Post No. 32

Recording day came with some mixed feelings. How will it sound? Will we choke? Will Dave break a stick!? Who knew? All that matters is what everyone says, just do your best. I'll say that it was fun, and very much a great experience to go in there and lay down some passion into those tracks. There was nome nerverousness and a few butterflies inside of that studio, I must say. Not surprising considering this was our first our first time recording in a real studio. The enginear guy was really a great and kind to us. So what came out in the end was a one song cd that will go out further that ourselves. Now to make some more music.
We're hoping to make a decent cd by the time we go to Michigan, for a 3 day camp retreat that we are going to play at. God still continues to amaze me.

Post No. 31

Midnight hours for me are sort of peaceful when your the only one awake. Since the day was long and filled with much practice of instruments and singing to songs, I feel a little beat out and tired. I don't think there has been a day without picking up guitar and strumming it at least 3 times.
No run today. The the legs beneath me have been sore without any ease. But I'm going to try to make it out tomorrow morning. I found that it is wise not take a shower before. If you do, you just defeat the whole purpose of trying to smell squeaky clean by jogging and getting sweaty. Learn from experience. Yep, that's the way I roll

Post No. 30

Recently I had a revelation come about me. Much has been going on around me, and sometimes it's hard to figure out what needs to happen next. But then I went to a concert and remembered that it's all out of my control and the reins of my life are far beyond reach. Even if it where possible to reach I would dare not grab it. I realize that it does matter who's hands it's in. As far as my broken imperfect hands are concerned, they hold nothing that lasts. I was sent this very interesting e-mail. I'm not sure how many times I read through it.

The fact of the matter is:

A basketball in my hand costs about 20 bucks.
A basketball in Michael Jordan's hand is worth about 33 million.
It depends whose hands it's in.

A rod in my hand might keep away a dog.
A rod in Moses' hand will part a mighty sea.
It depends whose hands it's in.

A slingshot in my hands is but a toy.
A slingshot in David's, is a mighty weapon.
It depends whose hands it's in.

2 fish and 5 loaves in my hand might be a couple of sandwiches.
2 fish and 5 loaves in Jesus' hand will feed thousands.
It depends whose hands it's in.

Nails in my hands might produce a bike ramp.
Nails in Jesus Christ's hands will give salvation for the entire world.
It depends whose hands it's in.

I thought that it brought things into prospective too.

Post No. 29

No choking out was done today. Sunny Sunday was far better than expected. Besides the fact that I took a wrong exit off the highway this morning, it was good. The worship leader position is still very new to me. I've gotten a feel of it back in Michigan, while being involved with the praise team, but this is a bit more different. I'm on the forefront you might say. This could be leading me to some new profound opportunities.
I really do like worship music. There's this great worship band from Australia, called Hillsong United. Great songs and even great people make up that band. Super stoked because they happen to be playing tomorrow here in my new town. If you've never heard of them I suggest that you youtube some of their songs. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Maybe you'll even be a little encouraged as well.
Something I learned about living here tonight. Go for the Spurs. Especially if your watching a game inside someones house. Being a fan of the NBA team that is the Spurs, is something that is very highly esteemed. I must give credit where it is due. They are really a great team. Go Spurs Go...and Pistons!(Detroit Pistons that is)
I'm not sure why but I'm thinking that this week is going to be a super great one. Ready or not, here it goes.

Post No. 28

It's now about 10:30 p.m. and I just came from a parade that is still going on. A little over 40,000 people have come to the area of downtown San Antonio to join in the festivities that is the Texas Fiesta. For it being my first time experience I would say it was...festive. I think I might even wear something to fit the occasion next year.
Tomorrow is the first Sunday where I'll lead the praise team in spirit and in truth. I can't lie and say that I'm not even a little bit nervous cause' I am. My butterflies never seem to go away. So whether I do well or I choke, I know it's going to be a good experience. Definitely going to be fun. I think I should be getting some rest right about now. Long day, short post.

Thank you for joining in my life,

Jon M.

Post No. 27

Better now and no more bad sickness feelings. It's Friday! The weekend is now upon us. I must say I'm liking the weather too.
In exactly one week my bro's and I are going into a studio and record a album! Well, not really but it sounds cool to say that. It's actually just a one song deal and I can't say how much I'm excited.
Books for me are imagination playgrounds. Though careful to what I put inside my head, I'm missing the casual ride to the library to check out a few good reads. There's a huge library downtown that people here call "The Enchilada". Probably because the entire building in a red saucy color. The color sauce you would typically put over an enchilada! I would also add that I've been taught how to make some pretty good ones too.
There's this celebration going on right now around town. It's the annual Fiesta. People have multiple parades, floats flow down the Riverwalk with people waving on board and of course lots and lots of food. Not sure how it all first started but they sure do go all out for it.
Wrote a song about Redemption today. In the sun and under the leaves of the tree in the backyard it was written. Many songs have been birthed since I first moved here. No doubt many more will still be uncovered with my guitar.

