The Eccentric Musician

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

2010-08-09T14:36:00.001-07:00

This is a formal announcement that during the next five months, I will not be posting on this blog. Have a great summer, fall, and winter!

~Jacob Bernhardt

"Blessed the Man Whose Strength Is In Thee"

2010-06-06T06:40:00.000-07:00

"Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God."

Psalm 84:5-7

Matthew Henry comments on Psalm 84:1-7:
The ordinances of God are the believer's solace in this evil world; in them he enjoys the presence of the living God: this causes him to regret his absence from them. They are to his soul as the nest to the bird. Yet they are only an earnest of the happiness of heaven; but how can men desire to enter that holy habitation, who complain of Divine ordinances as wearisome? Those are truly happy, who go forth, and go on in the exercise of religion, in the strength of the grace of Jesus Christ, from whom all our sufficiency is. The pilgrims to the heavenly city may have to pass through many a valley of weeping, and many a thirsty desert; but wells of salvation shall be opened for them, and consolations sent for their support. Those that press forward in their Christian course, shall find God add grace to their graces. And those who grow in grace, shall be perfect in glory.

Plantation Proverbs

2009-12-09T05:44:00.000-08:00

Today is the birthday of Joel Chandler Harris, the creator of the Uncle Remus Stories and the beloved Br'er Rabbit, Br'er Fox, and Br'er Bear. Though Harris is now obscure as an author, luminaries of the past such as Theodore Roosevelt and Mark Twain read the Uncle Remus stories to their enthusiastic children.

http://www.uncleremus.com/ has done a fair job of seeking to restore interest in Harris and his famous stories. Below are some "Plantation Proverbs" I enjoyed today.

[Harris worked on the Turnwold plantation as a newspaper apprentice during his early teenage years. UncleRemus.com relates: "At Turnwold, Harris began his lifelong friendship with animals and with the plantation Negroes, whose folklore would later fill his writings. Fortunately, the youngster was associated with such aged and colorful slaves as 'Uncle' George Terrell and 'Uncle' Bob Capers. They had a gift for story-telling which Harris was later able to capture."]

BIG ’possum clime little tree.
Dem w’at eats kin say grace.
Ole man Know-All died las’ year.
Better de gravy dan no grease ’tall.
Dram ain’t good twel you git it.
Lazy fokes’ stummucks don’t git tired.
Rheumatiz don’t he’p at de log-rollin’.
Mole don’t see w’at his naber doin’.
Save de pacin’ mar’ fer Sunday.
Don’t rain eve’y time de pig squeal.
Crow en corn can’t grow in de same fier.
Tattlin’ ’oman can’t make de bread rise.
Rails split ’fo’ bre’kfus’ ll season de dinner.
Dem w’at knows too much sleeps under de ash-hopper.
Ef you wanter see yo’ owil sins, clean up a new groun’.
Hog dunner w’ich part un ’ilnil season de turnip salad.
Hit’s a blessin’ de w’ite sow don’t shake de plum-tree.
Winter grape sour, whedder you kin reach ’im or not.
Mighty po’ bee dat don’t make mo’ honey dan he want.
Kwishins on mule’s foots done gone out er fashun.
Pigs dunno w’at a pen’s fer.
Possum’s tail good as a paw.
Dogs don’t bite at de front gate.
Colt in de barley-patch kick high.
Jay-bird don’t rob his own nes’.
Pullet can’t roost too high for de owl.
Meat fried ’fo’ day won’t las’ twel night.
Stump water won’t kyo de gripes.
De howlin’ dog know w’at he sees.
Bline hoss don’t fall w’en he follers de bit.
Hongry nigger won’t w’ar his maul out.
Don’t fling away de empty wallet.
Black-snake know de way ter de hin nes’.
Looks won’t do ter split rails wid.
Settin’ hens don’t hanker arter fresh aigs.
Tater-vine growin’ w’ile you sleep.
Hit take two birds fer to make a nes’.
Ef you bleedzd ter eat dirt, eat clean dirt.
Tarrypin walk fast ’nuff fer to go visitin’.
Empty smoke-house makes de pullet holler.
W’en coon take water he fixin’ fer ter fight.
Corn makes mo’ at de mill dan it does in de crib.
Good luck say: “Op’n yo’ mouf en shet yo’ eyes.”
Nigger dat gets hurt wukkin oughter show de skyars.
Fiddlin’ nigger say hit’s long ways ter de dance.
Rooster makes mo’ racket dan de hin w’at lay de aig.
Meller mush-million hollers at you fum over de fence.
Nigger wid a pocket-han’kcher better be looked atter.
Rain-crow don’t sing no chune, but youk’n ’pen’ on Im.
One-eyed mule can’t be handled on de bline side.
Moon may shine, but a lightered knot’s mighty handy.
Licker talks mighty loud w’en it git loose fum de jug.
De proudness un a man don’t count w’en his head’s cold.
Hongry rooster don’t cackle w’en he fine a wum.
Some niggers mighty smart, but dey can’t drive de pidgins ter roos’.
You may know de way, but better keep yo’ eyes on de seven stairs.
All de buzzards in de settlement ’ll come to de gray mule’s funeri.
Youk’n hide de fier, but w’at you gwine do wid de smoke?
Ter-morrow may be de car-ridge-driver’s day for ploughin’.
Hit’s a mighty deaf nigger dat don’t year de dinner-ho’n.
Hit takes a bee fer ter git de sweetness out’n de hoar-houn’ blossom.
Ha’nts don’t bodder longer hones’ folks, but you better go ’roun’ de grave-yard.
De pig dat runs off wid de year er corn gits little mo’ dan decob.
Sleepin’ in de fence-cornder don’t fetch Chrismus in de kitchen.
De spring-house may freeze, but de niggers ’ll keep de shuck-pen warm.
’Twix’ de bug en de bee-martin ’tain’t hard ter tell w’ich gwineter git kotch.
Don’t ’sput wid de squinch-owl. Jam de shovel in de fier.
You’d see mo’ er de mink ef he know’d whar de yard dog sleeps.
Troubles is seasonin’, ’simmons ain’t good twel dey ’er fros’-bit.
Watch out w’en you’er gittin all you want. Fattenin’ hogs ain’t in luck.

Industry and Generosity

2009-11-04T19:39:00.000-08:00

Much to my delight, Josiah has taken a keen interest in woodworking - he's got his own business: "Jigsaw Josiah." :-) He enjoys making things for others, and decided to create a special gift for Joy.

Little Miss Smiles.

"WHAT is it?" (Actually I was informed later that she actually knew what it was, and was acting surprised. :-)

Joy: "It's a HEATER?"

Joy excitedly pulls out her new cradle (!) while Josiah humbly looks on. :-)

My Sister's Homemade Pizza

2009-10-31T18:51:00.000-07:00

It's incredible to me how easily Jess can throw together an amazingly tasty, gourmet-style dinner. Take the pizza dough, for example. I'd probably be sitting there three hours later with a flop to clean up, but she whips it up in no time. Perfect brownness to the cheese - I mean everything's amazing. And to top it all off, she made the pizza while making chicken noodle soup with homemade noodles for tomorrow's church fellowship meal. I have an amazing sis! Thanks, Jess, for all you do.

