Mt. Rushmore

Hey everyone. Coming live to you from Rapid City, South Dakota. Yesterday we visited Mt. Rushmore and it’s pretty incredible what man can build and create. It was an amazing site to see and hear how it was built. We even took our own band picture recreating Rushmore. You can check it out on my twitter or facebook if you want.

I woke up this morning with a passage of scripture, that I had read a couple months ago, on my mind. So I looked it up and reread it. It was in I Cor. 15:10. Paul says, “But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am.” You know being around Paul had to be so encouraging because of all that he had been through, his past, so much yet he still passionately pursued after God and the things of God. That guy has encouraged me so much throughout my Christian life. I think because most of the time he always communicates how I feel. When he says things like “I the chief or sinners” or “I’m not worthy to even be called an apostle”. Not that I’m an apostle but I see his heart. I know that there are times that I feel like I don’t deserve to be doing what I’m doing but because God is so gracious, so very generous, here I am. Paul mentions in the verses above Peter, and James, and then says I don’t deserve to be on the inner circle like them. But, he gets the love that God has for him despite his downfalls. That’s why he follows vs. 15 with, “And I’m not about to let His grace go to waste.”

I just want to encourage you today. No matter who you are or what you’ve done or will do, God has a purpose for each of us. I know most of you know that but let the words of Paul eco in your life today. But because God is so gracious, so very generous, here I am. And I’m not about to let His grace go to waste.

God Bless,

Josh Seagraves

A Fathers Love

On March 1, 2010 God sent a precious gift to Colleen and me. His name was Jack Michael Bowers and he was 6 lbs, 13 ounces. Words can not express the pure joy that overwhelmed me that day when I saw my little man for the first time. As much as I adored and loved him that first day, it’s only multiplied each and every day since. In my mind I constantly think, “Is there anything as precious as the love of a parent, or in my case, a father’s love?” I never thought I’d get so giddy inside from seeing him smile from ear to ear while fixing his eyes on me, even in a crowd, or hearing him cry out, only to be still and calm in my arms as I pick him up, or to see him simply being content with me by his side.

The more I’ve thought about this whole experience, I can’t help but think about the relationship of this experience to God’s Word. Now, more than ever, I really get what Jesus was saying in Matthew 18: 3-5:

3) And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4) Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5) And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.

The innocence of my sweet little Baby Jack is exactly how God wants us to be towards Him; fully trusting in Him as the Father. When we do that, we feel that quiet peace and joy that a child feels when with their parents. As Jack does with me, God desires for us to be filled with all the fullness and joy as our eyes continually stay on Him. God wants us to cry out to Him when things aren’t seemingly going our way and for us to just “be still and know that He is God” and trust Him. God wants us to be okay in all circumstances, knowing He’s by our side. He wants us to have the humility of a child….like Jack.

There’s one other point I’d like to make about the relationship of our little miracle and God’s Word. Every parent knows the love they have for their child. Could you sacrifice your child so that someone else might live? God did……

Shane Bowers

The Jordan Stones

Well it’s starting to warm up here in Georgia. I’m gonna miss the winter. I know most people look forward to spring and summer, but I’m a winter lover. I love the cool temps but do love the things that come along with spring and summer. As I look back at the winter time and look forward to the summer, I’m reminded to always think of what God has done and look forward to what He is doing so that I have strength for today. Or better phrased, a record of God’s faithfulness in the past combines with hope in a better future for one end: to equip us for the present.

I once wrote a paper for college called “The Jordan Stones.” The paper was based on the times that God told the children of Israel to build piles of stones in places that God did things so that future generations would see the stones and ask what they were for then prompting the adults to remember and tell the stories of how God moved in big ways for them. This year has already received some “Jordan Stones” in my book. Many of you that come to our shows have heard about us being in Haiti when the earthquake hit in January. You’ve heard Shane and Shaun share of the things God did and there were so many. It was truly an amazing time! One that sticks out to me was told to me later on after the trip. Our Holt rep., Chris, was just mentioning in passing that every time she had been to Haiti on a Trip with missions organizations and brought artist that they had stayed in Hotel Montana in Port-au-Prince. This was the first time that she came and we stayed in another hotel!! Incredible! I’m reminded once again that God is in control and it still brings tears to my eyes to think of how God was watching out for us because that hotel was completely destroyed. Many Americans lost their lives in that hotel. My parents often times would share with me the time I was a baby and how I managed to get the baby gate open that blocked the stairs going to our basement. I then went down about 15 stairs in my walker with no side railings only to be found by my mom completely unharmed and upright in my walker on the basement floor.

I share these things with you only to encourage you. God is and incredible loving Father that has great plans for us. When external circumstances press in, family strife, job pressures, financial worries, global concerns, think back to how God has been faithful to you. Remember the “Jordan Stones” in your life to gain hope for the future and strength for the present. Paul became frustrated with the people of Corinth in Acts 17 and had to be reminded by God that He was at work there even though Paul did see it in the present. God is always at work around us we just have to open our eyes to see sometimes. I hope that you can view all the distractions of your day from the perspective of eternity. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever!! TRUST HIM!

