Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Sometimes…Guns ARE The Solution!

Thanks to my friend Steve, I just had one of the most beautiful, exciting, fiercest family-bonding afternoons of my life.

We learned what it means…

…to be responsible
…to have respect
…to laugh out loud
…to share
…to ride

…and to shout “Fire in the Hole!”

Yep. We shot guns.

2010-08-29Lots of guns. Cool guns.

Not just the adults. The whole family (The Nuge would be proud).

And not just at paper targets…

…we shot steel targets
…we shot jugs filled with water
…and shot jugs filled with explosives

That was my favorite :-)

My oldest got to ride hard and fast on a four-wheeler with his buddy.

IMG_0065

He learned what it feels like to be free…and to have his life flash before his eyes as he almost falls…but recover and careen back wide-eyed and grinning ear-to-ear. His smiles were priceless. He learned to value and savor moments like this, and to engage the world to take advantage of what it has to offer.

He also learned how to catch air from a ditch at 32 mph.

My girls learned that life can be very dangerous, but with the proper respect and training, that danger can be wielded to their advantage…and high caliber joy can result.2010-08-29 Shooting1They also learned to reload in 2.3 seconds.

My youngest learned patience brings reward, that weapons are not toys, and 4-wheeling is awesome.
2010-08-29 ShootingHe also learned how to double-tap the center mass of his target using a semi-automatic. Oh yes.

My wife got to fire a hand gun. Not just any hand gun. a .357 Magnum. DAMN that was awesome. That bowling pin will never cross her again.IMG_0068

What did I learn?

…the right instructor teaches safety, respect, and fun
…handling a weapon opens your eyes to the real world
…blowing things up is really, really fun. Seriously
…my family is the best
…my wife looks awesome wielding a .357 Magnum
…shooting is the Hope Diamond of quality family time

Life skills result from weapons handling: respect, self-control, knowing limits, joy, safety, fun, friendship, companionship, right and wrong, sharing, connecting with God and nature, all of it. Maybe there’s an essay in the future on this.

Most of all? Everyone will remember this and SMILE!

Enjoy this movie of our adventures…we’ll be SURE to do this again

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Song Insight: “No Uncertainty”

Composer: Greg Hintermeister, ©1992, 2010
Arranged: Greg Hintermeister
Performed by: Greg Hintermeister
Recorded: 2010 in Hint of Light Studios
Emotions: Hopeful, Uplifting, Encouraging, Determined

Listen:
Other song insights

Background:
“This song is dedicated to all the ladies out there” was my into to this song the first I played a version of this song…back in 1992.

I thought I wrote this song to encourage the girls in the youth group I helped lead music for…that they would navigate their teenage-trials with God in their sights at all times.

But now I know I wrote it for when I had daughters of my own.

This song is dedicated to them. I call them spitfire and pistol :-)
Girl Photos

These two beautiful, independent, rambunctious, adventurous, insanely stubborn, ferociously loyal, playful, imaginative and crazy-fun girls have turned my life completely sideways with delight.
I pray that they have No Uncertainty as they walk through life.
Girl Photos1

No uncertainty in the joys of life:
They have taken a big bite out of life already and they’re only 9. They don’t let life pass them by. I can’t wait to see how their adventure unfolds as they get older.

No uncertainty in their self-worth, confidence, self-esteem.
I know what can happen if a girl is down and needs others approval to feel valuable. I know the pitfalls, I know the temptations, I know the spiral downwards that can happen. And I know my weaknesses…what boys real intentions are with unconfident girls. My prayer is that they see how valuable they are and use the confidence throughout their lives.

No uncertainty in the love for each other, the love of their parents, the love of their God.
I’m really stunned at how close they are. Yes I know they’re twins but they love each other more deeply than I may ever know. The best example is when Pistol had a heart stent procedure. They held each other, encouraged each other, and couldn’t sleep unless the other was there. Same thing happened when they were 2.5 months old during her heart surgery. 

It’s during times like these that the need to remember their brothers love them, we love them, and Jesus loves them and nothing will change that.
Girl Photos2

No uncertainty in their strengths…and weaknesses:
They’re so determined. They work hard, play hard, train in gymnastics hard, and this flows through all their adventures. I pray they understand their strengths and weaknesses so they know where to focus…when someone is trying to manipulating them…when temptation arises.

…that they walk with God and hold His hand when weaknesses surface.
Girl Photos3

No Uncertainty in their Savior:
I’m trying my best. But I am so flawed. My prayer for them is that I can help guide them through these narrow shoals of their youth. Point out rocky patches I had to struggle through, point out smooth path they could take, and give them my hand when they get stuck in the muck. 

