Doug Van Pelt

New Issue

Finished uploading PDF files of every page of the new (May/June) issue late last night (I hope!). Am taking the day off to recuperate. The new issue is, quite possibly, the best yet. A 5-page cover story, "Underoath Tour Journal," is a fantastic read. David really out-did himself with this road story. Very funny anecdotes, tales, and vivid descriptions. Love it. Then we've got Brian Quincy Newcomb tackling Pedro the Lion and Jason Dodd doing an early history piece on Joy Electric, chronicling his early and tough years getting some well-deserved recognition for his pioneering work with analog synthesizers. There's some cool pieces (if I can say that) on Eisley, Squad Five-O, and a really interesting "So & So Says" with George from Cannibal Corpse. He opened up on God. Very cool.

Woke up this morning and, my wife being at work, left me to get the kids fed and to school; so I cranked up Iron Maiden's Rock in Rio DVD. Rachel was rocking out to the jams as I played air guitar and Kaela asked to turn it down. Something about metal in the morning always helps wake me up with joy. I'm gonna watch a lil' Moment of Glory DVD action with the Scorpions and the German Philharmonic next. One of my all-time fav songs, "We'll Burn The Sky," is on here. Can't wait to hear how it sounds. I'm sure it won't match the beauty of the live version on Tokyo Tapes, but that featured Uli Roth on guitar. It's pretty near impossible to match his playing.

Have fallen in love with the new solo CD by Ashton Nyte (sp?), who fronts The Awakening from South Africa. Lovely, goth-drenched pop tunes. Would love to see him blow up in America. As good as HIM, who have decidedly negative lyrics at times.

A Great One

Still enjoying the aftertaste of the short lil Bible study we had on Friday. One of my favorite chapters, Hebrews 4, is what we discussed. It's so cool that Jesus was tempted in all things, yet was without sin. And we are encouraged, because He is the Ultimate and Great High Priest, to go boldly before His throne of GRACE to get help in our time of need. So rad.

Looks like today might be the night that we finish up the May/June issue. It seems there's another theme woven through this issue. Lust, the responsibility of choice, and the love of God find their ways in multiple places.

I heard from Craig, Steve Rowe's assistant, that he's looking much better. Seems he had a urinary tract infection and the doctors gave him the wrong antibiotics, which his body (and purple leg!) reacted against strongly. So the doctors did some other things, which included giving him more of the same (wrong kind) of antibiotics! Hard to believe. It looks like today he's having surgery to fix something or the other. He wanted me to spread the word to get prayer going on his behalf. Please join us in prayer throughout the next couple of days as it comes to mind (perhaps right now).

Love the cover, the back page, the Cannibal Corpse Says interview, the intermission, the features, the writing... It's all so good. I'm proofreading all of the magazine today, which can be a challenge on the eyes. But it's all good when we catch those errors.

Here's some I really pay attention to: "All punctuation happens," inside of the quote marks, "not outside". All Album Titles are in italics. I'll often put the names of Tours, Book Titles, and Movie Titles in italics, too. Song titles, "For Example," get quotes around them. I capitalize references to His Deity, and directions, like Northern California. It's is a compound word, meaning it is. Its means that the object, it, possesses something. Whereas you might say, it's Doug's rule, you could also refer to the organization (HM) as a personal pronoun, like "The magazine takes its rules seriously." There. I hope you are edified.

Pray for Steve Rowe

Looks like today might be the last day of deadline.
It'll be so fine to finish this issue.

Finished the book The Jesus I Never Knew this weekend. It was a borrowed book that I wanted to return. Fantastic read that I'd been meaning to do for years now. I was speaking at the Meltdown Conference five or six years ago, and I shared the speaking bill with fellow American (that's how it works, they bring over 2 US speakers each year) Dan Fritz of Johnny Q. Public. His second talk of the conference was in the morning and he referenced this book and some of the graphic details about the brutal death of Jesus on the cross. At the end of his riveting speech, he marched down the center of the aisle. It was one of the greatest speaking deliveries / speeches I've ever heard. Simply brilliant. I wish I had that one on videotape.

