Chris Maxwell's Newsletter

Another Day Along the Way
Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Another day,
Some songs provoke laughter. Humorous lyrics hit the chords of fun and entertainment. There's nothing wrong with a smile or fun. A few tunes can do that.

Other songs invite listeners into new worlds. They might trigger a smile or a deep breath or a question. They inspire thoughts. They reinforce beliefs. Repeating phrases doesn't just sell a product for a commercial or give a few lines you'll always recall. The expressions articulate mystery; the rhythm leads listeners into deeper, thought provoking moments of spiritual formation.

Voyage, Christine Dente's new CD, provides that type of music. Christine and her husband Scott became well-known as the group Out of the Grey. Now, years later, Christine's writing and voice team again with Scott's music and production to invite us on a journey into a world and into ourselves - a voyage of reality.

Learn from Christine as you join in our conversation:

Chris Maxwell: What is the overall theme of the new CD?

Christine Dente: The overall theme of Voyage is one of intimate worship and wrestling prayer. A devotional book of Puritan prayers called The Valley of Vision inspired me to create these 10 songs.

I tried to blend classic piety with modern, distinctly Out of the Grey sounds, incorporating some of the old words like "thee" and "thou" with my ideas of what interesting pop music should sound like. Producers Scott Dente (my husband) and Ken Lewis created the mixture of electronic and organic elements that make this Voyage unique!

Chris: When audiences listen to that series of songs, what do you hope they learn?

Christine: I hope these songs remind listeners of God's holiness as well as his approachability. Our awareness of His AWESOMENESS makes the good news of His love and mercy all the more beautiful. Listeners have told me that this project takes some time to grow on them and then they can't stop playing it. So I also hope people will take the time to let it sink deeply into their souls and let the musical language speak to their hearts!

Chris: How does this CD compare to the earlier music of Out of the Grey?

Christine: I would say that this CD is distinct from earlier Out of the Grey in that it's as close to a worship record as we've ever come! But it is creatively closer to earlier recordings when we had less pressure to be "radio-friendly" and had more freedom to experiment. Now that we are "indie artists" the creative space is wide open!

Chris: Give us a description of your own spiritual formation and development.

Christine: I would describe my spiritual formation and development as "slow but sure." I did not grow up in a Christian home but had Christian influence all around me in my native Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. I remember the Good News Club with felt-figures of Jesus and always knowing that He was the real deal. I think I actually avoided a lot of the pitfalls of "churched" kids who often end up spending their adult life unraveling the effects of bad theology. Much of my walk is the unraveling of the ravages of alcoholism, divorce and emotional abuse. (On second thought, bad theology may have been preferable.)

Telling my story in God's bigger story through music and recently, my weekly women's group, has been a huge part of my spiritual development. I have devoured Scripture and theological books my entire adult life; but, although I crave the INFORMATION, it has never been enough. I need more than just me and Jesus, a great book and a good cup of coffee. I am still learning to trust and invest my heart in community - experiencing the Lord through His people. Turns out I do need friends after all.

Chris: I've been able to spend time with your family. Update us on your children and provide your overall perspective about parenting in today's culture.

Christine: Our son Julian is nearly 18; our daughters, Carina and Chloe are 15 and 13. We've always been home-based educators (home-school, road-school, studio-school, etc.) with the many advantages and struggles of constantly being together. Many of my early ideals of parenting have held vibrantly true while others have mellowed to a softer hue of grace. For example, high expectations of obedience worked well for us and we have self-controlled and respectful children. On the other hand, my early expectations of what Christian education should look like have since given way to realistic accommodations to weariness, busy-ness and laziness. And to these three individuals whom I cannot and should not control!

I wish I could have kept our kids from the culture longer than we have because soon enough they face the world as it is. I do believe sheltering is important for a time, based on knowing who each child is.

But ultimately, I want to teach them to know the truth so well that they can recognize a counterfeit immediately. In other words, focusing on Christ and our relationship with Him will prepare them to be discerning and thoughtful people within, but not of, the culture. And they will be part of its transformation!

