Job Placement...

We're starting a new thing called "job placement" here at Todd Blog.
Every now and again, I'll throw out the name of someone famous. Politician, athlete, historical figure...you get the drift.

Then you comment with a list of things that the individual would be doing if he or she weren't famous. This is your chance to prove three things.

1. That you're funny.
2. That you have a firm grasp of culture and history.
3. That Todd Blog is the best dang site on the web for hanging out and being creative.

Before we do this, notice one thing.

LIST.

That's right - your job is to make a list. Not just one thing. So, not only do you have to be funny, you have to be funny multiple times.

Scared, yet?

Well, add this to the mix. Next week, I'll pick a winner for most humorous comment and they'll receive a full day of online love...Facebook, blog, twitter, the whole deal...I'll dedicate a whole day to telling the world how awesome you are.

So...who's the celebrity?

TIM MCGRAW

Go.

FRI APR 3

Haven't done one of these in awhile! Even though everybody seems to hate it when I do this type of blog, I thought I might just go ahead and do one for old time's sake! I'm actually thinking of doing this type of post every day next week. Just to drive my readership even lower. I'm such a rebel.

Alarm woke me up a little after 6:30. Desperately wanted to sleep some more, but Finley heard the alarm and decided it was time to get up. Laid on the couch for a few minutes while my body woke up, then I went in to get Jonah up for school. We're pretty fortunate that Jonah is a morning kid. I don't think any 7-year old ever wants to get up for school, but after four or five minutes, Jonah is usually wide awake and ready for the day.

I grabbed a shower while Krist got Jonah dressed and packed up for school. He and I actually left the house a bit earlier than usual, which was nice because I didn't have to drive like a maniac to get him there on time. After I dropped him off, I stopped by Donut Palace. Don't judge me.

Now, listen. We've all been to a Donut Palace. There are some certain similarities that we all probably understand. I love our local store. I love it even more when the guy is working. Because when his sister (or wife) works, I honestly cannot understand what she's saying. Most of the time, I think she's asking where the kids are. Or if I really meant to order 4 cinnamon rolls. Either way, I just chuckle. Usually I leave with an order that's pretty close to what I requested, so that's good.

Got home, handed over the donuts, checked email and such and then I didn't lay back down for a long morning nap. Not me - just thought I'd clarify that.

Then when I woke up I mean after I finished working out, Finley and I watched some of those weird TV shows she likes. (Ni Hao, Kai Lan, Yo Gabba Gabba, etc.) We sang "Wheels On The Bus" and her special renditon of "The Grady Bunch."

I actually did exercise...popped in a DVD of Battlestar and hit the treadmill for about a half-hour. Worked on my situp challenge...no, I will not divulge my status. Grabbed a shower and got dressed. After a while we headed out to pick up Jonah from school. Once we got Jonah,we headed into town for some Andy's Frozen Custard, ice cream that's so good, you willingly pay way too much money for it.

After Andy's, we went to Target for a few groceries and then took Jonah to soccer practice. Finley and I stayed at home while Jonah got all practiced up. Finley went to be around 7. Jonah finished The Clone Wars on DVD while Kristen did some stuff to get ready for Sunday's home group. Ate some supper, "played wrestling" with Jonah and threw him in the tub. Normally, he stays up a little bit later than normal on Fridays, but tonight got away from us. After his bath, he was ready for sleep.

After he was down, Kristen went to bed. I hit the treadmill again. (Dedication) Watched some more Battlestar as I ran, showered and hit the sack.

Russell Martin just kicked off a new thing over at his blog called the "Online Songwriter's Showcase" and I posted a new tune on there.

A lot of you may remember me doing an episode of "SongWrighting," where I played a couple of verses and a chorus of a new tune called Forever Faithful. Well, thankfully, I finished the tune and tracked a real simple demo of it. I'm still missing the riff that I keep hearing in my head, but I was so jazzed by Russell's idea, that I threw it up there anyway!

So far, there are three tunes on the site. I'd encourage all you worship songwriters to give it a try!

