Lessons for Violin

Posts Tagged ‘Love’

Many gays will protest that God is a “God of love,” and they think that
as long as we’re happy and in love – how could something so
right be so wrong? They feel God couldn’t condemn such
relationships and wonder how anyone could think He would. But
mortal thoughts and opinions aside (Prov. 14:12; Isa. 55:8), if
there is a Creator God, and if the Bible is His Instruction
Manual for mankind, we’d better base our beliefs solely on
what’s revealed within its pages. Faith must have a foundation
(Rom. 10:17).

If the homosexual argument that “as long as we’re happy and in
love” is valid, couldn’t the same defense be made to sanction
incestuous relationships? Or premarital experiences or
adulterous affairs? Do we always know what’s best for us?
Couldn’t we be like grown-up teenagers who think they know
everything, when in reality they don’t?

Hasn’t it been said, and true at times, that “love is blind?”
Is it just a matter of feeling happy? Can’t feelings fool us
sometimes? Isn’t that why family and friends have cautioned us
to “keep your head above your heart?” Is all love proper? Are
all affections good and healthy? What about being “lovesick?”
Shouldn’t there be some form of standards to judge by or
criteria for character? Isn’t there any game plan? Hasn’t love
too often been confused with lust (2 Sam. 13:15)?

Satan is “love!”

If we look into the Bible (not Freud, the latest sexual survey,
or some kinky report), we’ll find that it does condemn: the love
of vanity (Ps. 4:2), of simplicity (Prov. 1:22), of excessive
sleep (Prov. 20:13), of religious lies (2 Thes. 2:10), illicit
sex, improper lovers, and “foreign affairs” (Ezek. 23:11, 17,
22; 16:37), of evil (Micah 3:2), drunkenness (Hos. 3:1),
self-righteousness (Mat. 6:5; 23:6), of money (1 Tim. 6:10),
this present world system and its ways (1 Jn. 2:15), spiritual
darkness (Jn. 3:19), the kick-back of wrongdoing (2 Pet. 2:15),
of ourselves in an unhealthy way and of cheap thrills (2
Tim.3:2,4), violence (Ps. 11:5), strife (Prov. 17:19), and even
having a greater love for family or friends than for God (Matt.
10:37).

Therefore, the Bible clearly reveals that various forms of love
and feelings are wrong, that certain human relationships are
forbidden and condemned (Lev. 18), and that true love must be
consistent with God’s character and commandments (1 Jn. 5:3).
Any other “love” isn’t from God, but from Satan who is (such)
“love!” He’s the clever counterfeit; the snake who confuses the
issues and twists the truth. It’s precisely because God is Love
(1 Jn. 4:8) that He wants to protect us from those Canaanite
customs, perverted practices, and harmful ways that would
ultimately undermine our land and lives (Lev. 18:30).

Still, some would angrily question how anyone could allow some
old-fashioned Book to dictate their lives; after all, it’s
thousands of years old! But who would argue that the
time-honored commandments against murder, or prohibition that
protects private property or safeguards marriage and minds, or
upholds honesty and virtue and being content are outdated?
They’re tried, tested, and true. Naturally, it’s easier to
accept something as long as it doesn’t hit home or step on our
toes. It’s still typical, “A man (or woman) convinced against
his will is of the same opinion still.” Don’t waste your time
confusing them with the facts (Matt. 7:6; 15:14).

Obviously, this is a very sensitive subject. If someone does
become convinced or converted to the truth – great! More power
to them. But if others choose to continue in their contrary
lifestyles, dying for sex rather than living for God and His
Kingdom – that’s their choice. God gives us all the prerogative
to do as we please, but He strongly recommends and encourages us
to “choose life” (Deut. 30:10); an even more appropriate message
considering the high risk of AIDS. It’s so difficult to
TRANSCEND HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS – but we must, if and whenever
it’s necessary (Mark 10:28-30).

Living Responsible Lives

The “last days” are supposed to be reminiscent of earlier
times, “as it was in the days of Noah,” and “as it was in the
days of Lot.” How was it in days of yore? Just like today.
Apparently, ignoring the dire need to make drastic changes in
their lives, they conducted “business as usual” and fiddled
about or got carried away with less important things (Deut.
32:47; Mark 4:19). It’s recorded that they ate and drank, got
married, and went to work everyday – until they were consumed by
their burning desires and swept away by their sins (Luke
17:26-30).

