Romans 1:18-32

18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. 21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. 24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. 26Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. 28Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

Just take time to read this passage. This passage was written 2000 years ago. Paul dealt with it then and we're still looking at it now. When I studied this passage, it convicted me on many levels. One, if this had been 13 years ago, and something would have happened where I would have died, I would be facing an eternal damnation because while I knew God existed, that isn't enough. To know the love and grace given to us by His Son and to believe that Jesus will lead you through all things. I gave my mind over to foolish things, idolatry, and the laundry list of sins that is mentioned in verse 29. God is all around us. There is no excuse for anyone not to believe in Him. But, yet, we put our football teams, baseball teams, music groups, 401k plans, etc., before Him. I'm just as guilty of this. I look at the results of the elections and I pray that God doesn't take a back seat. Or, let me rephrase that. That our country doesn't PUT God in the backseat. God will never be a backseat driver. I also think of the results of the vote to ban same sex marriage in California. For once, the people of California did something right! It's clearly written in the Bible that same sex marriage is an absolute no-no. I was reading this passage in the King James version and it stats that God gave the people to uncleanness. The first thought that came to my mind was back then if you were unclean you had leprosy and had to announce it to the world so no one would come near you. What do you think today's "uncleanness" is? II'm thankful that God came into my life and I got to truly know who Jesus Christ is. Jesus is not some made up fantasy. He's the Son of God who was born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life. He healed the sick, brought the dead to life and made the blind to see. He died on a cross and rose from the dead 3 days later. I pray that He becomes even more evident in my life. Today and the rest of my days.

Fireproof-a review, thoughts and memories

Just got back from watching Fireproof. It's from the people who brought us Facing the Giants. The football movie with a major Christian influence. So major that the only reason basically that it was rated PG was because it mentioned Christ in a positive way. So, Fireproof. The movie that has people talking about Kirk Cameron again. The only person he'll kiss is his wife. It's a shame that the story had to come out with the movie release.
As for the movie. It was good. Tells of a story about a firefighter (Cameron) who seems to go out of his way as a firefighter but his marriage? Well, needless to say, the sparks could be put out with a drop of sweat. He's willing to fight for it but he needs help in the matter, basically. I would recommend this movie to anyone. It's well done and the characters were portrayed well. The acting was better this time than in Facing the Giants where the acting was a bit stiff.
Now, for the thoughts and memories. How ironic that the day I go to see this would have marked 16 years of marriage had my ex and I still stayed together. There were a lot of scenes in the movie that rang home to me. I threw the marriage away. Any futile attempts of trying to save it were far too late. Problem was, I was selfish. I had too many other addictions that kept me from loving her. She was robbed of what being a wife should be. I didn't give her the opportunity of being a loving husband to her. Not the way I've come to learn what that is. I've come to learn so much of what the Bible teaches on marriage, love and relationships. And while it has helped me in my marriage now, times like these, it puts a strain on it. I still have a lot to learn. I don't want to mess things up again. And I want to ask forgiveness to the ones I've hurt along the way. I don't deserve an ounce of it. And I don't know who will read this. All I ask is that you pray for me. I feel so alone and worthless even though I truly know that I'm not. The weight on me is heavy. And while I know to give it to Jesus, it's still there in my memory. Like He is saying this needs to be taken care of and laid to rest. You've laid it to rest with Me, but now, for the tough part.
Pray for me. That's all I ask.

Dad

What better person to blog about than my Dad? It's been such a joy to be around him. It took me a long time to catch up to that. The stories. The limburger. Right now, he's going through a bout with some lung cancer. I should have fallen to pieces about him over this but the Lord has kept me strong. And ONLY God. Yes, I've had a lot of people pray for me and encourage me and don't get me wrong, that is awesome. I appreciate every single one of them. But, God's Word tells us that He is bigger than any calamity.
But, I'm getting away from my Dad. He is dealing with a bit of lung cancer. It started out with a slight bout with pnuemonia. Through antibiotics, he was able to get over it, since it was such a minor case of it. In the check up x-ray, doctors found a spot in the lower lobe of the right lung. Well, at first, they thought it was scar tissue, but it turned out to be a cancerous tumor. Hopefully it didn't spread past the lung. No matter what, he's being positive about the whole thing. That positive has kept my Mom and brother positive. Hearing me being positive is helpful as well. As I said, this is all God. And I am eternally grateful for that.

