Sigh of Contentment...

So, I decided to take off Thursday & Friday this week for many reasons...I needed it hardcore...No question about that...But also because next week I won't get a day off-- being Holy Week and all...

And I feel good...I feel ready to tackle the week ahead. My sister & I hit up Woodfield on Thursday and while I did gte a cute new dress, didn't buy anything really...But it was nice to be out and about and at a relaxed pace and not feeling like I had to hurry through the store to beat traffic or because I had another appointment. It was nice...The company was good too!

Today, I didn't really do much of anything...I got to sleep in and play lazy this morning...Played with Joseph for a little bit...Then finally got aclimated for the day and Sta & I went into Rockford and I spent a few minutes in Barnes & Noble-- my most favorite store! And I took my pizzle into Best Buy and it turns out the hard drive is bad , so they have to send it out to be repaired/replaced...That made me very sad especially because I'm making a trip out to West Virginia/Ohio in a couple weeks and now my pizzle won't be humming along with me...It makes me sad, but I was even sadder that it wasn't working anymore...I just hope my laptop gets finsihed in time for me to get it before I leave! Ahh! Anyway, then after that adventure...I got ready to head out for dinner with Charlotte, which was a good time. We haven't sat down and chatted for awhile, so it was nice to catch up and see what was going on in one another's lives...Then, went shopping at Cherryvale Mall for a bit...Notice a trend from my weekend?

Now, I'm back at my parents' house by myself and kind of enjoying the quiet...It's nice to be able to reflect on these couple of days and just breathe...Not have to do anything else...Even though I know what's right around the corner and it starts tomorrow with the town Easter Egg Hunt! But, it's a wonderful time and celebratory of what life has to offer...Plus on Easter Monday, I'm going to get to see three of the coolest people! Chad, Jeff, Sara, & I are goign to be retreating together...Ah, that'll be fantastic to be in the middle of WV with some amazing people and just be...What a concept! Just be...

So, one of the things that I've learned over the past few weeks is to expect the unexpected. I've gone into conversations where I was sure that I knew the outcome. And honestly, based on previous experience, I probably would have been right...But in some conversations, you know how you build something up and then the complete opposite happens? I was entering into a conversation recently where I was expecting to get into a huge argument and debate...All while I was getting ready for the conversation, I was making up the talkign points in my head and making sure that I was ready and I was set for an argument...Well, when the conversation happened, it was nothing near an argument, but rather a heartfelt conversation and sharing of one person's pain and something that had been kept silent for such a long time and I was entrusted with the information and the care of the person's soul...Wow, what a humbling experience...I literally went home and wept for half an hour...For many reasons, for the person and their soul, for my soul, and for my ego...And that's not the first time nor the last time...It's been a recurring happening over the past couple of weeks...So, I'm trying to remember to expect the unexpected...

Now, it's time to put my jammies on and turn in early...

A different way of review...

Okay, my cable was out tonight, so I didn't get to see the show...It's waiting for me at my parents' house...In the meantime, I have listened to the MP3s of the performances, so my review for the night will be done that way. For those who saw the show, please feel free to add thoughts because performance means a bit more when you can see it!

Chris Sligh--It was decent...But, a little pitchy. Pretty good emotion behind it although I'm not fond of the echo-y thing that went on with it! Unfortunately, I'm not sure if Chris will stay around for very much longer...

Gina Glockson-- Vocally her best performance! This was spectacular-- she sounded amazing, good range, good pitch...Great song choice! She really does know who she is as an artist and picks the right songs for her voice.

Blake Lewis--Sounded decent...Kinda boring in comparison to other performances of his. Again, I'm not sure if seeing it would do anything different to my opinion. I don't think that he's in trouble of going anywhere...

Chris Richardson--Sounded original again, which is fantastic! Unfortunately, it was very, very pitchy...He also sings through his nose, which is hard to listen to...I don't think that he deserves to go home just yet, but in all honesty, I'm not sure what he can do to improve

Jordin Sparks--I'm not sure if this was the right song choice for her, but she did well with it...Her lower register doesn't seem to be quite as strong, but she still sounded okay...Again, I don't think she needs to worry, and I'm not sure what the judges had to say, but I worry about her getting too cocky...

Haley Scarnato--Okay, a little pitchy here and there...Not much emotion came through on the recording...Not sure if it did in her performance or not, but she has to step it up some more...I just don't think that she's in the same league as the other girls especially...

Lakisha Jones--What can you say about Lakisha? Yes, she can sing...Unfortunately this is another one of those typical "diva songs" and I'd like to see her branch out some more, but I'm not sure that would help her further her career...She's a wonderful singer no question, but I just don't see her as marketable and that's just as much part of the equation...

