I’m Not Perfect

Lately I’ve felt like I need to be better at doing certain task in my life. Perhaps it’s because I feel like it’s something I NEED to do. I can’t be a great model as a Christian unless I take time out of my day EVERY day to read my Bible. I can’t become a better guitar player unless I work on my technique more than a couple hours a week. Jesus knew the Bible inside and out during His time on Earth, and John Mayer played guitar for 8 hours a day every day through high school (not comparing the two, just a reference). In order to be better I have to do more, and if I don’t accomplish this then I not only fail myself, but I also fail the others around me. So due to this recent acknowledgment I have set two rather specific goals for myself…

1. To read my Bible every day for at least an hour (starting with Romans) or more.
2. To practice my guitar technique and knowledge of music theory for at least 10 hours ever week. this does not include the music I have to learn for church on the weekends.

If I can keep up with this routine then I’m positive I will see some results in the way I feel about my life.

Where Have I Been?!?!?!?!?!

Well to tell the truth have have just been ridiculously busy. What with church, work and sleeping I just don’t have as much time to blog as i hope I could. So just to give you the past few months in a few paragraphs, HERE YA GO!

• Oak Leaf moved into the House of Rock in May. It’s incredible to see all the big things God has been doing in Cartersville over the past 3 years and the church moving into the HOR is just the next step for us to lead people from where they are to where God wants them to be.

• My amazing girlfriend Whitley and I have been together for a year and 2 months as of yesterday and I can’t wait to see what else is going to happen in our journey together. Trust me, it’s so super duper to have a relationship built around Christ, and we haven’t really been dating that long compared to many other people! We’ve been hanging out with Kyle and Tiffany a lot and I think we both like hanging around other couples who have been where we are now.

• I HAVE GOTTEN SO MUCH GEAR IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. You can check out my current set-up HERE or just go to the link at the top of my page titled GEAR.

• Hopefully I’ll be buying a MacBook Pro in about 3 weeks thanks to all the extra money I’ve been bringing in from working with my dad. I really need my own computer and something that I can efficiently use for both school and music, so I figure Mac is the only way to go.

I have a few drafts saved for future post that I’ll be publishing this week so CHECK IT OUT!

Too Cool?

So the other week Oak Leaf Church had FUEL at Avalon. Avalon was a great location and its been packed out with 130+ students every week we have had it there. As the band was waiting for Fuel to start we were walking around and socializing with the students. As I was walking around I noticed a girl who I went to school with that was there with a student who was a regular attender of Fuel. I said hi to her and if she was liking the environment and the hospitality of our AWESOME volunteers. She replied with a yes, and I told her to tell me what she thought of it all at lunch the next day.

That night at Fuel was a hit. Josh gave a great message and the band really rocked it out. You have no idea how inspiring it is to see over a hundred kids every week shouting “Sing, Sing, Sing” at the top of their lungs!

The next day I found the girl who was a first timer and asked what she thought of it. Her reply was “eh, it was ok”. when I asked her what she did’nt like about it she told me that it seemed like the band was trying too hard to “be Cool”, and that she believed it was disrespectful of God To be playing the contemporary worship we do, dress the way we dress while on stage, and that we were screaming “Hey look at me I’m in the band!” when Kyle threw his broken drum stick off the stage. She thought we as a band were playing worship for our own personal recognition and not to bring glory to God’s name.

All of this girl’s comments got me thinking. How can someone so ignorant judge me for my love of playing music to the Lord. This is one of my ways of being a disciple.  I do this to hopefully bring those who have fallen back to a relationship with Jesus, and who am I to use the gift that God gave me for my own selfish purposes?

That day I was judged.

That day the Fuel band was judged

That day Oak Leaf Church was judged

We as followers of Christ are all constantly being prosecuted by others for our faith. But that doesn’t matter. Jesus said it would happen, so it’s not big news. But instead of hiding in the gutter like we usually do we need to get on the front lines of the battle. Jesus tells us to go out and make disciples. I have my relationship with Christ and the rest of the world deserves to have that relationship with Him as well. Will all be as welcoming to the thought of that? Probably not, but just an act of random kindness or A.R.K (Evan Almighty, awesome and hilarious movie) could possibly be the spark that person needs lto light the fire that God has within them.

This fire could be started using your talents and abilities. What you do best. Whether it is playing a sport with your friend, cooking, or video games. For me it is music. Before I play I pray a quick little prayer that our music moves someone in their relationship with Christ. There’s is a short verse I try to remember…..

Judges 5:3- Hear all you kings, listen all you rulers. I will sing to the Lord I will Sing! I will make music to the Lord, the God of Israel”.

I’ll leave you on this note…..

It’s hard to light the fire when your afraid to strike the match…

I’m Getting There

I know I know, It’s been a while, But here’s what I’ve had on my mind that past few weeks.

I’ve been think ALOT about my music the past few weeks. Music in general has been a pretty busy subject lately, what with playing at fuel and playing main service at Oak Leaf Church every week. But recently I’ve been wanting to do something new.

write……….

