Out On The Porch

An Oak Tree In Late Winter

2010-07-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

"...His (Christ) is the kindest, most patient, most steadfast and most conquering love" - Josh Rosenthal

I recently got back from a road trip/youth camp with some of my students through the Republic of Texas and pulled in my driveway to realize that the grass in my yard grows faster here in CO that it did in Lubbock. I just mowed right before I left (which was the 2nd mow in a week). I secretly suspect my neighbor of creating a hybrid fertilizer/steroid that he tests on my yard when I am gone...but that is beside the point.

I find it hard to mow because the motivation to mow is not there until I start to fear a notice from the HOA. I get easily distracted with the day to day things at the church that I let more of my free time activities slide away unnoticed. Writing this blog has been one of those activities that is an escape for me and I had lost the motivation to write anything because I am always looking ahead to the next thing on the calendar and do not take enough time to simply sit and reflect over the previous commitments that I have experienced. I am still trying to find time to mentally unpack and process all that I experienced in Costa Rica this summer with the Bribri people.

Sometimes something has to hit me over the head hard to reignite a passion such as writing blogs, running, or any other activity. Finally that motivation hit me when I checked my mailbox after returning from Texas. It was Josh Rosenthal's new book (also his first) An Oak Tree Late In Winter (Ten Vignettes & A Triptych). I was excited to read the book knowing that Josh was flexing his creative muscle in a venue that is slightly foreign to him, and if any of you were wondering how well a musician could write a book let me tell you...very well.

Josh has a relaxed style that makes you feel less like you are reading a book and more like you are enjoying coffee with an old and intimate friend. I use the terms "old" and "intimate" for a reason. Josh has now reservation of being very familiar with his reader and letting you see not just his actions (rather heroic, selfish, or shameful) but he also allows the reader to have insight into his thought process while making these decisions. Josh does not set himself up to be the hero of his story, very often he is the antagonist raging against the mercies that are given to him by God.

I takes a lot of courage to be as vulnerable as Rosenthal is in this book. He is not censored, polished, or PC, instead he throws out the mask of having it all together and achieves something that is hard to do in the realm of Christianity and that is to be real.

Josh's story reads like a more relatable Blue Like Jazz because he does not deal with how things in the world affect him, but how he(we) live everyday in need of a grace that can transform how we view the world around us, rather that be the pain of a broken family, the cynicism of dealing with a religious subculture, or the apathy that calls us to numb ourselves to all of these feelings. Josh calls us to feel these things, to be honest about where we are, and to seek comfort in Christ and in His church.

This book is easily one of the most challenging books I have read, not in a way that pushes us to stop what we are doing and loading us up with guilt for doing it, but in a way that encourages me to seek vulnerability and community. It is clear when reading Josh's story and how it so closely mirrors my own story (not in names and places but in the need for real friendships and grace).

This book is about more than just a kid who moved from Fort Worth to Lubbock and then to Utah. It is a story about how God is directing our lives and showing us our need for Him. I feel like I could easily continue writing about this book until this review becomes unbearable to read so I will shut it off.

So to any of you reading this who are on the fence about rather to order this book let me strongly encourage you to. It is phenomenal, in fact I give it ten out of ten cross-stitched lions (this is a purposefully placed inside joke that you will not get unless you order this book...intriguing right?)

Also, to Josh, thank you for your willingness to be transparent and writing this book. It has encouraged me and challenged me more than most books or stories ever have. Your story is worth reading and it is exciting to see the masterpiece that God is painting with our pain.

One more note: If you visit Josh's online store here and use the promo code BLOG you can receive 10% off the book. You can order it by itself or with the albums that inspired this book or you can order it in pairs so you have one to give away to a friend who need to hear this story.

The Bible In 90 Days: Day 2

2010-01-06T08:23:00.000-08:00

So I have decided to try to make this a semi-regular thing over the next 90 days. I am not promising that I will be posting these observations everyday, but as close as possible I will be...

That being said I hope that these observations can help you to realize all of the exciting things that take place in the bible are exciting and not in the least bit boring.

Observations from the reading for Day 2 (Gen 17:1-28:29):
-God makes a covenant with Abram that involves circumcision
-Abram takes all of his servants to get circumcised, I would not be excited to be one of his servants.
-Abraham laughs when God tells him that he is going to have a kid
-Abraham gets circumcised at the age of 99...crazy
-God and to angels visit Abraham
-A debate of 'did not/did to' breaks our between God and Sarah when she laughs over the idea of having a kid (which is apparently something that Abraham and Sarah had in common).
-God does not display the best bargaining skills when Abraham is pleading for Sodom (50 righteous...how about 40....how about 30, 20, 10)
-The men in Sodom have a MESSED UP welcome wagon going around...(i.e. trying to rape God and angels is not a great way to save your city)
-Lot is willing to give up his daughter's virginity to the men of Sodom
-Lot's wife turns into salt
-Lot's daughters get him drunk to sleep with him...these story lines are better than most soap operas...pretty sure this movie would be rated R...adult themes and what not.
-Abraham breaks out with the "wife is my sister" bit.
-A very old lady gives birth to a son.
-She laughs about having a kid again...this time not because of how ridiculous it sounds but out of joy.
-Sarah sends away her servant and the kid she had with her husband.
-When they were out of water God provided a well for them.
-Abraham is willing to sacrifice his only son
-God provides a ram for them
-Abraham's wife dies and he refuses to take land for free
-Rebekah gets a nose ring....'see mom, it's not a big deal'
-Isaac and his wife have two sons....to say they had a rivalry is a understatement.
-Their oldest son (Esau) is red and hairy....apparently a leprechaun.
-Esau trades a his birthright for a cup of soup....hope is was good soup hairy man
-Jacob steals the blessing from Isaac.
-The blessing is a beautiful word that would make Shakespeare jealous.
-He steals it my covering himself in goat hair....how hairy was this guy.
-Jacob has a tripy dream involving a stairway to heaven...he calls the place "House of God"

If you have never read the Bible all the way through I hope you will join me for it.

Bible in 90 Days: Day 1

2010-01-04T09:44:00.000-08:00

Today I am starting out ona journey to read the Bible over a 90 Day period. Today was Day 1.

I read Genesis 1:1-16:16.

For those who do not think that the Bible is exciting, here is some of what happens in Day 1:

-Creation
-Nudity
-Naming Animals
-People Fall In Love
-A man writes a song for a woman (first love song written)
-The fall
-First fasion show (made of fig leaves...talk about living green)
-A Game of hide and seek
-People blaming others
-First gospel presentation (Gen 3:15)
-First sacrifice (3:21)
-An angel with a sword that is on fire...sweet!
-Sex
-Murder
-Someone becoming invincible (4:15)
-Construction
-The start of prayer (4:26)
-Lots of baby making
-Someone disappears (Enoch)
-A man is named "Ham"...unfortunate
-Lots of violence around the world (6:11)
-Promise of destruction
-40 day rain storm (must have been in Seattle)
-Everyone but Noah and the animals drown...nust sure why this is a big story in children's church
-First exclimation point in the Bible...right after an olive leaf
-Noah loses his pet dove
-Some of the animals on the ark are sacrificed (which is why he took 7 of those and not just two)
-God promises seasons and harvest as long as the earth endures...which won't be forever
-God tells Noah and his family to make more babies
-A Rainbow
-Noash gets drunk ans passes out naked
-Someone else is named Nimrod...worse than Ham
-God introduces a lot of new languages
-The first construction site gets abandoned (Babel)
-A Great promise is made to Abram
-Abram obeyed immediately
-A famine
-Abram calims his wife is his sister...look like counseling for those two
-Abram and Lot go in seperate directions
-Abram becomes an action hero and rescues Lot
-Abram tries to get a son through another woman...which he does...but that does not sway God's promise to him

I mean seriously....this is day 1. The bible is not boring
89 days to go.

Josh Rosenthal - The Villages Suites. 10% Off All Josh Rosenthal Merchandise

2009-12-03T10:30:00.000-08:00

My friend, Josh Rosenthal, spent the last year developing a series of 4 CDs, ending with a Christmas album that just came out called For a Day (Pictured Below). This album is a perfect addition to Josh's previous Christmas album, Narratives.

The suite of CDs called Villages captures the idea of our need for connection with one another. The Villages Suite culminates with For a Day, an album where Josh spent one day collaborating with different artists for each song.

Each of these albums is fantastic in their own way. Josh has really pulled out all of the stops to showcase his ability to craft excellent and meaningful songs in a variety of styles. He never sacrifices honest lyrics or musical integrity. I highly recommend the album 'Lonely Together'.

He has a variety of Christmas specials online with several CDs and t-shirt combinations. You can purchase them through his online store at http://joshrosenthal.bigcartel.com. He gave me a special promotional code for my friends and blog readers to get an extra 10% off. At checkout use HOWIE to get the discount. This would be a great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer idea. Everyone appreciates the gift of good music. You can click on the link here or at the banner at the top of this post.

This is not something I am posting to get some returned favor down the road...it is because Josh is a very authentic individual and a great friend of mine. I could give you stories of Josh's generous and caring spirit, but it is all evident in the music the creates. So please check out his store and pick up a little something for friends, family, yourself, or you pet turtle that you named "Mother".

Thanks so much and Merry Christmas!

To preview his music go to his myspace at: http://www.myspace.com/joshrosenthal

To purchase his music with my promotional code go to: http://joshrosenthal.bigcartel.com/

Caliente Dog

2009-11-19T08:34:00.001-08:00

I know it's been over a month but this is what I have been spending time doing

Josh Rosenthal - Lonely Together

2009-10-12T10:10:00.000-07:00

Josh Rosenthal is about to release his 3rd release in a 4 part series known as the Village Suite. This third EP is entitled "Lonely Together" and is by far the best of the three that have been release so far.

I know I tend to say that Josh's albums are better than their predecessors but it is true. Josh continues to excel as a songwriter and musician.

This album kicks off with the album version of "Amy Please" which I will spare you the write up on it because I discussed this great song one my review of Josh's "Overture EP".

The second song on the album is by far my favorite Rosenthal track "Leave". This song starts out with a catchy riff that reminds me of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's album "Howl". This bluesy song is very strong lyrically reminding us that our problem will not go away just because we do. This is evident in lines like "maybe it's not where I am that hurts so bad, maybe it's not much geography". This song is brutally honest (which is all Josh knows how to write) and is a refreshing song that showcases a new style to Josh's body of work.

The album then does into "No More Lies" which was co-penned with Josh Wilson and offers the guest vocals of Alli Rogers which sound fantastic alongside Josh's voice. This song is about the importance and power of the vows made between a couple, that they will not be broken if the couple takes them seriously no matter what the other person brings in. It is a plea for total honesty between two people and a deceleration of unwavering love. It is a beautiful song and is one of the slower songs on the album

The album picks up again with the song 'You Followed Me". A song about a God who pursues us even when we make the decision to start to walk down our own path. This song has a little bit of a Fray sound in the chorus which is incredibly catchy and is prone to get stuck in your head. This is a great reminder about how great our God is in His love for us. This song is upbeat and a would highly recommend it. This is probably my 3rd favorite song on the album behind "Leave" and "Amy, Please".

The album starts to take a more mellow turn with "Take It Away" which is a song that reminds me of Paul's pleading for God to take away the thorn in his side. This song is one that grows on you with repeat listens. This song is Josh at his most honest and transparent. For those of you who struggle with community or letting people get close to speak truth into your life I would HIGHLY recommend this song for you.

