worship

I am excited for worship this week at Northstar Church. If you are in Blacksburg you should show up on Sunday at 10am at the Blacksburg Middle School. Worthy of affection is on the docket and it is a tremendous song, You can get a quick preview below...

Worthy Of Affection - Shane & ...

Grammys 2010 Recap

Well here it is, a recap of the 2010 Grammys. I immediately have to ask forgiveness because this blog is full of cynicism and sarcastic comments. But thats how I had to approach it. Anyways, enjoy and leave a comment if you so wish!

The show begins and...
Lady Gaga & Elton John. It would be very hard to try and make this a stranger performance. They sang "Your Song" and sadly, very disappointing, one of the only Elton songs I like, and it was terrible. This is her outfit she wore on the red carpet, children do not look or you will have nightmares of her crawling on your ceiling or out from under your bed.

Stephen Colbert, starts the show off - always good "Stay away from katy Perry," he says talking to his daughter from the stage. He then talked about different groups that have performed together at the grammys in the past couple of years and then says... "You know who I'd love to see on stage together? Adam lambert and any sort of personal restraint" Wow, LaRae almost spit out her water, such a great quote.

Song of the year- Single Ladies. Expected.

Green Day plays with their broadway peeps, stange, but made me want to see it on broadway. There's like 87 people on stage. A mixture of Punk and the tv show Glee.

Taylor swift wins country album of year. Well deserved and accepted with humility. Awesome, such a night and day comparison between her and Gaga.

Beyonce performs. Again like 80 people on stage. "Her being married to jay-z makes her so much cooler" a quote from my very smart wife.  Standing O? Hmm she's talented but that wasn't amazing, oh well I may have stood if I was there, but since I am in my living room I will just continue to eat my penne pasta, and nod my head.

Seal introduces Pink. If you're wondering, yes, he walked out to his one big hit, "kiss from a rose" from that one Batman movie...

Pink is talented, but right now it looks like she has a bedazzled bathrobe on though. Never mind now she's practically naked, except for the naughty bits. She's doing cirque de solei stuff and singing, being raised up like 20 feet in the air on some sort of ribbon, glorified ribbon dancing maybe. Standing O, well deserved.

Best new artist, Zach Brown! Thank goodness, was hoping for him or MGMT, but I'm glad the man with the beard pulled one down.

Miley Cyrus introduces the Black Eyed Peas, not sure why. Black eyed peas, they are always a little strange, but they know how to make music that is very catchy and gets the general mass to buy. It hasn't been the same for me since this picture of fergie was released where it looks like she peed her pants...
LaRae quote - "what do the other 2 guys do?" referring to the other members of the BlackEyed Peas (besides fergie and Will.I.am, I replied with "I do not know."

Jonas Brothers introduce Lady Antebellum. Again, no one really knows why. Lady Antebellum, good stuff, a little boring. No standing O.

Best comedy album- Steven Colbert!
Other nominees Spinal Tap, Weird Al & George Lopez. George you are not funny, how do you keep getting chances? Affirmative action of comedy I am guessing.

Record of the year - USE SOMEBODY - Kings of Leon! So pumped for them, wasn't expecting that at all. Awesome. ">

Robert Downey Jr. I really just love him. Such a dry humor that is great. Introduces Jamie Fox and T.Pain, ironically both have careers in music due solely to the invention of auto tune. Now Doug E Fresh comes out beat boxing which made the performance sooo much better, now Slash? Really? That seemed out of left field.

Rock Album -Green Day, other nominees AC/DC, Eric Clapton, Dave Matthews Band, U2. No new rock acts out there? The newest of these is 20 years old. Hmm...everyone seems to be making poprock right now.

Chris O'donnell introduces Zach Brown. Could they get a more irrelevant person to introduce them? Probably not. I think the last movie he was in was that Batman movie with Seals song... (my wife is mad because I said that, she thinks he is good looking. boo) Zach Brown Band is just flat out good, great harmonies and do it their own way with no apologies. Love it.

Ryan Seacrest gives a great/flattering intro to Taylor Swift. Shes adorable as per usual. Incredible that she writes her own songs, you have to respect that. Stevie Nicks comes out and takes us back to the late 70's and early 80s. Glad she is gone now, pardon me she just moved to the back of the stage to play the tambourine, now back to singing bad harmonies. ehh making "You Belong to Me" sound a little depressing. But its still a great performance by Ms. Swift.

