Talent

So, it's been over 2 months now since I've posted anything, and I'm sure you're ready to hear the profound thoughts that have spurred me to dust off the ol' blog. If so, I'm sorry to say, you'll be sorely disappointed. I'm only here to complain.

Billy and I don't watch a lot of TV. We made a decision a long time ago to steer clear of cable, since it's just expensive smut. But we have found the vast network of TV available online. Currently, we're enjoying the Piers Morgan shows - America's Got Talent and old episodes of The Celebrity Apprentice.

Celebrity Apprentice is its own beast, but I'm here to ridicule the top picks for tonight's finale episode of America's Got Talent. The biggest disgust is Grandma Lee. She has one joke, and well, it's just not funny. Who really wants to listen to an old lady talk about sex? (Yes, I know... apparently several people want to since she keeps getting voted back.)

But what I really don't like is how the show basically turned into a singing competition. Out of the 10 finalists, 6 of them are singers. Ummm... hello? We already have a singing competition. It's called American Idol. How about we branch out a little and have a real talent competition. Cause sorry, but learning a new song in a week is WAY easier than coming up with a new dance routine that 5+ people have to be perfectly in sync. It's also WAY easier than training a dog in a new routine. I'm not a dog people, but personally, I would've liked to see the frisbee-catching dog make it. I mean, c'mon! His owner had to quit his job to compete, and he was way more impressive than any of the singers.

But if we're gonna make it a singing competition, why do people keep voting for the lame-o ones? I mean, I like Kevin Skinner as much as the next non-hick. But all he's done is slow ballads where he shakes notes cause he's too emotional while he performs. I would have much rather seen Mia Boostrom perform another amazing song like "Hallelujah."

Anyway, I didn't get to vote cause the downside of internet watching is that you get it a day late. But out of the 10 finalists tonight, my top pick is The Fab Five. The bring it every week with lots of energy, creative new moves, and super tight execution. But I'd still be happy with Hairo Torres or Recycled Percussion. Basically, any of the "variety" type acts... except Grandma Lee.

Do you watch? Who's your pick, and why?

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I love Veggie Tales with a passion. Here's a great, funny but real history of St. Patrick, a great missional man who spread the love and truth of God.

What Motivates a Blogging Mom?

This month, I had the privilege of writing a fun article for Evansville Parent about why moms blog. It was a great opportunity to get to know some of my own favorite bloggers (who graciously participated in some e-mail interviews) and to find some not-so-new, but new-to-me bloggers from my own hometown of Evansville.

You can see the cover above and read the PDF spread here. (page 8 of the PDF)

But why stop there?

The fact is that when I interview someone for an article, the conversation often includes way more than I could possibly fit into a 1200-word article. And I felt like these ladies gave me so much good stuff that it would be a shame to limit it to what could be worked into my piece.

So, this week, I'll be featuring the interviews of some great blogging moms.

Here's the 5-day forecast for This One Goes Out...

Monday (see next post): Mollie Erickson from I, Mollie - the cover girl of the piece.
Tuesday: Beth from Total Mom Haircut
Wednesday: Misty from Rainy Day in May
Thursday: Kat from Secret Life of Kat (and 2 other blogs!... this woman is amazing.)
Friday: Leta from Leta Joy

Hope you'll come back to see what these ladies have to say and be sure to visit them as well!

OMFG!!!!!

(That, btw Mom, stands for "Oh, my freaking gosh!")

Okay, kids.... like, as if DDR music didn't super exceed my expectations, I just found out that one of my favorite songs from DDR (30 Lives) is gonna be on "Cardio for Indie Rockers."

Yes, you heard right. Indie rock has actually entered the field of fitness. At first, I thought this was a joke. There's a review of it on The Onion, after all. But it's actually available for pre-purchase on Amazon. That is crazy.

I'm still trying to figure out if it's April Fool's day somewhere, cause this just seems weird to me.

I'm not sure this is gonna be a kid-friendly workout, so it may not make it into my library, but still.... c'mon.... how freakin' awesome is that?

