Lyrics 'til Later

Blessed Morning all!, I am a little too sleep deprived to try and write anything, so I'll just quote from the band that kept me out so late last night (o: , Will write later on da concert.

"So this is the way
that I say that I need You
This is the way
That I say I love You
This is the way
That I say I'm Yours
This is the way
This is the way

That I'm learning to breathe
I'm learning to crawl
I'm finding that You and You alone
can break my fall
I'm living again, awake and alive
I'm dying to breathe in these abundant skies"

Learning to Breathe - Switchfoot

Too Old to Rock n' Roll?

Yes, The Monkster and two lovely girls, are hitting a Rock club tonight.


O.K., the bands we are seeing are Christian (Switchfoot and Copeland), and the girls are actually my wonderful 14 year old niece Largo, and one of her friends. I am taking them as part of the "Coolest Uncle Ever" contest, also known as her birthday present.

It is an All Ages show at a bar/nightclub, not a church, and kudos (along with prayers) to any band who can take the Message to the masses, whether in their lyrics or their example. (Granted, I personally will be more concerned with the girls' safety and protection, than the rawkin' music)

Back when I was still an atheist, it was actually my own buying of the first Jars of Clay CD, that our Lord used as a way of "knocking on my hearts door".

Mark 2:17 And hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Sometimes it takes a little rawk to break a heart of stone

Saturday Nite Sinner

I really messed up last night. God gave me an opportunity, and I took too long to "think" about it, and then it was gone.

Yesterday, after a week of suffering from ear problems ended with a severely clogged right ear, I went to a local walk-in. Night-time Pediatrics advertises itself as Quality Care for All Ages, and your wwmm, has been just about "all ages". I called to schedule an appointment, and waited a few hours until the 6 PM time they gave me had almost arrived, before casually strolling into the clinic.

Filled with lot's o' 'rents with coughing and hacking kids, I filled out my paper work, and waited my turn with the other adults (wow, I'm actually an adult, who woulda thunk it?). While waiting, a rather disheveled looking dad walked in, carrying one child, while holding another gently by his hoodie. I overheard the receptionist tell him that the next available time was 9:30pm, to which the Holy Spirit gave me a nudge "give him your appointment and come back".

What a nice thing to be able to say that I did . . .but, I didn't!

While I was busy trying to figure out all the "Why's" and "Why nots", the dad had already left with his 9:30 appointment scheduled and kids in tow.

I had decided to give him my appt., but it was too late.

Now in reflection, I realize my sin wasn't that I didn't give the man my appointment, but that I doubted God, that I didn't trust Him with my circumstance.

Oh Lord, I trust You, but do I live like I do?

I know He has forgiven me this, and I've almost forgiven myself, but I pray this lesson be burnt into my brain so it is not repeated.

Q'o'da'Day

“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue center light pop, and everybody goes "Awwwwwwwwwwwww!”

Jack Kerouac (1922-1969)

Although I have always loved the poetic imagery of Kerouac's words, I also realized today how incredibly selfish they are. For me "the only people" are, and must be, everyone and anyone God chooses to place in my path.

One of my favorite things about being a Christian is that I do not know, or concern myself, with my fellow Christians' social status, political views, or intellectual prowess. We all share a common faith, a common hope, and a oh so uncommon love.

catholic : of, relating to, or forming the church universal

broad in sympathies, tastes, or interests

Paul Weller - What's Going On (live)

In case you hadn't noticed, many of my Weekend vid's feature Mr. Weller (solo, or Jam/Style Council).

If you don't have at least one Paul Weller CD, shame on you (O:, . . . yes, I'll make ya a mix !

Lyrics sadly as poignant now, as when Marvin Gaye wrote them 30+ years ago, but regardless of your views on the war, please take a minute to pray for everyone involved.

One Dollar Musical Value Meal

As someone who suffers from a slight music addiction, but it also known for his frugality, I thought I'd take some time to offer up a small list of Great CDs that I often see in the Dollar bins of Used CD shops.

1) Brendan Benson - One Mississippi : For all you Jack White fans, Brendan is now a member of The Raconteurs. This was his first release (a recent reissue also includes his indie EP), and is pure Detroit Power Pop (granted the words pure and Detroit rarely go together), and half the tunes are co-written by Jason Falkner (Jellyfish, The Grays). This disc was White Stripe-ish before there was a White Stripes.

2) Rhubarb - Kamikaze : If you look under toe-tapping in Websters, you are sure to find a photo of this group of Aussie Jangle Popsters (O.K.,I didn't think you'd really look). Easily described as a Christian alternative to Teenage Fanclub, although their lyrics are rather subtle, and only one song even says the name "Jesus", they write honest songs about their own Christian walk. I love this CD!!!

