nic bishop

2/19 Set List

2012-02-20T10:18:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the last week in our "Image" series. Next week we will start a new series focused on our relationship with our marriage partner, but even if you are not married, this is a series you do not want to miss!! Hope to see you Sunday!

One Who Overcomes by Phil Wickahm

Spring of Life by Kristian Stanfill

At Your Name by Phil Wickham

In Christ Alone by Stuart Townend & Keith Getty (Arrangement by Nic & Heather Bishop)

Give Us Clean Hands by Charlie Hall

LIFEBASICS.tv

2/12 Set List

2012-02-12T20:41:00.000-05:00

Today was my 7th Anniversary leading music at LIFEBASICS. I wish I could say it was the best performance of my career, but God has a way of humbling us exactly when we need it.

Mad props to our tech crew who never lets anything get them down. Unfortunately we were unable to get the projector working this morning, which means we didn't have scripture during the message or words during the songs. Our people did a great job keeping up though. (You sounded good, guys!)

Constant by Charlie Hall

Our Love is Loud by David Crowder* Band

All We Need by Charlie Hall

This is Our God by Hillsong

Nothing But the Blood by Matt Redman

LIFEBASICS.tv

2/5 Set List

2012-02-07T18:22:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a great Super Bowl weekend!

We continued our "Image" series this week. If you missed it, you missed a lot. It's not too late to join us though. We will be in Ephesians for a couple more weeks at least. There's some very controversial topics we're covering. I hope you make it so you can learn exactly what God is trying to tell us.

Hope you have a great week!

Wholly Yours by David Crowder* Band

I Adore You by Phil Wickham

True Love by Phil Wickham

Lead Me to the Cross by Hillsong

Only You by David Crowder* Band

LIFEBASICS.tv

1/29 Set List

2012-01-30T08:55:00.000-05:00

...and so here we are... Already the last week in January.

I hope everyone who joined us yesterday had a great time. The "Image" series we're in right now keeps getting better and better every week. And it's not over! You can join us this Sunday!

The music keeps getting better and better too. I'm open to suggestions as well. If there's ever anything you'd like us to play, please don't hesitate to ask. We love learning new songs, and we're here for you guys! We're here to lead you in worship.

In My Love by Phil Wickham

Oh, Great Love of God by David Crowder* Band

...one broken string later...

Your Love is Strong by Jon Foreman

Center by Charlie Hall

Because He Lives arrangement by Nic & Heather Bishop

LIFEBASICS.tv

1/22 Set List

2012-01-23T09:23:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we continued our "Image" series about how to properly reflect the image of God.

I really hope you join us for the rest of this series. It's extremely important for everyone to hear.

I personally believe one of Christians main goals should be to not turn people off from the message of Christ. However, there is a way to balance reflecting a proper image of God and still being in and not of the world.

We also did a new song yesterday from David Crowders last album. I hope you enjoyed it. I know I did.

I hope everyone has a great week, and I hope to see you Sunday.

Your Love Never Fails by Chris Quilala

Oh, Great Love of God by David Crowder* Band

Because of Your Love by Phil Wickham

Remedy by David Crowder* Band

Because He Lives arrangement by Nic Bishop

LIFEBASICS.tv

1/15 Set List

2012-01-17T15:31:00.000-05:00

This post is a day late because I was off yesterday due to the Martin Luther King holiday.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

We're continuing our "Image" series this week so you don't want to miss it. Pastor will cover a variety of topics on how we can more properly reflect the image of Christ to those in our lives. This is very important stuff for believers to hear. Salt and light, baby.

There are exciting things going on at LIFEBASICS. Things you'll want to be a part of. Get involved now and experience it yourself. Exciting times.

Cannons by Phil Wickham

Life Light Up by Christy Nockels

New Year by Charlie Hall

Beautiful Jesus by Kristian Stanfill

Jesus Paid It All arrangment by Kristian Stanfill

LIFEBASICS.tv

1/8 Set List

2012-01-09T10:13:00.000-05:00

It was good having the full band back for our first full service of 2011. Pastor was still a little under the weather, but did a great job as usual. We covered some subjects most Pastors shy away from. I hope you decide to join us next Sunday. It's only getting better every week!

Here is Our King by David Crowder* Band

One Who Overcomes by Phil Wickham

New Year by Charlie Hall

Devotion by Hillsong

How He Loves by John Mark MacMillan

...and since I missed posting the set list from the week before when we did our New Years day brunch service...

New Year by Charlie Hall

Beautiful, Scandalous Night by Robbie Seay Band

Let Our Faith Be Not Alone by Robbie Seay Band

LIFEBASICS.tv

12/24 Set List

2011-12-27T09:53:00.001-05:00

We had a really good Christmas. We got to see most of our family this year. Christmas Eve Heather and I went down to Chiefland to see my grandparents, mom and sister. Then we headed back up to Tallahassee for LIFEBASICS Christmas Eve service at Pastor's house. Christmas day we opened gifts with little Bowden, then went over to Heather's parents again to have Christmas with them. Then yesterday we went to my dad's house and had a great meal and got lots of gifts. It was a good weekend.

It was especially nice that sandwiched between all the family stuff I got to spend some time with my LIFEBASICS family. I don't know what I would do without these people. I just love them so much. We started our first service around 7:00, then ate some wonderful beef brisket, then closed out the night with another time of singing at 8:30.

Our LIFEBASICS Kids did a great job leading us in a few carols as well. Diamond and Guy did a great job with the music.

If you missed it, you missed a lot. It was a great time. Whatever you did this Christmas I hope you were safe, happy, and full.

I'll see you all this Sunday to ring in the New Year!

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Angels We Have Heard On High

The First Noel

O Come, All Ye Faithful

What Child is This?

Silent Night

LIFEBASICS.tv

12/18 Set List

2011-12-19T14:30:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was awesome. We had great Christmas music, a moving message, and a one of a kind presentation by our children's program. If you missed it, you missed a lot.

I hope everyone who is in town will join us at Pastor's house on Christmas Eve. We have a 6:30 service, with food following immediately afterwards, along with an 8:30 service as well. You can come for both, or just join us for one and dinner. It will be a unique experience. I hope to see you all there!

Joy to the World arrangement by Nic Bishop

The First Noel arrangement by Phil Wickham

O, Holy Night arrangement by Nic Bishop

O, Come, All Ye Faithful arrangement by Nic Bishop

LIFEBASICS.tv

12/11 Set List

2011-12-14T10:57:00.000-05:00

For the 2.7 people who actually read this blog, sorry this post is so late. Duty calls. In more ways than one. I work in septic permitting for the county. Pun intended.

This was another great Christmas service at LIFEBASICS. We had a great crowd. It was really good to see everyone again!

This last Sunday was one of my most favorite Christmas sets we've ever done. It had some of my most favorite songs. Here's the rundown.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing arrangement by Nic Bishop

Angels We Have Heard On High arrangement by Nic Bishop (influences taken from a version by Six Pence Non the Richer)

What Child is This? arrangement by Building 429

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel arrangement by Nic Bishop (influences taken from a version by Phil Wickham)

Silent Night arrangement by Nic Bishop

You don't want to miss this Sunday's service. It will be the last time this Christmas season we'll have full band. It's not your last chance to celebrate with LIFEBASICS though!

On Christmas Eve we will have two services at Pastor Don's house. One at 6:30 and the other at 8:30. In between we'll be enjoying a meal together. Come at 6:30 and stay for dinner, come for dinner and stay for the 8:30 service, or come at 6:30 and stay for both!! (That's what I'll be doing!) We'll be singing carols, enjoying good food and time together. It's a great opportunity to remind ourselves why we're celebrating.

Hope to see everyone (all 2.7 of you!) the next few weeks!!

LIFEBASICS.tv

12/4 Set List

2011-12-06T14:18:00.000-05:00

We officially started our Christmas season at LIFEBASICS this past Sunday. Due to Christmas falling on a Sunday there's only two more Sunday morning services. On Christmas Eve we will have a laid back intimate service at Pastor's house. I hope you find time to make it to these services to ring in your Christmas season!

Angels We Have Heard On High arrangement by Nicholas Bishop (influences taken from a version by Six Pence Non the Richer)

The First Noel arrangement by Phil Wickham

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear arrangement by Candi Pearson-Shelton

Silent Night arrangement by Nicholas Bishop

O Come All Ye Faithful arrangement by Nicholas Bishop

LIFEBASICS.tv

11/27 Set List

2011-11-28T09:41:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was another great day at LIFEBASICS. The message was moving and the coffee was delicious.

A big "whoop whoop" goes out to Haley for filing in when I needed her. She did a great job singing backup with me and leading on Hosanna. It's always nice having her back to play with us.

I really hope you enjoyed the music selection this week, because starting this coming Sunday we'll be switching over to all Christmas music. We hope to bring you Christmas cheer and put you in the right state of mind to celebrate our Savior's birth.

Come early and sing loud. We'll be playing all your favorites!

Set list for yesterday was as follows:

Your Love Never Fails by Chris Quilala

Life Light Up by Christy Nockels

Beautiful Jesus by Kristian Stanfill

Hosanna by Hillsong

Revelation Song by Kari Jobe

LIFEBASICS.tv

11/20 Set List

2011-11-21T09:42:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was another great day at LIFEBASICS. We baptised two of our members and had another great service.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving week. Don't forget about our opportunity to hand out LB water bottles to the over 5,000 runners at the Turkey Trot this Thursday! I hope to see you all this Sunday too! It'll be another good day at LIFEBASICS.

