No, my daughter Betsy isn’t pregnant, nor is Josh’s wife, Amber. Brenda just called me “grandpa” last night as we were scanning the TV for something to watch. Her nickname is given in reference to some of the shows I tend to like. As we were looking through the Thursday night lineup after our beloved The Office and Parks and Recreation were finished, I thumbed through the DVR list and found a fresh episode of the local PBS station’s Tennessee Crossroads. Each episode, as they tell it. “…travels the highways and byways of Tennessee, highlighting the personalities, crafts, places, foods and events that make Tennessee special and its character unique.” I pushed play and the first thing Brenda did was look in my direction to say, “You’re gonna watch one of your ‘grandpa’ shows again.”

She says the same when I watch an episode of the Lawrence Welk Show. I know it sounds silly, but I love to go back in time, listen to the old songs, make fun of the outrageous costumes and styles, and mock Bobby, along with his dancing partner of the week. But generally, I sink into the cozy armchair that is my memory of growing up in the 60s and 70s, during family gatherings and holidays.

There’s another show I watch on RFD-TV (what they themselves call Rural America’s Most Important Network). It’s Larry’s Country Diner. The show is taped here in Nashville from a fake diner, hosted by Larry Black and his cast of small-town characters, along with a sheriff and my favorite gossip, Nadine. She always breaks into the diner unannounced and humorously ruminates on the days doings in a “Church Lady-meets-Minnie Pearl” sort of way. I love the corny humor. Again, it’s probably me reaching back to a simple, less-complicated time in life. Brenda automatically leaves the room when I am watching any these shows.

I have been sampling some of the new fall TV offerings and, frankly, many of them are a bit crass for my taste. I can’t believe I’m casting judgement like an old man sitting on a park bench. To be fair, there are a lot of great shows on, and I gobble them up weekly via my trusted DVR. But I will continue to watch my “old guy” shows, even if I’m all alone. Grandpa fits me pretty well–I guess I’ll be a real one soon enough, anyway!

This morning I awoke to the power being out in our house. The silence–no air conditioning noise, inside or out; TVs off; computers out, etc.–made everything deathly quiet. My mind raced to the conclusion: “What do I do now?”

I was relieved when–after wondering if I paid the power bill, and running through a mental list of how I was gonna get stuff done with no electricity–in just under an hour, the ceiling fan over my head started turning and all was back to normal.

Sometimes things unexpectedly happen in life, just like a power outage. Maybe an accident, an illness, a job loss, or a marital/ relational difficulty stops us in our tracks. The first thing we think (i.e. power bill) is: “What did I do (or not do) to get in this predicament?” Many times there are no answers. Then we think: “How can life go on?” The situation we find ourselves in can bring about a complete halt in activity.

I have learned that life can go on even in the midst of debilitating circumstances. The fact is: we are not powerless. Even the most mundane activities can keep our lives moving. Brenda and I have often reminded each other what Elizabeth Elliot has said on the subject:

“When I went back to my jungle station after the death of my first husband, Jim Elliot, I was faced with many confusions and uncertainties. I had a good many new roles, besides that of being a single parent and a widow. I was alone on a jungle station that Jim and I had manned together. I had to learn to do all kinds of things, which I was not trained or prepared in any way to do. It was a great help to me simply to do the next thing.

Have you had the experience of feeling as if you’ve got far too many burdens to bear, far too many people to take care of, far too many things on your list to do? You just can’t possibly do it, and you get in a panic and you just want to sit down and collapse in a pile and feel sorry for yourself.

Well, I’ve felt that way a good many times in my life, and I go back over and over again to an old Saxon legend, which I’m told is carved in an old English parson somewhere by the sea. I don’t know where this is. But this is a poem which was written about that legend. The legend is ‘Do the next thing.’

The poem says, ‘Do it immediately, do it with prayer, do it reliantly, casting all care. Do it with reverence, tracing His hand who placed it before thee with earnest command. Stayed on omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing, leave all resultings, do the next thing.’ That is a wonderfully saving truth. Just do the next thing.”

(From a Back to the Bible transcript, Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc.)

So when life throws us a challenge, like a power outage, there are certainly somethings we will not be able to do. But if we improvise, lighting candles and making use of the quiet moment, we may begin to hear the still, small voice of God speaking to us (1 Kings 19:12). And that just might be the reason for the “power outage” God allowed in our life.

I have to remember: the electricity will return; it always does.

