Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Arkansas Fight" (The University of Arkansas Marching Razorback Band)

Welcome to the Tuesday before one of the best weekends of the year!!!  NCAA Football begins this weekend! (insert your preferred noisemaker here...)  Today's feature song is one that is near and dear to many folks all around the world.  We featured this song in the email version of Tuesday's Musical Notes on August 30, 2011. I had the great opportunity for 4 years to play this song thousands of times with a great group of folks (shout out to Razorback Bands 1982-1985!!!)...Now, here's the best in Sight and Sound, Your University of Arkansas Marching Razorback Band!!!

Razorback Marching Band Pre-Game 2010      

Do you ever sing songs that were written in the early 1900s?  Most Americans and many people around the world have enjoyed and enthusiastically sang songs from this time period, perhaps without even realizing these wonderful songs were 100 years or more old.  Hymns like "Grace Greater Than Our Sin" - 1910, "In The Garden" and "Love Lifted Me" - 1912, and  "The Old Rugged Cross" - 1913, have all become favorites for Christians around the world.  This was the time of the 1st World War.  Patriotism inspired George M. Cohan's "Over There".  Songs we now consider classics like, "For Me and My Gal", and "Lil Liza Jane", came from this time period as well.  But a song written in 1918 became a rallying cry for one of the oldest collegiate bands in the nation to support its sports teams. 

University of Arkansas - Short Takes - "Fight Song Celebrates a Century"    

Written in 1918, but not adopted as the official fight song until 1932, "Arkansas Fight" has become synonymous with not only the sports teams it represents, but with the entire state of Arkansas.  It and "Calling the Hogs", which my children learned to do from a deacon in the nursery of our church, are a source of pride for people of our state.  It is taught to all the members of Razorback Band and spirit squads as well as incoming freshmen in social clubs.  Just under 100,000 people will venture to the Ozarks on Saturday to see the Razorbacks play and sing that song.  Millions of dollars have been donated to the Razorback foundation so that the University can have the absolute best facilities and equipment for our favorite team. 

Take a look at this clip to see the Arkansas fight song in a way that you may have never seen it before:

  How About Some "Arkansas Fight" Classical Style?


While there are other great colleges in the state, the vast majority follow the Razorbacks.  A former football head coach summed it up best when he said, "It's great to live in Arkansas.  You can be a Tiger, or a Bear, or a Trojan, or a Red Wolf, but you can and usually are a Razorback as well." 

"Arkansas Fight" really is a song of encouragement for the team.  It has been known to raise the excitement level in both home football stadiums for Arkansas to a fevered pitch.   Players and fans alike agree that upon hearing the fight song, a renewed energy level is stirred.  In some ways, the lyrics even mirror some Biblical encouragements.

     As you study the New Testament, you begin to see the influences of the Roman culture, especially in the writings of the apostle Paul.  This time in history is credited with the beginnings of some of our modern day sporting events.   Some of the "games" were meant as persecution for Christians, while others were true tests of physical endurance by competitors.  Martyrdom awaited those Christians whose lives were lost for spreading the Gospel, while the accolades of man were heaped on the victors of the competitions.  Paul's writings are influenced by the games as he specifically uses analogies from these sporting events in his writing to Roman influenced churches.

Hebrews 12

 ¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

1 Corinthians 9:24
 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Galatians 2

¹ Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. ² I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain

Galatians 5:7
You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?

2 Timothy 4:6-8

 ⁶ For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. ⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

    In these passages, Paul is encouraging believers that while they may have a race that is uniquely their own to run, they are not by themselves.  We are never alone.  We have "such a great cloud of witnesses" that are cheering for us as we run our race.  Or to put it another way......

ARKANSAS FIGHT

Hit that line! Hit that line!
Keep on going!
Take that ball right
down the field!
Give a cheer. Rah! Rah!
Never fear. Rah! Rah!
Arkansas will never yield!
On your toes, Razorbacks,
to the finish,
Carry on with all your might!
For it’s A-A-A-R-K-A-N-S-A-S
for Arkansas!
Fight! Fight! Fi-i-i-ight!

 

As an aside, I recently went to see a movie about high school football.  Every person who is involved in this game, Professional to Pee Wee, Coach to Cheerleader, Defensive lineman to Drum Major, should see this movie. It hit theaters last weekend...

When The Game Stand Tall - Trailer

GO HOGS!!!

