Monday Jan. 30 Christian Culture Watch

‘NARNIA’ HITS STORES APRIL 4. Disney will release The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on single and dual-disc DVD versions April 4. Both will include optional pop-up windows throughout the film with facts on the movie and author C.S. Lewis. The dual-disc will include bonus features, including a concept booklet, a making-of featurette, an interactive Narnia map, and more.
In other news, Disney agreed to acquire Steve Jobs’ Pixar Animation for $6.3 billion in stock plus $1.1 billion of the company’s cash, according to MarketWatch.

THE AFTERS SONG ON MTV, MAJOR MOVIE. Christian rock band The Afters’ song “Beautiful Love” on their album I Wish We All Could Win (INO/Provident-Integrity) will be the theme song on MTV’s new show 8th & Ocean airing this spring. The song will also appear in Lindsay Lohan’s new movie, Just My Luck, coming in May 2006.

Must-have worship albums

Caedmon's Call follows up on their 2001 worship album with In the Company of Angels II: The World Will Sing to release March 7. Mark your calendars--this album is definitely worth buying (at your local Christian store :-)
Watermark--Nathan and Christy Nockels--are saying goodbye after more than a decade of music-making. Their farewell concert is recorded on the live album, A Grateful People.
Their friends Charlie Hall, Chris Tomlin, Shane & Shane, and others join them for an unforgetable worship album.
Pre-order A Grateful People for just $12.97 through FamilyChristian.com and get 5 FREE .mp3 downloads of Watermark's greatest studio hits including "Gloria," "More Than You'll Ever Know," "Take Me There," "The Glory Of Your Name" and "Where To Find Me." Download instructions will be sent via email at the time of pre-order purchase. Offer valid through 3/7/06. Offer not in stores.

End of the Spear gets mixed reviews

Every Tribe Entertainment’s End of the Spear, the true story of five missionaries slain by Waodani tribesmen, opened in approximately 1,162 theaters nationwide Friday, Jan. 20.
The PG-13 film gained mixed reviews and spawned debates whether the Gospel is explicit enough and why the leading role went to a practicing homosexual. However, Christian leaders such as FamilyLife and American Bible Society presidents publicly commended the film, which ranked in the top 10 at the box office and grossed an estimated $4.7 million over the weekend.
What do you think--of the film and the "controversy"?

Great new band alert

Sparrow records recently announced that along with Atlantic/Lava, it will simultaneously release the debut project from NEEDTOBREATHE, the band poised to be “the next big thing.”
Their album Daylight was recorded in the UK and produced by Andy Green, (of Keane’s multi-platinum “Hopes and Fears”).
It streets nationwide April 4, 2006.
I’ve listened to the 11 tracks on the pre-release, and I’m diggin’ it. Unfortunately I can’t share the whole thing with you, but if you go to, http://www.myspace.com/needtobreathe, you can hear three songs.
Take a listen and let me know what you think.

The Outdoor Bible review

Finally, outdoor enthusiasts can carry a Bible on excursions without worrying about its pages getting waterlogged or torn.
The Outdoor Bible’s waterproof, tear-resistant pages are printed on 100% plastic that feels like paper. The only threats are 150-degree temperatures and petroleum products. Ballpoint pens work to make notes and mark passages, but highlighters will smudge off.
The complete NASB New Testament comes in six rugged booklets stored inside a burlap bag. The first volume is Matthew and Mark; volume 2, Luke; volume 3, John; volume 4, Acts and Romans; volume 5, 1 Corinthians through Philemon; volume 6, Hebrews through Revelation.
The folding format can be confusing at first, but instructions adequately explain how to use it. The durable design modeled after outdoor maps is ideal for readers who desire a small, lightweight version, or those who only want to pack a book or two of Bible.
Other versions and the Old Testament would be welcome additions. Bardin & Marsee say they’ll release the KJV this year.Recommend not only to outdoor enthusiasts, but also to travelers, or those prone to spilling on or ripping Bible pages.

