...of ears, music, shoes and water...

We had a fun time going to dinner and a concert last night with friends....11 of us! After eating some southern cooking at Cracker Barrel (Charles was loving that), we went to the Glendale Arena (or whatever name it has this month) to see Casting Crowns and two opening acts, John Waller and Leeland. We were a little bit late. We came in almost at the end of John Waller's set, so we didn't really hear much of him. I have heard Leeland before, but really enjoyed the set they played last night...full of songs with a humble heart for God and compassion for a generation who needs Jesus.

I was really fascinated though, by the lead singer's shoes. Yeah, white dress shoes, just like these on this young man with red emo hair, tight jeans and a vest...yes, a plaid *I think* vest. All the time I was listening to this wonderful music, watching this energetic band, I kept thinking about the crazy shoes and vest. I'm so easily entertained, I know.

Another side note: During intermission, there was a video playing and it had a commercial for Steven Curtis Chapman's new CD. It looks like a good CD, but Steven needs to be told that his haircut should really match his age. Yep, he's got an emo doo, just like the guy from Leeland, only blonde of course. I don't know if he had white shoes. But it was just messed up.

And speaking of intermission...yes I was, pay attention....we walked up the stairs beside a young woman and her son, who looked to be 5 or 6 years old. It was still loud, so he was shouting, "Mom, what is inter....shun?" She said, "In ter mis sion, it means we're taking a break." And the last words I heard from the conversation were his excited voice, saying, "It means we're in eighth grade!?" "Nooooooo, a BREAK!" Ah, kids are hilarious.....he thought he got to skip all those grades! I giggled all the way to the restroom.

It was a good concert, lots of variety. CC had an artist who drew and painted on a black screen during two of the songs, and also a violin/electric guitar dual between a married couple in the group. Then toward the end, as Mark Hall introduced his group individually, they each played a little solo on their instruments....except the drummer. He played until we thought he was going to hemorrhage! Then he did a crazy dance going in circles at the end when the band was called up to do an enchore. So it was a fun time, and they had some powerful messages, including video and testimony of their Compassion International trip to India and Africa to raise awareness of the clean water problems and to promote sponsoring children in those places.

My only problem with these big concerts in large arenas is that the music is SO loud. There was a constant hisssssss in my ears and I actually felt pain on and off as the singer's pitches or different instruments played into the mix. I am so thankful for my hearing. I have grouchy half deaf people in my lineage and it is NO good to lose your good hearing too soon in life. In my opinion, this generation of young people right now who are listening to blairing ipods in the ears all the time or going to a lot of these concerts is going to get a huge wake up call when they are in their 40's and getting hearing aids. Hearing aids are never as good as the equipment God gave you in your ears. (ear bones) BE careful!

In fact, Mark Hill of Casting Crowns wrote a song off the concept of the children's song, Oh Be Careful Little Ears What You Hear, only it was not about your hearing. It was about how people do not stumble in huge ways all of a sudden. There is always a gradual series of compromises and 'oopsies' of lifestyle and heart.

On the way out to the car, someone asked Charles what he was doing and he told them he was resting his ear bones. EAR BONES. Of course, I knew what he was talking about, but it sounded so funny. He went on to explain what he meant anyway...y'know the three little bones that bang and vibrate, making sounds into intelligible stuff in your brain. The tiny stirrup is the only one I can remember. Tiny little pieces of our anatomy, yet so incredibly important to our lives. We use them constantly.

Next concert: earplugs.