Defy The Gray

11 IN SOUND

2012-01-05T20:41:00.001-05:00

No pomp or circumstance this year...just a few of the sounds that captured my ear, heart and mind in 2011.

MP3s can be downloaded by following the song name link.

Josh Garrels . White Owl
This is the lead track from Josh's album, Love & War & The Sea In Between. After just one listen, it's easy to see why this was chosen as the lead track -- you can't help but want to hear what the rest of the 18-song album holds in store. And trust me, you won't be disappointed. Although none of the songs match the timeless beauty of White Owl, they all shine in their own unique way. This is an album that crosses all genres, but yet brings an amazingly fresh voice to each. And with that, there is no question that Love & War & The Sea In Between is my favorite album of the year.

Josh Garrels . Farther Along
Don't even get me started on the organ that opens this one...followed by lyrics like these:
So much more to life than we’ve been told
It’s full of beauty that will unfold
And shine like you struck gold my wayward son
That deadweight burden weighs a ton
Go down into the river and let it run
And wash away all the things you’ve done
Forgiveness...alright

Katie Herzig . Make A Noise
As I mentioned in a previous post, this track is epic! May it remind you today to "make a noise" with the light that you carry around inside you everyday.

James Blake . The Wilhelm Scream
I believe this is one of those songs that you either love or hate. I happen to fall into the love it catagory. Experimental in its sound, I believe it casts just the right tension to aide in the telling of this story.

Radiohead . Codex
Radiohead is a staple in my music collection. This is a solid track off of their self-released King of Limbs album.

Kye Kye . Broke
A redemptive track from a band I discovered from a RELEVANT magizine sampler. I especially like the last minute of this one.

Beastie Boys . Here's A Little Something For Ya
I've been a fan of the Beastie Boys since my high school days (early 90s). Always good news for my ears when they release a new album -- and I love every single bit of it. Here's A Little Something For Ya is the standout track for me.

Sepalcure . Pencil Pimp
An electronic instrumental track that rose above all others I heard in 2011. In spite of its unfortunate title, there's a story in here...you may get it on the first listen, or it may come to you at a much later time.

Tycho . Hours
I was introduced to Tycho's music over at the ISO50 blog, which is a daily read for me. Tycho has an extremely deep knowledge of the music-making process and I know from reading along during the creation of this album that it was indeed a labor of love, where every sound (and I mean every sound) was intentional and thoughtful -- it all comes through in this track. And I'm definitely feelin' its laid back, analog sound.

Previously: twenty-ten in sound . 08 IN SOUND . 2007 In Song . Six for '06

That's what Christmas is all about...

2011-12-23T00:04:00.001-05:00

A simple, yet profound, reminder as we wait for our coming Saviour...

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Luke 2:8-14 (KJV)
as proclaimed by Linus in A Charlie Brown Christmas

Twenty-Five Albums [That Made Me]

2011-12-14T12:33:00.000-05:00

A couple years ago, Tim over at Fantastic Distraction posted a list of "The 25 Albums that Made Me" -- it was a very cool read and really lets you see a lot about the person through a medium that speaks to so many people. So I thought I'd give it a go! I actually started this list shortly thereafter, but it's taken me nearly two years to complete! These are not my favorite albums, necessarily, but the ones that had the greatest impact on my life (and all the many aspects thereof). In no particular order, other than roughly chronological.

Steve Taylor . On The Fritz [1983]
My parents introduced me to music early on in my life. I can remember them always listening to records. It was a time when listening to records was a family affair -- no personal stereos or iPods to speak of, you listened to the album on the family stereo system together. We laughed, sang along and danced around like crazy people to most of them...especially this one!

Public Enemy . It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back [1988]
As a white, middle-class kid coming of age (ha!) in the late-80s/early-90s, I guess I was somewhat obligated to listen to Public Enemy. Of course, I didn't understand any of the issues Chuck and Flava were rapping about, but it just didn't matter. The beats did. So did the samples. So did the intense delivery of Chuck's lyrics. The fun and craziness of Flava's rhymes (and that clock!). And the intrigue behind the crew they associated with (S1W's anyone?). This was my gateway, oddly enough, to earlier hip-hop and what fuels my search for the real hip-hop.

Slaughter - Stick It to Ya [1990]
I should also mention that I grew up on a rather healthy dose of 80's Hair Rock -- I would call this album the soundtrack to that era. One of the tracks on this album -- Fly to the Angels (Acoustic) -- is the first time I can recall hearing an acoustic version of a song. Although the notion of creating and releasing an acoustic version of a song was worn out over the next 10 years by the corporate music industry, it's still hard to deny the beauty that lies in a stripped-down version of one of your favorites.

Black Crows . Shake Your Money Maker [1990]
Don't laugh, but I spent the summer before my freshman year of high school sitting in my room building models -- cars and trucks -- and listening to this tape in a Magnavox boom box. It was edgy. It was about love, which I knew nothing about. And contained lyrics whose meaning I couldn't fully grasp. Hence the intrigue.

Guns N' Roses . Use Your Illusion I & II [1991]
Although I didn't understand the draw of these albums at the time, hindsight shows that the deeper longings and searchings that eminate from both is what distinguished them from GN'R's previous two records. I can see now that I'm wired for the search for truth...for what is real. Believe it or not, Axl Rose is on that same journey. We've certainly taken different paths and I suspect we've found different answers along the way, but we're both travellers on the journey. Oh...and that piano used throughout both albums...I'm still a sucker today for any artist that skillfully uses a piano where it's not necessarily expected.

Beastie Boys . Check Your Head [1992]
This is THE record of my high school youth. I used to drive around in an '88 Mercury Tracer booming this mix of punk and hip-hop. To this day, the Beastie Boys remain one of my favorite bands.

Led Zeppelin . The Complete Studio Recordings [1993]
I used my Pap's Christmas money one year back in high school (1990-94) to buy The Complete Studio Recordings. Led Zeppelin's brand of rock is classic in every sense of the word. Still go to these albums all the time, and it never fails...I always hear something new or something that is just awe-inspiring.

Smashing Pumpkins . Siamese Dream [1993]
This album was my Nevermind. While everyone else was listening to Nirvana, this band just totally captured my musical interests. I guess you can chalk that up to the current you see running through most of these 25 albums -- a nod to the reflective, internal, and longings of one's heart. For me, rock music was never about banging my head into nothingness, it was finding yourself lost in the music in such a way as to engage true reflection on where you had come from, what you had learned as a result and how you were going to move forward.

Beck . Where It's At [1994]
Not quite hip-hop. Not quite alternative. Not quite pop. But just about perfect.

Veruca Salt . American Thighs [1994]
Two women fronting an alternative rock band in the 90's? It was for this very reason this band never really got a lot of credit for doing anything; but I believe them to be, and this album to be, one of the true gems of the alternative rock era.

Portishead . Dummy [1994]
Hold up -- there's actually a group that uses lush, electronic production and instrumentation, that's fronted by a woman with alternative leanings who can actually sing the pangs of her heart and make you believe...sign me up!

Radiohead . The Bends [1995]
Yes...before OK Computer there was The Bends. I guess more than anything, it raised the level of what I should expect from the music I listened to. More proof that music, good music, should be defined as art. This is a Top-10 all time record for me.

Deftones . Adrenaline [1995]
Introduced me to a level of emotion in music -- both lyrically and instrumentally -- to which I had yet to encounter. This album will always serve as the litmus for emotional music.

MTV's AMP [1997]
So there used to be this one hour slot on MTV that ran in the wee early morning hours that played nothing but electronic music videos. The sound was like nothing I had ever heard before (these guys make music with computers and electronic instruments, no guitars or drums?). The focus was the music and drawing out that inner sense that every soul feels to express itself through dance, you just needed to heed the call. And I did. I certainly didn't live and die for raves (or even join the movement, so to speak), but I did enjoy going out every once in a while with some good friends to dance myself into a frenzy. Photek's Ni Ten Ichi Ryu is the standout track here and one of my all time favorites. I don't dance anymore (at least publically), but I would venture to say that a significant portion of the music I consume today is electronic of some sort. The sound has changed over the years, but that inner call still screams for its freedom.

Björk . Homogenic [1997]
If you look up the dictionary definition of the word "original," you're sure to find a reference to Icelandic singer-songwriter Björk. The songs from this album touch a point deep inside me with their lush production, sweeping melodies and delicate vocals that feel strangely familiar. It was just another reminder to me that it was okay to be different in life.

Weezer . The Blue Album [1994]
In a weird way, Weezer was indie before indie was indie. I discovered this album a few years after its release (with some help from my friends). For that reason, this album defines a certain time in my life (late-college/post-college) and the friends and times we shared. I definitely miss my Pittsburgh peeps!

Elliott Smith . XO [1998]
This album opened my eyes to the whole singer-songwriter genru. A guy, his guitar, and the lyrics of one's life. Today I would say it's the one genru of music I could not do without.

1.8.7. - Quality Rolls [1998]
Electronic dance music is littered with too many sounds and sub-genrus to name. This was my introduction to drum-n-bass, the sub-genru that quickly became my favorite.

DJ Shadow . Entroducing... [2001]
A talented guy from the West Coast takes a bunch of old records with amazing hooks and puts them all together to create his very own piece of original work.

