Do yourself a favor and click this Link. Now play the first track and read on.
Canadian Pacific is the newest, best, and most promising record released by Kyle Swartzwelder. I say this as a friend, musician, and a lover of great songwriters, and Kyle is one of them. His record is being released on this very day, October 6th, 2012, and marks a milestone for Kyle as a man and musician. It was quite some time ago that he began dreaming up this record and it has not come about without an immense amount of passion, hard work, tons of time, fatigue, and possibly frustration at times. But I'm here to tell you it was worth it, every ounce of effort that went into this thing can be recognized in the first 30 seconds of the album.
Now, Kyle had a dream to make this record, and some of the means. He is a very talented sound engineer with a professional recording studio in his home in Wilmington. He also host's an open mic at Burlap and Bean where he will be releasing his record TONIGHT. In addition to that he runs the sound marvelously for the venue on the weekends when performers from all over grace the stage and share the stories of their soul. I know all this as I am one of them, and Kyle is THE MAN when it comes to being a performer at Burlap and Bean. He effortlessly makes anyone on that stage sound the best they possibly can in that room. However, none has graced that stage more passionate, sincere, talented, or meaningful than Kyle.
That is why Burlap and Bean is the place tonight. And leading up this release Kyle has already experienced a ton of love and support. See, as I previously mentioned Kyle had the talent and some of the means to make this record work, but not all of it. And in his humility (those who know this man understand how he embodies this word incredibly) he knew he'd need some help. So Kyle made a Kickstarter campaign. This is a fundraising tool that depends on promotion of the campaign and willing people who will give financially to the cause at hand. Kyle's cause was this record that he'd been dreaming of releasing for 4 years. The Kickstarter would provide the last bit of financial means in order to make this dream a reality for Kyle and the rest of the music world who will surely benefit. Now there's a catch with Kickstarter, you have to set a financial goal and match it in order to receive the generous gifts of your supporters. Well, as we knew he would Kyle set the goal ($3,500) and it was matched ($4,515) and then some! And thus we have today a thousand copies of Canadian Pacific printed and ready to change music as we know it.
I have had the pleasure of owning this record for a few weeks now. And the pleasure of being a fellow musician, co-worker, and friend of Kyle's. So I've strategically placed myself alongside this project as often as I could. Whether it was donating to the Kickstarter, checking in with Kyle on how the record was coming during recording, how he felt about it, etc. I feel very attached to this project because I appreciate Kyle, and his music is intensely inspiring to me. He's a bit of a mentor for me when it comes to the music business, as well as the man who produced my very own EP. So please trust me when I say... YOU NEED TO OWN CANADIAN PACIFIC.
This record is ripe with old school country and folk stylings. From the beautiful fan favorite story song of "Our Home in Yonder Field" to the waltz-like tune "Around the Wheel." Kyle Keeps true to the music he loves, while bridging gaps of genre, age, and style. And we mustn't forget as well to take note of the wonderful band Kyle has surrounded himself with. Canadian Pacific features the tasteful and skillful talent of Nate Gonzales on Piano, Organ, and Accordian, John Farrel on Pedal Steel, Ryan Snyder on Upright and Electric Bass, Tommy Geddes on Drums, as well as some featured performers like Erik Sayles on Electric Guitar, and Carolyn Tapper, Nancy Micciulla, and Laura Shay on backing vocals. Each these individuals fill their role perfectly and help push this record further and further into a deep, warm, wonderful country sound! This record jumps right in, takes you on a ride, through stories, scenes, emotions, and fades it's way out leaving you wanting another ride around the wheel. I encourage you get this record, take that ride, and take it again because it changes each time and only gets better!
