BabuLife

"Once an Arafat Man" Facebook Group

Check out the new Facebook Group page for my Dad's upcoming book "Once an Arafat Man" here.  I had the privilege of reading a copy of it last week and wow.  I was blown away by the content, the way it was laid out along with the surreal factor of reading stories I lived through.

Check out these to links:
"Once" on Facebook
"Once" blog

Worship Confessional: 5/11/08

Great job to the team this week!  Kudos to Gina with the music.  I think I led like one and a half songs this week.  Not much to say apart from Happy Mother's Day ladies! Thanks also to Marie for locating and purchasing the nifty little bookmarks.  Here's the set list.  Don't forget, you can purchase on iTunes by clicking the titles:

• Yesterday, Today and Forever by Vicki Beeching
• No Sweeter Name by Kari Jobe
• Glorious by Chris Tomlin
• God of Wonders from City on a Hill
• Hosanna by Hillsong United

Short confessional this week.  See you!

-Babu

Twitter Bug

So I've been at it now on Twitter since March 10.  I'm hooked.  Here are some things I've noticed about Twitter:

• The world is even smaller than it was with blogging.
• I can keep up with what's happening with friends (I'd love more friends on it).
• Instant networking and communication with my fellow worship leading buddies.
• My wife knows what's going on in my world...instantly...this one freaks me out a bit.

I've utilized the nifty Twitpic feature which allows me to upload photos taken from my cell phone.  Why would I do that?  I have no idea.  But what I do know is that every time I post a photo there are at least 15-20 people (sometimes more) clicking away to see the snapshots.  Glad you 15 or so people care enough to see what I'm eating for lunch.  For those who follow the BabuLife blog, you can see my Twitter updates on the right side bar along with my two most recent snapshots from Twitpic.  You can comment on photos (be nice please).

One warning to those of you considering adding Twitter to your internet life.  If you're a person who holds highly the value of Facebook Friendships, blog stats or anything similar, be ready for some disappointment.   When someone follows you, don't hold it personally when that person elects to click the "remove" button.  Figure out why you want to join Twitter, who you want to see following you, and what you want to twitter about.  I've discovered the same taboos in one on one conversation apply to Twitter as well. 

Overall I've found this to be another great way to simply network, inform and communicate to those who care enough to pay attention to what I have to say...not like a blog...but instant communication.  Interested in getting yours started?  Get your own and follow me!

Check out David's post on his Twitter experience here.

New Grace Pastor?

Many Gracers here know we've been on the hunt to add another member to the pastoral team here at Grace.  Have we found a potential candidate?  See the video below and let us know what you think.  Look out front row worshipers.

HT: Preston

IGNITE in 8 Hours

Tonight we gather once again for our First Wednesday Worship time.  We've got a special song for the kidlets tonight.  Oh yes...it's one from last years Summer Breakout that I'm sure they'll be quite fond of.  We'll also be playing some of the newer tunes we've been doing recently at church along with a tune requested by someone on the Grace Facebook Group page.

When: Tonight, 7 - 8 p.m.
What: IGNITE - First Wednesday Worship
Where: Grace Church
Who: If you are breathing, you're invited
How: By any means necessary - except by plane....parking lot's not big enough
Why: Because if nobody shows up our feelings might be hurt. :)

By the way...expect to see Sam rockin' on his sweet Gibson Explorer.  Here's a little snapshot of Sam and this dangerous weapon.  I recommend staying at least 5 feet away from him as he plays.  That thing is sharp!

See you tonight!
-Babu

Worship Confessional: 5/4/08

This week our praise team was stretched to cram in a legitimate rehearsal early this morning.  Thursday during our usual practice time, we were interrupted several times throughout the evening with tornado sirens which led us to continually shut down and head to the basement.  I'm always amazed at how God always comes through with our team.  They did great.

A couple of little hiccups having to do with me occurred this morning.  Upon arriving, my AKG Guitar Bug was missing.  Never found it. This means I had to actually play with a cord plugged in my guitar. I know, crazy right? Well when you're used to having a wireless system it becomes difficult to adjust to being chained to a direct box.  The fear of stepping on the cord then ripping it out of the guitar ate at me while leading today.  Never happened, however, when the last song closing out the second service came "Glory of it All", I got to my cue, strummed the opening chord and realized the cord wasn't plugged into my guitar all the way.  Kinda messed up the intro to the song but the band just kept motoring which was awesome.  Great job team!

Here's the worship set list:

• Awesome is the Lord Most High (A) by Chris Tomlin
• Salvation is Here (B) by Hillsong United
• You Never Let Go (B) by Matt Redman
• Center (E) by Charlie Hall
• The Glory of it All (B) by David Crowder

It was cool to see the church pray for my favorite violinist in the world.  Lynnora will be leaving us for about a month to serve on a short-term missions trip.  She played with us today and at the close of the service the church prayed for her.  Awesome.  We'll miss you Lynnora!

