“Soulize The Eyes”, “So Lies The Eyes” and "So Shhh! lize!

“Soulize The Eyes” or “So Lies The Eyes”.  Well, this story begins with our old shed in the back yard.  We’ve been tearing it down. Guess you could say that we shed a shed?  It was old and rusted, but underneath? The wood foundation was like brand new being protected by the metal around it. Able to use it to build something new. Hmmm… Of course, you know that got me thinking. We’re like that. If we have the right Foundation, no matter how things change around us, we are protected and can rebuild. What’s around us actually can build us up…whether it is people, or trials. And that can sometimes be both! And, yes we get a little rusty when we don’t use what God has given us and don’t build up others. Build and build up…in you and around you.  So, it seems I got some kind of poison or rash from shedding the old shed out back. Shocking! Not! That’s me. Wasps and mosquitoes and ants love me, so why not some more bugs.  Anyways, it’s pretty bad & all over my face & neck & itchy. Not pretty. So why DO they say pretty bad? Should be ugly bad, right?! Just sayin’! Probably No-see-ums. It’s what you don’t see that hits ...you... in the face. Like our hearts. Yes, we look at each other on the outside! Duh! God gave us bodies! But, He gave us souls to look at and with, too. It’s easy to protect ourselves from the “stuff” we see coming at us by not looking at all…um…I no see ums! PIMP LOL. But, we should so look! But, with our soul eyes. You know? “Soulize Our Eyes”! To see the truth in others. And, let others see the truth in us. People can see when our eyes lie…so lies the eyes, right? But, if you look with your heart, they will see the truth. Now, you may see that another is lying when you look with your soul eyes, but even then? You will find mercy and love. Oh, and if you see me coming? Run! It’s not pretty! Or else, just use your soul eyes and skip the face. Then, run! Pretty fast! Or, ugly fast! PIMP LOL.  So, soulizing got me thinking about socializing... Soul-eyezing while social-eyzing!  Using the eyes to see the soul.  I was thinking how sometimes when we socialize?  We forget about the other person there.  We socialize, but should “so Shhh lize” and hear them. Right?  We should so be quiet sometimes and be a good listener. You know?  To really be good at “Socializing” you have to be good at “so shh...lizing”! PIMP LOL TNT.  Make eye and heart contact...  Shhh...      Trace

A Proposition Of My Position On Prepositions (inside out and upside down)

Felt like I've been walking around with my insides on the outsides. For all to see.  And, everything is upside down.  Not a pretty feeling…or a pretty sight!  PIMP LOL. Had to remember the upside to the all those downsides and inside out times. What is it? My strength, my God. He’s inside, outside upside, and, yes? Even in my downsides. I remember something a teacher said about how to remember prepositions. She said that everything a mouse can do to a "piece" of "hole-y" cheese is a preposition. Got to thinking about that today.  I propose that every way God shows us His "peace" and that He is "holy" is a cool way of remembering  prepositions. That's my position on propositional prepositions. Or is it my proposition of my position on prepositions? PIMP LOL.  Right?  Through us, in us, above, around us, by us, with us, without us… You with me?  If God is with us, who can be against us?  Yes, the mouse can lean against the hole-y cheese, but nothing can lean against us that is mightier than God Himself.  That’s my position on prepositions. PIMP LOL.  Have a fun week.      Trace

SAFE MODE

My computer got sick, but with my girl at the ER and other life and hope threating emergencies that I didn’t seem to have ER’s for…well, my computer just didn’t seem to be...umm…an emergency? A week later, I finally put my PC in Trace's ER where I placed it in “Safe Mode” and fixed it. Guess I’ve been in Safe Mode, too. You know? Where it has only necessary functionality to make room for emergencies, keeping the rest safe? Has the words Safe Mode in all 4 corners and all walls up. Yep! That sums me up. In SAFE MODE. My ER? Everlasting Rest! In Gods arms! Keep all the rest safe! And, the rest!  PIMP LOL. Yes, we must keep our computer updated to keep it running safe.  How do we keep us running safe and rested?  Keep updated…  Spend time with God!  That’s my update for today!  PIMP TNT LOL.  Oh!  And, it's not a stretch for me to say that I don't think I'll be needing a stretcher today.  Have a fun day.  Stay safe... But don't play it safe!  Playing it safe most of the time means missing out on the blessing.  We're already safe in His arms...just don't see it for all the emergencies at hand!  And, it sure doesn't hurt to throw in a little funny bone!  Now, I gotta go use some elbow grease because work is right at my fingertips and I'd rather it be at arm's length! PIMP LOL.  Enough about arms and hands.  It's safe to say that I hope you have a fun day.        Trace