Spring of Life by Kristian Stanfill

Because of Your Love by Phil Wickham

My Deliverer by Chris Tomlin

Let Our Faith Be Not Alone by Robbie Seay Band

LIFEBASICS.tv

11/13 Set List

2011-11-15T11:34:00.000-05:00

Heather and I (and Morgan) were out last Sunday. Heather and I went to my best friend's wedding in Mount Dora and Morgan had to work overtime.

We had Jared Davis fill in for us since we were gone. TJ, Liz and Trey also played with him. I've heard very good things about the service.

Let me just say I really appreciate Jared filling in, and I appreciate TJ, Liz and Trey still playing as well. It's nice to know we have people who can get the job done when I'm out. I really appreciate all the hard work and willingness to play.

We'll be back to "normal" this week. (Is it ever really normal?!?)

Give Us Clean Hands by Charlie Hall

How He Loves by John Mark MacMillan

Beautiful by Phil Wickham

LIFEBASICS.tv

11/6 Set List

2011-11-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Had another great Sunday yesterday. If you missed it, you missed a lot. It was an unofficial "Robbie Seay Band Appreciation Sunday."

Heather and I will be out this Sunday. I'm going to my best friends wedding, but rest assured, we found someone to fill in who will do a fantastic job. Please show up this week to show our guest leader some love. I need you to sing loudly and smile lots. Make him feel welcome.

Heather and I will definitley miss everyone at LIFEBASICS. I know God has big things in store for this week.

Song of Hope by Robbie Seay Band

O Great Love by Robbie Seay Band

Mighty to Save by Hillsong

Beautiful, Scandalous Night by Robbie Seay Band

Revelation Song by Kari Jobe

LIFEBASICS.tv

10/30 Set List

2011-10-31T10:37:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a good day. We had last minute tests, but we pulled through and put together a great service. Our nomal soundman was out, but Thomas did a great job as Greg's replacement. His mettle was tested when right before the service the breaker blew. We had to move the soundboard, monitors and projector to a different circuit just before the service started. Issues with the projector got us off to a slow start as well, but everyone recovered very nicely.

There was also the cramping. A side effect to picking the songs that I did was my strumming hand started to crap halfway through Revelation Song. Normally I get some sort of a break. Whether it's an 'electrics only' verse, or a piano intro, I get a break. This week I got none. The pick would start to slip so I'd squeeze tighter and the cramps would get worse. Looks like I need to 'work out' more.

I Adore You by Phil Wickham

Life Light Up by Christy Nockels

True Love by Phil Wickham

Revelation Song by Kari Jobe

Hosanna by Hillsong United

LIFEBASIC.tv

10-23 Set List

2011-10-24T16:38:00.000-04:00

Great service yesterday. Hope everyone had a great weekend as well.

This week we'll have another great Sunday so make sure you're there. If you're one of our core members try to get there by 9:45. We need everyone in full force every weekend.

"O Great Love" by Robbie Robbie Seay Band

"Jesus, Lord of Heaven" by Phil Wickham

"Center" by Charlie Hall

"Lead Me to the Cross" by Hillsong

LIFEBASICS.tv

10/16 Set List

2011-10-17T09:08:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we did things a little differently. I took a chance, but I think it went over pretty well. We didn't do anything super-crazy, but when you start to change the order of a service it can get a little weird sometimes. So much of a service is flow. If the flow is off it can change the dynamic of a service. That's what I tweeked this week.

We started with...

How He Loves by John Mark MacMillan

...which was a risk. Normally these type songs are toward the end of the service when you want the attitude of the audience to be more contemplative. It seemed to work pretty well though. So after the welcome we kept the same feel with...

I Need Words by David Crowder* Band

This is short song, only one verse and one chorus, but I think it still speaks volumes and acted as kind of a lead in into the next song.

No Not One by Christy Nockels

Normally the most up-beat song of the set doesn't come second to last so I was taking another chance here, but I was hoping that two previous slow songs would act as more of a lead-up to this one.

I finished the set off with...

Let Our Faith Be Not Alone by Robbie Seay Band

And the invitation song was...

Beautiful Jesus by Kristian Stanfill

LIFEBASICS.tv

10/9 Set List

2011-10-10T09:53:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a good day. Lots of new faces. Very happy to see everyone there. Hope everyone had a great weekend despite some disappointments (seems this is becoming a trend) on Saturday. Have a great week, and we'll see you Sunday!

In My Love by Phil Wickham

O Great Love by Robbie Seay Band

One Who Overcomes by Phil Wickham

Fire Fall Down by Hillsong

With Everything by Hillsong

LIFEBASICS.tv

10/2 Set List

2011-10-03T09:08:00.000-04:00

It's the best time of the year in Tallahassee. There's two weeks in March and two weeks in October that the weather is perfect, so enjoy it while it lasts!

Yesterday was a little rough for me. I was feeling a little under the weather, but the band stepped up when I needed them most. I had to change the key on some of the songs, but the band was able to adjust to my lack of vocal range and do very well. I'm very blessed to have this group of people. They're always willing to whatever I ask of them, and I truly appreciate it. All I do is pick the songs. They are the band.

Song of Hope by Robbie Seay Band

You Are Able by Christy Nockels

Your Love is Strong by Jon Foreman of Switchfoot

This is Our God by Hillsong

LIFEBASICS.tv

Bowden's First FSU Shirt

2011-10-01T13:16:00.000-04:00

9/25 Set List

2011-09-26T09:12:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone had a great weekend. We continued with our "Move Your Feet" series and like always, Pastor delivered and inspiring message. It's not too late to join us if you haven't made it yet. This is stuff everyone needs to hear.

I took advantage of our acoustic set up this week and did something I had always wanted to do. All hymns. I think something a church like ours needs to guard against is forgetting songs that aren't led by an electric guitar. Churches like ours are often so concerned with being "relevant" that we act dismissive toward songs that aren't "hip" or "new." I think this is a travesty.

Don't get me wrong, there's a bunch of really bad Christian music out there. I'm not saying churches need to rock "Jesus is a Friend of Mine" but we don't need to overlook fantastic songs just because they weren't written in the last 3 weeks.

All that being said, I hope you enjoyed. I know the band did.

Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing - David Crowder* Band Version

Jesus Paid It All - Kristian Stanfill Version

The Love of God

LIFEBASICS.tv

9/18 Set List

2011-09-19T10:38:00.000-04:00

Despite not having the desired outcome of the FSU game on Saturday, yesterday was great. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Here's to another week. See you Sunday.

Your Love Never Fails by Chris Quilala

All We Need by Charlie Hall

Because of Your Love by Phil Wickham

Glorious One by Steve Fee

Devotion by Hillsong

LIFEBASICS.tv

9/11 Set List

2011-09-12T10:02:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was great. John and Antoinette did a wonderful job! I've attached a video of the dance below.

I hope everyone had a great weekend, and I hope to see you this Sunday.

Cannons by Phil Wickham

Life Light Up by Christy Nockels

How He Loves by John Mark MacMillan

My Deliverer by Chris Tomlin

LIFEBASICS.tv

9/4 Set List

2011-09-05T22:03:00.000-04:00

Happy Labor Day weekend! Noles won. Good start to fall. Now we just need a little cooler weather and all will be right.

Wholly Yours by David Crowder* Band

Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman

Remedy by David Crowder* Band

Let Our Faith Be Not Alone by Robbie Seay Band

LIFEBASICS.tv

Old School Jam of the Week...

2011-08-31T15:36:00.000-04:00

If you're a regular at LIFEBASICS you're familiar with our "Old School Jam of the Week" adventure we've been on all summer. Every week I pick a song that was done several years ago and we revamp it and sing it during our service.

Because of the type of church we are I like to keep the songs as current as possible. It's not that I hate old songs, I just like to keep things fresh. I like it when our members hear songs on the radio or at another church and think, "We've been singing this song for years!"

We've sung some great songs this summer, which include, but were not limited to: Holy is the Lord, Beautiful One, Give Us Clean Hands, How Great is Our God, Your Grace is Enough, Nothing But the Blood, & Indescribable.

Now I'm not one to hype-up a particular Sunday because of the music. I feel like we're there to lead others in worship and not for our own show, so I rarely use the phrase "a-must-see" when referring to the music, but this Sunday is a must-see!!

This is the last week we're playing an Old School Jam, and I've saved the best for last.

I've decided to end one one of the most beloved Christian songs of all time. If you're curiosity is sparked, then this post did its job.

I'll be dropping hits from now until Sunday on the band's Twitter feed. So follow us if you want the inside info.

Hope to see you Sunday. And sing loud.

Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/lifebasicsband

LIFEBASICS.tv

8/28 Set List

2011-08-29T08:59:00.000-04:00

My goal was to do our "Old School Jam of the Week" summer adventure until the first Florida State game. You know, the "official" start of Fall. Well I made it. I hope you've enjoyed this blast from the past. I'm sure I'll continue to do it every summer. I really enjoy it myself.

Next week will be the last week we do the "OSJotW" so make sure you don't miss it. I've saved a very special one for our last OSJ. It's not one we played into the dirt, but I think you'll recognize it and I think it'll be really good.

I hope everyone has a great week and I'll see you Sunday!

Our Love is Loud by David Crowder* Band - (New) Old School Jam of the Week

...neverending... by David Crowder* Band

I Adore You by Phil Wickham

Constant by Charlie Hall

One Who Overcomes by Phil Wickham

LIFEBASICS.tv

8/21 Set List

2011-08-22T08:37:00.000-04:00

Wait... No baby dedication this week? Really?

Desert Song by Hillsong

Marvelous Light by Charlie Hall - (New) Old School Jam of the Week

Beautiful, Scandalous Night by Robbie Seay Band

You Are God by Charlie Hall

LIFEBASICS.tv

8/14 Set List

2011-08-15T10:06:00.000-04:00

Babies, babies, babies...

