#MondayMusings

Monday Musings is a time each week for those with links to The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division's Music & Gospel Arts programs to share a reflective thought, testimony or word of encouragement.

Every Monday, someone associated with our ministries will share a Hymn/Praise & Worship song and how this impacts their life and may impact yours as well.

We hope this series may spiritually uplift each of you and draw you closer to God through His gift of music.

Week 22 - Lisa Jordan

Monday Musings this week is brought to us by Lisa Jordan. With her husband Ev and three children, she attends Oakbrook Terrace Corps where she works with the youth through discipleship and programming.

As an extrovert and a person committed to community, the spiritual formation of young people and general Kingdom building, this pandemic (especially the shelter in place part) has been a giant struggle for me (I know…for ALL of us!). I am incredibly grateful for the awesome teams that I am part of…my immediate family who are humans I love to be around and have an amazing time with, my wonderful Corps Officers/bosses and co-workers, and the passionate network of youth leaders I get to work with. Even with this great support it has been a very lonely time, partly because so much of my life is about togetherness and because we were (and still are) constantly reinventing the wheel, trying to do everything in a new way and yet somehow stay connected. Everything is about 5 times harder and that much more work! Of course, I’m not saying anything we haven’t all experienced!

During this time, I have been really challenged in the area of personal worship. I love and strongly believe we need corporate worship, but I think God was asking me to grow in my personal worship. In addition to spending time in His Word a little differently and seeing His attributes through creation, as often He does, God also spoke to me through music. Right before we stopped meeting together, I was introduced to the song, “Your Labor is Not in Vain”. I believe God gave it to me for this time. I’m the first one to say that any ministry, discipling relationship, and/or program that we have is God’s work and not ours. This is especially true when everything feels halted and my heart breaks for the spiritual growth opportunities our kids are missing out on. I needed to know that God sees me, He’s with me, He calls me by name, He will accomplish His purposes in His time and for His glory. “The houses we labor to build will finally with laughter and JOY be filled…and all that is broken be healed.”

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Week 21 - Marc Smith

Monday Musings this week is brought to us by Marc Smith, member of Norridge Citadel, Soprano Cornet of the Chicago Staff Band and a recent graduate from Benedictine University.

I had a mentor in middle and high school, Mr. Chapin, who once asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and I immediately answered, “I want to be a music educator!”. I knew from a very early age that God had plans for me that involved teaching music and using it as a form of ministry. However, my journey towards becoming a music educator was far from easy. I started college in 2012, but did not end up graduating until this past June. There were many times when I thought to myself, “Is this really for me?”, “Should I quit?”, “I’m just not good enough”, and many more. Fortunately, I had many friends, family, and teachers who continued to support me during those many years. Things did not go as planned. However, God continued to show his faithfulness through all of those trials. I would not be the person or educator I am today if not for those experiences I went through. God made it known to me that the ministry he has called me to is in the classroom teaching music.

Many of us had a plan for what 2020 would bring (weddings, performances, summer camps, schooling, etc). However, God had other plans for us. Many of the things we took for granted were suddenly gone. But, again, we were reminded that God’s faithfulness is never ending. Through this pandemic, I have witnessed God’s faithfulness in helping with the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services delivering meals to homeless shelters, watching many teachers having to completely reinvent the way they teach and connect to students through an all-virtual platform, in many weddings becoming smaller, more intimate ceremonies, virtual performances, virtual church services, and even virtual music camps!

Many of us have gone through so much this year. Sara Groves’ “He’s always been faithful to me” is a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness to us. We may not know what the future will bring. But we do know one thing: “all we have need of, His hands will provide. He’s always been faithful to me”. God loves you for who you are and will help you through all your trials. Put your trust in Him, and He will not disappoint.

Week 20 - Grace Washburn

Monday Musings this week is from one of our MYGA members, Grace Washburn. We are really proud of all of our young people especially with the energy and desire they have within mission and music. Grace is a member of the Metro Youth Chorus and attends the Norridge Citadel Corps. Currently she is a senior in High School and this year is mourning her role as counselor at Camp due to the covid19 pandemic.

In much of my young life I have experienced a great deal of trauma. Now this trauma, in all of its unwanted generosity, has encompassed a lot of my time and thoughts. I find myself thinking back on events that have transpired with little to no understanding of why they occurred, other than a blatant knowledge that God had a bigger, more beautiful plan for me.

One of the few things that has kept me focused on the greater goodness of God was my church family. When the storm was brewing in my head, my church offered me sanctuary. It offered me stability, warmth, kindness, and love. I was prayed for, intentionally, by so many beautiful humans who showed love in tangible ways.

I believe in the power of prayer for so many reasons. When my life wasn’t easy, I knew there were several people in my corner at any given time praying peace over me. When my life was good, those people did not cease in their petitions to God. This is love in action.

The song that I am sharing this week is Somebody Prayed For Me composed by Robert Sterling, and in this particular video it is sung by the International Staff Songsters. The chorus says, “Somebody went to the throne of heaven, somebody lifted my name. Bringing me into His holy presence, saying what I could not say. Somebody showed me the face of His mercy, when darkness was all I could see. Somebody pleaded the blood of Jesus, somebody prayed for me.”

