Leah Hope

My aunt and uncle (in law) are adopting a girl from China. Her name is Leah Hope. Here are a few photos:

Gramophonica

I just changed the layout of my blog. The new template I'm using is called "Gramophonica." That image at the top is a Gramophone in case you are wondering. My wife gave me a gramophone as a wedding present. I love it. It is one of my most prized possessions along with my saxophone that my Grandfather bought me. Just thought you'd like to know why I chose this template.

Oh, and I realized that on my previous template you couldn't leave a comment. So, if you are out there and are viewing this blog leave me a comment since you can. Tell me, what's your most prized possession that you purchased or has been given to you?

America's best singers... really?

American Idol is one of my favorite shows of all time. Well, it comes right underneath "The Office." I just love seeing talented singers progress through the audition process and wind up performing live in front of millions. However, yesterday as I was watching 12 of the top 36 singers in America I was completely let down. The talent was no good! Supposedly American Idol travels around to many different cities around the U.S. to find America's best singers. Thousands upon thousands of hopefuls audition in each city. The winners from the cities travel to Hollywood where about 120 singers try-out hoping to make in the top 36 by the end of the week. The bad ones are weeded out and this week was the first week to watch the 36 best singers in America audition for that one highly acclaimed spot as the American Idol.

As I watched and listened last night I was utterly disgusted. Not at the bad singers but at the show for allowing such horrible singers to make it through to the top 36! Something has gone completely wrong with the audition process! I know that there are thousands of singers who try out but never make it into the judges room because they are weeded out before hand. And I am also certain that hundreds of these are much better than the talent of last night. It almost seems to me that if you don't have a sappy story or an outrageous gimmick you will never make it! Where can I watch a competition where people are solely judged on their voices and performance abilities?!?! Anyone?

One guy I am excited about is Danny Gokey, who is a Church Music Director but has an outstanding voice and was by far the best performer last night.

Are you watching American Idol this year?
Who's your favorite?
Who do you want to see go home?

Praise the Father, Praise the Son

There are new songs coming out almost every day in the Christian music world. Many are good songs and glorify our Father, some are just "ok" and don't have much meaning, but few are timeless communal songs that reach all generations and will be heard resonating within the walls of churches around the world. I ran across one of these rare and new songs this week.

Entitled, Praise the Father, Praise the Son, the hymn style song has much depth. Every word in every line means something. I think it's timeless, I think it's meaningful, and I think it's a response to the instructions in Scripture to praise the Lord (Psalm 150:1-6)

Here are the Lyrics:

O sov'reign God O matchless King
The saints adore the angels sing
And fall before the throne of grace
To You belongs the highest praise

Praise the Father
Praise the Son
Praise the Spirit
Three in One
Clothed in power and in grace
The name above all other names

These sufferings this passing tide

Under Your wings I will abide
And ev'ry enemy shall flee
You are my hope and victory

To the valley for my soul
Thy great descent has made me whole
Your word my heart has welcomed home
Now peace like water ever flows

Praise the Father
Praise the Son
Praise the Spirit
Three in One
Clothed in power and in grace
The name above all other names

Yours is the kingdom
Yours is the power
Yours is the glory forever
Yours is the kingdom
Yours is the power
Yours is the glory forever

Praise the Father
Praise the Son
Praise the Spirit
Three in One
Clothed in power and in grace
The name above all other names

Life on my iPhone

It happened to me like it's happening to many. I got an iPhone over Christmas. I thought today that'd I'd give you a glimpse of what my life looks like on my iPhone through the camera roll. I have 146 pictures on my iPhone but here's just a few snapshots. Enjoy.


1) My cousin in law - James. 2) At the lakehouse on Christmas day 3) Silverdolar city in Branson, MO. 4) Texas De Brazil with Josh, Shawna, Eli, Beth, and Kacie.



1) The Maternity Sized ice cream. 2) Josh Winter. 3) Kacie scrub shopping for her first job. 4) my drawing of my dog Bella.


1) Kacie (and Corbin) blowing out candles on her birthday. 2)Brenden Adler in his daddy's hat on his hospital bed.