Now, the CD release show is sold out, and I know first hand that on stage at a sold out show at Burlap and Bean is a peak that you never want to come down from. Especially if the show is all about your most recent musical accomplishment. Now, I mentioned before that Kyle has experienced some love and support via the Kickstarter, but tonight that will be manifested with the physical presence of so many people who love Kyle for so many reasons, and tonight's about his music. I wish that there was room for every person in the world to be in the room tonight and feel this magic, but it's sold out and the few that will be there shall experience something very special. For those who are unable to be there in person, THERE IS HOPE! The show will be streaming live online tonight at 8pm and this is as close as you can get to this show if you're not on the list. I encourage you to tune in and see what all this fuss is about!!
Thanks,
-EP
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Sometimes, my heart and soul ache.
If you don't mind, follow this link, click play, then read. Thanks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dCjt-FqQYo
Now, I begin writing this with that beautiful ambient sound in my ears, the soft delayed guitar notes make their way in and I'm on the "shore" of Lake Owen in Cable Wisconsin. It's bitter cold, the minor bits of skin that are left unprotected begin to feel as if they are aflame. These things do not matter, because the lake is a white sheet of ice and snow, the stars are more visible here than in any other place I've ever been on this planet. I'm more than content, sure I'm happy, but even these words don't explain it. you have to be there, feel the cold, hear nothing but this song in your ears, stand by the lake that (as mush as any inanimate object can be) is a very dear friend, and know, for sure, for the first time, and the millionth time, that you're part of something bigger than yourself. You have to have felt this to be able to begin to describe it in words, and here, having felt this, I still can't describe it. However, I have to mention it, because sometimes my heart and soul ache. They ache to stand by that lake, to feel that thin bittersweet air, and listen to this song in the context in which it has been most powerful. Many songs take me to this place, I travel back in time, just over 1,200 miles, different songs remind of different seasons I spent there, different things I was dealing with, and different experiences with the natural world, with friends, and with God. It just so happens that in an attempt to drift to sleep in the best way I know how, listening to this band that so changed the way i felt and looked at things throughout my time in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, on this occasion, the song didn't help me sleep. It caused pain. Not the sort of pain that is physical, nor the type that might make you cry, rather this pain is more of the longing type. The feeling that I'm detached from something that I certainly wish I was not detached from. So I'm here in my bed talking about this pain, the ache and longing to be where I was many times before, to feel that feeling that I can't describe, in that place I love so much. And, I suppose the reason I'm telling you this is to just get it off my chest, to make it hurt a little less, because right now I want Wisconsin, in the truest form that I know it in. But, I can't have that so I think the least I can do is vent a little, and share a little. I hope you don't mind, and I hope that you really took my advice and played the song, and I hope that you felt even a small fraction of what I was trying to explain. Most of all I hope that this doesn't seem like me whining, or just trying in some clever way to make you listen to one of my favorite bands ever that I don't think I will ever stop listening to. To be honest I just needed to do this, so the best way to try and be back in Wisconsin, by Lake Owen, is to share them with you, and hope that you feel something. I feel as though I could begin an in depth back story about Wisconsin, because there is so much to say. But for now I will not, maybe in the future so that this rant might make more sense. But for now I should attempt sleeping again, for my sake, and the sake of my 7am co-workers. Thank you for reading and listening.
