Hello, Goodbye - Summer 1998
For awhile during my junior year of college the chorus of this song was my voicemail,
Chorus:
Hello, goodbye
I'll see you on the other side
time has taken you away
now I have nothing left to say
We were friends long ago
best of friends since birth
you grew up weak
I grew up strong
time twisted you
time molded me
I believed in love
you believed in hate
but we always found a common ground
between our wrongs and rights
Chorus: x 2
We never knew each other
strangers through the midst of time
I don't know you
you don't know me
time changed us
but we're still the same
I believe in you
do you believe in me too?
but we never got to find a common ground
between our wrongs and rights
Chorus: x 3
Dreams come Reality - Spring 1999
Over the course of my life I have had my fair share of girlfriends, but I had a ton more crushes, this is about the girl I probably had a crush on the longest. The thing is later I found out that a good chunk of the time I had a crush on her she actually had a crush on me, which of course floored me. This song was written pretty much the day after I found out. I sang it in the car and wrote it down once I finally got to where I was going.
Is this what it feels like when dreams come reality
is this what it feels like now
the stars seems to be
a little more plentiful
the sun seems to be more bright
I've cared for you for so long
thought it was just a dream
I've thought about you nightly
for what seems like a lifetime
and now I'm far away
and now I've found out
my dreams could have been at least somewhat true
now I find while I'm so far away
my dreams could have included you
I don't know why
it takes so long to say the words I need to say
I don't know why
it takes so long to speak honestly
that's kind of the way it works
that's kind of the way it works sometimes
that's kind of the way it works
that's kind of the way it works in my life
Is this what it feels like when dreams come reality
is this what it feels like when hearts meet over distances
so many things in front of us
so many roadblocks
so many things that could have stopped us
so many things that did
but here I am now so far away
and I know the things that I wanted to
I know the things I wanted to
but sometimes that's just the way it is
sometimes that's just the way it is from time to time
sometimes that's just the way it is
sometimes that's just the way it is in my life
here I stand
well actually I'm sitting
here I sit and dreaming about you
I can't believe you were so close and nervous
I can't believe you cared what I thought
I can't believe you wanted me to think you were pretty
because I've always thought you were pretty
I can't believe you wanted me to think you were smart
cause I've always thought you were smart
I can't believe you wanted me to think you were funny
because you make me laugh so much...honey
yeah, that line was kind of lame, I agree
I'm better but not slick and suave
I'm better with a typed word than a spoken word
unless I've got a tune behind it
and I wish I was standing
holding a mic in front of a crowd
cause somehow then I can be so much honest
I can so much real
I can be who I am
but I'm not and I can't and I won't
so it's just a dream
just a dream
but is this what happens when dreams come reality
is this what happen when truth breaks through
is this what happens when hearts connect
over distances that can't be broken through
is this what happens when dreams come reality
is this what happens when hearts break through
is this what happens when honesty is spoken
is this what happens when walls break down
walls break down
walls break down
who would have thought that dream come reality
who would have thought you'd give a damn
who would have thought we'd ever get here
who would have thought, what comes next?
who would have thought, what comes next?
who would have thought, what comes next?
who would have thought, what comes next?
Maybe I am Human - Summer 1997
I can't see the things of this world
they are attacking me in the dark
these demons I just can't see them
oh, oh, oh but I feel them
I walk around all night and all day
they keep hitting me blindside
Chorus:
maybe I am human
maybe it's just me
maybe this is the way
it is supposed to be
but I doubt it
yes, I doubt it
I know the truth of the matter
this is my fault no one else's
I lost my way and I just can't find it
oh, oh, oh but I need it
I walk around all night and all day
I keep falling down, what can I say
Chorus:
I believe in a God, but I hurt him everyday
in every single way I hurt him so bad
why do I do this, I just don't know why
oh, oh, oh but I need it
I walk around all night and all day
I wish I could stop, but I don't know how
Chorus:
out take:
I wish I could know the truth
I wish I could show the love
I wish I could be the one
I wish I could tell others
I wish I would just stop singing
I was I was more than human [spoken]
Would the World Care? - Spring 1998
You want an over reaction? Well this song is a classic example, I once again had a crush on a girl and she kind of blew me off, so of course I went back to my dorm room and wrote a song questioning whether anyone would care if I died. On a more serious note, if you are in one of those places where you are questioning if the world would care, I don't know if they would, but I sure would miss you all, keep living please.
