Live Music

I find there's no greater way to experience music than live performances. If you're actually sitting and hearing/seeing/feeling the music that is being played before you the affect is drastically different then just pushing a CD into the player or popping in your ipod.

Last night (technically Saturday night), Cafe Claudeen catered the Big Top Chautaqua show that came to the Monroe PAC (Performing Arts Center). First, thank the Lord it wasn't raining because whoever designed that auditorium didn't think of the fact that an uninsulated, tin roof would be impossible to hear over when it's raining. Clear weather made for a clear sound coming from the stage. This show really reminded me of the pride I have in Wisconsin. There were 4 vocalists (1 doubled with guitar on a couple songs, another doubled as a cello/guitar player on all the songs), 1 bass, 1 guitarist, 1 mandolinist, 1 fiddler and 1 trap-setter (doubled as "Dr. Finnius Third Eye and local, nostalgic fisherman). They were brilliant. If you've ever heard of Appalachian Journey or any really good folk group...they were that. The sound they produced, their harmonies, their versatility and their style were breathe-taking. I loved it. Apart from the music, there was another aspect of the show that took me back and brought me to. In the middle of the stage was a large screen where various pictures and videos of past and present, northern WI life were presented. Seeing the steamboat era, the logging era (where they floated logs downstream for lack of any better transport) and the natural, God given beaut of nature really made me feel nostalgic.

Growing up I often wondered what it would be like to live somewhere else. California living always seemed to appeal to me, or even the East coast, but no wondering or visits elsewhere have ever shown me the great things that those slides did. To invoke such pride in one's home state is refreshing. When I was in school, down in Lubbock, TX, and on the mission field, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, the subject of where I was from came up so many times. Unfortunately, the only contemporary reference that people could relate to WI was That 70's Show. After MY explanation of this great state I would state that it's the most under-rated state in the union. Keep your Texas, I'll have WI and live merrily ever after (this is NOT an alcohol reference:). All this to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the show and would see again whenever I am up the Bakersfield way (correct me if it's not in Bakersfield).

On a much more spiritual note, ... even though music is a GREAT gift from God ... , being with the church this morning was encouraging. How welcoming and loving this body in Monroe is. I had forgotten the feeling of being so close to them but it's swiftly returning to me. For this I am grateful. Thank you, Father. Sitting here listening to Flatfoot 56 there's a stirring within me to delve deeper into the Word. Challenged this morning by the subject matter in Daniel 9, I feel the need to pursue prophecies and their purpose, timing and content. FIRST, I go through the Gospel according to Mark. It's been a while since I've gone through a gospel book and I need the words of Jesus. James...read it everyday and it's still not enough. Not yet at the point where I read it everyday, but there was a time. Hopefully, with God's help, I'll get back into that habit.

It rained again. On the mower, burning along, and droplets that could fill ketchup packets start hitting my head.
"This is just a flash. The sky doesn't look too threatening...I'll ride it out (no pun intended)."
Yeah, ok. That didn't last very long. It only got better - or worse depending on your glass and water perspective - and away with the mower. At least the garden almost was finished. With the howling winds it will be dry enough to continue in the morning before going to IKEA with my mother and sister. That should be nice.

For the sake of intrigue, I'm working on some secret projects. That is all...

If I don't go to sleep I won't and will regret it greatly later on today.
KCK-ILY

Friday in Wisconsin

Good morning to you!
It's a hazy, drizzly day in Wisconsin and I'm glad it is. Although I haven't exactly done a lot of physical work, I've been lifting and trying to stay fit while being back. I know that if I allow my body to become unfit it will drag me down quickly if I get into a rut. So, I'm staying on top of that.

If the weather had permitted, the lawn would be being mowed right now and I'd be cutting more wood from the trees that line the drive. Unfortunately, outside work is not on the menu for today. Other entrees are up for eating.

So, what am I doing? Well, I've cleaned the stove top, done the dishes, am running loads of laundry, vacuuming, running to Clarno (a little village 10 minutes from the farm) to get supplies for the re-roofing of the back-porch and READING!

Why do I emphasize READING? Since I've been back in the states very little reading has taken place. The book I started before leaving South isn't even finished and there's only a half chapter to go. Lately I've been feeling the need to go through the Gospels! It seems like I'm aware of the facts, but nailing down where, when and why Jesus said things is fuzzy in my mind of late. A ploy by Satan to drag me down. I feel the tug, but I'm not giving up. It's frustrating to let God down. I learned this at a very young age when I realized my parents seldom yelled at us unless tact wasn't understood by us, the children. To disappoint a parent is the worst feeling in the world. God being my FATHER, the disappointment is far greater than if I were to let my father or mother down. I feel it deep within me when I sin. It hurts and I don't want to hurt anymore. This leads to another lesson, as well. Peace and trust. God is there for us through everything. We commit the vilest of offences and He never wavers. To me, this is the greatest show of love.
Why would I not say the cross? This is part of the cross. Failure is inevitable, but through the blood of Christ we are made righteous. So, the love shown by Jesus is extraordinary. TRULY extraordinary. Recognize this and you're well on your way to being a devout, trusting, self-less servant.

I'm still being worked on and working on it myself. Let God in...

The day is still young. After James, I'm headed to Mark!

Mild regrets...

One of the nice things about being back in WI is the twenty minute drive between Honeywind Farm (my parents house) and Monroe. It's just enough time to mull over the upcoming events, people I need to contact, and possibly job opportunities before arriving at my destination. I say this to say I have thought about one of my mild regrets about my time in South Africa:

Not keeping up with my blog. Now, this is an ironic statement considering my publicizing of this feeling is coming from a blog entry. That's fine by me, though. For all of those people who wanted to follow the daily grind of my South African experience, I sincerely apologize for not keying you in on everything. Someone made a good point, instead of wanting or trying to put something profound up, just a few paragraphs about what I did that day would have been really nice for those back in the states to see. Unfortunately, I failed in this respect.

What's done is done. I've learned from it. Hopefully there will be minimal regrets like this in the future. One of the biggest life-lessons I learned while being away was the DEEPLY important necessity of communication! Never stop communicating...