Reach out to someone this week who may need prayer and commit to praying for them. The Lord delights in that commitment! Anyway, beautiful humans, I love you, stay safe and healthy, and I can’t wait to be back with you soon! You are so loved by the Lord.

Week 19 - Dr. Harold Burgmayer

Monday Musings this week is from Dr. Harold Burgmayer Territorial Music Secretary for The Salvation Army USA Central Territory where he is head of the Music & Creative Arts Department at THQ. Within this role Harold conducts the world famous Chicago Staff Band and also the newly formed Central Territorial Staff Songsters. Along with his wife Priscilla, he moved from the USA Eastern Territory in 2015 and both worship at Norridge Citadel within the Chicago Metropolitan Division.

Five years ago my wife Priscilla and I began our service as “missionaries” to the USA Central Territory. As many know, I was the Divisional Music Director in Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware for 34 years, serving in an inner-city corps for 30 years, while homeschooling our four daughters. During these challenging pandemic times I miss particularly my seven weeks each summer at Camp Ladore running various music camps, with its extensive music leadership training, and then the annual week at the famous Star Lake. Add to that the many hours in rehearsals, small groups, tours, and recordings with our fine divisional ensembles--the Pendel Brass and Singers.

Five years ago we stepped away, not without with some difficulty, from a richness of loving relationships, mixed with a large batch of anointed music-making. Know that we have felt the Lord’s divine guidance deeply here, and even through challenges have experienced many blessed moments in ministry.

If we had a hesitation in coming here, it was to have the courage to be two days drive, instead of two hours away from our parents, siblings, children and grandchildren. Since moving here, both my parents passed away. Facetime helps, but any trip, as we say, “back East” still brings pangs of homesickness.

A song that ministers to my heart and speaks so deeply to my spirit, especially when grieving loss, is George Matheson’s devotional treasure “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go.” Despite growing up with failing sight, Matheson became an imminent writer and preacher, even being honored to speak at Balmoral Castle for Queen Victoria. When the young lady to whom he was engaged found that he had become totally blind, she refused to marry him. Out of rejection he wrote of a love that was steadfast and unfailing amid all the circumstances of life.

O Love that wilt not let me go.
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

Matheson employs strong metaphors for each stanza. In this stanza, it is Joy that overtakes the pain, with the rainbow emerging out of the storm, the tearless morning succeeding the tearful night.

O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain
And feel the promise is in vain,
That morn shall tearless be.

Over this past season the Chicago Staff Band Chorus has experienced the depth of Elaine Hagenburg’s compelling setting of these words. I personally come back again and again to the line “I give back the life I owe.” Life can be hard. The pain of loss can be very real, but I “rest my weary soul” in a “love that wilt not let me go.”

Week 18 - Pete McBride

Monday Musings this week is from Pete McBride, well known pianist in The Salvation Army, a member of The Salvation Army Norridge Citadel and a former member of the Chicago Staff Band.

I retired three years ago from an almost thirty year career as a social worker at one of the most diverse high schools in this very diverse area of Chicagoland. We had many kids from over sixty countries, an English as a Second Language department of over two hundred, and were over 40 % low income students. We had a little bit of everything there. What intrigued me over my three decades there was that, eventually, regardless, of the initial issue that might have brought a student to my office, somewhere in there was their desire to be loved, accepted, affirmed, reassured, encouraged, supported, and/or valued. And, really, which one of us doesn’t want those things - regardless of age, race, religion, income, school/work situation, or social situations in which we find ourselves?

What I have learned over the course of my own lifetime, along with heavy involvement in the lives of thousands of high school students over the years, is that we all seek those things, and there’s not any one person who can offer everything we need. There is, however, a Person who can. His name is Jesus Christ, and He lived a life on Earth to show us how to be all those things to each other. He also made it clear, on Good Friday, that He loved us each more than anyone else ever could. Jesus offers us everything that we need, starting with a new identity in Him. And with that identity comes acceptance, affirmation, reassurance, encouragement, support, and a sense of value. In essence, Jesus provides all of that in a way that no other person, relationship, membership, job, talent, or anything else can provide.

One of the most beautiful songs/arrangements in all of our rich Salvation Army literature (at least in my opinion 😊) is Bill Himes arrangement of Jesus Thou Art Everything To Me. Attached is a link to the Chicago Staff Band in tandem with the Canadian Staff Band singing this reassuring and intimate testimony at a recent Thanksgiving Festival at Wheaton College. Have a listen, and be assured through it that Jesus is the Provider of everything important that you may be seeking.

God bless.

Pete

Week 17 - Amy Nelson

The 17th Monday Musings is from Amy Nelson, one of our community music friends. Amy is Director of Music for First United Methodist Church, Waukegan, an artist for Smith-Watkins Instruments & Denis Wick Mouthpieces and has been a former guest at our Music Conservatory. She has held principal cornet positions with bands such as The Chicago Brass Band, Illinois Brass Band, Princeton Brass Band and the Athena Brass Band. She has willingly given of her time to play principal cornet in the Red Shield Brass Band visiting many of The Salvation Army, Metropolitan Division's centers.

