It's New Year's Eve Eve!

That's right, it's new years eve eve. I'm really hoping I'm going to be able to go to a New Years Eve party... but I still don't have a verdict.

I've been working on the BMW a little more... she's still not finished, but here's the product so far.

I hope you can see the detail pretty well...

So I work 5-8 tonight....

And I'm gonna go play drums...

Talk to y'all later!

Nothing to post #2

I had a good Christmas. Glad everyone else did, too! =)

Peace!

Can't believe it's Christmas

"I am no angel, no shepherd, no king. I have no gold, no gifts to I bring. I'm only a man here, who's remembering... when this lowly stable held court to a King."

a song by The Crossing

Man this year went by fast. I'm glad to have met so many new friends this year! If you're my friend, then I speak to you! Y'all are excellent.

Tagged

Nathan tagged me.

The Rules

1. Copy the questions and then answer them (post it on your blog).

2. Tag 4 people and let them know you have tagged them.

3. Let the person [who tagged you] know that you have done a post for the tag.


What are your nicknames?
Little Charlie... um Master of Thunder or something like that... Luigi, maybe. I don't have very many. =P

What TV game show or reality show would you like to be on?
AFV... I want to be the person who took the video of someone doing something stupid. Haha.

What was the first movie you bought in VHS or DVD?
None? I haven't bought any movies?

What is your favorite scent?
Oh... red cedar. And the smell of Hollister and Abercrombe & Fitch and Aeropostale. Haha...


If you had one million dollars to spend only on yourself, what would you spend it on?
Oh, let me see... I would give half of it away, then pay off the mortgage on the house, then save a few hundred thousand. Then I'd build an addition on the house and make a home studio... with lots of guitars, drums, bass, keyboards, and stuff. And I'd get a new Nissan or something... and give all my friends $1000. I think I would have no money left after that.


What is one place you've visited, can't forget and want to go back to?
Youth Camp... at Lake Junalaska. Man, that was so much fun... so many memories made... so many friends I don't see anymore...

Do you trust easily?
I trust people who I know are lying to me.

Do you generally think before your act, or act before you think?
Both.

Is there anything that had made you unhappy these days?
When I mess up... when I hear anything about the economy... when I hear anything about politics... when I hear anything about anything, basically. Sin makes me sad.

What is your favorite fruit?
Ummmm... Pears.

What websites do you visit daily?
Blender3d.org, KVRAudio.com, Facebook.com, Blogger.com, everyone's blogs, DAB, playlist.com, etc.

What is your favorite thing to wear?
My jeans... same as everyone else... and my Becoming the Archetype T-shirt.

Do you think Rice Krispies are yummy?
Yes. If they are sugary enough. =P

What items couldn't you be without during the day?
PC, Zen X-Fi, bass, drums...

What should you be doing right now?
earning money

I tag:
Was anyone not tagged, yet? If someone was not tagged, I'll tag upon request.

A Call to be Faithful

I'm sick of Christian bands that don't sing about God. Most CCM bands still do, but especially Christian rock bands are drifting. I hate that bands like Emery are considered Christian, even though they definitely aren't. Even through all this, though, there are some bands that are deserving of being called Christian... August Burns Red, Disciple, War of Ages, Becoming the Archetype, David Crowder*Band, Seventh Day Slumber, Living Sacrifice, With Blood Comes Cleansing, Impending Doom and many others that I don't know about. I thank God for people who aren't ashamed to sing His praise.

Now, I don't believe that all songs written by Christian bands have to be religious, but the majority should be. And even most religious songs shouldn't be about "me" or "us"... they should be about God and what he's done, doing, and is going to do.

If Christian bands are Christian, why don't they sing about Him?

One thing that I'm glad of is that the most religious bands are my favorite ones... and the most talented.

Bands that I really want to see return to their Christian roots are As I Lay Dying, Relient K, Family Force 5, and UnderOATH. These bands are so popular! But they rarely (if at all) sing about God. How could they be so blind as to sell a million albums and not try to reach out to their audience.

