May 4, 2009  

Ministry Tools
Bob Burroughs

 The Sky Is Not Falling !

Quote

Three things cannot long be hidden: the sun, the moon, and--the truth. Confucius

Scripture

Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of false prophets. They teach you emptiness, falsity and futility and fill you with vain hopes; they speak a vision of their own minds and not from the mouth of the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:15

Prayer

Great Redeemer, Counselor in times of great trouble, and One who is ever mindful of all circumstances across the vast universe, today, my heartfelt cry and pray is for all those who are facing difficult times, difficult decisions, and who are trying to make ends meet on a daily basis. Help us to put our deep and abiding faith in You and trust You with all we have. Help us to realize that You will take care of us, protect us even in trying times and ultimately, You are still in charge of all things. Help us remember those who have lived before us in even more trying times and have survived to tell the miracles from Your abiding hand. Teach us to trust Your heart and love for us—Your creation, whom You love from the foundations of the world. I pray in the name of the One who taught us ultimate trust, Jesus Christ. Amen.

What Think Ye?

The Sky Is Not Falling !

Contrary to the fable that is sailing rampant around the world these days: The Sky Is NOT Falling. Chicken Little was wrong then—and he is wrong today. The sky is NOT falling! Things will eventually turn around. They turned around in the more difficult times of the past, and they will turn around in our time. But--not before the peoples of the world go through hard times, a rethinking of our resources, and begin to think with clear heads and hearts instead of jumping to conclusions over every issue that faces us.

• Difficult to do? You bet!
• Will there be some pain, sorrow, and many questions during the process? Absolutely!
• Is this current crisis going to cause us to reconsider lots of things we have taken for granted? Yes!

Bu--the sky is not falling, and the world will not come to an end--until the LORD God, Almighty says, “It is time. Bring Gabriel to Me. It’s time to sound the final call.”

So what do we do in the meantime???

I am not claiming in any way to be the “answer man” for today’s economic troubles, I assure you, but I have some thoughts for our consideration:

Pray more.                   Trust God more.
Love Him more.            Conserve and save resources.
Hunt for bargains.         Spend Less.
Tithe.                           Give more.
Believe.                        Knock. It shall be opened.
Play.                             Rest.
Love your family more.  Exercise.
Relieve stress.              Work in the yard.
Don’t give up.               Stay true to your call.
Ban discouragement.     Embrace hope.
Help others.                  Search for truth.
Show mercy.                 Fight for justice.
Live humbly.                 Be a person of grace.

Here’s a hard thought for today’s economy as it relates to church and school musicians.

Perhaps—it may be time for music publishers and music distributors to consider cutting prices for a year or two. One major religious music publishing company recently told me they did not turn a profit in 2008—the first time in the history of the company—and yet, they raised prices in their catalog in the Fall, 2008.

Churches are really being hit hard during this economic stress. My church, which has never been behind in budget before, finds itself $200,000 behind budget already and it’s only April! Other churches are facing similar financial downfalls. Some churches are putting Ministers of Music on half salary! So when did worship become Economy-Driven?

Soon, church financial leaders are going to begin saying things like, Use the music you have in the library. We don’t have the money to pay up to $2.00 for an anthem. Or, they may suggest something like, Hey! Make copies. No one will ever know! Or, Here’s your music budget. Use it wisely, for there will be no more money coming your way.

I’m thinking that reducing prices on octavos, collections, musicals, instrumental scores, and handbell scores in the short term might go a long way in the public relations arena.

The sky is not falling. It just feels that way. But this, too, shall pass!

What think ye?

Leadership

Signs of Stress Overload - D'Arcy Lyness, Ph.D

Even though the sky is not falling, almost everyone is experiencing some kind of stress, for these are difficult times. Watch out for stress overload! 

People who are experiencing stress overload may notice some of the following signs:

•     anxiety or panic attacks
•     a feeling of being constantly pressured, hassled, and hurried
•     irritability and moodiness
•     physical symptoms, like stomach problems, headaches, or even chest pain
•     allergic reactions, such as eczema or asthma
•     problems sleeping
•     drinking too much, smoking, overeating, or doing drugs
•     sadness or depression

Keep stress under control! Everyone experiences stress a little differently. What can you do to deal with stress overload or, better yet, to avoid it in the first place?

Learn how to manage the stress that comes along with any challenge--good or bad. Stress-management skills work best when they're used regularly--not just when the pressure's on. Knowing how to "de-stress" and doing it when things are relatively calm can help you get through challenging circumstances that may arise.

Here are some things that can help keep with stress overload.