Lionel Richie - introduces the tribute to Michael Jackson. Yeah its in 3d. I'm sorry, am I supossed to have 3d glasses laying around on my coffee table. I guess I am, my bad. "What about Us" starts up, watching this without 3 d glasses feels like what I'm guessing an acid trip feels like . Celine Dion, Usher, Carrie Underwood, & Jennifer Hudson they actually sound great together. Smokey Robinson, still gots them pipes as well. Took this picture of Beyonce rocking 3d glasses and Jay just not caring. Standing O for Michael Jackson. Jacksons kids come out and give an awkward speech, but accept a grammy on his behalf.

Bon Jovi takes the stage, playing a Takamine acoustic guitar. You are Bon Jovi, can't get a sponsorship with a better guitar company? Ah lady from Sugarland, sounds like a dying cat. "Living on a Prayer" just started and the state of New Jersey immediately started fist pumping, and maybe one living room in Blacksburg...

Best Rap/Sung - "Run this Town Tonight" Jay-Z and Rihanna. I was really was hoping for "On a Boat" Yes it was up for a grammy.

Mary J. Blige &{ Andre Bocelli strange duo, sang "Bridge over Troubled Water", Andre is ridiculous (in a good way), Mary not so much, but she held her own. You can buy this song and the money goes to Hati. ( www.itunes/target )

Adam Sandler introduces Dave Matthews Band. Never been my favorite, but they are an actual band, that plays actual music and doesn't have to dress like an extra off Star Trek to get attention (see Lady Gaga picture above), so I appreciate them, and they perform great live.

Ricky Martin and the girl from glee present for Best Female Pop Vocal, I like the girl from glee, but Ricky Martin is just as pretty tonight...
Female pop vocal - "Halo" - Beyonce. Other nominees- Adelle, Katy Perry, Pink, Taylor Swift

Larae goes to bed, 10:45. Now I am all alone blogging away

LL. Cool J comes out licking his lips every time he gets, but you can not hate on LL. He is dope, and he will knock your mom out. Introduces Maxwell. He's a talented dude, just boring but I am guessing he has a lot of girlfriends. I bet that when he is trying to set the 'mood' he just turns his own cd on, and just slowly nods.

Les Paul tribute. Jeff Beck, just starts shredding, on a Les Paul. Don't know if I could think of a better tribute. The drummer is wearing a vest with no shirt under, this does not contribute to the tribute, but it is the definition of classy.

Quentin Tarantino introduces (very awkwardly) Travis Barker, Eminem, Drake, Lil Wayne. The sensor immediately gets really nervous, and there it is, my tv keeps going silent because of the cuss words in the song. If Jay was in this song then they would really have to just burn the stage because of the amount of good rappers. I know this isn't everyones cup of tea, but this group is just very talented and on top of that, they have one of the best drummers in the world backing them, I could watch Travis Barker play the drums all day long, makes me want to buy some.

Album of the Year......Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas, Dave Matthews Band, Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift! Awesome, glad she won, and No Kanye in sight! That ends the night, thanks for reading and again, sorry for the cynicism...

Awesome

I am not like a lunatic fan of Vampire Weekend, but I have to say that this is flat out cool.
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In Review.

