Anabaptist, One And All (A lesson on tolerance)

One of these things is not like the other... One of these things is not the same. Or is that a judgement observance???

Actually, all these women have one thing in common: They are ALL Anabaptist. Yes, even the girl in Birkenstocks.

This is just my observation and yes, annoyance with the Anabaptists in general. I love the people, but would like to see less of a gap between the liberal and conseravative groups.

Speaking to many conservative Mennonites, and plain friends, they feel like the liberal Mennonites have sold out by allowing women to cut their hair, stop covering, wear pants, and serve in leadership.

Personally, I am inspired by these pictures. I see women with a united love for Christ. Some have strong convictions that are more visible on the outside, to the casual observer.

While I personally may feel that women SHOULD cover for prayer, I cannot judge anyone who doesn't. I CAN pray for them. But the Bible says clearly that I am to never judge them, lest I should be judged.

Maybe they have stronger convictions on the INSIDE in areas that I am weak in??? I know that God loves them dearly, and that it takes more than a headcovering and a cape dress or jumper to make you a Christian. I believe the concept that being PLAIN as a *requirement* is a divisional factor in the Anabaptist relationships between conservative and liberal congregations.

Arguements over socks, sandals, veil, kapps, prints, zippers, suspeders, belts, short sleeve, 3/4 length sleeves, are never-ending and ridiculous, and a source of division that Satan delights in.

Growing up close to my Nanny (Grandmother) in her Pentecostal Church taught me that women CAN make reasonable decisions for themselves and the boundries can be broadened without fear of hellfire and brimstone. *grin* Every single woman there was able to decide on a dress or skirt without strict details on prints and how the garment was bound.

Please see http://www.mennonitewomenusa.org/index.asp

This is a list of liberal Mennonite Women who blend & fellowship with more conservative Mennonite Women. I am not suggesting that we do anything other than reach out to other Christian women, even those who aren't conservative.

I also know many conservative Mennonites who do not judge. They are more than willing to accept one persons convictions as personal and not read into it. They welcome anyone and everyone into their services and withhold judgement. You see, they KNOW God will use them as an example...they needn't do a thing other than show love and kindness. It was what drew ME to the Mennonites.

SO the only problem I have with any of what I wrote above is something I have yet to work out: What does the BIBLE say???

It does say a womans hair is her glory... It says for women to cover during prayer, and it does say to be modest. It also says women are to be silent in church. Whats a girl to do???
The answer: Follow my conviction and don't worry about anyone but me.

How do we react? Not fellowship with anyone who lacks the same convictions? No, I don't believe that is the answer. Likeminded isn't 100% agreement. Too many churches SPLIT over peripheral issues.

I believe God meets us where we are when we first come to Him as new Christians. I believe the answer is to love people regardless, and excercise tolerance. While we are in the midst of this excercise, it might be good to ask GOD to convict them in these areas in HIS OWN TIMING.

You know, some women might just see you as a Godly example if you do it with joy, love, and without an ounce of self-righteousness. (It's a thought) It might plant a seed. But people have their own vanity, pride, and personal agenda's to tackle through the Grace of God long before they will ever consider letting their locks grow out or wearing a doily or veil on their head.
Don't you think some people put the cart before the horse, and try to be everyone's Holy Spirit?

Yes, we are to fellowship with like-minded believers. But that doesn't mean we have to agree on everything...every last detail. We need to focus on the BIG STUFF, and let the Holy Spirit do it's job as it see's fit.

Before you rail at me about what the Bible says about Obedience, heaven and hell.... please keep in mind, we are personally accountable for ourselves, and no one else. I will NEVER lead a church because I believe MEN are to be the leaders. So I will personally follow my own convictions. Just because the Mennonite Central Committee allows something does NOT make it correct. However, I have known Conservative Churches to enforce rules that are NOT in the Bible. Six of one, half a dozen of the other.

Some women may never be drawn to serve in modesty or long hair... they may never cover. But they may do OTHER things that honor God. In a perfect world we would do it ALL. That perfect world is in another kingdom...not here.

So, lesson for today; ponder what God wants for you in your life. Do you LOOK like a Christian from the outside in? Do you ACT like a Christian from the inside out? How can you do better in both areas? How can you minister to those who are far more liberal without acting judgemental.

