tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177443222024-03-14T11:03:28.952-04:00Mondok BlogBryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.comBlogger1950125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-88599939835968415152023-06-26T16:27:00.003-04:002023-06-26T16:28:12.524-04:00Musical Magic at the Jammys: Grace Potter, Joe Satriani, and the Incredible Rendition of 'Cortez the Killer'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BayQZMpJhX_UO0c9JxlJMu9Xv_Hs6wjcFYTF_ikOyyn_w-HfwiXlZItMKWZQz4HWs8U708xLnKYmyoHtcKKVNKAZ4DIFDw2cEgEV0-OlgqNjetTGuRh38_wIAjS3lHCwIhAcpKZnUlcGHHazE0TpkD7i3dSrjeArw_fDsU2Cw4AjVZRejXjdFg/s1200/cortez-the-killer-header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BayQZMpJhX_UO0c9JxlJMu9Xv_Hs6wjcFYTF_ikOyyn_w-HfwiXlZItMKWZQz4HWs8U708xLnKYmyoHtcKKVNKAZ4DIFDw2cEgEV0-OlgqNjetTGuRh38_wIAjS3lHCwIhAcpKZnUlcGHHazE0TpkD7i3dSrjeArw_fDsU2Cw4AjVZRejXjdFg/w640-h334/cortez-the-killer-header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Have you ever found yourself lost in the vast rabbit hole of YouTube? That endless stream of videos tailored to your interests, serving up an array of content that seems to know you better than you know yourself. As a consumer of music lessons, guitar building tutorials, and music commentary, YouTube has become my ultimate playground of discoveries. It never fails to surprise me, unveiling hidden gems and introducing me to artists and songs I never knew existed. The breadth of musical content available with a swipe or a scroll is staggering, and if I had the luxury of time, I could easily dedicate days immersing myself in this digital wonderland.</p>
<p>It reminds me of that classic moment from "The Office" when the ever-entertaining Michael Scott proclaimed, "I discovered YouTube, and I did not work for five days. I did nothing. I watched Cookie Monster sing 'Chocolate Rain' about a thousand times." (Season 3, Episode 17: "Product Recall"). Though I might not spend five consecutive days lost in YouTube's depths, I can certainly relate to the allure and the irresistible pull that captivating content can have on us.</p>
<p>And so, it is with this insatiable curiosity that I stumbled upon a performance that completely captivated me – a rendition of a song called "Cortez the Killer." Despite my extensive musical explorations, this iconic track had somehow slipped under my radar. However, thanks to YouTube's algorithmic wizardry, I found myself tapping the play button on a breathtaking live performance that left me awestruck. This piece, featuring the incredible talents of Grace Potter, Joe Satriani, Steve Kimock, Reed Mathis, Willy Waldman, and Stephen Perkins, was performed at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jammy_Award">Jammys</a> – an event that celebrates live music improvisation and brings together exceptional musicians from various genres.</p>
<p>Join me as we dive into the mesmerizing performance of "Cortez the Killer" and delve into the backgrounds of these extraordinary artists. From the fusion of their talents to the powerful impact of the song itself, we'll uncover the magic that unfolded on that stage and celebrate the beauty of music's ability to surprise and enchant us.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/paeNnR33i5Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="paeNnR33i5Q"></iframe></div>
<h2 id="spotlight-on-the-performers-get-to-know-the-musicians-behind-the-performance">Spotlight on the Performers: Get to Know the Musicians Behind the Performance</h2>
<p>"<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX9k9aoX6gk">Cortez the Killer</a>" is a song that was originally written and performed by the legendary Canadian singer-songwriter <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Young">Neil Young</a>. Released in 1975 on his album titled "<a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2co5OjRsDVUpHxlckn7dWZ">Zuma</a>," it was a time when I, as a fifth-grader, was engrossed in the world of Kiss, with their captivating music dominating my elementary school soundtrack. Back then, the profound essence of "Cortez the Killer" remained beyond the grasp of my ten-year-old mind. However, it's a realization that, in hindsight, should not have taken me forty years to uncover. Neil Young's poignant message embedded within the song awaited my belated discovery, adding another layer of appreciation to this timeless masterpiece.</p>
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<div class="profile-card">
<img alt="Grace Potter" class="profile-image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ34a3cSoG5_aWCW9xatDw0wMx-z8cqq9w546HzR4bib8fq2GPDpvajhSGmIiYnDemFWdPq-xGMjBRTCqWqcCKPso5xXPxwzoEdD2kkFX2PCwty_nYDOJrS7rdIcTLGqkN8iERvb8RYS-6drjfPZs-MaB0CUFdu8XLRRYz4CP45HBB60UoIoy_wA/s1600/Grace_Potter_in_2018-169.jpg" />
<div class="profile-bio">
<h3>Grace Potter</h3>
<p>Grace Potter is an American singer-songwriter and musician. She gained prominence as the lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist of the band Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Known for her soulful vocals and energetic stage presence, Potter has released several successful albums, including "Midnight" and "Daylight." She has collaborated with various artists and is admired for her versatility across genres.</p>
<p class="image-credit">Photo credit: By Frank Schwichtenberg - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/02/Grace_Potter_in_2018.jpg/170px-Grace_Potter_in_2018.jpg" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
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<!--Joe Satriani-->
<div class="profile-card">
<img alt="Joe Satriani" class="profile-image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo7GnckKj3eruV4z-J5KGX51foW6hfWEGeXP0B6eIfRLcGoR0zquAgAOk1okin6Ek1fi6S8bh9V2TCH3Zf9NzNABZPSaevoOZlXK_nOzlMKHYLFljl_I5NswG_FaotKvK2KNGq-1FlEuB36hzZJFHxrU8sFuEYmcdnQDOuPvGLilu__Bp9FLRjA/s1600/Satriani_2010_13_12_1112-169.jpg" />
<div class="profile-bio">
<h3>Joe Satriani</h3>
<p>Joe Satriani is an American guitarist and composer renowned for his instrumental rock music. He is known for his technical proficiency and melodic guitar solos. Satriani has released numerous solo albums, including "Surfing with the Alien" and "The Extremist," and has received critical acclaim for his guitar work. He has also been a guitar instructor to several notable musicians.</p>
<p class="image-credit">Photo credit: By Alfred Nitsch - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/24/Satriani_2010_13_12_1112.jpg" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
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<!--Steve Kimock-->
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<img alt="Steve Kimock" class="profile-image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu8P3irqKKIXVVl_BvE0F7TCkCTp_6CDN6sD9YXmcmFmmPCwPQXpe6IlJoU7AAPvvylsUtOz_7j5ImojPR3x3U5QVtjI8ZZtda5vLX4vn2UkzBm1OCPGZxvVPeJmOEl7QOIbcoYTw0oYWiGDwWKyhJ2UPG3cMXpyrkxssxqOIhiUJm18CXB25rg/s1600/Steve_Kimock_2006-08-19-169.jpg" />
<div class="profile-bio">
<h3>Steve Kimock</h3>
<p>Steve Kimock is an American guitarist known for his improvisational skills and contributions to the jam band scene. He has been a member of various bands, including the Steve Kimock Band, Zero, and the Rhythm Devils. Kimock's playing style blends elements of jazz, rock, and blues, and he has collaborated with a wide range of musicians throughout his career.</p>
<p class="image-credit">Photo credit: By Ron 'Skip' Magee from the United States - Steve Kimock, CC BY-SA 2.0, <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/55/Steve_Kimock_2006-08-19.jpg" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</div>
</div>
<!--Reed Mathis-->
<div class="profile-card">
<img alt="Reed Mathis" class="profile-image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitY0JG2sFnjMf8Az2nYQJunJDH1jHDr5l_CMsT_78LXyCAh1RlPhfk3gn1FUEgdAVamDAwGxDrYfoylYhjk_rMuiwB1YMKoTYqN9oE5vA7_t3CCvMYSiWidtBXq-98BJv06Az3xy3LDGKec9E3ZbeZJDknn2CxCQ-MmsQ6mXgRF0P6-uj7miEf3A/s1600/Reed-Mathis-Spotify-169.jpg" />
<div class="profile-bio">
<h3>Reed Mathis</h3>
<p>Reed Mathis is an American bassist and composer who has performed with several bands and artists. He is known for his work with the band Tea Leaf Green, as well as collaborations with musicians like Bill Kreutzmann (of the Grateful Dead) and Mickey Hart. Mathis is recognized for his versatile bass playing and ability to seamlessly navigate different musical styles.</p>
<p class="image-credit">Photo credit: Spotify, <a href="https://i.scdn.co/image/ab6761610000e5ebff2f6c8dfee60dd5669d5e3c" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</div>
</div>
<!--Willy Waldman-->
<div class="profile-card">
<img alt="Willy Waldman" class="profile-image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_cqV2jZKRxvlthpzcG3YLnC7acQ-P9FL4X7kt6nRDlEaPT25dtqWbhPlIDUDX8nPLUWxxIsyqDK1CdQnywDCl1UNlX5PBv_k6ES9R-xp9Ec0B1rd7kBB5qe0ByCL7Znx9O1WN1VCCQ9RqK0TuAqxGGkIuvhwIh76x6EhJT2tevlZTkRnhIFL1Q/s1600/Willie-Waldman-Discography-Discogs-169" />
<div class="profile-bio">
<h3>Willy Waldman</h3>
<p>Willy Waldman is an American trumpet player known for his contributions to the jazz, rock, and funk genres. He has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, and the James Brown Band. Waldman's trumpet playing adds a unique flavor to the music he performs, and his improvisational skills are highly regarded.</p>
<p class="image-credit">Photo credit: Discography | Discogs, <a href="https://i.discogs.com/cAzFHf7PuhW86eQ87Flbt_wZGRHUgJjKEAvdKUhAOFM/rs:fit/g:sm/q:40/h:300/w:300/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9BLTY1ODk0/NC0xNDg4MDU4MTU3/LTYzNjAuanBlZw.jpeg" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</div>
</div>
<!--Stephen Perkins-->
<div class="profile-card">
<img alt="Stephen Perkins" class="profile-image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikht8BDtiK0VWlbhshC92aU2pvI2YdILZeA4uYKX8a3Cuo2Db8xm--yclA88-wDuCpznOfPhMTCtNtW0QKlnF0yz28wdqiT9yfqqBFPGRKYRDHt2g3hnyf-j9-GUY7uVI90AmDw4hzrIC60tcqBjIeHk3xJX4HAiNMqlHF3wA1cE0mbvu4tbRIAw/s1600/steven-perkins-169.jpg" />
<div class="profile-bio">
<h3>Stephen Perkins</h3>
<p>Stephen Perkins is an American drummer best known as the drummer for the alternative rock band Jane's Addiction. He is recognized for his powerful and dynamic drumming style, which blends elements of rock, funk, and tribal rhythms. Perkins has also been involved in various other musical projects and has showcased his skills with his distinctive drumming approach.
