Virginia Tenor

A Discussion on Defining Gay Marriage.. among Christians & Friends

2012-01-21T13:36:00.003-05:00

There is lots to read in this post... a "civil" loving discussion on gay marriage and the role of law in defining marriage as it relates to a passionate faith.. rooted in Jesus Christ. It occurred on Facebook on Jan 20, 21+ 2012 between Jeff, Steve, Bob, Melanie primarily... but others as well... and I'm saving it here to study... influence.. and remind us all... that WE MUST THINK ABOUT WHAT WE THINK! even when it is difficult.. or maybe especially when it is difficult.

Just because man disrespects marriage does not change what marriage is. Same sex civil unions, ok. Marriage is man and woman.

That is not how the fundamentalists frame their argument. Hence the photo. And "civil unions" dont represent equal protection under the law.

Sure they do.

Simply isn't true Melanie. Same benefits, no. Huge burdens to even come close... For sure. But works out well for lawyers due to legal fees. More cost/burden for impaired benefits. Not equal.

I agree with Melanie. Rewrite the law; don't redefine. And many corporations honor partnerships now.

Concerned about redefining marriage? How about we start with actual problems...as photo represents.

Those are individual issues, Jeff. Not a blanket social policy . And the photo is as bogus as many of the others that pop up. There are plenty of gay couples that have had the same issues because it is a human condition to do stupid things, not a sexual orientation issue.

Bogus? those are all real, public disgraces... famous, popular, people.. who contribute to culture in mighty way... little humor for sure.. but they aren't bogus.
Divorce among traditional marriages and disintegration of the family is much bigger societal issue than Gay Marriage.. by any measure.. and that isn't "individual"
Gov't shouldn't be involved in defining marriage at all in my book..

There is no such thing as traditional marriage. That's the point. Marriage is marriage.

Marriages are at the heart of families... and in this country.. that "title" bestows rights and privileges... Clearly something has to change somewhere.

Yes, civil unions.
Marriage is not a title.

‎"Bogus" in the sense that all these causes, regardless of the cause, point out, inflate, only one side of an issue. But you know that as you've said it many times yourself. However, find an unbiased report of gay divorce rates since there hasn't been a history to track. Again Jeff. These are human issues not sexual orientation issues. Statistics will be across the board - ask any reputable actuarian.

C'mon Bob... I was deliberately trying to be inflammatory.. ;-)

As long as marriage comes with legal and governmental benefits that aren't conferred by anything else with, reserving it as a privilege for only a portion of the population is doing as much to undermine the institution's societal role as any of those listed folks' bad choices.

Jeff, I couldn't resist. :-) I write this in the spirit of love. It hurts my heart to see Christian brothers and sisters advocating for same-sex marriage. Also, regarding the photo, the failure of some will never justify the acquiescence of all. We are called to love everyone and should not hate anyone. It should be noted though that denying truth is not the same as love. I believe that the worst enemy the world has is one who knows the Truth and will not share it in love. Marriage is not a creation of government but of God. However, it is no accident or surprise that we have reached this point. I humbly offer the following scripture based thesis not to debate doctrine but to communicate thus refraining from numerous reference. I do pray my source is recognizable. We have for so long leaned unto our own understanding regarding matters of the flesh. There is a divine order of things and it is God’s will that we abstain from sexual immorality. We cannot simply point our fingers at the homo-sexual community. For too long we have ignored God’s ideal for all of us. His desire is that we remain pure outside the bond of marriage between a man and a woman. For the single person, male or female, God’s will is that they be celibate. For the married person, God’s will is for us to be faithful and monogamous. Throughout history, we have broken these God-given principles and looked the other way with regard to fornication and adultery. They have become commonplace in our society. Even in our churches. We have rationalized sins we should be so ashamed of. Today, if someone even in the church advocates for celibacy or abstinence among young people or single adults there is snickering and rolling of the eyes. More and more couples who attend church regularly are living together in fornication without marriage. Many believe it foolish to create a bond without first giving it a try. It is popular but it is not of God. The truth is that if a single heterosexual is attracted to another and decides it is O.K. to have sex with them than they are committing fornication. Likewise, if a married person is attracted to another person to whom they are not married and decides it is O.K. to have sex with them than they are committing adultery. The rampant onslaught of internet pornography has further exasperated the difficulty of abstinence and the ability to protect our hearts and minds. Now, along comes and attraction to the same sex. Just as attraction to the opposite sex does not justify fornication for the single nor does attraction to another partner justify adultery for the married, attraction to the same sex also does not justify either. Marriage is defined by God to be between a man and a woman. Sex outside of marriage is sin in the eyes of God. Therefore, same-sex relations or marriage are not within the will of God. We have now reached this point because sex in general in all aspects has been given blanket approval and acceptance in almost all forms. I don’t even want to think about what will be next.
One may say they were born or created with attraction to the same sex. That may indeed be true. I believe I was born to be attracted to the opposite sex. That does not make it O.K. for me to engage in sex prior to or outside of marriage. Obedience to God through His grace allows me to abstain. Because I love God and my wife, I do not want to hurt either. For singles, I believe that abstinence is a Spiritual gift for many including for those born homosexual. For those homosexuals not possessing the gift of abstinence or the miracle of healing, it is a calling. Humans do not have to define their lives by having sex. Sex is an awesome creation of God reserved for a man and a woman in marriage. Any other form is harmful and that is the truth. Believers can and must accept and love all people just as Christ has called instructed. But, to call the union of two same-sex individuals a marriage ordained by God is to turn our back on our faith and call evil good. It is sacrilegious. I pray that our society and our churches can make a place for all people but I do know that “same-sex marriage” will never make that happen. I pray that I nor anyone else will never have to go to jail for not performing the ceremony. I would if it came to that. I do not marry anyone that doesn’t understand marriage from a biblical perspective including heterosexuals. I would be naive to think that the definition of marriage will not change in our country. It already has in many states. However, I know that it has not and will not change in the eyes of God. I will love these people regardless and will strive to err on the side of grace. I pray for God’s mercy.
Now, if one is not a believer or is not concerned with being outside the will of God, marriage loses its very significance. In this case, Christians are called to be salt and light. In all cases there should be equal rights and equal protection under the law. By rights, all should be able to love whom they wish and all should be able to work, live, eat, visit, care for etc. We have a long way to go here in society. However, with regard to equal protection under the law, we are there. No sarcasm of arrogance intended here but all are equally protected in that all may choose to marry a person of the opposite sex.
We are all wonderfully and fearfully made creations of an almighty God. The problem is we all have a deadly problem inherited from our fathers all the way back to Adam. We live in a fallen world and we are Sinners. We should not over emphasize any sin over another. Christ died for them all. He loves us and is not willing that any should perish. He came that we might have life and life to the fullest. As we flee from sin in all forms we grow closer to Him and there is a peace that passes all understanding. These sins from which we must flee include self-righteousness, hate, slander, mistreatment of others and many more.

Steve, that is an amazing statement of Truth. Thank you for your considerate words an willingness to stand for truth when the consequences will be ridicule and accusations of hate. I stand with you.

hmmm, Steve and Melanie, I see it advocating for love. God knows what is in our hearts, a piece of paper or legal recognition changes nothing in His eyes. God knows if you are living a lie one way or the other (maybe if I marry a man God won't notice that I actually love that special woman or vice versa) so I vote for love every time.

Go with the hmmm Bob. Think & pray about it. I'm for the love but it's not synonymous with the truth. Calling something to be something its not doesn't make it so. Changed laws won't make people love. Changed lives will. Blessings

Sin or no sin is up to each of us individually. Faith and a personal relationship with Christ are personal.
Please explain how those principles So eloquently discussed in this case should be used by a free country where religion and govt are separate to discriminate against a segment of the population based on a theological definition. That segment is free to not believe and interpret scripture differently if at all.
I don't believe that govt should provide special benefits and be involved at all. Having the govt define marriage according to a Christian theological model is somehow okay? As it violates the equal protection clause?

I support churches defining marriage as they choose. The issue here is civil governance and the assignment of benefits equally.
As to theology, if we are to err I believe it should be on the side of love and inclusion in the face of law. Just as Jesus did. God indeed made us all. Fearfully, wonderfully. Each of us. All of us. Judging our brothers rarely ends well if ever. Practically necessary... Ideologically & theologically flawed for sure.

Another thought... If govt remain involved with marriage as is likely....Should the govt impose direct theologically based conditions for divorce? How? Why?
Moving to an inclusionary legal position seems the only viable option to me for anyone who supports liberty and free separation of church & state...

Good questions/points. Once again I will communicate using the principle rather than specific verse. God has made it very clear in the old and new covenants what sin is. It is not relative. There are some things that do fall into that category for which he said to him that knows to do good and does it not; to him it is sin. Throughout time He has placed governments to lead, bless, and discipline His people. The Government we have is the one that God let be. We are indeed to render unto Caesar as it were. We are to be obedient unto those in authority. However, the trouble with governments, and particularly democracies, is that we get the type of leadership and laws we deserve. Jesus told us to go and make disciples, baptizing them…..and teaching them to observe all that He had commanded. He was talking to His followers and to the ones His followers were able to get to follow by telling the truth and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to change lives. He told these people, US, to be salt and light; to be the preservative of the culture and the light for the path. We are to be a bright city on a hill and a candle that is not hidden. He was not talking to Those People Over There” as Arsenio Hall might say. He was talking to Christians. We must never underestimate our role as a preservative and light in the culture. Unfortunately, many have confused the role and seen it as a self-righteous appointment to stick their figure in the eyes of others. That’s not it at all. It’s not about legislating morality; It is about living a life surrendered to God so that morality is the norm. This country was founded on these principles in spite of rampant hypocrisy. The Judeo-Christian ethic was overwhelming the norm. That is no longer the case. I am reasonably sure that over time the society will fall to an even lesser norm. Jesus told us there would be days like this. He said they would not endure sound truth and they would look for those who would scratch their itching ears telling them just what they wanted to hear. This is far from love. God did not call all the people to act like Christians. He called His followers to act like Christians and to preserve the culture so that even the non-believer would benefit by what was best for them. The rain falls and the sun shines on the just and the unjust. Christians are not “just” because of anything we have done but because of what Christ did on our behalf. We should not strive to live a sinless life to be all that, but rather to be pleasing to Him out of gratitude. It does not hurt or surprise me to see those who don’t know Christ pushing their agenda. It hurts my heart to see those who God has called to be salt and light give in and lose their savor. We can love people unconditionally and love God with all our heart soul and mind. They are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are the two very things on which the whole law of God hangs. We must not under estimate our role as the preservative. Abraham negotiated with God on behalf Sodom & Gomorra. He was able to talk God out of destroying the city if there could be found 50 righteous people there. He then very boldly whittled it down to just 10. Lot and his wife, 2 daughters and 2 son-in-laws would have been six. If we think about it, four more people could not be found righteous in the Lord. As we know, God destroyed the city. Today, we have “out-Sodomed” Sodom. They had no bibles and we have billions, they had no churches and we have millions of them, they had no preachers and we have thousands upon thousands. They had no example and we have their example yet we have out-Sodomed Sodom. I am not trying to control all those who are not Christ followers. I’m trying to make as many disciples as possible and teach THEM to obey all that God has commanded. I do this because I love God with all my heart, soul and mind, and because I strive to love others as myself. It IS all about the love. I pray that God will continue to allow His people to be the Salt (preservative) and Light (guide) in this culture as long as it is His will. We know that one glorious day He is coming again. He warned us it would get a whole lot worse before it gets better. I strive to preserve the culture out of love for those who know not. It’s not out of hate in any way.

Your way is by biblical mandate, not free will/choice.. That is not the way that Jesus modeled for us.

And as far as sin goes, there is no hierarchy here... All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.. Why should the gov't impose theological regulation in once case over another to save the culture or defend a true definition? We are NOT a THEOCRACY.. we are a free society built on judeo-christian principles.
There is no logic here Steve..except to accept and include and allow God to judge in the end. I hear and appreciate your passion, but we dont live in Old Testament times. Jesus freed us from that law with his love and his freedom. His mandate was only that we must choose him.. not be obligated.. from money to morality...
I think that in a few years.. the cultural, often cruel, discrimination and segregation currently targeted toward the LGBT community will be considered yet another wound to be healed on the side of a great country. as slavery and women's rights before... Our constitution guarantees equal protection to all. In a free country, we simply cannot allow citizens to be discriminated against due to sexual orientation. the message of love & inclusion championed by MLKjr is highly relevant. The change is not easy.. but will prevail. Lets get on with it...

Which is the greater problem.. Gays marrying so that they can live in families and be treated equally under the law or the 99% of society which chooses and is allowed to choose to divorce... with a >50% failure rate and the colossal impact of that failure on children and extended families... equally breaking biblical mandates? The LGBT community is indicted and targeted because it is in the minority and can't defend itself. This cannot be allowed in a free society. Truly.. we must do better... acting in love. as salt and light..

Wow! My failure to communicate is discouraging. I spoke nothing of mandates for anyone and only of free will. My desire to please God has nothing to do with mandate and everything to do with gratitude. Jesus loves us all and he died for us all but He doesn’t “include” us all in a lot of things. He said those who love Him will honor what he says. When He accepted people where they were he loved them and he healed them and He shared the Kingdom of God with them and them. Then He told them to go and sin no more. Our culture is free to choose. Because of God’s people (salt) there are many evils that society has been preserved from. However, the ruler of this world has had his way with many believers and non-believers alike. All should be loved but not all should be “included” in something that is by God’s definition, “exclusive” such as marriage. To call something what it is not does not make it so. There is no “logic” in performing a marriage ceremony to be ordained by God before a Holy God that does not approve of the union. Call it what you will but it is not a “marriage” in the eyes of God. Now, folks who are not concerned with that have the freedom to unite. When they do, they should be afforded the rights of partnership. They should not be “indicted” or “targeted”. But, neither should they try to redefine what God had defined. I would like all of us to be able to determine for ourselves who family is. For example, it should be up to me who I want to put on my medical insurance or will, etc., as long as I am paying for it. Speaking of free will, forced acceptance is no acceptance at all. I can accept what two people do in their own conscience and love them regardless. I cannot accept them telling me to accept what my God does not accept. It may seem like a distinction without a difference to some but the word marriage means something that will not change regardless of the law. I would to some extend agree that the government has no business in marriage at all. Though as I mentioned, governments are those that God let be. For one that is for, by, and of the people, the dominate seasoning or salt does indeed preserve the culture. This is true for so many other things. We do not steal, bare false witness, murder, etc…lawfully because of the norm that has been placed on us all by a standard of normal preserved by the masses. Many are offended by equating homosexuality with sin. For non-believers this is understandable and I do not judge them. For the believer it is clear. God’s view is that it is sin. Can we be born that way? Yes, we are all born sinners and we all struggle with sin in many capacities. Some struggle with same-sex attraction. Many struggle with fornication regardless or orientation. Many struggle with murder. It would be foolish to defend murder by saying it’s not a sin for me and who are you to say it is and by what authority and why and just because you believe that why should it apply to me? It is true that sin is sin in the eyes of God and we have indeed all sinned and still do. All sin is forgivable including homosexuality as well as calling a homosexual union a marriage. However, there is no need to advocate for legalizing it. Will it happen? Probably, just like many other sins that have been legalized but that does not make it right. I was against the recent bill that allowed gambling in my state. However, I still loved those who gambled before it was legal and I love them now. It doesn’t make it right. The failure of traditional marriage is sad. However, it is not in any way a rationalization for a new definition. I’m quite certain that gay unions have and will break up as well. There is no relevance or logic here. People who are against murder have committed murder but that doesn’t mean we should legalize it or redefine what it means to take a life. With regard to divorce by the way, there is indeed much that our government has to say with regard to divorce law grounds defined on the Judeo-Christian ethic.
Civil rights are to be advocated with perseverance for all people and many have stood by while others have suffered unjustly. However, to equate the issue of same-sex marriage to the plight of minorities once branded as less than human and not allowed to vote or own property…is a travesty and the ultimate insult to those who have struggled and still do. One definite similarity though, is that changed laws did not make people love. Changed lives did. I pray for God’s love, truth, and wisdom upon you. Peace.

