At the beginning of the Gospels in the New Testament the Angel Gabriel visited both Zacharias and Mary to announce their coming children and the miraculous circumstances of their pregnancies. Both cases are different of course, and in those differences, there are many lessons to be learned and many writings to study. The difference in the places where the visitations happened, I believe are a message of both similarities as well as differences. I think this is something we should notice and learn from.

Which bands or artists have had a string of 3 or more perfect albums in a row? This is good dinner or car trip discussion material. The fun is in how you define "perfect" of course. Once you have that defined for yourself then you can just go create your list.

My wife and I have recently gotten into this Japanese TV show call “Old Enough!” on Netflix. It is also called “First Errand” in Japan, I think. We started watching the show after I listened to a podcast that was kind-of about the show, but really more about the design differences in Japanese and American cities, roads, and life in general that allow these events to happen in Japan yet be totally unthinkable in American

I think about how many times a day I use Google search, then I think about how many decisions I make after that search, and it is crazy. Searching for information used to be a process of going to the library, talking to an expert, finding books or articles, reading magazines, and other steps that took time.

It is easy to show God humility. We should all naturally be humbled by someone who created us, who is all powerful and all knowing. The test of true humility is can we show that reverence to the lowest or to the least among us.

The writings of Isaiah are used in so many different ways by so many different people that it may be one of the greatest examples of the spirit of prophecy. It is also a perfect place where we can gain that spirit ourselves in scripture

I was listening to the Maxwell Institute Podcast about Isaiah 40-49 this week and I heard some good tips on how to better understand these chapters and Isaiah in general. I'll try to paraphrase them here in 3 points that stuck out to me, while adding in some my thoughts as well. Hopefully I can do them justice.

I’m watching a TV show tonight in my hotel and one of the characters has a secret note to herself written by ball point pen on her hand. It says “WWTDD”. (Meaning, “What would The Doctor do”)

One of these videos is from 1970 at Isle of Wight Festival, and the other from just a few days ago when Joni Mitchel performed a surprise 13-song set at the Newport Jazz Festival with the support of many well-wishers and performers. If you know of her at all, I’m soon you have seen the videos of her set at Newport, they are everywhere right now.

Listen to this song sung on stage at both sides of her life and career.

More evidence that 1978 may have been the greatest year in Pop/Rock music history. Sure, there are some cringe worthy things that came out of the 70’s but this is not one of them. I’ll fight anyone who disagrees. I mean just look at the joy these bearded-post-hippie well-dressed men have clapping at each other while turning in a circle. That is the feeling of knowing they are making a song that just brings happiness to the world.

I recently found a few words of Nehemiah helpful. He gave me some ideas to help in creating the environment I need for more positive thoughts. He mentioned the words “be no more a reproach” in one of his motivational speeches to the people of Jerusalem and it made me stop and think (Nehemiah 2:17). I wondered if I could take the rebuilding of the walls and gates of the city of Jerusalem as a metaphor, or maybe as an example, of how to guard against personal reproach.

At least a few times a week I walk around the north pond in Lincoln Park. Usually with my dog. I take my camera with me as there can tend to a lot of find wildlife for a downtown setting. This summer it has all changed.

When I was very young, I dreamed of becoming a photographer. It was TV that did it. I was in 1st grade - maybe 2nd. I don’t remember the show, but the main character went in a darkroom to print photos. I think it was a police show. I was hooked from that point on.

Let it out. Tell the world how you feel. But do it with love.