Composers Who Have Been Unfortunately Overlooked: Mahler

I love music! Who doesn't.  Music is a language of endless creativity and expression.  Music accompanies and supports just about all aspects of life.   I think we all aspire to have a soundtrack to our life.  Music helps tell the stories of life.  Classical music is very well suited for this.  We are all faimiler with the "greats" Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Brahms, and Bach (The Lutheran champion).  Sadly many wonderful compositions and their composers have been overlooked by the general public.  Maybe we can change that.  

I thought I would share some of the forgotten's or overlooked, starting with my favorite.  Gustav Mahler.  Mahler happens to have been very influence in the changing tides of orchestral music during the early 20th century as the culture headed into modernity. His composition style blends the classic romanticism and modernism as he explored a style of music filled with emotion and suspense as Mahler explored writing with a 12 cord scale structure. Mahler's symphonies seem to have an almost theatrical approach to them, as you listen you will certainly hear his influence on music for the big screen. 

Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 2 is hands down my favorite musical composition of all time.  Seeing this performed live, which was also the first time I heard the music, was an unforgettable experience.  My husband intentionally told me not to listen to it before we went, as he had heard it before in class and knew how I would be captivated.  

Symphony No. 2  is also known as The Resurrection Symphony.  Which makes it an excellent choice for this time of year as the church heads in to Lent.  Enjoy! 

If you prefer you can listen here via Spotify.

Stay tuned as I will be sure to share more overlooked or forgotten composers and their music.  Please feel free to make a suggestion in the comments :)

Afternoon Coffee Break

I am a coffee lover.  I have to have a least 3 pots... umm... cups (wink) a day  No, it's not a hipster thing.  Maybe it's a Lutheran thing.  I have been drinking coffee from the time I was in Jr. High, perhaps before. Yes, I know it probably stunted my growth but whatever.  I blame my grandma who included us in her afternoon coffee time, church, and the explosion of coffee chains during the 90's.  A lot has changed from the time I was sipping my brown milk sweetened with 5 packs (more if it was at church) or so of sugar.  I remember the day the barista at Barnie's convinced a bunch of 15-year-old band nerds to try a cappuccino, that was a huge surprise.  I remember actually liking that instant crap from the machine at the gas station.  What a thrill is was to discover flavoring syrups, vanilla lattes pumpkin spice, and mocha?  Then of course my sister and I were the coolest when for Christmas we received a cappuccino machine! We quickly learned that we could not use hot water to speed up the process one night when we were hosting our own coffee shop, yuck!

Now for as much as I like coffee, and probably in the pasted considered myself a coffee snob (though I never made the effort to only use Dasani water for brewing) I think I can say without a doubt I am not a coffee snob.  These are my top reasons why.

I Don't Get A Raging Headache

For as much coffee as I consume each day I'm quite fortunate that I do not  a headache when I don't get my coffee.  Really this is most fortunate for my husband on those mornings when the coffee cabinet is surprisingly bare.  Now if I went for more than a day without that may be a different story.  Yeah, I'm not going to push my luck with a coffee fast, that would be crazy.

I Don't Really Care For Flavor Infused Coffee

So we all know that Lutheran's love paradox, I am a good Lutheran so it applies in my coffee drinking preferences as well.  In most cases, I do not like flavored coffee. In Fact most of the time I find flavored coffee to taste like rubbing alcohol.   Yet, my favorite cup of Joe is a maple flavored coffee served at Maple Street Biscuit Company.   This is the smoothest and most balanced blend I've ever tasted.  It's is perfect with just a splash of half and half.  I am sure it's a cult favorite. 

Flavored Creamers Also Sorta Suck The Yum Out Of Coffee

Unless it's something to do with Mocha, cause chocolate rarely is wrong in coffee.   Flavored creamers taste fake, like the chemicals they are made out of. Eww. Most of the time syrups are meh also.  Though I am not a coffee snob, so I grin and bear it when I need to steal a few sips of my hubby's coffee. Really if I'm going to put anything in my coffee it's half and half or, of course, Baily's or Jameson. 