Post No. 26

Forgetting about the sick is so easy, that is until you become one. I woke up this morning to an awful awakening of uncomfortable body chills and sore throat. Even though I'm not deathly ill, I still can't remember the last time I was sick.
The weather today is quite cool since the the clouds have hidden the sun all day. Rain even happened to pay a visit and wash out the dirt we left yesterday on our driveway. But right now all has become calm. No commotion...yet.
You know those worship leader guys, the ones who sing and lead the Sunday mornings praise & worship? Sometimes they are in fact ladies who lead, so I'll just worship leading people. I realize that it is no accident for me to have a passion not only in the sound of music but in furthering the Kingdom. With that ability inside I've humbly been accepted to be a worship leader at a small growing church here in San Antonio. Really I'm extremely excited about all this coming together.
God, I am always amazed.

Post No. 25

The quest for a sweet electric guitar started yesterday in various pawn shops stores around town. I think we went to about seven different pawn stores. The interesting thing about browsing though one is that you really don't know what you'll find. There could be either something so perfect for you, or just another object you already have, or don't need. We visited one actual music store during our time out hunting. It was a country music store that had a ton of acoustic guitars and some Spanish style 12 string guitars. I think that was my favorite one because I actually got to play a guitar. So in the end we found no instrument worthy to be bought.
After writing music, playing songs together and going different places to sing my brothers and I have always wanted to recorded in a studio and create a audio masterpiece. It seems that God has opened the door to make that dream happen. We took a tour yesterday at a music studio here in S.A. and with jaws dropped we were amazed of how awesome it looked and sounded. We booked the 30th to go in and record an original song called Ignite. It's a older one of ours but were pretty tight with. I'm super stoked :)
I think I should go practice right now, and I think were going to need some cowbell.

Post No. 24

It turns out that I'm a thief. Yep, I'm a song stealer. I didn't know it but I took lyrics from a real recorded song and made a melody and then made it into a new song. Last week a friend of mine, wrote these profound words of that song and posted them online. I read it and was really moved. It was an honest acknowledgement of who God is in a persons life. I thought wow, this right here could be a song(didn't know it already was, at least the chorus of it). Even wrote more lyrics and a bridge to complete it. So I called my friend who posted them, and told about how I was inspired by the words, which lead me to write a song I called "Here To Forever". Yeah, I found out that I have to do some rewriting now. But at least I found a new melody! I've discovered a lot of new melodies, sounds and rhythm lately. I ran this morning and a found certain sounds of beats in the cars passing by. Later I rode my green mountain bike(one tire is now bent and out of service for now) and heard the sound of swings going back and forth and a group of people playing baseball. I hear many sounds. But only one is amplified above all. Habakkuk said it well when he heard it. Out of the Old Testament it reads:
"I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled." Habakkuk 3:16
That is a sound that drives out doubt with truth and one that rattles through our cages. Grace and glory is a sound that broken noise can never drown out. The amazing grace of the living risen One.
THIS IS THE SOUND!

With sound on my mind, I realize that I'm in desperate need of a new electric guitar, by the middle of May...next month. My dream guitar is one I described in an earlier post, a red Gibson SG with Humbucker pickups. Oh well...Someday.

Post No. 23

Lets see, Sunday is the first day of a new week. I woke up this morning feeling well rested. The late night before had no effect on me. Got a little lost on the way to go see our first minor league baseball game in Texas!! It was the San Antonio Missions vs...the other guys. Not sure what they were called. But in the end our home team lost by 1. Never the less that didn't stop the fireworks from going off after the game. The one thing I remember the most was that there was a kid right behind me saying the word "DUDE" with extreme enthusiasm every time a firework exploded. It was good to hear someone like watching fireworks as much as I do.
Visiting the small town of Pearall Texas, was very eventful. I do mean to say small. There are only two places I've ever known that have only one intersection stop light, and that would be Pearsall, Texas, and Climax, Michigan. The reason for the trip there was because my brothers and I, who play music together, were invited to play for the worship. My dad also gave the message. I think it was about 12 or so songs we played altogether. It went well I would say and also very fast too.
For the most part I've been getting used to everything here so far. But in a way the place itself still feels foreign. I don't know when that feeling of being out of place will go away. So until then, I'll write. That reminds me of a quote I read the other day.

