Kenya Bound

In January, only a few days after arriving at my new home in North Carolina, and joining the True North Church family, Jon McClarnon (the senior pastor) and I will fly out to Kenya in order to see how best we marriage the ministry in North Carolina with what is taking place there in Kenya. The plan will include regularly leading teams to share in God's work there.

I'm pretty excited about these opportunities.

Our contact in Kenya is Chatty Daniels, a True North partner. Here is a video she created introducing us to life's new adventure:

Video (Christmas 2009 #17): Winter Snow

Winter Snow by Audrey Assad. You may have heard this song on Chris Tomlin's recent Christmas album. The lyrics are below the video.

Could've come like a mighty storm
With all the strength of a hurricane
You could've come like a forest fire
With the power of heaven in Your flame

But You came like a winter snow
Quiet and soft and slow
Falling from the sky in the night
To the earth below

You could've swept in like a tidal wave
Or an ocean to ravish our hearts
You could have come through like a roaring flood
To wipe away the things we've scarred

But You came like a winter snow
(Yes, You did)
You were quiet
You were soft and slow
Falling from the sky in the night
To the earth below

Oh, no, Your voice wasn't in a bush burning
No, Your voice wasn't in a rushing wind
It was still
It was small
It was hidden

You came like a winter snow
Quiet and soft and slow
Falling from the sky in the night
To the earth below

Falling
(Oh, yeah)
To the earth below
You came falling
From the sky in the night
To the earth below

Behold the Lamb of God

If you visit this site you can listen to Andrew Peterson's entire Behold the Lamb of God album. A perfect meditation on the birth narrative of Jesus.

I already posted one of Andrew's songs from the album for the 2009 Christmas playlist. And I'm planning on another closer to Christmas day.

But for now take about an hour to sit down and listen to this amazing retelling of our Immanuel's story. Trust me. You can bake me some gingerbread cookies as a thank you if you want.

Video (Christmas 2009 #16): This Is War

Here's a great song called This Is War by Dustin Kensrue (of Thrice).

This Is War

This is war like you ain't seen.
This winter's long, it's cold and mean.
With hangdog hearts we stood condemned,
But the tide turns now at Bethlehem.

This is war and born tonight,
The Word as flesh, the Lord of Light,
The Son of God, the low-born king;
Who demons fear, of whom angels sing.

This is war on sin and death;
The dark will take it's final breath.
It shakes the earth, confounds all plans;
The mystery of God as man.

Photos: Norman Rockwell Photo Realism

I found these Norman Rockwell paintings/photos HERE. Along with Norman's (he and I are on a first name basis) paintings are some photos where the paintings were recreated. I think they're cool.

Video (Christmas 2009 #15): Glory in the Highest/O Come All Ye Faithful

This is some video from Shane & Shane's Glory in the Highest Christmas tour. More specifically when they preformed at my church, Journey Fellowship, here in San Antonio. Singing with Shane & Shane is (one of the) Shane's wife Bethany Dillon and Phil Wickham.

(unfortunately the video ends abruptly but it's still good...)

Video (Christmas 2009 #14):

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - James Taylor

Video (Christmas 2009 #13): Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland - Louis Armstrong (1st video)

I love Louis' voice. There is just nothing like it in music today.

Winter Wonderland - Jason Mraz (2nd video)

&

Video (Christmas 2009 #12): Must Be Santa

Okay I think this video gets us caught up on our playlist for Christmas 2009.
If you have any suggestions for a song to add to this playlist please leave your comments.
But this song is a real gem. It's Bob Dylan's Must Be Santa.

Video (Christmas 2009 #11): Blue Christmas

Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley (featuring Martina McBride)

Video (Christmas 2009 #10): Christmas Song

Christmas Song by Dave Matthews Band

Video (Christmas 2009 #9): Peace on Earth

I've been a little behind on my Christmas playlist. So sorry but here come a few post in a row to catch up. Christmas song for 2009 belongs to U2. Peace on Earth:

Peace on Earth by U2

Heaven on Earth
We need it now
I'm sick of all of this
Hanging around
Sick of sorrow
Sick of pain
Sick of hearing again and again
That there's gonna be
Peace on Earth

Where I grew up
There weren't many trees
Where there was we'd tear them down
And use them on our enemies
They say that what you mock
Will surely overtake you
And you become a monster
So the monster will not break you

It's already gone too far
Who said that if you go in hard
You won't get hurt

Jesus could you take the time
To throw a drowning man a line
Peace on Earth
Tell the ones who hear no sound
Whose sons are living in the ground
Peace on Earth
No whos or whys
No-one cries like a mother cries
For peace on Earth
She never got to say goodbye
To see the colour in his eyes
Now he's in the dirt
Peace on Earth

They're reading names out over the radio
All the folks the rest of us won't get to know
Sean and Julia, Gareth, Ann and Breda
Their lives are bigger, than any big idea

Jesus can you take the time
To throw a drowning man a line
Peace on Earth
To tell the ones who hear no sound
Whose sons are living in the ground
Peace on Earth

Jesus this song you wrote
The words are sticking in my throat
Peace on Earth
Hear it every Christmas time
But hope and history won't rhyme
So what's it worth?
This peace on Earth

Peace on Earth
Peace on Earth
Peace on Earth

Art: Tommy Hiler

Tonight I went to my friend Tommy Hiler's senior art thesis. You might remember that Tommy created this amazing work of art:

There was some incredible pieces of work, but Tommy painting were far my favorite. He uses gas masks in his art to help communicate the idea that some people isolate themselves from the reality they actually live in. Or to possible express that even though we live in a world we're "breathing" a whole different reality.

