We at the Huntley Brown Foundation want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your support during this year. We wish each of you a very Merry Christmas!
HBF News:
What’s the Huntley Brown Foundation Been Up to This Past Year! We have been blessed to have small but meaningful impacts in raising up young leaders to impact communities for Christ. This past year we have been able to provide academic scholarship, music lessons, musical instruments and prayer support to various up and coming influencers within our communities.
Academic Scholarship: We helped an international student at Judson University meet her financial obligation by providing our first academic scholarship this past May.
Instruments: We have collected several musical instruments which we are in the process of coordinating the donation to the Joseph Royal Education Center in Kingston, Jamaica.
We provided an orphanage in Pakistan with a much needed keyboard to meet the musical needs of the students there. Huntley has also met and provided virtual music lessons to the students at the orphanage. We are currently working on a more extensive and sustainable virtual music lesson program which we hope to roll out in the next year.
We were also grateful for the opportunity to provide you with health and spiritual insights through this newsletter and we are looking forward to gaining new revelations to share with you in the new year.
We appreciate your support and thank you for your partnership with us as we continue to spread God’s love through music.
Reflect on God’s Goodness: It is Good for You! By Marion Boomer-Hauser, MS, RD, HBF Director
We pray that this Christmas season is filled with hope, joy, and peace. May you take time to reflect and discover all the wonderful things in your lives!
Studies show that those who choose to have a positive outlook on life live longer and experience fewer diseases.
The greatest gift we can give to someone else is love.
May your heart be overflowing this season!
Share your kindness with strangers, have some laughs with friends, cook some delicious healthy food, watch some uplifting albeit somewhat cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies, and pass along the goodness of life that God has blessed you with!
The miracles of Christmas are restoration and hope.
May the love of this Christmas season bring healing and fill you with inspiration and hope for a rebirth in the new year.
END OF ANOTHER SEASON By Rev Dr Huntley Brown
Psalm 34:1 KJV “I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” As we come to the end of another year, let’s give God thanks for the numerous blessings He continues to shower on us. His protection, His mercy, grace, forgiveness and love. Make today a day of thanksgiving. Let God know how grateful you are for taking you through another season. For many this was a season of heartache and pain with the death of many loved ones. I can relate with the death of my dad and many friends. For others it was a season of rejoicing. No matter the season you just went through, go ahead and worship God for being there for you. Always remember having God with you, there will be nothing to fear. Meditate on this verse.
Psalm 27:1 KJV “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
We appreciate your support and thank you for your partnership with us as we continue to spread God’s love through music. Click here to donate.
“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,” Luke 17:13
Dear Friends of the Huntley Brown Foundation,
It’s hard to believe the year is nearly over! As we look back on the last few months, we can’t help but give thanks for the faithful presence of our God. In every blessing and heartbreak, the Lord has been present. Through every up and down, God has been faithful.
Today, we encourage you to take inventory of your life. Where have you seen the hand of God? What are you looking forward to in the months to come? Let God hear your words of thanks.
In Luke chapter 17 (verses 11-19), Jesus heals 10 lepers of their illness but only one of them turns around to say thank you.
“And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?” (Luke 17:17)
Though a familiar story, the truth is, sometimes we are the nine who forget to stop and give thanks to God. Today, let’s follow the example of the one by taking the time to acknowledge God and give Him thanksgiving for all that He has done.
As the old song goes, “Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what God has done.”
At the Huntley Brown Foundation, we are extremely grateful for the ways God is working in and through our team to have a Kingdom-impact, and that includes you!
Because of your partnership through prayer and financial donations, we are able to bless underserved students and organizations across the globe who are making an impact for the Kingdom of God through music and ministry. Thank you!
As you go on through this week, please know that we are grateful for you and grateful to God for what He is doing through you!
How Giving Improves Your Health By Marion Boomer-Hauser, MS, RD, HBF Director
Did you know that studies show that giving to others improves your physical and emotional health, increasing happiness? As Christians, we know that joy is something much deeper than happiness. The joy of the Lord is a characteristic of God, where human happiness is fleeting. Phil 4:4-9, Paul writes, (while in a prison cell awaiting death), the joy of the Lord is our strength and rejoice in the Lord always. Let your gentle spirit be known to all people…do not be anxious about anything…the peace of God will guard your hearts…focus on whatever is true, honorable, pure, commendable…and the God of peace will be with you.
Unfortunately, much of the world’s view is more about ME and doing what is best for oneself versus others. But if we change the world one person at a time, we can make a difference. Right? True peace and joy comes from choosing not to be anxious and focusing on Him. God cares about everything. Nothing can replace the power we have in Christ. Let us be hope-givers to those who need joy.
Bless someone else with something seemingly outrageous – and your happy hormones (endorphins) will be off the charts and God will bless you!
Throughout this whole terrible situation with hurricanes hitting the state of FL (where we live), we have witnessed and experienced big and small miracles, many acts of kindness, overwhelming generosity, and true love and sacrifice – not only with money, but also with time.
So, we encourage you to step out and be a hope-giver!
