Happy Anniversary!

Happy Birthday Dear Formed Ability...

Today, young sirs and madams, is a day that I never actually thought would come to pass. It was this past morning, one year ago that I decided to make a blog for the youth band that I hoped would be able to be a sort of online component to what we did at First Wesleyan... If you can remember what this place looked like back then, it really has been a year full of happening things...! Just one post and absolutely no sections to do anything with hahaha! But a blog it was all the same, and one of my doing, to boot (yes, I'm proud of something :P). There are always a few things I've wondered about it over the past few months, such as how it would've done as a public blog out on the internet. But I'm glad now that it wasn't; there are so many things that mean a lot to me on this space, and it's not always for the general public to see or read. It's for the ministry that I made it for. So now, five sections, ~147 posts and 365 days later, we are where we are today. I hope that this blog, named after something important to me even now, has blessed you or done something for you guys in some small way. I'm glad to have been able to create something like this, and my hope is that you guys enjoyed the ride and what it has become.

And so with that, I guess I can announce the winner...! He only submitted a portion of the answers, but points are points :P, and in this case, the winner of the contest is Ian McMath (*digitized claps of applause*)! Entries are still being accepted, but considering how you're probably all sleeping at the moment, you will miss the deadline lol. Don't worry, I'll still hang out with you (maybe), but you're definitely not getting a free CD from me! hahaha, it's been a great ride guys, have a good one, good luck this Sunday, and I'll see you soon.

My Mountie Life - A Torch Filled Afternoon

Wow... I've been sleepy all day hahaha. Honestly, I didn't think I would survive my classes today! Just so you know, make sure you never end your day with a dose of History; nothing brings the zzzs more than that, Odum assures you! Also, don't watch Criminal Minds with the roommate on A&E till 2 o clock, especially when you already have four seasons on your computer... bad decision, in hindsight ;).

Life at Mount Allison is well past its point of normality, and things have gone into more of a routine type lifestyle for everyone, myself included. But today was a nice little change in pace. I must say, everywhere I go, I always get the opportunity to do something for the first time lol. This time, it was watching the Olympic torch go down my street!

It wasn't even half an hour ago that a great majority of Sackville's population lined up along York Street to watch the mini parade of sorts. The Coke Truck passed us, as well as the Bell Vehicle (very nicely colored floats haha), giving out flags, products and such, and then finally, the 20 seconds that everyone had been waiting for...

"Do you want to pee, or do you want to be a part of history?"

The moment didn't even last too long, but it was great to be part of something not only with the student body, but with the city of Sackville too. So many days you go by here, thinking that the only people that live here are the university students. Today, we got to see everybody: the parents, the middle schoolers and toddlers. It didn't hurt to be a part of history too haha; it's the first time the torch has been here in over 20 years, so I was happy about that. Mountie Life rocks, sirs and madams :).

Nice try... I still like Pepsi better :P

Can I make an on-foot transaction?

Gone before it had barely begun.

The Formed Ability Anniversary Contest

Guys, did you know we are mere weeks from the blog being a year old? Has it really been that long? Yes... it has, and we cannot simply let this momentous occasion pass without fanfare! So ladies and gentlemen, give some applause for the 1st Annual Formed Ability Anniversary Contest!

*Applause*

Happy Birthday dear Formed Ability...

Yes, we are having a contest! The contest will be in questionnaire format, composed of ten questions (down below). To join, simply answer the questionnaire and submit. The entrant with the most correct answers will win the audio CD of his or her choice, and a day with the admin when he returns from his dorm room at Mount Allison University! Exciting huh :P? Good luck sirs and madams, the final submission date is the blog's Anniversary, at 12:00 PM. Also write down the date of submission in your entry. Several answers may be subject to change depending on the day you submit.

The Formed Ability Anniversary Contest

1. What day was Formed Ability created (specification gets you an extra point)?

2. Oh no! We’re playing All Day at Youth, but I lost my musicbook (which would never happen in reality, right? :P)! But that’s ok, because I can get it in the ____________ on the blog!

3. The furthest back we have recordings for youth band is ___________.

4. What are the admin’s interests (looking for a specific set of them)?

5. What are your top three recordings of the year, and why? Explain in complete sentences, and specify :P

6. As of this week, how many SOTW’s are there? What is the week # of this Friday’s SOTW, and what are the three rules for selection of an SOTW

7. Formed Ability has __ specific sections, in addition to the normal blog reel. The newest section is _______________.

8. There are ___ published posts. How many has the author Ian posted? Peter? Palmer?

9. It is an instrument of violence. It upsets the climate that furthers life's suffering,confusion, turmoil, and strife. This a description of what? From what post does it originate?

10. What is your best memory of the blog? What would you like to see here in the future?

Song Of The Week - November 20

Phew, I'm on a roll! Don't stop now, don't stop now... I'm about to catch up hahaha. For this week's SOTW (I can actually say that now :P), I want to show you guys a new band that has been part of my private worship time for quite a while now. It's always great to find new, fresh music, which is why I'm always on the lookout. I'm happy with what I've found right now.