Ain’t technology grand? I’m a director of music for a United Methodist Church. Like everyone else in church leadership, I was thrown into the world of recording and streaming when all American churches were advised to close their doors toward the beginning of the pandemic.
Now understand, I’ve participated in many recording projects before all of this, but I’d never been the recording engineer. Suddenly, I found myself needing to learn how to video performances, create a decent-sounding recording, edit sound and video, and share videos for our congregation. I purchased recording equipment. I learned about as copyright laws and youtube rules. I experimented with lighting and the placements of mics and the camera. At first it seemed daunting and overwhelming, but as time progressed, through trial and error, I’ve learned how to create reasonable videos and recordings. Although the members of our church were hurting as they missed worshipping together inside our church building, the music recordings helped foster a sense of community and worship as they sang with the hymns at home while looking at the familiar images of our church sanctuary and building.

I’ve heard it said that opportunities arrive disguised as challenges. Our church did not have online worship prior to the pandemic. Now that our church has begun to explore virtual services, we have reached many people who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to attend our church. This includes several shut-in members of our church and community. This is a ministry that we can continue to provide long after our doors re-open to in-person worship. We were dragged into 21st century technology quite by surprise. But with an open mind, while utilizing the resources available to us, we’ve learned new skills and opened new possibilities for the future.

Thank you, God, for having a larger vision for our church than we had for ourselves. We are excited to see where your work will take us next.

Week 16 - Abbi Bender

Week 15 - Lt. Karen Felton

Week 14 - Major Vicki Steinsland

Monday Musings is a time each week for those with links to The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division's Music & Gospel Arts programs to share a reflective thought, testimony or word of encouragement.
Every Monday, someone associated with our ministries will share a Hymn/Praise & Worship song and how this impacts their life and may impact yours as well.
We hope this series may spiritually uplift each of you and draw you closer to God through His gift of music.

The 14th Monday Musings is given from Major Vicki Steinsland, the outgoing Program Secretary for The Salvation Army Chicago Metropolitan Division. Along with her husband Kjell, they have served at DHQ for 5 years and are now on the way to the Midland Division to serve as Divisional Officers.
We give thanks for Majors Vicki and Kjell as they continue to serve the Lord in the Midland Division.

The last several months have been filled with a plethora of emotions ranging in intensity due to circumstances in our country and in my personal life. For more than a month, Kjell and I have been reading through the Psalms. The raw blatant acknowledgement of emotion while trusting in the faithfulness of God provided a safety net to sit and get comfortable with these emotions. Results varied including seeking forgiveness, giving thanks, listening to others share harsh realities of their life, feeling the emotion more profoundly, to asking God question after question. While these moments in quiet meditation contained vastly different content, the gentle, yet powerful presence of Holy Spirit was constant. Holy Spirit affirmed; encouraged; convicted; restored; celebrated; comforted; and so much more. You understand. Holy Spirit is also your constant companion as well in whatever circumstances you’re facing.

No matter the emotion and the situations I want my actions and reactions to be holy. And while surrendered to His presence, Holy Spirit makes me all I long to be. Which by the way, is nothing more than a faithful follower of Jesus.

I don’t know the circumstances and emotions you are facing today, but I am confident Holy Spirit is with you!

Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – “ (John 14:15-16)

Whatever you need at this moment fellow follower of Jesus, acknowledge the presence of Holy Spirit and be reassured while either meditating or listening to the words of His Provision:

"At the moment of my weakness, when my need for power is plain,
And my own strength is exhausted once again,
Then my Lord has made provision for the day of my despair,
And his precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer, my prayer
Then my Lord has made provision for the day of my despair,
And his precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.

Holy Spirit! Promised Presence, fall on me.
Holy Spirit! Make me all I long to be.
Holy Spirit! Holy Spirit!
Give your power to me, O Holy Spirit.

When the darkness falls around me, when bewildered and afraid,
When I feel the most deserted and betrayed,
Then my every need is answered by God's providential care,
And his precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer, my prayer,
Then my every need is answered by God's providential care,
And his precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.

Nothing now can rob God's servant of the peace that he bequeaths,
Nothing take away the strength his presence breathes.
Of the everlasting arms of love I'm daily made aware,
And his precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer, my prayer.
Of the everlasting arms of love I'm daily made aware,
And his precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer."

The 15th Monday Musings is given from newly Commissioned Lieutenant Karen Felton. Lt. Karen serves with her husband Major Gary as the Corps Officer of Midwest Corps in Chicago.

I believe in life we have moments of great clarity where we can see just how far God has brought us. For myself, it was in our unique, socially distanced, virtual commissioning. Although it may not have been the commissioning, we have all come to expect; for myself it was a very special and very powerful day. I had one of those moments that God allowed me to see my life in the rear view mirror. In that moment I could clearly see the largeness of the journey that God had taken me on to get me to my life now and Officership. In that moment I was overwhelmed by the grace and mercy of a God that loves us so much that He does not leave us where He found us.