If you are wondering “how?” – here is one suggestion to consider:
GivingTuesday.org is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity.
“GivingTuesday (the day after Cyber Monday) was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity…
It’s a simple idea: whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to contribute toward building the better world we all want to live in.
Every act of generosity counts.. we all have something to contribute. Each seemingly small act may turn into a ripple wave of good, transforming society and building the world we all want to live in.”
We encourage you to think of ways you can give today – and every day – or at least every Tuesday! It does the body good!
If you would like to provide a financial donation to the Huntley Brown Foundation, we know many would appreciate your generosity.
What’s the Huntley Brown Foundation Been Up to This Past Year! We have been blessed to have small but meaningful impacts in raising up young leaders to impact communities for Christ. This past year we have been able to provide academic scholarship, music lessons, musical instruments and prayer support to various up and coming influencers within our communities.
Academic Scholarship: We helped an international student at Judson University meet her financial obligation by providing our first academic scholarship this past May.
Instruments: We have collected several musical instruments which we are in the process of coordinating the donation to the Joseph Royal Education Center in Kingston, Jamaica.
We provided an orphanage in Pakistan with a much needed keyboard to meet the musical needs of the students there. Huntley has also met and provided virtual music lessons to the students at the orphanage. We are currently working on a more extensive and sustainable virtual music lesson program which we hope to roll out in the next year.
We appreciate your support and thank you for your partnership with us as we continue to spread God’s love through music.
If you are a Christian, you already know how important it is to forgive one another. Jesus taught us to pray saying … “forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” (Matt 6:12). But just because we know the command, does not necessarily make it any easier for us to forgive.
Why? There are different reasons but many times it is because we put our trust in people, rather than keeping our hope in God (Jer 17:5-6). And because of that it gives the enemy quite a bit to work with. You say “John, what are you talking about… the enemy”?
Well Satan loves to play with your mind, rehearsing the offense over and over, to draw you from offense to unforgiveness and bitterness. He knows that if he can keep reminding you of what they did to you. You think, “just how wrong it really was,” “they knew what they were doing all the time,” “they made me look like a fool,” “they took advantage of me.” As long as you let him he will continue to bombard your mind with thoughts that will hold you captive in un-forgiveness.
Understand that God’s command for you to forgive is not for the other person but He wants His children free from everything that would harm them. Did you know that research has shown that unforgiveness is connected to high blood pressure, weakened immune systems, reduced sleep, chronic pain, and cardiovascular problems because unforgiveness hinders the body’s ability to heal. Wow… who is worth that?!
What is the solution? Release them.
Realize that God does not deal with others according to their sin but has a plan for their lives also (ps103:10). Remember, before you accepted Christ things you did deserved God’s judgement, but He did not hold that against you and rather drew you with lovingkindness. (Jer 31:3).
Remember, the Lord said in the same way you forgive others will be the same way He forgives you (Matt 6:14).
Understand that people that take advantage of others are in reality being used by the enemy. (Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood…)
4: You must understand that the reason God commands you to forgive is because He wants you healthy and happy.
And never forget that Jesus loves them also and died for them. Your job is to be a light and when you forgive you are worshipping God because your actions say… “not my will, but Father your will be done.”
So, ask the Lord to strengthen your heart to release the person who offended you. Forgive the way you want to be forgiven and peace will be restored to your heart.
Health Notes: Marion Boomer-Hauser, MS, RD, HBF Board Member
Establishing New Health Habits It is back to school for many of you and your families! Congratulations on making it through the summer! Just kidding! We know, however, that everyday life can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Life in music ministry, church ministry, or life in general can be chaotic and unfortunately, health habits may suffer as a result. We want to encourage you to ask the Lord to help you make some changes and start out this school year with some new health habits. Nobody can do this for you. Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are entrusted with their care. To be all that God wants us to be, we must take care of these God-given bodies.
Have you thought about where you want to be with your body and your health over the next year?
Can you see yourself achieving a new health goal? Accomplishing something you never thought possible?
Take some time to get by yourself and think, pray, and meditate on reaching those goals.
Establishing a new habit or accomplishing a new goal takes repetition, intentionality, and discipline to achieve them.
We find that planning is one of the most important aspects needed to achieve our goals. Ask yourself what it is that you need to do to reach those goals.
Do you want to eat healthier meals throughout the week? (Search for simple recipes, plan meals, purchase groceries, meal prep on the weekend.)
Do you want to exercise more regularly? (Find a workout friend, find exercise you like, hold each other accountable, start slow and build.)
Do you want to achieve better sleep? (Use your bed only for sleep, remove TV, phones, etc., keep the room cool, consider magnesium or Melatonin.)
Do you want to be able to walk a few miles? (Start with getting some comfortable shoes and walking around the block.)
Do you want to sign up for a 5K event and run it? (http://www.Active.com for events – go for it!)
Or you just want to become pain-free to START doing some of the above-mentioned things.) (Find providers who can help you. Consider working with motion experts like physical therapist, chiropractors, and regenerative medicine specialists to get you started.)
