WAJ

Is it just me or does everyone who was at the retreat feel a little more like family than we used to? For those of you not able to attend, you were missed!

Marcia, I wish you could have heard Allie sing "Potter." It was stunning! And hearing Phil and Lyn sing "Settled At The Cross" reminded me (again) of just what a great song that is.

I will be finalizing plans for our next retreat over the next few weeks so I'll get you the details as soon as I know them!

Joel

Indie Nick

Co-writers --

Some of you have probably already heard the news that we moved to Iowa. We miss StL but we are really loving being back closer to our roots. Iowans are some of the best people on earth!

We are currently living with my in-laws, in an attempt to avoid 2 mortgages. To be honest I underestimated how hard it would be to be in-between houses. I'm having a really had a hard time being patient. The market's not good for selling a house and it doesn't appear to be getting better. I'm not generally optimistic in nature anyhow, so this has been a trial of my faith. Please pray for my trust issues.

One of my goals this year was to record an EP of original songs. These songs are the ones that seem stick out at concerts. And after playing and writing, they are the ones I keep coming back to. Maybe because they are the most true to where I am at right now.

I had scheduled the studio before all of the moving plans fell into place, and it was a challenge to stay with those plans. There were several days that I spent the full day working on the house and then staying up very late in the studio. I also made a few trips from Iowa to StL just to record vocals. It has all been worth it. The process of recording your songs is great. I love collaboration and to see how other musicians add beauty and passion to music.

I hope to have something available at Write About Jesus, but most likely it will only be the rough-mix. We're close, but there is still some work to do with mixing/mastering. Besides, I know we won't be able to turn around graphics and manufacturing. So maybe I'll just have a sign-up sheet for those who might be interested.

Well, thanks for reading this. I just thought I'd share a little of what's been happening. Please jot down a blog and let us know what's new with you. Can't wait to see you soon at WAJ07!

Nick

Typo

Later in the parapragh it should say "bucked" not" bicked" . Sorry, blame the spell check!!!
Or the devil , he made me do it!!!

Trish

Thought Of The Month

I this really should be shared because it is so true. I know that many of us have different availability in our schedules to write. Some do it full time and some in between loads of laundry. This benefits everyone , but specifically the time challenged:

Just show up.

Each day, to that empty piece of paper or that computer screen. Don't let time constraints keep you from showing up at all. God will honor what little you have and multiply it. Jeff Ferguson said to do one thing very day toward your music. Set up a co write, read a blog, journal, go to a book store and search for good titles, write a blog( my task for the day), work on a chorus for 20 min, pray, read your bible.... I remember my violin teacher tell me ," a little every day is better than allot one day. I bicked against it then and I stil do now...This is a principle I'm trying to switch gears to with songwriting, I don't like it!!. But guess what, It's working and I've made some really important goals this year. But it was just because I've tried to show up a little every day. I don't have it down yet, some days I think why bother today I don't have enough time to do what I really want to. But I want to get better at using the time I have to be more productive. This little principle is helping allot!

Favorite Quotes on this matter:
"Revelation is a fleeting wisp of wind. Record what God gives you."
-Dean Demos

"Show up at the page"-Julia Cameron (The Artists Way)

-Trish

Worship Song Home?

At the co-write-a-thon, Donna Norton and I had started a worship song that we liked pretty well. We finished the song after the retreat. My church worship team and congregation has sung it numerous times since and it has received very positive feedback.

Anyway, our widdle song needs a good home. :-)

I have a pretty good understanding of where to send songs of various genres that I write for publishing, but this is the first worship song I've been part of that I felt strong enough about to want to see it published.

Any suggestions?

- Ed Stivers

p.s. I already tried a good Ska-Bluegrass-Polka publisher, but they weren't feelin' it! They thought the accordian/banjo combination was cool, but without a reggae beat and some horns it just didn't suit them.

Love to see you!