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (I Corinthians 10:31).

"steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (I Corinthians 15:58).

A Precious Book

2009-10-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

While comfortably reading on the sofa last night, I heard the familiar sound of the bed squeaking upstairs, indicating that pre-sleep children's storytime has come.

Then I hear Dad proclaim the opening words: "YO HO!" and I grin, knowing that the kids have chosen "A Tale of Two Princes," by the German author Eckart Zur Nieden (illustrated by Gisela Scheer, English text adapted by Mack Thomas).

Jess and I grew up with this book that overflows with colorful, intriguing pictures and the glorious message of redemption. Thanks, Davis Family, for this gift to us in 1994! A Tale of Two Princes is an analogy that teaches valuable lessons about man's states before and after the fall, the wicked insanity of sin, and the ultimate triumph of the Seed of the woman over the seed of the Serpent. Highly recommended for younger children (though I at 22 years of age could still sit for hours just looking at the illustrations!).

From The Christian Almanac: 1916

2009-10-07T05:17:00.001-07:00

"The most lopsided game of intercollegiate football occurred on this day in Atlanta, Georgia, when Georgia Tech humiliated Cumberland University with a score of 222-0."

No Blood, No Altar Now

2009-10-07T05:08:00.000-07:00

No blood, no altar now, The sacrifice is o'er!

No flame, no smoke ascends on high, The lamb is slain no more,

But richer blood has flowed from nobler veins,

To purge the soul from guilt, and cleanse the reddest stains.

We thank Thee for the blood, The blood of Christ, Thy Son:

The blood by which our peace is made, Our victory is won:

Great victory o'er hell, and sin, and woe,

That needs no second fight, and leaves no second foe.

We thank Thee for the grace, Descending from above,

That overflows our widest guilt, The eternal Father's love.

Love of the Father's everlasting Son,

Love of the Holy Ghost, Jehovah, Three in One.

We thank Thee for the hope, So glad, and sure, and clear;

It holds the drooping spirit up Till the long dawn appear;

Fair hope! with what a sunshine does it cheer

Our roughest path on earth, our dreariest desert here.

We thank Thee for the crown Of glory and of life;

'Tis no poor with'ring wreath of earth, Man's prize in mortal strife;

'Tis incorruptible as is the throne,

The kingdom of our God and His incarnate Son.

Horatius Bonar (1808-1889)

[Um...What Title Would You Suggest?]

2009-09-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

Consider the following an impressionistic portrait of the last fifty-one days of the Eccentric Musician's existence. No exquisite detail here, simply canvas sketches.

To begin, oh where to begin? THAT is the question.

The 8th and 9th of August saw me traveling to Western Illinois with the Harvard Bible Church Music Director and his family. Because their oldest son is in Iraq, they were looking for someone to form a men's quartet with. The whole family sang at the Le-Aqua-Na State Park and then at Lena Baptist Church the next day. Sang a lot. Ate way too much. Played some games. Made new little friends.

The 15th of August saw the culmination of work with NICYO during the summer - their first summer concert! Fabulous experience. Hard-working students. Industrious families. Glorious music. Enriching relationships.

The 22nd of August was a milestone on the Bernhardt calendar - the marriage of our Grandmother to Mr. John Levander! During the emotionally overwhelming processional I nearly lost it crying - which is dangerous when you're the organist PLAYING the processional. Beautiful times. Relatives visiting. LATE milking schedule. :-) Lots of food.

Since the wedding, my chief focus has been to keep going with my studies. Some GREAT books and WONDERFUL lectures.

It has occurred to me that if I post more often, you will receive more detailed accounts of my daily life. Extra visual stimulation would prevent your remaining in the dark concerning my consecutive accomplishments. Rich detail would replace vague meandering. Unfortunately, I am afraid that my blog readers ought not check the blog more than once a week from now on (probably on the seventh day of the week). Come back next week for more!

~JtB

HEADLINE: ECCENTRIC MUSICIAN SHAVES MUSTACHE

2009-09-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

Harvard -- It is rumored that, due to unanimous familial thumbs-down and a clostrophobic upper lip, the Eccentric Musician's three-week whisker accumulation has succumbed to the mortal razor. Although investigations are still under way, it is believed that unintentional, successful eschewal of cameras on Mr. Eccentric Musician's part has left FHI (Facial Hair Investigators, LLC) without publicity photographs.

A Mini-Picnic

2009-07-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

We're having a picnic!

Popcorn, lemonade, and "Little House on the Prairie" - what more could a kid ask for? :-)

Jessica has set a great "big sibling" example for me by regularly reading to the younger ones.

Looking at the pictures.

Northern Illinois Christian Youth Orchestra

2009-07-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

Pausing for a picture.

Random Picture

2009-07-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

Birthday Cards Galore! This year was a record I think - 13! Guess I just get more special every year. :-)

What Is Manhood?

2009-07-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

The following poem has always been a favorite of mine. It embodies the essence of manhood as described by our Lord: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). With Christ as our Perfect Example, may we follow after this pattern of manliness. The poem is simply entitled "If":

If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or being hated don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;

If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

~ Rudyard Kipling

[from Poems for Patriarchs: The Verse and Prose of Christian Manhood. San Antonio, TX: Vision Forum, 2002. Pages 98-99.]

The World of Henty

2009-07-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

Over the past few days, I have picked up By Conduct and Courage again. I had started it long ago, but business delayed my reading further until the weekend when I acquired a cold. So I've had more time to sit and read than normal. This historical fiction novel is said to be Henty's last published work. As such, I had requested it on a birthday list of years gone by, presuming that Mr. Henty would want to put important topics into a book he wrote when progressed in years. I have not been disappointed. While Henty's writing style is somewhat aloof or stoic (at least compared with Ballantyne!), his main character, Will Gilmore, is especially motivated by a sense of honor.

While I haven't read the entire book yet, I have sensed the obligation that Gilmore feels toward: (1) Miss Warden (later Mrs. Archer), the womanly daughter of the village parson who assisted and encouraged Gilmore in his early studies. (2) His own family name. His father died as a wandering musician when Will was quite young, and Gilmore is determined to discover his lineage and honor his family name (I'm looking forward to seeing how this progresses). (3) His adopted parents who raised him in the fishing village of Scarcombe. In the middle of the book is a touching scene when Will returns from the navy to surprise his adopted parents by not only his presence, but the news that he will able to provide them with a guinea per week - money that he has earned by his own "conduct and courage." The old folks fervently bless God for providing for them through their adopted son, who has delivered them from their former state of poverty.

