"Why pray......when you can worry"

I just received an e-mail from a dear friend of the family. She was writing in response my note to her that mother had passed away. This friend lives many miles away, so she was not able to be at the memorial service.

She pointed out the great heritage that we have in our family. But also, her e-mail reminded me of a couple of things. First, her story:

“I remember one time when I was in a meeting with them in Minnesota..... I'm not even sure which town. It was during the 70's and I was traveling alone. I had two meetings in a row which had been cancelled.....both of them were "legitimate" cancellations, which the pastor could not help. I had got up early one morning and was in the dining room making some phone calls, trying to fill those "empty" spots. The door to the kitchen (where your parents were cooking breakfast) was closed. I think I was sitting at the dining room table, with my head bowed in my hands......partly in prayer, and partly in desperation. Anyway, the door to the kitchen opened, and your Dad came in to get something, and saw me.

I think he immediately got "the picture".....and started singing in his big booming voice:

"Why pray......when you can worry"

I had been singing the little chorus with the children:

Why worry, when you can pray
Trust Jesus, He'll be your stay.
Don't be a doubting Thomas
Trust fully in His promise...
Why worry, worry...worry, worry
When you can pray.

Anyway, we had a good laugh.........and my despair gave way to hope.....and "sure 'nuff"........I soon had some phone calls and filled those empty dates.”

Several things come to mind:

First: relationships are so wonderful! My parents had opened their home to this friend, who was an itinerant preacher. And, little did she know when she came to visit that she would need them! She needed dad’s “encouraging song” done with humor….but it got the point across. But, she probably might not have received it had they not been her friend.

Second: songs, even when mixed up and done in jest, can be powerful reminders!

Third: reminders are important. She needed to be reminded that worrying was getting her nowhere. She needed to pray. She had been singing the chorus with the children but it had not gotten into HER heart at that point. It was a nice message, but it was not yet a reality in her own situation.

Funny how we can get into situations that blind us to doing what we know we should do! When we are worried we should pray! We know that, but sometimes we need other people such as family, friends, colleagues, to remind us of that fact. So, let’s all be sensitive to needs around us and be an encouragement to someone today.

So, if you are in one of those difficult, “stuck between a rock and a hard-place” times, let someone help you! Or you can do what dad said: "Why pray......when you can worry"

Well…actually NOT! Here is a great reminder:

Do Not Worry

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:25-33 NIV)

Problems with hearing God due to a lot of "noise?"

Here is a great quote from Henri Nouwen (1932-1996):

"It is clear that we are usually surrounded by so much outer noise that it is hard to truly hear our God when he is speaking so us. We have often become deaf, unable to know when God calls us and unable to understand in which direction he calls us.

Thus our lives have become absurd. In the word absurd we find the Latin word "surdus," which means "deaf."...When, however, we learn to listen, our lives become obedient lives. The word obedient comes from the Latin word "audire," which means "listening." [Nouwen, Henri J.M. "Making All Things New: An Invitation to the Spiritual Life." San Francisco : Harper & Row, 1981.]

I recently had an experience where I was thankful that I “heard the Lord.” On a recent Saturday morning I started to read through the book of Ecclesiastes. My plan was to read several chapters, pray and then head to my office at the college to do some work. As I was reading, I felt the Lord speak to me to “read until 10:00 a.m.” (It was about 9:40 a.m.) Well, I was really enjoying reading and I didn’t look at the clock to see what time it was. Instead of a few chapters, I felt impressed to “read the whole book.” Well, I love to read God’s Word, so it was a joy.

Well, I prayed for a while and then just sat and “meditated.” When I got up, it was almost 11:00 a.m. My wife had put the vacuum cleaner in the living room (“hint, hint!”). Actually, not! But, I decked to help her before I went to the office. I vacuumed one room and then when I move to another room, I looked out the window and saw a fire truck.

To make a long story short, when I went outside to check on what had happened, I found that my neighbor was about to be taken by ambulance to the emergency room. She was having breathing problems. Her husband wanted to go with her in the ambulance. I said, “I’ll watch the kids.”

So, the 3 kids—one young teen and 2 pre-teens—went into the house and we had a great time together over the next couple of hours. Eventually their mom and dad came home and their mom was fine for which we all thanked the Lord!

I thought: if I have not been obedient to stay at home, I would have missed it. Karen was heading to the store, so she probably would not have been around to help.

Isn’t God good? He had a plan lined out so that the kids would not be left alone in an empty house. I didn’t tell you that the family was just a couple hours from leaving the city due to moving. The rental truck was packed and they were just doing the last cleaning when this happened!

Not only did He have a plan for the children and the mom and dad, but also for me: I had the wonderful privilege of getting to know 3 wonderful young people better than I had in the time they lived next door as neighbors. It was such an inspiration to see how the three of them loved each other and interacted during this “rough time” of not knowing what was happening to their mother!

I have always tried to listen to the Lord and be obedient to Him. I’ll be the first to let you know that I am not batting 1.000 in this area, but I continue to work at it.
This little incident has been a great reminder to be “listening” at all times for the voice of the Lord.

As Nouwen reminded me: “We have often become deaf, unable to know when God calls us and unable to understand in which direction he calls us.”

I want to hear God speaking and then obey. Someone may be depending on my obedience.

Celebrating the life of Arne Thorodd Thomassen (1921-2006)

(One of the last pictures I took of dad, November 24, 2005, his 60th wedding anniversary)

June 29, 2006 was the day dad passed away. Arne T. Thomassen (1921-2006)

“An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad.” (Proverbs 29:6 NIV)

One thing that dad did was to sing! Where did he get his song? Well, I believe it same primarily from the Lord. The Bible says in several places that “the Lord is my song.” One evidence of one’s relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is the song that He puts in our hearts. Psalm 40 says the Lord hears our cry; lifts us out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire (of sin); sets our feet on a rock and puts a new song in our mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. “Many shall see it and fear and trust in the Lord.” (Psalm 40:1-3).

Dad sang all the time. I think that is one reason he was a very happy man. I know that he faced difficult times in his life. He had struggles like everyone else, suffered pain, and went through great trials, but he never lost his song.

Dad was a Proverbs 29:6 kind of guy! He was righteous (because of his relationship with Jesus - it was his trust in Jesus that made him in right standing with God) and therefore he would sing and be glad (or rejoice). He sang in the car, around the house, when he worked, all the time. He knew countless numbers of songs. And, his songs were usually songs of joy and they made him glad. As we were growing up we learned a lesson that if you sang, work was not as hard. Little then did we understand there were things like “work songs.”

So, today as our family looks back on dad’s life, one of the things that comes to the forefront is the song he always had on his lips. He truly did what one of the notes he collected said:

You are the chosen of the Lord Lord To sing His highest praise. And through the medium of song To show His wondrous ways. (unknown)

He also had this saying: “Yes, music has power. Let us use it for good!” (unknown)

Good advice! So, dad, we sing praise today because the Word of God commands it, but because you modeled it! We miss you but we know that today, at this moment, you are in heaving singing praises to the One you faithfully served for 85 years on this earth.

Dad, thanks for your influence on my life!

Influence can be defined as the act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command; the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways.

Influence….father….yes, the two go together. In fact, the two are inseparable.

I look at the picture above taken in August 2003 in New Richmond as members of our family sat together after moving mother and dad into their new apartment. You see, dad had had several “mini-strokes” and needed to be near one of his sons. My brother Curtis and his wife, Andrea, so graciously found a wonderful place for them to live.

