Everyone knows that newspapers, magazines, and books are on the way 'out'. Internet and technology have quickly changed the way we get our news and also challenged the industry. I work for a company that distributes and publishes books & magazines, so I see everyday how the industry is being stretched.
I'll admit that I use the 'latest & greatest' methods of communication all the time. Each day I get an email with the headlines of the day from my local paper. I can click on each headline and read the news for free online. Why spend $0.75-$2.00 for a newspaper? Several times a day I click on Kentucky Sports Radio (www.kentuckysportsradio.com) to get my fill of both Kentucky Basketball & Football. Then I can go to espn.com for any national sports news and scores I desire. To top all this I can now use my smart phone to get national news (or anything else for that matter) through a variety of choices of applications. My favorites are the USA Today and Huffington Post apps.
However, over the last several weeks I have become quite fond of being able to hold a paper publication in my two hands. There is no password to enter, no updates to download, as I recently subscribed to Newsweek and Sports Illustrated magazines. I haven't quite figured out if I am feeling like a little-kid or if I feel like a grown-up, but I'm REALLY enjoying both magazines. The journalism is well-written and every article fascinates me.
I'm already planning to renew my subscription 11 months early!
Have you taken a break from reading a newspaper or magazine these last couple of years? If so, give it another shot. I'm loving it!
Follow me on Twitter - @cteesdale
Jason Mraz w/ Toca Rivera - "I Won't Give Up"
Sunrise at Lanikai Beach
Monday, January 9, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Eight years
Today is the 8th Wedding Anniversary for my wife (Teri) and I. After being 4600 miles apart the past couple of anniversaries, it's going to be wonderful just to spend the day together. Our extra bonus this year is that we are on vacation in Hawaii, and that we are with our TWO children.
We are planning to take a drive around the island of Oahu tomorrow, which is what we also did on our last anniversary we spent together. We will also probably get a little time together on the beach and then save our night out for when we get back to Lexington. There is no other way that I'd rather celebrate my anniversary with the love of my life.
Just a quick sidestep - Tomorrow will be 9 years since I proposed to Teri on the beach in Siesta Key, FL. Thanks to the assistance of my best friend Joe, that evening was one of the best of my life. (I'm sure Teri would say the same.)
Thinking back 8 years ago, I am very fond of our wedding rehearsal & dinner. Rehearsal was a breeze and lots of fun! We shared that evening with an enormous amount of family and friends. Dinner was at the church and everyone sat in a giant square. I still get goose bumps thinking about how much I enjoyed going around the room and introducing each person, one-by-one, to the entire group. We have a video (thanks to Michael Rintamaa & Steven Page) of the rehearsal evening that we get a kick out of watching each year.
Our wedding day was perfect. 60 degree weather in Lexington. I had lunch with some family & friends at Cheddars, where we watched the entire UK (#8) vs UNC (#9) basketball game that afternoon. Kentucky won of course! Then we got to the church and I had the "History of Kentucky Basketball" dvd playing in the grooms room to pass the time before the ceremony. Most of my groomsmen went to UofL with me for college, and to this day I'm grateful for them putting up with me for this.
At 5:30pm the most beautiful bride in the history of the world walked down the aisle (at the church I grew up in) and said "I do." The ceremony was beautiful. Great music, very intimate, and filled with an overwhelming amount of loved ones. Our reception followed at the Campbell House and we had an absolute blast! We surprised many by secretly taking dance lessons prior to our wedding, to make the most out of our first dance. (Tim McGraw's "My Best Friend") Teri & I even made a late-night run to McDonalds to fill our stomachs after spending much of our reception socializing with our guests. The next morning we had breakfast with our families & then took off for a week in Gatlinburg on our honeymoon.
My love for Teri continues to grow each day, and I'm so blessed to have her as my wife, best friend & soul mate. Every single day I thank God that she loves me, and that she is the mother of my children. Thank you Teri for giving me the best 8 years of my life, and I'm looking forward to the many more to come.