</p>
<p class="image-credit">Photo credit: Gonzalo Tello, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Perkins#/media/File:Jane%E2%80%99s_Addiction_-_Teatro_Caupolic%C3%A1n_(10339170413).jpg" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
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<h2 id="the-jammys-where-musical-genres-collide-and-brilliance-shines">The Jammys: Where Musical Genres Collide and Brilliance Shines</h2>
<p>The Jammy Awards, also known as the Jammys, were an annual awards ceremony that celebrated live music improvisation. They were established in 2000 and ran until 2008. The event aimed to recognize outstanding performances and collaborations within the jam band community and encompassed a variety of genres such as rock, jazz, funk, and bluegrass.</p>
<p>During its run the Jammys featured live performances and special collaborations by prominent artists from the jam band scene and beyond. The event highlighted the improvisational and spontaneous nature of live music, with musicians often jamming together on stage. These collaborations often brought together musicians from different bands and genres, creating exciting and one-of-a-kind musical experiences including this stand out performance of "Cortez the Killer."</p>
<p>While the Jammys may be a part of music history now, the impact it had on the jam band community and the memories created through its extraordinary performances continue to inspire musicians and fans alike. The performance of "Cortez the Killer" by the ensemble you witnessed serves as a reminder of the creativity, passion, and sheer talent that can be unleashed in the realm of live music.</p>
<h2 id="learn-from-the-best-justin-sandercoes-step-by-step-tutorial-for-cortez-the-killer">Learn from the Best: Justin Sandercoe's Step-by-Step Tutorial for "Cortez the Killer"</h2>
<p>For guitar players looking to learn how to play 'Cortez the Killer' by Neil Young, I highly recommend checking out Justin Sandercoe's tutorial on <a href="https://www.justinguitar.com/">JustinGuitar.com</a>. Justin is a renowned guitar instructor with years of experience in playing, writing, and recording music. His website, founded in 2003, offers a wealth of guitar lessons and resources for players of all levels. As a respected musician, Justin has contributed to numerous high-profile music projects and served as a 'sideman' for various artists. Don't miss the chance to learn this iconic song from a trusted instructor! Head over to <a href="https://www.justinguitar.com/songs/neil-young-cortez-the-killer-easy-chords-tabs-guitar-lesson-bs-291">JustinGuitar.com and dive into the world of 'Cortez the Killer'</a> today.</p>
<h2>Lyrics and Chord progression</h2>
<p>Verse:</p>
<p>Em | D | C | G</p>
<p>Chorus:</p>
<p>D | C | Em | G</p>
<p>These chords repeat throughout the song.</p>
<p>Lyrics:</p>
<p>Here are the lyrics for "Cortez the Killer":</p>
<p>[Verse 1]</p>
<p>He came dancing across the water</p>
<p>With his galleons and guns</p>
<p>Looking for the new world</p>
<p>In that palace in the sun</p>
<p>[Chorus]</p>
<p>On the shore lay Montezuma</p>
<p>With his coca leaves and pearls</p>
<p>In his halls he often wondered</p>
<p>With the secrets of the worlds</p>
<p>[Verse 2]</p>
<p>And his subjects</p>
<p>Gathered 'round him</p>
<p>Like the leaves around a tree</p>
<p>In their clothes of many colors</p>
<p>For the angry gods to see</p>
<p>[Chorus]</p>
<p>And the women all were beautiful</p>
<p>And the men stood straight and strong</p>
<p>They offered life in sacrifice</p>
<p>So that others could go on</p>
<p>[Verse 3]</p>
<p>Hate was just a legend</p>
<p>And war was never known</p>
<p>The people worked together</p>
<p>And they lifted many stones</p>
<p>[Chorus]</p>
<p>They carried them to the flatlands</p>
<p>And they died along the way</p>
<p>But they built up with their bare hands</p>
<p>What we still can't do today</p>
<p>[Verse 4]</p>
<p>And I know she's living there</p>
<p>And she loves me to this day</p>
<p>I still can't remember when</p>
<p>Or how I lost my way</p>
<p>[Chorus]</p>
<p>He came dancing across the water</p>
<p>Cortez, Cortez</p>
<p>What a killer</p>
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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitY0JG2sFnjMf8Az2nYQJunJDH1jHDr5l_CMsT_78LXyCAh1RlPhfk3gn1FUEgdAVamDAwGxDrYfoylYhjk_rMuiwB1YMKoTYqN9oE5vA7_t3CCvMYSiWidtBXq-98BJv06Az3xy3LDGKec9E3ZbeZJDknn2CxCQ-MmsQ6mXgRF0P6-uj7miEf3A/s169/Reed-Mathis-Spotify-169.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="169" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitY0JG2sFnjMf8Az2nYQJunJDH1jHDr5l_CMsT_78LXyCAh1RlPhfk3gn1FUEgdAVamDAwGxDrYfoylYhjk_rMuiwB1YMKoTYqN9oE5vA7_t3CCvMYSiWidtBXq-98BJv06Az3xy3LDGKec9E3ZbeZJDknn2CxCQ-MmsQ6mXgRF0P6-uj7miEf3A/s1600/Reed-Mathis-Spotify-169.jpg" width="169" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ34a3cSoG5_aWCW9xatDw0wMx-z8cqq9w546HzR4bib8fq2GPDpvajhSGmIiYnDemFWdPq-xGMjBRTCqWqcCKPso5xXPxwzoEdD2kkFX2PCwty_nYDOJrS7rdIcTLGqkN8iERvb8RYS-6drjfPZs-MaB0CUFdu8XLRRYz4CP45HBB60UoIoy_wA/s169/Grace_Potter_in_2018-169.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="169" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ34a3cSoG5_aWCW9xatDw0wMx-z8cqq9w546HzR4bib8fq2GPDpvajhSGmIiYnDemFWdPq-xGMjBRTCqWqcCKPso5xXPxwzoEdD2kkFX2PCwty_nYDOJrS7rdIcTLGqkN8iERvb8RYS-6drjfPZs-MaB0CUFdu8XLRRYz4CP45HBB60UoIoy_wA/s1600/Grace_Potter_in_2018-169.jpg" width="169" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikht8BDtiK0VWlbhshC92aU2pvI2YdILZeA4uYKX8a3Cuo2Db8xm--yclA88-wDuCpznOfPhMTCtNtW0QKlnF0yz28wdqiT9yfqqBFPGRKYRDHt2g3hnyf-j9-GUY7uVI90AmDw4hzrIC60tcqBjIeHk3xJX4HAiNMqlHF3wA1cE0mbvu4tbRIAw/s169/steven-perkins-169.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="169" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikht8BDtiK0VWlbhshC92aU2pvI2YdILZeA4uYKX8a3Cuo2Db8xm--yclA88-wDuCpznOfPhMTCtNtW0QKlnF0yz28wdqiT9yfqqBFPGRKYRDHt2g3hnyf-j9-GUY7uVI90AmDw4hzrIC60tcqBjIeHk3xJX4HAiNMqlHF3wA1cE0mbvu4tbRIAw/s1600/steven-perkins-169.jpg" width="169" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>-->Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-74148207402090194082023-06-13T10:45:00.001-04:002023-06-13T10:45:42.079-04:00In the Footsteps of a Legend: Examining “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYHryAa1v42lNxvS0pNRxuzrnk9Aeb62viKHLXcVJclm_qU4OqG_FHK5_-ZSkz11rhueyrA3WgmhmE73GPMJtU-NDxt90o1JzwwO52uovnccb7sq9UManOnrw_t-LxSIiKOjYOWuNf59SG-pXGiJjAt-RJ5tk9aAbJd6hTRNmJ9JRVGCHIf8/s1200/cohen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYHryAa1v42lNxvS0pNRxuzrnk9Aeb62viKHLXcVJclm_qU4OqG_FHK5_-ZSkz11rhueyrA3WgmhmE73GPMJtU-NDxt90o1JzwwO52uovnccb7sq9UManOnrw_t-LxSIiKOjYOWuNf59SG-pXGiJjAt-RJ5tk9aAbJd6hTRNmJ9JRVGCHIf8/w640-h334/cohen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>"Hallelujah" is a Hebrew loan word commonly used in the English language. In Hebrew, it is a compound word made up of "Hallelu" (הללו), which is an exhortation to a group of people to praise, and "Yah" (יה), a shortened form of the name of God. Therefore, the word essentially means "Praise, ye" or "Praise the Lord," reflecting an exhortation to express praise and worship.</p>
<p>“Hallelujah” the song by Leonard Cohen is iconic in popular culture and provokes praise in the mainstream. The melody is instantly recognizable, simple, and deeply moving, especially when paired with Cohen’s lyrics. It’s a religious song loved by religious and non-religious alike. It invokes thoughts of God.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"There are some people who can write songs in the back of a taxi cab in fifteen minutes, but my songs take a long time." -Leonard Cohen</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h2 id="unveiling-the-artistic-evolution-leonard-cohens-journey-into-music">Unveiling the Artistic Evolution: Leonard Cohen's Journey into Music</h2>
<p>Cohen is talented and has a long history of writing great songs and giving moving performances. Cohen began his journey as a musician in the late 1960s. His debut album, "Songs of Leonard Cohen," was released in 1967 and marked the beginning of his successful career as both a singer and a songwriter. The album features some of Cohen's iconic songs, including "Suzanne" and "So Long, Marianne."</p>
<p>"Suzanne" stands out for its evocative storytelling. It captures the essence of the complex and enigmatic Suzanne Verdal, with whom Cohen had a platonic relationship. The song's poetic lyrics, haunting melody, and Cohen's distinctive delivery resonated with listeners, making it a standout track on his debut album. Popular singer/songwriter Judy Collins made the song a hit with her rendition of the piece. "Suzanne" has been covered by numerous musicians over the years, further solidifying its enduring appeal.</p>
<p>Prior to that, Cohen had already established himself as a poet and novelist. His unique blend of poetic lyrics and melodic compositions contributed to his lasting influence in the music industry.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>“When you see the world and see the laws, the only way you can reconcile it to sanity is to glue your soul to prayer.” -Leonard Cohen</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h2 id="exploring-leonard-cohens-spiritual-journey-faith-heritage-and-musical-expression">Exploring Leonard Cohen's Spiritual Journey: Faith, Heritage, and Musical Expression</h2>
<p>Leonard Cohen had deep religious roots and heritage. He was born into a Jewish family in Montreal, Canada, on September 21, 1934. His paternal grandfather was a respected rabbi, and his father was also a synagogue leader and Talmudic scholar. Cohen grew up immersed in Jewish traditions and studied Judaism throughout his life. His religious background and spirituality often found expression in his songs and poetry, exploring themes of faith, love, and existential questioning.</p>
<p>The documentary "Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song," directed by Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine, takes a unique approach by using Cohen's iconic song "Hallelujah" as the focal point to delve into his life and the conflicts within it. While the film offers valuable insights through interviews, concert footage, and analysis, there are moments where certain aspects feel incomplete, and the inclusion of certain figures seems unnecessary. Nevertheless, the documentary provides a glimpse into the profound impact of the song and features artists discussing their personal connection to it.</p>
<p>Columbia Records, lacking foresight and understanding, failed to recognize the potential cultural impact of "Hallelujah." As a result, they stifled Cohen's project, leaving the song to emerge organically from the streets, beyond the reach of major record label influence. The record was eventually printed by a lesser-known New Jersey record company, allowing it to find its own path to success.</p>
<p>The documentary showcases several interviews with individuals who have deep knowledge of Cohen's life and work, including the notable Rolling Stone journalist Larry "Ratso" Sloman. Sloman, born on May 23, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American writer, author, and music journalist. He has made significant contributions to publications such as Rolling Stone, The Village Voice, and Playboy, offering insightful interviews and writings on numerous renowned musicians and artists, including Cohen, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, and John Lennon.</p>
<p>Sloman's engaging storytelling style captures the essence and spirit of the music scene and the personalities he encounters. He has also authored several notable books, including the memoir "On the Road with Bob Dylan," which chronicles his experiences traveling with Dylan during the 1975 Rolling Thunder Revue tour.</p>
<p>The album <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6I58qJMqZHhb8jtNT3CuJB?si=kQVDOD7OS3u3Z6IKxVPkvA" target="_blank">"Various Positions"</a> by Leonard Cohen features nine compelling tracks that showcase his artistry. Here is a list of the songs included on the album:</p>
<ol>
<li>
<p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3mFzIFFFmEXTQs6BDAK2ZZ?si=37f5e42fdbe5491b" target="_blank">Dance Me to the End of Love</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/14jpNd0RHKKnIbepofxTJO?si=457e1e1e019142e7" target="_blank">Coming Back to You</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3AniTC5C1dXxwVwFDS6Jxa?si=982a9d40601b4a49" target="_blank">The Law</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/2WgnLtwA8WxNuFRz6j0VXB?si=248840a2bcab4f27" target="_blank">Night Comes On</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/7yzbimr8WVyAtBX3Eg6UL9?si=90a5e292e8c64d48" target="_blank">Hallelujah</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3msJlI82fTxayQG27VTDp2?si=e28d80543bec450d" target="_blank">The Captain</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/5bBrFHgJyQ5HAPUto1QhSq?si=b93ca2537c534032" target="_blank">Hunter's Lullaby</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3HmKGs2W7GYKk1KKaCAix0?si=831d92c6231d4e4f" target="_blank">Heart with No Companion</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/2PMzWCQqhKyX1EVZ3xfZLe?si=fcbccc97389c436a" target="_blank">If It Be Your Will</a></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Each song on "Various Positions" captures Cohen's profound lyricism and musical depth, contributing to the album's enduring impact.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Book-Mercy-Canons-Leonard-Cohen/dp/1786896869/" target="_blank">"Book of Mercy"</a> by Leonard Cohen is a collection primarily consisting of poems. Rather than traditional chapters, the book is divided into numbered sections, each containing a series of individual poems. Here are some sample section titles from "Book of Mercy":</p>
<ol>
<li>
<p>From the Broken-Hearted: A Procession of Angels</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Dancing Before the Lord</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>From the Prison of First Love</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Night Prayer</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Against the Grain</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Intercession</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The Appearance of the Rose</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The Dream of Abraham</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Lamentation</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>"Book of Mercy" presents a rich tapestry of emotional and spiritual exploration, with each section title offering a glimpse into the profound themes and experiences within Cohen's poetry collection.</p>
<h2 id="unveiling-the-mysteries-of-inspiration">Unveiling the Mysteries of Inspiration</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><i>“The real song, where that comes from, no one knows. That is grace. That is a gift. That is not yours.” -Leonard Cohen</i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="john-cale-the-avant-garde-trailblazer">John Cale: The Avant-Garde Trailblazer</h3>
<p>John Cale is a Welsh musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born on March 9, 1942, in Garnant, Carmarthenshire, Wales. Cale is widely recognized for his versatile musical contributions, particularly in the fields of rock, experimental, and avant-garde music.</p>
<p>In the 1960s, John Cale became known as a founding member and multi-instrumentalist of the influential rock band The Velvet Underground, alongside Lou Reed and others. Cale's contributions to the band included playing various instruments like viola, bass guitar, keyboards, and providing vocals. His experimental and classically trained background brought unique elements to the band's sound.</p>
<p>Following his departure from The Velvet Underground in 1968, Cale embarked on a successful solo career. He released a series of acclaimed albums that showcased his distinct musical style, which blended elements of rock, avant-garde, folk, and classical music. Some notable albums from his solo career include "Vintage Violence" (1970), "Paris 1919" (1973), and "Fear" (1974).</p>
<h3 id="jeff-buckley-the-voice-of-emotion">Jeff Buckley: The Voice of Emotion</h3>
<p>Jeff Buckley was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, known for his exceptional vocal range and expressive musical style. He was born on November 17, 1966, in Anaheim, California, and tragically passed away on May 29, 1997, at the age of 30.</p>
<p>In 1994, Jeff Buckley released his critically acclaimed debut album, "Grace." The album showcased his diverse musical influences, ranging from rock and folk to jazz and soul. It featured his signature rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," which became one of his most iconic and beloved songs.</p>
<p>With his ethereal voice and heartfelt songwriting, Jeff Buckley began to establish himself as a rising star in the music industry. Tragically, his promising career was cut short when he accidentally drowned in the Wolf River Harbor in Memphis, Tennessee, during a spontaneous evening swim.</p>
<h3 id="bonos-resounding-interpretation">Bono's Resounding Interpretation</h3>
<p>Bono sang it. The frontman of U2, boldly declared Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' as the "most perfect song in the world." In Alan Light's book, The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley, and the Unlikely Ascent of 'Hallelujah,' Bono's reverence for the track is unveiled. Alongside other artists expressing their admiration for the song, such as Regina Spektor affirming its indestructibility and Patrick Stump from Fall Out Boy noting its perpetual freshness, Bono's proclamation cements the enduring power and universal appeal of 'Hallelujah.'</p>
<h3 id="brandi-carliles-profound-connection">Brandi Carlile's Profound Connection</h3>
<p>Brandi Carlile covers it. When interviewed for the documentary, Carlisle says, “Leonard Cohen somehow understood that 'Hallelujah' wasn't a church song, but that it was actually a moment of realization that life can be desperately hard."</p>
<h2 id="a-surprising-encounter-discovering-hallelujah-in-shrek">A Surprising Encounter: Discovering 'Hallelujah' in Shrek</h2>
<p>I hate to admit this, but my first encounter with the song came unexpectedly while watching the animated film Shrek with my teenage kids. As the movie unfolded, I found myself captivated by John Cale's rendition of 'Hallelujah.' The song had a profound effect, humanizing the fictional, mythological character Shrek in a way that resonated deeply. Interestingly, Rufus Wainwright was initially chosen to perform the song for Dreamworks, but ultimately, Cale's version was selected for its perfect alignment with the essence of Shrek. Nonetheless, it was Wainwright's rendition that graced the movie's soundtrack album, which achieved remarkable success, reaching double platinum status.</p>
<h2 id="an-enduring-legacy-leonard-cohens-hallelujah-and-the-timeless-journey-of-a-song">An Enduring Legacy: Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' and the Timeless Journey of a Song</h2>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"Of course, I was happy the song was being used, but I think people ought to stop singing it for a little while." -Leonard Cohen</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>The impact of “Hallelujah” was nothing short of remarkable, with its presence felt far and wide. In just one week, three different versions of the song graced the British top 40 music charts, illustrating its widespread popularity. Some may wonder if Leonard Cohen had mixed feelings about its proliferation, but those who knew him, like Ratso, suggest otherwise. According to Ratso, Cohen was genuinely delighted that the song had taken on a life of its own, capturing the hearts of countless individuals.</p>
<p>Throughout the documentary, there are numerous hidden treasures and profound insights to be discovered. Delving into the film's one hour and fifty-seven minutes is an edifying experience, filled with wisdom, gratitude, and an exploration of the mysterious origins of songs.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"If I knew where songs came from, I would go there more often." -Leonard Cohen</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>As the closing credits roll, one thing becomes clear: “Hallelujah” is more than just a song. It has transcended time, capturing the essence of the human experience and touching the souls of those who hear it. Leonard Cohen's enduring legacy lives on through this extraordinary composition, reminding us of the power of music to connect, inspire, and elevate the human spirit.</p>
<p><b>Bonus material: </b><br />This is a <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/45pf3dKeovI0TJw5nmivaY?si=tgghvkaqRoats7oFEHkyLQ" target="_blank">Spotify playlist of best renditions of "Hallelujah"</a> by various artists.</p>
<p>Catch it on <a href="https://www.netflix.com/us/title/81521158?s=i&trkid=258593161&vlang=en&clip=81640369" target="_blank">Netflix</a> before it departs, or explore it on <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7600742/" target="_blank">IMDb</a> to find rental options if it's no longer available. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this captivating documentary firsthand.</p>Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-20614546945262975192023-06-04T13:38:00.003-04:002023-06-04T14:00:44.104-04:00Expressing Hope and Courage: Music, Chord Progressions, and the Impact of Psalm 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaybzPQ-cgMXhTuarAF_oTbDid0r4AfWbQIcgqfG8rpGfM6mgs4b1olIcxGYop4pLET2p7PHbb5AlaKT7nF7FEXkIgWU_sEcJUEBgH3Suiazxzjfg4NolzOWQc-nteHSUva8fgZ3OwOj6vXe3DiIC16g9WwEkmCoLtvB5UG-ox9g8tQV2iog/s1200/psalm-3-lion-head.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaybzPQ-cgMXhTuarAF_oTbDid0r4AfWbQIcgqfG8rpGfM6mgs4b1olIcxGYop4pLET2p7PHbb5AlaKT7nF7FEXkIgWU_sEcJUEBgH3Suiazxzjfg4NolzOWQc-nteHSUva8fgZ3OwOj6vXe3DiIC16g9WwEkmCoLtvB5UG-ox9g8tQV2iog/w640-h334/psalm-3-lion-head.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The phrase "David is a man after God's own heart" is found in the Bible, specifically in the Old
Testament book of 1 Samuel 13:14. The original author of the phrase is Samuel the prophet, who spoke these words
to Saul, the first king of Israel, in reference to David. The full verse reads: "But now your kingdom shall
not continue. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be
commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you" (1 Samuel 13:14, NKJV).
