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15Nov
I’m back from Romania, been super busy since being home, and now for some non-serious fun. I’m not a fashion-ista but I’m playing at a reception today with my Dad for a friend of mine’s wedding. He’s not really up-to-date on fashion which is okay because he makes up for it in musical genius. But in [...]
11Nov
I finished up my third trip to Romania in one year. It’s been a fantastic ride. Here is a short recap from each trip. November 2007 :: First trip to Romania. Did a 3-day worship conference with a team from Northpoint and did a HUGE concert for 3,000+ people in one of the two main squares [...]
09Nov
I’m sitting in my hotel room after a crazy two-day trek across the Romanian countryside. Yesterday we left Vox Domini and Timisoara and drove to Sighisoara. Sighisoara is a 900 year old working town which means that people still live there. The oldest building that I found was a church built in 1298!!! Today we went [...]
04Nov
Last night was the first night of Re:Creaza which is our worship conference that we’re putting on here in Romania. It was great and we had a lot of people here who are looking for ways to help grow their ministries at their churches. Chris and Kelli Briley arrived safely yesterday afternoon and with them they [...]
30Oct
I’m extending my virtual hand of gratitude to all of those who wished me a “Happy Birdthay” by either Facebook, email or Twitter. I’m feeling the love all the way over here in Romania. And because I’m really bad at remembering to write Thank You cards, I decided to blog a big “Thank YOU!!!!” to [...]
29Oct
To steal a question that’s been used around the 722 and Buckhead Church crowd, “Are we reaching people that are not being reached in ways that nobody else is reaching them?” Life is too short to be just like everyone else and too precious to be taken for granted. Which is one reason why I feel [...]
29Oct
I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to name this post so I decided to just use both. In case you’re wondering, God does not sleep (He rests. Ha!!!) and when God is omnipresent then He does not live in a particular time-zone either. But what this post is really about can be summed up in [...]
27Oct
This weekend I was able to travel to a small village outside the city of Timisoara and help with the weekend services that a small church had planned. This was also Thanksgiving weekend here in Romania. They observe it in October instead of November. Probably because they don’t really have the Mayflower, Christopher Columbus or [...]
23Oct
OK, so I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted last. Life’s been a blur the past few weeks. I’ve just arrived today in Timisoara, Romania to top off the craziness. I’ll be here until November 10th working with a church named Vox Domini who is a partnership church of Northpoint Church where I [...]
01Oct
“Get to the safehouse!” seems like a phrase out of book about maybe a bank heist or maybe one of the Ocean’s Eleven movies. But tonight it meant something very different to me. I’ve been pretty busy the past few months. I’ve been blessed to be able to do a lot of traveling and God still [...]
OK, so what sparks your creativity? What do you do that afterwards you go, “Hey I got an idea!!!” and then you’re off to the races?
Or in other words: What do you do when you’re bored and you still don’t want to be creative? Is it cleaning, running, fixing things, organizing?
Just curious.
- Phillystax
So seriously. I’ve posted to my blog twice since January. Now mind you, I still hold to my previous post’s theory that Twitter has been my downfall and because I’m not ready to give that up I cannot promise that my posting will become more consistent. But I will say that I need to continue to try. TRY being the operative word here.
On a better note, the studio that I’ve been working with and doing a little engineering and producing now has a website/blog. Check them out at http://www.thelodgeatlanta.com. We’re getting the kinks worked out and should have it fully operational in the next few weeks but go ahead and check it out.
-Phillystax
Ok guys, I’m sorry that I’ve been bad about blogging. But you see, I’ve started this thing called Twittering which has taken me away from this blog. It’s just so easy to Twitter throughout the day that when I would’ve had something to say on this blog I realize that I’ve already said it on Twitter.
But I’m going to try to keep up with this anyhow because I know that not all of you who read this, if there is anyone left that is, have Twitter.
There it is, I’m sorry. I’m trying.
Phillystax
Ok guys. I’m still rubbing my eyes after watching this video. It is one of those videos that you watch and keep telling yourself, “Oh my God, this is unbelievable!!!”
I would tell you what it is but seriously you just need to watch it.
-Phillystax
This is true, my friends. And I know this because I have not had bread or meat or dairy or anything from an animal in the last 3 weeks. I took part in the Daniel Fast. Which really is technically a misnomer because it isn’t a truly Biblical fast. A true fast is not eating anything at all. So I guess it’s more of a Daniel Diet. But I wasn’t doing it for dieting reasons.
I chose to give up some of my favorite foods for one reason: Clarity. I need God’s sight in this new year. A lot of things are changing. There are a lot of things on my plate, so to speak. So I didn’t want to be an idiot and think that I could just figure it out or trust my gut on this one. I need help.
