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We wish you a Merry Christmas

We wish you are Merry Christmas
Originally uploaded by !!WaynePhotoGuy.

We Wish You are Merry Christmas...
And a Happy New Year

Listening to: Bing Crosby: I'll be home for Christmas

Ok, as you can see, I did make in out in our storm the other day. I had to go pick up my daughter at 10:00 pm from practice so I decided to bring the camera.

I hope this gets you in the Christmas mood!

Merry Christmas.

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Minneapolis Skyline

Minneapolis Skyline
Originally uploaded by !!WaynePhotoGuy.

Listening to: Regina SpektorSummer in the City.

Part of a recent outing... I think this whole outing was very successful!!!

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The Nativity Story

My family and I went to the new movie "The Nativity Story" this weekend  http://www.thenativitystory.com/

First of all getting four kids, two of which are boys in high school, to go to a movie that is not filled with action and killing is a big feat (that is another whole story in itself).  Anyway with a little bribing and arm twisting we got them all there but it was not in vain.

The movie is a beautifully, artfully told story of the birth of Jesus. 

The things I loved.

1. It was not a cheesy Christian film shot on a low budget. 
2. The acting was wonderful by people I had never seen before so I was not struggling with thier political views or concerned with other less nobel movies that they had made.  (ok, I admit that I am totally disconnected with most movies so I did not recognize Keisha Castle-Hughes Star Wars III and an interesting/controversial Price video.)
3. The scenery was breathtaking.   It renewed my dream to get to the middle east to experience that place on my own.
4. The music was well done classy and pleasing.  It just fit the movie perfectly!!!
5. I was deeply moved several times in the movie.  So the movie was able to illict a repose from me and the audience.
6. The cast was all middle eastern so it made it more authentic.  No blue eyed blond Mary.
7. The kids loved it.  What else can I say!!!

The only negative thing about the movie was that the movie theater was not packed.  So, I will do my part to tell everyone I know to get to the movie.

I highly recommend it.  It is a must see for getting you in the right Christmas spirit even during this very busy season.

History of Twelve Days of Christmas

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me.  What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

Well just read on:

Gospel Concert Huge Success

The Fred Steele Gospel music concert/ worship fest at South Suburban Evangelical Free Church last night was a huge success.  The roof was blown off and God glorified.  You really can get those Norwegians moving.

Here are a few pictures...

 

Here is a music sample:  Down Here Lord.mp3

Singing Gospel is A Lot of Work!

I didn’t know that singing Gospel music could be so much work.  We are preparing for a gospel music concert this coming Friday November 4th.  Hey, I guess that is tomorrow.  Anyway, we have been working very hard on this presentation. 

You see, we are a bunch of “whities”.  Gospel music is not our standard genre.  We have had to learn the style, learn the songs and learn how do dance.  You know, it is illegal to dance at conservative white churches with Scandinavian backgrounds.  Well we will be blowing the roof off on Friday night.

Our practices have been two and a half to three hours long and I feel like I have been in a football game after we are done.  We sweat like we are running in a marathon.  The voice gets a workout like we are cheering on a favorite sports team.

This is one of those activities that you just love to participate.  I have been getting to practice after working all day on the job or chasing after kids or whatever so I have been very tired.  But the moment that practice starts a jolt of energy hits me, and I am rip roaring ready to go.  I am singing tenor parts higher than I have ever sung before, singing with more energy and passion than I could have ever imagined.

And you know what the best is?  I have learned an appreciation for a whole new musical form of expression, Gospel music.  This is turning out to be a fantastic experience that is stretching me further than I could have imagined.

A special thanks goes to Fred Steele for his ministry of music and teaching.  I love you Fred!

U2, I wish it were Me too....

My really good blogging buddy Well Woman over at Ramble On went to the U2 concert in California Nov. 2nd.  Her fantastic review is here...

Gospel Music Concert: Fred Steele

Friday, November 4th, 7:00 pm

Join us for an evening of music featuring Fred Steele and the SSEFC Worship Choir led by Pastor Patrick Smith.  John Stacknik will speak about urban ministry, followed by dessert and fellowship.  An evening full of celebration that you don't want to miss!

