In light of the birth of my miracle baby and the miracle that my wife is still breathing, please take a few minutes to read My Uncle's Take on how this past week is shaping his worship.
Nate
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Focused Worship
In light of the birth of my miracle baby and the miracle that my wife is still breathing, please take a few minutes to read My Uncle's Take on how this past week is shaping his worship.
Nate
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
I'm a Daddy!
1lb 6oz
She is stable, and I'm waiting to go down to NICU to see her. The delivery doc brought us a picture...she has hair (go figure with the two of us). That's all I know.
Tricia is sleeping in ICU. The next 24 hours will be critical for Tricia. She's doing well on the vent, but until she's awake, we won't know fully what the future looks like. I spent 5 minutes with her before they kicked me out to do some things.
I'll give more details later, but 75 people in the OR tells you something of the miracle that today has been so far. Lots of tears, both of fear and of joy.
Your prayers over the next few days will be the most treasured.
Nate
She is stable, and I'm waiting to go down to NICU to see her. The delivery doc brought us a picture...she has hair (go figure with the two of us). That's all I know.
Tricia is sleeping in ICU. The next 24 hours will be critical for Tricia. She's doing well on the vent, but until she's awake, we won't know fully what the future looks like. I spent 5 minutes with her before they kicked me out to do some things.
I'll give more details later, but 75 people in the OR tells you something of the miracle that today has been so far. Lots of tears, both of fear and of joy.
Your prayers over the next few days will be the most treasured.
Nate
Friday, January 4, 2008
Tangible Love
(Originally posted at Confession Of A CF Husband)
In the middle of all this, as I walk the halls of this hospital, seeing people in mourning, pain and stress, overhearing bits of conversations between nurses and doctors and patients and families, I cannot imagine even attempting to go through what we are going through without both God and the people who are surrounding us who also believe in and know Him in a personal way.
We have a hope that cannot be explained or understood in this world alone...a hope that, no matter what happens to my wife and unborn daughter, it will be the best for each of them because God has them exactly where He wants them.
If they both survive the next few days, then weeks, then months, I will have much to be thankful for. And, if either or both of them do not live through this, I know that they will be in Heaven at the feet of a very real God, and that one day I will see them again, and that is truly the greatest joy. I can't imagine not having that hope.
I believe these things to be absolute truth beyond a shadow of a doubt. I don't simply believe that there is a God...I know that He is alive and working in our lives with love and mercy.
You all have been praying for us, and we have felt and seen your prayers in a powerful and real way. Tonight, I will be praying for you. I will pray that you not are not only "touched" by our story, but that you see it for what it really is...simply a small part of the Story of God.
If you already have a real faith in Him, I pray that your faith will be strengthened by our part of the Story and that you will realize your part of the Story can be just as powerful and world-reaching as ours is becoming.
If you do not have a real faith in God, I pray that you will see the truth in our story that goes beyond miracles and faith and compassion...that you will see this as pure evidence, no matter the outcome, of God's desire for you to know Him in a very real and tangible way.
And, I will pray that one day, we can take all of the blessings that you are giving to us and give them back to you and others twofold. We have beautiful friends, Jordan and Patience Leino, who went through something very similar to what we're going through not even a year ago. I have always believed that, if we allow Him, God never wastes a hurt, and that He will always use a painful experience to bless others going through similar experiences. Jordan and Patience (and all of those who have discovered us through them) have been blessing us in that way, and I believe that one day, we will have the opportunity to do the same.
Thanks!
Nate
In the middle of all this, as I walk the halls of this hospital, seeing people in mourning, pain and stress, overhearing bits of conversations between nurses and doctors and patients and families, I cannot imagine even attempting to go through what we are going through without both God and the people who are surrounding us who also believe in and know Him in a personal way.
We have a hope that cannot be explained or understood in this world alone...a hope that, no matter what happens to my wife and unborn daughter, it will be the best for each of them because God has them exactly where He wants them.
If they both survive the next few days, then weeks, then months, I will have much to be thankful for. And, if either or both of them do not live through this, I know that they will be in Heaven at the feet of a very real God, and that one day I will see them again, and that is truly the greatest joy. I can't imagine not having that hope.
I believe these things to be absolute truth beyond a shadow of a doubt. I don't simply believe that there is a God...I know that He is alive and working in our lives with love and mercy.
You all have been praying for us, and we have felt and seen your prayers in a powerful and real way. Tonight, I will be praying for you. I will pray that you not are not only "touched" by our story, but that you see it for what it really is...simply a small part of the Story of God.
If you already have a real faith in Him, I pray that your faith will be strengthened by our part of the Story and that you will realize your part of the Story can be just as powerful and world-reaching as ours is becoming.