I hope you will read and reread this entire thread. Remembering that civil govt doesn't allow choice as faith does. Thus using govt to enforce faith based standards, rights, punish for sins..and define marriage is not consistent with a faith based in freedom and love, forgiveness & redemption. The outcome of our current civil definition of marriage in most cases (va for sure) is state sponsored discrimination against LGBT citizens. I don't need to agree with others choices but as a Christian I cannot force them (using govt) to adhere to mine or yours. I can model and love. Influencing, forgiving, sacrificing for all.., and likely becoming subject to ridicule and accusations of not standing for truth.
Freedom is messy and flawed in our world just as forgiveness and redemption are messy, often seemingly unfair. Thus the miracle of salvation by grace. Peace!

You're a brave soul, Jeff, and you've eloquently stated and defended your faith. The real beneficiaries of your courage aren't so much your gay friends like me (although I'm very thankful). The real beneficiaries of your courage are your children. Proverbs 20:7 "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him."

Marriage has always been a property issue not a religious issue. Either Americans support equal rights for all or they don't support the basic principles behind our government. Most of the anti-gay people either claim religious belief as their support for discrimination - we heard that about integration - or they seem to be afraid of something that has nothing to do with them at all. Religion should not be imposed on US citizens. Anybody's religion. Those who think we are a "Christian" nation simply don't understand why the founding fathers wanted separation of church and state. And so-called Christians can't even agree with each other so which version of "Christianity" would they like to see imposed? And the other issue is simply an odd obsession with what people do in the privacy of their bedrooms. Why they feel the need to watch everyone else or even find it interesting is beyond me. As the bumper sticker says...‎"Mind your own family."

I agree with so much of what you have said regarding rights of individuals. I would stand and have stood for proper treatment of those with whom I disagree. However, I cannot embrace and advocate for something that God would not condone. God's grace allows for much that He does not condone. We are all sinners. However, unrepentant sin is defiance in the face of God. It is as if to say, I know what you say but I don't care. I know fornication is wrong but I don't care. God has provided forgiveness through His grace and if this is wrong I don't want to be right. We say this about so many things. However, I cannot understand why any believer would want to help any other person, believer or not, institutionalize a perpetual status that is not of God. Love them and accept them regardless of where they are; yes. Help them to redefine what God has defined so they may be "included" in the divinely exclusive; No. Mark, the same book tells us the children will suffer for the sins of their fathers. Whoa unto them that call evil good and good evil. This is not an issue that will be solved this side of eternity. Jeff, as we have stated before, we will have to agree to disagree agreeably and pray for God's mercy and wisdom. I do not hate anyone. I pray that all who read this thread will benefit an seek the face of God on the matter. Blessings

Blessings indeed!

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Steve: You don't have to embrace or advocate for same sex marriage any more than you have to embrace or advocate for any other issue with which you disagree. You are advocating the establishment of religion. Jeff just posted the item that tells you it doesn't matter what you think your god or anyone else's god wants. Nobody has the right under our constitution to tell the others of us what to do or not do just because you think your god has an opinion on it. Not Christians or Christianists or Muslims or Mormons or Wiccans or those who would abolish churches or those who believe that mushrooms reveal the truth. Your only responsibility is you and your offspring. Let the rest of us make our own peace with Godde or nothing as we see fit.

Amen! that's NO law! This however, has been so brutally ignored in so many ways. This also does not state separation of church and state. The Church (the Bride of Christ) is not a place or a religion. it is a people. A people that are part of the culture and part of the state. In this regard, they cannot be separated. Our Government is a democracy. I fully support the right of ALL individuals including followers of Christ to petition the Government. As I stated, I'm reasonably sure that the social "norm" in this country will change and has changed for that matter. I want to re-emphasize that it is only the Church (specifically referring to bible believing Christ- followers) to witch I speak and to whom God was speaking to regarding being salt and light. Though I fully support their rights to advocate as well, it pains me when I see they have lost their savor. I don't want to force anyone to do or not do anything. I do want to encourage believers to seek the face of God and His will for their life. I believe that in so doing they will by their own obedience be a preservative of the culture. I want Christ-followers to BE instead of just DO. I'm not calling anyone to be against anything. I'm not calling for petitions or boycotts or any sort of hateful behavior. I'm calling believers to for God and live the life that Christ modeled. To the best of my knowledge he never spoke for or against any law of the day. He lived the example and called us to so the same. That in itself preserves.

Really good stuff there Steve. Focusing on that purpose unites us all!
Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)
[16] Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. [17] When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. [18] Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Jeff, I used that scripture earlier without the reference. Shelley, I am not at all desiring the establishment of State religion. I do believe our forefathers desired freedom of religion but that is not the same as total freedom from it. Like it or not, all laws of any State are derived through the confluence of influences and social norms of the people making up that culture. All laws flow from some agreement of someone's truth or the compromise of multiple perspectives. I believe that this is the vary thing God had in mind when he compelled His people to be salt and light. He new that when people live their lives surrendered to Him and they follow the example of Christ, they would be happy and they would be a positive influence on their culture. When these people assemble and petition, they do so for the common good. Likewise, they establish a social norm brought about by simply who they are. In a democracy, the more people living their lives in this way, the more likely they are to preserve a culture. As this salt if you will loses its savor, the affect and the effect on the culture becomes less significant. I would agree that our culture has evolved to the point that those people who truly desire to follow Christ and submit themselves to His truths have diminished. My calling is to encourage these people to be the best Christ-followers they can be in the culture in which God has placed them. God told us the greatest two commandments on which all the others hung were to "Love the Lord thy God with all our heart soul and mind. And, likewise love others as ourselves". In a nut shell, Love God and Love people. God knew that if we succeed at these two commands we will not be taking our neighbors stuff or stealing his wife of telling lies on him. He knew that if we surely loved Him we would not be doing the things that were against His will or harmful to us to the best of our ability. He also knew that if we did this in a Christ-like manner within the culture that others would notice and He would be glorified. God Loves us and He is with us, and He is for us.

Seems to me that what you SHOULD be proposing, Jeff, is state recognition of and definition of civil unions. All the responsibilities, requirements, obligations and benefits are laid out. Marriage would qualify as a state sponsored civil union. Other civil unions of consenting adults would also qualify. This removes the state from themarriage business. (... this can't be an original idea. )
For the longest time, I've been in the "just don't call it marriage" camp. I know I am not alone. Redefining marriage into something it is not is a nonstarter for too many people, and in my opinion, unnecessary. I believe the critical obstacles to equal protection could be removed in the way i suggest, which I think is a common ground for principled, loving, fair minded middle on this issue.

Christmas Eve Services... consumer or a provider? are you going to give in worship or get?

2011-12-24T14:03:00.000-05:00

Recent article on "The LarkNews" regarding a NC church downsizing spurred a great commentary thread on Facebook. I don't know Kevin Ryan Cartwright personally.. but he wrote a brilliant commentary on the mega-church phenomena today... The only real question is.. What sort of services are YOU seeking in YOUR church. My bottom line: Worship is about giving, not getting... Church leaders should be about helping their members to see and listen more directly to God's work in their lives...

The failure of the modern church is rooted in the desire to seek numbers, influence... and power. "Blessings and resources turned inward on themselves to further the institution or the person, are an abomination before God" Bert Browning

Mega-churches are capitalist business enterprises and therefore are profit-driven rather than Gospel-driven. To the board of directors and the owner of the enterprise and property contained therein (commonly called the "pastor"), the members (or customers) are a financial burden through administration and postage costs, per capita cost of staffing requirements, facility wear and maintenance, etc. Members, therefore, should not expect to be treated as if they were members of a traditional parish where the pastor knows their name or can actually be seen face-to-face for personal guidance. Members should rather view their mega-church as a provider of services such as religious rock music entertainment, sports programs, counselling services, fitness services, coffee and snack vendor, and religious-based continued education. If you do not contribute toward the funding of these services, you, like a dead-beat bank customer, will be eliminated as a financial responsibility to the owners or a negative impact against profit for the owner and shareholders. I can cite an Atlanta mega-church who is recently enthralled in scandal over the issue of "closing for Christmas."
"The Bottom Line:" If you want to belong to a church, go join one; join a church with a priest and parishioners who know your name, who has an organist and a choir who will let you sing with them no matter how badly you might sing, and a place where the spirit of God is present. None of these experiences can be had at a mega-church type enterprise. -- Kevin Ryan Cartwright

3 Tenors 3 Chefs "Make a difference" for Vets in RVA

2011-11-17T15:15:00.000-05:00

Will be great to sing for a sold out house tomorrow night.

RSS Word clouds showcase diversity of Vatenor

2011-11-10T06:39:00.000-05:00

Precision and passion present in so few people.

2011-10-23T06:57:00.000-04:00

Listening to Joshua Russell and Lloyd Arriola play in the last nights was like crack cocaine for this recovering performance addict.

The epitome of all that is profound about music in the world was manifest for so few here in Bon Air/Richmond. Their emotions and souls poured from the piano like water from a pitcher onto a concrete floor. Changing everything as it went, but harming nothing. Flowing, settling, filling every nook and cranny of our souls, ebbing and flowing through our imperfections and even now, it has not left.

The winds of a new day simply blow and dry the surface. The residue is left, perhaps its essence.. The pitcher moves on to another floor, another venue.. bigger more famous.. My soul seeks more water, more nourishment and finds comfort in the company of friends and familiar places.

The powerful sensation of having the water affect me in a "moment" passes into memory, to be cherished as it becomes another story to be told. Thank you Lloyd and Joshua for sharing yourselves with us.

To my friends and colleagues in using music to change the world: Bravo and Kudos.
To the warm and wonderful attendees who had the courage to choose to support music to remember others and serve.. Bravo and Kudos
To the People of Richmond and Bon Air...friends, neighbors, acquaintances, colleagues, the ones who chose not to come... you were missed sorely, and you missed an opportunity to have a few moments change you. You missed a new page in your story.

As for me and my house, we were amazed and humbled "in community" within a community.

Hypocritical Bias

2011-10-18T14:23:00.000-04:00

Image Credit:

thesocietypages.org

Hypocrite: : a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion; a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings

Bias: an inclination of temperament or outlook; especially : a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment

-- definitions via Merriam Webster

In the era of real time 24x7 politics coupled with social media discussion and commentary, how do we define hypocrisy in behavior and communications. Is it bad, or is it unavoidable for any mature mass communicator?

The issue of bias in commentary for bloggers is easiest to address. Commentary based writing has no reason to avoid bias when it is used as a form of free speech. If and when the reporting transcends some magical line and begins to be viewed as journalism, then different standards would of course apply.

VaTenor is a life biased blog representing the views of one man, and those views have matured and changes significantly over the past 5 years. The original name on this blog was Consistently Inconsistent, and stayed that way until 2007. My approach was to capture my thoughts and hopefully generate commentary and discussion which would inform and hopefully advance both my personal knowledge as well as the readers'. Unfortunately, I learned that most readers don't comment... and those that do, are often volatile, judgemental and sometimes downright despicable in their tone, language and personal attack rhetoric. The idea of creating civil discourse was not practical and ultimately, I changed the name and began simply writing what I think.. no apologies... rarely holding back... This blog has become an online holding pen for ideas and thoughts, often used in other forums from Twitter to Facebook.

This AM, I was criticized and called out for referencing my own writing as though there was something wrong with that action. I reject that premise... but the assertion that I am hypocritical caused some thought and reflection. Perhaps I am hypocritical. I have trouble imagining an honest discussion where 2 parties are actually learning from one another, where hypocrisy couldn't be accurately applied to judge positional jockeying on some level... but the assertion is heavily dependent on the maturity of positions and on knowledge and personal judgement of the speaker. Danger, Danger, Danger...

If I was certain of my ideas and a scholar, then a learning discussion would be likely difficult if not impossible, or would it? When a person changes their mind or position they are not automatically a hypocrite. It is possible to see similar situations and act differently although those actions may be viewed as hypocritical by onlookers.

I maintain that we are all biased based on our background, upbringing, religion, education, etc..
I maintain that we are all hypocritical to some extent, as we must treat every conversation, situation, and decision as unique.

Leadership and Communications expose these "opportunity" areas in visceral public ways. Perhaps the best that a leader and frequent communicator can hope for is adherence to some set of guiding principles.

Discussion of ideas is different from discussion of person.
Honesty and transparency can be assessed via disclosure.
There is nothing wrong with referencing your own work, but care should be taken if it is used in conjunction with other "journalism"
Relationship is paramount between writer and reader. Accountability for maintaining a "social contract" of sort is the responsibility of both. If that contract is broken, or abandoned, then the communication and growth/change is stopped cold.
Judging others' intentions is a wasteland of relationship failure.
Assumptions of a shared context when addressing an emotional event or issue are dangerous. It is wise to ground everyone in a common lexicon, and set clear ground rules and boundaries.

Enough of my brain-dump for the day. Here is hoping that consistently inconsistent diversity and creativity can be recognized and embraced in discourse without so much effort. I'm not even sure what I just said there.. but it will become clearer in coming weeks. and someone will have something to say about it.. of that I'm sure.. whether they say it or not.

Recliner

2011-10-11T07:47:00.003-04:00

Couple of years ago, my wife and I "invested" in couple of nice LazyBoy recliners, like millions of other families around the world. We have put those things through their paces with kids jumping, climbing, sitting, and every flavor of rocking. In last few months, my "office" recliner has served double duty as a semi upright bed.. Who knew? it works pretty well.

When suffering from colds, flu, and many varieties of ailments, sleeping in a big comfy recliner isn't all that bad.. Strangely, all of the flashing lights on my routers, phones, monitors are calming at 3:18am..

Invest in a good recliner.. you just never know when you'll need it, and there is some seriously "interesting" tv on in the middle of the night.. I'm just saying.

Raising Taxes

2011-10-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

I've written extensively on this blog on how I believe that excessive taxation is bad for the economy and for the liberty of the people.. see (Give & Take).

That said, I understand the need to pay our bills. We have been at war for over 10 years. We have gigantic gov't programs (that do basicly good things) that have to be supported.

Here is what I need from OUR leaders in Washington.
Get out of the war business, and global police business, and show some REAL progress on fixing our entitlement programs. FIRST... after you have demonstrated leadership and progress, if raising taxes is necessary.. So Be It.. but raise them on everyone. We all benefit, we should all pay...

Comprehensive tax reform.. and seeking less $ from more people is the true answer..

Class Warfare and pass the buck blame games... Pathetic.

Disappointment in numbers.

2011-09-14T07:18:00.001-04:00

Numbers, Nickels, Noses... From ministry to the arts world, survival is about managing to the bottom line, the world counts success by these measures.

How many students
how many in the audience
how much money raised...
how new are your facilities...
what is the cool factor that will attract...

