Purpose to attract

Whatever your thinking and feeling today is creating your future.

Love one another... no really

Just how did this start
this breakin' of our hearts
is there anything anymore
that beats true
transitions are forced
drowning in remorse
the awkward silence is
a tragic novel

Those are lines from a song called "Table for Two" on Bill Mallonee's Locket Full of Moonlight CD (and a fine CD at that). Lines like that definitely summon to mind the strain of a romantic relationship. Still, I can't help but look at life as the sum of relationships that we have, whether they're romantic, family, or friendship oriented. I must confess to being one of those bleeding hearts that inwardly cries out, "can't we all just get along?" It pains me to be in places where I can feel this strain.

People are different. Some are softer spoken while some are more outspoken. Words and opinions carry with them emotion. Perhaps some people are completely uneffected by such things. I hate to admit I am not one of those. I do, in fact, take things to heart. Stuff doesn't tend to glance off like water off a duck's back. I ususally need a little time to "dry".

I think that this is one reason that I tend to ponder my words. Perhaps I don't always speak my mind. My heart is generally to be confident that in speaking, I'm not reckless or exaggerating. So, sometimes things get burried.

This also makes me grieve a bit for anytime that I have been reckless. That's not usually my motive. It breaks my heart to think that I have hurt people with my words. If anyone is reading this to whom I have inflicted a wound of this nature, I am truly sorry.

At the end of the day, I want to do what I can to foster healthy relationships in my life... to be a good steward of the trust given to me in matters of another person's heart. ("Above all else, guard your heart...") It makes me think of my family, my friends... my faith. Hmmm...

May grace, mercy, and peace abound to all who read this post.

THE ANSWER

I remember reading an account of a holocaust survivor (I think it was Victor Frankl) arriving to testify at the Nuremberg trials. Upon seeing the Nazi that had personally been responsible for the death and suffering of so many of his people, he broke down and sobbed. Most had assumed it was due to the trauma of seeing his former captor, but he stated to the contrary. He said that it wasn't the evil in that nazi that grieved him, but the revelation that deep down inside, he too had the same capacity for enacted hatred.

As political parties continue their familiar Potomac dance, and lobbyists try to rally their cause, it's good to have one lucid moment amidst all the finger pointing and take a long, hard, introspective look at ourselves. Tighter legislation does not bridle the propensity for evil within our unregenerate hearts. It is our own fallen, adamic nature that has to be overcome. As long as we seek the scapegoat, instead of truly looking at the real issue, we'll never find THE ANSWER that we say we're looking for.

hmmm....

The Future of Our Romance

The Story is here.

Eight Watts of Solid State

Eight watts of power pumped through a five inch speaker. Okay, that sounded very "Spinal Tap", but I just bought a practice amp on clearance for... $25. The distorion circuit isn't exactly inspiring (though it does have a hint of vintage fuzz to it). Still... it is an apartment friendly practice machine.

"Uncle Seamus, you look very happy."

I was reading a devotion one morning a few weeks ago. The author related a story of a friend who went on holiday to Ireland. One morning he and his one living uncle (about to celebrate his 80th b-day), took a walk on the shores of Lake Killarney and stopped to watch the sunrise. The man noticed a smile on his uncle's face and inquired, "Uncle Seamus, you look very happy."
"I am."
"Why is that?"
"Because the Father of Jesus is very fond of me."

It's a Good Life

Ruined for Normal (the band: www.ruinedfornormal.com) just played a show at the Good Life Cafe with new member, Jeff Wylde. It was a double bill with Singer/Songwriter, Michelle Armstrong (www.michellesong.com). All around I think it was a good evening with a good crowd to play for. Between Drew singing in our sets and Michelle singing her tunes, there was no lack of STRONG vocal talent.

Jeff is doing an outstanding job filling up the sonic space with his bass parts. He really has a lot to offer musically... and he's a great person to be around. I'm excited to have him with us.