Two Years (and Change) June 25, 2009
Posted by Steve "Oz" in Parenthood, Personal.add a comment
To The Boy:
As I laid next to you this morning sort of propped up on my elbow as you slept in the crook of my arm, I imagined our Father cradling us both in His. As I looked down on you with doting eyes, I’m sure that God looks on us the same way. So, I get just a taste of the way that God loves me (and you). I think it may be something beyond the words of a man, so I won’t try. I only hope that you feel it when we snuggle, when we wrestle, when we chase each other, and when I hug you for longer than you wish I would. Some day, I hope to give you more of the words that you’ll need to hear from me aside from the “I love you”s with which I shower you.
You’ve been home for two years (and some change). I think I’ve gotten to know you pretty well even though we probably don’t “talk” to each other as much as we “should.” I’m probably more content with your points and grunts than Mommy is, but I know it won’t serve you well in this world, so I correct you. So, you’re growing up fast as you listen to us and learn about love and respect, patience and virtues. I’m certain you’re destined to be a better man I.
So, while I can, I’ll try my best to teach you what I know without passing on my inadequacies. I’m trusting God to help do that better than I could ever do it myself. For today, I just want you to know that I will never leave you… I’ll always be ready to hold you in my arms when you need it… and snuggle, wrestle, chase and hug… and shower you with the knowledge that “I love you.”
Exactly April 11, 2009
Posted by Steve "Oz" in Church.add a comment
Visit The Porch to know what I’m talking about:
http://visittheporch.blogspot.com/2009/04/good-friday.html
The gig April 2, 2009
Posted by Steve "Oz" in Personal.1 comment so far
So, on Tuesday night, we had our first gig. It was an open mic. We sang two songs and then went up for an encore. The first song went pretty well. The second, our strongest piece, actually, didn’t. We had some trouble hearing each other which, I think, was the major contributing factor. We actually practiced a bit out in the hallway which had some pretty good acoustics. We were singing quietly and sounded pretty good. It definitely helped with the confidence.
So, we were about the middle of the pack in the order of things. We enjoyed this. It gave us a chance to relax and watch a bit which helped with nerves. The setup was two mics, neither very good quality and both with their gain/volume set too low and no EQ. We tried to utilize them, but ultimately, I don’t think they helped at all unless one of us was singing directly into it.
In the end, it was a good experience. We got to test ourselves. It was a sort of payoff for all the practicing we’ve done up until now. Though, I don’t think we’ll be signing up for any other performances any time soon.
One down… March 15, 2009
Posted by Steve "Oz" in Church, Personal, Tech.1 comment so far
Well, I count this morning as a win for God. newhope Church was overflowing at it’s new location. It was, from my point of view, the fruition of much labor of love.
The lights “went off” with only a couple of user errors. My cues (the programming) ran flawlessly though. Had I not ran the wrong thing at the wrong time or missed some timing, it would have been a perfect show. The video was gorgeous! I hope everyone out there realizes that IMAG is not an ego trip. It’s to help maintain the small building feel… it’s the only way the people in the back still get to see the passion in Benji’s eye and the fervor of his face. Meanwhile, it also can be just a part of worship… simply making something for the glory of God. I wish I could comment on the sound, but the tech suite really hinders my ability to do so. What I do know is that rehearsals sounded amazing, so I’m sure this morning was no different.
All in all, I’m feeling a general happiness from this morning and probably a great deal of relief. We’ve definitely raised our personal bar at newhope and I hope we keep pushing it higher to better this world through changing hearts and inspiring people to be the kinds of disciples I think God calls us to be.
PS- The picture is actually from newhope’s stage/lighting.
Been a long time March 9, 2009
Posted by Steve "Oz" in Personal, Video Games, Work.add a comment
So, it’s my birth month and in a few days, it’ll be my birthday. It’s funny how it doesn’t seem like as big of a deal anymore. But, I have been thinking about things I’d like to have, but just can’t afford right now… mainly because I don’t have a job. These aren’t present ideas (though, I suppose, they could be) because I know most of my friends are as broke as me and they shouldn’t spend their money on me. But , with the birthday coming and people asking me what I want, well, it makes me ask myself, “What do I want?” So, I thought I should write some of it down, lest I forget when I do get a job and the budget allows for some play room.
I “recently” lost my Leatherman Supertool. I have no idea where it’s gone. I suspect it’s somewhere in the house, but it’s been months and I haven’t stumbled across it. It was getting close to needing to be replaced anyway. I bought it in 1997, so it served it’s time well and was a great investment. It looks like they don’t make the Supertool anymore. I have no idea which tool would be best for my typical needs. I love the needle nose pliers, that’s for sure. I defnitely use it more for electrical type work than anything else. I haven’t had time to peruse their new warez and figure out what the best too is for me.
I hit the max level in EQ2, so I’ve been ready for the expansion for months now. It’s called The Shadow Odyssey and it was $40 when it came out. It dropped $10 and is now slightly more reasonable. Until I get TSO, I can work on alternate characters (instead of my main character). And, that’s what I’ve been doing. Except, lately, I’ve been jobless and busy, so I’ve tried to not spend any time “wasted” on EQ.
I wouldn’t mind a piece of welder’s glass… yep, the glass from a welder’s helmet. It’s VERY dark and makes looking at stage lights much easier, particularly when you’re aiming them. I have no idea how to get a piece, but a piece with tape on the sharp edges would be nice for all the aiming I seem to be doing and will likely continue to do in the future. I don’t think I know any welders.
I’m out of car care products… specifically, Z2 and ZFX Additive. And if you still haven’t discovered Zaino Bros. car care products… you’re missing out. It’s really great stuff.
Again, I don’t tell you about this stuff for you to buy it for me. It’s just nice to make a list. At some point, some of this stuff is bound to approach the feeling of need over want, particularly the Leatherman. I’ve basically spent 10 years with a Supertool on my waist. It’s pretty annoying when you need it and don’t have it anymore. Anyway, when it hits a breaking point, assuming it’s financially responsible, I’ll buy it for myself then.
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