tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34143135963815126462024-02-19T10:14:32.974-06:00Just Being HereSometimes we need someone to just be here. Wherever "here" is for us. The focus of this blog is encouragement. Uplifting articles. Music & Book reviews. Anything I am checking out. You will get my thoughts on it. Questions and requests welcome. DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.comBlogger2241125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-46184912888055364892019-10-05T16:12:00.000-05:002019-10-05T16:12:04.115-05:00BLOOD TALLY by Brian Mclellan #Review #Kickstarter #Reading #JustBeingHere<center>
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I was able to procure an advanced copy of Blood Tally by Brian Mclellan, who wrote the amazing Power Mage series which I very much enjoy. When Brian sent me the review copy of Blood Tally he was also amazing enough to also send me a copy of the first book, Uncanny Collateral, which - if you are quick enough you can get it for <a href="https://amzn.to/31PSyw3" target="_blank">free on Kindle</a>. </center>
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Here is my quick review of Uncanny Collateral: </center>
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A
quick and enjoyable read. A slick urban fantasy that brings me back to the days
first reading Dresden books. While it has a similar feel it has it's own flair.
Language can be rough at times, but it's not too overbearing. Characters are
good and I'm extremely interested in more of the story, as well as, what they
will do as more comes their way. </center>
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If you are a fan of this type of urban fantasy you may want to check out the <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/brianmcclellan/urban-fantasy-novel-blood-tally-by-brian-mcclellan" target="_blank">Kickstarter for Blood Tally</a>. It has already reached it's primary goal, but Brian has been adding other goals to it to make the book even nicer. So check it out and feel free to support how you can. </center>
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Now here is my quick review of Blood Tally:</center>
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A
nice continuation of this series. I feel that the ante was upped and a new
character or two brought themselves into my heart. Still very reminiscent of
Dresden files, and it can be hard not to expect Harry to pop up around the
corner ready to help Alek out. I still say this has its own flair, but my
enjoyment of Jim Butcher's series is certainly helping my enjoyment of this one
along. This is such a different feel from Brian's Powder Mage series, which
make sense as the magic is different and the setting and technology. I can't
help but say I enjoy it. I also like how it does not take extra time to tell a
story that can be told in the pages this does... And without really sacrificing
too much on character development. </center>
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Go ahead and <a href="https://amzn.to/2AMxR8o" target="_blank">pre-order Bloody Tally from Amazon</a> if you like!</center>
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Finally the third book to the second trilogy of the Power Mage series is releasing soon (Dec. 3rd as I'm writing this) - so <a href="https://amzn.to/2ALOzop" target="_blank">pre-order Blood of Empire</a> as well! </center>
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DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-33031088030517610872017-10-16T12:06:00.002-05:002017-10-16T12:06:25.821-05:00Book Review: A Brush with the Beast by Richard Sones #Review<center>
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The physical book:<br /><br /> I like this type of print and cover. It feels
nice in your hands and the book itself is a good size. Not too heavy
and certainly not so small that it feels like you are holding nothing.<br /><br />The story:<br /><br />On
a whole the story is good. It had what it needs to pull through plot
and push certain things forward, but it really does not give a whole lot
of rhyme or reason for these things at times.<br /><br />The Characters :<br /><br />What
you read on the back cover is pretty much the same you get from the
book, so I recommend not reading that back cover until you are halfway
through the book as it does help with some charater progression that
really is not translated well in the prose. I honestly felt like too
much character progressing was happening between chapters instead of
where the reader could understand and enjoy it. This is my favorite part
of stories and I felt this very much lacked in that area.<br /><br />The Encouragement :<br /><br />I
found the encouragement between believers was the best parts of the
book. The lifting up with scriptures and stories from the Bible was
fantastic.<br /><br />The Left Behind issue :<br /><br />This is a book that
very much deals with end times but no where near to the scale that it
was done in left behind. If you enjoyed those books... This one will
fall flat. Which is sad as this seems to have some cool points and
characters that could have had some awesome moments. They just don't
really show up.<br /><br />The ending :<br /><br />Not satisfying at all. Only
one story is kind of wrapped up. If there was plan for more
books..okay..but it was very lacking. Especially if you know much about
end times and all that is in revelation.<br /><br />Content rating :<br /><br />I
was suprised when this book opened itself to cursing. Most of the book
does not have it and the character that does it... Well that makes
sensebthst they would talk in such a way.. But it could have been more
cleanly done, I think.<br /><br />Disclaimer : I was provided this book for an honest review.
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DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-7672835309118053362017-09-21T07:00:00.000-05:002017-09-21T07:00:10.254-05:00Is the WOOL blinding you from the NOISE? #JustBeingHere #Sin<center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPby7dX3smwTm-7lZJmqi-ebXZ42IK7Aii492LC8JVLkeSMP4xvjbXYPCZmQEcXsFJveIp15zpMGeG5Ai4c82m_cMjeasnuxnLQat6onWuEgRR_qO5ReyFD_ckYOm5WHPQmvXgNghBbM/s1600/Wool.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="580" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPby7dX3smwTm-7lZJmqi-ebXZ42IK7Aii492LC8JVLkeSMP4xvjbXYPCZmQEcXsFJveIp15zpMGeG5Ai4c82m_cMjeasnuxnLQat6onWuEgRR_qO5ReyFD_ckYOm5WHPQmvXgNghBbM/s640/Wool.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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How
often do you take things for granted?</div>
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<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Maybe
it is something you enjoy, like having a cell phone keeping you on track with
just about everything in your life.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
It
could be your spouse who takes care of 100 things you may never even notice.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Your
vehicle, your job, your home, your massive collection of Funko Pop! Characters
... No matter what it is we can become blind, deaf and dumb to it.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
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What
about tradition, or habit? Is this taken for granted?</div>
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I
think so... We get so used to a certain order of 'noise' in our lives and
without it happening we may believe there is something wrong.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
A
book I read a while back deals with this kind of thing in various degrees and
one of the more engrossing ones really stuck with me. It had to do with the
mechanics of a post-apocalyptic silo. The book is called
"Wool" and the name is quite intentional as in the expression,
"Pull the <span style="font-weight: bold;">wool</span> over one's
eyes". </div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
You
are going to need a little back story and I will do what I can to keep from
spoiling anything as this series is quite an enjoyable read.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgq_TsQ8r_YTRXAjMPsA3ZLsJNRJXnI2KZj5DtrE_L2QU20m9cRNCw1VsQGvOsFRhTQapIzFC6wSzia9zb-3Q2qtYLvWZSV3R9wraHCRQJq2mLoukhLrywqOMhuJ9D3afG-NAyPOg7nA/s1600/silo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgq_TsQ8r_YTRXAjMPsA3ZLsJNRJXnI2KZj5DtrE_L2QU20m9cRNCw1VsQGvOsFRhTQapIzFC6wSzia9zb-3Q2qtYLvWZSV3R9wraHCRQJq2mLoukhLrywqOMhuJ9D3afG-NAyPOg7nA/s1600/silo.jpg" /></a></div>
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Like this, but
bigger and deep in the ground</div>
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Imagine
a post-Apocalyptic world where people are living in what is basically a
massive bunker/fallout shelter called a 'Silo'. Only a portion of the
structure breaches the surface of the ground and deep within the depths there
is machinery generating the power for all the people living in it. The
gears have been turning for an unknown amount of years, the people working in
the area have long worn ear protection because of the constant noise of the
machinery churning and turning. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLKKa1YsB8GESFwBdlFcr2luZEmnbd55Ufak61Rj1Lpz7RAdp0uwj33D71yLt16G9eubDFkYadYPJOr1i53_MF3Hqo5-D6LMYT2QEVixK9nz1VypsdIiBQzKwUZTcwGkNhgUMEOxhur0/s1600/woolbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLKKa1YsB8GESFwBdlFcr2luZEmnbd55Ufak61Rj1Lpz7RAdp0uwj33D71yLt16G9eubDFkYadYPJOr1i53_MF3Hqo5-D6LMYT2QEVixK9nz1VypsdIiBQzKwUZTcwGkNhgUMEOxhur0/s1600/woolbook.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
One
of the maintenance workers sees an opportunity to do a
little fixing up and pulls a few strings to have everything shut down for
a short time so they can clean up and reset the gears. The fix takes a
while, keeping many people in the Silo with less or no power for a time.
They get the work done and the moment finally comes to have the system turned
back on.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Everyone
is holding their breath as the key is about to be turned to get the machines
churning again. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
The
key is turned and the tell tale signs of grinding and gears turning is not
present what-so-ever. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
There
is silence. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUJC1LPIGYnivEu3lk8udEmsuRTt1Nu3PGq3JTg71nu2CMXP5AjpBpXEBpww_IvVISUw5qzzQzlZ56FVfHVqPLMuo_6wCYZ_nOLrRpFUKTx-T8zG14d2DlphMnKXVXLKF1x8CA44zyC4/s1600/key.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUJC1LPIGYnivEu3lk8udEmsuRTt1Nu3PGq3JTg71nu2CMXP5AjpBpXEBpww_IvVISUw5qzzQzlZ56FVfHVqPLMuo_6wCYZ_nOLrRpFUKTx-T8zG14d2DlphMnKXVXLKF1x8CA44zyC4/s1600/key.jpg" /></a><div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
They
wait a moment ... but still nothing is heard, and just like if we had turned
the key to our vehicles and received no response they move to turn
the key again, but are stopped when someone comes running and telling everyone
the machine IS running.<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Come
to find out, all the maintenance and resetting made the machine run
so much better it was running completely silent. They were amazed, they
were proud, they were victims of 'taking things for granted' in such a way as
to create a 'tradition', a noisy one to be sure, but it made them
comfortable.<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
After
reading this I knew it held a wonderful truth. No matter how much this 'noise'
may seem to give you comfort by being in your life, it is actually a symptom of
a root problem in the maintenance of your life. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLXlmR6Tss115De7pZ36RACZqlCk_FQQaYGW2KrOPtowzpYFtjsCT_qTJAAnr4-itz5WwBXLJpfJ6ltEo-8T3Bsm8efHL0_XchLHda05R8KD21C-5EF1-4KWw22bmAAant4gjsUq1qYY/s1600/gears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="164" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLXlmR6Tss115De7pZ36RACZqlCk_FQQaYGW2KrOPtowzpYFtjsCT_qTJAAnr4-itz5WwBXLJpfJ6ltEo-8T3Bsm8efHL0_XchLHda05R8KD21C-5EF1-4KWw22bmAAant4gjsUq1qYY/s1600/gears.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
It
is a cry, a grinding of the gears of your life - and that ... is NOT a good
thing!<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
We
always seem to bring up things which are actually beneficial to us as things
'taken for granted' but seldom try to root out the things we do that we
shouldn't or are just unnecessary.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
While
lost in sin we are just like these people living in this silo, with worldly
wool over our eyes ... or ears in their case, unaware of the impending
destruction the choices we are making will have in our life, or afterlife more
matter of fact.<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
There
is a hope though, an assurance through the Holy Spirit.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">--</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an
obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you
live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to
death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Romans 8:12-13</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> (NIV)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">--</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
A
change occurs within us - your desires begin to shift, your ears hear
differently, your eyes see differently, but the old desires die hard.<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">--</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and
approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Romans 12:2</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> (NIV)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">--</span><br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
The
flesh will battle, it will do what it can to create dissonance.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">--</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">We know that the law is spiritual; but I am
unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For
what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do
not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I
myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself
does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire
to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I
want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if
I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin
living in me that does it.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Romans 7:14-20</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> (NIV)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">--</span><br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
The
sides at war?<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
The dissonant noise
in one corner?<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">--</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality,
impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord,
jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy;
drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who
live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Galatians 5:19-21</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> (NIV)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">--</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
And
the soothing sounds of proper gearing in the other?<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">--</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true,
whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such
things.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Philippians 4:8</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> (NIV)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">--</span><br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
TiN
RiP LA - is how it was taught to me when I was in youth group years ago and has
stuck with me ever since.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
The
NOISE of sin in our lives CAN be beaten back! The tuning fork of the word
of God in conjunction with the Holy Spirit can be used to determine the sounds
which should be produced in your life: Physical, Mental, and Spiritual.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Every
step in the direction of Jesus reorders the gears to properly produce
an orchestra of wonderful music, which is God's will for your life.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Seriously
take a moment to ensure your life is properly geared! Do not let the
noise be your comfort, but take it as the warning it truly is and move towards
the CHANGE which is needed!<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
There
are not many people who begin to hear a change in
their vehicle's engine and do nothing about it, but yet we do it in
our own lives.<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
There
must have been people in the Silo as the gears started to groan but they never
stood up and made the changes to ensure the continual proper working of the
system.<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Do
not let this happen to you!<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
You
may feel like everything is fine, but be sure to be honest with yourself and
look seriously within your spirit for these signs. Are the things in
Galatians 5 more prevalent, or are they the ones in Philippians 4?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
If
it is the things mentioned in Galatians I urge you accept Christ, accept His
sacrifice for your sins and let the WOOL from the Lamb of God cover you from
the noise of "sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry
and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition,
dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the
like."</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
If
it is the things mentioned in Philippians I urge you to keep up your guard, to
keep your life in tune with God's word. As soon as you begin to hear the
interference of sin move to reinstate the statutes of TiN RiP LA!<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Is
the WOOL blinding you from the NOISE? ... I hope so!</div>
</div>
</div>
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DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-8011055525103915942017-09-14T07:00:00.000-05:002017-09-14T07:00:33.027-05:00Foot Washing that Never Happened #JustBeingHere #Servanthood<center>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
My good friend set up an entire canoeing trip with many of his friends as well
as myself. It was an exciting opportunity to get to hang out. I saw it as a
perfect time to impart something spiritual onto those I was meeting for the
first time. I had a plan. A good plan. A righteous plan. I looked into the
life and choices of Christ and picked one of the strongest decisions he made. I
did this in order to slam dunk some Godly wisdom into others. It was going to
be awesome.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br />
--</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Jesus,
knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had
come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside
his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he
poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe
them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who
said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing
you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to
him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you,
you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only
but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does
not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And
you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray
him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br />
When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his
place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me
Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and
Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
-<span style="font-weight: bold;">John 13:4-14</span> (ESV)</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
--</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br />
I traveled with my friend and his brother in the car ride to our destination.
