Wednesday's Brian Teaser

Every Easter, my mom's side of the family will get together to celebrate the holiday. Aside from all the candy bunnies, jelly beans, and chocolate covered eggs, my grandfather always makes a traditional stew. Can you tell me the name of this stew?

Hint #1: It is Polish.

Hint #2: The stew is reddish/purple thanks to one of its main ingredients.

Prize to the winner!

Hosanna!

Yesterday was Palm Sunday. The kids in the church colored palm branches. The Sunday School lessons were on Jesus' triumphal entry on a lowly donkey. In his sermon, Pastor Steve taught on Jesus in the Old Testament. The worship team added energy and creativity to the services.

Before Sunday, Pastor Steve came into my office and told me that worship for Palm Sunday needed to be big, amazing, and loud. He wanted the congregation to sing together in joyful celebration to God.

So, I began to create the set list. Lincoln Brewster was added (All To You). Paul Baloche's song (Hosanna) is a hit at Westwood. Then, when I was playing piano with Matt S., we discovered that an 80's classic (Don't Stop Believing) worked great with a David Crowder song (Our Love Is Loud). It was familiar riff to a great song for Palm Sunday.

When Sunday arrived, we had a wonderful time in the rehearsal and services. The worship team nailed all the parts (the Journey/Crowder song was terrific!), the music was energetic and joyful (Pastor Steve even said that he lost his breath from singing so hard), and people glorified God by singing powerful words to Him.

"Hosanna, Hosanna, You are the God who saves us, worthy of all our praises!"

Friberg's Friday Favorite

We are singing Tell The World for Easter. Along with the choir, band, and vocals, the grade school kids will come up on stage to help teach this song to the church. I have had a blast rehearsing it over the past couple of weeks!

Wednesday's Brian Teaser

How can you throw a ball as hard as you can and have it come back to you, even if it doesn't hit anything, there is nothing attached to it, and no one else catches or throws it?

Prize to the winner!

The Congregation

Yesterday, Anthony led music for our morning services. As he rehearsed, I worked with the sound technician, helped the computer operator with minor details, and planned different light scenes with the producer.

The service started and we were led into a wonderful time of praise and worship.

As we were singing The Stand, I was amazed at how clearly I could hear the voices of the congregation. The words of the song were resonating throughout the entire auditorium.

I'll stand, with arms high and heart abandoned in awe of the One who gave it all. I'll stand, my soul Lord to You surrendered. All I am is Yours.

On stage, there was only one vocal (Anthony). In the room, 300-400 voices filled the place with words, melody, and harmony that truly honored God. I was blessed to sing and exalt the name of the Lord with the body of Christ.

Friberg's Friday Favorite

Blessed Redeemer by Casting Crowns is a nice choice for Good Friday. The way they incorporate verse three is unique. What do you think?

Humility

In today's culture, if you promote yourself, you get more press, more advancements, more money, and more fame. However, God values humility and sacrificially putting others first.

"Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:5b-7)."

John Calvin said, "We ought to dwell on this thought, that God cares for us, in order, first, that we may have peace within; and, secondly, that we may be humble and meek toward men."

St. Augustine adds, "Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility."

What does humility look like in 2010? Please share your story. Do you have an experience where you saw humility in action? I will appreciate all responses!