Olive Mae Donaldson (day 01)

Olive Mae joined the family today at 10:56am.

8lbs, 4oz.

21 inches

I think the pics tell the rest of the story...

NEW Book Entry #01 (How the Church = God, & Why That is So Dangerous)

Another, totally separate book I'm working on that I can't help but share with you. It's been on the forefront of my mind the past 72 hours, and forced my hand to begin writing.

SYNOPSIS: I had the idea to write this book one evening while mowing my lawn. I think it was one of those unhealthy mows where I mulled over all of the negativity I was feeling at work, the dysfunction of church leadership, the wrong picture of Jesus being painted because the Church wasn’t acting as the bride it was called to be.

So out of an initial frustration and anger, came a greater hope for the state of the Church, to truly become and embody what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. To the world, the possibility of Christ’s bride is limitless. But there is much to be taught, learned, discarded, and acted upon.

I write this in humbleness, as I have most certainly been more a part of the problem than the answer. But as I’m learning to live and breathe and act more fully to my created purpose and uniqueness, I can’t help but write this.

I must write what I’m finding.

And in time, I’m sure I’ll even discard parts of this – and I’m okay with that.

But for now, here’s what I’m finding.

(that's all you get for now)

BUT I did just happen upon this, this morning and thought while we were on the subject matter, I'd post the link.

::CLICK HERE::
(Relevant Magazine Article - "A lot of people are cynical about the church. It’s a short step to then be cynical about God.")

must watch!

this is too fun to not post!
-ross

Book Entry #13

This is an excerpt from my upcoming book, Lyrical Conversations of a Starving Artist...

Sad Song
© 2009 Ross Christopher Donaldson


I wonder which will come first
Our lives have only so much time
I can’t imagine a time
Spent without you by my side

Oh I think I need
Oh I think I need
Oh I think I need
I need your word

Thoughts of futures old and weak
Smiles and tears and lonely fears
If ever there was a time
I wouldn’t be alright
(never be alright)

Oh I think I need

Oh I think I need
Oh I think I need
I need your word

I wonder which will come first
Our lives have only so much time

Sad Song is a lullaby I wrote that is very un-lullaby-ish. The subject matter is sad (hints the name), but the instrumentation and melody suggest lullaby. I’ve always loved the abstract chaos a song or art piece can create when you combine something upbeat and light with more dark, intense, and haunting lyrics (or visa versa). So it goes with Sad Song.


Regarding this song, I have no idea what actually sparks thoughts. Perhaps a discussion, a movie, bad burritos; I’m really not sure. But after a few close friends had experienced the loss of family members, I suppose I became introspective towards mine and Kate’s marriage, and out poured this song.


I begin by stating the obvious, “Our lives have only so much time.” That is inevitable. There will come an end to all of us. The unthinkable thought of Kate leaving me someday to sickness or age brings tears to my eyes and I can’t imagine my life separated from her. We’ve grown exponentially closer in marriage. Our dreams and aspirations have strengthened the bond that is our marriage, life, and as individuals.


As the two of us became one, everything changed. With the intermingling of our souls, I have become entranced and dependant on Kate. Not in a pitiful, puppy-needs-his-master way, but rather in a way an artist needs canvas or a musician his instrument. I guess you could conversely say Kate ruined me. Without her, I was not whole. I am now. And I know it. Now there’s leverage. There’s something hanging over me. Thoughts of loss mixed with a cherishing passion.


And I think this is a perfect reflection of our reaction towards God’s love.


We are individuals before we know God. But once we taste the aroma of God and glimpse into his expanse of beauty, we are hexed. We can’t go back. We must progress. We must intertwine. We must love and work that love and better that love. And continually glide the transformative trail that makes us realize our willing and desired dependence with God.


Then at the chorus, I state the point of yearning. “Oh, I think I need (your word).”


There’s a nuance of doubt to the writing, because our humanness is to doubt, but the truth is that the need is carnal. It is completely innate.


The second verse more closely paints the picture of age. It grows more weary in its performance as it slowly decays towards the end.


The instrumentation even adds to the abstract of moods and composition. The persistent marching drum drones towards the end like a celebratory funeral march while the contrasting vocals coo and harmonize in togetherness.


But then at the final note, the cymbals crash, the low tom thunders, the guitars strum, and the vocals decay to a singular note.


One is left.


The sad song was inevitable.


Life happened.


-Ross

What Were You Created For?

Mood/Season/Mindset

For me, you can always tell what type of mood/season/mindset I'm in, largely based on my 'playlist.' So, here's what I've been listening to almost non-stop for the past few weeks. I thought it was worth sharing...

My Brightest Diamond
Mutemath
Muse
Wilco
Kings of Leon
Phil Wickham
Derek Webb

That's it.

-Ross

Cora Walks with Apples