Brief update once again

Feel like I’ve hit a huge brick wall mentally. So much to do, but I never feel like I have enough time to do it in. I’m looking at kicking off another blog-a-day on July 1st, but I’m not sure if I’ll have the time to write each day. Being a writer means writing, which is something I do precious little of it seems.

I do read though so I have that going for me.

I’m slowly learning Django. I like it, I think it has a great amount of potential. I am worried that I will learn it and then lose it. I won’t be using it on the job, at least not in the job I currently hold. Maybe, hopefully I’ll be using it in the future.

Speaking of which I’m doing most of my learning on the clock and I hope it doesn’t cause any difficulties long term. I know my boss doesn’t care because I keep my work up-to-date. I’m not spending time learning at the expense of my job. Having said that I don’t feel like it is something I should continue to do, but it seems to be the wisest use of my time and it keeps me from surfing the web.

I’m not satisfied. I’m restless. I’m also tired. I’m not so tired that I can’t function, but I have a hard time concentrating during the day.

I’m way behind on my podcast listening. It doesn’t help that trying to learn and listen to a podcast is near impossible. I’m trying to figure out what needs to be limited and what needs to be cut completely.

None of this is all that important; it just weighs on my mind. I think our financial situation right now is causing the stress which is causing a domino effect into other areas of my life.

Grr. Arrgh.

Brief update

So not a lot has been going on at any one time, but since I haven't written here in forever there is a lot to get caught up on.

- I was accepted for a writing gig to review comic books at destroythecyb.org. I've currently got three reviews up with three more coming in the next week. If nothing else this forces me to write on a semi-regular basis, with the exception of the 3-4 week gap between the last review and the upcoming one.

- I started recording a radio show for a local low power FM station. 92.7 WXBH out of Fern Creek in Louisville. My show airs Saturday mornings from 10:00 AM to Noon eastern time. If you are interested, but you don't live near the area, you can also check it out at wxbh.org. I play a mix of rock through the ages, alt-country, country, independent, bluegrass, pop, etc. In radio terms it is more of an Adult Alternative. Think Paste magazine mashed up with a classic rock station.

- I'm working out a new format for the PopCulture Geek podcast and hope to have a new one out in the next week or two.

- I'm going to fold PopCulture Geek Radio out. With the addition of the radio show above something had to give and this one was it. It was getting even less attention from me and I get a chance to play all of the music on the air. It all works out in the end.

- I've recently spent a few days with my wife in St. Augustine, Fl. for a much needed and very restful vacation. I'll be adding pictures to my flickr stream. If you get a chance to go, I recommend it.

- As of today I'm scheming and throwing some ideas around. What I have in mind could be big. More details to come as I get things worked out in my mind. Nurturing ideas, for me, are kind of like teaching a child to ride a bike: I have to run along side them for them to gain momentum or they will crash and burn real fast. Please pray that I'll have the wisdom and foresight to carry this through or to let it drop before I get too involved and my pride gets in the way.

I think that pretty much covers it for now. I hope to do some more writing as well. I had a few ideas, but I didn't run along side them long enough.

NoiseTrade Widget

Anger

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
Psalm 37:7-9

I used to be an angry individual. I'm not saying that I no longer get irrationally angry, but with a lot of work, prayer, support from a patient wife, and some counseling I'm much better than I used to be. With the change that has come I also see anger in others and its effect on their life more clearly. I don't boast in my lack of anger because I know I could very easily be them.

I believe anger to be one of the more destructive emotions when handled improperly. It has creates the same internal damage that worry and despair do, but it has the added bonus of coming out in actions and words which damages other people.

In the last few days I've watched anger in play. Deep anger and worry that comes from wounds I will never fathom. Irrational anger that lashes out and causes chaos and discord whereever it goes. And I think to myself that only by the grace of God am I not that person. I can only pray for peace in these situations and hope that they receive the same peace that has been given to me.

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Proverbs 16:31-33

And now for something completely awesome

Dagnabbit

I hate feeling guilty for not having written here recently or having kept up with either of my podcasts. I haven't touched the guitar in weeks. I've gotten better at managing my time to the point that I'm actually studying web development more. However, that is really the only positive thing I can come up with at the moment. I'll be on vacation for a week and won't be able to do any of this because I'll be in Pennsylvania visiting my in-laws.

