Creative people are an exceptional bunch. Many assume that being creative equals being late, irresponsible, over-sensitive, fussy, eccentric, lazy, etc. I’m sure that many are, but the reputation of a few should never be forced on the rest of us. And why is it that we as a society pay creative people so much money to do what they do? We love what they bring to our lives! But we just don’t understand what makes them tick.

There is a creative sensitivity in all of us: when our ideas are shot down at work, church, in a board meeting, or within a personal relationship, for instance, it hurts as much as a producer saying to a musician in a recording session, “I don’t like your guitar playing on this song!” We are all human. Being a creative person means that the product of our minds is not simply a subjective piece of information. Rather, it is an objective piece of “us” birthed from our hearts and imaginations. When a person tries to super-impose his or her heavy-handed business management style upon a band or vocal rehearsal, for instance, proper communication, or the lack of, will make or break the environment. Many a hard-core business person, or even a Marine drill instructor might want to say, “Tough it out, wuss!” The fact is, when the hammer comes down like that in a creative setting, creative people fold, and you might as well close down for the day.

When I am leading a recording session or a rehearsal, I like to create a positive environment by making the space feel light and fun. I also try to make positive personal contact with each player, singer and engineer because that helps initiate the flow of ideas. I want the artist to feel free to let go and give it all they’ve got. Usually, in these sessions or rehearsals, the musical arrangements are in place, but the individual investments coming from the instrumentalists and vocalists are welcomed within these parameters. Most great musicians like some kind of direction, but they also want to contribute when a good idea floats to the top.

In any event, a good leader is there to keep things flowing and on track. The way a leader runs the situation can either support a positive environment or will stifle spontaneity. Just by showing courtesy, speaking kindly, showing grace in brain-storming sessions, making compliments when appropriate, and generally being interested in the persons involved, we are creating a healthy environment for the growth of ideas.

Rick Warren said this recently to pastors of churches: “Don’t expect people to be interested in your “vision” if you are not interested in their lives.” I believe any effective leader, creative or otherwise, who applies these principles in their daily dealings with people will find success. As I said earlier, when we are working with creative people, their products are not just mere objects, but are extensions of their very soul.

As a leader, whether in business, in the Arts, at home, at church, or in a relationship, we can nurture positive and creative environments by allowing those around us to dream. Who knows, there might be an Einstein, a Ford, a Bill Gates, a Jimi Hendrix or another Billy Graham among us!

Brenda had the DVR set set in order to watch the Royal Wedding later in the day. Since she woke up and couldn’t go back to sleep, she decided to watch it live. I remember watching the wedding of William’s mom and dad while I was on a tour across Canada in 1981. What an insight into British culture–then and now.

We want this marriage to last forever. Witnessing William’s parent’s marriage dissolve before our eyes was a sad disillusion. The horses and carriage, the long, traditional white gown, the church and the minister offering the vows–this all seems like a fairy tale. The world is tuning-in by the billions to watch the spectacle and we can’t get enough. Sadly, money, pomp, social status, education, health, beauty and youth don’t guarantee Kate and William’s success in marriage. It is obvious that they have affection for one another. Still, there are a few things that I want to offer them that have worked for Brenda and I for almost 26 years. I know that I’m a commoner and don’t have the up-hill struggles that a Royal has. But I want to give these simple suggestions to you both as you ride off into your “happily ever after.”

1. Be nice to each other. Treat each other with courtesy. Say “hi”–a billion times a day if necessary.

2. Say I love you often. Don’t hold the notion, “I told you when I married you!” William, you are the initiator (sorry , I’m old-fashioned!).

3. Stay connected throughout the day. Text messages and quick phone calls can do the trick.

4. Make your marriage “priority one” over all others–even the church (not to be confused with God Himself!), and sit down for this–the children. Your kids’ lives are enriched when mom and dad are in love and deeply committed.

5. Have a weekly date. Try to honor it even if you have to scoot the calendar around to make it happen. Make it a financial priority–it doesn’t have to break the bank either.

6. Give each other the grace to “rewind the tape” when something said in an argument comes out in a hurtful manner. Communication is the hardest part of marriage. To remember that you two are totally different people will help you to slow down and think about how to say things clearly and with wisdom.

7. Give each other the space to enjoy different hobbies and friendships, but always prioritize your time together.

8. Make decisions together, especially the ones that are significant. William, God gave you a wonderful partner whose opinion just might save your rear-end at times, and conversely, Kate has you. When you agree upon a direction to go, what can stop you?

