tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38096434061936564552024-03-12T20:23:05.944-07:00Out On The PorchJeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-89253460025680000452010-07-16T09:27:00.000-07:002010-07-16T09:27:44.541-07:00An Oak Tree In Late Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQNZA49LSEUuVtk0-HsNq-rvmcY88GfDbJ8S6eoIEuIWbxr4owJyBUUzuSeRV69NM5iRoAiCiMUiciCAisPV_HYuvTBvYxWoc_A9YA1jwQzE1gq1bjVEzEYXOZETqmWQqjTBCqEoeAVA/s1600/300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQNZA49LSEUuVtk0-HsNq-rvmcY88GfDbJ8S6eoIEuIWbxr4owJyBUUzuSeRV69NM5iRoAiCiMUiciCAisPV_HYuvTBvYxWoc_A9YA1jwQzE1gq1bjVEzEYXOZETqmWQqjTBCqEoeAVA/s1600/300.jpg" /></a></div>"...His (Christ) is the kindest, most patient, most steadfast and most conquering love" - Josh Rosenthal<br />
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I recently got back from a road trip/youth camp with some of my students through the Republic of Texas and pulled in my driveway to realize that the grass in my yard grows faster here in CO that it did in Lubbock. I just mowed right before I left (which was the 2nd mow in a week). I secretly suspect my neighbor of creating a hybrid fertilizer/steroid that he tests on my yard when I am gone...but that is beside the point.<br />
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I find it hard to mow because the motivation to mow is not there until I start to fear a notice from the HOA. I get easily distracted with the day to day things at the church that I let more of my free time activities slide away unnoticed. Writing this blog has been one of those activities that is an escape for me and I had lost the motivation to write anything because I am always looking ahead to the next thing on the calendar and do not take enough time to simply sit and reflect over the previous commitments that I have experienced. I am still trying to find time to mentally unpack and process all that I experienced in Costa Rica this summer with the Bribri people.<br />
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Sometimes something has to hit me over the head hard to reignite a passion such as writing blogs, running, or any other activity. Finally that motivation hit me when I checked my mailbox after returning from Texas. It was Josh Rosenthal's new book (also his first) <i>An Oak Tree Late In Winter (Ten Vignettes & A Triptych)</i>. I was excited to read the book knowing that Josh was flexing his creative muscle in a venue that is slightly foreign to him, and if any of you were wondering how well a musician could write a book let me tell you...very well. <br />
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Josh has a relaxed style that makes you feel less like you are reading a book and more like you are enjoying coffee with an old and intimate friend. I use the terms "old" and "intimate" for a reason. Josh has now reservation of being very familiar with his reader and letting you see not just his actions (rather heroic, selfish, or shameful) but he also allows the reader to have insight into his thought process while making these decisions. Josh does not set himself up to be the hero of his story, very often he is the antagonist raging against the mercies that are given to him by God.<br />
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I takes a lot of courage to be as vulnerable as Rosenthal is in this book. He is not censored, polished, or PC, instead he throws out the mask of having it all together and achieves something that is hard to do in the realm of Christianity and that is to be real.<br />
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Josh's story reads like a more relatable <i>Blue Like Jazz</i> because he does not deal with how things in the world affect him, but how he(we) live everyday in need of a grace that can transform how we view the world around us, rather that be the pain of a broken family, the cynicism of dealing with a religious subculture, or the apathy that calls us to numb ourselves to all of these feelings. Josh calls us to feel these things, to be honest about where we are, and to seek comfort in Christ and in His church.<br />
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This book is easily one of the most challenging books I have read, not in a way that pushes us to stop what we are doing and loading us up with guilt for doing it, but in a way that encourages me to seek vulnerability and community. It is clear when reading Josh's story and how it so closely mirrors my own story (not in names and places but in the need for real friendships and grace).<br />
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This book is about more than just a kid who moved from Fort Worth to Lubbock and then to Utah. It is a story about how God is directing our lives and showing us our need for Him. I feel like I could easily continue writing about this book until this review becomes unbearable to read so I will shut it off.<br />
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So to any of you reading this who are on the fence about rather to order this book let me strongly encourage you to. It is phenomenal, in fact I give it ten out of ten cross-stitched lions (this is a purposefully placed inside joke that you will not get unless you order this book...intriguing right?) <br />
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Also, to Josh, thank you for your willingness to be transparent and writing this book. It has encouraged me and challenged me more than most books or stories ever have. Your story is worth reading and it is exciting to see the masterpiece that God is painting with our pain.<br />
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One more note: If you visit Josh's online store <a href="http://joshrosenthal.bigcartel.com/">here</a> and use the promo code BLOG you can receive 10% off the book. You can order it by itself or with the albums that inspired this book or you can order it in pairs so you have one to give away to a friend who need to hear this story.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-15627253769394966402010-01-06T08:23:00.000-08:002010-01-06T08:23:19.287-08:00The Bible In 90 Days: Day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdO99kiB1a1DcegQffM6LWv5cDAgNVd7SJlPf7ZTP4nUzZzFaAgLLcSeyqSnRviRZ6Wd08gk-boOCXd3CiU33l1gPXcOOu0-8de6ogD0ixpMpDTkYmp0UIPMUtutaIPwWJ1jr3zf3Q0M/s1600-h/90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdO99kiB1a1DcegQffM6LWv5cDAgNVd7SJlPf7ZTP4nUzZzFaAgLLcSeyqSnRviRZ6Wd08gk-boOCXd3CiU33l1gPXcOOu0-8de6ogD0ixpMpDTkYmp0UIPMUtutaIPwWJ1jr3zf3Q0M/s320/90.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
</div>So I have decided to try to make this a semi-regular thing over the next 90 days. I am not promising that I will be posting these observations everyday, but as close as possible I will be...<br />
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That being said I hope that these observations can help you to realize all of the exciting things that take place in the bible are exciting and not in the least bit boring.<br />
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Observations from the reading for Day 2 (Gen 17:1-28:29):<br />
-God makes a covenant with Abram that involves circumcision<br />
-Abram takes all of his servants to get circumcised, I would not be excited to be one of his servants.<br />
-Abraham laughs when God tells him that he is going to have a kid<br />
-Abraham gets circumcised at the age of 99...crazy<br />
-God and to angels visit Abraham<br />
-A debate of 'did not/did to' breaks our between God and Sarah when she laughs over the idea of having a kid (which is apparently something that Abraham and Sarah had in common).<br />
-God does not display the best bargaining skills when Abraham is pleading for Sodom (50 righteous...how about 40....how about 30, 20, 10)<br />
-The men in Sodom have a MESSED UP welcome wagon going around...(i.e. trying to rape God and angels is not a great way to save your city)<br />
-Lot is willing to give up his daughter's virginity to the men of Sodom<br />
-Lot's wife turns into salt<br />
-Lot's daughters get him drunk to sleep with him...these story lines are better than most soap operas...pretty sure this movie would be rated R...adult themes and what not.<br />
-Abraham breaks out with the "wife is my sister" bit.<br />
-A very old lady gives birth to a son.<br />
-She laughs about having a kid again...this time not because of how ridiculous it sounds but out of joy.<br />
