True Colors

This is such an excellent picture to decipher and analyze.

Way to jump to conclusions, guys!
Since we can look back at this and weigh everyone's actions, we discover some telling things. One thing is that John McCain will not avoid the debate, as he's currently on his way to Mississippi now. In fact, there was never any indication that he was "afraid" of meeting Obama at the debate table. He said many times that he wished the two would meet in townhall settings to debate the issues, together, in public.

Another thing we now see is that whoever created this picture (substituting "Bailin" for "Palin" is somewhat clever, admittedly) looks like the fool. Not only are they dressed in a costume so they can't be seen, but they're also displaying the very classy hand gesture for all time. These are the kind of people whose character I admire. Don't you?

John McCain has proved this pre-emptive strike to be false by his actions. Killing two birds with one stone, he showed he was interested in getting things done by being an active part of the solution in Washington AND he will make it to the debate. He led this while Obama was made to follow. Unfortunately for the Leftie creator of this picture, they will have a hard time recovering from the impression they made of being nothing more than a crude slinger of false accusations.

Good Reading on Historical Matters?

Watching all the current political TV has got me thinking.... and reading. Was just online reading through pages and pages of forum discussions (one I found was on a "physics forum" of all places) about why Bush is so hated these days. The thread got off-topic, like I would assume it would, into all kinds of history of the US involvement in the Mid-East, plus our Cold War with the Soviets. Very fascinating, but one thing that was hilarious is how many people are just spouting stuff that's more opinion and obviously just regurgitated from talk shows, talk radio, etc.

What I'd like to know is if anyone has some good reading about these issues? I'd like intelligent writing, dealing with the subjects listed above, but also about how God is woven through all of it, i.e. how are these world events occurring, from God's perspective? Something that has some Scripture to back it up. There might not be much out there that fits this description. IF there is, please let me know what you know! If I can read up some more, and balance this with prayer and seeing God's heart on the world at large, I could find some revelation, hopefully. In fact, Revelations might be a good book to start in..... but it's a tricky book, in many ways.

Travis : Something Anything

From one of my favorite groups..... this is super catchy and ultra melodic like all their stuff.

Gotta love some Travis (plus, they're Scottish!) ---

Flesh & Blood

You know how someone can get under your skin and it can drive you crazy, to the point of near obsession? Maybe it's a co-worker or a relative. Maybe it's a classmate from back in the day; you still might have a grudge. The point is, we can become angry (with good reason, many times) and focus on this person. It can eat you up, as you mentally pour over all the little details and what exactly you don't like about the person.

If, in fact, we are right and just in our anger against said person, what should we do? I believe the answer comes from Ephesians 6:12. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." So many times, we focus on this person and see their face in our mind's eye when our anger rises. We hold them personally accountable and hate can take root in our spirit.

If I ask myself what Jesus would do, I think he would look past the obvious and shallow first layers that our reactions usually lead us to. Jesus fully engaged the spiritual realm when He walked this earth. He looked into that realm and spoke to the active parties. One thing I can learn from this is to ask the Lord for wisdom and to pray into what's really happening. In my earthly "wisdom" I can perceive lots of motives and become very angry at the person. However, with the extra firepower of God's Spirit, I'm more inclined to know the heart of the matter. More importantly, I could begin praying for the person instead of cursing them in my anger.

Now the question arises: can you always hold the "spiritual realm" fully accountable for a person's actions? When does the person take some sort of responsibility for their actions and attitudes? This is where I'm not sure. I don't know how to discern when a person is responsible for their own actions versus when to target the "spiritual forces of evil" that might be acting through that individual. For me, this is when I lean on prayer and God's wisdom.

This makes me think, though. When we engage in warfare of the physical, like what's happening now in the Middle East, we are not shooting ammunition of prayer at our enemies. It's bullets that infilct the mortal wound. How do I reconcile this to our struggle not being against the flesh and blood we're killing? Sometimes this is necessary, I suppose.

