Joy To The People

Loving life and living for the Lord in the Land of 10,000 lakes.

[jfstanton]

This was an opener for Andy Grammar--I cannot tell you who in the world the singer is, but his drummer’s name is Craig Meyer. Probably the most entertaining drummer I’ve seen who’s chewing on gum and just loving life. We met him after the show and he was just as sweet as his onstage presence. 2014.

[jfstanton]

"We always find our way back home" Not that Cali-boy Andy Grammer hails from Minnesota, but he's performing a show or two at the Minnesota State Fair!! It's a joyous (pun may or may not be intended) affair when multiple loves combine. 1. State Fair (friends, food and people-watching) 2. Andy Grammer live In this video he is performing at The Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, right before his newest album dropped. First time I heard "Honey, I'm Good." and now the radio is saturated with that song.

[jfstanton]

Starting from Scratch

From one update to the other, I have been lacking and slacking. One foot in front of the other and a marathon may be completed. One word, one sentence, one paragraph leads to one page and eventually a book, an article—something to be read. Do not ask me why I have not put in the footwork, the daily effort to see these things happen, but there’s no better time than now and no better day than today. Day by day, I will strive to walk in step with the Spirit and to do His will for His kingdom come. Glory and honor to him forever.

[jfstanton]

Bippity-bopping through Chicago. #chicago #thebean #navypier #april

[jfstanton]

• Scored tickets to Frankie Ballard's show last week #yesplease #helluvalife #lostmyvoice #latergram (at Mill City Nights)

[jfstanton]

First visit of the year to Colorado and first time seeing the mountains covered in snow. February 13-17, 2015

[jfstanton]

While learning the latter half of the verse more and more, this light shines a soft reminder on my kitchen wall.

[jfstanton]

Words Like a Loaded Gun. . .

When you want to say everything to someone, but you say nothing--the ten seconds, day, month or year you take to filter emotions tends to be time well-spent. 

As good as it temporarily feels to immediately verbalize the ribbons of thought streaming through your brain--by default, initial thoughts revolve around one person, yourself.

It's like when you see a picture and you scan it for your face first and proceed to pronounce it good or bad. Change your focus!

Post op: wisdom teeth (May 2014).

Look Out Now . . . 

Pastor Steven Furtick says recently in a sermon (Hold That Thought) that the one thing fear and faith have in common is focus.

Fear is self-focus. It will bury you in an avalanche of worried questions. How will it affect me? What will people say about me? Can I do it?

Faith focuses on Christ, subsequently freeing you to put others first.  

I've Got Pride. . .

While my sister was in town for the holidays we got a little snippy with each other. She'd say something pretty random, but negative like "Your car is so dirty." The statement would hang as she would wait for me to rise to the bait. I would growl back, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it all!" Funny thing, I started notices that negative nature in myself--Oh hey, Mr. Plank. In response to this revelation, Philippians 4:8 has become helpful guide to take control of my thought-life.

---------- Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (ESV)

Happy 2015!

[jfstanton]

That one time my sister thought I was a champ for running the whole time and everyone had their sweat turn to frost. It was the coldest Thanksgiving since 1930.

[jfstanton]

A weekend trip to Colorado. Managed to make it to the mountains and a Broncos game before flying home.

(NOVEMBER 21-23, 2014)

[jfstanton]

The Boys in Summer

We've got a new set of "boys" in our now-extended family. Growing up, my brothers Richard and Jon were known as "the boys." Fast forward however many years and I have found myself calling my sister's two kids, "the boys."

Speaking from experience, siblings of the same gender, born in a row should be destined to be best friends. Who else understands the ins and outs of your childhood experiences better than your siblings? Shared experiences create conversation topics and build relationships. 

Daniel and Liam might be too young to remember the time their mom and aunties took them to Cup and Cone, but this picture will suffice.  Random but slightly relevant side note--due to a purple and yellow shirt in picture and let the record show I do not wish summer away: Go Vikings!

[jfstanton]

You're Everything.

All signs, lately, point to living life wholly for Christ. Finished a book called “Greater” by Stephen Furtick only to start a different one called “The Invested Life” by Joel Rosenberg. Also, I managed to get through the preface and first chapter of “Don’t Waste Your Life" by John Piper. 

It’s there that I read about a few of Jonathan Edwards’ resolutions he made for his life and googled the rest of them. 6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

Inexplicably, I found an AM radio station for my work commute that broadcasts a sermon precisley during my commute. Last week the pastor, Colin Smith, used a verse I memorized in high school and still know to this day, 1 Peter 1:2.  Peter describes the God’s elect in the world as those: “who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood.”