We all sat down for a Chinese buffet after working to set up the apartment. From left to right we have mother (Alice Thomassen), nephew David Thomassen, Andrea Thomassen (David’s mother and Curt’s wife), George (my middle brother – probably on the cell phone to his wife!), myself, Curtis (my youngest brother) and dad. At this time dad was 82. Although he was not able to walk like he did due to the strokes, he was still determined to get around. The next few months would see a dramatic turn of events. By Christmas time he became so weak that he had to go into a nursing home. He continued to become weaker, had more mini strokes, lost his ability to speak, but amazingly, he could still sing!

So, what kind of influence could he still have? Dad would sit in his chair with his Bible and his prayer list and pray for all of us and many, many more people. Was this the first time he had done that? No! Many people will tell you that he did this for years. How do they know? Their name was on his prayer list! I know that all of our family members were on that list….every child, grandchild, cousin and on and on. Not only family but friends, former parishioners, work associates and the list goes on.

The Bible says, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)

For years, dad prayed for us. Although he has now been gone for almost 3 years, his prayers and life still influence us. His influence impacts many things I do. I still remember how he did things or dealt with people over many years of ministry and I am reminded to do what he did in various situations.

Dad was quiet and often didn’t say much, but he didn’t have to. He lived an exemplary life. Is salt loud and boisterous? No. But can it influence? Try putting too much on your potatoes!

On this Father’s Day 2009 I thank God for the influence of my father. I say, “How can I have been so fortunate to have a father who loved his wife and his children and everyone he met; who was kind and gracious to everyone, particularly those who, as he said it, “were down and out;” who was honest, paid his bills on time, never stole, cheated, was a law-abiding citizen; never drank or cursed or abused his family physically or mentally, etc.?”

My brothers and I, as well as our whole families, were greatly influenced just by observing dad’s life!

How many people in the world would have given their “right arm” (another expression used by dad) to have had such a father. I know that we were privileged to have had his influence.

On this Father’s Day I am reminded that it is not the “great things” we do that are important. Who really cares how much money we have or don’t have, what kinds of “things” we have or don’t have, what our position is or isn’t in life? These things do not influence. They may impress perhaps, but they do not impact our lives like the influence of a good father! Not only a good father, but a godly father.

Dad’s, let’s concentrate on influencing our children with our lives. Our words are important and they are needed. (Dad was not afraid of using words!) The most important thing is to life the life. “Walk the walk.”

So, my dad who came from Norway to Brooklyn, New York, when he was a boy, learned English and later became a U.S. citizen while in the U.S. Army, fought in W.W. II, married, went to college, became a pastor, raised 3 sons, remained faithful to his wife for 60 years, lived until he was 85, might not be known by a lot of people in the world, but he had and continues to have a worldwide influence! His family has ministered around the world; many people he mentored are in positions around the world influencing others; his teaching and training, for example, on “faith promises” has meant countless dollars given to missions; his “doughnuts and pastries” influenced countless numbers of prisoners. I could go on and on.

Dad, again today your influence is providing the impetus to write this blog. To let other people know that they, too, can impact other people’s lives in a positive way. Frank C. Laubach, whom you loved to read, wrote a book entitled “Prayer, the mightiest Force in the World.” Laubach said, "Prayer is undervalued by all but wise people, because it is so silent and so secret. We are often deceived into thinking that noise is more important than silence. War sounds far more important than the noiseless, growing crop of wheat; yet the silent wheat feeds millions, while war destroys them."

Dad, your life and prayers continue to impact the world through us. May we be faithful like you! That in itself will influence others!

Happy 88th Birthday, Dad!

(Photo taken on Dad and Mother's 60th Wedding Anniversary, November 24, 2005)

June 9, 2009: Happy Birthday, Dad!

Dad, it is hard to believe that you have been gone for almost 3 years now. In one sense the time has flown; in another it seems to have stood still. Today would have been your 88th birthday! Mother celebrated her 88th just a few weeks ago. We got to see her that night after driving from Springfield the day after I got back from Europe. Where do the years go?

I remember you commenting about our children, “Enjoy them while you can because they grow up so fast!” You were right….I blinked and they are now almost 34 and 24!

As I reminisce today, here are a few of my thoughts about you:

Although you were not always a man of many words, when you spoke what you said had meaning. You also collected words which you put into articles or files. One such set of words is on the inside of one of the Bibles you had, which I am blessed to have:

“Steadfast Heart”

I’ve dreamed many dreams that never come true…I’ve seen them vanish at dawn…But enough of my dreams have come true, thank God—To make me want to dream on.

I’ve prayed many prayers when no answer came…Though I waited patiently and long…But answers have come to enough of my prayer, thank God—To make me want to pray on.

I’ve trusted many a friend who failed me. And left me to weep all alone…But enough of my friends have been true blue, thank God—To make me want to trust on.

I’ve sown many seeds that fell by the way...For the birds of the air to feed on…But I’ve held many golden sheaves in my hands, thank God—To make me want to sow on.

I’ve drunk the cup of disappointment and pain….I’ve gone many days without song…But I’ve sipped enough nectar from the roses of life, thank God—To make me want to live on.
—unknown

Mother collected many of your sayings in a book she called “Gems, A Collection of Poems, Articles, Quotes, Sermon Outlines, Misc . by Arne Thomassen.” I like several of your quotes that deal with hope.

“Hope is a view of the future that gives purpose to every day events and provides a basis for making the decisions that we confront daily.” (Ministers Manual, 1980, p. 102 by C. Ellis Nelson)

“Christian hope rests on God, not on man or luck or fate. And it is a dynamic, transforming quality, reaching forwards from the present with its fears and frustrations to a future bright with the promises of a faithful God.” --unknown

C.E.B. Cranfield wrote: “The most striking characteristic that distinguished the early Christians from their pagan neighbors was their HOPE. Unlike their pagan neighbors, the early Christians were man of HOPE, who could look steadfastly into the future without fear, not with mere resignation, but with eager anticipation.”

Your words, your actions, your life demonstrated hope. You showed your family that your hope was in God. Although you never had much money, you were rich! You were rich in hope in God. You passed that hope on to your family and that has sustained us.

That is what I want to pass on to my family and my world. I think of one of my favorite scriptures: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV).

Well, 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that along with faith and love, HOPE abides or lives forever! We have the hope of seeing Jesus one of these days, but also the hope of seeing you again. So, only the Lord knows how long that will be. But until then, we will keep our hope alive in the One who gives us hope.

Let me leave you with a song that I know you know…..and by now you would have met the author, Norman J. Clayton. I remember you taking me to a Christian Business Men’s Committee (CBMC) meeting when I was a boy to hear Norman Clayton in person. I’ll never forget him telling how that as a boy, he lost a finger in an accident, but a drunken doctor sowed it back on and therefore he had his finger! (That was years before reattachments became common place!). Clayton wrote these great lyrics in which he declared: “My Hope is in the Lord” (words and music by Norman J. Clayton © 1945)

My hope is in the Lord
Who gave Himself for me
And paid the price
Of all my sin at Calvary.

Chorus
For me He died;
For me He lives;
And everlasting life
And light He freely gives.

No merit of my own
His anger to suppress.
My only hope is found
In Jesus' righteousness.

And now for me He stands
Before the Father's throne.
He shows His wounded hands
And names me as His own.

His grace has planned it all;
'Tis mine but to believe
And recognize His work of love
And Christ receive.

So, dad, my hope is in the Lord! We’ll keep that hope alive as we wait for His return!

Ever felt like giving up?

Remember the admonition in the book of Hebrews to those who had suffered: "So, do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to perseverse, so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." (10:35-36)

You say, "my confidence"? Your confidence in Jesus Christ! Your confidence in Him as your intercessor. Ephesians 3:12 says "In Him (Jesus Christ) and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." Remember that Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us.

So, if you are discouraged remember, He is praying for you right now! Don't give up....don't quit!

Also remember you can approach Him in confidence. When you do and you cast your cares on Him, He will remind you that He cares for you. I believe you will find that your condifence will be restored!

