matmusic ministries

What does crazy-haired Phillis Diller have to do with worship? Keep reading.

I was thinking about a quote I read in the latest Reader’s Digest.

“You know the best way to double your money? Fold it and put it in your pocket.”
-Phillis Diller

I know what the heart of the quote is: to save is better than to spend frivolously. I agree - except when it comes to worship.

In fact, I would say that the opposite is true when giving praise to the Lord. If you hold back when you feel like worshipping, save the worship if you will, it will not bless God as it should. Worship is not only for you; it is for God. Pour it out in whatever way you feel called and He will be blessed. Unlike money, you cannot stockpile worship and be better for it. The point is to “spend” extravagantly and your reward will be great.

I would also say that when you do give your worship away openly, it will not only double but, often times, it will triple, quadruple, or more. When others see expressive and free worship modeled, they will often times feel more free in worship themselves. (Unless they have a judgmental heart. But that is a post for another day.) Kids seeing their Mother or Father raise their hands or sing out heartily will tend to find their own voice in praise as well.

So go ahead, blow your “savings” the next time you are in a worship service and feel just how blessed you are. I bet God will be blessed too.

So, with that, here is my quote:

You know the best way to increase praise? Give it extravagantly!

I am way behind in my postings but have to take this time to honor the mothers in my life.

First, my wonderful wife is also a wonderful mother to my three kids. I could not have asked God to provide a better caretaker, encourager, disciplinarian, Godly example, fun, affectionate, and loving mother.

It has been a tradition for the kids to make thier own cards for special occasions. Mother’s Day was no exception.

Wyatt wrote his card with no prompting from me at all. I thought it was an especially sweet sentiment. (click the picture to get a larger view.)

As a gift, Kara got her very own iPod - a green nano. Now I can keep mine with me! HANDS OFF!

After church on Sunday, we went to our traditional Pappasito’s meal with Mom. I am so grateful for a mom that is so generous and loving to me and my whole family.

Finally, we finished the day with a cookout at the Parker’s. Again, I am blessed that I have such wonderful in-laws that love me like their own.

My desk calendar had a humerous quote for May 13th.
“What do you get on Monther’s Day if you have kids? You know what: a card with flowers that are made out of pink toilet paper - a lot of pink toilet paper. And you get breakfast in bed. Then you have to get up and fix everybody else breakfast. And then you go to the bathroom…and you’re out of toilet paper.”
- Liz Scott

Thank you, moms for all you do. We love you.

I love this picture of a little boy helping his Daddy work. Wyatt loved (and still loves) motorized items and the edger was no exception. In fact, the whole process of mowing the lawn was excitement for him. He would get his little plastic “mow-mow” and follow behind Kara or me as we mowed with the real thing.

This picture was taken in July of 2002 which would make Wyatt 2 years and 10 months old at the time. Last night (5/11) Wyatt lost his fifth tooth…how time flies.

So here are the winners from the worship categories of the Dove Awards that I mentioned in an eariler post.

Winner - Worship Song of the Year
“Holy Is The Lord”; Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio; worshiptogether.com Songs, sixsteps Music (ASCAP)

My Guess
“My Savior My God”; Aaron Shust, Dorothy Greenwell; Bridge Building, White Spot Publishing

This was a bit of a suprise to me. This song has been around for a while but got big with the CCM crowd this year due to Tomlin re-recording it for his latest album. It is a powerful worship song that will be sung for years to come.

Also nominated in this category was Aaron Shust with “My Savior My God.” It did not win worship song of the year as I guessed but was the suprise winner for Song of the year. I think it would have won this category if not for it’s win as Song of the Year.

Song of the Year “My Savior My God”; Aaron Shust; Bridge Building, Whitespot Publishing

Winner - Praise & Worship Album of the Year
See The Morning; Chris Tomlin; Ed Cash; Sparrow Records, sixstepsrecords

My Guess
See The Morning; Chris Tomlin; Ed Cash; Sparrow Records, sixstepsrecords

I guessed correctly on this one. See The Morning also won in the Praise and Worship category in my own top album list of 2006. (Not yet posted in this space.) Needless to say, I think this album is deserving. Tomlin is the hottest worship recording artist and writer right now. All told, several of his songs are being sung in contemporary services across the country every Sunday. He and Louie Giglio, of the Passion movement speaking fame, make a dynamic writing team. This album contains many gems and is well worth the price of purchase.