I haven't heard any details on Steve Rowe yet. I'll make a call soon today. It's 13 hours ahead over there, so now it's ... gosh, it's the middle of the night.

I'll get to another chapter of PDL soon. Perhaps I'm waiting for coaxing from #44. If we ever go back in time, we'll make sure the coach gives him 30+ carries a game. Go Scorps!

Steve Rowe

Have had a restful weekend. Missed deadline on Friday. Postponed delivery of mag. Will resume the push on Monday.

Just got a voicemail from an assistant at Rowe Productions. Seems Steve Rowe is in the hospital. I haven't been able to call back yet (and find out what's up). Please pray for Steve.

Dumpstar Broken Yoke Neviah Nevi

Deadline is coming! The deadline is coming! Take a shelter from the bimboo!
Sounds like a song...

Trivia: what old POD song was in full swing when the injury accident happened at Cstone 2001?

Been tweaking all the latest writing, editing; as well as handling the mastering of the cd sampler. 16 tracks. The last 5 are special bonus tracks. One of them might be a middle-aged lady who spit into the phone ("pfffttt!") and said, "THAT's my message!" And another might be David and I recording an impromptu song.

Been staying up late, dragging up early and slugging it out non-stop. This is gonna be a great issue.

Black Shoes Don't Go With White Socks

My regular pair of tennis shoes stink. I can't remember how it happened, but they must've gotten wet early on in their life and now they have a putrid, mildew-y smell that I can sense only 3-4 feet away from my nose. So today I picked out a pair of tennis/walking shoes that I used to wear when I worked retail many moons ago. While comfortable, they are black. I also (unwisely, my wife would surely add) chose to wear read sweatpants. The thing about sweatpants is they gather up around the ankles, revealing your socks by the space between pant leg and shoes. This is not good when you're wearing black shoes. Hopefully, I won't be seen in public today.

Today's chapter in PDL was about the value of friendships. Time and quantities of it, not "quality time," are what prove the priorities of relationships. What a trying time to hear this message! I'm working 8am to 1am shifts at the magazine, away from my wife and children. That's no fun. Coincidentily, I've concocted a plan for the kids to come spend the night at the office with me tonight, so that they can be around me and me them and I can also get a late night of work in. (Tomorrow getting up and ready for school is going to be a bear!) I hope they have fun.

I liked one of the sarcastic images in the chapter today. Someone is on their death bed and they're telling a loved one, "Please...bring me my trophies. I want to see them one last time." So funny in its silliness.

When #44 was a sophomore, he transferred to our school and could only play in our scrimmage against Big Bear to start the season. I vividly recall a halfback pass that he must've thrown a good 40 yards (seemed liked 60 to me, it was in the air so long), which Anthony Moore hauled in for a touchdown. One play on defense I remember was when my friend and tackle Pat Zang "intercepted" the snap from center to punter and picked up the ball to try to score on a fumble recovery. At defensive end, I was in the backfield and ran over to the punter to block him. Unfortunately, I blocked him straight up and he shoved me aside and ran over to tackle Pat. When I returned to the sidelines, I heard #44 exclaiming, "WHO was that trying to block for you?" I spoke up sheepishly, "It was me." Acting like a good coach, he told me I should've at least tried to "cut" the guy (blocking him below the waist by diving into him), which surely would have taken him down and given us a touchdown. Some lessons you never forget.
-#81

Hog Wild n Horns Crazy

What a week! What a weekend! For us it's one more week to go and then we get to rest our heads and thank the Lord for the May/June issue of HM Magazine.

New point for PDL: We were formed for God's family. I've been grateful for and thinking about the church a lot lately. A good friend who is a band manager had some conversations with Michael Sweet of Stryper and this other guy named Michael Guido (who's pastored many an artist), and they both repeated the same mantra:

"You get into trouble when you mix success/fame with being bitter at the church. Avoid the bitterness."

Amen.

