"All the glory be to God!"
Noble-sounding, and simple enough to say, but what does it mean?
What does it mean to me, as a singer?
On the road with AHQ, I am constantly praised, both as part of a group and individually. After the concert on Thursday, a man who had come with a group from a town near Chicago, in the course of our conversation, said "...of course you want all the glory to be to God..."
What does that mean? Does it mean that I shouldn't enjoy being
congratulated? Does it mean that I should sing worse to "keep myself humble"? Should I try to not feel good about myself in the area in which I am being praised?
Naw, those aren't solutions, though the line between feeling good and feeling pride may be a fine one.
On the one hand I find my "Praise the Lord"'s ringing a little hollow at time because something in my heart wants to revel in the praise and believe it all. But on the other hand...well, maybe there is no other hand.
I want to go to the Singing in the Smokies and just tear it up. I want people--professional singers--to tell us that we're something. I want them to say, that little tenor, man, he's great.
But here's what's wrong with that. The motivation. I want glory for myself and not for Him. That's what's wrong. It's not wrong to enjoy praise, but the issue is the ultimate reason for which I sing.
Why, oh why, does one heat up when they sleep? What's worse than waking up hot?
So if you're in the middle of the day, between meals, and someone offers you apples when you're not hungry, are you better off eating them or not?
Why would they call me a little tenor anyway?
posted by Byran @ 6:15 PM
122 comments
122 Comments:
hey!! you have some good pointers there. what a challenge! sometimes i have to wonder why i can't think things up like that to challenge myself in. it is good though i feel that God has brought friends into our life to challenge them in different areas. if you know what i mean. well i had better go and see if i can get in a little nap here after getting to bed after 12. have a good one. Tammy
I don't know. Are you short???
No, I'm not short.
Okay Tom, I'm commenting.... :-) or rather questioning.
Byran, you have actually had people call you a "little tenor" to your face? Or what? :-)
Merry
Oh, and one more thing -- while I was at SMBI the subject of being praised came up and we discussed the angle of God affirming our hearts through other people. If we receive sincere compliments as though they were ultimately from God, we are grateful to Him for how He is working in and thru us as He changes us from glory to glory. It's not about us; it's all about Him. Know what I saying?
Merry
Little means young.
Crystal
I'm young, huh? What about the "little baritone" then? But that probably has something to do with it.
I gotcha Merry. You make a lot of sense, as usual.
Tenor singers are usually pretty predictable. They are either tall and skinny, short and skinny, or just a barrel on legs. There are no in betweens.
There is more diversity in lead singers than any other quartet part. They come in every shape, color and size.
Baritones are usually lacking personality.
Bass singers are never blond.
That sums up your traditional male quartet.
Ag
Ha ha! Wow, Ag, that is impressive! Some new thoughts to me, but a lot of truth in them.
Tom
PS What brought you out of hiding?
Well, come to think of it, no, I guess compared to the Inspirations you're not very young. (Duh!) And I didn't get that little baritone line.
Crystal
Tom, my name was being called.
Tom Again, my name was being called. Sincerely, AG
There is a reason I was in hiding. Who wants to spend time signing in merely to post a comment. That takes too much time.
And also, my world is a whirlwind of late. With work, commitments, and life swirling around me head, I have only had time to breathe when necessary, much less spend alot of time with "The Blog".
Oh, that is funny. Say "The Blog" in your deepest creapiest voice. It's like a bad nightmare. "The Blog is coming to haunt you.....The Blog, The Blog......", AHHHHHH. Innocent children run screaming as I fall into a desperate swoon on the floor. Actually, I better not. Given my current location, I would bring sincere damage to my head. And anymore damage could be beyond detremintal.
You know what. I think I got up to early!
Missed you too Tommy. ha, ha. I love to call you that. I have a feeling you might slap my face if I called you that to your face. But it's so appropriate. It puts a compelling, teddy bear sound to your face. Isn't that what you always dreamt about?
As always,
Ag
Motivation: Here's an old Wendy & Mary selection that addresses the issue.
If I could love You better alone than "together"
Then give me solitude.
If I could love You better by becoming a beggar
Then remove my coat and shoes.
