Musical Artistry

What an amazing evening with some really talented musical artists. It's awesome to see people really cut loose on their gifts and talents! I was totally surprised by the high level of artistry and skill on display last night at CT for 'Music & Lyrics' Volume 1. It was full of worship from start to finish. I learned so much about the songwriters from the music and the brief interviews. It was good for the soul and totally captivating. I could tell the guys were having a blast. Let's do it again this weekend!

Our musicians have been busy writing music for a while now, but we thought we would try something a little out of the ordinary for a church, anyway. We will be sharing original songs from some of our people who are passionate about using their gifts and artistry as an expression of service and worship. There will be instrumental pieces, 'worship & praise' songs, ballads written by a teen-ager, a jewelry specialist, a teacher and a couple of really talented 'mommies' who spend most of their time caring for their children. Normal folks with extraordinary passion and talent. We will premier these songs tonight at "Music & Lyrics". I am very excited to hear what is being created and sense the impact it could have on people. I have to say I am really proud of our entire team, including players and audio-video techs who have poured many hours into this night.

Idol Update

It's funny how I feel less interested in the process now that the field is being whittled down. With the understanding Andrew Lloyd Weber is an iconic composer and legend of music and stage.....why on earth would they ask these 'kids' to sing his songs on AMERICAN (POP STAR) IDOL? I don't get it! Between this week and the Dolly Parton festival I am flustered by the process. All that said:
Syesha worked it well.
David worked it well.
Karly worked it well.

Brooke's going home.

10 Gorillas in my Mist

Here are a few gorilla-sized lessons I have been learning since the last time I made an entry here.

1. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend." The minute we stop listening to those who love us, and receiving their loving criticisms is the moment we stop growing.
2. Raise the bar. As a leader, I have been guilty of asking for and expecting too little of people.
3. Don't take things so personally.
4. People can be amazingly kind and amazingly cruel.
5. Authentic, honest conversations help me process and give me a great deal of life. (God speaks to me in this way.)
6. Keep moving. Isolation and worry can weigh you down if you sit still for too long.
7. Say "I love you" more than what is comfortable.
8. Show "I love you" more than what is comfortable.
9. Ask for help. Let God and people into your process.
10. Pray

Shout to the Lord!

I was really surprised when American Idol led off last night with Darlene Czech's "Shout to the Lord" Here it is if you missed it.

My Top 3 from last night.

Jason Castro....Somewhere Over the Rainbow (ukelele version)
Syesha Mercado...I Believe (Fantasia)
David Archuleta....Angels (Robbie Williams)

It's still uncertain who will rise to the top. Jason Castro may be the guy after all, but David Cook and Little David are still the favs.

Seamless (wk. 1)

Some highlights from message one of our seamless series. If you get these you, you've got the point.
1. From John 1:14: "The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood."
2. 4 P's of Incarnation: Presence. Proximity. Powerlessness (humility). Proclamation.
3. Redeeming the Routines. Loving big in small things.
4. Missio Dei. Living the 'Mission of God'
5. Seamless living fights off double-mindedness.

Jesus OS 2.16

A few years back Bill Gates of Microsoft used a well-worn term, 'seamless computing' where various computer components work well together and data flows seamlessly form one device to another even as new products are introduced into the marketplace with breakthrough technology. We all know how glitchy computers can be (especially windows based) and how futile the idea of all our gadgets 'getting along' can actually be.

It's somewhat like pulling the different components of our lives together to work seamlessly. With lists, agendas, schedules and responsibilities doing a vacuum job on our lives, how do we fight the temptation to be divided or compartmentalized. Our culture demands this!

Is there a connection here with the term 'double-minded' from the book of James? I am concerned about the number of people (including me) who I see living from a sense of duty rather than living from a core place that directs their sense of duty. The writer, James comments that a double-minded person is very unstable in all they do. To be endowed with the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) is like having the ultimate operating system which pulls together all of life's various components seamlessly and gives us the wisdom, understanding and courage to keep it all in perspective while becoming whole. That core is Jesus, the giver of life and the wisdom of God. Simple but not simplistic.

Is American Idol Getting Old?

Yes. I hate to admit it, but weeks of this elimination process make for some frustration. I think Simon agrees. And my lands, Dolly Parton Night? Who picks these themes, and is it based on a 'star's' availability? If that's the case let's have LaToya Jackson or WIlliam Hung Night. With a few weeks left I will launch out and pick my winner: David Cook. He just seems to nail it every week and is clearly the best performer if not the most talented. David Archuleta will probably be the last one standing next to David C. but may just be too young to go all the way. As much as I like the AI idea, the show is moving very slow right now. I hope this picks up in a hurry,

Jesus is my boyfriend...

Here is an interview with one of my favorite musician, songwriters Matt Redman from England. Are worship songs to gooey?