I have moved my blog and you need to come and check it here.
I have moved away from blogspot and the headaches have already gone away.
Make the move with me. Check it here.
0
New Tunes Tuesday
I'm really liking the new album from Kanye West titled 808s & Heartbreak. This album is a little more industrial sounding and he uses the vocal doubler and tuner on most songs. It's still Kanye and it's still got catchy hooks. Get this one.
Another strong album from The Killers titled Day & Age. Known for their arrangements and rock out times during the songs, and this one keeps that going. I think it's their best songs yet.
From CFNI to Gateway, now to release her own album. You have to check out Kari Jobe and the new single titled I'm Singing. The same voice that made Revelation Song famous is the same voice that has lead thousands into worship. Look for the full album to be released soon.
In honor of my sister Julie, check out Red and the new single titled Fight Inside. A strong arrangement and great vocals make this a song to get and a album to wait for.
0
Sunday Update
A little different post today on Sunday Update. I was not at LFA on Sunday but, I was eating some great food and spending time with my wonderful wife's family in Dallas. I got a early start on Thanksgiving!
Ricky Luis lead worship at LFA and I was told by many that he did a great job.
Here's the worship list:
- Your Grace is Enough
- How Great is Our God
- You Saw Me
- Your Name
- Came To My Rescue
Here's some thoughts about taking a day off:
- I could not stop thinking about LFA
- I could not stop texting people during the service
- I found out I don't delegate very well
- I found out how much I enjoy LFA and don't like to miss
I force myself to take some Sunday's off during the year. I tend to work to much and not put my family first. I am glad to have a Pastor who encourages me to put my family before ministry. He has been a great example for me to follow.
How did your Sunday go?
0
New Tunes Tuesday
Just a few selections for you today. Lets first start with David Cook, Mr. American Idol...Yea I know you might really like him, but I liked him more on the show than the David Cook on the new album. Just me...
Beyonce, yea I said Beyonce. This is a power to the woman album, and it really shows off her talent. I just wish she would try some of Leona Lewis kind of arrangements.
I'm getting into Christmas music, I know its a little early. I'm listening to Harry Connick Jr. and the Christmas album from Newsong. You can not really go wrong with Christmas music unless it's Amy Grant...
What are you listening to?
0
Sunday Update
It is always refreshing to try new things. New places to eat, new things to watch, new things to do. I really think that "church" could try some new things, and I think worship guys should try some new things.
I am surrounded by some talented, anointed people at LFA. I am so thankful for the team that I get to lead with each week. Today I tried something new. Ricky lead a great new song this morning and he killed! I have other people sing a verse on other songs, but not lead the song. Ricky leads from the acoustic guitar, and can really sing well. He lead "You Saw Me" from Hillsong, and did great.
Here's the worship list:
- You, You are God
- Everlasting God
- You Saw Me
- Here I Am To Worship
- He's All I Need
Pastor delivered a great message this morning, and after the message we did "It Is Well With My Soul". It was awesome to see hands lifted all over the church. God did some amazing things this morning.
I felt that this morning was an empowering morning. My heart is to give opportunities to people to use their abilities for the Lord.
Who are you empowering?
0
New Tunes Tuesday
Check out David Archuleta from American Idol. It's a great new album that features his sick vocals. I still think he should of won, and with this new album he is showing why.
Another young star to check out is Taylor Swift and the new album Fearless. I'm not a big fan of country, but it's more of a pop-country album. The coolest thing is she wrote every song on the album.
You need to check out Glorious Unseen and the album The Cries of the Broken. Josh Modisette got me into these guys and I'm glad he did. It's a great worship album with some great songs. Check out "Hear Our Prayers" and "Forever Holy".
What are you listening to?
0
Sunday Update
Today we focused on missions. I am proud to say that we support every missionary in the North Texas District. We are the 15th most giving church out of 535 in North Texas District. Something we focus on and our people are so giving!
It was great to have Pastor Carter back. He has missed the last two weeks. Andrew did a great job speaking the last two weeks, but there is no one like Pastor.
We missed Eddie (electric guitar) but worship was great.
