Sunday, December 4, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
8 Things To Do Before Christmas:
1. Play Christmas songs in a nursing home
2. Volunteer at John 3:16
3. Finish Brother Rabbit’s album
4. Make a really funny video spoof of a popular holiday film or song
5. Play music for the kids at the youth shelter
6. Cover Christmas songs with the band at shows
7. Hug someone dressed up as Santa Clause
8. Take family photos for the women at the abuse shelter with their children on Christmas Day
Sunday, November 27, 2011
God
I don’t want to be anybody. I don’t want to care about the shoes I wear or how much money my job in the future will make me. Both of those things can be destroyed if touched with a flaming match. I only want to desire what can be increased when touched by a flaming match—and that’s sincere passion. Give me more of that undying passion for the one God with whom I am falling deeper in love with.
My life was not saved to be spent looking for boyfriends and shopping for the hottest clothing. I am in a race, and there are things waiting to be learned and people that the God of the whole Universe wants me to save, if I could just keep my child-like eyes on Him.
I often forget that nothing in this world has meaning unless it’s from You. I often forget Jesus is the only thing to be sought during our lifetimes and that everyone else is spinning madly away from it, even me sometimes. And when I remember this, it makes me draw closer to You for comfort and pull farther away from the world. I now desire to hold the hand of a stranger just to pray with them in public, to do things such as journeying into the darkest of prisons just to play music for the prisoners and tell them about the Hope they thought they were too hopeless to have. I no longer care anymore about wearing fancy clothes all the time, or getting noticed by boys, or owning the newest piece of technology. None of these flammable things will be relevant, by any means, when my time comes and I breathe my last breath and I see Jesus.
Here I am, lying awake in my bed at 3:30 a.m., unable to even sleep because of how much I want to talk with You. Can we stay up all night and talk? It would be great fun.
-Your pilgrim
Monday, October 31, 2011
It's Halloween
one of my favourite holidays that I usually spend dressed in costumes with friends. But today I got to spend it with one of my (adopted) families on a magical island they love to visit, called Kythira.
On our expedition today, I saw many great things, most of which I cannot describe. I climbed the stairs to the church inside a cave where John began the writing of Revelation. I watched from the edge of a cliff, water made up of 3 shades of blue collapse against boulders that were so large, they protruded out of the sea. I walked across volcanic rocks and smelled wild thyme. I photographed bats in a cave and found a dried-up seahorse under a rock. I saw a sunken ship in the ocean.
Throughout all of this, though I spent it happy and laughing, something in my heart cried and cried; not out of sadness, I must tell you. But it ached because I was just getting to see one more side of the Creator of all of these places, my Protector. And it was making me fall more in love with Him. He is more fascinating than my mind can allow me to connect words with to write down in my journal. I end here.
On our expedition today, I saw many great things, most of which I cannot describe. I climbed the stairs to the church inside a cave where John began the writing of Revelation. I watched from the edge of a cliff, water made up of 3 shades of blue collapse against boulders that were so large, they protruded out of the sea. I walked across volcanic rocks and smelled wild thyme. I photographed bats in a cave and found a dried-up seahorse under a rock. I saw a sunken ship in the ocean.
Throughout all of this, though I spent it happy and laughing, something in my heart cried and cried; not out of sadness, I must tell you. But it ached because I was just getting to see one more side of the Creator of all of these places, my Protector. And it was making me fall more in love with Him. He is more fascinating than my mind can allow me to connect words with to write down in my journal. I end here.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Reconciliation - A WWII Bombing Of St. Michael's Cathedral
This is a short documentary I made while we were in England. Tell me how the concept of forgiveness like this effects you. It honestly just left me standing in the historical site in silence, my heart broken.
Further history: On November 14 1940, the city of Coventry, England was nearly destroyed by German bombers. 14th century St. Michael's cathedral died amongst all the fire.
