God in His wisdom has given us the Bible to lean on for His Word. It always amazes me how I can turn to Him and search in the Bible and find people who have been through what I am going through, or have thought the things that I am thinking. As I reflect on the recent loss of my friends’ son, I remember King David who bore the loss of a son born to him out of wedlock in ancient Israel. Despite why this happened to him, David who has been described by the Lord as a “Man after (God’s) own heart,” deals with the real pain of his son being sick and the weight of his death in the end.
For seven days David laid on the floor, denying himself food, denying himself water, denying himself comfort, denying himself even the privilege to be near his son. There is not a thing in this world that a parent would not deny themselves if they knew it would bring long life to their children. David wept, he cried out to God to the dismay to his servants and religious leaders, and it was not until the boy died that he picked himself up. The first thing he did was to clean himself up and return to the House of the Lord to worship.
I pray with all of my heart I will never have to know what it is like to lose a child. I pray also that the days that I will lose my wife, brothers, sisters and parents will be far off. But I also hope and pray that should I endure such tragedy that I will have the mental and physical strength to worship the Lord.
After David worships the Lord, he returns to his home and his servants are perplexed because it was the custom in that day to mourn loved one’s after they died for several days and go without eating, or washing. David says these words to them: “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said; ‘Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me, that the child may live.’ But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will never return to me.” (2 Samuel 12:22, 23)
I do not present these verses to say we should not mourn the loss of our loved ones, but simply to share David’s assurance of who God is, and the hope he continued to have in Him. As Christians we have the hope of Heaven. We have the hope that Jesus gave us on the cross as payment of our sins that we will rise again one day and join Him and all the saints.
This is for Deacon. May his life be a testimony always of the beauty of God’s creation, and how much He loves us through the storms in our lives. Tell Jesus, hi!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Our Hearts Break
I had my mind set on sharing another blog completely, but my heart and mind are turned to friends who have lost their two-year-old son tonight. I can do nothing but ask you to pray for his family. If you don't know how, but would like to, use the prayer below.
"God, please be with Jon and Molly's friends as they mourn the loss of their son. Surround them with Your loving arms, and give them Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Give to them everything they need in this time to love each other, and to love and support their daughter. Amen."
"God, please be with Jon and Molly's friends as they mourn the loss of their son. Surround them with Your loving arms, and give them Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Give to them everything they need in this time to love each other, and to love and support their daughter. Amen."
Studio Notes
We are in the final stages of releasing our CD. Having recorded more than a couple of times I have learned some things that have helped me make better decisions over time about where I will record, what strategy to employ, how to pay, and so on.
To date, I have recorded three CDs in a bonefide recording studio. The first time was in 2000 in a back yard studio that was big enough for about four people total. The engineer was new to Pro Tools and new to recording therefore making him very affordable for our gracious investors. That said, we had to put up with a certain amount of indecisiveness as well as some falling asleep behind the wheel…literally. In this project we paid $2500 for 10 songs, spent well over 40 hours in the recording studio, and I learned some very important lessons that I took forward.
1. Electronic drums will never have the same feel as live drums even in the studio
2. It is necessary to have your music mastered by a mastering engineer.
I learned more lessons along the way from friends and family as they gave some honest feedback. You could tell in these recordings that I was trying hard to sound like someone else when I sang, and I was encouraged to just sing naturally. I took this advice to my next recording. It was a while later before I made it back to the studio. We spent a total of $2500 on the first project, and we knew we would spend at least this on the second. This time we had our minds on producing fewer songs, but doing them right. We were in a “real” studio working with experienced sound engineers who had recorded some real bands along the way. We were stoked. The band had changed quite a bit over the years and for many of them it was their first time to record outside of our feeble attempts at home. At the end of the day, we came away with some pretty good recordings with live drums, and we had the songs mastered. Here we paid about $1400, spent 15 hours in the studio (including mixing), 2 hours mastering, and I learned a couple of more lessons that I took to my next project.
3. It’s important to have an engineer that will give his honest feedback
4. Don’t mess with the levels unless it is absolutely vital to the song…most of the time I was wrong.
5. Your music will never sound professional unless you play to a click track or by the grace of God you all have perfect rhythm.
By the third recording our band had changed musicians again. Whereas during our last recording we had six musicians, now were down to just 4 minus a drummer. We had used our share of fill-in drummers but we really needed someone who could add to the quality of our sound and play to a click track. Thankfully, all we had learned helped us to make a good decision on where we would record next, and how we would do it. Again we wanted to record only four songs, but do them with excellence. Now we were determined to put something out that could be played on the radio. This is by far our best recording. In this project we spent $3500, about 60 hours in the recording studio (not counting mixing), and 1 day mastering. Here is what I learned through this experience.
