Thursday, April 27, 2006

Belmont

I have had some interesting things to think about in the last few days. I don't know if I mentioned this (too lazy to go back and look)....but the thought of going and attending Belmont in Nashville has been brought up to me. Todd and Jason (and now myself), think that I stand a chance to being accepted into the school. Belmont is a school that has birthed (what a fantastic word) several artists' music careers'. It is, of course, in Nashville where I'd love to move to and start my career as a musician. Also, I know several folks (including Jonathan and Forrest) who have learned so much about the music industry and their abilities since they attended Belmont. Here's some questions I am thinking through right now, and I want the advice of my family and friends. So much to think about and so many things I have to do beforehand:

1. Is there a point in a person's college career that a decision of changing schools and career paths is too late? Meaning, at this point (with three years of school), is it too late to make this change? If I go, I will be in school for probably six years. Here's the flip side, as a Belmont graduate, I would have opportunities and connections that I wouldn't have otherwise.

2. I need to boost my GPA some before applying, would it be best for me to take some summer school classes at Angelina or SFA (not which one, but should I do it at all?)?

3. How shoudl I approach this situation? Should I begin applying now and not do another semester at SFA? Should I take a year off of school and attend AC (while working and saving money)?

4. What will Belmont offer that SFA (or anywhere else) can't?

5. What does this mean for my relationship with Angela? What does it mean for us?

If you're reading this, please respond. Your opinions mean alot to me. I will keep you update of the process and let you know something when I do. As of now, I have contacted admissions and found out my GPA needs to be a little bit higher. I wonder if I did a semester or two at AC if that would look a bit better. Also, in order to enroll in the Music Business program, they want to see that I can do math (meaning a few math courses). I will be taking an algebra class this summer (just to help), but I am not sure what happens after that. Jonathan told me that if I went to Belmont and did Music performance for my major, I woudl have a primary instrument (drums) and a secondary (which I would chose and be taught there). Maybe piano? Maybe guitar?

Just some stuff I am doing right now. Oh yeah, have a couple gigs with Jonathan lined up right now. One at Harmony Hill and one at FUMC in Lufkin. I am really excited to see how he's grown as a vocalist and an instrumentalist. Wel, later...

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Maryland, Virginia?

Here's some pictures in no particular order. I will have some more (and better ones) tonight or tomorrow. Things have been really great. Band sounds good, it's a little different. I am more impressed with the way things sound in the room. We play the big set this evening and then church in the morning and evening. Hopefully I will hav a bit more time to update later on this evening.

A cool picture of the bass


The set (a good one at that)


Robert (one of the coolest and best percuissionists out there)


Forrest is doin' his thing


The therme is "Epic". These are some of the things that are up on the stage


Gave Todd the camera for some pictures...Me on drums, of course


The movie poster they made for the weekend. Pretty cool!


Jason's kitchen. Their house is pretty cool.


My home away from home. The basement.

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

A Tough One...

Been a tough day...I think my readership like tripled in like an hour. Some Wesleyans found my blog and of course what have I discussed alot lately....see the issue. I thought about this scenario when I wrote it. Here's why I posted it initially:

1. I feel very firm in my beliefs and my calling to Grace Bible.
2. The truth is so important and stating the truth about how I feel with my friends is very crucial.
3. I am not a very open person and talking on a blog is so much more open for me.

I was not afraid to post my thoughts, nor did I really care that someone may find them. I said some things that were pretty bold, and pretty gutsey. I said some things that struck home at alot of folks . I said somethings I believe led up to my leaving Wesley. I will say one thing....I don't take back anything I said. I merely desire to refine my statements so that maybe some hurt feelings can be mended a bit. I want to say I am not sorry for the way I believe and how I feel and what I said. BUT, I do want to clarify so that people may udnerstand abit.

First off, I want to get one thing out of the way. I am equally hurt. I am hurt that I have to post this because I feel like people should know me better. I feel those who are hurt should know I am not a hateful person and usually what I say is not mean or damaging. I feel like the time I spent and the friendships I had would've hspoken for taht quality about me. Also, when I refer to Wesley, I don't mean everyone. I just don't want to mention alot of names.

