Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Kinda' "Blah" Night on American Idol...
Briefly,
Jason Castro -- He was okay, but every week he sounds exactly the same. The "slacker" choices and attitude are not helping him. As Simon said, his performances were forgettable. In fact, I can't remember what he sang, and I just watched it. He seems to be handling the pressure of the show well; he doesn't seem to let anything get to him. (Of course, I would be a "basket case," but that's another story.)
David Cook -- He will win. I predict it now. David C. seems to be the one best prepared for the record industry. Of all the contestants remaining, I can hear his CD already, and I would definitely buy it. The selections he made tonight were good, especially since he picked songs that were not immediately recognizable. That way he could make them his own. They weren't his best of the season, but he will be safe. He also doesn't seem to be letting his emerging "front runner" status go to his head. From his attitude on stage, he seems grounded.
Brooke White -- Brooke was so much better this week. We were so glad! She seemed really nervous, and I don't want her to doubt herself. She is very talented and needs to trust in that. I disagree with Simon that the first song, "I'm a Believer" (see, I actually remembered hers!) was a "nightmare." Any song immortalized in Shrek can't be bad! It was a safe performance. I preferred her second song, "I Am, I Said." It was so authentic and heartfelt. She genuinely conveyed the song, and I hope that emotional connection will carry her through to next week. (By the way, it's pretty cool that four of the top five contestants can play instruments. That was a good twist in this year's competition!)
David Archuleta -- I just knew he would pick "Sweet Caroline" and/or "America," and he ended up picking both! He sang them both well, but something felt disingenuous about them. I felt like he didn't really connect for some reason. He didn't seem to be in full voice tonighteither, and it was one of the first times I noticed he missed some notes; his voice even cracked on "America." Something felt off to me. But he did well enough and picked good songs, so I think he will sail through.
Syesha Mercado -- Syesha did a'right tonight. (Channeling Randy.) Her performances were good, and she looked like she was enjoying herself, but I am seeing that she is much better suited for the Broadway stage or for a FOX/ABC/NBC/(insert network) sitcom than for pop icon. And hey, that's not a bad thing at all! She definitely wasn't the worst, or the best, but she fell in the middle for me.
And was it just me, or did no one really "bring it" tonight? I was beginning to wonder, could it be that Neil Diamond songs just don't work in 1 minute increments? As soon as they tried to set up a song, it was over. That was the producers fault. Overall, it was a pretty bland night. (Of course, Susan and I will still watch every moment like rabid dogs. Well, not really rabid, since we had to DVR it, but you know what I mean. We won't miss it.)
Best of the night: David Cook
Should go home: Jason Castro (but probably won't!)
Oh, and by the way, I loved the "Indiana Jones" preview! Just reminded me that I CAN'T WAIT!
P.S. after results night :( -- I am bummed Brooke is out. Why Jason, why? Somebody get those cell phones away from those teenage girls! If David Cook is voted out, I may not care who wins. (Even though I will probably still watch anyway!)
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Thanks for your prayers!
Wicked!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Phantom Night!
Syesha Mercado -- I hadn't heard her song before, but she was totally in her element! Broadway may just be her calling here. She was emotive, strong, and full of herself, which seems to be her real personality, anyway! I think she is safe and she picked a great song for herself!
Jason Castro -- Okay, "Memory." Really? "Memory?" And he didn't know it was sung by a cat? Where has Jason been? Something a little silly about him singing: "I was beautiful then..." We giggled at that. Susan says that he has to go. She doesn't like "breathy" boys singing.
Brooke White -- Oh, Brooke. We like you so much! We have such positive thoughts. We try to send them your way. When you stopped and started over, that was good. Regroup. And even though you had to do that, the song was very emotional, which must have been how you were feeling. "You MUST Love Me." Hopefully, enough people will take that as a command to keep you around. We like you, we really do. After all, Jason sang "Memory." Maybe that will be enough to save you!
David Archuleta -- "Think of Me" -- I wondered about this, but Paula (yes, Paula) was right that David A. can take a song like that and make it contemporary. I liked the arrangement and it was perfect for him after all. (But the teenage girls rushing the stage before his performance was a little much! And by the way, who told the audience they could WAVE THEIR ARMS AGAIN?! -- Stop it!!!) He did great, as always!
Carly Smithson -- When at first she was going to sing "All I Ask of You" I thought: NO! But when Andrew Lloyd Webber asked her to sing "Jesus Christ Superstar" I knew it would be good, and was that not the truth? She was awesome! I had chills from the first note. This was totally one of the best performances she's had. She could do this on Broadway too. That would be a show revival I'd like to see!
David Cook -- "Music of the Night." He totally stole this one from me! More chills from the first notes. He has shown he can can sing and arrange anything. It was pretty straightforward, but he nailed the high notes. One of his best, I thought. David Cook is emerging as the one to beat, I think. I believe the judges could have been more effusive for him, though. I like his rock songs best, but for Andrew Lloyd Webber material, he did an awesome job.
