Natalie Marie Anderson

5 lbs, 12 oz

18.5 in.

2:44 p.m.

I had the opportunity to welcome Natalie Marie Anderson into the world today!  As far as I can tell, she's the best thing that's ever happened on tax day.  She's very beautiful and has a sweet set of parents.  Huge congratulations to Scott and Julie!

Want to see more pictures of Baby Natalie? CLICK HERE.

Songspeak: Holding On

Please download a free mp3 of “Holding On” HERE.

This is the second of many articles that will be written by SBCC worship leaders for "The Community News" in an attempt to give some background to the songs we sing. Whether it’s a song that has been written by one of our own worship leaders, or an old hymn, it is hoped that by hearing the stories and Scriptures that have inspired their writing, your understanding and appreciation of these songs will be enhanced, and our collective praise amplified. (by Mike Willbanks)

Songspeak: Holding On
by Andy White

I’d like to share some of the back-story of “Holding On”, a song we have sung several times at SBCC. My hope is that this story will give you greater insight into a song that has become a significant part of my spiritual journey.

HOLDING ON
© 2006

I've been broken, I have been down
I've seen your signs, to you I'm bound
It's not easy, I don't feel strong
Plans fall short as, days feel long

I'm holding on to love, I'm holding on to grace
I'm holding on to you, ‘til I see your face
I hold on to you, I hold on to you
I hold on to you, I hold on to you

I come to you, and you know
What I do not say, what I do not show
I come to you, so I can
Hold on to you, I hold on to you
I hold on to you, I hold on to you

This song evolved during a painful season of life. I became friends with Matt Steele about twelve years ago. Matt and I were in a rock band together. Through the numerous practices and gigs, we came to know one another extremely well and developed a multifaceted, trusting friendship. Our camaraderie went well beyond our attempts to create the best music we could. As our relationship grew tighter, we shared the ups and downs of faith. It was a privilege to have a friend to respect so highly on both a musical and personal level.

When my wife and I first started attending SBCC in 2003, Matt was one of the only close friends we had. I’ll never forget the joy on his face the first time he saw us walk down the aisles. He made us feel like we instantly belonged and bridged me into friendships with his friends—people after God’s heart that I now call “lifelong friends”. In addition, Matt persuaded me to use my musical gifts for worship as soon and often as possible. The profound spiritual and musical imprints he left on my life will forever impact my future.

Sadly, I only had about a decade of Matt’s intense influence on my life. As most of you know, he lost an excruciating battle with brain cancer in October of 2006. Watching my friend slowly die was the most difficult trial I’ve had to face. I desperately wanted to help and encourage him, but often felt like there was little I could do to make a significant difference.

Why would heaven want to take a Godly man in the prime of his life? Wasn’t it obvious that his family needed him? His church needed him? I needed him? As Matt’s life drew to a close, I wrestled with these types of questions.

Thankfully, I did not tackle these difficult uncertainties alone. My church, my friends, my family—we were all seeking insights into the quandary of Matt’s shortened life. What I discovered were two very simple realities that I already knew but had not yet experienced to this degree.

Reality #1: Life is hard.
As tough as it was for me to lose Matt, I knew it was far more agonizing for his immediate family and closest friends. This is one instance of pain in life. We can all name a myriad of struggles, deaths, wars, conflicts, and misfortunes. As much as we’d like to escape challenge, it always seems to be looming. I found comfort in this passage:

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

Reality #2: Heaven is remarkable.
Matt’s life overwhelmingly pointed heavenward. At Matt’s memorial, many shared about the wonder of heaven. This was evident in his time on earth, and also more profoundly now in paradise. Reed mentioned that if Matt had the chance to leave heaven, he would refuse. Matt is seeing and experiencing the unparalleled love of Christ in a way that we can hardly fathom. As I pondered this reality, my enthusiasm for heaven inflated.

"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:3-4)

Why am I holding on? I believe the enormous blessings that await us far outweigh the difficulties of this life. As painful as earth can be, the promise of heaven is worth holding on to. My friendship with Matt, and the aftermath of his passing, inspired me to hold more tightly to my one and only hope—until I see His face.

