If you’ve seen “What About Bob?”, then you’ll get the reference. The Lord has been taking me on a journey over the past year as our church, corporately, and myself, personally, have been challenged to invest some of our dearest friends in a ministry opportunity. This is nothing new. At the Spirit’s prompting, Antioch set aside Barnabas and Paul for the work of ministry. The Ephesian elders wept went they sent off Paul after years of co-laboring. Psalm 126 speaks to those who sow in tears. We are not home yet, and sometimes paths diverge for a season. This is a long-winded way to say that I would like to work on something that churches could sing with faith in a season of sending forth. My heart is especially full for those who stay. Here’s what I’ve got so far … it has not been highly polished … but I wanted to get any early gut-checks. I’m also still working on a tune and tempo and such. Thanks, all! This is what I’ve got so far… Sow In Tears (Psalm 126) Verse 1 (Past grace) You have visited us, O Lord And have rescued your homeless rebels You have filled up our hands … restoring our souls Until we were like those who dream Verse 2 (Future grace) Now we scatter our hopes with tears In each season - throughout each year As they slip from our hand … to fall upon sand How we yearn for the fruit that may grow! (Chorus) For the Lord has done great things for us Yes the Lord has done great things for us Renewed, restored, replanted From your fullness, we gladly give Verse 3 (Our motivation) Once you scattered your blood with tears Yet your sacrifice brought us near For each nail in your hands … marked the path of your plan For the joy set before you, you go (Bridge) We go out with tears, We know what we’re losing This gift has a cost, That’s why it’s worth giving We follow the One Who went on before us To join in his harvest — We shall reap with joy!

Howdy, folks! I'm really excited to be invited to join this community! This song came to me last week upon reflecting on Philippians 2. I wanted to write a song that would be a personal response to this beautiful theme of Christ's Humility. The idea is, "If God has highly exalted Him above all, then He should be exalted above all else in my heart". I'm concerned that there isn't enough connection to that idea, and I'd love to hear your ideas on how to make that connection stronger. Yes, and any other critique is welcome. Thanks! Song - Exalted to the Highest Place Everett Ender - July 25, 2026 Philippians 2:3-16 Jesus, exalted to the highest place Come take your place inside my heart No earthly treasure can compare to you Jesus You gave your life up in humility Creator coming down to serve The King of Glory wore a crown of thorns Jesus I bow my heart before you I lift my voice in praise Oh, be exalted Oh, be exalted in me I give my life to serve you Above all other names Oh, be exalted Oh, be exalted in me Exalted to the highest place In fear and trembling, I will follow you I know you’re working in me now I’m holding on to all your words of life Jesus I want to love the way that you love me I need your Grace to fill my heart To serve the people that you died to save Jesus

Facebook, at least, thinks it’s your birthday. If so, happy birthday, Jon Althoff!! Great to see you in person.