Now, I'm not being self-righteous. I know that I come in contact with thousands of people every year, and reach out to only a few of them. As a people, we Christians need to work on this soooo much.

Now I have pretty much emptied my mind of all thought, and any more words would be rambling... so, end post.

Gibberish #2

Calgivan autuo sufonshn ocksome suffesca allish hemin.

That's what Blogger told me over the past few weeks. =P

So, for real life... I got to work in the kitchen at work today! Yeah, it sounds really exciting, doesn't it... haha. Actually, it was pretty fun. Now that I'm sixteen, I get to do that kind of stuff. I did the fries, CFA sandwiches, chargrilled club sandwiches, soup, etc, etc. But anywho, it was pretty fun.

And I am glad that my ingenious plan worked. =P You know of what I speak.

Thanks, EVERYONE!

Thanks everyone for making my birthday so special! Yes, /everyone/! I'm not even going to try to list everyone, so, if you wished me happy birthday, you made my birthday special.

Man! I keep using words like "birthday" and "special" and "me"... huh. That doesn't sound like me at all. =P

But seriously, thank you everyone! Even if you didn't wish me happy birthday, no one annoyed me yesterday, so that was kinda special in and of itself.

I am listening to /Southern Hospitality/ right now. It's pretty good. Thank you Zach.

My Zen X-fi is charging on top of my /new backpack/, thank you Anna.

My /new shoes/ kept my feet warm this morning, thanks Mom and Dad.

I'm still not sure what I shall do with your gift, Emily. =P

And since I don't know what it is, I can't really say anything about your gift, Ying. =P

And thank you everyone who gave me cards! Y'all really know how to make a guy feel good inside. =P But seriously, I'm gonna start crying over those cards now. *tries to feel like there are tears in his eyes*

And thank you everyone who came to my /game night/.

Happy birthday Sammy! You're one of the best comic breaks in my life. It's too bad I don't get to see you that often.

Happy birthday, Brandon! Ever since I've known you, you've been very honest and helpful. Just awesome.

And I know it's not for two weeks, but happy birthday, BJ! You've been an awesome friend, too. Keep singing and playing guitar. Do not stop. Please. =)

And now that I've specifically mentioned a whole bunch of my friends, this blog post would not be complete without thanking Nathan Dowdy! NATHAN! You are pretty much my best friend. Thanks for putting up with my many idiosyncrasies, my many interruptions of conversations (which I confess I have not noticed until recently), and for listening to everything I say (not with the most attention, always, /you/ must confess, =P ). But yeah... you are... literally... Awesome.

Oh, my, goodness. Where would I be without God?!? Oh my God, my heart cried out to you from the wilderness of my sin. My heart was dying, and all I could see for miles was the wilderness, but I was delusional. I thought I was in paradise. It seemed as if water flowed all around me. But it was not water; it was only the dust of this world, this fallen world. But you reached out and touched me and lifted my eyes to you. Only then did I see the helplessness of my situation. You raised me up. As I soared from this wasteland, You held on tight to me. You told me you would never let go, and you haven't yet. I am not of this world, for Jesus, He who is in heaven, has a hold of me.

Well, that was rather poetic, I think?

If you have read this entire post, I congratulate you. However, it took me far longer to write than it took for you to read. I don't think this post would end well with the word "wolf..."

Happy Birthday!

Hey Wes,

I'm blogjacking your blog to tell you how grateful I am to have you for a brother.

Over the years I've watched you grow in your love for the Lord and others. You love to serve and put others first, as well as having fellowship with your friends. Your passionate worship at church is a great example to me of a humble servant of God.

You are so talented. I love watching you mix music and draw on the computer. Your talents amaze me.

You've taught me how to laugh at myself and not take life too seriously. I love goofing around with you until my sides hurt from laughing! :D You put a smile on my face.