Any time I read a Henty novel, I have an inexplicable feeling of entering another world - a world in which honor and duty are taken for granted; a world which embraced God's distinctives between masculinity and femininity, and in which it was therefore considered normal for all men - even young ones - to protect women and children; a world in which the poor and needy are compassionately cared for; in which hard work is honorable and rewarded, and indolent laziness is held in disdain and punished.
In short, when I read Henty, I enter a world in which Christianity prevails. One does not have to look far to realize with sobriety that our society does not embrace these distinctives of Christianity. What has happened? A few short generations after that of Mr. Henty, honor and duty are scorned at, men and women's roles are twisted out of recognition, women are offended when a man opens a door for them, concern for the poor is relegated to the state, and the hard-working citizens are required to support those who will not work.

Young people, it is our mission to restore the world of G. A. Henty. It is our mission to devote our lives to the fundamental principles built upon the gospel of Christ. It is our mission to know what we believe, and then live what we believe.

Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side;
Some great cause, some great decision, off'ring each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever 'twixt that darkness and that light.

Then to side with truth is noble, when we share her wretched crust,
Ere her cause bring fame and profit, and 'tis prosp'rous to be just;
Then it is the brave man chooses while the coward stands aside,
Till the multitude make virtue of the faith they had denied.

Though the cause of evil prosper, yet the truth alone is strong;
Though her portion be the scaffold, and upon the throne be wrong,
Yet that scaffold sways the future, and, behind the dim unknown,
Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above His own.
~ James Russel Lowell (1819-1891)

Of Various Things and Sundry

2009-07-27T06:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Blog Readers,

I wish to inform you the reason for the lack of picture-posting lately, viz. (1) our desktop is down, (2) therefore, our laptop has become our main computer, (3) I have not figured out how to post pictures using the Adobe software on our laptop! Ahem...

Things are staying very busy for me. I am acquiring several new piano students of varying ages and abilities. Until now I have only worked with beginners. It is precious to invest in the lives of these younger ones (or older beginners too!), but I must say that I have appreciated being able to teach someone who is more advanced. :-) Plans are under way for an autumn recital - and I hope to be able to put together some "one piano, four hands" music (either two students, or myself and a student).

The orchestra which I mentioned in another post has progressed wonderfully, and is now officially named the Northern Illinois Christian Youth Orchestra! The students are attentive and hard-working, and despite the wide pendulum between ages and talents, the Caswell family has very skilfully put together a system of levels. The Festival orchestra includes everybody - even some early beginners who have been given a simplified part. The Jubilee is made up of those in the Festival who can be "pushed" to greater heights musically and technically - of course for some it's a greater challenge than others. Finally, we have put together a Chamber string ensemble of nine players, who are working on harder literature.

I have been thrilled to work with such an outstanding representation of home schooled musicians. From the cute seven-year-old young man playing his little cello to the concertmaster calibur, each is striving for excellence and I am proud of them. For those of you who would like to support this project, NICYO is accepting donations to help offset expenses. The founding directors, Dan and Beth Caswell, may be reached at vb.academy (at) hughes (dot) net. But financial support is not the only way you can encourage these young people. You can come to the concert and hear the fruits of their labors over the summer!

Northern Illinois Christian Youth Orchestra

Summer Concert

Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 7:30

St. John United Church of Christ - Fellowship Hall

1010 S. Park Blvd., Freeport IL

Doors will open around 7:00 - admission is free, but donations will be accepted!

It has been a joy to see the blossoming relationship between our grandmother and our soon-to-be grandpa! They will be married in approximately four weeks! I am so pleased to have another godly, gentlemanly grandpa. Busy times - looking for dresses, preparing music, practicing organ, etc.

A Debtor to Mercy Alone

2009-07-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

"A debtor to mercy alone,

Of covenant mercy I sing;

Nor fear, with Thy righteousness on,

My person and off'ring to bring.

The terrors of law and of God

With me can have nothing to do;

My Savior's obedience and blood

Hide all my trangressions from view.

"The work which His goodness began

The arm of His strength will complete;

His promise is yea and amen,

And never was forfeited yet.

Things future, nor things that are now,

Not all things below or above,

Can make Him His purpose forgo,

Or sever my soul from His love.

"My name from the palms of His hands

Eternity will not erase;

Impressed on His heart it remains,

In marks of indelible grace;

Yes, I to the end shall endure,

As sure as the earnest is giv'n;

More happy, but not more secure,

The glorified spirits in heav'n."

Augustus M. Toplady (1740-1778)

No More Night

2009-06-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

"And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God...And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign forever and ever"

(Revelation 21:10; 22:5).

As I seek to live now in the realization of this future glory, I am inspired to sing with the hymnwriter Frances Havergal,

"Take my moments and my days,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise."

Snippets from Proverbs 3

2009-06-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

"Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

"Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine."

"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding . . . Her [Wisdom's] ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

"Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

"Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

"Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous."

Bernhardt Family Happenings

2009-06-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

I shall begin by giving reasons for my blogospherial silence over the last several weeks.

1. A violin recital extracted much practice and preparation from various Bernhardts.

2. Our family hi-tailed it out of Illinois for a week.

3. Plans and auditions have been under way for this "very exciting" development.

4. A violin-piano concert in early June is being prepared for.

I shall now expound and explanify on Reason #2.

Last fall, we received the happy news that our cousin was engaged to be married! He and his fiancee had planned their wedding for Memorial Day weekend 2009. To make a long story shorter, when the Georgia Bernhardts visited the Illinois Bernhardts a few years ago, Stephanie "fell in love" with Josiah and Joy, and later requested them to be ringbearer and flowergirl in their wedding. So, Memorial Day weekend found us celebrating, visiting, talking, laughing, playing games, eating a lot, and just enjoying being together with Dad's entire immediate family. There were 15 people staying in the same house, all with the last name Bernhardt! As you can imagine, that only happens once in a blue moon! We had a wonderful time on the road and with family, and simply relaxing and enjoying a vacation.

The happy couple at the rehearsal dinner.

Our other cousin and his fiancee.

Joy did very well at the wedding, and succeeded in charming the entire wedding party!

Together.

The night before we left, we enjoyed some singing with Brian on the guitar.

On the way home, we swung by the Answers in Genesis Creation Museum in Kentucky. What a spectacular presentation of the gospel! The pictures we took inside didn't turn out very well, so you'll just have to visit the museum to see what it looks like. :)

The grounds are absolutely beautiful.

This picture reminded me of a verse of Scripture:

"But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream." Amos 5:24

Attention, Christian Home-Educated Musicians!

2009-05-13T16:55:00.000-07:00

There is a very exciting development for Christian home-schooling musicians in the Northern Illinois area.

This development will:

Especially benefit the Christian home-educating families of Northern Illinois.
Provide an opportunity for students to grow musically, while nurturing friendships and relationships.
Be available for not only children, but also adults who would like to participate.
Give students the satisfaction of being presented with a challenge, working to overcome it, and experiencing the fruits of their labors.

