For the weblog initial entry, go to: www.xanga.com/kb3emj . You want Friday, February 11, 2005.

Dealing with the issue of worship and music.

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You raise an awesome question. For me, it's when I play the piano or sing with a larger body. But here's the difference between me and a lot of other folk at Bryan College: I enter into a spirit of worship "more easier" (again, one's spirit should always be pointed toward worship, but you know what I mean...) when the songs are upbeat praise songs praising God for who He is. Or hymns.

Let me explain ...

When we were in Papua New Guinea this past summer, an interesting point was brought up during our training. People have a form of "heart music." That is the music that they best relate to. When they hear it as adults, it transforms them back in time and they find themselves moved. When applied to other cultures, this theory (the brain child of ethnomusicology -- the study of ethnicity and music and their relationship) becomes crucial.

It is proven much more effective to use original tunes to that culture and rewrite the words than to introduce styles from outside the region. In the Mangseng village where we stayed, for example, a typical church service included some songs in the trade language, English ("Shout to the Lord," "I've got a River of Life"), and Mangseng. You'd be amazed to hear the strength, feeling, and passion when the older Mangseng sang in their own language, using the tunes they had heard from birth. That was their "heart music."

Hmmmm. A big rabbit trail to explain one point: what might be one fellow's heart music is not the same for another. That's why we have (or ought to have) variety in worship services.

Sometimes chapel worship frustrates me: I'm not so keen on certain songs that our popular of our generation right now. But I can worship just as well, knowing that this music is, for the people singing with gusto next to me, THEIR heart music.

Just some rambling thoughts. Ethan, I totally track with what you wrote, btw.

-Bethany

The picture on my site is one of three pictures that I took while I was in the Alps this past fall. How I wish I had taken more with my camera! The view was amazing, and it was hard to not just spontaneously break into song during our all-day hike.

"Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder / Consider all the works Thy hands hath made ...."

You know, I never got points until I became an RA ...

Last night was a lot of fun. Tori came over and we watched "Hidalgo." Some people said that they were not impressed by the film. Personally, I enjoyed seeing the movie. It has an intriguing plot line, and Cowboy's fidelity and integrity should be applauded.

In class a few days ago, we had an interesting discussion. Who's responsibility is it to care for the elderly or infirm? The church? The Government? If it is the church's role, should Social Security be eliminated?

I'm still formulating my thoughts on this one. I do believe that the church should help. But to be the sole providers? And the providers of all Americans? That I'm not so sure on. What about those places that have multiple churches? Do you just reach those in your community, or can you reach those outside your sphere? Who would be the ultimate organizer of this to make sure that all people would be aided?

And should this work, what constitutes a church? Are cults included? What keeps other religions from participating? Where do charity organizations fit into this picture?

These are some of the thoughts rumbling through my mind. That, and the terse reality of man's fallenness. I praise God that He has given me a tender, caring heart. But when it breaks for my friends, it aches terribly.

Been a moody day ...

Currently Watching Maria Full of Grace By Catalina Sandino Moreno, Guilied Lopez, Orlando Tobon see related

In Bolivia, I hope to simply "live life" with the family there. Since my major is education, I will probably visit the elementary school that their two young sons attend. My purpose in going is four-fold:

1) I think it would be neat to visit South America. Having been in Papua New Guinea and Australia this past summer (and Europe two summers before that), I have an uncontrollable itch to travel. Going to Bolivia would be sweet.

2) Looking to the future, my college summers will really be my only times to travel. I can get around for pretty cheap using my student ID for discounts. After graduation, I hope to teach in a American school (which will limit time for travel, though I will actually have money in my wallet!..... I hope.).

3) I want to experience the "daily grind" of missions life. In PNG, we had a chance to experience the "in the field" part of Bible translation. We stayed with local families in their huts on stilts in a remote village. I am sort of curious what it is like in a missionary's home. I want to know the nitty gritty: the discouragements, the downfalls ... and the encouragements and ecstatic points.

4) God is calling me there. He's opened some doors that I never thought were possible -- a place to stay, relatively cheap airfare (~$800), and a family I know. I have an intense passion for hispanic cultures -- to go to South America has always been a dream.

What sparked all this? Seeing "Maria, Full of Grace." It is the gruesome, chilling story of life in Colombia. Filmed in Colombia, the Spanish movie is subtitled in English. It's rated R for its drug content and some language which is in the subtitles. The movie is, in one word, powerful.

See it. It may change your summer, too.

So, I'm still getting the hang of this thingy. Last week was pretty uneventful. I went to Rumors -- a thoroughly enjoyable play. My sickness that I got on Wednesday is gone, thanks to a shot in my back. The nurse meant to give it to me in my hip, but it was in my lower back. OUCH!

This week has held some excitements. God is opening up doors for me to travel to Bolivia this coming May, after school gets out. I will be staying with Bryan College graduates ('83) Dick and Sara Hart. They run a pastor-training "school" (from what I understand -- it's some courses by extension) and a puppet team and a Christian Ed library.

I've gotten done all my homework for the week (that is, what I can do without further in-class instruction). Hmmm. What to do? Check out: http://www.orapois.com/br/arquivos/01122005120941567g.swf

I could learn that song and routine! .......... or not.

Praising God for His Faithfulness and the joy He has given me ...