I love the church and am glad to be a part of it. The phrase "organized religion" has been eating at me lately, because it implies that church or churches were organized by men and, obviously, a failed attempt to organize this spiritual thing called faith. Well, that would be true if the church were formed by men. But a simple reading of the New Testament (and many parts of the Old, too) will reveal that it was the Man Jesus Who started/orchestrated/commanded/created/organized the church, and He is God, so the concept of church being a man-made thing is really false, isn't it? That fact that it's being run and managed by human beings at this time certainly doesn't escape God's attention, nor His mind when He founded the church. Just like marriage or family, this mess we called life can be so fun. Getting uptight about things is a free choice one can make, but doesn't laughter sound better?

Sigh.
Sometimes interacting with others is hard work, but relationships are so cool. Besides, they're the only thing we can take with us after death, aren't they?

Stay Focused

Today's chapter in PDL says some good sobering things. Reminding us that faith is based on fact, not feeling. That emotion or feeling or experience that we sometimes associate with "connecting with" or "worshiping" God is nothing more than a fleeting emotion. It's often those "dark nights of the soul" where we don't "feel" His presence that our relationship with Him deepens and we are matured. Sometimes it's good to remember that, because those feelings can be so dang good!

It's weird to think that our hopelessness and feelings of powerlessness can actually be good times or good-for-us times. We in the West certainly live in a time of great prosperity. One doesn't have to look too far to discover that there is great poverty on this planet, though. Remembering that what seems "normal" to me is extravagance for someone else will put a much needed perspective on material things, convenience, and comfort. It also underlines the value of relationships and people. I've had my daughter rebuke me before with one of those child-like statements that shows things how they really are. If I find her treating something with less care than I'd appreciate, I've brought up how expensive it is or valuable. Being hit with, "You care more about money than people" is a great thing to hear, because it gives us a chance to repent and make sure we can somehow reverse that perception by acting in ways that show the opposite to be true. God forgive me if and when that ever becomes true of me!

Went to see a screening of the movie Saved! last night. It was so funny. Many believers will find offense, because the movie is a parody of the Christian subculture of our time. Profanity and themes of premarital sex are present, keeping this from many for its un-family atmosphere; but sometimes you've just got to laugh at yourself. Some of the things done in this subculture are pretty silly. When you see them through the lens of someone else's eyes, especially if they exaggerate a little bit. But one point they drive home in this movie is the importance of people, friendship, and love. I was bummed that I didn't see a copy of HM Magazine lying around anywhere in the movie's set, but it was a funny movie. I'll be reviewing it and several other movies in our SXSW roundup to be published soon.

A Perfect Night (Blues)

Wow! What an amazing night last night was!
First, I attended the first full audience screening of an amazing, 4-star rating (In My Humble Opinion) movie called Killer Diller. Oh my, it brought a smile to my face. A down on his luck young car stealin' guitar player gets sent by a judge to a small Baptist school's halfway house, led by a stiff and awkward "Church Lady" type played brilliantly by Fred Willard. This kid discovers a special boy who drives around in an invisible Plymouth and can play the meanest blues piano he's heard. He quickly turns the band playing dirges from the hymnal into the Killer Diller Blues Band. Awesome stuff. Niki Crawford's amazing voice drapes the solid tunes perfectly.

If that wasn't enough, I followed that by walking over to the Alamo Draft House for a screening of Antones: House of the Blues, an amazing documentary that is a real history lesson about the founding fathers of rock and roll. It really underlined the impact one person that cares can have. Clifford Antone's club is responsible for so much life and music history. If it wasn't for his club, so many people wouldn't know and respect their musical heritage; and Austin wouldn't be known for its Sixth Street live music setting. Amazing archival footage of these greats (Muddy Waters, BB King, Albert King, Albert Collins, Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan, and dozens more). Oh my! Such a rich historical tapestry. It was a trip to sit three rows behind Jimmie Vaughan and hear him ask questions of the producer after the screening. Fabulous. It really made me feel ten feet tall and satisfied that Austin is my home.

Then, to top it all off, I walked by Joe's Generic Bar to see my uncle Alan Haynes play some blues guitar. What a perfect night! I so love the blues. The soul when someone's letting it all hang out (vocally or instrumentally) is just unbeatable.

