Tim Glenn Music

Back in Time

2012-01-12T15:32:00.000-08:00

What if we could go back and fix the mistakes we've made?

Would you want to?

There are a handful of things from my past that I've longed to go back and correct. They will likely haunt me for the rest of my life.

Still, as I consider this train of thought, much has to be taken into account.

My first impression is, "I should write a song about this!" But then I think, "No, this is just a blog post."

This time, it's both.

Here are some thoughts mixed with some lyric ideas:

Probably the most famous sin on earth took place in the Garden of Eden. Oh, that garden! All the food they needed. Innocence and honesty in their purist form.

Then, one bad decision:

"Seems to me she was deceived

And took the apple from the tree

Shared it with her helper, friend

And things are not the same since then…

No things are not the same since then."

I wonder if Adam and Eve ever looked back. In those following years of dirty, sweaty toil, did they ever have the conversation?

Eve: "Oh, if I had only told that stupid snake to shut up!"

Adam: "If only I hadn't taken that bite!"

Did they ever fight about it? Was blame ever cast?

Adam: "Why did you have to bring me that confounded fruit!?"

Eve: "You didn't have to eat it, ya know! No one forced it down your throat."

Here's an interesting idea: What would've happened if Eve ate of the fruit but Adam stood his ground and denied it. How would that have changed the world? I'm sure, at some point, mankind would have still screwed up. But what if we hadn't?

Or, what if Eve DID shoo the serpent away…and neither of them partook of the fruit?

Think of the ramifications on life as we know it. Perhaps there would be no sin, no war, no death. But also…no need for Jesus. No blood. No crucifixion. No resurrection. No Christmas. No Easter. What if our story was simply…"God made us and gave us a perfect home?"

Wait…as a musician, I wonder how that would change our hymns? All those beautiful songs celebrating Jesus' victory over death. All those praises to God for His sweet redemption story.

Gone.

"Can we go back in time to right our wrongs?

Would it erase our rhymes?

Would it change our song?

No more sweet refrains of Amazing Grace

Not one single verse with Jesus' name?"

I honestly don't believe man will ever figure out how to travel back in time to change the past. And my gut tells me that's a good thing. But even if we could, I'm sure we'd slip up somewhere else along the way. Maybe we'd create drama some other way. Because, us humans, we thrive on drama!

And now to apply that to my own life. As much as I'd like to go back and change the past, I wonder what I'd miss out on if I did. I wonder what blessings, joys and wonders would never begin, without my sin.

"To erase the bad, you must erase it all

Every joy and blessing fall.

Crimson gone but at what cost?

Precious memories…all are lost."

Moments

2011-12-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

Our lives are made up of moments.

And most of them will never be captured by a camera or microphone. And try as we may, we cannot hold on to every one of them. As I get older, I'm very much aware that my memory isn't as sharp as it used to be. And that is painful. I want to be able to recapture the sparkle in my wife's eyes when her quivering lips said, "I do." To remember what it felt like to hear my sons draw a breath and cry for the first time. Every time one of my boys calls me "daddy" my heart smiles. I want to hold onto these things vividly. Not as hazy memories.

It's cruel, I think, that we don't have some sort of digital recording device in our brains that allows us to capture, replay, re-experience.

Or maybe it's grace.

Because there are also moments that I want to erase for all eternity. The way my wife's face changes and tears flow from her beautiful blue eyes when I've said or done something to hurt her. The moment I lost composure upon losing a job that I put way too much value in. The look of fear in my son's eyes when I yelled, perhaps too loudly, at him. The ugly sin moments. Those can be sent to the recycle bin of the mind as far as I'm concerned. But, just as we cannot record and playback those moments we hold dear, we cannot erase the ones we'd like to pretend never happened.

And that, I suppose, is God's way of telling us to make the most of every moment. Every heartbeat is precious...important. Every word we speak, action we take is more than just a moment...it's a piece of our story. And our story is incomplete without the bad as well as the good.

What moments do you wish you could cling to and replay in your heart and mind? Which ones do you wish could be erased from the hard drive of your life?

The World is Bored.

2011-10-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

I’m convinced the world is bored. I mean, seriously bored.

Evidence of this started a few years ago. A group of people who were bored got together and decided to do a choreographed song and dance performance in public. The idea was that it would appear as random, yet organized. It soon garnered the name, “flash mob.” And bored people have been trying to come up with original flash mobs ever since.

Then came “planking?” I mean, seriously…people are taking pictures of themselves lying down. Really? This is a social activity now? Lying down? I know that people are coming up with creative places to plank. I get that. But in the end, we’re taking pictures of ourselves lying still.

Admit it, we’re bored.

How else does one explain this “occupying” movement? It’s the flavor of the month right now. Occupy Wall Street. Occupy this. Occupy that. What is occupying, really? It’s a group of people gathered together, protesting the power and money that major corporations have. Funny. They’re walking around in clothes created by corporations, taking pictures and video of their events with cameras made by corporations (I’ve seen several people using their smart phones at these events. Really?) Some even make a run to the closest fast food joint to grab a burger and fries from a corporation, so they don’t get too hungry while they’re sitting in their tents made by corporations. And how are they getting the word out about their events? Through social media. Yep, you guessed it, corporations. They’re even going out of their way to get traditional media coverage. You know, those corporately owned television, radio stations and newspapers?

So…what are they really protesting? If anything, they should be protesting themselves…their own stupidity. Or at the very least their hypocrisy.

No, I think they’re just bored.

For the most part, these aren’t bad things. At least people are getting creative. At least they’re doing something with their time. But what is the cause of all this boredom?

Personally, I think it’s the result of a very dramatic decade. In September of 2001, one of the most dramatic events happened in our country’s history. We collectively gasped. We got angry. We united. Then we spent the next few years seeking revenge. But we also spent that time rebuilding. We got busy. We wanted to prove to the world that we would not fall. So we spent money. Lots of money. Money we didn’t have. We ran up our debt. Just like a family trying to keep up with the Joneses, we weren’t going to be outdone by any other country. We had to prove to the world that we are still the strongest, greatest country on the planet. And we got accustomed to that spending. We got used to the drama of it all.

Now we’re on the backside of it. We’re back home from vacation and the bills have just shown up. We spent a lot of money at Disney World. It didn’t feel like real money because we used a credit card. And that mouse with the big ears is just a memory now. We still long for the euphoria.

We are bored. And we need to be careful because when people get bored, they start doing things to create euphoria. Problem is, it doesn’t last long. So we’re on to the next thing…and the next. Before you know it, we’re carrying signs, protesting something we ourselves don’t even understand and rioting about powerhouses that we ourselves created. And how far will we go?

We have forgotten the great, lost art of…being content.

At the risk of sounding like a buzz kill (which I realize is a real risk here), may I make a few suggestions: go to work, come home, play with the kids, watch a movie as a family, work in the yard, clean the garage, go on a picnic, go for a hike. No, it’s not nearly as dramatic. But it’s a lot healthier. Learn how to be content before we go too far.

Was It For the Devil?

2011-09-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

I have written songs to God, about God and even some from the perspective of God. But one song in particular was a change of pace for me.

I've recieved quite a few emails from fans asking me who I'm addressing in the song, As You Think You Are. The most common question is, "Was it for the devil?" Sometimes, people assume I had a specific person in mind and want to know who it was. And, every once in awhile, someone asks, "Did you write this for yourself?"
Truth is...
It's all of those.

As You Think You Are is a message about pride.

You consider this and everything you see

as your imagination running wild.

You consider this, in pure hypocrisy,

as something that you caused to come about...

You'll recall Lucifer was the highest of angels til pride took him down. He started to believe that he, himself was God. In that sense, yes, this song is about, or rather to, Satan.

But I also struggle with pride. I sometimes get to the place in my life where I say, "Look what I've accomplished!" Dangerous place to be. Because the truth is, I've accomplished nothing on my own. God's grace has given me the beautiful family I have, our wonderful home, my career, my music ministry. Without Him, I'm just another sinner. Correction...without Him, I'm probably the chief of all sinners.

You're not as strong.

You're not as powerful.

You're not as much as you think you are.

But this song is written to you too. It's a warning...a reminder. Don't start believing your own hype. Sometimes we want to present ourselves as "having it all together." I believe God created in us the desire to aspire to more. But not for our own glory. This song is aimed at all of us who tread that dangerously thin line between acknowledging God and seeking praise for ourselves. And it's laced with some of the same questions that God asked Job:

What about the moon?

What about the stars?

Are you the one who put them in their place?

And what of living air?

Were you the first to breathe for every living creature, every race?

So yes, As You Think You Are was written for the devil. And for me. And for you. I hope there's something we can all learn from it.

You can hear the song here: www.timglennmusic.com/asyouthinkyouare.mp3

If you like it, please go to iTunes and buy it! And share this link with your friends!

Does God Understand This At All?

2011-09-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

Today Morgan, my four year old, starts pre-school. And I'm feeling a bit...well, melancholy.

For sure, I'm extremely proud of him. He's so smart. He knows the importance of "please" and "thank you." He and his little brother, Grayson, are my absolute pride and joy. I can't imagine life without them...nor do I want to.

But like millions of parents before me and, for sure millions after, it's hard to see my baby boy grow up. A big part of me wants to keep him "cuddle-size"...where he fits just right in my lap and arms. I love that he still gives me kisses, hugs and runs into my arms when I get home from work each day. I fear those days are quickly fading. And pre-school, somehow, marks the beginning of the fade.

And that got me thinking this morning, does God understand that at all? I wonder if an ageless, timeless, eternal God knows what it's like to wish his child would stay a child. Yes, He watched Jesus grow up but I don't know of any place in Scripture where it says God had a hard time when Jesus first strapped on a backpack and took a number two pencil to class. I don't recall God getting misty-eyed over our Lord's first day of high school.

But I do remember this:

"I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins

and become like little children, you will never

enter the Kingdom of Heaven." --Matthew 18:3 (NIV)

God knows what happens as we get older and the world takes away some of the wonder. He knows how, with age, we start to lose that abandon that sends us running into His arms. So, while God may have never expressed His saddened heart over watching a child grow up, He definitely expressed his sorrow over his children losing their child-like faith.

Maybe that's another thing we have in common with our Maker.

We all want our kids to stay "cuddle size."

58: The Film

2011-07-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

Check out the trailer for this church-changing film that's coming out in October.
Share it.
Join the movement.
We can change the world.

58: THE FILM Trailer July, 11 2011 from LIVE58NOW on Vimeo.

Reflection

2011-06-02T10:23:00.001-07:00

I remember.
I remember when those light green eyes shined so brightly.
When those bony, broad shoulders stood square and strong.
Just yesterday life danced in that goofy grin.
And the chestnut locks curled along that scrawny neck.

O' where did the wide-eyed wonder go?
The dare, no determination, to change the world?
Did wonder give way to worry?
And dare to disappointment?

Those eyes have lost their shine. They show retreat.
Those shoulders, now slumped in defeat.
If I ever had a hope, it seems I lost it.
If I ever had a smile, then fate has tossed it.
The curls of youth replaced by graying...straying.

Is this the real me?
Is this who I was all along?
And only now the veneer has worn so thin that truth is exposed?

Or have I wandered so far that the real me cannot be found?
Lost somewhere in time's relentless ticking...ticking...ticking.

Oh mirror, surely you lie.
Surely the best has not gone by.

Why You (I) Don't Understand God

2011-05-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, God just plain humbles you.

Sometimes you need a reminder that He is God and you are not. (And by "you", I mean "me.")

I've been thinking a lot lately about God's whole plan...and how it just doesn't make sense. I mean, here's what boggles me: God knows the future. So He knew, long before He even created the heavens and the earth, that His prized creation would betray him. He knew that man would turn against Him. He knew we'd create other gods to take his place. He knew we would deny our Maker's very existence.

And yet He continued. That blows my mind. If it were me, upon seeing this future, I would've said, "Nah...never mind."

But not only did He continue, God devised a plan to give us all a chance to come back to Him. And what a plan it is! We denied Him and HE came chasing after us. Such is the love of God for us!

For those of you who don't know this plan, here it is in a nutshell: God said, (paraphrasing here) "You denied me. You didn't listen to me. You broke my rules. You shunned me, spat at me, kicked dirt in my face. I created you and you proclaimed that you created me. So you don't deserve to be with me. You don't deserve all that I have to offer. After all, you think you can do better on your own. You deserve to spend eternity away from my presence. But I love you. I love you so much that I will give my only son--the son I love--to you. I will allow you to beat him, mock him, torture him, kill him. All so you can be forgiven for what YOU'VE done. Not for what HE has done. He will be blameless. But still he'll die so YOU can become blameless too."

Now wait a minute. I'm sorry, but that plan just plain doesn't make sense to me. Who comes up with that? Who could possibly think that makes sense?

God. That's who.

And the reason we don't understand it. Well, He even gave us an answer for that too:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD. "As the heavens are

higher than the earth, so are my ways

higher than your ways and my thoughts

than your thoughts." --Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

Think about that statement for a moment and realize just how humbling that is. As smart as you are, God is infinitely smarter. As much as you think you understand, you're not even close. Your sense of justice is lightyears away from what His justice really is. Your ability to reason...miniscule in His presence. Anytime you've asked God, "why?"the answer is, "You wouldn't understand if I told you." Anytime you say, "I can't believe in a God who would do something like..." it's because you don't get it. And again, by "you", I mean "me."

Humbling.

And yet, somehow...empowering.

It's the End of the World (As We Know It)

2011-05-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

No doubt, by now, you've heard of the prediction that tomorrow is Judgement Day and the end of the world will begin with the rapture happening sometime tomorrow, Saturday, May 21st, 2011. Harold Camping, who somehow got to a point where he owns a network of 150 "religious" radio stations around the country, has been espousing this message for months now.

I'm okay when so-called "experts" or self-proclaimed theologians start spouting out theories like this as fact. Mostly because, when Sunday May 22nd comes around...no one will ever listen to this yahoo again.

But...

What if? I know, I know...but entertain the thought for awhile. If we all really knew that tomorrow was the end of the world, how would we behave? Would there be any need to go to war today? Any reason to harbor ill-will towards another human being? If the end of the world was coming within the next 24 hours, and we all face the same fate...then we're all equal today. How would that change the way you behave? How would that affect the way you live the next 24 hours?

Maybe sometimes these nutjobs are good for us. Maybe they make us ask important questions of ourselves. Maybe, we can all be better human beings by at least entertaining such outrageous claims about the end of the world.

People who have "near death experiences" often change the way they live. What if we treated this prediction as a "near death experience?" Maybe we laugh off such notions because we truly don't want to change. Maybe we laugh at these predictions (and perhaps rightfully so) because we don't want a near death experience. But maybe we all need our cage rattled every once in awhile, huh?

I, for one, don't believe Camping's claims. No matter how elaborate his mathematical equation for figuring out the end of the world. Because God told us very clearly:

"But about that day or hour no one knows,

not even the angels in heaven, nor the

Son, but only the Father."

--Matthew 24:36 (NIV)

Not even Harold Camping.

But wouldn't it be nice if the whole world lived that way...just once?

...And There Was Much Rejoicing

2011-05-02T08:43:00.001-07:00

Last night my wife and I were watching a movie in our living room. We finished about 10 o'clock and were just about to head to bed when she checked her Facebook one quick time. She read this post in her news feed:

"Burn in hell, Bin Laden."

We were both curious about this post. Was this person just having a bad day and blaming the worst terrorist mastermind of our generation? Or did something happen? We quickly turned on the news to see the news banner across the bottom of hte screen:

PRESIDENT OBAMA CONFIRMS OSAMA BIN LADEN HAS BEEN KILLED.

We watched as crowds gathered in front of the White House, clapping, singing and waving flags in the celebration of the death of this horrible man. I hit rewind on the DVR to see how the news unfolded--the first official announcement from White House press reporters. We watched as President Obama told us about the operation.

And...we rejoiced.

"One less piece of evil in this world" I posted on facebook and Twitter. And that sparked a conversation. Are we supposed to rejoice at the death of a terrorist? Or, in the much-cliche'd phrase, "what would Jesus do?"

"Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice..."