Establish your personal health habit goals. Write them down. Share them with loved ones. We know you can achieve them! God wants us to have strong bodies so we can do what we are called to do!
Blessings!
HBF News: Behind the scenes at HBF:
The foundation is currently looking for volunteers who can help with our initiative to provide music lessons to others in underserved communities.
As Huntley works on his travel schedule over the next few months, if there is an opportunity for Huntley to minister at your home church, he would welcome the opportunity to come and minister and discuss possible ways your church can assist in this venture.
We thank you so very much for your kindness and generosity and look forward to what the Lord is going to do through HBF.
So often in the past couple of years, even while visiting numerous and disparate churches in random order, God has seemed to have a specific word for me or a member of my family each time. Indeed, I’ve been surprised by the number of times the pastor’s sermon or a transitional comment by the worship leader has spoken directly to a specific concern or issue facing me or a member of my family. It’s been uncanny–especially since Lea and I visit so many different churches as part of our ministry routine, probably 40 or more in the past several years.
These small-scale occurrences, too numerous to be the result of chance (even if I were inclined, and I’m not, to view them that way), have caused me to think a bit about the concept of our congregations’ expectations as they come to worship each week. In other words, why have I been surprised by all this?
Let’s put it another way: Have we become immune to the concept of holy expectation in contemporary worship?
I think the answer might be “yes, more often than not.” I understand why, of course. We live in the age of Planning Center and other often-useful tools that help keep our services flowing smoothly. Worship leaders in highly presentational churches have producers in their ears telling them how much time they have before they have to cue up the morning’s video, and the running clock back by the confidence monitor flashes red when anyone on stage goes over the allotted time for any element of the service. To be sure, it certainly seems that many churches are programmed so completely that there really isn’t room for much else–even though I’m sure most church leaders would respond in the affirmative when asked if they desired God to move in their midst in worship.
Dr. Jeff Iorg, president of Gateway Seminary, wrote a paper a while back entitled, “Holy Spirit Empowered Ministry: A Case Study of the Church at Antioch” that articulates some key concepts from the 1st-century church’s worship practices. Let me excerpt some particularly compelling observations where corporate worship and a sense of “holy expectation” are concerned. As you read, you might consider asking yourself how closely our current worship services mirror those described by Iorg, even if you subscribe to the notion that much of the content in the book of Acts describes as opposed to prescribes.
Healthy churches experience the power of the Holy Spirit in their worship services. Healthy churches have a holy expectation something special will happen every time they gather to worship God. Healthy churches have leaders and members who seek God’s power in planning, preparing for, and directing worship services. Healthy churches experience the Spirit’s intervention when worshipping.
How can you discern if the Holy Spirit is moving in the worship services of your church? Simply put–supernatural things happen. Decisions are made and life change happens beyond the scope of human ingenuity. People give gifts, make commitments, and chart new directions because of insight received while worshipping. In short, things happen that can’t be explained by the work of your two hands!
When the Holy Spirit moved in the church at Antioch, the members did something beyond their ability. They responded to preaching, gave money, delivered messages to fellow believers, accepted a call to missions, fasted, prayed, and laid hands on fellow believers (commissioning them for service). When the Holy Spirit is active in a worship service people respond–privately yes, but also openly, definitively, and publicly. Certainly, public response can be manipulated and be too dependent on emotional appeals. But foregoing all opportunity for public response in worship isn’t the answer to those excesses. . . .
Healthy leaders and healthy churches have a sense of expectancy when they gather together. They seek the filling of the Spirit, personally, and the empowering of the Spirit, corporately. These churches create opportunity–spiritual, emotional, and physical–for people to respond to the Spirit’s prompting in worship. They facilitate praying, sharing testimonies, confronting sinful behavior, public repentance and supportive prayer, and expressions of mutual support (laying on of hands in Antioch, often a hug or a handshake today).
These churches plan time in their worship gatherings for a response–using various methods but always giving people an opportunity to follow the Spirit’s promptings, urgings, or instructions.
Healthy churches expect the Holy Spirit to be an active participant in their worship gatherings.
Read the last two sentences in light of the fact that Iorg is a Southern Baptist; non-charismatic churches don’t get a pass from him.
Let’s consider adding time for planned spontaneity in our services.
The Lord be with all who help to lead the Church as we seek to help our congregations increase the level of holy expectation they bring to corporate worship!
Health Notes: Simple Tips on Managing Stress
By Marion Boomer-Hauser, MS, RD, HBF Board Member
Stress is the body’s natural defense against change or circumstances that might cause physical, emotional, or psychological strain on your body. Stress automatically initiates the fight-or-flight response; hence it is our autonomic nervous systems that control our responses to stress.
The body’s nervous system regulates both voluntary and involuntary actions, in addition to memory, communication, and thinking. The autonomic nervous system controls everything that happens automatically such as breathing, digestion, and heart rate to keep us alive!
We all know that stress is no stranger to those who work in music and/or ministry! If we do not address the underlying cause of stress and do something about it, it will soon take over and then nothing will be accomplished for God’s glory and kingdom. Right?