What’s wrong with eating and drinking or working? We might very
well wonder. Didn’t God create us with an appetite and a thirst,
as well as a need for physical exertion? Yes, but certain
tastes, desires and relationships should be nipped in the bud;
not allowed to grow or develop or take root (Jas. 1:14-15)! Many
things are good of and by themselves, and not wrong, but God’s
imposed conditions, restraints and guidelines for us to live by.

We’re meant to enjoy those foods that God has blessed and
offered us (Lev. 20:25; 1 Tim. 4:5), and even have an occasional
drink, if we want. The Bible condemns gluttony, not eating;
drunkenness, not drinking; greed, not need. It’s what we do with
what we’re given. And we are instructed to work and be
productive, but we’re also commanded to remember the Sabbath
(seventh day) to keep it holy. It’s counterproductive to become
too busy earning a living, that we neglect learning how to live
(2 Pet. 3:18)!

Although we’re at liberty to do almost anything, within reason
(Gen. 2:16-17), we’re to remember that we’re held responsible
for how we handle ourselves and manage our new-found freedoms
(Ga. 5:13). We’re not to abuse our privileges (1 Cor. 8:9), but
be careful not to get caught up in things that could too easily
get out of control (2 Pet. 2:20). A night of good, clean fun can
quickly degenerate into an atmosphere of “just like the old
times.” We’re entitled to time-out with the boys (or girls),
just don’t let your diversion become an obsession (1 Cor. 6:12)
- as my mother once warned me!

Keep Your Head Above Your Heart!

Is it – as some would charge – being cold and cruel, even
inhuman, to be in control of your mind and emotions? Isn’t it
rather mature to exercise proper self-control, sick and tired of
giving in to compulsion? Isn’t it judicious to carefully
cross-examine every thought, thereby destroying the defense of
our death sentence, commuting it in Christ (2 Cor. 1:9; 10:4-5;
1 Cor. 11:31)?

Doing what just comes natural or seems normal might excite
Nietzsche; but it’s not good enough for God. God wants us – mere
mortals made out of matter – to come to resemble, think and act
like Him. “Like Father, like Son.” Why? Is God on some big
ego-trip and wants a bunch of clones to come along for the
joy-ride? No, but because it’s the only way that’ll work. He
ought to know the secret for living happily ever after.

Mankind, after all, was created in the image of the Godkind,
and shares the awesome potential to become composed of God’s
Spirit – after we’ve developed His characteristics (1 Cor.
15:53). God’s eager to award us all the Diploma of Divinity
after we’ve finished the course of conversion (2 Cor. 3:18).
Therefore, instead of just doing what comes natural – we’re to
do the supernatural! We’re to turn the other cheek instead of
busting their jaw; forgive rather than fume; pray for our
enemies rather than swear revenge, giving peace a chance. We’re
continually called to be different – in contrast, not
conformity, to this world (Rom. 8:29).

Tough-Love

There is a time and a place for “tough-love.” We’re not to show
the “mercy of fools” for welfare frauds or lazy bums (2 Thes.
3:10), or have compassion on cold-blooded murderers or hardened
criminals, despite their many appeals (1 Sam. 15:32-33; Rom.
13:4).

We shouldn’t refuse to use corporal punishment (Prov. 13:24).
It might hurt for awhile, but hopefully the lesson (that actions
have consequences) will last a lifetime (Prov. 19:18; 23:13;
29:15). It could keep them out of worse trouble later (Ecc.8:11).

We’re also not to allow our emotions for loved ones to lead us
to hell (Deut. 7:3-4; 13:6-9), or wrong relationships to get in
our way. Despite the grief of saying goodbye, and the pain of
tearful separation (2 Sam. 3:14-16; Ezra 10:3), you’ve got to do
what you’ve got to do. Why make it any more difficult? Don’t
procrastinate and prolong your misery. Get it over with and get
on with your life! We don’t have time to waste in no-win
situations (Ephes. 5:16).

We shouldn’t try and be more understanding and tolerant than
God, but refuse to even associate with a Church member who’s
living in sin without any apology or shame (1 Cor. 5:1-2, 9-13).
And we should NEVER entertain any notions about ordaining such
people!

