when around other people. They are the ones who will reach for the cell phone when alone for more than a minute, the ones who love to go out every weekend, the ones who love to chit chat, mingle, and socialize.
Introverts tend to be those who are more energized when alone with themselves. They are the ones who have to be dragged to parties, who are the first ones ready to leave after a short period of time, and who generally enjoy solitary activities such as reading, writing, and daydreaming.
The qualities and characteristics of introverts are often held in a negative light in today's world, so it's only natural that the majority of people seem to think that there's something wrong with them. The reason why the majority of people think that there's something wrong with introverts is because the majority of people aren't very knowledgeable when it comes to introverts, in terms of why they are the way they are and why they do the things they do. Many people tend to hold several potentially damaging misconceptions about introverts, but through no fault of their own.
I've been on both sides of the extrovert/introvert fence, and I can understand why extroverts tend to view introverts in a negative light, socially speaking, so I thought it would be best to write an article dedicated to helping extroverts understand their often very misunderstood introvert counterparts.
My hope is this article will help solve that problem by shedding some light as to why introverts are the way they are and do the things they do, so here are 5 things every extrovert should know about introverts.
1. If a person is introverted, it does NOT mean they are shy or anti-social.
This is probably THE biggest misconception that extroverts tend to have when it comes to introverts. And you can't really blame them for having that kind of misconception.
Extroverts tend to have to drag introverts to parties, to convince them to go and sell them on attending social engagements. When introverts politely decline, extroverts automatically assume that something might be wrong so they always ask if everything's all right and of course, everything is all right. It's just a common misunderstanding. When extroverts see a pattern like this developing, they automatically assume that introverts are shy or anti-social as that can be the only logical explanation to them. What's more, when extroverts try to engage introverts in small talk, it seems like they hit a brick wall.
Add to that, most extroverts see that introverts tend to be fond of engaging in solitary activities such as reading, writing, and daydreaming. Well, if it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, it must be a duck right? Wrong.
Introverts have more brain activity in their frontal lobes and when these areas are activated through solitary activity, introverts become energized through processes such as problem solving, introspection, and complex thinking.
Extroverts on the other hand tend to have more activity in the back of their brain, areas that deal with processing sensory information from the external world, so they tend to search for external stimuli in the form of interacting with other people and the outside world to energize them.
There's a deeper science to this that involves differences in the levels of brain chemicals such as acetylcholine and dopamine in extroverts and introverts, but I won't get into that.
The bottom line is that introverts are just wired differently than extroverts. There's nothing "wrong" with them. They just become energized through different processes depending on where the majority of their brain activity takes place.
Granted there are introverts who may be shy and anti-social, but that's just a coincidence that perpetuates the myth that ALL introverts are like that.
You'll find that all introverts are fine just the way they are until people begin to subtly suggest otherwise.
2. Introverts tend to dislike small talk.
If you really want to engage an introvert in conversation, skip the small talk. Introverts tend to love deep conversations on subjects that interest them. They love to debate, go past the superficial and poke around the depths in people's minds to see what's really going on in there. Most, if not all introverts tend to regard small talk as a waste of time, unless it's with someone new they just met.
This characteristic probably contributes to another misconception that extroverts have of introverts – the misconception that all introverts are arrogant.
Why? Because extroverts notice that introverts don't talk that much with other people. Therefore, extroverts assume that introverts think they're too good to talk to others, hence arrogant and that's hardly the case. It's just a matter of preference. Extroverts thrive on small talk. Introverts abhor it. There's nothing wrong with either choice, it's just a matter of preference.
This brings us to the third point.
3. Introverts do like to socialize – only in a different manner and less frequently than extroverts.
Yes, it's true. Contrary to the majority of public opinion, introverts do like to socialize, but again, only in a different manner and less frequently than extroverts.
Introverts love anything that involves deep conversation. They get energized by discussing subjects that are important to them and they love see what and how other people think, to connect the dots, to dig deep, to find root causes, to use logical thinking via debate in conversation, etc.
And what's more, introverts can do a lot of things extroverts are naturally good at – give great speeches, schmooze with everyone, be the life of the party, charm the socks off of total strangers – but only for a short period of time. After that, they need time for themselves which brings us to the fourth point.
4. Introverts need time alone to recharge.
Extroverts tend to think introverts have something against them as they constantly seem to refuse generous invites to social engagements. Introverts do appreciate the offers, but it's just that they know it will take a lot of energy out of them if they pursue these social functions.
They need time alone like they need food and water. Give them their space. There's nothing wrong with them. They're not depressed and they're not sad. They just need time alone to recharge their batteries.
5. Introverts are socially well adjusted.
Most introverts are well aware of all the social nuances, customs, and mannerisms when it comes to interacting with other people, but they simply don't choose to socialize as much as extroverts, which makes it easy for extroverts to assume that introverts are not socially well adjusted, as they have not seen much evidence of them interacting with other people.
This just exacerbates previous misconceptions and gives way to labeling introverts as nerds, geeks, loners, etc.
It's easy to understand why society tends to value extroverts over introverts. Human beings have lived in a tribal society so having to interact frequently with people came to be a regarded as a very good skill when it came to survival. But because of this high value placed on extroversion, introverts tend to feel trapped and find themselves in a catch 22 situation. Do introverts stay true to who they are and risk social alienation and isolation or do introverts conform and join the extroverted side, pretending to be somebody they're not just to fit in?
