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