lifeasmission » music

Know A Good Wedding Song?

JR Rozko — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:02:25 +0000

Of course Amy and I are going to want to add our own personal touch and flare to the music during our ceremony and reception, but we wonder what kind of great suggestions others might have. Is there a song you just love? Something you were really glad you used for your wedding? Feel free to add any suggestions by way of comment. Let us know: artist, song, whether you think it’s good for a ceremony or reception, and anything else you want to say.

Mmmmmmm, Fall

JR Rozko — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:44:02 +0000

I LOVE THE FALL. There is just no two ways about it, I look forward to it all year long and it always ends far too quickly. Today was the first day of fall and it was a great start.

For starters, I found my Tracy Chapman album (New Beginning) from college. I played this thing to death and today it emerged from the depths of my stuff as a timely surprise. Here’s my favorite track off the album,

Then it was off to a party with some friends, complete with warm cider, pumpkin carving, and my personal favorite, baked pumpkin seeds.

It was a beautiful evening, 72 and clear. There was great conversation, Corn Hole, and that little extra something in the air that just makes the world feel like a better place. See, told you I love the fall.

Derek Webb: The Ringing Bell

7 Kinds of Smoke

JR Rozko — Wed, 28 May 2008 04:22:33 +0000

Besides being a gratuitous reference to Dupree’s Self-Help spiel in “You, Me and Dupree,” it’s the best title I could come up with for a post full of randomness and fun linkages. You’ve been warned, no coherency is to be found here!

Listen to this song, it’s awesome.

I hurt my knee last week and it is bad enough that it’s preventing me from running and playing sports, basically making me miserable.

Even though I missed out on being with some of the most important people in my life,

I had a great weekend with some of my newest friends. Most importantly, I am pleased to announce that at 29 years of age I am still a back flipping fool!

My friend Julia is one of the coolest people in the world. She’s an excellent writer, isn’t afraid to be honest with people, and was kind enough to be my conference wife in the Bahamas at Soularize. But all of that is eclipsed by her commitment to the reality of God’s Kingdom in the world. She is so committed to ending the the global trafficking of people for sex and slavery that she had the words “until the last lock breaks” tattooed on her forearm. Julia, the church could stand a few more men and women with your sort of heart.

I am definitely mourning the loss of a community where the sharing of life amongst people of diverse seasons of life was the norm. Note to Canton friends: Don’t forget that our experience is not that of most.

As someone whose mind is basically consumed with the idea of spiritual formation on the personal and corporate levels, I am really excited to have made the decision to seek out a spiritual director/counselor that I think might be an important piece in that process for me.

I have the opportunity to address the Living Hope community this Sunday. I am definitely excited for the opportunity to share some of my story and heart, but also nervous as someone who has only lived among these folks in this new place for 2 short months (not to mention the nervousness which always accompanies the prophetic element of my personality).

That being said, I have really enjoyed reengaging what it means to be a pastor in the context of a missional church community. Challenges around every bend, but I love the team I get to be a part of.

I really miss my house church and Anabaptist friends. There was a connection there on a deep level that I am yet to discover here in Memphis.

I have come to the conclusion that relationally speaking there is probably nothing more frustrating to me than trying to engage with people who can’t communicate deeply. I hate how little patience I often feel in this regard.

My friend Jason and his family are in the process of joining an Eastern Orthodox church and he has been blogging about it. As I was sharing my my friend Emily, another brilliant and articulate lady, the Eastern Orthodox church has a tremendous amount to offer in terms of its theology and ecclesiology, though few realize it.

OK, think that’s enough randomness for one evening.

David Ford – State of the Union

JR Rozko — Tue, 06 May 2008 17:03:52 +0000

DISCLAIMER: If you can’t handle “bad” words OR if you don’t like being confronted with tough truths, go here instead.

I came across a really cool video by David Ford last week and have been trying to listen to more of his music since then. I think he’s a great lyricist. And that includes this song, which I think offers a justifiably scathing critique of much that passes for Christianity out there. (video here if you prefer)

I hardly know where to begin in terms of unpacking what he seems to be conveying here so maybe I will just wait for some comments and go from there. You are gonna comment right?

The lyrics are here – probably my favorite line…

Come on, Jesus Christ, come back, all is forgiven. We are lost, we are lost, we are lost.

David Fitch on Willowcreek’s REVEAL

Memphis in May

JR Rozko — Sat, 03 May 2008 16:37:03 +0000

Memphis in May is apparently a pretty big deal. Everyone talks about it and one of the major parts of it is the Beale St. Music Festival. Apparently it rains just about every year for this thing and last night was no exception. A bunch of my new friends were supposed to head downtown for the event, but the rain scared everyone off except for Jess and I – 2 people who happen to think rain makes things more fun, not less!

Jess is a huge fan of Johnny Lang and was kind enough to introduce me to him music. He’s really good – a great guitar player and lyricist.

So, one step closer to official Memphesianship I guess.