If I could see You clearly through the most humble
Then bring me, Lord, to my knees
If I could love You better in stormy weather
Then let it rain on me.
If I could love You better without a song I'd rather
You'd take it, Lord, and change my heart.
But if you see me on stage singing
Then give me a word I may impart....
"Kyrie eleison."
Merry
Detremintal? Ha, that sounds like a new brand of toothpast. See, I don't even have time to proof-read. Actually, I never have time to proof-read. I make sure I DON'T have time to proof-read. Proof-reading is a waste of valuable time. (Oooh, this will be good.....I can hear the response on this already. I do love a colorful discussion.)
Anyhow, "dreamt" is a part of my vocabulary. It SHOULD be a word! Webster just passed on before he got it it.
Sorry Merry, you posted such a sweet blog, and I go and blow it. You are a dear! Your halo shines, mine is in dire need of polishing.
Ag
Ag, you come on the scene and stir things up and get people to popping out of the woodwork.
Who are Wendy and Mary?
What kind of work do you do Ag?
You can call me Tommy, I don't care. But I already AM like a big teddy bear! Isn't that right people! You don't need to try to create an illusion, it's reality!
Tom
Ag, whoever you are, I love your spice! Don't apologize for it.
Tom, yes I'm still immensely curious about Ag's identity, but I'm always curious about something or other that I can't necessarily get to the bottom of.
And about you being a "teddy bear." Yes, that you are. I'm thinking of offering you an honorary membership into my bear collection. :-)
Byran, Wendy & Mary produced some cool stuff when I was 15ish, or there abouts, which sort of dates me. :-)
I love their style. It was in some ways a precursor of present-day Celtic music or something. Their stuff tends to have more mystical overtones and be thought-provoking and melancholy-ish.
Merry
Very melancholy - ish
Oh great! Another curiosity. So who else is familiar with Wendy & Mary?
Merry
You cant guess
btw that was supposed to have a question mark on the end.
Wow, you people go to town! Ya'll are great. (I love hear people say "ya'll", it's so friendly...)
As to you, my teddy bear Tommy, (oooh, that is so syrupy it produces instant cavities), my work is rather diverse at the moment, and totally unfulfilling. But I am trying to do the whole grow-where-you-are-planted thing, and pray all the while to be transplanted.
Merry, you are so sweet that I'll tell you who I am sometime. We sort of know each other, in passing. The rest of you probably wouldn't know me anyway, so nobody cares....!
Ag
Hmm, you really told me absolutely nothing about your work! That was not an answer.
Well I'd say we know you from the comments, one of these days we're going to have to learn your name!
Tom
Maybe it's Ag we should gang up on, and pelt her with questions that threaten her Agnieszka-ness.
Crystal
Bring it on sister!
Ag
I've already started, and she's ignored my question twice!
In addition to impuning my considerable abilities in the kitchen!
Tom
Crys, I like your idea, but I don't think it's at all practical. How are you going to get any info from a person like Ag when your only connection with her/it (grin) is this blog? Not that I would ever doubt your creativity or anything, but honestly......
Tom, perhaps you'd better join forces with her and see what y'all can come up with. (Ag, did you notice I used y'all?) :-)
Merry
Ag, I'm sure I don't know you, but I still care who you are, and I would love to know... Lauren
First of all, ask me anything. I'll be as honest as I allow myself to be. Oh, that's funny!
And Tom, YOU PEOPLE ARE OUT OF CONTROL. I CAN'T KEEP UP!
You have to ask me all over again, because there is so much going on in the famous by-log that I'm getting WAY behind!
So, try again.
Ag
And Merry, I am definitely of the feminine gender. Me is a she!
Ag
Well, I'm glad you allowed yourself to answer that question.
Merry
Sure, anytime. So what else would you like to know.
Ag
Merry, it all comes down to whether she's going to be honest or not. If she's not going to be honest and open, forget it. But if she is, we could pin her down (at least get close) pretty fast with yes and no questions. I didn't play Bible Congress at school all those years for nothing.
Crystal
Hey, go for it. This sounds like fun ;-). And, Ag, I was/am basically unknown to all but Crystal, yet I sacrificially my identity be known; twas seemingly not detre... (let's see here. Ah, yes!) mintal (hee hee). I'm afraid it was primarily due to slothfulness on my part since I've a blogger identity and it logs in automatically.
