Randy Remembers...

1999 and 2001 attendee Randy Whittern sent us a few fond memories and a photo from his times at MIR:

I first attended MIR in 1999 and competed in the Southern Gospel Vocal competition. I won the Grand Prize that year, and used the recording time I won at Gaither studios to put out my fourth CD. I then got to go back in 2001 and perform two songs at the Longhouse during one of the daytime sessions in front of my peers, and it was a great experience I'll always remember. In fact, I've just released my 5th CD and I'm using one of the pictures taken of my performance that day on my CD cover. The setting in the Rockies is tremendous, and the sessions are always packed with good information. And six nights of Christian music in a row...what a way to REALLY draw close to and hear from God. I'm sad this will be the last year 'in the Rockies'...I wanted to be sure to be apart of this one, too.

MIR Memories from Sue Smith

Recently Sue Smith put some of her favorite MIR memories up on her blog, and I thought I'd share some of them here with you all. As many of you know, Sue is an accomplished songwriter, longtime teacher at MIR, and head of the Write About Jesus workshops. Here are a few snippets from her blog:

GMA announced last week that this will be the last year for Music in the Rockies. I’m sad about that. I’ve gone to Estes Park for nearly 20 years. I’ve sort of lost track of exactly how many.
I’ve stayed up in the beauty of Windcliff, and I’ve stayed in a dorm-like place we laughingly called Green Acres. I’ve stayed with friends and with relative strangers.

Of course one of my memories of Estes will always be all the times I have had to take Dave Clark to the Estes Park Hospital emergency room. Seriously, the man is a walking disaster. He should not be allowed to travel alone.

Some of the best concert moments I remember involved Janet Paschal, Larnelle Harris, and Cindy Morgan. I was sitting next to Joel one night when Cindy sang. After she finished, he sighed and said, “I’m done” because she was so perfectly wonderful.

I’ve had the privilege of hearing quite a few of my songs sung at Estes, and I will always treasure those moments.

Travis Cottrell Q&A

We recently chatted with Travis Cottrell, recording artist and worship leader, about his experience being at MIR. As you might know, he'll be back again this year to lead worship and classes. But you might not know that Travis is especially invested in YOU and your experience at MIR - he's a part of our Academy Council, which works to envision and plan MIR and more. Read on for more:

GMA: What do you look forward to experiencing at Music in the Rockies?

TC: It is constantly on my radar to find out what I can be doing to EQUIP other people in their ministries, both musically and spiritually – to help them walk strongly in their calling. So, I am looking forward to meeting new worship leaders others called to music ministry; to learn about their ministries….their struggles….their needs and how we can encourage these awesome servants, not just at Music in the Rockies, but also throughout the year.

GMA: What would you say to current worship leaders about events like this one?

TC: Everybody needs safe community. Music in the Rockies is a great place to open up and learn. To grow. To be prayed for. To be encouraged. And, to learn in very practical ways how to communicate about Jesus within your spheres of influences. Hey, all you worship leaders out there! Come join us...and grow!

GMA: How do you define worship as a lifestyle?

TC: My definition of worship is based on Romans 12:1-2 - "I urge you, therefore, by the mercies of God, to present yourselves as LIVING SACRIFICES, holy and acceptable to God. This is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, that you may prove the good, pleasing and perfect will of God."

Living sacrifices. Die to yourself. Live for Jesus. That's worship.

GMA: What was your inspiration for accepting the invitation to lead at Music in the Rockies?

TC: Any chance I have to serve His servants, I will do it. It's a biblical mindset I want to embrace - that every 'Paul' needs a 'Timothy,' and every 'Timothy' needs a 'Paul.' Music in the Rockies is a great opportunity to do just that because it designed to sow in to the ministries of whoever will come. That is an awesome thing.

GMA: What is your prayer for all who attend Music in the Rockies?

TC: My prayer is that anyone who is there will receive fresh encouragement and direction from the Lord in their calling. Good advice is great. Encouraging community is awesome. Wisdom and knowledge from people who have gone before you is always good. But nothing compares to the divine revelation that the Holy Spirit gives to whoever asks for it. I pray that above all, all of us at MIR this year will receive - just like the Word says - a "spirit of wisdom and revelation, and a knowledge of Him." I pray that we will take time to be still and hear the voice of God. That is where the greatest power to walk in our calling comes from.

For more from Travis, visit his website at www.traviscottrell.com!