-Sarah sends away her servant and the kid she had with her husband.<br />
-When they were out of water God provided a well for them.<br />
-Abraham is willing to sacrifice his only son<br />
-God provides a ram for them<br />
-Abraham's wife dies and he refuses to take land for free<br />
-Rebekah gets a nose ring....'see mom, it's not a big deal' <br />
-Isaac and his wife have two sons....to say they had a rivalry is a understatement.<br />
-Their oldest son (Esau) is red and hairy....apparently a leprechaun.<br />
-Esau trades a his birthright for a cup of soup....hope is was good soup hairy man<br />
-Jacob steals the blessing from Isaac.<br />
-The blessing is a beautiful word that would make Shakespeare jealous.<br />
-He steals it my covering himself in goat hair....how hairy was this guy.<br />
-Jacob has a tripy dream involving a stairway to heaven...he calls the place "House of God"<br />
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If you have never read the Bible all the way through I hope you will join me for it.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-47834804905264986462010-01-04T09:44:00.000-08:002010-01-04T09:44:39.136-08:00Bible in 90 Days: Day 1Today I am starting out ona journey to read the Bible over a 90 Day period. Today was Day 1.<br />
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I read Genesis 1:1-16:16.<br />
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For those who do not think that the Bible is exciting, here is some of what happens in Day 1:<br />
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-Creation<br />
-Nudity<br />
-Naming Animals<br />
-People Fall In Love<br />
-A man writes a song for a woman (first love song written)<br />
-The fall<br />
-First fasion show (made of fig leaves...talk about living green)<br />
-A Game of hide and seek<br />
-People blaming others<br />
-First gospel presentation (Gen 3:15)<br />
-First sacrifice (3:21)<br />
-An angel with a sword that is on fire...sweet!<br />
-Sex<br />
-Murder<br />
-Someone becoming invincible (4:15)<br />
-Construction<br />
-The start of prayer (4:26)<br />
-Lots of baby making<br />
-Someone disappears (Enoch)<br />
-A man is named "Ham"...unfortunate<br />
-Lots of violence around the world (6:11)<br />
-Promise of destruction<br />
-40 day rain storm (must have been in Seattle)<br />
-Everyone but Noah and the animals drown...nust sure why this is a big story in children's church<br />
-First exclimation point in the Bible...right after an olive leaf<br />
-Noah loses his pet dove<br />
-Some of the animals on the ark are sacrificed (which is why he took 7 of those and not just two)<br />
-God promises seasons and harvest as long as the earth endures...which won't be forever<br />
-God tells Noah and his family to make more babies<br />
-A Rainbow<br />
-Noash gets drunk ans passes out naked<br />
-Someone else is named Nimrod...worse than Ham<br />
-God introduces a lot of new languages<br />
-The first construction site gets abandoned (Babel)<br />
-A Great promise is made to Abram<br />
-Abram obeyed immediately<br />
-A famine<br />
-Abram calims his wife is his sister...look like counseling for those two<br />
-Abram and Lot go in seperate directions<br />
-Abram becomes an action hero and rescues Lot<br />
-Abram tries to get a son through another woman...which he does...but that does not sway God's promise to him<br />
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I mean seriously....this is day 1. The bible is not boring<br />
89 days to go.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-83599935711916615162009-12-03T10:30:00.000-08:002009-12-03T10:32:07.979-08:00Josh Rosenthal - The Villages Suites. 10% Off All Josh Rosenthal Merchandise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://joshrosenthal.bigcartel.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img style="width: 374px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ipT_HhnX1UKW2WoO-MPqjopA1uuP-dp8CfUrv0TQp1JXXMzG5lDqgzBSFieBtnZGnnJtonKHXsL_vxCsTrdYf82ett0UDu_PY83alUl7UOucN3lg_RENj5t7jka6iZl2qVl2am6M4qY/s640/BigCartelHeader.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br />My friend, Josh Rosenthal, spent the last year developing a series of 4 CDs, ending with a Christmas album that just came out called For a Day (Pictured Below). This album is a perfect addition to Josh's previous Christmas album, Narratives.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3pn8Wy_FEW2o-6H-CJoe1kEPEftEIZExsvu5i0kGfN0f7lKt0MK6IFzySe9yuPK0J5gbrdWsbllanRpFcP_TfTr6gx-2rVz-piLjEUmScAxqPSZMetaO5RnqG5KYz3F3qUk5FdS5-N0/s1600/ForADay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3pn8Wy_FEW2o-6H-CJoe1kEPEftEIZExsvu5i0kGfN0f7lKt0MK6IFzySe9yuPK0J5gbrdWsbllanRpFcP_TfTr6gx-2rVz-piLjEUmScAxqPSZMetaO5RnqG5KYz3F3qUk5FdS5-N0/s320/ForADay.jpg" width="320" border="0" height="320" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The suite of CDs called Villages captures the idea of our need for connection with one another. The Villages Suite culminates with For a Day, an album where Josh spent one day collaborating with different artists for each song. </div><div> </div><div>Each of these albums is fantastic in their own way. Josh has really pulled out all of the stops to showcase his ability to craft excellent and meaningful songs in a variety of styles. He never sacrifices honest lyrics or musical integrity. I highly recommend the album 'Lonely Together'.<br /></div><div> </div><div>He has a variety of Christmas specials online with several CDs and t-shirt combinations. You can purchase them through his online store at <a href="http://joshrosenthal.bigcartel.com/" style="color: rgb(64, 100, 128);" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://joshrosenthal.bigcartel.com/">http://joshrosenthal.bigcartel.com</a>. He gave me a special promotional code for my friends and blog readers to get an extra 10% off. At checkout use <b>HOWIE</b> to get the discount. This would be a great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer idea. Everyone appreciates the gift of good music. You can click on the link here or at the banner at the top of this post.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is not something I am posting to get some returned favor down the road...it is because Josh is a very authentic individual and a great friend of mine. I could give you stories of Josh's generous and caring spirit, but it is all evident in the music the creates. So please check out his store and pick up a little something for friends, family, yourself, or you pet turtle that you named "Mother".</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks so much and Merry Christmas!<br /></div><div> </div><div style="color: rgb(80, 0, 80);"> <div>To preview his music go to his myspace at: <a href="http://www.myspace.com/joshrosenthal" style="color: rgb(64, 100, 128);" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://www.myspace.com/joshrosenthal">http://www.myspace.com/joshrosenthal</a></div><div> </div><div>To purchase his music with my promotional code go to: <a href="http://joshrosenthal.bigcartel.com/" style="color: rgb(64, 100, 128);" target="_blank" title="blocked::http://joshrosenthal.bigcartel.com/">http://joshrosenthal.bigcartel.com/</a></div></div>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-53486143549196520112009-11-19T08:34:00.001-08:002009-11-19T08:34:43.664-08:00Caliente DogI know it's been over a month but this is what I have been spending time doing<br />
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<object height="300" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/322726440857" /><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/322726440857" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="300"></embed></object>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-74078933606109554102009-10-12T10:10:00.000-07:002009-10-12T10:10:54.265-07:00Josh Rosenthal - Lonely TogetherJosh Rosenthal is about to release his 3rd release in a 4 part series known as the Village Suite. This third EP is entitled "Lonely Together" and is by far the best of the three that have been release so far.<br />
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I know I tend to say that Josh's albums are better than their predecessors but it is true. Josh continues to excel as a songwriter and musician.<br />
