Great show as usual. But I still miss Ric. Snapped this picture while we were there. Kinda ghostly, I think.
6.9.05
Funky Nostalgia: Top 100 of My Senior Year (wow, most of these really suck).
1. End Of The Road, Boyz II Men
2. Baby Got Back, Sir Mix A-lot
3. Jump, Kris Kross
4. Save The Best For Last, Vanessa Williams
5. Baby-Baby-Baby, TLC
6. Tears In Heaven, Eric Clapton
7. My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It), En Vogue
8. Under The Bridge, Red Hot Chili Peppers
9. All 4 Love, Color Me Badd
10. Just Another Day, Jon Secada
11. I Love Your Smile, Shanice
12. To Be With You, Mr. Big
13. I'm Too Sexy, Right Said Fred
14. Black Or White, Michael Jackson
15. Achy Breaky Heart, Billy Ray Cyrus 16.
16. I'll Be There, Mariah Carey
17. November Rain, Guns N' Roses
18. Life Is A Highway, Tom Cochrane
19. Remember The Time, Michael Jackson
20. Finally, CeCe Peniston
21. This Used To Be My Playground, Madonna
22. Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough, Patty Smyth
23. Can't Let Go, Mariah Carey
24. Jump Around, House Of Pain
25. Diamonds and Pearls, Prince and The N.P.G.
26. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, George Michael and Elton John
