Life Rhythms...

The 14er Club...

2010-06-02T11:13:00.004-06:00

Last Summer I hiked only one mountain... Longs Peak. A formidable peak, a deadly peak. My hiking partner and I made the keyhole but decided that today was not a good day to die. So we headed back down the mountain.

Reflections on this almost a year later:
~ I was out of shape mentally and physically
~ I did not train properly
~ I hiked for all the wrong reasons
~ I sabotaged myself

That being said, this summer I have formed a loose group of men whom I'd like to hike with so that I can develop some healthy male relationships and build solid life long friendships.

My goals for the summer:
~hike these 16 peaks
~develop my hiking/climbing skills
~ get healthy / lose inches and build muscle
~ finish what I start

My very ambitious schedule is as follows:

Bierstadt / Evans Group
Grays and Torreys
Longs
Pikes
Elbert
Massive
Quandry
The Lincoln Group ( 4 peaks in one day, Lincoln, Democrat, Bross and Cameron)
Princeton
Sherman
and possibly Culebra / Sand Dunes

16 peaks in 11 weeks is pretty ambitious... but I would rather fail in the attempt than to not attempt at all!

See you on the mountain!

My new addiction... Sort of

2008-12-03T08:31:00.003-07:00

I have two new addictions... one is new, one is seasonal.

I Love Bosphorous Cymbals. They are amazing, they are freaking awesome, they are... way out of my budget. They are 3 to 4 times more expensive than 2 other brands I am looking at, Zildjian and Dream. They are a worthy cymbal and goal to strive for.

And the second? Yes, my mid section is showing it and not helped by my seasonal addiction to STARBUCKS. Ohhhhhh, the Peppermint Mocha Twist... mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Here's happy hunting and drinking.

New Drum Kit Shopping...

2008-12-01T22:38:00.003-07:00

It's been years since I have thought about a new kit, exactly 13 years, give or take a month or so. For the past 8 years I have had access to drum kits through other venues, friends, etc. But now, I am in the midst of needing a kit for giging and going back to school. My gig playing is ever increasing and so is the need to get a kit.

It's an exciting prospect because this will probably be the first kit I have ever truly paid for myself. Now I put money into kits that my dad bought for me as a teenager but i have never purchased my own kit out right. I have the chance to truly design a kit for me and that has me buzzing.

There are other things though to ponder and plan for such as bills and things but a kit is within reach. So, I have been shopping.

I am leaning towards a Gretsch Catalina Jazz Combo, Catalina Ash, Catalina Maple or a Yamaha Gig and Go. I also have an offer from a friend for an Oak custom by Yamaha. Pretty exciting stuff.

Then there is hardware, most likely Gibraltar or Pacific (DW) Hardware and then Cymbals. I like the ability to customize your sound with Zildjian, but I am interested in a couple other cymbal companies that are out there. One is Dream, the others are Bosphorous and Istanbul. I really like the feel of Dream but I am really digging the sound of Bosphorous. As always, affordability will trump everything, but i can dream and plan for the future.

So, pray for me.

Keep the beat...

Lessons of Fatherhood

2008-09-21T22:49:00.004-06:00

I made a promise to my son to fix his bike. So today, instead of using some free time selfishly for my own laziness, I broke his bike out and started work. IT's been years since I worked on a bike so I was a bit... ruffled. It's a Huffy special from Wally World, easy enough right?

It proved challenging at first. But after some surfing of the web and plain old stubbornness not to let my eldest down, I was able to get his crank off and the bearings out. The whole crank was apparently put together incorrectly. I found this very rewarding as I fixed this bike for my Mijo. (little man) I got the crank put back together correctly and the bike reassembled and everything works beautifully!

There is something to serving your family that is so rewarding. These are the times to soak up. They are young only once and I want to soak up and experience as much of their life as I can. I can't tell you why a promise kept was so wonderful but it was. I like being a man for my boys.

I see too many men who think being a dad is about bringing home the bread, my father included. But they are missing out on so much. My boys, especially my eldest, bless me daily, and humble me.

Here is a break down of my weekend:

Friday night:
experienced play with my boys in Mrs. J's room as my wife taught our guard. Witnessed my boys play together outside as brothers should, joyfully, lovingly, energetically, passionately. Watched all day long my eldest Love on his baby brother. Continued to hear my eldest grow up as he talked to me about his day. Listen to my eldest pray so simply but lovingly and thankfully. Read and laughed with my eldest about Oscar the Grouch. Rescued a dreaming middle son from his screams of desperation. Snuggled.

Saturday:
Hiked up Castle Rock with our eldest going solo from Mommy and Daddy. Was humbled as he, only 3.5 yrs, stopped to help his mommy up a rock. Was bewildered by lizards, 4 to be exact. Got excited about the Thomas we saw from the summit of The Rock with my 2 eldest boys. Remembered why boys love sticks. Enjoyed an autumn afternoon at the playground learning about dinosaurs on the playground equipment. Discovered our eldest is wise and loves "Stawbry" ice cream because it has real "Starwbreez" in it. Held my eldest sweet hand. was amazed at how a 22 month old and 3 year old's memories are, "McDonalds tonight, right Daddy?" Got excited about Batman toys in our Happy Meal, eldest wet our bed.

Sunday:
Fixed a bike for someone very important to me. Heard about fishes and a new toy Triceratops you can ride. Heard about Spike the Dinosaur, AGAIN! :) Watched a 3 year old figure out that after he peed on the toilet and the bathroom floor to get out cleanser and clean up his own mess, Snuggled with a little furnace during nap time. Found out how much the boys like Nachos. Enjoyed Oscar and Peter Pan. Wrestled, tickled, snuggled. Felt loved!

I take being a father very seriously. I have a choice to make to learn from the mistakes of others and to change the history of our family. I do it very joyously, passionately, humble. I am blessed to be a dad and to me it is the single most important task I have as a man next to being an Ephesian 5 husband. I am blessed and thankful for every day i learn lessons of Fatherhood.

I have uncovered the Holy of Holies...

2008-09-14T22:47:00.004-06:00

Ever wondered how to keep your 2 liters from going flat? Well, if you think about it, the answer has been right in front of us.

At most restaurants the soda is stored room temperature. It is never flat, well, almost never. So, how do they do it? Well like I said, they keep it at room temperature, and they mix it at the source. Well, how does that help us?

Simply, try storing your soda on your counter even after you open it and i bet you it does not go flat, for weeks. I have tried this now with my favorite, Mountain Dew and it's fake cousin (King Soopers brand) and it works.

So, try it and see what happens. It will make it worth actually buying 2 liters!

Remembrance...

