Tis the season to be exahusted! LOL As a working musician Christmas can be quite a bit overwhelming. I've been so busy doing gigs, preparing music, setting up for rehearsals so much that I don't have time to sleep much less blog.
Anyway, I wish eveyone a blessed and happy Christmas! May the joy of the Christ child be always in your heart. I'll check back in after the New Year.
George & Guitar
I live to play!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Why Fred Thompson Rocks!
I don't know if I want to turn my blog into a political commentary site. Nevertheless, I'm having a hard time deciding which presidential candidate I should support. Unfortunately, Jesus isn't running for office this term so I have to settle for someone who is less than perfect. I think this clip sums up why I'm giving Fred Thompson a real hard look.
Which Superhero Are You
This is too totally wierd for me. When I was around 11 or 12 I had a Green Lantern action figure. I used to play with the Green Lantern all the time. He was my favorite superhero. I guess some of it rubbed off because when I took the superhero personality test....behold the results:
Your results:
You are Green Lantern
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz
Your results:
You are Green Lantern
| Hot-headed. You have strong will power and a good imagination.  |
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz
Friday, December 7, 2007
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
A blessed feast day to all!
Today we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Of all the dogmas posited by the church this one is probably the most misunderstood. The church teaches that God the Father protected Mary from original sin from the moment of her conception. That is Mary was born without the stain of the orginal sin of Adam and Eve.
Of course many people question the validity of this teaching. Jesus, by living a perfect life, dying, and rising from the dead opened the path to salvation for all human kind. How could Mary who was obviously concieved before these events took place in history be protected from orginal sin prior to Jesus' saving work on earth? Part of the answer lies in understanding that God lives outside of time and linear progressions. Even Jesus says in the Gospels, "To God, all are alive." (my paraphrase) God can look at the entire expanse of human history from beginning to end in a single moment. He is not limited by the physical laws of the universe in his extensions of grace and mercy. That is why the church also teaches that Jesus' saving work though taking place at a specific time in history extends both forward and backward to offer salvation to all who will choose to receive it. That is to say, the Risen Christ has transcended time. We celebrate with Mary who was chosen to fulfill a special role in the saving work of Christ that we can all be cleansed of original sin and someday transcend time with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ joining Him in the eternal heavenly banquet.
And you probably thought it was some sci-fi writer who invented the time travel paradox....Know you know better. :-)
Today we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Of all the dogmas posited by the church this one is probably the most misunderstood. The church teaches that God the Father protected Mary from original sin from the moment of her conception. That is Mary was born without the stain of the orginal sin of Adam and Eve.
Of course many people question the validity of this teaching. Jesus, by living a perfect life, dying, and rising from the dead opened the path to salvation for all human kind. How could Mary who was obviously concieved before these events took place in history be protected from orginal sin prior to Jesus' saving work on earth? Part of the answer lies in understanding that God lives outside of time and linear progressions. Even Jesus says in the Gospels, "To God, all are alive." (my paraphrase) God can look at the entire expanse of human history from beginning to end in a single moment. He is not limited by the physical laws of the universe in his extensions of grace and mercy. That is why the church also teaches that Jesus' saving work though taking place at a specific time in history extends both forward and backward to offer salvation to all who will choose to receive it. That is to say, the Risen Christ has transcended time. We celebrate with Mary who was chosen to fulfill a special role in the saving work of Christ that we can all be cleansed of original sin and someday transcend time with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ joining Him in the eternal heavenly banquet.
And you probably thought it was some sci-fi writer who invented the time travel paradox....Know you know better. :-)
Check this out ya'll!
Hey my brother just posted this clip on his myspace page. I had to rip it off and use it. This is a really cool song especially for anybody who has lived in a dorm.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Congratulations Mom!
My mother will be retiring at the end of this month. She has worked for the Alachua County School Board since 1980. According to my calculations that means she has worked in the same place for 27 years. During all this time she has still managed to be a great mother and grandmother. Now that she will have more time to spoil her grandchildren I don't know what I'm going to do. LOL.
