Brenda’s Blog – November 15, 2016

“Playing the small notes is optional.”

As I prepared to play at a local church service I went through a number of piano hymn arrangements. For me this is like trying on clothes. I go through dozens of pieces until one “just feels right.”

The one I selected had the right balance of dynamics, technical requirements, and emotional impact. One of the attractive elements for the chosen arrangement was the “accessories.” The melody was enhanced by runs of notes which added brilliance without losing the melody (and the hearer) in the weeds of excessive flash.

There is a fine balance between raising the emotional level through exciting bursts of runs and overwhelming the melody and message. Some arrangers think more is more and create a work that looks like a woman who totally overdoes makeup and accessories.
In life we have opportunities to create impact with the way we communicate with others. Some choose to pour on the style, putting the message in the shadows. “What did they say?” is usually the response. Others avoid any enhancement and beat the basic subject to death. “Where is the back door?” is usually the response.

We have the option of adding the zest. But it is up to us to understand how best to use gestures, phrases, humor, and eye contact as a means of moving the message, not overshadowing it. Musicians (instrumental or vocal) know when to go for the big finish and when to leave well enough alone.

Appropriateness is the critical element. Having the ability to understand each situation and judge what needs to be added or deleted is the sign of maturity. Just because you can play the small notes doesn’t mean you are required to. Just because you are verbally nimble doesn’t mean you have to use every technique at your disposal.

When we communicate whether in music, writing, or speaking we must always remember as Dad liked to say: “Speak (write, play) to express, not impress.”

Brenda’s Blog – November 1, 2016

“What has become clearer since last we met?”

Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were friends who enjoyed their conversations. With no email, phone, text, or SKYPE, they depended upon their face to face times. Therefore, when they saw each other one would ask the other: “What has become clearer since last we met?”

I told this story to a good friend I don’t see often. Recently, she came to my house and upon sitting down smiled and said, “What has become clearer?”

This presupposes intentional thought, contemplation, and growth, doesn’t it? This assumes the conversations prompted mental activity.

But this has a broader application. How about periodic personal reflection? How about a catalog of categories which require consideration? For example: financial, physical, educational, spiritual, and relational areas of one’s life? Shouldn’t we be able to sit down quarterly or certainly annually and point to clarification?

Maturity demands clarity. Muddling through with little or no understanding creates pygmies. To see is promised by Paul in the first letter to the Corinthians. He tells us we see partially as through wavy glass, but one day it will indeed be clear – it will be face to face.

Our Lord Jesus healed a blind man. When he was interrogated by the Pharisees he had a simple answer: “All I know is that once I was blind and now I see.” Shouldn’t we be able to identify some blind spots in ourselves and rejoice when clarity occurs?

Don’t be surprised if we meet and you are asked “What has become clearer?”

Brenda’s Blog – October 18, 2016

“Each student is required to have an emergency storm plan.”

As Dr. Bill Fleming, President of Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, FL, and I talked about the predicted landfall of Hurricane Matthew, he mentioned their mandatory preparedness. “We have never had to use the plans, but we know each student, faculty and staff member understands what steps to take – and have them written down.”

Matthew stayed off-shore and did minimal damage to PBA. For that we are grateful. But had it come ashore, they were ready to react safely.

Don’t we all have potential storms looming? Career changes, relationship shifts, health issues, geographical moves, spiritual temptations, emotional distress… all these come with high winds and rainy days. Some hit us with little notice, while others are predictable and we see the patterns forming.

How do we prepare? Here are just a few ideas: 1) Learn to read the cues and clues; 2) play the what if game to understand options; 3) understand personal strengths and weaknesses; 4) build a support network of wise counselors for each area of potential change; 5) seek the Lord’s face each day, readying your heart for whatever He brings; 6) believe that you will come through and 7) as my Dad always said to me, “Never lose the good of a bad experience.”

Dr. Fleming emphasized that these plans prepare the members of the PBA community with an exit strategy. Scripture tells us that our God’s hand is always on us and whatever storms of temptation beset us, He provides a way of escape. He promises He will “never leave us nor forsake us.” Leaning on Him must be the foundation of any preparation.

Stormy weather is inevitable. But an action plan allows us to operate with purpose and poise. And, the opportunity to encourage others in their storms is a benefit. “How did you do it?” is a question which will open doors for conversations and sharing of enduring truths.

Brenda’s Blog – October 4, 2016

“Come home – we miss you”

Driving down the highway, I glanced at the face on the billboard, read the message, and thought of those who installed it. The date under the picture indicated this man disappeared 15 years ago. Who was he? Why did he leave? Is he still alive? Would he ever see the invitation?