On November 14 1990, The Queen Mother attended the Service of Remembrance and Reconciliation at the Cathedral's remains where she exchanged gifts with Richard von Weizsäcker, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, adding to Coventry's commitment to forgiveness and reconciliation.
On November 14 1990, The Queen Mother attended the Service of Remembrance and Reconciliation at the Cathedral's remains where she exchanged gifts with Richard von Weizsäcker, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, adding to Coventry's commitment to forgiveness and reconciliation.
Monday, October 24, 2011
My dream
Back in our cabin at the OM base in Roscommon, I opened my eyes to this morning.
Sleep broke and I woke up feeling empowered. It is likely that I even could have been smiling. I don't even start functioning in the mornings until several hours after awakening, so why would I wake up feeling empowered?
I had a dream last night. None of this I tell you is to sound fancy in writing or to be poetic, I tell you nothing but straight truth of what I woke up from. Apparently, in my dream I had posted a Facebook status relating to God and something He had been doing in me, and that affected everyone else on my friends list, who all began posting status about God and things He had been doing in them too, I assume. Then I found myself leading some sort of parade with these people on the streets in Oklahoma, for something related to promoting Christ and I presume, what He had done for us. I knew that I was dreaming by this time, but for some reason, in my head I told myself I needed to do this in reality when I go back home.
The next thing I found myself doing, was playing guitar for people and singing an actual song I had written in real life a while back. The song is about Darkness and Light and brings spiritual warfare to life a bit, presenting good and evil as if they were people, and characteristics I imagined they would have. All over, the song is about the Devil and God and how the Devil wants to battle and provoke, even though God has already won.
In the dream, as I played this song, the Darkness came to life and swept over me. It appeared as something similar to a shadow and it tried to battle with me because it was angry. It knew that God won in the end of the song. But in real life, as I lay sleeping in my bed in our cabin, I could feel my body being pressed against the mattress, my shoulders being held down; it was as if the Darkness had really swept over and was actually oppressing me. I remember knowing that it was trying to fight with me, but I wasn't afraid. I laid still in my bed, just smiling. I wrote that song. I know how it ends.
In the second verse it says,
"The Darkness said to the Light
'Here I make my way up Your staircase'
But the Light didn't need to hide
It grew, it glowed, it grinned with pride"
That's what I was doing. I remember laying still in my bed just glowing with pride because I knew that the Light of Christ is inside me. And that's just what He did in the song. Therefore, I wasn't afraid because it wasn't actually my battle.
During this trip, before going to sleep, I have been praying that God would be in my dreams. That I would dream about Heaven, or anything related to Him that was real so that I would wake up with Him on my mind.
Then in the end of my dream last night, I sang the last two lines of the song, the Darkness still oppressing me, both in my dream and in real life,
"I am not afraid!
Because Light always destroys the Dark."
The shadow in my dream disappeared. The invisible claws on my shoulders lifted. I woke up and smiled. God went to the level of giving me a dream so real that He used one of my own songs so show me I have power in the Blood. Then I pushed the covers off and got out of bed. I was humbled and empowered.
Sleep broke and I woke up feeling empowered. It is likely that I even could have been smiling. I don't even start functioning in the mornings until several hours after awakening, so why would I wake up feeling empowered?
I had a dream last night. None of this I tell you is to sound fancy in writing or to be poetic, I tell you nothing but straight truth of what I woke up from. Apparently, in my dream I had posted a Facebook status relating to God and something He had been doing in me, and that affected everyone else on my friends list, who all began posting status about God and things He had been doing in them too, I assume. Then I found myself leading some sort of parade with these people on the streets in Oklahoma, for something related to promoting Christ and I presume, what He had done for us. I knew that I was dreaming by this time, but for some reason, in my head I told myself I needed to do this in reality when I go back home.
The next thing I found myself doing, was playing guitar for people and singing an actual song I had written in real life a while back. The song is about Darkness and Light and brings spiritual warfare to life a bit, presenting good and evil as if they were people, and characteristics I imagined they would have. All over, the song is about the Devil and God and how the Devil wants to battle and provoke, even though God has already won.