Hey gang,

This is my first blog ever! I'm coming to Nashville Mon July 23rd and 24th and I'd love to write with anyone who is available. I'd love to see you guys(mid-west for everyone) while I'm there!
You can email me at: mcbartig@yahoo.com

Blessings!
Tricia Bartig

Happy Independence Day To All

Just a note to wish everyone a happy Independence Day! Every year at this time I really think so mucy about all of those who gave their lives so we could live in Independence in this great Country, but it also makes me think more about the One who gave His life so our Soul could live free! I'm so thankful for my personal Independence day that took place on April 30, 1972 when I was just about to turn 14 years old.

I pray everyone will enjoy this day...my family is due to start coming in around Noon so I'd better get moving! :o) Blessings!

Karen Gillespie

Just Curious

It's hard to believe it's been over a month since our Fantabulous Retreat! I think about you wonderful bunch of writers every day and wonder what everyone is up too. I heard it expressed several times over the weekend that the retreat had really energized some writers who had been needing a little motivation to write.....I remember that because I had been feeling the same way.....so I'm just curious....are you still motivated? Have you been doing anything differently in your writing life since you got back home?

I will share that one thing that I've done and managed to stick to for the month was a goal to have a writing night every week. I have been dedicating Thursday nights to my songwriting....whether it is working on a song, recording a demo, or just sitting at the piano and playing.

OK....so, what are YOU up too?

Donna N.

On Time God

Hello Everyone,
I can't thank you enough for your encouraging emails and prayers over the past few weeks. Everyday seemed to bring more bad news for my family, but yesterday we actually got some good news!
With Dad's battle against prostate cancer, we had tried every natural product we knew of. The doctors had said that the only way we would know if the cancer was shrinking, was that the PSA level would come down. It continued to climb. (Between 0-4 is considered good...8 being high.) Dad's last test result was a 42! So you can see why we were worried enough to agree to do the Radiation treatments.
Yesterday Dad called me at work and said he had news. I told him I really didn't want to hear it, but I would anyway. Then he asked if I was ready to praise God with him. His PSA had went from a 42.6 to a 3.9!! Our doctor said he's never seen anything like it.
Dad was scheduled to start his Radiation next week. He was to live in Cleveland for 5 weeks, his treatments being 5 days a week. God had other plans. The doctor said with the PSA being that low, he didn't think he would need to do it. We are currently setting up an appointment to see if the cancer is even there anymore. I'll keep you posted!
Again, thank you for your prayers and I would ask that you continue to do so. Dad goes into surgery Monday for his face cancer and I am due to have gallbladder surgery soon.
I confess that I had become bitter...didn't have any tears left to cry. Today tears of joy fill my eyes and a renewed hope, my being.
Thanks again...He's still a Healer!

~sheri lafontaine

Meet Our Newest Co-Writer!

Benjamin James Braselton was welcomed into the world on Monday, June 18th at 1:30 in the afternoon! He was 8 pounds, 2 ounces and 21 1/2 inches long. We came home yesterday and we're both doing great! Thank you for all of your prayers and encouragement over the past month or so. We really appreciate it!

I shall now attempt to post a picture...

-Kristie

She Speaks!

Hello everyone!! I just want to thank you again so much for your prayers and encouragement and for those of you who have been emailing me to check in and see how I'm doing.
I have finally completed my two weeks of total voice rest. I had my first follow up appt. with the surgeon yesterday and he was so pleased with how everything looks and sounds. I'm very excited and so grateful!
I am on a very strict speaking schedule for the next week as to how many minutes per day i can talk and I still am not allowed to talk on the phone until next week, but it's so nice to just BE ABLE to talk...and it's so effortless to talk now, and sounds so clear.
Praise the Lord. :)
Love and blessings,
kim

If I'm Willing

This is going to sound dramatic. But it is. It's come up on the WAJ board and in conversations with Sue about how interesting it is that some songs we write are for what we are about to experience. A 15 year old boy in our town drowned two weeks ago. He had just accepted the Lord a couple of weeks before that. His parents and a lot of his friends didn't know the Lord. While we were ministering to the family, I unconciously began to hum the song that Donna, Joel, and I wrote. Jay (who was with me) asked what the song was. I started telling him about it. It hit me in that moment how it fit the context of this situation. Last weekend His parents and a friend gave their lives to Christ. They are dealing with this tremendous loss from a different perspective now...in Christ. Jay shared the song with the family and they want me to sing it at the memoial service. Here is the lyric