Let us take a little deeper look. The autonomic nervous system is made up of two parts: the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems. The parasympathetic system controls things like digestion and the ability to rest. It works to conserve energy and help us sleep, breaking down food, absorbing it, and sending its nutrients to restore the body. The sympathetic system, on the other hand, is responsible for action! This is where we get the fight-or-flight response – quick energy to move away from danger or stressful situations.
So, when dealing with a chronic ailment or long-term difficult situations, the body stays in that fight-or-flight mode (sympathetic dominance) for much longer than the body should. The parasympathetic system cannot function well and thus the person may experience digestive difficulties and/or sleep disturbances, among other things.
Another interesting aspect of why a person stays in sympathetic dominance is related to their neck curve. If instability exists in the cervical spine, vertebrae can move too much and encroach on important vessels such as the internal jugular veins and the vagus nerves (the nervous system superhighway that runs along each side of the neck.)
At our Caring Medical office, we are seeing dramatic increases in the number of patients that come in with feelings of stress, anxiety, inability to cope, depression, sadness, and loss. Why? Since we are experts in the neck, many of these patients have issues related to cervical instability. However, compounding that are the stresses of life. So, we encourage you, first and foremost, if you are having these feelings, consider that it might be related to your neck.
Think about this neck-stress connection for a moment. Most everyone is looking down at a smart (or dumb!) phone, computer, or musical instruments for long periods of time over many days. The ligaments in the neck “creep” and weaken leading to loose ligaments in the neck that in turn can compress these vital structures and cause all sorts of symptoms. It’s important to take breaks from your instrument and find ways to “look up! vs constantly looking down!
Everyone experiences other kinds of stress in their lifetime, some more than others. What is stressful for one person, might not be stressful for another. Stress is a part of life, but it must be managed effectively to maximize success, health, and happiness. Therefore, the way we respond to our stress plays a huge role in our overall wellness.
Here are tips that can help you look at your stress in a new way.
Take a breather – If you find that something is stressing you out, step away from the situation and if able, go outside for a few minutes. Research shows that spending time outside and in nature can help reduce stress levels by lowering your heart rate (and improves digestion!) We love taking a 10-minute walk around our office complex at lunch time to “reset” and get ready for the afternoon at work. It really does help!
Separate worries from concerns – We know this may be easier said than done but try being mindful of what you are getting stressed out about. If a situation is a concern, ask God for help and release that anxiety to Him. If you cannot do anything about it, then there is no sense in worrying, right? What does that really accomplish? Nothing. Focus your time on things you can change!
Turn it around – While listening to a recent Podcast, we heard this, “turn the let-downs into lessons and the disappointments into determination!” Wow does that change your mindset! Just because something is challenging does not mean you have to stress yourself out – challenging times are an opportunity for growth!
We cannot stop things from happening in our lives, but we can control how we respond to them. Matthew 6:34 states, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” If you are stressing about what may happen tomorrow and it does not even happen, then you worried for no reason! If it does happen, then you have just worried twice! Right?
Worry less and live more!
Here’s to your health!!
HBF News:
Through your generous efforts, the Huntley Brown Foundation was able to donate a keyboard to the Divine Favor Ministry in Faisalabad, Pakistan for the church and the orphanage. We have begun the process of virtual music lessons for the children at the Orphanage. This is a program that we hope to continue to expand with your continued support. Please let us know if you have an interest in providing donations of time, teaching, and funds. We are in need of music teachers to help in this effort, if you would be interested in providing lessons, we would love to hear from you! Thank you in advance!
Your prayers are much appreciated, and we are truly grateful to those who have given to the ministry so that we can help others.
1 Samuel 30:6 NIV “David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.”
What happens when the people you are leading turn on you?
What happens when your friends and family members turn on you?
You must encourage yourself.
God created us for community. You are not supposed to take the journey of life by yourself; that’s why Jesus sent the disciples out two by two. The question remains: what happens when you find yourself by yourself with no one to encourage or support you?
That’s the time you must encourage yourself.
David experienced this a few times.
His brother said he was conceited and had a wicked heart. (1 Samuel 17 v 28)
David’s wife despised him in her heart and accused him of acting like a vulgar person. (2 Samuel 6: 16 & 20)
The people David was leading wanted to stone him because they blamed him for the trouble they were experiencing.
1 Samuel 30:6 NIV “David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.”
What do you do when those who are supposed to support you, turn on you? You encourage yourself.
With the people talking about stoning him, David encouraged himself by finding strength in the Lord.
When was the last time you encouraged yourself by finding strength in the Lord?
How do you encourage yourself in the Lord?
Here are a few keys to help.
Spend time worshipping and praising God for who He is and for what He has done.
Isaiah 61 v 3 says to put on a garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness. The garment of praise will not only encourage you but will transform your countenance.
Spend quality time in prayer, reminding God about what He did for you in the past. Remembering the blessings of the past always results in a heart of gratitude for what God has done.
Give God a sacrifice of praise. A sacrifice of praise is praise you offer to God when you are discouraged and don’t feel like praising Him.
Read specific scriptures and passages of encouragement. Here are a few.
