Idol Chatter: Top 5

Neil Diamond? Seriously? I'm not sure how I feel about them using mentors' catalogs only...I like the bigger variety, but we'll see what happens. Neil Diamond sure has a lot of songs to choose from, but we'll see how the contestants go with it!

Jason Castro--First of all, I want to say that I am a Jason Castro fan, but I think he won't last a whole lot longer...Maybe top 3, but I don't see much more than that. I think it'll be better for him if he doesn't go all the way...He's going to have a great career in the accoustic range

Forever in Blue Jeans--This is a great song choice from him and I think it shows him as the artist that he is again. I liked seeing him play the guitar again. I would have liked to hear what the judges had to say after this one...This wasn't really a stellar performance-- kind of boring actually...It was okay-- not great...

September Mom--Apparently the folks in the audience just like to move...The hands were not necessary and way too fast for the song...It was another decent performance, but not quite in his genre...It was the quiet and soft accousitc sounding, but not really his style...

Jason needs some help from his fans tonight...


David Cook--I was wrong about David Cook...I didn't like him in the beginning and actually preferred Robbie Carico to him, but I was wrong...I am in love with David Cook! I think he is phenomenal and has a fantastic voice and talent. I think that he will do great things in his career, but I have to be honest and say that I want him to make top 2, but I don't want him to win...I think that David Archuleta really needs to win because he's more the market that Idol goes for. But, David Cook doesn't really have a whole lot to be worried about!

I'm Alive--I really liked this performance...It was good...I wasn't mesmerized by him or it like I was last week, but it was good...I think it was a good song choice and truthfully I don't mind that I didn't know the song or that it wasn't that familiar. David Cook can sing almost anything and I would love it!

AllI Really Need is You-- Vocally it was nice and he sang it well...I'm not sure that it was a stellar performance though, and definately better than any of the other performances, but I'm not sure if that's saying anything....I don't know the song, & Simon said he changed the arrangement, but I don't know! And let me say that the hand waving by the audience is really annoying!

David Cook fans shouldn't forget, but I don't think he has much to worry about (unless this is a shock elimination!)


Brooke White--She had been my favorite female singer for awhile, but I think she's lost her edge...If she makes it through to the top 3 like I had predicted before it going to be on pure fans and not because she's necessarily the "best". I'm not really sure where I see her in the market anymore...

I'm a Believer--The beginning of this song was an entire mess...Maybe it was because it was too low, maybe something else was going on behind the scenes, but it was pretty much a mess and really bad...She picked up a little bit, but still not great and really not that good...Maybe playing the guitar was a mistake?

I Am...I Said--Okay, Brooke is back. This was a really good performance...I'm not sure if it balances out the previous one, but it was a hundred times better! I like this one, but I don't like her outfit tonight...

I still don't think Brooke is in the clear...

David Archuleta--I really think that he'll win and I really think that he should win....I do think that he is precisely the market that Idol looks for, but I'm not sure that he's going to have a super long career...If he finds a niche like Clay Aiken, then maybe he could extend his career, but I'm not too sure I see him as a "pop" singer in the traditional sense.

Sweet Caroline--It was good...Not the ballads from David that we've been hearing, but he did pretty good with it. He closed his eyes a lot and the breathing...Actually the more I think about it, the more I didn't like his performance...

America---I felt like he could have done so much more with this song...I feel like he doesn't really know how to own the stage and that's why he stays standing in one place...He can sing and has an amazing voice not just for his age, but period.

I see David taking it, but that doesn't mean his voters can slack off...Although I have a really hard time seeing anyone who sings a patriotic song going home...

Syesha Mercado--I know it's not been a secret...I'm not a Syesha fan at all...I think she has a beautiful voice and it's very clean and polished and she proved last week that she has the chops for a Broadway stage. I think that's where she's going to see her career and not necessarily as a pop singer.

Hello Again--It was pretty...Clean...she had a little bit of an issue with the key change, but recovered nicely. Not amazing, but not terrible...Simon described it as "old-fashioned" and I think that's a good word for it...

I Thank the Lord for the Night Time--I think I would clal this one old-fashioned too...Again she has a nice voice, but I really see her on a Broadway stage and not as a pop singer...This performance was very 50's-60's and just not up to date--even in the way she performed it.

They were giving her the "Idol pimp" tonight, so we'll see what that does...well, except Simon.

Bottom Three--Jason Castro, Brooke White, Syesha Mercado
Going Home--Jason Castro (I wouldn't be sad if Syesha went though!)

World Malaria Day

Malaria is a Genocide of Apathy, which knows no borders. Millions of people dying. Hundreds of millions falling ill. All from a preventable disease spread by a mosquito bite happening at night.
World Malaria Day ...
is a day to remember that approximately 1 million people are killed by this preventable disease each year. It's also a day to take action to put an end to malaria. United Methodists are doing much to stem the tide. You can be involved through the Make Malaria History campaign which offers a variety of ways to be a part of this effort to eradicate malaria.

Here are some ways individuals and congregations can take action around this important issue:

Quick Links:
NOTHING BUT NETS
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WORLD MALARIA DAY
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UMCOR RESPONSE TO MALARIA
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Idol Chatter: Top 6

It's Idol night again! I just want to clear up last week...I wasn't 100% excited about David Cook's performance, but I downloaded the song from itunes and I absolutely 100% love it!!! It is fantastically amazing! So, that being said...It's Andrew Lloyd Webber night on Idol...Musical night...hmmm...How will some of them fair? This could be a really terrible for some of them, but I recall hearing Simon say a lot "that was a Broadway performance" and it's not a good thing...What will this look like tonight?? (BTW-- I typed that before Ryan's question!)

Syesha Mercado--This could be a good night for her, but we'll see...Okay, Syesha has a good voice-- she can sing and it's clean sounding...I didn't find anything contemporary about her performance tonight-- she would look great on Broadway, but this isn't a pop star performance...I did think it was theatrical and she was expressive-- I almost felt like she connected with the lyrics tonight and showed her personality. I don't think that she should win American Idol becuase she can be a Broadway star (although some Idol alums seem to always end up there!)

