I leave with the family tomorrow to head to the mountains for a week or so; we are headed to Massanutten Resort. My extended family is all gathering there to enjoy a time together, should be an enjoyable time (golfing, swimming, hiking, skateboarding for the kids, cooking out and other fun).

For me - I would much rather go to the mountains than the beach - so I am looking forward to it!

I am taking the following books for hopefully some relaxing vacation reading.

Thomas Keating’s Manifesting God

Miroslav Volf’s Free of Charge

and a constant companion…

Eugene Peterson’s The Jesus Way

I don’t know how much or if I will be posting between now and next Friday - but hopefully some pics of the mountains will fill this place. May we enjoy the moments of our days!

Psalm 90
A prayer of Moses the man of God.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.

Peace!

You may have noticed the new link on the sidebar for The Daily Scribe. This week I was informed that Perigrinatio was included into their community of blogs. I am excited by the honor of being included into this community of Christian writers who span the spectrum of Christendom from Anabaptist to Evangelical to Missional to eclectic mutts like me!

What is The Daily Scribe? Here is a part of the description from the website/feeder:

The blogosphere also plays host to some of the very best writing and thinking available today. Religion, philosophy and political writing by bloggers is improving by the minute, consequently demanding the attention of the more traditional and the much larger media outlets, institutions, and organizations. The fact that vocational professionals are forming blogging niches relevant to their academic training and life expertise has much to do with this improvement. A new found respect is being directed towards blogs and bloggers who exhibit a passion for this new medium with which they express their life’s hard work and study.

The Daily Scribe is one such niche. Only the highest quality Christian writing and expression is aggregated on the pages of The Daily Scribe. All of the writers featured are dedicated professionals in their respective fields and faiths. Theirs is a passion which is obvious, mature and tuned - well tuned. Each aggregated member represents quality and honesty. Each of these individuals bring much of value to the craft. So, rather than searching for hours for quality content regarding Christian ministry, theology, philosophy, design, technology, culture and praxis, just swing by “The Daily Scribe” and do your research! Here you will find more than you can probably process in one sitting. So, research it, find it, and take the knowledge with you!

So head over and check out some of the blogs who make up this blogging community.

It is no secret that I am sort of a freak when it comes to a particular band. Those who know me, know me as one who is more than a fan - more like a fanatic for the Seventy Sevens. For more than 25 years I have enjoyed in both the highest highs and the lowest lows their tunes as the “unofficial, official” soundtrack of my life. The vibe, the words, the emotion all tied up in their releases has collided well with the events that have propelled me through my adolescence, young adulthood, marriage, family and now near empty nest years. In many ways (even mysteriously) the themes and struggles of my life I have seen mirrored and even addressed in each subsequent 77’s release over these past 25 years.

I share all this to say… I am looking forward to adding some new tunes to the 77’s lexicon (aka my life soundtrack)!! They will arrive in my grubby greedy little fanatical hands with the appropriate autographs on June 28th!! I will buy it from Mr. Roe himself as I accompany my bride to see one of their (nowadays) rare live performances in Dayton Ohio at the infamous Canal Street Tavern (an adult beverage AND hearing the 7’s live… now that is a rare treat!) The new tunes are coming in the form of a new release entitled, Holy Ghost Building! It is a disc of standard blues and gospel numbers given the classic Seventy Sevens treatment and I can’t wait to hear this stuff! From the earliest days, old blues standards have been a 77’s staple - their very first release included an old blues tune, Denomination Blues by Washington Phillips - and the seven’s take on Phillips song is a fan favorite that is constantly requested at their live gigs (and this trend has continued through the years - a heavy dose of the blues has always been a strong suit of a 77’s recording). The ensuing blues & gospel fest soon to be released fits very well with the 77’s modus operandi and is highly anticipated (dare I say the older fans have been clamoring for this recording!!). A press release about the new recording follows, as well as their short tour dates (with Mike Roe, Mark Harmon & Bruce Spencer - and a special treat 7’s alumnus David Leonhardt!)… if you are anywhere near (say within 200 miles) any of these shows - do yourself a favor and grab a loved one and enjoy!!

And whether you make a live show or not… do yourself a favor and line the pockets of some great independent musicians and spend a few pennies (okay dollars) and get this recording!