Hope Arising - The Waiting Kind, In The Land Of Hope

"For my love/reaches out to you/for my life/filled with hope anew/you are faithful"

The guitar and shakers gently usher in the melody before the cello makes its confident entrance... What a beautiful beginning to a beautiful song. Praise and worship is often an area that presents a lot of trite, overused ideas and childish clichés. We've heard many an identical chord progression, riff or lyrical idea in too many a piece; so why do we come back for more? Because, when praise and worship is done right, you would be hard pressed to find something else that fills the heart and soul with such powerful, intoxicating emotions. Worship is beautiful, awe-inspiring and majestic, which is why I love it so much (I even wrote one a few weeks ago... hahaha), and as I think I've said more than a few times before, it warms my heart like nothing else. This is why I'm so glad that The Waiting Kind has done this right.

Lyricism is important, as I've learned over the past few years. It's important to say as much as you can with as little words as possible, lest you want a song that's over five minutes long (keep off, that's my domain :P). But honestly, imagery is key to an intriguing song, and if you can three words to paint a picture of 20, the power of those words increases exponentially. The Waiting Kind knows this quite well, as far as I can see. While worship must not be too clichéd and simplistic (Jesus...), it need not be complex or convoluted as well (O Holy, intricate unrivaled one, your copious amounts of grace overwhelm my fragile figure... you get the picture). There needs to be a balance, a mid point, so that the words and music draw people in to the presence of God. Now I'm not saying that this song has the best lyrics of the century or anything, but the balance of words with the beautiful orchestral work, soaring ebowed frets and pounding drums draws me in like worship has many a time before, and this is why I want you to hear this. If nothing else, listen to the hearts of the musicians in this song. It is clear who they made this for.

Hope Arising - http://www.mediafire.com/?ttaxeyn2ltn

Song Of The Week - November 13

So... to rectify the catastrophe of the writing deadline from last few weeks, I'm going to write this week's SOTW a lot less late (mind grammar :P) than the previous few weeks. I would ask how it was going, but I'm late already, so I won't waste too much time. Here we go...


Beautiful Bride, Flyleaf, Momento Mori

"Beautiful bride/body of Christ/one flesh abiding/strong and unifying"

Hmm, who knew that Flyleaf finally came out with a new album? Hands up. No one? Ok, I'll forgive you this time :P. The girl who has lent her beautiful vocals to Third Day (:O) and Jon Foreman (The House Of God, Forever... :) ) is back to give the world some of her own music. And she proves again that her beautiful voice doesn't mean sugar-coated music. No sirs and madams, not in the least. I must stress that it'll take a little bit to get used to Flyleaf's style, if you have, in fact, ever gotten used to it. But how 'bout we say you try for me?

Beautiful Bride starts of Flyleaf's new album Momento Mori, which translates roughly into the phrase "remember you will die". Once you know that, the theme of the album and its songs are quite a bit more clear. Frankly, Beautiful Bride is a battle anthem, and a darn ferocious one at that. When I first heard it, I was a little taken aback; it's been quite a while since I'd really listened to anything heavy, and I should've expected it, knowing Flyleaf. I'm happy to say to I've grown to like it quite a bit, and we'll hope that you guys do too.

Everything about the instrumentation suggests, well, battle. They've done an amazing job portraying this. We forget sometimes that being a Christian isn't always easy when it comes down to it. Actually, maybe we don't. Because of the road we've chosen, opposition is not intimidated by us; it is drawn to us in copious amounts. We have to fight to keep ourselves safe, because if we don't, the world will drag us down with the darkness it has acquired since its beginning. But in turn of the call this song screaming for us to take up arms, it also calls us to remember; listen for the bridge, really listen. It is honestly one of the most beautiful musical moments I've heard all year, which is a joy, because I have felt somewhat disappointed with the music as a whole in 2009. Regardless, it's moments like that that make me so thankful that I'm a musician. It's taken me awhile to get into Flyleaf, and to be honest, I don't know if I ever will completely. But their new album makes me appreciate both their musicianship and their message. Take up arms for His beautiful bride.

Beautiful Bride - http://www.mediafire.com/?yimmiziydwy

Song Of The Week - November 6

Hello, and again I apologize for the lateness of this entry; I may have to change the day I try to write these posts, my goodness! Either way... this week I've found myself really stressed with work, and I'm just glad to get what feels like a breath of air today. For this week's SOTW, I want to share with you a female (:O) artist that I honestly have loved for an amount of years that I'm now unaware of...

One Afternoon (We Mapped The World) - Joy Williams, One of These Days EP

"Did I find you/or did you find me/just an ordinary day/made history"

Joy Williams has been a name in Christian Music for quite a long time, at least during this decade. She did go on extended break, however; this is part of her first work since 2005, and most definitely exhibits a different style than what she used to portray in full length albums. In the case of SOTWs though, different is rarely bad (hopefully :P).

