my story is rough but my praise is real

chicago...
i really like it.
i have been attending a very diverse crc church. i know what you are thinking, if it isn't primarily dutch or german it can't be crc. well you are going to have to take my word for it. i was able to find one gray psalter hymnal in the building so that was enough to convince me. lawndale crc has already shown me what i was looking for when moving to chicago, a new way to experience Christianity. last sunday a man while the pastor was taking prayer requests a man had a praise to share. recently he went to a class reunion and when he showed up people couldn't believe how much he had cleaned his life up. he repeated constantly, "my story is rough but my praise is real." people at this church are very passionate in this church. some would go so far as to say it is flashy and showy, but it is so genuine you can't help but be excited. the pastor's message was about taking the party inside the church to the world and i can say with all certainty that everyone who was in that congregation is celebrating their faith in Jesus right now.
i enjoyed my time at lawndale and am excited to get involved in congregation.

nick and i played an acoustic show. it was really well received. videos can be found on my facebook.
hopefully there is more shows to come in the future.

nothing can come between a man and his maker

i am becoming acclimated to chicago life.
i have started to comprehend where i am in the city and how to get to a few places.
thus far this has been a great experience for me.
allow me to list some highlights for you:
purchasing a pineapple popsicle from one of the many ice cream bikes that come down our block.
public transportation.
i saw a group of hispanic teenagers in the park the other day. i immediately assumed the worst because my small town mentality taught me to think that way. as i approached them they handed me a tract and said "God Bess you." I was immediately thankful for God reminding me of his presence in the city.

one of my favorite moments in the city came last night when my girlfriend (kelly) and i went to a concert at the house of blues in chicago. we celebrated our 3 month anniversary by going to see august burns red in concert. i vivadly remember one point where i could clearly understand the lyrics (which is strange at a concert like this). the singer (or screamer) with all the power he could find inside him screamed, "nothing comes between a man and his maker." this quote has given me some comfort. sure being in the city can be unsafe. sure i don't have a lot of money and am having trouble finding a job. but despite a great deal of uncertainties i do know that nothing can come between a man and his maker.

hello.

alright let's start this thing again.

i'll spare everyone the details of what happened since we last talked.

basically i graduated, joined a new band, got a girlfriend, and now i'm moving to chicago.

i'll be moving this sunday which maketh me excited.
i have an apartment to move into, but no job and that is ok. i hope to make some music in the big city.

more news and updates later.