On the PDL side of things, it was a great chapter about the kind of worship God is pleased with -- that being the kind of worship that has all of us in it. I have heard a lot of the arguments that guy in the red suit has brought to me: "Oh, are you going to lift your hands just because the song says to? You are a puppet, not a worshiper!" Ha ha. What a punk. He's got yellowed coffee stains on his stupid red outfit. His head looks a little crushed, too. I have long held the conviction that I want to worship in spirit and truth, and one thing that means to me is to align myself with the words of the song. If it says, "I kneel before You" or "I fall on my knees," I do just that. In this way, my body is lining up and living the truth in the words. To not do so, on the otherhand, would be singing a lie -- dishonest worship. Sometimes I'm tough on myself, but I can handle it. It's funny, but I get perturbed sometimes with some of the songs our church sings frequently. Some of these, "I raise my hands" lines are in verses that get repeated and then refrained 4 times near the end of the song. It turns my worship into a workout! Ha ha. I love worship. I hope that the wonderful experience that I've been able to have can be shared by many many more Christians. I believe that, while worship is many things and not just music, many people in the body of Christ haven't experienced the joy I have. Now, I understand that the charismatic style of worship that I've become accustomed to is just one little narrow style of worship and is not for everyone's personality. But, if I can share a little secret, there's something to this style of worship. Style issues aside, the enthusiastic and expressive forms of worship are incredible. The feel-goodie feelings experienced are just a little insignificant byproduct. After all, the worship is for the King. It needs to be said, of course, that solemn, silent, and what seems like non-expressive worship is still very beautiful and awesome in its own right. There ain't no right way to worship, that's for sure. I just don't mind going on record to say that there sure is something special going on in the body of Christ in our age.

Thank God for the blues and what is called the "negro spirituals." Our beautiful brothers and sisters of color have given the body of Christ an incredible gift. I wish some of the inspiration for the blues of our age had not come from the suffering by the hands of people of my skin color. If I could re-write history, I'd love to wipe out that suffering. But history, like it or not, is done and over. The result of much of that suffering has resulted in sweet wine, like grapes crushed by the weight of a press. Pentecostal and loud, rockin' worship is a beautiful expression of the soul. God's mercy has been poured out and reflected in such a wonderful way with so much great music. I'm so happy to be able to hear some of this great stuff. Praise God for the opportunities to "discover" all types of arts and music. Wow.

Of special note in today's chapter was the information about songwriter Matt Redmon. He is well known in contemporary worship circles, and his song "Heart of Worship" has a great story behind it. His pastor forbid anyone from singing in worship for a time period, so they could all learn other ways to worship. This sheds more light on the verse, "I'll bring you more than a song, because a song in itself is not what you require..."

A cherished brother made comment on yesterday's blog about an open mic opportunity that came and went. He brought up some beautiful points about how some of the silent things going on in that context were God pleasing and like worship. It's so cool to have an awareness of enternal and spiritual things in our every day life situations.

--#81 (made lots of loud noises crashing into #44's helmet in practice)

As Close As You Wanna | Disobedience

I was part of a church in Austin for 13 years -- from its inception as "Heart Set Free" through the merger with "New Covenant," where "Mission Hills" changed its name (as did New Covenant) into "South Shore Church." Anyway, during the vibrant life of Mission Hills, we had several really rich and great worship songs. One of them comes to mind here as PDL talks about "You can be as close to God as you choose to be." We had several songs that were straight Scripture, and this one was from James 4. "Draw near to God, and God will draw near to you." What a sweet refrain! What a truth! One of my favorite verses of the Bible is in Psalm 34: "God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." These are promises that God will draw near to us. Most wonderful they are.

The chapter had a few eye-opening things to say early on about being honest with God. Many people treat God like the revered King He is -- to be feared; but they neglect the very balance that Scripture shows us -- that He longs to be our friend; and that He can handle our tirades, our anger directed right at Him! I admit that I fall into that camp out of default sometimes. I am not a big fan of emotional outbursts. Stoicism has a certain attraction to me, as it does to many of my brothers in the West. However, God doesn't lash out, punish, or even belittle such speech directed at Him. Honest confession will sometimes be unnattractive at first, but it is a valid price to pay to get the truth out. I like that about God.