Phil Stacey--I'm still not a big Phil fan and this sounded kind Karoeke-ish to me...Decently done, but nothign that I would rush out and buy...I don't think that he should really be there...

Melinda Doolittle--Again, what to say about Melinda? This song seemed to work on her lower register a little bit more, so it's nice to hear that range...A good song choice, not overdone (if done at all)...How marketable is she though?

Sanjaya Malakar--Oh honey...He really needs to go home...Keeping him there for much longer isn't good for anyone. It's really cruel the way that some people have latched on to this campaign to vote for him as the worst (Howard Stern & votefortheworst.com)...He's only 17...Granted, he's not good enough to be there, but come on...He's not even an adult yet! He should go home...But, I'm not sure if he will or not..

Bottom Three: Sanjaya, Chris Richardson, Phil Stacey (I'm really torn on this bottom three...I could rotate Chris Sligh & Haley Scarnato in there really easily)
Going Home: Sanjaya (I'll put him to go home until he does!)

Everyone's a Critic

Well, last night I went to the Portable Sounds tour in Rockford...And I thought that I should offer my thoughts on the show, basically just because I can! The bands that played were: Family Force 5, Building 429, Thousand Foot Krutch, and Tobymac. What follows are my thoughts from the evening...

Family Force 5--These guys opened the show and going in, they were the ones that I knew the least about. I haven't heard any of their music before, but I've heard their name mentioned...So, let me say that I knew going in that I wouldn't know any of their music, but I thought maybe I could give them a fair shot...Whatever open mind I had went away when they walked on stage in animal costumes...Like big pink & purple monkey suits and a giant dog costume...I couldn't understand how that was their gimmick...But, a little piece of insider information: a friend of a friend of my sister's fiancee (got that?) talked with the pastor's son, who said that Family Force 5 had stolen the costumes out of the children's closet at the church and that the pastor was none too pleased about it...Anyway-- Family Force 5 was just plain awful...It was a scene of pure idiotic madness. I couldn't understand one word of their songs, and what I could understand was silly...Okay, I've admitted that I didn't understand most of their lyrics (because I couldn't make them out), but I didn't hear much about faith or Christianity...Except for their awful theology that they spewed from the stage which seemed to be dropped in just to be able to be called a Christian band...Maybe I was missing something in the lyrics, and I have no idea of their hearts and where their beliefs and faith is, but the random Jesus' dropped were distracting...Plus the best line of the night went something like this: If you love Jesus with your whole heart, you should practice what you party because it's just going to be a big party in heaven....They played for 19 minutes and it was 19 minutes too long...

Building 429--There couldn't have been a more awkward transition between Family Force 5 & Building 429...No way are they in the same genre nor are they in the same league. I will admit that I was familiar and quite enjoy Building 429, so I was looking forward to seeing them perform! And I have to say that they didn't disappoint. While they seemed awkward within the lineup their music and the flow was strange, they were amazing performers. What they showed on stage was an authentic performance and how they wanted to show their faith. The songs were great and the muisc was wonderful. I would have liked to hear how they performed "I Believe" in it's entirety, but they way that they insterted it was effective and necessary. They also left the stage on the song "I Love You, Lord," which is a praise song...I think that it's nice when bands do that because it takes the attention off of them and back on what they have been singing about for most of the night. Because, then of course-- who are you applauding for at the end? Their applause & screams were considerably less and I wonder if it was confusion over who to applaud for, if they were the least favorite, or if peopel didn't think about applauding for God...

Thousand Foot Krutch--The only song that I know from them is "Rawkfist" and while I wasn't completely excited to hear them, I wasn't dreading their performance...The first couple of songs were okay-- while they're a harder group, I could understand most of their lyrics and they weren't terrible...But, my sister & I did leave during their show to peruse the merchandise tables...From what I could hear from the outside, it still sounded okay. I heard that one of those pink monkeys joined them on stage...Which just isn't necessary....We heard a couple more songs, including "Rawkfist" which was a great performance, might I add! They were decent...still not my favorite, but not nearly as bad as Family Force 5...

Tobymac--I'd be lying if I said that I didn't go to the concert just for Tobymac...I've seen Toby about 5 times before this and I know that he doesn't disappoint-- he always brings an energy to the stage and I love his music! Tonight was no exception...It was fantastic! His set went for about an hour and a half, but it was such a great mix of music that if it had been a meal, I would have left very satisfied! I was musically satisfied! He played just enough songs of off Momentum that were appropriate and in a slightly new mix that sounded great...He played some of the best from Diverse City again in a slightly new mix and some medlies which were great...Plus, he always busts out some old school DC Talk...I was disappointed not to hear the whole song of "In the Light," but loved the mix that he did with that and "All In"...Great stuff! And the stuff from Portable Sounds was pretty awesome too. Wonderful show-- the dancers and musicians all look like they really enjoy what they're doing...My critique of the sound was that it didn't sound like Nirva's mic was up as loud as it could be and it was hard to hear her sometimes...Which was disappointing because I think she has an amazing voice. At the end, a blue monkey joined on stage for a number, which again...not necessary...But there was also a blond haired little boy jumping and dancing alongside the rest of the group and I'm pretty sure it was Toby's son Truett (especially because they said Tru-Dog at the end, Truett didn't rap, just danced)...

