Josh Canady

Wind Patterns (acoustic) EP

2010-04-01T19:56:00.002-05:00

*Before you read this please go to www.joshcanady.com and download my new acoustic EP.....its free!

First off let me say that this is not the official Wind Patterns EP. I am working on that but it is yet to come. This acoustic EP is basically a prequal to that cd. Same songs cut to their core, stripped of everything but a guitar and voice. You may be wondering why even put this out then if the real thing is yet to come.

1- Input- I want you all to hear these songs as soon as possible. I want to hear what you like and hate about these recordings so I can keep that in mind as I am making the real thing. Also I want to get these songs stuck in your head and marinate in your soul for a while before hearing what is it come. I think the finished product will mean much more this way.
2- Spreading the word – Hopefully this prequal Ep will sparks something. Maybe a movement, maybe an interest, maybe a revolution or maybe just a spark but the point is I want you and everyone else to know what is coming. That’s why I need you reading this to help me. Let people know about these songs, post it to your profile, have a listening concert, book a show with me etc… This will not spread with me alone. This acoustic prequal is a tool…please use it. (remember its free!)
3- Alternative- There will always be those who just enjoy this type of cd more than a more produced polished one.

So although this is its own little EP, think of it as a part of something bigger that is coming. As details become concrete I will fill you all in so you can continue to spread the word. I can use all the help I can get.

This was recorded in one night on March 31st, 2010. They are (mostly) a collection of recent songs written in the past month that I felt needed to be heard. My plan really was not to do another acoustic CD but as we all know plans change.

Lastly I want to say thank you for being a part of this. These songs express my heart and soul in a lot of ways and you being willing to listen is a huge deal to me. We are on the ground floor together and that means a great deal to me. I am truly excited for what is to come and am glad that I am not alone in this journey. Lets build this thing.

www.joshcanady.com

Where have I been?

2010-03-30T09:46:00.002-05:00

I am not sure if anyone is still out there but I thought it was about time to start this thing up again. To make an extremely long story short ....my family and I are no longer in Nashville. We now call a little town in Pennsylvania call Lititz home. It was a long journey to get to this point but we are happier here than we have been in a long time. We are still trying to put together some of the pieces but we are on our way to finding some sort of normalcy or pattern.

Leaving Nashville- Although we loved some parts of living in Nashville it never felt like home to us. Really it came down to the fact that we just wanted to be close to the majority of our families. Especially once Daisy came it was abundantly clear that we needed to be closer. There are days (especially as the weather is turning to spring) that I miss Nashville. I miss our home alot (but do not miss the work it required). I miss sitting in my backyard with music on watching plans fly by through the trees. I miss driving home on Friday afternoons after work with the windows down knowing I had a real weekend. I miss the few friends we made there.

Lititz, PA- So far we love this little town. In the evening and morning you can smell the chocolate factory when you step outside which is great for a chocolate lover like myself. There is an awesome park about a 2 min. walk from our front door which we have loved taking Daisy to. Just last week Daisy and I went exploring and found a cool little music shop and several used kids clothing places. Right now I am working about 45 minutes from home which is not working....so I am looking for something closer and with a normal schedule.

Daisy- It is amazing how much being a father changes you. Although the last year has been one of the worst in my life in many ways....It still was amazing because of Daisy. I find myself amazed by her at least once a day. Although in some ways her presence makes me more of a wuss (crying more in movies, songs, commercials.....) she has made me stronger than anyone ever has. Excuse me a minute I think I have something in my eye......In less than 2 weeks we will celebrate the 1st year of Daisy's life.

Susan- Susan has been really strong this year. Putting up with not having a place of her own to call home for a good part of this year. She made the best of what we had. Now that we have our own place we sometimes laugh about the road it took to get here. But in the end we are thankful for the path that brought us here.

Me- I get nervous when I talk about myself in a specific way. I get nervous that what I say will not become reality which has happened often on this blog. Especially as it revolves around my music. Its already been 2 years since I started recording my second cd....got halfway done and stopped. I still have those recordings and will put a version of them out eventually. But now I can see that it was not the right time to put those out anyway. So what have I been doing musically if not recording or playing out? I have written dozens of songs that I can honestly say I am proud of. I have really tried to develop my skills as an honest songwriter. I have had fun writing about what actually has happened in my own life. Putting my stories and struggles into song form has been challenging and rewarding.

....Although I am afraid to say it I have started work on a 6 song ep called wind patterns. It will be acoustic and very low key. Although most of the music I have written are full band songs, over the past 2 months I have written 6 songs that are somewhat slow which I think adds to their depth. Although I really didnt want to my second set of recordings to be acoustic again I really dont feel like I can sit on these songs and not let them out. My plan right now is to get them out as soon as possible online. Anyway....hopefully I will have more on this soon but for now I do not want to jinx anything.

So thats all I can think of for now. I am ready for this next chapter of my life to begin.

HELP (a prayer)

2009-06-25T10:53:00.002-05:00

Help. I am way behind on paying bills/credit cards. I want to dig out of this hole once and for all and never return to it. I have made many stupid mistakes and learned many lessons. Now I am faced with the hard task of getting out of this mess. Lord, help me to trust you to get me through this.

Help. I have turned my back on you. Looked into your eyes with anger as if you were the enemy. I have cursed you and called you cruel. I have questioned your intentions.

Help. In many ways I am at the bottom. I have no money. Creditors are beating down my door. I look to the left but I see no help. I look to the right but I see no solutions. I am literally at a loss for what to do. I seek your guidance but hear the wind.

Help. I want to trust you. I want to see your promises as real. I want to be able to see your hand in all of this. I want my feeble solutions to be surpassed by your greatness. I want to be able to boast in you.

Help. I want to be closer to familiar faces. I want to be able to enjoy waking up each morning. I want to see new mercies. I have tried everything I know to do but to no avail.

Help. I do not recognize myself in the mirror. I am fearful. I am broken. My strength is almost gone.

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:31-33

Help me to seek you, to reflect on your word rather than reflect on my problems. You are greater than my problems yet I give my problems much more time and attention than I give you. Help me to return to you so that you can return to me. Help me to trust you to provide when it doesn’t make sense.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Help me to somehow use my debts for your ultimate glory. I don’t know how this is possible but please once again prove to me that nothing is impossible for you.

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. Psalm 34:10

Help me to seek you.

So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For ye are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let everyone of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. Ephesians 5:21-33

Help me to be a better man for my wife. Strong when I need to be strong. Wise when I need to be wise. Uplifting when I need to be uplifting.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8, 9
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3

Allow me to realize that your ways are bigger than mine. That you can accomplish far more than I can. That you are the see’er but I can only see what has already been seen. Help me to trust your ways and not depend on my own.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) Hebrews 10:23

Help me to have unwavering faith in you when nothing makes sense.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12, 13

Help me to realize your ultimate purpose for every thing, good and bad, is to glorify you. Help me to think eternally and not be consumed with what is in front of me.

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Help me to wait on you.

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:15, 16

Help me to look to you no matter what season I am in, knowing that you will provide perfectly. Help my desires to be your desires.

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Ephesians 3:12

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrews 13:6

Help me to be bold in you when the world is a threat.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:6

Help me to realize that you are not through with me yet. The just as I can look back now and see your handwriting throughout my story, I will one day look back again and see you.

Help me to continually look to you. To believe in your words. To seek you earnestly. To pray honestly. In worldly terms I am at the bottom. Help me to turn to you when I feel afraid or when I am uncertain about the future. Help me to praise you in the deepest darkest valleys and when I am in the brightest and highest of mountain tops. Help me to seek truth and avoid temptations when I feel betrayed by you. Help me to trust you when I feel like you are leading me into danger. Bring people into my life that have been there and can help. Help me to trust in your ways above my ways.

Return

2009-03-06T11:24:00.001-06:00

Our country seems to be at an irreversible all time low. People are losing jobs and homes left and right. We spend more money than we bring in. We speak without knowledge, act quickly without thinking and generally say and do what we think is good at the time without regard for truth or consequence. We spend billions looking out for our “sons and daughters” and spend more billions protecting the right to kill our future “sons and daughters”. We point the finger across the aisle and blame everyone but ourselves. We lie about our past, twist past events and make promises we cannot keep. Our money is becoming worthless. We are on a path to destruction with little hope for “change”.

3"Therefore say to them, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, "RETURN TO ME," declares the LORD of hosts, "that I may return to you," says the LORD of hosts.

-Zechariah 1: 3

Society is losing a sense for right, wrong and purpose. We worship pop stars and Presidents. We condemn pastors and preachers of the truth, calling their message hateful, divisive and un-friendly. We hope for the fleeting, dream of vapors and long for acceptance. We twitter and text our every thought of every noun without ever looking anyone in the eye. Each day we lose our sense of community and relationship a little more yet we are too enthralled to turn away. We average more time in front of our glowing boxes then we do with our families, friends, God or really anything else. We make mountains out of mole hills, mole hills out of mountains, find truth in the wind yet reject the winds source of power. We find hatred in truth and love in sickness. Our flesh has become our identification and strength. Marriage is becoming obsolete and with it goes our values, moral truth and principles.

12"Yet even now," declares the LORD,
"RETURN TO ME with all your heart,
And with fasting, weeping and mourning;

13And rend your heart and not your garments "
Now return to the LORD your God,
For He is gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness
And relenting of evil.

-Joel 2: 12-13

We Christians are at war with ourselves. Victory and suffering are our flagships. One side claims knowledge while the other claims experience. Knowledge pounces on experience saying it does not stand on absolute truth, it resembles the world and it lives in the grey areas. Experience pounces on knowledge saying it is out of touch, to proud, dwells on the unimportant and lives in the black or white. We have blogs and websites tearing each other apart in every way in the name of humor, information and warning. We build fortresses and forget our sense of community. We become one with the community and forget our sense of judgement. We preach on health, wealth and prosperity. We write blogs full of insinuations, half truths and gossip. We try to hard to be excepted and relevant and do not try hard enough to be biblically insightful, honest and helpful. We are a crippled body.

8"Remember the word which You commanded Your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful I will scatter you among the peoples;

9but if you RETURN TO ME and keep My commandments and do them, though those of you who have been scattered were in the most remote part of the heavens, I will gather them from there and will bring them to the place where I have chosen to cause My name to dwell.'

-Nehemiah 1: 8-9

I have walked away from what I know to be truth. I have lost my sense of direction and have allowed myself to be tossed in the wind. I have given myself to my own insecurities and allowed my senses to be convinced that this is the real world. I have seen “the glass” not as half full or empty but as broken. I have anger towards every side and do not wish to make amends. My experience is wasted, ideas are squandered and I often fail to see the point in it all. Time is my enemy and so I waste it. I burn bridges without a care and do not fight for trust. I am asleep and do not know how to wake up. I have changed.

6"For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

7"From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My statutes and have not kept them RETURN TO ME, and I will return to you," says the LORD of hosts.

-Malachi 3:6-7

Christians and Obama

2008-11-07T10:35:00.002-06:00

There has been a lot of talk lately, a lot of facebook “status updates”, and a lot of back and forth concerning the issue of Christians and Obama. I too have been heavily wrestling this issue for the past few days. I have been angered, disappointed, hopeful and speechless by some of what has gone on. The following are my thoughts on the matter according to what I believe as a God follower.

Let’s start by talking about who Barrak Obama is. Barrak Obama is a dynamic speaker, a motivating personality, a strong figure not only in the black community but in the country as a whole. He seems like a fairly genuine, candid and nice enough guy. He even professes to be a God follower. However in the midst of this love fest there is one huge flaw. There is an enormous issue that, for me, trivializes all of the good that can be said about him. President elect Barrack Obama is overwhelmingly Pro-choice/Pro-abortion/Anti-life.

So now the question becomes as a Christian what are you willing to overlook. What when voting for a candidate, becomes a deal breaker. In a world where most people have issues on both sides of the fence and no man seems to be the perfect answer to our many problems, which issues outshine the rest. In short, what issues are truly important to you.

John Piper put it perfectly on his blog:

No endorsement of any single issue qualifies a person to hold public office. Being pro-life does not make a person a good governor, mayor, or president. But there are numerous single issues that disqualify a person from public office. For example, any candidate who endorsed bribery as a form of government efficiency would be disqualified, no matter what his party or platform was. Or a person who endorsed corporate fraud (say under $50 million) would be disqualified no matter what else he endorsed. Or a person who said that no black people could hold office—on that single issue alone he would be unfit for office. Or a person who said that rape is only a misdemeanor—that single issue would end his political career. These examples could go on and on. Everybody knows a single issue that for them would disqualify a candidate for office.

So it is with politics. You have to decide what those issues are for you. What do you think disqualifies a person from holding public office? I believe that the endorsement of the right to kill unborn children disqualifies a person from any position of public office. It's simply the same as saying that the endorsement of racism, fraud, or bribery would disqualify him—except that child-killing is more serious than those.

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Articles/ByDate/1995/1524_OneIssue_Politics_OneIssue_Marriage_and_the_Humane_Society/

For me the issue and value of life is that deal breaker. I will never, as a God follower cast my vote for someone who does not value the life of an unborn baby. I feel that the bible is clear that we as God followers are to look after and protect the least of this world. The voiceless, innocent and unborn are the least of these. By supporting someone who does not support life (and that is ultimately what abortion is) I would be failing to uphold my belief in God and his word, failing to live for what is morally right and true and failing to represent my faith which I claim to hold closely above all else. I would be no better than the world who is blind to the true meaning and purpose of life and this world.

My hope is that at the end of my days I can stand in the presence of God knowing that although imperfect, I stood for what was good and true according to His word, in the face of adversity (both from the world and fellow Christians). I could never do that by supporting someone who supports the murdering of the innocent and voiceless.

I believe that is why I can stand in the midst of an unpopular opinion knowing that I have upheld what I know to be good and righteous according to His word. Knowing that the creature of all things has called us to look after the least in this world no matter how many stones are thrown, names called out and no matter how unpopular it may make me.

So then what do I do with all of the other issues on the table. If it is true that I will not vote for someone based on their stance on the value of life then what happens with all of the other issues of importance. My former professor Eric Redmond explained it best when he said:

In contrast, I do not think a recession can be said to be taking people to death unjustly, especially when many in Maryland voted to throw their lots in with bringing slots to my state; (the correlation of the recession to the slots-vote should be obvious to the righteous). I think our soldiers voluntarily sign up to defend our freedom at the risk of their own lives. Lack of health insurance coverage for all makes life very hard for many, but it does not lead to a denial of all medical care for any one class of people. (N.B. I have two members in my home with medical pre-conditions, and I am about to begin paying health insurance out of pocket because we cannot afford a break in coverage when my current job ends. I understand the value of health insurance and the stress of keeping up with the rising costs of such coverage.) So the economy, the war in Iraq, and universal health insurance became secondary issues for me—albeit very important ones —because righteousness was not at stake. Even so, the righteous should not now overlook these issues while loving their fellow man.

http://theologica.blogspot.com/2008/11/eric-redmond-living-soli-deo-gloria.html

I think we are living in an interesting time. A time where the lines of right and wrong, just and unjust, righteous and unrighteous are being blurred. A time where it is easy (in the USA) to be a Christian without the fear of persecution. A time when a Christian holding firm to his biblical beliefs are far more likely to be attacked by a fellow “Christian” than the world. A time when you are called a “hater” for clinging to what is biblically good and true.

I think there is a value to these conversations. There is a value to questioning whether or not the fundamentalist approach could use more love and relatable understanding. There is a value to looking into whether or not the emergent, open theist or liberal Christians need to hold tighter to the truth that can only be found through God and his word. These are conversations we need to have. But at the same time we as God followers are muddying the waters of what it means to truly follow Christ. And unbelievers are the ones getting lost in the shuffle. We are losing sight of what is ultimately important and allowing our ears to be tickled.

We as Christians need to wake up and realized that our actions, words and expressions mean something. They come at a cost. We need to hold to what is biblically and morally true above our race, emotions, feelings and personal tastes. There are issues that are more important than ourselves, issues that we need to stand for against all adversity and oppositions, issues we need to defend no matter how unpopular they may make us. We as God followers need to live for more than ourselves and our comforts. We need to live to defend those who cannot defend themselves because we were once saved in our defenseless state.

In the end I want to say that I will absolutely pray for President Elect Obama. He will be our President and is to be respected, I get that. He will need wisdom for the tough decisions he will make. He has a position of authority and power of which I could never imagine having. Just as I will pray for wisdom for the future President, I will also pray that his heart will be changed on the issue of the value of the unborn.

Anthony

2008-09-23T09:32:00.004-05:00

Anthony was truly one of the good ones. To be honest we weren’t great friends. We hung out here and there in the dorms at Washington Bible College. He was really good friends with a few of my really good friends so our circles crossed every once and a while. One thing I always noticed about him was that he treated everyone the same, whether you were his best friend, acquaintance, or worst enemy (if he had any). He was extremely easy to talk to no matter who you were and he treated everyone with genuine kindness.

A lot of times when someone passes away people feel obligated to say nice things about that person or to exaggerate the good things they had done but every once and a while you find someone that needs no exaggerations. That was Anthony. Anyone that knew him whether, close or from afar knew what kind of person he was. Anthony was serious about his God, but listened to those who disagreed with him. He was fun to be around, but knew when it was time to be focused. He had one of the most perfect balances of true excitement and calm reverence that I have ever seen. In simple terms he was a man of integrity.

