I love music. It helps me. I need it.

I love music. There are few things better than hearing a song that explains me to myself in a way I had not previously understood. For as much as we all think we understand ourselves, what's going on inside ourselves, we're most often woefully clueless. Why do I behave the way I do? Why do I react to some things with such passion, or such indifference, or such anger or joy? Most of the time I don't even bother to realize there's a question to be asked.

It helps me. Great music helps me understand who I am and explains to me what's going on inside me. It is helpful when the musician has gone to great lengths, plumbed the depths of their own self, and from that depth written words that ring true of my own self, too. And sometimes it's not just the words, but the whole emotion of the song.

I need it. I need that one line I hear that strikes me, brings me face to face with what's going on inside, makes me cry out internally and say "Yeah, that's how I feel, too!".

In That Day...

A little over a week ago, I was given the chance to preach again. 3 times. Once Saturday, and then twice on Sunday. I'm still pretty green, as I've now preached a grand total of 2.5 times, but I thought I'd pass along the link, in the event that anyone wants to hear. I got to preach from Isaiah 11, because that's how far along we were in our progression through the book of Isaiah, as a church.

http://www.evergreenbible.com/?p=379

12 thoughts from the Grammy's

I watched about 75% of the show. Enough to have caught a few things. Some good. Some less.

1. Yep. Good for you, Coldplay. Grammy for Song of the Year for Viva la Vida. Now it's over, so everyone on the radio can please stop playing it. Please.
   
2. Good ol' Kid Rock. Certainly is a creative, diversely talented fellow.
   
3. Enjoyed seeing Dave Grohl on the drums for Paul McCartney.
   
4. I sorta thought the "Rap Pack" performance wasn't all that great. And has there ever been someone who performed on such a huge stage on her actual due date?
   
5. I don't understand why Stevie Wonder jumped on board with the Jonas Brothers. That was pretty brutal. We changed the channel.
   
6. If you'd told me 10 years ago that Justin Timberlake would have morphed from N Sync boy band member into a semi-legitimate musician, instead of just a joke punchline, I wouldn't have believed you. I have to believe he wouldn't have, either.
   
7. It sounded like everyone was having fun singing along with Neil Diamond. I mean, it's Neil Diamond.
8. I found it no surprise that Allison Krauss and Robert Plant won so many Grammy's. How could they lose? Apparently she's now 3rd all time for most Grammy's.
   
9. T-Bone Burnett puts on his pants one leg at a time. And once he puts his pants on, he makes gold records.
   
10. Allison Krauss and Robert Plant sounded great together when they played. I think I'd like to get that album.
    
11. The Bo Diddley Tribute was pretty cool.
12. I missed the Radiohead and U2 performances. Too bad.
    

It was time for a serious breakfast.

Denny's called... and we answered. Free Grand Slam Breakfast? Heck yeah! Figuring the Portland restaurants would be too full, Danny and I ventured to the Big K, Kelso. A simple video log of the trip.

I hope you're enjoying the cold...

In honor of Groundhog Day...



Apparently Punxsutawney Phil believes we're in for 6 more weeks of winter. Thanks, Phil. Thanks. Check out his poem here.

Best in Show

Leanne and I are watching the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. We just saw this dog. Apparently it's a good one. I was surprised, too.

Leanne's 25th Bandana Birthday Bash

I'm gonna try to end my one-month accidental blogging fast. Here's a little video from Leanne's birthday party a few days ago. It was a good time. Take a look. Here.

Music buffs they are not...

In the line at Safeway this evening I overheard a couple teenage guys talking about listening to Simon and Arbuckle.

So what makes this different than a robe?

Saw a fantastic infomercial tonight. For the Snuggie. A blanket with sleeves. Because, as you'll see in the video, blankets without sleeves just don't cut it. You should take a look. Here. Also, be sure to watch the video.

"Blankets are okay, but they can slip and slide, plus your hands are trapped inside."

There's a fortune to be made. For all of us. We just need a brilliant idea. And an infomercial.

The Day After Tomorrow

Did anyone tell Global Warming about what's been happening over the last few weeks in the NW? She's gonna be mad!