What I love so much about Williams is how much she can say with the minimal amount of words. They're full of power and meaning, without the need for verbal diarrhea (like my compositions possess haha) and simply a joy to listen to. One Afternoon in my view takes a contemplative look at one's relationship with God and with others. The lyricism as I've already said is nothing short of impressive, and the picture it paints is even more breathtaking. The lines that I posted in italics above are some of my favorite from the piece... It holds so much symbolism for me. The people that we meet, and in turn the relationships that we create are made on at a seemingly ordinary time in our lives. But as time goes on, the relationships that matter, the ones that have shaped who we are and what we do, those are the ones that we will have the greatest cherishing of its beginnings. Think of best and dearest friends, and try and remember the day that you first met them. Was there anything out of the ordinary about that day, apart from meeting them? Perhaps there was, but now as you think back, those first days are something (maybe) that we all cherish. This week, I want you to think about that one afternoon, or those afternoons... where your life began to change for the better.

One Afternoon - http://www.mediafire.com/?jfyonifyhm0

Looking Back: 2008

I went back and found this in the drafts portion of the site... it may bring back quite a few memories for you.

2008 has been quite a happening year! I think that we've done quite a bit, so much so that it's worth looking back to see how far we've come. Here we have now, a retrospective of First Youth Band: 2008.

FHS Baccalaureate (It's hard to spell right the first time)
How long ago was this!?! I remember this as being one of the more important services we were asked to play at, and it was weird at the same time, to think that Simon and Ian were playing at their own Baccalaureate. But then again... I guess I played at mine. This was just before Merle's church and my first outing with Exalt, and one I will make sure to remember.

Merle's Church

This was the first time, as far as I can remember, that the youth band has ever traveled to play for another church. It was quite the experience...

For the first time playing somewhere that wasn't at our church, it was an experience that I would love not to forget... although you were still using my guitar at that time Peter :P. I got to see a side of everybody that I hadn't seen before, and I have to say Matt Stairs and co. made that June 8th one to write about.

Formed Ability

Living Water has never been so refreshing...

This was originally my undertaking, it became the undertaking of everyone in the band. Formed Ability... the product of many months of work, 11 hour drum sessions, impromptu guitar recordings, stressful nights, and Matt Doige :P. I have seen, during and after the completion of it, that the project wasn't just an important project for school, but an important project for me. I learned a lot during that time span, about myself and about the people I hang around with.

Formed Ability is my substitution for "A combination of talents", and while it's not perfect, you can't say that there wasn't any talent in it, and for that, I am proud. Proud of how it turned out, and proud of those who helped it come into being.

Ah, the failure that was an accomplishment in itself :P . We recorded! And even though it may not be something you want to go showing off to your friends (I repeat, do not show this off to your friends :O), the fact remains that we did it together as inexperienced adolescents hahaha! It shows just how much we've grown, from a year and a half ago.

Wow, this was not what I was expecting to find when I went back and checked the history of this blog (there seem to be an awful lot of posts by a guy named O Dog... maybe the other contributors should write as well ;) ). But it has shown me just how much history that we have, not only as a band, but with this blog. We are quickly approaching the blog's 1st Anniversary. How many of you knew that? I'm still surprised myself. What started out as a wild idea to do something online for our church's youth music community has turned into something that lives and breathes (with a private base, of course). Look at our history. Look at how fufilling it was. If there's one thing that you do, make sure that the youth music ministry does not die at First Wesleyan; I couldn't forgive myself if it did. There are so many more exciting things to come... The story hasn't finished yet.

My Mountie Life Archive

Intro: Pre-Cursor: My Mountie Life

1. An Unexpected Visit
2. Living With The Lights Off?
3. I Don't Understand, But I'll Be Here...
4. A Torch Filled Afternoon

SNL

So...after much deliberation, discussion and philosophical reasoning....... the youth band and Matt Palmer have come to the conclusion (through the light of reason) that Odum should really come to Fredericton and play at Sunday Night Live in December. Odum should know that no other answer except yes is a good answer.

We know you will make the RIGHT decision. :P

Sincerly,
The Youth Band.

My Mountie Life: I Don`t Understand, But I`ll Be Here...

What an eventful two days these have been in the life of my roommate and I! I am not even sure how to put them into words, but I will try. Before I do, just make sure you guys remind me never to show this to Kevin; he'd probably shoot me.

Sunday evening after you guys left, Kevin and I had a little bonding time (if watching TV could be called that). It was good however, just to sit down and relax. It was nothing really out of the ordinary, until evening was fully upon us. Kevin had just finished taking a shower and had come back to the room to sit on his bed. I was reading some things on my touch, but realized that he hadn't moved in some time. I suppose that's when I looked across the room to see him in tears. I was shocked, and quite frankly, I didn't know what to do. I knew I had to try and help him though, because it seemed as if a lot of things were weighing him down. I have already told you guys that my roommate and I differ slightly on the topic of religion, but there are things that transcend even those boundaries, and this was one of them. I asked him if I could pray for him, and when he didn't answer, I took that cue to do so. It was here that I told him how much he had helped me when I first came here, and that I couldn't think of having any other roommate, despite his quiet disbelieving chuckles. You think that it would be easy to voice your appreciation to someone, but try it sometime, it's extremely hard. I could peg our relationship with each other as unique, to say the least, but I think that is what will help us both out the most in the long run. I still have much yet to learn about Kevin, but I let him know that I'd be there if he needed me to be, because it's the least I can do... He has helped me this far, and I hope to say by the end of our time with each other, that I was able to help him too.

