What happens when you combine an important opportunity to give and the item of clothing that makes up 80% of my wardrobe? You get the Moju Project. I really like this idea! Those that know me know that I love my T-Shirts. That’s just “how I roll“. So when I heard about the opportunity to acquire another t-shirt while helping to feed the less fortunate,  I couldn’t pass it up. It also makes a great Christmas gift for anyone on your list. For just $25 you can buy a great looking shirt and help a great cause. Very cool.

In case you’re shopping for me, I already ordered the one in the picture above (left). They had several other very cool designs though and Lord knows I’m not picky ! For more information, or to place your order check them out at - http://mojuproject.com. Their tag line is simply…

“For the one….”

You’ve probably noted that I have a serious passion for music. I honestly believe that our lives are not complete unless there is a soundtrack to go with it. How would movies be without the music in the background? What would long drives be without tunes to share the journey? Music catalogs my memories. It surrounds specific moments in my life. I can hear a song and take you directly to a snapshot in my memory. Maybe it’s a sickness, but I don’t know any other way.

So that brings me to the point of this post. What’s your lifesong? What is that song or songs that you would name as those that define a memory or how you want your life to be remembered. Need some examples? As you can imagine…I have several.

“Arms Wide Open” (imagine that) by Creed

“When All is said and Done” by Geoff Moore

“My Hometown” by Bruce Springsteen

These are just a few of the many that I have. I recently added another one. This one shot straight to the top of the chart. It struck me the moment I heard it. It has been on repeat for hours at a time today. There is something about the line “I want to be the same man that will serve you then like I serve you now“. Awesome.

The song is “Stand Amazed” by 33 Miles. If you don’t already have a “Lifesong”, then this might be a good place and time to start. I don’t mind sharing!

“Stand Amazed” by 33 Miles

In his book “The Life You’ve Always Wanted“, John Ortberg outlines a plan for the spiritual discipline of joy. He recommended that if you find yourself down, depressed, or often “joy challenged”, you should surround yourself with people that bring you joy. He even went so far as to say that we should schedule regular appointments in our busy lives with someone that brings us laughter and joy. Not bad advice. I have posted this clip before but to be honest, I wish I knew “Gladys from Austin“. She would be someone I would want to schedule time with in order to bring joy into my day. This clip is great. There’s a quote about half way through that is simply priceless (the 3:57 mark)!

How about you? Who brings you joy?

So there you have it! Two guys I have the utmost respect and admiration for. Whose team are you on and will you be joining in the challenge? You gotta admit that the “Casting Pounds” line was hilarious. Vote early, vote often!

I received an email from my friends at Overture Media about a month ago with an offer to take part in Jeremy Camp Blogger Week. Those that have been here awhile probably know that it took me about 2 seconds to reply to that message. By accepting their offer, I was fortunate enough to receive a free copy of Jeremy’s new CD, Speaking Louder Than Before to review for my blog. Before I go into my review, I would again like to thank Lori at Overture Media for the opportunity to be a part of this exciting week. The Bebo Norman and Jeremy Camp CDs have been in regular rotation the past few weeks! I’m honored to be asked and can’t thank you enough!

I’ve been a big fan of Jeremy Camp since his debut CD hit the streets. If you are not familiar with Jeremy, take a few minutes and read his bio (here). Jeremy has walked through the valleys that so many of us fear and shares his story, his healing and his hope through his music. He has inspired many with his honest and heartfelt lyrics.

No song captures the recent thoughts of this blogger more than the song “There Will Be a Day“. The first release from this incredible CD has put into words what so many that I know are feeling right now. The challenges of this world and the struggles that we each face force each one of us to seek a hope and for something more.  I have talked to at least 2 people in the past few weeks that literally drove around in their car until the song ended to hear the artist and song title because it had impacted them so much. Praise the Lord that there will be a day!

The rest of the CD is signature Jeremy Camp. He mixes rocking songs like the title track “Speaking Louder Than Before” and “I’m Alive” with worship anthems like “The Healing Hand of God“, “Surrender” and “So In Love“. With the Christmas season right around the corner, this CD would make the perfect gift for anyone you know that is a Jeremy Camp fan. I would also recommend “Speaking Louder Than Before” for anyone that is going through the trials and struggles of our journey here. The reminder that “There Will Be A Day” will encourage and bring hope to those that believe.

Thanks again Lori and Overture for the opportunity! You’ve made this Jeremy Camp fan very appreciative and blessed!

This is a re-post of sorts. Lots of “stuff” going on all around us isn’t there? Sometimes it makes you wonder if God is still in control. The requests are real. The requests are important. The requests are for friends, loved ones and people we don’t even know. We need assurance don’t we? We need something to hold onto. We need peace and a place to stand when the waters ahead appear rough. Anyone that holds a Bible has it. It’s found throughout scripture, but I think my favorite one is in Genesis 3:14:

God said to Moses, “I am who I am . ^[a] This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ “

These two words are more valuable than anything. They are bigger than every request. To those that believe, they are everything.

“Lord, I have a medical test coming up and I am scared. I know you know what’s best for me but”….I AM.

“Lord, I pray for my freind as he continues to battle his medical journey. I pray that”…I AM.

“Lord I have a friend that needs your direction and guidance as he”..I AM.

“Lord, I really messed up. No matter how hard I try”…I AM.

“Lord. I don’t know how we’re going to “….I AM.

“Lord, We need your”….I AM.

“Lord, I”….I AM.

“Lord,”….I AM.

I AM.

“I Am” by Nichole Nordeman

*Originally posted August 2008

Distance: 4.11 Miles

Time: 39:43

Pace: 9′38″ Per Mile

Finishing it together with friends: Priceless!

NOW LETS EAT!!!

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving. As we take the time to think of our many blessings, may we choose to be a blessing to others as well. Hope you all have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

“The Blessing” by John Waller

**Special thank you and credit to Arminda for the family picture featured in this post and in my sidebar.

Back by popular demand it is my annual posting of “A Sesame Street Thanksgiving”. Just when I thought no one would remember or care anymore, the requests came pouring in. Those on facebook were treated to this little gem yesterday. As a side note, I dedicate this posting to one of my childhood friends,  Tim Schott. Timmy passed away at about this time last year. Tim would send me an email every year to remind me to email the Sesame Street Thanksgiving to everyone. Although Tim is gone, he is never forgotten. We miss you friend.

For those new to the tradition that started several years ago, I used to email this to all that I knew as my way of saying Happy Thanksgiving. Now that we have things like facebook, Twitter and blogs, I am posting it for all to see. If this is your first year, you can also count on the legendary posting of a link to Snowcraft coming soon. Your holiday season will never be the same.

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you all for following the bouncing ball that is my blog and mind. I appreciate your comments online, through email and offline. It’s why I do, what I do. We have much to be thankful for.

Let’s call this segment “Cooking with Hanks”