--Proverbs 24:17 (NIV)

But that's not easy to do, is it? I mean, we are so human after all (sorry, shameless plug for my album.) It is very human to rejoice when a bad person is defeated. We want to see our enemies vanquished. We tell ourselves that it's okay because good conquered evil. Never mind the fact that the Bible tells us NONE of us is "good." So are we supposed to celebrate the death of this horrible man? It's not an easy question to answer. I believe God is happy that Osama Bin Laden will not be able to carry out any more evil acts on His people. But we can also presume that God wept last night. If Osama Bin Laden indeed died without having known Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior, then God found no pleasure in that.

"...as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD,

I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked,

but rather that they turn from their ways and live..."

--Ezekiel 33:11 (NIV)

I'll be honest. That's not me. Not right now. Yes, I think it's sad that a human being died, presumably not knowing his Creator, but I'm glad that our country dealt an incredibly painful blow to Al Qaeda. I'm glad Bin Laden won't be able to plot against us anymore. (Though I'm not naive enough to believe this ends our war on terror.) And I'm proud of the men and women serving in our military to fight against their injustice.

Yes, there is reason to rejoice. But there is also reason to weep. It's never a good thing when someone is sentenced to eternal suffering...if, as some have recently suggested, that even really exists. (But that's another topic altogether.)

30 Seconds (That Changed My LIfe)

2011-04-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

Since I was a college student I've had this one dream that, to this day, has yet to come true. I have always wanted to be nominated for a Dove Award. That may seem silly to some, but to me it's recognition that you're a serious contributor to the Christian music industry. Your songs mean something. Your talent is appreciated. It's one of the highest awards for any Christian music artist.

I have never even been considered, of course. But there was one moment--30 seconds--that almost led me down that path. Almost.

Right after I graduated college--and somewhat on a whim--I entered a vocal competition in Dallas, Texas. I soon found out that I'd be competing against 186 singers...and I was number 183 to perform. I knew the judges would be tired. And here I was, singing to a track of a song called Crucified that I wrote with some friends in college. Shortly before I went on, I asked one of the other competitors if anyone had "blown away the judges yet." She said, "Not really."

I got up, I sang my song. The crowd applauded. The judges applauded. It was an extremely positive response. When I sat back down in the room, the girl I had spoken to previously handed me a note on a piece of torn, red paper. "I think you're the one who just blew everyone away!" (I still have that note to this day.)

To my surprise, I won the competition. And the first place prize was to go to Nashville, record a project, open for Morgan Cryar (one of my all-time favorite artists--and who my oldest son is named after) and...wait for it...pitch your project to the president of Star Song records. This was my chance!

I went to Nashville. I recorded my first solo project, called Shock the World. It was pop. It was, at moments, a bit corny. There are some songs on there that I'm still proud of though. Probably wasn't my best effort but with the amount of studio time I had been given, (we recorded the entire album in 3 days) it was ok. I opened for Morgan Cryar, singing a handful of my songs and received a strong response. "I'm on my way!" I thought.

When I arrived at the office of Star Song records, I sat in the lobby next to a young couple. He had spikey "nashville hair" and she had big, blonde hair! They were dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. He was wearing a denim jacket. I spent every last dollar I had to buy a cheap suit at the Nashville mall. I was feeling a little out of place. They told me they were a married couple and they were there to sign their recording contract for their first album. They called themselves Two Hearts. It was exciting to meet other artists who were just about to launch their careers. They had done it. They were getting their chance. I was hoping that, by that afternoon, I'd be in the same boat. They comforted me, wished me luck and then went into another room to look at their paperwork.

When the president of Star Song came out of his office to meet me, my producer introduced me as "the next Michael W. Smith." The president asked me, "Are you the next Michael W. Smith?" I said, "No sir. I'm the first Tim Glenn!" I was brimming with confidence. I knew this meeting could change my entire career path. I went into the office with the president. Sat down in front of his desk. He sat in his leather chair behind the desk. We made a little bit of chit-chat. I was obviously nervous as he popped my cassette into his tape player. (Yes, we were still using cassettes back then.)

"Well then, 'first Tim Glenn', let's see what you've got."

The first song--Take Me Away--came on. My foot was tapping. Probably as much out of nervousness as enjoying the beat.

30 seconds. That's all he listened. He stopped the tape. Popped it out. What is he thinking? Was it so good that he didn't need to hear any more? Was it so bad he didn't need to hear any more?"

It was the latter.

"I'm sorry, Tim. This just isn't what we're looking for right now. Good luck to you though."

That was it. No contract. No suggestions. No second chance. Nothing. I walked out of that office, deflated. I took my shot. And I missed. I walked past Two Hearts, sitting in another room poring over paperwork. They looked at me with the obvious question on their faces. I just shook my head no as I walked by. My producer walked me out to the car, where I fought back tears the entire ride back to the house where I was staying.

I often have wondered what my life would've been like had that 30 seconds gone differently. Don't get me wrong, I love the way God has blessed me with a family and a career. And I still get to make music, lead worship, etc. But that 30 seconds was a path changer. It led me to pursue a different career...a different life.

Tonight, the Dove Awards will be held in Nashville. And at some point, an artist will hear his or her name announced among the list of nominees. Oh, how I wish I knew what that felt like!

"In Love"

2011-04-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

I've been struggling a lot lately with the concept of being "in love with Christ." And I wonder if it's because I haven't found a way to see him more tangibly. I know, that sounds odd, but go with my logic for a sec:

The Bible tells us that:

"Greater love has no one than this:

to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
-John 15:13 (NIV)

And, quite honestly, if I were faced with the choice of dying or denying Christ, I would choose death. I could not deny Him who has given me eternal life...the one who has given me my family, my very breath. How could I possibly? So, in that sense, yes I suppose I love Christ.

But dying for a cause or person is one thing. What about living for one? I admit, I fail miserably at this. Some days, yes. Some days, far from it. And I can't seem to wrap my brain around this concept of loving God with every fiber of my being, as spelled out in Luke 10:

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’
-Luke 10:27,(NIV)

Just being honest here. I love my children that way. But I'm not sure I love God that way. And I think it's because my chidlren are tangible. I can hold them. I can hug them. I can hear their sweet little voices, see their beautiful smiles. It's easy to love them, in fact. If God were more tangible to me, perhaps I could love Him as easily. Or maybe it's not supposed to be easy to love Him? Or is this some unattainable goal that we're supposed to strive for, but never achieve?

Or perhaps my concept of "love" is completely off-base? But I really struggle with how one can love God that deeply, when we cannot touch, see, hear or smell?

Is it possible to love Him with ALL of your heart, soul, mind and strength? If that's possible, I'd really like to get there. I'd love to have that kind of relationship with Him.

"Thy Will Be Done"

2011-02-24T07:36:00.001-08:00

Twice, in the past two weeks, I've heard a message on the Lord's Prayer. (One pastor even went so far as to say "stop calling it the Lord's Prayer. Jesus would never pray asking God to forgive him of his sins--he doesn't have any!") Whenever I hear more than one message on the same point in such a short amount of time, I figure God's trying to tell me something. And I, being as slow and dimwitted as I am, need to be told more than once. Just sayin'.

But here's the part I've really been struggling with:

"...Thy will be done..."

In all honesty, I've struggled with that most of my life. What if God's will isn't what I think will make me happy? My two biggest fears in this life are that God will either take one of my boys away from me, or take me away from them--leaving them to grow up fatherless like I did. So, I am terrified of God's will. I'm horrified that He may do one of those things to "teach me a lesson."

Wow. I probably need to work some on my view of God.

But this morning, on my way to work, I was having a conversation with God. And I once again verbalized these fears to Him. And He challenged my thinking with a question. He simply asked,

"Can you, by your own will, make your boys live to be old men? Can you will to live long enough to see your boys grow up?"

"No. I cannot," I replied.

"Then why are you afraid of surrendering to the will of the one being who can?"

Whoa.

It's true. The one being who, sheerly by His will, created an entire universe, who spoke life into existence, the one who willed me (and my boys) into existence is the only one who can will the things I hope for, pray for.

Yes, He's also the one who can will the things I fear. And I've still got some growing to do, before I can fully accept that God wants to give me the desires of my heart, (as long as they are in accordance with that will. Ugh! Beyond my comprehension!)

Perhaps a better question is, "If it's God's will to take my boys away--or me away from my boys--then is there really anything I can do to stop Him?"

No. There is not. So why not disclose those fears to Him? Why not surrender to His will, turning it all over to God, and pray that He hears those desires of my heart...to watch my boys grow into men?

A lot of things to work through still. But I figured I'm not the only one who struggles with this idea of surrendering to God's will. But in the end, I can't "out-will" God anyway.

God's Troubled Past

2010-11-17T09:09:00.000-08:00

Is it possible that our God’s troubled past is the very proof that He is real?

As believers, we are often confronted with questions about our faith that are hard—if not impossible—to answer. Ours is a simple but, at the same time, complex religion. Those who do not believe have a lot of questions that, on the surface anyway, appear to put a chink in our spiritual armor:

-“If there’s a God, then why is there so much pain, suffering, disaster, death?”
-“If He really is a loving God, why would He kill so many people?”
- “If God knows everything, then He knew man would sin against Him. So why bother?"
- "Why even create a world where His only Son needed to die?”

As a believer, I myself have wrestled with these questions. And that’s perhaps the most disconcerting thing to non-believers. How can you possibly believe in a God if you don’t even know the answers? How can you believe in a God that you obviously don’t understand?

A lot of people ask these questions as if they are some some "Aha!" moment that proves, "see, there couldn't possibly be a God." But what it really means is that there's not a God that YOU would create. If you could make God, you'd make him someone who doesn't allow suffering, doesn't allow death and pain and sorrow. But then again, if YOU made him, then he wouldn't be God, would he? See, you don't get to decide what kind of creator you have.

I should also point out that Christians deal with pain and suffering too. It’s not like only non-believers die…or suffer. But, if you believe that God created this world and therefore has the right to do whatever He pleases with it, then you get to the point where you realize you will never understand it all in this life. There's a peace to that, I think. Doesn't mean we won't ever question again, but there is some sort of peace to it. God is God. I am not. You are not. And while you may not be okay with that, I am. So if my God decides that, while we're here on earth we need to suffer, then that's well within His right. In my own personal opinion, I think it will make heaven that much more amazing.

But here’s the point that many non-believers miss:

Perhaps the fact that we don’t know the answers is the most compelling evidence ever that our God is real.

I mean, think about it, who would make up a God with such a troubled past? If we were creating our own God, wouldn't we make him the way we want? A God who is only peaceful, caring, loving? A God who doesn't allow death, suffering, pain? Christians could have avoided all the scrutiny if we had just said, “Our God doesn’t allow these things. He never started wars. He never caused a flood. He never spilled blood.” Everyone would love that God, right? But that’s not the God we serve. And perhaps faith has a lot to do with the acceptance that there is a justice higher than we can comprehend. There is an answer that’s beyond our grasp. And when you come to that conclusion, that God’s ways are beyond the reckoning of man, there you will find peace.

It’s not about knowing all the answers. It’s about knowing that you don’t know all the answers and saying, “but I’m okay with that. Because God is God. And I am not.”

Blessing #5: My Family

2010-10-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

I grew up in what would probably be considered the epitome of a dysfunctional family. I was only five years old when my mother abandoned our family. Just two years later, my father passed away. My brother, sisters and I bounced around between living with my paternal grandmother, Nonnie, and our aunt and uncle Pat and Bobby. My sisters and I eventually landed at a home for orphaned, neglected and unwanted children...the South Texas Children's Home (which will be on this list of blessings as well.)

Needless to say, we did not live the Norman Rockwell life. There were no picturesque holiday dinners with an aproned mom and a jovial father seated at the head of the table. There was no playing football in the backyard on a crisp, fall day. We were poor. We lived in a government housing project. We lived off food stamps. And that's who we were in our tiny little south Texas town. I remember growing up thinking we were unimportant, unspectacular. We were the forgettable family.

But as we've grown older, each of us stopped believing that lie. Not all at the same time. Some struggled more than others. My older sister Beverly has perhaps had the hardest life of all of us. But to see her today--she's proud. She's gracious. She's a beautiful person. She is so softspoken and honest. And I love that about her.

Gigi has always been strong-willed. The go-getter of the family. And that hasn't changed about her at all. She lives and works in Corpus Christi, Texas. She has two gorgeous teenage girls--Gianna and Cheyenne--who both have her amazing smile.

I am so incredibly proud of Christi. She has been a single mom for most of her adult life. And she's done an amazing job of it. Somehow working to support three kids on her own. One just needs to spend a few minutes with Grey, Shayne or Christian to see what a great job she has done as a parent. They are good kids. Beautiful kids.

And Gary is living and working in New Braunfels. He's probably the most talented of us siblings. You should hear this guy sing country music. Holy cow. His band, Gary Glenn and the 20x Live Band has a strong following throughout central and south Texas. Gary has always been the most confident of us Glenn kids. Perhaps because he was too young to know our parents. Maybe he never really felt the loss--and therefore didn't let it affect who he was. He and Nonnie were so close. Oh how she loved him. He's married to his beautiful wife, Stacey. And I'm so proud to be his brother.

Nonnie left this world ten years ago. In the arms of her maker. Pat and Bobby are still plugging along in Three Rivers. I owe so much to all three of them. Don't even want to wonder where I'd be, had they all three not decided to take on troubled kids that weren't there own.

We don't talk nearly enough. But this is my family. And I love every one of them. They are a blessing. And I'm sorry I don't say it nearly enough.

Blessing #4: Grayson

2010-09-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

First of all, sorry that it's taken so long. We moved into our new house a couple of weeks ago and still don't have internet service. (Thanks alot Qwest. You certainly won't be on my list of blessings!)

Grayson Troy Glenn entered this world on March 30, 2009. But he entered my heart long before that. To be perfectly honest, I thought I was content with just having one child. But when my wife told me that she was pregnant with baby #2, I was giddy. Somehow, knowing that Morgan would have a sibling was just so exciting!

I had no idea though, what a blessing Grayson would really be. He's turned out to be quite the character! Watching him wobble along the floor (poor little guy is chunky with bow legs!) or soaking in his amazing smile, is just powerful.

I love the curve of his sweet, little face. I love his raspy voice. And I really enjoy his sense of humor. He LOVES making people laugh. Upon trying to teach him to say "daddy", I kept repeating, "dah...dee. dah...dee. dah...dee." He reversed the syllables and calls me "dee-dah!" And he cracks up everytime he does it, because he knows he's yanking my chain. I love it--this kid's a wisecracker just like me! (Oh, my poor wife!)

He's incredibly smart and crafty too. Quite adept at getting his older brother in trouble, even when Grayson is typically the one who starts it. At 18 months, he knows how to play the "baby" dutifully. He's also a good eater. Trust me when I tell you, this kid knows how to eat!

But my favorite thing that he's doing right now is kissing. He loves giving kisses. What mom or dad could possibly hate that!? I captured this video not too long ago, of him giving repeated pecks to his momma:

Grayson, you are such a bright light in our home buddy. Your giggle, your smile, your cuddles...are priceless. You are a blessing to me and all who get to know you.

I love you son!

Blessing #3: Morgan

2010-08-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

At first, I thought I'd make blessing #3 be "being a daddy" but it goes deeper than that. Each of my boys are a blessing in and of themselves. So I will list them separately.

I will never forget the day we found out that Morgan was going to be part of our lives. I had wanted to be a daddy for so long. And, after years of praying, God finally said, "Ok."

But, as God often does with His blessings, He took it an extra step. Just being a daddy wasn't enough. He made me the daddy of the most amazing little boy!
Jen and I have often joked that we don't remember what life was like before we had kids. And we're okay with that. The joy, the absolute pure joy that comes with parenthood is beyond words. There are days that I wish I could freeze time and keep him right where he is. But other days, I absolutely enjoy watching who he is becoming.

Oddly enough, one of my favorite pictures of Morgan is before he was even born. I swear, in this ultrasound, it looks like he's singing into a microphone! Even today, music is such a big part of his life. Oh, how I love to listen to his sweet little voice as he sings at the top of his lungs. He makes up his own songs. He bangs on his guitar or his drum set. Music is such a big part of his life--even his bedtime routine requires singing. I love that! (And yes, I'll admit, I do love that he knows the words to daddy's songs and wants to hear them over and over again.)