Exodus 14:14 NIV “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
David encouraged himself by knowing how God felt about him. Listen to what God said about David.
Acts 13:22 NIV “After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’”
Be encouraged today. God is with you, and He promises to never leave you or forsake you.
Health Notes: Look Up Child!
By Marion Boomer-Hauser, MS, RD, HBF Board Member
We were recently listening to one of our favorite artists Lauren Daigle’s “Look Up Child” – and we thought to ourselves, “this should be our theme song for what we are trying to convey to those around us – including our patients, friends, family, and the world at large!”
For more reasons than one, this song is appropriate now! “Where are You now, when darkness seems to win, where are You now, when the world is crumbling?” She goes on to say, “Oh, I hear You say, look up child…” Further on in the song, “You’re not threatened by the war, you’re not shaken by the storm, I know You’re in control, even in our suffering, even when it can’t be seen, I know You’re in control.”
For two reasons, we just want to encourage our readers to look up. It is certainly easy to start feeling down regarding the happenings in the world today. But God is in control. We are still blessed. During these uncertain times, people feel more isolated, lonely, anxious, and depressed, causing even more stress, which in turn can weaken the immune system, causing people to feel unwell – and the cycle builds and repeats.
Love and relationships can break this cycle.
Our good friend Marylou reminded us the other day, “You will always be filled by whatever you are hungry for…and eventually you will be consumed by whatever has filled you.” So we ask, “What are you hungry for?” “What has filled you?” Good things?
Let’s focus on the good. We can show love, kindness, and compassion to each other. Let’s be intentional. Let’s be the lights in the darkness. Share a smile, talk to someone you encounter at the grocery store or out and about. Look up, child!
The second way we encourage our readers to look up is by actually – LOOKING UP!
This is a syndrome that is affecting EVERYONE, but especially those whose profession and/or habits put them in a “face-down” posture for long periods of time.
At our clinic, we are making astounding discoveries using dynamic (motion) testing methods such as digital motion x-ray, cone beam CT scan, and high velocity ultrasound to assess blood flow to the brain, heart rate variability, and more. Patients with seemingly bizarre, transient, and often horribly disabling symptoms finally find answers.
One of the most disturbing and widespread symptoms we find is related to what we call “Brain Toilet Obstruction.” In short, it often goes like this – sudden anxiety develops; depression, lethargy, and emotional numbing creep in; cognitive decline follows, resulting in loss of focus and inability to work.
Why? The short answer is that the stretching of the posterior cervical ligaments that hold the facet joints, the spinous process of each vertebrae, leads to instability in the cervical spine and neck pain, which leads to loss of the natural curvature of the neck which pushes the head forward.
Compression of the arteries and veins in the cervical spine is what causes the brain obstruction. These structures are too loose and move where they are not supposed to move.
If symptoms are severe, regenerative medicine treatments can help by tightening the loose ligaments using proliferative injection treatments, but the process is more complex.
People must change their habits to change their lives.
If we continue to look down (specifically at the cell phone or computer) for many hours per day – this problem will never stop and will only further accelerate.
So when we say, “look up, child!” we mean it. Constant scrolling for hours each day, coupled by many hours of TV or computer watching is killing our brains.
Work to reduce or eliminate social media scrolling, put your phone away.
Develop proper ergonomics for your computer and/or music set up – feet flat on the floor, abdominals contracted, shoulders back, chin slightly up. Look up, child! Your brain with thank you!
Blessings!
HBF News:
Behind the scenes at HBF: We are excited to announce that we awarded our first HBF Student Scholarship to Judson University student Shamaine Williams for the purpose of academic advancement and musical achievement. See photo below of Shamaine with 5 Huntley Brown Foundation board members who were pleased to be in attendance: Revita DeChalus, Annette Brown, Huntley Brown, Roscoe DeChalus, and Warren Anderson.
We partnered with a Christian orphanage and school in Pakistan to provide their first keyboard for lessons for their students. We are excited to see how God uses this gift!
We are working with some interested parties to supply instruments, scholarships, and music lessons to those in need.
We have received some donated instruments that we hope to soon distribute. Please contact us if you, your church, your school, or student is in need of a musical instrument.
We are in the process of developing our first music workshop and plans for virtual music lessons.
Your prayers are much appreciated, and we are truly grateful to those who have given to the ministry so that we can help others.
Psalm 139 says, “you have searched me oh Lord…for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…before you became you already were.” God has mapped out our talents, abilities, personalities – everything about us. He knows everything.
Our lives have the potential to be amazing works of art! What we do with them is up to us! Are we going to take initiative and strive to be as Christlike as we can? God has made us good and uniquely tailors everything about us for our good.
We only have one life and one eternity. These are too precious not to know. Those who do not know Jesus do not know. Those who do know Jesus, we ask “are you all in?” Have you said, “have your way with my life?”
When we are “all in” we see the hand of God at work in our lives. He will direct our paths. We receive guidance from His Word, as Psalm 119 states, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” His Word should become a part of who we are and be active in our hearts.