In Your Love by Phil Wickham

Spring of Life by Kristian Stanfill

True Love by Phil Wickham

You Never Let Go by Matt Redman - (New) Old School Jam of the Week

LIFEBASICS.tv

We Met in a Laundromat?

2011-08-08T09:29:00.000-04:00

Yesterday during our service I learned that our church, LIFEBASICS, formally known as Parkway Baptist Church used to meet in a laundromat!!

Really?

First, let me say, "hahahaha!!"

Second, let me say, "really?!"

So let me get this straight...

Back in the 50s when we were starting Parkway we had to meet in a laundromat, but 60 years later people get upset when we sell the building?

Do they remember we used to meet in a LAUNDROMAT!?!?!

I picture people washing their clothes and folding underwear in the back of the service.

I mean that's really convenient. You can make Sunday your laundry day!

Also, and more seriously, it speaks volumes to the nature of man. We get so comfortable with our lives and the way things "have always been done" that we forget where we came from and forget how it all started.

I'm proud of our story. Hearing of the old-old Parkway makes me happy. It was a church that wanted to reach a community, so they planted a church right in the heart of the city, were growth was happening, and for a while, we touched peoples lives. But like most churches decline started to happen. We got complacent and tired and lost our vision.

But now we've taken a step that our church has taken before. We've decided to plant our church right in the middle of a growing neighborhood with a passion to reach our friends and neighbors.

We have dark times in the past of our church, but we have bright futures. And don't doubt for a second that isn't God's plan. God has a bright and amazing future for LIFEBASICS. Don't doubt it for a second.

8/7 Set List

2011-08-08T08:58:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was Eric and Jackie's last Sunday with us. Let me just say that I can't thank Eric enough for everything he's done for LIFEBASICS. Eric was with us before we moved to the movie theater and has helped with sound and set-up ever since, while only missing a few days here or there. We had several production volunteers when we made our move, but Eric is one of the few who stuck it out.

I really do appreciate him and all the time he has sacrificed for LIFEBASICS. He will be impossible to replace. I hope he and Jackie have a great time in Daytona. They will definitely be missed by myself and our entire church family.

One Who Overcomes by Phil Wickham

Jesus, Lord of Heaven by Phil Wickham

How He Loves by John Mark MacMillan

King Eternal by Charlie Hall - Old School Jam of the Week

LIFEBASICS.tv

7/31 Set List

2011-08-01T21:10:00.000-04:00

For His glory. For this city. Every Sunday is huge. Every visitor a gift. Every minute an opportunity to change the world.

O Praise Him by David Crowder* Band

I Adore You by Phil Wickham

You Alone by David Crowder* Band - Old School Jam of the Week

Fire Fall Down by Hillsong

LIFEBASICS.tv

My 40 Day Prayer Thoughts...

2011-07-27T10:42:00.000-04:00

I've been meaning to write this for several weeks now.

I've started, and re-started, and re-re-started this blog many, many times.

I just couldn't get the introduction the way I like it. So I decided to be completely honest and just write that down. So here is it, my awesome introduction.

The first Sunday we started our 40 days of prayer Pastor read from Revelation, Chapter 2.

You always hear people say, "It's like the Bible was speaking directly to me," but how often does that actually happen? It's definitely happened to me before, but it's rare. I'm not saying you can't still learn, but those times when the Bible pierces my heart are few for me. (Which, by the way, speaks not to lack of importance of the Bible, but much to the condition of my heart.)

The verses Pastor spoke from did just that though.

It was Revelation 2:4:

"But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first."

About a month earlier I wrote this blog. When you read it you can tell I've been dealing with these feelings for a while, but it wasn't until I read Revelation 2:4 that it really struck home to me.

I don't want to abandon the love I had at first. It sadens me that I may have done exactly that. (You can read the other blog to see my thoughts on that issue...)

That is the purpose of these 40 days.

The next verse (Revelation 2:5) says:

"Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place-unless you repent."

We are in this city for a reason. We are here to be a lampstand. To show light. To lead this city toward the source of light. We do not need to be removed.

God, be with Your church as we pray and fast and serve. Show us Your way. We want to make a difference for Your kingdom. For this city, for Your glory.

(You can catch up on our 40 day focus by reading Pastor's blog posts.)

7/24 Set List

2011-07-26T09:47:00.000-04:00

Sunday was good. It was nice having the full band back. More guests and great preaching. It was a good day.

My Deliverer by Chris Tomlin

Shine by Matt Redman - (New) Old School Jam of the Week

Cannons by Phil Wickham

Constant by Charlie Hall

With Everything by Hillsong

LIFEBASICS.tv

Visiting Annabel...

2011-07-24T22:08:00.001-04:00

7/17 Set List

2011-07-18T09:13:00.000-04:00

It was a good day at LIFEBASICS yesterday. The only one's able to play were TJ and myself, but it was a lot of fun and I'm very happy with how things went. Pastor continued his Winning or Losing series and they seem to get better every week. I'm excited to see what God is going to show us through this 40 days of prayer.

Holy is the Lord by Chris Tomlin - Old School Jam of the Week

Because of Your Love by Phil Wickham

Beautiful, Scandalous Night by Robbie Seay Band

Center by Charlie Hall

LIFEBASICS.tv

7/10 Set List

2011-07-11T08:24:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we continued our "Winning & Losing" series. One of the highlights was, but not limited to:

"We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. You were saved by grace!" -Ephesians 2: 3-4

Filled With Your Glory by Starfield - Old School Jam of the Week

In Your Love by Phil Wickham

Beautiful Jesus by Kristian Stanfill

Let Our Faith Be Not Alone by Robbie Seay Band

God of This City by Chris Tomlin

LIFEBASICS.tv

7/3 Set List

2011-07-05T13:05:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone had a great 4th. This last Sunday was really awesome. It was great getting to play with Liz again. Lots of exciting times are ahead of us. I'm really looking forward to what God is going to show us these next 40 days. If you missed last Sunday you definitely want to make it the next few weeks. Big things are coming our way. Hope you'll join us.

No Not One by Christy Nockels

Indescribable by Chris Tomlin - Old School Jam of the Week

Mighty to Save by Hillsong

Constant by Charlie Hall

God of This City by Chris Tomlin

LIFEBASICS.tv

6/26 Set List

2011-06-27T08:19:00.000-04:00

Heather was scheduled to work yesterday so we were down a bass player. Turns out she was called off, but much thanks to Morgan for filling in. I like to keep the band guessing from week to week what our set up will be and they always do a great job rolling with it.

Your Grace is Enough by Chris Tomlin - Old School Jam of the Week

Life Light Up by Christy Nockels

In My Love by Phil Wickham

Jesus Paid It All by Kristian Stanfill

Lead Me to the Cross by Hillsong United

LIFEBASICS.tv

6/19 Set List

2011-06-21T16:40:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone had a great Father's Day. As I'm sure you could tell we did things a little differently Sunday. Trey was gone so we thought we'd seize the opportunity and switch things up. Hope you all enjoyed it. I'm sure you'll see it again later this Summer.

Your Love Never Fails by Chris Quilala

Cannons by Phil Wickham

Nothing But the Blood by Matt Redman - Old School Jam of the Week

You Are God by Charlie Hall

LIFEBASICS.tv

6/12 Set List

2011-06-13T13:45:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a little interenting to say the least. I gotta give mad props to everyone who helped pull off yesterday's service. When pressure is applied you quickly find the true character of a person, and you guys did great. Everyone was professional and high spirited, and it made my job a lot easier. So thank you very much!

One Who Overcomes by Phil Wickham

How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin - Old School Jam of the Week

Beautiful, Scandalous Night by Robbie Seay Band

How He Loves by John Mark MacMillan (David Crowder* Band Version)

LIFEBASICS.tv

Further Up and Further In...

2011-06-09T14:15:00.000-04:00

You know it's hard not to get discouraged sometimes.

After everything that's happened with our church it can be really easy to stay bitter.

Unless it’s a unique circumstance I take it personally when people leave our church. I feel like it's a referendum on me personally. I've had family members leave, so it's hard not to take it personally.

The truth is whether that's the case or not I can't continue to hang on to what they’ve done.

It's easy to go cry in the corner. The pity party is very easy to throw.

There have been people to leave for the wrong reasons. People we thought understood our mission and those who left for selfish reasons.

What's hard for me to remember is that I'm not God, and I can't see what's really going on.

I'm starting to change though. I'm starting to understand a little more. I'm starting to realize I'm not perfect.

I've got a job to do and for far too long people who don't even think about me or my church anymore have been bringing me down. Well, I've been bringing myself down.

One of my personality flaws is that I hang on to things way too long. I let it sit and rot inside my heart. I think part of my problem is that I'm trying to keep my heart from breaking. Truth is it needs to break open to let the refuse seep out.

I’ve gone through the “I’ll show them” faze. That doesn’t work. I can’t show them. I can’t do anything on my own.

I’ve got to let go. “Letting go give a better grip.” – dc*b

I can’t try to succeed to show them what they’re missing. I have to try and succeed because it’s what God would want.

I’m not going to say I’ve been doing it all for the wrong reasons, but that garbage definitely creeps back up every once in a while.

In the year 2002 I joined a small church called Parkway because I saw great potential. I didn’t join because the programs were nice, or because I liked the music. I didn’t join because it was comfortable. I joined because it felt like a balloon waiting to burst. It felt like God was about to do amazing things with this church and I wanted to be part of it. Many years have passed now and we’ve taken a beating (I mean that both figuratively and literally). It’s easy to forget our potential. It’s easy to get bogged down and feel defeated. It’s wired into my personality so I have to fight extra hard to keep the monster at bay. It took me 12 years to finally let go of my parents divorce.

