Okay guys. We’re going to do a livestream soon. We wanted to do it on Thursday, but it’s not going to work out. So next week it is. I’ll probably chat a little about the new record, answer some of your questions, and maybe play a song or two. Hope to see you then, well, I won’t see you. You’ll see me. Stay tuned and we’ll give you the details here on toddagnew.com. Thanks.
Todd
I’ve never reposted someone else’s blog. But today I have to. I made a new friend a week ago, a poet, writer, lawndarter, by the name of S.D. Smith. So I finally got home last night, and this morning I checked his blog. I have not been impacted like this in quite a while, so I wanted to share it with you. I hope you will read it, share your thoughts here, then copy them and post them on his blog as well. With no further ado…
“IT IS WHAT IT IS, BUT IT IS NOT WHAT IT SHALL BE”
It is what it is. I read it on a cubicle wall. It’s a country-craft sign with large, cursive script, a script to make one curse. Words to echo the curse. The sign is made to look like it was made on a farm, but it was made in China. And not on a farm in China. The smooth, shimmering surface lies about its age. It’s made to appear older with new-painted fading, meticulously manufactured cracks, and fabricated years. An inverted aging starlet. It is intentionally distressed and so am I. But, I suppose, it is what it is. This sign that transports me to a funeral, a child’s sickbed, an accident scene. It is what it is.
It is what it is. It is a statement of resignation. After all kinds of trouble, worry, and fear, there it sits. We can live with such a statement, but not forever.
It is what it is. Is it?
It is what it is, but it is not what it shall be.
Children will not someday die, someday. Cancer will not reduce and end us like a berserker army invading every border, swallowing our hallowed map. It is what it is, but it is not what it shall be.
There’s good all over and grace in every breath. It is today and we are alive and so we ought to happily receive these gifts all over. Gratitude should be our theme song.
Thank God it’s Friday, but Someday’s coming.
We wrestle with the Not Yetness of things. With the good, broken, incompleteness of everything. We can receive a cold valley with thanks and still long for the sun.
It is what it is. But all the same, we long for it to be different. We long for it to not be all the same. Or, we long for it to be the same, but different. Like our best friends, we want them fully themselves. We want the fully realized valley. Sun and all. We want the valley on the edge of forever to slide on over.
It is what it is, but it is not what it shall be. Some day, when Someday comes, we will slide on over into the re-Edened earth. Sunrise.
This bought by Brother’s blood,
And so our family seal,
Runs red across a guarantee,
Of Father’s glad goodwill.
From me, my sons, sin you get,
An inherited curse.
From a Greater Father, you may claim,
All of the reverse.All of the reverse. In that day, It is what it is will be fully and finally undone, by:
I Am Who I Am.
Thoughts?
(and you can repost your thoughts here as well:
http://www.sdsmith.net/2011/09/29/it-is-what-it-is-but-it-is-not-what-it-shall-be/ )
Todd
August 17, 2009…Nashville, TN…Building 429 and singer/songwriter Todd Agnew will embark on the fall “Promise Remains Tour” sponsored by World Vision. In addition, new female trio Kimber Rising is slated to open the tour as they visit 40+ dates across the U.S. beginning September 17th.
Both Building 429 and Todd Agnew have been long-time partners with World Vision. In the past year, Building 429 and the organization paired up for the “Truth Hope and Love Tour” and the highly successful World Vision Summerfest tour.
“It’s been over five years since Todd and Building have toured together,” explains Building 429 lead singer Jason Roy. “When we drew up a vision for the tour, the thought process was simple: God’s promises remain true today, even with the economic hardships and the continuing wars that are being waged around the world. Our fans are sure to leave each night reminded of the fact that God is still in control and that all of His promises are guaranteed for those who know Him as King”.
Building 429 will be performing songs off their latest self-titled release including their current and powerful single “Always,” and upcoming single “Overcome” that will release to radio in October.
Preparing for his new studio release in October, Agnew will be playing fan favorites “Grace Like Rain” and “This Fragile Breath”, as well as giving audiences a preview of new songs off his upcoming record NEED releasing Oct. 6. Included in the set list is the first radio single, “Joy Unspeakable” which went for adds July 17.
“We are really excited about getting back on the road this fall,” states Todd Agnew. “We look forward to sharing some songs from the new record and are really glad to be back with some dear friends, Building 429. We’re also happy to have Kimber Rising back with us after touring together last Christmas. It should be a great tour and we are excited to see what God will do this fall!”
