The summer that we began to write more, we were living in different states. We would text each other voice memos of melodies and share lyrics from our notes apps whenever we had small ideas.
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Faith opens receptivity to creation, kindles wonder, and evokes gratitude. It is, in fact, the abundant life Jesus promises, not a life where everything is always delightful, since we too find crosses set before us, but a life open to the whole gamut of experience, ups, and downs, voiced in praise and lament, given word in the Psalter, the book which is true “know thyself,” as Luther put it, precisely because it gives voice to the full range of human experience.
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In this episode, Blake sits down with photographer Paul Go. They explore Paul's journey to become a photographer and the work that inspires him. To see Paul's work, visit PaulGoImages.com.
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Words and Music by Blake Flattley & Brian T. Murphy
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Almighty God, hear our cries; cries of despair perhaps barely even audible, cries of pain so loud they echo.
Lord, as You wept over Jerusalem, we know even now Your heart breaks over the brokenness of sin and injustice caused. May it break our hearts as well.
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I was raised in a very musical church with a wonderful music minister who created every opportunity for all ages to sing. From as early as I can remember the hymnal was an integral part of our worship and formation. But Pastor Doug was also well-attuned to the rapidly growing worship chorus movement in the 80’s and 90’s. So we sang the best of the old and the new.
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Every day for the last 8 years, I have sat down either with a pen and paper or keyboard and screen to write. Before I begin, I say a simple prayer:
Lord, May my words spread hope. Amen.
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In this episode, Blake sits down with illustrator and designer, Brenton Clarke Little. They explore how his many expressions of creativity contribute to each other and ultimately have bettered his craft.
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Words and Music by Steve Zank
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Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is discord, union;
where there is doubt, faith;
I knew I wanted to be a reader before I knew I wanted to be a writer. I suspect most authors would echo that. First comes love (and envy) of other people’s written words. We slip into their stories and find ourselves mesmerized by the magic of language. In my boyhood Texas home, we had all the westerns of Louis L’Amour, so, in my imagination, I saddled up with the Sackett’s and made my blanket the stars. Later, of course, other authors came along, wooing me, shaping me, and sometimes deforming me, but never leaving me the same.
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Most mornings, my walk takes me past Bernadette. She stands watering the rose bushes dotted around the front lawn of her apartment building. I’m not sure if she owns the building with its lush lawn and beautiful roses. All I do know is that Bernadette is present, tending to the plants with care and greeting me with a joyful “Good Morning my Sweet Dominic! How are you today?” To me, this is…
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Text by Chad Bird
Arranged and performed by Blake Flattley
Worshipping in the season of COVID has presented a lot of challenges to our congregations. Streaming feels impersonal. In person comes with significant risk. And all other forms of creativity come with confusion, exhaustion, and eventual fizzling.
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Released May 11, 2020 Mixed & Mastered by Steven Zank Drums & Percussion by Chris Matthews Bass by Chris Ellis Keys by Alex Navarro Vocals & Guitar by Blake Flattley Backing Vocals by Steven Zank Drums recorded by Chris Wichmann Produced by Blake Flattley & Steven Zank
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This short contemplative service was written by Heather Choate Davis & Blake Flattley in 2018. Now, in the midst of the fear and anxiety surrounding Covid-19 and the 2020 quarantine we want to share this service with all of you.
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