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