Lee McDerment

Move Complete!

2007-03-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

I will not be posting on this page any more. please visit the new page here.

http://www.virb.com/leemcderment

We're Moving

2007-03-08T07:15:00.000-08:00

and by We i mean Me. and by Me, i mean, this Blog.

Here's the story: SuperHomie Shua B turned me on to the wonders of Virb. It's like myspace only better. it's like a cooler myspace + blogger + flickr + purevolume all together. so, instead of coming to this blog and getting linked to go everywhere else, you can just come here.

Enjoy!

First Wednesday

2007-03-08T07:13:00.000-08:00

03.07.2007 First Wednesday Service - NewSpring Church
Setlist:
Awesome is the Lord Most High
How Great is our God
Our God Reigns
Famous One
Saved

music from others

2007-03-06T11:12:00.000-08:00

i love music. that's probably an understatement.

i love it when other people turn me on to music that becomes my new favorite music.

go ahead and open iTunes, because i'm about to link u up, girl!

Brian let me hear this song, which is the worst thing i've heard in a long time. so good.

Justin played me this song. sheer vocal insanity.

more awesome stuff from Christy Nockels.

Joel suggested this for a sunday. we probably won't do it. but it still rocks.

RoseAngela's a sucker for Mandolin. and this song.

TLC introduced me to Gabe. and then i stopped listening to everything else for three days.

Flip put some ink on me while listening to this.

Daniel likes this. i do too.

Jake and Krag introduced me to Paramore. teenyrockers!

this song by Norah Jones has been killing me lately.

that's probably a little something for everyone. have a nice day.

Sunday

2007-03-05T05:53:00.000-08:00

03.04.2007 NewSpring
Setlist:
Grace Like Rain - Todd Agnew
Nothing but the blood - Charlie Hall
Who am I - Watermark
Ocean Floor - Audio Adrenaline
Your Grace is Enough - Chris Tomlin

JT in ATL

2007-03-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

that's right, i went to see Justin Timberlake in atlanta a couple of days ago. it was awesome! it was so good, i was sad that it was over. the band was awesome, the dancers were awesome... the whole production was so cool. here's what i can remember of the setlist:

FutureSex Love Sounds
Like i love you
My love
Senorita
Sexy ladies
Until the end of time
What goes around
Rock your body
Set the mood
Gone
Take it from here
Easy like sunday morning
Last night
--intermission (Timbaland Set)
Damn girl
Summer love
Losing my way
Cry me a river
Lovestoned
Chop Me Up
Sexyback
--Encore
Another song

Sunday

2007-02-26T05:54:00.000-08:00

i spent the weekend here.

and in other news, church was awesome. here's the setlist:

You never let go - matt redman
here i am to worship - tim hughes
i can't drive 55 - sammy hagar
awesome is the Lord Most High - Chris Tomlin

Sunday

2007-02-18T15:53:00.000-08:00

2.18.2007 Setlist:
Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
Mighty to Save - Hillsong United
In Christ Alone - Stewart Townend
The Wonderful Cross - Tomlin
I am Free - Newsboys

Your Weekend Plans

2007-02-14T14:01:00.000-08:00

Aiight... this friday night, all y'all (that's redneck for "a group of groups) need to come out to Merritt Theatre at Anderson U to see us play. and by us, i mean, Jon, Jeff, Gizz and me. and by play i mean, funk/reggae/rock/disco.

Daniel Harper will open.

festivities begin at 8pm.

Anything you want to hear in the setlist? put it in the comments.

Blues

2007-02-12T09:32:00.000-08:00

ok brittney, here's a rundown of my favorite blues music...

Some of my favorite blues songs:
B.B. King/Bobby Blue Bland - Stormy Monday
Allman Brothers - Stormy Monday
Eric Clapton - Someday after a while
Stevie Ray Vaughan - The Sky is Crying
Derek Trucks Band - Like anyone else
Joe Bonamassa - So many roads
Susan Tedeschi - Just won't burn

this should get you started.

sunday

2007-02-12T09:22:00.001-08:00

2.11.2007 Setlist:
Life Is A Highway - Tom Cochrane (via Rascal Flatts)
Everlasting God - Lincoln Brewster
It is well
Everybody Praise The Lord - Lincoln Brewster

First Wednesday

2007-02-08T10:59:00.000-08:00

2.07.2007 Setlist:
Rain Down - Delirious?
Fire Fall Down - hillsong
Hallelujah - hillsong
Word of God Speak - MercyMe
Everlasting God - Lincoln Brewster

Ears to hear

2007-02-08T06:15:00.000-08:00

this morning i read these words of Jesus: "pay close attention to what you hear. the closer you listen the more understanding you will be given - and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given." the consequence for not listening is chilling: "but for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken from them."

sometimes i crave quiet like i crave water when i'm thirsty. i'm so glad that He promises that more understanding is given when you begin to really listen. i'm thankful for a God who doesn't keep us in the dark.

Da Rock, Baby!

2007-02-06T07:39:00.000-08:00

superhomie Joshua Blankenship just got engaged, y'all! Woooo! Congratulations shua and mandy!

Sunday

2007-02-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

2.04.2007 Setlist:
Tell the World - hillsong
Fire Fall Down - hillsong
Saved - Bob Dylan (via Third Day)
Go Tell It - John Work, Lee McDerment, Justin Land
Salvation is here - Hillsong

Movie Time

2007-01-30T12:17:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to see this.

you're alive, kid

2007-01-29T14:13:00.000-08:00

today.

today was intense.

it's not really over yet, but the morning was quite intense as it tends to be sometimes here at NewSpring Church. Joel, Justin, Shane and I were in a frenzied brainstorm over songs, setlists, lineups... the whole nine yards of what it takes to make music in a church like ours. typically i begin to feel the walls close in when things get crazy like that. it's never a bad thing, it's just alot of a good thing. like being thirsty and having to drink from a fire hose.

so, also on the to do list today was to play a few songs at a funeral this afternoon. death is a hard thing to face for everyone. and i find that when i get the privilege of playing a couple of songs to comfort a family and honor a life passed, i am doing a very important work in ministry. today was no exception. when i got to the funeral and began to play, i realized how silly my hectic morning had been. and in that moment of pause, i felt God whispering to me, "you're alive, kid. drink it in. don't take it for granted. you're alive."

