Wake Up My Soul!!!

Wake up my soul is the name of my friend Andy Kirk's new album! If you haven't had the chance to go check it out, then do it!!! My favorite song off of the record is "You Are God". The lyrics for the song are posted below!

Verse 1:
God of heaven, God of earth
God of never ending worth
Through the ages, you remain
God who can not be contained

Chorus:
You are God and your unchangeable
You alone are faithful and true
We could search out heaven and earth just to find
There is no other God, no other God like you

Verse 2:
God of wonder, God of grace
God above all time and space
King of mercy, love divine
Savior of this heart of mine

Chorus:
You are God and your unchangeable
You alone are faithful and true
We could search out heaven and earth just to find
There is no other God, no other God like you

Bridge:
You're the righteous redeemer, mighty to save
Innocent God, ancient of days
Ruler of nations, beginning and end
You are God above all and you call me you're friend

Daydreaming about chiropractors and worship!

When I’m not out on the road the other half of my job is office work. In fact those close to me often tell me I work too hard. The funny thing about that to me is that when your passionate about the calling God has placed on your life all the time you spend on the road and in the office doesn’t really feel like work…

Anyway I have noticed something recently, while sitting all day on the computer if the posture of my body is in a weird / akward position for too long my shoulders and ribs start to hurt and form knots. In fact this last week, my back has had this weird aching knot in from the incorrect sitting posture. So as I contemplate worship and my aching back, the question my heart is left with today is do I go to Jesus with the wrong posture during worship? Do I sit before him in a position that is only going to cause myself aches? Yes, I'm still before him that's' beyond valuable just like when I am still getting work done. But am I making him my priority? Or am I putting myself, people, my material possessions before him? As a church when we worship is God the priority?

Words of Wisdom...

From time to time words of wisdom can be found in the hidden places of our lives. I’ve found that no matter how young or old a person they can still speak wisdom into my life. Sometimes even people with vastly different beliefs speak wisdom to me. Here recently those hidden places have come from voices of those who surround me. Some of these pearls came in the middle of conversation about life circumstances, but others came from somewhat shallow conversations about our favorite television show (Lost). Here are a few of phrases I’ve heard in random conversations that have really challenged me.

"I need to walk in my words!" - Reign
"I was distracted by my Freedom!" - E. Uhles
“Stop thinking and let your brain go back to normal.” – B. Dowell
"I was on the side burner, I was sharing a stove. And all I really wanted was my own flame." - Anonymous Source

The Most Effective Evangelist & God’s Return Policy

The other night while roaming the streets of downtown Atlanta, a homeless man approached me and we became acquainted surprisingly quickly. The conversation started gradually, like "hey how is it going?" And just like that we started talking. He continued to ask me questions about my life before he even started talking about himself. When he talked he was very funny, he told jokes about people that he had ran into on the street. Then he started talking about love and marriage. Then he transitioned into telling me about God in his life and how he isn't as good as he should be, but everyday he tries to do better with the things he knows he struggles with. It was only after we had this long conversation that he asked for a couple dollars for transportation to get back to the shelter for the night. Even after he asked for the money he said, "but you know what, if you don't have the cash, I really just want you to pray for me because prayer changes things." While my friends looked at me like I was doing something wrong, I gave him the couple dollars.

I think their are 2 lessons that we can learn from my encounter with this man.

The first is I think this man was one of the most effective evangelist I have met in a long time. The reason is because he took an interest in my life before he even started talking about Jesus in his life. I was open to listen to what he had to say.

The second is that even though my friends looked at me strangely because I gave him my cash, when I got home that night someone needed me to do them a favor and they gave three times as much money as I had given away.

Book Review: Steering Through Chaos

A few weeks ago I received a lovely book in the mail. It was written by a pastor in Texas that I just happened to hear about through twitter. And to think I’ve only used twitter for a short while yet it’s trying to change my life and perspective on marketing already. Anyway, the Pastor’s name is Scott Wilson. He is the pastor of the Red Oak Fellowship. He just happens to pastor the church that Shane & Shane call home!

I would recommend it to any church planter or pastor who is in transition. The book does something very simply yet powerful at the same time. It tells you that you are not alone in the struggle for growth. We all have an idea of where we would like to see our congregation go. But it’s the journey from the there to the now, or the present to the future promise land that tends to where us out. And this book speaks clearly to that journey and the struggle that goes along with it. Part of being an effective leader means that you learn from the strategies and mistakes of others. I would highly recommend you checking it out! In fact I would also recommend that you buy copies for your staff. One thing I know for a fact is that we can always learn from one another.

Helping Each Other Grow

New Years has come and gone, and now that it's March some of us are second guessing our New Year’s resolutions. You know, we hit the gym hard the first couple months, but now our legs are a little sore, for most of us it's still cold outside, and you are wondering if you can really loose the holiday pounds by beach season.

