I'm gonna make this post quick. I am now eating my slice of humble pie. Michigan lost to Ohio State by 3 points (42-39). It was a very good game and both team played well.
My 2 cents: Even though I am a Michigan fan, I still feel it is important for there not to be a rematch for the Championship game. Ohio State should now go on to play another team at the Rose Bowl.
Thanks for all you Wolverine fans who shouted and cheered hard. I still end with this.
HAIL HAIL TO MICHIGAN! GO BLUE!!!!
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Praise & Worship Time
I've been wanting to do this for some time now, but wasn't sure how. Tonight I feel that strong impression of His calling. Let's see if it works. Almost a month ago, I met up with an old college friend and he commented on my blog something about welcome to the black hole of blogging.
I want to encourage you, the reader to do one of two things. I'm going to end this post with a chorus that has been laid on my heart. Take the time to comment with another hymn or chorus. Or if you have your own blog, take the time to worship the King with a simple posting.
(Note: The glory always goes to Jesus Christ, but He inspired someone to write it. Please give that person the credit. I wouldn't want to start this and lose integrity within it.)
I don't want this to sound like one of those "chain letters", but I'm curious to how far, once this begins, it will go. There's no obligation. Just remember to let Him guide you.
Let the praise begin.
I want to encourage you, the reader to do one of two things. I'm going to end this post with a chorus that has been laid on my heart. Take the time to comment with another hymn or chorus. Or if you have your own blog, take the time to worship the King with a simple posting.
(Note: The glory always goes to Jesus Christ, but He inspired someone to write it. Please give that person the credit. I wouldn't want to start this and lose integrity within it.)
I don't want this to sound like one of those "chain letters", but I'm curious to how far, once this begins, it will go. There's no obligation. Just remember to let Him guide you.
Let the praise begin.
As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after Thee
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship Thee.
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to Worship Thee.
You're my friend and You are my brother,
Even though You are a King.
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything.
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to Worship Thee.
To You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to Worship Thee.
I want You more than gold or silver,
Only You can satisfy,
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye.
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to Worship Thee.
To You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to Worship Thee.
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to Worship Thee.
Words and Music By Martin Nystrom
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
UM vs OSU - The Final Frontier
Okay, I'm not a Trekky, but this is the bomb. We will conquer the FINAL FRONTIER! WOOHOO! GO BLUE!!!!!
The Game of the CENTURY! GO BLUE!!!!!!
My buddy Matt at his blog posted a few videos for those useless nuts.
This is for the Wolverines! GO BLUE!
Try Netflix Today!
This is for the Wolverines! GO BLUE!
Try Netflix Today!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
First Snow in a New World
IT SNOWED!!! Sure we only got maybe 5 inches, but it snowed! Alexander was more than excited! I will admit, so were Amy and I. It snowed all day while I was at work and we woke up this morning to this.
Amy being the picture princess of our family had to take the first pic and she did a great job. This is from our deck in the back. We then all got bundled up and took the time to play in the snow. Of course this was begun once Alex saw that the snow was dripping from our roof. The whole time we were getting ready he was screaming.."It's melting, it's melting. Hurry, Daddy!"
Daddy and Alex made the snow man, with a little help from Mommy. Daddy started it while Alex and Amy were having a snowball fight. No, they weren't fighting with each other. They were throwing the snowballs at me.
Then Alex wanted to sled down the little hill that's on the side of our driveway/parking lot. We don't have a sled yet. I know, I know, bad Daddy. :( But Daddy being the genius that he is, found a box in the recycling, opened it up flat and we used that to do a little sledding. It didn't work great, but we sure had a fun time. I'm going to see if I can't stick a video here, but give me some time as I am still learning so much about blogging and how to make it work. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy the pictures. The one with Alex and the snowman are now on our computer desktop.
I love my family. I am so very, very blessed.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Searching...Seeking..Finding
So, I just try to go to bed. I dose off and then wake and try again. I know it's early! I'm getting old ya know! As I drift off, I get the sense that the Spirit is trying to tell me something.
I'll be honest, I'm not good at hearing His voice. Well maybe I am. Ever since I got here to Wisconsin it's like He just won't let me go. It's this (for lack of better words) nagging and tugging of my soul strings.
Does anyone know what I mean? Let me try asking this...Is there anyone sensing God trying to lead you in what you think is a new direction, but you are so aware that if you go another direction that your entire family will stone you?
