Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Still Winter


The last few days have been treacherous here in Ohio. I took this picture yesterday morning from my front window. Afterwards, I borrowed my neighbors snow blower and cleared six or more inches of snow from my driveway. And it's not over yet.

Tomorrow is my daughter's second birthday party for our family. We bought her a tricycle and a new play table and chairs. I can't believe she's growing so fast!

May 3rd is when our next little girl is due. Life will be glorious chaos when number two shows up!

Saturday, February 23, 2008

I-80


This week, the band and I continued our "We Need Each Other"
promotional tour. On Wednesday night we had to make an unplanned stop
in Coralville, IA due to the aftermath of the midwest blizzards. Thursday
morning our diesel van wouldn't start due to negative
overnight temperatures. So we called for a tow, put our gear into a
rental van and drove on to Des Moine. On the way we saw more of what
looked like scenes from War of the Worlds. You can see in the photo
there is a truck and a van upside down. This was mild compared to what
we saw, I just happened to get a shot of this one. Thank God we made
it safely to and from everywhere we went .

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Tony Campolo

I've been watching Tony Campolo on YouTube and his message is reaching deep into my heart. For a long time, I have allowed politically charged faith related issues to overshadow the primary teaching of Jesus in my life. I am NOT saying that I can overlook any of Jesus' teachings, but that I should pay careful attention to the issue with which He was consumed, caring for the poor and oppressed.

Please take some time to download Tony's podcasts on itunes and watch his messages on YouTube. If it doesn't rock your world then I don't know what will.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Lost on Valentine’s Day


It’s been a busy week on the road. We spent the last couple of days in Atlanta. Yesterday we were on the J93 morning show and then performed at Arbor Place Mall in Peach Tree City. In the afternoon, we attended two Valentine’s parties at children’s homes in the Atlanta area. It was an eye opening experience to see so many children who have been forced to live away from their parents. As a result, many of them have serious social and behavioral problems. Please pray for these kids, that God would heal their broken hearts and help their group leaders lead them in the right direction.

It was hard spending Valentine’s Day away from our ladies, but we found a sure distraction from missing out on America’s most celebrated date night…by ordering in Italian and watching this season’s third episode of LOST. We all huddled around the hotel television set and watched in anticipation as Sayid and Kate ventured into the jungle to find Charlotte. As usual, we weren’t disappointed. This show keeps getting better and better. They always leave us wanting more. Chris actually gave me a link to a site that presents a solid LOST theory. It’s www.docarzt.com/lost-theories/theory-vile-vortices.php. If you’re into the show, you’ll love this.

Last, but not least, we appeared this morning live across the country on “Everyday With Marcus and Lisa” on FamilyNet TV. Thank you, Marcus and Lisa, for having us on the show. It was a great ending to our time in Atlanta.

And we’re off to Kansas City.

Virginia


Stanley hangin' with "the locals".

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

“We Need Each Other” CD Release Week


It’s finally here, Sanctus Real’s “We Need Each Other” CD release week! The band and I kicked things off yesterday morning in our hometown of Toledo, Ohio. After twelve years of being a band, we went back to where it all started…at Chris and I‘s high school alma mater, Toledo Christian School. Joined by WTOL channel 11 news, we performed songs from our new CD and spoke to the students about the message in our songs. Afterwards, we did over fifteen radio interviews nationwide and finished our day with an in-store performance at the Family Christian store in south Toledo.

This morning we picked back up at Radio U in Columbus. We spent time talking with the morning show hosts, Nikki and Obadiah, about all kinds of random stuff. We have a blast with those guys every time!

And, now, we are driving in a van together. The first leg of our eight-hour trip from Columbus, OH to Winston – Salem, NC has been snowy and bleak, but I have a good feeling about what’s in store.

(Picture from Wal-Mart)

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Sacramento, CA



A few months ago Sanctus Real was asked to play the EMF Broadcasting (a.k.a. Air1 and K-Love) annual corporate awards banquet in Sacramento, CA. We really felt honored to be asked, so of course we said yes. We flew out last Thursday and met up with the VP of radio promotions from Sparrow Records and good friend of ours, Grant Hubbard. So what's the first thing Sanctus Real does when they get to California? Eat at "In N' Out Burger" of course! Anyone who has been to CA knows they have the best burgers and fries in the country. They're food is as fresh and healthy as "fast food" gets. Most of us ordered a "double double" (Double cheeseburger) and fries. It was great as usual.

After lunch we rehearsed a little at the hotel and then drove to the Holiday Inn conference center to do sound check. We played a twenty minute set at 7 pm and then had dinner with Louie Giglio who was the guest speaker. If you don't know who Louie is, you should. He is easily one of the most compelling speakers I have ever heard. After dinner, Louie brought tears to every eye in the room with his "fuitcake" message (google it!). Then, after a few more awards, we played another twenty minute set featuring songs from our new record, "We Need Each Other". The entire evening went really well. Everyone at EMF made it an incredible experience for us. If anyone from EMF is reading this, thank you!

Before we left yesterday , we did on-air interviews with Air1 and K-Love. We played our next single, "Whatever You're Doing" live and hung out for a while. One of the coolest things about being there yesterday is that it was the first day the new morning hosts, Eric and Copellia were on the air. We were really honored to be a part of it. You can check it out at Air1.com.

Before I finish, I want to share a little about the pictures posted up top. Every time I fly, I see the most ridiculous things in Sky Mall magazine. Some stuff is pretty cool, but it's all overpriced and mostly unnecessary to own. Check these out.

The first is "Poop Freeze". This entrepreneur must have seen the movie "Envy" with Jack Black and Ben Stiller. Does anyone think this is a good idea?! Also, notice the "Urine Gone" and the dog with the gacky eye cure to the left.

Some people might love the brownies at the edge of the pan, but I love the gooey ones in the middle...making this the worst brownie pan ever for people like me!

Monday, February 4, 2008

iPhone

I bought an iphone today. Wow, communication just got a whole lot easier.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

I Forgot Stanley!

This week my wife, Sarah, and I went on a cruise with the band. I performed three nights with the band and was able to spend the rest of my time relaxing with Sarah. We visited Key West, FL and Calica, Mexico. We spent time with friends and ate some great food! It was great for everyone and,as you see, we made it home safe. Thank you Jesus!
I have only one regret...I forgot Stanley!