I have to mention Kent Warden who created and ran the lights this weekend. He spent a good 8-9 hours at the church Saturday learning some of the lighting techniques.  He did some experimenting on Salvation is Here and came up with some pretty intense lighting.  Thanks Kent for your hard work!

By the way...we're looking to kick start the choir again. It's been two years since we had one join the worship onstage so if you're interested, drop me an email at babusaada@graceks.org and we'll get you on the list to audition.

See you!

Happy 25th Return of the Jedi

Be sure to watch for the Billy Dee (Lando) preacha' man at about 1:25.

The Church at it's Worst

Check out Tim Stevens' post regarding a conversation about his new book "Pop Goes the Church". Tim's a part of the team at Granger Community Church which reaches roughly 6,000 in it's weekend attendance.  They invest a lot in reaching their community in ways that are compelling and relevant to the people.  I like Tim's approach to his criticism.  I imagine it'd be tough to hear.  I anticipate some criticism regarding my father's upcoming book . My hope is that we'll have the same wisdom in response.

The original bashing calling out of Tim Stevens post.
Tim's response "Is There a Kernel of Truth?".

Friday Randomness

Here's some Friday randomness for your viewing pleasure:

• Rich has an ongoing series of posts called "Worship Mythbusters" addressing various misconceptions about worship.  I loved this post. MYTH:  worship leaders are about themselves, since they get to play music and be in front of people.
• Starfield - I forgot I had their new album until Doog mentioned it in a conversation last night. Spun the iPod clickwheel to "I Will Go".  I still can't believe they only had a little side stage at last years Rock the Light here in KC. That was just messed up.  BTW...did you hear what happened at a Starfield show last week?
• R2-D2 - Check out this little DVD projector/iPod dock station/pretty much everything else. $3000 is the asking price. This might be a good tool for the video team...Adrian, my video friend, you could never be replaceable. Thanks for the link! Watch the video demo here.
• Sporty's Invention - Spent Monday and Tuesday with my oldest working on a school project.  Check out her nifty little Star Wars board game invention on my wife's blog here.  I am very proud.
• Iron Man - Saw the movie. Wow. I enjoyed it. Truly a comic geeks flick. Be sure to stay through the credits for a fanboys dream come true.
• Once an Arafat Man - Reading an advanced copy right now. Very well written and I'm looking forward to seeing how this book might impact lives within and without the church world. BTW, this is a book about my dad's life as a PLO sniper and how God transformed him. Check out the blog.

-Babu

Mac Attack

It looks as though the PC market is on the offensive against the Mac following.  Check out the entertaining jab from IBM to the Macbook Air.  Admittedly, I'm not a computer aficionado, however, I do find the commercial battle between these companies rather entertaining. In this "return fire" ad IBM has provided a message that I can understand...whether right or wrong.

Their message: Everything I need in a computer is built right into the IBM Lenovo X300.

Anxiously awaiting Mac's return volley.

HT: Percussivity

Worship Confessional: 4/27/08

Tim was back in the saddle Sunday.  Those are some HUGE shoes to fill in the pulpit.  Thank you so much to all who have sent encouraging words, grabbed me between services and sent notes about the message from last week.  I appreciate your words and have been extremely humbled to hear how God used last week to impact your prayer lives.  Thank you.

This week's music. Click to purchase on iTunes:

• Lord Most High by Dave Leubben (not on iTunes)
• Let it Rise as recorded by Big Daddy Weave
• Jesus Paid it All as recorded on the Passion CD "Everything Glorious"
• Mighty to Save by Hillsong United
• Center by Charlie Hall

This was the first week we've ever played Center.  I like this song and chose it based on the content and theme of the message this week as Christ being our atonement.  The message was on the Altar found in the Tabernacle and how it pictures how Christ is our sacrifice and atonement for sin.  The lyric to Center:

Oh Christ, be the center of our lives,
Be the place we fix our eyes
You're the center of the universe everything was made in You Jesus

There's no possible way we can enter into the presence of God without the atonement of Jesus Christ.  He's truly the center of everything and truly holds everything together.  Great song great message.  Give a listen to the message here.

See you next week!
-Babu

Once an Arafat Man

This week my mom and dad spent a few days with us.  I had the opportunity to talk about the upcoming biographical book on my pops life.  Here are some details:

• Authored by my Dad and co-written by Dean Merrill who wrote the story of Gracia Burnham (missionary to Philippines who was kidnapped along with her husband by Muslim extremists. Her husband, Martin, was killed during the rescue). I also need to note that my mom is doing a HUGE amount of editing as well.
• The title, "Once an Arafat Man". Intriguing.
• It'll be released this fall (found a website that specifically says September 15)
• It's being published by Tyndale House.
• I LOVE the book cover. See below...