"you're alive, kid."

i'm going to send my mom a text message now, saying, "luvu mom. ur the best."

Sunday

2007-01-28T16:34:00.000-08:00

1.28.2007
Setlist:
Made to worship - Chris Tomlin
Your Name - Paul Baloche (via Philips Craig and Dean)
How to save a life - The Fray
Blessed be your name - Matt Redman (via Tree 63)

i'm tired.
roomie tim bought a ninja movie at the jockey lot.
gonna go home and watch it.

here's my prayer for you and me this sunday night:
may you be filled with the complete knowledge of God's will and with all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Colossians 1

room for God

2007-01-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

oswald has something good for us today. Leave Room For God.

HEY!!!

2007-01-24T08:09:00.000-08:00

aiight... let's catch up.

1.14.2007 Setlist:
It's not over - Daughtry
We Stand - Lee McDerment
My hope is you - third day
Living years - mike and the mechanics
Awesome is the Lord Most High - Chris Tomlin

1.21.2007 Setlist:
Open up the gates - planetshakers
Jesus Paid it all - Kristian Standfill
God and money - Jill Phillips
Turn your eyes - Vicky Beeching
Everlasting God - Lincoln Brewster

Justin Land has arrived here at NewSpring as our new co-worship leader. i think some folks freaked out when they heard that, because they thought i was leaving. i have no plans of leaving the only job i've ever had at the best church in the universe working for and with the best people who God ever made. at least, as far as i can tell, God has no plans for me leaving here. hope that settles it for everyone. Justin is a true miracle for me and a huge answer to prayer. everyone will see very soon, the full impact of Justin's ministry with us.

More changes are coming for our music program here at NewSpring... stay tuned for that. We are finally taking the time to retool what has been basically the same structure for the past 6 years. God is leading us in an exciting new direction... one i've been dying to get into for a long time. hold on loosely, but don't let go!

exciting things are afoot from every direction. in this new year God has challenged me with Matthew 7:7 - "Keep on asking..." So, i have this little list of about 8 things that i've committed to ask God every day for. 2007, my 30th year, is going to be the best yet.

Sunday Sunday Sunday

2007-01-08T07:15:00.000-08:00

i know, i know. more daily posting is on the way for 2007.

here's the setlist from yesterday:
1.7.2007

Can't Hide - DecembeRadio (if you haven't already, get their cd.)
Everlasting God - Lincoln Brewster
Mighty To Save - Hillsong United
Yearn - Shane and Shane
Friend of God - Michael Gungor

We had a new guitarist with us yesterday: Brian Speight. fantastic work, Brian!

speaking of new guitars... I added a Les Paul to the McDzl guitar family this week.

She's a 2001 Historic 58 Reissue Les Paul. Hott!

Happy New Year

2007-01-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

12.31.2006

Setlist:
Let the Praises Ring
Creed
Fix You
The Devil Went Down To Georgia
Fire Fall Down
The Noise We Make

Christmas Eve Weekend

2006-12-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

at Newspring:

Setlist:
All i want for Christmas is You - Mariah Carey
O Come All Ye Faithful - Third Day
O Holy Night
Amazing Grace
Let it snow

the best worship music

2006-12-20T08:02:00.000-08:00

sometimes, when a worship song really moves me, i'll tear up a bit and whisper a few thanks to God for letting me breathe and enjoy life. today that happened again, but to a different kind of worship song.

what song was it? Undying, by Demon Hunter. watch the video.

i'm convinced that Jesus loves metal.

I have Demon Hunter's latest cds, the Tryptich, and Summer of Darkness. both are full of awesome, if you can handle that much of it at one time. don't be scared.

New Website

2006-12-18T10:12:00.000-08:00

aiight... the new NewSpring Church website is up and goin.... now with streaming video of each service. so now you can watch everything, music and all. enjoy!

sunday

2006-12-18T06:59:00.000-08:00

setlist:
Marvelous Light
Mighty to Save
Give Me Jesus
Psalm 126 (you have done great things)

Friday at Midtown

2006-12-15T14:39:00.001-08:00

Jonny and I took a trip to Midtown Music today. Some people might call it "guitar shopping," but jonny and i call it a "tone quest."

here are the results from today's venture:

guitars played:
Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul 59 Reissue
Fender Custom Shop 60s Strat Relic
PRS Singlecut Goldtop
Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Junior
Gibson Custom Shop ES-335 tobaccoburst

Amps Played:
65 Amps London combo
Bogner Shiva combo
Dr. Z Maz 18 combo
Greer Underdog 15 head
Greer Thunderbolt 30 head
Two Rock Jade
Carr Hammerhead
Carr Rambler

whenever you set out on a tone quest, you discover many things.
things about guitars. things about amps.
things about your soul.

questions long unanswered are resolved. questions like: What kind of man are you? and the answers we found were: Jon is a Les Paul man. Lee is a Strat player. and today we realize that Dr. Z is perhaps the greatest modern era boutique amp maker. his amps spank all others. in my humble opinion, of course.

the other thing jonny and i realize today was that we are now beyond the just out of college find your tone in your gear phase. we're basically done with wondering what gear fits us best. jon has a couple of les pauls and a mesa dual rec. the tones he gets on a regular basis put all tones we found today to shame. i have a custom built strat and a fender supersonic that makes up the tone i've been looking for since 1997. it's not all that expensive, not exactly sexy, but it's the Voice. if you're a tone geek, you understand.

so, tone hunters, go to midtown if you're in ATL. and remember, tone is 80% touch, 20% gear. you don't have to have $10,000 to have tone. all you need is the touch.

