My first graduate class is almost done and bad band practice.

     I can't believe that I have one more class and only two weeks to get my final paper turned in. It is amazing that in only a little over a month and a half I have completed my first graduate course. Learning exegesis and studying the word of Jeremiah has given me a totally new insight into God and the old testament. Knowing how to study the word makes the word clearer. Next class is leading in a multicultural environment. There are 3 books to read for that class, it's intense! Pray for my sanity.

     Every Wednesday night I give the daughter of our band's drummer guitar lessons, then we eat dinner together, and then usually end with a band practice. Last night must not have been our night. It started with  my wife not being able to go because of a stomach bug, then I left my capo at home. I tried to tough it out and transpose in my head...while singing...and experimenting with effects...and showing our bass player new technology. It was a recipe for disaster and it did not taste very good. After we gave up on that song we moved onto another song and my guitar strap fell off mid song. Finally we hit our stride a little bit and busted out a couple more songs and ended the night. Struggling is a good exercise every once in awhile, we should all try it sometime!

I hope you all have a blessed week.

Had to miss church :(

     Hello from wonderfully sunny, snowy, bitterly cold Southeast Michigan. We got hammered with some snow Saturday-Sunday. I actually had to miss church because as we were getting onto the highway, we spun out and kissed the guardrail. Thankfully nobody or nothing was injured except my poor bent up license plate. Well, maybe my ego. My wife was hesitant about going because of the weather and I made the decision that we were. Needless to say...she was right. 

     The weather was bad in Toledo too and thankfully our pastor is a quick thinker. He told my wife and I to of course turn around and go home, and then he led prayer time, communion, and his message. He told me it allowed people to share who don't normally share. I think that's awesome! Activities like this allow people to build relationships in a focused environment.  It got me thinking, how else can I lead worship as a worship leader? Music is awesome, it is one of the gifts I have been given, but I also believe I am called to think of the whole service, and in fact, I've been charged by Jacob (our pastor) with thinking of the whole service. 

Have you ever had to miss church as a worship leader or pastor? 

Have you done any activities in lieu of singing?