Thursday, January 31, 2008
Slacking?
Well, I have managed to get both my quiet time and my exercise in these last couple days, let's see.. 16 and 17, (Ephesians, and Psalms, respectively) but I haven't had the chance to blog about it, have I been slacking?
Kinda,
Have I been busy?
Yeah...
Did I forget my password and spend 2 hours trying to look it up in one of my secure files?
(Hangs head in shame) I refuse to answer that.
Kinda,
Have I been busy?
Yeah...
Did I forget my password and spend 2 hours trying to look it up in one of my secure files?
(Hangs head in shame) I refuse to answer that.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Day 15 pt 1
Quiet time this morning was in Mark, and it touched on a subject near to my heart, and that is being a servant. Especially when my dominant personality trait is phlegmatic (Ironically, my secondary trait is choleric, and it's very high, almost equal, but I digress).
Serving people is, at least from my culture a way to honor a person, and you can look back to the traditional tea ceremony (which I have never performed, it is on my list of things I want to do, however). We as a team look to serve the church, to serve our God, we shouldn't, however neglect serving our fellow man, or in Lifepoint terms, show the love of Christ in a real and relate-able way.
I skipped exercise this morning but I'll be getting it later.
Serving people is, at least from my culture a way to honor a person, and you can look back to the traditional tea ceremony (which I have never performed, it is on my list of things I want to do, however). We as a team look to serve the church, to serve our God, we shouldn't, however neglect serving our fellow man, or in Lifepoint terms, show the love of Christ in a real and relate-able way.
I skipped exercise this morning but I'll be getting it later.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Days 12, 13 and part of 14
Sorry I've been a bit busy all weekend, but I haven't missed a day yet, though I only did half a time today, I need to finish up after I get home this evening.
Something that I'll be implementing in the next day or two, I remember this from one of Towne's books is that we budget our money but why not our time?
I'm ... well ok I'm decent at budgeting money, though I've greatly improved in that area, but I've got a lot of work to do to budget my time. And as I view quiet time and exercise valuable enough to schedule, I'm going to start scheduling when I'm going to do it instead of the laize-faire (and I KNOW I spelled that wrong) attitude I've been approaching it with.
Something that I'll be implementing in the next day or two, I remember this from one of Towne's books is that we budget our money but why not our time?
I'm ... well ok I'm decent at budgeting money, though I've greatly improved in that area, but I've got a lot of work to do to budget my time. And as I view quiet time and exercise valuable enough to schedule, I'm going to start scheduling when I'm going to do it instead of the laize-faire (and I KNOW I spelled that wrong) attitude I've been approaching it with.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Day 11
I have no idea if anyone's reading this, but I do know that keeping myself accountable has helped me pull myself out of bed when all I want to do is hit the snooze and go back to sleep.
This was such a morning. Still and all I did get in my quiet time... though I will be the first to admit that today it was less of a desire for intimacy with God and more for I need to do this, (more obligation than desire I suppose), that's not something I'm proud to state, but on the other hand I know that I need to start my day in the Word whether I feel like it or not.
Exercise went much better even if I'm having issues raising my hands right now.
This was such a morning. Still and all I did get in my quiet time... though I will be the first to admit that today it was less of a desire for intimacy with God and more for I need to do this, (more obligation than desire I suppose), that's not something I'm proud to state, but on the other hand I know that I need to start my day in the Word whether I feel like it or not.
Exercise went much better even if I'm having issues raising my hands right now.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
10 Days!
I've made it 10 days, I'm ALMOST 1/2 way there, and I've been enjoying myself immensely. I read Philippians this morning, the whole book, it's rather short, Pauls exhortation (am I using that in the right context?) to the peace of God is such a good reminder for me, Rejoice in the Lord always, don't be anxious but turn it over to God and focus on what is noble, what is pure, what is lovely, admirable , or praiseworthy think about such things...
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Rudimental beats
Though my title is a dvd by Bill Bachman (another member of Drummers for Jesus) my post is actually on some practice methods that I like to use. I started this last night and just got around to finishing it on my lunch break so if it seems fragmented I apologize in advance.
For one, I don't have a drum set at my current residence (both of which will hopefully be changing in the near future) I instead practice on a series of practice pads, and while I usually set them up in some semblance of a kit, I occasionally just work off one pad.
Now Tommy Igoe (see previous post regarding groove essentials) has described rudiments as a type of highly addictive need a fix kind of drug for drummers,especially for those of us coming in from a drum line background (See here for details you're looking for Installment 6: PASIC Clinic: “Applying the Rudimental Vocabulary to the Drumset”).
While I'm not that bad, (Really, I can quit at any time, I just don't want to that's all!) I have found that slowly working through rudiments can help you get used to little nuances that apply well to set drumming. I usually, (however) practice my rudiments at medium to fast tempos while listening to music, creating something of a snare cadence piece to what ever I may be listening to at any given time. It helps keep my mind sharp and in a "drumming" state of mind. Though unless you've been there I doubt you'd understand what I meant by that last statement.
If you're a beginning drummer, or one just coming back after being out of practice I would recommend this exercise to you, go get your ipod/cd player/mp3 player/ whatever, set it to random, and then just play a cadence to whatever is playing, I use this as my warm up for serious practice because it relaxes me and again gets me in a drumming frame of mind. A normal randomized set of music will take me from classical symphony to progressive rock, to R&B to Jazz to Rock and roll to swing and everywhere else in between.