Spread the Love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dCjt-FqQYo
Now, I begin writing this with that beautiful ambient sound in my ears, the soft delayed guitar notes make their way in and I'm on the "shore" of Lake Owen in Cable Wisconsin. It's bitter cold, the minor bits of skin that are left unprotected begin to feel as if they are aflame. These things do not matter, because the lake is a white sheet of ice and snow, the stars are more visible here than in any other place I've ever been on this planet. I'm more than content, sure I'm happy, but even these words don't explain it. you have to be there, feel the cold, hear nothing but this song in your ears, stand by the lake that (as mush as any inanimate object can be) is a very dear friend, and know, for sure, for the first time, and the millionth time, that you're part of something bigger than yourself. You have to have felt this to be able to begin to describe it in words, and here, having felt this, I still can't describe it. However, I have to mention it, because sometimes my heart and soul ache. They ache to stand by that lake, to feel that thin bittersweet air, and listen to this song in the context in which it has been most powerful. Many songs take me to this place, I travel back in time, just over 1,200 miles, different songs remind of different seasons I spent there, different things I was dealing with, and different experiences with the natural world, with friends, and with God. It just so happens that in an attempt to drift to sleep in the best way I know how, listening to this band that so changed the way i felt and looked at things throughout my time in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, on this occasion, the song didn't help me sleep. It caused pain. Not the sort of pain that is physical, nor the type that might make you cry, rather this pain is more of the longing type. The feeling that I'm detached from something that I certainly wish I was not detached from. So I'm here in my bed talking about this pain, the ache and longing to be where I was many times before, to feel that feeling that I can't describe, in that place I love so much. And, I suppose the reason I'm telling you this is to just get it off my chest, to make it hurt a little less, because right now I want Wisconsin, in the truest form that I know it in. But, I can't have that so I think the least I can do is vent a little, and share a little. I hope you don't mind, and I hope that you really took my advice and played the song, and I hope that you felt even a small fraction of what I was trying to explain. Most of all I hope that this doesn't seem like me whining, or just trying in some clever way to make you listen to one of my favorite bands ever that I don't think I will ever stop listening to. To be honest I just needed to do this, so the best way to try and be back in Wisconsin, by Lake Owen, is to share them with you, and hope that you feel something. I feel as though I could begin an in depth back story about Wisconsin, because there is so much to say. But for now I will not, maybe in the future so that this rant might make more sense. But for now I should attempt sleeping again, for my sake, and the sake of my 7am co-workers. Thank you for reading and listening.
Spread the Love
Saturday, May 21, 2011
It's Not Over
Yea so part of me can't help but chime in on the controversy of the day, that is... the end of the world. Yet this is not what caused me to begin this post. A very dear friend of mine Andrew Ellquist is headed home to beautiful Colorado tomorrow and his return is questionable. This didn't really sink in right away but after it really hit me I was little bummed to say the least. But upon his departure from a great night we had, we left off with the words "It's Not Over." How comforting a thought it was, that no distance or amount of time can end our friendship and even further, that the bond we have in our savior gives us the confidence to say that no catastrophe or rapture can end it either. This I believe made us both feel a tad bit better about the unknown amount of time we'll have between us until we meet again.
And this brings me to the fact that it is May, 21, 2011, the day Harold Camping claims is the beginning of the end. I clearly believe differently, otherwise I would not be spending my time writing to internet readers who may not be around much longer. That being said I stand firm and grateful in the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 24 which say that no man, angel, or even Christ Himself know the time when the earth will pass away. It's important to think this way, because if we knew the end than we would plan for it and well, to be completely honest plans made by humans don't really line up well with God's plan most of the time.
But the whole idea of the world ending is an interesting one, one that harps on the chord which all people seem to be afraid of and that chord is death, or uncertainty, or non-existance. Whichever way you put it, nobody wants there to be an end, especially not one we don't choose. But as for me I return to the contentment that we don't know when things will end, and if God's plan for the end is true, then it's no end at all.Because I know a God who desire's redemption and He will end things justly, and in His time.
But as for now I think it's important to care about, pray for, and love those who believe Camping's end days predictions (Including Camping). Especially because today, in this moment, many are being let down by this prediction and it may have some serious side effects. So as with every day I think we should live, laugh, and love as if it is the end. But most importantly we should seek to create openings for the Kingdom of God to move freely in our midst so that when the end does come we are closer, as opposed to further from the redemption that God desire's for all people.
So let us enjoy this beautiful day and as always,
spread the love,
-Ethan
And this brings me to the fact that it is May, 21, 2011, the day Harold Camping claims is the beginning of the end. I clearly believe differently, otherwise I would not be spending my time writing to internet readers who may not be around much longer. That being said I stand firm and grateful in the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 24 which say that no man, angel, or even Christ Himself know the time when the earth will pass away. It's important to think this way, because if we knew the end than we would plan for it and well, to be completely honest plans made by humans don't really line up well with God's plan most of the time.