This man and those who love him were still on my mind when I pulled into a restaurant for a quick bite. It was late and the room was nearly empty. At the back snuggled in a booth, a young couple ate. They looked rough and I assumed they belonged to the motorcycle parked by the front door. In the next booth an old man sat beside his suitcase, counting out a few dollars. Caught up in my own musings, I didn’t even wonder about him. Then I heard the young man ask, “Are you traveling?” The old man told of trying to get home and not having enough money to stay overnight before “hitting the road.”

My cynical self muttered inaudibly, but immediately, the young man and woman got up. Not to leave, but to go get change for a $100 bill. Without any notice, he came back, counted out some bills and said, “Find a place to stay tonight, get something to eat, and then get home.” The young woman asked him about himself and engaged him as a person. They shook his hand, gave him their names, and slipped out.

Yes, they were on the bright yellow cycle. But they weren’t aimless – they had great purpose: doing good. It crossed my mind that perhaps two angels got a cool assignment that night – riding a bike and helping a very old man get through another night, and hopefully, home.

The old hymn says, “Come home, come home – you who are weary, come home.” I hope that man on the billboard makes it home. And I hope the old man with his suitcase gets to walk through his front door, received by those who love him.

Do you need to go home? What is stopping you? Do you need to tell someone they are welcome? Do it now.

Brenda’s Blog – September 20, 2016

“Ah, look at that hot air balloon! Such wonder; such amazement”

The head of a national bakery expressed sheer delight as he watched the ascension of the balloon. He could not keep his eyes from staring at the quiet beauty of the rising balloon. Who was this man? The head of a company which produced commercial baked goods. What was the result? A bread product known as Wonder Bread. The original packaging carried a hot air balloon icon and featured the colors of the balloon which fascinated him. A visual experience translated into a marketing message.

Where is the wonder in your life? What takes away your breath? What gives you the moment of overwhelming awe? What births unfathomable joy?

Dear friends have recently moved to the mountains of Eastern Tennessee. She told me, “I come over a rise and I am literally awe-struck. I hope I never take it for granted and get used to the view.”

When we lose the enthusiasm of wonder our balloons deflate. And who wants to live with a limp, deflated canopy?

On clear nights I stand outside and look straight up. Without city lights (or even country lights) the stars begin breaking into my vision. If I stand long enough I find myself exhaling with sheer respect and joy. Scripture tells us God has a name for each star. And He knows us by name – that inspires wonder, doesn’t it?

My challenge to each of us is to stop daily and reverently recognize the majesty of life (even in the mundane activities). There is music in the rhythm of our breathing; in the beating of our hearts; and the pulsing of circulatory system.

Let’s look for those moments of glorious gasps when we stop and momentarily transcend, traveling just a bit into the wonder-ful.

Brenda’s Blog – September 6, 2016

“Battery is low – 10% remaining – plug in now or find alternate power source.”

I play a game with my laptop – seeing which of us will run out of steam first! Being free of the power cord gives me more working environment choices, but requires me to take on the risk of power failure. When the warning comes up, I rush to gather my thoughts, get them typed, and saved.

My laptop is smarter than I for it knows when to stop. I often think how wise it would be to have a personal warning system. And how profitable it would be to have a 10% light so I don’t run on empty. Oh, to listen to my mind and body!

What are the questions to ask?

1) How is my personal operating system functioning?
2) How do I take readings on my individual battery power?
3) What causes me to push past reasonable limits?
4) Where is my ego out of whack?
5) What are the energy drains in my life?
6) How can I better allocate my energy resources for maximum productivity?
7) What fuels me? Where is my joy?
8) How well am I handling stressful situations?
9) What is my relationship to others? To God?
10) How can I install an early warning system to deter burnout?

Recently I encountered the BSOD… the dreaded Blue Screen of Death. Nothing worked and I spent the rest of the day with a technician named Joe who undoubtedly lived in Fiji! Dollars and hours later my laptop reigned victorious. I do not want to experience a physical, mental, and spiritual BSOD, so I am following the old railroad adage: “Stop, Look, and Listen” and plan to fill up my tank more frequently.

Brenda’s Blog – August 23, 2016

“When in work zones, expect the unexpected.”

The Tennessee digital warning signs caught my attention as I drove. Then they made me laugh. My kids roll their eyes when they see the “that’ll preach” look come across my face.

But think about it – when we are growing, stretching, and changing, unexpected things happen. In other words, when we are moving from one phase, level, or season we are in the midst of work. Sometimes we are working on ourselves, and quite frequently God is working on us.

A sweet friend is going through a painful life transition. She is valiantly trying to live in “day-tight compartments” as my Dad used to counsel me, but she (like the rest of us) looks out wondering how to continue living out her purpose. Christians typically seek to identify ways of effectively serving Jesus and others. We often feel certain of our giftedness and spend years living out what we see as our calling. Then WHAM! We enter a work zone and the unexpected occurs.

