More Studio Time

Well I have been slowly but surely making time in the studio. Last night a group a friends got together and sang. Something we have done often in the past. Let me tell you how privileged I felt being in the presence of people who love God as much as they do. There is a certain kind of anointing that happens when we all get together and sing that really can't be replaced. I am happy to say also that my beautiful wife was able to finally use her God given talent and sing with us on all these tracks. It was a beautiful thing to hear her. She has a strong rich voice and great tone. Anyway, enough braggin on the wife. Here are some pics and vids of the night. Enjoy.









Click this to go to my You Tube page to watch more videos of my recording adventures

Kingdom of Comfort

This is a video I made to go along with what I will be speaking about on the 24th. Let me know what ya think.

I'm Going Deeper On This

**This started out as an e-mail to everyone who participated in singing and arranging the carol that we sung on Sunday. But it quickly turned into something I did not expect so I decided to e-mail everyone in my address book here at Yahoo. So to the carolers and arrangers, Thank you. It was really fun and good to hang out a little with everyone. God has blessed us with great talent in the church.**

Here's what was coming out as I was writing my thanks

Everyone did a great job remembering the lyrics. I am quite sure that I, myself, will remember my part of the song for the rest of my years. All while being somewhat oblivious as to what everyone else was saying in the song. I must say I had to concentrate. This made me think of something interesting. I'm not gonna get all preachy and weird but check this out. This carol is a really intricate process of melodies and harmonies each having a distinct part. When each line is sung, it forms a rhythmic choral progression. Each melody or harmony is working as one to achieve the goal which is the song. With this being said, something hit me. Each of us were responsible for own part. We each had our own job to do to create the song. Look at it this way. The song could basically be recorded in separate places at separate times and as long as it is in the same rhythm and the same key. It will unite the melodies and harmonies and create one song. With that being said I decided to formulate a question to myself.

Could the melodies and harmonies represent the will of God in our lives?

Not what the words say but in how they are sung to form a song. If each of us is living out the will of God in our lives. Is it possible that Christ-like unity would flood the church? Could our lives intricately be woven together to create a beautiful song, maybe a new one? When each of our lives are walked out in Gods will we inadvertently unify ourselves with His kingdom, thus creating the new song that resonates from earth into heavenly places.
Let me explain my view about the new song. I believe the perfect will of God is harmonious and rhythmic. If we are created in His image, then we could say that God has used rhythm to represent the very essence of existence that being through a beating heart. Each of our steps walked, each of our prayers prayed is a blending of rhythmic patterns and harmonies. When we sync ourselves with Gods will in our own lives, we take part in His song as a whole. A song that will resonate from the earth when all flowing together in divine unity, not a man made strive to agree unity.
Knowing this gave me a new perspective about when people are called to other places or when I find myself worrying about things I don't need to worry about. In being oblivious to all the parts but confidently knowing my own I was able to accomplish the perfect will of this song. What if I could translate that into playing my part in Gods eternal song? What if we all, truly lay our lives down and begin to axe away at that giant log in our eyes? What if we take the proverbial finger and point it inward? How could we deeply change our lives by simply focusing on the posture of our hearts before the Lord?
I had never doubted the fact that the new song will arise. My question now is, how loud will it be? And to answer that, I would say, intense, kind of like a roar.

Captured,
Eric

Feeling Sick/Cops At My Door

Today I feel super sick and had to miss my Monday team. This stinks because I like my Monday team and it's beginning to grow and flow a lot better. All this said I feel like crizap. My head hurts, I'm in and out of the bathroom which seems like a constant. My stomach also hurts. I'm really hoping that I didn't eat some bad chicken at the chinese buffet yesterday.

*knock at the door - 1:20pm* Cop at the door, "Is someone with you inside" Me "Just me and my daughter", "Are you sure", "Yes", "Can I walk out your back door to be sure that I have the right apartment", "Sure but I have to warn you that the back of the house is kinda messy right now", "That's OK,(on his cb), it's the next apartment over", Me "Something I should know about", "Oh we just chased this guy and he went into that apartment", "OK, good luck", "Thanks"

Man, these apartments stink. I can't stand being here any more and I want my kids to grow up in a house, rented or owned, but at least with a yard. And preferably without hoodlums. So as I lay here feeling ever so cruddy and missing my Monday team, I will pray that we somehow get into a house by the time my lease is up in July. Ahhhhh.

