Joseph Cortese

Rooftop: The Wedding, Not The Play

2011-09-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

What a day. Huge honor for me on multiple levels. Let's start with the bride. I have no daughters. But that's a lie. Because I have "types" in ladies like Tracey. I've known her most of her life. From being a little girl (She was never little. Never.) to this day, where she is more like a sister. Chris passed the grilling exam with flying colors. Tracey found a good thing and we all concur. I can't wait to grow old with this couple.

More honorable moments. I'll move quicker. I got to perform the ceremony. Sweet. I got to watch my son shoot his very first wedding. That was super sweet (But he better photoshop my triple chin). And then after the ceremony I had the pleasure of shooting the rooftop shots. And while we're all ecstatic about how they came out, I think it needs explaining so that you don't think that you can't attain the same shot. Remember that I am not a professional or even a semi-pro. I am a drummer who writes songs, who pastors on the side, who loves Melissa, Jordan and Donovan and who likes capturing moments with all forms of media. A pure hobby and pleasure type.

I've been thinking about for a while. It was not all shooting from the hip :-) Let me make that clear. The best photographer is a prepared photographer. And I agree with Eric Veras who quoted someone who said "the most important piece of gear in your bag is your attitude". It was blazing hot outside, completely blown out skies, way too much sun, and I was emotionally exhausted from the wedding (in the best way). But this was for Chris and Tracey. They didn't have much going into this wedding. And they had to deal with a major last minute cancellation: the photographer. What were they to do? Well...what are friends for? Father and son joined forces with Eric Veras (who is way more comfortable and coordinated than any of us, and was busy himself doing the videography!) and came home with a wedding portfolio that I know Tracey and Chris will be most pleased with. So what did we do?

Jordan handled all of the interior shots. Who wouldn't want to when you have Andre Vazquez providing the ceremony lighting design. Most of that he handled with the 70-200 2.8 L IS . The lens gave him the speed and flexibility thats needed when you're in tight spots. Jordan also loves shooting with natural light (reception) and the skylight at Maestros was amazing. Most of those shots were handle with daddy's Canon prime L glass. If you want speed, sharpness wide open and buttery dreamy bokeh, you have to go with fast prime glass, IMHO. Wait till you see these shots.

The rooftop shots (pictured) went as follows: Canon 5D Mark II, 17-40mm 4.0, B&W Polarized Filter, Canon Ex580 Speedlight w/Softbox

I underexposed all of my pics until the skies and background were right. Polarized filter was a must or else no blue skies. But that left the bride and groom almost pitch black. Then Jordan worked the speedlight/soft box masterfully, giving me all of the intensity variables needed. This was key to the success of these pics. Lighting is everything. Eric handled all of the direction. If it were not for him, we would not have given the bride and groom the necessary cues on what to do, how to pose, and all the necessary combinations. Our faithful assistant (Belinda Ramos) also cancelled at the last minute because Taffeta doesn't do well in hot conditions. She's no fool. It took her weeks to find that dress and she was not coming to the reception with big old sweat stains. Thanks Bel. We love you too.

Let it be known. Sessions like this require a team. None of this happens without community. Another reason why I love this stuff so much: I get to rub up against some of my favorite people. The sum is much greater than the parts. The proof is in the pic.

Backstories (The Flavors of Manna & Incarnational Ministry)

2010-05-10T06:54:00.001-07:00

These clients from The Living Room (click on photo to enlarge) are making their way outside to the street where hot soup, sandwiches and other basic needs are waiting for them. I like to think of it as "divine resources coming into contact with human need". Most importantly, love is expressed in the human touch. The Living Room is a city run shelter in Hunts Point, arranged like a cafeteria, with no beds or any privacy, simply tables and chairs. They're allowed to sign in and stay there but just imagine having to sleep sitting up in a chair? Don't close your eyes too long lest your belongings get stolen by another client. A very troubling sight. Nonetheless, a room filled with people. Real people.

Manna has a reputation of making good soup. Not homeless soup. That kind has no flavor. But love soup filled with care, attention and tremendous flavor. "Que sopa" was the highest compliment Manna Of Life volunteer Lydia Villanueva could receive. You see, she started making the soup at 3a.m. and could not return to bed until the soup finished 4 hours later. But that was not a problem for her because she cooked it with a divine energy. Its the stuff that comes from above when you are about the business of the kingdom of God. Alejandro Rente, a Cuban native who fled the revolution-ravaged island in '62, insisted on meeting the woman who made the soup. When I brought Lydia to him, all he could do was kiss her hand and exclaim, "que sopa!". He experienced the heart of God through a cup.

He, being a connoisseur of good food (what Cuban isn't), knew that there was something more that just a pot and some ingredients dumped together. He could takes the flavors that come from love for the one being served. The food that's cooked at home for family is "made with love" (Elena Valentin). Could this be? Could incarnational ministry have a taste to it? Could the flavors in food satisfy another deeper kind of appetite in every human being that lives apart from the true Manna? I'm gonna start cooking. That will be my new sermon for the streets. Away with words! Start sautéing some garlic!

The Long And Winding Road

2010-05-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

After taking a closer look, I realized this pic says so much. Its all there. (Click on pic to enlarge)

There's dad in lane 4 moving towards lane 5. There's only six lanes. Could these lanes be life?

Look where I'm at. Lane 1. It feels that way. Dad is 83 years old. I'm 43. I started walking with him in the morning. Yes, I battle the voices that say "you should have started walking sooner". But those voices ring from yesterday and thank God, yesterday is gone. So are those voices. They die with the day past. Today I walk with dad.

Dad walks ahead of me because he is. Yet I still keep my eyes on him. My eyes stay on him because he's showing me how to walk through lanes 1-5. He's been there. He knows. Yet in his own frailty from the long journey, I also keep an eye on him in case he falls. Lanes 4-6 are not easy. He moves slower through those than he did 1-4. And I don't know how to walk there just yet. But he does. Don't be fooled by the pace of the elderly. In that pace is surety, wisdom, experience.

His shirt is bright yellow. Thank God. I can see him up ahead. His testimony has had the same brilliance. When God saved him, it was from a very dark place. He's been shining ever since. Perfect? We're talking about Dad, not Jesus. But Dad has always pointed the way towards Christ. I have never questioned The Way in my own life, though I may have rebelled against it. But those were my choices. My dad has never offered me a smoke, a toke, a drag, a puff, a drink, a peek, or anything else to numb my pain or satisfy the cravings of my sinful flesh. He's only presented The Way as the answer. He really had nothing else to offer. He even showed me the way in the physical, putting me on his lap to teach me how to read a map.

Dad don't lie. He never has since I was born. Tell him he lied and he'll break every other commandment to let you know you were wrong in accusing him of a lie. No room for lies. Truth be told.

