As I enjoy listening to music composed by Bartok in this music history class I reflect on the test that was returned to us. I made a 100! It's the first one I've seen in a while and I am quite proud of it. :) For a class like this even a B is happily welcomed, but an A? whoa...just whoa. In the fall, GWU is going to a +/- system for grading. I have mixed feelings on this. It'll help students to be recognized for outstanding grades, but will also hurt those who are borderline any grade. Eh, we'll see what it does to my GPA.

I'm going home this weekend because I miss my family. Sometimes you can't wait to get away and other times you just want to be in a familiar environment. When I step inside my house it's like everything else disappears and I can finally rest. I rest until I remember everything I have left to do before summer and then I pick up where I left off--the freaking out commences. I get stress breakouts just thinking about it.

I am finishing up my work with Cliffside Baptist Church soon. I did field work there in partial fulfillment of my bachelor's degree of Sacred Music. It's been an interesting situation and experience. I did a lot of observing and it's really expanded my thinking on the church service and especially liturgical styles. If anything I've become a little old fashioned. Recently, I've been playing for a very contemporary church. I hate that people have lost the importance of silence. Rarely ever is there "dead air" during a service at this contemporary church. Maybe we could entertain the idea that God would like to speak to us only He can't break through the constant noise. A time of quiet prayer is not too much to ask and in the world we live now this silence is priceless. My next bone to pick is hymn singing. Contemporary churches stick with contemporary worship music. This music is great! It's well written, well accepted, and very worshipful. But, I've developed a deep love of hymns. I believe some of the most beautiful songs ever sung are found in a hymnal. And most hymns are derived from scripture itself. Integrating these timeless songs into a contemporary worship set could bring an interesting element to worship that isn't seen very often. So, to you one word name, contemporary churches: try a hymn. :)

That is all.
Meg

What's the purpose?

Well, I spent a while thinking about what the purpose of this would be before I made it. I don't want to be that whiny girl complaining about all that is wrong in the world online. But, I think there is more to this than that. It's beneficial to have an outlet and I believe I've chosen this as mine. :)

Enjoy.
Meg