Tulsa Snow & Sound Ministry

I've spent the past three days in Tulsa at the Workshop. It's been six years or so since I've had a chance to be here. The event is much smaller than it was even a few years ago. It was still quite effective, I believe, even though it was smaller in size. At least, it was for us. Moyers Sound had a booth at the event and we made some wonderful contacts. My in-laws were also exhibitors at the event. You can see them here at their booth for New Mexico Christian Children's Home.

We had a significant weather event as well. I've been to the Tulsa Workshop at least 15 times before and experienced all kinds of weather. This is the first time I've seen it snow like this. We had 7 inches in about as many hours. The picture below was at about the three inch level. Pulling a trailer was a lot of fun in this weather.

I am amazed at the things God can do when you make yourself available. We came to Tulsa to let people know that I was now involved with Moyers Sound and, hopefully, make some inroads into churches needing system upgrades or new installs. Some of that happened, but much more took place in another area entirely.

Wally, my cousin and the "Moyers" behind Moyers Sound, has always had a dream to do more with Moyers Sound than install AVL systems in churches. One of the common questions we hear after a new install is, "What do we do with the old stuff?" Often, the old system will be relegated to a closet or sold on eBay with shipping costing more than the price it was sold for.

Wally and LaTronda formed a non-profit organization called Wings Point. Wings Point has several purposes, one of which provides an solution to the problem of perfectly good sound systems going to waste.

A system that may be 20-30 years old and "outdated" may be perfectly suitable for an inner-city church that has nothing... or a church in a third world country with less than nothing (is that possible?). Over the past few days, God made it possible for us to connect with several ministries located all over the world... South America, East Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe. Till now, our dream of distributing used systems to needy 3rd world churches has been hampered by two things: 1). a good system to identify deserving churches, and 2). a way to deliver them. God has provided an answer to both this week.

Lord willing, we will be delivering our first two sound systems to churches in Nicaragua this coming June. From there, who knows? At this point, the world is open to us. We just pray that God will bless this effort.

More to come...

The Simple Life

This past week was a both a breath of fresh air and an exhausting experience.

My mother's family is from central Missouri, the little hamlet of Middle Grove, about 30 miles north of Columbia. Her only sister, Margaret, is at home in hospice care after a long fight with cancer. We used the spring break from school as a chance for my family to reconnect with her and several other aging family members in Missouri.

The exhausting experience comes from the fact that the family no longer lives in Middle Grove. They've spread out in a 45 mile radius from Centralia to Mexico to Paris to Moberly. So instead of driving 2 miles to see the next relative, we drove about 50 miles a day after a 900 mile trip there. Then a 900 mile trip back. We are plum exhausted.

At the same time, what I experienced was refreshing as well. Certainly the family renewal was part of it, but we left Missouri with a new appreciation of the country lifestyle. The majority of my Missouri relatives are seemingly isolated from the changes of the world and the culture around them. They see the news and are aware of the issues, but they don't seem to be touched by it. Certainly not all of them fall into this category, and some of those who do have felt the effects at times (my uncle lost his farm because of the Nixon beef policy). But on the whole, they seem to be set apart from the entire thing.

We spent part of a day riding through Amish farm country. We shopped (and spent too much) in an Amish store. After leaving the Amish region and heading back into "normal society"... well, things didn't feel too different.

They still live in the same homes. The homes themselves haven't changed in 30 years. In some cases, it seems like the same dog is still in the barnyard. It's sort of an eerie experience, overall.

Don't take that as an insult. Remember, I said it was refreshing. They seem to have a better grasp on the biblical idea of taking one day at a time. Little worry and less rush. Get up, feed the cattle, work in the field, eat supper, sit around telling stories, go to bed. Sleep in the same bed your grandfather built. Next day repeat same.

There's a sense of peacefulness and continuity that we miss in our rush-toward-tomorrow society. Some of them may read this and laugh, wondering what old crazy Gary is talking about now. That's okay. I've always been a little off. I hope that's because I've got some Missouri roots in me. It sure felt like home to me.

Mutant Potato Two-Toed Tater

My son is in need of some extra cash and he's learned about capitalism. So he's asked me to sell this potato for him on Ebay. Here goes.

This truly unique potato is one of a kind. It's a special spud. A two-toed tater. You can't find a Murphy like this inside of Idaho or outside of Ireland. This one potato will feed at least one and a half people easily. This is one spud you don't want to miss. Bid now and bid high!

If that doesn't move you...

IT'S A MUTANT POTATO! Discovered in the south of New Mexico near White Sands, this potato grew from a small root into a two-headed terror. Nothing in Roswell can match it. The entire town of Lovington ran screaming into the night when this potato was unveiled. Buy it now and clear your block of any unsavory types. Simply set the potato on your porch and the let the hideous nature of this tater take it's course.