Song Of The Week - October 30

Oops... I don't exactly think that this post was up on Sunday (and even then it would've been late :P). Blame preoccupation and coming home hahaha! It was quite the experience, I must say. But now that I'm back here, I will write up what I should be. Remember that secret band I kept to myself on Sunday? Well, here you go...

The Things You Were - Deas Vail, Birds & Cages

"What if this is love/What I barely believe in?"

Hmm, I don't really know how to categorize this band other than the fact that they make incredibly beautiful music, and I wish that I could sing that high and sound that good :P. Deas Vail... This is yet another band that I have just gotten into in the past few weeks, but I have known them for quite a bit longer... I downloaded their EP while CDL was still in existence, and didn't pay much attention to it. BIG, BIG MISTAKE. I've been kicking myself for days over this. They're not hard rock, nor exactly mellow ambience. I'd put them in the beautiful music category lol.

The Things You Were is a song about the change that God has caused in our lives, and as simple as it sounds, the way in which Deas Vail executes it is refreshing, uplifting and hopeful. Looking back on many things, I'm sure that we can all pinpoint events, circumstances and/or people that have changed us and made us better than we used to be. I have my list of these, and it has taken me years to realize it, but I can confidently say that God is at the top of that list. There are so many things... so much that could not possibly have come to pass if He wasn't a part of it all. I've known Him for a long time, but He's only been truly influencing me beginning with the previous chapter of my life on. And that's because I had finally allowed Him to change me. That's one of the things about Him: He's always there, always chasing after you, but will wait for you until you're ready. How glad I am for that... He is always faithful. You may not find the song nearly as refreshing as I do, but I think it's apparent the band knows how to weave emotion and instrumentation into a vivid composition. Take it for a spin with an open mind, and let their interpretation of Christ's beauty fill your ears.

The Things You Were - http://www.mediafire.com/?mvzyco2nwiy

The Lost Songs: Shakinah October

In terms of recordings, these are some that I've kept to myself for far too long... And I shouldn't have. Sorry guys (especially KJ), but here they are. Have a good night everybody.

Shakinah October
Holy And Anointed One
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus/Draw Me Close
Consuming Fire
Nothing But The Blood
My Soul Sings

Nov. 1 Service

As you sit in front of me eating your beautiful donairs, I am uploading a beautiful collection of songs (minus the talking people, arrgh :P). Thank you for having me this weekend, it was well needed.

Nov. 1 Service
How Can I Keep From Singing
Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble
Nothing But The Blood
Give Us Clean Hands

My Mountie Life: Living With The Lights Off?

- Time to update blog more frequently? Check.
- Downloading new music like a fat kid eats cake? Check.
- Living as unreservedly with my faith as I used to? Uh... could I get a raincheck on that?

Lights Out.

I'm nearing my second month here, and I've learned quite a bit about myself and the people that I spend time with. But with most new things, it takes me a while to warm up to them. I feel sad to say, but until very recently (past couple days or so), I had been very apprehensive about what type of music I played, and what I practiced in my room. You probably wouldn't believe it, but Hillsong just recently started playing regularly on my speakers. Why did it suddenly change, you ask? There are a few main reasons.

A week and a half ago, I was talking to my friend Ashley, who is in second year and also goes to MACF. We were just talking about our favorite music groups (apparently we like the same kind of stuff), and then it started to get slightly more in depth. I told her about my reservations toward playing my music with everyone around, and she told me that when she was in first year, she was also like that. But then God worked on her heart, and asked her "why are you ashamed to worship me in the same way here as you did back home?" This struck me hard. I had never thought of that before. Just because it was easier to worship Him back home doesn't mean that I should stop when the going gets tough. It was a reality check that I desperately needed.

And MACF... I didn't know just how powerful the lessons and fellowship could be from that group. Recently, we had a chapel service that culminated to one of the most powerful evenings I've experienced here. I'll always remember when we filled that chapel with one acoustic and our voices. The group has helped me to focus not only musically, but spiritually. And I never would have thought of MTA as being my Narnia if it wasn't for them too... Now that's given me a lot to think about!

Hmm, back to question 3... I think I still need to keep that raincheck on it. But things are getting better, little by little. God is still everywhere, and I'm grateful that he hasn't given up on me.