Happy 16th birthday, Wesley! Hope you have a great day!

~ Emily

Amazing

This video was made entirely with blender, a free program.

Big Buck Bunny

pretty amazing what one can do for free these days.

Random Post #3

If people are smart enough to counterfeit money, who don't they go and get a job? I mean, you go to prison simply for counterfeiting. You've gotta be smart to counterfeit, so counterfeiters are smart enough to have almost any job.

I wish that nice people didn't get picked on. People think that since they're nice, that they either don't get hurt, or they don't mind getting picked on. I, however, know that this is not true. No names mentioned, but there are two people I can think of who get picked on way more than is good for them.

I feel like having a philosophical debate about the end of the world. I've done it once with Nathan and Eric, and it was very enlightening. So if you're talking to me on Sunday, please bring it up so I don't forget. =)

On the topic, here's a song by Becoming the Archetype:

End of the Age:

The earth is shaking because of His wrath
The mountains tremble at the sound of His voice
He pulls down the sky to crush His enemies
He descends upon them with fire

He is clothed in greatness
His voice resounds through all the earth

His vengeance no longer is contained
His light destroys the darkness
If He speaks the earth will crumble
If He moves, the universe will fall

He is clothed in greatness
His voice resounds through all the earth
He is clothed in greatness
His voice resounds through all the earth

With the valleys of the seas exposed
And the surface of the earth laid bare
He reached down into the void
He reached down and took hold of me

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

(Hallelujah!)

Go Panthers!

Be prepared to be nailed, Bucs.

Random Post #2

Since I still have almost nothing to update on, I'll post things as they pop into my head. These things usually turn out very well... usually.

5 hours of reading Little Women can't help my masculinity...

Parker guitars are amazingly thin.

Okay... here's something to update on! So, I just got my PSAT scores back, and I got a 191... which is out of 240. I know.... really exciting! (*is sarcastic*) But hey, that's in the top 7%, so it's not too shabby. =P

Okay, back to rambling.

I think that kid's tv shows are weird...

I love classical music... especially harpsichords.

Did you know that harpsichords were originally called virginals, then spinnets, and then harpsichords in England?

Pizza is excellent... especially pepperoni and italian sausage.

Thoughts come really slowly to me when I'm distracted by the tv.

God is good.

Oxygen is good... in a kind of similar way.

---

As I stated... it's very hard to think when the tv is on.

Boring Post #1

I finally recorded This Final Breath for Nathan... that's about all that's goin' on right now. =/

Something to remember

Even in this world of communication, there are a lot of lonely people. I feel lonely sometimes, even right after chatting with friends and stuff. Why do I feel lonely?

I think the reason that people are lonely, or a large part of the reason, anyway, is that they don't have, or have very little fellowship. If I have goofy conversations for an hour, I'll feel empty after I'm done. If I have even a little fellowship, though, I know that the conversation was not in vain.

Anyone have any ideas/comments?

Oh, and I had a great Thanksgiving!

Nothing much

Nothin' much goin' on with me...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Tagged

Rules:1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages)
The Hobbit
2. Open to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence, which is: Quickly now to the top of this rock the eagles swooped one by one and set down their passengers.
4. Post the next three sentences: "Farewell!" they cried, "wherever you fare, till your eyries receive you at the journey's end!" That is the polite thing to say among eagles.
"May the wind under your wings bear you where the sun sails and the moon walks," answered Gandalf, who knew the correct reply.
5. Tag five people. Let's see. . .
Umm.... personally, I don't see the point of this, so I'm not tagging anyone, lol.

Marquee signs

Random quote of the week, from AutoBell Car Wash (on the marquee):

Temperature Drops
Still Your Stop

It takes a long time to figure it out... if you're anything like me, that is. =P

Here's an old one from a church marquee:

BBQ Blood Drive and Bake Sale

If say it kinda fast, it sounds a lot different. Try it.

