Can I Keep This Shirt?

Vietnamese President Triet, left, President Bush and Chinese President Hu attend APEC summit in Vietnam.

All For A Playstation 3

Can you believe that our society has sunk so low that we become like animals for a game system?

Christian No More

WHAT!!

Last night, November 6th, Carrie Underwood won Female Vocalist of the Year at the annual CMA Awards. I would wouldn't normally post on such an event, but the repsonse from fellow Female Vocalist of the Year Nominee Faith Hill was absolutely hilarious. Watch it here.

Death By Hanging

Happy Halloween

I thought this image was great for the upcoming Halloween "holiday".

U2 Fan

I just found out that Bono's favorite verse of Scripture is Romans 8:28. Sweet.

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

What Do You Think?

What do you think of the political ad? Did the creators go to far?

Independent

For most of United States history our government has been run by 2 parties, the Democrats, and the Republicans (and various other names of the same parties). A growing number of people (including myself) are starting to realize that this 2 party system is not serving the interest of the people in this government that is "by the people and for the people". The 2 party system serves only the 2 parties.

But the political landscape is changing, and evidence of this can be seen in the Connecticut race for Senator where Joesph Lieberman (an Independent) is 17 points ahead of the nearest challenger Ned Lamont (Democrat). A 17 point lead in political terms is a landslide. This is good news for those who think a revitalization of our 2-party political system is needed.

Delirious?: Now Is The Time

Best live DVD/CD I've heard in a long time.

These guys know how to put on an amazing live show. I've seen a lot of great bands live, and alongside U2 these guys are the quintessential bringer of good music.

For those who are Christians, this is not just a "show" but an interaction with the living God. It's amazing.

Everything I've Always Wanted :)

New Sting Album

This past Tuesday one of my favorite artists Sting released his long-awaited collection of music titled: Songs From The Labyrinth.

In the interest of full disclosure I must say that most would find this particular recording odd. The record is a collection of music from a 17th century "pop" artist named John Dowland. The whole album is performed by Sting and a world-renowned lute player named Edin Karamazov. As a credit to Stings musicianship, Sting himself plays lute on a few tracks.

The album as a whole is quite easily said, refreshing. With post-grunge, and pop/rock filling the Tuesday releases week after week, a completely new (old) form of music done by a modern pop artist is very stimulating. If you are a lover of music you should enjoy this reservoir of audio candy.

North Korea

This past Sunday evening North Korea ran an underground test on it's highly controversial nuclear weapons program. According to most news sources the test was a least partially a success. With the current state of the world (Iraq War, Iranian threats, Israel-Lebanon) what should the United States/World community do with this threat of a nuclear North Korea? What should the response of a Christian be? Voice your opinion on the new poll question, or if you have another idea, make a comment.

For a brief history of North Korea click here.

On A Lighter Note

For those of you who are fans of the original Nintendo Entertainment Center your day has come. I have discovered one of the single best web gems of our time---an online NES system. Point your browser to this link and play all your favorites right from your computer. Can it get any better?

http://vnes.thatsanderskid.com/

Grace Again

Once again grace peaks its head around the corner.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/10/07/amish.mourners.ap/index.html

Grace Finds Goodness In Everything

There is a line in a U2 song titled Grace that states "grace finds goodness in everything", another line of the song says "grace finds beauty in ugly things". In the midst of the ugliness our world spews, goodness can still be found, and in fact, can flourish. This story gave me hope today.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/10/06/amish.girls.reut/index.html

You Too Can Walk On Water

Take a look at this new art exhibit. Looks cool.

http://www.spurgeonworld.com/blog/archives/2006/09/walk_on_water.html

A Quick Stop In Kansas City

I'm currently with Emily in Kansas City on a 2 hour lay-over on my way to Memphis, TN for a much needed hiatus with some friends. Since I have 2 hours to waste I thought I would comment on some of the happenings in the world this past week.

After a close inspection of the current top news stories one would assume that our world is degenerating by the minute. We had a pedophile in Congress (former Rep. Mark Foley), a man who slaughtered innocent lives at an Amish school of all places, and North Korea testing nuclear weapons.

What a world we find ourselves in. I find myself a little dismayed and perplexed by where we have landed as a civilization as of this October of 2006. Do you believe the world has had the same amount of evil (as if you can really measure it) since it's creation, or do you believe that humanity has progressively gotten worse over time. On one hand, it seems as if our world is falling apart as we know it, on another hand, there hasn't been a time in history where news (whether good or bad) has had the ability to be broadcasted instantaneously from anywhere at anytime. This instantaneous news phenomenon could be an opening of our eyes so to speak to evils that have always been, but have been brought to light. What do you think?

