iPhones

I always wondered what the hype was about iPhones. When they first came out, it seemed to me the only real tool it had (as a phone) was the internet, and I figured everyone already had laptops the size of a book, so I didn't think that was all that revolutionary. Definitely not worth the price.
Music always persuades me though, and this app changed it all. How cool would it be to just be walking to work, listening to some music, AND playing along with it? I've always wanted to play the guitar, and since apparently I'm not good at teaching myself, I now know I just didn't buy the right instrument! I think I want an iPhone now!

Premature

I don't think I'm going to vent, maybe just complain. Several months ago I explained my iTunes ritual of surveying the free, weekly music. This week brought an unexpected treasure. Well, I guess you could call it that. Aside from a 15 year old (albeit he looks 9) singing about love and "spending every last dime" (I remember those regrettable days) for some equally young woman, it does have a catchy tune. If you do choose to follow the link, maybe listen to the song without watching the video first. Should you choose to watch the video, you will be immediately transported back to the melodrama of a high school party and most likely recall some situation in which you thought the world turned around you and if you didn't get this one girl of your dreams, life would be over. It also ticks me off, just a little bit, that they've disabled the embed feature on youtube. Whatever. If you want to watch it, go HERE!

I'm a Doubting Thomas

My wife blogged about this song the other day, but I can't help but mention it myself! I first heard this song when cHOOSe performed it two years ago, but I had no idea that Nickel Creek wrote it, and that the original was soo incredible! I've been trying to get the guitar down ever since I got back from Germany and I think I finally have it, albeit a bit slower than the recording. Anyways, I've been playing Doubting Thomas by Nickel Creek, repeatedly, for 4 days. OK, maybe not 24 hours a day, but I wouldn't doubt if it is in my top-10 of all time on my iPOD now :)

I think I love the song so much because it addresses the conflict within my own heart. Trust. Which has a powerful neighbor known as Faith. Who kind of has a stick-in-the-mud neighbor who goes by OBEDIENCE. I want physical sustenance and security to ensure my plans won't be thwarted. Before I get a little risky, I want to know, and I mean KNOW, that there is some type of pre-nup or plan B that can serve as my emergency eject button to salvage some value. In science, we like to know the result and have the data before we even do the experiment (aka, grant writing). But I think we both know that when Abraham was walking up that mountain with Isaac, they were alone. Moses went to Pharoah with nothing but his bumbling-tongue. Such faith is easy to stare at and watch, maybe even stir our own hearts, but hard to shoulder.
The chorus is on FIRE. I took a promise, I get to be friends with my maker, and Christ saved me so that I can have as much or as little relationship with God as I want. Yet my actions show my desires to be south of heaven. I choose to play games with 'what-ifs' rather than give Him my heart and hands. The song goes on to ask for forgiveness for wasted timed mulling around. I hate to think I've wasted what little time God has granted me. All this being said, check out the song. The video is random, but the song is...

"I'm a doubting thomas,
I took a promise,
But I do not feel safe,
Oh me of little faith..."

Golf Lessons

I mentioned back in June that I've picked-up another 'sport.' I only put quotes around it because it is more a skill sport than anything else, and it doesn't require much physical effort. Although I like to think I am a quick learner and athletically, I can do anything....it's apparent that golf is NOT one of those sports you can just grab a club and just swing. For several months now I've considered going for some golf lessons at the club down the street, but I'm yet to go cough up the $80/hour that it costs to learn from a Pro. Maybe I should though....apparently there is a lot to learn from golf.

From the same guys who brought most of the videos I've posted here (GCC), over the next couple of days I am going to post their Golfisodes. I think they used these videos to open discussion/sermon on communication. This video opened discussion on timeliness and how proper timing can heavily impact the weight that your words carry. Just in the several months I've read Mark's blog (the Sr. Pastor of GCC) I've noticed he has scripture for just about anything and everything he posts, so this is just like another one of his seemingly random but surprisingly appropriate posts (aside from the fairly crude mention of younger women).

Golfisode - Episode 1: The Timing Trap from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Check back tomorrow for Golfisode 2 and the potential deceptions of communication in the golf game!



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Now playing: Hillsong - Glow
via FoxyTunes

Am I an adult YET?

Don't you wonder that?

I know I do.

When does it really hit you?

So I'm 18 and I've graduated high school. The courts treat me as a legal adult, but I sure don't feel like one. Is this what being an adult feels like?

