Thursday, April 9, 2009

The Modern-Day Fast





We have been discussing the topic of fasting lately in church and I got to thinking about a modern-day approach to fasting. I don't think it's something revolutionary, but I think it is something worthwhile and difficult to do. Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. During this time, you put more of your time into prayer and truly getting connected to God. Sometimes, we get wrapped up in what is around us that we lose focus on God. So, I got to thinking what if we gave up the internet instead of food? I don't think it's a new idea, I've heard of people giving it up during Lent Season. So, it's nothing new. However, I honestly feel that it would be difficult especially with the popularity of social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Youtube, and more. Everyone is constantly on the Internet and I'll be the first to admit that I'm practically always on the Internet. When I had my iPhone, I had access to the Internet 24/7. It might be embarassing to say, but I would find it easier to give up eating food for a period of time than not using the Internet.


So starting tommorow (Good Friday) until Easter Sunday, I am doing this modern-day fast. Instead of using Internet those days, I am going to spend that time in prayer, reading the Bible, and truly focusing on the meaning behind this Season, the resurrection and life of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Back To Photography



So, I've been getting back into my photography lately and it's been something to do while I'm waiting on the whole employment scene. Over the past months, I had the opportunity to shoot a wedding with Christine (http://www.integrityphotography.net/) and Brandi (http://www.branditphotography.com/). They are wonderful and inspiring photographers. They inspire me to just get better and improve on my photography skills. Recently, I had the opportunity to work with Crystal Blanche, a JU student. She was awesome to work with and had a great energy about her. We worked to come with ideas and poses for our shoot and came up with some great ideas. We worked with an "Angelic" and "Modern Native American" theme, which resulted in some pretty interesting images. I'm looking forward to the next photoshoots...

If you want to see more of my photography, please visit: www.myspace.com/rednersalongaphotography






The Melting Pot

I suppose I'll begin using this blog for other purposes besides songwriting...so, welcome to the most random thoughts by me. It'll be a melting pot of this thing we call "life."

Random Thought #1: Life has been absolutely great lately, I've just been doing the things that I love from traveling, music, photography and food. But I must say, it sure does suck waiting for a letter that could determine the next few years of your life.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Exposed

"Exposed"

Written by Redner Erald Salonga
Arranged and composed by Redner Erald Salonga, Val Clemente, Dan Clavio and Per Clemente

This is what I have to say…
Will you please listen and stay?

I want to let you in
But, it’s hard to do
I’ve been hurt before
Time’s passing through
I’ve held it in
Time to let it out
Now, all my thoughts keep pouring out

I’m opening up to you
Exposing all, I’ve been through
No more, hiding away
It’s all coming out today
I know, I’ll be okay

I was afraid
So, long ago
Thank God, I found
Where to go
Do you understand?
To live in fear
Like I have
For all those years

I felt let down
So many times
Like, no one
Didn’t mine
I felt alone
And on my own
But, I never let it show

This is all I had to say
Finally, exposed today.

© Redline Productions 2009

Joy

"Joy"

Written by Redner Erald Salonga
Arranged and composed by Redner Erald Salonga, Val Clemente, Dan Clavio and Per Clemente

Is it over now?
This is something they say
But, in the darkest nights
I can still find my way
I see clearer now than ever before
Cause you opened my eyes and opened these doors

But, when the storms come and the clouds appear
Just a simple prayer and they all disappear
Then, the joy comes like the shining sun
It’s not my will, but yours that is done

I feel you
This is something so real
No more worries
No, nothing to fear
For you’re here now
And with you, I’ll stay
Cause your always in my heart
Through it all, day by day

Oh, the sunshine is bright on my life
Got rid of this pain and all of this strife
Just called you here and you drew me near
Now, I’m living for you

© Redline Productions 2009

Renewed

"Renewed"

Written by Redner Erald Salonga
Arranged and composed by Redner Erald Salonga, Val Clemente, Dan Clavio and Per Clemente

Everything changes
Things just need to move on
Winter to Summer
Spring into the Fall

And our time is fading fast
How to make each memory last
And the tears that I have cried
Will soon turn to dust

You’re the only one
Who can stop the rain from falling down
Who can overcome
All the things found in this broken heart
Come and take me as I am
Fill my empty life
Let me begin, anew
This is the season
To start my life
Renewed

I was burdened
Needed to find the way
Went down that road
So, lost and astray
Now, the time is ending soon
How to live my life for you
And the pain so deep inside
Please all go away

Renew me
From the inside out
Consume me
Show me what you’re about
I’m desperate
I need you now
Lord, I know

© Redline Productions 2009

Escape

"Escape"

Written by Redner Erald Salonga
Arranged and composed by Redner Erald Salonga, Val Clemente, Dan Clavio and Per Clemente

I just want to be alone
Sick of sitting on the throne
Stop staring at me
Stop blaming what you see
Living isn’t easy

Lord, hide me away
Escape me to your secret place
Where I feel safe
And all my cares just seem to fade
Please take me there
Just take me

And there are some days
Where you want to runaway
But you have no place to go
No one even knows
Living isn’t easy

This is your secret place
I’m here, just you and me
Into the light of love
Where I can be so free
Just hold me close to you
Make me feel brand new
I need you here with me
Cause with you, I’m complete

© Redline Productions 2009