I want to first refer to the algebra equation analogy. First off, I said that when you take God out of the equation...it just doesn't work. I didn't mean God doesn't exist at Wesley. There's about eleventy-billion things wrong with that statement. I meant, that alot of ministries and events are not completely God-centered. I am equally guilty of this. I was a part of that. I still sometimes look at numbers. We are human and are flawed in our ways, and this happens everywhere. My intent was not to say Wesley didn't have God...but I felt like sometimes we weren't satisfied until we filled up the entire seating area at worship, or we planned things "just to see how many folks show up". Remember, I admit to being just as guilty of that as I claim Wesley to be.

Secondly, I never once said "my church is better than Wesley". I want to state that Wesley (and the Methodist church for that matter) offers something Grace Bible doesn't as much, and that's alot of networking and connection between people. I don't want to use the word community because that makes me think that the people don't interact much, and they do! However, Todd Wright mentioned that the Methodist church is all connected. I find that very true. No church is better than another. Carl Hanke emailed me and he was so correct in saying that "there only differences in portions of theology". I was a firm believer about 5 months ago that denominations don't matter...but folks, I have learned they really do sometimes. But not for petty reason like I used to hear when I was younger, like age and whatnot. If I have some big theological issues with a ministry, I cannot worship with them. That's why I made my decision to stop worshipping at Wesley. It wasn't out of hate or rage, merely a difference in theology. I am finally reaching apoint in my life where I think I am finding out how I believe. I feel like Grace Bible is conducive to that.

Thirdly, my intent was not to tear Wesley apart. I don't care to do that. Wesley offers so many things to people that they respond to. Look, Wesley must offer something pretty special if so many people communicated to me today. I am not a mean person, and I don't want to sway people into the way I think. I want to spread the Gospel, but it's up to the person and their relationsihp with Christ about how they respond to it. I don't want anyone to think my goal was to destroy Wesley or have people leave, I just don't operate that way.

Finally, my goal was to never leave completely. I didn't want to continue attending the worship opportunities, but, I wanted to still maintain my friendships. I feel like with people misinterpretting my words, friendships have been damaged. Look folks, the internet can be an awful thing. It has blown so much out of proportion here. I wanted to still be able to drop by and say hello, or come and hang out and be with folks there. Now, the way I feel is that I have to rush past the building when I am walking because I don't want to get in a confrontation. I have had some amazing friendships blossom from the Wesley and I hate to see those disappear.

Some things to think about: Folks have asked me to speak with them abot why I left. I don't want to argue at all. I have, in the past, worried about bringing up honestly about how I felt because an argument would escalate. I don't have to defend my beliefs, and I know you can relate to me on that. Sometimes words get jumbled and it's very nerve-racking. I would be glad to talk to anyone about what happened and why I chose not to come to Wesley, but understand, it may not be what you want to hear. Understand that it could be something you did, and understand I have already forgiven you for it. Also, please take this into consideration, I am plugged into a ministry I am completely and utterly content with. I am so satisfied with where God has placed me. Please know that there are folks that have left Wesley that aren't going anywhere, and even some that hop from place to place. Please focus on them, too!

One last thing, I truly felt called to fully commit to Grace Bible. This has been a process that has happened over a year now. It first started when God told me to start attending the morning service. I was perfectly comfortable at FUMC in Lufkin and loved leading worship with Todd and the band. God told me that He wanted me in Nac...and then opened doors for me to serve there. Crosspoint was the final piece to that commitment.

I hope this helps some of you understand why I have done things the way I did. If you have further questions, you know how to reach me. I am out of town (in Maryland with Todd) as of Thursday, but will have the phone with me. Please don't hesitate to call me. I have been very open with all that have asked since day one and will continue to be. As always, I continue to pray for Wesley.

Monday, April 17, 2006

Dallas and Beyond...

Left to go to a doctor's appointment in Dallas today. We left at 10, got there about 1. It was a nice ride there, very sunny outside....very hot too! The kinda day you wish you could find an excuse to be outside for a little while and then run inside to the air conditoining.

Went to Guitar Center first (needed some little stuff for Maryland). I found a new stick bag and a pair of brushes (like the jazz kind....really like the sound they give off). Met a sales representative in there that I may continue to turn to with drum questions. A good guy who seemed very sincere in his interest in my drumming. The stuff was significantly cheaper than online or SoundTechs in Lufkin....wonder where I will be going from now on.

We needed to burn some time, so we went to some other shops for a bit and then headed to the doctor. We showed up a bit early, which didn't help any. The doctor gave me a good overall report....however, I am having a laser procedure in a few weeks to, hopefully, eliminate some scar tissue that is trying to form again. Not a big deal, outpatient and probably will only be there for an hour or so.