Rogue Squirrels Attacking People In California

I apologize that I have not posted anything of real value the past few weeks. Here's something quite comical that should tide you over as I get back into the swing of things.

http://www.nbc11.com/news/9946298/detail.html?rss=bay&psp=news

He's Not Very Happy

Don't...

Yesterday, September 20, 2006 Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez used part of his time at the U.N. General Assembly to call the President of the United States "the devil". As a citizen of the United States I am outraged. I don't care who the President of the United States is at any time, whether I voted for him or not; do NOT come to my country and attack my President. Can I get a witness?

Jesus Camp Review

This past Saturday night I had the chance to view the documentary Jesus Camp. As expected, this film made me, an evangelical Christian, outraged. This outrage was not directed at the filmakers, in fact I thought the filmakers made an even-handed documentary, the outrage was directed at the focus of this documentary; radical, fundamentalist Christians. It saddens me to tears that there are people in my faith who contort scripture to fit their own beliefs to this degree. There were points during the movie where I felt physically ill as I watched young children being manuipulated and brainwashed. This movie can't be summed up in a small review like this, you may need to see it for yourself, although I don't reccomend it for everyone.

I would also like to calm some fears that this documentary was made to paint all Christians as wacko-fundamentalists. As an evangelical Christian, I was not in any way offended by the way the content was presented. I do not believe anyone will walk out of a viewing of Jesus Camp and believe that the whole of Christianity was represented. It is a clearly presented documentatry that makes great strides to ensure that you, the viewer, know that this is a radical branch of Christianity.

Positive News From Iraq?

I don't care what political party you affiliate with, or which side you are on, all Americans should see this commercial and be proud.

September 11, 2001

Courtesy of newsmax.com

Does God Want You To Be Rich

This saddens me.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/09/10/time.cover.tm/index.html

Jesus Camp

What do you think of this new documentary. It showcases a radical fundamentalist Christian church camp for kids.


Click here for more information about the documentary and to view the trailer.

High Value Detainees Will Be Given Prison-of-War Status

Sept. 6, 2006 — ABC News has learned that President Bush will announce that high-value detainees now being held at secret CIA prisons will be transferred to the Department of Defense and granted protections under the 1949 Geneva Conventions. It will be the first time the Administration publicly acknowledges the existence of the prisons.
A source familiar with the president's announcement says it will apply to all prisoners now being held by the CIA, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the Sept.11 attacks, and senior al Qaeda leader Ramzi Binalshibh.
The source says there are "about a dozen" prisoners now being held by the CIA.
Until now, the U.S. government has not officially acknowledged the existence of CIA prisons.
The Bush administration has come under harsh criticism for its handling of detainees captured in the U.S.-led military campaign to root out al Qaeda terror cells abroad.
Many detainees have been given the legal status of "enemy combatant," which includes both lawful enemy combatants and unlawful enemy combatants.

Courtesty of abcnews.com 

Finding God On Your iPod

This is a video teaser for our next teaching series at Northview Community Church, Tune Your Walk.

Do you believe you can find God/Truth through the music of our culture?

Happy Labor Day!

Labor Day is a United States federal holiday that takes place on the first Tuesday of September. In 2006, Labor Day occurred on September 4.

The origins of the American Labor Day can be traced back to the Knights of Labor in the United States and a parade organized by them on September 5, 1882 in New York City. They were inspired by an annual labor parade held in Toronto, Canada. In 1884 another parade was held, and the Knights passed resolutions to make this an annual event. Many other labor organizations, notably the affiliates of the International Workingmen's Association, favored a May 1 holiday. With the event of Chicago's Haymarket riots in early May of 1886, president Grover Cleveland believed that a May 1 holiday could become an opportunity to commemorate the riots. Thus, fearing that it might strengthen the socialist movement, he quickly moved in 1887 to support the position of the Knights of Labor and their date for Labor Day.

Labor Day has been celebrated on the first Tuesday in September in the United States since the 1880s. The September date has remained unchanged, even though the government was encouraged to adopt May 1 as Labor Day, the date celebrated by the majority of the world. Moving the holiday, in addition to breaking with tradition, could have been viewed as aligning the U.S. labor movements with internationalist sympathies.

Labor Day is generally regarded simply as a day of rest and, unlike May Day, political demonstrations are rare. Forms of celebration include picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, water sports, and public art events. Families with school-age children take it as the last chance to travel before the end of summer. Some teenagers and young adults view it as the last weekend for parties before returning to school. However, of late, schools have begun well before Labor Day, up to the 15th of August in many urban districts, including Nashville and Atlanta.