OK, now I've got a degree, graduated from the finest institution there was/is/and ever will be. I don't have to worry about life-guarding and cutting grass for the rest of my life- I can get a real job. SO, I've lived without my parents for 4 years, but did I really make those decisions?

I'm MARRIED. No, for real- I convinced a woman to spend the rest of her life with ME. I get to do that one thing that makes me a MAN. I've been holding out for my entire life, but now I'm free!

One thing I've never done, though, is rent a hotel room. Does that mean I can still be a grown-up and do big people things? I have never planned a vacation and called a resort/hotel and agreed to pay them money if they let me stay in their building of business. I'm sure it doesn't come as a surprise, that being a mature adult probably has nothing to do with age, but experience. I don't think all things work this way, but perhaps it isn't about focusing on the result, but more on the experience. The journey defines who you are while the destination is a mere consequence of the path tread upon.

What brought all this about you ask? I watched this video and decided that the first time I need a hotel room, I'm going to try it. In fact, I'm considering just taking a trip just to see how low I can go. I don't really know how most people 'stick it to the man,' but I think I can stick him pretty hard with this nifty technique...

The BEST band in the WORLD

Hillsong United. They are music to my ears, seriously. Just say Hillsong and I can't help but bust out into song...and hence the music to your ears. I don't think I'm the only with this opinion either.

I had no idea when their next album was coming out until yesterday, I found their advertisements on my blogging routine. NEXT WEDNESDAY they are releasing their new live album. Now some people might shy away from such shenanigans- live music, really? This would be the biggest mistake of your life! I've seen them live and that's how this whole love affair began....when they plain blew my socks off. It wasn't a concert, it was a worship-fest. I think it was probably the most powerful experience I've had in worship. I know worship isn't about me- EXACTLY! You might think I'm exaggerating with all the exclamation points and talking about how they have, in part, changed my life- so watch and see for yourself!

Apparently they are not only music geniuses, but advertising geniuses. It seems they've released several videos to stragetic people (who happen to blog) to post/advertise throughout the week and spread the word. At the end of each post, they suggest the blog for the next release on the next day.

It started here and here.
Today it moved here (and posted below).
I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds....which just might be the point of all of this....

Hillsong "Hold Me Now" from Ben Arment on Vimeo.

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Now playing: Desperation Band - Amazed
via FoxyTunes

Deathbed

Long song, but worth the entire thing!



Jesus is life, live in Him.

Weddings....

Jordan and I are going to four weddings within 5 weeks this summer and we are right in the middle of it....That being said, we know how much work goes into such events (or at least Jordan does!). I know it is a lot of work, but the toughest part of it all is the decisions that have to be made. Why must be there so many options?! From food, to location, to friends/family....to music! This was a brilliant and fun idea! I'd venture to guess that this may be the only time that that song has been used as a processional, and a lot of churches might not even allow it....but very fun!


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Now playing: LifeChurch.tv: Craig Groeschel - Elijah - Week 2
via FoxyTunes

HP6

WOW,
I'm a zombie sitting here, but soo enthused. Jordan and I went to the sixth Harry Potter movie last night and it was AWESOME! It's been almost all I can think about for the past 12 hours. I didn't get enough sleep to dream so I woke just like I went to bed, with the Half-blood Prince on my mind. We got there at 9pm for the midnight showing and our group was FIFTH in line where we played lovable games like Trivial Pursuit, BuzzWord, and Mad Gabs. We even had a live performance of several Harry and the Potters' songs (to which Julie couldn't help but sing her little heart out). The enthusiasm made the movie experience tangible and although Yates wasn't as loyal to the book as I'd have liked, they did a great job making this fairly dark book into a PG movie. It was a pretty funny movie actually. If you haven't seen it yet, go TONIGHT- you won't regret it. If you haven't read the book, read all night and go see it tomorrow... If me telling you to go see it doesn't get you out of your seat, watch this trailer and you will kick yourself out of your seat to go see it!




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Now playing: Newsboys - In the Hands of God
via FoxyTunes

Just how I remembered it...

Since Regina came out with a new album yesterday, I've been reminiscing quite a bit. You know how they say smell triggers memories and somehow a scent can link you to a distant memory. Well, music works the same way for me. Certain songs, unfortunately, take me straight back to high school- or even worse, middle school. Other songs remind me of awesome concerts I've been to.

