Rebekah Lynn Gregg, YOU make loving fun.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
2Cellos- Smooth Criminal
I've said it before...I love finding the extraordinary in unlikely places.
2Cellos are Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser.
They were both born in Yugoslavia and met in a Croatian master cello class.
They attended music class together in Croatia and Vienna, then traveled to the UK, where Sulic went to London's Royal Academy of Music and Hauser attended the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.
Although they were very successful in the UK, they created this particular video because of financial difficulties.
It worked.
The video became a hit, with over 3 million views within the first 2 weeks, and over 11 million total views.
Sir Elton John was one of those viewers.
He called Sulic up and asked them to open for him on his current 30 city tour.
Although the debut record contains covers of mainly rock songs, Šulić and Hauser say they still play with orchestras and will not abandon playing classical music.
The cellists say they would someday like to go on tour with both a classical and a contemporary orchestra.
If you like this one, check out their version of GNR's "Welcome to the Jungle".
2Cellos are Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser.
They were both born in Yugoslavia and met in a Croatian master cello class.
They attended music class together in Croatia and Vienna, then traveled to the UK, where Sulic went to London's Royal Academy of Music and Hauser attended the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.
Although they were very successful in the UK, they created this particular video because of financial difficulties.
It worked.
The video became a hit, with over 3 million views within the first 2 weeks, and over 11 million total views.
Sir Elton John was one of those viewers.
He called Sulic up and asked them to open for him on his current 30 city tour.
Although the debut record contains covers of mainly rock songs, Šulić and Hauser say they still play with orchestras and will not abandon playing classical music.
The cellists say they would someday like to go on tour with both a classical and a contemporary orchestra.
If you like this one, check out their version of GNR's "Welcome to the Jungle".
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Jennifer Hudson- Believe
My Granny Gregg was the sweetest lady that I've ever known.
The entire time I knew her, I never heard a negative comment out of her mouth.
My grandfather died before I was born, so the whole time I knew her, she lived alone.
I remember visiting as a child, she always made sure we had plenty to eat.
She took pride in her cooking, you see, because she grew most of it herself.
I remember picking a basket full of muscadines.
I remember climbing up the big tree in her front yard and reading for hours.
When it came time for us to leave, I remember her sad, lonely smile and wave.
As Jennifer sings in this song, if there ever was a soul that should just get a free pass though the pearly gates, it would have been my Granny Gregg.
But her pass through the gates wasn't a free pass...it came with a price.
And she valued that price.
She raised her hands.
She bowed her head.
She knew the truth of the words in red.
She believed.
If Granny Gregg were alive today, I would say, "Thank you< Granny, for the legacy of belief."
The entire time I knew her, I never heard a negative comment out of her mouth.
My grandfather died before I was born, so the whole time I knew her, she lived alone.
I remember visiting as a child, she always made sure we had plenty to eat.
She took pride in her cooking, you see, because she grew most of it herself.
I remember picking a basket full of muscadines.
I remember climbing up the big tree in her front yard and reading for hours.
When it came time for us to leave, I remember her sad, lonely smile and wave.
As Jennifer sings in this song, if there ever was a soul that should just get a free pass though the pearly gates, it would have been my Granny Gregg.
But her pass through the gates wasn't a free pass...it came with a price.
And she valued that price.
She raised her hands.
She bowed her head.
She knew the truth of the words in red.
She believed.
If Granny Gregg were alive today, I would say, "Thank you< Granny, for the legacy of belief."
Friday, February 17, 2012
Barney- And The Green Grass Grows All Around
This is probably the only time you'll ever hear me say this...
I love wintertime.
What I really mean is I love this winter in Georgia.
We've been having days mostly in the 60's...today it's 67 and sunny.
I think in all this winter, we've had maybe three or four days in the 20's.
And you won't catch me complaining.
This Southern boy is loving this.
I've heard people say, "We're probably gonna pay for it this summer with the heat and the bugs and the blah, blah, blah."
Man, just stop it.
Let me enjoy my winter for once.
What's wrong with a little sweat?
What's wrong with a few bugs? Isn't that why God made Raid.
Yes, Barney.
The green grass is starting to grow all around.
And that's perfectly fine by me.
Even in February.
I love wintertime.
What I really mean is I love this winter in Georgia.
We've been having days mostly in the 60's...today it's 67 and sunny.
I think in all this winter, we've had maybe three or four days in the 20's.
And you won't catch me complaining.
