happy times January 31, 2008

OK Not really.  I was woken up at 5:30 am yesterday by the alarm on my van going off.  Luckily it was because the battery died and not because someone broke in.  The annoying thing other than being awake and out side at 5:30am is that I just replaced the battery 2 weeks ago.  Also the Battery won’t hold a charge… which leads me to look at the Alternator.  Which leads me to ask, anyone want to buy a van?

This van was given to us 3 years ago as a means to get a new car (drive it around till you trade it in).  Now it needs a complete break job, alternator and serpentine belt, and it just generally drives poorly right now.  I don’t want to put money into the van but I also don’t want a car payment right now.  I know one of those things is going to have to happen.  Which would you choose?  The Van is not a good fit for my family.  it is WAY to big and a V8 gas guzzler (V8 engine does not mean it runs on vegetable juice).

I will take suggestions of car dealers to visit, or even mechanics that don’t charge money but rather work for hugs and affection.

Later,

Billy

Where is “Rev.” Al Sharpton? January 24, 2008

This man needs no introduction.  If there is a buck to be extorted and a T.V. camera he is there.   A week or so ago he was grand standing and demanding that Golf Chanel Anchor Kelly Tilghman be fired for her comments, saying that if new golfers want to beat Tiger woods they would have a better chance if they “Lynched him in a back alley” 

   Now I have seen the Video and what she said was out of line and inappropriate.  I also think it was a VERY bad attempt at being funny.  I don’t think she understood the power of the word she choose.  But I also don’t think she meant anything by it.  It was just unfortunate.

But today Dawns with the news that Dana Jacobson (from ESPN First Take, and Cold Pizza… same show different name)  made Drunken remarks at a Notre Dame Roast for fellow ESPN hosts Mike Greenberg, and Mike Golic.  At the roast she said “F*** Notre Dame, F*** Touchdown Jesus, and you know what F*** Jesus!”

She has apologized and is on a leave from ESPN.

So Where is “REV”. Al Sharpton?  He is as much a Reverend as he is Black, is he not?  After all his title is ”Rev. Al Sharpton” not “Black Al Sharpton”, or “Minority Al Sharpton.”  Where is the outrage over Dana’s Remarks?  As a christian, as a pastor, shouldn’t he be just as offended?  If Jesus where black (a controversy we won’t touch here) would he be in front of Camera’s screaming, sweating, barking and demanding justice?

Also where is the ESPN coverage?  They have read her Apology once in each sports center show. but in the same show they have run an interview with some black guy that thinks Tiger Woods she be more offended, by the comments that Tilghman made 2 or 3 times. 

Now I am not saying that I want Sharpton or his “Conservative” Counter part Rev. Jesse Jackson, to say anything.  I really hope they don’t.  I hope that they continue to strut like peacocks when there is a dollar to be made and a race issue to pimp.  Because then I think more people will see them for what they really are Race Bullies.

Also I as a christian what Dana Jacobson said doesn’t affect me.  How can I expect anyone to respect my Savior and creator when there are people walking around with the Title of REV. making us all look like fools.  Why would I expect some one that isn’t a follower of Christ to act like a Christ follower?

Join with me in praying for all of these people. Sharpton, Jackson, Tilghman, and Jacobson.

One more not there is a college basketball coach Ron Hunter from http://www.iupui.edu/(Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis) that is going to be coaching tonight Barefoot.  He is doing this to raise awareness for www.samaritansfeet.org a group that raise funds, and collects Shoes to send to Children in Africa.  I thought this was amazing and something you folks might be interested in.

 Later,

Billy

New Music January 24, 2008

I didn’t intend to write a ton of music reviews on here, but I find myself falling in love with a set of EP’s.  Jon Foreman (lead singer of Switchfoot) has released 2 EP’s called “Fall” and “Winter.”  They are released together in a 2 disc format.  This is NOT typical Switchfoot!  They are slow, acoustic, and as Jon describes on his website “deeply personal.”  He is also quick to say that he has not left Switchfoot, but rather the band encouraged him to release these songs on his own as they weren’t quite right for the band but songs that needed to be heard.  He Has another set of EP’s “Spring” and “Summer” Releasing this summer.

He tackles subjects like doubt, death, belonging, and how we as Christians are very good at doing evil.  He even talks about standing before his creator in judgment.  It is one of those albums that I can’t take out of my CD player for fear I might miss something.  At first listen it sounds very depressing and dark but as you listen you can sense that hope and change is on the horizon and then it hits.

Musically it is very simple.  Acoustic Guitar and one other instrument.  Sax on this song Cello on that song.  He melds the 2 instruments so well that you don’t miss whats missing.  It sounds full and complete.

Do yourselves a favor and pick this CD up.  Even if you aren’t a fan of Switchfoot or Christian music in General you will love this CD.