Here are some photos of the 5 pieces Tommy presented tonight:

NFL Week 13 Picks

I couldn't remember who one of my picks for today, but when I went too look it up here I realize that my picks never posted. Still not sure why Blogger is not posted the post I send in via e-mail. But nevertheless here are my picks for Week 13 of the NFL.

New York @ Buffalo = Jets

Philadelphia @ Atlanta = Eagles

Tampa Bay @ Carolina = Panthers

St. Louis @ Chicago = Bears

Detroit @ Cincinnati = Bengals

Tennessee @ Indianapolis = Colts

Houston @ Jacksonville = Jaguars

Denver @ Kansas City = Broncos

New England @ Miami = Patriots

Oakland @ Pittsburgh = Steelers

New Orleans @ Washington = Saints

San Diego @ Cleveland = Chargers

Dallas @ New York = Cowboys

San Francisco @ Seattle = 49ers

Minnesota @ Arizona = Vikings

Baltimore @ Green Bay = Packers

By the way here is something I've learned about my ability to pick NFL games. If I go with the obvious projected winner (or my gut) I pick right about 3 out of every 4 times.

Quote: John Lennon

So true. I love wasting time.

When Grown Men Cry

I found the photos below at another blog. Although I left off the Robert Downey Jr. one, because it's kinda awkward.

The photographer, Sam Taylor-Wood, said of these photos,

"Some of the men cried before I even finished loading the camera, but others found it really difficult. People can decide for themselves which they think are the authentic tears and which they think are fake. It's about the idea of taking these big, masculine men and showing a different side."

I've been thinking a lot lately about confession, honesty and authenticity. I'm not great at being vulnerable but I certainly don't want to become so good at just acting out false intimacy either.

That's what I was thinking as I saw these photos.

Ketchup Bomb

These ketchup packets are making an interesting statement. I'm just not sure if I think it's appropriate. I'm going to open it up to debate. Take a look and make your case...

Video (Christmas 2009 #8): Matthew's Begats

This song is called Matthew's Begats by Andrew Peterson. It's the genealogy of Jesus found in Matthew's gospel, chapter one. Enjoy.

Video (Christmas 2009 #7): Santa Baby

Kellie Pickler   More CMT Music   More CMT Music Videos

Photo: Emo Superheroes

I saw this and it made me laugh. Click on the image to enlarge the image.

News: Punished Funny Face Student

Student punished for making funny face in school photo

I don't know this San Antonian student, but she may be one of my favorites.

Seriously why is this school punishing this girl?

It seems as if our school systems could find more productive ways to be spending there time.

Video: Wedding Update

This kinda reminds me of Taylor & Frankie's wedding. Except T&F weren't this brave.

Photo: Twilight/Blade

Here's a still from a vampire movie that I think I actually would want to watch:

Video (Christmas 2009 #6): Put the Lights on the Tree

Here's a little ditty to play while doing some decorating.

Prevent Asthma

A recent study by the University of Arizona has shown that having a dog around children will not cause asthma, and may actually help prevent it. The National Institutes of Health were so impressed with the results of the study that they are investing almost a million dollars into a grant to have the researchers make their results more conclusive.

“Several longitudinal studies have shown that exposure to certain domestic animals, for example, indoor dogs, during a person’s early life (even possibly before he or she is born) is associated with strong protection against asthma and asthma-related conditions later in life,” Serrine Lau, a member of the research team said.

So if you were hesitant to get a dog because they were afraid their children may develop breathing problems, you may want to reconsider.

(I copy and pasted the above from Mental Floss)

Mom. Can I get a puppy? Actually can we get a DeLorean and outfit it as a time machine and then travel back to my youth and get a cute little bulldog puppy? I don't particularly want one now because I don't really want to deal with house training Tank, that's what I would name this cute little guy, nor do I want to pick up and clean the "droppings". But I would love to cure my asthma years before now.