Last night I believe I was disobedient to Him. I regret that now. I regreted it on the way home -- even when I felt Him telling me that it was okay. After watching a crazy movie called Dogville, I headed back to my car but stopped in at a coffee shop to get an espresso milkshake (that helped me stay awake another 4.5 hours and get some late night work done) and a sandwich. It was open mic time at this place and I had the idea flash in my head to share a poem about failure that I know. Ideas that jump out at me like that are often God's voice, especially when it involves evangelism. I was afraid. I was also turned off, almost like stupid Jonah (hey, I'm just being honest here -- I really respect Jonah), thinking that these people weren't worth it. You see, much of the stuff shared was smut. And laughter abounded. One guy was the prototypical "dirty old man," grisly unshaven face with years of abuse etched into his loose skin. His appearance didn't bother me at all, but his poems about girls wearing tight tshirts, body parts, and wind hopefully blowing up skirts, they somehow offended me in an ugly self-righteous way. There were even a few poems that cursed Jesus flat out, with the f-word followed by His Name.

Now it looks so simple: this is the context I should have spoken in. I don't really care about being laughed at, cursed at, or rejected by men. But I sure did at the time. I was actually hoping that I'd have a sign, like the host pointing at me and asking if I'd like to share. Can you believe it? I was in a state of readiness, waiting for opportunity, but not willing to grab it by the horns, so to speak, and make it happen. Half-hearted boldness is sometimes worse than cowardice, I think. I was also afraid I wouldn't make it through the poem without crying. I feared that, even though I shouldn't have. And most of all, even if no one got on their face and repented on the spot, broken and weeping (my secret longing), I perhaps could've brought joy to my Father in Heaven. Perhaps I'll have another chance.

SXSW

Having fun but wearing myself out covering the SXSW Interactive/Film/Music Festival. My wife and I went to the funnest party last night. It was held at a classic and wonderful BBQ joint called The County Line. They had a huge spread of wonderful BBQ that was all you can eat. There were celebrities in the audience, like "Ma Richards," Cactus Pryor, and others; a silent auction; a live longhorn; and plenty of happy to be there people. After everyone ate their fill, they set up the movie screen and showed a new documentary called "BBQ: A Texas Love Affair." Narrated by former Governor Ann Richards, it was just the perfect setting to enjoy and celebrate this movie. It really did a good job of explaining the "bring the family together" power that BBQ holds in this state. Very fun.

Checked out the gadgets and companies exhibiting in the Trade Show. Saw a very cool portable tablet/notebook computer; and lots and lots of high end movie cameras.

Going to hopefully see a screening of "Dogville" tonight, then back to the house for some last minute emails regarding ad sales.

Meant to post an entry regarding PDL today, but hit the ground running this morning and never let up for a breather, which would've been nice. While I'm waiting in line for the movie I'll be reading the new issue of CCM, which just hit my mailbox.

--#81

I Can Be Your Friend

I love those Veggie Tales songs!

The chapter in PDL today is about God being our friend. I love the topic. It's neat how Noah had a special friendship with God, that God delighted in him. One point brought up was how the veil was ripped from top to bottom at the moment Jesus died. (to signify our relationship to God as being possible to every man) I am amazed that the high priests in the temple did not become followers of Jesus at that very moment. Maybe some did.

That had to be a huge HUGE thing. The holy of holies was now accessible for those in the inner court. Wow. I wonder what that was like. The chapter goes on to talk about meditating on God and His Word. I like what they said, "Prayer lets you speak to God; meditation lets God speak to you." Very cool. They even suggested little "breath prayers" that could be said throughout the day. I've always had a simple one that was just, "I love You, Lord." Their suggestions were cool, too: "You are with me." "I receive Your grace." "I'm depending on You." "I want to know You." "I belong to You." "Help me trust You." "For me to live is Christ." "You will never leave me." "You are my God." They likened practicing those prayers unto a musician that practices scales each day, to stay sharp and train yourself to learn these things. Good idea.

"Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence Him." (Psalm 25:14)

Picking up my registration for SXSW in a few minutes. Now deadline has gotten a little crazy. Tomorrow I fly to Tulsa to help judge in the battle of the bands at the Wherehouse in Bartlesville. Should be a blast.

--#81

Naked In The Office

David's out of the office today, taking some time to rejuvinate after throwing himself into the new website design and restructuring. Since it was only my wife and I in the office and since my back is causing great pain (when I stand up the love handles on one side are way over in extension as my back is crooked and my back muscles are reacting...I lean against a wall and then the handle on the other side "pops out." It's a disc problem. Anyway, since it's aching, I decided, 'I'm gonna go lay in the tub for a while.' It's kinda weird and fun doing that at the office where I work. I had the door closed, of course. It wasn't that weird.

As I lay in the warm water, surrendering my muscles to the heat, I read the latest chapter in my Purpose Driven Lifejourney. It was cool reading about Noah's faith, surrender and abandon to God's plan, even though it must've been kinda weird and scary not having experience with rain or boats prior to this.

I was impressed by a quote from Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ, who signed a contract with God, stating "I'm a slave for Christ." As much as any leader takes heat once he rises up and gets attention, I know this guy has. I myself have looked at some of his methods, the style of the organizations under his umbrella that are all over the place and I have thought, 'I'd do this better,' or I've looked down at the "Four Spiritual Laws" tract as if it were an attempt that could be improved upon. Whatever the thoughts, it was always that slight, 'looking down my nose at him as if I was better than him' attitude. Sure, I don't have to agree with all his doctrines or methods, but the impact of his ministry has had something to do with 150 million people coming to know Christ. You know what? This man deserves respect for that.

I think about how often our worldly attitudes take us in a direction that is often so opposite that of God's. Like the mockery of the latest fads -- whether it's Jesus Beanies, Testamints, or Passion nail necklaces. You know, I am not real proud of those things, either; but somewhere behind those things might be a sincere, devout, and humble fellow servant of Christ. I don't want to waste my time gnashing my teeth in criticism of what they're doing. I don't have to love Jesus Beanies, but I also don't have to criticize them.

I had the privilege of speaking at Graceview Baptist Church in Tomball, TX last night. It was neat sharing what's going on these days. One of the things I shared is my love for spiritual talk. There's something really cool about just talking about God, the Bible, spiritual things.

South By Southwest is kicking off this weekend here in Austin. That's going to make the next two weeks of deadline crazy, schedule-wise, as I work hard at wrapping up the magazine's production, writing, and ad sales and then ducking out downtown to partake in seminars, movies, exhibits, meetings, parties, and showcases. It's fun to have the music industry descend upon the city for a week and a half (interactive - film - music).

Watched more of the Disciple DVD today. Listened to the rest of Matt Leonetti's Producer's Commentary. He really did a good job of capturing the band's personality.

God's Pleasure

Very cool subject in today's chapter.
(taking time out at the end of the day, as opposed to the beginning).
Noah made God happy, gave Him pleasure. That is so rad.

To think that God could actually be delighted in us is insane! (I mean that in a good way, of course!) I am so stoked to confess that I truly have felt many times like God was pleased with me. It's totally by His grace. Sometimes I feel His favor in a way that's like, if there were 10 sick people in the room and only one of them got healed, it'd be me. Whoa! I don't want to say that to other people, because it can totally be taken the wrong way (as arrogance). And that's not the deal at all. It's just an overwhelming feeling of unmerited favor, love, almost makes me blush. That is such a rad feeling.

Now, I'm glad my faith is based on fact and not feeling, otherwise there'd be much darker days around here (cuz I don't always feel chipper). So, I don't put too much stock in those feelings, but man -- what a great experience/feelings to have sometimes! Very cool. And I truly believe that this is how God feels about each of His children. He doesn't have favorites, but each of us can experience that favor that makes it seem like we're almost His favorite. I've felt as low as a worm before, and undeserving, but also can say I've "felt" loved in a big way. I wish everyone could have that sensation every once in a while.