 Later,

Billy

lower intelligence? January 20, 2008

Is there anything more annoying than when you are talking face to face with someone and tell a joke and the person responds with LOL?  Or you ask them a question such as “which shirt do you like better?”  To which they respond “IDK?” (always said with their no doubt heavy head tilted to one side)

Please People if you are to Lazy to text all 9 letters, 1 punctuation mark and 2 spaces of “I Don’t Know”  That is one thing but to actually speak that way is another.  That is why Bill Gates invented T9.

BTW if you are reading this, and see me in person, and start talking like this I will punch you in the throat.  Fair Warning.

Later,

Billy

  

P.S. I realize I just did it.  It was intended to be funny.  I do really hate when people talk that way and I will punch you if you do it.  The joke was the BTW thing… get it.  Oh well

 c u L8r

  

That was also a joke.

Jello January 16, 2008

On Monday while seemingly the entire world was snowed in (my family was no exception) My wife made Jello with the girls.  Strawberry and Lime for you curious folks.  Lime by the way is the best Popsicle and jello flavor hands down, Orange would be next but still given the option my green friend wins every time.  Jello is a cool refreshing treat.  and what kid or kid at heart doesn’t “dig that wobble, dig that wiggle”

However when I feel like Jello that’s not so cool.  So yesterday I joined a gym.  And for my trouble (and my money) they gave me a “free” t-shirt which I not so proudly show you here.  I find it interesting that “free” t-shirts only come in XL.  What about me?  What about the Fat Guy?  Perhaps it is motivation.  It certainly isn’t good advertising.  If people see me stretching that fabric further than the laws of physics would suggest possible, they might look at the Logo and say “that gym isn’t worth my money.”  Or perhaps it is a gift for my smaller loved ones.    Either way, I worked out for about an hour and a half and no I realize how out of shape I am.  My arms and legs feel like Jello.  In a good way.

Later,

Billy 

Excellence January 15, 2008

I wrote a blog the other day in response to a blog about the lack of excellence in Christian music and Christian art as a whole.  Which has lead to more thoughts.

!st.  My Pastor Spoke a while back on the idea of excellence.  It is also a running theme in our staff meetings.  The idea of doing things with excellence can seem daunting, and unattainable.  However striving for excellence and doing things as excellently as WE can, is a spiritual act of worship.  If we skimp out on things and take the easy way out that is not only a reflection on us but also our Creator.  And I don’t think he took the easy road in creating us.

2nd.  I forgot to mention one of my favorite Christian artists.  He is Derek Webb, formerly(and i guess now currently) a member of Caedmon’s call.  He has several albums all with an acoustic folksy style.  He is NOT the typical Right wing christian.  In fact in one of his songs he says that the 2 biggest lies he has heard is first “if you eat of the fruit of this tree you WILL NOT surly Die” (the snake to eve) and second “that Jesus Christ was/is a white middle class republican.”  Talk about not mailing it in.  He constantly challenges “the way things are.”  There is no fluff with this cat, he is completely sold out to finding the heart of God where ever it may be.

3rd.  Check out my friend Jeff’s Blog.  he is a member of our church’s lead team and a thinker.  Picture the statue of the guy on the toilet entitled “the thinker.”  That is Jeff.  Anyway he sparked a little controversy and personally I think it is great.  He is seeking out some biblical truth and could use some input.  Who would of thought someone looking to the bible for answers would be so criticized?

Later,

Billy

$3.65 January 13, 2008

My wife calls me after church with 2 hungry kids in the back of the car and says “what do I do?  I just noticed Target didn’t charge me for the Tums I purchased.  But the kids are hungry and I really don’t want to go back in.”  I said Target is a huge faceless corporation with millions of dollars, they don’t need your money.

Ok what I really said was lets get some lunch and I will swing by a pay for them after that.  And that’s what I did.  I walked in to the Customer service entrance and went to the counter and told the women behind the counter the story.  After she regained her breath she said “wow, you really came back to pay for this?”  To which I simply responded “yep”  She rang them in and I paid the $3.65.  She gave me my change and said “thanks being honest.”  I simply said “your welcome” and left.

It really wasn’t a big deal, it wasn’t a gift from God it was an honest mistake.  But As I left the cashier told the women behind me the story and I heard her say something about integrity.  Which made me wonder.  Did I buy my integrity for $3.65 or did I merely Retain it at a “home town discount” like some fan favorite ball player.  Either way I think I win.

Later,

Billy

Christian Music January 12, 2008

I read a Blog from “the New Guy” on the Team at my church http://jasonfoundthisinteresting.blogspot.com/.  In it he talks about his inner struggle with the fact that “christian Radio” one of his loves now sucks. (my words not his).  This is due largely to the fact that Christan Music artists all copy each others music and don’t make any attempt at breaking out into something new and diffrent.  I can understand the hesitancy of an artist to break with whats gotten them here.  But at some point you just stop being relevant.  sure people still like you and might even by your music.  But there is a segment of people out there that stop caring and start searching for something new.  Or in the case of Jason stop searching and “break up.”

