Last night

Trish and I went to Dave Matthew's Band concert last night! Freakin' awesome! The only bands I've seen that tight when playing the types of intricate arrangements that they do was in L.A. There are some jazz/fusion bands that do that kind of stuff, but not many pop bands. I can't think of a much better evening than hanging out with Trish listening to good music...

On the downside, this might be our only big concert of the year considering how expensive it was!

School Year in Review

My introduction to the world of the public school system was. . .well. . .interesting. I spent the last 9 months working as a Teacher's Asst. in a Behavior Disorder room with 4 other teachers and 7 kids. Almost all of these kids have endearing qualities, but unfortunately, most of those qualities are hidden behind emotional and psychological baggage that cause them to act out in ridiculous ways. Almost all of them have home lives that are a big contributor to their behavior. It is quite sad really.

I entered this job naively thinking that I could make a difference in these kids lives. I prayed for them everyday before school. I learned how to diffuse tense situations by watching the social worker. I learned to use restraint techniques, and used them when it was required (which was way to often!). I prayed for them while they were kicking and screaming and crying and threatening and throwing things and breaking things and . . .

If I measured the efficacy of prayer by results I would have to say that prayer is worthless. But I don't. Even if I don't see the results now, I can only hope that seeds were planted, and that somewhere down the line God will intervene in these kids lives in a dramatic way. Unfortunately, if He doesn't Law Enforcement probably will. . .

I don't have a guaranteed job next year, so I don't know if I will be back or not. We will see what God has in store. . .

The Birth of Love

By Madeleine L'Engle

To learn to love
is to be stripped of all love
until you are wholly without love
because
until you have gone
naked and afraid
into this cold dark place
where all love is taken from you
you will not know
that you are wholly within love.

American Idol Songwriting

Our family indulged in American Idol this year. I predicted Kat would win after I heard her in the first round. After Chris got the boot I figured something was rotten in Hollywood. I figured Taylor would win and I was right. The thing that struck me was listening to the hack craftsmanship of Taylor and Kat's singles! As someone who writes songs I always have an ear out for a good tune, and neither of those songs fit the bill! These guys should of had the pick of any song out there! I don't know who is picking their songs, but Kat had no chance to win because of her new single and that is pitiful in such a competition.

Mercy Now

Written by Mary Gauthier

My father could use a little mercy now
The fruits of his labor
Fall and rot slowly on the ground
His work is almost over
It won't be long and he won't be around
I love my father, and he could use some mercy now

My brother could use a little mercy now
He's a stranger to freedom
He's shackled to his fears and doubts
The pain that he lives in is
Almost more than living will allow
I love my brother, and he could use some mercy now

My church and my country could use a little mercy now
As they sink into a poisoned pit
That's going to take forever to climb out
They carry the weight of the faithful
Who follow them down
I love my church and country, and they could use some mercy now

Every living thing could use a little mercy now
Only the hand of grace can end the race
Towards another mushroom cloud
People in power, well
They'll do anything to keep their crown
I love life, and life itself could use some mercy now

Yeah, we all could use a little mercy now
I know we don't deserve it
But we need it anyhow
We hang in the balance
Dangle 'tween hell and hallowed ground
Every single one of us could use some mercy now
Every single one of us could use some mercy now
Every single one of us could use some mercy now

Lately

Just living life right now! A few more weeks of the school year left!!! YAHOO! I'm glad to be done, but there is no gaurantee of a job next year. So, I have the summer to figure it out.

I have been doing a lot of songwriting lately, and going to start some collabortion with some guys I met at a workshop. It has been a looong time since I have been this excited about music...some dreams had to die for some new ones to be born...

New Law

New Law

by Derek Webb

don’t teach me about politics and government
just tell me who to vote for

don’t teach me about truth and beauty
just label my music

don’t teach me how to live like a free man
just give me a new law

i don’t wanna know if the answers aren’t easy
so just bring it down from the mountain to me

(chorus)
i want a new law
i want a new law
gimme that new law

don’t teach me about moderation and liberty
i prefer a shot of grape juice

don’t teach me about loving my enemies

don’t teach me how to listen to the Spirit
just give me a new law

what’s the use in trading a law you can never keep
for one you can that cannot get you anything
do not be afraid
do not be afraid
do not be afraid

This guy is hitting the nail on the head! Check him out!