When God goes dark

2006-12-12T06:29:00.000-08:00

lately i've grown tired of being a good person. sometimes when i'm tired, i'd like something to show for all my "goodness." it makes me restless, makes me doubt whether God really exists. and so for the past few days, i've taken this doubt and this frustration to God, because i feel i owe it to him to take my complaints and my doubts to him first, to see if he will assuage my fears as he has done in the past. it typically doesn't take much. i just pray, "God, i need you to come thru for me again. i think you are who you say you are. help me again." no matter how far along you are in your walk with Christ, i think there are definite seasons where you are tired and you feel God hasn't had a thing to say to you in days, weeks, months, years... it's those times, where i go back to some of the prayers i know i prayed when i was at my lowest and trust that the God who made the stars knows the insignificant name of 1 in the 6 billion people he made. and maybe, just maybe, he cares enough to answer with kindness, patience, and grace.

so yesterday, i see on Northpoint's website that this past week's message is called "When God Goes Dark." it was exactly what i needed to hear and no doubt part of God's answer to my request for relief from unbelief. check it out here.

Sunday

2006-12-11T05:31:00.000-08:00

sunday at newspring

Setlist:
Blessed be your name
Praise you in this storm
I still believe
You never let go

last night at the cellar

2006-12-09T11:53:00.000-08:00

last night was fun. thanks to all who came out. tyler, micah and joe were all great to meet and listen to. daniel and timmy recorded the whole thing. so check the purevolume thing in the next few days for an update.

Btw... all you aspiring singer-songwriters out there, Carpenter's Cellar has an open mic on Thursday nights. go down there and play.

A gift from Dave Barnes

2006-12-07T07:49:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, people. Dave Barnes would like you to have a Merry Christmas, too. You have to watch this.

Wednesday

2006-12-06T16:04:00.000-08:00

First Wednesday at NSC 12/06/06

Setlist:
Holy is the Lord
How Great is our God
Our God Reigns
Word of God Speak
Refugee Son
Your Name

your friday plans

2006-12-04T09:25:00.000-08:00

are you bored? are your weekends bland and lifeless? do you wish you had more funk in your life? do you wake up with a cold sweat in the middle of the night mumbling, "the groove... need... more... groove."?

well, never fear. the percussively ubiquitous Jeff Hook and I are here for you. we will be laying down grooves like the DOT lays down interstate this friday night at the Carpenter's Cellar in downtown Greenville. our dynamic duo is your cure for what is known in funky circles as "honky pox."

Twill be a night of music.
Twill be a night of groove.
Twill be a night where you stand up the whole time if you don't get there early to get a seat.

also playing are:
Tyler James 6pm/Micah Dalton 7pm/Joe McCready 8pm

all of these guys are fantastic singer songwriters. check out their websites. don't miss any one of them.

Dimanche

2006-12-03T15:27:00.000-08:00

Le Setlist Aujour d'hui:

Move Along - All american rejects
Rain Down - Delirious?
Fire Fall Down - Hillsong United
The Noise We (get sore and deaf from) Make(ing)(zilla!) - Tomlin (+ heavy metal guitar tone, two drum kits, some trash cans, an insane tambourine, an equally insane Perry, and the most fun i've had on stage in a while.)

the counter music was awesome, ken! funky house christmas songs. Boo-yah!

broussard

2006-12-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

angela, lbzy, kylie and i went to the Georgia Theatre on Wednesday night to see Marc Broussard in concert. everybody needs to go see him ASAP. worth every penny of ticket+gas money you have to pay to enjoy the show. he throws in more old school R+B covers than anyone ive ever seen. his band is great. it is a genuinely entertaining experience. and on top of that, they record each show and makes the copies available for sale afterward.

movie.

2006-11-30T12:06:00.000-08:00

i'll be going to see this when it comes out next summer. some Christians might hate it, but that's just because they're stupid.

Sunday

2006-11-27T06:43:00.000-08:00

11/26 Lord of the Rings
Greed - DecembeRadio
Mighty to save - Hillsong United
Jesus Paid it All - Kristian Stanfill
I am free - Jon Egan

right between the eyes

2006-11-22T12:07:00.000-08:00

"Make a determination to take no one seriously except God. You may find that the first person you must be the most critical with, as being the greatest fraud you have ever known, is yourself."

Oswald Chambers.

Sunday

2006-11-20T12:48:00.000-08:00

11/19/06 Lord of the Rings

Your Name - Paul Baloche (via Phillips Craig and Dean)
You Are My King - Billy Foote
You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker
Turn Your Eyes - Vicky Beeching
Awesome Is The Lord Most High - Chris Tomlin

i got to play the new digital grand that NewSpring bought last week. that thing is awesome!

Congrats to Gizz and Jess... they got married in the 2nd service. Woohoo!

the meaning of perhaps.

2006-11-17T14:49:00.000-08:00

Perhaps. that's lately become a very exciting word to me. that word does not inspire much confidence. it may even lead those on the glass-half-empty team to begin writing you off if you use it with any frequency.

lately i've found it to be a word full of adventure.

Remember that story in the bible where Jonathan says to his armor bearer, "Come on, let's go over and fight. Perhaps the LORD will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few." you remember what happened. they went up, God acted on their behalf, and they opened up a can on the uncircumcised phils.

What would happen if we rested in our certainty of being God's kids and risked big saying, "Perhaps the LORD will act on my behalf"?

What's at stake? Isn't he a good Father? isn't he strong? can he not provide?

what's the worst that can happen? i'd have guessed wrong. but i'm wrong a lot. what else is new. maybe this time, God will act on my behalf and i will have guessed right.

Perhaps only works with a God who is in control of everything. Every roll of the dice. Every hair on my head. Every breath. you get the picture. Perhaps only works with a God who is rich, and wise and infinitely gracious toward his children.

i don't want a life with no risk. i think that means that there will be lots of pain and disappointment in my life. but, it also means that there will be greatness and joy unspeakable. Bring it. Bring the pain. Bring the joy. Perhaps the LORD will act on my behalf. Perhaps God will act on your behalf.

what i hear in one day.