Every struggle, every pain,
Days with tears that poured like rain
Every bitter disappointment I have tasted
Every trial, every care,
Days I'm lost and unaware,
If I give it to the Lord he will take it

(Chorus)
It's not wasted if I'm willing
To surrender to His healing
I know that there's a purpose and a plan
He's fulfilling if I'm willing

It's amazing that he would
Turn my story into good
After all the many times I've kept him waiting
So I'll bring my heavy trial
With a faith just like a child
When I lay it at His feet he will take it

(Bridge)
To be held by the hands that took the nails
Oh the anguish and the pain He must have felt...It's not wasted

Even if the song never gets cut, it is already fullfiling the ultimate purpose.
That's what it's all about!
Phil Mehrens

Sister Saints

This past Sunday morning I was back at the Country Lake Retreat Center leading worship for the "Faces of Christ" retreat. I was there with a group of about 40 men. I'm typically there for the Sunday morning of this retreat whether it is the all men, all women, or co-ed version(about 6 or 7 times a year). God's presence is always experienced powerfully and this was no exception. However, in yet another way it was exceptional . . .

We were in the same room where I had had the privilege of hearing so many newly written and wonderfully annointed songs together with my co-writing Brothers and Sisters. The same room where we had prayed the Songwriter's Prayer (thanks Joel) a number of times.

In addition to the joy of worshipping our Holy Creator with these men who had been experiencing life change all weekend, I was able to replay many of the events of the Co-Write-A-Thon in my mind. What a joy!

Then, this very worshipful moment almost ended when I caught a vision in my mind's eye of some lovely old Sister Saints sitting on the back row waving their makeshift handkerchiefs as Joel, Terry, and I performed "2nd Opinion".

Don't tell the men, but I didn't stop singing because I was choking back worshipful tears of blessing -- I was trying to supress an outloud burst of laughter as a result of the memory. In any case, the blessing was overwhelming.

- Ed

BTW, just kidding ladies about the "old" part.

Well I finally figured it out! Yes, it takes me a while sometimes, but once I get it . . . .

I miss the retreat so much. On the way home, Tricia and I went through a ten minute rainstorm that felt like a portal back to reality. Even though it seems like a dream, I can't even begin to say what the retreat did for me personally and as a writer. Thanks again, Joel, for putting it together. Now that I'm back in reality, I have more drive to write than ever (as evidenced by a cowrite last night- thanks Brian and Ed!)

Hope everyone is well!
Melissa B.

Update on "Second Opinion"!

After work yesterday, I was able to drop by the studio to hear the Perrys do vocals on "Second Opinion" (written by Ed Stivers, Joel Lindsey, and Tery Wilkins) . . . WOW! This song is going to be huge! Each clever verse worked beautifully with a different soloist (Nick Trammell, then Joseph Habedank, and Libbi Perry Stuffle), and the chorus is slamming . . . talk about a funky bass guitar groove for SG! Even though the power in the area crashed right after they finished recording for the day (!) we all breathed a sigh of relief that the system had an automatic battery backup. (But it was a little odd driving through town with no stoplights.) I can't wait to hear the finished project! Congrats, guys! . . . LR ;-)

Surgery went well

Hi Everybody. Not sure what this is gonna look like as I'm still undert he influence of anasthesia, but thank you all so much for your prayers and e-mals adn my spacemessages you sent me. they mean so much to me. the surgery couldn't have gone better according to the dr., althought the worst part was getting taht dumb IV in. I thought that was the end for me righ tthen and there! Anyway, the dr. is happy with how well it went, so now I hsould be on the way to recovery. I've been sleeping most of the day but wanted to let you all know how much i appreciate you and thank you for your concern.
Blessings and thanks,
kim walling

PRAY FOR KIM

Just wanted to remind everyone that Kim Walling had surgery this morning on her vocal cords. Please pray for her. I'll keep you posted as I find out how she is doing.

