I am unbelievably fortunate. I am surrounded by extraordinarily talented people who engage me in countless ways. Seriously, I look around at the people I really like and think "Wow...it's really fun to know these folks! Why do they like me again?" I have designer friends who make amazing artwork...talented business people who make scads of lettuce (that's money for those who don't know Ludacris)...and talented musicians who create outstanding music. Last night drove that home for me. My friend Stevie had a CD release party at this cool little church/studio in a rehabilitated part of town. Now Stevie is talented, and often plays in front of thousands of people. But last night was special, b/c (almost) all the music he played last night was his, and it was a showcase of what's been going on in his heart and mind over the last few years. Now, being a music snob (see here), I find myself having strong opinions on music. And I understand the obvious cynicism you might feel as you read the following about my friend. Who cares.

Folks, I'm here to tell you last night was FANTASTIC. All caps. No lowercase. I have no alterior motive for sharing my thoughts, other than I thoroughly enjoyed the show last night, and was sincerely impressed by the musicianship and thoughtful arrangements on display by Stevie and his friends. I'm not sure what I expected (seeing as I listen to him perform every weekend), but what I got was familiar songs of his re-examined, arranged in new ways, and performed with real gusto. It was a rock show and a house show all in one (which I assume was the intent). Too often groups I enjoy on disc fall flat when I see them live, but last night I kept thinking "I wish I had this show on disc." That, to me, is a great performance. Good work Stevie.

Labels: music, Music snob, Stevie

I've never said I'm a gifted musician. I really like to play guitar and piano, but that doesn't make me excellent at either one of them. My Grandma recently asked me to sing "a solo" at my grandfather's funeral, but I politely choose to speak instead. Still, (especially in college), I enjoyed sitting down with the guitar and a journal and saying hi to God. That was until I found this. This is the love poem generator, but guess what...you can create KICK ASS worship songs with it. Seriously, I feel like Michael W. Smith (is he still singing?) with this thing. Go ahead, try it out. Enter something like "Jesus" or "My Lord" into the Love portion. Then get creative on the gift portion. I entered "heart." And out shoots something (a song?) that (unfortunately) would pass on many a worship album today. Take a look at mine.

I wrote this letter especially for you
To prove that my love for you is true
Love is our connection
To you I dedicate all my affection

My Lord, you are unbelievably beautiful
When I am near you my heart goes like a raging bull
Words cannot express
What I felt when you said 'yes'

My Lord, you mean so much to me
I never knew this could be
I anxiously await our time ahead
With impatience, I am fed

I hope you can put this heart to use
It is a gift you cannot refuse
Until soon, when we meet again
I will please you in whatever way I can

I'm not sure what this says about my feelings for many contemporary worship songs, but I'd lean heavily towards a big "They Suck."

I'll leave you with this..."Friends are friends forever, If the Lord's the Lord of them. And a friend will not say never, 'cause the welcome will not end. Though it's hard to let you go, In the Father's hands we know...That a lifetime's not too long (dramatic pause) To live as friends."

Labels: love poem generator, music, worship music