So go try it, and if you do let me know if you've find it helps you as much as it does me, and drop me line if you have a better way to describe a drumming frame of mind.
~Matt
For one, I don't have a drum set at my current residence (both of which will hopefully be changing in the near future) I instead practice on a series of practice pads, and while I usually set them up in some semblance of a kit, I occasionally just work off one pad.
Now Tommy Igoe (see previous post regarding groove essentials) has described rudiments as a type of highly addictive need a fix kind of drug for drummers,especially for those of us coming in from a drum line background (See here for details you're looking for Installment 6: PASIC Clinic: “Applying the Rudimental Vocabulary to the Drumset”).
While I'm not that bad, (Really, I can quit at any time, I just don't want to that's all!) I have found that slowly working through rudiments can help you get used to little nuances that apply well to set drumming. I usually, (however) practice my rudiments at medium to fast tempos while listening to music, creating something of a snare cadence piece to what ever I may be listening to at any given time. It helps keep my mind sharp and in a "drumming" state of mind. Though unless you've been there I doubt you'd understand what I meant by that last statement.
If you're a beginning drummer, or one just coming back after being out of practice I would recommend this exercise to you, go get your ipod/cd player/mp3 player/ whatever, set it to random, and then just play a cadence to whatever is playing, I use this as my warm up for serious practice because it relaxes me and again gets me in a drumming frame of mind. A normal randomized set of music will take me from classical symphony to progressive rock, to R&B to Jazz to Rock and roll to swing and everywhere else in between.
So go try it, and if you do let me know if you've find it helps you as much as it does me, and drop me line if you have a better way to describe a drumming frame of mind.
~Matt
If you're reading this...
You can't sing the blues, sorry, but you just can't see the last rule of the blues for clarification.
Anyway I know this is random, and not really involved like one of my normal posts, but I got a kick out of it and hope you do, so this is lame kiwi Jackson signing out.
I received this in an email a while ago and while I saved the text I can't remember who sent it to me, but with no more further ado...
How to sing the Blues ... A Primer
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most Blues begin, "Woke up this morning..."
"I got a good woman" is a bad way to begin the Blues, 'less you stick something nasty in the next line like, "I got a good woman, with the meanest face in town."
The Blues is simple. After you get the first line right, repeat it. Then find something that rhymes . . . sort of: "Got a good woman with the meanest face in town. Yes, I got a good woman with the meanest face in town. Got teeth like Margaret Thatcher, and she weigh 500 pound."
The Blues is not about choice. You stuck in a ditch, you stuck in a ditch--ain't no way out.
Blues cars: Chevys, Fords, Cadillacs and broken-down trucks. Blues don't travel in Volvos, BMWs, or Sport Utility Vehicles. Most Blues transportation is a Greyhound bus or a southbound train. Jet aircraft an' state-sponsored motor pools ain't even in the running. Walkin' plays a major part in the blues lifestyle. So does fixin' to die.
Teenagers can't sing the Blues. Adults sing the Blues. In Blues "adulthood" means being old enough to get the electric chair if you shoot a man in Memphis.
Blues can take place in New York City but not in Hawaii or any place in Canada. Hard times in Minneapolis or Seattle is probably just clinical depression. Chicago, St. Louis, and Kansas City are still the best places to have the Blues. You cannot have the blues in any place that don't get rain.
A man with male pattern baldness ain't the blues. A woman with male pattern baldness is. Breaking your leg cause you skiing is not the blues. Breaking your leg 'cause a alligator be chomping on it is.
You can't have no Blues in a office or a shopping mall. The lighting is wrong. Go outside to the parking lot or sit by the dumpster.
Good places for the Blues: a) Highway; b) Jailhouse; c) Empty bed; d) Bottom of a whiskey glass. Bad places for the Blues: a) Dillard's; b) Gallery openings; c) Ivy League institutions; d) Golf courses; e) Starbucks
No one will believe it's the Blues if you wear a suit, 'less you happen to be a old ethnic person, and you slept in it.
Do you have the right to sing the Blues? Yes, if a) You older than dirt; b) You blind; c) You shot a man in Memphis; d) You can't be satisfied. No, if a) You have all your teeth; b) You were once blind but now can see; c) The man in Memphis lived; d) You have a 401K or trust fund.
Blues is not a matter of color. It's a matter of bad luck. Tiger Woods cannot sing the blues. Sonny Liston could. Ugly white people also got a leg up on the blues.
If you ask for water and your darlin' give you gasoline, it's the Blues. Other acceptable Blues beverages are a) Cheap wine; b) Whiskey or bourbon; c) Muddy water; d) Nasty black coffee. The following are NOT Blues beverages: a) Perrier; b) Chardonnay; c) Snapple; d) Slim Fast; e) Mocha Latte
If death occurs in a cheap motel or a shotgun shack, it's a Blues death. Stabbed in the back by a jealous lover is another Blues way to die. So is the electric chair, substance abuse and dying lonely on a broken down cot. You can't have a Blues death if you die during a tennis match or getting liposuction.
Some Blues names for women: a) Sadie; b) Big Mama; c) Bessie; d) Fat River Dumpling
Some Blues names for men a) Joe; b) Willie; c) Little Willie; d) Big Willie
Persons with names like Michelle, Amber, Debbie, and Heather can't sing the Blues no matter how many men they shoot in Memphis.
