Favorite Songs on My iPod

More challenging than it looks! Here is a current list of my top 25 favorite songs on my iPod. In the next post I will have the list of my REAL top 25 songs - the ones played most often. The songs here are not presented in alphabetical order. Let me know what you think and tell me the stories about your favorite songs.

"40" by U2. This song is based on Psalm 40, David's testimony of God's saving action, causing all people to sit up and take notice. May all God's people be able to sing a new song every day of what God has done for them.

"A Kiss to Build a Dream On" by Louis Armstrong. I love New Orleans Jazz, and Satchmo is one of the greatest. This song reminds me of all the wonderful memories Kim and I have of our time in the Crescent City, either on vacation or on mission trips. Good memories.

"All Because of You" by Kate Hurley. This song was included as a bonus track on some random collection of Christmas music by Christian artists, and now it has become one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs. Kim will sing this song this Sunday (Dec. 20) in the 8:30 service, by the way. The Christmas story is so familiar that we need to hear it again for the first time -- a passionate God becomes one of us, to live and to die for us, all because of His love.

"Cantata 140, 'Wacht auf, ruft uns die Stimme,' BWV 140: Sleepers, Wake!" by Johann Sebastian Bach. I love Bach's organ music. I love that he wrote these pieces as music for worship. I love the way the old pipe organs sound as his music bursts forth from the various registers. I love that his works are not easy to play on an organ - involving both hands and feet moving rapidly on the instrument. And I love to hear someone play it as Bach intended: to bring glory to God. Choosing a favorite piece usually depends on what mood I am in, and today I choose "Sleepers, Wake!"

"Farther Along" by Willie and Bobbie Nelson. This comes off the album of old hymns that Willie recorded with his sister, Bobbie. I love this album, along with Johnnie Cash's similar project. The songs are simple, spare, and powerful. I don't hold up Willie as any kind of a spiritual leader, but his version of this classic hymn is moving and hopeful.

"Hallelujah Chorus" from Messiah, by George Handel. I kid you not, every time I hear this I am moved to worship and end up weeping like a little girl. A moving and powerful expression of uncontained joy for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who will reign forever and ever. I like to think heaven will sound a little like this.

"Hard to Get" by Rich Mullins. This song is taken from the last project Rich worked on before his untimely death in a traffic accident. He was making an album about Jesus when he died, leaving behind a cassette tape of the songs he recorded in an old church. Rich's voice is scratchy and haunting on the recording, and the lyrics are a brutally honest prayer to Christ about how frightened we feel during those times when he seems so distant from us.

"Heading for the Light" by the Traveling Wilburys. I have been a fan of the Wilburys since high school. This is George Harrison's tribute to his spiritual journey set to a wailing sax.

"Help Me" by Johnny Cash. Yes, I like the old Johnny Cash songs just fine, but the songs he recorded in his last years are especially powerful and moving. This song, for instance, is the prayer of a man who has tried everything his way and failed. Now he is desperately crying out to God for help. This is one of the last songs John recorded in the time between his wife's death and his own. Very moving.

"I Need Thee Every Hour" by Jars of Clay. This is Jars' version of the old hymn, included on their album of similar renditions of Christian classics. Somehow they are able to take the lyrics and tune of a familiar hymn and make it sound urgent, passionate, and sincere. In my opinion, the future of modern worship should include songs like this as we reach back into our heritage and find the songs of faith that have meant so much to so many over the centuries, and then reinterpret those songs so that they become an expression of our experience in worship.

"If I Stand" by Rich Mullins, performed by Jars of Clay. This is my all-time favorite song. I first heard Rich's version in college after struggling for a few years to leave an old way of life behind and live a new life in Christ. It was also the time in which I struggled to comprehend God's call upon my life, a life which seemed to me to be wasted and profane. The lyrics assured me that there is more to reality than what I can perceive, and I must stand on God's promises alone. The version by Jars of Clay is soft, subtle, and powerfully sincere.

"In My Life" by the Beatles. This is a long-time favorite for me and Kim. I actually enjoy other versions of this song than the Beatles'. I haven 't been able to find one I like better than others, but I think my favorite version is the one David and Celeste McCraw sing from time to time. You FBC Rockport folks have probably heard it.