I call him "beautiful boy" and yes, it's because he's got this beautiful little face with big, bright, blue eyes and a smile that will melt your heart. But it's also because of the person he's becoming. He's such a sweet boy. He is giving, caring, nurturing--and such an encourager.

I don't want to think of what my life would be like without the wrestling matches on the living room floor, the cuddles on the couch, the sing-a-longs and the hugs and kisses. The first time I heard him say "daddy" my heart melted...and it still does, every single time.

I love being Morgan's daddy. I really do. If it's all my life was designed for, it has been more than fulfilling.

I love you beautiful boy.

How about you? Have you taken time lately to really count your blessings? Try it! You may realize just how blessed you really are!

Count Your Blessings (#2)

2010-08-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

Blessing #2: My Wife

I first met Jennifer Sue Short in 1991. Our first date was October 15th, a double date with mutual friends, at a little french deli called La Petite France in Waco, TX.

Who knew then what life would be like 19 years later?

She has the bluest eyes and the most honest smile. She is a godly woman who always prays fervently for others. She has always amazed me how she puts others first. It just comes natural to her. She has done so through our entire marriage and even more so now, as a mother.

I've not been the best husband over the years. Heck, I've not even been a "good" husband. I have not been the best provider. I have put my career first...even my hobbies first. But she has always been faithful, supportive and giving.

I don't even want to entertain the idea of where I'd be in my life without her, because I know I'd be a mess. Well...a bigger mess!

I have not ever, nor will I ever deserve such a wonderful wife. But I thank God for giving me one anyway.

That is truly a blessing!

How about you? Have you taken time lately to really count your blessings? Try it! You may realize just how blessed you really are!

Count Your Blessings (#1)

2010-08-09T10:08:00.000-07:00

Over the course of the next couple of weeks, I'm literally going to be counting my blessings. I have been blessed so much in my life and it would be absolutely unconscienable of me if I did not tell the world (or the three of you who read this) about those blessings.

I thought about creating a whole new blog for this, because honestly, new blessings come all the time and there's already a lifetime of them to write about. But, for the sake of brevity alone, I will share with you my top 10. Today, #1:

Blessing #1. I have a Creator who knows me, loves me and wants a personal relationship with me.

I had heard a lot about God growing up. After my father died when I was 7, I remember Rosie Forehand and Barbara Newport--my Sunday School teachers--giving me my first Bible at First United Methodist Church in Three Rivers, TX. I learned bible verses. I sang the songs. It was there that I developed an appreciation for hymns.

But as much as God was wanting to talk to me, I did not want to talk to him. He had taken my parents away, after all! I kept God at arm's length for years...though every once in awhile I would chat with him. "God, if you're real, then..."

When I was 16, I was living at the South Texas Children's Home (which will be mentioned in a later blessing.) It was there that I finally came to know Christ. Where I accepted him. And he accepted me.

I have made so many mistakes over the years. I have wandered so far away at times. But he has not. The God who created me in my mother's womb has never left my side. He knows my thoughts. He knows my heart. He knows my shortcomings as well as my accomplishments. And through it all, he still wants a relationship with me.

That is truly a blessing!

How about you? Have you taken time lately to really count your blessings? Try it! You may realize just how blessed you really are!

R.I.P. Lucy

2010-08-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

You were born 11 years ago...and a Christmas gift to my lovely bride.

A priceless addition to our new home.

I swore we wouldn't spoil you but within days, you were sleeping in our room.

And you had become absolutely entangled in our lives.

You were our "child" before we had children.

You were our best friend. Always there at the end of the day with that goofy grin on your adorable, crooked face.

Yes, you destroyed the laundry room.
Yes, you ate momma's eyeglasses...and a pair of scissors...and countless toys, hairbrushes, toothbrushes.

You became all too familiar with the "cone of shame."

You tormented the cat. (And I was okay with that!)

You learned to catch a frisbee. I still don't know how you jumped so high, with that girth!

You never really learned that WE were the ones taking YOU on a walk!

You disappeared while we were on vacation, and we spent 13 days scouring the tiny towns of Westcliffe and Silvercliffe for you. And when we found you, it was like finding a prodigal child. We rejoiced. We cried. We celebrated.

You dressed as "superdog" for Halloween, but you were terrified everytime trick-or-treaters rang the doorbell.

You wrestled with me in the living room.

You loved to play "hide and seek" (though you got a little over-excited when you finally found us.)

You even learned how to play football, carrying the ball by the laces as you rambled past me before I could tackle you.

But you hid everytime daddy watched the Cowboys play.

You loved the snow. And popcorn. And beer. Let's be honest--anything edible (and some things non-edible) that fell on the floor.

You never did catch that squirrel that tormented you in the backyard.

Even as you aged, you never lost that "puppy-like" softness to your ears.

And when we did finally have kids, you took such good care of them. Even when they pulled your hair, threw toys at you and

poked.

You brought so much joy, Lucy.

You were part of our family.

And we will miss you terribly.

Rest in peace, sweet girl.

Last Night I Killed a Man

2010-08-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

Last night, a man came through the front door of my home. Though he seemed somewhat familiar, I did not easily recognize him.

He smirked as he told me that he had become quite comfortable sitting on my sofa, sleeping on my bed, wearing my clothes. He laughed at me as he casually strolled through the living room, like he owned the place.

So I attacked him.

I knocked him down in the hallway but he regained his footing. We wrestled past the kitchen and my son's bedrooms. My fists clenched tightly, I threw punches from every direction. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest with every single blow. The fight moved into the master bedroom as we became entangled. We spun like madmen around the room, into the closet doors, over the bed and against the dresser, landing in front of the mirror in the bathroom.

I wrapped my hands around his throat. I clenched my teeth and dug my fingers in as I told him that he was not welcome in my home.

He pushed back. Spewing his hatred for me, calling me "weak" and "pathetic." He threw out reminders of past transgressions.

But I was relentless.

I squeezed tighter. His face turned red. I could see the fear grow in his eyes as he drew what he knew would be his last breath.

He begged.

He tried to bargain.

But I just...kept...squeezing.

Last night I killed a man. And I hope I never see him again.

The Monster

2010-06-03T07:14:00.001-07:00

It was no ordinary dream.

Me--in ragged clothes, shackled on a wooden sailing ship. Dirty, sweaty, smelling the salty sea air and fish.
My captors--huge, dark, filthy. I never saw their faces as they opened the trap door and shoved me into the hull of the craft. Only large hands that grabbed, pawed, poked and prodded.

I fell into the dark room, landing solidly on my back, in the rough, dry hay scattered about on the hard, wooden floor. I moaned in pain at the collision of wood and bone. The door above me was shutting, sealing off all light. Blackness. I couldn't see two inches in front of my face. But I could hear something.

Groaning.
Grumbling.
No...growling. Like the gutteral moan a lion makes before it's about to feed. And it grew closer, louder.

I could feel the beast's hot breath on my neck. I swung violently. Flailing aimlessly in the dark hoping one of my strikes would land. But my arms met no resistance.

Then the beast grabbed me.

I could feel its claws sinking into my flesh like penetrating hooks. Digging deep into muscle and bone. If I was going to survive, I'd have to kill it. We wrestled as I fought back the snapping of its jaws. My eyes were beginning to adjust to the darkness but still not enough to see the beast. Was it a panther? My only glimpse was of two ghostly eyes--and only for a second as we tossed each other on the floor.

Finally, I got both hands around my attacker's neck.

And squeezed.
And squeezed.
With violence I squeezed. I could feel the larnyx crushing under my thumbs. I could feel life leaving the beast.
I refused to let go. I refused to let up. I would keep squeezing until my fingers and thumbs met.

It was over. Panting, gasping for a lung full of air, I collapsed to my knees. And my eyes continued to weed out the darkness. The form of my attacker was starting to take shape. It was no lion. No panther. No animal.

The monster was...

me.

It's a bizarre thing to see your body, lifeless. Even if it's in a dream. And to know that it was your own hands that choked the life out of you.

For as long as I can remember, I have had vivid dreams. Scary dreams. Awful, terrible dreams. I have been chased by massive bears, alligators and untold monsters. But never has the monster been me. Never have I had to wrestle myself for life. For fear of death.

But I am fully aware that this is exactly what's going on in my life right now. I am the monster I fear the most. I am the one who holds me captive and forces me into the dark places.

I specialize in self-destruction.

I don't expect anyone to understand these things. Perhaps I write this for me and not anyone else. Sometimes it's best to just say it, write it...whatever. So that I can begin to confront it head-on.

This was no ordinary dream. It was a wake-up call.

Faded Fish

2010-04-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, my 3-year old son and I had some father/son bonding time as we washed the cars together. First, we washed Jen's car. Morgan had a blast! He was scrubbing with the soapy rag, just grinning from ear to ear. Then, daddy brought out the water hose. His face lit up. His eyes widened. Oh my!

"Daddy! Can I do it?"

"Yes, beautiful boy. Here you go!"

He was spraying water everywhere! Awesome. Just awesome. For some reason he was obsessed with the headlights on momma's car. He would run around and spray the rest of the car but he kept coming back to the headlights. They were sparkly clean by the time we were done, looking brand new!

Then, we moved onto daddy's Jeep. Morgan LOVES daddy's Jeep. It's nothing too fancy. It's 11 years old, been around the block a time or two (nearly 100K miles.) I just bought it a few months ago and this is the first time that I really spent time cleaning it.

It wasn't until we were finished when I noticed something on the front driver's side panel. A barely noticeable fade from one of those fish symbols. Someone had put it on the Jeep in the past, but it was long gone.

I thought about that a lot over the past week. I wonder if my spiritual walk isn't like that sometimes. I wonder if the only obvious sign to others that I'm a Christian has become faded..barely noticeable. Honestly, I feel that way often. I feel like I sometimes take steps that are so far away from what I believe. Perhaps not intentionally. But I'll get preoccupied, distracted and the next thing I know, I've ventured off the path. A faded shadow of what I want to be.

I am trying my best not to be a faded fish in this world. It's not always easy. And I won't make any promises. But just in case you're wondering, yes I love Jesus! And I believe in Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I believe He was God incarnate. I believe He was crucified, dead and buried. And I believe He rose from the dead to save us all from eternal hell...if we'll only believe.

And, I believe He's like my 3-year old son with a water hose.

When God needed a salvation plan, Jesus said, "Daddy, can I do it?"

I believe His salvation message is plenty for all, but for some reason He's intent on focusing on the individual. He wants a relationship. He wants to make sure that--like the headlights on momma's car--I am shiny, clean and looking new.

Righteous Anger

2010-02-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

In Christian circles, we often hear about "righteous anger." It's supposedly the anger that comes from a holy place within. Anger against evil and wrongdoing. Anger against something that would anger God Himself.

It's sometimes referred to as "righteous indignation." That's a pretty big word. So I looked it up. Indignation means

"anger aroused by something unjust, unworthy, or mean."

But we need to be very careful with this. It's very difficult for us humans to be indignant about anything without it becoming personal. Righteous indignation, I believe, cannot be personal. It has to remain "anger on behalf of God."

But what if it's God you're angry at? (I know, I know, I'm about to step on some toes here, but hear me out.) Lately I've been really struggling with this. I'm angry. I'm mad at God because I think He did something unfair. Now, I'm mature enough in my walk to know that's impossible. But I can't seem to get past this.

You see, I'm angry that David Hames didn't walk out of the collapsed Hotel Montana in Haiti. I'm angry that he doesn't get to hold his two boys again...hear them call him "daddy." I'm angry he doesn't get to run his fingers through their curly hair or wrestle with them on the living room floor. I'm angry that his wife doesn't ever get to hug him again. I'm angry. And in my limited ability to understand anything God does, I perceive it to be "unjust."

But is it "righteous anger?" Is it "righteous indignation?" I think not. It's impossible to be angry at God for being unjust, because God cannot be unjust. So I struggle with this. I struggle with how to express my feelings to the Almighty over this situation.

Why does God sometimes allow unfair, unjust things to happen? I wish I knew the answer to that question. In the meantime, I am trying to temper my temper...and accept the fact that His plan is beyond my comprehension. Not righteous indignation...but righteous submission. And that is a very hard thing to do.

Un-Natural Disaster

2010-01-24T01:37:00.000-08:00

I met a lot of people dealing with heartbreak as the result of the disaster in Haiti. In fact, it seems that heartache lives on every street in Port au Prince right now.

I don't believe I met a single person who hadn't lost someone--a spouse, brother, cousin, child in the earthquake.

Melicia's story broke my heart. I shared her story on Compassion International's blog.

How Poverty May Have Saved My Life!

2010-01-22T18:45:00.000-08:00

Meet Samuel. He's a college student in Haiti studying architecture. Well, I guess I should say he WAS a college student studying architecture.

You see, Samuel was kicked out of class because he couldn't afford the tuition. He was supposed to be in class at 4:45pm last Tuesday when the earthquake hit. But because he had no money, he wasn't there.

Poverty just may have saved Samuel's life.

Because, this is what's left of the college. A pile of rubble. Flattened by the quake. His classmates perished. Many of their bodies are still trapped inside.

Samuel is living in a squatter's tent city right now. When we met him, he was playing a guitar, singing a song he wrote, titled "Lord, Do What You Want With Me." It might be a very appropriate song. Samuel was studying architecture. And architects are just what Haiti is going to need in the very near future, if this country is going to rebuild itself.

Samuel, God saved you for a reason. And yes, He's going to do what He wants with you. It could be that you're part of the solution for Haiti's future. An architect in the making. A life saved. A dream stalled, but not forgotten.

Of course, it's difficult to ever say that poverty is a good thing. In Samuel's case, it may have saved his life, but he still has to deal with the fact that his family has no food, no home. Hope for an education is non-existent. That's why your prayers and support are so desperately needed. Find a way to give to Haiti. Help give kids like Samuel hope for a future.

The Disaster BEFORE the Disaster

2010-01-21T13:32:00.000-08:00

From Port Au Prince, Haiti

Long before an earthquake hit Haiti, disaster had already made its place here--poverty. The effects of this quake are magnified tremendously because of the poverty factor. Poverty forced people to live on decaying hillsides. Poverty left buildings poorly constructed. Poverty left no infrastructure to respond to such a disaster.

The images you see on your television or computer don't do the devastation in Haiti justice. Building after building has collapsed. I’ve seen dozens of multistory buildings that have collapsed into a stack of pancaked floors. Looking at the sheer tonnage of cement, I’m amazed anyone survived.

Hospitals, schools, churches and businesses all flattened. As if this country didn’t already struggle to provide those services to those who need it. That is the great irony right now. The number of people who need medical attention has increased dramatically as the result of this disaster, but the number of medical clinics and hospitals decreased. It seems so unjust.

Communication and transportation are terrible. I’d love to be able to show you some of the videos that I’ve shot, but I can’t get a strong enough Internet connection to last long enough to upload. At this point, my best connection provides 8kb per second. Terribly slow. And it lasts only a few minutes at a time.

This morning, I witnessed a relief truck get overtaken by a crowd of people in the streets. The people climbed the big rig by the dozens, forcing open the back doors and tossing out bags of rice … all while the truck was driving.

People are desperate for food. All over town, there are makeshift signs (mostly sheets with painted words on them) saying, “We Need Help” or “Please — We Need Food and Water.”

At the border of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, I saw a couple of relief supply trucks that had been turned into makeshift storefronts. People were trying to sell the food, water and clothing inside. Another example of how important it is for you to make sure you partner with an organization that has established distribution channels.

Many organizations can get stuff here, but don’t know how to distribute it. Parking a truck on the side of the road can cause mayhem.
We don’t know exactly how many of our kids are affected. Getting to them all is terribly difficult. Many families fled when the quake hit. Many are sleeping on the streets. Rounding them up is tough.

Perhaps one of the most inspiring things I’ve seen is our Haiti staff here. Keep in mind, many of them lost everything in the quake. They lost homes, possessions and sadly, some of them lost loved ones. Yet here they are, working at our makeshift camp every day, trying to help others. Serving in the midst of their pain. Amazing! Please continue to pray for them. They are heroes of the faith.

Compassion partners with established local churches in Haiti. We have for mre than 40 years. They know us. We know them. And shouldn’t the church be the distribution channel for relief in times of hurt anyway?