2008-09-11T08:14:00.002-06:00

I am sure there will be a gazillion postings on 9/11 today and they will come from every side so I will be brief.

I will remember for the rest of my days:

the horrible acts of hatred perpetrated upon the peoples of this country that fateful day 7 years gone.

I will remember where I was.

I will remember that on 9/11 I finally saw for myself that Evil is alive and well and that it does exist and will always exist.

I will remember my helplessness.

I will remember that this was not an act of God but of evil men.

I will remember the victims and their families.

I will remember the 1st responders and their families.

I will remember and honor the peoples of N.Y. City.

I will remember the heroes.

I will remember a day without partisan politics.

I will remember that for a brief time we were United.

I will remember the men and women who answered the call to arms.

I will... Remember.

Rain

2008-08-15T17:19:00.004-06:00

Today in the Front Range we have been blessed with non-stop rain and temps in the 60's. We have desperately needed the storms we have had especially today. I will sleep a lot better knowing that fire danger is down.

I was awoken today by a tremendous lightening strike that sent echoes through our valley. I was thankful because it allowed me to go snuggle with my middle, Donut. He tried to get up but I persuaded him to stay with me. Several lightening strikes looked (apparently since I was sleeping) like they were right outside the window.

There is a peace, even with lightening, that I experience when it rains. I love the smell that comes with rain and I definitely love overcast days. They make me want to curl up and sleep and snuggle and eat, you guessed it, Rocky Road Ice Cream.

I hope that tomorrow is overcast. I look forward and anticipate the arrival of tomorrow.

Blessings!

Insights

2008-08-15T00:01:00.004-06:00

Still trying to comprehend and get my mind around today.

I had a student snap her arm literally in half today and I was helpless to do anything about it. I can only imagine what soldiers go through seeing things like I saw today but 10 gazillion times worse. You definitely have to be cut from a certain kind of cloth to work with kids especially when you have days like today. They are way few and far between and I am thankful for that.

It was a very surreal day. I am reminded how quickly things can change and how in control of things I really am not. I was hardly ready to tromp kids around a water park after that and really felt like it was a bad idea, but my boss (principal) said and was right, "the show must go on."

So, I have been in a very interesting mood to say the least. I barely saw my family today, not sure that they would want to be around me and I was not really in the mood to be around them. Nothing personal, I just needed to deal and defrag.

So, after a very unproductive band practice, I am not sure where I am at. I know this much, I almost broke my 9 year sobriety from alcohol. It's not an AA thing, I just chose years ago to give up drinking beer and hard liquor. I have wine from time to time, but that almost changed. Medicating does not work (unless of course it's Rocky Road Ice Cream). So, I will go to bed in a bit all the while trying to figure out what I could possibly make of today's events.

Rocky Road, that's actually a great idea! Talk with you soon.

Laying here...

2008-08-11T00:55:00.002-06:00

listening to the thunder and watching the lightening. There is something peaceful about it.

Thank you for today Lord! A blessing each day is!

Devil's head

2008-08-08T15:26:00.002-06:00

We took 24 kids up Devil's Head today, and I have to say, I was impressed. Even with the whining, all of the kids made it up the mountain to the picnic area unscathed but hungry. There are 4 students that stayed with me as I clipped pretty quickly up the trail (with a cold) having to wait for the others at points. I was in much better shape even after a week and a half break from hiking. I can only think I am getting to where I need to be to start hiking the 14ers.

I kept thinking back to a year prior when "The Fetching Mrs. C" and I made this our first official hike. Oye, it kicked our butts. We had our 2 kids with us as we set out to try this "moserate" hike. A word if I may, never trust a trail marking, it is always someone's opinion. One man's easy is another's hard.

An employee and I made the final harrowing 144 step journey up to the top of the rock face.

WOW! What a beautiful lookout.

We got to meet Bill Ellis. Bill has been the fire watch at Devil's Head for 24 summers. He is one of the nicest persons I have met. He was informative and shared his vast knowledge of his job with us. I can't imagine the conversations I would have with God while doing that job. It is a truly remarkable land mark. A beautiful spot atop Colorado but at times a sad job.

I would imagine Bill was on duty while the Hayman Fire was going and I can only think his heart was breaking. There is easily thousands of acres scarred by this fire that he has to look at it daily and the constant reminder must bother him. Maybe not, it would me. Bill was a very nice man to speak with and I am thankful to have met him.

We live in a beautiful state and I am thankful for that.

If you get a wild hair and you are in the area, drive up to Devil's head, take the hike. you won't regret it. And while you are at it, tell Bill hello from an admirer.

Sorry Nation

2008-08-02T21:53:00.002-06:00

Now, for you politically minded or rabid people out there, I know you are waiting to see what this post is about but it's not what you think. And if you are looking for something anti-American, go read the Huffington Post, Michael "liar" Moore's site, or become a Coz Kid. You'll find all the anti-American frothing and loathing you are searching for at the aforementioned sites. And now for the rest of the story...

I was walking into King Soopers to get a Mountain Dew, because I was jonesing for one, when I stepped into the way of an oncoming shopper. Being raised by a Southern Grandmother I said "Excuse me" to which the guy replied, "Sorry." Why are you sorry sir, I stepped in front of you? And though I don't feel I need to say sorry, I will ask you to excuse my barreling in front of you.

And that is why I have called this post Sorry Nation. We have become an over sensitive nation. Say Sorry for this, say sorry for that. Oh you offended someone, better say sorry. You hurt their feelings, better say sorry. Oh, your ancestors are responsible for hunting the Wooly Mammoth into extinction, better say sorry... and so on. You can't be forthright or forward, you might hurt someone's feelings, so you guessed it, you need to say sorry.

I am working with my eldest right now because he says sorry for everything. I don't know where he picked this concept up but he has. It may be because he has heard his mommy and daddy over use this expression. I don't know. It's not that I do not want my Potato to be remorseful or insensitive, quite the opposite. However, I do not want him to say sorry for sorry's sake especially if it is unwarranted. We have lost our way because of the fear of offending someone. It is a sad state of our culture and media for that much.

So, where do we go from here? SORRY, I don't know what to tell you. Maybe if we stop being so sorry about everything and start remembering how to communicate that, we can become an Un-Sorry Nation. It will take lots of work, there is no doubt about it, but it will have a positive effect if we are willing to change. If not, well then we will be Sorry!

Time with "The Spud" at Dino VBS

2008-07-30T08:06:00.005-06:00

I have had the wonderful blessing to spend afternoons this week with my eldest son going to VBS. The reason he is particularly interested in this VBS is because the theme employs Dinosaurs. My Potato is nuts about Dinosaurs. He eats, breaths, dreams dinosaurs. So when he saw that the theme was Trueassic Park, he wanted to go. This helped motivate him to fully potty train which could be a post in itself. And so three weeks ago, I signed him up.