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This album kicks off with the album version of "Amy Please" which I will spare you the write up on it because I discussed this great song one my review of Josh's "Overture EP".<br />
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The second song on the album is by far my favorite Rosenthal track "Leave". This song starts out with a catchy riff that reminds me of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's album "Howl". This bluesy song is very strong lyrically reminding us that our problem will not go away just because we do. This is evident in lines like "maybe it's not where I am that hurts so bad, maybe it's not much geography". This song is brutally honest (which is all Josh knows how to write) and is a refreshing song that showcases a new style to Josh's body of work.<br />
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The album then does into "No More Lies" which was co-penned with Josh Wilson and offers the guest vocals of Alli Rogers which sound fantastic alongside Josh's voice. This song is about the importance and power of the vows made between a couple, that they will not be broken if the couple takes them seriously no matter what the other person brings in. It is a plea for total honesty between two people and a deceleration of unwavering love. It is a beautiful song and is one of the slower songs on the album<br />
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The album picks up again with the song 'You Followed Me". A song about a God who pursues us even when we make the decision to start to walk down our own path. This song has a little bit of a Fray sound in the chorus which is incredibly catchy and is prone to get stuck in your head. This is a great reminder about how great our God is in His love for us. This song is upbeat and a would highly recommend it. This is probably my 3rd favorite song on the album behind "Leave" and "Amy, Please".<br />
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The album starts to take a more mellow turn with "Take It Away" which is a song that reminds me of Paul's pleading for God to take away the thorn in his side. This song is one that grows on you with repeat listens. This song is Josh at his most honest and transparent. For those of you who struggle with community or letting people get close to speak truth into your life I would HIGHLY recommend this song for you.<br />
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The album closes out with a remake of one of Josh''s older songs "Going Home" which first appeared on his "Anatomy of Healing EP". It is a song about being apart from the one you love and being excited about returning to that person. This version is much better than they original with better recording, production, and an additional 3 years of experience under Josh's belt as a performer.<br />
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I can not tell you how great this album is, I can only encourage you to go and buy it tomorrow when it comes out on itunes at midnight EST.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-9869313749645340582009-09-23T13:39:00.000-07:002009-09-23T13:41:58.297-07:00Partnerslast night we had the privilege of partnering with 7 other youth groups in the Aurora areas and hosted a See You At The Pole rally at New Life.<br /><br />It was great on several fronts...<br /><br />-We had over 150 students there to get excited about See You At The Pole<br /><br />-We kicked off an on campus bible study group to equip and encourage our students to be missionaries on their campus.<br /><br />-I got to see one of our former students do an incredible job in leading people in worship.<br /><br />-We got to see God moving among a group of students and seeing what can happen when ministries put down ownership of ministry and start actually doing ministry together.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-57172660648930694622009-09-16T13:48:00.000-07:002009-09-16T13:48:45.370-07:00Even The Strongest HeroJosh Rosenthal's second album in The Village Suite series released yesterday on itunes as well on his own website.<br />
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Much like the Overture -EP this EP is 5 songs, however these songs are just Josh and a guitar. After a string of albums with a full band Josh has brought it back to the simple (although tougher) format of a voice, a guitar, and a microphone.<br />
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Even The Strongest Hero is a great album that is worth repeats listens.<br />
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The album starts out with "Alone" a up front attack on the John Wayne mentality that is still so prevalent in our culture. Josh creatively and clearly builds up the idea that we were created for community and to purposefully remove ourselves from culture is to go against "what is written on our souls" I actually used this song last night as I closed out our series on relationships, reminding students that all of our relationships are important for our growth in Christ.<br />
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The second track "Change" has some creative world play comparing spare change to the change we all desire in our lives, also the idea of a wishing well making us well. This song is a reminder that it is OK to not be OK, it is OK to be yourself. Although it means accepting our faults. This is a simple song with a simple picking pattern, it is not quite as technical as some of Josh's other songs, but still possesses a nice melody that works well with the sound of the song.<br />
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Josh then brings it down a notch with "Inside Asleep" which is a honest song about the struggles of living a life of faith when you sometimes feel that Jesus is "inside asleep" much like on the boat in the sea of Galilee. This song is quiet, slow, but full of technical riffs mixed in. This, to me, is vintage Rosenthal and is my second favorite track on the album behind "Alone".<br />
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"Better Man" is a solid love song that speaks the truth that any man has felt when they find a woman how is patient with them and shows mercy on more that one occasion.<br />
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The album ends with a cover of "Will You Remember Me". I was honestly expecting there to be a little bit of a cheesy feel to the song since it has been used in so many graduation slide shows over the years, but Josh does a great job of making the song feel sincere which is a feat for any song that has been overused in different venues.<br />
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It's only $4.95 on iTunes....so I will obviously recommend the whole album. If you are so cheap that you will not give Josh more than $2 of your money then at least buy the following songs...<br />
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Songs to Download Immediately:<br />
-Alone<br />
-Inside AsleepJeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-78061529684818829622009-09-14T13:14:00.000-07:002009-09-14T13:14:01.111-07:00Baron Batch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCkLNt9rPZR5yFqH9WByJqpE0zZZx2vG7C-D-05Ll06f5giMvMVkFef9jw6W5D0ww9anAVQKbEk-yb1Bf-VXmtt8Xac9Z4O-6p96iL-CmVWVFCf2PYcyXiGtFFPyGW4BiJG_USiL_obs/s1600-h/216468_G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCkLNt9rPZR5yFqH9WByJqpE0zZZx2vG7C-D-05Ll06f5giMvMVkFef9jw6W5D0ww9anAVQKbEk-yb1Bf-VXmtt8Xac9Z4O-6p96iL-CmVWVFCf2PYcyXiGtFFPyGW4BiJG_USiL_obs/s320/216468_G.jpg" /></a></div>As you probably know I am a big Texas Tech fan. Growing up in the great town of Lubbock it was hard not to be. <br />
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Well recently I came acoss this nifty little blog that Baron Batch (Texas Tech Running Back) keeps up with. It is great to see a great player who has a great heart communicating this way.<br />
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As a youth pastor it makes it even more encouraging to hear this guy giving glory to God and encouraging others in their faith. You would expect a a gifted college athlete to be a little bit arrogant but there is not even a hint of it in his blog. Check out his more recent blog where he encourages us to not be afraid of praying for God to do big things. It is as if he is reading Francis Chan's newest book "Forgotten God" which I highly recommend<br />