After my divorce from my marriage of 23 years, I spent years on a mission to self-destruct. Diving headlong into depression, alcoholism and breaking off my relationship with God. I had been so hurt by the people in my faith community and the messages I received from my religion during my divorce, that I wanted nothing more to do with God. The flight from God was intentional and comprehensive. I did everything I could to keep God out, building walls around my heart not letting God in. But God. What more beautiful words do we find anywhere? But God.

He did not break up with me. He pursued me. He pursued me into 3am last calls at the neighborhood bar and into the depths of depression. He was there the Sunday morning I woke up and decided that I did not even want to try anymore. God was there; and that morning He asked me to hold on for a little longer, and just trust Him. That morning I took a small step towards Him.

Over the next few years, God directed me in the path that would lead me to new life. He guided me towards a job at Heartland DHQ Salvation Army. He led me to officers who began to speak life me into me. He led me to church. He led me to making a decision on a Sunday morning to turn my life back over to Him. He led me to adherency, and soldiership, and to answering God’s call. He led me through a challenging internship, and then through the walls of 700 W. Brompton. I do not think until that moment in the chapel on June 13th, I could fully comprehend all God had brought me through, and brought me to. The morning of commissioning, Commissioner Bailey called me a ‘trophy of grace.” That morning I felt that deep in my spirit and the gratitude inside of me could not be contained.

There is a song that the Midwest Corps has introduced me to, I Won’t Go Back, that I played repeatedly in the days leading up to my commissioning. It is a powerful reminder that with Him I do not ever have to go back to the way “it used to be” because truly “His presence” has changed me. I am so grateful for a God that is tenacious, tireless, and unrelenting in His pursuit of our hearts and souls, because of that; I get to live this great big amazing life of grace as a Salvation Army Officer.

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The 16th Monday Musings is given from Abbi Bender. Along with her husband Andrew, she attends the Oakbrook Terrace Corps in the western suburbs of Chicago. Abbi is a senior member of our Divisional MYGA youth group and also a member of the newly formed Central Territorial Staff Songsters.

Isn’t crazy to think we’ve been in this unknown state of life for three whole months now. Back in March, I was preparing to finish up my senior year of college, graduation, my wedding, and honeymoon. I was preparing to start the life that I had planned. My friends and I returned from a cruise to a completely different world. In less than three days I had to completely move out of my school housing and into an apartment with my husband Andrew. (Long story short, we had to get married before our wedding to renew my green card so we could travel to Greece for our honeymoon) we had three days to choose a place and move in. It was quite the experience! We also had to make the incredibly tough decision to postpone our wedding celebration to September. This was all so devastating and really hard to swallow however, after a while I began to realize that this might not all be so bad and that perhaps this was a plan all along, not mine, but His.

Andrew, my husband, and I both have great jobs in the fields that we love, we got a dog together, and are saving to eventually buy a house. Our plan may have been messed up but ultimately mankind’s plan doesn’t usually pan out and God takes a moment to make it clear to us that we aren’t following the plan that we think will work for us but rather the perfect one He’s been planning all along.

Many years ago as a young child a song was introduced to me that has stayed close to my heart ever since. I’m in his hands.
The words say:

“I’m in His hands, I’m in His hands; Whate’er the future holds I’m in His hands, The days I cannot see, have all been planned for me; His way is best, you see; I’m in His hands.”

I have clung to these words as they, time and time again, remind me, that even though I don’t understand what’s going on around me, I’m in His hands and His way will be made with my life.

Week 13 - Linda Himes

Our 13th 'Monday Musings' is from Linda Bandy Himes. Linda attends the Oakbrook Terrace Corps with her husband Bill. She is the ACSM for Pastoral Care, Bible Study Leader, Girl Guard Leader and Songster.

Having just finished teaching the book of Exodus I find myself relating to the Israelites in a couple of significant ways. That’s good, right, since scripture is suppose to be relevant to us today. While studying the account of their 400 year bondage in Egypt we were in our three month bondage to Covid19. I know, not quite the same but I was able to relate on some level to not being free. This gave me time to think about what is truly important in our lives. When everything has been stripped away we find the answer. Life itself and the Giver of that life.

God went to great lengths to bring the Israelites out of slavery. He sent them a leader they could see. He performed miracles. Big ones. He fed them and led them. He promised them a new land that would be their own. He told them how to live once they entered that land. They were in total agreement - until they could not see him or their leader for forty days. They lost their focus on the Giver of life and made a golden calf to worship. A typical human reaction?

Understandably, God was not pleased with the direction they were taking. That is an understatement and you should actually read the story in Exodus 32 and 33. The bottom line is He told Moses to take the people and go to the land he promised but He would not go with them. (Ex. 33:3) A very sad statement. Pause. Think about that. Moses pleaded with God and we find a couple of my favorite verses in scripture.

“Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”” (Exodus 33:15-16 NIV). Pause. Think about this.