If you do not have a real faith in God, I pray that you will see the truth in our story that goes beyond miracles and faith and compassion...that you will see this as pure evidence, no matter the outcome, of God's desire for you to know Him in a very real and tangible way.
And, I will pray that one day, we can take all of the blessings that you are giving to us and give them back to you and others twofold. We have beautiful friends, Jordan and Patience Leino, who went through something very similar to what we're going through not even a year ago. I have always believed that, if we allow Him, God never wastes a hurt, and that He will always use a painful experience to bless others going through similar experiences. Jordan and Patience (and all of those who have discovered us through them) have been blessing us in that way, and I believe that one day, we will have the opportunity to do the same.
Thanks!
Nate
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Help!
If you can, please partner with us in asking others to pray for my wife.
> Email this link: http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/
> Post a short blog with this link: http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/
We appreciate your prayers and help.
Nate
> Email this link: http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/
> Post a short blog with this link: http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/
We appreciate your prayers and help.
Nate
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Taking A Break
I may not be posting much for a while. I'll be spending as much time as possible with my wife as she enters a very dangerous stage of her high-risk pregnancy.
Please, if you haven't yet, take the time to read about Her Story and pray for her. That would mean the world to me.
Thank you.
Nate
Please, if you haven't yet, take the time to read about Her Story and pray for her. That would mean the world to me.
Thank you.
Nate
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Sunday Blitz
> My first official Sunday away from NHC...
> Word is the band and techs did a great job without me. Attendance was up.
> Not sure if that means I'm a good leader or a Jonah...
> Redskins are looking good, but they're not catching any breaks in the first half...this is the longest first half ever...
> Went to C3 today...new building is awesome...lots of bugs to still work out, though. Good worship and sermon this morning.
> Congrats to the Patriots. I don't really care about them, but it's cool to see that kind of stuff happen.
That's all for now.
Nate
> Word is the band and techs did a great job without me. Attendance was up.
> Not sure if that means I'm a good leader or a Jonah...
> Redskins are looking good, but they're not catching any breaks in the first half...this is the longest first half ever...
> Went to C3 today...new building is awesome...lots of bugs to still work out, though. Good worship and sermon this morning.
> Congrats to the Patriots. I don't really care about them, but it's cool to see that kind of stuff happen.
That's all for now.
Nate
(Bump) Music Review #1: Casting Crowns "The Altar And The Door"
I'm bumping this and pointing you to the most recent comments...please, if you're going to take the time to post, don't be stupid...
I've had the priveledge of getting my hands on a real copy of Casting Crowns' newest CD, "The Alter And The Door" a few weeks before it's released to the public. The following is my personal review, track by track. The only bummer with these pre-release CDs is they often are not complete versions of the final cut...this one's missing the last two tracks that will be on the final CD.
"What This World Needs" - The first track is perhaps the best IMO. It starts the CD off well, and made me think for at least 4:41 that C2's sound had evolved since their last release. This song offers a very modern sound with a cool digital loop, driving kick/snare and bass line and some heavy guitar effects (think Hillsong United or Chris Tomlin's "Let God Arise"). This first song does let you know right off the bat that the one thing that hasn't changed about C2 is their hard-hitting message to and about the church. Good stuff...
"Every Man" - Track two is much more "traditional" C2...piano driven, male/female harmonies, and again, those driven lyrics. This might be the first big radio hit from this CD. Good song and something to keep on the radar to use in church one day. Listen to the nice bass licks in the last 40 seconds of this one.
"Slow Fade" - Perhaps the most biting song of this project...taking direct aim at the moral failures of Christian leaders. Another more modern sounding song with a driving feel with the acoustic guitar. A great song to use when talking about character/moral discipline.
"East To West" - (The first single released on iTunes right now) A solid song about security in our faith and release of guilt and acceptance of forgivness (Think Audio A's "Ocean Floor").
"The World Is Alive" - A song about the Word coming alive in our lives. The first song in 6/8 time, which is always a nice change...it works well with the melody of the chorus especially.
"The Alter And The Door" - This song, unfortunately (and this is just MHO), is the beginning of the end for this CD. This track, and just about every other track 'til the end loses the modern alt rock sound for a more soft rock/country sound. The lyrics are still good, but the sound of the second half of this CD is radically different than the first half. The only thing I really like about this song, musically, is the second verse...they should have had the girl sing this entire song.
"Somewhere In The MIddle" - Great lyrics, good melody hook in the chorus. Vintage C2 with the piano/violins.
"I Know You're There" - Glad to hear the ladies get a song of their own...their voices are too good to be kept so much in the BGV's. Although, lyrically, this song seems to be more of a "filler" than any of the others...one of two songs not written by C2.
"Prayer For A Friend" - Written by Mark when he was about 15. While the lyrics are not nearly as polished, and the music/melody show their age, it's cool to see that Mark was even writing such honest lyrics at that age. The simplest song, musically, of the CD with just an acoustic guitar, violin/cello and pad.
