With the new album coming out today a U2 post is appopriate or is it cliche? Comcast has been featuring U2 with scores of videos and concerts on demand. I love U2 they, along with Switchfoot were a kind of salvation musically for me 5 yrs ago when I need it so much. I still wanted to hear spiritual themes in music but could no longer stand the over sanitized, sterile, same old same ole from the usual "Christian" sources. I use quoatation marks b/c I hate label some music as Christian just b/c of the label or whatever that had something to do w/ the production and others secular for the same reason. God can be and is in all kinds of music and the beauty and depth of it, makes it inspirational no matter who sings, plays or produces it. Music that inspires love, peace, humanity, beauty, etc. plays on Christ-like themes in my mind anyway. Old Blue Eyes' voice is God-given even if he is not singing about Jesus specifically. But I am straying form the original intent of this post.
I have watched two of the U2 concerts on comcast. The first was the Elevation Tour. It reminded me of listening to a salvation message from a great preacher. You may be saved, committed or whatever so you don't need it in that sense, but it reminds you of how wonderful the message was the first time you heard it!!! It remind me of how broken and empty I felt 5 years ago when I came back to realllllly listening to U2 again and how far I have come since. I still struggle and still have my issues including the dark depression that can incapacitate me on certain days but I am overcoming and growing and moving forward-Walk On!!!
The second concert was a bit more of a convicting experience for me. Bono is talking of how he first saw America as a child landing a man on the moon. He is using the moment to talk about us all coming together to end global poverty( the ONE campaign). He says something about how no child should have to die b/c of a lack of food in her belly and I look down at my sweetheart sleeping in my arms and just begin to cry! It is unfair that in today's age of exravagance we have poor who are dying due to a lack of food and clean water. We are all up in arms in America b/c or economy is so bad we might not be able to keep buying more cars, houses and going out to really over priced meals while our brothers and sisters would beg just for our crumbs. I am just as guilty as anyone and I realize it!!! That is why I felt so convicted. I always want some new toy or gadget or outfit. I must do more w/ what I have been blessed w/!
So thanks again Brother Bono for preaching to us all!!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Inaguration
Like many of you I watched a lot of the coverage of President Obama's Inaguration yesterday. Lily had her one year appointment yesterday so I missed his actual speech. I did come home and watch it on cnn.com and Pastor Rick Warren's prayer. In my opinion both did a fantastic job. Also like many of you, I did not vote for Obama but, as a very brave soldier who got to dance w/ the President at a ball last night said, "he is our Commander and Chief and I respect the office and the man". Sure there are issues and ideals he and I don't see eye to eye on, but as my Dad said, there always is. So for now I will pray for him a lot. He inherits quite a mess you know. I liked the fact that he challenged us to help make a difference. Washington alone did not cause nor can it solve this economic crisis. This is America- we the PEOPLE. We make our future nationally through the democratic process and individaully day-to-day. Like many others I have extended myself way beyond my means at times. I have neglected my God, my family and my fellow man at the altar of success and self. So as my President and Pastor( yes you, Rob) call for a time of CHANGE and stepping up to the plate, I pray I will!!!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Lily is what?
I can't believe it my little girl is 1!! What? Didn't we just bring her home yesterday? She was so cute at her party toddling around, chasing all the other kids wishing everyone would stop trying to carry her everywhere. I told Pastor Rob, "I promise you she can walk". To which he responded, "I'd never know it b/c your family won't put her down!HA!". Sooo true! It was a blast though seeing so many peeps I haven't seen and spending time w/ some I've seen but haven't had or made time to just really share life w/. My wife and cousin made one of the most beautiful cakes I have ever seen-actually they made two great cakes! Lily loved her Mickey Mouse one of course!
After the party was wonderful too b/c Rachel and I got to spend time w/ two of our favorite peeps Steven and Jen! Wonderful conversations about God, life, kids, church, all kinds of things. Jen unsuspectedly said something that both convicted me and complimented us at the same time. She called us their mentors. NO way! Those two have done and accomplished more than I ever could have dreamed of! I don't mean that in some kind of competing, jealous way just that they are so awesome. The conviction is that we aren't involved in ministry and really not even committed to a church. Sure there are all the excuses as to why but more than anything for me it is fear and a lack of zeal.
So as we pray and fast the next 20 days this is something I am trying to search out within me.
After the party was wonderful too b/c Rachel and I got to spend time w/ two of our favorite peeps Steven and Jen! Wonderful conversations about God, life, kids, church, all kinds of things. Jen unsuspectedly said something that both convicted me and complimented us at the same time. She called us their mentors. NO way! Those two have done and accomplished more than I ever could have dreamed of! I don't mean that in some kind of competing, jealous way just that they are so awesome. The conviction is that we aren't involved in ministry and really not even committed to a church. Sure there are all the excuses as to why but more than anything for me it is fear and a lack of zeal.
So as we pray and fast the next 20 days this is something I am trying to search out within me.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
A More Beautiful Noise
A post from Mars Hill Advent celebration:
A man was heading home with his toddler child. They were returning from a long day of activity and busyness. Many things were weighing on the father’s mind. The vehicle was quiet, but the man’s mind was noisy with thought.
After some time, the child broke the heavy silence with a simple song.
Immediately upon recognizing what the child was singing, the man’s mind became clear and present. He at once realized that he was responsible for making this singing child. He’d created a creator and the sound of the child’s voice connected the man to the source of an immeasurable joy that could not be explained.
It occurred to the father–had he heard a master vocalist perform the same piece of music, flawlessly and with all the skill, tone, and dynamics of a Pavarotti, he would’ve been unmoved. A singer with an accurate execution, expertise, and emotional delivery could never have pleased him nearly as much as the soft, undeveloped voice of this youngster. The song sang “perfectly” would have lacked all its meaning.