Overall it was a good show-- Take out Family Force 5 and it would have been better....On a scale of 10, I give it a 7...

Barabbas

Barabbas
Barabbas…It’s not someone who is commonly talked about…I mean we mention his name, usually around Easter and we might know why we mention his name…But not much is mentioned about his life or who he was…But he has a big part in the story…Have you ever wondered about who Barabbas was? Where he came from? How he ended up in the place that he did? Well, this morning we have one possibility of what his story might sound like…
(Monologue)
Barabbas…So many things that we can speculate about him! There are so many things that we don’t know about who he is or where he came from…There are a few things, like the meaning of his name, which would probably suggest what his family did for a living and that he was a Zealot and we have an idea of what the Zealots did…But the rest of the details are a mystery and yet he is important in the story of Jesus…It came down to a question of Jesus or Barabbas and we know how the crowd decided…
I often wonder how Barabbas felt that day…Do you think that he celebrated when he found out that he was free? Because if you were sentenced to death and were suddenly freed, don’t you think you’d be a little happy? He had much to look forward to rather than looking at his death on the cross! This could have been his chance to turn everything around and be a completely different person—to give up his life of murder and robbing and do something else…And yet, we don’t have his story afterwards either…Did he give up his life of crime and start over or did he go back to his ways? It almost seems like we have more questions about Barabbas than we do answers!
So, what do we have to learn from Barabbas? Because surely, we don’t want to learn his life of crime and imitate that…I’ve been thinking about this for awhile and I’ve had a hard time coming up with anything, to be quite honest…I mean with the other characters that we’ve looked at during this Lenten season, they’ve been followers of Jesus or we can learn something from them, but we have so little to go off of Barabbas and the little that we do have is not good…So, what can Barabbas possibly teach us?
Perhaps it’s not so much what Barabbas did, but what Barabbas was a part of…Barabbas was part of the larger story—he was the option between Jesus and the cross…
We’re all a part of that larger story too…This story that is being written and told about our lives and what’s happening in our world. I’ve said before that we all have stories, and our stories are important and need to be shared with others. I was thinking of Barabbas last night as we watched the movie Invisible Children. The documentary is a stirring story of these children in Africa who are being forced to become soldiers in a war that is devastating lives…The movie tells of a story of children who are commuting hundreds of miles every night to remain safe and have a chance at life…It tells of a story of children who are seemingly invisible…Barabbas is seemingly invisible.
Now, it’s hard to put Barabbas with these children, absolutely…I mean the children aren’t criminals by their own choice…But their stories need to be told just as much as Barabbas’ and ours…Just as much as Jesus’ story.
We’re coming to the end of Lent and next Sunday is Palm Sunday! It’s a celebration of Jesus arriving in town! It’s the beginning of the story…Come and listen to what this story has to share and what it is that we can share within this story, because there is much to see and to hear…And much to tell…

The Most Christian Show??

As I was waiting for my kitchen floor to dry, I decided to catch up on the programming that I've been taping the last week...I was silly and mopped my broom in the kitchen, so I couldn't do anything else...But it was good and forced me to sit still for a few minutes...At least I think it was good, I've still got a lot of cleaning to do since the road crew from Invisible children is staying at my house tonight! But, I digress (by the way, the kitchen floor is still drying, I'm not procrastinating, really...)

One of the shows that I watched was Scrubs and I absolutely love this show! It took me awhile to really become addicted, I must confess, but I suppose I really reconized it as an addiction now that it's on Comedy Central a bajillion times a day!

The past episode was awesome and if it weren't for a few scenes, I would love to show it to my "God, Why?" class on Tuesday night, but since I'm not sure of the age range, it wouldn't be appropriate and even if it weren't multi-generational, I still think that people would be upset at the sexual references and the TV-appropriate (but not church-appropriate) language...Another topic for another day...Anyway, one of the plots in the show was nurse Laverne was trying to convince Dr. Cox that everything happens for a reason, namely God's reason...Laverene is a born again Christian and often times interjects some religious humor into the show (not that others don't either), but this episode was particularly poignant...I won't spoil it all for everyone, because I think everyone should watch it-- I'm sure it's on youtube somewhere...and it's a "to be continued" episode...

