Well, I've been in Seattle for almost 24 hours now and I can honestly say that it does not rain 24/7 here! It hasn't rained the whole time I've been here, so that's kind of exciting! I'm hoping to be able to explore the city later, but I'm not sure how that's really going to work…I may be meeting up with my cousin & his wife on Saturday, but we have to figure out how to do that! I hope that it happens and the National Gathering planning committee was so wonderfully supportive as I struggled with making the decision to actually meet...
But, something else happened on Tuesday, when I was supposed to leave for the airport…For the first time in my life, I was late for my flight…I can't really explain why it happened other than I decided to do a few things in the office before I left, which was a big mistake…I really need to learn how to delegate! Between that and the traffic that I hit just outside of my exit…seriously like 10 miles before I got to O'Hare and having to look for parking for 45 minutes! I was late by 10 minutes for my flight…So, I had to wait on standby all day. I was originally supposed to leave at 10:20 in the morning, but because of my being late, I was bumped from flight to overbooked flight. I didn't get on a flight until 8:55 and that was very, very close! That's why I have the moments of grace to share…
Brian called me several times on the way to the airport because we were on the same flight and offered to do whatever he could, but he knew that he couldn't hold the plane! He gave me the status on the plane and when he told me that they were boarding, I had a bad feeling…He also called a couple of times throughout the day just to check in!
Joel was on the next flight and we got to chat for a little over an hour as we waited for the next flight (which he got on, but I did not!)…It was nice to catch up and hear what was exciting in our lives…Also nice to not be all by myself for the whole time…
Meg got me the number of the 24/7 travel agency and I got a flight booked for Wed. morning if I needed it, but it meant that I had to spend the night in the airport and make it over to Midway…Not something I was excited about, but it meant that I would be guaranteed to be in Seattle…It fortunately turned out that I didn't need it!
The last flight out to Seattle from O'Hare left at 8:55…I was 3rd on the standby list (as I had been all day!)…They let on 3 people for standby!!!!!!!! How amazing is that?!? That I got the last spot on the plane! I was so overwhelmed and relieved to know that I would be in Seattle! I made the calls I needed to, to let folks know I was on the flight! In talking with Brian, we were trying to figure out how to get me from the airport to UPS and he told me that Luther was coming in around the same time and he was renting a car, so I needed to meet up with him somehow…I thought my flight got in at 11:55, but that turned out to be the flight number! If I didn't meet with Luther, I was supposed to take a taxi…
5 minutes before the flight takes off, the flight attendant pages over the intercom that they are looking for me…Dread spreads over me and I tried to think of what I may have left at the counter or if the person who was supposed to have my seat arrived…She comes over and hands me a card and says that the gentleman in 22 E was looking for me…It was Luther!!! Luther & I were on the same flight! How amazing is that?!?!
So, I'm feeling so much better about everything…But, the air is blowing right on me and I didn't exactly dress for Seattle weather or apparently for the plane! I was wearing capris & a short sleeved shirt, which was great for the warm Chicago weather, but not so much for anything else…There was an older Korean woman sitting next to me and saw that I was cold and offered me her blanket…I declined and told her I would be okay. She insisted, "No" and proceeded to unfold the blanket, cover me up and said that we would share. She pulled the blanket all the way up over my shoulders and down over my legs, providing me easily with more than half of the blanket. How sweet is that?!?
So, I am in Seattle and awaiting for the conference to start tomorrow…Still quite a bit left to do, but I think that we have a good handle on the situation…I can't wait for people to get here!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
My Legs Hurt...
On Saturday, I joined Val & her friend Julie in Chicago to attend The National Restaurant Association Show. It was simply fantastic! There was so much food around and so much to drink...It was amazing! I tasted some fantastic beef, pork, wine, slushies, gelato, caviar, bread, cookies...I was so incredibly full! Of course even though I was full, I kept eating! So much food around! I think that the big things this year are Blueberry & Pomegranate...Some of the things that I tasted with those flavors weren't all that great, but that's why people have different tastes! I'm not sure if I can remember what the best thing was that I ate or drank, because there was so much good stuff!
We walked sooooo much...It was nice to take a break and get a massage, that was nice! But apparantly I didn't stretch or anything beforehand because I think I pulled some muscles in my legs...It didn't help either that I slipped on some water in my kitchen and I have a nasty bruise on my knee...
I've got much to do today since I leave again on Tuesday...I feel awkward that I've been gone about every two weeks for the past couple months, but I haven't been gone much at all, it just came all at once...I'll work on that for next year...
I don't really have anything productive to say today, so I'm not really sure why I'm blogging...I guess I'm just procrastinating! Back to work...
We walked sooooo much...It was nice to take a break and get a massage, that was nice! But apparantly I didn't stretch or anything beforehand because I think I pulled some muscles in my legs...It didn't help either that I slipped on some water in my kitchen and I have a nasty bruise on my knee...
I've got much to do today since I leave again on Tuesday...I feel awkward that I've been gone about every two weeks for the past couple months, but I haven't been gone much at all, it just came all at once...I'll work on that for next year...
I don't really have anything productive to say today, so I'm not really sure why I'm blogging...I guess I'm just procrastinating! Back to work...
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Open Doors
Open Doors
Paul's story doesn't begin here…Paul was a Pharisee, which meant he was a Jewish lawmaker. After Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus' followers were persecuted and killed…Before his conversion, Paul was one of those who persecuted Christians. After Paul had an amazing conversion on the road to Damascus, he turned completely around and instead of making his focus killing Jesus' followers; he decided to help people follow Jesus. It wasn't easy for him, there were people who thought that he might be trying to trap them, and others thought that he was a traitor for leaving the Jewish faith…With all the opposition that he faced from the Jewish people, Paul faced that much more from the Roman authorities as well…
Paul spent much of ministry in prison, much like our story from this morning. Now, Paul thought that he was doing a good thing by casting out the demon from the servant-girl in the middle of the city. And while we don't have her feelings on the matter, we do have her owners' feelings and they weren't happy. Paul has just taken away their money maker! And Paul didn't really consult them beforehand, maybe because he knew they would probably say no…Maybe because it was done so quickly…Whatever the reason, the girl's owners are not happy at all…So, they go to the authorities and accuse Paul of not following the Roman laws and therefore he and his friends should be thrown into prison. The reason that Paul was thrown into prison this time is that he cast a demon out of a girl and took away their way of making money…The girl's owners could care less if he was talking about Jesus or not, all they saw was their profits going away!
