OVERWHELMED!
Joanna and I just returned from a get-away down in Asheville at The Cove, the Billy Graham Training Center, attending the Integrity Songwriter's Conference. Wow. The instruction was tremendous, the times of worship and praise were inspiring and moving, and the fellowship sweet. There were so many of the artists that were so real and inspiring. Personal favorites are Paul Baloche, Michael Neale, The Desperation Band and Ross Parsley from New Life, the folks at Gateway fellowship, Steve and Vikki Cook, Don Moen, Steve Merkel, Lynn DeShazo, Miriam Webster and others from Hillsongs, the brilliant musicians, like Don Harris, Carl Albrect, Ben Gowen, and so many more. I know personally that I was moved again to greatness. I want to be a greater worshipper, a greater follower of Christ, a greater Elder, a greater husband, a greater songwriter, a greater Christian. But that greatness comes from surrender and humility.

There is so much more to unpack and I will in future posts. But know this, if you ever get a chance to go to a Integrity Songs for Worship Conference, go. I have been to two Songwriter's conferences and I am the richer for it.

Get living on the spiritual "edge,"
Graham - a servant of the Lord Most High

PRAISING GOD IS A PRIVILEGE!
We just finished a 3 hour end-of-summer music practice for the W.A.V.E. Band. We started by reading Psalm 100 and then praying. I know that I needed this to help focus that even though we were going over some new songs and also some already practiced ones, we were doing not for oursleves, even though our very act of worhsip transforms us, we were singing FOR and TO the King of kings. I pray that as we come together that our failings and foibles will be lost in the majesty of praising God and leading others to the throne room.

Recently, I have done some recording and am working hard on finishing a 12 song album. It will be a studio album but it hopefully will capture our W.A.V.E. Band sound as well. It has been a fantastic experience and I am trying to get this accomplished by the end of September. While this may be a bit adventurous, I think it is doable and so I am working diligently and prayerfully to complete this project.

I will try to update this forum with the progression of the songs and when it will abe available.

One more thought on worship. Look on the back of any Integrity Music or Hosanna music recording. There is usually a little note on worship written by the president of Integrity Music. I love this statement because it does help identify that worship will be eternal. Our praises, honor, and glory WILL be given to the Lamb who was slain, the Risen Lord, the only One who sits on the throne(Revelation 5:12). So as we await eternity and the soon return of our Savior let us live lives of worship, surrendered to Him, reaching out to all, and overflowing with His love.

Peace,
Graham