SBP: Reflecting On My Day

Sunday Blip Post: Reflecting On My day

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

Late Monday afternoon I took to the neighborhood woods to escape for a bit of quite time. I just wanted a moment or two of solitude to reflect on the day's events ...both good and bad. The splash of creative mindfulness was the perfect prescription for all that was ailing me.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10a ESV)

Pray on,
Eddy

(Journal entry from October 12, 2015)

SBP: The String Bouquet

Sunday Blip Post: The String Bouquet

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

What is the result of changing four sets of guitar strings ...the String Bouquet.

And he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze (Exodus 35:31-32)

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from September 28, 2015)

SBP: My, What Big Ears You Have

Sunday Blip Post: My, What Big Ears You Have

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

I was slipping out of a sound check late Thursday morning when I caught this deer just hanging around outside of the church.

It almost looked a bit miffed that I interrupted it's brunch. Check out those ears, you're not going to miss much with those things.

God's design ...just another marvelous example of creation.

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from September 17, 2015)

SBP: O' Deer

Sunday Blip Post: O'Deer

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

This past Thursday, as we driving home from a quick jaunt to the new local market, we spotted a herd of deer grazing on whatever was available. We live fairly close to a public park that's inhabited by them so their boundary drifting is not all that uncommon. Today's excursion was no doubt do to a heavy period of rain which flooded out some low lying areas.

Their graceful existence can't be denied. They have a relaxed and peaceful way of wandering through their day. Though they are quick to move on when they sense danger, they do so in a nimble almost balletic way. They certainly move to their own rhythm of life.

I could learn a little form them. Moving through my day relaxed, peaceful; quickly sensing wrong and reacting humbly and with grace ...moving to my own rhythm of life, the one that's been lovingly granted me.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! (Psalm 150:6)

Tomorrow's another opportunity ...will see.

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from September 10, 2015)

SBP: Studio Sabbath

Sunday Blip Post: Studio Sabbath

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

After a studio sabbath on Friday (...or in other words, the power was off for six hours), everything was back to humming yesterday. To put it kindly, we needed to have our electrical box upgraded. You know how if it's not broken you can easily forget about it? Well it seems our electrical box had escaped any maintenance calls over the years and had unknowingly become an antique. No lie, it was installed in 1961. A great year for Roger Maris, and apparently electrical boxes. The installation caused a momentary stoppage to the up coming album sessions. In hindsight it was a welcome hiccup in the scheduling that enabled me to step back and get some fresh ears. The recording is a week or so behind, but the project as a whole is still on time for a November release.

Earlier this week some new gifted young voices were added to sweeten the mixes. The new energy has really sparked the recording of the last few tracks. And so the blessings continue.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace (1 Peter 4:10)

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from September 5, 2015)

SBP: Two Benches

Sunday Blip Post: Two Benches

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

As I made my last mid-week visit to church this past week, I was drawn to these two benches. I think they reminded me of my wife and myself. They just seemed like the perfect couple enjoying the laziness of a beautiful summer morning.

They obviously had some history together, they certainly appeared to have aged a bit, but more importantly they still seemed to be purposefully serving others.

So as I left the campus for what was my last prep-time, and prepared for my last weekend of worship, it was with excitement for what was in store for us over the coming days and months. 

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from August 26, 2015)

SBP: (Cable) Mates

Sunday Blip Post: (Cable) Mates

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

I guess we all have some tells ...this might be one of mine. Too many hours in the studio and my mind tends to get a little silly. And so it was as the cable wall came to life. After a longer than usual late night session my concentration turned to a bit of creative mischief. 

These cable mates provide the necessary connections throughout every session. They spend a great deal of time just hanging out but are always ready to serve. Late Monday evening they revealed a bit of their individual personalities to me.

I think you'll agree that they all seem to be content in their servanthood. Remember this was after a long day, and night, and still they were presenting a positive disposition. It says a lot about who we are when we can truly enjoy being available to serve at any moment. My guess is that they love their work.

"Let all that you do be done in love" (1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV)

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from August 17, 2015)

SBP: Dig It!

Sunday Blip Post: Dig It!

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

Dig it! There was a time when that slang was hip. But like most momentary cool things, it became lost in the ever changing climate of what's in, and what's out. I suppose the reality of the situation is that the person using the phrase is either cool or not, in or out, can you dig it?

