Genesis

Michael W Smith's career has spanned over 20 years and countless albums. He has written and co-written other artists' albums, starred in a major market film and has led worship for millions upon millions of people. You may find it interesting who he tapped to help write his last disc "Stand". 17 year old Leeland Mooring. Who is that?!

Let me tell you...

Leeland Mooring, the frontman of the band Leeland, (clever) that's who. Still not sure who they are? You are not alone. While this disc was released in late summer of last year it is just now starting to pick up some speed. I had not even heard of them until I read an article in CCM Magazine about the collaboration with Smitty in December.

A lot of today's ccm is so dry and over produced but this is one of those unique exceptions. "Sounds of Melodies" is a passionate release that combines inspiring vocals, deep lyrics and beautiful instrumentation. If I was a betting man I would say that Leeland has a few Beatles and Coldplay cd's laying around his room. Each song was written by Mooring (which in itself is amazing in this day of recording artists) and you can tell that he is emotionally attached to each word he sings. These songs are finely crafted "love songs" to his savior, God.

This band gives me more hope in the ccm industry, especially since they are so young. Hopefully they will stick to their recipe for great music and not be swayed by "what works" in the industry because this works just fine.

Do yourself a favor and get a fresh new perspective on Christian music.

Gems:

• Tears of the Saints - A very convicting song to the churches of today. We are called to be missionary minded and often times miss the mark.
• Sound of Melodies - Great praise chorus of the body of believers coming together to worship the King.
  
• Can't Stop - Driving and fun song.
  

Rating: ****/*****

PS: Anyone going to Chris Tomlin next Friday? I'm excited

Summary of the key points... 

Text: Colossians 2:16-23 

You will find yourself the most fulfilled when you are the least concerned with yourself.

Shadows are incomplete pictures in which our imagination fills in the rest.  In the case of verse 17 these shadows are meant to point people to Jesus, the "reality".  But people have fallen in love with the shadow and missed the savior.

There are people who are the best church people and look like the best Christians in the world who will be "disqualified" (in hell) because they were in love with doing the things you are supposed to do and don't know Jesus.  

You have died to Christ.  In other words.  The things in you that would cause you to die, have been put to death.

 peace friends, I hope that you don't just know about Jesus but know Him... for there and there alone is our hope found.  

 ben

The Newsboys will always have a special place in my music library. It was the summer of 1992 and I was going to my first concert. You guessed it, it was the Newsboys. I was a little apprehensive to attend a Christian concert as I wasn't too big into youth group or any of that at the time, but decided to go anyways. I am eternally grateful that I had the chance. That concert changed my musical tastes and started heading me in the direction I am going today. It was a great night of music and praise, especially for this kid whose only experience of Christian music came from the green hymnal. Ah, the memories...

Since 1992 the boys have been cranking out new albums almost yearly (some with new material while some are just "hits" or remixes). Some have been noteworthy while others have fallen a little flat.

There must be a revolving door on their tour bus because they have gone through quite a few different band members over the years. The 2 latest addition/subtractions have been in my mind the most significant. They added Paul Colemen (formerly of Paul Coleman Trio) but lost bass player Phil Joel. It has been mentioned that the band almost called it quits before this disc was recorded.

I have to get this off my chest right away. What's with that "Wherever We Go" song?? I just don't get it. Read through the lyrics and you might share the same feelings. There is a glimpse of praise in the chorus but that's about it. Frankly I switch the station when it comes on. The song might be better suited on a kids album or a movie soundtrack.

What this CD does well is keep up the Newsboys tradition of providing a diverse mix of music. The songs are driven by their typical electric/synth sound and for the most part the disc is very energetic. Overall the disc is solid but leaves you wanting a little more. It feels like it was a half hearted effort and after reading that they were close to calling it quits that might have something to do with it.

Here are a few gems worthy of a $0.99 download:

• I Am Free - Unfortunately this is not a Newsboys original (Desperation) but their rendition is excellent. I would expect this to be a concert favorite on this current tour.
  