C.J. Mahaney has written a good piece on his blog about procrastination and how some of us are more prone than others to lean towards it. I'm definitely a procrastinator. In the past I always felt I did my best work under a deadline. I've been out of the scholastic environment for ten years now, nothing drives me. Sure I have deadlines at work and I have a good habit of meeting or beating them, but once the work is over I'm back to my lazy, self-centered lifestyle. I know deep down inside part of me feels like I deserve a break after 5:00, but a lack of diligence outside the office has put me in a precarious position. I have to "cram" now so I can be prepared to make a job change if necessary. My options are limited because I haven't taken advantage of the opportunities that I have been given.

Outside of that I don't want to be in a corporate environment all of my life. I want to utilize my knowledge of technology to reach out and make a difference in the world. The way I see it though, if I can't take the time for the things I "want" to do on a regular basis then I'm really going to have a hard time with the things I'm called to do as a believer.

I'm not saying I need to be a workaholic, studyholic, evangelholic 24/7/365. That is a road of deception that leads away from God as well. I am saying I need to work, and work hard, to strike a balance.

Poverty: How you can make a difference.

The economic downturns have impacted us in various ways. Gas prices were up, now they are down. Food prices have gone up. Restaurants are going out of business because costs have gone up and customers have quit coming in. The stock market drops out 2000 some odd points in a month and gains back 900 in a day. All in all it is hard to be optimistic about our future.

Chance are if you are reading this and you are in America you own a computer, you live in a house, you ate some food today, and you're probably going to a job tomorrow. In short you have it better than some 95% of the rest of the world.

I'm not here to make you feel guilty, I'm here to make you think. The government has many programs to help people here and abroad meet their needs on a daily basis. However the same government has run up a 10 trillion dollar national debt. As much as we would like to look to the government and multi-national corporations to do their part in saving the world, true change will not happen unless we are involved as well.

If you are a Christian this is more than a good idea, it is to be a part of who you are. There are at least 2000 references to poverty and children in the Bible. We are created in the image of God. God has a lot to say about poverty, how He handles it, and by example how we should handle it as well.

Today I would like to highlight some opportunities for you to help out and contribute. First off is Compassion International. Your monthly donation will help a child and the community the child lives in. Compassion goes further than just taking care of the physical needs of the child, they also help to educate each child so they have hope for the future. If you cannot give you money, please consider giving your time. If you have a blog, please take a look at Compassion Bloggers.

Another option is to join up with Advent Conspiracy. Each year Americans spend 450 billion dollars on Christmas every year. Let me repeat that last part. 450. BILLION. EVERY. YEAR. I know what you're thinking, it's October 15th and its too early to start talking about Christmas. It isn't. Christmas will be here before you know it. Did you know that lack of clean drinking water kills more people than anything. It is estimated that 10 billion dollars could provide clean drinking water for everyone in the world. The idea is to spend less this Christmas season. Spend more time socializing with friends and family. Give more time to those who need it. Make memories. Consumerism has run rampant for too long now. Have we not learned from the past few weeks that more stuff doesn't equal happiness? And while you aren't spending on gifts that will probably be forgotten, you can be giving some of that to help out the world.

A similar idea is behind Blood Water Mission. Founded by Dan Haseltine to help provide clean water and clean blood to villages in Africa. They are currently 340 wells into a 1000 wells project and could use any and all help you can give. According to their website 1 dollar will fund clean water for one African for a whole year.

These organizations, as well as many others, need your help. It is my hope that what has happened in the world around us has given you pause to meditate and see the blessings in your life.

At a crossroads?

I'm holding back. I'm on the edge looking over and I just need to take the dive. I don't like coming here to write, especially when I don't feel like I've done anything. Pretty soon this is going to end up being a sounding board for how bad I suck at living life and how things aren't fair.

I am sanctified by the blood of Christ. I am made righteous in the eyes of God. I have to start living that life.

As with many proclamations I have made here I have no idea what or how I'm going to go about that. I need to pray more and focus on listening more and to that end I would ask that you pray for me also in this time.

Lord give me patience and I need it right now

"The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride."
--Ecclesiastes 7:8(NIV)

Patient: bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint(according to Merriam-Webster)

Patient: A lost art that apparently no-one, including myself, is in a hurry to find.

The windstorm of possibly the century hit Louisville in the past week. 3/4 of the city was without power and the estimates for getting everyone back online was grim. 24 hours had not passed yet and people were complaining about the inconvenience. I've heard several stories of crews being harassed and cursed by people they have come to help. I know it was a massive inconvenience. We lost all of the food we had in our refrigerator and freezer. The day pretty much ended at sundown as reading by candlelight was not happening. We were blessed to get our power back in 36 hours, but even if it had taken all week we would have understood. Patience is key in these times. We've become too used to instant gratification. Buy now, pay later. 500 channels, video on demand. "Instant" messaging. High speed internet.