I have always enjoyed instrumentals. I was born in 1960 when Percy Faith’s “Theme From A Summer Place” was playing on every radio in the country. My dad raised me on Big Band Swing and my mom, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. My ear was always attuned to surf guitar instrumentals, dripping with reverb, and accompanying the myth that brought so many to the beaches not far from my Fullerton home. Even as a southern Californian, I was drawn to Bluegrass and country music with all the furious guitar picking.

Without a single word, the listener is free to wander through an instrumental’s sonic wonderland, creating personal vistas and story lines. A simple melody in a hymn can fill us with emotion–stirring memories of loved ones, inspiring faith and devotion.

After all these years, I am compelled to produce my own instrumental CD. I have picked a few hymns with familiar melodies, but most of the songs are new compositions including electric and acoustic offerings. A few of the songs were written many years ago, just waiting for an opportunity like this to come out of hiding. Other songs were recently inspired. I have several songs in various stages of production. When I have ten, mixed and mastered, I will release the CD on all of the internet download sites like iTunes, Rhapsody and Amazonmp3.com.

I am so excited! I have been working hard on a daily basis to keep on track for an early 2012 release. I will update everyone with a few teasers as songs become ready to present.

By the way, Gary Sadler and I are putting final touches on a Christmas song we wrote called “Hope of the World.” We will have it as a free download beginning sometime in October. We want to bring attention to the fact that our new CD will finally be coming out in the first quarter of 2012. We will announce the free download website in the coming weeks. So if you sign up for our newsletter, you can have the song to enjoy over the holidays. We are very excited about the new CD. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. I’ll keep you posted on the instrumental and the new Harvill|Sadler project!

As days get shorter and fall begins to cast it’s long shadow over the land, I want to mention 10 of this year’s music releases that became my summer soundtrack.

First, I have to mention Tedeschi Trucks Band and their excellent release, Revelator. I got to see the Allman Brothers two years ago and was impressed with Derek Trucks and his flawless slide guitar playing. After listening to his wife Susan Tedeschi sing, I was sold on the complete package. The songs and the production compliment the excellent performances.

Second, I loved Keb Mo‘s Reflection CD. I wasn’t an avid listener before Reflection, but seeing him perform “Whole Enchilada” on Conan O’Brien gave me the curiosity to listen to the entire record. Its layered with excellent electric and acoustic guitar with a “Steely Dan” treatment here and there, augmented by killer lady background vocals. A must get!

Third, I’ll have to mention George Thorogood and his 2120 South Michigan Avenue. I normally wouldn’t have gone in this direction if it were not for Amazonmp3.com offering the record at a crazy discount. When I listened to the first track, “Going Back,” and the ZZ Top-like riff, I was gonna listen to this record all the way through. I have. Several times…and now I’m a fan!

Fourth, I want to mention Glen Campbell and his swansong recording, Ghost on the Canvas. I wrote about this on a blog recently. It really is a wonderful production surrounding Campbell’s voice, guitar work and great songs. I was delighted to see Campbell put trust in his producer, Julian Raymond, to bring a modern sound to this record. It reminds me of Rick Rubin’s work with Johnny Cash–not in sound or production, but in utilizing a visionary producer who can inspire, focus and craft the performance of a legend.

Fifth, Levon Helm and the Ramble at the Ryman CD. What can I say? I adored his recent studio albums, Dirt Farmer and Electric Dirt. So a live version of similar goodness was welcomed. Special guests like Sheryl Crow, John Hiatt and Buddy Miller bring variety to the record. A real fun listen!

Sixth, Michael Franks and Time Together. I became a fan with 1977′s Sleeping Gypsy and have followed him ever since. I was fortunate enough to see him live at the Franklin (TN) Jazz Festival in 2001. His records are the soundtrack to summer. Plus, he’s a huge Antonio Carlos Jobim fan, like me!

Seventh, J.D. Souther: Natural History. Wow. This guy has written everything…well almost. He has co-written several Eagles hits and penned many Linda Ronstadt songs. His most recent “hit” Eagles song, is “How Long,” from the Long Road Out of Eden CD. He also co-wrote the Eagles songs ” “Sad Cafe” from The Long Run, “New Kid In Town” and “Best of My Love.” His famous solo hit was 1979′s “You’re Only Lonely.” Souther’s Natural History CD contains fresh, un-plugged versions of most of the songs just mentioned. His tenor voice still shines.