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<a href="http://baronbatch.blogspot.com/2009/09/layin-in-bed.html">Baron Batch's Blog</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWVKjEsPXvWLLUvt1QOkvnpbAjj5vu9DhVeaBThygeVF0CLvXSC4FzGqg6zcIjJdumYdkOSqmYbsEmwdZ9oJ98ng0fbY-oFfaGJKG34Wpo3grxqE4bpsuz1ZkztEZtuyHulr7Z5NsiFU/s1600-h/520x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWVKjEsPXvWLLUvt1QOkvnpbAjj5vu9DhVeaBThygeVF0CLvXSC4FzGqg6zcIjJdumYdkOSqmYbsEmwdZ9oJ98ng0fbY-oFfaGJKG34Wpo3grxqE4bpsuz1ZkztEZtuyHulr7Z5NsiFU/s320/520x.jpg" /></a></div>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-88861785434822592862009-09-09T14:57:00.000-07:002009-09-09T14:57:12.557-07:00Josh Rosenthal - Overture EPI know I am a little late on this review since the album actually came out last month but it is still worth reviewing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Tmfk3_qBnILI9ndkyhWLhf-dFXDyVsp1baE21bJwN3hwXNdVhz39SX2MZK33rkRimW2UVLwt_nQAGUGbLZsY8RIEN5o2-0AQ02iaqZnF-AREV3OmCMYmVbrhEuIUeqbtfAW-QlEhybA/s1600-h/album1final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Tmfk3_qBnILI9ndkyhWLhf-dFXDyVsp1baE21bJwN3hwXNdVhz39SX2MZK33rkRimW2UVLwt_nQAGUGbLZsY8RIEN5o2-0AQ02iaqZnF-AREV3OmCMYmVbrhEuIUeqbtfAW-QlEhybA/s320/album1final.jpg" /></a></div>Josh Rosenthal's "Overture" EP is the first of four volumes in what is being referred to as 'The Villiage Suite" series. This first album offers a small taste of what is to come from each of the next volumes which are set to release once a month for the next three months (vol. 2 which is entitled "Even The Strongest Hero" drops this coming Tuesday, Sept. 15th).<br />
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Like each of Josh's albums Overture is more diverse, mature, and better produced than each of it's predecessors.<br />
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This album starts off with what might be one of the best songs Rosenthal has written yet "Amy, Please" which chronicles the night that Josh discovered that his parents were getting divorced. This songs features a full band and is a more upbeat tune, especially considering the subject matter. This song has a diverse and changing tempo which makes it interesting to listen to, in a good way. The instruments are well mixed and showcase Rosenthal's talent to peice multiple instruments into a songs while mainting a beauitful sound.<br />
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Following this track is the song "All That Matters" which is a song featuring Josh and a piano. This song is from the point of view of a young man thinking back on his grandfather's life. From a musical standpoint it is not the strongest song on the album, but features a simple and beautiful piano piece and still causes the listener to consider the life that they are leaving, this is a challenge for most any artist whether they are a musician, painter, preacher, author, or poet. The lyrics remind me a little bit of a Cormac McCarthy novel put to music<br />
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The third track is another stripped down song featuring Josh;s voice and acoustic guirar. It is a song that reminds me of Josh getting back to what drew me to him as a songwriter. Honest lyrics and a guitar. Although this song is less technical than his earlier songs it is still very well crafted. It is a songs about the dangers of being alone and pushing people away.<br />
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The fourth track is a cover of the old spiritual "Down To The River To Pray" which is one of the most amazing tracks that Josh has released. The song is sung accapella which seems like it should be out of place for a songwriter who is such a skilled musician but Rosenthal pulls this off in an incredible way. I would put this version tow to toe with Alison Kraus' version any day.<br />
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The final track is an acoustic version of "Amy, Please" which is well preformed. I won't spend a lot of time going over this track since I did that earlir in the post.<br />
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Once again Josh has release and exceptional album. It is short but still packs a punch and merits repeat listens on my itunes. It is only available on itunes so I highly suggest you get on there and purchase it or else you are just cheating yourself.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-81624947173341353442009-09-02T09:19:00.000-07:002009-09-02T09:19:15.111-07:00Say What You MeanI feel like lately I have been seeing a lot of "touch feely" talk to advertise what is supposed to be Christian events. I am finding it a bit more frustrating the more I see them.<br />
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I understand that "church talk" can turn people off to events or even conversations with people, but at the same time cheesy fluff does the same thing. For example I saw an event on facebook that is hosted by a Christian ministry that stated "I know our hearts have been on some exciting journeys over the summer, come to our bbq so we can discuss the journey of our hearts and how we have been impacted by the events that cross our journeys. Let us all respect each other's journeys and spend the night in conversation".<br />
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I have absolutely now idea what they are talking about. Are they saying "we are getting together to talk about what God is doing in our lives"? It seems like that would be a fantastic idea. It is important to discuss what God has been doing in our lives.<br />
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I think I am just getting a little weary of the shift we are making from naming the driving force in our lives (Jesus) and instead talking about how we are having different "heart journeys" (this is just an example of it).<br />
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I don't say this to gripe about what other's are doing so much as to encourage anyone who reads this to not be afraid to say what it is that is working in your life. Let's put a name to the thing we have put our faith in. Let us not water down the message of Jesus to make an event seem more open than it is. This does not mean just talk as though you are holier than thou...but be real. Be authentic about who you trust in. Let us not be afraid to say the name "Jesus"...even at our "Christian" events.<br />
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I feel like we at times can lose the truth of the freedom that is found in Jesus' name. I feel it is summed well in David Crowder's version of "For A Thousand Tongues To Sing" where he writes the extra bridge that says "There are so few words that never get old...Jesus"<br />
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Let us content for the faith that has been handed down to the saints (this is from Jude...not as in "Hey Jude" but the book of the Bible).<br />
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Anyway, just my thoughts. I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but if I do feel free to make the following statement to me...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoTfnWgpQXYBkpa_VUbUVtEvzuzUbtDxcYuN2Sqz-fFXrrtV7TrvVAvqIkyFLnzeELQV2w0KBmzgA7t6PBnRY6WD7I-k5KvKuPmeRATgnNYFYzD2wbu3zxl639bHhE6nrGti-r6el3mI/s1600-h/costanza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoTfnWgpQXYBkpa_VUbUVtEvzuzUbtDxcYuN2Sqz-fFXrrtV7TrvVAvqIkyFLnzeELQV2w0KBmzgA7t6PBnRY6WD7I-k5KvKuPmeRATgnNYFYzD2wbu3zxl639bHhE6nrGti-r6el3mI/s320/costanza.jpg" /></a></div>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-30296675088735790482009-08-18T15:03:00.000-07:002009-08-18T15:03:42.653-07:00Road Trip MusicThe key to a good road trip mix is a variety of songs and styles that keep you awake/spur conversation/are funto listen to. Here is a imix I made on itunes. Check it out, feel free to rate it so that more people will see it...this will also help get my friend Josh Rosenthal's name out there. The other music is good as well.<br />