————— for immediate press release ————– from low fidelity & the 77’s ———-

Lo-Fidelity Records and The 77s are proud to present the highly anticipated release of their new studio recording, “Holy Ghost Building.” Recorded over a 2-year stretch, the initial sessions were done quickly, much like Johnny Cash or Elvis recorded their early records at Sun Studios in Memphis. Mike Roe comments, “Those guys would choose a song, play through it to get the feel and arrangement, and while it was all fresh they would just roll the tape. Drawing from literally the same sources they did, we did the same thing….choosing old gospel, blues and bluegrass tunes that said something to us as a band, and then recording them on the spot with no rehearsal….the only difference was we spent a couple years putting the finishing touches on the songs!”

While “Holy Ghost Building” could be called a “return to form” for the band, saying so would also sell short the new depth the band has found in playing these songs. The record has The 77’s touchstones of rock and blues, but they have also included folk, slide guitar, Byrds-era jangle electric 12-strings, and vocal harmonies previously unheard on any 77’s record. Mike says “When folks ask me what this record sounds like, I like to say ‘Elvis, Scotty, Bill & D.J.’ because we did it exactly the way those guys did the early Elvis recordings. It even sounds like them sonically here and there, but thankfully none of that was planned either, which of course makes me very happy. You can’t plan those things without them often sounding planned, and I’m so glad we didn’t. Even the one original tune we tacked on at the end of this project as a bonus treat for the fans was made up on the spot: music, lyrics, melody and all. Talk about risk! But that’s how you end up with records like the ones I loved as a kid, and this one’s got that sound and feeling.

“For a preview off the record, visit the 77’s myspace to hear “Working on a Building,” the first single. The band will feature three new songs off the record leading up to its release.

The first pressing of “Holy Ghost Building” will feature limited edition digipack packaging and is scheduled for release beginning Friday, June 20th to coincide with The 77’s brief return to the road.

The CD will be available online from www.77s.com and www.lo-fidelity.com beginning June 20th as well, although orders will not begin shipping until the following Monday, June 23rd. Please note all dates are subject to change.

Mike Roe, Mark Harmon, David Leonhardt and Bruce Spencer will make a brief return to the road leading up to Cornerstone.

You do not want to miss this tour! Tour dates are as follows:

Friday, June 20th - Marietta GA
3 Bears Cafe
105 North Park Square,
Marietta GA 30060
Green Bracelet will open the show.
Showtime: 8:00PM
Must be 18+ years to attend.
Ticket Price: $12
Tickets available online at www.myspace.com/annemarieperry
(**Advise to buy in advance…this is going to be a full room) Your paypal receipt will be your ticket, please print out and bring to show.

Saturday, June 21 - Hendersonville TN
“The Living Room” at First Baptist Church Hendersonville
106 Bluegrass Commons Blvd.
Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075
Doors: 6:30pm
Showtime: 7:00PM
Lewis and Mary Lea will open the show…
Ticket price: $5.00 at the door.

Sunday, June 22, 2008 - Litchfield, IL
First Baptist Church of Litchfield
608 N Van Buren Street
Litchfield IL 62056
Doors: 6:30pm
Showtime: 7:00pm
Tickets: $8 in advance through itickets, $10 at the door
Litchfield is located off hwy 55 in southern Illinois, 46 miles south of Springfield Illinois and roughly 55 miles north of the Greater St. Louis Metro-East area.

Tuesday, June 24th - Ames IA
Zeke’s (Live Music, Performing Arts, Community Center)
3329 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50014
Doors: 7:00pm
Showtime: 7:30pm
Tickets: $15
Ticket info at www.zekesames.com
For more info contact Scott Hanson, hansonscott@mac.com (subject 77’s show)

Wednesday, June 25 - Rock Island IL
Comedy Sportz
1818 3rd Ave
Rock Island, IL 61201
Doors: 7:00pm
Showtime: 7:30pm
Ticket Prices: $15-if you purchase by June 13. $18.00 from June 14 - June 24th, $20 on day of show at the door.
Call District Drugs & Compounding Center, Monday through Friday, 10 AM - 5PM to Purchase Tickets. Call @ 309.786.8431 or Toll Free @ 866.842.3351 (Credit Card Payment- Visa/Master Card/Discover)- all sales final. Tickets will be issued “will call” at Door.
For more info contact Jim Perry @ jperry68@mchsi.com (subject 77’s show)
Website for more info: www.districtdrugs.com