Anyone else have funny marquee mess-ups?

Becoming the Archetype

For once, I'm not actually talking about the band. I'm talking about the meaning of the phrase. An archetype is, according to the Random House Dictionary:

- the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype.

The point of becoming the archetype is to become the ideal... absolute perfection. This is my greatest motivation for holiness, other than to please God. I want to become the absolute ideal.

That's about all I've got to say, so I want to hear what everyone else has to say.

Rediscovering...

...GM.

No, not the car company. GM not only stands for General Motors, but it also stands for General MIDI. Learn something new every day, huh?

Anywho, I've been rediscovering sound fonts (the basis of general midi). Most sound fonts sound terrible, but there are some that sound half-decent. =P Really, though, some do sound pretty good. I'm gonna try working with an SF2 (Sound Font 2) Sample-based synth. Who knows where it will lead?

And I've stopped using the composing program I've been using, MULAB. It kept crashing, which I believe was the result of ASIO4All, the ASIO driver I was using to run the audio.

Anywho (I love that word!), if that made any bit of sense to you, you're either a geek, a sound engineer, or Nathan.

Cheers!

Dreaming

I am resolved to not research things (such as computers, musical instruments, cars, etc. ) unless I'm actually interested in buying them. It wastes a lot of my time looking stuff up and dreaming about it.

Anywho, that's the most random and short post I've done yet, I believe.

This final breath

No I'm not dead. =P

Some lyrics I might use for a song (revised, of course)...

/verse 1/

You have been good
I've never been in need
You're all I've ever wanted on earth
Faithful You have been
You answer all my prayers
Given me more than I asked for

/chorus/

This final breath is not my own
I Lay it down before Your throne
I live my life and die this death
All for my God, my Lord, my King

/verse 2/

On this solid rock
I have spent my days
Through troubled times and hours
Now I lift my heart
In praise to my King
He redeemed me and kept me

/chorus/

/bridge/

I'll stand, I'll stand, I'll stand
Stand for my God
'Til the last dying breath
I'll stand, yeah... (repeat)

/chorus/ (2x)

/bridge/

/bridge 2/

I await glory
I await glory
Take me to glory!
God, Take me to glory!

---

That's it. Yes, I already have music for it. I think that the music fits the words, too. The verses and chorus are rather solemn, but end on an uplifting progression. The bridge is very triumphant sounding. Don't ask me to email the recording to you ('cause for one thing, I haven't recorded it yet, and the "producer" is gonna be the first to hear it.)

Yesterday, I accidentally took the marquee keys home from work. Yeah. Emily took them back in the morning, thankfully. =)

That's about it! Adieu!

Nothing to post

I really want to post Sacrifice by Tree63 again, but that would be weird, since I already devoted a whole post to it.

The trip to Maryland went really well. We were actually only gone for 48 hours (36 in Maryland). I got to meet my cousin's wife and her family, and I got to meet a few more of the Altrogges. Yes, Nathan, /those/ Altrogges. =P But, yeah, it was a good time. I only took scenic pictures, 'cause I prefer talking over taking pictures when I'm around people.

And, that's about all I've got to say... maybe I'll do like Hannah G. and post all of my favorite bands, later. I dunno.

I wrote another song (or rather finished one that I wrote a few days ago). I can't email it to anyone because it's not recorded. The guitar part is too complicated to write in MIDI. I tried, but it didn't turn out right.

Okay, that's actually all I've got to say. =)

Upon Request...

A few people requested that I post one of my songs, so here is something that I wrote yesterday and today. It's not actually finished... I just wrote it once, then put it on here. Anyway, it's the first keyboard-based piece I've written as of today. Enjoy! =)

Revelation

Revelation 22 (ESV)...

16 I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star. 17 The Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let the one who hears say, Come. And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. 18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

20 He who testifies to these things says, Surely I am coming soon. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

---

I don't know what it is about these verses, but when I read them last night, I literally cried. I guess that they proved to me even more God's love, and that He is coming back, and that His Word is true. I love the Bible. =)

Aaaand... I wrote a bunch of music today. Not a whole song, yet, though.

