Living Is Easy With Eyes Closed

Preparing For France

2010-01-24T12:24:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends and Family,

As I look back on the past year of my life, I cannot help but give thanks to the Lord for His faithfulness to me. It seems hard to believe that it was only a year ago that my plans for a July wedding and move to Los Angeles completely fell apart. It is equally amazing to look back at how an ice storm left me without power for a week shortly after my world caved in, and left me isolated in a cold basement apartment in Louisville, Kentucky. It was in that week that I came to the realization that I had been putting off God’s call for me to attend Seminary. Following my graduating from Indiana University in May, I moved back to back to Highland Park, began serving on the worship team at Christ Church Lake Forest, and have just successfully finished my first semester of Seminary at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

As part of my experience at Trinity, I am looking to not only establish and refine a Theology of Worship, but also to continue concentrating on my own spiritual formation. This spring, from March 4-14, I along with a group of six Trinity students will be making a Pilgrimage to the Taize prayer community in Taize, France. Taize is an international, ecumenical community where people travel to spend time together for community, Bible study, service, prayer, and worship. Each day will be filled with people from all over the world gathering together, singing praise in a variety of languages. If I am to be completely honest, I don’t know exactly what to expect on this trip. Most trips I have gone on in the past have had the luxury of a visual representation of what my time and efforts brought about. From houses in Mexico, to youth retreats in Costa Rica, it was easier to see God’s work when there was visual evidence. It is my prayer that God will use this experience to build my personal spiritual life, as well as to bring new approaches of worship to my future ministry as a worship pastor, so that in the long run the impact of this trip will have a spiritual impact on the lives I am called to serve in the future. I am writing to ask for your support in one or two ways:

Financial Sponsers: This is always the hardest thing to ask for, but any amount of help that you can give financially for this trip will help me immensely. This trip will cost me a total of $1600. If you would like to be a financial sponsor, please mail a check payable to Trinity International University and send it to TIU: Student Ministries Office, 2065 Half Day Rd., Deerfield, IL 60015. An envelope and the required reply card are enclosed for your convenience. If you make your check payable to Trinity, it will be tax-deductible. You must designate my name on the reply card but not on the check. Please do not write anything on the memo line.

Prayer Partners: Because I am approaching this trip with very few set expectations I would like to ask for your prayers that God would utilize this trip to enhance my knowledge of His word, to build in fellowship with my brothers and sisters throughout the world, and that God would use this prayer pilgrimage to in some great way prepare me for full-time pastoral ministry.

Thank you for your consideration of partnering with me along this pilgrimage. Any form of support you can give will be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions regarding the trip or any of the other events that have happened in my life in the past year, please do not hesitate to contact me.

In Him,

Devin Pogue

dgpogue@gmail.com

(847) 927-1732

The Rescue

2009-04-16T08:19:00.001-07:00

It's easy to spend our time worried about finances. We live in a world in which most people haven't seen this type of economic turmoil. It's an easy time to overlook issues in the world that don't include our financial stability. I myself have my fair share of debt. I am a month away from graduating college and will have to face the reality of paying back college loans. However, I know that I am very fortunate to be in the position that I am now. Many are not as fortunate.

"For 23 years, the government of Uganda and a rebel group called the Lords Resistance Army, led by a man
named Joseph Kony, has engaged in Africa's longest war. In recent years, peace was seemingly within reach,
largely due to the Juba Peace Talks that began in July 2006. However, despite a ceasefire signed between the
LRA and Ugandan government, efforts toward peace through the Juba Peace Talks were stalled on several occasions
by Kony's refusal to sign the final peace agreement. Kony's absence at the peace agreement signing
on November 29, 2008 proved his promises to be futile and ultimately disabled the peace talks. Furthermore,
the ICC has obtained evidence that Kony used the ceasefire during the peace talks to regroup, regain strength
and resume child abductions. Joseph Kony is the world's first individual indicted by the International Criminal
Court for crimes against humanity." (Invisible Children)

Certainly Genocide is something that is an unfortunate reality even today. What makes this circumstance different is that 90% of the LRA, is made of child soldiers, who have been abducted by their homes, and forced into a life of brutality.

On April 25th, in Nine Countries, and 100 cities, thousands will go out in full force in order to raise awareness of this unfortunate reality.