The Run of My Life

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. –Isaiah 40:31

This is one of my life verses. Call me crazy, but I love to run. Though I may never set any records (besides my own), I feel God’s pleasure when I run, just like Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire.
Sunday I ran the P.F. Chang’s Rock n’ Roll Arizona half-marathon in Phoenix.

Even though I trained hard for 12 weeks I almost didn’t go. I thought it would be too expensive, too much of a hassle. Though it wasn’t cheap or easy, it was worth every penny and drop of sweat—and then some.

Thanks to my dear friend Ruth who encouraged me to seize the day (and to take pictures along the way)!

At each mile mark I kept being surprised at how good I felt. I started worrying what would happen when I finally reached mile 13. But I banished those futile thoughts and repeated in my head, “God gives joy for the journey and strength for each step.”
Life is so much like running. It’s not just about the finish line. All we have right now is this one step, this moment of this day. If we race well now, we’ll finish well later.
One mile at a time (averaging 7:50) I finished in 1:42, had fun, enjoyed the sun and felt really good during the run.

It's Not About Me

When I read other people’s blogs, I get discouraged and downtrodden as I start to compare myself to their pretty pictures, well-spoken words, and fascinating lives of accomplishment.
I confess—one reason I haven’t posted recently is nothing I say will be clever enough to compete in comparison. But by the grace of God I’m recognizing the lies I’m so prone to believe.
I suppose society has taught me to compete and compare (isn’t that what races are all about?), but God’s society teaches that I am unique and special no matter what anyone else says or thinks. You are too.
We each have our very own purpose and reason why we were placed on this planet. Yet we share common purposes—like building others up. I want my blog to be a place where others come to be encouraged. When I get so focused on impressing I get choked up and cant’ do any blessing. I must remind myself it’s not about me.
I’d rather bless than impress. And so I’m renaming my blog “It’s Not About Me.”

Temporarily Out of Order

For those of you who are still checking back with me, this blog-machine will be out of order until after the New Year.
And it's not because I'm out having fun. Well, ocassionally I will be (pic of latest diversion below), but I'm also working very hard. It's 8:30 and I'm still at work, after all.

The intersection

I like guys; I really do (actually I prefer to like one boy rather than multiple ones at one time). But they’re so much trouble!
We both had a great time this weekend—which is why I’ve been having a hard time eating, a really hard time sleeping.
I just keep wondering what's going to happen at
the intersection of me and him.
Is God giving me the green light to move toward a relationship?
What happens if I go, but get in a crash?
How do I keep from speeding, yet go quickly enough not to block up traffic?
Yet, I know I can’t enjoy the journey when I’m so concerned about the destination (happily ever after).
I have to accept that I will never know what’s at the end of the road.
That’s why (one of many reasons) I need God.
I ask Jesus to take the wheel.
I want to surrender this journey and each new turn to Him.
Show me the path where I should go, O Lord; point out the right road for me.
–Psalm 25:4 TLB

Ok, so I'm a show-off. It's me and Rebecca St James!

Hair Strikes Again

What is it with this hair lately?

Every time I dye it something funky happens in my life.
Let me explain. The sun is shining, and it’s a happy day.I finally made myself a hair appointment for a cut and color, rather than wrecking it myself, as I’ve done many a time in the past.

I’m supposed to meet a new guy today (although that’s not the reason I made an appointment). A coworker is bringing over someone she’s wanted to set me up with for over a year. So this hair better look good.

In all my anticipation and excitement to go to the hairdresser (or maybe just because I’m running late and everyone exceeds the speed limit on this road), I start speeding eagerly along.

I’m singing along to my music, and then I see him.
The merry motorcycle cop. “Oh, blank. I’m going 60. ”

He pulls me over, tells me he clocked me at 55 in a 40 zone and hands me a $150 ticket and says (very nicely, actually), “I hope the rest of your day goes better.”

So essentially I spent $235 and 3 hours for my hair today.