And I just finished reading Uncle Tom's Cabin. Next to the Bible, it is my favorite book. I recommend it to anyone and everyone. Even though it's not a true story (though parts are true), it really helped me to see how the Bible applies to everything. That past sentence really doesn't make any sense unless you read the book... lol. So READ IT!

How can I ever cease to lift my heart in Praise to Him?





---

I don't have much to post, but this is something that has been pressing on my heart lately. I (almost) literally weep for people who have no desire to worship our God. He is the One who has loved us from eternity. Let us, simply put, love Him back.

I wrote and recorded an entire song today. I think it's about as good as the last good one. No, Nathan, it's not the one I showed you last night. =P

The Epigone

The Epigone by Becoming the Archetype

There's nothing I can say that hasn't already been said
I'm just repeating myself repeating someone else
Equally incapable of uttering a single new thought
Yet you are ever worthy of adoration
So how can I for a moment cease to lift my heart in praise?
Your name is glory
My song is victory
And I will keep on singing
There is no opposition
Nothing can stand in your way
Make my life your own

---

Yes, it is screamo. But it's my favorite band, and their lyrics are amazing also.
An epigone is an undefined follower or imitator, btw.

I'm definitely not happy with the outcome of the election, but I'm not too sad, either. I know that God will complete his purpose through Obama, even though I can't see how. Ah, well, it's in His hands.

Random

Okay, so I haven't posted in a while (yet again)... BUT! I am posting now, so all is well.

So, I have been thinking about a few things lately...

1. Serving requires sacrifice. I had never really thought about it until recently that serving really does require sacrifice.
Some things, like opening the door for someone, require sacrifice of pride. That kind of sacrifice has an immediate effect on the server and the served (I guess that's the word I want to use). The server is moved along in the process of sanctification by becoming more humble. The served person is served (who would have guessed?). Those kinds of things are the easiest for me, because I can see the immediate effect it will have on /me/.
Other things, though, such as serving in children's ministry, require a sacrifice of time and, in a small way, relationships. When I'm helping in children's ministry, or in the Starting Point class, or doing drama team, etc, I don't get to talk to my friends during that time. If you know me very well, I usually go to church at like 7:30, and, besides setting stuff up, I like to talk to my friends who come early. So, when I'm doing children's ministry, I have to sacrifice a total of about an hour of conversation. When I do drama team, it's about an hour and a half, and the same for the Starting Point class. I really like to hang out with my friends, so doing these things really is a sacrifice for me.

What prompted me to think of this? "All I Have is Christ," duh! Really, though, it did. In the end, I'm not serving the kids in Children's ministry, or that person that I open the door for. I'm serving Jesus. If all I have really is Jesus, then serving should be a joy. When I serve, I'm worshipping Him. That's all that really matters in the end. It's worth much more than my time spent with friends, talking or just hanging-out (I know y'all know it's so. =P )

That song has really affected so many people...

2. I need to start working on evangelism. Last night, at Care Group, we talked about our "One Life" person. Again, if you know me well, you would know that I don't have a One Life person. This is mostly from my ignorance of the world around me. The media and nominal Christians have so blinded me to this dying world, that I find it hard to see the immediate surroundings as a ground for ministry. I need to start taking more of an interest in, especially, my co-workers' religious views, church background, political opinions, etc. I know that God will open the doors for evangelism through that.

3. I'm still trying to write music for Awake... my only frustration so far has been that there is no such thing as a good, free guitar virtual instrument. I've tried DVS Guitar, DSK Electric GuitarZ, SuperRiffGuitar, LemonStrum, and a few others, but none really sound like a real guitar. I guess I'll have to wait until we actually record the "real deal" for there to be a real guitar sound in my songs. Oh, well.