Check it...

Favorite Guest?

The only thing better than a documentary is a mockumentary.
And nobody makes them better than Christopher Guest.

Thought I'd put the list of films made by Guest and crew and see what you thought.
What's your favorite Guest movie?

• THIS IS SPINAL TAP
  
  
• WAITING FOR GUFFMAN
  
  
• BEST IN SHOW
  
  
• A MIGHTY WIND
  
  
• FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

The Last Time I Talked To My Mother...

I miss Lufkin. There, I said it, okay? I miss it. Miss the people, miss the places, miss Abe Martin Stadium.

Okay, I don't miss Abe Martin Stadium. (I already have a church, okay?)

So, when I get a call, it's a good thing. I love seeing "DAD" or "PAPA" or a similar ID. This past week, my phone rang and I noticed "MOM" on the screen.

Naturally, I answered it, glad to speak to my mother. Would she be just checking in? Would she be heading up to Tyler soon to spend some time with my children? Was she calling to tell me she loved me?

No.
None of these.

ME: "Hey, mom."

MOM:

"Hey, can you help me publish my 25 Random Things?"

Congratulations, Facebook. You've arrived.


_______________________________________________________________________________________________

"The Last Time I Talked To My Mother" is actually a regular series over at Melissa's blog. Melissa is one of my wife's best friends and she's a fantastic writer. I'd encourage you to check out her stuff...it's really great.

Things That...(1 of 2)

THINGS THAT MAKE ME CRAZY

1. Oprah.
2. Entertainment journalists.
   
3. Obama hype.
4. Mornings.
5. Empty Diet DP bottle.
6. Poorly written songs.
7. Bad drumming.
8. Soccer moms in Hummers. (Extra points if they're in "exercise wear")
9. The dude in Brooks and Dunn who doesn't do anything.
10. Losing my car keys.
11. Being late.
12. My bank. I think they steal my money.
13. Details.
14. Dentists.
15. Uploading to YouTube.
16. When GarageBand doesn't cooperate.
17. Packing up gear after a gig.
18. People who are inconsiderate.
19. Over-spiritualization.
20. Christian radio fundraisers.
21. The bandwagon.
22. Traffic cops.
23. Teachers who don't smile at kids.

Now..what drives YOU crazy?

Digging This...

Man, this record snuck up on me!
I was familiar with Brandon's previous record, but this most recent project is really, really good.
Great balance of good pop-folk and trendy, produced pop.
The songs are creative without genre-hopping.
Loving tracks like "London," "Sunrise" and "Sore Eyes." "No Not One" is really great, too.

Had a CD sneak up on you lately?
What kind of music recently surprised you?

Surprising News for 2009

New York, New York (AP) - Startling news today from U2. Paul McGuinness, long-time manager and business front for the band, announced earlier today that one of the world's biggest bands has decided to make some personnel changes.

This comes as a shock to most, as the band is set to embark on a massive media blitz to promote their new album, No Line On The Horizon, which is tentatively set for a February 2009 release.

"I don't think people are surprised there's been a change," McGuinness said in an interview. "I think they're just shocked at which member is leaving."

McGuinness is speaking of the departure of U2's guitarist and de-facto musical director, "The Edge."

The manager is quick to answer fans who are upset by the change.
"Edge is still very much a part of the band. It's just time. Enough with the delay, already. You know?"

But the band is moving on. The story leaked over the weekend on a couple of U2-related fan blogs, drawing varied responses from fans all over the world. Not only has the band asked The Edge to step down, they've filled his spot with an unknown guitar player from the U.S.

"The band is happy with Todd. They think he'll be a great fit."

McGuinness is speaking of Todd Wright, the 32-year old Texan now slated to fill the electric guitar spot. Wright is a long-time fan of the band and can already play 2 or 3 of their songs on acoustic guitar.

"I hope the guys know that I'm more of an acoustic guy," Wright shared in an interview this morning. "I'm not real strong on the electric guitar, but I'm on a diet and I've purchased 25 beanie caps. Somebody from the wardrobe department is going to sew sequins on my jeans and buy some skinny, non sequitur t-shirts for me. I mean, the music is mostly programmed anyway."