Also, we humans are always tempted to use the law/rules to control behavior, forgetting that the heart/motivation is what God looks at. So when I am tempted to try to control what they choose to watch on TV or how they use social media (I still do a lot of that), instead I focus on our relationships, the inward motivation and encourage them to learn to love Jesus.

Scott and I try to be transparent and we apologize to our children a lot. If he and I can live as honest, submissive, broken, forgiven and rejoicing Christians, this will go a long way in helping our kids live in such a time as this.

Chris: What do you see as you glance into the future? Your music and your other roles? Concerts?

Christine: We'd like to do more concerts so long as it doesn't involve travel :-) Actually, I have a lot of excitement about the future. Scott and I are still enjoying each other after 22 years of marriage and we would like to do some traveling when the kids are all grown. In this economic climate, touring at our level is tough but we'd like to showcase some of the new as well as the old music!

Chris: Let's go back to the CD. If you could pick three songs for everyone to hear, which would you pick? Why?

Christine: My three favorites are Voyage, Valley of Vision and The Mover. The first song sets the pace for the record, bringing out the turbulence of this seemingly chaotic life and reminding us of our desperate need for assurance: "Convert my every care to prayer, convince my heart you're really there and may the world this day be glad that I'm alive."

The second song highlights the paradox of the Jesus way: "Lord, in your wisdom, the way up is down and bearing the cross is wearing the crown."

And the third song, The Mover, has this flowing, jazzy, ghostly feel and it's all about the Holy Spirit, who doesn't "move men like stones but endues them with life, that they may be free to be moved by Thee."

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell


Powerful Statement: "Convert my every care to prayer, convince my heart you're really there and may the world this day be glad that I'm alive."
(Christine Dente, Voyage)

We invite you to purchase Christine Dente's Voyage:

www.christinedente.net is the place to go for a signed copy of the CD and also where you'll find song descriptions and lyrics!

Downloading folks can go to cdbaby.com or ITunes!

Another Day Along the Way
Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Another day,
This week at Emmanuel College we are emphasizing the variety of nationalities and people groups who are all made in the image of God. Every tribe, every tongue, every language, every race, every color. Historical seasons of pain and promise, of neglect and acceptance, of wars and rumors of wars.

Genesis reminds us that we all - yes, all - are made in the image of God. Music and stories and lessons remind us of our mistakes, but also our beauty, our hope, our wounds. Love, acceptance, and forgiveness are correct and needed; hate and rejection should be hated and rejected.

We began reminding ourselves on January 12, during the Martin Luther King Convocation. This morning, the worship and the words reminded us about we we too often forget. We seek to continue learning and remembering; this week's emphasis highlights various musical styles and historical realities. Next week we follow the theme by moving toward a global emphasis on missions.

Today's Another Day revisits a story I wrote after learning from a man in Los Angeles in May 2006. Read it and realize the importance of us all. Remember that teamwork is the key to the lessons of grace....

I could write about the Azusa Street Centennial and its historical meaning, taking the story down many different streets and turns.

I could write about the songs, the sessions, the services, or the celebrations.

I could write about those who spoke or the many nationalities attending.

I could write about conversations with friends I miss, friends I will soon miss, or leaders I respect.

I could write about my new homeless friend who loves potato chips.

I could write about the passengers I sat beside on the endless flights between Orlando and LA, my speaking sessions, my long walks, my huge prayers, the Lakers' fans, or the amazing beauty across the country.

But I won't. Those were healthy experiences, yes. But I need to let you know what I learned from my new friend Max.

Max waited on me as I ate breakfast three days. Saturday morning - before I returned home - he did more than serve; he told me his story. As I ate eggs and bacon and fruit, I learned about revival movements and church history and global evangelism. His personal testimony became strategic; I should have labeled Max a missiologist and receive credit for a doctorate degree.

