My new fav

]I finally got a chance to listen to the entire Hillsong United “Savior King” albulm on my way to Fresno this weekend.  If you have time and you haven’t heard the CD, watch this. 

Lately, I have been reading a lot and learning about being intentional about making our worship “God focused.”  Although I think there is a place for songs that say “I am nothing, I love you, I am blessed, etc.”  the common denominator in a lot of worship songs is the “I” focus.  As worship leaders, it is critical that we are directing the focus where it should  be…. bringing ultimate glory to God. 

This song does just that.  When I hear songs like this, I imagine joining the choir of angels who are unceasingly singing “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty.”  Focus? Always giving God the highest praise we can.

Easter Sunday Set

Yesterday was the most rockin Easter service I have ever been to.  We started a new series called “LOUD” and if I do say so, the stage set-up was Bad-A.  If you went somewhere else for Easter, you better come back to Sandals to check it out.

Here was our worship set:

A little bit of “Marvelous Salvation Light is Here” medley put together by Matt Richey

Take it All – Hillsong United

All for Love – Hillsong United

Shout Unto God – (who else?) Hillsong United – this song always wears me out but I love it

Our Love is Loud – off the top of my head, don’t know who sings this one

Anyway, it was awesome. 

I should have looked online

  

I had to do a major attitude check at church yesterday.  I didn’t like my outfit I wore.  And, like a lame girl, I let it distract me.  I totally had to let it go so that I could do what I went there to do: worship.  But if I would have known that all I had to do was follow these 6 simple steps, life might have been so much easier. 

How to Dress for Easter Sunday

By eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

Gone are the days of three-piece suits, fancy bonnets and frilly lace dresses for Easter Sunday. Still, an element of tradition remains as churchgoers put on freshly pressed dresses and starched trousers for spring church services, recognizing the beginning of a new season and the celebration of new life. Consider meshing church tradition with your own personal style as you put together your Sunday best this Easter.

Things You’ll Need:

• Slacks
• Belt
• Button-up shirt
• Tie
• Skirt
• Blouse
• Dress
• Socks or stockings
• Blazer or jacket
• Matching footwear

Step 1:
Check with friends, family or the church office to find out what type of dress is appropriate for the church you’ll be attending, especially if you are new to the congregation and are unfamiliar with their customs.

Step 2:
Decide what you’re most comfortable wearing. If your friend tells you that his family always wears jeans to church but you feel it is important to be more formal, go with your instincts.

Step 3:
Let your outfit emphasize the celebratory occasion. Easter is a great time to wear those freshly-starched linen pants, floral skirts, or patent leather shoes you bought at a spring sale. Take advantage of the opportunity to don your lavish duds, especially if it is rare that you have the opportunity to dress up.

Step 4:
Avoid wearing low-cut shirts, short skirts and sleeveless clothing. Modesty is typically the best policy for Sunday services, especially if you are unfamiliar with church customs.

Step 5:
Select accessories (jewelry, scarves and ties) that tie your outfit together without being too flashy or gaudy.

Step 6:
When in doubt, consider dressing as you would for work. Business casual is usually formal enough, not too stuffy, and appropriate attire for most churches.

Did you wear your Easter Sunday best or did you do it Sandals style?

 

Quick update…

So today is Saturday.  I just got a chance to check my email (458 deletes later) I decided it was time to update my blog.

School has actually been better.  Hilary said it.  The only thing I have control over is me.  I have been really trying to improve my own attitude and respond well to my students rather than out of anger.  Who wants to be in a classroom with an angry teacher anyway?  Starting a new trimester and having a chance to tighten up on some of my classroom procedures has helped with management issues as well.  And as every teacher knows, a well managed classroom equals sanity.

Today Andrew and I have been mostly running errands.  Had breakfast with a couple from our small group (we lead a pre-married small group for engaged couples which we love), went to Walmart, Trader Joe’s, watched a LOST episode online (we are in season 3, don’t say anything) and now I am supposed to be taking a nap.

Later we are going to our friend’s house (James and Alyssa Culin) for a going away thing.  They are moving to the Atl, GA.  Whats up with Riverside folk turning Southern?  We will miss them a ton.