RMHH Blogs

I meant to post last night but I was soooo tired. Exhausted out of my mind. Anyway, yesterday's class was very interesting. We had a guest lecturer who talked about Christianity and the Native American. What struck me is how the past for them really still is the present. Whereas for black people, Latinos, Asians, other minorities, we can say we're feeling the effects of the past; the Native American is feeling the effects of the present. I'm not going to go into all he said but after listening to him, I have a greater respect of what Native Americans have been through and whey many of them are so resistant to Christianity. Makes a lot of sense. And here I thought it was just in the African-American community.

If you get the chance, peep this article: http://deefosterministries.homestead.com/testimony.html. I wasn't going to read it at first but it's very interesting, especially for married couples but for anybody in a relationship of any sort. I've always been a proponent of knowing oneself. And some of the problems I think alot of us have are we don't take the time to get to know ourselves. We don't want to and we don't try. Therefore, we don't have to deal with our issues. The problem with that thinking (coming from experience) is that your issues don't go away. They stay. They linger. They fester. They build. They grow to a point where you absolutely cannot handle them. And then things start exploding, people get hurt (emotionally and physically), and we find ourselves back before square one. I know most of my issues. I know the things I'm ready to tackle and the things I'm not. The stuff I'm not ready to tackle needs prayer. Everything else needs prayer too, just not as intense. But our issues, our backgrounds, our cultures, our differences all effect our relationships and our views on people and the world. And once we accept that our view isn't the only view, we can START a dialog on issues that plague us. It's interesting how many life lessons you learn in church and in seminary. That's really how it should be. That's why I'm thankful for the church I go to. Thankful that it's a teaching church. Thankful that the people there aren't all perfect, come from different backgrounds, and all have issues. But, if nothing else, we all know who God is and who Christ is and how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. Everything else we're still figuring out. Getting better at it but still figuring out.

Alot of things have been on my mind lately. Some, a little scary. As I sat through revival last week and the sermons of the past few weeks and listened to what was going on in my class, I got to thinking about so many different things. And it was the same kind of thinking that got my attention towards my call to ministry. But the thing is, it would send places I don't want to go, have me doing things I don't want to do with people I usually don't think about unless someone mentions it. I've always had this view that people in the world need to understand each other. Even if they don't agree, I think they should at least understand. And since I've been in ministry (not preaching but just ministry in general), I've just had this desire clear up some myths and falsities (if that's a word) about our faith but not only that, but to help those who worship in culture specific ways to embrace the Word of God within their culture. What am I saying? The guest lecturer said this yesterday and just as when we had a guest preacher at Agape, my eyes, my mind, my heart opened and I heard. The guest lecture is founder of http://www.eagleswingsministry.com. And basically, he goes to reservations and helps Native nations/tribes to see that there's nothing wrong with their way of life as long as God/Christ/Holy Spirit is the center. And he teaches that to his people. My passion, my desire is to do that for cultures around the world. Yes, around the world. Scary, isn't it? In my limited study of world cultures (which is mostly from various college courses that I actually paid attention to), I've found that cultural values may vary but there are some core principals which are the same. And really, since I've been going to church on a regular basis, I've realized there's no real reason for people not to be Christians-- once they really understand the faith (okay, I understand why Jews, Muslims, and some others may not want to be Christians and I could argue for days on why they should, but I'm really talking about impoverished people who have a hard enough time feeding their own, much less following a particular faith). Over this last year (and especially since I've been in seminary), I've really started to understand what my Pastor is trying to do and I really can't see why it's NOT a global phenomenon. If there's a need, a legitimate life need and it's not being filled, it is up to us as people following Christ's lead to fill it. It doesn't matter who, what, when, why, or how. My Pastor saw a need for ministry in a community that had no church at the time. And people didn't even want church, what they did desire is day care and after school programs with a moral foundation. That's how Agape got started and largely, it's still what we do. There are needs like that all over this city, this state, this country, this World and there should be a church somewhere willing to fill that gap. Now, I recognize that we will not create a utopian society where everyone will never want for anything. I know how PEOPLE are. I know the issues we have. We're selfish and possessive (particularly Americans because it's what we're taught) and we like things (I know I sho' nuff do). But, I can't help but think about African continent. And how much poverty, war, and famine exist on the second largest continent in the world. The Asian continent with the two most populous countries in the, one of which is still considered "Third World." That should say something to all of us. So, again, what am I saying? Is God calling me to World Missions? Will I be away from my family for long stints at a time, helping others in dangerous and sometimes deadly situations? I don't know. I do know I have a strong sense of family and I really don't want to leave my children or my wife for extended periods of time. So, maybe it's not a call to World Missions. Maybe it IS a call to something like what Randy Woodley is doing. Maybe it IS a call be more fruitful in my ministry. Maybe it IS a call to do what I do best-- be me. I don't know. I don't know what God has in store for me or when it will come to pass. I do know it won't be long and I know it will be big, in terms of what I have been doing. It may be a few months or a few years but it is coming. Just keep praying for me.

House hunting will start as soon as we get things straight with the mortgage company.

I'm procrastinating now. I should be doing a project for school but I really haven't done much with it. Maybe tonight or tomorrow.