This Southern boy is loving this.
I've heard people say, "We're probably gonna pay for it this summer with the heat and the bugs and the blah, blah, blah."
Man, just stop it.
Let me enjoy my winter for once.
What's wrong with a little sweat?
What's wrong with a few bugs? Isn't that why God made Raid.
Yes, Barney.
The green grass is starting to grow all around.
And that's perfectly fine by me.
Even in February.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Jimmy Durante- As Time Goes By
Friends asked us recently, "What's the secret to being married for 14 years?"
My wife quickly answered, "Not getting divorced."
Sounds like something Yogi Berra may say.
The more I've thought about it, man, that's the best answer I could ever give.
You could say, "The secret is to spend time together, to be honest with each other, to give each other space, intimacy, selflessness, etc., etc., etc."
But when you get to the point where the tires hit the pavement, no matter how much you attempt all of these things, you've got two imperfect, naturally selfish people, trying to do what's right; trying to keep the plates spinning; trying to keep kids fed, clean, clothed, to school on time with all their stuff; trying to manage a business and a household, all without trying to get too stressed out so that the kids won't need too much therapy when they're older and that you don't end up on the front page.
I guess what I'm saying is that it ain't always a pretty fairytale.
But like most things worth having in life, you have to choose that thing, whatever it is.
My wife is an awesome lady.
She's strong.
She's intelligent.
She's beautiful.
When we got married, we had no idea what our futures would really look like.
But over 14 years later, the song lyrics holds true:
"It's still the same old story,
a fight for love and glory,
A case of do or die..."
Obviously, some days are more of a struggle than others, but it's 'a fight for love and glory' nonetheless.
But, to me, it's a fight worth fighting.
Each day, I still say, "I dew."
And each day, I'll continue to lace up the gloves for "us".
My wife quickly answered, "Not getting divorced."
Sounds like something Yogi Berra may say.
The more I've thought about it, man, that's the best answer I could ever give.
You could say, "The secret is to spend time together, to be honest with each other, to give each other space, intimacy, selflessness, etc., etc., etc."
But when you get to the point where the tires hit the pavement, no matter how much you attempt all of these things, you've got two imperfect, naturally selfish people, trying to do what's right; trying to keep the plates spinning; trying to keep kids fed, clean, clothed, to school on time with all their stuff; trying to manage a business and a household, all without trying to get too stressed out so that the kids won't need too much therapy when they're older and that you don't end up on the front page.
I guess what I'm saying is that it ain't always a pretty fairytale.
But like most things worth having in life, you have to choose that thing, whatever it is.
My wife is an awesome lady.
She's strong.
She's intelligent.
She's beautiful.
When we got married, we had no idea what our futures would really look like.
But over 14 years later, the song lyrics holds true:
"It's still the same old story,
a fight for love and glory,
A case of do or die..."
Obviously, some days are more of a struggle than others, but it's 'a fight for love and glory' nonetheless.
But, to me, it's a fight worth fighting.
Each day, I still say, "I dew."
And each day, I'll continue to lace up the gloves for "us".
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Son House- Levee Camp Moan
So, evidently I'm a day late if I wanted to be depressed.
That is according to British psychologist, Cliff Arnall.
He has declared the third Monday of January "Blue Monday."
He looked at various factors that put people in the dumps and then figured out where they intersected on the calendar.
He cited the come-down of getting back to work after the weekend, gloomy weather, bills from Christmas coming due and regrets over broken New Year’s resolutions.
That is according to British psychologist, Cliff Arnall.
He has declared the third Monday of January "Blue Monday."
He looked at various factors that put people in the dumps and then figured out where they intersected on the calendar.
He cited the come-down of getting back to work after the weekend, gloomy weather, bills from Christmas coming due and regrets over broken New Year’s resolutions.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The Band- The Weight
It's that time of year.
Time for those resolutions.
Personally, I prefer goal-setting.
I guess it's all the same, but instead of just putting something out there like, "I'm gonna be a better person this year" or "I need to lose a few pounds", goal setting seems more measurable.
For me, I weighed in on January 1, 2012, 8 pounds lighter than I was the same time last year.
Not bad, but I've got 15 more to go.
I don't necessarily have to get it gone all this year, but I want to see more progress.
In order to achieve success, I've got to create some action steps behind that goal--things that I can do a little of every day to push in the right direction.
Then, I've got to do it.
That's the hard part, right?
Actually, doing the thing.
