“Here I raise my ebenezer, hither by Thy help I’ve come…”

Today holds value in terms of markers in my life.  And I can honestly (and embarrasingly) say that it’s a rare day.

You see, I’m taking a risk today.  A pretty big one for me, at least.

And I am not good at taking risks.  Trust issues, I suppose.

Today I’m flying to Nashville to record a 6-song EP with Jeremy Casella.  I’ll be going nonstop from Thursday to Sunday.  I’m super excited and super afraid at the same time.  I believe this is what qualifies it as a real risk, right?

This is a time to remember where God has shown up before.

And He has a lot.

Today I’m resting in the truth of what God says about me, not what I think about myself in my insecurity.  I would greatly appreciate your prayers, specifically that I don’t talk myself out enjoying something that God has provided for in so many mind-blowing ways.

When was the last time you took a risk?

What became of it?

I love live music.

You know, good live music.

The sound, the crowd’s excitement, the performance.  It really doesn’t get much better (when it’s good).

So, if you could pick…

One band.

One artist.

Live.

Who would it be and why?

My answer, you ask?  Easy.  Coldplay, for no other reason than to experience “Fix You” live.

Last Saturday, I had the privilege of seeing The Autumn Film perform at a house show in Peoria, AZ.  It had the makings of a great show:  cool outdoor setting, casual atmosphere, and of course, a great band.

They played a number of songs off their newest record, and then they played “Joy.”  You know “Joy,” right?

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
[where?]
down in my heart
[where?]
down in my heart
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy…..

But TAF play it just a bit differently.

Tifah explained why she sang the song the way she did before playing last weekend.  She said that after her dad died of cancer, she went to the piano to express how she felt.  “Joy” had been something she grew up singing, but this time the emotion was much different.  So she started it off on a minor chord and went from there.  What we have now is the version below, and I would argue that it’s the best depiction of true joy in the midst of circumstances I’ve ever heard.  I love it, and I think you may as well.

Also, check back next week for a giveaway involving The Autumn Film…

Go here if you can’t see it.

And, with just a few comments, I decided to change things a bit.

I can do that, right?

Everyone wins.

Tyler and Alece will get “Miracle” by the Robbie Seay Band.  Congratulations to the both of you!  I hope you enjoy it.

Speaking of the two of them, please check out their blogs [ Alece's & Tyler's].  You’ll be glad you did if you haven’t already.

And don’t forget about Ben, either.

Let me first begin by saying that I will be preaching to myself in this post.

We all have passions.  We all have gifts and abilities.  More often that not, these talents directly align with our passions.  Funny how that works…

I’m passionate about music, especially writing it.  I love the creative process of a song coming to life from a simple thought.  While I’m clearly not the best at writing music, I have found that I enjoy it, and the songs themselves don’t sound horrible.  Of course, I’m a little biased when it comes to that.

I’m also passionate about helping the least of these- particularly concerning the issues of human trafficking and extreme poverty.  You can read some earlier posts on these issues by starting at the beginning of this fairly young blog.

I’ve been fortunate to play some of my music in order to raise awareness for the human trafficking problem in Phoenix, which is a much larger problem than people think.  This has caused me to think a lot about how I can use what I’m gifted at to help with the issues that I’m passionate about.  It would make sense to use my gifts that way.

It’s probably the reason I was given the gift in the first place.

You have gifts and passions.  All of you.  And because of that, you all have the potential to be a part of God’s much larger story of redemption on this little planet we live on.  Of course that also means that we get to live a better story as well.

We’re called to.

If you’re afraid to put yourself out there because of fear, I want to encourage you to take that step.  There is much more at stake here than our feelings.  Remember, we’ve been given these talents to use them, not bury them in the ground.

So, I ask you (and me) : What’s your passion?

And, more importantly, what are you (we) doing to invest in them?

Our talents are just as valuable as a million bucks. Sure, if you’ve been blessed with a lot of money, give away.  But, if you’re not a millionaire, give of yourself.  You’re worth more than you’ll ever think.