Jason Castro-- Rumour has it that he has been really sick this week, so we'll see if that has any effect on his performance tonight...He's singing Memory from Cats and I have to say that I have some particular affinity to this song...It was the very first solo that I ever sang...I also must say that it's a very interesting song choice for him and I'm really interested to see what he does with it tonight...This was a really awkward song tonight-- especially to see the hands in the front...He sang it nicely, but it wasn't a typical Jason Castro performance and I really don't think that he connected with the lyrics at all...This genre is not for him--he's not a Broadway performer and this could be a really rough night for him...I think Jason's fans need to step it up!

Brooke White--I think this is a beautiful song choice for her and one that has stood the test of time and the test of pop ability...She's started and stopped one other time and while on the one hand I respect that she knew she needed to do that, and on the other hand it irritates me that she wasn't prepared...I didn't like this performance tonight for many reasons...I don't think that it was Brooke on the stage tonight...She didn't have the smokey/folksy Brooke sound that is original to her and keeps her unique...I think that this is the biggest criticism that Paula has ever given and she seemed almost angry that Brooke started & stopped...but got a little extra pimping from Simon...hmm...I've got to say that I really agree with Paula tonight...You don't stop and start and you don't let people know that you made a mistake because then they watch just that much more!

David Archuleta--I'm so glad Andrew Lloyd Webber told him to open his eyes! Yay for that!! He should have told him something about that breathing...Now here is how someone takes a Broadway song and makes it contemporary! I wonder where this arrangement from! Although it is a very Broadway song, I didn't think it was a Broadway performance. I think that it was the best performance so far, but I'm not sure that's saying a whole heck of a lot based on the previous contestants.

Carly Smithson--I totally agree with choosing to sing a song with a more rock edge is important for her as a performer! And I do think that she came alive tonight...She looked like she felt more comfortable on the stage...Her faces still bother me and she does look angry a whole lot when she sings! This was a very big song and it fit her big voice. Another example of how to take a song and "un-Broadway" it. I think that she did oversing it just a tad, and it was a little shouty, but it was also one of the best of the night so far...

David Cook--I think I'm most nervous for him tonight (well him & Jason Castro) because I'm just really trying to see how he'll take a song and "un-Broadway" it! He's singing Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera and I can see that one taking a more rock edge or it could be really cool to see him do a power ballad! What's he going to do with the song??? Let's watch and find out! Wow!!! David Cook can really sing...His vocals were captivating...I paid attention completely to him tonight and didn't type at the same time! It was absolutely stunning...It wasn't a power ballad, but it was simply stunning...He didn't really "un-Broadway" it, but he sang it in a way that was accessible to those who don't like Broadway. This is the one song tonight that I can say I absolutely loved and can truly see being another hit for David Cook. Fabulous!!

Bottom 3--Brooke White, Jason Castro, Syesha Mercado (maybe Carly Smithson although I liked her tonight)
Going home--Brooke White (I'd like to say Syesha, but I think Brooke performed worse...Maybe Jason, but I think that his fan base is pretty strong)

Oprah is the Devil?? hmm....

A video has been making the rounds that shows Oprah allegedly denouncing Jesus...I watched the clip and unfortunately because it is taken out of context from the larger show, I don't know that it's appropriate to make that claim...From how I understand what she's saying is that she has a quasi-universalist view point in that there is only one God and if there is only one God, then all religions truly lead to that that one God...I have also heard her say before that for her the way that leads to God is Jesus, but she can't deny another way for someone else. But again, it is taken out of the larger context of the show and I'm not sure what the topic of the show actually is.

Now there's another video about Oprah making the rounds that she is once again leading people astray because of the book that she's "teaching" right now...Again, I have to say that I have personally not read the book-- I have thought that some of the concepts that she has talked about on the show seemed interesting and it was something that I wanted to look into more, but I have not been that interested to pick up the book yet. Apparently the claim is that she is leading people astray because of the new age philosophy that is in the book...Once again, not having read the book I am not sure what actually is said and therefore I don't feel that I can make an informed opinion--all I can comment on are the things that I have seen and heard from her shows.

What I have seen and heard from her show (and this video) could be construed as creating a new "religion" or a new "belief system"...In the wideo that I watching in particulcar, Eckhart Tolle led a meditation in which you sit in the silence and breathe in and out...Now, I am going to fully admit that is something that I actually just preached this morning and also something that I taught during our Lenten devotions...Breath prayers--breathing in everything that is of God and breathing out everything that is not of God...I fully know that it is a mystical experience and a mystical practice that does not work for everyone! As a matter of fact a friend of mine calls it "touchy-feely bullsh**"...

Also the conversations about this have all been taken out of context from the larger conversation and piecemeal from the entire book...When I saw a show of hers recently about the book when she was asked about this particular viewpoint being in contrast to Christianity and forming a new religion (slightly similar to the question that is posed in the video making the rounds, but she answered a little bit more directly)...I don't remember her direct answer, but it went along the lines that if you took this as a new belief system, you've missed the point completely-- this is not about creating a new religion or a new belief system, but "enhancing" what you currently believe. I truly believe that she believes that and that is what she has used this book as...I think that others may not and may turn this into their belief system...I have known people who have gone "too far" into this kind of belief system and while they claim Christianity, very clearly through their actions they do not...

As I listened to Oprah talk about her views of God, I very clearly heard someone who began questioning her faith and belief when she was in her twenties (very common and also important!!), but she didn't have a solid support system to wrestle with these questions and come out on the other side...What I think that I heard her say within her response was essentially that she loves God, but not the church...I would have to say that I can truly understand her point and what she has wrestled with...Couple that with her difficult past and her han (Asian theological concept around pain and woundedness) and there would absolutely be questioning of who God is where God is and what God has done...But questions left to themselves become dangerous because if we remain in the questions without clinging to our faith in God, we can begin to lose that faith...But at the same time, there is no one who has all the answers...If there is someone who claims to have all the answers, I would be just as nervous, if not more, that they are not sure about their beliefs at all or at least have not wrestled with their faith in some way...To blindly accept what others tell you to believe is not okay. Whether that's Opran or your very own preacher...


Here's what I think about this whole thing...I'd like to borrow a quote from Barry Carpenter-- "Oprah has filled a void where the church has failed." I think that is so true...Why does it take Oprah telling people to give more for people to give more? Isn't that something that Jesus has told?? The church should be proclaiming that more-- I think Jesus said, "when you do this to the least of these, you do it to me..." But we can talk about social justice another time! In some of the things and issues that Oprah brings to the front, the church has abdicated her responsibility to engage in the conversations...Why?? Why has the church not begun some of the conversations that she has brought up? "Oprah has filled a void where the church has failed."

