Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Taps" (U.S. Army Band)

Hello! Welcome to Tuesday's Musical Notes!  Today's Notes are in honor of those who have bravely served our military.  Specifically, those men and women  who have never come home.  Today's Notes takes a more somber mood as we reflect on those military personnel who have been missing in action since their conflict ended.  We begin with the musical honor that befits those who have served and never returned. 

"Taps" Summer and Winter at Arlington National Cemetery

The history of the song known at "Taps" is one that has been given much debate.  Most military scholars affirm the account given in the above video.   This poignant melody has been used for "days end" recognition by most branches of the military in modern times.  It also has even been utilized by the Boy Scout of America for some of its traditional services.  It however, has been popularized in its use as a portion of Military Honors given at the funeral of our nation's heroes.  

According to Military.com, the rendering of Military Funeral Honors is mandated by law if requested by the family of the deceased.  No fewer than 2 military personnel, including 1 representing the heroes branch of the military, are to be present.  At the very least the folding and presentation of an American Flag to the next of kin, followed by the playing of Taps is to occur.  (Military Funeral Honors - Military.com)

The song is composed of a simple melody played on a bugle or trumpet.  Usually in the key of "C" major.  This allows the trumpeter to not move any valves during the playing and is the most common key for bugles.  Lyrics are as follows:

Day is done, gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky
All is well, safely rest
God is nigh.

Fading light dims the sight
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright
From afar, drawing near
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise for our days
Neath the sun, 'neath the stars', 'neath the sky'
As we go, this we know
God is nigh.

If you happen to play a trumpet, and can achieve near perfection on the tune of "Taps",  I highly recommend volunteering at your local funeral homes to honor those who have served in the protection of our country by being a "live" bugler playing "Taps".   These men and women should be honored as heroes.  You see at many of these Military Honors Funerals, all that is available for "Taps" is a recording.  Our fallen soldiers are worthy of so much more... As President Abraham Lincoln put it, they have given "the final full measure of devotion".  

Since the age of 16, I have been honored on a few occasions to play "Taps" for Military Honors.  Recently, thanks to the heads up action of church members who are veterans, I was allowed to honor PFC Robert Elijah "Bobby" Mitchell by playing "Taps" at his memorial service.

After graduating from high school in 1949, Robert Mitchell enlisted in the Army.  From his obituary:  "Bobby enlisted in the Army in November, 1949.  After a few months of training, the war in Korea escalated and he was sent overseas to the battle front, where he became missing in action on September 6, 1950."  This hero was just 19 years old when he went MIA.  This past Saturday, his memorial service was held on what would have been his 85 birthday after being missing for 65 years.  Along with an Army detail, consisting of 3 marksmen and 2 attendants, I was given the incredible honor to provide Military Honors for PFC Robert Mitchell by playing his final "Taps".  

The Defences POW/MIA Accounting Agency is the group charged with keeping record of those who are listed as missing in action.  Those numbers are staggering and we should be reminded of the sacrifice that these military personnel have given. 

As of January 28, 2015 those missing in action from World War 2 from all branches of the military and some civilian personnel

73,515 

 

As of January 20, 2016 those missing in action from the Korean war from all branches of the military and some civilian personnel

7,828

As of 2015, those missing in action from the Vietnam War from all branches of the military and some civilian personnel

1,626

 

Even since the Vietnam War, heroes from the United States have gone missing in action.  The numbers vary depending on the reporting from the country where these brave patriots went missing.  As we continue to have a presence around the world, we will continue to see brave men and women be listed in the MIA/POW category.  Today's Notes is an effort to remind each of us that there are those who need to be brought home. We honor those brave enough to continue to search.  There are families who deserve our prayers and support as they go each day not knowing the disposition of military family members.  Thank you for your service and sacrifice!!!

"Taps" serves as a poignant reminder from a military perspective that there is an end to this physical life for everyone.  This is not a popular notion for anyone, however it is everyone's reality.  The true question lies not in the depressing aspect of loss but in how one has lived.  Every day we are met with the decision to do right things or wrong things.  Our moral compass makes us who we are.  If you look around you, it is easy to see "good", "moral" folks around us.  According to the Bible, it is not good enough to be a good, moral person.  (The Gospel Of Jesus according to the Disciple Matthew 19:16-30 New International Version Of The Bible/The Message Paraphrase of the Bible parallel)  Ultimately, our decision regarding what to do with Jesus will determine our eternal destination and have an effect on our goodness and morality while here on earth.  So we pause to ask that question of you right now...what have you done with Jesus?  There are only two choices.  You accept Him as the Son of God, sent to die as a sacrifice for the wrong we do, and by doing so, providing a way for us to have a reconciliation with Creator God that has been absent since Adam made the original first bad choice.  The other option is what the Bible calls the only "unforgivable sin".  Saying "no" to Holy Spirit as He prompts you and draws you to Himself.  (Matthew 12:30-32 NIV/The Message parallel)  Here is an excellent article that explores the "unforgivable" sin further.  ("What Is The Unforgivable Sin" by Andy Lau, October 10 2012 biblegateway.com)  To decide to deny Holy Spirit would truly make your "Taps" moment depressing as you will be separated from God forever when you die.  

