Poured out like a drink offering

2009-03-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

I learned somehting about myself this year.

I try to hard to make people do things that they don't want to do. I call it caring, but i am not sure that is the right way to care any more. Now that I see what i am doing, I am able to stop it, see it while it is going on, even before it happens, but the desire is still there. The desire is there, I tell myself, comes from being passionate about the abundant life, in all areas of life. But am i just a control freak, telling others how to live their life? I dunno.

Anyways, it is too much now, so I have stopped. if there are leaderhsip standards that must be met by those who want to lead with me, I will humbly state them, live them, give grace, and act when the leadership standard needs to be enforced lovingly. but I wont tell people how to live. If there is a person whom i saw with potential in them, and invested accordingly, but then realized they were not making choices to allow for potential, then I will tell them, honestly, lovingly, and then no more. Not cut them loose, but not tell them how to live either.

i am so tired tonight, so scared of how i ahve not done well. Scared what I do wont count for much in the end, in the eternal. I know God is faithful, and I know he is loving and accepts me, I just am struggling with my methods and motives, after seeing some of the outcome.

Hmmm,

2009-02-27T05:56:00.000-08:00

It's not fair.

When a soldier goes off to war, he is out there giving himself fully to the cause of greater freedom. Not his own, because that freedom he could maintain with the weapons in his hands and his knowledge of quiet places he could go and take care of himself. No, it's not his own well being he fights for, because being on the front lines is actually the worst place for someone concerned for their own well being. No, it is clearly for the greater good, other's freedom, following orders, whatever you want to call it.

Then something happens. When he returns, he suffers from something very complicated and devastating. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It changes how he lives, changes how he thinks, changes who he is a person. It is the price he has paid for fighting for your freedom, but now you don't have to pay the price for his sickness. His stress problems. His anger. His lack of sleep. No, you got what you needed, you have been served, and when he has outlived his usefulness on the front lines, you would just as soon send another out there, and let this one take care of himself.

And what of the bad choices he makes. He, like any human with free will, is responsible for his own choices, before God and country, but it is not only insensitive but unintelligent to suggest that those choices are not in part a result of his time serving you, and the cost on ones life while doing that, even if they still have all of their limbs. The choices you make with that freedom earned by him are free, paid for. but the choices he makes, he must pay for. maybe criminally responsible for, maybe lose friends, family, or just peace of mind and the ability to live the way he did before fighting for you. But he must pay for it. It's his choice, right?

For all those not out there fighting, or supporting those who are or have already given all, what do you think your role in all of this is? Spectators? Recipients of something you don't appreciate and really value, unless you lose it? Consumers with demands to be met? (that doesn't make sense because even reasonable consumers must pay for what they want) What are you?

I think for the most part there are two categories. Those who fight for this cause, and those who don't have to think about it. Those who value it enough to give their lives to, and those who are too busy doing the things that those fighters would love to do when they get home, but probably won't have the peace of mind to be able to enjoy any more. At least not without help.

Don't feel bad. What could you do to help, right? No worries, cheers, w/e.

To those fighting, find other fighters who can help you live well even after you have given that life to something other than yourself. You have been promised that the sacrifice would be worth it, and it must be true, even if the recipients never appreciate the gift, or more importantly, the cost of that gift. And be careful out there, and back home too. neither place is safe. The acts of discipline and training you needed out in the field are just as needed back home. ! Cor. 9:27.

Happy Remembrance Day!

Pastor Pepsi, Poured Out Like A Drink Offering.

2009-01-14T05:46:00.000-08:00

I am done saying 'no'. As I stare at another e-mail from Jake's would be soccer coach, but we don't have time to take him, have not had time to take him, I think to myself, I am sorry Jake, but next year I won't say no to soccer. As I try to get a student of a significant leader to a meeting they knew about 2 months in advance, on a team they requested to be on in leadership, and they say they cannot, because of a sports team commitment, I am done saying 'no' to my son's sports or other opportunities.

As I think about how much I value small group, and have for 8 years here at EBC, to the point where our small groups ahve multiplied many times, and are now to the point of sending out so many small group leaders that we now have one that is people not ready, able, willing or likely to lead, cause the leaders ahve all been sent, I am done saying no to thursday nights with my kids. That small group is something I value, but as I stare at this soccer email that Jake doesn't even know exists, I think about other leaders, co-labourers, whos kids are not only in these kinds of things, but they are able to coach these things for their kids.
I will continue a small group, on Sunday Nights, if and only if, at our team meetings this year we agree as co-laboourers, that this is a value for all, not for some, who sacrifice their other options while others take those options.

