My family just made a quick getaway this last weekend to Jacksonville, Florida. Both Beth and my folks live in Jacksonville, so from time to time we enjoy visiting what really amounts to our old stomping grounds. While it was only a three day visit, it was great to just get away, unplug from the regular schedule, and recharge while away.

I brought books to read and paperwork from church to review, but I spent most of my time playing games with my family, visiting the beach, and playing with our children (and enjoying our folks play with our children).

During our vacation, and really over the last few months, we have been noticing some hilarious comments that our three year old son has been saying. This must be the most humorous stage of raising children—we have been laughing a lot lately. His comments are funny and cute, and I really could write a book about it.

Here are a few of the funny comments and questions my three year old son has said recently:

• While traveling, he observed a pickup truck full of furniture and boxes and blurted out of nowhere: “Do you see all that yucky junk?”
• You should see his mischievous smile that accompanies this question: “Sissy, do you want me to tickle you?”
• When asked what we should name our yet-to-be-born third child: “Well, I’m gonna call him Turkey.”
• In response to something silly mommy or daddy says: “You bunny rabbit!”
• When daddy accidentally says the word “stupid” (a word mommy says is a bad word and shouldn’t be said): “Daddy, that’s not very nice.”

It’s great to hear the words that truly are “out of the mouths of babes.” His two year old sister isn’t far behind him in the funny comments category. Yet amazingly, this child who makes me laugh so much, has a very sweet and sensitive heart. Maybe someday he’ll read this and get all over me for it. Regardless, he has reminded me and taught me so much about being caring and loving. I’m not one of those parents who thinks my children are perfect (though I joke they are!), but I am grateful for the gift they are to me and my wife. My life is deeply enriched because of my family.

This is going around the internet, so I thought you would enjoy it. Talk about fun!

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtyAsiZWktY

A few weeks ago the circus came to town. On a whim, my wife and I decided to take our children. We’re glad we did. Our family enjoyed a much needed break from our regular routine.

Throughout the two hours of pure entertainment, I was amazed and awed by the talented performers, the exotic animals, and the superb band. But what really caught my attention was the adeptness of the support staff. These guys, dressed in black, were constantly involved behind the scenes helping with various aspects of the show. These “men in black” juggled a lot of tasks:

• They intuitively moved what seemed to be hundreds of props in and out of the ring to their exact specified location for the various acts.
• When a flying trapeze artist was jumping onto another trapeze artist, these guys were standing nearby ready to catch or stabilize them if they lost their balance.
• When a ring of fire needed to be put out, they had the proper equipment in place, just outside of the ring, ready to extinguish the fire at just the right moment.
• These guys stood guard outside the ring when it was converted into a giant cage in which a half dozen or so lions played with one extremely dangerous and crazy lion tamer.

What’s more, these guys weren’t blundering around trying to figure out where to go and what to do. They clearly knew their places during each act, and were on location without wasting any time or effort. Clearly, these guys understood the importance of their responsibilities, and they took their duties very seriously. In many cases, their attention to detail and effort was a matter of life and death, especially if something were to go wrong. Imagine: should someone fall or something go wrong, people’s very lives depended on these men. Now that’s responsibility!

As you can tell, I got very distracted at the circus.

If you are considering becoming part of the support team at your church, here are some important questions you should ask yourself:

• Can I be counted on to be in my place?
• Can others depend on me to do the job?
• Will I consistently perform the tasks required?
• Am I willing to wear many hats, as the jobs require?
• Am I able to purposefully serve, regardless of potential personal discomfort?
• Am I really willing to take on the responsibility required of me?

In the circus, the most important people in the show aren’t the clowns, the ringmaster, or any of the performers. The most important people are the support staff. They’re the reason the show can go on.

Church is no three-ring circus (or at least, it shouldn’t be), but it is the “main event.” All the more reason to have an excellent support team!

My wife and I had an enjoyable time attending the 2010 music conference at the WILDS. This was their 19th annual conference, so it was great to participate in what is now a “well-oiled machine.”

It was the first time since our oldest child was born (three and a half years ago) that we were away from our children for an entire week. Our children stayed with their grandparents, and they thoroughly enjoyed their time while there.

Here’s a list of benefits I took away from attending this music conference, in no particular order:

1. An opportunity to get away and “reconnect” with my spouse.
We both lead the newlywed ministry at our church, and we often encourage couples to “get away” to recharge. Well, we took some of our own advice. The demands of the ministry are great and sometimes draining; it’s so valuable to get away, recharge, rekindle, and refresh with your soul-mate!

2. A chance to see old friends and make new ones.
One regret I have following college is that I didn’t keep up with many of my friends. This conference gave me a chance to reconnect with some dear friends from my past who helped to shape me into the person I am today. I also made some new very valuable friendships that I intend to keep up with. The fellowship was awesome. It was also a real treat to talk with folks who use and love my music. Thanks for your kind words of encouragement!

3. The privilege of refining my skills.
One of the primary purposes of this particular conference is refining musical skills for the ministry. It seems that they had something for everyone, at various skill levels. The daily break-out session that I attended was orchestration, which provided many tools and inspiration to develop this area of church music. This was a highlight of the week.

4. An occasion to have my thinking challenged.
I’m thankful for the preaching of God’s word that we received. I truly was encouraged and challenged to grow in my walk with Christ. I loved the 30 minute “quiet time” that the entire camp observes each day that allows us to focus on meditating on God’s word.