Congratulations Mom on a job well done. May God continue to bless you as you take on this new phase of your life. I suspect you will be busier than you ever imagined!
Congratulations Mom on a job well done. May God continue to bless you as you take on this new phase of your life. I suspect you will be busier than you ever imagined!
Today is My Anniversary!
Today I celebrate 18 years of marriage to a wonderful lady who will probably be canonized upon her death. How am I so sure? Well, in spite of all her humaness, she puts up with me on a regular basis. I think that should be cause enough for automatic inclusion in the canon of saints.
In all seriousness, I can hardly believe that I have been married to my wife longer than I lived at home with my parents. It certainly doesn't feel like it has been a long time. I guess that is the grace of the Sacrament because in spite of the many difficulties we have had over the years I have a hard time recalling those low moments. When I reflect on our time toghether I can only remember the happy times and the joyous occasions (like the births of our children). We really have been very blessed.
Happy anniversary sweetheart. I love you with all my heart!
In all seriousness, I can hardly believe that I have been married to my wife longer than I lived at home with my parents. It certainly doesn't feel like it has been a long time. I guess that is the grace of the Sacrament because in spite of the many difficulties we have had over the years I have a hard time recalling those low moments. When I reflect on our time toghether I can only remember the happy times and the joyous occasions (like the births of our children). We really have been very blessed.
Happy anniversary sweetheart. I love you with all my heart!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Top Catholic Songs Media Release
Here is a media release from my good friends at topcatholicsongs.com. If you really want to find high quality Catholic music that will help you in your walk check out this site. There are many undiscovered Catholic artists that are making some incredible music.
Contemporary Artist Gretchen Harris Tops List of Top Ten Advent Songs
12/4/07
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY
Milford, CT - Top Catholic Songs formally announced today the Top Ten
Advent Songs from Catholic Artists, with contemporary artist Gretchen
Harris earning top honors with her original song, "Promised Messiah".
Kitty Cleveland's medley on "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" was voted #2,
and in 3rd was Maureen and Bill Hayes' traditional rendering
of "Comfort, Comfort". Lynn Geyer secured both the number 4 and 5
places, followed by up and coming new artist Joel Stein at #6, then
Nancy Krebs. Trish Foti Genco also landed two spots and the list is
rounded out by Deacon Chuck Stevens.
The Top Ten Advent Songs list is designed to "promote Advent songs,
especially in light of the rampant commercialization of Christmas and
the non-stop airplay of secular Christmas music on the radio, and the
near disregard with anything in the Advent season..." stated Nick
Alexander, Top Catholic Songs founding member and spokesperson.
According to a poll of the Top Catholic Songs online community, these
10 songs represent the best recorded songs by Catholic musicians
fitting for the theme of Advent:
1. Promised Messiah / Gretchen Harris / Christmas Joy
2. O Come O Come Emmanuel / Kitty Cleveland / O Holy Night
3. Comfort, Comfort / Maureen and Bill Hayes / Comfort and Joy
4. Holy Is His Name / Lynn Geyer / Music of the Light
5. A Child Shall Lead / Lynn Geyer / Christmas All Year Through
6. Something's Gonna Come / Joel Stein / Always Forward
7. Waiting for the Christ Child / Nancy Krebs / Come to the Stable
8. Magnificat / Trish Foti Genco / After the Rain
9. In the Stillness / Trish Foti Genco / In the Stillness
10. Day of the Lord / Chuck Stevens / Bethlehem Morn
To hear and download the Top Ten Advent Songs by Catholic Artists,
and other Top Ten lists , go to
http://www.TopCatholicSongs.com.
Contemporary Artist Gretchen Harris Tops List of Top Ten Advent Songs
12/4/07
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY
Milford, CT - Top Catholic Songs formally announced today the Top Ten
Advent Songs from Catholic Artists, with contemporary artist Gretchen
Harris earning top honors with her original song, "Promised Messiah".
Kitty Cleveland's medley on "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" was voted #2,
and in 3rd was Maureen and Bill Hayes' traditional rendering
of "Comfort, Comfort". Lynn Geyer secured both the number 4 and 5
places, followed by up and coming new artist Joel Stein at #6, then
Nancy Krebs. Trish Foti Genco also landed two spots and the list is
rounded out by Deacon Chuck Stevens.