As we come out of Covid19 and begin to interact with people again, what will that look like. As we move forward in the healing process of our land, what will that look like. God, if your presence does not go with us...don’t send us...how will anyone know...what else distinguishes us? What does His presence in our lives look like? Pause. Think about that.

The song that prompted these musings is “Lord, if Your Presence”. I trust that you will listen to it on the link provided but I also want to share the lyrics here in print because it is so helpful for me to see them. To pause. To think about them.

Lord, if Your presence does not go with us,
Please do not send us up from here.
How will anyone know we are Your people
Unless You go before us?
Lord, if Your favor does not rest on us
We dare not move beyond this place.
How will anyone know we go in Your name
Unless Your blessing is over us?

So we stand within Your presence,
And humbly seek Your grace;
Father Almighty, Jehovah, Savior
We long to meet you face to face.
Let Your glory fall upon us,
Convict, inspire, provide.
Father Almighty, Jehovah, Savior,
Your holy presence is our guide.

Lord, if Your presence does not stay with us,
Please do not send us up from here.
How will anyone hear of truth and goodness
Unless Your Word speaks through us?
Lord, if Your presence is not love in us
How can we minister Your grace?
How will anyone feel Your tender mercy
Unless your heart is in us?
-Yvonne Field

Week 12 - Major Johanna Pook

Our 12th 'Monday Musings' is from Major Johanna Pook. Along with her husband Major John, she serves as a senior Officer at the The Salvation Army Chicago Metropolitan Division Kroc Center Chicago.

The issues of racial discrimination and prejudice that has plagued our country for years but have been brought back to the forefront in recent months and weeks, have really brought about an emotional turmoil in all of us. We are appalled, angry, irritated, afraid, deeply hurt and tired of it all and many of us are using our voices and actions to call out for awareness, change, justice and equality among people of color in our country.

It’s a wonderful thing that we have the opportunity to be a part of this call for change and I’m sure that others might ask, how can I be helpful? I for one want to do my part in bringing about positive change not only for myself and for the black community but for my children, family and friends and the generations to come after. I want to be an example of resilience because guess what?, as long as we live in a sinful world there will be oppression and evil behaviors against one another specially targeting blacks. I want to be an example of love because I cannot get love back if I’m not willing to give love. But even if I’m not loved back I want to hold on to the knowledge that I am God’s beautiful creation, created in His perfect image to do good works and bring honor and glory to Him. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” Ephesians 2:10.

His Word tells us we are all His masterpiece. I’m included in that word all, you are included in that word all, black people are included in that word all. Racists, whether they be an individual, a group or a system will play mind tricks on us with actions that break us down and lead us to forget God’s ultimate design and call for each us. But we need to go back to the real source, God, and claim what He has empowered us to do, and do good!

Ironically these last couple of months our Praise Team at the Chicago Kroc Center has been learning a new song by Christian Nigerian singer Sinach called “I Know Who I Am”. I would say the world is more familiar with her most famous song called “Way Maker”, yes, she is the original author of this song, but “I Know Who I Am” is an equally powerful, yet an upbeat reminder for us today. When the bridge of the song says “I am holy, I am righteous, I am so rich, I am beautiful” I can claim those words and work hard to be faithful in living out what God has designed me, yes a Black Hispanic woman, to be. Wherever you fall as a creation of God, please aim to do the same not forgetting to embrace the value black lives have!

Bendiciones!

Johanna

Week 11 - Lt. Abraham Marin

The eleventh of our 'Monday Musings' is brought to us by Lt. Abraham Marin, Corps Officer of the East Chicago Corps & Community Center within the Metropolitan Division.

Almost 3 months have passed since our last in-person church service here at the East Chicago Corps. Last week the Christian world was celebrating Pentecost, where koinonia, or fellowship, was an essential part of that magnificent moment. But we couldn’t be there celebrating together. This week many of our loved ones, were graduating but, again, we couldn’t be there together.
During this time, we have seen an increase of people seeking utility and rental assistance, food pantry, and in our daily lunch program. In these difficult moments, we are there! Even though it seems that everything is bad news, God has opened new ways to be creative and reach others. The promise of the Lord that He is good to us is always present. I am delighted by the words of David in Psalm 118:1

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

But yesterday we started a “new normal.” Hallelujah! Yesterday, we had our first church gathering together since the pandemic started. Yes, we were 6 feet away from each other, the brass band was a reasonable distance from each other, and the worship team too. But, in spite of the changes, we were able to be together again.
God is good.

Week 10 - Theo Coleman

The tenth of our 'Monday Musings' is brought to us by Theo Coleman a soldier and employee from The Salvation Army Red Shield Center - he is well known for his authentic gospel music and worship style. Today Theo shares some relevant thoughts, encouragement and words of scripture with us during these difficult times:

2020 has brought so many up's and Downs and changes, that it can be difficult to maintain ones sanity. From the covid 19 pandemic to once again injustice and discrimination of black and brown people all over the world. I am brought to tears when I think about the state of the world today, but I am also reminded of this scripture.
Romans 8:36-37 (KJV). As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
This is a time for our Christian white brothers and sisters to speak up. We are in the same family (the family of God) with the same blood (the blood of Jesus). It is time to let go of the old way of thinking. I am so grateful to be a part of The Salvation Army because I believe that this change will start with us. Even though there are people still holding on to the racist beliefs passed on by family they love and respect dearly. There are Salvationists; like the Quakers of old, that are intentionally making a choice to break free of this; not just in word, but in deed. Thank you for listening and asking questions.Thank you for your posts, your support, your love, your protest in rooms of power, WE are more than Conquerors.