27. Masterpiece, Atlantic Starr
28. If You Asked Me To, Celine Dion
29. Giving Him Something He Can Feel, En Vogue
30. Live and Learn, Joe Public
31. Come and Talk To Me, Jodeci
32. Smells Like Teen Spirit, Nirvana
33. Humpin' Around, Bobby Brown
34. Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover, Sophie B. Hawkins
35. Tell Me What You Want Me To Do, Teven Campbell
36. Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg, TLC
37. It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday, Boyz II Men
38. Move This, Technotronic
39. Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen
40. Tennessee, Arrested Development
41. The Best Things In Life Are Free, Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson
42. Make It Happen, Mariah Carey
43. The One, Elton John
44. Set Adrift On Memory Bliss, P.M. Dawn
45. Stay, Shakespear's Sister
46. 2 Legit 2 Quit, Hammer
47. Please Don't Go, K.W.S.
48. Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes), Mint Condition
49. Wishing On A Star, Cover Girls
50. She's Playing Hard To Get, Hi-Five
51. I'd Die Without You, P.M. Dawn
52. Good For Me, Amy Grant
53. All I Want, Toad The Wet Sprocket
54. When A Man Loves A Woman, Michael Bolton
55. I Can't Dance, Genesis
56. Hazard, Richard Marx
57. Mysterious Ways, U2
58. Too Funky, George Michael
59. How Do You Talk To An Angel, Heights
60. One, U2
61. Keep On Walkin', CeCe Peniston
62. Hold On My Heart, Genesis
63. The Way I Feel About You, Karyn White
64. Beauty and The Beast, Calms Dion and Peabo Bryson
65. Warm It Up, Kris Kross
66. In The Closet, Michael Jackson
67. People Everyday, Arrested Development
68. No Son Of Nine, Genesis
69. Wildside, Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch
70. Do I Have To Say The Words?, Bryan Adams
71. Friday I'm In Love, Cure
72. Everything About You, Ugly Kid Joe
73. Blowing Kisses In The Wind, Paula Abdul
74. Thought I'd Died and Gone To Heaven, Bryan Adams
75. Rhythm Is A Dancer, Snap
76. Addams Groove, Hammer
77. Missing You Now, Michael Bolton
78. Back To The Hotel, N2Deep
79. Everything Changes, Kathy Troccoli
80. Have You Ever Needed Somone So Bad, Def Leppard
81. Take This Heart, Richard Marx
82. When I Look Into Your Eyes, Firehouse
83. I Wanna Love You, Jade
84. Uhh Ahh, Boyz II Men
85. Real Love, Mary J. Blige
86. Justified and Ancient, The KLF
87. Slow Motion, Color Me Badd
88. What About Your Friends, TLC
89. Thinkin' Back, Color Me Badd
90. Would I Lie To You?, Charles and Eddie
91. That's What Love Is For, Amy Grant
92. Keep Coming Back, Richard Marx
93. Free Your Mind, En Vogue
94. Keep It Comin', Keith Sweat
95. Just Take My Heart, Mr. Big
96. I Will Remember You, Amy Grant
97. We Got A Love Thang, CeCe Peniston
98. Let's Get Rocked, Def Leppard
99. They Want EFX, Das EFX
100. I Can't Make You Love Me, Bonnie Raitt
2. Baby Got Back, Sir Mix A-lot
3. Jump, Kris Kross
4. Save The Best For Last, Vanessa Williams
5. Baby-Baby-Baby, TLC
6. Tears In Heaven, Eric Clapton
7. My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It), En Vogue
8. Under The Bridge, Red Hot Chili Peppers
9. All 4 Love, Color Me Badd
10. Just Another Day, Jon Secada
11. I Love Your Smile, Shanice
12. To Be With You, Mr. Big
13. I'm Too Sexy, Right Said Fred
14. Black Or White, Michael Jackson
15. Achy Breaky Heart, Billy Ray Cyrus 16.
16. I'll Be There, Mariah Carey
17. November Rain, Guns N' Roses
18. Life Is A Highway, Tom Cochrane
19. Remember The Time, Michael Jackson
20. Finally, CeCe Peniston
21. This Used To Be My Playground, Madonna
22. Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough, Patty Smyth
23. Can't Let Go, Mariah Carey
24. Jump Around, House Of Pain
25. Diamonds and Pearls, Prince and The N.P.G.
26. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, George Michael and Elton John
27. Masterpiece, Atlantic Starr
28. If You Asked Me To, Celine Dion
29. Giving Him Something He Can Feel, En Vogue
30. Live and Learn, Joe Public
31. Come and Talk To Me, Jodeci
32. Smells Like Teen Spirit, Nirvana
33. Humpin' Around, Bobby Brown
34. Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover, Sophie B. Hawkins
35. Tell Me What You Want Me To Do, Teven Campbell
36. Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg, TLC
37. It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday, Boyz II Men
38. Move This, Technotronic
39. Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen
40. Tennessee, Arrested Development
41. The Best Things In Life Are Free, Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson
42. Make It Happen, Mariah Carey
43. The One, Elton John
44. Set Adrift On Memory Bliss, P.M. Dawn
45. Stay, Shakespear's Sister
46. 2 Legit 2 Quit, Hammer
47. Please Don't Go, K.W.S.
48. Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes), Mint Condition
49. Wishing On A Star, Cover Girls
50. She's Playing Hard To Get, Hi-Five
51. I'd Die Without You, P.M. Dawn
52. Good For Me, Amy Grant
53. All I Want, Toad The Wet Sprocket
54. When A Man Loves A Woman, Michael Bolton
55. I Can't Dance, Genesis
56. Hazard, Richard Marx
57. Mysterious Ways, U2
58. Too Funky, George Michael
59. How Do You Talk To An Angel, Heights
60. One, U2
61. Keep On Walkin', CeCe Peniston
62. Hold On My Heart, Genesis
63. The Way I Feel About You, Karyn White
64. Beauty and The Beast, Calms Dion and Peabo Bryson
65. Warm It Up, Kris Kross
66. In The Closet, Michael Jackson
67. People Everyday, Arrested Development
68. No Son Of Nine, Genesis
69. Wildside, Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch
70. Do I Have To Say The Words?, Bryan Adams
71. Friday I'm In Love, Cure
72. Everything About You, Ugly Kid Joe
73. Blowing Kisses In The Wind, Paula Abdul
74. Thought I'd Died and Gone To Heaven, Bryan Adams
75. Rhythm Is A Dancer, Snap
76. Addams Groove, Hammer
77. Missing You Now, Michael Bolton
78. Back To The Hotel, N2Deep
79. Everything Changes, Kathy Troccoli
80. Have You Ever Needed Somone So Bad, Def Leppard
81. Take This Heart, Richard Marx
82. When I Look Into Your Eyes, Firehouse
83. I Wanna Love You, Jade
84. Uhh Ahh, Boyz II Men
85. Real Love, Mary J. Blige
86. Justified and Ancient, The KLF
87. Slow Motion, Color Me Badd
88. What About Your Friends, TLC
89. Thinkin' Back, Color Me Badd
90. Would I Lie To You?, Charles and Eddie
91. That's What Love Is For, Amy Grant
92. Keep Coming Back, Richard Marx
93. Free Your Mind, En Vogue
94. Keep It Comin', Keith Sweat
95. Just Take My Heart, Mr. Big
96. I Will Remember You, Amy Grant
97. We Got A Love Thang, CeCe Peniston
98. Let's Get Rocked, Def Leppard
99. They Want EFX, Das EFX
100. I Can't Make You Love Me, Bonnie Raitt
2.9.05
How the chaos in New Orleans makes sense of your world.
We've all been seeing the same images and hearing the same stories this week as the media coverage of the chaos in New Orleans continues. As I attempt to process all the horrible details, I've asked myself, "How in the world can I make sense of this chaos?" After some reflection I began to see that I'd been asking the question the wrong way. I had it backwards. This mess in New Orleans makes sense of my world.
Sunday at Grace Central we'll pray for the victims of Katrina and find out how the chaos in New Orleans makes sense of our world. If you're in Columbus I hope you'll attend.
Follow the link for the time, location (click 'gatherings') & a map (click 'map').
Sunday at Grace Central we'll pray for the victims of Katrina and find out how the chaos in New Orleans makes sense of our world. If you're in Columbus I hope you'll attend.
Follow the link for the time, location (click 'gatherings') & a map (click 'map').
Church celebrates fifty years of peace through irrelevance
Pastors think this kind of stuff is hilarious. (Thanks for your patience).
A Sea Lion in a Baby Pool
Here is one of the very few fun stories to come out of the hurricane tragedy:
a 13-year-old sea lion that was washed out of the Marine Life Oceanarium, four miles away in Gulfport.
The sea lion was rescued by a couple during the height of the storm as it washed by their home in a huge tidal wave. Two days later, the two were keeping the sea lion, named Pocahontas, hydrated in a child's wading pool and fed it fish scavenged from the freezers of the empty homes around them.
a 13-year-old sea lion that was washed out of the Marine Life Oceanarium, four miles away in Gulfport.
The sea lion was rescued by a couple during the height of the storm as it washed by their home in a huge tidal wave. Two days later, the two were keeping the sea lion, named Pocahontas, hydrated in a child's wading pool and fed it fish scavenged from the freezers of the empty homes around them.
On the disintegration of civilization:
Something I read today...
"But the Hollywood notion of an overnight collapse is just as much of a fantasy; it makes for great screenplays but has nothing to do with the realities of how civilizations fall. The disintegration of a complex society takes decades, not days. Since fossil fuel production will decline gradually, not simply come to a screeching halt, the likely course of things is gradual descent rather than freefall. Civilizations go under in a rolling collapse punctuated by localized disasters, taking anything from one to four centuries to complete the process. It's not a steady decline, either; between sudden crises come intervals of relative stability, even moderate improvement; different regions decline at different paces; existing social, economic and political structures are replaced, not with complete chaos, but with transitional structures that may develop pretty fair institutional strength themselves."