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<div style="position:relative;"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewIMix?id=327810461&s=143441&v0=575" target="_self"><img src="http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/spacer.gif" border="0" width="60" height="60" style="position:absolute; top:30px; left:12px;"/></a><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewIMix?id=327810461&s=143441&v0=575" target="_self"><img src="http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/spacer.gif" border="0" width="200" height="20" style="position:absolute; top:30px; left:75px;"/></a><a href="itms://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/publishedPlayListHelp?v0=575" target="_self"><img src="http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/spacer.gif" border="0" width="175" height="20" style="position:absolute; top:295px; left:65px;"/></a><embed src="http://ax.itunes.apple.com/flash/feedreader.swf" FlashVars="host=http://ax.itunes.apple.com&feed=WebObjects/MZStoreServices.woa/ws/RSS/imix/html=false/imixid=327810461/sf=143441/xml?v0=575" quality="high" salign="lt" wmode="transparent" width="300" height="330" name="feedreader" align="top" allowScriptAccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" ></embed></div>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-21913165344709990712009-08-17T11:18:00.000-07:002009-08-17T11:18:26.214-07:00The choice has been made....Last week I asked what I should buy tomorrow (Aug 18th) and that answer has been found...<br />
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I will buy Josh Rosenthal's new album "Overture" which is vol. 1 of the Villages Suite series.<br />
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I knew this is what I would buy anyway but to sure up that decision was listening to the new single from that album on Josh's myspace...check it out... <a href="http://www.myspace.com/joshrosenthal">Amy, Please</a>. It is fantastice.<br />
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I am also going to buy Aaron Hale's new album...he is a friend from the Lubbock days and it will also be available via itunes...I think.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-1451669728727873342009-08-12T09:20:00.000-07:002009-08-12T09:20:05.875-07:00Next TuesdayWe are buying a house which means that I have to cut back on CD/DVD buying and next Tuesday is going to be a hard day. There are three things coming out that I want...<br />
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1. Josh Rosenthal - The Village Suites vol. 1<br />
2. Scrubs - The 8th season<br />
3. The Simpsons - The 12th Season.<br />
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If anyone has any extra money they want to donate to my fund of getting and of these feel free, in the meantime let me know what I should get first.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-9625540007589393322009-07-21T14:07:00.000-07:002009-07-21T14:07:45.712-07:00Happy DaysSo it is has been a good week. We have started looking for a house, the middle school pastor is a week and I am enjoying working with him, I am listening to Danielson, I found the last orange tootsie roll in the office, and tonight is CREW.<br />
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I will be leaving on Friday to go on our Senior Escape retreat. I absolutely love this retreat. It is a time to reflect back on the years that these students have been in CREW and talk a bout some of those special moments. We then turn our eyes to the future and plan ways to have more students impacted by those special moments.<br />
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It is also another way to remind this next year's seniors that they are the leadership of CREW. It gives them ownership of this ministry and reminds them that they are ministers in their own life and that this is their ministry. <br />
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It is going to be a great trip and I am very much looking forward to it.<br />
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Please be praying for it.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-89343362459580736882009-07-02T10:15:00.000-07:002009-07-02T10:15:49.382-07:00Interview With Josh Rosenthal<div class="entry"> <div class="snap_preview">I have been blessed with many good friendships over the years. A surprising number of these good friends include people named Josh. Josh Holder, Josh Shetter, Josh Hamilton (ok I don't really know Josh Hamilton). Among this list is Lubbock born singer/songwriter Josh Rosenthal. Josh is based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. Josh is a great musician, clog dancer, and friend.<br />
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He recently asked me to send him a short list of questions answer for a series of interviews he is posting on his blog. I have the interview listed below, or you can follow the link to his blog to read it there with his picture waving above it.<br />
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From: <a href="http://joshrosenthal.net/2009/07/01/interview-3-with-jeff-howard/">http://joshrosenthal.net/2009/07/01/interview-3-with-jeff-howard/</a> <br />
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Of all the people I stay in touch with regularly, Jeff Howard (and maybe Zak) have been in the picture the longest. Jeff has done a lot to give me hope as a performing songwriter/entertainer/blah blah blah. When he lived in Richardson, Texas he let me play for the youth group of which was in charge. Now he’s in Denver doing what he does best at New Life Evangelical Free Church. At my request, Jeff sent over a few questions. <br />
<strong>Who/what are your biggest influences when it comes to songwriting? Also, be sure to use the words “banana”, “marsupial”, and “license plate” in your answer.</strong><br />
My number one influence is a group named “March of the Marsupials”. They were a group of program guys at a Young Life camp I played at in Colorado. Ghoti Hook’s album “Banana Man” also changed my life in a really anticlimactic way. I considered getting a vanity license plate that said GO T HOOK. It was that good.<br />
My other influences are Paul Simon, John Mayer, Grey’s Anatomy, So You Think You Can Dance, Salt Lake City sunsets, interaction between generations.<br />
<strong>You have had a series of songs that you played live for awhile that never made it to a recording such as “prize fighter” and “trip the light fantastic”, what was your reason for abandoning these songs or will they end up on another recording in the future?<br />
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I can’t believe you remember those songs. I vaguely remember “trip the light fantastic” but “prize fighter” is buried too deep. When a song doesn’t resonate with me, I figure it doesn’t resonate with anybody so I get rid of it. If I can’t believe what I’m singing, how can you? If people are not identifying with my lyrics, then most likely I’ll never hear or see them again. I think those songs never really attached themselves to my overarching message.<br />
<strong>What was the worst date that you have ever been on?<br />
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The time you, Zak White and I watched Spice World. Your mom walked in and really made it awkward for everyone involved.<br />
<strong>When we were younger we got together and watched “Spice World” at my house, are you proud of this or are you embarrassed that I brought it up?<br />
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Proud/embarrassed. Proud that I’ve seen a movie that so heavily influenced our culture and my decision-making abilities. Embarrassed that I had to watch it with you.<br />
<strong>There has been a slight backlash to your song “Gotta Get Out” from people in Lubbock. Do you think the backlash was a lack of understanding of the song or jealousy because you got out and they are still there?<br />
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Steering clear of that one.<br />
<strong>Speaking of Lubbock, which is known for it’s fine eating establishments, what is your favorite restaurant in Lubbock?<br />
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I miss Rosa’s most of all. There’s nothing Tex-Mex in Salt Lake City. Too bad.<br />
<strong>You have a reputation for being a brutally honest songwriter, do you ever feel the temptation to write songs that are not based on truth or your experiences?<br />
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Yeah. Those songs usually don’t last very long. Like the one’s above, they hinged more on a cool lyric than on a universal emotion or struggle. Honest songs are the best because more than likely I’m not alone in my struggle. A lot of people can identify with the way I hurt or the way I celebrate.<br />
<strong>What is the best song ever and why?<br />