Shulamite Invitational

Well this was my first fundraiser to ever put on or be in charge of. It was pretty nerve racking but I'm glad to say that everything turned out way better than I could have imagined. The fundraiser was to raise funds needed to purchase equipment to further the process of opening a recording studio. Eventually it would be nice to be able to have a quality recording studio to record music, messages and whatever. Not only that but to help singer/songwriters and worship teams from other churches with a chance to record a quality cd. We also want to be able to extend our services in a mobile sense going to there place of worship to record live. It's a dream but I believe that God wants to bless it. We made a lot more than I ever could of thought. Plus we had fun and got to communify a bunch. The fundraiser consisted of a hog roast, silent bake auction, hay ride, skateboard ramps, a bonfire, wonderful Indiana October weather, good music and finally a horseshoe tournament. Yep, a horseshoe tournament. There are a lot of good horseshoe players out there and we were able to set up a eight team tournament with one late entry. The battles were fierce and the finals ended up being Rick Thompson and Michael (the wonderful man who roasted the hog) vs. Kris Scheid and myself. It was a hard fought game as we were in the lead. Then I threw my second ringer which was canceled as Rick threw his own upon mine. This cancellation gave Rick and Mike the lead. The game eventually was getting to be a nail biter as the score was suddenly 19-19 (we play to 21). It was Mikes throw...................no points...............it all came down to Kris. Two more points is all we need...............he throws...............1 point..............................last throw.............it skips...............right into a point. We ended up winning 21-19. We came away with the "Golden Shoes" which we have to put on the line next year at The First Annual Shulamite Invitational. Like I said, lots of fun and we raised more money than expected. I think I could only possibly put together a fundraiser once a year. Too stressful to do this for a living.

Blog Censorship

Well I had to censor some earlier comments in an earlier post. I guess when you want to vent or ask yourself questions in a public viewable way, you can't always expect people see it in the right perspective.

I Cry Every Time I watch This, Go Figure

Paint

Here are some before and after pics from the job I bid and did.

Sometimes Crying Is Long Overdue.

Well I had almost a complete public meltdown while leading worship last Sunday. I was singing a song that I wrote about four years ago and I think the words and the message finally hit me. And I realized that just because I write a song that exuberates a surrender and an overtaking of my life by the Holy Spirit doesn't necessarily mean that that's where I am at the moment. But it has everything with where I desire to be. Sure we can go all day singing things like "I lay it all down for You" or "You complete me" or even "I will praise You". The point is that we remain aware of our current state before the Lord and that we are honest with Him about the condition of our hearts. I personally don't make the best decisions all of the time with my head but my heart is really what is crying out. Thats why it is a battle in the mind. The war rages on in our heads, do this do that, don't do this or that. I believe it is why God has chosen to look at our hearts. Davids heart was tremendously in love with the things of God. But his mind often led him to make bad decisions. In learning how to become a community I hope that I can remember this so I don't become offended when someone I know makes a bad choice. Can I look at their heart first? I can't wait until the day that my mind is actually and willingly able to follow suit behind my heart, if that makes sense.

Madi Is Starting Kindergarten

Well one of my little girls is growing up fast. Madi is starting kindergarten in 2 days. Time really flies. She was really shy at her orientation and we are all nervous about her getting on the bus for the first time. I hope she adjusts well. She's growing up too fast.

