Deep Calling to Deep

gog and magog

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:55:00 +0000

Well, it's been a long time since I have blogged....

I've been having a few dreams lately.... this one is important I think to document.. :)

In the dream I was sitting in very, very old times, way before Jesus, way before Adam & Eve. I was sitting on a bench.. to the right of God. I think it was Jesus, but I am not sure... He could of been the Father.

As I sat next to him He began to explain to me about the history of "Gog" and "Magog". Honestly, I have never heard of Gog and Magog.... so I had no clue what He was talking about. Just like with any new information, you are pretty clueless until the information is given... that's how I was... clueless.

He shared with me that "Gog and Magog" was a problemed geographical location on the earth from the beginning of time... from before Adam & Eve. He explained that this location on the earth has always been the site of major trouble. It first caused problems when Satan was banished from heaven. Satan and the Angels were cast down to earth and first came to this location... During their time roaming the earth, God was fed up with them and caused a "First" flood.

I looked at God with questionable eyes. He stopped talking and waited for me to ask Him a question... so I did... "I thought there was only 1 flood on the earth? And that you promised never to do it again?" He looked at me and said He did promise not to flood the earth again... during Noah's time. However, He had flooded the earth before Noah's time... way before Noah's time. He continued by telling me the earth had been around a very long time... longer than I realized. I was pretty shocked to hear this, but believe Him since I was sitting right next to Him... I could feel the warmth of His body heat next to me... pretty amazing.

As He continued on... He explained things that I have always wondered about... Where did Demons come from? Why is it that there are creatures like Giants? Where do some of the despicable creatures come from and how were they created? He didn't give me all the detailed and intricate answers, but He did say all of these things came during this time period and from "Gog & Magog". I didn't understand how sexually they could create.... He explained that Angels have the ability to take on human form. I looked at Him puzzled. He smiled and said there is a lot you won't be able to comprehend. I asked Him how they can do that? He laughed and said "I made them that way".

Continuing on, He told me that the land of "Gog & Magog" would again cause problems, but He would no longer allow it to go on. He explained it is Satan's first home and that home will be destroyed once and for all. While He was talking I was looking at Him and watching His facial expressions... He was pretty angry at all of the havoc this place has caused... but I could feel He was relieved that it would finally be over.

As He talked to me I listened but also had a supernatural understanding in my mind... if that makes sense at all... as He talked, what He shared became a reality in my mind and I remembered what He remembered... I know that sounds weird... but I'm trying to be honest.

So, with all that He shared, I realized this was the site of the first problem the earth received..... and it will be the last problem it has to deal with....

Oh, He was excited to create a new Earth... He did share that. I could feel He wanted the memory of that spot gone... I don't blame Him!!

Honestly, I have never heard the term "Gog & Magog" ... ever..... When I woke up this morning, I immediately typed it into google and found the passages in Ezekiel and obviously revelation... I looked all over the place for commentaries... every one has an opinion on the interpretation and what Gog & Magog are..... I guess it's time to really dig into it and see what God's word really says about it.... and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to me further on what to do with that info!!!

Sorry if you think this is weird.... it's a little weird for me also.... but again, I like weird! hehe..

New CD "ONE" release date!

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 01:34:00 +0000

Well, it's finally here.... the release of my cd entitled "ONE"!

It will be available on itunes and stores on May 15, 2009!

We are also launching a brand new website experience in conjuction with the ONE release date at www.robtremonte.com

The CD credits are as follows:

Produced by: Chris Lizotte & Randy Rigby
Recorded at: Summit Road Studios, Denver - CO Lizzote Studios, Laguna Niguel - CA & The River Sound Studios, Temecula - CA

Music & Lyrics: Rob Tremonte
Added Arrangements: Chris Lizotte, Randy Rigby & Marc Ford
Vocals: Rob Tremonte, Dawn Sibby, Janine Sylstra, Chris Lizotte & Ed Edwards
Guitars & Bass: Rob Tremonte, Marc Ford, Ed Edwards, Randy Rigby, Chris Lizotte & Jim Fletcher
Keys, Piano & B3: Andrew Schriener, Randy Rigby & Gyro
Drums & Percussion: Kevin Jarvis & Chris Lizotte (gota have more tamborine!)
Mix Engineers: Chris Lizotte & Rob Tremonte - The River Sound Studios
Mastering Engineer: Rob Tremonte - The River Sound Studios

From Russia with LOVE

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:07:00 +0000

What a great trip!! God moved powerfully, new relationships formed & a new respect for Russia and the Ukraine.... awesome people!

I will try and give a condensed version of what took place on the trip... here goes...

BEFORE THE TRIP:

Before I even left on my trip, I was under attack... My daughter has type 1 diabetes... she was having bad stomach cramping, which led to someone calling CPS (Child Protective Services) on us... suspecting abuse... For 1 week straight, they harassed us and even threatened to take my daughter away from us! They questioned our kids at school and came after us in every way... very demonic... very exhausting...

DAY OF THE TRIP: (Monday - Pacific Time)

Very busy.. I was in Las Vegas, with my wife, for my sister-in-law's wedding....very cool.... however, we had to fly out early am and then I had to go home, pack real quick and then head off to pick up my Dad and Rod Stinson.

We arrived at the airport, ate some food and then went through customs to board the plane....

We finally boarded the plane and the fun began... We flew on Aeroflot... and the minute we boarded the plane, they didn't speak English. The stewardess was already getting annoyed with me, because trying to find a place for my acoustic guitar was a nightmare... and on top of that... my laptop bag wouldn't fit into any overhead bin...

Once that was settled, the seats were so crammed... that when a person leaned back, they were literally in your lap! Poor Rod, who is a tree, didn't fit... When we took off, I immediately scrammed to the exit row, which had 1 seat. They Russian sitting by himself, wasn't too happy with me smiling and asking if I could sit down...

So, the flight continued..... for 12 1/2 hours... We flew directly into Moscow. We went through customs, found our bags, exchanged monies and took a bus to the next terminal for our flight to Perm. The weather was cold, snowing and dreary...

We had a long layover, so we attempted to learn a few Russian words, ordered some beer (Which has a much higher alcohol content than American beer) and sat, ate and drank for many hours...

We finally checked-in and went upstairs to board our flight to Perm.... while going upstairs we met up with Pastor friends of Rods from the Vineyard. Most from the US... we talked and finally boarded our 2 1/2 hour flight to Perm.

We arrived at around 2am Moscow +5 time (Russia spans 8 time zones).... exhausted and hungry, we were driven to our final destination, a Flat (which is an apartment).

The first thing I noticed was, this was not Las Vegas... and surely was not the Palazo that my wife and I had stayed in the night before...

My dad and I shared a very small room, with 2 single beds (that we barely fit in), a small toilet and a shower that was really a pipe coming out of the wall in a closet! I couldn't believe and thought... oh, crap... what have I done!

We attempted to sleep for a couple of hours, but couldn't.... so we talked, I called Moniqua on my SAT phone and prayed outside for the conference.

WEDNESDAY (Russia is 1 day ahead of the US)

We went downstairs for breakfast (the meals were included)....and had a rude awakening...

Our meal consisted of an egg, shaped into a square, served cold. A piece of bread with cheese and butter, and a packet of coffee... Oh, boy.... where's the Russian buffet? I ate it and attempted to humble myself...hehe... attempted..

After breakfast, we were told what to do... we were going on a tour of Perm and had to lead a group that evening... Ok, no problem...

We went on our tour with a wonderful guide... Anya.. I haggled her the entire time and we ended up bonding with her and the other wonderful people that came along.... Mike, Rachael (from the UK), Keith (From the US), My Dad, Anya and I...

It was snowing all day, but we tasted authentic Russian food.... Pancakes with meat rolled inside, coffee, pastries, Solianka (My favorite soup now...) and other tidbits...