2006-11-16T14:27:00.000-08:00

i started a smart playlist on iTunes today. it remembers what songs i listened (all the way thru) to that day. interesting. here's today's list:

Robot Rock	Daft Punk
Between You And I	Big Wreck
On The Road To Beautiful	Charlie Hall
Come and Listen	David Crowder Band
Transform	Benz
Give Me Jesus	Jeremy Camp
Four Day Creep [Live]	Humble Pie
Blue In Green	Eric Roche
The House That Jack Built	Aretha Franklin
Fool In The Rain	Led Zeppelin
For My Brother*	Derek Trucks Band
Gone Postal	Foley
Reconstruction Medley	DJ Shadow
Let You Down	Dave Matthews Band
Carry You	Letter Kills
Bridge to Better Days	Joe Bonamassa
Come Be Who You Are	Sara Groves & Various Artists
Welcome To The Jungle	Guns N' Roses
Dusk You & Me	Groove Armada
Stang's Swang	Stevie Ray Vaughan
Honey Bee	Stevie Ray Vaughan
I Stand For You	Tree 63

stinky face = tone

2006-11-13T08:18:00.000-08:00

Sunday

2006-11-12T15:39:00.000-08:00

Sunday 11/12/2006

Pour Some Sugar on Me - Def Leppard
All to you - Lincoln Brewster
All I Need Is You - Hillsong United
Walk Away - Kelly Clarkson
Sing to the King - Billy Foote

We did the Def Leppard as an instrumental to open the service. i'm sure only a few people recognized it. all you emo kids need more hair metal in your musical diet.

thanks to RoseAngela Rugiero and Chris Siders for filling in. they both were incredible!

testing 1,2,3

2006-11-11T07:09:00.000-08:00

i'm young. i haven't lived very long. so when i ask God for certain things and he makes me wait... it feels like an eternity. i whine a little. i mope. and i begin to wonder why God says no, or nothing at all. i develop a distaste for everything else he's so graciously poured into me, looking at his gifts with a sour expression on my face like a spoiled kid at christmas saying... "yeah i know you got me tons of great stuff, and i know i'm only 6 yrs old, but where is my Ferrari!!!???!!!?!"

then, in the middle of mope-fest '06, a smile crosses my face as i realize how silly i've become. i stare out the window at the leaves changing, or at the fire in the fireplace, and i hear God whisper to me, "I won't spoil you, son. just trust me. i know how much you like surprises."

it's hard not to smile after that. it's hard not to say thank you and take stock of how great my life is. it's all perspective anyway. i wish i could get to the point where the reality of God's infinite value weighs in on my mind and everything else, down to my health, seems like dust and vapor in comparison. i'd love to be able to live knowing that God's gift to me is chiefly Himself and that in having Him, even if i lost everything, i'd be infinitely rich. i'm painfully aware that even in my life full of ease and favor, i still long for Him, and for the great other realm that's my true home. no amount of material wealth or earthly satisfaction is going to quench that internal, eternal thirst.

so in my prayers, i am encouraged by my closest friends and the scriptures to ask for what i want and to let God, my Good Father, the King of the Universe, sift thru the issues of timing and my impure motives. and in the meantime, enjoy the gift of breathing in and out.

Isaiah 45:18-19
For the Lord is God
and He created the heavens and the earth
and put everything in place
He mader the world to be lived in
not to be a place of empty chaos
"I am the Lord," he says
"and there is no other.
I publicly proclaim bold promises.
I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner.
I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me
if I could not be found.
I, the Lord, speak only what is true
and declare only what is right.

Sunday

2006-11-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

Sunday 11/05/2006

Dirty Little Secret - All american rejects
I can't make you love me - Bonnie Raitt
Grace Flows Down - Passion
Take My Life - Chris Tomlin
You never let go - Matt Redman

the death of myspace

2006-10-31T14:12:00.000-08:00

i killed the myspace page. it will die a slow death over the next 48hrs. yay. it was becoming a bit of a distraction and a waste of time. if you need to email me or contact me, you can do it via this blog. thanks for playing.

luv,
the management.

back in the saddle.

2006-10-31T05:45:00.000-08:00

woo!

Dallas and 2/27

2006-10-25T06:53:00.000-07:00

i'm flying to dallas today to visit joshua.

in other news, Feb 27th.

why you ask?

Justin Timberlake at Philips Arena in ATL.

go ahead and roll your eyes and call me a sellout pop junkie. then, listen to his latest album and come begging to me asking, "pleeeeeeease, Lee, can i have your other ticket to see Justin."

and i will laugh at you with a sinister voice and say, "Cry me a river."

the return

2006-10-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

check out shaniqua's brand new neck!!! the neck came from a made in japan tele custom.

shaniqua likes to chill by the fire. isn't she beautiful? yes she is. she also has a new volume pot and pickup selector.

Leo Kottke, the Taylor, will be making a comeback when i return from vacation. his frets are crowned, leveled and polished and he's got a new input jack.

are you bored yet? i'm just so excited about having my #1's back in working condition.

Sunday

2006-10-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

Lord of the Rings 10/22/2006

Call me when you're sober - Evanescence
Your Name - Paul Baloche (via Philips Craig and Dean)
Word of God Speak - MercyMe
Awesome is the Lord Most High - Chris Tomlin

new song

2006-10-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

sorry to break the news to you

Sunday

2006-10-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

Myspace 10/15/2006

Made to worship - Chris Tomlin
My hope is you - Third Day
This is your life - Switchfoot
I surrender all
All to you - Lincoln Brewster

john mayer

2006-10-15T06:07:00.000-07:00

karl scored some awesome tix for John Mayer on friday night. Lanna took pics. check it.