When I ask for the heart of Jesus in a situation, I believe He sees the person's heart I'm having trouble with. I believe He sees this person from the day they were a baby until the present time. Take the darkest example of our time: Hitler. God created this guy. God loves Hitler, the person, devoid of all the evil actions he inspired and carried out. God saw little boy Hitler, playing in a field. God saw the young man, Hitler, who wanted to be an artist and get into art school. (an aside: I really think the person on the board of that art school where Hitler was denied access had a huge amount of regret. Who knows what the world would've been like if the only mention we heard of Adolf Hitler was a brief news clip of some fringe artist whose work sold for a moderate amount at a New York auction?). God sees the heart. This leads me to believe I should always pray for the salvation of a person and ask for God's mercy on their life, regardless of my own anger towards the actions of that person.

Because God sees the heart and because each person is, in the end, accountable for the sum total of their life's choices, there is a judgement on each person. So, even though we can look to the spiritual realm and battle in spiritual warfare, we can't place all blame on said spiritual realm, leaving the person totally innocent. "The devil made me do it," doesn't get a pass here. At some point, the person is responsible. This is tough, though, because the person might go their whole life and be blind to the fact that they were steered and prodded by an unseen realm. Kind of like the Matrix, when Morpheus is revealing to Neo what's really happening beneath the surface.

I don't know all these things. I can only lean on the Spirit of God to give me His heart for people. Let God be the judge of the secrets of men's hearts and agendas.

Punching in the dark while being mad at the wrong guy

Now, if that's not a title for a blog entry, I don't know what is.

Was thinking about how people, in general, react to God. God gets alot of blame. I mean, ALOT. He's blamed for not doing anything to save our world when things are so bad, He's blamed for not existing (is that even possible?), He's blamed for being too much of a control freak. There appears to be so much contradiction in all these accusations.

What I find most curious is how people blame God for the state of the world. "It's so bad. There's evil everywhere. Why doesn't God DO anything??" We have free will, people. Secondly, people blame God and Christianity for being so "rule-oriented" and don't like how they'd have to conform to someone else's standards. Hell, who am I kidding? I don't like it either. We're human - we revolt against being under anyone's thumb. Plus, I just said "hell" in a post about "religion." Now I'm freaking out because of my legalistic upbringing.

People (myself included at different points in my life) just have a problem with God, period. They want someone who will just step in a fix things. Well, God has ordained us with free will and humanness. We are apt to do evil things and have wild mood swings. That's who we are. So, God has decided not to run the earth with a totalitarian choke hold. I respect that. People, in general, also don't like it when God sets standards and rules that are, in the long view, for our own good. He designed us and knows us better than we do. Our independent nature revolts against that. We want it both ways.

When the crap hits the fan and life gets messy, we find ourselves being "mad at God." Why does God make this happen? Why has God done this? We need to break down the situation a little more. Much (notice I didn't say "all" - "much" is what was said) happens due to our own choices and the fallout from it all. We bear the weight of our own consequences. When bad things happen to us that are in no relation to our control, we become victims of evil. We are touched by darkness. LIke many have heard before, this is the devil's greatest victory (I believe C.S. Lewis said that): No one thinks he exists. By default, God gets the brunt of the blame.

We find ourselves punching in the dark while being mad at the wrong guy. We're frustrated and angry at God. In reality, God is our hope in these situations. We live in a world where bad things happen to us, either from our own hand or from the hand of another. God is our friend, reaching out a hand to us, looking to step in when invited. Sadly, we easily fall into the trap of turning our backs and eating the bitter pill of stubborn independence.

I'm an Uncle

Well, well.... finally, the day has arrived. I am now an Uncle.
Even more importantly, my younger brother, Clay and his wife, Deborah, have become parents.

They have experienced not only the miracle of childbirth but a miracle of life, in general. I won't go into any more detail than to say that Clay and Deborah weren't given a high chance of having children. God apparently has different opinions than doctors, in this situation. To say that God has proved Himself the keyholder in their circumstance is an understatement. He has opened a door only He has the power to open. It's amazing to see God prove Himself and to bless the life of my brother and sister-in-law.