I’ve had these urges to want to write songs that can move people’s hearts and and completely change their lives. Whether it be songs of hope, faith, or love I know this is something I need to do. I feel as if God might be calling me to write or  co-write songs for His glory.

Writing has never been easy for me. I still have trouble writing open topic essays for school, so this will definately be a challenge. I don’t even know where to start. Lyrics? Guitar parts? beats? I’m completely clueless. So if you have any comments or bits of advice I would gladly accept it! : )

I need some upgrades

So lately I’ve been wanting to upgrade alot of my guitar set-up, but haven’t had the money to do so. So instead of buying everything brand new like I have in the past I’m thinking of buying it all used. So here is the list

1)Fender American Telecaster

2)Line 6 DL-4 delay stomp box

3)Boss DD-20 Giga Delay pedal (I would either buy this or the DL-4)

4)Boss DD-7 Delay (I’ve heard some really great things about this one)

5)MXR M-102 Dyna Comp pedal ( I wouldn’t mind getting a little more gain to my sound)

6)Boss TR-2 Tremelo pedal

7)Rat Distortion pedal (I’ve seen a few people use this, but I still need to try it out)

If you know anybody who’s looking to sell any of this equiptment or of a place that sells them a good prices, please let me know! : )

—-Marcus

Leading Worship for the Kiddies

So this past Sunday I got to lead worship for the first time in my life for a semi-large group of elementary school kids. I was so excited to get the opportunity that I stayed up until 2 in the morning going over lyrics! After yesterday I decided that want to lead worship for kids and student ministry in the near future. I love the feeling that I could have possibly made an impact on a childs life that might effect their future decision to follow Jesus for the rest of their life. Just hearing those kids lifting their hands, spinning around, and shouting to the Lord was the single most greatest heart lifting moment I have ever experienced. I KNOW this is something I want to do.

Its been a while!

Well I have come to the conclusion that I dont NEARLY blog as much as I used to and it is something I need to work on. But as of now I guess I’ll give you a brief summary of whats been going on in my life lately.

1) girlfriend: The lovely Ms. Whitley and I are doing amazingly great in our relationship! Things just keep getting better and better. She started coming to Oak LEaf and now her best friend is coming too. She is the best person to ever come into my life and I couldnt ask for anyone else to call my love.

2) church: Well Oak Leaf has officially moved back to the theater as of 2 weeks ago and things seem to be going smoothly. I’m still volunteering and I still get to play guitar with the band a decent bit. I’ve grown so much as a person in life and in Christ since I started attending Oak LEaf Church and have made so many great friends in the process of doing so. This fall we are re-launching the youth ministry!!!!!! Instead of Limelight its going to be called Fueled and I’m super stoked about getting to play in the band for the kids on Wednesday nights. Matt told me I might even get to lead the kids in worship for a few songs. Music ministry is something I’ve always been passionate about but soon its hopefully going to become what I hoped it would : )

3) music: Music wise things are going rather well. Will and I discussed some stuff and he is actually going to get me guitar lessons when school starts! I’ve basically come as far as I can on my own with my guitar knowledge, skill and technique so this will be the most beneficial thing to happen to me musically. I’m really excited though : )   Although I AM in need of some new equiptment. The time has come I thing for me to upgrade guitars. I’ve been playing on an epiphone Les Paul for almost two years now but I’ve started having a few technical issues with it. I’m also looking at some different pedals so I can get a sound that I’m decently happy with.

4) school: School starts back this Thursday…….ugh

5) general: In general ly life has been going rather smoothly. I’m a senior now and I’m on track for graduating, My girlfriend makes me feel like the luckiest guy in the world, and Jesus keeps me pushin’ forward! YAY JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A New Quote

I get sick and tired of hearing people ramble on and on of how much they dislike certain musicians. For those people, I give you this…..

“ok, if people don’t like certain music then stop going around complaining about it. People aren’t going to like all the same stuff, thats why they made more than one flavor of ice cream”

Byron Lee Sides

Recently myself and many others lost a great friend. He was the kinda guy that you just couldn’t help but love and want an awesome hug from. He had a great heart, and even though he didn’t always do things that would considered “morally right” in todays society, he would be there for you if you ever needed him. Byron Lee Sides drowned Monday afternoon at Red Top Mountain. This is the complete story witnessed by his best friend Chris Boyle……………

“We’ve all decided that it would be best if I tell everyone what actually happened at the lake, so that no rumors or false stories can get spread.

Yesterday Eli, Kim, Byron, Justyne, Jessica, Sally,and myself decided that we should go to the lake. Byron drove one car, and Jessica drove the other. On the way there we were just having a regular fun time. I kept complaining about how slimy the lake would be and Eli was screaming at me about how many people have been in the Planter’s pool. Like the way stuff always is: really, really fun.

We went to Red Top Mountain Beach by the Big Rock. We were just scoping out what we were going to do, and no one really wanted to jump off the Rock, so Byron spotted an island in the middle of the lake and thought we should swim there. Sally said she tried it once and she got halfway and then just floated because she was so tired, and that her dad had to come by with his boat to pick her up. So we decided it would be best not to make a straight shot to the island.