@RickWarren: Never confuse prominence with significance....Unseen doesn't equal unimportant. #missionalrenaissance #leadership

INSPIRATION... VALUE... IMPACT... all worthy ideas, but nearly impossible to correlate with a harsh, competitive reality. The illusion of success is a drug... the service impact is thrilling, to see services making a difference where none existed before.. but it just isn't enough.

To survive... spreading the cost, seeking supporters who freely give, Faith in a mission greater than self, rooted in service..

Today just isn't a great day.. maybe the next two weeks will turn it around. Because if the numbers aren't there, the curtain doesn't rise.. even on the most worthy shows. no matter the impact.. if the costs aren't covered... then a crash and a collapse are imminent.

Quote 2 NOTE: John Adams On Choosing a Life in the Arts
"A life in the arts means a life of sacrifice and tens of thousands of hours of devotion and discipline with scant remuneration and sometimes even scant recognition. A life in the arts means loving complexity and ambiguity, of enjoying the fact that there are no single, absolute solutions. And it means that you value communicating about matters of the spirit over the baser forms of human interaction, because you know that life is not just a transaction, not simply a game about winning someone’s confidence purely for purposes of material gain."

http://dacapova.org - A Worthy Arts Organization... struggling, but seeking to impact, & survive.

( Who Am I ) VATENOR Fun with combining FB & LinkedIn

2011-08-13T16:20:00.004-04:00

Leadership, Technology, Transformation Results

Tenor | Performing Arts | Father | Consultant
Information Technology and Services

I am an experienced technology leader in service delivery management and large project execution.

My leadership programs(workplace and workforce transformations bridging HR, CRE facilities, and Technology) have been globally recognized in industry publications and prestigious associational forums for their award winning results. Relentless customer focus and disciplined proactive outcome based planning are linchpins in my plans.

My diverse experience base includes full life cycle budget/staff/group leadership, employee development and coaching, technology project delivery oversight & execution, performing arts production, university faculty, along side non-profit and church leadership roles.

This history of innovative leadership leverages Enterprise 2.0 collaboration tools, driving to measurable operational efficiency improvements and innovations in communications capabilities, management, and customer engagement.

Specialties
Project & Portfolio Management(PMO), CxO level decision analysis and messaging, Managed Services Delivery, Collaboration and Unified Communications, VideoConferencing, VoIP, Video on Demand(VOD), Organizational Change Management, ADKAR, ERP/Human Resources management systems, Outsourcing, Strategic Supplier Management, Non Profit leadership, Arts Advocacy, Audience Development, Performing Arts
===================

“Hope is not a management strategy. Hope is what you rely on after you have executed a successful management strategy.”

“The greater danger lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” – Michelangelo

“First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. Then you win.” – Mahatma Gandhi

"Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it. " - C.S. Lewis

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” – Calvin Coolidge

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

--- Marianne Williamson.

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action. And because there is only one you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium…the world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, or how valuable, or how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open."

--Martha Graham, creator of modern dance

"Music has to be recognized as an ... agent of social development in the highest sense, because it transmits the highest values -- solidarity, harmony, mutual compassion. And it has the ability to unite an entire community and to express sublime feelings."

-- José Antonio Abreu

The Artists’ Perspective

Artists are interested in expressing the human condition. They are interested in all of life. As an art form, classical music explores every facet of the human condition: pain, passions, conflict, disappointments, as well as love, joy, peace, self-control, and much more. As music gives a broad picture of human experience, it provides a tremendous gift to the church. It shows something of the need for God in daily life outside the church’s walls. It also speaks of the presence of God wherever we find ourselves. -- Dr. Charles Hulin IV, Chowan University

"Bach gave us God's Word. Mozart gave us God's laughter. Beethoven gave us God's fire. God gave us Music that we might pray without words." -- Unknown

"What love is to music, music is to the arts and to mankind. Music is love itself--it is the purest, most ethereal language of passion, showing in a thousand ...ways all possible changes of color and feeling; and though only true in a single instance, it can yet be understood by thousands--who all feel differently." --Carl Maria von Weber in an 1898 book

"A life in the arts means a life of sacrifice and tens of thousands of hours of devotion and discipline with scant remuneration and sometimes even scant recognition. A life in the arts means loving complexity and ambiguity, of enjoying the fact that there are no single, absolute solutions. And it means that you value communicating about matters of the spirit over the baser forms of human interaction, because you know that life is not just a transaction, not simply a game about winning someone’s confidence purely for purposes of material gain." - John Adams On Choosing a Life in the Arts

Intransigence in place of collaboration - Bad things happen

2011-08-08T11:16:00.001-04:00

As we all watched in horror, the government leaders of the United States of America devolved into a group of high school class officers attempting to plan a senior prom, thus creating a mish mash of nothingness in their final solution to the debt ceiling crisis.. if it can be called that.. The problem is of course, the debt.. not the debt ceiling..

Ideology is important, but in the face of war, financial ruin, and stability where real lives are at risk.. the stakes are higher, the behavior should match.

Our leaders fundamentally don't agree that operating with huge amounts of debt is a problem. Well some of them don't... Hopefully, that is changing soon for both parties.

Debt:

Debt is that which is ; usually referencing assets owed, but the term can also cover moral obligations and other interactions not requiring money. In the case of assets, debt is a means of using future purchasing power in the present before a summation has been earned. ...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debt

We have big problems... so in order to move forward, Collaboration must occur.. this involves compromise, but that is only part of the equation. Our representatives represent hundreds of positions/variables.. that is their role, by design... There are no absolute rights or wrongs on issues.. but there are definitely consequences to actions and behavior.. as the "downgrade" and descending markets are showcasing for us today.

Collaboration:

Collaboration is a recursive process where two or more people or organizations work together in an intersection of common goals — for example, an intellectual endeavor that is creative in nature —by sharing knowledge, learning and building consensus. ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collaboration

We must find a path forward as a country.. We need a leader, or series of leaders.. WE NEED LEADERSHIP.. to present plans, and debate options and impacts openly... ignoring popularity, elections.. The demagoguery must stop..

PERHAPS.. The Govt should have its own social media instance... a la FB or Google+ Every congressman should be forced to write and weigh in daily, with status report.. targeted only to his/her constitutents.... segemented accountability.. dissolution of the national media influence..
forced transparency on their ideas.. those status reports would then roll up into a national "dashboard" which we can all see.. Perhaps the President's role would be to create the issues board... which the speaker of house and senate leader could then prioritize for attention... in public.. showing exactly how time and attention/resources are being prioritized.

just thinking out loud here.. Crazy I know.. but hey, we need to do something to get this ball moving ahead. Maybe if we all collaborate a bit, we could come up with other ideas... we certainly need improvement in people, process and technology to create change and break this stalemate of total failure.. from our current:

President "pass the buck" Obama

Speaker "busted" Boehner

Senate "nolead" Reid

Prayer for day

2011-07-28T10:18:00.000-04:00

Not unique I know, but worth remembering and reusing. If you like it, please copy it and amend as you like.. that is how I came up with this one.. and so much of my life.
Every once in a while, it is worth writing these down.. explicitly.

Dear God,
I come to you as humbly as I know how. I confess my sins, those known and unknown. I fail and I fall short of your expectations everyday of my life. Right Now I take time out to say Thank You for your mercy, my health, my family and my friends, the roof over my head, food on my table, and everything I have. I pray that I may use these blessings to do your will in service and love.

Jeff

My #askObama townhall tweet questions.

2011-07-06T15:12:00.001-04:00

#askObama if you raise taxes? can you guarantee deficit reduction, jobs? what can you guarantee? Why should we the people trust you now?

VaTenor 2:41pm via HootSuite

What is the role of the debt ceiling in controlling Federal spending? #askobama Why should we revolve such huge debt? @townhall

johnboehner 10:40am via TweetDeck

After embarking on a record spending binge that’s left us deeper in debt, where are the jobs?#AskObama

Retweeted by VaTenor

VaTenor 2:18pm via Web

Can you discuss your view of the role of the arts(and arts funding) in defining the culture of the USA?#askobama

VaTenor 2:16pm via Web

Who is moderating? What is the criteria to get a question selected/chosen? #askobama Mr President, can you keep answers shorter? tweetstyle

PerlStalker 2:12pm via Seesmic

What was the point of appointing a debt commission if you were going to ignore it's recommendations in your budget? #AskObama

Retweeted by VaTenor

conblog 11:05am via Web

@DrewHampshire: What mistakes have you made in handling this recession and what would you do differently? #askObama

Retweeted by VaTenor

VaTenor 2:09pm via Tweet Button

What have you done to moderate the tone of discussion and debate since your eloquent remarks re: AZshooting? #AskObama http://t.co/QFJG2Ty

Twitter Life maturity?

2011-07-03T09:44:00.002-04:00

I haven't been on Facebook as much lately because I've begin diving into the Twitterverse. I find that I use it as a real time notebook for trading information. The people that I follow on Twitter have become a living search engine of sorts. My own tweets are a notebook of thoughts, Internet articles, intersecting so many topics.

I may be the only one that can follow this frenetic information tug o war. Full of fun and seriousness all the time. Sort of my own stream of consciousness approach to living ;-)

This social media curve has an intense maturity curve, just like life. The value is a corollary to both the breadth and depth of the relationships. Finding the balance is key for me.

Follow me @vatenor http://twitter.com/vatenor

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Soul passion, Choice!

2011-06-04T06:23:00.001-04:00

"Music... This is the favorite passion of my soul." - Thomas Jefferson

It is early on the Saturday morning of DaCapoVa's 2011 gala and I will be leading, greeting, and sharing my soul with friends tonight through words, the glorious music of Beethoven's Adelaide, and through the shared experience of performance "in community" in the beautiful sanctuary of River Road Presbyterian Church. Along with dear friends and true music advocates we will show a path in this world of living our music.

The question of who will be there.. who will come... weighs heavily on all of our hearts. As artists, we desperately want to share our experiences, to be appreciated, and to teach others the feelings... the spark..

Artists are interested in expressing the human condition. They are interested in all of life. As an art form, classical music explores every facet of the human condition: pain, passions, conflict, disappointments, as well as love, joy, peace, self-control, and much more. As music gives a broad picture of human experience, it provides a tremendous gift to the church. It shows something of the need for God in daily life outside the church’s walls. It also speaks of the presence of God wherever we find ourselves. -- Dr. Charles Hulin IV

I challenge you to find a better suited group of musicians than the faculty and friends of DaCapoVa for the role of Musical Ambassadors to everyday life. Advocacy of the role of music in our society is more than words. These people live their lives like every other but they "Choose" to use music to extend their souls and share with those around them of every level of ability. They/We believe that music has a part to play for every soul and that it is part of our mandate to share our abilities and our art. Not for self aggrandizement, or fame, or even for entertainment, but instead so that the world will have a few more moments of beauty.

Will you join us tonight? Do you care enough to support us with your time and finances? Only you know how you answer this challenge and call. We are doing the work and giving generously of our time and talents to a cause for which we have been trained, and indeed born...

It would be so affirming to see a full room of new & old friends/faces who make the time despite the myriad of excuses... you know the list... My fear is that once again, "people", maybe you... will say "how nice, music is important..."but they will leave it there without action". Please don't do that.

Instead, CHOOSE to ACTIVELY support Music & Musicians in your community, in your world, in your life. You have options!

Come out to the event. Faculty Gala 2011 -- 7pm River Road Presbyterian.. Silent Auction begins earlier..
Tune in to the live Internet stream and consider how you can help us.
Give generously to help us. We need your help. $ Donate here!
Tell others about how music matters in your life.
Tell others how DaCapoVa helps you to enhance musical moments, and memories...
Learn more about DaCapoVa and its artists through the web, our youtube videos, our blog...

We will do our part. The rehearsals are over, the quality is there. We are living artists who freely give to the world. WE will be there just as we are every day, each semester, with every student and moment. We will sing and play and show you our souls... in concert halls, in churches, in hospitals, in schools, in prisons, in rest homes, in malls, at basketball and football games... and once in a while even on a street corner

TONIGHT: We will share a few moments on a beautiful Saturday evening with a world that may or may not choose to listen. It will be, what it will be... to know that answer.. you must choose.

I hope for change in our world. I believe in the music and the musicians as a tool. Help Us!

Freedom, Choice, and... Music is indeed the favorite passion of my soul too.... Thanks for that Mr Jefferson.

Elevation of listening

2011-05-16T11:19:00.003-04:00

I spent the weekend reminiscing and exploring musical relationships at my alma mater, Westminster Choir College during their alumni events around the 2011 commencement. What an amazing, and exhausting series of moments.

As a part time performer these days, I'm not privileged to live in these experiences 24/7 but I listened, and learned a great deal. Inspiration, emotions, collaboration, competition, and judgement were everywhere. I was struck by the comparisons to my every day job in corporate leadership... yet I was proud that I know how to listen. Stephen Paulus touched on some of these ideas during his excellent address during the commencement on Saturday morning.

A new performer's trinity emerged for me.. crystallizing some ideas we have been using at DaCapoVa for several years as we seek to engage both the musical and non-musical communities to enable ALL... with context and relationships.

A great performer has to help the audience listen and engage.

Success is derived from a trinity of perspective... Intention, execution, and audience... where all parties carefully manage and are aware of the cascading moments.

As communicators so often repeat. If you are "explaining", you are "losing"
Same applies to singers, and even instrumentalists.

Our imperative must be to explore the transformative power of the moments... Not sing/play the notes & words.

We must elevate the musical dialogue! It is as much about listening, as it is about singing.

Interestingly, this same approach will "transform" your meetings and leadership model as well. Spending more time listening and thinking about how you listen, is a tremendous "crossover" key to success in "performance" no matter the traditional world.

Phoenix Eagle, Hope & Change, Future?

2011-05-02T10:45:00.001-04:00

I revel in the demise of Bin Laden. As I watched President Obama, then the news reports late into the evening, and finally Secy of State Hilary Clinton speak this am, I was conflicted in my pride. America has delivered a blow. The emotion is exhilarating. I do not feel guilt at the actions of those valiant soldiers who finally succeeded on my behalf. I am not gloating in the downfall of an enemy. Rather I rise from the ashes of my previous state. I feel a sense of hope and change for the future. Closure to a heart rending event has somehow been achieved by watching and learning.

It is true that the violence and death will continue in this world and that we hold no moral high ground ultimately. Today, however.. It is good to shout. USA, USA, USA... and fly the flag high! Terrorism will continue, but today we celebrate a victory and remember that there are consequences to actions.

Re

2011-04-22T13:20:00.002-04:00

Rejection is hard and cold but reality rending one from another.

Redemption renews the heart and soul through resolution to reconciliation, submission, service and sacrifice.

Relevance and relationship is revealed through the resurrection.

Principles 2 Practice in Life Communities

2011-04-21T14:45:00.001-04:00

A community of practice for life.. need to know...

HOW to INTERPRET SCRIPTURE (apply it)

Context & Background

Look for pervasive, big themes.. not single points

Correlation between Old&New Testament is what.. New is fulfillment of the old

Filter through Jesus’ actions

Trust HOLY SPIRIT within you to teach you.. explain to you… help you…

Filter through your service…

PRACTICE!!

