folk folk folk

Alright folks, if I give good advice on anything, I do believe it's music. It's my thing. Take my advice and look up these three bands/artists and listen to some of their stuff. It's good, trust me. Well, it's good according to my musical tastes. But, I'm awesome, so shouldn't all of these people be amazing? And if you already listen to/have listened to them, you rock. Five gold stars. You know I speak the truth. Okay...go.

#1: Mumford & Sons

Well, first off...they are British. That's instantly a good sign. Or it is to me. I'm an avid fan of British bands. They are very bluegrassy and folk rockish. Top 40 radio needs more bands like this playing constantly, to rid the world of all of pop rubbish. Yes, I'm guilty of listening to it, but it's incredibly bad. I mean really, is it necessary to T-Pain up every single song? Artists are missing the point of harnessing their talents and actually using them to their full potential. Ahh. My bad, I got on my soapbox for five seconds. I'm just saying though. Anyways, back to Mumford. Check them out. You've probably heard some songs by them and saw them at the Grammy's. They were nominated for best new artist. They are pretty deep, all in all. In their songwriting, they use tons of literary references. Good stuff... 

I recommend---
"Little Lion Man"
"Roll Away Your Stone"

"Awake My Soul"

#2: Brooke Fraser
I guess I'm into folk rock people these days. She's not as folk rockish as Mumford & Sons though. And don't judge me for saying "folk rockish." You know you secretly love it. Anywho, she is a blend of folk rock and pop and she is a Christian artist, but she has strived to stay distant from the Contemporary Christian Music scene though, which I can respect that. Her sound is just unique and so wonderful. All her albums are just splendid. I've been listening to them literally all day. No, but really. By the way, did I mention she is from New Zealand? Awesome. Go, go, go...look her up.
I recommend---
"Albertine"

"C.S. Lewis Song"

"Something in the Water"

#3: The Civil Wars
Yep, another folk band. They are more on the country folk side, rather than folk rock. They are very indie folkish. Alternative country...I'm a fan. Just so you know. It's the good type of country type music. So, in case you didn't know, they are a duo consisted of a guy and a chick. They harmonize super good, which automatically makes me love love love them. I don't even know how to describe how amazing they are. Just go listen to them now, alright?
I recommend---
"Barton Hollow"
"20 Years"
"Poison and Wine"

unum

"Earth is to be one race, one nation of believers. Earth as a whole is meant to be like this, not just bits and pieces of it, one village here, one town there, one country here, one denomination there. Christ's resurrection has created the possibility of a redeemed global humanity and despite all our diversity, it is unity and equality that are to be paramount." -Murray Andrew Pura

Ecumenism (oecumenism): a movement promoting unity among Christian churches or denominations.
touchy subject for some folks, mostly because they sometimes confuse it with the contrasting term-
Interfaith: a movement promoting worldwide unity among religions though greater cooperation and improved understanding.
Basically, all of this is somewhat controversial, depending on who you talk to about it.

I'm a fan of both Ecumenism and Interfaith...to a certain extent. You could probably say that I have conservative views on them. Yeah, I know...conservative...scary.

Here is what most people think the pattern of religious unity consists of:
1. A tolerant perspective of other denominations in Chrisitianity (Ecumenism).
2. Acceptance of cults.
3. Desire for unity within all religions (Interfaith).

Do you seriously think I will I ever accept a cult? No. And that is where I draw the line. Now people, unity is important. You know that, I know that. But, I know what the foundation of my faith is though, and I won't compromise that. In Christianity, I do think that each denomination should live in harmony with others. Despite all of our differences, regarding worship styles, practices, and the way we interpret the Scriptures, we should be united in by one thing- our faith in Jesus Christ. A single Christian church? I don't know how I feel about that. That is one of the literal meaning of Ecumenism though. I believe that God gives us unique personalities and the ability to worship and serve in whatever context necessary.


On the subject of Interfaith, I think that we should indeed coexist with one another. I believe that everyone has a right to be a Christian, Jew, Muslim, Atheist, or whatever he or she chooses to be. And while I believe this, I do believe that everyone should hear about Jesus Christ though. This should be done by persuasion of the power of the Holy Spirit, not by force or coercion of any kind. I will never, ever force my beliefs upon someone and that is something I feel strongly about. I think all Christians should respect other believers of other worldly religions, not condemning them with hate, but expressing love, to create a certain amount of unity among everyone.

I guess I'm done with ranting...for tonight.

peace and love, man.

