Honesty

I know we have all had a moment in our life where we had to deal with honesty, or dishonesty. Whether it be us being honest or dishonest, or someone being honest or dishonest with us. I've been struggling with how to deal with some dishonesty that happened to me recently. It's been a real eye opening experience to see how someone can tell you one thing, and tell someone else another thing, knowing that those two people are in contact with each other all the time, and still do it. All it did was cause a rift between the two people, only because they thought the other one was at fault, when neither one of them had done anything wrong, according to what they had been told to do, or not do for that matter. The really crazy thing, is to think that the one who facilitated all this, didn't think that the two would talk it out, thus realizing what actually took place. We've come to the conclusion that nothing was actually going to be done about the issues that needed to be addressed, rather, the opposite was taking place. It seems that both parties that were on the outside ends of the whole charade were only told what they wanted to hear, and not being told what was actually going to happen. I see now that as one of the people on the end of this, that something definitely has to change in order for this to keep from happening to someone else. You know, the bible talks about how the tongue is such a powerful instrument.

James 3:6 states the following: And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that is defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire by hell.

This shows us just how dangerous it is to speak sometimes. We have to choose our words very carefully, so as to not cause turmoil among friends, tear relationships apart, misrepresent an institution, crush peoples hopes and dreams, ruin reputations. God understands how dangerous a tool the tongue can be, yet he still granted us the ability to speak. He grants us free will, but that doesn't mean that we can do whatever we want, that just means that we have to make a choice. The choice to do what's right. So please, the next time that you want to try to impose your agenda, or just say something that might not be 100 percent accurate, weigh your words very carefully. Make sure that they aren't going to cause turmoil, or have the possibility to cause turmoil. Remember, your sins will find you out. No matter how hard we try to conceal them, they will eventually come to the surface.

Tahlequah

A gig in Tahlequah and not getting home til 5:15 A.M. really makes one tired. So I've started playing with red dirt artist Kevin Pickett and Southern Rain. Man, these guys can really play. It's been an absolute blast playing with these guys. We went up to Tahlequah yesterday to play another show at a place called the Broken Spoke. Pretty cool place. A bit live as far as sound goes, concrete floors, and metal ceiling, but all around, a cool place to play. Big stage, lots of room on the dance floor. Anyhoo, met some pretty interesting people up there. Looking forward to Wichita Falls next week. I think these guys could actually be starting to see why I do this. It's not about the partying, it's about the music, and putting on a good show. What these guys don't see just yet is why I'm doing this. I've gotten a chance to be able to live a life that Christ is blessing me with and having an effect on them. They see that I don't drink, or smoke, anything else for that matter, and they ask," Why don't you drink?", or "Why don't you smoke?", and I have the chance to share my story with them. I know it's having an effect on a couple of the guys. If it has any effect on their lives at all, and I have the chance to continue to have an influence on them, then I'm doing what Christ has called me to do. I certainly hope that these guys continue to ask me questions and begin to see why I do this.

Playing

You know, I've really begun to notice how lucky I am to be able to do something that I love and get paid for it. I've only been drumming for a few years now and have begun playing for a couple of bands that actually pay me. It's great!!! I didn't know if I'd ever be able to make a living at drumming, but it looks like it's actually a possibility. It really makes me stop and think about all the times I have travelled, set up, and played for hours for nothing, and that makes it all worth it. I can't describe the feeling I get when I'm behind the drums, and getting to make awesome music with some really great musicians. The opportunities that are being presented to me are really humbling. I never dreamed that I'd be in a position to do something that is so amazing. God has truelly blessed me with more than I ever deserved. To think that he's allowing me to do this and make a buck is something else. I only hope that I can continue to show my gratitude by continuing to live a life for Christ and be a light to those that I get to perform with and perform for. If I can touch even one life in the process, then it's all worth it. One thing I've really had to stop and pay close attention to is that I make sure to not let selfish pride take over. It's not about me and what I do up on stage behind the drums that matters, but what I do off stage and how I live in the presence of others, and when by myself. If anone reads this and has any questions, please comment and I'll repost with an answer. Via Con Dios

The Purd