Practice: ELEM ELEY

WHAT is practice? According to Merriam-Webster, practice is “systematic exercise for proficiency.” Practice must involve experimenting/improvising (creative energy), but it is primarily to channel that energy into training. Practice is the investment of hours and years to build a resilient, dependable technique (method of carrying out a skilled activity). Practice is what one does to bridge the gap between his/her best intentions or dreams, and reality. In other words, practice is making consistent the application of desired choices; one practices making choices, so that they become “second nature,” automatic, as natural as breathing.

WHY practice? Learning without application is of questionable value; in a skill such as singing, learning is arguably worthless—unless validated by consistent practice. One does not learn to sing only in the voice lesson; vital concepts are introduced there, but the student builds with and upon those concepts/techniques in the practice room (studio class, the coaching studio, the opera rehearsal, the choral rehearsal, in performances…). It is important that techniques introduced in the lesson be promptly, thoroughly and regularly supported by generous amounts of time in practice. Much influence comes from teachers, coaches, conductors, colleagues, etc., but the student must embrace his/her right and responsibilities as Chair of the Vocal Board.

"It is God's Spirit and only God's Spirit that can rightly interpret the words of life to our spirits. That's why I pray that God will help me to stick to the text when preaching, not doing so much of what I used to do, showing off my cross referencing skills and making things fit my world view, but presenting texts in a way that will encourage thought and promote personal seeking of God, Then trust the Holy Spirit ti interpret the material to the heart of individuals, who knows, he may have a different message for each of us all from the same passage. One thing is for sure, we all have a different ministry." Reverend Ricky Barnes

BAPTIST PRINCIPLES

Soul freedom: the soul is competent before God, and capable of making decisions in matters of faith without coercion or compulsion by any larger religious or civil body

Church freedom: freedom of the local church from outside interference, whether government or civilian (subject only to the law where it does not interfere with the religious teachings and practices of the church)

Bible freedom: the individual is free to interpret the Bible for himself or herself, using the best tools of scholarship and biblical study available to the individual

Religious freedom: the individual is free to choose whether to practice their religion, another religion, or no religion; Separation of church and state is often called the "civil corollary" of religious freedom

Active friend choices

2011-04-19T13:43:00.002-04:00

"Actively choosing to only have people in my life who make an effort. No more friends, etc. who are too lazy or self-motivated to reach out." - Sarah
Friendships are a precious commodity in today's always connected social media world. Caring about others is more than words and empty rhetoric. Brotherhood involves sacrifice and an awareness that others' needs are important. Being there is more than you can do for the entire world. If you spread yourself too thin, you risk a total collapse.
Choose your friends wisely.. and then care for them as the precious resources that they are. For acquaintances that don't bear fruit and become a drain on the whole.. walk away without regret. Pruning and Refining are violent processes which provide spectacular results.
------------------

Each of us has the right to assess the roads which lie ahead and those over which we have traveled, and if the future looms ominous or unpromising, and the roads back uninviting, then we need to gather our resolve and, carrying only the necessary baggage, step off that road into another direction. If the new choice is unpalatable, without embarrassment, we must be ready to change that as well.- Maya Angelou

"True friendship can afford true knowledge. It does not depend on darkness and ignorance."-- Henry David Thoreau

Way?

2011-04-17T05:12:00.001-04:00

Choices set forward a path into which life's journey unfolds.

Surely, Suddenly, Seriously...

Signs mark the milestones.

Moments, Memories, Many...

Miles exact a toll.

The destination is known as the price is paid.

Passion prepared the way.

As for me, and my house, I choose

Service, Self, Sin, Submission...

Enslaved, yet freed by the sacrifice.

It is my choices which chart history

followed by a future filled with hope.

Choices here, made then, for now.

do it in public?

2011-04-15T09:38:00.001-04:00

Why do I post so much content on the internet? Why do I link articles and commentary, and ideas and create forums for both one way and two way communication via social media?

There is an attitude in the world which wrongly surmises that social media and the internet are largely about self aggrandizing, narcissistic, navel gazing, self promotion. Poppycock...

Do I care what others think of me.. sure. But writing online is no different that talking to friends on a guys night out, or discussing ideas at work with colleagues. Important things happened in my life after discussions on benches, parking lots, doorways, and even dorm rooms in college and ever since. That is how the world works. We learn from others and from our own trials and errors.

In a world based on relationships, the barriers of time and geography are very real. The internet allows us to bridge these gaps but not without cost, and the requirement for new skills and awareness. I think out loud as do millions of others. I talk too much and I always have.

Is it any great surprise that writing online would correlate with real life behaviors? I don't think so. I listen and read every word, nuance, and statement deeply.. perhaps too deeply. I have a tremendous appetite for information but I can end up taking myself and others too seriously. I have certainly been accused of this repeatedly and I stand guilty as charged. However, in a world full of ideas, I believe we should all be letting our lights shine for the good and the bad. Some friends will listen, others won't. Enemies... well, they were not likely to listen much regardless.

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action. And because there is only one you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium…the world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, or how valuable, or how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open." --Martha Graham, creator of modern dance

People who care about one another engage in dialogue together and make time and allowances. If you can't listen to opposing views from friends and acquaintances online.. well.. I say, perhaps it isn't the fault of the writer.. maybe it is the closed perspective of the reader.

Its the 21st century, but maybe Mr Jefferson was on to something when he wrote:

"Whenever you do a thing, act as if all the world were watching."

Letter to the President

2011-04-14T11:01:00.003-04:00

Mr President. I will keep this short and to the point so that noone important will nod off while watching. Your speech on the fiscal condition of the United States yesterday created quite a stir for me and many others. I had hoped for a change that would embrace the ideals of common goals and purposes that you have so eloquently presented in the past. What I heard was a blatant ideological, partisan attack on “the other side”. While this may have rallied your liberal base of supporters, it equally inflames the conservatives and does nothing but fan the flames of divide.

I am a libertarian and I believe in America, my heritage and my future as an American. Your judgemental, elitist posturing and your choice to use “blistering partisanship and multiple distortions” as you demonized the conservative vision of America was disheartening and dishonest. When the money runs out, it is too late. At some point the credit card bills have to be paid. Over an over again, you placed blame on all who have come before you, while you ducked accountability and ownership. You are the President of the United States. Act like it and lead, sir.

I am not like many on the conservative side who call for a return to the “old ways” and “old times”. Those days are past. You are right when you state that we must win the future. Our connectedness and communications mindsets have forever changed America. The future is unknown but we cannot soar ahead with so much burden. We must put our own house in order first. Show us the numbers and teach us.

Our problems stem from overspending. On that, I believe you and I would agree. I don’t then understand why we attack the problem by asking for more and more money. Increasing our debt, buying time.. quite literally. I’ll grant that this is a policy which may be rooted in some semblance of Hope.. but it is not a management strategy and it will not deliver positive change. It will put us all another day older and deeper in debt. If the stimulus and spending didn't work in the past, and we have never successfully executed cuts before.. perhaps that is the answer.

Hope is what we must rely on after we have executed a good management strategy. Prove that you can deliver spending reform. Seek massive tax reform. If the spending cuts don’t work, then raising taxes “on everyone” may become a reality. We will listen, and respond accordingly and honestly. I want to do my part. As you said, we must pay for these wars.. but prove your worthiness as a leader first.

Change things. Eliminate programs and incent private investment to replace those services. Help the people help themselves. Please! Don’t go into your partisan big government, tax and spend, bunker of traditional political ideology. Stride boldly into a future believing the best in American citizens rather than managing for the worst. Inspire us to solve problems on our own.

Provide us a vision for a united America.. seeking a future of vitality and opportunity for us and our children together. After you say it.. then you must do it. Attacking your ideological opponents is not a vision. As for me and my house, well... we trust in powers far greater than you and the government.. and we will find a way to succeed no matter what you do. The questions before us is.. How hard do you plan to make it for us?

Sincerely and Respectfully submitted,

Jeff Prillaman

Midlothian, Virginia

Virginia Tenors sing to Stop Hunger Now!

2011-04-09T15:11:00.001-04:00

Hello all,
I'll be singing in a powerfully fun concert tomorrow afternoon.. April 10, 4pm at Trinity United Methodist Church as a benefit for Stop Hunger Now!.. with some wonderful Tenor colleagues including Tracey Welborn and Kenneth Wood.

We'll be singing all your favorite Tenor arias in all sorts of combinations.. (e.g. Nessun Dorma, Libiamo, Flower Song, Che gelida, Lenski's aria, La Donna mobile, and even a rousing version of O Sole Mio!!!

Great cause! Great Music! Tickets are only $10 at the door..

I'd love to see you there.

Jeff

General Admission seating!

4pm April 10, 2011

Sanctuary of Trinity United Methodist Church

903 Forest Avenue

Richmond, VA

Classic Troll technique or Intelligent debate: fine line

2011-04-08T09:49:00.001-04:00

Learned couple of important things last night via Facebook.

1. What is a Classic Troll? I was accused of being one in a rather intense personal debate thread. Truth is, I didn't know what a troll was.. so... I looked it up. via Google of course ;-)

"Over the years, cases of amateur failtrolls and users on the losing side of an argument have created a misconception about what trolling really is. Some interwebs users have found the internet an excellent place to get on their soapbox and spout unsolicited opinions, which is the major cause of arguing on the internet. Trolling both sides, though entertaining, is a very easy form of trolling and thus is often used by newer, inexperienced trolls. As it's become commonplace, it's also become a common excuse for a user who loses an internet argument. To say that they never intended to win the argument the entire time is a justification for their inadequate argument skills.
Since then, the definition of trolling (through eliciting an argument) has devolved into anyone trying to elicit an argument altogether. Though this technically fits the definition of the troll, the intention behind arguing is what makes the difference. Remember: to be considered a troll, the user must have had the intention of trolling from the beginning. If there isn't some subtle hint of the intention to troll during the argument, the user is either a failtroll or a fail arguer." -- from Encycopledia Dramatica / Troll

2. Fundamental Flaw in my logic as a writer, thinker, Christian, and political thinker.

"I see a serious flaw in your logic. You seem to believe that people would donate to support the poor and disadvantaged if we just left them alone. Sadly history shows us that it never happens. Sometimes social constructs (governments) need to coerce us to do the right thing. Your argument is designed to insure that anyone who disagrees with GOP leadership is silenced. You then go on to disallow us, as people of faith, to offer our theological basis for our point of view as well. It's very clever and disingenuous as well.
Sadly Jeff you've chosen a variety of classic troll techniques. You want to limit every one else's ability to judge, pass judgment yourself, then piously claim not to judge and retire from the discussion without ever having answered any challenge. I try to see the best in individuals too but ANY study of history shows that a coercive element is necessary in order to insure the larger good." - Jay

These comments really set me to thinking.. my response was...

Looked it up this am. I am not a troll. I am genuinely interested in these topics and have no intent to spark a flame war. Those blog posts/links are my own writing and span over 2 years of thought and discussion. They arent designed to trap or inflame. They honestly discuss and present ideas.

If my logical arguments are flawed because I genuinely believe and see the best in others..I am okay with that. It may make me naive, but so be it. Coercive institutional governance may be required practically. Sadly, I agree here. Even as a libertarian, I can't see any alternative to this reality. So the question becomes degrees of regulatory control. I desire less in conjunction with my belief in freedom. We should freely choose as we have freely received. That seems biblically grounded to me.
As to Coercive institutional controls... Ideologically it is a roadmap to enslaving the minds and actions of a people. History has proven that fact as well.

I do indeed believe the best in others and that does perhaps make me a bit naive as a practical political leader. Once again, the practicality vs ideology debate comes into focus for this blog. I can't seem to get away from it. One thing to note, while I am pretty conservative, I am far from a GOP apologist.. and I have no intention or scheme to create a position which disallows any discussion or idea. I don't think religion is a justification for the social justice mantra so prevalent in our leaders' rhetoric these days, and my ask to "leave Jesus out of it" was what spurred the intense emotional opposition.. I believe. It is very interesting that I was perceived as disallowing a theological basis for debate. I have to work through this one over time. I of course use a theological basis for almost all of my ideological positioning.. As a Christian, I can't imagine any other way.. but I don't approve of telling others what Jesus would do... My systematic theology creates a model of freedom based on their need to discern and learn for themselves. Friends who disagree with my approach don't hear my thinking... They tend to judge my intentions first and create constructs of intention. They see the worst in me?

So at the root of all of this is a powerful kernel.
Perhaps, libertarians and conservatives believe the best in others and seek to empower a system which allows that "goodness" to flourish. Likewise, perhaps, the more leftist thinkers don't actually see the goodness in others.. and seek to mandate a system which enforces goodness. Everyone has goodness at the end of the tunnel.. or everyone is evil... you can see what you choose in others.

As always, the relationships and the dialogue must be the preserved. Winning a debate by debasing the opponent is not winning.

Ok, maybe I learned more than two things..

2011 Budget blame game - maddening

2011-04-06T20:04:00.001-04:00

President Obama says he doesn't want to play politics with budget. -- Infuriating doublespeak with little to no leadership has become the norm.

The only reason that we do not have a 2011 budget already in force is that President Obama and the Democratic majority led congress of 2010 CHOSE not to pass one for political reasons. The did not do their jobs. Obama Pelosi and Reid cannot hide from this fact. They could have, should have, and didn't pass a budget when they had the chance. Now we are embroiled in a debate over literally "peanuts" compared to where our attention should be..

If the Federal gov't is shut down later this week, the blame lands squarely on President Obama. To quote the Wisconsin Unions.. #FAIL SHAME

Where is the vaunted rhetoric of hope and change now?

The doubletalk, spin, and hypocrisy in this national discussion is maddening.

Randian Review to remember

2011-04-04T11:37:00.001-04:00

"The basic and crucial political issue of our age is: capitalism versus socialism, or freedom versus statism.
For decades, this issue has been silenced, suppressed, evaded, and hidden under the foggy, undefined rubber-terms of 'conservatism' and 'liberalism' which had lost their original meaning and could be stretched to mean all things to all men." Ayn Rand

"The only man who desires to be moral is the man who desires to live. No, you do not have to live; it is your basic act of choice; but if you choose to live, you must live as a man---by the work and the judgement of your mind." John Galt

“For if there is more tragic a fool than the businessman who doesn’t know that he is an exponent of man’s highest creative spirit, it is the artist who thinks that the businessman is his enemy.“ Composer Richard Halley. -- Ayn Rand, from Atlas Shrugged

"Who is the public? What does it hold as its good? There was a time when men believed that 'the good' was a concept to be defined by a code of moral values and that no man had the right to seek his good through the violation of the rights of another. If it is now believed that men may sacrifice me in any manner they please for the sake of whatever they deem to be their own good, if they believe that they may seize my property simply because they need it - well, so does any burglar." Hank Reardon

"Existence is Identity, Consciousness is Identification" John Galt

"My morality, the morality of reason, is contained in a single axiom: existence exists----and in a single choice: to live. The rest proceeds from these. To live, man must hold three things as the supreme and ruling values of his life: Reason----Purpose----Self-Esteem." John Galt

Freedom, in a political context, means freedom from government coercion. It does not mean freedom from the landlord, or freedom from the employer, or freedom from the laws of nature which do not provide men with automatic prosperity. It means freedom from the coercive power of the state—and nothing else. | “Conservatism: An Obituary,” Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal, 192

"I swear by my life and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine." THE OATH

-----

Atlas Shrugged is a powerful treatise of ideas represented in a compelling story. As a Christian, I have had the most problem dealing with her proposed "OATH". While I understand the treatise on rational trade based relationships, I simply cannot go quite this far. I am lucky to live in a country that "so far" gives me some element of freedom to choose.

