Link: "When Worship Songs Go Blank"

I really enjoyed this April entry from the blog "Stuff Christians Like": When Worship Songs Go Blank

It reminds me of the one-year period where basically it was me vs. the audio AND visual equipment. A fellow worship leader at church suggested the equipment might have been demon-possessed, and after awhile, I really considered that possibility. In the end, it was a good character building experience that every musician faces at one point or another, but on a spiritual level, reminded me that our worship experience is more than the lights and the sound, and comes back to the heart.

Also, here's a bonus image taken during Sunday afternoon rehearsal back in the Spring: 

Fancy feet

I've posted before about my love of sneakers and footwear in general. For the past year or so, I've been wanting to upgrade my business/formal footwear. In my research, I came across the popular American brand Allen Edmonds who have a great reputation for quality shoes in classic styles. However, the biggest hurdle was the price point for a pair of these classy shoes...that is, until I came across Nordstrom's big annual sale in their men's department a few weeks ago. With free shipping and returns, I had to bite on these:

 

Say hello to my first pair of Allen Edmonds' Clifton oxfords in Walnut.  The walnut is slightly lighter in person (which is fine by me), and I really like the conservative brogue detailing (the decorative "dots") which makes them more interesting than your standard brown shoe, but not too crazy for a more formal occasion if necessary. I'll post later on how well these break-in over time, but I'm happy to report that my collection of shoes have now done a little growing up.

Reflections from MLK Weekend

Here's an old post that I drafted up back in January, but thought it was a nice road marker for what was on my mind at the time that I felt I should clean it up and post it:

Back in January, my wife and I drove down to NY for an early birthday dinner for my father over the MLK holiday weekend. Three-day weekends tend to make for less hectic visits to my family. Reflecting on the weekend, I've come to realize that I've inherited the love language of Quality Time from both of my parents, meaning that it doesn't matter so much as to what we do or where we go, but rather the intentionality of setting time aside for one another is most readily received.

 

Something else I have to mention, in light of the trip, is my dislike of driving. In driving, I have a drastic decrease in patience and a greater probability for using "salty" language. Some of this may resonate with you out there as these are pitfalls for those who suffer from road rage. However, I'm pleased to share that this trip's car experience was not just tolerable, but almost...pleasant. What made this drive different than the rest you ask? Two things really:

• First, the 3.5-4 hour drive is a great time to really talk to my wife about things both serious, as well as silly. What happens at work typically stays in the office, but for my wife who's a teacher, there's always an abundance of things to work on at home: grade papers, plan lessons, etc. There was an incident leading up to the trip where an email exchange between us seemed the best way to take care of time-sensitive matters, which just seemed so sad since we live under the same roof and don't travel for work! Again, it's that Quality Time-thing showing up again.
• Second, NPR. Something about a long drive and talk radio that goes like peanut butter and jelly and we were treated to a great piece showcasing a bit of history on MLK Jr. in honor of his birthday.

Happy Independence Day!

I hope you all see some fireworks this evening and get to remember what it's like to be a kid again.

Tuesday's Tunes: Furious

Furious
By: Jeremy Riddle

Nothing can tear us from
The grip of His mighty love
We’ve only glimpsed, His vast affection
Heard whispers of, His heart and passion
It’s pouring out…

His love is deep, His love is wide
And it covers us
His love is fierce, His love is strong
It is furious
His love is sweet, His love is wild
And it's waking hearts to life

The Father loves and sends His son
The Son lays down His life for all
He lavishes His love upon us
He calls us now, His sons and daughters
He’s reaching out…

… and its waking hearts to life
He is waking hearts to life
He is waking hearts to life