It was a simple challenge. One that should easily be successful. One hundred words a day. I type a hundred words in some of the e-mails i send everyday. School essay questions are harder, and longer! 
And yet... have i been successful in even one day of this challenge?!? Nope! So far, this has been 57 words! Can a hobby really be called a hobby when one does not spend anytime pursuing it? Then again, time is a precious commodity around the samurai's Minka. 
All three of the children are active in a variety of activities and we do our best to encourage them in such, but at the same time when the schedule gets tight my beloved and i often basically disappoint someone. There are, and have to be, limits. It's just not possible to be everywhere and to do everything.
And yet... have i been successful in even one day of this challenge?!? Nope! So far, this has been 57 words! Can a hobby really be called a hobby when one does not spend anytime pursuing it? Then again, time is a precious commodity around the samurai's Minka. All three of the children are active in a variety of activities and we do our best to encourage them in such, but at the same time when the schedule gets tight my beloved and i often basically disappoint someone. There are, and have to be, limits. It's just not possible to be everywhere and to do everything.Yesterday i saw a quick clip of a comedian coming to town. As a part of his gig he plays the guitar. I am a sucker for pretty much any musical instrument when it is played by a master, and this guys was really good. Well, at least in my opinion. The guy is Mike Rayburn. For as long as i can remember i have been captivated my music. Not just any kind of music though. 
I do not captivate myself when i try and play notes on a flute or keyboard - because i am just not even an OK musician. But the likes of Phil Keaggy (guitarist), Ian Anderson (flutist), Rex Lewis (Piano), whoever - have been able to rivet me to my seat. I do not profess to be some kind of music expert, i cannot tell you if so-and-so's technique is flawless or their execution is sublime, but i do know that when the instrument is wielded well and i can get lost in the moment. I prefer instrumental pieces, be it the harpsichord, violin, piano or guitar, but vocal pieces like the Opera piece (i know it from 'The Fifth Element") also mesmerize me. I cannot explain it, but the verse from Philippians 4:8 comes to mind, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." 
This verse comes in the context of meditating on the things of God ("...guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - previous verse, and "What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things..." the next verse. ALWAYS read scripture references within the surrounding context.), but i truly believe music is one of the most amazing gifts from God. It gives to expression to wordless parts of our souls. If God has given you a talent within the "arts", be it music or paint or words, i wholeheartedly encourage you to pursue it to the glory of God.
I do not captivate myself when i try and play notes on a flute or keyboard - because i am just not even an OK musician. But the likes of Phil Keaggy (guitarist), Ian Anderson (flutist), Rex Lewis (Piano), whoever - have been able to rivet me to my seat. I do not profess to be some kind of music expert, i cannot tell you if so-and-so's technique is flawless or their execution is sublime, but i do know that when the instrument is wielded well and i can get lost in the moment. I prefer instrumental pieces, be it the harpsichord, violin, piano or guitar, but vocal pieces like the Opera piece (i know it from 'The Fifth Element") also mesmerize me. I cannot explain it, but the verse from Philippians 4:8 comes to mind, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." This verse comes in the context of meditating on the things of God ("...guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - previous verse, and "What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things..." the next verse. ALWAYS read scripture references within the surrounding context.), but i truly believe music is one of the most amazing gifts from God. It gives to expression to wordless parts of our souls. If God has given you a talent within the "arts", be it music or paint or words, i wholeheartedly encourage you to pursue it to the glory of God.November is often a time when a lot of my friends post things they are thankful each day. I often fail to post something everyday... and i am a little concerned that others may think that i am not grateful... but the truth is that i am often giving thanks to God throughout the day and i think... that in my mind, i say... i've already done that. 
However... that does not mean we can't put something out there to share with others things we are thankful for either. 
I'd like to think that i do not care what other people think of me... but the truth is i often care way too much. I love to pray... and i have been told that i am quite "good at it", but then... all i could do was question... am i truly praying for the person... or am i praying for some kind of personal recognition. The end result... is that i do not pray all that often in public... not unless i can somehow screen my real name/identity. I am not sure if that is God glorifying or not... 8(
However... that does not mean we can't put something out there to share with others things we are thankful for either. I'd like to think that i do not care what other people think of me... but the truth is i often care way too much. I love to pray... and i have been told that i am quite "good at it", but then... all i could do was question... am i truly praying for the person... or am i praying for some kind of personal recognition. The end result... is that i do not pray all that often in public... not unless i can somehow screen my real name/identity. I am not sure if that is God glorifying or not... 8(Well, this post has taken way too long to get rounded out... so... i am going to post it now... and start beginning the next one in bullet form.
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