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Good question. To answer that, I’ll consult iTunes to see the long I’ve listened to the most…<br />
…Looks like it’s “Restless” by Alison Krauss. 26 times in the past few months. I’ve put that song on repeat because I love the melody and background vocals. Bigger than that, I love the concept of restlessness. We all feel it, but only Alison Krauss can sing about it like that.<br />
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Thanks for reading the interview and be sure to check out Josh's new albums which will be released periodically throughout the year!<br />
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It is not the biggest that i have been a part of, but still crazy.<br />
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It starts tomorrow.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ3hDiEkJWznIydBn21FqX6koYsKPaPxvNkF-X6otz2-3EH_QC4tZ2xrjBwx656VwArxVZgu6AVJ-O_GUK6Tweu0goK6Ppz-s-NSEeXheioifBC4EmqtFRxDV5jofgoTrji99KcunTtw/s1600-h/IMG_7604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ3hDiEkJWznIydBn21FqX6koYsKPaPxvNkF-X6otz2-3EH_QC4tZ2xrjBwx656VwArxVZgu6AVJ-O_GUK6Tweu0goK6Ppz-s-NSEeXheioifBC4EmqtFRxDV5jofgoTrji99KcunTtw/s400/IMG_7604.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zNKy2mbFImAmDZwdq2peMYh6QIl44xvF1kw76s_b9O25LREG7QMtWcQPb8nOMhsTpsZ3UXVQomSxIz1bB4UJOL859QVDCTMAHrS8drXNBKV6cP-UNvUJebtnvZ0YrdAiowQGX1yuMlI/s1600-h/IMG_7609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zNKy2mbFImAmDZwdq2peMYh6QIl44xvF1kw76s_b9O25LREG7QMtWcQPb8nOMhsTpsZ3UXVQomSxIz1bB4UJOL859QVDCTMAHrS8drXNBKV6cP-UNvUJebtnvZ0YrdAiowQGX1yuMlI/s400/IMG_7609.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpR74ZLOj_Jzd6YegD7DK9EHhchANJstLwcY14e3xrJE450k2v5Q8QIkcw1e4NEbwQcmQSqPFFAgekUUSpuJpRk2Uns6Uj6fP2damZ5-XNtycEKZIZArLaffTzNUhb26PC6UAaZQDxgDE/s1600-h/IMG_7608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpR74ZLOj_Jzd6YegD7DK9EHhchANJstLwcY14e3xrJE450k2v5Q8QIkcw1e4NEbwQcmQSqPFFAgekUUSpuJpRk2Uns6Uj6fP2damZ5-XNtycEKZIZArLaffTzNUhb26PC6UAaZQDxgDE/s400/IMG_7608.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXN4j2K_cQigWxfblS1nAGMUD9nJsSIg-OEqpARvDAYSCeAwpK9iL2Re8vSvSmRIRD4I4gfw4B7mZXlrboN3b0sg1im4-ait3LpUsBerRGeVfB3-NuyAPfhzr0lw1FX1Jnbdqz0QNaHWI/s1600-h/IMG_7579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXN4j2K_cQigWxfblS1nAGMUD9nJsSIg-OEqpARvDAYSCeAwpK9iL2Re8vSvSmRIRD4I4gfw4B7mZXlrboN3b0sg1im4-ait3LpUsBerRGeVfB3-NuyAPfhzr0lw1FX1Jnbdqz0QNaHWI/s400/IMG_7579.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-zN_wiSC9BmhboDjSetip7RruU-Q1wC4RAuVQ2gAAJ0NVpCjeXgwdh0znRpduYPc5-Al89X76mtd_rHG6PFuGjSkgmlEZW65s322LpBLH6QrQVxVAJYea-4ZPC2_vKQQ1stXd4ItVrs/s1600-h/car2%5B2%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJWOuac4B96d8DYdQobeNI8u0gMpw81UDLrrog7g08InHB7TKoBRijaXUON8vxI0NgMDFFliABBaatsnDqzXXmADsAoQnsUmskyE4xLtJRWQo5qOprDe9vTguLscSLqSzIDPhNKpnJtY/s400/IMG_7578.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkisJWXkOKkbXIne3TUnTjm1_NZEcbtVF7BZCX6PhxSL8Mh-d7_HSrWbpmr6uyxcvgdWluxkuye38kCg6qn-EDQadVaBL2AXYVbOTTLGKhGb5EC6SOhcCI61CT9cl4QuMzOC4pg0EcSLo/s1600-h/IMG_7605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkisJWXkOKkbXIne3TUnTjm1_NZEcbtVF7BZCX6PhxSL8Mh-d7_HSrWbpmr6uyxcvgdWluxkuye38kCg6qn-EDQadVaBL2AXYVbOTTLGKhGb5EC6SOhcCI61CT9cl4QuMzOC4pg0EcSLo/s400/IMG_7605.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These were taken on Wed., we have a lot more stuff than this now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Ridiculous.</div>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-48199785392146855962009-04-23T11:19:00.000-07:002009-04-23T11:19:13.398-07:00SPLASH!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnDTMLo8IyZPgk7ljs0AzZvzN_w_SJqCES2I27mDYRpu6FYJWHhFDxBhiZnd0Otqcz8VWNMuSH76xCCXcAZwEGSNICnL7J4i3paOAMwv6Cqj_GwK0nvY1aSJqXeLTyKfihwMKoA2cpW4/s1600-h/Splash+-+Title+Slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnDTMLo8IyZPgk7ljs0AzZvzN_w_SJqCES2I27mDYRpu6FYJWHhFDxBhiZnd0Otqcz8VWNMuSH76xCCXcAZwEGSNICnL7J4i3paOAMwv6Cqj_GwK0nvY1aSJqXeLTyKfihwMKoA2cpW4/s320/Splash+-+Title+Slide.jpg" /></a></div>I have just recently started a new series with my students at CREW. On Tuesdays nights we are going through a serires called Splash, and we are discussing what the students can do to make a splash in their worlds.<br />
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I am hoping to take a few weeks to discuss what makes us as Christians different from the rest of the world, and how we can use those differences in a way that expresses love and grace and judgementalism or legalism.<br />
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So far we have discussed the Resurrection (kind of our Easter thing) and then next week we are talking about having a New Master and no long being a slave to sin but a slave to righteousness.<br />
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I plan on having a week where we discuss the gospel and how that is tied into the Great Commission as well as a week that is devoted to helping the students develop what their testimony is and how to tell it to others.<br />
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Through the course of studying for this series it has filled me with a sense of urgency in how I approach those around me in regards to how I live out my faith. I am hoping that this series will build on the idea that we are to live lives that are constantly "on mission".<br />
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If any of you have some stories of what it has looked like in your life to live "on mission" I would love to hear them. I am hoping to be able to share some stories of other Christians who are sharing their faith with those that they come in contact with.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-26452481594790918762009-04-07T06:27:00.000-07:002009-04-07T06:27:00.927-07:0092.93On my ESPN bracket I was in the 92.93% for the country. Not too bad, however I was still ranked in the 300,000s in the country.<br />
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There are a lot of people that use ESPN for their bracket.<br />
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I was boosted since I chose UNC to win it all. Way to go Tar Heels.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-69908661174681934512009-03-30T18:33:00.000-07:002009-03-30T18:33:32.052-07:0030:30Right now I am sitting in a coffee shop waiting for Aaron (the Denver Seminary student I mentor) to show up. I have been working on a book(let) that I am writing for the students in CREW. It is basically a 30 day challenge to spend 30 minutes a day with God.<br />
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The book will take the students through then entire gospel of John during these 30 days along with some suggested topics of prayer and some interpersonal questions for the students to think about. I am personally really excited about this challenge and I am praying that we will have many students partake in this. It is my home that this 30 day challenge will be something that will be habit forming (like cigarettes, but in a way that doesn't cause cancer).<br />
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If you have any desire to look at this book when I am done with it and possible use it with your group let me know.<br />
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It has been challenging for me in how I view Jesus as well as his ministry.<br />
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Hopefully the students that do this will end up with a relationship with Jesus that is deeper than ever. That they will grow to trust a Jesus that is not a white, republican, gay-bashing version that is paraded around far too often but rather be challenged by the Jesus that is fully God and fully man who changed teh course of history for his father's glory.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-28898155936220968182009-03-28T12:13:00.000-07:002009-03-28T12:13:58.953-07:00Work & RestIt seems to me that a lot of the blogs and articles I read about ministry or theology seem to telling us that we have to be working 24/7 in order to make a difference. That if we were to take any time for ourselves that we are sinning or worse being unproductive.<br />
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It makes me wonder what these people think of the sabbath.<br />
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It makes me wonder what these people would say when it has been proven that those people who take one day off a week to refresh are actually more productive than those who do not.<br />