Would anyone care if I died right now
would anyone even shed a tear
would there be people who cared
I don't think so, and I know so
Chorus:
would the world cared if I died?
would the world even notice if I wasn't here anymore?
would the world care if I died?
would they care at all?
you see, they don't understand my situation
but then again neither do I
for I'm lost down this lonely path
and my tears, they are all dry
Chorus:
I don't think so and I know so
that the world wouldn't think twice
they don't care about a poor soul like me
they rather I just die
but I'm not going to give in so easily
I've done that way too many times
today I stand and make my declaration
today is the day that I fight
Chorus:
Well today I don't care if they care anymore
I don't care if they'd notice at all
cause today is the day I start living
today is the day I survive
Song I can't Sing - Spring 1998
walking down this street
listening to the beat
tapping my feet
knowing where to go
Chorus:
hey everybody, won't you listen to me
I've got a voice and a heart
and a song I can't sing
because none of you will give me the time
and you definitely don't wanna listen to my rhyme
but I don't care, I'm gonna belt it out anyway
walking down this street
now I'm the one with the beat
hey won't you tap your feet
cause I know where to go
and if you're willing I'll lead you home
Chorus:
cause I've got the rhythm and I've got the rhyme
and I know the score
and I won't take it anymore
cause I know I'm just as good as you
even though you look down at me
Chorus:
Now I'm a happy man
because I had a voice
and I had a heart
and I had a song you didn't want me to sing
but I sang it any old way
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Melodies Stuck in My Head 4
A Day in the Life - Verse 1 Summer 1999, finished Fall 1999
Alarm sounds at quarter till 5
I get up and get back in the grind
work at a job for a measly $5.50
work all day to put food on my plate
get home at 6 after a 9 hour day
when I was young
I had so many dreams
but dreams die
and dreams pass away
now all I'm left with
is this life
Had a kid at 16
got married at 18
she left the other day
with some guy for the city
his suit cost more than my car
guess she was done
we lost our dreams
our dream died
our dream passed away
now all I'm left with
is this life
Now the kid is 10
and I'm 26
he was my everything
but now he's gone
drunk driver took him out
guess he was done
he lost his dreams
my son died
my wife passed me by
now all I'm left with
is this life
there's got to be
something better than this
but I can't find it
there's got to be
something better than this
have you got a line on it?
Lilies Bloom Again - Winter 1997
every single day
in every single way
life goes on
life also ends
roses bloom
violets scream
and...the lilies bloom again
Chorus:
the sun goes down
the rain goes away
and the lilies leave
but...I wanna see
the lilies bloom again
walking down the street
running just to get there
life is good
life is bad
roses bleed
violets scream
but...the lilies bloom again
Chorus:
people going to see
they're gonna fly
God is good
God is great
Jesus bleeds
the rocks scream
and...we are going to live again
breakdown:
lilies bloom
lilies bloom
I wanna see the lilies bloom
one more time today
Chorus: x 2
Supposed to Be - Summer 1999
A break-up song, obviously. Interestingly enough we later got back together and then I ended it, so maybe I should have been alright with it the first time around to save both of us the pain of the next months.
the time of disease
that swept through me
a day of destruction
a day of pain
it was supposed to be
the one forever
it was supposed to be
the love of a life
it wasn't
I saw you today
and nothing has changed
the pain in my eye
was there just the same
B:
you were supposed to be
the one forever
you were supposed to be
the love of my life
you weren't
a lie for a summer
waited till the end
a lie of my love
burnt down in a word
B:
I saw you today
and nothing has changed
the love in my heart
somehow you didn't kill
I saw you today
and nothing has changed
the love in my heart
I wish you would've killed
Coffee Cup - Summer 1999
sitting in this booth
staring at my coffee cup
seeing her face everywhere
remembering the heartaches
of time gone by
the coffee burns my throat
and the pain collides
both physical and emotional
I hate her for this
I hate myself too
but the pain subsides
like every other time
and I'm left searching
with this broken heart of mine
there's got to be some hope
some hope for tomorrow
and there's gotta be forgiveness
for her from me
I used to carry hate
in a big bag on my shoulder
I used to roll in it
like a pig in mud
but here I sit and sing a new song
tomorrow I'll forgive
and start again
tomorrow I'll forget
and start anew (Repeat)
sitting in this booth
staring at my coffee cup
whishing her luck in everything
the heartache passed away
and nothing is left but hope
Higher Ground - Summer 1999
I wrote a song once
that talked of losing one's way
I felt incomplete
was thinking of letting go
but now things have changed
and I'm on my way
Chorus:
to higher ground
where the grass is green
higher ground
where the air is clean
higher ground
just my savior, my God and me
this road
won't hold me no more
this place
it won't be my home
this person
I've got to let go
and let God
and I'm on my way
Chorus:
this job
it won't control me
this money
it won't be my God
this choice
is mine
and mine alone
and I'm on my way
Chorus:
this word
I will not say
this friend
I will not lead astray
I've done that before
now there's pain inside
but I'm on my way
Chorus: x 2
Alarm sounds at quarter till 5
I get up and get back in the grind
work at a job for a measly $5.50
work all day to put food on my plate
get home at 6 after a 9 hour day
when I was young
I had so many dreams
but dreams die
and dreams pass away
now all I'm left with
is this life
Had a kid at 16
got married at 18
she left the other day
with some guy for the city
his suit cost more than my car
guess she was done
we lost our dreams
our dream died
our dream passed away
now all I'm left with
is this life
Now the kid is 10
and I'm 26
he was my everything
but now he's gone
drunk driver took him out
guess he was done
he lost his dreams
my son died
my wife passed me by
now all I'm left with
is this life
there's got to be
something better than this
but I can't find it
there's got to be
something better than this
have you got a line on it?