That's about it. I hope there was something in at least part of this post that intererested you. =)

My Life V.1

This is my life. (Not) The entirety of it. (This is not) Not a small part of it.

School's going pretty good... that's about all I've got to say for that area of my life. =P

I'm still writing music. A lot of it. I wrote a 2:40 Techno/Trance/Dance song yesterday, and if you want to hear it, just email me. (I think most of y'all have my email address)

Ummm... frisbee tonight. I haven't gone in like a month, so I'm pretty excited. =)

That's about all of the (not) not small part of my life. I hope you enjoyed. =)

Analogies

What religious analogies have you heard or read? I'd like to hear about analogies that people have read, heard, or made that are from "real life" situations. I can't think of any myself right now, so please comment. =)

Hmmm... that's about all I can think of posting about (and, in fact, I posted absolutely nothing). Anyway, I shall refrain from rambling.

October 28th ---

I just thought of one. It's actually from the Bible.

Jeremiah 2: 11-13 (NIV)

Has a nation ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.) But my people have exchanged their Glory for worthless idols. Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror," declares the Lord. "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

Joy in the Morning

Psalm 30:4-5 (ESV)

Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV)

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Psalm 34:17-19 (NIV)

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

---

What do these verses have in common? They all point to the grace of God. With the election coming up, and the economy on the edge of depression, we need to be constantly reminded of his grace.

Although it's not biblical, the phrase "life goes on" really helps me sometimes. Trials really don't make a difference except for the better in the long run. As 2 Corinthians 4:17 says, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

[last night]

Sorry I haven't posted lately... I have been busy writing music (of course). I haven't had time for much else, really... with the exception of school. =P

So... what's been up besides that? Nothin' much, as I implied above. Just enjoying the nice cool fall weather (that was a lot of adjectives, lol). Now that I've heard some previews from Southern Hospitality, I want it... like a lot. I guess I'll have to get it soon. lol

Aaaaand Nathan got an Awake website up (and not running). I dunno when it'll be ready for the public to view, but when it is, I'll post the link! Of course, everyone who reads this blog probably reads Nathan's also, so it'd be kinda pointless. =P

I feel like eating cotton candy

To many purple butterflies, Watson!

For goodness sake, shut the door!

OMG! A turnip!

---

Whoa!... that was weird. And I wasn't even listening to Pink Floyd!!! =P

And My Hands Were Stained

I once was lost in a kingdom, one with few road.
I was simply following everyone else on the highway.
I thought I was in the best lane, but in reality, they all led to the same place.
But a voice called out to me from the roadside,
"You're going the wrong way! Don't you see the fire at the end of the road?"
But there was fog, so I couldn't see what he spoke of.
Suddenly, as if a lens was removed from my eyes, I saw the end of the road.
I saw the smoke that poured from Sheoul.
I saw the footprints that I had left; they were abominations, written in blood.
My whole body was covered with filth.
Blood dripped from my hands, the blood of the martyrs.
"What have I done?"

---

It truly is a sad state we're in before we're saved. When we see our sin in light of God's amazing love and grace, it seems so much worse. Our sins were abominations to him. We were headed in the wrong direction. But he called out to save us, and told of his sacrificial life and death. What wonder is there in this?

Gibberish

Gibberish by Relient K (c)

arg wu sentafinticate nar dunderford
bida menti kosticated interserd
thorphilliate stinded yilla billa zay
wentora yate paravillintiniay
paravillintiniay

dorga orpha dorga billa
dorga orpha stifaleare
dorga orpha dorga billa
tonalation fonamere

stop talking gibberish
or just stop talking
stop talking gibberish
or just stop talking
stop talking gibberish
or just stop talking
stop talking gibberish
or just stop talking now

if i had one wish
well i don't know what i'd wish for
but if i had a million zillion wishes
i'd use one to let you know that gibberish is
not a nice way to talk to all your

mork sawx ippen reeby yufftabar
higgerd quillip ernigrade du wellinshar
lirp crawn xyfa gourk jawinstabray
venaldo urp paravillintiniay
paravillintiniay

stop talking gibberish
or just stop talking
stop talking gibberish
or just stop talking
stop talking gibberish
or just stop talking
stop talking gibberish
or just stop talking now

if i had one wish
well i don't know what i'd wish for
but if i had a million zillion wishes
i'd use one to let you know that gibberish is
not a nice way to talk to all your friends

---

I thought I'd do a fun post, today. I hope whoever hasn't heard it enjoyed it (and whoever had heard it before, also).