Some people probably try to conjure it every Sunday, which is a drag, cuz it probably ain't something that we can always count on. Feelings are feelings. But the knowlege that God is in love with us is something that we can carry with us. That can surely lift us in times of low feelings.

This is a fun subject to talk about.

Worship (aahhhhh)

Chapter 8 of PDL is a good one. I haven't read a chapter since last Monday, and after reading it one of my first thoughts was, 'I was missing this for six days!? What a joy I did not know that awaited me.' The premise of this chapter is that "I was planned for God's pleasure." The memory verse is "The Lord takes pleasure in His people." (Psalm 149:4a) This is such a wonderful concept that goes far beyond refrigerator magnet good feelings. If one really believes that God takes pleasure in you individually, one would probably open up a dimension in worship that would be considered a breakthrough. Perhaps a level of passionate adoration would be reached that could be quite revelatory.

"Entering into God's presence," which is what deep worship is often referred to, is a very mystical and invisible experience of faith. Experiencing this liberty in worship can be quite beautiful. And, as this chapter points out, this is only a piece of the worship puzzle! (Not that it's confusing, it's just very multi-faceted) I love the reference to communing with God throughout our daily activities. "Whatever you do, do it to the glory of God." Another extremely liberating concept that can open our eyes to the wonder of knowing a God who really wants to know us and be our friend beyond the visible and public ceremonies of Sunday morning. That first cup of coffee Monday morning, the dirty clothes gathering for a toss in the washer, that unlocking the office door and preparing the workplace, that drive or walk to work, feeding the animals -- all these things (and more) can simply be dedicated to God and done as acts of worship in communion with and in conversation with the living God. Good food for thought.

The church I'm part of, Calvary Chapel of Austin, has just released a worship album. Upon listening to the first couple of songs, I was very aware of the musical performance aspect of it. I was bummed that a certain vocal sounded "sterilized" in performance and sonic production. But after a few songs into the album, a real appreciation of the beauty of the songs our local musician and worship team members have written took over. This new album, titled I Will, is a great vehicle for me to "enter in" to that worship that I'm familiar with. I think others would enjoy it too, but I'm afraid my bias might be too strong in this area to be trusted. My friend David, the worship pastor at Calvary, was talking to me and (probably) jested, "If I gave you a copy, would you review it in the magazine?" With a smile and probably a slight laugh, I said "No." I instantly thought of the door that reviewing a worship album in HM would bring. What?! Well, think about it: We review any real rocking and extremely heavy worship music (of course); but the modern praise and worship albums being released these days are almost all of a style that's very middle of the road, very ccm, very Christian radio, very older demographic, very "tame" musically.

I was awakened this morning at 4 am by a loud guy on a piano. I had been watching a dvd (King David, with Richard Gere) last night and left the dvd player on that "blank dvd menu" page that players put on the screen when no disc is present, and the television was on with no volume, since the "channel" was the empty dvd signal. Well, I guess around 4:00 am the dvd player shut itself off and someone on the PBS channel was wailing away on the piano. After getting up to take it all in and turn it off, I couldn't really go back to sleep. I prayed about things that my frightening dangerous and interrupted dream brought to mind, and then began thinking about this question of reviewing worship albums. I could take all the popular worship albums out there and evaluate them, getting David to help me rank them. I'm afraid many of them, however, would get critical ratings. This style of album has a unique challenge to it. If taken strictly as a piece of art, something that's effective in leading congregations in worship could be "torn apart" by the menacing unfeeling words of a critic. These kinds of albums probably need an approach that takes into account both the critical (attempting to be objective) opinion and the sensitivity to "how well do these songs 'work' in a worship setting? They would be best reviewed by a worshipper, something normal albums probably don't have the perspective of.

