Feeling smart, but dying on the inside...Thursday, May 14, 2009
Blog from Worship Trench and my Opinions
Written by Jordan over at Worship Trench:
Professor John Stackhouse goes after Tomlin’s songwriting here.
My thoughts
1. Agree. We need deeper, richer objective content about God in our worship songs. Fortunately some of that is emerging with Stuart Townend, Sovereign Grace guys, and others.
2. Disagree. The critique of need of hard rhyme merely because it is in the pop song genre shows a real lack of awareness the debate of current poetry standards though, ironically, he is a poet himself.
3. Agree. We do need new metaphor. Charlie Hall, another in the Six Step fold, is very good at this (salvation spring up from the ground, between porch and altar, etc) in that his metaphor also follow biblical pattern.
5. Disagree with tone. It would have been possible to present his whole argument using only contemporary lyric and not singling out Chris with a specific, accusatory tone. He defends his position saying he shouldn’t have gone to Chris first because the Matthean passage is in the context of sin. But in its truest sense he needs to do deeper contextual work on the whole of the Matthean Sermon on the Mount and I believe, like Dr. John Piper did with NT Wright in his critique, he would have gone to Chris first and dialogued with him before publishing. This would have better exhibited the love principle Jesus commands.
I always tell my staff to bring me solution/options and not merely describe the problem. With that in mind, Prof. Stackhouse musician/poet, I’ll be awaiting your new CD to help us worship with proper lyric.
---
I have never been able to freely speak my mind on the music scene of worship lately, because I have kind of kept myself from that aspect and do not desire yet to return to playing or leading worship services. I know God has blessed me with plenty of talents and I do feel a call to maybe start songwriting again, but I just don't think my time is now and I'd rather be in God's will then out of it, know what I mean?
Now what strikes me about this blog entry is that I whole-heartedly agree with it. I absolutely love Chris Tomlin and can't thank God enough for blessing the Earth with him and what he does through him, but I did not enjoy his latest album. I haven't enjoyed a single album that has come out of the American Praise & Worship scene since David Crowder's Remedy and that was in 2007. I don't usually count David Crowder as part of the American Praise & Worship scene because he is from Texas and I think Dr. Womack would attest to that! So excluding Crowder for reasons greater than him being from Texas, the last album that I enjoyed or even though was worth listening to a second time came from Desperation Band in early 2007 as well. Now two years may be nothing to you, but I need meat and potatoes for days!
Now what is the difference between guys like Crowder & Desperation Band from guys like Casting Crown or Shawn McDonald is that their songs have meat and potatoes and the other two's songs don't. What do I mean by M&P? Well the basis of any song meant for a time of praise, worship, and reflection should be written in light and in context to the Word of God. As we should pray in God's will, we should also praise God in His will. This makes the worship truer and allows God to move more freely within the midst of our worship to Him. The problem I have with the American artists that are killing airplay nowadays is that most of the songs I hear are usually about that person or us (Christians) and then about God. Think back to the words in Isaiah and Revelation where the hosts are continually giving praise to God and God alone! When songs are filled with "I's and We's" then the songs become about us and we are back to square one. That is exactly how I feel the American Praise & Worship scene is right now. There are very few artists who are returning back to M&P, and there are very few who are writing in God's will.
We are just so busy trying to be different or trying to make a statement that we forget the whole point of why we come together as one body to praise and worship a God that deserves all we have and more. If you look into my iTunes that you will notice the minimal play counts next to songs by artists such as Chris Tomlin or Todd Agnew compared to the billions and billions of times I've listened to artists such as Hillsong or Christian City Church. The honest truth is that I don't believe the Christians of America understand what it is to be a Christian in this world because we are too busy living in a world that we created! Beyond these borders, people are being persecuted for their faith and many are facing greater dilemmas then we could ever imagine. That is what sets the music that comes from guys out in Australia or Canada apart from the guys here in America. Their songs come out of the true worship that is happening day to day at their church and from their time beyond their own borders.