Can't wait till tomorrow morning. I'll be walking with dad. Maybe I'll even get into lane 2. We'll see.

Surround Yourself Will People Better Than You

2010-03-31T03:26:00.001-07:00

You've heard it a million times. But that's not enough times especially when you're insecure about yourself. If that's the case, get into process with a good counselor and work on those issues because surrounding yourself with people who are "not as good as you are", as a means of reinforcing your dominance, control and security...is really the most crippling thing you can do, producing little to no fruit.

Now lets clarify what we mean by "better than you". I'm not referring to the quality of a person. If that's the case, then everybody is better than me. But we're speaking more the areas of talents and abilities. In my case, I'm speaking as a musician. Don't think for a minute that I shouldn't consider surrounding myself with better pastors, ministers, husbands, fathers, etc. as well. All areas of my life should be spurred on by those who have "gone before me" or do circles around me. For the sake of this thought, we'll stick with music.

The presence of someone better can be paralyzing. Especially if it places your role in jeopardy or takes away the follow spot from you and places it on someone else. No one wants to be displaced. And no one wants to lose control of any given moment. I love what Lorraine Rosado said in a recent sermon: "The more control you surrender, the more in control your life is in". This is so true. So if your going to allow yourself to be surrounded by those who are better than you, you may have to work through some of those things. Sometimes it can be done with a dear friend who you can be honest with. It only takes the presence of one other person in community to loosen the grips of insecurity. Get that anxiety out of the privacy of your own heart and allow the light of another to shine on it, dispelling it and causing the darkness and power of secrecy to flee. Try it. It's so liberating.

When your able to do this, then comes the beauty of the "better person" rubbing off on you. When I'm the most knowledgeable person in a room, I have no where to go. It's really hard to grow in those moments. And to be real honest, I get tired. You're pulling everyone else in the room, but no one is pulling you. The creative ideas that you have stay in your head and cannot be carried out because the room is just not qualified enough. Get people into the room who are one step ahead of you.

And what about the spontaneous moments that you yourself need? Who is in the room that can do or go where not even you could imagine? Who's able to reinterpret what you've laid out, taking your ideas to another level? Where does your own wow factor come from? Yourself? Please!

I grew up the baby of my own family at home. With three older awesome sisters, I could only grown in one direction...up. I grew up the baby of my own musical surroundings. Bobby Roman, Bob Francescini, Gene Perez, Mark Leon, Phil Hamilton, Larry McRae, Daryl Jones, Timmy Reyes, Ray Vega, Oscar Cartaya, Tony Cintron, Mike Ciro, Tony Lewis...all musicians 10+ years older than me. I was always the baby of these groups. It was the best thing that ever happened to me musically. These guys believed in me, though I was rough around the edges. They could sill hear the hidden potential. And did they pull. Sometimes they called on a better drummer. I had to accept that, cry a little, and respond by making sure I did what I needed to in order to get the call back. Even Roberta Flack called on a better drummer. The Johnny Carson gig was a big one. I was the youngest band member and she needed a drummer who could take herself to the next level. So she called on Buddy Williams. It was the right move. What happened to me? I grew.

Go out and get yourself some "better than you's". See what it does to your whole person. Stop gypping yourself of the next level and find your security in who Christ says you are. Know that your place in secure because He gave it to you, and not yourself.

Lets go grow.

(Pictured: Joseph Cortese, Chris Coleman, Jamie Jones, Oskar Cartaya, Brian Meza, Sam Meza, Jeremy Del Rio)

Finally...After 30 Years

2010-03-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

It was 1980 when the Yellowjackets released their self-titled debut record. Can you believe it? 30 years ago? I haven't missed a release yet. I have purchased every record they've ever recorded since the first one. And finally, after 3 decades of music and countless live performances, we finally meet. Well, kind of. I could have met them a long time ago but according to my son, I am such a shy wimp. I never follow through on these meets with people. I know. You could never imagine me shy. But trust me. I never go up to any of these artist after a show to talk. Jordan' got the guts. He'll run up there. I wait in the car. But this one was different. "Finally" (Jordan) Let me explain.

The first up encounter was through my sister Damaris. She met Russell Ferrante's sister in northern California at some conference, mentioned what a tremendous fan she was of Russell and The Yellowjackets, and eventually made contact with him in hopes of having him produce her next release with Discovery Records. Russell was excited for the opportunity but due to conflicts in scheduling and touring, was unable to do the record. But that's ok. It still gave me a point of reference. So at my next visit to The Bottom Line to hear YJ, I went up to him after the show and introduced myself as Damaris' brother. He was gracious to me and John Mitchell Jr. (I think he attended that night with me). Cool. Too bad Jordan was too young to be there and witness his dad overcome his shyness.

The next moment was a little late. You see, by the time I met

my favorite drummer (of a trio of favorites: Peter Erskine/Steve Jordan) Will Kennedy, he had already left the band to pursue some other interests. He was at Living Hope Community Church with Pastor Sam Meza. But get this. He wasn't' playing drums on that particular Sunday. He was simply sitting in the congregation. So here I am preaching in this church and who's in the audience? My favorite drummer. Can you see the urine flowing down my leg?

And then comes this past Friday. The next link is Bob Francescini. He wrote to me a month ago to say he would be playing with YJ, subbing a few gigs for Bob Mintzer. I just about died. We in NYC all felt that Bobby F. should have been in YJ 20 years ago. So this was like a dream come true for me (for him too, I'm sure). And what a night it was. So me and my family arrive, we're taken back stage and introduced by Bob to the rest of YJ as "my best friends, the Cortese". Who's in the room? Will Kennedy!!!! Back in the band!!!! We hugged and were thrilled to see each other, then Russell, who remembered me as Damaris' brother, and lastly Jimmy Haslip (who I'm sure is wondering who are these people.

Jimmy was engaged in a iPhone

tutorial with Bob's son.

So while he was gracious in meeting us, he went back to the iPhone tutorial :-( This bothered me a little bit. But then I soon realized after some quality time with him afterwards, that he is a fully present person who gives his full time and attention to whoever he is speaking to (unlike myself who multitasks convos, terrible!). I wasn't getting this as the top of the night. But at the close of the evening, I decided to dispel my son's image of me as a wimp and go for the jugular and talk to Jimmy Haslip. I mentioned my love of Red Heat, his solo album that is unreal. And some how or another we got into our backgrounds, nationalities, and before you know it, The Bronx. Don't tell me this borough in not the bomb. More artists come from Bronx than you think. And he's half Puertorican. Pa que fue eso! We ended up talking more with him than with anybody else. What a gentleman. What a gracious spirit. What a artist. He let us into deep places of his heart with exchanges about the most precious things to him (his father, his daughter) and kicked around some up and coming projects that will be released soon.