A year in review or decade in review?
I mean a lot of stuff has happened in 2009, but in the past 10 years holy crap! So I thought I would jot down whatever came to my mind sorry if this bores you all, but you can see God thru it all, very cool.
At the beginning of 2000 I was halfway through my Sophomore year of high school, the first year with out my older brother around, and was about to get my license.
2001 I was just starting to fall in love with my guitar. Just starting to fall in love with Jesus, and just starting to find out what really love was.
2002 was the beginning of my last semester of High school. Looking back now it all seems just a tad bit strange. The freedom of that one summer before college, the drastic change that college was compared to being around home, and then there was that 1st thanksgiving, when you come home during your 1st semester at college, and everything seems different, yet a lot of your highschool friends didn't change whatsoever. I remember that awkward feeling like yesterday.
2003 was the year of mistakes and regrets but then later in that same year it was because of those same mistakes that I made one of the best decisions, to transfer to Liberty University. The summer and fall of 2003 were probably some of the best months of my life. Working at a church camp with some great people, then moving onto Liberty mountain in Lynchburg, Va and not knowing a single person on my hall. Met some life long friends those first couple of weeks.
2004 was a year full of searching, not really knowing what I wanted to do with my life had me questioning everything. But it was also the year I met my wife LaRae. It took me a couple of tries before she agreed to go out with me, but she finally did. I remember sitting in the basement losing reception numerous times, talking to that girl for hours on the phone during Christmas break. Which leads me into
2005, this was a year of ups and downs, break ups and drama. LaRae and I started the pattern of on again off again, which I admit was mostly my fault. I also started touring with Cross Culture, a worship band from WorldHelp in Forest, Va. It was a short lived thing but definitely helped me grow leaps and bounds in music and stretched me as a "worship artist." Thank you Scott Spruill.
2006
began with a new job on campus with Student activities. It was a busy job from the get go, but I loved every minute of it. It also was the first summer I spent away from Ohio as I stayed and worked at Liberty planning for events in the fall. It was also the beginning of my last school year at Liberty.
2007 I graduated from college, planned on staying to start my masters, that changed and was offered a job leading worship at a small church in Blacksburg, Va. and I took it. That fall was very tough. I had been living with some of my best friends for the past 4 years, and then I moved to a place where I had no friends and lived by myself. I was single, LaRae and I had broken up "for good" in July. That was the time where I can say I grew closer to Christ then ever before. October came around and so did thoughts of LaRae. We were back together in a matter of weeks and then engaged at the end of 2007.
2008 Was an awkward year, to say the least. Full of confusion and lack of vision with ministry. Took a lot of patience and looking back it really just took LaRae and I saying okay we are all in (ministry), and God started moving. But also 2008...I got hitched, and definitely 'out punted my coverage' if you know what I mean. And that moves us to
2009. A year that had so much going on. Northstar hired a new pastor in Jeff Noble and it has been an awesome 5 months working with him at Northstar. Got the chance to bring Shane and Shane and Phil Wickham to Virginia Tech and then finished the year with December nights and bringing in one of my favorite worship leaders, Nic Carver from Brentwood Church in Lynchburg.
All and all this past decade has brought a lot to me, my wife, college education, and a job that I am thankful for. Who knows where another 10 years will lead me.


Happy New Years and God Bless!

The Music post.

I have not written about what music I am listening to in a while. Just wanted to say some stuff about what is really good out there in the ever changing world of music. I jotted down a few things about some albums that just came out, some others that are tickling my fancy, and some old stuff that may just rock your boat a little bit.

The New
John Mayer (Battle Studies) - John (I can call him that cause we go way back) comes with a classic rock sound on this album, obviously. Well maybe I shouldn't say that because I bet there are still a bunch of late 20's ex-sorority girls just waiting for his next 'No Such Thing' or 'Your Body is a Wonderland,' needless to say they will still be waiting. John seems to always be growing in his musical styles and it seems to me that he is putting distance between his acoustic-pop beginnings (which I believe was always his plan). Anyways, the album is not as catchy off the bat as its predecessor 'Contiuum,' but the way in which he grabs you in his simple (but complex) melodies will keep you coming back to this album because of the depth that lies beneath. Check out 'Heartbreak Warfare'

Phil Wickham - (Heaven and Earth) - If you haven't listened to Wickham yet, this is the time. You can even do it for free, go to Philwickham.com and download his 'Singalong' album for free. His new album is full of great lyrical songs, that make you want to get a mob together or start rioting for a cause. Whats great about Wickham is not just his voice or guitar playing (which are both up to snuff) but the passion and fervor in which he sings and plays. Songs such as the title track and 'Because of Your Love' really just show the depths of his writing. Great album. I recommend getting the acoustic album as well, if you can find it, because it is just as good, if not better then the whole dolled up album.

New(ish)
Passion Pit (Chunk of Change) - "a shiny bouquet of synth pop roses."- Rolling Stones. Figured there wasn't much to add to that. Check out 'Sleepyhead' which is now on a cell phone commercial, so you know they are going to get bigger quick. Be the first one out of your circle of friends to listen to them and then turn and say "I liked their older stuff better..."

The Fray (the fray) - The only problem I had with the bands sophomore album is that they named it 'They Fray' They must have used all the creativity on the album and not the name, because this is a great follow up to the success of 'How to Save a Life'. This is how piano pop/rock is done, take note OneRepublic.

Guilty Pleasures
Dashboard Confessional (After the Ending) - Guilty because Dashboard stirs something inside me that makes me feel like its the last day of summer and college is calling. The feeling that things are fresh and new. Good feeling. And just like always Dashboard does not fail to deliver that feeling on 'After the Ending.' In fact, it is dripping with all the guilty honey flavored sweetness that you have grown to expect. Even better... the acoustic version that is included.

Justin Beiber (My World) - I wish I could lie to myself about this one, but 'One Time' has been stuck in my head for days and I don't see an end in sight. This albumette (7 songs) is sugary pop goodness, catchy hooks, good beats and a guest spot by Usher all add up to 'My World' being cavity worthy. (okay maybe not the Usher part)

Worth Mentioning
Switchfoot (Hello Hurricane) - Always a solid pick, Switchfoot turns up the amp a little in this push play album, no need to skip songs. Almost all are catchy and have great melodic flow.