The World We Live In - A Greeting Card's Story

So, I was looking for a free e-card for my brother because I'm cheap, but I still wanted to show how very proud I am of him. Today is his 1-year sobriety anniversary.

As I looked for a card that said, "Congrats," I found 2 things that I annoyed me. One was that every single congrats card I looked at had alcohol on it. Champagne bottles graced them all. Nice. How in the world do you send that for a sobriety birthday?

Second, I found this gem. Can you believe that!!!! Congrats on finally getting divorced??? Ugh. What has this world come to? (Although, I have to admit that I did find it funny that both halves of the heart had men on them. Hmmmmm... what is that? Congrats on your gay divorce?)

Anyway, apparently, we can't celebrate without booze, and we're happy for divorce. Man...

Music Monday Review: Christmas with Weezer

There's something in me that recoils when I hear updated Christmas music. I'm one of those people that likes to hear Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra at Christmas time. I hate it when people ruin good ole stand-bys with their updates. And that's pretty much what everyone does.

Except Weezer.

When I saw this on iTunes, I nearly went into a convulsive shock. Not only is it a cheesy thing to make Christmas albums (something I thought would be below the geek rock gods), but it's not real Weezer-y to put all Christian songs on a CD. I guess if I ever thought Weezer would make a Christmas CD, it would include things like "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," or worse, "I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus."

But this CD not only rocks in true Weezer fashion, but it is full of Christian-based songs. Only 1 out of 6 songs isn't Christian, but even that one doesn't mention Satan Claus at all.

Here's the playlist for Christmas with Weezer:

We Wish You a Merry Christmas
O, Come All Ye Faithful
O, Holy Night
The First Noel
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Silent Night

This one's a winner.

And this post is part of Music Mondays at Bloggable Music Network.

Sarah is a Centerfold (and a Debt-Free advocate, too)

Errr.... okay. More like a centerpiece. Maybe cover story is an even better description. But anyway, my latest article for Evansville Parent is available online. I'm super proud because Billy and I have been working hard at paying down debt and living within our means. This month, I got a chance to share that with the city of Evansville - and surrounding areas. ;)

Check it out and let me know what to think. (pg. 12 of this electronic version)

Treasures in Heaven

Here's a message from our pastor in Evansville, David Neidnagel. He was incredibly instrumental in the shaping of my faith and how it transmits to my daily life. If you listen to his sermon here on the economic crisis, then you'll understand why. This man is an amazing servant of God.

Changing our Family Tree

We just got back from small group a few moments ago. Dinner is in the oven, and I have some spare minutes to jot some thoughts down while Billy and the girls play together.

Our church is feeling some tension recently from financial issues, some of which go back as far as 8 years ago. Others which are more recent. You can read more about the current situation on Billy's blog.

In the midst of all the discussion at the church that's been going on about these issues, Billy and I have decided that it's time to get serious about our own finances, too. If you've been reading long, you know that I do all sorts of stuff to save money. So, we haven't been bad stewards, exactly, but we have started to get convicted on the van loan that we have.

The Bible says, “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:7-8).

So, we talked to our small group about it (I love those people!), and today the whole group got together to start working the financial Baby Steps of Dave Ramsey. We shared stories of where we are and where we've been. Then, we watched a powerful video about stewardship and focusing our hearts to know that everything is God's, and we just manage a portion of it.

Next week, we'll start talking about his book Total Money Makeover. I can't wait to see what God does in our group over the next 10 weeks!

Music Monday > Breaking Up Just Breaks My Heart

I commented over on Kat's Music Monday post just now, and mentioned what a good show it was to see Monk and Neagle live. (Opening for Bebo Norman, no less. I swear that's what heaven will be like.)

So, I thought I'd take a look at their site to see what they're up to currently.

What I found is that there's yet another band that I'll have to add to my list of "Sad to See You Go."

Other bands are -

Five Iron Frenzy

No Doubt









Sixpence None the Richer

New Kids on the Block (Although I hear they're making a comeback... again.)