I'm convinced the election isn't about what is good for the nation. The candidate that wins will be the one that can convince the voters he will lower gas prices, taxes, and save the economy in the first quarter in office. We don't look to the big picture anymore. We've got to open up more drilling even though it will take 5-7 years to bring said oil to market. We've got to cut taxes and provide more spending money even though we've just reported the highest national debt ever. We've got to bail out the failing financial market, the same market that tried to shortcut its way to a bigger payday.

I'm not immune. I used to be the poster boy for compulsive outbursts. My lack of patience is what got us into so much debt. My lack of patience is what keeps me from sticking to what I start. I'm actually quite amazed I've stuck with writing for as long as I have.

Tomorrow I celebrate eight years of being married to a wonderful and beautiful woman. She has taught me more about patience in that time that I ever thought possible and I thank God for her each and everyday.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
--Colossians 3:12

The Wandering Mind

Newsflash, this just in.

- For whatever reason I felt it was a good time to rent an acoustic guitar and try to learn some music. I'm not sure why I thought this was a good idea. I have this insatiable need to create. That is why I write. That is why I put podcasts together. More than likely it is also the foundation for the amount of music I listen to and/or buy. The desire is there, the talent may not be so much. I know what I'm good at. I understand systems very well. God graced me with the ability to see the big picture, very well at times. I am tenacious when it comes to solving problems. I'm also a good facilitator. I know how to ask the right questions. I'm not saying this out of arrogance. I'm saying it because these are my strengths.

I haven't written here in awhile and it is killing me not to write. I don't know who said it originally, but Wil Wheaton passed on this bit of advice: "Don't be afraid to suck."

I'm not afraid to suck at writing in view of the internet. I may not be the most interesting, I may never find the voice. Right now I can't find the inspiration. I want to write, I don't know what to write.

- Gas prices shot up overnight on speculation hurricane Ike will cause major disruption in Gulf oil production. After watching the news tonight I feel it is time for me to add my voice and send out a reminder. If you cause a run on gas, the price will definitely go up. Gas, as with most things, is driven by a little thing we call supply and demand. Supply is not down, oil is selling at less than $100 a barrel as of market close today. Refined gas supplies may go down briefly with this hurricane. However, everyone panicking because they've "heard" prices are going up will drive supply down which will drive prices up.

Repeat after me: The news is anything but the news. The news hasn't been real reporting in probably 20 years. The media, whether intentionally or not, is very good at manipulating your emotions. Panic isn't going to help any of us and will probably cause the government, which is another issue altogether, to gain more control. Breath deep and remember things are probably not as bad as they seem to be.

- Have I mentioned I have no idea why I rented a guitar?

It's the little things

I never realized how much I talk to myself and sing in the car until my voice started going out last night. Now I have to force myself not to use it when it isn't necessary. It is mildly annoying to say the least.

On the off chance my voice comes back in the next 24 hours I'm going to try and revive my podcasts this weekend, although as with everything the best laid plans . . .

Music Reviews

I was originally going to do two bullet reviews, two weeks ago. Since I've been derelict in my duties, I'm going to add a bonus review. Strap yourself in, here we go.

Samantha Crain - "The Confiscation EP"

Imagine Feist or Yael Naim singing the songs of Neko Case and you'll have a pretty good approximation of the sound for this album. If that description puts you off, don't let it. Give this EP a chance to grow on you and you'll see an up and coming star in the making. A native of Oklahoma this first release shows a maturity well beyond her years. The folk songstress blends age old guitar and rhythm with strong and inventive lyrics. Plus her sounds fits right in with her label mates:

The Avett Brothers - "The Second Gleam"

There is much to be said about the Avett Brothers, but I covered most of it here. This is not necesarily the Avett Brothers album to start out with. "The Second Gleam" follows in the footsteps of "The Gleam" with ballads taking the lead. The first single, "Murder in the City," sets the tone with the lines like "If I get murdered in the city, don't go revenging in my name." The song continues exploring the meaning of life, death, relationships, and what is truly important. The whole EP tackles these themes in a laid back folk/acoustic manner. The Avetts prove that sometimes it is better to leave the rowdy at home and take time to ponder and savor life in all of its glory.