Sue

Take Me Back!

Amazed, Overwhelmed, Humbled, Blessed, Encouraged, Stunned, Embraced, Challenged, Rejuvenated, and Reminded. That is a good start to describe my experience of this past weekend. WoW! It is hard for me to take all that in. I won’t go into the details but just know that me being apart of this charter co-write-a-thon weekend was a total God Thing! I only knew a few people prior to this past weekend; however I look back and realize that it felt like I had known all of you for years! The co-writes were awesome! I miss it! I miss hearing the laughing, the hall chats, watching Joel try and use the letters I, I, I, I, U and L in scrabble. I miss hearing Allie’s voice and the beautiful modern hymn. I miss hearing Lee sing… I miss watching Melissa’s eyes the moment something clicked during our co-write with Ed. I miss Nick playing a really nice guitar lick while Tricia rocked her head from side to side, singing in her mind. I miss the chat with Sue and Lee during our co-write and then laughing with Lee as Sue later read a verse and asked us if it was “ok”, and all we could do is look at each other and just drop our jaws! I miss Ericka being herself and her drive/passion to write at 11pm! I miss the time around the circle, the late night 2am talks with Tery and the Song Writers Prayer. I miss that awesome white cake and the heath-bar cookies! You know I could go on and on and on..…..

Joel – Thank you for the dream and all you did to pull this past weekend together! It did make a difference and it means more to me that you’ll ever realize.

Brian

What a Weekend! What a week!

Well, I've finally had time to breathe and reflect on the retreat. I am SO grateful to have been able to meet new friends, new co-writing partners, and hear some incredible songs. There was such a spirit of comraderie, not a hint of pride or competitiveness (except during scrabble!), and some amazing writing. And look what one week has produced! Two cuts! WOW. I came home more committed than ever to writing my heart, writing more than ever, and to nurturing the wonderful relationships that I now have with people all over the country. Thanks to everyone for making this such a special weekend.

Gina Boe

Congratulations!!!!

P.S. That was from Kim Walling :)
(Deb, I'm following in your footsteps and forgetting to sign my blogs.)
Ha ha

Congratulations!!!!

YIPPEEE!!! Congrats to Allie, Ed, Marcia, Joel, and Tery for getting cuts already on songs from the retreat!! That is such great news!!! I'm so happy for ya'll.

One week ago . . .

I woke up this morning thinking about how -- just one week ago -- I had been preparing to leave for the Co-writing Marathon. I had been a bit nervous, but was convinced that the doors had opened providentially for me to go -- and I wasn't going to miss out! Knowing what I know now, this morning I truly wished I had that trip and all those great experiences still ahead of me. I even started to imagine Joel Lindsey as Bill Murray in "Groundhog Day" . . . but in this case, we'd all get to re-live the retreat along with him! And if Bill Murray's piano playing could improve so drastically over time and repetition, imagine how great our songs could be?! ;-) In any case, I'm incredibly thankful for last weekend, and looking forward to hearing more stories of all the blessings still to come! . . . L

We had church.

Sharing the songs Sunday morning was a huge blessing. We had church.

I had to hit the ground running when I got home, but I had about 9 hours to process the retreat on the way home. The songs and conversations kept rolling through my mind. The ones I was a part of keep preaching to me. I loved reading the titles of the songs wondering how they were developed. What amazing things come from a couple hours in a writing room.
What a pleasure to get to know everyone.
Phil Mehrens

More Good News!

Hey Everyone!

The Perrys recorded TWO retreat songs! Woo Hoo! Right after "The Potter Knows The Clay" they did "Second Opinion" (which I wrote with Tery Wilkins and Ed Stivers.) I wish you all could have been in the studio to hear their excitement over both songs -- it was so cool!

Thank you Wayne Haun for believing in this song -- I probably wouldn't have pitched it otherwise, since the only version I had of it was the ROUGH work tape we did right after we wrote it.


Isn't this fun?!