Any guesses yet? This exciting new development is a Christian Home-school Orchestra! With approximately eight rehearsals culminating in an end-of-the-summer concert in mid-August, this is something you should consider if you would like to join other believing home-schoolers in an enterprise with the specific goal of honoring God alone with your music. Placement auditions are scheduled for Friday, May 29th. Contact me (Jacob Bernhardt, jtbernhardt2 [AT] gmail [DOT] com) or the Caswell family (vb.academy [AT] hughes [DOT] net) for more details regarding the orchestra or the auditions.

Our Dear Mother

2009-05-10T11:58:00.001-07:00

We love you, Mom!

Happy May!

2009-05-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

May Day - May 1: as a traditional spring festival, often celebrated by dancing, crowning a May queen, etc.; as an international labor holiday, observed in many countries by parades, demonstrations, etc. [Webster's New World Dictionary]

But for the Bernhardt family, the first day of May this year provided an opportunity for some outside work, including a much-needed mowing of the lawn that had thrived on the torrential April rains of the last few weeks. The barn stalls were cleaned, in preparation for some interested goat buyers who will visit within the next few days.

Yours truly is continuing to take delight in organ music. I am now working on Johann S. Bach's Organ Sonata No. 1 in E-flat Major. Within the last week, I found THIS video of Paul Jacobs playing the Crystal Cathedral organ. He is not playing the piece I am working on, but it is a movement from a J. S. Bach cantata. Enjoy!

2009-04-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

"Always bearing about in the body

the dying of the Lord Jesus,

that the life also of Jesus

might be made manifest in our body."

II Corinthians 4:10

The Pipe Organ at Faith Christian

2009-04-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

My good friend Daniel and I are preparing for a concert in Elmhurst. The church at which we are performing - Faith Christian Reformed Church - has a magnificent pipe organ. Therefore, Daniel excitedly wrote organ transcriptions for two of our pieces: Largo from the New World Symphony ("Goin' Home") by Antonin Dvorak; and The Lord's Prayer by Albert Hay Malotte.

Needless to explain to any of you organ enthusiasts reading this, we had so much fun yesterday getting ready for the concert. I will be playing J. S. Bach's choral prelude In dir ist Freude ("In Thee is Gladness"), which is beautifully represented on this organ.

Some of the swell pipes.

The big 16' vibraters. : )

Pipes along the sanctuary wall.

Reed pipes.

Where I spent most of yesterday. : )

2009-04-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Springtime on the farm . . . happy days. : )

The Weekend

2009-04-13T15:12:00.000-07:00

Josiah had fun digging a campfire hole in the backyard. He and Joy toasted bread over the fire, slathering it with butter. Mmmmm, good!

We were blessed with a wonderful Easter. The morning worship service super-abounded with prepared music selections, including a twelve-person ensemble singing "Before the Throne of God Above" (you can listen to a short clip of it HERE).

An after-dinner game of "SEQUENCE." This was a rather new game for us, but we really enjoyed it!

Aunt Marlene and Jessica "strategizing."

Our dear Auntie "KK."

Monday piano lessons for a couple boys from our church.

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ON THE HORIZON: I have a deadline of this Saturday to finish a Christian Ethics course. In addition, Daniel and I are preparing for a special concert for a church Senior's group at the end of the month. They have a wonderful pipe organ, so I will be accompanying Daniel on the organ part of the time, as well as playing an organ solo.

Outside, April showers are steadily falling, accompanied by 35 degree windy weather. One of those bone-chilling days. I believe soup is on the menu for the evening. : )

Our Cute Little Kids: Part 3

2009-04-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

No, we don't really have blue-eyed kids...it's just the camera!

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Exciting news for Beulah Land Farm! Our very first mini-LaManchas arrived this morning! (Mommy LaMancha + Daddy Nigerian Dwarf = Mini-LaManchas)

Because Nigerians have ears and LaManchas don't, mini-Manchas have very small, elf ears.

Both bucklings are adorable. This one is particularly striking.

First breakfast. : )

Smiling for the camera. : ) Note the ears.

The happy mommy.

Our Cute Little Kids: Part 2

2009-04-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

One of Feliz's striking kids.

"You put your left foot out..."

"...and you shake it all about..."

Stellar's cutesies.

Our Cute Little Kids: Part 1

2009-04-08T20:06:00.000-07:00

We have fourteen new adorable kids--eight doelings and six bucklings! And there are more to come within the next couple of weeks...

We are already starting to get requests from goat-lovers for breeding stock, so call soon for details on our animals for sale. Also, visit www.blfgoats.com and look for updates on 2009 kids!

Here is one of the newest little additions to BLF. I can't "get over" how cute he is! He has the most white of any bucklings that have been born on our farm.

Mommy and babies.

We'd love your suggestions for a name!

Here It Is, Folks...

2009-03-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

Since the last post, NINE new kids have been born on Beulah Land Farm, and there are several more to come!!

They are all "terribly" cute (and some are REALLY small), and are now in the few-day-old stage when they start bouncing! Mommies and babies are doing well, and when our camera returns from Missouri on Sunday, I will be SURE to be snapping some really cute pictures and posting them for ya'll!

Meanwhile, on Saturday, my grandma and I were given the opportunity to attend pianist Emily Bear's orchestral debut concert with the Rockford Symphony. For a seven-year-old, she is amazingly musical, following the orchestral nuances with great maturity. She debuted with Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488. And as a special bonus, I got to see her teacher and mine, Mr. D., whose family had brought him all the way from his Milwaukee rehabilitation center.

2009-03-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

"Discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between right and wrong; rather, it is telling the difference between right and almost right."

[C. H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)]

The Exciting Time of Year

2009-03-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

This is the time of year that life begins to awaken on the farm. Our kidding season (goat kids) is about to start any day, and our cat is also nearly as big as a beach ball!

So tonight, Dad and I are getting kidding pens ready. Ah, the smell of fresh pine shavings!

Stay tuned for some activity on Beulah Land Farm!

The Inyarts' Visit

2009-03-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

Among the many wonderful things about Liberty Day this year, was that it brought David and Kathryn Inyart up to Illinois! They stayed with us over the weekend, and then took Jessica home with them. She leaves a big vacuum when she's gone, but we're managing all right. :)

Singing praise to God.

The Soprano-Alto section. :)

Notice Joy. The perfect choir member!

Piano Lessons, Anybody?

2009-03-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

Here is the business card that I put together:

If anybody needs a piano teacher or last minute accompanist,

feel free to give me a call!

Random Pictures

2009-03-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

Good news! I just found our camera. It was in my music bag.

(It seems that's a good place to look if something is missing...)

But since I haven't taken any pictures recently, I'm posting some from a few months ago.

The Musician Extraordinaire and Her Grandson. :)

(This was taken last year when we were preparing for a concert together.

We had so much fun!!)

Siamese twins? Nope, just the late night goofies. :)

"Can I do it too, Mommy??"

An "Outside Day"

2009-03-14T19:16:00.000-07:00

Most of us spent the afternoon outside today. It was a beautiful March day--clear, sunny blue sky with nary a cloud in sight, temperature around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Dad took the hard, messy job of cleaning the stalls after the long winter build-up. I gave the goats--all 20 of them--a complete pedicure (a.k.a. hoof trim). That adds up to 160 toes trimmed! (I wouldn't be surprised if I dream of hoof-trimming...) Josiah and Joy were our helpers, pushing wheelbarrows and corralling goats.

