Blest Guest Wednesday #13: Break Out the Red Pen! (Kathleen Smith)

At times, my crazy travel schedule interferes with my ability to post regularly, and I have to bring a little sanity to the blogging part of my life by asking for help. I am now entering one such crazy period. Some wonderful fellow bloggers have been willing to write guest posts for me on Wednesdays, hence the name "Blest Guest Wednesday."

As today's "Blest Guest," I asked Kathleen Smith (Heart 2 Heart), who comments on Blest Atheist frequently, to share something she thought would be interesting to BA readers. I think you will find her post interesting, so here goes:

Break Out the Red Pen!

When I was a corporate trainer for one of the top communications companies, after we had completed our 6 to 7 week New Hire training class, we had a graduation day. It was something I felt was owed to these hard working individuals who had made it through training for customer service representatives. They had to endure long hours and no time off for illness or any reason. If they did, we had to let them go due to the intense and compacted training they needed to do the job.

So, we usually had a class of about 40 people, and we were lucky to have 15 left by the close of our 6-week class. So, on graduation day, I would give them a chance to provide feedback on my training, being as honest as they felt, and no names needed to be provided. I wanted the brutal honesty. If I was a bad trainer, I wanted to know it but also what they felt I did wrong and suggestions on how to improve my training.

It was something I looked forward to the most. Most of what I got was great, but occasionally I did get the brutally honest feedback. I feel it made me a better person. I wasn’t out to get the person who gave it to me, rather, I felt that others can sometimes see things you are often too close to see. That’s where I believe we can all use some brutal honesty.

However, I think we have to be in the mood to hear it. Sometimes others want to offer their dose of brutal honesty to us, but we aren’t ready to hear it. I think a warning is in order. You have to mentally be prepared to deal with their honesty. You have to see it also for what it is: honest feedback based on their perceived opinion of you at that moment. It is a hard pill to swallow for some of us. We don’t want to hear anything negative. All we look for is praise and compliments.

It’s like the red pen circling our errors we have made in life. Remember when you received your paper back from your teacher in school, only to find it riddled with red-pen marks of correction? How did you handle it? If you were like me, a perfectionist in every sense of the word, I hated it. I didn’t see until my high school years that it was a way to improve, a way to better yourself, a way to be a better person to those around you.

In high school, I looked forward to the red-pen marks. I was always looking for how to be a better person, and the people, who could provide that kind of feedback for me were the experts in their field, my teachers. Who better to provide feedback and correction on my English paper than my English teacher? My parents could offer some suggestions, but unless they had an English degree, I had to wait for the red pen! I knew I was getting better when the red pen marks became so few that they didn’t appear any longer.

I didn’t know then but I do now how those red pen marks made me a better student. It’s all about not so much pointing out the negative things but on how to improve on the positive things. That is where God spends so much loving time with us.

Many times we are faced with similar situations in life. Times where I believe, God breaks out the red pen in our lives. Sometimes we are so stubborn that we choose to look at a difficult situation God has placed in our life, and all we choose to see is the red pen all over our paper. We don’t want to go back and fix it; we don’t want to hear what is wrong. We simply want to see a great grade on top and move on to something else.

When we take that attitude of refusing to fix things that God wants us to fix, He may allow the situation to pass but brings it back to us in a different form.

Many times as a teacher for my daughter, when she gets frustrated learning something new and wants to quit rather than see the lesson before her, I try again. Many times, I have to see that my attitude or method of teaching her that new concept isn’t getting through to her. I have to change my approach so she learns without me losing my patience with her or having her end up in tears. I have to try a different way of teaching her that concept. My methods weren’t able to reach her in the manner I needed it to, so she was missing the point. The goal is to get her to learn something new, something that will make her a better student and move up a level.

God is the same. He presents situations to us, many times in different manners so we can learn what He needs us to before we can move up another level. We may get frustrated and cry. We may run from our situation, but God keeps lovingly bringing it back to us until we see that situation or red pen for what it is: a lesson to be learned, a way to make us into the wonderful person God sees. It is His goal for us. We are on that path to becoming better people! We simply must change our hearts and our attitudes and be willing to see the red pen marks for what they are in our life.