"It's True" by Sara Groves featuring Toby Groves. This Christmas song is about the doubt people often feel as they ponder the love of God. Could all this supernatural stuff be real? Did God really come down to us as a child? Oh yes. Sara's son Tobey reads the Christmas story from the same children's Bible our son Michael uses. Beautiful.

"I've Been Everywhere" by Johnny Cash. The ultimate travel song sung by a man who has walked down many roads. Although this is a fun song to listen to, you can't help but notice the weariness in John's voice as he describes how he has been everywhere and seen everything. I pray that the Lord will keep me from the cynicism of weariness as the years go by.

"Linus and Lucy" by the Vince Guaraldi Trio. Who's Christmas wouldn't be complete without the Peanuts music? Joyful, playful, and enduring, like Snoopy himself, this song makes me think of my son playing.

"Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney. As I have said before, I don't like all of Macca's solo work post-Beatles, but this one is greatness. A love song to his wife Linda, he captures that inexplicable feeling men often feel as they are falling in love.

"Piano Sonata #14 in C Sharp Minor, Op. 27/2, 'Moonlight,' - Adagio sostenuto" by Ludwig Von Beethoven. I first heard this piece when I was a teenager struggling to understand my own emotional swings. For some reason it meant a lot to me that Beethoven could feel melancholy so deeply. This music is moody and marvelous. One can almost see moonlight reflected on ripples of water.

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World" by Isarael Kamakawiwo'ole. You would recognize this song if you heard it. Izzy's distinctive voice singing the lyrics to these familiar songs, accompanied only by his ukulele. Somehow the song manages to sound both melancholy and hopeful at the same time, a tension many of us have learned to live in.

"Speak, O Lord" by Keith and Kristyn Getty. The Getty's are worship leaders and modern hymn writers. They wrote this song to be sung at their church before the pastor gets up to preach. It expresses the desire of my heart as I approach the word of God.

"Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 55, 'Eroica,' - 1: Allegro con brio" by Ludwig Von Beethoven. Beethoven originally wrote this piece in honor of Napoleon's armies marching across Europe. He loved the idea that democracy would replace aristocracy and the entitlement of royalty. As you can imagine, he was bitterly disappointed and disillusioned when a victorious and triumphant Napoleon then declared himself Emperor. He changed the title of this symphony and dedicated it to a no-named "Hero." How many of us have been let down by those we held in esteem? This music celebrates an ideal hero who may not exist, but should.

"Symphony No. 25 in G Minor, K. 183 (173dB) - Allegro con brio" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. I discovered Mozart, like many of you, after watching Amadeus on HBO one day when I was a teenager. I was dazzled by the power, passion, and beauty of the music as well as the complicated life of Mozart himself. Up to that point I did not ever think that the great composers were actual people like you and me, at least a little! This selection from Symphony 25 is part of the music that begins the movie, and it remains my favorite of Mozart's.

"The Valley Song (Sing of Your Mercy)" by Jars of Clay. This song became a constant companion after Kim's second miscarriage, and it has remained a favorite ever since. God leads us through valleys of sorrow to rivers or joy, but you must still pass through the valley. Don't stop, my pilgrim friend, keep moving.

"Two of Us" by the Beatles. This is one of the first songs John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote together as boys in Liverpool, and one of the last songs the Beatles recorded before they broke apart. The song is about the sustaining power of friendship over the years. You can't help but wonder at the irony. Did John and Paul mourn the loss of their own friendship among the bitterness and animosity surrounding the breakup of the Beatles?

"Winter Snow" by Chris Tomlin and Audrey Assad. This is off the new Chris Tomlin Christmas worship album. The Almighty Creator of the Universe, the Infinite and Ultimate King of Kings could have come to us in great power and judgment, causing much fear and dismay among us. But He chose to come quietly, as a small helpless baby born almost unnoticed in the night, like a winter snow falling quietly to the ground.