Or maybe...

For sale! Special lover's potato. This special spud was designed with two in mind. You may have missed Valentine's Day, but this V-shaped potato will bring it all back. Not only is it "V" in nature, but the rounded edges give it the unique properties of a heart. This potato beats for you. Buy it for your love now, or be forever sorry.

Or could it be....

If one were to stand on their head while looking at this picture, one would see that this potato looks very much like a Star Trek insignia. The new Star Trek movie is opening soon. Buy this potato and wear it on your chest with pride. This spud will help you live long and prosper.

My son just said, "I think that's enough, Dad." Please help him learn about the American Way. Buy my son's potato. Please.

If you have a heart and wish to bid on my son's potato and preserve his faith in justice, freedom and the free market system, follow this link to Ebay and bid high. My starving son thanks you. Well, actually he's not starving or he would eat the stupid thing. But he thanks you anyway. (Bidding available through Mar-20-09 17:57:29 PDT)

Moyers Family Riverdance

My daughter always wanted to be in Riverdance. I'm not sure how my son got there though... Happy St. Patrick's Day to ye.

P.S. Since I've posted this, two issues have been raised. 1) Sherri does so much work around here there seem to be 2 of her, thus 2 in the dance, and 2) yes, my son is secure in his manhood.

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Pitch Pipecast: Episode 14 - Acappella's Sneak Preview

I've just posted episode 14 of the Pitch Pipecast with Keith Lancaster. It's a sneak preview of Acappella's new album, Find Your Way. Keith joins us and gives the "behind the scenes" story of the album. Five songs are highlighted as Keith tells the background and reasoning behind the song... and then you get to hear it!

It's a chance to hear a part of the album before it releases. It's a sneak-peak treat you'll find only on the Pitch Pipecast.

You can hear it at PitchpipePro.com or download it directly from this link.

Before and After

A while back, I posted a couple of shots of my son getting a haircut, before vs. after. I thought I might do the same with my house. We had the trees trimmed today.

BEFORE:


AFTER:


WOW! There's a house in there after all.

Fake Phone Mesages

I was reading a blog by Kevin Rose and ran across a fun entry. I thought I'd try it for myself. AT&T Labs Research has a fun text-to-speech site. Enter your own phrase, choose your voice and go to town. I've been having a little too much fun.

Here are a few of the voice mail messages I created. Hope you enjoy...

This is the first one I tried.

Here's a fake iPhone message I borrowed from his site.

I love this voice. Speak loudly.

This is my oops message.

People are always interrupting conversation.

And last but certainly not least, a phrase or two borrowed from my previous life.

Give it a try. I may even bluetooth some of these into my phone and actually use them...

Pitch Pipecast: Episode 13 - Jay Smith

I've just posted the latest edition of my podcast, the Pitch Pipecast. Original AVB member Jay Smith is our guest on this episode of the Pipecast. Jay joined the Acappella Vocal Band at its inception in 1986 and was responsible for the birth of vocal percussion in the group. Though small in stature, he still holds a large place in the history of the group and the memories of his fans and friends.

Wes McKinzie co-hosts this episode with Gary Moyers.

You can get this podcast, as well as the previous 12 episodes, at pitchpipepro.com. Or, you can download the file directly from this link.

Helicopters and Hogs

This past week I had the chance to shoot some aerial HD footage in the Lubbock area. It was a wonderful experience that I plan to do much more of in the future (since it's part of my job). We shot out of a Robinson R-44 helicopter with the door removed.

After covering downtown Lubbock and some of the Buffalo Lakes area, we continued on into the canyons leading toward Post, TX. We flew over a herd of deer and had some fun with them, but the best part was the hog.

We picked up a massive feral hog coming over the back side of a hill in the canyon. We chased it probably half a mile. It was running full tilt trying to get away from this big red bird in the air. I imagine it was about to die of exhaustion by the time we turned off.

The hog did not make it into this compilation video. Sorry. Hope you enjoy it. YouTube does a good job of squishing the video into ugliness, but the original HD is just stunning. Someone needs to build a Statue of Liberty in Lubbock so I can film it. Maybe a 1200 ft. tall Raider Red.

Kiss a Wookie a cappella

Baby Dave's

With my new position at Moyers Sound and Studio84, I am beginning to receive a few job requests that don't fall under our business model (yet). I have just completed a logo for Baby Dave's.