"But the Hollywood notion of an overnight collapse is just as much of a fantasy; it makes for great screenplays but has nothing to do with the realities of how civilizations fall. The disintegration of a complex society takes decades, not days. Since fossil fuel production will decline gradually, not simply come to a screeching halt, the likely course of things is gradual descent rather than freefall. Civilizations go under in a rolling collapse punctuated by localized disasters, taking anything from one to four centuries to complete the process. It's not a steady decline, either; between sudden crises come intervals of relative stability, even moderate improvement; different regions decline at different paces; existing social, economic and political structures are replaced, not with complete chaos, but with transitional structures that may develop pretty fair institutional strength themselves."
1.9.05
31.8.05
Fantasy Football
Ok, sports fans, here's my line up for the 2005 season. Tell me what you think...
QB
Michael Vick
Matt Hasselbeck
Kurt Warner
RB
Deuce McAllister
Rudi Johnson
Reuben Droughns
Ricky Williams
WR
Javon Walker
Darrell Jackson
Jerry Porter
TE
Jeremy Shockey
K
Matt Stover
Def
Buffalo
WR/RB
J.J. Arrington
QB
Michael Vick
Matt Hasselbeck
Kurt Warner
RB
Deuce McAllister
Rudi Johnson
Reuben Droughns
Ricky Williams
WR
Javon Walker
Darrell Jackson
Jerry Porter
TE
Jeremy Shockey
K
Matt Stover
Def
Buffalo
WR/RB
J.J. Arrington
30.8.05
Top 10 of the 1st 2/3rds of 2005 (feedback welcome)
In no particular order:
Bloc Party- Silent Alarm
Spoon- Gimme Fiction
BRMC- Howl
Damien Jurado- On My Way to Absence
Sufjan Stevens- Illinoise
Decemberists- Picaresque
Bright Eyes- I'm Wide Awake It's Morning
Iron & Wine- Woman King
Over the Rhine- Drunkard's Prayer
Ryan Adams- Cold Roses
Honorable Mention: Coldplay- X&Y, Beck- Guero
Bloc Party- Silent Alarm
Spoon- Gimme Fiction
BRMC- Howl
Damien Jurado- On My Way to Absence
Sufjan Stevens- Illinoise
Decemberists- Picaresque
Bright Eyes- I'm Wide Awake It's Morning
Iron & Wine- Woman King
Over the Rhine- Drunkard's Prayer
Ryan Adams- Cold Roses
Honorable Mention: Coldplay- X&Y, Beck- Guero
If you aren't a Christian...
Answer this question:
If you converted to Christianity today, do you think your life would be larger, fuller, richer, more attractive and creative, more involved with the people, circumstances, art, and culture around you? Or do you think your life would be smaller, narrower, more withdrawn, judgmental, and negative, less winsome and creative, less involved with the people, art, circumstances, and culture around you?
If you are a Christian ask yourself this:
What would your friends and family members answer?
What's wrong with the way we are living?
If you converted to Christianity today, do you think your life would be larger, fuller, richer, more attractive and creative, more involved with the people, circumstances, art, and culture around you? Or do you think your life would be smaller, narrower, more withdrawn, judgmental, and negative, less winsome and creative, less involved with the people, art, circumstances, and culture around you?
If you are a Christian ask yourself this:
What would your friends and family members answer?
What's wrong with the way we are living?
New IPod to be released?
This from ipod lounge...
Apple plans special event next week
08.29.05 | iPod | 72 comments | tell-a-friend
Apple appears to be set to introduce an all-new iPod next week as the company will hold a special event at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. Apple has used similar events in the past to make such major announcements.
In an invitation sent to select media, including iLounge, Apple hints that it will unveil a significant new product at the event. The invitation reads in part: “1000 songs in your pocket changed everything. Here we go again.” The slogan “1000 songs in your pocket” was first used by Apple when the original 5GB iPod was introduced in 2001.
The invitation-only event will take place on Wednesday, September 7 at 10:00 a.m. iLounge will be in attendance to bring you coverage.
Apple plans special event next week
08.29.05 | iPod | 72 comments | tell-a-friend
Apple appears to be set to introduce an all-new iPod next week as the company will hold a special event at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. Apple has used similar events in the past to make such major announcements.
In an invitation sent to select media, including iLounge, Apple hints that it will unveil a significant new product at the event. The invitation reads in part: “1000 songs in your pocket changed everything. Here we go again.” The slogan “1000 songs in your pocket” was first used by Apple when the original 5GB iPod was introduced in 2001.
The invitation-only event will take place on Wednesday, September 7 at 10:00 a.m. iLounge will be in attendance to bring you coverage.
29.8.05
FOR SALE
Authentic Denver Broncos football jersey. Like new. Never worn in game. Motivated seller. Name your price. Will consider trade for NFL contract.
Or time machine.
Or time machine.
Coffee drinkers unite!
Matt U. sent me this link to an article about the many fabulous health benefits of drinking coffee. This explains why Iggy and Tom look so healthy in the photograph.
Must... resist urge... to buy... useless... crap...
I realize a double-barrelled, stainless-steel breakfast cereal dispenser is highly unnecessary and is probably some sort of sign of the excess of our age and our culture's increasing preoccupation with all things trivial - heck, it may even be a sign of the apocalypse or something (I'll have to re-read Revelation) - but I cannot deny my inner, visceral reaction to such a device. It is neat. And I want one.
28.8.05
27.8.05
Devil Child
We went to the Great Darke County Fair this week and the boys had a great time as indicated by the photos below.