That's a lot to chew on. But loving people unconditionally as God loves us... As Jesus loved those around him, and as we will be loved for eternity is a start.

I personally wear reasonably modest clothing. I don't feel a need to go overboard in any direction. But I am also not a member of a plain church. If I was, I would heed their standards.

That's the point. Not everyone who isn't a member of a plain church isn't in fear for their mortal souls, but could maybe use some pointers on how we as women CAN please God and our husbands with out appearance.

I have grown so much spiritually from the non-judgemental relationships with my plain sisters, that words cannot express my gratitude. Those patient souls who haven't judged or chastized me have witnessed me grow in modesty, grace, and seen my femininity flourish. I didn't join a conservative church, but I grew to adopt Godly practices because they allowed The Holy Spirit to convict me and didn't waste their time trying. They just loved me.

Consequently, I have a neighbor and a family member who recently asked me for headcoverings as a birthday or Christmas gift. They saw, they read, they prayed, and THEN they were convicted.. I didn't have to do a thing. Just obey.

Let's catch them, and let GOD clean them...

Peace

What Part of MOVE OVER Don't You Understand???

God is working on me about my road-rage. I hope He's working with you too.

In the interim, it would be wonderful if our local DMV's would put out a Public Service Message on all major channels, in English AND Spanish, in LARGE PRINT for the elderly, and in bright neon lettering so that we all, no matter what age, or language we speak GET THE MESSAGE: LEFT LANE FOR PASSING ONLY!!!

I have considered becoming a graffiti artist, and instead of targeting railroad cars, I would focus soley on the left lane of the local highways. I would spray paint the message in the passing lane (AND IT IS A PASSING LANE) in glow-in-the-dark paint, each word spaced about 20 feet apart. MOVE THE BLAZES OVER!!!

WHY do we hog the passing lane??? It makes me nuts. It's not just me, and this isnt' about me... it's about safety. It is dangerous to pass on the right!

Maybe we should all be required to take a refresher class on defensive driving every 10 years?? (Oh don't groan!) It WOULD help.

But to make matters worse... the person in the passing lane isn't just oblivious...half the time they are DETERMINED to hold the absolute speed limit or just slightly below. Like they are policing that lane.

Another common scenario is; the person is on their cell phone and are completely unaware there is a line of traffic behind them eighteen cars deep. Or they don't care. Regardless, they are a hazard. WHY can't people on cell phones just make it a point to drive in (you guessed it) the RIGHT HAND LANE, also commonly known as the SLOW LANE???

So let's review: LEFT LANE (known as the FAST LANE or PASSING LANE) is to be utilized only for passing slower traffic in the other lanes to the right of them.
The middle lane is for cruising, and the far RIGHT LANE (SLOW LANE) is for talking on your cell phone, the elderly, and anyone about to exit to the right.

This is nationwide, and not unique to any one State. The abuse of this seems to be particularly rampent in TEXAS and most widely observed in KENTUCKY (GO KENTUCKY!!)

Spread the word... or better yet, OBSERVE, don't make me swerve, you've got some nerve, or you'll get the bird. ...

(Kidding... I don't give the bird. But in certain country's it means *PEACE*)

Just move over, .... Let me pass... get off your cell phone, and focus on the road.

Sheesh.

A Happy Marriage

This is from a newsletter produced by my dear friend; Brother Don Murphy. I hope your as blessed by his wisdom as I am.

This is a picture of Brother Don and His Bride Michi on their wedding day.

And a more current photo of my dear friends.

They are Hutterite, and previous members of The Fan Lake Brethern.

***************************************************************************************

Happy Marriage

How can a couple have a happy marriage? God made us, Don and Michi, one and we are happy in the Lord. We think that the secret to a happy marriage is for the couple to pray together and to play together. Don is so good about telling Michi things like, “Your eyebrows are beautiful” or “Your nose is beautiful.” This makes both of us laugh. We also say to each other several times a day: “I love you.”

When we wake up in the morning we pray together. Before we go to sleep at night we pray together. After our noon meals we read a chapter from Psalms/Proverbs, sing a song and close with a prayer. We have daily church in our home at 5 pm just before our evening meal where we learn about God’s Word and discuss it or what God is telling us about. We start with prayer, a song and close with a song and prayer. Don also prays before and after each meal.