Thursday, June 26, 2008
Lo-Fidelity Presents the 77’s at BACKTHIRD AUDIO
www.backthird.com
No tickets will be sold at the door.
This concert is being held in the beautiful “live room” of the studio at BackThird Audio in downtown Aurora.
40 seat capacity.
For more info and to purchase tickets, please visit:
www. lo-fidelity. com/77s

Friday, June 27 - Livonia MI
Trinity House Theatre
38840 W. Six Mile
Livonia, MI 48152-2605
Doors: 7:30pm
Showtime: 8PM
Ticket Price: $18, $15 for members
Contact 734-464-6302 or trinityhouse.org to reserve tickets

Saturday, June 28 - Dayton OH
Canal Street Tavern
308 E. First Street
Dayton, OH 45402
Doors: 8:00pm
Showtime: 9:00pm
Opening band TBA
Ticket Price: $15 in advance, $17 at the door
Advance tickets can be purchased at Canal Street Tavern (cash only), or can be charged online & by phone through iTickets. com or 1-800-965-9 324 (service charge applies)
Contact “Hear The Light” at 937-426-5400 or email deb@hearthelight.com (subject 77’s show) for more info.
Please note, you must be at least 18 or accompanied by parent or legal guardian to attend this concert.

Thursday, July 3 - Cornerstone
Gallery Stage
8:15pm - 9:15pm

Friday, July 4 - Cornerstone
Main Stage
7:15pm - 7:30pm

Once the Cornerstone dust has settled, Mike, Mark, and Bruce would like to continue their “Holy Ghost Building” tour on the West Coast/Pacific Northwest. Perspective show dates would begin July 11th, and end….??? For more information and to book the 77’s, please contact jeffrey k. ASAP at booking@lo-fidelity.com

So I was tagged by Dan Mayes in a “boredom breaker” meme he has started inviting folks to list their top ten favorite films.

The rules of the “game” are simple:
1. list your top ten favorite films (in no particular order).
2. if you’re tagged, you’ve got to post and tag 3-5 other people.
3. give a tag back (some link love) to the one who tagged you in your post
4. give a hat tip (HT) to Dan

So here we go… My Top Ten Favorite Films:

1. Sideways - a great film full of amazing dialogue and some of the most passionate discussions of food, life, and “the moment” conveyed on film. What a trip! But many won’t enjoy it - be warned it is rated R for a reason.

2. The Last Supper - a film I stumbled over that just got me at the right time - I dig this exploration of sin, tolerance, and guilt. A black comedy that is not for the faint of heart - but it looks into the human heart in a powerful way.

3. The Breakfast Club - one of the first films I remember walking out of with my then girlfriend (now wife) and feeling like we belonged to our generation - though we felt “disposable” we also felt triumphant (or defiant - feeling like we were vicariously lifting our leather covered fists with Judd Nelson - declaring - “don’t you forget about me!”). Generation X finds it’s confused, troubled yet communal and determined voice!

4. Chariots of Fire - from the soundtrack to the acting to the inspiring story this portrayal of Eric Liddell enraptured me as a young teenager. I found a hero worth emulating (prior to this it was Pete Rose and Evel Knievel?!).

5. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy - well I am cheating putting three films in one entry - but the whole grand epic was one I became obsessed with driving me back to read Tolkien’s work again. I think the film was brilliantly done. It captured the beauty of the “journey” and celebrated the relationships which make this story universal and so compelling. I am definitely looking forward to the two installments of Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit. “…not all who wander are lost!”

6. Star Wars - the first film (before it was “episode IV). This caught me off guard and I had never seen a film quite like it - but as a kid seeing it in the theatre it made a HUGE impression. Definitely a defining moment as a kid. There was pre-SW and after-SW; and after-SW - films and stories had a whole new standard to measure up to.

7. The Matrix - this was a very personal experience for me. I saw myself in that film - caught in the matrix and definitely (like many) saw myself as NEO finding my way out of the artificial and constructed world I had allowed myself to be “caught up in” This was for me just a great example of a powerful story told in the perfect medium! The Matrix is a very mythic and beautiful film displayed through a whole new world of special effects by the Wachowski Bros. (unfortunately for me neither of the sequels quite measured up - it may be that I just didn’t connect as well).

8. Magnolia - I love this kind of story telling (like Pulp Fiction & Memento) where you are submerged in the middle of the story and through flashback and the culmination of events all the various strands begin to intersect. In my opinion Magnolia does this in a memorable and fascinating way. Loved it!