Starbucks Is Meh... Really

I do not like Starbucks brewed coffee at all. I like when I make it at home but not from the store. It tastes burnt. Surprisingly McDonald is better and cheaper.  The coffee at Gate gas station is even better. Now I do enjoy a peppermint mocha and in the summer an iced coffee.  Usually when I go (which is not often anymore) I prefer a chi latte extra spicy.  But that's tea, not coffee so I digress. 

This Girl Does Not Do Dunkin...

YUCK! That is all. 

I Do Not Own A Keurig Nor Do I Want To

My coffee pot works fine.  Honestly, I am most content simply brewing up a good full pot of coffee at home.  Most of the time it's Folgers, Seattle's Best, Ikea, or whatever.  I don't care for instant coffee,  I need more that eight watery ounces at a time.  Another thing having to do with coffee pots is I really do not care if it's a paper filter or metal, I don't taste the difference, so convenience wins out on that one. I do own things like a coffee press and a cappuccino machine, but those are for special moments.  And seriously a good cup of black coffee makes any moment that much better. 

Coffee is a daily bread blessing, it's a staple each and every day.  It really doesn't matter what you like or don't like. Coffee adds hospitality to things like grocery shopping.  Yes, I appreciate the free cup of coffee from Publix.  It's the perfect accompaniment to most foods. Coffee is fantastic while when cheering on the kids b-ball game, enduring a road trip, watching movies, when curling up with a good book, or studying theology.   Coffee, like music, has a special way of bringing people together.  So enjoy a few moments, take a coffee break, and brew up a friendly conversation.

How do you take your coffee? 

They Do Grow Up

Now that yet another Christmas is past and a new year begun the strain of just how quickly the kids are growing up is present yet again. Terrible twos, toddles, crawling, first steps, babbling new words, and animal sound games, have faded into memories that seem as close as yesterday but yet as far as an eon ago.  It doesn't matter if you are a stay at home mommy or a working mama the idea that the years slip by far too quickly has its way with us all.  No matter how many times they sing "I Won't Grow Up" from Peter Pan,  kids do grow up, it happens way to fast, and it tugs at my mommy heart.

Turning chapters can be difficult.   As a mother of four I can hardly remember what it was like to be a mother of one.  How can it be that my baby is nearly halfway through kindergarten? It seems like time is a vacuum. For me, it seems like the memories are in danger of slipping away.  They won't I know, though I probably should spend a little more time documenting family trips, important events, and what day to day life is like teaching these four miracles what life is.

On the other hand growing up can be extremely exciting!  There is much to look forward to. Older kids can handle more difficult things.  It's nice to have kids who can cook breakfast or bake some cookies.   It was a joy to watch my six-year-old ride learn her bike without training wheels this month.   I love that my nine-year-old has an intense interest in history.  It gives him so much to talk about!  When he was two he was too busy to tell you his opinions about things unless it had to do with vegetables, he just wanted to run and me to chase.  It's great to see the kids develop new skills, as they become athletic, musical, a driven student, and a caring friend.  Each child's unique personality brings liveliness to our family.

When it comes to adolescence, in many ways, the past has prepared me for the present.  It's a hard time.  I have no qualms in saying adolescence brings suffering.  There is, however, much to gain from this stage.  Just like a three-year-old needs a parent's gentle guidance as they figure out what they need, so do preteens.  My daughter still needs hugs, cuddles,  a shoulder to cry on, and even someone to fight with from time to time.  Being the oldest she doesn't know just how much she has shaped me as a parent.  She has allowed me to teach her as she had taught me how to hold back and give independence.  As they grow it is no small phenomenon, I'm sure, when in the midst of discussing what's appropriate for boy-girl relationships at this age (just friends) you find that she agrees!  This certainly flows from a trust she has for her parents.  Or, perhaps she is just our easy one :)

It is an honor and a blessing to care for and watch them grow.  It a joy to spend wild crazy times together.  Nothing beats our quite times as a family, reading together or spending time around God's Word.  In my vocation as a parent, I have faltered many times, daily.  I've been too pushy, or overly distracted (silly Facebook), impatient, grumpy, lazy and so on.  It comes down to the fact as a sinner I  am self-centered.  Yet, in Christ my family knows forgiveness, we are bound by it,  reconciled to each other.  This certainly shapes our family life; past, present, and future.