Little Daniel Fields Kirkland was born Saturday, August 2nd, at 4:21 in the p.m. From first glance at his eyes, he looks like my bro. I'll see him in person tomorrow, so I can give more accurate feedback then. But, the eyes say Clay. I've heard that the mouth and nose look like Deborah. Now, I won't go into facial feature debates here on the blog, but I have to say the kid is
cute.

I am so happy and excited for Clay and Deborah. I've got a wonderful (nearly) 4 years of fatherhood under my belt and it's taught me so much. I have different perspectives, values, and feelings that were never present pre-baby. Your emotional spectrum takes a huge leap and you learn to love someone like you never have before. Your own child. You get a more accurate and immediate glimpse into the heart of God the Father than previously possible. It truly rocks your world.

It will be fun to see Clay and Deborah experience this firsthand. It will be so much fun to have our families experience life together as we continue to expand and grow in years to come. God is good.

New Home

OK. We bought a house. So... we've been busy. That's my official excuse on why there's been no new posts in nearly 2 months.

It's great to be homeowners once again. We're in the process of settling in and still moving the last few loads of possessions (there's always more, it seems). Getting used to where things are in a new location. Meeting new neighbors. All that fun stuff.

I post a picture of Henry in front of the new place. Grass is still uncut and out-of-control in this one! I just cut it today, thank you.














Anyway, just wanted to post an update. Look forward to reconnecting with all the blogosphere once things settle down.

Night to Remember

Last night, we went out with some friends of ours from the small group at our church. Being Korean, they treated us to an experience like no other.

First we traveled to Duluth, which is home to "Koreatown." Check out Wikipedia's page about Koreatowns in the US. Atlanta is smokin!
We ate at this incredible restaurant. Honey Pig. Bam!

Lastly, we travelled down the road to enjoy some Korean Karaoke at DoReMi Karaoke Bar.

There is nothing more to say.

If I had the extra time/ Dream College

Was thinking today about how, if I had the extra time, I would love to invest time in a couple of subjects. I would enjoy reading/studying some various eras in history, particularly Russian and Asian (Japanese, Chinese, etc) history. For some reason, everytime I'm at the bookstore (which, by the way, I'm about to visit with Henry on my day off...), I find myself wanting to read some biography of an emperor or dictator. Not that I'm aspiring to mimic one of these typically ruthless men, I'm just curious to know the origins and backgrounds of these countries. I do read into these things, but it's usually when I'm on vacation. Even then, I only get through about 1/3 of the book. It's the effort that counts, right?

I also am currently interested, again, in Economics. In high school, I became intensely fascinated with finances after playing the Stock Market Game in 10th grade Econ class. It was awesome. Not that we "won" big on Wall Street on anything, but the whole process and gigantic mechanism of "the Market" blew me away. Recently, I invested a fairly small amount of money in some ETF's using ING's ShareBuilder website. It's fun to check on the ticker symbols throughout the day to see how it's performing. Somehow, I see myself checking out the Financial magazines and books at the bookstore this time around.

Anyway, what are some of your favorite hobbies and/or areas of interest? Something you'd love to do more of, if time allowed?

Thoughts about kids

I'm amazed at the range of emotions you can go through in a day with your kids.

On a Sunday, I have the kids for at least half the day before Laura is back on the team (b/c she's working at the church). However, today, I had them from rise 'n' shine until 6 pm. Laura went to a shower for our sister-in-law, Deborah, directly after church.

From the get-go, I really wanted to sleep later than 7am. This was not to be. Henry was raring to go. As he rolled around the bed (he and I shared the bed), fussing to get out, Zoe woke up around 7:15 and came to join us. When she got into the bed, Henry was fully ready to jet. Zoe was kind of into the sleeping-later thing, with her head on the pillow, but Henry wouldn't have it. He whined/cried/fidgeted until he fell right off the bed. Fortunately, there was a pillow underneath him as he floated down the side of the dresser and met the floor.