Labor while you live, to serve God and do what good you can, and endeavor to improve every dispensation to God’s glory and your own spiritual good, and to God’s glory and your own spiritual good, and be content to do and bear all that God calls you to do in this wilderness, and never expect to find this world anything better than a wilderness. If you lived near us, yet our breath and yours would soon go forth, and we should return to our dust, whither we are all hastening. ‘Tis of infinitely more importance to have the presence of a heavenly Father, and to make progress towards a heavenly home. Let us all take care that we may meet there at last. (Jonathan Edwards Reader p. 312)

Please download a free mp3 of “Holding On” HERE.

Drums by Dan Patterson.
Bass by Brad McCarter.
BGV by Angela White.

Extended Birthday!

My class threw me a belated birthday bash today! Pretty cool. They wanted to celebrate me last week but it was spring break.



To top it off, Angela showed up at my classroom with the kids! Woohoo!!



Here I am with the "birthday guitar" and my dirt cake. Yum!

Lost Mail

I think my mail person (not sure if he's a male mail man or a female mail lady) is either A.D.D. or a thief. I'm aware of at least two birthday cards that are M.I.A. :( This makes me S.A.D.

I'd still like to thank my Dad and my sister for sending me birthday cards! (I'm not ignoring my mom, it's just that her's made it). I filed a report on the phone yesterday so we shall see what happens. I have a feeling the female or male mail person is just making honest mistakes. I have received my neighbors' mail three times in the last couple weeks.

I thought we could rely on the USPS. Any one else have mail issues?

Ok, I'll stop complaining because I have a lot to be thankful for...like this video!

Lobsters and Guitars

I had a great birthday on Tuesday. Angela took me to Red Lobster. The kids enjoyed the tank of live lobsters. I enjoyed a cooked one! Abby had crab legs for the first time. Yum. Then we headed to Aaron's "mecca" across the street, Guitar Center! Check out the video below.





I've also posted some more pix on my FLIKR page.

Easter, Family & Potty

He is Risen! I can't beat that news, but I can add a little bit....I've got a big batch of pix uploaded to my FLIKR page. Some highlights include cute pix of the kids in their Easter garb, pictures of Aaron pooping on the potty for the first time today, and some fun family photos from our get-together in Templeton last week!

Enjoy the pix HERE!

Here's a few teasers, just in case you don't believe me...

DadGear Diaper Vest

Since my birthday is coming up, Ange told me to peruse some gift ideas. While searching for sweatshirts, I stumbled upon the DadGear Diaper Vest. Holy crazy ideas Batman! This thing is heinous. I thought that everyone should know...NEVER buy this for me! Seriously, if any of you ever see me wear something like this, flick my ears over and over until I take it off!



You really should go check out the "demo" video HERE. This is NUTS!!

Tar-Tar

Aaron is currently obsessed with guitars. Every single time we walk by my studio he yells, "Tar-tar" and demands that we play EVERY guitar at least once. He'll point at which one I should play next. I usually hand him my pick and let him strum a few chords--but he always hands it right back and wants to hear me play. It's quite the ego boost! Aaron has now discovered that he can carry this little mini-guitar all by himself...so he takes it with him everywhere he goes. "Tar-tar! Tar-tar!"

While it is encouraging to know he wants to be like me, it is also completely humbling. He's watching my every move. Whatever I do, he will mimic. Whatever I say, he'll repeat. Looks like I'm "on-stage" at all times now. Hopefully I hit the right notes.

photo by Kjaere.

Pastor the Reverend Karl

If you don't go to SBCC or didn't see this yesterday, you missed a very funny video! How can we ever thank Pastor the Reverend Karl?

Han Solo Tonight

Angela is at a camp with her class tonight so I will be taking care of the kiddos Han Solo. Should be a fun adventure. We will likely be headed to the border for dinner!

I have to say....I have cute kids. Just take a look!

We got this bike set up for Aaron now that he's Mr. Walker guy...



Another pic from our Cambria trip a couple weeks ago...

Bullet Forwarded!

Here's an update on my recording of "Bullet the Blue Sky".  It was "forwarded" (as opposed to "returned", AKA rejected!) I guess it was screened by the president of the company seeking recordings. We'll see if the company really ends up using it for something. For now, I'm pleased that someone liked it.

In the howling wind...