Things brings up a good subject: What about Christian hard music albums in general? Doesn't one have to take this into account as well? How can you criticize an album that Joe Believer from This City USA has poured his pure before the Lord heart into? I always try to take into account that the artist is going to read my reviews, so I try to make any criticism I write as constructively as possible. While this definition spoken of in chapter 8 of PDL is broad and could be used in the musical debate, I think most would be best served if an honest critique of art was just that (speaking the truth about a critical evaluation of a work of art)...at least when it comes to an album of rock music. Yes, art made by the believing artist is most often an act of worship (but so is the handiwork of that Christian carpenter on the crew that's building those houses up the road, and his or her work is judged by quality not intent of the heart). See how multi-faceted it can all get so quickly?

Food for thought.

28 Days Later

Whew! It feels good to be "back." We were never gone, but some jacked up code in our news feed was keeping our website going in a perpetual loop in Internet Explorer (how many of you use Internet Explorer?), and wouldn't load unless you clicked on the "Stop" button.

So, here we are. Doesn't the new site look fabulous?! Email David or comment on his blog to encourage him. He outdid himself again. He really throws himself into design and the results, as you can see, are fabulous. Kudos to David.

Working on ad sales (boring stuff). Still listening to the same cds in my car. A new re-addition this past week was Steve Camp's latest (over a year old, I believe). I love how his lyrics bite with a prophetic edge. Sometimes I wonder if he loses focus and friends with his rebuking ways... It's addictive to step on toes in strange but true ways and once you become successful at it, I think the only thing to keep you in balance (and from being a butt to everyone around you) is to let the Lord break your heart in intercession. The combination of a weeping servant and a prophetic gift is amazing.

Took a couple days off PDL after Monday. I'll post more here soon.

-#81

To God Be The Glory

Glory -- what a concept.

It's funny how in one chapter of PDL the author can seemingly contradict himself. In one paragraph he talks about there only being two of God's creations failing to bring glory to Him -- fallen angels and people. One of my first thoughts was, 'Wait a minute! We are part of God's creation, and His very creation reflects His glory and glorifies Him!' And then he goes on in the very next paragraph to describe 'The glory of God is a human being fully alive!' I guess the distinction the author is making is a human that acknowleges his or her Creator and lives the zoe abundant life God gave them the potential for. But I don't quite buy that. I think that even a non-believer glorifies God simply because their bodies, minds, spirit -- very being -- is crafted in a brilliant way that glorifies God. The point is easily understood; I just seem to find fault with taking things literally and taking thoughts to their logical conclusions, which is where some of these statements fail (IMHO).

The biblical context for glory, in this chapter, however, quite simply implies action. Loving others glorifies God. Conforming to His will glorifies God. Using the gifts He's given us glorifies God. The point is simple and pointed. What a joy it is to know that something that we are doing can actually bring glory to the One we love. That's right, weak, sinful, feeble us are actually accomplishing glorification. That is something to be excited about. It's such a sweet joy, in my experience, to have that awareness/thought/feeling that what I'm active in doing (whether that be volunteering at Sunday School or a nursing home or visiting a prisoner or sick person) is pleasing to our Father. Awesome! That's something I want!

Looks like our new website design is going to launch anytime soon. This will alleviate the endless loop problem I'm having using Internet Explorer. Talk to you later.

Eternity

Was relaxed and uber lazy all weekend. Watched dvds, did some stuff around the house, and tried to read several hundred emails I'd filed under "Read Later," like a million press releases, jokes, and other such stuff that I "stuff" during my daily busy routine. I read this chapter on Sunday, but was too lazy to enter/post this yesterday.

The PDL chapter 6 was on setting our eyes on eternal things. Great advice. The things that are unseen are eternal. Definitely fits in with the theme of "what your purpose (that drives your/of) for life." And the chapter really underlined the fact that our time on this earth is really so short. I remember the profound prayer of Michael Sweet at the Austin show on their reunion tour last fall -- "...it seems like yesterday that we were all 20 and playing in clubs...and now I'm 40...and soon I'll be 60...time just flies by so fast..." It really makes the decision of following Christ of all importance.

Once the transformation from kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light takes place, there is a sweet response of, "I want to live my life for You. What would You have me do?" kinda thing. It's sobering to count the cost and offer it up to the Lord, as He might ask us to do something that breaks our comfort zone -- like talk to strangers! Yikes! Oh, but what an adventure awaits...