Paul wrote in the following verses in Ephesians that the people should not get discouraged because he is suffering.

Then he prays for the Ephesians....but you can put your name in here!

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:14-21)

Be encouraged today! And....hang on to your confidence!

By the way, remember that song Andre' Crouch wrote years ago:

I've Got Confidence

Chorus:

I've got confidence
God is gonna see me thru
No matter what the case may be
I know He's gonna fix it for me

When trouble is in my way
I can't tell my night from the day
When I'm tossed from side to side
Like a ship's raging tide
I don't worry I don't fret
God has never failed me yet
Troubles come from time to time
But that's all right
I'm not the worrying kind because

I've got confidence
God is gonna see me thru
No matter what the case may be
I know He's gonna fix it for me

Job was sick so long
That the flesh fell from his bones
His wife cattle and children
Everything he had was gone
But Job in his despair
Knew that God still cared
Sleepless days and sleepless nights
But Job said that's all right because

I've got confidence
God is gonna see me thru
No matter what the case may be
I know He's gonna fix it for me

Some folks wonder how I smile
Even tho' I'm going thru trials
How can I have a song
When everything is going wrong
I don't worry I don't fret
God has never failed me yet
Troubles come from time to time
But that's all right
I'm not the worrying kind because (to chorus)

Andrae Crouch © 1969 Bud John Songs, Inc.

John Hallett Z

Continuing in John Hallett: From A to Z

Z = Zeal for Jesus and for His work

Titus 2:14 “Zealous for good works”

Zeal means “eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something.” It is synonymous with passion. Zeal implies “energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause.” (Webster’s 7th New collegiate Dictionary).

Jesus was John’s “energetic and unflagging pursuit.” This is evidenced in is music composition and in his lecture notes.

John had a zeal for his God, his wife, Ruth, his work, baseball, flowers, piano, composition…all that he did. He did with his whole heart, soul, mind and strength. He not only taught this, but lived it.

He often listed the verse: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all to the glory of God”

John’s good works certainly follow him. He pursued Jesus; he pursued excellence; he pursued his dream of one day being able to transpose; he pursued his dream of using music to tell the Good News, the Gospel, to the world. And he fulfilled his pursuits!

John passed away on June 1, 2000. He lived to see the new century. But now he lives in glory with the One whom he faithfully served all of his life. On earth he lives on in the hearts and lives of his family and friends, in his music and in the example he set for all of us.

I encourage each one of us to pursue Jesus, first and foremost, but also pursue your dreams!

I end this note with some words on integrity from John’s his notes in his own handwriting: (undated)

Integrity:

1. Completeness (finished)
2. Perfectness, flawless
3. Character
4. Sincere

John and his beloved wife, Ruth.

John Hallett (1917-2000)

John Hallett Y

(Click on image to enlarge)

Continuing in John Hallett: From A to Z

Y = Yankees

Play baseball for the New York Yankees?

The dream of every young baseball player in the New York area and beyond! Imagine being invited to N.Y. to have a tryout with them! That was the offer given to John. Once before he had been given a tryout and had been given a scholarship to Columbia University. But this time, he had a train ticket to go to Yankee Stadium, "the House that Ruth Built" for another tryout. At that same time another "voice" was speaking to him. Go to Moody Bible Institute and prepare for ministry. John was a very capable pianist who, at an early age, was already in demand as an accompanist.

What would he do?

We know now that he chose Moody Bible Institute and a path that lead into music ministry. But he “loved” baseball!

John wrote this in an un-dated article:

“I had heard the Yankees were coming to the Triple Cities for an exhibition game with the “Triple Team”. It was the Yankees farm team. I had a try-out with the Yankees when I was l6 years old and made it. I received a scholarship to go to Columbia University to play baseball. I loved baseball so much. I played short-stop and 3d base.”

These notes are found in the blog entry “B” Baseball.

“…all the while he loved baseball. And he not only skilled his, emphasized his skill as a musician, he emphasized his skill as a baseball player. There was a team there in Binghamton that was a farm team of the New York Yankees. And that farm team asked Johnnie to play with him. And he played regularly from time to time with a Binghamton farm team of the New York Yankees. And then the Yankees heard about Johnnie and asked him to try out for, believe it or not, the New York Yankees baseball team. You’ll see why I mention that in just a few moments. But he loved baseball and he loved music, but ultimately it was music that won out, because of his love for music.” (recounted by his life-long friend Dr. Carl (Kelly) Bihl during John Hallett’s Memorial Service)

To his dying day, John kept a baseball glove and hat hanging next to the desk where he composed music. (See photo above) In his office he also had a variety of baseball memorabilia including baseballs autographed by members of New York Yankee teams over the years. One is signed by "Larry Berra," or "Yogi" to all of his fans! He loved baseball!

John Hallett X

Continuing in John Hallett: From A to Z

X = Xtra!

Today we get an Xtra edition of John Hallett’s life: facts and figures about an amazing man! Here are a variety of facts about John’s life and ministry.

John was born at 1:45 p.m. on August 22, 1917 in the home of his parents, John and Ethel Hallett, at 22 Tayntor Avenue, Binghamton, New York. One record says he was 9 pounds, another record says he was 10 pounds 2 ounces. No height is listed.

Spiritual Journey

John faithfully attended Sunday School at the Calvary Baptist Church in Binghamton. On September 16, 1923 he received a Beginner’s Department Promotion Certificate to the Primary Department.

Then….Primary to Junior Department: September 26, 1926.
Junior to Intermediate Department: September 29, 1929.
Intermediate to Senior Department: October 2, 1932.
(Yes, there are signed certificates for each of these)

The most important “certificate” says: MY DECISION FOR JESUS. “I believe JESUS died for me and I now accept Him as MY SAVIOUR. John C. Hallett, 152 LeRoy St., Sunday School attended: Calvary Baptist. Age: 8 Date: January 16, 1926.

Licensed to preach. “This is certify that at a meeting of the Calvary Baptist Church, at Binghamton, N.Y., held on the 11th day of August, 1942, our brother John C. Hallett whom we believe to have been called of God to the work of The Gospel Ministry, was Licensed to preach the Gospel as he may have opportunity, and to exercise his gifts in the work of the Ministry, except in administering the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.” Reverend Kenneth A. Muck, Pastor (signed) A.E. Hoyt, clerk (signed).

Certificate of Baptism. “Upon profession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, John Hallett was baptized by me into the fellowship of the Calvary Baptist Church at Binghamton, N.Y. on April 17, 1927. Herbert M. Pease, Pastor (signed)

Certificate of Membership. This is to verify that John Hallett was received into membership of the Calvary Baptist Church of Binghamton, N.Y. on the 1st day of May, 1927. Herbert M. Pease, Pastor (signed)

Educational Journey

John appeared to be a conscientious student. We have certificates for the three years—1930, 1931, 1932—during which time he was “Neither Tardy Nor Absent.” (as stated on the certificate).

Port Dickinson School: attended there in the 6th grade.

Junior High School. “This certifies that John Hallett having completed the Course of Study as prescribed by the State of New York for The Port Dickinson Junior High School is entitled to this Certificate. Given at Port Dickinson, New York this 27th day of June. A.D. 1933.” J. Edward Hurlburt, Superintendent (signed), Glenn A. Slater, Principal.

High School. “Department of Education. Binghamton Central High School. John Hallet has satisfactorily completed the academic course of study prescribed by the Board of Education for the High School and is awarded this Diploma. Granted on this twenty-second day of June. A.D. 1937. H.E. Weaver, Principal, Daniel J. Kelly, Superintendent of Schools (signed).

Piano Lessons

John Hallett began his musical career at the age of six by studying piano at the Binghamton conservatory. Later training included organ, harmony, conducting and composition.