While we were at the doctor's office, I thought about a cymbal I saw at Guitar Center. It's a really nice one, but comes with an equally large price tag. I have been spending some bucks lately on stupid stuff that I really don't need, which I have been trying to be better about. I thought about what this cymbal adds to my sound (used it last week with Todd). I added so much and think is the last addition I need to the cymbal setup I am using. I thought about it and decided to sell an older cymbal that was in Angela's car. We went back and began trading it in and guess what.......the power went out! Like, it was pitch dark for about 30 seconds and people were going nuts. The sales reps. had to escort folks outside and it was crazy. And of course, they had my cymbal so I couldn't leave.

Power finally came back on and I finished the deal. Money will be fine because I hopefully am receiving a rebate on a gift I bought for Christmas (should receive that by the end of April). Now the set is complete! It's cool because as my ability has progressed, it seems my sound has changed. I think my musical sound has truly matured in to something much more!

Anyways, the ride back was long. We were both tired...but Angela was a trooper. About six hours of driving will drain you and she didn't complain at all. She's truly a blessing and a wonderful girlfriend for driving me there. Well, later....

OH, by the way....GOING TO MARYLAND ON THURSDAY! Should be great....I am so pumped about it! And another gig date...May 19th @ Harmony Hill w/Jonathan Martin. Not sure on details but be looking so you can show up and support this guy!

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Happy Easter....ALLLLLLRIGHT!

Gigadee gigadee! It's been a weird Easter. One of those where you almost lose track of time. I laid around all day just doing nothing. It really has been an uneventful day.

Round 2 of church went well. We had some slip ups, still....but, I think the way things are going to work out here pretty soon is we're going to plan a few weeks ahead in sets and then make out notes for the arrangement and plan it out so that the vocalists can know where we're going. I love it when you don't have to have that much structure with arrangement, however, it is that way it will be until someone is hired for the position.

Well, off to Dallas tomorrow. Maybe I didn't post this, but I didn't go to the doctor the other day. Somewhere in between my brother "skipping" school and my mother being emotionally distrot, we ended up rescheduling. Oh well....now Angela and I are going to go. It should be fun. Later...

Easter Sunday AM - Round 1

You know, the church really should title our services....the 8:30am service should literally be titled "Round:1" and then something else catchy for the second service. Not Round:2 either!

I didn't practice with the team this week. The only practice I had was wth Christie Cook for one song. There was some special music which helped. We had a reasonably good set....Grey came in a measure late a couple of times on "Holy is the Lord". Band kept up well though. It good to be on our toes! We did "Hosanna" without the loop. They practiced without it, and we didn't have time to run it this morning. We may try it the second service. We are meeting up there again @ 10 after ROUND:1.

Had a great weekend, so far, I still have three days of freedom before one day of class and then another week off. I bombed a math test. I don't know if I shared that piece of info. Yup, a 43 honestly doesn't help me in that clas. Luckily, he drops the lowest test grade....so.....that'll be good.

alright, I need to stop gabbing and head to church. Later...

Thursday, April 13, 2006

.5ive and Brother

Played .5ive with the Todd and Some of His Buddies band this evening....went fantastically well. Simpler is so much better for drummers. I tried with no splashes, and 2 toms and it sounded great! Enough about the drums....Todd has a new song. It is freakin' awesome! I wish he'd get a CD out so you all could hear how great this guy is. He's truly been blessed with an amazing ability to lead others and to write songs that glorify the Father. Maybe he'll post some...

Got an interesting opportunity this evening. I left Larry's food in Nac, and won't be going back until Friday. Poor guy! Nick ended up taking me back to Nac and grabbing his food. Let me share some background; Nick and I don't talk much anymore. There's been family issues....I can't say what, but they exist. Our relationship took a hit because of that, sadly. Well, on the way back from Nac....I felt something tugging on my heart, something saying, "go and share". Well, I started talking about the issues, and relating them to Christ, and how no matter how bad things are, they are in His control and not our own. I was nervous, but I started to introduce him to the Gospel and started to share what His Word has instore for our lives. Ya know, I didn't talk much....I felt like right now the worst thing I can do is bombard him. However, I did tell him I wanted to get him a Bible....so I need to start looking. Part of his graduation present I suppose.