I apologize for the lack of pictures--our camera is missing right now.

Mom and Jess spent the majority of the day inside--Jess doing food prep for the weekend; Mom working on Jess's dress for Liberty Day, to which all hands are looking forward to--just a week from today! Festive marches for prelude/postlude music fill the house, Joy dancing around the music room as I practice!

Also, this afternoon saw the arrival of Grandma Jan. She often stays over at our place on Saturday nights to be closer to church in the morning--right down the road. So we all enjoyed having an extra alto in our singing time tonight!

Other than that, life is filled with the delightful ordinary. There's lots to look forward to as well. With concerts for Daniel and I in April and June, and a family wedding sandwiched in May, we won't be having any dull moments! I often marvel at how the calendar that's virtually empty at the beginning of the year fills to overflowing as the days and weeks pass...

Lead On, O King Eternal

2009-03-08T19:28:00.000-07:00

Lead on, O King Eternal, The day of march has come!

Henceforth in fields of conquest Thy tents shall be our home;

Through days of preparation Thy grace has made us strong,

And now, O King Eternal, We lift our battle song.

Lead on, O King Eternal, Till sin's fierce war shall cease,

And holiness shall whisper The sweet Amen of peace;

For not with swords loud clashing, Nor roll of stirring drums,

With deeds of love and mercy We watch till Jesus comes.

Lead on, O King Eternal, We follow, not with fears!

For gladness breaks like morning Where'er Thy face appears;

Thy cross is lifted o'er us, We journey in its light:

The crown awaits the conquest; Lead on, O God of might.

~ Ernest W. Shurtleff (1862-1917)

"Rolling..."

2009-03-06T19:11:00.000-08:00

Last Monday began our recording adventure. I was on the road at 7:35 A.M.

Daniel and his family warmly greeted me upon my arrival in Oak Brook, and we got started practicing while Mr. and Mrs. Ziesemer continued packing.

Around 3:30, we hit the road, making tracks for Indianapolis.

Loading up.

We arrived at the Indianapolis Training Center around 7:30 Indy time.

This time we stayed on the 12th floor--great view of the city from up there!

The twelfth floor hallway.

Everything in order.

Ready to hit the hay. :)

Sunrise skyscrapers.

Daniel warming up.

We spent Tuesday practicing together...

...discussing the music...

...practicing some more...

...and having a lot of fun!

(Here Daniel is suggesting hand motions for Proverbs 2:22.)

Tuesday also saw the arrival of Ross Leavitt, an excellent saxophonist who contributed much to the recording with his expressive playing. We enjoyed getting to know Ross and growing in our friendship for the day and a half we were together.

On Wednesday morning we all headed over to the studio.

This is a creative way of saying, "Don't touch the recording equipment!"

When there is a piece that poses some difficult page turns, we set up "the board."

This enables me to play through the whole song without turning pages, but it makes for rather strained neck muscles!

The headphones allow me to hear Daniel, who is in another room, but visible through the thick glass window separating us.

After recording Wednesday and Thursday, we drove back to Oak Brook (singing hymns and songs almost all the way!).

Mrs. Ziesemer's mother was thrilled to see us. She is staying with Ziesemers and has full time caretakers.

Rejoicing over God's goodness through four wonderful days of working together for Him.

Mith Toofleth

2009-02-28T12:18:00.001-08:00

'Nuff thaid.

LEGO PIANO

2009-02-28T11:43:00.000-08:00

What happens when an almost-9-year-old lego genius asks his older musician-brother what he'd like him to build?

A LEGO PIANO!!!

Bird's eye view.

Note the mid-air expression of his hands.

(Lego people have to be doubly talented to play with only four fingers...)

I especially love the stick holding up the lid.

Note the pedals--which need a second lego person

laying on the floor to operate, since Mr. Lego's legs

are too short. :)

THANKS, JIMBEE!

Home of the Sick and the Brave...

2009-02-21T12:57:00.000-08:00

Well, true to Bernhardt family compassion, we have decided to join the ranks of sickies in the northern Illinois area. We just couldn't bear to sit by and see so many of our dear friends and family under the weather without bearing their burdens with them (Galatians 6:2).

We have the whole works: chest colds, coughs, fevers, sore throats...when we decide to do something, we "do it heartily" (Colossians 3:23)!

So, if you were to be snooty and gaze through the Bernhardt household windows, you would find lots of kleenex boxes laying around; people prostrate on the couches with blankets and wet washcloths adorning their bodies, while an Andy Griffith episode exudes from the television set.

When we enter the land of the living again, look for an all-new post about Bernhardt family happenings...

The Violin: Music of Angels

2009-02-10T05:17:00.000-08:00

Last night I listened to the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto--David Oistrakh with Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Wow. Fine Musicianship. Oistrakh's playing is so controlled--especially his rhythm, which seems to have infinite flexibility without sacrificing any of the musical continuity.

I'd encourage all you classical music lovers out there to get a copy; I got it from our local library.

I have a hard time deciding which violin concerto I enjoy more: Tchaikovsky or Brahms.

The Bible is Theocentric

2009-02-10T05:01:00.000-08:00

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD,

all ye lands.

Serve the LORD with gladness:

come before His presence with singing.

Know ye that the LORD He is God:

it is He that hath made us,

and not we ourselves;

we are His people,

and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

and into His courts with praise:

be thankful unto Him,

and bless His name.

For the LORD is good;

His mercy is everlasting;

and His truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 100

A Day in My Life: February 5, 2009

2009-02-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

Fha-tchwa! Fha-tchwa! Fha-tchwa! Fha-tchwa! (My impression of the alarm on my cell phone.)

Time to get up. Dad comes in and says, "It's a little after six, Jay."

"Yuuhhp," I groan, whipping back the covers and hastily making my bed. Time for another Speedy Gonzalez chore session.

Dressing into layers for outside work, I hurry downstairs, grab the 5-gallon bucket in the garage, and turn on the hot water--or at least the hot water handle. While I wait for the H2O to heat up, I flick on the breaker switch that gives the chickens their stun into reality.

[I have often pondered whether they wonder why the sun comes up so suddenly. At any rate, the rooster immediately takes advantage of the increased illuminence to assert his dominion over all chicken-related matters with his Rgghh-rr-Rgghh-rr-Rrggghhh! (I don't care what the childrens' books say: the rooster simply does not say "cock-a-doodle-doo!")]

The bucket having filled up, I head out into the crisp fresh air. Quickly traversing the approximate 80 yards to the barn, I yank open the sliding door, simultaneously saying, "Good morning, girls!" I am greeted by a few faint bleats; then one by one, the goats stand to their feet and accomplish the gymnastic feat of the hour: the morning stretch. For a moment I stand watching them, looking for any sick or weak ones. (Feliz impatiently bleats at me to get moving.) Satisfied, I move into routine mode, flying through the barn and along the icy paths, transporting hay, water, and grain to hungry animals.