I have always been a huge Hillsong Fan and can you blame me? Who has a better track record when it comes to putting out great worship albums every year then they do? The thing about their CDs are that every song is great and is usually written in God's will! Of course there are a few that are meant to be anthems for change and personal reflections of God's hand in the writer's lives, but usually they are wonderful songs of praise. If you place a lyric sheet or a lead sheet from Hillsong side-by-side with a lyric or lead sheet from most American artists then you can see the difference. It's kind of like Cain and Abel...one of them is pouring their heart out to God in Praise & Worship while another is merely offering their heart. I guess that is a little harsh and I don't mean to bash, but that is kind of how I feel about this whole ordeal.
Now I'm not writing this because I despise the radio station's almost never-ending play of Brandon Heath's Give Me Your Eyes, but because I think we need to start calling people out on what they write. The problem with this generation is that it finds its M&P in quick-fix books and catchy songs! Artists have a big chip on their shoulder because their music can make or break a new Christian's theology. It's time to take this back to M&P and back to classically wonderfully versed songwriting!
So in closing...
Problem: Weak Songwriting that has no M&P from contemporary American Christian Artists.
My Proposed Solution: Allowing God and His Spirit to be at the helm of the composition and take it back to the Word! There is a reason why it has stood so firm in the test of time, because its GOOD and it LIVES!!!
Professor John Stackhouse goes after Tomlin’s songwriting here.
My thoughts
1. Agree. We need deeper, richer objective content about God in our worship songs. Fortunately some of that is emerging with Stuart Townend, Sovereign Grace guys, and others.
2. Disagree. The critique of need of hard rhyme merely because it is in the pop song genre shows a real lack of awareness the debate of current poetry standards though, ironically, he is a poet himself.
3. Agree. We do need new metaphor. Charlie Hall, another in the Six Step fold, is very good at this (salvation spring up from the ground, between porch and altar, etc) in that his metaphor also follow biblical pattern.
5. Disagree with tone. It would have been possible to present his whole argument using only contemporary lyric and not singling out Chris with a specific, accusatory tone. He defends his position saying he shouldn’t have gone to Chris first because the Matthean passage is in the context of sin. But in its truest sense he needs to do deeper contextual work on the whole of the Matthean Sermon on the Mount and I believe, like Dr. John Piper did with NT Wright in his critique, he would have gone to Chris first and dialogued with him before publishing. This would have better exhibited the love principle Jesus commands.
I always tell my staff to bring me solution/options and not merely describe the problem. With that in mind, Prof. Stackhouse musician/poet, I’ll be awaiting your new CD to help us worship with proper lyric.
---
I have never been able to freely speak my mind on the music scene of worship lately, because I have kind of kept myself from that aspect and do not desire yet to return to playing or leading worship services. I know God has blessed me with plenty of talents and I do feel a call to maybe start songwriting again, but I just don't think my time is now and I'd rather be in God's will then out of it, know what I mean?
Now what strikes me about this blog entry is that I whole-heartedly agree with it. I absolutely love Chris Tomlin and can't thank God enough for blessing the Earth with him and what he does through him, but I did not enjoy his latest album. I haven't enjoyed a single album that has come out of the American Praise & Worship scene since David Crowder's Remedy and that was in 2007. I don't usually count David Crowder as part of the American Praise & Worship scene because he is from Texas and I think Dr. Womack would attest to that! So excluding Crowder for reasons greater than him being from Texas, the last album that I enjoyed or even though was worth listening to a second time came from Desperation Band in early 2007 as well. Now two years may be nothing to you, but I need meat and potatoes for days!