I encourage you all to look at this organization, and consider joining me and thousands of others, in abducting yourself for a day, in honor of the Invisible Children of Uganda.

http://therescue.invisiblechildren.com/

Summer Session

2008-06-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

well...it has been quite awhile since I have posted last. I guess, I thought summer was gonna be less hectic, but nope. With class and the opening of The Tempest this week I have found myself to be very busy.

Currently, I am listening to the new Weezer album, (Red Album). So far I gotta say that I like it. It's a little different from what they usually sound like, but its quite good. I likes it.

So I decided that I am going to read this summer. Shocking I know, seeing as I don't read, but I figured that it would be fun to catch myself up with the rest of the world and read some stuff. Here is my list of books I have on hold at the library right now.

The diving bell and the butterfly

The omnivore''s dilemma : a natural history of four meals

The last lecture

The post-American world

Dear American Airlines

What Happened

Armageddon in retrospect, and other new and unpublished writings on war and peace

Mostly non-fiction on that list...which is typical for what I enjoy to read, but I'm looking forward to reading some fiction as well this summer.

I guess, thats all for now....my final goal for the summer is finishing my CD.

New goals for the next year- Write a Worship CD

Write a book. (memoir of my awesome life) ---haha

Lifetime goal- Visit everybaseball teams stadium. i have been to five teams total. ( multiple stadiums for Indians, Cardinals, and Brewers.)

Thats all for now....i'll try to be better about posting from now on!

Friday Finals and Tunes

2008-05-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

Well, it's the friday of finals week! I am moments away from emailing in my final paper for my education course on Critical Literacy. So, instead of finishing it this very second, I have decided to post in my blog that no one reads. haha.

Life has been pretty awesome lately. The last month and a half has been filled with lots of excellent and fun memories. In order to prevent myself from putting off this paper any further, I am going to do my random ten tunes, and then update more later.

1) "She Is"- the Fray

Just a good fun song. Definitely my favorite song by the Fray.

2) "Goodnight Rosa"- The Elms

The Elms are a Christian rock group that come out of Indiana. I was introduced to them many years ago, and I gotta say I really like their sound.

3) "15 Step"- Radiohead

From their recent release In Rainbows, this song has a crazy beat to it, another one of those radiohead songs where I listen to it and think to myself...man, I wish I could be as good as Thom Yorke.

4) "Sorry, Sorry"- Rooney

From Rooney's debut album. Rooney is one of my more recent favorite bands. Love the sounds of their original disc. Very Weezer-esque.

5) "Sons & Daughters"- The Decemberists

I almost forgot how much I love this band.

6) "Stars Would Fall (I'm Crazy)"- Monk & Neagle

I think this song may have come up another time I did this thing. Maybe not, i'm too lazy to look right now. At any rate, this song is awesome, the harmonies are pretty sweet.

7) "Grace Kelly"- Mika

Fun, crazy song.....man, this dude sounds like Freddie Mercury. Redic.

8) "Helena"- Nickel Creek

9) "Eveline"- Nickel Creek

I will never object to Nickel Creek coming up back to back on shuffle. ever.

10) "Be Still My Heart"- the postal service

construction zone

2008-03-27T08:28:00.001-07:00

"I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge." (Romans 7- The Message)

While reading Wild at Heart this morning, in the portion I was reading Eldridge makes reference to this portion of scripture. As I read that text I can't help but think how many times I struggle even at times when my faith is strong. In the past few months I have been sincerely reevaluating where I was in my convictions and found that I strongly needed to refocus what I was living for. So now iI'm back on track to some extent and life supposed to be easy right? Well, nope. But I think I'm learning more from the stupid decisions I make and I'm hoping that will help to mold me into a stronger man. My desire is there, my willingness to obey still needs a little help, but I know that we're all still just a work in progress.

Wednesday Tunes

2008-03-26T09:07:00.001-07:00

Well, I've been back at school for about a week and i've come to find that I don't really sleep much anymore. Oh, well, can't really complain too much as the past week, although filled with working on a dumb lighting project has for the most part been pretty awesome. Had a great Easter Sunday this year, got to spend it with good friends and then a real Easter dinner following at my friend's parents place. Overall a very solid day. Today I'm working on registering for Fall semester of my Senior year of college. How weird is that? I'm almost done. And it's looking like I'm actually going to be able to graduate on schedule! I didn't expect that to happen at all. Well, that's about all for now. It's gorgeous out and I want to take advantage of that and go out for a run. I'll be back to give some better updates on life soon, but until then, onto the tunes.