Lists vs. Nerdy Ways Of Remembering Things

So, I was making a list of the things we needed at the store.  If it wasn’t more than 5 things, I was gonna make a list.  If not, I have another way to memorize them. That’s my rule. I like to make alliterations and acronyms or funny sentences to remember the 1st letter of the things I need or some crazy memory thing like that.  Been doing that every day of my life.  With pretty much everything.  So, I needed Mexican Hot Sauce, batteries & toilet paper.  Here's what my mind came up with: “1 makes us go, 1 keeps us going & 1 is for going”! PIMP LOL.  I’m gone!  Before I’m on your list!  I am def a nerd!  And, just why do I think of all that nerdy stuff?  Well, I like to keep my mind and heart learning and thinking.  And, I've never figured out a way to turn it off. PIMP LOL.  I also like to learn a new word everyday.  Like to learn something new on my computer every day.  I like to learn new kinds of music and styles…keeps me on my toes.  And not just the dancing toes!  PIMP LOL.  Love to learn something new from the bible every day and from everything God created.  Especially, His people.  I learn from you!  Have a fun weekend.  Learn from someone this weekend.  Who knows?  They might even learn from you.  Oh!  And, click on the picture to get...umm...the bigger picture?  You will see an album called Asylum Choir!  That's me, alright!!!      Trace

Relationships, Basketball And Bouncing Back

I was talkin’ to my girl about relationships. Parents, boys, church and God. Yes! A lot of times that can be 2 different things. I was talkin’ ‘bout the ball being in her court. She said, “but, mama, it’s always in my court!”  "I always have to be the one to make a move.  In friendships...in everything!"  I had to laugh cuz I know just what she meant.  Seems like we always have to make the first move in fixing or changing any relationship.  But, I got to thinking about it and realized that though we would love to have the ball brought back down to our court, most times we have to go get it.  If we're given the ability by God to forgive and overlook and bounce back, then so be it.  I would rather do that than dribble around! That’s a score from downtown for sure!  All net and no rim!  Just sayin’!  Oh, and the photo?  It's someone playin' sun basketball!  What?  Anything's possible!  Even when the ball isn't in your court!  Have a fun day on and off the courts!  Get bouncin’!  Oh!  One more thing?  I have lots of new very short articles up, so stop by.  Love to hear from you guys.   Now, the ball is in your court! PIMP LOL.  Couldn't resist!     Trace

Just My 2 Cents On Bonds And Trust Funds!

Ever find out you’ve been the laughing stock? Causes one to take stock! Of one’s heart. God knows our heart.  I decided being us is alright. Our stock has dividends that make us rich. Oh, I know! We don’t have $, but, we’re rich. Our Stock Portfolio contains just these 2: E-Bonds and a Trust Fund. Our Encouragement Bonds are an investment in others. Our Trust Fund? Invest in us…you can trust! Our word IS our bond cuz His Word is our bond. Oh! Have laughing stock, too. Has us laughing the whole way to da bank.  Have a fun day!  Do some bonding?  Trace

Yo! Ma! Who me? Yo-yo toyin' wit me?

My kids were toying with me. My girl and her friend, that is. They both called out “Yo” “Ma”! Though not at the exact time.  Came out yo-yo, ma! Whaaat?  I do spin, walk the dog, get wound up, wrapped around little fingers, stringed along, been around the world (or, at least my world…welcome to it) rocked the baby and have been a sleeper once in a blue yo-yo!  I’m colorful, kids love me and I am a ma! Yes!  I’m a yo-yo sometimes.  So, yo!  Yes, you!  Have fun!  Buy a yo-yo and play with your kids! And, if you don't have kids? Get one and play anyway!  No matter what age yo are! Is good to have fun!  What tricks yo-yo got?  PIMP LOL.  Hope your week is fill with yo-yo's!   Trace