This is precisely why I wrote this article, because if the extroverts can become more educated about introverts, introverts will be able to feel free to stay true to who they are, and that's a good thing from society's point of view.
Trying to "turn" an introverted person into an extroverted person is detrimental because it gives off a subtle suggestion that there is something wrong with them, hampering their self-worth and esteem when there is absolutely nothing wrong in the first place.
There's nothing wrong with introverts.
In fact, introverts are the leading pioneers of advancements in human civilization. Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin are a few introverts that come to mind, just to name a few. And for those of you not interested in science, but pop culture, you'll be surprised to see a lot of well-known names in Hollywood are introverts as well. Julia Roberts, Steven Spielberg, Christian Bale to name a few as well. And for those interested in sports, Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods come to mind as athletes who are introverts as well.
Introverts have a lot to bring to the table. They have an amazing ability to discover new thoughts, an uncanny ability to focus, to concentrate, to connect the dots, to observe and note things that most people miss, to listen extremely well and are often found having a rich and vivid imagination too.
The more extroverts become knowledgeable about introverts, the less tension and misunderstanding there will be among the two.
So if you're an introvert reading this, send a copy of this article to all your extrovert friends so they can get a better idea of what you're all about.
It's time to finally clear the air.
(My younger brother, Bill)
If you have spent much time with me, you have discovered that I am an introvert. Most people don't understand that about me because my profession forces me to do many things that come naturally to an extrovert. Against my nature I am forced to mingle with people in social situations, strike up conversations with total strangers and speak in public on a regular basis.
Often, when an extroverted friend discovers that I am an introvert, he or she often takes on the self-appointed task of straightening me out; which means, making me into an extrovert. Being an introvert is just unacceptable to many extroverts. It is for my extroverted friends that I share this wonderful column by Brian Kim.
Top 5 Things Every Extrovert Should Know About Introverts
By: Brian Kim - October 2, 2007
First off, there are those who are reading this who might not know which camp they fall into, the extrovert or the introvert. Chances are, the majority of those reading this will know, but for those who don't, let's define those two terms here very broadly.
Extroverts tend to be those who are more energized when around other people. They are the ones who will reach for the cell phone when alone for more than a minute, the ones who love to go out every weekend, the ones who love to chit chat, mingle, and socialize.
Introverts tend to be those who are more energized when alone with themselves. They are the ones who have to be dragged to parties, who are the first ones ready to leave after a short period of time, and who generally enjoy solitary activities such as reading, writing, and daydreaming.
The qualities and characteristics of introverts are often held in a negative light in today's world, so it's only natural that the majority of people seem to think that there's something wrong with them. The reason why the majority of people think that there's something wrong with introverts is because the majority of people aren't very knowledgeable when it comes to introverts, in terms of why they are the way they are and why they do the things they do. Many people tend to hold several potentially damaging misconceptions about introverts, but through no fault of their own.
I've been on both sides of the extrovert/introvert fence, and I can understand why extroverts tend to view introverts in a negative light, socially speaking, so I thought it would be best to write an article dedicated to helping extroverts understand their often very misunderstood introvert counterparts.
My hope is this article will help solve that problem by shedding some light as to why introverts are the way they are and do the things they do, so here are 5 things every extrovert should know about introverts.
1. If a person is introverted, it does NOT mean they are shy or anti-social.
This is probably THE biggest misconception that extroverts tend to have when it comes to introverts. And you can't really blame them for having that kind of misconception.
Extroverts tend to have to drag introverts to parties, to convince them to go and sell them on attending social engagements. When introverts politely decline, extroverts automatically assume that something might be wrong so they always ask if everything's all right and of course, everything is all right. It's just a common misunderstanding. When extroverts see a pattern like this developing, they automatically assume that introverts are shy or anti-social as that can be the only logical explanation to them. What's more, when extroverts try to engage introverts in small talk, it seems like they hit a brick wall.
Add to that, most extroverts see that introverts tend to be fond of engaging in solitary activities such as reading, writing, and daydreaming. Well, if it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, it must be a duck right? Wrong.
Introverts have more brain activity in their frontal lobes and when these areas are activated through solitary activity, introverts become energized through processes such as problem solving, introspection, and complex thinking.
Extroverts on the other hand tend to have more activity in the back of their brain, areas that deal with processing sensory information from the external world, so they tend to search for external stimuli in the form of interacting with other people and the outside world to energize them.
There's a deeper science to this that involves differences in the levels of brain chemicals such as acetylcholine and dopamine in extroverts and introverts, but I won't get into that.
The bottom line is that introverts are just wired differently than extroverts. There's nothing "wrong" with them. They just become energized through different processes depending on where the majority of their brain activity takes place.
Granted there are introverts who may be shy and anti-social, but that's just a coincidence that perpetuates the myth that ALL introverts are like that.
You'll find that all introverts are fine just the way they are until people begin to subtly suggest otherwise.
2. Introverts tend to dislike small talk.
If you really want to engage an introvert in conversation, skip the small talk. Introverts tend to love deep conversations on subjects that interest them. They love to debate, go past the superficial and poke around the depths in people's minds to see what's really going on in there. Most, if not all introverts tend to regard small talk as a waste of time, unless it's with someone new they just met.
This characteristic probably contributes to another misconception that extroverts have of introverts – the misconception that all introverts are arrogant.
Why? Because extroverts notice that introverts don't talk that much with other people. Therefore, extroverts assume that introverts think they're too good to talk to others, hence arrogant and that's hardly the case. It's just a matter of preference. Extroverts thrive on small talk. Introverts abhor it. There's nothing wrong with either choice, it's just a matter of preference.
