is something I'm failing at right now! I'm just so excited to hear everyone's songs from the retreat. I know Sue and Sean are busy (and that Sue probably has a major love/hate thing going on with this new site). But just wanted to radiate some enthusiasm as we all wait like hungry little birds. Songs! Songs! Feed me!
I'm guessing we'll get an email with the site address? OK, back to my inbox vigil.
But really, I can be patient.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
A selfish suggestion....
Although, one I don't think anyone would disagree with....
Joel - How about we do a retreat every 6 months! A "Spring/Summer" retreat and then a "fall/winter" one... ;0)
Please forgive me for being greedy... but it was just too much fun! Thanks to everyone for making it such a special weekend - especially my co-writers - Sue, Donna B., Brian, Ed, Phil, and Lee.... It was hard work - but so worth the effort!
Thanks again for inviting me to be a part of the weekend Joel! I'm so humbled and can't begin to tell you what it means to be considered a "part of the family"!
"God bless us all... each and every one."
sean
Joel - How about we do a retreat every 6 months! A "Spring/Summer" retreat and then a "fall/winter" one... ;0)
Please forgive me for being greedy... but it was just too much fun! Thanks to everyone for making it such a special weekend - especially my co-writers - Sue, Donna B., Brian, Ed, Phil, and Lee.... It was hard work - but so worth the effort!
Thanks again for inviting me to be a part of the weekend Joel! I'm so humbled and can't begin to tell you what it means to be considered a "part of the family"!
"God bless us all... each and every one."
sean
THREE HUNDRED FIFTY-NINE DAYS
It'll be here before you know it!
It occurred to me on the way to the airport that I was leaving the retreat with five songs I absolutely love. Then it hit me that not a single one of them was my idea. Thank you Donna N., Steve, Brian, Helga, Sean, Sue, and Deb for having great ideas, being passionate about them, and then letting me come along for the ride. I love co-writing, love this retreat, and love this family of writers.
Thank you, Joel, thank you, everybody, for a GREAT weekend!
Lee
It occurred to me on the way to the airport that I was leaving the retreat with five songs I absolutely love. Then it hit me that not a single one of them was my idea. Thank you Donna N., Steve, Brian, Helga, Sean, Sue, and Deb for having great ideas, being passionate about them, and then letting me come along for the ride. I love co-writing, love this retreat, and love this family of writers.
Thank you, Joel, thank you, everybody, for a GREAT weekend!
Lee
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Tomorrow Tomorrow...
I love ya, tomorrow... You're only a daaaaaayyyyy aaaaawwwwaaaayyyy!
Thank you, Thank you very much!!!
See ya then :)
Ericka
Thank you, Thank you very much!!!
See ya then :)
Ericka
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
TWO DAYS
You should have just received a letter with a schedule...if you didn't, e-mail me.
Directions can be found at www.countrylake.org which is the retreat center's website.
Can't wait!!!
Joel
Directions can be found at www.countrylake.org which is the retreat center's website.
Can't wait!!!
Joel
Snackfood and Games
I've got "writing" t-shirts packed... enough for each day. Now it's time to think about stuff like "what do I want to snack on" and "what games can I trounce everyone at?" Anybody ever play Taboo? It's a perfect game for writers!
The retreat is day after tomorrow, people!
Sue
The retreat is day after tomorrow, people!
Sue
Monday, May 19, 2008
And don't forget...
To bring pictures of your family! I love to see those and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I'll be showing mine off all weekend so please do the same!
-Kristie
-Kristie
Need a Lift?
Hey everyone... Can't wait for the weekend! I was supposed to be there last year, but my entire family got sick at the last minute and I had to cancel! I've been waiting since last year when Joel said it would definitely happen again! I look forward to seeing those of you I know and meeting those of you I don't!
I'm leaving late Wednesday afternoon for Nashville... staying the night and driving the rest of the way on Thursday morning... any guys need (or want) a ride? With luggage and instruments I've got room for one more.
Call me or email me if you're interested...
404.210.8738
seansmithmusic@gmail.com
See you all soon -
sean smith
I'm leaving late Wednesday afternoon for Nashville... staying the night and driving the rest of the way on Thursday morning... any guys need (or want) a ride? With luggage and instruments I've got room for one more.
