I've been reading Joel Osteen's "Become a Better You" (background for an article I'm writing), and listening to John Tesh's music and his radio show, "Intelligence for Your Life."
All I need now is a Norman Vincent Peale book, a Dr. Phil show, and a Yanni album and I'd probably try to run for president of the world.
Tesh and Osteen know how to motivate people and give people a positive outlook on life.
I'm an optimistic person by nature, although like anyone I have my down moments, but I can see how Tesh's and Osteen's words of encouragement and Tesh's uplifting music can help raise the spirits of people who lean toward gloom and doom.
Sometimes I forget how easy it is to look at the glass as half empty instead of half full, and to start feeling sorry for yourself and sink into depression, insecurity and even despair.
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I did get home in time to watch the World Series from the 7th inning on (I used my phone to check the score during the Tesh concert). The Rays lost but it was a close one, 3-2. Once Brad Lidge gets on the mound for the Phillies these days, there's basically no hope for hitters. The guy's slider has been unhittable this year. The best thing the Rays can do is try to avoid close games so they don't have to face Lidge with the game on the line.
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Getting back to John Tesh's concert in Toledo, I was amazed that he and his band played a number of very Christian songs, including "Yes, Lord!," "Draw Me Close To You," and "I Can Only Imagine."
John also told the Stranahan Theater audience -- a jammed house, probably 1,800 people -- about the need to get out of the house and help others, do some mission work or find a ministry.
My wife Janet and I got to chat with John at intermission, and he said he never has gotten a complaint about being too religious in concert. I've interviewed him a number of times by phone so it was nice to finally meet him in person. He joked that when he sings "Draw Me Close To You" he doesn't look at his female singer, Chelsea Ward, or it might give the wrong impression.
I enjoyed the concert a lot, partly for the music and partly for Tesh's engaging showmanship.
There never was a dull moment with Tesh telling funny stories and offering conversational chats in between songs. He's a decent musician but probably better at composing and organizing and being a team leader. His keyboards and vocals were backed by a superbly talented band, amusing hip-hop dancing by Breeze Lee, and first-rate visuals with strobe and robotic lights, digital screen imagery, smoke machines and the like.

Here are a few photos I took at last night's show at the Stranahan Theater:

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Sylvania, Oho
October 23, 2008