1) When Your Minds Made Up- Once Soundtrack
Awesome song from one of my favorite movies in the last year. If you haven't seen it, I highly suggest you check it out!

2) My Name Is Jonas- Weezer
Weezer is awesome. That's all there is to say.

3) Voice of Truth- Casting Crowns
Great worship song that really encompasses the idea of trusting God and listening to Him even in times when it is difficult to trust in what God has in store for us.

4) Butterflies and Hurricanes- Muse
I got to see Muse live a couple summers ago. This song is intense, awesome Rock beat that mixes into a piano concerto interlude, then feeds back into the progressive rock sound. Muse has an incredibly unique sound, so for you Radiohead fans out there, I suggest you check these guys out!

5) You Are My Face- Wilco
Wilco is a band that I either really like or dislike at any given moment. This song however, has an awesome jam feel to it.

6) Rag Doll- The Four Seasons
Gotta love throwing some oldies in there. I just gotta say, Frankie Vallie, what a voice. Probably one of the most unique voices ever to grace our speakers. I will never tire of hearing The Four Seasons.

7) Samson- Regina Spektor
Once more, a female vocalist cracks my top 10. This song, (although it currently reminds me of the cheater) is quite tranquil, simple, and just great to listen to.

8) Maybe I'm Amazed- Paul McCartney
This is a song that my friend Sarah got me hooked on. Not much to say other than the fact that this song pretty much rocks in all aspects. I'm kind of surprised I hadn't stumbled on this earlier, but I'm glad I at least have it now!

9) Doubting Thomas- Nickel Creek
Lyrics to this song are awesome. I love band.

10) More than Words- Extreme
Gorgeous song.

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Tired of Being Productive

2008-03-17T10:38:00.001-07:00

This morning I woke up with the intention of getting lots of work done. Well, I did do that, but not enough of that, but I can't concentrate on that much more so I decided to take a little break, even though i don't think anyone reads this page to begin with.

It's St. Patrick's Day. A day to celebrate my Irish Heritage, I think me and the roomies are going to have an Irish meal of Corned Beef and Colcannon, prepared by none other than yours truly, and then having some people over for a little Irish Beer taste test. Should be a pretty low key good time. Anyways, I'm bored so I'm gonna do a little St. Patty's day 10 on my itunes.

1) Hotel Majestic- Fountains of Wayne
    This song reminds me of summer. This was one of my favorite tunes to have on as I drove with the windows down rocking out. I love Fountains of Wayne, they have a very unique sound and each song tells a different random story. You should check them out.

2) Love in the Remains- Dave Barnes
    Dave Barnes is one of those guitarists and vocalists. I just recently got introduced to his music, and I gotta say I'm pretty hooked. I model a lot of my music based on his style.

3) Colorful- Rocco DeLuca & The Burden
    This is another band with a very unique sound. This band was brought to national attention thanks to terrorist fighter superman Jack Bauer. That's honestly what brought me to this band, and I gotta say, I think they're pretty awesome.

4) Bedshaped- Keane
    Awesome band. Love the pureness of this guys voice and love the use of synth in the group. "Hopes and Fears" is the album title, and this song is mellow and rockin' at the same time.

5) Sweep Me Away- Monk & Neagle
    Another band that I just recently found. This find I complement to pandora. Awesome website. Anyways these guys form a Christian Duo, that really have an awesome sound in both their worship and secular songs.

6) Hollywood's Not America- Ferras
    I like this song. Unfortunately it was featured on American Idol also, so it's probably going to turn into a song that I can't listen to anymore.

7) Invincible- Muse
    Muse is one of my favorite bands of all time. Love the lead vocalists soaring voice. Also been able to see them live, and Muse is one of those groups that sounds just as good live, if not even better. That's definitely rare IMO.

8) Get Away- N'dea Davenport
    A jazzy funk song, that is pretty awesome IMO. I can't really describe it at all. Just a flat out fun song.

