Ready to Track!

Again, More Trent!

Listen to what he says! He addresses the corruption of the industry!  He is spot on in his criticism!

Here’s to Futures

Last night I was able to spend some time with friends out in Amherst.  These are some friends that I only get to see occasionally because of schedule differences and such (however, I would much rather to spend every day with them!)  We have been friends since high school, I have progressed through my childhood and teenage years with them, and now we continue through some of the most important years of our lives.  Ryan, was the salutatorian of our class, and at graduation I remember his speech, in some way discussing the importance of the memories we had in High School and that these next few years were some of the most significant of our lives.  Here we are, four years later, almost college graduates; some of us know what we will do the minute we receive our diplomas some of us don’t.  I bet if Ryan decided to reuse that speech he would also include this brief, but ever so important chapter, and maybe he would elaborate and fine tune each detail of what has and is about to occur.

We are about to enter into one of the most important years of our lives!  Some of us are getting married, some of us are in blossoming relationships looking forward to that day, some still are waiting for the blind side realization of the direction to take their life.  Whatever place you are at, life always gets more important and more meaningful!  So, keep your head up and embrace every change, every curve, and every disappointment!

Anyways, thanks to all who were out last night! It was awesome to have a chance to catch up and discuss life!

Leaving; New beginnings

I am leaving wordpress.  You can find me at careobrennan.tumblr.com

thanks!

Reconnect

This Holiday season was a bit different than others in the past.  I usually take the time to enjoy the progression and hype that builds up until Christmas day.  This year seemed to be very disappointing as I was overwhelmingly consumed with my school work (which ended up not being worth it as my grades were not that great).  I tried to listen to Christmas music, see the lights and capture the feel of the yuletide season.  I have that empty feeling as the season came to quick and seemed to be over before I was able to fully “enter” into the season.

However, about a week prior to Christmas I was able to join my Mom and pick my brother Hayden up from the airport.  This was his first time home since he left for basic training in the Army.  It was just like one of those experiences you see on the news, or in movies of the soldier returning home from war; while the excitement of the family overflows and pours through the screen that you cannot help but feel the same joy as you watch.  Although he was not returning from war, I do know that I will soon celebrate this same occasion.  As I saw him walking out from the terminal towards us I instantly felt a sense of pride; My brother is a hero to this nation.  He is a part of something bigger than most of us are willing to commit to or subscribe to.  He chose a path much more difficult than most, away from his family and friends.  I have great respect for his choice and willingness to protect me, and others that I know and some that he nor I will ever know.  His camaraderie with the brotherhood of soldiers will sustain him through this brief but significant journey.

This ultimately leads me to the point of this post:

I have been struggling lately with decisions regarding my future and career.  I have struggled with the path I should take.  I don’t know what I want to do, I don’t know who I want to be.  I fight this battle daily; it’s just one headache after another as I have an idea and quickly decide that its not for me (not literal headaches).

I want to be a part of something big; I want to fight for something I believe in, something I can hold fast to.

I love playing on the church Worship team.  I love leading people and witnessing the power of worship, I love seeing and experiencing the intense emotion that comes as a song is played, or enters into a specific progression.  Music is beautiful and can unlock some of the deepest feelings that remain dormant in most other situations in life.  Worship provides me with a sense of Identity and acceptance; I feel at home when I play those songs. I remember a few years ago I became exhausted with Worship songs, and playing them.  I took a few months off and simply shut out worship music because I was so sick of it.  After the hiatus, I began to play again and committed myself to the ministry or Worship.  I have rediscovered the connection again between music and faith.  It is amazing how pivotal and significant music is within the church; it’s a staple that seemingly holds the different pages together.

I still have no idea what to do with my life, but I do know that my passion and heart is wrapped up in music whether it be worship or not.  I love to create I love to connect with people through the instrument I play.  If I found a chance to spend my life committed to changing lives through music, I would sign up instantly.

My Brothers return was rejuvenating as we were able to spend time together hanging out.  I love him and I pray for his safety and strength everyday.  What he has signed up for is not easy, but I know he is happy.  Sometimes time away from something really opens your eyes and allows you to appreciate what you do have faith in; what you can hope for; what you find confidence in.  That is exactly what I have found in music and my commitment at church.

Tranquility

The other night I was driving home from hanging with my friend John.  He offered to let me spend the night because it was snowing fairly hard out; however, I had to decline the offer.  No offense to him or his place of residence but I was very grateful that I made my decision.  I left his house in a frozen car, shivering quite a bit, but eventually my car would warm up.  As I drove I was viewing the roadside and the snow covered trees; barren of leaves, they seemed cold as well.  The roads were completely covered; the fields seemed more desolate and empty than they would in other seasons.  Normally most people would scoff and find some sort of annoyance or discontent feeling with the view on this drive, however, I found it very beautiful and serene.  The stillness of the air, the motionlessness of the trees, the snow that descended slowly and softly.  The winter often removes the life from nature, however in this moment, the lifeless seemed full and beautiful.

This drive was something I needed.  I had finished my last final about two hours prior to the drive and this somewhat restored my weary mind.  I put all my studies behind me and just focused on the still voice of nature

Wow, it’s been a while

Well, I don’t think I have posted on this thing for about a year!  I feel like blogging has now become something that only happens when I find inspiration in my down time, haha.  To say the least, I have not found much inspiration in my down time for quite some time.  This post will focus on music and its significance to me at this current point in my life. I have been talking about music and such alot lately so I figured I would throw down some words in this text box.