6. Having and engineer who cares about the quality of the final product is essential.
7. Paying by the song is the way to go. You get more hours and better music.
8. Finally, having the right musicians is a must.
Not everyone is cut out to record. It definitely takes a special musician to make it all happen. I look forward to recording more in the future. I hope this helps you as you do the same.
To date, I have recorded three CDs in a bonefide recording studio. The first time was in 2000 in a back yard studio that was big enough for about four people total. The engineer was new to Pro Tools and new to recording therefore making him very affordable for our gracious investors. That said, we had to put up with a certain amount of indecisiveness as well as some falling asleep behind the wheel…literally. In this project we paid $2500 for 10 songs, spent well over 40 hours in the recording studio, and I learned some very important lessons that I took forward.
1. Electronic drums will never have the same feel as live drums even in the studio
2. It is necessary to have your music mastered by a mastering engineer.
I learned more lessons along the way from friends and family as they gave some honest feedback. You could tell in these recordings that I was trying hard to sound like someone else when I sang, and I was encouraged to just sing naturally. I took this advice to my next recording. It was a while later before I made it back to the studio. We spent a total of $2500 on the first project, and we knew we would spend at least this on the second. This time we had our minds on producing fewer songs, but doing them right. We were in a “real” studio working with experienced sound engineers who had recorded some real bands along the way. We were stoked. The band had changed quite a bit over the years and for many of them it was their first time to record outside of our feeble attempts at home. At the end of the day, we came away with some pretty good recordings with live drums, and we had the songs mastered. Here we paid about $1400, spent 15 hours in the studio (including mixing), 2 hours mastering, and I learned a couple of more lessons that I took to my next project.
3. It’s important to have an engineer that will give his honest feedback
4. Don’t mess with the levels unless it is absolutely vital to the song…most of the time I was wrong.
5. Your music will never sound professional unless you play to a click track or by the grace of God you all have perfect rhythm.
By the third recording our band had changed musicians again. Whereas during our last recording we had six musicians, now were down to just 4 minus a drummer. We had used our share of fill-in drummers but we really needed someone who could add to the quality of our sound and play to a click track. Thankfully, all we had learned helped us to make a good decision on where we would record next, and how we would do it. Again we wanted to record only four songs, but do them with excellence. Now we were determined to put something out that could be played on the radio. This is by far our best recording. In this project we spent $3500, about 60 hours in the recording studio (not counting mixing), and 1 day mastering. Here is what I learned through this experience.
6. Having and engineer who cares about the quality of the final product is essential.
7. Paying by the song is the way to go. You get more hours and better music.
8. Finally, having the right musicians is a must.
Not everyone is cut out to record. It definitely takes a special musician to make it all happen. I look forward to recording more in the future. I hope this helps you as you do the same.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
What’s Wrong With This Picture?
A better question is, what’s not wrong with this picture. I think it is quite comical to see the many ways that airlines try to get across the same messages, and how in some cases they send conflicting messages. They have the light’s indicating when you may or may not unfasten your seat belt, as well as a reminder stitched into the seat back in front of you to always use your seat belt while seated. Flight attendants do the same song and dance before every flight informing the public the proper way to fasten your belt, and how to utilize the other safety functions of the plane that most passengers will never need to use. My personal favorite is the information they give you regarding life vests if you are traveling with a “lap child”. Although their messages are nothing if not repetitive, it amazes me to see how some people just don’t get it. After a while you begin to feel like a herd of cattle, but I think sheep can be a better analogy. Almost no one listens to the crew members instructions about placing your roller board luggage in “wheels first”, and the smaller planes stump even the smartest bears as the overhead compartments open down, not up.
I suppose this is the inspiration for the signage on the door in the picture above, but I find the it no less ridiculous. Mind you there are no less than 5 reminders not to smoke in the lavatory, including the three here on the door. I have to wonder, are we not past this yet? How many people get on a plane and expect to be able to smoke? I know this was a shocker to many passenger say back in the 1980s, but I think 30 years later, most people know it’s not allowed, and the one’s that do it anyway don’t care. I wonder how much energy and time is wasted by lighting and replacing the bulbs the illuminate the no-smoking signs on each plane. A better use for this that I have seen is a lighted sign that indicates whether or not you may use your electronic devices.
Next, you’ll have to look closely. There is a sign recommending caution when opening the door as it swings into the aisle, but if you look even closer at the door handle it says in all bold letters to “PULL” the door into the lavatory. This is not to be outdone by the sign reminding the person in the restroom to shut the door during take off and landing.
