Going to see Coldplay

My good friend, Trevor and I, plus 2 other guys are heading up to San Jose to spend the day hanging out and then hitting the HP pavilion to see Coldplay. I know you're jealous! I'll leave the video for a couple days, so check it out while you can. * I took the video out: it didn't work everytime and never with the mac world, so forget that!* Also, let me know if this works for the Mac world. I am posting from my PC at work. Darn corporate PC's!

New Photo Album

We headed up to the snow last weekend. If you click the Flickr banner to the right, you can view all my photo albums. Have a browse and catch up on what my family has been doing. If you are interested, mom, once you click on an individual picture, click the icon that says, "all sizes" above the pic. From there you can download the picture right to your computer.

Knocking Down the Pedestal

I am giving up on this book. I am about half-way through and I don't give a rip anymore. I really like U2. I love their music...one of my top 10 for sure. But, to read this much into their lives, I just don't care anymore. Are they Christians, aren't they? It's always the same old thing. I feel like the author has about two chapters of info that is actually interesting and he's stretching it over 300 pages. Sorry buddy. I know a lot of people care, but not me. Well, at least you already got my money. I have finally realized that God is the only one worth reading about. And the only One interesting enough to keep my attention. I can read book after book focused purely on one aspect of who God is and I eat it up. Why isn't my passion always there for Him? For some reason, I have been really into the whole U2 scene lately. All the interviews, discussions, podcasts, books...it's been everywhere. So, anyway, I am kicking down that pedestal that I put Bono on. I pray that he meets with God. I pray that he makes a difference. But, I'm done respecting a person more than they deserve. I've already lost the taste for the whole celebrity worship thing. I will always think it is interesting to see how they live, but as people, they are just like you and me with more money. In fact, a lot of them tend to show how normal they are when they open their mouth without a script. Bottom line: we are all screwed up in some way. No one is perfect, me, Bono, Kanye, the pope, my pastor. no one. So only one book for me right now. But, I'm kinda being called back to the "ragamuffin gospel" by brennan manning for a second time. hmm.

New Albums Out!

I just bought these CD's yesterday, so it will take me awhile to form my official opinion on them. But, all three of these artists are so good they are on my "buy without listening" list. I have to be honest, I have very strong opinions on music, especially "christian" music, which I would argue that there isn't such a thing. Face it, a lot of music that is labeled "christian" sucks. Maybe another post, another time. Delirious has finally released another album. Delirious has been a long-time favorite of mine and the world church with songs such as "i could sing of your love forever" and "did you feel the mountains trembe". One of my personal favorite songs by Delirious is "deeper". I have also included a link to their website on the right column. Go check out this British band who is always pushing the edge of worship music. Okay, Charlie Hall. This guy is the man! We use many of his songs for worship each week. He has written songs such as: "prepare the way", "marvelous light", "my drink", "give us clean hands", and "chasing". Hall is certainly pushing himself to new levels in this new release. Again, his site is referenced below. He actually offers many resources along with complete sheet music with guitar tabs and lyrics. It's worth a visit just to see Charlie's "gnome-like" beard. Jacinda and I actually got to see him at this years, Spirit West Coast They had a Worship Together tent with worship leaders from all over teaching, training, and sharing about the way they do worship. Charlie Hall was hilarious and inspiring. Next up, another of my absolute favorites, Derek Webb. If you recognize the name it is because he was in Caedmon's Call for many years. This isn't your "feel good" kind of music although that is how it makes me feel. Webb is what I would call a wordsmith. The guy writes music that matters. He tackles theological, political, and social issues. Toget a flavor of Webb, you could get his live album, entitled "the house show" where he talks/preaches between songs. Or, get his brand new DVD, "to kill or be killed". You can get either from a great "indy-focused" site called, "Grassroots Music".

Flying Into Daybreak!

Charlie Hall's newest project released today. He is one of my favorite lead-worhippers and never ceases to amaze me with his musical talent, ability to lead worship, and deep theology that keeps the songs rooted in a faith that runs deep. Go to your local music store or follow THIS LINK to buy it on iTunes. Here is a quote from the CD jacket: "Honestly, I now spend my days somewhere between learning to be brave and wanting to change the whold world...So for those who want to change the world and for those who are trying to make it through the next few hours and for everyone in between, I ask God that this collection of songs would move us out of sleep and into a place of life, ready to give. Walk brave, Christ is in You. Charlie Hall"

Our Leaders...Our Friends

Last night we had dinner with Blake and Lisa James. Jacinda and I have known Blake and Lisa for years and a couple of months ago, they moved back to Fresno after being in LA for 5 years. Blake took the position of College Pastor at our church and I don't think they saw him coming. I tried to warn them, "this guy's got the energy of ten people...on crack", but did they listen? No. And it has been awesome. I truly believe that it is what our church needs. It is so great to do ministry with someone who has the passion and knowledge that Blake brings to the table. Our group has been rocked these past months and I can't wait to see it just get hammered some more. Did you know that a pine-cone must go into the ground and die, and then it starts to grow a huge tree?Right now, our group is in the process of dying! Leadership and all. I can't wait to see what God has in store. I'll keep you updated. I was talking to Blake about blogging, so hopefully we'll see a link for him pretty soon! Just trying to win some to the kingdom of blog.

I should-a bought-a honda!

Okay, I did by a honda. My buddy, Los, posted this UK ad for the new Honda Civic on his site, Ragamuffin Soul. It's pretty sweet. Make sure you turn your speakers up. Check it out HERE.

