A CHORISTER’S BEATITUDES
by Shirley W. McRae (via Richard Jones)
SOURCE: "Pocket Guide for Church Choir Members," by Kenneth Osbeck
Blessed are the prompt,
for they shall gladden the heart of the director.
Blessed are the enthusiastic,
for they shall move mountains of indifference.
Blessed are the loyal,
for they shall be called the backbone of the choir.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for musical knowledge,
for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall uplift the spirit of the choir.
Blessed are the humble,
for they shall obtain the respect of their fellow choristers.
Blessed are the diligent,
for they shall see great benefits from their labor.
Blessed are the reverent,
for they shall direct the congregation to God.
Blessed are you
when men abuse you and criticize you
and utter all kinds of evils against your falsely
on account of your singing.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward is great in heaven,
for so men criticized the singers who were before you.
From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you.
This is for you all. Be strong in the Lord
Gabriele(from Rome) via [UrbanBlackGospel]SMTP:
MY COMMITMENT AS A CHRISTIAN
I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed.
I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made.
I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure.
I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.
I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded.
I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.
I cannot be bought, deluded, or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed
up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ.
I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me-
MY BANNER WILL BE CLEAR!
[USED] ALONG WITH “WILLING AM I”
From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you.
Choir Enlistment
For those who are campaigning for new choir members, here is a little piece I ran across in my files. It is lighthearted and perhaps appropriate for a banquet or special time. It was written by Rev. James T. Lochridge, Jr. It is sung to the tune “Room at the Cross” by Ira F. Stanphill. – David Parish dparish@ via TCMR Church Music
“THERE’S ROOM IN THE CHOIR FOR YOU”
- The choir is a neat ministry
For the singer who wishes to see
Just who looks great & who comes in late
And who puts an offering into the plate.
Chorus:
There’s room in the choir for you.
There’s room in the choir for you.
Come one and come all.
We’re having a ball.
Yes, there’s room in the choir for you.
- We’ll give you a robe and a seat
And ask you to practice each week,
To sing and play without any pay;
To offer your talent in this tuneful way.
Repeat Chorus.
- We ask you to come sing with us;
Because we are quite serious
About our goal of telling lost souls
The Good News that Jesus can save and make whole.
Repeat Chorus.
GOD BLESS THE CHOIR
(Author and source: Minister of Music John Jarboe, )
Each Wednesday night they come to sing,
Their voices ever higher.
They give their praise in harmony.
God Bless the Choir.
Their Wednesday night prime time is spent
With songs meant to inspire
And touch the congregation.
God bless the Choir.
While others wear their Sunday best,
A robe hides their attire.
But in your eyes, they’re quite the fashion.
God bless the Choir.
And when the final roll is called,
They’ll be far from the fire,
And near to you, still singing strong.
God, enjoy the choir!
AUTHOR’S NOTE: “I’m sending this little poem I’ve written that you may use, trash, stash, or modify to fit your needs, or ignore entirely. I plan to use it as our closing prayer after tomorrow’s rehearsal. As I said, use, refuse, change, rearrange, store it, or ignore it, but if you get a smile from just one choir member, that will suit me just fine. God bless you all.”
John Jarboe.
FROM CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS: # 5
THREE QUESTIONS AT HEAVEN’S GATES
from: Wink Smyth, hymnologist , Augusta, Maine
======
A choir director/organist died and found herself at the Pearly Gates,
where Saint Peter told her that she had to answer three questions before being admitted to Heaven.
The first question was,
“What two days in the week start with the letter T ?”
The church musician thought a bit and replied, “Today and Tomorrow.”
St. Peter was startled by her answer, but went on to the second question. “
“How many seconds are there in a year ?”
After a moment’s hesitation, she answered, “Twelve!.
“Twelve?” exclaimed St Peter, How did you come up with that number?”
“Well, you know, the 2nd of January, the 2nd of February and all that!”
“Okay!, Okay” exclaimed a frustrated St. Peter. “Now the third question.
“What is the Lord’s first name?”
There was a long pause and then she answered confidently, “Andy!”
“Andy?”
“Sure. (singing) Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me . . . .!”
======
FROM CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS:
“A poet must write, an artist must paint, and Musicians must make music
if they are to be at peace within themselves. What we can be, we must be.”
HOWARD SWAN
From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you.
