Matt Maher 'The Love In Between" Review

This is the third studio album from Matt Maher titled The Love In Between. The twelve track album sees Matt look at the ideas of suffering, grace, redemption and hope. The Canadian singer/songwriter is well known for writing moving worship anthems like Your Grace Is Enough, As It Is In Heaven, Hold Us Together and Christ Is Risen. Alongside the album, Matt Maher will launch the first in a series of headline tours in Texas in early September with support acts One Sonic Society (Jason Ingram, Stu G., Paul Mabury) and Sons & Daughters (David Leonard, Leslie Jordan).

First track on the album Rise Up starts with just drums until the whole band bursts into life with guitars and bass, once the chorus kicks in the whole song moves to another level. Matt sings with a bit more velocity "Rise Up, Rise Up, when this nightmare has got you down". He sings that even in times of difficulty, fix your eyes on Jesus no matter what. There is a lot going on in this song with a great guitar part and a gospel choir really belting it out, this is one stunning opener. The guitar led songs continue with Turn Around pushing the rock sound forward, with a tiny hint of country rock making it an interesting second track, but what makes it stand out is the many voices singing together at the end, all very Arcade Fire.

The album takes a slightly slower mid tempo pace in Heaven Help Me. This mid rock track again has that country feel to it that Matt Maher has become well known for. The slower tracks follow into Every Little Prison (Deliver Me) which has a bit more of a driving rolling feel with hints of Mumford and Sons, with a big guitar rock sound in the chorus, this is something different to a lot of worship songs out there and definitely a standout moment.

One thing I really like about Matt Maher is his vocals, he doesn't have the obvious normal style, instead his distinctive harsh voice makes him stand out. This can be heard in songs Woke Up America and the heart beating opening to the track Heaven & Earth, the latter being a beautiful intimate piece of music - close your eyes and get lost in this song. The album jumps back into life with rocking tracks Write Your Love On My Heart and acoustic rock On My Way which has a bluesy stance and style to it. Love it.

Matt Maher is a strong songwriter and this album has a style that is distinctive to him. There are quite a few stronger tracks that could have made it onto my standout tracks list, and I'm sure if you asked me on another day the list would change (On My Way really should be on there). Take a listen and pick your three as this album is full of classic Matt Maher songs.

Standout Tracks
Rise Up
Every Little Prison (Deliver Me)
Heaven And Earth 

40 Days for Life

So I know have been posting tons of videos for people to watch and have been planning on doing more then simply posting videos.  However, this video can not go unnoticed with it being Respect Life month and the 40 Days for Life campaign going on.

This video is so amazing.  Be sure to break out the tissues ladies and gentlemen.  It just shows how important and precious life is.  The crazy thing is that Youth Minister Emily Froeba (St. Mary's False River) knows Elliots' Aunt & Uncle.  They are her next door neighbors.  

Reminder:  We will be out at the Delta Abortion Clinic today from 5-6pm (Corner of Colonial and Goodwood).  BYOR (Bring Your Own Rosary).  If you can't make it, be sure to drop by another time or day.  It is going on from 7am-7pm every day from now till Sunday, November 6th.  

Upcoming Epic Events!

Hey Everyone,

We have two sweet events coming up this Fall that you for sure can't miss. Here are forms for the two events: World Youth Day & In Your Face

WORLD YOUTH DAY
Come join the St. George Youth Group on Sunday, October 23, 2011 for the Diocese of Baton Rouge Annual World Youth Day Event. The event will be from 12:30-7pm in New Roads, LA at St. Mary False River Catholic Church. All 6-12th graders are welcome to join us, including families. Highlights include: Mass with Bishop Mueunch, Interactive Venues, Eucharistic Procession, Dinner. The cost is $10, which includes our green youth group t-shirt and bus transportation.


IN YOUR FACE
Come with the Georgetown High School Youth Group on Saturday, December 3 as we head out to Alexandria, LA for “In Your Face”. Experience the Steubenville Conference in one day with us this winter. This event will be one amazing day with Chris Padgett who is one of the most hilarious speakers I have ever seen. Paul George, founder of ADORE ministry, will be the host for the day. The music for the day will be directed by Paul Hood. Fr. Jose will have the honor of celebrating mass on that afternoon and to do the Eucharistic Adoration. We are inviting all students, 8th grade and up. In addition, we invite any adults that would like to chaperon. The cost of the event is $25 a person, with scholarships available. Deadline to register is Friday, November 18.

SO BE SURE TO SIGN UP FOR THESE EVENTS!

October What A Month!

October is one of my favorite months of the year.  There is so much going on.  We are in the heart of football season from pee wee through NFL.  The lovely smells of tailgating in the air.  The race for the world series is coming together.  People are raising awareness for cancer, especially breast cancer.  It is finally getting cool enough to start hanging out outside without losing 5lbs of water weight.  However, the most important things that I love about the month of October is that the month is dedicated to Respect Life and the Rosary.  Does life get any better then babies and the Blessed Mother?  I think not.  They definitely go hand in hand when you think about it.  One of the best ways to prayer for the Pro-Life movement is through the Rosary.   

With the Rosary in mind I want to take notice to the video above.  It is a great video, just check it out.  It has a purpose don't worry.  I think when looking at the end it makes one heck of a shirt idea!  What a simple, but bold statement "I PRAY THE ROSARY."  Praying the Rosary for me personally has helped my life so much that it is irreplaceable in my prayer life.  The Blessed Mother is beyond amazing!  Here is a link on how to say the rosary, along with all the mysteries....you should try it out sometime and see for yourself.

We have an amazing opportunity in our grasp this respect life month.  Baton Rouge is having its first annual 40 Days for Life campaign.  This is a campaign that allows people from across Baton Rouge to visit the Goodwood Delta Abortion Clinic and pray outside of it.  This campaign has people at the Delta Clinic everyday for 40 days from 7am-7pm on September 28-November 6.   The power of prayer does amazing wonders for people inside and outside the clinic.  Just last Thursday they had 3 women outside of the clinic change there mind in to keeping their child.  What an amazing gift.  It is a true witness of the power of prayer.  
Next Wednesday, October 12 St. George has adopted the entire day to stand outside of the clinic.  I have decided to sign the youth group up from 5-6pm on that day.  So it would be awesome if we could have the entire youth group out there working the beads of the Rosary in honor of the Blessed Mother in intercession for everyone that is involved with the Delta Clinic.  Also, if you are unable to make it or would like to sign up to take an hour any time/day of the campaign you can get information right here at the 40 Days for Life Website 

October is amazing month.  Why not making it better in partaking praying the Rosary and maybe giving up some of your personal time for the 40 Days for Life campaign.  It would just simply make the month better then what it is already turning out to be.

Archbishop Hannan Dies, But Leaves A Legacy

I thought that this news could not go unnoticed as Archbishop Hannan died last Thursday after an amazing 98 years on this earth. He was an great bishop for the Archdiocese of New Orleans and amazing man. I even had Archbishop Hannan confirm me just ten years ago. Even though I only directly spoke to him a few times, I still feel that he truly witnessed to me. He showed me the potential that each one of us has when we simply wake up every morning and ask the Lord what He wants us to do to help build His Kingdom here on earth. He was truly a man that loved and served the Lord. Here is a great prayer that I got from Fr. Brent that is simple to say for Archbishop Hannan

De Profundis
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
Let Your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication.
If You, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?
But with You is forgiveness, that You may be revered.
I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in His word.
My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn.
More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the Lord,
For with the Lord is kindness and with Him is plenteous redemption;
And He will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.


Check out the video above or you can click on this link to a great news article about his life.

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1103852.htm