2009 Kingdom Bound Talent competition

Here we go again. Last year we placed 2nd in the voting portion; 3rd over all. Not bad when you consider that some of the others are bands that are actually touring. Last year led to the invitation to Toronto and Nashville. Good stuff. This year? Who knows. But it’s out there. It’s available. Gotta do it.  Other opportuntities will come, as God directs. I got a call from Alpha and Omega bookstores. They do a coffeehouse, and want me to headline in July. Headline? Not sure what that means in a coffeehouse. But, if it’s a chance to play, you do it. If you’re reading this, and haven’t voted at the Kingdom Bound website, it’s likely too late. Maybe.  Winners of the voting portion are supposed to be notified by July 1st.  Same as last year, the top 5 vote getters are reviewed by a record company (this year it is Word Records). The top pick goes to the national competitition for a shot at a recording contract. last year, the Kingdom Bound winner took it all and now are “paid musicians”. Two words you don’t usually see together.  So, you do what you do, and let God make of it what he wills. I’m cool with that.

What were you thinking!?

Many years back, I recall being at a concert by Mickey and Becky Moore. If you remember them, I’m sorry to tell you, you’re old. Get over it. Anyway, they did a song, and I cannot remember the title or most of the lyrics. What I do remember, is that it had lyrics that basically said, “me me me me me….” Maybe the inspiration for Matt Redman’s “it’s all about you Jesus” in his song, Heart of Worship. Maybe not. The point…..when we have set aside that time for worship. When we have done all the preparation. Practiced to near perfection. Prayed and believed that we might offer sincere praise. In the end, it all comes down to, what are you thinking about. Our minds are wonderful depositories of so many things. That’s the good news. That’s also the bad news. It is hard to focus on Him, during worship. Admit it. There are so many distractions. Things that have happened earlier that day. We might even wander to an event from childhood. We might see a stain on our shirt or a friend who is biting his nails or an instrument that is juuuuust not quite in tune. Whatever it is, our minds will capture it, analyze it, and spend precious seconds somewhere other than the throne room. All while still standing at your seat. It takes effort to focus. And to stay focused. To make this time about him, and not about whether my kid needs new shoes because I just noticed how bad they look, will take everything you’ve got. That is the sacrifice of praise. Not much of a sacrifice. We’re not giving up much, really. But we are giving up really the only thing we truly own. Our devoted attention. So make it about Him. Fight that fight.