We Are In Haiti and are OK

Hey Everyone,

We are in Montrouis, Haiti right now and have experienced the earthquake. We wanted to let you all know that we are ok and are in a safe place. Please spread the word that we’re alright and to pray for our safety and the people of Haiti. This country was already in desperate need and now that has tripled.

We are currently scheduled to fly out tomorrow evening, but we don’t know if that’s even possible right now. We’ll try to keep everyone informed of what’s going on here.

Please Pray.

Shaun Bennett
JULIAN DRIVE

Holiday Fun

Hey guys and gals. Hope you are all well. It’s been a crazy year. Hard to believe that we are getting close to the end of 09. I really like this time of the year. It’s getting colder and that means that I’m about to have a ton of incredible holiday food! It also means hanging out with the fam. I don’t know about you guys but it’s always very interesting when I get together with my family. I’m from the country so just imagine when a country boy turned rock and roller shows up with spiked hair and the rock shirts. Yep, I get the stares! At least once at each family gathering some one (usually my grandma) always ask, “Hey, did you stick your finger in a light socket” then they all laugh as do I. Then to keep the joke going I always reply, “Yep I sure did you should try it…now” hahahaha. Anywho, I hope all of you out there enjoy time with your families. I do even though I get the stares and questions but my family is great and they really enjoy hearing about all the places we play and things we do. Well lots of exciting things are around the corner for Julian Drive. We are writing for a new record and hopefully gonna start recording some in Dec. The songs are coming together and are really great. We cannot wait to share them with all of you in the new year. Keep checking back with us so you’ll know when we’ll be in your area. Until then hope you all have an amazing Thanksgiving and great Christmas always remembering to be thankful for all God has bless you with especially the birth of His Son Jesus.

Josh

Jesse’s Moving On

Hey guys and gals. We have a bit of an update for you. After 7 years in ministry together, lead guitarist Jesse Triplett has taken a new direction in his musical journey. He wrestled with the decision for a while, but finally felt like it was time for a new season in his life. We wish him well in his new endeavors and will pray continually for God’s hand to direct his steps. He is like a brother to us all and will be missed.

While we are sad to see Jesse go, we are equally excited about what God continues to do through our ministry. We continue to see the altars full of newly committed Believers, hear so many stories of Spiritual renewal and restoration at JD shows, our new single “The Reason” is quickly gaining attention, and we are even in the early planning and writing stages of a new record. Thanks to all of you who have allowed us to minister for so many years. With your continued support and prayers, we’ll be here for many more to come. We love you all!

Here’s a message from Jesse:

Hey everybody! Jesse T here. Just wanted to hit all of you guys up and personally let you know of some things happening with me. I am no longer playing with Julian Drive. I love all those guys like family, but I have reached a point in my life where I felt God stirring my soul to move on to new things in my life as a musician. I have been in this thing for 7 years now, and it has been a great ride. I wouldn’t change it for anything! I believe God takes you through seasons, and I think this is the end of my season here. I have to say, it has been awesome! Thanks everybody who has been coming to shows and supporting JD. Y’all are the best!! Keep it up cause Julian Drive is still going full-throttle still and has some great music in store for you in the future! For anyone who is wondering, YES you will be hearing from me musically. This is just the beginning. God Bless.

White Chocolate Mocha

What’s up guys and gals! Just enjoying a beautiful day here in Athens. It feels great outside; not too hot and not too cold.  I spent this morning at one of my favorite coffee shops, Jittery Joe’s. I got a lot work done for some upcoming events, while sipping on a white chocolate mocha. Be sure to check our dates and make sure to come out to a show if we’re near your area!

I’ve been reading a great book lately called Reaching for the Invisible God. It’s a great read and I would encourage everyone to read it. It’s definitely making me rethink some things. A few weeks ago we were at a show and Shane got to the portion of the show where he opens up the time for prayer. He mentioned that if anyone had been struggling with different things in their life and was to the point of giving up, to raise their hands. I was deeply moved, to the point of tears, by the number of hands that went up. It seems to me that everywhere we go, we find more and more people (from students to adults) ready to give up on God and themselves! Who can blame them? I’ve been so far in a valley at times, that I too have wanted to give up. The pressures of life sometimes seem so unbearable! We cry out to God to answer our prayers, but what happens when we get silence? What happens when the “Why” is left unanswered? Don’t misunderstand me; I’m not saying God doesn’t answer prayers, because he does! The Bible also gives us accounts where God is silent. Look at how many times in Psalms where David and the other writers cry out, “How long Lord will you hide Your face from me?”

