It was Fun!

Fun. The only word to describe band practice last night is fun. I loved it. For the first time in a long time I got to sit behind the drums. I'm not the drummer I used to be, but it was awesome playing beats behind GK, George and JJ. Good times; even better, the angelic voice of the praise leader. I took a little time to look around the room and more importantly - to listen. JJ plays just like his personality. The guitar melodies weren't rushed, were laid back; seemed he was emoting with the instrument. They were connected like that. ME was serene and angelic. She played her guitar and sang, looking around at us to see if we were following her - yes we were. For GK, it's like there's freedom in her organization. She sets it all up in her mind before hand, sounds out the chords and then plays freely - singing, worshiping and seeming to stand in God's throne room. GK and I both seem caught up in everything that is going on around us. I always notice how smoothly he transitions from whatever song is being played to a very melodic rendition on the piano. It takes me back, immediately, to the feelings I had when the song was first being played. I loved it. I had much fun last night. Seems the band has been growing musically with new members, discovery of new talents and different teams. TD does a great job of allowing persons space to use their gifts - that is to me a sign of leadership. I'm gushing with excitement on what the future holds.

We Talked, and Talked Some More!

Here I was, at home on Easter Sunday with a few hours to spare until the Lakers game and without much to do. I love having free time, and I love trying to figure out how to fill it even more. My phone rang and it was my friend inviting me out to walk, chat and eat yogurt. What a delicious time it turned out to be. We piled into the car, or rather I got into their car and enjoyed the ride. Today the driver, to whom Danica Patrick would resent with her aggressive tendencies behind the wheel drove in a manner reminiscent of Morgan Freeman with Ms. Daisy advocating full acknowledgment of traffic laws - a lot of words to say slowly, but pleasantly a wonderful ride ensued. I talked, then vented, then laughed and talked some more. They listened, they laughed, they asked me questions and laughed some more. I don't know if their laughter was based off of the hilarity coming from my juvenile antics or if they laughed to keep from crying at the turmoil my soul has been living with of late. Regardless of why they were laughing, it was beautiful to hear it. It was like hearing music underwater - unexpected but surprisingly blissful. We stopped in a little shop and ordered a couple of yogurts. It seems cheesecake was the preferred topping and we sat by the window, and talked, and talked and talked a little more. We all did. We all talked and laughed and emoted and talked. I guess you can tell that we did a lot of talking, but to me the chatter was needed. It was like taking the old ink cartridge out of the printer. We had a few more jobs that needed to finish printing so we could put in the new ink. I guess being around friends does that. They're there to clear paper jams, to replace the papers in their original order and the make sure the original document isn't damaged. God writes what's on the pages and friends protect what is written therein. My friends did that for me today and I love them the more because of it. If I'd a glass of champagne, I'd toast continued love, happiness and peace. After our glasses clanged and the crystals stopped ringing, I'd thank them for always making sure the copy machine was full of ink, or rather when I'm low they lend a hand to help pick me back up.

Random Things...

Facebook is addicting, but even it gets tiring. It is just one more way, or many to impersonally stay connected. Sometimes I miss people just dropping by to say hello.

I spent a lot of time laughing yesterday; praising God in music is peaceful and exhilarating - I'm of the hope that I'll be able to play in heaven too.

Baseball season started yesterday - it's a summer sport, but to me it is just a placeholder for football and the start of next season for basketball.

Good friends are like Sourpatch Kids - sour and sweet!