But the whole idea of the world ending is an interesting one, one that harps on the chord which all people seem to be afraid of and that chord is death, or uncertainty, or non-existance. Whichever way you put it, nobody wants there to be an end, especially not one we don't choose. But as for me I return to the contentment that we don't know when things will end, and if God's plan for the end is true, then it's no end at all.Because I know a God who desire's redemption and He will end things justly, and in His time.
But as for now I think it's important to care about, pray for, and love those who believe Camping's end days predictions (Including Camping). Especially because today, in this moment, many are being let down by this prediction and it may have some serious side effects. So as with every day I think we should live, laugh, and love as if it is the end. But most importantly we should seek to create openings for the Kingdom of God to move freely in our midst so that when the end does come we are closer, as opposed to further from the redemption that God desire's for all people.
So let us enjoy this beautiful day and as always,
spread the love,
-Ethan
Monday, May 2, 2011
Let justice roll on like a river.
Call me un-american if you'd like, say that I speak evil. But, I will stand firm in the fact that no murder should ever be glorified or celebrated. We hated when people in the middle east celebrated the events of 9/11 and given that fact, I hate America's response to Bin Laden's murder. I've spent an afternoon reasoning this point with a pastor and Church body. I will not push my point in my own words any longer. Rather give all the evidence and opinions that i have collected this day to you my friends to decide for yourself whom you will serve in this matter. God, or country.
Part of me thinks that Pamela from Huffington Post read my opinions on facebook while she was writing this article. I've yet to read anything all day that mirror's my thought's so precisely. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pamela-gerloff/the-psychology-of-revenge_b_856184.html?ref=fb&src=sp
The official statement of the Vatican- "Osama bin Laden, as we all know, bore the most serious responsibility for spreading divisions and hatred among populations, causing the deaths of innumerable people, and manipulating religions for this purpose.
In the face of a man’s death, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on the serious responsibilities of each person before God and before men, and hopes and works so that every event may be the occasion for the further growth of peace and not of hatred."
My good friend and worship mentor Tim Kaiser's most recent blog post, http://www.timothykaiser.blogspot.com/
Yet another great insight-http://www.facebook.com/notes/jimmy-spencer-jr/whose-death-does-god-cheer/10150183264977528
At the end of this day, searching my heart, the scriptures, and the opinions of my brothers and sisters in Christ, and in humanity I have my stance. I serve a Kingdom and it's King that is far greater than any nation. I will not oppress my soul with self satisfying celebration, at the expense of another human beings life, no matter how evil. I am thankful that some though not all people, understand that peace is a possibility in this situation. And, not only a possibility but the right way.
Proverbs 24:17-18 "Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him."
Do with all of this as you please.
Dear friends I pray that we all continue to seek wisdom and truth in this matter, bringing glory to the LORD as this is our purpose in life.
Hallelujah what a savior that loves and leads in a way the promotes peace and wisdom.
Spread the love,
Ethan Pierce.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
I stand in AWE.
This is a big one... I'm struggling to even begin. This past Friday night (May 25th) I had the privilege of acting as "Worship Leader" for an event at BRV called FREE.IN.DEED. Over the past few weeks the youth of BRV have been busy being educated and becoming aware of the reality of modern day slavery particularly in the area of child sex trafficking. I got witness firsthand the reaction these kids had to this tragedy. It was a reaction which was clearly driven by love, compassion, a fire in the souls of the youth that burned with a hope of freedom! These kids have been on fire ever since they learned about the reality of slavery. There has been fundraiser's, pie sales, pie's to faces of youth leaders and pastors and all in the name of freedom. The Lock-in event was designed around many things. First was prayer, from West Virginia to Maine youth groups were getting together to cry out to The Lord from 9:30, also meeting with friends and with The Holy Spirit was high on the agenda, and freedom from anything that the youth were struggling with was something on the hearts of the leaders. Last, the kids all got up in the morning to go into Media and silently protest human trafficking, they made their passion and presence felt in the town.
