U2 360 Tour Highlights

Last week on this day, I was walking Michigan Ave. in Chicago with my wife, Kelly, sister, Marcie, and sis-in-law, Toni getting psyched up for the concert that was going to take place in a few hours: U2. I got this great idea while waiting in line for concert t-shirts: why don't I video 30 secondish clips of each song that U2 plays!

Well, it was a great idea until I realized about half way through the show that I didn't have enough memory! AAAHHH. So I had to do some editing/deleting on the fly. And so what I was left with was some of my favorite snippets of the best concert I have ever seen live.

I'll be posting one clip a day until I have no more clips left to post. They are any where between 15-60 seconds long. It'll give you a glimps into my experience, the show, and where we sat in relation to the stage (the video makes it seem like we were further away than we really were. We had great seats!).

To start if off, I'll post three of the shorter clips from concert day/night:

Opening Act on Michigan Ave



Opening act was really Snow Patrol. Didn't see much of them, but they sound good.

Amazing Grace



Irish Boy

Prayer for the Weak

Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Musical Mecca

This weekend is big deal for me. It's a long time coming.

U2.

Since I started listening to them in elementary school on mix tape made for me by my brother, Blane, with War and U2 Live Under a Blood Red Sky, I've always wanted to see these guys live. Had a chance in Denver, but had no money due to being a poor seminary student. Then I had a chance to see them in Pittsburgh, but the asinine powers-that-be at the church I pastored at wouldn't let me have the time/evening off.

But through it all I kept telling we are going to see them if it's the last thing we do, before they become a crap band (at which time I know U2 will pull their own musical plug). And so, long story short: We are going to see U2 this weekend in Chicago on their opening nights of the USA leg of the 360 Tour. Kelly, sister, sis-in-law are going, too.

I am stoked beyond belief. It will be a Beautiful Day!

I just saw this on a buddies blog...here are my top eleven favorite U2 songs:

1. Bad - The Unforgettable Fire
2. New Years Day - War
3. Running to Stand Still - The Joshua Tree
4. 40 - War
5. All Because of You - How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
6. I Will Follow - Boy
7. Elevation - All That You Can't Leave Behind
8. Walk On - All That You Can't Leave Behind
9. One - Achtung Baby
10. Pride (In The Name of Love) - The Unforgettable Fire
11. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - Joshua Tree

11b-z: Gloria, I Fall Down, October, Vertigo, Out of Control, Sweetest Thing, Grace, Mysterious Ways, Trying to Throw Your Arms Around The World, Vertigo, Where the Streets Have No Name, I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight, Hawkmoon 269, When Love Comes To Town, Surrender, Desire, Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own...

How about you? Got 1 or 10 favorite U2 songs or albums?

Michael Jackson Remix

This is a pretty cool remix/video edit of a one man acapella vocal band performing some Jacko stuff.

Michael Jackson remix @ Yahoo! Video

Long Time No Post

Wow! It has been a long time between posts. New job, another part-time job, and two hour commute puts on a damper on some things I really enjoy...blogging being one of them. With that being said I've had to put some things on the back burner and Held Up High falls into that list.

So here we go with some quick hits about stuff I'm doing and enjoying. I'll post some picks later this week or next of my growing family, thoughts on my trip to California, and reflections on my new job as a school counselor.

Grace and peace to you and yours!

Prayer of the Weak

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

I'd Rather Have Jesus

I'm going to admit something here that I have never shared with anyone else other than my wife. Ready? Here it is:

I'm a closet Gaither music fan.

There I said it. It's out there. If it's on PBS, TBS, Mtv, VH1 or wherever, I'm usually watching it or flipping back to it if I'm also watching something else. Whew...I feel so much better now! Can we can move on.

So tonight I am relaxin' on the couch when I flip by this Gaither promo advertising one of their dvd/cd collections when the song "I'd Rather Have Jesus" is being highlighted by the vocals of the Crabb Family singers. You can click here on the link to see the performance.

