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