Make your own Blues name Starter Kit: a) Name of physical infirmity (Blind, Cripple, Lame, etc.); b) First name (see above) plus name of fruit (Lemon, Lime, Kiwi, etc.); c) Last name of President (Jefferson, Johnson, Fillmore, etc.); d) For example, Blind Lime Jefferson, Jakeleg Lemon Johnson or Cripple Kiwi Fillmore, etc. (Well, maybe not "Kiwi.")
I don't care how tragic your life, if you own a computer, you cannot sing the blues.
Anyway I know this is random, and not really involved like one of my normal posts, but I got a kick out of it and hope you do, so this is lame kiwi Jackson signing out.
I received this in an email a while ago and while I saved the text I can't remember who sent it to me, but with no more further ado...
How to sing the Blues ... A Primer
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most Blues begin, "Woke up this morning..."
"I got a good woman" is a bad way to begin the Blues, 'less you stick something nasty in the next line like, "I got a good woman, with the meanest face in town."
The Blues is simple. After you get the first line right, repeat it. Then find something that rhymes . . . sort of: "Got a good woman with the meanest face in town. Yes, I got a good woman with the meanest face in town. Got teeth like Margaret Thatcher, and she weigh 500 pound."
The Blues is not about choice. You stuck in a ditch, you stuck in a ditch--ain't no way out.
Blues cars: Chevys, Fords, Cadillacs and broken-down trucks. Blues don't travel in Volvos, BMWs, or Sport Utility Vehicles. Most Blues transportation is a Greyhound bus or a southbound train. Jet aircraft an' state-sponsored motor pools ain't even in the running. Walkin' plays a major part in the blues lifestyle. So does fixin' to die.
Teenagers can't sing the Blues. Adults sing the Blues. In Blues "adulthood" means being old enough to get the electric chair if you shoot a man in Memphis.
Blues can take place in New York City but not in Hawaii or any place in Canada. Hard times in Minneapolis or Seattle is probably just clinical depression. Chicago, St. Louis, and Kansas City are still the best places to have the Blues. You cannot have the blues in any place that don't get rain.
A man with male pattern baldness ain't the blues. A woman with male pattern baldness is. Breaking your leg cause you skiing is not the blues. Breaking your leg 'cause a alligator be chomping on it is.
You can't have no Blues in a office or a shopping mall. The lighting is wrong. Go outside to the parking lot or sit by the dumpster.
Good places for the Blues: a) Highway; b) Jailhouse; c) Empty bed; d) Bottom of a whiskey glass. Bad places for the Blues: a) Dillard's; b) Gallery openings; c) Ivy League institutions; d) Golf courses; e) Starbucks
No one will believe it's the Blues if you wear a suit, 'less you happen to be a old ethnic person, and you slept in it.
Do you have the right to sing the Blues? Yes, if a) You older than dirt; b) You blind; c) You shot a man in Memphis; d) You can't be satisfied. No, if a) You have all your teeth; b) You were once blind but now can see; c) The man in Memphis lived; d) You have a 401K or trust fund.
Blues is not a matter of color. It's a matter of bad luck. Tiger Woods cannot sing the blues. Sonny Liston could. Ugly white people also got a leg up on the blues.
If you ask for water and your darlin' give you gasoline, it's the Blues. Other acceptable Blues beverages are a) Cheap wine; b) Whiskey or bourbon; c) Muddy water; d) Nasty black coffee. The following are NOT Blues beverages: a) Perrier; b) Chardonnay; c) Snapple; d) Slim Fast; e) Mocha Latte
If death occurs in a cheap motel or a shotgun shack, it's a Blues death. Stabbed in the back by a jealous lover is another Blues way to die. So is the electric chair, substance abuse and dying lonely on a broken down cot. You can't have a Blues death if you die during a tennis match or getting liposuction.
Some Blues names for women: a) Sadie; b) Big Mama; c) Bessie; d) Fat River Dumpling
Some Blues names for men a) Joe; b) Willie; c) Little Willie; d) Big Willie
Persons with names like Michelle, Amber, Debbie, and Heather can't sing the Blues no matter how many men they shoot in Memphis.
Make your own Blues name Starter Kit: a) Name of physical infirmity (Blind, Cripple, Lame, etc.); b) First name (see above) plus name of fruit (Lemon, Lime, Kiwi, etc.); c) Last name of President (Jefferson, Johnson, Fillmore, etc.); d) For example, Blind Lime Jefferson, Jakeleg Lemon Johnson or Cripple Kiwi Fillmore, etc. (Well, maybe not "Kiwi.")
I don't care how tragic your life, if you own a computer, you cannot sing the blues.
Day 9
Feel the burn?
My Quiet time this morning took me through several psalms and led to me working a bit on a praise song that I've worked on on and off for the last year or so. Morning exercise was brutal, necessary, but brutal.
I'll put up a couple posts later today that I've been working on, hopefully when it stops hurting to type.
My Quiet time this morning took me through several psalms and led to me working a bit on a praise song that I've worked on on and off for the last year or so. Morning exercise was brutal, necessary, but brutal.
I'll put up a couple posts later today that I've been working on, hopefully when it stops hurting to type.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Day 8
It might have had something to do with the temp. this morning but I had a tough time forcing myself to get up this morning, at least with the exercise, which was abbreviated this morning.
