A Blogger's Farewell... For Now

Hey guys, I just wanted to say thanks to all of you guys for taking me to Jack and Andy's last night. It was well appreciated. I must say, this feels like my first year of Exalt all over again, except that I'm two hours away instead of one hour ;). It has truly been a trip with you guys over the past two years, and even though we will see each other again, it'll be a different relationship. I'm now a First Youth Band Alumni :P, and I'll make sure I wear that with pride. I just wanted to leave a couple words with you guys, as you start up worship this next year:

1. Don't forget who you're playing for. He deserves your best, and I know you guys can give it. I've seen you guys do it before.

2. Learn your songs! It's important to know what you're playing, but don't try and learn it all at once. Pick out your parts and learn them bit by bit.

3. Listen to the songs :P, maybe even to the point that you get sick of them. Remember that you will almost always get sick of a song before your audience does (but it doesn't mean that you play All Day for them every other week!)

4. Stay strong with each other. A group's unity and focus has quite an effect on the influence they are able to make in other peoples' lives. Be real with each other, and the times that you share with one another will be that much more powerful.

5. Pray. As I'm sure Matt can tell you, Youth Ministry is a hard path sometimes, and it may take more from you than you're willing to give. Pray for strength and guidance, and just as important, pray for the people you have a chance to minister to, as well as each other

6. Have fun. I may not always be the best example of this ;), but make sure that you enjoy yourself when you're doing the work that you do. Remember that this doesn't have to be a chore, you can still have fun with it, which you guys do, of course.

That's about it. I'm packed up and ready to leave. So... farewell guys. I wish you the best of luck this year. Rock out with your best for me! I'll see you guys soon.