You see I don't proof read my posts very well either..
Okay girls, the game is one. Come on out and give me your best shot! I take you up on the yes and no questions.
Ag
Good gravy By. Is this a comment record? The By-log has officially rebounded! Some (very few) of us (ok, one of us) never did leave your side though.
Ag, for the who-knows-how-manyith time, what is your job, where do you work?
Tom
Okay Tom, yawn ahead of time. I am in the midst of praying for a transition, but I currently am employed on a farm, I am a nanny, and I clean houses. Oh fun. Actually, it's all in what you make of it. I do love the nanny part!! Kids help keep my perspective fresh and my vision alive! There are other things that I DO, but as far as work is concerned that covers it.
Ag
What kind of farm, what do you do?
Tom the Former Farmer
OOOOH! Were you really a farmer. You give me hope! Actually, I work for my father on his dairy farm, and it is so totally NOT my passion! It's sort of complicated, but I feel chained to my present situation, I feel as though I am suffocating. I need to breathe! I love to breathe! I understand the entire "waiting on the Lord" thing, but I am afraid that over time, I am becoming complacent and losing my vision and focus! That is a dangerous place to be!
Ag
Hmmm..... interesting. You are doing well, Ag.
Merry
Ag,if it gives any comfort, I'm a present farmer. Tom the former, I the present.
Merry,
I don't feel like I am doing well! I cling desperately to the Lord and pray with all my heart that I won't lose vision! It is so extremely hard! Facing each day is a chore for me! I try to ignore it. I try to ignore the pain. I try to ignore the frustration. But it is always stalking me!
In a sense I have to ignore it! Because if I don't, it bogs me down! I walk away from what I am feeling because I want to LIVE! And so I laugh, I love, I live as much as I can! I don't think God ever intended for me to go through life with a ball and chain dragging behind me. I was born to dance! I want to LIVE life, not just survive it! And sometimes for me that means to look for laughter above the tears. To seek joy above the sorrow! Because there is laughter, there is joy, there is LIFE even when my world is falling apart all around me! The life, the laughter, the joy, it's called Jesus. And He is my strength and my song!
Ag
Where do you live?
SY
'kay, here goes some yes and no's, Ag:
1) Live in Ohio or Penna?
2) Have you heard CROSS sing in person?
3) If yes, was it at your home church?
4) Are you in your mid 20's?
5) Are you a Mennonite?
6) Are you the oldest in your family?
7) Is your last name...umm...Martin, or Miller, or Yoder?
8) Does your name end with the ever-famous "a"?
Start with that.
Crystal
Ag dear,
Dare to embrace what you have been given. Life is not so much what we live through as how we live through it. I do not say this lightly. If we dare to grieve fully the imperfection in which we live since the fall, we will find the ability to rejoice fully in the redemption Christ is working out in us and in those we love changing us from glory to glory. The very part of our hearts that causes us to feel grief also is the part that allows us to feel joy. If/when we try to shut down that part of our heart, we cut ourselves off from having the abundant life -- the joy unspeakable and full of glory that our Perfect Father has promised us through our Perfect Lover, Jesus. If you want to correspond more fully about this, my email is yoderme@nva.choicebooks.org.
I pray God affirms your heart in ways that sweep you off your feet. He created you to dance with Him.
Love and Prayers,
Merry
Ag, your cousin is Byron. Byron Miller from SC?
Crystal
Oooooo...the hound is on the scent. Miss Ag, where art thou? Your name's bein' called again. :-)
Answering away!
1) Live in Ohio or Penna?
PA
2) Have you heard CROSS sing in person?
Yes
3) If yes, was it at your home church?
No
4) Are you in your mid 20's?
No
5) Are you a Mennonite?
Yes
6) Are you the oldest in your family?
No
7) Is your last name...umm...Martin, or Miller, or Yoder?
No
8) Does your name end with the ever-famous "a"?
Yes
And also, "No" to the Byron question.
Ag
Merry,
I'll e-mail you soon! THANK YOU! May the Lord shower blessing upon you for your caring heart!
Ag
Ag,
Some more Questions
(1) Are you in your twenties at all?