God, please continue to use the red pen until I achieve all you want me to be in Your life!

100 Shows of 2010 - #33: The Brian Jonestown Massacre/The Young Sinclairs @ 9:30 Club, 6/9/10

Now this, this is what I’m talkin’ about right here. Take one of my favorite bands of all-time, in this case The Brian Jonestown Massacre, throw in those darling upstarts/reigning Best Band In The Commonwealth of Virginia, in this case The Young Sinclairs, and have them play together at the best club in, well, anywhere, in this case the 9:30 Club, and amazingness will undoubtedly ensue. And sure enough, ensue it did.

MINI RECAP: The Brian Jonestown Massacre = Too Good! The Young Sinclairs = Too Good! Overall score: A.

By now, I’ve lost count of just how many times I’ve seen The Young Sinclairs (otherwise known as the pride of Roanoke) over the past couple of years. I’m sure I’ve said it before, but this band just gets better and better with each and every live outing. Having seen them handle themselves so well here with such legendary heavyweights, I think it’s safe to say these boys are destined for success. It made me more than a little proud to see them pass their 9:30 Club test with such flying colors. Their psych revivalism is the perfect fit for an opening slot with The BJM, and their pitch-perfect harmonies and overall lush sound filled the club beautifully. They jingled and jangled and popped all over the place, and frankly that Sam has gotten pretty precociously sassy up there in his frontman duties. Cor, blimey! They left it all on the stage, from their idyllic dreamscapes to their more British Invasion tunes. They’re all grown up, and they were sensational. Watch this space, that’s for damn sure.

And then it was time, for the second glorious time in two glorious days, for more of my beloved Brian Jonestown Massacre. Their set was very much like the Philadelphian set of the night before, which surprised me just a little, as I was expecting a whole different set. But I suppose when what you’re doing is so good, well, there’s no reason to change it. It could just be because I love the 9:30 and do not love the TLA, but I got the sense the band was a little more into the show on this night. Anton was just as withdrawn to start, and by the time second song “Vacuum Boots” had finished I’m pretty sure he still had yet to even glance at the crowd. But genius can be peculiar.

During a rather fabulous version of “Wasted” off the fabulous Methodrone record, Joel totally made me love him even more by rocking not two, not even three, but four maracas (two in each hand, of course). “Servo” was amazing, and got the kids shakin’ and shimmyin’ in the audience. “Anemone” was utterly transcendent, giving me chills and goosebumps and a tingly spine all at the same time. That has to be one of the most perfectly seductive songs, musically-speaking, of all-time. “Jennifer” was great once again, Anton still an island over on the left of the stage, but the band totally in top form all around him. “Wisdom” just about brought me to tears with that powerful psychgaze swirl. The Matt Hollywood classic “Not If You Were The Last Dandy On Earth” was perfect as usual, “Who?” was perfect as usual, and “That Girl Suicide”, well, that too was perfect as usual. The band finished strong with “Oh Lord” and “Satellite”, and then they were gone, having so successfully given the people what we so lustily clamored for.

Dear friends, I must say, it was one of my top shows of the year thus far. Seeing this show at this club is a special thing indeed. If you’re not already on The Young Sinclairs’ bandwagon, get right to it, and if you haven’t yet seen the BJM yet (or even if you have), make sure to get out there and experience them for yourselves. These bands are musical salvation. Let the good times roll, indeed.

mp3: Oh Lord (The Brian Jonestown Massacre from Take It From The Man!)

Album Review: Sleigh Bells – Treats

Sleigh Bells, Sleigh Bells everywhere. I’ve been seeing that name just about everywhere these days, so naturally curiosity got the best of me. Thankfully, instead of killing me, it led me to some seriously bitchin’ summer music: retrofabulous beats and icy cool chick vocals, a veritable snow cone of tastiness. Treats is full of, well, treats. These songs are slammin’, straight up, a wild mix of 80s and the future.

I was already kinda diggin’ on this record, when second track “Kids” started up. It’s slick, Miami Vice-ian sound has a distinctly naughty vibe (yes, despite the presence of kiddie voices), and made me start dancing around my house in about no seconds flat. It’s a song awash with the feel of garish pastels and palm trees and shiny yachts, and it’s fantastic. “Infinity Guitars” is another one I love like crazy, loud and full of chugging, almost hair metal guitar riffs and those almost impossibly adorable chick vocals. It’s addictive as all get out, and probably just about sweet enough to send you into a sugar coma.