Capital Lights is better than Relient K, though... =)

At work, today, I was the cow for an hour. It wasn't, however, typical cow-duty. I went with my Operator to Mountain Island Fitness, and did a photoshoot. Yeah, sounds pretty intersting, huh?... anyway, he took several photos of me "benching", curling, etc, etc. I say "benching" because the weights were 135 pounds. I can't lift that much. =P The arm curls, I could do, because it was only 45 pounds. So, yeah, it was very interesting. The photos will be on Mountain Island Fitness's website pretty soon... I'll post the link when they are.

Happy Cowloween!!!

Hey, happy cowloween, everyone! I know, you're probably thinking, "What in the world is cowloween?!?!?" Just fyi, it's not a real day... it's a party at Chick-fil-A of Mountain Island (where I work). Yes, I know, very exciting. And today, I was on cow duty for the entirety of the three hours that I was on the clock. Fun stuff. I think I stink now...

I'm almost done with the song that I'm writing for "Awake." For those who don't know what Awake is, you shall just have to wait until it is produced (hint, hint). Yes, just wait. =P

I feel very tired, though it is only eight o'clock. Mmmm... burritos... chargrilled sandwiches are better... with fries... and Hi-C... finished off with some sweet tea and icecream... mmmmm...

G'night, everyone.

PSATs

Wow. I'm back from PSATs. They were a whole lot easier than I thought they would be. I think I did okay.

This morning, I started bordering the line between nervousness and anxiety. Being nervous, I believe, is a good thing, but anxiety simply shows a lack of trust in God. To calm myself down before heading out the door (and before every section on the test), I recited two verses myself over and over:

"For we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, NIV)

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope, and a future.'" (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

Verses like these are always helpful in everyday life.

I think I shall post a picture of a 3d car I'm currently working on, later... anywho, everyone have a good one!

Okay, I'm back on. Here's the picture:



I guess it's okay... but, it's not finished yet, so it'll be better when it's done... I'm not even sure what model it is, but I'm pretty sure it's a 2005 3 Series.

Disciple Rocks

Yesterday afternoon, I was surprised to find that my Grandparents were spending the night. I seriously had no idea that they were coming. I wish this would stop happening to me...

Fight for Love by Disciple

[verse]
The body’s failing, and my heart is breaking
Hell is awakened, the souls it’s taking
We’re taking back where they belong
You cannot make us stop
You’ll never make us stop
It’s not about the songs, it’s about our God

[chorus]
Who will stand and rise against injustice?
Take up the cause of the unwanted ones?
Who will stand to fight against us?

We live, we fight
We live, we die
We fight for love

[verse]
Church windows breaking from people living outside the walls
The bride must be ready for Jesus’ imminent return

---

Disciple is one of the best Christian rock bands /ever/. If you get a chance, look them up on Playlist. The reason I'm posting this is to promote their new CD, Southern Hospitality. I've heard a sample of their new CD, and I think it will be even more amazing than Scars Remain. It comes out on the 21st, for those interested.



I'm not sure if the image is copyrighted or not, but to be safe... (c) 2008 Disciple & disciplerocks.com

I've got PSATs tomorrow... I hope I shall do well, 'cause I didn't study all that much... oh, well. =)

Sacrifice

Sometimes, I feel like it's too hard to let go of things. One major example of this was the church plant. It doesn't take long for me to remember, however, that we are to give up all for the sake of the gospel. When I remember the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus' life, I feel so much more at comfort about my situations.