Twenty-five minutes later, I re-enter the house. Hat on the desk shelf. Gloves in front of the heater. Jacket hung on the file cabinet, with scarf around it. Wool socks hung on the handle of the file drawer.

Coming into the kitchen, I grab a piece of scratch paper and a blue sharpie marker and sit down next to Dad at the table. I scrawl,

JIMBY: [our nickname for Josiah]
Please feed and water the cats if you can. Thanks!
JAYBEE

Ascending the staircase and gathering my clothes, Jess comes out of the bathroom and I go in, passing like ships in the night. After rapidly showering and dressing, I come downstairs again. It is 6:55.

Jess is standing in the pantry with a blender full of shake. "I'm trying to figure out what to put your shake in so it won't spill."

"Just throw it in a jar with a lid. That's fine," I say.

Grabbing my music tote bag, slippers, and MP3 player, I head back out into the cold air, open the door of Dad's truck, and squeeze myself into the back side "sardine seat." [I wouldn't suggest going on a long trip in the back seat of a Nissan, sideways. It makes for a fun ride, but there's a reason roller coaster rides aren't any longer than five minutes.]

The door opens, and Jess climbs into the passenger seat. Pulling out of the driveway, I open my jar of chocolate shake. [To set at ease the hearts of our fellow health crusaders, the shake contained raw eggs, raw cow's milk, raw honey, and "raw" chocolate.] I soon discover that drinking a shake while sideways in a shock-injured Nissan is not a good idea. Closing the jar, I decide to finish it while on the train.

Within seven and a half minutes, we arrive at the Harvard Metra Station. [This convenient train station has been a unique blessing to our family, especially yours truly in his music travels. It is the farthest outpost on the Union Pacific Northwest Line, about two hours from Chicago's Ogilvie Transportation Center.] Jess gets out of the truck, and I emerge from my sardine can a bit ruffled but looking forward to the day ahead.

Following the farewells, I follow a white-coated senior citizen into the station. She and I stand in line, waiting for the ticketmaster to appear behind the glass window. After she buys her round-trip ticket, I step to the counter. "One way to Dee Road." Having obtained my ticket, I sit down on the bench, with at least twenty minutes before the train leaves. I am thankful for my MP3 player, which is a useful tool for fading out unsavory conversations. Taking it out, I listen to "A Thousand Joys" on King of Love, the beautiful "new" Soundforth release. I thank God for beautiful music that stills our hearts, stirs up our hearts and prepares us for service.

Ding! Ding! Ding! Outside the train is inching toward the place of boarding. I stand up and walk out of the station, along with all but one of its inhabitants. Turning the corner around the station, I proceed to the second car and follow a group of four on board. Choosing the right half of the car, I find a seat and make myself comfortable, displaying my ticket on the seat in front of me.

Voice-over: "This is--Metra--Union Pacific Northwest Line--Train Number--Six--Sixty--scheduled to depart at--7:35--for--Ogilvie Transportation Center--with intermediate stops at--Woodstock, Crystal Lake, Pingree Road..."

One hour and fifteen minutes later, I disembark at the Dee Road platform, inhaling the fresh winter-spring air with a little thrill of exuberance. I wave to my dear friends in the dark champagne van parked near the wheelchair ramp. Descending this, I step into the vehicle and am welcomed by two enthusiastic "Good morning, Jacob!"s. I return the salutations to Mrs. Ziesemer and Daniel, and we head for their Oak Brook home. After a half-hourish drive, we pull into the Ziesemers' long lane, mazing our way through the shrubbery that beautifies the area and provides a peaceful setting in the midst of urban Oak Brook's heavy traffic. My eye catches sight of two deer in the woods, which at first I take to be statues, but this judgment is reconsidered when one moves its head slightly. [Strangely enough, the Ziesemer family, living in the midst of a Chicago suburb, are regularly visited by these beautiful deer, while the Bernhardt family rarely sees them, though surrounded by farmland and cornfields. Hmmm.]

Entering the house, I think to myself that I am delighted to be spending another day in this house and with these people. So many memories of musical joys and long practice times...

Over the next several hours, Daniel shows me the violin and piano CD arrangements he has diligently been working on during the month we were apart. We play through them a few times, discussing musical nuances and technical facilitations. Thus pass nearly six hours.

Just before leaving, my day is brightened by a visit with Grandmother Smith, Mrs. Ziesemer's mother. A frail, dear lady, she is very proud of her grandson and is thrilled to hear Daniel and me practicing together. "Hello, Mrs. Smith," I call cheerfully as I enter her apartment (a very nice residence converted from the Z's previous garage--the Z's have twenty-four hour care for her there).
"Hello." She speaks in a weak, soft, deliberate voice. Her warm, radiant smile greets me. I take her hand in mine.
"Oh, your hands are cold!" she says.
I reply, "And your hands are warm!"
She mentions that this is because she keeps them underneath her shawl. "How is your mother?"
"She is doing very well."
"Are you married now?"
Smiling, I return, "No, ma'am, I'm not married yet." Knowing we need to leave soon, I say, "Well, I will be coming back on the 14th."
"Oh, I'll look forward to seeing you then."
"Yes, all right."

A few minutes past three, we again load up the van, joined this time by Mr. Ziesemer.

At four-thirty, we turn into an alley and Mr. Ziesemer skillfully maneuvers the van between the corner of a garage and a telephone pole [which it sometimes takes me several minutes to do, and that with our small Dodge Shadow!], into the driveway behind our destination: 1935 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, Illinois--a red and white brick condominium building outlined by prominent white bricks. Here reside Dr. and Mrs. Roland Vamos, famed violin and viola instructors.

Leaving Mrs. Ziesemer in the van, we ascend the stairs to the first floor of the condominiums, where, after knocking on the door, Daniel inserts a key into the lock and enters, followed by Mr. Ziesemer and me. Walking to the other end of the condo, we descend the staircase and get settled in the studio. Meanwhile, Mr. Ziesemer goes through the garage and returns with Mrs. Z.

After practicing for a few minutes, we are greeted by a white-coated senior citizen--only this time it is Mrs. Vamos. [All smiles, Mrs. Almita Vamos possesses an authoritative yet self-sacrificing spirit. She it was who recommended me to my beloved piano teacher, Mr. D.]

We play some of our pieces for her, and then Dr. Vamos comes down the stairs. [Dr. Roland Vamos is a character unlike any other I have met. His spirit is infinitely larger than his somewhat small frame. Full of wit, good-humor, fire, and generous enthusiasm, his lessons are splashed with his conducting expertise as he conducts his students, obtaining fantastic results. It often seems that he gets out of us something we never seem to produce on our own, and we have often remarked that it would be wonderful to have him in the recording studio with us. We often refer difficult musical questions to Dr. Vamos.] Playing the rest of our pieces for him, we are again transformed into "real" musicians, and leave 1935 Sherman Avenue with renewed inspiration and aspirations.