9. The Name of the Rose - I loved Umberto Eco’s novel by the same title and I think the film captured very faithfully this murder mystery in a medieval Abbey. What’s not to love?!

10. The Silence of the Lambs - Saw this in the theatre and for the last half hour of the film was dying from the incredible suspense and tension! Wow! No film has had me so on the edge of my seat and jumping into my wife’s lap like this one (except the grandaddy of them all - the original Psycho). For me this is the ultimate “horror” film - I don’t dig gratuitous slasher films - but in this case J. Demme balanced the gore and the suspense with a smart written story. Great stuff - hold the fava beans!

I am tagging…

Light Lady - have some fun! (I am guessing Braveheart will make her list!)
Len - I am thinking he may dig Field of Dreams.
Justin - I think he may be a Napoleon kinda guy (just a hunch).
Chris - my gut says that Transformers (or another superhero kinda film) may make his list.
Brian - I think his list will be closest to mine (if not by film; by vintage)!

also Folmsbee can count himself tagged… it may be a way to break the silence over there! [I am fairly certain Hoosiers would be on his top 10]

Peter is also tagged - I think he may put Rosebud in his list (actually I am fairly certain it will make the list).

Okay, so guessing on what films may appear in those I tagged were somewhat genuine guesses - but also ways to mention other films that would or could have appeared in my top 10 on any other given day (well with the exception of transformers!)

69%How Addicted to Apple Are You?

ONLY 69 percent?! Unbelievable… what just cause I didn’t own a G-3?!

Doesn’t my 128 K first gen mac account for something?

I am powered by APPLE baby - and proud of it!!

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of a very little known band called the Seventy Sevens. Since many moons ago (circa 1982) I have followed the career of these bad luck or no luck paupers of the back beat. The recordings of Roe and Co. have been the soundtrack of a large portion of my life. Their honest and gritty lyrics and their way of pairing it to great hooks and often raw but still beautiful music for some reason connects with me.

So, the 77’s are rumored to be putting out their first new recording (working title - Jesus Hits Like an Atomic Bomb / rumored actual title - Holy Ghost Building) in some 6 years. A collection of old blues tunes given the royal 77’s treatment (think a Stones/Zep take on Run to the City of Refuge or Workin’ on a Building). I don’t know when it will ultimately “hit the street” (or website store) - but hopefully mid to late summer. There is even some talk of the power trio version of the band (Roe, Harmon and Spencer) making a little road trip round the country playing churches, clubs and maybe even a back yard or two.

Well, I couldn’t be happier! It is so refreshing to find beautiful and authentic music made out of sheer love for the art. I think that is what I find when Roe croons, and Harmon grooves and Spencer keeps time. They long gave up “the dream” and now the music is a result of their friendship, their connection and maybe even to quiet and satisfy their small, but rabid and devoted fan base.

Well, Mike Roe, lead singer and guitarist of the 77’s, has been working on mixing and readying the new sevens recording… and also has played a few solo dates this past week. I stumbled across this gem of a performance on you tube and felt COMPELLED to share it (do it for love!!). [stick with me here as I name drop and reference and well hang in and see if you can understand the next sentence ] It is Mike Roe in John J. Thompson’s (of True Tunes fame and the keeper of the Gallery stage at Cornerstone for many years) kitchen/dining room in Nashville helped out by Matt Slocum on Cello (Sixpence None The Richer); Phil Madeira on guitar (B-3 legend playing with everyone from Keaggy to Emmylou Harris and Buddy Miller); Jimmy Abegg on guitar (painter, photograher, solo artist and member of the old Exit label band Vector) and Steve Hindalong on percussion (Member of the Choir and producer of the famed City on a Hill recordings; writer of God of Wonders). So without further ado… here is Mike and company turning up some beauty in the suburbs of Nash-vegas… doing his take on the Velvet Underground’s, “Pale Blue Eyes“:

In less than a weeks time we will be in the midst of the holiest week of the year. How have you personally prepared? How has your community of faith anticipated and focused for this important observance?

I find as I come into such “special and set-apart times” that if I “just let it happen” - often nothing does. It is when I allow myself to be transformed through personal preparation or my involvement with a communal commitment that the “special time” takes on a heightened significance and becomes transformative. One practice, apart from all the rest, that has become a way of preparation in my life is reciting a prayer for such an occasion. In this week proceeding Holy Week, I will be praying this prayer at least once a day.

