I hope your enjoying these song stories. I’m getting better at video editing but still a long way to go. It’s been a great process for me to be able to remind myself of where these songs came from and God’s faithfulness and goodness over the last several years.
After it was clear we were going to stop having kids with two boys I used to lament from time to time that I didn’t have a daughter. Well that changed last night.
My oldest reserved Jives coffee house and told his soon to be fiance he was playing an acoustic set as a fundraiser. After she arrived he played “I Want to Know Your Plans” by Say Anything. We had rehearsed earlier to sing the La, La’s at the appropriate time.
Here is the proposal.
And here are the lyrics to the song:
“I Want To Know Your Plans”
I want to know your plans, and how involved in them I am.
When you leave for good this fall, will I be forgiven?
And If you want roses, I’ll buy a bouquet.
If that just won’t cut it, what can I say?
You’re what keeps me believing this world’s not long dead.
Strength in my bones and the words in my head.
They pour out to paper, it’s all for you
‘Cause that’s what you do. That’s what you do.
I want to know your fears, and if you’ll forget me next year
And when the jets go up and out, will our hearts stay here?
If you could forgive me (forgive me) for being so brash.
You could hit me or whip me, I’d savor each lash.
You’re what keeps me believing this world’s not long dead.
Strength in my bones and the words in my head.
They pour out to paper, it’s all for you
Cause that’s what you do
No more fighting.
It is only a waste of our time.
‘Cause soon we’ll be leaving,
will this strength still be mine?
I’ll look out for you till I die
Till I’m gone… yeah
I’ll remember you till I die (till I die)
Till I’m gone.
You’re what keeps me believing this world’s not long dead.
Strength in my bones and the words in my head.
They pour out to paper, it’s all for you
You’re what keeps me believing this world’s not long dead.
Strength in my bones and the words in my head.
They pour out to paper, it’s all for you
‘Cause that’s what you do. That’s what you do.
Never in my lifetime did I believe I would see the church in such a state. I’m talking about the capital “C” church here. Certainly there are churches making a huge impact on people’s lives for the Kingdom and the cause of Christ but the universal church is struggling at best.
My heart is breaking for the bride of Christ. We don’t have to look far to see the church today in serious trouble. We’re increasingly viewed as irrelevant and out of touch. The majority of Americans view the church as nothing more than a social organization that does some good things, maybe, but really has no relevance in today’s world.
How did a group of people 2000 years ago without advanced degrees and none of the resources we have today impact the entire known world for the cause of Christ? And why are we viewed as irrelevant when we are equipped with seminaries, mass media, marketing, and vast resources. Why are we viewed as a nice subculture by most and downright evil by some.
I came across two articles one declaring “More Americans Say They Have No Religion”, and another with the headline “The Coming Evangelical Collapse”.
What has changed? Where have we gone wrong? What must we do to become again the Church Jesus planted?
I have written a book called “A Broken House”. It has been sitting in my computer for almost 3 years and I would like to walk through it with you over the next little bit. I would love to discuss it with you and get your feedback before it goes to print.
Please comment and invite anyone who you think would add to the conversation.
Also I will release my E.P. “I Will Sing” on October 16th. The next few weeks will be a mixture of this conversation and song stories from the E.P. I can’t wait for you to hear it! You can listen to the first cut here.
6 songs total 2 totally new songs, 3 new arrangements, and my favorite hymn with a new chorus.
Can’t wait for you to hear it. This week I will schedule the last few things so we can release it the first part of September. Those on my mailing list will have first shot at it and then release to the general public.
Thank you Aaron and Dominick Wagner of the Grey Room in Larkspur for all of your amazing creativity and hard work. I did not have the vision for this that you had. You made it something I can be very proud of.
Stay tuned here as things unfold. It’s the best place to stay informed.
As we travel back from Salina Kansas I want to capture a few thoughts.
Great leaders attract great leaders.
If you want to have great leaders be a great leader. Your personality type isn’t the issue. We can all learn to be good leaders. Know your weaknesses and fill your team with people who love to do what your not good at.
There is no substitute for preparation.
Especially spiritual preparation. In order to be fully prepared we must take time. There is no other way. Say no to nonessential things and take the time necessary to prepare. Gods people deserve no less.
We must operate from a position of rest.
Both spiritual, resting in the confidence of your calling and Gods ability to fulfill His calling on your life, and physical. Take care of your body. Exercise and sleep.
More to follow. I’m going to sleep while my son drives.
I’ve hesitated to talk to you about this because I’ve been talking about having a book available for going on 3 years now, which is still in the works by the way, so I didn’t want to talk about this until it was a done deal.
About a month ago I began working on an EP with some amazing people at The Grey Room studio in Larkspur Colorado. These guys are very creative, Kingdom minded, and full of vision. I’m so excited for you to hear these songs.
The E.P. will be six or seven songs. We have four tracked so far. Faithful One is pretty true to the original with a full band, I Will Sing has a new chorus and we’ve added a bridge, You Pursue Me is still stripped down and worshipful, and last week the equipment wasn’t working so we decided to write. This Thursday we tracked the song. It talks about the wilderness I’ve been in the last, seems like forever, and the truth of where my faithful, loving Father has been the whole time. So excited about how this is coming together. The other two or three songs are still to be decided.
I spoke to Aaron and Dominick about the project just before Christmas and they agreed to let me work on one song at a time until the money came in. In a matter of about 3 weeks all but a few $100.00 came in incredible unexpected ways. This is going to happen and hopefully in the next 60 – 90 days.
I’ll keep you posted as we get closer. Please pray for us as we decide what the final few songs should be and prepare to do the final vocal tracking.
God has truly blessed us. As I look back on the last year it has been a year of stretching, growth and sowing and we look forward to an amazing and productive 2012.
But first a little rest. We get the next several days to rest, reflect, and recharge.
I hope you get to do the same. Our prayer is for you to have a restful Christmas break with family and friends.