7-11-07-Venezuela

I decided to post something I wrote in my journal this day last year from Venezuela.

I will never be the same. Again. That is the one song going through my head today. Brain rewiring? Yeah. God is working on that. Not sure what we'll see today. It's going to be an experience!

Experience isn't the word. I don't know of a word to describe today. The love from the children today was so incredible. No words can describe it. We all came together as a team and we looked out for each other. We are growing so much as a family. It has been a honor to have gone through this experience with these men, women and children.

Wendy. So pretty. And flirtatious! I pray she looks to Jesus and follows Him. That she doesn't become just another person having kids at such a young age.

Yolomin. She didn't need to say anything. Her eyes told the story. We connected quickly. She had such happiness & joy in her eyes. Like a lot of these kids, there probably isn't a father around. But, I pray that just the short time I was with her, that I could display the Father's Love to her. If there has been one child who truly broke me, it was Yolomin.

Today, we drove through the city dump. Psalm 113:6-7. I'm not sure I can describe what I saw. A virtual wasteland. My life before Christ. how awesome to see what God is doing in the midst of all that. There is a school around there. We passed by a bus with kids from there. Even still. To know people live there and try to find things to sell so they can make a living? Not just make a living. But survive.

Sometimes while I'm driving, looking for my song

The title is taken from a song called "Is There Anybody Out There?" by Burlap To Cashmere. I was turned on to this band by a friend back in 1999. I was invited to go see them in concert with Caedmon's Call. I picked up the CD and fell in love with it. Then, seeing them in concert was mindblowing. I've been playing guitar for a really long time. I used to write lyrics in high school (all of which have all but vanished) but didn't really put any of those lyrics to music. I had ideas. I'd go to where I worked, which was a warehouse, and I'd get my amp out, my pedalboard and my Hondo guitar and I'd jam out. Sometimes I'd tape whatever it was I was playing. I started bringing what would be my ex wife along for the ride. But, in time, I quit doing it. No, I'm not blaming her for stopping the playing there. Actually, me storing my equipment out there was a bit risky beause of the pests and stuff there. Deep down inside, I wanted to do music. At times, I felt it was the only thing I thought I was even slightly good at. About 3 songs remain that I even have lyrics to from my pre-Christian days. One got cheaply and badly recorded and will never ever be heard because of the content of the song. Another got recorded better and is on my music MySpace Page. And another has music and actually started getting re-written after accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I started writing a song here and there since then. Two more songs got recorded and are on my music page. There are others. The ideas just haven't been completely fleshed out. Hardly anyone has ever seen some of these. One day. God has blessed me with a couple of people in my life that I could make music with or help out with their own tunes. I miss them both. They are both in Maryland. The time I did the band thing just wasn't me and, well, I've blabbed enough about that. I'm still looking for that song. I pray that God is leading me to the people that I can make music with. Not just playing worship songs written by others. But stuff that we write and perform. People talk about the longings of the heart. That is probably my deepest longing. Doing music. The other things of this world really don't mean a whole lot to me. I guess as long as the Main Audience is listening and He is applauding me, then I guess I should be happy for that Audience of One. My prayer is to share what the Audience of One has done for me. He has done so much and I wonder if I have done anything for Him? I know I shouldn't really concentrate on that. The whole Christian thing really isn't about being the perfect Christian. It doesn't come from how well you read your Bible or how well you sing that praise song or whatever. But, it does come down to the Great Commission. Making Disciples. Not of me. But for Christ. And Christ alone. So, I guess I'll keep on driving. Still looking for my song. Looking for the answers and where I do belong. And yes, finally, Sweet Jesus is bringing me back Home.