The album closes out with a remake of one of Josh''s older songs "Going Home" which first appeared on his "Anatomy of Healing EP". It is a song about being apart from the one you love and being excited about returning to that person. This version is much better than they original with better recording, production, and an additional 3 years of experience under Josh's belt as a performer.

I can not tell you how great this album is, I can only encourage you to go and buy it tomorrow when it comes out on itunes at midnight EST.

Partners

2009-09-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

last night we had the privilege of partnering with 7 other youth groups in the Aurora areas and hosted a See You At The Pole rally at New Life.

It was great on several fronts...

-We had over 150 students there to get excited about See You At The Pole

-We kicked off an on campus bible study group to equip and encourage our students to be missionaries on their campus.

-I got to see one of our former students do an incredible job in leading people in worship.

-We got to see God moving among a group of students and seeing what can happen when ministries put down ownership of ministry and start actually doing ministry together.

Even The Strongest Hero

2009-09-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

Josh Rosenthal's second album in The Village Suite series released yesterday on itunes as well on his own website.

Much like the Overture -EP this EP is 5 songs, however these songs are just Josh and a guitar. After a string of albums with a full band Josh has brought it back to the simple (although tougher) format of a voice, a guitar, and a microphone.

Even The Strongest Hero is a great album that is worth repeats listens.

The album starts out with "Alone" a up front attack on the John Wayne mentality that is still so prevalent in our culture. Josh creatively and clearly builds up the idea that we were created for community and to purposefully remove ourselves from culture is to go against "what is written on our souls" I actually used this song last night as I closed out our series on relationships, reminding students that all of our relationships are important for our growth in Christ.

The second track "Change" has some creative world play comparing spare change to the change we all desire in our lives, also the idea of a wishing well making us well. This song is a reminder that it is OK to not be OK, it is OK to be yourself. Although it means accepting our faults. This is a simple song with a simple picking pattern, it is not quite as technical as some of Josh's other songs, but still possesses a nice melody that works well with the sound of the song.

Josh then brings it down a notch with "Inside Asleep" which is a honest song about the struggles of living a life of faith when you sometimes feel that Jesus is "inside asleep" much like on the boat in the sea of Galilee. This song is quiet, slow, but full of technical riffs mixed in. This, to me, is vintage Rosenthal and is my second favorite track on the album behind "Alone".

"Better Man" is a solid love song that speaks the truth that any man has felt when they find a woman how is patient with them and shows mercy on more that one occasion.

The album ends with a cover of "Will You Remember Me". I was honestly expecting there to be a little bit of a cheesy feel to the song since it has been used in so many graduation slide shows over the years, but Josh does a great job of making the song feel sincere which is a feat for any song that has been overused in different venues.

It's only $4.95 on iTunes....so I will obviously recommend the whole album. If you are so cheap that you will not give Josh more than $2 of your money then at least buy the following songs...

Songs to Download Immediately:
-Alone
-Inside Asleep

Baron Batch

2009-09-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

As you probably know I am a big Texas Tech fan. Growing up in the great town of Lubbock it was hard not to be.

Well recently I came acoss this nifty little blog that Baron Batch (Texas Tech Running Back) keeps up with. It is great to see a great player who has a great heart communicating this way.

As a youth pastor it makes it even more encouraging to hear this guy giving glory to God and encouraging others in their faith. You would expect a a gifted college athlete to be a little bit arrogant but there is not even a hint of it in his blog. Check out his more recent blog where he encourages us to not be afraid of praying for God to do big things. It is as if he is reading Francis Chan's newest book "Forgotten God" which I highly recommend

Baron Batch's Blog

Josh Rosenthal - Overture EP

2009-09-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

I know I am a little late on this review since the album actually came out last month but it is still worth reviewing.

Josh Rosenthal's "Overture" EP is the first of four volumes in what is being referred to as 'The Villiage Suite" series. This first album offers a small taste of what is to come from each of the next volumes which are set to release once a month for the next three months (vol. 2 which is entitled "Even The Strongest Hero" drops this coming Tuesday, Sept. 15th).

Like each of Josh's albums Overture is more diverse, mature, and better produced than each of it's predecessors.

This album starts off with what might be one of the best songs Rosenthal has written yet "Amy, Please" which chronicles the night that Josh discovered that his parents were getting divorced. This songs features a full band and is a more upbeat tune, especially considering the subject matter. This song has a diverse and changing tempo which makes it interesting to listen to, in a good way. The instruments are well mixed and showcase Rosenthal's talent to peice multiple instruments into a songs while mainting a beauitful sound.

Following this track is the song "All That Matters" which is a song featuring Josh and a piano. This song is from the point of view of a young man thinking back on his grandfather's life. From a musical standpoint it is not the strongest song on the album, but features a simple and beautiful piano piece and still causes the listener to consider the life that they are leaving, this is a challenge for most any artist whether they are a musician, painter, preacher, author, or poet. The lyrics remind me a little bit of a Cormac McCarthy novel put to music

The third track is another stripped down song featuring Josh;s voice and acoustic guirar. It is a song that reminds me of Josh getting back to what drew me to him as a songwriter. Honest lyrics and a guitar. Although this song is less technical than his earlier songs it is still very well crafted. It is a songs about the dangers of being alone and pushing people away.

The fourth track is a cover of the old spiritual "Down To The River To Pray" which is one of the most amazing tracks that Josh has released. The song is sung accapella which seems like it should be out of place for a songwriter who is such a skilled musician but Rosenthal pulls this off in an incredible way. I would put this version tow to toe with Alison Kraus' version any day.

The final track is an acoustic version of "Amy, Please" which is well preformed. I won't spend a lot of time going over this track since I did that earlir in the post.

Once again Josh has release and exceptional album. It is short but still packs a punch and merits repeat listens on my itunes. It is only available on itunes so I highly suggest you get on there and purchase it or else you are just cheating yourself.

Say What You Mean

2009-09-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

I feel like lately I have been seeing a lot of "touch feely" talk to advertise what is supposed to be Christian events. I am finding it a bit more frustrating the more I see them.

I understand that "church talk" can turn people off to events or even conversations with people, but at the same time cheesy fluff does the same thing. For example I saw an event on facebook that is hosted by a Christian ministry that stated "I know our hearts have been on some exciting journeys over the summer, come to our bbq so we can discuss the journey of our hearts and how we have been impacted by the events that cross our journeys. Let us all respect each other's journeys and spend the night in conversation".

I have absolutely now idea what they are talking about. Are they saying "we are getting together to talk about what God is doing in our lives"? It seems like that would be a fantastic idea. It is important to discuss what God has been doing in our lives.

I think I am just getting a little weary of the shift we are making from naming the driving force in our lives (Jesus) and instead talking about how we are having different "heart journeys" (this is just an example of it).

I don't say this to gripe about what other's are doing so much as to encourage anyone who reads this to not be afraid to say what it is that is working in your life. Let's put a name to the thing we have put our faith in. Let us not water down the message of Jesus to make an event seem more open than it is. This does not mean just talk as though you are holier than thou...but be real. Be authentic about who you trust in. Let us not be afraid to say the name "Jesus"...even at our "Christian" events.

I feel like we at times can lose the truth of the freedom that is found in Jesus' name. I feel it is summed well in David Crowder's version of "For A Thousand Tongues To Sing" where he writes the extra bridge that says "There are so few words that never get old...Jesus"

Let us content for the faith that has been handed down to the saints (this is from Jude...not as in "Hey Jude" but the book of the Bible).

Anyway, just my thoughts. I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but if I do feel free to make the following statement to me...

Road Trip Music

2009-08-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

The key to a good road trip mix is a variety of songs and styles that keep you awake/spur conversation/are funto listen to. Here is a imix I made on itunes. Check it out, feel free to rate it so that more people will see it...this will also help get my friend Josh Rosenthal's name out there. The other music is good as well.

The choice has been made....

2009-08-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

Last week I asked what I should buy tomorrow (Aug 18th) and that answer has been found...

I will buy Josh Rosenthal's new album "Overture" which is vol. 1 of the Villages Suite series.

I knew this is what I would buy anyway but to sure up that decision was listening to the new single from that album on Josh's myspace...check it out... Amy, Please. It is fantastice.

I am also going to buy Aaron Hale's new album...he is a friend from the Lubbock days and it will also be available via itunes...I think.

Next Tuesday

2009-08-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

We are buying a house which means that I have to cut back on CD/DVD buying and next Tuesday is going to be a hard day. There are three things coming out that I want...

1. Josh Rosenthal - The Village Suites vol. 1
2. Scrubs - The 8th season
3. The Simpsons - The 12th Season.

If anyone has any extra money they want to donate to my fund of getting and of these feel free, in the meantime let me know what I should get first.

Happy Days

2009-07-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

So it is has been a good week. We have started looking for a house, the middle school pastor is a week and I am enjoying working with him, I am listening to Danielson, I found the last orange tootsie roll in the office, and tonight is CREW.

I will be leaving on Friday to go on our Senior Escape retreat. I absolutely love this retreat. It is a time to reflect back on the years that these students have been in CREW and talk a bout some of those special moments. We then turn our eyes to the future and plan ways to have more students impacted by those special moments.

It is also another way to remind this next year's seniors that they are the leadership of CREW. It gives them ownership of this ministry and reminds them that they are ministers in their own life and that this is their ministry.

It is going to be a great trip and I am very much looking forward to it.

Please be praying for it.

Interview With Josh Rosenthal

2009-07-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

I have been blessed with many good friendships over the years. A surprising number of these good friends include people named Josh. Josh Holder, Josh Shetter, Josh Hamilton (ok I don't really know Josh Hamilton). Among this list is Lubbock born singer/songwriter Josh Rosenthal. Josh is based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. Josh is a great musician, clog dancer, and friend.

He recently asked me to send him a short list of questions answer for a series of interviews he is posting on his blog. I have the interview listed below, or you can follow the link to his blog to read it there with his picture waving above it.

From: http://joshrosenthal.net/2009/07/01/interview-3-with-jeff-howard/

Of all the people I stay in touch with regularly, Jeff Howard (and maybe Zak) have been in the picture the longest. Jeff has done a lot to give me hope as a performing songwriter/entertainer/blah blah blah. When he lived in Richardson, Texas he let me play for the youth group of which was in charge. Now he’s in Denver doing what he does best at New Life Evangelical Free Church. At my request, Jeff sent over a few questions.
Who/what are your biggest influences when it comes to songwriting? Also, be sure to use the words “banana”, “marsupial”, and “license plate” in your answer.
My number one influence is a group named “March of the Marsupials”. They were a group of program guys at a Young Life camp I played at in Colorado. Ghoti Hook’s album “Banana Man” also changed my life in a really anticlimactic way. I considered getting a vanity license plate that said GO T HOOK. It was that good.
My other influences are Paul Simon, John Mayer, Grey’s Anatomy, So You Think You Can Dance, Salt Lake City sunsets, interaction between generations.
You have had a series of songs that you played live for awhile that never made it to a recording such as “prize fighter” and “trip the light fantastic”, what was your reason for abandoning these songs or will they end up on another recording in the future?

I can’t believe you remember those songs. I vaguely remember “trip the light fantastic” but “prize fighter” is buried too deep. When a song doesn’t resonate with me, I figure it doesn’t resonate with anybody so I get rid of it. If I can’t believe what I’m singing, how can you? If people are not identifying with my lyrics, then most likely I’ll never hear or see them again. I think those songs never really attached themselves to my overarching message.
What was the worst date that you have ever been on?