This brings us to the third point.
3. Introverts do like to socialize – only in a different manner and less frequently than extroverts.
Yes, it's true. Contrary to the majority of public opinion, introverts do like to socialize, but again, only in a different manner and less frequently than extroverts.
Introverts love anything that involves deep conversation. They get energized by discussing subjects that are important to them and they love see what and how other people think, to connect the dots, to dig deep, to find root causes, to use logical thinking via debate in conversation, etc.
And what's more, introverts can do a lot of things extroverts are naturally good at – give great speeches, schmooze with everyone, be the life of the party, charm the socks off of total strangers – but only for a short period of time. After that, they need time for themselves which brings us to the fourth point.
4. Introverts need time alone to recharge.
Extroverts tend to think introverts have something against them as they constantly seem to refuse generous invites to social engagements. Introverts do appreciate the offers, but it's just that they know it will take a lot of energy out of them if they pursue these social functions.
They need time alone like they need food and water. Give them their space. There's nothing wrong with them. They're not depressed and they're not sad. They just need time alone to recharge their batteries.
5. Introverts are socially well adjusted.
Most introverts are well aware of all the social nuances, customs, and mannerisms when it comes to interacting with other people, but they simply don't choose to socialize as much as extroverts, which makes it easy for extroverts to assume that introverts are not socially well adjusted, as they have not seen much evidence of them interacting with other people.
This just exacerbates previous misconceptions and gives way to labeling introverts as nerds, geeks, loners, etc.
It's easy to understand why society tends to value extroverts over introverts. Human beings have lived in a tribal society so having to interact frequently with people came to be a regarded as a very good skill when it came to survival. But because of this high value placed on extroversion, introverts tend to feel trapped and find themselves in a catch 22 situation. Do introverts stay true to who they are and risk social alienation and isolation or do introverts conform and join the extroverted side, pretending to be somebody they're not just to fit in?
This is precisely why I wrote this article, because if the extroverts can become more educated about introverts, introverts will be able to feel free to stay true to who they are, and that's a good thing from society's point of view.
Trying to "turn" an introverted person into an extroverted person is detrimental because it gives off a subtle suggestion that there is something wrong with them, hampering their self-worth and esteem when there is absolutely nothing wrong in the first place.
There's nothing wrong with introverts.
In fact, introverts are the leading pioneers of advancements in human civilization. Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin are a few introverts that come to mind, just to name a few. And for those of you not interested in science, but pop culture, you'll be surprised to see a lot of well-known names in Hollywood are introverts as well. Julia Roberts, Steven Spielberg, Christian Bale to name a few as well. And for those interested in sports, Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods come to mind as athletes who are introverts as well.
Introverts have a lot to bring to the table. They have an amazing ability to discover new thoughts, an uncanny ability to focus, to concentrate, to connect the dots, to observe and note things that most people miss, to listen extremely well and are often found having a rich and vivid imagination too.
The more extroverts become knowledgeable about introverts, the less tension and misunderstanding there will be among the two.
So if you're an introvert reading this, send a copy of this article to all your extrovert friends so they can get a better idea of what you're all about.
It's time to finally clear the air.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
The Hallelujah Chorus
One of my favorite “viral videos” that circulates around the world through the Internet takes place in a food court in a mall, presumably in Canada. As people are eating and resting from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, suddenly a woman with a scarf on, who appears as an ordinary shopper, stands up and starts singing the “Hallelujah” Chorus. Clearly, this is a professional musician, who is soon joined in by another professional musician singing a different counterpart to the first soloist.
Then come other singers, one after another. These are high quality musicians, and the whole act is well choreographed (and well shot too). What throws off the average viewer is the inconspicuous appearance of the singers. They fit right in with the frazzled shoppers. This beautiful video, recorded in November 2010, has now had more than 35 million views.
I have heard that the opening lines of the “Hallelujah” Chorus are the most recognizable piece of music the world over. Of course, the “Hallelujah” Chorus comes from “Messiah,” an oratorio (a sacred opera) by George Frederick Handel. The whole work is heavenly, and its highlight is the “Hallelujah” Chorus. (Sometimes, I view “Messiah” as the zenith of Western civilization.)
I remember when the millennium change-over first hit on January 1, 2000 (although geeks like to say technically the first day of the millennium was January 1, 2001). In one far eastern country’s time zone after another, people the world over were celebrating the new year, the new century, the new millennium. As I recall watching television of the celebration, the one song that I heard more than any other on that day, from various countries, was the “Hallelujah” Chorus. It is universally loved.
Within months of the Berlin Wall coming down, Pepsi had a beautiful TV commercial celebrating the historic event. The piece they chose for that spot was the “Hallelujah” Chorus. It worked perfectly. There’s something deeply touching about that piece of music.
In his book, Spiritual Lives of the Great Composers, Patrick Kavanaugh tells how Handel barely ate during the 24 days he wrote “Messiah.” At one point, the composer had tears in his eyes and cried out to his servant, “I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself.” He had just finished writing the “Hallelujah” Chorus.
Amazingly, “Messiah” came at a time in his life when the 56-year-old Handel was facing bankruptcy and complete failure. He also had serious health problems. Also, some Church of England authorities were apparently critical of him and his work. He seemed all washed up—with his future behind him. But writing “Messiah” proved to be the positive turning point in his life.