Today, you have an opportunity.  You may have never served in our military.  You may never be called upon to defend freedom.  But it is guaranteed that you will have a "Taps" moment.  At that point, will you be embraced by the God who created you or separated from him forever?  The determining factor is what you do with Jesus.  The bugler is warming up...


"When It's All Been Said And Done" by Geoff Moore and The Distance from the 1993 album Evolution

 

'Til Tuesday,

Serving HIM by serving you,

Randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Listen To The Music" (The Doobie Brothers)

Welcome to Tuesday, February 16th!  You've stepped into the best day of the week, and clicked onto the best blog on the net!  It's time for Tuesday's Musical Notes!!!  Every Tuesday, we attempt to tickle the trivial music centers of the brain while stimulating the spiritual nucleus of the heart, all in the context and framework of some of the greatest songs every recorded.  Are you beginning to feel a tingling sensation?  Well, let's jump right on in and see if we can get ya'..feelin' good, feelin' fine...let the music play!!!

"Listen To The Music" - from the 1972 album Toulouse Street by The Doobie Brothers

Since 1970 (that's 46 years for you accountants out there...we like to include all kinds here at the notes!) The Doobie Brothers have been spreading their particular brand of love and music all over the world.  The unique partnership and songwriting expertise between founding members Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons continues today as The Doobies continue to record new music, tour to sold out crowds and gain a following among the next generation of adoring fans.  In fact, on August 16, 2016,  The Doobie Brothers will join Journey (Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Separate Ways") and Dave Mason (Tuesday's Musical Notes - "We Just Disagree") for a concert at our Verizon Arena in Little Rock.  

Many of popular music's acts have produced album after album without seeing a hit single.  They work really hard for years after forming a band, and sometimes 4 or 5 albums later they get a top 40 hit.  This was not the case for The Doobie Brothers.  With the release of their second album, Toulouse Street, The Doobie Brothers would see not just one, but both singles from the album rise in the charts.  Their second single, "Jesus Is Just Alright" went as high as #35, but it is today's feature song that had The Doobie Brothers in heavy rotations for radio DJs in the early 70's. It continues to be a favorite on "Greatest Hits" stations today. 

"Listen To The Music" was written by founder Tom Johnston as a salute to the utopian idea of getting all the world leaders together listening to music, (as well as some other extra curricular activities that gained popularity in the 70s that The Notes cannot condone, use your imagination...) as means for making the world a better place.  With its positive lyric and its unforgettable guitar licks, "Listen To The Music" continues to endure and inspire the next generation with the idea that the universal language of music can be a bridge by which tensions can be eased and the disagreeable can become more tenable.  It has the similar notion of music as a powerful tool as the great Coca-Cola commercial from the same time frame.  "I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing" - Coca Cola Commercial 1971 Are you swaying?

Music however has been used as a tool of divisiveness and strife as well.  Mostly because generations of folks want to claim their style of music as the best while not being open to new forms, styles, and instrumentation.  Imagine if you will what Johann Sebastian Bach or Ludwig Von Beethoven would think if they attended the Grammys.  Yikes!!! Quite honestly, anymore, I think I would probably agree with them.  Does that mean I'm getting old...sorry I digress.  What would the great hymn writer King David of the Old Testament think if he listened to the music of Matt Redman and Chris Tomlin?  

Perhaps one or more of your grandparents loved the song "Keep On The Firing Line"  Today's generation has no context of what the song is even about, so how are they supposed to embrace it?  "Keep On The Firing Line" Gaither Homecoming featuring Anthony Burger  What does that even mean?  The converse of this is modern hymn writers that refer to Jesus in terms that past generations reserved for loved ones.  Terms like "beautiful" have no meaning to an older generation who sometimes have difficulty seeing Jesus in this way.  "You Are So Good To Me" by Third Day from the 2003 album Offerings  What does it say to a preChristian world, when those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, argue, fight and in extreme cases, split up the church family, over a self centered choice of songs? The Notes contends that it sends a very poor message, yet  in context, this focus on self message is one even the disciples of Jesus  struggled with...cue flashback music to the time of New Testament...