Another thing about Anthony that was abundantly clear was his love for Kristi. Again I did not know Anthony extremely well but I knew who the love of his life was. I think everyone in the general vicinity of our college campus knew who the girl of his dreams was. In fact I bet the workers at the corner 7-11 could answer the question “who was the love of Anthony Eldridge’s life?” I don’t know Kristi well either but I do know that she was his treasure. I will pray for her and hope that she always feels the love that he had for her and that it resonates until the day she see’s him again.

It’s hard to understand why God would take someone so young, so promising and so full of life so soon. To us it makes no logical sense. It leaves us with nothing but questions and sadness. What could have been done? Why him? How can we go on? We begin to feel like pawns in a game of chance.

But as Christ followers we know that this is not a game of chance. There is a purpose to the things we don’t understand. There is a logic we can’t always see. There are reasons for extreme tragedies. In fact I think it can be argued that God works deeper in the midst of extreme tragedies. But that does not make it any easier or answer any of our questions. The simple answer to all of the hard questions is hope. We have hope in a God that is all-knowing, all-wise and all-powerful. Our hope is in a God that grieves with us yet understands why our loved ones are taken away. Anthony had this hope but no longer needs it. He now fully understands.

So what are we to do now? We reflect on the life that Anthony lived. We remember the person he was on this earth. We continue to put our faith and hope in a purposeful God who understands what we cannot. We look forward to the day when we absolutely will see Anthony again, a day that seems far for us but is really just a blink of an eye. We continue Anthony’s legacy by nourishing the seeds that he planted during his time here.

I am watching for how God will use this immense tragedy for his glory. I am watching to see how God will work in the lives of Kristi, and his family and friends in ways that we could never have imagined. I am placing my hope in the same God that Anthony lived for and is now worshipping at the feet of.

Anthony lived a great life here. He loved well and was well loved. As much as we will miss him and want him back we know that he is now more alive than ever. We must strive to live life to its fullest, worship our God well, and love those around us following Anthony’s example. And we will rejoice for the fact that we will see Anthony again very soon and worship with him in the presence of our God.

Baggage

2008-09-15T16:21:00.002-05:00

I have always known I have some baggage in my life but I have always considered it containable or an acceptable amount. My idea of forgiveness was putting it away not necessary letting it go. The problem is I was just moving the bitterness not really removing it. I more or less hid it.

Susan and I tried a new church yesterday (which we loved) and the pastor (shocker) spoke about this baggage. He compared it to Bermuda grass. Bermuda grass can be impossible to pull out and get rid of. Once you get one clump up you realize that it is connected to another clump, and so on. Not only that but Bermuda grass can have roots up to 6 feet deep. If the problem is not remedied, pretty soon Bermuda grass will totally take over a yard.

What I did not realize is that my own bitterness, which was hidden away, was actually growing and affecting other parts of my life without me ever realizing it.

About 6-7 years ago someone I know was wronged. Wronged in some of the worst ways you can possibly imagine. Maliciously and purposefully attacked, and while the person who was wronged was forgiving in a way that was almost un-human, I had a harder time letting it go.

Honestly I am ok with being wronged myself. I am pretty good at brushing off personal attacks (for the most part). But when a loved one is attacked…watch the freak out!

A couple of years after this first attack I thought I had pretty much let it go. Eventually I brushed it off as biblically stupid people that did not know better. I did not have the rage I had when thinking about what had been done. After having conversations about the events that had taken place I was once again able to sleep that night. I could even see some of these people in public and say hi with authentic friendliness.

But deep down the bitterness was still there. I had never really forgiven. I had moved my bitterness but not removed it.

Just recently someone close to me was wronged again in very much the same way as before. And once again I have seen this person forgive in almost an in-human way. This person is able to forgive with total abandon for his self. He has forgiven for the good and health of those around him.

I on the other hand am not able to do that. I see this person’s name being dragged through the mud, his words twisted, his record diminished and his personal wellbeing disregarded. I want revenge. I want justice. To be 100% honest with you (I realize this will not make me look good) I have prayed that wrong doers and their families feel what this person has felt 7 fold.

I have never removed my bitterness and baggage from before, so now it is more alive than ever.

But yesterday my baggage was exposed, if only to myself (and now to you).

To be honest, part of my reason for not having true forgiveness is because I did not know what true forgiveness was.

To forgive someone almost felt like copping out. In my mind I thought that if I forgave them, I was giving them the upper hand or I was almost condoning what they had done. To truly forgive someone to me meant that I had to almost relate to them and see things from their perspective.

That is not what true forgiveness is.

True forgiveness is letting go of the desire to see them hurt.

Doing this means removing bitterness.

Looking back at this person I know who has been wronged, he has always had this perspective on forgiveness. Which is probably why I never quite understood how he could forgive in the first place? He was never condoning what had been done to him. He was never magically seeing the good in what they had done. He was simply letting go of his desire to see them hurt.

To be extremely honest I am not there yet.

I still have my moments where I pray hard for God to seek harsh justice on them. I still have moments where I want God to cut them down at their knees.

And it all stems back from that bitterness that is continually growing like a weed, and will continue to grow unless I deal with it and allow myself to truly forgive.

Not condone. Not even reconcile. But let go of my desire to see these people hurt.

The funny thing about all of this is that I do pray for these people. I pray often that they will see the wrong in what they have been doing. I pray that they see that it is not too late to get on the right path. I pray that they humbly seek biblical council. All the while I pray that God seeks his vengeance.

It is an ongoing battle. Not an overnight thing.

But a necessary fight.

If I don’t lose this baggage, this bitterness I am afraid of what it may do to me.

Cause me to lose it, or rot me to my core.

Because there will be a next time.

There will come a day when someone I love is wronged again.

There will come a day when someone I care about will be treated un-biblically.

If I don’t take care of my baggage now, it will well up again inside. It will come out of hiding.

Yesterday the Pastor shared this passage with us, which really put things in perspective for me.

Matthew 18:23-30 (the message)
23-25"The kingdom of God is like a king who decided to square accounts with his servants. As he got under way, one servant was brought before him who had run up a debt of a hundred thousand dollars. He couldn't pay up, so the king ordered the man, along with his wife, children, and goods, to be auctioned off at the slave market.

26-27"The poor wretch threw himself at the king's feet and begged, 'Give me a chance and I'll pay it all back.' Touched by his plea, the king let him off, erasing the debt.

28"The servant was no sooner out of the room when he came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him ten dollars. He seized him by the throat and demanded, 'Pay up. Now!'

29-31"The poor wretch threw himself down and begged, 'Give me a chance and I'll pay it all back.' But he wouldn't do it. He had him arrested and put in jail until the debt was paid. When the other servants saw this going on, they were outraged and brought a detailed report to the king.

I have wronged God in the worst ways you could ever imagine, much worse than I have ever been wronged against. Much worse than anyone I know has been wronged. And yet he forgives me of my debt. He has erased it.

He does not condone it.

He does not reconcile with it.

But he forgives me my debt.

He does not have a desire to see me hurt.

He has no bitterness towards me.

So why do I have such a problem forgiving others that wrong me and those I love, when I have been forgiven of so much worse.

Again it’s a process. Not an overnight thing.

So that is where I am at. Processing everything.

Processing what it means to forgive and how I can do it.

Processing how you forgive people in the midst of the situation when they continually act in opposition to scripture.

Processing how to not fake forgiveness.

One day

2008-09-11T15:17:00.002-05:00

For those who believe…

One day what is done in the dark will be brought to the light

One day the hurt you have will work to make you whole

One day your thirst will be completely quenched and your hunger satisfied

One day your wounds will heal and your scars will remind you of what you have survived

One day the meaningless will make sense

One day those who have wronged you will be brought to justice

One day you widows will be alone no more

One day you Orphans will find your true father

One day this dying place will be restored

One day vengeance will be His

One day those who turn there back on Him, who mock His name, who claim His name but love the world will be shamed

One day your faith will be faith no more but proof of what has always been

One day shadows will prove the sunshine

One day the truth will be known and the lies of the worldly will be exposed

One day there will no need for hope

One day the barren will see your plan

One day you will make all things right

I Know a Man

2008-08-21T09:35:00.002-05:00

I know a shepherd who protects his flock against the evil in this world at any cost

I know a teacher that teaches carefully and without fear the very words of God, words which sometimes fall on deaf ears.

I know a man who is mindful of his shortcomings but confident in his absolution.

I know a Pastor who preaches with confidence and authority and lives out the very words he preaches.

I know a sinner who was saved and forgiven once and for all and lives to tell people about it.

I know a great forgiver who forgives those who wrong him in the worst of ways, who forgives a betrayer to his face while being stabbed in the back.

I know a seeker who wakes up and seeks direction and devotion before all else, a seeker who is quiet before the Lord before he ever utters a word on that day.

I know a wise man who cares more for the health of his flock than his own reputation.

I know a rock who has stood in the face of gossips, haters, slanderers and biblically unsound accusers with unwavering faith and love for those who wrong him.

I know a thinker who examines, contemplates, practices and reacts out of biblical example and not out of emotion.

I know a friend whose door is always open and who gives everything willingly knowing that nothing is truly his alone.

I know a scholar who is well read and well equipped to fulfill his duties and calling.

I know a liver who has given his life for the sake of Christ and his message and has never looked back even in the face of adversity.

I know a prayer warrior who seeks the council of the Lord before all else and who daily prays for those who wrong him.

I know a giver who gives everything he possibly can for the benefit of others and who would gladly give his life for his enemies if God would be glorified.

I know a leader who leads by example on a stage and behind closed doors and who has a dedicated following.

I know a weeper who weeps over his flock and is known and respected for his unashamed tears.

I know a father that has taught his children to do what is right and follow what is true no matter what adversity may come their way, a father whose children have grown to love his God and have given over their lives for the sake of ministry, following his example.

Music that works

2008-08-16T17:10:00.003-05:00

Music is a very mysterious thing. It can make you remember periods of your life. It can make you feel emotions you didnt think were possible. It can express ideas in a few lines that books cannot explain.

Sometimes I have to just sit and let music work its magic. There are times when the only things that comfort me are my headphones, ipod and a chair in the backyard.

The past week has been one of those times. Stability has become a soft ground and I have been left with many questions and no sleep.

I have allowed the following songs to work their magic and I wanted to share them.

Those who know me know that I am not a huge fan of most worship music. It can be so insincere and repetative and recycled. But these are some songs that that have helped me lately.

Let them work for you.

You'll Come - Hillsong

You Never Let Go - Matt Redman

Glory of it all -David Crowder Band

Hosanna - Hillsong United

Clinging to the Cross - Tim Hughes

From the Inside Out - Hillsong United

The Stand - Hillsong United

All of these can be downloaded from itunes. Also below is one more great song that I could not find a video for.

Beautiful the Blood- Fee

A Prayer

2008-08-04T09:44:00.001-05:00

My life feels like it is crashing down all around me. My securities fall one after another. Everything becomes fragile and broken.

…..And yet I will praise

My house is becoming too much to handle. The money is not there to fix things. The walls and foundation crack.

…..And yet I will look to you to be my cornerstone

I am at risk daily of being let go from my job. The money is drying up. The future is uncertain.

…..And yet I will give cheerfully with all of my heart

My friends have all abandoned me. Some have stabbed me in the back. Some have become distant and forgotten. I feel alone. I long for someone to call a friend.

…..And yet I will strive to grow closer to you

My dreams have vanished from reality. They have become too big to even think about and to unstable to sustain me. My future is unclear.

…..And yet I will listen for your direction and trust your plan

No one voices belief in me. No one takes a chance on my abilities. Everyone passes me without so much as a look in the eye.

…..And yet I will believe in you in place of my need for approval

My days have become trivial pockets of wasted time. My couch knows me well and my doors are always closed.

…..And yet I will look to you for strength to change the patterns of my life

The church angers me. It has become a haven for biblically stupid people. Followers do not take your word seriously. There are few who do the work of many and many who are critics of the few.

…..And yet I will trust you to use our imperfections for your glory

The world enrages me. It turns its back to you at every opportunity. It spits in the face of truth and wisdom. It longs to be right above logic.

…..And yet I will look forward to the day when you return to judge and renew this world

Sickness consumes me. Coming in physical, spiritual and mental forms, it is a constant reminder of how weak I am.

…..And yet I will worship you for using my weaknesses for your gain

Comfort controls me. I have no desire to branch out from familiar places with familiar faces. I have no need to bear fruit and your name has not brought me harm.

…..And yet I will pray that you bring the correct amount of persecution, fear and suffering so that my true comfort is in you alone

Give

2008-07-07T16:07:00.002-05:00

Robert Murray M'Cheyne-

"I am concerned for the poor but more for you. I know not what Christ will say to you in the great day....I fear there are many hearing me who may know well that they are not Christians, because they do not love to give. To give largely and liberally, not grudging at all, requires a new heart; an old heart would rather part with its life-blood than its money. Oh my friends! Enjoy your money; make the most of it; give none away; enjoy it quickly for I can tell you, you will be beggars throughout t eternity!"

Hope

2008-06-21T22:25:00.004-05:00

I don't know about you but I have needed encouragement lately. Possibly more than ever before. I tried to think of words to say...but nothing touched the words that have already been written.

Isaiah 43 (Message)

1-4 But now, God's Message....
"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.
I've called your name. You're mine.
When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.
When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you're between a rock and a hard place,
it won't be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That's how much you mean to me!
That's how much I love you!
I'd sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you.
.......
"Yes, I am God.
I've always been God
and I always will be God.
No one can take anything from me.
I make; who can unmake it?"

Garfield Minus Garfield

2008-06-20T20:17:00.002-05:00

I dont care who you are-These are Hilarious.

Unless of course you don't think these are Hilarious- Depending on who you are.

These are a two of my favorite things

2008-06-19T20:25:00.003-05:00

So anyone that knows me a little knows that I love music and movies. Anyone that knows me alot knows that my favorite band is Coldplay and my favorite movie maker is M. Night Shamylan (probably not spelled right and I am to lazy to google it). Anyway when I heard about 4 months ago that a new M. Night movie and a new coldplay cd were coming out in THE SAME WEEK I was pretty pumped. I waited and waited and finally the time came when I got to experience them both. And........dissapointment.

I will start with Coldplay. I had been listening to their two pre-released singles for about a month, and thought they were ok. Neither of the songs excited or inspired as much as the first time I heard Speed of Sound (from their last cd) or In My place (2 cd's ago), in fact its not even close. *Side note: I can still remember in 2005 driving across the bay bridge late one spring night when WHFS played Speed of Sound for the first time. I nearly laughed, I nearly cried, I nearly drove off the bridge* Anyway I finally got the full length cd and at first listen I was very impressed. I mostly love the paino ballads (cemeteries in london, etc...). I was so excited to be listen to new coldplay songs that I may have uttered the words "this is the best Coldplay cd yet". The second listen I was still soaking in the excitement of new coldplay songs. But by the third listen it was kind of old. Don't get me wrong, it is still a good cd. It is miles better than anything anyone else is putting out. They truly have a gift. But it just doesnt touch any of the other cds. There is no WOW factor. It doesnt rock out like "Square one" (1st song on the last cd) or "Fix You" I can't listen to it over and over and over like I can any of their other cds. Evey time I put in x & Y (their last cd, my favorite) I get as excited as the first time I listened to it. I cannot do that with this cd. It makes me sad because I waited for 3 years for it but theres always next time. All that to say its still good and its still worth purchasing.

And now M. Nights "the happening". M. Nights movies do something to me. They challenge me. They inspire me. They don't get old. The twists still fascinate me. The shots still amaze me. In fact he has never made a movie that I did not like. Until now. Let me first say that the movie was well written. It has a great plot and message. It engages you and makes you think. BUT the acting was THE WORST that I have EVER seen in a movie. And no I am not exaggerating. It really was. Mark Wahlberg should give back any money he was paid for this movie. He either didnt want to be there, didnt want to try to be believable or he really is that bad of an actor. I said lines in awkward ways as if reading from a cue card without glasses. His timing was horrible. It was worse than a high school play practice. The other actors werent great either ( except John Liquizamo) but Marky Mark really made a mockery of the whole movie. He single handedly ruined the movie for me to the point that I cant watch it seriously.
On top of this M. Night didnt put his normal directorial touch on this. He didnt have those incredible shots he is known for. He didnt really think outside of the box at all.
Unlike the Coldplay cd, this isnt worth a watch. Instead watch "signs" again.

These two were strike outs but there is always next time. In two years time I will be excited for a new M. Night movie and coldplay cd and we can put these dissapointments behind us.

*Oh and although the movie stunk, the sound track is AMAZING. Its done by my favorite composer James Newton Howard. *

By The Way

2008-06-17T13:15:00.000-05:00

I know there may be some of you reading my last post thinking I am writing it in response to you or something you may have said, written or posted. Trust me its not. It is in response to many things I have seen, on many peoples sites and many conversations I have had. It also is a response to my own blindness on some things.

A Blind Eye

2008-06-17T13:01:00.003-05:00

Lately I have been wondering how politics and Christianity go together. I have seen many Christians recently on blogs, facebook, myspace, etc.. and it seems like all they can talk about is their candidate, or who shouldn’t be a candidate or why their candidate is so much better than this person, and it goes on and on. The point is I am seeing way more about their political stances and their candidates than I ever see about their faith. I am not one of those people that thinks you have to plug God in every little thing you do or conversation you have but I think there is a problem when you know more about a persons political stance than their stance on God. This is a trend I see developing.