The time you, Zak White and I watched Spice World. Your mom walked in and really made it awkward for everyone involved.
When we were younger we got together and watched “Spice World” at my house, are you proud of this or are you embarrassed that I brought it up?

Proud/embarrassed. Proud that I’ve seen a movie that so heavily influenced our culture and my decision-making abilities. Embarrassed that I had to watch it with you.
There has been a slight backlash to your song “Gotta Get Out” from people in Lubbock. Do you think the backlash was a lack of understanding of the song or jealousy because you got out and they are still there?

Steering clear of that one.
Speaking of Lubbock, which is known for it’s fine eating establishments, what is your favorite restaurant in Lubbock?

I miss Rosa’s most of all. There’s nothing Tex-Mex in Salt Lake City. Too bad.
You have a reputation for being a brutally honest songwriter, do you ever feel the temptation to write songs that are not based on truth or your experiences?

Yeah. Those songs usually don’t last very long. Like the one’s above, they hinged more on a cool lyric than on a universal emotion or struggle. Honest songs are the best because more than likely I’m not alone in my struggle. A lot of people can identify with the way I hurt or the way I celebrate.
What is the best song ever and why?

Good question. To answer that, I’ll consult iTunes to see the long I’ve listened to the most…
…Looks like it’s “Restless” by Alison Krauss. 26 times in the past few months. I’ve put that song on repeat because I love the melody and background vocals. Bigger than that, I love the concept of restlessness. We all feel it, but only Alison Krauss can sing about it like that.

Thanks for reading the interview and be sure to check out Josh's new albums which will be released periodically throughout the year!

Garage Sale & Vacations

2009-06-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

We finished the Garage Sale on the 12 & 13th and it was a huge success. We made a little over $5000 dollars.

Then I skipped town and went camping to recover some, it was a much needed trip and now I feel ready to jump back in and start moving through the summer.

It is amazing what a few days in the mountains with your wife can do for you when you need a little break from the day to day.

I promise my next blog will have something to offer besides a recap of my "doings".

Garage Sale.

2009-06-11T21:31:00.000-07:00

I am in the middle of a large garage sale at my church to raise money for the high school ministry.

It is not the biggest that i have been a part of, but still crazy.

It starts tomorrow.

These were taken on Wed., we have a lot more stuff than this now.

Ridiculous.

SPLASH!

2009-04-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

I have just recently started a new series with my students at CREW. On Tuesdays nights we are going through a serires called Splash, and we are discussing what the students can do to make a splash in their worlds.

I am hoping to take a few weeks to discuss what makes us as Christians different from the rest of the world, and how we can use those differences in a way that expresses love and grace and judgementalism or legalism.

So far we have discussed the Resurrection (kind of our Easter thing) and then next week we are talking about having a New Master and no long being a slave to sin but a slave to righteousness.

I plan on having a week where we discuss the gospel and how that is tied into the Great Commission as well as a week that is devoted to helping the students develop what their testimony is and how to tell it to others.

Through the course of studying for this series it has filled me with a sense of urgency in how I approach those around me in regards to how I live out my faith. I am hoping that this series will build on the idea that we are to live lives that are constantly "on mission".

If any of you have some stories of what it has looked like in your life to live "on mission" I would love to hear them. I am hoping to be able to share some stories of other Christians who are sharing their faith with those that they come in contact with.

92.93

2009-04-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

On my ESPN bracket I was in the 92.93% for the country. Not too bad, however I was still ranked in the 300,000s in the country.

There are a lot of people that use ESPN for their bracket.

I was boosted since I chose UNC to win it all. Way to go Tar Heels.

30:30

2009-03-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

Right now I am sitting in a coffee shop waiting for Aaron (the Denver Seminary student I mentor) to show up. I have been working on a book(let) that I am writing for the students in CREW. It is basically a 30 day challenge to spend 30 minutes a day with God.

The book will take the students through then entire gospel of John during these 30 days along with some suggested topics of prayer and some interpersonal questions for the students to think about. I am personally really excited about this challenge and I am praying that we will have many students partake in this. It is my home that this 30 day challenge will be something that will be habit forming (like cigarettes, but in a way that doesn't cause cancer).

If you have any desire to look at this book when I am done with it and possible use it with your group let me know.

It has been challenging for me in how I view Jesus as well as his ministry.

Hopefully the students that do this will end up with a relationship with Jesus that is deeper than ever. That they will grow to trust a Jesus that is not a white, republican, gay-bashing version that is paraded around far too often but rather be challenged by the Jesus that is fully God and fully man who changed teh course of history for his father's glory.

Work & Rest

2009-03-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

It seems to me that a lot of the blogs and articles I read about ministry or theology seem to telling us that we have to be working 24/7 in order to make a difference. That if we were to take any time for ourselves that we are sinning or worse being unproductive.

It makes me wonder what these people think of the sabbath.

It makes me wonder what these people would say when it has been proven that those people who take one day off a week to refresh are actually more productive than those who do not.

Taking time to refresh is a crucial part of ministry, if we do not have a day to relax, go hiking, spend time with family, watch a movie, or nap then we are going to burn out, plain and simple.

I have also gotten the impression from some of these writers that if we are not working then we are worthless. I worry about this approach a great deal because Christianity is a relationship with Christ, a relationship that we do not deserve, a relationship that we can never earn. But that is not what is being communicated. We are communicating that if people don't work their butts off everyday then they are not worthy, they are wasting our time. This is fo far from the idea of Christianity and grace.

I think we should all strive to be more productive, to work harder, to do our best, but I do not think that translates into working more often, just smarter.

Let's be careful that the quality of work we do represents Christ, but lets also make sure that the way we work represents Christ. Not the idea that we have to earn something, but the idea we have been given something we can never earn.

Top 20 Albums

2009-03-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

The other day my friend Michael sent me an email asking me what my 20 favorite albums were. I started typing an email back to him, but I thought I would post them on here so people who seem to have similar music taste to mine might have a few new albums to check out.

You may like these, you may hate these, but here are my 20 favorite albums of all time.

20. Radiohead - The Bends

19. Green Day - Kerplunk

18. The Decemberists - Her Majesty

17. U2 - Achtung Baby

16. Sufjan Stevens - Come On Feel The Illinoise

15. MxPx - Slowly Going The Way Of The Buffalo

14. Rancid - Out Come The Wolves

13. Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited

12. Johnny Cash - Unearthed (box set)

11. Pedro The Lion - It's Hard To Find A Friend

10. Ryan Adams - Heartbreaker

9. Johnny Cash - Live at Folsom Prison

8. Bob Dylan - Another Side of Bob Dylan

7. Jimmy Eat World - Clarity

6. MxPx - Life In General

5. Ramones - Ramones

4. U2 - The Joshua Tree

3. Bob Dylan - Blood On The Tracks

2. Beatles - Revolver

1. The Clash - London Calling

Jimmy Eat World

2009-03-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

It has been way too long I know.

A few weeks ago Meredith and I went to see Jimmy Eat World on the Clarity x 10 tour. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the release of Clarity (JEW's most amazing album to date...and one my top 10 of all time albums) the band decided to play ten shows where they would play Clarity from beginning to end. Lucky for us one of these shows was in Denver.

We showed up at the small venue (The Ogden Theater) in Denver and we were maybe 15 from the stage.

When Jimmy Eat World came out they delivered exactly what they promised. A set that was Clarity from beginning to end. They did not skip songs, they did not jam three or four of the songs in the medley. They just simply played one of the best concerts i had seen in a long time. After the set there was an encore where they played a few songs from Bleed American, Futures, and a couple form the Firestarter EP. It was fantastic.

I think the best part of this concert was that there was not a huge show, it was just them on stage playing their hearts out. When they thanked the crowd for showing up it seemed different than when most bands do it. It is a standard thing to thank your audience but Jimmy Eat World had this sincerity when they did it so you actually believed that they were thankful to the people who loved Clarity.

The tour is over and for those of you who did not get to see it, you missed out. Sorry to be so blunt. If you have never heard Clarity then I suggest you buy it immediately, you will not be dissapointed.

Coming Soon...

2009-02-27T13:26:00.000-08:00

So as most of you know I am a huge music nerd. A few weeks ago I listed my favorite albums of last year and now I am populating my list for this year. I have no idea what will be on it but I do have a list of albums that are coming out that I am absolutely excited about.

1. Bon Iver - Blood Bank EP - I already have this one and it is fantastic. I know I just said that I do not know what will be on my end of year list but this one will probably be there.

2. U2 - No Line On The Horizon (3/2/09) - I have only heard the first single which is pretty good (not their best) but if U2 sticks to their tradition of releasing the worst song on the album as the lead single then it should be a good album.

3. MxPx - On The Cover II (3/23/09) - This is my favorite band releasing a second covers album. The album us a 80's theme, but that is misleading. The songs they are covering from the 80's are by bands such as The Ramones, The Clash, U2, Queen, The Dead Milkmen, The Blue Hearts, and The Descendents. This album is going to be awesome.

4. The Decemberists - Hazards of Love (3/23/09) - I love this band. March 23rd will be a great day for me.

These four albums are at the top of my list right now, although there is suppossed to be a new Switchfoot album out as well as rumored new music from Eisley, She & Him, and Brand New.

Anyway, on Tuesday I will try to write about how awesome the Jimmy Eat World Clarity x 10 Tour is.

U2

2009-01-19T08:23:00.000-08:00

I know I will probably get made fun of for this...but I like the new U2 single.

I know that a lot of people will not like it because it is the new U2 single and too hyped up...but I still like it.

Tomorrow Night

2009-01-18T19:28:00.000-08:00

I am excited about tomorrow night because House comes back on as well as a new episode of 24.

YES!

Free iTunes Download

2009-01-15T10:12:00.000-08:00

You can win a free iTunes download by simply playing this game. I did this on my Facebook for fun but here in the "real blogoshpere" it is for prizes. What i did is put my ipod on random and then I put the first line from the frist 100 songs that came up. If the song name is in the first line then I will put (...) where the title is.

Whoever can get the most songs will win a iTunes download. All you need to get the song is leave a comment with the number on the list, the artist, and if you have the album it is extra points.

Don't cheat...cause it cheating.