But, willpower is a force to be reckoned with once you've made up your mind.
That's why, after the kiddos are dropped at school tomorrow, I'll be the one on the track trying to keep up with my hot wife.
Time to take a load off.
Time for those resolutions.
Personally, I prefer goal-setting.
I guess it's all the same, but instead of just putting something out there like, "I'm gonna be a better person this year" or "I need to lose a few pounds", goal setting seems more measurable.
For me, I weighed in on January 1, 2012, 8 pounds lighter than I was the same time last year.
Not bad, but I've got 15 more to go.
I don't necessarily have to get it gone all this year, but I want to see more progress.
In order to achieve success, I've got to create some action steps behind that goal--things that I can do a little of every day to push in the right direction.
Then, I've got to do it.
That's the hard part, right?
Actually, doing the thing.
But, willpower is a force to be reckoned with once you've made up your mind.
That's why, after the kiddos are dropped at school tomorrow, I'll be the one on the track trying to keep up with my hot wife.
Time to take a load off.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Hall and Oates- How Does It Feel To Be Back
"It's been a long time, I shouldna left you..."-Eric B and Rakim.
But I kinda didn't have a choice.
My laptop left the land of the living early last year.
With it went my easy access to this here blog.
But for Christmas this year, my sweet little Wifey, went and got me a new one.
Therefore, I am happy to announce that Tone Deaf Tunes is BACK!
This is something that I truly enjoy and maybe there is somebody out there that enjoys it as well.
It is my intention to, at least, get a post in once or twice a week, but sometimes life happens and you can't control it.
So some weeks may bring more, some may bring less.
Somebody ask me how it feels to be back.
Go ahead...somebody ask me.
Oh, thank you Hall and Oates... It feels pretty good.
But I kinda didn't have a choice.
My laptop left the land of the living early last year.
With it went my easy access to this here blog.
But for Christmas this year, my sweet little Wifey, went and got me a new one.
Therefore, I am happy to announce that Tone Deaf Tunes is BACK!
This is something that I truly enjoy and maybe there is somebody out there that enjoys it as well.
It is my intention to, at least, get a post in once or twice a week, but sometimes life happens and you can't control it.
So some weeks may bring more, some may bring less.
Somebody ask me how it feels to be back.
Go ahead...somebody ask me.
Oh, thank you Hall and Oates... It feels pretty good.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Def Leppard-Photograph
Several months ago my bride started a photography business.
She definitely has an eye for it.
She recently took pictures of my son after he turned 9 years old.
Looking at those pics, it's hard to believe "The Bear" is 9.
Initially, I didn't think he was gonna make it.
All colicky and junk.
Plus, he was born at a stressful time in our lives.
A new baby, loss of job, an impending move, and a new business.
He definitely fed off of our stress.
He barely slept until he was 2.
Amazingly, now he is our best sleeper.
I love this kid.
He has an amazing heart.
I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for him.
Go to www. abundantlifeimages.com to see more.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Lecrae-Background
I hired a consultant a few years back.
I figure it ended up costing me about 90 thousand dollars.
The particular "plan" he created for me didn't exactly work.
However...
A smart man told me once to "Eat the meat and spit out the bones".
I can't say that I didn't learn anything.
He once said that one of the biggest problems is that we get in our own way.
We get in our own way.
Is it pride?
Is it the thought that we have all the answers?
I realized that I've got nuthin'.
Yeah, that's nuthin' with an n'.
I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.
But, I can do nuthin' by my dang self.
There is a point in your life that you realize that you are the problem.
And to make things right, you just gotta get yourself outta the way.
The "background" is not a bad place to be.
Especially, if the "foreground" is taken by the Creator and the Orchestrator.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Matisyahu-King Without A Crown
I like music that gives you a little surprise.
You know what I mean?
You see this guy that looks like a nice Jewish rabbi, and then he picks up a microphone and this crazy reggae/hip-hop fusion comes flowing out.
It reminds me of a quote by Heraclitus (c.535 BC - 475 BC): "If you do not expect the unexpected, you will not find it; for it is hard to be sought out, and difficult".
It also reminds me of a Bible verse.
"The Son of man will come at an hour that you do not expect Him."These are words from Matthew 24:44.
The Bible teaches that Jesus will return to Earth again.
This time to remove those that have put their faith in Him to an eternal home in Heaven.
He will come like a thief in the night. Without warning.