Anyway, back to Monk and Neagle. Neagle, it seems, has decided to leave the open road in favor of the family. I commend him for that.

But it's still sad to me because Monk and Neagle were seriously a breath of fresh air in the Christian music community. They had a great sound more like Jack Johnson than anything you'll hear on the local Christian station. And their harmonies! Man... those are amazing.

So, bands break up. And it breaks your heart when you realize that the music you love will be all you can heart from them again.

What band did you hate to see breaking up?

*this post is part of Music Mondays

Asleep in the Light

Last week, Shaun Groves posted about Larry Norman's death, wondering if the Christian music community would really miss him. He noted that other conviction-filled Christian musicians, such as Rich Mullins and Keith Green, are rarely referenced well these days.

Now, I don't know much about Larry Norman. My knowledge is limited to a song that dc talk covered with end times theology that I don't agree with, but Rich Mullins has been a favorite of mine for years. I remember seeing him in concert when I was a wee lass in junior high. I thought he was weird for performing barefoot. I would pay lots of money today to see him perform barefoot. Since he's dead, that won't be happening. But fortunately, I have a DVD of one of his last concerts that I can play over and over.

Anyway, Keith Green is one that I haven't listened to in a long, but I got out my Keith Green: The Early Years CD today, and jammed to the first few songs on the way home from the gym.

Man! This guy has some hard-hitting lyrics. The CD opens up with "Asleep in the Light." This song is one where he chastises Christians for not caring that others around us are dying.

But it's easy to rip on the church, right?

What I liked was that Green also isn't scared to offend non-believers. It seems to me like young, hip, emerging Christians of today hold un-believers up as the idol du jour. There are calls to make things relevant for the un-believer (read: cater to them). We consult non-Christians on how they would like to be reached for Christ, and then we sell books on the topic.

But the 2nd song of Green's album is called "Soften Your Heart," and it comes with lines such as,

"You're so proud of saying you're a seeker
But why are you searching in the dark
You won't find a thing
Until you soften your heart"

So, what I appreciate so much about Keith Green -- okay there are TONS of things I appreciate, and I learned most of them in the biography of him that his wife Melody wrote -- is that he's able to call a spade a spade whether he was in Christian circles or with non-Christians.

Cause after all, we all need the same thing: Truth.

Review: Nooma "Name" by Rob Bell a Disappointing Release

I've long been a fan of Rob Bell. Billy and I played his video, "Flame," at our wedding, and Velvet Elvis was a great read.

But last night, we watched his new video "Name," and not only was I less than impressed, I was beyond disappointed in the psychobabble that Bell felt is necessary for spiritual direction from a Christian perspective (a position the Nooma website totes as its own purpose).

1. "Name" begins with Bell talking about a meeting with his counselor, and the relativistic question that his counselor poses to him.

"Don't worry if it's normal for people. Is it normal for you?"

Well, folks...hearing the "voice of God" through his neighbor's dog seemed to be normal for David Berkowitz. Somehow, I don't think that's quite right, regardless of how normal it is.

True, Bell discusses a verse in which Jesus tells Peter not to worry about whether the other guy is following, but this doesn't quite make the leap to "is it normal for me?" If anything, it asks the question, "Is this healthy?" After all, if Peter had asked the question, "Is this normal for me?" he would've come up with the answer,

"Wanting fairness and flying off the handle over it is normal for me."

But of course we know that Peter wasn't healthy in this particular emotional element of himself.

Jesus was drawing him out of what was normal for him and into what was healthy for everyone.

2. Bell also talks in depth about the story of Jacob becoming Israel.

Here, his point is that we must come to terms with all the things about ourselves that we hate before we can move forward and be used by God. Sure, that's my paraphrase, but that's the message that comes out.

Bells says, "You don't have to like your past, but you have to claim it." He also says this about our body shape.

And while I agree that we need to come to terms with "who we are," I feel like a more productive idea (and a more "Christian perspective" since that's what we're presenting in these Noomas) would be to focus on who we are in Christ.