One of John’s piano lesson note books contains 3 years of lesson assignments, meticulously written in color pencil and pencil by his teacher, Mrs. Allene K. Bixby of Binghamton, N.Y. September 27, 1929 first piano lesson in this series of notebooks.

He studied at Moody Bible Institute and New York University.

John wrote in an undated article: “The Lord did call me to use my musical talent in his service, the greatest work in all the world. I received most of my training as a young boy in Binghamton Conservatory of Music. I started piano lessons about the age of six. I had a wonderful teacher who also taught me theory, keyboard harmony and ear training.

I went to Binghamton Central High School, one of the few high schools offering a music course. Ray Hartley, known throughout the Triple Cities as a fine musician, taught the music course.. He took an interest in me and inspired me to write my own music. It was a privilege to take ear-training, harmony and composition during my high school years, a student of this great teacher.

In my early years, I was most interested in baseball. Music too, of course, and I was the substitute pianist and organist at Calvary Baptist Church in Binghamton.”

Music Director

John Hallett has served as Music Director at the Philadelphia Bible Institute and the Northeastern Bible Institute. He has also been Music Director of the Children’s Bible Hour of Grand Rapids, Michigan on the ABC network. In addition to churches mentioned in other articles.


My Song of Songs

One of John’s great songs that has been recorded by a number of well known musicians, including the late Jerome Hines of the New York Metropolitan Opera. Also, Philip Smith, Solo Principal Trumpet for the New York Philharmonic.
http://www.principaltrumpet.com/home.html?p=bio

My Song of Songs is referenced in the blog on J = Jesus.

On the website of the Salvation Army’s USA Eastern Territory Music Publications we find this note about Philip Smith:

“The Salvation Army has a long and distinguished history of producing excellent brass players. From Sydney to London, Chicago to New York, Salvationist musicians can be found in the brass sections of leading orchestras throughout the world. One of the finest players ever to first buzz a mouthpiece in The Salvation Army band program is Philip Smith. Introduced to the cornet by his father, the legendary cornet soloist and bandmaster, Derek Smith, Philip built his musical foundation through Salvation Army band and music camp program, then refined his skills at New York's prestigious Julliard School of Music.

The Philip Smith Signature Series features music performed by Philip with the New York Staff Band of The Salvation Army on the critically acclaimed recording My Song of Songs.

The text below is taken from the program notes of My Song of Songs, written by Philip Smith.

“I was tuned into "My Song of Songs" for several reasons. My dad mentioned it some time ago. Johnny Hallett dedicated it to "my esteemed friend, Erik Leidzen," a beloved writer of Salvation Army music and a professional composer. I love the words too. After all, what more can I say as a professional musician than that "He fills my life with joyous melody." And spiritually, my desire is that Christ will always be my song of songs.” http://www.music.use-salvationarmy.org/pubs/signature.html

If you want a great recording, look for the CD entitled, My Song of Songs by Philip Smith with the New York Staff Band of The Salvation Army.

Salvation Army

John had many associations with the Salvation Army. Two of the leading writers in the Salvation Army, Erik Leidzen and Emil Soderstrom, were men with whom he studied and collaborated in his writing and publishing. He presented workshops for Salvation Army conferences, directed Salvation Army band camps and knew many of the Salvation Army musicians, including Derek Smitih, himself a renowned cornetist, Philip Smith's father. In a number of John's books of choruses he used songs from The Salvation Army International Music Board.

Trans World Radio

John was a lifetime of the Board of Directors of Trans World Radio.

John Hallett W

Continuing in John Hallett: From A to Z

W = Webber, Leroy C.

“John Hallett came to Long Hill Chapel (New Jersey) in the Spring of 1955 and his music ministry here is well know and deeply appreciate by the Chapel fellowship. There has been a great growth in both the quality and breadth of the musical activities under his leadership.” Notes are from the program (attached) in which “Long Hill Chapel Bides Farewell To John Hallett” October 15, 1967.

Leroy C. Webber was the pastor or Long Hill Chapel and John was the Minister of Music. They not only worked together in ministry but also collaborated on a number of songs. Here are some of the songs for which he wrote the lyrics, including the last song John wrote.

(Click on images to enlarge)

The Music of Angels

The music of angels,
The star’s silver light,
The gold of the Magi,
God’s glory that night,
All welcomed the Christ Child,
As, humbled by birth,
The hightest of heaven
Lies cradled on earth.

So humble the shepherds,
Who bowed at His feet,
So regal the wise men,
In Jesus they meet,
A rude lowly stable,
A start at His birth,
The wonder of ages
When heaven meets earth.

Lyrics: Leroy C. Webber
Music: John C. Hallett

So Very Small

So very small, so very small,
This Baby Who is Lord of all,
The gift of love
Sent from above,
For me, for me.

So very small, so very small,
That voice is the cattle stall,
I humbly bow
And crown Him now,
My King, my King.

So very small, so very small,
This heart mine, it is my all,
This gift I bring
To Christ my King,
Today, today.

Lyrics: Leroy C. Webber
Music: John C. Hallett


Ruth: "The last song Johnnie composed."

Oh Sing That Name, the Name of Jesus
Lyrics by Leroy C. Webber

Verse One
Oh, sing that name, the name of Jesus,
That name above all names in earth and heaven.
Sometimes in whispered prayer, then loudly sound
I love that name, that mighty name.

Verse Two
It is that name, the name of Jesus.
It conquers doubts and fears and brings us peace.
Adore Him Heaven above, on Earth let praises now begin.
Oh, praise His name.

Verse Three
At His coming that great name was given
By an angel brought down to Earth.
Now the maiden called by God and chosen
Holds the baby in her loving care.

Verse Four
She sings that name in a tender lullaby,
Oh wondrous mystery how can it be?
That precious name I love, that glorious matchless name of Jesus
Oh sing that name.

Verse Five
Proclaim that name, the name of Jesus
Now see the gates of Him swing open wide.
The saints now gather on streets of gold,
In radiant light, Oh what a day!

Verse Six
But still that name, the name of Jesus,
Shall ever reign supreme thru endless time
And all the heavenly host and saints from all the ageless past
Shall praise His name.

Verse Seven
I will be there in that celebration
And I’ll join them in that song of praise
To the Savior who has given salvation
And has brought me to this place of joy.

Verse Eight
Then still that name, the name of Jesus
Will be my endless theme while ages roll
And so I’ll sing it now and raise my voice
And loud His praise.

Verse Nine
Jesus, oh how sweet the name
Jesus, every day the same
Jesus, let all saints proclaim
His worthy praise forever.


Will: Note what John attached to his last will and testament.

(Click on image to enlarge)

John Hallett V

Continuing in
John Hallett: From A to Z

V = Vessel of Honor

V in John Hallett’s life could represent a number of things.

Visionary. One friend said that John was “ahead of his time.” Musically, I believe he was. He was one of the early music editors of a major music publishing firm, Rodeheaver. He produced much music for the church including a vision for instrumental music. His brass series by Erik Leidzen was one of the early series for church orchestras. I remember as a young church musician in the 1970s observing that there was not a whole of instrumental music available for church orchestra. There were a few series but that was it. John had the vision for instrumental music, most likely because of his work and association with the Salvation Army. The Army was light years ahead of the local evangelical church in its instrumental program.

John was also a visionary with the John Hallett Chorale and Orchestra. John always strove for excellence in all that he did. The Chorale and Orchestra was another example of him taking church musicians to another musical level.

