Happy Anniversary to me!

Twelve years ago, January 1, 2013, I officially started as pastor at Milford First Brethren Church. 

If my memory serves me correctly, I did go into the office that New Year's Day. A few days later, I started this blog. As you can see from that link, I was much more active back then with my blog posts.

Many things have changed with me, my family, and our church for sure. Through it all, God has been faithful and good. We have seen him at work in some special ways here in Milford. 

Today, I thought I'd share some reflections that have been sitting in the back of my mind for quite awhile but have only probably recently thought about connecting all the dots.

And they truly are reflections - looking back at God's hand in guiding and preparing me for these last 12 years. See, if you've ever read this blog before, you know the influence Christian music has had on my life. It's a favorite subject of mine - and while I am no longer someone who is on top of every new act or group, it is still an interest of mine.

And as I've reflected on God's guidance on my life to this point, I've realized that there were some particular songs that prepared me, almost subconsciously, for serving here in Milford. I was thinking about this awhile ago and realized there were 3-4 songs (plus one honorable mention) that were not big hits, but caught my attention in my college and seminary years where I was studying for pastoral ministry. Several months ago I wrote out my list and subsequently lost it but I rewrote it and will share it below. I feel compelled to say that I think my original list included another song that I just can recall.

But here are some Christian pop/rock songs that honor small-town ministry and being faithful in relative obscurity. These have always encouraged me lest I get envious or coveting greener pastures.

1. "Small Town" - Thousand Foot Krutch

A great song by an underrated band. Tells the story of the haven the people of God can be to those who are desperate and struggling. This is kind of a standard early 2000's punk/emo song that, at least for me, takes a powerful turn at about the 4:00 mark.

2. "Rundown Town" - Bleach

This precedes #1 by a few years I believe, but has very similar themes. In my youth I had visions of grandeur mixed with an ambition for ministry. I remember this song gently pushing back on all of that. "He lived to light this dark town he's in, and it's alright to be there where he's always been...a life that was spent being content being lived in the midst of a rundown town."

3. "Chevette" - Audio Adrenaline

Growing up, my family didn't own a Chevy Chevette but we did drive a Chevy Citation which was a similar but slightly bigger car. I think I always connected with this song because of that. But on a deeper level, it is a nice tribute to the simplicity of serving Jesus. This is one of my favorite songs of all-time musically. The guitar riffs, the build up, feels like a song that reflects the tempo of a runner taking off in a race. "0-60...sometimes" - love that lyric lol. (please ignore some of the erroneous lyrics in the video)

Honorable Mentions

4. "Washed by the Water" - Needtobreathe

I heard this song much later than the others, but it still fits this theme in a general sense. It got CCM radio play back in the day for it's theological chorus (and title). But I find the autobiographical part of the song interesting...dad and mom in ministry facing unfounded criticism...where do they turn, where do we turn? 

5. "Kentucky Rose" - Michael W. Smith

This song has almost nothing in common with the rest when it comes to music. It's a song of it's time - early 90's. I think I read somewhere that he wrote this song (for a greatest hits compilation called "The First Decade") based on a true story and real person. I found the above video with MWS giving an intro...though hearing it, I'm not sure he's presenting it as a true story.