Sunday

2006-10-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

Myspace 10/8/2006
Setlist:
Rain Down - Delirious?
He is Exalted - Twila Paris (via Shane and Shane)
Sometimes you can't make it on your own - U2

Speaking of sometimes you can't make it on your own, one of my fellow staff was wearing a shirt today that read "if at first you don't succeed, QUIT." when i saw that, i instantly thought, dang, that's some good theology right there. in my short experience, God seems to let me wear myself out in trying to be good so that i will fail and subsequently realize that i cannot do it without him. or more rightly, that i can't do it at all, and that he that must do it.

Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? - Galatians 3:3

but practically speaking, how do you quit? see how silly that is... when i realize i have to quit trying to be better, my first question is, what do i have to DO to quit? what's my three step process to more effective quitting?

Oswald Chambers has some good advice on the subject, today: "I cannot save and sanctify myself; I cannot make atonement for sin; I cannot redeem the world; I cannot right what is wrong, purify what is impure, or make holy what is unholy. That is all the sovereign work of God. Do I have faith in what Jesus Christ has done? He has made the perfect atonement for sin. Am I in the habit of constantly realizing it? The greatest need we have is not to do things, but to believe things."

to believe. what a miracle. The most comforting thing for me to know sometimes, is that Jesus saved me. he begins the work. he continues the work. he finishes the work. he is alpha and omega not only in the greatness of creation and eternity, but in the minutiae of my vapor of a life. he was/is/will be glorious in infinite eternity and finite me.

Yesterday's Lunch

2006-10-07T08:08:00.000-07:00

thanks to friend Katie Brock, i was able to attend a small lunch Q&A with Donald Miller and Rick McKinley. Miller wrote Blue Like Jazz. McKinley pastors Imago Dei in Portland, OR. here are a couple of nuggets i picked up from the lunch:

McKinley on numbers and church planting: we get excited and count who's here on a sunday when God is counting who wasn't here: the 1.9 million unreached people in our city.

When i think about newspring, this is really my gut reaction to any attendance count we have. when i hear, we had 8200 people a few weeks ago, something in my heart says, that's awesome - praise God, but where were the other 165,000 who live in our county?

Miller on why he reads literature: i read for permission. if, in a great book, an author leaves a messy ending on a chapter, i find freedom to do that in my own writing.

i think that's one big reason why i listen to so much music of every genre and go to so many live concerts. i want permission. if it's ok for some artists to push the edge of what i think is possible for musical artistry, i find it easier to do that in my own work and music. like, when i see nickelback using flames onstage, i think... geez, i want flames. flames are cool. we should use flames in worship. ok, so that's a bad example. but if a band steals a riff from a popular song and sneaks it in front of one of their own, i think... a Van Halen riff would be a great way to start a Chris Tomlin song. or, at the end of one of our songs, we should hit Back in Black for a few bars.

The best part of this lunch wasn't listening to those guys, though. Mark and Lora Batterson just happened to be sitting next to me at the table i was at. Mark is the pastor of National Community Church in DC. Mark and Perry are blog buddies. It was great to meet them by "coincidence." Mark told me he challenged perry to a 3 on 3 basketball game. evidently mark's staff is tall like ours. i think we could take em. after all, we have 3 former collegiate basketball players on our staff right now.

Catalyst 06 was great. jon and i introduced some of the staff to Pappadeaux on Thurs night. bu-yah!

see you sunday.

Catalyst photos on flickr

2006-10-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

i uploaded some photos from the Catalyst stage set to flickr.

Report from Catalyst

2006-10-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

"the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of the earth and he gives them to whoever he wishes." -- from the Book of Daniel

those were the first words spoken at Catalyst. i'm here in ATL with jonnymac and several other newspring staff. having been to catalyst for several years in a row, it's so refreshing to see that bold an admission of the Supremacy of God right off the bat. in years past, Catalyst has been a bit more business leader focused. this year, it's apparent that the subject material is directed primarily at church leaders.

no matter who you are, that statement from Daniel is bold. it inspires different reactions in different people. Andy Stanley pointed out that it should make leaders react in 3 ways: 1. dilligence 2. fearlessness and 3. humility.

in light of what God has done at NewSpring Church over the past 3 weeks, i've had this gut feeling that we need to stay low and grateful. with the sheer volume of people attending, not to mention the hundreds of lives reborn... it would be easy to begin patting ourselves on the back and boasting a bit about how great we are. God forbid! The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of the earth and he gives them to whoever he wishes.

Last night, joe sangl gave the welcome for our first wednesday service. he said, "i was there at newspring in the beginning. and the same great God who is here with us now was there with us then." how true. the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of the earth and he gives them to whoever he wishes. Andy Stanley expounded on this by saying: Leadership is nothing more than a Stewardship. It's temporary. and we are accountable. for those of us who lead at newspring, it's been a gift from God, not something we were worthy of. if you ask perry that, he'll tell you that quicker than anyone.

The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of the earth and he gives them to whoever he chooses.

He Stoops to Conquer

2006-10-03T14:40:00.000-07:00

i've been reading C.S. Lewis' book, The Problem of Pain. this excerpt really helped me:

"But he is not proud, he stoops to conquer. He will have us even though we have shown that we prefer anything else to him, and come to him because there is "nothing better" now to be had. It is hardly complimentary to God that we should choose him as an alternative to Hell; yet even this he accepts. The creature's illusion of self-sufficiency must, for the creature's sake, be shattered; and by trouble, or fear of trouble on earth, by crude fear of the eternal flames, God shatters it 'unmindful of his glory's diminution'. Those who would like God to be more purely ethical do not know what they ask. If God were a Kantian, who would not have us till we came to him from the purest and best motives, who would be saved? And this illusion of self-sufficiency may be at it's strongest in some very honest, kindly, and temperate people, and on such people, therefore, misfortune must fall."

I'm sometimes uncomfortable when i realize that God might intend pain for my life. lately i've been thinking this: i'm doing just fine. i'm ok. i've got things under control and i'm getting better as a person.

why do i lie to myself? God doesn't want me better. he wants the old self dead. he fully intends to kill it. and that will be painful. the truth is, that i'm not doing fine, i'm not ok and i have little under control. just when i think i'm getting better, i do something that i can't type on this blog. the battle within and the frustration is depressing and maddening, but it is God's grace to me because it shatters my self-sufficiency. human self-sufficiency is a house of cards. or better yet, a house built on the sand. i'd rather have an unfinished shack on immovable, constant rock, than a mansion on the sand of my self-sufficiency.