I think about the community association, and the drop in night. Other than help, thigns are going great, great bridge building, great attendance, etc. (the sr high one, not so much, they do not deserve or value it). The community association will ahve me in another way next year though. A soccer coach, or something like it, on jake's team. I have given tis thing 5 years, and it has been worth it, but I can't be committed to 4 nights a week every week before any other meetings are even discussed. It is not fair to Jake. I am done saying no to him like that, escially as I fight to get other kids to commit to the types of things that we are supposed to value, and Jake will be forced to value, because dad doesn't ahve time for any other things.

I now am but an hour away from facing a meeting where I will be (possibly rightly so) judged and evaluated, and likely sanctioned for my inability to get paperwork stuff in as I am responsible for. One would think this should not be to hard to do successfully. I I have thought about that alot, and if every time I am in this building, I am getting ready for the next thing, the next event, because they are at a minimum, 4 times a week, then yes, yes, it is difficult, to simply deal with the paper. Why, because as you come in the door, and should just deal with it right awya, that is tough, because you are literally running to the next thing.

sorry, blog, for saying no to you so much. That may not change, but I wanted to say to you today, I am done saying no to Jake. He will not understand, or think it's fair, when he hears what the otehr kids get to do, and that's at the staff christmas party, not at school.

If, somehow you are a reader of this, lol, and ant to reply, reply on here or to me directly, don't think you are helping by asking around about me, etc.

Good morning, happy wednesday.

2008-06-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

Starting to unwind...

I am thankful for this chance to have a Sabbatical. I have actually been looking around overwelmed and amazed at what God does/may/will have for me as I slow down and focus on Him, but tonight I have decided to stop being overwelmed and just start.

Should I start with 'hello', or 'how are you', or 'how can I serve you?' Should I start in His Word, or on my knees, in songs of praise or in silence and awe?

I don't write this to demonstrate my inability to just start being with God. This page, now little read, I am sure, has always been a place of honesty, and that desire for me to grow deeper, sit with him, has been hindered by an overwelmed feeling of what it is like to think about Him, and what He has done in my life, and what He has given to me and doing in me.

Not sure how, but it is time to start, what ever that means. Pray for me. I am likely praying for you, (though I may not know more than the 2 I suspect still read this thing).

God has given me access to a great gift, and my fear of wasting it has stopped me from taking full advantage of it. Not any more.

Good night.

2008-05-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

I remember once getting into a car accident in the midst of massive busyness and prep for a Mexico Missions Trip. It was minus 45 degrees, an the roads were solid Ice, and on 105th street, I tried to brake as the person in front of me tried to turn without signalling, and I slid, slow speed into their back end. It was not a big collision, but the temperature made the fibre glass brittle enough that both of our cars exploded with pieces in the air from our bumpers.

my first thought was...I just don't care, I don't have time to care, think about, or process what just happened. I did not think 'thanks for letting me live' or 'how am I going to sort this out'. It was just a very simple 'I don't care cause I don't have time to care'.

It is that memory that I think about when reflecting on this past YC weekend. There were some great challenges given to me, both by speakers, workshops, and actually the most profound thoughts occurred as God showed me something through my alter-ego, the one this blog is named after.

There are some things to process think about, and adjust my life to. But I don't know what yet, because I did not have time to process those things during the weekend. I was called by God to lead and facilitate a weekend that allowed for life change in the students. this does not negate my responsibility for life change when God spoke to me out there, but true change can take time, process, prayer, and it seemed like trying to do that in Edmonton would not allow me to order supper for trip home, call bus driver to let him know details of where we were really at in schedule, chase someone who repeatedly tried to separate from the group, take someone to the hospital with a third Asma attack, and find someone who thought my rule of main sessions and concerts together was more of a suggestion.

I loved the weekend, I love those youth and the sponsors who teamed up with me. I especially love the God who called us out there, and then worked on us once we made it there. i am just reflecting on the reality that the questions and thoughts that God gave me, or in some cases, maybe just speakers gave me, are still raw, unprocessed, and unresponded to. is that a bad thing? Do I have my priorities wrong? or is it just a reality of the timing, and I just need to have the discipline to come back to those thoughts and walk through them.

