I am forcing creativity upon myself

So, I am a part of something called the Songwriter's Cafe, which is a branch of http://www.allaboutworship.com/.  It is meant as a resource and network for Christian songwriters.  I've dabbled in songwriting in the past, and I really enjoy it.  I don't think I'm all that terribly good at it, but that is beside the point. 

As a member in this network, I am able to submit a song I write to my peers for their review, thoughts, criticisms, etc.  Tonight I submitted my first song.  It's not the first song I've ever written, but it's the first one that I've put "out there" in order to willfully bring creative judgement upon myself.  I am a little nervous to see what people say about it, but I am super excited at the same time.

In the past I have typically only written songs every now and then.  Interestingly, usually my songwriting ideas hit me when I am staying up WAY too late, and often it is after I have listened to music, or watched a concert on TV.  However, as of this day I have committed to writing at least one new song every month. 

Looking at my time and obligations, one song a month will definitely be a challenge, but it is also very doable.  My hope is that by actually setting time aside on a regular basis I will be able to put more songs together, and hopefully get better as I go along.  In the end, my hope is to submit these songs to varios record labels and see if one wants to pick a song up and publish it.  If so, that'd be cool.  I don't want to be a recording artist (and I am nowhere near talented enough to do so), but if I could write a lyric that blesses someone else, then that'd be great.

Below are the lyrics to my latest song.  I have a super rough recording that I submitted to The Songwriter's Cafe, but I am going to keep that under wraps for now.  Once I am able to make a more proper recording (Scott, you and I need to get together!) then I'll put it on my PureVolume page for you to check out.  In the meantime, hopefully you enjoy the lyrics below.  My hope for this song is that you are able to see and know the grace of our Lord, the grace that none of us deserve, yet He gives so freely and abundantly.

V1

Despite the dirt

Despite the pain

Though I’m unclean

You call again

V2

I ask you when

You tell me now

You take my shame

I’m new somehow

C

In the light of Your holiness

My gold turns to dust

When my faithfulness is counted

My silver turns to rust

When my riches came up short

Your blood it washed my guilt away

And because of your grace

It’s a brand new day

V3

I fall again

But by your grace

You call me to

the Holy Place

V4

Wretched I stand

Destined for death

You fill me with

Your holy breath

B

When the world around me brings me down

When my heart believes the lie I’ve found

You lift the chains that I’ve put on

The grace is here the shame is gone

Lunch with Creative Folk

Today I attended a luncheon comprised of local worship leaders here in the KC area.  We had eight show up, including myself, which is cool considering it's the first one.  It was super cool to hang out, eat together, and chat about ministry.  We talked about everything ranging from what type of instrument we play, to how big our churches are, to what kind of worship planner tool we use. 

This discussion was particularly great for me as I am currently trying to research and find resources like those we discussed.  It was super helpful hearing from other worship leaders what resources have worked for them and their ministries.  It's amazing how utilizing the appropriate available resources will make certain aspects of our jobs go so much smoother. 

The biggest thing that impacted me today were the attitudes that were present - or lack thereof, I should say.  I was definitely the "small fish" of the group - smallest church, fewest resources and gadgets, the only part timer, etc.  I have encountered some worship leaders in the past who thought very highly of themselves and could come across as very arrogant.  Not today.  All of these guys were genuine, friendly, and really wanted to come together as a team of ministers and help each other grow.  It was refreshing.  It was encouraging.  It was exactly as ministry should be.  Everyone recognized that it's not about us.  And while cool lights, soundboards and effects are super cool, it's not all about that.  It's all about Jesus.  It's about doing whatever we can in utilizing our creative gifts (whatever they may be) to glorify God, and lead others to Him.  It was great to rub elbows with them, and I look forward to more!

"Is there entertainment with God?"

So I was ironing my shirt this morning getting ready to head out for a worship leaders luncheon that I am a part of.  As I was doing so, Caitlin walks in and asks "is there entertainment with God?"  I couldn't really tell what she was asking, and I thought maybe she was asking about Christian TV shows or something.  After a few back and forths with me trying to clarify what she is asking, I ask her for an example.  Caitlin replies, in a whisper, "Does God have any pets?"  Then she tells me that she wants to know this since there may be lightning over by Grandma's house (see earlier post about lightning at Grandma's house). 

Caitlin has a good heart.  She wants to make sure there will be entertainment in heaven for Grandma if the lightning kills her. 

Kinda morbid, sure.  But sweet nonetheless (right?)! 

A recap of funny things my kids have said

So, since I am just starting this blog, I figured I should catch you all (and by "you all" I basically mean "mom") up on some funny things my kids have said over the past days/weeks/months/years.  Ok, not really years - I can't remember anything that far back . . . . (yes, I stole some of the below from Rachel's Facebook)

Aedan, trying out a Tempurpedic pillow- "Well, I used to have neck pain, but not anymore!"

Caitlin-"Is the lightning going to kill us?" Mom & Dad-"No, it's far away, you don't have to be scared" Caitlin- "Far away like Grandma's house???" *panic* "Is it going to kill Grandma???"

My wife was trying to sleep in on a Saturday morning, when Aedan bursts into our room and announces "MOM! I want the Presto cookiemaker I just saw on tv! You can eat your own fun!!"

Caitlin asked Rachel if the zucchini she was cutting up for our dinner could sing. Maybe it's time to cut back on the Veggietale watching?

Caitlin - "TAKE COVER!" Mommy and Daddy - "Why?" Caitlin - "Well, I sayed that because I was going to fart."

Caitlin - "Everybody in the whole wide world is sweet." Aedan - "Well, yeah, except for the villains - DUH!" *followed by huge eye roll and shake of the head*

At the kids' play area in the mall, Aedan body slams the climbing apparatus, gets up, and says, "Oh man! I hurt my tenders!"

Caitlin's thoughts about the dentist, after she's had a good dose of nitrous oxide, "I like this doctor because he is bery, bery, bery, bery short."

We hear an Enrique Iglesias song on the radio, and Enrique is singing in his uber high falsetto and Aedan says "Dad, that girl sounds weird." Indeed, son, indeed.

Picking up Rachel from the hair place I tell the kids that Mommy's hair will be a different color and that they should tell her how beautiful it/she is when she gets in he car. Aedan: "But what if it isn't beautiful?"

So, we'll see how this goes

So, I am starting a blog.  Not that I have time for a blog, but why not?  This blog will consist of a potpurri of writings.  Topics that I write about will range from funny things my kids say (they are HI-larious!), cooking, worship leading, and any other random thought that may pop into my head. 

Hopefully you find these words at least semi entertaining.  If not, then I apologize.  I would happily give you back the last few minutes you may have spent on this site, but let's face it - you don't have a receipt. 

Seriously, though, if nothing else, I hope you're blessed.  God is good.  Very good.  Even in the hard times.  And I hope that through all of this, He is glorified.