Eighth, Steve Miller: Let Your Hair Down. Miller has been pigeon-holed with “The Joker” and “Fly Like An Eagle.” His latest two records were released on his own label and really spotlight his blues guitar chops. Let Your Hair Down was the second to be released, Bingo! was the first. I champion an artist who doesn’t wait for some big record company to promote their music. Miller already has a sturdy following, so he made the records he wanted to make–his way. Score!

Ninth, Social Distortion: Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes. These guys have been around forever. This record is one I would have never sampled except for an Amazonmp3.com deal. I downloaded it and was swept-up in killer guitar tones, great vocals and excellent lyrics. Plus, these guys are my age, and are from my hometown of Fullerton, California!

Tenth, Peter Wolf. Okay, so he didn’t release a record this year. Still, Peter is a huge favorite of mine. I was a marginal fan way back in his J. Geils Band days. They made a few super hits in the early eighties and catapulted into mega status with, “Centerfold” and “Freeze-Frame.” I always loved his voice, though. Several years ago I saw Wolf perform on T.V. as a solo artist promoting his 2002 Sleepless record. I became a huge fan after I heard the whole CD. His writing and singing are still stellar, but his production–with all the great guitar and organic keyboard layering–is riveting to me. I had to go back and gobble-up 1998′s Fool’s Parade. His latest, 2010′s Midnight Souvenirs, just ups the ante for me.

I’m looking for the new records out this fall from Ryan Adams, Coldplay, Brian Wilson and Vince Gill. I hope they won’t disappoint. I’ll let you know…

There has been much written about the pastor/ worship leader relationship, but up until now, I haven’t seen a proper perspective given from the worship leader. While understanding the great need for organization and administration in the church, I feel that there has been a proliferation of corporate doctrine streaming into church leadership as of late, where the Senior Pastor and/or Administrative Pastor are inadvertently becoming more like CEOs rather than shepherds. Thus, church leaders can make the mistake of forcing worship leaders into a corporate mold rather than foster creativity, for which they were hired and are paid to accomplish (a warm, personal, excellently delivered opportunity for the congregation to experience the presence of God). I understand that there is a level of organization and preparedness with which a worship leader must function to prosper on a church staff. But a great worship leader with great administrative abilities usually doesn’t exist–there must be a mix, with worship leading being the primary skill set.

Every once in a while I come across an article or a blog that is worth re-posting. I have served on church staffs for more than 30 years and rarely do I see a commentary that articulates a matter as well as the following piece. When I read the post in it’s original form, out of the eleven points made, some of them didn’t resonate with me and, frankly, some were controversial. As a result, I didn’t re-post the blog in it’s entirety, but have included the points where I found myself hollering, “Yes!” (To see the original post and all eleven points, I have included a link at the end).

The author is Carlos Whittaker. He has served on staff at at Buckhead Church in Atlanta, GA, one of the three North Point Community Church campuses. He is currently a worship leader and recording artist with Integrity Music.

Dear administrator person who oversees [the] worship leader…

1. It’s not that they don’t want to be organized, it’s just that they won’t ever have that skill set, because you hired them to do something else. Help them. Don’t grade them.

2. You’re view looking at the back of people’s heads as they worship is only 1/2 the view. Trust what your worship leader sees and he will trust what you see. Both of your perspectives are vital.

3. “Office Hours” need not be primarily in your office. They need to be outside of the offices to be inspired. Let them.

4. If you are going to call them a “worship leader” then let them actually “lead” something else other than songs on a Sunday. Give them leadership opportunities with your staff.

5. Let them off at least one Sunday every 8 weeks. And let your preacher off too. There is nothing worse than creating a culture of robotic worship leadership and preaching. It will bring freshness. I promise.

6. You let the pastor preach from notes. Give them a confidence monitor for those new songs.

7. Relationship will go much farther than Performance Reviews. If there is no relationship, they will dread and despise anything you say in those review meetings. If there is relationship, they will not only take notes, but grow in their leadership faster than Usain Bolt on his best day.

Link to original blog post:

11 Tips For The Administrator Who Oversees The Worship Leader

I spent the weekend in San Antonio officiating a wedding for some friends. Since the ceremony wasn’t until Saturday evening, I took advantage of the beautiful Riverwalk and other sites, just a stroll from my hotel.

