Artists of Our Times-- Michael Gungor

At the beginning of the year I didn't know who Michael Gungor was, but I had been singing his music for years.  The writer of FRIEND OF GOD has been contributing to the christian music scene for years and just now has come into his own with the publishing of two successful solo projects.

I have come to love Michael Gungor for one reason alone:  he's an artist that thinks deeply about the combination of words and music.  I will regularly play through my collections of his and discover another gem in his songs that I had never heard before.  Just a couple of weeks ago we were talking about The Church as family and I found his song  "SONG FOR MY FAMILY" to rouse thoughts and emotions that no other song would do for that topic and service.  His songs linger with you long after the song is over and they make you think.

I would highly recommend his albums and his music.  He's an artist for our times.

Friend of God--A worship leader's encouragement

I received one of the best emails today. A friend of mine wrote that her 3 year old awoke from her nap singing "I Am A Friend of God" and after investigating, the toddler said "I am a friend of God. He calls me friend".

We sang this song Wednesday night to begin our Family camp this last week in Galveston. With no words on the screen (because of our Media Shout fiasco) we sang it over and over again. Evidently it made an impression on this little one.

There are many times that I wonder if the songs that we are singing and teaching these days have any impact. I continue to get the occaisional comment of "it was better in the past than it is right now" and frankly some days I'm discouraged.

But, a little email sent this afternoon encouraged me that indeed I'm helping the next generation connect with the God that calls us friend.

This video is for my little worshipper friend. Turn up the volume and let her sing!