</p>
<p>David, a warrior-poet, embodies a complex view of masculinity, a topic that requires sensitivity and nuance in
today's context. In this series, I am committed to navigating this subject with utmost care, respect, and
factual accuracy. It is important to note that the conclusions drawn in this exploration reflect my personal
opinions and interpretations, which should not be mistaken for indisputable facts. I invite and value your
comments as we delve into the profound connection between Psalms, David, and music.</p>
<p>Psalm 3 is a historic Davidic Psalm. It is attributed to David and is believed to have been written during a time
of great distress and danger in his life, possibly during his flight from his son Absalom.</p>
<p>The theme of this Psalm is a plea for God's protection and deliverance in the midst of great turmoil and danger.
David expresses his trust in God's ability to protect him, even in the face of overwhelming opposition and
danger. He also acknowledges his own sinfulness and dependence on God's mercy and grace.</p>
<p>There are a few Old Testament events that have been suggested as possible references for the events described in
this Psalm, but it's difficult to know for sure which one (if any) is the specific historical context for this
Psalm. Some of the possibilities include:</p>
<ul>
<li>David's flight from his son Absalom, as mentioned above (see 2 Samuel 15-18)</li>
<li>David's flight from Saul, who was trying to kill him (see 1 Samuel 18-31)</li>
<li>The rebellion of Sheba, a Benjamite who tried to lead a rebellion against David (see 2 Samuel 20)</li>
</ul>
<p>In terms of emotions expressed in this Psalm, David is very honest and raw about his feelings. He expresses fear
and anxiety about his situation ("How many are my foes!... Many are saying of me, 'God will not deliver
him.'"), but also confidence in God's protection ("But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory,
the One who lifts my head high."). He acknowledges his own sinfulness and unworthiness ("You, Lord,
are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high."), but also his faith in God's mercy and
forgiveness ("From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people."). Overall, this
Psalm is a powerful expression of faith and trust in God, even in the midst of great difficulty and danger.</p>
<h2 id="beyond-guilt-exploring-additional-sources-of-unworthiness">Beyond Guilt: Exploring Additional Sources of
Unworthiness</h2>
<p>Feelings of unworthiness are common for many people, and the root of these feelings can stem from various sources
beyond the inherent awareness of one's own sinfulness. Here are a few examples:</p>
<p><strong>1. Comparison with others:</strong> Sometimes we may feel unworthy or inadequate when we compare
ourselves to others. We think we don't measure up to their accomplishments or abilities, or we may feel like we
are not as attractive, intelligent, or successful as they are.</p>
<p><strong>2. Past experiences:</strong> Negative experiences from our past, such as abuse, trauma, or rejection,
can leave us feeling unworthy or undeserving of love and acceptance. These experiences create deep-seated
beliefs about ourselves that are difficult to shake.</p>
<p><strong>3. Everyone else’s expectations:</strong> Societal or cultural expectations about what it means to be
"successful" or "worthy" also contribute to feelings of unworthiness. For example, if we
don't fit into certain gender or cultural norms, we may feel like we don't belong or aren't valued.</p>
<p><strong>4. Personal setbacks or failures:</strong> Experiencing setbacks or failures, whether in our personal or
professional lives, can also lead to feelings of unworthiness. We may feel like we're not good enough or capable
enough to succeed, or we may think we've let ourselves or others down.</p>
<p><strong>5. Mental health struggles:</strong> Mental health issues like depression and anxiety also contribute to
feelings of unworthiness. Negative self-talk and distorted thinking patterns can create a sense of self-doubt
and self-criticism that are difficult to overcome.</p>
<p>It's important to acknowledge that feelings of unworthiness are complicated and multilayered, and that various
factors can contribute to these emotions. Understanding and addressing the underlying causes of unworthiness are
crucial steps in overcoming them and fostering a stronger sense of self-worth and self-acceptance.</p>
<h2 id="a-shift-in-perspective-davids-actionable-conclusion-in-psalm-3">A Shift in Perspective: David's Actionable
Conclusion in Psalm 3</h2>
<p>David arrives at an actionable conclusion in Psam 3. Although the Psalm begins with David expressing his distress
and feelings of being surrounded by enemies, he ends the Psalm with a note of confidence and trust in God's
protection and deliverance.</p>
<p>In verses 4-6, David acknowledges that God is his shield and his source of strength. He calls out to God for help
and expresses confidence that God will answer his prayers and protect him from his enemies. David also affirms
his belief that God is in control and that salvation comes from Him.</p>
<p>Then in verse 7, David expresses his determination to take action and not let fear overcome him. He says,
"Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked."
This is a bold and decisive statement, showing that David is not simply resigned to his fate, but is willing to
take action and fight back against his enemies, with God's help.</p>
<p>Finally, in verse 8, David expresses his faith and trust in God's protection and blessing. He says, "From
the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people." This is a powerful statement of faith and
a reminder that David is not alone in his struggle, but is part of a larger community of believers who are all
seeking God's protection and blessing.</p>
<p>While Psalm 3 begins with David expressing his distress and feeling surrounded by enemies, it ends with a strong
affirmation of faith in God's protection and deliverance, as well as a determination to take action and fight
back against his enemies. Through his prayer and declaration of faith, David finds hope and courage in the midst
of his difficult situation. _Ultimately, he entrusts his life and safety to God's hands. _This reminds us that
even in our darkest moments, we can turn to God for help and strength. Our faith in Him can give us the courage
and confidence to face any challenge that comes our way.</p>
<p>What follows is content designed to help you discover and interact with what David writes about in this Psalm. No
doubt, you are familiar with the emotions David experienced. They’re familiar to all of us and we would all
benefit from working through them the way David did.</p>
<p>I find it intriguing to consider the healing power that writing had for David as he poured out his experiences in
the form of Psalms. His heartfelt expressions of faith and struggles have resonated with generations throughout
the ages. The transformation of his memories and emotions into songs has left an indelible impact on humanity.
It is a testament to the enduring power of music and the universal language it speaks. In the following
sections, we will explore some remarkable songs that have been inspired by Psalm 3, allowing us to engage with
the profound themes that David articulated.</p>
<style>
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border-collapse: collapse;
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<table>
<tbody><tr>
<th>Musical Artist</th>
<th>Song Title</th>
<th>Year Produced</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matt Redman</td>
<td><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1RCZqVBH6Un4IXDkOsYh3Q?si=b12a11d6861742f3" target="_blank">"You Are My Shield"</a></td>
<td>2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>The Psalms Project, Daniel Brunz</td>
<td><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/5yz1WGfoQiZ2RF48cjKc57?si=8a9d3a448e2f4b07" target="_blank">"Psalm 3: Lifter of My Head"</a></td>
<td>2012</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robby Seah Band</td>
<td><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1LLrszYiDCAuCXsuXHjoEu?si=30f293e6bdea4467" target="_blank">"Psalm 3 (A Shield About Me)"</a></td>
<td>2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Michael Talbot</td>
<td>"You, O Lord, Are My Shield"</td>
<td>2008</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>These songs draw inspiration from the themes of God's protection, trust, and deliverance found in Psalm 3. It's
worth noting that interpretations of the psalm can vary among artists, and the songs listed above may
incorporate additional lyrics or elements beyond Psalm 3.</p>
<h2 id="hopeful-harmonies-exploring-chord-progressions-that-evoke-courage-and-inspiration">Hopeful Harmonies:
Exploring Chord Progressions that Evoke Courage and Inspiration</h2>
<p>What if you don’t want to pay for songs but would rather write your own based on a Psalm that is meaningful to
you? When it comes to chord progressions that can express hope and courage in music, there are several common
progressions that evoke positive and uplifting emotions. Here are a few examples:</p>
<p><strong>1. I - IV - V:</strong> This is one of the most basic and widely used progressions in popular music. It
provides a sense of stability and resolution. For instance, in the key of C major, the chords would be C, F, and
G.</p>
<p><strong>2. I - V - vi - IV:</strong> Often referred to as the "pop-punk progression" or
"vi-IV-V-I" progression, this sequence is prevalent in many uplifting and anthemic songs. In the key
of C major, the chords would be C, G, Am, and F.</p>
<p>**3. I - III - IV - V:**This progression is commonly used in major key compositions and can create a sense of
triumph and resolution. In the key of C major, the chords would be C, E, F, and G.</p>
<p><strong>4. II - V - I:</strong> This progression is frequently used in jazz and can convey a sense of progression
and optimism. In the key of C major, the chords would be Dm, G, and C.</p>
<p><strong>5. IV - V - vi - III:</strong> This progression has a catchy and uplifting quality to it. In the key of C
major, the chords would be F, G, Am, and E.</p>
<p>These are just a few examples, and there are many other chord progressions that can convey hope and courage in
music. The choice of progression ultimately depends on the musical context, style, and the emotions you wish to
evoke in your composition. Experimenting with these progressions and adding your own variations can help create
a unique musical expression of hope and courage.</p>
<h2 id="from-mind-to-music-translating-internal-melodies-into-an-expressive-song">From Mind to Music: Translating
Internal Melodies into an Expressive Song</h2>
<p>As I thought about the chord progression provided in the second example above, a specific song by the Red Hot
Chili Peppers began playing on a loop in my mind. It's a tune I often strum on my acoustic guitar, immersing
myself in its melodic charm. The progression, known for its popularity, has an inherent quality that evokes a
Beatlesque vibe, especially when played at a slower tempo. Inspired by this captivating chord sequence, I
ventured to explore its potential in creating the song below which you are free to use and tweak however you
wish. What I care about most is that Psalm 3 has the effect on you as it’s had on me.</p>
<p>(Verse 1)</p>
<p>On the edge of night, I stand alone</p>
<p>Dark shadows cast, and fears unknown</p>
<p>But deep inside, a fire burns bright</p>
<p>Steady hope, ignite my fight</p>
<p>(Chorus)</p>
<p>Through darkest hours, arise</p>
<p>Like a roaring lion, no need to hide</p>
<p>Hope and courage grow, ‘cause you’re at my side.</p>
<p>(Verse 2)</p>
<p>Can’t shake the doubt, but I won't retreat</p>
<p>With every step, I hear your beat</p>
<p>Through trials and storms, I'll hold the ground</p>
<p>With a warrior’s heart, fierce courage found</p>
<p>(Chorus)</p>
<p>Through darkest hours, arise</p>
<p>Like a roaring lion, no need to hide</p>
<p>Hope and courage grow, ‘cause you’re at my side.</p>
<p>(Bridge)</p>
<p>In the silence, whispers of grace</p>
<p>Guiding me forward, to a better place</p>
<p>I'll sing my song, with every breath</p>
<p>Faith a compass, conquering death</p>
<p>(Chorus)</p>
<p>Through darkest hours, arise</p>
<p>Like a roaring lion, no need to hide</p>
<p>Hope and courage grow, ‘cause you’re at my side.</p>
<p>(Outro)</p>
<p>With trials faced, and battles won</p>
<p>I'll carry on, till the race is done</p>
<p>In the depths of my soul, I'll never hide</p>
<p>Hope and courage are rooted deep down inside</p>
<h2 id="enhancing-the-visual-impact-of-psalm-3">Enhancing the Visual Impact of Psalm 3</h2>
<p>Feeling inspired by what you've read above and eager to delve deeper into expressing the essence of this Psalm?