Or maybe you are the guy who hit the gym consistently hard all year long. You were there rain, snow or shine! You were even there before you ate the Turkey on Thanksgiving and before you cut the ham on Christmas Eve.

Whether you relate to the first group or second group of gym goers, you probably could use someone to encourage your commitment and challenge you to push deeper than you think you can go. But don't worry, No, I'm not a personal trainer trying to sell you my services (I might even sneak you a piece of cheese cake if you ask nicely enough). It's just that we see most churches fall into similar categories when it comes to worship. When 2010 rolled around, some individuals, churches, and ministries committed to pursuing and asking God for more intimacy in worship. While others continued to do what they have always done well, they are consistent, steady. Both groups are in a wonderful God given place, but just like both groups of gym goers, both groups can benefit from someone encouraging their commitment and challenging them to push deeper than they think is possible.

I want us to come along side each other and encourage each other to grow in our passion of worship of God. Share your expertise with us, what are practical ways we can encourage each other in pursuing God in worship?

He's my Healer!

A few weeks ago I had strep throat. It was the first time in my whole life that I've had strep. If you have never had it let me be the first to tell you, you should thank Jesus for that right now! I've had pneumonia before and let me tell ya pneumonia has nothing on strep throat.

At the time I felt like strep might have been the end of me. But thank the Lord he had another plan for me. During this time a great friend of mine called and said he had tickets to a worship event in Atlanta for Friday and wanted to know if I would be interested in going. And of course I said "Yes!" And I'm forever grateful that I went. While I was there something amazing happened. As I worshipped God came down and healed me! It was truly incredible!

Here's a line up of the worship leaders that lead Glorious night in Atlanta:
Byron Cage
William Murphy
Israel Houghton
Kevin LeVar
Smokie Norful
James Fortune & Fiya
Tamela Mann
Dewayne Woods
Brian Courtney Wilson

He's and Awesome Healer!!!

Renewed Vision... A Journey To A Healthier Me

Many of you know that a few months ago I made a pledge to loose weight. I'm not going to lie when I made the pledge it seemed simple. Just eat right and go running everyday, or as close to everyday as possible. So I started on my journey and at first I was all about it and doing great. But what most of you don't know is I played baseball in high school and still suffer from a few of the injuries that occurred back in the day. Thus leaving my body in a few different aches and pains at different times through out the month. When all of this happened my running commitment dropped tremendously, not to mention that I was on the road at the time also.

Thankfully this Christmas I got a membership to the gym!!! Just what I asked for! So now even if my body hurts to much to go running. I can ride the bike and lift weights. If you can't tell I'm excited about this. Then just trust me, I'm thrilled about this!

Oh yeah, did I mention I still managed to loose 15 Lbs. without really exercising like I wanted too! Ha, that just proves God is able to do anything!

Happy New Years!!!

Built Just For Me!!!

I have a really close friend who recently started his own Guitar making company (Beck Guitars). This is the beautiful Guitar he built just for me. I can honestly say there will never be another one like it. It's the best sounding guitar I have ever heard. And when you hear it coming through the speakers at you're church you will love it just as much as I do!

Sweet 25 in Chi-Town

Can you guess where I am in this picture? That's right, Chiago baby! That's right It's my Birthday! And I've turned 25!

Here's my Brotha Justin! He came out to celebrate with us for my Birthday. If you're a teenager looking for a church in Chicago look him up. He is one of the world's best Youth Pastor's!
While in Illinois I received an awesome gift from some very sweet friends. They bought me train tickets to Lincoln, IL. Where the picture above of Matthew was taken. This trip was special for a number of different reasons. But I'm only going to list a few... Not only was this my first ever trip taken by train but I had awesome friends / family surrounding me the whole trip. And did I mention how much I just love my friends in Lincoln, IL!

Just wanted to send you a much needed update!

- Shea

The 5 steps to a nap with the kid named Reign!

Step 1 - "Baby Ab workout!"

Step 2 - "Baby Yoga!"

Step 3 - "Uncle, let me ride on your back"

Step 4 - "Turning the bed into a trampoline!"

Step 5 - "Rest!"

The Summer of 2009

It's crazy how God will allow you to do things that you never dreamed or thought you would do. And this summer was just another example of that. I had the awesome privilege of leading worship for a ton of summer camps. Which covered a broad range of denominations and displayed the beauty of Christ! Seeing the different characteristics of God's personality, there's nothing quite like it! Here are two pics from the final night of summer camps for the band and I in Butler, Ohio.

You can tell we are happy, yet very tired!

One Love,
Shea

Question of the Day Or Question of the Year? You decide!

Here's the question...

