The dawn is breaking
A light shining through
You’re barely waking
And I’m tangled up in you
Yeah

I’m open, you’re closed
Where I follow, you’ll go
I worry I won’t see your face
Light up again

Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
Out of the doubt that fills my mind
I somehow find
You and I collide

I’m quiet you know
You make a first impression
I’ve found I’m scared to know I’m always on your mind

Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the stars refuse to shine
Out of the back you fall in time
I somehow find
You and I collide

Don’t stop here
I lost my place
I’m close behind

Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to ryhme
Out of the doubt that fills your mind
You finally find
You and I collide

You finally find
You and I collide
You finally find
You and I collide

Howie Day – Collide

Jon McLaughlin – Jon McLaughlin – Independent Label

I’ve been waiting to purchase Jon McLaughlin’s studio album for a time when I ran into a large creative block.

Yesterday was that time and boy was the block large…Texas sized.

Thankfully, Jon delivered and I’m glad I waited.

His self titled album delivers on a variety of levels. Upbeat tracks, slow tracks and a piano that screams “Man Jon, you’re killing me!” Guy wails on the ivory.

After listening to some early McLaughlin work, the producer of this album didn’t overstep any personal bounds, but focused on Jon’s talent and let that talent drive the arrangements.

Favorite tracks = 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Take a listen and enjoy!

1. Poor design
2. Poor features
3. Millions of lost user comments
4. Tacky ads
5. Ugly interface

5 good reasons to leave your Xanga site and head to Blogger.com.

I know this post is very “techy”, but come on!
Xanga just lost millions of users comments. And after visiting numerous Xanga sites I feel like I’ve just got done watching preschoolers use MSPaint. This is 2005, Xanga catch up or turn off your Apple IIe’s and pack it up.

Whole thing is laughable.

In between my training and the races,
In between my conversations and laughter,
In between my questions and answers,
In between my moments, I breath.

And in between each breath, He is there.
Can you hear him?
Your heart races, uncontrollably.
Can you hear him?

Struggle, catch your breath and breathe.
For in between every breath is your Creator

During a meeting at work today I told God “thank-you” and it felt insufficient. I’ve often felt that my words just can’t “cut it”. After all, how do I put into words what God has given me or what he provides? This led me to my next thought, God really does sign my checks.

If God didn’t put FCA in the hearts and minds of people that support the ministry I wouldn’t have a job. If God didn’t bring up a need for my work, I wouldn’t have a job. If He didn’t put people in place to seek support and raise money for FCA, I wouldn’t have a job.

So in essence, every single dollar I’ve “earned” from FCA is Gods. Everything I’ve bought to “live” is His. The gas in my car, the food in my fridge, the clothes on my back, the roof over my head, my Y membership, it’s all His.

“Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

My thoughts are by no means new, but it gives one a very different perspective on life. Especially if you hold a salaried position within a Christian ministry.

Yep, so I’m 24 and I don’t feel older. Given the latest developments in life I do however feel wiser. I get a sense that I’ve doing life right. Not sure if I was doing life wrong before, but…

I was treated to an amazing dinner by an amazing girl. After eating with friends, we all headed to another restaurant to wind down the evening.

In the midst of some great conversation and sub-par frozen daiquiris, a song came on and played loudly throughout the restaurant. Not being able to pass up the opportunity, I slid outta the booth and took Ashley with me.

We slow danced next to our booth, in front of our friends and other random patrons. Ashley was not immediately keen on the idea, but she warmed up to it. I heard one wife tell her husband, “Oh that’s so sweet”and another said “Why don’t you do something like that!”

Guess it was a good thing.

To those in attendance…thank you for an excellent birthday.
From food to friends it was tough to beat.

No matter the mistake,
the lack of focus,
or the foot in mouth,
she overlooks it all.

She calmly corrects.
She is painfully patient.
She reminds me,
“It’s okay.”

I’m slowly learning.
I wish I could learn faster.
But I can’t turn to the end of the book.
For there’s too many good pages in this story.

Through each page,
He spurs me on towards her.
She spurs me on towards Him.
He deserves a better me,
And so does she.

Below is an excerpt from an email I sent to a friend. Difficult for me to believe I even asked someone to pray for these things. A year ago, even 6 months ago, these things wouldn’t even be on the radar. I don’t think I was capable of it.

The prayer is about the godly Christian woman I’ve been so blessed to have known for the last 5 years and now have been given the privilege to date.

Pray that, above all, I would seek Him. Pray that I would cherish her heart. Pray that my emotions and dreams would stay in check. And pray that no fleshly or lustful desires pervert my heart as I try and discern God’s path.

It’s all more evidence that this is right and it’s where I’m supposed to be.
A different prayer, a different me.