Call me or email me if you're interested...
404.210.8738
seansmithmusic@gmail.com
See you all soon -
sean smith
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Eight Days
I've been in touch with the retreat center today and I think everything is settled. I've totally harrassed all my friends to loan me their keyboards so I THINK we're going to be okay there. Still...if you have an extra, bring it. I'd rather have too many than not enough.
I'll be sending out the schedule and the menus in the next few days. If you have any food issues, the kitchen can accomodate you. (Only having beef once, Helga!)
SPOTLIGHT:
BEN STORIE is a name that is starting to pop up on more and more CD liner notes these days, most recently on the new Gold City project. Ben and his wife Tonya were two-thirds of a trio called Sweeter Rain for years but now are staying home raising their daughter and focusing on Ben's writing. You won't meet a sweeter couple anywhere.
Ben and Tonya make their home in Sallisaw, Oklahoma which is the birthplace of a really great songwriter. Can anyone guess who?
I'll be sending out the schedule and the menus in the next few days. If you have any food issues, the kitchen can accomodate you. (Only having beef once, Helga!)
SPOTLIGHT:
BEN STORIE is a name that is starting to pop up on more and more CD liner notes these days, most recently on the new Gold City project. Ben and his wife Tonya were two-thirds of a trio called Sweeter Rain for years but now are staying home raising their daughter and focusing on Ben's writing. You won't meet a sweeter couple anywhere.
Ben and Tonya make their home in Sallisaw, Oklahoma which is the birthplace of a really great songwriter. Can anyone guess who?
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
NINE, The Musical
...just kidding!
Nine days. Wow.
Just like last year, I'm amazed at how God works out who is supposed to be here and who isn't. For whatever reason, there are some people who just couldn't work it out and others that just can't not come!
Joel
Nine days. Wow.
Just like last year, I'm amazed at how God works out who is supposed to be here and who isn't. For whatever reason, there are some people who just couldn't work it out and others that just can't not come!
Joel
Monday, May 12, 2008
10 DAYS
In 10 days, we'll all say goodbye to our families and friends, get in cars or airplanes and leave our homes behind for a few days.
In 10 days, we'll settle into our rooms, unpack our suitcases and greet old friends and meet new ones.
In 10 days, we'll all be a bit tired from travel, but the combination of excitement and nervousness will get the adrenaline flowing.
In 10 days, in a sleepy little corner of Indiana, 36 songwriters will gather together to put words and melodies into place.
In 10 days, we could change the world.
In 10 days, we'll settle into our rooms, unpack our suitcases and greet old friends and meet new ones.
In 10 days, we'll all be a bit tired from travel, but the combination of excitement and nervousness will get the adrenaline flowing.
In 10 days, in a sleepy little corner of Indiana, 36 songwriters will gather together to put words and melodies into place.
In 10 days, we could change the world.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
ELEVEN DAYS
Today is a sad day for gospel music. Legendary songwriter Dottie Rambo was killed in a bus accident in Missouri this morning. The legacy she leaves behind includes such great songs as, "We Shall Behold Him," "I Go To The Rock" "He Looked Beyond My Faults And Saw My Needs," "Holy Spirit, Thou Are Welcome" and literally hundreds more.
Oddly enough, I actually started to post the lyrics to one of her songs on here yesterday, but couldn't find the complete lyric so I didn't. I thought it would be appropriate. Here's what I could remember:
I GAVE IT ALL AWAY
Words and Music by Dottie Rambo
You gave me a special song
I thought You wrote for me alone
but when I read the words You gave
I found they were to give away
Unless I sing my song again
then every precious word will end
so take my song and empty me
I need a brand new melody
a song's just not a song, they say
until you give it all away....
I gave it all away
my precious song of yesterday
the words live on, the music stays
because I gave it all away
I gave it all away
the rhymes, the lines, each clever phrase
and if a new song's born today
I'll gladly give it all away.