So, after being beaten severely, Paul and the others were thrown into prison. Now, compared to prisons in Paul time, our prisons today are luxurious! In Paul's time, the cells were nothing more than dark, damp, small cellar type places…If it was a "nice" prison, you might have a small window that you would get some light in…There would be a hole somewhere that you could get food from, but you couldn't eat unless someone from the outside brought you food. The guards didn't provide food at all, so you had to hope that those that you knew on the outside would help to care for you…You also had to hope that they had a little bit of money in order to bribe the guards not to beat you…If the guards didn't get those bribes, they would do whatever they wanted…It wasn't a pleasant place and the guards weren't well liked people either…But the guards also had strict rules to follow from the Roman authorities…They weren't allowed to give certain punishments to people if they were Roman citizens and they knew politics of some situations, so things were pretty tricky all the way around!
Well, Paul is in one of these prisons now…And Paul spent a lot of time in these prisons, which was something that helped to shape his faith…But, I don't think that Paul would advocate that everyone go to prison in order to strengthen their faith…
Paul and Silas were in this prison together and the authorities had a bad feeling about them, because they were preaching Jesus, they had many followers and supporters in the city and around the area. So, Paul and Silas were chained in the innermost cell…They weren't easily accessible, so someone couldn't just break them out of prison, and they had to count even more on those bribes from the guards not only to not beat them, but to give them food. Their friends may supply it, but that didn't mean that the guards had to give it to them…And probably, they "forgot" to feed Paul and Silas…Regardless of the situation that Paul and Silas were in…The dirty, dark, damp prison where they were beaten and left hungry…They were stilling singing and praising God…At midnight, Paul and Silas were singing hymns and praising God…
Can you imagine being in that situation? That you have been wrongly imprisoned, or at least imprisoned for the wrong reasons…You've been abused, neglected, starved, left in a small, cramped space…And yet, instead of giving up, you praise God and sing hymns? It's an amazing testimony to the faith of Paul and Silas!
Earlier this year, in Nicaragua a young man named Eric Volz was accused of murdering his girlfriend in the store that they owned together. Eric is an American citizen who was writing for a magazine and working on a mission project through this store. He is also a musician who played for many years in a Christian rock band…According to Eric, he did not ever know that he was a suspect in the murder, and provided the police with 8 witnesses that stated he couldn't possibly have been in the same city as the murder, but there was one witness who was also a suspect in the case who stated otherwise. It was on that testimony that Eric was imprisoned…Eric is currently serving a 30 year sentence for a crime that he claims not have committed and has provided ample evidence to prove that he could not have possibly committed this crime…Yet, he still sits in a prison cell that is small, dark, and cramped…Many of his friends both here in America and in Nicaragua have begun campaigns to help Eric get free, including many reports on news programs here, including the Today Show, CNN, Dateline, and many others and including many articles in Nicaragua…What is amazing about Eric is although he talks about the difficult situations and is open about how he is struggling to continue to face every day, he has also shared that he has felt that his faith has been strengthened…That he spends much of his time in prayer and praise of God for being with him…Just like Paul and Silas, in the middle of prison, Eric is praising God…
As the story of Paul and Silas continues, and they continue to praise God, suddenly and earthquake happens and their chains fell from them and the doors are opened…This is something that would have been a huge blessing! Being in prison, in a place that was not a good place to be and suddenly, here's an opportunity to escape! They would have been able to leave the prison and get far away from the city in general.
As the guard realizes what has happened, that the doors of the prison are open, he is sure that the prisoners have escaped…This was not good news for him at all! In fact it would have been a severe punishment and torture from the Roman authorities, the very ones that he served. He wouldn't have been thrown into prison himself, but instead would have been tortured and given a public humiliation, disgracing not only himself, but also his entire family and making life very difficult for them. So, instead of facing that, he instead decides that the best thing to do is to commit suicide.
Just as he's ready to do it, Paul speaks in a loud voice that they are all there…Somehow Paul and Silas convinced all those in prison to stay there and not escape…Which was no small task considering that many of the men that would have been in there would have probably been there for much longer than Paul and Silas and may have much longer sentences, or may have even received much worse treatment from the guards, including the one that was ready to commit suicide…I can't imagine what it must have taken for them to be convinced that they should stay…But, they do!
In gratitude, the guard falls down and realizes the faith of these men and that it was their faith that caused them to stay. The doors were opened, but they didn't go through them…At least not right away…They waited for the guard to be ready to walk through the doors with them, and then they all walked together.
So, Paul and Silas not only praised God through their difficulties, but they also stayed in prison to witness to the guard! It's an incredible testimony to the faith of Paul and Silas! Paul and Silas didn't just worship God when things were going well, but also when things were difficult…Which can be hard to do sometimes, but important to remember that no matter what the situation is, God is with us always.
Also, Paul and Silas reached out to someone who could be considered to be their enemy…Someone who had probably physically and mentally, starved them and Paul & Silas reached out to him to show them the love of God.
Who is it that we can reach out to show them the love of God? It probably has not been someone who has been like the prison guards, but could be someone who has made life difficult for us…Yet, we should follow the example of Paul & Silas and show them the love of God regardless…Sometimes that can be hard and it can be something that we may not even want to do, but we are still called to do it…Sometimes the doors will open for those situations and we'll look for the first opportunity to escape…To avoid the situation or the person and leave all together…What would happen if instead of running through the first open door, we showed the person the love of God? I think everyone would be amazed at what happens…
For the guard in Paul's story, he converted to the faith and his entire family was baptized that day…God's grace works in amazing ways…
Look for the doors in your life…What places is God leading you to act to show God's grace? It doesn't have to take an earthquake to find them…
Paul's story doesn't begin here…Paul was a Pharisee, which meant he was a Jewish lawmaker. After Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus' followers were persecuted and killed…Before his conversion, Paul was one of those who persecuted Christians. After Paul had an amazing conversion on the road to Damascus, he turned completely around and instead of making his focus killing Jesus' followers; he decided to help people follow Jesus. It wasn't easy for him, there were people who thought that he might be trying to trap them, and others thought that he was a traitor for leaving the Jewish faith…With all the opposition that he faced from the Jewish people, Paul faced that much more from the Roman authorities as well…
Paul spent much of ministry in prison, much like our story from this morning. Now, Paul thought that he was doing a good thing by casting out the demon from the servant-girl in the middle of the city. And while we don't have her feelings on the matter, we do have her owners' feelings and they weren't happy. Paul has just taken away their money maker! And Paul didn't really consult them beforehand, maybe because he knew they would probably say no…Maybe because it was done so quickly…Whatever the reason, the girl's owners are not happy at all…So, they go to the authorities and accuse Paul of not following the Roman laws and therefore he and his friends should be thrown into prison. The reason that Paul was thrown into prison this time is that he cast a demon out of a girl and took away their way of making money…The girl's owners could care less if he was talking about Jesus or not, all they saw was their profits going away!