It was a crazy experience to travel through a town called Flippin at two in the
morning. The jokes came out in spades. We got to the campsite, set up tents and
went to sleep. The trip, while crazy already, was proving to be great fun.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br />
I had a zip lock bag with the items I planned on using to wash everyone's feet.
Some soaps and washcloths. I packed it before we left, but I was the only one
who knew it's true purpose.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br />
The next day when we decided to finally head out to the river I rode with a
fairly newly married couple I had never met before. It would be nice to break
the ice and get them to know me a bit before I washed their feet somewhere down
a river later. I never had the chance. Instead of me breaking this ice...
they did. I was asked an interesting question. "What is your spiritual
gift?" It caught me off guard. I did not look into the world as a
Christian as in some way needing a particular gift. I also could not define
myself as one very thing. It was troubling to me to think of only one gift was
the thing I would be and do for my God for all time. This did not hold them
back from explaining to me the gifts they each believed they had. I could only
tell them of what I have done in my past. I was shocked to find none of it
mattered to me. None of what would be considered "accomplishments"
set within me an idea of me being a holder of some special gift I was imparting
into the world. This made me wonder why it would be so important to them to
claim their gifts.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br />
This revelation never grew to anything much more than that at this time. We got
our canoes and entered the water. We had a pretty awesome trip and made some
fond memories, but I never washed anyone's feet. I wish I could say it was
because I felt it was unnecessary. Or I could say water got into
the zip-lock bag I had the tools for washing in. Or there was just no
time for it to happen. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
When
I think back on it, the only reason I can come up with is I did not feel I was
good enough.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br />
Is it not odd I could feel this way. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
How
can a person not be good enough to wash another's feet? It is often portrayed
as being one of the lowest of jobs. One fit for a slave. How could I have felt
lower than that? My perspective laid heavily on Christ. I could see how He did
this for His disciples and showed them truth in servant hood. I
could not see myself being what Jesus was to those who He walked with on this
earth.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
There
was no way I could be "that guy" to these people. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
These
guys were able to definitively set themselves into a
particular spiritual gift and I couldn't not do that.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
How
could I be someone who could teach them anything? </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
How
could I inspire or encourage them?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br />
With these thoughts I was "talked" out of it. Who knows... this very
act could have instilled a spiritual sight into us we never would have had
without it. Or.. it could have turned us against one another in an all out
superhero brawl which would end in tears. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
I
don't know what the outcome would have been, but I am now certain I lost a
chance to reach out. It should never matter how much greater someone around you
seems. It should never matter how lowly you may think of yourself, you can
always be a servant to others. You can always lovingly guide and teach others.
Don't make the same mistake I did. Wash the feet of another when you have the
chance to do so!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br />
Have you ever not done something you felt led to do? </div>
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DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-64935261052097438952017-09-07T07:00:00.000-05:002017-09-13T10:41:08.926-05:00Accepting and Moving on From REJECTION as a Christian #JustBeingHere #Rejection<center>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRGN-u2ABRCmoIf9tNhu8k7f6hVNJi3BwkXxk1ArEc0uHhUFEGuxt8V4O5_PmNGf9pqFteUGcDG-leTfRwus66-R17VN5fk65d725QaqRoL1oQHGk6sAIFPzzrpxaLhuLCAU2zP2_13A/s1600/AcceptingRejection.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="580" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRGN-u2ABRCmoIf9tNhu8k7f6hVNJi3BwkXxk1ArEc0uHhUFEGuxt8V4O5_PmNGf9pqFteUGcDG-leTfRwus66-R17VN5fk65d725QaqRoL1oQHGk6sAIFPzzrpxaLhuLCAU2zP2_13A/s640/AcceptingRejection.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="color: #2e75b5; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Blind Rejection</h2>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Paul's
conversion from Saul to Paul is astounding and at times undervalued for what it
really meant.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Being
a man in good standing in society and flipping his thoughts and opinions to
something so foreign to popular thought of the times is something we really
just cannot imagine, though we may think we can.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
-------------------</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
And
immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of
God.” And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made
havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here
for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+9%3A20-21&amp;version=ESV">Acts
9:20-21</a><br />
-------------------</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="color: #2e75b5; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Message Rejection</h2>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
One
particular instance of Paul's desire to change the minds of others to what was
now undeviating truth to himself can actually give us some insight to dealing
with rejection.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Paul
travels to Antioch with Barnabas and preaches to Jew and Gentile alike. They
want to hear more, but the crowds are so filled with Gentiles that the Jews
loose it . One would think they would rejoice and accept the completion of the
law which held them in place for so many long years, but what was their
response? </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
-------------------</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
On the next Sabbath
almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. <span style="vertical-align: super;">45 </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">When
the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to
contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="vertical-align: super;">46 </span>Then Paul and Barnabas answered
them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it
and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the
Gentiles. <span style="vertical-align: super;">47 </span>For this is what
the Lord has commanded us:</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
“‘I have made you<span style="vertical-align: super;">[</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+13&version=NIV#fen-NIV-27410f"><span style="vertical-align: super;">f</span></a><span style="vertical-align: super;">]</span>
a light for the Gentiles,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
that
you<span style="vertical-align: super;">[</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+13&version=NIV#fen-NIV-27410g"><span style="vertical-align: super;">g</span></a><span style="vertical-align: super;">]</span>
may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’<span style="vertical-align: super;">[</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+13&version=NIV#fen-NIV-27410h"><span style="vertical-align: super;">h</span></a><span style="vertical-align: super;">]</span>”</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<cite style="color: #595959; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9.0pt; margin: 0in;">Acts
13:44-47</cite><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
-------------------</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="color: #2e75b5; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Dust off Rejection</h2>
<h2 style="color: #2e75b5; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
</h2>
<h2 style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Being
rejected is a hard thing to move past</h2>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
When
we are rejected for something as important as salvation it can be even harder.
We, who are giving our testimony may pour out our hearts and souls in love for
others to just begin to see and accept the Savior, yet we can be
"contradicted and abused".</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
How
do Paul and Barnabas deal with this ? </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
-------------------</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="vertical-align: super;">50 </span>But the Jewish leaders incited the
God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They
stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their
region. <span style="vertical-align: super;">51 </span>So they shook the
dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. <span style="vertical-align: super;">52 </span>And the disciples were filled with
joy and with the Holy Spirit.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Acts 13:50-52</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
-------------------</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's truly comforting to see Paul using
tactics similar to what Jesus dictated to those he personally sent out when
placed in a situation like this.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
-------------------</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
But
whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and
say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against
you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A10-11&amp;version=ESV">Luke
10:10-11</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
-------------------<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
We
are called to do as Paul did, claiming Jesus as our Savior, but at times the
crowd we are bringing this message to will be like that of these Jews in
Antioch. We have an interesting choice to make.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
We
can let the rejection of others cause us to quit all together, we can
constantly beat our words upon stone hearts, or we can accept that we have no
power to change others and move on to a different crowd, just as Paul did.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="color: #2e75b5; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Invitation Rejection</h2>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
The <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+22%3A1-14&amp;version=ESV">message</a> Christ
gave about the Kingdom of Heaven being like a wedding feast really showed how
this hardship would happen.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
-------------------</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Jesus spoke to them
again in parables, saying: <span style="vertical-align: super;">2 </span>“The
kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. <span style="vertical-align: super;">3 </span>He sent his servants to those who
had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Matthew 22:1-3</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
-----------------</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Those
who were set to be invited refused to come, even after a second personal
invitation. Those invited to the feast explained that they had more important
things to do.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
If
we understand the importance of a wedding and see the enormous disrespect given
by those invited, then we can be even more shocked to realize this is a
spiritual example of how the Kingdom of Heaven is rejected. Paul's rejection of
his message by the Jews really begins to come clear understanding it through
this parable, especially when we see the depth some of those invited to the
wedding feast treated the servants of the one throwing the feast.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
-------------------</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="vertical-align: super;">4 </span>“Then he sent some more servants and
said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen
and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the
wedding banquet.’</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="vertical-align: super;">5 </span>“But they paid no attention and went
off—one to his field, another to his business. <span style="vertical-align: super;">6 </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">The rest seized his
servants, mistreated them and killed them. </span><span style="vertical-align: super;">7 </span>The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those
murderers and burned their city.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Matthew 22:4-7</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
-------------------<br />
</div>
<h2 style="color: #2e75b5; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
God Encourages Thru Rejection</h2>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Paul
was often sought after by those who were Jewish, claiming Paul was breaking
laws and deserving of death, but the message of Jesus being Christ was never
quenched from his lips!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
God
is an encourager, He will always desire us to continue in His work no matter
the opposition. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
God
encourages Paul in Corinth:<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
-------------------</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
And
the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, <span style="font-weight: bold;">“Do
not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and
no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my
people.”</span> And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God
among them. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+18%3A9-11&amp;version=ESV">Acts
18:9-11</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(emphasis mine)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
-------------------</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Paul
clearly went from those who were properly invited to those in the streets, just
as was talked about in Jesus' parable. Is there some other group we should turn
to when we have been rejected?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="color: #2e75b5; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Should we be turning to others? </h2>
<h2 style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
</h2>
<h2 style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
The
answer has a yes and a no.</h2>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">The No?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
The
kingdom of heaven is here now, as well as to be later. We are to a point where
every person is eligible for acceptance. It may have been Paul and Peter, as
well as a few others, who opened the door to move from the chosen of God, but
the banquet is ready and set for all those willing to accept it now.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">The Yes?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
We
can move from those who, right now, do not wish to accept the message and turn
to others, but no longer letting classifications keep us in bounds for who can
know and accept this wonderful news!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
We
should be prepared for acceptance or rejection, but fear neither. We should be
ready to shake the dust from us and let the message sink in or wash off those
we have provided it to.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="color: #2e75b5; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Are you wearing the right thing?</h2>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
The
final thing we must all be certain to do is be dressed for the occasion:</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
-------------------</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
“But
when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no
wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a
wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants,
‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place
there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are
chosen.” <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A11-14&amp;version=ESV">Matthew
22:11-14</a><br />
-------------------</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Could
it be called unfair to do this to someone who was only pulled from the street
to attend a wedding?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Certainly
they just did not have the time to get ready, or maybe they just lacked the
resources? Can we not give the benefit to those in this case?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
No.