In all, I think that they could probably remove 4 of the 5 no-smoking signs and the aforementioned cautions about the door. I imagine most people don’t recognize these things on their vacations, as most people are just excited or terrified to be on the plane. That means the only useful sign on the door is the picture showing you how to lock the door. Oh and I guess if you just have to smoke, you can use the ash tray mounted in the door.
Monday, March 14, 2011
#$%*# Giving It Up
Now that Fat Tuesday has come and gone, it is not uncommon that some Christian churchgoers observe the season of Lent before we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Observing Lent is especially common in the Catholic Church, but also with those protestant Christians looking to get in touch with the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross as they themselves give up sweets, sodas, TV and other pleasures. As we think about these things, we are suppose to pray and thank God for His sacrifice, and remember that Jesus is our ultimate pleasure, and should be our ultimate desire.
Lent is also a time that some choose to give up either guilty pleasures and bad habits as they remember that Jesus is sufficient for all of their needs and wants. I have participated in a myriad of ways over the years, but this year I am giving up fowl language. I don't tend to cuss much around anyone except myself and my God who is everywhere. In my early childhood I had a temper that would embarrass any mother, and I have learned to control those fits. I get mad the most when I can't do what I perceive is a simple task. Unfortunately this usually involves a sport or game that I love to play, but is not exclusive to the two.
Our Pastor Pete asked us several months ago in his Sunday Sermon, how does the Devil try to lie to you, and how is he winning in your life. The answer to this question for me is two-fold:
1. He tells me if I can't do something easy, I am an idiot
2. He tells me that if I were better, I wouldn't have these problem
"These problems" translate to be an task I am unable to perform, or any hangup I might be facing. My frustration starts to eat me from the inside, and typically I respond the way many people do with a collage of inappropriate words. The truth of the matter is that I'm letting Satan win this battle in my life and I know that God is much bigger than that.
So here it goes. I am using a verse from Ephesians to remind me of the way that God expects His people to act. It's in Paul's Letter to the Ephesians chapter 4 verse 29. It reads, "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification (or building up - my definition) according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear it."
Just before this in Ephesians, God tells us to "be angry, and yet do not sin..." Anger is normal, but how I react is controllable. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and it will take the power of Christ to help me with this. I'm keeping count, so feel free to ask me how many times I have cussed today. I am at 4 now, and hope to be done altogether. Pray for me.
Lent is also a time that some choose to give up either guilty pleasures and bad habits as they remember that Jesus is sufficient for all of their needs and wants. I have participated in a myriad of ways over the years, but this year I am giving up fowl language. I don't tend to cuss much around anyone except myself and my God who is everywhere. In my early childhood I had a temper that would embarrass any mother, and I have learned to control those fits. I get mad the most when I can't do what I perceive is a simple task. Unfortunately this usually involves a sport or game that I love to play, but is not exclusive to the two.
Our Pastor Pete asked us several months ago in his Sunday Sermon, how does the Devil try to lie to you, and how is he winning in your life. The answer to this question for me is two-fold:
1. He tells me if I can't do something easy, I am an idiot
2. He tells me that if I were better, I wouldn't have these problem
"These problems" translate to be an task I am unable to perform, or any hangup I might be facing. My frustration starts to eat me from the inside, and typically I respond the way many people do with a collage of inappropriate words. The truth of the matter is that I'm letting Satan win this battle in my life and I know that God is much bigger than that.
So here it goes. I am using a verse from Ephesians to remind me of the way that God expects His people to act. It's in Paul's Letter to the Ephesians chapter 4 verse 29. It reads, "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification (or building up - my definition) according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear it."
Just before this in Ephesians, God tells us to "be angry, and yet do not sin..." Anger is normal, but how I react is controllable. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and it will take the power of Christ to help me with this. I'm keeping count, so feel free to ask me how many times I have cussed today. I am at 4 now, and hope to be done altogether. Pray for me.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Wal*Mart Takes Back Everything...Don't They?
My wife and I host several events each month at our apartment complex. When shopping for these events, our store of choice is the local Wal*Mart for a few reasons. Typically they have better prices there, and we can find everything we need all in one place. On occasion we buy more than we need, and Wal*Mart always takes it back with or without a receipt. We have taken back all of the following items personally and for the community:
Boxes of Diapers
Boxes of Eggs
Tubes of Sausage
Holiday Decorations
Wrapping paper
Office Supplies
Unopened Cookies from the Bakery
I have taken back an entire basket full of groceries. We have never stumbled upon an item they wouldn’t take back.
My mother-in-law has a 2+ acre lot and has two lawn mowers; one a riding mower and one a push mower. The push mower worked once last spring and never again. Upon hearing about this, I went to Lowes where they were ready to give me a new one only to realize they didn’t carry that brand. When I asked who might sell it, I was directed to Wal*Mart.