He was excited yesterday when I got home because we were going to be wearing matching Dino shirts and he wanted to go see the "Duckbill." So I quickly took a shower and we headed out to the church. The entire time we were in the car we engaged in playing Slug Bug, doing the Alphabet Sound Song, and asking questions about my and his day. It was and has been truly magical.

Yesterday being day 2, I was not sure what to think. I didn't get a chance to ask him about his favorite activities from the night before. Quite honestly, I didn't think he liked it. And then I got home and I knew. He may not have gotten a lot from the way "over his head" message of God and sin, but he liked the art project, the snack, the gym time, and the Dino named Perry.

So last night was more of the same and he was ecstatic to color and make a picture with foam dinos. He seemed to understand some of the general questions about God even though if you ask him, he's more interested in Jesus. I just couldn't help thinking that much of the message that he and his fellow 3 and 4 yearolds heard was way over their head.

So I definitely think Potato is getting a lot out of VBS but I think this is more about what I am getting. This week has stretched me to thinking on how and what I should be showing my children about our faith and belief in God. When should I share about sin, how do I tell them what sin is, etc? Are we praying daily? Am I reading to my kids out of the Word daily? All of these things have me thinking. Not to mention that I have loved being with Potato on a daily basis. I love one on one time. I have gotten to see my son's face radiate, see his excitement, see his energy, see his happiness. I even got to see my son be possessive of me. (Another story)

I am absolutely thankful for my time with the Tater. On an aside, I now have to figure out some one on one with my Pumpkin. (middle child) He knows that Potato is getting to do something special and I know he misses me because he won't let go of my neck in the mornings. So I hope that I can bring you stories about my time with Pumpkin.

And so into Day 3 and more of being blessed with the Spud of my life.

Have a blessed day.

Throwing out the "Boyfriend"

2008-07-28T01:44:00.003-06:00

Okay, I am just going to throw this out there. We went to the game last Wednesday and this group of girls sat behind us. They were some sort of summer program or school program. That was obvious. However, sitting in front of them was this duo of 20 somethings and I had no idea they were with the group until later in the game.

At one point towards the end of the game, I moved up to sit in the same row and I struck up conversation. I was asking about the program and what it was about and then the young woman I was talking to said she was not from around here. So I started asking questions, 'Where you from?' and 'What part of Illinois?' And that's when it came.

' I have a boyfriend!'

Okay, I have a rash on the back of my knees. What's your point?

At what point and why do women think that because you are taking a genuine interest in them and asking questions to make conversation that that equates to, "Hey Baby, I want to be your Man"? I have never, YET, been talking to a man and have him throw out, "Hey, I have a wife." I understand it's a bit more complicated than that but does it have to be? I was not hitting in this young lady, I wanted to know about her, where she was from, what her group was about, etc. This is actually part of a bigger problem that is not just a woman thing, but a people thing.

It's a sad fact that the art of being genuinely interested in people is dying. You can tell this when you say something as simple as hello to people and they look at you as if you just called them a freaking idiot. It's another sad fact that we are vain and we can't take our eyes off ourselves long enough to realize, it's not about us. I like people, I am genuinely interested in them. I understand that she probably was uncomfortable by my questions and was wondering why I wanted to know these things. It saddens me to think that the best this woman could equate my interest in her and her occupation to was a come on.

I point you back to a man who walked the earth 2000 years ago. He took a genuine interest in all people and brought and gave hope to the hopeless. He asked the right questions and he listened. When he spoke, E.F. Hutton listened. He spent time with His eyes on others and not himself and ultimately gave His life. And with that, he changed lives and the world forever.

If we all talked a little less, asked the right questions, listened, took a genuine interest in others, how much better would our world be? Don't know, but I am going to continue to talk to strangers and take an interest in others and hopefully help change lives in the process or at the least make this world a little beter.

Welcome to the world!

2008-07-24T14:42:00.003-06:00

Baby Cael Azriel, born 1:56 p.m., July 24, 2008. 7lbs, 10 ounces, 21 inches long. 8.9 APGAR score which I understand to be good.

Lord we thank you for Baby C and his health, hair, 10 fingers and 10 toes. Thank you for his full head of dark hair and his beautiful eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. We praise you oh Lord. Please help us to guide and raise Cael and help us to shepherd him in Your ways. We love you and thank you! Amen!!!

Baby 3, here we go.

2008-07-24T07:05:00.002-06:00

Alright, in my favorite place, the waiting room at the Hospital, NOT! Waiting to get into our room so we can induce baby 3. We're an hour late and here's the kicker, they weren't even expecting us until tonight. We were told 6am, they said 8pm. Okay, well as long as this is the only bump we hit but it's in God's hands.

So, please pray for us and baby 3 and a safe delivery. Thank you and we'll see you around the corner.

Okay, I have to ask.

2008-07-23T18:08:00.003-06:00

How do you get a job driving a bus and not know how to get around Denver??? I have been absolutely flabbergasted this afternoon as I tried to figure out how to get my kids (camp) home because our driver apparently does not know how to find her way around Downtown. I understand that traffic is a CF anyway because of the Rockies game and all but c'mon, give me a break. So I ended up sending my kids home with a different bus and school and thankfully they made it home... but that apparently was an adventure as well.

And since I am not going to rest until I ask this much, why would you as a transportation district person schedule someone to do a route and a field trip? If you are in the transportation business for a school district, I would love to know your thoughts on this.

AND, how is it the bus beat me back to school as I was driving my car???

Okay, I got it out, feeling a bit better. Wow, never knew blogging could be so therapeutic. Now, I have to go drop the kids off... Have a good night.

14ers or bust!

2008-07-22T17:04:00.004-06:00

There are 54 'Fourteeners' in Colorado. Most Coloradoans I assume do not even know what a fourteener is let alone that there are 54 of them in our state. Well, for those of you in my audience, (that would be you mom) I'll tell you what a fourteener is. A fourteener is a mountain that exceeds the elevation of 14,000 feet above sea level, not that you needed an explanation but in case you did, now you know.

I hiked my first 14er when I was in Eighth grade, about 13 years old or so, and I did so whining all the way. But after I made it to the summit, it changed me and a seed was planted. Not to mentioned that I went flying down the crag and biffed it good. Thanks dad, I climbed this mountain and all I got was this stupid shirt... I mean gash going down my leg. So anyway, like I said a seed was planted or at least I was scarred for life.