So, after being beaten severely, Paul and the others were thrown into prison. Now, compared to prisons in Paul time, our prisons today are luxurious! In Paul's time, the cells were nothing more than dark, damp, small cellar type places…If it was a "nice" prison, you might have a small window that you would get some light in…There would be a hole somewhere that you could get food from, but you couldn't eat unless someone from the outside brought you food. The guards didn't provide food at all, so you had to hope that those that you knew on the outside would help to care for you…You also had to hope that they had a little bit of money in order to bribe the guards not to beat you…If the guards didn't get those bribes, they would do whatever they wanted…It wasn't a pleasant place and the guards weren't well liked people either…But the guards also had strict rules to follow from the Roman authorities…They weren't allowed to give certain punishments to people if they were Roman citizens and they knew politics of some situations, so things were pretty tricky all the way around!
Well, Paul is in one of these prisons now…And Paul spent a lot of time in these prisons, which was something that helped to shape his faith…But, I don't think that Paul would advocate that everyone go to prison in order to strengthen their faith…
Paul and Silas were in this prison together and the authorities had a bad feeling about them, because they were preaching Jesus, they had many followers and supporters in the city and around the area. So, Paul and Silas were chained in the innermost cell…They weren't easily accessible, so someone couldn't just break them out of prison, and they had to count even more on those bribes from the guards not only to not beat them, but to give them food. Their friends may supply it, but that didn't mean that the guards had to give it to them…And probably, they "forgot" to feed Paul and Silas…Regardless of the situation that Paul and Silas were in…The dirty, dark, damp prison where they were beaten and left hungry…They were stilling singing and praising God…At midnight, Paul and Silas were singing hymns and praising God…
Can you imagine being in that situation? That you have been wrongly imprisoned, or at least imprisoned for the wrong reasons…You've been abused, neglected, starved, left in a small, cramped space…And yet, instead of giving up, you praise God and sing hymns? It's an amazing testimony to the faith of Paul and Silas!
Earlier this year, in Nicaragua a young man named Eric Volz was accused of murdering his girlfriend in the store that they owned together. Eric is an American citizen who was writing for a magazine and working on a mission project through this store. He is also a musician who played for many years in a Christian rock band…According to Eric, he did not ever know that he was a suspect in the murder, and provided the police with 8 witnesses that stated he couldn't possibly have been in the same city as the murder, but there was one witness who was also a suspect in the case who stated otherwise. It was on that testimony that Eric was imprisoned…Eric is currently serving a 30 year sentence for a crime that he claims not have committed and has provided ample evidence to prove that he could not have possibly committed this crime…Yet, he still sits in a prison cell that is small, dark, and cramped…Many of his friends both here in America and in Nicaragua have begun campaigns to help Eric get free, including many reports on news programs here, including the Today Show, CNN, Dateline, and many others and including many articles in Nicaragua…What is amazing about Eric is although he talks about the difficult situations and is open about how he is struggling to continue to face every day, he has also shared that he has felt that his faith has been strengthened…That he spends much of his time in prayer and praise of God for being with him…Just like Paul and Silas, in the middle of prison, Eric is praising God…
As the story of Paul and Silas continues, and they continue to praise God, suddenly and earthquake happens and their chains fell from them and the doors are opened…This is something that would have been a huge blessing! Being in prison, in a place that was not a good place to be and suddenly, here's an opportunity to escape! They would have been able to leave the prison and get far away from the city in general.
As the guard realizes what has happened, that the doors of the prison are open, he is sure that the prisoners have escaped…This was not good news for him at all! In fact it would have been a severe punishment and torture from the Roman authorities, the very ones that he served. He wouldn't have been thrown into prison himself, but instead would have been tortured and given a public humiliation, disgracing not only himself, but also his entire family and making life very difficult for them. So, instead of facing that, he instead decides that the best thing to do is to commit suicide.
Just as he's ready to do it, Paul speaks in a loud voice that they are all there…Somehow Paul and Silas convinced all those in prison to stay there and not escape…Which was no small task considering that many of the men that would have been in there would have probably been there for much longer than Paul and Silas and may have much longer sentences, or may have even received much worse treatment from the guards, including the one that was ready to commit suicide…I can't imagine what it must have taken for them to be convinced that they should stay…But, they do!
In gratitude, the guard falls down and realizes the faith of these men and that it was their faith that caused them to stay. The doors were opened, but they didn't go through them…At least not right away…They waited for the guard to be ready to walk through the doors with them, and then they all walked together.
So, Paul and Silas not only praised God through their difficulties, but they also stayed in prison to witness to the guard! It's an incredible testimony to the faith of Paul and Silas! Paul and Silas didn't just worship God when things were going well, but also when things were difficult…Which can be hard to do sometimes, but important to remember that no matter what the situation is, God is with us always.
Also, Paul and Silas reached out to someone who could be considered to be their enemy…Someone who had probably physically and mentally, starved them and Paul & Silas reached out to him to show them the love of God.
Who is it that we can reach out to show them the love of God? It probably has not been someone who has been like the prison guards, but could be someone who has made life difficult for us…Yet, we should follow the example of Paul & Silas and show them the love of God regardless…Sometimes that can be hard and it can be something that we may not even want to do, but we are still called to do it…Sometimes the doors will open for those situations and we'll look for the first opportunity to escape…To avoid the situation or the person and leave all together…What would happen if instead of running through the first open door, we showed the person the love of God? I think everyone would be amazed at what happens…
For the guard in Paul's story, he converted to the faith and his entire family was baptized that day…God's grace works in amazing ways…
Look for the doors in your life…What places is God leading you to act to show God's grace? It doesn't have to take an earthquake to find them…
Friday, May 18, 2007
Suit Up
Suit Up
The story for this evening is the story of David and Goliath…A rousing tale that most people have heard of, if not heard…It's a classic tale of the underdog beating out the slated winner…And oh, how we love those stories. It gives hope to us, because if the little guy did it, then we certainly can as well! Let's be honest…The first time you heard this story, you didn't expect it to end the way it did, did you? Who would have thought that in all of the possibilities to send to go up against Goliath, Saul would send David…David, a child…David, the shepherd boy…David, the future king…Who would have thought that this little boy would defeat one of the largest men of the army!
Now, it would be all too easy to make the correlation between David and Goliath those of you who are graduating this weekend…I'll let you make your own correlations there and think about what that means for you…But, while there is this incredible tale between David and Goliath and the story of David's triumph, there is another interchange within this story…It's the interchange between David and Saul. Saul was anointed the king at this point…There is this battle that's being waged where this is a battle of national security…This is not just a single battle for sport or fun…This is serious! And Saul has been doing everything that he possibly can in order to win this battle and make sure that his country and people are safe. And this challenge from Goliath comes along and Saul is at a loss—He's supposed to send an "ordinary" man according to Goliath's cries…And here comes little David bringing lunch for his brothers…And David has the audacity to go up to Saul and say that he'll go in and defeat Goliath…This is a crazy statement…Picture a child going up against someone like Arnold Swarztaneger…Not really a fair advantage…And Saul recognizes this and tells David that there's no way that he's going to send David to his certain death… Saul basically says…No way…Not gonna happen! Yet, David is just audacious enough or maybe crazy enough to keep pursuing the chance to go up against Goliath…And he convinces Saul that he should be allowed to go against Goliath…And even as the words were tumbling out of Saul's mouth, there must have been a moment of un-expectation from Saul…While his mouth is saying one thing, Saul's head may be saying, "What are you doing!?!?!?"