Now what is the difference between guys like Crowder & Desperation Band from guys like Casting Crown or Shawn McDonald is that their songs have meat and potatoes and the other two's songs don't. What do I mean by M&P? Well the basis of any song meant for a time of praise, worship, and reflection should be written in light and in context to the Word of God. As we should pray in God's will, we should also praise God in His will. This makes the worship truer and allows God to move more freely within the midst of our worship to Him. The problem I have with the American artists that are killing airplay nowadays is that most of the songs I hear are usually about that person or us (Christians) and then about God. Think back to the words in Isaiah and Revelation where the hosts are continually giving praise to God and God alone! When songs are filled with "I's and We's" then the songs become about us and we are back to square one. That is exactly how I feel the American Praise & Worship scene is right now. There are very few artists who are returning back to M&P, and there are very few who are writing in God's will.
We are just so busy trying to be different or trying to make a statement that we forget the whole point of why we come together as one body to praise and worship a God that deserves all we have and more. If you look into my iTunes that you will notice the minimal play counts next to songs by artists such as Chris Tomlin or Todd Agnew compared to the billions and billions of times I've listened to artists such as Hillsong or Christian City Church. The honest truth is that I don't believe the Christians of America understand what it is to be a Christian in this world because we are too busy living in a world that we created! Beyond these borders, people are being persecuted for their faith and many are facing greater dilemmas then we could ever imagine. That is what sets the music that comes from guys out in Australia or Canada apart from the guys here in America. Their songs come out of the true worship that is happening day to day at their church and from their time beyond their own borders.
I have always been a huge Hillsong Fan and can you blame me? Who has a better track record when it comes to putting out great worship albums every year then they do? The thing about their CDs are that every song is great and is usually written in God's will! Of course there are a few that are meant to be anthems for change and personal reflections of God's hand in the writer's lives, but usually they are wonderful songs of praise. If you place a lyric sheet or a lead sheet from Hillsong side-by-side with a lyric or lead sheet from most American artists then you can see the difference. It's kind of like Cain and Abel...one of them is pouring their heart out to God in Praise & Worship while another is merely offering their heart. I guess that is a little harsh and I don't mean to bash, but that is kind of how I feel about this whole ordeal.
Now I'm not writing this because I despise the radio station's almost never-ending play of Brandon Heath's Give Me Your Eyes, but because I think we need to start calling people out on what they write. The problem with this generation is that it finds its M&P in quick-fix books and catchy songs! Artists have a big chip on their shoulder because their music can make or break a new Christian's theology. It's time to take this back to M&P and back to classically wonderfully versed songwriting!
So in closing...
Problem: Weak Songwriting that has no M&P from contemporary American Christian Artists.
My Proposed Solution: Allowing God and His Spirit to be at the helm of the composition and take it back to the Word! There is a reason why it has stood so firm in the test of time, because its GOOD and it LIVES!!!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Ramble Ramble
My brain seems to be all over the place lately...and I love it!!!
Maybe its because I'm still a Freshman but I enjoy the idea of scurrying to register for what is left of the Fall 2009-10 catalog! As I look over what is left of my core curriculum it is terribly obvious that I have slacked off more than I should have, but no worries friends because...SUMMER SCHOOL! :)
Probably won't take my classes here at the GWU, but as I sit in my local CC classroom I will definitely pretend to be here at the Webb with all my great new companions.
Now...why do people dog summer school? Though summer days are lovely...they are terribly
hot and I'm not one for sweaty backs, bleh. I'd rather sit in an air-conditioned (oh, it better be
air conditioned >:o) room with my head in a nice book about the American Political System!
Knowing me though...I'll probably take notes the first 15 minutes and then daydream about
Coca-Cola Icees.
Anyhows...Easter Break is soon upon us! How soon? Like tomorrow soon!
I miss my dog man...not my friends, but my actual dog. (Pics coming soon!)
Well I'll leave ya'll on that note with the words of a Presbyterian Pastor I met 2 weeks ago:
"They have to get sad first to get happy!"
Maybe its because I'm still a Freshman but I enjoy the idea of scurrying to register for what is left of the Fall 2009-10 catalog! As I look over what is left of my core curriculum it is terribly obvious that I have slacked off more than I should have, but no worries friends because...SUMMER SCHOOL! :)
Probably won't take my classes here at the GWU, but as I sit in my local CC classroom I will definitely pretend to be here at the Webb with all my great new companions.
