Come What May

There are seasons in our lives of great change. I'm in one such season. The great thing is that it's all accompanied by peace. There is such a sense of "this-is-the-Lord-at-work" that it's easy to just buckle up and go for the ride!

This last Sunday was my last time to lead worship at Gateway Church in Shreveport, LA. I feel like it was the best Sunday that we've ever had, as a band, and that we got to end on a very high note. (No pun intended.) Spiritually speaking, everything was incredible. It didn't just feel like I was worshiping with an assorted group of like-minded people. I wasn't leading random people. I got to worship with family. This past year and a half has been something that I'll never forget, and something that I hope I never took for granted.

I've turned in my work keys, sent my final e-mails, and have helped Gateway Church's new worship pastor get settled. It's the end of a very special chapter. Although I am leaving Gateway Church, she'll always have a place in my heart, and, with most certainty, I can say the feeling in mutual.

Now, I have a brand new chapter! Next Friday, I will be moving into R416, Bridges Hall at Southwestern Assemblies of God University! There, I will be finishing my bachelor's degree in Music Ministries and an associates degree in Media Production. I can't wait to get involved in the SAGU music department. Campus life, music theory course, chapel, and unemployment are going to be unique changes, but I think I'm up for a good challenge!

I'm hugely excited about "I Serve A King"-- the worship album! It's been on my heart to do for a while, and I finally feel like I'm at a place to give it the effort it deserves. I'll be recording with Harbour Lights Creative, a studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 12-19. Please learn more about the project here. I encourage you to pray about how you can get involved! I am raising money to help make this album happen. Oh course, I'm not going to take up your time on this site. Click here to learn more!

ONE OF THE BIGGEST WAY YOU CAN HELP is simply spreading the word. Seriously, getting the word out is the hardest part! Like my Facebook music page, tell you friends about it, follow me on Twitter!

Yes, there are a lot of new, exciting things going on in my life. Come what may, I'll keep my eyes on Jesus. Always. It's about His fame, His glory, His purposes on this earth!

How has the Lord ministered to you in seasons of change?
Do you have any must-know college tips for me?
Leave me your comments below! I need all the help I can get!

Worship Perspectives: The Shekinah Glory

Wow. All I can say is that my heart is so full right now. My mom had surgery today and my dad is due for an MRI on his back; things are uncertain. But when I'm in the presence of the Lord, it doesn't matter. It fades. I recently discovered this new worship song by Cory Asbury, "Shekinah Glory". My world has been changed because of how God has used this song. I can't get it out of my head. I don't want to. In a sense, it's spurred me on to "seek and find" (Matthew 7) more of God.

I am so excited to lead this song one day. Though, the lyrics got me thinking. As a worship leader, it's my responsibility to either pick songs that have spiritual concepts that my fellow worshipers can understand OR I should take the time to explain the concept. Too many times this is neglected, and it leaves people confused and disengaged or sincerely singing words that mean nothing to them. So, before I invite you to worship with me at the end of this blog, let's find out, briefly, what Shekinah glory really is.

I always dissect a song before I teach/lead it.

WHAT IS SHEKINAH GLORY?
The word shekinah does not appear in the Bible, but the concept clearly does. The Jewish rabbis coined this extra-biblical expression, a form of a Hebrew word that literally means "he caused to dwell," signifying that it was a divine visitation of the presence or dwelling of JEHOVAH God on this earth. The Shekinah was first evident when the Israelites set out from Succoth in their escape from Egypt. There it appeared as a cloudy pillar in the day and a fiery pillar by night: “After leaving Succoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people” (Exodus 13:20-22).

God spoke to Moses out of the pillar of cloud in Exodus 33, assuring him that His Presence would be with the Israelites (v. 9). Verse 11 says God spoke to Moses “face to face” out of the cloud, but when Moses asked to see God’s glory, God told Him, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live” (v. 20). So, apparently, the visible manifestation of God’s glory was somewhat muted. When Moses asked to see God’s glory, God hid Moses in the cleft of a rock, covered him with His hand, and passed by. Then He removed His hand, and Moses saw only His back. This would seem to indicate that God’s glory is too awesome and powerful to be seen completely by man.

SO WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR US, TODAY, IN WORSHIP?
When we sing, "release the fulness of Your Spirit, Shekinah glory come, Shekinah Glory come", we're simply asking God to make his presence manifest. Yes, He is always with us. If we have asked Jesus Christ to forgive us and be with us, His spirit dwells within us. In this case, we are asking God to move in a special way-- to move upon our hearts, to speak to us, and to manifest Himself in ways that are more uncommon. Personally, my goal as a worshiper is to live in the "uncommon" manifestations of His presence.

So, I invite you to shut off to world for a moment, and worship with me. I know this song will bless you. Not only will it move you deeply, it will have you dancing for joy by the end. Be blessed. I love you. More importantly, God loves you, and He cares for you so, so much.

New Music Tuesday #3 (on a Wednesday?)