A light rain forced me indoors for a short rest, but I had one more stop before the wedding: The Alamo. As I came upon the mission facade–the famous backdrop for all movies and photos–it seemed so small in real life. I thought of Pee Wee Herman with his odyssey and search for the stolen red bike. And I confirm, there is no basement in the Alamo.

In a courtyard, I listened to a lecture about the turmoil which led up to the historic siege on the small mission outpost in 1836. I made my way to the museum and then to the gift shop. When I approached a young lady there about the IMAX film shown on the premises, she looked at me and asked the question I have been dreading. “Sir, are you a senior?” I know I didn’t misunderstand her; she didn’t say señor–as in Spanish for mister. Yep, I’m certain. She looked straight at me and basically communicated, “Hey old man, if you are as old as I think you are, you can save a few bucks on the movie. And by the way, wheelchairs are available if you need one.” Well, she really didn’t say that…but it’s what my heart heard, anyway! Really, a senior citizen?

So if you’re 51 years old, visiting San Antonio, and have a little gray in you beard and at the temples, don’t ask a young person for ticket prices. They just might remind you that death is eminent. And for that incident, I’ll always remember the Alamo!

Today started with an early morning scurry to get to the airport for a 7:15 flight to San Antonio, TX. I am half way to my destination, sitting in Houston with my laptop, writing this.

The process for each trip always involves making sure each electronic device is fully charged, every needed accessory is packed and my reservations are intact with an e-ticket waiting. Today, I am fully wireless. I can reach anyone and, unfortunately, can be reached by everyone. I have all of my magazines available in digital form on my iPad, email and IM on my Android, and all of my work files stored on my MacBook. All of this was but a geeky dream 20 years ago.

The problem is, I still like real magazines and real books. Even though my Kindle is filled with e-books, there’s still something about the tactile experience of turning real pages and, most importantly, the smell of the ink on paper.

I like vinyl records, too. The experience of listening to them one side at a time, all the while studying the liner notes and pictures, is something kids can’t relate to today. I still definitely prefer real tube guitar amplifiers over digital, virtual amps. Some musicians still prefer analog 2-inch tape over digital recording.

As I ponder the days of analog with the shag carpeted, orange-hue of the Seventies, and never being “connected,” I begin to see that I really never want to go back there. So many advantages are brought to us via digital. When I traveled in the old days, I had to depend on payphones or hotel operators to communicate with family. That adventure was always full of logistical and financial challenges, especially with overseas travel.

So, as I finish this, I am hearing the call to get on the flight to San Antonio. Hey, never mind all of that foolishness about analog. It’s a good memory, but I’ll take digital over analog any day. I’ll finish this, check my email messages on the phone and head down the aisle to my seat…maybe do a few last-minute things on my iPad before they close the door and make us turn our toys off.

At least travel is still analog. One day, maybe we’ll be looking back to when people traveled without a Star Trek transporter “beaming us up.” Until then, I’ll be patient.

It was in the summer of 1977, during a date after an Angels game, that I first heard Foreigner and the song “Feels Like the First Time” on my car radio. I was blown away! The lead singer of this new group, Lou Gramm, would become one of the greatest singers in rock history. I rushed to the record store to buy the self-titled Foreigner album, studied the illustrated cover (photo above) and read the liner notes. I learned that the band was comprised of six guys–three British and three Americans. Soon, the music went viral and the whole world knew of Foreigner. Just like the phenomena with the group Boston a year earlier, everyone had a copy of their record.

The two standout members in Foreigner were also the chief songwriters of the group. Mick Jones, a guitar-slinging refugee from the English group, Spooky Tooth, was out to create a super-group culled from both sides of the pond. Youthful Lou Gramm, a golden-voiced Rochester, New York native, auditioned for the band while on hiatus from his own group, The Black Sheep. In early 1977, after Gramm spent several days in NYC with Jones, putting his iconic vocals on the soon to be famous tracks, he was invited to be the front man of Foreigner.

Over the years, Foreigner released back to back albums with singles adding up to several top hits, including songs like “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” and “Juke Box Hero.”

2011 marks the 30th anniversary of Foreigner 4 which, arguably, is the masterpiece of their career. Its hard to fathom that three decades have passed since I purchased that cassette tape in a record store somewhere in the midwest while on tour with my own band. That record inspired me as a guitar player, singer and songwriter. My loyalty to the band continues even as Foreigner releases a Wal Mart exclusive, three-disc set this week (a fresh recording of their hits, along with an unplugged acoustic version, and a concert DVD, filmed earlier in March, 2011). Needless to say, I am a big fan.