Since Don was born again in 1975, we have had a family Bible study- worship time every day. Before the children went to school, Don would lay hands on each one of them and prayed for them. While our oldest son Mike was in high school, he needed a car and so Michi prayed secretly to the Lord that He would tell Don to get a car for Mike. A couple days later, Don told Michi, “I think we should get a car for Mike.” What joy! Mike remembers that very well.

We are married for almost 50 years, that’s our wedding photo. Don calls Michi his better half and Michi calls Don her better half, and they do not argue with that. God made us one and gave us special gifts for each one of us, and the gifts God gave us help each other. It is amazing how God prepared for us to be one with different gifts to make our needs met. Praise God. A couple years ago Don was praying quietly, thanking God for his dear wife, Michi. The Lord spoke to Don, telling him, “I gave her to you because I love you.” Thank you, Lord!

What the Bible says about Marriage:

Jesus said: “A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one.” (Mk 10:7-8) “A perfect wife is the joy of her husband, he will live out the years of his life in peace. A good wife is the best of portions, reserved for those who fear the Lord; rich or poor, their hearts will be glad, their faces cheerful, whatever the season.” (Ecclesiasticus 26:2-4) “A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones. He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD. A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping. Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD. Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.” (Proverbs 12:4, 18:22, 19:13-14, 21:9, 19)

The Bible says: “A woman should have a sign of authority on her head because of the angels.” [She should wear a head covering to show the angels that she is under authority.]

(1 Cor 11:10)

“For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” (Ephesians 5:23, 28, 31, 33)

Some Thoughts on ANABAPTISM:

What is an "Anabaptist"? The term “Anabaptist” describes a person or group of people whose goal is to love God above all things; they want to love God with all their mind, strength and soul. They seek to love their neighbor as themselves. The key word is 'love'. John teaches us that God is love and those who live in love live in God and God lives in them. So an Anabaptist is one who seeks to live in love and makes a covenant with God in the water baptism ceremony to live a life of love, love to God and love to God's people. The Catholics and Protestants of the 16th century called these people "Anabaptists" which meant people who are baptized again. The Anabaptists are the ones who revived the belief in believer's baptism, rejecting the infant baptism of the Catholics and the Protestants. The Anabaptists called themselves "Brothers in Christ". They seek the kingdom of God and try to reject the kingdom of the world and all of its false gods.

Both Jesus and John teach us that those who love God will obey His commands. Therefore an Anabaptist is one who will not swear an oath, resist an evil man, store up wealth on earth, or do any of the other activities that Jesus prohibited. Anabaptists are ‘red letter Christians’ because they hold that the words of Jesus are to be the light that all of the rest of the Bible is to be read by. They seek to be pleasing to Jesus in that they tend to take His Words literally. For example, when Jesus says God’s children are all brothers and we’re not to give titles to anyone (Mt 23:8-12), they try to obey that.

The Anabaptists started in 1525 in Switzerland and because of their trying to live the lifestyle described above, both the Catholics and the Protestants persecuted them, killing thousands. The devil is also trying to seduce the Anabaptists with the false teaching of ‘saved by grace’ that Augustine and Luther invented. This teaching lures people into thinking that they can live like the world lives and still be saved because of the grace of God. Yet Paul teaches us that God has saved us and called us to live a holy life by His grace. (2 Tim 1:9) Grace is the power to live a holy life, not an excuse to live a worldly life, as so many believe and as Luther taught with his “sin boldly” message. Love One Another Jesus said, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (Col. 3:1-4)

Let us try to follow the Lord in love. http://www.anapabtistchurch.org/

Some Homespun Thoughts on Self-Sufficiency:-)

If you ever cruising through Tennessee on I-40, just about an hour west of Nashville, do yourself a favor and stop at Loretta Lynn's Hurricane Mills. Take a walk through a replicated version of her Butcher Holler Home, and believe me, you'll think twice about complaining about your own abode.

It isn't that it's small, or homey... or poor. The thing that strikes you is the simplicity of it all. It shows you that you don't need all this STUFF to survive. Just a good roof, a little dirt and water. Don't miss the simulated coal mine, and the MASSIVE museum featuring her old tour bus, which you can walk through. It will keep you humble.:-)

Now, I'm not simply pitching Loretta's Hurricane Mill's, although it IS a fabulous pit stop on the occasional road trip.