My prayer is they make it through this amazing and soon-to-be turbulent time in their lives as wise young women, confident in themselves, their world, and their Savior.
2008-07-08 Misc 048

No Uncertainty of their dad’s love:
I love you, ladies. I pray you will live how Jesus wants you to live. Don’t think you have to follow any preconceived path I have for you. Don’t change your course for any promise of love or affection from a guy…

…keep your eyes on Jesus, and walk his way. That is the surest path to an amazing, rewarding, loving, joy-filled, adventure of a life you could ever have.

Technical Specifics: 
Recording Unit: Cakewalk Sonar 4 MIDI software, Soundscape DAW
Drums: Alesis DM-Pro, egg shaker
Guitar: Ovation 1712 Custom Balladeer (double mic’d)
Bass: Fiama Hollowbody (recorded directly into the board)
Piano: Roland RD-500

Mic Specifics:
Vocal Mic: Sure beta58. I love this mic for my voice. When I record others I usually use the CAD condenser mic as it’s more ‘natural’ and captures the authentic vocal. But I don’t like my voice thru the CAD. I sound too drab with that mic. I like how the Beta58 colors my vocal…adds sparkle and ‘spank’…more rock-n-roll.

Guitar Mics: CAD E-100, RODE NT-1. I love recording stereo acoustic guitar. Such a full sound! The CAD is pointed to the 12th fret, and the RODE sits near the base of the guitar pointed towards the bridge. I like how it catches ‘what the player hears’ when the strings are strummed.
Oh, if you listen REALLY closely, you can hear a ‘ladies’ party going on in the background. The guitar was recorded during a party that my wife was having. Figured it was a good a time as any and if lady laughter came through, it probably added to the song :-)

Note: This has copyright 1992 and 2010 since the B section of this song is new. I never liked the old B section as it didn’t further the story, was to vague, and made the lead character sound confused. This B section clearly shows that every person stuggles with some temptation. In this case the promise of fame. I’m actually quite surprised the guitar part successfully rattled around in my brain for 18 years waiting for the right time to come out.


Lyrics ©2010 Greg Hintermeister 
Verse 1:
You’re walking on a narrow highway, you whistle a song
You’re looking up at a billboard, as you pass along
A pretty lady smiles down on you
She says “Every woman wants to be like me, Well how ‘bout you?”


Bridge: 
Oh, you smile and say with no uncertainty
“I love the Lord my God, so let me be”


Verse 2: 
A little time has passed, and the sun goes down
A handsome man walks by you, and he turns around
Says, “Baby tonight’s your night for love”
You say you couldn’t agree more – as you look above


Bridge: 
Oh, you smile and say with innocence so fine
Well, maybe you lost yours, but I’ll keep mine

B:
But there’s trouble ahead You’re walking into an ambush
They put your name in lights with a promise you’ll be famous
They draw to your side You draw strength from High
They draw streams of lies You draw the line!


Verse 3: 
Daybreak has come, you’re a little worse for wear
You shake the dust off of your shoes, and hair
But you made it though, your battle’s won
You tip your hat to the Father, and His only Son


Bridge: 
Oh, you smile and say with no uncertainty
“I love the Lord my God, so let it be”

“I love the Lord my God”
“I love the Lord my God”
“I love the Lord my God, so let it be”


Coda: 
You’re walking on a narrow highway
You’re looking up at Jesus and you walk on home his way

Friday, August 6, 2010

Fireside Chat

Ever been to a funeral where long after the ceremony, friends and family sit around reminiscing and having a great time remembering that person? I have. The only bummer is that the person being honored isn’t there! Since my dad is still alive and kicking at almost 72 now, I knew I had to do something unique…

My dad turned 70 almost 2 years ago. My brother and I surprised him and flew down to Florida (where they live) to take him on a 2 day salt-water fishing trip.

He was very surprised!

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…and we each caught some big ones!

Fishing 2008

…and not-so-big-ones…

2008 Fishing Trip1

It was a weekend filled with laughter, early mornings, late nights, great food, hurricanes (just one), unique experiences,  manatees, dolphins, long drives, and three men enjoying each other like they did years ago catching crappies in Minnesota on Clearwater Lake.

2008 Fishing Trip

For a present I created a memory-filled document I called “Fireside Chat”. I wanted my dad to know what an impact he had on those close to him over the years (without waiting for his funeral!) so I contacted family and friends and asked them to send memories, stories, and thoughts regarding my dad. I then compiled it into an imaginary fireside chat.

--> Click Here to Read “Fireside Chat” <--

I’ve always meant to share it sooner, but there it is now. Enjoy.

I love you, Dad. Hope we can do this again on your 80th.

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