And Saul reluctantly sends David…And here's where this interchange between David and Saul that is so interesting…
Saul is preparing David for this battle and in doing so he gives David his armor…See Saul is offering David protection that he knows will work, but unfortunately it's a little too big for David…So, David takes it off and goes in with his own weapons and ultimately defeats Goliath… And as David rejects Saul's idea of using his armor, again Saul has to be thinking that both he and David are out of their minds! Yet, he still lets David go into the ring—no armor or "real" weapons, just his sling shot and five stones…And then comes the end of this story…David beats Goliath! Saul not only didn't expect David of all people to volunteer to go up against Goliath, but also didn't expect David of all people to win! And not only win, but to do it without any armor! That's crazy talk, isn't it? It's one of those stories that people would walk away shaking their heads and saying, "You've gotta see it to believe it!"
But let's go back to that interchange between Saul and David…The one where Saul puts the armor on David…What is happening in that interchange between Saul and David? Sure it's the offering of weapons and armor…But it's more than that…Saul is entrusting the fate of the country in the hands of this young person…Saul has told David of the consequences if he should fail…David knows that this is a matter of national security and is willing to tackle it head on…And Saul agrees to trust him, but first tries to make David do things his way with his armor…And that doesn't work for David…David needs to do things his way…
It's like that today still…When a young person asks someone to lead or to help with something that is a matter of major interest! And reluctantly when the leaders agree to let the young people do what they have asked, first they have to do things the way that the leaders know work…And sometimes those young people take off that armor and say that they know a different way…
What would it be like if all youth and young adults were given that opportunity…The chance to lead something of major consequence in their own way…What Goliaths would be slain? Of course it is a major risk to take…It can be quite scary…Because there is that chance that it won't work—that the armor is really needed…
Some people might say that it was careless of David to cast off the armor and or to go into the ring with no protection…Maybe they'd call David immature for not accepting Saul's help or wrong for volunteering at all…But, it's not like David was rejecting the armor of Saul—it was too big for him, he couldn't walk in it, much less go up against Goliath! And as for volunteering…It's not like someone else was jumping up to volunteer—Goliath had been making his cry for a few days before David volunteered.
But that's why Saul and the army were still around when David went into battle…They weren't going to let David get killed, they became the extra armor and support that he needed. And while Saul and the army were there and no doubt a physical reminder for David that he wasn't alone…God was there too. God had always been with David and God was the one who was pushing David to volunteer! God was with David and God didn't leave David when he stepped into the ring with Goliath…David had armor all right, it just wasn't the typical idea of armor…
You can make the comparisons of David and Goliath to your own lives as you are stepping out in the ring and facing your own giants…College, work, relationships, getting ready to leave your friends and family…You've no doubt spent much time thinking about that and gearing up and getting ready to write the next chapters of your stories…
But look around you…You've been one of the smaller classes and have gotten close because of that…You have supportive family and friends around you that are your armor and support…And just like David, God is with you as you step out in faith…God won't leave you…Let me say that again…God won't leave you…
As you continue to write your stories, there will certainly be hard times…There will be times when you might want to pack everything up and come back home…There will be times when the work is too hard and you want to quit…There will be times when life is just hard…It's the truth, and you may have felt those times already…But in all that you do—you are not alone.
You have support, you can see the physical support of those who are sitting with you and around you tonight and at graduation on Sunday…But remember that God is with you as well…
As you face those challenges and go forward in faith, you are not alone…God is with you…So, step out and suit up…
The story for this evening is the story of David and Goliath…A rousing tale that most people have heard of, if not heard…It's a classic tale of the underdog beating out the slated winner…And oh, how we love those stories. It gives hope to us, because if the little guy did it, then we certainly can as well! Let's be honest…The first time you heard this story, you didn't expect it to end the way it did, did you? Who would have thought that in all of the possibilities to send to go up against Goliath, Saul would send David…David, a child…David, the shepherd boy…David, the future king…Who would have thought that this little boy would defeat one of the largest men of the army!
Now, it would be all too easy to make the correlation between David and Goliath those of you who are graduating this weekend…I'll let you make your own correlations there and think about what that means for you…But, while there is this incredible tale between David and Goliath and the story of David's triumph, there is another interchange within this story…It's the interchange between David and Saul. Saul was anointed the king at this point…There is this battle that's being waged where this is a battle of national security…This is not just a single battle for sport or fun…This is serious! And Saul has been doing everything that he possibly can in order to win this battle and make sure that his country and people are safe. And this challenge from Goliath comes along and Saul is at a loss—He's supposed to send an "ordinary" man according to Goliath's cries…And here comes little David bringing lunch for his brothers…And David has the audacity to go up to Saul and say that he'll go in and defeat Goliath…This is a crazy statement…Picture a child going up against someone like Arnold Swarztaneger…Not really a fair advantage…And Saul recognizes this and tells David that there's no way that he's going to send David to his certain death… Saul basically says…No way…Not gonna happen! Yet, David is just audacious enough or maybe crazy enough to keep pursuing the chance to go up against Goliath…And he convinces Saul that he should be allowed to go against Goliath…And even as the words were tumbling out of Saul's mouth, there must have been a moment of un-expectation from Saul…While his mouth is saying one thing, Saul's head may be saying, "What are you doing!?!?!?"
And Saul reluctantly sends David…And here's where this interchange between David and Saul that is so interesting…
Saul is preparing David for this battle and in doing so he gives David his armor…See Saul is offering David protection that he knows will work, but unfortunately it's a little too big for David…So, David takes it off and goes in with his own weapons and ultimately defeats Goliath… And as David rejects Saul's idea of using his armor, again Saul has to be thinking that both he and David are out of their minds! Yet, he still lets David go into the ring—no armor or "real" weapons, just his sling shot and five stones…And then comes the end of this story…David beats Goliath! Saul not only didn't expect David of all people to volunteer to go up against Goliath, but also didn't expect David of all people to win! And not only win, but to do it without any armor! That's crazy talk, isn't it? It's one of those stories that people would walk away shaking their heads and saying, "You've gotta see it to believe it!"