Perhaps you envision using it as a springboard for a thought-provoking small group discussion, inviting others
to share in its wisdom. To complement and visually communicate the mood evoked by Psalm 3, I have curated a
table of captivating color palettes. These palettes are not only ideal for printed materials, but also for
enhancing the visual impact of social media posts or websites.</p>
<p>These color palettes incorporate a range of bright, uplifting, and energetic hues that can symbolize hope and
courage. They can be utilized in various design projects, such as artwork, branding, or any visual
representation where you want to evoke a sense of positivity and strength.</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Mood</th>
<th>Color 1</th>
<th>Color 2</th>
<th>Color 3</th>
<th>Color 4</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Radiant Sunrise</td>
<td class="dark" style="background-color: gold;">#FFD700<br />Sunny Yellow</td>
<td class="dark" style="background-color: orange;">#FFA500<br />Warm Orange</td>
<td class="light" style="background-color: #ff007f;">#FF007F<br />Vibrant Pink</td>
<td class="light" style="background-color: skyblue;">#87CEEB<br />Pale Sky Blue</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Renewed Growth</td>
<td class="dark" style="background-color: lime;">#00FF00<br />Fresh Green</td>
<td class="light" style="background-color: olive;">#808000<br />Earthy Olive</td>
<td class="light" style="background-color: teal;">#008080<br />Soft Teal</td>
<td class="dark" style="background-color: ivory;">#FFFFF0<br />Pale Ivory</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brave Passion</td>
<td class="light" style="background-color: red;">#FF0000<br />Fiery Red</td>
<td class="dark" style="background-color: magenta;">#FF00FF<br />Bold Magenta</td>
<td class="dark" style="background-color: gold;">#FFD700<br />Warm Gold</td>
<td class="light" style="background-color: indigo;">#4B0082<br />Deep Indigo</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tranquil Serenity</td>
<td class="light" style="background-color: deepskyblue;">#00BFFF<br />Calming Blue</td>
<td class="dark" style="background-color: lavender;">#E6E6FA<br />Gentle Lavender</td>
<td class="light" style="background-color: grey;">#808080<br />Cool Gray</td>
<td class="dark" style="background-color: beige;">#F5F5DC<br />Subtle Cream</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vibrant Energy</td>
<td class="light" style="background-color: #007fff;">#007FFF<br />Electric Blue</td>
<td class="dark" style="background-color: yellow;">#FFFF00<br />Energetic Yellow</td>
<td class="dark" style="background-color: coral;">#FF7F50<br />Lively Coral</td>
<td class="dark" style="background-color: lime;">#00FF00<br />Zesty Lime</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Exploring the rich tapestry of Psalms and the life of David can offer us profound insights into
our own creativity and spiritual journey. These ancient songs continue to resonate with people from all walks of
life, reminding us of the human experience and our deep longing for connection with something greater. As we
have witnessed through the songs mentioned in this post, the Psalms have inspired countless artists throughout
history to express their emotions, doubts, and joys with honesty and vulnerability. They invite us to do the
same, to delve into the depths of our own hearts and unleash the power of our creativity.</p>
<p>So, I encourage you to embark on a personal exploration of the Psalms, immersing yourself in their timeless
wisdom and poetic beauty. Dive into the life of David, a shepherd, poet, and king, who poured his heart out to
God through these sacred songs. Allow yourself to be moved, challenged, and inspired as you encounter the depth
of human experience captured within their verses.
</p>
Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-25206591472806659242023-05-24T09:01:00.011-04:002023-05-24T09:17:38.387-04:00Van Gogh and Coldplay: Bound Together Across One Hundred Years by Strands of Yellow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: 13px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1HWUh2Xpd3-JubktqWsi8v8KIeSxGiLDfYCh2R0iWh2c9od6KX3cP0U_k_IggphYfoSf9n5e4Ke6KlKC1f4-NPHvbKUXrw_vlt9L0R5jc5bG0XJ2J3iwsLQV_-lq9u_KcEDr5onL3A599hUj-2_Qp1JmYmDuRXva_wSsbtWGA6glhzv1wzg/s1280/Van_Gogh_-_Starry_Night_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1280" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1HWUh2Xpd3-JubktqWsi8v8KIeSxGiLDfYCh2R0iWh2c9od6KX3cP0U_k_IggphYfoSf9n5e4Ke6KlKC1f4-NPHvbKUXrw_vlt9L0R5jc5bG0XJ2J3iwsLQV_-lq9u_KcEDr5onL3A599hUj-2_Qp1JmYmDuRXva_wSsbtWGA6glhzv1wzg/w640-h336/Van_Gogh_-_Starry_Night_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg" width="640" /></a><figcaption>This is a file from the <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page" class="extiw" title="commons:Main Page" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>. Information from its <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Van_Gogh_-_Starry_Night_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg" class="extiw" title="commons:File:Van Gogh - Starry Night - Google Art Project.jpg" target="_blank">description page there</a> is shown below.<br>Commons is a freely licensed media file repository. <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Welcome" class="extiw" title="commons:Commons:Welcome" target="_blank">You can help</a>.</figcaption></div>
<p>Every night before I go to bed, I find solace in playing my guitar. It has become a ritual that brings tranquility and peace to my soul. Recently, Coldplay's enchanting song "Yellow" has captured my attention, its melodies lingering in my mind. As I delved into the chords and lyrics, I couldn't help but draw connections between this song and Vincent van Gogh's masterful use of the color yellow in his renowned painting, "Starry Night." In this blog post, we will explore the profound symbolism of yellow in art and music and delve into the theological implications of human suffering and God's love.</p>
<h2 id="the-melodic-magic-of-coldplays-yellow">The Melodic Magic of Coldplay's "Yellow"</h2>
<p>Every time I strum the chords of Coldplay's "Yellow," I am transported into a world of enchantment. The lyrics paint a picture of admiration and devotion, expressing the beauty found in someone's presence. Let's take a moment to immerse ourselves in the opening verses and chorus:</p>
<div style="font-style: italic;">
<p>[Verse 1]</p>
<p>Look at the stars</p>
<p>Look how they shine for you</p>
<p>And everything you do</p>
<p>Yeah, they were all yellow</p>
<p>[Verse 2]</p>
<p>I came along</p>
<p>I wrote a song for you</p>
<p>And all the things you do</p>
<p>And it was called "Yellow"</p>
<p>[Chorus]</p>
<p>So then I took my turn</p>
<p>Oh, what a thing to have done</p>
<p>And it was all yellow</p>
</div>
<p>Now, take a moment to immerse yourself in the captivating melodies of "Yellow" using the embedded audio player below:</p>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; margin: 15px auto; max-width: 400px; font-size: 13px;">
<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="280" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/3e0wYnFxkqinmtXebYPMSt" width="100%"></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;">Listen to the whole song <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3e0wYnFxkqinmtXebYPMSt?si=c44c59d246a346bb" target="_blank">here on Spotify</a>.</p>
<p>The above is only a sample, but you can listen to the entire song (and explore Coldplay’s catalog of music) here on Spotify.</p>
</div>
<h2 id="van-goghs-vibrant-yellow-in-starry-night">Van Gogh's Vibrant Yellow in "Starry Night"</h2>
<p>Vincent van Gogh's artistic genius shines brilliantly in his masterpiece, "Starry Night." Among the swirling blues and greens, the color yellow takes center stage, conveying a sense of warmth and vitality. Van Gogh's use of yellow in the stars, moon, and village buildings evokes a profound connection with nature and the divine. As we gaze at this iconic painting, we are reminded of the power of color to evoke emotions and transport us to a realm where beauty and imagination intertwine.</p>
<p>As we conclude our exploration of the intersections between Coldplay's "Yellow" and Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night," let us be inspired to embrace the call to action. We are invited to heal the brokenness around us by infusing it with beauty and compassion. Just as yellow symbolizes warmth and vitality, let us embody these qualities in our interactions with others.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Move from worship to action: Worshiping God should propel us to make a difference and effect positive change in the real world.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Those who partake in the nourishment and grace found in Jesus are called to be at the forefront of efforts to eliminate hunger and famine, addressing the physical needs of others.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Prayer grants us extra resources of love and patience to care for those whose lives are damaged, bruised, and ashamed.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>By embodying these principles, we can:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Combine art and music with acts of compassion and justice, becoming agents of change in the world.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Demonstrate love and grace through our actions, reflecting the character of Jesus and inspiring others to seek something greater.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Engage with the Psalms, joining in the timeless chorus of praise and prayer that transcends cultures and connects us to a rich heritage of faith.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>By embracing these practical steps, we can live out our faith tangibly and make a lasting impact on the world around us. As we infuse our actions with beauty and compassion, we become agents of transformation, bringing warmth and vitality to the brokenness we encounter. Just as Coldplay's "Yellow" and Van Gogh's vibrant yellow in "Starry Night" evoke emotions and transport us to a realm of beauty, our lives can radiate the love and grace of Jesus, inspiring others to seek the source of that beauty.</p>
<p>So, let us strum our guitars, paint with vibrant colors, sing melodies of hope, and extend a helping hand to those in need. Through our art, music, and compassionate actions, we can be the strands of yellow that bind the legacy of Van Gogh and the melodies of Coldplay, resonating across one hundred years and touching the hearts and souls of all who encounter them.</p>
<p>Let’s go out, roll up our sleeves, and embrace the transformative power of art, music, and faith. Together, let us wield our brushes and paint a world illuminated by the warmth and vitality symbolized by the color yellow.</p>Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-76607087501521893292023-05-21T10:04:00.001-04:002023-05-21T10:04:20.803-04:00Building More Than a Guitar: Embracing the Midlife Renaissance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdlUvwCwgUDdYTDFo2bnoSvY7f48Ku0ij-hZnhUQGc1r4MCa8Zn2Ac4_FEMI2XLabZwtcV-wJU3lHNZL3k14K18L6fLbqinMBJlWbn6lOTbjZYlPiCAYPlmm1KDS-60qoCRpHJF6e7aYobie5NhBD_JdVbz_YkZQoQ9WO_mjI8m-c_icPrAU/s1200/guitar-cut-out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Guitar body cut out preparation." border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdlUvwCwgUDdYTDFo2bnoSvY7f48Ku0ij-hZnhUQGc1r4MCa8Zn2Ac4_FEMI2XLabZwtcV-wJU3lHNZL3k14K18L6fLbqinMBJlWbn6lOTbjZYlPiCAYPlmm1KDS-60qoCRpHJF6e7aYobie5NhBD_JdVbz_YkZQoQ9WO_mjI8m-c_icPrAU/w640-h334/guitar-cut-out.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Hello, you people! As a man in my fifties, I have embarked on an exciting new adventure that has brought immense
joy and fulfillment into my life. I want to share with you my journey of learning and building electric
guitars—a passion that has been awakened during this remarkable phase known as the midlife crisis. And while my
future blog posts will delve into the profound beauty of the Psalms written by David, for now, let me give you a
hint of the inspiration they have provided along my path.</p>
<h2 id="the-story-of-guitars-a-musical-adventure">The Story of Guitars: A Musical Adventure</h2>
<p>Guitars have an extraordinary history deeply rooted in the world of music. From the ancient civilizations to the
rock legends of today, these instruments have shaped melodies and captivated our souls. The evolution of guitars
has been nothing short of an epic musical odyssey, influencing countless artists and genres throughout time.</p>
<p>Playing music vigorously can be traced back to Psalms, in the Bible. The famous Old Testament character, David,
is known to be a musician and songwriter in addition to being a great warrior and king.</p>
<h3 id="embracing-change-navigating-the-midlife-crisis">Embracing Change: Navigating the Midlife Crisis</h3>
<p>The midlife crisis—a term that often carries a negative connotation—has been an unexpected catalyst for personal
growth in my life. It has inspired me to reevaluate my choices, reflect on my passions, and embrace change.
Despite any regrets or sacrifices made in the past, this phase has presented an opportunity to follow my true
desires and pursue newfound passions.</p>
<h3 id="learning-new-skills-building-and-playing-guitars">Learning New Skills: Building and Playing Guitars</h3>
<p>One of the most thrilling aspects of my journey has been delving into the art of guitar craftsmanship. Learning
to build electric guitars has allowed me to unleash my creativity and dive into a world of technical mastery.