Tim McGraw - "My Best Friend"
We are planning to take a drive around the island of Oahu tomorrow, which is what we also did on our last anniversary we spent together. We will also probably get a little time together on the beach and then save our night out for when we get back to Lexington. There is no other way that I'd rather celebrate my anniversary with the love of my life.
Just a quick sidestep - Tomorrow will be 9 years since I proposed to Teri on the beach in Siesta Key, FL. Thanks to the assistance of my best friend Joe, that evening was one of the best of my life. (I'm sure Teri would say the same.)
Thinking back 8 years ago, I am very fond of our wedding rehearsal & dinner. Rehearsal was a breeze and lots of fun! We shared that evening with an enormous amount of family and friends. Dinner was at the church and everyone sat in a giant square. I still get goose bumps thinking about how much I enjoyed going around the room and introducing each person, one-by-one, to the entire group. We have a video (thanks to Michael Rintamaa & Steven Page) of the rehearsal evening that we get a kick out of watching each year.
Our wedding day was perfect. 60 degree weather in Lexington. I had lunch with some family & friends at Cheddars, where we watched the entire UK (#8) vs UNC (#9) basketball game that afternoon. Kentucky won of course! Then we got to the church and I had the "History of Kentucky Basketball" dvd playing in the grooms room to pass the time before the ceremony. Most of my groomsmen went to UofL with me for college, and to this day I'm grateful for them putting up with me for this.
At 5:30pm the most beautiful bride in the history of the world walked down the aisle (at the church I grew up in) and said "I do." The ceremony was beautiful. Great music, very intimate, and filled with an overwhelming amount of loved ones. Our reception followed at the Campbell House and we had an absolute blast! We surprised many by secretly taking dance lessons prior to our wedding, to make the most out of our first dance. (Tim McGraw's "My Best Friend") Teri & I even made a late-night run to McDonalds to fill our stomachs after spending much of our reception socializing with our guests. The next morning we had breakfast with our families & then took off for a week in Gatlinburg on our honeymoon.
My love for Teri continues to grow each day, and I'm so blessed to have her as my wife, best friend & soul mate. Every single day I thank God that she loves me, and that she is the mother of my children. Thank you Teri for giving me the best 8 years of my life, and I'm looking forward to the many more to come.
Tim McGraw - "My Best Friend"
Monday, January 2, 2012
Musical Blessings
Music that touches the lives of others is a blessing. When that music is written to share a personal story of one's faith, it can be awe inspiring.
Read this story about such music written by Matt Hammitt, the lead singer of the band Sanctus Real. CLICK HERE!
Matt Hammitt - "All of Me"
Read this story about such music written by Matt Hammitt, the lead singer of the band Sanctus Real. CLICK HERE!
Matt Hammitt - "All of Me"
Sunday, January 1, 2012
A New Year!
The New Year has arrived. Despite 2011 being one of the worst in our country's history, for myself it was one of the best! Family & friends are healthy, including me. Everything at my job at HDA Merchandising (and at with the music ministries at church) has been great! The highlight of the year came this past August when we welcomed our son, Ellis, into the world. So I have no complaints, nor do I intend to look back at the year that was any more.
2012 is here. My daughter Lorelei will start kindergarten in the fall. Several friends (Kerri, Amanda, Lauren) are getting married. I've got an entire year of Payed Time-Off to plan vacations. (Disney World may be in our family's near future!) The Kentucky Wildcats basketball team is going to be lots of fun to watch as they head towards #8. Lots of excitement!!
I waited until yesterday to start thinking about New Year's Resolutions. Last year, I didn't even consider one thing, so I'm ahead of the game. Here is my Final 4-part plan:
1.) Blog - I am going to write on here more often. I'll aim to vary the topics as best I can. Hopefully I'll gain more readers too.
2.) Fast Food - I have a tendancy to eat fast food WAY to much, especially when I'm on the road. Too many burgers & fries were consumed in 2011. I can do better! And I will!
3.) Exercise - I know, I know. Everyone says this one. Well I can't do any worse than I did in 2011. So I plan to walk more often around the neighborhood at least. Anything else will be a bonus!