It seems not.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
When
Paul diligently began to seek and teach the gentiles, they took to the message
and changed themselves according to the truth being given to them. Obviously
not all of them, but they were grateful for the chance to be accepted.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
-------------------</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="vertical-align: super;">46 </span>Then Paul and Barnabas answered
them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it
and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the
Gentiles. <span style="vertical-align: super;">47 </span>For this is what
the Lord has commanded us:</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
“‘I have made you<span style="vertical-align: super;">[</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+13&version=NIV#fen-NIV-27410f"><span style="vertical-align: super;">f</span></a><span style="vertical-align: super;">]</span>
a light for the Gentiles,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
that
you<span style="vertical-align: super;">[</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+13&version=NIV#fen-NIV-27410g"><span style="vertical-align: super;">g</span></a><span style="vertical-align: super;">]</span>
may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’<span style="vertical-align: super;">[</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+13&version=NIV#fen-NIV-27410h"><span style="vertical-align: super;">h</span></a><span style="vertical-align: super;">]</span>”</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="vertical-align: super;">48 </span>When the Gentiles heard this, they
were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for
eternal life believed.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="vertical-align: super;">49 </span>The word of the Lord spread through
the whole region. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<cite style="color: #595959; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9.0pt; margin: 0in;">Acts
13:46-49<br />
-------------------</cite><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
As
we personally accept this wonderful gift we need to do the same.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="color: #2e75b5; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Preaching it is one thing, living it is another</h2>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Be
certain to be dressed for the part in speech and in behavior. It IS important.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Standing
by this integrity will help you when things are tough, and always know there
are people willing to hear the message of Christ.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="color: #2e75b5; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Have you ever been rejected for your message of Christ? What did
you do in response?</h2>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<a href="http://commentsonchristianity.com/?s=%22By+Derek+Jordan%22&amp;x=-1112&amp;y=-4461">De</a><a href="http://commentsonchristianity.com/?s=%22By+Derek+Jordan%22&amp;x=-1112&amp;y=-4461">rek</a>
is a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LifeGuardKids">Children's Pastor</a> and
Men's Leader in his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Life-Church/1451678338386401?viewer_id=569215072">home
church</a>, Mechanical Designer @ T-tek, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5381087-derek-jordan">Book</a>
Reviewer, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/magicderk4christ">Prestidigitator</a>.
He is a Fantasy reader, Whovian, and <a href="http://instagram.com/derkdork#">Funko
P</a><a href="http://instagram.com/derkdork#">op and Toy Collector</a>. Derek
lives in Alabama with his wife and four children.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
Contact:
<a href="mailto:mailderk@gmail.com">Email</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/openedeyes02">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://derkopenedeyes.blogspot.com/">Blog</a></div>
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DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-23204974616364005952017-08-31T07:00:00.000-05:002017-08-31T07:00:23.811-05:00Break In Day - How a Drivers Ed Instructor taught me a truth of life #JustBeingHere<center>
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In
high school many of us are blessed enough we get the chance to take
Drivers Ed. This can mean driving around town for a credit in school -
and sometimes getting lunch, or other fun side trips from the normal day
to day.</div>
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If
you attended Lee High School in Montgomery Alabama and were also lucky
enough to have Dr. Nix as your instructor... none of this was true.</div>
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Drivers ed was the most nerve racking, stressful class you would take all year.</div>
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If you cannot tell, I was lucky enough to have this instructor. What was the problem?</div>
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Dr. Nix quite literally wrote the book on driving.</div>
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I
am not kidding. He would quote from his book, by chapter and
paragraph. It was wild and intimidating to be taught by him - and even
more so in the vehicle itself.</div>
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The very first driving day in Dr. Nix's class was called 'Break In Day'.</div>
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It was called this for a good reason, which I believe is better told by story then by explanation.<br />
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I
was 15 maybe 16 when I was able to finally drive during school, but I
knew it was not going to be fun. I had Dr. Nix, I was one of the few
who were to suffer at the perfection of a man, with for what all we
could tell... a doctorate in Drivers Ed.</div>
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My mother was a good teacher and prepared me for much, but I never could have been ready for 'Break In Day'.</div>
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As
soon as it was my turn to drive I was confident, but still a little
scared. I did all my checks before moving the car. Dr. Nix was very
particular about getting all your checks done before putting the car it
gear. I began to drive and it was moving along nicely until all of the
sudden Dr. Nix yells out, "Your breaks don't work!"</div>
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I
believe I did what any sane person would have done and I slammed on the
breaks sending Dr. Nix, the two passengers, as well as myself flying
slightly forward, but very well protected by our seat belts: Remember, I
did my checks.</div>
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Dr.
Nix reaches over, puts the car in park and pulls the keys from the car.
He turns a bit to look towards me and says, "You're dead, you fail."</div>
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I was heartbroken. <i>How
could I have failed? ... on the first day no less! What could I have
done better? What was the procedure for dealing with brakes that did not
work? Will I fail tomorrow? Will I be able to drive again? Will my
mother be disappointed?</i></div>
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I had plenty of time to think while the other two in my class received their own fails for the day.</div>
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We all likely felt the same. Failures. Worthless, Terrible, No Good Failures.</div>
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Dr. Nix had us park on the side of the road and told us something else.</div>
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"Now,
Break in day is over. One thing I do, and I only do it on Break In day
- and that is..." We held our breath, " you all passed today - your
fails will not go towards your grade." out came the breaths - and smiles
were shallow, but there. He explained how sometimes things happen when
we are not ready for them, but if we learn properly - we can be ready
next time.</div>
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I took the lesson to heart.</div>
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A
'Break In Day' does not just have to be something in a driver's ed
course. It can be something in your own life. Something that God has
led you through the past you look back on in the hard times. Or
something which showed you the real way things are. The real things you
were, without such an experience, ignorant of.</div>
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God prepares us for where HE is calling us to be. God WANTS us to succeed.</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<i>--</i></div>
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<i><b>1 Peter 1:3-7</b></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>New International Version (NIV)</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Praise
be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy
he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of
Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never
perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, <b>who through faith are shielded by God’s power</b> until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. <b>In
all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may
have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that
the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which
perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and
honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.</b></i></div>
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<i>--</i></div>
</blockquote>
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<br /></div>
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When
I was in my driver's ed class I was 'shielded' by Dr. Nix. If I were
to begin to make a mistake he had, at least, a way that he could take
control and get us back on track. The shield provided to us by God, is
'oh so much' better than that. OUR faith can hinge it open... or
closed. We must have faith in Him to guide us in truth. To bring us
through the experiences, trials, hurts, and hang ups so that WE can
become someone who is ready, willing, and strong enough to begin to pull
others from the depths.</div>
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<br /></div>
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God's
power is the ultimate power in this, but our faith in Him - in our
sharing of our truths... testimonies do we give God an avenue to work
and shine into the lives of another.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I
struggled for many years with pornography and had it not been for the
power of the Lord and unconditional love of my wife, I would never have
made it to the side where I can say it is not the issue it was in the
past. The power it once held over me has diminished - it has been
replaced for a love and a desire for God, as well as a healthy desire
for my wife.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When
I was in the drivers seat in Dr. Nix class I had to grow to a point of
admitting I was ignorant of many dangers and hazards of the road and
without his 'break in day' and cut throat attitude about driving I doubt
I would be as careful or as safe as I am now.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The same goes for my spiritual life.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The
trials I put myself through because of my sinful desires for
the perversion of nudity and sex were something I thought I could
understand and handle, but the truth is... it is living life without
making your checks which puts you in the position of having your brakes
not work, and everyone with you is going along for the crash of a life
time.</div>
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<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<i>--</i></div>
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<i><b>Proverbs 12:17-22</b></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>English Standard Version (ESV)</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Whoever
speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters
deceit. There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the
tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a
lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of those who
devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. No ill befalls the
righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. Lying lips are an
abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.</i></div>
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<i>--</i></div>
</blockquote>
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<br /></div>
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If
you are in such a place I beg you to not run away, or to give up. What
I encourage you to do is to embrace the truth. Own up to your wrong
doings. If you are married, admit them to your significant other EVERY
time you make them; and if you are single find a friend of the same sex
to admit it to. It will make you into an honest and trustworthy mate.</div>
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<br /></div>
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You will NOT WANT TO look at it any longer because you will be TRAINED to tell on yourself.</div>
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<br /></div>
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While sexual things were my biggest problem I am positive this method will work with any other addiction.</div>
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<br /></div>
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________________________________________________________________</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
This
blog was formerly posted on either Congruent Culture or Comments on
Christianity - hence the nifty stuff below:</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Derek Jordan</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> is a </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lakewoodkids"><span style="font-style: italic;">Children's
Pastor</span></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> in his home church, a
Drafter to pay the bills, a Music & Book Reviewer (not so much now),
and Prestidigitator</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">He is a
Fantasy reader, Whovian, and </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/I-Just-Got-Gnomed/311411812205382"><span style="font-style: italic;">Gnoming enthusiist</span></a><span style="font-style: italic;">. Derek lives in Alabama with his wife and three (four) children.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 5pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Twitter: </span><a href="https://twitter.com/openedeyes02"><span style="font-style: italic;">@openedeyes02</span></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/dErKsblog"><span style="font-style: italic;">~dErK~Just
Being Here</span></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> YouTube: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/magicderk4christ"><span style="font-style: italic;">magicderk4christ</span></a></div>