Joel

DESTINY IS IN THE AIR

Hey guys/gals.....just wanted to let everyone know what an honor it was to be a part of something so wonderful as this past weekend. I REALLY needed it...My batteries were just DEAD and let me tell you...I'M FULLY CHARGED!

I truly believe that ALL of us met Destiny at this retreat...We're gonna be amazed at where Father takes our tunes....I'm honored and humbled to call you all my friends...Songwriters are THE GREATEST PEOPLE ON EARTH!

Blessings/High Praises!

T

A co-write-a-thon Cut!

Hi Everyone,
The song Marcia and I wrote last Friday has found a home already! Joel called today to say that "The Potter Knows The Clay" was recorded by The Perry's TODAY. Thanks, Joel, for showing it to Libbi. And thanks, Marcia, for a great cowrite and for singing so beautifully on our worktape. I loved writing this song and pray it will comfort many.
-Allie

SONG LIST!

As close as I can tell, here is the list of songs that were written at the Co-Writeathon. Please let me know if something is missing or if there's a co-writer who is not listed on a song. This is an amazing list of 46 songs!

After The Fall – Phil Mehrens, Brian Principe, Sue Smith
Because You Are - Donna Brooks, Karen Gillespie
Bloodstained – Melissa Bishop, Gina Boe
Broken – Gina Boe, Sheri LaFontaine, Steve Marshall
Broken No More – Melissa Bishop, Maurice Carter, Steve Marshall
Carry Love – Nick Lapointe, Steve Marshall
Citizens Of Heaven – Jeff Ferguson, Helga Kaefer, Kim Walling
God Is Doing A Great Thing – Karen Gillespie, Julie Hufstetler
God’s Got What I Need – Deb Bailey, Lyn Rowell, Tery Wilkins
Help Me Cry – Maurice Carter, Allie Lapointe
Hiding In The Shadow Of Your Wings – Maurice Carter, Karen Gillespie, Steve Marshall
Hope Can Bloom – Tricia Bartig, Ericka Harvey, Wayne Haun
Hope Has A Name – Tricia Bartig, Wayne Haun
How Far – Sheri LaFontaine, Tery Wilkins
I Am Free – Tricia Bartig, Joel Lindsey, Steve Marshall
If I’m Willing – Joel Lindsey, Phil Mehrens, Donna Norton
In Spite Of My Scars – Ericka Harvey, Wayne Haun, Donna Norton
It’s All About You – Ericka Harvey, Brian Principe
Melt My Heart – Marcia Henry, Helga Kaefer, Sheri LaFontaine
More Or Less – Marcia Henry, Ed Stivers, Kim Walling
Oh Great God – Lee Black, Donna Brooks, Allie Lapointe
O My God – Deb Bailey, Gina Boe, Jeff Ferguson
Over All – Gina Boe, Ericka Harvey, Donna Norton
Pay Him Back With love – Marcia Henry, Nick Lapointe
Ride The Wind – Helga Kaefer, Phil Mehrens
Sacrifice To You – Lee Black, Kim Walling
Second Opinion – Joel Lindsey, Ed Stivers, Tery Wilkins
Settled At The Cross – Lee Black, Phil Mehrens, Lyn Rowell
Six Ways To Sunday – Melissa Bishop, Brian Principe, Ed Stivers
Song Of The Saved – Melissa Bishop, Helga Kaefer, Nick Lapointe
Surrounded By Love – Donna Brooks, Tery Wilkins
Sweet Communion – Kristie Braselton, Jeff Ferguson, Julie Hufstetler
The Potter Knows The Clay – Marcia Henry, Allie Lapointe
The Star In the Story Of Me – Gina Boe, Donna Brooks, Marcia Henry
Unmerited Love – Wayne Haun, Kristie Braselton
We Declare Your Greatness – Donna Norton, Ed Stivers
We Will See God – Kristie Braselton, Maurice Carter, Phil Mehrens
What Faith Is For – Deb Bailey, Sheri LaFontaine, Sue Smith
When God Came To The Temple – Julie Hufstetler, Brian Principe
When He Sees Me – Karen Gillsepie, Wayne Haun, Tery Wilkins
Wish You Were Here – Ericka Harvey, Sue Smith
Words Fall Short – Deb Bailey, Jeff Ferguson
You Are Free – Tricia Bartig, Joel Lindsey, Steve Marshall
You Are Still Pure - Allie Lapointe, Kim Walling
You Can Use Me – Karen Gillespie, Sheri LaFontaine
You Were, You Are, You’ll Be – Kristie Brasleton, Donna Brooks, Sue Smith