(Disclaimer: I’m really not complaining, nor do I really believe bad stuff happens because of bad hair days).

And by the way, the hair turned out fine, as did the meeting with the boy.

Restored Tour

Jeremy Camp released Live Unplugged (BEC/EMI-CMG) Nov. 8 while touring to promote his current CD, Restored. His song "Open Up Your Eyes” is on the Chronicles of Narnia “Inspired By” soundtrack. See http://www.jeremycamp.com/

Bethany Dillon’s song "Dreamer" from her sophomore album Imagination is featured in the film Dreamer, which opened Oct. 21. Her song, “Hero” is also on the Narnia soundtrack.
See http://www.bethanydillon.com/

The Afters won an mtvU Award for their video “Beautiful Love.” The awards show will air on mtvU and mtvU.com Nov. 9. See http://www.theafters.com/

I'm trying to quit complaining cold turkey for Thanksgiving

I know someone who complains a lot.
I'm not saying this to criticize,
but to thank her for making me realize just how much I too am a complainer.
“I’m so tired.” “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” “I don’t want to go to work tomorrow.”
Neither of us should be complaining.
We have SO much to be thankful for.
The fact that we have a job to drag ourselves to on a Monday
should make us slide our butts off our comfortable chairs
and onto our knees thanking God.
Have you ever known what it's like to be jobless, homeless, peniless?
To want to work, but no one would hire you?
To be too sick to work?
Or disabled?
I have not.
Have you ever wondered how those who are suffering intensely
can be the most grace-filled, thankful people?
They realize there’s more to life than an extra-hot foamy latte and perfect weather.
There’s even more to life than decent health, meaningful friendships, and thriving families (although those are wonderful things).
I've been feeling sorry for myself for far too long--for reasons that are so petty.
And I want to quit complaining.
Of course there's always room for honesty about how we're feeling.
But what would it look like if a complaint were always coupled with thanksgiving?
That's what I want to do--give thanks for the countless blessings God's given.
And isn't that what our November holiday is all about?
May we remember to thank God not only this month,
but every day of every year for the rest of our short, unpredictable, glorious lives.

Switchfoot Concert

Saw Switchfoot in concert at the Ogden Theater in Denver on Tuesday.

Eisley opened for them, much to my delight, as I've been enjoying their album, Room Noises.

Switchfoot set list:
Lonely Nation (Nothing Is Sound album, NIS)
Ammunition (Beautiful Letdown album, BL)
Dare You to Move (BL)
More than Fine (BL)
Company Car
(by request from New Way to Be Human album)
On Fire (BL)
Easier Than Love (NIS)
This Is Your Life (BL)
Happy Is a Yuppy Word (NIS)
Gone (BL)
Politicians (NIS)
Twenty-Four (BL)
The Shadow Proves the Sunshine (NIS)
Meant to Live (BL)
Stars (NIS)
We Are One Tonight (NIS)

Broken Cups

I’ve been enjoying the posts from Ragamuffin Diva. (http://ragamuffindiva.blogspot.com/) She says what I know to be true, but I haven’t been able to express so eloquently.

“We say we are filled with the Holy Spirit, but not FULL of the Holy Spirit. Do you think it means the same thing being filled and being full? It seems different, doesn't it. When I think of being filled, it seems like it's a process, but being full seems a little more final to me. I don't know about you, but I'll take either, however, if I had a choice in the matter, I think I'd rather be FULL of the Holy Spirit…I don't feel Full, and it's good to be honest about that…Maybe God doesn't really want us to be Full this side of Heaven. Maybe, it's best that we are being filled, so that we continue to abide in the Vine. So that we keep our empty tin cups that are our bodies before him. I don't know.”

Yes, we are cups. We can continually allow ourselves to be poured into, but we are broken vessels. We have little holes all over. We can be filled, but never be completely full.

Pay attention

Thank God! Pray to him by name! Tell everyone what he has done!…Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence.
–Psalm 105, The Message

If we have the same Holy Spirit as the apostles, why we don’t see or experience miracles like they did? Acts 2:43 says, “Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.” Maybe we just aren’t paying attention enough to notice how God is working today. Maybe we have lost our ability to drop our jaws in awe.

