Things to do

1. Write a screenplay based off of a kids book from the '60's by the end of the month.
2. Contact agents or record labels for permission to use their songs in a movie.
3. Continue to contact people who have skills such as writing, painting, acting, lighting, directing, filming, etc., for movie.
4. Write a kids book that deals with depression, acceptance, and belonging, but somehow incorporates Jesus being in the midst of it all.
5. Write another book about your crazy life in the last three years with experiences in two different countries that explores the role of culture, poverty, and the Christian's response.
6. Learn how to paint for free from guy who's studied under a professional artist who's done backdrops for movie sets.
7. Slow down. Relax. Take your time. And focus on the main thing you're called to do...lead worship.

I'm sorry to say this is a small portion of what goes on in my head these days. The rest gets journaled.

Right now

I'm listening to Amy D. and my good friend Joel rock out a fresh jazzy song. I don't know how God put me in a christian recording studio, but He has. It's here in Perth called Christian Music Records. I got a chance to help record some fellow belivers who rocked out for Jesus with tribal drums Native American style! I can begin to describe how awesome that was.

In other news, it's actually been a really trying week. God is obviously in the midst of it all, but it's been really hard. I could always use some prayer. I really believe that I am doing what God has called me to do, and the enemy is not happy with my choice to serve and follow Jesus Christ.

U2 Redeemed

In the Name of Love (Pride)-U2

I've changed into:

His Name means Love (Jesus)

Who can match this holy love?
Who can make it grow?
This man came to exemplify
A love that won't grow cold

His Name means Love
His Name is the same as Love
His Name means Love
God sent His only Son

it's Jesus, it's Jesus
It's Jesus...

You once taught, and always teach
God's forgiveness
To zealots, outcasts, and freaks,
The Father's holy kiss

Your Name means love
Your name is the same as love
Your Name means love
You sent Your only Son

King Jesus, King Jesus, King Jesus...

On a Friday night, in Pilate's court,
They crucified my Lord
Now You're alive, the cave's full of light
Now We are your righteous Bride

Come stay my love
Come take me home above
Come stay my love
You are God's Holy Son

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

Good Day

I think this is the first time in a long time, that I'm doing alright today. I think my brain has finally taken the helm this week, and I feel a lot more calm. I had a great time in the Word this morning and was really encouraged to continue serving.

The exciting news today is that it looks like I will be able to receive chiropractic care at no out of pocket expense, and I was able to get some more "biofreeze" today which is very helpful for me.

A verse that's been really speaking to me lately is, "No man hates his own body, but loves and takes care of it." I'm really glad that Jesus loves His Body, and takes care of it, aren't you?

Check out Revelations 21, if you want to see what Jesus sees when He looks at us as the "Lamb's Bride". We are a beautiful city made of transparent glass, solid gold, and decorated with priceless gems. The word "adorn" is used to describe this city a few times, which is an awesome word that means "make more beautiful or attractive".

I also read Ruth chapter 4, where we find out the name of the child that came from Boaz and Ruth's marriage. His name is Obed. Obed means "serving" or "worship" (blueletterbible.org). He just so happens to be the father of Jesse. Obviously, it's really nice to read one's own name in the Bible, and I was very encouraged today when I read that.

Anyway,it was a productive day and I got several errands accomplished, and still a few more to go. I'm having difficulty setting up a podcast for northgateministry.com, and may have to phone a friend, or something. In the meantime, I'm going to get what I can done.

It's good to know that things are going to work out "little by little" (Proverbs 13:11), and that the more I deal with life, the easier it will get. I'm reducing stress by working through things one step at a time and am very encouraged to keep moving forward.

I'm sorry to say that the very good thing is over. However, I'm so less stressed out, and probably better off without it for now. I don't know what the future holds, I just know Who holds the future. He is very trustworthy, and has promised those that seek Him diligently that "they will never be disappointed."

Pro-Adjuster

There's only two chiropractor offices in the entire province (for American's think region) that are licensed to use the pro-adjuster in their offices. Apparently, I lucked out and found a chiropractor who is using state of the art technology to adjust my back. The instrument takes ridiculously accurate spec's of my back, and only adjusts the joints that need to be corrected. Applying a mere five pounds of pressure, the instrument taps my back into place. Some bones require more tapping than others. It actually feels really good after everything is said and done.

I'm still awaiting the insurance companies decision on my ongoing case. I was in a car accident sometime ago, and still suffering from it. I always dread having to write, or talk about it, because it was very traumatic. So, I've had mixed feelings about being adjusted. It's almost like my heart has to have a new context of not being trapped in the same situation I was in before. I know that God knows what's going on with me and my body, even if no one else knows, and He's able to take care of me.

In the meantime, I'm doing lots of stretching, icing the neck 3x a day, and doing some excercises to stretch my hamstrings at night. I'm doing the best I can with the TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder). Some days are worse than others. I'm still wearing my retainer, but I may need to see an Orthadontist in the near future.

One of my friend Joel's songs that has really spoken to my heart recently, has an awesome chorus that I leave with you.

"Jesus knows, oh Jesus knows, what you're keepin' from the light,
Won't you let me be your joy again again again..."

Scott Cunningham

I love this song that I'm listening to right now. It's called "My Soul Thirsts". I think I might use it in a worship set in the near future.

I still can't get over how blessed I am to serve as a worship leader for such a close knit fellowship. Tonight's bible study is on John 9:4-41. After finishing my daily devo of nine chapters, I'm going to read the text for tonight, and ask God for inspiration. That's how I usually figure out what I'm playing for that small group study. Normally, I have this done way ahead of time, but sometimes life gets in the way. Good thing there's grace, huh? Anyway, I got to get back to studying.

It looks like I just saw someone that I know here at the Grind, it's a small coffee shop that reserves the right to charge $5.00 for free Wi-fi? Am I the only one that thinks that's a contradiction in terms? I'm glad the lady left me and my water bottle off with a warning. Sometimes honesty helps. I only two bucks.

Hand

I know that everything is going to work out,
Everything is going to be just fine,
As long as I have my hand in His,
And His hand in mine.