What worship is all about.

Discover the silence.
Thanks Tamre.

Crowder's Remedy

David Crowder's new cd is out. It happens to be #4 on Itunes albums which is pretty darn good. I like the word remedy and the imagery it evokes.

God's beautiful world and my beautiful bride

A scene from our recent trip to Colorado.

Paul Baloche has a new cd coming out

Here's a taste of one of the new songs. The new cd drops Sept.18th

Interpretive Dance

This video preaches a powerful message about what Jesus has done and is doing for us. You must watch this one all the way to the end. WOW!

Legacy: Nicole sings about something we all feel

Love this song by Nicole Nordeman. One of Christian music's finest songwriters. She has a way of crafting phrases that just flow together. How will they remember me? Will I make a mark on things? People write their names on walls, sidewalks, trees, foundations, etc. all because of the desire to make a lasting impression.

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me

And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such 'n such...it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an "Atta boy" or "Atta girl"
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
the temporary trappings of this world

Chorus:
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy

It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile

Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon destroy

Chorus
Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well done" good and faithful one

WillowCreek Arts blog

Willow Creek is one of the worlds leading churches. They have all kinds of conferences including one for worship and the arts. Check them out....

http://2007artsconferenceblog.blogspot.com/

Christian Art

Art has the power to move us in a way that words and music can not. It's hard sometimes to find intriguing new artists. Here is somebody of interest. We actually have a print of Monsma in our youth foyer. He is an abtract impressionist. Sometimes a bit vague for me but some of his stuff is really good. The picture you see is called the 'Redemption Circle'.

http://www.monsmart.com/newwork.html

If you know any good Christian artist links, please leave a comment below.

Shark Attacked Surfer Girl coming to Saint Auggie

Bethany Hamilton is coming to town! She will be in St. Augustine for the premiere of her film, Heart of a Soul Surfer, at the St. Augustine Amphitheater. The show, which includes live music, will be on Sunday, September 9th beginning at 7pm (with doors opening at 6:30). And, did we mention that this event is FREE? That's right, FREE, so bring yourself and a friend

http://www.heartofasoulsurfer.com
http://www.christiansurfers.com/chapter/safl/

Shuffle Mode Worship

We all get in ruts in life. Ways of doing things that can block out fresh ideas, visions, and even words from God. I was listening to my ipod the other day on shuffle mode. Where it randomly plays songs. It was amazing. Song after song popped up that blessed my heart. Songs that I would never have found and picked, but they were there. Jewels hiding in a hard drive awaiting the appropriate time and place to reveal their beauty.

Some times when we only do certain songs in worship, we hinder those kind of pearls.
It's like picking up your Bible and only reading the Psalms. There is so much more there. Now I'm not advocating always doing popcorn scripture reading because systematic study is certainly important. But can a painter really shine with only one color of paint? Something to ponder.

Hillsong Artists lead ABC's Sept 1 Edge service

Hillsong Artists Highlight the Sept 1st Edge Service

Anastasia is blessed to have 2 wonderful worship leaders and songwriters join us for the September Edge. All the way from Australia, don't miss this anointed night of worship.

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Mia Fieldes is a songrwriter and worship leader from Hillsong Church in Sydney Australia. She's brought many songs to the church today such as All for Love; Always; Saviour King; Sovereign Hands and Rest in You: all from Hillsong Church albums and Hillsong United Albums. Mia is one of Hillsong's faithful and fresh songwriters and is bringing up a generation of songwriters and worshippers that is passionate about pursing change across the world. Mia is also a worship leader at Hillsong Church. She travels and leads worship around Australia as well as brings insight in songwriting and worship leading to churches across the globe.

Jill Robshaw McCloghry is a songwriter and worship leader from St. Augustine, FL who has recently married and been planted into Hillsong Church, Sydney, in the last 2 years. She is a regular worship leader for Hillsong Church, Hillsong Youth, and Hillsong Women and is passionate about writing songs for the church. Jill has previously travelled across the United States bringing worship and encouragement to churches and youth ministries and has a passion to see the Kingdom of God built and the church bring life through Jesus Christ across the earth.

Chris Tomlin talks 'Let God Arise'

Love this song from Tomlin.

Sharon Wilbur

Sharon sang at ABC recently. Here's a clip of a new song (I think). We're looking forward to her new cd and having her back.



http://www.myspace.com/sharonwilbur

CCM Forums

Go here for some interesting news on ccm artists.
http://forums.emicmg.com/blogs/default.aspx

Some good worship conferences coming to Florida

Anybody want to go?










http://www.hillsongunitedconference.com/



http://www.seminars4worship.com/locations/palm-beach.html

Brooke

This girl has a bright future. Yes, she belongs.