Value of Multi Disciplinary Innovation & Leadership

2011-04-02T06:38:00.003-04:00

The idea of the artist, architect, innovator, improver resonates pretty strongly with me. So many people could do this effectively if they would learn to listen and make the connections/links between their "multiple roles" in life. from parenting, to volunteer leadership, to family care providers, to friends/listeners, to performers. It all applies.

Valuable doesn't equal Valued!

While multi disciplinary innovation is valuable.. it is rarely valued within large organizations and institutions. The very foundations of innovation are catalytic and often destructive if not properly channeled. How often do we simply attriibute the title of "flighty" to a multi-disciplinary thinker? or even worse... We state, that their connections were "obvious, or common-sense" followed by a general disregard for their contribution. We choose to not think.

To be valued, one must embrace the concepts of T-shaped leadership as outlined by Morten Hansen in his book "Collaboration". Depth in certain skills and set with broad awareness and ability to embrace others' expertise without feeling threatened. This disciplined collaboration combined with diversity of perspective in leadership is the hallmark of entrepreneurial success.

"Thinking is man's only basic virtue, from which all the others proceed. And his basic vice, the source of all his evils, is that nameless act which all of you practice, but struggle never to admit: the act of blanking out, the willful suspension of one's consciousness, the refusal to think-not blindness, but the refusal to see; not ignorance, but the refusal to know. It is the act of unfocusing your mind and inducing an inner fog to escape the responsibility of judgement-on the unstated premise that a thing will not exist if only you refuse to indentify it, that A will not be A so long as you do not pronounce the verdict "it is." From Galt's speech in Atlas Shrugged Ayn Rand

This post is intended to remind multi-disciplinary leaders and thinkers of the risks in many traditional following organizations and to articulate that value is derived from the results of multi-disciplinary perspectives rather than the ideology itself. Many verticals and hiring practices do indeed seek out "single minded" models.

As I stated above: "disciplined collaboration combined with diversity of perspective in leadership is the hallmark of entrepreneurial success" and in our rapid change cycle, organizations must indeed adapt and embrace entrepreneurial flexibility and speed to market norms. A solutions based, customer centric approach is key to future success even in the biggest corporations.

This all starts with thinking about what we think, and a relentless application of ideology proving results.

Out with the old ONE, in with new.

2011-04-01T13:02:00.001-04:00

OLD "ONE"

NEW --

Only took about 7 months to get business cards.. ;-) that is an improvement too!

Stop Hunger Now Benefit

2011-03-31T15:38:00.001-04:00

Great fun, Great Music, Great Cause!

Trinity United Methodist Sanctuary, 4PM April 10

LinkedIn member #559251

2011-03-25T13:44:00.001-04:00

Way to go LinkedIn. I'm already a passionate advocate of your business oriented social networking/rolodex replacement but getting an email like this makes me "feel" good about my early adopter status.

I know it is "feel good smoke" and clever marketing... but Kudos for making a connection with me today! It isn't as easy as you might think.

LINKED IN PROFILE FOR JEFF PRILLAMAN

Digitally distinct?

2011-03-12T22:25:00.003-05:00

Read a few articles about personal branding lately and found a good tool to work and "assess"an online personal brand... Apparently, I'm digitally distinct! How exciting ;-)

Tool is at OnlineCalculator.com

FINDINGS for ME (Jeff Prillaman)

The graph above shows your Volume and Relevance of results and positions you in our Online ID four box model. Congratulations. You are digitally distinct!

This is the nirvana of online identity. A search of your name yields lots of results about you, and most, if not all, reinforce your unique personal brand. Keep up the good work, and remember that your Google results can change as fast as the weather in New England. So, regularly monitor your online identity. That way, if something negative, such as an anonymous ad hominem attack on your character on a blog, crops up, you can address it quickly, before it gets out of hand. Read Chapter 11 of Career Distinction: Stand Out by Building Your Brand for more ideas on how to continue to build your brand online.

In addition to Volume and Relevance, there are two additional measures you need to be concerned with:Purity and Diversity. Purity speaks to how many of the results are about you (not about someone else who has the same name.) Diversity speaks to the multi-media aspect of the results (how much content displayed was in images or video, etc.)

Purity

Your Purity Score is: Stellar
This means you either have a unique name or you have done an outstanding job building relevant, high ranking content on the World Wide Web (or both). Bravo! Keep up the great work!

Diversity

Your Diversity Score is: High
Bravo. You have a great deal of multi-media and/or real-time content. Keep up the great work by continuing to post relevant images/videos at sites like Flickr (flickr.com) and YouTube (youtube.com) and use Twitter (twitter.com) to connect with your brand community.

Job Description which fits me to a T... Call me!

2011-03-09T12:04:00.001-05:00

You are cordially invited to consider COMPANY, a dynamic and high-growth company, as your next place to work, contribute and grow. As a global community, we believe in the possibilities of personal ownership, a commitment to help others and the ability to individually author our environment. Fast-paced and entrepreneurial, our workplace is a community, where every interaction is an opportunity for lasting connection.

Founded in ####, the COMPANY value proposition is .....

We are seeking a Director/VP of IT to work remotely(using video and collaborative technology platforms) with minimal but regular travel to Regional offices in (NY, RTP, DC-NOVA, Atlanta)?? . You will be tasked with designing and executing on the IT strategy in alignment with corporate strategy and our core values: Be an Owner + Help Others.

We are looking for someone that is ready and motivated to take the next steps to build, operate and own a world class, seamless IT infrastructure for a high growth company. See the path ahead, pave the technology, and help drive our company towards the destination.

What would you own?

Create, establish, and execute on the vision and roadmap for IT.
Defining and communicating the technology strategy as well as implementation plans to encourage adoption.
Manage multiple, simultaneous complex projects across the IT group.
Provide technology program leadership for the development, support and deployment of enterprise IT systems.
Research effective plans and deployments used by the company as they relate to current and future needs.
Investigate products and solutions needed to address current and future technical needs.
Implement solutions while managing the plans developed to support them.
Define and manage scalable ticketing systems for multiple departments, including IT.
Collaborate and drive connection with IT personnel and other areas of the company.
Create improved IT processes and management through the development of best standards practices.
P/L and budgeting responsibility to implement strategies that will result in cost savings while maintaining service.

How would you help others?

Be a “people” person with a talent for combining those skills with an analytical mind to measure the results of connecting with your team and the members they represent.
You should have no problem preparing presentations and digging into the research that supports them to help others understand your message.
You will empower the IT group to be owners of their roles and support their initiatives.
Attending a workshop or conference should be exciting to you. Being invited to speak at one about our company would make your day and sharing it socially within the company should be something you look forward to.
Being candid, professional, and friendly while working with the rest of the company.
Be the voice of IT within the company and the voice of the company to external professional networks.

Desired Skills & Experience

What you need to bring?

10+ years of experience in a leadership role in an IT environment with at least 5 years of managing a global technology workforce both in the business applications and operational areas.
BA/BS or equivalent experience.
C-level visibility history and responsibilities tied to strategic initiatives.
Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
Expertise in the deployment and maintenance of enterprise applications.
You should be extremely comfortable using collaborative tools to share your work.
You should be comfortable analyzing metrics and producing your own reports.
Strong project management and organizational skills, an expert in multi-tasking.
Understanding of the industry and current best practices for IT.

Quickest path to unity and war - Make an Enemy

2011-02-24T10:15:00.004-05:00

Walt Kelly 1971

I am no more a political scientist than Martin Sheen was the President of the United States, though I'd love to play one on TV.. ;-) but....

The US "protests" are flawed. whether TeaParty or ProUnion.

The collective demonization of "they" "him" coupled with stereotypical derisive attack rhetoric very effectively creates an enemy that does not actually exist.

The issues are not simple and pure ideological positions do not exist. Counterfactual extrapolation of consequences in the future based on interpretations of current events is not an exact science. It is ALL relative.

The "people" are being polarized and manipulated on all sides and they forget that those on the other side are just people as well. Their opponents aren't "issues". They are people, with families, and homes, and children, and bills, and debts, and churches, and beliefs... but THEY ARE PEOPLE. Each has a right to be heard, and respected for the individuals that they are. Not as some sort of amorphous, union, of ideological BS.

People with different views are debating and even fighting passionately over those views. Decisions are being made according to the "rule of law" and the system of government provides for appropriate remedy.

Much of this process, of debating what might be done to prevent such tragedies in the future, is an essential ingredient in our exercise of self-government.

But at a time when our discourse has become so sharply polarized - at a time when we are far too eager to lay the blame for all that ails the world at the feet of those who think differently than we do - it's important for us to pause for a moment and make sure that we are talking with each other in a way that heals, not a way that wounds.

Scripture tells us that there is evil in the world, and that terrible things happen for reasons that defy human understanding. In the words of Job, "when I looked for light, then came darkness." Bad things happen, and we must guard against simple explanations in the aftermath. --
President Barack Obama

Fight passionately for what you believe, but tread carefully into the waters of war and vilification based on your assumptions of the others' intentions. Think for yourself, and don't just act blindly, following the pack. History proves an unmistakeable truth... Most likely you are as wrong as your Enemy.

---------------------------------------
JAMES 4 (The Message)
1 Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. 2 You lust for what you don't have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn't yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. 3 And why not? Because you know you'd be asking for what you have no right to. You're spoiled children, each wanting your own way. 4You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. 5 And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that "he's a fiercely jealous lover." 6 And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble." 7 So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. 8 Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. 9 Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. 10 Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet. 11 Don't bad-mouth each other, friends. It's God's Word, his Message, his Royal Rule, that takes a beating in that kind of talk. You're supposed to be honoring the Message, not writing graffiti all over it. 12 God is in charge of deciding human destiny. Who do you think you are to meddle in the destiny of others? 13 And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, "Today - at the latest, tomorrow - we're off to such and such a city for the year. We're going to start a business and make a lot of money." 14 You don't know the first thing about tomorrow. You're nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. 15Instead, make it a habit to say, "If the Master wills it and we're still alive, we'll do this or that." 16As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil. 17 In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don't do it, that, for you, is evil.

JAMES 5 (The Message) excerpt
1 And a final word to you arrogant rich: Take some lessons in lament. You'll need buckets for the tears when the crash comes upon you. 2 Your money is corrupt and your fine clothes stink. 3Your greedy luxuries are a cancer in your gut, destroying your life from within. You thought you were piling up wealth. What you've piled up is judgment. 4 All the workers you've exploited and cheated cry out for judgment. The groans of the workers you used and abused are a roar in the ears of the Master Avenger. 5 You've looted the earth and lived it up. But all you'll have to show for it is a fatter than usual corpse. 6 In fact, what you've done is condemn and murder perfectly good persons, who stand there and take it. 7 Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master's Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. 8 Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time. 9 Friends, don't complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner.10 Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. 11 What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You've heard, of course, of Job's staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That's because God cares, cares right down to the last detail. 12 And since you know that he cares, let your language show it. Don't add words like "I swear to God" to your own words. Don't show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can't be used against you.

Pendulum swing is no coincidence

2011-02-23T11:02:00.001-05:00

Liberal president and congress literally forces through thousands of pages of legislation with "collective/unified" opposition from the opposing party. We are acting on our moral conscience and mandate of the recent election to change things. This will be for the greater good. This is the sort of country that we should all want to live in. The opposition party mounts a successful electoral season/campaign and is now positioning to replace/repeal the previous legislative agendas.

Conservative governors and legislatures in states follow suit after winning an "historic" election. They are acting on their moral conscience and a mandate of change relative to the recent election. The people begin protesting in the streets...and the elected representatives of the "opposition party" flee town to duck and delay in an attempt to "shut down" the gov't. Where is the collective approach to use the political system and replace/repeal...

The people are polarized and in conflict. The system stands and is working as long as it is respected. We are a representative democracy. When our representatives abandon their posts as leaders and act divisively.. "we the people" pay the price. The ensuing media wars only broaden the conflict and fan the flames of discord for ratings.

This must all stop. We must act as adults and recognize our needs, and wants.. balancing individual and collective actions within a system of controls.

We the people are collectively bargaining for our future when we elect representatives. Those leaders are charged with leadership and action. They must lead and influence, and decide, and act.. not hide and "tattle tale" on their colleagues like some sick scene from kindergarten or middle school.

We must stand collectively for the rights of individuals within a system of democracy rooted in compassion, and collective accountability. This means that when something isn't working, we must select a new path, and if that doesn't work.. we can select again.. freely. That is what elections are for...

Further recommended reading

LIBERTY VS DEMOCRACY -Examiner

Public Servants and Unions TF Stern

Precedent from President

2011-02-21T19:46:00.000-05:00

The debate rages in Wisconsin. I am conflicted on the hard line positions of the Wisconsin Republicans. Ultimately, I would likely side with them if I had to vote.. but it seems that many of the arguments are disingenuous. on all sides.. this is only barely about $$, it is all about power and politics...

That said.. I think it is likely over. Wisconsin elected the majority, and the representatives are now acting according to their "conscience" and mandate.

Those conservative politicians in Wisconsin learned their lessons from watching ObamaLosiReid machine slam the healthcare reform into law despite the widespread dissent among the public. They learned that the majority representatives have no obligation to the dissenting minority of Americans.

This lesson is terrible. The actions of the past don't justify the actions of the present or future, but the President certainly set a precedent in his actions.

He wrote a playbook which the WI Republicans are following... every word, every page.

Actions following words - Accountability

2011-02-21T10:51:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, my middle school girls went on a bit of a binge attacking one another openly. They were meanspirited, dismissive, derisive, and downright ugly to one another repeatedly.. I went the normal route for the first few days, punishing, again, and again, and again..
I believe strongly that our actions should follow our words, and we as a family invest hundreds of hours in service to others. I couldn't understand how these lovely young ladies could so easily throw out what they learn at church, and in our home.. Their actions didn't even come close to their words, and it was infuriating to watch as a parent.
Clearly, the punishment model I had previously used was not working so I adopted a new approach.

I assigned them a mandatory multistage project forcing them to think individually, write, then combine their ideas, and finally to work together and create a "PPSA" Prillaman public service announcement.

Step 1: they were required to write a one page paper explaining and supporting the position of "Actions must follow words" -- giving personal examples.
Step 2: They were required to work together and combine their two individual papers into a single unified powerpoint presentation. This generated multiple levels of sparks and forced the very actions of collaboration and compassion they had previously written about.
Step 3: They had to convert their presentation into a storyboard/script and then shoot an interactive video to be placed in public view for all to see. CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO

The deadline for completion was set at 2 weeks.. 5pm.. no excuses, no extensions.. Completion was their choice.. they could do the project or simply give up computer and TV access for one calendar month. They chose the project, and they got it done, on their own, despite tons of other obligations. They found a way, sucked it up, and got it done.

In the short term, the results have been amazing... They actually seem to care more about one another and they are calling out inconsistencies in their own and other words/deeds.. from books, to politicians, and beyond. They are thinking and acting on their own. They were forced into a position of accountability with both private support and public consequences. They had to think about what they think, and then put those thoughts into immediate practice.. subject to the scrutiny of others.

I'm a proud Dad.. Click through to watch the final product..

A Video where actions did indeed follow the words.

Benevolence plan for world?

2011-02-15T17:10:00.002-05:00

After a long FB thread where I decried the big government approach to entitlements and benevolence. This question was asked...

Jeff--what WOULD you do with people who are poor and needy?
And do you think business is a better model for meeting social needs than the government? If so, why?