You are providing for tons of supplies to make it into Haiti. Our first planeload is expected to arrive Friday in the Dominican Republic. It will be transported into Haiti on Saturday. We’ll be able to provide two weeks’ worth of basic necessities to more than 77,000 people.

Two weeks later, we’ll be able to give them another two-week kit. It’s a start. But it’s a drop in the bucket of need. We need more. Help our relief efforts by making a donation to our Disaster Relief Fund.

Thankfully, Compassion has a long-term solution to poverty, too. It’s our program. Child Survival, Child Sponsorship, Leadership Development. Holistic Child Development. That’s how you change a country like Haiti, from the inside out. You start with its children. You start by teaching them to believe in themselves and in a Creator who loves them. You give them skills to succeed. And when they are older, they fight the corruption that plagues their country. They make the changes.

Haitians had little to begin with. This quake took that little away. It’s time to start over. And starting over begins with hope. And thankfully, that’s something Compassion specializes in.

The Story Behind...(I'll Drive Yesterday)

2009-11-19T10:52:00.000-08:00

Track 6 on my latest project, So Human, is titled, "So, I had this dream..." It's a scene where I'm sitting down with my engineer/producer, Mike Manthei, and discussing the upcoming song. On the track, Mike and I are at a diner, talking about the title to track 7, "I'll Drive Yesterday."

Now, there are some things you should know about this scene as it plays out on the CD.

First, Mike and I were never at a diner. (Well, I mean we've had lunch together several times but this taping didn't take place at a diner.) Instead, we recorded the scene right there in the recording studio. I sat down on a stool, under the microphone, with Mikey (that's what I call him) sitting next to me. For a little more realism, I actually had a plate in front of me. On the plate was a slice of bread and a butter knife. I cut up the bread and ate it while we talked. The background noise you hear on the track was actually recorded a couple of weeks earlier--at my workplace. I sat a microphone and a small digital recorder out on a table in our cafeteria and just recorded people eating, talking, walking by.

But the story I tell in the scene is true. The song really did come about as the result of a dream. Like I explain in track 6, I dreamed I was on stage in front of a massive crowd. My band began this chunky rock groove and I shouted in a pseudo-British/Australian/Cockney accent, "This song's called I'll Drive Yesterday!" And the crowd went nuts. They were screaming and yelling. But then I woke up. I didn't know how the song went. All I had was a title.

Meanwhile, my guitarist, Brian DeKam, had written a cool guitar groove for another song that we ended up never using. But I really liked the music tracks. So I stole those music tracks and wrote the words to I'll Drive Yesterday to go with them.

About the song: So I sat down and tried to figure out what the heck the words, I'll Drive Yesterday could possibly mean. And the only thing that I could come up with was God's promise...of taking those pains and sins of the past and throwing them away. Have you been lied to? Cheated on? Hurt? That was yesterday. God will drive it away. I also wanted to paint a picture of how holding on to past hurts can affect you:

"Yesterday's a prison. A room without a view.

A judge without a pardon and no remorse for you."

and contrast that with the hope that comes through Christ, who says:

"
I'll Drive Yesterday all away and leave it all behind you

there'll be nothing to remind you of yesterday. It's gone today

and the pain and sorrow life put in your way, that was yesterday."

I think my favorite part of the song is the bridge. It has a bit of a "scat" feel to it and the message is, I think, important:

"All of the baggage, all of the scars

all of the wreckage left on your heart

you've gotta let go, it'll tear you apart

you've gotta give it away.

Ah man...that was yesterday."

So there you have it. Some truth. Some deception. But the real story behind the song whose title confuses so many folks upon hearing it the first time. Hope you enjoy!

The Story Behind...(Here I Am)

2009-08-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

A lot of folks have been asking me about the meaning or story behind some of my songs. So, I thought I'd go through each of the songs on my new album, So Human, and give a little insight into my messed up head! Ha!

At first, I thought I'd just go through the album, track by track, but instead I think I'll start with the song that gets the most questions--Here I Am.

First off, let me say that it's always tricky to try to write a song from the perspective of Jesus. To presume that I could possibly speak for my Savior is a bit daunting. But I wanted to tell Christ's story--from His perspective. This song is really Jesus telling the story of His life. And it starts...in the womb. What must it have been like to go from being fully God, to being God in the form of a human baby? So the first lines, "what is this skin that covers me?" is Jesus examining this new flesh around His body.

In the following verses, He talks about growing up as a child in a world of mortals. He mentions the miracles that He's performed. I admit, I threw in my own supposition in the second verse. I wondered how lonely our Savior must have felt. "Five thousand here, I'm still alone" He says, speaking of how different He must have felt. "Oh they gather how I feel, but not one asks how I feel--not ever." I wondered if anyone ever asked Jesus how difficult it was to be God on Earth. I don't recall any scripture that shows anyone displaying this kind of concern for Him. How terribly isolating that must have been!

The chorus, "Here I am, I'm ready to be everything that you want me to be" means something different everytime.

The first time, it's the baby Jesus talking to his earthly parents--Mary and Joseph. It's Him saying "Hey, I'm your baby. I'm your child. I'm ready to be all those things that parents want from their babies--the wonder, the excitement, the love, the reliance on you for my needs, etc."

In the second chorus, Jesus is being arrested by the soldiers, to be taken off for execution. In this chorus, He's saying "You want me to be the scapegoat? I'll be that for you. Want me to bear the punishment that you so desperately want to give out? I'll do that for you."

And in the final chorus, Jesus is on the cross, speaking to His Heavenly Father. "Here I am" He says, "I'm ready to be the fulfillment of your plan. I'm ready to take on the sins of this world for you, Father. I'll be what you need me to be."

And finally, in the final verse, Jesus experiences something else for the first time. "What is this sin that covers me?" Here's a man that knew no sin, then suddenly found Himself covered in all the sins of humanity. Wow.

I should also point out that the orchestration was done by a good friend of mine, John Doryk, with NightSky Sound Design. He's an amazing composer and added just the right touch to this song.

So there you have it. That's the story/meaning behind Here I Am. Hope you understand it a little better...and enjoy it!

A Fistfight with God

2009-06-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

It's been a few years, but there was a point in my life when I challenged God to a fistfight. Can you imagine? What gall. What pride. What arrogance. But I was so angry at Him (for reasons I won't disclose here) that I challenged Him.

"Show me your face," I said, "and I'll punch you in the nose."

Well, I'm over it now. God, in His gracious and merciful way chose not to pummel me with something as simple as a breath, but instead chose to humble me. Heal me. Love me. What an amazing God.

And I have found that my struggles now aren't so much with Him, as with myself. Oddly enough, I opened my Bible this morning and found a section of scripture from Romans that I can really relate to. Thought I'd share it.

For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man,

But I see another law in my members,

warring against the law of my mind,

and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin

which is in my members.

O wretched man that I am!

Who will deliver me from this body of death?

-Romans 7:22-24 (NKJV)

I think Paul and I must've had a lot in common. I wrestle daily with myself. But I take some solace in the very next verse he wrote:

I thank God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God

but with the flesh the law of sin.

I find comfort in knowing that, even though he struggled with sin, Paul's mind was on God. Paul's mind was on the one who conquered sin. And I pray that I'm able to keep my mind there too.

Beats and Eats Contest!

2009-05-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

Win a $50 gift card to your favorite restaurant,

plus an entire discography of Tim Glenn Music!

Hi gang!

We're launching a new contest here at Tim Glenn Music. Sure, it' a contest that will require a little work on your end, but I think it will be worth it.

Basically, here's the gist: You join the Tim Glenn Music Sales Force, telling your friends about Tim's new CD, So Human. The "salesperson" who sells the most CDs between May 1st and June 26th will win the grand prize. (There are 2nd and 3rd place prizes too!)

Wait a minute...isn't this just a ploy to sell more CDs? Absolutely! But rather than just asking you to help me sell CDs, I thought you deserve at least something for your efforts! So, help me sell CDs and I'll give you some music...and some food--or Beats and Eats! Get it?

For a listing of the official rules, go to www.timglennmusic.com/contest.

If you still have questions, leave them here as a comment or send us an email at info@timglennmusic.com

Good luck and God bless!

My DVR has ruined my life!

2009-04-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

Don't get me wrong. I love my DVR. Without it, I wouldn't be able to keep up with my favorite shows: NCIS, Big Bang Theory, Heroes and 24. I also wouldn't be able to record an occasional movie.

But the thing I love most about my DVR (besides being able to skip annoying commercials) is that it allows me to rewind and play back any part of a program I need to. Anytime an actor mumbles a line and I'm like, "What did he just say?" I can rewind and play it again. I love that! If the baby starts crying right when an important scene plays...I can pause the movie or show and pick it up after I've calmed him down. Okay, after my wife has calmed him down...but hey, I'm holding the remote. I've only got one free hand! :-)

The point is, the DVR is an amazing magical box that makes sure I never miss scenes or lines from programs ever again!

And that's the problem.

I want that technology for everything! The DVR has made me lazy. It's given me the mentality that, if I miss something, no worries--I can just go back, rewind and hear/see it again.

When I'm in a meeting and I miss something my boss says, I want a remote control with a rewind button. When I'm listening to the radio and I think, "Man, I love that song! I'd love to hear it again!"...I wish I had a DVR for my radio! When my wife tells me what to pick up at the grocery store and I get there, only to think, "Milk, eggs, apple juice...and what else?"

Oh, if only there was a DVR for life!

DVR...I love you...and hate you!

Baby Grayson is here!

2009-03-31T13:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay...perhaps it was a bit presumptuous of me to assume I knew when our baby boy was going to get here.

On March 24th, I wrote a post on this blog titled, "Two Weeks." Well...SIX DAYS LATER, Grayson arrived!

I'm perfectly fine with being wrong about this one. I was so anxious to hold our little guy. Both he and mommy are healthy and doing great...it's a true blessing!

Grayson Troy Glenn arrived at 9:18am on March 30th, 2009. He weighed 7 pounds, 7.3 ounces and was 19 inches long. If you'd like to see more photos, check out my facebook page. I've just uploaded an album of photos there.

God bless! And thank you to all who were praying for a safe and healthy delivery!

tim

Two Weeks

2009-03-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

We are two weeks away from having a new baby in the house.

The question I've been asked more than anything is: "Are you ready?"

Well, the baby's room is done. (I'll post pictures in a day or so.) We have the diapers, the clothes, the lotions and all that stuff. But preparing for a child is much more than that, isn't it? In some ways, I don't think you can ever fully "prepare" for the arrival of a baby into your life. You just don't know what to expect. So yeah...we're ready...but in some ways, we're not. But that's part of the excitement too...to see what this beautiful gift from God is going to be, once it's "unwrapped."

I am amazed at this plan of God's. I'm in awe of His design to have a baby grow in a mother's womb. This tiny little life, with a beating heart, a functioning brain, a circulatory system, lungs and other vital organs...all working in harmony...inside another human body. It's amazing to me. I keep asking Jen what it feels like to have him inside her. She says she can't fully describe it. Oh, what a tremendous blessing that must be!

I can't wait to see what little Grayson Troy Glenn is going to look like. I can't wait to hold him in my arms...to run my fingers across his tiny little face...and count his tiny little fingers and toes.
Two weeks. I just can't wait.

Lip Syncing

2009-03-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

"The times they are a' changin'..." Dylan sang. And indeed the are.

It used to be, that if a musical artist was caught lip-syncing it made them a laughing stock. Think Milli Vanilli, 1990. When it was revealed that they never even sang their hit songs, it ruined their (pseudo) careers.

Girl, you know it's true.

But now flash forward 20 years and lip-syncing is no longer a career killer. In fact, some say it's the norm. What?

Jennifer Hudson's powerful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at the SuperBowl...lip-sync.

But rather than calling it a controversy, some "journalists" dared call it a "non-troversy." "People expect it these days", they say.

WHAT???

EVEN SPRINGSTEEN'S BAND faked it at the SuperBowl. (Although he apparently really sang--but the band wasn't really playing.)

It's been reported that Britney Spears' entire Circus Tour is lip-synced. (But then again, when you start off with no talent, lip-syncing is a logical progression.)

Good grief...even hardcore rapper 50 Cent got caught lip syncing.

Maybe I'm getting old. Maybe it's old fashioned to think that vocalists should be able to...well...vocalize.

Is it possible that all we care about these days is seeing a pretty face, or a sultry body in a revealing outfit, gyrating and grinding on stage...and oh yeah, if she can sing, that's a bonus?

Look, I know that it's tough to run all over stage and dance and sing at the same time. I do. But I'm willing to forego 8 costume changes and watching you grind your hips on every dancer on stage, if you could just sing the song!

But that's the problem. So many arists CAN'T sing the songs. In the studio, they autotune their vocal tracks til they hardly sound human anymore. And when it comes time to perform live, there's no way they can recreate it.

It's time we got back to artists performing live...really live. It's time we expected singers to sing. I don't mind if you miss a note or two. Just be real. Just sing.

Everyone Eats

2009-03-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

What did you have for dinner last night?
I had chicken tacos. And they were delicious.

But as I was sitting at the dinner table with my wife and son, somewhere a child was going to bed hungry. Somewhere, a mommy had to tell her children, "I'm sorry, there's just no food tonight."

There's enough in this world to make sure no child goes to bed hungry. NO child should starve.
Everyone should eat.

Today is Compassion International's Global Food Crisis Day. To learn more, and to do your part, click here.

"Honoring God"

2009-03-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

What's in a name? No, seriously...what does your name really say about you?

In the Old Testament, people were known by the meaning of their name. For example Abram, in the original tongue, meant "father of many."Abram later changed his name (well, technically God changed his name) to Abraham, meaning "father of many nations."

This week, my pastor pointed out that Abraham carried these names when he wasn't even a father yet. Imagine how odd it was to be called "father of many" when he was just a young man. Wouldn't it have been weird, when he was 8 years old, to be called "father of many?" Or when he grew older, and got married--imagine the pressure that must have been on him! Especially he found out that he married a woman who was considered barren. She was told that she would never have children.

Of course, we know the rest of the story, that Sara did end up having children...and Abraham DID become a father but not until he was in his 80's. Yeah...80 plus years of bearing that name without children. But God also fulfilled his namesake and made Abraham the father of many nations.

"Father Abraham...had many sons...many sons had father Abraham!" the old song goes.

My name is Timothy. Broken down in Greek, it's Timo Theos...or "honoring God." I don't know if I ever realized the burden that name means til now. I can honestly say that I have not spent much of my life "honoring God." What pressure that is! I'm so glad that we don't use names the way they did in Old Testament days. Imagine me introducing myself as "honoring God."

"Hi! My name is Bob. What is your name?"

"Honoring God."

Man, I'd really have to live it, to be able to say that in public, huh?

I take solace however that, in time, God fulfilled Abraham's name. I hope He'll do the same with me. I hope He'll help me get to a place that, when people think of me they think, "honoring God." But I'm so far away from there right now. I now know what Abraham must have thought each time he heard his name.

"Honoring God." Wouldn't it be nice to be able to live up to that name?

What does your name mean?

My Grandson!!!?

2009-02-28T12:50:00.000-08:00

So, last night was father/son night for me and Morgan. We went to a local place called Li'l Biggs, which has a game room for kids and all you can eat greasy pizza. It's pretty inexpensive and there are a lot of games for kids to play. Morgan loved the giant sandbox, skeeball...and the giant jumper room.

So, Morgan bounds out of the jumper room and picks up a toy guitar and pretends to start playing it. (He loves playing his toy guitar at home.) Only, I wasn't sure if the toy was part of the game room or if some kid brought it. So I turned to a lady, whom I would guess to be in her late 40's/early 50's and ask:

"Is this part of the gameroom? Is he allowed to play with that?"

"Yes, the kids can just pick up any of these toys and play with them," she answered with a smile. A cordial, quick conversation, right? Then she hits me with this:

"So...how many grandchildren do you have?" What!!?? Did you just call me a grandfather? Heck, I know my age is catching up on me, but geez...grandpa!???

"This is my son," I answered, "and I have another one on the way...due next month." Then I abruptly turned my back to her and walked away.

What the...?

RUDE!

The Race Is On!