Filling in the emptiness

Tonight is just another one of those nights. Again, I feel like there is so much I could blog about but for whatever reason, it just isn't happening. I have the house to myself tonight. Earlier tonight, I watched the recent dvd from Netflix. Yeah, it was Rambo. Pretty violent and bloody. But, very much realistic. The characters who play missionaries go into very dangerous territory and they see much bloodshed and they also are tortured. They wanted to change lives and maybe they would have succeeded. I won't give the movie away so I'll quit there.
But, I sit here, listening to some Mortification. I loaded their CDs (14 studio albums) into the media player and I'm just listening to a random playlist of Mort songs. For those who might read this and have no clue who Mortification is I shall tell you. They hail from Austrailia. Metal is the style they play. They have ranged from Iron Maiden like metal to death to thrash/speed to all kinds of metal genres in between. Steve Rowe is a miracle mainly because of all that his body has been through with cancer. They are a Christian band. Steve would probably cringe at the fact I loaded all of his CDs into my media player, but I don't have a CD burner and I have no intention of sharing any tracks with anyone. Just for my own pleasure. But, Steve is evangelical. Something you don't really see enough in Christian metal. Having helped at a venue for a while, there isn't much evangelism going on there. It blends in with the world. We're supposed to be different from the world, aren't we? God has sent us His Holy Spirit to lead and guide us through this life, sharing with others the Good News. There should be no emptiness if you have placed your faith in Christ.
I feel encouraged just sitting here and just typing away. I didn't really have any thoughts in mind. Just knew I needed to get something out of me.

How Do You Want To Be Remembered?

How Do You Want To Be Remembered?
Sabrina and I just finished watching a movie called "Final Season". It was a movie recommended to us by her Mom, which for me usually should trigger red flags, but for the most part, we do have some similiar likings in movies. I actually finally watched Lord of the Rings for the first time when she had gotten it and her and Sabrina were watching it. Now, I love that whoe trilogy and one day will read the books. But, I'm drifting from my story.

So, we watch this movie and it's a very good story. Based on a true story of a school in Iowa that is facing consolidation with another school to cut costs. This school had a big thing going for them in their baseball program. 19 titles. Can they go out with a bang? New coach comes in to fill in huge shoes and the town thinks they have a snowball's chance in Maricaibo in winning. Ok, the town's people probably would have said hell, but I thought I'd clean it up a bit. haha Anyway, they perservere and they get to the state championship. The new coach, played by Sean Astin, asks them, How do you want to be remembered?

I've had my share of dreams in my life. I had forgotten that at one point in my life, I wished I coud play baseball. I used to throw a tennis ball against the back of the house (it was a plaster wall). My brother would play a bit with me and I would catch him pitching softball to me. He was a good pitcher. Good catcher. Good hitter. I collected baseball cards. Had a little pitchback. I had one problem. I was fat. That didn't lend me for speed. My coordination was, and still is, lousy. I usually got picked on by the students. I had one really good friend who played little league with me. I'm glad he was around. The team I was on was a scrappy lot. The guys who pitched were good and usually traded off between pitching and catching. Our shortstop had an arm like a wild rifle. I think at times he must have thought I was Wilt Chamberlain and could jump a mile trying to catch his throws from shortstop (I was at first base). The kid who played 2nd base was good. We wound up being short in the outfield because we never seemed to have enough players to fill the lineup. The coaches were ok but I didn't feel like they were the best encouragers to me. So, the next season, I moved up but after 4 games, I had had enough. I didn't get along with the kids, the coaches or anyone. They pretty much left me feeling hopeless about myself. So, I gave up those dreams of playing ball.

Music was my next dream. Thankfully, the lyrics I had written in high school are gone because looking back, I would never have made it with the stuff I had written. Not original enough. My influence came so strong from other bands that I never made anything my own. So, on through school I went, not really knowing what I wanted to do with my life. After graduating, I went to work with my Dad and stayed at that job for 16 years. Sabrina and I moved to Alabama where I work at a UPS Store. Not exactly where I thought I'd be but it's a job and I guess it's better than nothing. I guess my next dream is ministry. Or counseling. Or something along those lines. I dream that I can make a difference in people's lives. A real difference. And prayerfully, one that involves eternity.

How do I want to be remembered? I'm not sure I can answer that question just yet. For those who read this? Maybe you can help me with the answers. :)

Which Side of the Cross Are You On?