Lilies Bloom Again - Winter 1997
every single day
in every single way
life goes on
life also ends
roses bloom
violets scream
and...the lilies bloom again
Chorus:
the sun goes down
the rain goes away
and the lilies leave
but...I wanna see
the lilies bloom again
walking down the street
running just to get there
life is good
life is bad
roses bleed
violets scream
but...the lilies bloom again
Chorus:
people going to see
they're gonna fly
God is good
God is great
Jesus bleeds
the rocks scream
and...we are going to live again
breakdown:
lilies bloom
lilies bloom
I wanna see the lilies bloom
one more time today
Chorus: x 2
Supposed to Be - Summer 1999
A break-up song, obviously. Interestingly enough we later got back together and then I ended it, so maybe I should have been alright with it the first time around to save both of us the pain of the next months.
the time of disease
that swept through me
a day of destruction
a day of pain
it was supposed to be
the one forever
it was supposed to be
the love of a life
it wasn't
I saw you today
and nothing has changed
the pain in my eye
was there just the same
B:
you were supposed to be
the one forever
you were supposed to be
the love of my life
you weren't
a lie for a summer
waited till the end
a lie of my love
burnt down in a word
B:
I saw you today
and nothing has changed
the love in my heart
somehow you didn't kill
I saw you today
and nothing has changed
the love in my heart
I wish you would've killed
Coffee Cup - Summer 1999
sitting in this booth
staring at my coffee cup
seeing her face everywhere
remembering the heartaches
of time gone by
the coffee burns my throat
and the pain collides
both physical and emotional
I hate her for this
I hate myself too
but the pain subsides
like every other time
and I'm left searching
with this broken heart of mine
there's got to be some hope
some hope for tomorrow
and there's gotta be forgiveness
for her from me
I used to carry hate
in a big bag on my shoulder
I used to roll in it
like a pig in mud
but here I sit and sing a new song
tomorrow I'll forgive
and start again
tomorrow I'll forget
and start anew (Repeat)
sitting in this booth
staring at my coffee cup
whishing her luck in everything
the heartache passed away
and nothing is left but hope
Higher Ground - Summer 1999
I wrote a song once
that talked of losing one's way
I felt incomplete
was thinking of letting go
but now things have changed
and I'm on my way
Chorus:
to higher ground
where the grass is green
higher ground
where the air is clean
higher ground
just my savior, my God and me
this road
won't hold me no more
this place
it won't be my home
this person
I've got to let go
and let God
and I'm on my way
Chorus:
this job
it won't control me
this money
it won't be my God
this choice
is mine
and mine alone
and I'm on my way
Chorus:
this word
I will not say
this friend
I will not lead astray
I've done that before
now there's pain inside
but I'm on my way
Chorus: x 2
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Melodies Stuck in My Head 3
On My Way Down - Concert Version
At some point you will get the full version of this song, but it was revised Summer of 1999 for a concert that Lazy Sunday performed at the riverfront in Wheeling, WV. I was going to share both versions with you now, but with a quick look through Songbook 1 I couldn't find it, so you'll get the longer version some other day.