Tree63 . Tree63 [2001]
Opened me up to "christian" music in my adult life. I hate labeling bands as secular or christian because I believe true art should bridge all gaps...but at the same time I have a true appreciation for these guys becasue they weren't afraid to mention the name of Jesus or His transforming message in any of their songs. I credit this album with opening me up to artists such as The Benjamin Gate, David Crowder*Band and a tiny band from San Diego named Switchfoot.

k-os . Exit [2003]
I grew up on 80's and early-90's hip-hop, witnessed the "death" of hip-hop with the introduction of gangsta rap and then caught a glimmer of hope for hip-hop's second coming with this album. Not sure you'll see this much credit given to this album in any other place, but it represents everything to me that is hip-hop and creativity.

Cool Hand Luke . Wake Up, O Sleeper [2003]
Saw these guys live at the Purple Door Festival and ordered their first album the minute I got home that day. I remember listening to the album for the first time in my car on the way home from work one day. Specifically, I remember sitting at a red light and hearing lyrics that were just bathed in depth and honesty. I rebelled against Christian music for so many years because of what I perceived as its lack of depth. When I heard this, I remember how hard it was for me to believe that these guys loved God and could sing about it with honesty and true emotion. It changed my view of everything artistically worthy of our Lord, that there was this level that we must all strive for -- a level that does away with the need of labeling something as secular or Christian. Everything is sacred.

Sufjan Stevens . Seven Swans [2004]
Phew...where do I even begin. Thanks to the robust indie music blog-o-sphere, I discovered Sufjan's ~~music~~ art about six years ago. Much like my God...it has changed my life. And I don't say that lightly. The sincerity and musicianship that comes across in this album is breath-taking. Top 5 all time for me, no doubt.

Imogen Heap . Speak for Yourself [2005]
Creativity at its best. In some ways, Imogen is a modern-day Björk. True independence and fresh thinking in music, at a time when the scene was well on its way to being overcrowded. A time when any 13-year old could make music (and I use the term loosely) on a computer, but very few were actually creating anything of note. This is a sweeping, rich-textured masterpiece of sound that led me to other artists like Kate Havnevik and Milosh.

Josh Garrels . Love & War & The Sea In Between
There are a few albums one comes across in life at just the right time that simply feel as though they've been written for you -- this is one of them. Frankly, I've been in this weird place spiritually for quite some time. And it's not like this album served as a magic elixar or anything, but I truly believe that the Spirit has used it (and continues to use it) to speak truth into my life -- about who I am, about who I was created to be and a little more about how this faith thing can be worked out in this World. I should also note that Josh is giving away the album for free.

2011-11-03T13:47:00.000-04:00

I was led to this song today.

I guess it's something I've been feeling in my heart for a while.
No great theological insight about it today...
it's just the state of my heart.

I want to come home.
I'm ready.
Here's my heart.

Let that grace now like a fetter,

Bind my wandering heart to Thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,

Prone to leave the God I love;

Here's my heart, O take and seal it,

Seal it for Thy courts above.

Sufjan Stevens - Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing

A Stumbled Forest (Stockpiled Like Littered Flags)

2011-09-23T20:21:00.000-04:00

With the abundance of humbled limbs and littered flags
(How we got here, and where we are now)

Sincerely swindled, the troubles piled like broken accents
(Like stock, or others' truths)

Burdens like trials like trying/broke-down trains
(Tugging along these two-timing traintracks, persuaded to sing/mumble this damned anthem)

We're all too homesick and so house broken
(Anxious like stubborn stock markets)

But in the distance
(And through these empty spaces and their signaled echoes),

A setting sun, like an allowing toll-booth, reassures us
that sand becomes mountains become monuments become sand
(Nothing can ever stay precious on a sinking ship)

and that barricades are only as decisive as we make them
(So we sway back and forth/forth and back with the motions, hoping to reach anywhere or elsewhere)

'No homeland ever', the tides hint; 'No homeland ever'.

A Stumbled Forest (Stockpiled Like Littered Flags) by this is limbo
Paper Mache, housepaint, Oil and Acrylic on MDF . August 2011

one

2011-09-03T05:28:00.002-04:00

I don't have a lot of words today...

This is my son.
My first born.
Tian Elliot.

Yesterday he was 11 months old.
Today we celebrate and give thanks for his first year of life.

I love him...a lot.

And I ~~hope~~ pray that one day, he has a personal encounter with the Living God such that the Gospel is indelibly written on his heart. So that one day, he may echo the words of the psalmist:

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

What other people are saying...

2011-09-01T13:28:00.001-04:00

I’ve always known that choosing to explore the intricacies of my faith in Christ would be a potential disconnection for many listeners. Yet, I’ve been compelled to do so, not out of a sense of obligation or to proselytize, but because when I’m honest with myself … I can’t escape how interesting, mysterious, and life-changing the whole thing is. I turn these things over in my mind and heart a lot, and the songs become a sort of tool or vehicle for me to flesh out what’s happening within. I do this as much for me as for the listener. I think to abandon this subject matter for the sake of being palatable to more listeners would be dishonest, both to myself and to them. I think it’s authenticity that people listen for first. I can connect with songs from Black Sabbath, The Sex Pistols, Prince, or Polyphonic Spree without being compelled to believe what they’re singing about. Yet, I’m compelled to listen because they’re believable.

Josh Garrels
Five Questions: Josh Garrels

2011-07-22T14:16:00.001-04:00

image: workisnotajob.

I had a spiritually energizing lunch with a brother and long-time friend today.

And you know what...

I'm convinced God is up to something.

And He wants my family and I to join Him.

And get this...He desires for you to come along side of Him as well.

And it's not about a particular act or set of actions.

Nor is it about serving a particular group of people.

It's about knowing Christ in such a way that you can sense the Spirit's leading and join God's on-going story of redemption on this Earth.

It's about a relationship with Him.

A relationship that transcends all that you've been taught.

A relationship that transcends all that you've read.

A relationship that transcends all of the stuff that you feel compelled to participate in.

I claim it now, in the name of Jesus, for my family and I.

Won't you join us?

Praise God for this great work!

2011-07-08T12:23:00.000-04:00

make a noise

2011-05-26T10:31:00.001-04:00

This track is epic!
May it remind you today to "make a noise" with the light that you carry around inside you everyday; it could literally change someone's life.

And don't neglect finding your own voice.

2011-05-13T20:40:00.000-04:00

Amazing artist who is new to me -- Australian Paul Dempsey. Found through NoiseTrade, the best kept secret in the [nu]music business.

2011-05-06T09:11:00.000-04:00

This is my unconventional way of saying Happy Mother's Day to my wife. Hope this puts a smile on your face, Ang! I honestly cannot express in words the amount of respect I have for you and your role as mother to our son. You wear motherhood well, and fill me with pride in the process.

Love you, babe.

2011-04-24T00:15:00.001-04:00

Deus amou tanto o mundo...

Bernard M. Deschler

2011-04-21T21:36:00.001-04:00

Olorun Feron Aiye tobe...

Photo: Tim Beck

Inspiration

2011-03-23T10:26:00.003-04:00

Currently Reading
God Guides . Mary Geegh
This is not a book that tells one story from beginning to end, in the traditional sense. Rather, it's a collection of true stories, from Geegh's 38 years as a missionary in India, that tells of the power of Christ, as one submits to His leading through the "art" of listening prayer. It's a rather simple idea, yet so profound in its effect. I'm excited (and convicted at the same time) to begin this art; this method of strengthing my communion with my Creator. Highly recommended.

Currently Listening To
Peter Bradley Adams . I Cannot Settle Down - Sampler
A long-time reader of this blog would know that music is one of the major ways in which I believe the truths of God are impressed upon my heart. That being said, I'm always on the lookout (although not as actively as I once was) for that next artist or song that portrays such truth. I grabbed this sampler for free from NoiseTrade. If you don't know NoiseTrade, you should. And while I like all of the songs, there are two or three that just completely stop you in your tracks. They are just so beautiful, both the vocals and instrumentation, but yet very simple. Combine that with honest songwriting, and you've got me listening to these tracks on repeat for days on end.

Current Life Quote
"Accept His love for others, and His love from others, then His miracles can happen. For it is really Christ in others who reaches out to us."

-Mary Geegh

Audio«»Visual

2011-03-01T11:04:00.000-05:00

LABYRINTH
salt
10.5' x 36'
Motoi Yamamoto

Javier Navarrete - Long, Long Time Ago [follow link to MP3]

2011-02-11T10:35:00.000-05:00

Frank Wuestefeld . Unchain Me

Picking back up on my last post...

As I said before, the thing that really jumps out at me after watching this short documentary is the fact that it totally captures the passion that Scott Schumann has for what he does and how he lives his life.

Which begs some questions...

Is it just the lucky few in life who are able to make a living doing what they are passionate about? Or is it the fact that I refuse to live out the freedom (which I purport to find in Christ) in lieu of the lies of security and safeness found in my 9 to 5 job? Maybe I'm just supposed to chase down my passions as a hobby. You know, in all my spare time. Okay. But what happens when the life we have chained ourselves to gets in the way of following those God-seeded passions? I mean, the first things that usually get axed from our "lists" are our hobbies and passions, right? Why is that?

Am I the only one living like this?

Why do I [we] refuse the freedom in place of the familiar?

Why do I [we] refuse the freedom in place of the security?

Why do I [we] live in chains?

2011-01-28T09:12:00.001-05:00

"I don't see a hundred images a day that I'd wanna take, you know? I see two or three. So for me it's very easy to be patient and wait for those images; because that's just the way I thought it was supposed to be."

-Scott Schumann [aka The Sartorialist]

Other than the fact that I [secretly] want to either be a fashion designer [who can't sew/draw] or a photographer, what I like about this short documentary is the fact that it captures the passion that Scott Schumann has for what he does and how he lives his life.