While challenges have arisen along the way, I have persisted, overcome obstacles, and discovered the immense
satisfaction and pride that comes with creating something tangible with my own hands.</p>
<p>Even more affirming is the moment when I hand what I've made to a friend with more expertise, watching their
skillful fingers breathe life into the instrument. It is a humbling reminder that the learning journey is
endless, and there is always room to grow and improve. This realization has taught me to appreciate the beauty
of the process rather than solely focusing on reaching a definitive finish line. It's about the continuous
evolution and the joy of sharing the fruits of my labor with others, knowing that each creation carries a unique
story and potential for further refinement.</p>
<h2 id="the-power-of-music-rocking-with-legends">The Power of Music: Rocking with Legends</h2>
<p>The music of legendary rock n' roll giants such as Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pink Floyd, and
The Rolling Stones has served as my guiding light throughout this journey. By learning and playing their iconic
songs, I have found a profound connection to the power of music. It has become a form of self-expression, an
endless source of inspiration, and a bridge to the soul-stirring emotions embedded within these timeless
melodies.</p>
<p>My midlife crisis has truly transformed into a midlife renaissance. Through the art of building and playing
guitars, I have found an avenue for personal growth, creative expression, and pure joy. As I share my story with
you, my hope is to inspire others to embrace their own passions and pursuits, regardless of age or the
sacrifices made along the way. The future is filled with endless possibilities, waiting to be explored and
experienced. So, let us embark on our journeys, strumming our guitars, and harmonizing with the symphony of
life. Together, we can embrace our midlife renaissance and create a beautiful melody that resonates through the
ages.</p>
<p>Thank you for joining me on this adventure!</p>
Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-60776815211110936682023-04-23T20:53:00.003-04:002023-04-23T20:53:39.890-04:00Book Review | Unrecoverable: An American woman's rescue from a Turkish prison<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><h3>Author: Shelly Lantz</h3>
<h3>Publisher: Frieling Publishing, 2021, Warrenton, VA</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Unrecoverable-American-womans-rescue-Turkish/dp/195094865X/ref=asc_df_195094865X/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=533377906483&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13080104310456499334&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002322&hvtargid=pla-1264557129733&psc=1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8j6JMc-0BfXS5YtHdh6tyW7WefCUXqo7d7T8WZaFE0oN3rSPHlxwU-LDJVoD3i_0hVkaTEUfdJ89fZwzLeaLUyBW_loVgLxCYqLsLqYnhaUlL8OxmjEnp56QQi3joU06KkNM8XqcwMltF9qCjQfOKgqx4mp8lD3tUd6If4wKMf0hqH80LRc/s400/unrecoverable.jpg" width="400" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Number of Pages:</strong> 265 pages</p>
<p>UnRecoverable is a gripping memoir by Shelly Lantz that follows her journey through addiction and survival in the seedy world of sex and drugs in South Florida. The author's skillful storytelling keeps the plot moving like a novel, while also capturing the gritty darkness and despair of addiction.</p>
<p>Lantz's struggles with her church upbringing and the moral influence of her parents lead her down a path of false promises from Rhinestone Cowboy pimps and honey-tongued madames. Each chapter is aptly named, such as Uncertainty, Unprepared, Uncontrollable, Unrepentant, Unspeakable, and Unsavory, and ends with a cliffhanger that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.</p>
<p>As Lantz's addiction reasserts itself with its powerful mantra: sex equals money, money equals drugs, drugs will solve my problems, readers come face to face with the rot beneath the thin veneer of glitter and bling in the sex and drug culture.</p>
<p>The author's ability to paint a vivid picture of this world is both disturbing and captivating. At times, readers may find themselves feeling judgmental towards Lantz, similar to the older "good" brother in the story of the Prodigal Son.</p>
<p>However, Lantz's story also offers hope, as she ultimately finds her way through the help of God's grace. The author's experience in a Turkish prison becomes a turning point that allows her to respond productively to the move of God's Spirit in her heart, leading to a surprisingly hopeful ending.</p>
<p>In conclusion, UnRecoverable is a powerful memoir that offers a raw and honest portrayal of addiction, survival, and redemption. The author's clever chapter titles and cliffhangers make it a page-turner that readers won't be able to put down. Put on a pot of coffee. You may not put this one down tonight.</p>
Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-6240489453107168612023-04-21T13:38:00.004-04:002023-04-21T13:43:03.954-04:00ChatGPT Crash Course | 10 Practical Use Cases For Developers via Traversy Media<p>People are excited about ChatGPT and AI. It's a fun time, but personally, I don't think we should panic and believe the sky is falling like Chicken Little. The sky isn't falling.</p><p>That's why I wanted to share this video from <a href="https://youtu.be/o_joulYVndM" target="_blank">Brad Traversy: ChatGPT Crash Course | 10 Practical Use Cases For Developers.</a></p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o_joulYVndM" width="320" youtube-src-id="o_joulYVndM"></iframe></div><br /><div><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: inherit;" />I've learned an incredible amount of technology from Brad, not just about the technology itself, but also how to plan, format, document, and ask logical questions about what I want from the technology. That's his approach to this ChatGPT crash course: no hype, just practical use cases that you should be able to implement into your workflow.</div><div><br /></div>Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-852336447999831622022-04-18T20:43:00.136-04:002022-04-18T22:28:57.153-04:00Bring Your Pilgrimage with Jesus into the Present<p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Pilgrimage-James-Martin/dp/0062024248" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygG9VmRxcGZQ5sMYSvbc3HZZatoptroaafwAh_OTO9jEFbkNXozgvQ22-3WSbIxqfPVHre3wJjSFZjn3g561wb769bQ8EhaqKM_QUq_d6aD3H0MvFJ1d6QU4oVC8ZulGzuWaHXuI9gIUffpNa7oSkzSkyUkZBVs5SvI9SyL8fcz_pcaXQGJ8/w640-h334/martin-jesus-a-pilgrimage.jpg" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><br /> </i><p></p><p><i>Book title: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Pilgrimage-James-Martin/dp/0062024248" target="_blank">Jesus: A Pilgrimage</a></b><br />Author: James Martin, SJ
<br />HarperCollins, New York, 2014
<br />538 incredibly engaging pages, including discussion questions, endnotes, topical index, and bibliography.</i> </p><p>“Show me. Don’t tell me.” That’s a line Mrs. Conners, my English Composition teacher tattooed into our brains every Monday morning my junior year in high school. On Friday’s we had a hundred word paragraph due. “Thou shalt not be boring,” she would call out as we bolted toward the door when the lunch bell rang. </p><p>There’s a good chance Father James Martin, author of <i>Jesus: A Pilgrimage,</i> had Mrs. Conners or an equally inspirational writing mentor somewhere along the way. Martin is a brilliantly descriptive story teller. Martin’s purpose in this book is not to preach (although I imagine he’s an engaging orator), but to coax the reader out of an itchy, dusty, churchy mindset into one of wonder. </p><p><i>“Ignatian contemplation encourages you to place yourself imaginatively in a scene from the Bible,”</i> Martin writes. <i>“For example, if you’re praying about Jesus and his disciples caught in a boat during a storm on the Sea of Galilee, you would try to imagine yourself on board with the disciples, and ask yourself several questions as a way of trying to place yourself in the scene.” </i></p><p><i>“You might ask:”</i> Martin continues, <b>“What do you see?</b> <i>How many disciples are in the boat? What is the expression on their faces? How rough is the sea?</i> <b>What do you hear?</b> <i>The howling wind? The fishing tackle shifting about in the boat?</i> <b>What do you smell?</b> <i>You’re in a fishing boat, so you might smell residues from the day’s catch.</i> <b>What do you feel?</b> <i>Homespun clothes were probably heavy when soaked by storm-driven water.</i> <b>And what do you taste?</b> <i>Maybe the spray on your lips. With such imaginative techniques you let the Gospel passage play out in your mind’s eye, and then you notice your reactions.”</i> </p><p>These two paragraphs are what prompted me to pick the title for this review. </p><p>Martin’s storytelling keeps you on the edge of your seat. He uses a technique that great fiction writers employ when they introduce supporting characters to move the plot along and create space for compelling dialogue. You’re familiar with the mechanics of this method: Sherlock Holmes has Watson. Luke Skywalker has Yoda. Neo has Morpheous. And Father Martin has his traveling companion George. </p><p>We, as readers, get to drop in and listen to Father Martin and George discuss what they are seeing as they literally follow Jesus’s footsteps through the Holy Land and watch Bible scenery in Technicolor clarity unfold before their eyes. We discover that God is working <i>in</i> George’s heart. Martin shares excerpts from George’s journal and journey through deep depression, humanizing George and Father Martin. </p><p>And Jesus. And his disciples. And, for the group of us that read this book together, we discovered - or became reacquainted with - the tangled mess where our flesh wrestles with spirit. Father Martin helps us tap out, quit struggling, and bask in a pilgrimage with Jesus through his Holy Land narrative. </p><p>Often, non-fiction talks at you. Authors want to prove how much they know. Not Martin. His memoir approach is, at once, humble, human, and spiritual. He helps you postpone paying too much attention to your own mess so you can meet with Jesus. He introduces you to a humble, human Jesus. </p><p>If you open the book to the table of contents, you’ll see how Martin organizes the book into 25 chapters titled with a single, biblically-rich word and then sub-titled with a snippet of scripture. Here are some examples (BTW, these aren’t spoilers; this is just what’s found in the table of contents which is where I always like to prowl before choosing a book) : </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Rejection - <i>“Is not this the carpenter?” </i></li><li>Immediately - <i>“What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” </i></li><li>Happy - <i>“Rejoice and be glad.” </i></li><li>Storms - <i>“Teacher, do you not care?”</i> (Just sit and think on this one for a minute) </li></ul><p>Then there are the chapters with holy land, geographical names: </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Gerasa - <i>“Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always howling and bruising himself with stones.” </i></li><li>Tabgha - <i>“They all ate and were filled.” </i></li><li>Jericho - <i>“He was trying to see who Jesus was.” </i></li><li>Gethsemane - <i>“He threw himself on the ground and prayed.”</i> (Pause again). </li><li>Golgotha - <i>“Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.” </i></li></ul><p>My hands down favorite chapter was Emmaus - <i>“Their eyes were kept from recognizing him.”</i> </p><p>Martin recounts the familiar gospel story from the two men being joined by a “stranger” while traveling on foot on the road to Emmaus. They were expressing grief and exasperation about Jesus's Crucifixion and his ministry and the incredible stories some of the ladies in their group were telling about a resurrection and living Jesus. </p><p>Maybe you know the story; Jesus <i>pretended</i> he didn’t know what they were talking about. Which I love that about the Jesus style. You know what Jesus said often: “He who has an ear, let him hear.” Jesus set things up so that people had to forage a little bit in the words he spoke. He doesn’t leave the most valuable nuggets of truth right on top like they were a $100 bill lying on the sidewalk. </p><p>Martin writes, “They then sadly describe the events of the Crucifixion and share with him their crushed hopes: ‘We had hoped that that he was the one to redeem Israel.’” </p><p>Then Martin writes this: “‘We had hoped’ may be the saddest words in the New Testament.” And Martin camps here for a few more pages in the Emmaus chapter. </p><p>This makes my mind wander and camp somewhere else. This concept of Jesus “hiding” in camouflage before he springs who he is on them because I think - I’m convinced - that Jesus - from a hiding place - springs who he is on us from time to time. Jesus wraps his truth inside a tasty-parable-sushi-roll. Rice and seaweed on the outside with tasty sauces and delicacies on the inside waiting to delight you. </p><p>Jesus hides himself in obvious places. He hides where he’ll be discovered by those who want to discover him.</p><p>On the Emmaus Road the Jesus guys walked with were talking about Mary at the empty tomb. Mary had the worst weekend of her life. She watched her friend crucified on a cross. She is confused and disoriented when she arrives a couple of days later at an open, empty tomb. </p><p>Here’s how John describes it in his gospel: </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i>They (angels at the open tomb!) asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” </i></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i>“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” </i></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i>At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” </i></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i>Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” </i></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i>Jesus said to her, “Mary.” </i></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i>She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” </i></p><p>How come she didn’t recognize him? Jesus was hiding; he was <i>hiding <b>in</b></i> her distress. </p><p>But Jesus hides where he’ll be found. Especially those places familiar to us like our own distress, depression, or disillusionment. We need to our eyes ease out of focus a bit and we'll see him.<br /></p><p>That’s what Martin brings out so masterfully in this book where he explores the Holy Land with a friend. Jesus lived and worked among regular people is a regular place to show them how they can become holy <i>through</i> him in their normal, work-a-day lives. It doesn’t take a trip to the holy land to discover this. It takes looking a little below the surface where Jesus is hiding in plain sight waiting for you to find him. </p><p><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Pilgrimage-James-Martin/dp/0062024248" target="_blank">Pick up this book</a></b>.
</p>Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-13727133176532992542020-10-16T20:24:00.004-04:002020-10-16T20:24:49.389-04:00Book Review: God and the Pandemic by N.T. Wright<p> <span class="a-size-base review-text review-text-content" data-hook="review-body"><span>I
wish I didn’t wait until my own life was in crisis to pick up a book by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/N-T-Wright/e/B001H6NEG8/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tom Wright</a>. He always, always, always brings a fresh practical
perspective. Wright never fails at this in what he writes.</span></span></p><p><span class="a-size-base review-text review-text-content" data-hook="review-body"><span>Wright writes. </span></span></p><p><span class="a-size-base review-text review-text-content" data-hook="review-body"><span>He writes things that will affirm what you already think on the un-crazy side of your brain. “That’s exactly
what I think” you’ll hear yourself say out loud. Other times, you’ll think, “wow, I
never thought about things that way... it makes so much sense.” </span></span></p><p><span class="a-size-base review-text review-text-content" data-hook="review-body"><span>I'm grateful Wright provides a solid, intelligent framework for thinking, feeling sad, and applying correction to your current crazy impulses. You’ll
definitely want to share this book with friends, and even more
importantly, your leaders. </span></span></p><p><span class="a-size-base review-text review-text-content" data-hook="review-body"><span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/God-Pandemic-Christian-Reflection-Coronavirus-ebook/dp/B088BJP43K" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="230" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-RXev8rNQaDCX43X2kTshUqdYFzASfMVTKKmhoZRd4bDyJrmp2n-9un1EGx29DuujTYhGjYiGC75uXbcSqPCo7jSKVwy5NgsXaX6rGyJu_Jdr_KKyUZXohxV-k1wyGreBvnZMA/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-10-16+at+8.16.53+PM.png" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-19000133336642035832019-05-31T20:45:00.002-04:002019-05-31T20:45:17.331-04:00New post on book blogging project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oSwFKSXVtIOjH3vknZuWpu8Mm1NGaqLZou2FJ0QSn_a5ZtsWwi2uZd77W3WTN-0JCpK3-ut8Jm-8NYy6C7-eoa-WIOKiZBLpuc-YvRwt8mK6LZ2qoa01duZeaj0vOV-VQI2X-g/s1600/Charity.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oSwFKSXVtIOjH3vknZuWpu8Mm1NGaqLZou2FJ0QSn_a5ZtsWwi2uZd77W3WTN-0JCpK3-ut8Jm-8NYy6C7-eoa-WIOKiZBLpuc-YvRwt8mK6LZ2qoa01duZeaj0vOV-VQI2X-g/s320/Charity.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Whenever I get into a conversation about <a href="https://alliemondok.com/" target="_blank">Allie</a>, inevitably people will ask me about Charity. The whole <a href="https://alliemondok.com/" target="_blank">Allie story</a> is heart breaking, and people are especially moved by what Charity has had to go through.<br />
<br />
I added post 23 to our book blogging project. Check it out <a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angles-post-23-1dda400cd563" target="_blank">here</a>.Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-6166383064378794832017-11-27T08:34:00.002-05:002017-11-30T19:58:37.828-05:00Grief. Is it ever good, Charlie Brown?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozvgdQTsvUjSTsSzFFsU3u_-1d7NcVGfvKyH09dPZT_MK92ydTSIMuHcSDb5s7GtdTpjufyG5oON4AIM79WB-aCRyJUJL4BjVVUUP4q53AgWZ550jFOZlKWEPOxHHThrIMQ-qMA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-11-27+at+5.45.01+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="937" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozvgdQTsvUjSTsSzFFsU3u_-1d7NcVGfvKyH09dPZT_MK92ydTSIMuHcSDb5s7GtdTpjufyG5oON4AIM79WB-aCRyJUJL4BjVVUUP4q53AgWZ550jFOZlKWEPOxHHThrIMQ-qMA/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-11-27+at+5.45.01+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
I've heard that this time of year is especially difficult for those whose lives have been touched by tragedy or loss. I'm not aware of the statistics, but anecdotal stories abound. Coming off of the long Thanksgiving weekend, while celebratory for many of us, we've also been reminded by loss in our lives. So many of us are in different stages of healing from that loss.<br />