Intro:
I've lost my way down this street tonight
and I don't know why
I thought I knew this place
like the back of my hand
1:
I've loved you all my life
but now you have to go away
you were my father and my friend
but now God's taken you away
you were my girl and my wife
but now you say you don't love me
and I'm falling down
Chorus:
Tell me why I'm here
I've lost my way
haven't reached the bottom yet
but I'm on my way
2:
I'm falling through this space
and through this time
and everything else, I've lost my way tonight
help me get back to where I want to be
back to your side and into your love
but I'm falling down
Chorus:
Intro:
Untitled - Fall 1997
welcome to another year
it don't seem that different
'cause nothing has changed
years go by, some faster than others
and we sit here crying over nothing
all that we are
and all that we'll be
compares to nothing that you and I can see
we get older, doesn't everybody
and we sit here crying over nothing
we live together in a world far away
away from nothing except each other
we've loved and we've lost
and we've loved again
we've aged and we've gained
and we've paid the cost
sometimes when we are far away
we walk around with our eyes closed
and we yell at each other a little more everyday
I'm sick of the yelling
and all of the bitching
I'm sick of you and I'm sick of me
patience is a virtue, one I don't have
and hatred burns bright surrounding me
hatred for you and hatred for me
hatred, you see, for everybody
What if I? - Winter 1998
What if I woke and I was blind
what if my life flashed before my eyes
what if I wasn't who I am
I've lost so much I can't get back
to where I was and where it's at
and where we all began
What if I woke and couldn't hear
what if sin was the last thing I did
what if I wasn't who I am
I've been down this road before
it is bumpy and now I'm sore and lost
in the midst of this shame
What if I woke and couldn't feel
what if love was just not real
what if I wasn't who I am
But now I know love is real
God opened my eyes, my ears, my heart
and now I am who I am
Room Temperature - Fall 1999
Inspired by the same girl as Cosmic Love.
sitting alone
in the middle
of this crowded room
heart made of stone
in the middle
of where my life does look
Chorus:
breaking
my heart
killing
my love
hating
my life
blown away
and I can't get back
to where
I was and where
it's at
room temperature
Chorus 2:
breaking
my heart
killing
my love
hating
my life
what's new today
Lie - chorus Summer 1999 verses October 2000
The chorus for Lie was written for Lazy Sunday, which by this time had changed its name to Nevermore, though we never actually performed under that title, or at least I didn't, I'm not sure about the rest of the members, I went back to college in Indiana while everyone else was still in West Virginia, and my friend and I who started the band drifted apart the next year when I stayed in Anderson working over the summer. The verses were written later, inspired by another heartbreak in a long line of "fall quick and get hurt" episodes in my younger days.
I remember a day back
in last November
when we saw each other
with a new set of eyes
no other thoughts and no lies
we walked down the lane
in the soft, sweet rain
we held each other's hands
and each other's hearts
but now a new day is dawning
and you look like you're walking away
and all I have left to say is
Chorus:
would you lie to me
if you don't love me anymore
just lie to me
when you're walking out of my door
please lie to me
I miss the days
when we walked in the rain
and I can't stand
to see you with him
you held my heart together
now you're breaking it
Chorus:
I still remember
the feel of your kiss
and I still hear
the sound of your voice
singing me to sleep
but as you walk away
all I have left to say is
Chorus: x2
At some point you will get the full version of this song, but it was revised Summer of 1999 for a concert that Lazy Sunday performed at the riverfront in Wheeling, WV. I was going to share both versions with you now, but with a quick look through Songbook 1 I couldn't find it, so you'll get the longer version some other day.
Intro:
I've lost my way down this street tonight
and I don't know why
I thought I knew this place
like the back of my hand
1:
I've loved you all my life
but now you have to go away
you were my father and my friend
but now God's taken you away
you were my girl and my wife
but now you say you don't love me
and I'm falling down
Chorus:
Tell me why I'm here
I've lost my way
haven't reached the bottom yet
but I'm on my way
2:
I'm falling through this space
and through this time
and everything else, I've lost my way tonight
help me get back to where I want to be
back to your side and into your love
but I'm falling down
Chorus:
Intro:
Untitled - Fall 1997
welcome to another year
it don't seem that different
'cause nothing has changed
years go by, some faster than others
and we sit here crying over nothing
all that we are
and all that we'll be
compares to nothing that you and I can see
we get older, doesn't everybody
and we sit here crying over nothing
we live together in a world far away
away from nothing except each other
we've loved and we've lost
and we've loved again
we've aged and we've gained
and we've paid the cost
sometimes when we are far away
we walk around with our eyes closed
and we yell at each other a little more everyday
I'm sick of the yelling
and all of the bitching
I'm sick of you and I'm sick of me
patience is a virtue, one I don't have
and hatred burns bright surrounding me
hatred for you and hatred for me
hatred, you see, for everybody
What if I? - Winter 1998
What if I woke and I was blind
what if my life flashed before my eyes
what if I wasn't who I am
I've lost so much I can't get back
to where I was and where it's at
and where we all began
What if I woke and couldn't hear
what if sin was the last thing I did
what if I wasn't who I am
I've been down this road before
it is bumpy and now I'm sore and lost
in the midst of this shame
What if I woke and couldn't feel
what if love was just not real
what if I wasn't who I am
But now I know love is real
God opened my eyes, my ears, my heart
and now I am who I am
Room Temperature - Fall 1999
Inspired by the same girl as Cosmic Love.
sitting alone
in the middle
of this crowded room
heart made of stone
in the middle
of where my life does look
Chorus:
breaking
my heart
killing
my love
hating
my life
blown away
and I can't get back
to where
I was and where
it's at
room temperature
Chorus 2:
breaking
my heart
killing
my love
hating
my life
what's new today
Lie - chorus Summer 1999 verses October 2000
The chorus for Lie was written for Lazy Sunday, which by this time had changed its name to Nevermore, though we never actually performed under that title, or at least I didn't, I'm not sure about the rest of the members, I went back to college in Indiana while everyone else was still in West Virginia, and my friend and I who started the band drifted apart the next year when I stayed in Anderson working over the summer. The verses were written later, inspired by another heartbreak in a long line of "fall quick and get hurt" episodes in my younger days.
