Merry Christmas!!!

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Life Lessons...

I don't know about you, but I am in a hurry these days. We've got Christmas programs at our church, errands to run, lots to do. I know I should follow my own advice and slow down a little. I need to remember that some things in life are much more important. Like something about the Savior of the World coming. Things like that!

I love this picture Susan sent to me. It shows the value of wisdom and patience. May you be blessed with both in this harried and hurried time!

Be calm...Be patient...Exercise some wisdom...Or you may get it...

Christmas Is a Comin'

All right. Don't get me started. It has been an eternity since I posted. Should I introduce myself to you again? It's been so long... I pray you and your family are doing well in this season of anticipation. I know it's also a season of uncertainty for many, but it is still a time of transformation and a time for telling the story of the Savior.

I pray you are blessed with the story of the miracle of Christ. Christmas time is here! The time is flying; 2008 is almost over, and as the holidays near, I am reminded of the child born to set the world free. It is a season of miracles; it is a season of hope. Even in this uncertain time, we need to be reminded of what is truly important: hope. Hope in the miracles that God provides, often when we are unaware. To celebrate this wonderful season, I wanted to share a story. It is one of my favorites and I hope it blesses you and your family this holiday season. If you've never read it before, I hope you are also blessed by this story too. I promise to come around more often!

Several years ago, a brand-new pastor and his wife were newly assigned to their first appointment in ministry. They were sent to reopen a church in Brooklyn, New York, and they arrived in early October excited about their opportunities. When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed much work. So they set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve. They worked hard repairing pews, plastering walls, and painting, and on Dec. 18 they were ahead of schedule and just about finished.

On Dec. 19 a terrible tempest – a driving rainstorm – hit the area and lasted for two days. On the 21st, the pastor went to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked and caused a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit. The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, he headed home.

On the way he noticed that a local business was having a sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory-colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors, and a cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall! He bought it and headed back to the church. By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus and missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus, which would arrive 45 minutes later. She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, and other items needed to hang the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked, and it covered up the entire problem area.

Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was as pale as a sheet. “Pastor,” she asked, “where did you get that tablecloth?” The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 45 years before, in Austria. The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just bought the tablecloth. The woman explained that before World War II she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria. When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. But she was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again.

The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church. The pastor insisted on driving her home – that was the least he could do. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a housecleaning job.

What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door. One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood, continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn’t leaving. The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war – and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike? He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety, and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 45 years in between. The pastor asked the man if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier. He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman’s apartment, knocked on the door, and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine...

This is believed to be a true story, submitted by a Pastor Rob Reid. Who says God does not work in mysterious ways? In all the mystery that is Christmas, a couple is reunited. God uses an accident, a storm, to cause a pastor to buy a tablecloth to cover a hole in the church’s wall. And as a result, a miracle. Christmas is a time for miracles. People can come together despite great distances. People can put the past behind them and reach for a future that is full of possibility and new beginnings. People can begin again with hope in their hearts if we will step back and give them the chance. And it’s all because of the greatest miracle of all – that on a night so long ago, by the light of stars and moon, a man and his young fiancée arrived in a small town only to discover that there was no room for them. No room. God, in his great mystery was born in a humble stable, a place no respectable person would be, but much less the savior of the universe?

But out of his great love for us, love beyond anything we could ever comprehend or even begin to fathom, God humbled himself to become like us. God bridged the great divide between heaven and earth out of his great love. Out of his great love, he came to a poor young woman from a poor town. To be raised by a poor carpenter. To be praised by dirty shepherds straight from the fields where they had been watching their sheep. It might not seem like a way to save the world. But God is all about surprises and overwhelming us with the mystery of his works. Out of his great love, God took on everything about us except our sin so that through Christ – the baby in the manger – we could be reconciled with him.

Christmas is more than an ordinary day. So much more. In this Christmas season we remember more than just angels singing and shepherds praising. We remember more than food and presents and fun. We remember that miracles do happen like tablecloths draping holy “accidents.” Miracles of life happen. Miracles of love happen. What love! God’s love is so real. Through God’s amazing love come to life among us, we remember that all things in life are possible simply because of a baby’s cry. Emmanuel. God with us. God’s great mystery of love for you and for me. In this blessed Christmas season, remember the children, remember our families, remember those who are in need...but most of all – remember our savior, born to set the world free. Amazing love on a cold Bethlehem night. Merry Christmas!

Laugh, live, and celebrate God’s love!
Oliver

Vicissitudes

That I'd share my newsletter article for September...Anybody else get words stuck in their heads or is it just me? Ok. I know I'm a goofball...

Vicissitudes. I can remember studying vocabulary words in high school, and the word vicissitude for some reason has stuck in my brain. I don’t know why. Maybe it sounds funny. Maybe it doesn’t even sound like a real word. When I was teaching English at North Davidson High School (which seems like a lifetime ago), I remember including this long, strange word in vocabulary lists and being met with strange, long looks from students…Is that word for real?