Quiet time took me through Matthew 7&8 and I can't help but feel like my faith just isn't where it needs to be. At least compared to some of the examples there, my prayer for toady Lord, give me the faith to trust everything in my life to you Jesus, help me have the faith of a centurion whom you said had greater faith than any you had found in Israel.
Quiet time took me through Matthew 7&8 and I can't help but feel like my faith just isn't where it needs to be. At least compared to some of the examples there, my prayer for toady Lord, give me the faith to trust everything in my life to you Jesus, help me have the faith of a centurion whom you said had greater faith than any you had found in Israel.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Days 6 and 7
Never got around to posting yesterday, and thoughts on yesterday will make it to a separate post.
Yesterday's quiet time was through James 1, and going through it I realized it was the origins of a quote I use occasionally, to know and not to do is not to know, though Scripture puts it "22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."
This mornings time went through some of Ephesians and parts of Genesis.
Getting ready to go through morning exercise now, so that post I mentioned earlier will have to come later
Yesterday's quiet time was through James 1, and going through it I realized it was the origins of a quote I use occasionally, to know and not to do is not to know, though Scripture puts it "22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."
This mornings time went through some of Ephesians and parts of Genesis.
Getting ready to go through morning exercise now, so that post I mentioned earlier will have to come later
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Day 5, I went to the woods...
Well I didn't get my quiet time in this morning, I was in PA getting ready to drive back home, and having arrived home I grabbed my bible and headed out.
I ended up, as I often do when I want some solitude and a chance to think at the Battlefield. During the fall and winter it's extremely tranquil, often the only sound being heard is the squirrels hurrying about.
So I ended up talking some long walks and conversing with God and in between, I read some psalms. For me it was a great experience.
I ended up, as I often do when I want some solitude and a chance to think at the Battlefield. During the fall and winter it's extremely tranquil, often the only sound being heard is the squirrels hurrying about.
So I ended up talking some long walks and conversing with God and in between, I read some psalms. For me it was a great experience.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Overflowing...
I started this post yesterday and just got around to completing it.
Reading Pastor Daniel's blog a couple days back reminded me of the staff meeting we had earlier in the month.
At the meeting we were talking about growth in general and being prepared for the growth, pastor read the story of the widows oil from 2 kings and referred to the fact that the oil stopped when there were no more vessels to fill. So now we are working to find ways of creating more vessels, or in our case seats. It's amazing trying to keep up with God's blessing, I think Jeremy put it best in his post. In Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Running over is what we've got right now, it's exciting it's exhilarating it's something that we fully give God the glory for.
So for now even as we continue to find new ways to expand our capacity we're praying God, please help us find the vessels we need, because now that we're experiencing your blessing being poured out, we don't want to be away from that feeling.
Reading Pastor Daniel's blog a couple days back reminded me of the staff meeting we had earlier in the month.
At the meeting we were talking about growth in general and being prepared for the growth, pastor read the story of the widows oil from 2 kings and referred to the fact that the oil stopped when there were no more vessels to fill. So now we are working to find ways of creating more vessels, or in our case seats. It's amazing trying to keep up with God's blessing, I think Jeremy put it best in his post. In Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Running over is what we've got right now, it's exciting it's exhilarating it's something that we fully give God the glory for.
So for now even as we continue to find new ways to expand our capacity we're praying God, please help us find the vessels we need, because now that we're experiencing your blessing being poured out, we don't want to be away from that feeling.
Day 4
Short post, running late. Missed exercise this morning but I will get it in before the end of the day.
Quiet time was in 1 Corinthians 12 (The spiritual gifts chapter) need to find a) spiritual gift test, and b) if that is the complete listings, I know I have talents, but I'm not sure what my SG is.
Right, was supposed to leave 5 minutes ago.
~M
EDIT: Well As I had a conference in PA I got my exercise in, but not until 1 am that morning, but as I hadn't gone to sleep yet I still count it as part of a day.
Quiet time was in 1 Corinthians 12 (The spiritual gifts chapter) need to find a) spiritual gift test, and b) if that is the complete listings, I know I have talents, but I'm not sure what my SG is.
Right, was supposed to leave 5 minutes ago.
~M
EDIT: Well As I had a conference in PA I got my exercise in, but not until 1 am that morning, but as I hadn't gone to sleep yet I still count it as part of a day.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Let it Snow baby...
I apologize for the horrible pun I'm referencing in my post title looking outside the window at work (Lunch break if you're wondering) I can't help but remember our Christmas service for 06, "A White Christmas" We compared how the Jesus' sacrifice and the blood of the lamb covered us and used how snow covers the earth when it falls as a visual analogy.
It was an amazing service and (at the time over a year ago) one of the most complex coordinated things we've done at Lifepoint (though we weren't Lifepoint at the time now that I think about it... which is a topic for a later post.) Even now it was the most "Cram everything we can in a short time" and used a fair amount of Drama, I also go to do a "Stomp" like presentation which was really fun, and really basic. If we ever do something like that again I'm starting much earlier.
I've got a couple more introspective posts to do, but they'll have to wait until I get off work, they'll take to long to write and my lunch break is almost over.
Any one else out there have their own snow memories?