Are you living your dream? If not what's stopping you?

If you're one of the blessed and highly favored. That has the awesome privilege of living out your dream I'm stoked for you. And I would love to hear more about your journey of success so leave comments!!!

Six Month Recap

There's something to be said about never forgetting all the Lord has done for you! With that in mind I decided to do a recap of the past six months.

January was my month for down time to get ready for the release of the new CD "Dreams of Tomorrow". (If you don't have it go check it out on Itunes.) Then life picked up at a fast rate. God opened up all kind of doors from Ski Retreats, Mission Trips, Speaking engagements, to spending much needed time at the beach & fishing in Lake Erie. Since February I've been to Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan, South Carolina, North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, & Maryland.

I can't wait to see what He has in store for the next six months. Sunday marks the first Mission Trip / Summer Camp of the summer for me. Until then here are some pics of the past six months for you.

- Mission Trip to Texas -

Here's a pic of the ministry leaders for the week. We laughed, cried, prayed, served, and had a blast together! :)

Here's Josh B. An awesome friend I made while on this mission trip. I've never encountered someone with such a tender heart for the Lord and the children of the King! He blessed my heart so much!

- Mission Tip to Kentucky -

We got to see snow while up in the mountains of Kentucky! What a treat from Heaven it was!

"My Spiritual Gift is Energy!" That's a quote from my friend Carolina who is also seen in the picture above doing some construction work at a local church in Kentucky.

Here's Don, He's an acoustic guitar maker and one of my closest friends. Oh yeah he also writes songs of deliverance in his free time!

- Winter Ski Retreat to Maryland -

Here's a pic of Erika & James - They were patient with my learning skills on the slopes
Here's a shot of me with some of the students that also taught me how to ski!

Blessings,

Shea

Gearing Up!!!

That's right, I am gearing up for the next couple of steps God is leading me too. No one ever said it was going to be easy. But we all know it's going to be worth it. Please continue to pray for me, the dream's, and vision's Daddy has given me! I just want to be completely faithful to Him and every word He has spoken over my life!

Over the past couple of months God has truly been opening my eyes to a ton of things. It's amazing how He will tear down walls in you're heart you didn't even realize were there. While at the same time building bridges for you to places you could have never dreamed of. Is it just me or has Heaven surprised you in the past couple of months?

God has packed my summer full of Summer Camps, Mission Trips, & tons of Beautiful Worship Services. Check out my calendar at www.sheamusic.com to find out where the band and I will be leading this Summer. If you are in need of a Worship leader for an event please E-mail our office at bookingshea@gmail.com

Blessings,
Shea

Have You Spoken With Heaven?

On Friday I flew back in to town from Texas after spending two weeks on the road. I don't believe I have ever had such an intense two week period in my entire life. But one thing I have found to be true is that Isaiah 7:14 is very true,"Immanuel, God is with us!"

My only question for you today is.... "Have you spoken with heaven?" and if not don't you think you should!

60 Day Challenge!!!

Ok here we go.... Some of us, most of us, all of us have something that we would love to change about ourselves. If you're one of those people who are completely satisfied where your at spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, etc. Then this post is not for you, so stop reading now. But if by any chance this post is for you (Which I hope it is). Then would you please accept my invitation to join me for the next 60 Day Journey? That's right it's going to be a life-altering 60 Day Journey!

Mid Evaluation (30 Day Point) will be - April 29th

Finish Line (60 Day Point) will be - May 29th

Who's in? If that's you post a comment at the bottom of this blog because I'm going to need you to hold me accountable! Cause change has got to happen Baby!

Great things have just begun

Things are moving so fast these days. I am just in awe of the power of God and how in His own timing He begins to move puzzle peices together... I really don't know any other way to say it than that. But in this season of my life and ministry He just continues to put things together in a swift way.

Yesterday we introduced a brand new song at church called "Overcomers". Until now I have never had the opportunity of writing songs for a specific church. But God has opened the doors now and its amazing to see how the words of this song resonate with in the people!

God is up to so much more though. But I am not going to let the cat out of the bag just yet... But stay posted for more! In the mean time go download a copy of my new record at... www.digstation.com/shea

Thought of the Day!!!

It's one thing to recognize where your at in life. It's a whole different thing to understand where your at and how God wants to use you!

Busy, Busy, Busy....

Over the past week and a half I have been extremely busy. Between leading worship six different times in nine days and preaching at another church for a completely different event. Things have been extremely busy. And did I mention the two writing sessions that I had during this time period? Well let me tell you that they went AWESOME!!! God is doing some really amazing things and I can't wait to see what God's going to do next! Keep coming back to the blog for updates!!!

And if you're lucky then just maybe you will be one of the first ones to hear some of the new worship songs soon!