12 Years…Where Were You?

Today marks 12 years since the September 11th terrorist attacks.

12 years…

It is astonishing how quickly the time has gone by, but I have never forgotten what it was like that morning. I was in the 7th grade, and I remember it like it was just yesterday. I never thought I would remember a single day so clearly, but I do.

My parents woke me up early and told me to go look at the tv. This was weird for two reasons: both of my parents were in my room and they told me watch tv…I spent the next few hours glued to the tv, watching attack after attack. Those new stories and images are forever burned into my mind’s eye.

I was at home with my family, before going to school and being with my friends…where were you?

Be the Difference.

Once upon a time, there was a man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing where he tended to walk on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore he looked down the beach and saw a human figure standing by the water.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a child. As he watched the child, he noticed the child reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects and throwing them into the ocean.

He came close and called out to the child, “May I ask what it is that you are doing?”

The child paused, looked up and replied, “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”

The man was somewhat startled by this response and asked, “Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?”

Before answering, the child bent down, picked up a starfish and threw it into the ocean. He picked up another before turning to the man, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they will die in the sun.” And he threw the starfish into the ocean.

Upon hearing this, the man commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles of beach and thousands of starfish? You can’t really believe that what you are doing is making a difference!”

To this, the child bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the ocean.

“It made a difference for that one.”

And he bent up to pick up another.

~~~

Each of us, no matter how young, can make a difference in the world around us. If a young child can save the act of a starfish, imagine what you are capable of doing.

Make a difference.

Hope Renews Strength

I recently found an online deal for a discount on a custom sign. I thought for a while about what to get, and this is what I settled on:

 

 

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

I Will Wait

Can I just say it…? This song is great and so is the band!

More than just the music and feel of the song, I think the lyrics are right on. The theme of “I will wait” can be a powerful one. Take a listen and think about it for yourself…what does it mean to you?

Now I’ll be bold
As well as strong
And use my head alongside my heart
So tame my flesh
And fix my eyes
A tethered mind freed from the lies

Met ‘Em!

In case you did not know, the Newsboys just happen to be one of my all-time favorite  bands. Their music has helped me through so many different chapters in my life. I have kept up with it as they have changed and adapted over the years, and I always enjoy it. Sure, like most bands, they have gone through some personnel changes but they have been around for decades and their music still echos across the globe Here are a couple examples of their powerful worship music from different periods:

 

Well, this beings us to this past Saturday, October 6th, a great day indeed! It was similar to most of my Saturdays these days. I got ready to work a concert with 105.3, the local Christian radio station I work for part time. The concert was at Overlake Christian Church and the headliner was the Newsboys, featuring Building 429 and local band The Acclaim.

I had the privilege of leading the promotions teams for 105.3 at the event, which meant leading the Meet and Greet with the headliner..which meant the Newsboys! After some Q&A between the audience and the band, I watch as the 200 M&G attendees stood and had their picture taken with the guys. Once they were all through, I finally got to meet the group that has meant so much to me! Here are a couple pictures from there:

Ashley and I with the Newsboys!

Guitar signing!

 

 

More signing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even got to be on stage while they opened their set!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Needless to say, it was a great evening! I have been to several Newsboys concerts, and have even been able to work a couple, but this was by far the best. I got to meet one of my top favorite bands of all time, how could it not have been a great shift??

Also, be sure to check out my “Bucket List” page…one more item checked off!