Tory Farina

New Christmas Music...

While celebrating Christmas, I came across these album's of fresh christmas music I think you should add to your collection.

Over The Hills And Everywhere by Seabird — I recently came across this Christmas EP by Seabird and I’m loving it. Don't get me wrong; I dig the old classic Christmas songs and melodies. They are like fuzzy PJ's and hot chocolate — a standard Christmas staple. But the way Seabird transforms these songs is a breath of fresh air.

Songs for Christmas by Phil Wickham — This album is fresh, deeply moving, and contemporary, but it is still intensely worshipful. I feel like I am singing these songs in the very presence of Christ at times. Every song is new and yet familiar. For the most part, the album consists of traditional carols while adding interesting touches to them. If you love Phil Wickham’s music in general, you’re going to love this. If you’re new to all things Phil, this is also a great on-ramp.

Advent Christmas EPs 1 & 2 by Future of Forestry — Future of Forestry is an experimental/ worship/rock/art band. They have come out with stuff I love and stuff I don’t care for, but they keep changing and trying new things. Their music is sincere and will titillate your ears with its layers of sound and different instruments. The songs therein are lovely takes on the classics. They are deeply worshipful, which is not always the case with Christmas music. Overall, these EPs are mellow, sweeping, and pleasant. I find them to be great background music to my message writing.

What I really get into is when something classic can stir me up in a new way — cause me to look at the same thing with a different perspective. That’s what happened to me when I read The Message Bible translation for the first time. I experienced that which is ancient in a refreshing, reverent way. I saw and experienced everything again for the first time.

These albums do that for me with Christmas songs. Seabird nails the spirit of the Christmas songs in a refreshing and reverent way. Phil Wickham sings with such conviction and worship that you can’t help but stop and worship the Lord as you listen. Each album is not what you’re used to, but maybe the words will draw out new reflections for you during this holiday season. After all, that is the point of Christmas to begin with: to be stirred in worship toward our New Born King as we celebrate that holy night so long ago.

Check them out.

 

What I'm Listening to...

I cant get enough of these...

Hillsong Live... The new one is stellar as always.

John Mark Mcmillan... He is the guy who wrote "How He Love's" and his album was just re-released.

Gungor... They are not your average worship band which makes it all the more fun to listen to.

Passion: AWAKEN... This has about six must have tunes on it!

The Swell Season... Irish people make the best Depressing love songs!

I just found these and kinda like the sounds...

Mumford and Son's, The Avett Brothers (O and I like to sing I and Love and U), Florence and the Machine

I keep going back for more...

Bon Iver, Radiohead "High and Dry", Mute Math, Delirious?, Sesame Street

Worship Wherever You Are...

Songs of Hope in The Hospital...

Elizabeth was admitted into the hospital again on Wednesday night. She has another arterial dissection. I feel like we are on an episode of House. The Dr.'s do not know what it is that is causing these. We keep hearing them say things like, "You are a mystery... Very interesting... HMMM." Please keep praying. We are ready to get out of the Hospital and move on with Life.

As we have been in the Hospital we find ourselves singing simple songs of faith. I figured I would share with you a few of our favorites.

I hope these bring you Hope! Jesus is the giver of HOPE! Although we may be uncertain of what is to come and the Dr.'s are uncertain of what to do next God is not surprised, in doubt or uncertain.

The Holy Spirit is our comfort. Like Paul and Silas in Acts 16 we sing despite the walls around us and Know that The one who is all powerful will hear us and meet us in our affliction.

Who could stand against? #AMPLIFY...

I am so excited for AMPLIFY June 2nd. Here is my most anticipated song of the night! I love this song!

Wait for the build up to the bridge at about 2:44 (HOT HOT HOT!!!!)

And If our God is For Us

Then Who could ever stop us

And If our God is For Us

Then Who could Stand Against

Lyrics and charts found here...

I've Got Something to say...

I am digging the new Starfield album.

The Saving One - Starfield

Sometimes you here a song that stops you in your tracks. It pulls at the heart strings and redirects your attention. This song did that for me. 

What Do you have to say to the Lord this morning? What things are on your heart, worrying you, causing you anxiety or stress? What keeps you from the Joy the Lord promised us? 

Take time to say whats on your heart and mind to the Lord today. He loves to hear what you have to say.

I'm Back...

Things I learned through my time of Withdrawal...

•  Wayne Cordero saved my life and ministry... After reading his book “Leading on Empty” I am convinced I was headed for a breaking point at some point down the line in my life and ministry. I have and will continue to make changes necessary to leave a Lasting Legacy.
• I have more time than I thought. Cutting out extra stuff helped me realize how much time I waste.
•  My relationship with the Lord is the Source of Everything else. Yet often It gets shelved somewhere between car maintenance and shower cleaning. It does not occupy the space in my heart and mind that it should if it is the source of everything. (As a pastor this is a sad revelation.) So I am evaluating the changes that must be made to transform this unacceptable situation.
• Christian music is good but not a lot of it is GREAT!
• Facebook / Twitter are far more useful tools than they get credit for. I was shocked at how many people I felt disconnected from.
• I get grumpy when I fast Food.
•  Maintaining a Blog is exhausting. I need to figure out how to be a smarter blogger. I think I might use more video. Would you watch my short clips?
• Changing patterns takes a tremendous amount of intentionality. You cannot say... I want to change, I need to change or even I must change without making a plan and actually putting the plan into action.
•  Push email on my iphone is stupid. I cannot and will not be a slave to my email... especially when I delete most of it. My email will serve me and not the other way around.
• This will be a yearly event. I will also add into my life’s schedule times of getting out of town for times of withdrawals.
• I need a Sabbatical... Not this year but in the next few years as we round the corner to seven or ten years it is Vital the Elizabeth and I get a Sabbatical in order to gain freshness and longevity at High Point.
•  We are entering into a season of High Points Story that is really exciting. I feel encouraged, Fired Up and energized by what I feel the Lord is brewing in my heart.
•   Isolation is a Scary place to be... Withdrawal is a Non Negotiable place to visit!
•   The WELL of your Soul is what you serve others with... If it’s shallow, contaminated, or not built to last you’re in trouble. If it is Deep and Living water it will refresh people for Years to come.
• Jesus took breaks from the demands of Life and ministry often... I am still chewing on this and am incredibly challenged by it!

I have lots more to say but will leave it at this and work out more the next fe days and weeks. I just wanted to let you know I am back and FIRED UP!

Amplify Sunday Nov. 22nd...

Here is the Playlist for Amplify Sunday Nov. 22nd @ Summit Church in St. Paul. We begin at 6pm and are expecting it to be an amazing night.

U2...

I am a huge fan of people stretching the envelope, breaking boundaries and shaping culture. U2 partnered with YouTube and put on a free live streamed concert. The implications  are huge! we are moving away from network driven TV and more and more to user generated content. This is an example of our future and what an exciting future it is!!!!

I also love to see people lead/move a crowed of people. The stadium was jammed!!! And four people kept the entire crowed on the edge of their seats. STAGE PRESENCE WAS AMAZING! The lights and picture and sounds was amazing to watch. But all in all it was still just four people engaging and moving the crowed.

Take a look and watch a truly amazing performance... 

(move the time line to 148: to watch Bono lead the crowed into worship...)

The Nerve...

Here is my final Mute Math post until the show. ENJOY!!! (I could use his shirt for this Sunday!!!!)