Handel was born in Germany. His father wanted him to study law, but George Frederick had an aptitude for music, which was clear early on. His mother bought him a harpsichord, which they kept up in the attic, secret from his father. By the time he was twelve, Handel wrote his first work. Later, after his father’s death, he tried to study law, but he had no interest. So he studied music at the University of Halle.
In 1712, Handel moved to England and never returned to Germany. While he experienced various successes through various compositions, including operas and sacred operas (oratorios, based on biblical themes), Kavanaugh notes that his failures threatened to overwhelm Handel: “His occasional commercial successes soon met with financial disaster… He drove himself relentlessly to recover from one failure after another, and finally his health began to fail. By 1741 he was swimming in debt. It seemed certain he would land in debtor’s prison.”
But 1741 proved to be the turning point. On the one hand, he gave what he feared was his farewell concert. On the other hand, a friend of his, Charles Jennens, gave him a libretto (a text) for a sacred work. It was essentially 73 Bible verses, focused on the Messiah, both from the Hebrew and the Christian Bible. Furthermore, a charity in Dublin paid him money to write something for a charity performance. “Messiah” was the result, and it was very successful.
It’s interesting to note in this year, 2011, the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible, that Handel’s work was impacted by that literary masterpiece. Every word of “Messiah” comes from that book. Oxford professor Alister E. McGrath wrote, “Without the King James Bible, there would have been no Paradise Lost, no Pilgrim’s Progress, no Handel’s 'Messiah,' no Negro spirituals, and no Gettysburg Address. These, and innumerable other works were inspired by the language of this Bible.”
Charles Jennens’ role in this masterpiece is often lost, even on fans of “Messiah.” He is the one who carefully gleaned through the King James Bible and assembled the verses about the Christ that Handel so brilliantly set to music. I count that 42 of the verses come from the Old Testament, including many passages from the Psalms and Isaiah. Thirty-one come from the New Testament.
“Messiah” was first performed in Dublin in 1742. It was a benefit concert for charity. According to one source, proceeds freed 142 men from debtors’ prison. A year later, King George II was present at the first performance of “Messiah” in London. Is it said that the monarch fell asleep, and at the opening of the “Hallelujah” Chorus, he rose to his feet, thinking it was his cue. Whatever the reason, he stood, and that has been the custom ever since—to stand during the “Hallelujah” Chorus.
About 100 years later, even the aged Queen Victoria, who sat in her wheelchair as the chorus began, struggled to her feet as the choir sang, “King of kings and Lord of lords.” She said, “No way will I sit in the presence of the King of kings.”
So out of one genius’s pain and low point in his life came a work of beauty that continues to uplift millions of people the world over. Kavanaugh notes the secret of Handel’s success, “He was a relentless optimist whose faith in God sustained him through every difficulty.”
By Jerry Newcombe
Senior Producer and host of the television program,
"Truth That Transforms" with Dr. D. James Kennedy
Then come other singers, one after another. These are high quality musicians, and the whole act is well choreographed (and well shot too). What throws off the average viewer is the inconspicuous appearance of the singers. They fit right in with the frazzled shoppers. This beautiful video, recorded in November 2010, has now had more than 35 million views.
I have heard that the opening lines of the “Hallelujah” Chorus are the most recognizable piece of music the world over. Of course, the “Hallelujah” Chorus comes from “Messiah,” an oratorio (a sacred opera) by George Frederick Handel. The whole work is heavenly, and its highlight is the “Hallelujah” Chorus. (Sometimes, I view “Messiah” as the zenith of Western civilization.)
I remember when the millennium change-over first hit on January 1, 2000 (although geeks like to say technically the first day of the millennium was January 1, 2001). In one far eastern country’s time zone after another, people the world over were celebrating the new year, the new century, the new millennium. As I recall watching television of the celebration, the one song that I heard more than any other on that day, from various countries, was the “Hallelujah” Chorus. It is universally loved.
Within months of the Berlin Wall coming down, Pepsi had a beautiful TV commercial celebrating the historic event. The piece they chose for that spot was the “Hallelujah” Chorus. It worked perfectly. There’s something deeply touching about that piece of music.
In his book, Spiritual Lives of the Great Composers, Patrick Kavanaugh tells how Handel barely ate during the 24 days he wrote “Messiah.” At one point, the composer had tears in his eyes and cried out to his servant, “I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself.” He had just finished writing the “Hallelujah” Chorus.
Amazingly, “Messiah” came at a time in his life when the 56-year-old Handel was facing bankruptcy and complete failure. He also had serious health problems. Also, some Church of England authorities were apparently critical of him and his work. He seemed all washed up—with his future behind him. But writing “Messiah” proved to be the positive turning point in his life.
Handel was born in Germany. His father wanted him to study law, but George Frederick had an aptitude for music, which was clear early on. His mother bought him a harpsichord, which they kept up in the attic, secret from his father. By the time he was twelve, Handel wrote his first work. Later, after his father’s death, he tried to study law, but he had no interest. So he studied music at the University of Halle.
In 1712, Handel moved to England and never returned to Germany. While he experienced various successes through various compositions, including operas and sacred operas (oratorios, based on biblical themes), Kavanaugh notes that his failures threatened to overwhelm Handel: “His occasional commercial successes soon met with financial disaster… He drove himself relentlessly to recover from one failure after another, and finally his health began to fail. By 1741 he was swimming in debt. It seemed certain he would land in debtor’s prison.”