But back to Regina. I first heard her best song two days before my wedding. During the credits of Prince Caspian, The Call comes on and just melts your heart away (or it did mine). I liked it so much I even considered making it our first dance at the reception after the wedding in two days. With such a sweet melody and spiritually-loaded lyrics, I couldn't help but buy it the moment I got home and every time I listen to it I immediately sync to May 22-May 25, 2008 and bask in the excitement of the rehearsal dinner and wedding. It's also easier to enjoy that time without suffering the food poisoning that I did during that same time :)



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Now playing: Starfield - Son of God
via FoxyTunes

God: What now?

I take so much for granted. And as defensive as I get and try as I might to pretend that I am entirely appreciative, I don't think I really grasp that I really am just a few bad decisions or serious scenarios away from my worst nightmare. So, I like being reminded how just how lucky and blessed I am. Regina always surprises with her playful style yet hauntingly real lyrics. It helps being reminded from unexpected places, it's like a whisper in an empty room. I hope you enjoy her new album! She is so different, but I love it...





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Now playing: Regina Spektor - Laughing With
via FoxyTunes

Jesus is MY Friend

I don't know if you know this, but iTunes selects several songs to give away for FREE every week. Sometimes they are good, and sometimes they make me want to rip my ears off. My habit is to check the free stuff, and then see what's new in the Christian/Gospel section. That's when I found Sonseed. They are incredible, I hate that I didn't live while they were around (or are they still?). Only when I found their video on iTunes did I realize that someone else had posted a video of this group a while back, and it blew my mind so bad- I forgot about it! Anyways, enjoy it- my goodness, have things changed....





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Now playing: Hillsong United - More Than Anything
via FoxyTunes

Just havin' some fun!

All-star games are pointless. No one wants to play hard and risk an injury, so people show boat. It doesn't matter what sport it is, the all-star games winds up being an excuse to make just a little more money. You know, just squeeze a little more entertainment out of the Pros you've been watching for months already.

I don't know any professional athletes, but I love getting a glimpse into their personalities. Sometimes watching sports on TV, and hearing stats associated only with a number on a particular jersey, we lose sight that athletes are real people (that have a sense humor too). I don't know what brought me to this video last week, but I ended-up watching it and loved it. Man, those big guys can dance. They not only dance, but put on a show!

What the...?

Believe it or not, I lead a fairly boring life.
I admit, it is of my own accord.

As much as I enjoy the idea of adventure, more often than not I choose routine and organization instead of pure, unadulterated freedom. I'm not sure if that is what this post about, but I think it does explain why I think it is cool.
Apparently one of the new things to do is the 'flash mob.' My friend at work (Julie- who I'm trying to coerce into blogging...kind of) told me she saw it on the show Weeds and then found various other examples on youtube. It is exactly what it sounds like- a combination of 'flash flood' and 'mob.' A bunch of people gradually (or suddenly) congregate in a random location and unexpectedly breaking out and just break it down. VERY EXCITING.

I'll admit, when she first told me about it a couple of days ago, I shrugged my shoulders. Big deal. Who cares? That's silly, no, stupid. Then I watched it and my cynical attitude immediately shifted to a longing to participate. After watching the excitement on the dancers' faces and sharing the confusion with the innocent bystanders, I decided who wouldn't want to be involvedI? I mean really, gettin' low in front of perfect strangers just going about their day to bring a little laugh- what could be wrong with that? Who couldn't forget, even if just for a second, all that baggage they were carrying just to laugh and enjoy the moment. Mob is such a mean word, but I think this concept embodies the slogan, "live in the moment" and enjoy it. I hope I get the chance to do this some day- for LOTS of REASONS.

Sad story, great song

Usually I think drama and dance during worship is pretty lame. I know, that sounds HORRIBLE, but it is usually done really poorly. I thought GCC did awesome with this video though! I think they did an incredible job and communicate effectively. The issue discussed is for other posts...

Hurt from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Man vs Wild- a different show

SWEET video. It's very different than anything else I've ever posted. Surprisingly, I had never seen this video during my education at Virginia Tech, although it would've been awesome to actually watch it instead of being lectured. When I came to UVA, I noticed all they do is nap and watch videos like this during their science classes. Or, something to that effect at least.

It is videos like these that, albeit silly, leave me in awe at the beauty and complexity of creation. Being naturally capable of making sounds that I only considered possible by human action, is incredible. Whereas it took years to develop a device to yield an alarm, this bird has always been able to make that sound....
My Jubofriend Sam first told me about this video a year ago and on the occasion I just go back to watch it just for kicks. It's almost a shame that the bird even knows the last two sounds though....