<br />
Yesterday my friend Gus posted a picture of a marquee with this quote:<br />
"If you are more fortunate than others, build a longer table, not a taller fence."<br />
<br />
Let's live that way this holiday season. You can both celebrate AND go through grief together. But don't do either alone. One way to get through it is to give yourself away. I write about that here in the <a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-22-a1eda5801264" target="_blank">22nd post in our book-blogging project</a>.Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-25069186601700130772017-11-01T21:40:00.002-04:002017-11-01T22:02:08.868-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-21-4c879e4ba774"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagvc8Bgy8pnNS682yPtxRM1NuaXXssByWVVzsFl7xN0D0n9vNE9fuJPqpH6z5FBaGwaqEYzCnHQoEJa6-i0D2-bcWMv2h1vwnEeEibaA1NJFxbJWHHapqVTqZsd8ps2kKeBRazg/s400/post-21-img.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span data-offset-key="30j8i-0-0"><span data-text="true">In the middle of the Bible is a collection of the best poetry ever written. These poems explore, express, celebrate and complains about man’s relationship with God. This isn't shrink-wrapped easy believism. This ancient literature isn't trying to convince you of God’s existence or lay a religious guilt trip on you so you'll behave yourself. These are poems that portray conflict between what man <i>thinks</i> about God and what man thinks God <i>does</i>. There is a section of these poems grouped together that are called “lamentations.” These poems question whether God is even there. And if maybe he is, does he care about what is going on in our lives. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="1jv33-0-0"><span data-text="true">This is where most people live. This is what most people think when they think about God. But not very many people admit it and none are more honest than the writers of these poems called Psalms. Most people you meet are either religious or unreligious, and my assertion is not very many people in your life are really honest about what they think about God. </span></span></div>
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I think God forces you into situations where you’re confronted with this fact. <a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-21-4c879e4ba774" target="_blank">This is what I write about in post 21</a> in our book blogging project. Let me know if any of this resonates with you. <br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-21-4c879e4ba774" target="_blank">Where are my Angels? -Post 21</a></h3>
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Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-90541535390137222922017-10-18T21:16:00.001-04:002017-10-18T21:22:01.665-04:00Book Review: How to be Holy: First Steps in Becoming a Saint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Holy-First-Becoming/dp/1621641023" target="_blank">
<img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="900" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcRdioRVxAvJyZEMsctSFEIDyIdptNhhnT1GDJwGqZ5ZePGXHv5CddA0S5jHzAs2eITMrf8qCkHJTvBebJ0kr-JSizVe_GmbEOiNoiA5d469MySsJT_2uW8XnG3aL4w8EK7PSww/s400/how-to-be-holy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Book title: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Holy-First-Becoming/dp/1621641023" target="_blank">How to be Holy: First Steps in Becoming a Saint</a><br />
Author: Peter Kreeft<br />
San Francisco, Ignatius Press, 2016<br />
Number of pages: 170<br />
<br />
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
Real People Being Holy in the Real World</h1>
From the way the title reads, you’d think someone has descended from a mountain top, some wise and holy guru, to condescend to tell us lowland commoners how to live to be like him and/or Mother Theresa.<br />
<br />
But that isn’t the case according to author Peter Kreeft: “This book is not a great chef serving up a gourmet dinner; it is one desperately poor bum telling another where there’s free food.”<br />
<br />
I love this quote. It definitely sets the tone for the book. Kreeft writes about the relationship between God and flawed man without sounding religious or beating up the reader (me/you) with guilt. I read this felt I could actually <i>be</i> holy. Holy is in reach.<br />
<br />
Kreeft didn’t come holiness from the familiar, Calvinistic angle where you just need to believe all the right stuff. In so many books I read in my camp of evangelicals, they peddle a theology of holiness that believing all the correct dogma and creeds rather than doing good deeds. That, of course, makes me argumentative and leaves me feeling frustrated which isn’t a very holy feeling. I always walk away wondering how rock star preachers portray themselves as heroically holier than everybody else making people feel like “if only I was like him… but I’m not… oh well, I guess I’ll never measure up.” Their brand of holiness is somehow wrapped up in the size of their platform and giant warehouse church. You just know that you, a commoner, alas, will never be like them.<br />
<br />
Maybe that’s a good thing.<br />
<br />
But here’s what Kreeft is saying: holiness for the common man. That’s the topic this book explores. If you want it, you can have. Because you want it, it’s attainable with God’s help. God <i>wants</i> to help and <i>will</i> help as often as you <i>reach</i> for help. Every saint that’s attained sainthood started where you and I are right now in this moment when you’re reading this.<br />
<br />
Kreeft covers the topic by asking this overarching question: “Which is more important, justification or sanctification (in terms of Christian theology)? Being saved or being saintly?”<br />
<br />
Here’s one of the conclusions he comes to (I love this paragraph):
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<blockquote>
“Faith, which justifies us, is like a root. Hope, which expands us, is like a shoot. Love, which perfects us, is like a shoot. Which of these three equally necessary parts of the growing plant of our spiritual life is more important? Read 1 Corinthians 13 for the answer. The whole point of the root and the shoot is the fruit. The rest of the plant is for the fruit. The fruit is not an afterthought, an extra, an accident. Sanctification is to justification what babies are to sex.”</blockquote>
Life isn’t to be lived just so we get to go to heaven. Life is to be lived to do stuff for God the way Jesus did. The Holy Spirit stands ready to help us do this. We just need to get in on it. Get in line. Step up to the plate and be willing to take a swing.<br />
<br />
The book is broken into short chapters designed to give you something to think about as you’re getting your day going. There’s a chapter called “God as your Guru.” That’s because nobody ever became holy on his own, you need a coach. Why not God?<br />
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There are a bunch of chapters with one word titles: Methods; Unselfconsciousness; Peace; Failures; Suffering; Grace; Detachment; Creation; Gratitude.<br />
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Some of the other chapters are as descriptive but have a few more words in their titles. Love and Sex; The Future; Little Things; Spiritual Warfare; Holiness is Easy. Not in this order. But you can see by this list that this is a book you want to read because you need to get some of these things up and running.<br />
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Oh, no? Is that because I didn’t mention this title: “Objection: I can’t be a Saint”? This chapter will also help: ‘When to find God: “The Sacrament of the of the Present Moment”. This was probably the most practical and thought provoking chapter I read. I didn’t list them in order because you really don’t have to read the chapters in order for this to work. Don’t tell Kreeft I said that. But once you spend the money on the book, it’s yours. Go crazy.
Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-37832174157830165972017-10-11T21:27:00.003-04:002017-10-11T21:27:45.083-04:00Listing thanks - naming angelsA friend I have incredible respect for told me that on nights he can't sleep, he's made a practice of thinking about all of the things he's thankful for. I think when I first heard this, I had a bad attitude making this advice sound kind of trite. But the more I thought about it, the more I understood this to be the most profound advice I'd ever been given.<br />
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That's the reason we're working on this <a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok" target="_blank">book-blogging project</a>. When I'm tempted to feel sorry for myself, I start thinking of the things I'm thankful for. I name the angels God's sent into my life. We write about two in <a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-20-b69f96b96fd6" target="_blank">this post</a>:<br />
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<a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-1-e8dc35a01561" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-1-e8dc35a01561" target="_blank">post 1</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-2-c3db34e36e4c" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-2-c3db34e36e4c" target="_blank">post 2</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-3-c5d1b052ccf2" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-3-c5d1b052ccf2" target="_blank">post 3</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-4-1027962ac57f" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-4-1027962ac57f" target="_blank">post 4</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-5-c2cd854eb71c#.pznsnvd0f" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-5-c2cd854eb71c#.pznsnvd0f" target="_blank">post 5</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-6-3aad728b5645" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-6-3aad728b5645" target="_blank">post 6</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-7-74a2d6497b6b" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-7-74a2d6497b6b" target="_blank">post 7</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-8-e0b8b24cb8b5#.o1r75sldq" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-8-e0b8b24cb8b5#.o1r75sldq" target="_blank">post 8</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-9-dd2a68faaad6#.z6097t5gy" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-9-dd2a68faaad6#.z6097t5gy" target="_blank">post 9</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-10-b48be0442f35#.wv6fstrem" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-10-b48be0442f35#.wv6fstrem" target="_blank">post 10</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-11-3c1db516fbca#.c3z04o9vm" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-11-3c1db516fbca#.c3z04o9vm" target="_blank">post 11</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-12-7363c0df4b27#.mkkamzcx8" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-12-7363c0df4b27#.mkkamzcx8" target="_blank">post 12</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-13-f4824e76e57#.g7nwif15f" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-13-f4824e76e57#.g7nwif15f" target="_blank">post 13</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-14-167265ce1c12" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-14-167265ce1c12" target="_blank">post 14</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-15-a45ad6b07916" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-15-a45ad6b07916" target="_blank">post 15</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-16-8b9d735b1d7a" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-16-8b9d735b1d7a" target="_blank">post 16</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-17-94c7324378e7" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-17-94c7324378e7" target="_blank">post 17</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-18-6674552d3608" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-18-6674552d3608" target="_blank">post 18</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-19-b22d4e8478e5" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-19-b22d4e8478e5" target="_blank">post 19</a> | <a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-20-b69f96b96fd6" target="_blank">post 20</a></div>
Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-70730948502049143772017-10-09T21:06:00.004-04:002017-10-11T21:30:43.179-04:00Longevity: Nothing that lasts happens overnightLast week I ran my seventh marathon. Training for marathons has been one of the best disciplines ever introduced into my life. Long runs, gradually getting longer week by week, become a part of my weekly routine. I prepare during the week for those longer treks by downloading Bible teaching onto my phone so I can really listen to and think through chunks of the Bible. During the last two marathon training seasons, I listened to teaching through the books of 1 and 2 Samuel. I love the story of David. Especially David on the run from Saul. If you don’t know the story, it’s one of the best biographies in the Bible. God uses these years, these ten years, to school David and prepare him to be king of Israel; Israel’s greatest king.<br />
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Training for marathon over the past decade has shown me that nothing good happens instantly, at least nothing of substance, will last, or make a difference.<br />
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In the next installment of our book blogging project we come to the end of our rope. Looking back ten years later, we’re so grateful for what we’ve come through. But when we were in the middle of it, we never thought our family or our marriage would come through intact. <a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-19-b22d4e8478e5" target="_blank">Read more here</a>.<br />
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<a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-1-e8dc35a01561" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-1-e8dc35a01561" target="_blank">post 1</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-2-c3db34e36e4c" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-2-c3db34e36e4c" target="_blank">post 2</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-3-c5d1b052ccf2" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-3-c5d1b052ccf2" target="_blank">post 3</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-4-1027962ac57f" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-4-1027962ac57f" target="_blank">post 4</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-5-c2cd854eb71c#.pznsnvd0f" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-5-c2cd854eb71c#.pznsnvd0f" target="_blank">post 5</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-6-3aad728b5645" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-6-3aad728b5645" target="_blank">post 6</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-7-74a2d6497b6b" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-7-74a2d6497b6b" target="_blank">post 7</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-8-e0b8b24cb8b5#.o1r75sldq" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-8-e0b8b24cb8b5#.o1r75sldq" target="_blank">post 8</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-9-dd2a68faaad6#.z6097t5gy" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-9-dd2a68faaad6#.z6097t5gy" target="_blank">post 9</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-10-b48be0442f35#.wv6fstrem" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-10-b48be0442f35#.wv6fstrem" target="_blank">post 10</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-11-3c1db516fbca#.c3z04o9vm" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-11-3c1db516fbca#.c3z04o9vm" target="_blank">post 11</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-12-7363c0df4b27#.mkkamzcx8" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-12-7363c0df4b27#.mkkamzcx8" target="_blank">post 12</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-13-f4824e76e57#.g7nwif15f" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-13-f4824e76e57#.g7nwif15f" target="_blank">post 13</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-14-167265ce1c12" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-14-167265ce1c12" target="_blank">post 14</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-15-a45ad6b07916" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-15-a45ad6b07916" target="_blank">post 15</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-16-8b9d735b1d7a" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-16-8b9d735b1d7a" target="_blank">post 16</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-17-94c7324378e7" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-17-94c7324378e7" target="_blank">post 17</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-18-6674552d3608" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-18-6674552d3608" target="_blank">post 18</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-19-b22d4e8478e5" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-19-b22d4e8478e5" target="_blank">post 19</a> | <a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-20-b69f96b96fd6" target="_blank">post 20</a></div>
Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-66728262833904464512017-10-09T20:32:00.001-04:002017-10-09T20:42:37.845-04:00Hearing God's Call<br />
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<a href="https://ssmfi.org/hearing-gods-call/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="800" height="332" src="https://ssmfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/HEARING-GODS-CALL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<p>
<i>“I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.”</i> —Romans 1:13 NIV</p>
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Matt Anderson was one of those guys in school that carried himself with confidence. His father had a successful law practice and became a judge. During the time I knew Matt in school, his dad was always known as Judge Anderson. The Andersons raised their son to be confident, proud of the family name, and represent their name well in the community. Matt was always a good kid. He was humble, tall, and handsome; always picked to be captain of the basketball team. He was a first string quarterback. He was a natural leader. Doors opened for Matt, and he confidently walked through them. When Matt was given a job to do, he did it well. People wanted to be around Matt which always resulted in more opportunity. He was teachable; a quick learner. He learned lessons early in life that most what many of us take a lifetime to learn. It was the reputation of his father that opened doors. His own ability to learn quickly and to do a job well that gave him the confidence that the opportunities would keep coming </p>
<h3>
Confidence in calling</h3>
<p>Paul was confident in his calling. Paul knew that what God did in the past He would continue to do in the future. He knew that wherever he went, because he was specifically chosen by God, there would be a harvest of souls. In the Book of Acts, Jesus specifically, told Paul that he would be a witness to Him to the Gentiles. Paul planned and prepared every task in his life around this.</p>