     New music Tuesday comes a day late, but it's quite providential. I feel kind of cheated, because I just recently found out about AEVORY. They are a local band in Shreveport, Louisiana and are quickly gaining a following in the music scene 'round these parts. I think they're great-- and you will, too. All you have to do it listen to "Our Last Night" or "Father, Mother", and you'll be hooked... like a fish... on a hook.... baited with awesome music.

     AEVORY definitely delivers the rock/pop vibe in their live shows and is now looking to take the next step into a live recording in-studio. Not only that, but they are taking a camera crew into the studio to capture it all.

CLICK THIS LINK, YUP, THIS ONE.

     They need our help to do it. KickStarter.com will back AEVORY's project if and only if $500 is raised by Friday, July 22 at 10:37PM. (I know, real specific.) $500 shouldn't stop anyone from reaching their goal. You can help make this happen. You can donate $1. It's just a dollar, and you can afford it. I gave a dollar. Just saying.

This will take you to the secure kickstart.com site to donate.

New Music Tuesday #2

I have to be honest. By the time you read this it will have already been a week since I wrote it. I couldn't wait. I went to bed Monday, June 16 thinking about these next two groups and couldn't sleep. I was so excited.

First up is Robert Randolph & the Family Band. Oh my god! These guys are fantastic. Don't let looks deceive you! If you want rockin' soul and music that's so addictive you could snort it, you've found your new favorite band. Their song, "Ain't Nothing Wrong With That", is fantastic. I've danced to that song and replayed it so many times! I hope you enjoy it, too!

Our second group today is The Civil Wars. There aren't many words that I can use to describe this band. Moving. Heartbreaking. Insightful. Meaningful. Lasting. Those are just a few. Wow. Right now they are touring with one of my favorite artists, Adele. Adele says, "I have the complete honor of having a band called The Civil Wars on the tour at the moment. They are by far the BEST live band I have EVER seen. They are magical and stunning, they make my heart hurt but make it a bit stronger at the same time, too!" Seriously. They're fantastic. There music video "Poison & Wine" will break your heart and mesmerize you. Enjoy!

New in the Morning

Everyone feels prejudged at times. Everyone wants a fresh start. At least, that's how I felt when I wrote "New in the Morning." It felt like people thought they knew who I was, what I was capable of, and where I should be going. I didn't like that. So, instead of stewing about it, I wrote. This song was inspired by my thoughts and feelings but doesn't portray them verbatim. I prefer to write "in character". Take it easy and go along for the ride.

A huge thanks goes to DJBlank who was a huge part of the production process. I most definitely could not have done any of this without him. Thanks goes to my dear friend, Chelsea, who encouraged me creatively. It was my first try at writing a "poppier" song. At the end of the day, we all had a great time. Oh! And thanks to everyone else who put up with the annoying process of figuring out vocal runs at 2:00AM.

Without further ado, here is a preview of "New in the Morning"!

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New Music Tuesday #1

Yeah, it's new music Tuesday! You know what that means, right? I spent all day Monday on Pandora and BandCamp listening to some fantastic tunes!  Here are two albums that I think you have to check out!

First up is a new artist I just found today. His album has been out since November of 2003, so I consider this quite the find. Ladies and gentlemen, Jim Guthrie. His album, "Now, More Than Ever" is like running through a tall wheat field on a partly-cloudy sunny, summer day. It's calming and moving all at the same time. I wish I could give you a genre like folk, indy, or soft rock. I can't. Promise me you'll click this link and give him a listen. And! He's from Canada. What's not to love about that? eh?   "Now, More Than Ever" has broken dishes, string arrangements, sirens wailing in the rain soaked night, squeaky floors, empty bottles, and something wise & hopeful amongst it all. "Easy listening for hard times", says Jim.

I'll do my best to take all of my bias out of this next review, but I don't know if that's possible. Forgive me. Engine surprised me with how much I like their sound. If you're looking for solid, creative melodies and an addictive mix of fuzz and phenomenal-- look no further. "With lyrically driven songwriting, fuzzy roland synth, and a smattering folk accompaniment, this Louisiana band creates a good blend of traditional and experimental." The harmonies are beautiful. The attention to detail. Oh! I could just go on and on. But then you'd stop reading, and I just can't have that. You can buy their album on iTunes, BandCamp (for $5) and Like them on Facebook.

I'm busy, but happy.

Breaking news: Joseph Drinkard is alive. I can honestly say that I have never been busier in my life. However, I can, with upmost sincerety, say that I have never been happier. So much is going on!

A few days ago, I auditioned for a new Channing Tatum movie, "21 Jump Street". Click the link to view so more info on iMDB. I'd play "Delroy", one of the nerds that helps hack a cell phone to wire tap it. Keep your fingers crossed. If all goes well, this could be the biggest role I've had so far. I try not to think about it too much. It stressed me out!

In other news, I've been working on my album and things are going spectacularly! If you like a tight beat so a few vocal runs now and then, I think you'll really dig what we're coming up with.

