Today I have been watching the 2008 Dove Awards. I recorded it last night when it aired live. The show not only has the winners in different categories (such as Group of the Year, etc.) but it also have some performances by some outstanding Christian artists.
The show featured Casting Crowns, David Crowder Band, and a special presentation by a the combined artists of Michael W. Smith, Paul Baloche, Christy Nockels, Israel Houghton, Chris Tomlin, and Steven Curtis Chapman.
Some of the winners for 2008 are:
Chris Tomlin - Male Vocalist
Natalie Grant - Female Vocalist
Casting Crowns - Group of the Year
"East to West"- Song of the Year
Brandon Heath - New Artist of the Year
"Everything Glorious" - Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year
"How Great Is Our God" - Worship Song of the Year
They also inducted Larnell Harris and others into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as well as honoring the contribution of Michael W. Smith for 25 years in gospel music.
But more than the winners, performances and special recognitions it was a joy to hear the hearts of some of the winners. Some of those moments came when Mark Hall, the writer of "East to West," received the award for Song of the Year. Mark shared how grateful he was to know the grace and mercy of a God who forgives us of our sins and removes those sins as far as the east is from the west.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Wish You Were Here
This may be the most difficult post I have written. It has been four weeks since my Mom went to be with the Lord. It has been a difficult time. My Dad went to be with the Lord almost 27 years ago. My children didn't have the opportunity to know him, since they were born after his death.
I was reminded of an experience that I had four weeks ago. My wife and I had left Beaumont, leaving my Mom's hospital bed, not knowing how much longer she would be with us. I was listening to Mark Harris' newest CD. One of the songs, "Wish You Were Here," was the next song on my ipod. I had to skip the song, because the lyrics were much to fresh. (You will understand that better in a moment - when you read the lyrics.) Moments later my older brother called to tell me that my Mom had passed from this life.
Here are the lyrics to that song.
WISH YOU WERE HERE
1 Cor. 2:9
Pete Kipley and Dan Muckala
I wanted to tell you how closely I’ve kept
The memories of you in my heart
And all of the lifetimes that we had to share
Live even though we’re apart
But don’t cry for me
‘Cause I’m finally free
To run with the angels
On streets made of gold
To listen to stories of saints new and old
To worship our Maker
That’s where I’ll be
When you finally find me
No don’t you be weary cause waiting for you
Are wonders that you’ve never known
Just hold on to Jesus, reach out for his hands
And one day They’ll welcome you home
And that’s when you’ll be
Finally free
Finally free
To run with the angels
On streets made of gold
To listen to stories of saints new and old
To worship our maker
That’s where I’ll be
When you finally find me
I wish you were here, I wish you were here
And all of the dreams that you treasure
Will soon come together
And that’s when your sorrow will find tomorrow
And you will rise again
To run with the angels on streets made of gold
To listen to stories of saints new and old
To worship our maker that’s where you’ll be
When you finally find me
We’ll run with the angels on streets made of gold
We’ll listen to stories of saints new and old
We’ll worship our maker that’s where we’ll be
When you finally find me
I wish you were here
© 2005 Songs From The Indigo Room (adm by Wordspring Music, Inc.)/SESAC, Wordspring Music, LLC/SESAC, Word Music, LLC/ASCAP and Glomo Music (adm by Word Music, LLC)/ASCAP
I think my Mom was trying to tell me something four weeks ago, but I couldn't bear to hear it at the time. She was saying that she was "finally free - to run with the Angels on streets made of gold."
One day I will be "finally free" to join my Mom, my Dad, Roger, and the many others who have gone on before. Until that day I want to be faithful worshiping our Maker here on earth.
I was reminded of an experience that I had four weeks ago. My wife and I had left Beaumont, leaving my Mom's hospital bed, not knowing how much longer she would be with us. I was listening to Mark Harris' newest CD. One of the songs, "Wish You Were Here," was the next song on my ipod. I had to skip the song, because the lyrics were much to fresh. (You will understand that better in a moment - when you read the lyrics.) Moments later my older brother called to tell me that my Mom had passed from this life.