But it reminded me of an essay that I read recently and for the life of me I can't figure out where I read it! I'm sure that I could google it, but that would take up too much energy...Someday...

Anyway, this essay called Scrubs arugably the most Christian show on television...And as I watched this recent episode, I had to think about that more...Yes, there are the religion jokes tossed in (like Laverene telling JD that getting an abortion would make Jesus sad or telling the doctors that they have to answer to Jesus), but even beyond those there are the poingant statements that are made in the midst of caring for patients and recognizing some of life's mysteries...Yes, it's a comedy, but it is so much more than comedy-- I think the word might be dramedy?

I wish I could remember all of the arguments and/or credit without plagarizing...I do remember reading specifically about the theme song-- "I'm no Superman...I can't do it all on my own..." Hello? Now, I don't know who sings the theme song or if they even recognize it as having religious connotations, but I think it's a recognition that spirituality permeates culture, whether people recognize it or not...

I get tired of people who claim that we should cut off all the "secular culture" and focus on God...It's the argument about Christ & Culture really...Sure there should be responsibilty exercised with each decision related to the media, but excluding so-called secular media just because it's secular would mean that we would miss out on the kinds of shows like Scrubs because they don't have enough Jesus' per minute...

The same can be said of music as well-- why listen to only Christian music? We'd be missing out on so many poignant lyrics and songs by people who are seeking just as much...Of course with responsible judgement!

If you haven't watched Scrubs, I highly reccommend it for a million and one reasons...I would suggest especially watching it this next week, I'm interested to see how they wrap things up and what the lesson is that's learned...I'm sure that there will be much to discuss from it...

Idol Chatter

Okay, I watched the show last night and I must say that it was much better than the week before. Still some awful performances, but much, much better! The celebrity mentors also seemed to give really good feedback, not that Diana Ross didn't, but they were really constructive.

Haley Scarnato-- She did much better tonight than last week, enough to keep her out of the bottom, but I agree with Simon that people will be talking not about her singing...She was shaking it all over the place and needed some support, if you know what I mean...If you're going to shimmy all over the place, maybe a halter top isn't the best thing to wear...

Chris Richardson-- For the first time, he didn't sound like Justin! It was awesome! He needs to watch sounding nasally, but I thought it's been his best performance because he really sounded like Chris. I still don't think he'll go all the way, but maybe if he stays original there'll be a place for him in the market...

Stephanie Edwards--It's hard not to compare to previous contestants and with that song Nadia from AI 4 really knocked it out of the park! Stephanie seemed to lose steam and ran out of breath a couple of times...It wasn't strong and powerful like I felt the song should be. Also, still not original...

Blake Lewis--I have to say that Blake sounded wonderful tonight-- he focused on singing and making the vocals sound good...Plus he performed-- finally he did both together! I was very impressed with Blake's performance, but I think it's one that you have to see in order to enjoy, I'm not sure how Blake would do in recording...

Lakisha Jones--She has an amazing voice, there's no question. I'm also very glad that she chose a song that is new and not one of the typical "diva" songs...Very good! I still am not sure if she'll go all the way though, and even if she does, will she sell albums? I mean look at Fantasia & Rueben who were both comparable to her style and voice...

Phil Stacey--I've not been a real big Phil fan and although this sounded a little bit better than previous performances, it still wasn't good...I think he's in real danger of going home tonight...

Jordin Sparks-- Oh my goodness...She was nothing less than amazing! I thought that her performance was just stunning...Yes, she's 17...But actually in looking at her and her size and body frame, she doesn't look 17-- And her voice doesn't sound 17...I think that she could go all the way, but again-- is there room for her in the market?

Sanjaya Malakar--Okay, it was nice that Snajaya broke out of his shell a little bit, but this performance was awful...It was shrieky and shouting and just awful...There is no reason why this young man should still be in the competition...No reason at all...

Gina Glockson--She was okay, I'm glad that she's sticking to her style, like Chris Duaghtry did...It wasn't an amazing performance and there were some problem points, but it wasn't awful...

Chris Sligh--Vocals were wonderful...He can absolutely sing! I agree that he did need to loosen up just a little bit while he was with the audience, so that made him look nervous...But a great performance...Just don't use the "fro patro" tagline like Taylor used "soul patrol"....

Melinda Doolittle--What more can you say about Melinda? She is so incredible...Just amazing vocally and her modesty is so refreshing...Like Lakisha & Jordin, I just wonder if there's room in the market for her...

Bottom three: Phil Stacey, Sanjaya Malakar, Stephanie Edwards
Going home: Sanjaya Malakar

How does this happen????

'There are secrets in the house. We don't tell.'