Now this shovel was, but now isn't, and so on, and so on. There's no denying it has history, that it could tell some stories, even if we can see right through it.

I guess like us, depending on who's doing the viewing, we are or were, in or out. We certainly have history, and stories to tell, and surely there will be some that'll see right through us. But right there is the joy in this journey, the history and the stories. What we can impart on those we meet. Can you dig it?

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,"       (Colossians 3:23 ESV)

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from August 13, 2015)

SBP: Hangin' Out Together

Sunday Blip Post: Hangin' Out Together

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

I woke Thursday morning to witness a wonderfully loving picture of togetherness. There they were, just four friends hangin' out in the early light of day. What a simple but beautiful picture of what we as God's children seem to have so much trouble doing.

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."       (1 Peter 4:8 ESV)

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from August 06, 2015)

SBP: The Weeper

Sunday Blip Post: The Weeper

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

Lexi arrived early Tuesday morning ...weeping. She left to go swimming around noontime ...weeping. She returned home for a nap late that afternoon, only to leave after dinner ...weeping.

Oh yeah, in between the tears she found it in her heart to allow me a momentary picture, as she pensively thought about ...weeping.

We all have those days when nothing seems to go right, when everything we say is wrong, when the world just seems to be against us. We would do well on those days to remember the One who walks with us, watches over us, and saves us.

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18 ESV)

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from July 28, 2015)

SBP: Who's Watching Over You?

Sunday Blip Post: Who's Watching Over You?

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

Over the past few years I've grown quite fond of putting on my grand-pop hat every once in a while. It's a good fit, comfortable, and almost childlike ...and best of all I can take it off whenever I need to.

This past week Lexi, as she's prone to do, came to visit. As is the case on most visits, after lunch we took a little time to be quiet. On this particular day she napped under the watchful eye of this Sunflower. Who's watching over you?

"I will instruct you and teacher you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you" (Psalm 32:8 ESV)

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from July 22, 2015)

SBP: Today

Sunday Blip Post: Today

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

Last Sunday was a crisp, fresh day that was filled with worship, fellowship, and wonderfully creative and nourishing meals. Last Sunday I offered my gifts and my love to others. Last Sunday was the day that the Lord had made, and I rejoiced in it!

Each day contains unimaginable joy. We wake each morning to endless opportunities to serve. What we make of those opportunities creates the amount of joy we, and others, will experience. You see the joy is in the giving. The joy is in making others smile. The joy is in making others feel loved.

Last Sunday is today! It's everyday!

"This (today) is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24 ESV)

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from July 12, 2015)

SBP: Oranges & Avocado

Sunday Blip Post: Oranges & Avocado

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

Though they're both from the family of fruits, two are round and one is pear shaped; two are orange in color while the other is of a darker skin; two are smooth skinned while one is knobbly, and interestingly enough all three grow from trees.

But the striking fact is that they can coexist in the same bowl, all day, all week, without incident. No animosity, no prejudice, no disharmony. 

I've noticed that there are no conceivable signs of jealousy, of competition, or even vanity. They just are. They're content with just being what they were designed for, what they were created for, and appear to be perfectly fine with sharing the spotlight in their bowl, as well as the nourishment community at large. 

'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:31 ESV)

So produce, produces a good example of God's kingdom ...right? I mean could we learn from our colorful tasty friends? No lemon jokes, please! Could it be that simple?

So what do you want to be, an orange ,or an avocado ...or a grape, cherry, or apple ...?

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from July 05, 2015)

SBP: Creation's Fireworks

Sunday Blip Post: Creation's Fireworks

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God., so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. (Hebrews 11:3 ESV)

Creation's fireworks will rival all others. On this July 4th, I'm reminded of just how glorious creation is, how wonderful it is to experience, and how beautiful it is to view. Too often I lose perspective and forget what artistry surrounds me. This world has a way of diminishing the magnitude of excellence and precision that's on exhibit. 

The works of God continue to amaze and inspire day after day. His divine nature's on display, everyday!

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from July 04, 2015)

SBP: The Sultry Fountain

Sunday Blip Post: The Sultry Fountain

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18)

What should we look at?

What shouldn't we look at?

The riddle lies in the words rather then the sense.