I was feeling good. Lowe’s was ready to take it back and replace it, and in my experience, Wal*Mart takes everything back. Although these were special circumstances, I was hopeful. It was a busy Saturday, and I waited patiently for a manager to come help me. I explained to him my situation and his response was “absolutely not”. As a business consultant I can see where he was coming from. I mean, you have to draw the line somewhere, but there is something to be said about standing up for your products. In the end, Home Depot stepped up to the plate. Before the manager saw it, he had pretty much made up his mind to give us a new one. You live and learn, and one think I can take away from this experience is…Home Depot takes back everything.
Boxes of Diapers
Boxes of Eggs
Tubes of Sausage
Holiday Decorations
Wrapping paper
Office Supplies
Unopened Cookies from the Bakery
I have taken back an entire basket full of groceries. We have never stumbled upon an item they wouldn’t take back.
My mother-in-law has a 2+ acre lot and has two lawn mowers; one a riding mower and one a push mower. The push mower worked once last spring and never again. Upon hearing about this, I went to Lowes where they were ready to give me a new one only to realize they didn’t carry that brand. When I asked who might sell it, I was directed to Wal*Mart.
I was feeling good. Lowe’s was ready to take it back and replace it, and in my experience, Wal*Mart takes everything back. Although these were special circumstances, I was hopeful. It was a busy Saturday, and I waited patiently for a manager to come help me. I explained to him my situation and his response was “absolutely not”. As a business consultant I can see where he was coming from. I mean, you have to draw the line somewhere, but there is something to be said about standing up for your products. In the end, Home Depot stepped up to the plate. Before the manager saw it, he had pretty much made up his mind to give us a new one. You live and learn, and one think I can take away from this experience is…Home Depot takes back everything.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
De-Social Networking
Last Sunday was the first time that I watched the Oscars in years. Suffice it to say, none of us were really into it, however it was fun watching what movies won, and pleasurable (I might ad) to fast forward through their long and awkward acceptance speeches. By the end, I was sure that I needed to see the movie "Social Networking". I am an avid Facebook user and 99.99% of my hits on blogger come from my friend base on said website. At least 2 or 3 times a day I will scroll through the new Status Updates to see what is going on in the world, and about once a week if not less, I will post an Update with thoughts of my own.
I am intrigued with the way the internet has forever changed the way we communicate. There are so many wonderful mediums through which we can now connect to each other. I have 507 of my closest friends, new and old, to chat with, exchange emails and read their thoughts as they blog away. I have the means to do so on my phone which is with me where ever I go, or on my laptop when time permits. We have single handedly bridged the geographic divide between friends and family. Why then do we feel so alone?
In talking with friends, almost everyone of them admits they don't have a single best friend that they can talk to in times of trouble. What has become non-verbal communication for the sake of convenience has near become an excuse to avoid people we don't really want to talk to while maintaining them as friends in our "social-network". The Internet's black hole is blamed for not responding to emails or getting messages from unwanted correspondents. It's almost impossible to communicate your thoughts clearly when there is a higher level of complexity in the message you want to send. With all the convenience that comes with checking on our peers at a glance, it almost never fully satisfies the desire for human contact. People need to be (physically and locationally) with other people period. I think I'm making up words now, but you get the point.
Don't let Facebook be your only source of community. Typing on your computer while your husband or wife is watching TV is not a family activity. Been there and done it. Disconnect and do something with a friend. Make sure you maintain the human connection.
I am intrigued with the way the internet has forever changed the way we communicate. There are so many wonderful mediums through which we can now connect to each other. I have 507 of my closest friends, new and old, to chat with, exchange emails and read their thoughts as they blog away. I have the means to do so on my phone which is with me where ever I go, or on my laptop when time permits. We have single handedly bridged the geographic divide between friends and family. Why then do we feel so alone?
In talking with friends, almost everyone of them admits they don't have a single best friend that they can talk to in times of trouble. What has become non-verbal communication for the sake of convenience has near become an excuse to avoid people we don't really want to talk to while maintaining them as friends in our "social-network". The Internet's black hole is blamed for not responding to emails or getting messages from unwanted correspondents. It's almost impossible to communicate your thoughts clearly when there is a higher level of complexity in the message you want to send. With all the convenience that comes with checking on our peers at a glance, it almost never fully satisfies the desire for human contact. People need to be (physically and locationally) with other people period. I think I'm making up words now, but you get the point.
Don't let Facebook be your only source of community. Typing on your computer while your husband or wife is watching TV is not a family activity. Been there and done it. Disconnect and do something with a friend. Make sure you maintain the human connection.
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