There are life-changing events people experience that make them evaluate their lives and change the way they’re living. That hasn’t happened to me. I’m going to make the decision to do it. No trauma brought me to this point. Disgust has. Disgust with myself for being so disheartened for the last year or so. I owe it to myself, my church and my God. I’ve been holding us back. I’ve been hurting the ones I try to help. Now I will run unfettered. I will still have to fight the monster, but at least I know what I’m fighting. With God I have a fighting chance. There will be a change starting today. You may not be able to see it. The change will be in my heart.

I hope you’re ready for Sunday. God is not through with us.

6/5 Set List

2011-06-06T08:44:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I've been really digging our "Old School Jam of the Week" summer tradition. If you've got some favorites you can still request them by replying on Twitter (@LIFEBASICSband) or by commenting on our facebook wall here.

Song of Hope by Robbie Seay Band

Because of Your Love by Phil Wickham

Constant by Charlie Hall

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) by Chris Tomlin - Old School Jam of the Week

LIFEBASICS.tv

DC*B No More...

2011-05-31T15:14:00.000-04:00

If you know me at all you know that one of my all-time favorite bands is the David Crowder* Band. I've been a fan since roughly 2003. I have, literally, every song they've ever released. I've downloaded all that iTunes has to offer and have even, umm, "archived" some other recordings that have not been released. (For example: back in 2005 when A Collision was released, if you pre-ordered the CD you got a bonus DVD with a few behind-the-scenes clips and demos of a few songs from that album. Well I played those back through a recorder, off the DVD, so I could listen to them on my iPod. Yes, I'm a dork and nerd.)

Well last week they announced that they were disbanding after their next album, which broke my heart. The only thing that could make me feel better was MoMo's pizza. So Heather and I went to MoMo's and I re-read the announcement on their website. I didn't cry, but I was close. It was only the pizza that could keep me from making a fool of myself.

As soon as I read the announcement I looked to see if they were coming to our area at all, and as it turns out they're coming to Atlanta on my birthday weekend. So Heather and I will make the trek to Atlanta the day after my birthday (because I HAVE to be in town to watch the Boston College game!! [Go Noles!!!]) to catch DC*B on their last tour.

A.D.H.D MOMENT:

I don't particularly have a problem with Christian radio, but one thing that really bugs me is how slow they are to pick up new music. They still play O Praise Him like it's new. (If I had to pick my all-time favorite worship song that's probably still it. It seems like a complete song to me...) Every time WayFM plays it I scream, "THERE'S BEEN THREE ALBUMS SINCE THAT ONE!!!!" I don't think they can hear me because they keep playing the same song over and over. Needless to say, I don't really listen to WayFM anymore; plus I gotta keep up with trends and what Ke$ha is up to.

I say all this to say, if you haven't ever listened to them, check them out before they disappear forever!! After the next album there will be no more music making. They may not be your "style" but the truth is you could use a little more style anyway, so it couldn't hurt.

Every word and every note was chosen with a purpose. There's so much packed into every song you can't begin to figure it all out.

I'm really looking forward to their last album and last tour. I'm sad it's the last, but I respect them for moving on. Life comes in stages and they're leaving the auditorium stages for another.

(Just as a warning I'll probably be posting and tweeting my sorrows for the next five years or so...)

5/29 Set List

2011-05-31T08:42:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone had a great memorial day. We're very luckly to live in a country were freedom of religion is tolerated. Remember, nothing is promised and Jesus > America. (Something I've had to learn and deal with the last few years of my life. That's another blog though.)

Your Love Never Fails by Chris Quilala

Life Light Up by Christy Nockels

Shine by Matt Redman

Only You by David Crowder* Band - Old School Jam of the Week

Center by Charlie Hall

LIFEBASICS.tv

5/22 Set List

2011-05-22T16:54:00.000-04:00

I was given a great compliment from Sal the coordinator of the Christian Motorcycle Association this morning. He said the songs we sung had very straight forward lyrics. He said they were, "all cake and no icing." That's my goal. To not let art take precedent over the message. Worship through music does no good if the audience is left wondering what it was they just sang. It needs to be clear.

Here is Our King by David Crowder* Band

Sing to the King by Candi Pearson-Shelton - Old School Jam of the Week

My Deliverer by Chris Tomlin

Beautiful, Scandalous Night by Robbie Seay Band

Let Our Faith Be Not Alone by Robbie Seay Band

LIFEBASICS.tv

Bowden's Full Name...

2011-05-21T08:48:00.001-04:00

Bowden's full name is "Bowden Jimbo Ochuko Jenije Bishop at Doak
Campbell Stadium." Is it too over the top?

There is No Heaven...

2011-05-16T13:56:00.000-04:00

Steven Hawking is at it again.

He says the human brain is like a computer. When it fails it just stops working...

"There is no heaven or afterlife for broken-down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark."

I don't even pretend to be as smart as Steven Hawking, but insulting my intelligence is unnecessary and honestly a little arrogant.

I'm just a stupid scared little child to him.

He has it wrong though. I am not afraid of the dark and it's because I have Christ. Without Christ I should be afraid of the dark. But I'm not. Christ is my Light.

You can read the article here.

And read my other beefs with Hawking...

Giant Fish Bowl...

Giant Fish Bowl (Continued)...

5/15 Set List

2011-05-16T09:58:00.000-04:00

We continued our Signature series this week. Pastor spoke on the hot topic of predestination. If you missed it you missed a great service. I think it's always good to break down issues that have literally separated denominations and split churches. The most important thing to consider is, "what does the Bible say?" Then also to realize we're human and we cannot possibly understand God.

Wholly Yours by David Crowder* Band

Cannons by Phil Wickham

Beautiful, Scandalous Night by Robbie Seay Band

Give Us Clean Hands by Charlie Hall - Old School Jam of the Week

Devotion by Hillsong

LIFEBASICS.tv

5/8 Set List

2011-05-08T19:11:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone had a great Mothers Day.

It was a good day at LIFEBASICS.

It's awesome to know we are adopted by the Creator of the universe.

Our Love is Loud by David Crowder* Band

Beautiful One by Tim Hughes - Old School Jam of the Week

Because of Your Love by Phil Wickham

Your Love is Strong by Jon Foreman

You Are God by Charlie Hall

Heather & Rose

2011-05-03T16:09:00.002-04:00

Me & Kate

2011-05-03T16:09:00.001-04:00

5/1 Set List

2011-05-02T10:22:00.000-04:00

I couldn't be happier for Morgan and Elisabeth. They were out yesterday (and will be for a while longer) because they were welcoming their new baby girls into the world. Heather and I went to see them yesterday night and Rose and Kate could not be more beautiful. They were perfect little healthy babies.

I got kind of choked up yesterday during the music portion of our service because I realized that Morgan and Liz now know what a parent's love is. They now have some idea of how much God loves us and how unconditional it really is and how much of a sacrifice sending Jesus, His only Son, for us really was.

I will definitely miss Morgan and Liz playing with us for a while, but I am so happy for them and want them to enjoy every single second with their new girls.

This week we started our "old school jam of the week" summer ritual. Every week we'll add another song we've dropped in recent years. This is always fun for me and it's a way for you, our choir, to sing some of your favorite songs.

I hope everyone has a great week and I'm already looking foward to this coming Sunday. See you there!

Your Love Never Fails by Chris Quilala

No Not One by Christy Nockels

Holy is the Lord by Chris Tomlin - Old School Jam of the Week

Beautiful Jesus by Kristian Stanfill

Always Forever by Phil Wikcham

LIFEBASICS.tv

Superman is Un-American...

2011-04-28T14:36:00.000-04:00

Ok, I know I'm a total dork for writing a blog about a superhero, but this really ticked me off, so I've got to say something about it...

Just read an article on Fox News that in his newest comic Superman denounces his citizenship of the United States. You can read the article here.

Now what really ticked me off was this quote by Angie Meyer a GOP activist and Hollywood publicist,

"Besides being riddled with a blatant lack of patriotism, and respect for our country, Superman's current creators are belittling the United States as a whole. By denouncing his citizenship, Superman becomes an eery metaphor for the current economic and power status the country holds worldwide."

Wait...what?!

Did she know Superman was an alien?

It just REALLY irritates me when people act like things that DON'T MATTER AT ALL are unpatriotic or un-American.

Blowing up the Pentagon is unpatriotic...writing a story where an alien is no longer a U.S. citizen is...A STORY!

It's bigger for me though. I've been really bothered lately when it seems like Christians cherish this country more than our God. Christians will spend millions of dollars to keep gay marriage illegal, or to keep mexicans from crossing the boarder. Or spend billions to try and make abortion illegal, but they do NOTHING (or close to it) to reach people for Christ.

I just don't get it...

Now, let me say for all my Republi-Christian friends... I'm not saying don't stand up for what you believe, but what you believe is Christ, right? I do feel like Jesus is ashamed of our country for allowing abortion, and I feel like the Bible speaks directly to the issue of homosexuality, but here's the deal...

How does fighting those things show people that they're missing out without Christ?

If abortion was illegal tomorrow would millions of people turn from sin and follow Jesus? No? I didn't think so...

We as Christians have got to STOP BEING SO POLITICAL and start living like Christ would want us to live. Give to Caeser what is his, but give to Jesus what is His too. Your life right?

And get over fictional stories about aliens... Are Nigerians not good enough for Superman? Give me a break.

I wonder if this lady knew Jesus wasn't American.