• The Mission - Great song and in my opinion it is the best on the disc.
• Something Beautiful - Cool tune, they definitely reached back into the 80's for this one.

Newsboys fans: do your duty and pick this up

Everyone else: iTunes

Rating: **.5/*****

You are beautiful.  Do you believe this? 

How do you think society views life? What are ways that you can think of to celebrate life? 

Are you so focused on the “big destination” that you forget to savor the little “side trips” along the way? 

Do you really have a purpose? 

Thank you to Lisa for sharing your testimony and for the spontaneous testimony at the 10:50 a.m. service. The life we are given is a great gift. It should be celebrated and nurtured. Even in the dark times when you might wonder where God is, trust Him because He knows you are beautiful and has given you a life to be celebrated. 

Please share your thoughts celebrating life or anything else that’s on your heart. 

We have had this blog up and running for quite a while now. How many postings have I made over its lifespan? Maybe 1 or 2...ok more like 1. So with this new feature of the blog hopefully I will be a little more active. I will attempt to post reviews weekly (maybe that can be my new year's resolution) on music I have been enjoying, maybe some stuff we are singing in worship, or whatever else happens to come across my desk.

Of course I encourage you to respond with additional remarks, disputes, favorite recipes, other discs I should check out, etc....

With all that out of the way, let's get started...

Matt Redman - Beautiful News

Matt Redman has long been a respected songwriter/worship leader. He's a Brit with a passion for Christ and for leading people in worship. His songs are so rich in scripture and meaning, he really knows his stuff. However I have always thought his songs sound much better when someone else records them of does them in a live setting. Not to discredit his writing abilities I just have not been fond of the original versions.

All that is about to change...

With the release of his latest disc (released 12/26/06) Redman has struck a chord with this listener. The songs are just as inspiring as ever but this time around the instrumentation matches!

A few tunes worthy of an iTunes download:

• Beautiful News - an upbeat great start to the disc. Redman finally showcases a little bit of guitar work on this one too. A little edgier musically than most of his songs, but that makes it a breath of fresh air.
• You Never Let Go - we have been doing this one in worship for several months now. The version I had heard earlier was a live recording, it's nice to hear the studio cut. I usually can't get through this song without getting caught up in the words. A great reminder that God never gives up on us and is always at our side.
• Shine - heard this song a couple months ago on a sampler, thinking of bringing it to worship. Great song that you will probably find yourself singing along with and tapping your foot to the beat.

All in all a solid disc worthy of an addition to any collection.

Rating: ***.5 / *****

Pastor Dean shared with us today a story of Karen Watson. She was one of four humanitarian aid workers who died in Iraq after their vehicle was ambushed March 15, 2004. She wrote a letter to her pastors in the event she was killed, in that she explained her thoughts on the “Missionary Heart”: “Care more than some think is wise. Risk more than some think is safe. Dream more than some think is practical. Expect more than some think is possible.”  

Do you have a fufilled life?  What does that even mean?  Have you ever thought of the power you have because you are a Christian? Do you put that power to good use? Do you go your own way without consulting “the Designer” like the worker who built the Basilica? Have you ever really considered all the conflicts you could avoid if you realized who really is in control? Have you ever had a unique chance to share Jesus in a special way with someone?  

Any other thoughts on the sermon?  

Have a great week! Tina  

Click Here to go to the extra study questions.

Hope creates action.  

Jesus said that He came that we may have life and have it to the FULL. St. Irenaeus said, “The Glory of God is man fully alive.”  

Is your hope in Jesus? Has it changed your action?  

Pastor Ben said that often what gets in the way of us being joyful and fruit bearing is often our self. Surrendering is the best way to allow God to show you the things that you need to let go. There isn’t a list of “stuff to do”. Seek Him and the rest will follow. 

Could it really be that easy?  

Are you willing to surrender? Have you already done so and has it made a difference in your life? So, are you awake and living? What does it mean to be fully alive? What inspires you?  

Happy New Year! I hope the glory of God is alive in your life. 

Tina