In addition I was surprised to find that the Great Darke County Fair hosts asome sort of performance by the son of Satan, himself. You'd think with family connections like that he'd have a better gig that county fairs. He must be a real slacker. I bet during Holidays he never hears the end of it. "Why can't you be more like your brother, Legion?!"
In addition I was surprised to find that the Great Darke County Fair hosts asome sort of performance by the son of Satan, himself. You'd think with family connections like that he'd have a better gig that county fairs. He must be a real slacker. I bet during Holidays he never hears the end of it. "Why can't you be more like your brother, Legion?!"
A quarter to play, a quarter to win.
The form! The technique! The prowess! It's been a decade and I still got it. There was a time when carnies ran in fear and bowling balls trembled at the sound of my name. If bowler roller had been a competetive sport, I would be a rich man.
26.8.05
24.8.05
23.8.05
Televangelist seeks to assassinate world leaders.
I'm not joking. Have you heard about this? Follow the link to an article. I don't even know what to say.
And by the way...
Ever notice you never see Pat Robertson and the Brain from Pinky and the Brain in the same place at the same time? Hmmm. I wonder...
19.8.05
Hip Tip of the Week: Penguins.
This week it's all about the Penguins.
1. Film: March of the Penguins- Saw it tonight. Amazing. See it. Now. I'll wait....
2. Book: I'm reading the Penguin classics collection of John Donne's poetry. Very good. Slow reading, but that's because I'm dang near retarded when it comes to poetry. And I've recently been informed by a professional educator that "retarded" is no longer politically incorrect and is the preferred term to be used. Go read a book in the Penguin classics series.
3. Fashion- Penguin is a clothing line and they sell a fabulous brown plaid trench coat with orange buttons for, oh... about three benjamins. Doh!
4. Song- "Penguins" from Lyle Lovett's 1994 album entitled I Love Everybody. Apparantly penguins are very sensitive to Lyle's needs. That's more than Madonna can say for her equine friends.
5. Bird- Penguins strike me as the most professionally competent of all the birds. If you want flash and pizzaz, call an eagle or a toucan. Maybe a parrot. But if you want somebody who's going to show up on time and get the job done without all the drama and attitude, well then the Penguin is your bird.
1. Film: March of the Penguins- Saw it tonight. Amazing. See it. Now. I'll wait....
2. Book: I'm reading the Penguin classics collection of John Donne's poetry. Very good. Slow reading, but that's because I'm dang near retarded when it comes to poetry. And I've recently been informed by a professional educator that "retarded" is no longer politically incorrect and is the preferred term to be used. Go read a book in the Penguin classics series.
3. Fashion- Penguin is a clothing line and they sell a fabulous brown plaid trench coat with orange buttons for, oh... about three benjamins. Doh!
4. Song- "Penguins" from Lyle Lovett's 1994 album entitled I Love Everybody. Apparantly penguins are very sensitive to Lyle's needs. That's more than Madonna can say for her equine friends.
5. Bird- Penguins strike me as the most professionally competent of all the birds. If you want flash and pizzaz, call an eagle or a toucan. Maybe a parrot. But if you want somebody who's going to show up on time and get the job done without all the drama and attitude, well then the Penguin is your bird.
Mission & Context
If you are interested in topics of mission, context, culture, and the like then you'll want to read the dialogue between kdny and me in the comments section of the Johnny Cash post. Feel free to add your two cents... or pesos... or mites... or whatever is the appropriate monetary denomination in your culture.
(Look people, you'll have to do a little of the contextualization yourself here. FP can't do everything, you know).
I've included the picture of black Jesus just to complicate matters. Enjoy.
(Look people, you'll have to do a little of the contextualization yourself here. FP can't do everything, you know).
I've included the picture of black Jesus just to complicate matters. Enjoy.
18.8.05
This explains why my ordination exams were so difficult!
Shout out to my homeboy C-Mac who emailed me this today. Apparantly it's a screen still from a Chinese bootleg of Star Wars Ep3. As it turns out, when "Jedi Counsel" was translated by the Chinese they went with "church of the elders" which, when translated back into English for the subtitles was translated "Presbyterian Church". Presbyterian comes from presbuteros, the greek word for elder, so actually it's quite acurate!
Thanks SCM, for the hilarious email It made my day.
Thanks SCM, for the hilarious email It made my day.
Pain & Grace in the Life of Johnny Cash
My denomination is mostly southern, mostly conservative, and often out of touch with the general culture of my generation. Most of the time I feel like I don't belong. But then from time to time (and more frequently now I've noticed) they throw me a bone like this little gem from the PCA's official webzine. Reminds me that I'm in the right place and that God is a Johnny Cash fan, too.
17.8.05
Back from Vacation.
Island Reading: A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving), 2 Corinthians (Saint Paul)
Island Listening: Baja Sessions (Chris Isaak), The World of Nat King Cole (Nat King Cole), Wildflowers (Tom Petty), In the Wee Hours (Frank Sinatra), At Last (Etta James), In Case We Die (Architecture in Helsinki)
Island Drinking: Corona
Island Activities: laying by pool, laying on beach, laying in bed, reading afore mentioned books, sleeping, drinking corona, various combinations of the above simultaneously
Island Films Viewed: Born Identity, Born Supremacy, The Notebook
Island Suprise: scores of lizards, thirteen blue and green parrots, two Germans in speedos, (sorry ladies, no photos)
Island Listening: Baja Sessions (Chris Isaak), The World of Nat King Cole (Nat King Cole), Wildflowers (Tom Petty), In the Wee Hours (Frank Sinatra), At Last (Etta James), In Case We Die (Architecture in Helsinki)
Island Drinking: Corona
Island Activities: laying by pool, laying on beach, laying in bed, reading afore mentioned books, sleeping, drinking corona, various combinations of the above simultaneously
Island Films Viewed: Born Identity, Born Supremacy, The Notebook
Island Suprise: scores of lizards, thirteen blue and green parrots, two Germans in speedos, (sorry ladies, no photos)
7.8.05
5.8.05
Get Free Stuff From Me! It's a contest.