But let's go back to that interchange between Saul and David…The one where Saul puts the armor on David…What is happening in that interchange between Saul and David? Sure it's the offering of weapons and armor…But it's more than that…Saul is entrusting the fate of the country in the hands of this young person…Saul has told David of the consequences if he should fail…David knows that this is a matter of national security and is willing to tackle it head on…And Saul agrees to trust him, but first tries to make David do things his way with his armor…And that doesn't work for David…David needs to do things his way…
It's like that today still…When a young person asks someone to lead or to help with something that is a matter of major interest! And reluctantly when the leaders agree to let the young people do what they have asked, first they have to do things the way that the leaders know work…And sometimes those young people take off that armor and say that they know a different way…
What would it be like if all youth and young adults were given that opportunity…The chance to lead something of major consequence in their own way…What Goliaths would be slain? Of course it is a major risk to take…It can be quite scary…Because there is that chance that it won't work—that the armor is really needed…
Some people might say that it was careless of David to cast off the armor and or to go into the ring with no protection…Maybe they'd call David immature for not accepting Saul's help or wrong for volunteering at all…But, it's not like David was rejecting the armor of Saul—it was too big for him, he couldn't walk in it, much less go up against Goliath! And as for volunteering…It's not like someone else was jumping up to volunteer—Goliath had been making his cry for a few days before David volunteered.
But that's why Saul and the army were still around when David went into battle…They weren't going to let David get killed, they became the extra armor and support that he needed. And while Saul and the army were there and no doubt a physical reminder for David that he wasn't alone…God was there too. God had always been with David and God was the one who was pushing David to volunteer! God was with David and God didn't leave David when he stepped into the ring with Goliath…David had armor all right, it just wasn't the typical idea of armor…
You can make the comparisons of David and Goliath to your own lives as you are stepping out in the ring and facing your own giants…College, work, relationships, getting ready to leave your friends and family…You've no doubt spent much time thinking about that and gearing up and getting ready to write the next chapters of your stories…
But look around you…You've been one of the smaller classes and have gotten close because of that…You have supportive family and friends around you that are your armor and support…And just like David, God is with you as you step out in faith…God won't leave you…Let me say that again…God won't leave you…
As you continue to write your stories, there will certainly be hard times…There will be times when you might want to pack everything up and come back home…There will be times when the work is too hard and you want to quit…There will be times when life is just hard…It's the truth, and you may have felt those times already…But in all that you do—you are not alone.
You have support, you can see the physical support of those who are sitting with you and around you tonight and at graduation on Sunday…But remember that God is with you as well…
As you face those challenges and go forward in faith, you are not alone…God is with you…So, step out and suit up…
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The Final Three
Well, it happens every year-- I watch Idol all the way through and then I can't watch the finale! This year I'll be in Seattle...But, that doesn't mean anything for last night!
Jordin--I think that Jordin is the golden child this year...I'm going to predict that she'll take the Idol crown. She did very well last night, there's not much that you can say about her...She's got an amazing voice and wonderful stage presence. Plus, she's marketable! Her first song was good, not sure that it was the best choice for her, but Simon picked it! Second song-- I would have liked her to move a little bit more on stage, but looking at the heels she was wearing, I understand why she didn't! Third song-- I liked it the first time that she did it, and this time was no exception. She has proved her vocal ability and though she has had some rough weeks, all in all, she's been good!
Blake--Blake really is the most original Idol contestant...Where Bo broke the "rocker" mold, Blake breaks the mold all together! He's fantastic and stands a really good shot in the market because he is so different. His first song was a good choice and at first I thought that he was forgetting some of the lyrics, but I think that they must have been changed to be more "family friendly", although I think that the band over powered him...Second song was great and I thought he did well on it, but I don't think that he dug it all that much...But, he did good! Third song-- I think that he was the only one to do three new songs for this night, and I thought that it was really good! I liked that he threw in the beat boxing and in moderation as well...I would really like to see Blake in the finale, but I also think that he stands a better chance creatively if he doesn't win Idol.
Melinda--She is by far the best technical singer that has ever been on Idol. You can't deny her talent and her ability...Based on talent alone, she should be in the finale, but unfortunately talent isn't the only thing that Idol is based on...Her first song-- I know that Randy chose it for Melinda, but I thought it was an ambitious choice and it was the first time that I can say that Melinda didn't do well--- it was out of her range and pitchy in a few spots. But, it's not her fault that Randy chose it for her! Second song-- again I thought it was a little ambitious and I know that the judges have compared her to Tina Turner, but I have to say that I just don't make that comparison, it was still a decent performance and I was glad to see her move around a little bit, but I'm still not keen on the personality shift! The third song--I loved this the first time that she did this and I thought it was amazing then! I loved how she showcased the background singers as an homage to where she came from-- great touch!
I'm still holding to Blake & Jordin in the finale, but it wouldn't be a bad thing for Melinda to be there either...I still think Jordin will take it all...
Jordin--I think that Jordin is the golden child this year...I'm going to predict that she'll take the Idol crown. She did very well last night, there's not much that you can say about her...She's got an amazing voice and wonderful stage presence. Plus, she's marketable! Her first song was good, not sure that it was the best choice for her, but Simon picked it! Second song-- I would have liked her to move a little bit more on stage, but looking at the heels she was wearing, I understand why she didn't! Third song-- I liked it the first time that she did it, and this time was no exception. She has proved her vocal ability and though she has had some rough weeks, all in all, she's been good!
Blake--Blake really is the most original Idol contestant...Where Bo broke the "rocker" mold, Blake breaks the mold all together! He's fantastic and stands a really good shot in the market because he is so different. His first song was a good choice and at first I thought that he was forgetting some of the lyrics, but I think that they must have been changed to be more "family friendly", although I think that the band over powered him...Second song was great and I thought he did well on it, but I don't think that he dug it all that much...But, he did good! Third song-- I think that he was the only one to do three new songs for this night, and I thought that it was really good! I liked that he threw in the beat boxing and in moderation as well...I would really like to see Blake in the finale, but I also think that he stands a better chance creatively if he doesn't win Idol.
Melinda--She is by far the best technical singer that has ever been on Idol. You can't deny her talent and her ability...Based on talent alone, she should be in the finale, but unfortunately talent isn't the only thing that Idol is based on...Her first song-- I know that Randy chose it for Melinda, but I thought it was an ambitious choice and it was the first time that I can say that Melinda didn't do well--- it was out of her range and pitchy in a few spots. But, it's not her fault that Randy chose it for her! Second song-- again I thought it was a little ambitious and I know that the judges have compared her to Tina Turner, but I have to say that I just don't make that comparison, it was still a decent performance and I was glad to see her move around a little bit, but I'm still not keen on the personality shift! The third song--I loved this the first time that she did this and I thought it was amazing then! I loved how she showcased the background singers as an homage to where she came from-- great touch!