I am going to take on a huge name in christian Music at show you why I can’t stand to listen to thier “music.”  Many of you I am sure love them and will disagree with me but really Casting Crowns is Horrible.  There Music is simple(no depth) 3 chords, and a relative minor do make a song but not an interesting one.  Their Lyrics are FULL of Cliche’ sayings and they even branded a new one “life song”  which if you listened to the entire album they used it in 4 different songs.  Some will say “the songs challenge me,” or “I like it because I can sing to it.”  Good for you.  The Problem is that you can sing along to the song even if it is your first time hearing it.  It’s predictable, and to quote the bare naked ladies “it’s all been done, woo hoo hoo it’s all been doooooone befoooore.”  They bore me.  People like Chris Tomlin in his book “the way I was made” confesses to writing songs that are catchy. 

Now I know these people love Jesus.  I don’t have a speck of doubt about that.  I am saying they aren’t trying hard enough to be excellent at what they are doing.  Stop copying “hit” songs from other albums.  Leave that to worship bands at churches (of which I am a member.)  Challenge us out of ourselves, into something bigger.  Don’t repeat the same sayings bring something fresh.  Hey even if you just change how it is said you have given it new breath.

Jason Morant on his album open (5 out of 5*)  writes on track 6 “With hearts aflame and voices raised they will celebrate, the day when lost will be found when every knee will…” 90% of christian songwriters out there would finish this line by saying the simple and easy “bow.”  Jason Morant say the same thing but paints a much diffrent picture. he finishes his line like this “With hearts aflame and voices raised they will celebrate, the day when lost will be found when every knee will hit the ground”  it is simple and profound.  Best of all When I was attempting to sing along with it the first time I heard it I was struck that he didn’t go with the safe easy way out he took it to a diffrent level.

so I leave you with a list of artists some that are truly new to the scene and some I have loved for years.

Jason Morant- Fryish with amazing musicianship.  He actually has a banjo player in a non bluegrass band.

Sara Groves- Next to my wife the only women I just want to hug and not let go.  She to me is the definition of a beautiful soul.  she writes with depth and an open sincere heart.  she is amazing.  folksy-poppy-and perfect.

Fernando Ortega- a mellow James Taylor with a piano.  He has 2 worship albums that are perfect for ushering you into an amazing time of an open heart and mind to God.

Red & Disciple- Both hard aggressive Rock bands that aren’t afraid to speak the name of Christ and then melt your face with kicking guitars.

Cross movement and the 116 clique- Rap taken to a higher level.  they acctually rap Bible lessons. and tell you to go out and by commentaries and a bible and study the word.  Hardcore Christians with an amazing God given gift.

Andrew Peterson- singer songwriter outstanding talent and depth.

RSB- The Robbie Seay(see) band If you have seen the comercials for the new season of American idol you have heard their song “rise.”  They are fresh and sing from the heart.  His voice is the perfect mix of raspy and passion.

MeWithoutYou-  Blue man group esque music with an edge meets spoken(almost yelled) word/ poetry.  Amazing lyrics and vocals meet off the hook musicianship.

Shane and Shane, Bethany Dillon(who is engaged to Shane #1), Phil Wickham, Matt Kearney,  Shawn McDonald, Watermark.  All amazing all the time.

1 last shout out to a CD that is all songs you have heard but the artists involved have given the new life “Sing over me.”  Christie Nockels, B. Dillon, Janna Long, Erin O’ Donnell, and Nicole Nordeman, take worship songs and bring them down to a basic acoustic guitar and piano level.  and then let their voice and heart do the rest.  Sit quietly and let God whisper to you while you listen to this Cd.  It will Change your view of Christian Music.

Later

Billy 

I’m new here January 12, 2008

You know, the reason I am here is due to my pastor.  He started a blog http://pastormarty.wordpress.com/.  And that started me on the journey of reading and enjoying them.  Plus the thought That I can sit here in my living room and right something that could be read a world away.  By someone I don’t know.  They might not even fall into the 6 degrees rule.  Someone… You…  Welcome.

I Love people.  I love talking to, listening to, and being near people.  So I said hey if other people can write a blog so can I.

Well there is nothing more that I hate than being misunderstood.  I freely admit that it is sometimes my fault.  But I try almost too hard to be clear with my thoughts.  In fact I re-wrote the first paragraph more than once.  So with this in mind, If I write something that you don’t like or you think I am wrong about a thought, belief or opinion I hold, please ASK ME ABOUT IT.  Don’t go ask 3 or 4 other people what I meant or tell them how dumb I am.  Tell me.  I promise I will at least read your comment and think about it.  You might change my mind or I might think you are nuts and tell you why, but I will respect you for coming to me.  After all it is biblical Matthew 18:15-16.

So I start tomorrow with my thoughts.

Later,

Billy