New Blog
Since February I have been developing a new blog. Something that is a little more professional than tumblr (which is still fun adding stuff on here).
I wrote a welcome message and linked a really funny something to it for your amusement.
Check it out:
Reflection
On the way back from church tonight from a worship leader’s meeting where I led a short time of worship, I was thinking back to when I arrived in the states last year.
I hadn’t led worship with a full band for about 7-8 months. I remember the first time I led at Rock and Restore, not having a clue how people would receive me or even understand me. In all honesty, I felt really nervous about leading. I wasn’t confident nor really sure how to lead people, particularly people I didn’t really know.
Now I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve lead worship; full band or solo, now good friends or completely new people. I’ve been opened to a massive amount of opportunities to develop my worship leading. For that I’m very thankful, as now I feel confident in what I’m supposed to be doing, which is to be more confident that God’s the one in control.
“You guys give up yet? Or are you thirsty for more?” Holiday Showdown Week: day1
Source: scottlava
Full moon. Half Moon. Total eclipse!
As I was writing out the title, I started by saying half way, then I remembered this advert! Good times.
It’s crazy to be where I am now - half way. The time of trying to be in the moment has passed; proper thought of the future is at hand. I can’t believe I’ve survived a semester of grad school! Praise the Lord!
I’m a planner. I like to have things planned ahead, so that I know what I’m doing - probably like most people. Over the last few years God has been helping me to let go of that a bit more so that I can enjoy spontaneity. The thing is, when you potentially have the wrath of the US government breathing down your neck (visa), you kinda need to plan ahead. The classic bit of scripture from Proverbs (The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.) is one that I have wrestled with. This tension of planning and letting go is one that will always be around.
O 2012, what exciting things are going to happen? Where will I be? What are you going to teach me…
This past weekend I had the privilege to co-lead worship with Dan at Harvest Naperville. It’s funny because I remember the day I came home from an SU camp in 2006 and said to my mum:
Mum, I want to buy a guitar so that I can play in the band next year.
Within about 3 weeks, my £60 guitar, or “the cheese wire” as I named it because it was so sore on my fingers, came in from ebay. I played the following year at camp.
It’s crazy to think how far I’ve come since 2006!
The Civil Wars
Last night was the first time I drove downtown, although it wasn’t quite down down downtown like to the loop, but to the Vic Theatre to see the Civil Wars. I was absolutely kacking it, however a couple of weeks before I had gone down with a friend to the same place to see David Crowder Band*. I love how God sometimes gives you this helping hand, some preparation. Going to see DCB, although I wasn’t driving, really helped.
So Alli and I arrive for our very much anticipated concert. Last summer when i was over, i heard about the civil wars when I was staying with someone, then told Alli about them - got us both hooked. Poison and wine which is pretty much their signature song became one of “our” songs, not in a romantic kinda way, just in a memories, mutual appreciate kind-of-a way. 
These guy were phenomenal. Mylo Green, the support act were really good as well!
I’ve got to say though, the chemistry between Joy and John Paul is kinda weird from them both being married….to other people.
None the less, i’ve you’ve never heard of them, grooveshark + the civil ward
Bonhoeffer
When I came home from doing some work at church on Friday, September 16, I found to my delight Bonheoffer by Eric Metaxas. My first reaction was that it was a lot thicker than I thought. Turned out that the first biography that I was going to read would be the longest book I’ve ever read, coming in at around 600 pages.
(n.b. I listened to most of the Harry Potter books on audio book).
Since then, by some devine blessing, I have been gripped by Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life. Reading of the selfless values that his parents disciplines into their children’s life, and how that played out in Bonhoeffer’s life - simply extraordinary. Hearing about audaciousness that we rarely hear of in the 21st century of people so humble and ferocious in fighting for the theology that they believe in.
Today, I closed the book without the bookmark - fin. I wish I could express all that has impacted me and what I have learned, but sadly I cannot.
In class I heard from one professor that to completely debrief a a mission’s trip, it takes a year. This has been almost a 2 month mission for me and will require a long time of debriefing and reflection. These pages will be finger printed for many years to come, the impact of which will effect the rest of my life.
I wholeheartedly encourage you to read this book!
There is something so incredibly powerful in the testimony of someone who has been gripped by the gospel.
10 months. Only the best for m’lady
I just wanted to put this one up cause she’s cute, and she’s my girlfriend :)