He cried and it was really only because of being scared of falling. He wasn't injured. So, we all got up at that point. My adrenaline was pumping.

After getting the bottle of formula going for Henry and preparing Zoe's bagel (untoasted, with cream cheese, and "closed" --- both halves together, like a sandwich), I set about grinding/brewing the coffee and making some cheese eggs. I got darn close to hitting the magic mix of cheese and eggs that Waffle House does. Henry and I have shared this plate of breakfast glory a couple times before.... I see the tradition forming. He could've eaten more, if I had made more.

Anyway... the day went on..... after returning from church, we went into play mode. Henry slept for awhile. I so wanted nap-time to visit us simultaneously, but Zoe didn't give in. We watched "Lady and the Tramp" --- again. I then found Zoe's closed bagel from the morning time...... on the floor, slightly pressed into the carpet. Oy. She began her routine of changing clothes countless times in one day. I watched her dance and clapped. I got Henry out of the bed and changed his diaper. I made him lunch ..... and picked up the destruction that laid beneath his chair afterwards. I let Zoe watch some gymnastics that were on TV. She then started jumping on beds and couches. I had to watch and she wanted me to clap, but I was torn between thinking how cute she was and how bad it was for her to jump on the furniture. I finally had to put the discipline foot down because Henry was wanting to copy her.

Throughout the rest of the afternoon before Laura's return, I picked up toys several times.... I told Zoe about how I was picking up her "costumes" for her and that I was doing her work for her.... but she didn't really take too well to that. I went through the rollercoaster of feelings: frustration, wanting to just take a Sunday afternoon nap, almost crying because you realize how amazing children are and what hilarious, cute little people they are, getting angry because the kids won't mind, realizing how many things could possibly go wrong in a day but don't thanks to the grace of God, doing so much cleaning that is basically running in circles because you never catch up.

Several things:

- I highly respect any Mom (or any parent) that keeps kids during the day. It's alot of work.
- Does God feel this way about us??
- Children are a blessing. They are amazing. My heart bursts with love for our kids.

OK, that was alot of blog right there. Maybe it was like a dam bursting because I haven't blogged in about a month's time. I hope to get back on a more frequent schedule. Work has kept me captive.

Peace to all the blogosphere.

Opposite Way

I'm fully obsessed right now with a song by the group, Leeland. It's called, "Opposite Way." It's pretty direct in lyrics, but the beauty is in the simplicity. Musically, it's my favorite sort: somewhat melancholy, with passionate, yearning vocals...intense, slightly distorted guitar...piano underpinning the whole arrangement...propulsive percussion...a pace that builds to a cathartic release at the end. By the end, you want to jump out of your seat or your skin or whatever and just praise Jesus.

The song's theme has been creeping up everywhere lately. This, I have no doubt, means that God is really trying to be clear with me. He's leading me to carve out a lifestyle that is the "opposite way" of the world's frenetic pace. Not that it's all about a speed issue, but it's more of a values thing. And I don't mean a political "family values" thing, either. It's keeping first the kingdom of God before all else.

Before work.

Before music.

Before dreams.

Before busy-ness.

Before all the other things that push and shove and try to wrangle a place in line for my attentions and affections.

While the world is rushing about trying to obtain things that only temporarily salve the universal emptiness we all experience without Christ, God is calling to me today to begin making life changes. He's asking me to change everything. He knows I cannot in any way do this in my own weak, human effort. So, He's asking me, in effect, to ask Him for all I need. God knows that I am complete in Jesus. He will add all the necessary "stuff" I have to have on this earth, effortlessly. I needn't fear that.

So, although I'm not in any way close to that destination, I am hearing His voice and walking in that direction. One step at a time. My heart and mind are being transformed to hunger and seek to know God.

I've been in a slumber too long and the season is now. Thanks to a young band named Leeland for being the messenger.

