July 27, 2011

RIP Dan Peek

I just read that Dan Peek, one of the founding members of a band called "America" passed away last Sunday. He was 60 years old.

America is one of my favorite bands, and thier greatest hits album is one of my top 10 treasured albums I own. I don't usually care for classic 70's rock, but this album just resonates with me. I'm bummed I never got to see him live myself. I had an opportunity some years back, but just went. So bummed now.

What I didn't know was that Dan was a Christian, and a vocal one in his years after he left the band.

This is a 6 minute video on his testimony. Living the Rock n Roll lifestyle, turning away from God, and then coming back like the prodigal son years later.

July 14, 2011

The Tables Turned

So I had an interesting flip today that I wasn't expecting....

The last few days I had a niggling in my head to call a family friend whose husband passed about two months ago. The last time I saw/spoke to the widow was during the funeral and I am aware that time has passed and I wanted to check on her. I had been meaning to do it for a few weeks now myslef, but as things generally happen, my thoughts get distracted and before I know it it's either too late, I'm not near a phone, or I forget.

But the thought really got in my head these past few days so I was determined to call her up today, and I did. Before I knew it, she was praying for me!!

That's right....I went to call her up to see how she was doing, to check in, to say "Hi.", (which she was indeed grateful for) and the next thing I knew, she had me closing my eyes on the phone holding back some tears as she asked the Lord to lift me and my wife up, to give me a wonderful day, to give me peace and joy.

Wow....I am so touched and thankful for these people in my life who stuck with me through my darkest times, when I didn't care if I woke up or not.

In other news my wife has an interview today. It's not a dream position for her, and I think she realizes that our state is pretty uch behind everyone else. She's getting bored at home (I know that feeling) and the stress is starting to sink in. I thinks she's also coming to terms that without a degree, or even an AA from a local community college, that her income is going to be lower as well.

That being said, we've been getting along pretty well as of late...although I still wish (and pray) she's cut back on the drinking and smoking. I don't have a problem with a glass of wine, but a bottle a day troubles me, and it's a continuing prayer I still pray...to ask for God to speak to her heart.

Speaking of God...I've once again found myself both craving His attention and yet rejecting Him at the same time. I take note of the seperation (duly all my fault) I have incurred by not taking the Word seriously these last two weeks. I've been focusing on wordly fun, whether it be telling a few crass jokes, swearing a bit more that usual, feeling impatient with people.....well, I've been taking note of this in the mirror.

Last night as I lay in bed, I prayed that I once again 'get right' and pray that the certain temptations don't cloud my mind. I awoke this morning again and prayed...and felt 'decent'. Not great, but not bad either.....and then my family friend really laid down the Spirit on me over the phone and I feel good and recognize God does indeed love all of us, even through the haze and fog we create of our own doings or 'mis-doings' if you will.

Tonight, I am taking my mother and mother-in-law to a concert. We are seeing Ottmar Liebert, a flamenco guitarist....I love Spanish music. This is a treat and a late Mother's Day gift to my mom....the only person who really gets me.