Alrighty peepholes. Here's the deal: I'm am going to be away from my email account for 10 days. Whoever can guess the amount of spam I recieve in my hotmail account during those ten days wins. Just to make it exciting, whoever comes closest to guessing the number of pieces of junk mail I get will win something cool. If you guess exactly you will win something VERY cool. If two contestants guess the same we will go by whoever guessed first. Only one entry per reader. I'll make sure my junk mail filters are turned off!
And as always, no wagering please.
And as always, no wagering please.
3.8.05
Bono & the Gospel.
Salty dogma
Bono gives an explicit confession of being saved by Grace, not Karma | by Gene Edward Veith
Is Bono, the lead singer and songwriter for the rock group U2, a Christian? He says he is and writes about Christianity in his lyrics. Yet many people question whether Bono is "really" a Christian, due to his notoriously bad language, liberal politics, and rock star antics (though he has been faithfully married for 23 years). But in a new book of interviews, Bono in Conversation by Michka Assayas, Bono, though using some salty language, makes an explicit confession of faith.
The interviewer, Mr. Assayas, begins by asking Bono, Doesn't he think "appalling things" happen when people become religious? Bono counters, "It's a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma."
The interviewer asks, What's that? "At the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics—in physical laws—every action is met by an equal or an opposite one," explains Bono. "And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that. . . . Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I've done a lot of stupid stuff."
The interviewer asks, Like what? "That's between me and God. But I'd be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge," says Bono. "It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for Grace. I'm holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don't have to depend on my own religiosity."
Then the interviewer marvels, "The Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. I wish I could believe in that."
"The point of the death of Christ is that Christ took on the sins of the world, so that what we put out did not come back to us, and that our sinful nature does not reap the obvious death," replies Bono. "It's not our own good works that get us through the gates of Heaven."
The interviewer marvels some more: "That's a great idea, no denying it. Such great hope is wonderful, even though it's close to lunacy, in my view. Christ has His rank among the world's great thinkers. But Son of God, isn't that farfetched?"
Bono comes back, "Look, the secular response to the Christ story always goes like this: He was a great prophet, obviously a very interesting guy, had a lot to say along the lines of other great prophets, be they Elijah, Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. But actually Christ doesn't allow you that. He doesn't let you off that hook. Christ says, No. I'm not saying I'm a teacher, don't call me teacher. I'm not saying I'm a prophet. I'm saying: 'I'm the Messiah.' I'm saying: 'I am God incarnate.' . . . So what you're left with is either Christ was who He said He was—the Messiah—or a complete nutcase. . . . The idea that the entire course of civilization for over half of the globe could have its fate changed and turned upside-down by a nutcase, for me that's farfetched."
What is most interesting in this exchange is the reaction of the interviewer, to whom Bono is, in effect, witnessing. This hip rock journalist starts by scorning what he thinks is Christianity. But it is as if he had never heard of grace, the atonement, the deity of Christ, the gospel. And he probably hadn't. But when he hears what Christianity is actually all about, he is amazed.
Bono gives an explicit confession of being saved by Grace, not Karma | by Gene Edward Veith
Is Bono, the lead singer and songwriter for the rock group U2, a Christian? He says he is and writes about Christianity in his lyrics. Yet many people question whether Bono is "really" a Christian, due to his notoriously bad language, liberal politics, and rock star antics (though he has been faithfully married for 23 years). But in a new book of interviews, Bono in Conversation by Michka Assayas, Bono, though using some salty language, makes an explicit confession of faith.
The interviewer, Mr. Assayas, begins by asking Bono, Doesn't he think "appalling things" happen when people become religious? Bono counters, "It's a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma."
The interviewer asks, What's that? "At the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics—in physical laws—every action is met by an equal or an opposite one," explains Bono. "And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that. . . . Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I've done a lot of stupid stuff."
The interviewer asks, Like what? "That's between me and God. But I'd be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge," says Bono. "It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for Grace. I'm holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don't have to depend on my own religiosity."
Then the interviewer marvels, "The Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. I wish I could believe in that."
"The point of the death of Christ is that Christ took on the sins of the world, so that what we put out did not come back to us, and that our sinful nature does not reap the obvious death," replies Bono. "It's not our own good works that get us through the gates of Heaven."
The interviewer marvels some more: "That's a great idea, no denying it. Such great hope is wonderful, even though it's close to lunacy, in my view. Christ has His rank among the world's great thinkers. But Son of God, isn't that farfetched?"
Bono comes back, "Look, the secular response to the Christ story always goes like this: He was a great prophet, obviously a very interesting guy, had a lot to say along the lines of other great prophets, be they Elijah, Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. But actually Christ doesn't allow you that. He doesn't let you off that hook. Christ says, No. I'm not saying I'm a teacher, don't call me teacher. I'm not saying I'm a prophet. I'm saying: 'I'm the Messiah.' I'm saying: 'I am God incarnate.' . . . So what you're left with is either Christ was who He said He was—the Messiah—or a complete nutcase. . . . The idea that the entire course of civilization for over half of the globe could have its fate changed and turned upside-down by a nutcase, for me that's farfetched."