'Til Tuesday

Serving HIM by serving you,
Randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Friend Like Me" (Robin Williams)

Good Tuesday to ya friend!  It's time for The Notes! 

What a great time of year!  Actually, I suppose everyone has their favorite time of the year and it depends on your perspective.  If you like school starting, leaves falling, temperatures declining, and football tailgating, it is the best time of year!  If you don't like these things...please continue reading as you will find something good while the rest of us celebrate.  It is somewhat confusing that as the earth begins its annual retreat into fall and winter, an ending of sorts to the green lushness of summer,  that so many other things see their beginnings.  It is a time of transition.  New class rooms, perhaps even new schools.  New experiences for those who are departing moms and dads to go an "make it on their own".  (I never really understood what "it" was, so I must have never made it...)  New routines as new regulations come on line, new hopes as new seasons begin...(Go Hogs?!!!) and while maybe not exactly new, at least different "seasons" of life.  One would think with all of this "newness" around, everyone would be "Happy, Happy, Happy".  Unfortunately, in a fallen world that creeps one more step away from the perfection of Eden with each passing day, everyone comes to  face transitions in their life in a different manner.  Occasionally, an uneasiness comes over some as they attempt to face the normal progression of life, making life itself extremely difficult.  Maybe if they just had a magic lamp with a blue genie...

"Friend Like Me" - Robin Williams from the Disney Animated Classic Aladdin

 

Many articles and blogs have been written in the past week regarding the actor Robin Williams and his struggles and untimely death.  He has been described in a much more fluent way than this blog could ever begin to relate.  Suffice it to say, the actor Robin Williams was our generation's Charlie Chaplin.  36 years ago, he was cast as an alien on Happy Days, and the rest as they say is history.  Awards from colleagues and accolades from fans would be forthcoming as he made his mark on Hollywood and the world with his performances, comedic and dramatic.  He will be known to a generation as Mork.  To another generation he will be known as John Keating or Patch Adams.  My children's generation will remember his voice better than his face as he became Aladdin's beloved Genie in  1992.  (yep that was 22 years ago...) More recently, his Theodore Roosevelt won the hearts of this generation as he assisted in the protection of the nocturnally alive exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History.  With each of these and many other performances, he was embraced by a new generation of adoring fans.  Unfortunately, he will also be known for something quite different than many of his on screen persona. 

Each year millions of people around the world are diagnosed with clinical depression.  Far many more are not diagnosed and find themselves in a seemingly powerless state to control any aspect of their lives.  If you took a poll, almost everyone experiences or has a loved one who has experienced this tragic illness.  Many skillful physicians attempt each day to make things better for their patients who suffer from depression.  Sometimes it is a chemical condition that can be made better by prescription medications, other times it manifests itself in ways that are not treatable.  

Redeemed followers of God are not exempt to this disease any more than they are exempt from getting the flu.  The Bible is filled with example after example of men and women who suffered incredibly difficult battles with depression, but never lost the hope they have in eternity.  The entire book of Job, (whose events actually took place some time before the patriarchs of Genesis) is a treatise on desperation.  But Job remained steadfast in his belief and hope that God had a purpose through his sufferings.  

If you do an in depth study on the life of David, you will soon find that while he may have been a man after God's own heart, he was NOT superhuman enough to overcome the depression that came with some of his poor decisions. Read some of the Psalms that David wrote.  Some of them were written at the darkest moments of David's life.  Not "Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy" literature by any stretch of the imagination.  (David's family is a perfect case study in dysfunctionality).

Finally, Jesus himself was in such a deep depression during his Garden of Gethsemane experience that he began secreting blood through his pores like sweat.  ("Did Jesus Really Sweat Drops Of Blood" - answers.net).  How did each of these men survive this tumultuous time in their life? 

 

As you read the stories or the poetry describing the heart wrenching time these men were going through, you see a thread that runs through each...a glimmer, sometimes very dim, of hope.   In Romans, Paul writes of the source of this hope:

Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance,  endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.  This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. - Romans 5:1-5 HCSB

Please do not think I am implying that if you just hope for good things you can overcome the moments of depression you feel. Sometimes assistance is needed.  There are innumerable good Christian doctors and counselors to assist those with chronic and life threatening depression.  What I am relating is that the source of your hope can be enough to help in times of despair.  There is a great old hymn that speaks to this notion, perhaps you have heard it..."My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus name." 