That time to process is coming, and this year will be in a large helping, thanks be to God. I love what God has called me to.

Continue reading as I process those thoughts on this site.

Mike

2008-03-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

To speak, or not to speak? That is the question.

Some book I read once stated that we are called to speak the truth in love to each other. Yet, really, we operate in a world where it is more acceptable to just mind your own business. It is actually easier to live that way too. What am I to do when even the people I might speak to would rather I don't.

This is not a spur of the moment blog or moaning about life right now necessarily. This is somehting I have been wrestling witha dn thinking about for 2 years, and i want to figure out what it means to be a godly man in this way now. REgarding the small groups, and ministries I lead, I have to beleive that God can change lives there, or wahts the point of doing them? What's the point of christian commumity if 'mind your own business' or 'it is easier to not talk about it' is the M.O. (did I use that law adn order term right?)

I agree that aperson should not go opoen season on every hurtful topic in public, under the cover of christian acocuntablity, but the status quo of lets just leave it no longer fits with me any more. I believe that we use sensitivity and tolerance as a clever disguise for 'I don't know what to say, I fear the cost if i do say something, or I care, but don't have time to face this with you right now'. I am guilty of all of those, adn I have sense things get worse or blow up completely because no caring person around saws what needs to be said.

I am guessing that if we reflect, there is more times I regret not saying something than saying something. Let me ask you, if anyone reads this, lol, do you ahv emore regrets about saying something or not saying something. has it been a bigger crime to open your big mouth (i mean that in the nicest posible way) or mind your own business (also in the nicest posible way). I would love your thoughts, experiences, and input into the balance and results here on this topic.

Thanks for reading, double thanks for a reply, and triple thanks to the youngest person I would call 'close to me' who recognized the toll that some if this is taking on me and asked if I wanted a bit of a break from other responsibilities. Your friendship and maturity astound me, and bless me.
Have a good day y'all!

2008-02-05T07:07:00.000-08:00

Naturally?

I don't think I am overly hard on myself about my abilities or anything, but I have made one observation, i think.

Nothing comes naturally to me. I thought about this at dance last night. We are working on stuff for a performance dance team, and I thought I was a pretty good dancer, and still think I am, but I have to work so hard at it to get it, where as others just get it. Same with water skiing or a musical instrument. I am a good skier, on tricks, but every trick comes with a high price of hours of work and hard falls. my coach has stated that once I get a trick, it is perfect for good, but it takes so much to get it. Same with the Sax, or guitar. On the sax, I played 3 hours a day for 6 months to get into the U of S College of Music. I got i, but it was tough. On guitar, I have stayed at the same level for years, because I dont have time o play every day. And knowing that it doesn't come naturally, i know i will not improve in my ability unless I quit my day job (not going to happen).

Even keeping this blog going does not come naturally to me.

What about you? What do you think. What comes easily to you?

2007-12-03T05:45:00.000-08:00

Once again, I sya it. People need to consider the public nature of facebook!

2007-11-30T06:32:00.000-08:00

2007-11-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

Facebook?

How is it that people don't realize just how public facebook is?

I know you can create private groups tha tneed permission to becomea part of or evne see, but it is obvious tha tif you don't take those percautions, anyone can see this stuff.

I bring this up as yesterday, many names of students were read publicly by John gormly, all members of 'the new sask sign kicking party' dedicated to many students (youth) who destroy political signs for fun. These people put pictures of their acts on teh site, their first and last names are their, and their descriptions of their crimes.

since that story rolled out, there are many weighing in on this issue, most saying the teens are spoiled east side kids with nothing to do, etc. One fellow (or maybe former, not sure) youth worker posted a few comments on this site, telling people there are bigger issues in the world, and not worry about this one.

I agree with the sentiment, but am I a hypocrite for being wise in what movements I publicly get behind or support. I agree there are bigger issues out there, but also think that these kids do need to face what ever is coming because of what they did.

some of the comments on this site got a little personal, or at least emotionally charged, and maybe I am weak, but I am not sure this is the issue to get behind either way.

Other things on facebook are also not as private as people think. It is the internet, come on. lol. If you join a group, all of your friends see it. If you make a comment, any one can read it.

We should live a life means it doesn't matter if it is out in the open or public, it is pure and God honouring no matter how many people see it and try to pick it apart. That being said, I still think one should be causious, especially when in leadership of what to get behind and what kind of comments to put out there. They can't be errased as easily as an appology, once you click 'add comment'.