I'm still holding to Blake & Jordin in the finale, but it wouldn't be a bad thing for Melinda to be there either...I still think Jordin will take it all...
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
What are they doing??
So, I've been pontificating again and as promised, here are my thoughts on the conservative church. I've made some observations at some events that I've gone to that are of no doubt the conservative influence, and are quite large in numbers. The basic question that came from that is "why?" What is it about the conservative church that touches people?
Someone made the comment that it is because they aren't afraid to tell people what they believe. I think that could be partly true. They aren't afraid of who they'll offend because if you don't agree, then you must not be on the "right path." I admire those who are willing to stay true to what they believe and I think that is absoutely a strength. It's sad that it is in a vein that hurts some people, but they are faithful. Is the moderate to liberal church so afraid of offending people and trying to make friends with everybody that it's losing validity? I'd like to think that's not true. Yes, it is true that the moderate to liberal are ones who try to be the least offensive, but is in that inclusivity that I find refreshing and truly what God's grace is about. Yet, there is some level that absolute inclusivity is also exclusivity at the same time...
I've also noticed that most large gatherings of Christians are in the "conservative" bent...Most conferences, concerts, etc...are theologically conservative. And events like Women of Faith or Creation Fest draw in thousands of people and are spiritually fulfilling for people. Now, I'm sure that there are other events that are being held and there are those may be directed with a social justice initiative that don't psuh a theological agenda. Yet, those aren't as boosted as much...Does the conservative church just know how to advertise themselves better? I have been very impressed with the United Methodist Church's advertisements as of late-- they are much ore well done than I have seen before and they leave a lasting impression. I'm interested to see what will come out this fall that will compliment those that have already been shown.
Someone recently made the statement that it's my fault that more men aren't coming to our church because I am a female pastor. While I was incredibly hurt at the statement, and I had to take into a ccount the person who made the statement, I did some thinking and men not being in church has been a topic of conversation in many theological circles and there hasn't been an answer really...But, I've noticed that there are more books being written with men in mind-- and they have a more conservative theology. As I looked around a Christian concert that I recently went to, I realized that there were a lot of teenage boys who were there and quite a few men as well...I think that having positive male role models in church has a big thing to do with teenage boys staying in church. So, how do we get men to come to church? Is there something within in spirituality that is innately feminine as some writers suggest? Do men not want to talk about having a "personal relationship with Jesus" but rather emphasize the "manly" qualities of Jesus as others have suggested? Is it because there are churches with female pastors and men don't want to have spiritual direction from women? Is it because the conservative church is willing to tackle these questions and have answers rather than leaving it up to an individual?
Has spirituality in America become a fast food variety of spirituality? Where people just want fast answers to all of their questions without having to wrestle with the questions themselves....Where you have a pat answer for when things go bad and a sense of superiority to those who aren't "saved"...Conservativism is not strictly American by any stretch, but they have also done a wonderful job of evangelism...So much so that the African churces are sending missionaries to America instead of American missionaries to Africa...How things have changed...
Is it a bigger question of spirituality rather than a conservatism vs. liberalism vs. moderate?
What is the bigger question? Is it simply-- how do people understand God's grace and what that grace gives them in life and beyond? I suppose in a truly inclusive sense, the liberal and moderate churches would accept the conservative churches as another view point to the faith...That would be inclusivity...
Someone made the comment that it is because they aren't afraid to tell people what they believe. I think that could be partly true. They aren't afraid of who they'll offend because if you don't agree, then you must not be on the "right path." I admire those who are willing to stay true to what they believe and I think that is absoutely a strength. It's sad that it is in a vein that hurts some people, but they are faithful. Is the moderate to liberal church so afraid of offending people and trying to make friends with everybody that it's losing validity? I'd like to think that's not true. Yes, it is true that the moderate to liberal are ones who try to be the least offensive, but is in that inclusivity that I find refreshing and truly what God's grace is about. Yet, there is some level that absolute inclusivity is also exclusivity at the same time...
I've also noticed that most large gatherings of Christians are in the "conservative" bent...Most conferences, concerts, etc...are theologically conservative. And events like Women of Faith or Creation Fest draw in thousands of people and are spiritually fulfilling for people. Now, I'm sure that there are other events that are being held and there are those may be directed with a social justice initiative that don't psuh a theological agenda. Yet, those aren't as boosted as much...Does the conservative church just know how to advertise themselves better? I have been very impressed with the United Methodist Church's advertisements as of late-- they are much ore well done than I have seen before and they leave a lasting impression. I'm interested to see what will come out this fall that will compliment those that have already been shown.
Someone recently made the statement that it's my fault that more men aren't coming to our church because I am a female pastor. While I was incredibly hurt at the statement, and I had to take into a ccount the person who made the statement, I did some thinking and men not being in church has been a topic of conversation in many theological circles and there hasn't been an answer really...But, I've noticed that there are more books being written with men in mind-- and they have a more conservative theology. As I looked around a Christian concert that I recently went to, I realized that there were a lot of teenage boys who were there and quite a few men as well...I think that having positive male role models in church has a big thing to do with teenage boys staying in church. So, how do we get men to come to church? Is there something within in spirituality that is innately feminine as some writers suggest? Do men not want to talk about having a "personal relationship with Jesus" but rather emphasize the "manly" qualities of Jesus as others have suggested? Is it because there are churches with female pastors and men don't want to have spiritual direction from women? Is it because the conservative church is willing to tackle these questions and have answers rather than leaving it up to an individual?
Has spirituality in America become a fast food variety of spirituality? Where people just want fast answers to all of their questions without having to wrestle with the questions themselves....Where you have a pat answer for when things go bad and a sense of superiority to those who aren't "saved"...Conservativism is not strictly American by any stretch, but they have also done a wonderful job of evangelism...So much so that the African churces are sending missionaries to America instead of American missionaries to Africa...How things have changed...
Is it a bigger question of spirituality rather than a conservatism vs. liberalism vs. moderate?
What is the bigger question? Is it simply-- how do people understand God's grace and what that grace gives them in life and beyond? I suppose in a truly inclusive sense, the liberal and moderate churches would accept the conservative churches as another view point to the faith...That would be inclusivity...
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Disco Boogie...
I'll blog about my thoughts about vacation maybe tomorrow...I'm just going to say right now that either I'm never going on vacation again or I'm just never coming back again! Either way, I watched Idol tonight...
Disco night is never my favorite and this seemed to be a pretty rough night...Maybe because it's not my favorite theme, they were destined for failure!
Melinda-- I agree with the judges that she's solid technically and she's got a great voice, and she's consistant which is great...But she's missing that "wow" factor...That one that says that she's a super star. Her second song was better than her first and I thought it was clever that she gave that much thought to the lyrics.
