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Hear, See, and Do Inspiration Music Personal

Hear, See, and Do – #13

HEAR: Dashboard Confessional - Alter the Ending
Dashboard Confessional - Alter the EndingI feel like I’ve gotten a lot of flack for sticking with Dashboard Confessional over the years, and you know what? I’m kind of tired of it. If someone keeps writing good songs, I’m gonna listen to them. This is exactly why I’m saying you should hear their new record “Alter the Ending.” There are actually two versions of the album, an acoustic and a full band version. For a band that has continually struggled with the acoustic versus band vibe, this was a really good move. The songs are good, catchy, and Chris Carrabba consistently writes well. The third track “Everybody Learns from Disaster” is especially good.

SEE: Art In My Coffee
Art in My CoffeeThe first time I ever experienced “foam art” in my coffee was in Seattle. There’s a coffee shop our good friend Megan told us about called Victor’s Coffee that literally made designs in coffee. It’s something I’ve seen pop up more in the internet world and now the site Art in My Coffee is completely dedicated to this beautiful art. I really appreciate the quality of the images here as well as the fact they are basically considering it an online museum. You can even submit your own photo which is fabulous. Oh, and if you’re looking for them in short form, they are on Twitter.

DO: Buy Me This In-N-Out Clear Cup
In-N-Out Clear CupFor those non-Californian types this won’t make sense so if you want to move along that’s fine. But for my California natives, I know you understand how awesome this is. Some people may have already spent their hard earned money on one of those (way overpriced) Starbucks clear cups, but I’m telling you right now that this In-N-Out cup should be mine. For only $10.50 from the In-N-Out company store, this is a no-brainer. My family already purchased the beautiful, stunning, fabulous, hand-painted, hand crafted In-N-Out Double Double, fries, and drink Christmas ornaments, but those can only be brought out once a year and for a limited time. This perfectly clear, palm tree lined, 16oz plastic cup of goodness is exactly what I need on a daily basis. I promise I will treat it right, never microwave it, and always hand wash so you know it’ll be in good hands.

Categories
Books Christianity Hear, See, and Do Photography

Hear, See, and Do – #12

HEAR: The Blessings of Following Christ - A Sermon by Scott Ardavanis
 [audio:http://placeritachurch.com/home/140005082/140005082/audio/The%20Blessing%20of%20Following%20Christ.mp3?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_term=sermon%2C+audio%2C+scott+ardavanis%2C+placerita+baptist+church%2C+church&utm_content=Sermon+audio+from+Placerita+Baptist+Church]

SEE: The Denver Post’s Photo Collection “Childhood Poverty in Colorado”
Denver Post - "Childhood Poverty in Colorado"This is probably the best photo journal I’ve seen to date and not really on a subject that I would have expected. The Denver Post has put together a collection of images and stories of families living in some of the poorest conditions right here in America. Often we see poverty photographed in Africa or India, but some of the families photographed in this collection are only minutes from downtown Denver, Colorado. Take the time to not only stare at the photos, but read the captions and hear the stories. It brought me to tears, but I think it’s worth the read.

DO: Buy the book Rules for My Unborn Son
Rules for My Unborn SonThanks to the kindness of a friend, I received the book “Rules For My Unborn Son” this past week and I can’t get enough of it. Jam packed full of simple, smart, and funny “rules” for sons to live by, it’s the perfect present for a dad-to-be like myself. Some gems include: “Spend time with your mother. She’s cooler than you think.” And “Always stop at a lemonade stand. Tip well.>” These are just a few of the great rules for sons to live by. Each page has only two or three rules and scattered black and white photos from yesteryear that give the overall vibe of the book a retro past. You’ll love it, your friends will love it, and if you take to heart some of this “dad wisdom” you just might stay out of trouble.

Categories
Hear, See, and Do Movies Personal Photography

Hear, See, and Do – #11

HEAR: “The Meaning of Justification” By My Pastor, Scott Ardavanis
[audio:http://placeritachurch.com/home/140005082/140005082/audio/The%20Meaning%20of%20Justification.mp3]
I really do sit under some incredible teaching every week. Our pastor has preached on this subject before, but every time I hear it I’m reminded just how important justification really is. Click the play button above to listen to the sermon or go here.

SEE: “Autumn Scenes” on The Big Picture
Photo by Dina Rudick/Globe Staff

If you’re not regularly reading and seeing The Big Picture, make sure and add it to your RSS reader. The photos they put together are fabulous (and not to mention HUGE) and I find that it regularly gives me a little overview of what’s going on around the world. This week they put together a set of photos called “autumn scenes” that just really bring out the full colors of fall. Definitely take a few minutes to browse through these beautiful images.