FROM CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS: # 5
THREE QUESTIONS AT HEAVEN’S GATES
from: Wink Smyth, hymnologist , Augusta, Maine
======
A choir director/organist died and found herself at the Pearly Gates,
where Saint Peter told her that she had to answer three questions before being admitted to Heaven.
The first question was,
“What two days in the week start with the letter T ?”
The church musician thought a bit and replied, “Today and Tomorrow.”
St. Peter was startled by her answer, but went on to the second question. “
“How many seconds are there in a year ?”
After a moment’s hesitation, she answered, “Twelve!.
“Twelve?” exclaimed St Peter, How did you come up with that number?”
“Well, you know, the 2nd of January, the 2nd of February and all that!”
“Okay!, Okay” exclaimed a frustrated St. Peter. “Now the third question.
“What is the Lord’s first name?”
There was a long pause and then she answered confidently, “Andy!”
“Andy?”
“Sure. (singing) Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me . . . .!”
======
FROM CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS:
“A poet must write, an artist must paint, and Musicians must make music
if they are to be at peace within themselves. What we can be, we must be.”
HOWARD SWAN
FROM CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS: # 7
Can you give a testimony using Hymn titles?
I was Saved, Saved, Saved
Just As I Am by His
Amazing Grace and
there’s Victory in Jesus through
the Power in the Blood on
the Old Rugged Cross and
I’ll Tell the Good News as
I Surrender All
to My God and King
#14 From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS :.
Perhaps you've seen some of these before but some are new.
OCCUPATIONS, ACCORDING TO THE HYMNAL.
From: (Nobody N Particular) (via Bill’s Punch Line)
Astronaut: "Nearer My God, To Thee"
Baker: "I Need Thee Every Hour"
Barber: "A Parting Hymn We Sing"
Baseball Batter: "Seek Thee First"
Builder: "How Firm A Foundation" and "The Church's One Foundation"
Canoeist: "Flow, River, Flow"
Carpenter: "The Nail Scarred Hand"
Children's Librarian: "We've A Story To Tell"
Chiropractor: "Awake My Soul, Stretch Every Nerve"
Civil Engineer: "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross"
Dentist: "Crown Him With Many Crowns"
Electrician: "O Joyful Light" and "Send The Light"
Fisherman: "Shall We Gather At The River?"
Golfer: "There Is A Green Hill Far Away"
Gossiper: "Pass It On," "It Is No Secret," and "Oh, For A Thousand Tongues"
Historian: "Tell Me The Old, Old Story"
IRS: "All To Thee (I Owe)" and "We Give Thee But Thine Own" and “I Surrender All”
Jogger: "The Path Of Life"
Lifeguard: "Come To The Water"
Long-Distance Trucker: "On The Highways And Byways Of Life"
Mathematician: "10,000 Times 10,000"
Medical Technician: "Revive Us Again"
Mountain Climber: "The Rock That Is Higher Than I"
Newlywed: "I Need Thee Every Hour"
Obstetrician: "He Is Able To Deliver Thee"
Optometrist: "Open My Eyes That I Might See" and "When I Can Read My Title Clear"
Paratrooper: "Now On Land And Sea Descending"
Philosopher: "I Am Thinking Today"
Politician: "Standing On The Promises"
Real Estate Agent: "I've Got A Mansion"
Sailboater: "Deep River"
Sceptic: "Almost Persuaded"
Shopper: "Sweet By And By"
Speech Therapist: "He Never Said A Mumbling Word"
Steeple Builder: "Lift High The Cross"
Stonecutter: "Rock Of Ages"
Switchboard Operator: "There's A Call Comes Ringing"
Tailor: "Holy, Holy, Holy"
Voice Teacher: "Sing Them Over Again To Me"
Watchmaker: "Take Time To Be Holy"
Watchman: "Silent Night"
Weatherman: "There Shall Be Showers Of Blessing"
======BPL======
From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you. #
# 28
ODE TO THE DIRECTOR
At first you thought that you would be,
The greatest singer the world would see.
But then you found it not to be,
As anyone could plainly see.
And then you thought that you must be,
A great conductor, "Yes, that's me."
But that was not to be at all.
Boy, and did the spirits fall.
"How 'bout it, Lord, I'd really plan,
In the biggest church in all the land."
But then the Lord said, "Hold it, man;
Why don't you stop and take my hand,
And let me lead you on the way
I'd have you go, just for this day."
At last you said, "Lord, please forgive.
Show me the way that I should live.
I will not care what time or place,
If I can see your precious face."