A few of us pointed out that we could swim a lot less further if we walked around the bank and swam across a 1st channel to the other side, then from the that side to the island. So we dropped our towels and keys off at the Big Rock and started walking through the woods to the shortest distance of water. On our way there we were still just joking and having a good time. Oddly enough we were saying things like “Whose the first to drown?” “NOT IT!” Sally actually lost…

When we got there we dropped our shoes and got in. As soon as we got in everyone started complaining about how slimy the water was. I couldn’t help but saying “told you so” So we all just started heading to the other side, there was a small current in my opinion, but some of the others said it was a little stronger than that. Eli was in the lead, and I was last. Sally was right in front of me, and Byron was in front of Sally. Everyone else was between Eli and Byron.

I decided I was going to take it slow and easy because I was very tired, because I haven’t slept for the past few days. Sally agreed with me and both of us slowly made our way to the other side. Around half way across the lake, Sally and I passed Byron, but I didn’t think much of it, because Byron was just doing his own thing and he hadn’t said anything. When Sally and I got about 3/4 the way done, Eli was getting on land, and everyone else was shortly behind him. That’s when I remembered Byron and I turned back around to see how far he had gotten. He hadn’t really moved and was just trying to float on his back and keep his head up.

We all started shouting “come on Byron!” but he replied “I can’t make it”

That’s when Sally and I turned back to help him, and when we got to him he kept going under and then coming back up. Everyone had pretty much stopped where the were to make sure Byron was okay. But Byron looked like he was getting tired. He was trying to remain as calm as he could, but I figured something bad might happen. I started swimming back to where we had started in hopes that Byron would follow. I tried to coach him on his back and to kick his feet but he wasn’t listening.

I turn back to the others and asked if I should call for help and they all said yes. I swam to shore as fast as I could, and when i got there I turned around to see Sally trying to pull him in my direction. I sprinted as fast as I could to the other side of the woods where I screamed for someone to call 911. I got their attention and I screamed for people to come help. A few guys started running in my direction so I turned back to see how Sally and Byron were. Sally was holding his hand and several times she went under with him, then she said she couldn’t hold on anymore, and that’s when Byron let go of her hand.

And then I looked and saw Byron go under and he didn’t come back up. Sally screamed “I can’t find him! He’s not here!!” and everyone still in the water started swimming to where we last saw Byron.

Everyone started diving under the water to search for him but it was pretty dark and murky, and it was impossible to see. I sprinted back to the other side and got the guys to come get in the water. I was actually counting the minutes in my head after he went under and it was around 4 or 5 minutes when the guys got in and started diving. A lot of people didn’t have much strength left, and I got on some guys phone with a 911 operator.

It had been around 10 minutes when Sally screamed she saw his hands in the water, but the guy closest to the spot said it was just a pinecone, but Sally and another kid saw both his arms.

Jessica was on shore in hysterics, and almost everyone couldn’t believe what just happened. He was just gone.

I sprinted as fast as I could back to where our keys to the car was, and by then EMS has arrived and were making their way down. I grabbed his phone, and some other things and called Byron’s mom to let her know. My parents called right after and they hurried to get there to.

Apparently they had to wait 30 or 40 minutes so that the dive team could get there from the next county over, because Bartow doesn’t have one.

Everyone was a mess and Eli made a lot of the calls to close friends.

It took approximately 3 or so hours to recover his body, but they did find it and I am thankful for that.

We all did our best, but there wasn’t anything we could do. Byron was trained to handle situations like this, so he knew what he had to do. He was perfectly fine before so I am not sure what had happened. There might have been and undercurrent or possibly he cramped.

I know everyone is in shock and in disbelief but Byron was an amazing person and friend. He always made me laugh and would do anything I needed him to (even drive me around for ages). I just hope you all will keep Byron’s mom and family in your prayers. I know he has to be smiling down on us now, and I feel as though he is still with me as I’m writing this.

I still can’t believe I’m saying this, but rest in peace Byron Sides. I’ll miss you more than you could ever imagine.”

Well there you have it. I hasd never thought about this situation happening to the lives of my friends and mine. Byron was the kind of guy that had held his friends dearly to his heart. I remember leaving school almost every day and getting a hug from him while I walked out the door, and immediately afterwards he would ask me if he could have a dollar. Byron, we will all miss you more than anyone could even imagine. You were a great friend to anyone and everyone you came in contact with and THATS what characterized you as a great and loving person. I love you dude…….

IF anyone would like to go to his viewing it will be at Parnick-Jennings funeral home from 3-6pm friday afternoon. Also, please keep all of Byrons friends and family in your prayers. He was his mother and fathers only baby, and God knows they’re going through a tough time.

—-Marcus

CD Review: The Rocket Summer- “Do You Feel”

So I just bought the Latest Rocket Summer album titled “Can You Feel” and I am VERY pleased. Bryce takes todays style of music and adds somewhat of an old school twist. As I looked up the album, I found that Stevie Wonder’s brass section actually recorded onit. HOW AWESOME IS THAT!?!?!?!?! I suggest everyone to go out and buy this on Itunes or at your local Wal-Mart. I’m SURE you will be satisfied!