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DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-30703181219191722612017-08-25T12:57:00.000-05:002017-08-25T12:57:26.637-05:00The Creation of a Pearl - A Rememberance of God's Power to Redeem<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRnNhEK_o5gc1cbiseQkETE9f3koxQsCkASYSdwF3Up7aI9qLT2Pgs3qkOs1-hj5zzHoqafhlLan2rYBZlXmwKUuk2EdPLmWDvm1SHetrbhMtkNuc-fWCxlbH_BIoPrfhyphenhypheniLujqD6lKs/s1600/creation+of+a+pearl.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRnNhEK_o5gc1cbiseQkETE9f3koxQsCkASYSdwF3Up7aI9qLT2Pgs3qkOs1-hj5zzHoqafhlLan2rYBZlXmwKUuk2EdPLmWDvm1SHetrbhMtkNuc-fWCxlbH_BIoPrfhyphenhypheniLujqD6lKs/s640/creation+of+a+pearl.png" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Wealth, beauty, and success are American imperatives. I would not be surprised to find that they are simply worldly imperatives. No person is exempt from the effects caused by them. Whether external or internal. When a person is lacking a few particular parameters it is easy for that person to feel incomplete. To feel unworthy of anything. Without proper recognition it is difficult to keep up a good attitude working through hardship.<br /><br /><br /><br /> I recently was reading, or watching something... though I am baffled by the fact that I cannot recall what it actually was... This something brought up a very interesting point. The creation of a pearl is impossible without the introduction of an irritant. The wording used just shined into my heart with so much truth I could not let it get by me without noting something down to write about. I did a tiny bit of research on the creation of pearls and found this information:<br /><br /><br /><br /> --<br /><br /><br />" Pearls are formed inside the shell of certain mollusks as a defense mechanism against a potentially threatening irritant such as a parasite inside the shell, or an attack from outside, injuring the mantle tissue. The mollusk creates a pearl sac to seal off the irritation." Wiki <a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl">http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl</a><br /><br /><br />--<br /><br /><br /><br /> Is it not amazing the value we give to the pearl? Even Biblically it is held in high regard.<br /><br /><br /><br /> --<br /><br /><br />The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value<br /><br /><br /><br /> “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it."<br /><br /><br /> -Matthew 13:45-46 (ESV) <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13%3A45-46&version=ESV">https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13%3A45-46&version=ESV</a><br /><br /><br />--<br /><br /><br /><br /> The more a pearl develops into a perfectly circular state, the more worth it carries. This parable is about heaven, not about us being a pearl. It is not the intension of Christ to say this. I personally am looking at the analogy of us being the clam or mollusk that could end up having this pearl developing within us. I find it encouraging that the start of something beautiful starts from something foreign and threatening to the mollusk. It really shows, in creation itself, how God has designed the world to protect and cover things which are considered "irritants" making them worthy enough for a person to desire to sell all they have in order to own it.<br /><br /><br /> Not only are pearls considered worthy physically, but used in another analogy of worth when it deals with wisdom.<br /><br /><br /><br /> --<br /><br /><br />“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.<br /><br /><br /> -Matthew 7:6 (ESV)<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A6&version=ESV">https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A6&version=ESV</a><br /><br /><br />--<br /><br /><br /><br /> Each irritant can either become our destruction or, instead, our newest gem to the world around us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Far too often is what is worthy and precious to one person is instead crushed into the ground by another. Our personal worth cannot come from what we expect to see. This method will likely only lead to more hurt. It may even have defeat rise within us enough that we will choose to give up. For some reason it is easier to see those crushing our pearls rather than those wearing them within their lives.<br /><br /><br /><br /> Is there something that may be breaking you apart? Something just too hard to deal with. An irritant? The prescription is God's word wrapped around it. Wrapped around so tightly and so well rounded that it becomes a worthy treasure.<br /><br /><br /><br /> --<br /><br /><br />All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.<br /><br /><br /> -2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+3%3A16-17&version=ESV">https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+3%3A16-17&version=ESV</a><br /><br /><br />--<br /><br /><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /><br />Do you believe God can work change within any dark part inside you?</span></div>
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DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-1260968166657923132016-02-29T13:40:00.001-06:002016-02-29T13:40:08.481-06:00Review: The Bands of Mourning
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18739426" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1450134973m/18739426.jpg" border="0" alt="The Bands of Mourning" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18739426">The Bands of Mourning</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/38550">Brandon Sanderson</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1542671048">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />
Honestly more of a 4 and a half. the only reason I knock it down that peg is that the story, while amazing, is becoming ... normal to me. The other reason is because I was expecting this to be the finale. If your were tooo, you are wrong. The setup for the finale is pretty great though. <br /><br />I am still amazed how Sanderson can drop answers to so much but then still have a new and wonderful mystery drop as well. Unexpectedly this book also had a love connection I did not expect. I think it was unique and much needed. It was a great growth in characters.<br /><br />These characters are great and I really do end up laughing out loud while listening to these books. Speaking of audio, the vocals are great. I love the life breathed into each character.
<br/><br/>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1542671048">View all my reviews</a>
DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-89989307914259350942016-02-09T07:22:00.001-06:002016-02-09T07:22:42.796-06:00Review: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25387202" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1450520344m/25387202.jpg" border="0" alt="Star Wars: The Force Awakens" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25387202">Star Wars: The Force Awakens</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11735">Alan Dean Foster</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1516597009">5 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />
First and foremost, this book NEEDS to be read by any fan that has seen the movie. The tiny details that it brings to light are really essential to a better understanding of the movie. <br /><br />One thing I question is the validity to canon that this book has. Some things are different enough that it can change the make up of the world around it compared to the movie. Nothing that takes away from the story itself, but something that could have impacts later on. <br /><br />The book also squishes up many of the complaints that people had. (at least I think so) You get better explanations... maybe not a full one, but you do get a better understanding.<br /><br />I listened to audio and almost feel that it was even better that way because of the John Williams soundtrack you get along with the book itself. It really tied the movie to the book well. <br /><br />Now... time for Spoilers.. For the movie.. and the book... don't go below this if you don't want spoilers.<br /><br /><br />So there were some things that were different and some things that you just get a tiny bit more information. Keep in mind... this is just what I can remember:<br /><br />We get more of Leia and C3Po:<br /><br />We gain a deeper feel for Leia's plight to find Luke. No real story elements, just more of her knowing and lamenting that she cannot find him. <br /><br />Poe was angry with the First Order and took out their guns to spite them, not to clear out a get-away. Them being shot down made a bit more sense as well... or rather was clearer. <br /><br />We get heaps more detail as we enter the minds of the Characters:<br /><br />Rey's confusions and plights make more sense, even her ability being greater than it should. She does not even know how it happened (and yes.. this makes sense because.. The Force.. lol.. it is how it works)<br /><br />I like when Rey sees Kylo's face for the first time and you understand that she sees him as almost an equal because he looks nothing like one would think after him being so imposing. Really.... this is what we all thought so the casting was perfect.<br /><br />Kylo Ren's battle to hold himself together, as well as his understanding of who Rey is. Wow... those extra three words near the end of the book hit me the hardest. <br /><br />Only look if you REALLY want to know<br /><br />_________________________________________<br /><br /><br />......................................................................................."It Is You!"<br /><br /><br />______________________________________________<br /><br /><br /><br />good now... Han Solo... we know he died, but in the book it is VERY clear who killed Han. Kylo activated the saber. It is clear.. in ... well whatever color your reader is.. or whatever font your audio is in. :P<br /><br />Rey's understanding of ships should have been picked up in the movie, but if not.. the book reminds us several times that she has scavenged and torn apart ships like this since she was a child. <br /><br />Poe being alive is cataloged and a pretty hilarious scene that we really missed out on in the movie. <br /><br />In the fight between Kylo and Finn... "playtime" was over right after Finn got in a lucky jab... yes .. he was toying with Finn.. it was obvious. <br /><br />In the fight between Rey and Kylo there was a TON more going on in the Force between the two. First of all... she had no idea how she fought the way that she did. He was holding back because he wanted to recruit her (that was clear in the movie too). Kylo blocked the lightsaber for a bit with just the force a few times after being disarmed. (This may have happened, but it could have looked like he used his arms.. can't remember) Rey was tempted by a voice, very clearly, to kill him and made an active choice not to do so. The movie had the splitting of the world decide this for her. <br /><br />The biggest change... Starkiller base: How the weapon worked and how it was used. While it used the sun to power it... it did not drain the sun (fyi ... that would destroy the system it was in faster than it would destroy the targeted system.) It also only shot one beam and the impact, and way it reacted with the intended target, actually resulted in an explosion that takes out the rest of the system. I don't know.. that just makes more sense to me.<br /><br />I did like the nod to the sun darkening being a physical thing where we could see the light going away from Kylo... but it just makes more sense that the sun is not just.... eaten by the base?<br /><br />Oh.. and Captain Phasma?.. she fully expected them to fail. This is the reason she was fine with dropping the shields. Too much trust and ego in her troops and such. She says maybe one line to this in the movie, but the book made it clear. <br /><br />I teared up at the end of the book when Rey enters the Falcon... the way that Chewie gives up the pilot seat... and gives it to her... man... emotional.
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1516597009">View all my reviews</a>
DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-74092065312001367172016-01-19T07:02:00.001-06:002016-01-19T07:02:47.998-06:00Review: Shadows of Self
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16065004" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1435053013m/16065004.jpg" border="0" alt="Shadows of Self" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16065004">Shadows of Self</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/38550">Brandon Sanderson</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1474567782">5 of 5 stars</a>
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After reading the mistborn trilogy I thought.... it's done. He wrapped it up so well, how could he write more in this world? Then he did it in Alloy of Law and... I loved every drop of it. I was biting at the bit wanting more. I also was not sure if more would be possible after that one. It seemed to give everything away. I don't doubt Sanderson, but he seems to like to paint himself into interesting corners in order to flex his imagination muscles. It is a good thing he does because this book was fantastic. <br /><br />You can't read out of order... never read out of order, but ... read them all ;).
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1474567782">View all my reviews</a>
DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-43756503357099842372015-12-23T11:54:00.001-06:002015-12-23T11:54:16.893-06:00Review: Star Wars: The Rise of the Empire
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25489157" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1438362160m/25489157.jpg" border="0" alt="Star Wars: The Rise of the Empire" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25489157">Star Wars: The Rise of the Empire</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20028">John Jackson Miller</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1438245608">4 of 5 stars</a>
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A nice "hole filler" book. Several stories that actually connect decently well. I think learning more about Tarkin was AWESOME. I don't think anyone should miss out on his past and such. <br /><br />The other characters introduced to me in these stories really have me interested in picking up the TV series Rebels. I want to know more about Kannan and Hera. Even the Admiral officer who worked her way up the ranks is an interesting character and really brought some insight into other perspectives of the movie stories. <br /><br />All in all a good decent read.
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1438245608">View all my reviews</a>
DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-65865392077451155982015-12-21T09:45:00.001-06:002015-12-21T09:45:29.942-06:00Review: Tech, Lies, and Wizardry: a Space Opera Fantasy Short Story
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23822977" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1438806446m/23822977.jpg" border="0" alt="Tech, Lies, and Wizardry: a Space Opera Fantasy Short Story" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23822977">Tech, Lies, and Wizardry: a Space Opera Fantasy Short Story</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6923531">J.S. Morin</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1475162135">4 of 5 stars</a>
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A good.. VERY short story. <br /><br />It rumbles you right in and picks up almost too many characters to be first introduced to, but it does a good job with that. Then it rolls into the short story ... which is good. Really.. more of a "dip your toe" in the universe thing. <br /><br />Something cool... Wizards in space... Not REALLY hit on heavy in this, but interesting anyway. Not something very heavy. usually tech is too mixed up in it. Maybe it is called something else. (The Force, Biometics) <br /><br />I think the only thing I really did not like is that once the book is over.... I wanted more of the story.. which ... I guess is the plan. It feels like a prologue... slightly more in depth than normal, but still... it feels like a story just began, rather than a story just ending.