Here are the lyrics to that song.
WISH YOU WERE HERE
1 Cor. 2:9
Pete Kipley and Dan Muckala
I wanted to tell you how closely I’ve kept
The memories of you in my heart
And all of the lifetimes that we had to share
Live even though we’re apart
But don’t cry for me
‘Cause I’m finally free
To run with the angels
On streets made of gold
To listen to stories of saints new and old
To worship our Maker
That’s where I’ll be
When you finally find me
No don’t you be weary cause waiting for you
Are wonders that you’ve never known
Just hold on to Jesus, reach out for his hands
And one day They’ll welcome you home
And that’s when you’ll be
Finally free
Finally free
To run with the angels
On streets made of gold
To listen to stories of saints new and old
To worship our maker
That’s where I’ll be
When you finally find me
I wish you were here, I wish you were here
And all of the dreams that you treasure
Will soon come together
And that’s when your sorrow will find tomorrow
And you will rise again
To run with the angels on streets made of gold
To listen to stories of saints new and old
To worship our maker that’s where you’ll be
When you finally find me
We’ll run with the angels on streets made of gold
We’ll listen to stories of saints new and old
We’ll worship our maker that’s where we’ll be
When you finally find me
I wish you were here
© 2005 Songs From The Indigo Room (adm by Wordspring Music, Inc.)/SESAC, Wordspring Music, LLC/SESAC, Word Music, LLC/ASCAP and Glomo Music (adm by Word Music, LLC)/ASCAP
I think my Mom was trying to tell me something four weeks ago, but I couldn't bear to hear it at the time. She was saying that she was "finally free - to run with the Angels on streets made of gold."
One day I will be "finally free" to join my Mom, my Dad, Roger, and the many others who have gone on before. Until that day I want to be faithful worshiping our Maker here on earth.
Monday, March 24, 2008
The Day That True Love Died
Enjoy this video. It is a video of the song "The Day that True Love Died." It is written by, Phil Wickham, a worship leader from California. It is very appropriate for the Easter season.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
You Never Let Go
This has been a difficult few weeks. For those who don't know, my Mom went to be with the Lord a couple of weeks ago. I heard a Pentecotal preacher say: "you never get over losing your Mom." That comment has been with me for over ten years.
Even with all that I have experienced I was reminded and encouraged by a Matt Redman's song entitled "You Never Let Go." The song was released last year, but I want to remind you of these words.
You Never Let Go
Even though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death,
Your perfect love is casting out fear.
And even when I´m caught in the middle
Of the storms of this life,
I won´t turn back; I know You are near.
And I will fear no evil,
For my God is with me.
And if my God is with me,
Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear?
O no, You never let go,
Through the calm and through the storm
O no, You never let go,
In every high and every low
O no, You never let go, Lord You never let go of me.
And I can see a light that is coming
for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare.
And there will be an end to these troubles,
But until that day comes,
We´ll live to know You here on the earth.
Yes, I can see a light that is coming
For the heart that holds on,
And there will be an end
To these troubles,
But until that day comes,
Still I will praise You,
Still I will praise You.
Even with all that I have experienced I was reminded and encouraged by a Matt Redman's song entitled "You Never Let Go." The song was released last year, but I want to remind you of these words.
You Never Let Go
Even though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death,
Your perfect love is casting out fear.
And even when I´m caught in the middle
Of the storms of this life,
I won´t turn back; I know You are near.
And I will fear no evil,
For my God is with me.
And if my God is with me,
Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear?
O no, You never let go,
Through the calm and through the storm
O no, You never let go,
In every high and every low
O no, You never let go, Lord You never let go of me.
And I can see a light that is coming
for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare.
And there will be an end to these troubles,
But until that day comes,
We´ll live to know You here on the earth.
