Filed under: music
As you know, Ashley and I went to Asheville for the weekend. She actually surprised me with the tickets and forced me to get off work! I’m glad she did, because the concert was amazing.
Before the show, we ate at one of Ashley’s favorite resturaunts called Salsa’s. It’s a Mexican/Carribean place. You should definitely go sometime.
We had 8th row seats to the show on the right side or the auditorium. I believe he played every song that I was hoping to hear, and that’s always a good thing. His voice is 100% perfect live. The electric player who also played a beautiful pedal steel was simply amazing. The drummer was perfect as well. I didn’t really have high expectations going in to the show, so I was very excited about the whole thing.
If you haven’t listened to Ray, here’s a taste. Here’s how Ashley feels about Ray. She thinks his voice is angelic and she wants to stand beside him and sing in Heaven. The only bad thing about the show were the 2 girls in front of us. Between the two of them, they took 148 camera phone pics, 28 videos, and 17 sound recordings. I bet they really enjoyed the quality of their vids and pics. Close to the end, I couldn’t resist it anymore, so while they were chatting about their boyfriends and what they were going to do after the show, I politely asked them to hush it up.
Here are some Ray video’s that are actually good quality.
We also spent a lot of time hiking on Friday and Saturday. I’ll post some pics soon.
Filed under: Sunday Night Music | Tags: baptism, midtown fellowship, Sunday Night Music
Last night was an amazing baptism service! To read more about the service in detail, check out Dustin’s recap.
Here are the songs we used during the service as we worshipped together.
Sing to the King - Billy and Cindy Foote
Stronger - Hillsong
Jesus Paid It All – Passion
How Great is Our God – Chris Tomlin
In Christ Alone – Campus Praise Band
Our God Reigns – Chris Tomlin
Filed under: Christianity, Ramblings, Religion, church, family, in the news, marriage, music, sports
Running/Exercising
- I have been trying to run a lot. It’s depressing how slow I run, but I did a little over a week ago. My feet have pretty much been numb/asleep since then.
- I went to the orthopedic doctor finally after 5 years of numb feet, and was diagnosed with Exertional Compartment Syndrome. I may have some small surgery to correct this, and should be good to go for the rest of my life.
- When I told Ashley about it, she said, “Oh honey, you have a syndrome.”
- I was able to run consistently for about 4 weeks though and lost almost 10 pounds. Running makes a big difference for sure!
News Stories
- An author believes there is “no such thing as virginity.” MSNBC ran an article about this lady and her book. Although I disagree with her 100% on just about everything, there is some truth to her argument. Here is one part I do agree with (at least a little bit.)
So while young women are subject to overt sexual messages every day, they’re simultaneously being taught — by the people who are supposed to care for their personal and moral development, no less — that their only real worth is their virginity and ability to remain “pure.” (Obviously I don’t think that a woman or man should find their only real worth in their virginity and ability to remain pure, but I can see what she’s attempting to say.)
- It is hard to teach moral development in a society that throws sex in your face everywhere you look. I’d love to go into further discussion in some comments with anyone who is interested.
- The story about Miss California finishing second in the Miss USA contest is very upsetting. She answered a question saying she was against gay marriage. Perez Hilton called her a bad name, and all of California has made her out to be the devil. I have a lot of opinions on this, and I could probably write 6 blogs about it, but I won’t.
- Wildfires in SC? Sad that Myrtle Beach is burning like crazy. Hope everyone stays safe and nobody is killed or injured.
Josh Hamilton
- Please, Please, Please go read this story right now! Josh Hamilton was the #1 draft in MLB in 1999. He ended up wasted on cocaine, heroine, and alcohol. He made an amazing comeback and is now playing for the Texas Rangers. He even made the All-Star team last year. He talks extensively about how Jesus rescued him from the life He was living. It is an amazing story of redemption, forgiveness, and God’s love.
Music
- I’ve almost finished learning Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. Now I’m not saying it’s perfect, but I can almost play through the whole thing.
- I just purchased the new Jars of Clay album, The Long Fall Back to Earth. It’s amazing how over 10 years later, they have adapted and changed their sound to fit with the times. It sounds like it will be a great album.
- I also purchased Sara Watkins first solo album. She was 1/3 of Nickel Creek. If you don’t download the whole album, listen to “Where Will You Be.”