(2) Do you have four or more siblings?
(3) Was CROSS wihin a 30 mile radius of your home church?
(4) Does your last name start with an M or B ?
(1) Are you in your twenties at all?
Yes
(2) Do you have four or more siblings?
Yes
(3) Was CROSS wihin a 30 mile radius of your home church?
Okay, they were at my church. I wasn't there.
(4) Does your last name start with an M or B ?
B
Merry, which churches in PA has CROSS sung at?
Ag, 1) does your name start with a vowel?
2) Are you from Life Ministries church?
3) Do you go to singles' retreats?
4) Do you live with your parents?
5) Are you taller than 5'3"?
6) Have you heard AHQ in person?
7) Are you an aunt?
8) If we'd meet you in person, would we tend to think you're more bubbly/outgoing or contemplative/quiet?
Crystal
Breneman? Brubaker? Burkholder?
Crystal
Ag, 1) does your name start with a vowel?
HA, I'm not buying this one Crystal. Sorry, no answer.
2) Are you from Life Ministries church?
No
3) Do you go to singles' retreats?
NO!
4) Do you live with your parents?
Yes
5) Are you taller than 5'3"?
Yes
6) Have you heard AHQ in person?
Yes
7) Are you an aunt?
Yes, and Heaven is missing some angels! I have them!
8) If we'd meet you in person, would we tend to think you're more bubbly/outgoing or contemplative/quiet?
Bubbly/outgoing definitely. When you get to know me, you would realize that I am actually fairly contemplative/quite/calm.
Ag
Breneman? Brubaker? Burkholder?
No
Ag
1) Did AHQ sing at your church?
2) Are you taller than 5'5"?
3) Have you been to Bible School anywhere?
4) SMBI? Heritage?
5) Are you a Beachy (Menn.)?
6) Is your last name Beachy? or Byler? or Beiler?
7) Is your name Anna?
8) Do you know any Good's from Virginia?
Crystal
Oh, I forgot to warn you, I made an executive decision! These are the last set of questions that I will answer.:) And, I'll answer half of them and then, the show is closed.
1) Did AHQ sing at your church?
Yes
2) Are you taller than 5'5"?
No
3) Have you been to Bible School anywhere?
Yes
4) SMBI? Heritage?
No
5) Are you a Beachy (Menn.)?
6) Is your last name Beachy? or Byler? or Beiler?
7) Is your name Anna?
No
8) Do you know any Good's from Virginia?
No
Okay, question and answer time is over. Oh, I did answer more than half. So sorry. It's been nice playing........
Farewell,
Ag
See, we're getting too close for comfort, guys.
Crystal
Ag, you're cheating! No Fair!! You said you would answer any yes and no questions we sent your direction.
Crystal,
I agree that we must be getting too close for her comfort.
Once again, my dears, things that make us say, "Hmm..."
Merry
Byran, did you have ANY idea this might happen? :-)
Merry
Crystal, oh Crystal, you call me a cheater? Oh, I am mortally wounded. No, I am not a cheater. I have been fair, forth-right, and honest. However, the time has come to close the book. I do so with a dramatic flourish!
As always,
Ag
Look again, that wasn't me that called you a cheater. I think it was Tom.
Crystal
Thomas, how could you? Are you trying to sever the ties of our friendship? Are you trying to break the bonds of loyalty?
HEY! How do I KNOW it was Tom? Ah, perhaps my loyalty is under scrutnity. Perhaps he is being framed.
How shall I ever know?
Ag
It wasn't Tom and it wasnt Crystal and it wasn't anyone who usually signs their name. I apologize for calling you a cheater.
Well, wouldn't you know.... Looks like this is bringing even more readers out of the "woodwork."
Interesting...
Merry
Okay Anon, apology accepted. I have wiped away the tears of intense agony that coursed in turbulent rivults down the contours of my face.
Merry, do you ever get mental pictures? I was overcome in hysteria when I suddenly got the mental picture of people "popping out of the woodwork".
Okay, well, I thought it was funny.
Ag
I was indeed framed by one of the many anon commenters on By's blog.
He is such a kind man. I think I would make a rule that no one could post anon on my blog. I also think that if I had a blog I would try to say a lot of outrageous stuff just to stir people up. That sounds like fun.
