Down Time.

I love the fact that I'm on a break for nearly a month. It give me a chance to relax, and do things without having an agenda.

What have the last few days consisted of?

1. Rooibus.



Also known as "red tea." It's African, it's awesome. It's really good for you, and can be used in a ton of diffferent ways. I tend to drink it straight, or in what I've come to call a "miel." I googled the term, and found that it's actually not the proper term... but I can't find the proper term. So, life goes on and I continue to call it "miel." Tea, milk, honey. It's that simple; but it's incredible. You can find it cheap at health food stores, and some coffeeshops (though green/herbal teas still tend to dominate that market). It can also be pulled as an espresso shot. Crazy... and crazy awesome.

Red tea. Find it. You'll be glad.

...wow, did I just write that much about tea?!?

2. Jesus Wants to Save Christians: A Manifesto For The Church In Exile.



I've always enjoyed reading Rob Bell's stuff. While, I try to stray from being a "fanboy," I tend to pick up stuff with his name on it. Mainly, because a lot of people I know tend to really dive into what he preaches. Sometimes that's a great thing... others... not so much. I'm still in the middle of this one, so the verdict is still out. I just know that this guy has a level of influence on this country's next wave of ministers/believers. It's almost scary.

Bell has a great way of writing very simplistically, and is very to the point. There's little to no BS. It's harder than one might think to find that in a lot of Christian literature these days. I love the way he writes. Anything of Bell's is great conversation material - at least when you're at a Pentecostal Christian school.

3. Celebration of Discipline.



I took a class called "Spiritual Formation" last year, and a lot of Richard Foster's work was outlined. This is another writer that I've come to enjoy. My professor highly recommended this book, toting that "every Christian should read this." Me being the person I am, took that as a challenge. Challenge is definitely the wrong word choice there; but I'll let it slide - I'm not in an editing mood.

The book is divided into three different areas of discipline: inward, outward, and corporate. Each with their own subdivisions. It would take forever to outline them all. Read it for yourself. It is indeed worth it.

4. Only By the Night.



I've never been a big Kings of Leon fan. In fact, I've never been a fan at all. I saw them perform on SNL earlier this year, and was not impressed at all. Fast forward a few months... to a few days ago. I'm on iTunes, and I came across a list of the top 50 albums of 2008. This one was high on the list. Of course, I decided that I should give it a second chance.

It's been playing ever since. It's one of the best albums I've heard in years. It's simplistic, moving, and has a "coolness" factor that I just can't place.

5. Prospekt's March.



This is going to be the first album I buy on vinyl, once I get my record player. Viva La Vida was awesome; but this... this takes it to another level. These four guys have "it." That thing that all musicians want. They can play the most simplistic, tasteful parts and make them sing when put together. Perfectly layered... perfectly executed. I mean, when was the last time you heard a horn section on a rock album?

Dang that Chris Martin...


This is much longer than the two-paragraph blog I set out to write. I'm done.

Christmas?

This video pretty much sums up all of my thoughts over the last 2 months. So... watch it.



Kthanks.

"Carpe Omnia"

I've been thinking about a lot of things lately. One of which is this spiritual... "funk" I've been in. Now, as a bass player, "funk" is usually a good thing. So, to clarify, I'm not talking about the Parliament "We Got the Funk" kind of funk - more like "What is that funky smell??!??" kind.

I've had Psalm 51 in my head for the last few months - with an emphasis on the first half of 51:12.

"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation..."
Thinking back, I don't know that I can distinctly remember my "salvation moment." So when I think about, and reflect on this verse - I'm stuck with this question of what that joy really is. Have I truly experienced it? If I have, why can't I remember it? If I haven't... am I not saved.

I'm saved. That's not really the question. It's just the query of what this "joy" really is. What it looks like... what it smells like? I mean we, as Christians are supposed to be the fragrance of life and knowledge of Him, are we not?

After 20 years, I'm still trying to figure out this whole "Christian" thing. I feel that's not normal; but do we ever REALLY figure it out?


P.S. If you have some time, check out Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog . It's fantastic.

Resolution...ing.

I've taken it upon myself not to make New Year's resolutions this year. So, instead. I'm making December 1st resolutions... because let's be honest - nobody keeps ones they make for New Year's. I've got 5.

1. No major gear purchases.
2. Pay off at least half of my debt.
3. Make the most out of OA.
4. Lift.
5. Run 3x a week.

There it is. Plain and simple.

Mmmmmm.... Lakland (and other stuff).