I remember a day back
in last November
when we saw each other
with a new set of eyes
no other thoughts and no lies
we walked down the lane
in the soft, sweet rain
we held each other's hands
and each other's hearts
but now a new day is dawning
and you look like you're walking away
and all I have left to say is
Chorus:
would you lie to me
if you don't love me anymore
just lie to me
when you're walking out of my door
please lie to me
I miss the days
when we walked in the rain
and I can't stand
to see you with him
you held my heart together
now you're breaking it
Chorus:
I still remember
the feel of your kiss
and I still hear
the sound of your voice
singing me to sleep
but as you walk away
all I have left to say is
Chorus: x2
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Road Trippin' with the Doctor - Part 3: Scattershot Thoughts (Luke 4:31-44)
Let's begin at the beginning, of this section that is, well after I let you know what to expects in the next words, sentences, paragraphs.
This will be the last part of Luke 4, so we'll be moving on to chapter 5 next time, whenever that actually is. In this post we will encounter a few small episodes in the beginning days of Jesus's ministry. These episodes will foreshadow a lot of what is to come in the book of Luke, so you will notice these themes as we continue on our road-trip.
OK, now back to the beginning, well actually a bit before that.
In the last post I talked about Jesus's time in the synagogue where he read from Isaiah, said that he was the fulfillment of the scripture, then told the people they were unworthy of miracles, then the people tried to throw him off a cliff, and Jesus slipped through their midst like he was Ethan Hunt, if you know you know, and if you don't...I don't even know what to say to you.
Episode 1: The Demon Menace
So, Jesus leaves Galilee and travels back to his base of operations, Capernaum. There the people are amazed at his teachings because he taught as someone who had authority, in other words everyone else they heard talked as if they were just talking, and Jesus talked as if he knew what he was talking about. While at the synagogue he encounters a man possessed who told Jesus to leave them alone and said that Jesus was the Holy One of God. Jesus told him to be quiet, which he often does and then told the demon to come out of the man. The demon comes out of the man without injuring him, which must not have always been the case or Luke wouldn't have mentioned it, and then the people are even more amazed at Jesus's teachings.
Do you believe in demons? Then this story should tell you that a) the demon had knowledge of who Jesus was, and yet it was still a demon b) Jesus has power over demons c) here are people who have faith and because they have faith they see miraculous things and tell about them.
Do you not believe in demons? Then this story should tell you that a) knowledge of who Jesus is isn't what matters b) Jesus has power over whatever was ailing this man c) here are people who believe in Jesus and see him as having authority over everything else in the world, whatever else is in the world.
Episode 2: Attack of the Colds
After this Jesus goes to Simon's house...Simon is going to be soon called by another name, Peter, you know he of walking on water, sinking in the water, fighting for Jesus, denying Jesus, the rock upon which Jesus will build his church. There Jesus encounters Simon's mother-in-law who is not feeling well and he takes her fever away.
Wait Peter is married? Does he have kids? What does it all mean? It means that some of the disciples had lives beyond being disciples. It means that they were normal guys, who found themselves in an extraordinary moment. It means that if you are willing to follow Jesus your circumstances will not hold you back, unless you let them. What this tells us in a greater scheme is that Luke wants us to know that Jesus has authority over what he is teaching, Jesus has authority over the spiritual things of this world, and Jesus has the authority over the physical things of this world. For Luke Jesus is a man who is the ultimate authority.
Episode 3: The Reveal of the Extent
Finally, at sundown, the people bring to Jesus all those who are ill or are demon possessed. All night Jesus healed the infirmed and cast out demons while he told them to be quiet about who he actually was. As the sun rose Jesus goes off to a solitary place, most likely to commune with God and to recharge his batteries. I tend to think that Jesus was probably a lot like John Coffey in The Green Mile, whenever he performed a miracle power left him and he needed to rest and relax.
[While it is not the point I set out to make, I think it is very important to remember that in order to give we have to have something to give in the first place. We must be healthy enough to give, we must be rested enough to give, we must say enough no's to things so that we can say yes to other things.]
The people go looking for Jesus, because they miss him and because they want him to stay, but Jesus says "I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent."