Dad wanted to jump into the blogging world for this book in hopes of providing a place for people to communicate and get more info. You can visit the blog here.  Here's the book cover:

Web Bonus - Indiana Jones Altar of Incense

As promised, here are some further notes from the message Sunday that I either didn't get to or I ended up having to axe due to time.

I loved this topic.  The illustration of the Golden Altar of Incense being Christ as our intercessor along with the incense itself picturing the prayer of saints is awesome.  The text was Exodus 30:1-10, 34-38.  Here are some additional thoughts:

• The Gold used to create the actual altar represents divinity. A picture of Christ Himself. (Exo 30:3)
• The acachia wood used to create the the altar as well represents the earthen part of Christ. He was completely divine...yet completely flesh. (Exo 30:1)
• The horns made with pure gold = the power of Christ (Exo 30:3).  Horns represent power and since the altar pictures Jesus Christ doctrinally (that is foreshadowing the nature of who He is) and the horns were covered by sacrificial blood by Aaron the priest once a year for the covering of the sins of Israel.  You can see the parallels. Christ shed His blood for the covering of our sins. Pretty cool picture there if you dive deeper.
• If the above is correct...then the golden altar itself is a picture of Jesus Christ, then that means He is our intercessor continually praying on our behalf as well. Jesus prayed for and interceded on behalf of His disciples and followers before the crucifixion. (John 14:13-14) This would mean since the prayers of the saints - the incense (Rev 8:3)is burned on the altar, our prayer life and ability to pray to God Himself is thru Jesus Christ...nothing/nobody else.
• We talked briefly about how the incense was to be set apart for the strict purpose of perpetually burning before the Lord on the golden altar. If you did, you were cut off from your people.  Check out this passage that I didn't have any time to spend in on Sunday.  Here's a specific story of what happened to a group of people in the Old Testament who did just that. (Num 16:31-40)

I enjoyed Sunday and appreciate greatly the opportunity to teach this important topic.  It was extremely refreshing for me to be reminded of the importance of having a real, genuine, fervent and consistent prayer life with God.

Your Graphics Can't Save You!

Has anyone experienced participating in an event whether it be a concert, a party or church-related activity only to find that the promotional material you received prior didn't quite match the experience?

Within the communications world there's sort of a creed I've been learning about.  It's not really an  official creed...but it's one that I believe is an important creed any marketing/communications expert might agree with.  It goes something like this...

"No logo, no graphic, no website, no commercial can ever replace the marketing of a positive experience."

I think this rule can apply not only to the business world, but within the world of church promotions. We Christians need to embrace some of what the experienced marketers in the world can teach us.  After all, our message is bigger and more important than any laundry detergent, any concert or any television show provides.

Here's an example of what we've done at Grace over the past four years.  Specific decisions to spend attention, time and yes even money on our weekend experience became a priority.  The weekend service time is the one main connecting point to the church body and the main place where the message of Christ is delivered on a weekly basis.   Careful attention to crafting the messages (where our Sr. Pastor spends most of his time), crafting a musical worship experience that is done with excellence (where our band spends time), crafting an audio and visual worship experience that is also done with excellence (where our AVL techs spend time) became a priority for us.  When these balls started rolling, then came the attention to detail in our branding and marketing.  A brand that truly represented the experience people would have at Grace Church became our desire...and I believe it's worked.  We've not spent a single dime on mass mailers in our community over the past two years and have seen our attendance double.  While having a building is probably the biggest "billboard", our main promotional resource has been each individual attender of Grace. The people who have met with Jesus Christ personally at Grace and have a burning desire to see the same experience happen in the lives of their friends, neighbors and family.  There's no mailer, flyer or graphic that can beat that.

To ministry leaders out there, don't get caught up in the promotion, get caught up in the experience you are providing people.  Deliver on the promises you've made in whatever promotion you've done and invest heavily in the experience before anything else.  There's no greater marketing than the buzz of people inviting others to your events.  No flyer, no logo, no graphic, no website, nothing will provide you greater success at being able to share your message than winning the hearts of those attending your events.

Just a little lesson I'm learning in the communications world.

• Visit Seth Godin's blog. Should be a regular stop for anyone involved with communications.
• Check out "Unleashing the Ideavirus" by Seth Godin.