This story is so heartbreaking...I can hardly read the articles that have been printed detailing what this little girl went through before she died. I just don't even know what goes through people's minds...One of my favorite books is A Child Called IT by David Pelzer because it details his triumph and survival through one of the worst child abuse cases in California history. This story of Melanie Beltran mirrors that story except for the fact that Melanie was murdered...

In a house of five other children and a baby born the day that Melanie died, she was the only one who was physically abused...How does that happen? How can one innocent child be picked out like that and tortured? What tells a person that's okay? In this article, the children admit to hitting their sister as well, but it was because they were told that was acceptable-- while those children weren't phyiscally abused, their minds and spirits were tortured as well...I can't even begin to say how much my heart is broken for those innocent lives that have been torn apart...

I'm not a supporter of capital punishment and I don't think that the death penalty really works in the way that it claims to...I don't think that there is a reduction in crimes nor do I think that it helps a family in their quest for justice. As Ghandi once said, "An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind." But...in this case, is it meritted? How does one defend this person? Also in the article, the defender said that his client is not an animal and while that is true, it is also difficult to see that in the midst of the details that have been released. I can't even imagine that this will go to court because I can't believe that there's a possibility to be found not guilty...But of course, innocent until proven guilty. The other person that needs to be held accountable is the father. He may not have physically touched this little girl, but he is just as guilty for allowing it to happen and not doing anything to stop it...Even if you're not physically abusing your daughter, how can you stand by while someone else does? It's inconceivable...

For all those children around the world who are hurting and being hurt...

Can you hear the prayer of the children?

On bended knee, in the shadow of an unknown room

Empty eyes with no more tears to cry

Turning heavenward toward the light

Crying Jesus, help me

To see the morning light-of one more day

But if I should die before I wake,

I pray my soul to take

Can you feel the hearts of the children?

Aching for home, for something of their very own

Reaching hands, with nothing to hold on to,

But hope for a better day a better day

Crying Jesus, help me

To feel the love again in my own land

But if unknown roads lead away from home,

Give me loving arms, away from harm

Can you hear the voice of the children?

Softly pleading for silence in a shattered world?

Angry guns preach a gospel full of hate,

Blood of the innocent on their hands

Crying Jesus, help me

To feel the sun again upon my face,

For when darkness clears I know you're near,

Bringing peace again

Dali cujete sve djecje molitive?

(Croatian translation: 'Can you hear all the children's prayers?')

Can you hear the prayer of the children?.

Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene
There is a lot of talk about Mary Magdalene…Who she was and what kind of a relationship she really had with Jesus. Many people have many different opinions and there have been many misconceptions about who Mary Magdalene was. Maybe hearing Mary’s story from her own perspective will help us understand more…

(monologue)

The story that we have that introduces us to Mary Magdalene, and Mary Magdalene to Jesus is the story of Jesus casting out the seven demons in her. The other stories that are attributed to her, we don’t really have proof that those women are her. In the portrayal, that was addressed, but can you imagine if she really were here today and hearing all that’s being said about her? How much of it would she be offended and hurt that people think those things about her?

Most of us have thought of Mary Magdalene as a woman with questionable character. I know that I have, in fact when I was in high school; I portrayed Mary Magdalene in a play and portrayed her as a prostitute. Put yourself in Mary’s shoes and think about how you would feel if hundreds of years after your death, someone was portraying you in a play as something that you weren’t…Or even if someone was doing that to you now…

If someone is talking about you and portraying an image of you as something that you really aren’t, how does that make you feel? Maybe if it’s something good, we don’t correct people…But if it was something that was not so good…Wouldn’t you want your name cleared? The problem for Mary is that she’s not here to clear her own name…

Here’s what we do know about Mary Magdalene…She had seven demons cast out of her…She followed Jesus to his death and was one of the first to see him at his resurrection…She loved Jesus and Jesus loved her…Although she wasn’t one of the twelve disciples, she was considered to be in his inner circle, especially because she was there when he died.

Mary teaches us loyalty…Even in the face of being killed herself, when most of the other disciples had run away, Mary remained…She took care of Jesus’ body after it was taken down from the cross…She risked herself again as she took the perfumes and spices to the tomb…Mary remained loyal to the Messiah and to God. Oh, if we would remember that about Mary!

Mary Magdalene is an example to us of how to be faithful to Jesus even in the midst of difficult times. There were many times that Mary could have left, but she didn’t…She kept her faith in Jesus. Let’s remember that of Mary and more than just remember the faithfulness of Mary Magdalene, let’s live that faithfulness for ourselves…

Top 12 Recap

Here it is! My recap of the Top 12...I just finished watching it this morning since I had a meeting last night. Overall, I really wasn't that impressed with the show. It's the first one, so I think that the nerves just took over...