5. An opportunity to listen to great music.
It was awesome listening to the group of church musicians sing and participate in worship. It was also good to hear many of the new songs that are being published this year. (Of course, it was very cool listening to my own songs being sung!)

In all, it was a great conference. I am excited to get back to “the work” at my church!

Have you attended a music conference lately? Why was it helpful/valuable for you?

Last week I had the privilege of traveling with my family to Florida on family vacation. Shortly before our trip, I received a package in the mail. It contained a copy of I Give You Jesus by Melanie Smith. She included a couple of my arrangements on the album. It’s so encouraging whenever someone can use one of my songs as part of their ministry.

On a personal level, I received such a blessing from this CD that I wanted to share it with my readers. God has gifted Melanie with a wonderful voice, and the song choices are encouraging and uplifting. The music includes vibrant and poignant reminders of God’s love, His atoning sacrifice for us, and the joy we can have because of Christ. I particularly like the title track, which reminds us that no matter what we’re going through, and no matter how discouraged we may be, the answer is Jesus.

You’ll want to make this CD part of your family’s collection of Christ-honoring music. You can listen to preview clips online and purchase it at http://www.swordofthelord.com/melaniesmith.htm

The Mikado Academy of Music is pleased to be hosting a Church Pianist Seminar on Saturday, October 24, with Christian pianist, educator, and recording artist Greg Howlett. The focus of the seminar is improvisational techniques for church pianists and general ways to improve your church piano playing skills.

If you are a church keyboardist, and you can be in the Macon area, you are cordially invited to attend this free one-day seminar.

The Lord has given me many great teachers throughout my life. Some have had significant impact in one way or another, for different reasons. One in particular—my high school piano teacher—really encouraged me and developed me in ways that, to this day, I’m still grateful for. Her name is Joan Smith, and she became more than just a teacher; she became a friend.

Recently she was honored by the Chamber of Commerce in Greene, NY (my hometown) as the citizen of the year. I was given the privilege of writing a recommendation for her to be considered for the honor, and I’ve included it below. Recently my pastor encouraged our staff to write a letter to those who have had an impact on our lives. I’m thankful for people like Mrs. Smith who took the time to mentor, listen to, work with, and develop. I trust that in a small way I can have that type of positive influence within my small sphere of influence.

Dear Friends:

Thank you for considering Joan Smith for recognition. I owe a great debt of gratitude to this fine musician and a person I have long known as a friend.

I began studying piano with her when I was in junior high school. I can only imagine what her memories of me are—an average (at best) piano student whose appearance looked like he might be of better value to the football team. Looks are often deceiving; I had little interest in sports at the time. Her patience and perseverance, combined with her love and enthusiasm of music, led me to begin to appreciate music more and develop as a musician. It wasn’t long before I progressed and was able to “graduate” from my lesson and theory books, and study piano music by many of the great composers. Having been raised in the church, my interest was primarily church music; but she understood that to be a good church musician you needed the technique and skill that only came from mastering the great works of piano literature. Occasionally she would inspire me by playing a bunch of songs, and then she would ask me to choose one or two to work on. It was always difficult to decide, as her artistry often motivated me to want to learn them all.

One anecdote which I fondly remember involves my meticulous preparation of a particularly difficult song for an upcoming recital. It was an intermediately arranged version of the William Tell Overture, and although I felt as though I had made great strides in learning the piece, I just couldn’t seem to be able to get the final few measures. When it was lesson time, and time for me to show my work, I eagerly played the song for her, but when I got to the end, I sort of made up my own ending. Not really sure what her reaction would be, I was pleasantly surprised to find that she liked it! She actually encouraged me to play it that way at the recital. I’ll never forget that emboldening moment, which turned out to be a catalyst for my writing and arranging today.

Largely because of Joan’s influence, I went on to college to study music. While I still had much to learn, she provided the foundation of my musical training and development that would later translate into a flourishing musical career. My love for music—which she helped to initially inspire—led me squarely into full time music work, serving as the Music and Worship Pastor of a church in central Georgia. Here, I enjoy so many opportunities, including a large choir, a growing orchestra, and numerous fine musicians that serve under me. Joan’s legacy is reflected in my published works, including various choral anthems and recording projects. Some of the publishers of music that Joan taught me are the very same publishers that I now write for. Any success or accolades that I receive are in large part due to her consistent musical contribution into my formative years.

It’s been a privilege to not only have been called her student, but her friend. She has a deep love for her family, and exhibits a passion for the church and her various music endeavors. She is not given to mediocrity, and she has the ability to motivate, inspire, and bring out the best in you. Her love for others and music is infectious. I am just so very grateful to have been a part of her life, and to have been under her influence.

Respectfully submitted,

James Koerts

Along with some other families who are a part of our ministry here in Georgia, I was recently interviewed for an article by Georgia Family Magazine, a regionally circulated paper, about the importance of music lessons for children. The article was very practical, and I was pleased with how it turned out. You can read the complete article here.

Not to be outdone by my dear mother (!), I decided to join the millions who use Facebook every day. (I probably won’t use it every day, but you get the point.) If you have a Facebook account, check it out!

I suppose it is with a bit of reluctance that I’m entering the blogworld. But here goes. Feel free to look around and see if you can find anything that’s helpful. As always, I’m always interested in feedback, so be sure to contact me with any comments you may have.