Back again from the impromptu hiatus from the blogs. I promise I didn't know that I was going to take a long break from blogging like I have. Either way, let's get this moving.
First off, this is sort of like a hot of the presses type thing, but a few minutes ago I read an article saying that a woman was killed on her honeymoon in Antigua, which is a Carribean Island. Her husband was wounded. The real crazy thing is, that's the 10 murder in Antigua this year. So guess where I'm not going on vacation anytime soon? I don't mean to make a joke out of a serious situation, but 10 times in a little over have a year is nothing to play with. The couple was planning to go back home this coming Monday. They both were 31, so it wasn't like they were old. The devil is busy, people. We still got people acting like they got all the time in the world. I'm sure this couple didn't have getting robbed and shot as part of they're honeymoon. If there's ever time to get God in your heart, it's now. I learned this past week that it doesn't take emotion to get saved. All you got to do is believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that you believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins. I didn't intend to put that on this, but it's really time to stop playing around with life and start getting serious.
I'm really shocked that my video, Why are men so stupid?, has not got a ton of views and comments. I'd figure that would be a hot topic. I guess it's taking longer than I thought. If you haven't seen it yet, get at me and I'll send you a link. Tell your friends about it too because I really want to read and see more opinions on that subject.
As I hinted earlier, I was at the Triad Convention last week, and it was off the meat racker-zolie!! I'm not lying. Every aspect of the convention was awesome. The messages were on point. The sessions were on point. It was just amazing. The main thing I'm going to remember about the convention is that Wensday night. There was a storm happening outside that night, and the power of the building went out. The only lights on was the flash lights and the emergency lights. Anyway the choir got up. We sang out hearts out. You talking about old school hand clapping foot stomping church. What? I mean we did the dang thing, and the annointing was in that place so strong. If there was a time for the rapture to happen, that would've been an awesome time. I'd have a hard time beliving that a person did not feel the annointing in that place. I already can't wait for next year's.
For those of you that are faithfully reading my story, "How Did That Happen?", I just want to let you know that I'm working on it, and will have new stuff posted soon I promise. Sorry for the hiatus on that as well.
Is anybody else like me tired of hearing about Bret Farve? Right now, I could really careless if he comes back or not. The person I really feel for is Aaron Rodgers. He came in to this season thinking that he was going to be the starting quaterback, and now leave it to Mr. Farve to start up some drama. If you're going to retire, retire. I don't care how much you still want to play. Make up your dang mind, and stand by your decision. I can't stand when people change their mind's at the last minute, messing up the plans that were set.
I thank y'all for reading. I'll try not to be so long between the blogs next time around. Be sure to leave a comment at least telling me you read it, and/or telling me what you thought of what I talked about. Always remember, you can be a Bible Scholar all you want to, but if you're not a Bible Follower, you're not going up yonder. Be blessed.
~Daniel aka Big Dusty
Monday, July 28, 2008
Monday, July 07, 2008
Friday, July 04, 2008
I know you can read, but can you type?
What's happening? Y'all know me. I don't know you. Let's do this...
I'd like to begin by thanking Gary and peaceofmind for commenting my blog last week. I greatly appreciate it. To the rest of y'all...what?!?! I get about 25 views on the Space a week, I know that, but come on. I know you can read, but can you prove that you can type by giving a brother some feedback? Goodness. I wanted to go past over promoting, but it looks like I got to go back to over promoting. Y'all going to be sick of me this week. You brought it on yourselves. As Toby Mac says, "Let's get this party started!!"
So Eddie Murphy is doing Beverily Hills Cop 4. Earlier in the process it was rumored that the movie was going to be PG-13, which burnt me up to no end. I'm sorry, you can't have a character like Axel Foely in a PG-13 setting. It's just not going to work. Some days ago, I saw that the movie is in fact going to be rated R. Thank the Lord! Can you imagine a Beverily Hills Cop movie without the F-bomb being dropped? That's like hearing a State of the Union address and not hearing a lie.
The new Will Smith movie, Hancock, is already getting panned by reviewers. Most saying something like, "Will smith can't save Hancock." I even saw "$150 million dollar disaster." I haven't seen the movie yet, but I hope to see it while it's still in theaters. Until then, I'll just say that it would be a shame that Mister 4th of July couldn't deliever. For his sake I hope he did.
Speaking of...I hope you all had or are having a great 4th of July weekend. For me, the food was good. My dad may have his flaws, but he can grill. His ribs are insane. Insanicles as my good friend Cass would say. Also we had chicken, and sausages. Not the breakfast sausage. The kind you put on a hot dog bun with some mustard. Also had baked beans. That's all I ate, but the rest of the fam also had corn on the cob and potato salad. Didn't see any fireworks but I heard some go off. Actually I saw fireworks this past Monday, when the home town baseball team hit a homerun. Don't get excited, they lost 6-3. Yeah they suck. They must be the Miami Heat of minor leauge baseball.
As always, I thank you for checking out my blog. I know there's other blogs you could've read, but you decided to read mine and I appreciate it. Now put those typing fingers to work and show some love. That would be great. Be blessed.
~Daniel aka Big Dusty
I'd like to begin by thanking Gary and peaceofmind for commenting my blog last week. I greatly appreciate it. To the rest of y'all...what?!?! I get about 25 views on the Space a week, I know that, but come on. I know you can read, but can you prove that you can type by giving a brother some feedback? Goodness. I wanted to go past over promoting, but it looks like I got to go back to over promoting. Y'all going to be sick of me this week. You brought it on yourselves. As Toby Mac says, "Let's get this party started!!"
So Eddie Murphy is doing Beverily Hills Cop 4. Earlier in the process it was rumored that the movie was going to be PG-13, which burnt me up to no end. I'm sorry, you can't have a character like Axel Foely in a PG-13 setting. It's just not going to work. Some days ago, I saw that the movie is in fact going to be rated R. Thank the Lord! Can you imagine a Beverily Hills Cop movie without the F-bomb being dropped? That's like hearing a State of the Union address and not hearing a lie.
The new Will Smith movie, Hancock, is already getting panned by reviewers. Most saying something like, "Will smith can't save Hancock." I even saw "$150 million dollar disaster." I haven't seen the movie yet, but I hope to see it while it's still in theaters. Until then, I'll just say that it would be a shame that Mister 4th of July couldn't deliever. For his sake I hope he did.
Speaking of...I hope you all had or are having a great 4th of July weekend. For me, the food was good. My dad may have his flaws, but he can grill. His ribs are insane. Insanicles as my good friend Cass would say. Also we had chicken, and sausages. Not the breakfast sausage. The kind you put on a hot dog bun with some mustard. Also had baked beans. That's all I ate, but the rest of the fam also had corn on the cob and potato salad. Didn't see any fireworks but I heard some go off. Actually I saw fireworks this past Monday, when the home town baseball team hit a homerun. Don't get excited, they lost 6-3. Yeah they suck. They must be the Miami Heat of minor leauge baseball.
As always, I thank you for checking out my blog. I know there's other blogs you could've read, but you decided to read mine and I appreciate it. Now put those typing fingers to work and show some love. That would be great. Be blessed.
~Daniel aka Big Dusty
Thursday, July 03, 2008
7/03/08 Podcast
SoundClick page: http://www.soundclick.com/bigdusty
Podcast page: http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6687836
Podcast page: http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6687836
Friday, June 27, 2008
SHUT UP BEFORE Y’ALL JINX IT!!
What's good my blog readers? Trust me, I'm going to welcome the comments for this one. Alan I once again thank you in advance. Now let me get to the topic then I'll jump around like I usually do.
To the Obama supporters: SHUT UP BEFORE Y'ALL JINX IT!! Look, I want Obama to win just like everybody on BET does, but good Lord, shut your mouth. Lets go back about, I don't know, 4 years ago, when it seemed like everybody in America wanted Bush out of office. What did "we" do? Put Bush back in for another 4 years. So shut up, before McCain gets in office. 4 years ago, Puff Daddy had the Vote or Die campaign going and what happened? I think we all know. Now this jinx is saying and I quote "Obama or Die!" Diddy, shut up before you jinx it for all of us. Gahly. Yes we want Obama to win, but let him win for the right reasons, not just because he's black. Diddy, here's what you do, say "McCain or Die," that way everybody will vote for Obama. Nobody like you no more, Diddy, get over it.
Now for my usually scheduled randomness. Where's the love people? Where is the love? Lack of pic comments, lack of comments in general. It's almost like...who's this mixed boy? Remember me? Big Dusty? The one with the nice smile and hair, which will be gone next summer. Speaking of which, we got about a year to come up with another nickname for yours truly because with the hair, goes Big Dusty. I'm thinking of just being Daniel, but I want to give my people a chance to give me a new nickname anyway. I mean I got the name Dusty by 2 white boys, and I ran with it. Who knows what will happen? Big Dusty only has about a year left y'all. Will he make a comeback after that, God only knows.
Back to jinxing, we got WWE's Night Of Champions coming this Sunday, June 29, 2008. One of the matches being John Morrison and The Miz vs Hornswoggle and Finlay. Everybody wants Hornswoggle and Finlay to win. Yay!! Really? Again let's go back some months ago. Who was the the last Crusierwieight champion in the history of the WWE. Oh yeah, Hornswoggle. He got the title, then they dropped it. So do we as wrestling fans, really want Hornswoggle to win another title? Just a thought. As Jeff Meacham says, "It's just my opinion."
Speaking of opinions, if you reading this and you're into Astrology and you believe that horoscope mess...shut up. You're not going to recruit me. You people are more annoying than BET programming. I mean all this stuff talking like "Well in the past life you can see that..." What? You knew what I was doing when I was just in my dad? I hope some people got that one, anyway...but seriously, get a grip and stop annoying the people.
So now I'd like to thank everyone for reading the blog. I know that there's other blogs you could've read, but you decided to read mine and I greatly appreciate it. Be free to leave a comment leaving your opinion on what I talked about and let's start a discussion. Remember to not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of YOUR mind.
God bless...
Daniel aka Big Dusty
To the Obama supporters: SHUT UP BEFORE Y'ALL JINX IT!! Look, I want Obama to win just like everybody on BET does, but good Lord, shut your mouth. Lets go back about, I don't know, 4 years ago, when it seemed like everybody in America wanted Bush out of office. What did "we" do? Put Bush back in for another 4 years. So shut up, before McCain gets in office. 4 years ago, Puff Daddy had the Vote or Die campaign going and what happened? I think we all know. Now this jinx is saying and I quote "Obama or Die!" Diddy, shut up before you jinx it for all of us. Gahly. Yes we want Obama to win, but let him win for the right reasons, not just because he's black. Diddy, here's what you do, say "McCain or Die," that way everybody will vote for Obama. Nobody like you no more, Diddy, get over it.
Now for my usually scheduled randomness. Where's the love people? Where is the love? Lack of pic comments, lack of comments in general. It's almost like...who's this mixed boy? Remember me? Big Dusty? The one with the nice smile and hair, which will be gone next summer. Speaking of which, we got about a year to come up with another nickname for yours truly because with the hair, goes Big Dusty. I'm thinking of just being Daniel, but I want to give my people a chance to give me a new nickname anyway. I mean I got the name Dusty by 2 white boys, and I ran with it. Who knows what will happen? Big Dusty only has about a year left y'all. Will he make a comeback after that, God only knows.
Back to jinxing, we got WWE's Night Of Champions coming this Sunday, June 29, 2008. One of the matches being John Morrison and The Miz vs Hornswoggle and Finlay. Everybody wants Hornswoggle and Finlay to win. Yay!! Really? Again let's go back some months ago. Who was the the last Crusierwieight champion in the history of the WWE. Oh yeah, Hornswoggle. He got the title, then they dropped it. So do we as wrestling fans, really want Hornswoggle to win another title? Just a thought. As Jeff Meacham says, "It's just my opinion."
Speaking of opinions, if you reading this and you're into Astrology and you believe that horoscope mess...shut up. You're not going to recruit me. You people are more annoying than BET programming. I mean all this stuff talking like "Well in the past life you can see that..." What? You knew what I was doing when I was just in my dad? I hope some people got that one, anyway...but seriously, get a grip and stop annoying the people.
So now I'd like to thank everyone for reading the blog. I know that there's other blogs you could've read, but you decided to read mine and I greatly appreciate it. Be free to leave a comment leaving your opinion on what I talked about and let's start a discussion. Remember to not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of YOUR mind.
God bless...
Daniel aka Big Dusty
Friday, June 20, 2008
Did you get the lincense number?
Of the truck that ran over your face. The best line in Rocky, hands down. What's good y'all? It's now 12:57 in the morning. Got Rocky playing on the DVD. Let's get this blog started right!!
The Boston Celtics are the NBA Champs. Much respect to Kevin Garnett, but I just got one thing about his speech at the end of the game. Gave love to Chi-town, and Minnisota. Where's the love for South Carolina, Kevin? Huh? Your home state? I know you went to Chi-Town to finish high school and then you got drafted, but before that you went to Mauldin High School. If my reading is correct you were born in Maudlin. Show some love for your home state. That's all I'm saying. Other than that, much respect to KG and the Celtics. I had the Lakers in 6 I admit, but who knew? But I am making a pick for next year, for my Miami Heat. They will make the playoffs. YES I SAID IT! It's the Eastern Conference, I can't be wrong with this pick.
Since there's only one person that I know of that's going to comment this, got to give respect to Alan. Thanks for the comment in advance. Comments aren't against the law people. My videos get lack luster comments, my podcast get lack luster comments...I mean, am I lack luster? That's rhetorical don't answer that. Y'all can type pointless bulletins and ims to your "friends" but y'all can't leave one little comment on a blog you read. What the crapacle? I digress.
I'm tired, so I'm going to end this now. Once again thanks for reading. I know there's other blogs that you could've read, but you chose to read mine and I appreciate it. Now COMMENT....if you want to, you know, I'm not trying to force anybody. That's like going in a Live Video chat room as a guest and not having the guts to sign in and say hi. Oh...my bad. Bye y'all.
~Daniel
The Boston Celtics are the NBA Champs. Much respect to Kevin Garnett, but I just got one thing about his speech at the end of the game. Gave love to Chi-town, and Minnisota. Where's the love for South Carolina, Kevin? Huh? Your home state? I know you went to Chi-Town to finish high school and then you got drafted, but before that you went to Mauldin High School. If my reading is correct you were born in Maudlin. Show some love for your home state. That's all I'm saying. Other than that, much respect to KG and the Celtics. I had the Lakers in 6 I admit, but who knew? But I am making a pick for next year, for my Miami Heat. They will make the playoffs. YES I SAID IT! It's the Eastern Conference, I can't be wrong with this pick.
Since there's only one person that I know of that's going to comment this, got to give respect to Alan. Thanks for the comment in advance. Comments aren't against the law people. My videos get lack luster comments, my podcast get lack luster comments...I mean, am I lack luster? That's rhetorical don't answer that. Y'all can type pointless bulletins and ims to your "friends" but y'all can't leave one little comment on a blog you read. What the crapacle? I digress.
I'm tired, so I'm going to end this now. Once again thanks for reading. I know there's other blogs that you could've read, but you chose to read mine and I appreciate it. Now COMMENT....if you want to, you know, I'm not trying to force anybody. That's like going in a Live Video chat room as a guest and not having the guts to sign in and say hi. Oh...my bad. Bye y'all.
~Daniel
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
uh OH, the mouth from the south is back...
No, I'm not Jimmy Hart, but thanks for checking out the blog anyway. For the new readers, thanks for checking out the blog. I know there's other and better blogs you could be reading, but you chose to read mine. I appreciated it. Would be great if you would subscribe, also. Let's get it poppin'!
We got the NBA Finals going strong. By this point, Celtics are up 2-1 in the series. I picked the Lakers in 6, but Boston is kicking crazy butt right now. I don't know. I know my good friend Alan is happy with the way the series is going by this point.
I'm countin down to the point where mom's gets sick of me and kicks me out the house. I got a feeling it's only a matter of time.
We got Vince McMahon, who gave 1 million dollars this past Monday. What do I think of it? I think it's cool. He's doing it again next week. I'm sure hoping I get a cut so I can get my student loans out the way, know what I mean? Imagine getting $200,000. After the tithes and offering for the church, you still got plenty to spend for yourself. I mean Vince is making people's dreams come true. It was funny when a person only won 2 dollars. It was straight up hilarious. But the person did get a free trip to New York so I bet she wasn't sad for long. Much respect to the WWE and Vince McMahon for this he's doing. To use to words of Edge and Christian from about 10 years ago, "It totally reaks of awesomeness!"
Ok, y'all I need your questions. I'm overdue for a video and I have no idea of what to do. I had an idea, and I still might do it, but I need some questions just incase it takes me too long to do that idea.
My story, How Did That Happen, is still doing well on the KJ Board for anybody that's wondering. This person with the username "peaceofmind" continues to show love and it's greatly appreciated.
Ok, well I'm off to do something. I don't know. It's 2:20 in the morning right now, and I'm not really tired. I might go into a live chat room as a guest just to be noisy. Or might put in a DVD. The chose is mine. Thanks for reading, if you read this far. Leave a comment, if you please, and tell me what you thought of it. Your likes and dislikes. Or if there's a topic you want me to write about. Don't forget to submit your questions for a video anyway you can, ok?
God bless,
Daniel aka Big d
We got the NBA Finals going strong. By this point, Celtics are up 2-1 in the series. I picked the Lakers in 6, but Boston is kicking crazy butt right now. I don't know. I know my good friend Alan is happy with the way the series is going by this point.
I'm countin down to the point where mom's gets sick of me and kicks me out the house. I got a feeling it's only a matter of time.
We got Vince McMahon, who gave 1 million dollars this past Monday. What do I think of it? I think it's cool. He's doing it again next week. I'm sure hoping I get a cut so I can get my student loans out the way, know what I mean? Imagine getting $200,000. After the tithes and offering for the church, you still got plenty to spend for yourself. I mean Vince is making people's dreams come true. It was funny when a person only won 2 dollars. It was straight up hilarious. But the person did get a free trip to New York so I bet she wasn't sad for long. Much respect to the WWE and Vince McMahon for this he's doing. To use to words of Edge and Christian from about 10 years ago, "It totally reaks of awesomeness!"
Ok, y'all I need your questions. I'm overdue for a video and I have no idea of what to do. I had an idea, and I still might do it, but I need some questions just incase it takes me too long to do that idea.
My story, How Did That Happen, is still doing well on the KJ Board for anybody that's wondering. This person with the username "peaceofmind" continues to show love and it's greatly appreciated.
Ok, well I'm off to do something. I don't know. It's 2:20 in the morning right now, and I'm not really tired. I might go into a live chat room as a guest just to be noisy. Or might put in a DVD. The chose is mine. Thanks for reading, if you read this far. Leave a comment, if you please, and tell me what you thought of it. Your likes and dislikes. Or if there's a topic you want me to write about. Don't forget to submit your questions for a video anyway you can, ok?
God bless,
Daniel aka Big d
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
...bring out the pork ribs. I’m back!
Hide the muslims and bring out the pork ribs, I'm back! What's up, this is the one and only, Daniel aka Big Dusty. Thanks for checking out this new blog. I know there's other blogs you could be reading but you decided to read mine and I greatly appreciate it. Let's get this poppin shall we?
What's going on in my life? Same old stuff different day. Well that was short and sweet.
Ladies and Gentlemen, an old rivary has resurfaced. Yes that's right, we're talking about the Celtics and Lakers. This Thursday the NBA finals starts. What a way to end the season by paying tribute to the old school. Through out the playoffs I was hoping this would happen. Now we got Kevin "Don't call me African" Garnett vs Kobe "I pass the ball now, you happy?" Bryant. I think it's going to be a great series. As much as I want KG to get his first ring, my gut is saying that the Lakers got it in 6. I could be wrong, I've been wrong before. Alisha shut up, if you're reading.
Is it just me, or has the elections gone completely out of control? I mean Obama's now former church is full with numnuts, and I mean that in the most Christian way, don't get me wrong. Now do I think it was wrong for Obama to leave? No I don't, but I think it's too little way too late. Maybe if he would've done it a while back, it would've been a sorta good thing for his campaign. If he would've left while Rev. Wright was on his rampage, the church might not even be part of his campaign now. We don't know that for sure, but it's something to think about. Does Obama leaving his church really help things for him? Time will tell. Do I really need to talk about Hiliary "I just want my old room back" Clinton? Nope.
My story, "How Did That Happen?" is getting rave reviews on the KJ-52 messageboard. People are really enjoying it. If you want to see what all the talk is about, just join http://www.kj52.com/smf and go to the Open Mic section. It's on the first page. As a matter of fact, I'm going to work on it as soon as I post this.
So thanks for reading. I apologize if it wasn't the best I've ever done. To the new people once again, thanks for checking my blog. I know there's other blogs you could have checked, but you decided to check mine. I appreciate it. Peace y'all.
~Daniel
What's going on in my life? Same old stuff different day. Well that was short and sweet.
Ladies and Gentlemen, an old rivary has resurfaced. Yes that's right, we're talking about the Celtics and Lakers. This Thursday the NBA finals starts. What a way to end the season by paying tribute to the old school. Through out the playoffs I was hoping this would happen. Now we got Kevin "Don't call me African" Garnett vs Kobe "I pass the ball now, you happy?" Bryant. I think it's going to be a great series. As much as I want KG to get his first ring, my gut is saying that the Lakers got it in 6. I could be wrong, I've been wrong before. Alisha shut up, if you're reading.
Is it just me, or has the elections gone completely out of control? I mean Obama's now former church is full with numnuts, and I mean that in the most Christian way, don't get me wrong. Now do I think it was wrong for Obama to leave? No I don't, but I think it's too little way too late. Maybe if he would've done it a while back, it would've been a sorta good thing for his campaign. If he would've left while Rev. Wright was on his rampage, the church might not even be part of his campaign now. We don't know that for sure, but it's something to think about. Does Obama leaving his church really help things for him? Time will tell. Do I really need to talk about Hiliary "I just want my old room back" Clinton? Nope.
My story, "How Did That Happen?" is getting rave reviews on the KJ-52 messageboard. People are really enjoying it. If you want to see what all the talk is about, just join http://www.kj52.com/smf and go to the Open Mic section. It's on the first page. As a matter of fact, I'm going to work on it as soon as I post this.
So thanks for reading. I apologize if it wasn't the best I've ever done. To the new people once again, thanks for checking my blog. I know there's other blogs you could have checked, but you decided to check mine. I appreciate it. Peace y'all.
~Daniel
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
How Did That Happen? Chapter 3
“Yeah, how are you doing, by the way?”
“I’m good. T.O.M. came by for a visit.”
“Tom? Who is…oh, I got it. Wait, why you telling me? I’m all the way over here.”
“Just incase I happen to flip out for no apparent reason, you know?”
“Yep. My sister would always warn me up front whenever Tom came around. That always let me known that I had to be careful of what I said and do.”
After I talked with her, I tried to go back to sleep, but then I got a text message saying that I was invited to a dinner party and I had 15 minutes to get ready. Welcome to the high life Brian, I thought to myself. I went to the refrigerator and grabbed an energy drink. I then hopped in the shower, grabbed my best suit, and made sure m hair looked decent enough. Being from the south, I had the mentality that as long as my hair looked decent enough, I was ok.
I got picked up by the person who was throwing the party, who happened to be one of the judges of the competition. We pulled up to his house. I saw the producer that got me the job along with other people working on the show. I never was to type to go party or anything like that so this was a new thing for me. I got my plate of hors-d’oeuvres and stood along to the side to myself. As I was eating, I looked around at people laughing and smiling. I took a sip of my water and noticed that Kevin, the producer that hired me, was motioning for me to come to him.
I walked over to where he was and he introduced me to a couple of people that were there. Most of the people were agents, music and movie producers, movie directors, etc. Then I met Lisa Anderson. She was an up and coming artist that was expected to go huge. When she walked over and introduced herself, I was getting another helping of food.
“Mr. Howard is it?”
“Yes ma’am,” I said turning around.
“I hear you’re the vocal trainer on the show.”
“Yes ma’am I am.”
“Well, I’m Lisa, Lisa Anderson. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too,” I said extending my hand. “You’re the new artist everybody’s talking about, right?”
“Yeah, that’s me. How you liking LA? It’s different from South Carolina, huh?”
“Definitely, but I’m slowly getting used to how things go here.”
“Great. Well I’m going to go mingle with more people, be free to call me sometime. Here’s my card,” She said handing me her card.
I took the card and nodded my head. The rest of the night went pretty smooth. Some of the people were stuck up. They had the fakest laughs I’ve ever heard in my life. The kind of laughs you see on TV shows when the characters try to act rich. That made me laugh a little for real, and when the stuck up people looked at me, I stopped and acted like I was mingling. I got a ride home from Kevin.
I only got about 4 hours of sleep before I had to get up to get ready for the studio again. That day began with listening to the playback sessions I did with the contestants the day before. Then the contestants came in and were told that they had to sing a song as a group to open up the first show, and I was the director. I have background in directing. I was the main director of my church’s choir before I got this job. So, I split the contestants into three different sections: tenor, alto, and soprano.
I’ve never dealt with such hard headed people in my life. I’d teach the parts, and then the “know-it-alls” did their own thing and messed up the whole sound causing the day to drag on and on. Some people kept complaining and complaining, while others were trying to one up one another. It got to the point where I almost lost it. I opened my mouth to rant on all of them, but Cindy beat me to it.
“Everybody shut up! We should be lucky we got this far. I worked hard to get here, and I’m not going to let any of you ruin this experience. It’s 9:00 at night, so I don’t care if you guys hate each other, but let’s at least work together to get this done so we can go home and get some sleep.”
“Yeah!” I said pointing at them, acting like I was going to say that in the first place.
“I’m good. T.O.M. came by for a visit.”
“Tom? Who is…oh, I got it. Wait, why you telling me? I’m all the way over here.”
“Just incase I happen to flip out for no apparent reason, you know?”
“Yep. My sister would always warn me up front whenever Tom came around. That always let me known that I had to be careful of what I said and do.”
After I talked with her, I tried to go back to sleep, but then I got a text message saying that I was invited to a dinner party and I had 15 minutes to get ready. Welcome to the high life Brian, I thought to myself. I went to the refrigerator and grabbed an energy drink. I then hopped in the shower, grabbed my best suit, and made sure m hair looked decent enough. Being from the south, I had the mentality that as long as my hair looked decent enough, I was ok.
I got picked up by the person who was throwing the party, who happened to be one of the judges of the competition. We pulled up to his house. I saw the producer that got me the job along with other people working on the show. I never was to type to go party or anything like that so this was a new thing for me. I got my plate of hors-d’oeuvres and stood along to the side to myself. As I was eating, I looked around at people laughing and smiling. I took a sip of my water and noticed that Kevin, the producer that hired me, was motioning for me to come to him.
I walked over to where he was and he introduced me to a couple of people that were there. Most of the people were agents, music and movie producers, movie directors, etc. Then I met Lisa Anderson. She was an up and coming artist that was expected to go huge. When she walked over and introduced herself, I was getting another helping of food.
“Mr. Howard is it?”
“Yes ma’am,” I said turning around.
“I hear you’re the vocal trainer on the show.”
“Yes ma’am I am.”
“Well, I’m Lisa, Lisa Anderson. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too,” I said extending my hand. “You’re the new artist everybody’s talking about, right?”
“Yeah, that’s me. How you liking LA? It’s different from South Carolina, huh?”
“Definitely, but I’m slowly getting used to how things go here.”
“Great. Well I’m going to go mingle with more people, be free to call me sometime. Here’s my card,” She said handing me her card.
I took the card and nodded my head. The rest of the night went pretty smooth. Some of the people were stuck up. They had the fakest laughs I’ve ever heard in my life. The kind of laughs you see on TV shows when the characters try to act rich. That made me laugh a little for real, and when the stuck up people looked at me, I stopped and acted like I was mingling. I got a ride home from Kevin.
I only got about 4 hours of sleep before I had to get up to get ready for the studio again. That day began with listening to the playback sessions I did with the contestants the day before. Then the contestants came in and were told that they had to sing a song as a group to open up the first show, and I was the director. I have background in directing. I was the main director of my church’s choir before I got this job. So, I split the contestants into three different sections: tenor, alto, and soprano.
I’ve never dealt with such hard headed people in my life. I’d teach the parts, and then the “know-it-alls” did their own thing and messed up the whole sound causing the day to drag on and on. Some people kept complaining and complaining, while others were trying to one up one another. It got to the point where I almost lost it. I opened my mouth to rant on all of them, but Cindy beat me to it.
“Everybody shut up! We should be lucky we got this far. I worked hard to get here, and I’m not going to let any of you ruin this experience. It’s 9:00 at night, so I don’t care if you guys hate each other, but let’s at least work together to get this done so we can go home and get some sleep.”
“Yeah!” I said pointing at them, acting like I was going to say that in the first place.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
How Did This Happen? Chapter 2
I drove home to get myself ready to go to Los Angeles. Everybody was excited for me. I was on every local news station in the city doing interviews. Almost everyday I was at another party or a cook out. It was like I had to visit almost every single family member before I left. Found out that that I had more “friends” than I thought. Here I thought I barely had any…funny how people want to be your friend through the good times and not through the bad. Through all that craziness I found time to call Heather just to check up on her. Talking to her was like bringing me back to reality. I had people asking me for money and I hadn’t even left yet. I had other people asking for my autograph, and I haven’t even trained one contestant yet. Yet, when I talked to Heather, I remembered I was still a regular dude trying to get by.
The time came where I had to go. I had my parents take me to the airport. I’ve never been on an airplane, yet ride on first class, so I was completely nervous. I figured I’d buy some new clothes and stuff with my first pay check so I only brought a couple of weeks worth of clothes, with a couple of my best suits, and some other stuff that was in compliance with what I could and could not bring on the plane. I slept the whole time so I can’t really explain what the plane ride was like. I remember we made a couple of stops before we actually got to Los Angles though.
I got off the plane and met the producer at the baggage claim. After we gathered my bags we went out to the limo waiting outside. We made our way to the rented pent house that I was going to stay at during the competition. The first month was already paid so I could have enough time to save up from the pay checks to pay for the rest of the competition. I got out the limo and walked into the building. Then went up to the penthouse as soon as the door opened, my jaw dropped.
This place was bigger than 3 times my room back in South Carolina. It already had furniture and a TV in it just waiting to be used. I had to slap myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. I got my camera out and took a picture so it would last longer. The producer told me that I had the rest of the day to just enjoy my place, and that the next day he’ll take me to the studio where I was going to be. I called my parents to tell them I made it safely. After that I called Heather and she was happy I made it. She then asked me something that really caught me off guard. Good thing I was sitting down during the conversation.
“Brian, can I ask you a question honestly? If you don’t want to answer it because it’s too personal, I understand.”
“No, Heather, go ahead. Ask me anything.”
“Well I was reading in the Bible where it says, ‘whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart,’ and um, I was just wondering…”
“Yeah. Can’t really get mad, I said ask anything right? It’s like this Heather, I’ve always thought you were an angel, and I’m going to admit, that I had an issue with sex without physically having it if you know what I mean. But I’ve since repented and moved on, but when I look at you now I see the beauty within and out. For that I apologize for my thoughts.”
There was a silence then Heather came back on the phone.
“I forgive you, Brian. Thank you for being honest.”
“Don’t mention it. Just be ready when I find some break time and I come to visit.”
“I will. Well I got to get back to baby-sitting. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
The first thought that came to my mind was if this girl is not the one, then she better be an imaginary friend or something because I didn’t want my business out in the street.
The next day I woke up the sound of my cell phone ringing. It was the producer making sure I was up and getting ready for the day ahead. After I took a shower and got dressed, I went to the lobby and waited. As I was getting my mp3 player out, I found a picture of my parents and dog, Ginger. I remembered how sad Ginger looked after I left the house. My mom’s going to be staying up by herself now with nobody to talk to besides the dog because Dad goes to bed early every night. If anything made me feel bad for leaving home, that’s it.
The producer came by in his hummer and then we headed down to the studio. What my job was going to be, at least for the first couple of days, to listen to the songs they were going to perform and try to help with the mistakes I catch up on. The first contestant, Stephen, came in looking cocky and really felt like he had that competition locked. I saw right through it. As he sang the song, he did so many runs, I barely understood the lyrics.
“Whoa! Hold it,” I said interrupting him as he continued to go and go. “Look, Steve...”
“Stephen.”
“Stephen, I’m glad you know how to run. Heck I wish I could run myself, but the judges need to understand what you’re singing. All that running makes it hard to understand what you’re saying if you saying anything at all. Know what I’m saying?”
“My chorus teacher told me that all the time, but I never listen because well, I know I can sing. And I don’t need no bootleg teacher, or no second-rate average Joe from the streets to tell me how to do what I do. Peace I’m out of here.”
I knew right there and then that I was going to have a long day. Later on I met the eighth contestant, Cindy. She was a very sweet girl. She seemed to have a good head on her shoulders. When she started singing, it sounded so smooth and jazzy. I really didn’t have to say anything to her, other than the fact that she needs to open her mouth more when she sings so it doesn’t come out sounding like a mumble.
The rest of the day had its up and downs. I had to deal with a lot of attitude, and on the other side, I had dealt with some really nice people. It was enough to drive a person to suicide. During my lunch break, Mom called me and said that the Student Loans people are looking for their money, over 5000 dollars. I had to call them myself and told them that I needed a few more weeks. I told them what was going on, and even though I was way overdue with payments, they let me have just enough time to get my pay-checks so I can pay them off. I couldn’t wait to get that burden off my back.
So after my day was over, I met with the judges and producers. I gave them my take on the singers and their ability. I caught a taxi back to the penthouse and my face hit the sofa. I got a good minute and a half worth of sleeping, then I got a call from Heather.
“Hey Brian, how’d your first day go?”
“I am wore the heck out, baby. I’m willing to bet that most of these contestants are on some type of drugs, and whatever that drug may be, I don’t want any part of it.”
“I understand,” Heather said laughing a little.
The time came where I had to go. I had my parents take me to the airport. I’ve never been on an airplane, yet ride on first class, so I was completely nervous. I figured I’d buy some new clothes and stuff with my first pay check so I only brought a couple of weeks worth of clothes, with a couple of my best suits, and some other stuff that was in compliance with what I could and could not bring on the plane. I slept the whole time so I can’t really explain what the plane ride was like. I remember we made a couple of stops before we actually got to Los Angles though.
I got off the plane and met the producer at the baggage claim. After we gathered my bags we went out to the limo waiting outside. We made our way to the rented pent house that I was going to stay at during the competition. The first month was already paid so I could have enough time to save up from the pay checks to pay for the rest of the competition. I got out the limo and walked into the building. Then went up to the penthouse as soon as the door opened, my jaw dropped.
This place was bigger than 3 times my room back in South Carolina. It already had furniture and a TV in it just waiting to be used. I had to slap myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. I got my camera out and took a picture so it would last longer. The producer told me that I had the rest of the day to just enjoy my place, and that the next day he’ll take me to the studio where I was going to be. I called my parents to tell them I made it safely. After that I called Heather and she was happy I made it. She then asked me something that really caught me off guard. Good thing I was sitting down during the conversation.
“Brian, can I ask you a question honestly? If you don’t want to answer it because it’s too personal, I understand.”
“No, Heather, go ahead. Ask me anything.”
“Well I was reading in the Bible where it says, ‘whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart,’ and um, I was just wondering…”
“Yeah. Can’t really get mad, I said ask anything right? It’s like this Heather, I’ve always thought you were an angel, and I’m going to admit, that I had an issue with sex without physically having it if you know what I mean. But I’ve since repented and moved on, but when I look at you now I see the beauty within and out. For that I apologize for my thoughts.”
There was a silence then Heather came back on the phone.
“I forgive you, Brian. Thank you for being honest.”
“Don’t mention it. Just be ready when I find some break time and I come to visit.”
“I will. Well I got to get back to baby-sitting. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
The first thought that came to my mind was if this girl is not the one, then she better be an imaginary friend or something because I didn’t want my business out in the street.
The next day I woke up the sound of my cell phone ringing. It was the producer making sure I was up and getting ready for the day ahead. After I took a shower and got dressed, I went to the lobby and waited. As I was getting my mp3 player out, I found a picture of my parents and dog, Ginger. I remembered how sad Ginger looked after I left the house. My mom’s going to be staying up by herself now with nobody to talk to besides the dog because Dad goes to bed early every night. If anything made me feel bad for leaving home, that’s it.
The producer came by in his hummer and then we headed down to the studio. What my job was going to be, at least for the first couple of days, to listen to the songs they were going to perform and try to help with the mistakes I catch up on. The first contestant, Stephen, came in looking cocky and really felt like he had that competition locked. I saw right through it. As he sang the song, he did so many runs, I barely understood the lyrics.
“Whoa! Hold it,” I said interrupting him as he continued to go and go. “Look, Steve...”
“Stephen.”
“Stephen, I’m glad you know how to run. Heck I wish I could run myself, but the judges need to understand what you’re singing. All that running makes it hard to understand what you’re saying if you saying anything at all. Know what I’m saying?”
“My chorus teacher told me that all the time, but I never listen because well, I know I can sing. And I don’t need no bootleg teacher, or no second-rate average Joe from the streets to tell me how to do what I do. Peace I’m out of here.”
I knew right there and then that I was going to have a long day. Later on I met the eighth contestant, Cindy. She was a very sweet girl. She seemed to have a good head on her shoulders. When she started singing, it sounded so smooth and jazzy. I really didn’t have to say anything to her, other than the fact that she needs to open her mouth more when she sings so it doesn’t come out sounding like a mumble.
The rest of the day had its up and downs. I had to deal with a lot of attitude, and on the other side, I had dealt with some really nice people. It was enough to drive a person to suicide. During my lunch break, Mom called me and said that the Student Loans people are looking for their money, over 5000 dollars. I had to call them myself and told them that I needed a few more weeks. I told them what was going on, and even though I was way overdue with payments, they let me have just enough time to get my pay-checks so I can pay them off. I couldn’t wait to get that burden off my back.
So after my day was over, I met with the judges and producers. I gave them my take on the singers and their ability. I caught a taxi back to the penthouse and my face hit the sofa. I got a good minute and a half worth of sleeping, then I got a call from Heather.
“Hey Brian, how’d your first day go?”
“I am wore the heck out, baby. I’m willing to bet that most of these contestants are on some type of drugs, and whatever that drug may be, I don’t want any part of it.”
“I understand,” Heather said laughing a little.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Hide the Super Christians here comes some realness
Before I get started, I just want to let the devil know that he will not win. The rest of the Upstate District Conference will be blessed and life changing services. I believe that with all my heart. My mom has some back problems, but God. My pastor and a bunch of the members of the church has the flu, but God. All these problems, let's me know that God is up to something. I can't wait for tonight and tomorrow night at church. Just wanted to get that off my chest.
As many of you know, writing and music are two passions of mine, and since I haven't played the drums is forever, I guess I need to work on my writing. Which I am. Check this new thing I'm working on called How Did This Happen? I hope you enjoy it. After I finish this, I might work on it some more.
A couple of days ago, I watched this video done by a guy that I have the upmost respect for, Marchello Currence. The video was called Google Hiliary Clinton's views on: gay marriage and abortion. As you can probably tell, through out this video he talked about Clinton's stand on gay marriage and abortion. He did the some thing for Obama in another video. At the end of the video he said that we shouldn't vote for either Clinton or Obama. So we should all vote for McCain? I mean he has the Republican nomination in the palm of his hand, am I right? Well here's my thing. I said on eariler blogs that I'm for Obama. Is it because we have the same morals? No. I think he's the best person for the new direction the US has to go in. I know we as Christians tend to vote for the person that we think has the same morals as we do, but sometimes we never hear about their politics. Yes I do hate politics, but we got to face the fact that it's not about morals any more. It's about politics. I know that morals are important and I respect that, but I also think that if we vote in a person that has the same morals, that it's highly possible that he's the worst choice for the country's economy because we never did hear about his/her politics. Get what I'm saying? To me you got to let me know more than the face that you're a former pastor, or you spent time in jail. What do you want, a cookie?
Well it's almost noon. I'm going to make my lunch. Be blessed my friends.
~Daniel
Friday, February 15, 2008
How did this happen? Chapter 1
People are still asking me how I did it. Even today I still can't give a straight answer. I guess you can say that it happened by accident. How can a fat guy from a little town in South Carolina pull off the unthinkable? Well let's go back a little bit to get some background information.
I was just a freeloader. I graduated High School in 2005 and I went to college for a couple of semesters, but didn't find school worth it, so I dropped. Would sometimes go week after week without taking a shower because I didn't have any where to go. Went to church Sunday after Sunday and it was the same thing, after service would go to the van or car depends on what had the most gas, and listen to my mp3 player. All the other musicans talked to each other, shook hands, and all that. I'd just sit in the car and sing aloud. Had a little bit of a stuttering problem so I was scared to open up and talk sometimes. I was 20 years old and stayed in the youth class because I felt like I wasn't mature enough to go in the adult class for Sunday School. Then during the week, would just stay home and watch and/or listen to sports talk radio via the internet. Deep down inside I knew that I was going to arise from my ashes, but my head didn't ever want to believe it.
Growing up in the Bible belt, I always believed in God. My faith was something I never took for granted. Of course I wasn't ever the perfect Christian, but I always asked God for forgiveness of anything I did wrong.
Mentioned before that I was a musician. I play the drums. I was always interested in the drums, ever since I was little. That's how I learned how to play as a matter of fact, I remembered what I saw, and mimicked it. After a few Sundays of getting in trouble after church for playing to loud, and messing up all the time, I got polished enough to become the main drummer at the church I was going to at the time.
So anyway, I was doing the usual and just sitting on the couch messing around on my dad's lap top. I saw the one of my old friends was on and sent her message. I went to the kitchen and came back and she had sent a message back saying, "I'm going to an audition for a show, and it's happening down in your area. Want to meet up there?" I thought nothing of it, and I said that I'd be glad to. Some weeks later, I met her down where the auditions were happening. Turns out she was auditioning for a spot in in this national singing contest. This was my first time ever seeing her in person. I've only seen pictures. So when we met, my first reaction was that I want to go out with this girl.
Before her turn came up, Heather started practing her vocals. She asked me for my help, and I did my best to make sure she stayed in tune. I kept telling her not to make the mistake by singing out her throat, and that singing from her belly is the way to go. So as she went in her to her audtion, I was sitting in a room listening to my mp3 player singing softly along with the songs. I didn't know that a major producer was sitting beside me. Heather came out audition crying a little because she didn't make the cut. I gave her a hug and started leading her out. Before I got out the door, the producer stopped me.
"Young man. Young man! Stop for a second, I want to talk to you."
I turned around and looked. Heather was star struck because she knew this guy was. I had no idea.
"Sir?"
"Are you in this audition?"
"N-n-n, ahem, n-n-no sir I was just here with a friend."
"Well, I'm one of the guest producers on the show. Will you do me a favor and sing a little something for me?"
I looked around at all the faces that was being nosey and I shook my head.
"Ok. How 'bout this, ok? Put it on your favorite song on that mp3 player of yours, close your eyes, and act like you're home alone singing to yourself."
"I can try."
I put it on my favorite song and closed my eyes. Tears swelling up because I was scared, I started singing along. I opened my eyes after the chorus and got a round of applaudse. The producer then took me into the room with the judges. Heather stayed in the waiting room waiting.
"Excuse me, I know y'all in the middle of a audition, but I got an impromptu person for you right here," the producer said to the judges. "I never got your name son."
"B-b-b-rian Howard."
"Well Mr. Howard, if I could automatically put you on the show, I would, but sadly we got rules to follow. So what I'm going to do, I'm going to make you my assistant. With that, you will be the vocal trainer for the contestants for me. Are you willing to do that?"
My mom wouldn't have minded if I got paid picking up trash on the streets. She just wanted me to have a job doing something. So when she found out about job oppotunity, she told me to jump on it. I took the job. The pay was better than both of the jobs I got let go from combined. Since the actual show didn't start for a couple of more weeks, I had time to say goodbye to my friends and family.
After the audition stuff, Heather and I went out to lunch to celebrate my new job. During our conversation, she grew more and more attractive to me. So out the blue while we were eating I said something I'd thought would never ever come out my mouth.
"You know Heather, before we met, I always thought you were pretty. Now after meeting you, I think you're beautiful."
She looked a little surprised, and I looked down and continued eating.
"No need to be ashamed Brian. Brian, look at me. I love you."
I almost choked. This was to much for me to handle. Just got a job of the lifetime, then a beautiful girl said she loved me. After lunch, I took her back to her hotel. Before she got out the car, she invited me up. I quickly got reminded of that story in the Bible where Potiphar's wife didn't suceed in suducing Joseph. Then I remembered what I read in a study Bible where it said, "Remember that sexual sin is not just between two consenting adults. It is an act of disobedience to God."
"I'm sorry, I can't." I said.
"I understand. Well, I guess I'll see you when I see you then. My plane is leaving in the morning. Good luck on your new job. Just so you know, I wasn't going to try anything. I'm a Christian too, Brian." Heather winked as she got out the car.
"Heather!" I called after her. She turned around.
"Maybe when I get some free time, I can come visit you and we can hang out."
She kissed my cheek and walked off.
I was just a freeloader. I graduated High School in 2005 and I went to college for a couple of semesters, but didn't find school worth it, so I dropped. Would sometimes go week after week without taking a shower because I didn't have any where to go. Went to church Sunday after Sunday and it was the same thing, after service would go to the van or car depends on what had the most gas, and listen to my mp3 player. All the other musicans talked to each other, shook hands, and all that. I'd just sit in the car and sing aloud. Had a little bit of a stuttering problem so I was scared to open up and talk sometimes. I was 20 years old and stayed in the youth class because I felt like I wasn't mature enough to go in the adult class for Sunday School. Then during the week, would just stay home and watch and/or listen to sports talk radio via the internet. Deep down inside I knew that I was going to arise from my ashes, but my head didn't ever want to believe it.
Growing up in the Bible belt, I always believed in God. My faith was something I never took for granted. Of course I wasn't ever the perfect Christian, but I always asked God for forgiveness of anything I did wrong.
Mentioned before that I was a musician. I play the drums. I was always interested in the drums, ever since I was little. That's how I learned how to play as a matter of fact, I remembered what I saw, and mimicked it. After a few Sundays of getting in trouble after church for playing to loud, and messing up all the time, I got polished enough to become the main drummer at the church I was going to at the time.
So anyway, I was doing the usual and just sitting on the couch messing around on my dad's lap top. I saw the one of my old friends was on and sent her message. I went to the kitchen and came back and she had sent a message back saying, "I'm going to an audition for a show, and it's happening down in your area. Want to meet up there?" I thought nothing of it, and I said that I'd be glad to. Some weeks later, I met her down where the auditions were happening. Turns out she was auditioning for a spot in in this national singing contest. This was my first time ever seeing her in person. I've only seen pictures. So when we met, my first reaction was that I want to go out with this girl.
Before her turn came up, Heather started practing her vocals. She asked me for my help, and I did my best to make sure she stayed in tune. I kept telling her not to make the mistake by singing out her throat, and that singing from her belly is the way to go. So as she went in her to her audtion, I was sitting in a room listening to my mp3 player singing softly along with the songs. I didn't know that a major producer was sitting beside me. Heather came out audition crying a little because she didn't make the cut. I gave her a hug and started leading her out. Before I got out the door, the producer stopped me.
"Young man. Young man! Stop for a second, I want to talk to you."
I turned around and looked. Heather was star struck because she knew this guy was. I had no idea.
"Sir?"
"Are you in this audition?"
"N-n-n, ahem, n-n-no sir I was just here with a friend."
"Well, I'm one of the guest producers on the show. Will you do me a favor and sing a little something for me?"
I looked around at all the faces that was being nosey and I shook my head.
"Ok. How 'bout this, ok? Put it on your favorite song on that mp3 player of yours, close your eyes, and act like you're home alone singing to yourself."
"I can try."
I put it on my favorite song and closed my eyes. Tears swelling up because I was scared, I started singing along. I opened my eyes after the chorus and got a round of applaudse. The producer then took me into the room with the judges. Heather stayed in the waiting room waiting.
"Excuse me, I know y'all in the middle of a audition, but I got an impromptu person for you right here," the producer said to the judges. "I never got your name son."
"B-b-b-rian Howard."
"Well Mr. Howard, if I could automatically put you on the show, I would, but sadly we got rules to follow. So what I'm going to do, I'm going to make you my assistant. With that, you will be the vocal trainer for the contestants for me. Are you willing to do that?"
My mom wouldn't have minded if I got paid picking up trash on the streets. She just wanted me to have a job doing something. So when she found out about job oppotunity, she told me to jump on it. I took the job. The pay was better than both of the jobs I got let go from combined. Since the actual show didn't start for a couple of more weeks, I had time to say goodbye to my friends and family.
After the audition stuff, Heather and I went out to lunch to celebrate my new job. During our conversation, she grew more and more attractive to me. So out the blue while we were eating I said something I'd thought would never ever come out my mouth.
"You know Heather, before we met, I always thought you were pretty. Now after meeting you, I think you're beautiful."
She looked a little surprised, and I looked down and continued eating.
"No need to be ashamed Brian. Brian, look at me. I love you."
I almost choked. This was to much for me to handle. Just got a job of the lifetime, then a beautiful girl said she loved me. After lunch, I took her back to her hotel. Before she got out the car, she invited me up. I quickly got reminded of that story in the Bible where Potiphar's wife didn't suceed in suducing Joseph. Then I remembered what I read in a study Bible where it said, "Remember that sexual sin is not just between two consenting adults. It is an act of disobedience to God."
"I'm sorry, I can't." I said.
"I understand. Well, I guess I'll see you when I see you then. My plane is leaving in the morning. Good luck on your new job. Just so you know, I wasn't going to try anything. I'm a Christian too, Brian." Heather winked as she got out the car.
"Heather!" I called after her. She turned around.
"Maybe when I get some free time, I can come visit you and we can hang out."
She kissed my cheek and walked off.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
One Night Can Turn Your Life Into Hell Chapter 2
So the next day, after Riggs took his daughter to school, he headed to his office. As he pulled into his parking spot, he thanked God for another day then went on in to the building. He walked through the building doing his daily ritual which is basically saying “morning” to everyone who said morning to him. Sort of like the beginning of the movie Trading Places. When he got into his office, Jada was sitting on the couch. She stood up and extended her hand. Riggs shook it and asked her to have a seat.
“So Miss Jada, what brings you here this morning?”
“Well I was just wondering what it was you actually do, Riggs.”
Riggs started to explain what he did, and as he was explaining, he noticed that Jada wasn’t necessarily there to listen to him ramble. She wanted something else.
“Um, Jada? You’re not really here to know what I do, are you?”
She hesitated and then shook her head. Riggs took a deep breath.
“You know, maybe in a couple of days we can go out for dinner. Will that be cool?”
“Yea. Well I got to go see my dad. He was sleeping when I left. I guess I’ll see you in a couple of days then. Here’s my address and phone number to reach me.”
They shook hands and Jada left. Riggs hadn’t been on a date for about 3 years, so he called in his assistant, Carter for advice.
“Ok the first question is how much money you got?” Carter asked the person who owns the company.
“Never mind,” Carter continued. “Um, well if you’re going to take her out to dinner, go to a place that’s not as cheap as fast-food and not as expensive as a formal restaurant, know what I mean? Don’t want to over/under do it. Keep it just…”
“Simple?” Riggs jumped in.
“Moderate.”
“So Miss Jada, what brings you here this morning?”
“Well I was just wondering what it was you actually do, Riggs.”
Riggs started to explain what he did, and as he was explaining, he noticed that Jada wasn’t necessarily there to listen to him ramble. She wanted something else.
“Um, Jada? You’re not really here to know what I do, are you?”
She hesitated and then shook her head. Riggs took a deep breath.
“You know, maybe in a couple of days we can go out for dinner. Will that be cool?”
“Yea. Well I got to go see my dad. He was sleeping when I left. I guess I’ll see you in a couple of days then. Here’s my address and phone number to reach me.”
They shook hands and Jada left. Riggs hadn’t been on a date for about 3 years, so he called in his assistant, Carter for advice.
“Ok the first question is how much money you got?” Carter asked the person who owns the company.
“Never mind,” Carter continued. “Um, well if you’re going to take her out to dinner, go to a place that’s not as cheap as fast-food and not as expensive as a formal restaurant, know what I mean? Don’t want to over/under do it. Keep it just…”
“Simple?” Riggs jumped in.
“Moderate.”
Sunday, November 18, 2007
One night can turn your life into hell
Just when you think that everything’s going well and awesome, one situation happens and turns everything into hell. He was just enjoying life. Until that night, he was the friendliest guy you could ever meet. If you needed clothes, he’d by you some clothes. If you needed food, he’d cook for you. If you needed some money, he wouldn’t hesitate giving you just enough money to survive. He owned his own business so money was never a problem for him.
A few days before that night, he was eating at a fast food restaurant. As he was leaving he bumped into Jada. Jada, the scab on your leg that you want to scratch but you were told all your life to leave them alone. Jada apologize and he smiled and nodded showing that it was ok. He walked out to his car and noticed Jada followed. He let down window.
“Can I help you, Miss?” he asked.
She looked at him like he was an ex boyfriend that did her wrong.
“Riggs?”
“Yeah that’s me. Do I know you?” he asked wondering how she knew his name.
“I’m Jada. I’m Henry’s daughter. The guy you helped out a few weeks ago?”
“Oh yes, Mr. Henry, I remember him. Ok?”
“I just wanted to thank you for helping him out the way you did. He’s been on the streets for years. I’m so glad you found him when you did.”
“It was my pleasure. Well I got to head home, but here’s my card to my business. Be free to make an appointment, if you want to talk.”
Riggs handed Jada his card and headed on to his apartment. He ran up the stairs and was met by his daughter at the door. His sister, Lisha, came out the living room. Riggs held money in his hand, and Lisha grabbed it as she walked out saying, “See you next week.”
Riggs’ daughter was 5 years old. 5 years ago, Riggs was a senior in high school. It was his last year so he wanted to make the most of it. So one night he was at a party with his then girlfriend, and while he was drinking his punch, he didn’t know that it was spiked. Both Riggs and his girlfriend got tipsy so they ended up kissing all the way to a bathroom at the house they were at. About 3 minutes later, they came out the bathroom and continued to party. The next morning, Riggs had such a bad hangover he didn’t go to church. That Monday morning, Riggs girlfriend came up to him and told him that she was pregnant. This shocked Riggs because he was always taught to wait until marriage. He didn’t remember doing anything because he was so drunk during the process.
Now how Riggs ended up getting custody was very strange. He was just getting his business started while working at a grocery store to make ends meet so he could help raise his then 3 year old daughter. Riggs and his girlfriend broke up after graduating high school but still went out together just to give their daughter a sense of a family environment. So one day Riggs was working a night shift and he got a phone call that his daughter and ex-girlfriend were in a car wreck. His boss granted him the rest of the day off and Riggs drove to the hospital. His daughter was ok just had some bruises, but his ex-girlfriend died on arrival. So after arguing with his ex’s parents for about a month, Riggs finally got full custody of the child thus why she’s staying with Riggs now.
A few days before that night, he was eating at a fast food restaurant. As he was leaving he bumped into Jada. Jada, the scab on your leg that you want to scratch but you were told all your life to leave them alone. Jada apologize and he smiled and nodded showing that it was ok. He walked out to his car and noticed Jada followed. He let down window.
“Can I help you, Miss?” he asked.
She looked at him like he was an ex boyfriend that did her wrong.
“Riggs?”
“Yeah that’s me. Do I know you?” he asked wondering how she knew his name.
“I’m Jada. I’m Henry’s daughter. The guy you helped out a few weeks ago?”
“Oh yes, Mr. Henry, I remember him. Ok?”
“I just wanted to thank you for helping him out the way you did. He’s been on the streets for years. I’m so glad you found him when you did.”
“It was my pleasure. Well I got to head home, but here’s my card to my business. Be free to make an appointment, if you want to talk.”
Riggs handed Jada his card and headed on to his apartment. He ran up the stairs and was met by his daughter at the door. His sister, Lisha, came out the living room. Riggs held money in his hand, and Lisha grabbed it as she walked out saying, “See you next week.”
Riggs’ daughter was 5 years old. 5 years ago, Riggs was a senior in high school. It was his last year so he wanted to make the most of it. So one night he was at a party with his then girlfriend, and while he was drinking his punch, he didn’t know that it was spiked. Both Riggs and his girlfriend got tipsy so they ended up kissing all the way to a bathroom at the house they were at. About 3 minutes later, they came out the bathroom and continued to party. The next morning, Riggs had such a bad hangover he didn’t go to church. That Monday morning, Riggs girlfriend came up to him and told him that she was pregnant. This shocked Riggs because he was always taught to wait until marriage. He didn’t remember doing anything because he was so drunk during the process.
Now how Riggs ended up getting custody was very strange. He was just getting his business started while working at a grocery store to make ends meet so he could help raise his then 3 year old daughter. Riggs and his girlfriend broke up after graduating high school but still went out together just to give their daughter a sense of a family environment. So one day Riggs was working a night shift and he got a phone call that his daughter and ex-girlfriend were in a car wreck. His boss granted him the rest of the day off and Riggs drove to the hospital. His daughter was ok just had some bruises, but his ex-girlfriend died on arrival. So after arguing with his ex’s parents for about a month, Riggs finally got full custody of the child thus why she’s staying with Riggs now.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Reality Chapter 12
Daniel’s mom told him that the garage would be a good place to have a set of drums. Daniel took that to mind, while Jeanette didn’t pay much attention to it. Some time ago, Daniel started to clean the house. At first he cleaned the living room area by stacking up paper and making everything look neat on the coffee and in-tables. He got mad props from Jeanette and Rich when they came home from work. Time after that, Daniel cleaned the bathroom because his sister Alisha was coming home. Either way Daniel decided that since he wasn’t going to work or college, he was going to help keep the house clean to the best of his ability.
So some time after he cleaned the bathroom, Daniel worked on the kitchen and dining room area. He even swept and mopped the floors, something that really hasn’t been done in a while. Again, he got props from his parents when they came home from work. They even promised Daniel that he was going to get paid for doing that. Now, Daniel probably shouldn’t have accepted getting paid, but he wasn’t getting paid any other way.
Then one day, Daniel and Ginger, his dog, opened the door that leads to the garage. He looked around as Ginger was wagging her tail thinking about how he could possibly get the garage looking decent. The garage made a landfill seem clean. Daniel looked at Ginger. Ginger looked up with her tail wagging licking her chops at the same time.
“Ginger, we can do this.” Daniel said.
Ginger looked in the garage, and then walked to the back door to get Daniel to take her out. Day by day past and Daniel didn’t even touch the garage door. As the day was passing, his church was having a 3 night conference called Harvest Fire. It’s the only big conference Daniel’s church has a year. His pastor calls it “his baby.” Now Daniel and his family just joined the church some months ago, so this was their first Harvest Fire. The conference really started Sunday morning with the Pastor speaking, and it went through Tuesday night. It was one of the most powerful conferences Daniel had ever been to in his life, and he’s been to plenty.
The last night was the most awesome night Daniel had ever seen because it was like God allowed the people to visit him instead of God visiting them. Daniel usually cries with the anointing is strong is church, but for some reason or another no tears was coming. Jeanette even called Daniel down from the musicians stand and prayed for him, but Daniel just stood there waiting for the tears to come like they’d usually do. They never did. People were speaking in tongues and falling out all around him, and Daniel was just standing there with his arms raised. He didn’t understand.
Besides all that, the conference was still the best conference Daniel had ever been to. The day after the conference ended, Daniel went in the garage and worked on stacking things up to clean up a little. It was hard work, but Daniel got enough finished for one day. Jeanette and Rich were proud. Rich said, “You’re just trying to take all my money, aren’t ya?” Later that night, Daniel over heard Jeanette talking to his Grandma that he might get a used set of drums to get some practice. Daniel wants to be the best drummer he can be, and practice makes perfect.
Daniel signed on a messenger and this girl that he really can’t stand imed him. She asked what he did, and Daniel told her. She then said, “Kool. Sounds fun.” Daniel responded by saying, “The devil is a lie.”
So some time after he cleaned the bathroom, Daniel worked on the kitchen and dining room area. He even swept and mopped the floors, something that really hasn’t been done in a while. Again, he got props from his parents when they came home from work. They even promised Daniel that he was going to get paid for doing that. Now, Daniel probably shouldn’t have accepted getting paid, but he wasn’t getting paid any other way.
Then one day, Daniel and Ginger, his dog, opened the door that leads to the garage. He looked around as Ginger was wagging her tail thinking about how he could possibly get the garage looking decent. The garage made a landfill seem clean. Daniel looked at Ginger. Ginger looked up with her tail wagging licking her chops at the same time.
“Ginger, we can do this.” Daniel said.
Ginger looked in the garage, and then walked to the back door to get Daniel to take her out. Day by day past and Daniel didn’t even touch the garage door. As the day was passing, his church was having a 3 night conference called Harvest Fire. It’s the only big conference Daniel’s church has a year. His pastor calls it “his baby.” Now Daniel and his family just joined the church some months ago, so this was their first Harvest Fire. The conference really started Sunday morning with the Pastor speaking, and it went through Tuesday night. It was one of the most powerful conferences Daniel had ever been to in his life, and he’s been to plenty.
The last night was the most awesome night Daniel had ever seen because it was like God allowed the people to visit him instead of God visiting them. Daniel usually cries with the anointing is strong is church, but for some reason or another no tears was coming. Jeanette even called Daniel down from the musicians stand and prayed for him, but Daniel just stood there waiting for the tears to come like they’d usually do. They never did. People were speaking in tongues and falling out all around him, and Daniel was just standing there with his arms raised. He didn’t understand.
Besides all that, the conference was still the best conference Daniel had ever been to. The day after the conference ended, Daniel went in the garage and worked on stacking things up to clean up a little. It was hard work, but Daniel got enough finished for one day. Jeanette and Rich were proud. Rich said, “You’re just trying to take all my money, aren’t ya?” Later that night, Daniel over heard Jeanette talking to his Grandma that he might get a used set of drums to get some practice. Daniel wants to be the best drummer he can be, and practice makes perfect.
Daniel signed on a messenger and this girl that he really can’t stand imed him. She asked what he did, and Daniel told her. She then said, “Kool. Sounds fun.” Daniel responded by saying, “The devil is a lie.”
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Reality Chapter 11
For weeks Daniel has been complaining that he hadn’t been getting enough playing time on the drums at his church. He felt that his skills were becoming limited. He even went as far as to say that he would go to back to his old church just to play drums, which is an hour drive from his house. So one Sunday night, Daniel came in the church for the Sunday night service, and the pastor asked him to play since his son, the regular drummer, had to work.
Daniel was excited and nervous at the same time. The verse in the Bible that says “For every one that asketh receiveth…” kept running through his head. So Daniel walked up, and got on the drum set, while his stomach was in knots. The young organist of the church walked in and got on the organ. Daniel was trying to adjust the snare drum and the hi hat to his liking but couldn’t get it to work right. So Daniel started rocking back in forth quoting the scripture “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13),” over and over hoping that would help him.
Praise and worship started and Daniel choked. He played like a rookie. He got off-beat a lot, also kept getting unpleasant looks from one of the members of the Praise team of disapproval. Being the soft hearted person that he is, Daniel kept mouthing that he was sorry. It wasn’t until after praise and worship ended that Daniel figured that he could lower the seat to feel more comfortable. Of course Jeanette kept telling him that he didn’t choke after the service, but Daniel knew the truth.
At his old church, Daniel would just play, no holding back. He would hop in the drums and wouldn’t think about messing up. For some reason however when he got the opportunity to play at his new church, he couldn’t get himself to play to his full potential. So from that moment, Daniel proclaimed to himself that when or if he gets another chance to play the drums during the service, he won’t think so much.
Daniel has been chatting on one of his messengers more. For one he met a dude on a message board that was born and raised in the city Daniel spent the first 5 years of his life. They chatted one time, and had a good conversation. Also Daniel found himself chatting with an old female friend of his that shares the same passion for writing. She was going through relationship issues, and Daniel was there to provide some humor and smiles. One thing Daniel loves is bringing happiness in depressing situations.
Another person Daniel chats with from time to time is this up and coming singer that lives in West Virginia. One thing Daniel does is that when some one sends him a song he/she wrote and recorded, Daniel will be honest on how good the song is. On that note, Daniel feels that this particular singer’s songs leaves a lot to be desired, but Daniel loves to chat with her. Something about her is attractive to Daniel, but he knows better than to go deep in it. She often calls Daniel the “Random King” and she’s the “Random Queen.”
Daniel also found time to create a message board of his own, with low expectations of getting members. Reason being is because Daniel has created a few message boards in the past with high expectations and both died miserable deaths. Neither had much grown and/or activity. So with this new message board, he figured that he would advertise it much at all, and when he would advertise it, he wouldn’t pay much attention to the response. To his shock, his board got some members and some activity. One thing Daniel is doing though is that everyday, he’s posting on his board with the thought that his board is the best on the internet. In his eyes, that’s the only way his board will grow.
Daniel was excited and nervous at the same time. The verse in the Bible that says “For every one that asketh receiveth…” kept running through his head. So Daniel walked up, and got on the drum set, while his stomach was in knots. The young organist of the church walked in and got on the organ. Daniel was trying to adjust the snare drum and the hi hat to his liking but couldn’t get it to work right. So Daniel started rocking back in forth quoting the scripture “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13),” over and over hoping that would help him.
Praise and worship started and Daniel choked. He played like a rookie. He got off-beat a lot, also kept getting unpleasant looks from one of the members of the Praise team of disapproval. Being the soft hearted person that he is, Daniel kept mouthing that he was sorry. It wasn’t until after praise and worship ended that Daniel figured that he could lower the seat to feel more comfortable. Of course Jeanette kept telling him that he didn’t choke after the service, but Daniel knew the truth.
At his old church, Daniel would just play, no holding back. He would hop in the drums and wouldn’t think about messing up. For some reason however when he got the opportunity to play at his new church, he couldn’t get himself to play to his full potential. So from that moment, Daniel proclaimed to himself that when or if he gets another chance to play the drums during the service, he won’t think so much.
Daniel has been chatting on one of his messengers more. For one he met a dude on a message board that was born and raised in the city Daniel spent the first 5 years of his life. They chatted one time, and had a good conversation. Also Daniel found himself chatting with an old female friend of his that shares the same passion for writing. She was going through relationship issues, and Daniel was there to provide some humor and smiles. One thing Daniel loves is bringing happiness in depressing situations.
Another person Daniel chats with from time to time is this up and coming singer that lives in West Virginia. One thing Daniel does is that when some one sends him a song he/she wrote and recorded, Daniel will be honest on how good the song is. On that note, Daniel feels that this particular singer’s songs leaves a lot to be desired, but Daniel loves to chat with her. Something about her is attractive to Daniel, but he knows better than to go deep in it. She often calls Daniel the “Random King” and she’s the “Random Queen.”
Daniel also found time to create a message board of his own, with low expectations of getting members. Reason being is because Daniel has created a few message boards in the past with high expectations and both died miserable deaths. Neither had much grown and/or activity. So with this new message board, he figured that he would advertise it much at all, and when he would advertise it, he wouldn’t pay much attention to the response. To his shock, his board got some members and some activity. One thing Daniel is doing though is that everyday, he’s posting on his board with the thought that his board is the best on the internet. In his eyes, that’s the only way his board will grow.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Reality Chapter 10
Through the weeks, Daniel began to grow spiritually. Physically he’s still at home with no job. He’s lost a lot of friends through the weeks, while he’s growing, and to say that didn’t hurt Daniel would be a negative. Nobody seems to want to chat with him. His blog entries have been getting fewer comments by each entry. The feeling of being avoided has been the real mood. Seemed like the more Daniel grew spiritually, the more his so-called friends left physically.
Through his growing, Daniel turned away from secular music. He felt like he was being two-faced to God by listening to both secular and Christian music. He explained it all through this blog entry. Here’s the 2nd paragraph:
“So here we go. In Revelation 3:15-16 (NLT) it says “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” What I get out of these two verses is that God telling us to be hot or cold. In other words, live for God or don’t. Don’t try to do both. Stop listening to Jay Z and J. Moss. Stop listening to Mary Mary and Rhianna. Stop listening to Da Truth and T.I. Why am I mentioning that? Well let’s go this way. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:21 (NLT) that “the tongue can bring death or life…” Think about it. What kind of life is being brought out by T.I.? 50 Cent? Lil Wayne? When’s the last time you felt God’s glory listening to Umbrella? When’s the last time you felt the need to lay hands on some one after listening to Amusement Park? When’s the last time you got into the presence of the Lord listening to Same Girl? Huh? “Daniel, why you hatin man?” Because it’s time for some of you guys to get the truth. I know you think it’s a fat beat but there’s a spirit behind it. Got me? Look guys, God is sick of us being lukewarm. Worshipping God on Sunday and fornicating to Snoop Dog on Tuesday. Praising God on Sunday and buying the T.I. album on Thursday. God is saying make up your mind!! Who are you serving?”
Daniel was really motivated at a Christian concert he went to, that really taught him a lot...
Daniel found out just now that his stand against being a cussing worshipper, a booty-licious praiser offended some people. He’s not surprised by this. One of the main people it offended was his good friend. They chatted earlier, and Daniel asked him:
“Daniel: I haven't been offending you in anyway...you know with me avoiding secular music and all have I?”
“[Friend]: Yeah”
It seemed like Daniel was losing friends right from left. He leaves the computer on basically all day, and not one IM from his friends. He understands school is back on, but what about after school? No im.
Daniel has also been having a hard time sleeping lately. He’s getting over a habit, and fantasies keep trying to pop in his mind. So Daniel finds himself leaving the TV on, or the CD player on to get his mind on something else.
With all this stuff going on, Daniel figured that there’s no where else to go but up.
Through his growing, Daniel turned away from secular music. He felt like he was being two-faced to God by listening to both secular and Christian music. He explained it all through this blog entry. Here’s the 2nd paragraph:
“So here we go. In Revelation 3:15-16 (NLT) it says “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” What I get out of these two verses is that God telling us to be hot or cold. In other words, live for God or don’t. Don’t try to do both. Stop listening to Jay Z and J. Moss. Stop listening to Mary Mary and Rhianna. Stop listening to Da Truth and T.I. Why am I mentioning that? Well let’s go this way. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:21 (NLT) that “the tongue can bring death or life…” Think about it. What kind of life is being brought out by T.I.? 50 Cent? Lil Wayne? When’s the last time you felt God’s glory listening to Umbrella? When’s the last time you felt the need to lay hands on some one after listening to Amusement Park? When’s the last time you got into the presence of the Lord listening to Same Girl? Huh? “Daniel, why you hatin man?” Because it’s time for some of you guys to get the truth. I know you think it’s a fat beat but there’s a spirit behind it. Got me? Look guys, God is sick of us being lukewarm. Worshipping God on Sunday and fornicating to Snoop Dog on Tuesday. Praising God on Sunday and buying the T.I. album on Thursday. God is saying make up your mind!! Who are you serving?”
Daniel was really motivated at a Christian concert he went to, that really taught him a lot...
Daniel found out just now that his stand against being a cussing worshipper, a booty-licious praiser offended some people. He’s not surprised by this. One of the main people it offended was his good friend. They chatted earlier, and Daniel asked him:
“Daniel: I haven't been offending you in anyway...you know with me avoiding secular music and all have I?”
“[Friend]: Yeah”
It seemed like Daniel was losing friends right from left. He leaves the computer on basically all day, and not one IM from his friends. He understands school is back on, but what about after school? No im.
Daniel has also been having a hard time sleeping lately. He’s getting over a habit, and fantasies keep trying to pop in his mind. So Daniel finds himself leaving the TV on, or the CD player on to get his mind on something else.
With all this stuff going on, Daniel figured that there’s no where else to go but up.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Reality Chapter 9
It’s been some time since Daniel has really chatted with somebody. Last person who IMed him was his friend Kurt. It’s not that big of a deal though. He’s been watching funny videos on this website. He’s also been posting on message boards here and there to let them know he still exists but other than that, Daniel’s been almost boycotting any communication. Of course he’s been commenting people’s pages here and there, wishing happy birthday’s and such. That’s all because of pure boredom.
As far as the online crushes he has, Daniel decided to let them all go. He decided to forget them all. The crushes still pop in his head from time to time, but that’s as far as it goes. The following is what he wrote in a blog entry on his webpage.
“Now last night, I was praying to God before I went to bed, and basically I told him that I'm no longer going to hold on to the girls I have a crush on. Ever have a crush, then they go out with other people, or they just don't pay you any mind at all? or they just don't feel the same way? Yeah, sucks don't it. Well my advice...is to move on. That's what I'm trying to do. I'm sick of being depressed, mad, and sad over girls over the internet. It can't be healthy. Note, I did not say the attraction left. The girls you have a crush on, may be the ‘one’, but all i'm saying is, don't let it get to you so deep that if they lightly hit you on the arm, you fall down crying. Just take is slow.”
While letting go of crushes, one of which being Briana, he also decided to proclaim some people back to God. One Sunday morning at church, his pastor told them to get pictures of people that needed to be saved and bring them that Wednesday night. The plan was to spread the pictures over the altar and pray over them. Also the pastor said that starting that midnight he wanted the church to go on a three day fast to make Wednesday night more powerful.
So starting that midnight, Daniel went on a three day fast. This was the first fast he’d ever done in his life. He did eat at dinner time, but other than that Daniel spent most of his time studying the Bible and praying. As he was studying and praying, he printed out a couple of pictures, and then a couple of more that Wednesday night. He could’ve printed out more, but he forgot. So that Wednesday night, Daniel and his mom went to the service with the pictures looking forward to the prayer. As they walked in, service was going on, but the prayer hadn’t started yet, so Jeanette was happy. The pastor got up, and quoted some scripture, and then the prayer started.
Some people were walking the aisles, some people were on their knees, and some people were standing still…all the while everybody was praising and worshiping God. A fresh anointing hit that place so. Daniel was on his knees just thanking God. The pastor started speaking in tongues, basically putting a period on the whole prayer. After that night, Daniel started proclaiming the people on the pictures saved. Even though they were still cussing and stuff, Daniel was still proclaiming them saved. The pastor told the church to do that after the prayer and that everything they’re doing now is just residue. Daniel took that and ran with it.
While proclaiming people to God, Daniel also just began praying over his own life. Proclaiming that he won’t be in the position he’s in the rest of his life. Proclaiming that he will have a job. He will have a family. He will make it.
As far as the online crushes he has, Daniel decided to let them all go. He decided to forget them all. The crushes still pop in his head from time to time, but that’s as far as it goes. The following is what he wrote in a blog entry on his webpage.
“Now last night, I was praying to God before I went to bed, and basically I told him that I'm no longer going to hold on to the girls I have a crush on. Ever have a crush, then they go out with other people, or they just don't pay you any mind at all? or they just don't feel the same way? Yeah, sucks don't it. Well my advice...is to move on. That's what I'm trying to do. I'm sick of being depressed, mad, and sad over girls over the internet. It can't be healthy. Note, I did not say the attraction left. The girls you have a crush on, may be the ‘one’, but all i'm saying is, don't let it get to you so deep that if they lightly hit you on the arm, you fall down crying. Just take is slow.”
While letting go of crushes, one of which being Briana, he also decided to proclaim some people back to God. One Sunday morning at church, his pastor told them to get pictures of people that needed to be saved and bring them that Wednesday night. The plan was to spread the pictures over the altar and pray over them. Also the pastor said that starting that midnight he wanted the church to go on a three day fast to make Wednesday night more powerful.
So starting that midnight, Daniel went on a three day fast. This was the first fast he’d ever done in his life. He did eat at dinner time, but other than that Daniel spent most of his time studying the Bible and praying. As he was studying and praying, he printed out a couple of pictures, and then a couple of more that Wednesday night. He could’ve printed out more, but he forgot. So that Wednesday night, Daniel and his mom went to the service with the pictures looking forward to the prayer. As they walked in, service was going on, but the prayer hadn’t started yet, so Jeanette was happy. The pastor got up, and quoted some scripture, and then the prayer started.
Some people were walking the aisles, some people were on their knees, and some people were standing still…all the while everybody was praising and worshiping God. A fresh anointing hit that place so. Daniel was on his knees just thanking God. The pastor started speaking in tongues, basically putting a period on the whole prayer. After that night, Daniel started proclaiming the people on the pictures saved. Even though they were still cussing and stuff, Daniel was still proclaiming them saved. The pastor told the church to do that after the prayer and that everything they’re doing now is just residue. Daniel took that and ran with it.
While proclaiming people to God, Daniel also just began praying over his own life. Proclaiming that he won’t be in the position he’s in the rest of his life. Proclaiming that he will have a job. He will have a family. He will make it.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Reality Chapter 8
For a few months, at Daniel’s church, the choir has been rehearsing for their debut recording. All Daniel was basically doing during the rehearsal was…standing. When the other people weren’t there, Daniel played the congas, but other than that, Daniel just stood. In his mind, Daniel knew he wanted to play a song on the drums, but he figured that they’ve already been rehearsing long enough, and he couldn’t add anything to the project. One Sunday, however, Daniel and the other musicians got certificates from the pastor, plus a $25 check from the church.
The certificate said “Your loyalty, devotion and tireless efforts in creating a melody of music, unified through one sound yet creating an atmosphere of praise & worship for God’s people. Your give has been instrumental in the strengthening and breaking through process while gathered in worship. God will not forget your labor of love that you minister like David through music. We appreciate your gift to the Body of Christ, given this 5th day of August 2007.” Then the pastor signed it.
To some people they would consider that an honor, but to Daniel it was useless. Daniel hadn’t done anything music wise since he joined the church. He played a couple of songs one Sunday because the regular drummer was on vacation with his family. He played one Wednesday night because the regular drummer had to work. Other than those, Daniel hadn’t done anything. So Daniel figured, since he got $25 dollars just for standing, he wondered what he would get for sitting. He told a couple of people that and got a laugh.
On the night of the last rehearsal, Daniel got his shot to play. The drummer had to work, and nobody else was there to do it. Daniel didn’t exactly take it with open arms, but he got on anyway, after the music director told him to. The youth choir was rehearsing at first, so Daniel found the beat and played at the tempo. After that the regular choir got up. They went through the song list for the CD. The pastor ending up playing a couple of songs that night because Daniel thought he couldn’t handle them. After the rehearsal, Daniel was told by some people that he did a good job. Of course he got it from his mom, but he also got it from the pastor and other members. That made Daniel feel sorta good.
Later that week the musicians had a music workshop. The guy that was running it was a very well known musician. Daniel knew of him as a great organist. Anyway, it came time when he called the musicians up on the stand to play. The regular drummer went first with the rest of the band and did a good job. The instructor told him to do this and that, but over all it was good. Then another drummer got up and played. She didn’t do as good as the regular drummer but it was still decent. Then it came down for Daniel to play. Daniel played it safe. He was nervous as all get out, so he figured he would get away with playing it safe. Then the instructor told Daniel to calm down, take a breath, and close his eyes. Daniel was close to crying right then but he didn’t. The instructor told Daniel to imagine that he was at a concert, but for some reason Daniel couldn’t do it. He tried his best, but it didn’t come out that way. Daniel got off and sat through the rest of it.
Alisha was there to take Daniel home, and all the way home Daniel kept to himself. Alisha asked him questions, and Daniel would give safe one or two word answers. As they pulled in the yard, Daniel got out the car, walked in the house, and Jeanette knew something was wrong from the get go. She told Daniel to go the kitchen and heat up the pizza. Daniel went to the kitchen, looked at the pizza boxes, but Daniel just wanted to go to his room and lay on his bed. That’s just what he did. He lied on his bed and let the tears run. A few minutes later, Daniel got up, made sure his was looking semi-straight in the mirror, and we back to the kitchen to heat up his food. Jeanette walked in the kitchen and asked Daniel what was wrong.
“Well, I was asked to play at rehearsal and I just couldn’t play my best. I always get nervous every time I get on that particular set of drums. At the old church, you know, I just played to play. Then the instructor was there and it made me more nervous. The thought of quitting popped in my head.”
“Now you know who that is right? Don’t you let the devil mess with your mind like that.”
So came the day for the recording. The whole service went wonderful. Of course, Daniel just stood there doing much of nothing. At the end of the recording, the pastor, who was also the emcee of the service, introduced the musicians. Daniel, not surprisingly, was left out because he didn’t do anything. It hurt Daniel, yes, but he didn’t show it. He just smiled and nodded his head to the beat the musicians were playing. Daniel tried to joke around with it after the benediction saying that he didn’t break a sweat. One point that really put Daniel back to reality was when this lady asked him, “What were you doing back there?”
“Standing.”
They all started laughing, including Daniel himself. As Jeanette drove them both back home, Daniel once again kept to himself. He started to feel useless again.
The certificate said “Your loyalty, devotion and tireless efforts in creating a melody of music, unified through one sound yet creating an atmosphere of praise & worship for God’s people. Your give has been instrumental in the strengthening and breaking through process while gathered in worship. God will not forget your labor of love that you minister like David through music. We appreciate your gift to the Body of Christ, given this 5th day of August 2007.” Then the pastor signed it.
To some people they would consider that an honor, but to Daniel it was useless. Daniel hadn’t done anything music wise since he joined the church. He played a couple of songs one Sunday because the regular drummer was on vacation with his family. He played one Wednesday night because the regular drummer had to work. Other than those, Daniel hadn’t done anything. So Daniel figured, since he got $25 dollars just for standing, he wondered what he would get for sitting. He told a couple of people that and got a laugh.
On the night of the last rehearsal, Daniel got his shot to play. The drummer had to work, and nobody else was there to do it. Daniel didn’t exactly take it with open arms, but he got on anyway, after the music director told him to. The youth choir was rehearsing at first, so Daniel found the beat and played at the tempo. After that the regular choir got up. They went through the song list for the CD. The pastor ending up playing a couple of songs that night because Daniel thought he couldn’t handle them. After the rehearsal, Daniel was told by some people that he did a good job. Of course he got it from his mom, but he also got it from the pastor and other members. That made Daniel feel sorta good.
Later that week the musicians had a music workshop. The guy that was running it was a very well known musician. Daniel knew of him as a great organist. Anyway, it came time when he called the musicians up on the stand to play. The regular drummer went first with the rest of the band and did a good job. The instructor told him to do this and that, but over all it was good. Then another drummer got up and played. She didn’t do as good as the regular drummer but it was still decent. Then it came down for Daniel to play. Daniel played it safe. He was nervous as all get out, so he figured he would get away with playing it safe. Then the instructor told Daniel to calm down, take a breath, and close his eyes. Daniel was close to crying right then but he didn’t. The instructor told Daniel to imagine that he was at a concert, but for some reason Daniel couldn’t do it. He tried his best, but it didn’t come out that way. Daniel got off and sat through the rest of it.
Alisha was there to take Daniel home, and all the way home Daniel kept to himself. Alisha asked him questions, and Daniel would give safe one or two word answers. As they pulled in the yard, Daniel got out the car, walked in the house, and Jeanette knew something was wrong from the get go. She told Daniel to go the kitchen and heat up the pizza. Daniel went to the kitchen, looked at the pizza boxes, but Daniel just wanted to go to his room and lay on his bed. That’s just what he did. He lied on his bed and let the tears run. A few minutes later, Daniel got up, made sure his was looking semi-straight in the mirror, and we back to the kitchen to heat up his food. Jeanette walked in the kitchen and asked Daniel what was wrong.
“Well, I was asked to play at rehearsal and I just couldn’t play my best. I always get nervous every time I get on that particular set of drums. At the old church, you know, I just played to play. Then the instructor was there and it made me more nervous. The thought of quitting popped in my head.”
“Now you know who that is right? Don’t you let the devil mess with your mind like that.”
So came the day for the recording. The whole service went wonderful. Of course, Daniel just stood there doing much of nothing. At the end of the recording, the pastor, who was also the emcee of the service, introduced the musicians. Daniel, not surprisingly, was left out because he didn’t do anything. It hurt Daniel, yes, but he didn’t show it. He just smiled and nodded his head to the beat the musicians were playing. Daniel tried to joke around with it after the benediction saying that he didn’t break a sweat. One point that really put Daniel back to reality was when this lady asked him, “What were you doing back there?”
“Standing.”
They all started laughing, including Daniel himself. As Jeanette drove them both back home, Daniel once again kept to himself. He started to feel useless again.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Reality: Chapter 7
Some days later, Daniel was at the computer listening to a podcast that was done by a guy that runs his own messageboard, and has a heart to encourage new Christians to show them where to go. He also had his wife and his sister featured in the podcast. The podcast was basically teaching young Christians what they should be doing to grow. Daniel was enjoying it.
Daniel was almost done listening when there was a knock on the door. Looking out the window, Daniel realized that is was his old friends Ben and his younger brother Adam. Daniel invited them in, and then Daniel stopped the podcast. Ginger wouldn’t stop sniffing them. Ben said she smelled his dog, but Daniel thought it was the cigarette smell that got to her. Anyway, they talked for about 20 minutes about random topics such as wrestling, jobs, road trip, and etc. So, Adam and Ben decided to invite Daniel to go to McDonalds. Daniel put some jeans on over his shorts, and put a shirt on over his undershirt. Then he picked and brushed his hair as quickly as he could. He got his shoes on without tying them and left the house. They went to McDonalds, and ate there. They dropped Daniel off then they left to go to another friend’s house.
Later that night Daniel noticed a pain in his left ankle. It bothered him for the rest of that night and the next day. He spent most of the day with his leg elevated on a chair while searching the internet. While he had the spare time he typed up a blog and recorded an audio blog. During the recording of the audio blog…
“Seth aka SonShyne says: Yo you crushin on briana?”
“Daniel aka Big d says: i am attracted yeah”
“Seth aka SonShyne says: Haha have you told her that?”
“Daniel aka Big d says: not really”
“Seth aka SonShyne says: well i think she might know, if she read your story or w/e”
“Daniel aka Big d says: yep”
“Seth aka SonShyne says: I'm going to see briana next week”
“Daniel aka Big d says: Cool”
“Seth aka SonShyne says: yea i'll try to put in a good word for ya. “
“Daniel aka Big d says: heh! aight man”
So because of this conversation, Daniel admitted on the voice blog that he was attracted to Briana. A couple of hours later, Seth decided to IM Daniel again.
“Seth aka SonShyne says: how can you be attracted to a chick you never met in real life?”
This hit Daniel hard. He thought about it, and it got him feeling terrible. He’s been in that type of situation before a couple of times where he found a couple of people online pretty. Even “dated” some, but they always ended up making Daniel depressed because he knew that he’d never have a shot of meeting them. So, how was Briana going to be any different? Why did he always get so caught up in fantasies that weren’t going to happen? As a matter of fact Daniel chatted with Briana a couple of days before. Daniel had written something about a dream he had.
“Elle Es: i almost got jealous about that chick who kissed u. i was like WHAT HOL UP...daniel got a girl kissin all on him. im jus playin with ya. dont take it serious”
Daniel should’ve figured right there and then that nothing was going to happen with Bri. Something has got to give here. Something has got to give or Daniel is going to lose his mind.
Daniel was almost done listening when there was a knock on the door. Looking out the window, Daniel realized that is was his old friends Ben and his younger brother Adam. Daniel invited them in, and then Daniel stopped the podcast. Ginger wouldn’t stop sniffing them. Ben said she smelled his dog, but Daniel thought it was the cigarette smell that got to her. Anyway, they talked for about 20 minutes about random topics such as wrestling, jobs, road trip, and etc. So, Adam and Ben decided to invite Daniel to go to McDonalds. Daniel put some jeans on over his shorts, and put a shirt on over his undershirt. Then he picked and brushed his hair as quickly as he could. He got his shoes on without tying them and left the house. They went to McDonalds, and ate there. They dropped Daniel off then they left to go to another friend’s house.
Later that night Daniel noticed a pain in his left ankle. It bothered him for the rest of that night and the next day. He spent most of the day with his leg elevated on a chair while searching the internet. While he had the spare time he typed up a blog and recorded an audio blog. During the recording of the audio blog…
“Seth aka SonShyne says: Yo you crushin on briana?”
“Daniel aka Big d says: i am attracted yeah”
“Seth aka SonShyne says: Haha have you told her that?”
“Daniel aka Big d says: not really”
“Seth aka SonShyne says: well i think she might know, if she read your story or w/e”
“Daniel aka Big d says: yep”
“Seth aka SonShyne says: I'm going to see briana next week”
“Daniel aka Big d says: Cool”
“Seth aka SonShyne says: yea i'll try to put in a good word for ya. “
“Daniel aka Big d says: heh! aight man”
So because of this conversation, Daniel admitted on the voice blog that he was attracted to Briana. A couple of hours later, Seth decided to IM Daniel again.
“Seth aka SonShyne says: how can you be attracted to a chick you never met in real life?”
This hit Daniel hard. He thought about it, and it got him feeling terrible. He’s been in that type of situation before a couple of times where he found a couple of people online pretty. Even “dated” some, but they always ended up making Daniel depressed because he knew that he’d never have a shot of meeting them. So, how was Briana going to be any different? Why did he always get so caught up in fantasies that weren’t going to happen? As a matter of fact Daniel chatted with Briana a couple of days before. Daniel had written something about a dream he had.
“Elle Es: i almost got jealous about that chick who kissed u. i was like WHAT HOL UP...daniel got a girl kissin all on him. im jus playin with ya. dont take it serious”
Daniel should’ve figured right there and then that nothing was going to happen with Bri. Something has got to give here. Something has got to give or Daniel is going to lose his mind.
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