Will/Should Go: Well, at this stage, I'm going to say Jason Castro. He is doing the same thing every week. I'm fearful for Brooke, though. (But we did vote twenty times for her. Hope that was enough.) I think everyone else is safe.
Best: For me, Carly Smithson and David Cook. David A. was masterful too.
Friday, April 18, 2008
I Can See...
Even though I was recovering from a cold (no excuses, now) I decided to sing it and I was so thankful for our organist, Laura Myers, who played the piano so beautifully! I have only tried to sing it a couple of times. It is high -- for one thing -- and I can't help but hear Steve Green sing it so effortlessly. I preached on Jesus meeting the two men on the walk to Emmaus, and I closed with "I Can See." I had some people request to hear it, so I attempted to make a video with pictures to go along with it. Pay no attention to me singing it, I hope you hear the words. In everyday life, Jesus' presence is all around us. He just wants us to see that he is with us! We are never alone, no matter what happens, no matter the circumstances; we are not alone in this world. He is there. Can you see who walks with you? Can you hear who speaks your name? Can you feel something stirring in your heart?
Busy Week!
On another busy note, I had some minor surgery today. I went to the dermatologist and a couple suspcicious spots were noticed on my back. So today I went in and had them removed. All of the spots. And everything underneath. Way underneath. I just remember them talking about "understitches" under the top stitches. And for someone who's never had stitches of any kind in his 38 years, well, let's just say I'm glad it's all done. I am hopeful and prayerful that everything tests okay. I have a great doctor who has an awesome attitude and did a fantastic job. Thank you for your prayers. I know God is good. I have witnessed his mighty works in the lives and faithfulness of people around me. He is mighty to protect and to save.
Let's just say regarding American Idol that I was frankly impressed with the contestants this week. I worried about how they would handle Mariah Carey, and I thought they all did great. I do believe the judges were harsher than they should have been on the girls. I wonder if they still made comparisons to MC? I mean, c'mon ya'll, she has a 5 octave range! Who can compare to that? Very few. David Cook was probably my favorite, and I got goosebumps during David Archleta's song, which is a good sign too! Of course, I love the movie "The Prince of Egypt" anyway, so his choice was perfect. Kristy Lee being eliminated was not really a surprise, but I hope Brooke starts having better weeks. I am worried.
Everyone have a great weekend. I will try to -- even though I can't lean back or lay down. But I will try! God bless!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
American Idol...Part 2
And the reminders for Idol Gives Back...why are we not doing more in this world to help the children who are starving? Haiti, Africa, our own neighborhoods...When I think about Elizabeth in her comfortable room, soft bed...I am so thankful, yes, but also so overwhelmed with the responsibility to be Christ's hands and feet in the world. And I know that we all, individually and corporately, can make a difference if we stop, see the world in need, and try. If only we would slow down to see.
Finally, WHAT??? Michael Johns eliminated? America got this one wrong. He is a talented and good singer and a great entertainer. I am disappointed, but I think he will have a successful career singing. Even if he continues to rock the ascots. Hope to see more of what he will do. Well, that's enough for tonight. What did ya'll think?
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
American Idol Gives Back...Part 1
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
What's with the chihuahuas?
Michael Johns: Was a little worried about taking on Aerosmith -- but he did pretty good. If he hadn't done the high pitch "Dream On" I would've been greatly disappointed. Overall, he was good! DON'T talk back -- it was out of character for him, I thought. Still wondering what's up with the scarves. Who is his fashion advisor? It's too distracting. Next week he'll be wearing a dickie.
Syesha Mercado: Syesha good. Syesha not Fantasia. But actually, she rocked this song, I think. It's always dangerous to do a song that a former Idol winner has sung, but let me tell you, I didn't know she had that high note in her! Go, girl! (Can I get by with that?) She was great and actually one of my favorites of the night.
Jason Castro: I like this version of "Somewhere over the Rainbow," especially as it was used in "50 First Dates" with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. The ukelele was a little cheesy (no offense to ukelele players out there) but it worked for him. I wouldn't have raved like the judges did, but maybe they heard something we didn't.
Kristy Lee Cook: I like Martina McBride, so when I heard she was singing "Anyway" I worried about the song choice. But she did a great job! This song has a great message, and I think she sold it. Best for her.
David Cook: I usually like David Cook, but tonight I didn't. Maybe it was the song. I didn't get it. Didn't hear the words. It sounded angry for an inspirational song. So I was a little bummed for him. I kept thinking the jacket was a little "strait-jackety" (new word) also. I know someone's in trouble if Susan and I keep talking while he/she is performing. I would just skip this song on his CD. But I think he's safe.
Carly Smithson: Oh no, another Queen song. Susan gets a little defensive about those. She did pretty good, but I could tell that she was distracted somehow. She just didn't seem comfortable. But she has a powerful voice. She may be in danger though. The judges seem to have turned against her.