Favorite Hymn

This is my favorite hymn. It was written by Francis of Assisi in 1225. The musical score was written the year of 1623. One of my favorite modern arrangements is by the David Crowder Band. God bless you on this beautiful day.







All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!

O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!

O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!

O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

A Whole New Universe

I woke up this morning to a whole new universe. When I went to sleep last night I slept in peace knowing that our solar system had 9 planets, and they were all orbiting the sun the way God made them. Then I woke up.

Leading astronomers have declared that Pluto is no longer a planet today, August 24, approving new guidelines that downsize the solar system from nine planets to eight. The International Astronomical Union stripped Pluto of the planetary status it has held since its discovery in 1930.

No more Pluto. What's next, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, or the unfortunately named Uranus?

This is all apart of the lunar landing conspiracy.

Change Will Do You Good

When you are through changing, you are through. ~Bruce Barton

Life is a series of changes, growth, and progression. Nothing ever remains static, unless of course you are dead. Some people are exceedingly afraid of change, some people embrace it, but regardless, you must accept that it is a fact of life. Change is good. It is part of the design of the Creator.

My only sibling is my sister Brittany, and she is making a big change in her life this week. She is moving off to college. Even though in reality she is only moving 7 miles away from home, this transition takes you 1 million miles away from familiarity and comfort. For those who know Brittany, here is a peek into her new world on campus. Change is good.

An Unfinished Work of Art

Paul Gardner once said, “A painting is never finished.” The scriptures constantly refer to God as a creator. The ultimate painter if you will. I often imagine God as a cosmic Michaelangelo with a paintbrush in his hand constantly making changes and revisions, adding texture and color, and stepping back to look at his painting and smiling, not because it’s finished, but because he takes great delight in the creative process.

C.S. Lewis constantly referred to the fact that we were all made in the image of God, and everything we do, everything, comes from a beautiful desire that he already has. Think about it. Genesis refers to a God who went on a creative binge and designed what we call the universe. If you can remember back to your childhood, can you reminisce about the excitement you had when you were finished with your first watercolor? There seemed to be a passion to create. The education philosophy for elementary aged students in this day and age revolves around the “creative learning” process. God has instilled in us a passion to create, because he is creative.

Like I said at the beginning of this article, God is creating you as you sit here and read these squiggles on this post. In the early years of greco art, being commissioned to paint a human subject was one of the highest honors you could receive. The process of a human subject painting was a long and arduous one. The subject would have to remain perfectly still for months on end as the painter worked his mess of lines and colors into depth, character, and beauty. I sometimes wonder if God is asking me to “please sit still, I’m not finished”.

©2005 tommybailey.com

Snakes On A Plane

Absolutely.

How can it get any better than this? (Actually, Spiders on a Plane would be a bit more horific, but I digress).

Click here to read more about this movie.

Did We Actually Go To The Moon?

If you will reminisce with me, around 10 years ago a big controversy surrounded the original lunar landing. A documentary was released showing evidence that the landing on the moon was a hoax, a big staged production from the Americans in order to beat the Russians to the moon. If you want to read more about the hoax click here. If you want to read the arguments against the hoax click here. The controversy is long gone, although wannabe conspiracy theorists like myself enjoy holding on to these types of things.

According to NASA, the footage of the transmissions seen by millions of viewers on July 20, 1969 has failed to turn up after 1 year of searching for it. Is it really lost? Hmmmm....

Happy Birthday

Former President Bill Clinton will be turning 60 this Saturday.

I always thought of Slick Willy as young and vibrant, but he's not looking very young or vibrant. It's amazing what a few years in the presidency can do to you. What's astounding though is that Bush Sr. who is 82 years old still sky dives out of airplanes, now that's vibrant.

Sacred Creativity

This is one of the best articles I've read on creativity. Give it a read.

Sacred Creativity
-Dan Wilt

Northview's Boot Camp

This past week Northview's Children's Department put on a one night extravaganza for kids in our community. They called it Boot Camp. It was absolutely amazing. Never have I seen such a force of people working at their fullest potential to reach kids in the community. Here are a couple of videos that recap the weekend.



This video is a wrap-up of the entire weekend.



This video was used as part of the "skit" that was used throughout the night. It's a real helicopter flight.

Pitch Your Tents?

I saw this and just laughed histerically.