4.) Twitter - I have been tweeting for probably about a year, but with all the changes to Facebook in 2011, I have grown to like Twitter even more. So photos will go to Facebook. Links will be shared often. Status updates will continue to show up as I please. But Twitter is going to be my thing. Follow me @cteesdale.
Happy New Year and blessing for a joyous 2012 that is full of peace & love.
Jamie Cullum - "If I Ruled the World"
2012 is here. My daughter Lorelei will start kindergarten in the fall. Several friends (Kerri, Amanda, Lauren) are getting married. I've got an entire year of Payed Time-Off to plan vacations. (Disney World may be in our family's near future!) The Kentucky Wildcats basketball team is going to be lots of fun to watch as they head towards #8. Lots of excitement!!
I waited until yesterday to start thinking about New Year's Resolutions. Last year, I didn't even consider one thing, so I'm ahead of the game. Here is my Final 4-part plan:
1.) Blog - I am going to write on here more often. I'll aim to vary the topics as best I can. Hopefully I'll gain more readers too.
2.) Fast Food - I have a tendancy to eat fast food WAY to much, especially when I'm on the road. Too many burgers & fries were consumed in 2011. I can do better! And I will!
3.) Exercise - I know, I know. Everyone says this one. Well I can't do any worse than I did in 2011. So I plan to walk more often around the neighborhood at least. Anything else will be a bonus!
4.) Twitter - I have been tweeting for probably about a year, but with all the changes to Facebook in 2011, I have grown to like Twitter even more. So photos will go to Facebook. Links will be shared often. Status updates will continue to show up as I please. But Twitter is going to be my thing. Follow me @cteesdale.
Happy New Year and blessing for a joyous 2012 that is full of peace & love.
Jamie Cullum - "If I Ruled the World"
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Testimony for Wellspring - Nov. 27, 2011
Last weekend I read an article in the Faith & Values section of the Lexington Herald-Leader titled, “Many Christians turn a deaf ear to Contemporary Christian Music (CCM).” This article was basically stating that a very small amount of Christians exclusively listen to music similar to what we are singing here today at Wellspring.
What grabbed my attention the most, was not the writer’s commentary, but rather the remarks made by local church leaders, as either quotes within the article or comments submitted online in response to the article.
A local Disciples minister and ecumenical leader shared that they felt most CCM is “musically sappy and theologically thin” and that “it doesn't inspire, doesn't induce awe and wonder, and doesn't teach.”
A Music Director of another downtown congregation said they “found that much of the CCM was more suited for watching or listening to, instead of “congregational singing.”
My first thought, was WOW! we need to invite these folks to Wellspring. (Don’t you think?) Today is only our 7th gathering as a community of faith at Wellspring. As one of the lay leaders who plan these monthly worship experiences, I will say that we are very intentional in choosing the songs and every other aspect of the worship. We want you to feel inspired, we want you to be in awe and in wonder, and we want the words you sing and hear - to teach you.
A 15th century French mathematician, Blaise Pascal, observed that “the people who have the greatest influence in shaping the hearts and minds of any generation are not the folks who write the laws, but those who write the songs.”
As musicians for this worship experience, myself and the entire Wellspring Band are not here for you to watch or listen to. We are here to lead you in singing songs of praise as “you” worship. It’s not about us. I think songwriter, Matt Redman, says it best that “Worship can never be a performance, but an overflow of your heart.”
Our desire is that you discover that the music draws you closer to God and that you feel God’s hope, God’s peace, God’s joy, and God’s love as you sing.
Those of you who know me, primarily associate me with either music, or my family. I am a fourth-generation member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). I was born & raised here at Central. My grandmother is a retired, ordained minister. My grandfather taught Sunday School here at Central, and was on staff as a custodian, both here and at Transylvania University. My mother grew up here. And now my wife, Teri and I are raising our 2 children here. Central defines who I am as a person. I love singing the bass parts of the hymns each Sunday morning. Next week you’ll see me singing with the Chancel Choir on “The Messiah.”
