Fifth Sunday Singing

At our small country church we have an event that most people look forward to on months that have five Sundays in them.  Instead of the traditional evening service on that Fifth Sunday, we have Fifth Sunday Singing.  We announce it a few weeks in advance so everyone can get ready.  The idea is this - everyone is encouraged to sing a solo, a duet, a quartet, a group song.  Perhaps you don't sing?  That's okay, too.  You can share a testimony, read a poem, recite a favorite Scripture, play an instrument.  You don't have to be in the choir.  You don't have to read music.  Just make a joyful noise to the LORD!  Sometimes we'll have a fellowship meal or "finger foods" afterward.

We haven't always attended our little church.  In the beginning, 5th Sunday Singing was very intimidating to me.  I would get real nervous and dread Fifth Sunday Singing.  After getting a few of them "under my belt," I quickly realized that there was nothing to get nervous about.  We have a church FAMILY and no one will make fun of you, or laugh, or throw vegetables.  People share and are very supportive. 

Recently, we had a water pipe that burst in our sanctuary.  We had to have the baseboards pulled and the carpet dried out.  Then all the plumbing had to be re-done.  No worries.  It didn't ruin Fifth Sunday Singing.  We still had it in our Fellowship Hall.  Sometimes old hymns are sung.  Sometimes old Southern Gospel songs are sung.  Sometimes more contemporary songs are sung.  The fact is, it doesn't matter.  As long as we are praising our Lord and enjoying time with fellow believers, it's all good!  Click the arrow below to hear "Master of the Sea" sung at a recent 5th Sunday Singing:

If my calendar is correct, June is the next month that has 5 Sundays in it.  Looking forward to it!

The Good Stuff

I listen to a lot of different genres of music.  I know a lot of people (me included) criticize country music for being "too pop-music sounding," shallow, and it doesn't compare to good "old" country and western music.  I'm a lyric guy.  I listen to the lyrics for meaning and to see if the words the songwriter and singer strike a chord with me (pardon the pun).

Some songs really preach a sermon and help get your head screwed on straight when the whole world has done its best to get you off center.  Sometimes, yes, even a country song contains truth.  The "Good Stuff" isn't the things marketed by Madison Avenue marketing firms on glossy ads or vibrant videos.  The "good stuff," quite simply, is often the stuff described in Kenny Chesney's song below.  You can click on the red arrow below Kenny's nose below to watch the video and read the lyrics I placed below.  Lord, may we always cherish the truly good stuff...

Well, me and my lady had our first big fight
So I drove around till I saw the neon light
The corner bar. It just seemed right so I pulled up.
Not a soul around but the old bar keep
Down at the end lookin' half asleep
But he walked up and said, what'll it be?
I said the good stuff.
He didn't reach around for the whiskey.
He didn't pour me a beer.
His blue eyes kinda went misty.
He said you can't find that here.

'Cause its the first long kiss on a second date.
Momma's all worried when you get home late
And droppin' the ring in the spaghetti plate
'Cause you're hands are shakin' so much
And its the way that she looks with her eyes and her hair.
Eatin' burnt suppers the whole first year
And askin' for seconds to keep her from tearin' up
Yeah man, that's the good stuff.

He grabbed a carton of milk and he poured a glass.
And I smiled and said I'll have some of that.
We sat there and talked as an hour passed like old friends.
I saw a black and white picture and it caught my stare.
It was a pretty girl with bu-font hair
He said, that's my Bonnie, taken 'bout a year after we wed.
He said, I spent five years in the bar when the cancer took her from me.
But I've been sober three years now
'Cause the one thing's stronger than the whiskey

Was the sight of her holdin' my baby girl
The way she adored that string of pearls
I gave her the day that our youngest boy Earl
Married his high school love.
And its a new t-shirt sayin' I'm a grandpa.
Bein' right there as our time got small
And holdin' her hand when good the Lord called her up
Yeah man that's the good stuff.

He said, when you get home she'll start to cry.
When she says, I'm sorry, say so am I.
Look into those eyes so deep in love and drink it up
'Cause that's the good stuff.

That's the good stuff.