- Ashley and I are going to see Ray Lamontagne on Friday night. Should be tons of fun. She surprised me with the tickets. Thanks boo!
- I’m trying to sell my Taylor 814ce. Let me know if you know anyone interested!
Finally, Ashley and I are going to spend some time in Brevard/Asheville this weekend. It should be awesome. I hope the weather will be perfect!!! I’ll post some pics/updates when we get back.
Filed under: Sunday Night Music | Tags: midtown fellowship, Sunday Night Music
King – Tree 63
Saviour King – Hillsong
Before The Throne – Shane and Shane
The Stand – Hillsong
Kingdom Come - Hillsong
There is one lyric that seemed to stick with me all night. It is in one of the choruses of Saviour King so I wanted to share that with you.
I love you Lord, I worship you
Hope which was lost, now stands renewed
I give my life to honor this
The love of Christ, the savior king
To see any lists from previous weeks at Midtown, click HERE.
Filed under: Sunday Night Music | Tags: easter, midtown fellowship, Sunday Night Music, worship set list
Before I go any further, I have to say that we have the best volunteers ever. Our Easter service started at 6, but we started loading in/setting up at 12. I showed up at 12:05 and I think there were probably 40 people there to help load everying in, and then set it up. There was a ton of stuff to do, and all of it got done with a limited amount of stress.
A special thanks to everyone who sang in the choir. They did awesome. Thanks for having being patient with me, as I am definitely not a good choir director.
Thanks to Dan, Jeff, Walker, Will, Ashley, and Lou for using your gifts to lead the worship.
Here were the songs we used during the service.
All Because of Jesus – Fee
Fire Fall Down - Hillsong
Mystery – Charlie Hall
None But Jesus – Hillsong
To Know Your Name – Hillsong
Glory of It All – David Crowder
Song of The Redeemed – Charlie Hall
Filed under: Sunday Night Music | Tags: midtown fellowship, music, old hymns, Sunday Night Music
We finished up the series on the book of Jonah on Sunday at Midtown. Here were the songs we used last night.
Everything – Tim Hughes
The Stand – Hillsong
Mystery - Charlie Hall
The Solid Rock – old hymn
In Christ Alone – Campus Praise Band
Next week, we will be meeting at the Convention Center downtown. There is only 1 service – and it starts at 6:00.
Filed under: Ramblings | Tags: beethoven, carolina wings, cholesterol, exercise, moonlight sonata, skate 2, xbox 360, yo yo ma
With nothing mind-blowing to blog about, here is an update of my last few days and a rambling round up of what’s going on in my life and inside of my head.
- Skate 2 is the best new game out on Xbox 360. I don’t skate in real life ( I almost learned to ollie once). So you can call me a poser – that’s fine with me because Skate 2 will still be awesome.
- You can’t outrun your family genes. They will eventually catch up with you. My cholesterol is 254 which is apparently high. Apparently I need to eat less fried foods and more vegetables.
- The buffet at Carolina Wings with Blake was awesome on Saturday. It did not help my cholesterol, but we did play Skate 2 before and after lunch.
- I am trying to get in the habit of running 3 days a week, and lifting 3 days a week. That equals exercising 6 days a week.
- I took piano lessons for about 4 or 5 years when I was younger. I’ve forgotten how to read music. Playing by ear is much easier. I’m trying to learn Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata right now. So far I’ve learned about 10 measures, but it’s incredibly sloppy.
- I’ve also enjoyed listening to Yo-Yo Ma’s version of Bach’s Cello Suites during my working hours.
- My wife is awesome – I love her. I am awful about closing cabinet doors, closing drawers, leaving stuff out, and not picking up after myself, yet she forgives me ( but encourages me to do better) and still loves me.
- I’m thankful I have a job.
- I’m thankful for our good friends that all live in Columbia. I wish I saw all of you more.
- I miss my friends that live in Ohio.
- Ashley and I are reading the Bible through in chronological order. We are in Judges now. I really enjoyed Joshua. I was thrilled when I finished Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Thank you Jesus for the New Covenant.
- I’m thankful for our tax refund. It’s all going into some Roth IRA’s.
- 2 albums I recently bought— David Mead- Almost and Always — My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges. I love them both. They are complete opposites of each other.
- Finally, the best new show on TV is Kings on NBC. It has a ton of paralells to the story of David, King Saul, and others. You should check it out.
Thanks for reading. Enjoy your week.