I swear I'll actually post something meaningful and heartfelt here again. The problem is, I haven't had internet in my dorm room since the second week of September. I thought about saying something to IT; but then I realized that I prefer not having internet. It's one less distraction in my day-to-day life. Granted, I still get on quite a bit via iPhone or coffee shop; but I notice myself being more focused. I like that.

I'm getting more and more excited about the ministry of One Accord. We started writing, and talking about concepts for the album this last week. It's going to different. It's going to be real. It's going to be (I daresay) incredible. I'm freaking stoked.

My brother is home. This excites me. I love him and miss him. A lot.


Word,

Matt.

Fall Break.

The best way I could possibly sum up my week so far is with this picture:





Having the week off of school, a few friends and I decided to drive to Washington. All of us for varying reasons. I have several reasons for being here. One of which being... I might move here after I'm done at North Central. I'd love to move out, soak up ridiculous coffee knowledge... work as a barista... and then move back to MN and open up a small coffee shop.

Is that weird? I feel like it is. Anyway...

The week has been filled with laughter and the company of good friends, new and old. Gotta love it. I need to start taking more pictures.

"Update"

It's been quite some time. Two months to be exact. A brief update (more in the next day or two, I promise).

I'm kicking it at North Central, yet again. I'm expected to graduate in 2012. Disgusting. However, I'm pretty gosh-darn excited about OA '09. I couldn't ask for better people, friends, and musicians to be together with for 18 months. I know my opinion will change around July; but for now... I'm just amazed at what I know God is going to do with us. I'm excited.

iPhone = awesome. I'm actually organized for once in my life.

As far as bass goes, I finally found a church that I'm getting plugged into. I'm playing sunday mornings, and will be helping out with youth stuff (I'm more excited about this than the music). I'll most likely be giving lessons too. Again, I'm excited.

Well, I'm off to Seattle right now. I'll take pictures and stuff.

The end... the beginning.

It's weird. I've been off the road for a week now. I miss it dearly. I miss playing music on a daily basis. I miss meeting awesome people: kids and leaders alike. I miss the passion. I miss the desperation and the passion in the worship services. I miss the feeling of being used day in and day out, until I don't have an ounce of energy... for God.




This is what I want to do with my life.
This is what I AM DOING with my life.

...sweet.

Here's to 2009, and what it might entail...

6/8.

So. 6 weeks in.

Missouri. Check.
Indiana. Double Check.
Ohio. Check.
North Dakota. Check.
Michigan. Check.

I'll be honest, this summer has been one of the hardest and most challenging things of my life. There have been times I wanted to quit the tour, music, bass, and so much more; but no. Through all of it, God has been there... rocking my world.

I met some of the coolest kids during the weeks that I dreaded. My North Dakota boys were the bomb. Security in Indiana was a blast. The people in Michigan... SO welcoming and full of love. Heck, I'm even getting a bit of a tan (I know, right?).

The most exciting: I know. I know my calling. I know my goals. I know my dreams. I know my passions. I know my GOD.

Word.

Summer 2008.

Well. Starting tomorrow, I'll be on the road for 8 weeks. North Central put together a second traveling worship team this year to lead at a handful of camps and churches throughout June and July. I'm stoked.

We'll be in Missouri, Indiana, North Dakota, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and possibly another state or two. Who knows? I should; but I don't know where my copy of the schedule went. Bummer. All I know is that God is going to rock these camps (and us as a team). I just know that lives are going to be changed in these next few months, and that excites me in ways I can't explain.

Tears. Joy. Deliverance. Callings. Salvation. Release. Healing. This is what's in store.

Does it get any better? I say no.


In other news, I saw Brooke Fraser play at the Varsity this week. She was great. The guy who opened for her, however, what PHENOMINAL! William Fitzsimmons is his name. I am now a die-hard fan. I had to go and buy both of his albums on iTunes as soon as I got home. So good. His story is amazing too. Look it up. Yes, his music is great; but his candor and witty humor is what won me over. Not to forget... the beard.

www.myspace.com/williamfitzsimmons
William Fitzsimmons' Wikipedia Page

I'll try my hand at uploading pictures, and updating stuff on the road.

Until our screens meet again...

P.S. MY BROTHER GOT MARRIED LAST NIGHT!!!!! Fewer things could excite me more. He married and awesome woman, and they like each other very much. He sent me pictures this morning, and I may or may not have cried. OK, I did. Awesome.

A$$

I finally bought the "new" Muse CD/DVD set: "Haarp." Amazing. Chris Woolstenhume is a beast. I love it. However...