Now...why do people dog summer school? Though summer days are lovely...they are terribly
hot and I'm not one for sweaty backs, bleh. I'd rather sit in an air-conditioned (oh, it better be
air conditioned >:o) room with my head in a nice book about the American Political System!
Knowing me though...I'll probably take notes the first 15 minutes and then daydream about
Coca-Cola Icees.
Anyhows...Easter Break is soon upon us! How soon? Like tomorrow soon!
I miss my dog man...not my friends, but my actual dog. (Pics coming soon!)
Well I'll leave ya'll on that note with the words of a Presbyterian Pastor I met 2 weeks ago:
"They have to get sad first to get happy!"
Fall Semester Schedule (Update)
Stalk Me Gardner-Webbians.
Foundation of World Literature (M,W,& F 1:00-1:50 PM)
Technology & American Society (M,W,& F 10:00-10:50 AM)
Calculus (M&F 9:00-9:50 AM, T&TH 8:25-9:15 AM)
Intermediate Hebrew (M,W,& F 11:00-11:50 AM)
Oral Communications in Christian Context (T&TH 11:00-11:50 AM)
Music Survey (T&TH 1:15-2:30 PM)
Can't wait -_-;
Foundation of World Literature (M,W,& F 1:00-1:50 PM)
Technology & American Society (M,W,& F 10:00-10:50 AM)
Calculus (M&F 9:00-9:50 AM, T&TH 8:25-9:15 AM)
Intermediate Hebrew (M,W,& F 11:00-11:50 AM)
Oral Communications in Christian Context (T&TH 11:00-11:50 AM)
Music Survey (T&TH 1:15-2:30 PM)
Can't wait -_-;
Photoshoot with UB
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Prints & Procrastination
Look Book
Hypebeast
Spring Fling
Gardner-Webb festivities always seem to the best! It was so good to see the whole community out on our quad being a community! Especially in these times where the human inside of us says every man for himself, it is humbling to see the perfect balance between the id, ego, and superego as Freud would say in action (Not that I endorse any of his ideas or methodology.)!
I actually went on a shopping spree when I saw an art vendor selling prints for dirt cheap! Good gracious, that is reminder to all of you to always check out the local bazaars, garage, and yard sales when they are going on! Never know what kind of treasure you shall find. Now only if I can find something worth a bajillion dollars so I can go ahead and retire from life!!!
I actually went on a shopping spree when I saw an art vendor selling prints for dirt cheap! Good gracious, that is reminder to all of you to always check out the local bazaars, garage, and yard sales when they are going on! Never know what kind of treasure you shall find. Now only if I can find something worth a bajillion dollars so I can go ahead and retire from life!!!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Changing Fast
For the first time in a while (or ever), I sensed how fast things have changed. This time last year I was sitting in my room back in Fayetteville staring at Scholarship Applications and wondering if Gardner-Webb University was truly the place I belonged. Now I realize that I am here and that I have purpose beyond just academia even though that is truly an important part of my life in this moment. The people I have met here have truly changed my life for the better, but at the same time they give me so many reasons to truly appreciate the friends that I have back home in Fayetteville or spread out on campuses all throughout the United States or wherever they are.
A friend of mine back home has definitely had a bigger impact on my life than he thinks he has, and I know that someday in near or distant future that he is going to change someone's life for the better and through that he will make a change in this world for the better. I'm sure he doesn't feel that way nowadays, but I believe in him and always have.
Why? Because True Potential can be seen, literally. You know when people are special and you know when things bother them more than they let on.
I am glad you have made a decision and finally seem to be moving forward towards something that is positive. I think we are still in that process of learning who we truly are, because it isn't really about changing who we are, but understanding who we were intricately made to be. You are meant for things bigger than what you are allowing yourself to achieve. You have alwaysbeen bigger than life and I hated seeing you letting life be bigger than you this past year. At first I wasn't sure about your decision, but as I write this hoping that one day you read it...that it really might be what you need right now.