Of course, we shouldn’t cop a self-righteous attitude (Ga.
6:1), but realize the prayerful purpose is to help restore
everyone to their senses (knowing that ongoing sin results in an
eternal separation). If and whenever such a person “comes to”
(Luke 15:17, 20), he’s to be welcomed back with wide-open arms
(2 Cor. 2:6-8). A little love can go a long way, and encourage
us to do even better – rather than give up. But sometimes the
situation calls for “shock-treatment” (tough-love), as well as
private counseling. “Different strokes for different folks,” so
to speak (Lk. 12:47-48).

The moral of this story? Don’t get blinded by the light: the
glitter of “love,” the hot-flash of emotion, and the gleam of
relationships (2 Cor. 11:14). The going price for fool’s gold is
too high to pay. Walk away. It’s not worth it

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Depending on your interests, this beautiful area might be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. There are even some parts of Lombardy that are relatively undiscovered by tourists. This article presents Lombardy outside of its capital Milan or the beautiful Lake districts, which are described in companion articles in this series.

Over the millennia Lombardy has been in the hands of numerous invaders including the Etruscans and the Gauls, then the Romans, Franks, and Goths, and finally the French, Spaniards, and Austrians. Did we forget the Lombards? These invaders all left their mark, some more and some less. Keep local history in mind as you tour this impressive region.

We begin our tour at Pavia about twenty-five miles (forty kilometers) south of Milan. Then we proceed southeast to Cremona. We continue east to finish this short tour at Mantua near the Veneto border.

Once upon a time little Pavia (population about 70 thousand) was a major rival of nearby Milan (city population about 1.3 million and metropolitan population over 5 million.) Its defeat by the Barbarians in 476 commonly marks the end of the Western Roman Empire. Almost nine hundred years later the internationally known University of Pavia was founded, based on a law and divinity school established by the year 825. Count Alessandro Giuseppe Antonio Anastasio Volta was the most famous individual associated with this university. It was Volta who discovered methane gas and invented the electric battery. Whenever you think about volts and voltage, you should think about Pavia.

Arguably the most famous native of Pavia was Benedetto Cairoli, the 13th and 15th Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Italy. He was somewhat of a hero during Risorgimento (the fight for Italian independence) but had a relatively undistinguished career as Prime Minister with a single exception. Cairoli risked his life and was severely wounded when he successfully protected the unpopular King Umberto I from assassination early in his reign. Now let’s consider Pavia’s sights.

Pavia is home to many other churches worth seeing. The Lombard-Romanesque San Michele Maggiore Church was constructed on the site of a preexisting Lombard church. Initially destroyed a few years after the turn of the first millennium it was rebuilt during the Twelfth Century. The Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro (St. Peter in Golden Sky) actually originated in the beginning of the Seventh Century. Its name refers to gold leaf mosaics that formerly decorated parts of the ceiling. This basilica was featured in Bocaccio’s Decameron. You may also want to see the Thirteenth Century brick Santa Maria del Carmine Church and the Renaissance Santa Maria di Canepanova Church.

Head about five miles (eight kilometers) north of town to see Pavia’s number one attraction, the Fifteenth Century Certosa di Pavia (Charterhouse of Pavia) monastery. This complex, which took over a century to build, is considered an excellent expression of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. It includes a great collection of paintings and stained glass windows. The church was meant to house the tombs of its owners, the noble Visconti family but only one family member is actually buried there. His tomb took over sixty years to build. Nearby is the tomb of another Duke and his wife Beatrice d’Este, a real Renaissance woman and a beauty as well, who died in childbirth at age 22. You may have heard of her sister-in-law, Lucrezia Borgia.

The city of Cremona, population about seventy thousand, was first settled well over two thousand years ago. The famous Roman poet Virgil went to school there and owned a family farm in the vicinity. Another name is indelibly linked to this city, that of Antonio Stradivari, the world’s greatest violinmaker. His masterpieces are simply the world’s best-known and most expensive stringed instruments. As they say about yachts, if you have to ask the price, you can’t afford it. It’s not sour grapes, but frankly what would I do with a Stradivari violin, or mandolin? Perhaps trade it for vintage wine and Champagne.