Which begs some questions...but ones that I'm not prepared to speak aloud just yet.
So chew on this documentary for a bit and I'll be back at some point to discuss.

SMS[SHINE]

2011-01-09T12:54:00.000-05:00

You know that feeling you get when you see (or read) something and you wish you could tell everyone in the whole wide world about it? Pretty much how I feel about this video. This is a 100% stop-motion video created using actual Lite-Brite pieces. Add in the fact that it was conceived, created, directed and photographed by the band and I literally feel like running to the nearest mountain top (or maybe mall) and shouting!

Praise the Lord for the David Crowder*Band -- these creative geniuses have been putting out material that honors their Creator for a long time. And they never cease to amaze me with their creativity. Such an inspiration.

And be sure and check out the inter-workings of how they made this video, its completly jaw-dropping. The Making of SMS[SHINE]: Part One . Part Two . Part Three . Part Four

twenty-ten in sound

2011-01-01T10:11:00.001-05:00

~~Another crazy year in music for me~~. You know...it occurs to me that I still define normal (or typical) by the past. It's 2010 and time for me to realize that the music world of my college days (i.e. shopping in record stores and buying CDs) is just that -- a thing of the past -- and no longer the norm. So from here on out, I vow to just tell it like it is. I bought very little music again this year. I grab a few MP3s from various blogs and if something really speaks to me, I look into it further and do the digital download thing if so warranted. I still very much like a physical CD (and the album artwork that accompanies it) to hold in my hand, so I try and grab the "real thing" for those bits of music that are lifetime listens.

Enough of this small talk, let's get to the sounds of twenty-ten. Follow the link to the MP3s, and grab them quick because the links expire in 7 days. [And should you happen to show up on the 8th day (or after), just drop a comment or email and I'll be happy to refresh the links.]

Sufjan Stevens . Futile Devices
From Sufjan's new album, The Age of Adz, which continues to see Sufjan experiment with new layers of sound to complement his fragile and honest voice. I will always go to songs like Futile Devices, but its a really strong album from beginning to end for the simple fact that although Sufjan walks right up to the edge of a cliff with his experimentation, he never jumps off.

Derek Webb . Our Father In Heaven
Feedback is the album from which this song emanates -- it is truly a worshipful piece of art. Webb continues to push the envelope of how an artist who creates for the glory of God should be defined. What he created here is a classically composed, instrumental electronic album based on The Lord's Prayer. And in the age of the digital single, Webb gives us beautiful packing for the CD, complete with stand-alone (i.e. removable) art -- prints of photos and paintings -- that were specifically commissioned for the project. Without a doubt, Feedback is my album of the year.

Jónsi . Kolniður
Jónsi, frontman of the band Sigur Rós, branches out on his own to create a cosmic soundscape of a song that is equally-impressive as that of his band. Like a good movie that you never want to end, this track builds and builds, only to leave you hanging in the end (but in a good way).

Mumford & Sons . Awake My Soul
These guys got a lot of indie press this year. I can't buy into their whole album, but this song is an introspective foot-stomper (just wait till the end).

Katie Herzig . Beautiful Inside
I honestly don't know anything about this artist -- its just some quality, intelligent indie-pop.

Shad . Yaa I Get It
A new blip on my radar screen. This is a fine example of quality, underground hip-hop. Here's a guy who converses about topics other than girls, rims, bling and chasing the Hollywood lifestyle. So refreshing to the ears.

Dexter . The Future
A DJ/Producer that crafts one of the finest songs from others' samples since DJ Shadow. I remember the first time I heard it, and playing it on repeat for an hour or so -- its infectious!

Sleigh Bells . Kids
I spend a lot of time thinking -- whether it be at work or life in general. This song is the soundtrack for when I need a bit of downtime that requires no thinking whatsoever. Big beats. Grimy guitars. Distorted vocals. Yes, please!

Janelle Monáe . Tightrope
Again, not a whole lot of thinking required here, Monáe channels her best James Brown to bring a breath of fresh air to pop music. It was my song of the summer!

Cracker Jackson . Potty Time
Putting all my cred on the line here with this one...but as a new dad, I just had to throw this one on here. You may recall me giving this album some love earlier this year. It happened to come out around the time Tian was born. So in those first few weeks, when this song would randomly play, it just lifted our spirits, earning its way onto this small collection of year-end songs.

Previously: 08 IN SOUND . 2007 In Song . Six for '06

O Magnum Mysterium

2010-12-22T20:52:00.000-05:00

O magnum mysterium [O great mystery]
et admirabile sacramentum [and wonderful sacrament]
ut animalia viderent Dominum natum [that animals should see the new-born Lord]
jacentem in praesepio [lying in a manger]

Beata Virgo, cujus viscera [Blessed is the Virgin whose womb]
meruerunt portare [was worthy to bear]
Dominum Christum [Christ the Lord]

Alleluia [Alleluia]

As you unravel the mystery of Christ's birth,
may it lead you to the truth of His cross.

Have a blessed Christmas.

And thank you for choosing to stop by here every so often.
My prayer is that you find this place to be a source of light, however small, along your journey. Much love...

refresh everything

2010-12-03T09:39:00.002-05:00

Regular readers of this blog will probably recognize the name Miller Talbot from the numerous mentions I have made of him, his family and/or his blog, Toward Simplicity. He's a down-to-earth guy who loves the Lord and simply tries to live out Jesus' calling. About a year ago, Miller and his family moved to New Mexico to work with a new non-profit, Adylene's Hope, that was started to serve foster youth. I believe in Miller. And I believe in Adylene's Hope.

Anyway, they've been busy raising money and are now in the running for a major grant from Pepsi. The way they win this grant is by getting the most votes for their project. So I'm asking you to take a few seconds to vote for their project, and then share this info with all your friends/family via any of the social networks you partake in. Pepsi has a really slick website set up (as you would imagine) that makes all of this really simple. Just click the "Vote for this idea" button below to get started. And I urge you to bookmark the site and return to vote everyday in the month of December.

UPDATE: VOTING HAS ENDED.

polar opposite

2010-11-04T09:37:00.000-04:00

So times with the little man have been eye-opening!
With us choosing the natural, non-medicated labor and delivery route, and me playing a central role as coach in that, all of my time pre-Tian was devoted to learning the ins and outs of how to go about doing that. I didn't want to be the guy who let his wife down in her time of great need. I think about a week and a half before Angie's due date it dawned on me that I hadn't really read much of anything about taking care of the baby after his arrival. We had Sears' The Baby Book, but it was thicker than our family-sized, King James Version bible! Our pediatrician gave us a little hand book during Tian's first hospital check-up. And I have a great resource in my own mother, who has cared for her fair share of babies since my brother and I entered this world.

But nothing can really prepare a guy for the times when this perfect little human who you named, and who shares your DNA, is crying at the top of his lungs (and I mean the TOP of his lungs) and you've run through the feed/burp/diaper-change/sharp-things-poking-him checklist (twice!) and bounced, rocked and swayed him every which way known to man (or at least to me). It's like the most helpless feeling in the world. If I'm not passing him off to his mother (love you babe!), I'm clutching him tight and praying.

The other item that stands out the most to me at this point is recognizing this polar opposite -- that my capacity to love has widened, but so has my selfishness. It's not like there's ever a convenient time to cry your lungs out, but somehow the voice (i.e. beast) inside me convinces me there is. Or its like, "Hey little man, I'm trying to edit photos of you over here, give me a few more minutes (alone with my precious Photoshop!)." And to tell you the truth, I don't want to be first anymore (except when its inconvenient to be second).

But the good news is that I'm a work in progress. As is my heart. I'm a child of God, something I share in common with my son. We are both loved by our Creator in such a way that pushes us to the brink of walking through this life in a manner that contradicts our very sin nature. In a way that breathes light and reveals His glory to those around us. Praise the Lord for this life.

This post was started on September 30 and completed today, November 4

Intimacy[with Christ]

2010-10-27T06:28:00.000-04:00

Some of you have truly been brought by God to believe in Jesus. Yet you have no abiding peace, and very little growth in holiness. Why is this? It is because your eye is fixed anywhere but on Christ. You are so busy looking at books, or looking at men, or looking at the world, that you have no time, no heart, for looking at Christ. No wonder you have little peace and joy in believing. No wonder you live so inconsistent and unholy a life. Change your plan. Consider the greatness and glory of Christ, who has undertaken all in the stead of sinners, and you would find it quite impossible to walk in darkness, or to walk in sin. Oh, what low, despicable thoughts you have of the glorious Immanuel! Lift your eyes from your own bosom, downcast believer - look upon Jesus. It is good to consider your ways, but it is far better to consider Jesus. Oh, believer, consider Jesus. Meditate on these things. Look and look again, until your peace flows like a river.

Robert Murray M’Cheyne

I'm always so torn when I read thoughts like these. On one level, they cut straight to my heart and make so much sense to me. But on another, more practical level, they seem so distant and unobtainable. For instance, how do I actually work this out in my life? How can I take hold of this peace and joy that I know exists? I mean, I know I experience this peace and joy at times, but generally speaking, I have this sense that it is missing from my life -- is this the Spirit speaking truth into my heart, or am I just being too hard on myself and feeding the lies of Satan? How do we measure this? How should we?

I don't know the answer, but I'm reminded of a story that is only told in John's narrative of the gospel. It occurs very late in Jesus' ministry on earth. He appears to his disciples for the third time after being raised from the dead, provides them with a large catch of fish and then shares a meal with them.