9. Learn to create boundaries around your marriage, home and family life. Others will want to break in at times but you must “schedule” family time. You do not have to explain your family appointment schedule to anyone. Don’t let the pursuit of money, stature or fame steal from your family (there are times when making a living will require time from you, but don’t let it take over your life.)

10. I recently heard an 88-year old man say of his 67 year marriage, “It takes L.O.V.E.!” This word goes right past us sometimes. But to me that means we must cherish, sacrifice for, honor, prioritize, listen to, have grace for, nurture and pursue–like we did when we were chasing after–our bride. Before you know it, the days turn into months, years and decades and life will be full of joy.

May God bless both of you as you start this journey together!

Emmylou Harris is the true Queen of Country Music. She not only helped revive traditional country music back in the Seventies, but she made a slew of converts (myself included) to the genre by infusing the old-school songs with distorted guitars and rock flavors. As a background singer with Gram Parsons (The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers), she helped spark a revival in country music that Gram himself, in my opinion, could never have completed alone, even if he had survived. Sadly, Gram’s death in 1973 sent Emmylou scrambling to find her own identity and her own way as a pioneer in this new hybrid of American music.

Along the way she became a top-notch band leader enlisting the finest guitarists and side-men available: James Burton, Ricky Skaggs, Emory Gordy, Jr., Glen Hardin, Hank DeVito, Albert Lee, Rodney Crowell and Buddy Miller, just to name a few. In 1980, she came out with a bluegrass-oriented record called “Roses In the Snow.” I was intrigued with a high tenor voice that was amply used throughout the recording. Searching for the person with “that voice” through reading the liner notes, I became aware, for the first time, of the brilliant Ricky Skaggs.

I have collected almost all of her records since then. Emmylou has taken a few creative “left turns” in her career, including the making of “Wrecking Ball” with producer Daniel Lanois (U2,Peter Gabriel). She was never a prolific songwriter herself, but soon ramped-up the writing of her own compositions after “Wrecking Ball.” I consider Emmylou a master song-picker. Like her friend Linda Ronstadt, she has a keen ear for great songs–many times obscure–waiting to be brought to life through her stellar arrangements and beautiful vocal interpretations. Her song-picking and songwriting have fused to create excellent results on her most recent records.

Yesterday I bought her new record, “Hard Bargain.” I was impressed with the songs and her contemporary approach (airy, wide-open and spacious mixes complementing her beautiful, and at times heartbreaking, lyrics). Sometimes I like to go back and enjoy the early recordings of Emmylou. The songs transport me to where, in 1981, I was horseback riding in the Canadian Rockies, just outside of Banff. Her music became a veritable soundtrack of my journey across Canada that summer. As I listen to the songs from “Hard Bargain,” they are a perfect accompaniment to this rainy morning as I write and look out into a soggy, brilliantly green spring morning.

I hope everyone had a great Easter. The Monday morning after is a great time to make evaluations and begin to form strategies for growth and improvement.

Thank God for volunteers–the church would not function without them! The privilege to serve God is an honor for both themselves and the church. Some volunteer positions in the church require more expertise than others, and playing in the worship band is no exception.

Every worship team is looking for Jeff Beck or Eddie Van Halen to walk in and say, “Here I am, people, put me to work!” Since that probably won’t happen, we are challenged to select and train musicians out of the talent pool within our church community. Each church has the opportunity to create a strong group of worship musicians if–taking in consideration finances, leadership ability and talent–they are willing to consider some real-life, time-tested suggestions:

1. Create a list of musical and spiritual standards that are required to be a member of the team. Stress salvation, commitment, good stewardship and preparedness as fundamental requirements for membership.

2. Encourage continued musical and spiritual growth.

3. Emphasize each member must play one instrument well, not a lot of things mediocre.

4. Create an environment of excellence by first being a prepared leader and offering the players an opportunity to ready themselves for each rehearsal and performance.

5. Supply (as finances warrant) professional-quality “back-line” support for musicians by offering a good set of drums, amps, keyboards and monitors for the band. Eliminating the lugging of heavy items in and out of rehearsal can streamline setup and shorten rehearsal time. Each musician must supply their own instruments (except for the aforementioned large items) and accessories like sticks, picks, cords, etc.

