And, the winner is:  Jason Benoit.

I have a place in my heart for Anchorman references.  :)

Enjoy, man!

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.

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.

Things were new and exciting.  The thought of deepening an already-immense love made for the greatest of dreams.

The bride and bridegroom settled into their home, combining posessions that were once singular.  The bride brought with her into the relationship a couch. One she had prior to the marriage.  It had quite the wear and tear, and it wasn’t pleasant to look at.  But…

It was very comfortable.

The groom had no problem bringing the couch into the house, although he had no intention of ever sitting on it.  There was no sense in an argument right now.  For better and for worse, right?

The relationship was very touch-and-go in the beginning.  It turns out that a relationship of this magnitude brings out a lot of vulnerability in a person.  Whenever things seemed too awkward, she sought comfort in the couch.  It was the most familiar friend to her, after all.  It was years ago now that she worked tirelessly to save enough for this couch.

And it had served her well- mid-afternoon naps, late evenings, the familiar smell of the leather.

So she retreated to the couch almost every day, and especially when things seemed tough.

One day, she remembered all of the memories she had in her life that included that couch.  And immediately, she realized all of the memories that were yet to be made with her husband.  She was spending almost all of her time on this couch.

In her guilt, she moved the couch outside, ashamed that her husband would find out how much time she was spending on it every evening.  Sure, it wasn’t as ideal as quality time in relationship with her husband, but…

It was comfortable.

This made the marriage a one-sided one, to say the least.  But the husband was patient.  He saw her for who she was, not for what she brought into the house.  And through her husbands’s unfailing love and patience, she began to slowly realize what had been her reality the whole time – that her husband was passionate about her, yet not forceful.

It was only then when she started to run to him in her confusion and emptiness.  It was with him that she was vulnerable.

No retreating.

No hiding.

Just a real, honest, awkward and vulnerable relationship.

It wasn’t as comfortable.

But it was better.

All Rights Reserved.  Please be kind and ask permission before using this, por favor.

“The terrible thing, the almost impossible thing, is the hand over your whole self–all your wishes and precautions–to Christ.”
– CS Lewis

And, with just a few comments, I decided to change things a bit.

I can do that, right?

Everyone wins.

Tyler and Alece will get “Miracle” by the Robbie Seay Band.  Congratulations to the both of you!  I hope you enjoy it.

Speaking of the two of them, please check out their blogs [ Alece's & Tyler's].  You’ll be glad you did if you haven’t already.

And don’t forget about Ben, either.

I mean, really like.

I want you to like them, too.

The Robbie Seay Band has been a favorite of mine for a long time. My friend Ben introduced them to me about six years ago or so. I had heard their music before that but didn’t know it was them.

Their new record, “Miracle” is going to be a favorite for sure.  RSB gets better with each record, I think, and “Better Days” is a tough one to top (IMO).

I had the chance to meet Robbie and the band a few weeks ago at a concert in Arizona.  I bought the new album on both cd and vinyl, and got a digital download card for it as well.  That’s where you come in.

I’d love to give it to you.  

Sometimes blog giveaways require a lot from you:  to comment, follow on twitter, friend on facebook, give a blood sample, name your first-born after the blogger, etc.

But not here.  (although Joshua is a good name for a son…just sayin’.)

Here’s the deal:

RSB’s music has impacted me in a lot of ways, particularly when going through struggles.  I’ve even based a post off of them.  Their lyrics are raw and honest, and have hit home for me many times.  I believe that this record will impact you in the same way.

All you need to do is comment with your name and where you’re from, and in the comments section, write where you need a miracle right now.  I’d love to pray for that in your life.

That’s all.  Submit who you are with your prayer requests so that I can pray for you, and we can all pray for each other.

The winner will be announced in a post on Friday.  I’ll contact you with the download code and instructions.

Ready? Go.

“Beauty is not democratic; she reveals herself more to the few than to the many…”   - CS Lewis