Music--100 Words

Music.

Contemporary Christian. Jazz. Blues. R & B. Sacred harp. Rap. Rock. Classical. Gospel. Alternative.

Different kinds of music. Different tastes, that’s for sure.

Every type of music isn’t for everyone. Some more than others.

While the delivery of music is varied, the results are generally the same.

Music calms the savage beast, or so the old saying goes.

Music certainly calms a crying baby.

Music relaxes a stressed soul.

An unknown person said, “Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.”

Boring Worship--100 Words--Part 1

[Today, I begin a mini-series on worship. Truthfully, I don't know how many blogs I will write about this subject. Maybe two, maybe more. I'll just let my heart and mind be my guide. As always, your comments are welcome.]

Boring worship.

That’s an oxymoron if I have ever heard one.

It shouldn’t exist.

It shouldn’t be accepted.

Not by ministers, nor church members.

In a Christian church, we often talk about the “gospel.” In simplest terms, the gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ—His birth, life, death, resurrection.

When believers gather for worship, we gather in celebration of that gospel.

What can be boring about that? How can we make it boring?

Yet, somehow we do just that.

I’m not pointing fingers. I’m just exhausted with it.

I’m ready for a revolution in worship.

How about you?

Cosmic Cowboy Rides Again

Yesterday, I shared a song with you that I played while employed at Samford University's radio station.

Just for laughs, here's another song that was very popular during those days! I'll be curious if any of you have ever heard the song or can even remember it.

It was quite popular in those days...who knows, maybe the cosmic cowboy will ride again!

Yes, He's Alive!

I went to a small Christian college in Birmingham, Alabama. In my first year there, I had the opportunity to work at the on-campus FM radio station. I believe our signal was actually strong enough to make it completely across the campus--unless it was overcast or fog rolled in.

I really loved working on radio! I had the opportunity to listen to some of the greatest singers and artists of all time! I enjoyed taking requests from friends and fellow students--once I learned that that's what the red blinking light was telling me--someone was calling in a request!

One of the very first songs I played was by Don Francisco.

For old time's sake, enjoy what is probably his greatest hit of all time.

Thursday's A+ Award of the Day

Today’s A+ Award goes to a Ugandan coffee farmer. Here’s his story.

J.J. Keki is the founder and director of Peace Kawomera. Mr. Keki wanted to unite the Christians, Jews, and Muslims in his community. His plan? He decided to form a co-op to sell the coffee they raised and to demonstrate peace to the world.

His neighbors were excited and pleased with his plan. So, they named the company Mirembe Peace Kawomera. Mirembe means peace and Kawomera means that their coffee is quality coffee.

That’s the story behind Mirembe Kawomera Coffee. It all started with J.J. Keki’s dream. J.J. Keki hit the streets, asking Muslim, Christian, and Jewish neighbors to put aside their idealogical differences and create a great coffee with an even better cause.

At this point, Peace Kawomera Cooperative has over 750 members. Because of their collective power, they now sell directly to Thanksgiving Coffee Company and receive four times what they previously made. J.J.’s work has started a chain reaction in the community, as farmers are able to send their children to school, save money, and reinvest.

It’s positive news indeed that something as simple as a cup of coffee can break down religious barriers and help a Ugandan community thrive.

So. Mr. J.J. Keki. You receive today’s A+ Award! Way to go J.J. Way to go!