Take this as an opportunity and allow it to direct you and when you come back lets make something of ourselves! We have a lot to prove.
"After a man has immersed himself in wisdom, he will be able to cope with Heaven and Earth and with ten thousand things in the world."
A friend of mine back home has definitely had a bigger impact on my life than he thinks he has, and I know that someday in near or distant future that he is going to change someone's life for the better and through that he will make a change in this world for the better. I'm sure he doesn't feel that way nowadays, but I believe in him and always have.
Why? Because True Potential can be seen, literally. You know when people are special and you know when things bother them more than they let on.
I am glad you have made a decision and finally seem to be moving forward towards something that is positive. I think we are still in that process of learning who we truly are, because it isn't really about changing who we are, but understanding who we were intricately made to be. You are meant for things bigger than what you are allowing yourself to achieve. You have alwaysbeen bigger than life and I hated seeing you letting life be bigger than you this past year. At first I wasn't sure about your decision, but as I write this hoping that one day you read it...that it really might be what you need right now.
Take this as an opportunity and allow it to direct you and when you come back lets make something of ourselves! We have a lot to prove.
"After a man has immersed himself in wisdom, he will be able to cope with Heaven and Earth and with ten thousand things in the world."
rainydayxmelancholy
I have an Ebay addiction and later today I need to send off a package, but I do not feel like walking through the rain to get to the Post Office. If anyone sees some cool Asics or New Balances anywhere please let me know. I am always looking to increase my collection. I miss my HOA Air Max 1's...sigh trying to keep my eyes peeled, but nobody seems to have a DS pair anywhere for a decent price. Why doesn't the recession seem to effect Sneakers?
Listening To:
Geto Boys- Minds Playing Tricks On Me
Mat Kearney- Crashing Down
Bobby Hundreds on the State of Streetwear
I’m sure all of you are tired of hearing about it, so I’m not quite gonna go there. But I will say this. Times are tough, and times are getting worse. I’m not an economist, but from what I understand, this isn’t ending anytime soon. And so you will find that over the next year, your beloved Streetwear will start trimming the fat to survive. That means less stores, far fewer brands, reduced variety from your favorite labels. If you’ve been paying attention, you may have already started to notice it now. It’s Back to Basics, and not in a trend-forecasted “edgy” way, but out of a raw, desperate necessity. In 2009, it’s all about bare-bones, core, essential streetwear, minus the gratuitous fluff. (Which, if you’re seeing it my way, is a very good thing).
And so, for the sake of us, our peers in this industry, and fellow fans of the culture, it is up to you, the customer, to continue to support, encourage, and contribute to the craft. For the most part, streetwear is orchestrated by independents. We’re not cushy corporate honchos or veteran, spectacled businessmen behind mahogany desks. Most of us got into this because we were following a dream, that up ’til now has supported our livelihood… but as the financial ground dries up around us, it chokes the creative spirit that depended on it to survive, and thrive. And that’s where it comes back to you, the customer, to keep us breathing.
Because you see, streetwear has always been about the customer, the people. That’s where it started from and this economy is showing us that that is where it ends. It’s back to you, to make us relevant, cool, and at the very least, existent. And what do you get out of this? You will find us all working, thinking, and creating a lot harder to keep you engaged, dedicated to pushing ourselves and streetwear forward.
In the hopes that in the end, we will all win.
by bobbyhundreds
Monday, March 30, 2009
Update
Spring Break is officially over and I am back at school up to my neck in work that I will probably procrastinate till about 5 or 6 PM tonight. So far my day has been pretty busy, but I thought I should at least update everyone on what I have been up to and what my plans are for this coming week. Well, I told you earlier in the year that one of my goals this year was to start up a progressive lifestyle/streetwear brand and it looks like it might become a joint venture with a couple of my hometown friends and will hopefully happen. We are looking for a Summer Sample Collection for Friends & Family, but beyond that we are planning a Fall/Winter Collection of a couple tees and maybe a sweatshirt. I'll be sure to keep everyone in the loop as well make you aware of an official blog or website when it is launched.