Blake--He was going to have to do A LOT to top last weeks performance...The first song was a little rough and I'm not a fan of his falsetto and had it not been for the beatboxing, the song would have been awful...with the beatboxing it was just really bad...He doesn't have the strongest voice in the competition anyway, but it was way evident tonight...The second song was much better than the first, but still no where near as good as last week. His originality is what makes him stand out from the others in the competition.
Lakisha--Again, another solid performance, but I'm still not sure if she has that "wow" factor either...She seems like she wants to be back in the competition again...But, her first song was really a let down-- it wasn't fun or dancy and that's what that song is-- remember the celebrity video from Idol Gives Back? She's definitely a ballad singer, which is good to know about yourself, but are there any artists who only sing ballads? She's good, there's no question about that, but I don't see her career lasting that long...
Jordin--Jordin is a great singer and her energy is just wonderful...I've grown more fond of her as the competition has gone on...I see her in the finals...She's got the range where Lakisha doesn't...She's got the wow factor where Melinda doesn't...I thought her second song was a little ambitious because she's only 17 and it started pretty good, but it felt like she ran out of something towards the end-- either emotion, breath, or something...I would say that she was probably the best from the night...
I'm going to go out on a limb and put Jordin & Blake in the finale...
Either Lakisha or Melinda are going home this week-- Lakisha is probably more vulnerable, but there really hasn't been a "shock" for this year...And although Melinda wouldn't really be a shock, I wouldn't necessarily put her out before Lakisha...
Disco night is never my favorite and this seemed to be a pretty rough night...Maybe because it's not my favorite theme, they were destined for failure!
Melinda-- I agree with the judges that she's solid technically and she's got a great voice, and she's consistant which is great...But she's missing that "wow" factor...That one that says that she's a super star. Her second song was better than her first and I thought it was clever that she gave that much thought to the lyrics.
Blake--He was going to have to do A LOT to top last weeks performance...The first song was a little rough and I'm not a fan of his falsetto and had it not been for the beatboxing, the song would have been awful...with the beatboxing it was just really bad...He doesn't have the strongest voice in the competition anyway, but it was way evident tonight...The second song was much better than the first, but still no where near as good as last week. His originality is what makes him stand out from the others in the competition.
Lakisha--Again, another solid performance, but I'm still not sure if she has that "wow" factor either...She seems like she wants to be back in the competition again...But, her first song was really a let down-- it wasn't fun or dancy and that's what that song is-- remember the celebrity video from Idol Gives Back? She's definitely a ballad singer, which is good to know about yourself, but are there any artists who only sing ballads? She's good, there's no question about that, but I don't see her career lasting that long...
Jordin--Jordin is a great singer and her energy is just wonderful...I've grown more fond of her as the competition has gone on...I see her in the finals...She's got the range where Lakisha doesn't...She's got the wow factor where Melinda doesn't...I thought her second song was a little ambitious because she's only 17 and it started pretty good, but it felt like she ran out of something towards the end-- either emotion, breath, or something...I would say that she was probably the best from the night...
I'm going to go out on a limb and put Jordin & Blake in the finale...
Either Lakisha or Melinda are going home this week-- Lakisha is probably more vulnerable, but there really hasn't been a "shock" for this year...And although Melinda wouldn't really be a shock, I wouldn't necessarily put her out before Lakisha...
Friday, May 04, 2007
Let's Pray...
I read my friend Daniel's blog yesterday about the National Day of Prayer. I agree with his sentiments-- is it a National Day of Prayer or a Day of Prayer for the Nation?
I viewed it as a National Day of Prayer-- where people all around the Nation would gather together in prayer. I was invited to the National Day of Prayer service at the park here in Belvidere. I was looking forward to having a prayer service and to be in prayer with others...I have to be honest, if I hadn't been waiting for someone who I was going for lunch with, I would have left the service because I found it so disgusting and offensive.
It was not a National Day of Prayer, but a Pray for the Nation Day...I agree that those who are serving our country need prayer, and I thought that was great to have a sheet with their names-- we prayed for the President & VP, military, IL congresspeople-- State & National, Police & Fire Chief, all law enforcement, vetrans, teachers, students, churches, businesses, pastors, neighborhoods...I thought that was great. The pastor leading the service also made it clear not make our spoken prayers too political in nature so as to avoid breaking the attitude of prayer which I thought was important to mention. However, the prayers were political in nature as people spoke in high regard for the president and in low regard for the congress and almost chastising judges for rulings...I had enough and so by the time we got to the churches time, I had to pray that we as the church would heed our calling to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. That we would hear the cries of the oppressed and join with them in the quest for justice. It was the only time that I heard justice the whole time...On either a National Day or Prayer or a Prayer for the Nation Day, I would think that justice would have been mentioned...
The worst was yet to come in a prayer that we were invited not to pray, but to read together. The pastor said that we should all read it together as a sign of unity. I looked at the prayer before me and nearly vomited and realized there was no way that I could authentically pray that prayer. Even if I changed the very exclusive language (not just about God, but about people), I couldn't pray it with authenticity...I prayed out loud the couple lines that I could pray with authenticity, but out of 2 pages, there were maybe 5 lines...If the spoken prayers were not to be too political in nature, I would have thought that this one would have been as well...It was just awful and again did not speak to any of those who are oppressed...
Closing the service, we were to sing together "God Bless America" and I just couldn't bring myself to do it...I just couldn't....I would have thought something like "Amazing Grace" would have been appropriate...But I have a lot of problems with the phrase "God Bless America" because as a bumper sticker that I received says, "God bless the whole world, no exceptions."
Now, before I sound like I am bashing praying for the nation or for those who are risking their lives for protection, I am not. I think that it is extremely valid and necessary to prayer for our military, both that are serving active duty and those in the reserves. The sacrifices that they make are undeniable and incredible. I think that they absolutely need our prayers as well as their families. Nor do I think that we should not pray for those who are in political power. They are making diffficult decsions and I wouldn't want to make them either. I respect them for the office that they hold and for the hard work that they do. I also think that praying for law enforcement, fire fighters, paramedics is important as well-- again, they risk their lives for us!
What I do mean is that we should keep our prayers from a political nature. Pray for wisdom for those who are making those difficult decisions---all those who are making those decisions, not just the ones who are making the decisions that you disagree with...Pray for protection for those who are risking their lives, both near and far whether you agree with what is happening or not. They are important children of God regardless of what you think about what they may or may not be doing...Pray for the oppressed-- for those who cry out for justice and seek equality...Pray to hear the cries of the oppressed-- all the oppressed, not just the ones that you choose to see or feel are "really" oppressed...Pray for Shalom--God's peace, the peace that passes all understanding...It's more than just that peace from violence or peace and quiet...It's the peace that stills our souls...It's God's peace...Pray for that....