In the dream, as I played this song, the Darkness came to life and swept over me. It appeared as something similar to a shadow and it tried to battle with me because it was angry. It knew that God won in the end of the song. But in real life, as I lay sleeping in my bed in our cabin, I could feel my body being pressed against the mattress, my shoulders being held down; it was as if the Darkness had really swept over and was actually oppressing me. I remember knowing that it was trying to fight with me, but I wasn't afraid. I laid still in my bed, just smiling. I wrote that song. I know how it ends.
In the second verse it says,
"The Darkness said to the Light
'Here I make my way up Your staircase'
But the Light didn't need to hide
It grew, it glowed, it grinned with pride"
That's what I was doing. I remember laying still in my bed just glowing with pride because I knew that the Light of Christ is inside me. And that's just what He did in the song. Therefore, I wasn't afraid because it wasn't actually my battle.
During this trip, before going to sleep, I have been praying that God would be in my dreams. That I would dream about Heaven, or anything related to Him that was real so that I would wake up with Him on my mind.
Then in the end of my dream last night, I sang the last two lines of the song, the Darkness still oppressing me, both in my dream and in real life,
"I am not afraid!
Because Light always destroys the Dark."
The shadow in my dream disappeared. The invisible claws on my shoulders lifted. I woke up and smiled. God went to the level of giving me a dream so real that He used one of my own songs so show me I have power in the Blood. Then I pushed the covers off and got out of bed. I was humbled and empowered.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
How can anyone argue the existence of our Creator
They must have to close their eyes at sunrise and sunset
and not look at anything else in between
and not look at anything else in between
Most of these photos were taken up by the north part of the Atlantic Ocean near Gort (Ireland). More posts coming soon...
Friday, October 21, 2011
The magical farmhouse in Lorrha
Two days ago, after doing some work at the OM base, we traveled to a nearby town called Lorrha, where Ruth and Paul had stayed once. We're staying for a few days in a coach house cottage that we like to call The Magical Farmhouse. It's owned by an Irish family that the Lovins met last time they were there--an elderly lady, Iris, and her son--both of whom are very kind, especially the adorable old lady who I want to hug a million times, with her cordial smile and her telling me she's named after the flower.
Our farmhouse is made of stone and was built in the 1800s. There are sheep (of course) and darling little burros here that will run up to you in the friendliest manner when you approach them. This is the prettiest place I have ever seen, and the most magical of Ireland I've seen so far.
This morning, I wandered out behind the apple tree to a little rock wall garden with a wooden bench, and I talked to God out loud for probably at least 30 minutes. It felt gorgeous to talk to Him that way in such a comely place. I should start out all my mornings that way. What better place to be than in communication with God.
This afternoon, we wandered through more ancient castle ruins. Tomorrow, Sarah and I will explore some ourselves and make up stories about them.
Another adventure awaits me readily on the morrow...
Our farmhouse is made of stone and was built in the 1800s. There are sheep (of course) and darling little burros here that will run up to you in the friendliest manner when you approach them. This is the prettiest place I have ever seen, and the most magical of Ireland I've seen so far.
This morning, I wandered out behind the apple tree to a little rock wall garden with a wooden bench, and I talked to God out loud for probably at least 30 minutes. It felt gorgeous to talk to Him that way in such a comely place. I should start out all my mornings that way. What better place to be than in communication with God.
This afternoon, we wandered through more ancient castle ruins. Tomorrow, Sarah and I will explore some ourselves and make up stories about them.
Another adventure awaits me readily on the morrow...
Friday, October 14, 2011
Here I sit on my first day in Ireland
by a campfire on the peak of evening. I sit with Sarah and Paul beside a Dutch man, listening to him talk about the Scriptures. I can't understand everything that he's saying because his mind is far too wise and his accent is so thick, but I see the Heavenly Father in him.