10 Random Things.

Tagged by Bill P.

Here goes:

1) I'm a clean freak. Wash my hands all the time and I love to clean. Bathrooms (showers, toilets), sinks. Vacuuming, too.

2) At some point in elementary school, I started "drumming" by clicking my teeth. When I would be hearing a song playing or just humming one in my head, I had an elaborate system of pressures and lengths I would hold the "click" to make a drum sound. It probably looks weird to others. It sounds amazing to my inner ear. I might say this contributed to my need for orthodontic helps.

3) My first computer was a Commodore 64. "Karataka" was our first game.

4) The first concert I went to was with FUMC youth group. It was Amy Grant at the Omni. The Omni has since been imploded and Amy Grant has....not.

5) My nickname as a youngster was "Moses." A swim teacher kept having to call me to jump in and get with the group because I was "moseying" along. I think I was daydreaming.

6) I used to stutter (it was more like hesitant speech; I would start the sound of a word and couldn't finish. Had to do with breathing) as a kid. This, too, was a good reason for the "Moses" nickname.

7) I was once so jealous of our babysitter playing with my brother and not playing with me that I broke the panel of a window. We had one of the "behind-your-real-house" barns as a kid. I was swinging one of those hollow plastic baseball bats (ones with a fat end). The more upset I got, the harder I hit the glass on the barn window. It broke. My Dad said I'd have to pay for the damages with my allowance, but it never went that far.

8) I once tried to invite Cameron Diaz to our employee Christmas party when I worked at the hotel in NYC. I was quite intoxicated (just being honest, folks). I knew she was staying in the joint and I knew which room. I knocked on the door several times, but no answer. Thank the Lord she wasn't there.

9) When I was a kid, I called into the radio show of a local Christian station. I dedicated a song to my grandmother. I won the contest. I was able to go to the bookstore and pick out an album (that's right, kiddies... an LP). My choice: Mylon LeFevre and Broken Heart. I think it was the "Sheep in Wolves' Clothing" one.

10) A pet peeve of mine is when someone uses the microwave, but doesn't use the full amount of time they programmed in. Then, when I glance at the microwave's screen to see what time it is, I get freaked for a half-second when I'm guessing it's about 7pm and the screen reads: ":23" I hate that.

I really could go on. But that, dear readers, is enough information.

New Poem

The Orbital Journey of the Heart
2.9.2008


Begin
small beats that feel the distance
can’t fathom your history
nightmare you put behind

angry outbursts punctuate
the grey, unsettled sky of your spirit
tension always underneath the surface
realization stings that you won’t be easy

slight crack in the wall
on a night drive home
marks the start of my compassion

hurt and hate
molten throughout years
to form my stubborn core
Now it lessens

push and pull
in grown-up years
relationship grows richer
maturity reveals insight

foolish phantoms of assumption
exiled forever
your healing becoming stronger

Travel forward in my mind
to your end
Imagine me standing at your funeral
clapping for you

I see you as a survivor
I applaud you for your courage
I watched the Hand of grace in your life
I am on your side.

We are in a new house (kind of)

So...... in response to some feedback about my not posting or commenting much lately (I mean...come on!! Last one was Monday, 1/28!)..... I will tell you what's been going on. We moved from our previous abode (renting it, I might add) in Lee's Crossing to my grandparent's old house on Hope St. My grandmother still owns it, technically, but my Dad is the estate comptroller (just wanted to use that sweet-a** word). So, we're renting this bad boy.