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1475162135">View all my reviews</a>
DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-91491712504904353022015-09-10T07:00:00.000-05:002015-09-10T07:00:14.737-05:00#Review of Alex Faith & Dre Murray's "Southern Lights: Overexposed" #JustBeingHere #Rap @sohhpr @alexfaithATL @dremurray22 @CollisionRecs<center>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><big><big><b>Alex Faith & Dre Murray </b></big></big></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><big><big><b>"Southern Lights: Overexposed"</b></big></big></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><img alt="Southern Lights Overexposed cover" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgg3aF6HC4bicz29KPZrJQrqTdWOgj_kJdl5hVcsL-8y8d4OTku7bdqG208rGtZWyMBQP23tgamUyEkFcwFobLmjo45CAq2SlOOLlkGkbuJYxp2kIT-fSG3U3TvvE8ickbbbuDR_HWGfvhdbQJ1Jzxs1Og_rRnWfsRQK5N-V461scTZ8UcNHwHGa8BOt6Mffkl-rQ=s0-d-e1-ft" style="cursor: default;" width="500" /></span></div>
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<b>Overall Thoughts</b><div>
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Crys for motivation to not be about worldly things. Crys for race to not be a factor. Beats are calm and easy to enjoy. the lyrics are easy to understand. The messages are on the nose. Desire and motivation. Is it the end reward? IS it the God of the universe? .. what moves you forward? </div>
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My favorite of the songs is the final one. I found it to be the one that captured life in Christ more than any other one here. We can have hope. It may not mean we are perfect or the best we can be now.. but we don't have to tear ourselves apart if we are not there either. </div>
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Recording Thoughts - 6/10</div>
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<b>Individual Song Thoughts</b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">Overexposed </span>(4/5) - Wow.. the calming sound that this starts at. Even some really neat harmony.. then leading into really quick paced rap lyrics. The message here seems to be about having SOOO Much of the bad in one's live just breaking the idea that you can even hear or listen to others that speak of Jesus. .. I guess.. it can be easy to begin to see ... what good is a dead man on a cross gonna do when life is hard. what good are dusty old stories when harsh life is in your face beating you down everyday. </div>
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All Around the World<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(3/5) - A cry to the world of the truth? A yell out to show that truth may not be the easiest thing to believe... to share.. and even when belief may be there.. FIXING things... is not easy. Can things really change?.. We have to believe that we can do something... or we give up. Giving up.. is losing. The only real way to lose. </div>
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Wake Up Music<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(3/5) - a Heavy heart for the tragic things committed in the name of race. We need to learn to look past colors. Human, is human. God loves regardless of this... why is it that we collectively cannot. </div>
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I-285 (interlude) - Starts with a rough recording explaining the drive or message desired through the album and flows to more explaining via more of a rap feel... though the back ground track has a bit of an 80's feel... which just made me think of old TV tracks. </div>
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The message of "we were made" is powerful.. and true. Many of us seem to choose to throw those things away and make ourselves about other things.. seriously unimportant things. Man.. that hits hard. </div>
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Money<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(3/5) - How hard are we running for the way a "system" wants us to run? Is your life about money? for fame? for recognition? .. is that the focus you have.... if so.. it is time to redirect.. to refocus.</div>
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City of Nightmares II<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(3/5) - I really liked the elements of harmony in this song. More R&b moments... Kind of a surreal storytelling song. Like.. vision of the world while looking through a filter. Which do you see... the dream?.. or the nightmare?</div>
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I-610 (interlude) - A telling of the pull to do music. To live in an atmosphere the bred this out of others. Also.. as the song kind of builds you begin to see the idea that.. wait.. I need that.. that.. and it must be better and I can have better.. until your sight comes in again to finally see that it was all a smokescreen. </div>
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Decatur Street Blues<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(3/5) - Actually this leads in from the interlude before it. That desire to succeed... but why? What is the reason? To crawl up from the depths.. to feel insignificant. Growing through that... how easy can it be to become disillusioned. To see beyond what was clearly lies.. but then to begin to grow in faith and have to fight that same thing ... an interesting back and forth.. really </div>
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Forever<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(2/5) - Interesting song about change within a person... an odd outlook on it.. I guess .. truthfully.. we are who we are. We are broken in the places we are broken. To deny this.. only hurts us in the end. Be honest with others in this.. they can become strength where you are weak. Thank God for the body of the church that can be the reinforcement we may need at a certain time. Now.. as far as .. "not changing at all" or "not knowing no better" .. come on.. lets instill the possibility of change.. of growth that CAN happen within us. </div>
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Takin' Time<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(5/5) - Happy? What is that?. .what does it look like to gain joy and happiness in life? It is certainly not what the world around us would want us to believe. It can happen in SO many more circumstances. I really like the idea of this being where you can take time and be good with where you are. Yes.. we can be better.. yes.. we can grow.. but if we beat ourselves up all the time.. where is our joy? If we judge ourselves by our twisted path... we will never grow from it. No need to move fast.. to rush though.. choose joy now.. choose God now, and strive for the better.. while keeping our hearts high. </div>
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<b>Album & Information Links</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"><b>Alex Faith & Dre Murray "Southern Lights: Overexposed"</b><b><br /></b><b>Collision Records</b><b><br /></b><b>April 28, 2015</b><br /><br /><b>About </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Southern Lights: Overexposed</span></b><br />
This album intends to hold in tension the harsh realities of Alex and Dre's cultural realities—from upbringing to modern day—while purposely shining the light on Jesus in the darkness. This does not mean that each song will be a sermon, nor does it mean that each song on the album is trying to hide Jesus either, but rather like John Piper said, "stay in step with the gospel," even if you don't hear it explicitly in each song. There is a tension, but this album is "in step with the gospel." The album is meant to be heard in one listen, though there are stand alone songs.<br /><br />
Be it the politically charged song <i>Wake Up Music</i>; the hard-hitting intro, <i>Overexposed</i>; to <i>City of Nightmares I</i>I, you will hear southern beats, flow, warm mixing and mastering, production from Wit and Swoope––on <i>I-285</i> and <i>I-610</i>—and an album that glorifies Jesus. Arguably one of our best project yet, or as Alex says, "the best project that I have put out having finally found my voice."<br /><br /><b>Highlights</b><br />
* Both are members of WLAK who debuted March 2013 at #1 on iTunes Overall and #1 on iTunes Hip Hop/Rap chart. WLAK charted on Billboard at #7 Rap, and #81 Top 200.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">* In late 2014, Alex Faith and Dre Murray together toured 20+ cities around the US performing both solo & group material.</span>* Dre Murray's label debut <i>Gold Rush: Maybe One Day</i> charted on Billboard #15 Rap, and #189 Top 200. <i>GRMOD</i> peaked at #8 on iTunes Rap Albums.<br />
* </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Dre Murray is f</span>eatured on Lecrae's critically acclaimed mixtape "Church Clothes" which has received over 1 million downloads<br />
* Alex Faith's label debut <i>ATLast</i> charted on Billboard #16 Rap, and #193 Top 200. <i>ATLast</i> peaked at #8 on iTunes Rap Albums chart.<br />
* Features labelmate Swoope whose album Sinema </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">charted on Billboard #4 Rap, and #55 Top 200.</span><br /><br /><b>Southern Lights: Overexposed track listing</b><br />
1. Overexposed (feat. Sean C. Johnson)<br />
2. All Around the World (feat. Tragic Hero)<br />
3. Wake Up Music (feat. Swoope)<br />
4. I-285 (interlude)<br />
5. Money (feat. Reconcile)<br />
6. City of Nightmares II (feat. Ada-L)<br />
7. I-610 (interlude)<br />
8. Decatur Street Blues (feat. Corey Paul)<br />
9. Forever<br />
10. Takin' Time (feat. Young Noah)<br /><br /><b>For listeners of</b>: Lecrae, Kanye West, WLAK (We Live As Kings)<br /><br /><b>iTunes</b><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/southern-lights-overexposed/id975355568?at=11l4Me" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/southern-lights-overexposed/id975355568?at=11l4Me</a><br /><br /><b>Links</b><br />
Twitter: @alexfaithATL @dremurray22 @CollisionRecs @sohhpr<br /><br /><b>Press Contact</b><br />
Josh Niemyjski<br /><a href="mailto:josh@sohhpr.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">josh@sohhpr.com</a><br />
@sohhpr </span></div>
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DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-11528705913941308062015-09-08T07:00:00.000-05:002015-09-08T07:00:16.037-05:00#Review of Murk's "P31" #JustBeingHere #Rap @murkp31 @sohhpr<center>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><big><big><big><b><br />
Murk "P31"</b></big></big></big></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><img alt="Murk P31 cover" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhBmn0Umu1NDuCNzgJyNE3D0guEvNErjFetlw_bARi-8QzWmki61hy5aT2Zzpz_nCX_hf5tcKjv-LXqqGpJwsJjoYDNipsIe2kw3LJ5FyU7_S-WfSzXkUbiST2m8HxAJy1_pOwhyvWaDJQ=s0-d-e1-ft" style="cursor: default;" width="500" /></span></div>
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<b>Overall Thoughts</b><div>
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This album has a bit of a modern rap style. The messages are pulling women from being objects and about what is seen to deeper. To what God sees within. This is a good message for all, really. We cannot look on the outside. We cannot make ourselves be about what is seen, but instead what is within. What are our actions? Those speak heavily as well. </div>
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Recording Thoughts - 7/10</div>
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<b>Individual Song Thoughts</b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">So Beautiful </span>(4/5) - Creative.. lyrics that fit well to pull around the idea that what is outside is not what should be so important. A simple and enjoyable beat. Kind of an odd way to be able to rap like the world raps, but to turn it all on its head. Really throws you for a loop. Catching it at the wrong time would make you think it was the same trash that is "out there". A good message though. </div>
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All I Ever Wanted (3/5) - Slightly.. VERY VERY slightly dissonant piano that flows perfectly.. odd.. sounding.. but it was just right to fit into a rap feel. I didn't really like the "chorus". The story is a but hard to get through. the rough idea that we can think someone is "all we need". Of course.. it is not true and that is really what this song is about. Life is not that "easy". Turn to the Lord... understand your own failings... your need for Him. </div>
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True Story (4/5) - Great piano work again.. The story of a hard life going up. How can you trust what was believed to have never been there for you before. If you are the only one you can trust... wow... Powerful message. Kind of runs back into the previous song. How long will we continue looking for what is in the world to fill us? This really captures the idea we need our Saviour in our lives. Wow.. .the hard truth of the high brow that the church can have is a powerful point as well. Interestingly as well is the fact that we can just THINK this and it keeps us from the Church Body no matter how "good" it may be... That is what we get for having a focus on man. It will fail.</div>
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Royalty Excerpt - A spoken word. A sermon, really. Geared towards women/girls. Peels back the lies we choose to believe about ourselves and opens ones eyes to the adoption into the family of God that makes us Princes and Princesses to the King of Kings. A pretty good explanation and I think it could be something that can really encourage others. </div>
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Royalty (3/5) - The rap/song that captures the idea above. Good message, still. The "strutting".. I get.. but on the other hand it kind of belittles the idea of being humble in God. There is a thin line to tread in these ideas. We NEED to know our importance to God, but also to remember that we never earned this. It is powerful reguardless. </div>
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P31 (4/5) - Drops some pretty heavy bass. Again the uplifting of the heart with the encouragements that God has taken us in. That He sees us so well. A good call for women and attitude. Still.. I would like to remind of the "thin line" this can take, but man... if we can see ourselves the way God does. To see our potential and run hard after what God wants for us. So, so, so much BETTER! </div>
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<b>Album & Information Links</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"><b>Murk "P31"</b><br />
Dedicated Music Group<br /><span style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;"><span style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">March 31, 2015</span></span><br /><br /><b>Bio/Background</b><br />
Included in EPK link below.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/22692938/epk-murk-p31.zip" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/22692938/epk-murk-p31.zip</a><br /></span><b>P31 track listing</b><br />
1. So Beautiful<br />
2. All I Ever Wanted<br />
3. True Story<br />
4. Royalty excerpt<br />
5. Royalty<br />
6. P31<br /><br />
Produced by Mr Del<br /><br /><b>Links</b><br />
Twitter: @murkp31<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MURKP31" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/MURKP31</a><br />
Instagram: Murkp31<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"><b>Press Contact</b><br />
Josh Niemyjski<br /><a href="mailto:josh@sohhpr.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">josh@sohhpr.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/sohhpr" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.twitter.com/sohhpr</a></span></div>
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DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-62462204260283613922015-09-03T07:00:00.000-05:002015-09-03T07:00:03.038-05:00#Review of Sean C. Johnson's "Circa 1993" #JustBeingHere #Rap #RandB @sohhpr @seancjohnson #CIRCA1993<center>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><big><big><b><br />