But unlike the title of the smooth Matisyahu, He will come this time as a KING with many crowns.
For this reason you must be ready.
You know what I mean?
You see this guy that looks like a nice Jewish rabbi, and then he picks up a microphone and this crazy reggae/hip-hop fusion comes flowing out.
It reminds me of a quote by Heraclitus (c.535 BC - 475 BC): "If you do not expect the unexpected, you will not find it; for it is hard to be sought out, and difficult".
It also reminds me of a Bible verse.
"The Son of man will come at an hour that you do not expect Him."These are words from Matthew 24:44.
The Bible teaches that Jesus will return to Earth again.
This time to remove those that have put their faith in Him to an eternal home in Heaven.
He will come like a thief in the night. Without warning.
But unlike the title of the smooth Matisyahu, He will come this time as a KING with many crowns.
For this reason you must be ready.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Prodigy- Firestarter
Thursday is "haircut day" for me.
Whoop-ti-doo, right?
I've seen your head, you say.
Yes, I am totally aware that a haircut for me is quite different than what it is for most.
I've dealt with this for almost 20 years now.
That was about the point that I gave up.
I was done with pretending that I wasn't losing my hair.
And so I buzzed it.
First, with just a number 3 guard all over.
Now I'm at no guard.
Why every week, you ask?
Have you ever seen Bozo?
That is me after about 3 weeks.
But, hey...don't feel sorry for me.
Cause I ain't sweating it.
Wifey/Rosie (I still need to get to that story) says that I would look weird with hair.
I'm not sure exactly how to take that.
So, sometimes I will trade with a stylist for chiropractic services.
But most times it's just me in my bathroom with a pair of clippers.
Since I can't change my hairstyle much, I usually switch up my facial hair every few months.
Although, after watching this video, I think I can still hook up this 'do.
What'cha think?
Whoop-ti-doo, right?
I've seen your head, you say.
Yes, I am totally aware that a haircut for me is quite different than what it is for most.
I've dealt with this for almost 20 years now.
That was about the point that I gave up.
I was done with pretending that I wasn't losing my hair.
And so I buzzed it.
First, with just a number 3 guard all over.
Now I'm at no guard.
Why every week, you ask?
Have you ever seen Bozo?
That is me after about 3 weeks.
But, hey...don't feel sorry for me.
Cause I ain't sweating it.
Wifey/Rosie (I still need to get to that story) says that I would look weird with hair.
I'm not sure exactly how to take that.
So, sometimes I will trade with a stylist for chiropractic services.
But most times it's just me in my bathroom with a pair of clippers.
Since I can't change my hairstyle much, I usually switch up my facial hair every few months.
Although, after watching this video, I think I can still hook up this 'do.
What'cha think?
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Amede Ardoin- Blues de Basile
Last week, I took my Mom to lunch for her birthday.
We met at Pappadeaux for a little Cajun celebration.
I don't care what time of year it is, Winter or Summer, if I have the chance to have some good gumbo, I'm not gonna hesitate.
In honor of our visit, I thought I would give ya'll a little Cajun music history.
Amede Ardoin is credited by Louisiana music scholars with laying the groundwork for Cajun music in the early 20th century.
He is known for his high-pitched singing voice and his skills on the Cajun accordian.
Legend has it that on his way home from playing a house dance, he was attacked by some white men that were angry because a white woman, the daughter of the house, lent Ardoin a handkerchief to wipe the sweat off of his face.
He was run over by a Model A car that crushed his head and damaged his vocal cords.
He was found alive the next morning lying in a ditch.
It was said that he went "plumb crazy" after that and he spent his last days in a mental asylum, where he supposedly died.
There are no definitive records of his death.
On a lighter note, Happy Birthday Mom!
We met at Pappadeaux for a little Cajun celebration.
I don't care what time of year it is, Winter or Summer, if I have the chance to have some good gumbo, I'm not gonna hesitate.
In honor of our visit, I thought I would give ya'll a little Cajun music history.
Amede Ardoin is credited by Louisiana music scholars with laying the groundwork for Cajun music in the early 20th century.
He is known for his high-pitched singing voice and his skills on the Cajun accordian.
Legend has it that on his way home from playing a house dance, he was attacked by some white men that were angry because a white woman, the daughter of the house, lent Ardoin a handkerchief to wipe the sweat off of his face.
He was run over by a Model A car that crushed his head and damaged his vocal cords.
He was found alive the next morning lying in a ditch.