I think that it's easy for the church (or parts of the church) to point fingers and say-- "That's not us!" but it's not as easy for the church (or parts of the church) to say, "This is who we are!" Our responsibility as Christians and part of the Church is not to blindly accept what others say, but listen to the Spirit and prayerfully wrestle with our beliefs within a commited community of believers. But it's also important that our beliefs don't just become something that we cling to, but something we live into and through...That our beliefs are displayed through our actions-- that as we believe that God is love, how do we show love to all people? That as we believe that Jesus came for all people (God so loved THE WHOLE WORLD...), how do we show that to people? That as we believe that Jesus broke bread and shared with the undesireables, how do we show that belief??? Let's get out of our fortresses and saftey boxes of the church walls and truly live what we believe!

One of the statements that this video made was that Christians should turn off their TVs and enter into a time of prayer...Now that's a statement that I can get behind...Turn off our TVs and pay attention to the world around...Turn off all the outside noise that we tend to fill our lives with and listen for the Spirit's moving...When we are so distracted, it's hard to hear God! So, yes we all should turn off our TVs and engage in prayer, listen for God's calling, then act on it--answer it!!!! And not because Oprah told us to, but because it's what God calls.

Living Into Our Belief

Living Into Our Belief
Welcome to this our 5th week of Easter…We’ve been celebrating the resurrection of Jesus for several weeks now…Recalling that same excitement of Easter morning when the women were at the tomb of Jesus and seeing for the very first time that Jesus was not dead, but that he was indeed alive…Easter is an 8 week celebration in the Christian calendar—50 days of Easter from the morning of Easter until we reach Pentecost—the day the Holy Spirit came upon the followers after Jesus ascended…As we continue in our celebration of the resurrection, which can really be celebrated everyday as we look for ways that we have seen God—the ways that we have recognized God’s presence in our midst…But as we come together this morning as Christ’s Church, we come to celebrate the resurrection together as a community of believers.
As we continue to celebrate the resurrection together, this morning we have two stories—one is the passage from John where Jesus is sharing part of what is known as his farewell discourse or his kind of “goodbye speech” with the disciples…He gives further information about who he is, if they haven’t gotten it figure out yet, what they’ll expect to happen, and also what they’re expected to do. In the passage from Acts, we have the story of Stephen who is known as the first Christian martyr—the first Christian to die for his faith. The very kind of faith and beliefs that Jesus talked about in his farewell discourse.
Within the conversation with the disciples, Jesus shared with them some profound truths—He told them that there was a place that was prepared specifically for them…He told them, “I am the way…”…He told them that they had seen the Father because they had seen him…He gave them these specific things as a gift to them, as not just words for them to cling to, but beliefs to hold and act upon…
Last week, as we gathered together in worship, we shared together the times, places, and events in our life were we had seen God…I have a confession to make about that…Last Saturday night, I was trying to finish my sermon and things just weren't coming...I'm not sure what the problem was, but for one reason or another, I wasn't in tune with the Spirit...I was trying, but I just couldn't quiet down my busy mind in order to hear the Spirit and to listen for the message...I had wrestled with the passages throughout the week and had heard things throughout that time and thought that I had the message, but when I put my fingers on the keys, it just wasn't coming...So, I shut the computer in frustration and decided that I needed a break...I had a basic outline and I had explored the passages, but nothing was coming to the front...As soon as I did that, and I walked away and went to brush my teeth, that's when I heard it...I heard the Spirit moving.
The week before that, we heard the story of the 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus and in that story, I had challenged ya’ll to look for God...to see where God was present in their midst...And I realized that so many times these challenges are given and folks don't have an opportunity to share the responses from their challenge...Kind of like during VBS when the kids do their daily challenges, then they get to come back and tell everyone what they did! So, I listened to the Spirit moving and decided that for a good part of the sermon, it would be a wonderful opportunity for folks to share where they had seen God during the week...
Just as the disciples on the road to Emmaus stood in amazement to see Jesus standing before them and just as much as the disciples sat with Jesus in our story from this morning…My Lord & My God...It was an amazing, amazing experience...to hear where you had seen God...Where you had experienced God in their midst...Where your eyes had been opened and you had seen God...My Lord & My God...It was amazing...To hear where you had seen God in the midst of joyous occasions, stressful situations, unexpected situations, quiet situations...Amazing Grace...
It’s amazing when things like that happens…when we put ourselves aside and let the Spirit move where the Spirit will move…When we live into our believe…When it becomes something that shapes us and works with us and not just something that we do on Sunday morning or when we’re in the sanctuary….But when our belief in God is something so strong and so powerful that it invades every aspect of our lives and every aspect of our being…From getting a calculator from someone sitting next to us, to seeing a smile, to having someone answer a call from God…My Lord & My God!
What’s amazing when we live into our belief is that it becomes something that we don’t necessarily think about all the time…Sure there are the times when we have to take a step back and breathe—those moments when the “I” in ourselves just wants to burst out…You know those times too—when you’ve been wronged, when you’ve been hurt, when you’re mad or angry…You know those times…Those times when you just want to say, “Okay God, close your eyes for a minute, because this isn’t going to be pretty.” Those are the times when we have to take a step back from ourselves and take some deep breaths—where we breathe in everything that is of God and breath out everything that is not of God…When we allow the Spirit to move within and through us…When we intentionally live into our belief…
Stephen was someone who lived into his belief intentionally and completely and it lead to his death by stoning…He was not shy about sharing his belief in Jesus Christ as the Messiah and if got him in trouble with authorities for being blasphemous or something that was going against God…But he didn’t back down at all from his beliefs or how he expressed them…He gave an impassioned speech to the council before they carried out his sentence of death…Stephen didn’t make his plea because he wanted a great crowd around him or because he wanted any more attention that he had already gotten…Stephen simply believed and lived his life in every aspect of that belief, so much that it cost him his life…And even up until the very end…He said that he saw Jesus and while he was being stoned and breathing his last breaths, he cried out to God, “Please don’t hold this sin against them.” Have you heard that phrase before? Jesus said virtually the same thing as he died on the cross, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” At that very moment where Stephen is being killed, where he is being stoned, he could have cursed the men there and cast all kinds of ill wishes toward them, but in Stephen’s last breath, he asked that their sins not be held against them…Amazing grace!
There’s another person mentioned in our passage about Stephen this morning...As Stephen was being stoned, Saul was holding the coats of the witnesses…Some may recognize the name Saul…But others may know him better as Paul…Yes, the same Paul who wrote many of the letters that we have contained in our New Testament…Within in Saul’s story, he had a conversion on the Road to Damascus…Certainly there were things throughout Saul’s life that helped him to become Paul and we’ll hear those stories another day…But, for Saul to see Stephen living his beliefs to the very end of his life…that even as Stephen breathed his last, he lived his belief…I can’t help but think that there had to have been something about that that made an impact on Saul…
Have you ever thought about that for yourself? How is the way that you are living into and through your belief showing to others? What kind of an impact are you making on another person? Where are you helping to show someone else the love of Christ through your actions? Those are big questions…and they’re big responsibilities…It may be what scares some people about believing in Jesus…That it’s just to high of expectations, and does that mean that I have to be perfect? Does it mean that I can never have any fun? Does it really mean that other people are watchign what I do? It can be intimidating to think about things like that! Anyone who has spent time with children knows that children pick up far more that oftentimes adults think that they do! And sometimes more than adults want them to! When we live into our belief, it’s more than being cautious because there’s someone else around, but it’s being intentional to follow the calling that Jesus has given us…To live into our belief…
Jesus told his disciples that greater works would be done through them…But they aren’t just greater works to do greater works…They’re greater works through faith. Faith in Jesus Christ…God made flesh…Working through the Holy Spirit…A belief in the promises that Jesus made…In the promises that Jesus continues to make and to extend to each of us now and every day…An opportunity that we have to life into that belief this day and everyday…Sometimes it’s a challenging road…But along the journey, we are surrounded by God’s perfect love…We are surrounded by this amazing grace…Sometimes we capture it in ways as we see God…There are times when we show that love through our actions…And those times aren’t isolated or separate instances…They are forever and constantly merged together…For where ever God’s love is shown, God can be seen…Greater works will be done…
Last week, your challenge was to continue to seek those times when you see God present in you midst and those times when you are able to show the love of Christ…The challenge this week is to do both…Live into your belief…Let the Spirit move in and invade…Let that perfect love, that amazing grace do greater works through you…