What a night. What a great group of guys. What a great group of new friends. Now I can get Jordan off my back.

A Letter To Film Director Reign Shaw

2010-03-15T05:23:00.000-07:00

When I think of THEN†NOW, I see it as a type of David [not the king but the little boy] going up against a giant called Goliath [Hollywood]. This giant is a monster of a thing. It has all wanna-be's shook. It's ruthless in its dealings, merciless is its negotiations and has an ethos of its own that's penetrated only by a few. It has its own government and laws. It's so powerful that it can shift the direction of the culture in one opening weekend. How many creative people are in its zip code? Of those who will ever see the break they dream of? The disparity in numbers must be staggering. And then if your bright idea has any affiliation with the evangelion, the Good News, its over. You're finished. Meanwhile, if they only realized that every film that ever leaves a true mark on ones life is the one that captures the plight of every human being: the search for the kingdom with its foundation and architect...the "you know who".

Then there's little ole us ...being led by a boy. I know 26 is no longer a boy, but you still look like one. Anyone who is a size 13 shoe is still a boy. Anyone who can't sleep at night because of ideas flying around in their head is still a boy. Anyone who can't speak from a land line phone in a quiet place is a boy. Anyone who still has to wait for mommy to ship his coat from Chicago to NYC because its too cold is a still a boy. Any one who calls me 7 times a day to talk is still a boy.

Yet I can't help but think that you, like David, may be small in stature but a heart after God. David was totally uncomfortable with all the armor that they placed on him to fight the giant. It's not how he usually roles. He didn't need any of that stuff when he took out the bear and the lion. You too are not easily swayed by the armor, the gear, the technology. You're still convinced that vision is better than gear. You know that the power of story will always transcend the power of technology. You still carry around a HVX 100 with a busted audio channel. You have no NLE software, your life is all in a messenger bag, you still use an old MacBook black that can barely keep up with web 2.0 . You still roll with just a slingshot and a few small stones.

But what are your chances up against this giant that, at the very whiff of religious rhetoric, will eat you up and spit out the bones? This is where we in NYC have this indescribable confidence. We trust that as this comes together, your training, your experience, your convictions, your talent, your understanding, your passion, your vision, your storytelling, your crafting, your Spirit-led-ness (if you truly listen)...will make room for a film that whether Goliath likes it or not, will be authentic, honest, pure and above all, God-glorifying. If He be lifted up in this film, He will draw all men (and movie goers) unto Himself. We are used to selling CD's from the trunks of our car. So we have no problem doing the same with this DVD. But if it be His will that the audience be the world, then you too will be able to say "this is the Lord's battle and He has given you to us".

We're rootin' for you. We're prayin' for you. In the meantime, we'll still be over here doin' what do. Isn't that what the film's about?

The Story Of Then†Now (The Short Version)

2010-03-13T19:26:00.000-08:00

I arrived in LA. Popped in to the offices of Living Hope Community Church to say hello to the staff. Met a group of young filmmakers [Red Guerilla Productions] using some space at LHCC as an editing suite. Got a quick look at their current project, "Rise", by Jamie Jones. OMG! Hung out with them on that following Sunday to hear their vision some more. Beautiful. Shared with them some of the stuff

we've done at Crossroads. "Boy if we could only film one of your events" (Reign) Fast forward 3 years. Needing someone to edit concert footage from an Audience of One. What should we do? Who can we call? Remember Red Guerilla?

Call Brian and see if he thinks they could help. "Sure they can". 3 months later, AOO done! Did some miracles with the footage. Imagine if Director Reign Shaw came to NY for a week and hung out with video team for inspiration, guidance, mentoring? Why not? Imagine while he's here, we film something? Film what? Film "the story that's never been captured" (Bel Ramos)? Film the story of transformation of individuals by grace through faith?

Fast forward. The film is now in post production after 2 months of aggressive shooting in NY, LA and Chicago. Sick. Someone dreamed that I was doing this kind of stuff. I kept it in my back pocket. It has now moved to my front pocket. CT found its new palette, film. That's all I can say for now. Much more to come. Look for THEN†NOW in film festivals in 2011. This project is not for the church. Its for the world.

2 Hours With A Legend...All To Myself

2010-03-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

Journalists dream of these kind of moments with celebrities like Micheal Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlon Brando, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp. 2 hour exclusive with a legend of some sort who's impossible to track down. Well in my world, 2 hours with Pastor Bob Johansson is the equivalent. Not that he is elusive or introvert as the celebrities mentioned. But he is husband, dad, pastor, visionary, builder, and above all, passionate follower of Christ who is regarded as a type of spiritual father over NYC. There are other pastors who lead larger, even more sophisticated houses of worship. But Pastor Bob is unique. He is NYC personified.

Being in his office and seeing his work space only tells you how much he loves NYC and how pumped he is about its prosperity, especially in the area of education. If you're an educator or an

administrator in education, you need to hear this man share his vision. But don't think you're gonna hear some lofty ideas of what schools could be like. That's important. But you're gonna get a balanced talk on what schools were like historically. "Don't tell me where we're going unless you can tell me where we've come from". He can break it down from the 1800's and show you the pivotal moments along the way that have brought him to his convictions today. If we were ever to have another Teacher's Appreciation Gala, he would be my next keynote speaker.

I saw 250 high school students, in uniform, engaged in a midday chapel that looked like a revival. Mixed in those students were internationals that are eventually going to return to their countries (China, India, Middle East) evangelized and now followers of Christ. It blew my mind. Why was I alone on this visit!

And there's more. This man won't stop. He is now dreaming of a 4 story extension on top of the already state of the art building in Long Island City to include an international prayer tower thats constructed of all glass facing NYC, with a cafe! Now you know I'm goin' if there's coffee.

But aside from all of this excitement and plans is a man who loves and loves deeply. His personal mantra? Mercy. He told me of a story in 1967 where a woman came into his office broken, standing with her trembling mother, asking if the church [then a storefront] could help here in her time of need. Pastor Bob said "what are we [the Church] and our theology if we cannot help people in their need?" He said he hardly hears the audible voice of God but on this occasion is what crystal clear. "Mercy", the Spirit whispered. "Mercy".

Pastor Bob is also the most honest person in the world. He tells it like it is. He don't care who you are. He has learned that in this city, you better come correct. There is no hair on his tongue and he has no time to waste with anything that isn't kingdom. He is not easily impressed and most of what he sees in NYC ministry he calls "smoke and mirrors". I love this about him.