It was said that he went "plumb crazy" after that and he spent his last days in a mental asylum, where he supposedly died.
There are no definitive records of his death.
On a lighter note, Happy Birthday Mom!
Monday, May 2, 2011
12 Stones- The Way I Feel
OK, I'm not gonna be productive today until I get this down.
I went to bed last night and was asleep for not quite an hour when my bride woke me up and told me that bin Laden was dead.
I laid there for a minute taking it in and decided that, unlike the Royal Wedding last week, this was something that I didn't want to miss.
So, I got up and went in the living room where we watched the reports unfold.
I'm not proud of the words that were in my head, or my first reaction that I posted on Facebook last night.
As an American, I'm glad that the number one terrorist in the world was brought to justice last night.
I'm glad that the victims from 9/11, as well as those that have sacrificed since then, may have some degree of closure from this event.
I've had alot of anger since 9/11.
Not constant anger...situational anger, I guess you would call it.
Anger that rises whenever I watch one of the movies that were made based on the events of that day.
Anger whenever I remember the celebration on the streets in certain areas of the world when the towers fell.
You see, I have a relative that was on the way to work in the Amex building, across from the World Trade Center, on September 11, 2001.
She was safe, but obviously, devastated.
I'm not sure if you ever completely heal from something like that.
So, when I heard the news last night, and even the continued processing of everything this morning, there are alot of emotions going on.
As a Christian, I know that Jesus said to love our enemies.
I read this in the Old Testament: "As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live" Ez. 33:11.
I also know that God is just, and the Israelites celebrated after the defeat of Goliath, the Egyptians, etc.
But, I'm not comfortable with the open celebrations either.
I honestly don't know what the proper reaction should be to this.
I do know that I don't like feeling this way.
I went to bed last night and was asleep for not quite an hour when my bride woke me up and told me that bin Laden was dead.
I laid there for a minute taking it in and decided that, unlike the Royal Wedding last week, this was something that I didn't want to miss.
So, I got up and went in the living room where we watched the reports unfold.
I'm not proud of the words that were in my head, or my first reaction that I posted on Facebook last night.
As an American, I'm glad that the number one terrorist in the world was brought to justice last night.
I'm glad that the victims from 9/11, as well as those that have sacrificed since then, may have some degree of closure from this event.
I've had alot of anger since 9/11.
Not constant anger...situational anger, I guess you would call it.
Anger that rises whenever I watch one of the movies that were made based on the events of that day.
Anger whenever I remember the celebration on the streets in certain areas of the world when the towers fell.
You see, I have a relative that was on the way to work in the Amex building, across from the World Trade Center, on September 11, 2001.
She was safe, but obviously, devastated.
I'm not sure if you ever completely heal from something like that.
So, when I heard the news last night, and even the continued processing of everything this morning, there are alot of emotions going on.
As a Christian, I know that Jesus said to love our enemies.
I read this in the Old Testament: "As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live" Ez. 33:11.
I also know that God is just, and the Israelites celebrated after the defeat of Goliath, the Egyptians, etc.
But, I'm not comfortable with the open celebrations either.
I honestly don't know what the proper reaction should be to this.
I do know that I don't like feeling this way.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Journey- Don't Stop Believin'
I've always liked Journey.
Even back in my "rap music is the only cool music" stage, I remember having a cassette tape with different rap songs on it, and right smack in the middle of the tape, there was Journey's "Don't Stop Believing".
No matter where you are, it seems that when "DSB" comes on, everybody starts singing.
The last time I remember hearing it was when me and some of my buds were out on a "Fellas Night Out".
We had gone to the Atlanta Roller Derby to watch a bout. One of my boys had done some refereeing for them in the past. If you know anything about Roller Derby, they all have nicknames, even the refs. His was "Uncle Buck Nekkid". I just thought you should know that.
Then we went to Manuel's Tavern for dinner and socializing.
We then walked down N. Highland Ave. to the Dark Horse Tavern.
Underneath the Dark Horse, there is a place called 10 High.
A few nights a week, 10 High hosts "Metalsome", live band karaoke.
This is unlike anything I had seen before.
There's this rocking band that plays along while whoever wants to, grabs the mike and wails.
I'm not talking B-52's or John Denver here.
There were songs by Metallica, Faith No More, Pearl Jam, and Buck Cherry, among others.
As soft as it got was "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams and this one by Journey.
It was two girls that chose these two.
Of course, everybody in the place sang along.
