Monday, February 22, 2010

Trying to "name" the CD project . . .

I thought the hardest part of doing a CD of the songs we have done in worship during the Children's Time would be to lay down the guitar and vocal tracks, followed by mixing, etc.

I was wrong.

The hardest thing is deciding on a name for the CD project . . . and designing a cover for the CD case.

Funny thing . . . how someone as visual stimulated as I am can't come up with an original idea for a "visual" CD cover.

However, my wife has come to the rescue with an idea that will work.

But again, what to call / title this project? I need to figure it all out by the end of this week.

God's grace still amazes me . . . ><>

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Iron Men Ministry Dinner and Program tonight . . .

Some of the 1st Church String Band members will be performing tonight at 7 PM in the Founder's Chapel, prior to the main presentation by Coach Kris Hogan of Faith Christian Academy. Coach Hogan's presentation will be on how to become a "Spiritual Hero."

Coach Hogan is widely known in our area, both as a coach and speaker. I was just made aware that a movie about his life is possibly in the works?? Outstanding.

God's grace still amazes me . . . ><>

Thursday, February 11, 2010

I have never seen it snow this long in my life . . .


Ok, I live in north central Texas. In fact, I live just a mile or so west of the D/FW International Airport.
It has been snowing today since very early in the morning . . . this picture was taken at 1 PM.
I am back in my church office, and the largest snow flakes of the day are falling right now. What was projected as 1-2 inches of accumilation has now been changed to 6-8.
I for one do not like snow . . . but today, I have to say it is one of the prettiest sights I have ever seen.
God's grace, and His creation, still amazes me . . . ><>

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Children's CD project - Now things are getting interesting!

Several years ago, two or three families at our church, FUMC-Grapevine, asked me if I had ever considered recording a CD of the children's songs I sing to and with the children who come down for the Children's Time during our Sunday morning worship services.  It seems these parents wanted to sing along at home with their children.

They even said they would "pay" to get a copy.

Friends  . . . as of 12 noon today, (I hope-I hope-I hope) we finished recording the guitar and vocal tracks for the CD.  "We" being myself and Wren Robinson, who is serving as the "producer" of this grand adventure.

Truth be told, and it should be told . . . if Wren hadn't stepped up to help me, this project would not have been done.  I needed someone to help me, someone who knows me well . . . and who would let me fuss for a minute, and not get worried when I slapped my head or called myself and "idiot." 

Actually, I would hate to start yelling and throwing stuff around in a studio with strangers after I make a mistake singing or playing the guitar.   

Having worked with Wren for almost 5 years now, I trust him when he says, "That was good," as well as when he says, "Try that one again."  Wren is a calming influence on me . . . and I appreciate him now more than ever.

Now we take the tracks to a sound studio in Arlington, TX for mixing on February 18th . . . I hope we will have CD's available in about a month after that.

The songs on this CD are the songs I have sung for and to children for over 20 years, along with a couple of newer songs that have come to mean a lot to me.  

Our goal is this . . . we are going to give a few CD's away (my Mom has already threatened me if I don't send her a couple copies . . . ) and then we are going to sell as many CD's as we can, with ALL proceeds going towards one of the missions projects of our church . . . hopefully a project chosen by the children of our church.  I have asked Pastor Nathan for his help and guidance on this.

So, that is where we stand.  More info to come.

God's grace still amazes me . . . ><>

I don't feel dressed without having a pen, pencil and notebook with me!

I'm at the age where I pretty much know what I like to have with me in terms of every-day-carry.   I like 4"x6" sized notebook...