While he poured fresh orange juice for his student, Max told me of the man who explained the gospel to him and invited him to Jesus. Max thanked me because of how America sent missionaries to reach his native tribe. Deep appreciation showed itself through his huge grin. Max was happy. And grateful.

He provided information, explaining how his nation now has a higher percentage of Christ's followers per total population than America does. Max said, "Though I live here in LA, I go home often. Christians are everywhere in my country. And we are excited!" Before leaving me alone with my newspaper and donut, Max paused and said, "Now, we seem more thrilled about Jesus than you white men are."

Max-the-server taught me-the-preacher. I tried to read the LA Times sports section, but the NBA scores, MLB stats, and NFL draft picks did not interest me like they usually do. I kept thinking about Max, about his country, about us, about me. I thought about times I've been to his country. I wondered if I would, or should, ever return. I decided that if I go there again I want to take Max with me. Or let Max take me with him.

Soon Max returned again, filling my huge glass with orange juice for the third time. He asked permission to offer a suggestion to an American pastor and author like me. I said, "Yes." Max said, "Mr. Maxwell, it is now our turn. We can go places you people can't go. People who won't like you or listen to you will listen to us now. The way we look and the way we live fits better in the countries where people have not heard about Jesus."

"Max, what should we do to help make that happen?," I asked.

He said, "Trust us to now do for the world what you did for us."

He patted my back and walked away. I left, leaving a larger tip than normal. But it did not compare to the tips he gave me.

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Powerful Statement: Do you really believe in what you're doing? Or better yet, do you really believe that what you're doing is part of God's doing?
(Leonard Sweet, Aqua Church)

Another Day Along the Way
Friday, January 15, 2010

Another day,
When autographing books I often sign after this phrase: "enjoy the journey." When speaking to groups I frequently conclude a talk with those same three words. When counseling and teaching I seek to find what keeps so many of us from enjoying our life journeys.

What previous experiences have inhibited our efforts, damaged our dreams, scarred our inner selves, and allowed bitterness to find a dwelling place within us? What mistakes of ourselves or others continue happening - lack of forgiveness, placing blame, and refusal to accept responsibility? Why do hurts lure us toward methods of hurting others? Who controls what we do?

Yes, heavy questions. But needed. If we want to pursue new relational and emotional territory, shouldn't we identify how former worlds have frightened us and defeated us, or inspired us and accepted us? Shouldn't we gain a better understanding of why we do what we do, and why we want to become the people we seek to become?

Well, last night I watched as our youngest of three sons played basketball. This morning I talked to our oldest son as he drove north from Central Florida to South Georgia. Later today I'll drive south from North Georgia to South Georgia, in the car with my wife, our middle son and a friend. The reason? Celebrating my father's 80th birthday, we're meeting my two sisters and their families to spend time with Pops.

Think about 80 years. I honestly don't think I'll live that long. But I do like the idea of living like we might die soon while also living like we'll live many more years.

This weekend that will include memories and food and laughter and joy. Discussions of past events, conversations of ball games or tough times or favorite songs, chats about sad days and happy days.

While my family is eating and talking, take a moment to think. To rethink. To revisit your past. To refuse to let previous pains control your present moods and future goals. To forgive and move on. To visit a person or place you've avoided. To be nice to a person who has never been nice to you - and, to do that wanting and expecting nothing in return.

If you're already 80, think of what you can do between now and your 99th birthday to make your attitude and your community better. If you're riding on this rapid pace toward 20 or 30 or 40 or 80 years old, what new goals can you set? What old hurts can you release so their throbbing doesn't control your mood any longer? What unanswered prayers can you pray again and again, each time with an attitude of "not my will, but Your will"?

Well, I'm getting on the road to go south. I'll try not to bring any more luggage than what is needed for this trip.

And, as we enjoy the journey, I pray none of us continue carrying loads of unnecessary material which can rob us of truly living this thing called life.

