Category: Life and Living

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A Prayer for NYC

This year is the first year Olivia and I have lived in New York City on 9-11.  We lived in Boston when it happened in 2001, and came down several times over the next several months, but we’ve never been “New Yorkers” on an anniversary.  It was a crazy thought to think as I was getting on the Subway this morning, that that day started out normal for millions as well.

So today, as a new “New Yorker,” I want to offer a prayer for the City:

Lord, thank You for all You’ve done to heal hearts, minds, and bodies in the eight years since the attacks on New York City in 2001.  Thank You for Your mercy, Your compassion, and Your power to overcome evil with good.  I thank You that many have come to know You as they’ve sought answers to their questions.  I thank You that You are the answer to any question.  Thank You for bringing back this City to a place of prosperity and influence.  Thank You for the gifts You have blessed it with.  Thank You for people that recognize and honor those gifts.

God, I ask You to protect this place from another attack.  I ask You to foil any plans that the enemy may have.  Will You frustrate even the most cunning of masterminds?  They hold nothing on You and Your omniscient, omnipresent power.  You know everything.  Before a thought has been born You know it and I ask You to be the great defender of New York City.  David called You a Strong Tower and may the people look to You, and only You, as that refuge.

I pray for the Church of Your Son, Jesus, here in New York.  May there be a mighty revival of power here.  May the great cathedrals and churches be filled with Your Spirit in even greater portions than at their creation.  May they be filled with believers and seekers.  May the fire of Your presence consume all who call on Your name.  Bring about repentance from our evil ways.  May there be genuine sorrow and conviction for things in our lives and City that do not honor You.  May that repentance be met with a raining of mercy and forgiveness that only You could bring.  Bring revival to Your Church here, Jesus.  And bring an awakening to those who have yet to come to know You.  May Your workings and movement in this City be a testimony to America and to the world.

Thank You for Your unending, unfathomable love in the person of Jesus in whose name I offer this prayer.  Amen.

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One of those days

Wednesday was not a great day.  Nothing bad happened.  It just wasn’t good.  Have you ever had one of those days?

I stayed home from work to wait on the exterminator (another long story…) who never came.  I tried to record a new song for the YouTube Sessions on keyboard and I just couldn’t get a good take.  At about ten o’clock I decided to pack the recording stuff up (it’s New York – there no room for a dedicated studio) and try again another day.  I must’ve spent five hours or so working on that song.  Nothing to show for it.  I wanted to write a blog – no dice.  I even wanted to go for a run…didn’t happen.

It’s been a long time since I tried so many different things and nothing worked out.  But I guess it’s just one of those days.

One of those days

One of those days

One of those days

No matter how you say it (write it…whatever!) it just doesn’t give you any more satisfaction.

But just before midnight as I was packing up the gear to shove into my closet I stumbled onto something.  I put a vinyl copy of James Taylor’s Sweet Baby James on the turntable and I just enjoyed it.

Didn’t sing along.  Didn’t play along.  Just enjoyed.

So I did accomplish something after all on one of those days.  Something I could have done all day long: Listen to the sounds of some really great songs.

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Update

It’s been forever…I know!!  Lots going on here in NYC.  Just following the Lord and doing a lot of waiting and listening.  I’ve been reminded lately of a great word from “My Utmost for His Highest” where Oswald Chambers talks about the “glorious uncertainty” of being in the Lord.  I am not certain of what today will bring, but I am certain of Him.  I am still searching for that place He has for me to lead worship, but I’m more content everyday just doing what He has set before me and waiting for Him to move how He wills and surprise me.  I did get a great new long term temp job at the NFL in their charities department.  It’s cool to come through the doors and see the original Vince Lombardi trophy in the the reception area.   I’m thankful God has given me something to do while I’m waiting :).

Been writing a ton and just enjoying the city.  I’m excited to see what’s coming up in this “glorious uncertainty.”

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We’re Moving!!

Olivia and I are moving to New York City on October 15!  We have an apartment in Inwood (the top tip of Manhattan) and are very excited.  I’ll keep you posted on what all is happening once we get there.

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New York City

Olivia and I were in New York City this past week to see if it’s where God wants us.  We stayed with our good friend Millinee in Inwood (North Manhattan).  She was so gracious to let us stay 10 days!!  I talked with two Churches about possible Worship Leader positions.  One would be towards the first of the year and one is open now.  The one that is open now is different from where I’ve been recently, but the spirit of the people was so sweet.  I went to two of their services on Sunday and was able to taste a little bit of what they are about.  The Lord will show us what is right.

After getting back to Nashville, Olivia and I are confident that New York City is the place He has for us next.  We don’t know what that may look like, but we know He wants us to go there.  Olivia is beyond excited and so am I.  We are looking for an apartment now.  We thought we had secured one before we left, but it didn’t work out.  We are scouring the Web and will probably go back next week to find a place.  It is crazy!  If you find one you like, you’ve got to get your application in immediately or someone will be right behind you to snatch it up.  They want more info than a mortgage company.  Just pray that the right thing will open up and that we’ll just wait before the Lord for the right one.

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