• Don’t over schedule! If you're feeling stretched, consider cutting out an activity, opting for just the ones that are most important.
• Be realistic. Don't try to be perfect. And expecting others to be perfect can add to your stress level.
• Get a good night's sleep. Getting enough sleep helps keep your body and mind in top shape, making you better equipped to deal with any negative stressors.
• Learn to relax. The body's natural antidote to stress is called the relaxation response. It's your body's opposite of stress, and it creates a sense of well-being and calm. The chemical benefits of the relaxation response can be activated simply by relaxing.
• Treat your body well. Experts agree that getting regular exercise helps people manage stress. Eat well to help your body get the right fuel to function at its best. It's easy when you're stressed out to eat on the run or eat junk food or fast food. But under stressful conditions, the body needs its vitamins and minerals more than ever. Remember: it's the only body you have.
  
• Watch what you're thinking. Your outlook, attitude, and thoughts influence the way you see things. Is your cup half full or half empty? A healthy dose of optimism can help you make the best of stressful circumstances.
• Solve the little problems. Learning to solve everyday problems can give you a sense of control. Develop skills to calmly look at a problem, figure out options, and take some action toward a solution. Feeling capable of solving little problems builds the inner confidence to move on to life's bigger ones - and it and can serve you well in times of stress.

Marriage & Family

Family Stress In Difficult Times
Kid Kare Newsletter, April 1991

Do you hold to the myth that families are free from stress, and the home is a haven of peace and tranquility?

Our society gives us the clear message that it is acceptable to experience work-related stress, but not family-related stress. When we "buy in" to these unrealistic expectations, we are sure to be disappointed. The truth is, most families fall short of this ideal view.

A certain amount of family stress is inevitable. It is how a family handles and copes with stress that is truly important. Families can (and some do) develop effective coping skills for handling stress.

How can you know if your family is experiencing stress? Probably the best way is through the individual impressions of family members. Families under stress may sense some of the following:

• sense of urgency
• little time to spend together
• sense of frustration (too much to do)
• desire for the simpler life
• never time to relax
• explosive arguments
• bickering
• conversations centered on time and tasks, rather
• than people and feelings
• meals eaten in haste
• constant rushing from place to place
• escaping into work or other activity
• isolation in room
• sense of guilt

Less stressed families seem to find time to enjoy and support each other, display more flexibility, have reasonable expectations, communicate regularly with each other, set priorities, and view stress as a challenge that is both temporary and controllable. It is never too late to learn coping strategies.

The following strategies can help create a less stressful household, and allow more time for interaction among family members:

   1. Make lists.
   2. Be realistic about time frames.
   3. Let go of the compulsion to "get it all done."
   4. Accept that there will always be projects in progress.
   5. Re-examine your standards for housekeeping.
   6. Purchase goods and services that buy you time, if you can afford it.
   7. Let go of the "superparent" myth
   8. Give yourself credit for tasks accomplished, even for a small piece of a project.
   9. Select commitments very carefully.
  10. Learn to say NO to things that are not of utmost importance to you.
  11. Learn to say YES to things in which your child is directly involved.
  12. Try not to spread yourself too thin.
  13. Limit time spent on the telephone.

This Idea Will Work

Three Points for Perfection

1.  Listen, listen, listen to good music. Listen to the top people in that field. It is amazing what that can do for your musical growth.

2. Make sure choir and orchestra rehearsals are "fun" as well as disciplined. This means simply making the time enjoyable for those who come to rehearsal while getting the job done. With today's stress, schedules, time frames, and windows of opportunity, rehearsals should be something that are worth your people spending their valuable time to do. Every week's rehearsal should include: learning, singing, laughing, fellowship, refreshments, prayer, and always, something fresh and new!

3. Keep your choir room neat, clean, chairs straight, smelling fresh, waste baskets empty, extra music available and close by, change your choir room around often, keep up-top-date posters, bulletin boards, hangings, and message boards.

This Idea Will Work!

Tips for the Smaller Choir

In his book, Turnaround Strategies for the Small Church, Ron Crandall lists the following lessons for staff members of growing small-membership churches. You will be able to readily identify with each of these!

• I tried to do too much--alone.
• I was impatient.
• I forced my vision rather than helping them discover their vision.
• I thought they would follow me before THEY owned the vision.
• I made decisions--without waiting for the congregation.
• I offered inadequate or no leadership training.
• I overworked the dedicated few--instead of recruiting more wisely.
• I found myself often becoming negative and focusing on failures.
• I misunderstood the meaning of members’ actions and/or words.
• I ignored the reality of original sin.
• I didn’t address problems or confront problem people early enough.
• I ignored prayer and the comfort and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
• I took other people’s anger too personally.
• I didn’t pay enough attention to visitation and follow-up.
• I tried to please everybody—all the time.

Wisdom

“Brain cells create ideas. Stress kills brain cells. Stress is not a good idea.” (Frederick Saunders)

Humor 

 

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