The Top Ten Advent Songs list is designed to "promote Advent songs,
especially in light of the rampant commercialization of Christmas and
the non-stop airplay of secular Christmas music on the radio, and the
near disregard with anything in the Advent season..." stated Nick
Alexander, Top Catholic Songs founding member and spokesperson.
According to a poll of the Top Catholic Songs online community, these
10 songs represent the best recorded songs by Catholic musicians
fitting for the theme of Advent:
1. Promised Messiah / Gretchen Harris / Christmas Joy
2. O Come O Come Emmanuel / Kitty Cleveland / O Holy Night
3. Comfort, Comfort / Maureen and Bill Hayes / Comfort and Joy
4. Holy Is His Name / Lynn Geyer / Music of the Light
5. A Child Shall Lead / Lynn Geyer / Christmas All Year Through
6. Something's Gonna Come / Joel Stein / Always Forward
7. Waiting for the Christ Child / Nancy Krebs / Come to the Stable
8. Magnificat / Trish Foti Genco / After the Rain
9. In the Stillness / Trish Foti Genco / In the Stillness
10. Day of the Lord / Chuck Stevens / Bethlehem Morn
To hear and download the Top Ten Advent Songs by Catholic Artists,
and other Top Ten lists , go to
http://www.TopCatholicSongs.com.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Shoutlife Rocks!
I just got an email from a friend today that reminded me to do something that I have been meaning to do for awhile now. So, I went and finally set up my Shoutlife account.
It has been an amazing experience. So far I have gotten numerous friend requests and guestbook comments. It is a bit overwhelming at first. However, the people seem genuine and not the least bit crazy (no offense to myspace). Sorry, about the paranthetical comment but my married friend gets hit on all the time at myspace, even though his profile clearly states that he is happily married. I'm actually kind of jealous because no one ever hits on me. I guess it is the five kids thing. I really don't have the time or the inclination for that kind of nonsense. Anyway, I digress.
If you want to make contacts in a friendly and wholesome atmosphere consider going over to Shoutlife.com and check em out. I'll even provide a handy dandy link on my links page. Have fun and enjoy!
It has been an amazing experience. So far I have gotten numerous friend requests and guestbook comments. It is a bit overwhelming at first. However, the people seem genuine and not the least bit crazy (no offense to myspace). Sorry, about the paranthetical comment but my married friend gets hit on all the time at myspace, even though his profile clearly states that he is happily married. I'm actually kind of jealous because no one ever hits on me. I guess it is the five kids thing. I really don't have the time or the inclination for that kind of nonsense. Anyway, I digress.
If you want to make contacts in a friendly and wholesome atmosphere consider going over to Shoutlife.com and check em out. I'll even provide a handy dandy link on my links page. Have fun and enjoy!
Chant Group Update
Our new Gregorian Chant group will be rehearsing on Sunday evenings at Holy Name of Jesus Church. If you are interested in joining an acapella chant/polyphony group consider joining us.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Parson Brown Singers at the Ann Norton Gardens
Here are the Parson Brown Singers at the Ann Norton Gardens in West Palm Beach. We had alot of fun doing this gig. The people were wonderful! Merry Christmas to one and all.
Happy Advent
Advent is a time of quiet preparation and waiting. Waiting for what? For Christians (particularly those of the Catholic variety) we are preparing to celebrate both the advent of Christ into the world at Christmas and the hope of Christ's return at the end of the world. While some Christians tend to emphasize dramatic end of the world scenarios (ala the Left Behind series), the Catholic perspective is one of hopeful expectation. Rather than looking for signs and prophecy Catholics believe that Jesus can come at any time and without warning. This belief is firmly rooted in the Gospel of St. Matthew (ch. 24) from this past Sunday: "Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come."
May the peace of Christ which passes all understanding be with you and your family during this Advent Season
May the peace of Christ which passes all understanding be with you and your family during this Advent Season
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