After the meal, Peter and Jesus share a moment together, alone. Jesus asks him, three times, "Do you love me?" After the third time, we are told that Peter is hurt, and we see that reflected in his answer: "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you!" At this, Jesus responds, for the third time, "Feed my sheep" and then adds that Peter's life used to be his own; but now his life belongs to Jesus (and that Peter will die to glorify God).

And just as Jesus so instructs, John comes up behind them. Peter catches a glimpse of him and asks, "Lord, what about him?" To which Jesus replies, "[His life] is not your business. You follow me" (emphasis added).

How quickly we lose sight of our Saviour.
How easily we turn to books and music and movies and magazines and various online portals (like this blog) for answers to satisfy the cravings of our souls.
How earnestly we seek to validate our own worth by comparing our actions to those of another.

All to which Jesus simply(?) replies, "You follow me."

I urge you to continue the discussion...

[bye]manny

2010-10-10T21:50:00.000-04:00

So here's my 101010 shot.

Rough day for the little man as far as being photogenic. I took something like 65 shots of him. He was either crying or being Mr. Grumpo (but not the cute Mr. Grumpo) in all but like 5 of them. But I guess that speaks loudly of real life -- its not a happy, perfect photo shoot everyday.

As the title says, this was the day we all said goodbye to Aunt Manny. After living with us for about six weeks, she left today for Ohio, her wedding day is less than a week away. Big changes on the horizon for all of us.

We truly thank the Lord for giving us this time with her. She moved in a few days before he was born, was able to encourage Angie in the early stages of labor and then was here to help out with Tian in those early weeks. And she got plenty of playtime in with Tian as well. It was really cool to listen to her sing to him, watch her read to him and pull out various toys to engage him.

We will definitely miss you, Amanda. All our love...

101010: Do Something

2010-10-06T11:29:00.000-04:00

This Sunday is October 10, 2010 [aka 10/10/10], so everyone on the Internet is getting excited.

I read in the newspaper(!) that something like 35,000 couples will be married this Sunday. The most couples getting married on a single day since 08/08/08. But if getting married is not you're thing, here are a few other ideas.

Take a photograph.
And join me in posting it for the world to see:

Or upload it to another flickr group for all to see.

Make a film.
Help document the World's Story. One Day On Earth is probably the largest gathering of creative minds on one day.

Visit your family, or a friend, or a neighbor you've never met.

Draw a picture.
Sorry, no links for this one. But if this is your thing, draw a picture and share it with your friends/family, or take a photo of it and post it to one of the groups mentioned above!

Do something you're passionate about, especially if you haven't done that in a while.

Take your kids to the park, or their favorite place to eat.

Do something out of the ordinary, to remind yourself that you're still alive.

waynesboro[pa]

2010-10-02T11:19:00.001-04:00

Waynesboro, PA . Photo: Concierge Auctions

Renfrew Park, Waynesboro, PA . Photo: Brian Toro

ADELE . Hometown Glory [follow link to mp3]

I don't know if its the kid, or the song, or what, but I'm feeling pretty nostalgic these days. I'm thinking its sad that so many of those in my generation moved away from their hometowns. I suspect its a trend that will only continue to increase. And although I've included pictures of my hometown, its not the town I miss, so much as the family I left behind.

And now with the boy, its crazy to think he will grow up living quite a distance from his grandparents. In contrast, I grew up in the same town as both of my grandparents -- no more than 10 minutes from either set of them. The way they helped shape me and the memories I hold of our times together are just priceless.

Although I'm sure there will be summer weeks spent visiting both of his grandparents (and aunts/uncles/cousins!) and extended holiday gatherings and some family vacations with all of the above...

It just won't be the same.

But maybe it can be just as special.

I guess that's my charge as Tian's father. To give him the same opportunity I had to experience life to its fullest, which in our family, includes special times with those that God has placed in his life, regardless of the physical distance that separates them.

birth [by the numbers]

2010-09-03T21:24:00.006-04:00

Troy + Angie
Two home pregnancy tests
Many excited family members and friends
Too many oranges and carrots to count
9 months of scooping (and cleaning) the cats' litter box
24 hours (over 12 weeks) of Bradley classes (thanks Shanna!)
3 birthing movies/documentaries, including The Business of Being Born
One comprehensive reading through the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy (and numerous revisits here and there)
One comprehensive reading of Husband-Coached Childbirth: The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth
One reading through The Vaccine Book
Numerous hours doing "our" kegels, squats, butterflys and plevic rocking and practicing our relaxiation techniques
Numerous hours counting protein
12 OB appointments
2 ultrasounds
Transforming our office-space into a nursery
1 half-gallon of Hershey's Teaberry Ice Cream
A gazillion (or so it seemed) Hershey's ice pops
Countless hours (due to my OCD tendencies) researching cribs, crib mattresses, strollers, car seats and cloth diapers (just to name a few)
Many hours spent talking about, searching for and researching the meanings of different names
Competent and understanding advice from our OB physicians
About 12 hours of labor, including 2 1/2 hours of pushing
And one amazing design by our Creator God...

Culminates in the birth of our son, Tian Elliot

September 3, 2010 @ 9:24pm
8lbs 13.5oz, 19in
PinnacleHealth Hospital
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

do fun stuff

2010-08-30T13:40:00.000-04:00

Good music.
Good cause.
100% of proceeds going to the cause.
Buy the album.
Spread the word.

Sorry, your browser does not support iframes. Check out: http://www.dofunstuff.net

2010-08-13T15:01:00.001-04:00

I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this video. But I'll try...

It screams summer
It screams community
It shows me so much of God's love (i.e. I see His face in each one of these kids and the various talents He has gifted them with)
It makes me yearn for (more) diversity in my own life -- I suspect I could learn so much from each one of these individuals
It exudes innocence
It reveals the hearts of some of these individuals (e.g. the smile at 2:59)

What do you love about it?

My Prayer

2010-08-02T15:23:00.000-04:00

I've prayed this before, and do so again today.
For a friend, his wife and their family, in this time of loss.
And for another friend and his wife, in this time of struggle.
May the Lord keep you all.

peace.

it does not mean to be in a place
where there is no noise, trouble
or hard work. it means to be in
the midst of those things and still
be calm in your heart.

What other people are saying...

2010-07-23T09:35:00.000-04:00

I launch today what I hope to be a somewhat regular feature here at Defy The Gray. Not trying to hide the ball or anything with the title, What other people are saying... will feature a thought from someone who is not me. I may include a visual. I may not. Depends on whether I have the time to find something I feel compliments, contradicts or adds to the thought in some way. Although I won't share my motiviation(s) for posting a particular thought, I can assure you that, at some level, it resonates deeply with me.

And please keep the conversation going by sharing your own thoughts in the comments. This blog has long been a forum for discussion, albeit it sparse at times, and I want to continue to foster and encourage that.

I want to inspire people to say what they feel and not what they feel like they're supposed to say.
Because they feel like they're supposed to do something, they don't give themselves the opportunity to be genuine. They'll just say the same words, which are great words, but after a while they stop meaning anything. We need new words to say the same thing because after a while the words lose their potency.

John Mark McMillan
Relevant . Jul_Aug 2010

Intelligent Design [Revisited]

2010-06-04T08:39:00.000-04:00

The community group that I help co-teach with a friend has been using The Truth Project DVD series as a tool for gaining some deeper insight into a biblical worldview in hopes that such knowledge will assist us in deepening our faith and better living-out the call on our lives. I happened to lead this week's topic titled, Science: What is true?. We ended up having a lively discussion about randomness vs. design, blood clotting, who vs. how, biology, mathematics, sunsets, Dawkins, faith, public school teachings on evolution and a bunch of other stuff that I could not possibly summarize in the context of this post.

Anyway...I was reminded of a blog that I had written nearly 5 years ago and wanted to revisit it today. Originally posted on December 20, 2005:

Earlier today, a Federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania ruled that a local school board acted unconstitutionally in mandating that its 9th grade biology students be read a primer-paragraph prior to teachings on evolution to the effect that evolution is only a theory, there are gaps in the theory and some have suggested alternative theories, such as intelligent design. In so ruling, U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III said, "We find that the secular purposes claimed by the Board amount to a pretext for the Board’s real purpose, which was to promote religion in the public school classroom." In a further blow to the Board's credibility (and faith), Judge Jones added that several members repeatedly lied to cover their motives, even while professing religious beliefs.

Media outlets billed this case as Creation vs. Evolution. They were wrong. The actual issue facing Judge Jones was whether the school board purposefully intended to communicate a religious message by its conduct, and what message that conduct actually conveyed. This ruling is not about the merits of either theory, but rather, the school board's intentions.

So as I'm reading thru the opinion, I come to this line:

"Wherever complex design exists, there must have been a designer; therefore nature must have had an intelligent designer." -Thomas Aquinas (13th Century)

It turns out that the roots of the intelligent design movement can be traced back to this simple syllogism. So here is where my questions begin. If the designer those in the intelligent design movement look to is the God of the Bible, why is it that they fail to trust that same God to reveal Himself to public school students in ways other than through a science class? I mean, if God created the complexities and beauty of nature, why do these people think they have to resort to lies about their intentions and other forms of trickery to get their god into the public school classroom? Do these attempts really advance the cause, or do they simply add more pain to an existing wound? That "wound" being the non-Christian public's view of our faith.