1. Heart carved, tree trunk, (...), a sweetheart left behind
2. Take second chances, everyone deserves it
3. Lately I've been waking to the blueset dawns that I once slept through.
4. (...) we've gotta go, gotta go to Idaho
5. Sheena was a really good friend, a really good friend to me
6. The king's taking back the throne, the useless eed is sown
7. (...) a feeling deep inside
8. Why can't you just admit that you've had it your sick of me
9. Train appeared in town one night, for some of us it changed our lives
10. Charades, pop skill Water hyacinth, named by a poet
11. (...) was buried today, They laid him to rest in a special way.
12. (...) and praise the God who mapped the starts up in the sky
13. Late night, brakes lock, hear the tires squeal
14. Something is beating on the wall, on the other side
15. Sally hit the pavement Wineglass in her hand
16. In the ocean Cut, swim, deep the sky
17. She's got hair like the straigh sea grass
18. A long time ago a crazy dream came to me, I dreamt I as walking in World War III
19. (...) who wishes he would have stayed home
20. Hangin' out with Lars down on 6th street
21. (...) and Ive been bound To the memories of yesterdays clouds
22. You know you've done enough when every bone is sore
23. You don't know how you feel Are you a dream? Are you for real?
24. Papa's in the kitchen, Mama's in the field
25. (...) this position I've held, it pays my way
26. This song is about a girl who has been off she was dope sick
27. Well my heart's in the (...) gentle and fair
28. It starts with just a little glance now, right away your thinking abour romance now
29. Receiving department, 3 a.m. Staff cuts have socked up the overage
30. There's no combination of words I could put on the back of a postcard
31. Please beware of them that stare They'll only smile to see you while Your time away
32. Johnny and I, we got lost tonight, we got carried away.
33. (...) there's one who delights me Brings me afternoon tea then she leaves me
34. Once upon a time you dressed so fine You threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you?
35. (...) keeps on going on
36. I want to go to (...) lay my weary head down
37. Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
38. There ain't no money to by cocaine sugarbabe
39. I felt for sure last night, at once we said goodbye
40. Do me a favor, would you sing this to me slow
41. Faith, you're driving me away, You do it everyday
42. (...) I would really like to tell you, oh my (...)
43. Why I wonder is my heart full of holes?
44. The breath of the morning I keep forgetting The smell of the warm summer air
45. You're repeating me lines that you think I wanna hear
46. Your lipstick is calling, don't bother angel I know exactly what goes on
47. I'm not going to lie, I'm not going to make up my mind tonight
48. I never fell in love, until I fell in love with you
49. Our signals are getting lost in the ether, thats what she wanted
50. It takes a long time to kill a man, 55 years at least
51. if at first you don't succeed try, try again
52. Moving like the fog on the Cumberland River I was leaving on the Delta Queen
53. You say yes, I say no, You say stop, and I say go go go
54. Are you open to open arms?
55. There are places I'll remember (...)
56. (...) when you say good bye (...) when you make me cry
57. At my door the leaves are falling, a cold wild wind will come
58. Well how many times must we go through this, you've always been mind woman I thought you knew this.
59. Slipping and sliding and playing domino Lefting and then Righting, it's not a crime you know
60. You're on your own my little nightmare, you can not stay here it's far too bright for you
61. When you were young you were the (...), and how you built a tower tumbling through the trees
62. Under the floor between me and the door there is a presence that I can deny
63. So here I am with heart in hand, I need to lift it up to you.
64. If your traveling to the north country fair, where the winds hit heavy on the border line
65. Why do I day dream? Why do I get my hopes up at all?
66. My eyes were sad And my fingers were mad As I wrote this letter that said
67. Meeting her was just so unexpected, I guess I was scared of being rejected
68. Wrenched into the world, deanesthetized, Blurry images fight their way through halfway opened eyes
69. They are sick, they are poor, and they die by the thousands and we look away
70. (...) I met you out in the garden
71. Don't believe what you hear Don't believe what you see
72. In the delta sun, down in Arkansas It’s the great god bird with its altar call
73. (...) I know I know, it's serious
74. I'm the failure I'm everyone's fool And I'm losing my cool at the end
75. (...) drove to town yesterday to pick out a grave
76. What do you call yourself? What did you call me?
77. Can't tell how long you're gone, can't tell how long you stay
78. (...) got his hands in his pockets, staring over at his neighbors knickers down
79. The (...) ride tonight You better shut your windows tight
80. I want to (...) Does it have to start with a broken heart Broken dreams and bleeding parts
81. Go back to sleep now (...) And I'll keep all the bad dreams away
82. Did I slip, or stumble, did I trip cause I know I fell
83. (...) sets a steady hand upon her brow
84. (...) all my troubles seemed so far away
85. (...) what you doing now? what you doing now girl?
86. I fell in love again, all things go, all things go
87. watching terrible tv it kills all thoughts Getting spacier than An astronaut
88. I can change the world (...) make it a better place (...)
89. It's the same outside, driving to the riverside
90. Ain't no talking to this man, ain't no pretty other side (the original artist...not the cover)
91. sunken ships rest upon the ocean floor where i've made my home to dodge the draft once more
92. These break-up songs make sense again and i really wish they didn't.
93. We ain't got no place to go, so let's go to the (...)
94. Soon she will be hammered in what she calls her silly head
95. A thousand times we've said those words, and now I see just what they're worth
96. I woke the dawn, saw horses gowing out the lawn
97. Nice girls, not one with a defect Cellophane shrink-wrapped, so correct
98. Walking through the cross fire heart Feeling heavy and hopeless
99. well I know I', all alone, I say your name slowly
100. How I taught the weeping willow how to cry

Good luck!

Crazy Love - Francis Chan

2009-01-15T09:49:00.000-08:00

Over my trip home for Christmas I was able to read a couple of books (the 2nd review will be up next week) and I found one of them to be very chalenging and inspiring.

Every now and then there will be a book that will challenge the way you think, or the way you live. A few years ago Blue Like Jazz was a book that challenged the way I thought about my faith. Not that it caused me to intellectualize Christianity and hold to a belief system that has not supernatural in it (some people came to this conclusion, although I have never gotten that from any of Donal Miller's writing.

This year I read a book that is challenging how I live. Chan lays out very basic simple truths that most Christians would claim to believe that have no problem with. However, Chan does what few authors have the guts to do, he makes you question whether you really believe what you say. If we believe a certain way then out behavior has to be effected. In fact just this past Tuesday I challenge our students to question what they believe based on their actions. For example, if a man view pronography he is believing the promise that pronography makes.

In the same way, if we believe the promises of God, we as His people, will behave in a manner that reflects what we believe.

Chan does a great job in this book of fleshing out what it looks like to live our lives with a belief in the promises of God. I would high recommend this to and Christian that is tired of living their life in mediocrity.

New Series - Heroes

2009-01-12T17:56:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow night we are starting a new series at CREW. This series is going to be working through the hall of faith. Looking at the "Heroes of the Faith", which is why we are calling the series "Heroes". However I would like to have a few clips of the show to play before each session. If you happen to have the DVDs and you are willing to let me borrow them for a few weeks then that would be awesome.

Tomorrow I am talking about the obedience of Abraham.

today...

2009-01-08T14:40:00.000-08:00

Today is the day that my master plan goes into effect.

What is that plan you ask? To be healthier and drop a few lbs.

I am leaving the office right now and heading home for a killer work out, a quasi-healthy meal, and then to cheer for the Gators.

If you have any good weight loss/getting healthy advice then let me know.

Best Albums Of The Year

2009-01-07T09:34:00.000-08:00

10. Ray Lamontagne - The Gossip in the Grain.

The lead single might be a little to cheesey, and the song "Meg White" might be awful, but the rest of this album is fantastic.

You Are The Best Thing

9. The Myriad - With Arrows, With Poise

This is actually one of the more "rocking" albums I would recommend. It is very clever and sounds way to good for me to have bought this CD where I did....Family Christians Bookstore.

You Waste Time Like A Grandfather Clock

8. Josh Rosenthal - Narratives

I normally would not put a Chirstmas album in my top ten but this album is incredible. It is Christmas music that you could listen to in July and not feel like someone who should be locked up.

Christmas For Cowboys

7.Ryan Adams & The Cardinals - Cardinology

Every album that Ryan Adams puts out grows on me quickly until I absolutely love it.

Fix It

6. Jon Foreman - Limbs & Branches

I mention this album although I would personally recommend getting the EPs and downloading the bonus songs through iTunes. Jon Foreman is incredible.

Your Love Is Strong

5. The Welcome Wagon - Welcome to the Welcome Wagon

Produced by Sufjan. This album will fill that void that you all feel for having a lack of Sufjan this year.

There are actually no YouTube videos of The Welcome Wagon....injustice. Go check them out on iTunes or at www.asthamtickitty.com

4. Kate Micucci

She does not have a real album but I really like her sound a lot.

Dear Deer

3. Fleet Foxes

I don't even know what to say about them.

White Winter Hymnal

2. Josh Rosnethal - Renaissance

I know he is is on here twice. Not just because he is a friend of mine but because this album is absolutely great. Feel free to hear the studio version of this song as www.myspace.com/joshrosenthal

Renaissance

1. She & Him - Volume 1

Zoey and M. Ward combine to make an album that has a classic sound. A mix of sould, slow 60's pop, and folk. I can not recommend it enough.

Why Do You Let Me Stay Here

I also really like the Bon Iver CD and throught about it being on this list. It would have been near the top (probably 3). and I would have pushed everything else down one.

Scrubs Season 8

2009-01-06T09:21:00.001-08:00

Scrubs Season Eight starts tonight! I am very excited.

Financial Peace vs. Financial Faithfulness

2009-01-05T22:25:00.000-08:00

Our church offers a class where we teach Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University" which is a big draw for a big need. I think that stupid debt runs rampent in this country and we need to be smart about how we spend our money.

Dave Ramsey has offered this as a great tool to help people overcome their debt. I think that the intentions of this are great, but like so many things we have put what I think can be a bad focus on it.

I have want to share what I think are the differences between debts reduction and biblical stewardship.

#1. Do you want to reduce debt to have more money in the future, or do you want to reduce debt so that you can be more generous with your money. This is more than just giving a larger percent to your church, but also to other ministries.

#2. Do you view your savings as a storehouse for your excess for a rainy day or do you view it as a resource that can be used for the kingdom of God. If you feel the nudge of the Holy Spirit to give your money away to the poor or anywhere else are you willing to do it, even if it means giving up your "dream retirement"?

#3. Does "living on less" cause you to sympathize with those who have even less? It is easy to think that we are doing the will of God be simply not making dumb decisions with your money, but doing nothing but saving is also a stupid decision. Jesus talked about this, with the man that built larger storehouses to hold his excess and died that very night.

#4 Is your savings becoming less and less about making sure that you are financially free to do the will of God when he might call you to something different and becoming more and more about a lack of faith for God to provide us with our "daily bread"? There is a very fine line between saving for the future and hoarding your money.

#5 Are you planning for retirement or are you planning for a freer lifestyle to serve God and others? I recently met a pastor who believes that retirement (in the conventional sense) is a sin. I would have to agree with him. I know that the definition of retirement is very wide, kind of like jr. high students who are "going out" when they don't "go anywhere".

I do not say these things to bad mouth Dave Ramsey, quite the oppostie actually. I just worry that we have taken a good thing and twisted it. I do not think that throwing our money away is good, there is a huge difference between giving money away and throwing it away. Jesus taught us to pray for our daily bread, this is a prayer of faith. Asking God to give us exactly what we need to get by, not too much so that we hoard it and grow to have a sense of entitlement, and not too little so that we can't get by.

All in all, I am just voicing this concern in hopes that anyone who reads this will look be finanically faithful and not just think that financial peace is just about saving so that they can have a bright future with all of the money that they saved, but the peace that comes from a life of generosity. To feel the freedom that comes from being able to hold loosely to their money. Spending it wisely so they have more to bless the lives of others as well and not just their own in the future.

Why Are These Guys All Half-Naked?

2008-12-06T20:41:00.000-08:00

The sad thing is that I kind of like the song...just not the awkward half naked dancing manfest.

The Return of Scrubs.

2008-12-06T20:35:00.000-08:00

One month from today the new (and probably final) season of Scrubs starts.

I say probably because every season was going to be the last, but it keeps on plugging along.

I wish Arrested Development would have done the same thing.

Jesus Wants To Save Christians - Rob Bell

2008-12-05T12:58:00.000-08:00

This morning I finished reading the new book by Rob Bell titled "Jesus Wants To Save Christians". This books is based off of a sermon series that Bell did at Mars Hill a couple of years ago and decided to write a book that is somewhat tied to that series.