The violin as we know it was invented in Cremona around 1564 by Andrea Amati who died more than sixty years before Stradivari was born. The Guarneri family created world famous violins here and elsewhere in Italy. Today more than 50 violinmakers hang their hat in Cremona. The Piazza Roma square near Stradivari’s house and workshop contains his tombstone and grave. The city includes the Scuola Internazionale di Liuteria (International School of Violin Making) and the Museo Stradivariano (Stradivarius Museum)

Our next and final stop is the city of Mantua whose population is slightly under fifty thousand. Mantua may have been founded about four thousand years ago. The great Roman poet Virgil was born in a nearby village. In the Twelfth Century Mantua adopted a novel means of protection against invasion, by constructing four artificial lakes surrounding the city. Three of them exist to this day; the fourth dried up during the Eighteenth Century. If you remember your Shakespeare, Romeo fled to Mantua after killing Juliet’s cousin in a swordfight. Talk about a family feud.

Mantua’s Palazzo Ducale was built between the Fourteenth and Seventeenth Centuries and boasts some 500 rooms. Its centerpiece is the Camera degli Sposi (The Wedding Chamber) room that took Andrea Mantegna about seven years to paint. When you see it, you’ll know why. Since you’re only allowed ten minutes to admire this marvelous, unique room you should familiarize yourself with the painting before your allotted time slot. Don’t forget to look up, the ceiling is beautiful.

Finish your tour at the suburban Palazzo Te built in the Sixteenth Century. Unlike many other historic Italian buildings this one was completed in only ten years. In fact its shell went up in eighteen months. In spite of its speedy construction it is considered one of the greatest Renaissance palaces. Don’t forget to tour the Camera di Amore e Psiche (Cupid and Psyche’s Room) showing a wedding with quite interesting and unusual guests and the Camera dei Giganti (Room of the Titans) in which Jupiter expels the Titans from Mount Olympus. The walls are peppered with Seventeenth Century graffiti. Please don’t add your own.

What about food? Of Italy’s twenty regions Lombardy trails only Emilia-Romagna in food production. A lot of the food is of foreign origin, not surprising given the frequency with which Lombardy fell under outside domination. But there are also local specialties. For example, Cremona is known for Mostarda, mustard flavored candied fruits that accompany Bollito Misto, mixed boiled meats. A local version of this treat calls for calf’s head, veal tongue, and pig’s foot among others. Cremona also claims to have invented ravioli.

Let’s suggest a sample menu, one of many. Start with Zuppa alla Pavese (Soup with Bread, Butter, Eggs, and grated Parmesan Cheese). Then try Bollito Misto (Mixed Boiled Meats). For dessert indulge yourself with Colombe Pasquale (dove shaped Easter Bread with Candied Fruit). Increase your dining pleasure by including local wines with your meal.

We conclude with a quick look at Lombardy wine. Lombardy ranks 11th among the 20 Italian regions for both acreage devoted to wine grapes and for total annual wine production. The region produces about 62% red and rose and 38% white wine, but there is little rose. There are 15 DOC wines. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine. The G in DOCG stands for Garantita, but there is absolutely no guarantee that such wines are truly superior. Over 47% of Lombardy wine carries the DOC or DOCG designation. There are three DOCG wines: the sparkling Franciacorta said to compete with French Champagne and priced accordingly, the red Sforzato di Valtellina, and the red Valtellina Superiore.

Lambrusco Mantovano DOC is a red or rose dry or sweet fizzy wine produced southeast of Mantua from local grapes. The San Colombano al Lambro DOC is red or white still or fizzy wine made from a variety of local grapes found about halfway between Milan and Cremona. By far the area’s best-known wine is the Oltrepo Pavese DOC grown south of Pavia, across the Po River, hence its name. This wine, the favorite of Milan, is made in several styles from multiple grape varieties.

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WEDNESDAY’S COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Worcester Opera Works performs Broadway melodies, 7:30 p.m. July 21. $10; students, $5. Briarwood Community Center, 65 Briarwood Circle, Worcester. (508) 930-7062 or

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Chicks We Love
Every year, the Jackson Free Press chooses a delightful slate of Chicks We Love to spotlight, and each year we host the JFP Chick Ball to raise money to fight domestic abuse in our community.

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Lyle Lovett, the richly talented Rock artist has released him latest album titled I Love Everybody and Wow! It’s really a good one.