2009-02-26T13:56:00.000-08:00

WAY-FM's "My Church Band Rocks" Contest is now underway. They had some problems early on with the online poll, but it's working now

Will you please click on the pic below...it will take you to a page where you can scroll down and see the headphone graphic. Please vote for my song, So Human!

VOTE FOR MY SONG!

2009-02-23T14:28:00.000-08:00

I need your help.
WAY-FM is hosting a contest for local artists. It's called the "My Church Band Rocks" contest. They're highlighting different local artists and asking people to vote.

The title song from my new album, So Human, is in the contest.

Simply go to this page on Facebook and vote! (You'll have to scroll down to "polls" to see the list of contestants.)

Thanks for your support!

tim

Read My Sermon, on the ONE Campaign Website

2009-02-19T14:25:00.000-08:00

The ONE Campaign is hosting a Sermon Challenge..asking pastors and others to contribute sermons that focus on ministering to the poor. I submitted a sermon I wrote a while back, titled You-The Miracle Worker. You can read it here.

Please check it out. Leave a comment.

25 Random Things About Me

2009-02-17T12:59:00.000-08:00

I'm a little hesitant to write this post. Mostly because it seems so self-involved. "Here are some things that I think will make me interesting to you." Ya know?
But I've been asked to play along by a couple of friends, so I'll indulge.

Here are 25 random things about me. And you just might not find any of them interesting.

I have artificially inseminated a cow. Yep...got all up in Bessie's bidness. Used to work on a ranch and it's one of the many disgusting things I had to do.
I stole a car once. It's a really long story. I was young. Took my best friend's car and drove 1200 miles away. He didn't press charges and I eventually just bought the car from him.
I love to eat raw potatoes. (With a little salt. Mmmm.)
I'm extremely claustrophobic. As in, I absolutely "lose it" if I'm confined in a small space.
I hate bugs. I squeal like an 8-year old girl if I find one on me.
I have traveled to 9 different countries. Bolivia, Canada, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Kenya, Peru, Philippines, Thailand
I have ridden a bull in a rodeo. His name was Black Sabbath. I only lasted one second!
I'm an introvert. In fact, if I could spend most of my day not interacting with anyone, I'd be ecstatic.
I don't believe in aliens. I do believe there could be some amoeba-like living substance on some planet somewhere, but I don't believe there are any creatures on other planets.
I fantasize about dying...everyday. For as long as I can remember, I've imagined dying at least once every day of my life.
I have horrendous nightmares. Usually about larger than life animals (alligator the size of a school bus or a bear the size of a U-haul truck) chasing me.
I have jumped out of an airplane. Twice. One tandem, one solo.
I hate to read. Love to write...but hate to read. Seriously, who has the time to read an entire book anymore these days?
I have started writing two different novels. And lost interest in both. Maybe if I enjoyed reading more?
Someday, I want to own a 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible. Mostly because it's the year I was born and I just think they are cool!
I used to be on television. Morning news anchor for 7 years. Actually won some awards! (Spent 7 years as a television producer before becoming an anchor.)
I love superheroes. Don't know why, but I've always been fascinated with Superman, Batman, etc.
I'm horribly depressed at how ugly I've gotten. I'm not aging well. I know it shouldn't matter. But it does.
I'm terrified of being a bad father. I'm just that much in love with my son. I don't want to screw it up.
I enjoy cooking. Especially when I get to experiment and try new things. I make a mean chicken fried steak, by the way.
I have never tried illegal drugs. Although, technically alcohol is a drug and I did engage in some underage drinking in high school. (Not proud of it.) But I've never smoked pot or done any other illicit drug.
I'm addicted to Diet Coke. Thank God it's not an illicit drug!
I don't drink coffee. Love the way it smells. Hate the way it tastes. But for some reason, I've been given at least $15 in Starbucks gift cards per year for the past four years.
At one point, I thought I was going to be a pastor. But I have too much respect for the profession to taint it.
I'm an aggressive driver. If you're in the fast lane going slow, I should have the right to run you over.

Jobs I've Had

2009-02-11T21:07:00.000-08:00

So I was talking with some friends the other night when our discussion turned to the jobs we've held at various times in our lives. I started thinking about it and...wow...I've had a lot of different jobs!
The one thing that's been consistent for the past 20 years is that I've been doing music. But the list below is how I actually paid the bills (and supported my music "habit."):

Ranch Hand--digging postholes, feeding cattle on a south Texas ranch
Grocery Store Bagboy/Stockboy--Churchill's Food Store, Three Rivers, TX
Grocery Store Assistant Produce Manager--Churchill's Food Store, Three Rivers, TX
Cook/Clerk at McDonald's, Beeville, TX
Land Surveyor's Assistant, Beeville, TX
Construction Crew--roofing/interior/insulation, Pettus, TX
Newspaper reporter--Bee Picayune, Beeville, TX
DJ--KISS-FM, Brownwood, TX
Car Salesman--Hyundai Dealership in Riverside, CA
Telemarketer--San Antonio, TX
Satellite Operations Specialist--KENS-TV, San Antonio, TX
Retail Sales--Gadzook's Clothing Store, Waco, TX
Television Master Control Operator--KWTX, Waco, TX
Youth Pastor--1st Methodist Church in Hewitt, TX
Television News Producer--KWTX-Waco, TX
Television News Producer--WTVC-Chattanooga, TN
Assistant Manager, Eddie Bauer Store, Colorado Springs, CO/Aurora, CO
Television News Producer/Reporter/Anchor--KOAA-TV, Colorado Springs, CO
Television News Anchor--KRDO-TV, Colorado Springs, CO
Media Director--Rocky Mtn. Calvary, Colorado Springs, CO
Worship Leader--fill-in for a number of churches in Colorado Springs, CO
US AdvocacyRadio Manager--Compassion International, Colorado Springs,CO
Product Marketing Director-US Advocacy--Compassion International, Colorado Springs, CO

And yes, there's at least one "story" behind every one of those jobs. But I won't bore you.

So...now it's your turn. List the jobs that you've had in your life.

I'm going to be in the Smithsonian!

2009-02-11T17:08:00.000-08:00

--Now, before you start your jokes about "that's where all old relics go..." hear me out.

Bible Across America is a neat project that is making its way across the country. And it just so happens that they are at the National Pastors Convention that I'm attending in San Diego right now.

Here's how it works:

The group is asking 31,173 people to each hand-write one verse of the Bible. That's right...write it out on a page. One person per verse. These pages will then be submitted into the Smithsonian Institute as a "modern day copy" of the Today's New International Version of the Bible.

My contribution was to write out John 11:42:

"I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit

of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."

How cool is that?

But get this: as I grabbed the pen and started to ink out my portion of Scripture, I suddenly felt overwhelmed. I imagined the scribes of old who would roll out scrolls of the ancient text and copy it word for word. What a powerful thing. What a responsibility. What an honor. And then, it hit me--"what business do I have, writing out Scripture? I'm no scribe. I'm not worthy of writing this down."

God's word is so precious. Far too valuable to be taken lightly--especially by someone who is such a wretched sinner as myself. As I placed the tip of the pen on the paper, my hand began to shake. I worried that I was going to screw something up. What if I misspelled something? What if I left a word out? What if lightning struck me for daring to transcribe the Holy Word of God? It was painstaking. It was horrifying!

I managed to get through it without any lightning strikes or mistakes. I guess once it's made public, you can critique my work yourself! Ha!

Anyway, it's a neat project that has Americans writing out the Bible. I love it. Just wanted to tell you about it.

Music City

2009-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love Nashville. I really do. The atmosphere is just contagious. I love that you can walk for several blocks downtown and hear live music pouring out of the various clubs and bars. The music scene in Colorado Springs is virtually non-existent compared to Nashville.

I'm sitting in the Colorado Springs airport at 7:00am, waiting for my 8:00 flight. I'll be in Nashville til Tuesday...then I'm off to San Diego for two days. Gonna be tough to be away from home for that long. My son is in his "cling to daddy" stage right now and it's just so hard to say goodbye to him. (Truth is, daddy is in his "cling to Morgan" stage" too. Ha!)

I wish I could say I was going to be doing some music on this trip, but I'm not. Sad to go to Music City and not do any music! Both trips are work-related...doing stuff for Compassion International.

Speaking of music, my single, Open Up the Darkness, is now #10 on the Christian Radio Weekly Indie Rock Charts. Sweet! Thanks to all of you who are supporting my new album, So Human.

If anything exciting happens during the trip, I'll write about it.

Blessings!

I'm on the Cover!

2009-01-13T11:44:00.000-08:00

It's been a good week here at Tim Glenn Music.

First, my single, Open Up the Darkness, jumped to #14 on the Christian Radio Weekly Rock Charts. Yeehaw!

Next, I'm going to be the featured article in Front Yard Worship Magazine for the January/February issue...which comes out next week. I'm even on the cover! Here's a sneak peek:

And...as if that wasn't enough...

I'm also featured in Christian Radio Weekly's daily e-newsletter that goes out to thousands of Christian radio stations across the country. I wrote the devotion for the issue. It's titled, "Lesson in Grace." Here's a sneak peek at that too:

Thanks for all of your support! If you're in the Colorado Springs area this weekend, I have two gigs. Would love to see you at one, or both! They're both FREE!

Friday, January 16th
First Baptist Church
Friday Night Coffee House
317 E. Kiowa St.
Colorado Springs, CO
7:00-9:00pm

Saturday, January 17th
Salvation Army
Youth Worship Service
908 Yuma St.
Colorado Springs, CO
5:30pm

First Pic

2009-01-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

Hi gang!

Got a first picture of our soon-to-be-here son, Grayson.

Jen had a 3-D ultrasound on Friday and wouldn't you know it, Grayson is just like his big brother! He kept his hand over his face almost the entire time! (Little stinker!)

But we did get to see his healthy little heartbeat. And watch him move around a bit. He opened his eyes some...opened his mouth...and even sucked on his hand.

Then, for one quick second, we managed to get a nice profile shot:

So exciting! We're only three months away from due date!

Blessings!

Tim

Looking Back on 2008

2008-12-17T10:55:00.001-08:00

It's almost Christmas.

I can't believe it. 2008 whirred by. My baby boy is turning into a rambunctious little boy....and my wife's belly has gotten bigger!

Work has been crazy. My music career has been crazy. Do you know that I played over 40 gigs this year? AND kept a full-time job! And was still able to be daddy and husband. Whew! I'm exhausted!

This past year has come with all kinds of ups and downs.

Here are a few of the "ups":

Morgan celebrated his first birthday in 2008. That was definitely an "up."
He also started calling me "daddy." Oh...heart melt!
We found out that Morgan is going to be a big brother! Huge "up!"
I released my new album, So Human in 2008.
My first single from the album, Open Up the Darkness, landed at #18 on the CRW Rock Charts. That's a good thing!
I updated my website....with a whole new look and feel.

And, here are some of the "downs":

We went through a "restructure" at work. My job changed quite a bit. And I've really been struggling with it. (But I'm very thankful to have a job!)
This year, I really struggled with a problem that has bothered me for a long time. I wish I could say I've overcome it...but I haven't. I appreciate your prayers.
I've had a couple of friends who desperately needed prayer for loved ones who were sick or hurting. But perhaps this should be an "up" because so many of you prayed and God was gracious in both cases.
The economic slump sent millions of people into joblessness...and millions more wondering where their next meal was going to come from. The housing bubble burst and we are all feeling the effects.
The year started with the Giants winning the SuperBowl. Ugh. No one hates the Giants more than I do. And this season hasn't been all rosy for us Cowboy fans either.

All in all, I guess it was a fairly typical year. Ups...downs. In betweens. I look forward to 2009. We have a new president. We have renewed opportunities to live out our faith for a hurting and dying world. In April, there will be another member of the Glenn family. I can't wait to hold our little baby boy!

Yeah, 2009 looks to be pretty promising. And who knows, I might even record a few new songs!

Update on Collin

2008-12-11T07:27:00.000-08:00

Hi friends,

Just got an update on Collin, the 18-year old who was involved in that horrific car crash in Texas. His mom, Lois Buford, sent me this email this morning:

"I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene and wonder how He could love me a sinner condemned unclean! God is so good to me. My sweet 18 year old boy who was so badly broken just last week, stood today with the help of a walker specially designed to hold him up with his elbow! I am so overwhelmed by God's mercy and provision. So many precious people who love me and my family have just been so kind. Collin had customers who love him come and pray over him at his bedside. The Mayor of Forney prayed for my boy at the beginning of the Christmas Parade! I'm just so blessed. Wanted you to know that God is healing the brokeness and restoring Collin to us. Thank you so much for your prayers and those who read your blog.

Love you in Christ, Lois"

Thanks to all of you who have been lifting up Collin and his family in prayer.

Oh how marvelous!
Oh how wonderful!

And my song shall ever be...
Oh how marvelous!
Oh how wonderful!

is my Savior's love for me.

A Friend In Need...

2008-12-08T07:35:00.000-08:00

This morning, I received an email from a friend in Texas. She is in need of prayer. Lois Buford's teenage son, Collin, was involved in a horrific crash on highway 80 near Forney, Texas last Wednesday.

Take a look at the pic and you'll know exactly what I mean by "horrific."

I can't imagine how scary it must be for a parent to see their child go through something like this. I hope I never know. But right now, the Buford family needs prayer. Collin has already undergone three surgeries. He broke his right leg, arm and crushed a vertebrae in his lower back.

That's a lot for an 18-year old to endure. It's a lot for his parents to endure.

Will you take a moment and lift up Collin Buford in prayer? Will you also pray for his parents, Philip and Lois Buford, as they watch their little boy go through this?

If you'd like more information on the accident, you can check out the story here.

Tim Partners with iTunes To Bring You Music For Christmas!

2008-12-04T10:50:00.001-08:00

Hey gang!

Just wanted to let you know that we've got an agreement with iTunes that allows you to give my new album, So Human, via iTunes, for Christmas!

Here's all you have to do:
1. Click here to open up the iTunes Store page for my album. You'll see a page that looks like this:

<----See this little icon to the right of the album cover? It says "Gift this music" with a little red package.

Click on that icon and follow the instructions from there. You can gift the entire album, or choose which songs you'd like to send to someone.

A unique, personal, inexpensive gift for Christmas!

God bless!

tim

Stocking Stuffer!

2008-11-26T11:05:00.000-08:00

Hi gang!

Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer this Christmas?

This week, we're kicking off an exciting Christmas promotion. As you know, Tim's new CD, So Human, just released this month.

Between now and December 15th, if you order a copy of So Human, we'll send it to you, AUTOGRAPHED and WRAPPED for Christmas. All you have to do is stuff it in the stocking!

It's easy! Just send a check for $17 ($15 + $2 s/h) to:

Tim Glenn Music

7103 McEwan St.

Colorado Springs, CO 80922

*Make sure you put a note with your check that says "Christmas Special" and we'll make sure you get your wrapped, autographed copy in time for Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Become Part of My Street Team!

2008-11-15T14:01:00.000-08:00

We're less than a week away from my CD Release Concert and I'd love to have your help with some promotion. No, I'm not going to ask you to beat the streets with flyers in hand (though, if you're willing, please let me know!) But I would appreciate it if you'd take some time to let your friends and family know about the concert through your email and social media websites:

I've got two banners created...the first is an animated gif promoting the upcoming concert, the second is just a jpg promoting the CD itself. I'll let you decide which one you want to promote.

First, to promote the concert, right click on the image below and "save picture as" and save it as a gif. Then you can paste it into your blog. If you could make the pic link to www.timglennmusic.com/cdrelease that would be great.

Or you can simply copy this picture and add it, to promote that the new CD is available on iTunes:

And, on that one, if you could make it link to: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=295964773&s=143441

that would be awesome! That's a direct link to my page in the iTunes store.

Thank you for your support!

tim

We're #18!

2008-11-10T13:06:00.001-08:00

So exciting!

My first single off So Human, titled Open Up the Darkness, just debuted on the Christian Radio Weekly Rock Charts at #18! Yay!

Thank you everyone for your support! Please call your local station and request that they play "Open Up the Darkness" by Tim Glenn.

You Can Now Buy So Human With a Credit Card!

2008-11-07T08:39:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you who sent in checks to order So Human hot off the presses! You've helped make this a very successful launch for my new project!

