so far so good...

i've had the chance to lead worship (or be part of the band) on the monday mornings here at bethel. we do chapel in benson great hall -- which is much like cy stevens @ iowa state, a bit smaller, but ENORMOUS compared to the sanctuary @ zion. it's pretty humbling to get on the stage in front of your sem classmates and sing and play...and the size of the room is humbling in its own right. one thing helped me...

as i sang into the microphone, one of the stage lights was shining directly into my eyes. i couldn't look out at the auditorium; i had to either look down or close my eyes. i chose the latter, which allowed me to at least face outward and upward. strangest thing -- when i sang w/ eyes closed, bathed in light, it felt as if i was almost singing for God Himself. i know that's what we are always supposed to do, but this was unique. the light was so bright, i was blessed to sing with my friends here at bethel, and i really believe it was a glimpse of what heaven will be like -- light so bright the sun isn't needed, singing praises to the One who made us and is worth of our praise...