People speak of a “6th sense” or “intuition” – but we know that this is the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. The Holy Spirit provides conviction, assurance, and peace. Philippians 4:6-7 says that we should not be anxious for anything. The peace of God will guard our hearts and minds. He will lead us into peace. If we do not have peace, listen up – and take notice.
Sometimes our own minds get in the way, don’t they? We get too busy to listen. We want to encourage each of you during these times where busy is a lifestyle, to take time to rest, listen, and be in the presence of our Lord. Let Him direct your thoughts, decisions, words, and actions.
Health Notes: Positive People Live Longer
When Jesus is guiding our paths and we are able to listen, we present ourselves to the world as more positive people. The spirit of the Lord exudes from us – we shine like a light in the darkness. Of course we want to be that, don’t we? But sometimes life is tough and we do not feel like doing it. So it takes prayer and intentionality in order to be LOVE to those around us.
The Greek philosopher Aristotle said, “happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence” more than 2000 years ago. Happiness is defined as a state in which pleasure decidedly predominates over pain. Others describe happiness as “subjective well-being” or basically how satisfied people feel with their lives. Other researchers describe happiness as the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that your life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile.
Studies over the years have shown that people with positive outlooks live anywhere from 4 to 18% longer than their less positive counterparts. With prayer and intentionality we can help shift our own thoughts from negative to positive and then help bring others along to the positive as well. When we feel anger, resentment, hurt, or other negative emotions, we can learn to treat them like we do when we put our hand on a hot stove – acknowledge them and then quickly lift our hand off it. If we love and feel peace toward ourselves, we can easily do this for others.
Those with positive outlooks tend to be healthier, gain less weight, and eat better, which contributes to improved longevity.
Here are some tips to help you work on attaining a positive outlook and improved longevity:
Take responsibility for your own health; realize that everything you say, do, and think has either a positive or negative effect on your body; prayer can change your life; analyze whether you’re a selfish or selfless person; reduce time spent on the internet and television, especially related to negativity and violence; connect with real people and develop real relationships; pray and meditate focusing on the positive aspects of your life with gratitude; get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night; listen to positive and calming music; exercise regularly – at least 30 minutes per day of moderate exercise; keep moving; and eat well – you cannot expect to feel positive if your body is not running well. Our bodies need energy and nutrients to function optimally so that we are able to do all that we want to do in life. With the typically busy life of those in Christian and/or music ministries, these tips are especially important to adhere to in order to allow you to be at your best so that you can continue to be able to work where you are called to be! Amen?
Blessings, Marion Boomer-Hauser, MS, RD, HBF Board Member
HBF News:
Huntley lost his beloved father, Alpheus, on March 13, 2022. His dad was a deacon and musician at his church on the island of Jamaica, Huntley’s home country. He will be greatly missed. Thank you for your prayers, condolences, texts, and messages. We greatly appreciate them.
Behind the scenes at the HBF we are working with some interested parties to supply instruments, scholarships, and music lessons to those in need. We will be meeting to discuss the planning of an upcoming music-related seminar hopefully later this year. Your prayers are much appreciated, and we are truly grateful to those who have given to the ministry so that we can help others.
It’s amazing how fast this year is going. There are many people in different seasons. Some experiencing joy, some sorrow, sickness or pain. Today, we want to encourage you to ask God to help you to not only recognize the struggle of others but also to be a balm of healing in their lives.
A successful foundation, ministry or life is always characterized by focusing on others. To do that, we must pay attention to the unseen and unsaid.
In the Bible we read a very interesting verse.
Nehemiah 2:2 NIV
“so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” I was very much afraid,”
This was a king who was paying attention to the unseen and unsaid. Are you alert to the unseen and unheard around you?
Listen: What are you hearing? Look: What are you seeing? Did you hear the crack in the person’s voice as they spoke? Did you see their tear stained face? Did you get that look that tells you they are scared? Did you hear a sigh?
Hearing something that’s not said, and seeing something that’s not seen, calls for hearing and listening in the unknown realm.
This calls for intentionality on our parts.
We look and listen everyday but there are many things we don’t see or hear simply because we are not intentionally looking and listening. This is a season of hurt and pain for many people and they need us. Can God count on you to listen for the unsaid and look for the unseen? Listen with an open heart.
Are you Heart Smart?
With Valentines Day just around the corner, let’s talk a little about the heart. The heart is the large muscle in our bodies that pumps blood through the blood vessels throughout the circulatory system. This blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the body, while also carrying metabolic waste such as carbon dioxide to the lungs. The heart pumps about 5.7 liters of blood in a day and beats on average 100,000 times per day. Not only is the heart one of the central organs in our physical bodies but it is the place where emotions and desires originate, driving us to action, creating our behaviors.
With what we see going on in the world these days, you might say that humanity has a heart problem. Our spirit life begins in the heart. When things may not make sense to our hearts, Proverbs tells us to “trust in the lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” We alone cannot control the circumstances around us. Let go, let God. Trust Him and have confidence that He is in charge – thus, no need to stress out.