For some reason, I thought of this word again this week. Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines vicissitude as: “the quality or state of being changeable; mutability; a fluctuation of state or condition.” Hmmm… Now it makes sense! The quality or state of being changeable… This sounds a lot like the Helsabeck household in recent months. After all, we have had to deal with several situations and changes in circumstances that have been out of our control.

We have been involved in a major renovation at the parsonage that has yielded a beautiful, spacious, and multi-functional addition and rearrangement of existing rooms. After the months of construction and dust and moving, we are in and we love it. (Many thanks to Centenary UMC and Jones Family Builders!)

Susan has had to cope with losing a job and closing down a day care center. It was extremely stressful as she grieved, hugged, and supported many employees and children and parents as one by one they left the center to find other employment or other day care arrangements. We have been overwhelmed by the leap of faith our church has taken by hiring Susan as Centenary’s Director of Spiritual Formation. An upstairs room in the church has been transformed into Susan’s office and work space, and we eagerly anticipate what God has in store for Susan in this new position and what God will do in our church. So, because of these changes, perhaps that is why vicissitude popped into my head again.

But then again, the greatest change has come outside our house being renovated and Susan’s changing employment. Elizabeth started kindergarten at Mt. Ulla Elementary! For five years, Susan has never been more than a hundred yards away from Elizabeth almost every day. And now, she will be under the tutelage of teachers and staff at Mt. Ulla Elementary School, which we celebrate! The time has come for this new stage of life for Elizabeth, and we know she will thrive as she learns new lessons and has wonderful new experiences.

Change is inevitable. In this dynamic world we live in, nature changes with the seasons. Plants grow, they bloom, and they eventually fade away or become dormant. The turning of the earth brings the passage of time and with it many changes in our bodies as we age. I believe God intended for things to be this way. God resists stagnancy and complacency. Sometimes we want things to remain the same. We want to hold on to that memory of the little child who reaches up to us in complete dependence and utter joy. But she grows. We grow. We all have. The vicissitudes of life ebb and flow and sometimes we don’t know the direction. But God knows. Throughout the inescapable changes we face, God is constant, even in his dynamism. God keeps his promises, even though we may see uncertainty. Regardless of the changes we face, God guides us and assures us of his grace and love and presence. That is faith. We may not know the outcome as we face the constant changes and uncertainties of our daily lives, but God is there. It is in the evidence of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. He has promised to be with us always. Don’t let the vicissitudes challenge your faith. Let them lead you to a deeper trust in God.


Laugh, live, and celebrate God’s love,
Oliver

Where have I been?

Well...

I didn't forget that I have a blog. I didn't forget my password, although that would be an excellent excuse. I don't have a lot of excuses, other than to say that blogging has not been at the top of my priority list!

This summer, we have finished renovations on the parsonage. We added a master suite with master bedroom, master bath, walk-in closet, another new bath for the hallway, and we moved the washer/dryer to the new addition (which we love!) We also moved Elizabeth into our old room, moved the guest room, and created a "play room" for Elizabeth (and for Susan to scrapbook in!) There were windows and doors to "patch" and rooms to paint, and we are so appreciative to the church for this addition. But we are glad that all of the construction and moving is over!

Susan has started a new job! With me. Hopefully she will like her new "boss." LOL! Anyway, Susan is now the Director of Spiritual Formation at Centenary! She will oversee the children's and youth ministries, Sunday School programs, family ministries, and outreach ministries. I feel that Centenary is so blessed to have Susan and her organizational skills as well as her passion for ministries. After the stress of her last job, this is a welcome relief! Susan will work around 25 hours per week, which will allow her to have time with Elizabeth and that brings us to...

Elizabeth is now a kindergartener at Mount Ulla Elementary! Now, who feels old? (Don't answer that!) She has adjusted very well. Much better than her parents! The first day she walked in, found her cubby, her pencil box, and she sat down and began drawing a picture. Susan and I were, like, "Ok. Bye!" She was in her element. I am thankful to have a rambunctuous, independent, fearless child. (At least most of the time!)

Now it is almost September. We have been up too late watching the Olympics, we have been working at the church, at home arranging things, getting Elizabeth ready for school, and through it all, it has been such a blessing to know that God is with us through it all. I hope and pray that you feel God's presence too.

With all the talk of political conventions, the election, running mates, and now hurricanes, be in prayer for our country and our world. May God bless us in this upcoming Fall, and always. I will try to not be a stranger to this blog. You don't be one either! Join us for worship this Sunday, and feel free to leave a comment or e-mail me!

In Christ,
O.

Busy, busy, busy...

Since the end of May, things have been busy at the Helsabeck household. We went to Annual Conference at Lake Junaluska (the yearly meeting of United Methodist churches from the 44 counties of western North Carolina) and we also recently celebrated Elizabeth's graduation from preschool! (Now it's on to kindergarten..Sigh...Now things accelerate from here on out...So we hear!)


This past Sunday for Father's Day I sang a song that is close to my heart, "Calvary's Love." I hope you listen to its words. No matter what happens, the deepest sin can't rise above Calvary's love. Nothing can. His love for you and me is all that matters.