Oddly enough, I actually started to post the lyrics to one of her songs on here yesterday, but couldn't find the complete lyric so I didn't. I thought it would be appropriate. Here's what I could remember:
I GAVE IT ALL AWAY
Words and Music by Dottie Rambo
You gave me a special song
I thought You wrote for me alone
but when I read the words You gave
I found they were to give away
Unless I sing my song again
then every precious word will end
so take my song and empty me
I need a brand new melody
a song's just not a song, they say
until you give it all away....
I gave it all away
my precious song of yesterday
the words live on, the music stays
because I gave it all away
I gave it all away
the rhymes, the lines, each clever phrase
and if a new song's born today
I'll gladly give it all away.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
FIFTEEN DAYS
WRITE A SONG WITH YOU
Got my cup of coffee
almost 10 a.m.
seems you're always ready
by the time that I come in
We search for words and melodies
and before the day is through
I get to write a song with you.
You throw out a title
makes me start to think
who knows what will happen
what the afternoon will bring
sometimes laughter, sometimes tears
but in this little room
I get to write a song with you
It's not just a destination
but a journey of the heart
giving shape and substance to this song
both of us contribute
but because of who you are
I'm just happy that I get to go along
We work well together
who'd have ever guessed
I've got such limitations
but you're Lord of all that's best
So Father, if you're willing
there's not a thing I'd rather do
I get to write a song with you.
Father, if you're willing
there's not a thing I'd rather do
I get to write a song with you.
(Sue C. Smith/Joel Lindsey)
Got my cup of coffee
almost 10 a.m.
seems you're always ready
by the time that I come in
We search for words and melodies
and before the day is through
I get to write a song with you.
You throw out a title
makes me start to think
who knows what will happen
what the afternoon will bring
sometimes laughter, sometimes tears
but in this little room
I get to write a song with you
It's not just a destination
but a journey of the heart
giving shape and substance to this song
both of us contribute
but because of who you are
I'm just happy that I get to go along
We work well together
who'd have ever guessed
I've got such limitations
but you're Lord of all that's best
So Father, if you're willing
there's not a thing I'd rather do
I get to write a song with you.
Father, if you're willing
there's not a thing I'd rather do
I get to write a song with you.
(Sue C. Smith/Joel Lindsey)
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Sixteen Days
I don't know about you, but I've already started packing! Seriously. Well, I'm actually going to New York for a week before the retreat but still, I can't help but be excited. I'm excited about the new people joining us this year and all the different dynamics they'll add.
SPOTLIGHT:
CHRISTOPHER KAI is joining us for the first time this year. Many of you know Chris through Write About Jesus and you know that he won the overall songwriting competition this year for his song, Truly Jesus. In addition to being the worship leader at his church in St. Louis, Christopher has been coming to Nashville to do some co-writing as of late. Please welcome Christopher to our community of writers!
SPOTLIGHT:
CHRISTOPHER KAI is joining us for the first time this year. Many of you know Chris through Write About Jesus and you know that he won the overall songwriting competition this year for his song, Truly Jesus. In addition to being the worship leader at his church in St. Louis, Christopher has been coming to Nashville to do some co-writing as of late. Please welcome Christopher to our community of writers!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
18 Days to GO
Hey everybody...
Happy Sunday! Hope you're all having a beautiful and relaxing day.
There are 18 days to go, but only one week until I have to have all the information to the people at the retreat center...so if you haven't officially registered, please do so now.
SPOTLIGHT:
I'm super-excited that DAVID MOFFIT will be joining us this year. David is a worship leader at Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. David has had songs recorded by so many artists down through the years, but his best-known song is probably "I Surrender All" which was made popular by Clay Crosse. In addition to writing for artists, he writes a lot of praise and worship songs and musicals and this year was nominated for a Dove Award. Welcome, David!
Happy Sunday! Hope you're all having a beautiful and relaxing day.
There are 18 days to go, but only one week until I have to have all the information to the people at the retreat center...so if you haven't officially registered, please do so now.
SPOTLIGHT:
I'm super-excited that DAVID MOFFIT will be joining us this year. David is a worship leader at Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. David has had songs recorded by so many artists down through the years, but his best-known song is probably "I Surrender All" which was made popular by Clay Crosse. In addition to writing for artists, he writes a lot of praise and worship songs and musicals and this year was nominated for a Dove Award. Welcome, David!
Friday, May 2, 2008
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