My point is:
Americans need to simplify. SERIOUSLY.

I watched a news program last night and they were talking about all the accesories you can buy for your child who is going away to summer camp. There were organizers, stationary, special doo-dads to customize their bunk, etc.. Isn't this defeating the purpose of summer camp??? The last time I checked (and yes, it's been a while), all you needed was a permission slip and a bed roll and you were ready to head out to Camp Okey-Dokey.

Not to scare anyone, but we are incredibly SPOILED in this country and we demand instant gratification. No one wants to work hard and wait for the rewards. We want it NOW, and make it snappy!

A co-worker recently commented on how high the price of fresh produce will be after all the Midwest floods and the price of fuel. I guess I must have had that look on my face that spelled; "clueless", because I hadn't thought of that. No offense, but I grow my own veggies for the most part. I told her I guess the price will go up, but I don't worry about it too much. I have my own. She barked back: "That's good for you, but that's not the case for everyone."

So what? I'm supposed to feel sorry for the people who don't plan ahead??? I mean honestly, I understand people live in the city, but that is their choice and their risk. Additionally, whats stopping them from container gardening, or raised beds. It takes a very small space to do square foot gardening.

Here's an idea for those who hate tilling, but have a smaller area: <http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/sanders98.html> Recycle old tires, and grow your own produce in a small area. Revolutionary thinking, eh??? Ok, maybe not. Maybe it's been done all along, as the economy historically ebbs and flows.

Maybe the old adage: "Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do, or Do Without"... applies?

It aggravates me when people complain about things they do have some control over, yet don't feel any responsibility to plan ahead for. I'm not a rocket scientist, nor a master gardener... I don't have a degree in anything.. I just use my common sense. I'm also not always prepared for everything, (who is?), but seem to have a knack for compromise, and making do. This seems to aggravate everyone who DOESN'T posses the same skill. lol.

But I do try to share. I bring tomatoes to work and pass them around. They are a hot commodity right now. I give away jars of chow-chow, which I don't MIND, but it's a labor intensive product. I like to know it's appreciated. But at some point, I am looking around my very professional office and realizing; I'm different. Yes, you can dress me up and I blend in nicely, but underneath, at the end of the day, I'm out hoeing the corn and they are watching Wheel Of Fortune. I have jars of my own produce on my shelves, and more in the freezer. I don't worry about the cost of things grown 1200 miles away.

So, this begs the question: How Prepared Are You? And; Should You Share with others who don't bother to be prepared? (I say yes, as an example, but not as a habit) Is that wrong or stingy? Well, I would come closer to helping those who can't help themselves, (widows, handicapped, poor, and the aged), than helping able bodied people who don't care until it's too late.

Not to be contentious, but it's like the people who complain about gas, and drive a Navigator. Hey, you CHOSE the vehicle. If it cost you $110.00 to fill up, don't get mad at me for not listening to you complain. I drive a 25 year old Honda. I get to work at the same time, it's just not as pretty or roomy of a ride. But it cost me 1/8th of what you pay to get there.

Here's another link to help you as you sort out what YOU can do to be frugal, and a good steward of what God has granted your use of: <http://www.savingadvice.com/>

And isn't that what is: Stuff on loan from God??? You can't take a darn thing with you, and you know it. SO SIMPLIFY. BE PRODUCTIVE. GROW YOUR OWN VEGGIES. You can do this.

You can also convert your vehicle to biodeisel for as little as $150.00. I see more and more people doing this as it becomes readily available. Here in Texas (DFW area), there are at least 20 Gas Stations that sell biodiesel. The greater the demand, the broader the product. I have even sent in a written request to our company to consider converting some of our trucks that carry our product to biodiesel. It's a great marketing plan as well. *wink*

I won't go on about butchering your own hogs, or the like. I think you have enough to chew on. But the question is: Will the price of food or gas drastically effect YOU, and what are you willing to do about it?

Off to hoe... there's nutgrass to kill.

Ryan To The Rescue (That's My Boy)

My son Ryan is amazing to me. He always has been, but this takes the cake. He's trying to make the world a better place. Yes, that's his agenda.



