Bug Free

Sooo... this is definitely me. Bees, flies, slugs, mosquitoes, etc... just about any bug "bugs" me. Though flies are the absolute worst!

I can laugh now about this, but it brings an instant thought to my mind... 

Of course! What ELSE did you expect? If there wasn't a parallel somewhere, you might be off watching mindless twerking videos or dreaming of T.S.O tickets... but yet, as ever, I digress... 

What are the things that bug you the most? For me? One thing in particular just grates on me... chewing loudly... especially gum... if you stand next to me and slurp gum, you will probably see my panic stricken eyes scanning for exits.  

How can you possibly get spiritual with this?!? I can see that wearisome look in your eyes. 

Don't worry... I can! 

Have you noticed that God is in the business of character building? I am thoroughly convinced that above all things, that is His favorite hobby...

The other night at church band practice, we were seated-listening to a speaker before we bounded up onto the platform in instant cacophony.

As the speaker was intently 'bringing it' on humility and selflessness, (insert ironic smile) I was aware that someone had stealthily crept in late and sat directly behind me. 

Then IT happened... about twenty minutes of gum slurping... As I cringed and twisted uncomfortably in my seat like a gator on a line, I was finally rewarded with the words: "Ok, c'mon up front, let's pray." 

FREE! I bounded up to the front like a lottery winner. To my utter horror, The Chewer came right up next to me.  sigh...

As much as I hate the lessons, I DO know what's going on...

"My child, don't reject the Lord's discipline, and don't be upset when He corrects you. For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights." Proverbs 3:11,12 

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.  James 1:2-4

While gum chewing is in no way a trial, while I am grimacing, it's a good reminder of the "Pearls of the Process."   


Meanwhile, I am going to invest in some earplugs. 

<><

*Pic courtesy of Bitstrips 

Paying It Forward

Hello and welcome! 

I am thinking again. That usually means trouble for the poor unsuspecting victim reader. 

This time, I am thinking about getting older. Unfortunately, it's a fact of life. 

You may get older, but that doesn't mean you have to get OLD! 

My favorite people are the ones that no matter how old they get, you still see a spark in their eyes. 

Yet, again, I digress.

There is a point to all this nonsense  rabbit trail is that: if you are going to get older as a musician, what are your options? 

• You play as long as you are physically able to do so  

• You teach

• You take up Scrabble and forget music

• You whine and carry on about how you used to be so good, and relive your glory moments in front of everyone you can subject them to find - this also includes posting them to Facebook, Twitter, or sending endless videos 

                                   OR

• You pay your talent forward  - which is also aptly titled: it'snotallaboutme.com

Now is when I insert a Scripture, since I tend to draw continuous parallels; so if you need to close your eyes and avoid at this point, go ahead. :P 

"Freely you have received, freely give." Matthew 10:8

(See that wasn't so bad) 

As seasoned players we have a lot to give to the up and coming. 

They have the chops, speed (whew, do they EVER!) and they have dreams. 

I may not have theory, BUT I can show them style, finesse, and the space BETWEEN the notes: a most woefully overlooked area. 

(Thank you to my dear friend Shawn Byrne for that invaluable lesson) 

I can give my time and my blood, sweat, & tear soaked experience to make YOU a better player!

So, as YOU have been GIVEN, give back! You never know what impact you can have on a life! 

Build a lasting legacy - build people!!! 

God bless! 

<><   Lori