Well, I was completely surprised by the Holy Spirit in this moment to the point of tears. These lyrics by Rhea F. Miller and music by George Beverly Shea overwhelmed me and resounded in my soul. Here are the words:

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain,
Or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name

He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead

I so want these lyrics to be true of my living, breathing, and loving. I want my bank account to reflect these heart cries and realities. I want those around me - near and far from Jesus - to see these words in me. I want my values and behaviors to find soil in truths like this.

So for the next few days or so, this poem/song is going to be the springboard for prayer in the mornings as I drive to work. From there, may my life and, if necessary, words invite others to move deeper with Jesus and/or wonder what it means to "rather have my Jesus" than anything.

Youth MiniSTARS Music Video

All I can say is awesome! Kanye (kinda, but not really) meets youth pastor in this parody music video. When I watched this video for the first time, I'm 99.9% postive that whoever filmed this lives in, around, or in close proximity to West Chester, OH. Why do I know this? Because they filmed a scene from the video at The Cone (love that place!) which is right by where my sis, bro-in-law, and nephews live.

I see that Student Life produced the video. Any of my Cincy area peeps recognize any of the playaz in da vid?

Anywho...enjoy!



(bu to Tim)

Prayer of the Weak

Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sign of the Apocalypse

Potbellies unite! Just when I started losing mine, the "beer gut" became hip. I was ahead of my time and didn't even know it. This clearly is a sign of Jesus coming back or at the minimum, Jenny Craig.

Here's a taste (pun intended) of the NY Times article:

“I sort of think the six-pack abs obsession got so prissy it stopped being masculine,” is how Aaron Hicklin, the editor of Out, explains the emergence of the Ralph Kramden. What once seemed young and hot, for gay and straight men alike, now seems passé. Like manscaping, spray-on tans and other metrosexual affectations, having a belly one can bounce quarters off suggests that you may have too much time on your hands.

“It’s not cool to be seen spending so much time fussing around about your body,” Mr. Hicklin said.

And so guys can happily and guiltlessly go to seed.

And here is a reaction from a woman's website:

If the New York Times says “it’s hip to be round,” it must be true. According to the paper of record, it is officially cool for dudes to “rock a potbelly.” I’ve always been a secret fan of a well-rounded pot, and I’ve seen several of these burgeoning guts this summer with my own eyes, jiggling in all of their glory around the hip streets of Brooklyn, New York. I mean, who am I to judge? I’m rocking my own little “hot pot.” The day potbellies become trendy for the ladies is the day that pigs fly. But, seriously, why are our dudes getting porky? The hilarious theories after the jump.

• Shirts are cut too small. Good point, but we know you’re buying a medium instead of a large to show off that pot!
• Men need to have that extra layer to metaphorically “protect” themselves from all the women in the work place. Not buying this one.
• In ironic opposition to the hotness of Obama. It’s true. It’s hard to live up to his superhero status. So, if McCain were elected, would our dudes be slimming down?
• The recession. Stress increases stomach fat. Comfort foods. All very possible.
• It’s too “metro” to be in shape. Kind of agree. I’m not really looking for a guy who spends more time at the gym than me.

How are you doing at rocking that apocalyptic potbelly?

Sadly True Sometimes

Sometimes this is uncomfortably true.

Prayer of the Weak

Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Kings of Leon

Seems like I am always looking for new music, artists, and bands to keep me music library somewhat fresh and up to date given the fact that I am 37 years old. That's much easier said than done. But while I was in San Diego last week (more to come in another post), I finally heard someone talking about this band, Kings of Leon. I'd seen they were pretty popular on the music charts these days, but just hadn't talk with anyone listening to them.

I bit the bullet and downloaded the album, Only by the Night. Wow! Great album. Now I'll be the first to admit that I haven't disected all the lyrics, but music and vocals are right on. Just about every song on the album is outstanding. I've probably listened to it 3x a day, everyday since I've returned home from the west coast.

If you are in the hunt for some new tunes and dig an rock/alternative sound, check these guys out. If you are looking for the re-incarnation of Russ Taff (even though he's not dead) in a cool, hip new band (actually have about 4 albums), then Kings of Leon and it's lead singer are for you.

