we had Mickey's memorial last night

it's very different. i've sung at funerals, but usually it was for people that i didn't know very well. i just happened to be the "minister of music" and got called for the favorite hymn. this was way different. dave and i decided that it would be good just to have two guitars and me sing. i have been coughing my head off for the last 4 days, so i was worried that the singing might not be so good, but God always is. i wondered if i would have a hard time singing these songs since Mickey was such a special person, but God allowed me to rise above emotion. i think sometimes as pastors we have to be strong for others. i had already cried for Mickey and John when i prayed with John in the hospital. she's in such a better place.

John picked two very difficult songs to sing. If anyone ever asks you to sing "when God made you" practice a bunch and watch the Amaj7 chord with a Bflat in the bass. Dave played the other song while i sang. "untitled hymn" by chris rice has more chords than "a mighty fortress is our God". both of the songs have 2 key changes. God is so gracious. He allowed us to make it through both of those songs.

so closure for the church anyway. i'm not sure about john. he now attends to the process of raising jabez. who is a handful. last night when i was singing "fly to Jesus" Jabez began to call out "fly, fly, fly" i nearly lost it right there. pray for john and jabez. pray for stephanie, mickey's daughter. hug your family and thank God that you have them and friends who love you.

new books to pick up "life as a vapor" by John Piper, and "seeing and savoring Jesus Christ" also by Piper (he's my favorite author in case you didn't know) i'm also reading "Praise Habit" again. so i'm concurrently reading about 4 books.

jar's of clay's new song really is awesome. it's an old hymn with a U2 vibe. very cool. He WILL lift your head.

blessings to you and yours
i'm trying to blog more
i may even get links and a tagboard someday, but not today

in Him
chuck