"The Solid Rock"- Avalon 

This sickness is terrible.  Sometimes it is treatable with medications.  Sometimes the only way through is to have hope.  Many times what is needed is a cry for help.  Christian friend, sometimes we just need to listen to someone who is crying out for help.  Sometimes we need to provide an opinion or advice, but only if it is solicited.  Rarely do we need to act like a blue genie and attempt to grant wishes to pull someone out of depression.  But,  we are always called to love and to serve in any way we possibly can to those who need help.  In that way, by showing love and serving others, we can boldly declare...

"You ain't never had a friend, never had a friend
You ain't never had a friend, never had a friend
You ain't never had a friend like me
You ain't never had a friend like me, hah!"

'Til Tuesday

Serving HIM by serving you,
Randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" (Roy Rogers and The Sons Of The Pioneers)

Welcome to Tuesday and Tuesday's Musical Notes!!!  This is the place where the trivial meets the Triune, the singers meet the saints, and the lyrics meet the liturgy!!!  It's the time and it's the day so let's get started on our next great adventure together!  It's Tuesday!!! Yeehaw!!!


"Tumbling Tumbleweeds and Don't Fence Me In" - Roy Rogers and The Sons Of The Pioneers

80 years ago, a legendary popular Western group was born.  It included an Ohio born truck driver/fruit picker, a Canadian born yodeler, and a Safeway Grocery Warehouse worker.  Their names individually were Leonard Slye, Bob Nolan, and Tim Spencer.  You might know them better by their stage name....The Sons of The Pioneers.  In fact, you probably know Leonard Slye much better by HIS stage name of Roy Rogers. They appeared in 87 films between 1935 and 1985, including the film clip above from the movie Hollywood Canteen 1944.  "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" (originally "Tumbling Tumble Leaves") would become their trademark tune.  Their early success would pave the way for Roy Rogers to launch the singing cowboy craze of the 40's, which would later feature the likes of Gene Autry and Tex Ritter. 

There have been 41 members of the Sons of The Pioneers.  Included in this roster (1949-1953, as lead vocalist) is Ken Curtis who later became Matt Dillon's sidekick, "Festus",  in 239 episodes of the long running TV western Gunsmoke. 

The Sons Of The Pioneers continue to tour and make music today making them one of the longest recording bands in modern musical history.  They stuck to their guns and rarely changed the style of music that they played and sang...nothing at all like a tumbling tumbleweed.

Next week marks the beginning of the school year in many educational institutions across the United States.  This is an event that Christian parents should bathe in prayer.  We should pray that our student's teachers are prepared, kind, courteous, and have a passion for the education of students.  We should also pray that they have a relationship with Jesus.  This will meter the way they teach and what they teach to a certain degree.  We should also pray for those who will have influence over our students who are not educators.  Every one from the janitorial staff to the Superintendent of Schools, has the potential to direct a student's future.  This is a very large responsibility that we give to these folks and one that we must also give to God for His leadership and guidance.  Finally, we must pray for our students.  If they have been redeemed, we must pray that they will not be swayed and tempted by the enemy.  We must pray that they will remain steadfast in their faith and that they will be a shining light and example to other students.  

The apostle Paul stated this well in the 4th chapter of his letter to the church at Ephesus.  Take a moment and receive encouragement from this ancient letter as we read the entire chapter:

Ephesians 4 - Holman Christian Standard Bible/The Message Parallel

The beginning of the chapter starts out with challenging us to live out our calling in life.  What does that look like?  What or how are you called to live out your Christianity?  In verse 11, Paul begins to layout what some of those callings may look like in the church.  Then in verse 14 he tells us that we will remain steadfast, rock solid in our faith if we do the things that he lists above.  In other words, we won't let the winds of popular belief or world views cloud what we know as truth.  We won't be "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" when it gets a little windy in our world.  We won't be tossed to and fro with what is the newest thing on the horizon.  We will be equipped and firm in our convictions and profess truth as we go.  

If you are an educator, please know that you are being prayed for.  If you are a school employee, please know that you are being prayed for.  If you are the parent of a student, please know that you are being prayed for.  And as this school year starts, if you are a student, please know you are being prayed for.  If you are a Christian student, please accept this challenge to saddle up your horses, you have a great adventure ahead of you this year!