It was an amazing service and (at the time over a year ago) one of the most complex coordinated things we've done at Lifepoint (though we weren't Lifepoint at the time now that I think about it... which is a topic for a later post.) Even now it was the most "Cram everything we can in a short time" and used a fair amount of Drama, I also go to do a "Stomp" like presentation which was really fun, and really basic. If we ever do something like that again I'm starting much earlier.
I've got a couple more introspective posts to do, but they'll have to wait until I get off work, they'll take to long to write and my lunch break is almost over.
Any one else out there have their own snow memories?
Day 3
Today was much better than yesterday as far diving into the Word goes.
I read this morning Philippians 1&2, I think God knew I needed a boost. 1:6 was something I had to be reminded of, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. I mean wow, knowing that God is going to see us through everything we may face until out work is done, or Christ comes back, that just gave me a much needed boost. (Especially knowing that Paul was in prison at this point? I think,)
Chapter 2 has amazing insight on humility and unity, but what really grabbed my attention even on my first pass through, was 14-15 " 14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe" We look at society now and consider it the same as Paul did now, Steve Fee said it well in one of his songs, "In the darkest place we shine!"
Edit: did lower body today (yesterday was upper)
I read this morning Philippians 1&2, I think God knew I needed a boost. 1:6 was something I had to be reminded of, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. I mean wow, knowing that God is going to see us through everything we may face until out work is done, or Christ comes back, that just gave me a much needed boost. (Especially knowing that Paul was in prison at this point? I think,)
Chapter 2 has amazing insight on humility and unity, but what really grabbed my attention even on my first pass through, was 14-15 " 14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe" We look at society now and consider it the same as Paul did now, Steve Fee said it well in one of his songs, "In the darkest place we shine!"
Edit: did lower body today (yesterday was upper)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Day 2
While yesterday was extra early as we had the meeting I had more trouble today getting myself up to do this. If I can make it through a solid week I think I'll manage the 21 days needed to form the habit.
Quiet time This morning took me through Galatians 4,5 and 6, The the re-occuring theme in my last (well first?) two days of quiet time seems to be that sin is bondage, slavery, a yoke around us, while Christ offers us Freedom.
Towards the end of chapter five the scripture talks about the fruits of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
My prayer is that I live my life rich with the fruits of the spirit, Lord that You would help me live my freedom without the sinful nature and that I would not deceive myself, and that my life be spent sowing to please you God.
Exercise this morning was upper body and thankfully kept short as I am on a time crunch. (I didn't hurt myself, but another 15 minutes or so and I probably would have).
Hopefully I'll have a more substantial posting here later today.
~Matt
Quiet time This morning took me through Galatians 4,5 and 6, The the re-occuring theme in my last (well first?) two days of quiet time seems to be that sin is bondage, slavery, a yoke around us, while Christ offers us Freedom.
Towards the end of chapter five the scripture talks about the fruits of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
My prayer is that I live my life rich with the fruits of the spirit, Lord that You would help me live my freedom without the sinful nature and that I would not deceive myself, and that my life be spent sowing to please you God.
Exercise this morning was upper body and thankfully kept short as I am on a time crunch. (I didn't hurt myself, but another 15 minutes or so and I probably would have).
Hopefully I'll have a more substantial posting here later today.
~Matt
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Day 1 (Part One)
Today's Quiet time began with John Chapter 8, a couple of quick observations....
V11, Jesus did not come to condemn, but to change lives. How often am I fast to judge and slow to help someone change their life?
V34-36 As before we were slaves to sin, but He set us free, or as it says, "Who the Son sets free is free indeed!
Everything as a Whole, I noticed that when Jesus spoke it was never timidly, I mean "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." does that sound timid to you? And it's not like He spoke it to ignorant (well I suppose that point could be debated considering) people, but to the quote/unquote religious leaders and experts of his day.
Random thought regarding earlier scripture, when they brought the woman before Jesus (vs 1-11) Scripture mentions that he was writing something on the ground while he waited for the pharisees to clear out, I can't help but wonder if he was simply writing down sins that they knew they had broken, nothing in Scripture that I know of indicates it, but I wonder.
My Prayer today is to see lives changed, and that I may boldly speak as Christ did when it came to proclaiming the Word of the Father, no matter who or how many the opposition.
Exercise post to come later I'm out of time. (As in I have to exercise later and then say that yes I did go through the routine).
V11, Jesus did not come to condemn, but to change lives. How often am I fast to judge and slow to help someone change their life?
V34-36 As before we were slaves to sin, but He set us free, or as it says, "Who the Son sets free is free indeed!
Everything as a Whole, I noticed that when Jesus spoke it was never timidly, I mean "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." does that sound timid to you? And it's not like He spoke it to ignorant (well I suppose that point could be debated considering) people, but to the quote/unquote religious leaders and experts of his day.
Random thought regarding earlier scripture, when they brought the woman before Jesus (vs 1-11) Scripture mentions that he was writing something on the ground while he waited for the pharisees to clear out, I can't help but wonder if he was simply writing down sins that they knew they had broken, nothing in Scripture that I know of indicates it, but I wonder.
My Prayer today is to see lives changed, and that I may boldly speak as Christ did when it came to proclaiming the Word of the Father, no matter who or how many the opposition.
Exercise post to come later I'm out of time. (As in I have to exercise later and then say that yes I did go through the routine).