I understand why it happens. We are consumed with news coverage and political talk every way we turn. It is easy to be angered about a certain political stance or to become passionate about a certain candidate. And I think those are good things to be. But it cannot control us. It cannot be what we are known for. It cannot be all we post about. It cannot be what divides us.

Before I get into this, know that I am not a Mccain guy. I think he has good qualities, and I think Obama has good qualities. But I have recently been overwhelmed with the support I have seen from Christians for Obama. I honestly don’t know one person that is going crazy over McCain, but for Obama it seems like everywhere I turn I see someone I know, who is a Christian, showing their support for Obama. I honestly am curious why that is. I get that he is a passionate guy, great speaker, has some good ideas. I get all of that. What I cant get past is his stance on abortion. I know I know, is’nt that an old issue. Isnt that an issue for old school Christians. Hasn’t that issue been played out. No.

The fact is there are murderers occurring every day and Obama supports that. How as a Christian, who is supposed to uphold life as God’s creation do you look past that. I understand there are other issues on the table, but how do you look past that one issue. And I don’t want to hear the excuse that you are voting for the best of two bad choices. I would love to hear some of your thoughts on this because I cant get past it, and I don’t know how as a Christian you can support someone that does. Again I am not saying you should vote McCain at all, I am not saying to be a Republican. All I am saying is that as Christians especially we cannot turn a blind eye to something so big.

I am really worried about some of the trends I see happening today in the Christian community. I feel like relevance is important but I feel like we may be trying way to hard. I think we may be losing sight of some important things in order to distance ourselves from the equally dangerous, crazy, out of touch Christians.

PRAY FOR THE CHAPMAN FAMILY!

2008-05-22T07:54:00.002-05:00

This is a horrible tragedy. I can't imagine coming back from it. Pray very hard for them. I don't know what else to say.

Still Saying....

2008-05-21T20:23:00.002-05:00

Just Saying...

2008-05-18T21:54:00.002-05:00

The Most pointless and random blog I have ever written AKA Seacrest Out

2008-05-07T16:18:00.001-05:00

* For those of you who like to think of me as a nice, positive person and would like to continue to regard me as such, please stop reading now. What follows is complete and untamed honesty*

Am I the only one who is totally done with American Idol. I know it is still the most watched show in the history of the world but I also know that the ratings have gone down this year. It seems that everyone I know who watches it is still caught in the hype though. But I have totally disconnected from it. In fact, from what I have watched this season I am honestly not sure why I ever watched it. Oh yeah, I watched it for Simon and the first 3 weeks of rejects. Seriously though, on a side note, Simon has never been wrong with his assessments in my book, I cant think of one time I have disagreed with him. I hate it when the contestants write off Simon’s critique, or when the crowd boos him for being absolutely right. In fact I was reading a blog by a former contestant who was giving advice to this years crew and his main word of wisdom was to not listen to Simon because he doesn’t know what he is talking about. Are you serious? Yeah do that and see if you don’t get booted off within two weeks like that guy.
For all of you Paula lovers out there I just don’t get it. She literally has no business being on the show. First of all she has no musical credibility (listen to “straight up” and tell me with a straight face that she is a talented singer who deserves to judge other singers). If it were a dance show I would let her slide, but its not. Also people say that Simon is the mean one on the show…I couldn’t disagree more. Which is more mean, being positive and encouraging someone on a path that they have no business being on which will lead them to years of wasted time and disappointment (in other words lying to their faces), or telling someone the truth and saving them years of pursuing a fruitless path. And by the way, how many times are we going to buy the excuse that Paula isn’t high on something during the show?
As far as Randy is concerned, I can take him or leave him. I think he is equally right and wrong with his assessments. From what I have seen this season, he seems to have a bit more edge and honesty, which I like. Ryan is a good host and will shortly be the king of broadcasting and possibly the world.
Now back to why I am not watching anymore. I don’t buy the hype that some people say about there not being as much talent this year as other seasons. Let’s go through a list of some of the top 10 contestants of past seasons.

Taylor Hicks-No talent (is now doing shows for housing development closings by the way)
Bo Bice- Not much talent
Fantasia- ABSOLUTELY NO TALENT (unless you enjoy the sweet sounds of the Budweiser frogs)
Clay Aiken- Only talented if you like the corny Christian singers from the late 80’s and early 90’s and/or showtunes.
And finally the one who’s name we shall not speak (but we can type it- It’s the late ungreat Sanjaya).

So please don’t say there isn’t as much talent this year. In fact I would venture to say that the talent is more than up to par with previous seasons. David Archuleta has basically a flawless voice and a genuine humility which I like. The other David has a really great voice from what I have seen. Unfortunately he is not as good as he thinks he is, will never be the superstar he thinks he should be, and has the fakest humility I have ever seen. He grows more cocky everytime I see him and for that I hope he doesn’t win. The girl seems ok but nothing special. And Jason Castro, I am not sure I should even talk about him because my venom may soak through your computer. He has a decent voice. And mostly picks decent songs. But I am pretty sure he doesn’t even know his own name. I hate to say it because I hate to totally be negative and tear people down. And I know to some it makes him cute and likable. But Castro is as dumb as a brick and it bugs me. Can he be serious for once? Can he have a serious conversation or interaction with judges just ONCE? I don’t get it. Ok, we have seen your goofy/mildly retarded side enough now show us your serious, educated side. Jason (and now I will speak to him as if he is ever going to read this) I am sure you are a likable guy, and I don’t even think you are putting on an act, but try just once to not be so ditzy.
So that’s it. My last take on American idol. I may tune in next year for the rejects, but other than that I am officially done. I know it doesn’t sound like I am but I really have only watched it a handful of times this year and will not watch any next year. You heard it here first. I will no longer be watching American Idol. Its been fun but Seacrest out. I would like to thank the academy. Good night and good luck.

Movie Monday

2008-05-05T12:27:00.003-05:00

I want to start doing reveiws on some of the movies I watch. Anyone that knows me knows that I love movies....unless they are not good...then I dont even like them. I will try to do these on mondays, but I cant promise it will be every monday as I am a very busy and important man with many busy and important things to do. Plus if I update this blog all the time, how will I have time to watch movies? Catch-22. here is the scale for my reviews

$-Poo-Poo: Do not pay one red cent for this movie. Run as far away as you can. If forced to watch this movie close your eyes and plug your ears.
$$-boo: Not really worth your time. If its on tv and you have nothing else to do, and I mean literally nothing else to do you may proceed with watching it.
$$$-eh: Not good. Not bad. Wait for it to come on tv.
$$$$- hmmm: It could peak your interest. Get it on netflix or watch it on HBO. It wont be the greatest movie you've ever seen but it's worth a watch.
$$$$$- One Please: A good movie. Definitely worth seeing in theatres. Maybe catch a matinee.
$$$$$$-Sweet Mother- Drop what you are doing right now and go see this in the theatres.

Invasion (Nicole Kidman): $$$ Eh
I fell asleep in the middle if that tells you anything. It had some decent parts. The ending was kind of a copout and abrubt. I would say its worth a watch, but dont pay for it.

Before the devil knows your dead: $$ boo:
I heard some people hype this movie, so I was kind of excited to see it. It was an independant style film, which can always go drastically either way. This one was drastacly negative. It actually was a decent story about 2 brothers who accidentally kill their own mother in a planned robbery. It basically shows the aftermath and how they deal with their guilt. It had alot of nudity and was super slow, so I dont recommend it.

Iron Man: $$$$$$ - Sweet Mother
Go see it. I dont care what your best friends sisters cousins teacher said about it. It is good and worth seeing in the theater. Believe the hype. It is that good. If you watch it and dont like it, you went in to the theater not wanting to like it (but secretly you loved it). Robert Downey Jr. is great in it, as is Jeff Bridges. You wont leave the movie changed or anything, but you will leave pumped up plotting how you are going to build your own iron suit.

Thats it for this edition. Next up....Dracula...and maybe baby momma.

Aaand We're back

2008-05-02T12:39:00.003-05:00

I know its been a long long time since I have blogged. Alot has been going on, from moving into a new house, to fixing bathrooms in a certain new house, to starting a new village group at my church, to downloading new COLDPLAY songs. Anyway I will have a big update blog sometime this weekend.
Word Out!

Would Johnny have liked this?

2008-03-24T16:43:00.001-05:00

I don't think he would have. I find the whole thing strangely ironic. Great song though.

Random Updates

2008-03-15T11:25:00.002-05:00

So I havnt been blogging much lately. I was mostly waiting to see if people would respond to my last blog and give me some input. Due to the overwhelming responses I received (thanks mom) I will conclude that no body cares about my quest to find my spiritual gift (insert guilty feeling now). Kidding aside (or am I) please still take the time to give me your input on it. I mean its just right down there below this blog. Just a scroll or a click away. Pancakes. See in the time it has taken you to think and consider why it is I randomly said pancakes you could have already scrolled down and start reading the blog.

Anyway, I do have some exciting news to announce. But I cant do it just yet. It does involve my music which I know I have been promising for too long now. Everything has taken a new direction and I am still working out some of the kinks. So know that it is coming and I will be able to tell you all about it in the next couple weeks.

In other news....Susan and I close on our first house in a little less than two weeks (hopefully). We are excited and a little nervous. Its a fixer upper that hopefully we can flip eventually. There is a ton of work to be done which is very overwhelming for someone who has never done anything like this before. But I bought a Black and Decker home improvement book so I should be all set. Right?

Next thursday after work we are making the drive to Kansas to see my Grandparents and some other family. I am looking forward to it. I am one of those weird people that loves to drive. I love road trips, especially when I get to drive at night. And I havnt had a good road trip since september so it should satisfy me for a while. If anyone ever needs a driver or a transporter I can be bought very easily.

This just in, if someone knows of a good abstract artist that would be willing to possibly do some work for me please let me know. It really doesnt even have to be abstract as long as they are good, and able to do something for free or cheap. Its something simple.

I guess thats it for now. I am going to need everyones help pretty soon, so rest up now while you can. Things are going to get crazy.

Gift

2008-03-02T15:00:00.005-06:00

So I am trying to determine what gifts I have. I hesitate to call them spiritual gifts (although that is the phrase used among Christians). Basically I am determining what God given gifts I have. These are not necessarily talents. I have a talent for writing songs, but that is not necessarily a spiritual gift. I am not a kooky, charismatic Christian, but I do believe in the bible as God's word. And the bible talks about these "spiritual gifts" that each God follower has in order to enhance the church and the "kingdom". Anyway, I need your help. I have taken the test and know what it says, but I want to know what you all think. Read through the list and the descriptions below and let me know what you think my top 3 gifts are. Then I will compare them to the test results and see if they match up. Even if you dont know me that well please let me know what you think.

A. Administration/Ruling
B. Discernment
C. Evangelism
D. Exhortation
E. Faith
F. Giving
G. Helps/Serving/Ministering
H. Knowledge
I. Mercy
J. Pastor
K. Teaching
L. Wisdom

Spiritual Gift Definitions

Administration/Ruling
This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables certain Christians to organize, administrate, and promote the various affairs of the local church's ministry to direct them effectively. A local church cannot grow beyond a certain point without the ministry of these individuals. See I Corinthians 12:28 Romans 12:8, Titus 1:4-5

Apostleship
This is the spiritual gift that refers to certain men called by Christ Himself and given special power to charter the newly formed church. See Ephesians 4:11, I Corinthians 12:28 See also Acts 1:22, I Corinthians 9:1

Discernment
This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables certain Christians to know with without a doubt whether a statement or behavior is of God, Satan, or man. See I Corinthians 12:10, Acts 5:3-6, Acts 16:16-18, I John 4:1

Evangelism
This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables particular Christians to share the Gospel to unbelievers and burdens Christians about soul-winning. All Christians are called to witness for Christ whether they have this gift or not. See Ephesians 4:11, Acts 8:5-12, Acts 21:8, Acts 8:26-40, Matthew 28:18-20

Exhortation
This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables certain Christians to deliver challenging and encouraging words. See Romans 12:8, Acts 11:23-24, Acts 14:21-22, Acts 15:32

Faith
This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit provides Christians with great confidence to believe and expect great things from God. See I Corinthians 12:9, Romans 5:1, Romans 12:3, Hebrews 11

Giving
This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables certain Christians to accumulate and give large amounts of their finances to the glory of God. See Romans 12:8, Acts 4:32-37, Galatians 4:15, Phillipians 4:10-18, II Corinthians 8:1-5

Healing
This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit uses certain Christians to restore physical or mental health to the sick or demon possessed.
See I Corinthians 12:9, 28, 30, James 5:13-16

Helps/Serving/Ministering
This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit empowers certain Christians to render practical help in both physical and spiritual matters. Serving one another, like evangelism, is a calling of all Christians, but there are some who have a special desire to serve, and receive great blessing from it. See Romans 12:7, I Corinthians 12:28, Galatians 6:1-2

Interpretation of tongues
This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit gives certain Christians the ability to clarify and interpret messages uttered in an unknown language. See I Corinthians 12:10

Knowledge
This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit gives certain Christians the supernatural ability to understand God's Word and to effectively communicate it to others. See I Corinthians 12:8

Mercy
This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables certain Christians to minister to and have compassion for those who are suffering or afflicted.
See Romans 12:8, Luke 10:30-37

Miracles
This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit empowers certain Christians to perform events that are outside the realm of nature. See I Corinthians 12:28

Prophecy
This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit empowers certain Christians to receive revelation of events in the future. See Romans 12:6, I Corinthians 12:10, I Corinthians 14:1-5, Ephesians 4:11, I Corinthians 14:30-33, I Peter 1:20-21

Pastor/Teaching
This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables certain Christians to preach and teach the Word of God and to take responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a body of believers. See Ephesians 4:11, I Peter 5:1-11

Teaching
This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables particular Christians to communicate and clarify the details and truths of God's Word for others to learn.
See Romans 12:7, Ephesians 4:11

Tongues
This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables a Christian to supernaturally speak a previously unknown language. See I Corinthians 12:10, I Corinthians 12:30, I Corinthians 14:4, I Corinthians 14:39, Acts 2:4, Acts 19:6

Wisdom
This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit empowers particular Christians with a supernatural understanding of God's Word and the will to apply it to life situations. See I Corinthians 12:8, James 3:13-17.

If you want to take the test go to eleventalents.com/gifts.htm
Thanks again.

IT'S COMING!!!

2008-02-28T19:38:00.005-06:00

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/18915732/coldplay_at_work_on_somethin

(*Disclaimer-I still do hate Rolling Stone)

Food for Thought

2008-02-26T09:40:00.002-06:00

At 11:45 a.m. Saturday morning I was in the middle of the woods praying with an old man with a chain saw in his hand. This man was in tears as he told me the story of he and his family escaping the tornadoes by the skin of their teeth. When I asked if I could pray for him a relief went over his face, as if he had been waiting for someone to ask him that. So there we were in the middle of the woods thanking God for sparing he and his families’ lives and for strength for the future.
We met person after person with the same story and relief for our presence, prayer and food. Some had pretty significant damage to their homes and property some had just a cement floor where a house stood just a few weeks ago. Some were trying to restore their homes, some where just picking through the bushes, trees and fields for belongings that could be salvaged. Some had crews of people helping, some just a husband and wife. But the thing that amazingly was the same with every person we met was their attitude towards the situation and towards God. Every person we came across was so happy to see us strangers with food (almost as if they were expecting us), and were more than happy to have us pray for them. No one was bitter with God, or with the situation. In fact just the opposite. We heard story after story of how they have found a new love and respect for God and his people. One woman told us that she had lost all hope in God and in people in general but that through the storm she had come out with a new pair of eyes. Everyday she would come out working, without even thinking about what she would be eating for lunch or dinner or anything. And everyday random people would show up at just the right time to provide food. She was totally depending on God and on people to provide for her. The very two things she had lost hope in before the storm. And this was the case with so many that we fed. Only one family out of the 100+ people we fed had prepared or even thought about what there next meal would be. They were literally just out there waiting on God to provide. And many recognized that it was God that had provided through us.
Doing things like this makes you (forcefully) look at your own life. When I was getting ready to go that morning I told my wife that I was wondering if we would be done before lunch. Meanwhile there were people already in the fields working without a thought of dinner let alone lunch.
What in my life do I trust God to provide? What in my life isn’t totally safe? What would I do without that safety? How would I react if I lost everything including the security of my next meal?
I am not one who lives a life of service. Serving others is something I do occasionally, when an opportunity presents itself, or when I have the time. Luckily the church we are attending has a non-negotiable service rule. The small groups here plan at least one “outing” of service in the community a month. This Saturday was our first service “outing” with our church. It was amazing. It made me wonder why I had not done this sooner or more often. It made me wonder what church was about if not for serving. Sadly service came looking for me I did not go looking for it.
I would encourage everyone who reads this to look for an opportunity to actively serve in your community. Not just in your church (although that is extremely important) but in your community. To those outside of your church walls. Go to a place where your comfort is out the window and watch God work. Don’t go with motives or expectations. Go with an open mind and heart to do whatever is needed of you. Be willing to pray and be open with a total stranger. Regardless if you are often shy or busy or poor (or all three like me) God will use you if you put yourself out there.

What do you depend on God for?
Where do you serve in your community?
Have you seen God work through you in a way you didn’t know was capable?
Do you do ministry or service in places that are extremely uncomfortable for you?