OH…. MY….. WORD…..

JR Rozko — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:19:55 +0000

Am I late comer or what?? Why have I not heard of this guy? Saw this video over on Bob’s blog and I have never wanted to be any other musician more in my life…

The guy’s name is David Ford.

David Ford – State of the Union

NT Wright, Angels & Airwaves and The Gospel

JR Rozko — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:32:09 +0000

In his most recent book, Surprised by hope: Rethinking Heaven the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church, N.T. Wright says this about the gospel,

…the gospel, in the New Testament, is the good news that God (the world’s creator) is at last becoming king and that Jesus, whom this God raised from the dead, is the world’s true lord…The power of the gospel lies not in the offer of a new spirituality or religious experience, not in the threat of hellfire (certainly not in the threat of being “left behind”), which can be removed if only the hearer checks this box, says this prayer, raises a hand, or whatever, but in the powerful announcement that God is God, that Jesus is Lord, that the powers of evil have been defeated, that God’s new world has begun. This announcement, stated as a fact about the way the world is rather than as an appeal about the way you might like your life, your emotions, or your bank balance to be, is the foundation of everything else.” (226-227).

And interestingly, Angels and Airwaves, my new musical obsession (thanks Mick), in their song, “Secret Crowds,” sing this… (listen here)If I had my own worldI’d fill it with wealth and desireA glorious past to admireAnd voices of kids out walking dogsBirds, planes, trees and carsIf I had my own worldI’d love it for all that’s inside itThere’d be no more wars, death or riotsThere’d be no more police, packed parking lotsGuns, bombs sounding offIf I had my own worldI’d build you an empireFrom here to the far landsTo spread love like violenceIf I had my own worldI’d build you an empireFrom here to the far landsTo spread love like violenceLet me feel you, carry you higherWatch your words spread hope like fireSecret crowds rise up and gatherHear your voices sing back louderIf I had my own worldI’d show you the life that’s inside itThe way that it glows when you find itThe way it survives with it’s familiesFriends or it’s enemiesLet’s make this a new worldI swear you can go if you want toI know that you have that within youInventing the first clean and usableGod’s greatest miracleIf I had my own worldI’d build you an empireFrom here to the far landsTo spread love like violenceSo, I don’t necessarily have some sort of amazing thing to say about this – just that I think Wright does a great job of articulating a much more encompassing gospel than many of us are used to and I found it rather striking to find a similar sort of longing and desire for this sort of gospel in the words to this song.

Derek Webb – Ten Thousand Angels

JR Rozko — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 18:48:35 +0000

I have long been admirer of Derek Webb and his music. I had some stuff to say here, and even made a presentation to go with one of his songs.

One of his most recent songs, with Caedmon’s Call, was featured the other night on Grey’s Anatomy (not originally their song). I didn’t see the show, but was able to check out the song and I have probably listened to it 30 times since then. I think it’s amazing and thought I’d share it with you.

Here are the lyrics.

how long you have traveled in darkness weeping
no rest in language, no words to speak
but there in the wreckage beneath bricks and bindings
love has come, love has come for you

against the night sky of your waiting
your face is like starlight when he walks in
everything worth keeping comes through dying
love has come, love has come for you

so lift up your heart now, to this unfolding
all that has been broken will be restored
here runs deep waters for all who are thirsty
love has come, love has come for you

ten thousand angels will light your pathway
until the day breaks fully in the East
they will surround you and make your way straight
love has come, love has come for you
love has come, love has come for you

Sons & Daughters

JR Rozko — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 04:28:09 +0000

When we arrive

Sons and daughters

We’ll make our home

On the waters

We’ll build our walls aluminum

We’ll fill our mouths with cinnamon

Here all the bombs fade away

No related posts.

Tag an Artist

JR Rozko — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 01:40:19 +0000

I don’t consider myself particularly artistic. I do enjoy writing and I have tried my hand at songs and poetry on occasion, but the vast majority of my writing comes in prose form. I can’t draw, paint, sculpt, or sketch worth a darn, and the depth my insight into the work of those who can is lacking. At the same time, between the impact a few of my friends have had on me and my ever-growing appreciation for they way art can express and embody the Kingdom of God in a way mere words never could, I find myself longing for more and more artists to emerge who can do and be for the church what only they can do and be.

So, my aim here is not so much to spawn a discussion as it is to start a trend. I have offered a few of my reflections on art, I will offer something “artistic” that I have done, and I am going to tag 5 people who I think have tremendous artistic abilities and ask them to do the same. If you were tagged (or even if you weren’t and you still want to play, honestly I’d love to circulate this as broadly as possible), here’s what you do…

1. Briefly mention how you think of art.

2. Offer something artistic that you have done – a picture, a song, a poem, photography, a presentation of some sort, something which you believe conveys truth and beauty, something which you believe can serve as an inspiration to others.

3. Tag 5 other people whom you believe posses artistic ability, link to this post, and pass along these same instructions.