Brandon Rogers-- Oh, Brandon...No where near his best performance. He was pitchy and he forgot the words and let everyone know it...I think he's on the bubble as it is, so I hope that he doesn't go home...

Melinda Doolittle--What can you say? She is amazing! Her vocals are spot on and her heart is on the stage! I really put her as front runner...Her modesty is refreshing

Chris Sligh--I did not like this arrangement, but I think that it's awesome that he tried to bring his own flavor to it. I don't know that previous contestants have done that! I hope that he sticks with who he is and doesn't try to change his image for the show...

Gina Glockson--Diana Ross was right, honey-- annunciate! She dropped ends of words and phrases...Explode your consonants! It sounded okay-- great song choice for her.

Haley Scarnato--I'm not sure that I saw the stage presence that Simon saw and I thought that the judges were way to easy on her. It was a mess...pitchy, she forgot words, no sparkle...

Phil Stacey--He just cannot start songs...The beginning was horrible! Toward the middle, he got into his groove, but I still think he sounds like someone else-- who is it???

Lakisha Jones--No doubt, a great song choice and not one that a lot of the previous "divas" have done (although it has been done on Idol-- Mikalah Gordon)...I agree it was very controlled and there is no doubt that she can sing, but is she the American Idol? I see her going home around the middle of the competition...

Blake Lewis--Again, I give credit for trying to make the song his own, but it wasn't necessary...However, if he hadn't made the updates-- it was an awful song choice for him! I'm really glad to see the judges give him some negative feedback because I think he's been getting a little cocky...Although I like the beatboxing, I'm glad he didn't do it tonight!

Sanjaya Malakar--An absolute disaster...I've said before that he can stay on pitch and he has a good tone...Tonight was the opposite...Just awful-- I honestly can't come up with anything good to say. He absolutely should be going home tonight!

Stephanie Edwards--I didn't tell that she forgot the words, but I wasn't blown away...She did good, but she really needs to do something to make herself memorable...Honestly, I don't see her winning and there's no place for her in the market right now...

Chris Richardson--Seriously, everything that he does says "Justin Timberlake"...Get original!! I didn't hate it, but I didn't like it...He's also go to do something to be more original, otherwise there's no place in the market for him either...

Jordin Sparks--I think it was a lot pitchier than the judges did and they oohed and aahed over
her...Is she the one they're pimping this year? She has an amazing voice and wonderful talent! This wasn't the vocal that I would have put her in competition with Lakisha & Melinda with though...

Bottom Three: Sanjaya, Haley, Brandon
Going Home: Sanjaya

I have shed innocent blood...

Well, yesterday after all of the churchin' activities, I went up to Belvidere to see my brother who is going to die today...I needed to be up there for his last meal and his last night...I'm still waiting for the call this morning...By the way, he's being overly dramatic-- he's just getting his wisdom teeth out...

Anyway, I had a good night up there with lots of laughs and I even filled out a bracket (which I've not done before!)...But it came time for me to come home because I needed to be here for Monday...I'm not a big fan of driving home in the dark, but I can handle it. I do it back and forth from Chicago, but that's not as many country roads...

As I was pulling out of the driveway, I thought to myself, "Oh, this is the start of Spring, so the deer are going to be out more, I should watch out." And I continued on my journey, with my trusty ipod humming along and I singing along with as well...I ventured along my way, sometimes forgetting to turn off my brights when cars would pass...All the while, keeping a watchful eye for what was going on around me.

I made to 2351st Rd...Which is maybe 15 minutes from my house...Country road, but pretty
well travelled. Lake Holiday is there...Northville and the Northville Cemetary...

I was tooling along, thinking "Yay! I'm almost home!" When there it was...Just before the Northville Cemetary, I spotted it...It seemed liked things were happening in slow motion, but it was so fast...A deer on the side of the road...As I slammed on my brakes, I watched as it started to go across the road, looked at my lights and started to go back, then started back across again...It didn't get very far on it's way across the road, when it met with my car...Then it flew in the air end over end and landed in a ditch someplace...I, myself, had a few choice words...Some that I'd dare not repeat in certain company...Shaking, I pulled over to the side of the road, repeating some of those same words...And I wanted to cry...I caught my breath for a minute and got out to look at the damage...But you really can't see anything on a dark road at night! Still shaking, I got back in my car and called the first person that I always knew I would call if this happened...I called my Dad. Yes, I was an hour away from Belvidere, but I was still going to call my Dad! The car is driveable, so he told me I just needed to contact the local authorities to get it cleaned up...It wasn't in the road, so no need to worry about that (I don't know where it was though!)