What other things can we do to strengthen our hearts? Research shows that getting out in nature helps relieve stress and anxiety, improves mood, and boosts feelings of happiness. Have you taken time to look around in awe and wonder at the beauty of the stars, the sun, the moon, the land, the trees? God’s creation is awe-inspiring and should stimulate our senses to recognize that we are part of this amazing universe that He created. How much time have you spent outside lately?
What can we do nutritionally to strengthen our hearts? Much of the heart disease problem is related to inflammation, allergies, lack of nutrient-dense food intake, and an overabundance of chemicals and sugar in the typical SAD (standard American diet) which cause stress and inflammation in the body. Consuming a diet that has a low toxic load and is easily utilized by the body is key to heart health. This means consuming fresh, organic foods when at all possible including vegetables, fresh protein sources such as fish, beef, chicken, as well as high fiber gluten-free grains such as sweet potatoes, quinoa, legumes, and brown rice, etc. Food is our life source. Ingesting terrible, poor-quality food and expecting optimized health is not wise.
Heart disease incidence is climbing, and people are showing signs of it at much younger ages. Why? Poor nutrient intake. Increased incidence of anxiety and stress. Increased cell phone use and facedown lifestyles that lead to instability in the cervical spine, thus cutting off vital nutrient supply to vital organ systems, as well as blocking the vagus nerve which can then affect the heart.
The choice is ours. We live in a beautiful country! We have access to fresh food. We can walk freely outside. We can choose to be positive and show love to one another. Our heart health is in our own hands. Let’s make it good.
HBF News:
As we move into 2022, we are excited to see what the Lord has in store for the foundation. Our hope is be able to provide some scholarships and musical instruments to those in need, as well as start the planning of some workshops. Your prayers are much appreciated, and we are truly grateful to those who have given to the ministry so that we can help others.
We want to share with you some inspirational words from Rev. Dr. Huntley Brown,
For many, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, and still for some, it’s the worst time of the year.
How are you doing at the beginning of this new year? Did you struggle this past season? Do you despise the holidays? It’s okay if you’re still dealing with the “holiday blues.” Today, we want to make two recommendations: one spiritual and one physical.
Spiritual Follow the example of David. Psalm 42:5 NIV “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” First, David asked himself: why are you downcast my soul? No one can see another person’s soul. Many times people get depressed and don’t know why they are depressed. Do you know why you are downcast? If not, go to prayer. Second, David made a decision to put his hope in God. Notice, when David made this decision, his circumstances had not yet changed. This was a faith based decision, one that said I am going to praise God in spite of my circumstances. We need to do the same. Praising God in the midst of a challenge will soon change your perspective on the challenge.
Physical: There are physical things you can do to counter the post holiday blues or any time when you are feeling down. Working to stay positive amidst difficult times can be challenging, even during the best of times!
Here are a few tips to help you boost your mood naturally:
Keep moving – especially if you can get outside! Many studies confirm that exercise produces happy hormones called endorphins. Have you ever rolled out of bed, felt kind of down, but once you started exercising felt your mood dramatically improve? People who exercise regularly are far less prone to anxiety, panic, and depression. If you struggle with staying on track, set a reminder on your calendar. Find an accountability workout buddy. Walking, running, biking, swimming, pickleball, tennis, golf, water fitness classes, gym workouts, Pilates, yoga, weight training – the options are endless!
Connect with people! Being together creates a sense of purpose, connectedness, and bonding. Most of us long to have great relationships. Video chat with those you cannot connect with in person. Be the initiator and plan something! Join one of the many groups or clubs available.
Eat foods that nourish the body! We all know the saying, “junk in, junk out!” Avoid processed poor-quality so-called food and eat a diet high in fresh foods – especially vegetables and healthy fats such as green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, wild caught fish, avocado, olive oil, nuts and seeds such as flax and chia. Add probiotics to your daily routine, including natural plain yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and pickled vegetables. Choose whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, millet, and wild rice. These foods are rich in B vitamins needed to produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine which help regulate mood.
Work on your spiritual health. Whatever method fills your spirit, add this regularly to your life. Studies show that deep breathing, meditation, faith in God, and prayer, all enhance quality of life, decrease depression, calm, restore, and revive.
Read! Studies show that reading, especially fiction, promotes empathy and a better ability to read others’ feelings. Reading fiction puts us into the minds of others. We can learn a different perspective and understand how and why other people feel the way they do, thus taking our minds off ourselves. There are many Christian fiction authors to choose from! Pick up a book and disconnect!
Let us be the light of Christ to others. May our lights shine to the whole world that we are different because we are in Christ and may the Holy Spirit guide our thoughts, words, and deeds. Let us take our needs to Christ. He asked us in Mark 10:46-52 “What do you want Me to do for you?” He loves us and wants the best for us.
HBF Ministry Update as we close the year 2021 and move into 2022:
We know that this year has been a difficult one for many ministries, individuals, and businesses. Thus, we thank God for His faithfulness and are excited to report on the progress made with the foundation. Through our volunteer team, we were able to launch the HBF website, blog, Instagram, and Facebook pages. We established a method for giving and are thankful for those who were able to give to get the ministry started. We have received 6 instrument donations, including guitars and a keyboard. We are hopeful to award upcoming scholarships to needy students in the near future, as well as distribute instruments to those in need. Thank you for partnering with us.
