FredMcKinnon.Com

Hey Everybody,

Thanks to all those who prayed for our concert up at Ft. Belvoir, VA this past weekend. It was an awesome trip, and far from uneventful. You can catch some of the highlights of the trip in random Twitter updates and my previous post. Perhaps the biggest ordeal was my realizing that my Driver’s License had expired in November of last year. This morning, I’ll be going straight to the Georgia State Patrol’s office to get it renewed.

This trip was a great cultural experience as well. With the exception of Sonic Flood, all the other bands had a strong urban/black gospel sound. Even though twin sisters Mary Alessi and Martha Munizzi are “white girls”, it’s only in complexion. They are saturated with soul.

My appreciation for gospel music has soared through the roof. Bottom line … gospel musicians play far more complex arrangements, chord voicings, and rhythms than the “same-old, white/U2-rockish, pop/contemporary worship music” that we play over and over. I’ve got a degree in Music Theory yet I am sure I’d spend hours trying to “figure out” exactly that these guys were playing.

On Sunday, I stayed over and brought the Word to the congregation of the “gospel service” at the Woodlawn Chapel on Ft. Belvoir. Once again, with the exception of myself, Jay Sellers (my guitarist), his Mom, our wonderful escort, Lt. John Hunter, and a couple of others … we were the only “white folk” in that service. It was amazing. What rich culture of praising God. And let me tell you – these wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ were some of the most honoring and hospitable people I’ve ever been around. We were made to feel like royalty, and I have a deep appreciation and respect for them. I feel that I’ve found some great friends in the Kingdom and would go back in a heartbeat.

All reports are that Shannon Lewis (Associate Worship Dir) did an awesome job leading a rather mixed team of youth musicians and some of our newer adult vocalists in worship at church on Sunday. Apparently, I missed quite a Sunday – with quad baby dedications, a real pig on the stage, and Pastor David stomping around in full scuba gear.

Which brings me to today. Not only did my Driver’s License expire, but Joy’s AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) credentials have also expired. She’s headed down to Orlando, FL this afternoon and won’t return until Sunday evening. So – just like two weekends ago, I’m “Mr. Mom”. Pray for me to have the extra measure of grace that Mom’s take for granted! I’m looking forward to some quality time w/ the kids!

Speaking of Joy … knowing we were apart all this past weekend, and now will be apart for 4 more days … we had a great date last night.

Babysitter: $35
Sharing OutBack Special and 1/2 Order of Aussie Cheese Fries: $30
Two Tickets to Indiana Jones: $18

Time together: Priceless.
We certainly don’t have nearly $85 budgeted for date night in a week. That’s way over our entire budget for a full week of “eating out, entertainment”, etc. But it was one of those times when I said “Joy, we’ll figure out where to squeeze this out of our budget later … we’re going out, period”. She happily obliged.

So, I’d love to get some discussion on this blog.
1) If you (like me) are Caucasian, what has your experience (if any) been in a more African American church culture?
2) How often do you and your babe date? Do you budget for it?

Fred