Sacrifice by Tree 63

Before Your people worshipped You
You said that something had to die
And as they brought their sacrifice You heard their cries

Before Your children could come home
You said that something had to die
And as You brought Your sacrifice
We heard You cry

You know what it's like to give it up
You know how it feels to let go
You know what it's like to take it forget forsake it
To raise Your head and cry

It's all for You
(Father) It's all for You
I live for You
(Father) I die for You

I know that You can hear my voice
Because Your servant paid the price
But there is silence in my mouth and I can't cry

So as I come to worship You
I know that something has to die
And as I bring my sacrifice just let it die

You know what it's like against Your skin
You know how it feels beneath Your hands
You know how it is to carry so rough and heavy
And underneath to cry

---

This song has made me cry before. (I know, that doesn't sound like me, does it?)

If we are to truly live a life pleasing to God, we must be willing to give up everything for the sake of the Gospel.

Trying to not laugh

It's a lot harder than you'd think... and I'm attempting it. I already failed.

If you're anything like me, it's almost impossible to go ten minutes without chuckling (or giggling in the case of a girl). I went for about two hours without laughing. It was very difficult. Yeah.

But, laughing is good for everyone, so don't try to not laugh to often. =)



Q222 band practice went well last night... I'll let y'all know what songs we're doing (or potentially doing):
Marvelous Light
Yesterday, Today, and Forever
Great in All the Earth (Starfield)

Peace, everyone!

Doe, a deer, (and a fawn)

We keep getting deer in our yard (no, not on purpose). Yup. We see them every now and then, but they've been in our yard the past two days... they challenged my photo skills. =P I got some pics of them.

So, yeah. Deer are very amazing creatures. I got a video, too, but I don't know how well it will upload.

I'm gonna go write a melody, now. Entirely in C minor except for a key change to E minor at the end. Yes, Nathan, it is /that/ song. =P

Youth Band practice tonight (W00T!)!

Peace!

Second post...

Hello reader,

I thought I should have something fun/exciting/boring for my second post. So, I shall try to inform the reader of the best VST plugins that are out there. Now you can decide if it is fun, exciting, or utterly boring. =P

instruments:

DSK BassZ: a good bass plugin... 24 bass sounds

DSK OranZe: a nice modular synth with a 32-step sequencer (which unfortunately doesn't work on my computer... haha)

DSK Ethereal PadZ: very warm, (ethereal) synth pad

Super Drum FX: just got this one today... comes with a nice .wav library and is very versatile

Atlantis: Modular synth

effects:

FreeAmp 3: Overdrive, Cabinet Simulation, Flanger, Chorus, Phaser, Wah, Tremolo, Reverb, Delay... you name it, and this amp simulator can do it!

Aradaz Amp Green: nice clean and distorted sounds

Rea plugins: Equalizer, compressor, delay, and a few others

That's about all that I use a lot.

I think I shall post something of more general interest tomorrow... this was for all of my geeky friends. =P

Wesley

I got a new blog (exclamation point)

Hello, there.

I have a blog! Yes, I shall try to post on here every day that I have something to post... which will hopefully be every day (period). I shall post about what's on my mind, mostly. I hope that you shall be moved (in conviction, or to hilarity, etc.) by every post. I shall attempt to not be a bore.

That ^ sounded like some sort of solemn oath... =P

I suppose I should actually say something about myself... or God... or my friends... for my first post.

I stink of Chick-fil-A cow.

God is holy, loving, righteous, wrathful, merciful, gracious, kind, just, and powerful.

My friends (Nathan, Eric, Nathaniel, Caleb, Brandon, Garret, Elijah, Caleb, JP, etc...) are all amazing.

Wow, that wasn't all that hard. =P

I think that this is a sufficient first post. I shall end with, "Peace!"