The new band

Well the other week, we played as a "full band" for the first time. The new members being Kj and Jorian. I must say it was a little different just because of the new dynamics and the switch up of some instruments but I also found it pretty exciting. For one thing, it is awesome that Jorian, who being in grade 6 can get up on stage with 4 other guys + palmer who are all at least 6 years older than him and be composed and actually play well! He shows a ton of potential as well as talent and I can see him being a huge asset to the band. As for Kj... haha he just took off and fits in like a glove and is showing off all the skills some genius taught him.... Although we only played 3 songs... each one sincerly felt "heartfelt." I could really feel the praise in the songs and was happy that even in our first night, we did what we were ment to do, sincerly worship. As the year progresses, I look forward to learning new things and adapting to the new band dynamics. It should be a blast :P

My Mountie Life: A Home... With Moving Pains

Ah... I love Sackville. That could be counted as a fact now. The weather's getting colder, but the people are getting warmer, and I am thankful for that. What a difference a few weeks can make. I know many of the people on my floor :P, it's easier to be a friend but also be myself around them, and most important to me, my friendship has grown with Kevin quite a bit, from the awkwardness that it once was. I make it my mission to pray every night for him and the rest of Chateau Bennett, that they would be able to see the God that they try so hard to leave tucked away. But enough of this for now, I need to make a new paragraph lol!

My new home.

A few weeks ago now, I found the MACF (Mount Allison Christian Fellowship) group here on campus, and I am so glad that I did. I don't get to go to church on Sundays anymore, which really kills me, but to be able to meet with other Christians is a blessing. I'd finally found a place where I felt at home. But no home is without growing pains, and this one has growing pains a plenty, musically speaking. Perhaps I've been spoiled, or overestimated how easy it would be to find musical and spiritual talent here, but God felt my disappointment when I joined in with the worship band here. We have so many willing people that play a variety of instruments, but I have struggled to keep my composure to be rejoice for their hearts when there is much work to be done. I'm dealing with this on a day by day basis, and I've quickly come to realize that just because things can't be the same, it doesn't mean that it has to be worse. It will grow to be good in its own way, and from there my growing pains will come from. However, I would rather grow than stay at the same place, even if developing means moving back a couple notches.

I'm thankful for the time that I have gotten to spend here. Yes, all of it. There are things that I've had to see for myself in order to grow, and good or bad, I've seen them here. Life as a Mountie is finally showing its benefits to me, and I will try within my beliefs and morals to take, to learn all that I can.

Soon.

I will have a post up soon...

cheers.

just a note.

Song Of The Week - October 23

Hey guys, I hope that everything is going well for you. Before I continue with the post, I must stress, if you guys are still looking at this blog from time to time, post! Make a blog about what's going on at Connect, what's going on in your lives and in your ministry. Remember, it's not just a place where Odum posts, it's for everyone, and every piece of truth, advice or perspective counts. That said, it's been a bit since I updated, but I've had some free time this afternoon, so continuing on...


Show Me - Ohio Avenue, The Sound

"Are my hopes/Are my dreams/More than photographs in magazines?"

Ohio Avenue is a recent acquisition of mine, and while I haven't had the chance to listen their album in its entirety, I'm very glad that I was able to find them. Since the decease of CDL (:O/qq), it's been hard to find music that I can really get into. Kevin here has helped a bit with that, but there's no substitute for music that fills me spiritually. Fortunately I have an alternate site for a time, so we're all good for the moment :).

What struck me the most about this song is how it relates to everyone, especially people that are around our age. It's at this point that we have to make important decisions that will shape the rest of our lives, and then make them again, and again... there won't be a lot of things we do that won't matter anymore. But are we always sure that what we're doing, and what we want to do, the right thing? It's exciting to do things for ourselves, but extremely unnerving at the same time. What if we're running towards something that we shouldn't? What if we're chasing after things that are unattainable? Ever since I came here, I've felt that. I'm afraid that I won't measure up. But I have to trust that in time that God will show me His plans, and I have to believe that he wouldn't have brought me here if not to show me something, or to show someone something through me, so I will hold on to that. In time, he will show me, and I hope to be ready for it.

Show Me - http://www.mediafire.com/?ht1zi5xjgnz

Midterm Time - Post Drought

Just leaving a note to explain the lack of posts :P. These past couple weeks have been midterm season, so I haven't really had a lot of time to get through to doing SOTWs and Mountie Life, which really disappoint me. But after stuff clears up, I'll try and make up for it ;). See you guys in a few.

Song Of The Week - October 2

Bonjour, comment ça va? I'm sorry for not having this up as early as I should have, but I'm still committed to restarting this thing, so yeah. One week till Thanksgiving! I have found out some pretty conflicting news, but I will try my absolute best to get back to Fredericton, I assure you! This week (last week :P), I've got what you could call a guilty pleasure of mine... Matt, if you read this, I apologize in advance.

Turn It Off - Paramore, Brand New Eyes

"I scraped my knees while I was praying/And found a demon in my safest haven..."

