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

Season Salt And Food For Thought! Swallow That!

Season Salt and Food for thought!  Swallow that!  Or, maybe, say that 3 times fast.  PIMP LOL.  So, I use Lawry’s Season salt for everything.  Brings out the flavor and just makes everything more palatable. Kind of like Love does with the truth. Seaons it and makes it dgo down easier.  Got me thinking about speaking the truth in love.  And speaking the love in truth.  Make sure your words aren’t hard to swallow.  Let them be tasteful.  Because you just might have to eat them yourself one day.  Mmm…now that goes down easy.  Ever overhear someone speak out of both sides of their mouth?  And then, ask for help?  Now, I didn’t say this, I only thought it: “My plate’s already full. Gonna scrap what’ll leave a bad taste in my mouth. Some of it’s a lil’ hard to swallow anyway. Don’t wanna bite off more than I can chew. The rest? I’ll take with a grain of salt. Not too much, though.  Might gag me with a spoon.”  PIMP LOL. Instead?  I chose not to be meal-y mouthed and instead of pounding the truth into her flesh by preaching?  I preached by helping her flesh.  Which helped her spirit.  Now, that is preaching!! I fed her a diff kind of food.  God’s recipe?  Sweet Mercy Drops. We all crave ‘em.  Mmm…they are quite palatable.   We are the body and we all need fed.  Season your spiritual food with "Love" Season Salt".  Season all your other food with "Lawry's Season Salt".  Oh, and with love, too!  That's my 2 secrets in my food tasting so good.  PIMP LOL.  Have a palatable day!   No gagging!  Don't choke.   Oh, one more thing?  Click on the photo to get the umm...the bigger picture?        Trace

Racking Up Rock 'n Roll Miles And Milestones! Even Little Steps On Rocky Roads Are Milestones

You’ve heard of Frequent Flyer Miles?  Well, I used to fly a lot, but not much anymore.  Can’t travel too much right now.  Flying or driving.  But, still?  I rack up miles.  Diff kind of ‘em.  I rack up Rock ‘n Roll Miles. How?  First, let me say “Yay”!  I drove to the store today.  Now, I know it’s only a stone’s throw, like a mile! But, for me? A milestone!  You know?  Stone’s throw?  Mile?  Milestone?  PIMP LOL.  Well, I was so thrilled that I felt like I just threw my spiritual arms up and high-5ed it with God. And He did it back!  You see, I have been ill and also can’t drive too much.  So, even little steps on rocky roads are milestones for me.  Whether, I'm hoppin' or two-steppin along.  They are my Rock ‘n Roll miles.  So, anyways, milestones remind me of the miles I roll with God, my Rock. I keep track of my Rock 'n Roll Miles and Milestones!  I rack up Rock ‘n Roll Miles and cash ‘em in for Experience.  Really pays off.  Never have to travel alone. It’s the only Way!  Keeps me on track.  Makes my miles rock!  That's how I roll!  Course I Rock ‘n Roll music and writing and well, just everything.  I only know how to be one person.  The same in all I do.  It’s hard enough keeping track of one of me.  PIMP LOL. I gotta roll with the Rock.  It’s the only way to travel… Through life.  Hope your weekend rocks and rolls.  Rock ‘n Roll!  Stop by some of my other articles.  Just a stone's throw from this one.  My place here?  A place where no stones are thrown and everything is just a stone's throw from hope and humor.        Trace

Football, Sweaters And Fall! You Can Sweat, Just Don't Sweat Stuff! Big Or Small!

Football, sweaters and fall!  Even after living many years in Florida, I instinctively got out a sweater this morning and put it on. Why? I feel fall on the inside of me at this time of year and you know what? I’m keeping it on. Course, you already know that I wear fingerless gloves & whatever I feel like whenever I want, anyways. Anyways, inside me, the seasons still change, even if the weather doesn’t.  God made us all cool like that! And, each unique. Be seasonably cool and be seasonably yourself.  In every season and in every season of your life  Oh!  And, our spirits have seasons, too. Some cool spirit seasons?  Hibernate, Cultivate, Transformate and Celebrate!  Pretty hot, huh!  Well, keeping this short.  I gotta get out and enjoy this sweater weather!  Though, I gotta say um…today’s name for sweaters? Sweaty-ers!  Still keepin' it on.  What?   Have a fun weekend.  Don’t sweat the um…  Okay!  Go ahead and sweat.  It’s Florida and it’s hot.  Especially in a sweater. PIMP LOL.  Just sayin’…don’t sweat the small OR big stuff.  He knows His stuff. God made seasons in our life for His reasons.  Both kinds.  There’s reasons for all seasons…    Trace