Sean C. Johnson "Circa 1993"</b></big></big></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><img alt="Circa 1993 cover" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgJ0H9QcRyjm8Rl2l9xrT-usl94aetNQLd5o3Hwa4WwuD0OFBqGMFY_JhyphenhyphenYAiu4Y_94Htq8w_M0LW9jfmohGmbDu2khy7CftulR0CbHPN-TwhBTA0ME3IS_CPGFpVHG_4WeH2kPzxFJrR5SsB0L20lOxn1itaCZ59kU3Q=s0-d-e1-ft" style="cursor: default;" width="500" /></span></div>
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<b>Overall Thoughts</b><div>
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This album captures an attitude that wants to lift the Lord. There are many themes here, and love is certainly at the heart of the idea. I liked many of the beats and just the simple, as well as complex messages being brought forward. </div>
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Most of the tracks are really great, though there were some I just didn't understand or did not find the music backing tracks to my liking. I think most anyone could enjoy this album though. </div>
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Recording Thoughts - 8/10</div>
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<b>Individual Song Thoughts</b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">"Mountains" </span>(5/5) - Vocals are clear and melodic. Really calming.. almost.. R&B feel. A pretty slick beat. Nice scratchy static background in just the right spots. Vocals just fit right into the instrumental tracks. Oh.. and a really cool jazz like part starts at about 3 minutes in.. wow! </div>
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Accepting of the fact that we cannot make it on our own. A lifting of God and the sacrifice of Christ. Very cool.. great message. </div>
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"Nothing But A 'G' Thang" (3/5) - Another great beat.. this one really reminded me of my days listening to Boyz 2 Men... yeah... I did.. :). I am gonna guess that the 'G' thing is a God thing?.. maybe.. I don't know. </div>
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"Melodies (From Heaven)" (4/5) - A cool .. kind of funky sound. A slight dissonance that actually comes together in an interesting, but good way. Ready and open for what God has for them. Kind of a basking in the wonderfulness of God. </div>
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"Redemption Song" (4/5) - wow... with the horn.. and the music feelings of the 90's all the way back to the 50's.. ha.. that backing track just makes me think of those older television shows. Some clever rap just laying out the truth of God active and alive in one's life. Pretty slick. </div>
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"Knew Him" (4/5) - this really flows from the previous song.... calming.. .and just a clear lifting of Jesus and the sacrifice He gave us on Calvary.</div>
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"Mirrors" (3/5) - slick beat. Very simple.. almost kind of an interlude. It is clearly calling for a time to .. well reflect on oneself. Which is a much needed activity to evaluate if we are still as we believe we should be. </div>
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"No Flex Zone (Re-Imagined)" (3/5) - a nice beat.. a cool kind of snap effect in it. This also seems to be a retake on another song of the same name. I have never heard the other one ... and have no clue what a "flex zone" is.. so I am a bit lost on it. Sounds good... message is a bit hard to understand because of my ignorance. </div>
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"Made of Love (Charity)" (3/5) - A declaration of love. a fun and funky beat. </div>
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"Final Frontier" (1/5) - hmm... interesting.. I found the music to be a bit too dissonant. Not really something I could get into and enjoy. Just... too off kilter. </div>
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"Magic and Kareem" (3/5) - An interesting song of rivalry. Of a desire to put what first?.. the world.. or the mission given by God? ... as well an interesting premise for this as well. </div>
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<b>Album & Information Links</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><b>Sean C. Johnson "Circa 1993"</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Independent</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;"><span style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">March 10, 2015</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Background</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">When I was kid I loved reading comic books. The issues I enjoyed the most were the ones that told a heroes origin story. This album is my "origin story". While I'm no hero, I do have a story to tell and my story was shaped by four events that all happened...in 1993.:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">* Death of my mother.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">* Falling in love with music.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">* Viewing pornographic material for the first time. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">* Giving my life to Christ.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Each song on the album will be told through the lens of these four events and give listeners a peak into what shaped me.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">SIDE A is set in 1993 and touches on dealing with the death of my mother ("Mountains"), falling in love with music and exploring my musical tastes ("Nothing But A 'G' Thang" & "Melodies"), and hearing the gospel for the first time ("Redemption Song" & "Never Knew Him")</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">SIDE B, If Side A is the "Cause", Side B is the "Effect" and is set in the present. It explores me being aware of the many sins in my life (including Pornography) and shows me maturing, growing, and walking out my faith ("Mirror" & "No Flex Zone"). It also shows how pornography has warped my view of love now that I'm in a relationship ("Made of Love"). And lastly the album concludes with me accepting my call to make God honoring music ("Final Frontier")</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">BONUS TRACK - This song shows where I'm at currently as an independent artist and vents some of my frustrations.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><b>Circa 1993 track listing</b><br />
SIDE A - Past<br />
1. Mountains<br />
2. Nothing But A 'G' Thang<br />
3. Melodies (From Heaven)<br />
4. Redemption Song ft. Armond Wakeup & Adam L.<br />
5. Never Knew Him<br /><br />
SIDE B - Present<br />
6. Mirror<br />
7. No Flex Zone (Re-Imagined)<br />
8. Made of Love (Charity)<br />
9. Final Frontier<br />
BONUS TRACK - Magic & Kareem<br /><br /><b>Links</b><br />
Twitter @seancjohnson #CIRCA1993 #EveryStoryHasABeginning<br /><a href="http://seancjohnson.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://SeanCJohnson.com</a><br /><a href="http://facebook.com/SimplyAVessel" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://facebook.com/SimplyAVessel</a><br /><a href="http://instagram.com/SeanCJohnson" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://instagram.com/SeanCJohnson</a><br /><br /><b>Press Contact</b><br />
Josh Niemyjski<br /><a href="mailto:josh@sohhpr.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">josh@sohhpr.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/sohhpr" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.twitter.com/sohhpr</a></span></div>
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DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-69557373015208137292015-08-27T15:10:00.001-05:002015-08-27T15:10:44.176-05:00Review: The Education of Brother Thaddius and Other Tales of DemonWars
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23556996" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1415930430m/23556996.jpg" border="0" alt="The Education of Brother Thaddius and Other Tales of DemonWars" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23556996">The Education of Brother Thaddius and Other Tales of DemonWars</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1023510">R.A. Salvatore</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1369323660">4 of 5 stars</a>
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This was interesting. I particularly liked the story near the beginning that told the tale of an earlier Ranger than Nightbird. If it was just that story.. this would have gotten a 5/5 stars. <br /><br />The other story that oddly captured by attention was the one with the instrument. I think getting more of that would have been pretty cool. <br /><br />The other stories weren't bad, but neither were they great. <br /><br />It was nice to hope back into this world. Not just in the world, but in the time period we started in with the first book. <br /><br />By the end of the main tale I can see a pretty clear opening for more to come. Many changes that the order has gone through.. that likely would just get a byline in a new tale. <br /><br />I would not recommend this reading to someone that is not familiar with the world already. If you want to read it I would be sure that you have read all of the initial Demon Wars books. If you have just read the Highway man series I would steer clear for now. There are several things that could spoil your reading of some of the best works Salvatore has penned.
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1369323660">View all my reviews</a>
DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-3401402056624422462015-08-27T15:04:00.001-05:002015-08-27T15:04:58.169-05:00Review: The Ghost Brigades
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239399" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1403295928m/239399.jpg" border="0" alt="The Ghost Brigades" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239399">The Ghost Brigades</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4763">John Scalzi</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1374514319">4 of 5 stars</a>
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Breaking into this right after finishing the first was actually a tiny bit disorienting. There is no firm ground to hold onto from the first book until a little into tho book. I am not sure why it was difficult for me, but I am unsure if it would have been better to read this without knowledge of the first book or not. I do think that the two stories could be read out of order, but the progression of the first will likely be VERY boring if you do. <br /><br />Actually it is that progression in the first book that had me like it so much. This book is lacking in that a bit, but as well it opens to new ideals as well as experiments with some of the technologies of this science fiction world. \<br /><br />I think.. in a way it is kind of like an "I, Robot" of sorts taking us on a newer journey of the technology. I do wonder if I would have liked the book even more if it had started with Jared awakening and us slowly learning about himself as he did... instead of having the secrets from the start. I may have called it cliched by that point... not sure. <br /><br />This book stayed in grain with the first by still having terrible language so be aware of that. <br /><br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1374514319">View all my reviews</a>
DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-34681666848046678622015-08-26T11:02:00.001-05:002015-08-26T11:02:59.955-05:00Review: Old Man's War
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51964" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1402867788m/51964.jpg" border="0" alt="Old Man's War" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51964">Old Man's War</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4763">John Scalzi</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1373741089">5 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />
Great writing. Great story. Great Characters... I have clearly overused the word "Great", but ... no matter.. this is a great book.<br /><br />My two problems would be that the language was very bad and the story was too short. The shortness feeling may be due to the fact that once I started listening ... I could not put it down. As well it could be that this particular story ends a bit abruptly. Oddly the language was worse more at the start of the story rather than the end of the story. Although that may have been me noticing it less either because I got into the story, or because the tale became more about war than a sci fi mystery novel. <br /><br />Actually... I do think that was what it was... A sci fi mystery turned into full scale alien warfare. Each of these "genres" was done well. While it would have been nice to get a bit more insight to the other races, by following John we got his glimpse of them. That made sense. It also leaves plenty of room for more tales.
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1373741089">View all my reviews</a>
DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-19497812927559325422015-08-25T14:42:00.001-05:002015-08-25T14:42:27.837-05:00Review: Warbreaker
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1268479" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1240256182m/1268479.jpg" border="0" alt="Warbreaker" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1268479">Warbreaker</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/38550">Brandon Sanderson</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/165801753">5 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />
Certainly a good read. I recommend reading Elantris first as it inspired this one - Sanderson has a wonderful way of telling stories!<br /><br />After Second Reading:<br /><br />This time I felt that the build-up was a bit too long. This, I am sure, is because I have been through it before. The good thing was that I could not remember many of the twists. They all kind of drop one after another in pretty quick succession. I have often been pretty clear that this is one of my favorites of Sanderson. I was unsure if it would hold. I don't think I can continue to say it is my favorite. I believe that "Words of Radiance" took that title now. <br /><br />One thing about this book is that the setup is all there. I can't wait for more of this world to be opened up. I am unsure as to why it has not gotten a sequel. Maybe it is sooo deep into the cosmere that it needs to come later. If so... that is fine with me.
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/165801753">View all my reviews</a>
DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-17191675506116272992015-08-20T14:51:00.001-05:002015-08-20T14:51:57.237-05:00Review: Perfect State
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25188109" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1426951197m/25188109.jpg" border="0" alt="Perfect State" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25188109">Perfect State</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/38550">Brandon Sanderson</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1369058328">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />
I had no idea what I was opening up as I began reading this. I think that was fine. I found the story to be very similar to the Infinity Blade books. This is interesting because those were based on an already existing video game. I think both stories have good merit and really can open up interesting world of opportunities. Perfect State actually has more of a chance as it has a MUCH wider window of genres that could be slammed into one another. <br /><br />THE ONLY REASON I GIVE THIS FOUR STARS INSTEAD OF FIVE:<br /><br />I believe this story got it's heart stolen from it. Personally I would have liked to have a few parts ... 1st part. Our main character's supposed life BEFORE any of this revelation. Though it was a bit refreshing to get a twist near a start. I think several different stories that collide here in this world would have been interesting. Oh.. and if this is the explanation for the cosmere... umm.. no.. please no thank you. (fyi.. I don't see cosmere on it..so .. good thing) <br /><br />IT was a quick fun read. I might even pick it up again. I would also be quick to pick up any other stories from this new, fresh universe of Sanderson.