Here's the worship list:
- Because of Your Love
- Cover the Earth
- Jesus Messiah
- Tis So Sweet
- Because He Lives
We slowed down Jesus Messiah from 86 bpm down to 82 bpm. That change made it easier to sing and worship to, at least that's what a few people said to me after service.
Tonight is our All Church Leaders Meeting. We talk about vision and leadership principles. I am doing my final prep on my talk tonight. I'll post my notes later.
How was your service?
1
New Tunes Tuesday
Anything with Hillsong on it you better at least check it out. They are known for great lyrics, strong arrangements and powerful worship. The new album from Hillsong London titled Hail To The King does not disappoint.
The king of Christmas music, yes its that time of year already, Harry Connick Jr. has a new one out. What A Night! is filled with some new and old favorites, pop this one on and get ready for Christmas!
Staying in the Christmas theme, Sarah Brightman and her new album titled Winter Symphony. You will love her crisp vocals and a little different twist on the arrangements of some traditional songs.
Nothing new here, just the hits from Switchfoot all on one album. The Best Yet is one to get if you just love you some Switchfoot.
0
Sunday Update
After a long weekend of Light House Adventure and the day after, we had a great Sunday service! Pastor Andrew killed the message once again, and has just really communicated well the message series Church Killers.
Worship was crazy good. I kept hearing so many people say that they just needed worship today. I am so thankful for the team coming ready to see what God is going to do! Amazing!
Here's the worship list:
- Unchanging
- Your Grace Is Enough
- You Are My Strength
- Revelation Song
- I Exalt Thee
Today was communion Sunday, and we did it right in the middle of Revelation Song. It was so different and fresh. Communion should be a part of our worship, it is worship.
Just wanted to update you on our Light House Adventure Friday night. Instead of having a fall fest at our church we had 3 fall fest in neighborhoods. All homes were stead with traffic, but one had a traffic jam right in front of the home, and the other got crazy busy at 9 pm. I had some thoughts that it was a bad idea at first, but then families started showing up. We stayed at the homes much later than expected because of all the people. It was an amazing outreach and thanks again to all the great volunteers who made it happen! I will get the video on the blog soon.
0
Carve It Up
Tonight was pumpkin carving night. The pumpkin has been waiting for me on the back porch for a week, but tonight Kaden and I carved it all up.
2
Light House Adventure
Around this time of year families are getting ready to go door to door and get some candy with their kids. Kids that are dressed up as many different things. Churches host "Fall Fest" or "Trunk N Treats" on their property and usually have games, food, and candy to give away.
Some months ago I heard of the idea called "Light The Night", and I knew our church had to do it. Last year we did not do anything, no fall fest, nothing. This year I was going to make sure we did something.
Friday night we are sending 30 - 40 volunteers to 3 homes in Longview. We are going to be having small "Fall Fest" at each home. Bounce houses, games, food, candy. Each home will have bright lights so you can see the home from space. We are doing this for safety and for advertisement.
We will be giving away a XBOX 360 that each kid will have the chance to win. The catch is that they have to be present on Sunday, November 2 at LFA to win. Just another way to get the families into our church after the event. We are expecting salivations to happen on front yards right beside games and bounce houses.
Please pray for this event and the other 90 ish people that are going to pull this off. I will update you on the event this weekend.
What are you doing this time of year?
0
New Tunes Tuesday
Smooth voice and killer piano arrangements make this new album from John Legend titled Evolver one to get. Some big names join him on this one: Kanye West, Will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas, and Andre 3000 from Outkast.
You need to check out Snow Patrol and the new album titled A Hundred Million Suns. I have always been impressed with their musicianship, and it really shows on this new album. If your a fan you already have it, and if you don't know who they are this cd is the place to start to get to know their music.
New album from Switchfoot front man Jon Foreman titled Limbs and Branches. He has released a couple of solo albums and all will not disappoint. Same great vocals with new and unique arrangements. Check it out.
What are you listening to?
1
Sunday Update
Since I have neglected my blog for so long, let me give you some updates.
Last Thursday I have the opportunity to play in a golf tournament at Cowboys Golf Club. It was my first time to play the course and what a course it is! Amazing, tough, beautiful...
I won some great prizes and I gave a putter to Andrew, shirts to Pastor and I kept everything else.