Now, i guess that's some background but what i really want to say is this. Friday night was the most sincere, Spirit led, Spirit filled, worship experience that i've ever been a part of. This is not to discredit God's presence in any other moments but there was something so powerful about this night. I had a great team of people to play music with and was certainly blessed by their talents. So, a little breakdown of the night. Kid's got there and everything was crazy, the rules were explained and a speaker from LOVE146 was present to further educate the youth on sex slavery and what the organization was doing about it and what they could do about it. Let me just say... this is an issue i am very passionate about. The seed was planted when my WWC class skied in honor of Katie Nolan and raised support to end human trafficking. That seed has grown to be something much bigger in me. But, it is such a hard thing to deal with. No mount of positivity, hope, or anything will get me past how much it hurts every time the topic comes up. It is so dark and draining. That being said after the representative from LOVE146 was finished we were short on time so we had to move two songs from the opening worship set to the second set (lemme tell ya God had a plan for that one!) so we played three songs. Finishing with How He Loves by John Mark Mcmillan. WOW these kids really appreciate the love of their God! So i was full, I was ready, I could have sung the praises of My Savior for 3 more hours. But, we had to stop for the scheduled time of prayer which was equally as powerful but much much darker and heavier. The reality of the darkness we were praying against was very evident. So I was worried how was the Spirit going to show up after that feeling? But I was also excited because I didn't know what God was going to do but I did know He'd be there.
OH HOW HE LOVES. That's all i gotta say. We got back on stage and Angela said "ok lets do what we did before... again!" I was all in for that. So we did our best and oh goodness did God bless it. The Spirit led every word, not, and voice that filled that room and channeled it into one voice, one loud, loud voice, one cry for freedom and praise and glory to our LORD. I can't really explain in words how different this worship experience was in comparison to others. But, i can say that when the room was filled with the rising cry that went from "Glory Glory send your Glory" into a literal shout, scream, cry, or whatever else you wanna call it that was singing "SET THE CAPTIVES FREE." God was so evident, every heart, every voice, every body was in complete and total surrender to God. I nearly lost my voice on that one. We cut out all the music and so loudly continued crying out "SET THE CAPTIVES FREE!" Now, we'll never know for sure what that cry did but we do have the promise that if we ask in the name of Jesus Christ that our requests will be granted. I can't say i know this, but i have faith that chains broke at the sound and sincerity of this worship. Doors were opened and hearts were turned to the LORD in the darkest of places. I don't know for sure but I feel so strongly that it's true.
I apologize for the length but i'm probably not even halfway through. I must also admit that this is as much for my own good as for my loyal readers. I've been so full of this experience ever since and it MUST BE SHARED. so yea...
Now for the thing that has affected me the most. Being USED!!! somehow i "led" 70 kids and my Brother's and Sister in Christ in the worship team to a level of worship that i've never experienced. Now, clearly it was not my "leading" that had any profound affect but CHRIST IN ME?! as if I deserve that? and what's even crazier is that it felt like the most natural and right thing i could ever do. In every moment of worship I was solely focused on the words, the people, the presence of the Spirit. Nothing else mattered and I was so content in that. It was truly a high.
C.S. Lewis said in Mere Christianity- "The point is, God wants you to know Him: wants to give you Himself.And He and you are two things of such a kind that if you really get into any kind of touch with Him you will, in fact, be humble-- Delightedly humble, feeling the infinite relief of having for once got rid of all the silly nonsense about your own dignity which has made you restless and unhappy all your life." Couldn't have said it any better Clive! and then he finishes this bit with one last beautiful piece of imagery. "To get even near this, even for a moment, is like a drink of cold water to a man in a desert." YES YES YES! I literally struggled to put what it was like into words until i found the words of C.S. Lewis and adopted them ;)
Well goodness gracious where do I go from here? well, many thanks to all who I have led in any sort of worship. You've all helped me in realizing what it means to be a leader in that context. I have literally been able to "Forget the channel, seeing only HIM." even though I've been the channel?! That's something I've learned only by the grace of God through the community of His people. So thank you dearest friends!