WHEW! There I said it! Yes, I know, I need help. Who am I talking to? Who KNOWS?!? The voices in my head perhaps. HAHAHAHA!
No...
This is one of those blogs, that I know I need to do, but my mind is saying that everyone will respond with "You Dope!" Oh well... If you wish to stop reading, it's really okay. No honestly, I just need to sort my thoughts and for some reason this is the best way to do it.
I wish I had a place to disappear up here. The church back in Indiana was the place I could go.
"Seek me while I may be found." "I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "when you seek with me with all your heart."
Wow! That just like came into my being. So...what does that mean to you?
I feel like all I need to do is have a time of music fasting. Where all I do is just sing songs to Him until I burst.
I know...my grammar is atrocious.
"Be still and know..." SIDENOTE: Dr. Jeff Bell (is that right?) directing the orchestra while they play "Finlandia". I know there are a couple of you reading this that remember that. Don't be shy. I can't tell you how much I miss Dr. Bell. He felt the calling of God to go to Olivet Nazarene. One of the songs I sang with him as I was taking vocal instruction from him was "Try to Remember" from the "Fantasticks". Try to remember the kind of September....
Oh that September in 1995. Have I ever told you, how much I love music? How much it has always been a part of my life? I don't believe I've ever forgotten a song that I've sung.
Tell the world the message......
Take it everywhere....
Ralph Manuel's "Alleluia"
Zadok the Priest
Cape Breton Lullaby
It was weird. The other night I had a dream. I had entered my old choral teacher's room and she stopped working with the kids there and told me that I needed to take the lead. I questioned her...she gave me more encouragement, so I began. We started to work on a piece when I felt the need to stop and start working on proper breathing. I gave them a technique to work on with their neighbor and then I approached my teacher. I asked her if I did okay. She told me that I did fine. She always believed in me.
This was the same teacher that I composed a song for when I heard she was retiring. Who I then arranged the song for and then got the most awesome opportunity to direct a 200 member current and alumni choir to sing it to her at her last concert.
The same song she requested only a few years later at her funeral.
I am blessed. I am honored, humbled and so undeserving.
I wasn't thinking of her that night I had the dream. I don't know why I dreamed it. But it was so clear, so vivid.
I've had so many, many influential music teachers and professors in my life.
Thank you. You allowed God to use you. I have been forever touched.
No particular order:
Mr. VanBrocklin
Ms. Greenya (sp?)
Ms. Beadle
Mrs. Brewer
Mrs. Butters
Mr. MacLean
Ms. Bird
Mr. Russ Larimer
Dr. Eph Ely
Charlotte...man, can't remember her last name...she was from Denver, Colorado..I think...
Dr. Bell
Prof Guy
Dr. John Maher
Dr. Lessly
Dr. Kindley
Mrs. Torrey
Mrs. Mawby
Mr. Robert Martin
Dr. Brown
Dr. Hilfiger
Man...I know I'm missing so many more...
Music is who I am. Every moment of my life I have either wrote a song or sung a song that has marked it.
Why am I thirty years old and feel like I'm still needing to seek, to find, to search, to discover?
Thanks for listening to me. It's okay if you moved on after the first sentence. :) For those...umm...to that one who hung in there with me. Thanks for taking the time.
Talk to you soon, my friends.
I'll be honest, I'm not good at hearing His voice. Well maybe I am. Ever since I got here to Wisconsin it's like He just won't let me go. It's this (for lack of better words) nagging and tugging of my soul strings.
Does anyone know what I mean? Let me try asking this...Is there anyone sensing God trying to lead you in what you think is a new direction, but you are so aware that if you go another direction that your entire family will stone you?
WHEW! There I said it! Yes, I know, I need help. Who am I talking to? Who KNOWS?!? The voices in my head perhaps. HAHAHAHA!
No...
This is one of those blogs, that I know I need to do, but my mind is saying that everyone will respond with "You Dope!" Oh well... If you wish to stop reading, it's really okay. No honestly, I just need to sort my thoughts and for some reason this is the best way to do it.
I wish I had a place to disappear up here. The church back in Indiana was the place I could go.
"Seek me while I may be found." "I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "when you seek with me with all your heart."
Wow! That just like came into my being. So...what does that mean to you?
I feel like all I need to do is have a time of music fasting. Where all I do is just sing songs to Him until I burst.
I know...my grammar is atrocious.