Here are some of the pictures that were taken during our journey. Some sights were to big to capture even in picture. Things like whole mountains of leveled trees. Furniture and giant steel barn roof pieces a mile from their house. A church leveled to the ground with only a sign, concrete stairs and a picture of Jesus remaing.

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"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." Matthew 25:35

Equally skilled

2008-02-23T17:39:00.003-06:00

I have mentioned before that Jon Foreman (Switchfoots lead singer) is one of my favorite artists. His lyrics are not cop outs, and he is more thought provoking than almost any songwriter out there. He is releasing 4 new EP's this year, one for each season. Fall and Winter are already out and they are amazing. I wanted to post some of the lyrics from Fall that I thought were especially amazing. I have been living off of this record for about 3 weeks now, and it keeps getting better. Below are the lyrics to "Equally Skilled". Its a song about the judgment and evil of the world versus the judgment and mercy of God.

Wait

2008-02-21T22:19:00.004-06:00

Psalms 33:18-22
Look, the LORD takes notice of
his loyal followers,
those who wait for him to demonstrate his
faithfulness
by saving their lives from death
and sustaining them during times of famine.
We wait for the LORD;
He is our deliverer and shield.
For our hearts rejoice in him,
For we trust in his holy name.
May we experience your
faithfulness, O LORD,
for we wait for you.

This is one of my favorite scenes from the show "Seinfeld"
(Jerry goes to the airport to pick up his reserved car, which is no longer there)

Jerry: I don’t understand, I made a reservation, do you have my reservation?

Agent: Yes, we do, unfortunately we ran out of cars.

Jerry: But the reservation keeps the car here. That’s why you have the reservation.

Agent: I know why we have reservations.

Jerry: I don’t think you do. If you did, I’d have a car. See, you know how to take the reservation, you just don’t know how to *hold* the reservation and that’s really the most important part of the reservation, the holding. Anybody can just take them. (waves hands in the air as if writing a million reservations at a time)

I feel like this way to often in my conversations with God. I ask for something and want an immediate response. Its normal in my immediate culture to want what I want when I want it. But that's not how God operates (as shown in this part of Psalms).
When I look at this I see three things:

1-The observation
The waiters (of God to demonstrate his faithfulness)
A. The Lord takes notice of
a. By saving their lives from death
b. By Sustaining them during times of famine (death and famine; pretty much the two worst things you can think of)
B. The waiters are watching for a demonstation.

2-The Statement
We are the waiters

3-The Request
May we experience your faithfulness because we are the waiters.

I need to be a waiter.

But its hard to be a waiter when so many people (aka churches, pastors, Christians, Joel Osteens) tell me I should have what I need/want/deserve/desire now. If Joel Osteen tells me I should be having my best life now, and God is telling me to wait for him to demonstrate his faithfulness, what the heck do I do? And so we get a false security as listeners of God and god's people that we deserve something that we don't, immediacy. The only thing I deserve immediately is hell. I am disgusting. I sin every day. But God has rescued me. But that doesn't mean he has rescued me from the things that suck in this life or that he has rescued me from waiting. I dont get a special God card that lets me pay faster at the gas pump. He asks me to wait.

But why is there a need for us to wait? That is a question I always struggle with. I hate to wait for anything. The lady with 2 carts full of groceries, the slow (and sometimes impossible to understand) Mcdonalds drive through attendant, the apology that should have come right after I was wronged. Sometimes I feel like it is impossible to wait for even the simplest things. Not only does it seem impossible, it feels like torture. Waiting can be torture!

Why would God, who offers rescue want us who accept him to wait for anything? Why does'nt he just answer us we call on him? Why the game?

James 1:2
Consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trails, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let indurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.

It is a perfection process. Maybe we struggle with being spoiled. Maybe we need to be humbled. Maybe its just not the right timing for something that God (not you) has planned. Maybe you don't have the trust or faith that you need yet. Maybe you need to reprioritize or refocus. Maybe you need to be broken.

Waiting is a filter. Taking away all of the imperfections that come with immediacy.

But its not just the idea of watching the clock, tapping your foot and waiting for God to appear or answer you. We are supposed to watch for God's demonstration. How is he going to answer you. How is he answering you.

Wait for God's demonstration. Watch for it to happen. Witness the faithfulness. Work the process.

After all anyone can just make requests (waves hands in the air as if writing a million requests at a time). Its in the waiting, and really that is the most important part of the request, the waiting. (thanks Jerry)

What am I not watching/waiting for? What are you not watching/waiting for?

Ask
Wait
Thank

Ask
Wait
Thank

Big

2008-02-18T09:31:00.001-06:00

Psalm 32:
How Blessed is the one who rebellious acts are forgiven,
Whose sin is pardoned!
How Blessed is the one whose wrongdoing the LORD does not punish,
In whose spirit there is no deceit.
When I refused to confess my sin,
My whole body wasted away,
While I groaned in pain all day long.
For day and night you tormented me;
You tried to destroy me in the intense heat of summer.

(Selah)

Then I confessed my sin;
I no longer covered up my wrongdoing,
I said
I will confess my rebellious acts to the LORD”
And then you forgave my sins.

(Selah)

God is bigger than sin
God is bigger than suffering
God is bigger than the biggest of mistakes
God is bigger than your sadness
God is bigger than your job where you just don’t know if you can go another day
God is bigger than the pain that comes from seeing everyone else having children when you are not able to
God is bigger than your dreams that you realize just wont happen
God is bigger than the plans that fall through at the last minute
God is bigger than the sickness that will ultimately take your life
God is bigger than the loneliness you feel day after day after day
God is bigger than the anger you feel from being sinned against years ago
God is bigger than the hate the builds up at the thought of those that lied and attacked you
God is bigger than the time you poured at your heart to someone with no response
God is bigger than broken ministries
God is bigger than guilt you feel for all the stupid, hurtful and sinful things you did growing up that you think about and regret every day of your life
God is bigger than the shame you feel for doing the thing that only you know about
God is bigger than the insecurity you feel when being around others that you think are better, secure and more qualified than you
God is bigger than the fallout you had with that person
God is bigger than your regret for not telling that person how much you loved them before they died
God is bigger than the thoughts that you just cant seem to shake
God is bigger than the life you left behind
God is bigger than the years you have spent walking away from Him
God is bigger than the nights you’ve spent crying yourself to sleep
God is bigger than the mornings where you just can’t face the world
God is bigger than your mixed up childhood experiences
God is bigger than preachers who don’t speak the truth or who add to God’s law
God is bigger than the Love you lost for His people
God is bigger than the many times you have fallen flat on your face
God is bigger than the times you’ve questioned everything about Him
God is bigger than the weight you cant seem to lose
God is bigger than loneliness you feel because no one seems to get you
God is bigger than the scars you hide
God is bigger than the days you feel so alone
God is bigger than your feeling of worthlessness
God is bigger than your debts
God is bigger than every internet site you looked at but knew you shouldn’t have
God is bigger than the feeling you get when leaving church because you just weren’t being you
God is bigger than the night you almost ended it all
God is bigger than the friends who never come through for you
God is bigger than your jealousy for those who have the life you want
God is bigger than the thoughts in the back of your mind that you would be burned at the stake for if anyone ever knew
God is bigger than the sickness you feel when thinking of those needlessly dying all over the world
God is bigger than the churches that are only concerned with building walls
God is bigger than a Baptist church in Missouri that has everything backwards and is dragging us down with them
God is bigger than the time you didn’t just walk away
God is bigger than the years you’ve wasted
God is bigger
God is

New Blog Address

2008-02-14T09:37:00.002-06:00

For everyone that was getting to this blog using www.joshcanady.com you will now have to go to http://www.joshcanady.blogspot.com/ . I was having some issues with my web providor and decided to call it splitsville. So to recap, my blog is now http://www.joshcanady.blogspot.com/ not www.joshcanady.com. Done.

Not your Grammies Grammy's

2008-02-11T21:00:00.000-06:00

The Grammy's are officially a sham. They deserve no credibility and have lost the pulse of true artistry and talent. Instead they would rather pump the blood of politics, popularity and controversy. Dixie chicks last year,and A no talent druggy this year (who cancels over half of her shows because she would rather get wasted them be a musician). And can I just say that regardless of your political stance, Barrack Obama winning a grammy for reading his book on a cd is a little suspicious if not audaciously upfront politically. I liked what Natalie Cole said in reference to this years awards

"“I'm going on record as an artist who is able to critique [Amy Winehouse]. I think she has a great talent, but I don't agree with the Grammys giving her those nods. I think it sends the wrong message, that even in the midst of her stupor of drugs she can get nominated for all these awards. It's a slap in the face to musicians and artists who work very hard that they turn around and give it to someone who really obviously doesn't have a grasp of what she has. I've been in this business over 25 years and I sacrificed five years of my own life on drugs and almost lost my life because of it. So I take great offence to almost see someone getting glory out of being in the position that they're in – she needs to get her life together and embrace her craft, she will lose it if she doesn't get it together.”

They may as well call them the Rolling Stone awards.

The Soundtrack of our Lives

2008-02-11T00:27:00.000-06:00

I recently overheard a conversation about the movie I am Legend (which happens to be in my top 3 movies of last year). A girl was trying to explain the movie to a friend who was unsure if she wanted to see. The girl explained this it was about a man alone in New York city fighting Zombies. She said it had moments of action but was mostly just a different version of Cast Away set in a city. She explained this further by stating that there was no background music which made the movie quiet and showed his isolation. Which was a great surprise to me and probably James Newton Howard who wrote the score to the movie. He happens to be my favorite composer and perfectly fit the score to fit with the movie. His scores are basically characters and backdrops of the movies they are in. They play such an important part of the movie and story and setting and are so seamless that sometimes they can be overlooked and taken for granted. Which was the case for this girl in her I am Legend experience. She had no clue that she had been watching a movie that had a very specific soundtrack simply because it fit in so well and set the background mood so specifically. Without the music in I am Legend it would have been a completely different movie. A sail boat without wind.
All of this got me thinking. What is the soundtrack of our lives? What is the score that fits so seamlessly behind the scenes that its often overlooked or taken for granted. What is the force in the background that we could not live with out. Who are we without our soundtracks? What is the slow violin in our lives that makes us think. Or the Violent Orchestra that ignites our passion. Who is the conductor, and who are the players in the orchestra pit? Who writes the songs? Who picks the songs? What is the soundtrack of our lives? Who are we without the soundtrack?

The Day the Music Lived

2008-02-01T09:44:00.000-06:00

I have expressed alot of disdain for the state of music and its business currently but things are not all bad. Beyond the stupidity and brainlessness of no talents like the Jonas Brothers (who will look back in regret of their way to tight pants in 10 years) and Britney Spears(etc..)things are changing in the way music is being done. Due to the internet and countless promotional websites, there is a new energy in how to do the business of music. The days of Major Labels and the fight to get a recording contract or numbered. No longer are we musicians longing to sign on the dotted line. No longer is winning American Idol the best stepping stone into riches and fame (Taylor Hicks, Ruben Studdard, Jordin Sparks). In fact most artists are running from these "big breaks". Leading the pack are the poster boys of major lable success including U2, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Switchfoot and even Michael W. Smith. And then there are the prophets of this new wave like Andy Zipf.
So why is this a good thing. As an artist it is all about freedom and control. As an indie artist, you are in control of your success or failure. You set the bar where ever your want it (which can be a bad thing for procrastinators and slackers). You are not locked in and forced to make a cd every 2 years for 10 years even if you have have writers block (which is the reason for so many crappy albums by great artists). You write as you feel it, and record as you want to. For instance, if you want to write and record a song every week and release it on your website or myspace, you can. Without any label ties and legal ropes to untangle. And people like Mike Hirst are doing it.
Why does this matter as a consumer. The first and most obvious impact is the quality of the craft. No one is going to put out something they are not 100% sure about unless they are forced to. Without a major label no one is forced to do anything. Beyond that things will begin to change (and have already begun) as far as distribution. It used to be that you would only get a new 10-12 song cd from your favorite artist every 2-3 years. Now with the digital age of music (and no materials cost for downloading) artist can literally sell new songs every day at basically no or minimal costs to them. That means more music more often for most artists. Just look at Jon Foreman. As the lead singer of Switchfoot he has been no stranger to the major label machine. However when their contract was up, they immediately went independant under their own label lowercase people. Right away they released a brand new song. And just 2 months ago Jon release the first of his 4 part seasonal EP project. This project features 6-7 original songs based off a specific season of the year. Which means at least 24 brand new songs from Jon Foreman this year alone (as well as a new switchfoot cd at the end of this year). They could not have done that with a major label. Also you have the satisfaction of knowing that almost every cent is going to the artist (unlike major label releases where the artist recieves cents on the dollar).
It is now more important than ever to support these artists stepping out. Music business is shifting (for the better) and these are the shifters. These are the risk takers and the trail blazers. They are the musicians making music for the sake of music and for the love of music.

I AM LAZY

2008-01-30T09:20:00.000-06:00

I have made a discovery in the past week. I am Lazy. I watch way to much T.V. And basically do nothing I am passionate about. The bottom line is I am not working towards anything really. I am wasting my life right now.
We saw Jerry Seinfeld this weekend, which has got me on a Jerry kick right now. So we rented a documentary called Comedian. It basically follows him around for a few months in 2002;2003 trying to write new material and perform it in small clubs. As a comedian Jerry is at the top. He is a billionare, has had the #1 tv show of all time, could play any place he wants and yet he is driving himself around from club to club trying to get his name on the list to perform new material. In one scene he gets turned down at 3 clubs in a row. In another he totally goes blank in the middle of a joke for about 3 minutes, prompting one person to say "is this your first time?". He has achieved it all, and yet he is still working harder than ever, doing anything he can. So what am I doing sitting on my butt every night watching Everybody loves Raymond reruns.
This morning Steven Curtis Chapman played during Chapel at my work. If you know me, you know he is one of my musical hero's. He talked a bit about the struggle and commitment it took for him to make it into music full time. He constantly had to write and rewrite songs. He constantly questioned if this was for him. Yet he kept going with the encouragment of others.
So what is my excuse? Have I given up already? Sure I made a cd (which is on sale right now, wink wink). Sure I started a new one. Sure I have written about 50 new songs. But what good is any of that if I sit on it. I have done about 3 shows in the past year! Why am I not out there everynight driving from club to club trying to get gigs. Isnt that why I moved to Nashville?
Why am I, a struggling musician, not working just as hard, or harder than those who have already "made it".
I need help though. I am not easily self motivated. Any suggestions?
By the way, I know you cant hear my tone through a blog. I am not depressed about this realization, but encouraged and excited. Its not to late for me.

lately

2008-01-27T20:34:00.000-06:00

So its been well over a month since I have written anything on here and alot has happened. First I had a really good Christmas. I got to fly home to MD for a few days and see the fam. Although having to fly home on Christmas day was not very fun. Since then not much has happened. I saw a few good movies, listened to some new good music, started recording some stuff. I have also been looking into buying a house here in Nashville to possibly fix up. Oh and I recovered my stolen (aka illegally towed by my own apartment complex) car. Although it took alot of fight to get it back (as well as 2 police detectives, secret workers within the illegal towing company, and a 4 day war)(oh and I am not exagarating at all).
But possibly the highlight of the past month or so happened just this weekend with the fulfillment of my Christmas present from my wife. We drove and spent the night in Terre Haute Indiana to see Jerry Seinfeld. I have seen alot of comedians but he really is the comedian of all comedians. I would compare it to watching Michael Jordan play basketball. Jerry Seinfeld is comedy. You can really tell that this was what he was born to do. He wasnt born to act, or even be a television star, he was born to stand in the middle of a room full of people and just entertain. He was much more energetic than I thought he would be, running all over the stage, laying on the ground for bits. The thing that amazes me is that, as a billionare he is still out there performing. Almost every weekend he gets out there and works hard even though he doesnt have to lift a finger for the rest of his life.
Anyway, thats been my life for the past month. Things are about to get exciting (I think) as the possibility of buying and fixing up a house, and finally finish my CD are in the works.
To end this, I will give you a list of things I have been into lately.

Movies:
I am legend (AMAZING)
There will be blood (pretty good, AMAZING acting)
Atonement (Better than I thought it would be, actually really good)

Music:
Travis (the boy with no name)
Sigur Ros (takk)
Jon Foreman (fall and Winter EP's)
The assassination of Jesse James Soundtrack

Songs that Kick my butt

2007-12-19T21:07:00.000-06:00

Every once and a while there will be a wave of great music that comes out and just really kicks my butt. The following songs inspire me, make me deep, make me more alive and make me feel like being more than I am. Musically they are all amazing, lyrically some are better and worse than others. If you want to know what I am listening to when I blog, here it is. Get on itunes and give some of these a shot.

Band of Horses
"The Funeral"
Just a few nights ago I was watching tv when a car commercial came on. Immediately the song playing took my attention. Within five minutes I had google the commercial, found the song and downloaded it on itunes. Commercials can be good avenues for finding great semi-undiscovered music.

The Veils
"Vicious Traditions"
While I was home on thanksgiving break I watched a decent murder mystery called "Mr. Brooks" (on a side note I think its Kevin Costner's best movie...which isnt saying that much). At the end of the movie a song kept playing. It's one of those that is constantly building throughout the whole song, and at the end it punches you in the face (in a good, non-angry, passionate, fight club sort of way).