Versatile would be another v-word. Versatile can mean the ability to turn with ease from one thing to another. John was comfortable writing for choral, piano or instrument, as well as performing with at the piano as a soloist or accompanist, conducting a choir or a choral workshop. John loved people and could engage them with his kind spirit. He could move from editing music to pruning the rose bushes in his yard. Yet, with all of his versatility he maintained his focus: Jesus! This brings us to the main v-word:

Vessel of Honor. I choose this term from the New Testament writings of the Apostle Paul who wrote two letters to his son in the faith, Timothy. In the second letter he talks to Timothy about utensils in the house! Now how spiritual or informative can that be? Paul had written another letter to the Corinthian church in which he stated that before you can understand the spiritual, you must first understand the natural.

46 The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. 48 As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven. (1 Corinthians 15:46-49)


So Paul says to Timothy: "Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. (21) Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” (The New American Standard Bible)


Or in more contemporary language: “In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.” (New Living Translation)


John Hallett was truly a Vessel of Honor who was always “ready for the Master to use him for every good work.”

He described his understanding of music in “An Open Letter To Sanctuary Choir Members” (undated):


“Music, when submitted to the power of the Holy Spirit, can be a powerful instrument for God. How imperative it is, therefore, that every Christian who attempts to sing or play sacred music does it in complete yieldedness to the Holy Spirit and with the proper motive and attitude. Only one who has personally experienced Christ’s redemptive work can have a harmonious life that produces a true song upon the lips. Hence, such a person should desire to proclaim that message as effectively as possible to others so that they too may desire the source of his inner joy. A church choir, however, can have a worthy ministry only to the extent that each individual member realizes the importance of church music and desires to develop his own talent. As individuals become aware of their musical development and increase in spiritual effectiveness, they will realize greater personal satisfaction and joy in Christian service.


The main purpose of a choir is not mere entertainment or the display of individual talent. Rather, it is the blending of many talents and personalities into a composite force that has unusual possibilities for providing inspiration, warmth and unity to a service. Music can often present spiritual truths that can be accomplished in no other way.


You have been told that 75% of all church choirs are a failure! To be a success, you must take the music message off the paper, into your hearts, and then into the hearts of the congregation. It is your responsibility to give them a message each Sunday, and to be a blessing to them. You must give them your very best, not second best.”

John not only “talked the walk” but he “walked the talk.” He modeled this for his choirs, his students, associates and everyone with whom he came in contact.

One friend expresses how John modeled Christ to others in a handwritten letter to Ruth dated June 1, 2000:

“My dear Ruth:


John’s departure is not his loss but ours—yours and mine and the many others who knew him, admired him, and loved him for the mighty person that he was. As an artist he leaves behind more than most of us can in his music that so many of us find solace in.

I, for one, cannot recall being with John when he wasn’t soft and caring for those people and things about him. What a gift he gave me thru the privilege of knowing him. What an example he has set for others—like me and mine.”

May we all follow John’s example and live our lives always ready for the Master to use us for every good work.

John Hallett U

Continuing in

John Hallett: From A to Z

U= Up with Gospel Songs and Hymns

When John Hallett spoke in seminars and conferences, his subject matter included such things as conducting and arranging, to the leadership and music ministry. In whatever he did, John always wanted to exalt Jesus Christ. His life and ministry were not about performance for performance’ sake. This you will be evident in the following un-dated article: Up with Gospel Songs and Hymns. (click on image to enlarge)

Today, I have put in an article in his own typing with all of the added handwritten notes, underlining for emphasis, including one great note on p. 4 that says “repeat.” I guess he wanted to emphasize that point!

These notes are John’s originals, scotch-taped to pages he put in his notebook. By this time the scotch-tape has lost its adhesive and yellowed the pages, but you are able to read the thoughts of a man who lived in an era of change (most likely the 1970s). So, “change” is nothing peculiar to 2009.

To read the whole article, click on the image of the page you want to read and it will be enlarged.

Here is the major portion of the text.

(page 1) “In this ‘anti’ generation, it is popular to protest, march and raise the banner against numerous issues of the day. This action has pervaded our churches and its ministry in general. Lone time is spent in dialogue, condemning and criticizing the church and its many facets of ministry. The Church of God must be a divine institution to have remained to this present day. No business or organization could have withstood such a beating. Of course, Where Christ has been the foundation and Chief Cornerstone, the church as flourished and carried out its Divine task. The Church that has failed in this mission has noticeably lost the power and the blessing of God…."

At the end of page 1 John asks:

“Why have many churches omitted Gospel singing from their services?” Church musicians (page 2) admit they are not challenged musically and Gospel songs do not afford them opportunity to demonstrate their ability.” Then, John wrote in the sentence: “Should this be our purpose?” “When we perform Gospel music, we witness to our fellowman; we “sing the Good News”. These are often called ‘heart songs’ for they are (he later added handwritten numbers)

1. born in the heart of an author and composer redeemed by God’s grace
2. living in, and sung from the heart of the regenerated performer
3. to the heart of saved and unsaved alike.

“gospel songs differ in style and form. You tell of your conversion much differently than another Christian would witness of His experience. And thus, Gospel musicians have found new and varied mediums of presenting the Gospel story, but all with the sold purpose of witnessing to others of the Redeeming Christ. We have been called to witness. God’s Word says, “Ye are my witnesses” “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel, etc.” [Then in his own handwriting John adds] “God has called me to preach the gospel through gospel songs.”

“From the very beginning of the founding of Gospel songs, a battle has been waged to discredit this God-given ministry. The controversy was heated in Moody’s ministry concerning the use of this “unfit music of the lower working class.” So the slandering dialogue, debates, and lecturing still goes on today over the use of Gospel songs in our churches. True, not all songs are proper in text and music, but then is it right that we should do away with all Gospel songs, because of the weak few? Not all oratorios, (page 3) cantatas, and so called ‘serious music’ is the epitome of integrity. [handwritten] But we do not discredit all because of a few.

“It would be time well spent in learning the correct use of Gospel music rather than debating and criticizing its very existence.”

Later on in page 3 he moves to the future:

“Now as to its future. In this wonderful and exciting jet age where everybody and everything is on the “move” we are not at all surprised at the change, innovations and new forms of Gospel music presentations. That which is good will remain and will continue to be blessed by God. That which is lacking in sound theology and is musically weak, will meet with little success. In this century we have found numerous new mediums of presenting Christ and witnessing to our fellowman. Where the music and message of our songs are truthfully wedded together in a Christ exalting manner and “He” becomes (page 4) center and circumference of our Gospel presentation, we will see the blessing of God. There are many new forms of presenting our Lord in Song:”

“…Not everything performed in the name of the Church or Cross should be condoned. But we should have an open, sincere and understanding mind and hear, and a sympathetic ear tuned heavenward to His voice and leading. Gospel music degenerates into a purposeless, aimless act when it entertains rather than exalts.

Instead of opposing and criticizing, why not ask God where you might be used to witness to others in this rewarding Gospel Music ministry.

We need to pray much over all our music, for it is an offering to God and an admonition to the people, “Let the Word of God dwell in your 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.” Col. 3:16

Two concluding questions:

1. May I ask sincerely, if each time we present a Gospel song that we are filled with the Holy Spirit and are spiritually as well as musically prepared for our present to God and His People. We are to be “Filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:18 & 19.

2. Secondly, Is the purpose of my Gospel song presentation to reflect Christ and His power; and to do “all to the glory of God?” “Whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God” I Corinthians 10:31

John Hallett T= "There’s No Disappointment In Jesus"

Continuing in John Hallett: From A to Z

T= There’s No Disappointment In Jesus

Of the songs that have endured through church history, many seem to have a common bond: they are “born” out of some deep struggle or trial in the life of the composer. These songs “touch the heart.” Who has not been moved upon hearing the story of Horatio Spafford, a successful Chicago attorney and father of five? What a series of events: his only son suddenly died; the great Chicago fire wiped out the family’s extensive real estate investments; two years later he lost his four daughters when an ocean liner sank. Out of those tragedies came a standard of the church, “It Is Well With My Soul.” Louisa Stead was a young mother who was left with a small daughter after her husband drowned attempting to save the life of a young boy drowning in the ocean. Out of that tragedy came a song that has ministered to untold numbers of people, “’Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus.” Luther Bridges was able to write the words “Though sometimes He leads through waters deep, trials fall across the way; thought sometimes the path seems rough and steep, see His foot-prints all the way,” following the death of his wife and three sons in a fire while he was away conducting revival meetings in Kentucky.