After that, we were driven to the meeting place. My dad was so tired (remember, we are still on Pacific time) that he asked me to lead the meeting... I was exhausted too, but tried to push through it... We worshiped, the Lord moved and people started opening up and really got touched by the Lord.

Feeling exited, we went back to our hotel and slept...

THURSDAY

Today is the day of the National Conference... We rested, ate a chicken wing and rice for breakfast and started our day.

The worship team arrived, so I helped them setup their sound system and tried to communicate the best I could..... actually I did more sign language than verbal communication.... I smiled, pointed and called myself a "stupid americansky".... they seemed to understand that! hehe...

I played drums that evening.... Robbie (A Vineyard Pastor from Chicago) spoke and ministered and we called it an evening..... honestly, I was so screwed up on time... I couldn't keep my eyes open.. and I wasn't even tired.... my body automatically went to sleep without me telling it.... You could tell the people from the USA.... at around 6pm everyone was closing there eyes... not because Robbie was boring... but because our time was jacked up!

FRIDAY

We ate breakfast, some type of mash with bread and cheese..... and of course... instant coffee...

I ran out early, and practiced for worship.... After the morning session, Rod was doing a workshop on the Father's love.... He did a great job, I sang at the end and did ministry type songs.... basically sang over people...... People were being very strongly ministered to..... a different dynamic than the conference.... more deep, personal ministry....

I had to run back, afterwards to lead worship again.... this time... I was playing electric guitar... Robbie spoke again and did a wonderful job..... I guess he called me up at the end to help him minister, but I was sleeping in the Foyer on the couch.... probably snoring... how embarrassing.... I couldn't help it! I didn't mean too.... Sorry Robbie.... ;)

SATURDAY

I co-led with the 3rd Russian team.... Played Electric and then acoustic.... There was such a great cohesive sense of unity.... no matter if we didn't understand each other... music binded us together and there was power in it... awesome...

Robbie ended the meeting with ministry.... it was such a wonderful time...

We ended up going out to lunch with a bunch of pastors and people... developed relationship and was able to minister even out on the town...

Once thing I realize...... no matter what area of the world...... all the churches are going through the same thing.... They are dry and exhausted from trying to be organized and doing things in their own energy... We were able to bring refreshment and ministry back to them again... it was worth it...

That evening, we packed up and moved into the Pastor of the Perm Vineyard's house. Him and his wife allowed the 3 of us to share their living room, which isn't very big..... We slept well...

SUNDAY

We awoke to a wonderful breakfast of toast, cheese and some good darn Russian coffee. The Pastor was awesome and funny... I haggled him and we clicked right off the bat.... He loves fishing, so we talked about fishing and laughed with each other for a while...

I was feeling pretty sick that morning. I got a bad cold, but still had to lead worship at his church... I arrived, setup, tried to find songs they could translate real quick... mostly old Vineyard songs.... and started worship.... The people easily engaged and you could immediately feel the Holy Spirit moving on these people.

Rod spoke and did a wonderful job.... He called for Ministry time and the Lord started moving very quickly. These people know they are dry.... unlike Americans who know they are dry, but hide it ..... these guys don't care how they look.... they were coming unglued.... I continued to play ministry songs and sing over the people... My dad and Rod ministered... it was powerful.

Afterwards, we said goodbye to the people of the Perm Vineyard and went out to Lunch/Dinner... We had a great time of joking around and eating great food. Our 3 translators went with us... so conversation was good... ;) I really love them and saw them come to life while we were there.... It's amazing when God's Love is released how people change... very quickly...

We then went back and got some sleep for our early flight back to Moscow...

That evening...something happened that confirmed we were effectively ministering God's Love and Purpose....

At around 2:00am... I know this sounds really weird... but a demon came into our room... I was awake.... I was stricken and couldn't move..... it leaned over me... and began to whisper in my ear... it could barely speak English it seemed.... and said this...... "leave now ...... or...... else".... it said it over and over very slowly.... I tried to rebuke it in my mind, because I couldn't speak.... since demons can't read your mind, only God can, I started to get frustrated......... it then started sticking it's finger into the middle of my back and repeated it's threat..... "Leave now.... or ....else"...... It wasn't until Rod rolled over in his bed, did it let me go... I immediately called out for Rod and my Dad and told them what happened...

MONDAY

We flew out really early in the morning... said goodbye to the Pastor and hopped on our plane back to Moscow... We had a short layover, went through customs and headed toward our next stop....... Kiev, in the Ukraine!

Upon arriving in the Ukraine (which now we are 3 ahead in time)... I was feeling very, very sick. We were picked up at the airport by a group of young adults... mostly in their 20's I think... They probably thought I was rude because I didn't talk much.... I was so sick... I couldn't and also didn't want to breathe on Rod or my dad...

We arrived at our Flat... which was much nicer than the previous one.... 2 bedrooms, a TV, a kitchen, a nice bathroom and a couch.... of course... I slept on the couch... but honestly, I didn't care... I was just happy to have my own space and to have our own little place...

The Pastor of the people that picked us up was Sierge (I hope I spelled it right)... they were all so full of energy... and came to find out... most of his church, which is a Vineyard, is musicians!

We rested the remainder of the day.....

TUESDAY

We awoke to them coming to the door......We went to lunch with them and had great food and conversation. Kiev was much nicer than Perm.... you could tell they were more Americanized and wealthier....

After lunch I went back to the room to sleep.... Rod and my Dad went on a tour.... I slept for a while...

Early evening, Rod, my Dad and I tried some Sala (Curred and Smoked Pork Fat) with bread and some good Russian Vodka (The Russians use vodka to cure everything.... the even put it on cuts and wounds!)

That evening we had a meeting.... I brought my guitar and we went on a trek to the meeting place. We went on their subway.... and to get there you go down the longest escalator I have ever seen..

We got there and Sierge led worship, I accompanied him... we bonded immediately..... Then, the 3 of us started getting words for people and ministering.... people were getting touched...

We then took the sub and trekked back towards our room... we stopped first to eat and then slept well that night.

WEDNESDAY

We awoke... our translator came and took us to lunch. She took us on a wonderful tour around Kiev.... we took lots of pics, bought souvenir's and enjoyed each others company. We answered questions about church, the Father's love and was able to minister to her and Sierge throughout the day...

That evening, we ministered at Sierge's church. He led worship, I played electric guitar.... we prayed for people late into the night... My dad spoke and did a wonderful job... people were so receptive.

Upon us saying goodbye, people were crying that we were leaving... they called us spiritual fathers.... God was awesome and He brought life again to them.... and a new focus on His Love...

We went to bed and prepared for our early morning bus ride to Kremenchek (In the Ukraine)

THURSDAY

Sierge took us to the bus stop, said goodbye and we were off on our 4 hour bus ride to our final destination..

We arrived in Kremenchek and met the Senior Pastor of the Kremenchek Vineyard and his associate pastor. They drove us to our flat, which was right near the meeting place they had rented for the Father Loves You Conference.

We settled in, and then he came and took us out on the town. We toured the sites, ate some great food, bought some more souvenirs and enjoyed Eugene's company.

He finally took us back to the room...... Rod and my dad went to a small group and ministered that evening while I stayed back and rested. I fixed myself some cheese, crackers and just enjoyed resting... I was still sick and needed to rest to get my voice back...

FRIDAY

We rested in the morning. In the afternoon Eugene and a few other guys came and picked us up... we walked to a great Armenian food joint..... and feasted like kings! We had Lamb, pickled veggies and other great dishes....... good food, good friends and good conversation!

We walked back and prepared for the first evening session of the conference..

That evening I went over early to meet the worship team and to setup. The people were so nice and so accommodating... I did a sound check and prayed before the meeting started.

The first nights meeting was a little rough. The building was big and very, very cold.... they furnace wasn't working! So people were literally freezing in their seats! As I went up to play during ministry time... my hands were so cold.... but the Lord began to move... and soon the Holy Spirit was warming them up!