I recently calculated how much money I have invested in stuff. Bass gear, clothes, DVDs, CDs... you know... "stuff." I wanted to puke. Seriously.

None of the bass stuff I have is really a necessity. I mean, yes, it is my primary source of income. Yes, it's something that I love. However... 3 basses, 2 rigs, and a pedalboard... I sat and said to myself: "Really? ...REALLY?!" Disgusting. I've invested over $12K into gear. Meanwhile, there are people that can't afford a meal this week.

Really.

This, after having an extensive talk with a friend of mine about how we, as Christians, suck. He's Jewish... he can say that. Also, because we (or at least I) do. Maybe it's just the capitalist culture that we live in... or perhaps it's the world as a whole; but we seem to have the impression that money makes everything better:

- People are dying in Africa... we send money.
- Orphans need food... we send money.
- We see a homeless guy... we give him money.

Why don't we do something useful? Why don't we take action (more than the stroke of a pen in a checkbook)? To utilize an overused quote, Gandhi said "Be the change you want to see in the world." I'm going to start trying; but it's easier said than done. So, note to self: "Get up off your ass and do something."

To utilize another quote:

"I have three things I'd like to say today. First, while you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. Second, most of you don't give a shit. What's worse is that you're more upset with the fact that I said shit than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night.”
- Tony Campolo

Word.

I think I've given up on titling blogs. I can never think of anything that great. Besides, I barely blog anyway.

Sometimes I ask others if they think they're as inadequate as I believe I am.

Usually, they do. Why is that? Some would say humility; but is it really humility if you don't believe there's something to be humble about? Or do I/you/we set our standards so high that they're nearly unattainable? There are so many people that are better than me. More well-versed, rehearsed, and well... just plain better. It's intimidating, yet... inspiring.

I've been trying to find my niches as of late. How do I best minister to people? What style of music it what I'm "good at?" What's the best way for me impact lives? At what point do they affect me more than I them? The list is much longer, I'll spare your eyes (and my fingers).

I've been reading a lot of C.S. Lewis again. I used to think he was overrated. Not anymore. So good. So, so good.

I was introduced to Newton Faulkner. The guy is amazing, and (I think) has one of the top albums in the UK right now. It was one of the coolest, most fluid performances I've seen in a long time. He played an incredible acoustic version of Massive Attack's "Teardrop" that was just jaw-dropping. It was a privilege to see him play. The next time he's stateside... go see him. It's worth it. If you don't think so, I'll buy your ticket... barring I have the money to do so.

News.

1. I'm in love with Ben Kenney's new album (Distance and Comfort).
2. I just signed a year of my life away to North Central (One Accord '09).
3. I own #2 of my dream basses, a 1978 Fender Precision bass.

Word.

March 15.

On Thursday, I will be picking up #2 on my list of dream basses. A vintage Fender. There will be pictures... oh yes, there WILL be pictures.


In other news, I'm finally taking the initiative and learning ASL. I'll probably be leaving North Central with (at least) a minor in ASL interpreting.

Speaking of North Central... oh, nevermind. I don't even know myself yet...


"Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world."

- Martin Luther

I hope they make "I Heart CO" T-shirts, because I'd totally buy one.

So, for those that might not know, I'm in Colorado right now. In a cabin in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. I've been hanging out with my buddy Ryan, and playing some bass for a retreat.

Man, I love "working."

Where I'm staying:


View from my room:



More to follow...

(P.S. I'm totally addicted to Sia).

The Baxter.

Every once in a while, you find something that so defines you. Your experiences. Your thoughts. Your ideas. Your life.

For me, THIS is that movie:

^^^^ My new hobby. ^^^^

I've been battling this whole "professional musician" thing for a while now. It's a weird concept when it comes to playing in a church setting.

Mainly because the argument can go both ways. I've been trying to wrap my head around it for quite some time now. A year-and-a-half to be exact. The first weekend that I lived in Minneapolis, I got a phone call. "Hey Matt, this is 'so-and-so' from 'so-and-so' church... I need a bassist tomorrow morning, and someone recommended you. We'll pay you $100 for your time."

My first thought was: "Sweet... an easy $100."

I've been playing at random churches ever since then. Some more frequently than others. Granted, it's FANTASTIC getting paid for doing something that I love. However, I've realized that I enjoy it less and less. Some days, worship seems more like a "job" than something I truly enjoy. I've been noticing mostly in the last few months.

Tonight was it. I was playing at a church, and I realized that I didn't even enjoy it. I just wanted to "git-r-done" and get out. I've started playing for all the wrong reasons. I've turned into something that I don't necessarily like. I'm "that guy."

