The Rockalot Blog

Don't Eat the Mustard.....

Sorry this is a day late but it has been busy and very fun being here.  Last night's concert was incredible.  It was jam packed and they came ready to sing and worship.  God really showed up in a fresh new way for all of us.  They gave me an hour for the concert and it went an hour and a half.  I guess it wasn't a problem because nobody has said anything to me.........yet.  ~:)>

Today was all about teaching classes.  Everybody in the band taught at least 2 seminars today.  Pete taught a drum workshop, Jason taught a guitar workshop, Tom taught on making over your worship band, Loisa taught a vocal workshop, Sherri taught a programming workshop, Steve taught a sound workshop, and I taught on worship leading and transitioning your church,  They all went better than expected and were well attended.  After that we all did a Q and A together and then went out with a bang with some closing music.  It was a HUGE success and we all loved being here.

After the conference was over we all went out to Baltimore Harbor to eat and hang.  It was SO MUCH fun.  Here are some pics......

                                                 

Then we all ate crab.........Maryland style.  That is steamed WHOLE crabs.  You eat them by tearing their legs off, splitting them open with your hands (I used a hammer) and then ripping their lungs, intestines and..........uh well,,,,,,,,,,,,let's just call it "mustard."  To the native Maryland person that means "Crab Poo!"  So don't eat the "mustard" if you have crab in Maryland.  I couldn't bring myself to gut my crab so I had Loisa do it for me.  She was a trooper and only threw up twice.  ~:)>    Sherri didn't even bother to take hers apart she just dove right in.  ~:)>                              

                                                                                                                                                    And finally to cap off our night on the town I got a tattoo.  Don't freak out.......it's just a henna airbrush tattoo.  It is 2 Chinese symbols that say "Father God."  And here it is.........                                        We play in 2 of the 3 services at Bryan's church in the morning and then we are whisked away on a plane back to the OC.  We miss everybody at home and can't wait to see you.  Love you! 

Metro on the Metro

Well.....we arrived safey in Baltimore yesterday after waking up at 4am, taking two, 2 1/2 hour flights with a stop in Houston.  Everything and everyone arrived safely but Sherri's luggage.  For some reason it didn't arrive but it finally made it to the hotel last night.

After we got here we headed to the church where the conference is being held to drop off our gear and then headed to the hotel to check in and grab some grub at Outback Steakhouse.

After dinner a few of us decided to go check out downtown DC on our own.  You know me.......I've gotta take advantage of such a great opportunity to experience the culture first hand.  It was FUN!   We first took a taxi from the hotel to the metro.
Then we took the metro to the Adam's Mogan district where there is a WHOLE lot to see and experience.

We ended up at a place with a great band playing Reggae music.  It was loud and proud!  And I'm not just talking about the music.  Steve mentioned it was probably around 103-105 decibels.  Regardless, we had a great time hanging out, listening to great LIVE music, getting to know each other, and PEOPLE WATCHING! (my personal favorite)

It ended with an hour taxi ride back to the hotel which should have take only 25-30 minutes.  But our driver got lost, yes lost, and Steve had to end up calling the hotel to get directions or we may still be driving around the DC area!  Thanks for bailing us out of that one Steve.

The conference kicks off tonight with our worship concert at 6:30p.  I really feel like God is going to do something amazing while we are here.  Both in us, and in those who will be attending.  More to come tomorrow. 

Loveyameanit  ---J

DC or Bust!

I'm leaving first thing tomorrow morning for DC for the East Coast Worship Expo.  I leave from Santa Anna airport at 6:45am and won't arrive until 5:30pm that evening!!  OUCH!!   That includes a 6 hour flight and a 3 hour time change. That is gonna hurt.......bad!  I will be there through Sunday evening leading worship and teaching 3 seminars, "Transitioning Your Worship", "The 10 Do's and Don'ts of Worship Leading", and "What on Earth Are They Listening To?"  It should be a great time.  Please pray that God will move in a fresh new way.  I will update you with stories and pics when we get there.  DC, here I come!

You Can Take the Boy out of Oklahoma...

..........but you can't take the Oklahoma out of the boy.  That's what they say in OK.  I was born and raised there and felt like a fish out of water all my life.  I NEVER wore cowboy boots, I NEVER wore cowboy hats, or those big hideous leather belts with your name carved in them with belt buckles the size of car bumpers.  I also didn't listen to country music, UNTIL I got married.  My wife likes quite a bit of country so I got used to putting up with it on occasion.  But I must say that I do have a favorite country group now.  Don't panic........I said I only have ONE!  I like Rascal Flats.  They are really amazing musicians and writers.  Their newest album "Me and My Gang" is great.   Even if you don't like country music I'm pretty sure you will like this  or any of the past albums they have done.  Ok.........there.......I said it........I like SOME country music.

Never Say Never

Today's blog entry is in response to something my pastor (and very close friend) Ken said the other day.  He commented on how I would never wear a suit.  Although he is mostly right, I assured him that I do, on rare occasion, wear a suit and tie.  Pretty much only to funerals and weddings but those count just like anything else.  So I would like to submit into evidence Exhibit A and Exhibit B:

Yes, I do own a suit and I know how to tie a tie.  So let it be written that I don't mind "dressing up" for a few choice special occasions.  But my jeans are to me like a blanket is to Linus.  Funerals and weddings..........at least I have my priorities.  ~:)>

By the way, since I have been on staff at Coast Hills Ken has started wearing jeans on Sunday mornings.  Keep it up brutha........YOU LOOK MARVELOUS!

A Word About Character...

"In attempts to improve your character, know what is within your power and what is beyond it."

--Francis Thompson
 

She Still.......

Runs to me when I get home......
Thinks I am her hero......
Writes me notes and tells me how cool I am.........
Wants to snuggle with me everyday........
Tells me she likes what I'm wearing.........
Reminds me when we are due for "Daddy Time".........
And asks me if she can live with me forever.

I love you baby. 

Blog Fog

I was too busy (and tired) to get anything out today.  Sorry.  I still love you.  ~:)>

Somethin's Wrong In The Hood

Once you've had Mac............you never go back.

I Can't Believe I Live Here

On my way home, everyday I marvel  at the view before I turn into my housing addition.  Today I just couldn't stand it anymore.  I had to take some pictures at just how magnificent it is.  I get to see this everyday and it never gets old.  It only gets more beautiful.  Thanks Lord, for allowing me to enjoy your creation by giving me something that is so special to me.