Musings from TwOpOiNt

on my myspace blog i had well over 10,000 hits before i switched over to here.  slow going at first, but i’m up to 700 and i really haven’t pushed this blog.  so here is what i would love to happen.  if you read my blog or if you just happened to stumble by here, tell people about it.  i’m going to try and blog every day next week, and i’ll tell you except for job search and writer’s block, i have really nothing to write about except a bunch of music that i love, so that’s where i’ll start.  i do still want to tackle some of the things that bug me about religion and the church, but i’ll get to those when i have clearer thoughts.  so there is a challenge.  let’s get the blog count up to 1000 before the middle of September.  link me up people.

i hope you all have a great day, and i do want to remind you that college football started last night, and i am a happy camper.  2 1/2 words Wreck ‘em Tech!!!

later

chuck

so i had my first experience with REAL Nashville people this past weekend.  i got the opportunity to go to the Feedback Conference in Denton, TX.

it was great.  i got to hear lots of good music from both featured and showcase artists, and we also heard from some amazing people in the industry and some amazing pastors. 

People like Charlie Peacock (one of my heroes), Jamie George, Tom Jackson, Ryan Dobson, Allen Aguirre, and many more.  i have to tell you about the high point of the event for me.

it was when Shaun Groves came on the 2nd night.  Shaun (i’m sure all of the compassion people know this) is an AMAZING story teller, both through song and speech.  i was completely captured by what he talked about.  it’s what i’ve been studying for the last few months.  what truly is Good News?  Shaun spoke his heart and asked us what we were saved for?  He told us what it was for him.   over the last few days i’ve pondered that (i have lots of time as no one is knocking down the door to give me a job).  we all need a what for… so pray that as God takes me on the next part of the journey that i would begin to see that what for.  that’s also my prayer for you, that you would see how blessed you are and how you can bless those who aren’t as fortunate.

i don’t know how i did in the showcase, but there were two bands i recommend that you check out.  one is one of the featured bands “Luminate” www.luminaterock.com , and the guys who won the showcase who i became friends with over the weekend, “Seraph” www.seraph6.net

Luminate has an EP on itunes, and Seraph has two albums there one called “Shout it Out”, the other called “Remember When”  check them out.

Much thanks to Terry Weaver and Marjorie Poff for putting together the Feedback Conference and to all the artists and amazing speakers and people who were there.

this post is part of Water Cooler Wednesday over at Ethos

i’ve known for a while that Warren can sing and lead worship.  He’s an amazing guitar player, but i finally got him to hook me up with a cd yesterday.  Wow!  it’s an amazing record.  you can go get it at itunes, just look up Warren Jacobs.  Or just go to his website at www.warrenjacobsministries.com

i know he’s my friend, but i was seriously blown away yesterday as i listened in my car.  why is this guy not on the radio?  so if you read this, click on the link, check out the music and buy Warren’s CD.

have a great day.

chuck

Erwin McManus’ new book is reaching me right where i am.  just the chapter titles alone would be enough to inspire.  from where i am right now, i’ve currently camped out in the chapter called “create”.  i would love to share the whole chapter with you, but you should really go and buy the book.  i’ll give you a little taste so you can chew on this as you drive to Barnes and Noble.

“Maybe the missing component in our creative process is that we have not recognized that we were created by God to expand the good and that God will measure our lives by how much good we create with every breath we take and every ounce of energy we use.

God did not create you to be neutral; God did not create you to be a puppet; God did not create you to simply walk through life passively concluding, Whatever God’s going to do, God’s going to do.  You can’t create out of nothing, but don’t underestimate the amazing potential that resides within you.  The great danger for us is to leave all of the something we have been entrusted with and walk away with nothing.”

i hope that challenges you like it challenged me.  don’t go around sleepy.  create!  our imaginations are fuel for change (erwin’s words, not mine)

you can check out what’s going on further with this project by going to www.ericbryant.org

have an amazing day!!

this post is part of the discussion over at Water Cooler Wednesdays

i’m thankful for my time at Preston Ridge, but the time has come to go.  i have learned and loved much here.  God is leading me on an amazing journey and i’m excited to what He has for me.  my office is packed.  going to my garage for a bit, until the next leg of the relay get’s it’s handoff.  i want to say thanks to the band, A/V team,  vocalists, choir, children, and creative team, it was a blessing to partner with you in ministry.  Thanks to the staff and many friends that we have made over the last two years.   Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said “Faith is taking the first step when you can’t see the rest of the staircase.

i love ancient modern worship and this benediction struck me, so i close today’s blog with this.

May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that we may live deep within our hearts.

May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in this world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done.

Amen.

i was away at camp this last week and this week has been a hurricane. 

i had the great opportunity to meet Guy Earle at camp this week.  He is an amazing guy.  He works with Tony Evans down at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship.  Guy really ministered to everyone who was there this week.  I appreciated his heart and counsel.  He has a new book coming out.  i’ll tell you more as the publishing arrives.

i also got to meet part of the Tommee Proffitt Band.  Tommee is a great guy and Nate and Mike were wonderful as well.  They came in and spent time with kids, and really ministered to them.  Tommee has some great videos on YouTube, my favorite being the Man Vs. Ball series.  His “Bread Song” is pretty good too. 

have a great week

chuck