So, while in college he studied alternative energy. Over the past year he has developed his own company here in North Texas called *W.I.R.E.S.* (Wilson Innovative Renewable Energy Solutions) and through local interests, and support he is providing solar water heaters to local builders so they can build new *Green Homes*. These water heaters heat using the sun's rays and converting them to energy to heat water to over 200 degrees. Better yet, it takes up very little space and and pay for themselves. Does your water heater do that?


Imagine your gas or electric bill cut by a 3rd or more? Water heaters take up a ridiculous amount of energy that can be naturally produced for free from the sun. Your not relying on the grid to supply this portion of your energy, so the end result is unlimited hot water and more money in your pocket. Sounds wonderful doesn't it? Hey anytime I can keep more of what I earn, and not harm the environment, I'm happy.



This is just the start for Ryan. He's got some kind of freaky genius about him. He's always thinking of new inventions or ways to modify some gizmo. He thinks so outside the box! It's amazing to watch. He genuinely has a mind for mechanisms, and sometimes, I think I can actually SEE the gears turning in his head! (At least the smoke coming out of his ears..lol)


So keep an eye out for Ryan and his W.I.R.E.S...... Better yet; get involved. Consider alternative energy. Think you can't make a difference? Money tight? Well, you can always dry your clothes outside, grow your own veggies, and save rainwater... See? Your already on board.


This is so exciting!!! My sons out to make a difference. This isn't about commercial success, although that will naturally follow any great idea... it's about undoing the damage, and leaving a cleaner place for our great grandchildren. It's about keeping some of the hard earned money we earn, and it's about being self sufficient to a larger degree than oblivious America is now.

It's also about being a good steward of everything, and every responsibility God gives us. Our money, or homes, & our enviroment. Being a steward is the same as being a *manager*. We are to manage these things with the upmost respect. Respecting Gods creation seems like it would be pretty high on the priority list, eh? And it doesn't hurt to lead by example, either.

This is just the beginning... so hold on tight. The paddle wheels are rolling and Captain Ryan is at the helm.


Interested in purchasing a solar water heater? Contact me off-blog and I will forward your information, and have Ryan get back with you personally.
<muttleyhunt@yahoo.com>


Go Ryan Go!

Schmecks Gut!!!

There are very few things as satisfying as canning your own home-grown veggies.

I chopped, ground, and boiled til I was exhausted. I can't remember what I did with my cuisanart! So it was all by hand. UGH. But hard work always pays off and I have to say the end product is what we here in the south call *CHOW-CHOW*.

Since I have green tomatoes coming out my ears, it's a way to utilize green tomatoes, cabbage, onions, peppers & cauliflower into a relish of sorts. My Nanny used to just eat a little on the side of her plate with whatever dinner was served.

Basically, Chow-Chow, or any green tomato/Veggie relish is just a way to make use of everything in your garden. It's also just one simple way of being a good steward of what God provides. *grin*... AND it's a SUPERFOOD! Tomatoes packed with Vitamin C, & Cruciferous veggies such as cabbage and cauliflower make your colon do the happy dance! I like to make a quick tuna salad substituting the chow-chow for onions and relish. I just slap a lot into a bowl with tuna, light mayo and seasonings, and viola! I am eating healthy!

Here's a starting place if your new at this, or just want to give it a whirl:

CHOW-CHOW
1 peck (12 pounds) green tomatoes
8 large onions
10 green bell peppers
3 tablespoons salt
6 hot peppers (chopped)
1 quart vinegar
1 tablespoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon cloves
3 tablespoons dry mustard
Few bay leaves
1 3/4 cups sugar
cup horseradish (optional)

CHOP tomatoes, onions and peppers together and cover with the salt; let stand overnight. Drain, add the hot peppers, vinegar, spices (tied in cheese-cloth bag) and sugar; allow to boil slowly until tender (about 15 minutes). Add horseradish. Pack into sterilized Kerr jars to within inch of top. Put on cap, screw band FIRMLY TIGHT. Process in Boiling Water Bath 10 minutes.