...and write honestly. Pain, joy, anger, love, fear; don't dumb your feelings down, express them in your art. Be brave. -Jon Foreman

The art of life is one I'll always be progressing on.

Post No. 22

If you see yourself surrounded by guitars hanging on walls, amps staked high on each other and and people tapping their feet to music, no doubt your in a Guitar Center Music Store. I happily went to one yesterday to buy a new set of guitar strings. Seriously, one of my favorite places to be at. The first thing I do when I go to one is pick up a red Gibson SG with humbucker pickups, go plug it into a Marshall stack or a classic Fender amp and play the opening riff to the Switchfoot song "Stars". Sometimes I forget how loud I'm supposed to play, but then my dad or brother comes to remind me that I'm not the only obsessed guitar guy in the store.
My hope for a clearer weekend was demolished by this mornings loud thunder. As I write these words the rain is coming down like the final hit of a pinata, when all the candy pours out. I give that example because I've seen a few pinatas smashed lately. I forgot how fast kids are when they run for candy on the ground. Some of the more skilled and seasoned pinata hitting kids, grab the candy out of the air as it comes down. I applause their ambition for the prize of savory sugar.
The pictures below are of me, my brothers and my great uncle working on the roof supports for our project. It's finished now, but these where when we were about half way through completion.
Hard workers we are.

Post No. 21

Rainy day, rainy day, but it is finished. Yes, the project at my uncle's house can now be called done. I can tell you that putting shingles up on a roof, in the rain is very not boring at all. It tests your skills in many ways, like balance, hand eye coordination and the ability to tightly swing a hammer without it slipping out and flinging at someone. Noted, no one was hurt or injured in the process of finishing our work project.
There is a time when singing in the rain is called for. No matter where you might be when it comes pouring down, your going to be wet anyways so why not sing to add to the silver lining. That's kind of how it went tonight when some of my friends and I, went to the new spot "Mama Margies," to converse and eat some tacos. Going out back to our car my brother David, saw a pole and swung around singing that famous rainy tune, and thus I joined in for a bit.
I think this weekend is going to be looking a lot clearer. Less rain and more time to spend outside out in the yard with my Grandpa. Cherish moments, cherish good times.

Post No. 20

Getting there. The project at my Tio Henry's house is almost close to being complete. The rain that poured today was very odd. It was one of those on and off type of affects. One moment it's calm with no thought on what the next second will be like, and then all of a sudden it pours, but only for a few minutes, and then it stops. On and off, for the whole day. Interesting Texas weather were having.
Let's make a good idea a great action, shall we. I've heard of conversation that leads to nowhere; gossip, slander, less than half a story, empty promises, fake truth and rebellion lies. All of these are voiced actions, birthed from ideas. Idea's formed around thoughts swimming inside our heads. I believe speech and action are of the same source, our thoughts. So, I've been thinking, which might lead into a motion; How much more will my actions be if I dwelt on the things that bring forth truth and life. Not just to me, but to others? The conclusion of that thought would be something to consider. To make our daily actions last longer than the day itself. I would say that's a noble I idea.

Philippians 4:8 "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Grow strong to last long.

Post No. 19

The project that my dad and my brothers and I, have been putting together at my great uncle Henry's house, has been coming along very well. What it is exactly, is a extended roof over a cement patio in his backyard. The added shade was something that my uncle has been wanting to have for a longtime now. So being the handy men that we are, we decided to lend him a hand with the task. Right now I would say that it's about half way done. The posts are all in, the frame is squared out and the beams are all ready and screwed in. That right there may sound easy, but I was there...and it wasn't.
Now what's left to finish is the ceiling panels and the roof shingles. And of course, a little bit of paint to call it done.
Hearing from my friends who sometimes call, text, write or e-mail, is like receiving warm sunshine from the sun, and I'm here very thankful and happy to know them. I continue to hope for that connection regardless of the many miles that lie between us.
Another reason to be grateful, I think I've got a job. It's still in the starting process so I'll give update to it later on.