CCM is relatively new to me. Growing up at Central I was not around it much and it wasn’t until I was in college that I began to listen to songs from that genre. About 10 years ago I started getting opportunities to lead music at church camps and other youth gatherings throughout Kentucky. These experiences introduced me to the music, and gradually the more I listened, the more the music really impacted me. In fact, I would say it has shaped my faith more than anything else.
I travel by car a lot for my job, and I’m definitely one of those guys you will see cruising down the Bluegrass Parkway, singing and drumming my heart out. Most of the time, I’m listening to the music that we are singing here at Wellspring, or a favorite CCM artist of mine. What makes those moments so great for me is that before long I realize that I’m in worship. Right there. Alone in my car. Just God and I. As I sing songs of prayer and thanksgiving. And it never fails, that the words and melodies of those songs always leave me in awe and wonder of my relationship with God.
CCM can also nurture our life in difficult times. Before giving birth to our first child, we had a miscarriage with our first pregnancy. We had lots of questions. And we received no answers. Our faith was being tested, and we were losing hope. A few days later we went to a concert by CCM artist Mark Schultz. In the middle of the concert he performed his song “He Will Carry Me.” This was a song neither of us had heard, and before he even reached the second verse - we were both in tears. It was like our prayers were being answered, as this song gave us the inspiration we needed to get through those difficult days. Here are those opening words that touched our lives:
“I call, you hear me.
I’ve lost it all, and it’s more than I can bear.
I feel so empty.
You’re strong, I’m weary.
I’m holding on, but I feel like giving in.
But still You’re with me.
And even though I’m walking through,
The valley of the shadow.
I will hold tight to the hand of Him,
Whose love will comfort me.
And when all hope is gone,
and I’ve been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will ever need,
And He will carry me.”
Whether you enjoy CCM, or not, I simply invite you to be vulnerable to the blessings that do exist in these songs. Be ready to listen, even as you sing as a congregation, because God is speaking through them. Mark Schultz. George Frideric Handel. These are two of many musicians that have shared God’s word in their music compositions. Open your ears. Open your mind. Open your heart.
I leave you with words written by Mark Schultz, which are part of the Soundtrack of My Faith:
“Live with the wonder of a child. Pray with your arms thrown open wide.
Love with a love that knows no end. Until I see you again.”
What grabbed my attention the most, was not the writer’s commentary, but rather the remarks made by local church leaders, as either quotes within the article or comments submitted online in response to the article.
A local Disciples minister and ecumenical leader shared that they felt most CCM is “musically sappy and theologically thin” and that “it doesn't inspire, doesn't induce awe and wonder, and doesn't teach.”
A Music Director of another downtown congregation said they “found that much of the CCM was more suited for watching or listening to, instead of “congregational singing.”
My first thought, was WOW! we need to invite these folks to Wellspring. (Don’t you think?) Today is only our 7th gathering as a community of faith at Wellspring. As one of the lay leaders who plan these monthly worship experiences, I will say that we are very intentional in choosing the songs and every other aspect of the worship. We want you to feel inspired, we want you to be in awe and in wonder, and we want the words you sing and hear - to teach you.
A 15th century French mathematician, Blaise Pascal, observed that “the people who have the greatest influence in shaping the hearts and minds of any generation are not the folks who write the laws, but those who write the songs.”
As musicians for this worship experience, myself and the entire Wellspring Band are not here for you to watch or listen to. We are here to lead you in singing songs of praise as “you” worship. It’s not about us. I think songwriter, Matt Redman, says it best that “Worship can never be a performance, but an overflow of your heart.”
Our desire is that you discover that the music draws you closer to God and that you feel God’s hope, God’s peace, God’s joy, and God’s love as you sing.
Those of you who know me, primarily associate me with either music, or my family. I am a fourth-generation member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). I was born & raised here at Central. My grandmother is a retired, ordained minister. My grandfather taught Sunday School here at Central, and was on staff as a custodian, both here and at Transylvania University. My mother grew up here. And now my wife, Teri and I are raising our 2 children here. Central defines who I am as a person. I love singing the bass parts of the hymns each Sunday morning. Next week you’ll see me singing with the Chancel Choir on “The Messiah.”