[Now to the point I did want to make]
The good news isn't just for Capernaum. It isn't just for your hometown either. It's not just for your church, local or larger. It's not just for your country. It's not just for those who look like you or think like you or vote like you. It has been said before that the good news has to be good for everyone or else it's not really good. I agree with that, it has to be good for you and for others, good for you and your enemies, good for everyone.
In case you haven't noticed, I sometimes think in ways that a lot of people don't, maybe that is a design flaw, maybe its because of my ego or because of my ignorance, but I am beginning to think that maybe its just because I am called to speak to a different group of people. A group of people who don't think the way that those inside the walls of most churches do. A group of people who have been burned or left behind or forsaken by that other group. You see, I talk a lot about Jesus but I often vacillate between faith and atheism, between orthodoxy and heresy, between morality and immorality, between loving the church and wanting to put it in my rearview, between being a pastor and not wanting to be one. And I am beginning to realize that there are a lot of people out there that are like me in some way, I am beginning to realize that we all have more in common than we might realize and less differences than we want to believe.
Last week when I shared my post I said that I guess I'm back...now I know I am.
peace and love,
Kenny
This will be the last part of Luke 4, so we'll be moving on to chapter 5 next time, whenever that actually is. In this post we will encounter a few small episodes in the beginning days of Jesus's ministry. These episodes will foreshadow a lot of what is to come in the book of Luke, so you will notice these themes as we continue on our road-trip.
OK, now back to the beginning, well actually a bit before that.
In the last post I talked about Jesus's time in the synagogue where he read from Isaiah, said that he was the fulfillment of the scripture, then told the people they were unworthy of miracles, then the people tried to throw him off a cliff, and Jesus slipped through their midst like he was Ethan Hunt, if you know you know, and if you don't...I don't even know what to say to you.
Episode 1: The Demon Menace
So, Jesus leaves Galilee and travels back to his base of operations, Capernaum. There the people are amazed at his teachings because he taught as someone who had authority, in other words everyone else they heard talked as if they were just talking, and Jesus talked as if he knew what he was talking about. While at the synagogue he encounters a man possessed who told Jesus to leave them alone and said that Jesus was the Holy One of God. Jesus told him to be quiet, which he often does and then told the demon to come out of the man. The demon comes out of the man without injuring him, which must not have always been the case or Luke wouldn't have mentioned it, and then the people are even more amazed at Jesus's teachings.
Do you believe in demons? Then this story should tell you that a) the demon had knowledge of who Jesus was, and yet it was still a demon b) Jesus has power over demons c) here are people who have faith and because they have faith they see miraculous things and tell about them.
Do you not believe in demons? Then this story should tell you that a) knowledge of who Jesus is isn't what matters b) Jesus has power over whatever was ailing this man c) here are people who believe in Jesus and see him as having authority over everything else in the world, whatever else is in the world.
Episode 2: Attack of the Colds
After this Jesus goes to Simon's house...Simon is going to be soon called by another name, Peter, you know he of walking on water, sinking in the water, fighting for Jesus, denying Jesus, the rock upon which Jesus will build his church. There Jesus encounters Simon's mother-in-law who is not feeling well and he takes her fever away.
Wait Peter is married? Does he have kids? What does it all mean? It means that some of the disciples had lives beyond being disciples. It means that they were normal guys, who found themselves in an extraordinary moment. It means that if you are willing to follow Jesus your circumstances will not hold you back, unless you let them. What this tells us in a greater scheme is that Luke wants us to know that Jesus has authority over what he is teaching, Jesus has authority over the spiritual things of this world, and Jesus has the authority over the physical things of this world. For Luke Jesus is a man who is the ultimate authority.
Episode 3: The Reveal of the Extent
Finally, at sundown, the people bring to Jesus all those who are ill or are demon possessed. All night Jesus healed the infirmed and cast out demons while he told them to be quiet about who he actually was. As the sun rose Jesus goes off to a solitary place, most likely to commune with God and to recharge his batteries. I tend to think that Jesus was probably a lot like John Coffey in The Green Mile, whenever he performed a miracle power left him and he needed to rest and relax.
[While it is not the point I set out to make, I think it is very important to remember that in order to give we have to have something to give in the first place. We must be healthy enough to give, we must be rested enough to give, we must say enough no's to things so that we can say yes to other things.]
The people go looking for Jesus, because they miss him and because they want him to stay, but Jesus says "I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent."
[Now to the point I did want to make]
The good news isn't just for Capernaum. It isn't just for your hometown either. It's not just for your church, local or larger. It's not just for your country. It's not just for those who look like you or think like you or vote like you. It has been said before that the good news has to be good for everyone or else it's not really good. I agree with that, it has to be good for you and for others, good for you and your enemies, good for everyone.
