Why Greatness?

Why do I want to be great in some way? Is it a God given desire or a self-centered one? I think contentment is the core issue.

I am not content with who I am. I would like to be better at a lot of things, but especially great at one thing. In studying Paul Gilbert’s guitar techniques or reading about Steve Jobs marketing prowess that unlike them, I have come to realize I’ve accomplished nothing great, at least what I would consider great.

I suppose everyone can’t be great. But I still desire to be the best in something. Is it because I thought I was never good enough as a child? I am still trying to figure this out.

I need to find a biblical answer to this.

Time Brings Perspective

I began this week lamenting my failures. I have to confess. I am not a realist. I am a pessimist as my wife insists. I see my failings easy, but it occurred to me my standard is unreachable. In all things relational my standard is Jesus. I choose to follow Him. I could never be the Father He would be to my kids, but I certainly try by His grace to grow in His characteristics and priorities.

In my last blog, there a small bit of hope at the end, not unlike some of David’s psalms. Today I have more. Here’s the perspective time brings: in the same way I don’t moan about my job because I am thankful to have one, I give thanks to God for the gifts He has given, not moan about the perceived lack of magnitude in them. Who am I to question the giver of every good and perfect gift? No one.

Writing it Down Helps

I am struggling with a few things lately. I am not the musician I want to be. I am not the dad I should be. I feel like half my life has gone by and my personal desires for me are unfulfilled. I’m not where I thought I’d be job wise, but then again, I could never answer that “where do you see yourself in 5 years” question. Maybe that is telling. I actually have had no plan so I moved to where the opportunities are. So I haven’t done my part, but God by His grace has still ordered my steps.

I have always wanted a wife and children. I am married with four kids, but like I mentioned earlier, it’s another frontier to be demonstrate my mediocrity.

In the end, I have this silly desire to be great at something and I am not. It’s frustrating to want things I can’t achieve.

I need to find contentment apart from myself. I know it should be in God. You’d think I’d be happy the creator of the universe knows me and loves me. I’m actually frustrated to be made the way I am. But the dissatisfaction serves to drive me to him, as I should not be content with me.

Good Car Advice

Read here

Who needs pitch correction?

Well, most “artists” do these days.  It’s actually part of the signature vocal sound for young pop and rock acts.  Before you think I am being like Dr. Righteous from Mr. Roboto, I’ll be the first to admit any vocal tracks I record need them.  🙂

Why bring it up?  I was sharing my love for well crafted songs sung by tenors with Mr. Boghos via email youtube links today and I ended up here:  10CC’s The Things We Do for Love.  Pitch correction did not exist in 1977 but listening to all these parts, you’d think it did.  The vocals are spot on and a joy to listen to.  I hope you like it as much as I do.  Unfortunately, I can’t embed it due to copyright concerns.

Click here

The Ringing Bell Explained

Derek Webb has done it again.  He is giving away his last album “The Ringing Bell”.  I have been listening to it and enjoying the Beatles/Traveling Wilbury’s feel of it.  On his “official” fan site, there is an interview with Derek about the record, which is nice because it provides context to the songs.

If you don’t have the “new” album, I recommend it.  If you have 30 minutes to listen to the interview while you work, do so, as I think you will enjoy the record even more.

Solo Flight – Last Day

I was sick yesterday and didn’t do much, including post.  Highlights of yesterday include specialized drive-thru trips to Taco Bell and Sonic for dinner.  We also watched the HSMs on Disney last night.

I took a big step outside my comfort zone this morning and took the kids to what Blurts calls the “Golden Trough” for breakfast.  We sat at the two tables nearest the restrooms and the buffet.  Much to my satisfaction, the meal was a breeze.  With that confidence, I took the kids to the pool as well.  I managed to teach the youngest how to close her mouth so she could go underwater, at least a little.   The remainder of today has been spent cleaning and watching the last episodes of “Can You Duet”.

Lesson learned:  I can take care of my kids without my lovely wife, but I don’t want to be without her.  I’ve really missed you Blurts.