As he tells us about all the languages he learned in school, his 11 grandchildren he has now, and his favourite story in the Bible about Elisha, I see God's perfection. Everything is perfect. Regardless of any opinion I could have on a matter, it's all still perfect because God made it. I love the way He reveals Himself to me... through everything. He reveals His perfection over, and over, and over.
As he tells us about all the languages he learned in school, his 11 grandchildren he has now, and his favourite story in the Bible about Elisha, I see God's perfection. Everything is perfect. Regardless of any opinion I could have on a matter, it's all still perfect because God made it. I love the way He reveals Himself to me... through everything. He reveals His perfection over, and over, and over.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
I've never seen an elderly woman cry any other place than a funeral
until the other day during an outreach in Coventry when I shared Christ with her. I prayed with two elderly ladies and it was so touching. The one in particular that I had the chance to talk about Jesus with cried, and when we held hands and prayed together, she cried again and smiled as she looked at me saying, "Thank you." Later, I was told that she was one of the ones that was unable to come to church often. God, help Margarie to know You're with her.
Here is a photo of one of my new friends I made during the outreach. His name is George and he said he has a lot of girlfriends.
All 14 kids to wrote down their names and prayer requests in my prayer journal. One girl wrote, "Pray that I have something to thank God for like you. I want to be thankful like you."
Father, continue to move in me so that lives can be changed. Make there be less of me so there can be room for more of You.
Here is a photo of one of my new friends I made during the outreach. His name is George and he said he has a lot of girlfriends.
The following night, we did an outreach for young teens and kids and I was asked to speak to them. Afterward, a little 13-year-old boy came up to me and said, "You know whenever people are born? You know how at that time they're all given purposes by God? Well, I think your purpose is to come speak to kids like us... and you do a pretty good job of it. I like you already."
All 14 kids to wrote down their names and prayer requests in my prayer journal. One girl wrote, "Pray that I have something to thank God for like you. I want to be thankful like you."
Father, continue to move in me so that lives can be changed. Make there be less of me so there can be room for more of You.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
On the left side of the street
I discovered these magical places
London
London
Halesowen
Warwick
Coventry
Carnforth
Sunday, October 2, 2011
I heard about a young girl a long time ago
who was a photographer
that was diagnosed with a serious case of Lupus and was not promised much time to live.
Tomorrow,
I will get on a plane with my photography mentor... and... friend
and spend the next month photographing a ministry--
she still is suffering from Lupus,
yet somehow continues to live and live v i b r a n t l y .
Ruth Lovin, your perseverance gives me hope
that was diagnosed with a serious case of Lupus and was not promised much time to live.
Tomorrow,
I will get on a plane with my photography mentor... and... friend
and spend the next month photographing a ministry--
she still is suffering from Lupus,
yet somehow continues to live and live v i b r a n t l y .
Ruth Lovin, your perseverance gives me hope
Saturday, October 1, 2011
At 14 years old, I sat in a shoe store
before going to the doctor,
my eyes tearing up with handfuls of shoeboxes s c a t t e r e d a l l a r o u n d m e
as I tried to slide my impaired foot into shoe after shoe
My dream was to own and be able to walk in a pair of bright, red shiny stilettos
but I had permanent nerve damage in my leg and ankle that prevented me from lifting my right foot into a shoe.
I quickly wiped my eyes before anyone could tell I was crying,
and as I began to bandage my leg back up into my brace,
my mom
held my hand and told me that I'd be able to wear them someday
One day after having surgery, the doctors removed one of my casts
from my newly tender skin and left the room
for a moment.
The skin on my leg was so tender from surgery,
that it hurt for it to even touch the bed I was laying on
so my mom
came up and held my leg for me so that it wouldn't have to touch the bed.
She said,
"Susie, if we make it through this. . .
. . . I'll buy you those ultimate shoes."