"All Because Of Jesus" - The second song on the CD not written by C2...penned by Steve Fee Maybe the only song written and meant for congregational worship. A mix of the modern and country sounds found on this album.
Hidden Track - There's a "hidden track" at the end of the CD, I believe titled "White Dove". It's maybe the oddest hidden track I've ever heard...a Korean/English "classical" sounding song... Apparently, this song was performed by the band during its recent goodwill trip to North Korea. Sounds like it belongs on the "Sound of Music" soundtrack...
Bottom line, I am a little dissapointed with this album as a whole. I'm hoping that the last two tracks that I've yet to hear may help to redeem it. Lyrically it's just as good as anything C2's done yet, but the soft rock/country flavor on 4 of the 10 tracks just left me wanting much more, and a few songs seem more like fillers than anything else... But, I'm guessing that this CD will do better than "Lifesong" because it will apeal to a broader musical pallet.
Nate
I've had the priveledge of getting my hands on a real copy of Casting Crowns' newest CD, "The Alter And The Door" a few weeks before it's released to the public. The following is my personal review, track by track. The only bummer with these pre-release CDs is they often are not complete versions of the final cut...this one's missing the last two tracks that will be on the final CD.
"What This World Needs" - The first track is perhaps the best IMO. It starts the CD off well, and made me think for at least 4:41 that C2's sound had evolved since their last release. This song offers a very modern sound with a cool digital loop, driving kick/snare and bass line and some heavy guitar effects (think Hillsong United or Chris Tomlin's "Let God Arise"). This first song does let you know right off the bat that the one thing that hasn't changed about C2 is their hard-hitting message to and about the church. Good stuff...
"Every Man" - Track two is much more "traditional" C2...piano driven, male/female harmonies, and again, those driven lyrics. This might be the first big radio hit from this CD. Good song and something to keep on the radar to use in church one day. Listen to the nice bass licks in the last 40 seconds of this one.
"Slow Fade" - Perhaps the most biting song of this project...taking direct aim at the moral failures of Christian leaders. Another more modern sounding song with a driving feel with the acoustic guitar. A great song to use when talking about character/moral discipline.
"East To West" - (The first single released on iTunes right now) A solid song about security in our faith and release of guilt and acceptance of forgivness (Think Audio A's "Ocean Floor").
"The World Is Alive" - A song about the Word coming alive in our lives. The first song in 6/8 time, which is always a nice change...it works well with the melody of the chorus especially.
"The Alter And The Door" - This song, unfortunately (and this is just MHO), is the beginning of the end for this CD. This track, and just about every other track 'til the end loses the modern alt rock sound for a more soft rock/country sound. The lyrics are still good, but the sound of the second half of this CD is radically different than the first half. The only thing I really like about this song, musically, is the second verse...they should have had the girl sing this entire song.
"Somewhere In The MIddle" - Great lyrics, good melody hook in the chorus. Vintage C2 with the piano/violins.
"I Know You're There" - Glad to hear the ladies get a song of their own...their voices are too good to be kept so much in the BGV's. Although, lyrically, this song seems to be more of a "filler" than any of the others...one of two songs not written by C2.
"Prayer For A Friend" - Written by Mark when he was about 15. While the lyrics are not nearly as polished, and the music/melody show their age, it's cool to see that Mark was even writing such honest lyrics at that age. The simplest song, musically, of the CD with just an acoustic guitar, violin/cello and pad.
"All Because Of Jesus" - The second song on the CD not written by C2...penned by Steve Fee Maybe the only song written and meant for congregational worship. A mix of the modern and country sounds found on this album.
Hidden Track - There's a "hidden track" at the end of the CD, I believe titled "White Dove". It's maybe the oddest hidden track I've ever heard...a Korean/English "classical" sounding song... Apparently, this song was performed by the band during its recent goodwill trip to North Korea. Sounds like it belongs on the "Sound of Music" soundtrack...
Bottom line, I am a little dissapointed with this album as a whole. I'm hoping that the last two tracks that I've yet to hear may help to redeem it. Lyrically it's just as good as anything C2's done yet, but the soft rock/country flavor on 4 of the 10 tracks just left me wanting much more, and a few songs seem more like fillers than anything else... But, I'm guessing that this CD will do better than "Lifesong" because it will apeal to a broader musical pallet.
Nate
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Got Fluff?
One of the most common and aggravating characteristics of an evangelical church service is the presence of fluff. Fluff is anything that takes up any amount of time in a worship service that is not really necessary to the overall purpose of the church service.What can you identify (either in your church or another) as fluff?
Do you care about fluff, and if so, what do you do to insure that you minimize the fluff in your church service?
Jump into the discussion!
Nate
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