Citizen Cope
"Let the Drummer Kick"
This is a victory song for me. I had heard it a few times before but could never find out who sang it. I could only remember the piano loop. I literally searched for about 5 months and many (embarrassing amount) hours searching for this song. One day it hit me, I remembered seeing it in a movie called coach carter. I searched the movie and found the song. Victorious! And well worth the search.

Eisley
"Invasion"
To be honest I dont know how I stumbled across this band. One morning I woke up, and was magically a fan. The band consists of 3-4 brothers and sisters, and even a cousin or two. They are all young and amazingly talented. I guarantee we will hear alot from this band in the years to come. For now though, we can get on at the ground floor.

Radiohead
"In Rainbows"
This is the latest cd put out by Radiohead. You may have seen it in the headlines due to the fact that they sold it for whatever the buyer wanted to pay for it (which was nothing for %60 of the buyers). Regardless, it is an amazing cd. The two best songs for me are called "Nude" and "All I need".

I know, your thinking "Don't you know its Christmas? Where are the Christmas songs". I do love Christmas music (Charlie Brown is by far my favorite), but I have a hard time letting go of my other music for a month, so I mix it up. This year Reliant K put out their first Christmas cd and I have to say (prepare yourself for a bold statement) it is the MOST ORIGINAL Christmas cd I have EVER HEARD. It makes you happy, it makes you sad, and it makes you laugh hysterically ("What's a partridge? Whats a Pear tree? I dont know so please dont ask me! I would bet their terrible gifts to get!"). Mixed with original songs, and oldies done in original ways, it has something for everyone. I would describe it as this, if the beach boys formed a band with green day, they would be Reliant K.

One Republic
"Say (all I need"
Ok, I mentioned this band a few months ago. Since then they have released their first full length cd. I have listened to it over and over, and examined it from every angle, and cant find one flaw or bad song. That is why I am giving it the CD of 2007 award. Download "say (all I need)" and if you like that you will like the whole cd, so just go ahead and buy it. And if you dont like it then I dont like you ( just joking....or am I.....I can't really tell).

Any thats the gist of what is inspiring me right now through the holes in the side of my head. If you feel like trying something new make yourself a mix cd with these songs. If you dont like it sue me.

A new kind of Christmas?

2007-12-17T22:26:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine just posted an article he wrote for Next Wave Magazine called "Changing Christmas: Rediscovering Incarnation". It is an amazing description and observation on what Christmas has become and what it could be. If you think you have read it already....you havnt. If everyone read this article and put it into practice for just one year we could actually change the world. To read it click here

And to read Joel's blog click here.

Isnt Global Warming the Worst?

2007-12-14T10:41:00.000-06:00

Dude, where's my car?

2007-12-13T19:19:00.000-06:00

Wednesday 12-12-07

6:15-Get up and get ready for work as normal
6:45-Walk outside to find a neighbor inspecting damage to his vehicle
6:46-Find out that many cars had been vandalized and robbed throughout the night
6:46 and 1/2- Go to inspect the damage to our cars
6:46 and 2/3-WHERE IS MY CAR???
6:50-Call the police and insurance
7:50-Police arrive, I go out to wait in line and report my situation
7:51- Neighbor says "Hey I saw your car get Repo'd on monday"
7:52-Me "WHAT?"(We have had the car paid off for over a year)
7:53- Find out that my car had been towed away by a "repo man" on monday while we were at work, and would not give my neighbors/witnesses any info on who he was or who he worked for

*Stupidity Disclaimer* We always take Susans car to work, mine is our secondary car. When we leave for work it is dark and when we get home it is dark. We live an an apartment complex without assigned parking and we normally take the first spot we can find. We are not accustomed to looking for our car everyday to make sure its still there. *Stupidity Disclaimer*

8:30- Still waiting in the rain to talk to the officer
8:45-Speak with the officer about my updated car robbery story
9:00-Officer "its pretty wild that you didnt know your car was missing for two days"

Our insurance is giving the search two weeks before they will total our car and give us pennies for it. The craziest part is that it was a 1999 Ford Taurus Station Wagon, not exactly a dream car. Our neighbors told us he showed up and knew exactly what car he wanted. It also couldnt have been a case of mistaken car identity, we are the only ones with that car in our complex, and we are the only ones with Maryland Tags.

An evening with John C. Reilly

2007-12-09T16:58:00.000-06:00

At the request of Susan I am posting this blog that I wrote a couple weeks ago but never posted.

So, Susan got some tickets to an advanced screening of the movie "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story" starring John C. Reilly. We went not really knowing what to expect, but just hoping we would get in and be able to see a free movie. We showed up a couple of hours early and ended up getting front row seats to the movie. While there we found out that there would also be a free concert afterwords at a club nearby. And it was believed that John C. Reilly would be there. For those of you who dont know who John C. Reilly is, do and IMDB.COM search on his name. He is one of those guys who is in every movie but you never know his name (until the past few years). Anyway, right before the movie started a guy came out and said "Ladies and Gentleman Mr. John C. Reilly". He came out and thanked us for coming and invited us to the concert after the movie. From there we watched the movie, which I wouldnt recommend, but it did have its funny moments as it is a mock biopic movie (mostly making fun of Walk the Line).
After the movie we got in our car and drove to the club where the concert would be. We pulled up and found out that parking was $3. We didnt have any cash so we asked the lot attendant how to get out. He told us to take a right but that cars outside of the lot usually get broken into (thanks man). We drove around the lot once and never saw an exit, just another entrance with a flood of cars coming in. We drove around the entire thing again and realized there was no exit. So we ended up parking ( we are such rebels). We walked up to a huge line and hung out a while. We soon found out that there was a special entrance for those who saw the movie. So within minutes we were in the venue and close to the stage.
After about a half hour in a hot sweaty room with about a hundred other people John C. Reilly (in character as Dewey Cox) came out and did a great show. It was funny, entertaining, and actually really good. He did every song from the movie as well as a muddy waters cover and "Rehab" by Amy Whinehouse.
And now for the finale of the story. The concert ended and we were drving home. We were about 3 miles from our home when I saw the red and blues flashing behind me. I pulled over and was greeted by a not so friendly cop.
He questioned me on how long we have lived here, and what we were doing and continually asked me if i had been drinking. When I told him I hadnt had a drink, he asked me about the bar stamp on my hand ( after I told him we had been to a concert at a bar). He then asked me why my eyes were so watery and bloodshot ( I had already told him I was having a problem with my contacts that night which was 100% true).
After a while he ended up asking me to step out of the car. He shined a light in my eyes and had me follow his pen for a while. He then had me stand on one leg, with the other in front of me 6 inches from the ground while counting. He made me count until he told me to stop (WHICH ENDED UP BEING 30 SECONDS!!!) he continually asked me if I had been drinking, and if Susan had been drinking as well. I was almost to the point of volunteering for a breathalizer when he let me go without even a warning.

Anyway thats the short of it. it was a crazy night, and I wanted to share.

Why I personally am not seeing The Golden Compass

2007-12-06T17:36:00.000-06:00

A good friend of mine recently invited me to see the movie "The Golden Compass". I said sure without thinking to much about (I love to go to the movies). I had heard alot about this movie in the news and decided I should do a little research on it before I see it. It didnt take long to find out why so many Christian groups are boycotting the movie.
To put it simply, this movie is based off of the first book in a series called "His Dark Materials" by Phillip Pullman (an outspoken athiest). The whole series ultimately points towards a goal of killing "god", who is a feeble, week "god". To add insult to injury, Pullman even calls the feeble "god" Yahweh, which is obviously a direct jab at Christianity. Christianitytoday.com had this to say "Pullman's characters come to the firm belief that Yahweh is not the creator of the universe. In fact, he's just a big liar. And later in the series, when the Almighty shows up, he's a feeble, senile joke. And they kill him." Pretty straight and to the point. It is interesting to point out that the first book doesnt really get into the fight agaisnt "god" specifically and the goal of killing him, infact it doesnt mention god at all...but it will come.
The author, Phillip Pullman, goes back and forth about his intent and purpose for the books. In one interview he said "My books are about killing God.", and in another Pullman said he wrote these stories "to undermine Christian belief". In recent interviews he has backed away from these claims saying "As for the atheism, it doesn't matter to me whether people believe in God or not, so I'm not promoting anything of that sort. What I do care about is whether people are cruel or whether they're kind, whether they act for democracy or for tyranny, whether they believe in open-minded enquiry or in shutting the freedom of thought and expression. Good things have been done in the name of religion, and so have bad things; and both good things and bad things have been done with no religion at all. What I care about is the good, wherever it comes from.". He also has said that the books are not against any one religion, but organized religion in general. Quite different statements, I wonder if he has a movie to promote all of the sudden?
Which brings me back to my friend and the movie. I ended up telling him I didnt feel right supporting this movie and that I would gladly see something else. He politely didnt see things my way, which is absolutely fine. I am actually glad he invited me because it caused me to look at the issue a little deeper, and ultimately strengthened my beliefs (which Pullman would say is dangerous).
So finally I want to address those who may think I am just crazy Christian boycotting a simple childrens movie, or that I am afraid of it. I am not going to go out and hold signs, or tell people that they shouldnt see it, Or write letters to the producers. I simply am going to choose, for myself what I support with the money I earn. I am making a choice for myself based on trends and products that I want to see continue. As a Christian, I personally dont want to see atheism and atheistic views grow throughout our culture. So naturally I wouldnt want to give my money to a movie that promotes the ideas of atheism to children (if you dont think these movies will, even slightly, do this you are living in a box). I am not afraid of atheism, and am not afraid of a movie that promotes it. God can handle the issue himself.
I dont think this movie will be the end of Christianity or the world. I dont even think it will be a huge deal when all is said and done. I just choose not to support it. And that is ok.
For those of you who may say "well why dont you see it simply for the intent of being involved in the discussion". That is probably the strongest point in my eyes. I personally just dont feel right about spending money to support an idea that belittles my God. The box office doesnt care about the reason I bought the ticket, all they see is the bottom line and the fact that I spent money and supported the movie. When the movie comes on TV or netflix, I will probably watch it. Probably. The bottom line for me, and what I told my friend was I dont feel like I would be worshiping God by spending money on this movie that promotes hatred of Him.
Christianity has its problems and deserves to be called out in some areas. I dont have any problems with movies that do that. I can handle that. What I choose not to handle is when something or someone belittles God, who is deserving of nothing less than reverence.
If this movie does good, there will be more children reading the books. If children read the books it will impact the way they think about God. Not everyone who will read it will have good Christian parents who will talk with them about the book and its views.
I do want to note that I actually have a friend who is an atheist, and is very excited about seeing this movie (they are even throwing a party for it). That says something to me.
Anyway, make the choice for yourself and be happy with it. Dont fault Christians who choose not to see it, they have good reasons and strong values(for the most part). Dont hate Christians who do see it, they have reasons of their own and strong values(for the most part).
The only people I would question are those who want to see it just to shove it in the non-viewers faces to prove how much more relevant and real they are. Or the ones who boycott the movie by means of hatred and violence (physical or verbal).

To some up my thought process on not seeing this movie I will give you three questions I asked myself.

1-Would I be worshiping God by spending money on this movie.
2-Do I think Jesus would spend money to see this movie (I know WWJD is so outdated and unrelevant, right?).
3-Is the movie ultimately promoting the kingdom of God.

Giorno pazzesco

2007-12-04T22:05:00.000-06:00

From December 2nd, 2007,

Today was one of the craziest days of my life. Both awesome and exhausting. First I woke up at my in-laws in Kerrmoor PA at 3:30am. Left their house at around 4:30 and drove to the Pittsburgh Airport. Got to the airport at around 7am. Flew out at 9 to Chicago. Flew out of chicago at 10:30(gaining in hour in the process). I Got to Nashville at around 12-12:30 and got home sometime after 1. From there I slept untill 4:30 and got ready to go see Dolores O'Riordan (the lead singer of the Cranberries.....think Zombie)at a place here in Nashville Called 3rd and Lindsley( a small club). I got there at 6 and got front row seats for the concert at 8. A couple of opening bands came out (Sam Ashworth was really good...check him out if you like death cab for cutie)(Judd and Maggie also opened up....singing loud with mediocrity), and then Dolores came out and did one of the most amazing acoustic sets I have ever heard. She sang a ton of Cranberries hits (linger, Zombie, Dreams) and a couple from her new solo cd. She has all of the confidence, rawness and talent of a female Bono. I guess she kind of is the female Bono. Anyway, she was amazing. She would stare right at you and sing as if you were the only one in the room. It was a little scary actually, but pretty cool. It was just amazing to me to see someone perform who has sold over 50 million cds, and sang with people like Pavarati and Bono.
From there we went home and passed out from the long day.
The end.

sopra le nubi

2007-11-27T10:32:00.000-06:00

From Thursday Nov. 22nd-

Well today has been a huge day. I started out in Nashville this morning. Then I flew to Baltimore for an hour (if anyone is familiar with the band Dctalk, Michael Tait was on my flight, just a piece of trivia for you), and then flew from Baltimore to Pittsburgh. From Pittsburgh I hopped in a car with my mom-in-law, got lost for over an hour, and I am currently in the back woods of PA writing this,. The funny part about everything is by the time we get to my in-laws house, we could have driven it in less time. But the good news is it was in the 70’s when I left this morning, and now it is snowing as we drive.
Anyway, one of the perks to flying are the incredible views you get to take in. As we elevated through the clouds, eventually looking down on them a thought struck me. This is a view I have witnessed many times, and hardly phases me anymore. But can you imagine the first person in history to fly over the clouds. I don’t know who or when it was but it must have been unreal. Like discovering a new world. It made me realize how decensitized I can be to the beautiful things of this world. Creation really is crazy. It always makes me wonder how someone can see something like the sky and not believe it was created purposefully. Isnt it obvious? I guess we see what we want to see. Some people are born blind and some people just choose to be.
I am getting sick typing this in the back of a car on winding roads, so I need to stop for now.

Quanto tempo

2007-11-19T14:49:00.000-06:00

The following is a blog written by my sister Honey.

My thoughts tonight... I wonder how long the Lord will have me here? Don't get my wrong I feel blessed definatly more then I could even begin to try and explain. I have the best husband I could of ever dreamed for. The most amazing children that I wouldn't fashion differently if I could make them with my own two hands. My family from my parents to me siblings make me so proud to be a part of this family. And a few select friends that I swear the Lord hand picked to fit my every need and fill my heart. But yet as I lie here awake at 2:30 a.m, I wonder what is my heavenly father waiting for. Although I can begin to jot down some reasons he is waiting for loved ones who don't yet know Him, so that I may see my children grow closer to Him, For my son who does not yet know the Lord, because He needs us to bring those lost to Him. I still think Lord Jesus I am so tired... I don't mean physically tired although that is true as well. I mean tired of this "stuff" I carry and drudge around with me everyday. This battle I fight in my own mind everyday and cannot seem to ever win or even see victory in sight. How can I be at peace and rest when my past and my present are still so sloppy and when my heart is so sore from all this aching day by day. I long for heaven and wonder Lord when are you gonna come and get us, get me? Just my thoughts...

Everyone at some point in there life, or more honestly, at many points in their lives ask the question "what is my purpose". It comes in different forms. Questions of time. Questions of existence. Questions of impact. Questions of worth. Questions of life's futility. Questions of importance.
To be completely honest I tackle this question at least once a day. It feels unhealthy and abnormal to question life and its meaning and importance. But is it? If this world is not as real as the next, and we are ultimately made for the next, which is our true home, then isnt it normal for us to long for it? And if everyone questions it to some level (whether the questioning is hidden or revealed) than doesnt that make it the norm? It is only our silence to reality that makes us question the normality.
I long for the day that I die. I am not suicidal. I do not hate those around me and want to part ways from them. But I long for the real world. Because I am now living in the world of death and flesh, I long for the world of the eternal, for which I was created. Our bodies and minds know they were meant for something more, its just realizing what that something is. The same way that my eyes are blurry before I put on my glasses. My eyes and my mind know that I was meant to have better vision.
To question life is not to question our blessings. Its not to question our families and friends and their importance and meaning in our lives. Its not to question our God and his plan. Its only the realization and longing for what is to come, which is the answer to every question, short coming, disease and evanescent aspect of this life.
Life is good even when it is bad. Life is important even when are unimportant. Life has meaning even when it is meaningless. Because everything, everyone, every second of everyday of every year of eternity fits together. We will realize one day, in the real world that is to come why we did the things we do. Why life is the way it is. Why God makes things hard, and makes things easy. Why we wait. It will all make sense.

I want to end this with the lyrics to a song that will be on the CD I am working on. I have posted it before, but it goes nicely with what I have been talking about.

"Fit Beautifully"

I saw it again today
But it wont last
Everyones on their way
To get past
We just keep going and going and going
We cant see
That we’ve become just things that breath
Are we hearts that beat?