That being said, I judge no one related to this story, and hope for no negative repricusions of my clicking 'publish post'.

2007-09-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

A good problem, but a problem, non the less.

so, I am very excited about the record numbers consistently coming out to both youth groups, but there is adjustments needed. You see, many of the kids have never been to a youth group, or a Bible Study/small group. They don't know how to act, how to behave, what to do.

I want to make the right decision, God's decision, on not watering down the message, but not losing kids who have never been here before either.

It is a tough thing to wrestle with, but maybe I should pray about it. I love that kids are connected, I am scared of finding the right balance for all of the exremes.

2007-09-11T15:21:00.001-07:00

So, though I doubt I ahve more than one reader (thanks erin) i will post again.

I have started supervising again at Silverspring school, which is a great way to get to know the gr 6-8 kids in the community. Though in my 2 times back this year, they ahv eplaced me with the kindergarten's both times because of need.

Now I am doing this to serve, so wherever they need me is fine, but there is ministry strategy as well, in that it is not likely that I will invite the kindergartens out to yuth group any time soon..

Though it is more peaceful in the kinder room at lunch, where htey still listen to you in there (after gr 5 that is gone). it is testing my servanthood. I think to myself..i could ahve been meeting a student leader for lunch, instead of wiping the noses of kisd who I am not generally gifted to lead. So, am I doing it for strategy or service? I am not sure. They tell me I won't be in that room all the time. We will see.

Mike

2007-06-20T14:57:00.000-07:00

I know i have not posted in awhile and for that I am sorry.

In other news, I am now on facebook, come find me!

The grad banquet is over, and was, I think, a success. This officially starts what I would call my 'slow' or planning season. Slow, not in the ammount i work, but that I can slow down and focus on future plans a bit, not having an event every second night to run. I am very excited to invest in people, and plan ahead. I value knowing wher eGod wants this ministry to go and how to ge there.

Anyways, happy it is summer.

Mike

2007-06-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been really thankful that a note you left (that could have been left ina mean or angry spirit) you decided to leave as polite and gracious? I had one of those yesterday.

I see one of the best physio therapists in western canada, and one of the reasons he is good is because he does not punch the 20 min. clock and kick you out after that. His appointments are booked like that, but he cares more than that so every day he is way behind. My average before the missions trip was 45-1 hour wait after my appointed time. Upsides and downsides to his style. They tried booking me earlier in the day yesterday to fix that issue for me, very kind of them. I show up at his secondary office down town, half an hour early, and wait until 45 mintues past agreed time. No one, though a light was on deep in his office, and I assumed he was treating someone else.

after that, I left a polite note appologizing that i could not wait any longer, and I left. I called his main office to confirm I had the right time, and they said yes, and he was looking for me. I guess he has a third office he works out of as well now. I am sure they gave me the info to show up at the right place, but my mind was just thinking...'if not at venture cres, then at wall street. I was wrong, and glad I did not express all of my feelings in that note that I would probably not get a chance to retreive since I was across the city again before hearing of my mistake.

Hmmm, good one Mike.

Ever leave a note that you wished oyu could change or glad it was the way you expressed?

2007-05-23T22:34:00.000-07:00

In mexico, having great time. team is amazing, and God is even more so.

God is doing things bigger than we could ahve ever planned. not into comparing trips, but anyone who worried this would be same as other trips need not worry. amazing things happening.

Mike

2007-05-13T21:09:00.000-07:00

So, It's 10 p.m., at the church working late...and there is a car parked out front, for sure witha couple making out, lol. Normally they park around back, but they are under the light in middle of front of lot.

I won't watch them, lol, but when am here late always check to see a vehicle when it come sin cause the bus has been damaged in the past, and vandelism on church.

anyways, that is hte thought, a good way for the church property to wrap up the night after 2 baby dedications i guess.

happy mother's day, wonder if their mother's know where they are? who can question going to the church on a sunday.

Mike

2007-04-30T09:38:00.000-07:00

Something to ponder...?

First of all, like the responses on previous posts, makes me want to post more.

Secondly, here is a thought...what makes a Christian Fiction book Christian. What makes it sellable in a Christian Bookstore, Rather than a Stephen King book.
This would never be a thought in my head except for this 'no TV rule' on teh missions team. I have resorted to reading. AHHHHHHHHH. Have not gotten into a fiction book in at least 8 years. And i ddi not miss them, lol.