I find Rob Bell to be a great communicator, in his sermons as well as his writing.

I think this book has a lot of eye opening ideas that are curcial for the church today to answer. Some of the questions that are brought to the surface are, "do we use our power to help the powerless?", "do we use our money wisely to help others or do we use it unwisely and build multi-million dollar buildings to show off?"

I think these questions need to be asked in today's consumer driven Christianity.

Although I agree with several of Rob Bell's conclusions, I disagree with some of the ways that he gets there.

Some of you who have really looked into Bell's beliefs know that he has said that Jesus has already saved "all of creation" and "we all have the same destiny, but we can live in that reality now". This comes through in the book some, as well as a chapter that decsribes the book of Revelation as a coded message that John delivered to his former congregation to rebel against the establishment. He referes to paying taxes as the sign of the beast, and seems to be advocating some sort of righteous anarchy.

I found this interesting seeing as how Jesus himself said "Render on to Ceaser what is Ceaser's". Bell also seems to hint that violence and wrath are not in Jesus' persona, and it is true that he did not lash out violently (except in the temple with the money changers) during his ministry, scripture even says that he "did not defend himself". However, to say that this is not a part of Jesus message does not jive with the message of Revelation when Jesus shows up riding a horse, carrying a sword, and ready to kick some butt. Mark Driscoll describes this as "Ultimate Fighter Jesus", which might be a fairly accurate image...except for the whole played up dramatics and crappy play by play from the announcers.

All in all I would recommend this book, but I would also HIGHLY recommend that is be read with caution and discernment. It seems that in several ways Bell is drifiting the road of the emergent movement where McLaren and Sweet dance with pixies and wish truth away on the back of a unicorn. *I know this is a mean critique, but it is hard to claim the things they claim without doing away with the truth of who Jesus is, according to Jesus.*

Read it if you want, just be careful.

All in all I give this book 3 trendy pairs of glasses out of 5.

CRABTREE

2008-12-04T21:43:00.000-08:00

Apparently Michael Crabtree is going to be returning for his Junior year at Texas Tech.

If this is true...awesome

So good...

2008-12-03T22:47:00.000-08:00

violent thoughts

2008-11-29T20:45:00.001-08:00

I have them every time I see Bob Stoops on TV.

3...it's a magic number

2008-11-25T09:26:00.000-08:00

I have three followers now...awesome.

Late Links

2008-11-25T09:19:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was pretty crazy, Coldplay on Friday night, crying myself to sleep on Saturday night because of those stupid Sooners.

So anyway, here are the links to the 1st and 2nd installment of Zak White's thoughts on debt...Tuesdays are crazy so I plan to comment and give my thoughts tomorrow...as well as a review of the Colplay concert and how I eneded up being in arms length of Coldplay.

Zak - Debt #1 - You Need A Plan

Zak Debt #2 - Tax On The Poor

I will probably only discuss the first blog since the second one is an article from Dave Ramsey. Plus the article from Dave makes me terrified of snakes, bees, and electric chairs.

Don't play the lottery...if God wants you to win then a winning ticket will blow through your opend car window while driving.

That is how i I do it. I don't buy tickets...I just drive with the windows down.

P.S.-Be praying for Zak's brother in law...he was involved in an accident and his arm was crushed in some far equipment.

Debt and piggybacking

2008-11-20T14:10:00.000-08:00

My church, New Life EFC, has been very outward focused in a lot of the ministries that we run. It is something that we all as a staff have been very passionate about.

With the state of the economy and the fact that there are credit card commercials saying that we are a "nation of consumers" and that there is "nothing wrong with that", our church has been very focused on sharing true biblical principles about debt. I have loved it. We have offered a variety of programs to help people to get rid of their debt (not manage it...but kill it).

I have never been a fan of debt, even though we have plenty. Now that we are looking to get our first house I see the importance of getting out of debt quickly. Although out debt is unavoidable (student loans) we are still wanting to get it taken care of quickly.

Not all debt is "bad, immoral debt" but it is never good to live under debt.

With thinking about this topic I decided to piggy back and to post links throughout the week to my good friend Zak White's blog. He is going to be spending his week talking about debt, and he has some great thoughts on the subject.

I do believe that a lot of debt is more than just a finanical issue, or a way to pave the road to happiness and more possessions later in life, but it is a theological issue. So anyway, here is Zak's first blog introducing the subject: Zak White - Debt Kills

Enjoy!

Death By Love

2008-11-20T11:34:00.000-08:00

I just got through reading Mark Driscoll's new book "Death By Love." This books is a collection of letters written to individual people and explores a situation in their lives and then applies the work of Christ on the cross to their lives.

I found this book to be very creative and well written. I think everyone knows at least one person who is going through some of the events mentioned in this book.

If you know anyone who has ever been, abused, raped, has a loved one who has cancer, addicted to pornography, been angry with someone, addicted to drugs, is not a Christian, is searching for God, hurts themselves, or is the son of a pastor then you will find that this book has some great theological ideas that can be shared with those individuals.

At times I did find this book to be a little repetitive. I know that these letters are supposed to stand on their own, but I think that putting the same ideas, stories, illustrations, and scripture in several chapters can be quite boring.

I am not sure I would recommend this book to read cover to cover, but I would highly recommend it to pastors and counselors who would like a great, biblical, resource to take people to who deal with any of the above problems. In addition to some great thoughts and truths from scripture, the book also contains some very cool artwork to introduce each chapter...just check out these samples...

These letters are written with a lot of love and a lot of truth, which is how I hope my ministry is seen by those I talk to. I could see myself writing letters very similar to these to a multitude of people over my future years of ministry. Although, I am not sure that I would write a letter to my two year old son that weighs the options of limited atonement, unlimited atonement, and unlimited limited atonement.

So if you have the means, and would enjoy this resource then you should definitely look into it. If you are interested in learning more about this book on Amazon just click the book cover at the top of this post.

There are no words...

2008-11-18T13:39:00.001-08:00

Saturday

2008-11-17T18:16:00.000-08:00

The big Tech vs. OU game is coming up on Saturday.

It is a big day for the Red Raiders and all of the fans that have not jumped ship for UT, USC, LSU, or any other school that has had recent success. And yes I do cheer for UT but not at the expense of my Raiders.

I will be cheering hard from CO.

At least I ave the Red Raiders

2008-11-14T13:30:00.000-08:00

The Mavericks are 2-6.

The Stars are 5-8 (with only 13 points)

Both are at the bottom of their divisions

The Cowboys are 5-4, only because they have one division victory and the Eagles don't have any.

The Rangers only matter during the All-Star break.

The Rockies flopped this year and then traded Holliday away.

I would glad relive this all again next year if it means Tech wins a national championship.

Denver's first snow

2008-11-14T08:52:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I wore shorts and a t-shirt all day. I walked the dogs through the field next to our apartment. I sat out on the balcony and read. Then I went to bed thanking God for a wonderful and warm day in mid-November...

Then I woke up this morning. There was snow on the ground, ice on the steps, a cold chill in apartment as I got out of the shower, and of course I had to walk the dogs with wind and snow stinging me in the face.

I think this snow snuck up on my and I feel that summer was stolen from me like a car stereo (in the middle of the night, by someone who will probably pawn it off for beer money).

On the plus side, it was yet another occasion to listen to Christmas music on the way to the church. So I listened to Josh Rosenthal's new Christmas album, and then I listened to some Sufjan Stevens Christmas music. It made the morning so much better.

Also, when it is cold outside I feel like I am more productive than normal (not that I slack off when it is warm outside, but I feel less like going outside and the rest of the church staff does not go outside with me to throw a football around or play a little tennis golf around the church). So with that being said I need to work on week 2 of our "Who is Jesus?" series and look at how he was fully man...fun stuff.

Have a good one, and if it is not snowing where you are and you don;t have to scrape your windshield off don't feel too sorry for me. Because I get to see snow covered mountatin every morning.

Hurt - Chap Clark

2008-11-13T09:27:00.000-08:00

This book came out when I was in seminary and I never picked it up until fairly recently. Although this book is not what I would call "A page turner" it is full of practical and real advice on how to reach out to this broken and abandoned group of students that are walking through their adolescence every day.

We are a society that, I believe, has abandoned teenagers. This is why teenage stress is at an all time high, it why they put in more hours for school and homework than most adults do for their jobs.

If you work with students in any form, or desire to work with students, or work with people who work with students, you need to read this book.

I seriously can not recommend it enough.

Independent Artists

2008-11-06T14:13:00.000-08:00

Hello. Something I love doing is offering reviews of music, especially unsigned artists such as Josh Rosenthal, Make Like A Tree, and any others that I have done on this blog. If you are interested in having a music fan review your music and place an honest review to point your fanbase to please let me know.

If you are interested please email me, jefflhoward@gmail.com

Have a great one.

Wall Street Journal Article

2008-11-05T08:49:00.000-08:00

I found this article about the treatment of President Bush to be a little thought provoking. Any thoughts?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122584386627599251.html

Addison Road - Hope Now

2008-11-04T09:44:00.000-08:00

Here is the new video from Addison Road...such good people.

Josh Rosenthal - Narratives

2008-11-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

About a week ago I received Josh Rosenthal's new Christmas album called "Narratives: A Christmas Album". I am a sucker for Christmas music, which is why I have a play list on my ipod that is just Christmas music.

My usual complaint about Josh Rosenthal's albums is that they end and I wish that there was more music on the CD (I know that this is a good problem...it would be worse if I couldn't wait to stop listening to the music). The plus side is that I can give a song by song review of the album.

1. Come O Come Emmanuel - The key to recording a well known Christmas song is giving it something that makes it sand out. My favorite version of this song to date is the Sufjan Steven's version found on his Christmas EPs. Rosenthal, also makes his mark on this song with an uncharacteristic fast beat, that seems off place at first, but soon makes for an added element in a beautiful song that makes it stand out among other versions of this classic hymn. Towards the end of the song Rosenthal and producer Josh Wilson sing the last verse in Latin which is yet another creative example of adding his own spin on the song. The instrumentation is more complex, and wonderfully orchestrated. If you are going to download a new version of "Come O Come Emmanuel" this year then it needs to be this one.

2. This Changes Everything - There is a distinct difference between "Christmas songs" and "songs about Christmas". Although his album contains both, this song is a Christmas song to the core. This Rosenthal original is a songs that is reminiscent of a classic Christmas hymn, complete with quiet drum rolls, focusing on the cultural shift that takes place over the birth of the Christ-child. An example of this focus is when Rosenthal sings, "Priest put down your sacrifice, king give up your crown tonight, Prophet come and see the child born to die, to bring you back to life, Raise your voice with angels sing, bow before this manger King, with hope to give and peace to bring, this changes everything" This song has quickly become my favorite track on the album, and possibly my favorite modern Christmas song, largely because it has the feel of a timeless classic. It is not only a beautifully crafted and performed song, but it also is a constant reminder of the focus of Christmas and reminds us all that his birth "changes everything, so rejoice".

3. Christmas for Cowboys - This is a classic example of a song about Christmas. Rosenthal brings a new life to this song about spending Christmas out on the range driving cattle. The song contains the usual intricate guitar that people have come to expect with any Josh Rosenthal release but this track also features the lovely and haunting harmonica of Rapheal which was also present on Rosenthal's last release "Renaissance". It is a short and simple song that has a personality of it's own and is a fantastic lead in to Rosenthal's second original on the album.