A Brother in Need

John Piper is one of my favorite authors. He is an amazing teacher, preacher, and writer. Beyond the Bible itself, Piper's books have had the greatest impact on my life. Try "The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God's Delight in Being God". This book rocked the foundations of what my evangelical faith assumed to be true. I have read several books by Piper and I actually now have to read another book inbetween his books because I have a tendency to put him on a pedestal. He speaks at Passion events all over our nation. You can check out his site, Desiring God, and see all of the resources. They will even send you stuff for free if you don't have the money. The reason for my post is not only to honor Piper, but to also spread the news to pray. He has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He is scheduled to have surgery next month. To read his announcement letter of his cancer click HERE. It is amazing to see how he handles such terrible news.

Does anyone else want to be Jack Bauer?

Okay, Jacinda and I are a season behind, so don't ruin anything for us. But we are watching Season 4 on DVD. We can barely stand it when an episode ends. This has got to be the best TV show ever. I thought that Alias was good, but Jack Bauer could kick Sydney Bristow's butt anyday! Honestly, if you haven't seen 24, you need to go rent it. You better have some kind of frequent flyer deal at Blockbuster, because as soon as you finish one disc, you're going to be running to go get the next one. We've actually been spoiled watching it on DVD. I don't know what we'd do if we had to wait a week between episodes. I'd probably become a geek and go on the messageboards and try to figure out what's going to happen with all the other geeks. Go. Watch it.

Thinking and Praying

Jacinda and I have done a lot of thinking this weekend. We had lunch with one of our pastor's and his wife on Sunday after church and were presented with the chance to lead worship for another group within the church. You are immediately excited because it is a nice stroke to the ego. But then you start really thinking about the decision you need to make. We are so excited about what God has been doing with us and our team lately and we are just seeking God to know what He wants to do. The pastor even said it, that this was a "good idea" to us, but it doesn't matter if it isn't what God wills. I believe that God gives me discernment in a lot of things. It's so weird when you feel your mind being made up before the whole argument/suggestion is presented. I praise God for still speaking to us and for leading us in our daily walk with Him. I am about to call Blake, the pastor we directly work under, to talk with him about it. We want so badly to see God do something new and different in our church. Pray for us.

Kiara's going to be a big sister!

Yes, it's true. We are going to be parents again! The Wednesday before Christmas Jacinda had Kiara and I both open presents. We were going to walk a neighborhood to look at the Christmas lights, so I figured it was gloves or a beanie. It was 2 little boy onesies with a soccer ball and a football on it. We had been trying to get pregnant, so I wasn't too sure. I looked at her and as Kiara opened her shirt that said "Big Sister" in Rhinestones that Jacinda had made, it clicked. I'm going to be a dad again! By the way, we don't know that it's a boy, but the prayer chain has already been started. So, we are 7-9 weeks pregnant now, and our due date is August 25th as of right now. We will find out the sex later, so I'll keep you posted. Right now, Jacinda is just really exhausted all the time, but no morning-sickness. I am so excited but it is so different. We already know how the pregnancy thing goes, so I'm not as excited about that. I just want that little baby to be here already. If you guys have any name suggestions feel free to post. Boys or Girls. I was thinking Brian Jr. if it is a boy and Brianna if it is a girl. Is that egocentric? Yeah right. I have a video that we used to announce the news to our family. I will try to figure out how to put it on here.

House for Sale!

Does anyone recognize this home? Let's see if you guys can guess whose it was. I say a couple of us go in together and buy it! Any takers? Recording studio, infinity pool, and a media room all for under $4 million. Plus, some pretty famouse previous owners. Go check out the specs HERE.

Searching for "Hale-Yeah"?

The world of blogging is huge and I have this program on here called Site Meter. You can see how many people visit your site and how they got there. I was checking that out the other day and someone was searching Google with "yeah that's the crip side" and my blog popped up because of a line I wrote in the Tookie post. Pretty crazy!

Prayer Week

Last night was day 4 of our "week of prayer" at our church. Every night a different department has lead the worship and prayer time. Last night Jacinda, Nick, and I represented the college department. It was awesome! Since the group is college students, it is a revolving door. You never know when a drummer is going to start going or when your bass player is leaving. Right now, it is just us three. 2 acoustics and 2 vocals. I don't know about you, but that isn't a band to me, it is a coffee house gig. But, despite my inadequecies and lack of faith, God continues to move. My dream is to have a band that can rock the roof off while leading the group in seamless worship. You see, when you have all the different instruments, your kind of like a gang: you look out for each other. The guitar starts one song, the keys transition to the next one. Your fingers get a break and it creates a flow during the worship time. Last night I broke a string in the middle of a song that almost knocked me over it scared me so bad. So, like a well-oiled machine, Blake jumps to the mic to pray while Nick continues to pick on his guitar. Then in one quick motion, Nick throws me his guitar and he takes mine, changes the string off-stage, tunes it and gives it back to me before the next song. It was amazing! I know I've said it before, but I don't know what I'd do without that guy. Tonight we are starting off the "all-night" of worship and prayer. It starts at 11pm, about an hour and a half after my bedtime. Pray that I don't fall asleep on stage.

40 days to make a habit

or is it 90? Anyways, I am referencing my ability to blog everyday. It has been hard over Christmas and New Years to sit down and do this. I will be doing some more soon. I want to get in the habit of a lot of things this year. What do you guys think of New Year's resolutions? It seems that they are hard to keep and cliche, but the beginning of a new year just feels like a new beginning. Here are the things that I really want to get in the habit of doing this year. 1. Spend more time with God 2. spend more time with my wife 3. spend more time with my daughter 4. spend more time exercising 5. spend more time enjoying life (somehow i know that the previous 4 will take care of this one.) So what does your list look like?