We left a little discouraged and got some sleep... praying the next day would be better...

SATURDAY

The morning session was so much better.... they had Coffee, Tea and food right off the bat.... Rod did a great job and was back in the saddle.... Ministry time was awesome and the people began to open up...

We went to lunch, waited for over an hour, still didn't get our food and had to cancel our order to get back to do the workshops....

Rod, My Dad and I did different workshops.

In my workshop I had a great translator. I shared on Understanding Who You Are in the Kingdom of God... utilizing the Life of King David.... I explained that the enemy didn't want them to know who they were in the Kingdom of God... as Sons and Daughters... and that their purpose transcends this life and into when we rule and reign with Christ and even beyond that... when He creates a New Heaven and New Earth.... I shared about all of the obstacles leading up to my trip and even during it... from being sick, to Moniqua calling me that the truck was busted and it cost $1000 to fix..... to the demon coming in my room and telling me to leave!

They obviously got the point... Ministry was awesome... God was giving me words for people left and right.... People that seemed hard during the main sessions began to break and receive God's Love....

We all ended up doing our workshops 2X.... so that people could go to 2 workshops...

My last one ended up running late.... so they came and got me as I had to lead worship for the last session...

Worship was great. Sierge was there from Kiev, so I had him come up and play acoustic with me and the band.... I ended up having some words for people during worship and we began to minister before the message...

Rod came up and did a fantastic job.... people were so much more receptive now and their entire demeanour had changed.....

Ministry was awesome again.... it seemed to keep getting hotter, hotter and hotter as the days went on....

As the ministry was starting to wind down, people wanted to rejoice for what God had done... so I called up the band and played my song called ONE... people immediately responded and started dancing, singing and it was an awesome end to such a great week of God pouring out His Love, Mercy and showing people there purpose!

After wrapping things up, we were taken out to dinner with some pastors... We ate incredible food... I mean incredible.... Meats, Roasted Vegetables.... Mushrooms that were pickled and then roasted over fire... Tomatoes that were fire roasted... just awesome...

We went back to our room and slept like babies!

SUNDAY

We woke up and were taken to the Kremenchek Vineyard's meeting place. Rod spoke and did an incredible job, we ministered and said goodbye to the people of that Vineyard. They gave us gifts and thanked us over and over again... I was so humbled and honored to serve them...

We went to a huge lunch with Eugene and were told to prepare for our final adventure... the Bania!!!! I will tell you what that is in a minute... hilarious!

That evening, Eugene picked us up and took us to the Bania. We went to a guys house, a member of Eugen's church and witnessed a famous tradition.

His house was a nice house with a large back yard. In the back yard there was a separate house... kinda looked like a pool house. Once we entered, there was a room, with a picnic table and benches..... bear and salty fish laid out on the table.... a shower......and a door leading to a smaller room...

After being told to get naked..... which I didn't do of course.... I wore board short.... we were taken inside the inner bowls of the Bania.... You see, the Bania is a Sauna... HOT... with 3 levels to sit in...

So, we sat in the Bania for about an hour or so.... then came the real Bania experience....

On of the guys... bring in a large bucket with hot water..... along with 2 branches full of leaves... about the size of a broom without the handle...

Everyone gets out of the room.... He tells me to go in and prepare myself. I sit on the 3rd tier.. which of course is the Hottest place on earth! I stay in there for 15 minutes and he comes in... tells me to lay down on my stomach.... He take the water in the bucket... pours some on the red-hot coals... the place steams up like hades!!! It's so fricken hot..... then... comes the fun.....

He starts slapping my back with the 2 branches... pounding up and down my body like a drummer for some band... He's grunting and screaming here and there as he pounds me into oblivioun! I stay very still and quiet, but all along... I'm on FIRE!! I'm burning so bad.... I try to focus on pretty things, soft, nice things.... nope... didn't work... I'm getting 3rd degree burns!

He then flips me over on my back.......ARE YOU KIDDING!!! He starts pounding all over the front of me with those evil branches...... My eyes are closed... but now my back and my FRONT are on stinking fire!!!! It's like someone being in a bad fire.... with their skin falling off.... and then someone takes a whip and start whiping them! *&&^$%$#$%%^^ OOOOOOUUUUUCCCCHHH!!!!!!!

He flips me 4 times by the way...... then He yells at me and tells me to get out! He leads me outside.... BTW... it's starting to snow.... I'm in my board shorts..... He pours a whole large bucket of ice water over me......!!!!!!!! WOW! Steam is rising off of me..... then, he sprays me with a garden hose all over!!!!!

Now, either this is tradition........ or............... they do this to stupid Americanskies.... only! Hehe...

After this, I felt like I was drunk! I hadn't even had any beer!

He then starts cooking, naked by the way....hehe...... on the grill...... meat, veggies....and other great stuff...

We all get dressed, go inside and have a feast!

After all of that... we are just completely exhausted! We leave late in the evening... say our goodbyes....and head back to our flat for a couple of hours sleep before we have to take the 4 hour bus back to Kiev for our journey home...

MONDAY

We leave our flat at 12pm and hop on the bus to Kiev... saying goodbye to Eugene and His Associate Pastor...

4 Hours later we arrive at the Kiev Airport.... Go through security and hop on our 2 hour flight to Moscow.

Once arriving in Moscow, we eat a little and go through customs to await our final plane to the good old USA...

While waiting for our plane, I had to get some gifts for people. Rod and I searched around for real Russian Vodka to bring back.... however, on Aeroflot.... you can't bring Vodka on board!!! WWWWHHHHHAAAAAATTTTT!!!!!! No Way!

So, Rod and I questioned every duty free shop there.... everyone said the same thing..... Finally, Rod went to the security checkpoint, the last one before entering the gate, and asked the guy if we could bring Vodka on board... He said YES! Yahoo!!!!!!! However, we could only bring 3 bottles.... So I bought 3 and some chocolate and boarded the plane with happiness and contentment!

The flight home wasn't crowded... so we could sit wherever we wanted for the 12 1/2 hour flight back to LAX. The stewardess was nice this time around and the flight was a pleasant as could be!

MONDAY (I know I already have Monday, but remember.... we go BACK in time...)

We arrive at LAX around 5:30 and go through customs.... Man... the US has tight security.... very organized... They had a line just for US Citizens... they looked at my passport and said "Welcome Home Rob!" Man, I am proud to be an American!

I watched the Russians go through customs.... they made them do a Retinal Scan.... a Hand Scan and grilled them on tons of questions..... Dogs were sniffing for bombs and drugs..... 4 security checks before finally meeting up with my Father-In-Law and driving home...

FINAL WORD

This was an exhausting, but awesome trip... God did amazing things and confirmed His purpose for my life....

I am designed to reveal not only the Father's Love, but to teach people who they are in the Kingdom of God and to release them into their purpose... plain and simple!

I am so grateful for developing relationship with Rod again and even more working as a team with all 3 of them.... we worked so well with each other....

The people.... what can I say... I was honored and humbled to serve them and would go back to serve them again.... They have huge hearts and God is bringing them freedom in a huge way!

And.... thank you so much to my wife and kids for allowing me to be away for 2 weeks to serve these people.... I know it has cost us all a bunch.... Thank you from the bottom of my heart... I love you!

******* PICS COMING SOON ************

Russia Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 04:03:00 +0000

Yep, I will be ministering in Russia at Vineyard churches throughout, teaching on Worship and Ministering!

Man, honestly, I was on the fence with leaving my family for 2 weeks, but God always speaks to me in some weird way... He never seems to speak plain english..hehe... always a dream or some other bizarre way of calling... This type of thing makes me look like a strange charismatic, but what the heck... I don't care anymore... He calls how He calls me.. all I can do is listen and obey. No matter how I look..

A month back, I was asked to go to several churches within Russia... I was completely on the fence.. wasn't sure if I was supposed to go or not, then here we go.... God gives me a dream.