I Really Don't Do This Enough

It has been a long time. Between all that has been going on, it's been really hard to keep up with this site. I know I've said many times that I want to update as often as possible. And I've said that mostly to myself. But I apologize to those who actually come to this thing to see whats going on with me. In a nutshell I have been really busy. Probably busier than I've ever been before. I am at the point of slowing down and am on the other side of craziness. Between the church changing locations (which is an ordeal all on it's own), trying to get a cd finally accomplished, trying to pay bills, and trying to be a good Husband and Dad to a family of six, man I am wiped. It's getting close to that time when I need to take inventory and decide on the things that I really need to think about vs. things I don't. Yes folks once again it's time to simplify. I can slowly feel my health deteriorate. As a diabetic (which I think somewhere I forgot in my mind how big of an issue this is for my body) You are real susceptible to leg amputations if you do not take care of yourself. They say if your lags start to tingle or become numb that this is a sign. Now in my mind at this point, I cannot tell the difference between abnormal numbness or just sore legs from standing most of the day. Now I'm noticing that even if I sit most of the day there is still awkward numbness. This is caused by bad blood flow due to being over weight and a smoker. I know, I know the smoking thing and yes I am a moron. I have however decreased my smoking by about half and am on my way to finally quitting. I now smoke about five a day which by most smokers standards. Doesn't compare to the pack and a half to two packs a day. Nevertheless, does not justify my actions. the truth of the matter is that I am addicted to it. And I am praying for strength and I want my God to intervene. Ugggg. Not trying to bring anyone down but these are just some things I'm going through and now is not the time to unload. All in all, most of my work in changing locations is done. Now it's time to just try and get comfortable in a new environment. I still kinda feel like I'm in a strangers church and that they asked me to lead worship for a few Sundays. It's been about a month now and I'm just starting to realize that this is our new home. The place is so big. As always I'll end with...Anyway, here are some recent pics and vids and I'll try to post more sooner..Maybe if I ever get an office computer.

P.S. The cake is one that Erin made out of snack cakes for a wedding. She's trying to get in the biz.

Hey,Hey,Hey

Well the bass parts are done, now the focus begins on guitar overdubs. This is the funnest part for me. This is a time where the creative juices start to flow. The layering everything together starts to happen about this time. Then, all that would be left is the vocals which can be tedious. Then the final mix. Ahhhh, we are so close. After it is all mixed I want to place the Cd in a couple of good artists hands, and let them listen to it. I want the art on the Cd to represent what is inside, on the Cd. I don't want some cheesy picture of me staring off into the sunset, or better yet, leaning up on a building wall in the city somewhere. Those cover shots have been done over a hundred times. I really want good solid God ordained art on the cover. Which leads me to the best transition of all. My friend Ryan is not only a dear brother, but a phenomenal artist. Not only is he an artist he is a musician and muralist as well. I can't wait to get this Cd in Ryan's hands to see what God comes up with. I am a little scared though as I know Ryan will not pour on the fluff as to what he thinks about the music on the Cd (be gentle bro). Anyway, Here is some of Ryan's art. Remember that these murals are on flat walls. The one in the big auditorium is at Morning Star where Ryan goes to church in North Carolina. Check these out.

Almost Done WIth The Bass

I went to my Dads today to record more tracks on the bass. I'm using a Fender Jazz bass that is way scratched up with stickers everywhere. When I play it I feel like Krist Novoselic(for those who don't know, He was the bassist for Nirvana). It just made me feel real punk rock, like I wanted to play bass with a pick. Anyway, I'll take some pics and share em' with ya. So far I've got bass down on:

If I Fall
Ran Away
Comin' Home
Remain
Thunder In Me

We still have:

I Believe
You Are Good
You Alone
I'm Alive
Sacrifice

I go back on Wednesday to finish the rest. Thus far it has gone smooth, after I lay all the bass down we can start concentrating on the production of the song. Vocals will be the last thing to record which will be the hardest. More later.

Shalom Ya'll

Sigh***

Well my Internet is up and running again (I must say at a cost $$) and I am now able to update. I had a great time with my family at Cedar Point and I was able to ride a coaster that shoots you 120 mph up a vertical 420 ft track. It was quite the rush. If I ever go to Cedar Point again it will be in the beginning of June. We didn't have to wait any longer than 30-40 minutes to get on a ride. Some, you could just walk right on and only have to wait for the next car to come. We rode all but 3 and some twice. So it was a lot of fun. Next week it's back in the studio for a couple of days to lay down bass tracks for the rest of the songs. I hope it goes smoothly. I'm gonna try to get a Cd of what we've done this far so I can start to listen to these songs more often. Just to see if any ideas come. Next week, I also embark on the journey of a road that was once traveled. And this time, I intend to clear the path.

"But the prodigal did not stay way, There was a destiny he had to keep. And I may have gave my mind a dirty day. But tonight I've got floors to sweep" - Don Chaffer

The Story Of My Life

Does anyone struggle with this as much as I do. Gas is now 3.99 a gallon and I haven't seen a half tank in months it seems. Oh well, I still have my motorcycle and I suppose we could get everyone to ride bikes to the grocery store.