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Taking time to refresh is a crucial part of ministry, if we do not have a day to relax, go hiking, spend time with family, watch a movie, or nap then we are going to burn out, plain and simple.<br />
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I have also gotten the impression from some of these writers that if we are not working then we are worthless. I worry about this approach a great deal because Christianity is a relationship with Christ, a relationship that we do not deserve, a relationship that we can never earn. But that is not what is being communicated. We are communicating that if people don't work their butts off everyday then they are not worthy, they are wasting our time. This is fo far from the idea of Christianity and grace.<br />
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I think we should all strive to be more productive, to work harder, to do our best, but I do not think that translates into working more often, just smarter.<br />
<br />
Let's be careful that the quality of work we do represents Christ, but lets also make sure that the way we work represents Christ. Not the idea that we have to earn something, but the idea we have been given something we can never earn.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-35362898698888773792009-03-26T13:36:00.000-07:002009-03-26T14:39:39.158-07:00Top 20 AlbumsThe other day my friend Michael sent me an email asking me what my 20 favorite albums were. I started typing an email back to him, but I thought I would post them on here so people who seem to have similar music taste to mine might have a few new albums to check out.<br /><br />You may like these, you may hate these, but here are my 20 favorite albums of all time.<br /><br />20. Radiohead - The Bends<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Xw6ohp9Kwj52b6ooYIv3i1MuYh68QPteGzsFokpxgB0uijg4ysli9azFJVKrylfi-RQCSu9UwoKuTkuN9yEjcymPxn4pIhYmJuuq4ucDzZsr7FA9UT5Atx7sbjaNpcU16zdv7anu4NE/s1600-h/radiohead.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Xw6ohp9Kwj52b6ooYIv3i1MuYh68QPteGzsFokpxgB0uijg4ysli9azFJVKrylfi-RQCSu9UwoKuTkuN9yEjcymPxn4pIhYmJuuq4ucDzZsr7FA9UT5Atx7sbjaNpcU16zdv7anu4NE/s400/radiohead.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317613948496497186" border="0" /></a>19. Green Day - Kerplunk<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0xAYVGC_fXgD3SlZb0nvGHoBwdJT31Plmi3mU3h8hmjiHVO59yBbxSEzye0hOST9nfG0ZFjT_2MODySji0wvZp4K4AwaxdnoRexSU2Blqf2NCCtkfXfK9pn6oYZzU-UbQIgpOTqcINg/s1600-h/Green+Day+-+Kerplunk+%5Bthevir.blogspot.com%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0xAYVGC_fXgD3SlZb0nvGHoBwdJT31Plmi3mU3h8hmjiHVO59yBbxSEzye0hOST9nfG0ZFjT_2MODySji0wvZp4K4AwaxdnoRexSU2Blqf2NCCtkfXfK9pn6oYZzU-UbQIgpOTqcINg/s400/Green+Day+-+Kerplunk+%5Bthevir.blogspot.com%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317613766817905362" border="0" /></a>18. The Decemberists - Her Majesty<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wg8QmuoR26CSXjmv4JsmAAf_V4aAjAoLOIiwRDsNYtCC7RIPm0MCZm3nolh70ZzGdMAiT2Ji6iR-sTfSeOdV-x7RxUbjsqaQ_jMUkJwv95CzTY69FiCUTa5HcoVONv2DRXbqlOl7XRk/s1600-h/The_Decemberists-Her_Majesty_The_Decemberists-Frontal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wg8QmuoR26CSXjmv4JsmAAf_V4aAjAoLOIiwRDsNYtCC7RIPm0MCZm3nolh70ZzGdMAiT2Ji6iR-sTfSeOdV-x7RxUbjsqaQ_jMUkJwv95CzTY69FiCUTa5HcoVONv2DRXbqlOl7XRk/s400/The_Decemberists-Her_Majesty_The_Decemberists-Frontal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317613591640251890" border="0" /></a>17. U2 - Achtung Baby<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrTEjcfhzVfULk_4ua04SFWROyXGiMdB5Qof66gAlO-MR0qVBciV44fU-1QDXFPV0NsTdE8vER0UQXnHAQG7VSRpJaJkGeBS13OugonWfTHYUSZ_oW1qn0-7xUxvpSLfc9CwyP_8c6XQ/s1600-h/U2_AchtungBaby_eu_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrTEjcfhzVfULk_4ua04SFWROyXGiMdB5Qof66gAlO-MR0qVBciV44fU-1QDXFPV0NsTdE8vER0UQXnHAQG7VSRpJaJkGeBS13OugonWfTHYUSZ_oW1qn0-7xUxvpSLfc9CwyP_8c6XQ/s400/U2_AchtungBaby_eu_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317613436974122450" border="0" /></a>16. Sufjan Stevens - Come On Feel The Illinoise<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOjUdUCOEnL6wPGpIWv7B2LQhToL2vrC0IlTeyN4Y8-3x4s0lu823Lz03kQc6w9A_fjfBynkU8swzKuh3eFVO7bq12tBC-c1GkTUYTBbT5RlZD-BM-ZAypaRXX2rAl2abzO1EbmITUNU/s1600-h/sufjan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 333px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOjUdUCOEnL6wPGpIWv7B2LQhToL2vrC0IlTeyN4Y8-3x4s0lu823Lz03kQc6w9A_fjfBynkU8swzKuh3eFVO7bq12tBC-c1GkTUYTBbT5RlZD-BM-ZAypaRXX2rAl2abzO1EbmITUNU/s400/sufjan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317613291538096818" border="0" /></a>15. MxPx - Slowly Going The Way Of The Buffalo<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagbOwOuTzzuMEnbsG7QqK9axi5aRBSp5Reg_rNJZjCE359GZqefVvw_HU-fttWR5PLDfI8uTdxUPWg6t05qYPIdgGnfRHImtWgrtFZaQ3n3gByNNrDuaXJRRFOErGqL3gaSuP7xBsSj0/s1600-h/mxpxuff.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagbOwOuTzzuMEnbsG7QqK9axi5aRBSp5Reg_rNJZjCE359GZqefVvw_HU-fttWR5PLDfI8uTdxUPWg6t05qYPIdgGnfRHImtWgrtFZaQ3n3gByNNrDuaXJRRFOErGqL3gaSuP7xBsSj0/s400/mxpxuff.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317613103670561250" border="0" /></a><br />14. Rancid - Out Come The Wolves<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PkH4H6F79wXPgPG0kK2XD7OO2L5o8wr2MfzCRVQJm_4us7u-GmsMZQ0xhD8HGaTtgVjz20DhJgs8V4M5a4Zp5_gr6msvFb6JWA8uN0iWMk901z5OL-KtaJkK9CPPlRxzb33fTlTjp1E/s1600-h/medium_rancid_-_and_out_come_the_wolves_-_front.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PkH4H6F79wXPgPG0kK2XD7OO2L5o8wr2MfzCRVQJm_4us7u-GmsMZQ0xhD8HGaTtgVjz20DhJgs8V4M5a4Zp5_gr6msvFb6JWA8uN0iWMk901z5OL-KtaJkK9CPPlRxzb33fTlTjp1E/s400/medium_rancid_-_and_out_come_the_wolves_-_front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317612888277398210" border="0" /></a><br />13. Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIDNt61Y3T-PsvUruUyQyXcX0kvBGelN5qUyvS_H2Ky4BzNf6bRGFlofQu8gZi0mSl548RielREWDCNdOfWVSGUrKoaJuPtXet6-43FryzRbfjdsaV-J4nTw6hDiEZ4hAJV-NMj9NYaM/s1600-h/Bob+Dylan+-+Highway+61+Revisited+-+front.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIDNt61Y3T-PsvUruUyQyXcX0kvBGelN5qUyvS_H2Ky4BzNf6bRGFlofQu8gZi0mSl548RielREWDCNdOfWVSGUrKoaJuPtXet6-43FryzRbfjdsaV-J4nTw6hDiEZ4hAJV-NMj9NYaM/s400/Bob+Dylan+-+Highway+61+Revisited+-+front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317612655663654034" border="0" /></a><br />12. Johnny Cash - Unearthed (box set)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0mE93PVqLbDBbSn3P7sHtdTS3T8PAqaTZcDEW6cJUauwlsyYsU4HmWFsyWwiqEmF7qTWe8AL-Liagci6wskJ4ZjSDJMsZ2incu4b0WJV40XVbHEkdHIX_W-3ys2N_gKjS88sGZkCMnw/s1600-h/JohnnyCash-Unearthed.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0mE93PVqLbDBbSn3P7sHtdTS3T8PAqaTZcDEW6cJUauwlsyYsU4HmWFsyWwiqEmF7qTWe8AL-Liagci6wskJ4ZjSDJMsZ2incu4b0WJV40XVbHEkdHIX_W-3ys2N_gKjS88sGZkCMnw/s400/JohnnyCash-Unearthed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317612505248015170" border="0" /></a>11. Pedro The Lion - It's Hard To Find A Friend<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rR8mZWQPU7LYHHyj6QV81_wK4k_M-EqFI_I7M8TygdQIoyVWEhzSXLKexn_50L_DwiBDCpnEbKXc2o-E30oi2M0rMs4PUM_su3DAKiGByeYpCj9arQfSfAWNFFy9QDTk8M_62tJGe4o/s1600-h/Pedro+the+Lion+It%27s+Hard+to+Find+a+Friend.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rR8mZWQPU7LYHHyj6QV81_wK4k_M-EqFI_I7M8TygdQIoyVWEhzSXLKexn_50L_DwiBDCpnEbKXc2o-E30oi2M0rMs4PUM_su3DAKiGByeYpCj9arQfSfAWNFFy9QDTk8M_62tJGe4o/s400/Pedro+the+Lion+It%27s+Hard+to+Find+a+Friend.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317612366290884594" border="0" /></a>10. Ryan Adams - Heartbreaker<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRJCzvslm-EZP0-GR5jbj9XiNNSzJeatWgupBpXo1bvOcp_f_C4U_wu190PEmIRb9TYoApwvrZ7AAaT21Ul4iqAWwMk1nbQ9UWvpDsR8gptNyJtgtkeuDOObDYj605Winn-4yodydA9A/s1600-h/AdamsRyan_Heartbreaker_DblLP_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRJCzvslm-EZP0-GR5jbj9XiNNSzJeatWgupBpXo1bvOcp_f_C4U_wu190PEmIRb9TYoApwvrZ7AAaT21Ul4iqAWwMk1nbQ9UWvpDsR8gptNyJtgtkeuDOObDYj605Winn-4yodydA9A/s400/AdamsRyan_Heartbreaker_DblLP_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317612070558946146" border="0" /></a>9. Johnny Cash - Live at Folsom Prison<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeMwSKagiJ13jxAiRn4bEH_D8PXpQRawMJXwdnIf02i3SmrfTowlFTuqCwf-3owXS_BAS8qEjszQqdVFFsDmqwyJeJFMiJnbucH_CzlMPOZDQXc8zdMMEkVzTdCTz6PtwgOjWhkeE3yE/s1600-h/JohnnyCashFolsomPrison.