Log on to www.thepromiseremainstour.com to see if the tour is coming to a city near you.
World Vision
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision provides hope and assistance to approximately 100 million people in nearly 100 countries. In communities around the world, we join with local people to find lasting ways to improve the lives of poor children and families. In 2007, 86 percent of World Vision’s total revenue was designated for programs that benefit children, families, and communities in need.
Building 429
Building 429 has had a history of success with the release of three albums and now the rock band has joined forces with INO Records for their fourth studio record which became available in stores last fall. In 2005 “Glory Defined” was named BMI’s Christian Song of the Year, they were named the Gospel Music Association’s 2005 New Artist of the Year and nominated that same year for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year and Song of the Year. They have toured with artists such as TobyMac, Family Force 5, Casting Crowns and Thousand Foot Krutch. Jason, Michael and Jesse are excited for their fans to hear a record that reflects where they are as individuals and artists.
Todd Agnew
Todd Agnew is a five-time Dove Award nominee, garnering numerous top ranked radio singles including two No. 1 hits, “Grace Like Rain” and “This Fragile Breath (The Thunder Song).” Agnew continues to perform over 150 dates per year and has currently sold over 500,000 units. His most recent release Better Questions entered Billboard’s Christian Retail Chart at No. 1. Inspired by our need for grace and for God, Agnew is prepping to release his newest album NEED on Oct. 6.
TOUR SCHEDULE: (dates subject to change)
9/17/09 – St. Charles, MO – Church of The Shepherd
9/18/09 – TBA
9/19/09 – Elmhurst, IL – Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
9/20/09 – Mequon, WI – Crossroads Church
9/21/09 – N. Mankato, MN – Crossview Covenant Church
9/24/09 – Cleveland, GA – Truett McConnell College
9/25/09 – Columbus, GA – Calvary Baptist Church
9/26/09 – Myrtle Beach, SC – Ground Zero
9/27/09 – Spindale, NC – The Foundation
10/1/09 – Graceville, FL – The Baptist College of Florida
10/2/09 – Brandon, FL – St. Andrews UMC
10/3/09 – TBA
10/4/09 – Orlando, FL – The Plaza Theatre
10/8/09 – Raleigh, NC – Hope Community Church
10/9/09 – Cedarville, OH – Cedarville University – Dixon Ministry Center
10/10/09 – Bidwell, OH – Fellowship of Faith Church
10/11/09 – S. Portsmouth, KY – South Portsmouth Church of God
10/15/09 – Alexandria, KY – Main Street Baptist Church
10/16/09 – Mechanicsburg, PA – West Shore Evangelical Free Church
10/17/09 – Wilmington, NC – Myrtle Grove Baptist Church
10/18/09 – Anderson, SC – Concord Baptist Church
10/22/09 – Chillicothe, MO – Cornerstone Church
10/23/09 – Aurora, CO – Southeast Christian Center
10/24/09 – Cheyenne, WY – Destiny Church
10/25/09 – Layton, UT – Calvary Chapel Church
10/26/09 – Missoula, MT – South Hills Evangelical Church
10/27/09 – Kalispell, MT – Christian Center Church
10/29/09 – Spokane, WA – Faith Bible Church
10/30/09 – Kennewick, WA – Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities
10/31/09 – Twin Falls, ID – Lighthouse Christian Fellowship
11/1/09 – Bend, OR – Christian Life Center
11/3/09 – Redding, CA – Little Country Church
11/5/09 – Manteca, CA – Christian Worship Center
11/6/09 – Rocklin, CA – Sunset Christian Center
11/7/09 – Las Vegas, NV – Calvary Chapel Spring Valley
11/8/09 – Highland, CA – Immanuel Baptist Church
11/9/09 – Murrieta, CA – Calvary Chapel Murrieta
11/10/09 – Gilbert, AZ – Sun Valley Community Church
11/11/09 – Sierra Vista, AZ – Buena High School
11/12/09 – Lubbock, TX – First United Methodist Church
11/13/09 – Broken Arrow, OK – Cedar Ridge Christian Church
11/14/09 – Chandler, TX – Faith Baptist Church
11/20/09 – Roach, MO – Missouri State Youth Conference (private event)
11/21/09 – Cordova, TN – Hope Church
11/22/09 – Milan, TN – Chapel Hill Baptist Church
First Single “Joy Unspeakable” Hits Radio Waves Jul. 17
Nashville, Tenn. Jul. 15, 2009… Inspired by recent life changes and learning experiences, Todd Agnew will release his fifth studio project Need Oct. 6 on Ardent/INO Records.