That's A Wrap

Well, Mike, Neil, My Dad and me finished recording the necessary parts in Neil's basement. So far all of the songs now for sure have the drum parts recorded. Now it is a matter of adding other instruments, vocals and other what-nots. It feels good to have it done and I can't wait till it all starts to come together. Mt next post I'll talk a little about the concept of the album and list the final songs. Until then, enjoy this vid.

Neils Basement

Some Of My Fam

Here is an old picture I found with me, my brother and my sister. This is one of the few photos (maybe the only one) in existence with all of us together. I like to keep it around cause my wife says I'm hot.....in a dirty hippy kinda way. Hey, she sought me out.

Recording Session 4 / Bringin' The Bass

Well I was off to my Dads today to lay down some bass tracks for as many songs as I could. I was able to record on "Thunder In Me" and "If I Fall". Those are the longest songs thus far so later I hope to get some more done. Last Monday we laid the tracks for "I'm Alive" and "You Alone". It went real smooth and I can't wait to get the bass and vocals down on those. We are six songs in the mix so we need to record at least six more, I would hope, to have a full cd. Here are the lyrics for "I'm Alive and "You Alone".

I'm Alive:

Your right, I know better than this
To be doing the things that I’ve been
Truth, I know it comes from Your lips
And the lie is in willful sin

All my life I’ve been running in my head
In their eyes I am the walking dead but I am alive

Now I lay before Your mighty throne
In hope that You would cleanse me
Bound, by this lust and wickedness
I am Yours to be made free

All my life I’ve been running in my head
In their eyes I am the walking dead but I am alive

I know that I have turned away from You
And at times, I’m even angry
Here I am so helpless and alone
You are my hope and my day spring

All my life I’ve been running in my head
In their eyes I am the walking dead but I am alive


You Alone:

King of Kings, to You I bow
Before Your Mighty Throne
Lord of Lord I lift my voice
To You and You alone

Hallelujah

Also check out the pics from my Dads home studio and catch a sneek peek of "I Believe" on my mini player (to the right). Keep in mind that there are no vacals on the track and it is a rough mix down.

Vocals

Now I am perfectly aware that I do not posses the best vocals on the planet and actually far from. My voice is an "accuired taste"(my friend Jason made this comment back when we were in a band a 17 years old) and since this comment I've come to know it's truth. I have had people come to me and say that they love my voice and I've also have had people close to me say it's really bad. Nevertheless, I enjoy singing and I try to do it with as much emotion that I possibly can. Who wants to hear someone sing when their heart is just not into it. Last week I went to Mikes house to lay down vocals for the song "If I fall" and "Thunder in me". It was a lot of fun and surprisingly relaxed. I did a couple of takes and it seemed we had em for the most part. I will go later next week to redo any parts I missed and to lay down tracks for the other songs. Here are some pics from Mikes

Recording Session 3

Last Monday I found myself in Neils basement recording a song I wrote about 2 years ago originally called "Falling In Love" and then referred to as "Falling"(to many mushy things sometimes and I don't want to seem like I have Jesus is my boyfriend syndrome) into now being called "If I Fall". The song is a two part song so the second half needed a name. So in essence the song is now called "If I fall(Draw me Away)". Let's hear it for the two part song name. Iknow, Iknow......lame. Anyway, this song is really meaningful to me as it represents my ongoing struggle with honesty before God and myself. I have never actually got to hear the song as I heard it in my head until Monday. It has a nice flow and completely expresses the emotion of the lyrics musically if that makes sense. We had to record the song in two different segments as there are two different time signatures in the song. We did about five takes of each part and will sort it out later. The lyrics are as follows

If I fall(Draw me Away)

These days are getting shorter, and the nights are so long
When it seems that every choice I make, just turns out all wrong
But through everything that I have gained, I count it all as loss
For the sake of knowing You, to carry my cross

If I fall let it be, that I'm falling in love with You

All that You are, is all that I need
A Healer, a Saviour and a Lover, King of Kings
The higher I lift You, the lower I go
Now that I've found You, I will never let You go

If I fall let it be, that I'm falling in love with You

Take my life, only You remain
Draw me away, kiss me again

Draw me away, draw me away, draw me away


It should be interesting once this recording is complete because there are a lot of things to get in place. Instrument parts, vocals, soloists, choirs, samples, you know, parts. It's becoming a full time job if I really ever plan on getting this done. I NEED PRAYER!!

*all lyrics are subject to change during the recording process*

Check this out for a really cool recording session