A champion with no honor

Barry Bonds is reaping the fruit of his folly. Widely thought to have taken steroids over the years to enhance his strength and ability, Bonds has as of tonight tied Hank Aaron for the most home runs in Major League Baseball. It is interesting to read that many in the crowd are booing him. It does matter how we get there doesn't it. The crowns, trophies, accolades.... the crowd may or may not know but God does. He knows the hidden sweat, prayers, hurts.... He also knows the weakness, the broken rules.... Bonds is a champion with no honor. Let us learn from his life.

Storyside B

These guys are awesome.
Lu, you are da man.

Mighty to Save details for the lead players

Lead guitar players will enjoy this training clip.

Planet Earth

To watch the television series Planet Earth is to worship our creator. The beauty and wonder of God's creation. So fascinating, intricate, beautiful and diverse. How can anyone think all of this just came to be by accident?

Enya's music makes you contemplate.....

the deeper things of life. A great song to listen for God's voice.

The stones will cry out!

Check out this passage from Luke 19

37When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"^[b] "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" 39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" 40"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

Creation groans. The things around us point to something greater. Jesus points to some pent up worship here. Some interesting questions .... Does Jesus miss being worshiped? There is most certainly a place for joyful praises in loud voices. Where once Jesus shied away from the praise in order to continue ministry to the crowds; he now welcomes it. If the stones one up us in worship, we are in trouble folks. V.38 likely is the title of 2 songs of worship that they were singing. Peace in heaven.... is there not always peace there? Your turn to chew on God's word.

Paul Baloche shares on band dyamics

A good training clip for worship bands.

New Resources

It seems the internet is changing everything. I came across this website this morning that is amazing. It basically shows how to play different parts (ie. bass, electric) for a lot of current worship songs. Definitely check this out.

http://guitarpraise.blogspot.com/

Leeland sings 'Be Lifted High'

I've been familiar with WorshipTogether for some years now. They have a cool resource for beginning worship leaders called New Song Cafe.

I love the line 'And I fall to my knees so that it's you that they see not I, Jesus you be lifted high'

They go over the guitar chords at the end of the clip.

The host Brenton Brown is the author of Everlasting God.

United's New Music Video

I like the Australian vibe on this song leading into the chorus.

Worship at Mars Hill

Rob Bell and the Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids Michigan are one of the churches influencing many others in America and beyond. Rob is widely known for his teaching, books and Nooma videos. It is interesting when you look at some of the songs they sing at their church how many of them are hymns. Here are the first 5 songs in a list of about 40 songs that they do at their church. The full list is here.

"Agnus Dei" Michael W Smith
"All creatures of our God and King?" Francis of Assisi
"All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" Edward Perronet
"All Sing Halllelujah" Aaron Niequist
"All Who Are Thirsty" Brenton Brown, Glenn Robertson

Mutemath takes it up a notch

This video is anything but typical!

Independence Day

I hope and pray everyone has a great July 4th. We certainly need to be grateful for the freedoms that we cherish in this country. We also need to be reminded of our freedom in Christ. The One who set us free from the ball and chain of sin and death.

Like Wallace in Braveheart 'FREEDOM!!!!'

There is a light. It shines bright. Yet it remains hidden. Afraid. Comfortable where it is accepted. But, this Light longs to break out. To go to a darkened world with love, compassion and a better way of life. Let us shine before them, so that they may see our good deeds and praise our Father up in heaven. (Mt. 5:16)

One more for the road - Fix You

I love the words and imagery of this Coldplay song. Fix You.

Ready Now

Jared Anderson of Desperation.

A taste of the new Hillsong album

A Hymn of Sleep by Prudentius (358-413AD)

Draw near, Almighty Father, Ne'er seen by mortal eye;

Come, O Thou Word eternal, O Spirit blest, be nigh.

The hour of rest approaches, The toils of day are past, And o'er our tired bodies Sleep's gentle charm is cast.

The mind, by cares tormented Amid life's storm and stress, Drinks deep the wondrous potion That brings forgetfulness.

O'er weary, toil-worn mortals The spells of Lethe steal; (Note:In Classical Greek, Lethe (λήθη; léthé) literally means "forgetfulness" or "concealment". The Greek word for "truth" is a-lethe-ia (αλήθεια), meaning "un-forgetfulness" or "un-concealment". Sad hearts lose all their sorrow, Nor pain nor anguish feel.

For to His frail creation God gave this law to keep,

That labour should be lightened By soft and healing sleep......

And, though the weary body Relaxed in sleep may be,

Our hearts, Lord, e'en in slumber, Shall meditate on Thee.

Iphone Fever

I think I'm getting a fever. It's a bug called the Iphone and it's very contagious. It is spreading rapidly and the cure drops on June 29th.