Aside from that...yesterday was SUPER AWESOME!
Aside from that...yesterday was SUPER AWESOME!
Slow Week
So I am currently on Spring Break, but I am here to fill you in on my week that preluded to this semi-wonderful time of doing nothingness (which is a blessing.)! This past week I had a couple of papers due and definitely a lot of other miscellaneous things in my schedule. I tried to keep myself open this semester and took the bare minimum course load hoping that I would find what I would like to do with my life. I think I have finally come to a decision about my major and my future. Interested are you? Well I am going to keep it under wraps for a bit or at least until I have a meet with my counselor. Beside that though I am still working on plenty of side projects and looking to undertake some more for my own personal amusement.I had a Focus Trip this past weekend!
My advice to people carrying the word:
Have major points and keep things simple. Never discount the Holy Spirit.
Pray, Pray, and Pray. God will move no matter how much you suck.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Levi Maestro
Maestro Knows (trailer) from Maestro Knows on Vimeo.
Check MaestroKnows.com on Tuesday for New Episode!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Chill Tuesdays
10:35 AM- Woke up.
11:35 AM- Showered & Dressed.
12:35 AM- Lunch
1:00 PM- Meeting with English Teacher
1:30 PM- Impromptu Jam Session
2:35 PM- Bromance with Roommate to Class
2:40 PM- New Testament Exam
3:40 PM- Blogging
My life is like super syncretized and I don't even mean for it to be... -_-;
I've been told I'm pretty OCD, but my room sure isn't a testament to that statement though.
I did spend my afternoon yesterday, for the most part, finding album art and fixing up my Itunes library. I also signed up to start receiving IKEA catalogs in the mail! Next year my MAUNEY GROUND FLOOR ROOM will be IKEA'd out on my side! Swedish Modern Furniture Love!
Put this on my gift list :)
Currently Listening To:
Rachel Yamagata- Elephants
98 Degrees- Fly With Me
Goh Nakamura- Embarcadero Blues
Evidence- So Fresh/Step Brothers & Don't Hate
Note to Self: Get serious about life.
11:35 AM- Showered & Dressed.
12:35 AM- Lunch
1:00 PM- Meeting with English Teacher
1:30 PM- Impromptu Jam Session
2:35 PM- Bromance with Roommate to Class
2:40 PM- New Testament Exam
3:40 PM- Blogging
My life is like super syncretized and I don't even mean for it to be... -_-;
I've been told I'm pretty OCD, but my room sure isn't a testament to that statement though.
I did spend my afternoon yesterday, for the most part, finding album art and fixing up my Itunes library. I also signed up to start receiving IKEA catalogs in the mail! Next year my MAUNEY GROUND FLOOR ROOM will be IKEA'd out on my side! Swedish Modern Furniture Love!
Put this on my gift list :)
Currently Listening To:
Rachel Yamagata- Elephants
98 Degrees- Fly With Me
Goh Nakamura- Embarcadero Blues
Evidence- So Fresh/Step Brothers & Don't Hate
Note to Self: Get serious about life.
Design?
So lately I have been taking into account how I literally live my life. What do I want my life to say about myself? If someone wrote a biography on me, well, would the words be appropriately affixed to the image I see myself having? Let's see...I am 18 years old and I have minute addictions to two main things which I am sure you can guess what they are. In both senses I take on the motto of quality over quantity. I am also in my mind a minimalist and I'm definitely trying to put that more into action. The more concisely you can say something, in my mind of course, the better it comes across and more of an impact it has. Why? Cause in this day in age, you only have brief moments of attention from anyone or anything that you can capitalize upon. Live life with as little things as possible is my mindstate. Quite contradictory to the addictions I have, right? Well the less you have the less you lose.
"I never let myself down...How so? I don't expect too much from me."- Joe Budden
---
What is YOUR design?
---
Tap Water
They say that you are tainted.
They say that you're no good.
And they can see right through you.
Still you're misunderstood.