Yes. I'm sorry for the disappointment, but over the past few years, Paramore has become one of my favorite bands, not only because they rock, or make songs that are undeniably catchy that you have to listen to in secret. They also make songs that have a great Christian message in it, and something that people can listen to. As well, it's always inspiring to see young musicians make a name for themselves. The five piece band was not much younger than us all when they released their first album, and now, love em or hate em, they're huge. And I have to respect them for that, regardless of what kind of music style they represent.

Turn It Off to me is a song that speaks about our insecurities, or more specifically, our false sense of security, and our prideful selves. What I take from the symbolism is that our lives are complete with both joys and disappointments, and some of those disappointments and hardships may come from places we don't expect at all. The lyric I highlighted in the beginning is an example of this. Taking it literally, you don't expect to hurt yourself when you pray to God, nor do you expect to be in danger in the place you feel safest. For me, I found them to be very well worded. Turn It Off's message about pride comes when the singer talks about "turning off the light", looking at own understanding (you realize where this is going). I think through everything that happens, it's important not to lean on our understanding, or to use only ourselves as support. We have family, we have friends, and most importantly, we have Him. Again, you may or may not like Paramore, but I think that they deserved a mention this week at least for this song. Sometimes when we are falling, we're better off when we hit the bottom.

Turn It Off - http://www.mediafire.com/?fk2mmujyvzz

Hillsong Creative 01

Hey guys, I was just going through worship material in the past week, and thought that I should probably tell the rest of you guys about this (Peter already knows about it). Maybe you guys know about it too, but hey, it's good to be informed!

'droff knows best.

Hillsong recently released a workshop DVD covering several of their songs, and putting them in a workshop situation. I still haven't gotten through the entire DVD; there's about four hours of content to go through. But what I found great about the effort was how in depth it goes, visually and orally. For each of the songs, you can choose to have a panning view of all of the instruments, or keep the camera on your instrument of choice, whether that be drums, bass, guitar or keyboards. From here, the band talks about the specific arrangement and helps you think, "how can I adapt this song to my particular environment?", which is a very important part of what we do in a worship situation. I definitely recommend that you guys check it out. It provides great insight on how you might want to approach playing for worship, and hey, it's Hillsong :P. Either order it, or try to find it on the net (it's huge though, 7.57GB... so high speed's in order), but it's something beneficial that I think could definitely be worth all of our time.

Song Of The Week - September 25

Hey everyone, I hope that you all had a good week. My stay here at Mt. A is becoming much more enjoyable now, praise God! I have gotten to know my roommate quite a bit more recently, and I'm thankful for that. It seems that the walls of uncertainty are crumbling bit by bit, as time goes on. And, I'm getting a little excited too... I have my first worship practice with the MACF group and some other willing musicians on campus this coming week. It'll be a different experience for sure, but I'm optimistic to see what God will do with that. As a result, this week's SOTW reflects that excitement for worship.

Beautiful - Apex Praise Band, Live

"Soon we will be coming home/You're beautiful"

I have kept this song close to my heart for weeks, treasuring the song's message and the way that it sounds. This worship is raw, and I expect Peter to complain about the tone and mixing if he listens to it :P, but that isn't the point of the song, at least not for me. I believe that raw worship is an absolutely beautiful thing when it's sincere, regardless of how nice it sounds to the hear. Now I don't mean that it is an excuse for singing in one key and playing in another, but there are some things that are just more complete when left in its raw form, and the pouring out of hearts to the Spirit is one of these. I think it is the main reason I can listen to Shekinah over and over again. If you take time to listen to any of the tracks, it is clear that they are not perfect. But in their purpose, the flaws are made inconsequential in the big picture. Such is the case with the Apex Praise Band's version of Beautiful.

I am just drawn in by the whole atmosphere created by the song. I don't really feel as if I need to go in depth with the lyrics; the content is fairly clear with worship music. However, I don't find it any less moving to speak assuring truths about God clearly, especially when it is backed up by what I see frankly as an exceptional arrangement. Each instrument plays their part well, creating a beautiful whole. Oh my life... I do not know what I would do without worship music. It is so much a part of who I am, and fills me with the kind of emotion and intensity of feeling as nothing else can. I hope that Beautiful can also be one of those songs that stirs your heart this week. Goodnight, my friends.

Beautiful - http://www.mediafire.com/?t03z2iyzt5z

My Mountie Life: An Unexpected Visit

A lovely Tuesday morning to you all! Right now, I'm thanking God for no labs until 1 :P, I like to be lazy in the morning haha. I told you guys that I'd try to keep you posted on my spiritual life here, and I don't exactly think I've started yet... fail. But there's always time to do that, and this time starts now.

"An Unexpected Visit"... As most of you know (because I was too excited to keep it to myself), I ended up getting to meet David Klob again last Thursday. Not only was this a great surprise by normal means, it was an amazing boost for me spiritually. I had just emailed him that morning asking about DVDs and thanking him again for Exalt, and usually I'd expect a reply in the next few days. He emailed back not more than 20 minutes later, asking me what I was doing there, and finally telling me he gets voice lessons at Mt. A, and was coming that night.