Some of John Hallett’s most endearing and enduring songs came out of great difficulty. Perfumes and other fragrances come when petals are crushed. So, too, God allows men and women to go through the “crushing” process so the fragrance of Jesus can be evident in their lives. One of John's most well-known songs came out of the experience of “crushing blows” he suffered in his young life as a college student.

John had been given a train ticket to come to Yankee Stadium from his hometown in Binghamton to tryout with the New York Yankees. At the same time he felt God calling him into music ministry and that he should go to Moody Bible Institute to prepare for ministry. Ruth relates that the night before he was to go to Yankee Stadium, he was praying about what to do. Then next morning he woke up sick and was not able to go to the tryout. He felt that God had answered his prayer and, so, off to Moody he went.

Carl (Kelly) Bihl, his life-long friend and college classmate picks up the story:

“It was there at the Moody Bible Institute that Johnnie wrote his first great gospel hymn. You heard it at the beginning as part of the Prelude. The name of the song was “There’s No Disappointment in Jesus.” Many of you know that song. Some of you may even have sung it. But Johnnie wrote it because, well how shall I say it? People didn’t understand him. Not because he wasn’t understandable but because he dressed so beautifully. Did you know Johnnie? He was always fastidious. Yesterday, when we went to another gathering like this, I pressed my trousers because I knew I was going to be in the presence of what Johnnie Hallett was. I’m not fooling. He always looked like a million dollars, and he did that at Moody Bible Institute.

So when he would come in from a evangelistic campaign with Dr. Harry Vom Bruch, having gotten special permission, and traveling on a train where they allowed you to smoke, he came in 5 o’clock in the morning, and I was at the main desk at the Moody Bible Institute. He smelled like a tobacco factory. And people didn’t understand that. Here this fastidious student at the Moody Bible Institute (who) smelled like a cigarette. Well, they didn’t understand that. The faculty didn’t understand it. The rest of the students didn’t understand it; they didn’t understand it because he looked so good. The faculty didn’t understand it because he came in smelling like a Camel. Oh well, cigarettes. I want to tell you that he was misunderstood.

He came to the realization of there’s no disappointment in Jesus. And as a result of that experience he wrote that song, “There’s No Disappointment In Jesus”. I’ve sung it many times…he sang, he played it, and I enjoyed so much that song and that story. I’ve told him many times but it’s always been a blessing.” (recounted by his life-long friend Dr. Carl (Kelly) Bihl during John Hallett’s Memorial Service)

Ruth adds further details to the story of “There’s No Disappointment In Jesus”

John’s wife, Ruth, adds that “…on the day he wrote the song, he left Moody and walked downtown Chicago. He was so discouraged. As he walked along he told the Lord that he had given up an opportunity to try out for the New York Yankees and followed Him to Moody. He was feeling so badly – like everything was again him. He was very disappointed, almost at the end of himself even to the point of feeling like jumping into the lake (Michigan). He walked into Lyon and Healy, a large music store, and with his last dollar, he rented a studio for fifty cents an hour. In the studio he said to the Lord, “I’ve disappointed you, but You have never disappointed me.” At that point the Lord gave him “There’s No Disappointment in Jesus.” He walked out of that studio with a copy of words and music that would touch countless numbers of people over the succeeding years.”

One day I asked Ruth how he got back to Binghamton, New York, if he had spent his last dollar! She said that his father was an engineer for the rail road and, as a result, the whole family had railroad passes. So, John could get home anytime he wanted to!

In my opinion, this was the turning point in his life and ministry. God took the tragedy and turned it into a song that has encouraged people since 1940! He also helped a young man turn his focus in the right direction: Jesus. As we have talked about in the past, Jesus was the theme of his song for his entire life.

This is what John wrote in the Children’s Bible Hour News (undated)

The Story Behind The Song (see the insert from the C.B.H. News below)

“Discouraged, downhearted…’blue,’ and not know which say to turn, I was ready to give up. Many disappointments had fallen and were almost more than I could bear. I could to nothing but fall on my knees and tell the Lord all about it. The Lord spoke to me and the words ‘No Disappointments in Jesus’ seemed to stand boldly before me. And so that night came this beautiful song with this melody and harmony.

“A few months later an evangelist friend in the East asked for the privilege of publishing it. Since then, it has appeared in many song publications and has had a wide ministry over the radio throughout America. There are disappointments on every hand but ‘There is No Disappointment in Jesus.’”


(click on image to enlarge)

There’s No Disappointment In Jesus

Verse 1

There's no disappointment in Jesus,

He's more than my tongue can tell;

His love is so sure

And so steadfast,

His friendship divine will not fail.

Chorus

There's no disappointment in Jesus,

He's all that He promised to be;

His love and His care

Comfort me everywhere;

He is no disappointment to me.

Verse 2

There's no disappointment in Jesus,

Tho' sorrows may press me sore.

He comforts with tender compassion,

His love cheers my heart evermore.

Verse 3

There's no disappointment in Jesus,

He satisfies me alway;

So strong and so willing to help me,

In Him I find comfort each day,

John C. Hallett © 1940 Renewal 1968 Word Music, LLC

John Hallett S

Continuing in John Hallett: From A to Z


S = Soderstrom ("Sodie")

Emil Soderstrom. One of the “giants” in composing and arranging who, in my opinion, is yet to be “discovered” by many people, especially in recent years.

(photo: a pensive Emil at the piano. Courtesy of Robert Getz)

To quote from a friend’s book, “In the days before TV became dominant, the NBC (National Broadcasting Company) Radio Network was in Chicago. Emil was the staff arranger for twenty years. During that time he wrote for the ensemble du jour. There were some permanent players, but the ensemble varied. All broadcasts were live; recorded music was not yet of a quality for regular use. Emil would be given the day’s and evening’s assignments which might be as follows: “11 seconds for XYZ Soap Flakes, jingle theme attached. Fade in six. Jingle at the end.” Unlike today’s composers who may be given days, weeks or even moths to compose the necessary music, then to be carefully recorded and edited prior to airing, Sodie was always on the spot to deliver “now!” …Emil estimated that in his twenty years he wrote over 100,000 sheets of manuscript on this job.” (Robert Getz. "Aspiration . . . Anecdotal Snapshots of Genius.” Newaygo, MI: INJ Offerings, 2008, p. 114)

Click on this to read Emil’s description of all of his writing for NBC.

"Aspiration . . . Anecdotal Snapshots of Genius" by Robert Getz is an outstanding account of the life of Emil Soderstrom or “Sodie” as he was affectionately called. You can order a copy by e-mailing the author at bobgetz@injofferings.com or by visiting his site: http://www.injofferings.com/ This book is a great read about an amazing figure in 20th century music. You will be inspired and challenged as you receive glimpses of a musical “genius.”

Emil was a man known by many people. On page 9 of "Aspiration . . . Anecdotal Snapshots of Genius,” there is a picture of Emil looking over the shoulder at two young people playing horns. The caption reads,

“The master, friend of Sibelius & Gershwin, like his Master, stoops to help children…which is what he loved most. I was about this age when he took me in as a friend…for life!” (“me” is the author, Robert Getz).