Tupperware Parties And Make-up Parties! Selling Plastic! PIMP LOL

I never wore make-up. Liked the natural look. Then, in my 20’s, my friends tricked me into going to a Tupperware party. The only plastic at this party was our faces after. PIMP LOL.  It was actually a Make-over Party.  You know?  Make-up?  I do wear it now, but just enuff to see the whole me made-up, not the make-up. Make-over parties are fun just like the tupperware parties.  Which do you think sells more plastic?  PIMP LOL.  The right make-up is a very good thing!  Belive me!  I know, right?  Same with clothes.  Stick your neck out to be yourself. Not your “neckline”.  Clothes and make-up can be a very concealing thing…in a revealing kind of way!  Reveal your heart.  Not just a part! Adorn your hearts with imperishable beauty.  My joke for today:  Someone says to me, Hey! That lady’s outfit says, "I just came from a cathouse” and her perfume says, “Don’t come near me. I’m all fume and no purr!” PIMP LOL. What lesson did I get out of this? Umm…umm… God loves all of us?  Even stinky?  Don’t judge?  Better to be stinky outside than inside?  Strive for purring not purrfection? That’s all I got. Have a fun week. I am going to try to relax & purr…no fuming!  Adorn your heart with imperishable beauty.  Diamonds for the soul.  Jewels of wisdom.  Soul perfume.  Non-catty and non-stinky!    As always?  Click on the picture to get umm...the bigger picture?      Trace

Bound in Leather With Gilt Edges or Guilt Edges? Bound To Be Free!

A lot of us try to keep God in a box AND in the box, right? You know? The kind you open up to find a book bound in leather with gilt edges. Or should I say guilt edges? Makes us edgy and filled with guilt? PIMP LOL. But, the bible is meant to set us free not make us bound! Truth is? We gotta live truth, not just read it. Then, you’re bound to get free. Oh, His word Can come in a box.  But, it’s Way out of the box! Live it!  It’s about relationship. Living, loving and relating are verbs just like God called Himself “I AM”!  He isn't a something.  He is everything in action. Living...  I like outta the box.  Plus?  When we try to keep God in the box?  We get all wrapped up in ourselves. PIMP LOL.  Yes, there's lots of inspiration in the bible even on the shelf or still in the box...true!  But, out of the box?  It becomes inspiring and living...in us.  Think outside the box.  Let Him in.   Now, that's a wrap.   Oh, and click on the photo, as always, to get the umm...bigger picture?  Yep!       Trace

Precipice And Press-A-Piece! Cliffhangers!

Precipice And Press-A-Piece! When I am at the precipice of the unknown, I call on God to press-a-piece of my heart. And, I know He will. That is my known! I know He will impress me and impress upon me. He’s a “press-a-piece” for a precipice. For any time.  Have a fun day.  Press on…unless you’re at a cliff. Then hang on? Cuz life can get rocky. Or fly and be umm…flocky?  You know?  Birds?  PIMP LOL.  Anyway, it’s your choice.  But, take time to ask Him about it.  He's always there.   He won't leave you hangin'.    Whether you're in a cliff-hanger or just regular drama.  PIMP LOL.  God will put the pieces of your heart back together, not "take another little piece of my heart now baby", like the song says.  Love the song, but that's human nature and the world, not God.  He'll put the pieces together by impressing upon you and impressing you with His love.  Not taking pieces.  Peace be with you!  All the pieces!   Oh, and I hope I don't have to press you to read my other pieces! "press-a-piece"? C'mon!  As Linda Ronstadt and Janis Joplin both sang, "don't take another little piece of my heart now baby. Read another piece from my heart!!!"  What?  Isn't that what she said?  Well, that's what I say...sing...      PIMP LOL     Trace

Truth Speaks For Itself...Quietly And Confidently Most Times. But This Time? Just Call Me The Temporary Megaphone! PIMP LOL