Well, my friend, is this your prayer?
To do his will just anywhere?
It does not matter in his call,
If your church is large or small.
If to this point you have survived,
Then it is true - you have arrived!
By David Campbell -for THE CHURCH MUSICIAN
# 40. From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you.
[USED 11/10/10]
Subject: THE ABC OF THANKSGIVING (source unknown)
Sent to Crosby by Corky A. Rice
A lthough things are not perfect
B ecause of trial or pain
C ontinue in thanksgiving
D o not begin to blame
E ven when the times are hard
F ierce winds are bound to blow
G od is forever able
H old on to what you know
I magine life without His love
J oy would cease to be
K eep thanking Him for all the things
L ove imparts to thee
M ove out of "CampComplaining"
N o weapon that is known
O n earth can yield the power
P raise can do alone
Q uit looking at the future
R edeem the time at hand
S tart every day with worship
T o "thank" is a command
U ntil we see Him coming
V ictorious in the sky
W e'll run the race with gratitude
X alting God most high
Y es, there will be good times and yes some will be bad,
but...
Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
> > Psalm 69:30 > "I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving."
# 44 .From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you.
LIFE-SPEED ... The Music Won’t Last
(forwarded e-mail from INSPIRE – source unknown)
Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round
Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down… Don't dance so fast …
Time is short … The music won't last !
Do you run through each day on the fly,
When you ask "How are you?" Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done, do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores running through your head?
You'd better slow down… Don't dance so fast …
Time is short… The music won't last !
Ever told your child, “We'll do it tomorrow”
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, Let a good friendship die
'Cause you never had time to call and say "Hi"?
You'd better slow down … Don't dance so fast …
Time is short… The music won't last !
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift.... Thrown away...
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower,
Hear the music …
Before the song is over!!
From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you . ###
##
PPEPLEASE LISTEN # 48
Author Unknown – from Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul)
(Copyright 1997 by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Kimberly Kirberger)
(taken from Email C:WIN95B\TEMP\10-28-98.html)
When I ask you to listen to me and you start giving me advice,
you have not done what I asked.
When I ask you to listen to me and you begin to tell me why I shouldn’t feel that way,
you are trampling on my feelings.
When I ask you to listen to me and you feel you have to do something to solve my problem,
You have failed me, strange as that may seem.
Listen! All I ask is that you listen.
Don’t talk or do – just hear me.
Advice is cheap; 20 cents will get you both Dear Abby and Billy Graham
in the same newspaper.
And I can do for myself; I am not helpless. Maybe discouraged and faltering,
but not helpless.
When you do something for me that I can and need to do for myself, you contribute to my fear and inadequacy.
But when you accept as a simple fact that I feel what I feel, no matter how irrational, then I can stop trying to convince you and get about this business of understanding what’s behind this irrational feeling. And when that's clear, the answers are obvious and I don'’ need advice. Irrational feelings make sense when we understand what's behind them.
Perhaps that’s why prayer works, sometimes, for some people – because God is mute, and he doesn’t give advice or try to fix things. God just listens and lets you work it out for yourself.
So please listen, and just hear me. And if you want to talk, wait a minute for your turn –
and I will listen to you.
# 49 From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you.
##
Some one sent this to me. Hope you enjoy it and use it to tell others about Jesus as I have done. # 49
TOP TEN REASONS JESUS IS BETTER THAN SANTA CLAUS:
10. Santa lives at the North Pole - Jesus is everywhere.
9. Santa rides in a sleigh - Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.
8. Santa comes but once a year - Jesus is an ever present help.
7. Santa comes down your chimney uninvited - but Jesus stands at your
door and knocks, and then enters your heart.
6. Santa doesn't know your name - Jesus knew your name before you did.
He knows your address, your past, your future, and the number of hairs on
your head.
5. Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly - Jesus has a heart full of love.
4. Santa lets you sit on his lap - Jesus lets you rest in His arms.
3. Santa fills your stockings with goodies - Jesus supplies all your needs.
2. Santa puts gifts under your tree - Jesus became our gift and died on the tree.
1. You have to wait in line to see Santa - Jesus is as close as the mention on His name.
Its obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ back in Christmas. Jesus is still the reason for the season. He is better than Santa Claus.
Jesus is the best Christmas present.
(copied .
David Harbeson
Dearing, GA)
# 50.From CROSBY’S COLLECTION OF CHRISTIAN CLIPPINGS to share with you.