You might remember the "pitch your tents" guy. Blake is a youth pastor who was preaching at the adult service, and while meaning to say "pitch your tents", he mangled the words. The video clip became an instant internet classic, and propelled Blake to unreal fame. Anyways, as if the guy hadn't been hammered badly enough, some guys decided to play a prank on him. They posed as the FCC and went to his church offices. You can view the original video and what happens next here... Blake Prank Video. This poor guy deserves a raise! Read more…

Courtesy of Pastor Greg's Blog Palm Valley Church

Click here to view video.

Silence

This is a post I wrote 2 years ago, and I thought I'd share it again.

Elisha stood on the mountain waiting to hear from God. I can imagine Elisha’s heart jumping as he heard the mighty windstorm approach. The wind was so harsh that the scriptures say rocks were torn loose. I can also imagine Elisha’s heart sinking as he realizes that God is not to be found in this violent gale. Then an earthquake makes an approach. Elisha’s heart jumps at the thought that God may be in this earthquake. The anticipation of an encounter with his creator must have been nerve-racking. After the earthquake was over…Elisha stood alone. Suddenly there was a fire. At this point, he had to believe that the fire must be God. God had used fire many times before to speak, so clearly it was him, right? After the smoke cleared the area Elisha stood--alone. Then a whisper. The scriptures describe this whisper as “gentle”, so gentle in fact that Elisha had to move towards it to understand it. This is when Elisha met God.

This story is full of truth. Not just a principle to live by, not just a compass to guide, but a truth to shape us. We are to be silent. We are to wait. We are to listen. It is hard as a human to do this. This is not just a 21st century problem. This is a problem that we find time and again through the living story we call the Bible. We can’t blame our inability to decipher the whisper of God on TV, cell phones, internet, etc. That is the easy way out. The problem is internal, not external. We must shape our inner core to be silent at all times. This is when we are worshipping him most fully---when we are silent on the inside.



Silence is the very presence of God---always there. But activity hides it. We need to leave activity long enough to discover the Presence---then we can return to activity with it.
-M. Basil Pennington

MP3 Players and Sports Drinks

Terrorists planned to use MP3 players and Sports Drinks to blow up as many as 10 airplanes headed for the United States.

A senior congressional source said it's believed the plotters planned to mix a British sports drink with a gel-like substance to make an explosive that they would possibly trigger with an MP3 player or cell phone.

Courtesy of CNN

May God's grace appear in this situation.

Salvation Garden

In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.

James 1:19 The Message Paraphrase

Simple humility comes when you realize that it is only by God's strength do you become more in the image of Christ. I loved the picture Eugene Peterson brought in his paraphrase of a "salvation-garden". May my life be more like a garden, ready for the master gardener to tend.

I Wish The Summer Would End

This post is just me bloviating about the intense heat of the summer.

No more I say! Let the winter come forth soon. Please.

With sugar on top.

Gas Prices Are Rising...Again

One of the largest gasoline manufacturers in the world, British Petroleum (BP), was forced to shut about 8 percent of the nation's domestic oil production after discovering "unexpectedly severe corrosion" in its pipelines in Alaska. This means that gas prices in the US could go up another 4 to 5 cents just this week. Not good.

Facedown Saturday August 5

Northview Community Church has 3 worship experiences each weekend. This particular weekend we are devoting the entire experience to worship through music, prayer, scripture, we are calling it Facedown.

Last night was our first worship experience and from the very first note that was played during rehearsal you could sense that we were walking into something that God was already doing. It was a beautiful time of worship with Northview and I can't wait to do it two more times. I'll update later.

In other news, Lebanon and Israel are still in the midst of war. May His kingdom come.

For Guitarists Only

If you are a guitar player and have played with a band it is a possibility that you have used a capo. On a certain occasion you may have put that capo on the wrong fret, thus destroying a song by playing it in a different key than the band. A guitarists worst nightmare.

Check this out.

Addison Road

A Message About Facedown

This message was sent out to the Northview community, but I thought I'd share it here as well. God bless!

Snow...What Bliss

I so want to be in Johannesburg now, nevermind the drugs and rampant killing, it's snowing and cold!!! Yes.

Wed Aug 2, 2:00 PM ET
Snow fell on South Africa's biggest city Johannesburg for the first time in 25 years as icy temperatures gripped vast swathes of the country, the weather office said.

"It (the snow) is by no means freakish but I would certainly classify it as rare," said Kevin Rae, assistant manager of forecasting at the South African Weather Service in Pretoria.

Forecasters said snow was reported in the southern Johannesburg township of Soweto and the posh northern suburb of Sandton, as well as the nearby towns of Carletonville and Westonaria.

Johannesburg last had snow on September 11, 1981.