This = :D x Infinity.

We ended up going to Wendy's, and talked for quite some time. I think it led to me telling him a great majority of what I have already told you guys, with the whole situation about the drinking and the partying, and my stand on it. What lightened my burden so much that night was that he affirmed me for it. I had gone through resisting that lifestyle (not really resisting... drinking is a non-issue for me at this point in my life) for that week, and especially with the Homecoming events that took place this past weekend, it felt like a relief that someone accepted my choices with happiness, instead of tolerance. The best part of the night though was being able to sit and have a conversation with one of the people that has single-handedly changed my life. I remember back in 2007, when Pastor Dave came with the Bethany group, and invited all the high school students to stay for pizza. He asked us what we wanted to do. I even remember some of the responses (Simon, you said you were thinking about being a pilot)! And then he asked me, and I told him "Music"... and not nine months later, my journey began. In life, a lot of unexpected things can happen, good and bad. This visit however, was one of the best things to ever happen to me. Mountie life deserves to be exciting too ;).

Song Of The Week - September 18

Hello... I honestly have been thinking about this moment for the past few days, and came to it with both anticipation and apprehension. It has been a really, really long time since I have written an SOTW, for several reasons this past summer. But I have really felt strongly that I should at least try it once more, and give it another shot. So bear with me guys, my writing may be a little rough... It's time to welcome back the Song Of The Week!


Missing (Why Didn't I Tell You) - Joel & Luke, A Tale Of Two Towns

"My love for you remained/So why was I afraid?"

In the time since the last SOTW I wrote, I'd like to think that I have come across some fairly decent music :P. There have been many subtle changes to my listening preferences since then, although I don't know if this song will show you just how much it has. I picked it for the same reason that I picked all the other ones though: It's good.

Joel & Luke are a duo of brothers from Australia that I find about a week ago. But they're not just any brothers; their family already has ties with the Christian music world. Does the name Rebecca St. James ring any bells to you? No matter what you think of her, I have to admit, the entire family has talent, and her brothers are no exception. Missing starts with the silent minor tones, abruptly grabbing you by the collar and taking you on an amazing symphonic rise. The instrumentation is truly haunting and explosive, lending itself perfectly to the lyrical content in the piece.

I think that this song is a representation of something that happens in our life all too often. The people that we meet and share our existences with can have a deep effect on our lives, whether or not we'd like to admit it. The problem is, we usually don't, and we end up with a host of missed opportunities and in the worst case scenario, serious regrets. I'm guilty of not exactly knowing what I've got until it is suddenly absent, missing from my life. Our experiences with God, and each other, can be the same way. If there's anything I've learned from being away, it's not to take anything for granted. Not the people you spend your time with, and certainly not the God who watches over you. Our moments are precious, so make sure that if you have something to say, say it... because the day will come when you'll lose that opportunity. Life happens so fast, and it's gone before we even accepted the fact that it was even there, so make sure to catch it before it goes by. We do only live once.

Missing - http://www.mediafire.com/?ityzwjrytz5

Pre-Cursor: My Mountie Life

My sickness has nearly left me, so thank God for that haha! I honestly only got about two and a half hours of sleep two nights ago, but we're good now. During my time in between classes, I was thinking of a way to share my experiences with you guys, and what God's doing for me, even here. So I guess you could call this a pre-cursor to a new section/group of blog posts, entitled "My Mountie Life". It should be interesting, as it's important to remember that God's still helping me through everything that goes on in my life. So yeah, keep in touch! I've actually got quite a bit to write tonight :P.

A formal welcome to Château Bennett.

Sick

For the past few days, I've been battling quite the head cold/flu (swine flu, anyone :P?), and have resorted to bed rest and lots of water. I honestly don't think I've drank so much water in so short a time in my life! But apart from that, I think most things are going well here, considering. I've been here for nine days... and it's quite the culture shock. The people in my dorm are actually pretty awesome and fun (we had a garden party yesterday lol), but I'm finding it a struggle to be consistently the only one who hasn't had a drop of alcohol since we got here. And everyone seems to be dying to know why, including Kevin. So I have a few questions on my mind, which I shall also write here:

- How do I connect with people on a level that is not blurred by intoxication?
- How do I show my dorm mates where my line is (assuming they don't know already)?
- I want to show my spirituality, my love for God here, but how can I do that without people being turned off by old stereotypes and views of Christianity?
- I still haven't found anyone here who shares my values/interests on a deeper level. Where are they?
- Will I ever get to a church (Moncton)? I miss fellowship.
- Will I ever be able to use the gifts God gave me here at Mt. A? I feel like a retired veteran reliving the glory days.

As I write from my bed, sniffing every few seconds, I wonder if I will get these questions answered as time goes on... because there is quite some time to go yet.

Bennett House, Mount Allison University

Hey everyone, I hope you guys are ready to start youth back up again :). It pains me to know I'll be missing it, but make it the best out of it that you possibly can. I want to know when you guys start youth band up again!

