Closer To Glory

It's likely that most any of the singers and musicians of the Souls Harbor music department could audition for any secular music situation and win that audition. (I guess it's possible that my sentiment and attachment to my peeps makes me prejudice. Maybe.) Our singers and musicians are very good. But being "very good" is not all it takes to make the cut at Souls Harbor.

To me music is spiritual. Even secular music. Somehow it stirs our spirit, inspiring us or depressing us. It's why I don't have a steady diet of secular music. I have an iTunes music subscription and could listen to the best and newest of all secular music. But just because Twinkies and pizza are available to me doesn't mean they should be my steady diet. And the same goes for secular music. When we take in non-Christian music we are making our soul sluggish, too lethargic to respond to God's voice, even if we could hear Him above the noise of worldly-music's influence. 

Because of the spiritual affects of music, I encourage people to be involved in the music department. Just music-practice itself has a spiritual affect most aren't even realizing. Also, the accountability of being in the music department is a "savior" in time of temptation. People will abstain from the wrong path simply because they do not want to experience being "sat down" from choir. I can't tell you how many Sunday nights in my own life I was so depressed I didn't want to go to church, but my accountability to choir pushed my attendance, and that service made a huge difference in my ability to function through that week. 

But being in the music department isn't a free-for-all.

Being born again is a free-for-all.

Being moved on by the Holy Ghost is a free-for-all.

Healing is a free-for-all.

Attending church is a free-for-all.

Singing in youth choir is a nearly-free-for-all.

But being in the adult music department is not a free-for-all.

It has such stringent requirements that we try to avoid new babes in Christ from having to chew such "steak" of information. The requirements for involvement are for the spiritually-mature, the commited, those who understand they're in the very same yoke as pastor. If you know pastor wouldn't do something, dress some way, speak some things, then the people of the music department doesn't either. 

The music department (and truly every church department) doesn't live by less of a standard than our pastor. Whatever it takes for him to please God, be anointed of God, be used of God is EXACTLY what it takes for the music department. Same goal. Same standards.

And I'm not meaning only "same standards of dress." Of course that is involved in our requirements. But the same standard of quality, having a single-minded focus on soul-winning and revival. The same standard of quality on having a move of God in a service. We are ONE unit, the music department with our pastor, in the SAME yoke, ploughing the SAME field, with the agenda to have God interrupt our proceedings with His Glory.

You can ask any of those who I've asked to lead musical groups, and they will tell you that spiritual & pastoral commitment comes before talent. Unlike secular groups, auditions for the music department of Souls Harbor doesn't happen on a stage with a mic or instrument. Auditions for us happens on your Facebook page, in your seat during church, in the grocery store, on your vacation. If your out of the spotlight behaviors match our needs, we'll see if you also have a gift of music. It doesn't mean you're a "sinner" if you don't rise to the occasion. It means we don't share the same goal and purpose, and would therefore make yoke-pulling with pastor much harder than is necessary.

The closer we are to God's Glory (that is our intention of experiencing it, and making a way for the church to experience it) then the more is required of us. 

The children of Israel recognized this requirement and chose to have "just Moses" experience God's glory. This was not what neither Moses, nor God wanted. What a shame that the people did not rise to the occasion and together meet and welcome the Glory of God. 

What an amazing opportunity we have always had to be first partakers of God's power and glory. I can't tell you how in awe I am of my experiences with God that I've had from being in choir. From the age of thirteen, standing on the back row of the alto section, channeling the Glory of God to a congregation of broken people. From the vantage point of the choir loft I so quickly saw people respond to the moving of God. It has sustained me for all of these years. As you know, I've done much solo, and recording work. But NOTHING has been so fulfilling to me than the music department of Souls Harbor. Just a few months ago I was talking to a major, nationally known producer about a new album. He asked me what I was willing to commit to make a national album. I told him, "I'm not willing to miss weekends at my church. My choir helping my congregation have a move of God in church is my life-purpose. This album is a hobby." I haven't heard back from him. And that's ok, because what that producer loves about me is an ingredient that ONLY comes from my commitment and submission to my local church. If I lose that ingredient, I lose "the secret sauce!" I am so grateful for my choir experiences! 

In the Souls Harbor music department we are ALL going to be a part of getting closer and closer to The Glory. It is how we take that little bit of Heaven we experience in church, and touch the people of our community with His love for them.

The Visual Aid of Exhaustion

There are few events in my life that EXHAUST me. I'm talking about the kind of exhaustion where you stand somewhere upright with your eyes open, but then you "wake up." And you have no idea how long you've been standing there, what you came to that spot for, and worse, if anybody SAW your zombie-like stare into space. You can only hope you weren't also muttering incoherently. Touch the Future conference is an event that does this. But, I love it! 