I'm a little anxious about work. I know I shouldn't be but I am. Working 20 hours with 3 kids and wife isn't going to cut it. But I know God's got his hands in this somehow.

The year should be VERY interesting.

The Everton newsgroup of which I�m more a lurker than contributor has now got it�s own podcast.

So if you�re interested in a quick round of the posts on the newsgroup and also enjoy the piss being ripped out of Kopite gobshites then you can click here and hear it for yourself.

Personally I think it�s funny but I�m biased towards anything that promotes the People�s Club and shows the Kopshite gobshites the amount of respect they deserve.

Hopefully it will be a weekly thing so bookmark it…

Tags: Everton, Usenet, Premier League, Liverpool, Podcast, Football

the student rioting in France gives mike endless laughter. he thinks any trouble in France that “proves” they are somehow lesser than America is high comedy.

mostly it’s shtick but a lot of it is honest-to-goodness patriotism.

he’s appalled that French students are rioting. appalled.

the idea, to him, that people would fight for a continuation of the system that allows them to hold a job, basically, interminably w/o worry, instead of having to work hard with the constant fear of the axe falling, is laughable.

even in a utopian state he would rather “work hard and hope” that he would advance in the company… knowing that any day he could be put out on the street, left to wonder how he’ll support his family…. RATHER THAN be locked in to a position for as long as you want it, never have to worry about losing that cush job, never have to worry about money, etc. and have 6 weeks of vacation a year, free education for his kids, etc.

i’m totally bewildered by that decision. completely. i’m willing to work as hard/harder than the next man.. but given the option it only seems to make sense to take the “French” option.

what is it?? the American drive for competition? that drive to crush everyone else? is all of life a competition that must be won at all costs regardless of personal effect? is it a purely American jealousy of the next man??

maybe i really do need to read The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism to get a better understanding of what it is that drives Americans to work themselves to death. boggles the mind. seriously.

always interesting to see pictures you’re in that other people have taken. especially when they are 10+ years old and you forgot they existed.

this one’s for the Radiohead fan in you.

Monday, March 20, 2006—Deep in the heart of Brooklyn, work continues on one of the most anticipated releases of the year: Radiodread, The Easy Star All-Star’s reggae re-vision of Radiohead’s OK Computer.

In February, producer Michael G. flew down to Florida to Inner Circle’s recording studio to record reggae legend—strike that—music legend Toots Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals. Toots lent his distinctive vocal style to a revved up version of “Let Down,” which has promptly gone into constant rotation on his tour bus’s sound system.

This was preceded by a session at the legendary Electric Lady Studios on 8th Street in Manhattan, where Citizen Cope captured his take on “Karma Police.” Taking a break from recording his upcoming album, Cope welcomed Michael G and Easy Star founder Eric Smith to record the track. Being a huge Radiohead fan, he is excited to be involved with the project.

Earlier in the month, longtime Easy Star cohort Sugar Minott voiced “Exit Music (For A Film).” The pairing of Sugar Minott’s powerful, melancholic voice with the haunting “Exit Music” works beautifully; Minott has also signed on to record a new album for Easy Star in 2007.

Easy Star All-Stars vocalists Junior Jazz and Tamar-Kali have cut “Subterranean Homesick Alien” and “Climbing Up The Walls,” respectively. This was just before the touring unit headed to France, Italy and Croatia for their first-ever European tour. Other artists who have already cut vocals for the album include Horace Andy, Morgan Heritage, Frankie Paul and Kirsty Rock.

This leaves only a few more tracks to be finished before final mixing commences in Brazil with Michael G and Victor Rice at the helm. The record is due to hit stores mid-August with an extensive Easy Star All-Stars tour to follow. Says Michael G: “We’re at the stage where we can all sense what an incredible album this will be. We can’t wait to get started with the mix of Radiodread as that is where the true soul of the album will emerge.”

For more information or to set up an interview with the Easy Star All-Stars, contact Eric Smith at 212-736-2160 or erics@easystar.com

Tags: Fuck, Shit, Motherfucker

That's the song that's been on my mind recently by Jill Scott. No particular reason other than I've been listening to Jill Scott for the past two or three days (since we found the CD). Anyway, things have been okay. Today is nice thus far. I got to see an old friend/acquaintance. She was on the 10! show this morning. Peep her site: http://www.angelanissel.com. She has two books out, writes/produces for Scrubs and co-founded okayplayer.com with ?love of the Roots. And I'm floor director at channel 10. Go figure. I could go into the seedy details of how we became friends but I won't because there are none. We met through a hip-hop newsgroup (http://www.rmhh.com) because of our mutual interest in the Roots (well, she knew them and I liked them). Anyway, we became cool for a time and as Okayplayer started growing and she was in the process of putting her book out, we lost touch. So, it was great to see her today and she seemed genuinely surprised (pleasantly) to see me. That's always cool. So, it was a very pleasant addition to my early morning.