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from June 26, 2015)

SBP: Enchanted Ground

Sunday Blip Post: Enchanted Ground

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

On Friday my daughter graduated from college. She graduated with a B.S. in Web Design & Interactive Media. She graduated valedictorian! Now no words could really sum up what I'm feeling inside. I suppose my appearance might reveal a bit, but even that falls enormously short.

So this drops a few days after I've spoken on 2 Corinthians 4:18, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." and I'm now summoning up the courage to delve back into the meaning here by putting on my (Big Boy) Christian pants.

Yes there is passing joy here, but it hasn't escaped us that God's fingerprints are all over this occasion. Knowing how she got here is an enormously revealing story concerning her faith journey. There are all kinds of God moments that mark the pathway like little ornamental miracles. 

There was obedience to His commands, the fulfilling of His will, and the spreading of His kingdom. Living by the light of eternity my daughter climbed a mountain that had a number of what now seem like small obstacles, but in their day were frighteningly large.  

This has truly been an Enchanted Ground moment for her, and us. One that could sway even the most spiritual person, but I believe that her vision is one of an enduring nature. One that has been realized by faith. One that will help her treat the things present like the heir to heaven that she is. 

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from June 17, 2015)

SBP: The New Neighbor

Sunday Blip Post: The New Neighbor

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

Ever notice that your neighborhood is changing? It is!

Everything is constantly evolving. In a perfect world it's developing into something better. But this isn't a perfect world is it?

So we're left with doing our own little part.Which isn't insignificant if you consider how you can exponentially touch others with your lifestyle.

Are you the castle or the traditional home? Are you the change for good, or the apathetic, unaware neighbor?

Life is what you're doing this moment. Take your pulse. Take a good look around. Take a moment to challenge today's wrongs. Take control of tomorrow and be the new neighbor.

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from June 10, 2015)

SBP: Lexi in the Shadows

Sunday Blip Post: Lexi in the Shadows

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

This past Tuesday I woke to find my youngest grand-daughter rummaging around our living room. It seemed as if she were spending the day with us ...and blessed we were.

As her propensity to speak grows, her comments are priceless. They now match her unexpectedly emotional facial expressions.

Then there's the bomb of toys that explode whenever she arrives. She walks into a room and suddenly it's littered with little bitsy pieces of dolls and their adornments.

I caught her this morning from inside a playhouse window as she was busying herself with the Queenship duties of her doll kingdom. It was quite an amazing day in hindsight, lots of questions, smiles and giggles. 

It's quiet now, but her tiny voice still lingers around the house like a fragrance that wanders in the breeze.

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from June 02, 2015)

SBP: Catchin' the Flow

Sunday Blip Post: Catchin' the Flow

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

Last Sunday it was a beautiful morning that set the stage for a restful day. It was one that I needed as the previous week's traveling had caught up to me.

By noon with work behind me, I settled into a televised ballgame and then a movie after which I needed some fresh air. The early evening weather was still spot on so I took to the local woods and managed to hike about four miles before returning home.

During my walk I climbed down a rather steep stone embankment to capture this shot. There was something about the curved flow of the water that caught my eye.

It reminded me that life has a flow to it. When you can catch the flow of things life just seems to move along at such as easy pace, almost effortlessly. Yet as soon as we go against the current we have to battle for every inch.

Here's to catchin' the flow and being in the moment as we start another week. 

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11ESV)

Lets catch the flow of His plans and enjoy both a hopeful, and loving future.

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from May, 24, 2015)

SBP: Choir Dog

Sunday Blip Post: Choir Dog

(The blip of the week from my Blipfoto page)

A blind worship leader acquaintance of mine sang in the conference choir this past week, and there was just something special about seeing his guide dog soaking it all in. He seemed to be so at home lounging at the feet of his teammate, never once being disturbed by the vibrant music that was surrounding him. He was content in being in the moment and allowing the wash of spiritual joy to just flow over him.

One could argue that this was what God had intended for canine and mankind. The ability to share in the act of worship and praise of their creator. I know that my aging beagle has found my studio to be a den of comfort and rest often over the years. Though her inspirational howling has sometimes been a challenge, I've always enjoyed her inspirational company. 

I also thought it of interest that my canine friend knew that music was all about the rest ...much like life itself. It's not the talking, but the listening; not the running around, but the resting; not the constant chatter of technology but the quiet time with our Maker.

Pray on,

Eddy

(Journal entry from May, 19, 2015)