While I can't slow down time, it is good for me to remember that there is still a lot of time left.  I can remember that they need me to be the mom, and still need me and their dad to be present.  Even as they continued to get older and they  want to spend more time with friends than with family, they will still need that family bonding time to prepare them for their own families.  Most of all they will need mercy and encouragement.  So I will relish this time, cherishing the past, embracing the present, and looking forward to the future.

Warm-up With A Tom And Jerry

My husband enjoys beer. I take credit for his taste for a good beer.  He knows his wines. But he enjoys cocktails most of all.  Now I am not talking about modern sissy drinks.  He's old school and classy when it comes to shaking up a cocktail.  Seriously he will research old forgotten about cocktails.  One of these less common cocktails is a Tom And Jerry, a warm, frothy, velvety, delicious, dessert cocktail. 

What makes this drink so marvelous? Well, it's a perfect drink for a Christmas shindig. It's also a brilliant drink during the Mardi Gras season.  Great for cold weather, it's warm, sweet and spicy.  Traditionally this cocktail has it own glassware and thanks to my mother in law I've got a sensational vintage Tom And Jerry set of glasses and bowl.  Most of these glassware sets have Victorian theme depicted on them, that is oh so festive.  A good Tom And Jerry is certainly a nostalgic indulgence.

Tom and Jerry's have become one of our Christmas time favorites.  It was a humid, sticky hot mess here in Florida this December so it wasn't until the 12th day of Christmas that the weather was finally cool enough make up a batch.  This really is a great drink for a cold winter evening.  My husband and I always have a fun time making these together as there are several tasks to be done. There are several different approaches to assembling a Tom And Jerry, so here's our take.

What You'll Need

Brandy

4 eggs 

1 stick butter softened not melted

1 cup confectioners sugar

4 cups milk

1 cinnamon stick

6-8 whole cloves 

2 anise stars 

1/4 teaspoon of these spices

ground cloves 

allspice

nutmeg

Mixology 

Separate the eggs setting aside the yokes in a medium size mixing bowl, the whites go into a large glass bowl.  Beat whites until stiff peaks form. 

Cream together confectioners sugar and butter.  Add beaten eggs yolks.  Stir in ground cloves, allspice, and nutmeg and a tablespoon of brandy.   Gently fold into the egg whites to form a fluffy batter.

On the stove warm the 1 cup brandy (or... more for an extra spike) with the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and anise for 5 minutes.  Remove the spices when warm.

In a separate pan gently warm milk, do not let it boil. I like lots of froth so I whisk the milk as it heats. 

Serving

Layer into a warm punch bowl the spiced brandy, next slowly (to temper) stir in about 3/4th of the batter, then slowly add the warm milk, and lastly the remaining batter.  Garnish with a bit of nutmeg.  Serve in a coffee mug, teacup, or punch glasses.  Or if you really want to be the host with the most you can easily find a vintage set of Tom And Jerry glassware on eBay.

If serving at a party you may wish to keep the milk warm in a carafe, adding a bit to each cup as the cocktail is served.   Those who find the cocktail to rich may wish to use half hot water and half warm milk, but please that's like adding water to a milkshake.

But I must confess I think a Tom And Jerry would be totally amazing with SoCo...yum! 

So what's your favorite cocktail?

Enjoy!