Speaking into the title Need, Agnew says, “Once we finished recording this record, I looked back at it trying to find the theme running throughout. I started to realize how much of this project is about need. My need to be loved. My need for answers. My need for assurance. Our need to worship. Our need to be rescued, redeemed, restored. I noticed that God has been teaching me all year that all of my needs are met in Jesus.”
Much has happened since listeners last heard from Agnew as the singer/songwriter married early last year. Produced by Agnew along with Curry Weber, Scott Hardin and James Joseph, Need is the follow-up to Agnew’s 2007 release Better Questions. Among the twelve tunes on the album, the record includes tracks showcasing Agnew’s worshipful tones and signature sound in songs such as “Gloria,” “I Need No Other,” “Breakable” and more.
As for the first single “Joy Unspeakable,” which is impacting AC, CHR and INSPO formats on Jul. 17, Agnew says, “I got married in Feb. of 2008, so there was a great deal of joy added to my life through this amazing gift God had given me. Now, being over a year into it, I know that it’s not all easy and fun; some of life is still quite difficult. But what I have found is that joy runs through it all, and that is God’s plan for His bride as well. The strength, the comfort and the joy that comes from our relationship with Him is ever present, even in our troubled times. That is a joy that I do not have words to describe.” To hear the story behind “Joy Unspeakable,” visit https://toddagnew.com/2009/07/01/behind-joy-unspeakable/
Agnew will join forces this fall with Building 429 and newcomers Kimber Rising for the “Promise Remains” tour sponsored by Christian humanitarian organization World Vision. The tour will visit around 40 cities starting in Sept. Visit www.thepromiseremainstour.com for the most updated tour information.
Todd Agnew is a five-time Dove Award nominee, garnering numerous hit radio singles including two No. 1 hits, “Grace Like Rain” and “This Fragile Breath (The Thunder Song).” Agnew continues to perform over 150 dates per year and has currently sold over 500,000 units. His most recent release Better Questions entered Billboard’s Christian Retail Chart at No. 1.
# # #
www.toddagnew.com
www.myspace.com/toddagnew
TOUR SCHEDULE: (dates subject to change):
9/17/09 – St. Charles, MO (St. Louis, MO)
9/18/09 – Morhead, KY
9/19/09 – Elmhurst, IL (Chicago, IL)
9/20/09 – Mequon, WI (Milwaukee, WI)
9/25/09 – Columbus, GA
9/26/09 – Myrtle Beach, SC
9/27/09 – Spinedale, NC
10/2/09 – Brandon, FL (Tampa, FL)
10/8/09 – TBA
10/9/09 – Cedarville, OH
10/10/09 – Bidwell, OH
10/11/09 – S. Portsmouth, OH
10/15/09 – Alexandria, KY
10/16/09 – Mechanicsburg, PA (Harrisburg, PA)
10/17/09 – Wilmington, NC
10/18/09 – Anderson, SC
10/24/09 – Cheyenne, WY
10/25/09 – Salt Lake City, UT
10/26/09 – Missoula, MT
10/27/09 – Kalispell, MT
10/29/09 – Spokane, WA
10/31/09 – Twin Falls, ID
11/1/09 – Bend, OR
11/3/09 – Redding, CA
11/5/09 – Modesto, CA
11/6/09 – Rocklin, CA
11/7/09 – Las Vegas, NV
11/8/09 – Highland, CA (San Bernardino, CA)
11/9/09 – Murrieta, CA
11/10/09 – Gilbert, AZ (Phoenix, AZ)
11/12/09 – Lubbock, TX
11/13/09 – Broken Arrow, OK (Tulsa, OK)
11/20/09 – Roach, MO
11/21/09 – Cordova, TN (Memphis, TN)
11/22/09 – Milan, TN
*Additional dates to be added. Check http://www.thepromiseremainstour.com for updates
Hey Everyone, this is Jenni with Thomas-Vasquez (Todd’s management company). We are really excited to post this next album preview video. The song is called “Written On The Wall”. Hope you enjoy it! Check back next week to preview a new song off the record NEED, releasing on October 6th.
Thanks!
Jenni