Did I mention his ability to rightly divide the word like there was no tomorrow? Did I mention that he has a twin brother [Paul] that is as powerful as he is [a modern day apostle]. Did I mention that he is the funniest person on the planet without trying to be. Did I mention that my wife loves him till it hurts? [that's important]. Did I mention that he loves me? That's my favorite part :-) I didn't mention all of this before because then this is not a blog, but his bio. Now that is something I would not mind writing. I hope someone in his camp is thinking about this. The story must be told and kept alive. I know I will never forget this visit as long as I live. Now to book the next one. Want to come?

Who Needs This Place Anyway?

2010-02-01T13:26:00.000-08:00

I've been thinkin'...
[Pause]
Hello? Where did everybody go?

Oh I get it. Every time I start thinking, everybody runs. That's why I love Spanky, my bulldog. He never runs from me and my ideas. He runs towards me. But here's my thinkin' and it comes on the cusp of changes in church life that can serve as cues for more effective kingdom thinking. Let's start with the typical comments made from frustration/disappointment:

"I wish I could have done so much more".
"I have so much more to give".
"It's so frustrating not being able to see my gifts and abilities in full swing at my church".
"If only my church would discover how much I have to offer it, especially in the area of creativity".

These are a few that I get as pastor of Crossroads, a local Bronx congregation. Tough to receive. I could send these people to the sign up stations at the ministry fair. But I could see their jaws drop in complete bafflement that typically stems from a level of entitlement, seniority or dissatisfaction from not being recognized/esteemed as much as others are (We really need to be careful that we don't think more of ourselves than we should. God is gonna lift up the low-lies, not the high-lies).

Keep in mind these other scenarios. Some don't get involved because they picked up on the lack of space for their hidden agendas . Others didn't count the cost, especially in youth ministry. Some just don't serve unless there is a level of glamour included in the deal. i.e. Why aren't I recognized/elevated as much as others are?

But shouldn't we [the Church] be a place that prepares, empowers, and encourages us to serve, with the largest amount of output, in the workplace?

Having a job not only means making a salary, but also includes becoming a responsible member of society/community. We graduate from high school, go on to college, get an education in something we're passionate about, so we can work "doing what we love". That's the way its supposed to be. Que no? And if we're doing what we love in the workplace, shouldn't that be what fills our cup more than anything else? I'm starting to feel that people who really complain about "not being able to get involved, do more, or be more used" are people who are, in fact, very unfulfilled in the workplace. "PJ...you're changing your tune from the old days". So you noticed. I used to say that since people are very unfulfilled in the workplace, they need another outlet that the church can provide through ministry opportunity. I changed my mind. That was the real beginning of my problems. Instead we built a database of unfulfilled church folk who are, you guessed it, looking for other churches where they can do more and be more involved.

But where is our gifting, abilities, talents and creativity most needed? In the church? Not sure. Those kinds of attributes are best on display in the world where the visible manifestation of the kingdom of God is desperately needed. Not in our churches. There is no real impact in that environment. Real impact comes when the Spirit of life within us comes into contact with unregenerate people. That collision of the living and the dead is explosive.

Maybe the one little thing you do in your church is enough, or should be enough. Maybe the very best that you have to offer is to be on display at other places.

There's something happening. In a recent conversation with a brother in Christ, he said the following: "The Holy Spirit keeps refreshing us and reminding us that He loves us (him and his wife) and is pleased with our service not only in CT but in the workplace." He said some other things too but we won't go there :-) We're onto something here folks. I really think this is the way to go. We've got to direct all of this creative energy and involvement to the workplace/marketplace because the reality is your church may not be where all of that involvement fits.

And what about that crazy stuff that God does....where he uses someone else to do what you think you should be doing. There's the E-headed monster again called entitlement. Oh no! Could it be? Absolutely. So go pick your fight with God. But please don't take it out on us pastors anymore :-) He is building His church and the gates of hell or a pastor cannot prevail against it.

Recap!: Serve where the need is. You may end up doing what you love. Maybe not. Can you handle that? But don't put all of your eggs of servitude in one basket called the church. The Body can be wonderfully edified by just one of our gifts. It doesn't have to house all of them. And if anything, give the workplace, the marketplace, where the kingdom is most needed, your best stuff.

Case study, then I'm done.

My brother in law and sister in law don't do as much as they used to at Crossroads. They serve a little here and there but not a whole lot. And boy were they once involved. Why not? Because they are very involved in their workplace where they serve passionately, creatively, with conviction. They don't have to do a whole lot at Crossroads. That's not the only place where they serve. And they're very low maintenance, a pastor's dream :-) I've had to come to terms with this. Acceptance. They are both content and productive. And they're workplace knows that they're both employees and servants. Ask their bosses.

I'm just sayin'. Thanks for listening.

Do We Really Want The Days Of Yay and Nay?

2010-01-05T05:29:00.000-08:00

What is it? What is happening here? What is this thing that happens when, with all of the technological future-thinking power and potential we have, we continually go back. Any entepreneur who is trying to go where everyone is eventually going [before they all get there] should listen to me. I feel like those Wall St. guys who know something about the direction of the market and make decisions that no one else saw earlier, reaping the profits of it all. But not Madoff style. I'm talking legit.

I noticed during the production of Rooftop how people were visually enthralled, not because the set looked like Starlight Express or Xanadu, rather, it looked exactly like the world they live in or used to live in. Producing a 70's inner city urban vibe brought more smiles and reflective moments than anything present or futuristic. Andre Vazquez' lighting treatment in Man In The Middle had the same effect as he created street lighting that was nothing short of depressing in the actual, but mesmerizing at that moment.

In a conversation with Eric Veras on the NYTimes' One In A Million series, we noticed that what fascinated us most about this incredible online exhibit was the fact that it brought us back to the days of kindergarden when we would watch those slide shows on a record player that, when the beep went off, the strip would move to the next slide. Remember those?

How about our iPhones? The pic above is what I have been looking for my whole iPhonogrophical life. That border around the pic stirs up so many emotions. And every app that is being produced with any real success are those that recreate the hideous film and pics of those instamatic cameras that you'll only find on eBay or a museum of photography.

Musically speaking, I want Albert Knowles to play the Fender Rhodes. Lately I don't want to hear anything else. It's a mono instrument that weighs 100 pounds! But there is nothing else like it. Nothing. Any synth reproduction just falls short. Maybe you're just never gonna get that sound unless you suffer by carrying that thing. Yeah. Maybe the back injuries that come with it is all part of the sound.

What does this mean? What should we do with this? Should we be paying closer attention to it? Even Solomon told us to be careful with too much talk about "how good the old days used to be". For some its not good at all. I understand. But why is so much money being made on recreating the past? Why are we going in reverse? Why are we using technology to help us go back? I feel like the Back To The Future movie has bigger implications emotionally and psychologically than we think. ~I'm just sayin'~. Help me out folks. Post your comments.

