Winds of change...

If there is one thing that planting a church teaches you it's to roll w/ the punches and take change as it's come to you... I think that I'm starting to get more used to this with every week that passes... or maybe, just being offered opportunities to roll w/ it...

2 weeks ago my electric guitarist decided to take a break... that's fine, I can deal w/ that... throw the bass player on elec... keys player on bass and we are set!

3 days ago my "new" elec (who played bass in the previous weeks) tell me he is not going to be able to help out... So, we are down to a three piece... i play my elec.. bass and drums...

Tonight my drummer told me that he is going to take a break (luckily, only for a couple/few weeks, but still...) So, starting tomorrow I am calling drummers to find another!!

At this point, I feel like I've been here so many times it's not really phasing me. I've realized that ultimately, God has a plan... and the cool thing... even if it ends up w/ just me on the stage, I believe God is still going to work... By NO means will it be due to anything that I have done or am doing-- but because over and over he has proven himself in our adversity and in our falling short...
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I think I also feel more relaxed because our church is a little "older" now... albeit only a few months... our resources and contacts have grown by leaps and bounds since we launched, so I feel as if I have people that I can call now to help me out... we shall see...

Oh well.. God is awesome and that's the main part!!

Greater things!

From the Inside Out

"the art of losing myself and bringing you praise"

As we were practicing tonight, after having run through this song 50 bazillion times (equivalent of 3 or 4 in my mind) I decided that I needed to put myself back into a worship mode (yes, even during practice).  So I did just that.  Right as this line came up.

"the art of losing myself and bringing you praise"

What does this mean?  Obviously, giving of ourselves is the highest form of praise to God.  Giving all of ourselves.  But this art of losing myself... Last time I checked, losing yourself wasn't "art"... It was an excuse to wear one of those shirts that say "Out of my mind, be back soon" or something to that extent.

"the art of losing myself and bringing you praise"

But the more I think about it, the more it becomes an art.  The way I see the arts- as in a huge broad all encompassing subject covering everything from dance to drama to music to painting to whittling- is something that someone works at.  Not everyone is capable of doing "art," although, all can try, few succeed.  "Art" is something that is something practiced.

"the art of losing myself and bringing you praise"

Last time I checked, losing myself to God completely and bringing him praise isn't the easiest thing to do.  I can say I'm going to lose myself, just like I can say I'm going to paint like Michelangelo on the cieling of the Ozark Chapel.  Both are quite easy to say, but sadly, I have a tendency to fail miserably, at both! Just look up next time you walk into the chapel!!

"the art of losing myself and bringing you praise"

There have been a few times in my life that I have accomplished this whole "losing myself" thing... and just like the Sistine Chapel, it was beautiful, it was a wonderful experience.  What a wonderful place that our churches would be if we could all master this art... The cool thing, this art isn't like others... EVERYONE can do this!  Sure, it takes practice.  For some people it may take more practice than others.  But everyone is capable of losing themselves and bringing HIM praise... May we strive to perfect this art.......

A thousand times I've failed, still your mercy remains

And should I stumble again, still I'm caught in your grace

Everlasting, your light will shine will all else fades

Neverending your glory goes beyond all fame

Your will above all else, my purpose remains

The art of losing myself in bringing you praise

Everlasting, your light will shine will all else fades

Neverending your glory goes beyond all fame

In my heart, in my soul I give you control

Consume me from the inside out Lord

Let justice and praise become my embrace

To love you from the inside out

Everlasting, your light will shine will all else fades

Neverending your glory goes beyond all fame

And the cry of my heart is to bring you praise

From the inside out Lord my soul cries out