I made my next attempt at hiking another fourteener, shortly after Mt. Bierstadt, with my Uncle Gary and cousin and we failed miserably. We made it to the boulder field of Long's Peak and decided to head back due to weather and the fact that my younger cousin John almost blew off the mountain. Thank you Lord that he did not and thank you for the quick reflexes to grab him before he plunged down the side of the mountain. Ever eaten raviolis with a stick? Good stuff, you should try it.

I returned to the mountain that started it all, about 6 years and 80 pounds later, and I did not make it to the top. I did not have it in me. I was more interested in the ride up with the person I was with. No, it was not a girl. I was with a world renowned conductor and band director, Dr. Ken Singleton. It was intriguing to spend time with a man who was so knowledgeable about music. Here was a man who when I first met him was grossly overweight. But by this time, a dream to climb the Himalayas had motivated him to shed major weight and get into shape. He had impressed me so that I felt I needed some face time with him. Unfortunately, I could not keep up with him and I gave up at the infamous willows. But I got my time with him none the less. Another seed was planted.

So, time has come and gone since those experiences but the desire and dream to be outdoors has not left me.

Last summer my wife and I took up hiking. We started easy, we chose Devil's Head. (I say that tooth and cheek because it damned near did us in) Here we were, ready to conquer The Head, 2 kids strapped to us, greener than grass. Well, we made it. Here's the thing, the fire was sparked. We hiked solid for about 3 or 4 months and then we wussed out after Thanksgiving due to the cold.

Well, we're back at it and I do it with the Summer Camp too. And I realized, I have this dream, and here it is. I want to climb all 54 fourteener's. I have 1 down, only 53 to go. I am getting into fairly good shape and I have a plethora of people around me that are interested in that kind of thing. So I bought this killer book by this dude, I forget his name, and I am getting excited.

I will keep you updated to my plight, but I plan to hike/climb all 54 fourteeners within the next 3 years. Even if it takes me 5, 10, or forever, I'll do it and joyfully to be amongst my Maker's creation. Draw me near thee Lord.

And there you have it. Blessings!

On the Verge...

2008-07-22T12:19:00.002-06:00

of welcoming baby 3 to the world and ready to get it over with. I think this is the most impatient of the three I've been. I would like to get it done and move on, I can only imagine how my wife must feel.

It feels like everything is on hold. I feel submerged under water and forced to hold my breath in anticipation of rising from the water to gasp for air. Our life is in this perpetual state of ... something. Apathy? Anticipation? Rut? Not sure.

Either way, Thursday is the day. I'm not real cranked about the day for personal reasons, but it will honor the memory of my father in-law who I never got to meet.

So the clock is ticking... Please pray for Thursday to come or baby to come sooner. Also if yo will, please pray for the safe birth of our baby and for my wife. We're not real cranked about our doctor, she's not the doctor that birthed our first 2 and so we are a little leery.

Blessings to you and your own.

Review: Dark Knight

2008-07-20T01:51:00.003-06:00

I don't even know where to begin. So I will begin with this, as I stated in my previous post, I had high expectations going into the movie tonight. I don't like to hype because typically I am disappointed in the end product. Tonight I was not.

I am not going to talk much about the storyline because to do so would ruin and possibly spoil the film for you. I will however talk to points of the movie., I will start my review with this next sentence.

Christopher Nolan is a genius. What he has done with the Dark Knight is to take his first movie, Batman Begins, and ratchet it up 300%. I left the theater thinking that both movies were equal, but the more I have had time to digest the roller coaster ride I just took, I realize this movie is even better than it's predecessor. Christopher Nolan and JJ Abrahms may very well save Hollywierd from the crap it continues to spew out and may prove George Lucas wrong. With what i saw tonight, Blockbusters are very much alive.

The story that Nolan weaves (co-scripted) is intricate and asks many questions. It also, whether intended or not, uses many parallels with a real life hero that walked the Earth 2,000 years ago. In Dark Knight, Batman is a modern day messiah fighting evil one criminal at a time, one sacrifice at a time. The entire time he is enticed to cross the line by the ultimate evil character, The Joker. What I like about Nolan's story is that there is a definite line drawn in the sand about good and evil. We have front row seating to a throw down between good and evil, and yes, we see shades of grey on both sides, Batman and Joker withstanding. But one thing that Hollywierd fails to do is show evil for what it really is, Evil. Nolan shows this and helps us to recognize that there is Evil in the world and we need to admit it.

What I also appreciate about Nolan's story telling is that he shows that everyone, no matter who, has a chance at redemption and making the right choice. There is a scene where a convicted killer has the choice to end a standoff created by the Joker. The standoff pits the dregs of society against the normal Joes. We see on both sides (and we in the audience judge) that people are in it to save themselves. But we are also treated to characters who choose the right choice, self sacrifice. The convict and this part of the story really reminded me of the 2 thieves on the cross and the thief who repented. I will say no more than this, I judged this killer to be a bad man and was shown that I shouldn't judge. Thank you Mr. Nolan for the morality lesson, one of many that pepper your movie.

When I first heard that Heath Ledger had been cast as Joker I was intrigued and yet unsure of how he would do. Tragically we will never know what greatness he was destined for as an actor beyond this film. Let me say this, Heath Ledger made this film, this is his Swan Song. He was amazing and I do not know how they will replace him. I was taken by his portrayal of Joker from beginning to end. Heath, you will be missed.

Joker is ruthless and that being said, this movie IS NOT FOR KIDS. Regardless of what you may think, this movie is for adults and for all intents should be treated as an R rated movie. The violence is non stop and intense. I found myself laughing nervously at the ruthlessness of the Joker. There are some parts both scripted and visually that will make you nervous and squirm. There is very little swearing but it's in there. And once again, Nolan proves that you can have a great film without throwing in Nudity (though there are some skimpy cleavage bearing outfits) or a sex scene.

The merits of the film are as follows.

Fox shows his loyalty to Batman but is unwilling to compromise his beliefs to help him if it means taking away the rights of others. He even goes so far to resign because of the immense power that Wayne has gained in order to fight Evil. The message here, are we willing to take away liberty for the greater good? In the end, no.

Lt. Gordon shows that he is a man of character and integrity and lays down his life and puts his life and his family in danger to protect his loved ones and the city who he has sworn to protect.

Bruce Wayne continues to put his money and life in jeopardy to protect and clean up a city that is not sure it wants to be cleaned. He protects the innocent and tries his best to keep the police safe as well. In the end, he loses someone close to him and has to break his own tenants to save a character from himself while fighting to save Gordon's son. In the end, he takes on the sin of others (sound familiar) to protect the images of those people, becoming hated in the end by the very people he is sworn to protect.

