unfortunate but true
cross Evanescence off your list of Christian bands... they are apparently purposely separating themselves from anything Christian. And the guitar player - who thanks Jesus,and stuff in the album is now cussing up a storm in public, and sort of rejecting Jesus in a public way.

they used to be involved in the local Christian scene, and aparently agreed with their lable to be placed in the Christian market. Playing as a featured band with their Christian distributor.. but now that they are getting famous... they are sort of changing their tune.

it sucks to be a "Sell Out"... especially when you are selling out to the world.

You can read the letter from their lable here

an article in Rolling Stone

an article that shows their Christian roots

that said... have you seen the new John Reuben video... its funny. TV-U is awesome. We are now officially aring TV-U on ACTV i'm watching it right now. did I mention that it rocks?

Maria smiled several times this afternoon... it was so much fun. She is even more gorgeous when she smiles. Tonight at youth group, Maria had her first long marathon cry session - without any real letup for a couple of hours I think... and she cried almost all the way home. Usually we can get her settled down pretty quick if we hold her and stuff - but she wouldnt settle for some reason... Once she got home, she started to act a little bit hungry, and after eating, she settled right down to bed.

To be honest, I'm still a little paranoid that she might get sick. Last week I got hit hard with a stomach virus... not a pretty site... its a nasty sick to be. Its a really gross one. Anyway, I made it through, but couldnt hold Maria for 48 hours... it was hard believe me. And to see Candi have to do all the work of taking care of her and stuff... anyway, it looks like we were careful enough that neither Candace or Maria picked it up - Praise God.

I posted a couple more new pictures



I know it seems mean to take pictures of her crying... but she was happy just a second before I took this one... and then she gets such a cute pouty face... its really funny.

Anyway, Youth group tonight was pretty fun... a good group, and a good activity, good worship, an ok lesson - but a good word from God, and great snack. The activity at 6:30 was this nutso game that Jon thought up... you pick someone from your team, pour whipped cream and chocolate syrup on their head, and then try to throw cheez curls at them and get them to stick... it was pretty funny, and alot of people got messy. I'm sure some parents will be like - you did what!!!

I will probably post some pictures of it some time - anyway it was nice to be outside for youth group... its been a long winter - and it was really nice out today.

Elizabeth moved in with Karisie on Saturday, they will be sharing the apartment and the duties at ACTV. It will be good to have her on the team... training starts tomorrow. I am way behind on my work - with being sick a couple of days last week... hopefully that won't mess me up this week with the training and all.

Karisie took to calling Elizabeth "lizzy" which I will refrain from commenting on until I talk to Elizabeth, and find out what she prefers to be called.

On another note:
all the people who talk about war being justified in the old testament? what do they do with all the polygamy in the old testament? Did God change his mind and now He prefers monogamy? So can God change like that? or maybe we are just getting to His heart on the issue. just a question to chew on.

Jon and I had an interesting discussion today... we didnt get to finish it though... basically, I believe that God blesses those who follow him, and doesn't bless those who don't follow him.

PS 29:11 The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace.

MT 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

Jon thought that the grace of God covers more, and God blesses his "saved" with blessings despite how they live (I hope I am representing our conversation acurately)

anyway... from my short life (im young... yeah only 32) I've observed "Christians" in many situations - but the ones dedicated to God - in strong faith, and living a righteous lifestyle - they are totally blessed - not with a perfect life, but blessed over and over nontheless. I've also seen Christians living in sin (or complacency) live less satisfying lives... some have died from their sins. Some pay in other ways - not visible to us. Anyway... something to think about.

on something less serious.

if you never saw this picture... you should.


there are more old youth group shots here

have you read the onions historical article about U-boats? it is quite funny

I could rant about the war. Maybe I will. Jonsblog has been holding his own - and doing a mighty fine job of it.

Violence is wrong - in any form. And Jesus would be a part of it. ok... let me quote him.
MT 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' [44] But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. [46] If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? [47] And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? [48] Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
When Jesus looks at this war, he doesnt see uniforms, and soldiers, he sees humans fighting humans - which he created for a purpose. I'm thinking Saddam probably is evil... But Jesus still would die for him - with a heart of compassion.
"Got to stand up for your rights?" show me that in scripture please. Jesus laid his down. The Devil is a liar, a thief, a killer, and a destroyer. Jesus brings love, life, and blessings - makes sense to me.
not a big deal to you... wonder why its a big deal to me? To some its just pictures, and video - but to someone else, its a matter of life or death - and a matter of eternity.
Peace takes Guts!

wow... where does the time go?

I havent blogged in a while... because life is so good. and mostly because life is so busy. I am glad that my life revolves around family, worship, ministry... it is quite a fulfilled life.... not perfect, but close. God's blessings overwhelm me.

Last week we led worship at two different youth events. Sunday morning we mixed and blended acapella songs with modern songs with electronic beats. God's big emphasis in my life right now, is that it is not about the music, but about the sincere worship from our hearts.


thanks dale gehman for this great picture

Maria is doing great... although I think we need to be working her into more of a routine. Wow what a blessing... I could write about her for a while... yesterday she was working on her smile. Not quite there yet, but almost. She notices more and more stuff everyday.

Last night was sort of funny. We were all hangin out on the couch, and maria just wouldnt take her eyes off of the curtains... she just watched them so close. (they are redish) and I was saying that since we don't have a tv, we could just sit around and look at the curtains for entertainment. You sort of had to be there, and see how interested she really was with these curtains...

I guess for Maria - curtains rock!

gotta run... revival happening in the youth of the city? I hope so!

peace
jeff