In all honesty, intelligent design is not my fight. It may be someone's, but it's not mine. I don't want converts to my faith b/c it'll make my church larger and wealthier. Nor do I seek converts b/c I have some personal agenda, fueled by my ego, to be the one who saved the most people. I want converts to my faith to freely choose the life-saving results one receives from trusting in the One, True, Living God. I want converts to my faith b/c of the peace I've experienced, which awaits them. My challenge to believers is to stop blindly supporting and following movements that are merely cloaked in Christianity. Think deeper, search the motives of those involved and ask the Lord to reveal himself to you through this process. Get behind eternal movements of import. Movements championed by, through and because of Christ! Movements modeled after Christ's very actions!

Tightrope

2010-05-28T09:22:00.007-04:00

Ladies and gentleman...Janelle Monáe

Song of the summer? I guess we'll have to wait and see!

A day in the (new) life

2010-04-30T20:41:00.006-04:00

So Angie and I are sitting on the couch last night watching The Blind Side (great story, good film).
All of the sudden she grabs my hand and puts it on her belly.
A few seconds later I felt this delicate, little kick!
The first I've felt from our little baby boy!

A rush of emotions washed over me...
Love for a child I've yet to meet.
A very deep sense of love for my wife who is bearing the host of physical and emotional changes that a pregnancy brings.
A realization, which becomes more of a reality as Angie's belly grows, that I am charged by God to care for, support and raise this little child of His according to the grace He gives.

As my eyes filled to the brink of tears, I pondered those I would shed during my son's life -- tears of sadness, tears of joy and tears of pride, among others.

Abba Father

Instruct me in the way of love

Break me, continue to mold me

So that I may live for You and you alone

Do the same for his mother

And give this baby the power, through your Spirit,

to run toward You with everything he has

Where are you headed?

2010-04-12T03:16:00.007-04:00

prodigal [mar2010], originally uploaded by defythegray

reCreative Ministries
PRODIGAL

2010-04-04T01:09:00.022-04:00

Photo by Trey Ratcliff [Stuck in Customs]

["Why do you look for the living among the dead?"]

"He is not here; he has risen!"

Luke 24:5-6

2010-04-02T01:04:00.002-04:00

Photo by Tim Beck

"It is finished."

[With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.]

John 19:30

BEAUTY

2010-03-01T08:00:00.003-05:00

BEAUTY [feb2010], originally uploaded by defythegray.
reCreative Ministries
Beauty in God's eyes

Related: stars

hope lies beneath

2010-02-02T08:11:00.001-05:00

hope lies beneath [jan2010], originally uploaded by defythegray.

reCreative Ministries
Loss & Hope

new beginnings

2010-01-04T10:58:00.004-05:00

untitled [dec09], originally uploaded by defythegray.

This is a piece I created as part of reCreative Ministries' artists' guild. I've also linked up the reCreative site under the [Nu]Art catagory on the sidebar.

reCreative is (and will become) a gallery of pieces from different artists working in many different mediums -- everything from writing to music to visual art. As the Lord leads, I hope to submit as often as I can.

And please accept this post as a personal invitation to join the artists' guild. All the info you need to do so can be found here. Any other questions, drop me an email or comment.

new life

2009-12-20T19:24:00.001-05:00

I've found my life

Amen

Sojourn . Amen, Amen [follow link to mp3]

innocence [revisited]

2009-12-07T21:49:00.002-05:00

Kiaya Mouer . Untitled
October 2009

I've touched on innocence before. This painting, by my 5 year old niece, led me to consider it once again. It occurs to me that the very core of innnocence has less to do with a lack of knowledge and more to do with an implicit trust in all things. For instance, its not that my niece doesn't know about violence (although she probably may not), but rather that she trusts that everyone she comes into contact with is inately good. The result is that she, in turn, is able to love others more purely than most. Certainly more than me.

For years I've tried to act out this level of trust in Jesus. And I've failed. Or maybe fallen short is the better way to characterize my feeble attempts. And I know that this kind of trust is not possible without the work of Christ and the Spirit within me. I'm just not exactly sure what that looks like on a daily basis. Or how to better cultivate it.

Actually, I think prayer and otherwise spending some quality time with Him would go a long way in fostering this; but I find it so hard to commit. It almost seems that I'm afraid to lose my life. The very life that, at times, leaves me in ill contempt of Him for the very reason that I am unable to give it all. Like every single breath. Every single step.

And I know its a process. And I know it takes a certain amount of balance.

But I'm way past that, and the reasoning that follows.

I want to hang (on the cross) with Him. I want to struggle to find the next breath. I want to give up my spirit.

Because I know I can't truly live until I do so.

In The Secret

2009-10-27T20:27:00.001-04:00

What's it been...like a month or so since I last checked in? I don't know...I have a number of posts started, but none are finished or ready to be published. I guess at one point in this blog's history I would have felt pressure to complete them and get them posted, but the Lord has freed me of that. Anyway...I've already said more than I intended to on this subject.

Kinda stumbled upon this video earlier this evening and a few chords in I realized it was exactly what I needed. Like exactly what I needed. So I spent the next few minutes in worship to the god who saved Daniel from the lions; and his friends from the furnace. The same god who gave his beloved, chosen people chance after chance to turn from their idols and honor Him as the God above all gods. The Great I AM. The same god whose love I sing about, write about and talk about; but have a very hard time trying to comprehend given the state of my heart.

I want to know You.

I want to truly and honestly know You.

That's my prayer tonight.

rest[ing]

2009-08-21T22:17:00.002-04:00

rest[ing], originally uploaded by defythegray.

The weather was extremely active today. Crazy humid in the early morning; followed by a tremendous, mid-morning storm with driving rain and wind. Then it cooled off and the sun played around in the clouds for a time, before giving way to grayish skies again. Only to return just before sunset to say its final goodnight before resting for the day.

Upon This Rock [ReBlog]

2009-08-18T08:57:00.007-04:00

Photo by Trey Ratcliff [Stuck in Customs, Flickr]

Tim over at Fantastic Distraction has a thought-provoking piece on the foundation of the church.

Has the church lost it's way...or have we?

Join the conversation...

maker moment :: sun rise

2009-06-29T21:38:00.003-04:00

Alexi Murdoch . Orange Sky [follow link to MP3]

O W N L I F E

2009-06-08T14:25:00.007-04:00

every day

every single person we encounter

every single person

a chance to breathe life

a chance to be the very person God intended us to be

a chance to react in a way that runs counter to everything that is selfish inside us

even the slightest, most insignificant act could change the life of another

take nothing for granted

nothing

it all hangs in the balance

hope

depression

love

evil

rebirth

sickness

redemption

defy the gray

own life

2009-06-02T21:12:00.000-04:00

Summer...Summertime

2009-05-26T07:27:00.001-04:00

Really starting to feel like summertime around here. The garden is in. Had a great time hanging with family yesterday and celebrating a pretty big birthday for Angie!

And summer always has to have a soundtrack. Last year it was the Ting Tings. This year, I can't say enough about Phoenix's new album that dropped just in time to be officially dubbed as my album of the summer. Check a few tracks and then do it proper (i.e. buy the album) -- if it's your thing, of course.

Phoenix . 1901
Phoenix . Lisztomania

2009-05-17T21:17:00.003-04:00

St. Mary Church
The Sixteenth of May
Two Thousand and Nine
Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania
Nuptials of Mary Shearer & Kevin Owles

Stay Sharp! (Revisited)

2009-05-13T07:30:00.000-04:00

Given the long-term media blitz that has lead up to the release of Angels & Demons, the prequel to Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code, I'm sure you know that the film premiers in theatres this Friday (May 15, 2009). So I think it's appropriate to revisit one of my posts from the archives. Obviously I haven't seen the new movie yet, but I can tell you I thought Angels & Demons was the better of the two books.

Originally posted on May 19, 2006:

The DaVinci Code opens in theatres today amidst much talk from both the Hollywood crowds (as happens with any blockbuster) and the Christian community (as happens with any blockbuster that happens to touch on the fundamentals of their faith).

Before jumping into the heart of this post, I encourage you to read a previous post of mine on the general topic of profanity and blasphemy in some of the music and literature that I consider to be among my favorites, which briefly addresses The DaVinci Code. For those of you short on time, here's the digest version: I believe that what I consume is a matter of personal conviction from the Living God based on where I'm at in my spiritual journey. As such, I'm not a big fan of blanket statements from those in authority telling all Christians across the nation to avoid a certain book or movie.

Given this, it shouldn't come as a surprise that I implore Christians leaders to refrain from supporting widespread boycotts of the film. More importantly, I plead with fellow Christians to exercise caution and avoid jumping on misinformed, judgmental bandwagons that are merely cloaked in Christianity.

Leonardo da Vinci is credited with making the following comment about maintaining mental sharpness: "Iron rusts from disuse; stagnant water loses its purity and in cold weather becomes frozen; even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind."

What's the state of your mind today? Exercised it lately? Or do you continue to exclusively feed at the breast of a select group of Christian leaders -- either local or national? Read Hebrews 5:13-14. I'm pretty sure that passage points to the fact that the Christian life is about personally growing in knowledge so that we can learn to choose the right path. Our lives shouldn't be about others choosing for us, and then forcing those choices on us under the guise of "proper Christian living". I sincerely believe that if you truly seek the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind, He will bless you with knowledge that will equip you to make your own life choices. Free your mind of the status quo, ask God for direction and pray for Spirit-led decisions. Stay sharp!

Oh yeah, back to The DaVinci Code...I highly recommend the novel and I'm looking forward to seeing the film -- it's fictional entertainment at its best! And don't even get me started on the topic of "protecting" non-believers from being exposed to the fictional elements portrayed in the novel/film that contradict Biblical truths. Instead, let's focus our time and energy on praying for all non-believers, including the guy who will walk into a Hindu temple tonight and discover something there that is initially alluring to his soul. Or the teenage girl who is so caught up in the lies of this world concerning beauty that she literally starves herself to be thin.