4/24 Set List

2011-04-25T08:55:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was Easter Sunday and it was a pretty good day. It was good seeing faces I hadn't seen in a while and new faces.

We may not be one of the largest churches in Tallahassee but I can honestly say that I love LIFEBASICS. It's been a tough road for our church in the last few years, but I know God knows what He's doing and I know He's put the exact people exactly where we need them.

I can't explain how grateful I am for the band as well. I got so many compliments from people after the service and that's all them. If you've ever heard our band you'll know it's not the vocals that makes it good. It's the music, and I can only do so much. They prop me up and make us sound good. Also wanted to say thanks to Haley for guest singing with us. She doesn't get to play with us much anymore, but it's nice to have her back every once in a while. She's always fun to sing wtih.

I hope everyone had a great Easter and I hope to see everyone this coming Sunday as well. The most important part of the story was told yesterday, but the story continues. You don't want to miss what God is doing at our church and in Tallahassee. Be a part of it now. See you Sunday.

Salvation is Here by Hillsong

"Salvation is here and it lives in me..."

Spring of Life by Kristian Stanfill

"We will thirst no more when we drink from You..."

True Love by Phil Wickham

"When blood and water hit the ground, walls we couldn't move came crashing down..."

Lead Me to the Cross by Hillsong

"You were as I, tempted and tried, human..."

Lament (We Cannot Wait) by Robbie Seay Band

"We need Your grace, oh God, Your grace, oh God, we need Your grace. We cannot wait, oh God, for Your grace, oh God, we need Your grace..."

This is Our God by Hillsong

"Freely You gave it all for us. Surrendered Your life upon the cross..."

LIFEBASICS.tv

4/17 Set List

2011-04-18T09:36:00.000-04:00

Next Sunday is Easter 2011!! It's crazy how fast time goes when you get as old as I am. Seems like just yesterday was Christmas.

Pastor started his "This Changes Everything" series yesterday and will continue it this week.

You know why the church traditionally meets on Sunday right? Because everyday is Easter! Every single Sunday we celebrate and remember that He is not dead. He died on Friday, but not Sunday. Sunday He was alive.

Walk the World by Charlie Hall

One Who Overcomes by Phil Wickham

Remedy by David Crowder* Band

True Love by Phil Wikcham

Let Our Faith Be Not Alone by Robbie Seay Band

LIFEBASICS.tv

At the Giants Game

2011-04-13T22:07:00.000-04:00

From the Golden Gate Bridge

2011-04-13T18:08:00.000-04:00

Chinatown!!

2011-04-12T21:34:00.000-04:00

Vineyards

2011-04-12T17:28:00.000-04:00

Giant Redwood Trees

2011-04-12T12:43:00.000-04:00

Ghirardelli Square

2011-04-11T17:44:00.000-04:00

Alacatraz

2011-04-10T19:03:00.000-04:00

In-N-Out Burgers

2011-04-10T16:42:00.000-04:00

Golden Gate Bridge

2011-04-10T16:09:00.000-04:00

From Sausalito

2011-04-10T15:52:00.001-04:00

Heather in San Fran

2011-04-09T17:28:00.000-04:00

4/3 Set List

2011-04-04T13:21:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a good day. We played some of my all-time favorite songs. Heather and I will be out this coming Sunday (4/10) as we celebrate our one year anniversary by flying to sunny, beautiful San Francisco. We're still working out details of what exactly the music portion of our service will look like. We'll definitely miss our church familiy that day. It will be nice to get away, but we'll be sad we can't be there for the amazing service God has planned. We'll be back by the following Sunday and start building steam heading into Easter. Hope everyone has a good week.

All Over the World by Matt Redman

I Adore You by Phil Wikcham

Cannons by Phil Wickham

How He Loves by John Mark McMillan

With Everything by Hillsong

LIFEBASICS.tv

3/27 Set List

2011-03-28T11:40:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was mine and Heather's 1st anniversary and we had a really good day. We loved getting to spend our anniversary with our church family and we had a really good service. Hope to see you next week.

All We Need by Charlie Hall

Life Light Up by Christy Nockels

Desert Song by Hillsong

Jesus, Lord of Heaven by Phil Wickham

Beautiful Jesus by Kristian Stanfill

LIFEBASICS.tv

3.27.2010

2011-03-27T17:18:00.000-04:00

3/20 Set List

2011-03-20T17:43:00.000-04:00

If you were at church this morning we really appreciate you showing up. For everyone else, hope you have a fantastic Spring Break and we're excited for you to be back. Next week Trey will be out but we'll still make it happen. Hope you guys have a great week and we'll see you at 9:30 next Sunday.

Sing, Sing, Sing by Chris Tomlin

Life Light Up by Christy Nockels

Glorious One by Steve Fee

Grace by Phil Wickham

Glory in the Highest by Chris Tomlin

LIFEBASICS.tv

C.S. Lewis Was Wrong

2011-03-17T09:52:00.000-04:00

I follow @CSLewisDaily on Twitter. It's a really good follow. I would definitely suggest it. Everyday (sometimes multiple times a day) C.S. Lewis quotes are posted. He's one of my favorite writters.

The one for today was "Christians do not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us."

I think that used to be true. I think it's true for some people still.

But - most Chrstians don't feel that way. They think they deserve what Jesus did for them.

It's sad actually. Christians have replaced Jesus with morals, politics and boycotting TV shows, theme parks and toys.

I think the majority of Christians think God loves us because we are good.

It's hard to not fall into that way of thinking. I have to battle it myself.

I hope Christians wake up soon.

3/13 Set List

2011-03-14T22:49:00.000-04:00

How's it going? Pastor finished up the "Call of Duty" series yesterday. He gave a very good message directed at parents. Even though I'm not one yet it was very enlightening and good to hear. Set list was as follows:

Your Love Never Fails by Chris Quilala

Desert Song by Hillsong

My Deliverer by Chris Tomlin

You Are God by Charlie Hall

I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin

LIFEBASICS.tv

Muslim Radicalization

2011-03-10T15:59:00.000-05:00

Now I don't know enough to form an actual opinion about these congressional hearings about the radicalism of Islam.

Something that jumps out at me though is this simple question:

How would you feel if Christian (or much closer to home, Baptist) churches were on trial for "radical" behavior?

Now I know radical Islam is a threat to our country. Many of the radicals want to completely destroy our country, but if we're OK with the government putting Muslims on trial, what about Christians?

We can't have it both ways folks. We can't have limited government when it benefits us and overbearing government when it hurts our foes.

Maybe I'm being naive. I need to read up on it more.

"Good Christian *******"

2011-03-10T09:29:00.001-05:00

Back in June of last year I wrote a blog on an upcoming TV show titled "JC." It was a cartoon about Jesus Comedy Central was going to air. Apparently the protesting Christians got their way because I haven't heard much of it in the last 10 months. You can read what I think here.

This blog will be in the same vein.

ABC is supposed to air a show called "Good Christian Bitches" soon that has a lot of people upset. (No surprise there.)

Now I could say how stupid I think it is to protest or boycott. If you want to read what I think about that though, go read my other blog about "JC."

This show is based off a book. I've never read the book and I've never seen the show, but I have read the synopsis on the book's website. It's basically a "Desperate Housewives" type of show, but I'm sure as the title implies, they're all Christians. So it'll be conniving women, gossiping women, probably slutty women who claim to be Christians but in turn are just as bad (if not worse) that those who don't claim Christianity.

Now I'm not necessarily happy they're making this show, but here's an idea (and pardon my tone of voice)...

STOP GIVING THEM SOMETHING TO MAKE FUN OF!!!

I get so tired of Christians getting upset when the (big bad) "world" calls them out for the way they act. (And it's not just a woman thing. I honestly believe if men acted like real men, women wouldn't feel the need to act or dress the way they do...)

Every movie or show that has made fun of Christians in my lifetime has gotten protests and boycotts and angry white people who have never seen the movie or show at all. Here's the thing though... those shows are pretty accurate. Christians are gossips. Christians are conniving. Christians are back stabbing. Christians cheat on their wives. Christians abuse their children. Being a Christian doesn't give you a pass from being called out.

If Christians want to keep shows like this from being made they need to live differently than everyone else. Show love, compassion. Don't lie, cheat or steal. Don't gossip. Don't hold grudges. If we as Christians did this shows like "Good Christian Bitches" wouldn't exist because everyone would know it was false. But that sad part is that it's true.

We have great freedom in Christ. We have the freedom to be imperfect. We have the freedom of Salvation through Jesus. We have the freedom to be "in" the world but not "of" it. We have to stop acting like everyone else if we want to be taken seriously.

I say make the show. It could actually be really funny. And if it challenges some people to change the way they act then at least their anger for a stupid TV show did something their love for God never could.

3/6 Set List

2011-03-07T09:46:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Pastor finished up his "Call of Duty" series. We focused on parents and their role in the family structure. It was very challenging. I'm not in the situation of being a parent yet (couple more years on that one, guys!) but all of it was good to hear. I think everyone should constantly be trying to improve themselves so if that means learning how to be a better parent now, then I'm willing to listen. One day I will need the training. Probably right around the time my daughter starts dating... I hope to see everyone this Sunday. Trey will be out of town so we'll switch things up a bit, but it should be fun and I'm looking forward to it. Hope to see you there!

Our Love is Loud by David Crowder* Band

One Who Overcomes by Phil Wickham

Shine by Matt Redman

With Everything by Hillsong

Because of Your Love by Phil Wickham

LIFEBASICS.tv

2/27 Set List

2011-02-28T15:10:00.000-05:00

(Yesterday was Hillsong appreciation Sunday) We had a good service yesterday. You really missed an awesome gathering if you weren't there. The "Call of Duty" series is one of my favorties. I think one of the most important things for Christians are our relationships with each other. Whether it's with my wife, best friend, work collegues or parents one thing is consistant is all of those relactionships, me. If I work on myself all my other relationships will get better. This has been one of my favorites. Every week has gotten better. Hope to see you this coming Sunday.