I don't love it because I'm sadistic. I love it because all year I seek to give God a living sacrifice, and I think I accomplish it here and there. But that level of exhaustion at TtF is like a physical finish line. "Yo, Adrien! I did it!"

The level of exhaustion (minus resentment) is a visual aid of the level of blessing prepared for me!

It's not that I want to brag about it, it's just a personal realization. This understanding gives the intense labor "a prize set before me." There's nothing wrong with needing a prize. Jesus needed to know there was a finish line and prize to his endurance as well.

Touch the Fiture isn't "just another" conference. It's special because of what guests get out of it;

Attending a service without leading a service. 

Young preachers KNOWING people believe in them. 

Ministries of every sort being inspired by what they see and feel.

Being treated royally. 

Having a holy, safe place to find fellowship. 

...not to mention all of the supernatural experiences. 

But there's another side of Touch the Future, and that is what WE get out of it.

We get the kinds of blessings that only come from giving sacrificially. Things such as our kids going into their twenties with supernatural wisdom and direction. Things like our businesses being blessed, and finding favor on our jobs. 

Our church departments get a brush up on quality in preparation for Touch the Future. But then we maintain that goodness all year, impressing and "wooing" our own community into the Kingdom of God. 

New friendships are made by the laborers during Touch the Future, old friendships are re-established. When we all pull together how happy we'll be! We share behind-the-scenes follies and had-to-be-there private jokes. 

But most importantly, we become this generation's "John 2:9 Servants." 

John 2:9 (KJV)

When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

From the platform, to the balcony, to the lobby, to the doors. From the vacuum, to the spoon, to the tablecloth, to the mop. We know we're "just servants." And it's almost unbelievable how in the world our "just hands," can obediently scoop up "just water" in our vessels, but it seem like the best experience our guests have ever had!

It's to be noted that we do not find record of the servants drinking this water-to-wine. My assumption is that they did as we do during Touch the Future; whoever served to the end of the night, was allowed the remnants. But, the servants certainly did not have a specified seat, and therefore had really sore feet by the end of the night! The wine that they served was not for their restoration, or enjoyment.

I'm so godly-proud of us for reacting to the stresses and strains of major events with humor, instead of resentment. From rock bands, to government, to office management, it's common knowledge that even the best of these fall apart when stresses cause resentment. Decade after decade Souls Harbor has chosen to serve in spite of the exhaustion with humor, forgiveness, and unity.

Let us never think that WE actually are "all that." It's a mistake to think that our spiffiness, and awesome music, and beautiful grounds, and tasteful decor is because WE are just that good. We are nothing but servants doing bidding. While I appreciate individuals growing in insight and quality, it's a black hole to feel we are The King or Queen of what we do. It's a trap to not consciously work under the fact that the Holy Ghost makes the difference. We should NEVER make singing carnal, decorating carnal, vacuuming carnal, or any task that we are given during TtF, or anytime of the year. These acts are to remain SPIRITUAL. Otherwise, our efforts at TtF are no more connected to God than a cruise ship with all its beauty and entertainment.

Our efforts are to remain spiritual. 

That's the miracle of Touch the Future! It's "just us" being willing to obey the call to serve. But when we pour out of ourselves... BAM!

Intoxicating goodness that restores and refreshes our guests! We alone are privy to what a miracle this is. 

"The servants knew..."

We shake our heads in surprise. 

We also find our heads nodding off in exhaustion! 

But, it's worth it all.

Thank you for unifying in this sacrifice. 

Each of us could obediently figure out a way to serve ministry in a way that brings down the blessings that I described above. But it wouldn't be as intensive and widespread a blessing. Our widespread exhaustion (minus resentment) is a reflection of the widespread prize set before us;

blessings money can't buy! 

Pentecost Sunday, TtF16

Choir practice at 1:15pm, in the Student Center.

TtF16, Saturday, 11:45am

10:45am

MUSIC PRACTICE

OVERHEAD TECH PREP

SOUNDHECK

You may find it helpful to save this image to your mobile device, or save the link for quick access. 

TtF16, Friday, 7:30pm

6:30pm

MUSIC PRACTICE

OVERHEAD TECH PREP

SOUNDHECK

You may find it helpful to save this image to your mobile device, or save the link for quick access. 

