Marcus Elzey

Well, as of last week I decided that I am officially going to devote my musical abilities in honoring God. I know I know, thats a big choice to make, but I have never been so sure of anything else in my life.

Idk why it happened, but a few weeks ago at church we played the song “Jesus Paid it All”  by Kristian Stanfill and I closed my eyes and justrandomly started to play a prayer to the Lord and I felt a call from Him to use my talents to honor and worship Him.

10 months ago I was playing relatively heavey, non- Christian based music. All I cared about was the rock and roll dream. Being famous and making money was the main thing on my mind. Then about 8 months later I began playing with my church group and my entire outlook on things dramatically changed.

I  am so blessed with my gift so who am I to say that theres no need to use them to worship the Lord? Theres hundreds and thousands of people who already do that. But i dont know…….maybe this is meant to be my way of descipleship. Maybe I could help some people realize that through thick and thin that God will always love them. Maybe I could help those who have drifted away be pulled back into faith and help them want to know Gods word.

Maybe………. 

Recently I have had a few discussions with various friends about groups that are actually Christan musicians. Musicians such as FlyLeaf, Underoath, Family Force 5, Relient K, and Skillet. Some people are just SSSSOOOOOO confident that just because bands dont play music in same style as Chris Tomlin or David Crowder that theres no possible way that they are Christian because their music is too “heavy”. I personally believe that these people are extremely ignorant! All they hear is the screaming, the guitars, and the cymbal crashes and automatically it can’t be Christian music. YOU CAN BUY THEIR CD’S AT THE CHRISTIAN BOOK STORE!!!!!!!!!!!! These people honestly believe all the groups songs are about the singers lover and not about God. Even after they’re informed that the groups music is influenced by Christianity theres no way any of their songs can be about God. I guess they believe that all musicians that dont say Jesus in all of their songs believe the basic philosophy of “drugs, sex, and rock ‘n’ roll”. Can you say stupidity?

The following is a list of thing that my amazing family got me as Christmas gifts…

1) Boss Tuner Pedal

2) Dunlop Crybaby Wah Pedal

3)Wireless Guitar System

4)Smaller Guitar Accessories

5)clothes

6)Trumpet cleaning Accessories

7)Clothes

8)Around $500

9) $50 in Gas Bills

10) Cass Blanket

11) Alarm Clock

And there are others that I cant think of right at the top of my head, but I think I’m extremely blessed to have family that would do this for me.

The concert on the 23rd can only be described with one word……”amazing”.

The day started off with me waking up and then picking my friend Jason up by 6:20. Afterwards we drove to church, did sound check and then had our usual service. Jason said he enjoyed it and that he wants to start going every Sunday. Yay for non church goers finding a church!

After church I met Jake, Bobby, Laura, and a few others at Red Lobster for lunch where we talked about different reality shows like “Rock of Love”, I Love New York”, and “A Shot At Love”. Unfortunately I had to leave early so I could go change into my performance clothes and get gas.

Once I got back at the church for sound check and run-through for the concert I noticed all off the intelligent light we borrowed from a church in Woodstock and they were AWESOME!!!!!!!

Sound check went decently fast, and during practice I acted like an 8 year old girl for Will. Unfortunately people started walking in at 5:30, even though the doors weren’t supposed to open until 6, but we were ready none the less.

The concert all in all was a hit! IT was a packed house. Over 1,000 people were there and chairs had to be brought in so everyone could have a seat. Wills Dad Billy Goodwin of Newsong came and sang the song “Christmas Shoes” and Wills Son came out and sang the childs part of the song.

To Will and the band, you guys are awesome and I love you all.

After the concert was over We tore down the equiptment, went home, and crashed. I must admit that going for 14 hours straight without any caffeine can get to you. Sleep was a much needed factor at the end of my day but the experience was something that I could never forget.

Lately Ive been trying to do as many extra-curricular activities as I can, and sometimes it can be extremely over-whelming. What with our 1st quarter of school having to do marching band, charlie Brown production, Varsity chorus, preparing to tryout for the school barbershop quartet(which I made by the way), and trying may hardest to be active in the church. So once the new quarter of school started I began to play in the church worship band, started practicing for quartet, andpreparing for another musical audition that was held today. I reminded my parents this morning that I had my musical audition for Godspell this morning from 11-1 and they somewhat flipped out. I was told that I have way too much on my plate at the moment and that if I did this musical then I would not have enough time for school and my grades to slip. Seems like I have psychic parents. But I can somewhat see where they’re coming from, even though it seems wierd that they dont have as much faith in me.  Throughout the course of the day I thought about what they said and decided that my plate was ineed full……I even went back for seconds. So kids remember, your parents do indeed know whats best for you……..even if u dont always agree with them.