Saturday I worked on the music room. New furniture from Ikea, next is painting and new lights. I will post the pictures when I am done.
Sunday Andrew had the opportunity to speak because of Pastor Carter being out of town. He spoke about "The Killer of the Church." It was a creative message, and he delivered it well. By the way, today is his birthday so wish him a good one!
We had a great rehearsal with the team in the morning. Then all we hear is this loud static sound. I mean shake the room loud...not in a good way. We powered down the amps hoping we did not lose any equipment. I am glad to say we didn't, but I still don't know what happened.
So when service came around, all I could think about was it happening during the service. I was so distracted, but the service went well and no problems with the system. I am having some guys come and check things out this week to see what happened.
Worship list:
- All Because of Jesus
- Mighty To Save
- Pour Out
- I Need You More
How was your weekend service?
1
New Tunes Tuesday
I've been a fan of Skillet for many years. Love their sound and they are cool because they have a chick drummer. The new album titled Comatose Comes Alive is such a strong loaded one. Great songwriting with great arrangements.
Check out Building 429 and the new album. Their distinct sound will be found on this new cd and they have stepped out into a little different arrangement styles. I think it is one to get.
You have to check out The 88 and their new album titled Not Only...But Also. Chances are you have already heard their music but you may not know it. Many of their catchy melodies are used in TV shows and promos. They have a old school meets new school sound that sticks with you. One to get.
If you are a fan Jason Mraz or Jack Johnson then you will like Brett Dennen and his new cd titled Hope For The Hopeless. He has a great sound and unique vocals, but he also has a inspiring message through his music.
If you like hard hitting rock, then check out Disciple. The new album is titled Southern Hospitality. A little more commercial than their past albums, but still the same rock sound.
Never been a big fan of Mary Mary, but I can't denial the great harmonies. Everyone loves great harmonies right? Same sounding album as their last, and middle of the road arrangements. Not going on my iPhone, but you may like it.
1
Sunday Update
I always look forward to Sundays. I try to lay low on Saturday and make sure I get some rest. I try to be prepared for what may happen. This Sunday was a difficult one. We had a great practice in the morning, but when it came time for the service things went downhill.
First my keyboard was out of tune (long story), then Jeff our bass player had some trouble with his bass. No signal during the entire first song along with a out of tune keyboard equals total FAIL.
I got my keys back in order and switched out the DI box for the bass and then we were off. It ended up being a great service despite the problems. I think we could be distracted on Sundays like today, but the team remained focused on what God wanted to do! I am blessed to have such a great team.
Here's the worship list:
- Everlasting God
- Let the Worshippers Arise
- Jesus Messiah
- It Is Well
Today was Pastor Jon's first Sunday. I am excited about the changes he is bringing to our Children's Ministry. I will update you more on that later.
What was your service like?
1
I only watched 20 minutes of the debate last night, but that's all it took. This trend goes back to the 1992 debates. I found myself watching a little CSPAN and watched the debate from that election. A guy named Bill Clinton was promising the moon and a hick named Ross Perot was a straight talker, and the original Bush was the man in charge.
Poli-ticked
I have stayed away from this subject till now. Everyone has an opinion so here's mine...
Same subjects: economy; energy; taxes; reform; lies...
Leaders think that they need to give such a huge vision for people to buy into. Just like in 1992, the vision is aimed to the people, not the potential of the leader. People are sick of over-promising and under-delivering.
We are in a great place as leaders in the church. So many are looking for a leader they can trust. Washington is doing a great job giving leaders a bad name. Let us be the leaders people can trust in.
Next time you start promising the moon to people, change it to just reach the clouds. Then bring people with you to the clouds, and the moon will be in reach.
Stay true to what God has spoken to you, don't change it to please people. You won't please them, you will only tick them off.
2
You have got to get Jon McLaughlin's new album titled Ok Now. Piano lead pop album is full of great writing and great arrangments. This is one to get.
New Tunes Tuesday
A favorite song writer of my wife and I is Ingrid Michaelson. The new album does not disappoint. Acoustic driven folk style rock with great tunes. Check out the great new track titled Be Ok.
Keane has a great new album out titled Perfect Symmetry. It is a great rock/pop cd but they have stepped a little farther out into some new arrangement styles. I think it's a great one to get. Some great tracks are Better Than This; You Don't See Me; and Pretend That You're Alone.