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1369058328">View all my reviews</a>
DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-15792563813981977042015-08-20T10:09:00.001-05:002015-08-20T10:09:52.450-05:00Review: The Time Store
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23441644" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1427213367m/23441644.jpg" border="0" alt="The Time Store" /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23441644">The Time Store</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14053834">Andrew Clark</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1320941601">4 of 5 stars</a>
<br /><br />
I am a sucker for a time travel story. This has loads and, as well, it puts a nice spin on it. A family full of time travelers that do so for the leisure of others. Very different. I guess one could argue that Doc. Brown used his time machine for leisure, but his was so disastrous. <br /><br />I found that story was wound in a pretty straight forward way. I was expecting the standard disjointed storytelling that comes with complicated Time Travel stories. This was much more fluid... oddly. There certainly were some questions that popped up in my head while and after reading.. <br /><br />There were some moments were I just felt like the story just dragged that unimportant things were happening, but I do see that some of those moments had plot points that were not noticeable until the end. Other ones really were kind of pointless. <br /><br />One big thing I noticed about this book is that I could easily see this as a television series. Working with a few clients a week and adding the full time mistake arcs through the episodes to create big suspenseful conclusions as they move to put true time right. <br /><br />As I neared the end I was a bit worried that some things were not going to get touched on again. The percentage going closer and closer to 100 without mention of it again. But one of the big ones was.. well not resolved but served for a solid enough cliff hanger that I started following The Time Store on Facebook so I will know when the next book will release. <br /><br />Some other questions I have had may contain spoilers (in a way) so .. be wary in reading them.<br /><br />*******spoilers below**********<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />When Time Traveling (being outside "true time") is the aging process halted?<br /><br />Was the timeline for the crash as it always was... or is there several different timelines?<br /><br />Being that it only makes sense to have several timelines... why did we not get to witness the one mystery one where we actually learn what happened to have what I would consider the middle timeline?<br /><br />This is a heavy one for me, because I feel as if what was done to "fix" things was exactly what happened before. To me it would have made sense.. seriously.. spoiler her.. for Sarah to have fixed the bike..or to have helped Nathan in getting to the crash in time. Maybe a glimpse into what we never saw John do? Or an explosion of some sort... idk. <br /><br /><br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1320941601">View all my reviews</a>
DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-4430211766516995742015-07-02T09:00:00.000-05:002015-07-02T09:00:01.363-05:00#Review of @RickLeeJames New Hymns #BackerBenefitsReview #JustBeingHere #Hymns<center>
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I interviewed Rick a good while back when Comments on Christianity was still up and running. We talked about an album he was wanting to create and the GoFundMe to support it. <a href="http://gofundme.com/hymns" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" target="_blank">Gofundme.com/hymns</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>He has been hard at work on it, though there is still need of funds if you are willing to help out. </div>
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Being a backer I was privileged with receiving three of the songs ahead of time to "check them out". </div>
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These were rough cuts of each of these songs so I kept my thoughts simple:</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">"O God Our Help"</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">(4/5) - Interestingly this has an undercurrent of a rock feel to it. What I mean by this is that the vocals are nifty as they still carry the weight of being heavy worded hymns, but then are layered on top of some semi-rock like instrumentation. </span><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
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"The Invitation"<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">(5/5) - Beautiful piano backing... vocals that just usher you into a worshipful attitude. A great way to bring this message forth. No holding back this is my favorite of the three. </span></div>
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"Watchman"<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">(4/5) - The instrumentation flows nicely.. I certainly like the acoustic elements. The song is common for the "watchman" songs I have heard from other artists. </span></div>
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DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-78846675472868971772015-06-30T09:00:00.000-05:002015-06-30T09:00:03.545-05:00An interview with Santification Parade #JustBeingHere #Interview @SanctParade<center>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; widows: 1;"><span style="color: #e30000;">dErk: </span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #e30000;">What got you started in music?</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">SP: I started taking piano lessons when I was really young and then got into writing songs and teaching myself other instruments from there.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; widows: 1;"><span style="color: #e30000;">dErk: </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #e30000;">What other instruments have you "picked up"?</span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;">SP: I learned sax in junior high band, then taught myself guitar, bass, drums, and a few others. I recently spent a term break learning flute. One time I tried to pick up a pipe organ, but it was too heavy.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; widows: 1;"><span style="color: #e30000;">dErk: </span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #e30000;">"Sanctification Parade" is a pretty cool name, what brought you to choose it?</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">SP: I came up with the name when I was 14. It’s about living life in a way that isn’t of the rest of the world, and sharing the message of God’s love.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; widows: 1;"><span style="color: #e30000;">dErk: </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #e30000;">Have you found it to make things easier to share God's word with a name like this?</span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;">I’m not sure. I’ve had some opportunities to play alongside secular bands while sharing about God in my lyrics and in talking between songs, so that has been good. There’s a possibility that the name may turn off potential listeners, though. But I’ve found that a lot of people don’t know what “sanctification” means – some have looked up the word after hearing the band name.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; widows: 1;"><span style="color: #e30000;">dErk: </span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #e30000;">Do you feel that your music captures what you intended it to?</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;">SP: I think so. It’s really easy to be misinterpreted, but I’ve always been as transparent as possible. However, my songs rarely end up sounding the way I want and hear them in my head.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; widows: 1;"><span style="color: #e30000;">dErk: </span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #e30000;">What has been your motivation to keep on playing?</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;">SP: My love for music has kept me going. There are always disappointments and frustrations, but I still love it and could never see myself not playing. My songs are also an outlet for me, even if they don’t get released.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.428571em;"><span style="color: #e30000; line-height: 1.428571em;">dErk: </span></b><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: 1.428571em;"><b style="line-height: 1.428571em;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; line-height: 1.428571em;"><span style="color: #e30000; line-height: 1.428571em;">Has there been a really special song that has helped you though a hard time?</span><span style="color: #500050; line-height: 1.428571em;"> </span></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; line-height: 1.428571em;">SP: I don’t think I could pick one really special song. So many bands’ songs have helped me, whether by being relatable, creating a little sonic escape, triggering feelings, etc. The sound of music alone can completely change how you feel. One example of an album that helped me through a hard time is <i style="line-height: 1.428571em;">Loveless</i> by My Bloody Valentine. During one of the peaks of my depression, I remember listening to this album (along with a couple tracks from their newest m b v record) in bed with earbuds. Even though I couldn’t make out the words, in a weird way, I felt like the music understood me. Something about the way the songs sounded and the experience created by all of the sonic activity was comforting, and made me feel like “it was going to be okay.” Haha!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: 1.428571em;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; line-height: 1.428571em;">If you're talking about one of my own songs, there have been many that have helped me in expressing my feelings and thoughts into words and music. That’s been beneficial. There have also been many times when I have written songs that have spoken to me years after I wrote or recorded them, reminding me of important truths or just being relevant to my current situation, as I “relate” to my past self. :)</span></span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; widows: 1;"><span style="color: #e30000;">dErk: </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #e30000;">So, in a way, you are your own spiritual mentor?</span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;">Haha, yeah, in a way. Some of these songs I wrote to help share the truth with those struggling and they have come back to help me. It’s a cool thing. There are also other people in my life who have been really great spiritual mentors.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.428571em;"><span style="color: #e30000; line-height: 1.428571em;">dErk: </span></b><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: 1.428571em;"><b style="line-height: 1.428571em;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; line-height: 1.428571em;"><span style="color: #e30000; line-height: 1.428571em;">What is your favorite song on your latest album and how did you come to the point to write a song like that?</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 1.428571em;">SP: I have an album that I recorded back in March 2013 that I haven’t released, but I’ve shared a couple singles from it. One of them is called “Trusting Riches Makes You Fall.” It’s based on Proverbs <span style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; line-height: 1.428571em;"><span style="line-height: 1.428571em;"><span style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;"><span style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">11:28</span></span></span></span> and has kind of a lo-fi surf punk sound. The song came out of my frustration with materialism.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.428571em;"><span style="color: #e30000; line-height: 1.428571em;">dErk: </span></b><b style="line-height: 1.428571em;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 1.428571em;"><span style="color: #e30000; line-height: 1.428571em;">Which is more important to you: The Message, or the Music?</span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Tahoma; line-height: 1.428571em;">SP: Both. In the past, I might have said the message, but it depends what you’re going for. There are times when it’s fun to just enjoy playing music and not take everything seriously. One of my other bands, The Cool Story Bros, is like that. We met last year at Bible college and we’ve been having lots of fun making the kind of music we like, with ridiculous lyrics. Even that has been a ministry at times, and a fun way to bring lots of people together inclusively.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Tahoma; line-height: 1.428571em;">The majority of the music I write is serious, though. And that’s good, too. Music is such a powerful thing and I think it should definitely be used to share the truth of God’s love and His Word. But I don’t think that it should be forced. It needs to be done in a way that is real and human. A great example of this is the Psalms – they display the full spectrum of human emotions, instead of just the “happy” ones that we see in the majority of today’s worship and other Christian music. I’ve been learning a lot of great stuff about this from Brian Doerksen, my Music & Worship Arts teacher at Prairie College in Three Hills, Alberta. His new band, the SHIYR Poets, has been putting the Psalms to music recently, one album at a time, and these songs are an example of what it means to be human. No matter what content makes up your song, when it's serious, it's important to be vulnerable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: 1.428571em;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; line-height: 1.428571em;">And whether the lyrics are deep and thought-provoking or complete gibberish, the music should always sound rad!</span></span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; widows: 1;"><span style="color: #e30000;">dErk: </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #e30000;">Do you have any examples of this transparency in any of your recent releases?</span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;">SP: Yeah, I released a song in January that isn’t a part of any album, called “I’m So Happy.” And it’s not a happy song haha. It’s like a little glimpse into my mind as I was feeling forced to fake it on the outside while feeling hopeless and disconnected from everything. Not something a Christian “should” feel, but it was my reality and I’ve never been into sugarcoating my music. The song’s on my Bandcamp page, but I never linked it on Facebook or anything because I didn’t want people to worry about me haha.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; widows: 1;"><span style="color: #e30000;">dErk: </span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #e30000;">What advice would you give an artist just starting out?</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;">SP: Have fun playing music. Make the kind of music you love. Don’t just imit</span>ate what’s popular or try to sound the way you’re “supposed to.” Don’t worry about success. Write about how you feel, not what people want to hear. At the same time, if you want to reach people, you need to find a way to make your music accessible.</div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; widows: 1;"><span style="color: #e30000;">dErk: </span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #e30000;">Has this advice been easy for you to follow?</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">SP: Not at all haha. Everything about music is much more difficult than one would assume. There are so many parts to it and endless decisions to make. It’s super easy to become discouraged and lose joy from it. It’s also always a battle trying to have others understand you by making your music accessible, while keeping your creative integrity.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; widows: 1;"><span style="color: #e30000;">dErk: </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #e30000;">Is there a song that may stand out to you that it was hard to convey the message you wanted?</span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;">SP: I wrote a song called “Seasonal Depression” that I performed for critique in one of my songwriting classes within the last year. It came out of genuine feelings during a time of real pain, but it’s full of wordplay to keep things light. Like in real life, I hate to be a downer, even if I am really struggling. The result was most people finding it hilarious or clever, but the wordplay acted as a mask and some thought it was just a humorous song. While I didn’t want it to be heavy and bring people down, I still wanted it to be an expression of how I was feeling. I also received reactions on the opposite side of the spectrum when I posted a demo of the song on my Bandcamp – they didn’t see the lyrics written out so they missed the wordplay and were really worried about me. That also wasn’t the goal. Each one of my songs is an open book, never a cry for help. I’m not looking for sympathy, but to be understood. Sometimes I release stuff just to show that I’m human and so that if anyone else is going through something similar, they can relate to it. Ultimately, my music communicates hope, but that doesn’t mean that every song will. There are different seasons of life and I like to be honest in portraying them.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; widows: 1;"><span style="color: #e30000;">dErk: </span></b><span style="color: #e30000;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;">If someone wanted to listen or purchase your music where should they go to do that?</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;">SP: All of my Sanctification Parade stuff can be streamed for free at <a href="http://sanctificationparade.bandcamp.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">sanctificationparade.bandcamp.com</a>. It can be purchased there, as well, but there are also quite a few free downloads available. Some of my albums are also on iTunes, Amazon MP3, Spotify, and all of those other music sites.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"><b><span style="color: #e30000;">dErk: Thank you for the chance to get to know you better!</span></b></span></span></div>