In case you haven't noticed, I sometimes think in ways that a lot of people don't, maybe that is a design flaw, maybe its because of my ego or because of my ignorance, but I am beginning to think that maybe its just because I am called to speak to a different group of people. A group of people who don't think the way that those inside the walls of most churches do. A group of people who have been burned or left behind or forsaken by that other group. You see, I talk a lot about Jesus but I often vacillate between faith and atheism, between orthodoxy and heresy, between morality and immorality, between loving the church and wanting to put it in my rearview, between being a pastor and not wanting to be one. And I am beginning to realize that there are a lot of people out there that are like me in some way, I am beginning to realize that we all have more in common than we might realize and less differences than we want to believe.
Last week when I shared my post I said that I guess I'm back...now I know I am.
peace and love,
Kenny
Melodies Stuck in My Head 2
Here we go again...
Diving In - Fall 1999
I jumped into the deep end of the ocean
swam to reach the edge
edge of this world of sin
and edge of myself
Diving in to the water
it's overflowing my soul
diving in to the water
from the eternal spring
that's making me whole
I fell into the deep end of the ocean
falling further from the shore
can't see the sand or the swimmers
or even the lifeguard
sinking under the water
it's overflowing my soul
sinking under the water
from the eternal spring
that's making me whole
he came to dive into the water
to show us the way
so we can be free, free forever
free from all of this sin
walking over the water
he's guiding my path
walking over the water
from the eternal spring
he's making me whole
Coulda Been There - chorus Spring 1999, finished Jan 2001
Most of the "I's" in my songs are literally me, how I see/saw the world, how it makes/made me feel, but sometimes I set myself projects, wanting to write songs about certain topics or from some other viewpoint. This is one of the latter, I wrote the chorus thinking of a particular girl, one that got engaged before I ever met her, but when I got around to finishing the song almost 2 years later, I couldn't even remember her name, so I had to change the perspective from someone pining for a mystery woman to someone who has lost the relationship that they are still in.
I saw you yesterday
on the other side of the street
you were just standing there
but you blew me away
an angel in dress
waiting for a cab
my heart in my chest
waiting for someone like you
then out of the corner of my eye
a twinkling ring in the sunlight lay
on your finger that holds you to another
Chorus:
I wish I coulda been there
when you first got here
I wish I coulda been there
to be the love of your life
I wish I coulda been there
to make you my wife
but someone got there first
someone won while I lost...but that's ok
I saw you today
on the same side of the street
you were standing there
as I passed on my way
an angel in pants
waiting for a cab
my heart in my chest
catching it's breath
thank God I do not know you
thank God we have never met
cause if we had I'd be forced to kill your husband
Chorus:
I'll see you tomorrow
on the side of the street
and I won't care
as we pass on our way
an angel in plaid skirts
waiting for your man
my heart in my chest
pounding for you
the wife I don't know
the wife I've never met
the rings on our fingers the only thing we recollect
Chorus:
cause that one is me
Happy Dome - Fall 1998
walk this way
and talk this way
please pay up front
for you'll never come out again
Chorus:
this is my happy dome
please make it your happy home
Jump up and down
scream very loud
do whatever you want
for you'll love this place forever
Chorus:
Be happy forever
have pain never
be whatever you want
for you'll never remember reality
Chorus: x2
never leave
never cry
never hate
never die
Cosmic Love - Fall 1999
This song was written for a redhead that was in my Chemistry Lab, her name was Nicole, but I only learned that after the fact. She was simply a pretty girl on the other side of the room that looked as if she was a million miles away.
Across the room you sit
you're not really here
are you?
I am consumed by this moment
you're merely drifting away
as you float past stars
and their planets
do you ever think of me
floating in the milky way
so far beyond me
Chorus:
I cry
I sit here and sob
do you realize
my pain
you land on Venus
where your beauty
it belongs
I sit here on Earth
waiting for your return
you're forgetting every moment
you don't remember
you used to care
and sitting here in this
very stony silence
Chorus:
I remember the times
when we sat here
hand in hand
laughing at each other's jokes
falling more and more into love
Chorus:
my pain (till fade)
Walking on Water - verse 1, pre-chorus, chorus Fall 1998, verses 2 & 3 Summer 2003
Here is another one where the "I" is not me, I roughly remember what I was doing 20 years ago, but I can't recall if anyone was the inspiration for the first section, and I know that no one was an inspiration for the second half.
you were the most beautiful girl
I had ever seen
master of my heart in only one day
I stumbled and fell
I didn't tell you the truth
now walking on water ain't the same
pre-chorus:
please girl won't you tell me
how to tell the truth again
how to fall in love again
how to be with you again
Chorus:
Cause walking on water
doesn't mean much to me
no walking on water
doesn't bring me to you
for I'm lost and lonely
and crying on the floor
crying for the love
the love that you gave to me
you were the best wife I could ever have
even though you're the only one
lord and master of my life
I stumbled and fell
I cheated on you
now walking on water it ain't the same
pre-chorus:
Chorus:
You ask me, what I am talking about
what does love
have to do with water?