Mother's Advice

2009-05-10T00:05:00.002-04:00

Dear Mum:

You can have the note back now. I'm pretty good at ironing. I've come a long way since those days. Thanks for all the little things you've imparted to me over the years. My life is rich and full because of your love for me!

troy.

Audio«»Visual

2009-05-04T19:33:00.005-04:00

Photo by Trey Ratcliff [Stuck in Customs, Flickr]

Sufjan Stevens . Vitto's Ordination Song [follow link to mp3]

2009-04-10T06:37:00.003-04:00

2009-03-29T22:33:00.003-04:00

One Year

enjoy the silence

2009-03-09T13:25:00.007-04:00

Photo: Robert Stadler

"I think the devil has made it his business to monopolize on three elements: noise, hurry, crowds...Satan is quite aware of the power of silence."

-Jim Elliot

I challenge you to spend the next 5 minutes in silence -- "unplug" from your electronics, turn out the lights, close the door and simply stop whatever it is you're doing -- and then just sit and bask in the silence. I think it's safe to say that God is at work even when we're not.

Somewhat adapted from Mark Driscoll's, Sound Wisdom
RELEVANT Magazine . March-April 2009

Home Alone

2009-02-27T19:36:00.000-05:00

See what happens when my wife leaves me home alone on a Friday night...I go and redesign the blog!

Earlier this week it occurred to me that I needed to update the design a bit. I knew I wanted to go with words only (i.e. no pictures) in my redesign of the header. I tweaked the dark gray background color until it was perfect (probably spent a little too much time doing that!) And then I found the font -- it was pretty close to what I had in my mind's eye -- close enough that I didn't have to troll the internets to find THE PERFECT FONT. That saved me a few hours, no doubt. So then I like played with all kinds of textures for the header, but I just keep coming back to the clean and simple look of the gray by itself.

Then I tweaked some of the background colors to better match the header. I even experimented with some oranges and blues for the sidebar colors, but again, feeling the mono vibe tonight. Oh...and I so wish Blogger allowed you to pick whatever font you wanted for the main text areas, but alas, it doesn't -- so I play within their rules.

Do you even care about any of this?

Probably not, but what can I say, I got home from work at 5pm, changed out of my work clothes and have been messing with this every since. I'm just now starting to realize that I'm a bit hungry. Must take care of that...

Audio«»Visual

2009-02-23T07:51:00.003-05:00

Photo by Trey Ratcliff [Stuck in Customs, Flickr]

Anathallo . The River [follow link to mp3]

XLIII Champs!!

2009-02-02T08:12:00.004-05:00

Congrats to the City of Pittsburgh and all my Steeler-lovin' peeps!

I still miss the 'Burgh and all you guys!

2009-01-17T12:39:00.001-05:00

Photo: Angie Mouer

Piano Man

2009-01-13T07:44:00.000-05:00

Light-Paint Piano Player from Ryan Cashman on Vimeo.

08 In Sound

2009-01-06T18:34:00.005-05:00

Odd year in music for me.

Two of my life-long favorite musicians -- Weezer and Beck -- released new albums this year, but I didn't buy either one. In fact, other than one or two Weezer songs that I stumbled upon, I didn't even take the time to look them up on the Internet. For Christmas, my wife surprised me with Jon Foreman's solo-effort best-of, Limbs and Branches, but I just didn't buy hardly any music this year.

I listened to David Crowder Band's Remedy and Jeremy Riddle's Full Attention a lot during 2008, but both were released in 2007. I also found myself gravitating to a lot of old Sufjan Stevens, in lieu of any new material from him in 2008. Dare I say it, but I honestly had to scrounge around my MP3 files to even find songs to post here. But don't click away from this page just yet...upon further review, these songs definitely deserve a listen.

As always, follow the link to the MP3 and grab them quick because the links expire in 7 days.

Alias . Crosswalks
This track is epic! Layer after layer of sound. And just full of everything I love about a really good song.

The Ting Tings . Keep Your Head
You know them from the Apple® commercial, but their entire album is chock full of quality indie-pop, with this song barely squeezing out Be The One as my favorite.

TV On The Radio . Halfway Home
This song tells of a journey, the destination of which is somewhere different for every ear that hears.

Jon Foreman . Your Love Is Strong
"[S]ongs have become my way of finding beauty in the midst of chaos and the pain. It’s a way of finding redemption for mistakes and regrets that I have." Jon definitely tapped into the beauty of life on this one...bask in it.

Mount Eerie, Julie Doiron & Fred Squire . You Swan, Go On
Short...but sweet. And that's really all I have to say about this little gem.

Lykke Li . Dance Dance Dance
Up and coming artist whose music Stereogum describes as a mix of soul, electro and "powdered-sugar pop." That works for me, I guess. I just call it "intelligent pop."

Regina Spektor . The Call
This song kinda got buried in a movie sequel that didn't exactly live up to its predecessor. Regardless, it touches a spot deep within and Regina elicits emotion with her soft voice that few can match.

Previously: 2007 In Song . Six for '06

Going Beyond Z

2008-12-16T08:52:00.000-05:00

"So on beyond Z, it's high time you were shown that you really don't know all there is to be known." [Dr. Seuss]

Great line. Great lesson. This recognition in my own life has truly opened me up so much spiritually. Actually, just opened me up to life -- and in that, opened me up spiritually. I've found it's a natural flow.

The virgin birth is a great example of this. What do the implications of that mean to us today in the sense of whether God is still creating/putting events into action that go beyond Z? Have we as Christians lost a zeal for life because we believe God stopped going beyond Z at the end of Revelation? Do we think we've seen it all? Do we think we know it all? Are we missing spritual blessings today because we've stopped looking beyond Z? Are we letting true life pass us by?

I don't know the answers.

Maybe they're individual.

I'm just asking the questions.

Just continuing the dialogue...

Kiera Lynn...

2008-11-27T00:20:00.004-05:00

Photo by Rick Mouer

My beautiful niece...just one of the many things for which I am thankful. In fact, the blessings in my life surpass the ability of my brain the remember them all. My prayer today is that I would be a better steward of every good thing the Lord has given, including all the intangibles -- my buying power and the choices I make concerning the origin of goods that I purchase, my ability to create change, my ability to positively influence others and the choices I make concerning the use of my time.

Will you join me?

2008-11-18T11:41:00.005-05:00

Help Maria Ruiz become a CNN Hero

Update: Voting has now closed. Tune into CNN at 9 ET/PT Thanksgiving night to see who America chose as CNN Hero of the Year.

Suffrage

2008-11-04T00:01:00.004-05:00

I live in America
In strange ideas
In stranger times
I've no idea
What's right sometimes

-Sufjan Stevens, The Upper Peninsula [mp3]

I've come to believe in my short 33 years on this earth that the fate of our world lies less in the decision we make on a day such as this, and more in the decisions we make on a daily basis about how we choose to live our lives. And I'm not a model of a person making these daily decisions, but at least my eyes have been opened and I'm striving to make some necessary changes. So, "choose today whom you will serve...but as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord."

Related: How Shall We Then Vote?

"It's nothing. It's not even art."

2008-10-23T12:05:00.001-04:00

The very first piece of original artwork that I ever purchased was a mixed media piece from Aaron Kraten titled Basic Facts. It's still one of my favorites -- it's just like the perfect mix of everything. Anyway...in this video he discusses, in the most humble way, his art and relays a great story about the first piece he ever sold.

Much Gratitude

2008-10-14T20:15:00.006-04:00

Photo by Trey Ratcliff

When I moved into the Hershey area some 6 years ago to take my first job out of law school, I arrived with no local ties, save a suggestion that I try out the Hershey Free church. The church had a lot going for it at the time, but it was the sincere, Christ-centered sermons of its Senior Pastor, Dave Martin, that kept me there. To this day it is my home church.

Over the years I have been blessed to interact with Pastor Dave in a number of different situations, enough so that I was able to see his heart for the Lord in action and make an informed decision to trust his leading of the church. Even when I was called to serve in a Sunday evening service of the church's under the teaching of a different pastor, I was occassionally known to "sneak" into one of the morning services to hear the words given by the Lord to Pastor Dave that particular week.

This past Sunday, Pastor Dave stood before his sheep and delivered God's word to us for the last time as our Senior Pastor, after ministring for nearly 37 years in that role. Following the Lord's leading, he is moving on to explore various non-pastoral teaching and related work. Below are the final four sermons from a man after God's own heart; each of which presents the good news of our Saviour and lends further insight into the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. "He who has ears, let him hear."

September 21, 2008 . Live In The Truth
September 28, 2008 . In Christ, With The Spirit
October 5, 2008 . Love Says It All
October 12, 2008 . In Everything, Gratitude

You can also download the sermons here. And by all means, if you are unable to download the sermons or access MP3 files, drop me an email or a comment with your name and address and I'll mail them out to you on CD at no cost. And I truly mean that.

For a friend

2008-10-08T07:59:00.007-04:00

I was blessed by a friend yesterday as that person simply shared with me about their current life situation -- the hardships, struggles, glimpses of hope and a desire to honor God in the process. This person has no idea that I was so blessed. And how could they, for it was really the work of the Spirit in my own heart responding to their sharing. Nor does this person realize that they are actually "in chains for Christ" (as Paul described it in his letter to the followers of Jesus in Philippi).

My prayer today is that this child of God would hear the Father's call.

That they would know the Spirit's voice.