Only you can make this broken heart
Fit beautifully you make it fit beautifully
Only you can see what cant be seen
Inside of me, you make it fit beautifully

I watched the world fall today
Before my eyes
It fell into hate, sin and genocide
It just keeps going and going and going
But we cant see
You will grow us through our grief
We are born through grief

Only you can make this fallen world
Fit beautifully you make it fit beautifully
Only you can see what cant be seen
In poverty, you make it fit beautifully

When we are falling as fast as we can
You can catch us inside your hands

punto di vista

2007-11-15T21:09:00.000-06:00

Two days until sweet freedom. In two days I will be done with a short and difficult chapter in my life, and step into hopefully a new and more significant one. But before I step into that new chapter I have 4 full days to work on finishing my cd, and then its off to PA then MD then PA then TN for about 10 days of travel and family and chill time. In light of the fact that I am almost ready to pick up recording where I left off in august (time goes so fast), I thought I would reveal some more lyrics.
This song is called "Point of View". It follows the pattern of the CD dealing with the fact that we all have issues and are all in a sense falling. More specifically this song deals with the issue of conflict between two people or groups of people that ultimately belong to a universal group. I dont want to dance around it, when I wrote the song I was speaking about Christians specifically. Within the actual Christian community there are many worlds of difference. Some are a big deal, some not so big. But many times we let these differences make us enemies with one another, even though we both are on the same side of the war lines. Everyone wants to be right. If something makes sense to you it should make sense to everyone who claims to be the same as you right? Not at all. There is truth but there is also mystery.
The bottom line of this song is that we let the difference hide our ultimate and universal mission. This life ultimately has nothing to do with you or me, or even our difference. When we realize we are not the point, and we are not in control, we can see more clearly our common goal. And with that lengthy explanation I give you...

"Point of View"

Everyone wants to be right
And I want to be right to
I’d rather stay here in the know
Than to know my life with you

Its not me and its not you
We have different points of view
We are verses in the loom
We are part of the same tune

No one looks for mystery
But mystery ensues
And to know what we control
Is to know what we can do

And its getting harder
It gets harder every day
And its getting stronger
It gets stronger in every way

3 Years

2007-11-11T14:33:00.000-06:00

It is amazing the difference 3 years can make. I recently reconnected with an old friend that I havnt spoken with in 3 years. We both have experienced many ups and downs and extreme changes through the past few years. From loss to love to relocation to vocation and spiritual journey's, we are not who we were just 1,000 short days ago. As I read through his email I was amazed and encouraged at the direction the past years have taken him. As I was describing my past few years of life to him I also was amazed to remember how far God has taken me. But it could have just as easily gone the other way for both of us.
So what can we accomplish in the next 3 years. What can we start today that will effect the rest of our lives and the lives of others in a positive way. Now that we know how drastically 3 years can change a life and its course what will we do to begin to direct through the random waters.
I wonder where we will be 3 years from now?

Winds of Change

2007-11-10T12:38:00.001-06:00

Do you ever get that feeling that everything is about to change? I can feel the winds of change. I can smell it. And it excites me.
In the next two weeks I will finish one job, be home for close to a week, and start a new job. In the midst of that I will have about 3 days to work on getting closer to finishing my cd. But beyond that, I feel like things are going to be different. Not only professionally and emotionally, but personally and spiritually.
To be honest I have not been who I want to be lately. I have lost touch with real reality and the things that matter most. I have slowly walked away from the things and beings that need my attention and have began to focus on things that are fading. T.V. has interrupted the things I should be seeing. Talk radio has interrupted the things I should be listening to. Candy and junk have interrupted the things I should be tasting. And sleep has interrupted the things I should be feeling. I have become lost in the maze along with most other Americans.
The good news is I have realized it harshly. The bad news it takes work and time to follow the map out of the maze. The other good news is I will be better off for the lesson. The other bad news is it will happen again.
But change is blowing harder than every. Change can blow you over and pick you up in the same gust. Change can make music sound better. Change can make love grow bigger. A change of heart, life, body, and soul can make the world a different place in the eyes of the watcher.
I feel the wind at my back and the sun on my face.

Sell out

2007-11-06T20:54:00.000-06:00

Today was a semi-exciting day for me. I sold out. I use a company called cdbaby to sell my cds. They basically sell my stuff, advertise on sites, and help me get on download sites like itunes. When I first started out they had me send them cds, and today I had to send more because they sold out. Its not a huge deal but it is something. As a struggling musician sometimes you have to take what you can get in terms of excitement.
In other exciting news, I got a new job last week (unofficially official) with the company my wife works for, and was able to put my two weeks in at my current job this past saturday. I really dont enjoy what I do now at all and am counting down the days until I am done. The new job will give me nights and weekends off, which will allow me to do more musically. And I get to commute and eat lunch with my wife everyday which will be cool.
But the real cool news is that in between jobs I will have about a week and a half where I will have nothing to do except finish my cd. I dont want to set an official date, but you will hear Everything this winter at some point. So starting in a couple weeks I will try to blog everyday and keep everyone informed on my daily accomplishments while recording. I am even going to try and figure out video blogging so you will be able to hear the daily newness. Wow, I didnt realize newness was actually a word, but spell check isnt highlighting it.
Well thats the news on my end.
Peace

scary movies

2007-10-28T18:45:00.000-05:00

So last night Susan and I had a mini scary movie marathon. We turned out all the lights, shut the curtains and hit play. We started out with Halloween 4. Why Halloween 4 you ask? Why not the original and best (or maybe the 2nd or 3rd). Well because sometimes netflix can be a bum. Anyway, the movie was decent. But things only got better. We then stumbled onto Carrie. Its a classic from the 70's that I had never seen, but had always wanted to. Besides the nudity it was a great scary movie. Worthy of its legendary scary movie status. But neither compared to the last movie we watched. We finished with the classic horror movie from 1968 "Night of the Living Dead". This is the black and white original that was done by George Romero with virtually no budget. It basically started the Zombie movie phenomenon. To be honest I wasnt sure if it was going to be good because it is so old, and was so low budget but it really blew me away. The visuals were pretty incredible, and the black and white only added to the greatness. And beyond that, it actually has a really good story for a horror flick. Anyway, it was a great night and hopefully the start of a new tradition.

Dragging

2007-10-27T16:43:00.000-05:00

So its been a while sine I have written anything. To be honest I havnt had much energy lately. As some of you know I started my new job a few weeks ago. It basically takes everything and leaves me with sore heels. On my days, nights, mornings or weekends off (weekends, what are those?) which are rare, I feel like if I dont spend my time resting for what is ahead than I am wasting it. Seriously I have lost one belt size since working there. So with that said, I havent had any time to record and finish up this cd I have been talking about for FOREVER. But it will happen. There are hopeful "prospects" in the future that will give me more time and wont suck me dry. I just cant talk about them here, just yet.
So sorry to anyone that may be looking forward to the cd but have been kept waiting and waiting. I am actually thankful that I didnt finish it a couple months ago. I have been able to write a few more songs which I think shape the album better, and dropped a few off that dont fit the theme quite as well. Which is exciting because it has allowed me to begin to shape the next cd, which wont be far behind, but also wont be as technical.
On to other news. My wife has a blog. www.susancanady.blogspost.com . So you should probably check that out. She's cool.
The weather is FINALLY cold. Last night during a break at work I sat outside and thought I could smell snow. Winter has the best aroma.
Well thats all for now. Susan and I are going to watch scary movies tonight. Should be fun.
Peace

Dream Blogging

2007-10-08T19:43:00.000-05:00

Well my blogging has entered the dream world. Last night I had a dream that I was in a locker room (I know this dream is off to a great start). Through the corner of my eye I see a Lion jump into the room. I turn around, and it is staring me in the face. Me and 3 other guys (I cant identify) attempt to fight it off, one ends up dying. Anyway, through the whole dream I can remember thinking, I cant wait to blog about this. So thats my bizaar story of the day (by the way, I got away alive).

So thanks to everyone who messaged me after my last blog. I got a few comments and emails about it, so that was cool. Also a couple people had questions about leaving comments. Anyone can comment, you dont have to be a member or blogger or anything. So comment early and comment often. I love to find out who is reading this. I just realized that I may have the Sienfeld of blogs, a blog about nothing. Some choose to blog about theology, some promote their agenda's and views, I choose nothing (with a sprinkling of somethings).

Anyway, here are some things I am into right now.

3:10 To Yuma

This Seriously was an amazing movie. I would say the best I've seen all summer. If you like westerns Go See This Tonight!

The Kingdom

Not as good as 3:10 to Yuma, but really good. It is pretty gory and definitely not a feel good movie, but has a great story and really impressive action.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Unfortunately this is not playing in Nashville, so I have yet to see it. But I have not been more excited to see a movie in a long time. It looks Amazing. Do me a favor, if you are in the DC/Maryland, LA, New York, or Dallas area's please go see this and tell me so that I can live vicariously through you.

One Republic

I stumbled on these guys myspace page and was blown away. I know this is bold to say, but they are honestly already in my top 5 favorite bands of All Time. Just behind Coldplay, Switchfoot, and Sleeping at last. Don't believe me, check out their myspace page. www.myspace.com/onerepublic .

Cherry Mountain Dew

I dont really know what to say except that I love it. Its supposedly seasonal but I have a feeling that it will stick around.

Anyway, thats really it for now. I start my new job tommorrow, so wish me luck.
peace

Way to Long

2007-10-07T00:24:00.001-05:00

I know its been way to long. Things have been a little crazy with.......(drumroll).......getting a job and all. Its nothing huge, but its something that will pay the bills. Its been a long time coming. I start this week and am nervous, excited, and nervous. But the future good news that comes with the previous good news is that I will resume recording responsibilities. I may need a few days to get adjusted to the job, but then its full train ahead to getting this cd done. So you should start seeing the first singles( I am going to attempt 2) and then the rest of the cd soon soon soon. My hope is that by thanksgiving everyone who cares will have not only heard every song, but have them memorized from listening so much. And actually I am hoping to have an acoustic video of two of the songs as soon as monday night. So keep checking back, and checking back, and checking back. The time is coming very very soon for you to start spreading the word like crazy about this cd. I will need everyone and anyone's help. Its going to be a team effort to get this thing off the ground and make an impact, splash, or at least a drip on the music radar. That means calling radio stations, helping plan and organize shows, showing up to the shows, etc... I feel like a preacher talking about the end times, but believe me THE TIME IS COMING SOON!!! I will give you more info as it gets closer, but for right now start gearing up. Seriously, we are going to do this!!!

We are the Complication

2007-09-27T22:34:00.000-05:00

I posted a portion of the lyrics to one of my songs "we are the Complication" below. Now that I have finished it I wanted to repost the full version and talk about it a bit. But first I want to say that this song is not an attack on the church as a whole or Christians as a whole. I am a member of both communities, and wouldnt be if I thought I was a part of the problem by association. I will say that I am extremely proud of all the lyrics on this cd. I have never worked so hard to say what is actually on my heart and what I think needs to be said honestly. Along with that I will say that I think the lyrics on this cd are extremely strong. I dont want to be offensive, but I do want to say what I think needs to be said unashamedly. So with that I will give you the lyrics, and then explain them.

-------------------------------------------
We Are the Complication

V.1
I take the blame for what I write
I make the compositions
These are the things I see as right
These are not blind ambitions
I am not here to pick a fight
I am no competition
But I must speak about the plight
Calling it false religion

Chorus:
We are the moment slipping by
We are the complication
We are the hand before our eyes
We are the complication
We are the noose that’s getting tied
We are the complication
We are the church of suicide
We are the complication

V.2
I’ve heard the cries of passers by
I’ve heard the hungry nations
I’ve seen our buildings touch the sky
I’ve seen our calloused patience

Ending Chorus:
What if we were sick and tired
Could there be restoration
What if comfort lost its fire
Would there be restoration
-----------------------------------------

This is a song I wrote after an online conversation with some other Christians. It started out very simple and almost jokingly even (discussing the world Religion and how its meaning has almost evolved into a negative term), but it quickly moved to more serious issues. We had opposite views on the churches, or more specifically Christians roles in the lives of unbelievers. We differed on issues like loving the sinners and expecting unbelievers to live like believers before they are believers. I could believe was I was hearing. It was as if we had read different bibles, and looked at two different Jesus's. Anyway, my response was to write this song.
This song is meant for the Christians who act like they have no sin, or have it all together. This song is meant for the Christians who are ignoring the hungry and needy of this world, all the while living lives of excess and sickening luxury. This song is for the Churches who are more concerned with buildings, programs, and crystal chandeliers than the hurting community around them. This song is for the Christians who are more concerned with saving in numbers rather than building relationships, loving without condition, and waiting for God to intervene. This song is for those who preach a message of health, wealth, prosperity and living your best life now. This song is for those who hold signs on street corners that speak of hatred or condemnation, without representing the hope that can be found. And finally this song is for those who take the life, words and actions of Jesus, and the bible and make it more or less than it was meant to be. This song was meant for me.

I wrote this song because I am sick of the Christian community shooting itself in the foot. A huge majority of the problem is our actions and words that represent something other than the message of Jesus Christ which was love above anything else. We are the complication. And for those of you who cannot see, believe or admit that (like that guys who I was talking to online) than I would say that you are the complication. We as a whole are one of the main reasons that people are disgusted and turned off by the word "Christian", and in effect have turned them off to the message of Jesus. We need to both rethink our actions and revisit some of the actions of the ancient Christian church. We have wandered far from the message of Jesus, and in our prideful state and sinless facade we have alienated ourselves from the true meaning of the term Christian.

* Note: I am a Christian. I am a part of the universal and local church. I am a part of the complication.

I also want to add that I am going to try and record an acoustic video of this song, and possibly another and post them to this blog tomorrow and give you a little taste of what the cd will be like.

Sorry for being so serious lately. These are issues that I have experienced first hand and am very passionate about.

Peace

Simple Minds vs Coldplay - Don't You Forget About Coldplay?

2007-09-27T21:26:00.001-05:00

This is awesome!!! A combination of Coldplay's "Clocks" and Simple Minds "Don't you forget about me". Keep in mind one of these was made in the mid 80's one in the mid 2000's.

Stuff I like at the moment

2007-09-26T12:23:00.000-05:00

The Junkies in the Morning:
I used to listen to these guys all the time in D.C. Now I have to listen using the podcast, but there are no commercials so it evens out. They can be heard on wjfk 106.7

House:
A great show.

Switchfoot: Nothing is Sound
I know its an older album, but it is great to revisit, especially in the fall time.

Kanye West:
I am not a huge rap fan, but I think Kanye's music surpasses normal rap. He uses alot of orchestra mixes and real musical elements you wouldnt find on your normal rap cd. Although he is as cocky as you can get, he does make good music.

Dave Ramsey:
He is a Christian finance guy. He is helping us get out of debt. Check him out, www.daveramsey.com . One of his slogans is "What could the people of God do for the kingdom of God if they were debt free" .

Chef Ramsey: Kitchen Nightmares
This is another Ramsey I like. His new show "Kitchen Nightmares" is awesome. He takes a week and revamps failing restaraunts. If you liked his other show Hell's Kitchen you will love this show.

John Piper: Don't waste your life
Its a pretty good book so far. Kind of what I needed.

Hiking:
Susan and I have only done this a few times lately, but I actually really enjoy it.

Return

2007-09-25T23:09:00.001-05:00

I havnt posted in a few days so I wanted to throw some lyrics atcha. These are for a song called Return. Its the first song that I recorded for this cd. The song is basically about about a church split that I went through about 5-6 years ago. It is a very personal song about a very hard time in my life and the life of my family. It has inspired alot of my lyrics, and has actually changed the way I think about the church, and people in general. All in all, as hard as it was, it was a very necessary thing to go through, and I think I, my family, and even the church are better off for it.
To give light to the lyrics a little bit, the first verse revolves around a malicious person. Most churches have that person who seems to say all the right things and be everyones buddy but behind closed doors is actually making cracks in the foundations of the church. Its that person that flippantly says at a prayer meeting "I dont want to get into it but we really need to be in prayer for our pastor right now, he is going through some things". The second verse revolves around those who get caught in the malicious person's web. Sadly they hang on every hint of possible sin, or cleverly worded accusations. These are the clicks who run with accusations and whisper behind closed doors. A very eternally dangerous thing. And then we have the 3d verse which revolves around everyone else. Everyone who watches the attack and is confused by it. Everyone who isnt a part of the dangerous whispering clicks. Those who are confused, angered, and concerned over the misconduct and sinful behavior of those around them they considered brothers and sisters.
And finally, the chorus and the bridge focus on the possibility of reconciliation. Only if love wins over hate, sinful behavior, malicious accusations and conversations could there be a hope to return. No matter how many bridges have been burned, there can be reconciliation if Love and Godly behavior is practiced and pursued.

The saddest part about this song is that this return rarely happens. often times it is the ones who have acted in love, and acted Godly all along (and are most often the target of the maliciousness) that are willing to forgive and reconcile. However, the ones who have essential caused the crisis to begin with never can see the sinful actions of gossip, slander and false accusations. Pride is the biggest part of that. Sometimes they may even end up believing their own lies. And sadly Christianity and its reputation gets dragged through the mud in the process. I can see why some people hate Christians sometimes, for a short while after this situation I hated alot of Christians.

Overall, I wrote this song because I think it is important. So many churches are experiencing this, and often it happens the exact same way. My hope is that we would learn from it. I want people to know that there is another option, beyond the pride and sin. There can be forgiveness, reconciliation, and love. There can be a return. It doesnt have to end like this.

( sorry if this offends anyone. I am only speaking from my heart concerning my own personal experiences. )

RETURN

1st verse
Theres always someone to make the sound
Of cracking skies that can break the ground
Their heart feels right but the will astounds
They’ve found out all the rights words to say

2nd verse
And then theres those who get caught inside
The falling walls made of hidden lies
The circles whisper behind clear lines
The choice is yours don’t throw it away

chorus
Is there a way to return
1000 bridges we’ve burned
And are we really concerned
Is there a way to return

3rd verse
And then theres those who will live to tell
Of falling stars and their ego spells
The heart grows weak as confusion swells
Whose right, whose wrong and who cares anyway

bridge
Only if love wins can we hope to star moving again
Only if love wins can we ever start dreaming again
Only if love wins can we hope to start living again
Only if love wins

Suzie

2007-09-20T23:32:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to show everyone an awesome picture of my wife when she was little. It is probably my favorite picture of all time!