None of my group "performed" that night, but we decided to pick a song and be ready for next time.
Now, should I go with Green Day or Billy Idol?
Decisions, decisions.
Even back in my "rap music is the only cool music" stage, I remember having a cassette tape with different rap songs on it, and right smack in the middle of the tape, there was Journey's "Don't Stop Believing".
No matter where you are, it seems that when "DSB" comes on, everybody starts singing.
The last time I remember hearing it was when me and some of my buds were out on a "Fellas Night Out".
We had gone to the Atlanta Roller Derby to watch a bout. One of my boys had done some refereeing for them in the past. If you know anything about Roller Derby, they all have nicknames, even the refs. His was "Uncle Buck Nekkid". I just thought you should know that.
Then we went to Manuel's Tavern for dinner and socializing.
We then walked down N. Highland Ave. to the Dark Horse Tavern.
Underneath the Dark Horse, there is a place called 10 High.
A few nights a week, 10 High hosts "Metalsome", live band karaoke.
This is unlike anything I had seen before.
There's this rocking band that plays along while whoever wants to, grabs the mike and wails.
I'm not talking B-52's or John Denver here.
There were songs by Metallica, Faith No More, Pearl Jam, and Buck Cherry, among others.
As soft as it got was "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams and this one by Journey.
It was two girls that chose these two.
Of course, everybody in the place sang along.
None of my group "performed" that night, but we decided to pick a song and be ready for next time.
Now, should I go with Green Day or Billy Idol?
Decisions, decisions.
Friday, April 22, 2011
J.S. Bach-Mass in B Minor, BWV 232/ Agnes Dei
My friend, Alan Knox, asked a stirring question earlier this week.
He asked, "Do we prefer our Jesus to stay in a manger instead of outside an empty tomb?"
His discussion can be found in his blog at
http://www.alanknox.net/2011/04/do-we-prefer-our-jesus-to-stay-in-a-manger-instead-of-outside-an-empty-tomb/
This question has haunted me all week.
Of course, you can't have one without the other, but, maybe Easter would be the more appropriate time to exchange gifts in honor of the One that gave the ultimate gift.
I know that my celebration of Holy Week hasn't been much of a celebration thus far.
However, I have started gathering some information from different websites on great ways to celebrate and reflect on the Passion, for next year.
You'll have to tune in next year to see how I'm doing.
I pray all have a great Good Friday and a safe Happy Easter.
It's Friday...but Sunday's coming.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
He asked, "Do we prefer our Jesus to stay in a manger instead of outside an empty tomb?"
His discussion can be found in his blog at
http://www.alanknox.net/2011/04/do-we-prefer-our-jesus-to-stay-in-a-manger-instead-of-outside-an-empty-tomb/
This question has haunted me all week.
Of course, you can't have one without the other, but, maybe Easter would be the more appropriate time to exchange gifts in honor of the One that gave the ultimate gift.
I know that my celebration of Holy Week hasn't been much of a celebration thus far.
However, I have started gathering some information from different websites on great ways to celebrate and reflect on the Passion, for next year.
You'll have to tune in next year to see how I'm doing.
I pray all have a great Good Friday and a safe Happy Easter.
It's Friday...but Sunday's coming.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Alan Jackson- The Old Rugged Cross
Next week is Holy Week.
I guess the older that I get, the more the word "sacrifice" means to me.
I think of some of the sacrifices my folks had to make so that my life would be easier.
I think of the sacrifices that American troops across the globe, as well as their families back home, make to insure my freedom.
Some have paid the highest price.
And finally, I think of the Ultimate Sacrifice that was made over 2000 years ago, on a hill, in the Middle East.
A sacrifice, not only to make my life easier, or to give me freedom, (which by the way it has done), but to also secure my eternity.
The cross.
The brutal symbol of punishment and execution has become the sign pointing to true liberty and mercy for all.
I guess the older that I get, the more the word "sacrifice" means to me.
I think of some of the sacrifices my folks had to make so that my life would be easier.
I think of the sacrifices that American troops across the globe, as well as their families back home, make to insure my freedom.
Some have paid the highest price.
And finally, I think of the Ultimate Sacrifice that was made over 2000 years ago, on a hill, in the Middle East.
A sacrifice, not only to make my life easier, or to give me freedom, (which by the way it has done), but to also secure my eternity.
The cross.