There is room for "coming to terms" kind of stuff. But I feel like this is not about claiming our past so much as accepting Christ's love and forgiveness and believing that that love and forgiveness is truly sufficient.

After all, doesn't God (through Paul - who by the way didn't change his name, but simply started going by his Greek name since he was a missionary to the Gentiles) tell us to forget the past?

See the story of Jacob isn't about claiming your past (there's more I could say here), but it's about God giving a new identity. This true story is a symbol of the internal, spiritual workings of who we become in Christ. We have a new birth, don't we?

3. Bell discusses loving your neighbor as yourself.

While talking about this concept, Bell commits the ultimate annoyance.

He says something along the lines of, "You can't love your neighbor until you learn to love yourself." I think we've all heard this before.

I understand the sentiment, but the issue I have with this reasoning is that it's focused on the self and not on God. (Well, actually, so was the whole "Name" video.)

The message was not, "God's love makes you worth-while. So take that love, claim it, embrace it, cherish it."

The message that Bell is sending is the same mumbo-jumbo as Oprah's universe-worshiping guests.

"Love yourself. Accept yourself. Don't apologize any longer. Oh yeah, and maybe God might do something, but mainly it's up to you.

If you'd like to watch "Name" for free. It is available until noon on Friday on Nooma's MySpace.

And We Have Hot Water...

...just not much.



Showering was not as enjoyable as I had hoped it would be.

Celebrity Death Match > Driscoll vs. Osteen

Last night I was watching Billy go through his Google Reader (yes, folks...this is my exciting life), and a couple of posts about Joel Osteen came up.

One of them included this video:



Needless to say, it sparked some discussion around here.

So, let me begin stating my opinion by saying that I'm not a "fan" of either of these guys. I think Driscoll's jerky, and I think Osteen is creepy.

And in the end, I think they are both wrong.

Osteen's side is simply stated: We are victors and that is evidenced in our physical and mental lives. We will be taken care of as children of the King to the extent that our physical ailments will be healed and our mental anxieties will be quenched.

Driscoll's take is also simple: Osteen paints too pretty of a Christian picture. Driscoll's rebuttal focuses on how bad life is in the interest of discrediting Osteen's health and wealth gospel. He uses Jesus as an example of how disheartening earthly circumstances can be.

My Authoritative Verdict:

Osteen, of course, is glossing over the truth of John 16:33, which reminds us that we will have trouble. Not all of our problems will vanish simply because we are children of the King.

However, in all Driscoll's passion against Osteen's "heresy," he ignores the truth that is preached from the pulpit of Lakewood Church.

While I think Osteen's application of truth may extend too far, the fact is that he is basing his teachings on promises of scripture, such as 1 Corinthians 15:57, Romans 8:28-39, Matthew 6:33, and Philippians 4:6-8.

But what does Driscoll say about verses such as the ones above -- with the truth that we are more than conquerers (a.k.a. victors), we will have all our financial needs met, and we shouldn't be anxious? In this video, he neglects that Osteen's ideas come from scripture, and he gives all the reasons why these truths are not true.

See, I am not defending Osteen's implications (and at points, his outright statement) that God will heal all physical ailments. But I think this is simply an over-compensation, swinging far from people who are constantly reminding us that this life is hard.

I think Osteen's message is popular because we aren't called to be defeated, and people know this inherently. We aren't called to always focus on how screwed up the church is. We aren't called to simply accept hardship and remain in a victim mentality.

We are called to live with Christ's victory. We are new creations, and we are in Christ.

When this truth permeates our Christian circles, we won't need to have extremists like Osteen remind us that we are children of the Most High God.

When we trust that our position is truly what the Bible says it is, we do have victory, even though we may still have physical pain.

Love Song for Billy

Last week, Billy posted a Love Song video on his site, so I had to respond in turn. This is a song that I started writing in order to express how happy I was being married to him. It ended up being an apology after a fight. It also happens to be based on 1 Peter 4:8.



the lyrics...

Love covers over us,
Erases the sin,
Eliminates our weaknesses,
Removes from us the pain.
And this love is divine,
But I feel it in your touch.
And when you're close, I believe in God.

