Coming soon to a couch near you! We’ve been booking some intimate home shows in the Portland area this summer and are looking for some more homes to invade. So if you would like to host an Acoustic Living Room Concert please let us know!
Author Archives Dawson
0 Take Deeper Root
Storms make trees take deeper roots.
—Claude McDonald
We should let the storms in our lives drive our roots deeper into the strength of our Rock—Jesus! Instead of throwing our fist in the air against God we need to rely and lean on his strength when the hurricanes threaten to rip us out of the soil.
Trust in God and flourish as a tree!
—Proverbs 11:28b
0 Just Say No
Like the famous Nike slogan that tells us to “Just Do It!”, the Word of God points in a different direction. Instead of giving into whatever our lusts and desires want we need to learn self-control and how to “Just Say No!”
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age
—Titus 2:11-12
For as it says in James those things that tug and pull at us inside, trying to entice and lead us astray will ultimately lead to death.
but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
—James 1:14-15
Sin might be pleasant for a season and promise fulfillment and satisfaction, but it is short lived and comes with shame and consequences that lead to emptiness and separation from God. Instead let’s learn to live lives of holiness as we are called to do and “Just Say No!”
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
—2 Peter 3:11-12a, 14
0 “Aloha `Oe” (Live at Keahou Bay)
I grew up in Kailua Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii back in the 1980s while my parents were missionaries with YWAM. Kona will always be home even when we live elsewhere and my wife and I recently had the chance to take a 2 week trip to visit Kona again after 5 years!
I’ve been starting to work on learning to play the ukulele and learning some Hawaiian songs so I’m still a bit of a novice on it. I had the chance to record this version of the beautiful song Aloha `Oe (Farewell to Thee) by Queen Lili`uokalani out by Keahou Bay on our last day in the Islands. As this song is a tender song of farewell it seemed appropriate. Hopefully we will return soon! Until we meet again… A hui hou aku!
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0 Trip to Hawaii & New Music Video Shoot
My wife and I just got back from a 12 day trip to Kona, Hawaii and it was fantastic! For those who don’t know, I grew up in Kona in the early 1980s when my parents were on staff with the missionary organization YWAM. Since then I have had a chance to return several times and still have close friends living there. This was the first time we’ve had a chance to go back in 5 years since our honeymoon and the first time I’ve been there together with my parents in 14 years!
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0 Peace When I’m Anxious
Dealing with anxiety over bills and finances today and this was the verse of the day in my Bible app:
When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
—Psalm 94:18-19
And the previous day’s verse goes along with it. We need to rest in his peace that passes all understanding, and allow the peace of Christ to calm any anxiety that threatens to take control in our lives. He is on the throne and in control and we need to trust that he has a plan even if we are going through trials and storms in life.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
—Colossians 3:15
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
—John 14:27
Jesus recognizes that we are going to have difficulties and troubles in this world, but he gives us hope because he has overcome the world and we can rest in that!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
—John 16:33
So do not be anxious! Bring your worries and cares to the foot of the throne and leave them there and God’s peace which goes beyond this world’s understanding will rest upon your shoulders!
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 4:4-7