4. Before I Go - For those of you who have heard the story to Rosenthal's catchy song about leaving Lubbock titled "Gotta Get Out" will have a fond appreciation for this song. This is a song about wanting reconciliation and healing in a situation that is waiting for you "back home". Offering the truth that running from our problems does not mean they are gone, but often escalate without facing them. This song is loosely tied to Christmas in that it discusses going home for the holidays and having to face the pain that is still there waiting to be reconciled. It is a brutally honest song which reminds Rosenthal fans why they have connected with his music in the first place. I personally feel that this is one of the best songs that Rosenthal has penned, relying less on masterful guitar work, and more on melody, and honest, thought provoking lyrics.

5. Christmas Morning - It is a great task to take on a song written and performed originally by a great song writer. Rosenthal seems up to the task with Lyle Lovett's "Christmas Morning". Much like "Christmas for Cowboys" it is a simple song that is one of the shorter ones on the EP. Although, I do like this song, I also believe that it is probably my least favorite on the album. This not due to this song being bad, or ever sub-par, but due to the fact that it is preceded with four outstanding tracks that are, for the most part, flawless. Even though as a song it does not stand out among gems like "Before I Go" or "This Changes Everything" this does showcase Rosenthal's voice in a way that few songs do. As Rosenthal sings on this track it makes me think of Ryan Adams on Jacksonville City Nights. A low-key voice that bring in the emotion instead of relying on instrumentation.

All in all I believe that this is one of my favorite Christmas albums to date. It would be a great addition to any one's holiday season. Josh Wilson's production is outstanding and Rosenthal is in rare song writing form.

Tracks to download:
All of them (though you are out of your mind to not download "This Changes Everything" or "Come O Come Emmanuel"

This album releases on Tuesday, November 4th.

#2

2008-11-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

Texas Tech is #2 right now. I really hope they keep it up.

I never thought I would see Corso do this...

2008-11-01T13:48:00.001-07:00

This was a video of Corso picking Texas Tech to beat UT....and it happened.

Of course he picked OSU the next week and we all know how that turned out.

Christmas 2009

2008-10-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

For those of you wanting to know what to get me next Christmas I have your answer...

http://stereogum.com/archives/video-games/here-come-the-beatles-the-video-game_031791.html

Finally a music video game worth buying...sorry Metallica...I guess you will have to take your overrated music elsewhere.

Corn Maze

2008-10-29T10:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight I will be taking our students (high school and junior high) to a local corn maze. I am looking forward to running out of the stalks and scaring students...especially the guys who are tryting to put up the tough front to impress the lady folk. That is always fun times.

In the next couple of weeks I have a few more reviews coming:
-Hurt (the book)
-Death By Love by Mark Driscoll (book)
-Narratives: A Christmas Album by Josh Rosenthal (music)

It is a very busy week so don't expect much until Monday.

Follow Up

2008-10-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

We got back from our Fall Retreat on Sunday afternoon and it went very well.

Thanks to any of you who were praying for us as we were gone. There were a lot of small and important steps takend by students this weekend.

100!

2008-10-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

This is my 100th post! I could not think of anything really important to talk about so I decided to make this post all about the post.

Maybe I am drawing attention to this very minor achievement because of some childhood trauma.

Maybe I am doing it because I am too lazy to right out a well though out discourse on something important.

I do have several people to thank.
-God for giving me ten fully functioning fingers to type
-Meredith for encouraging me to type, and to stay out of her hair
-My readers, both of you.
-Zak White - for gripping at me for not writing enough
-George Clooney - You know why

Have a great weekend!

Heading To The Mountains

2008-10-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Today we are leaving for our high school ministry's Fall Retreat.

I am excited for a time to get away form the same old routine for a few days. The topic of this retreat is on prayer and it will be lead by my friend Brendan. I think it is going to be a good time for our students.

I would appreciate any of you who might happen to read this over the course of the weekend to say a quick prayer for the students and the retreat. I figure since the retreat is on prayer, it would be good to have people praying for the retreat from time to time throughout the weekend.

Thanks guys.

A look at the lives of students

2008-10-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

In today's society student only get an average of 5-6 hours a night. Who can blame them, between school, sports, band, musicals, homework, church, extra curricular activities, work, spending a little bit of social time, and of course eating, it is amazing that they are even getting that much.

As I talk with teens in the youth ministry here at New Life EFC I can see the stress filled bags under their eyes. They are being pushed by parents to succeed so they can get scholarships, they are being pushed by teachers so they can get raises, they are being pushed by peers to avoid embarassment when the class ranks come out, they are being pushed by coaches who think that winning is everything (it's high school coach...not the NFL...so shut up), they are being pushed by their jobs to work more hours, they are being pushed by choir directors to practice three hours a night when they are done doing the other 4 hours of homework that is given each day, and of course they are being pushed by themselves, to meet these ungodly expectations that are places on them with no room for failure.

I am fully convinced that the life of a high school student to so incredibly different than when I graduated just 9 years ago.

It is not surprise to me that teen alchohol and druge use has skyrocketed as fast as their schedule fills up. I wonder how to create and environment that is free from expecetation to succeed and filled with expectation to just simply be.

We as a culture are stressing out teenagers for the sake of "a better tomorrow". I am not sure how this mentatilty will flesh out in the future but I would put big money on the fact that it won't be good.

So if you work with students in any capactiy make sure you are teaching them that they can say "no" to extra activities. We have been teaching them that "no" is only a good response when someone offers them drugs or sex, however I think the stress levels that teens face today are almost as dangerous as drugs and sex.

Sorry about the rant, but it just feels so good.

out of the stands

2008-10-22T14:11:00.000-07:00

In a move as crazy as a soccer mom possibly becoming vice-president of the county, Mike Leach has found a new kicker.

During half time of the Texas Tech/UMass game a few weeks back there was a contest for free rent if someone could kick a 30 yard field goal. Apparently Matt Williams, a transfer student from Tarleton State, nailed it. Before finding his seat Williams was flagged down and told to come to Leach's office the next day.

Due to poor kicking (6 missed PATs so far) Williams might be kicking for the Red Raiders this Saturday against KU.

Next thing you know there will be a Golden Retireiver playing basketball, with movies made about his life. I bet they call them all "Air Bud" event though the phrase "air" is best applied to basketball only. Nothing says hockey like "Air Bud".

Bright spots

2008-10-16T10:00:00.001-07:00

This makes the Jason Kidd trade look a little better.

One of the many reasons I love high school students...and Texans

2008-10-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/101208dnmetqueen.39be68a.html

Jesus quotes

2008-10-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

So in a few weekd (starting in Nov.) I am doing a new study with my students called "Who is Jesus?" which is designed to answer some doubts of current students as well as some of their friends at their schools or work places.

It is a five week study looking at five different areas of Jesus' life. This will hopefully be a good study.

I named this study "Who is Jesus?" and not "Who was Jesus?" to imply that Jesus is alive and well, and living in Mexico. Ok, so maybe Jesus is not living in Mexico (and yes that is an Audio Karate reference).

I was wondering if any of you (my faithful reader...notice it is not plural....so this means you) had any good quotes about who Jesus is from different celebrities, or theologians. It does not have to be correct...in fact it would be great if it was not.

Just to let you know the five weeks are based on the following topics:
Week 1 - Is Jesus God?
Week 2 - Was Jesus a man?
Week 3 - How did people know that Jesus was coming?
Week 4 - Did Jesus' mom have to be a virgin?
Week 5 - Why did Jesus come to earth?

Anything relating to these topics would be greatly appreciated. Mucho Gracias.

Red River Rivalry

2008-10-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

The time has come. UT. OU.

I love the fact that this game is ovetshadowing the LSU/Florida game.

HOOK 'EM!

Fleeces + Football = Fall

2008-10-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

The fall is finally setteling in here in Denver. Today I woke up and it was a little foggy, 45 degrees, and I felt like staying in bed all day. I love the fall.

Time to get out my fleeces and long sleeve shirts. Time to start layering my clothes and eat soup at night instead of turkey sandwiches.

The fall also makes it feel more appropriate to be watching football on Saturdays, for example tomorrow I will wake up, walk the dogs, make some coffee, watch the Longhorns beat the Sooners, listen to the Red Raiders beat the Cornhuskers on the radio, and then watch any random game that is on TV.

I also love the fall because I am able to see my students games (football AND futbol) as well as other school activities. I love it. I know that a lot of people do not enjoy the fall, but I am not one of those people. Things are cool, but not freezing, there is not two feet of snow on the ground, but you also don't feel like your car is a sauna everytime you get in....did I mention football?

Well, I am going to play some Jon Foreman and Ryan Adams (perfect fall music) and get back to work on the new CREW PM series "Who Is Jesus?" If you have any ideas for aspects of Jesus to cover then please leave me a comment, or leave a comment anyway, maybe your favorite recipie or fall music. Have a blessed day!

Just a quick reminder...

2008-10-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

Texas Tech is still undefeated

Jakob Dylan - Seeing Things

2008-10-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

Almost everyone knows Jakob Dylan, even if they don't know that they do.

Jakob Dylan (formerly of The Wallflowers) has recently released his first solo project called "Seeing Things". We all know his voice from those 90's hits "One Headlight" and "6th Ave. Heartache" This album is a very stripped down version of Jakob. The songs are just acoustic with some light percussion in the background.

I always enjoyed the Wall Flower's music, especially as they stopped being played on the radio and developed a little more of an alt country feel. So I had high expectations when I got this album.

Dylan's songs, both in sound and lyrical content, remind me of a Cormac McCarthy novel put to music. The are songs that deal with depravity, despair, and in the end hope.

I really enjoy this album, but I do wish that there was a vinyl version of "Seeing Things" available because the songs sound as though they were meant to be on vinyl (much like Jon Foreman's EPs which I just found out today are coming out on vinyl, oh happy day!).

This album is definitely worth the listen, however I would recommend that you go to itunes and give it a listen just to make sure you like the acoustic psuedo-country feel.

Tracks to listen to:
-Valley of the Low Sun
-All Day and All Night (not great lyrically, but the feel reminds me of a Johnny Cash song)
-War is Kind
-Something Good This Way Comes
-Up On The Mountain (I am not sure what this song is really about, but it reminds me of Jesus)
-This End of the Telescope

Tracks to skip:
-Evil is Alive and Well
-I Told You I Couldn't Stop

Why I Love College Football

2008-09-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

I love it.

Dangerous Faith - Joel Vestal

2008-09-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

I have always enjoyed a good book from a self-deprecating author who has a few fresh ideas, or at least a few fresh ways of looking at old ideas.

I have never liked authors who are writing books that are full of common sense ideas that have been repeated time after time and using themselves as the pinnacle of the practice of these ideas.
The authors that say "I did this right at this point in time, because I am a good person, and smart, ruggedly handsome, and can leg press 605 lbs."

These same authors also use the downfalls of others to illustrate the opposite of good. "My friend Bob wanted to go to a strip club so he did. While he was there I prayed and talked to Jesus about it (Jesus appears to me in person). My friend was inside and got herpes from the toilet seat and now when he gets a rash it looks like Jesus to remind him of grace."

Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce you to Joel Vestal (note: the above quotes were made up for comic relief not direct quotes from the book). However, I found Vestal's writing to be boring and full of stories about how strong his faith is and how he encourages those around him just simply be being present.

Maybe I am wrong and Vestal is really that good of a guy. In which case he will forgive me for writing this.

