"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.