U2 frontman, Bono, could not be reached for comment. McGuinness admitted the transition would be a difficult one, but stated that every band has to walk through difficult times like these to grow as people and musicians.

Wright is optimistic. "I can't wait to hear all those songs live." When reminded that he would have to actually play the songs live, the young guitar player ended the interview and cried in the men's room for half-an-hour.

Worship (As) Prep...

I talk a lot about worship as preparation.

Back on a WCMS post, my friend Jason I. asked me to explain myself a little bit. I'm happy to do that, because I know I need to be intentional about making my thoughts clear when it comes to worship. Though so many churches have embraced "worship" and made it more of a priority (regardless of style,) many of us forget to spend time formulating our thoughts and making sure they are clear.

This may seem a bit boring, but I figured I'd tell you what I think about worship...what I believe it should do...what I believe it accomplishes.

1. Worship Is A Priority
   It's not that I forget this principle...I just tend to assume we're all in agreement on it. I believe God deserves praise - honest, passionate, reverent, unashamed adoration. Isaiah tells us (as do others) that God gets this non-stop in the Throne Room from the angelic hosts around Him. It's my belief that when the saints gather together, we are commanded to follow suit. We worship God with our songs and prayers and applause and silence because He is worthy of that. Plain and simple. Some folks call that "keeping the main thing the main thing."
   
   Worship is first and foremost about offering up our thanks and reverence to God. That aim ought to guide us...whether we're in a pew or on a stage or even alone with the Father. Personally, I think one of the best way to get in this mindset is to ask for God's help - His help in reminding us of the great things He's done; help in aiding us to recall what scripture says about Him; help in express our thanks in ways that are Biblical and reverent.
   
   
2. Worship Is Personal
   Worship is an amazing thing because, at its core, it's a personal thing. Even though we gather together corporately so often to do it, each of us bear a responsibility to come with our hearts and minds prepared.
   
   Lots of folks would agree that "worship is personal," but unfortunately, many of us don't to anything to get ready for it. We just roll in and start worshipin'! Worship leaders and pastors also bear a responsibility in this - we've got to do a better job of pastoring our people and teaching them how to set their minds on things above before the actual worship service ever starts.
   
   In addition, when you get a room full of people who have come prepared in this way leading worship is one of the easiest jobs in the world!
   
   
   
3. Worship Is Preparation
   Jason I. is right...this is a big one with me. Because worship is a priority and it's such a personal matter, it can often loom larger than any other part of a corporate gathering.
   
   Years ago, I got convicted about this...in my own life and in what I saw in so many churches and retreats and revival services, etc. God began to convict me that I was more concerned and excited and hopeful and focused on the singing of songs than the study of His Word.
   
   To understand this conviction, let me pause here for a little statement of belief - I believe God's Word is divinely inspired. I believe that the Father, in His power, communicated these words to His prophets. I understand that interpreting the Bible is a difficult thing...and I don't have all the answers...but my personal belief is that it is the Holy and Inspired Word of God. I believe that it is without fault or error.
   
   However, I don't believe that worship songs are without fault or error. Personally, I don't believe they are the inspired Word of God. I don't think they are sacred. Blessed of God? Absolutely, but not divine.
   
   As that belief about worship songs grew in my life, I was convicted that I was placing more of my time and energy on the words of man (which are susceptible to fault) instead of the Word of God (which is without fault in my own personal belief.)
   
   Because of that, I believe that acceptable worship is that which will prepare us and focus us for his Word. In my philosophy, worship that doesn't do that is lacking something vital. This can take lots of forms - preaching, collective reading of scripture or even the worship leader reading scripture before a song - regardless, I think it's so important for us to make sure that God's Word is proclaimed every time we get together. I'm not sure if that makes me a fundamentalist or a Bible-ist or some such other -ist or-ism, but that's me.
   

