It's Iambic Pentameter, Bisque - [Matthew]

A little something I wrote a loooong time ago, but still like. I'm almost positive I've never posted it, but if I have, feel free to bust me on it.


I Am Becoming

I’ve figured out my life will not unfold
In neat, clean stages like a butterfly
But unaware pass threshold to threshold
Like symptoms of a virus til I die.

The sum of being young is not to float
Around in the false amniotic sea
In our self-serving, self-destructing boat
Propelled by irresponsibility

To be young is to burn without reprieve
On the hot coals of Almost, Soon, and Hope.
To bleed to death from paper cuts received
When fearless, free we pushed the envelope.

And when afraid I whisper this one thing:
“I am becoming. I am becoming.”



[end ping]

A Message for His Children - [Erik]

This message was given at The Church of the Resurrection in Winter Park, Florida this past weekend. I hope you like it as much as I do. Click here to listen.

For your reference, the Scripture readings for that day were...

Old Testament - Daniel 7:9-14
Psalm - Psalm 93
New Testament - Revelation 1:4-8
Gospel - John 18:33-37

If you read the Scriptures before listening, the message might make more sense.

Long, Strange Trip - [Erik]

I am pleased to be able to announce that Etcetera will be back on Tuesday, December 5 at 9 ET. The show will stream live at stevebrownetc.com and then podcast as usual. Call in at 1.888.547.8383 if'n you'd like. We'd love to hear from you. It's been a while.

Thank you to those of you who have been patient (and not ambivalent) as I have worked through one of the more difficult times of my life. I look forward to connecting with you again on and off the show.

I'll give more details on Tuesday, but here's the short version of why the show went on hiatus...I quit Key Life Network.

If you've listened for a while, you probably know that I've been struggling financially. As a result, I thought I could take something that has been a side gig, (real estate investment/brokerage) and do that full-time while working on Steve Brown Etc., (and Etcetera) part-time.

The pressure got to me and I couldn't pull it off.

Since there was more income potential in commercial real estate, I figured I needed to focus on that full-time and that the radio show had to go. This wasn't a decision I took lightly. In fact I hated it, but I felt it was necessary (and God's will by the way). And boy was I pissed at God. Anyway, I begrudgingly let Key Life Network know that December 15 would be my last day as producer of the show and stopped doing the podcast.

As it turns out, I have to now admit that God knew what He was doing. In a strange turn of events, by quitting I cleared the way for Key Life to hire me. I'll be back full-time (with real estate on the side) on December 1. God's ways are circuitous. Lose your life and find it...you know? Tune in on Tuesday for the rest...

...of...

...the...

...story.

Beyond that, I'll tell you about some stuff that's going to happen with the radio show and stevebrownetc.com that's blowing my mind (and not unrelated to the turn of events described above).

And of course, prepare for the return of the comedic stylings of Matt Porter (steady as a rock as always) and our very own spastic mystic...Sharon.

Despite what people say, you can go home. See you in the stream.

P.S. For those of you who felt on the outside of the "inside" jokes, I feel your pain. If you'll give us another chance, we'll provide a lexicon with derivations of all the catch phrases and pop-culture itches we keep scratching. Let me know. Help me help you want to want me.

Rocks' Marriage On The Rocks - [Matthew]

Mark in Michigan was the first to alert us to this info: Pamela Anderson and Kid Rock have filed for divorce. Now, divorce is never funny, but celebrities... well, they're just a hoot. That's why when these star-cross'd lovers tied the knot not even four months ago, we took the opportunity to launch our Celebrity Divorce Pool. Revisit the 'Rock On' from July 31st to see who is our big winner. Then post us with your vote for which celeb couple we should bet on next.


[end ping]

HOPE+ [Matthew]

I am very pleased to let you know about the release of a documentary I directed called HOPE+ : Surviving The Sentence of HIV / AIDS. It tells the story of four people from around the world who are both Christians and HIV+.

HOPE+ was shot on location in Russia, South Africa, Jamaica, and Chicago and was two years in the making in total.

You can check out the trailer, along with behind-the-scenes pics, and various other goodies, at the project's website: www.hopepositive.com

MySpace page: www.myspace.com/hopepositive

It would me a lot to me if you would check out the site and see what's happening.

Also, we're premiering the documentary at the end of the month (Monday, November 27th, 3-5pm, Enzian Theater in Maitland, FL). All are welcome. Details at: www.hopepositive.com/rsvp.

Okay, that's enough shameless self-promotion for one night. As always, thanks for listening.


[end ping]

Born Again Again - [Erik]

Like a foolish dreamer, trying to build a highway to the sky
All my hopes would come tumbling down, and I never knew just why
Until today, when you pulled away the clouds that hung like curtains on my eyes
Well I've been blind all these wasted years and I though I was so wise
But then you took me by surprise
Like waking up from the longest dream, how real it seemed
Until your love broke through
I've been lost in a fantasy, that blinded me
Until your love broke through
All my life I've been searching for that crazy missing part
And with one touch, you just rolled away the stone that held my heart
And now I see that the answer was as easy, as just asking you in
And I am so sure I could never doubt your gentle touch again
It's like the power of the wind
Like waking up from the longest dream, how real it seemed
Until your love broke through
I've been lost in a fantasy, that blinded me
Until your love, until your love, broke through

- Keith Green

This isn't how I feel right now, but it's what I need. I wish I wanted God, but for now I guess I'll have to settle for wanting to want to want Him.

He may be giving us a second chance. Stay tuned.

As soon as I can tell you what's up without screwing up my life worse, I'll give you all the details.

Thanks for all the kind words. For now, we still have the blogosphere.

Goodbye... For Now - [Etcetera]

We interrupt your regularly scheduled Etcetera to bring you this breaking news...

Etcetera, the show you have known and loved (or at least liked) for the last 2 1/2 years will be taking an extended hiatus.

On the upside, you'll no longer have to Tivo House.

In all seriousness, we still really love the show and suffice to say this turn of events has come up rather quickly. We promise to be in touch soon with the full story.

And now, we rejoin your regularly scheduled life already in progress...

[end ping]

Don't Forget To Vote, Bisque! - [Etcetera]