"Sleet has been recorded occasionally since then, but never snow," added climatologist Tracey Gill. Bloemfontein, the capital of the central Free State province, got its first snow in 12 years, receiving 13 centimetres (5.2 inches). Comparable widespread snow across the country had been recorded only twice in the past 20 years, in 1981 and 1988, said Rae. Some welcomed the colder weather, however. At the Tiffindell ski resort in the southern Drakensberg mountains of the Eastern Cape province, guests were elated. "They are very excited," said the resort's chief snow-maker, Johan Smuts. "It is not every day that you get to see snow fall in Africa." In warmer weather, Smuts oversees the manufacture of snow for the resort through a process involving water and air compression. Tiffindell usually gets about five snowfalls a year, he said, but rarely 25 centimetres in one day, as on Tuesday. The weather service posted a warning on its website of very cold temperatures for the southeastern high elevations of the country into Thursday. It expected snowfalls to continue over areas of the central Free State, the Drakensberg and the Eastern Cape, but to have passed by Friday. In the northern provinces, the snow was expected to clear by Wednesday afternoon, said Rae. Copyright © 2006 Agence France Presse.

His Kingdom Come

As an American I have no context and no real knowledge of how ugly and terrible the fighting between Israel and Lebanon really is. The kingdom of God is needed in the Middle East. Today my prayer is that "His Kingdom come, and His will be done" today.

Sweet Phone

I love this phone.

A Tuned Piano

"Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshippers meeting together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be were they to become ‘unity’ conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship. Social religion is perfected when private religion is purified. The body becomes stronger as its members become healthier. The whole church of God gains when the members that compose it begin to seek a better and a higher life."

©2006 thinkerup.blogspot.com

Worshipping Through Music

This past Saturday I had the privilege of seeing the European rock band Delirious?. I have seen many concerts in my lifetime, including Delirious? four times now, and they are tied with U2 as one of the best concerts I have ever attended. If you ever have the chance to see this band, do it, you won't regret it. Their show is an immense collection of incredible musicianship, wonderful songwriting, and a genuineness unparalleled by any other band. Every single song they sing, even songs written without audience participation in mind, become an anthem to God. It's an experience like no other.



After attending the Delirious? concert on Saturday my heart was overwhelmed with excitement about leading our church in worship during the past weekend experiences and especially this coming weekend for our Facedown worship experience. Some great friends and musicians are coming to Northview for this weekend of worship and prayer. I truly believe that when someone encounters the living God they cannot walk away unchanged. My prayer is that this weekend will genuinely be an encounter with God like Ezekiel had in Ezekiel 44:4 "I looked and saw the glory of the LORD filling the temple of the LORD, and I fell facedown."

American Idol Finalists Visit White House

I'm glad that President Bush had time to meet with the American Idol finalists in between the War on Terror and the war currently going on in the Middle East.

It's imperative to make time for fun in the midst of chaos.

By DEB RIECHMANN
Associated Press Writer


It's not clear if President Bush has ever actually watched "American Idol," but the TV show's finalists got to hang out with him Friday at the White House.

They got a group photo and a tour from the president. He got a harmonica engraved with "American Idol 2006."


The 10 finalists dropped into the Oval Office to see Bush in between his meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and another photo session with top high school students.

The president gave the performers a quick tour of the Oval Office and talked about his job. Bush posed for a group photo in front of his desk, and then individual photos with each finalist. He urged them to stick to their beliefs, even if their celebrity status grows.

Taylor Hicks of Birmingham, Ala., the most recent winner on the show, also gave Bush a black T-shirt emblazoned with "Soul Patrol" _ the name of Hicks' fan club. Hicks has a personal connection inside the White House: Susan Whitson, Laura Bush's press secretary, taught him ninth grade English at Hoover High School in Birmingham.

Besides Hicks, the finalists from last season who met with Bush were: Katharine McPhee of Los Angeles, Calif.; Chris Daughtry of McLeansville, N.C.; Paris Bennett of Fayetteville, Ga.; Kellie Pickler of Albemarle, N.C.; Ace Young of Denver, Colo.; Bucky Covington of Rockingham, N.C.; Mandisa Hundley of Antioch, Tenn.; Lisa Tucker of Anaheim, Calif.; and Elliott Yamin of Richmond, Va., who arrived a bit late for the meeting.

Their tour and photo opportunity with Bush _ with still cameras only, no reporters allowed _ came during their one-day visit to Washington for their "American Idols Live" tour.

It's unclear how familiar Bush is with their talents. Asked whether he had ever seen the show, the White House responded that he was "aware" of it.