Allan Durham was in need of a logo for his new restaurant opening in Shallowater, TX. He requested the design to be based on a picture of his father, Baby Dave. Their initial idea was to use an animated, cartoon-like mockup. After several attempts it was clear this approach was not the best. The new direction included a "rough sketch" of Baby Dave's face and a font style that suggested the country flavor of the store.



Anyone else need any logo work? I'm enjoying this...

Pitch Pipecast: Episode 12 - Keith Lancaster

The Pipecast is back!

The Pitch Pipecast returns after a year's hiatus with Gary Moyers and co-host Wes McKinzie. Special guest for episode 12 is Keith Lancaster.

Keith joins Gary and Wes to discuss Acafest 2009. They cover the history of the seminar turned festival, the future, the plans for this year and specifically the AVB Reunion Concert.

You can access the podcast homepage at www.pitchpipepro.com.

Or, you can download this episode directly from this link:

Aerial Inauguration

Ever wondered what 2 million people at an inauguration looks like? Try this:



On the far right you see the blue roof of the capitol building. The dark mass in front of it is the crowd out front. As you move down the Mall to the left, you see various other dark masses of people. This shot was taken during the swearing-in ceremony from the GeoEye-1 satellite, 423 miles above the National Mall traveling from north to south at about 17,000 mph.

Pimp my Mac #1

I have pretty much made the switch from PC to Mac. I held on for a while, living in both worlds. This week, I am transferring all my personal files off my PC in my office (bedroom) and sending the PC to my daughter's room. And I'm giving my Toshiba laptop to my son. That leaves me with a Mac Pro and a Macbook Pro.

I have always been a fan of the underdog, doing my best to utilize the really good programs that don't carry the Big Dog names (ala, Adobe, Macroshaft, etc). I figured I might as well share the programs I really like. Thus, Pimp my Mac #1.

It was hard to choose where to begin, but for this entry we start with Pixelmator, an excellent image editor designed for the Mac. And that's one of the first things you notice when you open the program. You think, "Wow... this is so Mac." The architecture of the program is just pretty. It's the kind of thing you find only in the Mac world.

The program is available as a direct download and has a free 30-day trial. Afterward, the costs is only $59 and well worth it. I use Pixelmator 90% of the time, only opening Photoshop when I have to. For seriously advanced editing, Photoshop is still the way to go. But for everyday image editing, which I do a lot of as a web designer, Pixelmator is great.

I won't go into details on the program since the website is very good and provides an in-depth overview. I will say if you are short on bucks and need a good image editor, terminate Photoshop and pick up the Pixelmator. Now read that last sentence again with a Schwarzenegger accent.

By the way, you may ask what I plan to do with the kid's current computers if they are both getting my old ones. Ashley's Dell may get set up somewhere in the house as a backup for my wife. I may have changed to Mac, but she's not going quietly. In the spirit of going with the underdog, as I mentioned earlier, Austin's Dell will soon become a Linux box. Ubuntu awaits.

And he smiles.

Walking on Water

Here is today's entry in my personal journal. I don't often share this kind of thing, but for some reason this one is supposed to be shared. I have copied and pasted directly from my journal.

John 6: 1-24. Jesus feeds the 5000 and walks on water.

I saw something interesting today in this reading that I’ve not noticed before. It may have not been meant as anything important, but I took it as a small encouragement.

Jesus has just fed 5000 people with almost no food. Everyone is astounded and John says that Jesus went into the mountains to hide because he knew they would try to make him king by force. After a while, the disciples get into a boat and take off to the other side, whereupon they experience a storm. Jesus walks on water to them and immediately the boat reaches the other side. Another miracle.

My question is this: why did the disciples leave in the first place? They’ve just experienced an astounding miracle in the feeding of thousands with nothing. They knew where Jesus went. They surely saw him withdraw into the mountains behind them. Why, then, did they get in a boat and head the opposite direction, across the water, from where Jesus went?

I have no answer. All I know is this: when the disciples, who knew better, went the wrong way, Jesus walked on water to go after them. I can only assume that when I do the same, Jesus will come after me. Thank you Lord.

Merry Christmas 2008

I sent a Christmas Card via email this year. If you did not get one... here is what I wrote. God bless you and thanks for reading my blog.


Gary, Sherri, Ashley and Austin wish you and your family the Christmas season's joys and wonders.

We hope this has been a good year for you. As for us, it continues to be a season of change. This past Thanksgiving marked our 2nd year in Midland, TX. The transition from Corpus Christi has been long and challenging at times, but God has blessed us throughout.

Sherri continues to teach special education at a Junior High here in Midland. She has the "Life Skills" class and I am continually amazed at her level of patience and love for these children, some of which are bigger than her. She had the opportunity to go to a high level training conference in South Carolina this past summer. She was hobnobbing with Special Ed teachers from all over the world.