For those of you waiting to purchase the CD or download the mp3 tracks using a credit card...it's now available via CD Baby.

CD Baby is a supplier to iTunes. But it takes iTunes a lot longer to get a new CD into their system. (Could be another month or so.)

But you can go directly to one of their suppliers, CD Baby, and order it directly from them. And...it's actually cheaper. There are 17 tracks on So Human. Through iTunes, you have to pay 99cents per track. That's $16.83. But through CD Baby, you can download the whole album or purchase the CD for only $14.99!

Just click on the screenshot below to read more about the album and even listen to several of the tracks ahead of time:

Order now and you'll still be ahead of the crowd. The CD Release Concert/Party isn't until November 21st.

Thanks again for your support!

It's a...

2008-11-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

BOY!

Yep! Went to the doc today for an ultrasound and found out we're having another little boy! Morgan is going to have a little brother! (He has no idea what that means yet, but he's very excited!--as are we!)

Mom and baby are doing great. Everything looks to be progressing normally. Here are a couple of pics of our baby boy, whom we've dubbed "lil' bean."

What a cute little nose, huh? While we were watching him, he opened his mouth, put his hand up to his mouth...and then even got the hiccups.

And, I'm told that the arrow in the pic below is pointing to his little boy parts. (I know, it's not nice to point. And it's certainly not nice to show off your boy parts to the whole world...but, I'm making an exception on both counts--this time only!)

Jen and I would appreciate your prayers for a healthy pregnancy with no complications...a safe delivery and a healthy baby.

Due date is April 10th.

The New Website Is Here!

2008-11-03T09:11:00.000-08:00

Well, it's taken me awhile, but I've finally finished. When you're an indie artist, you sometimes have to do this stuff for yourself. I simply can't afford to pay a web developer.

But I wanted to update the look for my website, while still maintaining simple functionality. So, you can still listen to music, view photos from my travels around the world, read about my upcoming gigs, shop for music, read my bio or sign the guestbook and say hello! There are also links to my facebook page, my myspace page and this blog.

I think it's done, but I need your help. Would you please spend a few moments on the site and let me know if there's anything missing...anything not working? (It's best when viewed in 1024x768 or higher resolution.)

Just click on the screenshot below to visit the site:

Thank you!

tim

"There's Probably No God..."

2008-10-31T09:38:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I don't think about spiritual warfare everyday. I work for a Christian ministry. I am a Christian musician, writing Christian songs. I lead worship at my Christian church. I may be so surrounded by other like-minded folks, that I forget there are people out there who very much want to tell the world that my religious beliefs are a lie.

Consider this new ad campaign, by a group of athiests in London:

Photo from AFP.com

The banner on the famous London double-decker bus reads:

"There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enoy your life."

At first glance, you might think it's a typical attack from athiests. But look closer. Pay attention to the words. "There's PROBABLY no God."

This is an interesting tact by the non-believers. If the banner had simply said "there IS no God" they'd be written of as extremists. But with this wording, they appear more approachable, don't they? This group knows exactly what they're doing. They're trying to plant seeds of doubt, because they know they can't outrightly claim there is no God without proof. But if they can get you to consider that there PROBABLY isn't a God, then they've won the battle. It's a slippery slope from there, folks.

The rest of the message is interesting too. Coming at a time of economic uncertainty. Coming at a time of turmoil...war...the message is simply: "Don't worry. Enjoy life. Why bother stressing and praying about such things. Just enjoy life!"

What's sad is that it's that very message that brought us to this economic instability to begin with. "Enjoy life. Get a bigger house that you can't afford. Spend money on things you don't need. It's okay. It'll all work out in the wash." Now, somehow, this group believes that the same message will get us out of it?

Jesus said,

"The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." --John 10:10

Now that's enjoying life. I invite you to pray that this ad campaign will be an unmitigated disaster for this organization. Pray that they can't rest or "enjoy life" until they come to see the message they are spreading for the lies that they are. May they come to know true joy. May they come to know the one who gives life more abundantly.

Sick Boy

2008-10-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

The past few days, my little boy, Morgan, has been sick. Nothing too serious...but enough to make him cry out in pain from time to time.

I don't know about other dads, but it absolutely shreds my heart to see my little boy in pain. Oh, I hate not being able to take that away. When he looks at me like, "daddy, make it go away." Ugh.

I am very thankful for my job. It affords me much more than the opportunity to put food on the table (which is a much-appreciated accomplisment)...but it also allows me to provide medicine for when my little guy is sick. It allows me to know that he's safe at home with his mommy while I'm at my desk. And, since I work for such a wonderful ministry, it also allows me to help take care of children living in extreme poverty around the world--who can't afford medicines or food without our help.

Still, when my little guy is sick...I just wish I could stay home and hold him all day long. That beats a good day at work any day.

My First Big Boy

2008-10-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

So, I had to go to Grand Rapids, Michigan this week for work. I'm driving down 28th street when I see him. I've heard about him in movies...trivia questions...but I've never seen him in person.

There he was, in all his fiberglass glory...with a doo-wap hairdo and checkerboard overalls.

Big Boy.

"I've gotta eat there!" I yelled in my car, though there was no one else to hear. I immediately called my wife.

"Jen! They have Big Boys here!"

"Huh?"

"Oh...sorry...the restaurant!"

"Oh, yeah, I used to eat at those all the time growing up."

"Oh, I've never been to one. I'm going to go there for lunch!"

So I did. Hmmm...maybe it was just because I had built up all this hype but I gotta say, I wasn't that impressed. I ordered a bacon cheeseburger with pepper jack cheese...and bacon. Oh, and a Diet Coke. Never got a refill on that drink, even though it was empty before I was halfway finished with my burger. The fries were okay. (Remember, french fries are my most favoritest food in the whole world!) The season salt made 'em a little better. And then there was this little bowl of cole slaw. Yech. I don't particularly like cole slaw and I'm not sure why it comes with a burger and fries...but hey...if that's part of their image, I'll go with it.

All in all, it was an okay dining experience. Nothing to write home about. Wait...I guess I just did.

The CDs Are Here!

2008-10-14T19:02:00.001-07:00

They've finally arrived! The first batch of So Human CDs is here!

The UPS man delivered them this afternoon (thanks Mr. UPS guy!)

To give you an idea of how long I've been waiting to have this CD in hand, ready to sell...well, our first studio recording session was in August of 2005. That's right--over three years. But the songwriting began several months before that. So this project has taken nearly four years to complete. (Of course, I took a few months off during my wife's pregnancy and a few months after Morgan was born too...but still-four years!)

Part of it is that I just wanted this project to be as good as possible. So, I was extremely picky...finicky perhaps. We added songs mid-stream, subtracted songs. We brought in musicians and vocalists and then brought in more. It was a lengthy process, but the end result, I believe, is the best CD I've ever produced.

The songs on So Human are honest...they are real. There are lyrics that I think you will definitely be able to relate to, no matter where you are in your spiritual journey.

So...how do you get one? Glad you asked!

Right now, the CDs are only available by sending a check for $17 ($15 for CD, $2 for shipping/handling) to:

Tim Glenn Music

7103 McEwan St.

Colorado Springs, CO 80922

If you want to purchase with a credit card, you'll have to wait til they're available through iTunes and/or CDBaby. That will take about another month. Or you could come to my CD Release Concert on November 21st. Here are the details:

Tim Glenn CD Release Concert

Friday, Nov. 21st

7:00pm

Rocky Mtn. Calvary

4285 N. Academy Blvd.

Colorado Springs, CO

FREE!

God bless!

Tim

Big Day!

2008-10-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

Today is a big day! For a couple of reasons:

1. The final artwork and audio master have been approved for my new album, So Human, so that means the copies are being burned and printed right now. Yep, as you're reading this, a factory in New Jersey is making mass quantities of my CD for sale. Yay! It will be available through my website in about two weeks. It will be available via iTunes and CDBaby in about 4-6 weeks.

2. Today starts the national radio promotion for my first single from So Human. The song is called Open Up the Darkness and it's being promoted to nearly 1000 Christian radio stations (mostly Christian rock) across the country. One station, WSNL in Flint, Michigan, has already started playing the song.

Wanna help? Contact your local rock radio station--Christian or secular--and ask them to play Open Up the Darkness by Tim Glenn. You can also hear the song on the music player on this page!

The date for the CD release concert has been set. Info is below.

Change

2008-09-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

Change.
I've never been a big fan of that word.

This week, there's a lot of change going on at my job. And I'll be the first to admit, I don't like it. I don't like moving offices. I don't like changing job titles. And if I hear the phrase, "we're going to stretch you" one more time, I'm going to punch somebody.

I hate the corporate mentality that says we have to keep making our way up the ladder or else we're considered complacent, lazy. What's wrong with liking the way things are and wanting to stay there for awhile?

I'm a firm believer in the Peter Principle. If you're not familiar with it, basically, it says that you can be promoted beyond your usefulness. Indeed, in my career, I've seen many people who are really good at their jobs get promoted to jobs where they're extremely incompetent. A job well done, it seems, is rewarded with a promotion...until the job is no longer done well.

I'm also a firm believer in the adage, "If it an't broke, don't fix it." And this week, we're "fixing" a lot of things at work that were, in my opinion, working just fine. Nay, they were working better than they ever have before.

It's frustrating. Disappointing. And it has stolen much of the joy I got from my job.

But I'm happy to have a job that allows me to put food on the table. I'm glad that I can support my family with my career. So, I smile...play nice...and continue climbing the ladder to incompetence.

Fan

2008-09-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I sang on the worship team at my home church, Rocky Mountain Calvary. It was such a nice release. I can honestly say that I desperately needed it.

Just before one of the services, the entire worship team was backstage with pastor Eric, when the conversation turned to football. Eric said, "I could take it or leave it. I don't really need to watch the games, just hear the scores once they're over."

WHAT!!??? My jaw dropped. My eyes bulged. My heart raced. What sort of human is this? What sort of being doesn't live vicariously through his/her football team? I'm sorry. This does not compute.

Needless to say, I'm a fan. As in short for fanatic. As in my life is seriously affected by how well my team does. I can get physically ill if my team is playing poorly--I kid you not. I'm a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan, so you can pretty much guess that I've been physically ill for the past 11 years--at least during football season. This year, the team looks good. (But it's still early in the season, and as the Patriots learned, anything can happen.)

That got me to thinking though. I wonder why? Why are there so many fans, like myself, who take the game so seriously? At the risk of being completely transparent, wouldn't it be nice if I was as passionate about my job as I am about my football team? Or what if I was as passionate about my religion as I am about football? Some fans I know are more passionate about their team than their own family. Though my wife may say I get there sometimes myself, I'm not quite that bad.

I don't think.

Crud.

I may be.

I guess, in a way, it's sad what we choose to be passionate about. When I'm gone, if someone ever asks "What was Tim passionate about?" I don't want the only answer to be, "The Dallas Cowboys." I want people to know I'm also passionate about my family, being a dad...I'm passionate about making honest music that people can relate to. I'm passionate about releasing children from poverty. I'm passionate about finding meaning in this life. And I want to be known for being a passionate follower of Christ. I've still got work to do in those areas, but I want my passion to grow. You could say I'm passionate about being passionate! Ha!

What are you passionate about?

The Truth

2008-09-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Today, I open up in a way I never have before on this blog. Today, a little brutal honesty:

Truth is...

I am struggling with a "thorn in my flesh" that has plagued me for a long time now. I don't want to go into details, but this is something I just haven't been able to overcome. And I'm tired of it. It's beating me up, affecting my home life, my job and my friendships (or lack thereof).

Truth is...

I am human...a soul wrapped up in a weak, fragile mass of bone, muscle, fat, nerves and tissues. But sometimes that weak shell is more powerful than me. And lately, it's winning this internal battle that I deal with. The spirit is willing...truly willing and aching to be whole.

Truth is...

I need transformation. I need healing. I need to muster up strength of will like I have never been able to before. I need to stop putting it off as "just something I'll always have to deal with." I need to overcome.

Truth is...

It's embarrassing to even have to ask for help. But I'm there. I'm broken to that point. I need your prayers.

#2 Is On The Way!

2008-09-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

You know, sometimes God's blessings are small. Sometimes they are huge. In this case, it's a small blessing thats huge!

My wife and I just recently found out that baby #2 is on the way. Yep...hard to believe, but there's gonna be another little Glenn runnng around!

I'm not sure why, but it still doesn't seem real. It took me forever to comprehend that Morgan was coming into our lives. (Now I can't imagine life without him.) And now he's going to be a big brother. And I'm overtaken by emotions and memories from Morgan's birth--holding him for the first time, his tiny hand wrapped around my finger...itty bitty toes. And I'm told that this is normal, but I worry about how I could possibly love another child the way I love my firstborn. It's incomprehensible right now. And so exciting.

Wow.

Projected due date is April 10th.

Please keep us in prayer as we try to prepare for this little one. Financially...emotionally...pray for Jen's health and the baby's health...and, we've also got to tackle some space issues. Our little house is suddenly going to start feeling a little cramped!

The Latest...

2008-08-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

So, we finished the mixing, mastering, etc...for So Human a couple of weeks ago. But I still haven't sent everything off to the duplicators.

There are some forms to be filled out, and some arrangements to be made regarding digital distribution, (it's going to be available on iTunes, digistation.com and a few others.)

Plus, I'm waiting to have an insert created by Compassion International, that will promote their child sponsorship ministry. I want everyone who gets a copy of my CD to be able to learn about the incredible work that Compassion is doing in the lives of children in poverty.So...all that to say...it will be at least four weeks AFTER I send the stuff off before I have the album ready to sell. I'm hoping to be able to send it off late this week, or early next week. So, that would put availability at the end of September/first week of October.

BONUS: Since you've been so patient, I have included some of the new songs on the player on my page here. You can listen to some of the songs that will be on the album now!

What Does That Even Mean?

2008-08-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

When it comes to sports, there's one phrase that I just can't understand. I mean I flat out can't comprehend it. A lot of people say it...but to me, it's a foreign concept:

"I just play for fun."

Wha?! What does that even mean?

This week, the organization I work for will host its annual employee fun day--we call it "Day on the Green" or DOTG for short. At DOTG there will be crazy relays, a dunking booth, a spirit competition, etc...but the focal point of the day is the annual volleyball tournament. Yep, a bunch of cubicle-laden co-workers get out on the grass and try to knock a ball over the net...some of them for the first time in their lives.

It's hilarious.

Unless you take competition very seriously.

Which I do.

So, you can imagine how frustrating it is for me to see players who insist on being part of the team, even though they're afraid of the ball.

Why would you put yourself through that?

Or another thing that absolutely kills me is those players who are unwilling to move to go after a ball. Oh sure, they'll swing at the ball, if it's within their reach, but God forbid they have to move a couple of steps!

Now, I'm no great athlete. (I know, I know, that comes as an absolute shock to many of you.) But I am not afraid to dive for a ball or jump up to block a heavy-handed spiker. When I'm done with a game, I'm winded...I'm tired. I worked. I certainly didn't stand around enjoying the scenery.

I play to win. And if you're not in it to win it, then seriously, I'd rather not be on your team. And it's not so much that I hate losing, it's just that I would rather lose trying...than to coast through any sport with a half-hearted effort.

I'm sure you're thinking: "Tim, chill...it's corporate FUN day." I understand that. But this is just how I was made. So forgive me if this concept of "just playing for fun" is foreign to me.

I just don't get it.

FINISHED!

2008-08-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

I'm so stoked!

Last night, 8-8-08, (which was also supposedly the start of some big sporting event--wink wink!), we finally finished the album.

Just to give you an idea of how long we've been working on this project, our very first recording session took place on 8-29-05. That's right...almost THREE YEARS AGO! And that doesn't include the time writing and learning songs BEFORE we started recording. (Now, of course, we took a lot of time off, to have a baby and all...but it's still been more than a three year process.)

All the recording is done. All the mixing. The mastering.

Now, the cd is ready to send off for printing, duplication, etc.

And, I'm also excited to tell you, Chris Tschamler has come up with some great new artwork for the project. Check out the new album cover:

Sweet huh?

I'll let you know once the cd is in ourhands...and ready for sale! Probably another 4 weeks or so.