"Less Is More" (Dedicated To Those Who Talk 2 Much)

2009-11-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

We hear this phrase a lot in music and other artistic venues. It's a mantra that keeps us from saturation. That's when all of the space is taken up with stuff, leaving no blank space for air. You need air against whatever you're doing. It's serves as a kind of palette for movement to whatever you're trying to say. What we do/say has to go up against something for contrast. Contrast helps to give what your communicating the 2D effect for impact. But for 3D you need air. In photography you have to pay attention to background. But that's not enough for movement. For that you need air. Air is invisible, transparent.

For instance, music is not just playing notes. Jazz master Bryan Carrott says that it is a collection of notes "and" silence. Without the silence there is no contrast, no 3D. Think about this. The more silence, the less saturation, the bigger impact of what you're trying to say, the bigger the stage for the content. Confusing? Then let me get even more confusing.

Jordan Miles Cortese [my firstborn and co-best friend after my wife Mel, she's first. Jordan gets the "co-" because Donovan, my 2nd born, gets equal placement] and I have been trying to practice being more economical with words. We're not doing such a great job just yet but we're consciously working at it. We're taking more drives together to practice this. We practice it on topics like the arts, politics, religion, holy discontent's, etc. We realized through honest reflection that when we go too long trying to explain or defend a point of view, we're actually weakening our statements. Almost like we're trying to prove something with a run-on collection of words instead of just stating our case and then letting, even trusting it, against the silence. If not the silence, the left over space of nothing that, under the old ways, would have been filled up.

Even worse is the insertion of "superlatives". Now this is my biggest Achilles heal. Why do my words have to be accompanied by "the greatest, best, nothing better, you don't know". Just to think, if everything I say has to have "best, greatest, the most delicious" attached to it, then there is and will never be room for a greater experience to happen to others. That is robbery. And do I really want my experience, which no one else will ever have, to be the greatest? Won't that cause someone to covet, even lust for something they can't have? If Italy is the greatest place in the world (it is :-), why say that knowing that most people won't ever make it there? And who is to say that their trip to the Harriman State Park won't be the greatest? Lake Welch might look like Lake Cuomo to them :-0

Less is more. Trust me. Less is more. The attached picture is one of my favorite. I love it because of the bigger absence of information than the actual subject. There is more white, more contrast, more air. As a result, The Don looks awesome! Ooops. I mean "good". There goes another superlative. I bet you I could've written this thing in half the amount of words. I told you...we're just starting to work on this. Now you go and start paying attention to your rambling ways. We're rooting for you! Less is more. Trust us...who have to listen you :-)

"Funny...I Never Knew You Were A Jesus Freak."

2009-10-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

This is a line that my wife read to me this morning as part of @phbjackie' FB wall. This can be one of the most devastating comments to a believer/follower of Jesus Christ. What do you mean you didn't know or couldn't tell? God knows we try so hard not to hide it under a bushel. We are not ashamed! We long to live it openly, without shrinking back. We love Him!

But make special note of what was actually said in this exchange. What was strange to this person is that they couldn't tell that @phbjackie was part of "organized religion". Perfect! We have no problem with that statement. As a matter of fact, mission accomplished. What is undeniable, I'm sure, to this individual is that @phbjackie exhibits the more important traits of faith and "true religion" and that is the list that's found in Galatians 5, the good list :-)

Organized religion has been responsible for more blood shed than anything else. So we're happy that it was undetectable in @phbjackie. And besides, organized religion has an air about it that is very detectable to the unbeliever. They can spot the pharisaical odor of organized religion in a heartbeat. They see it coming because it has a look to it. It breaks down instead of building up. It's pompous, not humble. It's arrogant and self-righteous, not meek and contrite. But it was undetectable in this young lady.

They were surprised to find out she was a Jesus freak. Shouldn't people know we're Jesus freaks? C'mon folks. Be for real. When you have to tell people what you are, you already blew it! Acts 4:13 shows us that true disciples are known as "having been with Jesus". They marvel when we speak, with little education or training, and the power of the Holy Spirit, the power of love, comes forth. That is undeniable. Not because we announced it...but because we live it. They will know, oh yes, they will know we are Christians. Not because we notify them, rather, because of our love. @phbjackie...keep working the works. You are Christ's presence in Hunter College. Truly He has His people in this city.

Facebook Makes Spring Valley/South Madison Come Alive Again (Part II - Jew & Gentile)

2009-10-26T06:09:00.001-07:00

The story continues. The list keeps growing. Having access to each other's friends is the greatest nosy new adventure in cyberspace. I've scrolled through hundreds of names, hoping that one will scream out. It's happened. My laptop's been screaming at me for 4 days and running. Wonderful screams. "Ronny, Jonathan G., Melissa S., Melissa B, Rachel J., and Jerry B. I'm still waiting for responses from Susan R., Robert L., David S., Patrick, and more.

With these new names comes the "resurrection of memories" that have forever shaped who I am today. Some I remember, some I was unaware of until recently. Here's one.

Jew & Gentile.

A hot topic. History tells us that Jews are God's special people, created and separated for His purpose and glory. They would bring salvation/deliverance to the known world through their Messiah. The people outside of this nation were Gentiles. Just call us pagans :-) We are the epitome of defilement. That history comes with some problems. Misinterpretation. "Jacob I have loved but Esau I have hated" has been the most twisted and misunderstood passage of scripture. John 3:16 tells us that God's love has always and will always be for "the whole world", His entire creation. His love is not limited to Israel. It never was. It could never be. But they were His special instrument to carry out His love story to us all. We need to remember that and honor that. You think I lived in Spring Valley because the grass was greener than in the South Bronx? Oh it was. The SB had no grass! I believe God allowed me to live in Spring Valley so I could be completely surrounded by His special people for a season in my life. Look at the last names on my South Madison-ites list in Facebook. Every person's name ends with "-itz, -berg, -man, -xler, -cek, -stein, -artz, etc. I was in the suburban capital for Jews. Monsey had the heavy hitters, the Hasidim's. And I had a grandfather that drilled into us, like there was no tomorrow, "those are God's special people, honor and respect them wherever you go".

The Gentile was to be grafted in, through the grace of the Jewish people. They were to make provisions for the Gentiles living in their homes and in their communities. We were to find our refuge and covering under their promises. I learned that in Spring Valley. The Szpicek's taught me that. They embraced me as their own, taught me the culture, the food, the celebrations, the joy and the pain of wandering, waiting for the Messiah to come.