Salvation is Here by Hillsong

Desert Song by Hillsong

You'll hear more of this one (like perhaps the week after next...).

Lead Me to the Cross by Hillsong

I didn't know that I could pull this one off as a vocalist, but I was very happy. Like always the band carried me. I was very happy with it.

Mighty to Save by Hillsong

With Everything by Hillsong

This was a new one for us this week. It went really well. I was very happy with the way it turned out. It may not sound like it, but this song is pretty hard and took a lot of work. The band was up to the challenge though and I really think we rocked it. It sounded really, really good. And I'm being modest. It sounded better than that.

LIFEBASICS.tv

Ryan @ the FSU Basketball Game

2011-02-27T20:29:00.000-05:00

2/20 Set List

2011-02-21T09:48:00.000-05:00

Pastor continued his "Call of Duty" series this week and focused on us guys. He didn't take the typical 'bash-you-over-the-head-and-tell-you-how-crappy-of-a-man-you-are' approach. Instead he challenged us to evaluate our relationships and actually try to improve on them. Which is easier said than done. If you missed Sunday you missed a really good message (and good music, if I say so myself). You need to come this Sunday. Pastor will break down one of the most controveral verses in the Bible. Although once you understand exactly what it means you'll see it's not so controversal at all. God is great. God is smart. God knows what he is doing. God is perfect and so is His plan for each one of us.

Devotion by Hillsong

Life Light Up by Christy Nockels

Cannons by Phil Wickham

We Are Yours by Charlie Hall

Your Love is Strong by Jon Foreman

LIFEBASICS.tv
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2011-02-16T23:22:00.001-05:00

I honestly think that if the Church in America did it's job there wouldn't be advocates for Socialism.

The word Socialism is thrown around like a curse word nowadays. It's always used as a reason not to vote for someone or agree with their policies. Or agree with Universal Health Care.

I personally disagree with the philosophy of Socialism. I believe it stifles creativity and drive and creates citizens who are content in their mediocre life. There are winners. There are losers. Not all people deserve equal pay or privileges. Life is not fair. People need to learn this.

However, I feel that some Socialists' heart is in the right place. I think some honestly want to take care of the less fortunate and the poor and the one's who cannot afford health care.

Here's the thing though: if the church was doing those things, we wouldn't need government to.

You hear sooo many Christians SCREAM about stopping Obama and Socialism, but they don't donate money to charities (or even their church!) or volunteer at the homeless shelter or help out those in need.

I think if the church in America was doing what it was designed to do we wouldn't have Socialists. There wouldn't be a need.

Here's an idea, Christians who hate all things Socialist, don't scream. Give time and money. Help those who need it. Either do something or shut up when others try to help those you refuse to.

(And before all my Republi-christian friends get mad at me...read paragraph three again!!)

2/14 Set List

2011-02-14T21:59:00.000-05:00

I picked some of my all-time favorites for yesterday to celebrate my six years with LIFEBASICS. Here's how it went.

Betterman by Pearl Jam

So far this has been my most favorite "non-worship" song we've ever done. We haven't performed this week's yet though... heh heh...

Song of Hope by Robbie Seay Band

"Just to know You and be loved is enough..."

Spring of Life by Kristian Stanfill

I'm jealous I'm not a drummer. This song is one of the reasons.

Life Light Up by Christy Nockels

This was the new one we added a couple weeks back. We're doing it again this week. Great lyrics. Great music. And it's a lot of fun. I love this one.

Fire Fall Down by Hillsong

One of my all-time favorite songs. I feel like the Chorus is some of the best writing. "Cause I know that You're alive / You came to fix my broken life / And I'll sing to glorify / Your holy name, Jesus Christ"

True Love by Phil Wickham

Again with the lyrics!! I feel like the bridge really brings it home.

LIFEBASICS.tv

6 Year Anniversary...

2011-02-07T21:23:00.000-05:00

This coming Sunday will mark (exactly) six years from when I started leading worship at LIFEBASICS.

To celebrate I'm doing a whole set of my all-time favorite songs.

I hope you enjoy. There will be good songs Sunday. Good songs.

2/6 Set List

2011-02-07T08:37:00.000-05:00

The talented and amazing Walker Brothers where out yesterday. (In actuality they are not brothers. However they are actually talented and amazing!) So acoustic Sunday it was.

Morgan grew a beard. I grew a beard. I wore plaid. Josh and Luke even wore plaid. It was acoustic day all around for everyone to enjoy!

Everything Glorious by David Crowder* Band

This is always a good acoustic song. This song is a good example of how a great first line makes the song. A lot of times the first line of the song is the most important. "The day is brighter here with You."

Wholly Yours by David Crowder* Band

I read in an interview (or maybe one of his books) with David Crowder that he wrote this song off of devotion notes his mom gave him. I just really like the word play. Chorus one goes, "You are holy, holy, holy / All heaven cires holy, holy, God / You are holy, holy, holy / I want to be holy like You are." And chorus two goes, "So here I am, all of me / Finally everything / Wholly, wholly, wholly / I am wholly, wholly, wholly / I am wholly, wholly, wholly Yours."

Your Love is Strong by Jon Foreman

This is another one of my favorites to do for acoustic services. This has a lot of good lines in it, but the main message is that God will take care of us.

Beautiful Jesus by Kristian Stanfill

This song is a "big God" song. I like these too. I think it's good to keep us in check and remind us exactly how big and powerful God really is.

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1/30 Set List

2011-01-31T09:11:00.000-05:00

It was good to see my cousins, Lance & Tiffany Beauchamp, at our service yesterday morning. He's the FSU BCM director and he's doing very good things. I'm excited to see what God has planned with them.

Your Grace is Enough by Chris Tomlin

This one's pretty old school, but I wanted to do a familiar opener. I thought it was good.

Rain Down by David Crowder* Band

This is one of the easiest songs to play, but I still love it. The message is so simple, but well done.

Life Light Up by Christy Nockels

This was a new one this week. I've been wanting to add it for awhile, but finally got around to it. We'll play it again in a few weeks. It's just got such a great message and it's really, really fun to play. Once again I'm jealous of Trey. He always gets the fun parts.

Hosanna by Hillsong

This was another one of the classics. I'm not going to say it was easy, but I was really happy with it. Vocally it's difficult and I'm sure I didn't rock it as much as Hillsong, but it's such a good song.

This is Our God by Hillsong

This is another great song by Hillsong. Very moving.

LIFEBASICS.tv

Human is Human

2011-01-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

I find this story interesting...

It's an article I read on ESPN.com

In a nutshell: There's a Booster from UCONN who donated $3 Million to his school. He then got upset when the Athletic Director didn't consult him when hiring a coach. Now the Booster wants him name off the football building he donated the money for and his $3 Million back.

It's just funny how much this reminds me of the church. People tithe, so they think they can call the shots. In my 5+ years as a church staffer (yes, volunteers deal with crap too) I've heard so many people try to pull their weight. They try to pick the songs. They try to tell the Pastor what to do. They even threaten, "Well I pay your salary!"

(Let me just say on a side note that I'm glad my church doesn't have those type of people anymore. LIFEBASICS gets it. For reals.)

It's just interesting to me that because people donate money to an orginazation they feel like they can call the shots, even though in the case of the church GOD has called the leadership, so THEY should be the one's to follow, not the rich old man.

What also makes me sad is that this does happen in the church. Sports I get. It's about winning and it's about money. Plan and simple. But church, it's about souls, it's about eternity. Although apparently not for some people.

And then the whole thing reminds me of this:

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains."

1 Timothy 6:10

Replacing Jesus With Morals

2011-01-27T13:33:00.000-05:00

I was reading my friend Dean Inserra's blog just a few minutes ago and wanted to write a little about that subject too.

You can find it here.

In his blog he's talking about how down south we often replace Jesus with moralism.

I didn't realize for most of my life that I was doing the exact same thing.

As Christians we take great pride in our moralism. We boast that we can't watch the Super Bowl because we've got to go to church (meanwhile the world we're trying to reach is watching the Super Bowl and we're locked in a church building. Bogus.).

I've had to (and still do) battle this mentality, but we've got to snap out of it. Jesus was immoral according to the Pharisees.

You can't be a follower of Christ without changing your behavior and living differently than the world does, but as I remember it was the "church" that thought Jesus was a freak, not the non-Christians.

When we take pride in our moralism it's a sin. Straight up.

God wants you to live differently than the world, but he doesn't want you to be judgmental or angry, or prideful or holier than thou. The truth is He still had to die for you. We can't get to Heaven on good manners.

1/23 Set List

2011-01-24T22:34:00.000-05:00

Lord's Supper service was yesterday. Like always it was really moving and I really enjoyed it. It seems no matter where, when or how we do the Lord's Supper I'm always moved, and this was no exception. If you missed the service you really missed a good time...

No Not One by Christy Nockels

I love this song. We're going to do another one from her album this week, but you gotta come Sunday to hear it. "You gave us all a reason to shine / No greater love, forever mine."

New Year by Charlie Hall

I said last week we'd play this song every Sunday in January, but in all honesty, yesterday was the last day. So again, if you missed yesterday...you missed a lot.

Because of Your Love by Phil Wickham

This was a great song to play for our Lord's Supper service. This is what it's all about.

Nothing But the Blood by Matt Redman

I did this song during the Lord's Supper. The band sat down in the audience and was able to participate in the Lord's Supper. I just sang a few verses while church enjoyed the Lord's Supper.