So what am I trying to say? What words could I possibly give to a father that has lost his job and kids in this economy? What do you say to a mother that has lost a child to an untimely accident or to a brother that has lost a sister? What do you say to the students that feel that the only way to release the pain they feel is to cut themselves or take their lives? To those outside the faith that look at the world around us and ask, “How could a loving God allow this?” Or to those that are of the faith and ask, “Why does our loving God allow this?”  Remember, Job often wrestled with these same questions. Job was reminded that, “no time-bound human, living on a rebellious planet, blind to the realities of the unseen world, has the ability to comprehend such answers (Yancey)” Does God cause these hardships? No! We can see it as a wonderful demonstration of human freedom exercised on a fallen planet (Yancey). Faith in God is difficult at times, but faith offers the option of continuing to trust God even while accepting the limits of our humanity, which means accepting that we cannot answer the “Why” questions (Yancey).

My prayer is that you can take a step in the trust direction despite the pain, silence, or confusion. The only thing more difficult than having a relationship with an invisible God is having no such relationship (Yancey). Philip Yancey, the author of the book I’m reading, tells a story of a Scottish preacher in the last century that lost his wife suddenly, and after her death he preached an unusually personal sermon. He admitted in the message that he did not understand this life of ours, but still less could he understand how people facing loss could abandon faith. “Abandon it for what!” he said, “You people in the sunshine may believe the faith, but we in the shadow must believe it. We have nothing else.” Find hope my friends in knowing He’s only “ONE STEP AWAY” (hint: listen to the words of that song)

Sleep Numbers

What up all you crazy peeps out there! It’s Monday night we just got back from Colorado where it snowed like 2 feet in some places. We only saw a little bit of it of the snow before it started raining. We finally arrived home at 6 a.m. this morning and so I’ve been resting it up today. Pretty good day…..you know……sleep! Anywho, just finished watching a movie “Marley and Me” perhaps you’ve heard of it. And no I didn’t watch it alone. I watched it with my wife. It was pretty good and also very sad. I won’t spoil it for any of you that haven’t seen it but it’s a good rental, so go check it out.

I thought I would give you guys a little insight as to who I am. Being “the new guy” I thought I would take this blog to really open up…you know let you see the real me! Let’s start with the number 15 and no that’s not my age! It’s actually my sleep number. How do I know my sleep number you ask? Well the Radisson Hotel provided us with sleep number beds this past weekend. You know, you can tell a lot about a person by their sleep number. So what does 15 tell you about me? Well, it obviously states that I’m a drummer. It’s also the number of pull-ups I can do with one hand tied behind my back. It’s on average the number of drumsticks I break every show. It’s the number of days it took me to swim across the Atlantic Ocean while wrestling a giant squid. It’s how many times I’ve seen the “Ninja Turtle Movies” (both 1&2) in the last 24 hours. And finally, 15 is the number of choice if you were guessing a number between 14 and 16. So with that said you can tell I’m a pretty cool guy right. Well I hope so…I’m out! Look for more from me later. Peace!

Vegging in front of a big screen…

Well, I’m sitting here on my computer half watching “Back to the Future II” (classic!) while trying to keep my mind focused on our upcoming events. I must add that I’m wrapped in a blanket because the AC is kicking up here. We actually do have to do a little bit of work behind the scenes:) It’s all good though because I’m sitting in the entertainment room in the home of some of our great friends in Texas; the Barkers. I have some very special people flying in tonight for the weekend (Colleen and T!) so I’m looking forward to that too. There’s talk of the JD crew and our friends here going skating Saturday between shows. We have no shame in that either! Skating seems so 70’s to me. All I can think about is a disco ball and “Staying Alive” or “Funkytown” playing in the background. In honor of that thought, I’m thinking of letting my mustache grow out for a few days, and buying some more 70’s attire, along with some gaudy sunglasses. It’ll be inspiring and we’ll post pictures if we go with that theme.

You guys stay tuned. We’ve finally got a new single in the works. More on that later….

The Art of Loading the Trailer

A much overlooked and important skill required of most, if not all bands, is the ability to pack all of your gear into your van/trailer.  Julian Drive has gone through several equipment/vehicle changes in the past and with each one comes a new or modified trailer pack.  But getting the gear in the trailer is only half the battle.  Keeping “shiftage” to a minimum is also a priority.  I’ll admit, we have had some casualties over the years from shifting items, but our most recent pack has seen little to no shiftage!

We are on tour with Article One right now.  Because we load out at the same time, I have been able to observe their trailer pack.  If it were a competition I’m not sure who would win.  They have a solid team lead by their bass player Mark.  They have less stuff to pack but also have a smaller trailer.  It’s a tight pack and I don’t see them having any shiftage issues.  One major difference that i have noticed is… spirit.  We’ve got spirit yes we do.  When Jesse brings out case he’s excited to get it on the trailer.  Loading this equipment is our true passion, not that “music” stuff.

 

*******Here’s an example of a good trailer pack gone bad.*******

Jesse forgot to lock the trailer door and when we took off, all of the cases started rolling out into the road.

Next Page »