Individual service to a brother is enough. When more choose to serve, then the despair will be lessoned. A service mindset cannot be mandated or regulated. It must be freely given. I take this model from my faith, and from Jesus' model when he was on the Earth.

I make a difference personally in my community. in my church.. I serve and model service to others... I actively talk and influence within my community, and to the world.. and others join because they see my actions and their impact. My heart is rooted in love for others and my minds shows me that they must be taught to care for themselves... not have all given to them.

It is enough. God takes care of the world, always has, always will... suffering, poverty can't be eliminated... any more than violence and greed. It is too much for man to try and fix the world. See It is not enough to be right for more on this.

To think that "collective" man can "make it all better" is an insidiously dangerous form of idolatry in my Christian world view.

As far as business goes.... Business is usually about business but it doesn't have to be. Even churches today are often run as businesses. Practical reality forces this but a transaction based approach to people is decidedly unChristian. Another take on this is.. in order to give, you must have something to give, the source and method matter. Businesses can choose to give, because they didn't just take.

I think ministry in small direct applications "organic" missional rennaissance churches is a better model... churches..http://hrbcopendoor.blogspot.com/

I am a social entrepreneur musician, and I'm passionate about music.. so I serve there through http://dacapova.org/ Others should serve where their blessings and talents lie.

When others see this service, they join.. and we make a difference. in partnership, in freedom.. freely and cheerfully given.

This thread on FB ended with a wonderful testimony.. not by me, but one with which I completely agree:

"I just keep plodding along, one day, one helping hand, one email, one comment, one petition, one letter to the editor, one phone call, one offer, one day of resisting the urge to take my little piece of donut and give it all the protection I can." Margaret

My response: Excellent testimony... same here.

I guess we will have to just trust in the Lord.. for the "collective" outcomes.

---Add'l thoughts/quotes..

"Of all tyrannies a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." — C.S. Lewis

Anniversary of an exit

2011-02-13T08:54:00.001-05:00

Messiah in Dec 2004,
Branch's Baptist Church

Today is the anniversary of my exit from institutional church music ministry leadership within traditional churches. I was too polarizing, too "liberal", too committed to transformation and change and inclusionary music making. I "failed"... many would say.

I have a very different perspective. On Feb 13 2005, the personnel committee of Branch's Baptist Church launched a music ministry freed from the boundaries of the church. Free to influence and lead as a teacher, singer, performer, technologist, and even administrator...out in the world. It marked the beginning of something powerful for me and my family. It created the space, time and motivation for the founding of the Da Capo Institute. Thank you Lord, for knowing best, and for having a plan to prosper me, not harm me.. even from that place of such intense pain and searching. My identity and purpose was shaken, stirred and in the end, I stood the test and was better for it.

Future is full of so much opportunity. I have no idea what is coming, but my faith sustains me, music inspires me, and the Lord is life and my salvation. Whom then shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life!

Tea party racists?

2011-02-13T08:24:00.000-05:00

Is the Tea party racist? NO! It IS that simple...
Are there racists within the Tea Party? maybe.. I can even get to probably.. but none I've seen in VA.. no different than any other large, free, public, movement.. There is likely a distribution curve of reality and practicality within the whole. The media narrative that the intention of the Tea Party is race is hogwash!

What bothers me is the indictment of just Tea Party as some sort of whole. The power of the movement is its diversity.

I consider myself a "tea partier" as are many good people here in Richmond VA... This is intensely personal.

We are not racist, we are not extremists... We are seeking a future rooted in economic prosperity and good judgement as Americans.. smaller gov't and more freedom and opportunity... as an ideology... Jamie Radtke(running for Senate) is an eloquent champion and spokesperson that has impressed me with her writing.

Race isn't even part of the discussion except when it is injected into the dialogue by the "opposition". It comes as an attack on the speakers rather than the ideology. An attempt to judge the intentions of all based on very few. This tendency to so quickly judge other based on an "affiliation" or name is what frightens me most.

We are all guilty of preconceived stereotypical "judgement".. unfortunately, this horrible behavior seems rooted in US.. black, white, rich, poor... and everything else... Whenever I dive deeper in my relationships with those different from me, I'm truly amazed at how much we have in common.

We choose to focus on differences rather than similarities. and it is a despicable choice which leads to horrible things... actions, and yes those all powerful words.

Picture worth more than the words.. not so much.. but still valuable.

2011-02-11T11:20:00.000-05:00

These 4 books and their authors have been at the center of my thinking for months.. HIGHLY Recommended reading..

After you read the Bible and Atlas Shrugged of course ;-)

Consulting, Education and Business Transformation

2011-02-11T08:11:00.001-05:00

The OBVIOUS: "You can't change the system if you are not part of it. But if you are part of the system, you can't see the system and the trigger for change."

Successful transformation isn't about giving the client a document or a shiny new tool, roadmap, or even a set of sample surveys and communications. Consultants "bring fresh eyes, knowledge, skills and insight, contextual based tools and training" where needed. Success, in the end, is about developing relationships and trust. It is as much about about listening as talking. We help the clients to use and expand what they know. Just as it is in education, the value stream from great consultancy is derived from the relationship and the discourse more than the process and the deliverable.

To be successful, we must create a collaborative forum with clients where solutions can be jointly explored, tested and then employed for continuing value. Delivering a document or a presentation isn't enough. The value parallels the adoption of the toolset and the usage piece is the critical part. Getting across the "chasm" requires customized test and learn models built with clients, but leveraging the expertise and knowledge of the trusted advisor. Balance is the key.

We, as consultants, state the obvious with nuance and subtlety while identifying adjacent opportunities which maximize the returns by eliminating wasted efforts and focusing attentions on the highest returns. It isn't rocket science. It is people science bridged with outcomes and results and that may be even more difficult. By design, a consultant will come and go. The value of that consultant is shown in the results of the plans and programs in the following years as the "students" execute on the kernels of expertise, continually adapt for optimized results, and prove that they learned their lessons.

Consulting is not so different from teaching(except for the travel and the compensation;-). We must build relationships and transfer the knowledge faster than classroom instruction. We have to "win our students" with sales and they hold the cards of power. This power inversion makes it very, very tricky to find the right approach.

The joint collaboration on the outcome is messy, difficult to sell, but.. life isn't fair, and there is no secret sauce, or magic bullet. Smart business leaders realize that solutions come from balanced perspective. Diversity of perspective is a process that requires investment across people and tools.

Consultants are critical to broadening that perspective. Transformation and Innovation follows...

IDEA: Visual Resume, Personal Brand, Self Promotion & LinkedIN

2011-02-09T09:01:00.000-05:00

"Me" At a Glance, as an IT Professional

As I checked in on my Linked In profile this am, I had the idea that I don't have an "affiliations" view of myself in the professional world.. at least not a visual one. Every company in the world has a "prerequisite" slide with graphics, and logos of all of their customers.. It is part of the basic sales, and reputation toolkit.

Suggestion to LinkedIN: create a groups/affiliations view.. sort of like the one above.. Words just aren't enough in the new competitive marketplace for talent.

Jeff Prillaman on LinkedIN

I am an innovative, experienced thought leader with a proven track record of globally recognized, award winning results.  I rely on a relentless customer focus, bridging the gap between architecture, artistry, and results oriented actions via strategic project and portfolio investment, technology, and carefully orchestrated organizational change management.   People focus, process excellence, and diversity of perspective are my leadership key performance indicators.

Specialties: Project and Portfolio Management, Social Networking and Communications: (Portals/Collaboration/Wikis), Video Conferencing, VoIP, Telephony, Video on Demand (VOD) Intrinsic Motivation 2.0 (Autonomy, Mastery, Purpose), Organizational Change Management/ADKAR, ERP/Human Resources management systems (Peoplesoft HRMS), Outsourcing and Strategic Supplier Management

O'Reilly's Factor rude? or Bold/Fresh?

2011-02-07T18:53:00.000-05:00

Good conversation on Facebook about this.. I don't think he is rude... I think he tells it like it is and questions others with equal passion and vigor..

O'Reilly Factor: Confident ideas & commentary stated without equivocation or apology. Debate and active discourse of ideas and positions, in a competitive media environment subject to political, public market forces rather than a historical pseudo-objective standard.

Singer's Paradox of control

2011-02-07T14:05:00.000-05:00

The ultimate controlled/SUCCESSFUL performance comes when you are exhibiting the least "control".. instead the artist within is exploring the boundaries of the moments as they are created...

The expectations are eliminated and replaced by explorations within the singers' individual boundaries, experience, and innate attachment to the divine spark.

Inspired by Kavbar's Blog on Active Passivity

Bloody Hell Mate... Fat, Forty, Fired.. Work Life Balance dirty little secrets...

2011-02-07T13:40:00.000-05:00

Nigel Marsh provides some of the most poignant career advice I've heard in long time. Good use of reality based, tell it like it is.. approach. He gets to the nub of the problem.. succinctly and strategically.

Take charge of your own life. Never, ever leave it up to the company..

Applies to workers in:

Performer based arts agencies
Churches
Corporations

and beyond....

Danger: Social Media sequencing & the News Feed

2011-02-04T09:21:00.000-05:00

Confession: I'm addicted to this social media phenomenon. I love to tweet about articles or events, share photos, promote local restaurants I love, pan stores and restaurants who don't provide good service, and discuss EVERYTHING on Facebook. I share photos, link to articles..and stir up civil discourse bridging politics, religion, and economics, sometimes with more successful outcomes than others. I'm able to keep many threads running all at once in my head.

My life is frenetic, from the 4 kids, to church, to teaching, to performing and traveling.. and then there is my real job as a video solutions architect for Cisco. I am the only person that appreciates or even considers the linearity or totality of all that I read and write. Sharing ideas and learning from others is central to my existence, yet in that sharing... my friends are at a disadvantage and I must remain constantly aware of how my information will be received.

The tools.. FB, Twitter, and even this blog, don't sync up in any sort of coherent timeline. My worlds exist concurrently, and things which I distinctly remember thinking, saying, and writing simply aren't in the conversation for many.

REAL WORLD: A lack of context is dangerous in live meetings, but the warning signs of disconnect are more readily apparent and can be corrected quickly.

VIRTUAL WORLD: In an asynchronous environment like FB or Twitter, comments and threads can continue for days.. the news feed and the "recent items" continues to populate.. for me, but my friends and readers views are not the same as mine, by design.. Our commentary on the past can be profoundly influenced by events of the current.

As participants and contributors, we must remember how the tools work and that the only unified, sequenced view of our writing and commentary is in our heads. Be sure your friends have context, and don't judge them because they didn't read or see something you posted last week that was important to you.. It may not have ever shown up on their "News Feed" at all.

Give and Take2

2011-02-02T14:19:00.005-05:00

Taking from the successful/wealthy to enforce collective brotherhood and charity is not freedom, or individual benevolence. and.. It isn't beneficial... in this case we are effectively taking something because a third party "decided" that it is best for all.. that collective view is the failure pt.

Individuals must choose to give freely not out of coercion or mandate by a ruling institution.

Collective taking from some to give to others removes free will, and plants the seeds of demise at the very core of "intentions for the greater good. Even if the some are wealthy and corrupt, the action of stealing from them only further corrupts the "taker" and infuriates the "giver"

These thoughts began with GIVE AND TAKE "post #1" last year..

Media mental matters

2011-01-28T10:32:00.000-05:00

"...People don't want to think. And the deeper they get into trouble, the less they want to think. But by some sort of instinct, they feel that they ought to and it makes them feel guilty. So they'll bless and follow anyone who gives them a justification for not thinking. Anyone who makes a virtue--a highly intellectual virtue--out of what they know to be their sin, their weakness and their guilt." --

"For if there is more tragic a fool than the businessman who doesn’t know that he is an exponent of man’s highest creative spirit, it is the artist who thinks that the businessman is his enemy.“ Composer Richard Halley. --

-- Ayn Rand, from Atlas Shrugged

Making the call as "the man"

2011-01-27T09:29:00.000-05:00

Last night the rain/sleet/snow/sleet/snow/ICE cycle hit Richmond again right at rush hour. This sort of situation create a major decision point for leaders all over the region.

To cancel, or not to cancel Wed night activities? churches, schools, music lessons, sports practices...

Make the call earlier friends. Remember the hundreds of dependancies in your constituency...

Forge ahead and trust your gut, but remember that you are accountable for your mistakes, and apologies are welcome where bad calls are made and then "reversed" at the last minute. Last minute emergency reversals are worse in many cases because they increase the drama unnecessarily, in every household, every mind.. distracting with little value.

My advice, ALWAYS err on the side of safety. One injury or accident is too many. Calls of "it wasn't that bad", "in my day".. will be there regardless.

Toughness in leadership is sacrificing the institution and the programs for the people's safety... not forging ahead with the thought of 4 wheel drives, and "oh, they will be fine". It is only raining here... Weather is a fickle thing.. but not as fickle as people..

To end on a humorous note: Making a weather call takes perspective, resources, research and knowledge that most small org just don't have.. As for me and my house.. we generally just follow the Chesterfield County Public Schools.. but not always... ;-) If my street looks treacherous, my wife and kids are staying home.. no matter what "the man" says...

Patience, feel the force...

2011-01-21T16:39:00.000-05:00

Short post to follow: I had my first really "jeff" week with my new job this week. I've been contributing all along, but now I feel like I have begun to turn a corner, and deliver not only documents, and knowledge but with influence and leadership.

It still remains a long way from my previous days of being the boss, but I'm glad that I've survived long enough to contribute. I hope many more weeks like this one will follow...

All you can ask for from a job:

Opportunity to learn
Opportunity to really contribute

One is enough, but when both come together.. It is like "feeling the force, letting it flow through you"

Personal note:
I'm ready for some great football on Sunday... Wabbam! Shazam! and that is just about all I have to say about that.

Palin Tanking

2011-01-19T16:20:00.000-05:00

I am not a player of World of Warcraft but I was taught about an important strategy within WOW last year by a good friend. It is called "Tanking". When a difficult target needs to be brought down, one player on the team becomes the "tank"... they rush in and take all of the most violent attacks thus opening the way for the rest of the team to sweep in and secure the objective.

Perhaps, Sarah Palin is a "Tank" for the conservative leaning thoughts here in the USA. She can take the shots in the press because she is popular, and real. She has good skills, and draws attention from the most dangerous opponents to any modern conservative.. the media.

I'm just sayin... it could be happening. ;-) and the lady on the cover of that box, kind of looks like her ;-)

Influence over the "unhinged"

2011-01-14T14:41:00.001-05:00

Popular buzzwords this week in the wake of the Tucson tragedy.

Violence
Vitriol
Unhinged
Rhetoric
Media
Despicable

I have a simple question. If the argument is that political rhetoric influenced the "unhinged" fringe, mentally unstable portion of our society, then shouldn't there be a reasonable connection with them watching, or obsessing with exactly that speech?

I've heard many a media commentator claim that it just intuitive, common sense, to make that connection even though it can't be proven.

Seems to me, that if we are making that argument, then the connection to the movies, and entertainment forms of all types is a far more likely channel for such a connection.

Why would speech by political leaders be somehow more influential? than video games: World of Warcraft, Call of Duty Black Ops, Battlefield... Movies from Inception, and the Matrix, Bad Boys, to Sniper, and even James Bond... where solutions are always at the end of a gun or some explosion.
My common sense, intuition is that the volume of media espousing violence in the entertainment industries is a more likely candidate for influence over the unhinged, mentally unstable citizens of our great country.