Audio«»Visual

2008-10-03T09:13:00.007-04:00

Photo by Trey Ratcliff [Stuck in Customs, Flickr]

TV On The Radio . Halfway Home [follow link to mp3]

Deck of Jack

2008-10-01T11:10:00.003-04:00

I had to post this...I just had to!

"A day in the life of a band so indie that no one even cares to blog about them." -Jim Shearer, Lead Singer/Guitarist of Deck of Jack

Lest we forget

2008-09-23T08:01:00.006-04:00

Galveston Bible Church

PRAY.

GIVE.

SERVE.

GET INVOLVED

Aftermath

2008-09-18T14:57:00.007-04:00

Floodwaters from Hurricane Ike in Orange, TX (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, Pool)

Words just escape me at the moment.

My heart is pulled in so many directions.

I sit here in my office on a beautiful Fall day reading an email about a sale at an online store I frequent and thinking about renovations to my own house, while other folks are just beginning the long process of rebuilding their lives some 1,400 miles away in hurricane-stricken parts of Texas and the Gulf Coast.

I've never really gotten involved in the politics that are a church denomination, but I must say that I see the work of God being done in the ministry of the EFCA's Crisis Response. The members of this ministry are sharing on-the-ground updates on their blog.

We must read these stories of basic survival in the aftermath of a storm like this.

We must come alongside and share the burden of these people.

We must be moved to action.

Audio«»Visual

2008-09-05T14:27:00.003-04:00

Photo by Trey Ratcliff [Stuck in Customs, Flickr]

Moby . God Moving Over the Face of the Waters

[follow link to mp3]

Inspiration...

2008-08-22T12:55:00.003-04:00

Currently Reading:
Surprised by the Power of the Spirit . By Jack Deere
I shall in no way pretend that having read three-quarters of this book I have drawn solid conclusions about any present day healing ministries, but Deere has provided great scriptural insight into the healings and miracles performed in the Bible -- both old and new testaments. And Deere's status as a former cessationist lends a unique perspective to the book as he recounts his personal journey into the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I've said it before, but this is yet another brick in the path that is my own faith journey. If you're looking for more info related to the largely ignored and misunderstood role/power of the Holy Spirit, I would offer that this is a good place to begin your own search. BTW: If you ever undertake such a search, let me know what you're finding along the way -- this is an open forum for discussion.

Currently Listening To:
Beck . Odelay
One of my favorite albums of all-time that I just pulled off the shelf for my end-of-summer listening.

Current Life Quote:
"If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God."

-Apostle Paul

2008-08-04T12:06:00.004-04:00

love compels.

Audio«»Visual

2008-07-16T11:21:00.006-04:00

Photo by Tom Kiehn

Alias . Crosswalks [follow link to MP3]

In The Garden

2008-07-09T09:36:00.004-04:00

My wife has the latest update on the garden and the pics to prove it over at her blog!

Maker Moment

2008-07-07T12:53:00.001-04:00

Photo by Rick Mouer

I've been sitting on this photo (captured by my dad) for a while and didn't know when or how I would use it until Tim came up with this idea about seeing God in the ordinary. I'm not sure if this qualifies as ordinary, but it's certainly a maker moment.

Inspiration...

2008-06-06T11:06:00.002-04:00

Currently Reading:
The Shack . By William P. Young
Understanding religion, faith, truth and a relationship with our Creator is a lifelong journey. This book is another brick in the road that leads to our freedom. I encourage you to read it, sift it and grow.

Currently Listening To:
The Ting Tings . We Started Nothing
There's nothing deep or meaningful about this album, it's just a whole lotta fun! Essential indie-pop listening for the summer (and thereafter)!

Current Life Quote:
"Faith never knows where it is being led. But it knows and loves the One who is leading."

-Oswald Chambers

Be The One

2008-05-30T12:34:00.004-04:00

Finger + Light . Kiaya Mouer

Tim over at Fantastic Distraction recently challenged his readers to write about the power of music. He recalled the first time he truly listened to U2's With Or Without You and the power of that song when he hears it today to take him back some 21 years as if it were just yesterday.

One of my new favorite bands is the British indie-pop outfit The Ting Tings. I actually just heard their song Be The One earlier this morning. The power of this 2 minute 58 second gem lies in it's ability to take you somewhere else -- someplace that you're not necessarily "allowed" to go. Like for me it takes me out of my desk chair for a walk across the Walnut Street Bridge on this absolutely beautiful and amazing Spring day. Hope it takes you for a ride, too!

The Ting Tings . Be The One (follow link to MP3)

In The Garden

2008-05-19T07:56:00.006-04:00

I had a busy day on Saturday. After digging up the grass from a large section of our backyard and erecting a fence....

Just kidding! In all seriousness, we were blessed to "inherit" a nice-sized garden when we purchased our first home earlier this year. It came complete with a pre-planted bed of asparagus, a fence (stainless steel no less), plant "cages" and 3 compost/mulching bins. Oddly enough, the garden didn't really figure into our decision to buy. I mean, it was the dead of winter and I saw it as an oversized eyesore that I would probably cut in half when I had the chance. But then my wife got all excited about planting veggies and some wildflowers. Somehow, in the mysterious inter-workings of a marriage (albeit with only 1.5 months under our belts), the excitement spread to me! Now don't get me wrong, it is (and will be) Angie's garden, but she lets me work in it!

The next thing I know, we're buying seeds, a pot of herbs at the HCS Auction, tomato and pepper plants, a few gardening tools to supplement the used ones we brought from the previous owners of our house, talking to friends, family and scoping the Internet for ideas and techniques. Even memories of my childhood sprung to life as I recalled the nearly 1/2 acre garden my dad and grandfather used to manage every year -- not so much the sowing and harvesting part, but rather the rotten tomato wars with my brother, cousin and neighborhood kids part!

But I'm losing focus here...back to Saturday. Angie's brother had come earlier in the week and hand-tilled the two major beds we would be planting. This was a huge help! The forecast for Saturday was calling for rain, but the good Lord had other ideas and we were able to get out there just before Noon. Our first task was to dig up the weeds that had welcomed the spring sun and rain. We got em at the root to dissuade their future growth. After refueling at lunch, we came back in full force and tilled some good looking compost into the soil of our beds (see pic below).

Then we placed the black plastic back over the beds and sowed the plants (tomato and pepper) and seeds (cucumbers, zucchini, romaine and iceberg). We also sowed a patch of wildflowers to add a bit of color to the garden. And that pretty much ended our day, the visual proof of which appears below.

Not only did I discover muscles that had previously been unknown to me, I have this great sense of appreciation for the legacy left behind by the previous owners -- the amount of time, work and money they invested to get the garden to its current state just blows my mind. I also learned, again, about a phenomenon that a friend describes as "she's always right" -- so thanks Ang for getting excited about the garden. And then there's the whole "eating what you grow" thing -- I can't wait to eat a slice of that first tomato! I'm sure there will be many "lessons" to follow.

And like our harvest, I hope to share them with you.

This Sidewalk

2008-04-25T16:35:00.001-04:00

As I exited my office building yesterday after work, I found myself walking beside a guy named Gary. After about a step and a half, he looked at me and, I guess after sensing that I was willing to listen, told me that he was a little scared because he was having throat surgery on Monday. We stopped at the next corner and he briefly explained his condition and further fear about the possibility of cancer.

He then asked if I was a Christian, to which I replied that I was.

He was also a Christian.

“When I was a child, I did childish things,” he told me. “But now that I’m an adult, I do adult things,” he added, loosely quoting scripture.

He asked what denomination I belonged to. I expressed that I don’t belong to any denomination, but consider myself a Bible-believing follower of Christ.

He was the same.

He shared that he preaches the gospel on the streets of Harrisburg, and then showed me the two scratches on the lens of his bent up, wire-framed glasses – his “battle scars” from an encounter with a non-believer who pushed him down and spit on him. After which, he thanked the man and relayed that “Blessed are those who are persecuted.” Only to have the man do a complete 180, offer him money (Gary rejected because he didn’t want to “sell” the Lord’s blessing to him) and then sit and pray with him for some time.

I didn’t say a whole lot during any of this – it was strictly Gary’s show. So after he was done, and it seemed we were about to part ways, I asked if I could pray for him. He said I could. So I put my hand on his shoulder (I was thinking about putting it on his throat, but that just didn’t feel right) and prayed.

When I had finished, he thanked me and we started to walk down the street together (he was heading in the same direction as me). Before we even took our second step, he asked if I could give him some money for milk and some other food item that I can’t remember.

AND EVERYTHING CAME TO A SCREECHING HALT.

The request totally threw me off. Actually, that’s an understatement. I was completely stunned. I had just taken part in an encounter I believed to be God-ordained. Gary had blessed me with his story and I was able to bless him with prayer.

But with this request, the entire encounter replayed in my mind at light speed and I questioned whether anything he shared with me was true. I wondered if he “belonged” to whatever denomination the person who he was talking to belonged to. I wondered whether he was really having surgery on Monday. Or even if he had been pushed and spat upon.

Because my brain was processing the seemingly God-ordained encounter, it simply didn’t have time to come up with a logical reply. So I quickly blurted out a lie, “Oh…I don’t have any cash on me. Sorry.” In retrospect, I’m not sure that was best thing to do, but it’s what happened in the moment. I guess I should have probably just told him that his request kinda shocked me -- straight up told him the truth and then talked through that with him. Maybe next time I will.

Gary, having no idea any of this was running through my head, quickly retorted: “If you have a card, there’s a MAC machine at the bank on the corner.”