I, on the other hand, believe that Messiah has come. I believe Him to be Jesus of Nazareth. How could one deny this? Look at the Torah, the prophets, the complete Old Testament. If you can't look and see with your own eyes that all roads point to Jesus, look with your heart...in faith. It's all there. He didn't come the way they expected. But that's ok. It's not about how we want Him to come. It's about Him. He can come anyway He wants. His coming as a suffering servant throws us off. Not very patriotic or powerful. But that is mystery of God in Christ. Much too much to say about that in a blog. Visit Crossroads. We talk those things up all the time.

But the Szpicek never held my faith against me. They embraced my faith. Heck...Gary Szpicek came with me to church when The Brooklyn Tabernacle was on Flatbush Ave. He loved it! He begged me to take him again and again. (He also begged me to take him skiing. I did. He broke his leg the first time down the mountain. He begged me no more) I learned these things in that home. It wasn't the perfect home. It didn't have to be. It just had to be a real home. It was. But now at 42, this Jew/Gentile thing runs deep. I've seen them exist together in ways that only reveal the true nature of Jehovah. I wear a cross on my neck with the star of David. I get a lot of strange looks, even dirty looks from people. A gas attendant in L.A. wanted to fight me because of my jewelry. But I wear it because I believe the star to represent "the hope of Messiah" and the cross to be "the fulfillment of Messiah". I can dream of a day where Jew and Gentile live together in peace and harmony because I lived this thing myself in Spring Valley. The Cortese' and the Szpicek's are living proof that God's plan worked, works and will work.

What about the Jesus thing? Don't worry. For every Jew that is not having it, there will be, according to scripture, a special meeting/session between God and His people to show them that the nail scarred hands and open wound on His side......is He, the Anointed One. "All of Israel will be saved" (Rom. 11:26)

I'm not trying to sound melodramatic. This thing is for real. Jabob, Ruth, Gary, Sandra, Debra....let's show them how we do it up in this place!!!!

Facebook Makes Spring Valley/South Madison Come Alive Again (Part I)

2009-10-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

I swore I wouldn't do it. Facebook. I don't have time for it. I love Twitter. I love 140 characters as a parameter for your thoughts. I love the kind of culture that has developed out of Twitter. I find some of the greatest thinkers are Twitterers. I get more smiles and encouragement coming (only after the Holy Sprit & my family) from the 2-3 sentences in a Twit. But I love people and if you want to be where the people are at, you have to join Facebook. Some of my findings have been disappointing. I see pics and read lines from people that I thought knew better. But "we are what we are", so we simply lower our expectations to minimize the hurt. Moving on.

But then my wife asks me to type in the name of a long lost friend and see what comes up. For me that's not so easy because I have an entire generation of friends who mean so much to me. Granted, we're talking adolescence here but still. It was special and it ran deep. No one can take that away. What am I talking about? Spring Valley and South Madison Elementary School.

My family left NYC and moved to the suburbs. They were running away, escaping from a tumultuous season in church life. The legalistic Pentecostal scene had taken its toll on my family and with the encouragement of my uncle (former Congressman Robert Garcia), he convinced his sister to come up to Spring Valley and buy a house. So we did. My sisters dreaded the move because they were NYC Bronx-ites through and through. They had seen so much in city life that going up to Rockland was like going backwards. They developed friendships and had their seasons at Spring Valley HS (Joanne went to Kaqiak???) but it finally got to them and after discovering The Brooklyn Gospel Tabernacle (now The Brooklyn Tabernacle and its famous choir) they started making my folks drive them 2-3 times a week to Brooklyn to worship. 2 1/2 hour drive. Sounds crazy right? But who can say they have kids that demanded from their parents a vibrant church life and community. Most teens are trying to wild out and try everything under the sun. My parents had to respond. It's like a dream come true to see your children hunger and thirst for a relationship with God more than anything else.

But what about me? Very different story. Spring Valley days were formative for me. It's all I knew. I loved my neighborhood, I loved my school, my friends, everything. Spring Valley was home. And in 1979, my parent's move back to NYC ripped my heart out. Thank God for the Szpicek's who took me into their home during the 6th grade so I could finish my final year. But once I left back to NYC, that was it. Gone. I never recovered :-) I made a few visits back to the old neighborhood but everybody was gone. My neighborhood looked like a bomb dropped on it. Desolation. Spring Valley became the suburban capital for drugs and folly of every kind. But that really was nothing knew. I learned all forms of depravity, not from the South Bronx, but from Spring Valley. There was a darkness that I was exposed to very early on in life. But I still loved it because it was home. It's all I knew.

Back to Facebook. I put in the name Craig Ackerman. He wasn't my oldest friend. But he was special and came into the picture towards the back end of things, the times I remember most. He was a rip. Funny and a friend. He was Jim Carrey before there ever was a Jim Carrey. And he was my bodyguard too. Since he was slightly crazy, nobody would mess with him. Vincent Abraham and Mark Edge were the school bullies. But Craig and a red head kid named Patrick would let no one touch me. They would fight anyone anytime. When the profile for Craig Ackerman came up, I screamed. His face had not changed. I quickly wrote to him to confirm and he replied with the funniest profanity I have ever heard. "Call me the f@#! right now!!!" He must have been excited because even his response was grammatically incorrect. (Craig had a filthy mouth in the 6th grade too :-)

What did this lead to? A South Madison group list that included Janet Rosenburg, Stacy Kastens, Shari Kaufman, The Szpicek's, Andrew Green, Joy Koplitz, Jose Melendez, Andrew Kamchi, Paul Locurto. That's just who I found in the past 24 hours. Who knows who they are going to lead me to. Then there are those who you just forgot the names, but never forget them. For example, I still remember a bunch by first name only: Dawn, Felicia, Eric, Tina, John, Norith, Joe Costanzo (Little Joe), Suzanne, Anthony (taught me to smoke and play hooky), Barry. Leslie Zamor lives blocks away for me. Thank God! My only remnant thus far.

So who knows what's to come of all this. It could be great or I may be delusional, only to find out that everybody has moved on and is not nearly as sentimental or excited as I am right now. Maybe those days were something to forget for some. Not sure. But I'm willing to find out. I'm also getting ready for disappointments. This includes those that have passed naturally or tragically, those who are oppressed and afflicted with one thing or another. I have to be ready for it all. That's the adventure that Facebook has created. Amazing!

Time to start scanning the class pics.

If I see One More Sunset On L.A.....

2009-10-17T06:38:00.001-07:00

This was the line of a classic Gino Vannelli song back in the 80's entitled "Sunset On L.A." The song describes the relationship he has with a city that, for one reason or another, has not been too good to him. Well I saw another sunset on LA but my experience was quite different. Thought I'd talk about it.