The Love of God

14When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,^[a] 15the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. 17And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. 18And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. 19May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

20Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. 21May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen.

Ephesians 3:14-21

When you read these beautiful words from the Apostle Paul it brings to mind the essence of a follower of Christ. We are to be people who are digging deeper and deeper into the love of Christ knowing that we will never reach the end of it. There is a song by U2 titled I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, one of the best songs in their catalog. This song exemplifies what I believe as a follower of Christ, that I will continue searching until my life on Earth ends for more of His unexplainable love knowing that I will never reach the end. I truly believe that I still haven't found what I'm looking for, even more of Christ. This will be the task of my days on this earth, to seek out, to grow deeper into, and to grasp more of God's love, everyday.

Love One Another- A Liberal Cliche?

Those who follow Christ, or even those who believe Christ was a good man need to read these statements from the New Testament. One of the most overlooked, but most difficult parts of being a follower of Christ is what our response to an enemy is. Pray for your enemies. Pray for peace.

• A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (John 13:34).

• But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).

• Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (Romans 12:14).

• We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it (1 Corinthians 4:12).

• Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21).

• Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9).

• Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble (1 John 2:9-10).

One Month Hiatus Is Over

It has been one month since my last post, and my summer vacation from blogging is over. This particular post may be equivalent to me talking to a wall, due to the fact that statistically after one month of no activity on a website the website's audience disappears, but if you are still out there, let's get some comments rolling. My voice alone gets very boring.

I have decided to retool this blog just a bit, and try to focus more on spiritual issues, rather than just a random tid-bit here and there. In doing this, I am hoping that this blog will be more discussion than just bloviating on my part.

With all that said, I would like to take a second to share with you some exciting things happening in the life of my church at Northview Community in Oklahoma City. On August 5th and 6th we are having a weekend completely devoted to worship through music and prayer. I'm excited about this weekend, I have been wanting to do this since the beginning of our church 2 years ago. The theme of the weekend is grounded in an Old Testament idea of falling facedown in reverence and awe when you meet with the Creator of the Universe. Our culture is seeped in a go-go type attitude that permeates every area of our lives. The idea of stopping just to enjoy the beauty of something has been pushed to the side in favor of getting more things done for efficiency sake. It's very easy for those of us who live in this culture to miss the beauty, reverence, and awe for God, even during authentic worship. One of the most common responses to an encounter with God throughout the Old Testament (and perhaps the New Testament as well) is to fall facedown in a Holy reverence and awe. It's a beautiful symbol of worship. It's going to be a beautiful weekend. Here's a little video piece put together for Facedown.

Warren Buffet Gives Away His Fortune

In one of the coolest stories I've read in a while, financial guru Warren Buffet is giving away his $44 billion fortune to charity. I'll post more later.

Earth Warmest In 400 Years

Weighing in on the highest profile debate about global warming, the nation's premier science policy body on Thursday voiced a "high level of confidence" that Earth is the hottest it has been in at least 400 years, and possibly even the last 2,000 years.

This study is that latest in a series of studies to theorize that human conduct has had an impact on Global climate change. Most extreme conservatives would still say that human conduct has nothing to do with global warming, and the most extreme would say that global warming isn't even real. This current study was requested by a Republican controlled congress, not a left wing independent or Democrat. This planetary problem is no longer just a left-wing wack job issue, it's a real issue for this planet, and it's time to be good stewards of this planet (the first command of God to humans by the way).

earthshare.org is a great place to get started if you want to get involved (non-partisan)

Simple

I've changed the look of the blog. Hope you like it. It needed to be simpler.

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. ~Confucius

Pat Robertson Has Officially Lost It

If you've been watching the new the past few months you might have seen some recent happenings over at the 700 Club camp. Apparently our good friend Pat Robertson has accomplished a task no man has ever accomplished. He has leg-pressed 2000lbs of weight. To put this into perspective, the record is 665lbs. Is it possible that this 73 year old man has performed a miracle? It must be his patented "Age-Defying Protein Shake".



Here is the recipe for this miracle working shake, let me know if it works out for you:

Pat Robertson's Age-Defying Protein Shake

• 6 - 8 ounces of orange juice (water, other fruit juices, low-fat or skim milkcan be substituted)
• *5 tablespoons soy protein isolate
• *5 tablespoons whey protein isolate
• 2 tablespoons natural apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil
• 1 tablespoon safflower oil
• In a standard blender, combine the above ingredients.Blend until the shake is smooth and the ice cubes are crushed.
• Optional ingredients you can try:
• 2 tablespoons non-fat plain yogurt or 1 banana (gives more body to the drink)
• 1 teaspoon Creatine, (5 grams) Creatine is intended to be used by those individuals who are engaged in strenuous physical activity and training.Individuals under the age of 18 years, should not use Creatine. (if you add Creatine, remember you need to drink at least 8 oz.of water in addition to your shake). *The amount of protein per serving is dependent upon the product purchased.You should aim for 32 grams of protein in the shake.