Just Thankful

You guys just continue to blow me away! As is always the case when you think you are doing something to serve the Lord and others, it's like He says, "Silly... you can't out-do me! I'll open the windows of Heaven and pour out a blessing you don't have enough buckets to catch."

I was blessed over and over this weekend by each of you... your humility, your gratitude, your warmth, your openness, your talent, and your willingness to surrender to God using you however He wants to. It was so awesome for me to be with you for a weekend where I wasn't in charge of anything. Thank you, Joel, for blessing me in that way!

One of the things we've always tried to do with the workshop is to break down the walls between the clinicians and the registrants. I think we do a pretty good job, but as long as there are people at the front of the room, talking to people in the chairs, some walls are still there. This past weekend, the walls just didn't exist. I loved that!

Thanks Joel and Sue!

First of all, I just wanted to say thanks again to Joel and Sue.

Joel, the songwriter’s prayer was incredible. We prayed “give us words, Lord” and He answered our prayers by giving us His lyrics. We prayed “give us music, Lord” and He answered our prayers by giving us His music. We prayed “give us songs, Lord” and He answered our prayers by giving us songs that came right from His heart.

Sue, the message that you shared from Louie Giglio really blew me away – what an incredible inspiration! After gaining a whole new perspective on the awesomeness of God and His creation, I will never question again whether another “Great” song is just waiting to be written.

Many of us there this past weekend, came to the retreat carrying significant burdens: some of us with physical burdens; some of us with relationship burdens; some of us with family burdens; some of us with emotional burdens and all of us needing a touch from God in our lives. You both remind me of a well-worn metal watering can that we use to water plants around our house. The water is always available from the source, the plants always need the water, but without a “willing vessel”, the water many times can't get to the plants. It is such a blessing to watch God continue to fill you both up over and over again as you continue to be faithful to “water” so many others.

Steve

Good Mornings

Hi Folks!

I used to be a morning person, but somewhere along the way the daily grind has seemed to have taken a step out of my mornings. But this past weekend I couldn't wait to wake up. Like a kid on Christmas morning I couldn't wait to dig into the new *gifts* God blessed me with.

--So thanks be to God for the beautiful lodge, the lake and trail, and hammocks.

--Thanks be to God for providing new friends who understand the heart of a songwriter. (Especially Steve Marshall who I felt really listened and could relate to where I'm at in life right now)

-- Thanks be to God for the adventure of writing songs

-- Thanks be to God for the reminder, via Louie Giglio, a golf ball and the Universe, that God is so GREAT and I am so small and that rulers and yard-sticks need not apply. Also thanks for Laminin, the stuff that holds us all together.

-- Thanks be to God for Joel and Sue who lead and teach with such great hearts.

-- Thanks be to God for words…music… and songs. Beautiful songs.

Thanks to all my new friends who made this a Birthday weekend I’ll never forget.

Nick

Broken

I went to write a song that would bless others and found a blessing for myself as well. Being "Broken" seemed to be a running theme in many of my co-writing sessions, which told me that God knew exactly where I was. Last weekend was just the retreat that I needed from the battle I was facing at home. My Dad is fighting prostate cancer and a few days before I left I got the call that my Mom had had a small heart attack. I needed the lyrics that the Lord allowed us to pen. Thank you, Joel...and thank you to all the cowriters. You truly ministered to me and I will never forget the time shared.
~sheri

Me Too!!! Me Too!!!!

Co-Writing DT's -- Coming down is tough. I completely echo the sentiments expressed thus far on this blog!

Thanks once more for the invite, to all who made it possible, and to all those wonderful friends that attended to make it truly wonderful.

God bless!