Jars of Clay - "Closer(EP)"

Jars of Clay are back and if this EP is any indication of what is to come, I can't wait for the full album. "Closer" starts off with a pop rock sound that wouldn't sound out of place on the "Good Monsters" album. The ballad "Safe to Land" follows. Its a good song, but it really doesn't break any new ground. After that are two re-recordings "Love Song for a Saviour(2008)" and "Flood(New Rain)." I'm already a fan of both songs and "Love Song for a Saviour(2008)" manages to capture the beauty of the original with a slightly updated feel. However "Flood(New Rain)" did not work for me. The original version was a breakout hit for Jars and the addition of some vocals and a guitar track just doesn't feel quite right this time around. The EP ends with another ballad "Prisoner of Hope." Again it is a fairly standard sound, but lyrically it captures an unexplainable feeling that makes the song stand out. Jars of Clay have started releasing on their own label, presumably so they can make music on their own terms. After hearing this EP I can't wait to hear what they do next.

From Cracked to Cracking up

I'm losing focus and I don't like it. I'm prone to wandering at best and downright attention deficit on my bad days. Outside of the music reviews I haven't done much in the way of writing lately. I know that if I'm going to be a writer I have to discipline myself to write on a regular basis, but like many things I don't feel like I have any follow through.

In an attempt to get some money saved and some debt paid off I'm combing through books and CDs to sell. I have a bookcase full of computer books that at one time were intended to help further my career. The problem is that I have no focus. There are books for network certifications, security studies, programming, graphics design, and web design. I hated programming when I graduated with my degree. I knew I was going into network administration. I took a few of the Microsoft tests, but never followed through. In the late 90's I knew computer security would be the next big thing so I started buying books on it. My prognostication proved to be true, but less than helpful since I never actually applied myself to the study.

Now I'm looking at web design. I'm trying very hard to take the advice of one of my friends and focus on only a few key programming methods. I get distracted though. I surf the web too much, I listen to music too much, I spend more time doing nothing and avoiding real work than I do actual study.

I like where I am in my life for the most part. I like the job I do, but I'm also afraid of what will happen when it eventually runs out.

Everyday I hear God telling me to let go. Let go of the job. Let go of the stuff. Let go of my life. Let go of my plans. I want to let go and fall into His plan and lean on His strength. I want to believe that when the chips are down I will have a stronger faith than what I feel I have now.

There is a whole school of thought regarding 'delayed adolescence' in young men today. Men in their twenties are staying at home with the parents, not worrying about studying or getting jobs, just concentrating on having fun. It isn't anything I really had to deal with. I lived with my parents through the first part of college and moved out when I was 22. With the exception of six months after a nasty eviction, I haven't lived with my parents since. I worked through college, got my degree in Computer Information Systems, and had a job at a computer support contracting firm one month after graduating. For the longest time I thought I had it all together.

This year I've learned a lot about myself, my faith, my relationship with my wife, and my lack of maturity. I'm praying for maturity and wisdom. I'm praying for change in my life.

So now I'm a music review and psychological sounding board. It must be a blog.

Music Review: Matthew Sweet "Sunshine Lies"

Much has been written about Matthew Sweet. After two critically acclaimed, but poorly selling albums he broke big in 1990 with the album "Girlfriend." The alternative pop hit spawned two top-25 singles on the Modern Rock Chart and two anime filled music videos. The following albums, "Altered Beast" and "100% Fun," widely divided the critics. Some felt the music was uneven, others felt it was a logical extension of what he started with Girlfriend. The following years saw a few more releases that served to build his fan base. He collaborated with Shawn Mullins and Pete Droge to form the super group the Thorns. He cameoed in the Austin Powers movies as part of the band Ming Tea with Mike Meyers and Susanna Hoffs. In 2006 he released an album of classic rock covers with Susanna Hoffs entitled "Under the Covers Vol. 1."

Now he is poised to release his first new solo album since 2004 and his first for the Shout! Factory label. "Sunshine Lies" is due out on August 26th, 2008. If you have followed Mr. Sweet's career to this point you will find this album to be a culmination of his talent. If this is a first time experience for you, get ready for a treat.