Run Free, Run Free.
Don't waste your life away.
Don't waste your life away.
Run Free.
"I never let myself down...How so? I don't expect too much from me."- Joe Budden
---
What is YOUR design?
---
Tap Water
They say that you are tainted.
They say that you're no good.
And they can see right through you.
Still you're misunderstood.
Run Free, Run Free.
Don't waste your life away.
Don't waste your life away.
Run Free.
Thank You for the Weekend of February 20-22, 2008
"It's weird that whatever else is on your mind, whether it's the downfall of global economics or terrible environmental troubles, the thing that always gets you most is when you fancy someone." - Chris Martin of ColdplayMy Rocking Thursday...so far!
Good afternoon inhabitants of Planet Earth.
I am currently sitting in my friend Michael Heredia's room waiting upon my laundry to finish drying as well as killing time before my New Testament class. So far it has been a lovely day aside from my lost laundry basket (my SECOND one!) and I'm looking forward to hitting downtown Shelby later for an impromptu photo session. The new camera which I have yet to name has become quite an important piece of the arsenal of my life. Before, I never liked taking pictures of people but that is slowly changing. Being able to look down at the screen and see a smiling face has definitely been a wonderful change of pace to the world I usually see. At the same time though...capturing reality and emotions in general are just as powerful and moving.
Anyhows...things that have been consuming my time as of late:
www.iilwy.com (I am on Blockles & Balloono quite often...Kezziny add me!)
www.revolveclothing.com/b/blog/ (The way you dress makes a difference.)
www.alexcornell.com (One of the greatest undiscovered minds.)
www.ubiqlife.com (Streetwear & Sneakers.)
I am currently sitting in my friend Michael Heredia's room waiting upon my laundry to finish drying as well as killing time before my New Testament class. So far it has been a lovely day aside from my lost laundry basket (my SECOND one!) and I'm looking forward to hitting downtown Shelby later for an impromptu photo session. The new camera which I have yet to name has become quite an important piece of the arsenal of my life. Before, I never liked taking pictures of people but that is slowly changing. Being able to look down at the screen and see a smiling face has definitely been a wonderful change of pace to the world I usually see. At the same time though...capturing reality and emotions in general are just as powerful and moving.
Anyhows...things that have been consuming my time as of late:
www.iilwy.com (I am on Blockles & Balloono quite often...Kezziny add me!)
www.revolveclothing.com/b/blog/ (The way you dress makes a difference.)
www.alexcornell.com (One of the greatest undiscovered minds.)
www.ubiqlife.com (Streetwear & Sneakers.)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Work Crew at Windy Gap
Went up to Windy Gap this weekend to help out on Work Crew for a Young Life Camp. Though the work was hard and grueling...the experience definitely gave me a chance to become "less" so God could "increase". I don't plan on becoming an active member of Young Life, but I would be glad to do this over again. Maybe try my hand at cooking or baking? Definitely a blessed weekend and I had some of the coolest tables to service! Hope I made someone's day at one of those meals :)P.S.
Aaaahhh...I'd love to go back just to sit around in the beauty of the place~
My Goals...another one off my list.
Today:
Classes.
Chilled.
More Chilling.
Thai Taste in Spartanburg, SC with Cool Peoples.
Mas Chilling.
Got harassed by roommate. (Bromance?)
Re-stringed Mandy (Stratocaster).
Currently Blogging...
Confession:
I am thoroughly addicted to Ebay. Just bought a DSLR on there and it is supposed to arrive this week! Now that I own one of those cool big cameras...can I call myself an amateur photographer? Honestly though I'm more interested in Post-Editing rather than taking a perfect RAW picture. I hate overcomplicating enjoyable things...I want my art to invoke emotions and feelings. Whether it be my photography, music, or writing...it needs to be as "Coldplay" as possible!