At 19 years old, I'm smiling
as I write this journey into my journal. . .
In my closet, directly behind me,
is a pair of bright red, shiny stilettos
Due to further physical complications, I can no longer wear them
but I keep the shoes
in reminder of the ultimate mother
I've had fighting this battle alongside me
Mom, your fighting spirit gives me hope
my eyes tearing up with handfuls of shoeboxes s c a t t e r e d a l l a r o u n d m e
as I tried to slide my impaired foot into shoe after shoe
My dream was to own and be able to walk in a pair of bright, red shiny stilettos
but I had permanent nerve damage in my leg and ankle that prevented me from lifting my right foot into a shoe.
I quickly wiped my eyes before anyone could tell I was crying,
and as I began to bandage my leg back up into my brace,
my mom
held my hand and told me that I'd be able to wear them someday
One day after having surgery, the doctors removed one of my casts
from my newly tender skin and left the room
for a moment.
The skin on my leg was so tender from surgery,
that it hurt for it to even touch the bed I was laying on
so my mom
came up and held my leg for me so that it wouldn't have to touch the bed.
She said,
"Susie, if we make it through this. . .
. . . I'll buy you those ultimate shoes."
At 19 years old, I'm smiling
as I write this journey into my journal. . .
In my closet, directly behind me,
is a pair of bright red, shiny stilettos
Due to further physical complications, I can no longer wear them
but I keep the shoes
in reminder of the ultimate mother
I've had fighting this battle alongside me
Mom, your fighting spirit gives me hope
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
I'm leaving the country in 4 weeks
to travel across Europe to help a ministry with photography/film work.
“Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples”
- Psalm 96:3
Help me afford this adventure of a lifetime to bring light and the real Love to those without by booking a photo or video shoot with my business before I leave!
Otherwise, you can help both me AND my band financially by paying only $4 to attend this upcoming musical encounter!
“Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples”
- Psalm 96:3
Help me afford this adventure of a lifetime to bring light and the real Love to those without by booking a photo or video shoot with my business before I leave!
Otherwise, you can help both me AND my band financially by paying only $4 to attend this upcoming musical encounter!
Friday, September 2, 2011
If you feed them, they will come
Last night, I saw something I have not seen in its fullest extent until I was one stage with the worship band wrapping up the final song. I was looking into the same room I see every Thursday night-- a small, but happy welcoming building fit for a calm and relaxed weekly gathering for college kids who just want free food. This time arrived a strong presence of authenticity and humbleness.
I gazed from the stage at a room full of young, searching sinners like me. They were all loving on one another; those who had never met were hugging and saying words of encouragement, I could tell by the looks on their faces; those who were acquainted were holding one another and crying together, sharing eachother's burdens. Others just had their heads bowed and prayed alone.
I'm glad I gave up on religion for this.
It's not about going to church or a prayer you said when you were 8 years old. It's about living your life as a godly light in the darkness, it's about being the person that will sit by the kid who always sits alone, it's about praying for those who are lost in their own filthy sin, it's about forgiving those who don't deserve to be forgiven.
Religious people set bars with their legalism that no one, not even themselves that set them, can reach. Jesus did not come to this world start another religion. He's not a way--He is the way, and anything else followed that's not Jesus is just another meaningless religion.
If you're wanting to be a story-changing soul in this world, culture has to matter. The Message, though, will be relevant to every person, every culture, every sin, and every struggle--it's unchanging, like Jesus.
So be in this world, brothers and sisters, just don't be of it; because other people should matter more to us than our own rights, No one angered Jesus when He was on this earth like the religious did-- it was the outcasts, the hurting, the sinful and wicked who He loved on, spent time with, and showed mercy too.
I'm glad I found a church that's focused on being good to those in the community rather than doing a cheesy routine on Sunday mornings. And ultimately, I'm glad I've found a safe place on Thursday nights to be loved on by real, mistake-making people.