Plain and simple....my family is so lost. I can say that....I know for a certain. I think they believe in something, but they don't know what. I want them to see what I see, so badly....I would do anything to share it with them. They just don't make it easy to share that. Tonight my mother started talking about somebody that we both know that she thinks is a bit odd. I think this person is a strange person, true, but....they do amazing work for the Kingdom. They'll find Him, I just know it...please be praying. I need strength to be courageous and share the Word with them.

Heading to Dallas tomorrow for an eye appointment. No big deal, hopefully. Later...

Monday, April 10, 2006

Much Better!

Today had a bad start, but wrapped up nicely. So, I stayed up rather late last night "studying" for a math test. In reality, I stared at the pages for a bit trying to talk myself INTO studying. It didn't happen. I woke up late and missed my Political Science class.....whoops!

Went to take my test, and failed it....well, let me clarify....I left half of the questions blank, so I may have aced what I did answer. It's going to be alirght becasue he'll drop that grade with my final test grade....assuming I answer more than half of those questions.

Headed home, only to find out more Wesley interaction. No biggie...."block and delete" works fantastically. I did some work on loops that needed to be taken care of and listened to some I had worked on back in the day.....yesterday that is. No seriously, like last year. It is cool seeing the progress and listening to them . They're okay, but not as good. I still have some more to learn, but the day I don't have anything else to learn is the day I stop playing and making music.

Went to a band rehersal with Christy Cook (a folk guitarist from the church), Kurt (the coolest bass player), and Sherri (a woman who does BGVs for the church). We were rehearsing a song Christy is leading for our Easter service. Was a bit weary about this, simply because, stylistically its way different from what I usually play. Kurt and I picked it up very quickly, and it seemed like she trusted us. She kept makig little arrangment and musical changes. Straight up....that song was tough. The arrangement is not your typical song pattern. She (Christy) is in the process of recording and she made the comment to me (when I continued to get what she said and wanted), "We should have hired you to do drums for the record.". Dang, where was I when she started, I would've done it?!?

As we wrapped up, Kurt and I were just chatting. I was making conversation with him about session work, and she (Christy) overheard me. She asked, "are you intrested in doing some studio session work?" I told her that I was very interested and passionate about it. She then said, "Well, Jimmy, the guy who I recorded my record with owns a studio here, and has heard you're good. I am pretty sure he'll be able to find you some work. Would you want me to set that up?" I was very excited and said, "Absolutely!" She then mentioned she's looking for a band to back her up, and asked Kurt and myself if we might be interested. Though it is a different style, Ineed to immerse myself in all genres if I am going to be a successful session drummer. We told her that we could do it. She may book s with some gigs, which would be cool.

So I should be hearing something about some possible session work in the next month. It would be cool to work on something. I am just so thankful that God is so faithful. His love is so great and unrelenting. He's opened so many doors for my drumming. Look, possibly playing with Jonathan, Chad, playing alot with Todd, and churches that I play things for. It's so amazing to be a part of all these things. I feel tremendously blessed!

Anyways, figured that would make up for the harsh Wesley post. Hope to continue to have days like these. Later....

Sunday, April 09, 2006

Wesley (a.k.a the United Methodist HIGH SCHOOL Ministry)

Yes, I will admit, I am a bit angry. I am more frustrated at the situation. What a better place for me to vent than this venue. In the past week, it seems that people have tried to manipulate me into believing that my theology and my decision about my spirtual nourishment is the wrong one. I have tried to leave them alone. I have been very big about it, simply because we're not in HIGH SCHOOL, it's colege.

On Thursday, I sent the word that I wasn't going to Galveston. I wanted to make a list out before I went and talked to Tom, even though I don't owe him any explaination for leaving Wesley. I simply said that I didn't hear from them until that Tuesday about detials for Saturday and they missed the opportunity. April is so hectic, and I just simply don't have time for folks that can't have the decency to keep me informed about something I am helping them out for. I also mentioned that Wesley was not the place for me anymore and said that I would be glad to discuss it further. I thought that this was a very mature way to settle the matter and really it was the easiest on me.

Sorry, that's not the end of the story. Wish it was, but what would the UMHSM be without a little drama? Well, the way folks act, I would expect nothing less. I got an email from Tom explaining that he was "flabbergasted" at my decision-making regarding the Wesley. That's a direct quote folks.... In fact, he said that he had so much respect for me while I was there.....that's why he is manipulating my emotions now, right? He said that "I hope that you find what you are looking for..." Am I a lost puppy? Does he think I will eventually "wander home" when I need some "food to eat"? Well, I thought about it all weekend and though, "ya know, I still don't owe him an explanation. we'll just leave it at this....no more". WRONG!