At 14, Ashley seems to be blossoming. Her first year here in Midland was one of the toughest years she's had yet, but 2008 seemed to settle her some. She is still heavily involved in dance and would like to find more advanced teachers. As an option, she is adding drama to her list of extra-curricular activities in January. Midland Community Theater offers a high school drama group and she's excited about adding more drama to her life.

Austin grew 4 feet in two weeks, or so it seemed. At 12, he is now taller than his sister, who is taller than her mother. Soccer has always been a joy for him, but his gentle nature makes it harder for him to enjoy competitive sports where others depend on his performance. It's especially hard when you are the goalkeeper. As a 7th grader, he had to choose a sport. He is now on the Midland Christian Middle School tennis team, and he brought home 2nd place in his first two multi-school tournaments.

I started a new job with Mission Health Care in early January. After seven months, I left that position due to highly unethical behavior on the part of certain members of the board. That is a story in itself, one that I'll not spend time on here.

In September, I had the opportunity to reconnect with the Moyers side of the family. This was obviously God's plan all along. I am now working with my cousin Wally as part of Moyers Sound Solutions. We are an audio/visual/lighting company that designs and builds systems for organizations all over the country, primarily churches. I am also doing a heavy load of design work with Studio84, an audio/video production company owned by Wally.

I am excited about future prospects with Wings Point Ministries, the non-profit arm of Moyers Sound. For years, they've been installing new systems in churches. The question always arises, "What do we do with the old stuff?" I will be helping Wings Point provide an answer to that question. Lord willing, we will soon begin collecting old systems that are still useable and making them available to inner city and third world churches. Please keep this effort in your prayers.

Once again, Merry Christmas. May God bless you and yours in this wonderful season. Enjoy the holiday.

The Moyers Family

Baptisms... Baptizms... Baptismz.. Gettin' Dunked

I had the chance to witness a really cool baptism service today. Short of my own kids, this was about the neatest I've seen.

We visited Mid Cities Community Church this morning. Sherri was hit with another bad migraine and couldn't go. I hate that. She would have really appreciated this.

Mid Cities is one of those big Baptist churches that built a new building out in the country and changed it's name, much the same as is happening all over the country. They're doing it mostly right. But this is not an entry about the church. This is about the baptisms.

They have baptism classes every couple of months that culminate in "Baptism Sunday." I did not attend 1st service, but they said 7 children were baptized. During 2nd service, which I attended, they had 15 adults (I think, I lost count).

The first 5 went as one would expect. It was no different than other baptisms I've seen, though that did not make them any less moving. Then it really got fun. They introduced a father and son. The son was a young college kid, probably 19 or 20. The father looked my age (which is looking younger all the time). Anyway, the son came down to baptize the father, which I did not expect. He was very nervous, but the bear hug of affection after he came up was a sight to see. Father and son.

Next, a husband and wife were introduced. The husband came down first and was baptized. Then his wife joined him and the husband baptized her! He had to be coached on what to say, but the deed was done. And then they both stood in the water, embracing each other and crying.

Several more married couples were baptized as well. It left me a little breathless when it was all done.

Coming from a background where you were dunked as soon as you make the decision, I seldom ever got a chance to see more than one at a time. To see so many in succession today was truly a blessing.

Star Trek meets Monty Python

I ran across this on You Tube while I was uploading some stuff from work. For me, this is almost the perfect video. The audio is from Monty Python and the Holy Grail while the video is a montage from the original Star Trek series. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Project #3 and SkyView

Next big project is mostly complete. SkyView Helicopters is offering Christmas Lights Tours around Lubbock through December. I had about two weeks to get a website up and put together several print and email marketing pieces. I think it has been successful. Wally tells me the phone is ringing off the wall and there's a pretty good buzz going on about it in Lubbock. Here is the site if you want to take a look.

Of course, not all that buzz is due to my efforts alone. They've worked their tails off passing out flyers, posters and such. And they've put together a commercial (which you can see on the front page of the site) as well as a great radio campaign. KLLL alone has done wonders.

So if you're in Lubbock over the holidays, give SkyView a call. See the lights the way Santa sees them!

On to the next project.

Texas Film Deck

I've started a new blog.

As some of you know, I've been filming the football games for Midland Christian this year. I'm always wondering what we're walking into when it comes to stadiums. As I searched around on the Internet, I noticed there were lots of sites about the overall stadiums themselves, but nothing about the film deck.

So, I'm doing it. I realize this topic will only be interesting to a select few. There are only so many people out there filming under Friday night lights. But for those who are into it, I'm trying to catalog all the film decks I"ve seen and give each one a grade.

Check it out. Texas Film Deck.