So, I called 911 and talked to a dispatch operator, who was pretty patient with me...I should have explained that I am directionally challenged, but I was still shaking and upset...After five minutes of saying the same thing, we finally figured out where I was (I didn't know I was on 2351st Rd, that was the first problem!) and he gave me instructions on what to do...So, I got out and tried to look at my car again and look at the damage done, then got back into my car and said those few choice words again...Put my car in drive and went home...

I haven't gone out this morning to look at my car...I'm not all that excited about having work done to it...But, there's only one place I trust to take my car...Any of you that live in Belvidere, take your cars to Hyser's...They do a great job! I'm not sure if they're more expensive than others, but they are thourough and make sure that the car is good before they send it out...So, I'll call them later this week to get an estimate on the damage done and what needs to be done...File a police report about where I was and what happened...Call insurance and find out what needs to happen there...Say a few more choice words...Then, feel guilty over killing an innocent animal...The poor little deer...

I think I might need something stronger than coffee this morning...

Judas

Judas
Judas probably isn’t someone that we like to spend much time thinking about. His name is stained from the moment we read it, because we know the whole story and the Gospel writers tell us over and over what Judas’ sin was. Have you ever thought what went through Judas’ mind? How could he have gotten to the place he did? Well, this morning we have one way of how Judas could have responded.
(monologue)
Judas was a human being. Oh sure, he had his faults…He was stealing from the treasury, consulting with the high priest, and betraying Jesus…We don’t really know why he did it…We can speculate and assume several things and the Gospel writers have even said that it was an evil spirit or the devil that possessed Judas to make him do the things that he did. We’re not in Judas’ mind though, so it’s hard to say for sure…
Have you ever put yourself in Judas’ shoes before? Have you ever thought what you would do? I guess it’s harder to do that than to say be in Peter’s shoes. Because it’s easier to look at someone who’s done something wrong and say that we would never do anything like that. And maybe that’s true…Maybe we wouldn’t…but…Now, in the portrayal from this morning, Judas wants us to think that we all could do just what he did, and I suppose that it’s true that we all have the potential…But, we don’t just have the potential to do something bad, but we all also have the potential to do something good. Look at the other disciples, surely they had the same opportunities as Judas—they were in Jesus’ inner circle, people must have made them offers…But Judas was the only one to betray Jesus.
In the Garden, Judas approaches Jesus for the final act of betrayal. He gives Jesus a kiss…What was going through Judas’ mind at that point? Was he confidant in what he was doing and secure that he was doing the right thing? Or, like this morning’s portrayal, was he scared out of his mind? The Gospel writers don’t tell us…They just tell us his actions and then what Jesus said to him.
After Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, Jesus calls Judas “friend.” Can you believe that? Jesus calls Judas “friend.” Now, I don’t know about you, but I don’t think that I could call someone who just betrayed me my friend. Doesn’t the old saying go; you can pick your friends? Don’t you usually try to pick people who will be nice to you and not betray you? And if, by some chance they do, do you still call them your friend? A friend is someone that you can trust, that you can depend on, that has your best interests, that comforts and challenges…Not someone who will turn you over to someone for money! Yet, Jesus calls Judas “friend.”
Now some could say that it’s just recognition of Jesus that the time has come and things are going to happen the way that they should. He is to be crucified and that’s it. Jesus calls Judas “friend.” He continues to love him through any sin that he has committed…He offers grace and forgiveness…
Knowing the story, we know that Judas doesn’t accept Jesus’ grace and forgiveness…Oh Judas feels bad about what he’s done and he tries to reverse things, but it’s too late…And instead of accepting Jesus’ grace and forgiveness, Judas goes another way…
That grace and forgiveness that was offered to Judas is offered to us still…Jesus doesn’t take away the offer no matter how big we think the betrayal is…Jesus still calls all people, “friend.” That grace that continues to nourish us as we grow in our faith…That forgiveness that sustains us through our journey…Jesus calls to all of us, “friend.”

America Voted

It's not a secret...I'm an American Idol groupie...I watch the show every week and wait to see if America got it right or not...I listen for what quips Simon will make, how many times Randy will use the words "dawg", "yo", "that was hot" or , "I wasn't feelin it" in his critique, and how many times Paula will stand up and cheer...I do and I'm not ashamed of it...There may have been a time when I planned activities around Idol, but I've gotten comfortable with my VCR now...But, here comes my first post of the season...Because we are now in the top 12...

Gina Glockson-- I hope that she sticks with rocker edge that she's got, but she is really multi-layered. I think she's got a unique sound, but I'm not sure that I see her as a front runner

Haley Scarnato--Seems like she's sweet...Shouldn't be in the top 12 though-- how did she get voted through? I'm not sure she'll last when put up to some of the other stronger competitors...