Not Pop Culture Related...

Well, I realized that pretty much since Lent my posts have been related to Pop culture (Idol) or posting my sermons...So, here's something a little bit different!

I'm coming up on my 2nd year anniversary of graduating from United Theological Seminary and also my 2nd anniversary of being appointed to my first appointment. So, of course that means that now I've been going for 2 years, I clearly have it all figured out!

So, here are some observations that I have made and some advice that I would like to pass on to the new seminary grads...For those other clergy who read this, feel free to add your observations & advice as well!

1.) Beware of the elusive "someone"
It's pretty clear in one on one conversations when the other person says, "Someone should take care of that." But when an individul uses "someone" in their conversation basically that means: "Anyone but me" or in many cases, "The Pastor"...

2.) Beware of "people"
Just like the elusive someone, there are the elusive "people." As in: "People are upset" or "People don't think that's a good idea." Typically that means "I am upset" or "I don't think that's a good idea." When people start talking, someone needs to take care of it...

3.) Don't play ping pong.
My DS gave me an article entitled, Don't Let Your Critics Set the Agenda....If you do that, you're playing ping pong between all of the critics. Stay firm.

4.) SABBATH!!!
A friend of mine once made this quote, "The call those people workaholics......Or pastors." There is always going to be work to do, so make sure that you take time off and time to refresh, rejuvenate, and renew. (I need to keep saying this to myself.)

5.) You're a church folk too.
Just because we know all of the "tricks" or the "labels" for the church folk doesn't mean that we're excluded from the tricks & labels...You're a church folk too! Personal story: I was participating in a group for awhile and when I stopped going, I didn't hear from anyone for about 3 months after I stopped coming. My first thought? "No one gives a crap whether I go or not!" I've not been back since...I'm a church folk too!

6.) Do it during the honeymoon.
I borrowed this from the book Things They Never Taught You in Seminary (If you don't have this book, get it! PS-- Jim & Debbie Bushfield are leading a workshop at the YASN National Gathering). Don't feel like you have to wait to do something just because you're new. Once a pattern has been set, it's harder to break it. There are a few things that I would like to change now that I put off and there are some battles to fight in order for that to hapen.

7.) Don't come in with an agenda.
As much as you need to "do it during the honeymoon," you need to love the people. If you come in with an agenda, they know. Love the people first and foremost.

8.) Be a leader, not a manager.
Unfortunately, many people in the church don't want a leader, they want a manager. They want someone who will take care of the tasks and not push toward anything. There are exceptions to this, for sure. But when you truly lead, you push forward into something new. But at the same time, don't push just for the sake of pushing. Know what the limits are, but don't let them define what you can and cannot do.

9.) Have Friends!
I have an amazing covenant group-- I don't know where I would be without them. They're some of the first people that I call when I need to vent about a meeting...They're some of the first people that I call when I need to celebrate about something...They're some of the first people that I call when I'm frustrated with life...They are amazing. I'm still working on the whole "local friends" thing-- but having a friend to talk to is such a help!

10.) You're going to lose your name.
Now, I made the decision when I was serving in seminary that I wouldn't go by "Missy" in the church...I go by my formal name, "Melissa"...But I kept the dual identity by being known as Missy in my personal life and Melissa in my professional life. What I wasn't prepared for was losing both of those names and being known as "Pastor"...As in: "Pastor thinks we should do this." or "I talked to Pastor today."

11.) Your heart will break.
You will be invited into the most intimate moments of people's lives...Into the most challenging circumstances...Into the most heartbreaking situations...Be completely present in those times and be there completely for them in their time of need...Your heart will break.

12.) Laugh...A lot...
Sometimes that's all you can do! Laugh...A lot!


I'll think some more and post some more thoughts later...Any that you would like to add?

Idol Chatter: Top 7

Well, here we are again! It's Idol night! Now they keep talking about last week as the "shock" elimination and I have to say that I really just don't agree...I don't think that he necessarily should have gone home then, but I wouldn't call it a shock either. So, this week is Mariah Carey night...I'm nervous for these contestants-- these are tough songs!