Apparently on there mission / fun time trip....I was the topic of conversation...how I betray the Wesley and how I am gone for good. Not that they are wrong....but from what I understand, they're not even telling folks the right reason why I left. Here it is folks....loud and clear:

Just like in algebra....

X+Y=Z BUT does X=Z....nope....you have to have the "Y". That part of the equation is pivotal in order for the function to work properly. Just the same with a "church". If you have all these wondrrful ministries, but you don't have God in the equation....you are wasting time. You are robbing students of that. I chose not to be a part of that....in fact, I chose a ministry, a church, where everything we do and say is focused on Him and His Word. I had said all along....I could care less if 3 students showed up....as long as we were sharing the Gospel and the love of Chrsit...that's all WE have to do. Why is that so confusing.

My gut reaction at this point, out of anger, is to do something back. BUT, that's exactly what the Wesley wants from me....to come crawling back begging for their mercy and forgiveness. I don't need it. I enjoyed the time I had there....I feel that my spiritual walk never progressed there....but, I am no longer blind in my ways any more (haha, laugh it up!). I am so blessed to be at my church with people who include me in everything they do...and that's the way it should be.

Sorry for venting, however, it gave you something to read. Now get back to work...I know you all have something better to be doing. Later...

Saturday, April 08, 2006

I Need Some More Days Like This...

Got up around 11. I stayed up late to wait for Angela to get off of work (which was @ 3am!) Got up and ready pretty quickly, and met Dave and his friend Daniel up at the church. I let him show Daniel around really quick...nothing big. We headed from there into Lufkin pretty quickly.

Went home and got my sister and we went and ran some errands. We ended up going and seeing a few innings of my little brother's baseball game. It's pretty cool....he's gotten very good at almost every sport he plays....the kid is gifted! We left the game early to swing by the church and grab my CD from Todd. Hung out with him and Jonah for a bit and then ran home to catch my other brother's prom pictures.

It's weird how Nick has grown up. He's got a little maturing to do, but that's a common thing through our family. I just now think I got it....people actually can stomach being around me! He is moving to Washington, which is a weird thing to talk about. But, it's his life, and I can't argue with him.

We went and got food from the store and picked up some tortillas and stuff from Del Rio and my mom made an excellent mexican dinner. It was good to be home for a bit...I am, this is scary, looking forward to going home in the next week. Check this out....my last class before Easter is Wednesday at 12p. I don't have another class until the following Wednesday at 11am! THEN, I go to classes on Wednesday, then leave for Maryland the following day. I won't be back for classes until the following Wednesday! Dang! Almost 2 weeks off of school!

Well, things are looking up a bit. I don't know if I mentioned, but I may be playing percussion/drums with Jonathan Martin this summer. I am really excited because it will give me an opportunity to work with him, but also, be a part of a travelling ministry. I haven't really gotten to do that, but I feel like God wants me to be a part of that. Chad Jackson had been somewhat interested in me helping him, but, he's got a drummer. Depending on his drummer's schedule, I may play a bit for him this summer. My drumming may be picking up, which I want to see happen.

Oh by the way, don't get excited about TV shows very often, but I have recently started watching "House M.D.". It's really a good show. Man, I love TiVo, it helps me actually have an entertainment life.

Alright, well the team is attempting "Hosanna" tomorrow. I will post how that works! Later...

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Bad Day

I am having a bad day. Really, it's just been a busy week and I need to get some quality rest. I didn't get anything done today, the praise team practice went awful, and I feel I am losing control of these. I feel like I am letting folks down and I hate that feeling. To top it all off, Angela's work situation continues to get worse and worse. Also, today in the process of cleaning the closet at church, I bumped the snot out of my eye....with a mic stand. I left a big bruise and shook my eye up a bit. I don't know if it did any severe damage, but I am having some slight symptoms of retinal tearing, so, just pray for me, PLEASE.

Not very post-worthy, but, it's all you get....

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Oh What a Night!

Man, it's been a pretty good day. It started slow and rocky, but it picked up a bit. I woke up way late and didn't have time to do much before class. I need to start breaking my bad habits and working out. I may see if Tuesday/Thursday/weekends may work out better.....nevertheless, still woke up late.