3) Rich Creamy Paint - s/t : Although RCP is now a duo, this first album features a 19 year old Rich Painter playing almost every instrument, as well as all the writing, with production by his uncle John Mark Painter (Fleming and John). Innocent Bubblegum Power pop (noticing a theme yet?), full of songs that will invade your brain faster than that Vonage tune. Oh, and his new bride makes up the other part of the duo (those wacky Christians! honoring God and sharing their lives together).

4) The Cavedogs - Joyrides For Shut-ins / Soul Martini : I listed both of their early 90's releases, because they each usually can be found in various budget bins. As every member of the trio also sings, I often describe them as what the Beatles would've sounded like if they had gotten together in Boston in the late 80's. Each member has gone onto other, similar power-pop-indie projects. They also do a smashing cover of "What's new Pussycat?".

5) Reeve Oliver - s/t - This is the only current release, and I hesitate to mention them, as I'd rather you skip a Latte, and support them by buying their disc for full price (but if ya do find it for a buck, go online and at least buy a shirt). A San Diego alterna-pop band, who recently won that city's 2006 "Best Rock Band" award, and rightly so (an award previously won by ex-dollar binsters Switchfoot) . The single "I want Burns" is as near perfect a pop tune as has ever been written, and the lines "For the sun to rise, It must get dark " also gives you a glimpse of where (and in Who) their hearts rest.
Bonus points if you can figure out the meaing of their name (O:

I will be adding more to the list, but I thought this would be enough to keep you all out of trouble for today.

Be blessed - be a blessing !

Daylight - Brave Saint Saturn

Homemade vid I found on youtube, of a great song by a great band. As one who wandered so long in darkness, I have seen the daylight, and blessed be His name.

Daylight - Brave Saint Saturn

"Jesus Christ, Light of the World
You never did forget me
and when i bled in darkness,
You held me
still held me
when desparate nights i cursed You 
You loved me, still loved me 
Jesus Christ, You dry the tears 
You break my heart of stone 
Your words are life 
cut marrow through 
the darkness, to the bone 
a heart of flesh You gave me 
only You can save me

Savior

Daylight

I am coming home"

All about perspective

"The good Lord let me know she's alright, He brings her back to visit every so often and I'm thankful for that,"

A quote from Minnie Smith, mother and caregiver of Christa Lilly, after her daughter slipped back into the vegetative state she has been in and out of since November of 2000. The full story can be found here.

Oh, if only I, we, would look at even the small disappointments in our life, with the same spirit of joy and thankfulness that this mother has voiced. . . .what a wonderfilled world it would be.

Dear God, thank you for every breathe, every beat of my heart, and every trial which you would have me face. I will always try to say "Jesus I trust in you!"

Let us all say a prayer of thanks for wherever God has us, as well as prayers for the mother, daughter, and family in the above story.

I can only Imagine

I actually can do more than imagine, I can continue to pray that one day all Christians, all people, will truly know the meaning of Communion!

"Christ held Himself in His hands when He gave His Body to His disciples saying: 'This is My Body.' No one partakes of this Flesh before he has adored it."
St. Augustine

"What wonderful majesty! What stupendous condescension! O sublime humility! That the Lord of the whole universe, God and the Son of God, should humble Himself like this under the form of a little bread, for our salvation"
St. Francis of Assisi

"I'd rather be in Eucharistic Adoration"
Possible License plate cover for da WWMM (o:

P.D.A.

I am not one to wear shirts that are this graphic, but the sentiment is so true. Only by looking at the cross can we know what true love is, only by following the Master's example of sacrifice can we be true friends, and only by gazing upon the nail torn hands can we truly know how much we are loved . . .and oh, how we are loved!!!

I have been known to sport the shirts below, from One Truth clothing and Jesus is a Rebel.com

Monk wins Mega-Millions!!!!

O.K., before any of you hit me up for loans, I must confess that I did not in fact win any state lottery - but I did receive a prize of infinite value.

I received the gift of grace, of love, of faith, of forgiveness, of salvation.

I received the ability to see everyone around me with love and compassion; the ability to have joy for others happiness regardless of my own state.

I received adoption into God's own family, and along with my Brother Jesus, can cry out "Abba" to my heavenly Father, as well as pray along with our Blessed Mother Mary.

I received the knowledge that the God of the universe would rather spend three days in hell, than one day in Heaven without this silly, so incredibly undeserving, ex-long hair'd Baltimore boy.

That God is madly, passionately, in love with me!!!! (and you too!)

I am happy for the trucker from Georgia,
but wake everyday knowing I won the more valuable prize.

Thank you Jesus!

Tonight - FM Static

I'm in the beautiful Virginia town of Richmond today, and listened to this song about a bazillion times on my ride down, along with C.S. Lewis' reading of The Four Loves. This song definitely embodies the theme of Philia (friendship), as does this sweat lil' homemade high school vid.