Crap.

So, I'm taking a break for a while. Granted, I'll play off the dates that I'm scheduled at various places; but I think I need to take a little bit of a break... get on track... get my heart in the right place.

Umm... the end?

-?-

So, I've started getting up at 6:30 in the morning. On a regular basis. I actually like it.

This morning, I was gearing up to do some devotions. I opened up my iTunes and decided to make a playlist of some good "worship" music. I put a lot of effort into it. Shoot, there was even some MuteMath in the mix. About ten minutes later I stopped for a second and looked at what I was doing. Did it really matter what was playing? Did I even need music? Nope.

I played at a church last night. The Creative Arts/Music Associate is one of my favorite people. We didn't do worship. We did "song time." That's what it really is, isn't it? Granted, it is much more than that; but you get the idea... call it what it is.

For the record, I ended up listening to The Glorious Unseen. I bought their album because iTunes recommended it to me. It's amazing. Touché iTunes... touché.

I decided I'm going to start leading a little "worship" here and there. It's something I've wanted/felt called to do for quite some time now. I'm a wuss. I don't sing well. I don't play guitar well; but... I'm finally doing it. I'm pretty gosh-darn excited.


The end.

How He Loves.

Quite possibly the most annointed I, VI, V, IV progression ever.

...awesome.

School. Life. God.

School.

I’m starting to become one of “those guys.” I’m not necessarily sick of North Central, and I definitely don’t hate it. However, I keep on thinking that it might not be the place for me.

I’m not going to lie, I’ve always wanted to go to Berklee. I’m thinking about it more and more. If not Berklee, maybe another dedicated music school. It’s a lot to think about. Regardless, I want to finish up my Biblical Studies minor before I do anything else. It’s important to me.

Life.

I pretty much just want to do it. I just want to get a place that’s “mine.” Get settled, and live. I still feel like a kid half of the time. I guess I kind of am – 19 isn’t all that old. However, this whole dorm thing is really getting to me. I can’t cook. I can’t go to bed early (or get up early, for that matter) without irritating someone. However, I can’t live off campus until I’m 21.

I’d love to get a job, or start some kind of a career. But I have to finish school first. Bum deal.

God.

I need to constantly be seeking His face… His will… Him. Oddly enough, I find it harder and harder to do this at North Central. I shouldn’t. I can’t explain it. I feel like I can get so caught up in going to chapel, church, etc that I forget to spend my personal time with God.

God and I should be like close friends. I should want to call Him daily, and tell him what’s up. I should go to Him for advice. Just… spend time with Him.

Right now, I suck at that. I suck at a lot of things; but this is the one that I care about the most.


On another note, my thoughts about today thus far:

I officially hate Minnesota.
I woke up at 6:30 this morning to go running.
It was a great idea; but a horrible action.
It was icy (hence, it was slippery).
I couldn’t feel my face.
It sucked.

Juxtaposition.

Do I feel adequate? No.
Do I think I'm ready? No.
Am I scared out of my wits? Yes.
Am I passionate about this? Yes.
Is this something I know I should do? Yes.

More when it's "official."
For now, I'll continue to sip my gunpowder tea and finish writing my paper.

Ambition... Stupidity... or Love?

Well.
Starting Thursday, a friend and I are going to start training for a half marathon. We originally wanted to go for the full thing; but realized that was probably a bit too ambitious at this point - since neither of us are runners.

Anywho... we're trying to get some people to sponsor us. By "us" I mean a charity (which is yet to be determined). More on that later. If you're interested... let me know. If not... awesome (can you pray for us though?).

This is gonna kick my butt.
It'll be worth it.

-Matt

Off.

Saturday morning, I decided to do something I don't do enough. I turned everything off. Music. Cell Phone. Computer. "Stuff." In fact, I didn't turn my phone on again until this morning (with the exception of sending one text message). In regards to the TV - I did watch part of the Chargers game. It's my duty as a man to watch football.

And you know what?
It was awesome.
Seriously.

I read C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce, Rob Bell's Sex God, and started a book called Starving Jesus. All of which are awesome. I guess I like reading or something. Weird.

I spent time thinking. Meditating. Slowing. Stopping. Shutting my "life" off. Just leaving myself... and God. Making room, and time, for Him to speak.

Plus, the Chargers won.

Rock.

"Just follow your heart, and don't run away..."

I take it all back (the last blog).

My goals for '08:

Transparency.

Consistency.

The end.