So did I hear an audible voice telling which door like some kind of spiritual Bob Barker? No. But I did learn to trust in God a little more. And I did learn that God is in control. Always has and always will be.
So now I’m back to eating regular food again and I’m stopping the Jewish-Vegan thing but I think I will keep some of the eating habits that I’ve been doing the past 21 days. I mean, I’m still alive right????
-Phillystax
Hello blogging world. See, I told you I would try to come around more often. I have a little story to tell you.
Last night I came home and cooked a frozen pizza. I had about a glass and a half of Coke left in the fridge and thought to myself, “I’m pretty thirsty…I should chill down my other bottle of Coke.” So I had the genius idea to put the room temperature bottle in the freezer. “Just for a few minutes,” I said.
Fast forward to this morning.
I picked up my roommate, Leighton, from the Marta station around 8am because he just got back from California. We got home and I thought, “It’s early and I need some caffeine.” So I looked in the fridge but my Coke wasn’t in there.
Then I realized…..I LEFT IT IN THE FREEZER ALL NIGHT!!!
I pulled it out of the freezer and saw that it was completely frozen solid. Then the mischievous side of me took over. I asked Leighton if he wanted to watch me throw it up in the air and watch it explode. Of course he said yes.
I took it outside, threw it up in the air but nothing happened. It just landed with a thud. There was a small leak on one side where frozen foam was coming out. I thought it was a huge letdown so I took it over to the corner of the patio to let it fizz out. I went to put it down when KABLOOWEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
The loudest shotgun sounding blast I’ve ever heard happened and the bottle exploded while it was still in my hand. Leighton and I both jumped and screamed, mine was a little more woman-ish, and I was covered in frozen Coca-Cola.
I’m still a little shaken up by the whole thing but I think I’ll be ok 
Here are some pics of the aftermath. Notice the razor sharp blade on the coke top that could’ve poked me in the eyeball….or brain.
The aftermath of the exploding frozen Coke bottle!!!
The jagged Coke top of death
-Phillystax
I’m a horrible blogger. I’ve been trying and doing a great job until the holiday season. You see, my last post was on Thanksgiving and this is the first one since. Be glad I’m getting one in before the New Year!!!!
But things have been crazy. I helped a buddy of mine write a few songs and then fly out to Phoenix to do the electric guitars on the project. That was cool. In the proccess I got to meet Ken Mary who was the drummer for Alice Cooper back the day!!! That was before he came to know Jesus. But he still brought the ruckous back them….and now!!!!
Then there was Christmas. It seemed like a hazy memory of shopping, not sleeping, and traveling. But it was all well worth it. And now I’m past it and able to breathe a sigh of relief.
So to pose this question like my teachers did in Middle School:
What did you do during your Christmas break????
-Phillystax
Ok, so I know this is a little cheesy but I’m kind of in a rush to get to my parent’s house but I wanted to post because I haven’t posted in a while.
I’m sure that many of you have already been asked to do this but I thought I’d get the people that haven’t. Sit down, take about 5 minutes, and think of a list of things that you’re thankful for. Don’t worry about leaving anyone or anything out. It’s okay….we’re human. Just write down the first things that come to your mind.
If you’re having a rushed, crazy, traumatic holiday then this might be just the thing to turn your head in the right direction. Because at the of the holidays, it’s all about the things on that list.
Here’s mine:
My Lord and savior
My family (all of them)
My friends (mostly all of them…..j/k
The Romanian friends (who I miss very much)
The gifts and talents that God has given me and the fact that I get to use them everyday
The country in which I live and the hope that God will be in control again
For all the people and places that I’ve had the opportunity to visit, minister with and minister to over the past 28 years.
Everything else that I’ve forgotten
That’s about it. See you can do that.
-Phillystax
I’m back from Romania, been super busy since being home, and now for some non-serious fun.
I’m not a fashion-ista but I’m playing at a reception today with my Dad for a friend of mine’s wedding. He’s not really up-to-date on fashion which is okay because he makes up for it in musical genius. But in a milestone victory today, I convinced him that it would be okay for me to not wear a tie but instead to wear a scarf!!! It’s going to be in the 30s tonight in Rome, GA and it isn’t a big bulky scarf, it’s a thinner one that my roommate Leighton let me borrow. I’m thinking of it as kind of like a tie but without the choking aspect. I’m taking the tie just in case he doesn’t like it but I think that he’ll be cool with it. I’m wearing it with a nice jacket so there shouldn’t be a problem. Besides, I’m playing in the band and the band can get away with crazy stuff…..right? I don’t wear scarfs very often so I’m hoping that I’ll be a little more adventurous and try some other nifty things.