Never doubt the teddy bear Ag! I forgive you for almost thinking about wondering if it was me.
Speaking of which, last night we went out to eat with my sister and the GE Team her and Kev are with (speaking of which, they finished up the vocals in the studio yesterday on their first recording). I don't remember why, but somewhere along the line Jewel said that I was just a big teddy bear. I laughed and asked her if she had been reading the By-log and she hadn't!
See!!
Tom
THE TRUTH COMES OUT!
1. Tom would never be disloyal to me and....
2. Tom gets the "Biggest Teddy Bear of the Century" award. (And that actually IS a complement.)
Anyhow, to you Tommy, if you HAD a blog, and if you would NOT permit anonymous comments, I would have to sever the ties of loyalty that bind us. For alas, I fear that my name, oh my name, that name of mine, behold the name, that wonderful name that I call my own, must remain a mystery. So, I would read your blog, as a Christian friend, and then I would leave your blog, and neither of us would ever know how much we blessed each other. What a sad commentary! Your blog would be a complete, utter, and ridiculous flop. Sigh!
Ag
Word pictures are good.... :-) :-)
Merry
Tom if you didnt allow anonymous comments just think of all the hilarities you would miss out on.
But Ag, I don't get it! You don't post anon, you post Ag! That's your name! We would both still be blessed!
Tom
Oh but I am a simple-minded fool! I am anon no longer!I shrugged that off along time ago. I have been given a new name. I am SOMEBODY. Okay, Thomas, we are SET! You blog, I comment. Hey, I love it already!
I love your mind. You absolutely crack me up. You are genuinely funny. Okay, that DOES make sense! Some people TRY to be funny. And that is so totally lame. I call it plastic humor! It is a poor attempt at the real thing. But, hey, that's only me, and I'm weird, which is probably why you ammuse me. Because I'm weird, other weird people humor me. Weird is good.
And........I think I'm rambling.......so, I'll zip.
Ag
Do you think by any chance that we'll make it to the 100 comments mark yet? :-)
Ag, I'm waiting for that email.
Crys, I wouldn't dream of posting my observations of you-- great or small-- well, maybe small if I knew it was no big deal.
Merry
Hey, Pooh, can't wait till October.
Your Piglet
Oh, that is SYRUP!
Merry, as soon as I have time!
AG
Well Ag, syrup or not, it sure is fun. :-)
Piglet, I know what you're sayin'....
Ag, I'm sure you must be as busy as me what with the farm and kids and houses.....my, my! give me music any day.
Merry
To some, Merry, the choice is not given!
I know. A day or so after I posted, it struck me how thoughtless a comment it was. And perhaps I was hoping for a little reaction. :-) See, my halo has some interesting quirks. :-)
Rest assured, I did not mean to be callous (sp?). I'm just praying God will reveal how BIG He is to you.
Wishing you every good and perfect gift and the humility to receive it.
Merry
Merry, what is it in us? What drives us to say things that we know will get a rise out of people. I am SO much like that! I have such a big mouth it's unbelievable! Some times it's okay, I do love a colorful conversation, but there are certain people that I feel like I HAVE to make those unecessary comments to. And I am good at it. (And that is a bad thing) I will say something in a joking manner that I totally mean. They hear the humor inflected in the comment, I "feel better" because I said what I felt. I cover a genuinly snide remark.
There is one person especially in my life right now that makes me tear my hair out! I usually can get along with anyone without much problem and not many people get under my skin, but this guy.....OH, it's just terrible. He seems to have the mentality that because he's a male and I am a female, that I have to submit to him. Oh, that doesn't go over well. I always feel like he is trying to lord over me, and oh but I prickle! And so, I find myself making my little comments that slap his face without him ever finding out.
He was getting under my skin so badly it drove me nuts to breathe the same air as he did, well, that is a slight exageration, but you get the picture. Suddenly I realized that I am letting him control me, which is exactly what he wants. Not in the way he wants, but still, I let him control me by letting him constantly infuriate me and get under my skin. That and the whole love thing have been changing my attitude toward him.