John Hallett’s association with Emil spanned many years. Their friendship began with their connections to the Salvation Army. Both men were involved in writing for the Army, as well as conducting at band camps. John studied composition and arranging with Emil. Emil arranged and scored a number of John’s compositions, particularly when John was the music editor for Rodeheaver Hall-Mack Company.

One interesting note: In 1972, as Emil was in a coma just before he passed away, Ruth Hallett sang gently into his ear “…Yes, Jesus loves me…” She said, “There he was, in a coma, and I couldn’t think of anything else to do!” Bob Getz recorded that in his book on p. 32 and Ruth also has related that story to me several times.

John and Emil combined their great gifts to give the church world some beautiful songs. These musical offerings were wonderfully arranged by a master arranger!

Below are some examples of Emil’s work with John. (click on image to enlarge)

(Click on image to enlarge)

Somewhere It Is Snowing

This morning in Missouri we awoke to a beautiful layer of a couple of inches of snow covering the landscape. After thinking..."Wow, it snowed!" (especially after Spring-like weather this week!), I thought "This is really beautiful."

Then I was reminded of a wonderful analogy: The ground around is still "brown" and there is a lot of dirt and junk still outside and in the area. Spring has yet to arrive, which means green grass and flowers and beauty! Right now we are in the middle stage where things don't look so great.

But when the snow comes and covers it all up, it is like God's grace covering our sin!

I wish it was an original thought: the grace of God covering our sin like the snow covers the ground, but no....I go back to a wonderful song entitled:

Somewhere it's Snowing by Stephanie Boosahda & David Stearman

Years ago when we were in Lake Charles, Louisiana, I was introduced to the song by a young lady named Cindy, who used to do sign language as she sang this song at Glad Tidings Church. The sign language adds such power to the beautiful melody and potent lyrics. We used it on a number of occasions. Later on we had the privilege of having one of the co-authors, David Stearman, come and minister at the church.

This is a great song. I think it is time to “resurrect it!” wonderful message. And, a great thing for all of us who have to shovel snow occasionally to remember (now I am in Missouri…not as much!)


“Somewhere it's Snowing”
by Stephanie Boosahda & David Stearman


I once read in a poem
When snow covers the earth
That it hides the world's scars and
Gives nature new birth.
And they say when a man turns
From sin to the Lord
That forgiveness like snow
covers him evermore.

(chorus)
And somewhere it's snowing,
See the soft drifting down
As the snowflakes surrender
To the hardening ground.
Like the good grace of Jesus
That now covers our sin
In the kingdom of heaven
it's snowing again.

And it's told that the angels lift
Their hearts and rejoice
When one traveler turns homeward
From his way to the Lord's.
If somewhere someone's turning,
He's giving his all,
Then God's grace like the snow,
Is beginning to fall.

(chorus)
And somewhere it's snowing,
See the soft drifting down
As the snowflakes surrender
To the hardening ground.
Like the good grace of Jesus
That now covers our sin
In the kingdom of heaven
it's snowing again.

Want to see a video with the song in it? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKs0bvLdzhc
This looks like it might have been part of a production.

John Hallett Q

Continuing in John Hallett: From A to Z

Quartet

John Hallett was the Music Director for the Children’s Bible Hour (a one hour weekly national radio broadcast) from 1943 to 1946. His responsibilities included being the pianist for the Children’s Bible Hour Quartet of “Uncles!” Front row left to right: Carl Bihl, Morry Carlson, Mel Johnson. Back row: Johnnie Hallett, Malcom Cronk (See the undated picture above.)In 1942 when the program started there was not ONE “Uncle” but FOUR! Carl Bihl, Morry Carlson, Mel Johnson, Malcom Cronk. http://www.cbhministries.org/about/img/pics/pho255x175_1943_uncles.jpg

You can find more information about the quartet in the blog. Look under: Look under John Hallett A Accompaniment and C Children’s Bible Hour.

Each of the men in the quartet went on to ministries that touched the nation and the world. Here is a brief account of each of the men:

Carl Bihl: friend of John Hallett’s from their days together at the Moody Bible Institute, friends for the past sixty years. He gave the eulogy at Johnnie’s Celebration Service.
Among his ministries, Carl “Kelly” serves as the President of Youth For Christ International from 1963-65, right after Ted Engstrom and before Sam Wolgemuth.

Morry Carlson: early pioneer of Youth for Christ, and served on the Constitution Committee for Youth For Christ International. He became known as "Uncle Morry" when he sang with the Uncles Quartet on the Children's Bible Hour. In addition, he served as Director of the Winona Lake Bible Conference, and was one of the originators of Gospel Films in Michigan. Morry and his wife established Youth Haven Ranches in Rives Junction, Michigan, and Picacho, Arizona. The vision for the Youth Ranches sprang from Morry’s work as the founder of the original Youth Haven Boys Home for troubled teenagers in Muskegon County, Michigan.

Mel Johnson: A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mr. Johnson was converted as a child under the ministry of Mel Trotter. Upon graduation from Moody Bible Institute, he returned to Grand Rapids as director of music, radio and young people at the Mel Trotter Mission, and also helped to begin the Children's Bible Hour broadcast.

Following a pastorate in Toronto, Ontario, he became director of Chicagoland Youth for Christ and then became regional director and later first vice-president of that organization, with headquarters in Minneapolis. He was best know for his radio program, "Tips For Teens.” He traveled extensively speaking and writing books and materials especially for young people.

Malcom Cronk: In 1940 Dr. Malcom Cronk became pastor of Calvary Church (Grand Rapids, Michigan) at age 26. Three years later, Dr. Cronk felt called to travel with the Children’s Bible Hour. Then in 1945, he resumed leadership of Calvary Church, where he ministered until 1948. He pastored Wheaton Bible Church from 1952-1967. Later taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. Later served churches in California and Arizona.

As you can see, these four men, in addition to John Hallett, have impacted countless numbers of people through their ministry not only together on the CBH radio network, but then over many years of ministry in the local church, through the media of radio and writing books, as well as the music John wrote.

What an amazing group of “Uncles!”

John Hallett P

Continuing in John Hallett: From A to Z

P = Piano

(Photo: Highland Lake Bible Conference, undated)

John Hallett and the Piano. They were inseparable….except when he was conducting. But, then he could conduct from the piano, too! John composed at the piano. Sitting on his piano was a holder with probably a dozen sharpened pencils, always ready in case a musical idea came along. John wanted to be ready to write! He no only composed at the piano, but performed. One thing that John was a strong proponent but also a practitioner of was accompanying.

A native of Binghamton, N.Y., John Hallett began his musical career at the age of six by studying piano at the Binghamton conservatory. Later training included organ, harmony, conducting and composition. He studied piano at Moody Bible Institute.

In his early years, he was most interested in baseball. Music too, of course, and he was the substitute pianist and organist at Calvary Baptist Church in Binghamton.

When John was 5 years old, he learned to play on an old player piano. The first song he played was called “It’s Three O’clock in the Morning.” John said that he had better learn to play some hymns—not the song of a few drunks! So, the first hymn he learned was called, “A Volunteer for Jesus.” He said, “As a young kid I enlisted.”

A friend was quoted as saying, “…he was the hottest piano player anyone in junior high school ever heard. He practiced assiduously! I don’t know any who didn’t like him.”

John was very faithful to Sunday School and church, in addition to his study of the piano.

One friend said that he was an outstanding pitcher in baseball, and if he hadn’t been so interested in music, probably would have made the Big Time. He also was “a very neat dresser. I never saw him look sloppy in my life.”

His discipline in school and at the piano paid off.

John wrote in an un-dated article: “I was always impressed with the music of the late Jimmy Davis, a trumpet soloist, pianist and superb tenor soloist. He and Evangelist Harry Vom Bruch were conducting Revival Meetings at our church. Jimmy usually accompanied himself at the grand piano. One day. Jimmy called me and said, “I hear you play piano. Come down to church and let me hear you play.” I accompanied Jimmy for several hours that afternoon. He showed me a lot of interesting things about accompanying. I had never accompanied anyone of that rank before.”

