{where soul meets body}
Im in the creepy state of Massachusetts today. The Palladium in Worcester is such a nostalgic venue for me.. I’ve been playing here since I was 18 years old. Its funny how every tour feels so different though. Every single week feels 100% different from the last. Sometimes its weird being in a different city every day. I am gonna miss this tour the most out of any tour I’ve been on though. I don’t want it to end. One more week til’ home!
No breaks though.. It’s going to be a busy rest of the year! We are starting our next record already, our deadline for the studio is january! Pray!
Fell in love with this picture. Makes me think. Wolves are very social beings. They rely on each other to survive, and they would be too lonely to exist without their pack or even single companion… Human’s are meant for community as well.. We have so many more capabilities in this world. We take so much for granted… You should also read 1 John 1-7… Super good. Fellowship rules.
life.
listening to: Patrick Watson and The Wooden Arms- Beijing
“A happiness that is sought for ourselves alone can never be found: for a happiness that is diminished by being shared is not big enough to make us happy.” - Thomas Merton
Suffice it to say, this will be more a journal entry than anything else. I’m sitting in the lobby at a La Quinta Inn in Rochester, NY. I have to write quickly as I’m getting picked up momentarily by a friend whom I’m getting dinner with.
We played in Toronto and Montreal on Monday and Tuesday nights respectively. I ate (and drank) at Tim Hortons twice, met lots of great kids and adults, had a glass of wine and a cheeseburger with ‘MUM’ in Toronto, and great pizza with friends in Montreal.
This past week, I feel like God is prompting spiritual conversations that would/could bring anyone to tears. The first of which happened via email. Long story short, picture a baby born pre-mature with asthma and pneumonia, mom has cancer, dad left mom while the the he was still in the womb. The mom miscarried 3+ times so the boy has no brothers or sisters. He fends for himself from infant on, all the while caring for his sick mother. Struggles with serious depression and suicidal thoughts throughout high school. Finally, at his very lowest, with his mom dying of cancer, he stumbles across ABR. Listen to his very words:
“when i stumbled across August Burns Red, i was battling the worst depression of
my life. i thought i was going to lose my mother and i thought i would
have nothing left. i bought Messengers and put the cd into my stereo and
turned the volume to its highest setting. i listened. i cried. every
lyric, ever word, every sound, i felt like the album was made just for me.
i listened to the album at least 5 times that day, and cried each time,
and for the first time in a very long time… i prayed. i asked for
forgiveness for not looking to him when i needed help. i thanked him for
the gift of your music. i prayed for my mother. i asked the lord to give
her strength, to give me strength, i had found god. he is my lord. i was
lifted from my deepest depression and i continued to turn to your music.
it inspires me.
My mother is now cancer free and we attend church regularly…I am not here to take credit for the change in this kid’s life. I’m here to thank God for allowing me to be a person He chooses to work through in changing lives.
My ride is here. Peace.
.
Just played a completely sold out show in a beautiful city by the name of Toronto today. God is continuing to bless us on this tour. Its so amazing to be a part of. Thank you to everyone who makes this possible. I hope we can make an impact on your lives.
On a side note… Its so crazy how many possibilities there are in our lives. Its endless. Right when you think you have things figured out, and that things are stable, something completely off the wall happens to change everything. Its mind blowing.
My life has been so crazy lately. But at the same time so simple. I have been blessed with the option of being in a traveling band playing my guitar everyday for a living, and being in full time ministry at the same time. So mind blowing. Being a modern day disciple is the main desire of my heart. Its a long journey, but I have faith that someday I will be the witness I am meant to be. ( Deuteronomy 28:9)
I’ve been meditating on Luke 12:22-26 lately. I feel like I waste so much time worrying about my life. Its so pointless. Why can’t I be content with just living one day at a time trusting that God has a destiny for me and one day it will be made clear. I want you guys to read luke 12, its an Important chapter because everyone dwells on this and could use some clarity. Pray.