Week 9 - Morgan Marinelli

The ninth of our 'Monday Musings' is brought to us by Morgan Marinelli a soldier from The Salvation Army Norridge Citadel - she plays tenor horn in the Corps band and the Chicago Staff Band. Morgan is a nurse working at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and shares some thoughts, hope and a favorite song with us:

“Good morning, Mrs. Smith.* It’s Morgan, I’ll be back with you for today.” I walked into her room, squinting my eyes so that she could (hopefully) see that I was smiling under my mask. I had been assigned as her nurse yesterday. “Oh, Morgan! I’m so happy to see you again.”

Right now in our world, there is so much fear, uncertainty, and doubt. What a time to enter healthcare! As a new nurse, I feel these things- and I’m sure I would feel them even without a global pandemic. When I come home from a shift, my mind is flooded with thoughts- did I remember to do everything? Did I remember to chart everything? Did I ever bring that one patient his ice water?
Then there are the thoughts that come regarding our current situation: Was I exposed to COVID today? When will I see my church family in person again? When is the next time I will get to make music with my friends?
During this transition into a new season of my life, I find myself in combat with feelings of inadequacy and loneliness every day. But when these thoughts creep in, I remind myself to bring these feelings to the Lord. To rest in His Presence. Then when I go to work, to bring Him with me to the hospital. In CSB, we sing a song called “O Love” which speaks of Love that does not let go; Joy that seeks through pain. How incredible is that? I may feel weak, but His love for me is strong. It is such a comfort to know that I can “rest my weary soul in Thee.” It is with His strength that we can face difficult days ahead and thank Him for the trials He has already brought us through.
My patient, Mrs. Smith, didn’t know the surge of self-confidence she gave me when she expressed how happy she was to see me. When I’m feeling overwhelmed with tasks or my body is physically drained from working multiple shifts in a row, I try not to let it affect one thing: my joy. Through our masked faces we can still bring joy to one another with squinty eyes and kind words. From six feet away we can still wave hello to our neighbors while on a walk. In our solitude, we can rest in the fact that God’s love is a love that will not let go; it’s one big hug that’s allowed.

*name has been changed because of HIPAA

Week 8 - Stephen Jordan

The eighth of our 'Monday Musings' is brought to us by Stephen Jordan a soldier from The Salvation Army Oakbrook Terrace Corps Community Center he is a member of the Corps band and the Chicago Staff Band. He is a fervent and practical supporter of The Salvation Army's mission.

Its hard to believe that we are going into our 9th week of shelter in place, at least for me as my school closed March 13th. Before sharing some thoughts I have to give props to all students out there doing e-learning! Being a teacher, I know how difficult it can be being a student during this time, so keep up the GREAT WORK!!!

There have been lots of thoughts swirling around my head and lots of time to think about them. The first thing that I am continually thinking about is the word faith. For me, I grew up in the church and just always thought faith was an automatic thing that came with it. However, as I have grown up, I realized it's not a given. You have to work hard to have faith. For me, faith isn't just hoping something good is going to happen but rather it is believing that God is in control of all situations! It can be hard at a time like this, when really we have no control over what is going on, to have that continuous faith.

During this time, I have been able to help out at my corps a lot more. It is been a great reminder of what faith can truly do. Each Thursday, we do a rescue food for our community. Each week we have served more and more families. As we get towards the end of our distribution, it seems that we always get close to running out of food. But we always have faith that we can get through it and serve those in need. Each week I am reminded of the story from John 6 about the loaves and the fishes. This story not only applies to the food pantry but also to my life. Often times I feel like Philip, where I look at a situation and think that there is no way that it is possible or that it can happen. But then I am reminded to have the constant faith and that the Lord will always provide for us.

So keep having faith! Stephen

Week 7 - Tito Rapley

The seventh of our 'Monday Musings' is brought to us by Tito Rapley a soldier from The Salvation Army Oakbrook Terrace Corps Community Center he is a member of the Corps band, Metro Youth Band & Chorus and is also a member of The Salvation Army USA Central Territory Territorial Music group The Singing Company. In his own right, Tito performs as a Christian Hip-Hop artist under the name RAPLEE - you can hear Tito's music on spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Nb6cfw9mshkXZYg8rozFC…

During this time of quarantine I've had a lot of time to myself. It's easy to feel discouraged right now, but this quarantine can be a blessing in disguise. I personally have chosen to dedicate this time to develop myself. Right now is the best time to get in the word, get better at your instrument, or learn something new. I often hear people say, "I can't wait until we get back to normal." But I don't think we should go BACK. Instead we should move forward - into a new normal. While we stay at home, we can trust that the LORD is working. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Our God goes before us. This song, Armies by KB, reminds us that the LORD is always on our side. So don't worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything.