How He Loves by John Mark McMillan

This was a great way to end the service. The reason we do the Lord's Supper is because he made the ultimate sacrifice for us. So...

Always Forever by Phil Wickham

...we did this song as well. I just love the thought of God being the "air I breathe." This song definitely conveys (the truth) that we cannot live without God. This song is amazing.

Hope to see you guys this Sunday. It'll be another good one. The music will rock (like always). The Word will move you (like always). And the doughnuts will be hot (like always...when the "hot now" sign is on when we pick them up)

LIFEBASICS.tv

My Thoughts on "Expelled"

2011-01-18T22:19:00.001-05:00

Tonight I was sitting at home looking for something to watch. I came across "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed." It's a documentary by Ben Stein on why Intelligent Design isn't considered 'real science' and taught in schools.

I'm not going to give all these stats and facts and try to prove Intelligent Design needs to be taught. You can watch the documentary yourself, and I would recommend it. Especially if you don't believe in Intelligent Design.

I learned something in one of my humanity classes at TCC many semesters ago that was brought up in this documentary. My professor at TCC, like most in academia, was liberal. The only reason I bring that up is to show that this fact was not brought up by some crazy right wing tea bagger creationist professor. (My professor actually called herself a "yellow-dog Democrat, one that would vote Democrat regardless of how crappy the candidate was." Those were her words.) She showed that eugenics originated with Darwin's Origin of the Species. That is, purposeful and deliberate breeding and even extermination of the human species. And that Darwinist beliefs lead Hitler to do the unthinkable.

Before you get upset, even in the documentary they said that not all Darwinists will end up at the same belief as Hitler. I think they actually said it was "laughable" to think that. All they showed was where it can lead.

Hitler killed millions of Jews because he felt they were of lesser value. Hitler also killed handicapped individuals so they couldn't repopulate. I don't think anyone would argue that Hitler wasn't insane. The truth is though, when you completely take God out of your beliefs any end is possible.

Now Christians have done plenty to make non-Christians distrust us. The crusades come to mind. Hate-speech at soldier's funerals also comes to mind. Even Mohandas Gandhi said, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

Christians have brought it on themselves (ourselves). We show the world what Christ is like. The only problem is that we suck. We're horrible at it. I can honestly say that if I was not a Christian I would probably fight Intelligent Design as aggressively as most Darwinists. I would demand proof.

You may then ask, "Why, then, be a Christian?" Because I do have proof. Not physical proof I can take a picture of and attach in this blog, but life-changing, life-altering hope that I know to the core of my body. That is all the proof I need. I believe it to be true. I believe there is a God and I believe He created our universe.

I don't believe Darwinists are evil. I believe in evolution myself. I believe that species change over time and species adapt and change according to their environments. I just don't believe that everything evolved from the same bang.

I don't believe Darwinists main goal is to euthanize certain races or people groups. I just know that with history as our guide the most evil ends are possible from those beliefs. (And as I stated above I'm also fully aware the Crusades came from extreme beliefs in Christianity.) Which means Darwinists need to guard their beliefs very carefully so they are not high-jacked by the nut jobs. Same goes for Christians.

I also don't believe Christians should waste all their time fighting to get Intelligent Design put back in our schools. One professor said in the documentary, "if you put Intelligent Design back in schools the next step would be prayer in schools." Some Christians want that. I don't believe that is good either.

Most non-religious people point to religion as the reason for so many wars and killing and they would be right. There are many scars in our past and we need to take responsibility for our mistakes. But there are also evil and undeniable mistakes in the past of Darwinists that they need to own up to as well.

What I hope non-Christians take away from this film is the simple question, "is it wrong to debate?" An honest debate, not a "science is settled" or "there's a consensus," but honest debate.

What I hope Christians take away from this film is the simple idea, "show them Christ." He is our only hope. Not "Intelligent Design being taught in schools" is our only hope, but Christ is our only hope. We need to live our lives like Christ means everything to us. That needs to be our focus, not politics, or the Ten Commandments in the court house. Christians should be more upset that the rate of divorce, infidelity, pornography, racism and spousal abuse among Christians is the same as it is for non-Christians than that some want to take "In God We Trust" off of our money.

That's all I've got for now. I may want to add more later. I just had a lot on my mind.

1/16 Set List

2011-01-18T13:32:00.000-05:00

It wouldn't be a Sunday if there weren't last minute changes that needed to be made. This week I was sick. Started on Thrusday continued through, well, probably today even. I was congested and clogged. So I lowered the keys to a couple of the songs to compensate and cut our set list a little short. I ended up being really happy with the way everything turned out. Hopefully I'll be able to get back to myself by this Sunday.

Marvelous Light by Charlie Hall

This one's always a good opener. Everyone knows it and it's such a great message.

Your Love Never Fails by Chris Quilala

It's a good song. One of my faves. Drums are the best. Electric guitar is the second best.

New Year by Charlie Hall

I will sing this song the entire month of January. Only two Sundays left then I'll have to retire it until next year. :(

Grace by Phil Wickham

I ended up lowering this one quite a bit and the band was able to hang like a pro. It's easy for someone like me who capos everything he plays, but for them it as a bit more challenging, but they did really well. This is one of my all-time favorite Phil Wickham songs.

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1/9 Set List

2011-01-10T10:38:00.000-05:00

Thought we did really well yesterday. This was the second week in a row we didn't get to have band practice, but I think we rocked it anyway. I was very pleased.

Walk the World by Charlie Hall

I heard this first at Passion a few years back. It's one of my favorites. I think the chorus is just really catchy. To be honest I was a little afraid to sing it at first since it has the word "wine" (gasp!) in it. But that fear lasted about two seconds, then I thought, "People can just get over it." I mean if you really listen to the lyrics you can't get offended. The lyrics aren't, "Let's skip church and serve underaged girls some boxed wine." The lyrics are, "Let my life shine, come and let my heart shine / In a dark world we lift the bread and wine." It's saying that no matter how dark the world we will still practice our faith. Plus, if the word "wine" really offends you, you've probably got deeper issues than "drinking is the devil."

I Adore You by Phil Wickham

This is probably my favorite Phil Wickham song. This song was a big step for me. It's different than typical worship songs and the bridge is a little tricky to play and sing. It's a lot of fun though.

Cannons by Phil Wickham

Heather requested this song a while back and it's been a favorite ever since. We serve a big God.

Remedy by David Crowder* Band

"Let us be the remedy."

Let Our Faith Be Not Alone by Robbie Seay Band

"Let our faith be not alone. Let our hearts be not of stone. Give us souls that never close, to the grace that You bestow. May our eyes be quick to see that You are here. You've come to rescue me."

LIFEBASICS.tv

1/2 Set List

2011-01-03T10:27:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the first time in a month we played an entire non-Christmas set. I must say it was nice getting back to what's familiar, but in a way, I already miss Christmas music. Getting excited for next year already!!

O Praise Him by David Crowder* Band

I figured for the first non-Christmas service I'd pick most of my favorites. And this one tops the list. Always has. Without the bass drum this song would not be as awesome, though.

Song of Hope by Robbie Seay Band

One of my favorite Robbie Seay songs and I figured it's appropriate for the new year as well.

Because of Your Love by Phil Wickham

This song was my eye-opening song of the week. There's always at least one that reminds you why you're singing in the first place. "Because of Your cross my debt was paid / Because of your blood my sins were washed away."

New Year by Charlie Hall

This is one of my favorite times of year just because I get to pull this song back out. I always remember this song as one of the first we learned when Trey started playing with us. Going on a couple years now, I think.

Beautiful Jesus by Kristian Stanfill

Another great song. I think it's always good to be reminded how big God really is.

Hope everyone had a fanstastic Christmas and a Happy New Year. We'll see you guys next Sunday.

LIFEBASICS.tv

...and for those intrested...

The Set List from the week before (12/26) is as follows:

Angels We Have Heard On High arrangement by goodbyeme

The First Noel arrangement by Phil Wickham

Silent Night arrangement by goodbyeme

New Years - The Spirit

2010-12-30T23:07:00.000-05:00

To most of the world New Years is all about starting over. Everyone makes resolutions. Most break them the first couple weeks, but everyone is thinking about how to better themselves.

The Holy Spirit was given to us as a guide. It’s literally God’s presence living inside of us. It’s what makes us new. It gives us the ability to change who we are. It helps us realize where we’re wrong and where we can improve. Through the Holy Spirit we can truly start anew.

This New Year go ahead and make those resolutions but think about what really matters in your life, not just your weight or workout routine. And remember, with the Holy Spirit we have the power to do all things. Make it count. For real. Make it count.

Christmas - The Son

2010-12-23T09:09:00.000-05:00

Christmas isn't about presents. Most of us know that. Christmas also isn't about family, togetherness, thankfulness, or any of these things. Christmas is about the Answer. And the question is "how can we be be forgiven for these sins we've committed?"

For me the virgin birth is one of the cornerstones of my faith. If Jesus wasn't born to a virgin how can I believe the rest? It's very important to me. But the story isn't really about the birth. It's just the beginning of the story.

When I think of the Christmas story I'm always mixed with emotions. I do feel joy that God sent His only son to earth for us, but I'm also filled with sadness. Because of me this little baby would one day pay the ultimate price for my sin.

My whole life I've never been able to separate Christmas from Easter. Every Christmas I would always think about Jesus' death. It used to make me mad. I mean, why couldn't I just enjoy Christmas? Why did I always have to let the sadness creep in and remind me that I killed Him?