• Adjust the quantity of tablespoons according to the label on the product purchased.
• 2 tablespoons (or more) soy lecithin
• 1 teaspoon MSM powder
• 1 teaspoon glutamine powder
• 5 - 6 frozen strawberries
• (other fruits can be substituted)
• Non-caloric sweetener to taste
• 4 - 5 ice cubes
• (optional, use for a colder shake)

Yummy.

Rick Warren's Wife- "Christians must do more to combat AIDS, comfort victims"

I thought this article was worth mentioning.

What would Jesus do when confronted by AIDS?

By Kay Warren
Special to CNN

LAKE FOREST, California (CNN) -- Joana crawled toward me on her skeletal elbows and knees, each movement a painful reminder of the fact that she was dying.

When I met her, this emaciated woman was homeless, living under a tree. She had unrelenting diarrhea, little food, no earthly possessions, and only an elderly auntie who had taken pity on her to care for her needs.

Still, she roused herself to offer me, an American visitor to her part of Mozambique, a traditional greeting.

The African pastors who brought me to visit her told me that she had been evicted from her village when it became known that she had AIDS. Now, in this second village, her tiny stick house had mysteriously burned after her status became known. A short time later, Joana died -- rejected, abandoned, persecuted and destitute.

We may think this doesn't happen in the United States. "People who are HIV-positive are treated better than that here," we say. But I'm not so sure.

I live in affluent Orange County, California, yet a disabled man in my area who was HIV positive was not allowed to enter his brother's home.

He and his wife could live in the backyard, but he couldn't come inside. To bathe him, his wife had to attach a nozzle to a hose and shoot him with a hard spray of water that would hopefully dislodge dirt and grime. The family dog was treated better than this man; at least it could go in the house.

Like Joana in Mozambique, this man may also die rejected, abandoned, persecuted and destitute.

As a follower of Christ, I am seriously disturbed by both stories.

Horrific and startling images confront each of us daily through newspapers, televisions, and eyewitness accounts of those suffering from AIDS. You can do what I did for years -- choose to ignore it all because it was too painful -- or you can become disturbed -- seriously, dangerously disturbed -- so disturbed that you are compelled to do something.

Christians are just as guilty as non-Christians of wanting to look the other way when it comes to the problems confronting our world, the topics that make us uncomfortable. But we need to be seriously disturbed about homelessness, child prostitution, rape, poverty, injustice, and HIV/AIDS.

Twenty-five years into the AIDS pandemic, being HIV-positive still carries stigma and shame. But God cares for the sick and so must we.

It's not a sin to be sick. The Bible tells us Jesus was repeatedly "filled with compassion" as he encountered broken bodies and broken minds. While polite society vigorously avoided contact with those they considered diseased outcasts, Jesus responded in a radical way: He cared, he touched, he healed.

I had no medication that could cure Joana, nothing to alleviate her pain, nothing that would restore her to health. But I offered the one thing that all of us can offer: I offered my presence. I put my arms gently around her, prayed for relief from her suffering and whispered, "I love you."

This is a start, but much more is needed. Today, I challenge the worldwide church to take on the global giants of spiritual darkness, lack of servant leaders, poverty, disease, and ignorance. It's past time for those who claim to be Christ's followers to join the struggle against the devastation that the HIV virus brings.

How many more like Joana have to die before you become seriously disturbed?

Al Gore's Name Taken Off Poster of His Own Movie

Former Vice President Al Gore's name is nowhere to be found on PARAMOUNT's poster campaign for the new 'global warming' movie 'AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH.'

Gore's name is not featured on the dramatic poster promoting the movie -- a poster which welcomes moviegoers at the nation's theaters!

"It's not a political movie," a top source at PARAMOUNT explained, offering no other explanation on why Gore's name does not appear, even in the film's credits on the poster.

A rival studio executive claims marketing research showed little audience interest in a movie starring Al Gore.

Why do you think they didn't put his name on the poster for his own movie?

6/6/06

I guess today marks the start of the Apocalypse.

I better go get some bottled water and canned goods.

Simon Cowell Blasts Prince

I found this bit of news interesting.

