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.