The latest TAXI challenge from my song-writing group did not involve me actually writing a song. The challenge was to record a classic "Anti-War" song in a new way. I decided to give U2's "Bullet the Blue Sky" a try. You can check out my slightly Texan acoustic rendition if you'd like...

The song is HERE on my MySpace player.

We'll see if I can get back to finishing a few of the worship songs I'm in the middle of recording! :)

Professor Anderson

The most recent challenge to my song-writing group with Chris and Knoles was a James Bond-ish spy tune. I came up with a little diddy. In honor of Scott Anderson's birthday, I've decided to call the tune "Professor Anderson"....Check it out HERE.

I was also challenged to write a country song. "Her Hand" was the result which you can also hear right HERE on my myspace player.

Underneath the Butter?!

Uncle Jack always leads us in his famous gibberish song, "Aba Neezer" after holiday dinners. It's a good laugh for all involved. Let's just say you have to be there! Abby has grown to love the song and decided to put her own twist on the tune.

Cambria Get-a-Way

We spent a few days in Cambria for some family fun! Thank you Jill for setting us up with a great place. It was very good for us to just kick back and soak up some fun.

In addition to this cute picture of the kids at the Cambria house, I have a bunch more pictures from the trip HERE.

Love is All You Need

Happy Valentine's Day everybody. After enjoying our heart-shaped Rusty's pizza, Abby and I decided to sing a classic "love" song. Enjoy the video...

Cousin Buds

I have tons of pictures of Abby and Nolan having fun together. I decided to put them all together in this collage. Abby keeps asking us, "When can we see Nolan again?" We're trying to find a free weekend...being busy can be stinky.



Click on image to ENLARGE.

A Country Song?

Chris Mundell and I are in a song-writing group. The group challenged me to write a country song. So I did. Chris hammed it up with some Nashvillish vocals. I'd love to hear some feedback, especially if you actually listen to country music! Head on over to his site to take a listen....

Also, I'd like to say sorry for the lack of posts in 2008.  I promise to get back into it!  

White Christmas 2007

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2007

• A fun-filled family reunion in beautiful Boulder, CO.
• Inspiring and chaotic weekly meetings with our homegroup buddies.
• Seeing our two cute kids laugh together.  (tough to beat!)
• Experiencing the thrill of Disneyland through a toddler's lens.
• Andy produced the "Our Emmanuel" Christmas CD for SBCC before December.
• Angela wrote and/or recorded several new under-appreciated songs.
• Abby was practically a mermaid at her 3 weeks of swim lessons.
• Aaron learned new important words like Mommy, Daddy, love and MORE!
• Andy was generously gifted a Chris Tomlin signed guitar by his class.
• Angela is doing a great job at her new 5th/6th grade teaching position.
• Abby started her second year of pre-school and is loving it!
• Aaron learned to crawl faster than Lightning McQueen.
• Andy keeps this blog up-to-date so come back all year for more updates!

We have many things to be thankful for. Above all, we are grateful for the love and grace of Jesus this Christmas. His unending mercy is a cherished mystery. Also, we have the world’s best family and friends. (That’s you!) The love and investment you all have made is unmatched. Our church and weekly home group has been a tremendous encouragement.



Andy and Angela are both teachers and are rewarded by this challenging charge. Andy also teaches over 20 students with “Good Times Guitar” and continues recording side projects in his home studio. Angela has grown significantly with writing superb songs and preparing magnificent meals. One family highlight was an awesome family reunion this summer in Boulder, Colorado. 

ABBY UPDATE

Abby is loving life. Yes, she frequently claims she is a “princess” and she adores pink. Pink clothes, pink CD’s, pink ponies...ANYTHING girly and pink. But there’s a rich depth to be found beyond the surface with Abby. She is a deep, spiritual thinker, a true friend to all around, a gifted artist and a passionate singer. She loves to please her parents and her wonderful teachers at school. She talks a mile a minute and she’s sweeter than strawberries.

AARON UPDATE

Aaron is ALL boy. The little guy has been grunting since day one! He is super sweet too though. He loves to giggle, crawl, sing, use sign language and most of all...EAT! Twiggy as he may be, this little man can CHOW! He is a tremendous blessing and each day gets better!

DADDY DAYS

"Daddy Days" with Abby are the best! Check out the note she made me today! Three more work days, then 14 Daddy Days. Woopee!