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.

Kinda' "Blah" Night on American Idol...

Okay, I'm a little tired tonight, and it seems like the American Idol contestants were too! First of all, what a rushed production it was tonight. Everyone seemed a little out of their element. I'm not sure Paula was ever really there. When she addressed Jason's second song that he had not even sung yet, that had to be one of the most awkward exchanges I've ever seen on TV. Well, we definitely know it's a LIVE show now. And please, please, please, (and I know I've said it before) someone has got to tell the "mosh pit" not to wave their hands. Not a wave matched a song tonight. Why? Oh, why? It's beginning to make AI seem lame, and I love this show.

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!)

Thanks for your prayers!

By the way, thank you for everyone who has been in prayer for me this week! Thankfully, my biopsies following my back surgery showed no cancer! Thank the Lord! So, the stitches and stiff back I've been enduring have been worth it to know that I am all right. God is good!

Wicked!

Two weeks ago, Susan and I went to see the national tour of the musical "Wicked" at Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte. It is an incredible experience and a very creative story by Gregory Maguire about the "true" story behind Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North (loosely based on L. Frank Baum's "The Wizard of Oz.") If you need a break today, maybe you'd enjoy this scene from the show that I found on YouTube. It features the original Broadway stars: Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. (I'm just keeping with American Idol's week of Broadway songs, and I love some great singing!)

Phantom Night!

Andrew Lloyd Webber night on American Idol! Can I sing along? So many songs to choose from...I can hear "Phantom of the Opera" in my head all night. Only because I've been singing songs from that show for TWENTY YEARS now! Now that I feel old...I guess no one will want to hear me sing "Music of the Night" after David Cook's performance tonight. I can still do it justice in the shower though!

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.

I Can See...

A couple of weeks ago, I got to sing one of my very favorite songs of all time, "I Can See" by David Meece. I remember one of the first audiotapes I ever got (stay with me young folks) was "He Holds the Keys" by Steve Green. He sang "I Can See" on that album, and I would play it over and over and over. I wore it out. I would turn the stereo up as loud as it would go in my red 1983 Chevrolet Chevette with orange racing stripes and louvers on the back glass (classy, huh?). I was blessed over and over by Steve Green's tenor and the conviction and words and incredible piano music. Wow. God is so good.

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!

I wanted to post about American Idol this week and many other things, but life got in the way! We've been busy this week -- the addition on our parsonage is busily underway! I simply can't believe how quickly things have moved since last Sunday's Church Council meeting. The footings have been poured, we have a new septic tank, and the side of the house is gone and under plastic. We are so excited about the new rooms that are being added -- the new master bedroom, the TWO new bathrooms (and losing the narrow hallway one we now have), the walk-in closet in our bedroom, and the washer/dryer closet right by our bedroom! I will give updates as they come, and I will try to post a picture or two. Our dog Gabby, who is nearing 100 hates it and has been hiding out in the study away from the noise. We hope she makes it through this!

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!

American Idol...Part 2

Okay, let's just say I am amazed. Tonight, American Idol got it right with "My Jesus"! "Shout to the Lord" again tonight, with the right words. Now THAT was inspirational. I am just so excited that AI used this Christian song, and it sounded incredible. You could tell that the AI contestants loved singing it too! David Cook and Carly Smithson were off the hook. I loved it.

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?

American Idol Gives Back...Part 1

I didn't get to see American Idol tonight because I was leading a Bible Study, so I had to DVR it. But -- I caught the very end, and how excited I was to hear the Idol contestants singing -- wait for it -- "Shout to the Lord!" WOW! I'm glad that AI is reaching out with its millions of people and dollars to help children and people in need all over the world. I can't stand the thought of any child going hungry when we throw away more food than we'll ever eat. We all need that awareness, and then the show ends with -- "Shout to the Lord." A "shout out" to our Lord who gives us everything, even the voices to sing and to love one another. Maybe, just maybe, that will influence someone in the world to faith. I hope the rest of the program was like that! I couldn't believe it. Someone at AI must be connected with Jesus. And I am thankful. Well, let's see how the results go tomorrow.

What's with the chihuahuas?

We actually watched American Idol on the same night it aired! I couldn't help but respond to the singers on "inspirational" night. Not sure if I was necessarily inspired by the songs of the night. But they were a'right.

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.

Can't Wait Until Almost Summer...

I can't believe it's almost been twenty years since the last Indiana Jones movie. I am so excited about the release of "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" that I have the date -- May 22 -- and the movie as my desktop wallpaper. Something about these movies makes me feel like a kid again. Nothing like jumping at every scary thing jumping out at you and getting so tense as Indy scrapes through another tight spot. I'm especially looking forward to seeing how Harrison Ford stands the test of time as Indiana Jones. He's amazing to be 65 and doing these stunts. I can't walk across the room without tripping. If you want to go with me, save the date -- May 22. (Susan doesn't care for these movies. She thinks I'm a nerd. And she's right! Hey -- she married me knowing it. God loves nerds too.)