That said, I still wouldn't support further regulation of any of this free speech. The accountability lies with the "actor" of the atrocity, not the society or the media.

“We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” ~ Ronald Reagan

Freedom to not speak

2011-01-14T09:38:00.000-05:00

One of the things that irritated me as a "conservative" during the Bush presidency was his unwillingness to engage and debate the vicious attacks made against him as both a person and a president. It was honorable, and presidential for sure, but I felt slighted, often burying my anger as I followed his lead. I wonder if perhaps many conservatives feel this way now, and that is part of what is fueling the fires of political attack rhetoric on all sides. (something else we can blame on Bush ;-) Pent up frustration of so many years of "turning the other cheek".. Now with Blogging, and FB, and Twitter, we can speak up and fight back.. for ourselves.

A bigger question: Is this wise? A trusted mentor once told me that often it is better in the end to just remove the fuse from the metaphoric bomb, to give in, and let the wrong approach "run its course", even into the "ditch". He passionately defended a position that the damage from the fight would be worse than the damage from the decisions. I am inclined to agree these days. When a church job "blew up" for me in 2005, I used exactly that approach and I am better for it.. albeit forever wounded, and battle scarred from my surrender. The wounds cut deep, but they are easier to bear in the view of so much success and hope for the future.

I've engaged and fought back too much of late. The consequences are wearing on me, and my relationships. The battle is not progressing to conclusion. Perhaps, a simple solution to our civil discourse is that "we the people" should choose freely to NOT SPEAK more often...and allow the system to work, and our leaders to lead.... we don't need the gov't to "regulate" us. If we vote based on results, and actions and less rhetoric, things will change, just as they did in Nov. We must look to the future, not the past, for our hope, and our solutions.

Freedom of speech includes the right to "not speak" and not be diminished by that choice.

New Year... need less, not more.

2010-12-29T14:25:00.000-05:00

What would happen if we all tried to make do with little less every day, week... ? I don't know for sure, but I have trouble thinking that it would be anything bad.

Real success is derived with asking less from more, not more from less.. management, leadership, fundraising, business.. the list goes on.

Want to make a difference? start here.. stop expecting others... and carry your weight as a model of service and humility, not a badge of honor.

Merry Christmas from VaTenor, Tenor style...

2010-12-24T13:17:00.000-05:00

No Christmas can be complete as a tenor without "Comfort Ye and Every Valley" from Handel's Messiah. This year, I had no Messiahs to perform in full, but I enjoyed this wonderful opportunity during a recital at Bon Air Presbyterian Church for their Second Sunday South of the James series. My favorite portion of these two iconic works...

"The voice, of him, that cryeth in the wilderness. Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert, a highway for our God."

Merry Christmas!
jeff

Is quality job one? for church musicians..."a conversation"

2010-12-20T10:21:00.000-05:00

re: Music in worship... Church music.. professionals and amateurs interacting to worship GOD...
---taken from a lengthy FB exchange on the subject with some excellent friends and colleagues and fellow musicians in ministry

Intention is critical but it must be followed with execution. Quality doesn't come from quantity.
Finding the balance. It is quite a challenge. I despise the loss of commitment to excellence. Not about style. It's about understanding that there is a bar. And not everything is good enough.

How would we define quality?

How about using a measuring stick for something beyond karaoke level. I would say: Elegant, diverse, stylistically uniform, innovative, flowing, alive, cohesive... In tune, right notes.../rhythms, coordinated and inspirational both for performers and audience The list can easily go on.

Success here is about seeking not settling. Too many music ministers settle... With such low levels of expectation. And then overuse words like amazing, awesome, lifechanging... Congregations are too polite to say what they actually think.

The Westminster Choir College model is proof of what I am saying. It can be done. If not by all, it should be done by more. Musicians in ministry should lead by example. Showing the way. Modeling quality, and teaching others how to execute along with providing a place for all. A balance as I said before... Tough job and too many fail these days.

How would you propose that churches "practically achieve this quality goal?"

Quality stems from skill of the leader and an appreciation and willingness to seek beyond the average. Expecting more is the start for me. There is no difference from the business world, or from the performing world practically..
From choirs to praise teams to soloists, they will rise to the level of expectation coupled with/multiplied by the skill of the expecter If the leader is even willing to strive for quality. Most settle for quantity. In business terms.. do you want to be Apple or Microsoft.. age old question.

Admittedly for churches...there are some differences:

It is a hard problem. A solution must be balanced and demonstrate inclusionary excellence and begins with leadership and honesty. Commitment to want change, to be better, and courage to manage through the consequences.

A few guiding principles..

Inclusion, there is a bar. Seeking excellence, balance..., heart is what matters ultimately. Some days better than others...Sounds familiar to me.
Leading in worship is not about the performers. Agreed. But the performance does matter.

But shouldn't we cut these music ministers more slack... they are servants, even volunteers.. in many cases...?
Cutting slack. Don't agree. Too much settling for me. Leaders must be accountable for failures along with successes. --- being paid and valued for excellence are still important and different things. Money and excellence don't always go together. More of the WCC way, sadly.

Shouldn't we serve our church? as musicians...
devotion to church and the institutional establishment...vs use of talent in ministry. Also not the same thing.
working in the church is hard... leading is harder... to those whom much is given, much is expected...

Shouldn't there be a place for everyone? yes but...
Standards should be there. Musicians in ministry should lead by example and uphold those standards. That imperative extends to all leaders in music ministry, not just the music minister.

Courage and actions generate consequences. Successes and failures. That is how we grow and learn.

Committments, accountability, and communication are keys to any real community and to relationships.
Affirmation without expectation & accountability does no good in the long term though it can be useful in short term. again. Back to balance, inclusion, leadership... And standards...

Monopoly is a big deal..

2010-12-18T13:24:00.000-05:00

Primer on economics and how they relate to Monopoly.. and gov't. Everyone should read this important article

Whois VaTenor according to FB's new profile?

2010-12-06T10:14:00.000-05:00

wow.. good thing I have this.. helps me remember who I am.. ;-)

Performers... from the board room to the concert hall...

2010-12-03T11:12:00.000-05:00

Perspective matters: Seeking to meet expectations creates an infinite pressure loop brought on by self imposed, but well learned knowledge of imperfections... Usually stifling creativity, innovation, and energy...

Exploration creates an infinite opportunity for pursuit of excellence and exceeding expectations.

In the end you will be judged on

Passion
Discipline
Application/Execution

If you have to choose one... above all else.. Passion is the key.. goes by many names... authenticity, heart, devotion, consideration, commitment, connected...

The discipline and execution are table stakes.. if you can't demonstrate those, you should quit now...

Tip of the spear

2010-12-01T12:52:00.000-05:00

Team meetings are really pretty amazing these days. Enough said. The picture says it all. Video really is the tip of the spear for creating a culture of collaboration with a geographically distributed workforce... there is no substitute for face to face interaction..

Choosing a side is not a solution

2010-11-20T21:22:00.000-05:00

Bush did it. Obama did it. Carter did it. Reagan did it. Clinton did it. Since we elected them.. in reality, WE ALL DID IT.. whatever it is...

The blame game is useless even if it can be amusing. We look back too much and we barely even look at where we are. When we do, we end up fighting among ourselves rather than seeking a route forward, together. American's capacity to only seek out views and consume news and analysis which support a single sided agenda is terrifying. Self selecting "spin" and lack of diversity is dangerous for the future of all. Civil discourse honor and a "bipartisan" approach to our future is possible.. even today.

Open debate, and disciplined processes lead to decisions and then consequences. Strength for all of us comes from diversity of ideology blended with strong leadership and action.

Actions must generate results not rhetoric. All we can know for sure is that the leadership and actions of the past got us where we are today... "Another day older and deeper in debt"

We MUST solve for where we are going... Not where we are are.. And definitely not for where we have been.

Ministry Moments - wondrous, joyous, mundane

2010-11-15T09:38:00.000-05:00

This morning begins much as many before it. A fresh day with all of the challenges and opportunities I am accustomed to "managing". Yesterday was a good day. It was a blessing to perform as an artist, using the pieces of me which God created and refined through so many days gone by in the years past.

Sacred Home was a worship journey.. and as such, it can never be complete but here are some moments I want to remember.

Staples had a cold.. so while we could make intimate music with him.. he was off limits for "touching"
The power emanating from the piano in Postlude.
purity of the sounds in the soaring of Heidi's Water is wide.
The build and release of the lines in Pieta Signore
audience members mouthing the word "Jerusalem" in the Holy City... as I told the story mixing up children and angels.. perhaps that is because they are interchangeable?
The diversity of the soundscape generated in each set. unconventional to be sure, but it worked by showcasing the shared elements of the works no matter the style.
sneezes and coughs at the most awkward moments
A shared glance at the beginning of the Holy City where Staples "reminded" me of a story I recently told regarding the exceptional playing of HeeKyung Juhn during my Masters' recital at the Juilliard.
The beauty of the golden leaves outside the window of the sanctuary as the sun set.
Thanks for the friends and colleagues who came out in support with their presence and smiles.
Clarity and synergy between ideology, theology, and practicality.
A renewed sense of identity through purpose and performance.

A music minister leads a journey through the music on an exploratory soundscape mixing the "music" and God's message within... this does not require a congregation although it can be done there. The message is delivered when the audience/congregation members freely choose to receive it. It cannot be forced, nor can it be prescribed. It can only be explored and experienced with feelings. From moments of blessing and assurance to those of fear and trembling.. they are all a part of the divine spark.

Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me!

Program to be proud of...Sacred Home

2010-11-13T14:55:00.000-05:00

SACRED HOME Presented at Second Sunday South of the James at Bon Air Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Nov 14, 2010 4pm.

God fully expects the church of Jesus Christ to prove itself a miraculous group in the very midst of a hostile world. Christians, of necessity, must be in contact with the world but in being and spirit ought to be separated from the world. --- and as such we should be the most amazing people in the world. A W Tozer 1897-1963

INVOCATION
“If with all your hearts” Recitative & Aria from Elijah Felix Mendelssohn
“Simple song” from Mass Leonard Bernstein
The Water is wide arr. Brant Adams

I am a part of Your living body, Lord Jesus, Fill me afresh with Your Spirit and open my eyes of faith so that I might understand not just in theory, but in day to day living, what it means to be a part of your body. Teach me to think Your thoughts, to see with Your eyes, to hear with Your ears---to live and move and have my very existence in You.

EXPLORATION
Pieta Signore att. A. Stradella
“Benedictus” from B Minor Mass JS Bach
My Shepherd will supply my need arr. Brant Adams

“Comfort ye & Every Valley” from Messiah GF Handel

Throughout the history of Christianity, people have been inspired to draw closer to God and God’s ways through paintings, poems, music, and more recently, books and films. Although these inspiring items were not always intentionally Christian, God used them as channels of grace to draw people closer. James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from God. It seems that music that is wholesome and excellent must also be a gift from God.

ASSURANCE
Praise to the Lord arr. Brant Adams
Psalm XXIII Paul Creston
The Holy City Stephen Adams

--- INTERMISSION ---

The Artist's Perspective Artists are interested in expressing the human condition. They are interested in all of life. As an art form, classical music explores every facet of the human condition: pain, passions, conflict, disappointments, as well as love, joy, peace, self-control, and much more. As music gives a broad picture of human experience, it provides a tremendous gift to the church. It shows something of the need for God in daily life outside the church’s walls. It also speaks of the presence of God wherever we find ourselves.

COME THOU FOUNT - Charles Hulin IV

-Invocation --"come thou fount of every blessing"

-Testimony --"amazing grace"

-Offertory -- "there is a fountain"

-Sermon -- "what wondrous love is this"

-Invitation --"come ye sinners poor and needy"

-Postlude --"shall we gather at the river"

How sweet is Your presence when Your church worships according to Your word. Put your praise on our lips, O Lord! Put your truth in our mouths and cause us to rejoice in Your company. May the teaching and revelation You impart through us bring strength to Your body and glory to Your name. (paraphrase: Prov 27:17)

About the artists:

Tenor, Jeff Prillaman is the co-founder of the Da Capo Institute in Richmond VA, an organization committed to building musical communities and musicians. His versatile repertoire and experience has provided performances venues ranging from Dvorak Hall in Prague, to opera and concert stages in Italy, France, and Germany, to the vaunted stages at Lincoln Center in New York City. While completing his Master of Music degree on full scholarship at the Juilliard School, he was a winner of the NY Vocal Artist Competition and enjoyed a Carnegie Hall solo debut with the Opera Orchestra of New York. Mr Prillaman has recorded with Phillips, Elysium and Chesky records.
In addition to his solo performance career, Mr. Prillaman is an accomplished conductor with a passion for ministry through music in the local community. He holds a Bachelors of Music, summa cum laude from Westminster Choir College in Princeton NJ. Most recently, he was the Minister of Music for Branch’s Baptist Church in Richmond, and he is now a proud member and deacon at Huguenot Road Baptist Church with his wife, Tracee, and four wonderful children, Alyssa, Emma, Joshua, and Clara.
More on Mr. Prillaman’s career and other activities can be found online at http://dacapova.org and at http://web.me.com/jeffp

Flutist, Heidi Thurmond is a founding faculty member of the Da Capo Institute teaching both flute and piano, a member of Da Capo’s Senior Faculty, and Lead Teacher for VIVO a cutting edge music education program for students with special needs. Mrs. Thurmond holds a Bachelor’s degree in flute performance from Virginia Commonwealth University and received a Master’s degree in music therapy from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas where she also continued graduate study in flute performance.
She currently studies with Mary Boodell of the Richmond Symphony and her past teachers have included Francile Bilyeu, Susan West, John Boulton, Chris Ertell, and Emily Skala of the Peabody Conservatory and the Baltimore Symphony. As a professional flutist, Heidi is an active freelance performer, providing music for weddings, church services, and special events throughout the greater Richmond area. She is currently performing with the Richmond Pops Band and has also performed with the Capital City Summer Wind Band and Richmond Concert Band.
Mrs. Thurmond is an active member of Huguenot Road Baptist Church, singing in the adult choir and performing with the HRBC Festival Orchestra. She also enjoys teaching preschool music classes for the Child Development Center. A longtime resident of Midlothian, she attended Robious Elementary and Middle Schools and Midlothian High School. She is happily married to Jon, and the proud mother of two wonderful boys, Jacob and Daniel.

Pianist, Charles Staples A native of Alabama and an honors graduate of the Alabama School of Fine Arts, Staples received his early training under Witold Turkiewicz. After winning the Van Cliburn full-tuition scholarship to Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, he entered college after his junior year of high school on an early admission program and began his studies with internationally acclaimed pianist David Bar-Illan. While in Cincinnati he played with the CCM Concert Orchestra twice — with the Congress of Strings under Milton Katims and the North Carolina Symphony. He won prizes in the MTNA Southern Division Competition and the Bryan Young Artist Competition, as well as competitions at the conservatory. He also made several appearances as soloist and accompanist on Cincinnati’s public radio station, WGUC.
Upon graduating magna cum laude, he was given an assistantship to study piano with Martin Canin at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and received his master’s and doctoral degrees there, winning prizes in the Five Towns and Sunwood competitions. He also represented Stony Brook on WQXR radio in a series on New York’s top-five music schools. After graduation, he was chosen to open the 1984 Select Debut Series in New York City’s historic Town Hall. Since coming to Richmond, he has played numerous recitals and has appeared in chamber music, orchestral concerts and over public radio on WCVE. He has also held the position of visiting assistant professor of music at the University of Richmond.