But 1741 proved to be the turning point. On the one hand, he gave what he feared was his farewell concert. On the other hand, a friend of his, Charles Jennens, gave him a libretto (a text) for a sacred work. It was essentially 73 Bible verses, focused on the Messiah, both from the Hebrew and the Christian Bible. Furthermore, a charity in Dublin paid him money to write something for a charity performance. “Messiah” was the result, and it was very successful.
It’s interesting to note in this year, 2011, the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible, that Handel’s work was impacted by that literary masterpiece. Every word of “Messiah” comes from that book. Oxford professor Alister E. McGrath wrote, “Without the King James Bible, there would have been no Paradise Lost, no Pilgrim’s Progress, no Handel’s 'Messiah,' no Negro spirituals, and no Gettysburg Address. These, and innumerable other works were inspired by the language of this Bible.”
Charles Jennens’ role in this masterpiece is often lost, even on fans of “Messiah.” He is the one who carefully gleaned through the King James Bible and assembled the verses about the Christ that Handel so brilliantly set to music. I count that 42 of the verses come from the Old Testament, including many passages from the Psalms and Isaiah. Thirty-one come from the New Testament.
“Messiah” was first performed in Dublin in 1742. It was a benefit concert for charity. According to one source, proceeds freed 142 men from debtors’ prison. A year later, King George II was present at the first performance of “Messiah” in London. Is it said that the monarch fell asleep, and at the opening of the “Hallelujah” Chorus, he rose to his feet, thinking it was his cue. Whatever the reason, he stood, and that has been the custom ever since—to stand during the “Hallelujah” Chorus.
About 100 years later, even the aged Queen Victoria, who sat in her wheelchair as the chorus began, struggled to her feet as the choir sang, “King of kings and Lord of lords.” She said, “No way will I sit in the presence of the King of kings.”
So out of one genius’s pain and low point in his life came a work of beauty that continues to uplift millions of people the world over. Kavanaugh notes the secret of Handel’s success, “He was a relentless optimist whose faith in God sustained him through every difficulty.”
By Jerry Newcombe
Senior Producer and host of the television program,
"Truth That Transforms" with Dr. D. James Kennedy
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Preparing for Marriage
I hesitate to write on preparing for marriage, since I did a poor job (and my wife and I are divorced)... However, I think you can learn from my mistakes... Some of the things I did wrong were:
....Focused on physical attraction when dating (instead of becoming friends)
....When my wife and I married, we were both Christians, but had no training on the husband's and wife's roles in a marriage
....She is a dominate woman and I am a passive male [I have PMS (Passive Male Syndrome)].
....We battled over who would lead in the home for a few years and finally I gave up and let her raise our five children... I threw myself in my education and then career (and became an absentee father)
....Eventually, that destroyed our home (and has harmed our children) and led to our divorce.
Since I started walking with the Lord again in October 2007, I have studied how I should have prepared for marriage.... I think Mark Fox (Pastor of Antioch Community Church) says it best as shown below,
"I heard someone say many years ago that most men and women come into marriage just
the opposite of the way they are supposed to.... You should approach a potential lifelong spouse with a magnifying glass, trying to see every little flaw, every character deficiency, every potential problem that would make you wish you had never married the person in the first place!... Then, once you have resolved yourself to love the person like they are, warts and all, and you say “I do” at the altar, then you take off the magnifying glasses and put on the rose-colored glasses... From then on, you approach your mate with acceptance and love and forgiveness, even to the point that you learn to overlook a transgression (Proverbs 19:11).
Instead, what many young couples do is just the opposite... They put on the rose-colored glasses during courtship, not wanting to even admit to themselves, much less confront their partners, about a potential problem they may see in this person they think they “love”... Then when they get to the altar and say the “I dos”, the rose-colored glasses are tossed aside in the bushes on the way out of the church, and out comes the magnifying glasses... Every flaw, every blemish, every character deficiency that they joyfully overlooked during courtship is now a thorn in their flesh.
Let me hasten to add that with a potential mate we must not have a holier-than-thou attitude... We must do all we can to lay aside pride or a critical spirit and look with God's eyes, not the eyes of our flesh... But this examination process must be done; otherwise, we are in for big trouble ahead... It is better to never marry at all than to marry in haste and repent in leisure."
From “Planting a Family-Integrated Church”
by J. Mark Fox (2008) pp 27-29
Mark also recommends the following book:
“Reforming Marriage”
by Douglas Wilson
(He requires that potential elders study it)
....Focused on physical attraction when dating (instead of becoming friends)
....When my wife and I married, we were both Christians, but had no training on the husband's and wife's roles in a marriage
....She is a dominate woman and I am a passive male [I have PMS (Passive Male Syndrome)].
....We battled over who would lead in the home for a few years and finally I gave up and let her raise our five children... I threw myself in my education and then career (and became an absentee father)
....Eventually, that destroyed our home (and has harmed our children) and led to our divorce.
Since I started walking with the Lord again in October 2007, I have studied how I should have prepared for marriage.... I think Mark Fox (Pastor of Antioch Community Church) says it best as shown below,
"I heard someone say many years ago that most men and women come into marriage just
the opposite of the way they are supposed to.... You should approach a potential lifelong spouse with a magnifying glass, trying to see every little flaw, every character deficiency, every potential problem that would make you wish you had never married the person in the first place!... Then, once you have resolved yourself to love the person like they are, warts and all, and you say “I do” at the altar, then you take off the magnifying glasses and put on the rose-colored glasses... From then on, you approach your mate with acceptance and love and forgiveness, even to the point that you learn to overlook a transgression (Proverbs 19:11).
