I have noticed that lists are becoming a trend on blogs at New Years. Resolutions, highlights of 2009, lowlights of 2009, anything that bloggers worldwide can conjure up to wrap up the previous year. So to stay relevant with the all too meaningful blogging community, I have one of my own....which is:

10 Things Not To Do On Stage In 2010 That I Did In 2009

1. Wear the exact same outfit three weeks in a row (and I bet you can guess exactly what outfit I am talking about).

2. Rely on the cheat-screens in the front row to recite scripture.

3. Mumble through a line of a song that I have forgotten the words to.

4. Give the cue to the band to start an upbeat song in the middle of pastor praying for the offering.

5. Wink at someone in the crowd. It was totally by accident, I promise.

6. Close my eyes so much that I forget where the microphone is and consequently hit it with my mouth. A bloody lip during the worship is never good.

7. Call out the lyrics to the wrong verse. When we sing a song like Happy Day and I tell the congregation that the lyics to the next part in the song are "greatest day in history..." and then sing "when I stand in that place..." it can be quite confusing and equally as embarressing.

8. Say "good morning, High Street" to start off a Sunday evening service.

9. Say "come on, sing it out church!" in an Australian accent.

10. Take the stage and lead a congregation in singing praises to God with a prideful, unauthentic heart. Probably the dumbest and yet most common mistake I made in 2009. That might come as a shock, but with the responsibility of leading comes a lot of distraction, and unfortunately some weeks I found myself distracted more often than not. Reading the latest post on eddielyons.com reminds me that God is in control of High Street Baptist Church, and my greatest human efforts are not enough, but His faithfulness is more than enough. So I am going to let go of the baggage that comes with the position and truly worship Him with every note and every word. I would like to encourage you all to do the same. As you go to your respective places of worship today, or tomorrow, or any day of the week, bring Him your full attention. If you are going to sing then mean every word that leaves your mouth. You have a reason to sing because He has done countless things that deserve gratitude. Do me a favor by commenting on this post and naming one thing from 2009 that gives you a reason to sing praises to the Lord.