TtF16, Friday, 11:45am

10:30am

MUSIC PRACTICE

OVERHEAD TECH PREP

SOUNDHECK

You may find it helpful to save this image to your mobile device, or save the link for quick access. 

TtF16, Thursday, 7:30pm

6:30pm

MUSIC PRACTICE

OVERHEAD TECH PREP

SOUNDHECK

You may find it helpful to save this image to your mobile device, or save the link for quick access. 

"My" Voice Care

I put quotes around "my" in the title because the care of the singing mechanism will vary from person to person. In the same way that each body has a metabolism which makes no ONE nutritional method the ONLY right one for every person, the needs of care for each singer (& speaker) will vary. 

Some reasons the care varies are due to the hormone changes within a person's body. This not only changes from age to age, but from gender to gender. It also varies due to life stages, and lifestyles. This means that what worked for a singer in their twenties will likely change when that same person is in their forties. 

These are my habits to maintain a healthy, usable voice. Use them as insight, direction, trial and error to find your own personal care habits and routines.

Keeping myself free from allergic reactions is a constant defense. I live in Florida where it is a perpetual Spring and Summer. Besides the abundance of every kind of pollen known to man, and then some, we also struggle with the hazards of central air conditioning and heat. (The worst being the few nights a year heating gets turned on. The dormant dust mites wreak havoc.) There are many culprits to trigger allergies. I take Claritin or Zyrtec during the day. And Benadryl at night. Only as needed. But, "as needed" to me is not defined by a stuffy nose. A mere glance at the dusting of green or brown powder on outdoor surfaces is enough to tell me that I need to pop an antihistamine. Also, sadly, if flowers smell pretty. They smell good because they're being heavily pollinated. Antihistamines are designed to be proactive before the snowball of congestion starts. 

By the way, if you take any over the counter med labeled "PM," such as Tylenol PM, you're taking the antihistamine, Dyphenhydramine. Otherwise known as, Benadryl. That may be sufficient. If it's not, add a non-drowsy antihistamine as I mentioned earlier. 

Keeping congestion at bay is so important. That's why the allergy medicine is vital. When congestion sits, it turns into an infection that can snowball into WEEKS of coughing (TERRIBLE for your vocal chords.) At this point you'll need to get aggressive in bringing about healing.

Sadly, hanging out with large circles of friends are not conducive to a ready-to-sing voice. I can't count the times I had to choose between a fun, loud time of laughter with a circle of friends after a church conference, or leading worship. My purpose and calling is to lead worship. If I'm hoarse from chatting late into the night I can't minister as I'm meant to. It's a bummer. But it's a choice. (I've never regretted choosing worship leading.) 

Here's the hardest preservation habit for Apostolics... (And I'm GLAD this is the hardest.)

Choose silence over long-term loud praying. As Pemtecostals this seems like the end of the world. I know of some people who feel like they can't feel God if they're not praying at the top of their voice. And if they can't "feel God," somehow this equates to them not being anointed when they minister. 

This kind of thinking frustrates me to no end. (Hannah's greatest miracle came from a SILENT prayer. There are other examples in scripture showing that quiet can be just as powerful and important as loud.) I'm not proposing that we should only have very quiet prayer meetings and worship services. That's ridiculous. But I am telling you that I can't do what God's called me to do if I am hoarse. And since God uses my VOICE, I must preserve it. 

He will allow me the thrill of screaming and hollering in a prayer meeting. He will meet with me in that setting. But if I've chosen that, I can not ALSO be used of Him to lead hundreds into God's presence via my voice. To presume that one "must" yell and holler in prayer is an extremely undisciplined, faithless, selfish idea. God called the human body to minister. He did not endow that human body with super-human abilities, such as screaming in prayer for an hour, AND leading worship for an hour... Night after night, with a couple of days thrown in. 

I pray loudly. I "amen" the preacher loudly. I intercede and travail with groanings which cannot be uttered. But I don't do it for the length of time as those who are not responsible to lead worship. When the preacher says to shout Hallelujah, all I literally say is a top-of-my-voice, "Hallelujah," without a continued yell that lasts for twenty minutes. I'm obedient. I'm emotional, but I have to pick and choose based on the fact that when the preacher is done, and the audience is back for more, I'm able to lead them yet further.

An example of my habit, in an hour of prayer, (though I've never timed it) I imagine only about twenty minutes of the hour am I loudly using my voice. The rest of the time I keep my voice in a conversational tone, or I make no sound at all and I "mouth" the words. I never whisper prayer as whispering is very damaging to the throat. I definitely have prayer sessions when I'm loud, but I am aware of my voice's limits, and I keep in mind how soon I'll have to use it for worship leading, or speaking.