- Ed Stivers

Hello you guys, (we don't say ya'll up here in the north)

Well I'm with the rest of you in saying I had an awesome time this weekend. It was so great to get to know everyone a little bit better, hang out, take walks, play scrabble, and of course, write music. Before I came I was very nervous - being still so new to this co-write thing. I can say I left a little more confident and definitely more motivated to keep pressing on. Blessings to all of you and thanks for blessing me!

Helga

Something's Not Right Here

It's 2:10 and I feel like I ought to be 40 minutes into my afternoon co-write. Is anybody else having withdrawals?

Thanks for a GREAT weekend, everybody! Joel, thanks for the effort you put into this to make it a great weekend!

Lee

(Oops!) Getting to Know You II

I forgot to sign my blog! Well, it was my first, so it's o.k. But, I'll probably do that over the year more than once :( Blessings! Deb

Getting to Know You

Since WAJ 2004 I've known names and faces, and maybe songs, (if I heard yours in a critiquing session), but now I know so much more, and you do about me.... maybe we now know, not just our songs, but what moved us to write a song, or a phrase or a word.
Before this gathering, I had a few WAJ friends, and several acquaintances, but after the retreat I can't remember a soul there that I would not number among my treasured friends.
I'm praying big things for all of you this year for God's glory. You're just GREAT!

Miss ya'll....

I am sitting here missing all my new/old friends! What an amazing group of people...and what a blessing to be able to spend a weekend with all of you! When friends ask me how the weekend went...it's hard to put it into words. I tell them it was awesome, but that doesn't begin to describe it! I'm still trying to come down from "writing heaven"!!! I can't wait to hear the stories of what God has begun this weekend! I learned so much from everyone that I wrote with and from everyone I just had a chance to talk to for a while. Sheri...you were a great room mate and I loved listening to your CD on the way home! Joel...thanks for including me when you made out your list!!!

Blessings,
Donna Norton

3 Things I Learned at the Co-Writeathon

1.Co-writing is not nearly as scary as it sounds

I had only done one official co-write before heading off to the retreat, so I was a little apprehensive going into it. I’ve been to plenty of classes and panels on the subject, but actually doing it was an entirely different experience. All those classes did come in handy though, especially a particular piece of advice I had heard from Ian about co-writing: “Dare to suck.” It really is good advice… to just throw out ideas and lines no matter how ridiculous you think they are. And of course, the quality and graciousness of the everyone made the sessions so much fun and nothing to be afraid of after all!

2. I am definitely more of a lyrics person than a melody person

As I said before, I pretty much write alone, so I’ve always written both lyric and melody. But as the years have gone by I have begun to suspect that I may be heavier on the lyrical side then melody, and this weekend confirmed that for me. Sitting down with those who are professed melody people absolutely blew me away. They put their fingers on the keys and gorgeous melodies just pour out of them. I may be able to crank out a decent melody now and then, but this weekend I found myself naturally gravitating away from the keyboard and back to my pen and pad. A great way to watch the body of Christ functioning with its various members and their gifts.

3. Any lyric sounds amazing if Maurice is singing it

I got to write with Maurice a bit, and I realized his voice can be very deceiving. You could write the most meaningless string of dribble but when he puts his melody and voice to it you think you’ve written a hit. I shared that with someone at the retreat (we won’t mention any names) and they said the true test of a lyric is to have Joel sing it, and if it still moves you then you know you it’s a great song!

I’d love to hear what others learned…


-Kristie

Hello All!

We just got home yesterday afternoon and I think I "blogged" all the way home to my husband and on the cell phone to my children about what a wonderful time I had! It was more than words can express...you were more than kind, thoughtful and encouraging! I have to agree that I felt the closeness of God's presence the whole time and it seemed that you could feel the "heartbeat" of the writers. That each one had a purpose to write songs to reach the needs of the listener and to uplift the Creator of the song!

I'm thankful to have had quality time to spend with "old friends" and for the opportunity to meet "new friends." And I'm especially thankful to Joel for allowing me to be a part of this great retreat!

Blessings!
Karen

Hey everybody!!