Since I realized that none of you will be here for a while (or at all), I decided that I would give you a little pictoral view of my dorm. So without further ado, here is:

Bennett House, Room 113

Beautifully adorned doors :P

Bennett House is really a toss up for me. It's not as nice as some of the other houses on campus, and as I have already told some of you, it is the "party dorm" on campus, something that does not sit well with me. But thank God for awesome roommates haha! Kevin is honestly one of the nicest people I have ever met. Moving here has been stressful, but it's not that bad when quiet hours come into effect.

Beautifully adorned space... disregard photo taker.

I'm getting more into the swing of things, and hopefully stuff will become more normal as my classes start. At the moment, this is my new living space/crib/hood. It's a fairly nice place to be, I'd say.

Lovely corner, eh :P?

In Sackville, there are some stores that you just have to go to, even if you don't want to. See that bag? That's from Jean-Coutu, and if you ever live here, I promise that store will be seeing a lot of you. I've walked down there about 5 times in the past week. They've got pretty much all the supplies for a Mount A student.

The other corner... it's alright :D

Kevin, as I said before is one awesome roommate. He does drink... so don't look in our fridge too often, but he's one of the few guys who I've seen that can do it responsibly. As well, he doesn't force that kind of lifestyle on me, which is a blessing in itself. I already have a lot to thank him for, because I wouldn't feel as comfortable here right now if it wasn't for him. So if you ever meet him, give him some respect. He deserves it.

Ok, I think that's about it from Room 113... oh wait! One more thing:

I'm still slappin' deh bass from time to time, so don't you guys be giving up on me! I want worship to be as great as it used to be, even if that means in a different way. You guys made me want to worship, so make sure you let yourselves be that same thing for the next generation. Have a good one everybody, I'm thinking about and missing you guys.

A Blogger's Farewell... For Now

Hey guys, I just wanted to say thanks to all of you guys for taking me to Jack and Andy's last night. It was well appreciated. I must say, this feels like my first year of Exalt all over again, except that I'm two hours away instead of one hour ;). It has truly been a trip with you guys over the past two years, and even though we will see each other again, it'll be a different relationship. I'm now a First Youth Band Alumni :P, and I'll make sure I wear that with pride. I just wanted to leave a couple words with you guys, as you start up worship this next year:

1. Don't forget who you're playing for. He deserves your best, and I know you guys can give it. I've seen you guys do it before.

2. Learn your songs! It's important to know what you're playing, but don't try and learn it all at once. Pick out your parts and learn them bit by bit.

3. Listen to the songs :P, maybe even to the point that you get sick of them. Remember that you will almost always get sick of a song before your audience does (but it doesn't mean that you play All Day for them every other week!)

4. Stay strong with each other. A group's unity and focus has quite an effect on the influence they are able to make in other peoples' lives. Be real with each other, and the times that you share with one another will be that much more powerful.

5. Pray. As I'm sure Matt can tell you, Youth Ministry is a hard path sometimes, and it may take more from you than you're willing to give. Pray for strength and guidance, and just as important, pray for the people you have a chance to minister to, as well as each other

6. Have fun. I may not always be the best example of this ;), but make sure that you enjoy yourself when you're doing the work that you do. Remember that this doesn't have to be a chore, you can still have fun with it, which you guys do, of course.

That's about it. I'm packed up and ready to leave. So... farewell guys. I wish you the best of luck this year. Rock out with your best for me! I'll see you guys soon.

Setlist Confirmed: B2SB

Hey guys, the setlist has been confirmed for next week. Here are the songs:

Intro/Salvation
Break Free
Million Pieces
Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble
Sing Sing Sing

Don't wait to practice. Don't even think about putting it off. This, at best, is a difficult setlist, so make sure you give yourself enough time to work with everything. As I said last night, everything is on the site (minus Break Free and Million Pieces). I'll try and get Break Free up here by the end of the day, you might have to search for Million Pieces on the net yourselves. Alright, that's it everybody. We may have to try and practice tomorrow... Peter can't practice with us either Wednesday or Thursday, so we have to do something about that.

EDIT: Here are the Break Free chord sheets.
CD Version (KJ..., take this one)
Alternate (Matt..., take this one)

Fall Bash: Practice Times/Musicbook 3.0

Hey guys, just wanted to leave a note on here concerning the Fall Bash. I think I got to all of you this afternoon, but as a reminder, the practice times for this week are set to be as follows:

Wednesday, 6pm - Movie on the Wall
Thursday, 6pm - Done

Make sure you come on Wednesday, I think we're planning on having a meeting before practice, and you'll all be given the updated Musicbook. There will be no audio cd's this year, as far as I concern it, but alternatively the entire Musicbook has been put on here electronically. You can access all the chords/sheets, as well as the mp3s to this year and years previous, in the Resources Section. Hopefully I've covered all that I need to. Oh yeah, right now, Million Pieces is the only song confirmed, but hopefully, there should be a setlist complete for us to work with. Have a good night everyone.