Basically, he emphasized the obedience as the “feet” in a series entitled The Anatomy of Faith. 

Furthermore, I’ve had Lifehouse’s “Everything,” playing in my head.

The first time I head that song I was watching season one of Smallville—how romantic, right? Imagine my surprise at hearing it being sung at an evening worship service at a local Christian university. The chorus is cute when applied to the epic relationship arc of Clark and Lana, but the verses leading up to it point to a much deeper meaning.

You are the strength,  That keeps me walking.  You are the hope,  That keeps me trusting.  You are the light, To my soul. You are my purpose,  You’re everything.

_________________________

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

[jfstanton]

Beef Short Rib Reuben Braised red cabbage, caramelized onions, Gouda & whole grain mustard mayo on caraway rye $12.95

Currently, I am in the process of coming up with a budget. It’s been eye-opening just being aware of where money goes. The new-found awareness has birthed a nagging voice that whispers not be so hasty saying yes to dinning out. My follow-through comes under attack because it feels like I am saying no to adding to or building relationships with others. The last thing I want is for money to rule my life or get in the way of relationships. Hopefully I can discover other avenues to trim fat without sacrificing quality time. Change might be a-comin’ around the bend, but it will be gradual as I continue to weigh the true costs.

_________________________________

 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. MATTHEW 6:33

[jfstanton]

"Take it from me: nothing you chase after on this Earth will satisfy you like a real, everyday, intimate relationship with Christ. Nothing. Trust me. While I was in Korn, I had people waiting on me left and right. Anything I wanted, I got. Anywhere I wanted to go, I went. All I had to do was give the word and it happened. I had the world in the palm of my hand, people, and I have to tell you one last time: there's nothing there. I promise you. Jesus Christ is the only one that can make you complete."

--Brian "Head" Welch "Save Me From Myself"

It may not be the most eloquently written book that I've ever read, but I could hardly put it down. Safe to admit, I never listened to Korn in my rebel days, but I love people's stories--especially stories that lead and point to Christ. He wrote this in 2007, and a quick web search told me that he joined the band again in 2013. For those wondering how he will mesh Korn and Christ together he said in a 2012 interview that everyone was sober. Personally, I'd love to know where his head is at now and from the looks of his April 6th tweet it sounds like my wish will be granted! 

[jfstanton]

To Infinity And Beyond: Honesty is the best policy

I toyed with the thought of lying to my Medica health coach today. She squelched that devious desire the instant she began our talk with how much she appreciates my honesty, even in my failing. 

Upon divulging my initial impulse, she simply laughed and called her speech divine intervention. 

I was reluctant to tell her that going to the gym six times before the 15th and running a 9 minute mile evaded my reach during the month of March. Pitiful.

 Onward and upward, I have similar goals for April with the added and dreaded notion of morning workouts. 

____________________________

Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. — Proverbs 12:22

[jfstanton]

Clever Cliche's Can't Cut It: Digging Ditches

Ninety-nine percent sure I could be hired to come up with the most random song titles for Fall Out Boy—my specialty would be that I would utilize alliteration! 

For anyone keeping score—crickets—it would appear I have an affinity for including musical references in my writing.

English teachers will tell you to write what you know. The unsaid connection (for those of us who haven’t lived some page-turning life story) is to write about what interests you.

Clearly, my go-to, universal topic is music. It is not the nitty-gritty details, rather the emotion and feeling music can evoke.

My apologies for putting my flabby writing muscle on display, but I desperately need to start somewhere.

And he said, “Thus says the Lord : ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’ For thus says the Lord : ‘You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink.’ And this is a simple matter in the sight of the Lord; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. (II Kings 3:16-18 NKJV)

[jfstanton]

If NSA checked my google search history today they'd find variations of: "Bands who make real music." I was listening to Spotify and a banner flashed Taking Back Sunday's new album. Sampling a few tracks it hit me that I miss "normal" music--even rock music. Country churns out new albums like no body's business, and while the "new" music is nice, it all sounds the same. Eager to get out of the country rut, I scrambled up the other side to a wide, blank expanse. Not sure what I'll end up filling it with, but my google search provided no help.

Rather, I leave you with Ellie Goulding's over-produced single from Divergent's soundtrack. Speaking of diverging, that movie is one of my new favorites and I am itching to read the series.