"Be still and know..." SIDENOTE: Dr. Jeff Bell (is that right?) directing the orchestra while they play "Finlandia". I know there are a couple of you reading this that remember that. Don't be shy. I can't tell you how much I miss Dr. Bell. He felt the calling of God to go to Olivet Nazarene. One of the songs I sang with him as I was taking vocal instruction from him was "Try to Remember" from the "Fantasticks". Try to remember the kind of September....
Oh that September in 1995. Have I ever told you, how much I love music? How much it has always been a part of my life? I don't believe I've ever forgotten a song that I've sung.
Tell the world the message......
Take it everywhere....
Ralph Manuel's "Alleluia"
Zadok the Priest
Cape Breton Lullaby
It was weird. The other night I had a dream. I had entered my old choral teacher's room and she stopped working with the kids there and told me that I needed to take the lead. I questioned her...she gave me more encouragement, so I began. We started to work on a piece when I felt the need to stop and start working on proper breathing. I gave them a technique to work on with their neighbor and then I approached my teacher. I asked her if I did okay. She told me that I did fine. She always believed in me.
This was the same teacher that I composed a song for when I heard she was retiring. Who I then arranged the song for and then got the most awesome opportunity to direct a 200 member current and alumni choir to sing it to her at her last concert.
The same song she requested only a few years later at her funeral.
I am blessed. I am honored, humbled and so undeserving.
I wasn't thinking of her that night I had the dream. I don't know why I dreamed it. But it was so clear, so vivid.
I've had so many, many influential music teachers and professors in my life.
Thank you. You allowed God to use you. I have been forever touched.
No particular order:
Mr. VanBrocklin
Ms. Greenya (sp?)
Ms. Beadle
Mrs. Brewer
Mrs. Butters
Mr. MacLean
Ms. Bird
Mr. Russ Larimer
Dr. Eph Ely
Charlotte...man, can't remember her last name...she was from Denver, Colorado..I think...
Dr. Bell
Prof Guy
Dr. John Maher
Dr. Lessly
Dr. Kindley
Mrs. Torrey
Mrs. Mawby
Mr. Robert Martin
Dr. Brown
Dr. Hilfiger
Man...I know I'm missing so many more...
Music is who I am. Every moment of my life I have either wrote a song or sung a song that has marked it.
Why am I thirty years old and feel like I'm still needing to seek, to find, to search, to discover?
Thanks for listening to me. It's okay if you moved on after the first sentence. :) For those...umm...to that one who hung in there with me. Thanks for taking the time.
Talk to you soon, my friends.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Lions and Tigers and....
Well, this post has nothing to do with its title. I figured though you couldn't wait to read it. Of course, I could have started out with telling you a story about the time we went to the zoo and all of the sudden a lion got out of its cage and chased us all around, but then that wouldn't be true.
I believe that is actually a Madeline story. Do you know who she is? Those of you with children might know. You may have the songs memorized to all your child's favorite tv shows or videos. This song is now rolling around in my head: "I'm Madeline, I'm Madeline...." AHHHHH!
Now what does that have to do with anything...I don't have a clue! I just wanted to type it and since this is my blog, I can do that right?
I've just received two emails asking me where I was and if I was ever going to blog again. Well, since the last time I blogged a lot has happened. So here you go, you asked for it. I will say, that you will get pictures added to this later, so be on the lookout....
The second weekend of October took us to Fort Wayne, Indiana for an awesome family reunion with what would be my Mom's side. I'm very proud of my family as that all 36 of us (I think I counted right) have relationships with Jesus and are serving the Lord wherever we may be. We take the weekend Fri - Sun and we spend the time at a hotel playing games, catching up on our lives, swimming in the pool and of course eating together. But the best part of all is that on Sunday morning we have our own little church service. One of our family members speak (3 are pastors and several have had a chance to preach in their church) and shares with us whatever God has laid on their heart. We also take the time to sing and worship together with music. It is the coolest thing since many of us sing, hearing the blend of melody and harmony and then to know that all of it is for His Glory! This was our third annual and every year it seems to just get better and better.
BABY UPDATE:
Amy and baby continue to do well. We are a little relieved as we believe we have made it through a critical time period in her pregnancy. Amy and I got to hear the heartbeat on Oct. 23 and the emotion that rises up from your heart as you hear this gift of life is more than I can describe. We have appreciated your prayers and ask that you will continue. We know that no matter what, God is in control and we have placed this child in His hands.