Classes were awful. I am horribly lost in Poli Sci. Math is okay, just continuing to bomb quizzes. We went and ate lunch, check mail, and ship a package. Went home and got ready to go to Lufkin.

We got there late....my fault. I fell asleep and didn't wake up on time to take a shower. We got there 20mins. late and it threw some stuff off. Plus, my adapters weren't packed, so we couldn't practice with loops...making that awful.

Set started bad. I screwed up the loop and couldn't turn it off. I think we're going to start throwing the loops into Todd's iPod. He's going to try it this weekend at Sunday AM service. After that (which wasn't really bad), set went decent. I started "For Your Name" too fast, and the D-transition into "You Gave Sight" didn't happen, BUT, I will say this, I had a good time....and I enjoyed playing with Todd, Dave, and Brad. .5ive seemd succesfful. They had a bunch of kids there, and they seemed to enjoy the layout. We'll see what comes of it. I guess I was disappointed in screwing up the loops and I had pumped myself way up for it. I also think I needed somewhat of an ego check. Not that I'm having a problem, but I have been playing so much that I felt like I have gotten bad about practicing. I wil continue to focus on practicing and seeking God in furthering my skills. But, all in all, it was a great set. Sounded good on the recording too!

During the break, I talked with Todd about Ryan and the job at Grace. I think he's really interested. I was worried about some issues, but I know that if it's God plan for Finn to make it to Grace, then it will happen, PERIOD! Finn has grown alot, and he's very interested, so we'll see what comes of that. I definately think he would be a blessing to the church, and a great replacement for John.

Anyways, that's all ya'll get. Later!

Monday, April 03, 2006

The Rundown

Saturday I went to a Derek Webb concert with Mike, Paul, and a guy named Justin Powers. I was just glad for the fellowship time. I am not a tremendou d.w. fan, but, it's music. We got into town way early and just hung out. Went to McAlister's Deli and had a bread bowl full of chicken and dumplings (DANG it was good!)

Got to the church a bit early and we were asked to see if we wanted to sit up closer (because of Larry). I took that option and we sat front row. The band opening for Derek was a brother-sister duo named Judd and Maggie. One word, PHENOMINAL! AMAZING! SPECTACULAR! They are a great band and I would recommend going and checking their site out (you can find it on the links list). Derek's wife did a great set also. Derek ended up playing it with her which was cool.

When he got up, I was a little bummed. I will be honest; I just didn't care to hear it. I sat there listening, just trying to understand why Mike goes nuts about this dude (not in an obsessive way, by any means...) I listened and then he did that song "Wedding Dress". Personally, I just don't like the song. So I was already just dreading the next hour. Well, he called a ten-minute intermission and he was going to come back and play his entire new album all acoustic.

When he got up there, I continued to listen intently. I wanted to hear what they heard.....and I did. He's very talented. As a songwriter, he's very deep, and I think that's been the turn-off. I started picking up on some of the lyrics and sang along some too! I really enjoyed the acoustic atmosphere. We got to meet him and chat for a while after the show. He had a great time meeting Larry:


I got to take a picture with him too. Really humble guy, very impressing...



I bought his newest CD, "Mockingbird", which is fantastic. Songwriting is great. Instrumentation is great as well. Go check it out!

Sunday, started not so good. First service was very bad, musically. The set was not a good one, just not planned right. I will follow that statement up with this: our team is doing so much and really giving it their all. We ran some stuff between services and in the second service it sounded much better. Very encouraging to see the team get back up there and put aside personal stuff.

Sunday evening is a story in itself. Ryan Finnerud lead the students of Crosspoint in worship. Got to drum on my new kit, NO V-DRUMS, HECK YES! We met at 5 and ran the set:

HERE IS OUR KING (A)
welcome/announcements
SALVATION IS HERE (A)
UNCHANGING (A)
GLORIFY (D, right?)

Incredible set!!! One of Ryan's best when I've played with him. He's matured as a worship leader and he really worked well with the group. Dave did a wonderful job, as did Paul. I really look forward to play more with Dave and Paul, they are both improving leaps and bounds. Michael and Justin seemed pleased with Ryan. At this point, Michael wants to see Finn's resume....but, I don't know what type of commitment the church is looking for. I will keep you guys filled in. Over the next couple of weeks, Crosspoint music stuff is going to change up a bit. It'll will be very cool!

Well, that's leads up to today....I sat at home, watched Wonder Years and ate twinkies.....man oh man!