Staples has held teaching and church music positions in Alabama, New York and Texas and is currently director of music ministries at Trinity United Methodist Church in Richmond, Va. He is on the music faculties of the University of Richmond and VCU and along with practicing piano, he practices martial arts as a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Staples has performed as soloist with both the Richmond Symphony in Liszt’s “Totentanz” and the Richmond Philharmonic in Beethoven’s “Emperor Concerto,” Rachmaninoff’s “2nd Piano Concerto” and in Tchaikovsky’s “1st Concerto.” “[He] proved yesterday to be fully up to the technical and expressive demands of the Rachmaninoff concerto … the pianist lifted more than 300 listeners out of their seats in a cheering ovation after a performance that was both bravura and lyrically sensitized.” After his first recital in Richmond, Richmond News Leader music critic Francis Church wrote that Staples “is a pianist of prodigious talent, fire and thunder, blood and guts … this was no metronomic key-banging. It was piano playing that reached to the listeners’ emotional jugular veins!”

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Talent is a Sign of God Talent is a sign of God. In the abilities of gifted composers and performers we see some indication of God’s glory and completeness. God’s creativity underlies creative human achievement.

Right person, right time?

2010-11-13T10:17:00.000-05:00

"I make the sacrifice freely" - Ambassador Delenn

Watching Babylon 5 on Netflix last night, I enjoyed episode 21 "Comes the Inquisitor" in season 2 where Delenn is interrogated by the "inquisitor" and asked repeatedly "who are you?" She gives all the answers you would expect, name, rank, serial #, family, religion, race... and none are correct. In a sadistic turn, she is punished "nearly to death" by a cruel interrogator who is himself being punished. This episode is a microcosm of the brilliant writing on this television show. perhaps overreaching at time in tone and rhetoric, but the relevance is shocking even when applied to our culture today.. 15 years later.. In the end, Delenn is Delenn, the most important and at the same time the least important. Her authority, identity and power are drawn from her mission and as she says.. "if I fall, another will take my place" she is willing to sacrifice herself for life... one or many.. the number don't matter... fame and position are of no consequence

My renewed interest in Babylon 5 comes as I myself have been investigating "who am I?" in preparation for a local concert on Sunday here in Richmond. Surprisingly, I don't get to sing locally very often... and when I do, I am often disappointed in turnout and support. People are busy, they have prior commitments, they would love to hear a recording, you know the list... I do wish they would come out more... A singer needs someone to sing to.. it is a curse and a blessing at the same time.

My "superpowers" as an artist ;-) aren't easily appreciated by the folks who I worship with, coach basketball with.. watch sci-fi.. football, and even play video games with... Perhaps that is because those "powers" are drawn from my mission... and my own satisfaction and self serving fame through recognition isn't part of the purpose at all. When I put my mission at the forefront, the stifling infinite pressure loop of perfection and excellence which can so easily manifest in fear, is transformed into freedom to explore the glory of the music, and the impermanence of the moments.

My performance becomes about creating "joyous moments" for the audience which they are free to like or dislike. My offering is whole and complete in its mission, my music become theirs... chuckle.. it was never mine in the first place. What a freeing thought. Musicians and performers are explorers of moments and their mission is as noble or as as self-serving as they choose. The performance "outcome" may be the same on the surface, but the intention is indeed what matters.

In the end, the right thing done for the wrong reason will become corrupt and useless, whereas, the right thing, done for the right reason, by the right people at the right time.. is a treasure of inestimable value.. This example makes all the difference in life... and it doesn't matter who is watching... or the volume of impact.. one life or many... When you are right.. one is enough...

VaTenor bridges music and ministry "to the Rivah" in Richmond

2010-11-06T10:38:00.001-04:00

YOU ARE INVITED to Sacred Home

Please come out and join the artists in a special "music as worship" exploration!

Lyric tenor, Jeff Prillaman will return to the Second Sunday South of the James concert series at Bon Air Presbyterian Church on Nov 14 at 4pm.

He will be joined by friends and local favorites Flutist, Heidi Thurmond and Pianist, Charles Staples for an afternoon exploring the integration of worship and music through favorite classical songs and arias and exciting new works by American composers Dr. Charles Hulin IV and Brant Adams.

"Sacred Home" was conceived as part of a collaboration with Dr. Hulin at the Lasker Summer Music Festival in the world premiere of the new cycle "Come thou fount" written specifically for Mr. Prillaman. The cycle blends traditional sacred harp hymn tunes with a fresh, powerful approach to the music and the message, effectively leveraging the sweeping lines, power and ranges of vocal color which are the hallmarks of Mr. Prillaman's voice. These traditional pieces exemplify the shared history and growth/exploration which Prillaman and Hulin share in their long history serving within churches throughout their careers. The last peace of the cycle, Postlude, evokes the senses, sounds, and memories of a day spent on the river. The river and the imagery of flowing water as a force connecting people to each other and to God is long and storied and culminates in this powerful soundscape.

The first half of the Sacred Home is built in three distinct sections and capitalizes further on the river/water as a connecting themes via immersive experiences bridging music, worship, commentary, scripture, and faith. The sections: Invocation, Exploration and Assurance each provide us a glimpse into God's relationship with the artists, the audience and the His world.

"Artists are interested in expressing the human condition. They are interested in all of life. As an art form, classical music explores every facet of the human condition: pain, passions, conflict, disappointments, as well as love, joy, peace, self-control, and much more. As music gives a broad picture of human experience, it provides a tremendous gift to the church. It shows something of the need for God in daily life outside the church’s walls. It also speaks of the presence of God wherever we find ourselves."

Every once in a while Google scares me..

2010-11-05T07:56:00.000-04:00

Google Quotes of the day - 11/5/2010

These quotes are just perfect for what I'm thinking today.. That scares me more than a little.

The government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
- Ronald Reagan

Silent gratitude isn't very much use to anyone.
- Gertrude Stein

Most men pursue pleasure with such breathless haste that they hurry past it.
- Soren Kierkegaard

There are only two ways of telling the complete truth--anonymously and posthumously.
- Thomas Sowell

It was on my fifth birthday that Papa put his hand on my shoulder and said, 'Remember, my son, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.'
- Sam Levenson

Personal attack is okay.. this is the internet...

2010-11-01T09:53:00.000-04:00

Yet another sad FB commentary ensued after a friend posted this article from HUFFPO: I'm capturing the conversation here so I'll remember it, and read it.. repeatedly.. reminding myself that personal attack/judgement is the last refuge of a lost debate, or an ill equipped debater. -- whether it is in person or on the internet matters not...

Highlights from the conversation are below...

JEFF: Freedom of speech much? Article misrepresents the entire affair and would be better targeted at the Huffington Post or NPR..

"When a journalist takes a job at the Huffington Post or NPR, does the agreement state he or she must throw out all objectivity and spin every word to support the "liberal" agenda?" -- YES and if they speak out about a personal fear and demonstrate honesty and transparency in a "liberal politically correct" society, they will be summarily fired.. despite there true beliefs, body of work... reality.. etc.. Clearly freedom is not free and speech is only allowed if it takes the "correct" position..

COMMENT FROM FRIEND paraphrased:
you are biased against NPR, probably never listen... amazes me that a "centrist" can be so biased and not see it... if you use term "liberal agenda" or "homosexual agenda" or even "conservative agenda" causes me to wonder if they have an open mind on issues. such people tend to believe in conspiracy theories...

Diversity of perspective, religion, etc.. is exactly what Freedom of speech protects.
why the personal attack? Why.. because I expressed freedom of speech?

I targeted the article.. you targeted me.
IMHO, NPR folks should support Williams rather than attacking him.. I wrote that publicly when the story first broke. This article misrepresents everything that happened. There is the truth.
I am indeed a centrist. libertarian minded, compassionate conservative. but labels are useless. I don't stereotype. It is irrational and illogical in a free society.
FYI, I listen to NPR regularly...along with watching FoxNews, and even MSNBC occasionally.. I read the NY Times online as well as WSJ, and get tons of news from Politico, The Week, and many other Inet sources.
... in reality "your bias is showing" I totally support Williams..the HuffPo article does not.... the firing was ridiculously biased.. NPR's all things considered, even marketplace, and the regular programs are tremendously biased, but interesting and informative. the HuffPo article was yet another example of very poor journalism/commentary... was really effective at neither.

"At least I admit my bias: I am for personal freedom (especially in the religious sphere), personal responsibility, and a government that supports the common good." -- by that definition we should agree.. however in reality, we clearly define "personal freedom" very differently.

"We also define "the common good" quite differently.
I "attacked" because of your use of "liberal agenda," and said why. And that's not because I'm 'politically correct,' either; it's because such buzzwords typically reflect a narrow mindset to me. And you will notice that I also included "conservative agenda" in that list, so as not to slight the narrow-minded liberals.
I called you biased against NPR because your statement seemed to reflect that. (Look at the wording.)
After that, I went general: I used the word "someone." I did that on purpose; it applies generally, not just to you. Yes, you used "liberal agenda" and that makes me think you are like the other people that use that phrase; perhaps you aren't. Do you believe any conspiracy theories?
Listen: this is the internet. Don't take things so personally. Just vote your conscience.

Personal attack rhetoric is never appropriate. The "internet" is not an excuse for inappropriate behavior. I and everyone else should be allowed to use generally accepted ideas as a lexicon for discussion without invoking an attack or such dismissive judgement. -- My lesson today on war & peace addresses this directly: http://ow.ly/32aZC

Personal attack rhetoric is divisive and disrespectful of others' freedom of speech and ideology. Judging others' based on only a few words and attacking is exactly what NPR did and what HuffPo and MSNBC do on a regular basis..
Simply put. Actions of attack based on earthly judgement are part of the problem not the solution.

Taking things personally when the attack was personal is appropriate... on inet, or face to face.. I won't expect you or ask you to act one way or the other in the future.

I said you were showing bias. Do you deny such bias? How else might your post be taken? How should I have interpreted that post?
Why did you take the rest of the post personally? Could it have hit too close to home?
Are these questions angering you? WHY?

I admit bias. People who don't admit SOME bias tend to be kidding themselves.

More personal judgement... Mild attack...
For the record...I am biased. Never said I wasn't. More people should act on their own and stop telling others how to act, think, or believe. Personal attack rhetoric is the last defense of a lost debate or an ill equipped debater. Debate101
I believe in your right to judge others and me. I don't think you should as I explained earlier. I won't be baited into a useless personal "defense" which only damages a relationship. It isn't worth it.
I'm not angry. I'm sad that this conversation is over without any progress.

Da Capo Va's first 10K

2010-10-02T07:25:00.005-04:00

DONATE NOW: Join me in helping Da Capo reach our first giving milestone of 10K. Please!

Special charges

2010-09-29T06:34:00.001-04:00

Da Capo Va - http://dacapova.org

We as musicians have far more impact and value on our society than most think.

I believe that there are many more musicians among us than we acknowledge and truly value. in our corporations, small businesses, restaurants, neighborhoods, churches. DaCapoVa attempts to find them , empower them, and make a difference for them and through them.

I charge you to share your skills and passions, seeking to find new common ground in a grass roots movement. We must pass civilizations’ quality test while at the same time, remain true to our personal identities and passions. We must be true to who we are and embrace others in a shared journey.

President John F. Kennedy said, “The life of the arts, far from being an interruption, a distraction, in the life of a nation is close to the center of a nation’s purpose—and is a test of the quality of a nation’s civilization.”

I think we would all agree that even among our privileged Americal lifestyles, Our “civilization” is far from what we all would wish it to be. We are a society of ME, which must be come a culture of US. Each of us has our own wishes, our own projects, our own sphere of influence. Working for ourselves is simply not enough. Making Music can bring people together, and will strengthen relationships. People can change the world. The simple act of singing or playing an instrument can and will make a difference in your day and in others'..

I challenge you to embrace our Da Capo Way and use it to reach beyond your comfortable surroundings in church choirs, schools, maybe even professional concert venues. Seek to use your music to make a difference, in OUR world. Use it to build relationships with people. Use it to “include” all in elite but never elitist opportunities. Use it to raise the bar for yourself, your students, your children, your neighbors.. the list goes on and on.

I cannot change the world alone, but I can make a difference where I am, by being honest about who I am.

Great Pianist Leon Fleischer said: “Beethoven inscribed in his copy of the “Missa Solemnis,” the purpose of music is to communicate from the heart to the heart. Beethoven’s vision of music as a force capable of reconciling us to each other and to the world may today seem remote, but that renders it an ever more crucial ideal for which to strive.”

We are connected by music, but we are more closely connected by our identity as musicians and music lovers. I challenge you to take that love, and use some of your time and energy to help us try something that looks like the same old music, but is being played in an entirely new way.. “from the top” Da Capo.

I am proposing to you all that we embrace a new musical value paradigm based around your relationship to other musicians. Think carefully about the value of a “Musician” in our world.. not only the value of the music that he or she can make, but think carefully on the impact that each musician has on the people and events he or she interacts within.

“Just as the wave cannot exist for itself, but is ever a part of the heaving surface of the ocean, so must I never live my life for itself, but always in the experience which is going on around me.” Albert Schweizer

Embrace your world in all its diversity. Find ways to make music by yourself, with your students, your children, your neighbors.. etc.. Don’t be willing to just put on a CD and listen to someone else making music. Take the time and energy to share YOUR music. It is special and unique and valuable, just as you are special unique and valuable.

We as musicians have an obligation to share our music, we have been given talents and blessings. We have skills that we can pass down to all generations. We each have a place, and we each “own” a piece of the puzzle in our hearts and in our music.

Point by point.. positions and politics.

2010-09-20T13:07:00.002-04:00

To my liberal friends who have "attacked lately"

We agree on so much.. I wish more people could come to that understanding.
I am no Beck or Palin apologist, but some of their ideas do resonate with me. I lean right, but I am far from "right" on many things. BTW, I've never listened to Limbaugh, not even once.. nor any other talk radio..

Before you attack me in a discussion.. Please remember:

People and ideas are not the same things though they are closely related. Choice and public discourse rely on honesty, and transparency, and "we can disagree, without being disagreeable"
offensive, and uncivil commentary/behavior are a massive cultural problem but an unavoidable outcome of freedom I guess.. time will tell...

POINT BY POINT from ME:
Liberal: not a bad word though I often disagree with tactical application of the compassionate agenda...
I am ultimately a conservative, though I don't like labels any more than you do...
I do think we are on wrong path as a country, but I'm not in a panic about it... mostly just concerned about finances and economy.
I support offering better healthcare to more or even all if it is financially viable..
I'm okay offering citizenship to non criminal illegal aliens, if they start paying taxes.
I ultimately don't have any issues with same sex marriage...though I'd prefer that the gov't stay out of defining marriage altogether.
I'd even support less defense spending, cuts and restructuring of social security, and mass education reform
I suppose that makes me a little disturbed in many eyes... ;-) Like I said, I certainly don't fit into any labels or stereotypes.. my curse or blessing depending on perspective.

Why do I carry on all these conversations on the Inet? I choose to learn and influence.. through discourse, and debate. I try to make a difference with words and ideas globally, and actions locally.
I am passionate about resolving the abuse of civil liberties, increasing tolerance, inclusion, and safety for all, providing better access to the arts and creative endeavors and providing a future for my children.. better than mine.

It is Not Enough to be Right! for more on this topic...