Things I want in My Life as of Right Now:
1.) MacBook
2.) iPod
3.) Taylor/Gibson Acoustic Guitar
4.) Fender Stratocaster 62 RI MIJ
5.) Gibson ES-335/Goldtop Les Paul
6.) DSLR
7.) Line6 M13
8.) C.S. Lewis- Four Loves
9.) Nike Air Max BW (Persian), Nike Air Max 95 (Pools), & Nike Air Max 90 (Infrared)
10.) Spring & Summer Clothes (Designer Denim <3)
Goals for this Year:
1.) Write more.
2.) Become amazing at guitar and go solo!
3.) Start my own small lifestyle brand.
4.) Get a car and go to more concerts.
5.) Put minimalism into action.
Classes.
Chilled.
More Chilling.
Thai Taste in Spartanburg, SC with Cool Peoples.
Mas Chilling.
Got harassed by roommate. (Bromance?)
Re-stringed Mandy (Stratocaster).
Currently Blogging...
Confession:
I am thoroughly addicted to Ebay. Just bought a DSLR on there and it is supposed to arrive this week! Now that I own one of those cool big cameras...can I call myself an amateur photographer? Honestly though I'm more interested in Post-Editing rather than taking a perfect RAW picture. I hate overcomplicating enjoyable things...I want my art to invoke emotions and feelings. Whether it be my photography, music, or writing...it needs to be as "Coldplay" as possible!
Things I want in My Life as of Right Now:
1.) MacBook
2.) iPod
3.) Taylor/Gibson Acoustic Guitar
4.) Fender Stratocaster 62 RI MIJ
5.) Gibson ES-335/Goldtop Les Paul
6.) DSLR
7.) Line6 M13
8.) C.S. Lewis- Four Loves
9.) Nike Air Max BW (Persian), Nike Air Max 95 (Pools), & Nike Air Max 90 (Infrared)
10.) Spring & Summer Clothes (Designer Denim <3)
Goals for this Year:
1.) Write more.
2.) Become amazing at guitar and go solo!
3.) Start my own small lifestyle brand.
4.) Get a car and go to more concerts.
5.) Put minimalism into action.
For some the world's a treasure to discover
And your scenery should never stay the same
And they're trading in their dreams for explanations
All in an attempt to entertain
But I love the miles between me and the city
Where I quietly imagine every street
And I'm glad I'm only picturing the moment
I'm glad she never fell in love with me...
Jon Mclaughlin- Indiana
And your scenery should never stay the same
And they're trading in their dreams for explanations
All in an attempt to entertain
But I love the miles between me and the city
Where I quietly imagine every street
And I'm glad I'm only picturing the moment
I'm glad she never fell in love with me...
Jon Mclaughlin- Indiana
Monday, February 9, 2009
So cold...
Worked Parking for Universty Fellows this morning...
Then treated myself to some Taco Bell!
My stomach said Grande Meal...
My wallet said otherwise...
Not being broke, but having no money in your wallet unappreciation.
Sushi Dojo
Sushi Dojo in Shelby is finally open!The food is eh, but its a steal for the price. ($10 for a Bento Box!)
The food also looked pretty nice.
Cali Rolls were a little sloppy. Still Good. Just Sloppy.
Sushi Dojo gets a 7.35/10 from me.
Why? Cause I didn't get a fortune cookie...puhahahaha jk jk.
Tuesday Night
Questions that are raised from a moment of deep soul searching often causes a nice case of hunger in a different fashion. Thus me and a gang of good buddies headed off to Chic-Fil-A for Student Night, or what not, and saved some dough on some semi-serious grub. I wish Taco Bell or Burger King had a Student Night...well I'm off for the kick-off to Celebration Week! 
Ready to hear Clayton King preach that word, ya dig?!
My Tuesday
It is so amazing how a moment in the Prayer Room with close friends can become such an outpouring of God manifest. This painting may not be too appealing at first glance, but shows how wherever somebody might be in their faith, that we are all united in this cause that is Christ.As some might guess...I am responsible for the upper left corner of this controlled chaos.
It basically was envisioned from a question that has been burning in me for a while.
"What is it to be Madly in Love with God?"
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