Post No. 18

It was supposed to rain today? I felt nothing but dry heat and the occasional dusty wind. Will the weatherman ever be right? Today was a day of good ol' hard work. The kind of work that involves leather gloves and elbow grease. This morning, I along with my Dad and bro's started in the process of helping my great uncle make a extended roof over his backyard patio. Unlike Lincoln logs which is very easy to put together, this project is not going to be so simple. To build it, it's going to take some good know how and lots and lots of bottled water to fight against the Lone Star sun. But I think it might be finished by weeks end.
Still counting down the days till I head north again to Michigan. I'm I really going to visit the place I once called home?
In my last post I mentioned that I like to go on the rooftop sometimes at night. Well tonight I did that again and I saw not only one, but two large bats. I've never seen one fly at night out in the open before. I noticed that they fly very different from birds. The bats I saw continuously flapped their wings to move on through the air. The way I see the flight of birds is that they do flap but they also soar through the wind and many do it very gracefully. If I where to chose between the two, I'd like to be like a bird and soar out in the open sea of faces.

Post No. 17

Stargazing. It's a newly found leisure activity that I do enjoy here when it comes nighttime. I go off onto the roof where the whole sky can be bee seen wide and open. Under the abundant skies is where I clear my head and sort my thoughts. The stars that glow overhead shine through the countless miles to lend me their light. Yes, the night sky is a true wonder all on it's own and the rooftop is where it's at. But don't worry, it's a very flat large area roof and if I did happen to fall I would most likely just break my audacious pride.
Given the circumstances of my lack of the Spanish language, I find it dreary when I can't understand what people are saying. For the most part I can just speak the basics like Hola, como estas, mi nombre es Jon Medrano, donde esta el bano? Also memorizing songs in Spanish is another way I know how to say a few more words. Like today, I had a chance to play and sing a few spanish worship songs at my Grandparents church. It was a great opportunity to play the guitar. So afterwards a elderly lady came up to me and not surprised, she started talking to me in Spanish. I basically just smiled and nodded. Well, I did get the gist of what she was saying. She thought I did "Muy buen" and wanted to know where she could buy a c.d. I just smiled again :)
So after that I really want to start leaning Spanish. I think being in a place where pretty much everyone speaks it, would be a big help. I don't have to go very far.

Post No. 16

This mornings run was brutal on my feet. I ran twice as far then usual. The run itself felt good but in the end the blisters on my feet said otherwise. Dr. Scholl's is needed a.s.a.p.
I found out I have a relative named Nacho. Not sure how or why he was given that name but I'm sure there's a story behind it. That reminds me of the of the movie character Nacho, from Nacho Libre. I might add that was a funny movie too. Here in Texas, lucha libre is very popular. With flashy costumes and mysterious colorful masks it's become more than just a extreme sporting event. It's part of the culture. I even own a white luchador mask. But it's hard to see in once it's on your head.
As I've been searching for a place to find a occupation I've met a lot of interesting people. Some I might not see again and others I'll be seeing next week. Every hello I've said to a stranger felt as though it was the right place at the right exact time. Before I arrived here I thought it would take a very long time to make new friends. I see now that is not the case. From week to week there is more and more to learn about this city, these people, the places of history, the atmosphere and my place in it all.

Post No. 15

To go through the motions, is time spent in vain. To move through life's simple pleasures, is a day that went to waste. To live with a heart that runs to love & hope, is a life well spent. I can see what I want and it's more than a need; it's a heart that dares to move and doesn't know how to stop.
With days, hours and seconds counting me down, I've learned and lived for things to hope for. There have been many beautiful transitions in my life. Like a brand new off the press chapter, ready read and live out. Often those times become to massive and nerve recking at first but I've come to know that those terrifying uncharted days are the ones that build a person. Through the pain, there is gain. But what do you do when you don't know what to do? Is there a purpose to trials and tribulation? Why is it so easy to believe earthly lies and be blind to truth? Is is possible to get stuck in questions? Never the less there is hope. There is an answer to the question. And there is a reason to this life.

I see hope through the shadows
For they are proof there is light
And it'll take all the sorrows
Like a thief in the night
And I'm now way up high
Far above what is down
As I look through my eyes
There are stars all around