For all you country fans, you need to check out Kenny Chesney and his new album Lucky Old Sun. This 2 cd album includes 4 bonus live tracks.
You have got to get Jon McLaughlin's new album titled Ok Now. Piano lead pop album is full of great writing and great arrangments. This is one to get.
What are you listening to?
0
Sunday Update
After having 2 weeks off from leading worship it was great to be back with the team this past Sunday. Taking time off makes you really appreciate the team God has blessed you with. I also know that there is nothing more I would rather do than lead worship.
Here's the worship list:
- Because of Your Love
- Your Grace is Enough
- Here I Am To Worship
- You, You Are God
That's all we did, and it was a great service. God moved in such a powerful way on our hearts.
It was a different service because we it was the last Sunday for our Children Pastor. He has served LFA for over 16 years. That is awesome. He will be greatly missed by many families. I know God is leading us through this time of transition and I am excited about Jon and Diana being a part of the staff. They have the heart to be full time in ministry and we are needing that from our Children Pastors. Ask this guy about how important a quality Children's ministry is.
Pastor shared a great message about seeing yourself the way God sees you. Here are some of my notes:
- Accept Yourself (Romans 14:22)
Accept the way God has made us; have a true estimation of yourself
- Be Yourself (2 Timothy 2:15)
Find out who God wants you to be; be the best you, not someone else.
- Work on Yourself (2 Timothy 2:15)
Be involved in self-improvement
- Turn from your selfish ways (Matthew 16:24)
We must turn to God; helping others kills selfishness
I am truly blessed to be used by God, and I am blessed to have such a great team!
1
Renovation Update
Here's some pictures of the remodel of Generations Student Center. Andrew did a great job with the project.
1
The Day After
If you have ever planned a large event, you know what I mean by The Day After. Or maybe I could explain it by thinking about the day after your birthday. That day only comes once a year, and it seems to go by so quickly. The day after seems to last forever.
I am the kind of person who likes day afters. I enjoy thinking about everything that happened, how it happened, and how to make it better next time. Today is my day after from vacation.
Branson was great to reconnect with family and to refresh. It was great spending time with my brother as well. Amy has some great pictures here. No shows for us just good food, shopping, and beautiful landscape.
The day after teaches us to enjoy life to the fullest. Don't let the small things pass you by without you noticing them and cherishing them. Everything comes to an end.
Enjoy the entire process of life, and enjoy the the day after.
1
VACATION
Heading out of town for about a week to Branson Missouri. Yes I am going to take in some shows...but the main reason for the week of getting away is to refresh. No better place to do that than the woods. The place we are staying is in the Ozark Hills on Table Rock Lake. Yea should be a great time with the family and really looking forward to connecting to God in a real way.
Please pray for the family. We are really looking forward to this trip!
Thanks to Jason for helping make this week happen.
0
Start the list today with Anberlin and the new album titled New Surrender. The new album further established Anberlin's signature sound. Distinct vocals and solid guitar tones make this one worth getting.
New Tunes Tuesday
Start the list today with Anberlin and the new album titled New Surrender. The new album further established Anberlin's signature sound. Distinct vocals and solid guitar tones make this one worth getting.
You have to check out the new album from James Taylor titled Covers. Fans have been waiting for this one for years. It was recorded live with an awesome group of musicians. It is a collection of tunes made famous by artists like Buddy Holly, The Dixie Chicks, The Temptations, Leonard Cohen, George Jones, and Eddie Cochran. Taylor makes each tune his own. Check it.
If your looking for something a little different look to Robin Thicke and the new album titled Something Else. On this album you will find a little Rock, R & B, and blues. Strong, crisp vocals and unique arrangements will send this album up the charts. Check it.
American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson has a new album out. A few strong songs with powerful vocals makes this cd one that will get noticed. This cd has a soulful-style with some great arrangements.
4
Bungee Cords
Loading a trailer with tables and chairs and using bungee cords to strap it down...then one snaps loose and I take one across the face. I thought it broke my collarbone the way it hit me.
Just a bruised ego and collarbone.
What stupid thing have you done recently?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
About Me