I've never felt God resist me, or turn me aside, or not meet with me because I was trying to preserve my voice. He's been a faithful, kind friend. He's worked miracles out for me more times than I can count. He's covered me in favor and anointing. Screaming is not always required. 

Hydration is VITAL. Drink whatever you WILL drink. Sugary drinks make my throat feel all gunked up. I drink dairy, but not when I'm about to sing. I do drink coffee with no negative affect on my voice. It's always been helpful to me to sip coffee through rehearsals. You may hear advice that you shouldn't drink coffee. The reason for their warning is because caffeine is a diuretic. The concern is that it causes dehydration. It's never been an issue for me. Possibly because I drink so much water. I've done tea in the past, but I don't like it as much as coffee and water. 

The vocal cords are extremely difficult to rehydrate once they've become dehydrated. Dehydrated vocal cords become hoarse quickly.

Drink. 

Drink. 

Drink. 

Honey coats my throat, giving me that same gunked up feeling sugary drinks give me. So, I don't consume honey close to time to sing.

Speaking of honey... Let's move on to what I do when, despite my best efforts, my voice IS stripped of all its health and goodness; Honey is a natural antiseptic, so it's WONDERFUL for coating the throat.

When my throat is itching, or hoarse I eat honey by the spoonful. Its too strong and rich for me to enjoy. But it's proven very helpful. I sometimes put it in a warm tea. Green tea is my fav. But again, I'm just not as into it as coffee. I also gargle with warm (as hot as I can stand it) salt water. I sometimes gargle peroxide. 

All of these remedies are mostly about keeping the wounds you've caused clean so they can heal as quickly as possible. Keep in mind, however, that if your wound was on the outside of your arm, and you were indeed keeping it clean, and putting medicine on it. But all the while you were also scraping the scab off, and rubbing the wound against abrasive surfaces. Your wound would take twice as long to heal, and you'd cause scaring as well. 

This same idea happens in your throat. Once it's been stripped from overuse, and dehydration, the above remedies are merely keeping it clean. You've got to STOP USING IT in order for the wounds to heal. (As a choir director, this does not mean my choir members should not come up into the loft. They should come up and lead in worship by mouthing soundless words. Unless directed by a doctor that complete voice rest is necessary for many weeks, I want my members in their seat.) 

Healing comes by stillness. I don't mean keeping your whole body still, but keeping your voice still. 

No "projected" talking. 

No whispering. (Whispering is very damaging.)

No coughing. (Take a suppressant, or drink lots of tap water, or warm beverage.) 

No guffawing laughter. (Quiet chuckles will suffice. Sudden explosions to your voice aren't helpful to healing.) 

There is a remedy drink I use in these situations... 

Chicken bouillon in a cup of hot water

A spoon of honey

A sprinkle of cayenne pepper

A dash of tobacco sauce

The capsaicin in the pepper causes blood to rush to the surface. Blood brings healing. 

When you have laryngitis, don't communicate in that common squeaky voice. Lower your speaking voice pitch. For ladies I say that you should speak in a man's voice. For men I suppose it could be described as mimicking James Earl Jones. It takes work and focus to do this, but if you can't isolate yourself with total silence, you should really learn to do this.

Sleep. 

Sleep. 

Sleep. 

Your body repairs itself while you sleep. Choose sleep over watching a movie late into the night. Choose sleep over any activity when you have a choice.

The Differences Between Robitussin, Sudafed, & Mucinex

This is an article by Mental Floss. Very helpful information of we singers. 

I will preface this article by saying we often let an allergic reaction turn into an infection. Everything from hay fever, to Florida pollen, to season changes, (this next is a biggie) to Central AC/heat (the dust mites can ruin us) etc. If you already know which seasons negatively affect your sinuses, TAKE AN ANTIHISTAMINE. I take Claritin or Zyrtec in the day. (The generic forms serve me fine.) I take Benedryl at night. I do not take these every day and every night. (Although I used to take the Benedryl nightly as a sleep aid.) I take these as needed, seasonally. I've found that when I keep congestion from settling, I keep infections at bay. 

And now, enjoy information that will enlighten you for the other meds we use to control congestion after its taken over our lives: 

Contrary to popular belief, antibiotics won’t do anything for a cold or the flu, since they’re caused by viruses and not bacteria. Your best bet is to just treat the symptoms and let it pass through your system. The best way to do that is to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. If that’s not proactive enough for you, cold medicine might be able to help.

