I'm Still Laughing

I was a very serious young man. I'm not sure why - I think it had something to do with my perception that "artists" were required to be introspective and distant.

And then I met her.

I'll admit that it took me my surprise. When I first met Kristen, I remember being amazed at how funny she was...how much she and her family laughed. She seemed like the silliest, sweetest girl I had ever met. And while it's true that I immediately knew she was the girl for me, it's also true that I also realized that I needed her.

I needed her smile. I needed her joy. I needed to learn how to lighten up and find the fun in life. And she did all of that. Without even trying, she changed me into a better version of myself. I'll never be able to repay her for teaching me how to laugh.

But what's more - every couple of days, I realize that I'M STILL LAUGHING.

She is funnier now than ever. Sillier than she's ever been. And it's obvious to me that the laughter we share now is somehow more funny and rich than it's ever been. After 10 years, we've learned how to laugh together, how to cheer each other up and how to find joy in times where it seems invisible.

I don't know what the future holds, but with Kristen by my side, I know we'll find a way to enjoy it.

Thank you, Kristen, for being you. Thanks for saving me from myself.

Okay, Guys...Time To Get Honest

Okay, men.

None of us are exempt. This is a time for honesty. For courage. For authenticity.

In the comment section below, I want you to share with us ONE romantic movie that you enjoyed.

Don't be afraid. Share with us one chick flick that got to you.

You will not be mocked for your participation. In fact, be sure and tell your significant other about your entry on this post and I'm sure you will receive their respect and admiration.

Now, share...

Funny What We Remember...

This is Phil Madeira. In my opinion, he is the quintessential "sideman" in popular music. Chances are if you've listened to country, pop or Christian music in the last ten years, you've heard Phil. If you listen to more folk-country/alt-country music (which you should,) you've heard even more than the rest of us.

I thought of Phil Madeira on Monday afternoon. Here's how the memory goes.

It's the summer before my senior year of high school and Rich Mullins is coming in concert. Naturally, I am pumped, because Rich Mullins was a dude worth seeing - sort of like seeing everything that's right about Christianity and wrong about human reality all rolled into one. This was a big deal because Rich was touring with the Ragamuffins. Rick Elias, Jimmy Abegg, Mark Robertson and Aaron Smith! I realize that these names mean nothing to other people - just go with me, okay? I was excited.

I, of course, knew that Phil Madeira had played on the "Liturgy, Legacy" record, but I wasn't expecting him to be there. He was. He was awesome, playing guitar, Hammond, steel and other assorted folk instruments that make me smile.

As Rich is taking a break to introduce the band, he introduces Phil, gives a little bio of Madiera's career and then something like this:

"A while back, I said some things about Phil that weren't really very nice and I regret it. And he's here tonight because he's a man who's shown grace to me and loved me in spite of what I've said."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't have a clue what the backstory was at the time, but I remembered it this week and it made me pray for grace. It me made me hope that in the times when I'm wrong, I can be bold enough to say it in front of anybody. It made me hope that in the times when I've been wronged, I can still stand next to my attacker and support what he or she is doing.

Deal Breaker?

Based on a conversation with Clay Walker, I'd like to pose this to all my female readers.
Regardless of your status (single, married, engaged, embittered,) my question is this:

Imagine you're single and you meet an attractive, intelligent, personable man - the kind of man women only dream of. Now imagine that man...wearing a fanny pack.

The question: How vital is the fanny pack? Would you still be interested in this specimen of perfection in spite of the handy little beltpack fastened around his middle?