Jesus had sent the twelve men he had been mentoring out to tell other folks about the Good News of Jesus.  The disciples experienced things during this time that they had never imagined possible.  They had the power of healing the sick and folks were responding positively to the message of redemption through Jesus.  Then human nature kicked in.  The disciples began believing the "press reports" about themselves.  They began discussing among themselves, who was the greatest among them.  Jesus knew what they were discussing and without missing a beat or chastising them, He used an object lesson to answer the burning question of their hearts.  The Gospel of Jesus According to Luke: 9:46-48 New International Version of the Bible/The Message Paraphrase of the Bible parallel.  Later on, Jesus would use the ultimate in examples to teach the disciples about true greatness.  The Gospel According to John: 13 NIV/The Message parallel

You see friend, just like the opening line of the best selling book by Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life, says..."It's not about You".   Your preferences are ok to have and they are part of what makes up who we are, but we must be very careful to utilize them in the context of serving others and not allow them to become what we serve.  Our choices in music, message style, liturgy or the non use of it, and even the way we evangelize should all be subservient to how we can use them to serve others and honor God. 

While they may have not intended it to be for the church at least one line of "Listen To The Music" is sure to apply.  The outside world really is "listenin' for the happy sounds" that can and should be emanating from our churches.  Our role is to "let them fly...  Whoa, oa, oa, listen to the music..."

Keith and Kristen Getty - "Creation Sings The Father's Song" from the 2008 album Awaken The Dawn

 

'Til Tuesday

Serving HIM by serving you,

Randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Bad Is Bad" (Huey Lewis and The News)

 

Welcome To Tuesday!!!  You have just clicked into the place where music meets message, where rhythm meets redemption, and where tunes meet the Trinity, all wrapped in a little digital blog space we call home.  So take a seat, no really, sit down, and relax.  Tuesday's Musical Notes always promises to give you something a little different about the songs you know and love.  Sometimes that something is well known, but wrapped in with a new shiny, new bow.  Other times it presents itself as a challenge we didn't realize we had.  Either way it is something that for the next few minutes we get to discover together.  Ready? We hope ya are because you've hit the place where cool is the rule, but sometimes...

"Bad Is Bad" - Huey Lewis And The News from the 1983 album Sports

 

What do you get when you mash up the backing bands from Elvis Costello and Van Morrison?  A rock and roll band that will rule the charts for over a decade and have 5 of its 9 studio albums certified Gold or Platinum.  You also get a band that is very inquisitive as they ask "Do You Believe In Love" and then boldly answering their own question by proclaiming, "The Power Of Love".   They are a band know for soundtracks and Sports and they released their first album, the eponymous Huey Lewis and the News, 36 years ago this June.

 

Like so many bands that had their origins in the 70s and 80s, the lineup for Huey Lewis and the News has changed since the first hit single, 1982's aforementioned, "Do You Believe In Love". However, the band member turnstile has not been as active as some of their compatriots from bands of that era.  4 of the 6 original members still tour about 70 dates a year.  

Between 1982 and 1991 the band would ride the waves of MTV popularity as they set intricate harmonies to rock and blues beats.  All of the albums released during this time would go Gold or Platinum.  They were nominated for an Academy Award for "The Power Of Love" from the Back To The Future Soundtrack.  Their music was also "featured" throughout the movie Ghostbusters, albeit they had to sue Ray Parker Jr. for infringement based on the similarities between "Ghostbusters" (Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Ghostbusters") and the Huey Lewis and the News Song, "I Want A New Drug".  Listen closely the next time you watch Ghostbusters and see if you can hear samples of "I Want A New Drug" throughout the film score.  The lawsuit came about because of behavior that was considered inappropriate.  In short...sometimes, bad is bad!

The most popular Huey Lewis and the News album by far is the 1983 multi platinum hit Sports.  5 of its original 9 tracks were released as singles and all of them went into the top 20 on the charts.  Our feature song of the day, while getting its own video, did not however get released as a single.  The video was in heavy rotation on MTV but the song never caught enough traction to warrant a single, therefore it never had a chance at chart success.  It is another reason, however folks bought the album Sports with its du-wop harmonies and catchy play on words lyrics.  It emphasizes the transition that so many words in our vernacular have had as ensuing generations come to be able to speak and write.  