In the dream, I was with 2 other people (The 2 people who I am going with by the way) and we were at a school facility within Russia. I was holding a big box in my arms. I wasn't sure what it was or what was in it... As I laid the box down, in front of thousands of people, I opened the box and inside was a bunch of bones and the tag on the bones said "The bones of King David".

To my amazement, everyone started rejoicing and worshiping. Some started to weep and some started to be delivered.... they chanted freedom!! and continued worshiping without cease!

I am not sure all of the details of what this dream means.... but I have a good clue....

See if you can figure it out or what your interpretation might mean... let me know... but for sure, I am now going to Russia... I just paid the expedite on renewing my passport and expedite fees for my visa... It's just a walk in the park now...

However, and hopefully, it won't be like a scene out of "Spies Like Us"..... with Chevy Chase and Dan Akroyd..... "Hey! We're Americans!!"...... the next scene:

Long Time - No Blog..

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 04:44:00 +0000

It's been a while since I have blogged... honestly, it's a wonderful way to get your thoughts down.... but, it has become pretty trendy over the years. I would rather blog when there is worth something to say..

So, I guess now... I have something to say....

For many years now, God has been teaching us to be good listeners. What does that mean?

Basically for us, to seek God daily..... and to do..... only what He tells us to do on a daily basis. It's been hard, but really rewarding... duh, shouldn't it be???? Hello.... We listen, God speaks and then we do... really simple Christianity.

During the listening process, God has instructed us to start a Saturday evening group and sow into people's lives... sow into them the Father's Love... that's it.... real simple. He has specifically told us NOT to get ahead of ourselves and try to create anything, but to let him bring who He wants to come... not to be worried by any numbers..... not to try to create a church.... but just to pray, worship, teach and minister the power of the Father to them...

During our short time, we have had some wonderful things happen. 2 people have been saved and brought into relationship with the Lord.., people have been receiving an incredible insight into the God the Father and Jesus's relationship with His Father...., powerful worship and ministry in the Father's love and most of all..... people have become family. People that have never prayed for anyone before are praying for one another and having words of knowledge. Our kids are being touched by the Lord and being released into purpose...!!! This is life for me and my family. And it is life for those who come. We have NO agenda. We ARE completely DEPENDANT on the Lord and His direction. We ARE focused to sense what He is doing and doing our best to follow. We ARE listening and doing the simple things He asks us to do daily.

My Father has been speaking at these meetings. He said something on Saturday evening that really struck me and it's a great visual of what God has done for us...

An eagle, who had fallen out of it's nest, was taken in by some chickens. Over time, the eagle grew up with the chickens... clucking, scratching and eating worms, trying to lay eggs... but failing. One day, it looked up to the sky and saw this majestic bird.. soaring high in the sky... moving swiftly... ever watchful and powerful. The eaglet asked the chicken family, what is that? That bird is incredible! "That is an eagle", the chickens replied. "It is the most majestic and most powerful of all creatures!" The eaglet was amazed and wished he too could do what the eagle did, however the eaglet believed he was a chicken. More time passed and the eaglet died.... never realizing that He too was an eagle... He missed his purpose and his destiny.

This story is what God has called us to do... to reveal to people that they too are eagles... that God wants to reveal Himself to them, Heal them of their pain and release them into their purpose as Sons and Daughters of the Living God...It's not about my family's purpose... it's about others purpose and serving them to the very end... even at the sake of our time, money and energy...Because, when you get more of Jesus... Jesus reveals the Father... and in the Father is Love.... a love for His children that goes beyond our comprehension.

To Serve

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 14:08:00 +0000

Moniqua and I have made a wise choice for the next Christmas season.. we will re-teach our children to serve and not to get...

Since we receive all year long, isn't it better to serve others as Jesus came to serve us?

So, from this point on...our entire family will give our time, energy and money to serving the poor during this season instead of serving ourselves. If we give a present to each other, it will be just 1... but the main focus will be serving others.

Even though December 25 is a tradition and not the real birth date of Jesus (No one is quite certain the exact month and date).... we will continue with the heart of why Jesus came, no matter what the date....

This is to honor our Lord, Saviour and God .... and to show that we love Him and the things that He loves....His people.

WAVES L3-16 Multimaximizer

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 18:30:00 +0000

In the world of recording, WAVES plugins have become a staple to hit records. I just recently purchased their "Platinum Bundle" and now have added their L3-16 Multimaximizer bundle to my studio. It is simply AWESOME!!

Waves tools are very expensive, but now I understand why as I move forward in the recording studio world.

Since getting the best sound is key, I am already at the point where I have received a couple of quotes for upgrading my entire system to:

-Pro Tools HD2

-Apogee converters

-Control 24

-Dgidesign I/O 192

-Universal Audio Card with UA plug-ins

-And a host of other outboard gear on top of my existing UA-LA610 mic pre's, eventide eclipse processor and BBE stuff...

Since I already get a killer sound out of my Pro Tools rig without HD, it will even be that much better! Thank God my wife Moniqua is very understanding and supportive! I love you!

ZION!

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 01:48:00 +0000

I just finished mixing yet another song.... entitled "ZION!!"

This one is a lot of fun... stop by http://myspace.com/rtworship and check it out... let me know how you like it... :)

Overwelm Me Again

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:33:00 +0000

Well, I just finished mixing a new song entitled: "Overwelm Me Again".

It's an original worship tune that has a vintage raw vibe and a longing hearts call...

You will also get to hear Marc Ford, formerly of the Black Crowes, playing lead guitar. Just to pre-warn you... he only used a crappy, 8" fender amp (not sure of which one) and NO effects at all .... dry as a bone.... but what great tone. Goes to show that great tone is in the hands of the artist..

Also appearing is John Schreiner on Piano and B3. John has graced the stage with Aretha Franklin, Paula Abdul and numerous other recording artists. He is a master craftsman in every word.

Chris Lizotte also sang Background vocals. Chris is a recording artist and a worship leader in Aliso Viejo, CA. He has some new songs just release from Vineyard Music Group on a project entitled: "Brighter Day"

Stop by and take a listen... let me know what you think!

Brighter Day

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 10:12:00 +0000

Stop by and check out this new song from my good friend, Chris Lizotte.

This song is new and just came out on Vineyard Music's Cd..."Brighter Day"

Crystal Lewis sings on this song as well!

If you're not familiar with Chris, stop by and check out his myspace page... He is one of the sweetest guys you could meet... even though he looks like the nutcracker! (Chris, that's Moniqua saying that not me... ;)

Recording Session

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 06:13:00 +0000

Today, Rich Kirkpatrick came over and recorded some wonderful piano and keyboard parts for Denver Berry, a local worship leader at The Orchard Christian Fellowship.

It always amazes me to see people who are completely sold out for the purposes of Christ. Rich is one of those people. Not only does his life ooze with the peace of God, but his playing reveals his real talent...... his heart.

Thanks Rich for doing a great job!

Revival?

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 22:47:00 +0000

Ok, I know you think I am the "Vineyard Guy"... but cut me a break.... all my life, even as a little child... even before I was born.... and before we even thought of going to the Vineyard....there have been incredible circumstances that surround me. I know your thinking...yeah, right... incredible all right... more like disastrous! Hehe.... that's not funny!.. (JK)

Before I was even born, the Lord used my birth to bring my dad and mom to the Lord. The doctors said I was going to die upon birth... and even if I lived for a short time, I would have major physical problems and would die shortly (Ok.. they were right about the physical!! hehe...that's not funny either!)

This was the start to a long history of hearing from God in a unique way.... not always have I been accurate... in fact I was told one time that the Manure is what make the grass grow! Mistakes happen, but that shouldn't detour you from moving forward...

With all of that said... the past few years for my family, upon moving to Temecula, has been a dry and long season with much grief. Day upon day I am thrust into questioning if God is moving anymore... Days, weeks, months and now years have rolled past.... and I have continued to question why we are here?