      Most people are associated with a certain decade, according to their personality and such, and several people have told me in my lifetime that I should have been a part of the Sixties. I've always adored the Sixties and if only I could travel back in time to be a part of it. If only...sigh.
      I don't think anything could describe or tell the story of the Sixties as well as the music that was present during those years. From the British invasion of several different bands to the artists who led anti-war protests and promoted peace, the music of the Sixties was a reflection of the counterculture and social revolution during that time. I may be a tad bit cheesy, but I feel like honoring the music of this decade, by sharing five of my favorite songs from the era. Basically, what I'm really saying is, you haven't lived yet until you've listened to these songs. So listen to them okay? Okay, groovy.

1964:  "House of the Rising Sun", by the Animals

1967:  "White Rabbit", by Jefferson Airplane

1965:  "Turn! Turn! Turn!", by the Byrds

1963:  "Ring of Fire", by Johnny Cash

1962:  "Love Me Do", by the Beatles

small rebellions

It’s definitely been a hot minute since the last time I blogged. My deepest apologies go out to the one or two people that actually read my blog. Such a sad blogger existence that is my life… so much for my nerdy dream of my blog becoming famous one day. Now, don’t go telling everyone that the possibility of my blog becoming famous one day excites me. I only told you because we’re on that level to where you read my blogs. Yeah, that’s right. I said it.

Well, in case you’ve misplaced your calendar, been living in an underground cave for months, or really just haven’t been paying attention to the SWELTERING temperatures, it’s officially summer time. And by now, summer is basically half over. May and June literally flew by. Can I get an Amen? It’s July 10th. JULY 10th. What in the world? I’m pretty sure I was just stressing over my spring semester finals like yesterday.  That is crazy.

What have I done this summer? Why, you’re ever so thoughtful for asking. Well, I’ve definitely gotten a whole lot of rest, let me tell you. From having days upon days where Kristen and I would just be a bum at her apartment, to the times I watched full seasons of Dawson’s Creek within 48 hours, I’ve had some LEGIT chill time the last two months. And while I enjoy doing nothing, sometimes it’s the last thing I want to do.

Of course, my summer started out incredible, as I spent ten days in Jacmel, Haiti. As cliché as it sounds, it did change my life and I want to go back to that little orphanage every single day and see those sweet little faces. When we were there, the Haitian people kept telling us how much of a blessing we were to them by being there, but I think they were more of a blessing in our lives. As I am writing this, I am looking at pictures I have hanging up in my apartment of the kids, and I can’t help but smile, when I think of them. The time I spent with them was very little, but I love them so much.

After I returned from Haiti, I was excited to see all of my friends and family, but underneath all the excitement, I felt uneasy. As badly as I wanted to be home, at the same time I wanted to be back in Haiti. Along with that, I had a great sense of uncertainty, considering I had absolutely no plans for the summer. No summer missions plans. I wasn’t taking classes. I wasn’t planning on getting a job. The only hope I had to do something productive was to do WIRED again, but that fell through. I felt like I was going to waste my summer away. Every single day, I woke up telling myself, I should have done this, I should have done that. I was regretting the decisions I made regarding my summer, and I never ever regret things. It was very discouraging. I sit here writing this, and just like a great big puzzle (which I have been forced to do several times this summer, so sad), all of the pieces are coming together, and I am beginning to see why my summer has turned out like it has.

I’ve been growing all summer. No, not physically. Can you imagine me getting any taller? Honestly, I don’t think I or the world couldn’t handle that. I don’t know if it’s possible to mature to a certain extent over the course of a couple of months, but I am certain that it’s happening. I just feel different. There have been times where I have felt distant from God, only to have Him pull me even closer than I was ever before. He is showing me things that I never would have imagined. I feel like He is using the time I have this summer for something like spiritual renewal. I remember praying a short time ago, asking Him to send me anything that would reignite my passion for Him, ultimately bringing me closer to Him, away from all of the distractions I had at that time. After that cry to Him, I had one of the worst weeks imaginable. I didn’t see it then, but God had answered my prayer. As much as I hated and loathed those seven days, I am thankful for them. He was testing my faith in Him, and the trust I have in Him. It may sound odd, but I feel like I am becoming my own person. It’s like I’ve been searching for something all summer, and now, I have found it. I have a renewed sense of self and I’ve finally awaken from the comatose state in my faith. I am developing my own opinion on things now. I have my own beliefs on things regarding the Church, politics, etc, and I won’t compromise on them. I just feel amazing!

So far this summer, I’ve grown closer to some people, while some relationships have just completely ended. I’ve tie-dyed shirts and socks; modge podged a couple of random things. Books and books have been read. My apartment has been semi-redecorated. I’ve eaten a lot of Moe’s and listened to tons of Jars of Clay. Met some cool freshmen at orientation and made a lot of stuff out of bandanas. And most of all, I’ve rediscovered, with a craving passion, the reason why I am on this earth…