Thanks be to God for hurting us, before we destroy ourselves. he only disciplines his kids. he doesn't trouble with people who don't belong to him. if you're under his discipline, rejoice that he loves you enough to make you in something truly loveable.
Hebrews 12:5-13

hold on to me

2006-10-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

after much request... i've put a recording of "Hold on to me" on the purevolume page. it's a live recording and it's only 2:40, but it's enough to give you an idea.

churrrrch

2006-10-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Myspace 10/1/06
Setlist:
Beautiful Day - U2
Fire Fall Down - Hillsong United
Captivated - Vicky Beeching
I am Free - jon egan

402 people were baptized tonight!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Glory to God!

Tonight in Clemson

2006-09-29T07:26:00.000-07:00

Come out to Familiar Grounds Coffeehouse tonight.

i will be playing along with Sam Mitchell. opens at 8, music at 9.

It's located right behind Beezer's Sandwich Shop in Downtown Clemson (which is near the subway on the campus end of town). see you there!

google Beezer's Clemson if you need further directions.

what? 2 songs in one week?

2006-09-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

nu uh!! yeah huh!!

Cross the Line at the purevolume page.

*i upgraded the purevolume page. so now it can include 30 songs, instead of 4. so check back often for new tracks.

Enjoy it baby

2006-09-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

new song on Purevolume today. Enjoy It Baby.
don't stop, get it, get it.
luvu.

sunday

2006-09-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

Myspace 9/24/2006 "The Curtain"

Fix You - Coldplay
Marvelous Light - Charlie Hall
Far Away - Nickelback
The Glory - Avalon
Let the Praises Ring - Lincoln Brewster

Praise God for rescuing people today!
*214 saved.
*8200+ in attendance.

Muslim Outrage

2006-09-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

recently, muslims have been really ticked off by some comments that the Pope made about Islam. proponents of a "peaceful Islam" certainly must be frustrated by this response. John Piper has a great article about the pope's comments, and a Christ-follower's reaction to the Muslim outrage. check it out.

Sunday

2006-09-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

MySpace 9/17/2006

Salvation is here
Jesus Paid it all
Here i go again - Casting Crowns
Tell the world

Sunday Setlist

2006-09-11T12:30:00.001-07:00

John C. Maxwell spoke at NewSpring yesterday. awesome. what a cool guy.

setlist:
if we are the body - casting crowns
awesome is the lord most high - chris tomlin
it is well
everybody praise the lord - lincoln brewster

and if you don't have plans tonight, come on out to AU FCA at merritt theatre around 8:45. we (the newspringband) are the guest speaker tonight. it will be an hour of scripture and worship.

the ringing in my ears

2006-09-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

new song up at purevolume.

listen here. *now available for free download*

barnes/mclaughlin

2006-09-05T06:28:00.000-07:00

sunday night, lb, gizz and jess and i went to see Dave Barnes at smith's in atl. opening for dave was Jon McLaughlin (not to be confused with John McLaughlin). great show. singer-songwriters all need funk bands to back them up.

go to jon mclaughlin's link above and listen to "Indiana."

Sunday

2006-09-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

woo!

9/3/06 D.O.N.D part 4

Marvelous Light
Take my life
Not to us
The noise we make (with trash cans)

dadgummit, that was fun. my arm hurts now.

carpenter's cellar setlist

2006-09-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

so good to see everyone. thanks for coming out. thanks to jeremy scruggs for opening.

here's as close to the setlist as i can remember (correct me if i missed anything):
vegas (new acoustic version)
hollywood
hello my name is
a few trite descriptions of the one thing we all live for
is it any wonder
seasons of love (from rent)
fix you (coldplay)
streets (u2)
refugee son
in your eyes/yearn (peter gabriel/shane and shane)
Gavin's song (marc broussard)
furnace
hold on
supposed to just know
head over heels
i know the mountains (eric peters)

friday, yo.

2006-08-31T07:27:00.000-07:00

come on down to the carpenter's cellar this friday night at 8:30pm and i will play you some songs. i promise.

Sunday Setlist

2006-08-30T13:56:00.000-07:00

Sunday 8/27/06

Greed - decemberadio
enough - Chris Tomlin
Turn your Eyes - Vicky Beeching (didn't meghan sound great!?!)
Awesome is the Lord Most High - Chris Tomlin

oops. totally forgot to post it. thx christal.

Hollywood

2006-08-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

New Song Tuesday at the purevolume page:

Hollywood -- give it a listen. i will make it freefreefree download tomorrow.

luvu,
Lee

new spring of anderson

2006-08-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

if anyone loved the newspring announcement video this week, you can relive it here.

Does Jesus hate your tattoo?

2006-08-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

Tattoos. are they evil? what does the bible say?
Leviticus 19 -
28 " 'Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.

Haircuts. are they evil? what does the bible say?
Leviticus 19 -
27 " 'Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.

These old testament rules obviously had significant purposes for the nation of Israel as God intended for them to remain separate from the idolatry of the surrounding nations. Even then, the main command was Love God and Him alone. God was serious about the purity of Israel's heart. If an Israelite got a tattoo back in the day, it was probably because they had engaged in the pagan worship rituals of the surrounding nations. so the issue was not the tattoo, but the adulterous heart that had betrayed God and bowed to a powerless statue.