David Archuleta-- Another ballad, which I think is okay for him...And is he wearing leather pants?? Okay, so here's the thing with this song-- it's a Mariah & Whitney song!! Two big superstars! I'm so glad that he chose it rather than Syesha...His breathing habits seem to be getting a little bit better, but it's still bothering me to hear his gasps. This was a good performance...I think that there were some shaky times in there, but it was good. I'm not convinced it was phenomenal, but it was good.

Carly Smithson--This is a very smart song choice for her, but she does have a tendancy to oversing songs, so we'll see what happens...I think she still looks angry and I really think that a lot of it has to do with her eyebrows! Okay, she didn't really oversing it, but I almost feel like she might have "under sung" it...It was decent, but not spectacular...The judges keep saying that she needs to trust herself and I wonder if she doesn't trust her abilities because of the past she has in the business...I agree with Simon--in theory this was a really great song for her, but she just didn't live up to it.

Syesha Mercado--I'm really not excited for her perfomance this week (or any week really...) Okay, so for not wanting to like her she actually did pretty well! I liked the runs that she did...There were some rough parts and I'm still not convinced of her connections with the lyrics and her emotional appeal. I also know that this is judgemental, but I think that she's arrogant...At this point, I think it's a lot about fans, and if she can keep her fans, she could be okay this week.

Brooke White--Brooke's playing piano again...I would have liked to hear the song on guitar for something a little different...Has she had the breathing issue like David Archuleta the whole time too and I'm just noticing it tonight? Another comparison-- where Syesha can probably sing better, Brook really looks like she connects with the lyrics and has that emotional connection...Okay, so Brooke is one of my favorite females in the competition, but I have to be really honest and say that tonight was really not very good at all...It was very pitchy and there were notes all over the place...I think that she might get the sympathy vote for missing her sister's wedding.

Kristy Lee Cook--I can't believe she gave Mariah Carey goosebumps either!! What's with her funny faces too? Am I just noticing those tonight? I'm still not convinced that she belongs in the competition, but this was a good night for her...It was a nice version of the song that had a bit of country to it, but not overwhelming...I think that it could potentially be a hit for her...I'm not sure if it was a good enough performance to keep her or not, but she's got some kind of a fanbase somewhere!

David Cook--I'm nervous because I'm not sure how he'll do with these songs...I'm torn on this one...I thought that there were parts that were really great and I liked the arrangement of it...I thought it ended super strong and fantasitc...and the way that he didn't resolve it at the end did leave it haunting...Although there were some parts that were a little off and I didn't feel completely comfortable with...I can't wait for the studio version to come out because I think that will be amazing! I think that it is a risk taking song and performance...BTW-- his brother was in the audience tonight, who has brain cancer with a low prognosis (according to reports)...This was an amazing night...

Jason Castro--So, it's been driving me crazy who he sounds like in his studio recordings and I think it's Hanson! Anyone else figure it out? This is going to be a hard sell after David Cook's performance...So, let's see what happens! I'm not sure if he should have sat on a swivel stool because that was a little bit distracting that he twisted quite a bit...I liked it...It was nice and smooth and I think that the style fit who he is...I wouldn't put him in the bottom over this one!

I'm going to agree with Simon and say that the male vocals really took the night-- they were good and I don't know if it's beacuse it's not as easy to compare the guys to Mariah...

Oh! This is going to be the week that they do the 2 groups and one person has to go with the top three!

So, I'm going to actually put all the the girls in the bottom this week, because I can't decide which one of them to keep out...
Going Home: Syesha or Kristy Lee Cook...

Amazing Grace...

Last night, I was trying to finish my sermon and things just weren't coming...I'm not sure what the problem was, but for one reason or another, I wasn't in tune with the Spirit...I was trying, but I just couldn't quiet down my busy mind in order to hear the Spirit and to listen for the message...I had wrestled with the passages throughout the week and had heard things throughout that time and thought that I had the message, but when I put my fingers on the keys, it just wasn't coming...So, I shut the computer in frustration and decided that I would just go to bed and get up early to finish...My exegesis was done and I had a basic outline, but nothing was coming to the front...As soon as I did that, and I walked away and went to brush my teeth, that's when I heard it...I heard the Spirit moving.

Last week, I had challenged the congregations to look for God...to see where God was present in their midst...And I realized that so many times these challenges are given and folks don't have an opportunity to share the responses from their challenge...Kind of like during VBS when the kids do their daily challenges, then they get to come back and tell everyone what they did! So, I listened to the Spirit moving and decided that for a good part of the sermon, it would be a wonderful opportunity for folks to share where they had seen God during the week...

My Lord & My God...It was an amazing, amazing experience...to hear where people had seen God...Where people had experienced God in their midst...Where their eyes had been opened and they had seen God...My Lord & My God...It was amazing...To hear where they had seen God in the midst of joyous occasions, stressful situations, unexpected situations, quiet situations...

Amazing Grace...

