Category: Music
Heavenfest, misery, and God’s faithfulness
the “tent city” – click for a larger view
As I posted last week… the family and I made the 3 hour trek to Heavenfest this last weekend. We camped on site thanks to my friend Mark loaning me his pop-up camper (mine is still in the “restoration” phase due to lack of funds). We were in a virtual “tent city.” There were a lot of bands there that I knew, and many that I didn’t. I was especially thankful for the heart of the guys in “The Afters.” Their show was good and what they shared was even better… a clear message of God’s faithfulness through trial.
The Afters – click for a larger view
I was really looking forward to the evening… when Switchfoot was scheduled to play. They are one of my current and all-time favorite Christian bands. The kids said the show was great, but the LORD had other plans for me…
Something I ate Saturday morning didn’t set well with my stomach – and by mid-afternoon I was getting up close and personal with the numerous rows of porta-potties around the grounds at Heavenfest. I basically puked and…. uhh… sat – all day long on Saturday.
As of today I can say… I HATE porta-potties.
What’s the lesson? I don’t fully know. But I do know that some of the words spoken by Josh Havens (lead singer of the Afters) were fleshed out in my life that afternoon. Right in the midst of one of my worst “episodes,” looking at something I never want to see again, this thought came to my mind…
Blessed be the name of the LORD.
I didn’t generate that thought… the Spirit in me did. And I was super glad for it (and still am). It was a wonderful wake-up-call regarding the LORD’s faithfulness. Right there in the midst of my pain, misery and the worst possible conditions the LORD was FAITHFUL to me… His adopted son.
What is your misery? What is your pain? What is your current struggle in which you find it hard to be thankful?
The LORD is there… faithfully in you, ready to work through you.
What examples from your life can you share that demonstrate God’s faithfulness in trial?
Heading to Heaven (fest)
My family and I are taking a break this coming weekend/beginning (Sunday IS the first day of the week, you know.) – and heading down the mountain to Loveland, CO to attend Heavenfest (our first time…).
The kids are most excited, and I can’t blame them. There are some great bands/musicians there this year. I’m actually a Switchfoot junkie myself (not a secret to those who know me), so I’m happy to be going cause they are going to be playing. It should be fun!
Something I like about this particular event is this: Heavenfest intentionally goes AGAINST the “Christian-music-as-a-business” mindset in these ways:
- The event expenses are completely sponsored (by companies or donations) so that tickets can be “purchased” as “donations.” For example, we couldn’t afford to pay the full suggested amount (not with 8 of us going), so we got to pick what we could pay – and that was fine with Heavenfest.
- What money does come in from the ticket “donations” is 100% given to organizations that serve the poor, the exploited, the hungry, the thirsty, and the fatherless! GREAT idea.
So maybe I’ll have some good experience or insights to share with you when we return! I know this for sure… my ears will still be ringing days later (man, I’m sounding old!).
Blessings!
Now this is cool!
I can’t really say any more than that. Except that my big brother will love it!
A new-er artist I appreciate
Another of the newer breed of Christian artists I’ve come to appreciate is a guy by the name of Josh Garrels.
My daughter Mel turned me on to his music, and I’ve truly been touched by many of the songs he’s written.
To get a flavor, here’s a couple of videos of his music… both very different stylistically – but all lifting up the Savior.
Enjoy!
Stay Away From Jesus
I’ve really come to appreciate a particular new-ish artist… one who, in my opinion, is along the same lines as the singer from the 70s, Keith Green.
His name is Matt Papa.
Matt is bold. Like a prophet. Like a preacher. Like a person who has been set on fire by the vision of a God more glorious than we typically dare to imagine.
The first line of the song below, “Stay Away From Jesus,” is typical of the kind of thing Matt writes,
You won’t ever hear this song on Christian radio, cause the Jesus that I serve is not safe.
He’ll say, “Take your cross and die,” so if you want a comfy life, stay away from Jesus.
Pray for this young man… for the LORD’s hand on his life… and for continued boldness & compassion to characterize his life and work for the LORD’s sake. I’d like to introduce you to someone I’ve never met (though I’d love to)… Matt Papa.
For my wife…
I really, Really, REALLY, REALLY love the wife the Lord has graciously given me! What a wonderful blessing she has been to my life! This one’s for you, my love… it’s really how I feel… I love the line that pictures love as a fire – you’ll know what I mean! Lyrics first, video/music below that… enjoy my love!
Million Miles by Josh Garrels
Feel the wind blow, through the window, I know,
that we’ll make it through
It’s a million miles from, where we begun, and I,
I still love youI remember, as clear as ever, the day,
when we first met
Lord you know I, l love to hold her eyes, in mine
everyday sinceEveryday and night
Together we will grow
Makin’ the most of a life
As we hold each other closeAs we grow old, may it be told, that we,
never lost our flame
If love’s a fire, then our desire, is to burn,
untamedEveryday and night
Together we will grow
Makin’ the most of a life
As we hold each other close
Adam Rey #4 – last taste of the music…
I’ve been featuring my friend Adam’s guitar album because he’s so talented, and it’s a great blessing to me! This is the last one… featuring a Joe Satriani-ish piece that I think you’ll ove!
You can find Adam’s work in the following ways…
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/adamrey
So without any further delay… here’s a cut for you to enjoy,
entitled “Hello…JOE!“
Adam Rey #3 – great guitar jams!
More good stuff from Adam Rey!
You can find Adam’s work in the following ways…
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/adamrey
So without any further delay… here’s a cut for you to enjoy,
entitled “Swamp Thang“
Adam Rey #2 – the music keeps coming!
As I’ve already said, my friend Adam is an amazingly gifted guitarist. Below is another track for you to enjoy!
You can find Adam’s work in the following ways…
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/adamrey
So without any further delay… here’s a cut for you to enjoy,
entitled “Mojave Pasta“
Music for you to enjoy… from my friend Adam Rey!
During sabbatical my wife and I got into an exercise routine… and one of the things I listened to while working out was this instrumental album from my guitarist friend Adam Rey. Adam and I used to work together on a church staff years back… (Hey Adam… do you remember us playing, “Stump the Guitarist?)… and he’s one of the most amazing guitarists I’ve ever met. This album has been a true joy to me, and benefit to my soul.
Anyway… I wanted to introduce you to Adam’s album – “Meat & Potatoes.” It is a very, very WIDE variety of musical styles… likely something to fit every taste. There’s blues, rock, jazz, even violins in some of the cuts! This guy is eclectic… and talented – and gives the glory for it to God! I have really, really, really enjoyed this album – and continue to do so. If you look carefully at the album art (which Adam created himself), you’ll pick up a bit of Adam’s creative sense of humor too… which I’ve always enjoyed!
Over the next week or so I’ll be posting some more cuts from his album for you to enjoy.
You can find Adam’s work in the following ways…
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/adamrey
So without any further delay… here’s a cut for you to enjoy,
entitled “Psycho-delia.“