Blake Lewis--He is very original and breathes fresh air into the show. He has done well every week...Although, I think that he's a better performer than a singer...I don't think he's going anywhere for awhile!

Brandon Rogers--Vocally, he is fantastic-- so smooth and tonal quality is gorgeous! I'm not sure that he has the pizzaz though...He absolutely puts his heart and soul out there, but with some of the other performers, he could get lost

Jordin Sparks--Amazing voice and she's still in high school! Fabulous and a great energy. The only thing with her is I don't really see her going anywhere after Idol is over (and she doesn't win)


Lakisha Jones--Okay, there's no denying that she is an amazing singer. But, I don't hear anything original in her either...She needs to pick better songs-- songs that fit her voice but haven't been done before. I'll bet that at some point she sings "I'm Every Woman" and that's just too cliche...She's not going anywhere though

Chris Richardson--Somewhat talented in that when he's good, he's really good...But when he's not...He reminds me of Ace Young from last year and I hope that he doesn't just coast on his looks. I find no originality in him whatsoever...He's mimicing Justin Timberlake

Chris Sligh--I miss the fiesty Chris Sligh! He needs to bring back his sense of humour! I think that he's a great singer and is original. I'm not sure that he has what it takes to win it all, but he's not going anywhere

Melinda Doolittle--Fantastic! Her unassuming quality is so refreshing...She has a gorgeous voice and I think is just starting to understand herself as a solo performer. When she sang, "I'm a Woman" I was so happy to hear a song that hadn't been done before by someone with her big voice...Lakisha should take notes

Stephanie Edwards--Very talented and has a great voice...But again, no originality...She'll play it safe and won't go anywhere right away, but she needs to make a name for herself somehow

Phil Stacey--I don't like him...It goes back to originality too...His voice sounds exactly like
someone else, but I cant' figure out who--Michael Bolton, Sting??? It's not bad, but he's not original...And he has a really hard time starting songs...

Sanjaya Malakar--There is no reason why he should be in the top 12. He is not capable of performing on the stage-- he has no charisma...The only thing that is getting him through is that he is young, sweet, and cute...It's not enough to make someone the American Idol. I hope that he goes home right away so that we can really get into the competition, because if more talented people go home and he remains...Now to be fair, he does have a good tone to his voice and has a smooth sound, but he has nothing to back that up...

So, we'll see how the competition progresses!

Martha

Martha
Most people remember Martha's story in the kitchen and with her sister, Mary. It's an easy story to recall, maybe because it's told so often or maybe because it's referred to just as often. But, there is more to Martha's story…It's easy to forget that she's part of Lazarus' story too, but she is…What would Martha have to say to us if she were here today?

(Monologue)

I have to admit that whenever I hear Martha's name, I think of the story of Martha being the hostess. I've also thought many times how Martha and I are not alike! Sure, I like to be the hostess, but I would much rather be like Mary and sitting at Jesus' feet. But, I've seen many people who have gifts like Martha and I so appreciate them, because they are just as important as any other!

But, another part of Martha's story happens at the death of her brother and that's where I can relate to Martha…Put yourself in her shoes for a moment…Maybe you've been there, after the death of someone important to you…Martha is there after the death of her brother…And she sees Jesus, the one who she tried to get to come earlier and she's happy to see him, but angry at the same time…Anger at Jesus…And Martha doesn't even know the whole story…She doesn't know that Jesus stayed longer when he heard that Lazarus was near death…Can you imagine her anger if she knew that?

What is amazing about Martha is that she goes through a range of emotions in that short passage…Sadness at the loss of her brother, happiness at seeing her friend, anger…But she doesn't lose her faith…She expresses all of her emotions and gets angry with Jesus, but she doesn't lose her faith…

Martha's strength is remarkable…It's an example for us to follow…To see someone that we can see ourselves in—to see someone go through a range of emotions and loss and still have their faith in God.

It's good to hear more than just one piece of Martha's story…It gives her a more rounded appeal and helps us to see ourselves in their story…

How do you keep faith, especially in difficult times? Martha had her sister to help her…Someone that was going through some of the same things…A community of people is important…Maybe it's someone who is going through things at the same time or someone who has already experienced what you're going through. Finding someone that you can talk with is so important and really very helpful. To share experiences and thoughts so that they don't grow in your minds…Martha expressed her feelings, even her anger…Letting your emotions out is healthy…To bottle up emotions isn't good for you or for anyone…Now, of course it's just as unhealthy to express only one emotion all the time…But, to share what you're feeling is important…Martha looked for God's actions…In her story, her brother was physically raised…But God's actions and presence are all over our stories and it's important to look for God in the midst of them.

Martha has much to teach us…How to live a faithful life…How to experience God in the midst of difficult times…