A Change in Lifestyle

A Change in Lifestyle
We celebrate Easter with a big celebration on Easter Sunday with eggs, flowers, and shouts of joy…And while that’s important to celebrate…Easter is longer than one day—We celebrate the 50 days of Easter…The time between when Jesus raised from the dead and ascended to heaven and when we remember Pentecost—the day that the Holy Spirit was poured out and the church was born. And we’re on week 4 of the 8 week journey through Easter…
Now, last week we heard the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus whose eyes were opened to see Jesus walking with them…And we heard George Straits’ song, I Saw God Today…So, this morning I want to give you an opportunity to share where you saw God this week…Now, some of you may be thinking, “Well, I wasn’t here last week to hear that story, so I’m counted out of this part!” Well, I think whether we heard the story of the walk to Emmaus last week or not, we have stories of where we saw God this week…So, this morning we will share together…You can stand up where you are and I’ll bring the mic to you or you are welcome to come up to the front…Where have you seen God? (Stories)
Our passages this morning give us some context for what Jesus had shared with the disciples about who he is and what they should remember about him…We also have a story of how the disciples had formed this new community of faith.
As we shared our stories this morning, it’s a reminder also of how the disciples and the early Christians gathered together. As Acts tells us how the disciples gathered together to eat, fellowship, and share everything that they had…
Just like Jesus broke bread with the disciples and with the men on the road to Emmaus, the disciples broke bread together…The early sharing of the Lord’s Supper or Communion was done in a potluck style…As they ate together, they remembered Jesus and everything that he had done for and with them…And they shared together where they had seen God and what God was doing in their midst…
They sold all of their possessions to make sure that everyone in their congregation was taken care of…They made sure that everyone had enough and that everyone was taken care of physically, spiritually, and emotionally…What an amazing testimony of how they took care of one another and truly showed how to be a family…
This way that they gathered together set them apart as different…It made people stop and wonder what was going on with these people, these people who were called “Christians”…Originally the name, “Christian” was meant to be a derogatory term, but early Christians embraced the term because it literally meant being a “little Christ”…They acted in everyway that they thought that Christ would acted…
In acting in everyway that they thought Christ would act, their lifestyle was completely changed…Can you imagine living like that?? Where your lifestyle was completely changed in order to follow Christ completely?
Well, there may be some cynics saying, “Pssh…like that really happens. And even if those early Christians did change their lifestyle, like it did anything.” Well, the book of Acts says that it did do something…It grew the followers closer together, closer to one another, and closer to Christ…But others also paid attention to what they were doing and how they were living…and as they gathered in the temple to pray together, and broke bread at home together…Day by Day the Lord added to their numbers…
By their faith and dedication to Christ, their numbers multiplied…They didn’t worship because they wanted more people to join…But people joined because they worshiped and they did so with their whole hearts and whole lives…
People were able to see Christ through them…They lived their whole lives and changed the way that they lived in order to be in closer fellowship with Jesus…Can you imagine if that’s something that we all did? That we changed our entire lifestyle in order to be in closer fellowship with one another and Christ? That we truly put Christ first in all things?
I think that if all Christians truly put Christ first, the world will be transformed because people will pay attention…Because by putting Christ first in all things, we would grow closer to one another, closer to Christ, and people would be able to see Christ through us…And the world will be transformed…
As you continue to look this week for where you see God…because God isn’t just around one week or even just one day! This week think about how people are seeing God through you…How are you displaying the love of Christ? For some that may mean changing their entire lifestyle to show that love of Christ and if that’s you and you’re not sure what that means or how to do that…I would love to talk with you to help to find what that means for you…What it means for others to see Christ through you…

Idol Chatter: Top 8!

Sorry about my Idol Gives Back rant yesterday...I in no way want to diminish the work that has been done through this charity, but I recognize the paradox that it revolves in...On to the show...This week is "Inspirational Songs" and I've already seen a preview of what the songs are going to be and I have to say...I know what David Archuleta is doing and if he doesn't pull it off, I will never, ever forgive him...Just saying...On to the show!

Michael Johns--I've said all along that I'm not a big fan and that really didn't change any after tonight...I don't think that the song was the best for "inspiration night", but I guess that depends on your definition of inspirational! It was a decent enough performance, but I do have to agree with Simon and Randy that it was a wannabe-ish performance. I think that's why I haven't felt him connecting yet because he really doesn't know who he is as an artist....I think that he knows what he likes, but I don't think he knows what he does best...I also didn't really like the skreeching...

Syesha Mercado--Last year someone sang this song and I didn't appreciate their interpretation (can't remember who it was though! I can see her face, but can't remember her name...That's kind of telling of her career isn't it?) I don't get the love fest with Syesha...Her voice is clean and smooth, but I really don't like her. I don't think that there's a place for her in the market....I didn't like her interpretation tonight and I don't appreciate her taking these big songs either...I totally agreed with Randy on his comments tonight-- spot on! There was absolutely no connection with the lyrics on her part and I think that she could have cared less about the words themselves...

Jason Castro--I think this is a good song in theory as well...Again I don't get it as inspirational, but another different interpretation of inspiration. I really like this performance. He absolutely knows who he is and there's not that lack of connection from like the previous two contestants...I still don't like his faces, but this was a gorgeous performance...I think that I'll have to listen to it a couple more times to get some of the moments of the song...I've gotten some of Jason's studio performances of his songs and let me say, those help me fall in love with him just that much more! When I listen to those, I think that he really could have a shot in the mainstream market as long as he doesn't compromise who he is to fit in.

Kristy Lee Cook--I don't think she belongs in the competition...Her song again doesn't strike me as all that inspirational, but I guess I really should forget my definition of inspirational! I'm going to get pretty picky with her tonight...Her stance is awful...She needs to learn how to stand without looking like she's riding a horse...I know that's catty too! I could kind of sense the emotion with her on this song, but not completely....I really don't like when artists close their eyes when they sing! It was pretty pitchy, especially in the beginning....She's been improving as an artist, but I still don't think that she belongs in the competition.

David Cook--I don't think that this was his week...The song was decent enough, but I don't think it was his best performance at all....I thought his vocals weren't as good as they have been the past few weeks...Put aside the fact that I don't really know the song that well, if he could sing it well it wouldn't matter, but this just wasn't it for the night. I appreciate the fact that he was picking a song that was important to him and one that not many others could tackle. I don't think that he will lose any fans over this one, but they might need to step up their game.

Carly Smithson--I've gotten a couple of her studio recordings as well and I must say that I really have grown to like her an awful lot. I like listening to her sing a whole lot more than I like seeing her perform. This song really reminded me of an inspirational song tonight...I disagree with not feeling connected. I think that she does have a problem as oversinging songs. I'd like to hear what it sounds like in the studio performance because I could potentially like this one...I don't think that she should go home over this performance, but I don't know that it was the best choice for her either. In all honesty, I think that if Carly doesn't win American Idol, she's going to have a hard time in the industry...Problem is, I don't think that she's going to win.

David Archuleta--Okay, I already know that David is tackling Robbie Williams' Angels...One of my favorite songs by my all time favorite artist. Jessica Simpson tried to sing this song and murdered it, which is one reason why I will never, ever listen to anything that she puts out (among other reasons!) So, David has to do this song really well or I will write him off just as quick...Okay, now let's watch! Are you kidding me??? I so wanted to hate his performance, I really and truly did...But, guess what...I LOVED it!!! It was beautiful! I loved that he really made the song his own and didn't try any do a karoke version of the song, but really sang it and connected with it and sang it from his heart. Robbie Williams' version will never be replaced, but it was amazing! I also don't think that it was his best performance, so I'm really interested to see what the studio version sounds like.

