March 2017 - Vol. 3 - No. 2

Greetings one and all!!

Winter continues, or is it spring already (depending on where you live) here in the Midwest? While I am writing this newsletter, I gaze out the music room window at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Hazelwood, MO, noticing the Bradford Pear trees outside already starting to bud. Spring is definitely not far off. With this renewed NRG and warmth of the new season on the horizon, I pray each of you continues in good health, and proactive living.

If you thought you missed the February issue, worry not. I did not send one out as I have been in the midst of preparing for a major project launch, which you can read about in this issue of “Theodore Talks”. Enjoy!

All things music and creative!

Over the past few months, I have been putting the final touches on a new musical endeavor. I am thrilled to finally share with you this new project, Seasonal Scriptures in Song. The following description is taken from my Patreon project page:

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The Seasonal Scriptures in Song project grew out of my passion for composing sacred music. Through Seasonal Scriptures in Song, I will compose a new song every month using rhyming versions of scripture verses or the scriptural text as is. The main goal is to create hymns or songs to aid in learning Bible verses or passages pertaining to church seasons and/or for growing one’s Scriptural foundation.

This mission is grounded in Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” This project will also provide help in establishing longer term devotional materials which can be used over the course of several weeks or months depending on the length of the church season for which the song has been written.

In order to develop the project further; to grow the available canon of music for small and large churches alike; to assist teachers, parents, pastors, and music directors in using these songs to help children, as well as families and congregations, embody the scriptures through song; to distribute the music beyond the conventional marketplace, and to make a living as a composer…
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I would love to have your support in this exciting venture! To find out how you can become one of my patrons, check out my Patreon project page at: www.patreon.com/TheodoreJander.

Living Life to the +Plus!

This month’s tip for taking one simple step to harmonious health is all about remembering that we need to take care of our hearts by eating a variety of fruits and veggies every day. I am sharing this one again in light of having recently celebrated Valentine’s Day:

To Speak, or Not to Speak!
For many, the season of Lent has begun. One of the Psalms often used on Ash Wednesday is Psalm 51. Three of the verses have been sung in one form or another for quite a few centuries:

• 10 - Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

• 11 - Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

• 12 - Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

I offer this thought on verse eleven. It is our plea to God to keep us near him. Could we also be asking God to listen? Not only do we ask to be heard, so too, do others ask us to listen. Therefore, instead of giving up something like chocolate, sweets, or meats this Lent, consider giving up the need to speak first. Make a point of listening carefully to others. You never know when you may hear the voice of God as you listen.

Past issues are available on my website at: "Theodore Talks" - A Newsletter

If you know of anyone who would like to receive this newsletter, let me know and I can add their information to the list or you can send them to the contact/subscription page of my website: www.theodorejander.com/?page_id=40

Blessings to each of you!