Now It's Over.

Good grief! I haven't blogged in a couple weeks. I missed blogging about the last episodes of American Idol and the performances. But what I can say about AI is: YAY! David Cook won!!! Susan and I couldn't have been more excited about that. David Archuleta is a fantastic singer, but all of his songs tend to blend together and they begin to sound the same. There is no denying his talent. He is masterful in his inflection, tone, and delivery. I believe he will only improve with age. But David Cook is a true artist who stayed true to his music and his originality and stayed true to himself throughout. He went out on a limb and sang three different songs Tuesday in the finale, each of which showed his range and his ability to work different genres, different tempos, different feelings. I thought he did a phenomenal job. He was more concerned about the music and his integrity as an artist than with winning the competition (at least it seemed that way!) I think the judges realized this, and that is why Simon backpedaled the way he did, in fact even apologized to David Cook for his rush to declare a "knockout." Anyway, David Cook's CD will be one that we will definitely buy.

Compared to previous years' finales, this year's finale was incredible! Oh, if the producers had only let the contestants perform like they did last night instead of "forcing" the theme nights, this season would have been awesome to watch. Case in point: Carly Smithson and Michael Johns' gritty and tremendous duet. Brooke White and Graham Nash. Syesha and Seal. David Cook and ZZ Top! And then there was Ryan Seacrest driving off the stage on the big pillow. That was HILARIOUS!!! (Mike Myers and his "love guru" with the two Davids was downright creepy, though!) Ryan breakdancing on the edge of the stage. Was he having too much fun last night or what? We thoroughly enjoyed the finale, and it made up for some of the boring episodes from the past couple of months.

We loved how David Cook cared for David Archuleta like a little brother, not a competitor. How gracious the two were towards each other. We also were moved by the emotional response of David Cook to the news he had won. He didn't win like a professional programmed robot. We loved David's brother, Andrew, looking at the camera and saying, "That's my brother." That was some genuinely real joy. We look forward to the music that David Cook will produce. All in all, it was a night worth staying up late for!

I Shot the Sheriff...Really?

This week on American Idol, songs from the Rock N'Roll Hall of Fame. So many to choose from, so many possibilities. For some of the remaining four, it worked, and others, well, let's just say, it's time for Jason to go! Sorry, dude! I think it's time. (Poor Brooke. I'm still upset for her, but I'll cope.)

Tonight...
David Cook -- I will overlook the fact that David said he was born in 1982, the year that Duran Duran sang, "Hungry Like the Wolf." Since I was in seventh grade. And that makes me feel old. He did all right, but I was surprised he didn't take some liberties with the song and make it more his own. The second song, "Teenage Wasteland" ("Baba O'Riley" is the real title? Anyway...) was MUCH better, and sounded more like a classic "David Cook" song. I think he will be safe. He just seemed a little off on his game tonight. I hope his brother is okay. The pastor in me jumps to pastoral care when I see someone having an "off" night!

Syesha Mercado -- Syesha has really come into her own the past few weeks. Tonight was no exception. Her songs and performances were great, but I can't help but feel that she is performing as someone else rather than as herself. "Proud Mary" was great, but it was a Tina Turner-esque performance complete with head throws and Tina moves. The second song, "A Change Is Gonna Come" was really good, but what stood out for me was Syesha's reaction to the judges. For so long, I have felt that Syesha was a little "above" everyone else. Like she was a little arrogant. But tonight that opinion melted away when that protective shell cracked and she showed real emotion. I appreciated that and felt like she really connected. I loved Simon's reaction: "Randy, you made her cry."

Jason Castro -- In different seasons, I might understand what Jason is still doing in this competition, but when he is still here and other, more talented singers are gone, I can't help but wonder if there is an underground voting block that is keeping him in. Seriously, "I Shot the Sheriff" (but I did not shoot the deputy...) He is so happy-go-lucky goofy, he is almost difficult to watch. Under other circumstances, it would be fun, but for some reason he makes me uncomfortable. The way he opens his eyes really big and follows the camera in the opening sequence. Has anyone else noticed that? "Mr. Tambourine Man" Yawn...Jason, your time has beyond been coming.

David Archuleta -- Only when he has to talk do I remember that he is 17. Then he appears to be the goofy teenager I remember being at 17. His songs were great tonight. "Stand by Me" and "Love Me Tender" were great choices. Definitely not modern ones (as none were) but this boy can SANG! His approach to the notes, his high notes and falsetto in "Love Me Tender" were once again (tender and) masterful. As Simon sez, he "crushed the competition" tonight. I still think it will be an all David finale.

Should go: Please, Jason. (I don't think Syesha could handle it if she's eliminated before he is!)

Best of the night: David Archuleta

Did anyone else notice how completely coherent and on her game Paula was tonight? She made some of the most genuine evaluations and comments I have heard her say! Good for her. Job security questions will do that to you, I guess!

ASU Coach's Faith

If you know me, you know that I absolutely LOVE Appalachian State University. I loved every single moment I spent on ASU's campus as an undergraduate from 1988-1993 (now I am dating myself!) It is a special place for Susan and me. It was there that we met. It was on ASU's campus and in the beautiful city of Boone, NC that I felt God's calling being solidified in my life and heart. And did we love to go to football games! Susan was in the Marching Mountaineers (THE Band of Distinction, thank you!) and she was in the color guard. What awesome times we had! I have always appreciated football coach Jerry Moore, not only for all the wins, not only for all the National Championships (and that's three in a row, now, in case you were wondering!), but also for the respect he commanded from his players and for the dignity he conveyed. After I watched the video below, I have a newly found respect for him as a strong Christian man who exemplifies the love of Christ in his life and shares that with his players. Go ASU! And thank you, Jerry Moore for your witness in faith and trust in God.

Better to See a Sermon...

I love this poem that a friend of mine gave to me. It really speaks to me about how we are to live our lives as our sermon, not just use our words. How we live speaks volumes over the words we use.

“Sermons We See”
by Edgar Guest

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.

One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to every one is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,
I'd rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day.

I love to preach. I enjoy talking. (Bet no one could guess that!) But above all, I hope that the way I live my life speaks better than any sermon I could ever preach. I believe ultimately that we all want to exemplify the love of Christ in the conduct of our daily living. To do that, we must be committed to showing Christ in how we treat others and through how we serve God and our families and neighbors. People are watching and are getting a glimpse of Jesus in you. It’s more than words. More than even belief. It’s made real in how we show it.