9) You Are the Only One I Love- JayMay
    It's kinda funny that this song came up as it just played in the coffee shop that I'm sitting at right now. JayMay is a folkish artist. I've really started to appreciate female vocalists as of late. If you like Regina Spektor, Ingrid Michaelsn, or Inara George, then I'm sure you'll appreciate the sound of JayMay.

10) Make It Rain- The Audition
    This song frustrates me. The verse and lead in to the chorus are really pretty awesome, and then the chorus comes in and its just terrible. Doesn't fit the song at all. But hey, at least the verse and the lead in are pretty awesome.

Well there you go. That's about as much boredom that you probably want me to share with you, so if anyone is actually reading this, well, thanks...now get back to your life!

Morning Coffee and Music

2008-03-13T06:45:00.001-07:00

To start off, I'm on spring break, its 8:15 in the morning, and I am awake. Probably a rare moment in the case of most college students. My break has been fairly uneventful, went to a Blackhawks game last night with a roommate of mine from school. But yeah, today I'm up early and just enjoying the tranquility of the morning, while sipping on some bold black coffee and listening to some tunes.

My buddy Joey does this thing on his blog which can be found at thedancingwookie.blogspot.com

at any rate, what he does is goes to his itunes, puts his music on shuffle and lists the top 10 songs that come up. So here goes... music randomness number one.

1) Go Light Your World- Chris Rice
    This song is a hymn that has been re-recorded by Rice. Interesting first song for me. Those who know me really well know how important my faith is to me, and this song helps to encourage me.

2) The Crane Wife 3- The Decemberists
    I was first introduced to this band last summer, and got to see them perform at a free concert in Millenium Park downtown. Every song of theirs tells a story, and I just love their indie rock sound.

3) Of Angels and Angles- The Decemberists
    My itunes has a tendency to play artists back to back. This is my current favorite Decemberists song. Simple acoustic guitar and vox. I have a covered version of this song on my myspace page.

4) Something- Across the Universe Soundtrack
    This song, is my favorite Beatles song, and paired up with the movie just made for an awesome beautiful scene. The movie is a love or hate type flick, and I gotta say that although the foundation of the story is indeed weak, the imagery and just visual effect of the film makes all that up for me.

5) Far Far- Yael Naim
    This song was a free download on itunes. I don't know much about this artist, but if you like good mellow female vocals than this girl is for you. It's not often that itunes offers quality music in their free section, but when they do offer one I like, it ends up being a pretty awesome song.

6) Pura Vida- Braddigan
    Braddigan is a former guitarist and vocalist for the band Dispatch. This song reminds me of my summer trip to Costa Rica some four years ago. The phrase "Pura Vida" (Pure Life) is WIDELY used among Tico's, and the phrase can mean just about anything in a positive manner. This has been a slogan that I have adopted from my time there.

7) Faust Arp- Radiohead
    In Rainbows is probably one of my favorite albums of the year. Radiohead is a band that can do about anything with music and make it sound awesome. Probably one of the most unique and diverse bands out there.

8) I'm Yours- Jason Mraz
    Not much to say a here. A good mellow song, by an awesome artist.

9) First and Last Waltz- Nickel Creek
    My favorite band ever. Love their mix of Bluegrass, Folk, and acoustic rock. This song is an instrumental, I really don't have much to say about this particular piece, just that I love this band.

10) Be Still My Heart- The Postal Service
    Love the electronic sound and the vox. This song is just a fun song, that tells a fun and "cute" story. Check it out.

So yeah, there's my first 10 itunes songs. I don't know when I'll do one of these again seeing as I'm still in the process of transferring music over to my new comp.

Officially on Board (again)

2008-01-04T15:56:00.000-08:00

Back when Obama officially announced his intention to run for President, I immediately jumped on board as a supporter. I remember seeing Obama in his campaign for the Senate and how enamored everyone in the room was as he spoke. Well, after viewing the first democratic debate, I fell upon the name of Joe Biden. He spoke his convictions truthfully and without any BS, and for that I respected him. I looked into his history and realized that Biden was a man with experience and a man who could get great things done for our nation. Well, after tonight, my dream of electing Biden to office has faded. And at first I was extremely disappointed, but Obama's speech following his victory has reminded me that we still have such a bright future to look forward to. I am back on board, and I am proud to say, that I support Barack Obama for the Presidency.

- I have also posted this on my blog at my.barackobama.com