This album is his most consistent release since "Girlfriend." The songs, even the ballads, are catchy and the lyrics are witty. The album simultaneously starts a new chapter in his career while paying homage to his past career. "Time Machine" kicks the album off with a pop fullness while the lyrics paint a wistful picture. "Room to Rock" speeds out of the gate in a manner similar to "Dinosaur Act" from "Altered Beast." The third track, "Byrdgirl," sounds straight off of "Under the Covers Vol. 1" with a late 60's/early 70's rock feel. He then punches out on the fourth track, "Flying," with a classic rock feel and gravely vocals. The song has a real Neil Young vibe and it stayed in my head long after the album had ended. Track five is the deceptively smooth "Feel Fear." Track six, "Let's Love," is the other real standout track on the album. Again he invokes a similar style to Neil Young on the verses, but the chorus leans more towards the Who with its rocking rhythm and lead guitar work. The title track "Sunshine Lies" is up next. Again Sweet, along with his wife and Susanna Hoffs, sings a laid-back, psychedelic track that could have been pulled straight out of the 60's. Track seven is another slow ballad entitled "Pleasure is Mine." If I had to pick a weak track on the album, it would be this one. It isn't necesarily a bad track, but on a disc of memorable tracks this one doesn't stick out. Track eight, "Daisychain," again showcases Sweet's homage to the music that influenced him. It has a 60's rock feel that would not feel out of place on a Beach Boy's album. Track nine brings back the rock with "Sunrise Eyes." This track points back to his success in the 90's, but has an edge of experience that could only come with time. Track ten is the ballad "Around You Now." I couldn't help but hear echoes of "Nothing Lasts" from "Girlfriend" when I listened this track. They both share themes of inevitable change. Track eleven, "Burn Through Love," is the second weakest track on the album. Again the track isn't bad, it just comes off as mediocre alterna-pop compared to other tracks. The album ends with "Back of My Mind." The track starts off as a slow ballad that builds into a powerful chorus only to drop off into a slow ballad again. It is the perfect cap for an album that deftly rode the line between 90's alternative, 60's psychedelic, and flat out rock and roll.

All in all this is the best Matthew Sweet in some time and well worth the wait. Next week I'll be reviewing a couple of new releases from Ramseur Records.

Review: The Photographic "Pictures of a Changing World"

On March 11th, 2008 The Photographic released their debut album "Pictures of a Changing World." On Tuesday July 9th, 2008 I was fortunate enough to hear the track "Bridge Runs" for the first time on a local radio station. That day I sought out and purchased this album and it has remained in heavy rotation ever since. The Photographic are Jamey See Tai and Chad Blevins from Louisville, Kentucky. The duo met in 2001 through a mutual friend, started jamming together in 2002, and formed The Photographic in 2003. Originally Jamey played guitar while Chad played drums. Over time their sound has evolved to include synthesizers and guitar loops as well. The sound is so layered and full that it is hard to believe there are only two people in the band. The band already has an impressive resume having shared the stage with, among others, The Apples in Stereo, Hawthorne Heights, and VHS or Beta. They have also opened for Unwed Sailor and The Naysayer.

On first listen it would be easy to compare this album to the later work of Explosions in the Sky. However on repeated listening one discovers the little details in the sound that sets this band apart from other melodic rock bands.

The first track, "Inception", slowly meanders along and fades right into the second track, "Millie Rode to Heaven on the Back of an Orca." In this track it sounds as if a guitar is used to mimic whale sounds. It didn't stand out on first listen. I happened to be passively listening through headphones and I just picked on it. From there the album flows on. Drum beats and guitar loops are expertly merged with guitar melodies. From the drawn out synthesizer in "Lost in a Daydream" to crunchy guitar loop that fades to cleaner version on "Night Noise" the album seamlessly melds together for just under an hour taking the listener on a sonic journey. For me the stand out is a ten minute epic titled "We Were Fed Poisoned Bread," a breathtakingly complete story in melody alone. The album is a soundtrack that is waiting for an accompanying movie.

As good as the recorded music is I have heard it plays even better live. Jamey's brother Jessie does a video projection for the entire show that is supposed to really draw the audience into the music. There is enhanced content on the disc that gives a taste of the full experience and adds an additional layer to the music.

These songs will remain in my rotation for quite some time. This is a band that shows great promise and potential. This disc will definitely appeal to fans of melodic rock, but I would recommend that everyone give it a listen. The music is that good and I hope we will be hearing more from The Photographic in the years to come.


"Pictures of a Changing World" was released through Galaxia records and is available through Amazon, ITunes, and Emusic. My recommendation is to buy a copy today.

Next week I'll have a review of Matthew Sweet's new solo album, "Sunshine Lies."

Writing: Marathon for the Brain

So I just put the finishing touches on an album review. I'm not going to post it yet as I want one more read through to make sure there aren't any glaring errors.