It's hilarious to be living in the house you used to visit often as a kid. It's this same layout that's buried in my memories, but now it's got Laura's famous decorative touch and our kids are running around in it. Surreal can't even begin to touch what I'm getting at. The weirdest things are:

- the pantry in the dining room still has this distinct smell that brings back childhood like a mutha.
- I can still picture Grapenuts, Vienna Sausages, and Cracklin' Oat Bran in the pantry. This was NOT a fun destination for snack food as a small child.
- the little mirror/medicine cabinets in the bathrooms (so old skool, yet cool!)
- the massive sliding doors on closets and pantries that can get "off track" and not roll correctly.
- the stencils of ducks on random objects in the kitchen
- the hideous stenciling in the utility room (that was BIG in the mid-to-late 80's)
- lying in my grandparent's bedroom, which is now our bedroom, staring at the wall and thinking, "this is the same frickin' POV I had when I was a kid taking a nap in this room with my grandma! Whoa!"
- how small the backyard is now that I'm a grown-up
- how big that small tree I remember as a kid is now

I could go on, but you get the point. It's a great house. I'm nearly right across the street from David Eldridge and his family, which is a bonus, as we've been great friends since high school. We are enjoying the place and still need to find a home for all the contents in boxes in the carport, but that's news for another post..... I will try to post some pictures soon.

Unseen Worlds

No, this is not a post about aliens or other galaxies. Yes, I'm a fan of some classic sci-fi films, but that's going into territory I don't touch.

I have this thought that comes into my mind sometimes about other cultures and countries I've never seen before. I'll be driving around town or shuffling through the myriad lists of things I have to do and I'll think:

There are places I have never seen, people I have never encountered, areas I will never set foot in...... that have been around for as long as Marietta/Georgia - or much longer. They have histories, their share of ups and downs, people just like me who are living life, day to day. There are millions of people living in this city of Atlanta. I only know a tiny fraction of those persons. This is only one city in the United States.

It blows me away to think of all the cities, houses, peoples and communities that function like a mad, chugging factory every, single day. To take it even further, think of all the generations of people that have passed before us. Think of all the nations, civilizations, and governments that have existed.

This is mind-blowing. It makes me realize how ridiculous our culture is in 2008. We can be so ultra-focused on how we look, how we feel, and how we're measuring up. We are quite confident and proud of ourselves.

We're a small drop in the ocean of time. And God's seen it all.

Props to the Hen-Man

OK, the time is due to give some "propahs" to my little 1.5 year-old son, Henry (aka "Hen-man," "Henny"). You see the amazing Zoe's picture everytime I post on the blog or post a comment elsewhere, since she's my icon picture. She resides in the spotlight, so Henry is moving up for a turn. I'm including some pictures, which I know will produce the "oohs" and "ahs" from the womenfolk in the audience. I will predict, too, that I'll have more response to this post than any of my recent ones. What kind of world do we live in when a post on miracles or Top 5 guitarists gets the hand and one with a cute kid shuts down the server because of overload? Hey, I would give some attention to this kid, too, because he IS cute and he IS awesome.

Now, to explain the pictures:



This is from our annual family Christmas party this year. The theme (yes, we have themes) was "Mafia Christmas." I was chowing down on some pasta when I went a little too hard on my plastic fork. My hand is frozen in the same position where the fork last was on the plate. Truly, the fork snapped in half, my hand went down to the edge of the plate, and like a catapult, I sent noodles flying for about 4 feet to my right. You can see some noodles still on my black overcoat. Henny is chilling beside me, eating (as always.....kid loves food) some noodles with his hair slicked back. You can see Zoe in the background, too.



This second one is from Henry's birthday party this year. The inevitable "first party." It was fun, for sure. This picture was taken by our friend, Matt Swanson, on his phat daddy camera. As you can see, the lens on that bad boy is superior. It looks like a postcard, complete with perfectly placed beams of sunlight cutting across the chalkboard, and highlighting Henny's spiked-up hair.

Word. Enjoy the boy. He's the coolest.

Miracles

I have a feeling this will be long >>>>

I got to thinking about "the miracles question" today: Do Miracles Still Happen?

Something in the wording of that question hints at randomness. More to the point of what I was thinking is "Does God Still Perform Miracles Today?"