“Rill Rill” was made for kickin’ it on the front stoop, watching the kids with their Double Dutch and the boys do some breakin’ (all in slow-mo, natch). Another favorite of mine is the way short “Straight A’s” with its’ vicious, slashing guitars, and though brief it’s still one of the best songs on Treats. Bands have been throwing titular tracks out left and right lately, and Sleigh Bells adds another one. “Treats” glamourously shimmies along, trashy yet almost posh at the same time. The vocals are at their most ultra glam, and it’s a great way to bring things to a close.

Overall, Treats is a solid record. There’s some seriously killer songs on here, and as a whole it’s a perfect soundtrack for whiling away the muggy, stifling hours of summer. Crank up the AC, pour yourself a girly cocktail or five, and turn this shit up to 11. And let whatever hijinks ensue.

mp3: Kids (Sleigh Bells from Treats) (song removed by request, sorry friends)

Happy Birthday To Me: The Best Damn 1979 Mix Of The Day

Well, my little lovvies, yours truly is another year older (though definitely, positively, without question none the wiser) as of the wee small hours of today. I’ve got no bones about admitting when I was born, partially because I look young (or so people tell me, and they can’t all be lying) and partially because with age (supposedly) comes a certain modicum of wisdom (though, as I said above, I don’t feel all that wise), of being above being concerned about one’s age. Now, when the carding stops, then perhaps I’ll start celebrating the same birthday year after year. But for now, well, I’m in my Terrible 30s. And I’m rather happy to have made it this far.

But I’m not the only one, oh no. There were some monumentally good records born along with me in 1979, and I’d like to celebrate them today. Here’s my favorite song from some of the most noteworthy of 1979 releases. We’re not getting older, just better.

mp3: Rock Lobster (The B-52s from The B-52s)

mp3: Disorder (Joy Division from Unknown Pleasures)

mp3: Metal (Gary Numan from The Pleasure Principle)

mp3: Damaged Goods (Gang of Four from Entertainment!)

mp3: Get Over You (The Undertones from The Undertones)

mp3: Wrong ‘Em Boyo (The Clash from London Calling)

Monday Morning Meditation #44: When God Requires Something from Us, He Always Provides the Resources

Well, I continued on last week, but I was unable to post anything. Many apologies if you came here, looking for the MMM. The Internet went down in the hotel where we were staying, and we had to check out for our trip back to California from Ohio before the Internet went back up. So, my MMM was an alone time. This week, I finished reading I Chronicles. At the very end, my eye and mind caught onto the story of Solomon being selected for the task of building a temple for the Ark of the Covenant and Solomon being young and inexperienced. Solomon did not have the skills or resources for the task. David, knowing this, gave splendidly to the building of the temple. Yet, it was not enough. So, he turned to the people and asked the people of Israel, upon which "the leaders of families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king's work gave willingly."

Reading: I Chronicles 29: 1-9.

Meditation: I have noticed as I read through various Bible stories that God appears to have a habit of picking the most unlikely people to carry out his missions and tasks. They are often people without any desire to have the task and/or lacking skills for the task. They are also often people who lack the resources for the task. That is where trust comes into the picture.

I have been asked on several occasions to perform a task or give support to an undertaking. I have written about several of them in my various blogs. With tasks, I have usually felt that I lacked the skills, as in when I was told to take on a modern-day Goliath or to write a tome. I even usually argue with God initially, but we all know where those kinds of arguments have historically ended. So, I don't know why I react that way. My second "initial" reaction is to comply. Over time, I have stopped worrying about whether I have the resources, knowledge, or skills for the task because each time all of those things, as needed, have always appeared.