I did not have any problem theologically with Vestal's book, I just found it hard to connect with. Judging by the title I thought it would be a book about living out your faith in the face of dangerous circumstances and overcoming the fear of harm with faith in God. What the book is, is a memoir of Vestal's life and trips with little universal advice. Had the book been titled "Joel Vestal's Me" or "Dangerous Faith: The Life and Travels of Joel Vestal" then I would have gone into it with a different attitude.

If you like memoirs from someone who is not self-deprecating then I highly recommend it. If you do not like these types of books then I suggest you pick up something else at the book store.

Japanese Game Shows

2008-09-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

I have always been intrigued by Japanese Game Shows...I find them to be hilarious.

I am excited because tonight we are playing several of these games with the students for our "Japanese Game Show Night"...pretty creative title, I know.

New Josh Rosenthal Song

2008-09-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Be sure to check on Josh Rosenthal's new song from his upcoming Christmas album. It is available on his myspace.

http://www.myspce.com/joshrosenthal

The song is called "Before I Go" and it is one of his best yet.

Just letting you all know. Have a good one!

so much to do, such little to prove

2008-09-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

Are you rushing around trying to get tons of things done? Is time flying faster than smear campaigns in politics?

Why?

Why are we so consumed with working as hard as we can in order to prove our worth. I have a few friends who are convinced that they have to run themselves ragged in order to be seen as worthy of the work they do. This is a short trip to a dead end.

We run around working our butts off and spend almost as much energy pointing to the amount of work we do (I know I am quilty of this as well).

I read recently a quote that said "we are a culture that has forgotten how to be." We feel like if we are not doing then we are not contributing to society, or the organization. If we are not contributing then we are worthless.

This is bass ackwards to what we find in the gospel. It is the anti-do gospel. We are told specifically that it is the grace of God that saves us, NOT OUR WORKS. Why do we still hold on to this idea after experiencing the grace of Christ?

Does it mean we can be lazy? No.

Does it mean we should not work as hard? Not at all.

What it means is that it is ok, and important to breathe. Take a break. Spend some time sitting, not thinking about what you need to be doing instead. Soak up the presence of God.

Perhaps it means that we still work as hard to accomplish what God has told us to accomplish...but perhaps it means that we do not need to spend so much time pointing to the work we do.

I believe if we spent the time that we spend in trying to make people notice the work we do and we just simply used that time to energize, rest, pray, and just be, we would be much better off.

So I say today, we all take a break...maybe an afternoon, maybe an hour, and just be. Listen to the voice of God and enjoy it rather than planning out your next move. I will let you know how mine goes soon.

Vintage Jesus - Mark Driscoll

2008-09-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

Vintage Jesus is possible one of the best, and well written theologies of the person of Christ. Mark sets the book up with the chapter titles posing a questions such as "Did Jesus Have To Die?", "Where is Jesus know?" and "Is Jesus really God?"

This makes the book great for a reference book so you can easily fine the subject that you are looking for. The books is also full of scripture to back up Mark's standpoints, they are not just made up.

Mark is a pastor that I respect, for theology as well as the way he interacts with culture. I would highly recommend that you pick up this book if you have ever had anyone ask you a question about Jesus that you know you can answer but would love to be able to answer a little more fully.

The book is a fairly easy read so pick it up if you are interested.

Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld

2008-09-18T14:29:00.000-07:00

I know some people hate these commercials but this one is absolutely hilarious.

Yellowstone

2008-09-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend I was in Yellowstone with Meredith and my in-laws. It was incredible.

Not only was I fifteen feet from a Grizzly, I also was about 4 feet from a moose and a Bison. Man it was a good trip.

It was also a good time of recovery. Here are a few images...more later.

Why I Love The Cowboys

2008-09-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

I love the Dallas Cowboys. There is nothing that will change my mind from cheering for God's team. This only fuels it even more.

The following was copied and pasted from espn.com...

IRVING, Texas -- Tony Romo: Pro Bowler, playboy quarterback and, apparently, a Good Samaritan handy with an air compressor.

Romo

A couple says Romo helped them patch a flat tire on the side of a busy street last weekend after the Dallas Cowboys star returned home from a season-opening win at Cleveland.Bill and Sharon White told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that at least 100 drivers ignored their broken-down Mercury before someone stopped late Sunday. Sharon White said a well-dressed man "with something strange on his chin" walked up and offered a hand.
Romo needed 13 stitches after his chin was split open in the 28-10 win over the Browns. He bent down and helped the Whites get their faulty air compressor to fill up the tire.
Sharon White said she asked twice before Romo confirmed her suspicions about the do-gooder's identity.
"I did something no 50-year-old woman should be doing, but I screamed real loud, and then jumped up and hugged him," Sharon White told the newspaper in Thursday's editions.
Bill White had a different reaction.
"Don't tell me how you guys did," he said he told Romo. "I'm going home to watch it."
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

Way to go ROMO!!!

I Heart Mormons - David Rowe

2008-09-11T17:13:00.000-07:00

The book "I Love Mormons" is a book that came out a few years back, and of course that makes my review timely and relevant.

Rowe's book, however, is one of the best layouts of Mormon theology and is completely full of practical ways to share your faith with our friends in the LDS church. A couple of common mistakes that are made is thinking that Mormons are Christians, or beating them over the head with our correct theology. The firt approach is niave and the second is dumb.

One of the most respectful and appropriate things we can do with someone of another faith is to learn what they really believe and educate ourselves so we can have meaningful conversations and share our faith with those individuals.

If you want to learn how to effectively share your faith with Mormons and understand their faith better then I highly recommend this book.

Kate Micucci - Dear Deer

2008-09-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

This might be one of the most random, yet weirdly awesome videos ever.

I dig the song and Kate Micucci's voice Anyway, watch, laugh, cry, blink, repeat.

2 blogs in a day...oh ya.

2008-09-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

So recently we decided to make T-shirts for our students to wear on Tuesday to advertise and start conversations with other students at their schools so that they can invite their friends to CREW on Tuesday nights.

I really believe that students should take a major role in the creativity of their student ministry. Without this involvement we create a bunch of students who are disconnected from the ministry because they do not feel any form of ownership of the ministry.

What I did was ask the students to submit T-shirt designs for the new CREW T-shirts. After the entries were in I would then bring the shirt designs to everyone in the youth group and let them vote for the T-shirt. The student whose design won the contest would get a free shirt, and the shirts would be student designed.

I asked the students for random things because nothing strikes up a conversation better than random logos. I can tell you that the students delivered.

For those of you who question the creativity of today's students need to look at this design and recognize that it might be random...but it is certainly creative.

Without further ado...this is the design that was decided on.

A peanut eating an elephant...who would have thought? (By the way...the colors are messed up...the peanut and elephant are actually different colors...not sure how to correct that)

MxPx - Contention Video

2008-09-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

I know that as I have gotten older I have added new music to my collection that might not have quite the edge of some of my earlier music.

Even though I listen to a lot more Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Wilco, Ryan Adams, Iron & Wine, Dwight Yoakam, and Sufjan Stevens now days...I still love some good old punk rock.

I never get tired of MxPx. This may not be the best video ever made...but I just like listening to this music and smashing things...in my mind of course.

venting...

2008-09-05T08:31:00.000-07:00

I hate politics. Church Politics. Government politics.

I am tired of people wearing shirts and using bumper stickers that say "Obama - Our Only Hope"

I would be tired of those people if they did the same thing with McCain. Jesus is our hope...not Obama...or McCain...or a certain political party.

I am tired of politicians who give a bunch of hope filled soundbytes without a plan...and accuse the other party of doing the same thing they are going.

I love watching The Daily Show. I hate people who think it is fair and unbiased.

I hate the fact that politicians familes are the focus of reporters.

I hate the fact that reporters laugh when they are accused of being biased...I don't care that they are...just admit it.

For the record...there are reporters and analystis that are biased on both sides.

I hate the fact that a party that encourages women's rights are making claims that Palin can;t take care of her kids when they have never done that with a guy. A father is just as important as a mother in the life of a young child.

I am tired of Christians who make their decisions based on abortion and gay marriage alone.

I am tired of campaign commercials that highlight the faults of the other (I know it is nothing new...just tired of it). It reminds me of little boys shouting insluts that make no sense on the playground.

I am ready for December.

The Gospel & Personal Evangelism - Mark Dever

2008-09-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

I recently read this book about sharing the gospel with those around you.

I found the book to be well written and practical...but also a little basic.

I would highly recommend this book for a new believer. It outlines the importance of knowing what the gospel is (differentiating between the true gospel and false gospels) as well as the importance of sharing the gospel and how to do it in a way that is not judgmental or idiotic (that is my word, not his).

One think that Dever hits on is the fact that we are sharing the gospel of Jesus, not recruiting church members. This distinction is so important. I think far too often people believe that if they tell people about church programs that their church offers then they are sharing the gospel with them, this is a tragic mistake. It is not that church events are bad, in fact they can be used to share the gospel of Jesus, but those events are a means to the end, not the end itself.

I would highly recommend this book to new belivers who are unsre of how to share their faith, or church leaders who are wanting to get some ideas on how to teach their new believers to share the gospel of Jesus.

Just a quick sidenote from me on the true gospel...

The true gospel is that we are seperated by sin from God and that Jesus died as a substitute for that sin to be cleansed. Jesus then rose form the dead and we offered to re-enter a right relationship with God apart from sin.

The true gospel is not...

Be good and moral (although it is good to be moral)

God will bless me if I behave (this is stupid, stupid, stupid....in case you messed that...stupid)

Fighting injustice (sorry po-mos, there is more to the gospel than living green and building a well...although both are good they are not the gospel of Jesus)

Wearing a Chirstian Shirt...I don't care how cleaverly they changed a corporate logo to something spiritual...it is just a shirt.

The gospel, I believe, is best shared in the context of relationship not through standing on street corners yelling at sinners or leaving a tract in a public bathroom. So, if you are a Christian then get our there and make some friends who are not...and love them.

The Gabe Dixon Band

2008-08-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

The new album from The Gabe Dixon Band is awesome. I love it. It is just simple piano rock with some really great song writing.

I highly recommend it.

Songs to listen to:
All Will Be Well
Disappear
You And Only You (only from itunes)

Songs to skip:
Further The Sky

Short and sweet...like an oatmeal cream pie.

For all the slackers...

2008-08-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

When I say "slacker" I do not mean people who are lazy...I mean people who do not follow through on their blogs...like me.

Things have been nuts at the church and I am trying to keep on top of all of that stuff.

We had a great kickoff this past week for our Tuesday night stuff, it was awesome.

Anyway, for those of you who do not find time to blog because you are too busy...you are not alone.

By the way, I am re-reading "Searching For God Knows What" by Donald Miller. I forgot how much I love that book.

Thursday Reviews - Coldplay - Viva la Vida

2008-07-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

I have never been a huge Coldplay fan. I am not sure what it was about them that never got me excited. It is not that I disliked them, but they just lacked that something special.

That attitude has changed upon listening to their new album Viva La Vida.

This album is one of my favorite albums in recent months. Coldplay has traded in their piano driven, falsetto singing,soundtrack music sound for a more guitar driven album. Chris Martin sings lower on this album which makes them sound even better.

The album starts out with the worst song on the album, "Life in Technicolor" which is just a simple riff that is repeated over and over again with small changes and added instruments. If personally am not a fan of instrumental album openers unless they are done by Sufjan Stevens.

