Don’t forget that this Saturday is Freedom Fest!  The last three years, we’ve averaged over 10,000 people and we’re expecting another big crowd this year.  With that said, let me say a few things about Freedom Fest 2008:

• If you’re one of our amazing volunteers, thank you in advance for all you’re going to do to help us pull off this big event! 
• If you’ve never been to Freedom Fest before, make sure you stay after the concert for the fireworks (this is not your average neighborhood fireworks show…we go all out!)
• If you’re planning on showing up toward the end of the night, you might want to change your plans and come earlier.  There will be people everywhere, and the sooner you get here, the better seats you’ll be able to secure (which reminds me, bring a blanket and some chairs)

We can’t wait to see all of you this Saturday, and if you have any questions, or just want to know more about Freedom Fest 2008, click here.

If for some reason, you missed Leadership Weekend 2008, let me summarize the events of these two nights as quickly as I can.  On Friday night alone…

• Batman and Robin showed up
• We released our first ever mini-movie (I hope I’ll be able to put that online soon!)
• Our pastor challenged us in a major way
• The age-graded breakout sessions were a homerun
• Mark and Amber rocked the house with a parody of Bon Jovi’s “Dead or Alive”
• We treated our volunteers and their kids to free ice cream (we paid two ice cream trucks to wait outside at the end of the night and we let them get whatever they wanted)

Saturday was great too, as we played Mario Kart Wii, gave away a bunch of gift cards, and talked about our core values as a church.  Of course, the highlight of Saturday morning was seeing all of our amazing volunteers step up and sign their names on our giant poster, committing to do whatever it takes to make a difference for Jesus Christ in this community. I could say more, but I won’t.  I think the following video will validate that this past weekend was amazing.   

I thought I would pass along a couple of suggestions for you to download.  I’m currently wearing these five songs out and I thought that those of you who appreciate good music might enjoy them too.   

1. “Healer” by Hillsong -  This is one of the most moving and powerful songs I’ve ever heard, even more so after watching this video.

2. “Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath- I can’t listen to this one without being convicted of my lack of love for other people.

3. “While I’m Waiting” by John Waller-  Just found out about this song and I love it! 

4. “The Impossible Dream” by Luther Vandross- I know this isn’t a “Christian” song, but get over it…I love this song!!  I remember first hearing this version during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.  I loved it then and I love it just as much now. 

5. “Happy Day” by Fee or Tim Hughes-  This is one of those songs that once you start singing it, you’ll be singing it for the next few days. 

So, what are you listening to these days?  I’m always looking for good music and would love to hear what’s playing in your world.

It’s time for another edition of “What’s playing on Matt’s i-Pod”.  I don’t know that anybody really cares what I listen to or not, but I enjoy sharing anyway.I haven’t downloaded a lot of music lately, but I have been playing a few recent downloads an awful lot, and I thought I would pass them along.  Here they are, in no particular order:

1. “Hosanna” by Hillsong United- I love almost everything Hill Song United puts out, but this may be my favorite.  Powerful song.   

2. “God of this City” by Chris Tomlin- This is the latest amazing song from one of the great songwriters of our time.  I think about Warner Robins every time I listen to it.

3. “How He Loves” by John Mark McMillan- I’d never heard of this guy or this song until a couple of days ago when I was reading someone else’s blog and he commented on it.  I love the story behind the song maybe more than I even love the song itself. 

4. “Opposite Way” by Leeland-  I really love Leeland’s music.  And this particular song is from their new album, and I especially love the lyrics!   

5. “That’s How You Know” by Amy Adams- I’m not saying that this is my favorite song in the world, but I am saying that I can’t get it out of my head.  It’s from the movie, Enchanted, and is one of a few classic Disney songs that will be playing in the mini-van for months to come.  I promise you that once you listen to this one, you’ll find yourself singing it throughout your day. 

Instead of doing my usual once a month blog on what I’m currently listening to, I thought I would just share my favorite love songs of all time.  Tonight and tomorrow night at “Married Life Live” (there are a few tickets still available at the church office if you want to come!), you’ll hear some of these songs, but not all of them.  Anyway, the following five songs are my favorite love songs of all time.

1.       “Everything I Do (I Do It For You)” by Bryan Adams- I’m sorry if you hate this song, but this is without a doubt my favorite love song of all time.  Nothing comes close to this one.  I know there’s the line, “I’d lie for you”, but I don’t really care.  It’s still my favorite love song of all time.   

2.       “My Girl” by The Temptations- Who doesn’t like to sing this song at the top of their lungs?  It’s a classic love song, and it’s probably number one on your list if you’re over the age of 50. 

3.       “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King- Just like, “My Girl”, I love to belt this song out!   

4.       “You’re the Inspiration” by Chicago- Great love song!  Enough said! 

5.       “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers-  If this song were easier to sing, it would probably be higher up on my list, but nonetheless it is still a classic love song and one of the all time greats.   

Honorable Mention:  “Unforgettable” by Nat “King” Cole, “I’ll Stand By You” by Carrie Underwood, “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke, “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol

So, just curious.  What is your favorite love song of all time?

It’s that time again when I let you know what’s playing on my i-Pod these days. 

I don’t know how it is for you, but it’s always strange for me in transitioning back to normal music after listening almost non-stop to Christmas music for a month and a half.  And it doesn’t help when my three year old son, Brody, is still walking around the house singing Jingle Bells at the top of his lungs. 

Anyway, the following five songs have helped me get back on track, so, without further adieu, here is what I’m currently enjoying:

1. “Witch Doctor” by Alvin and the Chipmunks-  I’m sure that I shouldn’t be recommending music with the title “witch” in it, but after we went and saw the movie over Christmas break, I couldn’t get this song out of my head:  “Ooh eee, ooh ah ah, ting tang, walla walla, bing bang.  Ooh eee, ooh ah ah, ting tang walla walla, bing bang”

2. “Up to the Mountain” by Kelly Clarkson- A very moving song based on a speech given by Martin Luther King Jr., entitled “I’ve been to the Mountaintop.”  The speech was actually given the day before he was assassinated.   It is one powerful song. 

3. “Pray” by M.C. Hammer- I’m talking about prayer on Wednesday nights, and I’ve been enjoying listening to this fun song…“You’ve got to pray just to make it today!”

4. “We Shine” by Steve Fee-  I love this worship leader and I love this song!

5. “HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA’A” from High School Musical 2-  This is just a fun song to listen to if you have little ones riding in the car with you.  If you haven’t seen the movie, I won’t even begin to try and explain the song.