Foreigner has experienced personnel changes on just about every album since their debut in 1977. In 1992, Lou Gramm made a decision to get sober and, in the process of recovery, became a Christian. He continued to tour and record with the group even as evolving radio formats refused to play their new songs–only the older hits. Gramm made a few solo records and remained with the group until a brain tumor brought everything to a screeching halt. Three months after the surgery, Gramm was back on the road with the band. Over the ensuing months, his health wasn’t getting better and his weight gain, due to therapeutic steroids, added an extra 100 pounds to this previously lanky rocker’s frame. Audiences were shocked.

He has since left Foreigner to form his own self-titled group, along with his two brothers. I came upon an interview today from the CBN website that Lou Gramm gave in November, 2009. I was inspired with his story and testimony. Even as Foreigner releases a new CD this week, Lou Gramm’s legacy still resounds in the hearts of fans to this day.

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Today, September 12, 2011, has been designated the National Day of Encouragement. Brenda tweeted this last week and made the point that it is appropriate placement, following the tenth anniversary of the attacks on 9/11.

Sometimes we need to retreat–to take cover and rest after a day like yesterday. It was hard to dodge the many 9/11 specials all over TV. I saw one program on MSNBC that touted the injustices inflicted on detainees at Guantanamo Bay. If there was a more inappropriate day to air that special, I know not one. It was so sad to see families on other networks as they tearfully remembered their fallen loved ones.

So a Day of Encouragement is due. Sometimes the road gets long, we get weary and faith can waver.  I’m ready for some good news today. It may be in the form of a compliment, or as a great future opportunity. Today, the greatest hope and encouragement comes from God. When I read Jeremiah 29:11, my spirit is lifted: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Basking in the warmth of those words, have a great National Day of Encouragement!

At the age of 15, my father sat in a movie theater near Los Angeles in December of 1941. The feature was suddenly halted and every serviceman in attendance was summoned to duty. Japan had just bombed Pearl Harbor, a little known name to Americans back then. It would become an infamous place on the map, and the occasion an infamous day in American history. The moment is vivid in my dad’s mind each time he tells the story. He usually ends the account with, “We must never forget.”

In 2001, we had just sold our home in North Carolina, looking to relocate to Tennessee and, in the mean time, were staying with Brenda’s parents for a few days in Mobile, Alabama. We gathered around the living room TV after the news broke that the first tower had been struck. We continued to watch in disbelief as the awful truth slowly unfolded and world changed before our eyes. Brenda and I mentioned how, just a few years earlier, we rode the subway to the Towers on a trip to New York and took the iconic escalators that led many to their doom. It was a helpless sight to see the jumpers, and to realize that thousands were trapped with no recourse but to wait and pray for rescue. It was a terrible day– one that could make a happy-go-lucky person become cynical and bitter.

I was just 3 years old when the world changed back in November, 1963. As Kennedy lay lifeless in a Dallas hospital, the people of this great country reacted in much the same fashion as on 9/11, my elders tell me. What was once a post-WWII climate of positivity and economic prosperity–with babies being born in record numbers, new home building and interstate highways creating a single nation out of scattered regions– instantly became a more fearful place as Kennedy faced-down Kruschev, close to home, during the Bay of Pigs debacle. When Kennedy was struck down a few years later, it ushered in a new brand of fright: America was vulnerable to attack from within it’s own borders. Whatever the case, the fact is, we Americans are vulnerable. We seem to forget, over time. When our economy is on an upswing, and our bellies are full, the threat to our freedom becomes a hazy memory from the past.

This weekend, as we sit around the TV to take in all of the 9/11 tenth anniversary remembrances, we must also remember that a dark world exists outside our comfy homes. I’m not trying to be morose, just speaking the truth. Our naive tendency is to believe that good dwells in all humanity. I will say now that, outside of the Spirit of God, evil dwells in the heart of man. In the Bible, Jeremiah 17:9 says, The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (NIV)” Where there is an opportunity for power, humans will do whatever it takes to gain the upper hand. Therefore, we must never forget that dreadful day when the planes crashed into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and into that lonely field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We must never forget–because if we’re not careful, it could happen again.

We must remember the rescuers and the fallen this weekend . The many souls who perished in the flames and rubble will forever be honored in our hearts and in history. Like my dad says, “We must never forget.”