Brooke White--She makes connections with songs and lyrics where others don't...Her emotion is real and raw and I loved it. I don't know why she was in the bottom last week, she doesn't need to be there. I liked this performance. I thought she sang it well and I think she should stay in the competition-- I see her in the top 3. I liked this version of the song, I've not heard it before...I agree that it was pleasant and nice, but I'm not sure it was a blockbuster performance that she really needs.

Bottom 3--Michael Johns, Syesha Mercado, Kristy Lee Cook (Carly Smithson could replace Michael Johns maybe?)
Going Home--Syesha Mercado (I've gotta be right one of these times!)

Idol Gives Back...

Okay...I have to get some thoughts out about the show before it airs...Because here’s where I have tension with this whole premise...I totally respect and appreciate what Idol is trying to do and what they have done in terms of getting donations and doing service around the world. I think what they have done has been competely respectable and important. If you’re wondering where all the money that was donated & raised went, you can check out an article run by the New York Times here. My beef is not with the concept so much...

Here’s what I do have issue with...I really take issue with the taped pieces that have been done and shown...I really took issue with them last year and there are several of them that have been used over again, which makes me think that the judges & host didn’t return to the areas that they were last year...I have to say that really, really irritates me that they’re capatilizing on trips that they took last year and didn’t go back when they clearly have the resources to do so...I hope that I am wrong and I will be fully willing to apologize if I am, but...I also really take issue with what is worn in these taped pieces...Why on earth would anyone go to these areas of intense need wearing designer clothing and expensive jewelry??? It is an utter and complete disrespect to wear those things when the people that are encountered can’t afford to buy food or have clean water. That is unacceptable...

And truthfully, I’m torn on the issue of celebrities talking loudly about what they "give back." People magazine just wrote an article where Ryan Seacrest announced that he is doing the show for free this week and giving his paycheck to the foundation...And any of the other celebrities who give money to various places...One the one hand, I think that by them telling what they give and what are some important issues, it brings awareness to people and places and inspires some to give more money to help...But on the other hand, is it just them giving money so that they get more free press? I know, I’m cynical...This just seems to be a pat on the back, self congratulatory, "Look at what we’re doing!"

I also find it frustrating that people think that just because American Idol declares a night to donate, that’s the only time people do or the only time that people think about giving...

It won’t stop me from watching the show...But, I will watch with this tension of irritation and gratitude for the attention that is brought.

What We Can't See

What We Can’t See
Welcome to our third week of Easter…As we continue in our celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, we continue to hear stories of Jesus interacting with his followers and joining with them as they see and hear Jesus for the first time after his resurrection.
Our story from Luke this morning tells the story of the two men walking from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus…These men weren’t a part of the eleven disciples of Jesus (the 12 disciples minus Judas), but they were still followers of Jesus and deeply effected by his death. Their walk to Emmaus was taking place on the same day of Jesus’ resurrection, as they tell that the women have already seen Jesus…But, they’re having a hard time believing it because just like many people, they can’t imagine death being anything but permanent…And even though they have listened to Jesus’ teachings and preachings, it’s still difficult for them to comprehend that Jesus is indeed alive.
As these men walked to Emmaus they were joined by someone on their journey…It wasn’t someone that they recognized, but we know from the story that this someone was Jesus who was walking with them…They shared with Jesus what had happened, about Jesus’ crucifixion and death and that they had heard that Jesus’ tomb was empty, but that they didn’t know what to make of it all…
On the walk to Emmaus, the two men were lost in their own grief…They were lost in their own emotions and focused only on themselves and not on what Jesus had promised over and over…It was all about them and they were blind…
There are these surveys on myspace & facebook that people can fill out…They have silly questions like “what color socks are you wearing?” and basic information like “where were you born?” and personal questions like “what are you afraid of?” These surveys are usually anywhere from 10-150 questions…As fun as these surveys may be to fill out, they’re referred to as “memes” because they’re all about me…All about the person filling them out…Now maybe you haven’t filled out one of these surveys before, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been times in your life when it’s all be about you…There are some people who live their entire lives with it being about them…Are you one of those people?
That’s an awkward question to ask, because I would think that very few people would think to themselves that they are a person who makes everything about them, who thinks that they’re selfish…Maybe there are some…But, I bet that we can all think of someone who is…We can all think of someone who is selfish…Who is blind to the world around…I’m guessing that some of you are thinking about that person right now and saying to yourself, “I wish so-and-so were here right now…I wish so-and-so were here to hear this…” Well, let me tell you something…The Gospel doesn’t work like that…The Gospel isn’t just for some people to hear and others to ignore…The Gospel isn’t just for so-and-so to hear, but it’s for you to hear…It’s for you to examine…It’s not for you to say, “Well, surely I’m not like that!” But it’s for you to take a serious step back and say, “What is being said to me right now? What does this mean for me right now?” Because as soon as we think that this can’t possibly apply to us and really applies to so-and-so…Guess what, we’ve just become blind. We’ve just become like the men on the way to Emmaus and can’t see Jesus…
The Gospel is full of love and grace…The Gospel is good news…But there are times that the Gospel pushes us to be out of our comfort zone…I have to say that I love Jesus, but there are times when I just wish that Jesus would stop talking to me…There are times when Jesus’ words hit just too close to home…I hope that you have the same experience…That you love Jesus, but there are times when Jesus’ words and Jesus’ stories pinch and pull you out of your comfort zone…This story is no different…It’s easy to look at the men on the road to Emmaus and point out where we’re not like them…But, where are we like them? Where are our eyes closed? What can’t we see?
The men on the road to Emmaus couldn’t see Jesus…They had no idea who was walking with them…They had no idea that in their midst was the resurrected Christ…That God was walking with them in the midst of their grief, pain, and confusion. It’s like that for us too…That in the midst of our daily struggles God is there walking alongside us…It’s hard to see God when we are struggling, but that doesn’t mean that God isn’t there walking alongside us, reminding us of God’s promise…Just like Jesus was reminding the men on the road to Emmaus of his promises that he would die and rise again…
My sister told me once, “Every time a song says Jesus in it, I think that you’re going to like it.” I thought that she was kidding when she said it, but then literally every song that she suggested I listen to talked about Jesus in some way or another…And because she listens to country music, they were pretty much all country music! Last night she sent me a message that said, “I know that you like songs about Jesus, but do you like songs about God? Here's a song that you should listen to.” I rolled my eyes when I got her message but then I looked up the lyrics and found a clip of the song…The song is I Saw God Today by George Strait and I have it for you to listen to this morning. (song) As the chorus goes, “I’ve been to church…I’ve read the book…I know He’s there, but I don’t look near often as I should…Yeah, I know I should…His fingerprints are everywhere…I’d just slow down and stop and stare…I opened my eyes and man I swear, I saw God today.”
The men on the road to Emmaus finally did see who Jesus was…They finally recognized this person that was walking with them…How did they recognize him? In the breaking of the bread…The last time that Jesus broke bread with his disciples in the upper room during the Passover festival…Where Jesus said, “This is my body which is broken for you.” In the breaking of the bread, these men saw Jesus…Their eyes were opened…They were able to get beyond themselves and see that there was a bigger picture…They were able to remember what Jesus had said to his disciples…This is my body which is given for you, do this as often as you eat this in remembrance of me…Remember me…Remember who I AM…Remember what has happened…Remember why it has happened….Remember what I have done for you…Remember what I have done for the world…Remember what God has done and what God is doing…Remember…
The breaking of the bread isn’t past tense…As we celebrate communion, it’s more than remembering…It’s an opportunity to share with the world…It’s an opportunity to share with all of the saints…As we share in the Great Thanksgiving, the prayer that’s prayed as we break bread and share the cup, we join in the heavenly banquet…It’s the moment where the past, present, and future come together…We call this a Holy Mystery…It’s called a Holy Mystery not because we don’t want to try and explain it, but because it’s a moment that is so sacred and so holy that it’s nearly impossible for us as human beings to wrap our minds around it…
As we come to the table this morning, there may be places in our life where we have been blind…where we have not seen…Come to the table with open eyes…When the men on the way to Emmaus had their eyes open, they saw Jesus…Open your eyes and see Jesus…As we collect God’s offering this morning, think about what those areas in your life are…Those places where you have been blind…Where your eyes have been closed…Where you have made it all about you…As we come to the table this morning and share in the Lord’s Supper together, see Jesus…Experience Jesus…After receiving communion, you have an opportunity to join at the rail in prayer to have your eyes continued to be opened…To see what it is that you can’t see…