I would like to say that God has spoken oh, so clearly to us about our purpose here... but alas, I have no solid answer.... or do I? Did I make a mistake in moving to this place? Is this another mistake that I need to learn from? Another failure in a long, long laundry list that continues to give us a bad rap?

It is easy for me to give up now... because of exhaustion... because of uncertainty... because of confusion... because of fear... It is easy for me to throw in the towel and neglect all that God has sown into me... how quick we forget the majestic times... we wonder why Israel still built a golden calf to worship? Even when God moved the sea? When God led them by Fire and Cloud? When manna was provided? When Moses brought them the commandments? When water flowed from a rock? We would do the same thing....

Because.... they themselves relied on Moses and others relationship with God instead of having relationship with God themselves. They found security in the numbers of their community. Their identity was in the community... Take the community away and they were each alone.... just them...just God.... Just them and God! Individually.

I may not be interpreting this properly through written words, but God is doing that in me and my family. Stripping the very fabric of who we are.... stripping everyone.. and I mean everyone away.... all security gone. all identity gone.. til all that remains is the nakedness of our character and HIM.

It is then that He can reveal His Glory and Purpose through us... so that no man may boast. So the Glory of God remains the Glory of God and not of man.

I heard a message in the 80's... from a prophetic voice... someone who does not call himself a prophet, but is probably the closest to one in our time.... he said that in the last days there would be Joel's army... an army of God that is faceless... meaning... they have no identity......but God can entrust His Glory to them and they moved in incredible power of the Lord.. healing the sick, casting out demons, ministering to people day and night without tiring.... etc, etc...

It sounds hyper spiritual... if this will really happen will remain to be seen... but God IS creating a "Faceless Generation". I thought back then, that it sounded fun.. getting to minister in power to people... very cool...etc,etc..... but I had no clue... noooooooo clue.... of what it takes to become faceless!

Naked. Stripped and laid bare before God. All of the security of church and church family... gone. All security of a good reputation and success.... gone. You are totally bare of all. We are in the process and will continue to be in the process.... but here is a glimpse of light. And it just happened a couple of days ago....

After not really having direction.. I had a dream a few nights ago. In the dream I was being prayed for by a friend of mine, who happens to pastor in Aliso Viejo, CA. As he prayed for me in the dream... his voice got really loud... I could feel the presence of God, for the first time in a long time.... he said this to me: "IT HAPPENED IN SEPTEMBER IN THE 1800'S..... IT HAPPENED ON SEPTEMBER 11......... AND IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER...

After he said this... I started to sob in the dream and could feel God all over me....

When I woke up, at about 3:30am.... I went to my computer and searched about 1800'S... I am no history buff.... but, the first thing that popped up was on revival in the 1800's... I continued to search and found more stuff on the war, etc......

At about 9am, my dad called me.... just wanted to know what we were doing for the weekend... I proceeded to tell him my dream.... He stopped for a second and said are you kidding me? He explained that the Senior Pastor of his church... the one that was in my dream.... spoke on REVIVAL and shared on the REVIVAL OF THE 1800'S... and said that God had been speaking to him that REVIVAL IS GOING TO BREAK OUT AGAIN, IN A POWERFUL WAY, AND SOON! He continued by sharing that God is moving in Cambodia and revival is breaking out and thousands upon thousands are dramatically coming to the Lord, getting healed, demons cast out, etc, etc....!!!!! They are having massive stadium meetings, the government has given them the stadiums for free and is allowing all of this to take place....!! That is incredible!

So, what does this mean?

This dream is God's way of showing me that there is a goal. There is an answer. There is only One True God that knows the past, present and future. There is only One King that can turn nations toward His heart. There is only One healer who can heal the blind and make amputees grow limbs. There is only One Deliver who can deliver people from demonic bondage. There is only One who loves us so much... that He would speak through dreams to reveal His heart. There is only One who sees in us, much more than we can possibly be.

Is His way the easy way? Nope. But it's life. And no matter what happens, if this comes to past or not... this September or any September... I am laid bare before Him. My wife is laid bare before Him. My children are laid bare before Him. We have nothing... but Him.

If you are interested on what I found when I first searched on the 1800's here is the account:

It has been more than a hundred years since the last great national revival, that led by D. L. Moody, Finney and others. Prior to that outpouring of God's Spirit, the last great national revival was in the mid-1800's, preparing our country for the civil war. Before that, it was in the mid-1700's, preparing us for the American Revolution.

In the early 1800's a long-lasting spiritual awakening began in Newark, New Jersey with a day of humiliation and prayer for the mighty work of the Spirit. Christians banded together to pray for their pastors. Entire congregations were deeply moved through intense prayer. Ministers in pairs preached in prepared congregations and saw large numbers profess faith.
Charles G. Finney, who lived from 1792 to 1875, had a remarkable ministry that revived many Christians and God used his preaching to bring 500,000 to Christ. Finney said that the spirit of prayer which prevailed in his meetings was a very marked feature. New converts were so moved that they sometimes spent whole nights of prayer. A preacher named Daniel Nash traveled with Finney as a prayer partner. Nash would pray three or four hours a day. Finney himself spent so much time in prayer that he sometimes thought he was literally praying "without ceasing." Through prayer God moved mightily.

"Stop the mill, and let the people attend to religion; for it is more important that our souls be saved than that this factory run," shouted the owner of a cotton mill. It all began when two girls laughed at revivalist Charles Finney who was touring the mill. Suddenly they burst into tears as he drew near. Conviction spread all over the factory.

A powerful spiritual awakening swept through Troy, New York under Finney's preaching in 1826. A remarkable spirit deepened during the 11:00 a.m. daily prayer meetings. At one meeting a bank cashier was so burdened for the salvation of his boss that he could not get off of his knees. The whole group shared his agony. Soon their prayers were answered.

A young lady came to Troy, New York to buy a dress for a ball. Her cousin persuaded her to go to Finney's meetings. She was converted and forgot all about the dress and the ball. Instead she returned home praying for revival in New Lebanon and her prayers were soon answered.

A woman whose hometown was a moral waste and whose minister had become an infidel sought the help of Charles Finney who was preaching in a neighboring town. Visiting in her home he heard her praying and weeping in an upstairs room nearly all night. A powerful spirit of prayer and revival spread until nearly everyone in that town was converted.

In the spring of 1829, lumbermen came down to Philadelphia from the wilderness and were converted through Finney's preaching. They returned home to spread the good news. By 1831 they said that 5,000 people had been converted without a single minister of the gospel. People who had never before heard a prayer were now holding prayer meetings.

In January of 1831 in New York City thousands of Christians were praying as they had never prayed before. Churches were daily packed with overflow crowds. Conversions to Christ were occurring in all parts of the city. God was moving. New York had never before experienced such a great spiritual awakening.

IT.... IS.... FINISHED!

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:08:00 +0000

The studio is finally finished! It's a miracle! Except for a few leather sofa chairs and a round glass table.... it is done!

This is my first building project. I did most of the building, painting and sound proofing myself. It came out incredible and I couldn't be more happier and relieved that it's over...hehe

If you are interested in recording a project, I am now open. My rates are cheap, I have relationship with top studio musicians ( I also do session guitar work ) and I believe we can get incredible sounds!! to convey your music's purpose and heart. Contact me at 949-813-1335 or email me at rt@robtremonte.com

Here are some pics:

Making Absorbers

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 01:03:00 +0000

The studio process is now in the final stages... I am in the process of making Sound Absorbers, Bass Traps & Diffusors...

I was going to purchase high end solutions from Auralex... but for the entire studio, with their B22 Panels, SonoColums & Diffusors... I was looking at 2K and more..

I found out how to make them yourself and just as nice. Plus, I can do my own cloth colors to match the studio... Instead of the 2X4's for framing, I am using 1X2's.... thinner for my smaller environment, but just as effective...