Something someone said to me yesterday struck a chord with me…but it was discord.  It was what they didn’t say that I heard the loudest…truth.  I already knew what the truth was and just wanted to be respected enough to hear the truth.  I know that is a hard thing to do sometimes.  I know I’m not perfect and need grace at times, too.  But, I ‘m gonna speak up…then shut up.  Just call me a Temporary Megaphone!  So, this discord thing...it got me thinking about music and what God has given us (the b.a.s.i.c. band) and me, personally. The ups and downs.  I had quit singing after a long bout with a very traumatic illness.  A lot of folks only guessed what was wrong with me and thought it was drugs.  It wasn’t.   The drugs came after the major surgery to remove most of my stomach.  I got hooked on prescription drugs that were supposed to be keeping me alive after.  Anyway, got off of them myself.  But, that’s another whole nutha war story that is up here on my blog.  Look through my articles for that.  I said that to make a point about truth.  Don't speak if you don't know it to be true.  And if you don't want to say the truth?  Don't say anything.  Truth never changes it's story...cuz it's not a story!  Duh!   So, back to this story...  I never thought I would sing again and when I started, it was at church and home…humbly, believe me.  Not expecting any support.  I had no confidence and no memories of ever being a singer or ever being on stage or at any gigs.  It never even dawned on me until some time later that I would sing other than in a crowd or alone, again.  I never even asked to.  Didn’t even enter my mind to ask.  I’m serious. Then, after avery long 2 years, I started singing more at home and having hope.  And, I was asked to sing at church.  I was completely shocked and teary-eyed.  Still am.  Because every time I sing, it is only by His Grace and power that I do.  You see...I still have alot of health things that I don't like known becasue then people expect less of you.  They have a predisposed notion.  I want to be treated like someone that can be counted on because I can be.  Sickness doesn't affect me like most others, because of my experience and my health.  Well, I mean, it affects me...alot!  But, it doesn't rule me. I have learned to live with it more.  Not saying I like it or it's easy, just that it's do-able with God.  Makes me need Him more...  Anyway, singing in front of others before God was pure medicine for me.  My safe place...  It opened up some hope and doors of encrouagement in me and I was beginning to record and create videos and put our songs up on the internet to be able to have a ministry again.  I taught myself because funds for tight (are tight).  I built a website and have our albums available for download, but still haven’t been able to get physical CD’s again.  But, I know we will.  So, back to the story.  God has Himself given us all kinds of songs to be shared at all kinds of places over the years.  From Rock to Jazz to Blues to Country to Funk and a mixture of in between…Fuze, Juze, Blaz.  Even Hymns, done b.a.s.i.c.ally.  Love our Country Blues version of Whispering Hope.  Of course, by now, it has probably become Country Blaz! PIMP LOL.  So! We like all styles…and I’m pretty sure He does too.  We don’t just do songs for any certain type or group of people or any age.  We have lots of music that can be shared at church…duh!  It’s about Jesus.  We have 2 Wedding songs…one very sweet and mellow.  We have a funeral/memorial service song  We have Christmas, Easter and love songs.  We even have a few “secular” songs.  Oh, my!  Shocking.  What I’m saying is that the songs choose us and we def know where the songs come from.  Honestly?  We share our hearts…our lives and it all has to do with the Truth.  Our relationship with Him.  I also do not believe there is any certain type of worship that has to done in churches.  It doesn’t have to like on TV church or singing a mellow verse 10 times to build up emotion. That has it’s place sometimes. But, not always.  Not saying it’s not good  because he gave us emotions and I work it up in my own way.  But, I dare to let God bring it out in me.  Not force it. It is His Spirit in me. IN each of us. And we are unqiue worshippers.  I also don’t think a worship song is any certain type.  I don’t even think songs have to be worship or worship has to be songs.  The greatest worship is showing God His value to us by valuing others. My best worship?  Serving with love and alone time with Him. Now, I believe a peppy song can touch a heart, just like a slow song.  Same with instruments.  Lead guitar is no more evil than keys or drums or acoustic guitar.  It’s the heart that plays.  Not the instrument. And the spirit that hears.  And, we do love to strive for excellence…for purring, not purrfection.  We believe practice is just as important as the real gig.  Practice is a gig to us…with our musician peers and God.  I just want to say that our music has never been about getting rich.  Just rich-er…spiritually.  Not about getting fans…getting fantastic friends to share the gift of music and Jesus.  Oh, making a living would be nice, but until then…  We like all kinds of music and have always included all kinds of folks…because we are an “all kinds” kind of band, b.a.s.i.c.ally.  I have never begged for our music to be shared…except to God, right?  All musicians beg! PIMP LOL.  We’ve always strived to let the music speak for itself…and speak Truth into lives.  Hope into lives… By sharing the music and letting God do the rest.  So, just consider this article a temporary megaphone!  PIMPLOL. Here’s a link to our website below here right under our band collage. Check us out.  Oh!  And we are looking for a new bass player and drummer. Maybe some other stuff down the road, but right now we are having to get back to needing the basics....in the b.a.s.i.c. band!   PIMP LOL. We still love our previous guys but they are too busy to commit any more.  I know God will work things out. As always, click on the picture, for umm...the bigger picture?  That picture is worth umm...13 words?   Have lots of other small articles and a couple ones like this.    K..., so I spoke up, now I shut up!  The megaphone has been stored away!   Hope you have a fun day!  Honestly!      Trace