I viewed it as a National Day of Prayer-- where people all around the Nation would gather together in prayer. I was invited to the National Day of Prayer service at the park here in Belvidere. I was looking forward to having a prayer service and to be in prayer with others...I have to be honest, if I hadn't been waiting for someone who I was going for lunch with, I would have left the service because I found it so disgusting and offensive.
It was not a National Day of Prayer, but a Pray for the Nation Day...I agree that those who are serving our country need prayer, and I thought that was great to have a sheet with their names-- we prayed for the President & VP, military, IL congresspeople-- State & National, Police & Fire Chief, all law enforcement, vetrans, teachers, students, churches, businesses, pastors, neighborhoods...I thought that was great. The pastor leading the service also made it clear not make our spoken prayers too political in nature so as to avoid breaking the attitude of prayer which I thought was important to mention. However, the prayers were political in nature as people spoke in high regard for the president and in low regard for the congress and almost chastising judges for rulings...I had enough and so by the time we got to the churches time, I had to pray that we as the church would heed our calling to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. That we would hear the cries of the oppressed and join with them in the quest for justice. It was the only time that I heard justice the whole time...On either a National Day or Prayer or a Prayer for the Nation Day, I would think that justice would have been mentioned...
The worst was yet to come in a prayer that we were invited not to pray, but to read together. The pastor said that we should all read it together as a sign of unity. I looked at the prayer before me and nearly vomited and realized there was no way that I could authentically pray that prayer. Even if I changed the very exclusive language (not just about God, but about people), I couldn't pray it with authenticity...I prayed out loud the couple lines that I could pray with authenticity, but out of 2 pages, there were maybe 5 lines...If the spoken prayers were not to be too political in nature, I would have thought that this one would have been as well...It was just awful and again did not speak to any of those who are oppressed...
Closing the service, we were to sing together "God Bless America" and I just couldn't bring myself to do it...I just couldn't....I would have thought something like "Amazing Grace" would have been appropriate...But I have a lot of problems with the phrase "God Bless America" because as a bumper sticker that I received says, "God bless the whole world, no exceptions."
Now, before I sound like I am bashing praying for the nation or for those who are risking their lives for protection, I am not. I think that it is extremely valid and necessary to prayer for our military, both that are serving active duty and those in the reserves. The sacrifices that they make are undeniable and incredible. I think that they absolutely need our prayers as well as their families. Nor do I think that we should not pray for those who are in political power. They are making diffficult decsions and I wouldn't want to make them either. I respect them for the office that they hold and for the hard work that they do. I also think that praying for law enforcement, fire fighters, paramedics is important as well-- again, they risk their lives for us!
What I do mean is that we should keep our prayers from a political nature. Pray for wisdom for those who are making those difficult decisions---all those who are making those decisions, not just the ones who are making the decisions that you disagree with...Pray for protection for those who are risking their lives, both near and far whether you agree with what is happening or not. They are important children of God regardless of what you think about what they may or may not be doing...Pray for the oppressed-- for those who cry out for justice and seek equality...Pray to hear the cries of the oppressed-- all the oppressed, not just the ones that you choose to see or feel are "really" oppressed...Pray for Shalom--God's peace, the peace that passes all understanding...It's more than just that peace from violence or peace and quiet...It's the peace that stills our souls...It's God's peace...Pray for that....
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Rock Out
I watched Idol last night after a full evening of dinner & a movie with Jonette! How better to top off that kind of an evening, but Idol! It was a fantastic night too!
Phil Stacey--I would call him the most improved of all the contestants. The first 3 or 4 notes were funky, but he really got into it and I thought he did a great job. I wish that he would have done this all the way through! I'm not sure if it's enough to pull him up, but it was really good
Jordin Sparks--She had a really great and honest attitude about struggling this week. She still has an amazing voice and when she hit the big notes it came through, but this was absolutely her worst performance. And I would even call it the worst performance of the night. I hope she has enough fans to keep her safe!
Lakisha Jones--I'm glad that Lakisha is back in the sense that I feel like those who are there now really deserve to be there. She did incredible and it was good to see her not just coasting, but really taking this seriously. She had those couple bad weeks in there though, so I'm not sure about her fan base anymore...
Chris Richardson--As soon as he said he was doing "Dead or Alive" I thought that it was a mistake because Chris Daughtry did it so well last year. He did great in that he made it his own version and I really truly do think that he is singing nasally on purpose.
Blake Lewis--Oh. My. God. Okay, honestly I was torn right after I watched it, because I liked it, but I kind of didn't....Now, I absolutely loved it. It was original, true to who he is as an artist and a performer and also kept with some of the integrity of the song. It was truly his standout performance! Kind of like Bo's acappella performance a couple years ago! Great job!
Melinda Doolittle--She was great-- she always is. I just have a hard time with her disconnect from being such a powerful performer and owning that stage to when she gets to the judges and retreats into her shell again. But she is great...
I wanted to throw up when the President and First Lady made their guest appearance-- how less heartfelt could that have looked? Invite Pink on the show to sing "Dear Mr. President."
Here are my thoughts--
Based on last night's performance only bottom 2--Chris & Jordin
Going home--Phil & Chris
Phil Stacey--I would call him the most improved of all the contestants. The first 3 or 4 notes were funky, but he really got into it and I thought he did a great job. I wish that he would have done this all the way through! I'm not sure if it's enough to pull him up, but it was really good
Jordin Sparks--She had a really great and honest attitude about struggling this week. She still has an amazing voice and when she hit the big notes it came through, but this was absolutely her worst performance. And I would even call it the worst performance of the night. I hope she has enough fans to keep her safe!
Lakisha Jones--I'm glad that Lakisha is back in the sense that I feel like those who are there now really deserve to be there. She did incredible and it was good to see her not just coasting, but really taking this seriously. She had those couple bad weeks in there though, so I'm not sure about her fan base anymore...
Chris Richardson--As soon as he said he was doing "Dead or Alive" I thought that it was a mistake because Chris Daughtry did it so well last year. He did great in that he made it his own version and I really truly do think that he is singing nasally on purpose.
Blake Lewis--Oh. My. God. Okay, honestly I was torn right after I watched it, because I liked it, but I kind of didn't....Now, I absolutely loved it. It was original, true to who he is as an artist and a performer and also kept with some of the integrity of the song. It was truly his standout performance! Kind of like Bo's acappella performance a couple years ago! Great job!
Melinda Doolittle--She was great-- she always is. I just have a hard time with her disconnect from being such a powerful performer and owning that stage to when she gets to the judges and retreats into her shell again. But she is great...
I wanted to throw up when the President and First Lady made their guest appearance-- how less heartfelt could that have looked? Invite Pink on the show to sing "Dear Mr. President."
Here are my thoughts--
Based on last night's performance only bottom 2--Chris & Jordin
Going home--Phil & Chris
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