I was at a Promise Keepers event (actually, I've been to a few Promise Keeper events) in Baltimore area and a speaker by the name of Joe White came out and he did this incredible talk about the Cross. Carrying this heavy log over his shoulder, he dragged up the aisles and up to the stage. He started his talk by portraying a Roman crossmaker. Why did this Jesus have to die? Who is this Jesus? And he's cutting away at this log to make way for the crossbeam to be placed and then nailed together. He then nails the pieces together and he then holds the cross over his shoulder, nails being quite close to his face.
He spoke of so many things that night but the one part that has stuck with me is the quote, Which Side of the Cross Are You On? To the left, there was a thief who mocked and scorn him. To the right, you had a thief who knew death was coming and he deserved it for his crimes. And he asks Jesus to remember him when he went to his kingdom. Jesus says to him, today you will be with me in Paradise. Even on the Cross, Jesus was working! He gave His life willingly. He thirsted for God.
Which Side of the Cross Are You On?

Totelestai. I know I probably spelled that wrong. But, it means Paid in Full. That's what Jesus did on the Cross. He took all of God's wrath on Himself and spared all of us from having to endure that wrath.

Which Side of the Cross Are You On?

Are we going to be bold in our faith? Or are we just going to sit still or keep in secret for fear of what others might say? Are we afraid of "ramming our beliefs down someone's throat" in danger of offending them? Or, are that person to share the Gospel message with someone who has never heard it? Do we blend in with the world? Or do we live our lives devoted to the one who died on a Cross, who took that brunt of God's wrath, and to rise from the grave 3 days later?!?!?

Which Side of the Cross Are You On?

Surrender the Silence

Wow, I didn't realize how long it has been since I last blogged. Whether it's on this thing, or my myspace page or facebook or whatever. I don't know if it is because I haven't had much to share or talk about or what. Which is sad in a way because, as Christians, we have such a joyous message to share with the world! I could get on here and talk about all the great things God has done in my life and to be honest, I feel like I've been silent when it comes to that. I should be on here everyday because whether I've had a WHOOO GOD moment or not, I'm thankful that I even have breath. I'm thankful for what God has blessed me with. He's blessed me with some great friends. A great wife. A great family. A talent to write songs and play guitar. All of these things, at any given moment, He could take away from me. I should be weeping and mourning deeply for the 100,000 people who have lost their lives between Mynamar and China. These are people who went to their death probably never ever hearing the saving message of Jesus Christ! There is a passage that our pastor did a message on Sunday and it was very convicting. Luke 13:1-5. We all must repent of our sins. I'm not going to say that everyone needs to go to my church's website and download the message because they need to hear it. (I mean, you can if you want to, I won't stop you) But it is a message that I needed to hear and hear again and again.
But, I want to go back to the secret thing. In John 19:38-42, it talks about Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimethia coming to take the body of Jesus from the cross and place Him in the tomb. It mentioned that they were both secret disciples of Jesus for fear of the Jews. I guess better late than never to come out as a disciple! But, the same applies for us all today doesn't it? Do we share the Good News with everyone we meet? I know I certainly don't. Working in a retail business gets a bit tough at times. It can be done though. Having Christian radio on in the store isn't enough. The little bracelet I wear with Hebrews 13:3 isn't enough. I can't be silent anymore. We, as Christians, can't be silent anymore. Too many things in this world that the Christian community has fallen asleep over and the world will fall under the influence of the deceiver. What am I saying? It pretty IS under the influence. I lived my life under that influence for far too long. It cost me my first marriage and the guilt and shame from it has clung on to me for far too long.
I surrender this guilt, shame and silence.

Ok, they fixed it

American Idol did the song right from what I heard. Either they had a lot of complaints or maybe the contestants wanted to do it right. Maybe Darlene complained. Either way, glad to see they did the song right.

How Dare You American Idol

Let me remind everyone how "Shout to the Lord" goes

My Jesus, My Savior


OK, you know the rest of it. It does NOT begin with My shepherd....

Politically correct version is what we got. I'm sick and tired of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, being labeled politically incorrect. It almost makes me want to quit watching American Idol.