Instead, what many young couples do is just the opposite... They put on the rose-colored glasses during courtship, not wanting to even admit to themselves, much less confront their partners, about a potential problem they may see in this person they think they “love”... Then when they get to the altar and say the “I dos”, the rose-colored glasses are tossed aside in the bushes on the way out of the church, and out comes the magnifying glasses... Every flaw, every blemish, every character deficiency that they joyfully overlooked during courtship is now a thorn in their flesh.
Let me hasten to add that with a potential mate we must not have a holier-than-thou attitude... We must do all we can to lay aside pride or a critical spirit and look with God's eyes, not the eyes of our flesh... But this examination process must be done; otherwise, we are in for big trouble ahead... It is better to never marry at all than to marry in haste and repent in leisure."
From “Planting a Family-Integrated Church”
by J. Mark Fox (2008) pp 27-29
Mark also recommends the following book:
“Reforming Marriage”
by Douglas Wilson
(He requires that potential elders study it)
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Dealing with Challenges
Do you face an overwhelming task, burden, challenge, or battle? Is there something God has called you to do or endure that seems too much for you to handle? Do you feel His presence with you in it?
I hope you do. I've encountered all manner of difficulties, conflicts, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles in my years as a pastor. But knowing the Father is near me – loving, defending, and providing for me – has gotten me through every single one.
In fact, there are times when I am studying Scripture or thinking about God's faithfulness, when suddenly I am so aware of His awesome presence that am my filled with emotion and begin weeping. During these times, He doesn't say anything. He simply makes Himself known so that I can understand He loves me enough to manifest His incredible power, wisdom, and authority on my behalf.
This is especially important to me as I think about my mission to lead people worldwide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. As you can imagine, this can be challenging at times. There are many hurdle to overcome, nations closed to the gospel, and lost souls to reach. It is a tremendous task that never ends.
I often consider how overwhelming it must have been for the disciples, listening to Christ's Great Commission to them: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-29, emphasis added)...Can you imagine how impossible it must have seemed to them – reaching all the nations?. Yet Jesus' assurance to them made all the difference, “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of this age” (Matt 28:29).
Without that promise, the disciples could not have done what Christ commanded. Our Savior's presence with them was imperative, just it is for us today. This is because as believers, He inspires, energizes, enables, and counsels us in very special ways, no matter what we're called to do or what challenges we must face.
So what is it that weighs heavy on your heart today? Has the Lord called you to do something in His name and for His glory? Are you facing financial, health, or relational difficulties? Is there a task before you that is far more than you can handle – a task that you wonder if you can persevere through it?
It is very important to God that you recognize He is with you... Why?... Because the Father does for us those things that you and I can't do for ourselves...What does He do?
First, when we experience the Lord's presence, He inspires us to join Him in His divine purpose...The Father wants to accomplish special things in our lives that are much greater than we are..For example, He spoke from the burning bush and called Moses to deliver Israel out of Egyptian slavery—an incredible mission.. (Ex. 3)...But Moses did not think he could do it...Perhaps you have doubts about what you must do as well..I encourage you to never second guess what God can do through a servant who is willing to obey Him.
Second, when we encounter the Father and Son and realize He is absolutely holy, omnipotent (all powerful), omnipresent (always with us), omniscient (all knowing), and omni-benevolent (unconditional in His love for us), He energizes us to face any difficulty...Think about the prophet Isaiah..He saw the Lord as He really is – on His throne, His throne in Heaven, completely righteous, majestic, and glorious.. How did Isaiah respond? The prophet immediately observed that the King of Kings was fully worthy of all honor and obedience, Isaiah cried out, “here am I, send me!” (Isa 60)..We too..When we experience the awesomeness of God,we will be fully motivated to serve Him, regardless of the challenges.
Third, the Father's presence enables us to accomplish extraordinary things. What made Moses believe he could part the Red Sea; David consider he could fight Goliath ;Peter trusted he could walk on water; or Paul thought he could preach before the Roman rulers Festus, Felix, and Agrippa?..In each case, it was because of their confidence in the living God...As Luke 1:47 teaches, “Nothing will be impossible with God.”
Fourth, when we experience the Father's presence, He counsels us with His perspective regarding our circumstances..From our earthly earthly viewpoint, everything may be falling apart..But the Lord, who sees the end of a matter from the beginning, is aligning His resources to help us..Like David, we can say, "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You..In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid..What can mere man do to me?” (Ps. 56:3-4).
Friend, no matter what trouble you encounter today, I ask you to surrender your life to the Lord and watch what He does..He will make Himself known to you in powerful ways that fit your life perfectly..Therefore, spend time in His awesome presence..Allow Him to inspire you with His plans, energize you to face difficulties, enable you to accomplish extraordinary things, and counsel you on how to find victory in every circumstance..Don't miss out on one of the choicest blessings we as believers can ever enjoy – experiencing the presence of the living God.
Charles F. Stanley
August 2011 Prayer Letter
I hope you do. I've encountered all manner of difficulties, conflicts, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles in my years as a pastor. But knowing the Father is near me – loving, defending, and providing for me – has gotten me through every single one.
In fact, there are times when I am studying Scripture or thinking about God's faithfulness, when suddenly I am so aware of His awesome presence that am my filled with emotion and begin weeping. During these times, He doesn't say anything. He simply makes Himself known so that I can understand He loves me enough to manifest His incredible power, wisdom, and authority on my behalf.