Teaching Kids The History And Theology Of The Reformation

It's that time of year again! Time to pull out the Luther Rose coloring sheets and the kids books that teach about the great Martin Luther and the Reformation. It's time to sing A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (though we can sing this just about anytime..right?) It can be hard to take up the task of teaching kids the importance of the Reformation and our heritage as Lutherans.  There are a lot of details. Lessons on the Reformation include a lot of history and  of course theology. Engaging kids with these things is challenging. I empathize  with fellow parents, teachers, and even pastors, the task can seem daunting, but I urge you to do it! There is a lot to learn here, about who we are as Lutherans, the history of what we believe and confess, but most importantly we learn about our faith. The Reformation points us back to Jesus our Savoir, Christ crucified for sinners.  Reformation helps us to value the authority of God's Words, Justification by grace through faith, the free gifts Christ gives, and the assurance (as Luther re-discovered) assurance of our salvation. My hope in this post is not necessarily to just dish out the information but rather to provide a means for developing a more robust teaching structure and lesson objectives.

Often times when we discuss and study the Reformation we have a tendency to miss "the forest for the trees". We get caught up in just a few details so we get easily sidetracked. It takes more than just a few posters or flannel graphs to teach the Reformation year after year. Sure, a poster can be a handy tool for bits of "at a glance" facts, but really the depth of the movement can not be taught in this way. Being a lifelong Lutheran is also no excuse for lazy off the cuff Reformation teaching either. As kids get older they will need more. You'd never just point kids to a periodic table of elements and assume they have all  they need about chemistry. That's silly! It so important teachers take the time to plan and choose good reliable resources, making sure facts are straight. When facts are wrong, especially when it comes to faith, credibility is lost. It can be difficult to separate fact from legend, it can also be difficult to keep track of all of the who's, what's, and where's of Reformation history. However, learning about the Reformation presents many opportunities for kids to learn how to research, understand the struggles of people in history and dig deeper into our Lutheran confessions.

Establishing Historical Context

When teaching kids about the Reformation it's important to place the events in their historical context. Help the kids understand the different way of life in Luther's Germany compared to how things are today. Point out other important events that were happening at the time. For example, Martin Luther was born in 1483 just nine years before Columbus set sail.

Many middle school students are fascinated with Medieval and Renaissance history, take the time to explore this exciting time to investigate the Italian Renaissance allowing the kids to compare what was taking place in England with the Norman Renaissance. Engage the kids with the art and culture of the era!  These visuals can help information and facts stick in a child's brain. Look at events that set the stage for the Reformation to take place. The more of a frameworks students have, the easier it is for them to dive into deeper learning.

Younger children spend a lot of time studying different communities in Social Studies. This is a good opportunity to look the community Martin Luther and Katharina Von Bora grew up in? Who were Martin's parents? Why was Katharine set away from home at such a young age?  How did Luther and his brother get along? What was peasant life like? What did they eat? What sort or work did they do? What was family life like?  How was life difficult? What was education like for Martin Luther? Have students examine how life was changing during the 16th century.

Point out the development of new technology, specifically the Gutenberg printing press. It is also well worth the time to study life in the monastery and if time allows the nunnery? What was daily life like for monks and nuns? Why did society view taking such vows to be such a holy calling?

Older kids who have studied different forms of governments will be able to easily examine the politics of the day? Older students will also enjoy discussing the philosophy of the Renaissance such as humanism. Why did these new ideas changes they way people were thinking across the land.

There are many people involved in the playing out of Reformation events. Help students identify who these people are. Pope Leo X, Johann Tetzel, Prince Frederick the Wise The Emperor, Johann von Staupiz, Early church fathers such as St. Augustine, and others who proceeded the spark of Reformation like John Huss and John Wycliffe.

Taking the time to acclimate kids with the vocabulary of the Reformation is also helpful. Be sure they understand indulgences, purgatory, bishops, priests, and theses. I was alarmed to hear some kids refer to the 95 Theses were 95 "new rules" Luther thought the church should follow... sigh (facepalm). Theses are ideas or thoughts that one would like to have brought up for discussion.

Help students put the history of the Reformation together in a timeline. Dates are important. When looking back in history it can be very easy for students to mash important events together they may assume events took place very rapidly rather than over a majority of the 16th century.