What about you? What's your worship philosophy? If you had jot down some statements or core beliefs about worship, what would you say?

Love to hear from you!

WHY COLLEGE MINISTRY STINKS, Part 4

As I prepare to start leading worship for "Immerse," a city-wide college Bible study, we're looking at common challenges within college ministry. I'd love to know what you think about these posts...what you've seen, learned, experienced through ministries like this.

The Church Is The Thing

Challenge #4 is a tough one....how do we plug students into the local church?

A few you have commented on this, and while I don't think that events like this are necessarily disrespectful to the role of the local church, I will agree that "para-church" ministries often fail at actually supporting local churches.

Here's what I like about Immerse (and about college ministries like it)...

I like that the folks at Immerse are taking worship onto the campus. I like that there's a place where Christian students can go to pray, be held accountable to some other believers and study God's Word. Isn't this the same sort of premise behind student associations on college campuses? (Wesley Foundation, Baptist Student Ministry, etc.?)

But meeting on Monday nights isn't "church"...even at its ideal, Immerse simply cannot do all the things that a church can do. And I don't think we should.

So, how do we use our time to get kids invested in a local church family?

I HAVE NO IDEA.

I'm being serious. With these other issues I've mentioned, I've seen things work...I can look back on my experience and share those tips and ideas that seem to be a consistent benefit.

But local church? I'm don't know. I just know it's hard. Here's why:

1. Which Church?
   Doing this is difficult because I really can't step up on stage and say something like, "You need to be plugged into a local church. BETHEL BIBLE CHURCH MEETS SUNDAYS AT 9 AND 10:30 WITH SERVICES. FIND US AT BETHELBIBLE.COM."
   
   It's a difficult thing, knowing that you need to encourage kids to have a home church and yet also knowing that you're unable to recommend one specifically. You end up speaking in generalities...which really doesn't work in this situation.
   
   
2. How Do We Know?
   Let's say we find a way to do it...we find a way to offer up some vague, non-committal advertisement for being part of a home church.
   
   How do we know if it's working? What if our kids plug in somewhere and hate it? What do we do then? Respond with something like "Oh, yeah...that church sounds horrible. Okay, well, time to find a new one!"
   
   Doesn't seem very healthy, does it?
   
   
3. Is There A Payoff?
   The third problem is finding church support. Connecting with churches is hard in ministries like this...I don't know that Immerse is in any sort of competition, but I know sometimes that's a fear in situations like this one.
   
   Sadly, the idea of "payoff" ends up hurting here. As a minister in a local church myself, I understand this. If somebody calls me or mails me a letter to encourage my people to attend some event, my first thought is often, "What's in it for us? Is this part of my mission here in my church?" I don't think that's necessarily bad...I just think it's true.
   
   How do ministries like Immerse maintain the support of local churches when we really can't turn around and do specific infomercials for them?

You guys are smart...some of you may have seen this aspect before. How do we do better? How do we support local churches? How do they support parachurch ministries?

Can it be done?

Props to one of my new Tyler Twitter pals. Caleb Canal called this thing WCMS a few days ago. That's smart. I should have been calling it that all along! Dang it!

WHY COLLEGE MINISTRY STINKS, An Introduction

Over the next week or so, you'll be seeing and hearing a lot about "Immerse," a community Bible study for college students in Tyler, Texas.

While I am both honored and excited to be a part of this ministry, that's not necessarily fueling all the posts, videos and "tweets" you're going to be seeing.

I'm doing this because it's my way of asking you to walk with me in this and to help me.

Because it's hard.

In my experience, there are common "challenges" when trying to pull of something like Immerse is trying to do. And I commend them for it. I believe in it...I wouldn't be leading worship if I didn't. (Trust me...I don't like gigging that much. I play for places I can believe in!)

Over the next few days, I'll be looking at a few of these challenges from the perspective of a worship leader. Here's what I'm asking of you:

1. Comment. My perspective is mine alone. I'm just one dude and I'd love to know what your take on the whole issue of city-wide college ministry. Many, many of you are deeply invested in God's Kingdom and a lot of you spend a lot of brain power asking questions about our motivations and how we judge success.
   