The main thing that sparked my thinking was all the things in the past few years that have happened to people we know. People who've had terminal illnesses; Laura's sister, Bekah, who was in the car accident; my brother and his wife trying to have a baby.
In all of these situations, a miraculous healing either did or didn't take place. Several people from our church did not survive their bouts with cancer. Much prayer went up to heaven on their behalf. Does God not exist because they weren't healed? Or, in a worse scenario, does God not care for some people enough to heal them? I believe we have to release these situations to God, in His sovereignty and wisdom. We cannot see all the angles; we cannot fathom the reasons that make up the big picture. For whatever reasons, God either does perform a miracle or He does not, in any given situation.

When I go through this mental journey, I have to look at the historical record. In the Old Testament, God has a long, varied track record of performing supernatural feats to show His power. Old Testament's record of God's miracle-performing power: check. Look to the New Testament. Jesus - the embodiment of God on the earth - performed miracles during his ministry here. Wherever Jesus went, miracles flowed out of His presence. Crowds swarmed around Him to "get a piece" of the power to see healing in their lives. New Testament's record of God's miracle-performing power: check. It's in God's nature and character to perform miracles.

So, what's the deal today?

From all the accounts I've heard and read, supernatural healings and miracles of all sorts are occurring at a higher rate in other nations besides America. I believe this is because of the lack of pride and humanistic thinking in these areas. Places such as South America, Latin America, parts of Asia --- these are the outposts of miracles today. People who are desperate for God to move and have full faith in God to do miraculous works will see it happen. We, in America, are much more prone to be cynical or to look for solutions in ourselves. In many cases, we block the work of God because of our self-reliance.

Much of this goes to the subject of the medical field. I believe medicine is miraculous. Much of what has been discovered and put into practice these days is amazing. However, the praise for this advancement of medical science is more often than not going to the people that forge it. Ever since technology has grown and advanced in the past couple of centuries, humanity has, in its weakness, taken credit for so many things and become self-absorbed. Because we can now do so much, we don't really have a need for God, some would say. Medicine and science will eventually find a way to solve all of our problems. Right?

When we get to the point where we're out of options, where nothing is working that we thought would.....when we are desperate..... then God will move...... sometimes. I believe that desperation leads to more miracles being performed. Not to say that everything will be solved by a miraculous intervention of God; this side of heaven won't ever be perfect. But I do believe that when an atmosphere of revival is present and when the spiritual hunger of a people reaches a near fever-pitch, healing will be the doctor of the day. God will show His power over created order. Medicine and science will not be able to explain.

Still, not all will believe or accredit the praise to God. There will always be doubts and other explanations until everyone is laid bare before the Person of God. So, does God shy away from miracles or use them as a "last-ditch effort" because He doesn't want people to view Him as only a vending machine of healing magic or a cool magician? Possibly.

OK, enough thoughts on this for now. That was a very long post.

There Will Be Blood

Being a fan of Paul Thomas Anderson's work, I'm excited to be hearing all the buzz about his latest film:

There Will Be Blood.


P.T. Anderson excels in many areas of filmmaking: writing, directing ensembles, visual design & camerawork. I believe he's one of the modern masters of the medium. My personal favorite of his is Magnolia, an amazing piece of storytelling while, although brutal, shines through with redemption in the end.

One aspect that's exciting about TWBB is Daniel Day-Lewis' acting. I've read this is a jaw-dropping performance. I'm a fan of Day-Lewis' work from years past, especially My Left Foot and In The Name of The Father. Extremely talented and intense, he's one of the best actors of this generation. To see his acting paired with P.T. Anderson's directing will be powerful.

The other very exciting aspect of the movie is that Jonny Greenwood from Radiohead has performed the original music. I've read that it revolutionizes the way music works with a movie. J. Greenwood is already an incredible guitarist in his own right (as I've mentioned in the post-before-last), so to see him translate that talent into a movie soundtrack is intriguing.

Anyone interested in seeing this? I foresee a caravan to the theater.

Small Bite of Nostalgia

I like to dabble in poetry, from time to time. It's a fun exercise in being focused and capturing images/feelings in an abstract way.