Last week's revival at church was excellent. Every night was on and the preacher took us THERE. I mean really took us THERE. I'm feeling revived. Seriously. There's a new desire in my spirit. A new goal to reach. I'm ready for that next level whatever it may be. Sunday was our church anniversary and it was excellent also. I got to talk with the preacher about all types of things and I'm really starting to enjoy that type of time and interaction. I don't know what the Lord has in store for me and preaching but I know it's big. There's a reason I'm getting to meet these people in my life and hear them declare the Word of God. My spiritual mind is like a sponge right now and I'm just taking it all in. I don't know when, how, or where the Spirit will kick it out, but it's coming.

Things are going okay, I'm glad to say. It's a shame I can't always remember the blessings and good thigns in my life to write them down. I know part of it is because I only make an entry ever 2-3 weeks. But sometimes, I don't know, sometimes I feel like I just want to tell everything. Just say all. ALl those things that I probably should have said years ago, all those people that I should have apologized to years ago, all those people I had a chance to talk to (romantically, intellectually, or spiritually), I just want to say something to them. I don't know what. God is good. You're beautiful, sorry we're not together. I have a wife, thank you. You're intelligent. I don't know. I think I'm just babbling because I'm sleepy (worked the EARLY shift today) and I'm on a spiritual and emotional high. I am so there. Friday night I worked a long day (regualr morning and late night) so I completed my myspace.com profile and did some exploring on hi5 and friendster. MY myspace profile was the most successful out of those three. check it out, if ya haven't already (http://www.myspace.com/jiggyjazzman)

Last, seeing Angela and hearing her story has given me the urge to pick up pad and pen again and go for what I know. AS a teen and young adult, I used to write comic book plots (I couldn't draw-- and still can't). Maybe I should start doing that again. THe creative bone in my body has been sprung. Hmmmm... but should I do it here or over on myspace?

He told BBC Radio Five Live: “It is a very dangerous group motivated by greed and self-interest and I think it is very damaging to football.

“There seems to be some sort of secret handshake to get into it.”

Earlier on Sunday Manchester United chief executive David Gill rejected suggestions that Europe’s top clubs want to break away from Uefa and form their own league.

And Wyness added: “It’s a self-appointed group that doesn’t cover the voices of the clubs.

“David Gill has already said that there are no clear membership rules at all and I just think it’s dangerous to try and polarise the game even further.

“You can be satisfied under the current groups of Uefa and the Premier League. I think we should keep those bodies and respect them.”

Source : BBC News

Fight the power Keith!

He’s only saying what every person involved in football outside of this elite, self serving group should be saying.

The G14 has no place in football, an inclusive group which truely represented the interests of all clubs would be a totally different matter.

A gulf already exists between the members of the G14 and many of the other teams in Europe in terms of finance, this gulf only sets to widen as money plays more and more of an influence in the game.

How are the likes of West Ham, Charlton and Everton supposed to compete for the best players in the world if we can’t afford them? How are we supposed to afford them if we don’t get the important revenue from competitions like the Champions League and the Premiership?

How can we win these competitions when we’re competiting against some of the best in the world?

The answer used to be investment in the youth acadmey’s but now even the youngsters aren’t safe from the prying eyes (and wallets) of the bigger clubs. This is also not helped by many negative influences in the game (i.e. agents) who advise these youngsters to go to the bigger clubs, even though it’s potentially bad for their careers. We know of the successes but how many other young players have been cast aside by the bigger clubs after having their progress hindered by years on the sidelines and infrequent loan spells to lower league clubs?

The teams and their supporters see no problems with the existance of such a group, they don’t see the long term damage to football and in effect their own teams to give a shit.

Then again most of them are glory supporting fuckwits so it’s not hard to understand why it’d be hard for them to grasp the issues surrounding this and their impact on the game should the G14 ever get their way.

Chelsea should lead the way by putting funds into a pressure group of this pressure group with the aim to be that whenever the G14 put pressure on UEFA, FIFA or any of the domestic associations the rest of football puts pressure on them to stop being greedy, self centred, money hungry fuckwits.

Tags: Everton, G14, UEFA, Premier League, FIFA

Again the time for the 2 Merseyside clubs to meet head to head.

The shite�s massacre of Birmingham in the FA Cup shouldn�t fase the Everton players, we�re a much better side than Birmingham and we have much more about us to cause a distinctly average Liverpool side some problems.

That being said, it�s been 7 years since we won at our old ground.

To be honest, it should be Liverpool who are the worried ones.

Everton have come into a rich vein of form recently, the midfield is looking solid, Beattie and McFadden are running defences ragged and Big Dunc is back from his suspension ready to cause mayhem.

The only hopes for the shite is that our defence is slow (although the Liverpool attack is hardly lightening fast) and Richard Wright is shite.

Phil Neville should be able to put a good performance in against Gerrard, and with Gerrard distracted there�s little left for the Shite.

I�m not going to predict anything because that shit always comes back and bites you plus any result in this fixture wouldn�t be a shock, except for an absolutely stupid scoreline like the Birmingham game for either of the 2 sides.

It promises to be a cracking game no matter what the result but of course I�m hoping for a victory for the Toffees.

Let�s just hope neither set of �fans� let down such a prestigious day…

Tags: Everton, Liverpool, Premiership, Merseyside Derby