Solo Flight – Day 4

I made a lovely BBQ chicken dinner last night with green beans and scalloped potatoes.  The kids all ate fairly well.  After dinner, I took the kids to Wal*Mart last night for the essentials, which ended up being Rice Milk (yes they had it), diapers, Pull-Ups, and Pringles ($1 a can!).  We went into the audio/video area to see if there was a cheap DVD we would all like to buy.  Without a consensus and the first Narnia movie only in Full Screen, we walked away empty handed.   Then it occurred to me we could buy a new remote control since ours has been missing for weeks.  In reviewing the options, my frugal nature kicked in and balked at the idea of paying money for something that I already own.  So we were still empty handed on the A/V front.

Grandpa Chapman came by today to mow our backyard.  He does it to stay connected in our lives and give me more time with the kids.  I took advantage of his presence and went to Office Max with the oldest boy to drop my work laptop off for a DHL shipment to our hardware depot for a rebuild.  It was time.  The defrager was running too often for my taste.  While at Office Max, I saw a special edition of the “The Iron Giant” Widescreen DVD for $10 and bought it.  I think it was one of Brad Bird’s first films to write and direct.  “The Incredibles” is my favorite work of his.

And for the best news of the day, the oldest girl found the remote!  It was under the loveseat, but turned upside down (black side up).  When she used a flashlight, she saw it, as it was not easily seen otherwise.  So she earned a dollar for finding it.  That is a much better price that $18 for a replacement.  🙂

We are looking forward to a meal provided by Blurts friend T tonight.  If there are brownies for dessert, I hope they are moist.  Until the next update… Tschüss!

Solo Flight – Day 3

The continuing the saga of a dad and 4 kids while his wife is on a mission trip…

We survived Monday fairly well. After lunch, I created a movie theater in the basement with some old equipment I have (the projector’s native resolution is 640 x 480). Did I mention it has been so hot that the basement is the only place in the house that is tolerable during the day? The kids loved the concept and we watched “The Never Ending Story” and “Everyone’s Hero”. I had never seen TNES before and someone at church had let us borrow it. I could write a whole blog on that movie alone. 🙂

After a lovely dinner of home prepared Fish’n’Chips and salad, we went swimming for awhile. We had the neighborhood pool to ourselves for the majority of the time. My kids are all like I was at their age, loving the water and wanting to swim 24/7. They definitely have been sleeping well as a result.

We hit the pool again this morning with my dad and my niece in tow. Another good time was had by all. The youngest took to jumping into the pool from the side with a lot of help from her Opa.  Opa always brings a snack for the kids which provides a nice break for the adults.

I read all of Psalm 119 this morning.  My Bible time has been lacking lately so I thought I’d dig into the Psalm from our memory verse at church. As I read, I saw I do not measure up to the writer and his love for God’s precepts. But as I was convicted in reading the whole Psalm, I found hope at the end…

Psalm 119:169-178

t Taw

May my cry come before you, O LORD;
give me understanding according to your word.

May my supplication come before you;
deliver me according to your promise.

May my lips overflow with praise,
for you teach me your decrees.

May my tongue sing of your word,
for all your commands are righteous.

May your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.

I long for your salvation, O LORD,
and your law is my delight.

Let me live that I may praise you,
and may your laws sustain me.

I have strayed like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten your commands.

Solo Flight – Day 2

Solo flight – day 1 was great as it could be without my blurter of folly. 🙂

The Hosners had us over for lunch and swimming at their new place. Then there was dinner at the Richards. What a great way to spend my birthday being cared for by my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am thankful for their hospitality and seeing the gifts of Christ in action. Every glimpse is grace…

This morning my youngest greeted me this morning with a nasty diaper, one with a containment breach. So she got a bath while the rest continued to sleep. We all ate doughnuts for breakfast and now they are playing in the basement while I try to get a live person at Columbia House (I’ve been on hold a long time). Magically, I now have a DVD account with them that I need to cancel. They make it near impossible to do this. Oh wait, I have a live rep. Hold on…

…OK. Just got of the line with them. That was easy. They canceled the account and I get to keep the DVD for my inconvenience. I bet this happens a lot.

Well, my niece should be here any minute so I better run. The more the merrier you know. I hope to chronicle this week on the blog so my blurter can see what we were up to.

Peace.