The brutal symbol of punishment and execution has become the sign pointing to true liberty and mercy for all.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
They Might Be Giants-Meet The Elements
When I was in chiropractic school, I was able to live at home with my parents.
That's kind of a "good news/ bad news" scenario.
On one hand, I saved about $50,000 in student loans for housing. Good.
On the other hand, I lived with my parents.
Just kidding my folks are pretty awesome.
But because I chose to live at home, I commuted from College Park to Marietta about 5 days a week, for about 3 and a half years.
During this time, I was listening to alot of Album 88, the college-run radio station out of Georgia State University.
There was one particular DJ that I enjoyed listening to that played some of my favorites.
Everyday at the end of his show, he would play "Birdhouse in your Soul" by They Might Be Giants.
I remember when he was graduating and on his last radio show for the university, hearing him play his "swan song" for the last time.
Pardon while I reminisce.
Alright, I know.
It's true. The Giants are quirky.
But now that they are making kid's music, and good quality kid's music, I think their quirkiness is...well oddly awesome.
Check it out and let me know what you think.
That's kind of a "good news/ bad news" scenario.
On one hand, I saved about $50,000 in student loans for housing. Good.
On the other hand, I lived with my parents.
Just kidding my folks are pretty awesome.
But because I chose to live at home, I commuted from College Park to Marietta about 5 days a week, for about 3 and a half years.
During this time, I was listening to alot of Album 88, the college-run radio station out of Georgia State University.
There was one particular DJ that I enjoyed listening to that played some of my favorites.
Everyday at the end of his show, he would play "Birdhouse in your Soul" by They Might Be Giants.
I remember when he was graduating and on his last radio show for the university, hearing him play his "swan song" for the last time.
Pardon while I reminisce.
Alright, I know.
It's true. The Giants are quirky.
But now that they are making kid's music, and good quality kid's music, I think their quirkiness is...well oddly awesome.
Check it out and let me know what you think.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Bing Crosby-Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That's An Irish Lullaby)
33 days.
That's how long Ella lived in this world.
I saw her last night.
So small and so pink, lying motionless in a tiny wooden box.
I hadn't seen or talked to John, probably since high school.
We played soccer together as kids and went to school for 3 years together.
We did a little hanging out back then, but he was better friends with Lee.
Lee's wife, Darlene, sent me a message on Tuesday to tell me about Ella.
It appears that after a week, John and his wife, Mira, noticed that something was wrong.
She had a rare disease, that just a few short weeks later, claimed her young, fragile life.
What do you say to someone that is going through that?
That's what I was asking myself as I was driving to the funeral home.
I realized that it probably doesn't really matter what I say.
Today, I also realize that I needed to go see her for myself, just as much as I needed to show love and support to John and his family.
You see, the whole way home, I tried to reason with God...that He somehow made a mistake.
That led me to question some of my foundational beliefs in God.
If God is perfect and holy and good, and God created everything, where did evil come from? The Scriptures say that nothing evil comes from God, so it wasn't making sense to me.
I couldn't let it go. I searched through different passages and commentaries until I found John McArthur's words: "When God created angels and God created humans, he gave them intelligence. He gave them reason, and he gave them choice.And there is a sequence. I put those words in that order for a purpose. Intelligence gave them the ability to understand things. Reason gave them the ability to process that understanding toward behavior. And choice gave them the freedom to determine that behavior. Intelligence, reason, and choice. Bottom line: With what they knew, and with the ability they had to process that information, they would be brought to a choice. And whether angels or men, they would have the choice either to obey God or not to obey God."
I had heard this before, but what I read next brought me back.
"Evil is not a created thing. Evil is not a substance. Evil is not an entity. Evil is not a being. Evil is not a force. Evil is not some floating spirit. Evil is a lack of moral perfection. God created absolute perfection. Wherever a lack of that exists, sin exists. And that cannot exist in the nature of God or in anything that God makes. Evil comes into existence when God's creatures fall short of the standard of moral perfection."
Thank you, Lord, for Ella's life; for her parents, John and Mira; and for her Creator.
Give them peace during this extremely difficult time.
And, thank you, for your patience with your kids.
Especially me.
Ella Marie Bynum
Born: February 14, 2011
Died: March 19, 2011
That's how long Ella lived in this world.
I saw her last night.
So small and so pink, lying motionless in a tiny wooden box.
I hadn't seen or talked to John, probably since high school.
We played soccer together as kids and went to school for 3 years together.
We did a little hanging out back then, but he was better friends with Lee.