The Insincerity of Artistry

2007-09-20T20:48:00.000-05:00

One of the few gifts that I feel I have is detecting bull crap. I hate watching people that have no sincerity, or having conversations where each word is more meaningless than the next. For this reason I hate songs that are meaningless. There are certain artists out there that just tick me off. I especially dont get how they come to have record deals and fans. I guess its the same reason that Bob Dylan has so many fans even though he can't sing to save his life. He sounds like Mr. Burns from the Simpsons with a cold. Anyway, I am getting off track.

It is possible to have a great song with horrible meaningless lyrics. For instance, I like Justin Timberlake's music, but most of his songs are basically meaningless. You can write them off as love songs, and some of them are, but most of them are clever lines that really say nothing at all. Christian music is especially guilty with this. Almost everyone recycles everyone elses lyrics. Can't we come up with new, real, clever stuff to say about God. Some artists are, but most are not. And what kills me is its normally the most successful artists that are the worst. I like Christ Tomlin, but how many Christ Tomlins do we need?

I have noticed a pattern with these so called songwriters though. First off, it seems like most of them are trying to be to clever or deep. Sure they may have one or two clever lines, or phrases that mask themselves as well crafted, but when you look at them in light of the song or overall meaning of the lyrics they normally dont fit. The second thing is unoriginality. For instance, if I say Eye, most people automatically think of sky. Which is why we have so many songs that say things like

The sparkle in your eye
Like the stars in the sky

This line is brainless unoriginallity. If I have never heard the song, and can tell you what the next line will be, chances are you didnt spend alot of time coming up with the lyrics. Plus, this line has been said before, thousands of times.
The bottom line is authenticity. If you are real about what your a saying. If have have really experienced it. If it is TRULY saying something worth saying, it will be authentic. That is why songwriters like Jon Foreman's (switchfoot) authenticity cuts like a knife. He has experienced his lyrics, he fights and sweats and thinks and rethinks over his lyrics. He doesnt just throw in the first rhyming word to complete a line. And if you are real and authentic about what you are writing, cleverness and originality will follow.

And just in case you were wondering, I am certainly not saying I am free from meaningless songs. I have written many songs, and performed many songs that I am far from proud of. For instance, I have a song called waves that I wrote about 10 years ago, and performed at alot of concerts that I to this day have no clue what it means. You could probably even pick through my last cd and find some songs that are not as authentic as they should be. But I do feel that I have grown immensely as a songwriter since then. Especially for this upcoming cd. I can truly say now that I know what it means to suffer over a song, and to write from the heart. One thing you wont be able to say about this CD is that I threw in the towel and just started rhyming lines. I have never worked so hard to truly say something real and authentic. My lines still rhyme, and I still use some G,C,and D chords, but my authenticity has not been compromised.

My bottom line is that we as a people are getting more and more brainless and excepting of meaningless things. We are all about immediacy and quantity over quality and authenticity. And its something we ALL struggle with. We need to not just settle for something that is catchy. We shouldnt compromise our beliefs just because everyone is digging the new Fiddy song about a magic stick. We need to be a thinking people. Cleverness sometimes wears a mask. Authenticity never does.

Anyway, I dont mean to sound like I have it all figured out, or that I am free from any of this. I am merely just trying to get us thinking. And if you dont agree with me, well, sorry this is my blog sucka.

Hello Newbies!

2007-09-17T12:43:00.000-05:00

To anyone reading this for the first time welcome! My life is not crazy exciting but it has its moments. I update this somewhat frequently so please keep checking in. And dont forget to comment or criticize ( I can take it).
-Josh

Amazing

2007-09-17T12:10:00.001-05:00

I have been living off of this song lately. It is an amazing cover. It is one of those songs that seems to stop life and make you reflect. Anyway, enjoy...

The leaves they are a changin'

2007-09-15T15:21:00.000-05:00

I woke up today to 70 degree weather. And that is awesome. I love the cold weather, and knowing that winter is just around the corner. Last night laying in bed listening to my Ipod (I do that for about 1-2 hours now to help put me to sleep)(I know I have issues) a Christmas song came into the mix, and I have to say I got a little bit excited. I know I have 3 months to go, but I am already looking forward to that season. And being able to GO HOME for a bit. Probably not for very long though.

Susan and I got up and went hiking today at a park right down the road. It was pretty awesome. It made me really want to go camping. I love camping in the fall because you dont get to hot at night. Anyway, when we get a little extra cash (which might be never) I want to get a tent and start camping some on the weekends. If anyone wants to donate one to the josh camping tent drive, let me know.

Anyway, for those wondering about my cd (I think I mentioned this before) I have halted recording for right now until i can sure up a job. I am hoping that happens this week. We really need it to happen. I am really anxious to finish up this cd, but am thankful that I dont have to rush it. Its a cool thing to be able to work at your own pace. Creatively it has been good. Sometimes you can get lost so much in what your doing that you get caught up in wanting to finish and lose your sense of quality. I dont think that necessarily happened to me, but I was on the verge of it. Now when I start recording again I will have a freshness of mind and creativity. If that makes any sense.

Anyway, I thought I would end this session with another song. Its one that actually probably wont be on this cd, but will be one of the free songs I give away to those who pre-order it early. It will also probably end up on my next cd. Enjoy...

"Story"

Theres a story that runs past the world we live on
Its about why we walk and how we will walk on
And this story began before we were all born
But it touches today like the eye of a storm

How can we not
Let it close to our hearts
How can we not
Let it tear us apart

And this stories been passed down throughout all of time
Protected by watchers who wrote the first lines
It’s a story of wrath and of hope and of truth
But its all wrapped in love and its words are all true

This world could all change, or burn up in flames
The story would remain

It’s a story whose hero keeps me faith alive
And its words can all haunt me and wake me at night
And if I’m to believe all its words are all true
Then how can it not change the things that I do
And the world has forgotten to hold it close too.

How can we not
Let it close to our hearts
How can we not
Let it tear us apart
Or have we forgot

2007-09-07T16:07:00.000-05:00

I saw this picture and thought it was absolutely awesome. It amazing to think of how different styles and trends can be just 15-20 years later. I know that styles seem to reincarnate themselves after a while but I hope that the 80's never come back. Can you imagine stone washed jeans again? Although I see guys with the super tight punk style jeans now, which I think is ridiculous. Anyway all of this "style" talk is making me sound either really old, or really gay.

I miss Nintendo Power.

2007-09-06T21:48:00.000-05:00

Sitting here tonight watching football (ok mostly Ace of Cakes) I have come to the realization of something. I am a fly by the seat of my pants type of guy. I am sure my friends and family have noticed this, and probably discussed it. But I finally have come to the conclusion that I rearrange my life at the drop of a hat. If something sounds like a good idea one moment, then thats what I am going to do. Then 5 minutes later when reality strikes, I am set back on my original plan, which was made 5 minutes before that. Like a kid that changes his or her profession everyday, I change my life's direction every other hour. Anyway, I think its more funny than anything else. I think part of the reason is because life as a musician is so unstable and uncertain. I could either make it, and do well, or I could do nothing with it and waste (seemingly) 5-10 years of my life. Its easy to give up and look towards something else with such uncertain odds. anyway....
In other news I HAVE TO MANY SONGS. Sometimes as a songwriter you go through phases and seasons where you write 20 songs in two weeks. Unfortunately I had already decided which songs would be on my cd, and then a flood of new ones came in. Anyway, I have decided to record a few more (probably about 17 or so) and then let the people decide what will make it to the cd.
Well I guess I will leave you with some lyrics I am working on right now. Its for a songs called Adamant. Its a real chill songs, just acoustic and symphony. I am actually going to try and record it in full this weekend and put it up on myspace for all to hear.

Adamant

We are bitter as we sleep
And we’re wasting precious time
We’re the company we keep
We’re the dust in our own eyes
And I feel it collapsing
I feel like letting go
I feel it collapsing

I fall asleep
And we are adamant again
We are adamant again
When I dream
We are more than false pretense
We are adamant again

Workforce extravaganza

2007-09-06T00:47:00.001-05:00

So I used to get really frustrated when my favorite band or artist would push back their cds. I never really got how hard it was to just get into a studio and bang out a cd. I now understand completely. In fact I just heard a couple of days ago that my favorite band coldplay is pushing back their new cd from September to early 2008, and I am not surprised at all. With all of that said, I am sad to say I will not be done with my new cd as soon as planned/hoped. Life has caught up with me, and on top of being super busy with family stuff the past month and a half, I am also forced to put ALL of my time into finding a job. So I am putting recording on hold until that happens (aside from recording on the weekends). I still hope to have about 4-5 songs done in the next few weeks, so you all can hear the direction, but until I get a job, I wont be able to say for sure when everything will be done. As of right now, I am hoping for an official release on or around January 1st. But dont worry, you will be able to hear EVERY song well before the official release ( I am sure you were shaking from fear). Any way, thats the update for now.
J

Music Update/Quandry

2007-08-29T22:46:00.000-05:00

So the music is still......coming. I have had a ton of interruptions (the good kinds) and so I havnt been able to get alot accomplished in the past couple of weeks. But I am close. I really want to let people hear it as a full package, because it really has turned into somewhat of a concept album. So anyway, it should only be a couple more weeks at the most until everyone gets to hear EVERYTHING. I am both excited and afraid of what people might think, but mostly excited. Anyway, here is my quandry. First of all I have no doubt that every song I have written for this CD has been what God wanted me to say. I have really stressed over every word, and feel confident that these words are the right words. The problem or issue is that almost all of them have a darker feel. The CD is called falling to the sky, and almost every song deals with (in some way)the issue that we are all scumbags and sinners in need of salvation. Along the way I deal with topics like church splits and over confident/arrogent Christians who really misrepresent Christ and his message. To give you a taste of what I am talking about here are some lyrics to one of the songs

"We are the moment slipping by
We are the complication
We are the hand before our eyes
We are the complication
We are the church of suicide
We are the complication"

The rest of the song goes on to talk about how we as Christians are most of the problem because of our hypocritical lives.
Anyway, because I am writing these songs mostly for the church I am a little concerned with the darkness of it all. I am hoping to eventually start a church ministry and although I think my message is needed, will it be accepted, and should I even be concerned with that.
Not all of the songs are totally dark by the way, and ultimately the whole cd has a positive message. But the journey through the cd is really meant to be a harsh reality and a good look in the mirror.
I guess the defining answer will come with its acceptance or rejection once it is released.
Overall and I am already very proud of everything as a whole. I really believe in speaking (or singing) the truth no matter what the cost or the outcome. To end I will give you the lyrics to a song that is one of my favorites. Enjoy (hopefully)

"Fit Beautifully" (taken from Ecclesiastes 3:1-11)

I saw it again today
But it wont last
Everyones on their way
To get past
We just keep going and going and going
We cant see
That we’ve become just ways breath
Are we ways to breath

Only you can make this broken heart
Fit beautifully you make it fit beautifully
Only you can see what cant be seen
Inside of me, you make it fit beautifully

I watched the world fall today
Before my eyes
It fell into hate, sin and genocide
It just keeps going and going and going
But we cant see
You will grow us through our grief
We are born through grief

Only you can make this fallen world
Fit beautifully you make it fit beautifully
Only you can see what cant be seen
In poverty, you make it fit beautifully

When we are falling as fast as we can
You can catch us inside your hands

2007-08-29T16:21:00.001-05:00

Ok so I was hanging out with a friend today and we were discussing music. He was playing me some of his favorites that he had on his computer. For a number of them he told me to listen to them in reference to Christ, or to listen to them as if they were worship songs. One of them was a Dixie Chicks song ( I think called easy silence). One was called The Story by Brandi carlile which he thought of as a good representation of the relationship between Jesus and his mother. Anyway, I was wondering what other people thought of this. Obviously, these songs were probably not inteded to have a worshipful meaning, so is it ok for us to reinterpret them. I personally think so. If anything, whether it be a song or a movie, allows us a way or chance to become closer to God and worhip him, whether it be for a moment or forever, isnt that a good thing?

Anyway, just a thought. I was wondering what everyone else thought about the whole thing.

Cd Details

2007-08-21T20:52:00.000-05:00

So the cd is about 3 songs away from being done (besides some backup vocals and minor details). I will definitely have the songs up soon. In fact I am opening two myspace pages so I can post almost all of the songs. Anyway, I have been messing with some cover ideas. I wanted to know what people thought before I get two far into it. The cd will be called "Falling to the Sky". Anyway, thats the update for now.

Fall music

2007-08-21T13:39:00.000-05:00

It is almost that time of year! I know its still pretty hot, but my favorite season is right around the corner. Every year as fall is approaching my style of music totally changes. Summertime seems to bring out more fun styles of music. But the fall is all about deep, powerful music to me. And every year, when fall is on its way I happen to pop in a cd that totally puts me in that fall mindset. My freshman year of college it was a 3 doors down cd. Two years ago it was Nick Drake's pink moon cd (go buy it NOW) and just last night I stumbled upon Switchfoots Nothing is Sound cd. Automatically my mind, mood and feelings changed. I am in the fall mindset, I just hope that the weather changes soon to fit my mood. Anyway, I am excited about it. Anybody with me? or am I just a freak (which I dont rule out at all)?

open book

2007-08-20T14:33:00.000-05:00

What a crazy messed up weird world we live in. I need prayer, strength and wisdom. I am faced with decisions that are bigger and beyond me. I need contentment or direction. I need acceptance or rejection. I am tired of running but want to run a little more. I feel like a ran a little to far the last time. If I continue am i a quitter. If I stop am I just bitter.

I need prayer, strength and wisdom

Problems

2007-07-28T23:34:00.000-05:00

So for the one's of you out there that are wondering why I havnt posted the new songs, I have a valid excuse. First let me say that as of tuesday, all of the songs are compeletly finished, except for the vocals. My plan was to lay down the vocals on wednesday. however, on tuesday night I began to have an unbearable tooth ache. This turned into a wednesday of sickness and pain, which then turned into a thursday with a root canal and vicoden. My mom and sister then flew in friday, and will be here untill tuesday. So hopefully I can get the vocals done on tuesday and wedndesday and put them right up. Then it will be about 1-2 weeks for the next batch. Anyhoo, thats the deal with that....sorry

Tammy Faye

2007-07-25T08:37:00.000-05:00

So I have been watching a documentary on Jay Bakker, Jim and Tammy Fay's son, who is a pastor in New York. Its particularly interesting to watch now that Tammy Faye has passed away (she appears in the documentary alot). To be brutally honest, I always thought she was a quack. She wore a ton of makeup, appeared on the Surreal life, and was in the middle of a huge religious scandal in the 80's. But I have to tell you that in watching this documentary, I couldnt have changed my opinion of her more.
Most people saw the last larry king interview with her, just days before she died. Even in her last days she was praising God for everything, and making pleas for people to follow Jesus. But even behind closed doors she was the real deal. One amazing thing she does is pray spontaniously through out the day. If she is having a conversation with someone and they mention something, good or bad, that she feels needs prayer or praise, she immediately begins to pray. She doesnt wait until a meal or her quiet time. She would pray right then, right there, wherever she was, whatever she was doing, in the midst of the situation she realized the power of speaking to God about whatever the circumstance was. Now that she is gone I am sorry I didnt have the respect for her that she deserved while she was alive. It is good to know she is no longer in pain.

Day Three of Recording

2007-07-23T02:40:00.000-05:00

Well, it is 2:40 am on sunday night, and day three of recording is in the can. I have complete the music portion of 4 songs, and have about 10 to go. I will probably do the vocals for these 4 songs tommorrow before I record new ones, just so I can start putting them on myspace, and getting feedback and creating a vibe.
So far this has been the funnest and most challenging music venture I have ever done. But i am positive it will also be the most rewarding. For once the songs I am recording are coming out exactly as I hear them in my head. And that is beyond exciting for me. But I still have about 9-10 more to go, and have more HUGE challenges ahead.
It will be fun to look back in a month and hear the final product of all this work. I literally CANNOT wait for people to hear this cd. It is going to be alot of fun. I am also excited to plan a tour to follow the release of this project.
Anyway, hopefully this time tommorrow you will be able to hear some of it on my myspace.

My next goal: Come up with a name for the cd.

Seacrest out

Big News

2007-07-21T00:56:00.000-05:00

I only know of two people that read this, but for anyone that cares, I do have some pretty big news. I am officially recording my 2nd cd. I know your thinking "what happened to the first one?". But there actually was one. And although I havnt given up on that cd (which was all acoustic), I really feel led to move on and do something that more reflects my personal styles. For 99% of the songs I write, I write them as big productions. With beats, and orchestra and some rock. So while it was fun to start off simple with an acoustic project, I really am excited to let people hear the actual music that is in my head. Does that make sense? I have almost one song completely in the can (which is one of the harder songs to do for the cd) and I must say, it was AWESOME being able to break out my electric (fender telecaster). There is just a raw power that comes with that distortion, powerchord sound. Tonight I actually recorded a big solo for the end of the song, which is one of my favorite parts of recording. Just the freedom that comes with wailing is crazy.....side note, there is a horrible band on Jimmy Kimmel right now....it seems like there are to many HORRIBLE bands coming out...whats up with that....are we becoming easily entertained???? Music is much more than 4 chords and a lead singer with more charisma than talent.