Post No. 14

Life is sweet! I've been spending a lot of time with friends and family that I haven't seen in quite a while, and also with some new friends. The photo left was taken at my great aunts house. My brother Mike, looks very desperate for some cake. Chocolate strawberries...mhmm.
Lately I've been trying to go about the city and highways to get used to where everything is and to remember how to get there. The hang out place that we've been going to is a late open restaurant called "Mama Margie's". It's weird how I have a aunt named Margie too. Hopefully we'll find a rad coffee shop to hang out at.
Today was a great day. Did some gardening with my Grandfather, got a job interview scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, rode my green mountain bike to the park and then rode it to Sonic to get a fruit smoothie. Now those are really good. Also went to my first bible study group tonight. It was extremely good. Great group as well.
I have to mention about the mosquitoes here too. They are stealth bitters that suck blood with a passion. You don't realize that you've been bitten until it's to late. The with tips on their wings give them an effect of a helicopter as they fly around open skin ready to take blood and give an itch.
Without a doubt week three has been full of amazing opportunity's and great adventures. But it also looks as though we're counting down the days until we head back over to Michigan, in May. The reason being is because my bothers and I, who are in a band together, are going to play for a Summer PK youth retreat in central Michigan, I forget the name of the place exactly but it's going to be fun. But until then...I'll still be here writing.

Post No. 13

Friends; I'm very fortunate to say that I have them. I can't imagine the earth revolving without the wonderful people, whom I can call my friends.
Back home in Michigan(I'll always somehow think that place is my home) I have many people that I'm still connected with. Though miles and states may separate us, I believe that distance can't break the bond between true friends.
While being here for going on three weeks now, I've met a lot of great people. And knowing their names is only the beginning of a new bond of fellowship. With a city as broad and grand as San Antonio is, I'm not surprised to know that there are some very cool people here.
But everywhere you look I can guarantee there is somebody who needs a kind face to know their name. I remember riding the L Train in Chicago, once. Looking around and seeing the people around me, it felt lonely. Many had the faces of "leave me alone". No one said "Hi", not a person I saw smiled. Every body seemed to be zoned in their own world, either possessed by a blackberry or ears glued to an ipod. I felt alone in a crowded train.
So now when I see someone down the street or in a chair one seat over, or someone who's playing the violin on the sidewalk pavement next to a building; I see them as a person with a story. One that's being written day in and day out; and one that needs to be heard. It's easy to understand that people need love. Well then, if you need love, then take the time and be love. No soul should be left out of that equation.

Post No. 12

Happy Easter Sunday! This day is viewed as the most religious day of the year. But I believe it's more than that. The great significance of this day is very meaningful to me as well as millions of others. It's almost common knowledge for one to know about a man named Jesus, who lived and then died on a cross so many many years ago. But I think it's more important to know that, that same man rose from his dark grave to defeat death.
It's seems fitting that today is the last day for my fast. It challenged me in many different ways of my life. Fist would be my body, last my soul. In between would be the struggles would make me whole. I see nothing worse of living than what was only yesterday. To try and attempt to run from sorrow would be downfall that can not be avoided. Ecclesiastes 7:3 "Sorrow is better than laughter because a sad face is good for the heart." To day within context, it means that this life is full of things that hurt and bring pain. Even so, it's through that down place of struggle when we learn from our mistakes and also who trust put our trust in. Everyday is fast and I'm sometimes slow to keep up.
I'll be going to a morning service in a while to see a play production of the life of Christ, at a church that I've been visiting. I can't remember the last time I saw one. So this is going to be fun!
To you who continues to read on, Thank you.

Post No. 11

The House of God Forever

God is my shepherd

I won't be wanting

I won't be wanting

He makes me rest

In fields of green with quite streams

Even though I walk

Through the valley of death and dying

I will not fear

'Cause you are with me

You are with me

Your shepherd staff

Comforts me

You are my feast

In the presence of enemy

Surely goodness

Follow me

Follow me

In the house of God, forever

Lyrics by: Jon Foreman

This song spoke to me the very first time I heard it. It still does to this day. And I just happend to hear it a little while ago. It's a song that was taken straight from the book of Psalms. I see the people around me as an instrument. I see that we all carry a song inside ourselves. Some keep it that way, while others express their gifts with passion. I too, choose to be like those who aren't afraid to make a outward motion of love, by giving of one self. Beause love is truly neve selfish.

Post No.10

These past couple days have been very eventful. I went to the funeral of a my late great uncle, whom I sadly didn't know very well. Seeing the other people there that day at the funeral, I felt the atmosphere being a very peacefull one. Yes there was sadness but the peace outweighed it greatly because of where my uncle's spirit went. No doubt, he in now in a place where there is no sorrow. Being there also made me wonder about the funeral for myself; the one I would one day have. I know there is a meaning to it all, so I'll live like I've got only one day. And before I die I want to burn out bright.
The time is drawing nearer for my fast to end. That would be this coming Monday, the day after Easter Sunday. Like a farmer prepared for rain, I'm here ready to soak it all in, whatever the words may be.