View Larger Map

Archive for the ‘Cool Stuff’ Category

Cola – Sugar + Stevia = Zevia

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011

zeviaFor those who read my article about Kool-Aid and Stevia, here’s the next level of stevia greatness.  Zevia has a new line of sodas that are all 100% natural and sugar free. They sweeten these soft drinks with stevia and I’m sure they are outstanding.

I just saw a coupon ad in the paper today and I’m dying to try these. If you’ve tasted any of the flavors,  please comment below and let me know which ones are good.  I will update this post when I’ve had a chance to try them.

Unfortunately, you can only get them in a handful of stores at this point.  I’m hoping that the concept catches on and more stores start to take on this line of products. And wouldn’t it be great if Coke and Pepsi ditched Aspartame for stevia? I’m waiting for that day… you never know, it could happen.

Product Website: http://www.zevia.com

Ni Wewe Bwana–Mombasa Kenya

Sunday, August 7th, 2011

We landed in Nairobi where we immediately boarded a bus to Mombasa.  Eight hours in a sweltering bus with every passing car and truck nearly crashing into us. It was quite an experience.

Upon arriving in Mombasa we were greeted by pastor Christopher who escorted us to this little church in the outskirts of the city.

The people were so inviting and eager to have us. And we were so very tired. Nevertheless, we were there for this reason, to encourage and minister to this church (and others).

The service fired up and it was an incredible time.

I have many clips from my trips to Africa.  I will try to put some more online for people to see.  I hope this is encouraging to you as well.

Vocal Point – Near Perfect Harmony

Saturday, July 23rd, 2011

Of course I don’t actually think we had ‘near perfect’ harmony. But we were pretty stinkin’ good for a self-motivated vocal group made up of only teenagers. I remember performing many times with this group of very talented vocalists in the late 80’s.  What a great time we had. Seems like we were constantly looking for more places to sing and always finding new music to perform.

Anyway, I came across a Cassette tape recording of some of our songs.  This particular performance wasn’t so great, and I remember thinking that at the time. However out of it I found one huge gem.  This tape contains the only known recording of the hymn “This is My Father’s World” arranged by Larry Jackson of McMinnville Oregon. I believe he wrote this specifically for our group to perform, and we all loved to sing it live.

Larry, if you’re out there somewhere, this is absolutely one of my favorite songs of all time. You did a masterful job with the arrangement. I hope we were able to do it justice… but somehow I doubt it.

This is my tribute to Larry and all the Willamina “Vocal Point” members.  KT, James, Jeremy, David, Andy, Nick, Korina, and Rob (me).   Perhaps one day we could get together and sing again.  Who knows.

This is My Father’s World: (Click Here)

(bonus track) And This is Love:  (Click Here)

If you know any of the people in this recording, please send them this link.