Idol Chatter: Top 9

Well, it's Dolly Parton week! It's intriguing that they're picking artists this year rather than genres...But, it's good. I think that Dolly Parton has an amazing career to pick from, so I'm looking forward to hearing what these contestants choose and how they make the songs their own!

Brooke White--I love Jolene....It's a gorgeous song and one that is full of emotion. I think in theory this was a good song for Brooke, but she really didn't do that great with it tonight. She was pretty pitchy throughout and sped up the music a couple times. Just like Simon, I really didn't see the emotion either. I think that she has a strong enough fan base that this won't hurt her.

David Cook--I'm glad that they addressed where he's been getting his arrangements from...Not that word hasn't gotten around thanks to the Internet! I haven't listened to every cover that he's done, but according to some sites, he really is just doing a karoake version...He's talented, let's give him that. Little Sparrow--I've not heard this one before, but it's a pretty song. I liked his arrangement and I think that it really did show tonight his vocal skills. I think that he stands a really good shot at making it in the mainstream. I might buy his CD!

Ramiele Malluby--I have to pick on her and say that I haven't really liked the clothes that she's been wearing the past few weeks...I know it's catty! Once she got into it, it wasn't terrible, but it really wasn't good either. It was pretty pitchy and she bounced a little bit too much for me! She's got a fan base somewhere that has been keeping her in, can they keep her in again?

Jason Castro--I really like Jason...I don't think that he stands a shot at winning, but he does have a pretty good shot at going far and having a decent career out of this. I thought this was a really good song choice for him...Different enough that it gave a different spin, but still within what his comfort zone is. I didn't like the faces (a la John Mayer again), but I thought that he sang the song with conviction as though he really bought into the lyrics. I really disagreed with Simon on this performance.

Carly Smithson--Another good song choice...I'm still not fond of the faces she makes when she sings--she always looks so angry! This needed some softer expressions than I think she can really give. Vocally, it was really great...Very clean and polished...I really enjoyed this performance from her and I would consider buying her CD when it comes out. Simon's comments always seem to get her and she really looked like she was fighting back tears. I thought his comments were un-called for and I disagree. He always gets crabby on country night because he just doesn't get the music and doesn't like it...That's fine, but don't take it out on these artists when they sing well.

David Archuleta--The tape piece with Dolly really pumped him up, I was nervous to see if he could live up to the hype! Another ballad-- again, as long as he knows that's who he is, that's great! I just get nervous that he won't be able to really connect with a mainstream audience singing only ballads. The breathing still really gets me-- it's distracting! I thought it was another good performance from him-- there were a couple of spots that were a little off, but overall it was really, really nice. I would buy it!

Kristy Lee Cook--Well, during country week I would hope that Kristy Lee could do well! Coat of Many Colors is a beautiful song and I love it, so I hoped that she wouldn't ruin it for me! I'm not sure that it was a good song choice for her...Her voice is a little harsh for it, I think-- it needed a gentler voice...Brooke could have done really well with it! She did well with it, it wasn't a mess like some of her past performances have been, but I really am not a fan of hers...I think that she should have gone home a while ago. I just wonder if she has a big enough fan base anymore...

Syesha Mercado--Well, she tackled one of the songs that no one should ever tackle on American Idol...I Will Always Love You...If Whitney hadn't ever sang this song, I think Syesha could do decently on it...But, since Whitney did...Her performance was very clean and polished, but I really didn't like it...Now, I know that I haven't been a huge Syesha fan throughout everything, but still...I think this was a big mistake for her, you just don't tackle songs like this.

Michael Johns--I'm not sure how he'll do on this week...I'm not a Michael Johns fan and I've not made that a secret...He's got a lot to live up to from last week when his performance was amazing....This one was good...I still am not feeling a connection with him, he seems really disconnected from the audience and hasn't connected yet...He also makes funny faces when he sings-- he looks confused and angry a lot of the time! It was a good performance, and I think that it's good enough to keep him around for a while longer!

Bottom 3--Ramiele Malluby, Syesha Mercado, Kristy Lee Cook (not sure on her, a lot is based on fans on this one!)

Going home--Syesha Mercado