Here's a basic timeline:

-July, 16th 1054
The great schism, this marks the date for the official separation of the eastern and western church.

-1450
Johannes Gutenberg introduces his printing press.  Information can be shared throughout the land much more quickly.

- November 10th 1483
Martin Luther is born.  He is baptized the following day

- January 29th, 1499
Katharina's birth

- 1501
Luther begins at the University of Erfurt; at first he sets out to be a lawyer as his father wishes

-1502
Pope Leo X commissions Johann (John) Tetzel to preach and sell Jubilee Indulgences as a fundraiser to support the building of St. Peter Cathedral

- 1503
Leonardo da Vinci begins to paint the Mona Lisa

- 1505
Martin Luther, in keeping his promises to St. Ann, joins the Augustinian Monastery

- 1507
Martin is ordained a priest

- 1508
Luther is now teaching in Wittenburg,

- 1512
Martin Luther earns his doctoral degree in theology

- October 31st 1517
Dr. Luther nails his 95 Theses to the church. The document is printed and circulated throughout the land. Support for Luther grew.

- 1520
Luther burns the papal bull from Leo X demanding him to recant

- 1521
Luther appears before the emperor in Worms, refuses to recant and is excommunicated, declared an outlaw with an imposed death sentence, taken captive by friends and hidden in the castle at Wartburg.

- 1522
Dr. Luther returns to Wittenburg distressed
Ulrich Zwingli preaches in Switzerland


-1523
Katharina Von Bora and several other nuns escape the convent

-1525
Martin Luther marries Katharina, the Black Cloister in Wittenburg is a wedding gift which will be their home where they raise their family, entertain, and house students of the University.

- 1529
Dr. Luther writes the Small and Large Catechism

- 1530
Philip Melanchthon, German princes, and Lutheran leaders presented the  Augsburg confessions to Charles V, the document gave "Protestants" their identity beginning with the live "we protest".

- 1534
Luther's German translation of the Bible is printed
Henry VIII forms the Church of England as he cuts ties with Rome

- 1545
The Counter- Reformation begins with the Council of Trent (1545- 1563) Establishing the Roman Catholic Church as we know it today.

- February 18th, 1546
Martin Luther dies at the age of 62 of natural causes. He is buried in Wittenburg

Reformation struggles continue though Europe leading into The 30 Years war in 1618


Understanding Luther's Struggle, The Abuses Of The Church, And The Theology Of The Reformation 

Help kids to understand the abuses of the Medieval church of the day. How the Pope's word was seen to hold the same authority as scripture.  How were worship practices actually keeping people from receive God's gifts, as the Mass was celebrated (and re sacrificed back to God) but often times common people were held back from receiving the sacrament. Services were also not held in the language of the people, and the only Bibles were in Latin. Have students consider why the people would struggle to have assurance of forgiveness of sins and salvation. Man and women took vows in order to try and achieve favor with God, trying to find comfort though the discipline of monasteries and convents. Many people were eager to purchases the indulgences, a certificate that promises less time in purgatory.  These practices were far from the free gift of salvation won by Christ Jesus on the cross.  Many people were tormented as they tried to work out their own righteousness before God. People no longer understood God's grace, They believed that grace was simply just the given ability to work their way to heaven. The teachers of the day heaped on all kids of new laws and requirements. Things like extreme fasting, staying awake for days, vows of silence, torture, pilgrimages to see relics and so on.  People could only be comforted by what they did. However, many people were not comforted at all! The Reformation was going to blow the idea that one can ascend to God though their works and merits to pieces as it re-discovered and proclaimed once again the truth of the Gospel!

