Hey There,
First off, I’m kinda new to this whole “blog” thing, so please have mercy on me as I develop my sweet blogging skills.
My name is Michael, I play in a band called “Above The Golden State” (I apologize for the shameless plug). We’re a new band on Sparrow records with a self-titled album coming out July 22nd. Just look for the huge bear on the cover! If you haven’t heard of the band or myself, no worries! I’m just a dude who loves and follows Jesus. I’m stoked to be on this “adventure” as I’d like to call it, to write, record and share songs. It’s a rare thing to get to do, as well as a huge responsibility. I’m very excited to see what God’s plans are through ATGS in the coming years.
As of now, it’s super chill. We’re starting to book more and more shows as well as getting ready for a Fall tour with Starfield (a favorite band of mine). So I’m doing stuff like ordering T-Shirts and working on the live show. We’re all spending most our time serving away with the Church (Solid Rock), writing new demo’s for the next, next album, hanging with friends, doing summer stuff like wakeboarding, surfing, and soccer, not to mention what I’m dong right now, hanging out at coffee shops using the internet to get work done and blog to you all! Life to the fullest! We all live in Portland, Oregon. The sun doesn’t shine too often, so these summer months are epic! Go ahead and ask me any questions you have. I love talking about life and God, music and whatever.
My big question to any and everyone, is how do you see God moving right now, either in your own life, or in your church, or perhaps just in general?
Here’s my answer:
It’s really cool to live on the West Coast of the United States, specifically in Portland. I’m beyond blessed to be apart of the church here, and the movement that God is orchestrating. It goes beyond just our college group “The Way” every Friday night, where young men (including myself) and women are letting Jesus radically change there lives, following Jesus and being obedient to His will. It’s gnarly, and it’s happening! If you don’t believe me, come visit and be apart of it. I can list off a lot of life changing books, bands and films that are coming out of this area, but I’d like to name just one at the moment. We just had a man named Mike Erre come to our church and teach last Sunday. I knew him already from a book he wrote called The Jesus Of Suburbia. I read it last Summer, and it’s still impacting my life! If you haven’t read it, please put it on your list. His teachings have really hit home for me, and it was rad to meet and hear him speak in person. Just another dude who loves Jesus!
To conclude, I’m being radically challenged to begin living my faith in Jesus. I’ve been deceived by “the world” and culture, but also I’ve been deceived by “the church” and church culture. Going to church, and being the church are two totally different things! I’m learning what it means to be the Church, the body of Christ, living, moving, loving, hurting, growing and everything else that goes along with it!
I look forward to hearing from you all and hopefully getting to meet you while out on tour with Starfield this Fall!
-Michael
Random info:
Currently listening to the new Coldplay and “Summer” by Jon Foreman and reading The Shack by William P. Young (A Local Friend). This morning I read Psalm 18 and finished 2nd Tim. (more thoughts to come) Tonight I’m going to my first Yoga class ever. Pray for me!