My To-Do List

Hello Friends,

The big day is approaching. Tanya and I leave for Dallas, Tx in 4 days! We are almost done packing. Tanya has a lot of junk... I mean wonderful memories:) I think I have thrown away more than I have packed. It is kind of fun to go through all of my old stuff and then get rid of it. It is very freeing. 

We are currently in Simi Valley. We said goodbye to my mom last night. Tonight we are having dinner with some dear family friends in Thousand Oaks then head back to Irvine to finish packing. Honestly, I am getting a bit tired of saying goodbye. It makes me sad because I realize how many amazing people are in my life. It makes me kind of sad because it makes me realize how busy life gets and how relationships tend to be the first things to get left behind in the craziness of life. I hope that as I move to Texas I will continue to learn how important it is to make relationships a priority. Not work, or music but people. I want to invest in people more. If we are to truly spread the kingdom of God, the most effective way to do that is by investing in the people God puts in our lives. The programs are great, the jobs have to get done, the bills have to get paid but I pray that we learn that those are all secondary to the primary. That primary is people's souls. 

That has made me realize that the main person I forget about is Jesus. When the day gets crazy and the to-do list is longer than the minutes in the day I must confess that Jesus is the first one to go. I probably look at him more as a to-do list item than a life giving necessity. Everything flows from Him. Even when I take time to read his Word I feel like it is just another item I am checking off my list. A sermon I heard this week gave me a challenge. The teacher challenged us to simply read one of the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John this week Read it for the sake of getting to know the man and God we have in Jesus. Don't examine it, don't study it, just simply read it. I now pass that challenge on to you friends. I challenge all of us to invest more in people rather than programs and to-do lists. First, lets start with Jesus. He will give us the strength AND desire to accomplish this through the power of his Holy Spirit. This is not anything we can do on our own. We need his power and strength. 

On other news...

I just finished recording three new songs with the band. They are getting sent to New York to get mixed this week. We also had the awesome opportunity to record a sweet music video this past weekend. It is for the song "Common Ground." We are not sure what we are going to do with it all yet. We will probably build a site where you can download the songs and video in the next month or two. We are very proud of the three songs and cannot wait to share them with everyone. So, keep on the look out for that.

Again, I thank you all for the prayers as the faith in journey continues. 

In His Grip,

A

TEXAS HERE WE COME!!!!

Tanya and I leave in 8 days!!! Please be praying for us!

In The Studio

We are recording!!! On Saturday we laid down drums and some acoustic guitars. Ryan in laying down guitars as we speak. I think I am going to hit some vocals later:) 

We are working on three songs. They are "Common Ground", "God of Redemption" and "We Have Seen Your Glory." They are turning out great so far. My last project was fun because it was just Kelly and I recording all of it. But this time I have the full band in here and they are doing and amazing job. 

We are not to sure what we will do with it yet. We may build a site where you can download it. We may add to it in a few months. Who knows, this may turn into a whole new record! Either way what we are doing now sounds great. I can't wait  for all of you to hear it. 

I will post a video tomorrow. Blessings,

A

Hello friends,

It has been a while since I have posted anything. The band and I just got back from an amazing weekend in San Diego. We lead worship for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Pacific South West District Youth Gathering, AKA, LCMS PSW DYG, or simply, DYG.  Now that was a mouth full. Basically t was 500 high school students and adult leaders gathered at a sweet hotel in San Diego to worship Jesus and learn more about what it means to follow him while we are living in this world. 

The theme was "ONE." It was based off of Ephesians 4:4-6. The speaker was Travis Hartjen (you can check his blog out at www.unpavedjourney.com). He did an amazing job at bringing God's word to all of us. After each message I was thinking, "Man, he said it all, I don't even need to get up on that stage." But then I realized how easy it was to respond to Jesus after hearing from his word so clearly. The worship was so spirit filled. There where several times that the students kept sining long after the band had stopped playing. It was a very beautiful sound. 

Blessings,

A

Merry Christmas

Yes, I know! Thanksgiving has not even hit us let alone Christmas. I came across this video online from another blog. Check it out. Hopefully we can all start the Christmas season with the right idea this year. 

Shrimp Fest 08!

Last night was a glorious night to be had. My lovely lady, my self and my roommates and friends went to a very classy joint called Red Lobster. Now, I normally do not spend that kind of money on food but this was a special occasion friends. It was the famous SHRIMP FEST 2008!  We gorged our selves on all yo can eat shrimp for $16.99. We had Cajon shrimp, shrimp scampi, pasta and shrimp, coconut shrimp, and hand breaded shrimp. The record  of plates eaten was 12! I also paid my roommate Matt $5 to drink a saucer of left over garlic butter from the scampi. It was amazing. I almost chocked I was laughing so hard.  

Tim and me. Where very excited for our shrimp

Round 1. I was so happy! Tanya was excited for me.

She got hers next!

She is not so excited after 4 plates.

Good bye Red Lobster. Tell Shrimp Fest 2009!

Hello Friends,

Today is a gloomy summer day. It is hot and cloudy which just plays games with your mind and internal thermometer! Come on now! I have been fighting a cold the past few days which does not making singing easy or very fun. Tonight our high school group has our last bon fire of the summer. This will be the last time that I leave the beach smelling of smoke and mallows. It is bitter sweet. I must confess I will enjoy not smelling like a ball of smoke after enjoying the beach after this day. Well, I am off to take more drugs and sit in OC traffic. Blessings!

A