Love covers over us,
When we've given up
When we've failed to know what do to,
It's still the only Truth.
And this love is beyond any feeling I have found.
And it keeps me here when I'd rather go.

So, I'm sorry
When my words...
When everything I am is nothing that you deserve.
And I'm sorry
I forget about your love.

For your love is divine,
And I cannot measure up.
But you stay with me,
And I believe.

Book Review: Listening to the Beliefs of the Emerging Church

I just recently finished a great book called Listening to the Beliefs of Emerging Churches.

There was a ton of great information in the book, but it was also the format that was just as intriguing as the beliefs that were discussed. One of the big deals of the emerging church in the post-modern world is to have a continuing conversation about God. Rob Bell talks about this in Velvet Elvis, and the idea is manifested in the pages of Listening to the Beliefs.

Each contributor has a chapter to discuss his or her beliefs on God, and then each other contributor responds. This is about as close to a conversation as you can get in print, although I imagine this one will continue at conferences such as Emergence 2007, where 4 of the 5 authors will be featured along with a couple of other names in the emerging church leadership.

Another thing that I liked about the format was that each contributor wrote the chapter in his or her own style without much direction. At times, it seemed like some of them didn't get the memo about what the chapter was supposed to be about (which was apparently their beliefs on the Trinity, the atonement, and the Scripture). If a reader approaches the book with a need to come away with solid understanding of all the beliefs, then it may prove to be an annoying read. But the reason I liked this was that it really gave a feel for the individual's personality and highlighted the diversity among emerging church leaders. Mark Driscoll wrote his chapter as a well-structured argumentation. Dan Kimball wove his beliefs into the story of his own spiritual journey, and Karen Ward's chapter was patterned more like a myspace blog than a book chapter. I found each of them to be captivating and compelling.

The content in each chapter was just as diverse as the styles in which they were written. One of the warnings against the emerging church (and a warning that 3 of the 5 authors [Driscoll, John Burke, and Kimball] themselves bring up) is that as it moves with cultural relevance, it must not water down the truth of God in exchange for a post-modern pluralistic social gospel. I felt like Driscoll, Burke, and Kimball were all pretty solid. The exception to that being that Burke believes in an old Earth. Doug Pagitt was probably where my questioning on sound doctrine came in. It's hard to nail down exactly what struck me as off because sound bites from his chapter all sound okay. It was more of a feel from both his chapter and his responses to others' chapters that caused me to think that he was a bit too open-minded for my taste. He seemed to approach theology from the starting point of experience, instead of starting at the Truth we know and integrating our experience into it to find a more complete picture. To finish the discussion, Karen Ward and her community wrote a great chapter that makes me want to re-form my church to emulate hers. I felt like she kind of suggested that they do church the right way, so that kind of attitude wasn't as cool as I'd like. But her main response to others' chapters was to emphasize the unity, and that was cool.

This information was all framed by an introduction and conclusion by Robert Webber. It was nice to have his information there because it really put the currently emerging church into perspective over the course of 2000 years, and especially in terms of the modern church that we're moving away from. He explained why the modern church grew into its place, which was helpful information for those who are disenchanted with it to hear about. To know why something happened in the first place can help us to understand more and condemn less. After reading his intro, I felt like I could better appreciate some of the people and methods that have been at the forefront of the recent church. Do changes still need to be made? Yes. Our culture continues to change, and our church is a living organism that will need to change. But at least we can understand the purpose that modernism and the church in the modern context served, and we can realize that culture is a progression, and we would not have the same ideas now about where the church should go if we hadn't seen it be where it was.

This book is a great tool to learn about both of those issues.

From the Mouth of Babes

The other day, I took the girls to Lic's Ice Cream Shop because Eve had won a coupon for a free kiddie cup.

While we were there a song came on the radio and Eve sang along. I asked her how she knew it and she said it was on the radio in her room.

So, I asked if she's heard it a lot.

Her response: Yeah! (read: duh!) They always play the same songs!

True, true...very true.