Christopher Nolan has assembled an incredible cast that makes the movie come to life. The only disappointment was Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel, I liked Katie Holmes better in the role. Underscored by Ledger's performance, Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman and Michael Cain are all amazing in their roles.

There is obviously a sequel in the works. (one hopes) I will be intrigued who Nolan will choose as the villain/s for the next film. Possibilities are Penguin, Riddler, Bane, and Cat Woman. Only time will tell.

In 1977, a Director with little known background turned the world on its head with a space film. He became an agent of change for the film industry. I see the mantle being passed to Christopher Nolan. At the very least, Nolan is a master storyteller. I will be interested to see what he does with his career, not to mention what he has already done with films like Memento and The Prestige. But for this film goer, he has brought hope to Hollywierd and comic book movies.

The Dark Knight delivers and is one of my favorites of all time. I truly enjoyed this film and I hope you will too.

As I sit here...

2008-07-19T21:07:00.005-06:00

eating the world's greatest ice cream, and watching my eldest destroy 2 helpings of the world's greatest ice cream, I ponder the journey I am about to take to the movies.

You see, we rarely pay full price anymore to see a movie. As a matter of fact, there are very few movies that draw us to the theater. If it's not free, or we don't have a gift card, or there is a matinee , we just don't go. Since we've had kids there has been many things we have changed about our lifestyle, one being how often we go to the movies. We used to go just about every Friday or whenever we wanted. Most young people do the bar thing, Jen and I did movies. It must be an artist thing.

Anywhoo, I am off, after the boys go to bed, to see The Dark Knight.

I love Batman. From when I was a kid, Batman has been one of my favorites. Especially when you talk Frank Miller's Batman comics, I have loved Batman. He's up there second only to the X-Men.

I was a teen when Batman with Jack Nicholson came out. Being the second re-imagining after the 1960's version, I was excited. I did not care that Tim Burton was the Director, I really did not now one thing about him. He did okay, I liked what he did with the first 2. As the franchise continued, they got campier and I knew the franchise would eventually get canned. I liked all of the Batman flicks, I had no issues with them, but something was missing.

So when I heard that there was a re-imagining of the Batman franchise and that Christian Bale would be the Dark Knight, my feelings were mixed. Then I heard that the stories would follow Batman: Year One and Frank Miller's Dark Knight. I was excited. And when I finally saw Batman Begins, I was left salivating for more. It was everything I wanted in a superhero movie, realism, excitement, and loyalty to the story and lore of the Batman mythos. I was made to believe.

So I am excited to be going tonight. I'm trying not to over hype so that I won't be disappointed. BUT I can't help but be excited.

I'll review the movie most likely tomorrow.

TTFN

Fountain Parks and Pirates Cove

2008-07-18T07:45:00.006-06:00

Since I am in the business of tromping other people's children around for the Summer and breaks throughout the school year, I thought I'd get it out there to those who may not know, 5 cool water play places in Colorado. 4 of the 5 are free to the public.

The first 3 are all in the same general vicinity. Belleview and Cornerstone parks, and Pirates Cove.

Pirates Cove, in my honest opinion, is the most affordable and best value for your dollar in Denver and by far the superior of all water parks on Colorado. The park features 2 large water slides, a massive lazy river, a huge water playground (with a huge bucket of water that drenches any weary land lubbers crouched below it), a toddlers spray ground and sand pit. Below all this is an Olympic size swimming pool. This park is very family friendly and does not suffer from the "meat market" mentality that permeates a much larger and more expensive water park to the north. Pirates Cove is run well by Englewood Parks and Recreation and is located on the northeast side of Windemere and Belleview. There is a ton of lifeguards on duty with their supervisors continually walking the park supervising all too. You can get more information here.

East of PC is Belleview Park (better known to some as airplane park). This cozy little park is massive and stretches around the backside of PC and has the following features. There is a snack shack, wading river, petting zoo, train, and 2 newly revamped playgrounds with plenty of covered and non covered seating. This quaint little park offers lots of shade and is VERY clean. Parking is limited due to PC and several parks in that area that all share the same parking areas. There are bathroom facilities that are nice (for park standards) and somewhat family friendly. Take a blanket for the ground, some areas are still damp. All areas are equipped for special needs and have ramps throughout the park for easy access to all parts of the park.

Just South, literally across the street from both PC and B-view is Cornerstone Park. This park is brand new (2-3 years old) and offers a spray ground (it's coolest feature), 2 playgrounds, one massive sand pit with water spigot (so it's more of a mud pit, but still fun to play in), and covered picnic area. The park also accesses basketball courts and soccer fields. WARNING: There is very little shade offered and what shade there is goes quickly. The covered area is typically being used and is a rare commodity when you can get a table. I like this park purely for the spray ground which provides hours of water fun, free. The playground area is a bit beaten up already and it does not look like they are able to maintain the park like they should. That's the biggest downfall of this park.

Westlands park is a hidden gem in Greenwood Village. This park boasts a spray ground, a green belt for eco-activities and tree climbing, and a massive playground with a "tree house" for the kids to play in or eat lunch in. This park boasts 3 bathroom areas as well. (bring your own paper towels and in some cases, soap) There is a fair bit of shade offered at this park in all three areas mentioned. For you in-line skaters, there is an outdoor rink. Located in the quiet city of Greenwood village, it is hidden behind the Greenwood Village Athletic Club, located at Quebec and Orchard. The entrance is just north of the Athletic Club.

And last, there is the illustrious America The Beautiful Park. (formerly Confluence Park) See review in previous post. Only draw back here is that it's in the Springs, but well worth the drive.

So there you have it, 5 fun places to take your kids almost anytime!

Money=Happiness pt.2

2008-07-17T21:07:00.007-06:00

Now yesterday I told you about our Slip n' Slide exploits and explained to you that for about 60 centavos per kiddo you could make a throng of 30 children very happy. Well I am happy to report that today our exploits were as follows, and again, it took very little money to make the kids happy.

We took the day camp down to the Springs today. Our adventure started at America the Beautiful Park. This is one of my all time favorite parks. What it lacks in shade it

makes up for in play ground equipment and a huge water fountain art piece not to mention the most incredible view.

The park has been remade into a very hip little park. The playground has what I call "a futuristic playground" with crazy swings, spinney things, log rolling rings, and many other cool things. Today a group of us tried to balance on the log ring which is really a rotating plastic disc. But it reminds me of those lumber jack competitions where you try and roll your opponent off their log. 2 adults and about 8 kids jammed this disk as we got beat up by falling. Oh what a fun time.