1660 N. Lynn Riggs Blvd Claremore, OK 74017
Come with me next Thursday, friend
I gazed from the stage at a room full of young, searching sinners like me. They were all loving on one another; those who had never met were hugging and saying words of encouragement, I could tell by the looks on their faces; those who were acquainted were holding one another and crying together, sharing eachother's burdens. Others just had their heads bowed and prayed alone.
I'm glad I gave up on religion for this.
It's not about going to church or a prayer you said when you were 8 years old. It's about living your life as a godly light in the darkness, it's about being the person that will sit by the kid who always sits alone, it's about praying for those who are lost in their own filthy sin, it's about forgiving those who don't deserve to be forgiven.
Religious people set bars with their legalism that no one, not even themselves that set them, can reach. Jesus did not come to this world start another religion. He's not a way--He is the way, and anything else followed that's not Jesus is just another meaningless religion.
If you're wanting to be a story-changing soul in this world, culture has to matter. The Message, though, will be relevant to every person, every culture, every sin, and every struggle--it's unchanging, like Jesus.
So be in this world, brothers and sisters, just don't be of it; because other people should matter more to us than our own rights, No one angered Jesus when He was on this earth like the religious did-- it was the outcasts, the hurting, the sinful and wicked who He loved on, spent time with, and showed mercy too.
I'm glad I found a church that's focused on being good to those in the community rather than doing a cheesy routine on Sunday mornings. And ultimately, I'm glad I've found a safe place on Thursday nights to be loved on by real, mistake-making people.
1660 N. Lynn Riggs Blvd Claremore, OK 74017
Come with me next Thursday, friend
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
No greater love hath this
than a man who lay his life down for his friends
I celebrated the life of a friend today. I'm glad Anthony Peterson was in my life to set the ultimate example of true selflessness. It makes me excited to think that the next time we'll listen to The Avett Brothers together again will be in Heaven.
I celebrated the life of a friend today. I'm glad Anthony Peterson was in my life to set the ultimate example of true selflessness. It makes me excited to think that the next time we'll listen to The Avett Brothers together again will be in Heaven.
Monday, July 18, 2011
This is what you do when you have a bad day
You make a list of random, little things that make you happy. Making your mind remember all these things changes your mood and is guaranteed to at least make you smile, even if it's secret and just on the inside.
Then forget about it and read it over again on your next bad day.
This is my list of 38 things that make me happy:
1. Not growing up
2. Swimming underwater
3. Summer evenings on a swingset
4. A lot of family together in one room
5. The feeling I get after learning my first song on a new instrument
6. Watching historical documentaries
7. Sharing Christ's love with people I don't even know
8. Researching and reading bios about old rock musicians
9. Sneaking into abandoned, creepy places and making an adventure out of it
10. Showing people their potential by capturing in photoshoots-- beauty they didn't know they had.
11. Going into an antique store I haven't been in yet
12. 1950s convertibles
13. Catching a bug or small critter and keeping it as a pet for a day
14. Old hymns, especially sung acapella
15. The smell of tobacco being smoked from a short distance away
16. Eating ice cream at the park
17. Mystery Science Theatres
18. Playing songs with my band and then suddenly realizing people in the audience know the words
19. When male specimens act like gentlemen and treat females like ladies
20. Playing pranks on people and having myself be the last person they'd suspect
21. The fact that I can hardly go anywhere without returning with a funny story about something silly I accidentally did
22. Writing and inventing things
23. Networking with other musicians and meeting new people in general
24. Loving on people that don't often get love
25. Pretending my car is spaceship while I'm driving
26. Wearing little girl dresses and just staying a kid
27. Trying on shoes and finding out I can fit my leg brace in them and don't hurt me to walk in
28. When male specimens wear suspenders or can just dress themselves nicely in general
29. Cotton candy
30. Old female jazz singers who had class
31. Making embarrassing movies with my brothers
32. Eating pasta
33. Buying a new box of crayons and journal every fall, even though I'm not actually in school anymore
34. Animals
35. Dressing up nicely for work or something professional related and pretending I'm in an old movie
36. Traveling and learning about other cultures
37. People's faces from the car in the lane next to me when they notice that I'm singing really loudly in mine all by myself
38. Hugging old people
Then forget about it and read it over again on your next bad day.
