Ain’t it the Truth

The Noticer

“That’s what most folks lack—perspective—a broader view. So I give them that broader view . . . and it allows them to regroup, take a breath, and begin their lives again.”

 

It’s been quite a while since I’ve read a book in one sitting. 

It’s been even longer since I’ve had a book knock me back in my chair, make me take a few deep breaths, and then go take a walk just to think through some of what I’d just read.

“The Noticer” from Andy Andrews did it, though.  It’s a small book, under 200 pages, and one you can easily plow through it in just a couple of hours.  I did that, then read it again the next evening.  I’ll be reading it again this weekend.

“Worry . . . fear . . . is just a misuse of the creative imagination that has been placed in each of us. Because we are smart and creative, we imagine all the things that could happen, that might happen, that will happen if this or that happens.”

Jones is an older man.  How old we really never find out.  And his name might not be Jones, at least not for you.  It might be Garcia, or Chen, or something else. 

His gift, he says, is a simple one.  He is a “noticer.”  Jones notices things that others overlook, things that are often in plain sight, he says.  And, in the noticing, he offers perspective. 

“Most people think it takes a long time to change. It doesn’t. Change is immediate! Instantaneous! It may take a long time to decide to change . . . but change happens in a heartbeat!”

Jones slips in and out of the lives of the characters in Andy Andrews new novel, which is based, he says, on a true experience.  He offers them the gift of perspective, allowing them to see beyond circumstances, and to understand their real potential, their value and worth.  Jones shows them, with simple logic and absolute clarity, that change is possible, that life can be different and rewarding and is not ever over until it’s over.

“Despite popular belief to the contrary, there is absolutely no power in intention...  there is no difference in the person who intends to do things
differently and the one who never thinks about it in the first place.”

Not that it probably means much to you, but I can’t recommend this book enough to you.  Buy it today and read it tonight.   It will encourage you and lift you up. 

It may even change your life. 

I am pretty sure it’s changing mine.

Technorati Tags: Andy Andrews,The Noticer,perspective

“Edgy” or just Offensive"?

The more Craig Groeschel writes, the more of a fan I become I look to him as an example of a great leader.  I just wish the OKC campus wasn’t a little over two hours from my house.   His topic today is being edgy for the sake of being edgy.

“…without wisdom and prayerful attention, a pastor can easily cross the line from edgy to offensive.”

Great wisdom, and even a bit convicting for me.  Read the rest of his post, right here.

It’s All About the Flow

Jon over at Stuff Christians Like recently wrote about a youth retreat where he was the featured speaker.  Jon says he’s not a comedian, and he’s not, but he is one of those guys that has the gift of finding the absurd in the everyday stuff we all see. 

At this particular event, he got stuck in a “flow nightmare.”  Slow melancholy music, leading into his talk.   Not fun to follow!

“If you’re planning on starting with a really funny skit and then following that with a devastatingly sad video, and then a sermon about tithing and then a really happy worship song, help us out a little. Give us some transitions on that emotional rollercoaster.”

This really drives home the value in planning.  When you plan a worship service, or any event, pay attention to the transitions.  Let me say that again:  Pay attention to the TRANSITIONS.

Television has an advantage.  They can fade to black to signify a significant change in scene or mood.  We don’t really have that option, most of the time, in services.

What we CAN do, is make sure that the individual elements are in harmony.  Make sure they work together.  Make sure that everyone involved KNOWS what is happening before their element, and after their element. 

Planning is not the most fun part of creating experiences.  The sad truth is that most churches don’t do it effectively.  Without it, we’re just rolling the dice as to whether or not our experiences will be effective.

Stuff Christians Like, Jon Acuff, harmony, event planning, transitions

A New Look is On The Way

Hey… check this out!

For the past three years or so, I’ve run this site courtesy of Blogger, and it’s been a great solution that I still recommend highly.  Along with all the other changes I’ve been working through, we’ve decided to make the switch to WordPress. 

The first step was actually to work through the branding process for TechnoPraxis.  I owe a huge debt to my friends Jeff and Laurie Carney at The Strategy Group in Wichita for their support and kindness over the years.  They’re branding gurus, and Laurie was great in helping me take scattered thoughts, and bring focus to the brand. 

Then, SG designer Karis Marsh hit it out the park with the logo you see above.  I love it, and it really speaks to where I see TechnoPraxis heading in this new season.

So, keep an eye out for the new look and feel.  I’m looking forward to actually using WordPress for my own site, instead of just recommending it to others.  And, as always, if you have questions, comments, criticisms or just like to see your name on the web, leave a comment below!