<p>Paul’s call was confirmed by Jesus to Ananias when He said, “he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.”</p>
<p>God confirms the call in your heart, and he also confirms it in the hearts and minds of those who know you. This is something you can have confidence in.</p>
<p>If you’re a missionary, you know it; you’re called. People don’t make themselves a missionary, God does.</p>
<h3>
Calling Defined</h3>
<p>While it has become very popular in the past couple of decades to say “if you are a Christian, you are a missionary,” it’s important to make this very important distinction: missionaries are all Christians, but not all Christians are missionaries. Being a missionary is a calling.</p>
<p>There are two callings Christians have on their lives. The first one is a general call. The second is a specific call.</p>
<h3>
General Call</h3>
<p>All Christians are called to be a witness for Jesus. Each and everyone of us has a story of how we came to Christ. We are called to share that story - our testimony - of how Jesus drew us into relationship with Himself and the impact that has had on our lives. The story of our calling to Christ will impact the lives of others. We’re called to share that good news. When we tell our story (whether we see it immediately or not) the Holy Spirit stimulates the hearts of our listeners. That is our privilege, duty, and calling as a Christian.</p>
<h3>
Specific Call</h3>
<p>The specific call of a Christian begins to emerge when the Holy Spirit guides someone to a specific location, ministry, or group of people. You’ll hear someone that has a specific call say things like, “I think I’m supposed to minister to men in prison,” or “I’m praying about leaving the country I live in to plant a church among the Masai people in Kenya.” In these two cases, the former is a call to a ministry and the latter a call to missions.</p>
<p>This is the kind of calling Paul had. Rome is strategic. That’s what Paul is thinking in Romans 1:13 where we began. Paul hopes to use Rome as a launching off point for future missions into unreached parts of Europe. This letter he writes to believers in Rome is theologically heavy because he wants his readers to feel the full weight of the power of the Gospel and the role of believers in the worldwide mission of God.</p>
<p>Paul knows wherever he plants his flag, God moves.</p>
<p>You start to recognize your own specific call within your interests and giftings. If you’re reading this and don’t think God is specifically calling you to ministry or missions, that’s perfectly fine. Specific calling is where the creativity of God (the Caller) and uniqueness of the one called intersect. This is where the call gets exciting. This is where God loves to work and bear fruit.</p>
<h3>
Connection to the Caller</h3>
<p>Os Guinness writes in his book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Call-Finding-Fulfilling-Central-Purpose/dp/0849944376" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Call</a>, “There can be no calling without a Caller.” This is important: stay connected to the Caller. Paul says, “Pray without ceasing.” I’m not asking if you are a “Christian” or if you have a “personal relationship” with Jesus. You can check both of these boxes and not be fully engaged with the Caller. You can’t recognize your own calling with a connection to the Caller.</p>
<p>So what does it mean to be specifically called as a missionary? How can you know. Here are some ways:</p>
<h4>
<b>»striking, unmistakable call</b></h4>
<p>This happens, but only in a minority of cases. God uses a dream or a vision to call a missionary. This isn’t something you hear about often, but it happens occasionally and there is a biblical precedence for it. The Apostle Paul’s call fits into this category. Jesus spoke to Paul in an audible voice and even inflicted Paul with temporary blindness. To confirm it further, Jesus spoke to Ananias in a vision.</p>
<p>In the Middle East where Islam dominates all areas of culture, stories like this are being told by missionaries. Anecdotal incidents of Jesus appearing in dreams of Muslim people are opening their hearts to greater curiosity about who Jesus is as well as the missionaries he sends. Don Richardson also writes about these kinds of events in his books <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Eternity-Their-Hearts-Don-Richardson/dp/0764215582/ref=pd_sim_14_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0764215582&pd_rd_r=Z47KHDDMZ7R5EQFTVQ52&pd_rd_w=EET3c&pd_rd_wg=PbGa1&psc=1&refRID=Z47KHDDMZ7R5EQFTVQ52" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Eternity in their Hearts</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lords-Earth-Incredible-Stone-Age-Papuas/dp/0764215604/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ATKH0VJCFN6QWGHRHT0G&dpID=51670ciOosL&preST=_SY344_BO1,204,203,200_QL70_&dpSrc=detail" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lords of the Earth</a>.</p>
<p>I love the story of the calling of Patrick, the missionary apostle to Ireland, which, as far as Europe was concerned, was the “uttermost parts” of the earth. Patrick was the child of Christian parents in Roman Britain around the year 389. When he was twelve years old, Patrick was carried off to Ireland as a slave. The experience had the opposite effect you might expect. His faith was transformed and he fell in love with the Irish people he lived among. But when he was a young man, he escaped captivity and fled to France where he served as a monk. Later, he was reunited with his family in England.</p>
<p>His heart did not let him rest at home, however. “In a dream,” J. Herbert Kane writes in his book A Concise History of the Christian World Mission, “he heard voices calling him: ‘We beseech thee, holy youth, to come and walk again amongst us as before.’”</p>
<p>In spite of being in danger from pagan priests, armed soldiers, and bandits, Patrick baptized thousands of converts. Patrick is definitely a giant among missionary heroes.</p>
<h4>
<b>»An increasing conviction</b></h4>
<p>There are times when God gives you a conviction that only grows. This gives an assurance about what’s unfolding in your life. Your desire to reach or work among a particular people deepens. This is how missionary calling worked in my life. As a young man, I never dreamed I’d be a missionary. But I started to hear about a ministry to soldiers in South Sudan that trained chaplains. Being an ex-marine, I was intrigued. As I learned about the civil war in South Sudan, my heart was broken and I began to pray. Then as God opened doors, I began to travel to that region of the world and watch the Lord begin to bear fruit through ministry I was involved in. As relationships began to develop with missionaries in South Sudan, it began to make sense that this was a fit and God was in this. Men I looked to as leaders sensed God at work, too. Finally, my wife and family sensed that this was a direction we were called to pursue. This process took a little over three years, but everyone involved believed and affirmed that this was God’s call on our lives for a season. To not move forward would have been disobedience to God’s call.</p>
<h4>
<b>»Stimulating the call</b></h4>
<p>Stimulate the call. Begin to pray with your whole heart and write down what you think the Holy Spirit is showing you. Read missionary biographies and talk to the pastors at your church. Go on a “vision trip”. Go to a missions conference. Find out which churches in your city are most missions minded. Find out what they’re doing and why.</p>
<p>When you sense the call, don’t ignore it. Don’t try to distract yourself with frivolous pursuits in an attempt to shake free of God’s call. You’ll make yourself miserable. It would be healthy for you to read the book of Jonah.</p>
<h3>
Underwhelming minority but still called</h3>
<p>Just because you can’t get most of the Christians in your life on board with what God has called you too doesn’t mean you’re not called. If you only have one other person confirming your call, you’re still called. If you seem to be called to something unfashionable, unsafe, or difficult, that doesn’t mean you’re not called. Paul’s missionary journey lead to prison, isolation, and abandonment from his friends. Yet some of his most insightful epistles came from his time in prison. You have no idea what kind of fruit God is going to bring from your life as you obey Him, even if it seems like you’re all alone. These are the times you’ll refer back to in the journal you’re keeping of God’s original stirrings in your life. You’re not keeping a journal? You need to start! Make sure you’re writing this stuff down. This is the time in your life God is using to build your faith and confirm His call on your life.</p>
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<p><i>This article appeared originally on the <a href="https://ssmfi.org/hearing-gods-call/" target="_blank">Shepherd's Staff Mission Facilitators blog</a>. </i></p>Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-65528465204508306092017-10-03T12:09:00.001-04:002017-10-03T12:09:23.128-04:00Worst Monday<a href="http://tompettybook.com/images/tom-petty-sidebar.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://tompettybook.com/images/tom-petty-sidebar.png" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="476" height="320" width="190" /></a>Yesterday was the worst Monday we’ve seen in this country in a long time
given the way the 24 hour cable news cycle, social media, and the
delivery of headlines to our smartphones work. My phone has blown up
with bad news starting before the crack of dawn. The w<a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/news/crime/20171003_ap_0ec1df8e71894d59935263eb66cbc66e.html" target="_blank">orst mass shooting in history took place in Las Vegas</a> at a country music show. On top of that, rocker Tom Petty <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/03/entertainment/tom-petty-obit/index.html" target="_blank">died in his California home of a cardiac arrest</a>. And right behind the
sad headlines have come prayers (thankfully) which have been drastically
outnumbered by mean comments disparaging the dead. So so sad.<br />
<br />
It’s very common these days when a preacher speaks at a funeral, that he
has to give a definition of a eulogy. Here’s what it is:<br />
<blockquote>
<i>“Eulogy: a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly, typically someone who has just died.”</i></blockquote>
Friends, this is what we do when people die, even if we don’t know them
personally. If we don’t like them, we don’t say anything. That’s how to
be a good human. Let’s work on that, you and I. Let’s try to be good
humans. What do you say?<br />
<br />
Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-43382457305495644722017-09-25T13:26:00.001-04:002017-09-25T13:26:28.007-04:00Are You Not Entertained?I love this scene. It may be one of the greatest scenes depicted in cinema in the decade it was created in.<br />
<br />
It is a powerful illustration of the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/whats-next-in-the-trump-nfl-feud-newly-empowered-players-will-provide-answer/2017/09/25/e89f2208-a1b3-11e7-b14f-f41773cd5a14_story.html?utm_term=.a61b6992152d" target="_blank">current controversy</a> happening where sports have collided with systemic injustice.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YbBiXPVKuTA" width="100%"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Here are the the observations made through the symbols in this clip.<br />
<br />
1. A powerful figure within the system becomes a victim of the system.<br />
2. Maximus uses the only platform he has to protest against systemic injustice as well as challenge the very wealthy and very powerful.<br />
3. Games that are intended to be a distraction from the empire’s short-comings are repurposed.<br />
4. Players have frills, but they are a means to making the truly wealthy even wealthier.<br />
5. The masses come out to be entertained, but instead, they’re forced to think about discuss, and confront systemic injustice.<br />
6. The wealthy have no control over their players as they repurpose the entertainment platform for something meaningful and relevant to the empire’s real issues.<br />
7. The powerful and wealthy attempt to leverage their power to silence those that disagree with them or would interrupt the growth of their profits.Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-54188288582679197922017-09-18T15:42:00.001-04:002017-10-11T21:31:14.534-04:00Does God Really Laugh?Just when you think things are going smoothly, they don't anymore. You read those time management books, watch the videos on becoming a <i>minimalist</i>, and make your five year plan. If you could just make the predictable part of your life more manageable, then maybe the unpredictable part will fall in line and get with the program.<br />
<br />
Things don't work that way, do they. Woody Allen said, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.” The best comedy often comes from a dark place. Other people's painful experiences are funny when delivered with comedic timing. Because we can all identify with having the rug pulled out from beneath our feet.<br />
<br />
If we don't laugh, we'll cry.<br />
<br />
And we don't have to get cynical because God doesn't laugh; even when we're not looking for him, he's walking with us on the painful stretches of life's journey.<br />
<br />
These are some of the things we explore in the <a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-18-6674552d3608" target="_blank">18th post from our book blogging project</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-18-6674552d3608" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwzcvs9PhM41bZ0MgRxWAzLmv_Qds0FsKWE5nos6YM7GbZ9-iUYVDYVrBg6_7Q9UCynd8LJT1bOuGdWRMF1vWnjJqPCNNb1nNgMmkCJeyUCdXpoXd7y2hHVCdOQysqKrY5X1szg/s320/post-18-lost.jpg" width="320" /></a>
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<br />
Read more <a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-18-6674552d3608" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-1-e8dc35a01561" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-1-e8dc35a01561" target="_blank">post 1</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-2-c3db34e36e4c" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-2-c3db34e36e4c" target="_blank">post 2</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-3-c5d1b052ccf2" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-3-c5d1b052ccf2" target="_blank">post 3</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-4-1027962ac57f" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-4-1027962ac57f" target="_blank">post 4</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-5-c2cd854eb71c#.pznsnvd0f" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-5-c2cd854eb71c#.pznsnvd0f" target="_blank">post 5</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-6-3aad728b5645" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-6-3aad728b5645" target="_blank">post 6</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-7-74a2d6497b6b" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-7-74a2d6497b6b" target="_blank">post 7</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-8-e0b8b24cb8b5#.o1r75sldq" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-8-e0b8b24cb8b5#.o1r75sldq" target="_blank">post 8</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-9-dd2a68faaad6#.z6097t5gy" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-9-dd2a68faaad6#.z6097t5gy" target="_blank">post 9</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-10-b48be0442f35#.wv6fstrem" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-10-b48be0442f35#.wv6fstrem" target="_blank">post 10</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-11-3c1db516fbca#.c3z04o9vm" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-11-3c1db516fbca#.c3z04o9vm" target="_blank">post 11</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-12-7363c0df4b27#.mkkamzcx8" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-12-7363c0df4b27#.mkkamzcx8" target="_blank">post 12</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-13-f4824e76e57#.g7nwif15f" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-13-f4824e76e57#.g7nwif15f" target="_blank">post 13</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-14-167265ce1c12" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-14-167265ce1c12" target="_blank">post 14</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-15-a45ad6b07916" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-15-a45ad6b07916" target="_blank">post 15</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-16-8b9d735b1d7a" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-16-8b9d735b1d7a" target="_blank">post 16</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-17-94c7324378e7" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-17-94c7324378e7" target="_blank">post 17</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-18-6674552d3608" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-18-6674552d3608" target="_blank">post 18</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-19-b22d4e8478e5" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-19-b22d4e8478e5" target="_blank">post 19</a> | <a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-20-b69f96b96fd6" target="_blank">post 20</a></div>
Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-49387506340021912312017-09-11T20:34:00.003-04:002017-09-11T20:34:56.498-04:00Book Review: Grace - More than We Deserve; Greater than We Imagine<div style="clear: both; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
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<br />
<h1>
It doesn’t come naturally</h1>
Here’s what comes naturally: judginess. Also, fantasizing about revenge comes pretty easily. It feels really good to fantasize about revenge. Doing revenge is difficult. And isn’t nearly as satisfying as watching the villain in a Clint Eastwood or Denzel Washington movie get his comeuppance. Real vengeance is messy and deflating.
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Grace leads to freedom. Grace let’s God do what God does best. God doesn’t need to partner with humans when it comes to judgement and vengeance. But God loves to partner with humans in grace efforts, grace events, and grace projects. This is where the real good stuff—God stuff—gets done.<br />
<br />
I love to read Max Lucado. He’s a writer and a pastor. As a writer, he’s accessible and humble. As a pastor, he’s an encouraging, gentle teacher. He helps you see things from heaven’s point of view. That’s a rare gift in both writers and pastors.<br />
<br />
"Grace is God as heart surgeon, cracking open your chest, removing your heart—poisoned as it is with pride and pain—and replacing it with his own. Rather than tell you to change, he creates the change. Do you clean up so he can accept you? No, he accepts you and begins cleaning you up," Lucado writes.<br />
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Do you know someone that doesn’t need to hear this said? What about you? Are you good with what God may think of <i>you</i>? Are you good with what <i>you</i> think of others? Are you good with what you <i>think</i>?
