On Saturday my wife had an opportunity to see the “Bodies Exhibit” featuring real human specimens that is running here in Seattle. The title of this post were random comments that the viewers entered into a book that was made available at the end of the exhibit. Amazing, gross, wow, ewww!!! These descriptions are not far off the mark. There were some telling displays…(I won’t give anything away, if you’re interested you’ll have to check it out!)

It did call to mind Philip Yancey’s/Paul Brand’s book, Fearfully and Wonderfully made. I am afraid that I have nothing profound and deeply moving to say other than it was indeed an amazing sight to view up close the intricate workings of our bodies. 

Todd Koeppen is both a friend and a fine songwriter. His newest, Catch Me, was recently released so i thought i’d post a review that went up on line not too terribly long ago.  If you are interested in hearing samples or purchasing a copy surf to www.toddcarterkoeppen.com for more info.

‘Todd Carter Koeppen’
‘Catch Me’

- Genre: ‘Pop’ - Release Date: ‘2006′

Our Rating:
Singer/songwriter Todd Carter Koeppen (http://www.toddcarterkoeppen.com) has a voice that is perfect for singing pleasant ’70s-styled love songs. Soft and heartwarming, Koeppen has that Golden Age of AM Radio appeal. But girls aren’t on Koeppen’s mind. When he thanks God on the record’s sleeve notes, he really means it; it’s not just there to put a smile on mom and dad’s face.

One of the best qualities of Contemporary Christian music is the freedom it has to bounce from one style to the other. While nobody is preventing artists from any genre to switch leagues and experiment, only in today’s Christian scene will that attitude be not only commercially accepted but encouraged as well. Koeppen certainly takes advantage of that, absorbing acoustic folk, world music, country, Gospel, and blues. Koeppen will certainly give you your money’s worth if sonic depth is what you’re seeking.

The record opens slowly with the unplugged beauty of “Right in Your Way,” which has a strong early ’70s vibe. “I come alive/When I feel your presence,” Koeppen sings, his light, fragile vocals as comforting as Todd Rundgren’s on “Hello, It’s Me.”

While non-Christians may feel that there’s nothing of interest for them here, Koeppen is not your typical Christian artist; “Catch Me” isn’t simply a series of tunes praising God’s glory.
Koeppen is a storyteller, sharing moving real-life experiences, either of his own (”The Halo Halo Song,” a bouncy trip to the Philippines) or that of others (”Sinj Went Runnin,’” a tale of an orphaned Cambodian boy who escaped his Buddhist guardians to become a Christian).

Add this to the list of the year’s finest LPs.

Inspired by a friend - I return. It’s been a long time since I’ve posted. And I will say that my last post was a bit lame. But what can I say? I have been a bit on the busy side…things have been happening. I’ve been teaching drums, playing drums, reading books, being a husband and a dad and enjoying the summer. Last week (thanks to voxtropolis!) I had the priviege of meeting Lon from Toronto, when he was visiting Seattle. Thanks for taking the time to get together Lon!! It was great to meet you and hear about what is happening in Southern Ontario!

I’m continuing my reading craze. I just can’t seem to stop these days. My latest book - and i’m only 30 pages in, is called, Thy Kingdom Come, An Evangelical’s Lament. So far so disturbing…and I mean that in as good as possible a way that I can. I can say more when I read more, but so far it is a hearty reminder to live a life consistent with the real and true teachings of Jesus. His point so far: The religious right has misrepresented those teachings and turned them into political muscle. Not being a very politically minded person, I realize I may be in over my head even having said that much!!

We’ll see what happens!

Just got back from the drenched event.  Good times.  Lots of young kids learning and growing.  This was my third year playing in the worship band - and I’m always impressed at the level of planning and organizing that goes into this camp.  The kids are offered lots of events like rock climbing, paint ball etc.  and every day there were a couple of sessions with guest speakers.

Can’t wait till next year!

 

 

I was talking with a group of friends last night about Christianity.  It was abundantly apparent that to define the term Christianity in certain terms was difficult.  Difficult I think, because it’s become so watered down that it’s depth and richness is all but lost.  In the words of N.T. Wright, as he was relating it to Christians that had made bad choices and done horrible things, “…they were muddled and mistaken about what Christianity actually is.” This does not excuse us but is of course a challenge to search and dig for the actual (or “secret” as Mclaren calls it) message of Jesus.  I’m sure we’ve all met people who say they were mistreated by Christians, or perhaps you are the Christian that did the mistreating - in any case we do ourselves a disservice when we throw the baby out with the bathwater so to speak.  We need to understand that people (even Christians) make bad calls and forgiveness is often required.  The message of the gospel accounts for this!  But more than that, this morning I’m struck particularly by the fact that Christianity has come to mean so many things to so many different people.  Have we become that muddled and mistaken?!  If so, what do we do to get on the right path.