Worship Confessional: 4/20/08

This was my day to preach.  No guitar, no singing, no music for me.  It was me stepping outside my comfort zone (I'm always more comfortable with a guitar around my neck). I had a great time studying for the message on the "Golden Altar of Incense" found in the tabernacle.  As a matter of fact I was having so much fun studying that on Saturday I was tempted to scrap the entire message I had in order to fit more stuff in...however...the Worship Guides had already been stuffed with the message handout. So I elected to keep it as is and maybe post additional notes here on the site like Tim does each week after he teaches.  Stay tuned tomorrow for additional notes that I just didn't have time to cover.

I kicked the message off with a quick game asking folks to identify Indy's sidekick.  As a matter of fact, I reached in my closet and pulled out my middle eastern tunic that my folks bought for me on a recent visit there. First service...nobody knew who he was.  Second service, one person jumped in immediately shouting out "Sallah"!  Good job Susana Gardner!  In addition to the message, we closed out the service celebrating communion together.  Just an awesome time of worship together.  The video was of a song by Kathryn Scott called "At the Foot of the Cross (Ashes to Beauty)".  I love that tune.  You can click the title to purchase on iTunes.  Give a listen to the message here.

I want to extend a HUGE thanks to Michael Foley who did a great job leading the church in the music yesterday.  I LOVE the song "King of Glory" and enjoy hearing Mike's huge baritone voice on that tune.  It's awesome!  I had someone come up to me and warn me that I may need to keep him from singing as I may lose my job!  It's nice to hear that people are responding to a different leader....you know how we can be with our preachers and worship leaders...it's hard to follow someone different.  Great job Mike!!!  Go visit his blog here and drop him a note.

Here's the worship set list. Don't forget you can purchase the songs on iTunes clicking the title.

• Awesome is the Lord Most High (A) by Chris Tomlin
• Here is Our King (A) by David Crowder
• How Great is Our God (C) by Chris Tomlin
• King of Glory (C) by Chris Tomlin
• Facedown (Ebm) by Matt Redman
• At the Foot of the Cross by Kathryn Scott

I'll post my additional notes from the message when I'm back in the office. I'm enjoying a needed break today.  See you!

-Babu

Jazzed

This Sunday I get the pulpit from Grand Master Preacher Tim Howey as he's on his tour of Albania.  We're going to be looking at the golden altar of incense as it relates to our relationship with God.

I think it'll be pretty fun if a couple of things fall into place before Sunday...we'll see...don't miss it.

By the way...catch up with Tim in Albania as he files reports on his blog.

A Star

I've been sick in bed for the past two days getting over a stomach virus (getting better).  Today the weather was around 70 degrees so I had to open the window to the bedroom.  Straight below I could hear my 2 year old playing on the patio.  I glanced down and saw her with a stick in her hand standing on the bench singing a song and concluding with this phrase:

"Thank you everyone, I'll be here all night!"

What have I got on my hands?  She's only 2!!!

Worship Confessional: 4/13/08

Third week of our "Indy Jones & the Tabernacle of You" series. This week's message focused on the lamp stand and how it relates to our relationship with Jesus Christ as our light.  Awesome message.  Check it out here.  Tim blows me away each week with his teaching on what could seemingly be boring studies of ancient artifacts and making them relevant to our lives today.

Great music during worship yesterday.  Great job to Addie and Mindy on "No Sweeter Name"...which is a beautiful tune.  Here's our worship list from Sunday.  Don't forget, you can purchase the songs on iTunes by clicking the titles.

• Holy is the Lord (G) by Chris Tomlin
• No Sweeter Name (G) by Kari Jobe
• I Stand Amazed (G) Passion
• You Are Holy (G) Michael W. Smith version
• Enough (G) by Chris Tomlin

Next week Michael Foley leads while I get the opportunity to teach about the incense used in the tabernacle.  Should be fun!

-Babu

Star Wars on Spike TV

In November of 2005, Spike TV purchased the exclusive rights to air the Star Wars movies.  Last weekend Episodes 1 - III aired Friday - Sunday.  This weekend beginning tonight at 7 p.m. central, Episode IV (you know...the one from 1977) will air.  Saturday they will air Episode IV at 4 p.m. followed by Episode V (Empire Strikes Back ...my favorite) at 7 p.m.  On Sunday, Episode V again at 4 p.m. followed by Episode VI (Return of the Jedi) at 7 p.m. Visit Spike TV's website here for a nifty trailer and more info.

Last weekend the first three went head to head with the Lord of the Rings trilogy Friday - Sunday on TNT.  Check this story to see which trilogy came out on top...I think you can guess...unless you're a Ringer Geek, you might be in denial. :)  (Look at this Star Wars geek smack talkin'!)

So if you've never seen the classic Star Wars trilogy, this is an opportunity to catch up.  If you've never watched with your kids, get some popcorn and school your children on this classic story of good vs. evil.  And yes...even though I've seen it many times...I just might flip it on too.  It just never gets old for me.

Enjoy!