I wish I could write songs. I seem to be able to write a few lyrics here or there, perhaps a decent chorus occasionally. But they never come together into a full song, really. And music... don't even get me started on music. That might be half the problem right there. I can carry someone else's tune just fine. But when I try to put my own together - it comes out either sounding exactly like a song that already exists (because it probably is) or like a jingle that a commercial might use to sell kitty litter.

In my conversation with Ryan Delmore last fall in Asheville, though, I was actually presented with a perspective that was very foreign language from what I'd been hearing the whole week, "Not everyone is a songwriter..." I know, right? Being a part of a movement - like the Vineyard - that has deep roots in music, this was a somewhat shocking thing to hear. You mean everyone that can strum a guitar isn't going to write an awesome song that will end up on "WOW! Worship" in a year or two? But what was even more important to me was the thought that followed, "...but that's not something you should necessarily sit around feeling bad about."

It reminds me of the passage in 1 Corinthians about spiritual gifts. If the foot feels bad that it's not a hand, it doesn't make it any less a part of the body. It's just meant for a different role. And every part of the body functions in an important manner.

So I'll probably still try writing a song every now and again. And I'll more than likely either not finish it or be dissatisfied with the results if I do. But that doesn't mean the music will stop. I can keep playing it and singing it, even if it's written by someone else.

And I will.

I'm not sure how a multiple page text will translate into a single blog post. So this is a kind of experiment to see how it'll look if I post from work.

I was thinking about this whole "Pray for a new congregation" thing on my ride to work tonight. It's one of our common requests during our 40 day "Leap of Faith" at BRV.

My personal request is that this new congregation, be it a site church attached to BRV or a church plant, finds it's home in my town - Folcroft. I am pretty much convinced that I'll be part of the new group whether it's in my town or not, but man, it would be really cool to live and worship in the same place. I feel like it would make outreach so much easier. I could say, "Yeah, we meet up next to the Post Office," instead of, "We're in Media - down the street from the courthouse." Just seems a little more accessible.

Anyway, it should be an exciting summer either way. Lots of talking and planning to do with other pioneers. This is the reason I liked the idea of a church planting movement when I first came to BRV some 6 odd years ago. I like the idea of new beginnings. I like being part of the team. I like being the church instead of just going to it.

Well, hopefully this text thing works and I didn't just waste the past 10 minutes. Guess I'll find out in the morning!

Cheers.

And in the 21st century, we can even blog via text message! Technology.

Dear Blogger,

I've decided to give you another try. Since I've been fasting from Facebook, and actually intend to not go back, I decided this might be a good way for people (who don't actually want to talk to me) to get their Tim fix.

Judging from past attempts, I project that this will last... 5 months? Tops. But hey, you never know until you try. So let's enjoy it while it lasts.

Your Friend,
Tim