If any of you visited Lake Koinonia in Woodstock, GA. back when "the posse" lived up there in the mid-to-late 80's/early 90's, then you've had the groundwork done for you. Here it is, entitled, "The Lake."



Crawling fearfully across an empty lake
via the enormous log bridge
Clutching and fearing the worst
the silt below seeming like quicksand
Exploring the unchartered territory
as a shoe falls down and drowns

The creepy shack
on a hill across the way
Abandoned and run down
We walk through
and conquer any lies
we imagined

Building forts and platforms on trees
Swinging from ski ropes
Ditches
Hideouts
Mud smells and dries crusty

Bell rings for supper
Moccasins hiding under docks
Camping overnight
Four-wheelers up and down the dam
Little brother on his back

Many memories
locked away
with the burnt-red sunsets
of those magic hours

Top 5 Favorite Guitarists

OK... for all you music geeks out there. It's your chance to list your top 5 favorite guitarists. First of all, let me say that my choices are probably not the "traditional" favorites. I don't particularly enjoy blues or straight-up rock, so you won't find any Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughn on this list. My "sound" is more along the lines of alternative guiatar, with plenty of atmospherics; I appreciate the guys who can create a tone. Here are mine, with expanded notes and ruminations.


1. The Edge from U2

Otherwise known as Dave Evans, this guy is my favorite, hands-down. He took what had been done before him and created his own sound. Using plenty of effects, no doubt, The Edge has created some of the most beautiful soundscapes on record. He uses tons of pedals. His sound is huge, with effective use of echo. I'm sure most of you have heard U2 (!!), but if not, be sure to listen to their work on headphones. My favorite album of theirs to hear Edge's work is 1984's "The Unforgettable Fire."


2. Jonny Greenwood from Radiohead

I first noticed JG as a guitarist on his own after listening to "The Bends" in my college apartment in 1995. It was an awesome album and still stands as my favorite of theirs today. Greenwood can make some amazing sounds come out of his guitar. His work is complex and fits in nicely with Radiohead's experimental nature. Listen to "Just" from "The Bends" to hear this guy's chops. J. Greenwood is sure to be a legend.


3. Johnny Marr from The Smiths

Yet another Johnny on the list. This guy is an icon. He has created some of the classics of late 80's/early 90's British alternative music. His sound is highly melodic. Marr pioneered much of the "alternative" sound of his era, using effects to make new sounds. His guitar work is sometimes referred to as "jangly." One of the best examples of his unique sound is the song "How Soon is Now?" Johnny Marr is currently playing in the band, Modest Mouse.


4. Brian Futter from Catherine Wheel

Brian Futter is one amazing guitarist. His style is sometimes called "shoegazing." Using large amounts of distortion, reverb, and echo, his work can make it seem like a "wall of sound" is being created. CW has a brutal sound, at times, and Futter's work shines through. Their most well-known song is "Black Metallic." If you want to hear a showcase of the guitarwork, I would recommend the song, "Strange Fruit," or "Crank."


5. Julian Swales from Kitchens of Distinction (he's on the right)

Probably the least-known of all the guitarists listed here, Julian Swales deserves some recognition, nonetheless. His sound is characterized by a swirling, chiming, echo-laden vibe. He was also grouped into the "shoegazing" class of music. Extremely atmospheric, Swales sounded like several guitarists layered over each other, even though it was just his one-man show. Many of his songs have such a chaotic, blisteringly beautiful sound, especially on headphones, where you can hear all the little details. Check out the songs, "When in Heaven," "Sand on Fire," and "Mad as Snow."

***** Honorable Mention: Kevin Shields from My Bloody Valentine; John Squire from The Stone Roses; Dean Garcia from Curve; Jez Williams from Doves; Graham Coxon from Blur; John McCollum from The Afghan Whigs; Thurston Moore from Sonic Youth; Andy Dunlop from Travis; Cammy from The La's; Joey Santiago from The Pixies ******