DO: Get Out and See Toy Story 1 & 2 in 3D!
We went last weekend and it was well worth it! Both movies are fabulous and are pretty much becoming Disney classics, and the way Disney has put together the whole two film thing is great. We’re talking two movies for the price of one! The glasses are comfy (and will fit over any regular glasses) and the films are hilarious — even if it’s your third or fourth time seeing them. We had the luxury of seeing them at the ArcLight theater (I even got a hot dog delivered to my seat), but if you don’t have one of those nearby I’m sure your favorite theater will do. There’s only 6 days left to see em’ so hurry up!

Categories
Hear, See, and Do Music Personal Video

Hear, See, and Do – #10

We’re in the double digits for “Hear, See, and Do” and I’ve got a couple winners for you this time around.

HEAR: Needtobreathe - The Outsiders
Needtobreathe - The Outsiders Don’t let this band’s album artwork freak you out — they’re not scary. My friend Kurt turned me on to this band last week and the only way I can describe them is if Counting Crows, Kings of Leon, Tom Petty, and Hanson all got married, this would be their child. That’s probably the most awkward way of describing a band, but nothing else was coming to mind so you’re just going to have to go with it. Needtobreathe has Godly lyrics, and a more poppy sound without being so radio friendly that I just can’t handle it. They’ve got a Southern soul that makes me want to sit on the front porch a sip lemonade, and they have a hint of the newer Hanson sound that I dig — speaking of Hanson, did you know they’re going on tour with hellogoodbye this fall…awesome. Seriously, this band has impressed me. I can’t speak for their earlier albums, but their latest titled The Outsiders is good and I recommend you take a listen. Click here to buy the album from Amazon.com or just click the “Preview All” button to get a taste!

SEE: This Creative Video By a Guy Named Ben Rector

Ben Rector - Free from TK McKamy on Vimeo.

DO: Visit CheeseandBurger.com — It Will Change Your Life

The Cheese and Burger SocietyYou definitely do NOT want to visit this site if you answer yes to any of the following states:

I am currently hungry
I am pregnant
I hate cheeseburgers
I am a vegan or vegetarian
I hate amazing things
I never saw the movie The Emperor’s New Groove

Cheeseandburger.com is not for the faint of heart or for those not wanting to immediately run out the door and find the most incredible cheeseburger you have ever had. I think this website may have changed the way I look at the cheeseburger….mmmmm… cheeseburger…. My favorites are: 6, 7, 10, 17, 21, and 25 — is it lunch time yet?

Categories
Christianity Hear, See, and Do Personal Video

Hear, See, and Do – #9

HEAR: A Heart Driven Modesty, God and Clothing: 1 Peter 3:3, 4
[audio:http://placeritachurch.com/home/140005082/140005082/audio/a_heart_driven_modesty.mp3]
This past weekend I had the pleasure of sitting under some fantastic teaching. Starting on Friday night at the Men Discipling Men conference which carried all the way through Saturday night, and then at church on Sunday I have been overwhelmed in areas that I need growth. But on Sunday night, Gunner Gunderson taught on the topic of modesty and I believe everyone needs to hear this message. Though focused towards women, I believe this sermon to be a great reminder to men and Father’s. It’s not a sermon with a “checklist” about what to wear or not to wear, but simply gives Biblical principles for dressing modestly. Gunner has also provided his entire sermon notes and outline which can be found here on his blog. Give it a listen and apply it’s truths and Lord willing we will see change in the hearts (and dress) of many.

SEE: This Time-Lapse Footage of Disneyland Being Built in 1954
Available for the for the first time ever, this archival footage of Disneyland’s incredible construction is actually pretty enjoyable to watch. Apparently it’s been available for a few months, but I’m just getting word of it. Even if you’re not a huge fan of Disney or Disneyland, I think you’ll appreciate the fact that the entire park was built in one year’s time and was done with excellence. The whole park cost $17 million to open and some projects weren’t complete until within days of the official opening in 1955. Below is part two, but I have linked the other four part for those fanatics that just can’t get enough of it.

Building Walt’s Dream - Disneyland’s Construction PT 1 , PT 3 , PT 4 , PT 5

DO: Read A Gospel Primer for Christians
A Gospel PrimerI’ve only just begun reading this book, but I’m already hooked on it. The essential point of the book is to remind you why and how you should preach the Gospel to yourself each and every day. It’s written by Milton Vincent who is a pastor in Moreno Valley, California and he writes it in a simple form so anyone can read it and understand the concept. Though simple in form, it is still very complete in thought and challenges me to think about the Gospel for what it really is — a daily pursuit. I’m only just beginning to understand the need for this book, but the more I read it, the more I remember why I need the Gospel every day.