Now I stareted reading Skin, by Ted Decker, A Christian Author. It is very good. I am about to finish it in record time. It is captivating. But it is just as gorey as some secular suspense books, that would probably be judged if they were sitting on my desk at church. Things like a guy getting his finger cut off, and having to chew on it, etc. If this were made into a movie, it would be one that would be disturbing to watch. One that would fall under the list of 'A Christian should not put this into their mind', or is that a true statement? I have seen my share of bad horrow movies, adn one in the past few years. I was channel surfing (first mistake0 and ran across one that looked so messed up, as far as the situation the peopel were in, that I wanted to see if there was any way for it to resolve. Most north american movies do, and I did not believe it possible with this one. I watched, and now pray for images to leave my mind.

So, what makes a Christian Thriller christian? Metaphorical references to biblical stuff? No explicit sexuality? An ending that glorifies God? (I don't know the endign to this book so i do not know that yet.)

Please, offer your thoughts. I am not being judgemental about these books. I just really thought about thsi after reading until midnight a couple nights ago, and having similar feelings in teh house, by myself, that the disturbing movies would give. Can i handle it, sure, i slept fine. It jsut left me wondering.

Stupid no TV rule, this reading thing never should have happened, lol

Mike

2007-04-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

Community Living

I am not talking about small groups or church stuf fhere, but the organization that collects slothes, etc, for less fotunate in town. They were coming for a pick up today, so we saw it as a great opportunity to pruge the closets, etc. Mine needed more purging than amanda's.

Going through, I have a lot of shirts,and I know that, but most of them were under $7, so I am not sure if I feel bad for havin g alot of shirts or what? I sent away a few of the stripe button ups that i love to wear but sleaves are too short after a horible run in with the dryer. I also sent many pairs of shorts that are a32 waiste, which is just not me any more. Also, many t-shirts made it in, sicne I have alot from camps, etc, but most of those were for free. I could not let go of dallas valley shirts (I love that camp) and former mexico team shirts (is that bad)

That is what made it in there, but interesting to note what did not make it in. A montreal canadien's jersey that no longer fits. I was going to put that in, but Amanda , a toronto fan who hates montreal, encouraged me to keep it,, like an heil-loom. I was surprised, but I kept it.

Regardless of my decisions or reflections upon them, the bags are gone now, and I can give more next time, but I can't get back what I gave.

What type of stuff do you need to purge? What is the one thing you ahve that could or should go, but will never?

2007-04-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

I am rejoicing today.

Around boxing day, I purchased for better than half price, a 'massage mat' from Dr. Sholls, with 10 motors in it and heat. I thought I lent it out, and could not track it down, but yesterday, while looking for somehting else, i found it! I am so excited, my back has hurt so much, and it is not the perfect machine, nor a therapist, but helps alot.

I also am able to lend this out to friend who's back is hurting.

Anyways, may not seem like a big deal, but I am very excited, cause when you hurt all the time, it gets hard to focus, and those moments of relief mean so much. ( I sound old, but I am sure my pregnant readers understand too, lol)

Mike

2007-04-04T14:57:00.000-07:00

Very excited for Easter.

Not for the typical reasons, maybe, or religious, though it is precious to me in that way too. I am excited cause I am taking a week of holidays, takimg my family to Calgary, taking my son to Butterfield Acres for a good ol' fashion egg hunt. Taking my time the follwoing week to work on my class from BBC, taking Jake to the cabin on the Thursday if it warms up. I am tired, and though i feel myself becoming more effective in some ways as a leader, I am still tired. It is time, so Happy Easter.

2007-03-06T18:50:00.000-08:00

The final word on 'outa shape' post which garnered lots of comments. I probably will only make brief mention of the physical realities that we will face down there, and how I ahve reflected on my own preparedness for that. Other than that, it is probably well meaning but insensative to say anything more.

As for comments, thanks. I appreciate thoughts on this kind of stuff. In fact it is more like what I would want to see in my blog. Hope you are alright with the issues brought forth, cause it will likely happen again, otherwise I would not bother having a blog.

I leave you with a quote from an e-mail I just recieved literally hours ago from Saddle Back Church, which can probalby get even more comments or thoughts...

Dear Saddleback Family;

GET IN SHAPE PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY AT THE SAME TIME: "WALK & WORSHIP!"

Mondays - Wednesdays - Fridays at 6 p.m.