Writing is like a marathon for the brain, it is intense and it takes a lot of fitness if you want to have a chance at succeeding. Apparently my brain is in the same shape as my body which is to say I shouldn't be running a marathon unless I want to induce a heart attack. Obviously I don't have the same regard for my brain.

I've been learning PHP programming this week in my spare time. It is going slow, but I'm definitely catching onto the basic principles without a problem. I did learn that while setting up Apache and MySQL runs about the same from version to version, the same is not true for PHP. It took me half a day to find out why I couldn't get the "phpinfo" to work on my system. That mystery solved it has been relatively smooth sailing since.

I've got a lot on my plate coming up, I just hope I can keep the momentum going forward.

Bowling for Fun and a Good Cause

I tweeted about this, but I also wanted to get the word out here. I'm bowling for Junior Achievement on the 25th through my place of work. We do this each year to raise money to help fund Junior Achievement programs throughout the local area. Junior Achievement does a lot of great work teaching the next generation about business and economy.

To that end I could use your help. If you can spare the money please visit my donations page and make a donation.

Thoughts on 30 days

I just upgraded the blog template so I could use the new blogger customizations. I like the new system. I just wish I hadn't had to take twenty minutes to re-add everything to my sidebar.

In my mind the 30 day challenge was neither a completely success nor a complete failure. I would have liked to been able to get some writing done each day. The real challenge is getting out quality writing. In the end I made the compromise to only post when I felt there was some quality to my posting.

I still want to pursue a career in writing, if only on the side. To that end I'm trying to manage my time better so I will have the option of writing each day.

Right now I'm dealing with a lot of personal stuff. I'm caught up in trying to narrow down which paths I'm going to pursue and which paths I'm going to let fall to the side. If I've learned nothing else in the past few weeks, I have learned that I need to sharpen my focus. I'm very prone to 'chasing the rabbits' so to speak and while that isn't always bad, I still need to stick to the path if I'm going to reach the destination.

I'm very frustrated with myself right now.

N.T. Wright on Stephen Colbert

Your Attention Please for this Important Message

There is a looming worldwide crisis. Crops around the world are already down in production. We've had major flooding in the United States that will impact production of key crops even further. The price of food has increased 80% since 2005. Across the globe people are being force to spend more of what they don't have to survive. Many children are starving. Some are blessed enough to be fed by charitable organizations. However, prices are getting higher, pay is getting lower, and charitable organizations are going additional resources.

What is causing this?

Fuel prices are going up. This impacts the transportation of food to the people that need it as well as the production of food at factories that use the fuel to run. Competition between countries that are growing industrially and countries that are well entrenched in their fuel use are only going to drive the prices higher.

Food production is down. Natural disasters including flooding, hurricanes, and earth quakes have devastated crops.

Populations are growing which causes greater demand.

Interest in developing biofuel diverts crop resources.

We Need You

We have opportunities to help. Earlier this year I wrote about the price I wasn't paying to be a follower of Christ. At that time I started looking into Compassion International and the work they are doing to help children and their families around the world. They offer opportunities to sponsor children in some of the poorest areas of the world. The money goes to meet the practical needs of the children in food, clothing, and education.

Now they are setting up a fund to help fend off the coming global food crisis. This is a great opportunity to help out of your wealth. Perhaps you feel you cannot afford to sponsor a child right now, but you can help out in with smaller donations. This is a great opportunity for you. The money donated to this fund will go to buy food vouchers for children in the hardest hit areas of the world. It will go to buy seeds and tools for local families so they can grow food for themselves as well as food to sell so they can earn more money. It will go to supplement nutritional requirements at Compassion centers around the world. These centers are already serving children and in some case are the only source of food for these children.

Compassion has also set aside tomorrow, June 25th 2008 as a day of fasting and prayer. If you cannot give money, please consider joining in with others to pray for the upcoming food crisis and the impact we can have in the lives of people all over the world.

We sometimes forget that serving and loving others is more than providing just the Gospel, we have to meet the physical and practical needs of the world as well.

For more information on sponsoring a child: http://www.compassion.com

For more information on the coming crisis: http://www.compassion.com/sponsordonor/global-food-crisis/default.htm

For more information on or to contribute to the fund: https://www.compassion.com/contribution/giving/global-food-crisis.htm

For more information on the day of fasting and prayer: http://blog.compassion.com/a-day-of-fasting-and-prayer

This a little bit of change from what I normally write, but it is important. There will be future posts on this organization as well as other organizations in the future.

Coming Soon: My thoughts on the 30 day challenge.