Luther grew up in a strict household.  He worked hard to please his parents. Martin was well on his way to being a very successful lawyer, just as his father wished him to be. However, God had different plans. Joining the Augustinian Monastery, Martin Luther worked hard at being a good monk.  He studied theology and was shortly sent to teach at the University of Wittenburg.  However, Luther had no assurance of his salvation. The God he knew was an angry God, not loving. Martin punished himself with hard labor.  He felt he would never earn forgiveness.  Johann von Stupitz worried over how terrified and anxious his friend Martin was urged him to study St. Paul's letters to the Romans and Ephesians. Luther also studied the writings of Augustine and other church fathers.
Luther noticed the church had changed a lot over the years and not for the better. The church had gotten away from it confession. Even though they still said the words of the Creed, people no longer knew what it confessed.  As Martin read he discovered the hope and comfort of the Gospel.  Jesus had paid the complete price for his sins, and the sins of all people though His perfect, life, death and resurrection.  Jesus gave his righteousness for our sinfulness. On account of Jesus all those who have faith are declared righteous before God. Luther began to understand that by Grace through faith we are saved, not by our own doing but by Christ doing. Jesus is sufficient for salvation.This was good news to Luther.  He knew that this would be good news to the people of Germany as well. As Luther studied he could not find the churches teaching on purgatory and indulgences.

Luther could not stand how the people were being lead astray into spiritual unrest. When Johann Tetzel came to town selling certificates of indulgence Luther was in no mood to led his congregation and others be duped. He nailed his concerns to the door of the church in the form of the 95 theses.  He wanted to discuss the abusive practices. He prayed the leaders of the church would see the error of their ways.  So many people were desperate for the good news Luther teaching and proclamation of the Gospel.  Support for Luther spread like wildfire. Everyone was anxious to read what the Reformer had to say.  Except for the Pope who called for Luther to recant. Luther refused, knowing that peoples souls were at stake.  The movement of the Reformation was very difficult.  It was not Luther's intention to break from the church. Many of the events of the uproar depressed Luther.  Luther also disagreed with the radical reformers of the day. The violence was unbearable for Luther.  Martin Luther had the heart of a pastor. He diligently taught and preached in Wittenburg where he lived with his family.  Luther wrote the Large and Small catechism to help instruct people in what God's Word taught. He translated the Bible into German so that people would be able to read and hear the comfort and sweetness of God's promises for themselves. Luther pointed people to their baptism where God freely gives the gift of faith and forgiveness. People were able to receive the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper as God's gift to them once again. Martin Luther wanted all people to have the assurance of Jesus' love and salvation for them. Martin Luther also wrote many hymns in which to help teach the people God's Word once again.

There are many resources available to help kids learn the detail of the Reformation. Teaching things like the "Sola's" can provide a helpful synopsis of Lutheran doctrine. It is also helpful for kids to gain understanding in the purpose of the catechism and how it teaches us. We also learn form the reformers just how important it is that we always hold God's Word to be the rule and norm over that we believe, teach and confess. Studying the many people who helped and supported Luther can assist kids in understanding their own vocations.  Identifying with and learning about Martin Luther's struggle is very relevant for many kids. Like Luther we all face times of doubt.  But the joy of the Reformation is that we may always be turned back to the Gospel. Jesus for us, freely. We are no longer slaves but free! Children of God given hope and eternal life though His rich mercy. Through Luther we see why the church should always be in reformation as we continue to proclaim these truths and as we love and serve our neighbor.

Helpful Resources/ Links/ Bibliography

Martin Luther A Man Who Changed The World  Paul L. Maier
2004 Concordia Publishing House

Hero Of Faith: Martin Luther  Edward C. Grube
2012 Concordia Publishing House

Hero Of Faith: Katharina von Bora  Jayn L. Fryer
2011 Concordia Publishing House

A History Of The Christian Chruch  Willson Walker
1985 Scribner

http://cyclopedia.lcms.org/

What Drove Luther's Hammer Dr. Rosenbladt

http://www.amazon.com/Luther-Joseph-Fiennes/dp/B0002C9D9U

http://www.cph.org/p-20688-lutheranism-101-for-kids.aspx

https://www.cph.org/p-17404-lutheranism-101.aspx

This past week Issue ETC has also run a very good discussion on the Reformation culture
www.issuesetc.org

There are tons of resources available if you have a favorite please leave it below in the comments!