ALEX UPDATE:
Alex turned four years old on November 1. We went down to Marion, Indiana, this past weekend so that we could visit our friends that we miss so much. I left Amy and Alex there so that they could continue the time with friends. Alex called me up on his birthday morning because he couldn't wait to tell me that "I am four today, Daddy!" Amy informs me that throughout the entire day everyone around him also heard (i.e. Walmart, Church, even at the restaurant). I miss them so much, but knew this would be a time my family needed.
Okay...first of all, I got to give God praise for everything you just read! It is because of Him that this is all possible! Dear Jesus, thanks so much for all you give to me and my family. I had a chance finally Sunday night to go to the church (in Marion) and just play piano and sing. I was supposed to be working on my budget for the facility I manage. The first hour or so was devoted to Him and His praises. I hadn't touched a piano since I got to Wisconsin. That was almost six months ago!
It's amazing when you are doing something God has designed you to do what happens inside. I was playing and singing and praising, going through some music in a book, when God opened the floodgates of my soul. It was like what my great-grandma used to always tell me, "tears are holy water that purge the soul". It was like that for me. I believe some of it was a type of grieving for what we had left behind.
We had a great healthy church (Chapel Pike Wesleyan) with all the fixins. Amy had a Ladies Bible Study that helped her grow. I had one of the best guys' groups of which I've ever been a part. Alex had the opportunity to be raised not only by us, but by a true church family. You know, the kind that actually cares for all the kids and isn't afraid to discipline or love where needed? You know...the way it should be.
I also had the most extraordinary chance to lead the greatest group of musicians I have ever known. We had some of the most exciting times of worship through music. So, that "soul cry" was for a lot of things. It helped me see just how much we missed that fertile soil. Oh, I know that anywhere God puts us is fertile soil, but to have a pastoral staff that wouldn't let you go, that would reach out deliberately, not just out of obligation was amazing to us.
One more thing...and I'll let you go.
PRAYER UPDATE:
For several months (ever since we left Marion) we've been praying for our house to sell. Amy started to worry about it a lot and I can't say that I wasn't concerned. We found out half way through that our roof was leaking and well, we didn't have the money to fix it. When we were at the beginning of our marriage we got ourselves into a lot of debt and with the help of family and friends and their coaching, we are finally seeing the light and the end. So I've been adamant that we can't get another loan. FYI - The Bible has a verse that says the borrower is servant to the lender...and all the people said..."AMEN!" I didn't want to once again be bound by that, so I stuck to my guns.
We would have some little arguments always ending with me saying, "God has always taken care of us. We've always had a roof over our head, food to eat and more. We need to trust Him." I know...easier said than done. But I was trusting Him because if I had time to share every moment of my life, I could prove to you His promise that He would never leave us is TRUE!
Our savings was depleting due to basically two house payments (rent & house), so I decided to email my boss to let him know our situation. Two weeks went by and we continue to pray and ask others to pray.
God answered our prayers yesterday...no the house didn't sell..not yet...
My company agreed to give us a housing allowance until the house sold! I couldn't believe it, because I didn't expect it. I tried to get a hold of Amy in Marion, but couldn't. So I called my Dad and he rejoiced. I emailed my Grandma and she rejoiced. Then I tried Amy again. Hmmm...where was she? So I called my Grandpa and my Mom. I tried Amy again. UgH!!!! Then I decided to hunt her down. I called the church and got the phone number of someone she was with...oh, and I told the Pastor too. Finally, I got in touch with her. I told her I had the most wonderful news. When I got done sharing what had just happened, she starting sobbing with joy.
GOD HAS ONCE AGAIN BEEN FAITHFUL! PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!!!!
I believe that is actually a Madeline story. Do you know who she is? Those of you with children might know. You may have the songs memorized to all your child's favorite tv shows or videos. This song is now rolling around in my head: "I'm Madeline, I'm Madeline...." AHHHHH!
Now what does that have to do with anything...I don't have a clue! I just wanted to type it and since this is my blog, I can do that right?
I've just received two emails asking me where I was and if I was ever going to blog again. Well, since the last time I blogged a lot has happened. So here you go, you asked for it. I will say, that you will get pictures added to this later, so be on the lookout....