The second track "Cemeteries of London" is a great blend of slower melody with faster drums, I have always loved songs that do this.

The fourth track "42" sounds like a more typical Coldplay song which is not bad, but I could take it or leave it.

Following "42" Coldplay launches into "Lovers in Japan" which is one of my favorite songs. Probably because it sounds a lot like a Smiths song, and to add to the effect, the first 3 seconds of Chris Martin's voice on this track sound eerily like Morrisey.

The song "Yes" is full of great instrumentation and is easy for a guy to sing a long to without feeling it in the genitals.

Everyone has heard Viva La Vida thanks to Apple commercials. I do love this song. I am not sure what it is about. There is a great deal of religious imagery on this song (as well as the whole album) but this one seems to stick out. It strikes me like it is a song from God who is no longer in power...which makes me think of the God of a lot of some of the emerging church leaders...but that might just be because I am biased.

"Violet Hill" reminds me a little bit of later Beatles songs...so obviously this is not a bad thing.

"Strawberry Hill" is my favorite song on the album. The intro sounds like a bluegrass riff played on an electric guitar. Very cool

The last two songs close out the album nicely. I highly recommend this album, in fact I recommend that you buy it on vinyl since the vinyl version comes with a free CD of the album.

Songs to skip:
-Life in Technicolor
-42

Songs to listen to:
-Viva La Vida
-Strawberry Hill
-Yes
-Violet Hill

way too long

2008-07-09T14:07:00.000-07:00

I have bee away for the past two weeks. I was in Texas for a week and then in Kansas for youth camp. Due to the long absence I will post two reviews tomorrow and then I will probably take a nap.

I hope you all are doing well.

God's Country...Tomorrow

2008-06-19T10:07:00.001-07:00

I am heading back to Texas tomorrow morning for a week.

Finally, I will be back in the land of good BBQ and Mexican Food.

Is it bad that I am more excited about the food than seeing family?

Last Thursday's review...almost a week later.

2008-06-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

I have been reviewing to many books lately I though I would shift gears a bit. I recently got the new CD from The Myriad called "With Arrows, With Poise".

The Myriad is the band that won the MTV contest for the next big artist out there. It is cool that they won, since most Christians do not make creative music that is still easily listened to by a large number of people.

So on to the review. I love this album. That is about as easy of a review I can think of. It is a great album that does not sound like every other Christian musician (that being a Eddie Veder sound-a-like voice over the top of Nickleback-esque music...see Todd Agnew).

This album opens with the track "You Waste Time Like A Grandfather Clock" which is a great track that makes me think of playing spades, only due the line "that when we start counting sandbags". This is followed by the track "Get On The Plan" which is slightly more upbeat but still in the same vain as "You Waste Time..."

The third song "Forget What You Came For" starts with a simple piano riff that remind me of Ben Folds...except better. It is a more mellow song that sounds almost like a b-side from Radiohead's The Bends album. This track is followed by the first single "Clean Shot" which has a bass head that defies you to bob your head up and down. This is a fun song that deserves to be played loudly in your car while driving around this summer. I am also partial to this song because it is my ring tone.

"The Accident" begins with a driving guitar which is a little bit different than the majority of these songs. After the first few seconds this songs begins to take shape into a song that is more similar with the others on the album.

"Holiest of Thieves" is a slightly slower track which is also very beautiful. This is a track that can sing you to sleep and also get stuck in your head...which is not good for narcoleptic people...they have enough problems already. The next track "A Thousand Winters Melting" might be my favorite all around track. It is catchy and also recalls images of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardro

"Polar Bears And Shark Fins" is a mix of industrial and piano, which might sound weird, but it is a good song.

The album closes out in a fairly solid format. I could highly recommend this album, it does not disappoint. FYI: If it does not sound great the first time, give it a couple of listens, it is a grower.

For fans of:
Radiohead
Midlake
Pilotdrift
Pedro The Lion

Tracks to hear:
"Clean Shot"
"A Thousand Winter Melting"
'Stuck In A Glass Elevator"

Track to skip:
"Don't Let Them See You"

so true...so, so true

2008-06-12T09:56:00.001-07:00

Time Killer

2008-06-11T09:44:00.001-07:00

I think today you should send an email to your co-workers asking them if they feel they are prepared to respond to an unsolicited email, even if they think it is a total waste of their time.

Ice Blocking

2008-06-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went Ice Blacking for the first time ever.

Ice Blocking is when you sit on a block of ice and then slide down a hill and try to stay balanced.

It was a great time and I wish I had head of this before...but I grew up in Lubbock, Tx so there was not point in doing that...because there are no hills...it would have just been sitting on a black of ice.

Anyway, if you are bored this weekend then give it a shot. Also, if you are bored this weekend and in the Denver area you can always help us with our CREW Garage Sale for students who are trying to raise money to go to camp.

2008-06-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

Review Thursday-The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment by Tim Challies

2008-06-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

I recently finished this book by Tim Challies who is a web designer who hails from the Great White North. Although I have had my difference with Canadians over the years (they try to pawn of ham as "Canadian Bacon"...I'm not buying it...it is to different parts of pig) I was still very fond of this book.

This book does not have a misleading title...it is about the act of discernment which is a discipline that has not been the focus of much attention in recent years.

Challies attempts to engage the reader and spur them on to making discernment a daily part of their lives.

He also corrects the thinking that discerning is a spiritual gift that is given to some but not to all. It is clear throughout scripture that we are to discern what is right and pleasing to God. It is much like the spiritual gift of worship. Some might have been given a musical ability to lead other in worship, but that does not replace the fact that all Christians are called to be worshipers of God in spirit and truth.

In this book the comparison is made between discerning good and evil with discerning counterfeit currency. Apparently Canada is known for three things...1. Maple Syrup 2. Funny comedians (Mike Myers, Martin Short, The Kids in the Hall 3. Counterfeit Money. Sorry, Alanis Morrisette did not make the list.

Although this analogy wears thin at times it still makes a valid point. Sometimes Satan will try to trick us with something that looks and sounds good, but upon closer inspection and comparing it with scripture we see that there may be no good in it at all.

The book is nothing new...but still worth looking into.

sleep

2008-06-04T15:49:00.000-07:00

I need some sleep. For some reason I woke up last night and could not go to sleep.

Maybe it was sugar. Maybe it was bad sushi. Maybe it was a bad dream. Maybe it was the drunk monkey in the corner yelling at me in Spanish (which might be a side effect of bad sushi)/

Lost Season Finale...and Theories

2008-05-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

So last night i sat riveted in front of the TV for two solid hours. It was really great and as usual it left me confused. When thinking about the events of what happened I believe that I have figured out what LOST is all about.

Here is my theory...

LOST has been a set up. They are going to complete the next two seasons and then it will be shown that LOST is simply a spin off of Perfect Strangers.

Here is why I think this...

On the island people from all over show up. I think the next season finale the younger sister from Family Matters will show up. The younger sister that disappeared during the show with no explanation what so ever.

This will show that technically LOST is just a spin off of Family Matters...with the disappearing sister as well as a possible appearance Urkle. This will also be seen when the Dharma Initiative is actually ran by Winslow Industries.

Now as you know Family Matters was a spin-off of Perfect Strangers, however when Family Matters started there were no appearances by Balky or Cousin Larry. My theory is that they are also on the island in another hatch which keeps late 80's TV stars young and fresh.

At the conclusion of the series these actors will be released and Balky and Cousin Larry will move back to Chicago and laughter will begin again.

I know what your up to J.J. Abrams...trying to create the greatest television show sin-off trilogy since Golden Girls, Empty Nest, and that other show about the hospital in Miami. Plus we all know TV needs sex appeal like this again...

John Eldridge - Walking With God

2008-05-29T15:13:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I posted anything. Sorry....to both of my readers. My plan is to be more consistent with posting reviews of books and CDs. My plan is for Thursday to be the review day and for the other days of the week be more random thoughts and possible the occasion grocery list. Needless to say it is Thursday so here we go...

I finished reading this book a couple of weeks ago and it is still sinking in. John Eldridge is a gifted writer and it very transparent and honest in his writing. This is a breath of fresh air compared to many books that are written now days by Christian authors.

The book is basically a year's worth of prayer journal entries in which Eldridge has gone back through and added a few notes here and there. It is very honest and insightful.

Eldridge begins the book talking about the fact that Adam and Eve were created for this intimate relationship with God. We see in scripture that they walked with Him and conversed with Him. Eldridge believes that we are created with the same need and desire...to be intimately connected with our God.

It is clear to me that Eldridge has been at this "intimacy" thing a lot longer than I have. It is clear that prayer for him is a natural, and frequent part of the day. It is as if he and God our on a life-long road trip in which the conversation is not necessarily constant but frequent and in the moment. Just like commenting on what you would see driving across the country.

Although there are some items in Eldridge's theology that I may not necessarily agree with (such as our dogs waiting for us in heaven) I am still moved by his honesty and desire to live in intimacy with God.

The book speak a great deal about praying against things as well as for things. The process of discernment is coated in prayer it is clear that Eldridge seeks out God's wisdom in prayer in almost every major decision.

This book is a more personal writing than some of his previous books and is not meant to be a laid out theology of our relationship with God. This is important to keep in mind as you read this book.

I recommend this to anybody who is wanting to be challenged in their prayer life.

Mouse Chronicles vol. 2

2008-05-07T13:03:00.000-07:00

Today I found a mouse pellet when i walked into my office. It was right in the middle of the floor. I think it was a message, much like the horse head in The Godfather.

Not only did I see the mouse pellet...I say the culprits. That is not a typo my friends...that "s" belongs on the end. Multiple mice.

After I sat in my chair at my desk I once again saw the blur. This evil mouse ran into my office...under the couch...and then back out followed by another mouse. This only mean one thing...they are organized.

I can not be sure because the move so fast but I am almost positive that they were wearing camouflage pants, black lines under their eyes, carrying walkie talkies, and one of them was making black ops style hand signals with his little disease ridden paw. So needless to say I am afraid of them.

Every time I walk out into the hall I wait for something to strike me. I keep looking over my shoulder afraid that they are sneaking up from behind. What is scary is that I am sure they are watching me type this.

I also never noticed that there are little mouse sized shrubberies in my office. In fact, now that I think about it they are in a different spot every time I look over at them. I am sure they are about to attack but I have an ace up my sleeve...

That is right. The Terminix man showed up this morning and set out traps for those little rodents.

Mouse Chronicles vol. 1

2008-05-06T15:51:00.000-07:00

So today I was in my office working on what I was going to tell our graduating seniors this year when I noticed a slight movement to my left. As I turned I saw a mouse run out from under the love seat in my office and out into the hall.

I ran after the mouse but it was gone. My guess is that it went under Dusty's door (Dusty is the middle school pastor). I opened his door to tell him that I was mouse hunting and then I discovered something...

Dusty is terribly afraid of Mice.

Dusty was determined that I either made it up or that it ran down the hall because he could not admit that it might possible be in his office.

I personally know that it has to be in there. I think it is in a corner plotting Dusty's demise or possibly even configuring an advanced mouse repelling system to drop down from the ceiling tiles on Dusty's head.

This was not one of those cute white Stuart Little mice. There is no Michael J. Fox voice over. This was one of those nasty gray mice that probably had all kinds of diseases. However it is good to know that it is in Dusty's office and not mine.

However I do have a loaded air soft pistol in my desk...and Dusty has his blow gun so we are very well prepared for this little rodent to bring it on.