Also the kids played in the big art water piece. This thing is massive and shoots out torrents of water. Below it they have a collecting pool that the kids can play and run around in. The kids enjoyed this as well. Though I am not sure the day camp kids fully appreciated the water area, my kids and I personally love this place.

So after ATBP, we moved onto a sleepy little tourist town located up the road called Manitou Springs. We went to the old time Penny Arcade there and here's where the very little money part comes into play. This place has games from the turn of the past century through today. Games range from a penny to a dollar plus. The kids primarily played ski-ball and bought the massive jaw breakers that every kid loves. I got to play my own personal childhood favorite, Tron. What a blast from the past not to mention that I got to play Asteroids as well.

This place has everything from Funnel Cake and Ice Cream to restaurants all around. It is one of my all time favorite Colorado Haunts. There are many art festivals and activities throughout the year. Be forewarned though, it is a bit of a hippie town. I'll leave it at that.

So, for about $5-$10 dollars per kid, we had a great time and most of the kids were happy as a pig in a blanket.

Who says money can't buy happiness?

Money=Happiness

2008-07-16T20:19:00.004-06:00

I've heard it said that money can't buy happiness, but I have to tell you, $20 sure did make 30 kids happy today. For .60 cents per kiddo or about that, we enjoyed the summer heat with our triple lane 'Slip n' Slide' and our little water ring.

What a beautiful day. The kids played all day long at a fountain park and then they got back to school. After our quiet time, we broke out the SS and WR and man, what a fun time.

So don't buy into the lie that money can't buy happiness. I have 30 witnesses that would tell you and show you different.

Enjoy your day!

Butterflies

2008-07-16T11:02:00.002-06:00

As random as it seems, I am writing about butterflies today. There has been an incredible amount of butterflies in the Denver Metro area. In 35 years I do not remember seeing so many, large, and vibrant butterflies. I have not yet identified these beautiful creatures of God but the are a wonderful yellow color.

I guess I am so intrigued because I have 2 very inquisitive minds here at home. They have reminded me of what it is to be young and in awe by everything. I have stopped to take notice of things that had become mundane to me and I have been blessed as a result of opening my eyes. Thank you boys.

Now I could sit here and try and tie this into some story of wisdom (from a drummer, how funny) or some lesson on life. But rather than do such a cliche' thing, I ask that you give me one wish. I wish and hope that you will take the time to enjoy God's creation today, tomorrow and for every day you are given another breath.

All ado about nothing...

2008-07-14T09:22:00.002-06:00

Barrack is offended by a magazine cover that portrays him as an Islamist and his wife as one of his cronies. That's ironic. Why can he be offended by that but when I am offended by his "former" Pastor's remarks against America or white people, I am a racist. And he thinks I am actually gullible enough to believe that he is not a product of his association with Racists, Marxists, Communists, and Terrorists. I think the picture is actually pretty accurate Mister Obama. It's time for me to go cling to Jesus and break out my guns.

Post Script:

And by the way Mr. Obama, The New Yorker is no friend to conservatives, I think you are being a bit sensitive aren't you? I'd have put you in Soviet Era clothing myself.

Recap: DATR 2008

2008-07-13T03:25:00.005-06:00

It's not very often that I take some me time so I was able to go down and watch DATR this past Saturday. Invesco field is nice but I do miss the old Mile High Stadium. There was something very cool about it and it was a great place to perform. Below is a brief recap of some of the corps and my own commentary and opinion about the current state of some of the Corps.

I am a small fish in a big pond of people that do so much more than I. That's why it hurts to make the next comments and ask some questions. Madison Scouts, what has happened to your organization? You have always been a power house but within the past few years we have seen a rapid decline of the Corps. I was saddened by the sorry shape of your guard and the poor writing of your music book. Visual was not helped by the guard and I found myself wanting to go get a hot dog about 4 minutes into your show. I don't know what's up but I pray that your org will turn itself around. However, an aside, I do hope Troopers catch and pass you.

My first exposure to Corps was 1988 Phantom Regiment and "Romeo and Juliet." To me, still one of the coolest intros in Corps History was the ginormous snare roll after the very loud horn intro. I love Phantom. So, I must ask, what the hell is your guard staff thinking? I have to tell you, I was actually embarrassed by the lack of clothing your guard was wearing. I don't need to go to a corps show to see crotch shots all night and I am surprised your guard girls have not deserted you. This is a youth activity, not a stripper convention. Your effeminate Sparticus is unconvincing and your overall use of the guard to help the visual is a detraction. I am not convinced by your guards performance and it is one of the hokiest visual packages I have ever seen. I am surprised you didn't drag out pink elephants. (Sorry Star) Your guard staff should all be fired. It's a good thing that the horn and percussion lines and the music book make up for the lack luster visual program. I was so distracted I could not even watch drill. Your 3rd place ranking was a gift.

The true 3rd place Corps should have been Santa Clara Vanguard. This appealing show was fun to watch and had me from the opening statement. Kudos to the guard staff for their uniform design. I was enthralled by the browns and how the silk colors blended so well with your costume and then the cool uniform metamorphosis to blue was SUPER COOL AND BEAUTIFUL. Drum Line, you guys are so on the verge. I loved the writing though your snares need to learn to complete their phrases and attack together especially when we have pings and shots. Tenors, you guys were awesome. Basses, you rocked. Plates, sorry boys, I missed you but I am sure you were in traditional SCV Plates style. Front ensemble, thank you. Horn line, thank you. I am confused that your score has not budged and I challenge the judges to pull their heads out and really look at your show and it's components. You should be in the mix, but hey what do I know.

I know that this is not a typical stance I like to take, but Devils deserved first. The show is visually and musically incredible. Though I don't care for west coast guard, you guys and gals had me from the beginning. I loved the use of the yard lines as tight ropes. Drum Line, WOW. Cool and innovative use of tenor drums and the flipping basses would make even ZZ Top proud. Loved the opening percussion statement. Though I credit the show idea back to Star 93', I believe Devils have the winning show and that they did some truly innovative things. Devils will win DCI 2008.

Cavies, the opening of your show takes too long to develop and for some reason there seemed to be some ensemble tearing last night. But on the whole, I loved your music book and I always love the Green Drumming Machine. I did not believe you'd be able to pull off a show with Japanese musical leanings but you did. Visually, the guard costumes are a bit much. I could not tell that you were supposed to be Samurai but I still thought you guard was the bomb. I look forward to seeing what you all do with your show.