I Love Everybody opens with a great track, Skinny Legs, that I suspect will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. It really is a very nice track.

These days it’s a very rare CD on which every single song is good or better than the one before it. This CD is certainly one of those rare CDs.

I give I Love Everybody my highest recommendation. It just plain belongs in any serious music collectors collection regardless of genre preference.

While this entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 3 – I Think You Know What I Mean, track 15 – Moon On My Shoulder, and track 3 – I Love Everybody

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Skinny Legs. This is a great track!

I Love Everybody Release Notes:

Lyle Lovett originally released I Love Everybody on September 27, 1994 on the MCA Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Skinny Legs 2. Fat Babies 3. I Think You Know What I Mean 4. Hello Grandma 5. Creeps Like Me 6. Sonja 7. They Don’t Like Me 8. Record Lady 9. Ain’t It Somethin’ 10. Penguins 11. Fat Girl, The 12. La To The Left 13. Old Friend 14. Just The Morning 15. Moon On My Shoulder 16. I’ve Got The Blues 17. Good-Bye To Carolina 18. I Love Everybody

Personnel includes: Lyle Lovett (vocals, guitar); Sid Page, Mark O’Connor (violin); John Hagen (cello, background vocals); Larry Corbett, Daniel Smith, Steve Richards, Suzie Katayama (cello); Greg Adams, Lee Thornburg (trumpet), Nicholas Lane (trombone); John Leftwich (bass); Edgar Meyer (arco bass); Russ Kunkel (drums, percussion); Kenny Aronoff (drums); Rickie Lee Jones, Leo Kottke, Julia Roberts, Jim Kerr, Herb Pederson, Harry Stinson, Sir Harry Bowens, Sweet Pea Atkinson, Walter Hyatt, Willis Alan Ramsey (background vocals). Recorded at Conway Studios, Hollywood, California from August 31, 1993 to January 12, 1994.

Spring-Ford Reporter/The Valley ItemDatebook
DateBook Notes

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Love of the stage: Naples woman discovers how much performing means to her
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved having an audience. At age three I would have my parents hang a curtain in the garage so I could jump out from behind it and belt out show tunes while wearing a sequin leotard. It wasn’t until kindergarten that I realized that I could actually perform for an audience of people other than my family members.

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The super talented Pop artist Vivian Green has released her most recent CD on the Columbia recording label, entitled Love Story.

Vivian Green has been a super star in the Pop genre for quite a while now and Love Story is an excellent illustration as to why.

The nice thing about a CD like this is when the talent is this rich even if Pop isn’t your favorite style you still can’t help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.

Overall Love Story is excellent from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Pop fan. Really sensational from beginning to end.

While this entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 4 – What Is Love?, track 8 – No Sittin’ By The Phone, and track 14 – Keep On Going.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Wishful Thinking. Great track!

Love Story Release Notes:

Vivian Green originally released Love Story on November 12, 2002 on the Columbia label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Wishful Thinking 2. 24 Hour Blue (Just One Of Those Days) 3. Superwoman 4. What Is Love? 5. Music 6. Emotional Rollercoaster 7. Final Hour 8. No Sittin’ By The Phone 9. Affected 10. Fanatic 11. Ain’t Nothing But Love 12. Be Good To You 13. Complete 14. Keep On Going

Personnel: Vivian Green (vocals); Junius Bervine (various instruments, background vocals); Ty Tribbett II, Anthony Bell, Osunlade (various instruments); Eric Sayles (acoustic guitar); Isaac Phillips, Clay Sears (guitar); Emma Kumrow, Igor Szwac, Olga Konopelsky, Gloria Justen, Gregory Teperman (violin); Alexandra Leem, Davis Barnett (viola); Jennie Lorenzo, Lynne Beller (cello); Damon Bennett (flute); David Schneider (oboe); Christopher Stevens (trumpet); Jamar Jones (piano); Federico Gonzalez Pena (keyboards); Stephen Groat, Derrick Hodge, Pino Palladino (bass); “Little” John Roberts (drums); Eric Roberson (background vocals).

Producers include: Junius Bervine, Osunlade, Ty Tribbett II, Durell Bottoms, Paris Bowens II.

Recorded at Axis, The Studio, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; The Blue Room, New Jersey; Electric Ladyland, New York, New York; The Stable, West Chester, Pennsylvania.