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Powerful Statement: It is hard work to look beneath the services presented to us and examine the cultural and historical forces underlying current conditions.
(Kathleen Norris, Acedia & me: A Marriage, Monks, and A Writer's Life)

Another Day Along the Way
Saturday, January 09, 2010

Another day,
You know the song. Whenever the opening notes begin playing, you are ready to sing along. Each word, each note. Well, for those of you who can hit the notes.

You know the commercial. The faces, the comments, the humor. Repetition reinforces scenes. You might forget the product being sold, but you remember the drama.

You know the movie. The conflict, the conversations, the conclusion. The final scene, though you've seen it so many times, still brings feelings of closure.

Familiarity might not always breed contempt. But it often embeds lyrics and quotes and moods into our brains. We might continue singing that one song for a few more hours. A phrase finds a home in the brain; it chooses to stay. So, we sing it, we think it, we repeat it.

But do we know the meaning? Do we learn a personal life lesson from a speech, or do we only memorize an appealing phrase or a few key points? Do we evaluate and resolve a song's true meaning, or just sing along without thought of content?

I'm not saying we should take each phrase too seriously. We need to relax a little more and not turn leisure into an obsession. Still, we might miss the wonder of a phrase if memorization without meaning takes the place of repetition and awareness.

Try this. Think again about an ancient song, poem, prayer. Many have heard the journal read to them. Many have read it themselves. Many have heard it read in a church service or a funeral or a wedding. Many have heard sermons about it. Many have memorized it and can quote it like the chorus of a song or the comments from a commercial.

It goes by the title Psalm 23. David wrote it as an honest, prayerful confession. The poetic journal became a song for a nation - a liturgical song which has lasted miles and centuries and wars and mistakes.

This week - actually, begin today and do this each day - read Psalm 23. Again. But slowly. Very slowly. Pause at a noun or a verb. See the scene. Feel the mood. Put yourself in the place of David; feel like a needy sheep depending upon a shepherd. Think of the shepherd providing, protecting, watching, directing.

The Lord is my shepherd, David prayed. I shall not want, he continued.

That is as far as I need to go today. Choosing to believe in One who watches over me, who provides for me - that is what I need to read, pray, and believe today.

Join in the reading, the repetition, the pausing, the asking, the seeking to believe. Ask yourself questions like: What stops me from believing? What past hurts have caused me to become so doubtful about a God who loves and cares? What lures me away from His protection?

As you pause to think, you might realize the phrase is worth memorizing and praying and singing and repeating. Proper familiarity to such a poem just might bring contentment.

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Poetic Song: God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
(Psalm 23:1-3, The Message)

Another Day Along the Way
Thursday, December 31, 2009

Another day,
The last day of the year. So much on my mind.

We returned for Christmas to a city where we lived for years. Many years - 24 years, actually. A city of theme parks and sunshine and friends. The lakes, the alligators, the planes. Traffic and toll roads and restaurants. The visit reminded me of what I had invested so much of my time and self into. Glancing back after a few years away reveals much.

We spent time with our oldest son and his wife. Now 500 miles north, we miss them. And their baby on the way. What will their son face? Where will they live? What are God's plans for each of their individual lives and the life of that family?

I played football with my three sons. They have aged, but they are young. I am not. I loved each pass, each run, each touchdown. I loved each timeout to get my breath. I remembered when I was the tallest and the fastest.

We played on the property of a church where I served as pastor for many years. I recalled people and events and sermons and songs. I felt joy and sadness and hope and grief simultaneously. My memories and feelings mixed together like a salad hosting a variety of vegetables. Some taste great. Some aren't very delicious but are said to be healthy. Some are best left off the plate. Memories can be like that.

And now? On a kitchen table typing after breakfast. I woke early. Time alone. To think, to pray, to eat, to meditate. Time to write.

I looked at the date and shook my head. A year ends. With so much still on my to-do-list and so much on my mind. I mentally hear two Bruce Cockburn songs: The Last Night of the World and The Coldest Night of the Year. I continue contemplating the new lyrics and music from Christine Dente's Voyage, and the words in James Bryan Smith's book, The Good and Beautiful God.