Take a read:

http://pat.home.mchsi.com/SAP.html

Being Wounded & Our Response

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 04:55:00 +0000

Here's a blog I wrote in 2006 I thought would be good to repost... a few days ago I heard some people talking badly about someone who had hurt them... it reminded me of this post. Let me know where you're at with this..

Being Wounded & Our Response

Wounding is a natural course of life as people interact with people. We are delicate creatures, no matter how our physical strength governs our looks..... We are delicate and fragile.

When someone wounds us through words or even looks, our tendency is to completely pull out of relationship because we don't want to deal with the situation. We do not want further pain.

I am a firm believer that the above solution is wrong. The above solution is not how God intended relationship. I am a firm believer that no matter the situation (Except for actual physical violence that continues) we are to be vessels of love and continually offer reconciliation and a movement to restore any broken relationship... no matter the cost.... and not to look good, but to bind back together what is broken.

You know, how we react to problems dictates where we are really at!!!! It shows our own relationship with God!! It is like the smoke showing a hidden fire!!!

In order to pour out love and mercy, we must be in constant relationship with God - receiving love and mercy on a daily basis..... this type of transaction between God and ourselves will be poured out onto others. This is done not to gain position over someone, but to reveal the heart of the Father to them..... and when we are in relationship with God, we don't care whether we look good or not and we don't care if JUSTICE is dealt.......... because we will understand that Justice is not revenge, but Justice is that person receiving mercy and love so that He or She can be closer to their creator....... and if you have to loose your life to help fulfill that... so be it!

Transformers

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 06:39:00 +0000

I love this movie.... we finally were able to sit as a family and watch this movie... what a great flick!! Bumblebee is the best! He takes a licken, but keeps on ticken..

Thanks to Alex McLean

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 06:32:00 +0000

Hey a big thanks to Alex McLean (betterthanblank.org)..... He is the creative arts pastor at Life Church in Temecula, CA and an incredible creative arts guy he is... He has a real annointing with presentation and attraction through different types of media...

He gave me great insight on preparing a blog, making it attractive and getting it out to the blogging masses...

With his permision, and I hope this is ok with him, but I would be happy to forward the email with the info... just email me at: rt@robtremonte.com

Thanks again Alex!

A Dark Time - Resistant to the End

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 03:38:00 +0000

Today I was struck with the bad news of my Aunt (My Dad's Sister) having multiple fluid brain tumors and lung cancer.

She had been having dizzy spells and sinus pressure for 3-4 months. Her normal doctor had mis-diagnosed her saying she just had a really bad sinus infection and must keep catching some type of cold... It finally took her faining for them to really do a complete scan on her to find out what was wrong.

As of today, she is in ICU and must have immediate brain surgery, having some 2 percent of her brain mass taken out. They have told us that she may not survive the surgery alone, but if she waits even a few more days she may slip into a coma and not survive. Even with the surgery, which just removes the tumors, she still has cancer.

After the surgery she will need to learn how to walk, eat, talk and basically do anything a child can do all over again... provided she withstands the procedure.

My father, who is also a pastor, is the youngest and only boy out of 3 children. His sister with the disease is the oldest sibling and the most successful according to the worlds standards. She used to be Vice President of Apple Computers Europe and is heavily into money and succeeding in business. However, she does not know the Lord and is very resistant to Him in all ways...

This afternoon my Father went to pray for her. As he arrived and told her his intentions, she got angry and said... "Get away.. I don't need your prayers... I don't want to have anyone pray for me!" My dad told her the church (Vineyard in Aliso Viejo, CA) was praying for her... she yelled at him "Tell them to stop praying right now... tell them to stop praying.. I don't believe in God!" My dad calmed her down and obeyed her wish.. part of it anyway.. the people at church still continue to pray.. They have a 24 hour pray room were people book times and pray for needs of the church, area, country and world...

I spoke to my Father this evening and we were both amazed at the battle for her life. I was dumbfounded at the demonic struggle to separate her from God for eternity... even in her darkest hour, where most cry out to God for help, she is unwilling and truly is hardened... from what, we don't know.

So, please pray for her... even though you don't know her... pray God softens her heart and sets her free... that the enemy wouldn't have victory over her... That if God needs to take her home, that she goes home with Him... not with the one she has been serving all her life.... that if God chooses, she would be healed. But most importantly, pray for victory and that God would give us wisdom as we speak to her...

Jesus... only you can save her... right now, in this electronic blog, we petition you.. Come to her and reveal yourself. Holy Spirit, touch her heart and soften it. I pray you break the bondage that is holding her captive.. right now... that the darkness would flee and the truth would come ... that you would come Jesus and set her free. Touch her immediate family... quite their anxious hearts.. right now. Quiet them and through this circumstance.. let them all... them all know You are the ONE true God.. the only ONE who can save all of them... You are in complete.. complete control and You LOVE THEM! In Your name.. Amen.

Hang Drum

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:26:00 +0000

This thing is.......AWESOME!! I want one....

Here is info I found on the web about getting this amazing instrument:

Best you contact the manufacturer directly - although they don't even have a website...!

Contact: PANArt Hangbau AGEngehaldenstr. 1313012 Bern/Switzerland
Phone international: +41 31 301 33 32i.e.
from US/CDN: 01141 31 301 33 32i.e.
from other countries: 0041 31 301 33 32
E-Mail: info@hang.ch

Asker's Comment:
Well i know for sure that the email is write. I'm sure. all else is too. And to answer my own question a bit they cost about $1500.00 and you have to be put on a waiting list. They are not mass produced but made by 2 men in switzerland.

What is a Sound Engineer?

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:32:00 +0000

Here is an article I wrote a while back for Inside Worship Magazine on being a Sound Engineer...

Take a read :).........

WHAT IS A SOUND ENGINEER?
The title sounds sophisticated, educated and worthy of a $250K a year salary, but honestly, the real definition is SERVANT.

Another good term would be “Downward Mobility”. This is what Downward Mobility is according to the Bible: "For all who exalt themselves they will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted”. You go deep. VERY deep.

This type of mobility is not glorious, it doesn’t seek approval, it doesn’t seek reward, but what it does seek is drawing close to your heavenly Father, Jesus and The Holy Spirit and knowing and experiencing that all you need comes from Him. You begin to start seeing things differently. You begin to move downward toward being the last and not first, being the servant and not the master, you begin to look more and more like Jesus!What do you get out of it? Well, for starters you get more of Him. You draw closer, you spend more time talking and listening with your Father in Heaven, you start to see people around you—as He sees them, you don’t see people’s faults, you don’t judge, your more patient, your kinder, your gentler, you start to develop and look more and more as the creator has destined you to be! "The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, My servant also will be." John 12:25-26

Now, you get a glimpse into the life of a good “Sound Engineer”. It starts with a heart that craves to be a servant and to live a life that has downward mobility. A good Sound Engineer first and foremost has a dynamic heart. In today’s day and age, more and more churches have incredibly, nice sound systems. These systems require “technical” people. So these technical people come and run sound, but usually always come and go. They come to help, because they have a love for the music and the challenge, but they go because they either get offended, don’t get along with the worship leader or have problems with the people or the staff. This type of example is not the norm, but it happens quite often. We all search for identity, but musicians and sound people, in general, are very wounded people. This wounding can cause problems in and out of the church arena. It is important, as a worship team and as a church family, to begin to allow God to deal with our “pain” issues and to allow this downward mobility process to push-up our pain and let the love of God the Father heal and continue to move us to the goal of being a servant. We want to grow up and be healed before we grow old.

As a person that runs sound and interacts with people, the worship team and the overall dynamic of music, we need to understand this process and yield to it. By doing so, we are allowing ourselves to be broken, open and become a family in whatever local church body God has called us to. Then, when it comes time to get technical and to facilitate the dynamic of worship, we have a strong, strong foundation and the sensitivity to the flow, sound and dynamic will be powerful and anointed. You will now have experienced a “Lifestyle” of worship versus a technical understanding of worship that ends at the soundboard.