The appearance of resources, especially, has been marvelous to observe: one modern story of the fishes and loaves after another. For example, a remarkable example, I was asked to contribute to the rebuilding of our local St. Francis Retreat Center, which had burned down as a result of old, faulty wiring. For its director, Fr. Terry, rebuilding the center was reminiscent of what Solomon experienced in building the temple except that Solomon was too young for this sort of thing and at 80+ one would think that Fr. Terry might be a tad old for it -- unless you know him. There was no money for this, but the money came from all over. I had been making a small but regular contribution, simply turning over my book royalties to the center, when Fr. Terry, somewhat reluctantly and at the urging of the fund-raising committee, asked me if I could make a pledge, as opposed to regular donations. That way, a local bank would lend the funds upfront. Now, a pledge is a commitment; donations are not. So, I prayed about it, and I prayed about the amount. Into my hands at that point fell a note that there were still no funds for the kitchen, which cost close to half my annual salary. I could not believe that God would really want me to commit to this amount of money, but it became clear that He did. So, I did, relying on Him to find the money for me. The pledge clearly shocked both Fr. Terry and the fund-raising committee because they do know I do not have that kind of money, not now and not spread out over the five years of the pledge period. I have not worried, however, because where God asks something of me, He always provides the resources. This instance is no different. Extra money has fallen into my hands from higher royalties than anticipated from my various books, a large return on my taxes, per diem that I have not needed on business travel, merit pay bonuses, and, finally, overwhelmingly surprising to me, a whopping 125% pay raise that has more than covered the pledge amount, which will allow me to pay off the pledge in considerably less than five years. Yes, indeed, when God requires something, He will for sure provide the resources needed. We have no need to fear or worry -- and I don't.

That is far as I can go with you this Monday morning. I must retire to private prayer to thank God for always, always providing for me, to praise Him for the marvelous surprises He provides for me in that respect, to repent for each time that it took a second initial response (and not a first and immediate response) for me to acquiesce to whatever task God has set before me (Why, oh why, am I so contrary at times?), and to ask Him never to give up on asking me and tasking me in spite of my contrariness because deep down I am always willing to take on the tasking (I suppose God knows that). Now I retire to spend as much time as I can in contemplation, my favorite part of the day, letting God take over the direction in which my relationship with Him moves.

I will leave you to your prayer and contemplation, but first, I would like to bring to your attention a Monday morning prayer post that you might enjoy:

Fr. Austin Fleming, priest of the Archdiocese of Boston and pastor in Concord, Massachusetts, posts a prayer each Monday morning that he calls "Monday Morning Offering." I enjoy his prayers very much. I hope you also will find them inspirational. He has graciously given me permission to include a link to his blog on my Monday Morning Meditation posts.

For additional inspiration throughout the week, I would point out two sets of blogs: (1) the list of devotional blogs that follow the enumeration of Monday Morning Meditations on the sidebar of this blog and (2) my blogroll, where I am following a number of inspirational priests and writers about spiritual matters. I learn so very much from all these people. I highly recommend them to you.

Back Sugery! Bisy Backson!

Tomorrow, i go into the hospital for a minorly invasive back surgery, so i'm leaving things in Meg's more than capable hands (seems like she's been writing circles around me lately anyway). While a successful surgery means less bitchy, whiny mixes on the subject from yours truly, it hopefully does mean more something (like dropping all the weight i've put on since gaining my robo-zombie kidney, re-joining my various hockey leagues and re-establishing my "Soon-To-Be-Middle-Aged-Guy I'd Like To Fuck" premier status). At a minimum, here's to hoping for REALLY good meds for the recovery process.

mp3: Cure for Pain (Morphine from Cure for Pain)

Sabbath Sunday #25 - Migraines: A Different Kind of Post

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

Recently at a routine exam a doctor asked me about migraines. I guess they are pretty common these days or perhaps just more often recognized by doctors for what they are. When I said I have been migraine-free for more than 20 years, the doctor was surprised but understood why when I explained. I am not exactly migraine-free, but I no longer get migraines. When I feel one coming on, I send it away, using biofeedback that I taught myself. (One can also be taught biofeedback techniques.) A long time ago, I blogged about eliminating migraines and some folks found that post helpful. So, while the medical stuff is a bit off the beaten path for this blog, I decided to blog about it then and repeat it here this week for those who did not get to read it then and might find it useful now. Here it is: Migraines - A Different Kind of Post.

Wishing you a pain-free week, month, year!