Not going to MinistryTECH? Catch it online!

I stole this from Jason Powell, who stole it from Jason Lee.  Yep, just plain old stole it!  It’s that good, and I’m that busy!

Geeky but grounded?
Plugged-in but cash-strapped?
Interested but otherwise occupied?

If you can’t physically make it to MinistryTech for some end-of-the-world reason, you can still take in part of the excitement virtually. We’ll be streaming selected workshops and all keynote sessions during the conference, FREE!

So fire up your smartphone, laptop, or other cool gadget and keep it with you at all times. Nothing is more important than MinistryTech’09. Here are some things to think about:

• Wife having a baby? No problem, use headphones. Imagine what an awesome thing it will be for you to be able to say that your newborn’s first geek experience was at age 0.1!
• Don’t have enough money to travel? This is free. Mooch some wireless at Panera.
• Actually have a job you can’t get away from? This will help you enjoy that more.
• Don’t like Colorado? Whatever.
• Afraid someone will ask what you’re doing? Don’t worry. They know you’re a geek. Tell them you’re logged on with hundreds of other “smart people” discussing the next generation of Church Integration Networking Social Internet Directory Management Infrastructure Ministry — you know, the ChINSIDIMS — 2.0.
• Get lots of [throw in some acronyms here]!
• It’s better than trying to follow someone else’s blog that is actually a digest of their tweets which just goes to prove their not really paying attention anyway. 

So how do you partake in this virtual goodness?

Register Here so we can make plans to reserve your virtual seat (the soft comfy recliners will go first, oh wait, you choose your own seat..)

So why did I need to steal this?  I’m busy with the last minute details of producing the keynotes for MinistryTECH.  Make sure you’re there, either in person or online, and give me a holler.  I’d love to connect.

Sound for Musicals – Part Two

When it comes to casting, please remember to keep sound in mind.  A few specific things that will make for a better show.

First, think projection. 

Does the actor have a voice BIG enough for the role.  You might want to reconsider a lead who has a nice, but tiny voice.

Coach projection throughout the rehearsal process.  Make sure the actors are filling the room with their voices, particularly when it comes to dialogue.  There’s nothing tougher than pushing the sound system to the point of feedback because the kids are whispering their lines, and then being blown out when they begin to sing!

Not everyone in the cast needs a line.  Characters with lines need mics.  It sounds bad to have characters with lines off mic, when others are on mic.  Lots of characters means lots of mics, mic packs and and pack switches.  Don’t make this harder by insisting that every kid who auditions gets some sort of line or solo. There is nothing wrong with having a chorus or ensemble.

That brings us to the topic of equipment.  You may be lucky enough to have wireless mics on hand.  The question is this.  Are they professional grade, quality units.  Here’s a rule of thumb.  If you paid less than $700.00 per unit for them, they’re probably not adequate.  You will have dropouts and problems.  Don’t force your sound person to use them!  If you do, don’t  blame them for the problems!

Also, please understand that mixing and matching wireless units requires more work for your sound person.  Coordinating wireless frequencies is not for the faint of heart.  It takes time and the right tools to do it.  Make sure you plan for this in the budget and production process.

When you get to technical rehearsals (you have scheduled tech rehearsals, right?) don’t forget sound. I like to have a time during  a rehearsal to go over mic use with actors.  We talk about pack placement, swaps and placement of elements.

Then, plan on a sound check before a run-through. Plan on five minutes for each actor with a mic to allow the sound operator to get things dialed in.  In musicals, most sound operators will want to place the mic element over the actors ear, or in the hairline.  This technique can sound great, but it requires a bit of time to get equalization set to achieve a natural sound.

During the sound check, I have actors sing a number from the show.  We do this a capella.  No piano or orchestra.  It makes it much easier to get things dialed in.  For actors with no musical numbers, I generally provide a printed monologue to keep them from stumbling and stammering, trying to think of what to say.

Sound checks continue through the rehearsal process, and I insist on them prior to every performance, at least for key characters, generally scheduled just  prior to the house opening.

Don’t expect that any sound operator or designer will be able to come in an provide flawless sound with just one rehearsal.  It just will not happen.  You won’t be happy, and the sound person will be frustrated as well. 

Remember, the sound person has to hit every entrance, exit and line.  That’s not easy! At an absolute minimum the sound person will need three or four rehearsals to get things right.

Like I said, sound for musicals is not easy, but it’s rewarding.  I love doing it, at least when I have the right tools and the time to get things right.   Hopefully, these tips will help you as you get ready for your next big show!