what I mean to say
is miracles aren't that much
as long as love doesn't come
Chorus:
Diving In - Fall 1999
I jumped into the deep end of the ocean
swam to reach the edge
edge of this world of sin
and edge of myself
Diving in to the water
it's overflowing my soul
diving in to the water
from the eternal spring
that's making me whole
I fell into the deep end of the ocean
falling further from the shore
can't see the sand or the swimmers
or even the lifeguard
sinking under the water
it's overflowing my soul
sinking under the water
from the eternal spring
that's making me whole
he came to dive into the water
to show us the way
so we can be free, free forever
free from all of this sin
walking over the water
he's guiding my path
walking over the water
from the eternal spring
he's making me whole
Coulda Been There - chorus Spring 1999, finished Jan 2001
Most of the "I's" in my songs are literally me, how I see/saw the world, how it makes/made me feel, but sometimes I set myself projects, wanting to write songs about certain topics or from some other viewpoint. This is one of the latter, I wrote the chorus thinking of a particular girl, one that got engaged before I ever met her, but when I got around to finishing the song almost 2 years later, I couldn't even remember her name, so I had to change the perspective from someone pining for a mystery woman to someone who has lost the relationship that they are still in.
I saw you yesterday
on the other side of the street
you were just standing there
but you blew me away
an angel in dress
waiting for a cab
my heart in my chest
waiting for someone like you
then out of the corner of my eye
a twinkling ring in the sunlight lay
on your finger that holds you to another
Chorus:
I wish I coulda been there
when you first got here
I wish I coulda been there
to be the love of your life
I wish I coulda been there
to make you my wife
but someone got there first
someone won while I lost...but that's ok
I saw you today
on the same side of the street
you were standing there
as I passed on my way
an angel in pants
waiting for a cab
my heart in my chest
catching it's breath
thank God I do not know you
thank God we have never met
cause if we had I'd be forced to kill your husband
Chorus:
I'll see you tomorrow
on the side of the street
and I won't care
as we pass on our way
an angel in plaid skirts
waiting for your man
my heart in my chest
pounding for you
the wife I don't know
the wife I've never met
the rings on our fingers the only thing we recollect
Chorus:
cause that one is me
Happy Dome - Fall 1998
walk this way
and talk this way
please pay up front
for you'll never come out again
Chorus:
this is my happy dome
please make it your happy home
Jump up and down
scream very loud
do whatever you want
for you'll love this place forever
Chorus:
Be happy forever
have pain never
be whatever you want
for you'll never remember reality
Chorus: x2
never leave
never cry
never hate
never die
Cosmic Love - Fall 1999
This song was written for a redhead that was in my Chemistry Lab, her name was Nicole, but I only learned that after the fact. She was simply a pretty girl on the other side of the room that looked as if she was a million miles away.
Across the room you sit
you're not really here
are you?
I am consumed by this moment
you're merely drifting away
as you float past stars
and their planets
do you ever think of me
floating in the milky way
so far beyond me
Chorus:
I cry
I sit here and sob
do you realize
my pain
you land on Venus
where your beauty
it belongs
I sit here on Earth
waiting for your return
you're forgetting every moment
you don't remember
you used to care
and sitting here in this
very stony silence
Chorus:
I remember the times
when we sat here
hand in hand
laughing at each other's jokes
falling more and more into love
Chorus:
my pain (till fade)
Walking on Water - verse 1, pre-chorus, chorus Fall 1998, verses 2 & 3 Summer 2003
Here is another one where the "I" is not me, I roughly remember what I was doing 20 years ago, but I can't recall if anyone was the inspiration for the first section, and I know that no one was an inspiration for the second half.
you were the most beautiful girl
I had ever seen
master of my heart in only one day
I stumbled and fell
I didn't tell you the truth
now walking on water ain't the same
pre-chorus:
please girl won't you tell me
how to tell the truth again
how to fall in love again
how to be with you again
Chorus:
Cause walking on water
doesn't mean much to me
no walking on water
doesn't bring me to you
for I'm lost and lonely
and crying on the floor
crying for the love
the love that you gave to me
you were the best wife I could ever have
even though you're the only one
lord and master of my life
I stumbled and fell
I cheated on you
now walking on water it ain't the same
pre-chorus:
Chorus:
You ask me, what I am talking about
what does love
have to do with water?
what I mean to say
is miracles aren't that much
as long as love doesn't come
Chorus:
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