This is especially important to me as I think about my mission to lead people worldwide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. As you can imagine, this can be challenging at times. There are many hurdle to overcome, nations closed to the gospel, and lost souls to reach. It is a tremendous task that never ends.
I often consider how overwhelming it must have been for the disciples, listening to Christ's Great Commission to them: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-29, emphasis added)...Can you imagine how impossible it must have seemed to them – reaching all the nations?. Yet Jesus' assurance to them made all the difference, “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of this age” (Matt 28:29).
Without that promise, the disciples could not have done what Christ commanded. Our Savior's presence with them was imperative, just it is for us today. This is because as believers, He inspires, energizes, enables, and counsels us in very special ways, no matter what we're called to do or what challenges we must face.
So what is it that weighs heavy on your heart today? Has the Lord called you to do something in His name and for His glory? Are you facing financial, health, or relational difficulties? Is there a task before you that is far more than you can handle – a task that you wonder if you can persevere through it?
It is very important to God that you recognize He is with you... Why?... Because the Father does for us those things that you and I can't do for ourselves...What does He do?
First, when we experience the Lord's presence, He inspires us to join Him in His divine purpose...The Father wants to accomplish special things in our lives that are much greater than we are..For example, He spoke from the burning bush and called Moses to deliver Israel out of Egyptian slavery—an incredible mission.. (Ex. 3)...But Moses did not think he could do it...Perhaps you have doubts about what you must do as well..I encourage you to never second guess what God can do through a servant who is willing to obey Him.
Second, when we encounter the Father and Son and realize He is absolutely holy, omnipotent (all powerful), omnipresent (always with us), omniscient (all knowing), and omni-benevolent (unconditional in His love for us), He energizes us to face any difficulty...Think about the prophet Isaiah..He saw the Lord as He really is – on His throne, His throne in Heaven, completely righteous, majestic, and glorious.. How did Isaiah respond? The prophet immediately observed that the King of Kings was fully worthy of all honor and obedience, Isaiah cried out, “here am I, send me!” (Isa 60)..We too..When we experience the awesomeness of God,we will be fully motivated to serve Him, regardless of the challenges.
Third, the Father's presence enables us to accomplish extraordinary things. What made Moses believe he could part the Red Sea; David consider he could fight Goliath ;Peter trusted he could walk on water; or Paul thought he could preach before the Roman rulers Festus, Felix, and Agrippa?..In each case, it was because of their confidence in the living God...As Luke 1:47 teaches, “Nothing will be impossible with God.”
Fourth, when we experience the Father's presence, He counsels us with His perspective regarding our circumstances..From our earthly earthly viewpoint, everything may be falling apart..But the Lord, who sees the end of a matter from the beginning, is aligning His resources to help us..Like David, we can say, "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You..In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid..What can mere man do to me?” (Ps. 56:3-4).
Friend, no matter what trouble you encounter today, I ask you to surrender your life to the Lord and watch what He does..He will make Himself known to you in powerful ways that fit your life perfectly..Therefore, spend time in His awesome presence..Allow Him to inspire you with His plans, energize you to face difficulties, enable you to accomplish extraordinary things, and counsel you on how to find victory in every circumstance..Don't miss out on one of the choicest blessings we as believers can ever enjoy – experiencing the presence of the living God.
Charles F. Stanley
August 2011 Prayer Letter
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Four Wlliam T. McConnells
There have been a line of four William Thomas McConnells in my family.... All of them have some things in common..... They have all been: bright, strong-willed, opinionated and articulate.
The first William Thomas McConnell was my grandfather, and he was called “WT”.
He was a career Democrat politician in Robertson County, KY, and held every elected office over time (he was most often the sheriff)
WT was good friends with Alben Barkley (the Vice President under Harry Truman, also known as the “Veep”)..... I would describe WT as a “demanding dictator”.... He was very impressive looking: Tall (6' 4”), ramrod straight, with white hair.... When Dad was a teenager, he was the only child left of the seven children..... Each morning WT would give his wife (Willie Kate) a punch list of tasks to be done on their farm that day...... Then he would go down to the courthouse in Mt. Olivet and chew the fat with the county leaders...... When he came home, he expected a hot meal to be on the table, and all the tasks to be completed.... [More on this in my blog post called “WT”].
The name on my Dad's birth certificate was “Will Junior”. He was the youngest of seven children...... He later changed his name to “William Thomas McConnell, Jr....As an adult he was called “Bill”..... I would describe Dad as a “workaholic charismatic leader”...... As, you can tell, I was in awe of my Dad........ I felt like a failure because I couldn't live up to my lofty view of him..... I was so glad that he named me after my Mom (Robert Redding), instead of himself....When Dad retired, he had trained four other men to replace him.....At his company (Lincoln Income Life Insurance Company) he did the following jobs:
....Treasurer
....Wrote the insurance policies that Lincoln Income sold
....Director of personnel
....Company attorney
Dad seemed to have a pretty good relationship with WT......I think WT would give him helpful advice (and Dad was WT's attorney, and handled his estate)
The next person with that name is “Bill Tom”.....As an adult, he is known as “Bill” (just like my Dad).....Bill Tom was eighteen months younger than me (and we continue to be very close)....The words I would use to describe him growing up are “Black Sheep Rebel”.... Bill Tom had MAJOR problems with obeying Dad, as a teenager...Anything Dad would tell Bill Tom to do, he would do just the opposite.....Bill Tom was always an adventurous young man, with lots of friends and always dated the prettiest girls......Fortunately, later in life, Dad became Bill Tom's close friend and mentor.