AMERICAN IDOL judge SIMON COWELL has turned his famous barbed comments on PRINCE after being appalled by the pop superstar's surprise performance at the show's finale last week (24MAY06). The PURPLE RAIN hitmaker took to the stage at the Kodak Theatre for a quick run through two new songs before dashing off, refusing to meet the Idol contestants or greet the audience. Idol host RYAN SEACREST has since reported that he feared Prince would be a no-show - because he appeared just minutes before he was due to hit the stage. And Cowell insists Prince's attitude isn't one he'd like Idol winners to display at any time in their career. He says, "It just tells you how selfish he is. He comes on, not a word - 'I'm not gonna sing with anybody else, I'm not gonna say goodbye.' Thank you for your generosity, Prince."

Online Spiritual Resource

I am always on the lookout for great online resources for spiritual growth, and one of the most helpful and interactive is mytj.org. This online journaling and Bible study website comes from a great church near Dayton, Ohio, Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church. Check it out by clicking on the title of this post, and let me know what you think.

No More Idol

American Idol has officially finished it's run in the United States this year. It was a great few months, but it had to finish. Taylor Hicks is the portrait of the American dream, and I'm glad I was able to witness it. We don't always get to see positive things on television these days, so it was a refreshing time for me as I hope it was for you. I can't wait for the next season, maybe there will be a U2 episode. :)

So you're probably wondering what this website will contain now that American Idol is over. From the start this blog was created to share things that you normally wouldn't be able to see or hear about on television or radio. Everything from God to politics to technology will be discussed. I hope you continue reading, commenting, and voting in the tommybailey.com polls. Here's to the blogoshpere.

If you want to here the studio version of Taylor's new single (which is not a true representation of the kind of music he will be doing, but I digress) click here.

Worst Idol Moment in History

Soul Patrol

American Idol Finale Here We Come

Vote in the new tommybailey.com poll!!
-------------------------------------------------
Well, tonight was fun. Katharine and Taylor started the show off with some uptempo numbers. Kat didn't choose the best song of the bunch, it was still okay, but didn't show any enthusiasm or greatness. Taylor stole the first part of the show with Living For The City, he can truly sing and perform. Excellent. The second round went well, Talyor's tune Levon was one of my favorite tunes of the season, but I'm not sure it was the best pick for the finale, still great though. Katharine knocked it out the park with Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

The third round was an altogether different affair. Katharine's song My Destiny was possibly the worst song I have ever heard. I think I've heard better songs on the Mickey Mouse club. She was jipped. Taylor's song wasn't good either, but it didn't matter. He made the song his own and really made it shine, he rocked the house. My thoughts going into the third round revolved around the fact that all throughout the season Taylor always took a song and really sang it from deep within, and made the song all his own. That's his gift and he used it tonight. Go Soul Patrol.




In other news...
My girlfriend and I are hosting and American Idol Finale party tomorrow and our local Fox affiliate got wind of it. They are bringing a camera crew to the party tomorrow. Pretty funny. Go Soul Patrol.

Vote in the new tommybailey.com poll!!

Songs for Tonight

I got wind of the performances that Taylor and Katherine will be doing tonight. It's going to be a great night:

Katharine McPhee and Taylor Hicks will each sing 3 tunes tonight at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.

Taylor will sing Levon by Elton John and Living for the City by Stevie Wonder. The new song he will sing which will become the Idol single is called Do I Make You Proud written by Tracy Ackerman, Andrew John Watkins and Paul David Wilson. Paul Wilson and Tracy Ackerman have worked with Lisa Stansfield, Al Green, Tina Turner, the Spice Girls, and S Club.

Katharine will sing the two songs she performed, Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Black Horse and the Cherry Tree. The single she will perform is called My Destiny.

King of The Hill---At church?

Some of you may be familiar with the television show "King of The Hill". It's a satirical look at middle America. Typically, the show revolves around the Hill family through typical middle class American issues. I thought this episode had some interesting things to say about the contemporary church and the way the Hill's dealt with it. It's very interesting.

The DaVinci Code

I saw the opening of the DaVinci code last night, and enjoyed it. The film was an adaptation of the DaVinci Code novel by Dan Brown. I've always wondered what the big fuss was over the book due to the fact that it was fiction, and now I understand...somewhat. I can understand how the Catholic church is up in arms over this film, but it's fiction (with some interesting factual historical events). Anyone with a penchant for history will enjoy this movie.

It was also refreshing film to watch. It was a thriller, but with a more melodramatic pace, and no glitz and glamour. I didn't see anything Oscar worthy (other than Screenplay), but it was enjoyable.

This is the theatrical trailer if you wish to view it: