David Chapdelaine

Test...

2012-02-11T09:20:00.001-08:00

Test.

Adoption: The Gospel in Action

2012-02-11T08:52:00.001-08:00

I couldn't avoid sharing this. Yes, the class is a little far for us southerners/midwesterners...but it's encouraging to read about the move God is doing in the church across the board.

Sent to you via Google Reader

Adoption: The Gospel in Action

By Deacon Paul Freed

This past spring, my wife, Rachel, and I felt God placed on our hearts the desire to adopt a child.

Often, when people hear that we are adopting I'm asked, "What country are you adopting from?" When I reply, "America," people look at me a little perplexed.

I've found that many people tend to think about orphans in other countries, and not realize that we have an orphan issue of our own. In Washington State, there are currently 8,000 children in the foster care system, and just over 1,500 children are legally free and ready to be adopted.

Orphan care is an issue that the church needs to own (James 1:27). It's about choosing life, caring for, and valuing children, while living out the gospel through redemptive relationships. In addition, this is a proactive way to break the cycle of homeless youth who "time out of the system" or are swept into sex trafficking.

As Christians, we are all adopted by God (Ephesians 1:5). We want to extend an invitation to you to hear about how people at Mars Hill can make a difference in the lives of orphans tomorrow, today, February 11 at Mars Hill Downtown Seattle from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Paul Freed is a deacon at the Downtown Seattle church.

Consider Foster Adoption: The Gospel in Action Informational Meeting

When: Saturday, February 11

Time: 9:30–11:30 a.m.

Location: Mars Hill Church Downtown Seattle, 2333 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121

What is adoption? What does the Bible say about caring for orphans? In the United States, what is the need, who are the children, and what does adoption practically look like?

Whether you are actively considering adopting a child, think it might be an interesting idea in the future, or simply want to know what is going on and how you can support others, please join us for this informational meeting.

Join your Mars Hill friends at this event as you hear:

Pastor Will Little teach about the biblical principles of adoption

Testimonies from Mars Hill couples who have experienced the adoption process

Local Christian adoption agencies perspective and information

Ask questions with our speakers during a Q&A panel

Light refreshments will be available. Childcare will not be provided, but children are welcome to join us in the event.

Free parking is available at the Art Institute garage on Elliott Ave and Battery St. Please bring your parking ticket and get it validated at the church.

This event is sponsored by the Mars Hill Adoption Group on The City. Our mission is to reflect the love and compassion of Jesus by encouraging, educating, and enabling Mars Hill Church families to provide homes to children in need of adop...

David

davidchapdelaine.com

BlogBooker

2012-02-08T06:02:00.000-08:00

If you have ever thought, "Hey, all this stuff i'm writing is controversial/cool/hard work/worth saving!" - then here's the thing for you...especially if you like free versions of expensive stuff. (Those are my favorite)

Make your blog into a book. Go here:
http://blogbooker.com/

Then export your blog. (Blogger makes that a little difficult, I had to revert to the "old blogger" to find the export button). You will have a free PDF version of your blog to download after your done. Free is good.

Great to know that I can have a copy on me when that stuff in Revelation happens...

And I can get rid of posts that I'd rather not have up any longer, since I have my backup now. Enjoy.

What Do The Elders See? (IHOP Urban Chorus - in progress)

2012-01-26T07:04:00.000-08:00

Reply in comments with feedback, lyrics or sections I may have missed. This is in progress...

In Nashville Notation. Transpose to chords here.

4                  1
What do the elders see
4                         1
That makes them all fall down
4                    1
What doe the angels see
4 -                  1 - 5
That make them cry holy

4          1
We have to know (x3)
4 -                  1 5
What makes them cry "holy!"

Crisis

2012-01-26T06:50:00.000-08:00

If I said:

"There is a crisis in America."

Most would agree, some would nod their heads. Few would say no.

Fear is laced within most of these crises; I can hardly listen to the radio, read headlines, talk to random dude at coffee place about current events without picking up on the fear in their words. I heard a speaker recently state that fear is actually a pretty comfortable place for a lot of us. Self-pity is probably a close second...
I think I would say that these crises, and the fear that stinks up the air, is due to the underlying crises - the Identity Crisis - or, arguably, the Prayer Crises.

Prayer is knowing a Being higher than we are, and when we know Him - when we know He is in control, there is no reason to fret, fear or look to the next crisis with full out confusion. When I read about His will, I am able to know His character. When I pray for His will for my city, I can better see His will playing out around me, as well as experience His will in my own heart.

Oh, God, help me.

"The LORD is my light and my salvation;

whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?"
(Psalm 27:1 ESV)

David

Intercessory Missionary? Why not 'Intern,' 'Pastor,' 'Worship Leader,'...

2011-12-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

I was at the guitar store a couple months ago. A guy asked me what I did - I answered him - and he asked me, "so, why are you praying full time?" There are a few answers to this.
I said "I believe that God hears my prayers and answers them, and as I think about full time ministry in our current world - I want to know God, not just about Him. That is what I see as success in minsitry.
His response, suprising: "Wow, that really spoke to me."

Intercessory Missionary? Why not 'Intern,' 'Pastor,' 'Worship Leader,'...

...or 'musician' or...

I've heard this question a lot over the past year. It sticks with me and helps me focus myself - I think it's absolutely beneficial for me to consider what we're doing. Every time I ask myself this question, I come back with a deeper understanding of what it is I'm doing, and a re-fired passionate focus for what I'm doing because I know why.

This verse comes to mind a lot when I reflect on this particular question:

⁴But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. ⁵Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

Given the current trend of the church (some tidbits i've read as I ponder this question over the past year):

3 out of 4 church plants don't continue after 3 years.
90% of pastors will not continue in any sort of full time ministry after 3 years
1 in 2 marriages will end in divorce (yes, I believe that calling and work life have a major effect on this)

Add to this the number of pastors trapped in pornography, emotional affairs, physical affairs, [insert painful-ensnaring-sin here], etc - it strengthens my stance.

My plan is to continue as long as the Lord sustains me in this. Because I believe that this city needs prayer. And I need to communicate with God. And I need to undersatnd this Guy i'm praying to more and more each day. My sustaining comes through faithful partners, thank God.
By no means is this the 'safe' calling - that I am void of all temptation. In fact, I am more aware of spiritual warfare now than I ever have been in my life, and see how the enemy attacks my family and I more now than any other phase in my life. The thing that I have found that is safe, though, is being close with the Lord and knowing His heart. I would go so far to say that if a pastor of a church does not have intimacy and prayer with the Lord, he is endangering himself and his church. I find that it is my lifeline now, to pray and intercede for the Lord's will first - getting things done based on the things I pray second.

The key to this journey, based on my understanding of the Bible and history, is intimacy, focus and following the Holy Spirit. If I am to succeed today, I must be close with my Creator. Thank God for His Holy Spirit who draws me close to Him and does not push me away when I bring requests to Him.

-David

Why do you sing the same thing over and over and over...

2011-12-13T15:35:00.001-08:00

Because I forget about the Truth.

Because I need to remind myself what I believe.

Because I'm fallible and leaky.

A Guitar Post: Luthier and Setup

2011-12-01T09:48:00.001-08:00

I'm finding out that there's a price to taking music a little more seriously. This post is for those who may have interest in guitars, purchasing a guitar or have an old guitar that "needs to be tuned". Most likely, if it's sat for awhile...it needs a little love from a luthier.

Currently, the main focus of my mission is prayer. This is aided by music that allows for prayers to be sung - making it easier for us to pray for long hours. The musical aspect is what drew me into this type of ministry, and it's proven to be very successful in helping many people engage in conversation with the Lord, drawing out those who desire a more authentic expression of worship.

Guitar:
I've never had my guitar worked on. I purchased it in 2001: a Seagull S6 for $400 out the door with case. It was a stretch for me at 17, and i've always thought of it as a "$400 guitar."

Over time, guitars get better. But, the $400 guitar was never worked on. Not really set up, with the occasional neck adjustment.

Guitar repair isn't like shoe repair - there isn't a shop on every corner, as far as I know. And you don't necessarily want to take it to your average/chain guitar shop Jeff Fortenberry was reccomended to me by a friend, and his service was excellent. He builds guitars (check out http://www.fortenberryguitars.com/ for some mouth-watering finished products - wow!) - but also makes other guitars perform at their peak.

Jeff talked in terms that I didn't totally understand - but I understood enough when he explained himself, and that made me confident.

And now, the Seagull plays smooth. I play for 2 hours at a time when I lead normally, so even this minor adjustment ("set-up" is what they call it) was a noticable improvement immediately.

Bass:
I also dropped off a bass that I played in High School for worship team. I played bass first and then migrated to guitar. Then I never played bass again (it seemed) because of the need for worship leaders in the circles I was in.

I had this crazy idea about 3 days after dropping the bass off: let's put the bottom 4 strings of a 5 string bass set on a 4 string bass. I admit, I'm not very good at using the 4th string (G) anyways, I usually just play a little higher on a lower string. With the trends in todays music, and the fact I just love that low B sound, I wanted make a franken-bass. I called Jeff immediately, and he said "no problem...but it's probably good to tell me before I set it up." Fortunately, he had not set it up yet.

And now I have Franken-bass. I've used it once...and the fact it's a beginner bass makes the sound kinda flat, but the low note works...and now I have it to use when I need it (or someone i'm playing with needs it).

So, there are some random thoughts. Jeff Fortenberry is the man...and I did get a chance to play a couple of his guitars while I was there. Amazingly beautiful - you cannot beat a handcrafted guitar. I'd compare it to getting a double-shot of espresso at McDonald's vs. Roh's street...insanely better tone and sound, and feel. Check out his webpage, and thanks for reading a little bit of nerdiness.

David

Five Sentence Update

2011-11-18T12:21:00.001-08:00

1. Thanksgiving is this week, which is my (David) favorite holiday.
2. Good news is we may have new neighbors down the street and over some.
3. God continues to provide for us.
4. I am enjoying tea; Rooibos in particular.
5. Certain shirts help Markus dance better, according to the primary source.

Breaking the [internet] silence about adoption

2011-10-29T10:21:00.000-07:00

If you've been following with us, we were matched with a birth mom for private adoption about four weeks ago who was giving birth to twins. She has two older children already, and wanted a family to adopt her twin boys that was up for the challenge.

So, she picked us as the adoptive parents, and we agreed to adopt the babies. And last Saturday we got a call that the babies were coming that same day via C-Section. We scrambled to get home, called Sarah's mom to come and take care of our kids, and packed up the car for our journey to Florida to get our sons.

We were excited (check out my twitter account from last week...I was tweeting by the second). We were prepping our hearts and home. We cancelled my birthday date for the evening and took off.

About 30 minutes outside of Nashville (4.5 hrs driving) we got a call from the Lawyers' office working on the adoption process. The birth mom changed her mind. After seeing them, the birth mom decided to keep the babies.

Our stomachs sank. Our spirits were saddened. All our expectations...

We asked all the questions. Did we do enough? Did we not go fast enough? What about the boys; how will they live? Do we just turn around? Are we out the money we've already spent? Why? Just, why?

Driving still, I decided that we should press on for a little to make it to our good friends David & Sarah's place south of Nashville to stay the night. Emotionally, I was not ready to drive another 4.5 hrs back. In our frustrated and saddened state, David & Sarah were still willing to let us stay.

While in this time, I've learned what is encouraging and empathetic to say to someone going through this. We are to comfort those who mourn when a time like this comes; and we will be blessed with comfort when we mourn. I can't think of a more unnatural state to be in than of avoiding the mourning of a thing like this. The most encouraging and loving notes/calls we have received have been "we are with you; we are sad,"- quite simple.

I've taken this last week slow. We've talked a lot in the evenings after the munchkins went to bed. Most of our questions have been answered thanks to a great adoption consultant and the kind people at the Lawyers' office.

This was not the end of the road for us. It isn't. We believe there's all kinds of babies to be adopted. And my son continues to interrupt meals to pray for "the two babies." (yes, we told him that they're not coming). So even with these two little boys, it's not over.

Money, Heart, Emotions: it's all working out. Taking our thoughts captive, praying a lot more together and allowing ourselves to be sad.

This makes me realize the vulnerability it takes to be an adoptive parent. We did bear all...and those of you pondering adoption in the back of your brain, don't let this post to erase your thought due to the pain we feel. The joy comes in the morning. There will be a follow-up post to this in time. Just you wait.

This is not the end of the road for us.

Twins

2011-10-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

As of two nights ago, we are going to be parents again, of twin baby boys. Honestly, right now - it's a little overwhelming - but we're getting the ball rolling - because - get this, they're coming in less than 3 weeks.

Yep, we're adopting!

There's a lot still to do and to prepare for. We're looking at cribs, high chairs, etc - even though we have those already, now we need a second. Yikes. Fortunately there are things that we can have the boys share - i'm guessing they won't mind for awhile. I've discovered that at around 3 years old they may have some issues with sharing...

Randy Bohlender's website, blogs and podcasts on adoption have been helpful. Lots of help for us now as we move forward, including the post "What I'd Do Faster" (or something like that), including tips on asking for help (which i'm getting better at/will have to be better at with all these kiddos).

By no means could we have even gotten this far without help from our good friends the Fairchild's, tips, hints and advice about what to look for next - as well as support and encouragement from our community of friends here in Cincinnati to continue on, and just love and prayer in general as we moved forward. If you're thinking of adoption, assemble your team of adoption help - it helped sustained us (and will help sustain us!)

We pray the mom holds to her decision, is well rested and continues to take care of herself and the little guys (yep, boys.) Thanks for reading - there will be more as we go - maybe a little travel-blogging...hmm. We shall see.

-D

Write Every Day

2011-09-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

For those of you/us creative types: a little inspiration from Mr. Seth Godin.

The quote that caught my eye:

"We talk poorly and then, eventually (or sometimes), we talk smart. We get better at talking precisely because we talk."

David

Spiritual Spanx

2011-09-06T15:06:00.000-07:00

This post was a draft that was sitting in my blog-inbox from June. There are others (less revealing than this one!) but, I wanted to share this one with the internet world. Feel free to add your feelings, thoughts.

I was stuck in traffic yesterday. And I pondered my depravity; how jacked up I am on the inside (oh, come on, don't be so hard on yourself). No, seriously, left to myself, alone, my life will be a mess.

Over the course of life, I learn things here and there. Little tidbits that are huge revelations for a life lived in God's wake and will. They look like mountains. They are exciting pieces of Him that I enjoy learning more and more about, the mountains grow and grow...

And then there's those little, immature parts of me that don't seem to come along very well. The brush is overgrown, weeds are sprouting in these areas. These things that puzzle me, I can't get around or through. These are the valleys...

Enter Spanx.

For those of you who do not know about Spanx, here's a tidbit of pop culture for you. Oprah made Spanx an overnight sensation. I suggest glancing at this for a good description. "Spanx...manufacturing hose...particularly 'body shaping' undergarments and bodysuit shapewear intended to give the wearer a slim and shapely appearance." If it isn't awkward enough that Oprah talked about it, here I am...

Note: I am in no way trying to convince you of, or against, these things. Yes, they have man-spanx. I imagine that's what they call them, anyways. Saw them at a dept. store a few months ago.

Stay with me.

So, they kinda form the body to make it look "right." This post is not about dragging out any superficial or physical horse to again beat. Nope. Go get some man-spanx. This is not a criticism of the product.

What I was thinking about while in traffic yesterday is the temptation to "smooth out" the mountains and valleys of who we are on the inside, in the process:

A.) Accepting false humility.
B.) Accepting false pride.

We put on our spiritual spanx, and we lose both strengths and weaknesses.

In talking with a good friend of mine today, I realized that there are some people who see both our valleys and mountains. It's good to have friends that see all the 'stuff' inside. If i'm so obsessed with 'smoothing out' the details of the body part I am (with my strengths AND weaknesses) in the end, I get to be no body part.

"Comparison is the thief of Joy." And it could cause us to put on the spirit-spanx - obsessing more with the overall outward appearance of self, wasting all the energy on the Joy of who I am - who we each are.

I'm also keeping out those who could offer me their strength, wisdom or life revelation in the ways I am weak. They could encourage me to be who I am. Oh, Did I mention that this whole thing doesn't work with God? Tried that...just trust me.

"Spanx?"
"No Spanx. I'm trying to quit."

Hymn Lines, Hymn Titles

2011-09-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

There are good hymns, and there are poorly written hymns. And there's "Yoda's favorite hymn..."

Just 'cause it's a hymn, doesn't make it holy.

I laughed out loud at the awkward hymn lines post from blogger David Good. Here's a second he's posted: Bad Hymn Titles

"Bad" - now, wait a second...that's pretty harsh!

I'm slapping my knee and saying - "whooo! that's good! ha ha ha! that's good."

And I, one day, may even write one of these "Bad Hymns." Not what i'm shooting for - but it will be worth it for the practice, no? Just don't publish it in a hymnal.

DC

P.S. - I must note, he mentions "Supper Time" in the latter post - which is a family favorite. I've actually played it...

The Outpost

2011-09-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

Being at a small house of prayer is great. Difficult, with unique challenges. There is a neat culture about this little room, though.

Most that have heard of the "House of Prayer" know the large house of prayer in Kansas City. 24-7 for 11+ years, live web stream on computers and handheld devices - often I hear it referred to as the "mothership." And, it really is a mother-ship - it gives birth to a vision of prayer at all times - long hours of intercession and engaging with the God in conversation, "contending for cities to come to know the truth."

For a full-timer, I find the messages coming from the mother encouraging, even from 500 miles away.

I know right now I am called to the city of Cincinnati. A friend currently at IHOP knows they are called to their hometown, too. They shall return to their city after their time of training, and settle into their Outpost.

That's what I heard these little houses of prayer called a couple weeks back. When the settlers of this nation moved west, often there were little stopping points with a little food, shelter - almost like beacons; rest stops across the nation for the travelers headed west (I learned a lot about them in 4th grade California history). I'm guessing, without these small stops, many would have died.

There was also an opportunity to settle in these outposts. Some did.

Think about the dudes and dudettes that settled at these outposts so travelers could stop. Everyone's on their way to San Francisco for gold, or up to Seattle for the ports, and some are settled in the middle somewhere. Modern day, many people are called to be in Cincinnati for work, family, etc. They need a praying outpost, a place that prays for them, their city, and a place they can come to pray.

Our outpost has a 11 year history as well. It's got a different feel (no, we have no web feed!), but this city needs prayer. This city needs Jesus' love and revelation - so we continue on praying without the mega-awesome web streaming website or days and days of full bands; any of that. However, it actually is quite beautiful; without the lights, without the thousands of people - we continue to pray because, as I learned in college:

Recipe for prayer:
1.) 1 person
2.) 1 prayer

Stir all ingredients together, deliver to God. Serves: all.

Holding down the fort - David

If you would like to know more about our ministry or receive our newsletter - email me at davidrchapdelaine@gmail.com. We're supported financially and prayerfully by an amazing team of faithful givers.

Dedicated Writing Time

2011-08-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Blogroll today revealed a post "Advice for Worship Leaders #1". I'm assuming that there will be more in this series...

Justin Rizzo is a songwriter/worship leader - his thoughts brought conviction to my own avoidance of songwriting; and gives me hope - even if i'm uninspired, prayer is the avenue to begin with. It's important to sit down to write, "God has songs reserved just for you," Justin says.

Full post: (c) 2011 Justin Rizzo -

http://justinrizzo.com/blog/08/2011/advice-worship-leaders-1-dedicated-writing-time#comment-246

Transcribing Music (for Worship)

2011-08-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

tran·scribe (trn-skrb)

tr.v. tran·scribed, tran·scrib·ing, tran·scribes

1. To make a full written or typewritten copy of (dictated material, for example).

I've transcribed a few worship songs, and shared them here. I cannot tell you how much transcribing has improved my musical skills. If you play instruments, or casually know a few guitar chords and want to grow your skill from your bedroom, begin to transcribe a song that you really connect with. Here's a little of my story with transcribing.

It started when I began playing music, and playing worship songs. My dad brought a 28.8kbs modem home from work in the early 90's, and I began to find new, fresh tunes for worship leading via the internet (I was 12-13 at that point). It was a lesson in patience as the chord sheets and tabs wipe-loaded down the computer screen.

Problem was, I noticed that some of the chord sheets that musicians were loading on random websites didn't sound right when I played them. Yes, I had just started playing, but it just didn't sound right when I did finally play the correct chords. Thus began learning to transcribe.

Currently i'm working on transcribing "Your Great Name" so I can lead it for worship.

My method (typically? is there a typical? not with my personality!):
1. I hear a pop song, or am led with a song in worship, and something about the songs moves me to look deeper into it, learn to play it.
2. I look for it online (YouTube, iTunes)
3. I look for chord sheets on tab websites (ultimateguitar, for example)
4. I attempt to play the song with chord sheet, making mental notes of mistakes.
5. I modify the chord sheet (almost 100% of the chord sheets need a little help)
-or-
5. I transcribe the song fresh, with no (or very little) prior knowledge from the chord sheet.

You can't trust everything on the internet. But, JustinGuitar.com reminded me how important transcribing is to growth about a year ago: Transcribing article at JustinGuitar.com

When I began transcribing, I wrote down many incorrect chords for the key I was playing in, I wrote the chords over the wrong lyrics and it took me hours...to make these mistakes. It was entirely frustrating. Almost as frustrating as twisting my fingers for guitar chords. (G to D switch almost had me playing piano full time). It is hard to figure out each chord, it takes aural training...and, for me, it was not natural.

To transcribe, I would figure out the key that the artist played it in. In the case of "Your Great Name" - it's in Bb (yikes). So, I would figure out the chords in that key. To make it more difficult, there are actually two different versions of this song - so I've listened to both (both in Bb still) - and figured out which feel I liked better for worship leading. There are trace differences between the original and Natalie Grant's pop radio version.

I figure out both versions (or all versions - there are many for pop songs!), add which little tweaks I like from each version -and- voila! I have a transcribed version of "Your Great Name" that is useful for me to lead worship/prayer.

It is still difficult, and still takes me a lot of work to finish a song (and discipline!) - but the result I am often happy with.

Let me know if you have been or are trying to transcribe, and let me know about your journey.

That's all for now...

Five Sentence Update

2011-08-03T08:45:00.001-07:00

1. My brother is married, and I am so happy for both he and his bride.

2. Returned from California and vacation refreshed and ready to dive into more musical prayer.

3. We prayed that M (son) would be adopted by today (his birthday!) last year, and he'll be adopted on the 22nd!

4. We don't mind the few weeks' difference from the actual prayer request.

5. Looking at new guitars currently (acoustic), a "step up" mainly; as a friend said "you should have one, I mean, it's like your livlihood, right?" Yep.

Full post, new songs soon. I've figured out songs, mainly from the IHOP prayer room, that aren't currently offered in sheet-music form online. If you have particular song requests, feel free to ask.

Adoption and a Break (Slight-Randimonium Post)

2011-06-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

Sarah and I talk more and more about adoption right now .

Sarah and I are looking forward to the next season, my brother's wedding, a massive amount of Chapdelaine family in one place and a break.

I used to think it most honorable to stick your head down for a long period of time and accomplish a lot of tasks, missions, work (like, head down for years at a time). Then I realized how fast people burn out without refreshing and a fresh pouring in of life.

Some can do that for long periods of time. Sinkhole syndrome can happen so fast with that perspective on life. (Search Sinkhole, and Sinkhole syndrome if you're curious about that one. I've blogged about it before).

So, i'm going to lift my head up in a short time to enjoy uninturrupted time with Sarah (a lot more than just the bike ride I just posted).

May God have His way. Continue Your work, Lord. Continue to pour out life into your people.

Family Focus

2011-06-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

Recently I was told that family focus needs to be high on the priority list. Duh. But it's not "duh." Our culture pretty much goes the opposite direction - and getting caught in the culture swell is easy.

The enemies are out to destroy. So we duck and cover. Not.

When I was reminded of this truth about family - I looked at my own priorities and saw that I tended to look like the culture in more ways than I liked to see.

Lots of time with family - engaged with family. Our family is a troop, and Sarah and I are leading it. And our troop looks different month to month, especially recently (we just got a new little guy last week...). We need more than to be on the same page through life - we need some together time, alone, to make this all the real deal.

We make fun of Covington a lot (where else do you see man and wife riding a 50cc scooter sharing a cigarette on the main drag?) - but thanks to the awesome Fairchild family taking over kid responsibilities for the night, we were able to ride our tandem bike (great wedding present from my bro) enjoy some of the beauty of the Cov.

Tree growing out of my head. Good looking girl, tho!

Pretty lady, awesome hair dude.

Solo shot of me and the skyline...

June 14 Five-Sentence Update

2011-06-14T08:03:00.001-07:00

1. Our family is currently 4 (again).

2. Youth group coming to C-HOP tonight to learn about the Prayer Room, prayer and music.

3. My hair is short, which means (apparently) I need a haircut more often.

4. We seem to have lost our family point-and-shoot camera (bummer.)

5. Observation: how amazing is is that a guitar has only 6 strings, and it seems that we have yet to finish it's potential (or maybe say it this way: a guitarrist who says "i'm just bored" is in cop-out mindset.)

Bonus: Those of you who are waiting for a support letter this month, we're working on it! (Sorry for the delay, new printer, figuring out labels...)

The Joy of Being Lovesick - Luke Wood

2011-06-12T13:27:00.000-07:00

Luke Wood is quickly becoming one of my favorite songwriters. A cool pop-folk type sound, great lyrical artistry and some fun blues-style licks that some lead-lover can figure out if they'd like (post in comments if you tab them up).

Here's one of his I couldn't find online. Enjoy.

The Joy of Being Lovesick

Luke Wood

[I play capo 3 or 4 (D# or E)]

Main Line: Am – F – C

Bridegroom’s been a long time coming

And I have this heavy burden called longing

Until You return (repeat)

Inst: Am – F – C

Bridegroom’s been a long time coming

And we who miss you have been mourning

Until you return (repeat)

Pre-Chorus:

I’m sick with love

Until you come

C G

Look what you’ve done my Lord

I’m sick with love

Until You come

And now my heart is torn

Chorus:

G F C

In the midst of the great delay

G F C

I may sleep but my heart’s wide awake

G F C Dm

Like a bride who faithfully waits for her wedding day

I will wait for you

Am-F-C

Tag:

Hear the cry

Of a lovesick heart (repeat)

Bridge:

It’s the joy!

Of being lovesick!

Because I want drummers to like playing with me...

2011-06-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

I think my favorite part in this video is when he talks about 'the room is following the drummer, not the piano player (or worship leader).'

I may go so far as to say that I've discovered that the drummer is the one who leads a band. The drummer is the one to control the feel of the room dynamically...so I want them to be my friend.

I hate metronomes (which means I need more practice!). My Sarah tells me it's always good to be on time.

So, for you band leaders, here's a little drummer perspective. I've been enjoying these (there's, like, 10 of them) - getting in the thoughts of a drummer.

Does it really matter?

2011-06-01T17:28:00.001-07:00

If I die today, no one will wonder:

"did he wash the dishes today?"

"is his lawn mowed?"

Nope.

But wife, kids, Love, joy, peace...those are what pans out, even in the eyes of man.

Adoption is foundational

2011-05-26T12:27:00.000-07:00

"Adoption is evangelism."

That's one of my favorite sayings, since early 2008-ish (yes, precisely early 2008-ish). My continual prayer through all this life stuff is that my life will be one that 'evangelizes' the right stuff (or righteous stuff for you punny people) to my family.

"Adoption is foundational."

Another thought.

We are going through the process to adopt twice before 2011 is over. Our immediate families now know, so now, you (world) can know. The details of these two adoptions are night and day - but they end in the same result. Two more Chapdelaine's.

While talking with my mom last night, we began talking about the slightly radical way of living. This was after hearing of a death in the family. This thought raced through my head - "if I knew I was going to die that young, I would do exactly what i'm doing right now."

Adopt kids. That's on the bucket list. [pencil check]

You Missed This One III: Easter Edition

2011-04-20T06:04:00.000-07:00

I know this is typically a music blog, and a lot of the 'missed this ones' should probably follow suit. I couldn't avoid this one, which popped out to me while in discussion with High Schoolers last night in Matthew 26-28.

Behold, chapter 27. You missed this one:

51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52 The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

The bible is a funny book sometimes. Not funny to laugh at...just amazing how among a few chapters about Jesus' death, this sentence is just added in there. Just two sentences.

Seriously, if people were coming out of the tombs, I think that there would be more than a couple sentences in our daily paper.

But, that's just it. Two sentences is enough for the bible. No need to elaborate.

"The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life."

You Missed This One #2: Sermon on the Mount

2011-04-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

"Blessed are you when..."

Yes, a lot of us have read Matt 5 multiple times. So, I didn't miss it. But I did, because "blessed" is really quite ambiguous to me. But content speaks a bit deeper.

That blessed is actually closer to "content," "happy," or "happier" via Strong's/Dr. David Jeremiah. This was pointed out to me yesterday while I 'randomly' had the radio at the right time. You know, 'randomly'.

Matthew 5:

“ Content are the poor in spirit,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Content are those who mourn,

For they shall be comforted.

5 Content are the meek,

For they shall inherit the earth.

6 Content are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled.

7 Content are the merciful,

For they shall obtain mercy.

8 Content are the pure in heart,

For they shall see God.

9 Content are the peacemakers,

For they shall be called sons of God.

10 Content are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Content are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

God, I want to be content.

You Missed This Passage 1

2011-04-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

I've had many of these pop up while praying/studying recently - little snippets of Bible, history, etc. that I tell myself "You missed that one, David." - so, I thought i'd start a little thread via blog here to commemorate the fact I have either forgotten or completely ignored some significant events or statements in history. Feel free to join in with these findings via comment or email. I probably have missed the ones you're noticing as well?

I give you the musicians/singers who, by faith, worshiped their way to victory in war. You missed this one:

“And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the LORD, For His mercy endures forever.”
Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated. For the people of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.”
(2 Chronicles 20:21-23 NKJV)

Time in the Saddle

2011-04-05T10:16:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine refers to practice and experience as "time in the saddle." Some growth don't come without it.

A roommate of mine in college was on a PBS TV reality show that thrust him into the old-west. Dress and all. I actually thought it was kind of boring to watch (not your exhilarating-fakey reality show. Did I just type 'fakey reality?' Yes, that is what TV is quite often). I remember he shared some frustration about the show - he wanted to be 'in the saddle' for real, yet he was forced to be the camp chef. So, as the cowboys drove the cows, he cooked the cows. And he hated it.

And, then, he was given the chance to be a cowboy. Difficulties ensued. The series ended with all the cowboys quitting because of a jerk of a boss.

(Ok, David, where you going with this?)

All that is simply because this roommate's actual experience riding a horse on a real saddle. While it's hard many times to continue on when nothing seems to be happening, changing, moving - there's something to say about commitment and staying the course. I've been doing this worship thing for almost 12 years now...and learning how prayer is mixed with worship for 4. I can tell you, a lot of my growth is information and training. Much more of it is simply allowing H.S. to highlight thoughts and tensions that come up as I ride it out.

But wouldn't it be nice if we could have the instantaneous results of just being plain awesome at what we're doing? OK, realistically, what if it only took a week?

So, if we're frustrated right now, maybe it's time to change course. Or, maybe it's time to just let this take its course, and get some 'time in the saddle'. The saddle gets really uncomfortable sometimes (my saddle is a bar stool).

Most growth don't come without it.

Toddler Warning

2011-03-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

Sarah called me twice yesterday informing me while our little one was acting a bit rebellious. Maybe it's that human nature coming out - but then I talked to another friend whose toddler was also acting a bit off. Any other parents of toddlers experiencing this? Just curious...maybe it's the weather, allergies or spiritual?

What Am I Studying?

2011-03-10T16:15:00.000-08:00

While I was settling into my local coffee place today, I ran into one of my old coworkers. Laptop and book in tow for a little autonomous time, I asked her how her kid was, she asked how ours was. Then she asked me "so, what are you studying now?" her eyes darting to the tools I was carrying.

So, then a question came to my mind: do I need a degree in this stuff for it to be legit?

I study and study and study. The tests often daily; at least weekly. Books, videos, CDs, teaching, talks and museum visits. The whole caboodle.

I don't think details of the subject I study are necessary (can you guess?). Degrees are very useful things. Concentrated study and focused goals, and an approval stamp that you've been through the classes required can be very helpful and evidence that we've learned a lot.

Or that we really didn't learn squat.

There may be a day that i'm studying for another degree. As for right now I am studying, with intentioned seriousness, for every day. With increased passion of that I had when I was in school.

Lo-Fi Worship

2011-02-28T14:33:00.000-08:00

Bifrost Arts from josh franer on Vimeo.

I saw this video on The Resurgence. What a cool concept - to get the worship service back to roots and away from major production. Not that the production is bad - it's just distracting at times. Which is bad. Hmmm.

I am sad that we do not all sing. I am sad when I see people who refuse to sing in church, prayer meetings, etc. I am sad when I do not sing (literally!).

There are many benefits to singing. When I sing I can ward off (or chase away) depression, declare truth over my life and pray to God. Even humming can open up our sinus cavities. (curious? Google search it)

There are many benefits to singing together. We encourage each other and we feel unified by our voices in unison. (If we're really risky, the bible even commands us to sing spiritual songs to one another in Ephesians 5, so we should be doing that).

There are many benefits to playing music. It's a learned skill - something that helps to open up our brains' capacities and stretches our creativity ('learning' is what I call 'staying young') and it's fun at times. There are even more benefits to playing music together, as spoken of in this video. It's hard, but worth the work!

I think the issue is that we don't play together in houses, for fun, Lo-Fi any more because of the stipulations - "are we a band?" "when are we going to play out?" "i'm not really good enough...". All that crap comes down the brain shoot now-a-days when it comes to playing music together.

Why can't it just be enjoyable to do as our friend in the video says? Why can't we just have "musical play night" instead of "movie night"?

Honestly, many of the meetings I lead are not high in attendance. They are not performances. Sometimes, the people that are singing outnumber those who are just there to pray/listen/soak/read. I think this has helped me realize that the importance is definitely in our music making and not in the number of people that come.

I think it's time to sing again. If the place we gather does not sing in unison, why not? And why are we still hanging out there...?

New Songs Of Praise: Why I Believe Hymns are Necessary

2011-02-23T11:46:00.000-08:00

Something that I think about often is the way to engage many generations in worship. Mostly, the 4 that are living on the planet now...just staying relevant, y'know!

Recently, I led worship at a conference with a mix of both baby boomers+ and young people (probably 75% boomers+). I didn't realize this, but the song selection I had was pretty "on" when it comes to the guidance from this blog post from David Good, a seasoned worship leader (27 years in the church leading, God bless him!):

New Songs Of Praise: Why I Believe Hymns are Necessary: "As a worship leader, I am in a quandary. At 48 years of age and after doing this for 27 years now I find myself in the unique position of ha..."

Not losing the Hymns and where we have come from is very important - I did sing a hymn mid day at the conference. It was a bit different in rhythm ("Come Thou Fount"), but the reason was to make it singable for all attending.

Anyways, this post is probably just more for me, for notes, for the purpose of not forgetting what i've learned from mr. David Good.

Es Todo.

In Response to "A Little Exposure" - Destinies

2011-02-17T05:22:00.000-08:00

'My Sarah' has a 'her Sarah.' Like, a best friend. And best-friend-Sarah blogs.

So, on best-friend-Sarah's blog there was a post on False Humility. This rang true with a lot going on right now in my own reflections - so I decided to comment. Well, that comment got a little too long, so it's turning into a post:

[Sarah's blogpost here]

My too-long-for-comment-comment:

Excellent post, sister. I actually just listened to Mark Driscoll's message on the parable of the Wedding Feast...I got me rocked due to the problem of pride, which is often what i'm accused of when tempted into false humility!

Something I wrote down the other day while contemplating/praying about competition: I was sitting in a room full of very talented men - very gifted. And began to realize how awesome each one of us was. And began to be a little jealous. Shutting down all the lying crap, I wrote in my notes:

"God has enough destinies for all of us. There's no reason for me to think about this next person's and try to compete with them for theirs."

How crazy would it be if we were all fighting for the next person's life? Like, what they want?

Well, I think that in some ways, we're all guilty of that. I am.

I don't think that the church has reached a point where so many of us have come to our destinies or full maturity to where we need to start competing with one another for positions or ministries, jobs, etc.

So, the humility thing - accepting where I am gifted (as you said "spiritual DNA") the way that God has made me - is key to living a fulfilled life. I am not your typical business CEO material. And i'm OK with that! And i'm excited that some that I know are totally business CEO material.

Even more exciting is the gifting that I DO have! And the human race needs my gift.

Thanks, Sarah!

website!

2011-02-09T12:07:00.000-08:00

Hello World.
Well, I now have my own URL now: www.davidchapdelaine.com. I decided to snag it, since all the other David Chapdelaine's hadn't yet.
If you go there (or you already went) you'd notice that it looks pretty much the same as this space. That's because, well, it is.
I figured i'd just go with the free-way of using blogger, and have the site direct everyone here. I've heard rave reviews of WordPress as a blog builder (my brother uses WordPress for his webspace at www.sponsored.pro) so I may switch in the future - but you can always find the direct route now through www.davidchapdelaine.com
Other than that, preparing now for a conference with Matt and Dana Candler from IHOP-KC (Dana's the author of a book that helped to wreck my life, in a good way). I'll be leading worship through music and backing up on lead guitar this weekend.
Also, I will be beginning a round table training with some friends we met early on in our move to Cincinnati. The training is through Compass Consultation, and promises to be great, based on the reviews I have heard thus far. I look forward to growing.
My intention is to post a little more regularly with some little tidbits - if I get one or two posts a month, i'll be happy!
Peace to you,
David

Luke Wood - I belong to the man (I Would Give Anything)

2011-02-07T13:03:00.000-08:00

Another song I figured out last fall for a worship with the word set at C-HOP. I don't believe it's recorded yet, but Luke Wood (IHOP-KC) sings it, and I'm guessing from the writing style that he wrote it as well.

Enjoy

I Would Give Anything (I belong...)
Luke Wood

Am Em D D
I belong to the man from Nazareth
He's got wounds in his feet, and scars in his hands
and He loves me with an everlasting love

I belong to the King of Israel
He conquered death and holds the keys of hell
and He loves me with an everlasting love
...an everlasting love (repeat)

Chorus:
Am Am G D

Jesus, I would give anything
nothing withhold

I would search for you
like silver and gold

That I would taste the glory of
knowing you, Lord [Am, Em, D]

Bridge:
Am - G - D - D
With all my heart,
all my soul,
all my strength.

As for other thoughts -

I have been venturing into leading with electric guitar now with band mates on Sunday evenings. So far, I have found Tremolo and Delay to be my friends, I will probably be adding some mild distortion for seasoning soon. I don't think I'll be trying this with the younger ones that I lead with, as I have to drive the music more from my guitar with them...what the acoustic is good for.

Selah: A musical term, commonly used in the days of King David. I interpret it as a time to stop and reflect. In music, I see it as a time of instrumental music and space. In the past, I thought that I should be singing all the time. Constantly. Now, I am finding out that a time of "pause" or Selah, is necessary...especially when making music for prayers, thoughts and meditation.

Is all,
David

Fragrant Burning - Derek Loux

2010-11-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

Since I was unable to find this guitar chord chart online, and others may be interested in having it - I decided to figure this song out and share what I had.

Here you go! Unfortunately, I think the only way to find this album is directly from the Loux family or Forerunner Music

He plays the song in C# on the album - for transposing purposes, I made it simply in "C". Listen to song for timing, of course.

Fragrant Burning
Derek Loux

Verse 1
C Am Dm G
All my triumphs I count but loss
C Am Dm G
All my failure I leave behind
C Am Dm G
I have one vision your rugged cross
C Am Dm G
I have one mission to come and die

Chorus
C Am Dm G
And I will be a fragrant burning
C Am Dm G
I’ll wash your feet with my tears
C Am Dm G
My love will be a poured out offering
F
To you (yeah)

Verse 2
I have one banner your endless Love
I have one passion to see your face
And I’ve one manner your kingdom come
I’ve one obsession to sit and gaze

Bridge
F G
Fragrant burning for you
C/E F
Nothing compares to You (2x)
C/E F
Nothing compares (2x)
C/E F G
Compares to You

Five sentence update III

2010-09-07T08:42:00.001-07:00

1. God likes you and I.

2. Natural Bridge and Red River Gorge are truly in God's country - places that Sarah and I enjoyed a lot this weekend!

3. Unforturnately (or fortunately?) time out is necessary at least once daily for our little guy.

4. I'm leading a worship & prayer time 12-2p on Thursday w/music at C-HOP with friends.

5. I went to the gym this morning.

5 sentence post 2

2010-08-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

Let's see...

1. When kids turn two, I'm wondering if their chemical makeup changes in their brains...
2. Regional prayer is necessary - there are many people who come to this place to pray and focus on our region together.
3. Sarah is picking fresh produce from our backyard daily.
4. Camping is awesome and shopping for used camping gear is a close #2 in that awesome department.
5. I didn't think I would be a full-time missionary in my life and here I am about 3 weeks out from a year of doing so.

Ta-Da,
David

The 5 Sentence Update

2010-08-16T08:27:00.001-07:00

Since it's been awhile and I have 30 seconds, here's a 5 sentence update:

Sarah and I will be celebrating 4 years of marriage in a couple weeks!
Our little man just turned two, and he is very two in challenging the rules of our home.
I am praying a lot and making music with my voice/guitar a lot, and it's good!
Openoffice.org released a new version of their opensource versions of MSOffice programs; score!
This month is celebration of 3 years in our house in Covington & 3 years in our current christian community.

Blessings,

David

Random thought: it's almost 4

2010-06-25T07:32:00.001-07:00

Random thought: it's almost 4 years since i got married. woah. i'm mostly wondering how so much happened in so little time!

Chew on this...

2010-05-21T10:53:00.001-07:00

"How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?" John 5:44

(of course, I reccomend in-context)

Prayer & Boldness

2010-05-13T06:38:00.001-07:00

Since this blog tends to be a select audience, I wanted to share this thought from Mark Driscoll about prayer.

Pastor Mark is one of my favorites because he keeps his focus on practical spirituals...I like to blend him up with teachings from Mike Bickle (IHOP-KC), Billy Humphrey (IHOP-Atlanta) and R.C. Sproul & David Jeremiah (just a few) to help round out my thoughts when soaking up teaching.

His perspective is "shut it all down" - which I think i've heard many times from the guys at Houses of Prayer...but he highlights the need to silence all. Alistair Begg spoke on this while I was attending Parkside in Cleveland. Our culture is so busy, we often forget what silence is like; we have the opportunity to come before the God of the universe with the things that are difficult. He is faithful to listen and to answer. Yet, we're so wired up and connected that often we're not connected.

And talking with God, hearing from Him gives me the boldness to carry out the task, make the decision or go the direction in the relationship I am praying about.

Here is the article I read if you're interested:

http://theresurgence.com/pray-humbly-proceed-boldly

Gonna go plug in now,

David

Coffee Tips

2010-04-29T13:01:00.001-07:00

A break from your regularly scheduled internet searching:

...a coffee break, that is.

Check out this site for some great coffee brewing and storage tips in plain english.

http://www.laterzacoffee.com/page51/page51.html

-David

That they may be one

2010-01-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

I have a theory of what is going on in the church today. 4% of my generation is actually attending a regular church service and claim christianity as their religion. This is compared to a 40-something-% of our parents' generation.

Many of our generation (1983 to the year 2000, as generation is defined by 18 years) really doesn't get the religion-thing very well. I think we get love, but not religion, routine of church for the sake of having a routine.

Jesus prayed for unity in his prayer in gethsemane. The one disciple who stayed awake during that time must have written that one down. His prayer "that they may be one". Look at Christianity on Wikipedia.com sometime and you can see that we have issues. Here's an example of what happened to the protestant church:

So, we have some family issues. As soon as denomination mom and dad have an issue, they get divorced. The kids have an argument about who sits where, they don't speak to one another any longer.

I think that a generation who desires true love, embraces our God-given differences and wants something deeper than routine is looking for a church that will do just those things: Love God, embrace each other and not be so concerned about the minor things. Even if we celebrate God under different roofs, our minds can still be one. We may be part of a generation that will reject church and anything related to God and religion for a time because of the woundedness and disgust from false religion, but maybe, after a time some of this generation will turn around with a new perspective where separation in our beliefs aren't as important as the similarities, and we become that final Generation that is spoken of.

Thanks for reading my rant. If nothing else: unity is the answer to Jesus' prayer. Through God's Love and strength, I want to be that answer.

The things I find funny...

2010-01-06T10:53:00.001-08:00

Self Discipline

2009-12-11T05:29:00.000-08:00

I'm learning self discipline in my life currently. Practice is important for musicians, athletes and artists, but also professionals, public speakers, baristas and everywhere in between. Self discipline can be defined as doing the things we don't feel like doing. As the musical type, I can fall into this trap of 'feelings' - which are many times fleeting. We also cannot live off of adrenaline or inspiration; at least I can't. There's not enough juice in inspiration to keep me going for a month or a year. Usually, after the first couple days, i've lost the inspiration. Check out the football inspiration:

Inspiration and talent will only carry you so far. The habits you form will sustain you. One fall, in the panhandle of Texas, the local high school football team was enduring a terribly embarrassing season. Week after week, the hometown would show up and cheer to no avail; it was abysmal. Finally, a wealthy oil man could take it no longer. The week before the homecoming game against their arch-rivals, he asked to address the team. “Boys,” he began, “when I wore the green and gold, we won nearly every single game. Now look at you. You’ve become a joke! You need some motivation. So here’s my proposition. You win this one game, and I will personally buy each of you a brand new pickup truck.”

Those student-athletes began to think and dream about how fine they would look driving around in their new trucks. They obsessed over which girls they would ride in them and whether or not they would get bumper stickers. They were so excited about the prospect of driving a truck with that “new car” smell. They hung a big poster of a truck in the locker room. And they went out and lost the game 38-0. [From: Kenneth Boa - "Self Discipline"]

It's important for me to remember that the God who loves and gives us power to love all, is also the God who gives us the power to act consistently in that love. His character: slow to anger, patient. He is not an emo-addict or rage-r. He is patient. He is kind. He knows we need to practice (especially when we avoid it!).

Self discipline can be a gateway to great things. I'm sure that no one who is doing well in their profession just happened to be inspired one day, and the next they were the best in their field. No trucks are needed for self-discipline.

For the Teachers

2009-10-10T09:33:00.001-07:00

I received this email this morning. I decided not to e-bomb everyone with it, as it is against my personal email convictions.

"After being interviewed by the school administration, the prospective teacher said: 'Let me see if I've got this right:

'You want me to go into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their T-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning.

'You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self esteem and personal pride.

'You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, and how to register to vote, balance a checkbook, and apply for a job. [:D]

'You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, and make sure that they all pass the final exams.

'You also want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents in English, Spanish or any other language, by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card.

'You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps.

'You want me to do all this and then you tell me. . .

I CAN'T PRAY?'"

AAAAAAAMen.

Props to all educators.

2009-09-27T10:23:00.001-07:00

http://www.wannaplaymusic.com

Check this website out, and recommend it to any kids wanting to play music. I believe this is a great wave of music movement. Get kids playing music, change lives, help them in emotional development. That's the movement.

A Call To Sobriety

2009-09-25T11:00:00.001-07:00

I listened to a talk while I was painting the banister last night. The message really sobered me up for the events of the day. Based out of the book of Joel, Allen Hood gives some intense, practical understanding to our call to raise our children knowing the truth of God's character, to focus on the Lord as our true provider. Sometimes God's relationship with us looks different than the one He has with our nation. Hmm.

I would write more, but you can just listen for yourself.

http://media.ihop.org.s3.amazonaws.com/a881b236-c6ec-4417-98fa-45a1d522b6a5.mp3

DC

July in Review

2009-08-04T11:28:00.001-07:00

Whew. What a month.

Many things have happened in this past month. Let me see...

1) Our little Ember left our family to join her bio-grandparents on the 7th of this month. We were able to prepare our hearts and her belongings before she left, including written letters for later in her life. For a couple days after, Sarah and I were sad. God answered our prayers, however: we prayed for His will to be done, and wanted to align our hearts no matter what the decision may be. After three days of random crying and emotional ups and downs, we were fine and excited to remember her. We pray for her a lot and I believe God has a great purpose for her life...her story is already so beautiful.

(Ember's last night with us. She wouldn't sleep unless she was on my shoulder that evening. Odd, or God?)

2) [the day after...] We received a call from a foster mom the next day asking us about respite care (foster-care babysitting). We didn't know, but the foster care workers were already talking about our family and figuring out a placement for us. (I believe our workers' convincing words were "I just tell everyone at the office how normal you guys are." Hah!)

(Our new little guy, in a couple weeks, that is. This is him sleeping at the INT-Dayton event while we did respite care.)

3) INT - My brother and my dad are investing 5 of their weekends this summer to compete and volunteer for the Waterski/Wakeboarding organization, INT. Bryan's becoming quite the wakeboarder and i'm quite proud of him stepping it up from year to year. You can scan Facebook to find some video of him landing some pretty complex tricks. I've been able to make it out to two events this year.

(Yep, he's my brother.)

4) C-HOP I am currently part of 4 sets, worship leading and singing. I've also had the opportunity to worship with my parent's church's worship team and lead worship at a local church in Newport...that might have been June. Hmm. Anyways, I have another worship leading deal happening soon with a friend's youth group. Through all these happenings, i'm growing as a musician and worship leader.

5) Recording. My friend Steve has invited me to some experimental recording sessions. It's a great growing experience for me. I bring a song I've written, play it for a few very talented musicians, develop the song and the parts, and we record it right then and there. Last night was the third go at it, and I felt more confident last night than I did the previous time. Playing live and recording are absolutely different...so it's great that I have this opportunity to learn in this environment. My songwriting is also getting better, and i'm gaining confidence in my abilities as a musician in general. Thanks, Steve!

6) I have friends. No, Really! I do! And they now live in Covington. Our friends, Scott and Caroline moved near us, and we seem to see eachother every other day. Two years ago, we felt a call to this city, but knew no one. So we prayed at that time that God would send friends and those who desire God and community. After waiting a bit, they have come! The night they moved in, we met a fellow believer who also just moved to Covington. Since then, 3 more believers have moved to the city. My bro Andrew used to tease me and say "yeah, I know that i'm your only friend within 20 miles..." Booya, bro. Now we got all kinds of people.

Alright, time to keep up with August. Peace and Love.

David

REPOST: Cash for Recycling Electronics

2009-07-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

This is awesome. Mrs. Martin posted a great link for a webpage that pays you for all those electronics sitting around your house. Check it out:

http://www.yourenew.com

The Father Heart of God - June 2009

2009-06-29T06:00:00.001-07:00

God as the true father. Understanding this will change my life. From last Sunday's PM Forerunner Christian Fellowship meeting. I've already listened to it twice, so I thought it was important to put it out there for others.

Click on the title for link. Right click to save for MP3.

DC

Soy, papa.

2009-06-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

I have a great life.

Music Has Power (Warning: Opinionated)

2009-06-18T06:12:00.001-07:00

Blog-world,

Greetings from NKY. The baby slept until 8am this morning, and only once woke up for a feeding. This is a great morning to chew on some things that are in my mind from the past week.

I believe this is my first response to a blog: a blog on RE:Sound blog [a new division of the Mars Hill/Resurgence family].

So, I read this blog about music that was written to counteract the act of burning, destroying, getting rid of, excluding all secular music when a person is converted. [I remember my dad telling me that he thinks his 1st ed. Zepplin LP kind of howled as he melted it in the fire. Seriously.] The writers' opinion was that destroying the music was simply an emotional expression of something inside, inspired by a teacher/preacher/youth pastor to get rid of immorality.

The point of the article was that it was not the music that carried the evil message. It was not the music that needed to be thrown out, it was the heart of the individual. The heart was evil [sinful, unredeemed], therefore the music that this person was listening to was stirring evil thoughts. 'Music does not contain spiritual power' and music is "simply" an expression and 2D background to life...that was my take on this.

Ugh. Seriously?

If that is the case, i'm going to kick my guitars in and burn my amp.

I am a musician presently because I was told a few years back that music is a power source. When I was told this, I realized that "feeling" that I get when I play or sing something straight from the inside of me is that power. Sometimes it's the coffee, yes, but often times I experience a feeling, a release. When I listen to bands such as Sleeping Giant [http://www.myspace.com/sleepingxgiant], the pounding drums and truth-lyrics make my body tingle. According to this article I read, the spiritual significance of this is impossible.

Experiment: in College, I decided to end my emo-ness. I told my roomie at the time "don't let me listen to emo." I noticed at the time that I was feeling angry towards past relationships, and my suspicion was that it was coming from the lyrics and music I was listening to. The basis of most emo is anger and resentment towards ex' and those who were potentially worthy of a promise-ring; the poetic lyrics often were best if they jabbed at many weaknesses of these girls/guys. OK, so I began to listen to pretty much music that is based on the Word. I stayed close to my appreciation for guitar, and introduced music that focused on truth-lyrics. Praise God that He has blessed many bands with music that is focused on the Word and Jesus and has gone beyond CCM. I say it again, Praise God.

Without going too much deeper into this, I found myself less depressed and angry after just a month or so.

Hmmm.

The hard thing about reading the article is that this guy is a musician. If music is pushing keys and punching numbers on a fretboard, dude, i'm out. BOR-RING! If music has power behind it, can move the body (feel the beat?!), send a truth message, communicate with the troops: i'll keep playing.

This blog post could be incredibly long. I have so many swirling thoughts in my head right now about this. It frustrated me to know that a brother in Christ believed this...and yet, I think that this may be the tip of the iceberg. Music is not math, despite their close relation. Based on my experience, music is spiritual, and it does contain power. Choosing to listen to certain bands and musical expressions are a reflection on what is going on inside a person (my emo days). If we choose to put aside the things that are causing sin, we can focus on the truth, and God can break and heal the areas inside that desire that anger, frustration or false-pleasure.

I didn't even scrape the movements of the decades and the music that influenced the culture. 60's sensual-Rock. 90's Grunge-angst. 00's idle-nu-metal.

A box inside me just burst open on this posting. OK, I must stop. Hopefully my point was made somewhere in there.

DC

Archeology

2009-06-10T18:05:00.001-07:00

Much of my time right now is about archeology. Yes, I have been gardening; no, i'm not finding any dinosaurs.

My archeology concerns this: we all have been made for a purpose. A wise friend once told me that God doesn't make spare parts. I cannot take the place of my best friend, no matter how similar it seems we are. There has never been another you.

My issue lately is the latter part of this wisdom: God made each one of us for a purpose...and that purpose is deep inside, on the deepest part of the inside of us. The issue is, after one score and 5 years, a lot of my deepest part needs some brushing off. There's all this dirt from the world around me...bad advice from parents, friends, pastors, career coaches, TV, culture, Internet Blogs...(ahem). So, we have this project in front of us. For those following Jesus, I believe that life to the full is found in the discoveries made in this project. We must not compromise until we find this...we must stop following the dirt, or the silhouette of what we think we see deep inside.

Chewing Your Food

2009-06-09T17:03:00.000-07:00

A few weeks I realized that I eat too fast. Seriously. It might take the preparer 30-40 mins to make dinner...but it only takes me about 5-10 minutes to inhale. I consistently blame this on the fact that I grew up with 2 brothers and a dad who still eat more than many land beasts (horses, cows...). If you don't eat fast, you can't get seconds. So, vrooooom!

OK, so I found an article that helped me, and I wanted to share. I'm going to try to chew my food more. According to this article, it will not only help me enjoy food more, but it's healthier. Chewing Your Food

If it were not for the internet, I would never have written about this. Thank you, Al Gore.

Cincinnati Super Hero

2009-06-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

I'm not the first to write about this. Lo, there is a news report, which has spanned the nation on CNN.com. Shadow Hare is the 21 year-old's name, and he's serious. He carries pepper spray, a tazer and handcuffs.

Yes. Seriously.

At first, I looked for the entertainment. But, if you check out this guys' blog he's serious.

After I got over the image and the costume (yes, I did laugh with the reporters), I felt something inside of me arise. "Justice" is the word that Shadow Hare says when interviewed. I desire justice...in fact, when I pray, I often pray for God's justice, the kind spoken about throughout the word. Defending the poor and needy, caring for the widow and the orphan.

On his blog he states that he stopped a guy from slapping his girlfriend around one evening. Now, I understand that not everything on the internet is true (thank you, Five Iron Frenzy) but something resonated with me when he began talking about the injustice of abuse.

Whatever the motive, this guy is ready to lay down his life for another, and we know whose commission that is.

After reading, I researched citizen's arrests, which Shadow Hare performs, and found out that they do exist, and there is only one state that has made them illegal (NC). Looking particularly at Kentucky's laws, http://www.Constitution.org states:

Kentucky law holds that a person witnessing a felony must take affirmative steps to prevent it, if possible. (See Gill v. Commonwealth, 235 KY 351 (1930.)

Indeed, Kentucky citizens are permitted to kill fleeing felons while making a citizen's arrest (Kentucky Criminal Code § 37; S 43, §44.)

So, apparently I will also become a superhero if I witness a crime according to Kentucky Law. What should my superhero name be?

I'll pray for you tonight, Shadow Hare.

-David

Re: Frazz today

2009-06-03T05:58:00.001-07:00

Dad sent me this today.

Testing the blog poster from email. So if it doesn't show up...just laugh because it's good for ya.

-DC

Living Sacrifice

2009-05-29T08:54:00.000-07:00

Though the lyrics may be hard to understand:

"I am in Christ
A son of God
I am in Christ
No longer condemned
I am in Christ
resurrected."

Finding the rest of the lyrics has proved impossible. These are enough to stick in my head.

Life is hard, Part 2

2009-05-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship (artwork),
created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand,
that we should walk in them.

God has had a plan for my life before time. Pride is still an enemy, and when it comes down, we are able to live out who we really are.

When I finally let go of this earthly system that I think is the only way, I am able to live out my purpose. I was created as an artwork of God. Why try to be something else? Like a wooden block?

Why are you trying to be a gear, when God created you to be a beautiful piece of artwork?

"Love, predestined before time;
This is my purpose
to be a child of God
This is my purpose
to be an heir of God."
-Justin Rizzo set, IHOP, May 28, 2009

Life is hard.

2009-05-22T14:06:00.001-07:00

...and walking with God doesn't make it easier.

If there's one thing I have found God wants to erase completely in my life, it's pride. The way to erasing pride is dishing out the humility.

"We better trash our idols if we want to be
In the army of the Lord
And the greatest idol is you and me,
We better get on the threshing floor
When will we learn that God's strategy
Is giving glory to the Lord?
We better trash our idols if we want to be
In the army of the Lord."
Jason Upton - "Dying Star"

As I get deeper in the bible and the teachings of Jesus, I realize that he preaches the opposite of what I see in the world: if you want to go up, you have to go down; if you want to be great, you have to become poor...yeah, stuff I've heard since I chose to follow Jesus. Now i've reached a point where these things are played out in my life, though.

And it is so hard.

David

Isaiah

2009-05-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

So, I listened to Mike Bickle's "Power of a Focused Life." It is by far, the most passionate and practical thing I have heard in a long time. Based in the Word (which I cannot find the verse? some help, please!), he points out that people "perish" not die outright, but slowly waste away. Yuck. Brings the Sarlacc pit to mind.

OK, so I also listened to his Power of a Focused Life on bible teaching, which is pt. 2 (all this is available on http://ihop.org/FREE) and I decided to start reading. He recommends reading a top-10 list of books.

So, this past week, I started. Here's why i'm excited: i'm waking up early, i'm beginning to focus and i'm reading 200% more than I was the week before. I think that's progress!

I've thought about it for years: A book I've never really touched Isaiah, minus some of the awesome "bind up the brokenhearted" type-stuff. So i'm reading it. I am gaining the perspective of this prophet. I think i'd like that for a job, actually. Honestly: it's probably one of the toughest jobs out there.

Props to Schultz' 'Schultzee Time' - this former roommate of mine is going strong through the word. Check it out. Keep on, Brother in Arms.

I'll post some of my understandings as I go through. It's great to be reading the bible daily again. It's been too long. Something like 49% (don't remember the stat exactly) of Jesus Freaks actually read the bible regularly. I must know more about this thing I've played Russian Roulette with for so long. Thing; AKA, Words of God.

As far as the 15-minute intervals of planning my schedule, let's just say i'm 1000% more planned than I was two weeks ago. I'm doing every 30-60 minutes planned. (thank you, Google Calendar).

It's a marathon. Praise God.

Unashamedly LIFE

2009-05-06T16:04:00.001-07:00

I love LIFE. Especially this one.

If You Like Notes

2009-05-06T10:50:00.001-07:00

Today I felt that I should post this. Not sure why. It's a set of notes I took today from a talk from Mark Driscoll.

Lately, i've been realizing the dichotomy of listening to Mark Driscoll and Mike Bickle as two of my major influences. To most, they are totally opposite ends of the spectrum as far as the human doctrine goes. I like being stretched by each man's downloads of info and insight.

Something I noticed while taking notes: Driscoll's and Bickle's definition of humility are so similar.

Keep in mind, this is how I take notes. A little hard to read, I know.

Mark Driscoll : Humble Pastors, 1 Peter
1 Peter 5:2
Kings: administrative, enjoys numbers, fair salaries, budget of money, love people in practical ways
-the leader with stewardship gifts
Prophets: Discernment, finding the heretics, oversight
Priests: Mercy works, serve projects

Pastors are like the Oxen: (see scripture)
-without feeding the oxen, they will plow, but shrivel and die.
-3 years ago, Mark Driscoll raised his own money.
-if a pastor is being paid by the people and they say "we pay you, you say what we want you to say," return the money. Preach HS' leading.
-greed, shameful gain...

Avg. church has 1 full-time staff.
50% has 1 full time staff.

Lust for Power
-Remember that leadership translates to servant hood
-Jesus is the head pastor - when there is an issue, go to Him!
-a pastor is not a king in a small kingdom
-"everyone needs to know who you are? you're going to be famous? that's satanic." -MD
-Some do well with sheep, not well with other shepherds.

Control vs. Influence
-Control = Fear
-Influence = Love
'being examples to the flock' (see scripture)

People give, serve, enjoy when there is influence.
Influence is far more powerful: 'being examples to the flock'

Don't live for applause, David. Some people get into ministry because they have people pleasing tendencies. If you're in leadership and your goal is popularity, peace, you will be in compromise. If people are applauding you, you are only receiving what a false prophet is receiving.

Wolves have high approval ratings.

Humility and Pride:
Satan's issue was pride.
Satan's temptation was pride.
"You can't love others until you love yourself" "You need to have self esteem" "I'm a winner" NONSENSE!
Demonic! Jesus is your self-identity. Love because you are loved! Self help? We don't help ourselves.

I have experienced this in prayer: pray intercession for others even when I can't feel it - the power of God flows through me when I choose to pray even when I am not feeling strong, or good about myself.

Customer is always right? No...
It's not self-esteem, it's Christ, it's Glory, it's Him. We need help.
Those who are younger, submit yourselves to the elders. (that's me!)

Confess pride/false humility.

Jesus is our model of humility
-He washed the feet of Judas, the thief and betrayer.
-The one proof that we did not come up with God: God is humble. We would have never created a humble God.
-To Jesus, Humility is true greatness.

Ways that MD has experienced humility:
-practicing repentance, not demanding others'
-pastors confessing sins sets up a culture of repentance
-outside accountability and inside accountability for a shepherd is needed
-humble pastors enjoy learning as much as teaching
a humble pastor will create an atmosphere of humility.
"it is uncommon for pastors to attend the conferences they host." -MD

Humility: knowing your place (Mike Bickle's "agreement with truth")

Reformed theology is not important as Jesus.
Humble pastors are fully into the fame of Jesus, not their name, ministry etc.
-they will receive grace to enjoy their work and lives.

IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM. NOT ABOUT US.

One of my relatives.

2009-04-29T17:56:00.001-07:00

This is not a full post. Just a link to an interesting person in my family.

He was a martyr, if i'm reading that right.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auguste_Chapdelaine

A small article, but it is good to be reminded of the sacrifice that has been made for beliefs.

Earth Day 2009 - irony

2009-04-22T15:19:00.001-07:00

Sarah and I were planning on going to the local Earth Day celebration this past Saturday. It's a gathering downtown on the river, in one of my favorite spots in the City. Sawyer Point is a nice area, and I really like that they have events there almost all summer, every weekend.

Now, I said we were planning on going. I heard this thought in my head 'you should go to the park.' Interesting. We'd been planning on going to this Earth Day fest for a couple weeks.

I took a mental note of my mental thought and moved on with my morning.

After our Cincy-Artists meeting at C4Yourself gallery, a friend walks up and tells me he'd just gone for a walk. When I asked where to, he said "Newport." Four miles round trip. That is awesome.

Then I asked him about Earth day and if he saw any of the preparations for the day. He said that he did see some people with vans setting up and carrying boxes covered in Chinese writing. Seriously.

That was the moment I knew I was supposed to go to the park. My mind snapped to "don't they know how much fuel was burned/used to get that stuff over here?" The IRONY! But, it wasn't solely for this reason I did not go.

I would have seen friends and been able hang out. Even now I think to myself, "it's not every day that they have an earth-friendly fest going on downtown. You missed it!" Why did I go to the park? I mean, it's open every day.

My celebration needed to be internal and peaceful. As great as a public celebration is fun (and it probably was!), I realized that my celebration needed to be different. This world is beautiful! And Devou Park was the perfect place for it. (Check out my facebook profile pic...Devou is where the pic is taken)

"Green-Washing" has become the trend. You can now buy so many items that are green, using renewable resources, using less, etc. I'm a big fan of these things, but they are still just things. I owe the reference to the term "Green-Washing" to Dan K. Consuming more stuff just because it's green is not the movement I think we need to see. Don't buy stuff because it's green. Buy stuff cause you need it! ...and then make sure it's green.

Simplicity is the movement. I think that simplifying is the goal. I don't need all the things that I think I need. A lot of them are wants. If I don't buy everything on my "want" list, I can invest a little more in the "need" category for the things I do need, and I can make sure they are locally grown/made/sold/made by friends.

"Thanks for the earth, Dad.
Its colors are so many;
so well molded,
intricately aligned,
simply so we can behold it
Your Love in it we can find"
-david.chapdelaine

"22 Weeks" - the movie I do not want to see

2009-04-21T05:06:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I have posted simply my thoughts and conversations in general. I think I could actually say "years". Here's something that hit me deep yesterday.

While breaking yesterday, I noticed a link on IHOP-KC's Tweet for a movie titled "22 Weeks." I saw it was an indie-type promotion, and figured it was probably surrounding a serious topic. When I went to the site and watched the trailer, something inside me moved. Or shifted. I'm not sure.

I think the something was my spirit. From the trailer, the movie (22 Weeks) is about a young woman who has an abortion and is then (mistakenly?) locked inside a bathroom inside the clinic. The trailer got my attention, it wasn't some cheese-trailer for a Christian B-Movie.

It has been a long time since I have felt a stir that deep to pray for the women who are in this situation. Not in a bathroom in an abortion clinic, but debating inside on what to do, before the clinic.

In Greater Cincinnati, we have a few abortion clinics. One is located in Clifton, which is known for being the urban college-town of University of Cincinnati. It is the closest clinic to my home. Therefore, I pray for the women (and men) who are considering the choice to end their child's life.

I did not spend a lot of time praying...just a couple minutes. However, I am still carrying a weight today, in my spirit, to help this situation become no more.

I also pray with a burden for more believers to open their homes. There are many people who have a home they can open, an extra room or part of a room, to bring in the ones that are being born. All day I thought of our little one, and how close (statistically) she could have been to not being here in our world at all. Homes are needed. I know that with budgeting and a little faith, many homes of the Church body can love these little ones and give parents a different option. What is more: they can have a beautiful child to love, grow and nurture. I (and You!) must make adoption a positive alternative to abortion. Parents today would rather end the lives of their children than put them up for adoption. True. One family at a time, we can take them back.

Yes, this is a pro-life posting. I do not subscribe to every other pro-life stance, so don't group me with others you have heard before. I stick to my own convictions, thanks!

22 Weeks The Movie I do, and do not, want to see.

Learning about HTML

2009-04-09T07:12:00.000-07:00

I'm learning about HTML and CSS, design and principles of design in my work right now. You'll notice some changes to my blog...i'm doing it by editing the "HTML" under layout in blogger.

I remembered one rule about webpages from college: make your background image small so pages don't take more than a couple seconds to load up. I broke that rule because I like the picture of the paper bag.

There is a way around this: I can make the image smaller and have it repeat. I'll work on that. As for right now, enjoy the image "wipe" across the screen.

SPIRITUAL REFERENCE: I started this blog so I could log my own thoughts to share with others what I was thinking about spiritually. How does all this HTML relate to spiritual life? Well, much like my web pages, I am constantly 'under-construction' on the inside. I only display what is going on internally.

How's that?

David

Free Phil Wickham

2009-04-08T07:04:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

Phil Wickham, one of the songwriters whose songs I hear in the KC IHOP prayer room is giving away a live album if you sign up for a newsletter.

Now, I can't say this is the best Live recording I have ever heard. I can't say that it's the most worship-ful album I have heard...but the songs are well written, and the lyrics are right-on.

"beautiful"
"canons"
-a couple tracks to note.

Singalong - Free

Enjoy. I'm listening right now.

I just realized...

2009-04-08T06:33:00.001-07:00

...i've had this blog for almost 5 years. That's pretty amazing.

I'm currently learning a lot about life, organization and technology in my internship with MTech Solutions. The past few days i've been cranking through The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (most people have heard of this...mid-90's, very popular). I'm finding it very stretching to my mostly disorganized life, oddly enough, I like it. I've needed a book like this for some time.

I have been reading books from a great publisher I had not heard of until my training called Head Start. If you ever have a need to learn something math or computer related, and you don't want to go to the same old text books, try any book by this publisher. It's like the pink bubblegum medicine form of learning: still gets the job done but tastes great.

Adventures in foster-parenting is always interesting. Just finished 2 hours of training the other night @ a support group for NKY foster parents. I learned this: if you have teenagers, foster parenting is much different. Reactive attachment disorder, fetal alcohol syndrome, and many other wounds come out in those years.

Visiting my parents in Cleveland for a few days, baby and all. Should be great.

Back to work. Break's over!

Vintage Saints: Saint Patrick | TheResurgence

2009-03-17T15:21:00.001-07:00

Vintage Saints: Saint Patrick | TheResurgence

Posted using ShareThis

Studying...

2009-03-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

Hi!

It's been awhile since I've really posted. Right now I'm studying web design techniques and making notes for future training classes. I decided to take a break (I've been going pretty solid at it since 9am, it's 2pm right now).

I've studied more in the past week than I have since I graduated college...which is no surprise, really. For some reason, though, I am able to focus better on one subject at a time rather than jumping from one hour of to one hour of Communication Criticism, and then to Business Communication.

I have also found that it is helpful to listen to music while I go through. Kind of reminds me harp and bowl (Revelation style...or IHOP style.

Also, my own preference has been to get out in public. See, I tend to stay in my PJ's a little too long if I'm working @ home. I think that actually getting ready for the day in the AM at home is helpful (kind of like dressing business-style for a phone interview).

Keeping focus in a public area is easier for me. Especially when it's Roh's Street
next to UC's campus. The spirit here is 'study' and 'focus'.

Of course, it's finals week time here (they're on quarters; I know, they're kind of odd!), so the spirit could totally be 'panic' and 'cram'. I'll just avoid those.

Back to work.

David

A Gift for my Blogger Friends

2009-03-12T16:39:00.000-07:00

Hey Blogger friends,

I found a way to get rid of the navBar at the top of the page.

Past this into the "Edit HTML":

#navbar-iframe {
display: none !important;}

Yay! Stupid bar's been bothering me. It will buy me more time on blogspot knowing it's gone rather than dipping out to my own server (now that i'm learning all that fun HTML stuff!)

Credit is due to Blogger Banner:
http://blogger-templates.blogspot.com/2005/01/remove-navbar.html

:-)

MTechSolutions

2009-03-10T06:52:00.001-07:00

MTechSolutions

Posted using ShareThis

Sbux Crestview Hills

2008-10-15T04:48:00.000-07:00

Starbucks - Crestview Hills

2 out of 5 stars

The sad thing is, it was our coffee going out of town. We usually make a couple stops on the way out to get coffee (and, honestly, unless I know the indie shops on the way, we avoid them because of the inconsistency in the cup we get at those shops! Maybe if there were a string of indie shops that all agreed to make their coffee consistent...oh, wait...that would not make them indie shops...ack!)

Anyways, the service was the killer here. The baristas were rushed, and I was barked at by our drink-making barista. I honestly think she was stressed out because of the barista taking our order and how he was writing it on the cup (it helps to know what kind of drama happens behind the counter there). In the end, we, the customers, were the victims, though.

Reflect On!

2008-10-15T04:44:00.000-07:00

I do have to say: this years' batch of Oktoberfest from Great Lakes Brewing Co. is wonderful.

Today is my birthday. I told my wife when she asked how I was feeling about my birthday "I feel pretty reflective this birthday." She responded "and you're normally not?"

"Not particularly."

She said, "You're always reflecting."

Maybe that's why other bday's haven't stuck out. I am continuously thinking, continuously reflecting. And I'm OK with that.

David

Stress...

2008-09-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

While reading 'Ordering Your Private World,' I found that there is a stress test that will tell you whether you're running a healthy stress level in your life. The author, MacDonald, says that many times a high stress level is due to drivenness. I decided to check out my own stress level by finding one online. I was suprised by the result.

Check yours out. It may be higher than you think!

Holmes Stress Test

Then check out 'Ordering Your Private World'. It's helping me already!

-David

We Are Smarter

2008-09-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have often criticized us as a society that we have not somehow thought of smart and practical ways to provide for our needs as an international community (i.e. - thinking of better ways to conserve energy sources, feed people who need food...).

This is an amazing idea:

Container Homes

Check it out.

-David

Cincinnati Coffee Reviews: The Coffee Emporium, Starbucks Atrium, Bean Haus

2008-08-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

So, I had this idea this past week to put up coffee houses I have been to, and my reviews of these coffee houses. I tend to visit 'the bux' fairly often, so I think I will even put my reviews of those Starbucks I have visited in here, because (despite corporation...) there are unique-ness-es to each bux. I have had good coffee and experience, and I've left with a bad taste in my mouth (no pun there. Seriously).

I am a coffee drinker. When I say that, I mean that I drink coffee, and good coffee. My roots are in Seattle. Born in the northwest, I think there's something in me that knows good coffee, that detects the carefully-roasted and preparation of the drink. I have enjoyed drinking it since I was 12 years old (my first mocha @ DesMoines, WA QFC parking lot drive-thru espresso), worked coffee for 5 years, and drink it almost every morning from my personal press. There's the qualifications.

THE COFFEE EMPORIUM
3 Locations, Cincinnati Area
***** - 5 stars
http://www.coffee-emporium.com/
Downtown Location: Mi Esposa and I went to this independant shop on our tandem bike for a neat coffee experience early this summer. I ordered an Iced Coffee, she an Iced Latte (I saved a couple bucks with one of those "ghetto latte" ideas. 'Yes, lots of room for cream, please.').

The atmosphere is nice in the Emporium. Overstuffed chairs, hardwood floors, a large area for sitting to have lunch, wi-fi, and huge windows to the downtown skyline. What is neat about the Emporium is the window to the left as you walk in: a view of their indy rostarie. I love these! They were not working on the green to brown when we were there, but I imagine they are doing it weekly to keep up with the business.

We waited in line for a few minutes, as there was a lunch rush at the time. I ate a turkey sandwich from the menu as well, which came out in about 7 minutes. I would reccomend the food.

The coffee itself was well-prepared. I remember the coffee being fresh (as in, it wasn't brewed 'within the week' as some places i've visited, yuck!). It was strong, most likely brewed the same day. A medium-strong iced blend on my part. Ask Mi Esposa about hers.

STARBUCKS - ATRIUM ONE, 4th & MAIN
CINCINNATI, OH
***1/2 - 3.5 Stars
OK, so how can I review my old workplace? I still have the relationships with the folks, that's why.

Most likely you can get in and out of this bux in a few minutes even during the morning rush. Take that morning coffee break here. If you want to avoid the lines, go after 10:30a, before 12:00p.

Like all bux' now, 30 minutes a pot for the coffee and then they re-brew. Very nice for the fresh-seeker. The lattes are plentiful in the morning, so you may be waiting a little bit for those to come out, and there's only one espresso machine.

Why few stars? Atrium has a grab-and-go feel to it, being a businessperson-focused store. Good for business meetings, not the best for a hang out time or date, I would say. That's part of what i'm rating, the "hang-out-ability" if you will.

Say hi to my friends when you go in. If this becomes your regular spot, you'll recognize baristas as well as customers as Atrium has the most regulars I have known of any of the bux' I worked.

BEAN HAUS
*1/2 - 1.5 Stars
Covington, KY

Bean Haus, I give you 1.5 stars for your creative name (On Mainstrasse, a community of shops and bars in Covington) and the overall decor of your shop. Beyond that, I can give no more.

We had just moved to Covington, and decided to visit our local coffee shops for a treat. When I first walked in, I liked the atmosphere and decor of Bean Haus. As I ordered my coffee, I noticed an array of teas behind the counter (curious to try them on 'another visit'.) Mi Esposa ordered an iced latte, and I ordered a dark roast cup of the day. Things went kinda downhill after this.

The barista proceeded to make Mi Esposa's iced latte with toddy (i've seen it done before). As the barista poured, Mi Esposa asked if she could get it with espresso instead.

"Oh, I wouldn't shock your shots like that. That would be wrong!"

Hm. Mi Esposa asked if she could get it this way anyways, and the barista refused. "Try it like this, and let me know if you want me to change it." So we took our drinks after made and sat down. Mi Esposa's coffee tasted more like brown milk. No flavor at all. We asked for more, and she was 'shocked' we asked for more. My coffee was ok...hard to remember with our experience otherwise, though.

It wasn't so much the coffee or the customer relations of the barista, it was a combination of both that made us uncomfortable in this Coffee Haus. The total came to about $8 for our drinks. I would have gone down to Covington's Scribbles (R.I.P.).

Thus concludes

Fearing God, Not Man

2008-07-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

"Christ was the first to suffer," Pastor Li De Xian said. "We just follow Him. There are many thorns but we are just injured a little on our feet. This suffering is very little."

Pastor Li speaks about suffering from experience. The man who said "I will preach until I die" has stuck to his word. Despite continued pressure from the Public Security Bureau, Pastor Li refuses to miss a service unless he is in prison or change his message of salvation through Jesus Christ. During the period from October 2000 to May 2001, he was arrested 15 times for preaching in his unregistered house church in Guangzhou. He has been arrested so many times during the past two years that he has lost count. During one recent detention, jailers tied his arms and legs to a bedpost for three days. When they finally released him from this torture, he was forced to work on an assembly line in the prison factory putting bulbs into strings of Christmas lights to send to America. He and the others had a quota of between four and five thousand bulbs a day. "They suffered this inhumane treatment simply because they failed to meet their daily production quotas in the Chinese labor camp." Li has seen imprisoned Christians tortured so badly that their buttocks bled through their clothing. He spent fifteen days in prison on this particular occasion.

Yet rather than this experience teaching him to be afraid, it has taught him to be prepared. He travels at all times with a small black duffel bag that he keeps packed with a blanket and a change of clothes - the things he will need for prison whenever he is arrested next. "Arrests will come at any time, but we are not afraid, as we have prepared ourselves, and we have not done any crimes." Whenever possible he will spend his time in prison reading the Bible, something he manages to smuggle in with amazing regularity.

His wife, Zhao Xia, strongly supports him in this and refuses to worry. "God will take care of him," she says, "so there's no need to worry."

In 2000, PSB officials also confiscated Li's church and welded the doors shut. In early November 2000 in the city of Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, they reportedly blew up and demolished at least 450 churches, temples and shrines. Government officials said religious leaders had built the churches and temples illegally.

"Don't feel sorry for us," Zhao Xia says of their lifestyle. "At least we are constantly reminded that we are in a spiritual war. We know for whom we are fighting. We know who the enemy is. And we are fighting. Perhaps we should pray for you Christians outside of China. In your leisure, in your affluence, in your freedom, sometimes you no longer realize that you are in spiritual warfare."

(taken from 'Jesus Freaks: Book of Martyrs')

I am comfortable too often. I remember spiritual warfare on occasions in my freedom. I believe that I will see a day when Christians are persecuted by our country because of extreme dedication to their faith. I believe that the lines are being drawn in the sand between the dedicated and the non dedicated; the sheep and the goats are being divided as we live our lives today. This man, Zhao, sees all to well our complacency in America. There are many things that go unnoticed in our comfort. 50 million babies since 1974. That's just one.

I need to open my eyes! I am comfortable, and it is not comfort from The Comforter!

-David

2008-06-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of our present situation upstairs. We're in the middle of painting and caulking. My dad told me that Caulk is a homeowners' best friend. I would agree with that. Sealing, patching, covering settled edges...it's amazing. I suggest DAP for your caulking needs...specifically the 'kwik' tube...the red one. It's really easy. Beats those guns I can't figure out how to use.

I should be posting more pictures later...they'll be on our Picasa Page either tonight or tomorrow. Check back or put it on your RSS feed. I'll be updating it a little more regularly this summer.

Peace to you today.
David

2008-05-15T05:15:00.000-07:00

There's something bigger going on.
Something bigger than what we see.
More real than what we touch;
sounds of which we do not hear.

A war rages for our thoughts, our allegiance
our desires
We are more important than we think,
Our lives hang in a balance,
Daily choices decide the direction we move.

Quiet, quiet now. Hear the war rage.
Can't hear it?
Quieter still, then,
our hearts are aflame with battle.
It's been too long since I've listened.
What have I missed?
Has anything died inside?

There's something bigger going on.
Do you see?
It's more than you and me.

-me

Planner in my pocket

2008-03-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

I just got a new phone...the blackberry pearl, actually. It's quite distracting if I let it be. Since the big blue store just opened here in Cincinnati, I haven't had much time to play with it, until today. I'm learning a bit about it. I can get email anywhere now...now I wonder if I can blog from it, too. Hmm....

Anyways, that's a small update. We're re-doing a lot in our house right now (like the big ugly mantle that we just threw away.) Sarah's having a good time picking out some IKEA things, and some other not-so-new things online here.

Lots i'm learning lately: how to not be so hard on me...and how to die by living. When problems arise, I tend to think "oh, well, I guess it's time to quit playing guitar/job/friendships...etc." Ever think this way? Die to live. That means that I keep all the responsibilities, and just learn how to live those out, serving those in which i'm involved with, not quitting. That's not dying. For me, quitting is giving up (at least, right now.)

What is twitter, anyways? Oh well, blackberry first.

David

Cincinnati is as Eco as Portland?

2008-02-28T17:36:00.000-08:00

Hey Amigos,

I just discovered some great possible happenings in Cincinnati. Through my local green store, park+vine, I discovered that Cincinnati is thinking about putting a streetcar system in. This would be a great addition to our city; eco-wise.

Still praying for my favorite candidate. I believe miracles are possible. Seriously.

David

The Brown Bag Candidate

2008-02-06T15:21:00.000-08:00

I believe that the sanctity of life is of utmost importance in our next election. There is still a candidate who will stand for the babies.

Lou Engle (of The Call) writes about a dream that one man had a year and a half ago in this article. Take a read. I believe this man is still in the race...and I pray that the church would rally behind this man.

"Arise, oh church!"

David

Supporting Our Favorite Artists

2008-01-26T15:39:00.000-08:00

Hey Amigos,

I have recently been taking a different approach to supporting my favorite artists. Even though it's not going to every concert I can, or buying all the t-shirts, it is through a more direct buying process. I've found Snocap.com, which is a purchasing store that any artist can put their music on (even me!). The fees are minimal for artists to post, and they receive somewhere around .48c per song you purchase. (Correct me if you know a more accurate stat..that's from my research). This is more than most other music providers.

Also, I just purchased music today from Forerunner Music's MP3 page, which goes directly to the ministry. It's more like access to files you can download once purchased, but I believe that there are hardly any costs to posting the music (minus the webspace). (FYI: I got the new Misty Edwards Album, Relentless...it is a great purchase...22 tracks, great guitar work and the lyrics are solid)

I am posting this to encourage you to take up this form of purchasing. Similar to fair-trade and fair-wage desires, this form of buying will allow artists to receive more of the profit from their work, thus making it possible for them to continue the work they are doing.

A challenge to those still downloading music freely: I came to the conviction that if I wasn't going to pay the $10 or whatever it costs to buy an album, then it's not worth it anyways. I was a 'poor' college kid when I came to this conviction. I have since taken inventory of my music, deleted the free tracks, and bought the music that really mattered to me.

-David

Chuck for Huck

2008-01-20T12:28:00.003-08:00

Enjoy.

DC

Huckabee.

2008-01-06T11:06:00.001-08:00

Mike Huckabee.

I'm Speechless.

and laughing.

DC

P.S. - Joyful laughing that is.

How to Know You're The Favorite in the Family

2007-09-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

How do you know you're the favorite in the family?

Sarah and I recieved this from her mom yesterday.

Cheers,
DC

2007-09-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

"If too much stress has not been made of the gifts of the Spirit, then too little has been said of the fruit of the Spirit."

This is a line I read over and over again to understand, a piece of Leonard Ravenhill's articles. Ravenhill was a friend to A.W. Tozer, and a mentor to Keith Green, one of my heroes. As you can imagine alongside names like those, his teachings are challenging and extreme, cutting to the heart of issues.

Check out this and more of Leonard Ravenhill's teachings.

Love.
David

Pray for Government

2007-09-14T06:33:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been reading Shaping History, which is a very powerful book. It is a book that makes me feel like i'm getting punched when I really soak it in. Punched by my brother, that is. It is intense. It is short, and yet so very meaty. An 18 oz. steak of a book.

I have found out a place in my life that I am void. I live my life according to Paul's words: submit to authority (Rom 13:1) as working for the Lord. (Col 3:3). Until about 6 months ago, I did not live my life this way. Instead, I lived as if Jesus was a rebel against all authority.

Shaping History has reminded me, through the word, that God is the authority. "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (Rom 13:1)" God has authorities placed in my life for a reason.

On top of that, as a believer of prayer and intercession I need to pray for these authorities in my life. I need to vote according to my values, and realize that God has put people in authority over me for a reason. David was placed under Saul's authority, and the Lord inflicted Saul with a dark mood. Why would God do this? I know that God loves me, and therefore, his reasons for placing me (or pre-King David) under this type of authority is for my growth and good.

I will pray as David did. I will pray as Daniel did, for my leaders. I will shape history. Join me, brothers.

My thoughts. What you think?

David

Thankful

2007-09-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

I work in a place where people are often complaining about their situations. Honestly, though that is most everywhere. I was challenged by an email I received this morning, to first get all my passive angers off my chest. The email suggested that I tell God what my frustrations are, and then be thankful for what I have. I have an incredible amount of blessings that disappear when I only look at things that I could complain about.

Thanks for what you have given me, God.

David

2007-08-30T06:35:00.000-07:00

"Pay no attention to me,
dancing with my girl.
We have every intention
to be failures in this world."

-Aaron Weiss, mewithoutYou

2007-08-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

A couple of gifts

2007-08-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

My parents just went on their 25th anniversary honeymoon. While they were there, they thought of us. I received a recycled bike chain bottle opener. My wife received a small pewter house hook, and a stuffed dinosaur for her preschool classroom.

I focus more on the 25 years. Thank you, mom and dad! You set a beautiful example of commitment to love.

David

You want what?

2007-08-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

Hey Amigos,

Sarah and I dialogged this morning about communal living a bit. She has been in Acts 2 and 4 studying how the early Christians lived. Recently I found some photos of a place in UCHISAR, Turkey where the remains of original Christian (and non-believers) villages in caves. Search Google for some pictures, there are a lot. I noticed how connected these houses were, and couldn't help but connect community and close dwelling.

Some know that a friend is coming to live with us in just a couple weeks. This is a movement towards what I believe sharing my possessions openly means. Mi casa es tu casa. I want to be in the place where my belongings are no longer mine, but truly the Lord's, sharing them with people. From my house down to my coat, my chairs to my guitars.

As our friend comes to live with us, however, I believe there is something deeper needed in our commune. Problems and conflict are going to happen when people live together, we're human. I do not want the living to work, I want to love my friends. That is my goal. I want to love.

I am also having more interactions with poorer folks as we have moved into the Covington area. There are two Krogers, both close distances. One caters to middle class folk. The other caters to the poor. Even the shelves reflect that. Last night a woman asked me for some money for cigarettes. I noticed that she was on food stamps. There is a reason cigarettes are not covered in food stamps.

God is wrecking my faith lately. He is dismantling what I believe to be true and making it more like what Jesus lived. There is a famous singer from a rather popular band who is very concerned with the poor, all over the media right now. His statements are ringing more true right now with my heart.

Shane Claiborne is helping to change my mind. If you have a minute or two, read this article about the poor. It may rock you a bit, I warn you. It rocked me.

The New Monastics

God, keep on doing what you're doing.

Love.
David

Home

2007-08-05T09:48:00.001-07:00

Hey Friends & fam,

Sarah and I are officially moved into our new house, and we are presently working on making it a home. I wanted to post some photos so you could see what we have. We have completed the hardwood flooring/sanding/finishing/sealing, which you can see in our photo album. I'll have more picture updates on our blog here pretty regularly. Check back!

Photo album (bookmark it!)
http://picasaweb.google.com/DavidRChapdelaine/

Love!
David & Sarah

Alistair Begg

2007-07-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

The pastor of the church I went to in High School is being featured as one of the "Relevant Revolution" tracks. Check it out.

Relevant Revolution
(Click on Alistair Begg)

I remember this sermon...It wasn't too long ago.

David

Good Music, Good Lyrics

2007-07-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

I like mewithoutYou's music so much, mainly because of the lyrical content. I like their music so much because of their rhythmic music. OK...I like it because of both.

The lyrics are plain yet poetic. Yes, he talks most of the time...which reminds me of a conversation with another person almost. They are Christian and real...unafraid of revealing the personal side of life. I find that so important in music.

The band recently converted their touring vehicle to an engine that burns vegetable oil, which I would love to do with my own car (If someone knows how to convert a gasoline engine to vegetable oil, let me know; as far as I know you can only convert diesel).

Aaron spent some time with The Simple Way folks (the people in PA that I wrote about a little while ago.)

Love.

David