Jesus then came into Galilee announcing the good news from God. All the preliminaries have been taken care of, and the rule of God is now accessible to everyone. Review your plans for living and base your life on this remarkable new opportunity. Dallas Willard's paraphrase of Mark 1:15.
A couple of months ago our counselor told Mandy and I that she felt that both of us were experiencing burnout. This was something new for me, but over the last few weeks I've begun to see some of the signs. This is something that I'm continuing to seek God over, but today I read this quote from John Piper's Brothers, We Are Not Professionals:
Few things frighten me more than the beginnings of barrenness that come from frenzied activity with little spiritual food and meditation.
Bingo! I sense barrenness, and I know that I am experiencing frenzied activity. I've not been this busy in a long time. So I have to ask myself what I'm eating. Sometimes our souls can be starving and we don't even know it. I am grateful that to God for these wake-up calls. I recognize His work.
I got some good stuff here. In no particular order...
Mumford & Sons Oh, yeah, this is in order. These guys were my most-listened-to band of the year. Love their album. So the rest of the list is in no particular order.
Dave Barnes Crazy good vocals and guitar, and a very funny fella
The Avett Brothers I know I'm probably not introducing anyone to these guys, but perhaps to the Tiny Desk Concert podcast from NPR.
Ben Rector Mandy and I saw him open for Dave Barnes a couple of months ago. There are other songs that I like better, but I couldn't find a good video of them. Check out his album.
Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors Not sure how I've missed these cats for so long, but at the aforementioned Dave Barnes/Ben Rector show, they kept mentioning them. Then we got to see their Christmas show a few weeks ago. And don't worry. I learned that Ellie does not have casts on both arms.
Hey Marseilles I discovered this band on the Tiny Desk podcast.
Gabe Dixon Band I discovered these guys listening to Ben Folds on Pandora. This song came on, and my response was, "Who is this guy?"
Aaron Strumpel I can't remember how I heard about him, but one night, after I had just purchased his Chair & Microphone album, Mandy and I listened to it in its entirety. Just couldn't turn it off.
Steven Curtis Chapman This song paints a beautiful picture of where hope intersects tragedy. I had this album awhile before I really sat and listened to it. I don't know that I've heard so many songs that come forth from the heart. This is my favorite song from the album.
Aaron Ivey And last but certainly not least. This is one of my favorite songs of the year. What a great story!
