thoughts on sunday/cd recommendations

Hey everyone - it's been a while since I've posted some thoughts on a Sunday morning.  I wanted to do that as well as post those cd recommendations that I've been promising.

Great morning, guys.  I was really blessed by it and I believe that the congregation was as well.  I received several comments about the songs of the morning.  I missed a couple chords now and then, the piano playing was a bit shaky at moments and I changed a turn on Shelly which threw things off.  All my fault.  But at least a couple of the mistakes were "intentional" in that they were decisions that I made on the fly to let the music fall by the wayside so that we could focus on the content.  And I think that those decisions were blessed and that the musical gaps weren't met with confusion or distraction.

Brooke mentioned to me that she noticed both Mary and Dick singing during the music.  Guys, that's fantastic.  It shows me that you all aren't just playing but that you're participating in the worship and being captured by the songs that we're singing.  I really do believe that that encourages the church as a whole.  But even more than that, it makes me rejoice because I'm able to know that the Spirit is working in your hearts as we play.

Shelly, it was great to have the violin today.  Thanks for bringing it along without being asked.  It added wonderfully to the morning and I was really grateful for it.

Natsuko, thanks for your willingness to serve even when you don't feel 100% comfortable with some of the songs, and for taking the vocal suggestions that I make with a humble and willing spirit.  That shows a spirit of grace that comes only with a work of God's grace.  It's a great thing to see.

Those are the only thought that I have for this morning.  If anyone has any others to toss into the mix, please just post them as comments.

I've been promising for quite a while that I'd post a list of recommended cds that I think that EVERYONE on the team should have, should listen to, should all but memorize, should enjoy, should be challenged by, should worship to.  So, now that I've let too much time go between the promise and the keeping, here's the list.  I CANNOT recommend these cds highly enough.  They'll enhance your ability to lead on a Sunday morning and they'll enhance your everyday worship as you move through your days and weeks.  Here they are:

PSALMS by Sovereign Grace Music (click here or order through the TFC bookstore)

Come Weary Saints by Sovereign Grace Music (click here or order through the TFC bookstore)

Worship God Live by Sovereign Grace Music (click here or order through the TFC bookstore)

Our God Saves by Paul Baloche (click here or order through the TFC bookstore)

I will hold off on additional comment for the time being.  But I truly believe that your lives will be blessed by these albums and that our ministry as a team will grow in direct correlation with how many and how frequently you listen to these cds.  

Enjoy!

tw