About the pictures you see

So, I've got a couple of pictures scattered on the blog here. Since I'm extremely mindless and can't think of anything to blog about, I'll go into my pictures. There is one with me in a baptismal pool. Yes. That was May 7, 2006. Brian Hill did the honors. It's a day I will not forget. There is another pic with me and longer hair, gotee and stuff. That would be me and my Line 6 amp and my BC Rich Warlock guitar. I was in a band called Empire in Ruins (they since have changed their name to Strikezone). I left shortly before I was baptized. I probably played almost a dozen shows with them. It was fun but I could tell I didn't have the heart to keep going with it and it was affecting me in many other ways. What's done is done and I can't change that but I love the guys and wish them nothing but success. There is a small picture of just a head shot. Taken by Alan Matthews. He was going around to all the children's ministry people at church. Interestingly enough, he used an action shot of me for a big board showing off everyone. Lastly, little miss Yolomin. One of the many children that melted my heart in Venezuela. Yolomin especially. Not sure why. She and I just connected. I pray for that girl. And the Venezuelans. They are always on my mind and pray one day I can go back. Gee, this turned out longer than I thought! And hey, all while listening to the great Larry Carlton. His album On Solid Ground is so relaxing to listen to and it's such a triumphant CD. It was almost killed by a gunshot. I'm happy that he was able to recover that tragic event in his life and how God is using him now. Awesome.

Not Worthy

It's just that simple. There are a lot of things in this life that I am not worthy of.

My Dream CD (from my My Space blog)

Back on Halloween of 1984, I started taking lessons on how to play guitar. I started off on this Sigma Acoustic (Sigma is an economical version of Martin Guitars) and within a year's time, got a Hondo Mastercaster electric guitar. Around this time, I started writing lyrics for songs that I would have loved to have done when I was a teenager. Thank the good Lord those 200+ songs disappeared. Most of them were either written about sex, rock and roll, or some form of violent nature. I never really got around to putting any music to them since I was never really in a band so they remained just bunches of lyrics to horrifically bad songs. There were a few that got music to them but now without the lyrics, it won't do me any good. With one exception. On my music page, the song Scars Too Deep To Heal is one of the only ones to survive. Another one I have is called One Chance Meeting which has music. These last two were written back in 95/96 and are much more mature lyrics that the crap I wrote in high school.
All this to say, while I've not been writing a bunch of songs lately, I have a few that I'd love to tweak and hopefully one day record and can say I put an actual CD out. But, I dream too. My dream CD would consist of the songs you hear on my music page. As well as a couple of others I've been working with over the years. But, I'd also love to include some songs with some friends of mine. One song is written by a guy I used to play with at a small church and we'd have a great jam with that one. A wonderful praise and worship song. Another song would be from another person from that same church who now leads the praise and worship at the church. She has a great voice and writes great songs. There was one that I added my own touch to and ever since then it's probably become my favorite of hers. Then, I'd like to sit down with two friends that are on my top friends list, Stacy and Rick, and write out a fresh new song together. Stacy is good on the keys and plays bass and Rick also plays bass. He looks like he can get a bit funky so that would be really cool! Then, I'd probably throw a couple of covers in there. There is an old hymn called "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love". One time I jammed on this with a drummer and we turned it into this crazy 80's metal anthem. It's hilarious. But, the song works so well that way. I'd love to do a Rich Mullins song. Not an obvious one, but one of the more lesser known songs (if one exists with Rich's music). The first time I ever heard Rich's music, I instantly fell in love with it and then I heard that he had been killed in a tragic auto accident just a few months earlier. The last cover would come from my influence of Eric Clapton. I'd love to do "Presence of the Lord". Either that, or a song from the Derek and the Dominos CD called "Keep on Growing". Eric has so many wonderful tunes, it would be hard to pick one. "Keep on Growing" would be good because I'd invite a friend of my brother to play on it. Amazing guitar player especially when it comes to that bluesy style.
One thing I must say is that God has blessed me with many wonderful musicians that I've had the chance to play with. The In Transit guys, the guys in Strikezone, my friends in MD and PA, all the different guys and gals who have played in the church's children's ministry, Steve Wingo, Sam Riley, D Watts and Wes Mewbourne (I hope I spelled that right), Porter, and so many others. I know I probably will not exude much in the way of confidence here but all of these people are so mega talented that I am humbled just to have the opportunity just to play with them all. It pushes me musically. And hopefully in turn will make me a better musician.
But, for now. I dream.......

not the rocker nurse!!

America! I can't believe it! Was it because the song was about the USSR?? I thought the song was right for Amanda to do but oh well.
Anywho, those are my thoughts.