What is most interesting in this exchange is the reaction of the interviewer, to whom Bono is, in effect, witnessing. This hip rock journalist starts by scorning what he thinks is Christianity. But it is as if he had never heard of grace, the atonement, the deity of Christ, the gospel. And he probably hadn't. But when he hears what Christianity is actually all about, he is amazed.
Technology at work!
Did you hear about this?
SPACE CENTER, Houston - A spacewalking astronaut gently pulled two potentially dangerous strips of protruding filler from Discovery’s tile belly with his gloved hand Wednesday, successfully completing an unprecedented emergency repair.
Apparantly something was sticking out of the bottom of the space shuttle that shouldn't have been there, so they send a guy out to "repair" it. Of course by "repair" they mean he grabbed the little pieces and yanked on them until they came off. It is comforting to know that NASA repairs the multi-billion dollar space shuttle with the same highly specialized techniques I use to repair my 2000 ford focus.
After the repair was made, I wonder if the astronaut threw the removed obstructions into the back seat of the space shuttle with all the empty starbucks cups and taco bell wrappers.
SPACE CENTER, Houston - A spacewalking astronaut gently pulled two potentially dangerous strips of protruding filler from Discovery’s tile belly with his gloved hand Wednesday, successfully completing an unprecedented emergency repair.
Apparantly something was sticking out of the bottom of the space shuttle that shouldn't have been there, so they send a guy out to "repair" it. Of course by "repair" they mean he grabbed the little pieces and yanked on them until they came off. It is comforting to know that NASA repairs the multi-billion dollar space shuttle with the same highly specialized techniques I use to repair my 2000 ford focus.
After the repair was made, I wonder if the astronaut threw the removed obstructions into the back seat of the space shuttle with all the empty starbucks cups and taco bell wrappers.
2.8.05
Three things that disturb me:
3. When you're talking to someone and they proceed through the conversation by asking themselves a series of qestions and supplying their own answers. For instance: "Does it annoy me when people ask themselves questions? Yes. Do I think it makes them bad people? No. Do I wish they wouldn't do it? Yes. After reading this post will you now have a heightened sensitivity to this phenomena? Probably."
2. When you're listening to NPR or some expert of something or other on tv and they keep using synonyms and saying "if you will" at the end. For instance, "When people speak that way I find it disturbing... or annoying, if you will". See what I mean?
1. Gilmore Girls. The dialogue on this show makes me want to puke. I literally cannot watch it. I actually have to leave the room. I'm not even sure what it is. I will give you no examples.
2. When you're listening to NPR or some expert of something or other on tv and they keep using synonyms and saying "if you will" at the end. For instance, "When people speak that way I find it disturbing... or annoying, if you will". See what I mean?
1. Gilmore Girls. The dialogue on this show makes me want to puke. I literally cannot watch it. I actually have to leave the room. I'm not even sure what it is. I will give you no examples.
29.7.05
27.7.05
Ryan Adams Concert
I started this post months ago and never finished it. Better late than never, I suppose.
It seems like some people are never satisfied. No matter what level of achievement a person attains in his chosen field of operation, he is always setting the stage for a transition into some other field, to try his hand there as well. To see if the fates will bring success in some new arena. Professional atheletes perpetually turn their focus to new mountains. As if winning championships and setting records at the highest levels of competetive sports were not enough, now each Shaq must also rap. Each player, longs to announce. Even the great MJ could not resist stepping into the batter's box for a stint with the White Sox. Of course atheletes are not the only ones. Everyone knows every good waitress in LA longs to act. And every good actor longs to direct. And every good director will eventually produce. Then there's the whole cross over from acting to music, from music to acting, from television to film, to radio. And in each case, all of these people aspire to the highest peak of celebrity our culture affords: public office.
Ryan Adams is no exception. Last evening the North Carolinian rock and roll twangster first took the stage as the drumer for his opening act Rachael Yamagata. With in seconds it was clear that Adams is positioning himself for his next big career move. But unlike the MJ's and the Don Johnson's (remember "Heartbeat"?) Ryan Adams is poised to pull off the transition from Rock Star to his new career: unemployed homeless muppet.
I think he's got a pretty good chance of achieving his dream. The show was great, by the way. And John Stewart of Comedy Central was in the house.
It seems like some people are never satisfied. No matter what level of achievement a person attains in his chosen field of operation, he is always setting the stage for a transition into some other field, to try his hand there as well. To see if the fates will bring success in some new arena. Professional atheletes perpetually turn their focus to new mountains. As if winning championships and setting records at the highest levels of competetive sports were not enough, now each Shaq must also rap. Each player, longs to announce. Even the great MJ could not resist stepping into the batter's box for a stint with the White Sox. Of course atheletes are not the only ones. Everyone knows every good waitress in LA longs to act. And every good actor longs to direct. And every good director will eventually produce. Then there's the whole cross over from acting to music, from music to acting, from television to film, to radio. And in each case, all of these people aspire to the highest peak of celebrity our culture affords: public office.
Ryan Adams is no exception. Last evening the North Carolinian rock and roll twangster first took the stage as the drumer for his opening act Rachael Yamagata. With in seconds it was clear that Adams is positioning himself for his next big career move. But unlike the MJ's and the Don Johnson's (remember "Heartbeat"?) Ryan Adams is poised to pull off the transition from Rock Star to his new career: unemployed homeless muppet.
I think he's got a pretty good chance of achieving his dream. The show was great, by the way. And John Stewart of Comedy Central was in the house.
25.7.05
Church Survey
| You scored as Sacrament model. Your model of the church is Sacrament. The church is the effective sign of the revelation that is the person of Jesus Christ. Christians are transformed by Christ and then become a beacon of Christ wherever they go. This model has a remarkable capacity for integrating other models of the church.