"The Great Adventure" - Steven Curtis Chapman

Serving HIM by serving You,

Randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "I Say A Little Prayer" (Dionne Warwick)

Welcome to Tuesday August 5th!!!  This is the date that the 1st traffic light was installed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1914.  Neil Armstrong was born on this date in 1930 and American Bandstand debuted on ABC in 1957. If you look August 5th up in the history books, there are many "events" that occurred on this date.  Yet, the Notes chose the ones that we thought you would find most interesting.  Prioritizing things, whether it be shared information or how you spend your money, is an important aspect in our lives.  The things that are important to us get the greater priority, while the things in which we feel no passion towards...well..not so much.  What are the things that prove your passions?  How do you spend you time as you go throughout your day?  What do you think about the moment you wake up....before you put on....it comes better from Dionne...

"I Say A Little Prayer" - Dionne Warwick

Written as an homage to Viet Nam War soldiers, "I Say A Little Prayer" would become a #4 hit for Dionne Warwick in December of 1967.  It speaks of all of the things that is going on in a young woman's life, yet she makes time before each of these important things, to say a prayer for her love.  She prioritizes her day around being able to pray for this person who means so much to her. 

The song was written for Warwick by Burt Bacharach and Hal David.  Their collaboration with Dionne would make popular music history.  She is 2nd only to Aretha Franklin in singles charted by a female performer.  In fact since 1962 she has over 50 singles credited to her that made Billboard's Hot 100.  Her first #1 hit would not come however until she teamed up with music greats Gladys Knight, Elton John and Stevie Wonder for the AmFar (American Foundation for AIDS Research) benefit single, "That's What Friends Are For" in 1985.    This single would be the culmination of a life filled with making music as a priority.

Many people make daily "to do" lists.  These lists provide us with a way of not only keeping us on pace with the priorities of our day, the give an opportunity for celebration or a sense of accomplishment when many, if not all, of our tasks are completed.  In some businesses, leaders are trained to prioritize based on the urgency and time a specific task my require.  This is a practice that can be traced in history back to Biblical foundations.  

God Gives the Ten Commandments - Charlton Heston as Moses in The Ten Commandments

 

The Ten Commandments were given to the children of Israel by God to serve as a foundation upon which they could build a nation.  This group of laws remains the standard by the modern world governs itself.  Have you ever noticed that there is a priority to this list?  The first 4 commands have to do with the relationship to man with God.  The next 6 deal with man's relationship with other men. God first, others second. 

The New Testament version of this comes from Jesus.  He was being asked for a priority in the Ten Commandments, or the Law of Moses.  We pick up the story in Matthew 22

Matthew 22:34-40 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Here, Jesus lays out the priority for our lives.  God first, others at least as much as we love ourselves.  So how are we doing on God's priority list?  It is so easy to chose good things that are in this world over Godly things.  Church attendance is one such example.  Time spent with family and friends is a good thing.  When our work week is filled to the max, it is nice to invest in our relationships with others.  How is our relationship with God any different?  Does our relationship improve with Him when we spend time with Him?  Granted going to church is not the only way that you spend time with God, however, it is one of the ways in which we can enhance the relationship of God to his bride, the church.  So many folks have abandoned consistent church attendance, when in reality, their walk with God is in dire need of it.  Even the great things of our educational system can get in the way of building our relationship with Jesus.  I recently heard of a community that signed a petition asking their school district to abstain from having any concerts, practices, games, or any other school required activities all day on Sunday and Wednesday evenings.  Wow!  That is a group of folks who want to make their community's relationship with Jesus a priority.  I guess the question for each of us today is what have we done to improve the relationship that we have with God?  Do you have one?  Do you invest daily in Bible study and saying a little prayer?  Do you find ways in which to edify the body of Christ by being involved in your "passion places" at the church you attend?  Are the priorities in your life one's that are a Godly example to your children or the children in which you have influence?  From the moment you wake up, is your day centered on building your relationship with God, and then serving others? So friend, what is your priority the moment you wake up?  Can we sing along with Dionne and proclaim about our relationship with God..." Forever forever you'll stay in my heart And I will love you Forever and forever we never will part Oh how I'll love you Together together that's how it must be To live without you Would only mean heartbreak for me"

'Til Tuesday,

Serving HIM by serving You,
Randy