 Any thoughts?

(*in case anyone is wondering, the N.T. Wright book is, Simply Christian.  I’ve just finished the first section so I can’t comment on the whole book just yet.) 

 

I’m a little over 1/2 way through…

Endorsements for this book are varied indeed!  From Oteil Burbridge (bassist extraordinarie) to Frederick Buechner to Anne Rice.  Yeah, there is some good stuff here. I was talking today with a good friend today about money - our lack of it for instance.  Actually, what we were talking about was the general focus that people seem to have on money and the things that it can get us.  I’ve been thinking a lot about money lately.  What I don’t have, what I have etc. 

I sat beside a struggling homeless man on the bus a week or so ago and was grieved at his situation.  I wanted so badly to “fix” things for him.  I realized immediatley (and uncomfortably) what I had compared to him.  We talked all the way into Seattle and I watched, sadly, as he left the bus.  I had struggled for words that would be helpful to him. I was perhaps over cautious as to what I said to him, wanting desperately not to say anything “trite” and unhelpful.  He was now gone…walking the streets, trying once again for another day, to regain some sense of dignity.  He hadn’t even known what day it was! 

Mclaren, talks about Jesus and his focus on giving to the poor.  He presents it in a very compelling way.  Listen to his words:

Perhaps it now becomes clear why giving to the poor begins Jesus’ list of spiritual practices: if we are to experience spiritual transformation so that we can become the kinds of people whose “righteousness” transcends the mere avoidance of doing wrong, mere technical perfection and external conformity-then we must be liberated from enslavement to money.

God help me when I am so worried about what I don’t have.  I am not suggesting that is wrong to “have stuff”.  Indeed we need things to sustain our lifestyles.  But this message of Jesus…to care for the least of these…it’s got a hold on me.  How will it change and transform me?  Or will I look away…and continue my quest for stuff. 

 

 

So, I read about this company called Pura Vida.  They roast coffee.  Not only that, they roast  good coffee! But the creating good doesn’t stop there.  This company gives 100% of thier net profits back to the families and “at risk children” in the communities that they get their coffee beans from.  Lately my wife and I have been talking about wanting to do more to help others. 

This is a very small way we can be a part of creating good - but it’s something.  Interested? www.puravidacoffee.com

 

 

 

 

Singer/songwriter/friend has done it again.  Todd Carter Koeppen’s new cd, Catch Me is nearly finished.  It is mixed, mastered and awaiting duplication.  This one, Like No Ladder, (2003) was recorded with Marc Miller at Cascade Hills Studio.  Of course I used the Thumper Custom Drums…mostly.

 

I’ve been looking at a book called, When Bad Christians Happen to Good People. Intiguing title!? Well, check out this suggestion from the book. In place (or perhaps in additon to) of the standard question that Christians have been asking - WWJD - what would Jesus do, the authour is suggesting that perhaps a slightly different angle should be considered. He has witnessed and has been involved in Church splits and division over various (often trivial) issues and has come up with this question: WJSHTOT? Would Jesus spend his time on this?

This is a critical question in my mind. I think it gets to the heart of what Christ thought about and cared about. It speaks of priorities and thoughtfulness. I think we all know well meaning Christians (or have been those well meaning Christians) that have made mountains out of molehills and created diversions from the real issues facing us as Christians today (eg, looking after orphans and widows in their distress…)

If we begin to act, to trust our instincts and our hearts and move out seeking the heart of God i’m betting we will spend time on the things Christ would have more and more often…

It’s a hope anyway…

for more than one reason, which may or may not become apparent as my posts continue, i’ve named this blog, it’s about time. on discovering i’m a drummer, one reason should be abundantly clear.

this coming saturday, i will be taking part in an event that will included hundreds and hundreds of drummers attempting to break a world record for the biggest group of players, keeping time together. (http://www.bennettdrums.com/) 500+ drummers of all ages and skill levels, playing together, for a common goal…hmmm remind you of anything?

proceeds from this event will go to assist school music programs and help homeless puget sound families. i participated last year and went away feeling that i had done something good.

time…it’s what i do for a living but it’s so much more. i hope you’ll join me as i figure out what to do with the time i’ve been given. part of me wonders if the world needs another blog? when i consider posting thoughts about my life and journey i’m reminded of what frederick buechner said about one of his autobiographical books,

“it is like telling somebody in detail how you are before they have asked the question….indeed, it isn’t like it; it is it.

so, i know you didn’t ask who i am or what i do but i hope you’ll join me as i figure that all out. its about time i do don’t you think?

carl