The point is, my ever big mouth. Why do I think I need to straighten people up? Why do I have that niggling desire to put those over-confident, self-assured, and otherwise annoying people in their place?
Sigh! Have I ever mentioned that I AM a work in progress! But we all are. I was feeling frustrated the other day with my desperate immaturity, and was reminded again that God works with us exactly where we are at! What an awesome God He is!
Ag
Thanks for being honest.... for sharing your heart.... for giving us a window into your life.... that resonates with me as few things do.
Dear Ag, I wish you'd email.
Until then,
Merry
AHHH! I did e-mail. I take it didn't go through. Well, I'll try again. Probably for the best because when I e-mailed my thoughts were VERY scattered.
It's not that difficult for me to be honest, I however, have the problem of being TOO honest. That mixed with the fact that I haven't learned to keep my mouth shut is a dangerous combo.
Ag
Ag, does it give you courage to know that I, as well as anybody else who reads this blog, happen to be a work in progress? And be think of this: it's so much better to be (as I) a pathetic little work that's growing better, than a once great masterpiece of God's grace growing filthy and dull and decrepit. Thanks be to God for the work of his grace.
I always have to think of the song written by Joel Hemphill. It's such a simple song, but it always helps me better accept myself where I am, but continuously strive for improvement.
No I'm not perfect, just forgiven
Haven't yet arrived, but I'm on my way
Since Jesus found me and forgave me
Can't say I'm perfect
Glad to say I'm saved
Ag
Folks, if we keep this up we might reach the 100 comments mark yet. :-)
Darin, I like your perspective. I agree. It's not so much where we are as what direction we're moving.
Ag, make certain you have this address:
yoderme@nva.choicebooks.org.
Merry
Hey, I think we deserve some special reward marking out outstanding achievement!
Merry, I'll get to you soon.
Ag
Farewell my new friends. The time has come. You all are great!
Merry, I'll talk to you someday! Maybe we can do lunch inside the pearly gates or something.
Tom, let's say we start a burger joint with ole St. Peter. I always say if I can't do it here, I'll do it there.
Crystal, the game was fun.
Love to you all!
Ag
What's happening? I'm not following. You're leaving the by-log for good, or you're just leaving this column, or what? And why, pray tell? If we've figured out who you are, we at least haven't exposed you, so what's up? And actually, I feel sorta sorry for you, cause I bet you're scared that people will like Ag better than they'll like you...
Crystal
Ag, where are you? I'm praying for the "real" you.
Merry
Dolls, I am not actually as troubled as I may sound. I'm not concerned that you wouldn't like the real me. In fact, you would probably love me as I love you. (And doesn't that sound inflated. :) )You have seen the real me, only without a name. You have accepted me. You have become my friends. And your acceptance to me as Ag, is the same as your acceptance to me as I really am. It's been fun, but I just need to withdraw. It's sort of amazingly complicated.
Merry, I will e-mail you. I tried again last night, and it didn't go through again. I still think modern technology stinks! Thank you for your prayers! You know, we all like to think we are fine alone and don't need anybody. We like to pretend that we can handle life solo. The truth is, we can't. As hard as it may be to admit at times, we need each other! We need people to walk along side of us and lift us up. We are stronger together!
You're my brother, you're my sister
So take me by the hand
Together we will work until He comes
There's no foe that can defeat us
When we're walking side by side
As long as there is love
We will stand
Love you all!
Ag
Ag,
You are going to have me crying soon. I know this may sound wierd but I feel as though I am losing something precious at the thought of not coming on to this site and being able to read your many witty and wise comments. I hope that you will keep coming back, if only now and again.
Oh man, your're making me cry! I already miss you guys! Maybe I'll be back. I don't even "know" alot of you, but you are such dear friends!
Ag
Being a man, I have not the slightest clue what has started going on in here. Yet nonetheless, I boldly step forward where any other man would tremble to tread and dare to offer a post! Because I want to see the comment counter hit those golden triple digits! Yes!
Tom
PS Ag, that song you quoted three posts back, I love who-sang-that trivia. I can hear the song in my head and it is Russ Taff, was that solo days or Imperial days? I'm thinking solo.
Looks like if we keep talking to her, she stays.
And looks like we might actually hit the 100 mark here soon.