This was because the tender little creature sang without pride or self-consciousness, thoughtfully and happily with focus and purity. It was not a performance, not intended for an audience. This child, whom the father loved, sang without being asked, without fear of judgment and with no concept or expectation of recognition or reward. Merely expressing a heart-filled wonder, the child sang for no reason other than it was what the child was
m o v e d
to do at that moment. For this reason, it was a resounding and powerful voice that resonated as flawless with the father.
Flawless. Even though the child had a weak vocabulary–many of the words were barely discernable–and conjoined with a tune, the child’s enunciation quickly worsened. From a technical standpoint the child got it all wrong: omitting words and singing others in the wrong order. The pitch was imprecise. The melody was broken. The tempo was unsteady. And it was the loveliest sound that had ever graced the father’s ears.
Any serious critic would’ve considered the song nothing but a noise fallen short of the mark, a cacophony of significant errors and artistic offenses, but it was genuine and true. And the father could not have imagined a more beautiful noise. The child sang with joy and the child’s joy was the father’s joy.
Week 3 posts
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(contributed by Adam Kenyon)
Hope it makes you enjoy your family and the small momnets like it did me!
A man was heading home with his toddler child. They were returning from a long day of activity and busyness. Many things were weighing on the father’s mind. The vehicle was quiet, but the man’s mind was noisy with thought.
After some time, the child broke the heavy silence with a simple song.
Immediately upon recognizing what the child was singing, the man’s mind became clear and present. He at once realized that he was responsible for making this singing child. He’d created a creator and the sound of the child’s voice connected the man to the source of an immeasurable joy that could not be explained.
It occurred to the father–had he heard a master vocalist perform the same piece of music, flawlessly and with all the skill, tone, and dynamics of a Pavarotti, he would’ve been unmoved. A singer with an accurate execution, expertise, and emotional delivery could never have pleased him nearly as much as the soft, undeveloped voice of this youngster. The song sang “perfectly” would have lacked all its meaning.
This was because the tender little creature sang without pride or self-consciousness, thoughtfully and happily with focus and purity. It was not a performance, not intended for an audience. This child, whom the father loved, sang without being asked, without fear of judgment and with no concept or expectation of recognition or reward. Merely expressing a heart-filled wonder, the child sang for no reason other than it was what the child was
m o v e d
to do at that moment. For this reason, it was a resounding and powerful voice that resonated as flawless with the father.
Flawless. Even though the child had a weak vocabulary–many of the words were barely discernable–and conjoined with a tune, the child’s enunciation quickly worsened. From a technical standpoint the child got it all wrong: omitting words and singing others in the wrong order. The pitch was imprecise. The melody was broken. The tempo was unsteady. And it was the loveliest sound that had ever graced the father’s ears.
Any serious critic would’ve considered the song nothing but a noise fallen short of the mark, a cacophony of significant errors and artistic offenses, but it was genuine and true. And the father could not have imagined a more beautiful noise. The child sang with joy and the child’s joy was the father’s joy.
Week 3 posts
-->
(contributed by Adam Kenyon)
Hope it makes you enjoy your family and the small momnets like it did me!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
craftsman
What a week!!!! I actually built a book case. This is only impressive if you know me and home projects. I am not exactly handy, but have learned to handle some house hold fix-it projects since owning our own home for a few years. Rachel painted it and we now have extra storage in our room. It isn't exactly a masterpiece or anything but I have to say I am proud of us for just tackling the whole thing! Then yesterday we went to Opryland for pics, even got the Bug w/ Santa(the surprised look not the all out crying one). We went to TGIFriday's for an amazing supper. Lily really like their cheesy mashed potatoes. She had them alllll over her!!! I picked her up to clen off the mashed taters only to find there was a whole nother mess in the back and now on my shirt!! Surprise! Rachel once said, when Lily had just arrived, you know we are paretns b/c we can't go anywhere w/o spit-up, milk or something all over us! Now add poop! In typical dad fashion I just wiped it all off and went on w/ the night! Craftsman and dad those are new titles I'll have to get used to.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A Prayer Attributed to St. Francis
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Prayed and read through "the daily office" again today and this prayer just stuck in me as did this quote from Shane Claiborne:
And that’s when things get messy. When people begin moving beyond charity and toward justice and solidarity with the poor and oppressed, as Jesus did, they get in trouble. Once we are actually friends with the folks in struggle, we start to ask why people are poor, which is never as popular as giving to charity. One of my friends has a shirt marked with the words of late Catholic bishop Dom Helder Camara: “When I fed the hungry, they called me a saint. When I asked why people are hungry, they called me a communist.” Charity wins awards and applause but joining the poor gets you killed. People do not get crucified for living out of love that disrupts the social order that calls forth a new world. People are not crucified for helping poor people. People are crucified for joining them.
God, help that I might begin to live out these!
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Prayed and read through "the daily office" again today and this prayer just stuck in me as did this quote from Shane Claiborne:
And that’s when things get messy. When people begin moving beyond charity and toward justice and solidarity with the poor and oppressed, as Jesus did, they get in trouble. Once we are actually friends with the folks in struggle, we start to ask why people are poor, which is never as popular as giving to charity. One of my friends has a shirt marked with the words of late Catholic bishop Dom Helder Camara: “When I fed the hungry, they called me a saint. When I asked why people are hungry, they called me a communist.” Charity wins awards and applause but joining the poor gets you killed. People do not get crucified for living out of love that disrupts the social order that calls forth a new world. People are not crucified for helping poor people. People are crucified for joining them.
God, help that I might begin to live out these!
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