Monday, January 14, 2008
... 21 days
I suppose I could track this thought train of mine back to three or four weeks ago when I mentioned to Jeremy that my quiet time had been sorely lacking. And as anyone who's seen some of my older posts know that I'm starting to get in shape (And no, round does not count as a shape). So I'm getting fit, both spiritual and physical and to make myself accountable here's the plan. It's been kinda blah with a hit or miss, (a somewhat passive attitude about the whole thing) until...
This past Saturday I was at a Leadership Seminar and at the last session the speaker asked a question, "Are you as a leader making sure that you are growing so that you can help your teammates grow?"
Ouch, right between the eyes, now I'm fairly sure he was meaning growth in leadership skills (though one can never be sure) and I do my best to grow musically (as I am MD.... Music Director though friends tell me I have the handwriting to match the other meaning of MD), and in leadership skills, but I have very much let my spiritual and physical growth stagnate.
It takes 21 days to make or break a habit, so the next 21 days will be filled with my notes from quiet time and whether or not I managed my morning exercise routine, among my normal (though I hesitate to ever use that word in describing anything involving myself) posts, I will have daily posts regarding my progress. And as I already missed getting up on time this morning to start it correctly my 21 days will begin extra early (love those staff meetings) Tomorrow morning.
In time I hope to get a LifeJournal something that Pastor Daniel recommended to me yesterday but we were out at the resource table, so until I get one I'll be working through... well you'll have to read the post tomorrow to find out.
~Matt
Post Script Edit: I just wanted to make one point clear, I'm not doing this to say hey look at me I'm blogging my quiet time, because I feel that it's a personal and intiamte time with God, what I'm doing for now is posting thoughts about my Quiet time, and only for the next 21 days as I make this a daily habit and not a once-in-a-while thing.
This past Saturday I was at a Leadership Seminar and at the last session the speaker asked a question, "Are you as a leader making sure that you are growing so that you can help your teammates grow?"
Ouch, right between the eyes, now I'm fairly sure he was meaning growth in leadership skills (though one can never be sure) and I do my best to grow musically (as I am MD.... Music Director though friends tell me I have the handwriting to match the other meaning of MD), and in leadership skills, but I have very much let my spiritual and physical growth stagnate.
It takes 21 days to make or break a habit, so the next 21 days will be filled with my notes from quiet time and whether or not I managed my morning exercise routine, among my normal (though I hesitate to ever use that word in describing anything involving myself) posts, I will have daily posts regarding my progress. And as I already missed getting up on time this morning to start it correctly my 21 days will begin extra early (love those staff meetings) Tomorrow morning.
In time I hope to get a LifeJournal something that Pastor Daniel recommended to me yesterday but we were out at the resource table, so until I get one I'll be working through... well you'll have to read the post tomorrow to find out.
~Matt
Post Script Edit: I just wanted to make one point clear, I'm not doing this to say hey look at me I'm blogging my quiet time, because I feel that it's a personal and intiamte time with God, what I'm doing for now is posting thoughts about my Quiet time, and only for the next 21 days as I make this a daily habit and not a once-in-a-while thing.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Advanced Drum Theory
Well, I suppose I should say Advanced for me, drum theory.
Something I was thinking of on the way to work this morning as I was listening to Change (By Justin King and the Apologies) and was probably influenced by Gavin Harrison's explanation of Polyrhythmic theory (see previous post for explanation).
Anyway this is something of a poly-rhythm idea (something I wouldn't have imagined a year ago). Right now it's mainly theory for me, I've tried it on my practice pads, but it doesn't really fit the style of music we use in praise team, so practical application will probably have to wait until the next Jam session. Okay here's the concept, say you've got a song in 4/4 a quarter note gets one beat, and there are four beats per measure, fairly basic stuff, here's where the theory comes in. Now phrasing has several definitions, but the general acceptance is that a phrase in music is a group of measures that seem to complete itself within a song. (A good example of a two bar phrase is Phil Collin's I don't care anymore. Eric Clapton's Change the world has a very present 4 bar phrasing. The Eagles Hotel California has a good 8 bar phrasing in it too).
Still with me? (Really? Even I got lost for a while there!) Okay so the concept of my poly-rhythmic theory works off of a phrasing, let's say you've got a 4 bar phrase of 4/4 that means there's 16 beats in the phrasing, a standard rock groove would place emphasis on two and four of every measure, now you could cause what GH refers to as a rhythmic illusion by taking the 16 beats, and then subdivide the counts, let's say two measure of 5 and then two of three, just an example.
I know it's nothing earth shattering, it's just something I'm working on myself.
Something I was thinking of on the way to work this morning as I was listening to Change (By Justin King and the Apologies) and was probably influenced by Gavin Harrison's explanation of Polyrhythmic theory (see previous post for explanation).
Anyway this is something of a poly-rhythm idea (something I wouldn't have imagined a year ago). Right now it's mainly theory for me, I've tried it on my practice pads, but it doesn't really fit the style of music we use in praise team, so practical application will probably have to wait until the next Jam session. Okay here's the concept, say you've got a song in 4/4 a quarter note gets one beat, and there are four beats per measure, fairly basic stuff, here's where the theory comes in. Now phrasing has several definitions, but the general acceptance is that a phrase in music is a group of measures that seem to complete itself within a song. (A good example of a two bar phrase is Phil Collin's I don't care anymore. Eric Clapton's Change the world has a very present 4 bar phrasing. The Eagles Hotel California has a good 8 bar phrasing in it too).
