Expect Nothing In Return

I just read this blog post at Get Togetha and it was so awesome I had to share...

There are only two emotions: love and fear. When we we give based on strings it is a subtle form of manipulation. Manipulation is fear. When we give through a tiny yet powerful act called love we understand that what we give to others we give to ourselves whether its reciprocated or not. When we give from love the good things overflow in abundance.

49 Second Solution: We all slip up when it comes to the “what’s in it for me?’ syndrome. Recognize when you are giving from a place of love and a when you are giving from place of fear. Give selflessly and expect nothing in return. Yup. It’s that simple. But only practice makes perfect.

Please visit the original post to read the full article. It's totally worth it!

[Hat tip Rest of Yesterday]

Sunset Hill

One of my favorite places to watch sunsets at...



When I walk up this hill I feel a little closer to God, in a tangible sort of way.

Don't Close Your Eyes...

Make time to enjoy art that has no borders.



I like how all the blues filled the sky that evening.


[Music: "This is Your Life" by Switchfoot]

Late Sunset

Here's a video I made that captures a small glimpse of the beauty a late sunset gushes. I'll be doing more of these.



"Sunsets are God's smoothies to the world." -Me

[Music: "First Breath After Coma" by Explosions in the Sky]

Satisfied...

I was just thinking about how satisfied I am with my overall concert experiences. I've been able to see some of my favorite bands and singers use their God-given talents on stage which are little (and big) dreams come true. And those moments are magical, when songs connect to your heart in ways only music can.

I remember how Jennifer Knapp cradled her guitar in her arms as she sang "A Little More" in her quiet but captivating storytelling voice.

I remember seeing Switchfoot twice. Once front and center at the House of Blues. Then again at a bigger venue after they had their breakout album The Beautiful Letdown.

I remember being in a mosh pit at a P.O.D. concert and standing next to some guy dressed in all black wearing a baseball cap with metal spikes on it (which I eventually moved away from because it was an accident waiting to happen).

I remember sitting so far away from LeAnn Rimes that I couldn't see her as I camped along the Charles River waiting for the 4th of July fireworks to start.

I remember dancing next to my sister at a Stacie Orrico concert and walking away feeling like I had the time of my life.

I remember holding back tears and being overwhelmed with a deep thanksgiving toward God as Fred Hammond sang soul-stirring Gospel tunes.

I remember jumping up and down to the punk rock sounds of Relient K.

I remember riding in the car with a friend for 40 minutes, waiting in line for another 40 to only end up catching the last song of Lights (and that last song was pretty amazing).

I remember feeling completely electrified to finally, FINALLY, see Superchic[k] play after two previous attempts where something always seemed to suddenly pop up just before the show.

Those memories are irreplaceable.

Because our lives do come with soundtracks whether we realize it or not. Sometimes music comes with bright lights and sometimes it comes from a tiny speaker in the sanctuary of our homes. Whatever the case, music is beautiful and it gives us reasons to smile, to gather and to enjoy each other's company as we journey through this existence called life.