On my worst day, I’m…

a liar.
arrogant.
self-seeking.
prideful.
a gossip.
ungrateful.
angry.
bitter.
cynical.
unsure of anything.
lacking.
two-faced.
doubtful.
intolerant.
judgmental.
entitled.
depressed.
anxious.
loved.
forgiven.
free.
clothed in righteousness.
saved.
a clean slate.
in process of restoration.
clean.

And most importantly, on my absolute worst day, it’s…

Christ in Josh Miles.

————————————————————-

Maybe this resonates with you in some way today.  If so, I’m blessed that he uses my mess for something good.  If not, I will take it still as an exercise in remembering the truth in the midst of circumstances.  

image: sam

I’ve not done a Friday quote in a while, so I thought I’d provide a little wisdom from Mr. C.S. Lewis for your weekend.

God will look to every soul like its first love because He is its first love. – CS Lewis

It’s time for another giveaway, folks!

As I said a while back, I had a chance to see The Autumn Film at a house show in Peoria, AZ.  They were great, and I think a lot of you would agree.  (Go here to download some free music from them in case you’ve not heard of the band)  So, I wanted to give you a chance at something pretty cool.

When I saw them live, I purchased a few copies of their newest album, “The Ship and The Sea.”  It’s pretty stinkin’ good, if you ask me.  I asked the band if they would autograph one of the copies, and they agreed.  The packaging is pretty cool, as the individual cards inside the packaging are a puzzle.  The band signed one of the pieces.

I’d love to give it to you.

I’m really looking to get some interest going on this giveaway, as I only have one signed copy to give away.  I’m not really sure how to go about doing that, so I’m just going to see what happens.  If no one is interested, then I’ll give it to someone here locally.  It’s cheaper than shipping, after all.

So again, it’s pretty simple:  No need for a subscribe here, then comment, then tweet, then RT to double your chances, then give a blood sample, etc.

Just comment here with your answer to this…

If I could have my own band, I’d name it __________.

The winner will be announced Tuesday, May 25th Friday, May 28th.

This is a picture of my mind lately…

I have to be honest, here – I used to watch “professional” wrestling quite religiously.  The horrible acting, the ridiculous speeches, the leg drops off the top turnbuckle.  I couldn’t get enough of it, knowing full well the whole time that in no way was it realistic.

It was scripted, rehearsed and over-dramatized.

Enter my life, stage left.

I’ve been wrestling with myself and God about a few things lately, and it has left me exhausted.

Anyone relate?

A lot is going on in the old noggin’ lately.  It’s mostly good, though.  A pretty cool door is potentially opening, which is both exciting, risky and stressful.

I have an opportunity to record an EP in Nashville, with Jeremy Casella producing.  I’ve been asked for a while about whether or not I would ever record any of my music, but I honestly didn’t have the confidence in myself to even dream it possible.  It’s amazing what the words of someone outside of your family and friends can do.

I could, quite possibly, be recording the EP (probably six of my songs) in Nashville sometime in the near future.  This has been an increasing desire of mine within the last couple of years, as well as something that folks have asked me for.  I really feel like it’s both the right time to put forth some effort in this area of ministry and perhaps an opportunity of a lifetime.

But doubt creeps in.

Always.

I think about other better ways to spend the money.
I think about how no one will probably want to listen to it.
I think about how I shouldn’t even call myself a musician.
But I’m passionate about it.
But I know that God has gifted me.
I know that He’s stirred a desire in me.
Then I think about how no one will probably listen to it.
That I’ll have a box full of cd’s in my house to remind me of a failure.

It goes on and on.   I’m sure you know the drill.  That is, if you’re anything like myself.

Life.

Not scripted or rehearsed or fake.

This wrestling is real, and it’s taking a toll on me these days.

How about you?  What are you wrestling with lately?

I’ve been wanting to post this video for a while now, but I’ve not had much time as of late.

Last Saturday, I had the privilege of seeing The Autumn Film perform at a house show in Peoria, AZ.  It had the makings of a great show:  cool outdoor setting, casual atmosphere, and of course, a great band.

They played a number of songs off their newest record, and then they played “Joy.”  You know “Joy,” right?

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
[where?]
down in my heart
[where?]
down in my heart
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy…..

But TAF play it just a bit differently.

Tifah explained why she sang the song the way she did before playing last weekend.  She said that after her dad died of cancer, she went to the piano to express how she felt.  “Joy” had been something she grew up singing, but this time the emotion was much different.  So she started it off on a minor chord and went from there.  What we have now is the version below, and I would argue that it’s the best depiction of true joy in the midst of circumstances I’ve ever heard.  I love it, and I think you may as well.

Also, check back next week for a giveaway involving The Autumn Film…

Go here if you can’t see it.