My band Careo has reformed (over the summer months) and we have been on a journey through the creation of our first full length record.  It’s been alot of fun because we have no expectations (other than to write something awesome), we have no limitations, and no commitments.  We are taking our time however, it seems to be happening so fast.  We are somewhat approaching this album with a specific concept in mind lyrically (Justin writes the lyrics) however, the mood of the lyrics seems to infiltrate the foundations of the music and the musical tone and mood follows.  I find this very interesting because I feel like these songs are dynamically diverse; there are extremely high moments and very low as well; There are very big, loud moments and also very small, quiet moments.  I am very proud of what we have forged so far and I cannot wait to complete it.

Also, this group of songs has been very interesting because I am playing a different instrument than I did on our first EP.  Drumming is drastically different from strumming a guitar.  I am the foundation now rather than the sweet dude that brings to color to the song. Its great; I find drumming just as invigorating as guitar, if not more.

Anyways, this is just a glimpse into what has been going on, as of right now, with My band Careo and also myself.    I will try to post more on this blog but I cannot make any promises

Get on Track and Stay ON!

So, obviously my title suggests something of getting on the right track or path and remaining their.  I recently read scripture from Psalms 50:16-23 which reads:⁶ But to the wicked, God says: 

       “What right have you to recite my laws 
       or take my covenant on your lips?

 ¹⁷ You hate my instruction 
       and cast my words behind you.

 ¹⁸ When you see a thief, you join with him; 
       you throw in your lot with adulterers.

 ¹⁹ You use your mouth for evil 
       and harness your tongue to deceit.

 ²⁰ You speak continually against your brother 
       and slander your own mother’s son.

 ²¹ These things you have done and I kept silent; 
       you thought I was altogether ^[a] like you. 
       But I will rebuke you 
       and accuse you to your face.

 ²² ”Consider this, you who forget God, 
       or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue:

 ²³ He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, 
       and he prepares the way 
       so that I may show him ^[b] the salvation of God.”

The beginning of this reading is what really strikes me as a follower of Christ.  Who are we to claim Gods salvation if we continuously sin?  We must take the words and commands of God and somehow weave them into our being so that we can live as he wishes.  To often do I often ask for forgiveness for sin and I find myself in the midst of my sin again?  I am not the only one who struggles with this either.  If we are going to live as Christians me must not be content with being good enough! We must strive to be true and honest in our walk with God!  We cannot continue to fall short!  Now, obviously we will sin; however, we must learn to run from those sins and set our sight on the life that God wants us to live.  

 

 keep each other accountable and encourage one another.

Answers

So today I was reading from Psalms 49:16-19.  The verses read: “Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; 17 For he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him. 18 Though while he lived he counted himself blessed- and men praise you when you prosper- 19 He will join the generation of his fathers who will never see the light of life.”  

This is the answer to the ever frustrating question “Why do good things happen to bad people,” or “Why do bad things happen to good people.” I find myself mulling over examples of this all the time. Far to often do I feel sorry for myself or simply complain about how bad I have it and how much better others have it when in fact I will always have something that many others don’t or never will.  I have salvation; I have unconditional love, I have eternal life, I have the guiding light of my God!  These things are endless, just as my God is.  I need to learn to find favor in him rather than my accomplishments and gains here on earth.  I could spend my whole life searching for the latest “thing” and eventually find myself unsatisfied or eventually bored.  My God is timeless; he is there through every season.  Even though I may find myself in a dry spell or in the midst of a spiritual stalemate, I will always find my way through.  Its part of growing. We all eventually grow out of materials but God is there to help us grow and will always grow with us.

Anyways, I love you all!

Light up the Darkness

I just want to share a little something before I get into the meat of this post.  I am going to make it a priority to open my bible and take part in a small devotional before I begin to read for my other classes.  I feel that this will definitely help my spiritual life, But also allow my mind to delve into much deeper and more significant thoughts and hopefully will stretch my mind enough to focus better on my school work.  I am more concerned with the spiritual part because I could careless about my school work about 80% of the time I work on it. haha. anyways. This is just something I want to get in the habit of and hopefully follow through everyday!

Anyways, On this first day I read a particular verse from Psalms 43.  It is verse three which reads: “Send forth your light and your truth, Let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.”   Now, before I begin to discuss this I feel that it is critical for me to discuss an issue I have in my reading of the scripture.  I will admit that many times when I read scripture I often feel it can be redundant at times.  Now after the first read of this verse I thought ‘well this sounds typical; it carries a message that I have definitely heard before.’  However, I believe that can be the point of scripture at times.  As human we need constant reminders or a reiteration of something said; otherwise we would naturally forget.  

It is important for us to take scripture and recall upon it and apply it daily; God asks us to “hide his words in our hearts.”  I believe this verse can serve as a reminder, it can light up the darkness that constantly surrounds us.  Times are hard for everyone and we are in the midst of struggles everyday, but the light of God can guide us in order to see the direction that the best solution is in.  If we follow the light and truths we can rest in the midst of Gods presence.  God has a plan and I have been awakened to this recently.  This should be my prayer everyday especially as I walk through this stage in my life.  Uncertainty is all around me; I must believe and call upon the light and truth of God in order to direct me to his presence.   

and now, I am ready to begin my school work.