6. Create a professional environment by using music charts with rhythms, melody, words and a good road map (chords over word-type charts are limiting). This process requires a learning curve but pays off handsomely as the music library grows and members learn to sight-read. Obviously, this requires someone to prepare the charts, and some small churches are limited in this ability and/or expense. Take the first step and learn to use notation software like Finale and Sibelius (Finale offers graduated notation programs for different needs and applications).

7. Depending on the church’s musical style, solo instruments like a sax, violin, flute or horn can be welcomed. There should be definite direction given as to where and when they play. Encourage the soloists to also play percussion or auxiliary keyboards, for instance, to bring variety. In the case of a horn or string section, a predetermined musical arrangement is imperative.

8. Hold regular auditions. Offer a sign-up list after services. Assign someone to contact and audition applicants. Start with a phone interview–much of the elimination process can be accomplished then (Do you read music? Do you play lead guitar and/or rhythm? Are you available for rehearsals and services, etc?). It is helpful for two people to judge auditions so both can take responsibility for the the final decision. When a player shows promise but is not ready to “fly alone,” let them shadow another player for a few weeks to learn the ropes.

9. Excellence, success and professionalism will encourage those with like attitude to want to be a part of your team. It takes years to build a quality team. Even still, I would rather have people on my team with a strong heart for Jesus and an average grasp of their instrument than a prima donna with an ego the size of Texas!

10. Start the training process for future players while they are in the youth group. Encourage private lessons. Create a music training co-op in your church by selecting teachers and assigning a group of students to take weekly lessons for 6-week, alternating terms (guitar, drums, bass, keys, vocals, tech, etc.). Create a couple of bands out of this process to play for the student ministry and begin to graduate capable players into the adult program as they show promise.

The DirecTV guy came Wednesday morning, surprisingly right on time! He rummaged through the rat’s nest of various cableage that littered the back-side of my living room’s flat screen TV. He fished out the now-defunct home phone line that sat unused since the last technician fooled with our TV hook ups. While changing out the broken DVR box, he looked at me like I was Fred Flintstone and said, “You know, Mr. Harvill, phone lines aren’t necessary any more!” I didn’t want to seem offended by his comment. But because I had made the decision last year to get rid of our land-line home phone, I wanted to confirm to him that I knew that already, and some of the evidence still lingered here and there.

Brenda was sweeping up the garage a few days ago and had several wireless phones wrapped up and ready to toss. My inner pack rat winced at the thought of great technology going to waste. I quickly gained control of my self and conceded that they had to go with the rest of the dust-covered garage litter.

Its sad that we are witnessing the demise of the home phone. I remember our family phone prominently place on the kitchen wall. My folks had a second one installed on my dad’s desk in the den so we wouldn’t have to run into the kitchen to answer a call. Phones were owned by the phone company then. I remember the first “Princess Phone” we had. It looked like something out of Disney’s Tomorrowland. I can also remember visiting Disneyland and using the spacious phone booths at the exit to Circle-Vision. We all would cram into the booth, call home and marvel that we could hear and talk through some big speaker above without holding a receiver (that was very simple to do even then, but we were transfixed, nonetheless).

Phones were everywhere, and there was a phone booth on just about every corner. Brenda, upon the instruction of her father, carried a quarter in her pocketbook for years in case of an emergency (I remember when the cost of a call was a dime!). Poor phone booths…they are a boat anchor, like those wireless phones in my garage. Even homeless people manage to pull enough scratch together to carry a cell phone these days.

Cell phone rule! When they morphed into the super-duper smart phone, cell phones swept in and stole the market share for even home phones. People are still holding on to their home phones for use with alarm systems (there’s even cell technology for that!). Some have a neurotic need to hold on to the past and will probably never part with their old land-line phone. It got to the point with me when I finally realized I was paying for something we never used. So we said goodbye to the old home phone number and embraced our cell phones as the sole means of phone communication. When I dialed 911 last month after having a car accident in North Carolina, I was connected to a local operator who hooked me up with the local police. My cell will work the same inside my home, too!

Goodbye, old friend. We will remember you fondly– when we nervously picked up your receiver to ask a girl out on a first date; where we first heard that we got the job or that a loved one passed away. You will always be a part of our lives–its just that your sexy cousin, the cell phone, has stolen our hearts. Having both of you is kind of like wearing a belt and suspenders at the same time: its redundant.