Tilly, you will not be forgotten...

On Saturday morning, I was priviledged to offer my talents at a memorial service for an amazing woman, Matilda Howell. Tilly as she was known to us, was a phenominal example of what modern worship should be. At 91 she led the way in experiencing God and worship in new ways every day. She communicated God's desire for those around her through phone calls and check ins. She exemplified intimacy in corporate worship. She was nothing short of amazing. So for those of you who never knew her, you missed one of the true originals. For those of you who did know her, may you never forget her example. For Tilly, thank you. You will never be forgotten.

We're a long way from 1989...

Smile
Originally uploaded by theloudmonkey.

Wow. I had no idea how much fun that last photo was going to generate! in fairness, I thought I should post a newer photo of myself. This one was taken at a worship event in November. You will agree, 17 years has been good to me, though. I still got it!

You gotta love 1989!

Hurricane
Originally uploaded by theloudmonkey.

I was going through some old photos and look what I stumbled across! This is My Senior photo from West Linn High School, Graduating class of 1989. Now for those of you who are about to declare, "Dear God! Check out that mullett!" Let me remind you. The year was 1989, this was a Bi-Level Cut, not a Mullett.
Just in case you are wondering, yes, I am wearing Levi's and Chuck Taylors with the shirt, coat and tie. As much as I should hide this photo, it is really just too good not to share with you all.

I love this tech stuff...

I get really enamored at all of the geeky stuff you can do if you are not a geek, (i.e. MySpace). I have had a space for a while and although I am a pretty conservative user, I still have a lot of fun. I have been trying to get my wife to get a space for a while and tonight for whatever reason was the night, so we have been hanging out getting her set up with her own MySpace account. Now, she is searching for friends and seeing all of the beauty that MySpace has to offer. She is so cute.

We made it!

Yup, it's true. Today is January 1st, 2006. As I have read through several blogs today I have realized that it is a commonly held practice to make some sort of "Best of" list. In my usual style of quiet rebellion, I will not be entertaining you with a best of list here today. I will however list out a few of the things that I wish to accomplish in the coming year. Keep in mind, these are not resolutions. I do not belive in nor do I make resolutions. These are goals. Tangible, measurable and managable. So here is my list of goals for 2006. Let the accountability begin...

Weigh less than I do know.
-I currently weigh in at 288.8 lbs. No. I am not kidding. I may be beautiful and fun, but I am fat. This needs to change.

Challenge myself professionally.
- I currently have a good job, but I need one that is challenging. I have an offer on the table, so we will see what next week brings. I have an idea.

Pay more attention at home.
-I am a good husband and a good father, but I could be great. I was once told that you could be great at work or you could be great at home. I choose home.

Grow as a musician.
-You know the greatest thing about being a musician? There is always somebody who plays what you play who you admire. There is always the opportunity to learn and to become more than you are right now. I want to play my instrument for the creator of that instrument. I should play at a level that alows me to do so with excellence.

Balance my life.
-This is what I believe is the greatest challenge of the universe. I want to do all of the things already listed, plus a bunch more and I would like to not go insane while doing them. I desire balance. I will pursue balance. I will achieve balance.

Happy New Year.