   
2. Pray. I won't lie. I need prayer. I love leading worship and it's a big part of my life, but taking on a new place is always tough. I'm asking God to bless me in my ability to get to know the kids at Immerse and I'd be honored if you'd join me.
   
   
3. Talk. Services like these are not for everybody...but they are for somebody. I'm specifically asking those in the Tyler area to spread the word to college students who might benefit from a Monday night worship and Bible study time.

Personally, I'm not big on hyper-spiritual blogs. They tend to bore me. So I'll try to keep the posts practical and simple...so I won't bore myself!

As always, thanks for checking out the site.

And be back tomorrow for Part 1 - "Nobody's Got It All Together."

todd vlog ep. 19

Todd Vlog Ep. 19 - RECORD REVIEW from Todd Wright on Vimeo.

A few things...

1. If you'd like to follow the "almost daily" vlog, go subscribe over at my YouTube channel. Subscriptions are like currency over at YouTube.

2. If you've got a record you love and would like reviewed and shared here on the blog, just send me an email and I'll track down the music and give you my thoughts. (I'd love to also review books, but I'm way too slow!)

3. See that cool "Becoming" shirt? That's publicity, baby. Got a cool shirt of your own? Send me a shirt and I'll wear it on the vlog. (If it fits...XL or XXL should be fine. As long as my belly doesn't show.)

Just Vote Your Conscience

Okay, everybody...

Looks like beliefnet.com is hosting their Most Inspiring Person of 2008.

I mean, sure, there are some good nominees, but I never get nominated for anything, you know?

So, why not nominate me? I mean, I'm as inspiring as all those other people.

You can also leave a comment as to how I've inspired you.

Voting ends Thursday.

I mean, come on...this guy would inspire anybody, right?
















If you don't vote for me, then the terrorists have already won.

This Woman Knows Me...

Okay, okay...I promise to stop posting about the Bloggess soon.

But this one was too good to let go.

You all know how I feel about football, right?

Well, check this from a recent post from Bloggess:

"I’d like to apologize to everyone at that party. Especially to the guy who was asked 'You know the very best way to watch football?' and I’m all 'To have the whole stadium demolished and then afterward they firebomb it and bulldoze the ashes and then they never, ever rebuild it?' That was mostly uncalled for."

That is the perfect answer for a football conversation and I will be using it as soon as possible!

Yes, I admit that I did a Google Image search for a picture of The Bloggess, which now makes me afraid that she'll find me to be a weird crazy freak stalker. But after reading her blog for some time, I think she's a bit of a stalker freak herself...or at least sympathetic to stalkers. And then she'll totally dig me for talking about her non-stop.

And then, Kristen and I will drive to Houston so we can have dinner with her and her husband and I'll get to take my OWN picture with the Bloggess.

Does anybody else find my fascination with this blogger to be weird, unsettling or inappropriate? My family is getting worried.

It's All About The Previews...

Of course, one of the great things about going to the movies is TRAILERS!

There were a few that seemed really interesting.

Of course, the big Star Trek trailer was unveiled, but you can find that almost anywhere now. But these others were pretty new to me...



I read about this remake a month or so ago but had no idea it was coming so quick. This trailer will probably cause me to temporarily suspend my "SAY NO TO KEANU" policy. But how can he mess us up a movie about a giant black alien cloud eating up everything in sight?



Will Smith is box office gold these days. And this one looks really interesting. I love it when a trailer leaves me curious. (Too many of them give too much away.)



Yes, I do believe that Mr. Cruise has gotten a bit weird, lately. But this one does look good...a giant political conspiracy coordinated down to the very last second with a whole host of players/experts in their field? That's almost as good as a heist film, in my book.

On the flip side, if you'd like to watch a movie that further shows us how far the great Samuel L. Jackson has fallen, take a look at this...



And the fall film most destined to be used in church analogies....

Perchance to dream...

I love to hear people talk about their dreams.

