New Song: "Fight the Good Fight"

Joining the Taxi song-writing group has taken me to musical genres I never thought I'd touch with a ten-foot guitar pick!  It has been fun to step out of my usual style and try on some others for size.  The latest challenge was to write a "Sports-Related" song like you might hear on ESPN and the like. It is quite possibly the loudest, most over-the-topest song I've written.

I started by singing it with a Jovi voice, which did not go so well. So, I believe I some how ended up singing like Joe Walsh. I have a feeling my voice will prevent this song from sounding "commercial" enough to get forwarded, but it was fun to dive into for a couple evenings.

"Fight the Good Fight" can be heard HERE.

Drums provided by Dan Patterson.

Natalie Marie Anderson

5 lbs, 12 oz

18.5 in.

2:44 p.m.

I had the opportunity to welcome Natalie Marie Anderson into the world today!  As far as I can tell, she's the best thing that's ever happened on tax day.  She's very beautiful and has a sweet set of parents.  Huge congratulations to Scott and Julie!

Want to see more pictures of Baby Natalie? CLICK HERE.

Songspeak: Holding On

Please download a free mp3 of “Holding On” HERE.

This is the second of many articles that will be written by SBCC worship leaders for "The Community News" in an attempt to give some background to the songs we sing. Whether it’s a song that has been written by one of our own worship leaders, or an old hymn, it is hoped that by hearing the stories and Scriptures that have inspired their writing, your understanding and appreciation of these songs will be enhanced, and our collective praise amplified. (by Mike Willbanks)

Songspeak: Holding On
by Andy White

I’d like to share some of the back-story of “Holding On”, a song we have sung several times at SBCC. My hope is that this story will give you greater insight into a song that has become a significant part of my spiritual journey.

HOLDING ON
© 2006

I've been broken, I have been down
I've seen your signs, to you I'm bound
It's not easy, I don't feel strong
Plans fall short as, days feel long

I'm holding on to love, I'm holding on to grace
I'm holding on to you, ‘til I see your face
I hold on to you, I hold on to you
I hold on to you, I hold on to you

I come to you, and you know
What I do not say, what I do not show
I come to you, so I can
Hold on to you, I hold on to you
I hold on to you, I hold on to you

This song evolved during a painful season of life. I became friends with Matt Steele about twelve years ago. Matt and I were in a rock band together. Through the numerous practices and gigs, we came to know one another extremely well and developed a multifaceted, trusting friendship. Our camaraderie went well beyond our attempts to create the best music we could. As our relationship grew tighter, we shared the ups and downs of faith. It was a privilege to have a friend to respect so highly on both a musical and personal level.

When my wife and I first started attending SBCC in 2003, Matt was one of the only close friends we had. I’ll never forget the joy on his face the first time he saw us walk down the aisles. He made us feel like we instantly belonged and bridged me into friendships with his friends—people after God’s heart that I now call “lifelong friends”. In addition, Matt persuaded me to use my musical gifts for worship as soon and often as possible. The profound spiritual and musical imprints he left on my life will forever impact my future.

Sadly, I only had about a decade of Matt’s intense influence on my life. As most of you know, he lost an excruciating battle with brain cancer in October of 2006. Watching my friend slowly die was the most difficult trial I’ve had to face. I desperately wanted to help and encourage him, but often felt like there was little I could do to make a significant difference.

Why would heaven want to take a Godly man in the prime of his life? Wasn’t it obvious that his family needed him? His church needed him? I needed him? As Matt’s life drew to a close, I wrestled with these types of questions.

Thankfully, I did not tackle these difficult uncertainties alone. My church, my friends, my family—we were all seeking insights into the quandary of Matt’s shortened life. What I discovered were two very simple realities that I already knew but had not yet experienced to this degree.

Reality #1: Life is hard.
As tough as it was for me to lose Matt, I knew it was far more agonizing for his immediate family and closest friends. This is one instance of pain in life. We can all name a myriad of struggles, deaths, wars, conflicts, and misfortunes. As much as we’d like to escape challenge, it always seems to be looming. I found comfort in this passage:

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

Reality #2: Heaven is remarkable.
Matt’s life overwhelmingly pointed heavenward. At Matt’s memorial, many shared about the wonder of heaven. This was evident in his time on earth, and also more profoundly now in paradise. Reed mentioned that if Matt had the chance to leave heaven, he would refuse. Matt is seeing and experiencing the unparalleled love of Christ in a way that we can hardly fathom. As I pondered this reality, my enthusiasm for heaven inflated.

"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:3-4)

Why am I holding on? I believe the enormous blessings that await us far outweigh the difficulties of this life. As painful as earth can be, the promise of heaven is worth holding on to. My friendship with Matt, and the aftermath of his passing, inspired me to hold more tightly to my one and only hope—until I see His face.

Labor while you live, to serve God and do what good you can, and endeavor to improve every dispensation to God’s glory and your own spiritual good, and to God’s glory and your own spiritual good, and be content to do and bear all that God calls you to do in this wilderness, and never expect to find this world anything better than a wilderness. If you lived near us, yet our breath and yours would soon go forth, and we should return to our dust, whither we are all hastening. ‘Tis of infinitely more importance to have the presence of a heavenly Father, and to make progress towards a heavenly home. Let us all take care that we may meet there at last. (Jonathan Edwards Reader p. 312)

Please download a free mp3 of “Holding On” HERE.

Drums by Dan Patterson.
Bass by Brad McCarter.
BGV by Angela White.

Extended Birthday!

My class threw me a belated birthday bash today! Pretty cool. They wanted to celebrate me last week but it was spring break.



To top it off, Angela showed up at my classroom with the kids! Woohoo!!



Here I am with the "birthday guitar" and my dirt cake. Yum!