Tim Vs. The Incredible Hulk

2008-08-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

Jen and I went to see Hellboy II: The Golden Army last weekend. It was okay. About 20 minutes into the movie, I thought, "this is terrible," but it eventually got better. Some decent action scenes, decent animation. I loved the movie Pan's Labyrinth and this was directed by the same guy...so maybe I was expecting more. Plus, after watching Dark Knight a couple of weeks ago, it was just no comparison.

But, as we were leaving the theatre, I saw, hiding in the shadows of a corner down at the end of the hallway, a massive, hulking figure. It was, indeed, The Incredible Hulk. I gave Jen my phone and asked her to take a picture of me battling it out with the Hulk. Here it is:

Hey...I'm standing my ground! I'll take on the big, green guy!

Great Quotes from the 15th Century

2008-07-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

I read a wonderful quote from a German monk who lived in the 1400's today:

"God often gives in one brief moment that which He has for a long time denied."

-Thomas a Kempis

Hmmm. Ain't that the truth? The first thing I thought about when I read that quote was how God gave me a son, made me a daddy, after years and years of pleading Him for just that. I wish I could say I spent those 15 years of wanting to be a daddy holding onto faith...trusting in God. But instead, I spent them bitter. I spent them angry at my Creator. I spent them refusing to get too close to Him, out of spite.

And then...in one brief moment...God gave. God answered. Regardless of the way I treated Him, He gave me the gift I longed for...for so many years. Man, we have a loving, forgiving God!

Kempis had a couple of other great quotes:

"Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be,

since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be."

and

"If thou bear the cross cheerfully, it will bear thee."

Guess he decided to go all King James English on us for that last one...but I love it! Isn't it amazing that, over 500 years ago, someone had figured out all this stuff...yet here we are, with amazing technology, science, thought processes, and we are still learning these lessons?

While I Was In Church...

2008-07-27T18:41:00.001-07:00

I was in church this Sunday morning, listening as my pastor taught a wonderful lesson from the book of Matthew. It was a typical church service...like many other Sundays. We worshipped, chatted with friends, learned a powerful lesson from the Word of God and went home to make some lunch.

But while I was sitting comfortably in my church in Colorado Springs, Colorado...over 200 members of another church, in Knoxville, TN, were running for their lives. Witnesses say a 58-year old man burst into the church, yelled some profane things...and started shooting. Two people were killed, as of last report, but several more were in critical condition. One of those killed was a brave 60-year old man who stood in front of the shooter to shield others from being hurt. Eventually, members of the congregation tackled the man and were able to hold him until police arrived.

My. What a world we live in.

Please pray for the members of that church. News reports say the shooting took place as children were peforming a program for the service. Think about how traumatic that must've been for those children. Please pray that they will be able to erase those sounds and images from their precious little minds. Please pray for the families of those injured, killed and shaken up.

Morgan Meets Chipmunk

2008-07-14T23:15:00.000-07:00

I'm at a conference in Chicago...so my wife took Morgan to the zoo today. There, he came face to face with a little chipmunk.

I can't begin to tell you how much I wish I had been there with him. Thankfully, Jen videotaped it, so I could see. Here's the video clip. It's only :16 long:

Final Mixes!!!!

2008-07-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

While you were gathering with friends and family around the grill yesterday for the 4th of July, I locked myself in the recording studio for 12 straight hours...and finished mixing the new album, So Human!

Mike Manthei, the engineer, was gracious enough to give up his Independence Day celebrations too, so we could get this crucial stage of the album done.

That means all the songs are mixed...ready for mastering! We're getting close! We've got another couple of weeks to go...for mastering, etc. And the graphic design for the album isn't finished yet. So, it's conceivable we could have everything done by the end of July (though that's pushing it. Most likely mid-August.)

But you don't have to wait til August to hear some of the songs.

Listen now!

See the music player just to the right there? I put some of the new mixes there. You can hear the final mixes for:

So Human
My Cross
I'll Drive Yesterday
Open Up the Darkness
Come With Water

Thats just 5 of the 13 songs that will be on the album. Enjoy!

Hancock! On IMAX!

2008-07-03T07:29:00.001-07:00

So, being the superhero fan that I am, I couldn't wait to see Hancock. The idea of an everyman who becomes a reluctant superhero sounded really appealing. And...as an added bonus...it's showing on IMAX.

So...the very first day tickets became available...I bought two of 'em online for the 8:05 showing--opening night, Wednesday, July 2nd. We scheduled a babysitter...even had her come early, so we could beat the crowds. I've been thinking about this movie all week!

The sitter shows up at 6:45. The theatre is only five minutes away, so after chit-chat and stuff, we make it to the theatre by 7:00...an hour early. We make our way to the IMAX doors, fully expecting a line. There isn't one. No one is there. Hmmm...interesting. So we walk right ino the theatre. It's already dark. The trailers have already started...and almost every seat is taken.

What the?... It's only 7:05. The movie isn't supposed to start for another hour. What's going on?

So, assuming I misread something, I go back to the ticket guy and ask him to see the tickets I printed out at home. Sure enough. They say:

Hancock

8:05pm

July 2, 2008

IMAX

"Ummm...I'm here for the 8:05 showing. How is it that the movie is starting now...at 7:00?"

"Oh. I think we changed the time." the ticket-taker says.

"You what!!!???" Man, I was ticked. How can they change the time AFTER I've already bought tickets? My wife and I were able to find seats...they weren't great...but we at least got to see the movie.

Now...was it all worth it? You bet! I loved this movie! Now...the storyline takes some twists that I absolutely DID NOT EXPECT (which can be a good thing--and in this case, it was) but this is a good movie. I definitely want to see it again. Will Smith is great. Jason Bateman does a really good job...and Charlize Theron does too. An all-around good flick.

One warning for parents: There's quite a bit of foul language in the movie (which is somewhat surprising for a Will Smith movie) so you might wanna think about that before taking little ones.

A New Way of Writing

2008-07-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say I've been doing a lot of writing lately. I haven't. (Which is pretty obvious from my lack of regular posts here) But I want to write more...I really do. To make things even more frustrating, I've actually been coming up with more ideas to write about, than actually writing them. I have ideas for five books, three devotionals and a couple of video concepts. I just can't seem to sit down and find the time to flesh them out and put 'em down on paper--er, computer.

But I have had time to do one thing: Make up songs for my little boy. Even before he was born, Morgan had some songs written for him. The first was simple. I would lean into my wife's belly and sing:

Morgan...beautiful boy.
Morgan...it's your daddy!

Then, once he was born, I wrote this for him:

You're such a beautiful boy, baby Morgan.

Oh such a beautiful boy, baby Morgan.

And daddy loves you, yes he loves you

Oh he's always gonna love you

baby Morgan...baby Morgan.

And then I'd repeat it and change "daddy" with "mommy" and "he" with "she."

This past week, I wrote a new song for my little boy. I was rocking him to sleep at bedtime...when I came up with this lullabye:

Good night...baby

Good night...son

It's been a long day of playing,

but now the day is done.

Good night, sweet boy

Good night to you.

Lay your head down and close your eyes

May all your dreams come true.

So, it isn't exactly the type of "writing" that I normally do...but I'm having a blast doing it!

My Own Little Adam

2008-06-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

My son, Morgan, is 15 months old now...and his personality is developing quickly. He's an absolute sweetheart. He loves to cuddle with the dog and cat...and his stuffed animals. When he sees Lucy, our dog, he'll say "Soosie!" (He's still working on the "L" sound.) and hug her while saying "oooooohhhh!" What can I say? He's just a cuddler. (And that just breaks my heart! :-P)

But lest you think my son is nothing but sweet...he knows how to throw a temper tantrum too. And lately, he's developed a bit of a defiant streak. For example:

He loves to play in the back yard. We have a really large back yard...plenty of room for him to run, etc. In fact, he loves to pretend he's "mowing" the yard.
And since daddy won't turn on the mower while Morgan is pushing it, (mean, mean daddy), Morgan has to make the mower sounds himself. But that's kinda fun too.

But there's one section of the yard that I'd rather he stay out of: the far back corner. There's a bit of a steep slope there, some rocks, small drainage pipes...and a wall made of railroad ties that aren't as stable as I'd like them to be. So I've made it very clear to him that he's supposed to stay away from that part of the yard. "

And the Lord God commanded the man, saying,

"Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat;

but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil

you shall not eat..."

So...we go outside...and he walks around in the grass...plays with the rocks for awhile. Then, he gets that defiant look. It's almost a devilish grin. He looks right at me, the corner of his mouth turns up...his bright blue eyes light up...and he turns and high-tails it for the far corner of the yard. "Morgan! Where are you going?"

Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to

him, "Where are you?"

Little stinker! Who says we're not born with a sin nature?

Something We Can All Do

2008-06-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

I know times are hard right now. Gas prices are up. Grocery prices are up. But trust me, as much as we're feeling the pinch, it's nothing compared to the hurt millions are feeling around the world.

Please watch this quick video message from the Dr. Wess Stafford, President and CEO of Compassion International...and take part in the fight to keep millions from starving in the midst of this global food crisis. There's something we can all do.

Thank You!

2008-06-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those of you who prayed for my health over the weekend.

Somehow, I was able to pull off the gig on Saturday night. It must've been the prayer, cuz during the gig, I felt fine...but as soon as I walked off stage, the nausea came back. I tried to eat a salad for dinner, but couldn't finish...my stomach was just too queasy.

I've managed to keep a few things down over the past 24 hours. But I haven't had a meal since Thursday night.

Thanks again for the prayers.

Sick

2008-06-14T13:50:00.001-07:00

Hi gang...

Well, I had to cancel my gig last night because I've been hugging the porcelain for the past 24 hours. Around 5am on Friday, I woke up, feeling sick...and it was downhill from there. Never fails, everytime I use a vacation day, I end up staying in bed sick! Ugh!

Thankfully, I'm feeling a little better today. I was able to eat some toast...and a little bit of soup. I'm going to actually try to do our gig tonight at SpiritFest.

Please pray for a little supernatural healing.

Thanks!

Two Gigs

2008-06-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hi friends!

I have two gigs this weekend. I'd love to see you at any one of 'em.

On Friday night, June 13th, I'll be playing/singing with the worship team at Lighthouse Christian Fellowship in Monument. It's a neat little church with about 60 people in attendance. Good people. Great teaching.

Service begins at 7:00pm. There's a time of fellowship and snacks afterwards too!

On Saturday, June 14th, I'll be playing at SpiritFest on the Riverwalk in Pueblo. It's an all-day Christian festival that takes place all along the riverwalk. There are several stages that will host musical artists from around southern Colorado. I'll be performing on the main stage in the amphitheatre at 6:00pm.

We'll be performing some original tunes from my upcoming album, So Human, as well as tunes by Hoobastank, Lifehouse, Collective Soul and Daughtry.

Admission is free.

After we go on, Christian artist Jaci Velasquez will be performing on the same stage.

Come check it out! Hope to see you this weekend!

Pray for Chris

2008-06-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

Hi gang!

I have a friend named Shannon Steele. Her brother is in need of some serious prayer. It's a bit complicated, but basically it all started with a problem with his wisdom tooth. The pain got worse and eventually, led to some sort of infection. Now, Chris is in ICU in California, under heavy sedation, breathing with the help of a ventilator. He's got a feeding tube to keep him nourished, two open incisions on the side of his neck to allow fluid to drain. Needless to say, he's in serious need of prayer. So is his family. As you can imagine, it's very hard to see your loved one suffer the way Chris is.

Would you please pray for Chris Ballard to fully recover from this problem? Please pray for the infections to go away. For the swelling to go down. Please pray that doctors would be able to control the fluid buildup around his heart. Pray that the antibiotics would work. And pray for Chris' family as they struggle through this with him.

If you want to keep updated, you can find the latest information here on Shannon's blog.

Thank you!

My Movie Star Name

2008-05-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

Ya know, if I wanted to become a movie star, I'd have to change my name. That's because there's already an actor, registered with the Screen Actor's Guild, named Tim Glenn. His real name is actually Timothy Glenn Roberts, but I guess Tim Roberts was already taken, so he chose Tim Glenn. I know this because he's the reason my music website is http://www.timglennmusic.com/ instead of just plain timglenn.com. He beat me to it...and he's not willing to sell. Trust me, I tried for years.

So...that got me to thinking: What if I became a famous Hollywood star? (quit laughing...seriously, quit laughing...okay now you're just being rude!) Anyway, IF I were to become a famous Hollywood star, what name would I go by?

I could try to make it sound like I'm related to someone famous.
How about Tim Pitt? Tim Jolie? Or Tim Clooney? Tim Cruise perhaps? Nah...then, even if people assumed I was related to the famous celebrity, they'd just treat me like a B-list actor...like Chad Lowe or Stephen Baldwin. Besides, you can only pull it off, if you at least look a little like the celebrity. Ain't nobody confusing me with Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise these days! Ha!

I know! I have a nephew named Grey. I think he has the coolest name ever. Maybe I'll steal it from him and go by Grey Glenn. Now that would be a cool name. But it's not really fair to my nephew, is it?
Hmmm...any suggestions?

How about you? What name would you go by, if you were a movie star?

Everybody's Looking For Something

2008-05-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

There's a lot of hype about the new Indiana Jones movie coming out this summer. I admit it, I'm looking forward to it. I love the Indiana Jones trilogy. So the prospect of a fourth installment has me giddy!

But I had never heard of the crystal skulls that are featured in the new flick. That is, until now. The Sci-Fi channel recently aired a 2-hour documentary on the mystery of the crystal skulls. It was hosted by Lester "I used to be a journalist, now I host cheezy documentaries" Holt. I'm ashamed to say I watched the entire two hours. Not because it was compelling. Not because it was even informative or thrilling. I watched it because it was disappointing. Poorly produced. And some of the people they interviewed as "experts" are people I wouldn't even allow in my home. They were just that far "out there."

To save you the heartache, I'll tell you that the entire documentary followed one man who owns a "crystal skull." (Whether it's an original sculpture from the Mayans is unkown. Of course, he claims it is.) He believes the skull is one of 13 that was either created by the Mayans or given to them by aliens from outer space. And he believes, as apparently do many people, that the skulls hold secret powers. Some say that bringing the 13 together is the only way to avoid the "end of the world as we know it." (The Mayans predicted that will happen on December 21, 2012.)

But what was really sad was seeing how many people traveled hundreds--thousands--of miles to "worship" this skull. They bowed to the crystal skull. Kissed it. Prayed to it. Performed ceremonies around it. Even though they have no idea where it came from or what its purpose is. How can someone worship an idol that they know so little about?

Like Indiana Jones, everybody seems to be on a quest. Everybody's looking for something these days. Something to fill that void. How sad it is that people are willing to put their faith in a chunk of rock...instead of believing in a Creator who loves them. I'm glad that our Savior left us a love letter that explains His plan for salvation so clearly. I'm glad that He didn't leave the answer to eternal life a mystery. I'm glad that we don't have to worship an inanimate object.

Sitcom Songs

2008-05-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

I love sitcoms. I really do. Maybe it's because I feel such a need to laugh lately. Work is stressful. Gas prices and grocery prices are putting quite the pinch on my family. Sitcoms are a nice release.

And I'm so thankful for Monday nights. Monday seems to be the toughest day of the week to go to work. But on Monday night, I get to watch 4 sitcoms in a row. First, there's Big Bang Theory (one of my absolute favorites.) Followed by How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men and Rules of Engagement. Yep, Monday nights are a good time to laugh, relax and let go of the pressures of the day.

If only life were like sitcoms. If only every problem was solved with a smile and a punchline after thirty minutes (22 minutes after you factor in commercial breaks!) Wouldn't that be nice?

Christian music, I think, has become quite like a sitcom. On the rare occasion that a Christian song will address any real-life issues, they quickly resolve it with a happy-feel good ending. I'm not dissing that. But I wonder if there's room out there in Christian music for songs that don't resolve every issue in two and a half minutes. That's what you're going to find in my new album, So Human. Not sure how it will be received, but it's what I feel called to do right now. I want my songs to be an honest look at my spiritual journey. Yes, there's a "happy ending" to the album, but not to every song. You have to listen to the project in its entirety to get your sitcom smile.