There are three major categories of cold medicine: decongestants, cough suppressants, and expectorants. Some of the most popular brands combine two or more of these actions for multi-symptom relief. Look at the bottles before you buy; it’s important to know which mechanism may help your symptoms.

NOTE: If your cough lasts several weeks, you have a fever of 101°F or higher, you’re coughing up thick yellow or green phlegm (or blood), or you’re wheezing, it’s time to put down the Robitussin and call a doctor.

DECONGESTANTS (SUDAFED)

Decongestants work by reducing inflammation in your nose and airways, thus making it easier for you to breathe. 

Good for: Stuffy nose and other congestion in the upper respiratory tract (your face and neck)

Won’t help with: Cough, runny nose

Watch out for: Do not take a decongestant for more than three days. If you do, you might experience a rebound effect, which can make you more congested than you were to begin with.

COUGH SUPPRESSANTS (HALLS, DELSYM, ROBITUSSIN DM)

Cough suppressants work by shutting down your cough reflex. This may seem like a good thing, especially if you’ve been hacking for days, but coughing is your body’s way of trying to get rid of gross stuff in your chest and throat. There’s also very little evidence that cough suppressants actually work (although there’s also little evidence that they don’t work).

Good for: Possibly repressing coughs so you can sleep

Won’t help with: Nasal congestion, actually beating a cold

Watch out for: Many cough suppressants contain an additive called dextromethorphan (the “DM” in Robitussin DM) that can speed up your heart rate. If you’ve had any heart problems or high blood pressure, do not take these drugs before talking to your doctor.

EXPECTORANTS (MUCINEX)

It’s right there in the name: Expectorants help thin the gunk in your body so you can cough it up and spit it out. Drinking water can also help with this.

Good for: A chest full of phlegm

Not great for: Anybody working in close quarters—the results are going to be rather visceral

Watch out for: Like cough suppressants, there’s little evidence that expectorants actually help. Pay attention to your cough. If you feel like the medicine isn’t helping, there’s no reason to keep taking it.

- See more at: http://m.mentalfloss.com/article.php?id=79713#sthash.RW10xrGl.dpuf

Seating As of May, 2016

Understanding both our job, and our benefits is very important.

Our job is to bridge the audience from this painful, burdensome, carnal life into the presence of The King of kings. In our King's presence we are relieved, we are washed, our faith is renewed. If we can simply get the audience to engage in praise, they will hear "The Deep calling the deep," and if they'll wade in ANYTHING is possible. 

Your job is to do your best ministering to God's people. 

The benefits go beyond our first-to-taste position as the leaders into the throne room of God. The benefits extend to choir and music rehearsals. 

We do not have a "best singers on the front row" policy. Your seat assignment is very deliberate. You're there for purpose. I ask that you seek the treasures on either side of you. I put you by people from whom I believe you can learn something of; it could be that I believe each of your testimonies will inspire each other. It may be singing techniques I hope you'll learn. It could be job skills, parenting methods, health encouragement. The treasures within each choir and music member is astounding and I believe we are suppose to utilize the closeness of choir practice to mine out these treasures. 

I may be the only choir director in the world that WANTS their choir to do lots of talking during practice. Obviously, we can't be disruptive to a section working on a piece. And when I call on your section to sing, you'll need to pause the convos until I'm finished teaching or hearing. I may even need to be sharp in my getting of the needed focus, but I do not mean to staunch talking altogether. Outside of my needing you to sing, I want you to use your mouth and encourage your loft-mates, laugh and cry, confess weaknesses and share burdens. Ask questions about where they came from. Share apps, and coupons, and ideas. 

This is not the first time you've had a new seat assignment, and it won't be the last. Why? Because we have much to learn from each other! And we have much compassion to share with each other. We are FELLOW MINISTERS. Treat the person beside you as you imagine pastor behaves toward fellow pulpit ministers. Not every pulpit minister shares the same opinions about clothing brands, or child rearing, or health, or even hygien. And yet, they are respectful of each other. And they ask questions, encourage and inspire each other, beacuse they know each has something to learn from the other. And they know that regardless of differences, the end objective is the same; to see the saved encouraged and equipped, to see the lost get found. 

Have the same respect and consideration for your fellow ministers of music. 

I'm so blessed and thankful to be a part of the music ministry of Souls Harbor.

Here are the seating charts as of 4/09/16. You can also use these charts to see who from "the other choir" may be able to replace you if you'll miss a service in which you're scheduled to sing.

CHOIR ALPHA

CHOIR OMEGA

FULL CHOIR ALTO

FULL CHOIR TENOR

FULL CHOIR SOPRANO