Sunday Setlist … November 30, 2008

It’s that time of the week again when I participate in Fred McKinnon’s Sunday Setlist funfest.

Today was one of the very few Sundays at GracePoint when I just show up for one service and have no responsbilities (other than getting the kids to church…) I’m essentially on an every-other-week rotation alternating between running sound and playing in the band.  Due to Thanksgiving travels, I couldn’t make band practice so I simply participated in worship.  (Although I did take notes on Eron’s mixing since I never actually get to listen to his FOH work.)

To the setlist…

Today kicked off the new Beatles-themed Christmas series, “Let it Be Christmas”.

• Lady Madonna by The Beatles (walk-in and exit)
• One Way by Hillsong
• You’re the One by Chris Tomlin
• Let God Arise by Chris Tomlin
• Song of Hope by Robbie Seay Band
• Come Together by The Beatles (offering)

The band rocked the Beatles songs, although I was disappointed that Jeff didn’t buy a Hofner violin bass for the series… [Edit. I reworded this due to poor choice of wording that was apparently misunderstood...]

One Way has been around a while at GP, but the message is great and the song rocks.  My favorite part of the song is the way the bridge builds up.

You’re the One was a staple for a while, but I don’t remember it showing up on a Sunday morning for quite some time. Gil does an awesome job singing on this one everytime.  I really like this song, but it doesn’t fit my mold for a great sing-along, corporate worship song.  I’d be curious to know if anyone else uses this one…

Let God Arise is another great song.  I like it when Chris Tomlin kicks things up a notch.

Song of Hope is really growing on me.  I like it more every time I hear it.  It fits Andy’s voice really well too.

All in all, It was a great Sunday to worship at GracePoint. 

I’ve got to say, though, that a friend’s Facebook status got me thinking this morning.  I like the Beatles.  And I like the idea of a Beatles-themed series.  But, I’m a little concerned about Christmas Eve.  I’m not sure what the plan is for the Christmas Eve service is yet, but i’m hoping that it’s not just a bunch of Beatles songs.

Christmas Eve services aren’t a great time to break from tradition.  People expect Christmas songs, a sermon on the birth of Christ, and singing Silent Night by candlelight.  GP tried non-traditional for it’s first Christmas Eve service four years ago.  I wasn’t there, but I hear it didn’t go over very well.  Apparently people got up and walked out.  A bunch of Beatles covers doesn’t necessarily make for a great Christmas Eve service.

Sorry for that little editorial…

Have a great week!

Prayer Request

I’d like to ask you to take a moment and pray for my cousin Kimberly, and her family.

Kimberly lost her 15-month-old daughter, Haven, on Friday.  When I talked to my dad yesterday, they weren’t really sure yet what went wrong.

I can’t begin to understand what they are going through.  But I do know Someone who understands it all, and I hope He’s willing to share with us when we meet Him face to face someday.

I haven’t seen Kimberly in probably 20 years since my aunt and uncle moved to Kentucky.  But still, my heart is breaking for them.  I know I’m going to give my kids an extra long hug tonight.

Please pray for Kimberly, her husband Steve, her young son Cash, and the rest of the family.  

Thanks.

What I’m Thankful For…

• My beautiful wife
• My children, Jada and Jett
• My cats, Oreo and Toffee (most of the time)
• My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
• My parents, siblings, grandparents, and in-laws
• Being able to play music
• My ipod
• My church, GracePoint
• Edge of Grace
• A job that I enjoy, and pays well
• My blogger friends
• Old friends
• New friends
• My mandolins and guitars
• Oklahoma State University
• Wikipedia
• Proton pump inhibitors
• Caramel Macchiatos
• Pizza
• Diet Pepsi
• Gasoline under $2 a gallon
• Colorado
• A roof over my head
• Hot showers
• Andy Williamson for making my leaves disappear this week
• Low cholesterol
• Low blood pressure

What are you thankful for?

H. Pylori and Caramel Macchiatos

Yesterday, I went in for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).  Such a fun word.  Basically it consists of sticking a camera down your throat, so the doctor can inspect your esophagus and stomach.  Thankfully, they knock you out for it.

As the nurse was walking me out to the van afterwards, she asked me if I get extra shots in my Caramel Macchiato.  I thought, “Wow!  That’s a random question.”  So of course, I asked her why she asked.  Apparently, the first thing that I asked for while waking up after the test was a Caramel Macchiato.

I should be in a Starbucks commercial.  Like Jarod, or something.

But I’ve been thinking about this whole sedation thing… especially after this morning’s post on character.  What else did I say that I don’t remember?  I bet people say some crazy things.  Probably some really inappropriate things.  Maybe that’s a good test of character.

Anyway, it turns out that I have an ulcer.  I’m guessing it was caused by H. Pylori bacteria, since I tested positive for it several weeks ago.

I’m guessing the Caramel Macchiato wouldn’t be very helpful right now, but it sure sounds good.

Keeping a Firm Grip on our Character

A few days ago, I started reading 1 Timothy.  I’d like to share two verses which have jumped out at me:

“…keeping a firm grip on your faith and on yourself. After all, this is a fight we’re in. There are some, you know, who by relaxing their grip and thinking anything goes have made a thorough mess of their faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:19

“Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it.” – 1 Timothy 4:16

I don’t know about you, but I noticed a theme in these two verses.  Keep a firm grip on yourself.  Keep a firm grasp on your character.

I think most of us usually only keep a loose grip on our character. Yes we have rules and values.  But do we set up a forcefield around our character?  Or do we sometimes hide our character from others?

Character is often defined as “moral or ethical strength”.  I think that character has two components – private and public.

My sister gave me a coffee mug when I graduated from college. It reads, “Character is who you are when only God is watching.” Do we do the right thing when no else is around keeping score?

But there’s a public aspect too; it makes up part of our witness to others.  Back to 1 Timothy… the second half of verse 12 in chapter 4 says “Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.”

When we fail to keep a firm grip on our character, it can easily slip away.  We can lose our credibility with others, but more importantly we can hurt our relationship with God.