Still with me? (Really? Even I got lost for a while there!) Okay so the concept of my poly-rhythmic theory works off of a phrasing, let's say you've got a 4 bar phrase of 4/4 that means there's 16 beats in the phrasing, a standard rock groove would place emphasis on two and four of every measure, now you could cause what GH refers to as a rhythmic illusion by taking the 16 beats, and then subdivide the counts, let's say two measure of 5 and then two of three, just an example.
I know it's nothing earth shattering, it's just something I'm working on myself.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Reviewing a Sunday
Hmmm that's not that creative of a title, how about... Weekly Reflections? Nah already done. I suppose the most appropriate name for this post might be creating an environment Pt 2.
If anyone were to ask me about our Church being quote/unquote "Contemporary" I would probably (well taking in consideration the amount of caffeine in my system at that moment) respond that I think of Lifepoint to be more seeker sensitive, I suppose someone could argue semantics, but from my point a view a contemporary church is a church that aims to keep a younger generation from leaving the congregation, a seeker sensitive church is one that looks more to bring those who are far from God into a relationship with Jesus. (A point that Pastor Daniel nailed on Sunday).
Back to the topic here, as part of creative planning/programming team means we look for ways to help connect the message of Christ to people, (Or to borrow one of Lifepoint's catch-phrases, bring the message of Christ in a real relevant and relate-able way). I'll do a post later on some of the process of the creative planning, but for now let me focus on the part of the process includes looking back every week and analyzing how well the service worked. We categorize elements of the service into four categories, What was right, What was Wrong, What was confusing, and What was missing.
What was right:
What seemed to work out and really connect with people, did someone do an extra good job, making sure that the media (visual) fit the service. While the focus is usually on Service elements, we also look at Foyer environment, by foyer I mean everything that's going on before the service kicks off, like the greeter team helping to get everyone where they need be, etc... Like the title states it's what went right that week.
What was wrong:
Usually things that didn't flow smoothly in the service, were the lights late? Did the slides not match correctly? Was the sound to quiet? (I'm not saying that those are usual issues just as examples) Were the drums to loud? (now that is a re-occurring issue, our drummer just needs to learn how to player with a softer touch![for those wondering, I am said drummer]), we approach this section not as who/what's at fault but by how can we fix/improve on it.
What was missing:
As they say (and just who is "they" anyway?) Hindsight is 20-20 and we're no exception to this. We try to spot things that we missed, (could have done/normally do but didn't) occasionally things like special announcement for events go here, but really anything that's missing.
What was Confusing:
Sometimes things happen either audio, visual that just don't quite connect the way we mean them to. Like an illustration that somehow doesn't quite match the message, the end result? It's confusing and it ends up here.
Summing this up as part of our creative process we always review the results of the week, as a Seeker sensitive church our goal is to see people who are far from God experience His plan for their (and our) life, our weekly review is just a way to help ensure that we are moving in the direction of our goal and not away from it.
Hopefully this will help someone out there.
~Matt
If anyone were to ask me about our Church being quote/unquote "Contemporary" I would probably (well taking in consideration the amount of caffeine in my system at that moment) respond that I think of Lifepoint to be more seeker sensitive, I suppose someone could argue semantics, but from my point a view a contemporary church is a church that aims to keep a younger generation from leaving the congregation, a seeker sensitive church is one that looks more to bring those who are far from God into a relationship with Jesus. (A point that Pastor Daniel nailed on Sunday).
Back to the topic here, as part of creative planning/programming team means we look for ways to help connect the message of Christ to people, (Or to borrow one of Lifepoint's catch-phrases, bring the message of Christ in a real relevant and relate-able way). I'll do a post later on some of the process of the creative planning, but for now let me focus on the part of the process includes looking back every week and analyzing how well the service worked. We categorize elements of the service into four categories, What was right, What was Wrong, What was confusing, and What was missing.
What was right:
What seemed to work out and really connect with people, did someone do an extra good job, making sure that the media (visual) fit the service. While the focus is usually on Service elements, we also look at Foyer environment, by foyer I mean everything that's going on before the service kicks off, like the greeter team helping to get everyone where they need be, etc... Like the title states it's what went right that week.
What was wrong:
Usually things that didn't flow smoothly in the service, were the lights late? Did the slides not match correctly? Was the sound to quiet? (I'm not saying that those are usual issues just as examples) Were the drums to loud? (now that is a re-occurring issue, our drummer just needs to learn how to player with a softer touch![for those wondering, I am said drummer]), we approach this section not as who/what's at fault but by how can we fix/improve on it.
What was missing:
As they say (and just who is "they" anyway?) Hindsight is 20-20 and we're no exception to this. We try to spot things that we missed, (could have done/normally do but didn't) occasionally things like special announcement for events go here, but really anything that's missing.
What was Confusing:
Sometimes things happen either audio, visual that just don't quite connect the way we mean them to. Like an illustration that somehow doesn't quite match the message, the end result? It's confusing and it ends up here.
Summing this up as part of our creative process we always review the results of the week, as a Seeker sensitive church our goal is to see people who are far from God experience His plan for their (and our) life, our weekly review is just a way to help ensure that we are moving in the direction of our goal and not away from it.
Hopefully this will help someone out there.