Parents, Pinochle, and Limburger

It was so awesome having my parents down for a little while. They came in Thursday night and yesterday, Sabrina and I had the day off as well so we all had fun frolicking in the rain haha. We were hoping to do some other stuff but the rain cancelled that out. So, we settled for some pinochle. I've loved playing this game since I was a teenager. When Sabrina joined in on the fun it gave the 4 of us something to do for endless hours if we wanted to. Usually when we play, it's me and my Dad against Sabrina and my Mom. And usually, the guys win. haha The only time we get to play is when they come to visit or if we go up to PA. Hardly anyone here in the South has heard of the game. But, I learned that the Impish one's fiancee has heard of it and has decks! Here's praying to pinochle partners! haha
Limburger cheese. Yes, I love it. My Dad has told many stories of when he was growing up and how much limburger the family would eat. I'm the only one of the 3 kids who will eat it. It's great with a strong onion, good rye or pumpernickel bread, spicy mustard and if you really want to get carried away, a beer. But, I really don't drink beer at all, or liquor for that matter. If I do, it's very very rare. So, me and Dad sat on the back deck and ate limburger and yakked away. It's always so much fun.
Sabrina and I are both at work today. So, we'll see what happens tonight!

Night on Earth

Ok, now I remember a bit more about this movie. Man, I wish there weren't so many f-bombs in it. I guess I was so desensitized to that back in the day. So, to anyone I recommended this movie to, if you are brave enough to watch it, just know you're going to be f-bombed to death.

I forgot about the one who went home!

Ya know, reading my previous entry, I forgot to mention David Hernandez, who went home on American Idol. I'm not too surprised given all the tabloid garbage about him. That's sad though. I hope his career can rebound from that.
My thoughts on next week. Well, we're in for more Beatles tunes. Maybe this time I'll get Helter Skelter from Amanda. haha Who's going to do Yesterday? Do I hear a Magical Mystery Tour or I Am the Walrus? Stay tuned folks. Oh, and who else needed to be woke up from Kat's performance of Something???

American Idol does the Beatles

So, let's see. How did the AI people do this week? David Cook, ROCKED! David Archuleta, BLEW IT!! Carly and Amanda, ROCKED! Chekieze, ROCKED! Brooke and Syesha, Michael and Jason, decent. Kristy and Ramiele? Might be in big trouble. David A isn't in trouble because he's got the teeny bopper vote even if he did forget the lyrics. At least he ain't perfect. But, my favorites were David Cook and a tie with Carly, Amanda and Chekieze.

You Prayed For Me

I've been looking through a text in John 17. Verses 20-26. Isn't it awesome that Jesus was praying for you? For me? There are no words for me to say to this text but THANK YOU JESUS! That I can be one with Jesus. I'm quite speechless.

So, I wake up to find this???

This is a FAR CRY from 3 Feet!!

WOO HOO!!

I'm excited! The parentals are coming down next week!! It's going to be great because my Dad's birthday is St. Patrick's Day so we'll get to celebrate together! I haven't been able to do that since we moved here. I'm excited!!

NetFlix

Ok, I must really be out of my mind but now I have joined NetFlix.(Melodie, you are a disciple of Netflix, I know. haha) And what are our first 3 movies? Let's see. 2 for Sabrina and one for me! haha Becoming Jane, The Astronaut Farmer and Night on Earth. By the way, I know I've mentioned Night on Earth to a few people who read this, anyone want to get together and watch it? Might not be everyone's cup of tea. It's been so long since I've seen it but I remember liking it. But, then again, I was a major hooligan at the time. So, we'll see. But, yeah, we have 32 movies in our que. But, then again, most of those are double sets, like the V TV show, Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock, ya know, classic stuff. :) Sabrina made sure she put plenty of her own choices in there. I might actually watch one or two of them with her! haha

Oh my!

Danny Noriega, the whiny little emo kid who I thought was going to be in the Top 12 in American Idol is going home! I can't believe that America split up the couple! He and Ramiele seem to be having a bit of a connection. I really thought Chiekeze was going home but oh well! So I was wrong. Good luck to Danny in all seriousness. I actually enjoyed his version of Tainted Love. I hated to see Asia go home. She had such a good story.

American Idol-The Girls-what I thought

So, was it just me, or did the judges seem bored? They were constantly off track, well, at least Randy and Paula. Simon was right on. Amanda actually did the best followed by Brooke and hmmm, maybe I dunno. I like Kristy Lee but Faithfully didn't totally work for me. My guess is that Kady will be gone for sure. It's a toss up as to who else.