"Worlds Apart" by Jars of Clay. Off of Jars' first album, this is still one of their very best. This song is sung by a person who has experienced failure at his or her own hands, and finally gives God permission to take their world apart and have His way with them. Anyone been there?

Music Revisited and Some Pictures

It has been a while since I blogged period, even longer since I blogged about the music I am listening to these days. Over a year ago I gave a list of the top 25 favorite songs on my iPod and then a list of the top 25 songs I actually listened to. I have been asked to do it again and I will do so as I have time during the next week.

My approach to music is much the same as my approach to all art: it should be experienced with a critical eye. Not critical as in putting it down and finding fault, but as in closely examining something. As Christians especially it is our responsibility to consider well what we expose ourselves to. Therefore we ask questions: Why do I like this song? What does it tell me about life, people, myself, the Lord, etc? What can I learn from it? What do I think about the way it makes me feel? And so on...you get the picture.

What I will do is post a list of the top 20 or so songs on my iPod that are my favorites. Last time I did not include Christmas music or classical music, but this time I will. I will reflect on what these particular songs mean to me personally. Then I will post my real to 20 favorite song list - the list of songs played most often on my iPod. If you use iTunes then you know it counts the number of times each song is played. The two lists will probably not be the same.

I encourage you to do the same thing. What are your favorite songs and what do they mean to you? I would love to hear your stories.

In the mean time...here is what most people really want...pictures of the kids.

Micheal feeding Buddy

Kathryn at 3 months

Michael and Uncle Neal

Discerning

Simon Peter writes to us in 1 Peter 5:8-9, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."

As a pastor, I am sensitive to the trials and sufferings of those in our church. As of late I have been troubled by the sharp rise of hardships among our people. As a church, and in the lives of many individual members as well, we have chosen to go down a path we believe will allow us to continue to be shaped by the love of Christ and then be the servants Christ created us to be as we lead all people to be shaped by the love of Christ. There is a renewed interest in worship, engagement with the body of Christ, Bible study and discipleship, serving, missions, and evangelism. In response to all this I believe the enemy has been actively at work in the lives of many. The result has been anger, bitterness, broken relationships, discouragement, fear, and all manner of things to distract our people from the cause of Christ. I have not really noticed a grand, large scale assault of evil upon us. Instead the enemy is working in small, subtle, insidious ways to discourage, dishearten, and distract us.

Like Peter, I affirm that what many are experiencing is suffering. But his advice is sound. Don't let the enemy get the best of you...resist him. And don't believe the lie that it is only you who is suffering. Turn to your brothers and sisters in Christ in order to offer and draw strength from one another. At the same time, stand firm in the faith. God is still in control and God is not finished yet. The enemy cannot win unless you quit.

The holidays are stressful enough without the added oppression of the enemy. Please know that I love all of you and I am praying for you. Don't give out, give up, or give in. Keep walking in the darkness, but keep your eyes on the horizon to watch for the light. A new day will dawn at just the right time.

Convalescing

I'm beginning to feel more like myself again after battling swine flu for two weeks. Apparently I had a nondescript infection in my intestinal tract that would have gone unnoticed had my body not been worn out by fighting the flu. I won't bore you with the details of my illness and how it progressed, but I narrowly avoided hospitalization because Kim helped me to stay hydrated. The two issues combined have really done a number on me, but I am now six days with no fever and no other serious symptoms. I am slowly getting an appetite back, but it is taking a long time to get my strength back. It has been very nice to be back around my family again instead of quarantined in the bedroom, and I will preach both services today and probably work a half day on Monday and try to slowly re-enter life without overdoing it and having a relapse.

I want to thank everyone for the phone calls, cards, emails, and prayers. My family is truly blessed to have so many people who love and care for us. I am so thankful that God protected Kim, Michael and Kathryn and none of them got sick. I am thankful for the two men who came and mowed my yard one Sunday while I was out of it. When are you guys coming back? I am thankful for the people who brought food to the house, even though I had none of it. I am thankful for the folks who watched our kids while Kim could take me to the doctor. And I am thankful for the folks at the doctor's office who put up with me even though I was not the best patient.