Week 6 - Brian Allan

Week 4 - Abraham Leka

Week 5 - Major John Aren

The fifth of our 'Monday Musings' is brought to us by Major John Aren, founder of Red Shield Brass Band, member of Chicago Staff Band and Administrator for The Salvation Army ARC Thrift Stores, Chicago. Major John is currently at the last stages of recovery from COVID-19 - his words at this time will surely encourage and give us all hope.

Clean now for seven days! By that I mean, no further symptoms of COVID-19. Alas, the weight has been removed from my chest and my breath is returning. All that’s there to remind me that I am a survivor of the horrific virus is the oxygen machine in the corner and my inoperative taste buds! I spent five dark nights in the hospital. The first of which was the most frightening when more than one Doctor asked me if they had permission to put me on a ventilator … if needed. I had no idea how sick I really was until they supplied me with five liters of oxygen which enabled me to breath again. So there I lay in quarantine. Nobody in, nobody out. Listening to sounds of emergency teams called to the room next door, then a room across the hall. Apparently, not everyone I shared the floor with was going to survive. This is real! This is dark.
The next morning my phone comes alive with texts, messages and a few calls which I was in no position to answer. But those encouraging words of kindness and hope came flooding in from three groups which I now use to easily define my identity. First, I’m a Family man! A husband, father, son, brother and uncle. And there they were, all represented on my iPhone, day one. Second, I’m a Salvation Army Officer, an Administrator feeling deeply loved and supported by my coworkers and the people who consider me to be their leader, their employer, their pastor and sometimes their fatherly advisor. Third, I’m a bandsman. I’ve been in on the beginning of several brass bands in and around the Great Lake region and I heard from so many who have meant so much to me through the years in the midst of everything from championship competitions to Sunday mornings at The Salvation Army. So, on Resurrection Sunday as I do most Sundays, I began my day with brass band meditations. This particular Sunday I was brought to tears by the ministry of The International Staff Band (Stephen Cobb) playing directly to me:

Somebody went to the throne of heaven,
Somebody lifted my name.
Bringing me into His holy presence,
Saying what I could not say.
Somebody showed me the
face of His mercy,
When darkness was all I could see.
Somebody pleaded the Blood of Jesus,
Somebody prayed for me.

I’m a family man, a Salvation Army Officer and a Bandsman. And that’s plenty

From 4 mins and 15 seconds

The sixth of our 'Monday Musings' is brought to us by Brian Allan, a husband, father, SA Bandsman from The Salvation Army Oakbrook Terrace Corps Community Center, member of Red Shield Brass Band and former member of Chicago Staff Band.

When my son Caleb was six years old, we went to a beach that had a lot of rocks on it. We did this every year for many years, and every year my wife Laura would get a bucket of rocks to paint upon (she is artsy). Caleb was around six years old during this particular trip and he brought his own bucket along so he could pick out some rocks for himself. We made the rule that he could take as many rocks that could fit in the bucket, but he would have to carry the bucket back to the car on his own, which was a little ways away.

I got tired of the rock hunting quickly, so I went back to the boardwalk and sat on a bench while my wife and Caleb hunted for their rocks. After a while I saw Laura coming up toward the boardwalk with her bucket, and about ten yards behind her was Caleb. He was literally dragging his bucket that was overflowing with rocks through the sand. He would get tired and stop, catch his breath, and then start dragging the bucket again.

Being the good father, I first grabbed my video camera, and then I yelled to him, “If you take some of the rocks out it will be easier to carry.” Caleb then stopped and took a small rock from the top of the bucket and then started up again. After a few feet, a big rock on the ground caught his eye and he stopped and put it into his bucket making the bucket heavier than before. This happened a few times, take one out, see another one or two and put them in. Caleb continued to carry/drag his bucket, and he is trying with all of his might to make it back, but after a few minutes he finally just sat down in the sand and cried out “Daddy, help me!”

This reminds me of one of my favorite songs to play, Shine as the Light (Peter Graham). In this song you can hear a person going through life (reminds me a bit of Rhapsody in Blue). Everything is going great, the person’s walk with God is good, but then they see other enticing things that start to get in the way of their faith. In my life those things can be TV, books, business, friends, all things that are not bad, but if they crowd out my time with God then there is an issue. I always see newer, better, cooler “rocks” that I want to put into my bucket, but my bucket can only hold so much.

In Shine as the Light you hear this happen and the world gets louder. It doesn’t sound evil, in fact, I think it sounds beautiful. This turns into a mess of sounds in an aleatoric section (look it up) out of which you hear the person cry out to God three times, each louder than the last, turning into a majestic victory song.

With the situation we are in, most of us have some extra time on our hands. Let’s take this time to sit down in the sand and cry out “Father, help me” and then listen. You will be glad you did.

The joy of seeing how God expands His kingdom through our self-denial, devotion, and commitment to the work of the Lord.