O Lord my God, to you and to your service I devote myself, body, soul, and spirit.

(From the Book of Common Prayer)

Over the past few weeks I have been preparing for some teaching that I will be conducting on the topic of Developing A Rule of Life. It is a topic that both intimidates and excites me. I have never been part of a community that has adopted a rule of life. So it puts me in a great disadvantage to speak on the topic.

I have read widely and I have a personal rule of life - so that is somewhat helpful - but I lack the communal aspect — so I often wonder, “do I get this at all?”

None-the-less, long ago I learned if it is worth doing, it is worth doing imperfectly. So I trudge ahead.

When we hear this word rule, many think of it as a set of regulations or a list of prohibitions. While that is the popular definition, rule in this context is maybe the older understanding of, “a straight edge to draw straight lines and to measure.” A rule of life is more of a guide to help us measure and line up our life - it helps us answer at least two critical questions:

1. Who do I want to become?

2. How do I want to live?

Based on this answer we develop some ways to head toward that end. Great rules of life have drawn many into community with others who feel called to the same aspirations. A great case in point is Benedict’s Rule. His rule is built on helping others become stable and yet ever converting in their faith; to model Christian hospitality; and to live a life marked by unceasing prayer. Thousands have made the Rule of Benedict, there own (even this day I am considering officially adopting his rule as an Oblate of St. Benedict).

Answering those two questions is never easy. I have been struggling as I have re-assessed my answers over the years. I think at this point my answer would be:

Who do I want to become? I want to become more fully human - following Jesus as a more engaged human. (To my ears this means I desire to be more present [aware and attentive] to myself, others, creation and God).

How do I want to live? I want to live my life authentically - in a manner that is appropriately vulnerable and accepting, hospitable and available - that others might find encouragement and hope from the well of my life.

Tomorrow we will look at how we might incorporate behaviors and practices into our lives to make our rule a reality.

I took this test - from the Upper Room the other day and I found it both helpful and affirming. (I was reminded of it by my blogging friend - Brian Eberley) It reinforces an idea of mine that our temperament and our “personality” can actually be transformed. For many years while I was in full time Youth Ministry I proudly wore the badge of Type A - driven personality. I found that to be something that could excuse my plowing people over and being emotionally and relationally unengaged…

But over time I came to see that Type A personality in my life for what it was - an excuse to sin! After my life began to come apart at the seams I sought God in new ways (new to me - not new mind you - actually kind of ancient ways!) and over time I began to be put back together.

That was nearly 10 years ago and I have attempted to stay on the path that I started journeying on for that amount of time. So it was a real joy to see some of the results of this test and others like it. It is not scientific or even close to 100% accurate - it does however reveal that a transformation has taken place in my life! That is encouraging to me. God does transform us. It is a mystery how it happens, often slowly and over time, bit by bit God rearranges, replaces, composts, and recycles our sin and brokenness to create us into a whole new creation that honors Him.

So anyway the test I took - reveals that I am part of the school of the mystics (a far cry from the driven results oriented, just the facts kinda guy I tried to be [and thought was desireable] in my earlier days of youth ministry).

The Test Results Write Up:

You are a Mystic, known for your imaginative, intuitive spirituality. You value peace, harmony, and inner silence. Mystics are nurtured by walking alone in the woods or sitting quietly with a trusted friend. You may also enjoy poetry, meditation, wordless prayer, candles, art, books, and anything else that helps you connect with God.

Famous Mystics:
Thomas Merton | Enya | John (the Gospel writer) |
Brother Lawrence (Practicing the Presence of God) |
Desert mothers and fathers | Charlie Brown |
Sister Wendy | Phoebe Buffay (Friends) | Julian of Norwich |
Luke | Anthony de Mello

Hey if you want to try the test check it out over at The Upper Rooms Spirituality program called Method - X

Last night was a real treat. My church hosted a concert with The David Crowder* Band. What fun! It was a great time - my daughter and some friends and my wife and I and a good friend all piled into the suburban to attend the show.

I have seen Crowder and company a few times at YS - but never a full concert. It was pretty cool to get an hour and a half of Crowder and the boys!

Crowder* in Center Township, PA

It was cool to meet David after the show - my buddy got his Crowdster signed by it’s namesake - you can read that story at Peter’s site.