I'm not against the songs that are so popular in Christian radio today. I know there's a reason for them. But I also worry about those people who don't know God...wondering what they must think of this "happy feel good religion." Do we honestly portray Christianity in our Christian music?

Anyway. Just something I've been thinking about lately...a lot.

One More Track

2008-05-15T09:18:00.001-07:00

Hi gang!

Tonight, we will record the last track for the So Human album...a guitar track that my co-songwriter, good friend and amazing guitarist Brian will be laying down.

That means that, after this weekend, all that's left to do is mix the album! That will likely take a few weekends...into mid/late June. Once the album is mixed and mastered, it will have to be sent out for printing and duplication. That's another three weeks. So it's possible we could have the project in hand by the end of July!

:fingers crossed:

Guatemala

2008-05-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

Hi gang!

I'm off to Guatemala this weekend. I'll be gone through next weekend. This is a trip with Compassion International. We'll be working on a radio special while we're in country. The focus of this radio special will be to gather the perspectives of American youth on global poverty. So we're taking three 12-14 year olds with us to meet kids their age, living in abject poverty. We'll visit their homes and the Compassion projects where the kids go for food, fun, fellowship, shelter and after-school tutoring.

While I'm in Guatemala, my wife and son are traveling to Kansas to be with her folks. Please pray for safe travel.

As I've said before, I absolutely hate having to leave my son for this long. And now is such a crucial time in his development. He's 13 months old. Just starting to walk. Already saying a few words. But he's also at the point where he loves to have daddy hold him. And, as you can imagine, daddy loves that! So I'll miss that for a full week. Ugh.

This is my second trip to Guatemala. I went back in December of '04. It will be great to see some of the Compassion staff that I befriended on my first trip. I'll probably write a post or two while I'm in Guatemala, just to let you know how things are going.

The Nighttime Terrorist

2008-04-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

"A terrorist that strikes at night." That's how Dr. Scott Todd with Compassion International describes the Anopheles mosquito. This tiny little terrorist, prevalent in tropical areas and thriving in stagnant waters, claims over a million lives every year. Most of them are children. Most of them are in Africa.

Malaria is a completely preventable disease. We all but wiped it out in the United States 60 years ago. Yet every 30 seconds, it's claiming another life.

Today is World Malaria Day. A day set aside to remember those lost to this terrible disease...and hopefully, a day to get involved in the fight against malaria. I know you're busy. We all are. But at the very least, can you pray for the victims of malaria? Could you spare $10 to buy an insecticide treated net to protect a little boy or girl from these tiny terrorists who spread the malaria parasite?

There's no reason for children to die of a preventable disease. Get involved today.

Crunch

2008-04-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

So...after 25 years of driving, it finally happened. My first accident.

I was on my way to work this morning. It was beautiful...sunny. I had the top down on the Jeep, singing along to Extreme's Hole Hearted. There was one car in front of me doing about 30mph when the light turned yellow...and it appeared she wasn't going to stop, so I figured I'd follow right behind her.

Mistake.

She DID decide to stop. She rode her brakes pretty hard...and I slammed on mine. Only my big bruiser jeep has anti-lock brakes and 33 inch tires. It wasn't going to stop anytime soon. It felt like an eternity. I put all of my weight into both feet on the brake pedal as I focused on the back end of her brand new, shiny silver 2008 Nissan Sentra.

CRUNCH!

"*&^%$#!" Yeah, I said a few things I'm not proud of.

I immediately jumped out of the car to ask her if she was okay. She said "Yes." Thank God. I asked her to pull over to the shoulder and she did. I called the police. It took forever for them to get there. Meanwhile, there's that feeling of being on display for everyone else who's driving by. The shame.

I exchanged information with the other driver. I got a ticket. The back end of her Nissan with the temporary paper plates was scrunched...caved in. Undrivable. My Jeep, on the other hand, looked like it had nothing wrong with it. Except the license plate was a little bent.

After all the dispensing of information, I drove away...leaving that poor woman crying there. But thankfully her husband had arrived to console her. Ugh. What a crappy way to start the day...for both of us. Thankfully we both have insurance. More importantly, thankfully, no one was hurt.

Waterboarding

2008-04-22T12:46:00.001-07:00

I'm going to step away from my "christian artist/speaker" hat for a moment and talk to you strictly as an American.

I realize I'm taking a huge risk talking about this, but it's something that has really bothered me for the past few days. I'm a bit ashamed that our country, under the direction of our president, is using horrible torture tactics to get prisoners to talk. I'm talking specifically about waterboarding. It's the act of holding a person's head in place, while he is strapped to a table, and pouring a constant stream of water into his mouth/nose. The prisoner feels the water entering his lungs, because he has no opportunity to take a break to hold his breath. He's constantly feeling the sensation of drowning. Here's a video, released by Amnesty International that shows how cruel it can be:

I just don't know how Americans, in good conscience, can tolerate this. We yell "boycott the Olympics" because of China's record of human rights violations...yet we allow this to happen in our country. I'm not equating this to the terrible things China has done, but I am saying that it's torture. Cruel torture. I urge you to go to www.unsubscribe-me.org and read more about how you can help bring a stop to this kind of behavior.

It's not like us. We're better than this.

Bumper Stickers

2008-04-20T15:14:00.001-07:00

I like to read bumper stickers. They say a lot about a driver's personality. Some are funny. Some are crude. Some are big and bold...while others have such small text that it's almost impossible to read. (So, if I'm riding you pretty close in traffic, I'm not trying to be a jerk, I just want to read what it is that you're so passionate about that you'd advertise it on your car.)

My wife was called up for jury duty once last year. As she was sitting in the courtroom with other potential juror candidates, one of the lawyers asked, "What bumper stickers do you have on your car?" He knows that bumper stickers say a lot about a person's passions. She doesn't have any bumper stickers on her car. Neither do I. But I do enjoy reading them.

But some of them are just plain confusing. Today, I saw a couple of bumper stickers that just threw me:

"I love ghosts."

and

"I walk in the ways of the ancient ones."

Okay, aside from the fact that those are just odd messages (I certainly don't get what the second one means), but I couldn't help but wonder: Who makes these bumper stickers? Who said, "Ya know, I bet if I create a "I walk in the ways of the ancient ones" bumper sticker, it would sell like hotcakes!" Isn't the point of marketing to create a product that has a mass audience appeal?

Some of the best bumper stickers are political in nature. Here's one that I saw...that I just love!

And another that makes a really good point:

Now those, I imagine, DO have mass appeal!

What bumper stickers do you have on your car? Or at least share some that you like.

I'm So Excited!

2008-04-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I spent some time in the recording studio...and we are definitely getting close to finishing the So Human project!

Yesterday, Bret Major came in and recorded a kick-butt bass track for Simple Me. Then, I had to do some background vocal work on a song called, I'll Drive Yesterday. I was really struggling with the song and had pretty much decided that if I couldn't get the background vocals to work, I was going to scrap the song. Luckily, I was able to make them work. So the song stays!

All that's left is a lead guitar track on Forgive and Forget...and background vocals on Turn Your Eyes. Then we start mixing!

Best case scenario: we could have this album ready for duplication by the end of May. Though that may be a bit of a stretch, because I'm pretty much booked with something every weekend in May. Ugh! So, most likely, we'll be ready for duplication sometime in mid-late June. It will take about three weeks or so to get the CDs back in hand...so they should be ready for sale by mid-July! Yay!

I'll be sooooooo glad to get this project finished...and make it available so you all can hear what I've been working on for the past two years! (With an 8-9 month break to have a baby of course!) Once we have a more firm date for the cd release, we'll start booking concerts to promote it.

I'll keep ya informed!

Beautiful

2008-04-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

Typically, I steer away from using the word, "beautiful." I think it's severely over-used in our society. We've gotten to the point where anything we find pleasing is "beautiful." I don't think so. To me, the word should be powerful. It should only be used in those instances where words like "pretty" and "pleasing" fall way short.

I know I'm opening up a can of worms here, because beauty is a relative thing. I'm well aware that beauty is "in the eyes of the beholder." This beholder, however, has rarely seen it. But I would like to share some of those instances with you. These are some of the things that I find beautiful:

This is a grandmother in Bolivia...raising her three grandchildren by herself. Their father left them years ago and the mother passed away. A grandmother, struggling in poverty, working hard to feed, clothe, shelter and provide an education for three children that are not her own. That's beautiful.

This is Rosicela. I took this picture moments after she met the man who sponsors her through Compassion International. A few weeks before his visit, he sent Rosicela some money for her birthday. She decided she wanted to use some of the money to buy a new dress. She wanted to wear that dress when her sponsor arrived weeks later. Here she is, proudly wearing her new dress...and holding on to the stuffed moose her sponsor bought her. It was an absolutely beautiful moment to see the two of them meet face to face for the first time.

This little boy attends a Compassion project in Kenya. What I find beautiful about this boy is that he lives in extreme poverty on the outskirts of Nairobi...where HIV is rampant. Despite the deplorable conditions, look at the hope in his eyes. Look at the smile on his face. It is sheer beauty when a child can find a reason to smile amidst those circumstances.

Lest you think I can only find beauty in people, here's a flower I saw in Guatemala. I don't know much about flowers. I'm sure someone can tell me what kind of flower it is. But regardless, I find its intricacies and delicate design beautiful.

This is a brother and sister at play on the outskirts of Lima, Peru. Look at the debris in the foreground. Look at the slums in the background. Two kids...just being kids...and playing in the dirt, in the midst of so much despair...well, to me, that is beautiful.

This is Yasmin. I have traveled to seven countries now with Compassion and I have never seen a more heartbreaking home than Yasmin's. Her entire house was the size of my laundry room...and it was made of scraps of wood, tin and even some old billboards. The floor was dirt. The stove was a pot. No running water. No electricity. Her favorite toy was this headless doll. My heart broke when I saw her. But then I saw her mother interacting with her. There was so much love in that tiny little house of scraps. It was, without a doubt, beautiful.

American Idol Includes Jesus

2008-04-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, follow-up to yesterday's post.
Last night, the finalists on American Idol sang Shout to the Lord again...but this time, they included the name of Jesus!

Whoa!

I wonder if there was some pressure for them to do it? I've seen a lot of blog posts lately...some saying it was wrong of them to change the words from "My Jesus" to "My shepherd" on Wednesday night. Others say American Idol has no business doing any religious songs at all. Some interesting debate.

Regardless, last night, the name of Jesus was sung for millions of people to hear...once again...and I love it!

On a side note: I think the way Ryan Seacrest handled the whole ousting of Michael Johns was in bad form. "Last year on Idol Gives Back we decided not to eliminate anyone...but this year...(pause, pause)...we're saying goodbye to Michael Johns."

Bad form. Really bad form.

"Glenn out."

Jesus On American Idol

2008-04-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

Anybody else notice how much Jesus has been mentioned on American Idol lately?

Here are some lines from songs that have been sung on Idol in the past two weeks:

"We've all been crucified and they nailed Jesus to the tree

And when I'm born again you're going to see a change in me." --sung by Jason Castro

"I've got all I need. I've got Jesus and gravity." --sung by Dolly Parton

"He said He'd never forsake you or leave you alone. Trust Him.

Right here by my side. Carry me home. Jesus!" --sung by Mariah Carey

"Shout to the Lord all the earth, let us sing!

Power and majesty, praise to the King!" --sung by the top 8 finalists during the closing ceremony of Idol Gives Back.

Now, for sure, the folks at American Idol know that Christians are big "givers." So it's smart on their part to include some religious overtones into the show when they're trying to bring in donations for the Idol Gives Back program. But isn't it interesting that the name of Jesus--considered so "offensive" by many--is brazenly uttered on the most-watched television show in America so much lately?

Don't get me wrong. I think it's wonderful. Who cares what their motivation, if any, is? In Philippians, Paul says:

But what does it matter? The important thing

is that in every way, whether from false motives

or true,Christ is preached. And because of this, I rejoice.

-Philippians 1:18 (NIV)

Amen!

Real People

2008-04-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

There are two commercials on the air right now that bother me. Both for the same reason. One is a KMart commercial, showing four women dancing around in their new outfits they bought from KMart. The voice-over says something like:

"These are real women wearing the latest fashions--and they bought them at KMart."

The other commercial is the Pizza Hut spot where families are gathered at what appears to be a fancy Italian restaurant. They are eating pasta, laughing, joking...only to find out that the pasta was prepared by Pizza Hut...not a top chef. Again, the caption on the screen reads something like:

"Real people at a tasting event."

Man. I'm glad they told me those were real people. What...am I supposed to think they are some sort of animatronics or something?

I know what they're trying to say. "These are not paid actors." So say it that way! But to infer these people are real because they're not actors is a bit silly, isn't it? What? Are actors not real people?

I think what bothers me most is that the messaging further perpetuates this celebrity obsession we have in this world, where "real" people are separated from the supermodels, actors and rock stars. Last I heard, celebrities still put their pants on one leg at a time. (Though some may have someone to do that for them!) If we are "real" and they are not, then what are they? And are we to infer from these messages that being "real" is something less than desirable?

I think I'd be even more upset if I were a celebrity. Imagine someone saying to you, "You're not a real person...you're a celebrity!" What?!

I have news for you, Pizza Hut and KMart, we are all real people.

TimBits

2008-04-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

I'm in Canada right now, London Ontario to be exact, for some meetings with Compassion International.

Last night, we visited a place that Canadians say is a "must-see" for visitors...a place called Tim Horton's.

I'm not sure how to classify the place. They sell donuts, coffee and tea...so it's sort of like a Dunkin' Donuts, I guess. But they also sell roast beef sandwiches, so they're kinda like an Arby's too. No french fries though. (What's up with that?)

But I got a chuckle out of the "donut holes" they sell...which they call TimBits. Of course, I had to take a picture of a TimBits box.

Okay...go ahead and start with the jokes.

When the Sneetch Children Cry

2008-03-28T07:37:00.001-07:00

Hi friends,

I'm one of the contributors to the Compassion International Blog, and my most recent post, When the Sneetch Children Cry, is now online. Come check it out when you get a chance.

And while you're there, you should scan through some of the great writers we have contributing to the blog. I think you'll find their entries heartwarming, informative and inspirational.

Thanks!

What Type of Song Are You?

2008-03-25T07:19:00.000-07:00

Last night, as I was watching one of my favorite TV shows, Scrubs, one of the characters, JD, described himself by saying what type of song he is. He described himself as an 80's pop song.

I think of myself more as a pop/rock song. A little edgy, but with a predictable hook...that keeps repeating itself. (Or in this case, who keeps making the same mistakes in life over and over again!)

Maybe I'm like a Nickelback song. They're a pop band that sounds like a rock band. Ya know what I mean? They have a good rock sound, but if you analyze their songs, you realize they are more pop than anything else.

I think I'm like that. I'm a rock song on the outside with pop on the inside. Ha! I tend to put up the front of a hard-nosed guy who would rather spend life alone than with a crowd, but inside I'm a bit of a softie who quite honestly wants to be accepted and needs interaction with other human beings from time to time.

Wow. That was a lot more revealing than I cared to be.

What type of song are you?

365 Days

2008-03-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

365 days ago, I saw his face for the first time. That little pink, wrinkled face all scrunched up as he let out his first cry ever. What a sweet sound.

My little baby boy, Morgan Douglas Glenn was born. After years of prayers he was finally here. Poor Jen, she spent the next three hours in recovery, without being able to hold her baby boy.

I, on the other hand, spent every minute of those three hours with him. I was there for his first bath. There when they weighed his tiny 5 pound 3 and a half ounce frame. I rocked him in my arms for nearly two hours in the nursery...just staring at his perfect little face...listening to him coo. It was the sweetest two hours of my life. I remember it like it was yesterday. In fact, it feels like it was only yesterday.

I know it sounds cliche', but the 365 days that have passed since then have really flown by so fast. And Morgan has changed so much since then. He has so much personality. He flirts. He plays games. He sings. He's affectionate. He's so outgoing...he's never met a stranger.

As I wrote in a previous post, he started calling me "daddy" last week. As if my heart hadn't melted enough, that completely did me in.

What an amazing year this has been. It has been everything I ever hoped for...and more. To be a father is the greatest gift ever. To be a father to such a wonderful boy is beyond my comprehension.

365 days.

Happy birthday, my beautiful son. I love you so much.