Yes, I can see a light that is coming
For the heart that holds on,
And there will be an end
To these troubles,
But until that day comes,
Still I will praise You,
Still I will praise You.
Baylor Bears
The Baylor men's basketball team will be in the NCAA tournament for the first time in twenty years. Though I was dissappointed in their play last week in the Big 12 tournament, I will be cheering for the Bears this week.
The Baylor women's basketball team will also be participating in the NCAA Women's tournament. This is the fifth straight year that the women's team has made this tourament. They have been to the tourament seven times under Coach Kim Mulkey.
To my knowledge, which is limited, I believe that this will be the only time in the school's history that the men's and women's basketball teams will be playing in their respective tournaments. Finally, Baylor fans are having something to cheer about. Now if only the teams will make a good showing in the tournament, and end the losing streak for both teams.
The Baylor women's basketball team will also be participating in the NCAA Women's tournament. This is the fifth straight year that the women's team has made this tourament. They have been to the tourament seven times under Coach Kim Mulkey.
To my knowledge, which is limited, I believe that this will be the only time in the school's history that the men's and women's basketball teams will be playing in their respective tournaments. Finally, Baylor fans are having something to cheer about. Now if only the teams will make a good showing in the tournament, and end the losing streak for both teams.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Guard Yourselves and God's People
I have started reading another book. My wife will probably say I read too many books, or at least she will say I buy too many books. But I love to read. Anyway, the present book I am reading is "Who Stole My Church" by Gordon McDonald. McDonald is one of my favorite authors. He is a pastor and author, serving churches in the northeast part of the country.
This book is fiction, but McDonald is writing from the first person as if he is involved in a meeting of some church members. Though the book is fiction, it contains a great deal of truth.
McDonald quotes Acts 20:28.
After reading the verse I was once again reminded of how we tend to be critical of the church. Leaders sometimes complain members' lack of commitment. Members tend to complain about leaders and the decisions they make. But we forget what God's Word tells us about the church.
We often speak of "my church." We complain that a leader or member does something to "my church" to which I disagree. The problem is the Apostle Paul doesn't say the church belongs to me. He also doesn't say the church belongs to you. Paul says, that it is God's church, "which He bought with His own blood."
I may not like drums in worship, or I may think that the organ is outdated, but the problem isn't what I like because it is God's church. The church doesn't belong to me or you - it belongs to God. He bought it with His own blood and He has given us the responsibility as leaders to "watch" over ourselves and the flock of God.
The next time we complain about the church or talk about "my church" we must remember that it is God's church. He bought it with His own blood. He paid the ultimate price for the church.
This book is fiction, but McDonald is writing from the first person as if he is involved in a meeting of some church members. Though the book is fiction, it contains a great deal of truth.
McDonald quotes Acts 20:28.
After reading the verse I was once again reminded of how we tend to be critical of the church. Leaders sometimes complain members' lack of commitment. Members tend to complain about leaders and the decisions they make. But we forget what God's Word tells us about the church.
We often speak of "my church." We complain that a leader or member does something to "my church" to which I disagree. The problem is the Apostle Paul doesn't say the church belongs to me. He also doesn't say the church belongs to you. Paul says, that it is God's church, "which He bought with His own blood."
I may not like drums in worship, or I may think that the organ is outdated, but the problem isn't what I like because it is God's church. The church doesn't belong to me or you - it belongs to God. He bought it with His own blood and He has given us the responsibility as leaders to "watch" over ourselves and the flock of God.
The next time we complain about the church or talk about "my church" we must remember that it is God's church. He bought it with His own blood. He paid the ultimate price for the church.
Monday, February 11, 2008
The Super Bowl Spotlight Shines on a Changed Man
This is a story about how Christ has changed David Tyree's life. For those who don't know Tyree made one touchdown catch and a remarkable 4th quarter catch against his helmet. You need to read this article.
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