CCM is relatively new to me. Growing up at Central I was not around it much and it wasn’t until I was in college that I began to listen to songs from that genre. About 10 years ago I started getting opportunities to lead music at church camps and other youth gatherings throughout Kentucky. These experiences introduced me to the music, and gradually the more I listened, the more the music really impacted me. In fact, I would say it has shaped my faith more than anything else.
I travel by car a lot for my job, and I’m definitely one of those guys you will see cruising down the Bluegrass Parkway, singing and drumming my heart out. Most of the time, I’m listening to the music that we are singing here at Wellspring, or a favorite CCM artist of mine. What makes those moments so great for me is that before long I realize that I’m in worship. Right there. Alone in my car. Just God and I. As I sing songs of prayer and thanksgiving. And it never fails, that the words and melodies of those songs always leave me in awe and wonder of my relationship with God.
CCM can also nurture our life in difficult times. Before giving birth to our first child, we had a miscarriage with our first pregnancy. We had lots of questions. And we received no answers. Our faith was being tested, and we were losing hope. A few days later we went to a concert by CCM artist Mark Schultz. In the middle of the concert he performed his song “He Will Carry Me.” This was a song neither of us had heard, and before he even reached the second verse - we were both in tears. It was like our prayers were being answered, as this song gave us the inspiration we needed to get through those difficult days. Here are those opening words that touched our lives:
“I call, you hear me.
I’ve lost it all, and it’s more than I can bear.
I feel so empty.
You’re strong, I’m weary.
I’m holding on, but I feel like giving in.
But still You’re with me.
And even though I’m walking through,
The valley of the shadow.
I will hold tight to the hand of Him,
Whose love will comfort me.
And when all hope is gone,
and I’ve been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will ever need,
And He will carry me.”
Whether you enjoy CCM, or not, I simply invite you to be vulnerable to the blessings that do exist in these songs. Be ready to listen, even as you sing as a congregation, because God is speaking through them. Mark Schultz. George Frideric Handel. These are two of many musicians that have shared God’s word in their music compositions. Open your ears. Open your mind. Open your heart.
I leave you with words written by Mark Schultz, which are part of the Soundtrack of My Faith:
“Live with the wonder of a child. Pray with your arms thrown open wide.
Love with a love that knows no end. Until I see you again.”
Friday, July 15, 2011
Top Twelves of Summer - Part 2 (Movies)
Earlier in the week I posted by Top Twelve Drum Corps shows, as I reflected on what best represents summer for me. Going with that theme here is the 2nd installment of my Top Twelves.
Every summer is known for its' blockbuster movies. Today is that day for 2011 as the final Harry Potter movie just began midnight showings on opening night. I still remember standing in line for the opening of the movie "Independance Day" starring Will Smith, in July of 1996. My best friend, Joe, and I were the FIRST in line at the new Lexington Green Cinemas to see the blockbuster that year. Not sure that will ever happen again for me!
Here are my favorite 12 movies with some short excerpts included for your viewing pleasure.
For those of you that are young at heart, scroll all the way down and find my 4 year old daughter's Top Twelve Movies!
1. Good Will Hunting
2. Thirteen Days
3. Mr. Holland's Opus
4. Jerry Maguire
5. Bourne Identity/Supremacy/Ultimatum
6. Runaway Jury
7. Rent
8. Top Gun
9. Radio
10. Pursuit of Happiness
11. Changing Lanes
12. Green Mile
MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER'S CURRENT TOP TWELVE
1. Hercules
2. Sleeping Beauty
3. Princess and the Frog
4. Little Mermaid
5. Toy Story 1, 2 & 3
6. Tangled
7. Cars
8. Horton Hear's a Who!
9. Lilo & Stitch
10. Lion King
11. Finding Nemo
12. Pochahontas
Every summer is known for its' blockbuster movies. Today is that day for 2011 as the final Harry Potter movie just began midnight showings on opening night. I still remember standing in line for the opening of the movie "Independance Day" starring Will Smith, in July of 1996. My best friend, Joe, and I were the FIRST in line at the new Lexington Green Cinemas to see the blockbuster that year. Not sure that will ever happen again for me!