So what are your fall/winter fashions that you’ll be looking for or showing off this year???
-Phillystax
I finished up my third trip to Romania in one year. It’s been a fantastic ride. Here is a short recap from each trip.
November 2007 :: First trip to Romania. Did a 3-day worship conference with a team from Northpoint and did a HUGE concert for 3,000+ people in one of the two main squares in Timisoara. God birthed the question of would I come back.
Feb-March 2008 :: I decided to go back alone and spent almost a month helping them reorganize their music program. Met Marta who is the acting Music Director at Vox Domini. Sparked a great friendship with many people there.
Oct-Nov 2008 :: Returned to see how the church was doing and then was joined by another team form Northpoint to put on a 5-day worship conference. Had a kidney stone which sent me to a Romanian ER and grew closer to my friends there. Had an amazing experience and also got to see Dracula’s Castle. HA!!!
Oh, and I almost forgot. I left my iPhone on the van on the way to the airport. So I had to get a new phone. All in all, I’ve grown to LOVE Romania and the people therer. I’m already praying about when I might could go back. This next time will probably be for about 3 months. Who knows.
God has ENORMOUS plans for us if only we will listen and act!!!!!
-Phillystax
OK, so what sparks your creativity? What do you do that afterwards you go, “Hey I got an idea!!!” and then you’re off to the races?
Or in other words: What do you do when you’re bored and you still don’t want to be creative? Is it cleaning, running, fixing things, organizing?
Just curious.
- Phillystax
So seriously. I’ve posted to my blog twice since January. Now mind you, I still hold to my previous post’s theory that Twitter has been my downfall and because I’m not ready to give that up I cannot promise that my posting will become more consistent. But I will say that I need to continue to try. TRY being the operative word here.
On a better note, the studio that I’ve been working with and doing a little engineering and producing now has a website/blog. Check them out at http://www.thelodgeatlanta.com. We’re getting the kinks worked out and should have it fully operational in the next few weeks but go ahead and check it out.
-Phillystax
Ok guys, I’m sorry that I’ve been bad about blogging. But you see, I’ve started this thing called Twittering which has taken me away from this blog. It’s just so easy to Twitter throughout the day that when I would’ve had something to say on this blog I realize that I’ve already said it on Twitter.
But I’m going to try to keep up with this anyhow because I know that not all of you who read this, if there is anyone left that is, have Twitter.
There it is, I’m sorry. I’m trying.
Phillystax
Ok guys. I’m still rubbing my eyes after watching this video. It is one of those videos that you watch and keep telling yourself, “Oh my God, this is unbelievable!!!”
I would tell you what it is but seriously you just need to watch it.
-Phillystax
This is true, my friends. And I know this because I have not had bread or meat or dairy or anything from an animal in the last 3 weeks. I took part in the Daniel Fast. Which really is technically a misnomer because it isn’t a truly Biblical fast. A true fast is not eating anything at all. So I guess it’s more of a Daniel Diet. But I wasn’t doing it for dieting reasons.
I chose to give up some of my favorite foods for one reason: Clarity. I need God’s sight in this new year. A lot of things are changing. There are a lot of things on my plate, so to speak. So I didn’t want to be an idiot and think that I could just figure it out or trust my gut on this one. I need help.
So did I hear an audible voice telling which door like some kind of spiritual Bob Barker? No. But I did learn to trust in God a little more. And I did learn that God is in control. Always has and always will be.
So now I’m back to eating regular food again and I’m stopping the Jewish-Vegan thing but I think I will keep some of the eating habits that I’ve been doing the past 21 days. I mean, I’m still alive right????
-Phillystax
Hello blogging world. See, I told you I would try to come around more often. I have a little story to tell you.
Last night I came home and cooked a frozen pizza. I had about a glass and a half of Coke left in the fridge and thought to myself, “I’m pretty thirsty…I should chill down my other bottle of Coke.” So I had the genius idea to put the room temperature bottle in the freezer. “Just for a few minutes,” I said.
Fast forward to this morning.
I picked up my roommate, Leighton, from the Marta station around 8am because he just got back from California. We got home and I thought, “It’s early and I need some caffeine.” So I looked in the fridge but my Coke wasn’t in there.
Then I realized…..I LEFT IT IN THE FREEZER ALL NIGHT!!!
I pulled it out of the freezer and saw that it was completely frozen solid. Then the mischievous side of me took over. I asked Leighton if he wanted to watch me throw it up in the air and watch it explode. Of course he said yes.