Here’s a short video of a PowerPoint Presentation I put together for a class I was helping with a couple weeks ago. It’s a series of images, quotes, Scripture verses, and some statistics set to Derek Webb‘s song, “This Too Shall Be Made Right.” You can download the video here and if you want the PowerPoint presentation itself, here ya go, but be forewarned, the likelihood of this presentation displaying the same way I put it together is slim and none. You’ll be better off if you’re using a mac I think, but even then you might have some trouble.

Here’s my 5…

Dancing with Words

Derek Webb: The Ringing Bell

JR Rozko — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 01:59:55 +0000

When I first came across the album Mockingbird, Derek Webb instantly became one of my favorite musicians. At the beginning of May he will be releasing a new album, The Ringing Bell. You can pre-order it now and receive an instand download of the cd, which I would highly reccommend. I wanted to offer a sample in hopes that you’ll be inclined to support him as an artist as well as to give you a glimpse into the sort of things which are gripping my heart currently. Here ya go, have a listen, no stealing!

Where Do You See Beauty?

JR Rozko — Sat, 09 Sep 2006 23:34:26 +0000

My friend Morten was sharing this with me today. This is an Icelandic band called, “Sigur Ros.” Their video reminded me of the beauty of simplicity and the sacredness of all things unique.

No related posts.

Let Me Try Again

JR Rozko — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 05:57:02 +0000

A few days ago I posted something about, among other things, the false dichotomy of sacred and secular. After my friend Josh made some helpful observations, I thought it might be beneficial to try and clarify what I was after.

The point I was trying to make is that there is nothing in this world (nor the world itself as many believe) which is entirely secular. Nor is there anything in this world which is entirely sacred. Simultaneously, everything that we can discuss is both tainted by sin, but redeemable by God. Thus, I find it more beneficial to think of things in terms of whether or not they are God-honoring and life-giving. Granted these are subjective categories, but I would maintain that this is precisely where the Holy Spirit and the Church as the community of the Spirit come into the picture. If we can clearly label things as sacred and secular, then there seems to be little need for any redemption or discernment on the part of God or His people. Instead, I would suggest that as the Church seeks to confess the Lordship of Christ over all the world, it bears the responsibility of discerning together how it will address everything from abortion to automobiles, politics to poetry.

Allow me to try and let one of my favorite musical artists express this for me.

“don’t teach me about politics and government – just tell me who to vote for”
“don’t teach me about truth and beauty – just label my music”
“don’t teach me how to live like a free man – just give me a new law”
“I don’t wanna know if the answers aren’t easy – so just bring it down from the mountain to me”
“don’t teach me about moderation and liberty – I prefer a shot of grap juice”
“don’t teach me how to listen to the Spirit – just give me a new law”

These are lyrics from the song, “A New Law,” by Derek Webb. Derek is one of the only musicians I know of currently who, whether he means to or not, is being prophetic with his art. Ironically, given the point of this post, I could point to numerous artists, musical and otherwise, who would never identify themselves as Christians, but who nevertheless ought to be recognized as prophets as well.

listen to the song here

At ay rate, what I aim to convey is that neither Church nor world is served by our labeling of things as sacred and secular. In fact, it is just this practice which has gotten the people of God into trouble with their Lord on more than one ocassion. Rather, both Church and world (please don’t equate my distinction between Church and world with labeling of things as sacred and secular – the distinction here is sadly often no less clear than anywhere else!) are better served by Christians embodying the freedom of Christ and seeking to help people see and understand how any and all spheres of life can be transfigured for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

Christian Politics and the False Dichotomy of Sacred and Secular

Just Cause I Love Ya

JR Rozko — Tue, 04 Oct 2005 22:09:00 +0000

Click here for a free sampling off of David Crowder’s new cd!

** This link is now dead as I realized that ultimately this free distribution of music is illegal. I highly reccommend this cd to you on account of its fresh approach to music and eclectic stlye, not to mention the beautiful lyrics. You can check it out further at Crowder’s site.

Know A Good Wedding Song?

Concert

JR Rozko — Sun, 02 Oct 2005 00:54:00 +0000

So most people know that I’m not all that keen on the concert scene. But tonight was pretty great! A couple friends (Laura, David, and Zoey – great name!) and I went to to see Robbie Seay Band, Shane & Shane, and David Crowder Band at the LA ocnvention center. Erwin McManus was also a speaker for the evening. All this for 20 bucks. Plus, everyone got a copy of Crowder’s new cd on the way out which means at the end of the day, the concert was only like 5-10 bucks.

However, I must say that the highight of the evening was the drive home. We had just finished listening to Free Fallin on the radio when the DJ came on and said something about the song, 867-5309. Immediately, Laura exclaimed, “I love the that song,” and preceeded to sing it, but in the tune of Free Fallin, which she apparently had a hard time getting out of her head. We were rollin!

If this concert is coming near you, I highly reccommend attending!