February 27th, 2009
So a little confession. My devotion times haven’t been that great the last week or two. Sometimes that’s the reality of life but it’s incredible the effect not spending time focused just on God each day has on me. I haven’t had my typical sunny disposition (ha) and have been short on patience and joy.
After a great discussion with our small group last night I made sure I took the time this morning that God deserved. Wow. The reading that I had planned on doing before my “little slump” was just what I needed to hear from Him today. Challenging, thought provoking and fresh.
Man it’s cool how God works sometimes.
Posted in Life Stuff, My Spiritual Journey
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February 10th, 2009
Well I was working on some documents for the new website for the studio but Google Docs decided to be a bit of a pain. (I’m able to save anything) However this doesn’t affect my love for all things Google.
So I thought I’d write a quick post about the day. Not sure if I’ve mentioned it here but I’ve actually hired a video producer for the studio. My hope is to expand on the jingles and such I’ve done in the past to commercials and promo videos for companies and artists. Plus I’d love to do some more sound design or soundtrack some videos.
We spent sometime today dreaming about what this could be in the future. Maybe expand into a separate production company. Bring other freelancers we know into the fold. I have some hardcore design friends, maybe a photographer and a web programmer. Anyhow, just dreaming and brainstorming but we need to baby step it for now.
I’ve been seeing a lot of little parallels lately. Kind of cheesy at times but it’s been kind of neat. The other day my wife was watching the movie Castaway. Basically Tom Hanks’ character decides he needs to try to get off the island he has been stuck on for four years. He builds a little raft and is convinced it would be better for him to take a chance with the ocean than to stay and someday die in the “comfort” of the island. The island is not the ideal situation for him but he knows what to expect there. It has become comfortable and he is able to survive. But that’s not the best life for him and he knows it. The problem is he doesn’t know if it’s possible to get to the life he desires.
As he heads out onto the ocean he looks back at the island (and the cheesy music plays). He has crossed the point of no return. He sees the place where he was able to survive and now knows he can’t get back there and has to look forward. But he has no idea what is in front of him or if he can make it.
That’s how I’m feeling right now. I’ve left my place of comfort. The place I could make work but not be fully alive. I know there are storms coming. I also know if I can make it through them that what I’m seeking is on the other end. I am excited about where God is leading me and praying that he will lead me and give me the strength I need to make it through the storms.
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February 5th, 2009
So I’m most of the way through my first week on the new job (or maybe we should call it lack of a job?) and it’s been a really good week. It’s also been one with a lot of adjusting.
I’ve really enjoyed focusing and pouring my energy into getting everything setup for the studio. Website is coming, tax stuff is figured out and started pre production work with a new client.
I’ve been practicing piano again. One of my big goals is to start playing a lot again. Before I entered ministry playing was a substantial part of my job (both time and income) and I really want to get back to that. I’ve been doing between an hour or two each day. Not as much as I used to but I’m just getting back into it. It’s been great. I love sitting and working on new material and refining my technique. The only problem is I’ve probably done more serious practice this week than I have in the past three years total. Again it’s been great but man am I rusty. I’m working really hard on being patient and getting back into playing properly and not just quickly. I’m going to try to get to Toronto in the next week or two for a lesson to have someone double check what I’m doing.
I’ve loved having the opportunity to just hang out with the kids more, especially in the middle of the day. My schedule has cleared up a lot for the time being so I’ve been able to enjoy the kids more and be available to help out around the house a bit. My son and I spent around a half hour this afternoon just wrestling with no interruptions. It was awesome. All the laughing and giggling. Both kids have had a great week. Great behavior and a lot happier than they have been the last while. I think more dad time has definitely helped in that area.
The hard parts have been getting some sort of a routine and boundaries setup. I’m in the house all the time right now and we’re trying to sort out when I’m working and when I’m not and making that clear for everyone. It’s real easy to get a glass of water and then spend an extra 10 or 15 minutes just hanging out. Then it’s tough for the kids to know that they can’t just come get me because I’ll actually be working for a while. This hasn’t been bad. It’s just going to take a while to get a little clearer.
The other hard part will be me getting out of the house a bit. This afternoon I went to the library for an hour and it was the first time I had been out of the house since Sunday afternoon. I haven’t been getting cabin fever which is good but I need to make sure I’m getting out.
So that’s what’s been cooking around here.
On a spiritual note I’ve really been wrestling with prayer and how I (and we) should be interacting with God. Some of the reading I’m doing right now has been interesting. It’s stretched me in some good ways but also made me a little uncomfortable in others. To be honest it has made prayer a little difficult. I’ll hopefully expand on that tomorrow. Today’s post has stretched on long enough.
Ciao
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