<br />
<br />
Lucado’s purpose for this book is to break your natural habits of judginess, self-loathing, vengeful fantasy (although I don’t think I ever read that in this book but it is definitely the hot topic God was dealing with me about) and the bondage that comes with carrying the heavy burdens like hatred and unforgiveness, familiar though they are.<br />
<br />
Grace. God. Exchange. Rest. Coming clean. Fear. Hearts un<i>Scrooged</i>. Chosen. Heaven. Grace. These are the topics covered in this book’s chapters. I can feel my heart speed up a little bit as I break the topics out of the book’s chapters. There’s healing I crave for my life. Lucado’s writing directly addresses it, satisfies it, and creates a greater appetite for God’s grace. <br />
<br />
I started off the year reading this book. And since then, I’ve had to find other books that connect God and Holiness and Holiness and Healing and Healing and Humility and Humility and Grace and Grace and God. This book of Lucado’s was the beginning of a much needed spiritual makeover. And I’m ready to cycle back through and re-read Lucado’s book about Grace. <br />
<br />
"...if you wonder whether God can do something with the mess of your life, then grace is what you need."<br />
<br />
There is one surprising chapter in this book where pastor and writer Max Lucado is incredibly transparent. I say <i>incredibly</i> because it is <i>unbelievable</i> that a pastor would <i><b>out</b></i> himself the way he did about secrecy and hypocrisy without being caught red-handed. You just don’t see that. In chapter seven, Lucado makes a confession about addiction that may seem small when compared to your own unconfessed struggles (or my unconfessed struggles), but he personally demonstrates how grace is activated at a deeper level than one may think one needs.<br />
<br />
While I was reading this book, I jammed up my <a href="http://twitter.com/bryonmondok" target="_blank">Twitter feed</a> with excerpts from Lucado’s and his sources. I felt compelled to share what I was reading in real time. I thought I was doing the world a favor by blasting it out over social media.<br />
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Let me tell you as a friend: <i>read this book, friend.</i> It’s an easy read. You could probably read the whole thing in one afternoon. But spread it out over a two-weeks and read a little bit every day. Even if you’re reading something else already, your heart will thank you. If you apply what you’re reading and let it really sink in, everybody else in your life will thank you, too. Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-68587808824744477282017-07-27T15:40:00.002-04:002017-07-27T15:40:38.050-04:00A year goes by fast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Yesterday we celebrated the one year anniversary of our arrival in New Hampshire. After a year, it’s still surreal. Every single day I’m grateful that we’ve moved here. <br /><br />I’m also grateful that I’m still so connected to South Florida through work and long-standing relationships. It’s awesome that you can move 1,700 miles away and still have a sense of closeness through technology and being a remote worker.<br /><br />I think one thing that we’re most grateful for since we’ve moved to Laconia is the way the community has embraced our family, especially Allie. Allie received state-of -the-art attention at her school in South Florida; she went to an amazing school set up to lovingly serve and care for children with unique special needs. Here, there isn’t anywhere near the kind of infrastructure in place to meet the needs of physically and mentally challenged children. But what they have done is custom tailor programs, education, transportation and empower staff and therapists to meet Allie’s unique needs. And the kids in school - Allie’s peers - go out of their way to include, befriend, and protect Allie.<br /><br />Allie celebrated her eleventh birthday last month. We’ve had her as our daughter for 10 years. Unbelievable!<br /><br />In <a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-17-94c7324378e7" target="_blank">this post</a> in our book-blogging project, we write about Allie’s first birthday. We could not be the parents we are to Allie without the support and prayers of those who’s love and lives have intersected with ours. You all have been amazing and we are so thankful for you. <br />
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<a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-17-94c7324378e7" target="_blank">Please click through and read post 17</a>.<br />
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<div class="graf graf--p graf-after--p graf--trailing" id="db8b" name="db8b">
<a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-1-e8dc35a01561" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-1-e8dc35a01561" target="_blank">post 1</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-2-c3db34e36e4c" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-2-c3db34e36e4c" target="_blank">post 2</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-3-c5d1b052ccf2" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-3-c5d1b052ccf2" target="_blank">post 3</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-4-1027962ac57f" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-4-1027962ac57f" target="_blank">post 4</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-5-c2cd854eb71c#.pznsnvd0f" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-5-c2cd854eb71c#.pznsnvd0f" target="_blank">post 5</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-6-3aad728b5645" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-6-3aad728b5645" target="_blank">post 6</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-7-74a2d6497b6b" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-7-74a2d6497b6b" target="_blank">post 7</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-8-e0b8b24cb8b5#.o1r75sldq" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-8-e0b8b24cb8b5#.o1r75sldq" target="_blank">post 8</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-9-dd2a68faaad6#.z6097t5gy" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-9-dd2a68faaad6#.z6097t5gy" target="_blank">post 9</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-10-b48be0442f35#.wv6fstrem" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-10-b48be0442f35#.wv6fstrem" target="_blank">post 10</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-11-3c1db516fbca#.c3z04o9vm" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-11-3c1db516fbca#.c3z04o9vm" target="_blank">post 11</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-12-7363c0df4b27#.mkkamzcx8" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-12-7363c0df4b27#.mkkamzcx8" target="_blank">post 12</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-13-f4824e76e57#.g7nwif15f" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-13-f4824e76e57#.g7nwif15f" target="_blank">post 13</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-14-167265ce1c12" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-14-167265ce1c12" target="_blank">post 14</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-15-a45ad6b07916" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-15-a45ad6b07916" target="_blank">post 15</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-16-8b9d735b1d7a" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-16-8b9d735b1d7a" target="_blank">post 16</a> | <a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-17-94c7324378e7" target="_blank">post 17</a></div>
Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-47652244019148759992017-07-24T09:30:00.000-04:002017-07-24T11:18:09.988-04:00Book Review: A Biblical Theology of Missions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZ93ZDSEvRJWtFJlkEMfNfhUnHuzNuO87QaLHNMb9RRE8BcTnW7yIpaim9MwYlP-HPXn7SInhqtcZbQXBfLGHtcauCHwUYsEMNR6aqM-PuVqb_Hbt0IQWuN1srB8cDWBNA-uN2A/s1600/biblical-theology-of-missions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZ93ZDSEvRJWtFJlkEMfNfhUnHuzNuO87QaLHNMb9RRE8BcTnW7yIpaim9MwYlP-HPXn7SInhqtcZbQXBfLGHtcauCHwUYsEMNR6aqM-PuVqb_Hbt0IQWuN1srB8cDWBNA-uN2A/s400/biblical-theology-of-missions.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Book title: A Biblical Theology of Missions
<br />Author: George W. Peters
<br />Chicago, Moody Bible Institute, 1972
<br />Number of pages: 368
<br />
<blockquote>
"It is my impression that the Bible is not a book about theology as such, but rather, a record of theology in mission - God in action in behalf of the salvation of mankind."</blockquote>
This is a missions book that has been <i>THE</i> textbook for my life in missions. A close friend gave this book to me. He received it from the library of a missionary who died while on the mission field in Ecuador. I immediately started underlining, highlighting, and making notes in the margins on the well-worn classic by George W. Peters. In my early days of doing missions work, trips, and talks, this book went with me everywhere. Not only is this book a valued gift, it’s been an awesome resource.<br />
<br />
In short, Peters outlines the missionary intent of God through <i>upward</i>, <i>inward</i>, and <i>outward</i> ministries of the church.<br />
<br />
He does a splendid job of defining the difference in usage of the words “mission” and “missions”.
<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>Mission</i>, as used by Peters, is “the total biblical assignment of the church of Jesus Christ.”
<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>Missions</i> is a specialized term. It is the “sending forth of authorized persons beyond the borders of the New Testament church and her immediate gospel influence to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in gospel destitute areas, to win converts from other faiths or non-faiths to Jesus Christ, and to establish functioning, multiplying local congregations who will bear the fruit of Christianity in that community and to that country.”<br />
<br />
This is one of the most succinct definitions of <i>missions</i> I’ve ever read. This definition cuts through much of the vague we’re-all-missionaries kind of messaging that permeates from pulpits and podcasts these days. If we're all missionaries, then no one's a missionary. The clear definitions and thorough treatment Peters gives to these terms need to be revisited by our current crop of popular Christian orators. Peters definitely clears up the confusion.<br />
<br />
Church History and the history of missions are inseparably intertwined.
The book is neatly organized into three parts with a total of eight, well-presented chapters.
<br />
<ol>
<li>Missionary Theology and Jesus Christ</li>
<li>Missionary Theology and the Nature of God</li>
<li>Missionary Theology and the Old Testament</li>
<li>Missionary Theology and the New Testament</li>
<li>The Missionary Task</li>
<li>The Church and Missions</li>
<li>The Instruments of Mission</li>
<li>The Dynamics of Mission</li>
</ol>
If you are planning on going to the mission field, an advocate for missions, or training people for long or short-term missions, you are the audience this book was written to reach and equip. You need to have this book in your library.Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-27807754881661520552017-07-22T10:49:00.000-04:002017-07-22T10:49:24.428-04:00How to Pray Through Adversity and Inconvenience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b>“<i>Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home.
And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt
down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks
before his God, as was his custom since early days.”—</i>Daniel 6:10 (NKJV)</b><br />
<br />
I struggle with something I’m a little ashamed to admit. Sometimes, I
have a really hard time praying through adversity. That’s painful to
say, especially because I’ve been a follower of Jesus for a few decades.
I hope it is not the same for you.<br />
<br />
Not so with Daniel. Daniel was a believer, a wise leader, and a
target. His mission in life was to serve his God and his king, in that
order. He served both well. He had no skeletons in his closet. He was
humble, and this kept him moving up the ladder, no matter who was king.
His humility, his upward mobility, and his holy habits made him the
target of his political and professional rivals.<br />
<br />
Daniel’s rivals worked hard to find fault. The one “sin” they sniffed
out was Daniel’s habitual conversation with Jehovah God. He made time
several times a day to get on his knees while facing Jerusalem, the City
of Peace his heart longed for, and stay connected to his God. His
opponents, through political maneuvering and manipulation, successfully
criminalized prayer to anyone but the king of the Medo-Persian Empire,
who had conquered Babylon during Daniel’s time there. Violation of this
law carried the death penalty. The violator was thrown to hungry lions.<br />
<br />
Even in times of adversity and inconvenience, Daniel courageously
lived up to the Hebrew definition of his name, God is my judge, by
aligning all of his priorities around it. Daniel learned early in life
that you become what you worship. You could watch Daniel live his life
and easily list all of the attributes of God that had saturated his
character. If the king said, “I need a man that is wise, discerning,
intelligent, compassionate, unwavering in his character, and
courageous,” the obvious answer was, “Daniel’s your guy.”<br />
<br />
If prayer were taken away from you, would you miss it? Or is prayer
and worship such a habit in your life that you would do it no matter
what? As privileged as Daniel was, from a young age he learned to opt
out of all of the material things culture told him were necessities. He
knew they were distractions and noise. What Daniel <i>needed</i> was God. What do you <i>need</i>?Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-23929895944807378792017-07-13T13:44:00.004-04:002017-07-13T13:47:09.176-04:00On Writing about Family<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-16-8b9d735b1d7a" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-bBApAJ5a_toloAWGmTAO8oTHcNvbul2TwpP8QWzLLwHmL4fAuI7WnMgw6eY3DItNgcj-23M4KTDsqDwwvI6dsogBIuLSB4ENVg6d9yBkBTIjbtxYVBDkdmwP4qzB0m5uBr-tA/s1600/nuzzling-charity.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charity and me circa 1988</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Talking about your trauma can be touchy. Writing about the trauma of others - family members for example - can be very touchy. what family members experienced during traumatic times is touchy. I've learned that when I express facts only as I see them - or think I see them - I get in trouble. <br />
<br />
We each experience pain, and even though <i>everyone</i> in the family is hurting, it's still difficult to look past your own pain and think about someone else's. Coming up with words to describe your own pain is a tall order. Thinking you have enough information to give an account of another parson's trial is dangerous territory. I've found this out the hard way. <br />
<br />
Writing our story in this book-blogging project has forced me to humble myself with my family. This isn't false piety, it's forced me to really think about how my communication about my point of view affects someone I love. As I watch these words appear on the screen, I'm thinking: this is relationships 101. That's a course I've failed. I'm trying for a do-over. <br />
<br />
In this the <a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-16-8b9d735b1d7a" target="_blank">16th post</a> in our project, I had my daughter (pictured above in my arms), read this before I clicked "publish". I'd love to know what you think about what I write, but nothing matters more to me than what she thinks. <a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-16-8b9d735b1d7a" target="_blank">Click here to read post 16</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="graf graf--p graf-after--p graf--trailing" id="8ef9" name="8ef9">
<a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-1-e8dc35a01561" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-1-e8dc35a01561" target="_blank">post 1</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-2-c3db34e36e4c" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-2-c3db34e36e4c" target="_blank">post 2</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-3-c5d1b052ccf2" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-3-c5d1b052ccf2" target="_blank">post 3</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-4-1027962ac57f" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-4-1027962ac57f" target="_blank">post 4</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-5-c2cd854eb71c#.pznsnvd0f" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-5-c2cd854eb71c#.pznsnvd0f" target="_blank">post 5</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-6-3aad728b5645" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-6-3aad728b5645" target="_blank">post 6</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-7-74a2d6497b6b" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-7-74a2d6497b6b" target="_blank">post 7</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-8-e0b8b24cb8b5#.o1r75sldq" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-8-e0b8b24cb8b5#.o1r75sldq" target="_blank">post 8</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-9-dd2a68faaad6#.z6097t5gy" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-9-dd2a68faaad6#.z6097t5gy" target="_blank">post 9</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-10-b48be0442f35#.wv6fstrem" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-10-b48be0442f35#.wv6fstrem" target="_blank">post 10</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-11-3c1db516fbca#.c3z04o9vm" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-11-3c1db516fbca#.c3z04o9vm" target="_blank">post 11</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-12-7363c0df4b27#.mkkamzcx8" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-12-7363c0df4b27#.mkkamzcx8" target="_blank">post 12</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-13-f4824e76e57#.g7nwif15f" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-13-f4824e76e57#.g7nwif15f" target="_blank">post 13</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-14-167265ce1c12" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-14-167265ce1c12" target="_blank">post 14</a> | <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-15-a45ad6b07916" href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-15-a45ad6b07916" target="_blank">post 15</a> | <a href="https://medium.com/@bryonmondok/where-are-my-angels-post-16-8b9d735b1d7a" target="_blank">post 16</a></div>
Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17744322.post-54644199540215884762017-07-12T09:30:00.000-04:002017-07-12T09:49:36.256-04:00Facilitating the Mission: Missionary Nurture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ssmfi.org/missionarynurture" target="_blank"><img alt="http://ssmfi.org/missionarynurture" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiStxEJMQ8zZeKBD3ZulzbzlsDmTzm5m6eFcDRQEyaoRw6gAjDJja1XfbZZjuelw4-dK-3C5XCAUgibGRLUvKdkYEFxLDsKn8mBkiit8iIzffrf65rb0_ols7a-RYNLZFxspXfA/s400/missionary-nurture-podcast.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In this podcast, we discuss the importance of missionary nurture and how to make it a priority.<br />
Here are some links to resources highlighted in this episode:<br />
» <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Serving-As-Senders-Neal-Pirolo/dp/1880185245/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_img_0/142-4834466-2257165?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8AAYN21FPNRTE9E3PFM6">Neal Pirolo’s book, Serving as Senders</a><br />
» <a href="http://ssmfi.org/missionary-nurture-teams-why-are-they-needed/">Missionary Nurture Teams: Why are they necessary?</a><br />
» <a href="http://ssmfi.org/missionary-nurture-teams-a-distinct-expression-of-missionary-care/">Missionary Nurture Teams: A distinct expression of Missionary Care</a><br />
» <a href="http://ssmfi.org/missionary-nurture-teams-3">Missionary Nurture Teams: Making them a reality</a><br />
» <a href="http://missionarycare.com/">missionarycare.com</a><br />
<hr />
<iframe data-name="pb-iframe-player" frameborder="0" height="100" scrolling="no" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/evshw-6c9d6b?from=yiiadmin&skin=1&btn-skin=104&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&auto=0&download=0&rtl=0" width="100%"></iframe>Bryonmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14483341910569645033noreply@blogger.com0