I took it outside, threw it up in the air but nothing happened. It just landed with a thud. There was a small leak on one side where frozen foam was coming out. I thought it was a huge letdown so I took it over to the corner of the patio to let it fizz out. I went to put it down when KABLOOWEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
The loudest shotgun sounding blast I’ve ever heard happened and the bottle exploded while it was still in my hand. Leighton and I both jumped and screamed, mine was a little more woman-ish, and I was covered in frozen Coca-Cola.
I’m still a little shaken up by the whole thing but I think I’ll be ok
Here are some pics of the aftermath. Notice the razor sharp blade on the coke top that could’ve poked me in the eyeball….or brain.
The aftermath of the exploding frozen Coke bottle!!!
The jagged Coke top of death
-Phillystax
I’m a horrible blogger. I’ve been trying and doing a great job until the holiday season. You see, my last post was on Thanksgiving and this is the first one since. Be glad I’m getting one in before the New Year!!!!
But things have been crazy. I helped a buddy of mine write a few songs and then fly out to Phoenix to do the electric guitars on the project. That was cool. In the proccess I got to meet Ken Mary who was the drummer for Alice Cooper back the day!!! That was before he came to know Jesus. But he still brought the ruckous back them….and now!!!!
Then there was Christmas. It seemed like a hazy memory of shopping, not sleeping, and traveling. But it was all well worth it. And now I’m past it and able to breathe a sigh of relief.
So to pose this question like my teachers did in Middle School:
What did you do during your Christmas break????
-Phillystax
Ok, so I know this is a little cheesy but I’m kind of in a rush to get to my parent’s house but I wanted to post because I haven’t posted in a while.
I’m sure that many of you have already been asked to do this but I thought I’d get the people that haven’t. Sit down, take about 5 minutes, and think of a list of things that you’re thankful for. Don’t worry about leaving anyone or anything out. It’s okay….we’re human. Just write down the first things that come to your mind.
If you’re having a rushed, crazy, traumatic holiday then this might be just the thing to turn your head in the right direction. Because at the of the holidays, it’s all about the things on that list.
Here’s mine:
My Lord and savior
My family (all of them)
My friends (mostly all of them…..j/k
The Romanian friends (who I miss very much)
The gifts and talents that God has given me and the fact that I get to use them everyday
The country in which I live and the hope that God will be in control again
For all the people and places that I’ve had the opportunity to visit, minister with and minister to over the past 28 years.
Everything else that I’ve forgotten
That’s about it. See you can do that.
-Phillystax
I’m back from Romania, been super busy since being home, and now for some non-serious fun.
I’m not a fashion-ista but I’m playing at a reception today with my Dad for a friend of mine’s wedding. He’s not really up-to-date on fashion which is okay because he makes up for it in musical genius. But in a milestone victory today, I convinced him that it would be okay for me to not wear a tie but instead to wear a scarf!!! It’s going to be in the 30s tonight in Rome, GA and it isn’t a big bulky scarf, it’s a thinner one that my roommate Leighton let me borrow. I’m thinking of it as kind of like a tie but without the choking aspect. I’m taking the tie just in case he doesn’t like it but I think that he’ll be cool with it. I’m wearing it with a nice jacket so there shouldn’t be a problem. Besides, I’m playing in the band and the band can get away with crazy stuff…..right? I don’t wear scarfs very often so I’m hoping that I’ll be a little more adventurous and try some other nifty things.
So what are your fall/winter fashions that you’ll be looking for or showing off this year???
-Phillystax
I finished up my third trip to Romania in one year. It’s been a fantastic ride. Here is a short recap from each trip.
November 2007 :: First trip to Romania. Did a 3-day worship conference with a team from Northpoint and did a HUGE concert for 3,000+ people in one of the two main squares in Timisoara. God birthed the question of would I come back.
Feb-March 2008 :: I decided to go back alone and spent almost a month helping them reorganize their music program. Met Marta who is the acting Music Director at Vox Domini. Sparked a great friendship with many people there.
Oct-Nov 2008 :: Returned to see how the church was doing and then was joined by another team form Northpoint to put on a 5-day worship conference. Had a kidney stone which sent me to a Romanian ER and grew closer to my friends there. Had an amazing experience and also got to see Dracula’s Castle. HA!!!
Oh, and I almost forgot. I left my iPhone on the van on the way to the airport. So I had to get a new phone. All in all, I’ve grown to LOVE Romania and the people therer. I’m already praying about when I might could go back. This next time will probably be for about 3 months. Who knows.
God has ENORMOUS plans for us if only we will listen and act!!!!!
-Phillystax