As an example, the word "cool".  Its original meaning is one that implies a lack of heat, but not quite being cold.  Fast forward a few years and it is a slang term for something that is cutting edge or popular.  The word "neat" also has several connotations.  "Neat" in its most popular form means something that is tidy or clean.  In the 50's and 60's it became slang to describe something wonderful or interesting, perhaps even "cool".  One of the cruelest of word transitions has occurred to the word "gay".  Dictionary.com lists the sexual orientation meaning as its initial response.  This is a dramatic change from the 1800s when the word meant:  "Having or showing a merry, lively mood", "bright and showy", and "giving or abounding in social or other pleasures".  However, at the turn of the century the word began to transition into its current common form.  As early as 1938, the "transitioned" use was beginning to be used  as exhibited by one of my favorite movies, the 1938 Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn comedy, Bringing Up Baby....Bringing Up Baby - Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn 1938.

The most egregious transitioning of word use however, must be for the word "bad".  The English version of the word originated in 1250-1300 in Europe by those who spoke what is known as "Middle English".  It is defined as "Not good in any manner or degree", "Having a wicked or evil character, morally reprehesible", and "of poor or inferior quality, defective." (Dictionary.com - "Bad").  But somewhere around the late 1970s, a change began happening.  It began to be fashionable to refer to someone who was excellent at what they were doing as..."bad".  Michael Jackson went so far as to give his 9 time platinum, 1987 album as well as its 1st single, the name Bad.  

The Bible is replete with characters who could be considered "bad" by both of the above derivatives.  However, it does provide a warning to us about the way we continue to transition the meanings of words.  Isaiah 5:20 New Internationl Version of the Bible/The Message Paraphrase of the Bible parallel.  This passage uses some very strong words, "woe" and "doom", to those who attempt to disguise words or actions as something they are not.  We must be very careful in our day and age to fully understand the connotation by which we speak.  It really is about context in our era and as Christians it is imperative that we call things what they are.  

One of the worst examples of this is the organization known as Planned Parenthood.  If you get past the political conversations about funding you find an organization that attempts to disguise abortion clinics as "women's health providers".  The Notes does not feel obligated to show the videos that have been all over the net with regards to the practices in which this entity has engaged.  Our layman's judgement is that it is a bad (original 1250-1300 definition) institution.  And to step into the political argument for just a moment, the health care of women was supposed to have been funded by the Affordable Care Act if I understand the politispeak of the Act.  Therefore, there should be no need of funding to a group that is a "Women's Health Provider".  Sometimes...bad is bad.  That however, is a conversation for another time. 

 

As disciples of Jesus, we must realize that if we are bold regarding our faith that our actions will be under some scrutiny.  We have to ensure that our standards are high with regards to our behavior as well as in line with the premises that God has described in the Bible.  Be sure that folks are watching to see if in your life, "sometimes...bad is bad".  In God's Word, bad is bad all of the time.  That is a consistency on which you can stake your life and eternity. 

'Til Tuesday

Serving HIM by serving you,

Randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "I Get Around" (The Beach Boys)

Welcome to Tuesday!!!  Welcome to February!!!  Is it cold where you are?  Snow piling up everywhere?  Needing the feel of a tropical locale?  Well,  you've come to the right place as today we hear the sound of the surf and the sandy strains of harmonies riding on the waves! 

Yes, it is still winter, but Tuesday's Musical Notes is comin' atcha with the sound that will start a Summertime thaw on any old wintery heart.  Grab your flip flops Moondoggy, cause we're headed to the beach with the kings of ridin' the waves!  Don't forget your sunscreen!!!   Featuring a Musical Note email reprint from May of 2011, here is our ode to things that are sure to melt the harshness of the winter blues...Cue Flashback Music...NOW!

1964.  What a Great Year!!  The Beatles bring the British Invasion to the shores of the United States music industry by appearing on the "Ed Sullivan Show".  Ed Sullivan Show - The Beatles  Later that year, they have all of the top 5 singles in the US at one time.  In March, Ford Motor Company introduces a new car model....The Mustang. 50 Years of the Ford Mustang - New York Times Magazine  President Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act in July.  Civil Rights Act of 1964  The cartoon "Underdog" debuts on CBS.  Underdog Opening Theme Brian Wilson suffers a nervous breakdown on a flight from Los Angeles to Houston.  You may not know Brian Wilson, but I feel sure you know his band.....just a bunch of surfer dudes known as The Beach Boys.  