To the train station we now go, and arrive at the Park Ridge station twenty minutes before the train is scheduled to arrive. After visiting a little longer, I disembark from the vehicle, and amid the cheery farewells and "see you on the 14th"s, we part ways, the Ziesemers bound for Oak Brook, and I for home.

The though of a ten minute wait on the center platform induces me to engage in some exercise, so I begin to walk up and down the platform through the brisk, half-damp February air. Coming to a stop, I strike up a mini-conversation with the only other individual within range: an average-height, middle-aged man with accoutrements of goatee, moustache, glasses, hat, and a "SONY" coat.
"Do you work for Sony?"
"I did at one point, yes."
The train light appears from the Southeast.
"Where are they located?"
"Their headquarters is in Manhattan."
"Is that where you were, then?"
"Yes."
"Where exactly is that in relation to New York?" [Here I manifest my geographical ignorance.]
The train light brightens as it approaches closer.
"Manhattan is a part of New York City."
"Busy place, I've heard."
"Yes."
"A lot busier than Chicago?"
"Oh, yeah. It's like taking four Chicagos and stacking them on top of each other. New York is crazy."
"Wow. I've lived in one county my whole life."
"McHenry County?"
"Yes. Lived in McHenry for a while, and then moved out to Harvard six years ago."
"How do you like it?"
"Oh, we love it. It's far enough out in the country, but still not too far. We live on five acres, and have twenty-five goats, and about twenty-five chickens, so we have fun."
The noise of the train is now distinctly heard, and the bell begins ringing and the lights flashing. I begin walking along the platform a short distance, as sometimes the train stops farther along the track. But this time it halts close by, and I get onto the fourth car from the rear, followed by my Sony friend. Sliding into a seat, Mr. Sony passes me by and enters the next car. [Amazing that this is most likely the extent of the relationship with Mr. Sony, for both of our lives.] Taking out my trusty MP3 player [thanks, Mom and Dad!], I settle down for a comfortable ride home.

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It is 10:18.
Voice-over: Now approaching--Harvard. I scan the next few lines of The Coral Island by R.M. Ballantyne and insert the bookmark, packing up my music tote and preparing for disembarkation. While I am halfway standing with my balance already uncertain, the locomotive jerks to a stop that nearly locates my noggen on the floor of the car. Regaining my composure, I walk down the four steps and out into the crisp Harvard air.
"Ah!" I give a little exhilirating heart prayer of gratitude to Jehovah for another safe arrival in my hometown. [This is an attitude I experience every time I get off a train. Thankfulness to be safely back on terra firma with more opportunities for service and love.] Walking with about five other people around the train and across the track, we scatter to our respective vehicles. For my part, I look for Dad's Nissan, not seeing it--ah, there it is, he's turning the corner at Front and Eastman Streets. After he winds around the Metra parking lot, I approach the vehicle and open the door. Climbing in, I greet my dear, hard-working father. It is really wonderful of him to pick me up at 10:20 on a Thursday night. [This day in particular Dad was quite the chauffer. Between Jess and me on Thursday alone, I counted five pick-ups and drop-offs!]

Pulling into our winding lane, I silently utter the "thank-you-Lord-to-be-home-once-again" prayer, as Dad pulls up at the garage.
"Thanks for picking me up, Dad."
I am not able to traverse the 10 feet from the truck to the garage before Flair sees me and bleats out loudly for me to come and milk her. Poor thing, she is in the "drying-up" process, which can be painful.

The end of a long, productive day.

My Study Buddy

2009-02-04T13:31:00.000-08:00

Men of Integrity

2009-01-31T19:13:00.000-08:00

Today I did some significant work on a research paper surveying the lives of four Old Testament men of integrity: Samuel, David, Daniel, and Nehemiah. I had so much enjoyment as the Lord showed me things while reading about their lives and work.

All four of these men were favored by royalty, reminding me of the proverb, "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [obscure] men" (Proverbs 22:29). Their integrity took them far, but it was their fear of God that was the source of their integrity. As they grew in favor with God, He brought them into favor with men. (An interesting passage is Daniel 1:9 - "Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.") True fear of God means recognizing His sovereignty above all earthly kings, growing in conformity to His character and standards, and doing heartily with our hands the work He puts before us.

Dead Feline?

2009-01-22T18:09:00.000-08:00

Jess alerted my attention to this, and I had to

look close to make sure she was breathing. :)

Winter Beauty

2009-01-22T07:54:00.000-08:00

This morning after a heavy fog, the sun glistened on the frosted trees.

No comparison with a winter sky. :)

Christian Discipleship

2009-01-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

". . . Christlikeness is the goal of life, not happiness. The current philosophy around us is that all is well if only people are happy. The great aim of education, science, and government is to give the most temporal happiness to the most people. And even as Christians we have been infected by the spirit of the age so that we bargain with God for happiness. If cross-bearing is Christ's condition of discipleship, happiness is ours. But it cannot be so . . . Paul was not always happy, nor was Luther, nor Wesley. But discipleship for them was not happiness; it was faithfulness and usefulness. This philosophy will hold missionaries steady when they are lonely and homesick. This will keep pastors from resigning and seeking greener pastures when problems become complicated and the burdens are almost too heavy to be borne. This will keep husbands and wives true to each other when incompatibilities seem to make ideal happiness beyond their reach. This will keep students grinding toward the goal of God's call whether they like studying or not. This will keep laymen faithfully tithing and working and worshiping even when caught by contrary winds of adversity or emotional depression . . . Let us once for all drum the truth into our heads that there can be no room in the Christian life for hedonism . . . There will be many pleasures along the way which will be enjoyed gratefully; but the Christian must never become preoccupied with the frantic quest for pleasure for its own sake . . . For the Christian life is serious and challenging and demanding. It is not seen as either a glorified picnic or a dress parade, but a field of battle. Our Captain is the world's Redeemer, who 'pleased not Himself.' Let us be His disciples. Without this spirit of earnestness and commitment, this passion for the cause of the Kingdom, our efforts to become disciplined persons will be abortive and vain. But with this spirit our discipline will find its Christian purpose and fulfillment."

-from The Disciplined Life by Dr. Richard S. Taylor

Joy is Six!

2009-01-17T13:54:00.000-08:00

Jess and I were decorating at 11:30 last night...

This design was Jess' idea...

...and apart from some static cling,

the final product looked great!

The Birthday Girl. :)

The Birthday Brunch.

A creative card that came in the mail today. :)

Joy is our grapefruit girl...

...good to the last drop...

"There's still more in there!"

(She is so grown up in this picture!)

A special embroidery project to do with Mom.

"What is it?"

"A CD player!!!!"

Winter in Chicagoland

2009-01-16T13:42:00.000-08:00

The temperature this morning was seventeen below zero...to say nothing of the windchill. I used to get really cold during a Chicago winter, but having the opportunity to be outside at least an hour a day has greatly inured me to this "rugged" climate.

These pictures are for our Maui cousins whose winter experience remains "snowless." :) Aloha from Illinois!

