Yesterday was my birthday and I was finishing up lead vocals for the new worship record in Nashville. I was supposed to be out here last week but got real sick and had to postpone till this week, which then landed me here during my birthday. I was a little sad that I couldn’t be home with Danielle and hanging with friends and family, but God showed up in some creative ways and blessed me with some unexpected gifts. I am grateful to be a son.

A gift from the catholic church
One gift was getting to meet Matt Maher. Matt is a worship leader / songwriter with a pastors heart. God has him in the unique role of helping lead the mainstream catholic church in America in powerful expressive worship encounters. He blends in ancient liturgies with modern musical soundscapes and forges new paths forward for the church in part by looking back on its rich heritage. For some evangelicals, Matt may be an anomaly but having had my parents deeply influenced by the charismatic catholic renewal movement of the early 70’s, I am familiar with God’s hand at work in this age-old expression of His body.

My friend and co pastor Dan Kimball had gotten to work with Matt for a leadership conference earlier this year and was encouraged by Matt in many ways, so I had been wanting to meet him. Having him show up at Paul’s house and get to share a beer, some songs, and good conversation was a blessing. Check out his new songs at MattMaher.com

A gift from Chicago
I also got to meet Meredith Andrews, who leads worship at a great church in Chicago called “Harvest.” Meredith is a talented worship leader / songwriter who I have heard nothing but great things about. It was a gift to meet her and get to hang with her a bit at the Mabury house. meredithandrews.com

A gift from the Maburys
Paul and Maggie have given me plenty of gifts over this past month with letting me stay at their house, eat their food, and basically be part of their family while working on this new worship CD. Without me knowing, Maggie went out and got me a birthday cake and brought it down to the studio and had the whole gang sing to me. It was quite a treat and a little embarrassing to have all these influential well respected worship artists singing happy birthday to me, including the choir director for Darlene Zscech! I captured some of it on my iphone for you to see! Ha!

Another gift from the Mabury’s came by way of their home group bible study friends who are also great singers. They sang gang vocals on most of the songs and it is going to give this project a very congregational feel which is what I was hoping for.

And then there is the gift of Paul and his tireless work producing my new record. Paul is somebody who pours his whole heart into whatever project he is involved with. Not only did he play drums on the record, but he pulled together an all star cast of musicians, and is working every day to perfect the sounds and vibe while touring with Darlene Zcheck and Michael W Smith. I feel very lucky to have Paul behind the wheel for this project. He is the ace card. No, he is four of a kind - all Ace’s. And they are all up my sleeve for this project. Again, I’m thanking the Gift Giver for Paul!

A gift from my friend Jason Ingram
Another unexpected surprise was having Jason sing gang vocal with the bible study group. I admit that I did pull the birthday card on him and say it would be my present, so I think he may have felt a little pressure, ha! But having him singing these songs at the top of his lungs was a great moment. If it weren’t for Jason’s willingness and desire to support lesser known worship artists like me, I would never be getting the opportunities I am currently getting. Jason’s heart for the local church and for raw authentic worship expressions is so evident in his work and priorities. He will continue to be deeply influential and an artistic force behind how the Bride responds to her lover in worship. Jason has written songs with Paul Baloche, Brenton Brown, Hillsong United writers, and has formed a new band called One Sonic Society with Paul Mabury and Stu G and Jon Thatcher from Delirious.

A gift from Facebook
I know that a lot of people who write birthday messages to people probably don’t really know those people that well or simply feel pressured to write something on their wall because a little notice came up on their screen letting them know it was that person’s special day. But I’m not gonna’ lie - it felt good reading all the birthday wishes from both friends and strangers and counting all the people who wrote them made me feel loved. If Facebook is relational porn, consider me an addict.

A gift from the stewardess
My complimentary in flight TV deal was crap because the screen in front of me was broken. So my stewardess offered me a complimentary drink. I am once again thanking God for His many gifts to me on this trip as I write this blog while sipping a refreshing free gin n tonic.

A gift to come home to
It may be the day after my birthday, but getting to come home to my wife Danielle is a post birthday gift that I am most excited about. Looking forward to another year with the one I love.

Thank you God for all these gifts and for the best birthday in Nashville I could ever imagine having!
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