Blue Knights, all I can say is this, Smokin' Percussion Line. You are and continue to be about 10 steps ahead of the activity in innovation of visual and movement which is probably why I had a hard time connecting with the show. You are all so very fortunate to have Robbie Billings on staff. I do wish your guard was wearing more clothing that was especially not see through. All the hand painted silks, amazing. Drum line, holy crap. Keep pushing, I know you will all do well at Championships. I wish you God Speed.

Troopers, you made me proud. Keep cleaning and pushing. We will see you back in the top 12 someday, I know it. Keep pushing for Madison and the corps around you!!!

I will be interested to see what happens over the next few weeks and especially will like to see how the East Coast Corps will figure in this slug fest. Good luck to all Corps and nothing personal to those corps who I challenged above. I wish you all the best.

Drums

2008-07-11T15:55:00.005-06:00

Do I go to Drums Along the Rockies? Not sure. My wife, who is ready to give birth anytime, says she does not want to go. So, again, I find myself here: A Rock/ Me /A Hard place.

I do pine for the sound of percussion and loud brass whilst moving at rediculous rates of speed.

I guess we'll see.

Update:

Going, will give a recap later.

Already seen some of SCV, look forward to seeing them at the show.

Movies for Guys...

2008-07-09T08:02:00.005-06:00

that want to see movies that look at men in a healthy light should read on. If you are going to be offended at what I write below, you probably should not read on because Lord forbid, I am going against the grain of popular culture. You've been warned.

I often tire of the media's continued emasculation of men. I look back at movies over the years and we as a culture have been bombarded by this assault on masculinity since diaper-hood. Examples - Terminator, Alien. This is a very limited pool of examples but if you take the time to watch any and all media, look at how men are portrayed as bumbling, weak, ignorant, irresponsible, childish and inept. And though I am not naive to think that there are not men out there that have these traits, I believe on the whole that men are the opposite of what the media says.

It is clearly defined in the Bible the role of man and woman. Both have important roles, each compliment each other and each has it's strengths. And though the feminists, progressives, and newly enlightened folk out there would say the Bible is irrelevant and that it portrays women as weak and subservient, I would disagree, but then that is a post for a later time.

I bring all of this up because I saw a cool movie that portrays men in a positive light and shows the strength of both sexes and that each can be a help meet to each other. The movie? 10,000 B.C. Yes, it was panned by critics and many a people were harsh because it was historically inaccurate. But I ask, when do you ever go to see a Roland Emmerich film looking for historical accuracy? You don't.

Our hero D'neh sets out on a journey of self discovery as he battles across many different lands in pursuit of his lady love. He wears the unfair mantle of coward because his father left their people and was labeled as such. But as the movie continues, we learn more about our Hero's father and his nobility. Along the way, healthy male relationship, mentorship, and rivalry are modeled. Our character is admonished appropriately by his adopted father Tic Tic and finds encouragement from foreign friends. And let's not forget our heroine who shows courage in the face of adversity and danger. She is not shown as masculine but she is not shown as helpless either and she fights for her life and virtue continually through the movie. And let's not forget to mention bravery. Bravery is doing things in the midst of being afraid, not being strong. And there is a lot of that portrayed. And did I mention the mammoths and the sabertooth tigers as well as the giant killer turkeys? Pretty cool stuff.

This is a very simple tale but a worthy one to watch. There is no smut or language and the PG-13 rating suits the violence. There is a bit of pagan spiritualism portrayed in the Village Mother and Elders but it's to be expected. It can lend itself to a healthy conversation with teens and friends in relation to the truths laid out in the Word.

So I commend Mister Emmerich for writing and directing a cool story that portrays men as heroes and valiant while portraying women as noble and caring.

Check it out if you dare, you may actually like it.

Ice Cream, Ice Cream...

2008-07-07T00:06:00.007-06:00

I'm sitting here reading a friend's blog. Turns out she had a bad end to her weekend. See the odyssey here. I'm trying to convince myself that I am destroying this gallon of Rocky Road for her. Well, it makes me feel better anyway.

So, I have to tell you what I told my youngest today. Verbatim, "Dunc, there's three things you need to know about your daddy during the summer.

1. I love Lemonade.

2. I love Corn on the Cob.

3. I LOVE ROCKY ROAD ICE CREAM."

No, love just does not describe my lust for this chocolaty goodness. Oh, I should be the size of a whale I love RR so much. And let me tell you, and I shall, there are many types out there and most do not meet my expectations, so you've been warned.

You must first know this, Ice Cream is in my blood. I come from generations of ice cream lusting fanatics. I was brainwashed at an early age. Oh yes, some of you were exposed to smoking, porn, beer, rock and roll, or whatever at a young age, but let me tell you, I was indoctrinated into ice cream. So, you're not talking to your average run of the mill DQ sucker. You know the type, guy, loves his fake vanilla soft served crap. Ooooh, I could loose it just thinking of it. You're talking to the Mother of all Mothers when it comes to good old fashioned rock hard ice cream. In other words bub, I know my stuff.

So, let's talk Rocky Road. The standard is simple, Baskin Robins' 31 Flavors. Oh yes, they are the king of RR. I've tried the impostor "foofy make your own RR Creation" that offers you stale, teeth breaking marshmallows. (No names mentioned but Stone is in the name) Oh, there's no comparison, BR is the standard.

Why is BR the standard? The right amount of chocolate flavored ice cream, paired with real, yes real, marshmallows and fresh crunchy nuts, creates a mouth-gasm beyond compare. I've tried the kinds with the marshmallow sauce. There's no replacing REAL marshmallows. Only a soft serve mamma's boy could have thought that up. Oh the humanity. And if I might say, if you are lacking a 31 flavors in your "hood", then read on, there is hope.

Let it be said, there is only one, yes one, store bought ice cream that is hands down the equal to BR. Are you ready? It's not Blue Bunny, Breyers, Dreyers, Ben and Scary's, or even Great Value. (just kidding on that last one) It's PS, Private Selection. Oh, it's as if God reached His Hands out of the heavens and placed this goodness right on your grocer's shelf, just for you. Oh, please Lord let heaven be filled with Rocky Road. (and x-boxes)(jazz too)(okay and Mountain Dew)

I have no idea who makes it, I only know this, it's at King Soopers. (for you folks that don't know what those are look here maybe you can find it at one of these stores.) All I can tell you is that it HAS TO BE MADE BY THE GENIUSES AT BASKIN ROBINS. (it's really the geniuses at Kroger but for dramatic effect I am playing dumb... not hard to do.)

Yes, I believe that if the world would share 3 things, Rocky Road, Root Beer, and a Chocolate Honey Dipped Donut from Dunkin' Donuts, there would be world peace. It could work, please believe me. I'm telling you, I should be president, I could change the world with my formula.