“Oh…I don’t do that kinda stuff,” I replied.

He understood and thanked me again for praying for him and I relayed that I wanted to know how his surgery went and told him I walk down this sidewalk everyday at 4:30.

And that was it.

As I walked away I began to think about the moment after his request for money. It occurred to me that that was all about me – not wanting to be taken advantage of and not wanting to look naïve in front of Gary or others passing by on the streets.

My first thought when Gary loosely quoted Paul in the beginning of our encounter was that I’m an adult but I still do childish things from time to time. That’s where the whole grace thing comes in. Maybe not giving Gary the $5 bill that was in my wallet was my childish act yesterday. I’m not exactly sure what Jesus would have done upon being asked for money by Gary, but I do believe that scripture teaches that he wouldn’t have been thinking about himself or looking foolish to others. That’s probably the most important thing for me to take away from this encounter.

I mean, just a few years ago I most likely wouldn’t have given Gary my ear, or ever have been brave enough to actually pray with him on a public sidewalk in a busy metro area. And that’s not anything on me -- that’s Christ working in this hard heart of mine. That’s His glory shining through me.

Father God, I pray that your peace would cover Gary in this moment and on Monday, whatever that day may hold for him. Provide for his physical, mental and spiritual needs as only You can. And I pray that you would continue to mix the colors of my heart so that they would more closely resemble those that shine from Your own heart. Amen.

2008-04-24T14:32:00.004-04:00

Photo by Trey Ratcliff [Stuck in Customs, Flickr]

I'm usually not a big fan of excessive ornamentation or hanging chandeliers when it comes to design, but this shot of a cathedral in Kiev just literally blows me away! I urge you to click the picture to enlarge -- and then just admire this sacred space.

From the desk of Troy B. Mouer, Esq.

2008-04-17T14:51:00.004-04:00

I noticed this earlier this afternoon upon entering my office. It was a much needed reminder to me that the Lord still speaks in small (and seemingly insiginificant) ways.

Sorry about the quality of the pic, it's from my camera phone.

Still getting used to...

2008-04-08T16:06:00.003-04:00

Wearing this chunk of metal on my hand

Saying and writing "we" instead of "I"

Having another Mrs. Mouer around who isn't my mum or grandmother

And saying goodbye to her in the morning

Two Become One

2008-03-29T09:27:00.009-04:00

Angel . Peter Saunders

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

[Select Verses from Proverbs 31]

Today I pledge my life to you.
I love you Angela Sara Hertlein.

2008-03-20T07:44:00.002-04:00

Photos by Steve Sherriff

The Paradox of Freedom

2008-03-14T16:59:00.001-04:00

Photo by John Bonner

"So here is the paradox of freedom—the more freedom you’re given, the more crippled you become. I know it sounds strange, but there is nothing as liberating as limitations.So, the first step to writing, actually to making any decision, is to limit yourself. That will free up your creativity and your ability to make decisions."
-Steven James

Overwhelmed

2008-02-29T12:54:00.005-05:00

Angie and I bought this house today!

We are so blessed.

And we will be getting married in exactly one month!

I am so blessed.

Father God, thank you for your goodness in my life. For I know that every good thing comes from You. I often ponder why I am so blessed, but such is not my place. Please give me the desire and courage to effect change in this world for your glory alone. That I may see the beauty of others as You do. That I may be a fountain of your living water. In your gracious name I pray, amen.

2008-02-16T07:31:00.003-05:00

one.
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. [Ephesians 4:4-6]

Visualized

2008-02-05T12:44:00.000-05:00

Astonishingly beautiful and complex visualization of Biblical cross-references by Chris Harrison. And you must view the full-size version to do this piece of work justice -- simply click on the picture above.

And be sure to check out his other work, which uses all of the people and places found in the Bible to create stunning pieces of graphic art.

So...how does this move you?

What Joy?

2008-01-21T10:10:00.000-05:00

Photo by Angie Hertlein

Jesus You're more than a friend
Jesus You're more than my heart could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul

The band introduced a new song last night -- Jeremy's Riddle's More Than A Friend [Follow link to MP3]

I needed to hear this song last night.

Especially the line about joy.

For its been absent from my heart for quite some time.

Spiritual joy, that is.

And then last night, right before we sang this song, as I was contemplating what the bread and the wine mean to me at this point in my life, I was thinking about the lack of spiritual joy in my heart. A feeling that I couldn't possibly describe to you; but yet a feeling whose loss is more real than life itself.

And I just asked Jesus: "Where is this joy that I once knew?"

And then said: "Please heal the parts of my heart that currently prevent me knowing it, or opening myself to this joy."

And just about then, Ben (our worship leader) asked us to join the band and this line about joy soon followed.

The tears began to cloud my vision as I saw the hand of Jesus reaching down to me.

And I remembered that His voice is usually not audible, at least for me. But that it speaks just as clearly regardless. For that I am thankful.

Today I begin the journey of recapturing that joy.

In fact, I'm gonna work on a painting I started as a gift to Ben and his wife almost a year ago, right after I ask the Lord what he would have me paint for them.

So know that whatever your soul craves today is within your reach.

You just need to stretch your hand out to Him.

And begin the healing process.

2008-01-15T14:04:00.001-05:00

Church Dio Padre Misericordioso (Jubilee Church) . Rome

2007 In Song

2007-12-31T09:17:00.000-05:00

You may remember my Six for '06 post from last year. If not, you should know that music is a great source of inspiration in my life. That being said, you may be interested to know that these were the songs in 2007 that touched points in my soul that very few things outside of my god, my fiancé or my nieces normally touch. [As always, follow the link to the MP3 and grab them quick, because the links expire in 7 days.]

Feist . I Feel It All
My favorite song of the year. It's perfect indie-pop! Download and put it on repeat!

Radiohead . All I Need
A standout track from my favorite album of the year, In Rainbows. A slow-building, haunting Radiohead materpiece with a rousing piano solo to cap it off -- it really doesn't get any better than this when it comes to Radiohead.

Iron & Wine . Boy With A Coin
Probably one of the most unique songs to emerge in 2007. It's got a sound that's hard to describe, but not hard on the ears. And its just so lyrically poetic and rich.

Band of Horses . No One's Gonna Love You
A more recent favorite band of mine turned out another solid album in 2007. This is one of the best tracks from that album, Cease To Begin. It's also my favorite "love" song of the year.

Gui Boratto . Beautiful Life
This is the electronic music equivilent of a traditional orchestral piece. Clocking in at more than 8min, the "orchestration" moves you in swells throughout its duration -- and just when you think you've reached the end...the wave sweeps back over you.

J. Tillman . Ribbons Of Glass
Lo-fi folk at its very best. This song speaks in so many different ways -- from its lyrics, to its production, to its instrumentation. Realistically beautiful.

Eluvium . Prelude For Time Feelers
This instrumental piece would serve well as the backdrop to a movie scene. And maybe that's why is resonates so strongly -- because we are all living inside of the story of our lives. A story that is valued by something outside of ourselves. A story that should be shared with others. A story that deserves a soundtrack.

Paul Potts . Nessun Dorma
This may seem like an odd choice, but just watch this video and you'll understand a little more clearly. There is beauty hidden deep within all of us just waiting to emerge. And when it does...

And just for fun...

P. Diddy (ft. Christina Aguilera) . Tell Me (Switch Remix)
Bouncy and bubbly! If I were a DJ, I'd drop this one right at the height of the night!

Justice . D.A.N.C.E.
Believe it or not, I couldn't stand this song when I first heard it. And then after a few listens, I couldn't stop listening. Gotta love that Jackson 5-esque hook in there! This jam still brings a smile to my face every time it randomly plays on my iTunes!

Klaxons . Golden Skans (SebastiAn version 1.2.0 Remix)
Almost forgot about this one, seeing that it came out in early January. It's my cell phone ringtone, so I figured it deserved a mention here! This track has dance written all over it!

A Holy Day

2007-12-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Sufjan Stevens . Holy, Holy, Holy [follow link to MP3]

Were I to play a song for the unique and beloved son of God
on the occassion of His birth, this, without question, would be the one.

Everyone likes a good story...

2007-12-14T14:19:00.000-05:00

Photo by Cody Smart

So what's a 22 year-old, well-educated, eagle scout, former NCAA track and field athlete to do when he graduates and finds himself stuck in the mundane existence of "popular society" with no real optimism for the future? Probably a lot of different things cross your mind. Hitchhiking across America probably wasn't one of them. But that's exactly what Cody Smart did.

In July of 2006, I was sick of the northeast and needed to go. I quit my job and hitched west on I-84 with $430 in my bank account. I spent the next few months on the road, interacting with a peculiar lot of fascinating people (the likes of whom I never would have met with conventional travel). I spent endless rides with red-blooded truckers, lived with homeless people in California, traveled with a fugitive in Louisiana, and worked with fishermen in Alaska. Along the way, I got to hear wild tales and shrewd insights from the mouth of the vast cross section of America that still picks up hitchhikers.

Read the rest of his captivating story here, where he recounts his journey in prose and picture -- both of which are equally stunning!

What is it about a story like this
that just grabs (and holds) our attention?

Silence or Suffrage?

2007-11-29T08:55:00.000-05:00

Twenty percent of NYU students said they would relinquish their right to vote in the next presidential election in exchange for an iPod Touch.
[Washington Square News Survey]

I'm not sure if this says more about the state of the Union, the power of music or the power of consumerism.

What do you think?

Just Listen

2007-11-24T07:30:00.000-05:00

"The music is all around us.

All we have to do is listen."

[August Rush]