What is your model of the church? [Dulles] created with QuizFarm.com |
22.7.05
Hey Andy Morgan!
I know you read my blog. Are you coming up to the 'bus tonight? Tomorrow? Let me know what's up.
Call me at my home number.
Call me at my home number.
20.7.05
Does al-Qaida have20 suitcase nukes?
This from the article linked above:
"The question isn't whether bin Laden has nuclear weapons, it's when he will try to use them."
Have a nice day.
"The question isn't whether bin Laden has nuclear weapons, it's when he will try to use them."
Have a nice day.
19.7.05
Click here.
Everytime I see a strongbad email I turn into a 12 year old boy. This is freakin' hilarious.
18.7.05
1!
Sam turned one today. He was born at 11:33pm on a Sunday night. Today we had a small party with gifts and cake. It was a good day. And a very good year.
Pronounced 'Soof-yen'
For those of you intrigued by continually awkward relationship between culture and Christianity, I have linked to an article about Sufjan Stevens. I've mentioned him before. It's a good review and worth reading. Use your exegetical skills and see what develops. Plus, the article is titled "Sufjan Stevens: Dutch Mafia Life, or, How Amway Stole the Soul of a Talented Christian Rocker and Tossed His Lifeless Body into Lake Michigan, or, "Jesus Christ! Enough with the Choirs Already!"
How can you not want to read that article?
How can you not want to read that article?
17.7.05
Watch me get down!
This is my favorite photo ever. Jack is totally just going for it on the dance floor. He had been slow dancing with that little cutie until I guess he just decided enough was enough. It was time to show off his moves! And so he did. I love that he is actually pointing with his index fingers like in disco fever or something.
Oh, to be young and carefree.
Oh, to be young and carefree.
14.7.05
New Shoes!
Sammy turns one on Monday and last week we took him to get his first pair of walking shoes. Here he is getting his little feet measured.
Six Good Lines
The following are lines from songs which I've found particulary moving or artful.
1. all the other girls here are stars—you are the Northern Lights
2. every heart is a package tangled up in knots someone else tied
3. They're looking at Nothing and Nothing turns away and yawns.
4. It is the heart that kills us in the end
Just one more old broken bone that cannot mend
As it was now and ever shall be amen
5. I know you have a heavy heart; I can feel it when we kiss
So many men much stronger than me have thrown their backs out trying to lift it
6. We know good enough is a thousand miles from grace
1. all the other girls here are stars—you are the Northern Lights
2. every heart is a package tangled up in knots someone else tied
3. They're looking at Nothing and Nothing turns away and yawns.
4. It is the heart that kills us in the end
Just one more old broken bone that cannot mend
As it was now and ever shall be amen
5. I know you have a heavy heart; I can feel it when we kiss
So many men much stronger than me have thrown their backs out trying to lift it
6. We know good enough is a thousand miles from grace
Top 3 Worst Rock Acts Ever?
So who is it? If you had to choose the top three worst rock acts ever, who would it be? They must not be so obscure that none of us have ever heard of them. That still leaves the field wide open, as most of popular music should certainly qualify for somebody's list. Some of you will also ask "What about rap? Country? R & B?" OK. Whatever. This isn't really rocket science people. If they suck, they qualify. It's your list.
13.7.05
Church Marketing Sucks
The following paragraph is a comment posted on a blog called "Church Marketing Sucks". I read it and liked it a lot. It reminds me of the covert mottos Grace Central adopted early on in her development: " It must be grace because we don't know what heck we're doing", and "Grace Central: Screwing up church in a whole new way!" For the most part they both still hold true.
My favorite example of not acting like your marketing is the now-ubiquitious "purpose statements" and "vision statements." Thanks to some well-marketed books, many churches now have yet another committee meeting to come up with some drivel like, "First Church exists to lovingly win sinners to Christ by living his example in a Spirit-filled way." Nothing wrong with such a statement, but it rarely describes the congregation in any way shape or form: an example of marketing what we wish we were. A more honest statement would be: "At Christ's Church of the Beautiful Bay Valley Community Fellowship, we want to build the biggest building in the county, manage a multi-million dollar budget, have a parking lot bigger than the mall, and get our preacher to publish a book that will make him a household name in evangelical circles." To be honest, I would rather see some truth that would reflect most churches in America: "At First Church of the Denomination, we are a church that is trying to overcome our differences and inadequacies to somehow reach the lost in our community because we are honestly concerned about their eternal destiny, but we're not really sure how to do it and we often fail to show Christ's love... but we really do love Christ and the lost." That would be refreshing.
My favorite example of not acting like your marketing is the now-ubiquitious "purpose statements" and "vision statements." Thanks to some well-marketed books, many churches now have yet another committee meeting to come up with some drivel like, "First Church exists to lovingly win sinners to Christ by living his example in a Spirit-filled way." Nothing wrong with such a statement, but it rarely describes the congregation in any way shape or form: an example of marketing what we wish we were. A more honest statement would be: "At Christ's Church of the Beautiful Bay Valley Community Fellowship, we want to build the biggest building in the county, manage a multi-million dollar budget, have a parking lot bigger than the mall, and get our preacher to publish a book that will make him a household name in evangelical circles." To be honest, I would rather see some truth that would reflect most churches in America: "At First Church of the Denomination, we are a church that is trying to overcome our differences and inadequacies to somehow reach the lost in our community because we are honestly concerned about their eternal destiny, but we're not really sure how to do it and we often fail to show Christ's love... but we really do love Christ and the lost." That would be refreshing.