Oh yeah, my picture!

In case anyone wants to know, which I don't know who, but the picture you see on my blog is from May 7, 2006. After a long time of wrestling with whether or not to go through believer's baptism, I went through with it. One night earlier in the week, I felt God tell me to do it. And this time, I didn't argue or bicker about it because I didn't have a reason not to. It was something I had to do and should have done a long time ago. That was an interesting week. I left a band that I had been a part of. Basically parting ways with one of the guys in the band who I was good friends with. And then May 7, it was just awesome. My good friend Brian Hill did the honors. He was the church's children's minister and I'd been playing with him in our children's band for a long time. I just felt he was the right guy to do the baptizing. And I love him for it! I miss him too.

American Idol-The Girls

Yeah, I'll be watching the girls tonight. The guys did ok last night. David Cook impressed me with his rocking version of Lionel Richie's Hello. David A did ok with Phil Collins. Even dreadlock boy Jason Castro was impressive with his choice. Even whiny emo kid Danny wasn't all that bad, but probably on the bottom 3 as far as my favorites.
Who will go home from them? I'm guessing Luke and Chekieze. Danny is going to get the teenage girl vote mainly because he wears girl pants. At least he can sing. Unlike Sanjaya.
So, who will wind up going home from the girls? I guess we'll find out how they do. I can't see Kady hanging in there much longer. Not sure who else though. I like the rocker nurse but her voice will limit her on theme weeks. Could you imagine her doing a Barry Manilow song????

Parents

This is going to be quick since I have a men's Bible study to go to this morning, but I can't help but feel sad for my parents. They went to visit a long time friend in a nursing home the other day. I've known this lady all my life. She and her husband have been married for nearly 75 years! They walked into the room and she had no clue who they were. When Dad sent me the e-mail on that I just didn't know what to say. I still don't. I'm not sure what this lady has but whatever it is has deteriorated her quickly. I just pray that the Lord will take her home soon.

American Idol

I just have one hope for tonight. That come Thursday, America will vote off the whiny emo kid with the sassy attitude.
When in Alabama, if there is someone in the competition, expect to hear about them constantly on the news. The President could be decapitated and that contestant would still be the top story. I started watching the year of Daughtry. Yeah, he rocks. He should have won. Taylor was fun but Daughtry is much better and his album sales have proved it. So, I'm off to play some guitar while the show is on tonight. Good practice time.

Storm wasn't all that bad

Ok, the storms didn't get too crazy, at least, not at my place. I have no idea what's going on around me. But, I hear rain outside but that's it. No more lightnight and thunder. As Eric Clapton sang "Let It Rain, Let It Rain!". But, he was talking about love I believe. haha Off to the church to pray and then to work.

Oh yeah, selfless promotion

www.myspace.com/theacousticjohnnymetal

Gotta promote my tunes! Someone might fall asleep to them. haha

Storm's a comin

So I thought I'd play around with this old site for a while. It needed an upgrade.
I had done this great post but somehow got lost. Oh well. Here's another shot at it.
So, we have this little storm coming through the area. One thing about the south that I've learned is that it has 3 seasons. Summer, Football and Tornado. We're in tornado season right now. What I would not give for 3 feet of snow from the folks up North!
God has blessed me with some new people to hang out with. Not just me, but me and Sabrina, my wife. A couple of ladies from her Bible study invited us to hang with them and some other friends after church on Sunday nights and we have really bonded well with all who is involved. I'd been in a drought when it came to friends lately so this is very much welcomed.
We have a homegroup which is also awesome. It's a great place to be. But, I'm ready to go that next step into Biblical community with them. We've been going through 1 Thessalonians and wow, the truths that are found in there! Well, the whole Bible!
I've also had the chance to jam with a fellow musician from church. You can check out her music at www.myspace.com/dwatts1. Her and her guitar player have been playing acoustic gigs here and there and I've had the chance to learn her tunes and get up with her and jam on a couple of them. It's helped me as a musician in many ways. Since I long gave up on my ear, it's given my the confidence that I can still pick out music by ear. Plus her songs really connect with where I'm at in many ways.
So I'm hoping to get back to using this site. To anyone who reads this, be blessed!!

JC