NFL Week 12 Picks: Wrap Up

Each week, usually Wednesday or Thursday morning, I blog (via e-mail) my NFL picks. However what I noticed this past weekend that for some reason those e-mails were not making it to Blogger and not posting to this blog. Dang it. Because I've been on a slight roll.
Here's my wrap up from this past weekend.:

Packers @ Lions = Green Bay
Raiders @ Cowboys = Dallas
Giants @ Broncos = New York
Redskins @ Eagles = Philadelphia
Seahawks @ Rams = Seattle
Dolphins @ Bills = Miami
Buccaneers @ Falcons = Atlanta
Colts @ Texans = Indianapolis
Browns @ Bengals = Bengals
Panthers @ Jets = New York
Chiefs @ Chargers = Chargers
Jaguars @ 49ers = San Francisco
Bears @ Vikings = Minnesota
Cardinals @ Titans = Arizona
Steelers @ Ravens = Pittsburgh
Patriots @ Saints = New Orleans

Last Week: 12-4
Season: 105-55
---------------------------------------------
This Week: 12-4
Season: 117-59

Video (Christmas 2009 #5): Little Drummer Boy

Does anyone know the origins of this song? When did the Christmas story first incorporate a little boy playing his drum into the nativity seen? I suppose I could wikipedia it, but I'm going to let one of you reader do it.

Video (Christmas 2009 #4):

We are creating a Christmas playlist for this holiday season. Today is day 4.

Today's song comes via the recommendation of Rachel. It's All That I Want by The Weepies. Merry Christmas.

What song would you want to add to this year's playlist?

Christmas 2009 Set List

Day 1: Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson

Day 2: O Come, O Come Emmanuel by Joshua James

Day 3: Last Christmas by Wham!

Video (Christmas 2009 #3):

Day three as we build our Christmas 2009 set list. This amazing classic comes via the recommendation of Julie. I went ahead and looked up the lyrics for some reason; despite it's catchiness it's kind of a sad depressing song, especially for the holidays. Nevertheless, it is a fun song. So enjoy Wham!'s Last Christmas.

Christmas 2009 Set List

Day 1: Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson

Day 2: O Come, O Come Emmanuel by Joshua James

Video (Christmas 2009 #2):

So I am building a Christmas set list, with your help of course.

From the day after Thanksgiving (b/c it just ain't entirely right for Christmas tunes before Turkey day) until Christmas there are 29 days. One new tune per day.

This Christmas song comes via the recommendation of Allison Hibbard. It's O Come, O Come Emmanuel sung by Joshua James.

What song would you add to this playlist?

Christmas 2009 Playlist

Day 1: Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson

Video (Christmas 2009 #1): A Winter Song

I believe that there are 29 days until Christmas. I think I want to share a song a day until then. I'm going to start with this amazing song that has been stuck in my head since my sister shared it with me yesterday.
Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson

Sara Bareilles - New Music - More Music Videos

Sorry I think there is an ad at the beginning of this video.

Let's build this 29 song list together. What Christmas/Holiday song would you want to share this 2009 holiday season?

Video: Balanced on 2 Fingers

Apparently only two people in the whole world can do this. This guy is one of them...

...and I would be the other...hahaha!

Photos: Images of the Southwest

Found this interesting website displaying some images of Native Americans from this book:

Glass Plates & Wagon Ruts: Images of the Southwest by Lisle Updike and William Pennington

As a military child I grew up with the opportunity to live in several places. One of those, twice, was South Dakota. If you have ever seen the film Dances with Wolves that's where I grew up. In fact several locations on that movie are creeks and plains that we fished or hunted (rather my dad and brothers hunted, I was never a hunting type of guy, but I did fish on a few occasions).

School in often consisted of lessons on Native American culture, specifically the Sioux people. Actually I attended high school with one of the young men who was in Dances with Wolves.

I say all that to say that I have an interest in Native American art and culture. I even recently learned that I have some family tree descendants along those lines. (I know, I know, when you look at me that's instantly what you assume).

Visit this site to see some of the images that are in the book I mentioned above. Here are a couple to wet your whistle:

Website: Missed Connections NY

I have a friend who likes reading the missed connections on craigslist. I haven't really gone there before until just now. I have a strange urge to add some fake missed connection. Something like:

We were both having lunch at Chuck E. Cheese this past Tuesday afternoon. I was dominating on skeet ball and you were on stage singing along with the robotic bears. People were looking at you and complaining that you were distracting to the family celebrating their 2 year old's birthday. The Chuck E. Cheese staff asked you to leave since you were not there with any children of your own. That's when I really noticed you. It's not often you find single childless women who enjoy hanging out at Chuck E. Cheese. We briefly said hi to each other as we were turning in our prize tickets. You got a plastic slinky and I got water gun. Since you are no longer welcomed at Chuck E. Cheese I thought it would awesome if you and I tried out Peter Piper's Pizza together. I will be there every Tuesday between noon and 3:00pm. See you there.

Someday I'll do that.

I, however, do enjoy visiting the blog Missed Connections NY. The blogger, whoever it is, readings the missed connections in New York and then draws interpretations of them. Check it out. Here's an example:

Saturday, October 17, 2009

- m4w
We shared a bear suit at an apartment party on Saturday night.
I asked for your number and you gave it to me, but somehow I don't have an area code written down. I had a great time talking with you, and I don't trust Chance enough to wait until I see you in the elevators...

Video: A Christmas Carol

Here's a pretty cool preview for the upcoming Advent series at Granger Community Church. I love creativity like this. Mark Beeson, senior pastor at GCC, share it on his blog.

A Christmas Carol from Granger Community on Vimeo.