Here are my favorite 12 movies with some short excerpts included for your viewing pleasure.
For those of you that are young at heart, scroll all the way down and find my 4 year old daughter's Top Twelve Movies!
1. Good Will Hunting
2. Thirteen Days
3. Mr. Holland's Opus
4. Jerry Maguire
5. Bourne Identity/Supremacy/Ultimatum
6. Runaway Jury
7. Rent
8. Top Gun
9. Radio
10. Pursuit of Happiness
11. Changing Lanes
12. Green Mile
MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER'S CURRENT TOP TWELVE
1. Hercules
2. Sleeping Beauty
3. Princess and the Frog
4. Little Mermaid
5. Toy Story 1, 2 & 3
6. Tangled
7. Cars
8. Horton Hear's a Who!
9. Lilo & Stitch
10. Lion King
11. Finding Nemo
12. Pochahontas
Monday, July 11, 2011
Top Twelves of Summer - Part 1 (Drum Corps)
It's been about a month since I last posted a blog. I've had several ideas of what to write about, but actually finding the time to sit down and piece a blog together has been difficult.
Summer is in full swing for us all. Trips to swimming pools, firework celebrations, going to view the latest blockbuster movie hit, cookouts in the backyard with friends & family, and of course vacations to our favorite travel destinations. These are the things that usually define summertime.
But for me it never actually feels like summer until I get the opportunity to experience drum corps. Luckily I finally got my "drum corps fix" the past two days - as the Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps has been rehearsing about 30 minutes away at Eastern Kentucky Unversity. I've spent my last two evenings watching them rehearse and literally "getting my face blown off!" and LOVING IT!
Most everyone who knows me (especially those of you taking the time to read this blog) will defintely know what Drum Corps International is all about. However, if you don't know much about it, just send me a message on facebook and I'll explain more. Or you can check out: www.dci.org
Now, thanks to these last two amazing nights I gained some inspiration and have decided to begin a series of blogs that share my "Top Twelves of Summer." And so keeping with drum & bugle corps, here is my Top Twelve Favorite Drum Corps shows of my time. Enjoy!
1. Blue Devils - 1998
2. Phantom Regiment - 1996
3. Blue Devils - 2007
4. Madison Scouts - 1999
5. Phantom Regiment - 2003
6. Blue Devils - 2003
7. Phantom Regiment - 2010
8. The Cavaliers - 2003
9. The Cadets 2000
10. Phantom Regiment - 2008
11. The Cavaliers - 2002
12. Santa Clara Vanguard - 2009
Summer is in full swing for us all. Trips to swimming pools, firework celebrations, going to view the latest blockbuster movie hit, cookouts in the backyard with friends & family, and of course vacations to our favorite travel destinations. These are the things that usually define summertime.
But for me it never actually feels like summer until I get the opportunity to experience drum corps. Luckily I finally got my "drum corps fix" the past two days - as the Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps has been rehearsing about 30 minutes away at Eastern Kentucky Unversity. I've spent my last two evenings watching them rehearse and literally "getting my face blown off!" and LOVING IT!
Most everyone who knows me (especially those of you taking the time to read this blog) will defintely know what Drum Corps International is all about. However, if you don't know much about it, just send me a message on facebook and I'll explain more. Or you can check out: www.dci.org
Now, thanks to these last two amazing nights I gained some inspiration and have decided to begin a series of blogs that share my "Top Twelves of Summer." And so keeping with drum & bugle corps, here is my Top Twelve Favorite Drum Corps shows of my time. Enjoy!
1. Blue Devils - 1998
2. Phantom Regiment - 1996
3. Blue Devils - 2007
4. Madison Scouts - 1999
5. Phantom Regiment - 2003
6. Blue Devils - 2003
7. Phantom Regiment - 2010
8. The Cavaliers - 2003
9. The Cadets 2000
10. Phantom Regiment - 2008
11. The Cavaliers - 2002
12. Santa Clara Vanguard - 2009
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