Prayer of the Weak

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Blogging at 30,000ft

I'm taking a new step in my internets journey and blogging experience. I'm writing this post at 30,000ft above the face of the earth. I know! Crazy!. Airtran was handing out free trail passes to experience gogo inflight internet. And I've got to say it's pretty cool.

Now what makes it so cool is it's free, but normally it's between $9.95 - $12.95. They have all sorts of expensive price plans ranging from one flight access, 24 hr access, and 30 day access. All of it is too right for my bank account. I wonder how long it will be before it's free (why do I think everything on the internet should be free?).

So there you have it. I can officially cross this off my bucket list.

Prayer of the Weak

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Wedding Entrance of a Lifetime!

I love traditional wedding entrances. Kelly and the wedding party came down to Pacbell's Canon in D. Beautiful, elegant, and amazing. I cried like a baby.

But I have to tell you, I love this wedding entrance. Love. It. In fact there is a part of me that is way jealous we didn't do something like this. This is full of love, celebration, exuberance, joy, and community as this man and this women and their friends and family join together to express in dance what is going on in their hearts!

I watched this video with a huge smile in my face and tears in my eyes at the joy expressed and the beauty danced. Simply awesome!

100 Things Our Kids May Never Know About

Saw this great list over on Wired. Nothing sad about it...just a riot to think of some of high tech gadgetry/technology that I have lived through in my short lifetime. Crazy.

Here are a few of my favorites:

1. High-speed dubbing.
2. 8-track cartridges.
3. Vinyl records. Even today’s DJs are going laptop or CD.
4. Betamax tapes.
5. Laserdisc: the LP of DVD.
6. Scanning the radio dial and hearing static between stations. (Digital tuners + HD radio bork this concept.)
7. Blowing the dust out of a NES cartridge in the hopes that it’ll load this time.
8. Turning a PlayStation on its end to try and get a game to load.
9. Joysticks.
10. Booting your computer off of a floppy disk.
11. Recording a song in a studio.
12. Finding out information from an encyclopedia.
13. Using a road atlas to get from A to B.
14. Doing bank business only when the bank is open.
15. Shopping only during the day, Monday to Saturday.
16. Phone books and Yellow Pages.
17. “Obi-Wan never told you what happened to your father.” But they’ve already seen episode III, so it’s no big surprise.
18. Having to manually unlock a car door.
19. Spending your entire allowance at the arcade in the mall.
20. Relying on the 5-minute sport segment on the nightly news for baseball highlights.

This is just the tip of the iceberg as to how much parenting, youth ministry, education, and our kids have changed over the years. We wonder how we are going to keep up with the changes. How will I keep up with the times? What will the world like in the next 2-3 years (not 10-15 like we used to say)?

But at the heart of even this funny/techy look at how the world of our kids is changing, one fact will always remain the same: they long to be known and loved by real life people (parents, family, friends, and healthy, caring adults in their lives). And you know what? We can do that.

Marriage...Eventually

Very interesting findings on Millennial's take on the institution of marriage over on Ypulse. I don't necessarily hear this stuff a lot, but it's definitely the vibe I get from late teens and twentysomethings most of the time.

Here's a teaser:

- Among the unmarried young adults, despite all their romantic relationships, most say they aren't in a hurry to wed. Fifty-seven percent say they don't want to be married "now" and 17 percent are "neutral" on the subject. Only 26 percent say they are ready to take the leap.

- Almost everyone plans on getting married. Only 5 percent of unmarried young adults say it's "unimportant" to marry someday, while 50 percent say it's "very important." About 70 percent say they expect to marry by their early 30s.

- Cohabiting with a romantic partner, however, is a distinct possibility. When asked whether they agree with the statement, "It is all right for an unmarried couple to live together even if they are not interested in considering marriage," 57 percent of young adults say yes. Nineteen percent are neutral; 24 percent say no.

Prayer of the Weak

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our necessities before we ask and our ignorance in asking: Have compassion on our weakness, and mercifully give us those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask; through the worthiness of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.