"Round, Round, Get Around, I Get Around".... okay, the falsetto really doesn't come over as effective via digital typing, so I'll leave the rest to the ones known best for that sound:     

"I Get Around" by The Beach Boys from the 1964 album All Summer Long

 

The very first vinyl, (over 40's code for "record", the forefather of the cd, and mp3!) I ever owned was one of those TV offers in the '80s.  It was for a double album set of "The Beach Boys' Greatest Hits".  I saved and saved, and finally had the  $29.99 plus shipping and handling to send to the company that was producing it.  I was very concerned that mom or dad would notice the mailbox flag up and start asking questions.  Then the whole, "You shouldn't spend your money on ...." conversation would start.  Eerily, that's the same conversation  I have with my kids now.   But I digress.  You can imagine my panic when arriving home and my double album of surfin' goodness was rubber banded to our rural mailbox!!!  You could see it the minute you topped the hill!!  Luckily, I was driving at the time and arrived home before mom did.  It really wound up not being as big a deal as I made it out to be because both mom and dad took delight in hearing me enjoy "good" music. I think it brought back memories for them.    

Along with Jan and Dean, The Beach Boys set the tone for vocal beach-inspired musical groups in the 60s.  "I Get Around" would be one of their many hits in the '60s.  Rolling Stone listed it at #316 in its 2004 listing of 500 Greatest Songs of All Times - Rolling Stone Magazine 2004.  You can still see The Beach Boys on tour after over 50 years of making hits together.   As has happened with many bands that have longevity, the lineup of the band has transitioned over time since its inception in 1961, (even Full House star John Stamos sat in on drums during one tour).  The surviving original members of Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, Mike Love, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks got together in 2012 for a "reunion" tour and to make an album.  That's Why God Made The Radio debuted at #3 on the charts, making The Beach Boys the group with the longest top 10 chart span in rock and roll history at 49 years and 1 week, surpassing  The Beatles' previous record of 47 years.   You might just say that The Beach Boys definitely "Get Around".

When reading the Gospel account of Jesus' life, it may appear that He didn't "Get Around". The article "The Basic Geography Of Jesus' Ministry" by J.C. Laney details the area in Israel where Jesus ministered.  Israel as a nation is only 8,019 square miles.  With that in mind, you can see that Jesus spent the vast majority of His time in a geographic area that was smaller than the state of Vermont. (9623 square miles).     Regardless of His traveling miles, the impact that Jesus had on the world is something Christians celebrate today.  It is rare that you find someone who hasn't at least heard the name,  Jesus.   Here is an example of the impact Jesus can have on a life:

Many ridiculed the pastor who predicted the world's end in May of 2011.  I felt sort of sorry for him.  He had allowed something to deceive him into believing falsehoods.  Some say he was used by the ultimate deceiver to make Christians and Christianity look foolish.  But, what the enemy designed for evil, God turned to good. 

Imagine an environment in which you have been instructed to leave your religious beliefs at the door.  In short, you are suffering a mild form of persecution from a non-believing educational institution.  Then the media gets abuzz over a pastor's prediction of the end of the world.  Imagine your surprise when that media event ignites a hunger for the truth about how the world will end.  A "religious free" zone immediately becomes an environment of discussion about beliefs and convictions.  You are asked questions about your beliefs and why you believe them and you are allowed to clearly elaborate on those beliefs and convictions in an atmosphere that was once cold to the truth. This happened to our middle daughter as she attended cosmetology school.  Folks who had ridiculed the name of Jesus were given an articulate, and precise reality of what the presence of Holy Spirit can be in one's life.     What was meant for ridicule, opened doors for discussion. 

You see, we all have our circles of influence.  We all have those areas in which we "get around".  There are times when that circle is larger than others.  We certainly need to perceive when those times are and take advantage, in the context that as Christians,  our job is not to provide salvation for anyone.  The blood of Jesus is the only thing that can provide that.  Our job is to teach, preach, and love.  Building disciples as we build relationships.  Jesus commissioned it this way:  The Gospel Of Jesus According to the disciple Matthew 28:16-20 Holman Christan Standard Bible/The Message Paraphrase of the Bible parallel

 Jesus may have never physically stepped out of Israel, but the impact of His life is felt through time and geography.   Imagine what 2016 holds!!  What events will take place that will begin the conversation about Jesus in your "Get Around" arena?  What opportunities will you have to show Christ's impact on your life?  How will you make disciples when those opportunities present themselves.  Will you "'round, 'round, Get Around?"

'Til Tuesday,  

Serving HIM by serving you,
Randy