Today, tattoos aren't specifically associated with pagan worship. they just happen to be permanent fashion. but the issue is still with the heart. i always ask people who get tattoos... did you ask Jesus if he's ok with it? The Holy Spirit should guide your conscience in the decision. that way, you're sure that your heart is worshiping God even in your style choices. Every act is an act of worship... even tattoos. all things we do should glorify God and draw others to glorify Him.

i get tattoos because i think they're cool, the experience is awesome (like eating spicy food or jumping out of an airlplane), and because it makes me appreciate and enjoy my life in Christ. John Piper says that you should do anything that causes you love and enjoy Jesus that is not expressly forbidden by the scriptures. some could argue about the Leviticus verse, but clearly that verse was intended for Israel in that day. you have to be careful, here... humbly listening to the Holy Spirit when matters are unclear. If he says it's ok... it's ok. if he doesn't want you to do it, trust him and obey.

And if you do decide to get a tattoo... you should get Flip to do it. he goes to NewSpringChurch and he's the best. email him here:

tattoozfromflip@yahoo.com, or your can call him at 864-276-1755.

(for college peoples: don't do like i did and get a tattoo without your parents' knowledge, then spring it on them while you're waiting for a table at Outback. they are your authority until you get out on your own, away from the nest, and paying your own bills. even after that, do your best to honor them in all things. Love you, mom!!!)

Jack "the prophet" Oates

2006-08-24T06:20:00.000-07:00

every morning, my hero, Jack Oates drops knowledge on me. he usually walks up with a cup of coffee in his hand, points at me and says, "Hey... (insert jaw dropping wisdom here)."

today's was via Oswald Chambers:

"Hey... did you know the reason most people don't hear the call of God is because they are in no position to answer!"

whoa. 1, 2, 3... marinate.

American Fear

2006-08-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

i've had enough. CNN.com said today that 3/4 of Americans believe that Osama Bin Laden is planning another attack.

of course he is.

i have an exhortation for myself and my Christian bros and sisters... esp the ones at my church.

Is OBL planning another attack? WHO CARES! Who is OBL anyway? he's human. i refuse to fear a man who can do nothing more than kill my body. he's eternally powerless. i'm sorry, very sorry, that we Christians in america tremble at the thought of terrorism. this proves that our faith and trust in Almighty Jesus is weak... do we only trust him when America is strong? I heard John Piper say that if America dies tomorrow, it's no skin off Jesus' nose. Jesus Christ is our Home, not America. Jesus is our eternal nation, not Planet Earth.

We middle class white people are so afraid in America. We're scared of the terrorists. We're scared of Muslims. We're scared of Black people. We're scared of Mexicans. We are suspicious of anyone walking outside our SUV or gated community. We're suspicious of catholics, jews, baptists, calvinists, arminians, politicians, activists, teenagers, and dogs. We're afraid of the person in the cubicle next to us!!!

Wouldn't it be so dangerous for a Christian to be fearless? i'm not talking about arrogance or violence... fingerwagging, self-righteousness, or fundamentalism... i'm talking about simple fearlessness. What if we weren't afraid of someone with different color skin? What if we assumed that they might have a story just like ours? what if we weren't afraid that someone walking by our car or our house might rob us? sure, we risk being robbed or hurt. but, isn't everything we own God's - including our bodies? what if we could let go of our fear of being killed? what if we could let go of our fear of our loved ones being killed (a greater stretch in my opinion)? what if we could truly obey Christ when he says "do not fear those who can kill the body but not the soul."? we disobey him when we cower at the thought of pain caused by a violent person. Don't offer "buts." if you can't overcome the fear, ask Christ to help you obey him. i know i'm gonna need his help to do this. there's plenty that i'm scared of.

What if we were so open handed with our possessions that we ran out of needy people in our spheres of influence? i'm not talking about eradicating poverty... i'm just talking about eradicating need within your circle of family, friends and acquaintances. what if we gave just to make someone's day?

Stand up and humbly obey christ by peacefully and calmly refusing to be terrorized. that's the terrorist goal right? to inspire fear? the goal is not destruction or murder, but fear, right? Be unstoppable, Christ-follower! Be meek, humble, giving, serving. be kind, gracious, loving, helpful. Stretch out your arms and your wallets and your possessions to everyone who is within range of sight. Be bold, courageous, open-handed, free. Be all things to all people. BUT DO NOT BE AFRAID!

Psalm 56:4 - In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

Psalm 56:11 - in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Psalm 118:6 - The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Isaiah 12:2 - Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

Luke 12:4 - I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.

Sunday Setlist

2006-08-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

Setlist:
*All to you - Lincoln Brewster (we cut this song in the 2nd service due to time)
Awesome is the Lord Most High - Chris Tomlin (from Passion - Everything Glorious)
Blessed be your name - matt redman
Tell the world - hillsong united

*every lincoln brewster song we do is tough. the 3rd service definitely got our best try at that song. Lincoln is just one of the best guitarists in the nation right now... and as a worship leader, he brings that skill to the table in his music. Check out his latest CD "All to you - Live". he will melt your face.

Sunday

2006-08-14T06:38:00.000-07:00

sunday 8/13/2006

setlist:
What good - third day
nothing but the blood - matt redman
all i need is you - hillsong united
you never let go - matt redman

Happy Birthday Mom!

2006-08-09T10:37:00.000-07:00

Jon and I have the best mom ever made. and today, it's her birthday. i asked her yesterday what she's learned up to this point in life and she said, "i've learned that you never arrive. every day, every year, you can still learn new things about God."

thanks for everything, mom! love you!

Muse @ Tabernacle 8/6

2006-08-07T05:58:00.000-07:00

after church, lanna, nick and i went to see muse. the tabernacle was sold out... and for good reason. that was arguably the most beautiful, most devastatingly intense show i have ever seen. the musical complexity was matched well by the tightness of the set and lighting design.

ken wilson and jon creamer, i have two words for you: MOVING PROJECTORS. Muse had 4 of them last night, showing moving graphics and live video.

go see muse, if you can get tickets.

UPDATE:
i found this flickr set from another of Muse's shows on this tour. check it.