WHAT IS A SOUND ENGINEERS ROLE IN WORSHIP?
(Practical Steps & Biblical References)

· Serve the Master
Mar 12:30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment.
Mar 12:31 The second is like this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

Out of all the practical steps to being a good Sound Engineer, none competes or compares to serving God. Isn’t what this life is all about?

· Serve the Worship Leader
Mat 20:27 Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant,
Mat 20:28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

The Worship Leader has a lot of stress on his or her back. They have to worry about preparing, coordinating the songs, working with the team, serving the pastor and trying to do all of these things while still keeping their entire focus on worshiping God! That’s a lot to do no matter how you slice the cake. By serving the worship leader, you make them feel “At Home” and comfortable and give them the assurance that they are supported no matter what takes place during the worship set. You are their backbone. You are their champion. They can breath a sigh of relief knowing you will take care of them.

· Serve the Worship Team
Heb 6:10 For God is not unrighteous, so as to forget your work and the labor of love which you showed toward his name, in that you served the saints, and still do serve them.

The Worship Team needs your help. They need it badly. They have gadgets, they have toys, they have miles and miles of chords, but only you can help them manage that mess and worship the living God! So much goes on musically and sound wise on the stage, they need your support to decipher through the mess and to hear the proper sounds that will bind them to the rest of the team and create an incredible, responsive bond that leads others to worship.

· Learn
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.

There is so much to learn from time, people and the spirit of God. Commit yourself to continually be patient and learn. Learn the songs, learn the electronics, learn from others that have more experience. What you learn will be beneficial not only to yourself, but to the entire body of Christ.

· Be Responsible & On-Time
Mat 25:21 "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

This point is very important. I have run into so many sound people that come late and leave early. If you do this, running sound is probably not your call. The sound person is the first one there, the last to leave. He or she is responsible for the well-being of the equipment and the well-being of the team. This is a great task that has been appointed to those who can be trusted and faithful. By being responsible and on-time you give your best to the Lord and it shines to others around you.

· Develop Your Natural and Spiritual Ear
Mat 10:27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.
Mar 4:24 He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be given to you who hear.

The ear is an intricate device that requires training to hear the sounds and dynamics that make worship flow through the congregation and touch people’s hearts. Through years of discovery and biblical reference, I have found that certain sounds and frequencies can truly have an impact on people naturally and spiritually. An example of this is when David in the Old Testament, was called on to play his harp for King Saul. We see that certain sounds David played soothed King Saul and actually set him free in several instances. We all know that anointing from God is a majority part of this kind of example, but we can tap into this level of natural and supernatural sounds by training our ear to hear what God is doing in and through our daily lives. This includes music and all that surrounds it. If we truly seek what He is doing, our natural and spiritual ear becomes more attentive to the move of His spirit and then allows us to effectively communicate that through modern technologies and techniques.

· Master Your Craft
Psa 33:3 Sing to him a new song. Play skillfully with a shout of joy!

Most of us, especially us Americans, can become stagnate and lazy in our approach to how we train ourselves. The minute we hit our “Comfort Zone” of abilities, we cease to continue down the road of expanding and sharpening our swords. Learning how to master the craft of sound will take a lifetime of dedication to the art of serving, hearing, listening and implementation. Not one of us is the master, except the one who continues to strive for a skillful humbleness, not perfection. We do want to give our humbled best before our Lord God and to train others down this fruitful path.

· Know the Sound You Want to Achieve
1Co 14:7 Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they didn't give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped?

Knowing the sound is like remembering the numerous times you had your favorite meal. The first time you tasted the flavors you were instantly captivated. You thought nothing was better. When you were finished, you were exited to taste it again. Afterwards, the flavor lingered in your mouth and on your palette. You couldn’t remember all of the flavor, but you had a good aftertaste that you did recall. Now, after time has passed and you had that flavorful meal over and over again, you retained the memory of the flavor in your head. When you thought of the delectable dish, you remembered pretty much everything about it. Well, sound is the same way. Your ear is the palette and it can retain information and be trained to remember over a period of time. Give it time and be sensitive. You will be captivated, you will remember and you will be able to recreate that sound over and over again like a fine meal.

· Know the Songs that are being Played
Psa 77:6 I remember my song in the night. I consider in my own heart; My spirit diligently inquires.

Knowing the sound is great and achieves a lot, but it doesn’t help the flow and transitions during a musical worship set. It is extremely important, as an intricate member of the worship team, to know the songs that your team is going to play and how they are transitioning from song to song. Knowing the parts of the songs will help determine what you do with the sound during the set. Which leads to my next point...

· Create A Dynamic Flow During the Set
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them. (God had prepared a dynamic flow for each of our lives)

When you learn the songs, as in the previous point, you will know what to do with sound for each song and the transitions between the songs. We will go into this subject in detail a little later in this manual, but let me give you a taste test. If you have a song that has a woman vocally leading the song. Well, immediately you want to lower the volume of the worship leader and boost the woman so that she is the dominant sound in the mix. Then you might want to add some effects, like reverb, when she is at the end of some vocal lines. Then during the song, the keyboard player is doing a nice synth patch that really ties things together, so you boost him a little higher than normal. Now comes the electric guitar to do a screaming, crying solo that will really emphasize what the song is saying. So you boost him, lower the keyboard, etc,etc. You have just created a dynamic flow for that song. This takes practice and playing around for some time. I will try to explain this better as we go on.

· Be Sensitive to God’s Presence
John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you.

God is continually doing new things in our midst. As sound-people, we need to be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit is doing with the worship and in each person’s heart. When running sound, we need to adjust and maneuver sensitively to facilitate the spirit of God! The previous topics in this section, when practiced, will help your sensitivity with the sound of music.

· Take Care of The Equipment
Luke 16:12 If you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?

Have you ever went to check the mic’s and they seem to have a fowl odor? Or what about the soundboard. Maybe you haven’t seen your soundboard in the past 3 years because of the 3 inches of dust on it. This is common sense. Be responsible and take pride in the equipment that will help you run sound and that the church is responsible to keep in good working condition. Pretend it is a baby and it requires your complete care and attention. The better you take care of the equipment, the longer it will last and the less it will give you problems. Plus you are honoring God, because remember: It Is His Equipment!

· Be Extremely Humble
Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits.
Jam 4:6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
Jam 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.

DUCK! Here comes another ego…. GET OUT OF THE WAY! Anger is rolling down toward the sound booth…. There is no way out of it. When serving God you put yourself in harms way. It is guaranteed that you will encounter warfare on numerous levels. Maybe even from the people you love and trust the most! Guard yourself and remember to humble yourself before the people and before God. This is very difficult to do, but allow yourself to bend, bend and bend some more. Don’t stop being humble. If you fail, pick yourself up and try again. You will yield to the development of character in your life that God is seeking and that He sees is more important that anything else

Studio Almost There...

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 17:35:00 +0000

It's a miracle!!!! My studio is almost complete!!!

With the help and humored entertainment of local worship leader, Denver Berry, we started the faux painting process that my wife and I dreamed up by spending 2 hours at lowes yesterday....

It was hard picking the color to best match my Cherry wood floors, but it was also hard to decide on colors that would be bright & artistic... inspiring the musician to produce the best tracks...

We decided on a faux look that resembled fire and brought out the light in the room.. even when it's dark! It's coming along nicely and will be done today. The electrician is coming later today to finish up the outlets, sconces and dimmers.... all the lighting will be complete as well.... the only thing left is the floor, installation of the 2 1/2" pieces of laminate glass in the control room window, the moldings and finally the tuning of the room with foam from Auralex... Not much foam... but I've purchased these kits: SONOFLAT SYSTEM & T'FUSORS (For the ceiling).