Lee's wife, Darlene, sent me a message on Tuesday to tell me about Ella.
It appears that after a week, John and his wife, Mira, noticed that something was wrong.
She had a rare disease, that just a few short weeks later, claimed her young, fragile life.
What do you say to someone that is going through that?
That's what I was asking myself as I was driving to the funeral home.
I realized that it probably doesn't really matter what I say.
Today, I also realize that I needed to go see her for myself, just as much as I needed to show love and support to John and his family.
You see, the whole way home, I tried to reason with God...that He somehow made a mistake.
That led me to question some of my foundational beliefs in God.
If God is perfect and holy and good, and God created everything, where did evil come from? The Scriptures say that nothing evil comes from God, so it wasn't making sense to me.
I couldn't let it go. I searched through different passages and commentaries until I found John McArthur's words: "When God created angels and God created humans, he gave them intelligence. He gave them reason, and he gave them choice.And there is a sequence. I put those words in that order for a purpose. Intelligence gave them the ability to understand things. Reason gave them the ability to process that understanding toward behavior. And choice gave them the freedom to determine that behavior. Intelligence, reason, and choice. Bottom line: With what they knew, and with the ability they had to process that information, they would be brought to a choice. And whether angels or men, they would have the choice either to obey God or not to obey God."
I had heard this before, but what I read next brought me back.
"Evil is not a created thing. Evil is not a substance. Evil is not an entity. Evil is not a being. Evil is not a force. Evil is not some floating spirit. Evil is a lack of moral perfection. God created absolute perfection. Wherever a lack of that exists, sin exists. And that cannot exist in the nature of God or in anything that God makes. Evil comes into existence when God's creatures fall short of the standard of moral perfection."
Thank you, Lord, for Ella's life; for her parents, John and Mira; and for her Creator.
Give them peace during this extremely difficult time.
And, thank you, for your patience with your kids.
Especially me.
Ella Marie Bynum
Born: February 14, 2011
Died: March 19, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Etta James- At Last
It's finally here.
I've been waiting all year, since last year, that is.
March Madness is upon us.
There was a time in my life when I didn't give a rip about college basketball.
Then came that fateful night.
It was March 28, 1992.
I was hanging out with my boys at Hooters, minding my own business.
There was alot of people there that night yelling at the TVs.
A game was on.
It was Duke vs. Kentucky.
I wasn't paying much attention at first, but as the game went on, even a casual observer could tell that this one was going down to the wire.
Back and forth it went.
Then came overtime. Both teams wanted it.
At the end of the game, Duke trailed Kentucky 103-102 with 2.1 seconds left in the game.
I was paying attention at this point.
Duke had the ball, but had to travel the length of the court with not a lot of time.
Grant Hill threw the ball in. He tossed a pass the length of the court to Christian Laettner.
Laettner caught the ball, dribbled once, turned, and at the buzzer, sank what has been called simply "The Shot", to give the Blue Devils the win.
I remember there was a guy at Hooter's that I didn't care so much for that was a Kentucky fan. After listening to his smart remarks all night, I had decided that I was hoping Duke won.
After they won the way that they did, I was a fan.
Incidentally, Duke went on to defeat Michigan that year to win the National Championship.
I've been waiting all year, since last year, that is.
March Madness is upon us.
There was a time in my life when I didn't give a rip about college basketball.
Then came that fateful night.
It was March 28, 1992.
I was hanging out with my boys at Hooters, minding my own business.
There was alot of people there that night yelling at the TVs.
A game was on.
It was Duke vs. Kentucky.
I wasn't paying much attention at first, but as the game went on, even a casual observer could tell that this one was going down to the wire.
Back and forth it went.
Then came overtime. Both teams wanted it.
At the end of the game, Duke trailed Kentucky 103-102 with 2.1 seconds left in the game.
I was paying attention at this point.
Duke had the ball, but had to travel the length of the court with not a lot of time.
Grant Hill threw the ball in. He tossed a pass the length of the court to Christian Laettner.
Laettner caught the ball, dribbled once, turned, and at the buzzer, sank what has been called simply "The Shot", to give the Blue Devils the win.
I remember there was a guy at Hooter's that I didn't care so much for that was a Kentucky fan. After listening to his smart remarks all night, I had decided that I was hoping Duke won.
After they won the way that they did, I was a fan.
Incidentally, Duke went on to defeat Michigan that year to win the National Championship.
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