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeMwSKagiJ13jxAiRn4bEH_D8PXpQRawMJXwdnIf02i3SmrfTowlFTuqCwf-3owXS_BAS8qEjszQqdVFFsDmqwyJeJFMiJnbucH_CzlMPOZDQXc8zdMMEkVzTdCTz6PtwgOjWhkeE3yE/s400/JohnnyCashFolsomPrison.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317611892970649682" border="0" /></a>8. Bob Dylan - Another Side of Bob Dylan<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVF_hJl5zi3Y78UXbefY3kNl-4mZZrUdnXB5j8QAtdpIvDcdh-XWu95fV4M7Qn_NHwNfFEW-vuQATxixN2rbMdW0ZyePESvAAJhRH8ruvEp0dIgSFKoBxgEm7Sl99o2HP3mfiTvkQ_nI/s1600-h/AnotherSideUSStereoFront.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVF_hJl5zi3Y78UXbefY3kNl-4mZZrUdnXB5j8QAtdpIvDcdh-XWu95fV4M7Qn_NHwNfFEW-vuQATxixN2rbMdW0ZyePESvAAJhRH8ruvEp0dIgSFKoBxgEm7Sl99o2HP3mfiTvkQ_nI/s400/AnotherSideUSStereoFront.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317611705882246434" border="0" /></a>7. Jimmy Eat World - Clarity<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3_xp_2RAuAAeVKrgxeZXjMvPZFzTS5pNULJbBnyvP5h6W9d7YXdqmWQlqCtqBY303Q_mVVkKVCk6WlogLuocSQkNkBYNssN_LBTzW0ctEnpa8vJrofA0Om_8XVwcM4XjJG5jV1hk5gk/s1600-h/cvpf87beu1l630vh85js.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3_xp_2RAuAAeVKrgxeZXjMvPZFzTS5pNULJbBnyvP5h6W9d7YXdqmWQlqCtqBY303Q_mVVkKVCk6WlogLuocSQkNkBYNssN_LBTzW0ctEnpa8vJrofA0Om_8XVwcM4XjJG5jV1hk5gk/s400/cvpf87beu1l630vh85js.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317610646943217858" border="0" /></a><br />6. MxPx - Life In General<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzURn95ymLVFUzsAj12nlOXBx9Z6E-7Qy_9VJaJ-Pv0nIKsNWdVk6lqt7McS74ZSnWG-swZvoNAPs_p3TegsYlv9uJlO2E2Iy-VJxKgymuDKob9oclCeLyvGP5WvZ7KE2fhmKUSWHRJQ8/s1600-h/mxpxlifeingeneral.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzURn95ymLVFUzsAj12nlOXBx9Z6E-7Qy_9VJaJ-Pv0nIKsNWdVk6lqt7McS74ZSnWG-swZvoNAPs_p3TegsYlv9uJlO2E2Iy-VJxKgymuDKob9oclCeLyvGP5WvZ7KE2fhmKUSWHRJQ8/s400/mxpxlifeingeneral.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317611314200962626" border="0" /></a><br />5. Ramones - Ramones<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZAQCH94B1LOZ9oVZ2xCa-XqOj55dgd9M5nij8CfkM4Sv4T-AYGLFYnynmACWcIQZ67ZhlAYk7ePSxAjr5OezSfaaUY2mqoo606i6C-5O8hkUK2B2UBURIM_sXTUK3csbMaggkay-abs/s1600-h/ramones.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZAQCH94B1LOZ9oVZ2xCa-XqOj55dgd9M5nij8CfkM4Sv4T-AYGLFYnynmACWcIQZ67ZhlAYk7ePSxAjr5OezSfaaUY2mqoo606i6C-5O8hkUK2B2UBURIM_sXTUK3csbMaggkay-abs/s400/ramones.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317610986053630146" border="0" /></a>4. U2 - The Joshua Tree<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjg5xfa_PASTTu2qqw-jiA-vkAFPh5_-M3tOdApR_UcI9O1U8-F10TRZi7nBzpj04QvzfQ5iFGf6rgmRnLZXTgHPqkUay5LHJRqkx9-APVEvujL7UV79f0Te3o3HX6iWKJZZQEA_Qu4z0/s1600-h/u2+joshua.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjg5xfa_PASTTu2qqw-jiA-vkAFPh5_-M3tOdApR_UcI9O1U8-F10TRZi7nBzpj04QvzfQ5iFGf6rgmRnLZXTgHPqkUay5LHJRqkx9-APVEvujL7UV79f0Te3o3HX6iWKJZZQEA_Qu4z0/s400/u2+joshua.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317610139803528866" border="0" /></a>3. Bob Dylan - Blood On The Tracks<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTQnPYt7wlfBu4U_mSAiTlS36c_HgBN2z8o86xRRxobqMaELCbkkliEcnThnZy4Y8Yl_Xjg7Ms7l1hrVgD6KD5RBFFkBplPfF82aqif15UkZfQw0bzrILGNNsY5n2zYSuCmh5oS5ZECU/s1600-h/Bob_Dylan_-_Blood_On_The_Tracks-fro.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTQnPYt7wlfBu4U_mSAiTlS36c_HgBN2z8o86xRRxobqMaELCbkkliEcnThnZy4Y8Yl_Xjg7Ms7l1hrVgD6KD5RBFFkBplPfF82aqif15UkZfQw0bzrILGNNsY5n2zYSuCmh5oS5ZECU/s400/Bob_Dylan_-_Blood_On_The_Tracks-fro.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317609914236297922" border="0" /></a>2. Beatles - Revolver<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9Zwcngc15FK7aXiHtv3Q2y9J8jXfGYNW1xeHG0MFhXDq60i1uRGZmRorilvA6wr6dJNotNnO4zWeftUKXoE9JYj6eYvnnWc9UNeZip2gfch7KA4mROiP8qe6nefazx7xiDH1lHwB4bA/s1600-h/beatles-revolver.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9Zwcngc15FK7aXiHtv3Q2y9J8jXfGYNW1xeHG0MFhXDq60i1uRGZmRorilvA6wr6dJNotNnO4zWeftUKXoE9JYj6eYvnnWc9UNeZip2gfch7KA4mROiP8qe6nefazx7xiDH1lHwB4bA/s400/beatles-revolver.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317609664104792530" border="0" /></a><br />1. The Clash - London Calling<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIbmbYcp_GfYhfyQC49LkFx8Z15x_Zg6CjMoTCBzEfnSVauctscTSBVsS2ruMqOM1eISVBAXCarCRLMxz2Pc8Qmhfy-Fw839VQJdMUwICGLqtTZM2P3y5eEGMYGkZ5rkmQjbQQK3kj5o/s1600-h/london-calling-clash.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIbmbYcp_GfYhfyQC49LkFx8Z15x_Zg6CjMoTCBzEfnSVauctscTSBVsS2ruMqOM1eISVBAXCarCRLMxz2Pc8Qmhfy-Fw839VQJdMUwICGLqtTZM2P3y5eEGMYGkZ5rkmQjbQQK3kj5o/s400/london-calling-clash.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317609445899648354" border="0" /></a>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-50992542033738607442009-03-24T13:32:00.000-07:002009-03-24T13:32:15.822-07:00Jimmy Eat WorldIt has been way too long I know.<br />
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A few weeks ago Meredith and I went to see Jimmy Eat World on the Clarity x 10 tour. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the release of Clarity (JEW's most amazing album to date...and one my top 10 of all time albums) the band decided to play ten shows where they would play Clarity from beginning to end. Lucky for us one of these shows was in Denver.<br />
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We showed up at the small venue (The Ogden Theater) in Denver and we were maybe 15 from the stage.<br />
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When Jimmy Eat World came out they delivered exactly what they promised. A set that was Clarity from beginning to end. They did not skip songs, they did not jam three or four of the songs in the medley. They just simply played one of the best concerts i had seen in a long time. After the set there was an encore where they played a few songs from Bleed American, Futures, and a couple form the Firestarter EP. It was fantastic.<br />
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I think the best part of this concert was that there was not a huge show, it was just them on stage playing their hearts out. When they thanked the crowd for showing up it seemed different than when most bands do it. It is a standard thing to thank your audience but Jimmy Eat World had this sincerity when they did it so you actually believed that they were thankful to the people who loved Clarity.<br />
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The tour is over and for those of you who did not get to see it, you missed out. Sorry to be so blunt. If you have never heard Clarity then I suggest you buy it immediately, you will not be dissapointed.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809643406193656455.post-52326979049096348982009-02-27T13:26:00.000-08:002009-02-27T13:35:47.309-08:00Coming Soon...So as most of you know I am a huge music nerd. A few weeks ago I listed my favorite albums of last year and now I am populating my list for this year. I have no idea what will be on it but I do have a list of albums that are coming out that I am absolutely excited about.<br /><br />1. Bon Iver - Blood Bank EP - I already have this one and it is fantastic. I know I just said that I do not know what will be on my end of year list but this one will probably be there.<br /><br />2. U2 - No Line On The Horizon (3/2/09) - I have only heard the first single which is pretty good (not their best) but if U2 sticks to their tradition of releasing the worst song on the album as the lead single then it should be a good album.<br /><br />3. MxPx - On The Cover II (3/23/09) - This is my favorite band releasing a second covers album. The album us a 80's theme, but that is misleading. The songs they are covering from the 80's are by bands such as The Ramones, The Clash, U2, Queen, The Dead Milkmen, The Blue Hearts, and The Descendents. This album is going to be awesome.<br /><br />4. The Decemberists - Hazards of Love (3/23/09) - I love this band. March 23rd will be a great day for me.<br /><br />These four albums are at the top of my list right now, although there is suppossed to be a new Switchfoot album out as well as rumored new music from Eisley, She & Him, and Brand New.<br /><br />Anyway, on Tuesday I will try to write about how awesome the Jimmy Eat World Clarity x 10 Tour is.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18341190913245613563noreply@blogger.com0