A word from Huntley Brown: In a season of uncertainty, where there are more questions than answers, where do you look for hope? Where do you turn to navigate the unknown?
Hope is always attached to a challenge. As Romans 8:24 says says, “no one hopes for what they have already.”
Today, if you are feeling hopeless, I have good news: there is hope because God is in control. You may have questions but when you attach your hope to the word of God you will not be shaken.
Jeremiah 29:11 ( NIV) tell us” “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
God has plans for you and those plans are to give you hope and a future. With that kind of promise we can all press on.
Hope is strength in the unknown; hope causes one to hold on when others are giving up.
Today, hold on to the hope found in the lyrics of this hymn.
My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.
Have a “Mary Christmas!” As we enter the Advent-Christmas season, we want to encourage you not to lose the true meaning of the season. Let’s remember the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 as we find ourselves busy with holiday preparations, that may truly cause us stress and not allow us to fully experience JESUS.
Jesus tells us that HE is the cure for stress and worry. Make room for what matters by considering doing less. Martha was distracted by all of the dinner preparations. Don’t let our culture dictate what you do. Limit your stresses. Simplify. Slow down. Make room for Jesus. It is, as we know, all about HIM. Mary chose Jesus. Sit at His feet.
We need both Mary and Martha, but make sure you still have a “Mary Christmas” where you take time to reflect on the most amazing gift – Jesus.
Luke 10:38-42 38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Giving Tuesday! On November 30, 2021, we’re uniting for a worldwide celebration of generosity. GivingTuesday is an opportunity for people around the world to come together through generosity in all its forms by sharing acts of kindness and giving their voice, time, money, goods, and advocacy to support communities and causes. If you would like to support the Huntley Brown Foundation on GivingTuesday, please click here.
We are so excited to bring you the inaugural edition of our blog to let you know what we are hoping the Lord will allow us to accomplish through the HBF.
The power of music in a person’s life: The Huntley Brown story: Huntley grew up in a poor family in Jamaica, but learned early on that with God, all things are all possible. Growing up without many opportunities, he held on to hope. Hope when attached to faith in God changed his life forever. Without knowing how to read music, Huntley learned to play the piano by imitating his brothers. His father who played the accordion and a little piano gave Huntley some basic instructions, and he also received instructions from a family friend, and listened to different recordings and played by ear. Huntley eventually rededicated his life to Christ as a teen and started spending time in the Word and in prayer. This led him to the United States where he attended and graduated from Judson University with a bachelor’s degree in piano performance and a master’s degree in piano performance and pedagogy from Northern IL University where he met the love of his life Annette. Huntley’s music ministry has taken him all over the world, on television, radio, and concert appearances. Huntley has been described as inspired, anointed, powerful, and explosive. It is his desire to give the same opportunity to others gifted with musical talent but who are unable to explore and use their God-given talents. For more about Huntley’s story, please see www.HuntleyBrown.org/biography/.
Did you know?
Music is good for the soul? We have heard it said, “music is good for the soul.” As Christ followers, we know that music provides a way for us to worship our Lord, to connect with the Holy Spirit, and to come together with other believers. Biblically-based lyrics and Holy Spirit-inspired tunes can bring spiritual healing and faith to those who are lost or hurting. Music is a very powerful tool.
Learning to play music is good for your health? Learning to play music can build new neural pathways that will help strengthen the brain as you age. Professional musicians are known to have more grey matter than non-musicians. This is a great reason to get your kids playing a musical instrument at a young age! It also gets them off their devices and stimulates their brains!
Music also improves immune function by increasing IgA antibodies that fight infections, reducing cortisol levels (stress hormone) leading to lower incidences of headaches, high blood pressure, and overall improved health, as well as reduces incidence of depression and anxiety. Music has an overall calming effect on young and old.
Many people have unused musical instruments in their homes? Many of us had the opportunity to learn musical instruments from an early age. Now these instruments sit in our basements, garages, or storage rooms cluttering our homes when they could be used to help others, like Huntley Brown, whose life was changed through music. What about you?
The mission of the Huntley Brown Foundation? The mission of the Huntley Brown Foundation is to replicate Huntley Brown’s story, to raise up young leaders to impact their communities for Christ. Music gives us all the freedom to worship in our own unique and personalized way, and the Huntley Brown Foundation endeavors to equip individuals with the tools they need to worship Him in their daily lives.
We want to connect those in need with those who can help.
Immediate needs:
Musical instruments gently used or new.
Teachers who could donate their time (via Zoom) to those in need.
Churches/facilities with students who would like to learn music – we want to help! APPLY
We want to encourage you in your faith! Lastly, we want you to know that we want to utilize this blog to provide you with encouragement on your own personal faith journey. We want to pray for you. Contact us at info@HuntleyBrownFoundation.org.
More to come…we look forward to this journey with you. Amen.
Huntley Brown Foundation 