The trees outside my window glow with a bright red center, and turn orange radiating outward to the edges—like a fire, like a burning bush. I wonder if these trees look anything like the burning bush Moses saw. Are there “burning” bushes all around us and we don’t recognize or appreciate them?

Rabbi Kushner said, "The burning bush was not a miracle. It was a test. God wanted to find out whether or not Moses could pay attention to something for more than a few minutes. When Moses did, God spoke. The trick is to pay attention to what is going on around you long enough to behold the miracle without falling asleep. There is another world, right here within this one if we only pay attention."

Neighborhood Watch

Remember my neighbor, whom I accused of being a stalker?
We’ll call him Sam.
Yesterday morning Sam is down at his car, getting in it as I approach down the stairs.
“Good morning, nice suit,” he says.
“Hi, nice tie,” I say.
“Have a good day.”
“Ok, you too.”
The end. Ok, well not really.
Later that night, a loud knock on the door.
Roommate is in room talking on phone.
I see him standing outside with a measuring cup in hand. I let him in.
He wants to borrow some sugar—for coffee.
We have a nice, normal casual conversation, but who actually borrows sugar anymore?
Although a tad cliché, I admire the guy for his efforts.
After all, they give me a story to tell.
But now he’s moving elsewhere in the complex to a bigger apartment.
I think I might actually miss Sam the Stalker.

Worship through biking, and singing

What a glorious weekend.
Mountain biking in Palmer Park with buddies—an answered prayer to ride with fun friends.
I love this place.
As Jaime Fangio’s posted on her blog: “To describe the beauty of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region bankrupts the English language.” --Theodore Roosevelt
The English language is also not helping me describe how much I enjoyed the Shane & Shane and David Crowder Band concert.
I’m not usually a huge fan of concerts. (I confess, I left Michael W. Smith’s concert after only a few songs). The blasting-loud music and sensory overload are often too much for me.
But this one felt more like church. It helped that it was IN a church, but regardless of the location, four walls could not have constained the worship resonating from the hearts and mouths of those present. Amazing!

Hair pics

First of all, since pics of the hair have been requested, I’ll deliver.
That’s roomie on the left, and the one with the red-ish, orange-ish hair, that’s me. It doesn’t look as bad as formerly described because it’s starting to wash out. Phew!

Shark hunting

I’ve been pondering why it scares me to post on this blog. Am I scared to be real.? Maybe I’m just afraid to be known. If people know what I really think, how I really feel, will they still like me? That’s why I tried to keep my journals secret when I was younger (and still do keep a personal, private journal—not everything is meant to be voiced publicly). But will there ever be complete freedom to be myself and not care what others think? I suppose it’s good to a certain extent to please other people, but I want to care most about pleasing my King.
As I ran 7.5 miles on Sunday I thought about DCB’s song, “There is No One Like You.” Just like there is no God like ours, there is no one else like you, or me. I used to think it prideful to say something like, “There is no one like me.” I’m starting to see how that statement honors our Creator. He made each human unique. We are created in His image, so creatively and beautifully it’s hard to fathom.
I wonder if other people naturally grasp this concept, or if I have a particularly hard time understanding that God could love me—even like me—when there are so many other great people in the world who probably deserve it more.

I know a few of you out there who struggle with the same thing, so I want to encourage you, as a wise and thoughtful person reminded me last week—You are one of a kind, and that is reason to celebrate!
Part of my problem is comparing myself to everyone else, and wanting to be anyone but me. Jealousy is being angry at someone for having more of your idol than you do. Jealousy is also a shark.

Jealousy

The shark, the shark
It lurks in the dark.
Beware its bite,
For it won’t warn you with a bark.
The shark, the shark
It swims alone.
To eat you whole, flesh and bone.
© Carrie

Anyone want to go shark hunting?