12.7.05
11.7.05
My Seven Favorite Guitar Solos
As guitar solos seem to be a dying art form as of late, I thought I'd do my part to reinvigorate interest in the craft by enumerating for my readers my six all time favorite guitar solos captured on recording. Now remember, these are my favorites. They are not necessarily the most important or creative or skillfully executed. They are merely my favorties. You'll find no Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai or Eddie Van Halen on this list. Here goes:
7. Song: Just/ Band: Radiohead/ Guitarist: Johnny Greenwood
This is a guitar solo which begins with feedback rather than ends with feedback. A creative little twist. While this solo is not too long, it is perfectly executed and compliments the song. It just rocks, that's all.
6. Song: Umass/ Band: Pixies/ Guitarist: Joey Santiago
This solo sounds like a freightrain full of scrap metal crashing through a garbage truck factory.
5. Song: Voodoo Chile/ Artist: Jimi Hendrix
The Picasso of electric guitar's finest moment?
4. Song: When I Go/ Band: Over The Rhine/ Guitarist: Paul Moak
The solo comes in about 5:20 into this live recording of OTR's "When I Go". Moak is not even really in teh band. he's merely a hired hand, but this solo is one of the greatest I've ever heard. It is visceral and muscular and I love that you can hear the buzz of the amp and the screech of the strings. It ends in a sputtering of feedback. Nearly Perfect in every way.
3. Song: Groaning the Blues/ Artist: Eric Clapton
This solo is on the last track of Clapton's from the cradle. Clapton has always been a minimalist with respect to guitar work and this solo is no exception. He mostly just plays one string. One sustained bending note that can bring you to tears. You must check it out. It makes me want to give him a hug.
2. Song: Sympathy for the Devil/ Band: The Rolling Stones/ Guitarist: Keith Richards
This is what rock and roll is suppose to sound like. Wow.
1. Song: Love is Blindness/ Band: U2/ Guitarist: The Edge
Some guitars gently weep. On this track, the Edge's guitar swallows a bottle full of perscription pills and slides down into the bath tub in despair. This is what a breaking heart sounds like. I challenge you to find another sound as expressive as this one in the entire vocabulary of modern electric guitar work.
If you've got a comment or a favorite or two of your own, be sure to comment here. I'd love to hear what you think.
7. Song: Just/ Band: Radiohead/ Guitarist: Johnny Greenwood
This is a guitar solo which begins with feedback rather than ends with feedback. A creative little twist. While this solo is not too long, it is perfectly executed and compliments the song. It just rocks, that's all.
6. Song: Umass/ Band: Pixies/ Guitarist: Joey Santiago
This solo sounds like a freightrain full of scrap metal crashing through a garbage truck factory.
5. Song: Voodoo Chile/ Artist: Jimi Hendrix
The Picasso of electric guitar's finest moment?
4. Song: When I Go/ Band: Over The Rhine/ Guitarist: Paul Moak
The solo comes in about 5:20 into this live recording of OTR's "When I Go". Moak is not even really in teh band. he's merely a hired hand, but this solo is one of the greatest I've ever heard. It is visceral and muscular and I love that you can hear the buzz of the amp and the screech of the strings. It ends in a sputtering of feedback. Nearly Perfect in every way.
3. Song: Groaning the Blues/ Artist: Eric Clapton
This solo is on the last track of Clapton's from the cradle. Clapton has always been a minimalist with respect to guitar work and this solo is no exception. He mostly just plays one string. One sustained bending note that can bring you to tears. You must check it out. It makes me want to give him a hug.
2. Song: Sympathy for the Devil/ Band: The Rolling Stones/ Guitarist: Keith Richards
This is what rock and roll is suppose to sound like. Wow.
1. Song: Love is Blindness/ Band: U2/ Guitarist: The Edge
Some guitars gently weep. On this track, the Edge's guitar swallows a bottle full of perscription pills and slides down into the bath tub in despair. This is what a breaking heart sounds like. I challenge you to find another sound as expressive as this one in the entire vocabulary of modern electric guitar work.
If you've got a comment or a favorite or two of your own, be sure to comment here. I'd love to hear what you think.
Something I read today...
The initiative of the saint is not towards self-realization, but towards knowing Jesus Christ. The spiritual saint never believes circumstances to be haphazard, or thinks of his life as secular and sacred; he sees everything he is dumped down in as the means of securing the knowledge of Jesus Christ. There is a reckless abandonment about him. The Holy Spirit is determined that we shall realize Jesus Christ in every domain of life, and He will bring us back to the same point again and again until we do. Self-realization leads to the enthronement of work; whereas the saint enthrones Jesus Christ in his work. Whether it be eating or drinking or washing disciples feet, whatever it is, we have to take the initiative of realizing Jesus Christ in it. Every phase of our actual life has its counterpart in the life of Jesus. Our Lord realized His relationship to the Father even in the most menial work. "Jesus knowing . . . that He was come from God, and went to God . . . took a towel . . . and began to wash the disciples' feet."
The aim of the spiritual saint is "that I may know Him." Do I know Him where I am to-day? If not, I am failing Him. I am here not to realize myself, but to know Jesus. In Christian work the initiative is too often the realization that something has to be done and I must do it. That is never the attitude of the spiritual saint, his aim is to secure the realization of Jesus Christ in every set of circumstances he is in.
- Oswald Chambers
The aim of the spiritual saint is "that I may know Him." Do I know Him where I am to-day? If not, I am failing Him. I am here not to realize myself, but to know Jesus. In Christian work the initiative is too often the realization that something has to be done and I must do it. That is never the attitude of the spiritual saint, his aim is to secure the realization of Jesus Christ in every set of circumstances he is in.
- Oswald Chambers
9.7.05
7.7.05
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