Right now, I'm enjoying the finer things of Greek culture and a night to myself. Life is good. Friends are good, and God is great.

demo preview & foxtrot

Well, I think that it goes without saying that I so very excited about my album that will be coming out soon! My weekends have been spend writing, and correcting, and colaborating-- and I know it's going to be worth it in the end. It'a so exciting to hear people asking about the album! I wish I could have it in all of your hands tomorrow, but good things take time. If you'd like to stay up-to-date on any album news or upcoming shows, become a fan on facebook.

Last night, I was up at Foxtrot Production & Studios rehearsing with Derek (friend & guitarist) for our show coming up March 4 in Shreveport, LA. By an awesome course of events, rehearsal turned into demo-recording using some pretty $weet equipment. There was also some talk about further recording at Foxtrot, but I'll have more to say when... well... when there is more to say.

Back to the demo-goodness...

We recorded the (unfinished) vocals and an acoustic track for "Same Mistake Again"-- the title track for the album. "Same Mistake Again" was inspired by Bonnie & Clyde-- the infamous crime duo that swept the nation. I always wondered how Clyde talked her into crime after crime, knowing that they'd eventually get caught. My ponderings persisted, and "Same Mistake Again" was born. Most people think it's about a couple who never learns their lesson. I'll leave the decision up to you. Enjoy!

cough drops, music, and belief

epic hot sauce packet. leaves from a photo shoot i did with danielle. me & a typewriter.

I'm not sick anymore. Thank God. All that I am left with is a sore throat and a new appreciation for Hall's cough drops, chicken broth, and hot showers. I should be used to it by now, but I'm not. I get like this every time the winter hits and the seasons begin to change. I guess my body is more conservative than I once thought. #whowouldathought.

Speaking on changing seasons-- I've found myself in a pretty cool season of life. It's like I woke up one day and found myself surrounded by artists, musicians, chefs, and genuinely beautiful people. I keep learning more about grace and love. I feel so moved at times when I think about the opportunity that I have to love people-- not just for who they are, but who they can be. I love believing in people.

Psalm 2:8 (NIV, ©2010) Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 

 

Well, I don't want to babble on. To keep you all informed, my friend Landon and I have continued writing for the album. He leaves for a tour in February, so there's the crunch time. I'm getting excited. Also, just finished another song for the worship album coming later this year!

New Album Coming Soon? (and other stuff)

Well, school has started again which means that my life just got increasingly more complicated. I have learned two things so far: Paul's Tarsian influence held great significance in his ministry and National & State Governement has to be the most boring class ever. Aside from that, everything seems to be going well. My books still haven't come it, but I am hoping that everything will work itself out before any big assignments are due.

But, that's not why you're still reading... you're probably wondering about this whole "album" thing that's in the subject line. Well...

I'm recording an album. It's not a worship/Christian album. I decided that I wanted to write songs about real peoples lives, something that everyone could relate to, and dance to, and have a good time to. (Before you pick up the stones, hear me out.) A worship album is in the works and will be all orgininal songs to include "I Serve A King". However, I don't want to write complete crap. The last thing I want to write is some generic song that uses a bunch of religious lingo that no one can understand. So, instead of rushing one out to satisfy those of you who are "strongly suggesting" that I do an album, I will wait and release a quaility LP later this year. Remember: there are albums coming. One is a worship album. The other isn't. Both will be good, fresh and clean!

So, there's the news. The other bit of news:

I have accepted the worship pastor position at Gateway Church here in Shreveport, LA. Don't have a home church, come check us out Sundays at 10:15AM. This decision was definitely a God-thing that was put together divinely. I couldn't have asked for a better place to serve with such a high quality of staff and congregation. Can't wait to see all that the Lord is going to do. I would love to go into more detail, but it's too much for how short I want to keep my post. Message me on Facebook for some more information.

I Serve A King & One Year Later

CLICK HERE FOR A FREE DOWNLOAD OF "I SERVE A KING"!

This past weekend I spent time recording "I Serve A King" with a few of my friends! There is something about music that is therapy for me. It was long (8 hours to be exact) but fun! "I Serve A King" was the first song that I wrote, and is dear to my heart. For more, see below...

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in the following are only reflective of Joseph Drinkard. Joseph Drinkard does not claim to speak for or on behalf of any third party or affliate.

I'll be vague on purpose. "I Serve A King" was written about 1 year ago when I found myself in a heartwrenching situation at my church. There was dishonestly in the atmosphere, people were torn & some made hasty, uninformed decisions. I was one of them. A good friend of mine felt impressed of the Lord to tell me to write a song about everything that had been going on leading up to and during the event. The Lord drew me to His Word. "I Serve A King" was written out of the book of Nehemiah. Scripture speaks of the walls of Jerusalem, how after their repair, their latter glory was great than the former. The Lord put this song on my heart, and in 20 minutes, "I Serve A King" was born.

For me, it's a song of Hope. No matter what, the Lord is still Holy. He is still worthy. He mends broken walls and restores them better than before. Look to Him. Trust the Lord. He is so Good. So Faithful. At times, we're tempted to look and follow people. I encourage you to look to, and trust in the Lord alone.

CLICK THIS LINK TO HEAR "I SERVE A KING" ON YOUTUBE

or click the link in the sidebar to the right.