~Matt
Monday, January 7, 2008
Good to Great
Right, I read this book a while back, a long while back, then at Saturday morning's Staff meeting Pastor Daniel referenced it several times, and I reminded myself that I really need to re-read it.
Then that evening I was at a Christmas/New Years/Kick off party with the Team, and two of the speakers there referred to it, I think someone is perhaps trying to send me a message?
I remember hearing Danny Cox speak a few years ago, same principle, but his take on it was that good is the enemy of Best, but best can be the enemy of better; Or in summary (or perhaps explanation, I can't see 14 words needing summing up) how many people settle for good instead of reaching for best. Then once they reach there "Best" how many people get complacent and stop there, never reach for better? This applies to people, talents, churches, businesses, or any organization for that matter.
So looking toward 2008, how about a year of growth and change, with a resolve to not fall into complacency?
Then that evening I was at a Christmas/New Years/Kick off party with the Team, and two of the speakers there referred to it, I think someone is perhaps trying to send me a message?
I remember hearing Danny Cox speak a few years ago, same principle, but his take on it was that good is the enemy of Best, but best can be the enemy of better; Or in summary (or perhaps explanation, I can't see 14 words needing summing up) how many people settle for good instead of reaching for best. Then once they reach there "Best" how many people get complacent and stop there, never reach for better? This applies to people, talents, churches, businesses, or any organization for that matter.
So looking toward 2008, how about a year of growth and change, with a resolve to not fall into complacency?
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Drummer Resources
For any Drummers out there here are a few really handy resources that I've picked up the last few months.
Well first of, one of the (at least in my opinion) best websites for drummers out there is Bernhard Castiglioni's Drummerworld (I know I've linked Vic Firth, Promark, and Vater's Websites in previous posts) But Drummerworld has video, audio, transcription and an active forum for drummers, it's also directly responsible for introducing me to several new drummers one of which I'll mention later.
Why a sudden drum post? Well my copy of Gavin Harrison's Rhythmic Visions & Horizons just arrived and I've been enjoying it immensely. However I would rate it for more advanced drummers, the very concepts of poly-rhythms and rhythmic illusions would have scared me off in my earlier days. (Gavin Harrison is the Drummer for the Progressive Rock Band Porcupine Tree, and voted the #1 prog drummer in the Modern Drummer 2007 poll). Honestly the real reason I bought this (Though the education part of it is really well don't don't get me wrong) but it comes with the loop for 19 days, (which you can watch him perform live at music messe on drummerworld) and it's an amazing song in 19/8 time.
Also picked up Tommy Igoe's groove essentials, this is a great resource for new and veteran drummers alike, it comes in three formats (that I know of) The Book/Cd, The DVD and the combo (both the book/CD and the DVD) I personally recommend the latter. The CD that comes with the book has all the loop tracks for the songs that are performed on the DVD (See how neatly it all fits together?)
Finally Jojo Mayer's Secret Weapons for the Modern Drummer. For those of you who don't recognize the name, Jojo is a phenomenal drummer who I first found out about on drummerworld... oh 2 years ago? (Look at his earlier videos) he's been big in the Drum and Bass world, especially with his group NERVE, but if there are any drummers out there who don't know who he is, that'll end now that SWFTMD is out. (I bought the first copy release at my local Guitar center. It's an encyclopedia of technique, exercises and tips. Perfect from the beginning drummer (showing proper grip) to the advanced drummer (with the shops workshop portion).
Well first of, one of the (at least in my opinion) best websites for drummers out there is Bernhard Castiglioni's Drummerworld (I know I've linked Vic Firth, Promark, and Vater's Websites in previous posts) But Drummerworld has video, audio, transcription and an active forum for drummers, it's also directly responsible for introducing me to several new drummers one of which I'll mention later.
Why a sudden drum post? Well my copy of Gavin Harrison's Rhythmic Visions & Horizons just arrived and I've been enjoying it immensely. However I would rate it for more advanced drummers, the very concepts of poly-rhythms and rhythmic illusions would have scared me off in my earlier days. (Gavin Harrison is the Drummer for the Progressive Rock Band Porcupine Tree, and voted the #1 prog drummer in the Modern Drummer 2007 poll). Honestly the real reason I bought this (Though the education part of it is really well don't don't get me wrong) but it comes with the loop for 19 days, (which you can watch him perform live at music messe on drummerworld) and it's an amazing song in 19/8 time.
Also picked up Tommy Igoe's groove essentials, this is a great resource for new and veteran drummers alike, it comes in three formats (that I know of) The Book/Cd, The DVD and the combo (both the book/CD and the DVD) I personally recommend the latter. The CD that comes with the book has all the loop tracks for the songs that are performed on the DVD (See how neatly it all fits together?)
Finally Jojo Mayer's Secret Weapons for the Modern Drummer. For those of you who don't recognize the name, Jojo is a phenomenal drummer who I first found out about on drummerworld... oh 2 years ago? (Look at his earlier videos) he's been big in the Drum and Bass world, especially with his group NERVE, but if there are any drummers out there who don't know who he is, that'll end now that SWFTMD is out. (I bought the first copy release at my local Guitar center. It's an encyclopedia of technique, exercises and tips. Perfect from the beginning drummer (showing proper grip) to the advanced drummer (with the shops workshop portion).
Thursday, January 3, 2008
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