Crystal
Ha, Crystal. You just know if you keep talking to me, it's humanly impossible for me to shut up.
Tom, you are so brave. You jump into the middle of a "girl moment" with both feet and a nonchalant smile. The song was written by Russ and Tori Taff, however, I really don't know about the solo part.
Ag
Yeah, I'm pretty sure he sang it during his CCM solo days. It used to be played on CCM radio a lot, in the old days. Back when there was decent CCM to play.
Tom
Well, Miss Ag, :-)
Glad you haven't left for good, 'cause I'd miss your input like crazy.
Tom, you ARE brave, and I truly appreciate it.
Piglet, loved the three and a half hour chat with you yesterday. I keep thinking about the part of our discussion that centered on the by-log and how wonderful it would be to meet everyone face-to-face. Bring on heaven!!
...and folks, comment 100 is just around the corner.
Merry
That'll be me!! We did it!
Crystal
I always have to push things over the edge. Who wants to sit on the 100 mark. 101 has so much more color, so much more character. It's so much more dramatic. And I feel a degree of satisfaction to send us swarming down the other side of 100.
Ag
All weekend I watched with increasing dismay this comment count just sit at 98. I was the last post, so I couldn't be next! I didn't want to cheat and get 100 that way, just for the sake of hitting triple digits. I was thinking I was going to have to pull some strings backstage, but I didn't have to. Thanks for coming through!
Tom
What a riot!!
So glad we could come thru for you, Tom. It might have happened sooner if I hadn't needed to sing at a wedding on Eastern Shore. That took half of Friday and the rest of the weekend.
Questions: Are weddings as we do them everything they're cooked up to be?
Oops! Sorry, that was me, Merry....
What aspects of a wedding are you referring to, Merry? I'm not trying to challenge your opinion either way, I'm just curious.
I think it would be interesting to hear Ag answer that question Merry, as she usually has such good thoughts to your questions.
Good question, Darin. Allow me to formulate that a little better -- communicate what I am saying and feeling both.
Meanwhile, Miss Ag, fire away....if you so desire.
Oh yes, haste makes waste. That would be me again.
Merry
Weddings. Ah, I love weddings. I think they are so much fun. I'm not sure exactly where Merry is coming from, so I'll take a blind shot in the dark.
Every culture has it's own way of doing things. We are, in a sense, controlled or bound by the culture that surrounds us, weddings being no exception. So alot of what we do or do not do at weddings involves the culture in which we are a part of.
Some, however, have blasted weddings out far beyond what they are ever "worth". For instance, my mother was conversing with a man who's daughter had gotten married a year or so earlier. He was still paying for the wedding and she was already getting a divorce.
I have been to a few weddings where you would have thought you were just in a normal church service. I'll tell you why I don't like that. Weddings are a time of celebration! It is a time of celebrating two lives joining together. It's not a Sunday morning service!
Weddings, in a Christian sense, I believe SHOULD BE a time of celebration! The perfect wedding is of course exemplified in Scripture. We the bride, Christ the bridegroom. When He returns to claim His bride, Honey, there's going to be music, there's going to be trumpets blasting, there's going to be shouting, there's going to be a celebration beyond what we can ever comprehend. I think if someone is truly looking for the proper balance for their wedding, all they need to do is take a look at the picture that is painted for us.
Whip out the trumpets Baby!
Ag
Ag, what a beautiful thought.
I think what frustrates me most is that there are so many to attend and so many that are just weddings for the sake of being weddings. In other words, it seems to be more of a form than a truly monumental moment that engages one's imagination and lifts those in attendance into a place where they glimpse eternity and the Eternal Lover. There is often such a focus on details which in the light of eternity have little or no meaning that the Big Story is clouded. Okay, I know I'm being very general here, but after you've been coordinator for so many and seen so much, you come to the point where you're like, "Oh, blah...another wedding....let's just elope." :-)
Ag, my friend, I really like your perspective and I couldn't agree more. Bring on the trumpets, but can we also bring on a bigger picture of God?
Merry
I just noticed that Merry is the proud donor of comment number eleveny-one. For what ever that was worth.
So what you're saying is that in weddings we need to have more focus on God? I couldn't agree more. A more pure, holy, glor