Listening to this song, I think about how God has blessed me with some wonderful friends, both past (Vic, Tim, Vince, Laura, Kristin, Mike), and present (Jason, Josh, Jay, Steph, Richard, Paul, Mary). I thank Him that my sister is also my best friend, who is as proud of me, as I am of her.

I also think of my amazing friend John, who left us this time last year,and who I know is praying, along with the saints and angels, for us now. I miss you brother!

Tonight I've fallen and I can't get up
I need your loving hands to come and pick me up
And every night I miss you
I can just look up
And know the stars are
Holding you, holding you, holding you
Tonight
Tonight - FM Static

Warning: this is a perfect pop song, and WILL stay in your head for days (O:

Salvation vs. the Sinner’s Prayer

Most Protestants I have talked with believe that salvation is a one time, "Jesus, I'm sorry" kinda deal - regardless that the Bible doesn't teach that. In a recent Christianity Today article, David Gushee writes about the non-Biblical easy salvation of the "sinner's prayer".

As the writer is a Baptist, he stays away from any any verses that might sound Catholic, and only quotes two sections of Luke.(luke 10:25-28 , luke 18:18-25). Although he does go on to expound on the idea of works, without actually using the term "works".

"Mediocrity and hypocrisy characterize the lives of many avowed Christians, at least in part because of our default answer to the salvation question. Anyone can, and most Americans do, "believe" in Jesus rather than some alternative savior. Anyone can, and many Americans sometimes do, say a prayer asking Jesus to save them. But not many embark on a life fully devoted to the love of God, the love of neighbor, the moral practice of God's will, and radical, costly discipleship".

I agree with the above quote, so much that I started reading the Bible objectively, and found out that those Wacky Catholics were right. The main verse that lead to my departure from my Evangelical church (a church of wonderful Christians, who are sadly only taught half truths) was to be found in John 6

53Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.

Reading the above, Jesus' own words, and than giving only lip service (pun intended) to it on those rare "grape juice and matzo" Communion days, I knew that something was wrong.
Going on to read John 6:66 (yep, three 6's) we can actually see a prophesy of the Reformation.

66From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

Are those who deny Christ's teaching in John 6 still following Jesus? How many other verses in the Bible do we ignore because the "teaching is too hard", or sounds too Catholic. I would suggest to you my brothers and sisters, as well as Mr. Gushhe, to objectively read the Bible open to the fact the maybe the Church that Christ started, is actually teaching what Jesus taught.

For me, my Evangelical background was delicious mother's milk, but when I was ready for the meat, they could only offer me a juice box with crackers.

Both Sides Now : remix

Conservatives are much the same as Liberals except;

One person uses logic and reason to see things fairly and objectively
to know there is something bigger than himself...
and the other person sadly, stays liberal.

The other day an old friend (who sadly does not read my blog) surprised me with two pronouncements: 1) he had been "freed" from codependent relationships, and 2) he was now "converted" to die hard liberalism.

Excited that I was for this my friend's feeling of freedom, I couldn't help ponder whether he had just traded in his codependent relationships for codependent politics.

Codependency: a psychological condition or a relationship in which a person is controlled or manipulated by another who is affected with a pathological condition (as an addiction to alcohol or heroin); broadly : dependence on the needs of or control by another.

Since liberalism is often more fashion than ideology -- more to fit in with the group than out of objective reason -- I can't help but feel you could substitute "liberalism" as the heading for the above definition.

I know that the reason I switched was that I saw that definition in myself (in the form of Peter Keating in Ayn Rand's classic "The Fountainhead") and it sickened me. I always wanted to do what was right, and figuring that out is much harder than just letting the Church of Jon Stewart dictate it to you.

Everything I see in the fascist ideology that has become American liberalism points to a controlling brute inebriated on phony self-righteousness, ready to sucker punch it's enabler at the first sign of any original or opposing thought.

Just look at how the left is attacking once poster boy Dennis Miller, simply because he thinks the war on terror is needed (although he is still with the left in most other areas).

This new 'teer has a similar story from his long-haired liberal days, when at an anti-war rally a radical feminist chewed me a new one, simply because of my silly notion that babies are to be loved -- not ripped to shreds in their mothers' uteruses. Wacky me, I thought we were there to put an end to violence.

The Peace and Love movement of the Sixties no longer exists (if it ever did), and it's history and death are outlined dramatically in ex-liberal David Horowitz's "Radical Son". The true Peace and Love movement is not political, was started by a Jewish carpenter two thousand years ago, and continues forever in the hearts of the redeemed -- giving us both right and left wings, so we might one day soar above the mountains like eagles.

I do think that most subscribers of either liberalism or conservatism actually hold the belief that their ideas are good, that any malice is mostly subconscious, and that each has the same basic God-given desire to do good. I also know that there is no political party in heaven, and that I might be spending time in all eternity next to someone who actually voted for Hilary (of course that could mean I ended up in the other place).