Of Cat Naps and Chicken Scraps

2009-01-16T13:28:00.000-08:00

Today Callie found a perfect, sunny spot for a snooze - the dining room table!

(And she was there for most of the morning...)

The chickens have been getting spinach with their feed lately...

apparently some are getting more than others.

Of Schoolwork and Discipline

2009-01-16T13:16:00.000-08:00

While you may think that I've been ill,

Or maybe out of town

Twiddling my thumbs, chatting with chums,

Or acting like a clown,

The truth to tell, Yours Truly has

Been busy as a bee -

An active guy, fulfilling my

Responsibility.

Perhaps the greatest lesson learned

Over the last few days

Is not to shirk pressing homework;

Diligence really pays.

For when you try to cram three months

Of schoolwork into one,

Your back will ache, your brain will quake;

It seems you're never done.

Meanwhile, your other duties call

With unrelenting voice;

And had you known that your backbone

Would curse your foolish choice,

You would have started studying

The day your books arrived -

For now I know that when you show

Discipline, you survive.

The Caprine World

2009-01-04T19:39:00.000-08:00

Queen Torieta the Fat.

This goat really gets the comments from farm visitors:

"Why is she so fat?"

"Is that goat pregnant?"

We can only shake our heads and reply, "No. You should see what she looks like when she is pregnant." Really, folks, she looks like she swallowed a basketball. (Actually, in her best interest, she actually is pregnant here - she's the first on our March kidding line-up.)

Here's a side profile.

"Scootch over, wudja?"

Some goats are more cruel than others. One of ours has a very bad habit of biting the ears of any other goat who annoys her - or even if they don't annoy her, for that matter. In this picture I caught her in the very act.

Another Year

2009-01-01T18:10:00.000-08:00

Another year is dawning: Dear Father, let it be,

In working or in waiting, Another year with Thee;

Another year of progress, Another year of praise,

Another year of proving Thy presence all the days;

Another year of mercies, Of faithfulness and grace;

Another year of gladness In the shining of Thy face;

Another year of leaning Upon Thy loving breast;

Another year of trusting, Of quiet, happy rest;

Another year of service, Of witness for Thy love;

Another year of training For holier work above.

Another year is dawning: Dear Father, let it be,

On earth or else in heaven, Another year for Thee.

Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)

The Truth About Santa Claus

2008-12-31T11:39:00.000-08:00

*Please note: This post is in a spirit of good-humor, and is not intended to offend, depress or damage any person or belief system.

Some, by the title of this post, will, no doubt, hesitate to read its contents, believing themselves to be on sacred ground, or to be entering in on a forbidden philosophical topic.

Nonetheless, the hypothesis I am about to suggest is one that may have worldwide impact and create universal distress (or relief, depending on the parties concerned).

For centuries, different families have taken diametrically opposite positions regarding the reality of Santa Claus. Some parents would be horrified to wrest away from their children the belief in that heroic, ubiquitous Hero of the Tundra whose mission it is to provide endless gifts for pajama-robed recipients.

Others defy the existence of the elf-surrounded North Pole King, accusing believers of fraud and deception.

But regardless of which position you happen to hold, the truth has finally been discovered - at least, probably. Some will be elated, others will recoil with chagrin and horror.

And now, for the world premiere of the Truth About Santa Claus:

Because Scripture without question pronounces all men to be sinners, and incapable of any good works apart from the redeeming power of God through Jesus Christ, "good children" are non-existent. Therefore, while no person has ever seen Santa Claus, it is very possible that he exists, whiling away his time making gifts that he will never be able to deliver. In other words, the Biblical record would reduce Santa to a prisoner held captive by human depravity; a lonely being wandering the ice floats of the Arctic; a doomed personality caged in a sea of despair.

The Joy of Music

2008-12-30T18:25:00.000-08:00

"Oh, that's nice."

"How would this work?"

"G-B-D."

"Nnnnoooo, that doesn't sound quite right."

"Really? I kinda like it..."

"C-sharp."

"Oohh, I like that run."

"Now, here's what I started with this..."

Can you tell what we're doing? Arranging, of course! For the past two days, Daniel Z. and I have been working on arrangements that will be included on our upcoming CD. The possibilities and permutations when arranging are enormous, but the Lord blessed our time and we successfully completed two songs - "When You Were Sweet Sixteen" and "Bless This House."

"Can you start from here?"

Those of you who are familiar with Finale will know that it can play back what you've written. But did you know that you can mute the sound, then follow along and play the music while the computer "turns pages" for you? Nifty... (Note the excessive amount of sheet music on the piano - an inevitable "side-effect" of producing a CD!)

Almost done...

Recording dates are set for early March in Indianapolis. Practice, practice, practice!

As an added bonus, I played the Brahms violin concerto a few times with Daniel - what a blast. If you haven't heard this piece, you simply must check it out - if, that is, you like intense classical music. :) The Brahms violin concerto is probably my favorite concerto ever written - for any instrument. (I prefer Itzhak Perlman and the Chicago Symphony under the direction of Carlo Maria Giulini. Even though the orchestra is a little behind in places, Perlman's expression is unmatchable.)

Of Sermons and Pictures

2008-12-28T18:45:00.000-08:00

I have been blessed to hear many inspiring and challenging New Year's Sermons in my two decades of life; this morning was not an exception. Using Psalm 20:7 as his main text, our pastor, Dr. Tim Williams, delivered a clarion call to be faithful to Jehovah, as we remember His faithfulness to us and His Presence in our lives every day of 2009. This sermon is not yet downloaded to SermonAudio, but in about a week or less, it should be on there. It's worth the listen!

Also, in tonight's evening service, Mr. Huffstutler, one of our elders, gave a very thought-provoking message on humility. This should also be available soon.

Following the service, one of our ladies wrapped up some photo shoots that still needed to be done for the new church directory. Seizing the opportunity like a good photographer, I managed to sneak a few also. :)

Mr. and Mrs. Dale Huffstutler

The Williams Family

Mr. Huffstutler and Joy

Hmmm....is it good enough?

2008-12-27T13:54:00.000-08:00

I do not know if I should be congratulated or warned upon entering the world of bloggers, but for several reasons, I have decided to join the crowd.

Blogging encourages the important practice of journaling.
Journaling stimulates gratitude and good communication skills.
Until now I have not done justice to the important practice of journaling.
The necessity for pictures, which I hope to make an important part of this blog, may encourage my dormant photography aspirations.
I hope to exploit those "times of epiphany" when the "light bulb" (a.k.a. the Holy Spirit) suddenly illuminates the dark recesses of the mind and imparts spiritual insight.

I have not chosen to blog for the following reasons:

I am bored. (The opposite of contentedness.)
I don't have anything to do. (My plate seems to defy emptiness.)
I am technologically skilled. (Well, we won't go there.)

At any rate, I sincerely wish that this blog will be an encouragement to Christian readers, a dash of good-humor to the weary soul and a relief to readers that there are more eccentric people than them out there.