  

                             Website b.a.s.i.c.s (the b.a.s.i.c. band)                              

Making Connections! The Skinny On Getting On Top Of Things? Get Under Their Skin! The Shortcut From The Eyes To The Soul!

Just a short story and our new “live” vid and song.   Someone asked me, “why do you look around at the audience and band when you sing?”  Well, for me, I have to connect with everyone. Take a shortcut through their eyes into their souls while I sing (even while I talk or even just out at the store). Looking into others eyes reminds me that I am not alone.  Just seeing others doesn’t do it for me.  Seeing into their souls through their eyes.  That’s how I know…  That He is way bigger than we could ever imagine.  And, sometimes, yes, I close my eyes on a part of a song that just has no other expression, but the singing itself. But, mostly, I like to connect with people and take in their hearts…through their eyes.  And, let them take in mine.  While we both take in His. Together.  Makes it easier to connect with God who I can’t see with my natural eyes.  And, I don’t have to get “in the zone”.  He is the Zone.  No matter how I feel or don’t feel?  He knows my heart.  That’s the Good News.  And, we go on… Connecting with the band & everyone?  IS connecting with God.  We are the body…  We ARE connected.  I sing even when I don't feel like it.  Especially then.  I know God can work in my heart and others when we are vulnerable and hurting.  Same with talking and simply looking into someone's eyes as you past by.  A smile and a look into their heart is sometimes my actual prayer.  Sometimes, my praying IS singing and sometimes my smiling with my eyes and mouth is praying.  K...have a wonderful week.  Make some connections.  Oh!  And, take a listen and peek at our "live" video and original song!  You can just click on the arrow button, or if you would like to read all my details about the song, just click on the bottom right YouTube button and it will take you right to my channel and vid and you can read the "all-important" details.  They are right under the vid.  Where else?  Cuz I like to try to stay on top of things. PIMP LOL.  Be on top of things this week.  Connect with those around you...and God!  The skinny on getting on top of things?  Get under their skin...   Eye to eye...  The shortcut from the eyes to the soul!   Oh!  And have fun with all this connecting.  And, click on the picture, for umm...the bigger picture?  PIMP LOL    Trace

Mortified By Spamming...Humored By Hamming...It up?

I got a spam thing from one of my subscribers that showed up on my YouTube channel. Not the photo to the left.  It was a nasty video! Of course, it was for shock value. And…umm…I was...shocked! I was mortified…to say the least. Marked it as spam. Then canned it. Marked it as garbage! Then, I told Mort he better never send me those again. What? Mort has a tendency to mortify me! PIMP LOL. Okay! His name wasn't Mort, but it should have been. I have to have SOME creative license. Anyways, life mortifies and shocks us. God supportifies and Rocks us! Keep your balance of love and grace, humor and hope. Keep your balance…by standing firm! On the Rock! When life spams you? Fry it and eat it? PIMP LOL! Just don’t let it eat you up! Can it! Trash can it! Remember? Garbage in? Garbage out! One more thing? When life spams me? I ham it up, instead of spam it up. No revenge with trash. Just humor and hope, right? Have a weekend that does not mortify you. Better yet? Doesn’t mortify anyone!!! Stand firm on the Rock, not the spam! No eye for an eye, no spam for a spam. How 'bout ham for a spam.  PIMP LOL.  Now, go pet your Llama!!     Trace