This is my list of 38 things that make me happy:
1. Not growing up
2. Swimming underwater
3. Summer evenings on a swingset
4. A lot of family together in one room
5. The feeling I get after learning my first song on a new instrument
6. Watching historical documentaries
7. Sharing Christ's love with people I don't even know
8. Researching and reading bios about old rock musicians
9. Sneaking into abandoned, creepy places and making an adventure out of it
10. Showing people their potential by capturing in photoshoots-- beauty they didn't know they had.
11. Going into an antique store I haven't been in yet
12. 1950s convertibles
13. Catching a bug or small critter and keeping it as a pet for a day
14. Old hymns, especially sung acapella
15. The smell of tobacco being smoked from a short distance away
16. Eating ice cream at the park
17. Mystery Science Theatres
18. Playing songs with my band and then suddenly realizing people in the audience know the words
19. When male specimens act like gentlemen and treat females like ladies
20. Playing pranks on people and having myself be the last person they'd suspect
21. The fact that I can hardly go anywhere without returning with a funny story about something silly I accidentally did
22. Writing and inventing things
23. Networking with other musicians and meeting new people in general
24. Loving on people that don't often get love
25. Pretending my car is spaceship while I'm driving
26. Wearing little girl dresses and just staying a kid
27. Trying on shoes and finding out I can fit my leg brace in them and don't hurt me to walk in
28. When male specimens wear suspenders or can just dress themselves nicely in general
29. Cotton candy
30. Old female jazz singers who had class
31. Making embarrassing movies with my brothers
32. Eating pasta
33. Buying a new box of crayons and journal every fall, even though I'm not actually in school anymore
34. Animals
35. Dressing up nicely for work or something professional related and pretending I'm in an old movie
36. Traveling and learning about other cultures
37. People's faces from the car in the lane next to me when they notice that I'm singing really loudly in mine all by myself
38. Hugging old people
Sunday, June 12, 2011
I crowd surfed for the very first time
last night. And at my own concert, too.
All last winter, I had been working on a short film to raise child abuse awareness and wanted to partner with my town's local youth shelter in the profit of the film. But almost consecutively after learning of the government cutting their funds, God laid on my heart to host a benefit concert for them, because I knew my film would not be completed in time to give them any of the profit made.
After our set, opening bands-- Monty Wu and Donovan Fite of The Lonelys came on stage with us and we dedicated a cover of 'Hey Jude' to the boys and girls in the shelter. I felt so humbled when the kids and the audience came on stage to sing with us. It couldn't have gone any better. I never dreamed of raising $1000 either.
If I could describe this so that others could understand, I would. But during the entire hour we played, it was like my usual fragile body was filled with some kind of supernatural fuel. I moved more than I have in weeks and it was all without pain.
After the show, God gave me the opportunity to share my faith with the two girls from the shelter that were there. Such wonderful, growing people. I'd pick getting to do that over getting paid at any old show.
(During the finale with all the bands and some of the crowd performing 'Hey Jude.')
For more brilliant photos Tori took, you can visit her photostream here
All last winter, I had been working on a short film to raise child abuse awareness and wanted to partner with my town's local youth shelter in the profit of the film. But almost consecutively after learning of the government cutting their funds, God laid on my heart to host a benefit concert for them, because I knew my film would not be completed in time to give them any of the profit made.
After our set, opening bands-- Monty Wu and Donovan Fite of The Lonelys came on stage with us and we dedicated a cover of 'Hey Jude' to the boys and girls in the shelter. I felt so humbled when the kids and the audience came on stage to sing with us. It couldn't have gone any better. I never dreamed of raising $1000 either.