Anyhoo, as far as life goes.....its going ok. I still have not been able to find a job. I have literally applied everywhere I can think of and find. Its amazing to think that of all the places in nashville I cant grab a single job. So this whole thing has gotten me thinking...what am I supposed to be doing? About a year ago (before thoughts of nashville ever came up) I was thinking about starting a concert ministry. Basically playing at churches and other venues all over the country, and trying to make a living doing that. Somehow that vision faded, and we began to concentrate on nashville, and finishing school. So this past week susan and I remembered that dream and thought...what if that is what I am supposed to be doing. So I have been doing some research this week, trying to see if it would be worth my while, and if I could make a decent living (eventually) doing that. Basically I have come to the conclusion that I wont know until I try. So with the release of this next cd, I am really going to try and do a pretty lengthy tour to support both of my projects. If it proves to be even slightly successful, I may end up trying to make that what I do. But it is all kind of up in the air (have I mentioned that I can be a dreamer). The hardest part of all of this is going to be the funds. We basically have nothing extra as it is, and to do this would be a great trust issue.

What else? well as some of you know I suffer from frequent spells of Insomnia. This past week I have not been able to go to sleep before 4:30 am. Which coincides with the time that I began recording and thinking about touring. So I think I see a pattern. I did however discover that most geniuses suffer with insomnia. Coincidence....I think not.

Well I guess this is long enough. I havnt done this in a while, so I had alot to say. I WILL be frequenting this thing more often. I am going to keep somewhat of a recording blog to let everyone know how the process is going. So check back as I will try and update this at least everyother day from now on. But then again....I am a dreamer.

So

2007-06-14T23:06:00.000-05:00

So... we were having a wonderful sunday. We just discovered and AMAZING church here in Nashville called Journey in Ecclesia. It was an amazing service full of what seemed to be very genuin worshipers. The pastoral was very realistic and down to earth (much more so than the other pastors we have seen down here). Anyway, we were driving home, and out of nowhere BAM! a deer jumps in front of our car. We hit the backside of him (he was huge) with the driver side of the car, he landed on the hood and ran off. Of course I was thinking the car was going to be destroyed. We pulled into a parking lot and got out to revue the damage. A tiny dent. Thats it! So that was amazing.
So then we get home, and susan is baking a sub roll. Following the directions she put it in for four minutes. Unfortunately within the first minute it totally burst into flames. Susan started yelling, and the alarm went off. I ran in and pulled it out of the oven (with a pot holder) and ran it outside. It burned the crap out of my hands, but at least we still have a kitchen. Sadly susans sub roll didnt survive.
So jobwise I am seeing alot of interest. My phone is ringing off the hook. I guess sarcasm doesnt really come across in the blogging world. In othe words, no one wants me. I have applied to all kinds of places, from record labels to best buy to starbucks. Nothing. Everyone tells me just to get a coffeshop job for the time being, or work at a resteraunt. So what do you do when even these places dont want you. Anyway, its more than frustrating. I AM A COLLEGE GRADUATE. I HAVE TONS OF WORK EXPERIENCE. So susan is encouraging me to start looking into playing some shows. So i guess I will start doing that. I just wanted to have a job before I started doing music stuff.
So thats about it. I got some other stuff in the works but I dont feel like talking about myself anymore tonight.
So whats going on with you?

Happenings

2007-06-09T00:35:00.000-05:00

So heres whats new, and what I am into at the moment

-Oceans 13- It was pretty good. I dont think anything will touch the first one, but it blew away the second. The story was great and easier to follow than the second. It did have somewhat of a fairytale ending, which I never really like, but they pulled it off pretty well. I feel like the may have tried to fit to much story into two hours, and as a result there wasnt enough of an opportunity to just sit back and watch the boys be boys. It wasnt as goofy or slick as the others, but it was still smart and interesting. All in all I would give it a B-.

-Mute Math- They are the best band that (almost) nobody knows. They have been on the verge of a big break for a while now, but nothing has pushed them over the edge. I have seen them live a few times now, and I can EASILY say that they have the best live show out there. With all of that said, they have just recorded the title theme to the new Transformers movie. You can listen to it here. It sounds amazing, and makes me hope that it finally blows them up to the place they deserve.

-Tony Compton- My boy Tony is gearing up to head over to Iraq for I believe like 12-15 months. I met him through a small group I was doing, and have been impressed with him ever since. He ended up marrying a girl from our small group named Anna just a couple months ago. So if you can imagine getting married and then leaving after a couple months for Iraq for over a year. If you think of them, keep them in your prayers for the next year, I am sure it will be more than tough, for both of them.

-Recording- I have been writing alot lately, and am actually going to start recording again. I am still learning how to record with my mac, but it is slowly coming to me. Anyway, I am trying to get a couple songs done, and hopefully be able to put them up on my myspace in the next few days.

Thats it with me. If anyone actually reads this, i would appreciate a comment here and there. Also, if anyone knows my music, I really need to get some comments or reviews at the following sites

cdbaby
Itunes

As well as any of these sites
http://payplay.fm/canady
http://musicishere.com/artists/josh_canady/skeletons
http://www.bitmunk.com/view/media/6619415
http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/1033591

Weekend in MD

2007-06-04T21:13:00.000-05:00

So this past week Drove home to maryland for my best friends wedding. Got there tuesday and met up Andrew (the groom) and my other friend Jason to start doing some work on Andrews new house. He was hoping to get it all done before the wedding. Unfortunately that didnt happen, but it will be done soon enough. Anyway, did some of that stuff till thursday night until the bachelor party. I am the best man, so I was trying hard to do something cool. We ended up at the DC Improv. We paid for one comedian (DC Benny) but ended up seeing 4, including Dave Attell who was trying some stuff for his HBO Special the next night. We ended up getting front row seats, and had an awesome time. Saturday was the wedding and it couldnt have been better. The weather was awesome, everything went according to plan, and everyone had a great time (which also could have something to do with the open bar). It was my first and probably last time being a best man, so I had some fun duties, like pulling a drunk guy out of the car as they were trying to pull away. Anyway, it was an awesome weekend, and although I couldnt be more tired today, it was all well worth it.

Pirates of the Pooh-Pooh

2007-05-26T23:14:00.000-05:00

This movie was horrible. I didnt have a problem with the first two. Infact I found them pretty entertaining, although forgettable. But this movie was one of the worst I have ever seen. The first half of the movie was all about trying to explain everything, why its happening and why it was important. Its like the first two were all about the glits and glamour, and then they realized they only had one movie to wrap the over-plotted story up. So the first hour and a half was filled with dialogue about why this happened, and why we have to do this and that, and what happens if we do this, and we need to get this person with that magic coin, with her blah blah blah blah. Then to wrap things up they did an hour of pure action and effects, which woke me up a bit. The worst part (PARTIAL SPOILER ALERT) was when, after 2 hours of failing to acknowledge the forgotten romance story of Will and Elizabeth, they decide to get married in the middle of the ending battle scene, with a pirate in the middle of a fight leading the "ceremony". It was more than corny, and less than fulfilling for the needed closure of their love story. And now for the good parts. Johnny depp as Jack sparrow was awesome as always. It made me wish the movied was just about his character. Which makes me excited for the fourth installement, because the end leads us to believe it will be just that. Also there was a great cameo from keith Richards (the rolling stones) as Jack Sparrows dad (Johnney depp actually based the character after Keith Richards). All in all it didnt touch the first two movies. It was VERY poorly written, and was a waste of special effects money. I would give this movie a D-.

Story in Timeline

2007-05-24T21:40:00.000-05:00

12:32- Find out about a free Derek Webb concert at 2@ the borders down the street
1:00- Eat lunch really quick and head out early to get good parking + seat
1:30- arrive and drive around for 20 minutes trying to find parking
1:50- Run into borders to find no one waiting for a show
2:00- Confusedly pretend to shop while waiting for concert to begin
2:10- Ask a clerk what the deal is and am informed that there is no concert scheduled for today
2:11 - Return to my awesome parking spot and drive home
2:32- Get home and find out the myspace bulletin has been updated, showing the concert to be on June 2nd (and of course I will be out of town on June 2nd).
2:40- File a lawsuit against www.myspace.com/derekwebb

Dolores O'Riordan

2007-05-23T13:52:00.000-05:00

For those of you who dont know Dolores O'Riordan, the former lead singers of the Cranberries released a solo cd last week. It hasnt recieved to much press, only a few late night show appearences. Which is unfortunate because it is one of the best albums I have heard in a long long time. If you are a cranberries fan, you will absolutely love it. It keeps that cranberries feel, but in my opinion is way better than any of their group albums. As a solo artist she is not afraid to rock just as hard, but she does take the liberty to get a little artsy in some spots, which is a good thing. Anyway, thats my weekly obsession.

3 months of news

2007-05-21T22:40:00.000-05:00

Ok! So the last time I left you we were planning on staying in Maryland due to the lack of job responses in Nashville. So to make a long update short here are the news headlines for the past three months.
-Lifeway contacts Susan about a job
-Josh and Susan travel to Nashville: Endure rigourous interviewing process
-Josh and Susan wait and wait
-This just in: Susan gets the Job
-Classifieds: Apartments for rent
-Josh and Susan are approved for a townhome
-Community Steps up: making it possible for Josh and Susan to move
-Nashville times: Josh and Susan have arrived
-Lifeway press: Susan loves her job while Josh still looks
-This just in: this is getting old.

So anyway, thats the short of it. Also in the midst of it all I got the chance to do a few shows here and there, and got to open for two amazing artists. Also last weekend I drove home and finally graduated with a B.A. I did the 6 year program, so its good to be done. The ceremony was long and boring, and the speaker was beyond horrible, but its over and done with. And we were surprised by the presence of Susans brother and his wife, Vern and Pam who happened to be in town from Georgia. Also while I was home I got the chance to do a show with Tyler Burkum from Audio Adrenaline. He couldnt have been more awesome and I am glad to say I had a part in the show. He was great, and I hope to have the chance to play with him again in the future.

Finally I just want to thank everyone for their prayers and help in getting us here. We are settling in, and look forward to what will come. For any of you who actually read this, I am going to be doing a LOT more blogging starting........now. And I will be changing the look of some things on my site and myspace. So keep checking back!

Movement

2007-03-01T01:38:00.000-06:00

Its 2:39 am on march 1st, and as usual I am sleepless. Thoughts are racing. Fears are overcoming. Doubts are setting in. This really is the perfect setting for a blog isnt it? Let me fill you in on my life the past month. As some of you may know, Susan and I have been looking to move to Nashville for quit some time. Our plan was to move in january after I have finished classes. When December rolled around, i found out that I would have to stick around at least through February to finish up an internship. So that gave us Jan and Feb to find jobs and prepare to move. Which is what we have been doing. Sending out our resumes, filling out applications, searching jobsites, looking at apartments, falling in love with a city and getting our hopes far in the clouds. We even went as far as to tell out home church about it. We had a couple of exciting leads, which in the end turned out to be further proof that you can never fully depend on humans. Fast forward to 2:39 on march 1st. As I sit here in my parents home, we have no jobs in Nashville, no place to live, and no leads. We do however have many rejections letters. I dont normally like to toot my own horn, but Susan and I both actually have impressive resume's. Everything that we applied for we were either over qualified or perfectly qualified for. NOTE* this is not a pity party*
So what now. What do you do when you have told everyone you are leaving, and you dont. What do you do when you have tried everything and end up with nothing. I guess you become content with where you are at. There is nothing I would rather do than write/record/ and perform music for a living. I thought Nashville was the road I needed to take to get there. I guess there are alternate routes. Dead ends promote new ways of travel.
Amidst everything sucky that is going on right now I know that what is happening is happening because of something I dont see. That is to say there is a reason that absolutly NOTHING was successfull in my attempt to move to Nashville. There is a reason that I am stuck in the place I was preparing to leave. I am excited to find out the reason because I think it is bigger than me. I hope to look back in 10 years and clearly see the reasoning behind the current standstill, and I have no doubts that I will.
So now I continue. Not only continue I step everything up. I will fight for my music. As stupid and corny as that sounds, that is where I am at. If I really want something to happend I am going to have to make it happen from my current state of mind, residence, area, and life. For me, for now, moving is neither an answer or an option.
I guess the word for my life now is not moving, but movement. Movement concerns stretching my arms where I am at, not moving to the center of the room to stretch my arms. My life will be about movement. My music will be about movement. My own success will be about movement. I am ready for movement.

The day the Grammy's died

2007-02-12T10:19:00.000-06:00

So I am beginning to think there is something wrong with the speakers in my tv. I watched the grammies last night with an equal amount of excitement and disgust. First addressing the excitement. Justin Timberlak is no joke. Say what you want about him being a boybander or a Michael Jackson wannabe, the boy can sing and perform like few people in the music world right now (and as a side not, his hosting job on SNL has been the best so far this year). And at the risk of sounding like a teenie bopper lover, Christina Aguilaria without a doubt had the best female performance of the night. Other than an awkard scream in the middle of her song, she proved her continued worth in the music world. John Mayer, Corrine Baley Rae, and John Legend tore it up (although I think John Legend is extremely overrated). And Finally the reuniting of The Police was awesome. Sting opted out of the super high notes for some lower ones, but all in all they are still better then 97% of the bands out there today. And now for the major dissapointments of the night. First of all, I now officaially hate the Dixie Chicks. It has nothing to do with their anti bush statement. It has nothing to do with my hatred for most of counry music. They just are not that good. There song, which has gotten no airplay (not all because it is anit bush, but because it is just not that good) sounds like every other song they have ever put out. I kept hearing last night and now today and all the shows how their latest album is so groundbreaking and fresh. IT SOUNDS JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER CRAPPY ALBUM THEY HAVE PUT OUT! But if we are being honest, they didnt win because of their artist skill, but because it is popular speak out against the president right now. Their huge winnings were a statement by the voters about the war and the state of the government right now, and it should have been about their music. Sales wise the cd and tour have been a huge failure. So how did they end up winning everything? HMMMM. Bottom line, let some things be about politics, and some things about music. The grammies are about music. Some quickies, Gnarls barkley needed to pep it up ALOT, the grammies are not a dance competition, they are about music and singing (that goes to you Christ Brown), and finally Mary J Blige CANNOT SING. She is passionate, she can hit that one screaming/melodic note, but thats it. She is a one trick pony. i know that may not be popiular to say, alot of people love her, and she has come out of some very hard times victoriously. But she is not a good singer...bottom line. I just don't see it. She is like a preacher that just yells nonsense, but everyone loves him because he speaks with passion and boldness.
Anyway, that is my recap of the show. It was a popularity contest, and not about sheer talent (which is nothing new, but it does get old). Some people one that should have (Ludacris, John mayer), but some people were just robbed (justin Timberlake).

5:24am in a hospital room

2007-01-26T04:24:00.000-06:00

Its 5:24am in a easton maryland hopsital. My brother in law is passed out next to me. He had an emergency surgery today to get his appendix removed, so I have been here since noon today (with a 2 hour break), and am now taking the night shift so my sister can sleep. Christoph (my brother in law) was just up for about an hour, and we had a good talk untill he started falling asleep mid sentence. Anyway,now I am sitting here in the dark thinking about stuff, of which I will blog about real soon. Peace

"fray"d not

2007-01-19T15:21:00.000-06:00

So I went to see the Fray and Mute math last night. My wife had gotten me tickets for Christmas for the show in Norflok VA at the Nova. It was about a 3 and a half hour drive but i will drive anywhere for a good show. We parked at the mall across from the venue and got some food at the food court before the show (dont ever eat at the chinese place there--worst i have ever had). Then we proceeded to wait in the rain for an hour for the doors to open late. But all of that was worth it to see Mute Math's perfect 40 minute set. They are truly the best performers I have ever seen. When you see a guy do a back flip off of a wurlizer while playing a keytar, you know its something special. Anyway, while we were mostly there to see Mute Math, everyone else was there to see the Fray, which is arguably the most "in" band right now. After their performance, I would have to say that they are probably the most overrated band I have ever seen. With a set that included starting songs over, and bass lines that didnt match the songs (as well as a bass player that looked like he would have rather been anywhere else) it was easily one of the worst performances I have ever seen. The space in between songs was filled with nervous talk (that could be barely understood) that included topics such as the wrap that they had for lunch and his throat being dry. At one point Susan turned around to me and said she was bored. It wasnt all bad though, some of their songs were good, including a cover of "all the lonely people" by the beatles. But they ended their set with a weezer song (I think its called Buddy Holly) which I thought was very strange since it is just not their style. Anyway the night all in all was fun, and I had a good time. Susan and I both agreed that Mute Math should have headlined the show, but I am definitely glad I got to see the show. I will still listen to the Fray's cd (which is excellent) but will be hesitant to buy the next one, or see them live again. Hopefully there suckiness is just due to their being a brand new band and not having alot of experience. Anyway, that was my night last night.

Gotta Start Somewhere

2007-01-16T17:29:00.000-06:00

I have been reading other peoples blogs and posts for years and finally decided to put my word out there. I hope to update this very often with my opinions and ideas concerning whats going on in the world. Also I hope to keep people informed as to all the happenings in my crazy exciting life (sarcasm). Anyway, it should prove to be either really exciting or really boring so stay tuned.