Later on when he went to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, he began traveling with Dr. Harry Vom Bruch in evangelistic campaigns.

Kelly Bihl, a life-long friend said, “It was also at Moody that Johnnie developed his unusual skills as an accompanist. Now it’s one thing to play the piano as a soloist. It’s another thing to be an accompanist. I was already a gifted piano soloist, now he learned the wonderful ability to make a soloist sound good. And I use that grammar just as I mean it. He made the soloist sound good. Incidentally, while accompanying our class in conducting, (you know down, left, right, up, down) he was accompanying the class. Do you know Johnnie’s music? Do you know his chord structure? Do you know how he plays the piano? Or how he did? He plays better now, but how he did then? He had the most unusual chord structure of any pianist I’ve ever heard. I think he, he really must have found the lost chord, because he used it regularly.

(In class one day at Moody Bible Institute) Johnnie was playing the accompaniment and putting in his own kind of harmonies, the professor would stop the music, “Everybody stop.” While it was, (because he was that kind of professor), while it was as silent in that classroom as it is in this room the professor would say, “Hallett”, that’s how he said it, I was there, I heard him say it. He said, “Hallett, Charles Gabriel had some good chord structure too. From now on play the music as it is written.”

There are many stories that could be told of John at the piano. His playing and his musicianship inspired countless numbers of young people, including one lady who has gone on to become quite a pianist herself, Nancee Olsen, one of his students.

The Newly Weds "New" (Used) Piano

Ruth tells the inspiring story of how the newly weds, John and Ruth, acquired their first piano.

“Well, we were just newly weds and we were in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Johnnie needed a piano. I liked him to be with me and he had to go to the studio to practice and do his arranging.

And so we prayed for a piano. We were only married a short time, may be a month, may be less. And, so, it was war time and it was difficult to get a piano and these German men, Otto and Hugo had a baby...an upright piano. It wasn’t very pretty, but it was a piano. They wanted $125.000 for it.

But we prayed and said ‘If they will take a hundred than that would be for us,’ but Otto and Hugo wanted more. They wanted a hundred and twenty five.

So, we accept it is from God and we said, ‘No, we wouldn’t take it.”

And then my husband’s secretary, she said, ‘Well, we have a baby grand piano. We’re kind of tired of dusting it. May be my mother-in-law will sell it.’

So, Johnnie and I were so excited. We didn’t have a car, so we got on a bus and went some place where the piano was. And, of course, on the way over I said for our wedding gifts we had enough to pay $200.00 for a piano and I said we can’t pay any more.

So, he didn’t know if we’d get a baby grand for two hundred, but when we got to the woman’s house of course he fell in love with the piano. It was…we hadn’t had our dinner and the evening went on and on and it got to be about 11 o’clock.

We said, ‘We really have to go and could you tell us how much you’d like for that piano?’ And she hemmed and hawed a while and she said, ‘Well, I think I should get at least $200.00.’

So, we were so happy and we were praising the Lord all the way back. So, I said, ‘God taught us a lesson that His choice was much better than anything we could choose.’ So, that was one of the best lessons we learned as a bride and groom.”

John and Ruth learned many lessons in trusting the Lord. Time after time God came through in answers to their prayers and worked in marvelous ways.

A Defining Piano Moment

From my observation of John’s life, after reading stories and doing interviews, I believe there we one defining moment in his life that impacted not only his ministry but his concern to impact the lives of young people. This was the story of the time when he was eight years old. Here is John’s account:

“When I was 8 years old my Dad told me about a great evangelist who was coming to our home town. Binghamton, N.Y. His name was Billy Sunday.

One cold, blistery Sunday afternoon in January, my mother. Dad and I went to hear the famous evangelist. As we entered the tabernacle, dad said, “I want you to sit down front so you can listen to this outstanding preacher without distraction”.

The mammoth tabernacle was alive with anticipation. Walking down the isle, I felt the excitement of hundreds of people around me.. Two grand pianos were on the platform placed on either side of the podium. HOMER RODEHEAVER stood to lead the singing.

Alfred H. Ackley known as A.H., sat to the right and accompanied Mr. Rodeheaver as he played his trombone and sang. Alfred’s brother. Bentley D Ackley, or B.D. sat at the other piano. These two brothers wrote over 5500 hymns, many of which we sang today.

Listening to the Ackley brothers embellish the music with beautiful chords, watching Mr. Rodeheaver’s lively song leading and being swallowed up in the sea of a huge choir, enthralled me. As a little kit just 8 years old, it became the desire of my heart to play the piano like those two brothers, to be a song leader like Mr. Rodeheaver.

At the first part of the service, Mr. Rodeheaver yelled over to the pianist, “the song is a little too high for me, would you transpose it to a lower key?” The skilled accompanist switched to a lower key and played awe-inspiring music, just as if it were written out for him. Tears welled up in my eyes. I knew I wanted to become a musician.

I prayed. Lord, help me to be able to transpose music for soloists one day”.

One day, about 15 years after that blustery Sunday afternoon of my conversion, I received a call from Mr. Homer Rodeheaver who was in Evansville, Indiana at a large evangelistic center. “I am going to be giving a concert tomorrow night,” he explained. “I wonder if you would be able to come down and play for me.” I went down to Evansville and accompanied Mr. Rodeheaver, thrilled that God had allowed me to accompany the gentleman I admired so much during the time of my conversion. During the concert Mr. Rodeheaver yelled over to me at the piano, “Johnnie, the song is a little too high, would you please put it down a step?”

As I transposed the song, tears of joy spilled down my face. To think God would answer my prayer so precisely, using the very man who inspired it in that cold, Sunday afternoon in Binghamton. New York.

I composed a chorus: “I will give you the desires of your heart”

God has been so good to us through the years and has given us the desires of our hearts, the things we hoped for!”

So, never think a child is too young for God to speak to them! I believe God has put certain things within each on of our hearts. Part of the process of living is to discover those. He said that He gives us the desires of our heart. God certainly did that for John.

God is not only concerned about pianos, but also everything in our lives. Ruth told me that when they moved to California from New Jersey, it was up to her to find a house. John was in another state at that time. Regarding what kind of house to purchase, John told her ‘I don’t care what kind of a house you get, but make sure I have a large enough room for my piano (laughter)…to write music.’

And, God again supplied!

Concerning that piano, Ruth went on to say, “Johnnie and I would (sit here together)..he’d play the music. It was music, music, music everywhere. It delighted us and we’d talk about music and listen and enjoy being here together. When he’d play and compose, I sat on the bench next to him I saw so many beautiful songs created here in this room. And he loved this room. He’d go over there and write at that…what do you call that….his little desk. He was there and he’d look up there before he’d start writing and it (picture on the wall) says “Call upon Me and I will answer and show you great and mighty things which you know not.”

And he’d call upon the Lord to help him as he was writing, to put in his mind what He wanted him to say. But everything he wrote was to glorify Jesus. Every song was all about Jesus.”

Jesus, the piano and John! What a combination! When John sat to write and “called upon the Lord,” God did what He said He would do. He showed him great and mighty things he did not know. As a result, the world has been impacted with the message of songs that continue to live on through the decades!

Just as the keys of that Steinway and Sons piano submitted to the skillful hands of the pianist, John Hallett, so John Hallett submitted to the hand of God. As a result, beautiful music came forth from his life and it has inspired many!

If you have been impacted by John Hallett, I’d like to hear from you either with a comment on this site or by e-mail me at rthomass@cbcag.edu Tell me how John’s music and his life impacted you.