Folks,we must do something.  There isn’t a lack of need in this world.

We need only to look around.

*NOTE*  Some of you who read this blog are doing some amazing things for the Kingdom of God.  I’d love for you to share what you’re doing as well.  Perhaps there are those that are unaware and would like to partner with you.  Plug away shamelessly in the comments.

image: sam

LOVE, I tell you.

There is something about music that stirs the soul in a way that many can’t.

I love to write and make music, and I love to listen to it made by others much better than me.

Currently, I’ve been listening to loads of Matthew Perryman Jones.  I’ve also been listening to Jeremy Casella, who I opened for a while back at a house show…great songwriter and storyteller.  I’ll also be attending two concerts in April, one for Sandra McCracken & Derek Webb, and another concert with a favorite: The Robbie Seay Band.  They have a new album out very soon, so you should jump over to their site and grab a copy.  You can even get it on vinyl!!

So, what are you listening to?

I’d love to hear.  Perhaps it’s something I’ve not heard of, and perhaps you’ll be turned on to something new as well through the comments.

I’m pumped to be playing some original tunes (probably 3 songs) in front of both friends and strangers who haven’t heard them.  I’m hoping to get some decent pictures of the night, along with a decent video of the songs.  Of course this is all hinging on our digital camera, so we’ll see.

I’d appreciate your prayers, as I’m sure I’ll be at least somewhat nervous.  This is not necessarily a Christian event, but the house show is definitely part of a missional approach to community.  I hope God will use the songs he gave me to impact, convict, challenge, inspire, etc.

How about you all?  Any special plans this weekend?

How about going here?  I would encourage you to either get tickets to go if you’re near Nashville or watch online (how cool is that).  And, if you’re able to, donate towards relief efforts in Haiti.  I realize that it’s been long enough now that it may just be a fading memory.  But, please remember the people of Haiti.  There is a lot of work left to do, and they need you and I.

So, take the time to enjoy some good music that’s about something so important, would you?

We’ll hear from CS Lewis next Friday, but this is too good important to pass up.

Have a good weekend.

Last month I wrote about Streetlight, an organization here in Phoenix who is doing some amazing things to combat the problem of human trafficking.  You can read the post here.

I will be the musical guest tonight at [mission], which is a service/venue who’s focused on both creative arts and global missions.  Tonight’s theme is “Glow,” and will center around Streetlight, and allow for brainstorming about what we can do locally to fight human trafficking.  I’ll be playing a few original songs as we start.

Please pray that conversations stir up actions.  And, on a selfish note, please pray that I don’t succumb to nervousness and faint.

First, before you read any further….if you’ve never heard of Shane & Shane, please go to their website now and listen to some music for cryin’ out loud!

I pre-ordered this album and received it in the mail on the 2nd.  I had less than a full listen before actually seeing them live at a church near my house the very next day.  The Shanes are a part of a small group of artists who are able to make their recordings(which are great) sound less impressive in comparison to a live performance.

more after the jump…

Everything is Different is S&S’s 7th studio album, and in my opinion their best.  Songs on this album are typical to the Shanes’ sound:  extremely rich lyrically, and crazy-insane vocals and harmony.

However, one thing different with Everything Is Different is that Shane & Shane recorded most of the entire album live, tracking all of the basic instrumentation simultaneously. “We set up some mics on the acoustic guitars and the drums and just played,” describes Shane Everett. “We did very little editing, and we loved not just the process but the feel of the record.”

It’s hard for me to pick just a few tracks that stand out, as I love most of them.  If I had to pick a top-3, I’d have to say…

1. I’m Alive
2. Everything is Different
3. My Portion(Psalm 73), Great Reward, The Lord’s Prayer, Worthy of Affection, Turn Down the Music  

Seriously….go get this.  Buy it here.  Find it somewhere.  Get it in person.

P.S.  If you’re completely new to Shane & Shane, I’d say to get the following albums as well:

1. Psalms
2. Pages
3. Everything is Different

You’ll be glad you did.