GREEN TOMATO SWEET PICKLES
1 gallon green tomatoes (16 cups sliced)
1/4 cup salt
tablespoon powdered alum
3 cups vinegar (5% acidity)
1 cup water
4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon mixed spices
teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon celery seed
teaspoon allspice

1 tablespoon mustard seedSLICE tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt and allow to stand overnight. Next morning drain and pour 2 quarts of boiling water with tablespoon of powdered alum over the tomatoes and let stand 20 minutes. Drain and cover with cold water, drain. Combine vinegar, water, sugar and spices (tie spices loosely in bag) and bring to a boil. Pour this over the tomatoes. Let stand in this solution overnight. Then drain and bring solution to boil and pour over tomatoes. Let stand overnight. On the third morning bring the pickles and solution to a boil. Pack into sterilized Kerr jars to within inch of top. Put on cap, screw band FIRMLY TIGHT. Process in Boiling Water Bath 10 minutes. Yield: 8 pints.

END OF THE GARDEN PICKLES
1 cup sliced cucumbers
1 cup chopped sweet peppers
1 cup chopped cabbage
1 cup sliced onions
1 cup chopped green tomatoes
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup green string beans (cut in inch pieces)
1 cup chopped celery
1 tablespoon celery seed
2 tablespoons mustard seed
2 cups vinegar
2 cups sugar

2 tablespoons turmericSOAK cucumbers, peppers, cabbage, onions, celery and tomatoes in salt water overnight (cup salt to 2 quarts water). Drain. Cook the carrots and string beans in boiling water until tender; drain water. Mix soaked and cooked vegetables with remaining ingredients and boil 10 minutes. Place in sterilized Kerr jars; seal at once. Process in Boiling Water Bath 5 minutes.

Is It Just Me??? Observations From A Church-Hopper

Is it just me, or am I imagining things?

One moment I am in church, turning to page 463 in the Hymnal, getting ready for a rollicking rendition of *What A Friend We Have In Jesus*, and the next minute the hymnals have been conveniently forgotten in some musty janitors closet, to be replaced with projectors, words with no musical score, and the latest songs from your local Christian Radio Station???

Admitedly, I am hopping from church to church looking for a home church. This seems to be a repeated theme.

So, what gives? When I was about 9 I remember whining in the pew about these 300 year old songs, when a stern blue-haired Sunday School teacher tweaked my ear to let me know in no uncertain terms that those songs are PRECIOUS to her. Someday, according to her, I would find myself clinging to those old hymns, as have many generations. Well, lo and behold, here we are; at middle-age and old Mrs. So & So was absolutely right! So why aren't the youth today learning them???

I don't have a problem with Praise Teams. I think you need to appeal to young and old alike. But values that were good enough for multi-generations are being lost to *pop-culture*. And yes, even Main-Stream Christianity has it's niche in popular culture (per generation). It shifts and changes every so many years.

I understand at one point; "How Great Thou Art" was new material. People probably balked at it initially... And todays Praise Anthems will be considered a part of standard worship, (and hopefully included in a hymnal) 25 years from now.

So my beef ins't against Praise Teams... its with the replacement and devalued effect it's having on my beloved hymnals! I don't understand WHY we have to have 2 services:

Contemporary (HIP) and Traditional (Unhip). Why are we segregated???

One more thing: If your going to place the WORDS to any song on a projector, then for the love of Pete, PLEASE put a musical score! Do you realize that by taking away the hymnal, which most of us learned to read music by, your undermining our youth?? How do think most people learn to read music??? By following the notes in the hymnal, that's how!

I'm a musician. So I get annoyed when they just spring a new song on you with no way to know how the melody goes. Your just supposed to listen and follow along?? When did musicians stop reading music? Why can't they put a score up on the gynormous projector along with the words??? Surely I am not the only person who has noticed you can follow a song you don't know quite easily in a hymnal, because you can SEE the notes rising and falling. Even my 10 year old grandson can keep up, and he doesn't read music. But throw up the words to something that apparently some of the congregation has heard on the radio, and you get SOME of the people singing. The rest just stare at the gynormous projection on the wall.

I think this is a discredit to our youth, because they are the ones who will loose out in the long run. It's a discredit to the authors of the hymns that are falling to the wayside. And it's a shame that we are teaching youth that their own sense of satisfaction and gratification should cast a shadow over what many people love... and what they will come to love in time. Just ask my Sunday School teacher. And a word to the wise: cover your ear when you do.