David Crowder Band (Church Music) - Not Crowders all time best, but definitely some great songs, and the album is worth the buy just for his rendition of 'How He Loves'

Shane and Shane (Everything is Different) - What is great is that everything is not different when it comes to Shane and Shane. They still have their amazing harmonies and excellent acoustic guitar skills. What can I say besides, Shane and Shane are just legit. Listen to 'Worthy of Affection'.

Explosions in the Sky (The Earth is Not a Cold Dark Place) - Great Great Great. Good to just listen to while working or while trying to relax. The ups and downs in these songs are so well done, it ridiculous. Personal fav, 'Your Hand in Mine.'

Pick it Back Up/Download
Jack Johnson (on and on) - No one doesn't like Jack Johnson (yes I know, its a double negative) But for real, throw 'Taylor' on and let Jack sing to you sleep.

Kanye West (The College Dropout) - Back in 2004, when Kanye was not stepping on stage and being all crazy, he had one of the best Rap albums ever made. And on top of that he made yellow cardigans work for rappers. Two equally impressive accomplishments.

Not Worth The Buy-
OneRepublic (Waking Up) - OneRepublic needs to 'wake up' and realize Timberland is what made them successful not their own version of fall by the wayside piano pop. Check out "Everyone Loves Me" to see that I'm not just a hater.

worship leader with no voice.

Man this past week has been not just hectic but frustrating. I got sick on Saturday night/Sunday morning and by the end of worship on Sunday morning I had no voice and sounded like a 12 year old boy that was crossing over the threshold into manhood. I can not even begin to give a number of how many pots of tea I boiled, how many Echinacea tea bags are in my trash can, or how many times that Nyquil made me gag.

Anyways, I obviously like to sing. Its my main form of worship. I do play piano and guitar, but I rely on my voice more then either of those. But this week I just felt lost. I felt I had no way of expressing worship to God. It was pretty strange. I would pick up my guitar and just sit here. So I began to just play instead of sing, and it was cool. It was cool to just play some songs with Phil Wickham and Crowder and have them sing. It was just a different way to worship.

So after that I thought I would try something else and just write instead of sing. And it poured. Not really original stuff, but names of God were just all over the place. It was very cool. And I can't wait to get my voice back and to sing what I wrote down.

I am writing this, because if you are in a place where you have 1 way that constantly are showing your worship, that is great! But you will find that if you step out of your comfort zone and try something new to express worship to God, you will have a larger spread of worship. I hope that makes sense. Examples... even if you are not a creative person, sit down, and write something to God, a love letter! Or get some crayons out and draw something for Christ. It sounds kindergarden, but if you are only used to worshiping on Sunday, and praying before meals, it could dramatically change the way you are living your spiritual life!

Just try it.

Christmas Stuff/Crazy Love

Well, I can brag about this without sounding like I am patting myself on the back because it wasn't my idea, it was my wife's idea, and secretly I wish I would have thought about it. So, I will eventually tell you the idea but I need to set up how it came about...

So in our college group on Tuesday nights, we have been going through the book "Crazy Love," by Francis Chan. This is my third time reading it, but the first time going through it all the way with a group, and because of that I have gotten so much more out of the book. Francis really doesn't divulge new information, he just urges you and convinces you that if you claim to be a Christian, live like one. Simple. Towards the end of the book it really stresses the point of loving others, and if you say you are loving others what are you actually doing to love others (say that three times fast). So we went around and talked about what we could do to love others...give away some of our unnecessary items, that could be necessary for someone else, buy someone something etc...

Well, after all the college students left and it was just LaRae and I, she said she had an idea. So she said lets not give each other presents but give that money we were going to use on each other to someone. I was all aboard with this plan, again, just wish I would have thought of it. My wife is awesome.

Now, to be completely honest I really am not writing this to brag about my wife or even us as a couple, I just wanted to share something that might encourage you to do something a bit different this year. And it doesn't have to be giving your money away, it could mean making cookies for the neighbors, or inviting someone over for a meal that they couldn't afford. But anyways, here is the awesome part, we keep trying to come up with the best way to use the money, and it really is just as exciting as shopping for a present my wife. Im not kidding, the thought that we can just give something to someone, they no clue its coming, so they can enjoy Jesus' birthday more. Ya, that's gonna be awesome. So, I leave you with this, the best way to be blessed is to bless someone else.