Sunday

2006-08-07T05:35:00.000-07:00

Aug 6 @ NewSpring

Setlist:
Creed
Not To Us
Amazing Grace
I am free

First Wednesday

2006-08-03T06:06:00.000-07:00

it's great to be back. last night at newspring was incredible. God saved 32 people last night as we focused on Jesus' work on the cross. here's the setlist:

Let the Praises Ring
Jesus Paid it All
Nothing but the blood
The wonderful cross
The Glory
Salvation is Here

See you sunday!

Congratulations Ken and Meg!

2006-07-31T05:20:00.000-07:00

Ken and Meg just had a baby!

Newsmap

2006-07-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

you need to look at newsmap every day. it's a healthy dose of perspective.

vacation from vacation

2006-07-23T02:32:00.000-07:00

the last of the vacation pics are up on flickr.

woo.

i'm beat. let's just stay home for a week, shall we?

$9 itunes roundup

2006-07-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

ok... thanks for all the suggestions. but, truth be told, my OCD kicked in and i spent the $9 before the first comment rolled in. but, don't get mad... some of you just caused me to spend even more money at itunes. (allofmp3/alltunes is a better deal for sure, but as an artist, i don't mind paying a whole dollar for another artist's blood, sweat, and emotion... and a record label executive's kid's college education).

so here's what i bought (you'll notice it's considerably more than $9, but whatever).

Anberlin - Never take friendship personal
Corinne Bailey Rae - self-titled
Beck - midnight vultures
Comedy Central Special (videos) - Dane cook, mitch hedberg, brian regan

the Dane Cook video might be the best $2 i've ever spent. (it's secular comedy, so employ your conscience).

yosemite pictures

2006-07-16T21:18:00.000-07:00

visit the flickr site to view the adventures of lee and jonny in yosemite.

$9 worth of itunes

2006-07-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

help. i have $9 left on a gift card to itunes. give me some good ideas.

tonight in gville

2006-07-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

come on out and help us exceed fire code at the Carpenter's Cellar. Andy Lehman and I are opening for the silky smooth, David Walker. It should be a fantastic time. so, come on out and join all the pretty folks in downtown greenville. roughly 8pmish start.

class participation

2006-07-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

attention shoppers...

give me your best cures for boredom.
1,2,3... go.

John Mayer's blog

2006-07-10T18:37:00.000-07:00

i am a john mayer fan. and now, thanks to superfriend karl, i am a fan of his blog. how could you not love a blog that has a post about Dave Barnes AND the Dumble Overdrive Special?

Sunday and Sabbatical

2006-07-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

XM 7.9.2006
Seltist:
Salvation is here - hillsong united
enough - chris tomlin
i surrender all
You're all i have - snow patrol

so, today is the first day of 3 weeks of sabbatical that i've been given by NewSpring. praise God. 6+ years of work in this crazy place has been growing a bit heavy. don't get me wrong, it's the best job that anyone could have and i love it... but these 3 weeks are a God-send. i will be ready to go another 6 when august rolls around. Pray that God would show me something amazing in this time of rest.

I'm really excited that Daniel and crew will be leading for the 3 weeks i am gone. you won't want to miss any of it. the music and message of each sunday will be fantastic, i'm sure. we've got the podcast kickin now, so that's how i'll be checking it out every week while i'm away. i'll be updating the blog as the vacation rolls by. First stop is Raleigh to visit cousin Anna and FatSound.

Concert Photos

2006-07-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

Here.

for the ladies

2006-07-03T20:05:00.000-07:00

hmmm... thoughts from a single guy to single ladies. i love and appreciate my close friends who are ladies and would love nothing more than to encourage you all en masse.

so here we go:
A woman was the only thing that God didn't make from dirt. and i think there is some considerable mystery with that. also, you were made last, after us, as the crowning achievement of God's complex, mysterious, and beautiful creation. i was discussing this with my buddy Roger tonight over wings at Hooters. ok, just kidding.

seriously, it's hard for any of us who are so accustomed to american-photoshop-physical-beauty being the gold standard in feminine worth to truly appreciate the physical "woman" that God created. I don't know any perfect women. but in every woman i know, there is something perfect... something exquisite... something sacred. i have known few women who really believed that they were sacred when they looked in the mirror. "The king is enthralled with your beauty." Psalm 45:11. that would be a verse worthy of writing on your mirror. God is not a liar, nor does he think you're pretty the way your mom or dad think you're pretty. "oooh, u kno, my baby-gurr, she so pretty." no, let's imagine for a moment that God actually sees reality. Dare to believe that Psalm 45:11 is written about a King who made you and is pleased with what he sees.

one of the most disappointing things for a guy is telling a girl you care about that she's beautiful and seeing that she doesn't believe you. don't get me wrong... a conceited woman is jewelry for swine (prov 11:22). If God is love, and a guy who loves you tells you you're beautiful, wouldn't it stand to reason that, in that statement, the guy is being quite a bit like God towards you? now, i admit, this requires a lot of trust on your part. but really, you know who loves you and who doesnt. why not take a risk and believe? if you know Christ... hear his words thru the voice of a friend the next time he tells you, "you look beautiful today."

Sunday Setlist

2006-07-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

7.2.06 XM

Setlist:
Beginning to end - Lee McD
How Great is our God/America the beautiful/How great thou art
Word of God Speak - MercyMe
America - Chris Tomlin

Friday night setlist

2006-07-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

thanks everybody for such a great time at the concert on friday. you all rocked!

set 1:
Open up the gates
what the world will never take
let the praises ring
you're all i have
you never let go
Jesus paid it all
captivated
Beginning to end
hallelujah
We Believe

Set 2:
Furnace
Count on me
I will follow
Fire fall down
how great is our God
Our God reigns
Marvelous light
Your grace is enough
everybody praise the Lord

Benefit Concert Tomorrow Nite

2006-06-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

Are you ready?

Anderson Civic Center: 7pm.

Sunday

2006-06-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

XM -- "Always on the Run" 6.25.2006

Setlist:
Open up the gates - planetshakers
You never let go - matt redman
always on the run - Lenny Kravitz
Marvelous Light - Charlie Hall

Way to go Jake Ivester for the face melting solo!