What gets us through the road work on the highways? After dealing with frustration because schedules are awry, and “best times ever from A to B” are abandoned, a healthy person accepts the situation and focuses on being alert. The same is true of life changes. We kick and scream just to assert our sovereignty and assumed control. Then we understand we can do it smoothly or roughly, but we will do it! Those who follow Jesus know our triune God is the only one in control and nothing thwarts His plans – NOTHING!

Work zones can be dangerous. But they are also promises of better conditions. Are you in a work zone right now? Are you moving through an unexpected patch? YAY for you! You are transitioning to a place of refinement, repair, and rejuvenation. (Hey, I am the granddaughter of a Baptist preacher and love three-part alliteration!) Prepare your heart and mind, seeing the value of what it is… a work zone.

Brenda’s Blog – August 9, 2016

“Gram, do you know what a champion is?”

My little grandson looked at me in all seriousness and asked that question. We were having a day out and walking around our favorite shopping center. The sculpture cried out for young, adventurous climbers. He attempted the ascent but failed – again and again. “Do you want me to lift you up?” I asked.

That is when he looked at me with his little earnest eyes and asked the penetrating question. “Well, if I let you lift me up I won’t make it to the top and I won’t be a champion.”

During this Olympic season we all see the fruit of sacrificial training which prepares the athletes to stand atop the winners’ stand. They know what it means to be a champion – much discipline and even more pain. A friend’s husband was a gifted runner. His coaches wanted him to train with the Olympics as the goal. He dropped out with the explanation: “It stopped being fun when it started hurting.”

What price are you willing to pay to be a champion? What dreams are in your heart which will demand strategic dedication? What fuels your drive to excel?

A small boy’s simple question comes back to me frequently. When I am willing to settle for mediocrity, I hear his little voice. I can’t be a champion at everything I do, but I can identify my uniqueness and look for ways to develop it. I can clarify my direction and focus on purposeful activity. I can remember the view from the top is worth the climb.

Brenda’s Blog – July 26, 2016

“Proceed on the same route.” “When possible, make a legal U-Turn.”

As I drove thousands of miles during the last eleven days, I obeyed the dulcet tones of my GPS lady. She capably (most of the time) guided me on my way. One morning I heeded her instructions to continue on the path and thought, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a voice which would speak quietly yet confidently into my life like that?”

And when she sensed I was going the wrong way, she chided me while directing a U-Turn!

I spent the next miles thinking about my life and the journey. There were moments when a U-Turn would have been most appropriate – and saved a great deal of time and trouble. But there were many other times when continuing on my road opened doors of opportunity and growth.

What voices gave direction? Wise counselors, loving friends and friends, scriptural imperatives, and inner desires. The “you go, girl!” affirmations were greatly appreciated. But, “you might rethink that decision” comments were equally (most times) regarded.

The need for counsel doesn’t diminish as we age. Sometimes I think it is even more clear. My Dad used to tell me to be careful as I made decisions for we start writing in pencil with a strong eraser, but as we grow older we shift to a pen with no eraser. Translated: “Brenda, you have less and less time to correct mistakes, so be careful.”

I want to keep my eyes and ears open to my GPS network so the journey ends well. I don’t want to dead-end. I will enjoy the “proceed” instructions and heed the “legal U-Turn” warnings. I will look at my life options with a heart and mind of wisdom, knowing my web of counselors will speak truth.

Brenda’s Blog – July 12, 2016

“Leaders are not Litterers”

The billboard in Semmes, AL promoted a clean environment. A Baptist with a love for alliteration must have developed the campaign!

I started thinking about the sentiment. Other than picking up casually tossed candy wrappers, and correctly depositing empty soda cans, what is it about leadership that creates a non-litterer?

Then, I started down my usual rabbit trails. What kinds of litter do leaders clean up? How about mental junk? “Garbage in, garbage out” is an axiom leaders learn well. The well-disciplined mind keeps unworthy distractions at bay.

How about time wasters? Strong leaders know how to use bits of time to their advantage and eliminate the little time grabbers that beg for five minutes and end up taking thirty. Stewardship of time, as well as treasure, is important.

Then I thought about the expectations of others which put demands on our lives. How often we find ourselves littered with “shoulds and woulds” that are not ours at all – but belong to others. This trash hangs around us bogging us down and often keeping us from winning the race.

Finally, I thought about the wasted emotions of bitterness, unforgiveness, and jealousy. How foolish to clutter our minds and hearts with senseless and unhealthy emotions. How can we run free with baggage from the past hanging from arms and legs?

This exercise got me into Mobile where I immediately got lost (again), so my attention was diverted to finding Interstate 10. The next time I am through Semmes I will notice the immaculate streets and rejoice in the leadership quotient of that lovely town.