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SP: <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">Thanks, Derek!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">---------------</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">If your are a music artist or a writer of books, feel free to contact me for possible reviews or interviews. </span></div>
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DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-20402325352171088582015-05-28T09:00:00.000-05:002015-05-28T09:00:03.583-05:00#Review of Sareem Poems & Ess Be's album titled "Beautiful Noise" #JustBeingHere @sohhpr @SareemPoems @EssBe517 @illect<center>
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<big><big><b>Sareem Poems & Ess Be "Beautiful Noise"</b></big></big></div>
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<img alt="Sareem Poems" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgmP45uQtJtSFQJceapbvVkYBLYCtA9coCOdtsPJtdTdXP6CDWhDvMAfLzDfIkd_0piQl4GyyMXp3rGWr1y0wQJkFQixXoX0f9rrj2dbaL-_BVdnhAhVfwNlWxqSZT7d33Mo-mreWI9JtWYjGJl0i6Lh41YD8QszxVcJOREa8-k8m8zaQ=s0-d-e1-ft" style="cursor: default;" width="500" /></div>
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<b>Overall Thoughts</b><div>
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An album pretty full of encouraging words. While it was a bit hard to get into at first I really enjoyed the latter tracks. Some great messages and pretty fun beats, if not the best recordings. All and all a good listen. </div>
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Recording Thoughts - 6/10</div>
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<b>Individual Song Thoughts</b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">1. As We Are</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(3/5) - a catchy beat. Not too rough... kind of a faraway feel to it. Hard to hear what I expect is the rap part, but really a simple song with not too much of a crystal clear message. It is pretty much the title. I could guess, but I would prefer not to. A good listen though. </div>
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<span style="widows: 1;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">2. We</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(3/5) - A calming start, with a nice </span>transition<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> to rap lyrics.. a message of the way "we" go... walk.. live life. How we can have a hard time seeing ourselves "right".. interesting the line " we don't see what people say" .. are we so lost in ourselves we cannot see the truth? .. or are we so focused that we are not worried about it... both could be bad.. one could be good if our focus is in God. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">3. Higher</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(3/5) - Always enjoy a good 80's cartoon reference. This song certainly has the message of wanting to get " Higher " ... but I certainly heard some desire for encouragement in others... so certainly a good message to lift others up higher in their lives. </div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">4. Push It Along</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(4/5) - A song about continuing on in life. Sometimes we can get a bunch of "junk" in the way... but we can ... we really can move on.. we can " push it along " and continue on. There are things that could hold others back mentioned in this, but as well things that help inspire and propel people forward. It is so much about attitude within ourselves. We need to grip one that keeps us going... working hard to do right by all those around us. "if can't find one, then make God the reason" ... while yes.. I say God should be the reason anyway.. churchy answer yes... but if your "reason" something else.. it is too easy to decide to stop that "forward motion". </div>
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<span style="widows: 1;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">5. Overflow</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(5/5) - A musical </span>interlude<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> of sorts... and by musical... I really enjoyed listening to it. Not too long.. not to short... but a fun little interlude</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">6. Empty</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(4/5) - Oh wow.. one serious issue brought to light here. Kind of a "luke warm" idea... it really can capture the idea of how this can feel. To be broken and alone. To try to fill one's life with the wrong things... one moment can feel fulling and the next totally empty. Only one thing can truly fill one's spirit. This calls for us to be an encouragement to those still lost in the empty places. GREAT SONG! GREAT MESSAGE!</div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">7. Show N Tell</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(4/5) - Who are you really? ... do you show who you are.. are you as you should be? IS what you proclaim to the world.. not just by what you say.. but by what you do .. is that guiding others to God? To Christ? Our lives change with God inside them.... has yours changed that others notice? This is the message of the song... the outside will always end up showing what is growing within. </div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">8. Worthy</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(4/5) - A deep meaning song. While I may be able to proclaim that I am worthy.. it is only though Christ.. I was worthy enough for Him, because He CHOSE me. It is a powerful proclamation because it shows the full acceptance of Christ and just runs us right up to the presence of God. An amazing and awe inspiriting possibility in our lives when in acceptance or to be worthy of our Savior. </div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">9. Higher (Remix)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(4/5) - A much funner and really.. carefree version of the song... honestly.. I liked it MUCH better. Things just seemed clearer in this version.</div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">10. Push It Along (Remix)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(4/5) - I am about the same with this version and the original. I liked them about the same. </div>
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<b>Album & Information Links</b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">Sareem Poems & Ess Be "Beautiful Noise"</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">ILLECT Recordings</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; position: relative; top: -2px; widows: 1; z-index: 0;"><span style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">March 31, 2015</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">For Listeners Of: Talib Kweli, Pharoah Monche, Phonte, Murs, Pigeon John<br />
Genre: Hip-Hop<br />
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA<br />
Record label: ILLECT Recordings</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"><b>OVERVIEW</b><br />
The revolution will not be televised... cliché for some, but apt for emcee Sareem Poems. The revolution is love and the medium is poetry and beats. After spending a decade and a half as a prolific solo artist (known as Sharlok Poems) and with West Coast underground group LA Symphony, Poems now teams up with indie label Illect Recordings, to release "Beautiful Noise" with producer Ess Be.<br /><br />
Touring the U.S., Europe and Asia, Poems has shared stages with legends as diverse as Public Enemy, De La Soul, P.O.D., Ice Cube and Good Charlotte. Why? Because his music and message resonates with humanity...in all its beauty and ugliness.<br /><br />
That message helped Poems and L.A. Symphony be voted the L.A. Times hip-hop group of the year and landed him on tours sponsored by the NBA, as well as appearances in multiple video games.<br /><br />
Mainstream and Underground, Poems music is accessible to fans of all genres and styles...and most of all, its accessible to you.<br /><br />
At the core lies Poems...his emotions, his wordplay, his life..., your hopes, your fears, your life. This is the soundtrack of Sareem Poems.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">Marketing</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">* This is his 2nd full length album as Sareem Poems. He previously released 3 albums under Sharlok Poems moniker.<br />
* Career sales in excess of 50,000 albums<br />
* 2 music videos<br />
* Featured on DJBooth.net, HipHopDX.com, Rapzilla.com, 2DopeBoyz.com, Prefixmag.com, PopMatters.com, PotHolesInMyBlog.com, DeadEndHipHop.com & more.<br />
* God Bless the Child single 105k downloads/streams (1st single with Illect Recordings)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">"Beautiful Noise" track listing </b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">1. As We Are</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">2. We</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">3. Higher</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">4. Push It Along</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">5. Overflow</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">6. Empty</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">7. Show N Tell</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">8. Worthy</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">9. Higher (Remix)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">10. Push It Along (Remix)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">All production by Ess Be.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">Links</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">Twitter: @SareemPoems @EssBe517 @illect @sohhpr </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><a href="http://fb.com/illect" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" target="_blank">http://fb.com/illect</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">iTunes</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/beautiful-noise/id964619555" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" target="_blank">https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/beautiful-noise/id964619555</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><a href="http://bit.ly/PoemsEssbe" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/PoemsEssbe</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">Press Contact</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">Josh Niemyjski</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><a href="mailto:josh@sohhpr.com" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" target="_blank">josh@sohhpr.com</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/sohhpr" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" target="_blank">http://www.twitter.com/sohhpr</a></div>
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DerkDorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615495377204685453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3414313596381512646.post-41387783163572578342015-05-21T09:00:00.000-05:002015-05-21T09:00:04.654-05:00#Review of Yaves album "In Winter's Ear" #JustBeingHere @YavesEllis @SlingShotMG @sohhpr<center>
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<big><big><big><b>
Yaves "In Winters Ear"</b></big></big></big></div>
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<img alt="Yaves cover" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgF_wxKQeoZFcJ6eBHQWmGjGwqnGUJ6EvOg5NhAZa8lmwxeOW9QkI62rrR0XEcmkuZfU297rPj4dPyCPlAEfDr3ysxRPTHRC9Pd2Bng9X6GxHZW8TeUS8xrQ9PCj9BN751SfRnLhYPntaROE7i6s_oImXamQmc=s0-d-e1-ft" style="cursor: default;" width="640" /></div>
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<b>Overall Thoughts</b><div>
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I gotta be honest. This album was just not all that impressive to me. I found the music to be mostly bland and I just really had a hard time gripping the messages. (see individual thoughts for exceptions)</div>
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Recording Thoughts - 5/10</div>
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<b>Individual Song Thoughts</b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">Rumble Young Man </span>(2/5) - A pretty cool start.. blending of scripture into some rap beats. I did find it a bit odd to have scripture that spoke of not lifting one self up... and then have the actual rapping sound like it was lifting oneself up. </div>
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Revolver<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(2/5) - nice beat... delightful vocals (the singing parts at least)... again.. I am really lost on the message of the rap parts... either I am just not getting it... or it is not in line with the rest of the song.</div>
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Down Bad<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(2/5) - "Hate to see you doing good" "love it when you are down bad" ... umm.. I just don't get it.. is this speaking of one against you?.. I am just not sure. </div>
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Good Lord<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(2/5) - So.. I think this song is about keeping oneself focused on the Lord.. to be able to push through even when things just don't go so right... but again.. I am having a hard time seeing that being the message. </div>
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Chains and Whips<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(3/5) - OK.. I think I have this one.. this is bringing a bit of awareness to racial profiling. Something prevalent in the media right now. </div>
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Say That<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(4/5) - This is a call for bearing fruit of God instead of anything else. "living right is living free..." nice point.. </div>
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Blood Covered Snow<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;"> </span>(3/5) - Otherworldly sound... oddly spectacular ... powerfully poetic... as well as tragic. This just shows the worthlessness of violence. </div>
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<b>Album & Information Links</b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">Yaves "In Winters Ear"</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">Sling Shot Media Group</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">Feb. 10, 2015</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">In Winters Ear track listing & credits</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">1. Rumble Young Man</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">2. Revolver (feat. Keisha Soleil)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">3. Down Bad (feat. Zoë Boston)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">4. Good Lord (feat. King Vada)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">5. Chains and Whips (Interlude)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">6. Say That (Remix) (feat. Dee-1, Sivion, Big Trant)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">7. Blood Covered Snow (feat. Ron Riley)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">Production</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">1, 5 QWOND3R</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">2-3 Z4L Productions</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">4 Frank Boi</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">6 Jay RHDN</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">7 Ron Riley</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">Links</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">Twitter @YavesEllis @SlingShotMG </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" />
<a href="http://yavesmusic.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> <br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" />
<a href="http://facebook.com/Yaves.Ellis" target="_blank">Facebook </a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" />
Instagram : <a href="http://instagram.com/YavesEllis" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" target="_blank">@YavesEllis</a> |<a href="http://instagram.com/SlingShotMovement" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" target="_blank"> @SlingShotMovement</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" />
<a href="http://soundcloud.com/YavesEllis" target="_blank">Soundcloud</a> | <a href="http://youtube.com/YavesTV" target="_blank">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/in-winters-ear/id954834989?at=11l4Me" target="_blank"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">iTunes</b></a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">Press Contact</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">Josh Niemyjski</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" />
<a href="mailto:josh@sohhpr.com" target="_blank">email </a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" />
Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/sohhpr" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;" target="_blank">@sohhpr</a></div>
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