I am especially thankful for Gains who covered for me at the church - not only preaching but in everything else that goes with being a pastor. FBC is blessed to have Gains on staff.

Finally I want to say that Kim is my hero. She took care of me and kept herself illness-free as well as our children. She did everything she normally does around the house plus everything I do too. She was brilliant. And...she demonstrated how little she actually needs me around here. I'm beginning to think she keeps me around simply for my good looks. Regardless, she is a strong and courageous woman whom I love very much.

Micrurus tener

It finally happened this weekend. I was mowing my backyard when I saw some movement out of the corner of my eye. I knew right away it was a snake. I have had several encounters with the MANY ribbon snakes living in my backyard. I even found the skin of one who is rather large. But this time I came face to face with my first coral snake. There was no mistaking the markings - red on yellow kill a fellow! This was no red on black venom lack or friend of Jack or however you learned it. This was a real dangerous snake.

Now I have encountered dangerous snakes in the wild before -- rattlesnakes, copperheads, even a cottonmouth or two - so I am no snake newbie. But did you know that the Texas Coral Snake has the second most deadly venom of all North American snakes, right behind a very nasty rattlesnake? It just so happened that I knew this, and that little tidbit of info flooded my mind as I watched the killer slide along the ground.

He was about a yard long, maybe less, and was particularly dangerous-looking. He had gansta tattoos that said "Pas-tuh Kill-uh" and "Judas Priest." Just kidding, it said "Stryper" (get it? Stryper? for the stripes? Oh, shut up.) After calling me mean names and spitting at me he got away right before I could deliver the death blow!

Not really. Actually I was so fascinated by him that I just watched as he slithered slowly under the fence and safely into the neighbor's backyard. So, we're on snake watch at the Jones house now. Let's all be careful out there.

Pictures!

Advancing

For several weeks I have been preaching on "spiritual leadership," which is a much different concept than the definitions of leadership put forth by the world. In a nutshell, here's my understanding of spiritual leadership: God is the leader, God calls His servants, servants obey the Lord. That's it. Anything you read on strategies, mission and vision statements, and creative and skilled leadership in churches is dangerous because it could distract us from the truth. God already has a plan, He has revealed that plan to us in scripture, He has promised to accomplish His plan, He has already given us everything we need, and He demands that we trust and obey. Period. There is an inherent humanism in all of our well-intentioned plans and schemes, but the focus remains on us and our good ideas instead of on the Lord and His word. Let's stop dreaming big dreams for God and envisioning a bold future for God's kingdom and allow His word to capture our imaginations and then let's stop yammering and do what scripture says.

That opinion won't sell many books on pastoral leadership. But seriously, why complicate something the Lord has been so clear about. All of this is coming from a guy who is about to stand before his church and give a report from the Strategic Planning Team which has been at work for over a year. I have hinted in past posts that I may be concerned about the upcoming reporting process because of the potential conflict involved. What I would like to do now is make some things very clear as we move into this weekend.

First, we didn't get creative and come up with any bold new plan to move us into the future. Instead, we took a lot of time to consider what scripture says about who we are as a church and what we are to be doing. We spent time seeking the Lord together. We listened, argued, and listened some more. We think we have a good understanding of what God tells churches they are to be and do, and our plan is a good step into that direction.

Second, while the plan is relatively simple it is very challenging. If God is indeed leading us in this direction, our obedience will unite us together in ways that will be very exciting. We will have to trust God completely as we embrace the challenges of the plan.

Third, the Strategic Planning Team is unified. Which is no small thing. Let's be honest...there are some personality differences and the clashes are not small and meek. And we did clash, and we did dicker about things, but we always came back to the basics of the plan and there was agreement. I saw a group of almost 20 people lay aside their pride and fears and say, "Wherever You lead, Lord, I'll go."

Personally, I believe the Lord is leading us to move in this direction. Our recommendations are scriptural, theologically sound, and birthed in prayer. They also embrace the organizational realities of FBC Rockport. I could not be more excited to present the plan. I believe God is leading us. I believe He has called me here to serve Him and His people. I believe we must trust and obey. I'm looking forward to hearing what everyone else thinks as well.