So, put down that bland vanilla, that foofy B&J crap, or the impostor soft serve stuff and go out and give yourself over to Rocky Road. It will make me feel loads better to know that you are all out there eating your way into a Rocky Road Coma like me.

TTFN, T

Why I chose my church and other musings

2008-07-06T00:04:00.006-06:00

I have a friend who asked me why I go to church where I do? Well, that's a good question. For the past 8 years or so we have darkened the door of Fellowship Community Church, an E-free church. I come from a Southern Baptist and Catholic background which is a story in and of itself. Needless to say it has colored me a bit. So how did I end up at an E-free church and what the heck is an E-free church? For the latter part of the question you can find that answer here.

Let me get this out of the way, I am not into denominations. To me it is the biggest problem with the American Church. We've become splintered and many denominations have chosen to embrace the world instead of The Word.

To be honest with you, it was not the 'beliefs' of the EFCA or the denomination that made me choose FCC as my church, it was how artists were treated. I felt valued and needed and for the first time in my life my gift was being used for God. I felt grace from the people in the Worship Arts Ministry. I was accepted. They didn't shove things down my throat and live legalistically. I was not judged. They were about experience and authenticity and acted more as a non-denominational church even though they were rooted in the EFCA. That's why I chose this church.

However, we are at a crossroads right now and my wife and I are visiting a new church called South Link. Though I am still heavily involved at FCC, I believe we will start moving towards South Link. Why? It's a younger church with a youthful appeal. I believe to make an impact you need to stay fresh and change with the times to reach people. Things that have tweaked me about FCC seem to be a non-issue.

More importantly, SL seems to be about reaching out into the community and taking Jesus out there to the masses. It was something that used to happen at FCC but is sadly not happening anymore. Right now we hear a ton about being missional but everyone at FCC has a differing opinion about what that is. To me it seems like we are more concerned about being an oasis from the world instead of being an oasis to the world.

NO CHURCH IS PERFECT. Only Christ is perfect. I understand this and grasp it knowing that someday I may find myself in the same situation with what ever church I am at.

My wife and I are seeking relevance, authenticity, and transparency in our church, its leadership, and the people that attend there. I am no longer seeing this at FCC.

I do not pretend to understand what God is doing at FCC and I do not presume to know His intent. All I can tell you is that for now we believe we need to find a home where we are fed and yoked with people closer to our age and younger. We are going to continue at FCC as we are needed but will continue to check out South Link. I am pretty happy so far with what I see at SL and feel led by the Lord to be there, and hopefully I can plug in with their music program at some point as long as that is the will of God.

The long and short answer to the question I was asked is simple. I want to be fed and see relevance of The Word, knowing the The Word is as true today as it was 2000 years ago. I also want transparency from the pulpit. I don't want to hear Christianese from the pulpit and see fake, pretentiousness, and hypocrisy. I want to know that my pastor is human, that he farts, has bad breath, struggles with shortcomings including sin, and that he is not afraid to admit that he does not have all the answers. With that transparency comes authenticity and that is all I want. That and to be used.

And so now you know, and knowing is half the battle.

Creatively, T

Things you shouldn't say to your sons.

2008-07-01T20:21:00.003-06:00

1. We've watched you steadily decline over the past few years.

2. Poor people like you...

3. You need to improve your lot in life.

4. You're on the same path as your grandfather, he spent his whole life in poverty.

5. You need to sacrifice more like me.

6. You need to put your wife back to work.

7. I am going to walk you down and have you clipped after baby 3 is born.

8. It's too late for you to do that.

9. You should be in a house by now.

10. You need to get another job, and work three (out of one side of his mouth)

10a. (out of the other) where is (fill in the blank) he's always working, he needs to spend more time with his family.

Need I say more?

Only been a father for 3 years but pretty sure these things will never escape my lips. Please God I pray you.

Creatively, T

You're a failure...

2008-06-30T18:12:00.003-06:00

At least that is what keeps being beat down my throat. I have to remember that the standard that I live up to is that of Jesus. I am in but not of the world and I have to keep remembering that.

The enemy (Satan) is really good at calling you a failure and using people around you, Christ followers and not, to tell you this. Well bub, you can bite me, I have victory over your sorry ass already. You lost on the cross, I won 22 years ago when I started following Christ so kiss off.

Pretty frustrated and hurt in a sense right now. You'd think that I'd have empathy, encouragement, and belief from those closest to me, but I guess not. But I will have to deal with it.

For anyone reading this if any, there's one thing you need to know about me. Don't tell me what I can't do, or can't be done. I will show you in my own time what is possible especially when it comes to me.

Creatively, T

Why I praise...

2008-06-26T17:36:00.009-06:00

I never understood the importance of praise until about 10 years ago. No offense to any SB's out there, but I grew up in the Southern Baptist Church where musicians and artists were not, and as far as I can tell, still aren't appreciated. (David Crowder excluded) The handful of times I was allowed to sit in on worship with my kit was shall we say "eye opening".

I never felt like I fit in with all the hymns and the closed mindedness of my family and fellow SB'ists towards any other type of worship or expression. Hymns did not and for the most part still don't "take me to his throne." Because of this I did not understand worship. Worship was the 20 minute cushion I had to make it to church to hear the message. Why did I need to sing songs that meant nothing to me? How did these allow me to praise my God? I just could not connect.

I spent most of late teens and twenties with my back turned to my Savior. If the church had no use for artists, did God have a use for me? Did he not wire me this way? Did he not create me as an artist? Surely there was a place for me in the world. God put me here for a reason. There had to be more to church than the sermons. There had to be something that elevated my walk, something that brought God to life.

I started looking for a church home in 99'. I darkened many a church door. I finally found a church that had more than sermons. People were excited that I was an artist. And then something clicked about praise. There were musicians that were excellent at what they did and it was contemporary. I was put to use immediately even though I had not really played kit for 5 years. I realized very quickly, Praise was important, and it was the single most important act that would elevate every area of my relationship with Christ.

Praise has become and is the single most important part of my faith walk. It allows me intimate time with the Lord. It ministers to my soul. It helps me to pour out. It helps me cleanse and it reminds me of what an awesome God I serve.

I know that part of my calling as a musician and artist is to use these gifts to praise the Lord my God. It's changed everything. I realize how much I missed out on as a teen by coming late to praise. And I learned, it's ultimately not about me.

So now, I make up for it almost weekly by helping lead others to "the throne room of God". I believe as a result, I have not only been called to use my gifts in many ways in and out of the church, but that God will continue to bless my work as long as He stays the focus.

So, if you ask me, why do I praise, I will tell you, It allows me to be intimate and experience God. What more could I ask for?