As a young salvationist, bandsman, and soldier of Jesus Christ in The Salvation Army, I discovered the blessing I received from the Lord by simply giving my time, my talent and energy for the sake of others. I allowed God to use me as a channel through which He performs the miracle of His salvation to many.

I was privileged, alongside my elder brother and three friends, to be a member of the “Evangelism Taskforce” of two of my former Territorial Commanders. Our main assignment was to accompany these leaders in their evangelical trips to the most remote towns and villages of DR Congo, where the Army had not been established. These areas were so remote that people rarely saw vehicles driven by their villages. For these villagers to see a group of five young adults with two adults driving through the village in a Toyota SUV was surprising to them. With joy, we shared copies of the Bible, played in an open air (twice a day for a week) and testified of the love of Jesus and his saving power through the blood he shed on the cross for the salvation of mankind. Sometimes we felt challenged by the evil spirits and diabolical forces opposing the establishment of God’s work in those locations, but God was always with us. Though the mission was tedious, it was rewarding.

It is my joy to share today that the flag of the Army is flying in those areas and that many corps and divisions are established, young people have been commissioned as Officers of The Salvation Army and many others are serving the Lord in various capacities in their local corps(churches).
A song that I’ve recently held dear to my heart and found quite encouraging with what is happening in the world today is “No Longer Slaves to Fear”. I urge you to listen to the words and music, reacquainting yourself with the promise God has for us. He accepts us just as we are and makes us worthy of His kingdom.

As the young man who gave Jesus his small fish and barley five loaves of bread to feed the multitude (John 6:1-14), I am marveled how the little act of devotion to the Lord could impact many lives unto His glory.

Week 2 - Tom Hanton

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As we continue to experience this brief intermission in life, I have been thinking about perspective. Trombone players in a band often get a view of the whole group from our seats. In a global view of a band, they see a lot of what goes on: who is resting, who is working, and who is lost. Sometimes, they watch the conductor as he inspires, teaches, and depicts what kinds of sounds are expected. For me, this has been a good analogy of this time during this pandemic. From the beginning of this, I have seen many people that have been thrust into action, have volunteered to help others, some hunkered down in their home, and others went straight for the toilet paper!

It is easy at this time to be become discouraged from your perspective! Maybe you feel like life is out of control, or you feel exhausted or anxious about your future. I say we look to the conductor! Look to the Lord for peace, comfort, joy, strength, and inspiration! I am reminded that my perspective of these times needs to be His perspective and not my own. Each day, take time to check in with the conductor. You will gain some much-needed guidance and objectivity.

Week 3 - Commissioner. Sue Swanson

The third of our 'Monday Musings' is from one of our Divisional Leaders - Commissioner Sue Swanson.

I worked with Jan at New Life House in Chicago. It was an emergency shelter for homeless and run away teens. She had not grown up in The Salvation Army. She had no experience of the music programs, could not tell you the difference between and cornet and a trumpet, did not know that anyone had Called the Righteous and thought that a band consisted of drums and a guitar. Not only that, she was a monotone!! She did not have musical expertise, an ear or equivalency. I thought that she simply ‘didn’t get it”.

Until one evening when she stuck a tape in the deck, put on a pair of headphones and started listening to Cat Stevens sing “Morning has Broken”. As she listened, she began to monotone those words out loud;

“Praise with elation, praise every morning, God’s recreation of the new day.”

It was a musical experience for me. She embraced the words with full understanding. She enjoyed them with absolute abandon. She understood the composer fully. She translated the words and music to my heart and mind that evening.
Jan will never play in the Chicago Staff Band or the Wonderland Beginners’ band. But Jan played first chair in music appreciation and delight.

Oh Lord, let me hear words to Your song. Let me understand the notes and composition. Give me full appreciation to delight in You. Let me hear you and please forgive my feeble attempt at playing and singing it for the world to hear.

"Life is a journey; long is the road,

And when the noontide is high

Souls that are weary faint ‘neath their load, Long for the waters, and cry:

The well is deep and I require

A draught of the water of life,

But none can quench my soul’s desire For a draught of the water of life;

Till one draws near who the cry will heed, Helper of men in their time of need, And I, Believing, find indeed

That Christ is the water of life."

Week 1 - Dr. Jonathan Corry

At this very unprecedented time in our World, hope is something as a society which is being tested. Not in my lifetime have I experienced the solitude/social distancing and restrictions we face on a daily basis. Musicians are inveterate social beings, always rehearsing/performing with like-minded individuals - I for one find these times particularly challenging!

One of my favorite hymns of the church comes to mind at this time, 'All My Hope on God is Founded'. This German hymn uses the majestic tune 'Michael' by Herbert Howells and has become a hymn embraced by all denominations of the Christian Church. The second verse I have found particularly comforting at this time, I hope this serves as a source of hope and comfort to you, too.

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"Human pride and earthly glory,

sword and crown betray his trust;

what with care and toil he buildeth,

tower and temple, fall to dust.

But God's power, hour by hour,

is my temple and my tower."