QUESTION

Okay...you guys know I love the conversation starters. But I want to take it to another level. Yes, another level. You see, normally, I throw a question out there and get four responses from the same four or five of you who always respond. Don't get me wrong, I love you guys...but help me go to a HOE-NUVA-LEBEL (Mad TV reference.) Link me on your blog....get your friends to weigh in on this thing, okay?

Here goes:

If you could record a cover of a secular song...what song would it be?

Okay...the fundraising for the CD has begun. This may seem way way presumptuous, but here's the info

"Chris Caraway / The Todd Wright Project"

If you'd like to donate, mail money to
First Bank and Trust
c/o John Thannisch
PO Box 151510
Lufkin, TX 75915-1515

Okay, okay...enough begging.

Had my rehearsal with the boys last night. It was awesome. Ryan is using his POD direct to the system which sounds amazing and Romack did a loop for "Here Is Our King" and synth for "Glorify." We didn't plan this, but coming out of "Here Is Our King," we left the loop running and went right into "Forever."

I have reason to believe the retreat is going to get cancelled, but if so, Ryan said we could do the set at HHBC's college service on Wednesday. Here's the set we'd do...it works nicely.

LORD, REIGN IN ME (A)
HERE IS OUR KING (A)
FOREVER (A)
GLORIFY (F)
YOUR LOVE OH LORD (F) Chorus only

I've got rehearsal tonight for the Tyler gig next weekend. We're gonna' attempt Crowder's Here Is Our King. I've never done it, but will probably add it to my Sunday morning catalog - this gig will definitely get me comfortable with it.

I'll let ya know!

Well, folks...

It looks like I'll be the full-time contemporary worship leader as of April 1st, 2006!

Got some more info from Ross yesterday. He said from start to finish, the tracking/mixing/mastering would take anywhere from six-nine weeks. If I use DiscMakers, duplication would probably take a couple of weeks. I also took a look at the fundraising letter that Chris and the team drew up. It should go out in a couple of weeks.

Okay, so far, here are the votes:
Align - 5
All The Freed - 2
As Angels Filled The Sky - 0
At The Name of Jesus - 2
For - 4
Given To Me - 2
Glorify - 4
I Am Glad - 4
King of Mercy - 2
My Lips Will Sing - 7
My Savior - 7
Promised One - 5
Search and Know - 0
The Cross of Christ - 5
The Wine and the Bread - 2
You Gave Sight - 3

Suggested Additons
Refuge - 1
Behold - 1
Mercy Will Surround - 1
Only Lamb - 1

If you've voted, thanks...if not, please do! I'd really like to know what you all think.

2006

Thanks to some encouragement from Chris Caraway and some other folks at the church, I've decided to do the worship record with Ross. A few weeks ago, Chris stepped up and asked to oversee fundraising for the project.

I made contact with Ross and started get my mind around the recording process. From tracking to mixing to mastering and then duplication - we're going to try to raise $7500 total. That's a lot of money, but we really want to do a quality record of worship songs that the church can use.

I hope to journal this process a bit on the blog. We're way early in the game right now, but I thought I get your thoughts. I've compiled a total song list - a list of everything I'd be even remotely consider putting on the record. In actuality, I'll probably only do 10 songs. Some of these might be new to some of you and others may be way way old, but if you've got time, I'd love for you to give me your 10 song list. Here are our options...

My Lips Will Sing
I Am Glad
All The Freed
King of Mercy
The Cross of Christ
Glorify
Given To Me
You Gave Sight
My Savior
The Wine and the Bread
Search and Know
Align
Promised One
As Angels Filled The Sky
At The Name of Jesus
For

What do ya' think?

This Brought Me Much Joy

http://purgatorio1.com/?p=182

Update

Finley spent most of the day out of the incubator and is maintaining her temperature, which is good. We'll be in the hospital at least until Monday, but we have no idea of when we'll get out. I know a lot of you are praying, and I appreciate it so much.

Specifically, we're praying that Finley's temperature will regulate. Her doctor wants her to maintain her temp for 48 hours before he'll release her. In addition, we're praying for wisdom regarding what's going with her stomach. I apologize if this grosses anybody out, we're still trying to find out why she's passing blood in her diapers. Pray that Dr. Fidone and the others helping us will operate with a sound balance of wisdom and aggresiveness to find the problem and fix it.

Pray for Kristen, Jonah and me, as well as our families here in Lufkin. Everybody has turned their lives upside down to make sure that Finley is cared for through all of this, but we're all running extremely low on sleep. Pray that the Father will strengthen and empower us to face this part of our journey.

Couple of other thing completely unrelated...

If you get a chance, check out the brand new recording coming out from Sanctus Real. Believe me, I'm not the guy to get nuts over some Christian rock band, but the new record is stellar. Strong songwriting, vocals and melodies.

On March 3-4th, I'll be in Tyler leading worship for Longview's First UMC. I'm really excited. This is the first gig I've had in awhile and I'm so eager to do a good job. I'm taking Romack, Ryan Finnerud and Paul James on bass. I've never played with Paul but I'm looking forward to it.

I'll try to keep everbody posted on Finley Grace - thanks for praying, guys.

So, I was watching this Gaither Homecoming Toronto thing, and I had a great question for you all.

Who's your least favorite guy in any southern gospel quartet?

Everybody join in!

Oh, by the way...I got a gig!
More info later.

WARNING: Whining Ahead

I need sleep.