The last person with that name is “Mack”, (Bill Tom's oldest son).....I haven't spent much time with him, and don't know that much about him....He is brilliant (having inherited the “Redding brain” from my Mom) and very witty....Unfortunately, he also inherited the Redding's main problem (but he is dealing with that)....I've haven't had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Mack about anything, really,....So, I can't tell you more about him.....He hasn't had any sons (so, that looks like the end of the line for men named “William Thomas McConnell”).
The first William Thomas McConnell was my grandfather, and he was called “WT”.
He was a career Democrat politician in Robertson County, KY, and held every elected office over time (he was most often the sheriff)
WT was good friends with Alben Barkley (the Vice President under Harry Truman, also known as the “Veep”)..... I would describe WT as a “demanding dictator”.... He was very impressive looking: Tall (6' 4”), ramrod straight, with white hair.... When Dad was a teenager, he was the only child left of the seven children..... Each morning WT would give his wife (Willie Kate) a punch list of tasks to be done on their farm that day...... Then he would go down to the courthouse in Mt. Olivet and chew the fat with the county leaders...... When he came home, he expected a hot meal to be on the table, and all the tasks to be completed.... [More on this in my blog post called “WT”].
The name on my Dad's birth certificate was “Will Junior”. He was the youngest of seven children...... He later changed his name to “William Thomas McConnell, Jr....As an adult he was called “Bill”..... I would describe Dad as a “workaholic charismatic leader”...... As, you can tell, I was in awe of my Dad........ I felt like a failure because I couldn't live up to my lofty view of him..... I was so glad that he named me after my Mom (Robert Redding), instead of himself....When Dad retired, he had trained four other men to replace him.....At his company (Lincoln Income Life Insurance Company) he did the following jobs:
....Treasurer
....Wrote the insurance policies that Lincoln Income sold
....Director of personnel
....Company attorney
Dad seemed to have a pretty good relationship with WT......I think WT would give him helpful advice (and Dad was WT's attorney, and handled his estate)
The next person with that name is “Bill Tom”.....As an adult, he is known as “Bill” (just like my Dad).....Bill Tom was eighteen months younger than me (and we continue to be very close)....The words I would use to describe him growing up are “Black Sheep Rebel”.... Bill Tom had MAJOR problems with obeying Dad, as a teenager...Anything Dad would tell Bill Tom to do, he would do just the opposite.....Bill Tom was always an adventurous young man, with lots of friends and always dated the prettiest girls......Fortunately, later in life, Dad became Bill Tom's close friend and mentor.
The last person with that name is “Mack”, (Bill Tom's oldest son).....I haven't spent much time with him, and don't know that much about him....He is brilliant (having inherited the “Redding brain” from my Mom) and very witty....Unfortunately, he also inherited the Redding's main problem (but he is dealing with that)....I've haven't had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Mack about anything, really,....So, I can't tell you more about him.....He hasn't had any sons (so, that looks like the end of the line for men named “William Thomas McConnell”).
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Two Important Decisions
I sometimes ask people this question: What is the most important decision you will ever make in your life?
For me the answer to that is easy. It was the day I admitted that I was sinful (selfish) and asked Jesus to be my Savior and Lord. I made that decision on May 22, 1965 in my Sophomore year at Ohio State.
This is my second question: What is the second most important decision you will ever make in your life?
Again, for me the answer is easy (but actually doing it is often VERY difficult).
It is to obey Jesus when the Holy Spirit prompts me to do something. Sometimes I obey as follows:
….Immediately
….After a few minutes
….After a day or more
….Sometimes it has even taken me years to obey Him
I find that the longer I put off obeying Jesus, the less I hear the Holy Spirit prompting me.
So, there is a real danger in not instantly obeying Jesus.
It is when I am consistently and instantly obeying the prompts of the Holy Spirit that I am truly joyful.
I have appreciated many things that Charles Stanley (Pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta) has said. Among his quotes are the following:
“To live the Christian life is to allow Jesus to live His life in and through us
To walk in the Spirit is to obey the initial promptings of the Spirit
Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him
Disappointments are inevitable; discouragement is a choice
God blesses us so that we might bless others
We learn more in valley experiences than on our mountaintops
Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God
Our intimacy with God - His highest priority for our lives - determines the impact of out lives”
For me the answer to that is easy. It was the day I admitted that I was sinful (selfish) and asked Jesus to be my Savior and Lord. I made that decision on May 22, 1965 in my Sophomore year at Ohio State.
This is my second question: What is the second most important decision you will ever make in your life?
Again, for me the answer is easy (but actually doing it is often VERY difficult).
It is to obey Jesus when the Holy Spirit prompts me to do something. Sometimes I obey as follows:
….Immediately
….After a few minutes
….After a day or more
….Sometimes it has even taken me years to obey Him
I find that the longer I put off obeying Jesus, the less I hear the Holy Spirit prompting me.
So, there is a real danger in not instantly obeying Jesus.
It is when I am consistently and instantly obeying the prompts of the Holy Spirit that I am truly joyful.
I have appreciated many things that Charles Stanley (Pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta) has said. Among his quotes are the following:
“To live the Christian life is to allow Jesus to live His life in and through us
To walk in the Spirit is to obey the initial promptings of the Spirit
Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him
Disappointments are inevitable; discouragement is a choice
God blesses us so that we might bless others
We learn more in valley experiences than on our mountaintops
Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God
Our intimacy with God - His highest priority for our lives - determines the impact of out lives”
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