This is MY first blog, too Marcia!! Hey Nick and Allie, thanks for posting your photo album. What great pictures!!
I can honestly say this weekend was one of the most amazing experiences of my life so far. It seemed like the Lord's presence was hovering over us in such a sweet way. Whenever I had a moment to myself, I couldn't help but thank the Lord for His favor upon me and upon us to have that time together. I wanted to tell you all that what impacted me so much this weekend was the servant's heart that you all had. I have told my family and friends that never have I met a group of people so considerate, thoughtful and supportive. It was a special time and one I'll carry in my heart forever.
Looking forward to keeping in touch with ALL of you.
Love you all,
kim

Dreams DO Come True

I'm so glad Joel had a dream for a songwriting retreat. I've also always had a dream of friends sitting around together writing great songs. Thanks Joel for creating an avenue for dreams to come true!

I can't wait to read what God has done in everyone's lives as a result of the retreat. I feel so blessed and inspired by each one of my co-writers and by the whole experience!

I have one problem though: A multitude of songs from the retreat keep rolling around over and over in my mind. It's like I've been in the trenches with you all and I'm song-shocked. In normal conversations with family and neighbors I'm hearing hooks and song titles, etc. I'm dizzy. Will it ever end? I HOPE NOT! :-)

I can't wait to hear how God uses our songs to change the world!

P.S. I've already told our neighbors how to play Scrabble the new way!

donna brooks

Words Fall Short

Okay, since on the way up to the retreat Deb said she wanted to write a song called 'Words Fall Short', and she did end up co writing one, and since Joel had that phrase in his songwriters prayer... I decided to keep with that theme. Because words fall short when trying to describe what this weekend has meant to me! Thanks to Joel and everyone. Everything was perfect! I look forward to keeping in touch and seeing what happens with everyone's songs. If I am honored with the priveledge to attend one of these next year, just know that I will have studied the dictionary ALL year so that I can blow you away with my new skills in SCRABBLE!!!! Yes Joel, you should be scared... :) Seriously, you are all awesome and I feel so blessed right now!

Ericka
Ps. I am now attending the 'Sleep-A-thon' here at the Harvey house!!! I think I am almost caught up! :)

I thoroughly enjoyed myself this weekend. I needed it for so many
reasons! The only down side to the retreat for me was that I didn't get
to write with everyone. Joel, the schedule worked so well for me. If I
could change anything....... if we'd had yesterday to go to church
together and then play and rest during the afternoon we could have
squeezed one moredays'worth of songs out of our hearts. The talent in that place was major. The camaraderie
so tender. Thank you, Joel, for creating this site for us to meet. I'm
a new blogger....this is my first post......ever! All of you inspired
me to get busy writing again. I think I told most of you I was sick
most of 2006 and still deal with headache pain on a constant basis.
It's funny, I had a good weekend pain wise. Maybe it was being in one
place and in one accord with you wonderful songwriters. I laughed more
than I have in a long time. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Marcia Henry

Creative Nerd Camp

Hi Everyone! We had so much fun at our Songwriters' Bliss, Eat-Write-Eat-Repeat, Creative Nerd Camp, Cowriting Heaven retreat. :)

Here's our photo album. Let me know if you'd like me to email a certain picture to you individually.

Can't wait to hear how everyone's songs serve God and people. I was ministered to in that last session of hearing songs that were written. WOW, everyone!!!

Allie (and Nick)

Cowrite-a-thon

WOW!

May 24-27, 2007 will be dates that many of us will remember for a long, long time to come! So many great songs were written, so many incredible conversations were shared, so many relationships developed, and so many amazing memories made.

Thank you all for contributing to such a wonderful weekend! The tears of joy that were shed by many as we said goodbye are testimonies of the very special time we share.

Let's keep it alive!! Everyone who attended will have the password to this blog, so let's start out by sharing the stories that led to the retreat and all that happened at the retreat, then let's see what happens to the songs and the writing relationships that developed there! If you have pictures, feel free to post them here. (And Kristie, we'll be expecting baby pictures in a few weeks!!)

Who wants to be the first to start??!



Joel