If I could describe this so that others could understand, I would. But during the entire hour we played, it was like my usual fragile body was filled with some kind of supernatural fuel. I moved more than I have in weeks and it was all without pain.
After the show, God gave me the opportunity to share my faith with the two girls from the shelter that were there. Such wonderful, growing people. I'd pick getting to do that over getting paid at any old show.
(During the finale with all the bands and some of the crowd performing 'Hey Jude.')
For more brilliant photos Tori took, you can visit her photostream here
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
This afternoon, I returned to the same hospital
that I lay in exactly 7 years ago this week. I played music in the rooms of sick kids like me, and watched smiles grow on their little faces whenever I sang. Thank You, God, for letting someone so underserving have an opportunity like that. Thank You for reminding me why I'm alive.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Today, I rejoice
in the anniversary of surviving brain trauma, exactly 7 years ago today. Life is a very precious gift and I am grateful to have mine back. For this reason alone, I cannot complain but rejoice. Amazing Grace.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
I saw Heaven standing open
and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Magnificent painting by Derick Snow
Friday, April 29, 2011
I really wish I could have seen Ke$ha in concert tonight. Oh wait, no I don't
In other news, I just returned from the studio for recording a track with The Del Toros. Best of luck to you, my talented friends. You could overrule Ke$ha with one bar chord.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Have you ever been inside of a haunted hospital?
I have. And yesterday I explored one with my faithful explorer-sidekick, Tori the panda. There were three abandoned levels of pure emptiness and decay to walk down, leading us to its basement where we found windows with chains and an old doctor's mask. I am glad we made it out alive and didn't fall through the top floor.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
This is a short documentary I made over one of my recent adventures
But due to privacy reasons and our own safety, I was unable to capture our experiences during the homeless outreach and other similar events regarding some of the best parts of our trip.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
The House of the Rising Sun
For spring break, I hobbled on my man-attracting cane through the obscenities of Bourbon St in New Orleans and talked with the homeless; my friends and I got to pray with one who had been riding his bike all over the world, right there in the streets. There is much more hard work to be done in this city, though. I finally returned at 3 A.M. this morning, after a 19-hour drive, to my home to play a show this weekend. This here is a photograph of my new musician friend and I.
I will tell more stories and post my documentary on here soon.
I will tell more stories and post my documentary on here soon.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Look down at the water and you'll fall like snow
because the Devil is a hungry, d e c e i v i n g black crow that will swoop down like to save you, but there isn't any saving you because his wing's aren't like the Father's that are strong, empty baskets. His wings are thin and crumbling and his mouth is like a casket; and he grins only to fool you, so look up already, why don't you? See the Father in the ocean? There He stands with arms wide open! I once long ago, fell into the water and listen to the d e c e i v i n g, black crow. He sent his minions to sleep inside my ears and frightening monsters was all I saw in every mirror. The tide is great with appetite; behind you sinks your boat. The Father stands ahead
so look away already from the crow! He'll trick your e y e s, he'll make you blind. So lift your head, baby child and believe inside your mind. Walk to your Dad like it's the first time moving your legs. When you fall, He's catch your back. But don't trust the crow's beak--it's a DEATHTRAP. Bones the crow gives, thorns the crow will feed. If it's not from the Father, it's not something we need. If we gaze at the oil painting of the Father, then be aware, little one, be aware... that we are free to walk on that water
so look away already from the crow! He'll trick your e y e s, he'll make you blind. So lift your head, baby child and believe inside your mind. Walk to your Dad like it's the first time moving your legs. When you fall, He's catch your back. But don't trust the crow's beak--it's a DEATHTRAP. Bones the crow gives, thorns the crow will feed. If it's not from the Father, it's not something we need. If we gaze at the oil painting of the Father, then be aware, little one, be aware... that we are free to walk on that water
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
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