Here's the thing, though... I don't want to separate them anymore. I need to be reminded, even at Christmas time, what the real purpose of the birth was. The purpose of the birth is the death and resurrection. The birth is a happy time and the ending is happy, but the middle of the story is very, very sad (especially since it's my fault).

My prayer is that everyone in the next few days will take a few minutes to think about the death and why it's important. Don't get too sad though (like I did), the third day is just around the corner...

12/19 Set List

2010-12-20T13:49:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was our Christmas service. I had a lot of fun this season. We still have one more Sunday, but yesterday was the last day with the full band. Here's a break down of the songs we played.

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear arrangement by Candi Pearson-Shelton

We opened the service with an arrangement from Candi Pearson's Christmas album. It's just electric rhythm with an organ accompany.

Hark! The Herald Angel Sings arrangement by goodbyeme

We did the same version as last week. This is one of my favorites. It's a good arrangement and a lot of fun to play. It's unlike most Christmas songs, and that's why I liked it.

Angels We Have Heard On High arrangement by goodbyeme

Another one of my favorites. I love how Christmas music uses language normal people never use and verbs you didn't know existed. I love singing this one.

The First Noel arrangement by Phil Wickham

My new favorite Christmas song, hands down. I love the arrangement. I've apparently got a little country still left in me even though I haven't spent a Christmas in Chiefland in 11 years.

O Come, All Ye Faithful arrangement by goodbyeme

This is another one of my favorite arrangements. This weeks was especially good.

O Holy Night arrangement by goodbyeme

I was a little scared singing this song. Normally this is one amazing vocalists put on their Christmas album to show off their vocal quality. Since my vocal quality is novice at best, our focus was on the music and dynamics. It was a lot of fun and we did really well. I was very pleased.

Silent Night w/ How He Loves arrangement by goodbyeme

Good way to end the service. Did an a cappella verse at the end. Felt like it really brought it home.

Merry Christmas everyone! Hug the babies. Have a wonderful week.

LIFEBASICS.tv

12/12 Set List

2010-12-13T11:06:00.000-05:00

Did a couple new (arrangements of) songs this week. Despite getting in the building 45 minutes late and my mic battery going dead on the last song, I think it was a really good service. (And we still pulled it off because our sound team is literally amazing!)

What Child is This? (arrangement by goodbyeme)

The last few years we've done an instrumental version of this song so I decided to change it up a little bit. Normally it was just TJ and myself, but this year we added the whole band and took it to another level. It was a lot of fun to play. You'll probably hear it again this Sunday!

Joy to the World (arrangement by goodbyeme)

I love opening with this song. It's one of the classic Christmas songs.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (arrangement by goodbyeme)

I took what we did last year and expanded on it a little. I used a song called "Wish List" by Neon Trees for inspiration. I basically took the intro from that song and arranged the rest myself. It's always interesting taking songs which normally have orchestras and horn sections to back them up and relate it to a rock band setting. I think it sounded good though, and it was a lot of fun to play.

The First Noel (arrangement by Phil Wickham)

This was one of my favorite arrangements from his Christmas album. I wasn't sure it would work for our setting, but it ended up being a band favorite. It's always a lot of fun to break out of our normal routine and play something different. This is probably my most favorite Christmas song all year. Check out Phil Wickham's Christmas album. It's only $10 and it's really, really good. http://www.philwickham.com/

O Little Town of Bethlehem w/ Cannons (arrangement by goodbyeme)

I decided to do like we did with "Silent Night" and add a chorus or two from a non-Christmas song. I wasn't sure how it would work out, but it ended up sounding pretty good. I was very happy with it.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel (arrangement by Phil Wickham)

Again, from the Phil Wickham Christmas album. I changed a little from his version to fit our band, but for the most part we did it the same way. This had always been one of my favorites. I think it's the minor chords that make it sound different from all the other Christmas songs. It almost sounds too serious, or sad, but that juxtaposed with the hopeful lyrics makes it a very cool combination.

Next week will be our last full band Christmas service. Make sure you come out next week. It'll be a lot of fun. There will be lots of wassailing.

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12/5 Set List

2010-12-06T13:50:00.000-05:00

It's December. Month of the Christmas!! I'm not including the author to most of the songs just because most of them have been translated from different languages. To do a quick read-up click on the title and it'll link you to the wiki page. They're pretty interesting to read about!

Rejoice by Chris Tomlin

We opened with a non-Christmas song, but I still really enjoyed it (when I remembered to put my capo on the right fret...eesh...). The song is more about God being our shelter and refuge, but I feel like the chorus ties it into the Christmas message.

Angels We Have Heard On High

I kind of modeled our version after the one Six Pence Non the Richer did a few years back. We changed a little, but used that as our guide. I really like this one as well. One of my favorites.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

I used Phil Wickham's version of this song for inspiration. He's got one of the best Christmas albums I've heard in a long time. You can download it off his website for $10. All his arrangements are good.

O Come All Ye Faithful

We played the same version we did last week. This one's another one of my favorites. I really enjoy the musical bridge and just the entire song as well. I think the piano ballad is a nice touch.

Silent Night w/ How He Loves by John Mark McMillan

One of the classic Christmas songs with one of my all time favorite worship songs. We basically did the first three verses of Silent Night with a short musical break between the 2nd and 3rd, then after the 3rd sang 3 choruses of How He Loves. I was looking forward to this one the most. We'll do it soon again!

I hope everyone's having a very merry December so far. Only 19 days til Christmas. And remember: Family, not firs. Love, not lights. Baby, not boxes.

Our First Xmas Tree...

2010-12-02T08:23:00.000-05:00

...and yes...it's Garnet & Gold... (State Champs. Holla.)

11/28 Set List

2010-11-29T09:08:00.001-05:00

We started our Christmas season yesterday at LIFEBASICS. From now until New Years we'll mainly be playing Christmas music. My goal is to play all your favorite Christmas songs while adding our own style and flavor to each one. We will occasionally be mixing in a few "non-Christmas" songs here and there, so be on the lookout for those as well.

Here is Our King by David Crowder Band

I love doing this song around Christmas time. Even though the song is more about renewal and healing we know there's only One who can give it to us. He is our King. He is Jesus.

Joy to the World, lyrics by Issac Watts, music by Lowell Mason

I thought this was an appropriate song to start our Christmas season with. This is exactly what this season is about. We should be rejoicing. The Lord has come. We did a pretty straight forward pop version of the song. I looked up other acoustic/rock bands who have played this song to get inspiration.

We Love You, Jesus by Shane & Shane

Again, this is not a Christmas song but I thought it had an appropriate message. Besides this one's just fun to play. We'll probably play this one a couple times in the next few weeks.

O, Come, All Ye Faithful by John F. Wade

While doing research on this song I learned it was orginially titled "Adeste Fideles." It was a Latin hymn and the words were translated to English, where we get our version. Most of the versions I've heard of this song have a lot of pomp and circumstance. They seem to always have a huge horn section, big choir, strings, crescendos, and so on. I decided to take it back to the roots. We sang it as a piano ballad. Very soft, very minimal. But for the musical break between verse 2 and verse 3 we decided to crank up the volume a little and rip the electric guitar solo. I really enjoyed it and thought it sounded amazing! It was a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to playing it again very soon.

Glory in the Highest by Chris Tomlin

This is another "anytime" song, but I love the lyrics and I think it fits nicely in a Christmas set.

Since I missed posting it last week, here's the set list from 11/21:

All We Need by Charlie Hall
Salvation is Here by Hillsong United
One Who Overcomes by Phil Wickham
Center by Charlie Hall
You Never Let Go by Matt Redman

Hope to see you next Sunday.

LIFEBASICS.tv

Thanksgiving - The Father

2010-11-23T15:37:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years has always been a sort of Trinity of Holidays for me. Here’s my take. We’ll start with Thanksgiving...

Thanksgiving is one of my all time favorite holidays. A couple years ago I came to the realization that people in my family where just regular people living life the way I was.

When you’re a kid I don’t think you realize that your parents and grandparents don’t know everything. They had to figure it out just like you did. They weren’t always parents.

Once I realized this simple little fact I was amazed at how much they must have sacrificed and even their parents before them. It was very humbling. I hope when I have children I’m able to do as good of a job as them.

I feel like in this trinity of holidays Thanksgiving is definitely the Father. All things come from Him. All thanks needs to be directed back to Him. Without Him there is no life. Just like without my parents I wouldn’t have life, without our Heavenly Father no one would have life.

This Thanksgiving as you enjoy time with your children and parents, think about your true Father. Think about all He’s given you and be thankful. And enjoy your family. And remember the one’s passed on.

11/14 Set List

2010-11-11T22:48:00.000-05:00

Band practice was tonight and it was good. I'm pretty excited about the set list for this week. I love all these songs.

O Praise Him by David Crowder* Band

This has got to be one of my favorite worship songs. It's one of the best acoustic guitar intros ever. It's really simple, but I just love it. And when the bass and drums come in during the first verse it just makes the song for me. That's the best part.

Cannons by Phil Wickham

This is another one of my favorites. I think this is one the entire band likes to play. It's just fun. It's also got some of my favorite lyrics. Big God.

Beautiful Jesus by Kristian Stanfill

During practice tonight I got the goose bumps when we went to the bridge. You know it's a good song if you get the goose bumps.

I Need Words by David Crowder* Band

This one's old school David Crowder. I just love the lyrics. "I need words as wide as sky / I need a language large as this longing inside / I need a voice bigger than mine / I need a song to sing You / That I've yet to find"

Sing, Sing, Sing by Chris Tomlin

It's been a while since we've done this song. It's a lot of fun though. I'm excited to dust it off and turn it up.

Hope you guys like the set list. It should be a fun service. Now for the links...