David Archuleta: Wow. Every week I have to remind myself he's 17. When he sings, he is far beyond his years. When he's himself, you can tell he's still a teenager. I cannot imagine. At 17, I would have been a basketcase. I wouldn't have been able to stutter my name, much less sing on TV. He was so comfortable at the piano and his performance was so natural. He has a pure voice and talent. "Angels" was a great choice, and what an inspirational song. Whatever happens on AI, he is going places! I hope we get to hear him for years.
Brooke White: Susan and I love Brooke. She is so genuine. I enjoyed her song tonight, "You've Got a Friend." It wasn't a powerhouse performance, but it was a simple, heartfelt rendition. I worried about her afterwards, though. She looked so sad. I hope she sticks around. C'mon, America, get it right!
Will go: I hate to say it, but I think Syesha or Carly will go home based on this week. Syesha for singing a former AI winner's song or Carly for her uncomfortable performance. But they are all really good. I haven't had any real moments where I have the "all over chills" when someone sings. I am waiting still. David A. has come close.
Not sure what all the chihuahua talk was all about. Must be an inside joke.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Can't Wait Until Almost Summer...
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Why Methodists Don't Have Baptistries...
Sunday, March 23, 2008
That's My King!
What a blessing it is to know Christ and to know that death is not final -- that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life! I hope you had an opportunity to worship him on this Easter Sunday and to praise him for all that he's done!
I thank God for our church and choir and for the blessing of "My Savior, My God" -- our choir program today. How wonderful to see our church full today and to lift up our voices in praise of our Risen Lord.
Do you know him? Do you know our King?
Monday, March 17, 2008
He Did This for You...
With this being Holy Week, and with it being a perfect opportunity for us to reflect on Christ, his love for us, and his ultimate sacrifice for you and me, I wanted to share a site that I discovered that is really beautiful. It shares the Old Testament prophecies for Jesus' death -- the Messiah's sacrifice. I can only watch these holy words pass by and say, thank you. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for loving a sinner like me, who must often disappoint you when I make decisions that are contrary to your love. But thank you. Thank you that you allow me to turn away from those things and return to you. To ask forgiveness and to know that those sins that plague me are in your eyes flung as far as the east is from the west. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, my Savior.
Please click on the link below the picture to see...

http://www.beliefnet.com/religion/christianity/holyweek/easter/cross_lite2.html
God bless your Holy Week. Don't skip from the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday with branches waving and hosannas and suddenly find yourself surrounded by lilies and "He is risens!" For all the blessed joys that are Easter, remember what comes between. Prayers. A holy meal. Trials. Agonies. Death. Our death. Death meant for us...But then...Joy comes in the morning.
Laugh, live, and celebrate God's love,
O.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Rodney's Walk

Thursday, September 27, 2007
I Warned You about the Camera....
Room for Improvement
Oliver
Saturday, September 15, 2007
The Best Sound!
I have no idea who they are, but I'm glad they released this for the world! (Thanks for sharing -- whoever you are!) OK. I will post some video of Elizabeth once I figure out how! LOL
Have a great weekend!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Thank you for the prayers!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Who Am I?
I wonder: in what ways do we pretend to be what we're not because it's what people expect out of us, and we don't want to disappoint? How many times have we acquiesced to the opinions and feelings of others because we "don't want to ruffle feathers," but as a result we have clipped our own wings? How often do we take the easy way out because we resist making the effort, we don't want conflict, or we just believe that what we think or believe is not important?
In the Book of Joshua, the people of Israel were without Moses. Moses had died and the people stood at the banks of the Jordan. The Promised Land. What they traveled forty years to find. God had delivered on his promises. He had provided manna in the wilderness. He had guided them by day and by night. His presence was visible and mightily available. But still, at the verge of the promises revealed...they wait. God commands them to go. The words of Joshua chapter one contain the phrase "be strong and courageous" several times. Just as God had been with Moses, he would be with them. He will be with us. He will be with you. He loves you as you are. In the daunting face of uncertainty, in the knocking knees of fear, in the twisted mind of doubt, and in the troubled heart of pain, remember who claims you. God. As he commands Joshua, the people of the promise, and you and me: "Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).
In the name of Christ, you belong to God. Don't forget that. When the temptation comes to doubt and resist your place in this world, remember who and whose you are. And remember it's all because of God's amazing grace!
Monday, September 03, 2007
Just in Case You Didn't Hear...
Armanti Edwards dives over the Michigan Wolverines for another touchdown...
And it looks like the Michigan fans just can't believe their eyes...
And even though the game was 600 miles away, ASU students tear down the goal posts in Kidd Brewer Stadium and carry them to Chancellor Peacock's house...now that's celebrating!
Go ASU! ASU! ASU!
Hi-Hi-y-ike-us, Nobody like us,
We are the mountaineers, mountaineers, mountaineers,
Always a-winning, Always a-grinning, Always a-feeling fine
You bet, hey!
Everybody have a great week!