I'm so excited about the youth in this Church, the Faith of the upcoming generation, I'm so excited for them, I've seen their faith and strength! So, let's get behind our younger brother's and sister's in Christ!
Ok, thanks for reading if you actually finished... you're wonderful.
Spread the Love,
-Ethan Pierce
Now, i guess that's some background but what i really want to say is this. Friday night was the most sincere, Spirit led, Spirit filled, worship experience that i've ever been a part of. This is not to discredit God's presence in any other moments but there was something so powerful about this night. I had a great team of people to play music with and was certainly blessed by their talents. So, a little breakdown of the night. Kid's got there and everything was crazy, the rules were explained and a speaker from LOVE146 was present to further educate the youth on sex slavery and what the organization was doing about it and what they could do about it. Let me just say... this is an issue i am very passionate about. The seed was planted when my WWC class skied in honor of Katie Nolan and raised support to end human trafficking. That seed has grown to be something much bigger in me. But, it is such a hard thing to deal with. No mount of positivity, hope, or anything will get me past how much it hurts every time the topic comes up. It is so dark and draining. That being said after the representative from LOVE146 was finished we were short on time so we had to move two songs from the opening worship set to the second set (lemme tell ya God had a plan for that one!) so we played three songs. Finishing with How He Loves by John Mark Mcmillan. WOW these kids really appreciate the love of their God! So i was full, I was ready, I could have sung the praises of My Savior for 3 more hours. But, we had to stop for the scheduled time of prayer which was equally as powerful but much much darker and heavier. The reality of the darkness we were praying against was very evident. So I was worried how was the Spirit going to show up after that feeling? But I was also excited because I didn't know what God was going to do but I did know He'd be there.
OH HOW HE LOVES. That's all i gotta say. We got back on stage and Angela said "ok lets do what we did before... again!" I was all in for that. So we did our best and oh goodness did God bless it. The Spirit led every word, not, and voice that filled that room and channeled it into one voice, one loud, loud voice, one cry for freedom and praise and glory to our LORD. I can't really explain in words how different this worship experience was in comparison to others. But, i can say that when the room was filled with the rising cry that went from "Glory Glory send your Glory" into a literal shout, scream, cry, or whatever else you wanna call it that was singing "SET THE CAPTIVES FREE." God was so evident, every heart, every voice, every body was in complete and total surrender to God. I nearly lost my voice on that one. We cut out all the music and so loudly continued crying out "SET THE CAPTIVES FREE!" Now, we'll never know for sure what that cry did but we do have the promise that if we ask in the name of Jesus Christ that our requests will be granted. I can't say i know this, but i have faith that chains broke at the sound and sincerity of this worship. Doors were opened and hearts were turned to the LORD in the darkest of places. I don't know for sure but I feel so strongly that it's true.
I apologize for the length but i'm probably not even halfway through. I must also admit that this is as much for my own good as for my loyal readers. I've been so full of this experience ever since and it MUST BE SHARED. so yea...
Now for the thing that has affected me the most. Being USED!!! somehow i "led" 70 kids and my Brother's and Sister in Christ in the worship team to a level of worship that i've never experienced. Now, clearly it was not my "leading" that had any profound affect but CHRIST IN ME?! as if I deserve that? and what's even crazier is that it felt like the most natural and right thing i could ever do. In every moment of worship I was solely focused on the words, the people, the presence of the Spirit. Nothing else mattered and I was so content in that. It was truly a high.