After 7 days here, one from NY looks forward to returning to the Big Apple, especially when you have 2 sons and the NY Yankees waiting for you. But not for Gino's reasons. This city has been good to me and to my family, going back to the 50's. This city invited my mother, a young evangelist from the Bronx, to come and preach at various campaign's/rally's, etc. This city welcomed my family back in the 80's with even more love than the first time and since then we have not stopped returning. It's not the Hollywood Hills or the backlots of Universal that does it for us. It's people, His people in this city.

Meza is a family name that comes attached with other names that are equally important and must be mentioned. Please include Fernandez, Sandoval, Mellone, Valdes, Edwards, Mata, to name a few. This is L.A. for us. This is what makes this place so special. And these people continue to expand the boundaries of blessing by introducing us to other names like Padilla, Shaw, Crouch, Jones, Trujillo, etc.

We came out here this time to do some video post production for a project that Crossroads produced called Audience Of One. We collaborated with a young filmmaker named Reign Shaw, who was introduced to us by Brian Meza. Reign directed a music video for All 4 One's Jamie Jones. After seeing that project, I said "Lord, please, one day, allow me to work with Reign". In due time Jesus said "yes".

Every time I come to this city, the Lord drops a seed in my heart that I either never noticed or never happened back home. It's like we come out here to hear from God, then go back home to do what He said to do in L.A. The same thing happened to my my mother, Rev. Aimee Garcia Cortese, 30 years ago. She sat in the Meza home and heard God say, "Aimee...go back to the Bronx to open a new work called Crossroads". Every sunset on L.A. seems to come with a new word, a new wind, a new vision. This trip was so much more than a video post project. It was another seed dropped in my heart about the things that need to get done when we get back home. This is a blog, not an autobiography. So I can't get into the details right now.

But I want to thank the people of L.A. for causing us to dream again, to rethink the proclamation of the gospel in this post modern age, to make anew those things that have been dormant. Thank you for not hoarding the tremendous gifts you have in people and sharing them. Thank you for making 3000 miles seem like 3 miles. I love your sunsets, they're golden... just like you!

The Fabulous Moolah & Ivan Putski

2009-10-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

Who are these people you ask? Well, if your from Crossroads in the Bronx, this is a no brainer. But with the advent of Twitter, I have to assume that there may be new friends who have no clue of who they are. Shall I start with the wife?

Maria Toro, aka, the voice of God. Actually, they both have been used as the voice of God. She is The Fabulous Moolah and he is Ivan Putski. They literally tag team within a worship service. One will deliver a message in tongues and the other will interpret (if these terms are unfamiliar, watch The Apostle with Robert Duvall). But let's leave their church service-manifested-spiritual gifts to the side for a moment and focus on some of the more non-church service giftings.

Maria has the uncanny, spirit-led ability to go to any Westchester County tag sale, browse through hundreds of ancient hardcover clothbound books wrapped in mold and pulls out the one that God wants me to read right at that moment (leaving the spores behind). You think I'm kidding? I just landed in LA with my latest Maria gift, a book by William H. Stannard titled "My Christian Responsibility" (Christopher Publishing House, 1950). This thing is only 70 pages long. Thank God. If it was any longer, considering the content, I might just die! This thing wrecked me. It has in it "treasure lines" that still ring today from the very heart of God. How did this man know to write things that Crossroads would be going through right now. Truly renewal is about returning. A must read if you can find it. My sons will be the first to get my copy.

This is not the first time folks. Maria does this all the time. She wraps these books in Godiva chocolate wrapping paper (while I'm on a strict diet - that's the Moolah in her) and leaves it on my desk. No note, no description, no card. She leaves it there, knowing that she has been Spirit led and delivers the goods, then slips away. Mission accomplished. Maria does this all time.

During one of my darkest hours, she slipped in "Light On The Clouds" by M.J. Savage, a 100 year old book on suffering, sorrow and the purpose behind it. The list goes on. And the list is in line with a new conviction of mine. Make sure there is always a book at your bedside that is at least 50 years old, preferably older. You will never understand your generation until you step away and see it from other place, the past.

Pete is Mars, the opposite of Venus (Maria) and thank God. There could never be 2 of them. The world is not big enough for these two giants (Both of them stacked up on each other reach 8 ft. And they are the same height. Do the math). Pete's gifting are in his hands. The song says "I offer my hands to you". That is what Pete does. He is an artist. But he does not require the typical canvas or colors of an artist. His canvas starts with nothing, ex nihilo. Show him an opening in a wall and tell him you want doors. There the artist begins and he obtains all of the right supplies. He brings his bag and the work begins. There is no longer an opening in the wall. There is a beautiful glass door that provides privacy if need be but allows light to still shine through.

So you know by now that he is a carpenter. Ok. But there's more. He did this kind of work for over 20 years. He retired from Transit and is now able to lay those tools down. Walk away! But no. He picks them up again because what he did was not just a job. It was part of his Christian responsibility (I got that from my new book). I saw this man embrace night shifts without kicking or fussing, robbing him of critical fellowship. His attitude towards it makes him and his gifting continually useful. Now he does it more as recreation. Recreation means to "re-create, create anew". That means to give fresh life to it. He is giving fresh new life to what he used to do. And we are the people who eat the fruit he bears. He continues to give His time to Jesus because he knows that his days never belonged to him. They belong to the Master. I love this man's resolve. I love how he is wired. He is a father to multiple generations and stands as one of the most treasured gifts in Crossroads.

Do you have a Pete & Maria in your life? Have you ever asked God for them? I did. I was young and afraid. I walked into a ministry built by a legend in Rev. Aimee Cortese. I lacked wisdom. I lacked healthy mature friendships with people who could serve as Barnabas'. I lacked the know how of dealing with people, problems and pain. I lacked so much. But God gave me a wife in Melissa, followed by friends in Pete & Maria. They always saw in me what I didn't see in myself. And these people are not easily impressed with me. They have confronted me and kept it all very real. They are "authentic relationships". They have warned me of wolves, lions and bears in the camp. They have given themselves to the work (La Obra) and have left the legacy that the next generation will so desperately need. You can't purchase Pete & Maria's online. They're only from above. Ask.

A Real Redskin Fan

2009-08-24T10:24:00.001-07:00

If you haven't found out yet, me and my family are sick Redskins fans. Why? I don't know. It just happened. You're a kid sitting in front of the tv watching John Riggins (#44) plowing through a wall of men, creating the whole himself, dragging all the DB's with him...and you just decide at that moment.....I love you guys. Throw in there the tradition of Joe Bugel & The Hogs, The Smurfs, Monk, 3 rings, etc. The rest is history.

