Sometimes I Write

Tuesdays are my favorite week night. For 2 hours (sometimes more) I hang out with people I love, doing something that I love to do…Sing. Every week we all gather at Billy and Lisa’s house to practice the songs we’re going to lead for worship on Sunday. Sometimes we just sound o.k. and other times we’re awesome. When the harmonies click and the instruments are in perfect balance, we just glide through the music. Not all Tuesdays are so relaxing, but I LOVE them anyway. We are quite a dramatic little group and bring some interesting dynamics to the table. But God takes us from the broken pieces that we are and forms this beautiful work of art…and we are one. Sounds like a cool family, doesn’t it?

Sometimes I still mourn all of the years I longed for this and went on hoping, wishing, and praying that I’d have a chance to do this. Then I almost didn’t audition because of fear. Wow! That would have been awful. I can’t imagine how different life would have been for me this past year. Not bad, but not as good.

At one point during our practice tonight I looked around at our group. Billy and Shay were both exhausted, but holding it together and still smiling. Russell was in his own world of strumming. Tony, as usual, was just going with the flow. Sophie kept us all in rhythm. I felt this swell of love for these people who sometimes really tick me off, and sometimes surprise me with their depth and compassion. There have been times we brought out the worst in each other. But usually we call out the best, challenging to be what God created us to be. The passion with which we play is a gift from the Lord and our praise back to Him.

Meet the band:

Billy is a husband, father of 3, worship leader, computer genius, good friend, and one amazing musician. When he plays, his guitar is an extension of him, not just an instrument to be manipulated. When he sings his voice is rich and filled with feeling and emotion. His musical knowledge and experience puts the rest of us to shame – even if he’s full of it half the time. 😉 He’s the leader of the group and the oldest…4 years older than me. (I had to say that Billy)

Then comes Tony. He’s the bass player and the guy who keeps things mellow. He’s like the wise older brother, both funny and clever. He’s a husband, father of 1 with 1 on the way, and a nurse by trade which makes sense because Tony is a compassionate guy. Tony adds the icing with his musical gift. Sure we could play without him, but we never want to. It’s just not the same without him. Tony is FUN!

Shay was the only female vocalist until I joined the group. She has welcomed me in and together we can harmonize the socks off you. She is single and looking, though she’ll kill me for writing that. She’s a professional 20 something with the sweetest voice and the biggest heart. Shay is passionate and has a heart for youth ministry which is a good thing since she is in charge of youth at The Journey. Shay is strong and courageous. She’s been battling cancer on and off since she was 19. Though she walks a tough road and is sometimes discouraged, she never gives up hope that she will overcome. Together we are the Red-headed force to be reckoned with, and partners in crime. 😉

Russell is a musician down to his core. He’s been writing and performing his own stuff along with Sophie. They are a band in themselves and trying to make it on the local circuit here in Denver. The boy has talent and potential! I love to listen to him pick and strum, and every time I see his GOD sticker on his guitar I smile…I gave it to him because he’s always saying he’s “Down with the G-O-D”. He’s single and looking as well…now I’m really going to be dead on Sunday. With all of my single friends, I could run a dating service…if I were any good at matchmaking…which I’m not. But I digress. I love Russell and I’m glad he’s part of the band.

Sophie and I joined the band about the same time. She is a lot of fun and she’s an amazing percussionist. She once explained that anyone can be a drummer because drummers bang on things. It takes more than that to be a percussionist. 😉 She is a student at CU and also single. Out of the whole band, I know the least about Sophie. I just know I really like her and I’m trying to be Jesus to her in an everyday sort of way. I’d like to make more of an effort to get to know her. Now that I’ve said that on the web, you’re my accountability.

So there you go…far from complete bios, but I wanted to give you a glimpse into our group. A strange and wonderful bunch. I am blessed to know them.