C.S. Lewis said in Mere Christianity- "The point is, God wants you to know Him: wants to give you Himself.And He and you are two things of such a kind that if you really get into any kind of touch with Him you will, in fact, be humble-- Delightedly humble, feeling the infinite relief of having for once got rid of all the silly nonsense about your own dignity which has made you restless and unhappy all your life." Couldn't have said it any better Clive! and then he finishes this bit with one last beautiful piece of imagery. "To get even near this, even for a moment, is like a drink of cold water to a man in a desert." YES YES YES! I literally struggled to put what it was like into words until i found the words of C.S. Lewis and adopted them ;)
Well goodness gracious where do I go from here? well, many thanks to all who I have led in any sort of worship. You've all helped me in realizing what it means to be a leader in that context. I have literally been able to "Forget the channel, seeing only HIM." even though I've been the channel?! That's something I've learned only by the grace of God through the community of His people. So thank you dearest friends!
I'm so excited about the youth in this Church, the Faith of the upcoming generation, I'm so excited for them, I've seen their faith and strength! So, let's get behind our younger brother's and sister's in Christ!
Ok, thanks for reading if you actually finished... you're wonderful.
Spread the Love,
-Ethan Pierce
Friday, March 11, 2011
A lesson from Albus Dumbledore.
By all means call me a geek but I'm attempting to "Lighten" the mood. Albus Dumbledore has a magnificent quote that has stuck with me from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Albus says "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."
Now, there is no denying we have dealt and are dealing with a dark time. For many it began with the morning news regarding the earthquakes and tsunami's that ripped at the homes, cars, and emotions of our brothers and sisters in Japan. This news only became more upsetting when we found out that the effects were not over and that they'd be making there way to Hawaii, California, and Oregon. There's no real telling why God allows such devastation to occur on this beautiful planet He created. But i do know this, that it is not too dark a time to turn on the light. The switch can be as simple as a small and sincere prayer, a properly placed donation, or the comforting of a friend who has been shaken by this or any other unfortunate event. Dumbledore is on to something with his quote and I pray we don't forget. God has blessed us with a light and doing good in the name of His son is precisely how we turn this light on.
So shall we pray for Japan and the other areas affected by this event?
Shall we pray for the community surrounding where I live after three people were hit by a car in which the driver sped away?
Shall we pray that the turning on of "Light" will become a contagious action?
I say yes and ask all my dear friends, brothers, and sisters to join me in the simple and intentional act of turning on the light.
Spread the Love,
-Ethan
Now, there is no denying we have dealt and are dealing with a dark time. For many it began with the morning news regarding the earthquakes and tsunami's that ripped at the homes, cars, and emotions of our brothers and sisters in Japan. This news only became more upsetting when we found out that the effects were not over and that they'd be making there way to Hawaii, California, and Oregon. There's no real telling why God allows such devastation to occur on this beautiful planet He created. But i do know this, that it is not too dark a time to turn on the light. The switch can be as simple as a small and sincere prayer, a properly placed donation, or the comforting of a friend who has been shaken by this or any other unfortunate event. Dumbledore is on to something with his quote and I pray we don't forget. God has blessed us with a light and doing good in the name of His son is precisely how we turn this light on.
So shall we pray for Japan and the other areas affected by this event?
Shall we pray for the community surrounding where I live after three people were hit by a car in which the driver sped away?
Shall we pray that the turning on of "Light" will become a contagious action?
I say yes and ask all my dear friends, brothers, and sisters to join me in the simple and intentional act of turning on the light.
Spread the Love,
-Ethan
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Quick note!!!
I do hope that people are reading this blog and that in some fashion it is a positive experience for you :)
if this is the case i would REALLY appreciate comments. I don't want to aimlessly (to my knowledge) write to a non-existant audience. I want conversations and so if you'd be so kind leave me a comment/ suggestion about whatever you'd like. Thanks friends :)
Spread the Love,
Ethan
if this is the case i would REALLY appreciate comments. I don't want to aimlessly (to my knowledge) write to a non-existant audience. I want conversations and so if you'd be so kind leave me a comment/ suggestion about whatever you'd like. Thanks friends :)
Spread the Love,
Ethan
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