Thursday, July 10, 2008

The Little Drummer Boy

As a mother, there is nothing more thrilling than to see my son's smile and hear his glee-filled laughter. I know every mother can attest to that. Well, the other night Noah got his first drum set. Now, this isn't a Fisher Price drum set. Rather, it is the miniature real deal drum set. It is so cute. Since we sit directly in front of Uncle Jason on the drums at church, it has been very easy for him to develop a keen interest in drumming... not to mention he loves his Uncle Jason.

A few months ago, Nana, Aunt Heather, and I began noticing that Noah paid close attention to the drumming during worship. He stares. He is awestruck. He is glued to Uncle Jason on those drums. One service Aunt Heather decided to let him borrow a drumstick from the music department during a pre-service practice, and that was the end of the beginning. Now he has to have a drumstick for every practice just about. He also will point to the drums and hope that whoever is holding him will take him near Jason. If he's not being held, he will walk to the altar area closest to the drums and bang his fists (or a drumstick) on the altar. I even caught him climbing up the stairs after service one Sunday night to get to the drums... a major no-no (We don't allow him to climb onto the platform). So to indulge him a little bit, Papa and Uncle Jay sometimes let Noah sit on their laps and play the drums while Nana and Aunt Heather sometimes carry him to watch the drums during altar call. Now, even our Music Minister and his wife, Bro. and Sis. Zane Isaacson are indulging his love for the drums. They did so the other night and let him play on the drums and the bongos for 15+ minutes after church. Noah was in drum heaven.

His dream comes true. The other night we went over to some friends' house who have two boys that take drum lessons. They told us they had bought a smaller drum set for their boys but when they went to pick it up there was a larger drum set that the seller did not want. So they took both and the boys only practice on the larger one... of course ( I mean hey, its the size that Bro.Jason plays on at church). When we got there and the boys showed Noah their two drum sets, Noah got so excited. So, for the first hour we were there Noah seemed like a permanent fixture in their music room and later if he wasn't in the music room playing the drums, he was carrying around the drumsticks. We got ready to leave and our friends just offered to give Noah this little drum set since the boys only used the bigger one. What a blessing!
Noah didn't realize he had just inherited his most favorite thing in the whole world until Sunday night. That's when Bro. Artis brought the drums and stored them in the secretary's office until after church. Knowing this, Nana took him to the office and set him down. When Noah saw the drums he started stomping his feet in place and he made a noise that is interpreted as WOW!" ("UUUhhhhhhh!"). Oh how I wish I could have captured that on video to share with you. Noah had his first drum solo that night after church with an audience of about 50. Noah is going to be the most notable drummer for God's glory one day!!!

So, thank you Bro.Ken and Sis. Holly Artis and their two boys, I have peace no more in my home. Hahaha! And get this... I love it!!! My son's face lights up every time you mention the word "drums." He glows when you tell him to go play the drums and then compliment him on his playing. Sincerely thank you Bro. and Sis. Artis... I really mean it. God bless your sweet family. There is nothing more sweet and precious than to see that adorable little face light up at the sight of his drums.

Gotta have a drink. This drumming makes a guy thirsty!! =)

Saturday, July 5, 2008

ARC Worship Music

I am excited about the 15th annual Alabama Revival Conference this year in Birmingham. It usually takes place at the Birmingham Civic Center, although it has been held at the Cullman Civic Center in its earlier years. This year's dates are July 23rd - 25th beginning with the pm service on the 23rd. We have several speakers lined up who I am thrilled about: Dr. Nathaniel Wilson, Pastor Larry Booker, Pastor Sam Emory, and Evangelist Keith Clark. Alabama is busting at the seams with revival intensity. I believe God is getting the "Bible Belt" ready for a major outpouring of His Spirit. Let me rephrase that its already happening, but you can just feel something MAJOR about to erupt. I am confident that God has something in store for those who are hungry... and our outreach teams have come into contact with so many who are that: HUNGRY.

I am especially excited about this year's music selection for ARC. We have begun practicing in our church services to get the congregation familiar with the songs and music. The other night we had an "Israel" night. It was awesome! For you musicians and song leaders who will not be able to attend ARC here are some incredible worship and praise songs worth learning:

- Strong Tower {DeWayne Woods-"Introducing DeWayne Woods & When Singers Meet"}
(Your musicians will love this one.)
- I Will Search {Lakewood Church-"Free to Worship"}
- Favor {Lakewood Church-"Free to Worship"}
- Say So {Lakewood Church-"Free to Worship"}
-We Have Overcome {Lakewood Church-"Free to Worship"}
-Wrap Me In Your Arms {Battlecry: Worship From the Frontlines}
-When I Speak Your Name {Gateway Worship "Wake Up the World"}