Meet at the Worship Center patio, Saddleback Church

Tuesdays - Thursdays - Saturdays at 6 a.m.

Meet at Rancho Santa Margarita Lake Amphitheater

As a result of the weekend services, thousands of people committed to taking a first step toward improving their physical and spiritual health in 2007. We are still processing the cards, but Saddleback is on its way to becoming the healthiest church in America!

Join us because we're better together! Above are 6 opportunities each week for you to fellowship, increase your energy, and strengthen your health at the same time. Bring an unchurched friend with you! What a great opportunity!

We'll have walking routines for all levels (easy, medium, and advanced) and we'll end with music and a prayer. DO SOMETHING GOOD FOR YOUR HEART! JOIN US FOR "WALK AND WORSHIP!" TONIGHT!

Pastor Rick

2007-03-02T08:22:00.000-08:00

Outa Shape....

Yesterday I helped some friends in painting their new place, and by the end of the day, I was very tired and sore. I am not writing to complain,b ecause I enjoyed helping, but to bring up a thought.

When I went right from painting to a Mexico training meeting, I thought to myself, down there we will b edoing many kinds of work, including physical labour to help out. Should I teach, based ont eh painting lesson I learned, that there is a component of service and our worship through service that may apply to our worhsip through service that may mean we do a little to be mroe in shape, ready for the trip? It is probably a non issue for most of the team, who ar eyounger than me or don't ahve a desk job, so i am not sure if I should bring it up or just adjust my own life accordingly and be quiet.

I just thought to myself, in my current state, sinc esurgery (no longer a valid excuse) I will nto be able to go as hard out there as I did 2 years ago. Is it a part of my prep and worship through service to be physically ready to serve more out there? Should I alos teach a bit on this, and how?

Would love your thoughts.

Mike

2007-02-28T06:57:00.000-08:00

More musical bliss this past weekend. One of my top 2 Saxaphone players in the world, Candy Dulfer, was live in concert on 'Cool TV'. A channel that we get on a promo with Max, but will not keep, and I havebeen taping many of my favourite artists on there when I can.

She is a great musician, and I know I will never see her live, since she rarely plays outside of Europe. If you are looking for (not likely) a great sounding jazz sax witha dance beat behind her, check her out.

Mike

2007-02-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

For those who may not see the significance of me and the guy standing next to me, here is a visual help.

Have a nice day...see post below if you don't know why this is up.

2007-02-23T07:05:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a day.

I will blog about some other important parts of the day, but will start with this end of it...

I went to Long and Mcquade music to buy a pick guard for Colin to sign later that night, and they gave me a used one for free, the colour I wanted and just enough wear to make it look cool. (I was frustrated when they did not have the colour I needed (white) for $60 new, but then the repair guy gave me one for free.

The concert was amazing, he was so good live. the crowd sucked, they did not sing along when he encouraged, and they could have got more songs outa him but stood up and left after first encore (normal for concerts, but I have seen him do 3 encore sets if the crowd is into it.) His horn section, and especially Steve Hillman on sax was amazing.

After the show came the push for a photo and signature. I went to the stage where they made it clear (the stage hands) that he would not be coming out, and they didn't like me either, lol. They gave me a couple picks, cool. Went back out with my firends and then Steve Hillman came out. He was really friendly, signed a poster for me, got a photo, talked for a bit. Steve said Colin would not be coming out cause they had to be in Calgary by morning. I gave up, and was alright with that.

Then, a friend, whom I asked just recently to come to concert, encouraged me to go out back by the bus, and wait, if it was worth it to me. I had never even thought of the stalker strategy, but it worked, after waiting an hour with 2 other guys whom I would not normally wait with in dark places behind buildings, Colin came out, sign my pick guard, got a photo, shook my hand, and he was off. Thanks Lyn for the encouragement/idea. The photo looks great, and I am happy. I have tried to get a photo with him since 1998, so this is a big deal, and now it will be printed and hung in my guitar room.

He did one song that I was hoping he would not, cause of the words, but he did. The song is great musically, and really catchy, but I wish he had not wrote it. I dunno.

I heard the openning act was amazing, I had to miss it for priorities (Missions) but fromt eh reviews from friends, I missed a great part of the evening. It was really fun to be there with friends and especially with Amanda to be with me for the first time at his show. (she looked great in new shirt). this is getting long, but I wanted to share the photo..

Have a nice day.

Mike