Here are some pics of the painting process.... :)

Encountering Reality

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 15:42:00 +0000

Since I was a little boy, having Godly, supernatural experiences always surrounded me.... from having words of knowledge about someone, having angels appear in my room and being scared out of my wits to having Jesus come in my room and tell me that He loves me..... and then running in to my parents room to tell them what happened (8 yrs old)..... what seems like very weird circumstances have always surrounded me.... trust me... not by choice....

It sounds like something out of a book or a overly imaginative science fiction freak...... but encountering the reality of the Kingdom of God is what reality really is.... unfortunately, sin and our own arrogance have kept us from this reality.... and as I have grown... and as I have been injured more and more by people.... and as I have allowed my own arrogance to become the forefront of who I am..... I have noticed that those experiences have diminished..... I still have words of knowledge... and still see some great things happen within the presence of God.... but not like when I was young and believed God was everything with my whole mind, soul and spirit..... it's different now..... or is it?

Matthew 19:14:
14Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

The Lord has taken me through much, much difficulty... in my estimation of difficulty... but in comparison to others who are plagued with death, hunger and other horrible things.... it's not difficulty... It's selfishness thinking that I have struggled more than the others in my area, my circle..... however, outside of that circle, I am the blessed... and I didn't even see it....

I.... We..... All of US who have the Spirit of God within.... must lose what we know.... what the World has taught us.... what we believe is reality...... to become like little children again..... to let go, to rely on the One True Cornerstone...... to NOT be the religious leaders who scoff at what God does.... for the sake of fear...... but to embrace what He does because that is who He IS.... WAS and WILL BE........

Read this passage and I hope the points I share with you jump out as the Holy Spirit speaks to you... vs. 40 especially for all of us...

Mark 4

The Parable of the Sower

1Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water's edge. 2He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: 3"Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times."
9Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
10When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12so that, " 'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'[a]"
13Then Jesus said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14The farmer sows the word. 15Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown."
A Lamp on a Stand
21He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? 22For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
24"Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. 25Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."
The Parable of the Growing Seed
26He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
30Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 32Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade."
33With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
Jesus Calms the Storm
35That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." 36Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"
39He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
41They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

Truck's Fixed!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 17:04:00 +0000

After the fiasco in Mammoth... after all of that..... I had the truck towed to Temecula Ford... fixed in a couple of hours!!!!!!

If you ever break down in Mammoth and own a Ford vehicle.... never, never, ever.... bring your car to Eastern Sierra Ford..... what took a couple of hours to do.... they couldn't even do it... and they still tried to milk me for the diagnostic fee... even though I hadn't authorized it....!!

Wow... Well thank God it's over and the truck is fixed.... now I have to drive both trucks up there to drop of the rental..... so, I'm on the road again....

The Saga Continues

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 15:38:00 +0000

(Read the previous post to catch up on this nightmare of a tale... true tale that is...)

Well, the saga continues.....

After Bishop Ford told me the truck would cost $3700 to fix, not including the 2 weeks to complete and the $1100 rental fee....... I decided to call locally in Temecula to see what could be done...

the Ford dealership off of Ynez Rd. told me a new head didn't have to be put on... they can do what's called a "Time Insert Kit".... basically put a piece where the bad threads are (The spark plug blew out in one spot and ripped the threads) and then the spark plug screws into that piece... the cost is only $600 bucks !!!!! big difference.... however....

I have to tow the vehicle 400 miles... luckily I have a plus membership from AAA that covers 100 miles... so it will only cost me $1200 to have it towed..... at least the car will be near me... however....

It poses a problem, because now I have to drive the rental car all the way back to Mammoth and have my wife follow me in the newly repaired vehicle!!!! The rental will only cost $600, but I will have to pay gas for both trucks which will run $300..... so.....

My grand total for this issue is............ tada....... $2700.00............. I saved a couple of thousand dollars...... I guess that is good news!! Thank you Lord!!

Mammoth Vacation???

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Tremonte) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:06:00 +0000

Mammoth, oh Mammoth.... why do you torture me???? Your so beautiful, yet so ugly....

Let me explain.... On Thursday, we drive the long haul... excited to get away and enjoy my hometown.. a place to fish, relax, eat well and spend quality time as a family... yet, there is always something looming to steal joy... and when I mean steal... I mean robbery at the highest level!

After arriving on Thursday, we had a great meal.. played some cards and went to bed with the butterflies and excitement of our next days fishing and hiking adventure to the outback above Tom's Place... what awaited us was not expected.

I drove from Mammoth to Crowley... almost to my turnoff I heard a loud POP! Then my engine started sounding like a race car.. PUT, PUT, PUT, PUT,PUT AND MORE PUT is all I heard. After pulling over, my Dad and I pretended to be mechanics... "Oh, I think we blew a tire" he said... "No way, that was metal hitting metal" I said.... After 15 minutes of getting out wrenches and pretending we knew what to look for... we decided to close the hood and see if we can make it back to Mammoth, which was 15 minutes away... Thank God we made it!!

I dropped the car off at 1 mechanic who kindly said it would be an easy fix as it was the spark plug that blew out... WRONG! Yah, the spark plug did blow out, but it took the threads with it... it was now UN-THREADABLE and requires a $2500 new head.... all because 1 spark plug was cross threaded.. meaning someone put it in wrong when they did the last tuneup... :)

After calling every shop in town to see what could be done, I talked to a nightmare of a Ford dealership... Bishop Ford or better known as Lack of Customer Service Ford. WOW! What horrible customer service.... after speaking to the service manager, she had no sympathy and said it would be a week before they could do anything.... I had no choice I had to rent a vehicle, to seat my 6 family members, have the car towed by AAA to the dealership and come back in a week when the car was done... oh, and drive back home again....!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE BTW, the rental will cost $900 by the time this is done...

So, I called AAA to come tow the car... After waiting for an hour and a half, I called again to see where the driver was.... the dispatcher responded..."He is stuck in the sand and has to be towed out... He won't make it until 8am the next morning"... HUH?????? a tow truck driver stuck in the sand.... WOW! Ok.... I went to bed with the plan of waking up in the morning, sign for my car to be towed and finally go on with my family hiking and fishing adventure....... WRONG!

I wake up and meet the driver at my car... He doesn't seem to be the sharpest tool in the shed... not that I am either, but he fell off the train! He tells me everything will be fine... He will drop the car off in Bishop at the Ford Dealership... No Problem.... WRONG!

I go back to the house to take a shower and get ready for our fishing trip. We leave the house at 10:00am... just before getting on the 395 my dad says "Hey, isn't that your car over there? I look to my right and see the same tow truck driver, with my car on the side of the road... I pull a U turn and pull up behind him.... I get out and he is tightening the straps on the wheels... I ask him "Why are you still here???? Why is the car not in Bishop already???? It's been 2 hours?????
He replies "Oh, I had to remove your drive train so that I could tow the vehicle... since it's a 4 wheel drive I had to remove 4 bolts to disengage the drive train.."
I was livid!!! I told him I had not given him permission to do that, etc, etc... I was furious.... I said to him... "Get in the truck, and get my car to the dealership now!!!!! Don't touch anything else in the car..."

I hopped back in my rental Expedition, with my family and continued on my fishing journey... All the way there... I was dumbfounded.. just dumbfounded... After we finally arrive at our destination was I normal again... I did my best to put it aside and enjoy myself...

We hiked back 20 miles into the wilderness... passing lakes.. beautiful landscape and yes... snow in September.. it was chilly out.. We fished, ate, laughed, hiked and just had a wonderful time... I totally forgot that I was missing my car and would have to drive 800 miles round trip to retrieve it... not to mention fork over monies for the rental truck, the repairs, the trip back out to retrieve it.... none of it entered my mind!!

The rest of our stay was great... On the way home... the adventure continued... I won't say what happened next, but let's just say it involved a crazy driver, the police and me and my sunflower seeds.... as Forest Gump would say... "That's all I have to say about that"....