I think of previous years - they all ended. I think of future years and wonder: What will they bring to the table? How will they end? How will we respond?

During this year's final hours, can't we all take time to evaluate and set new goals while letting peace and joy flavor our moods? Can't we dream big, refusing to allow past failures control future possibilities? Can't we look in the mirror and smile? Can't we glance at the number 2010 and realize life contains more than the numbers of bank accounts, stat sheets, and success evaluations? Can't we forgive others? Can't we forgive ourselves? Can't we receive forgiveness from the Forgiver? Can't we love and live life?

Well, my early morning text from our oldest son caused me to hit pause. This time last week we were together; today we are 500 miles apart. He wrote, "I'm up early. Sitting at the table looking for you." A little moisture came through my eyes - but, since we're told men don't cry, I'm not sure what that wet stuff was. I texted back; I prayed again, missing our first born son who will soon be a dad himself.

Then, I felt like Someone Else was voicing a statement using those same words. He didn't text it or facebook it or email it. But He spoke it in silence, so only my inner self could hear it. Someone Else said, "I'm sitting at the table waiting for you."

Our Lover and Creator is looking for us, waiting for us. Let us join Him at the table. He has prepared it. Even in our past and future years of enemies, He has prepared a table. Let's not rush past the meal; let's pause. Let's sit at the table. Let's end and begin a year beside our Maker.

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Powerful Statement: Spiritual formation always works the delicate balance between the personal appropriation of spiritual truth and the reality that our faith is a historically grounded community event. Both the individual aspects of our faith and its communal reality need to be part of our spiritual formation.(Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered: Growing in Christ through Community, James C. Wilhoit)

LISTEN TO THE STORY: A Word to the World

Another Day Along the Way
Sunday, December 13, 2009

Another day,
A December day of rain in Georgia. Falcons lose a close game to the undefeated Saints. Students complete their work and leave for Christmas break in two days. Friends gather to discuss life and pain and hope.

I'm already thinking of dreams and goals for next year, though still shocked that the numbers will be 2010. I'm finishing assignments, praying for friends, reading three new books, and wondering what the future holds for us all. I think about our grandchild to be born this summer and about our middle son graduating college this spring: What awaits them? I think about family together for Christmas, remembering Decembers past and seeking to enjoy this moment in time.

In our hurry, can we slow down a little? In our plans, can we include time for those who are usually unnoticed? In our selfishness, can we remember a season about a baby, a promise, a hope, and a life?

Yes, we can. We can pause and meditate and remember. We can pray and forgive and be forgiven. We can love and laugh and listen. We can notice and hug and be. Just be.

For me, reading and writing help that process. Here are a few suggestions of words to see and hear over the holidays. They're not holiday hits to help you hurry through the mall. Hit your radio for those. These words will challenge, dare, inform, inspire. A few words might convict you; a few words might comfort you. But let the words come to you, as we remember a Word arriving many years ago....

The article America's Ugliest Crime, by my friend Charles J. Powell, in Charisma:

http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/features/2009/november/23558-stop-child-slavery-now

The article A Voice for Sanity, by Sarah Pulliam Bailey, about my friend Lee Grady:

http://www.ctlibrary.com/ct/2009/november/33.42.html

The new CD by Christine Dente (I'll write more about this in a future Another Day), Voyage:

http://www.christinedente.net/

The book, The Good and Beautiful God, by James Bryan Smith:

http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/author.pl/author_id=6377

The magazine, Conversations:

http://conversationsjournal.com/

And, an article I wrote back in December 2001:

http://www.chrismaxwellweb.com/assets/pdf/GodDreamingOfWhite.pdf

Enjoy the words you hear and see. Go after a few more books, many more songs, and many, many, many more words. Read. Listen. Receive. Learn. Welcoming a variety of stories all related somehow to the Story. In a season of hurry and food and gladness and pain, welcome the Story. Make room. And, be. Just be.

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Powerful Statement: The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory,
like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
true from start to finish.
(John 1:14, The Message)