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Fred Steele is a world class vocalist, actor, and producer.  He is currently the Music Minister at Greater Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church in Mpls, where he conducts four choirs. 

Fred has several successful gospel CDs released for the Lifescapes label featured at Target. He has been featured in various radio and television commercials for companies like Levi’s and Wilson Leather.  He has toured nationally with the electrifying gospel production of “Mahalia” where he plays piano, organ and six different characters.  He also continues to record and perform with the world renown family singing group, The Steeles.

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Tickets
Adults – $10   18 & Under – $5
Available at SSEFC on Sunday Mornings - or - call 952-431-5466 ext.333 for will call tickets. 
No reserved seating.  Doors open at 6:30 pm.

When
Friday, November 4th, 2005   7:00 pm.

Where
South Suburban Evangelical Free Church New Sanctuary in Apple Valley, MN
Map and Address
[Across the street from the north side of the Minnesota Zoo]

Fred Steele: What a blessing

Last night I got my sox blown off and I was blessed beyond measure.  Let me try to tell you the story.

You see, we are having a mission conference at our church in a few weeks.  The organizers of this conference wanted to have a special group or band to come for the musical part of the conference.  Being plans were being made relatively late it was difficult to find a group.  But one the planners had a contact with some gospel music guy that I had never heard.  Remember, I’m a “whitey” living in the suburban Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.  I am familiar and comfortable with “regular” music.

So, the gospel music guy is supposed to be bringing his team of singers and he is going to be working with us for approximately 3 practices to get us singing “Black Southern Gospel.”  Man was I skeptical and I did not hesitate voicing my skepticism.  Then the day before he comes we hear none of his team is available so we will be singing southern music mostly on our own. Again, remember we are a bunch of Scandinavian that can’t even clap on 2 and 4.  I was dreading the whole thing.  It was going to be miserable.

So I got to practice last night with a pout on my face and feeling very grumpy.  Then I get the cell phone handed to me to give directions to this Fred guy because he is lost.  I admit I had to fight the thoughts of “What a looser”.  Can’t he check mapquest.com?  Well I was able to keep those thoughts under control and get him to our church.

Well, the learnin’ was about to begin.  The gospel guy is the incomparable Fred Steele.  He and his family are gospel music legends.  He bounds into church with a huge smile and the most amazingly catchy enthusiasm.  Then when he started to teach us how to sing gospel I knew I was hooked.  He taught us how to attack a song and how to sing it sassy.  He worked with us with patience and a gentle guiding hand and before I knew it, we were being sassy.

This night was the most fun I had practicing for singing in a long time.  We were all singing with all our heart and worshipping even during practice.  It was awesome.  My horizon has been expanded immensely and now I can’t wait to practice with him again and I certainly can’t wait for the mission conference.

I want to extend and invitation to all of you to come to this mission conference.  You will be blessed beyond belief by what is said at the conference and also my the incredible ministry of Fred Steele.

The conference will be at 7:00 pm Friday night 11/04/2005 at South Suburban Evangelical Free Church in Applevalley MN.

Thank you Fred for working with a negative doubter like me.  Thank you for your ministry. 

Katrina Survivors Tribute

A wonderful tribute to the survivors of Katrina has been written my by Les Lewellyn of the Dixie Lizards.  He wrote the song in honor of all of those affected on the Gulf coast.   He said....

I have friends, family, and loved ones who have lost everything as a result.  Being a singer songwriter I took it upon myself to sing my prayer to the survivors.  The song is called "Gulf Coast Lullaby", I play the Bass Guitar, The keyboard, and sing on this very simple but hard hitting song. It's of no cost to anyone and I just want to share my prayer of hope with all concerned.

http://www.preyinglizardmusic.com/music/GulfCoastLullaby.mp3

(Just right click the file above and use "save target option" to download to where you wan it on your computer. the song is sampled at 224kps which is a very good quality.)

Story of the song...

I also have a direct link to the Red Cross on that page so that listeners can donate to them if they feel the urge to do so. I make no money from this and it is from my heart.

Please give it a listen and if you have comments please write him back so he can add them to my website. 

http://www.preyinglizardmusic.com

With love and God bless,
Les Lewellyn