But last year I was given the honor and privilege of going to the new FedEx Field through my Redskin buddy Chevist Mitchell. On the way there he had to make a stop and pick somebody else up that was going with us. His father. He never warned my that we would be picking up Redskins history. Mr. Mitchell is what this is all about. When he opened the door to come out, I realized that years (40+) of fan-aticism was coming towards me. I simply asked him to stop so I could take a picture. It's all in there. The car that was probably purchased when the Skins had Jergunsen and Kilmer throwing the ball - the boat that's probably been dry docked since the Super Bowl championships dried up for us ('93 was the last ring). But my favorite is the woman in the door. This is his beautiful bride who chooses to watch the drama on tv (the stadium is too loud), then waits patiently for her husband to return from the game for meal that will make even a loss less painful.

My wife is a crazy Redskin fan as well. She ain't staying home for nobody. If we get a pair of tickets to the game, you think she's giving it away to my Donovan (the next biggest Redskin fan after me?) Hell no. "Watch it on TV Don and look for us in the stands (Mom)"

My Jordan is coming around. He acts like he's not interested. But you can tell every year that he is breaking down a little more, feeling the Redskin blood slowely ooze through his veins, dreaming of all things maroon, and wanting to be as sexy as Joe Theismann was back in the day.

Can A Drum Solo Make You Cry?

2009-08-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

Yes. It happened tonight at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola. John Pattitucci, Brian Blade and Joe Lovano played a trio set in the spirit of Sonny at the Vanguard or Joe Henderson at the same place years later. Brian Blade is the most exciting thing happening in drumming period and not just jazz because he is the sound behind all of Daniel Lanois' forward-thinking music. But to bring me to the point of tears means you have to have "something else happening"...something that gets me face to face with my Creator and then melting at the thought of grace allowing us to be so creative.

Brian Blade's playing, in particular his solo's (and I really don't care for most drum solo's, except Will Kennedy), are full of a journey that has its roots in faith. It has to be. No one can be that anointed without having crossed paths with God Almighty. Sure enough, his father?....a Baptist pastor. I don't know where Brian is at in his faith journey. But I do know that a seed has been planted and he communicates the joy of heaven. This is all aside from blazing chops and the most dynamic playing on the planet.

Hearing these three tonight was not very different that a worship service at Crossroads full throttle. I felt many time over like I was in church and I almost shouted "praise God". Oh by the way, John Pattittuci? A believer as well who attends Redeemer Presbyterian (Tim Keller's church. I wonder if Pastor Tim even knows who is sitting in his congregation).

My cup was filled tonight...yes...in a club...Club Coca Cola.

Our New Bestist Friends.

2009-08-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

Melissa: Here I go...trying to pen emotions and thoughts. This pic was taken a couple of weeks ago at Montefiore Children’s hospital, oncology unit. My husband and I went to visit Julia Ramos. Julia is the daughter and grand-daughter of long time friends who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. For 15 years I worked in adult oncology. I faced each day with a determination to not allow the pain and uncertainty that cancer diagnosis brings, to touch my emotions.

Now, I found myself staring into the face of a 3 year old who has been wrestling against the horrid effects of chemotherapy, the discomforts of repeated bone marrow biopsies and aspirations, and the inability to do the things 3 year old kids do.

We spent the afternoon playing Candyland, going on a “Cheezit “ picnic and watching big sister Sophia dance in her ballerina outfit. All the while, I couldn’t help but notice the determination that little Julia had in her eyes. The determination to not allow her circumstances to get in the way of her enjoying the things that 3 year old girls enjoy. She stood up against the fatigue of neutropenia (low white blood cell counts), the side effects of IV antibiotics and the constant prodding and poking of hospital staff. Julia is in remission, but must continue chemotherapy and close follow-up for the next 2 years to ensure that she remains cancer free. That day, cancer got to the best of my emotions. It wrecked me to think of the journey that Julia has ahead of her. But, of one thing I am sure of... Julia is determined, and I will cheer her on.

Joseph: Technically, Julia could have left the hospital after our visit. She had finished here treatment for that day and, pending some blood work, was free to go provided the numbers were right. If she went home and the numbers were not right, then they would’ve had to return again the following day (This all coming after living in that hospital for months). What are they to do? Father Manny decided to let Julia stay in the hospital one more night. Why? Go home! No because a young couple, almost identical in age to Manny and Gizelle, just admitted their 8 year old with the same diagnosis (in addition to being autistic). This is where the evidence that something greater than ourselves is at work. Jesus said “please take this cup of suffering from me” [Mk. 14:36). That’s been Manny & Gizelle’s mantra for the past 3 months. But Jesus added, “Yet I want your will to be done”. In essence Jesus is saying: “Abba, this is what I want. But I want what you want more”.

That’s where this “will” to give of yourself (when you really have nothing left to give) comes from. Your tank is now divine because you are “partakers of His divine nature” 2Peter 1:4. When you’re on empty, Jesus is on full. And as his children and heirs, what’s His is yours. His stash, your stash. This is simply amazing and I praise Him for that. Ramos'...you rock!

As you play your instrument, what are you learning about Christ?

2009-08-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

This was the question that was posed to us by Worship Arts director, Belinda Ramos, just minutes before the service started this past Sunday. What a question. As I played along side Manny Lanzot and Albert Knowles, I learned that in Christ there is no limit.

These guys are like human software plug ins. A plug-in is a software that emulates a certain audio effect (compression, reverb, eq, etc.) When you pass music through these filters, the audio source is changed, hopefully for the better. Photoshop and Final Cut Pro use plug ins.

Well, pass any song through these human plug ins and everything changes. And it never sounds the same twice. Where does their endless vocabulary come from?

Answer: The God-man that has no limits, no boundaries, no cap in what He can do. He is almighty and all powerful. He can speak anything into existence from nothing. No ingredients required for God to do what He wants to do. Ex Nihilo.I am blessed to minister alongside these monsters. Only a few people know who they are. But all of heaven is very familiar with these two guys. Now if I could only package them, market them, and make a few dollars off the human plug-ins. :-)

Jordan's 1960's Fender Telecaster Bass

2009-08-09T20:19:00.001-07:00

Jordan came to that place where almost every drummer comes too...wishing we picked up the flute instead. But bigger than the weight issue of our instrument is the deeper desire to play a melodic instrument. So he decided to learn how to play bass. He ate it up, with the ongoing tutelage of Manny Lanzot and Patrick Andriansiolonina (whew!). Well...he's a beast and I hope he joins my band. His instrument? A 1960's Fender Telecaster bass. Remember those? He has had only the best boutiques work on it and it is a collectors dream. How did he get it? Pastor Jason Alvarez (Love of Jesus Family Church, Orange NJ) owned it and heard I collected instruments. A buddy of mine told me he had one and I just started bothering him about it. Well, the generous man that Pastor Jason is, he gave it to me. In return, I passed it on to Jordan. He just recorded with it for the first time on Solomon Star's new CD (a gospel rapper from NYC).