The second weekend of October took us to Fort Wayne, Indiana for an awesome family reunion with what would be my Mom's side. I'm very proud of my family as that all 36 of us (I think I counted right) have relationships with Jesus and are serving the Lord wherever we may be. We take the weekend Fri - Sun and we spend the time at a hotel playing games, catching up on our lives, swimming in the pool and of course eating together. But the best part of all is that on Sunday morning we have our own little church service. One of our family members speak (3 are pastors and several have had a chance to preach in their church) and shares with us whatever God has laid on their heart. We also take the time to sing and worship together with music. It is the coolest thing since many of us sing, hearing the blend of melody and harmony and then to know that all of it is for His Glory! This was our third annual and every year it seems to just get better and better.
BABY UPDATE:
Amy and baby continue to do well. We are a little relieved as we believe we have made it through a critical time period in her pregnancy. Amy and I got to hear the heartbeat on Oct. 23 and the emotion that rises up from your heart as you hear this gift of life is more than I can describe. We have appreciated your prayers and ask that you will continue. We know that no matter what, God is in control and we have placed this child in His hands.
ALEX UPDATE:
Alex turned four years old on November 1. We went down to Marion, Indiana, this past weekend so that we could visit our friends that we miss so much. I left Amy and Alex there so that they could continue the time with friends. Alex called me up on his birthday morning because he couldn't wait to tell me that "I am four today, Daddy!" Amy informs me that throughout the entire day everyone around him also heard (i.e. Walmart, Church, even at the restaurant). I miss them so much, but knew this would be a time my family needed.
Okay...first of all, I got to give God praise for everything you just read! It is because of Him that this is all possible! Dear Jesus, thanks so much for all you give to me and my family. I had a chance finally Sunday night to go to the church (in Marion) and just play piano and sing. I was supposed to be working on my budget for the facility I manage. The first hour or so was devoted to Him and His praises. I hadn't touched a piano since I got to Wisconsin. That was almost six months ago!
It's amazing when you are doing something God has designed you to do what happens inside. I was playing and singing and praising, going through some music in a book, when God opened the floodgates of my soul. It was like what my great-grandma used to always tell me, "tears are holy water that purge the soul". It was like that for me. I believe some of it was a type of grieving for what we had left behind.
We had a great healthy church (Chapel Pike Wesleyan) with all the fixins. Amy had a Ladies Bible Study that helped her grow. I had one of the best guys' groups of which I've ever been a part. Alex had the opportunity to be raised not only by us, but by a true church family. You know, the kind that actually cares for all the kids and isn't afraid to discipline or love where needed? You know...the way it should be.
I also had the most extraordinary chance to lead the greatest group of musicians I have ever known. We had some of the most exciting times of worship through music. So, that "soul cry" was for a lot of things. It helped me see just how much we missed that fertile soil. Oh, I know that anywhere God puts us is fertile soil, but to have a pastoral staff that wouldn't let you go, that would reach out deliberately, not just out of obligation was amazing to us.
One more thing...and I'll let you go.
PRAYER UPDATE:
For several months (ever since we left Marion) we've been praying for our house to sell. Amy started to worry about it a lot and I can't say that I wasn't concerned. We found out half way through that our roof was leaking and well, we didn't have the money to fix it. When we were at the beginning of our marriage we got ourselves into a lot of debt and with the help of family and friends and their coaching, we are finally seeing the light and the end. So I've been adamant that we can't get another loan. FYI - The Bible has a verse that says the borrower is servant to the lender...and all the people said..."AMEN!" I didn't want to once again be bound by that, so I stuck to my guns.
We would have some little arguments always ending with me saying, "God has always taken care of us. We've always had a roof over our head, food to eat and more. We need to trust Him." I know...easier said than done. But I was trusting Him because if I had time to share every moment of my life, I could prove to you His promise that He would never leave us is TRUE!
Our savings was depleting due to basically two house payments (rent & house), so I decided to email my boss to let him know our situation. Two weeks went by and we continue to pray and ask others to pray.
God answered our prayers yesterday...no the house didn't sell..not yet...
My company agreed to give us a housing allowance until the house sold! I couldn't believe it, because I didn't expect it. I tried to get a hold of Amy in Marion, but couldn't. So I called my Dad and he rejoiced. I emailed my Grandma and she rejoiced. Then I tried Amy again. Hmmm...where was she? So I called my Grandpa and my Mom. I tried Amy again. UgH!!!! Then I decided to hunt her down. I called the church and got the phone number of someone she was with...oh, and I told the Pastor too. Finally, I got in touch with her. I told her I had the most wonderful news. When I got done sharing what had just happened, she starting sobbing with joy.
GOD HAS ONCE AGAIN BEEN FAITHFUL! PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!!!!
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