But understand, I'm not talking about "vision." I'm not speaking of when folks tell me their goals and plans for work or family or ministry.

No, I'm talking about those wild, fanciful, crazy ideas that have been in our heads as long as we can remember...those things that we long to do someday.

For some, it's an idea they've carried since childhood. For others, it's something that's recently ignited their passion.

I've got tons of these, but I'll share a few.
1. Create and produce an independent film. 2. Write a book. 3. Have a song published by a major label.

To some of you, those might seem weird dreams to nurture, but they are huge to me!

So, what's yours?

What are some of your crazy, off-the-wall dreams? Share a few with us!

OLD FRIEND / NEW SITE

I'm so happy to announce the brand new website of my friend, Forrest.

forrestlayton.com is a great new site that journals Forrest's journey as a musician.

Forrest is currently writing and recording songs for the SXSW festival in Austin and I think his stuff sounds great. I've always loved Forrest's instrumental stuff and I think you will, too.

Go check out the songs and subscribe to Forrest's blog as he documents this new journey in his life!

BRO. LOU Remix...

About two weeks into our arrival to Tyler, my buddy Chris posted THIS BLOG.

Chris works in Tyler from time-to-time and he called me shortly after his "Bro. Lou" sighting. He asked me if I knew who this guy was...I said no.

We had a good laugh about it...mostly about how long it took Chris to import a picture from his phone into his blog, but the most fun was trying to guess where "Bro. Lou" went to church. (I have pretty good Denominational Vision...I can usually guess a person's denomination within a two-minute span.) Having no direct experience w/ Bro. Lou, I wasn't able to make a guess, but it made for a very fun phone call. Well, fun for two nerds like me and Chris. Chris, a good Methodist, made all sorts of guesses - mostly in the charismatic vein, I believe.

And then, it happened.

A few nights ago, I'm driving through the great town of Gresham, TX (just down the road from our house) and he passes me.

Yes. Bro. Lou, himself.

I started shouting "That's Bro. Lou! Oh my gosh! Bro. Lou! That's him...I gotta' call Chris."

My wife is used to these outbursts, but she still looked at me with a disgusted will-you-shut-up face. Par for the course.

And just as I'm about to call Chris, Bro. Lou puts on his blinker. To turn into a church.

Lane's Chapel United Methodist Church.

A Methodist...can you believe that?

Therefore, I am creating the Bro. Lou Club. If you are in the Tyler area and you experience a Bro. Lou sighting, you must contact me. You can comment randomly on a blog post, email me (toddwrightband@gmail.com) or even call me. (If you're lucky enough to have my number, yo.)

Let's be on the lookout for this mysterious Smith County creature, Tyler-ites. It'll be fun!

By the way...if you know Bro. Lou, please let me know! I'd love to meet him!

My Favorite Blogger...

Some say I'm a blogging addict.
Some say I'm totally handsome and cool.
(I wholeheartedly agree with both statements.)

Sure, I love this guy and this gal and this guy and this gal,
but the truth is that my favorite blogs are the ones written by people I know.

That's right, gang - nothing brings me more joy than seeing YOUR post in my blog reader.
And of all of those...one blog stands out as my favorite.

I LOVE my wife's blog. I miss it.
Listen, being a Mom is a hard job. All of us know this.
And blogging is often the last on her list of duties or hobbies.
But if you're like me and you miss my wife's blog, then email her at dorothy_girl74@yahoo.com.

Listen - I don't want her flooded with emails from well-wishers who are just doing what I ask. (Although, I would love to have that kind of power...)
But if you do like the way my wife thinks, writes, laugh or looks (easy, now...) then send her an email.
And be sure to end your email message with
"YOUR BLOG IS BETTER THAN TODD'S." She loves that.

November is National Blog Posting Month.

It's simple enough.

You make a commitment to blog every single day in November. (Including weekends.)

Why?

I'm not sure. I just think that blogging is cool.

You can find out more here...

So, who's in? Leave me a comment and join the revolution. At least for a month.

Source: DaddyDan