Catching My Breath

The Big Move

2005-05-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

This blog has moved:

http://www.michealfelker.com

Thanks

Nice Policin' Boys!

2005-03-28T05:40:00.000-08:00

Last night's 8pm episode of The Simpsons, proved once again why I believe it is the smartest comedy on television. Originally airing last month, "Pranksta Rap" was a deftly written satire of how we look the other way instead tackeling hard issues and calling the truth truth. The episode guide describes this episode as,

Bart sneaks out of the house to attend a forbidden rap concert. When Marge and Homer discover he is missing, Bart fakes his own kidnapping to prevent being grounded. It is up to Springfield’s finest to save him. Of course, no one has any faith in bumbling police Chief Clancy Wiggum. Inspired by an apparition of Barney Fife, Wiggum vows to rescue Bart. Meanwhile, Bart is hiding out in Kirk Van Houten’s bachelor pad unbeknownst to Kirk. Wiggum cracks the case, Bart is rescued, and Kirk wrongfully goes to jail. Wiggum is promoted to Police Commissioner and Kirk becomes a lady’s man among the felon-loving singles of Springfield. Lisa searches for the truth and discovers that the kidnapping was all a hoax and everyone goes back as it was before.

Seems harmless enough. What the guide doesn't tell you is that everyone except Lisa is fine with the lie. When Bart, Homer, Wiggum, and Kirk are caught in their lies they... throw a party! Everything is ok. No lesson learned, no sappy music. Just Homer cannonballing into the pool.

In my humble opinion, the writers were criticizing the nations aparent indifference to the "truth" about the Iraq war. Although, I do not believe that we were lied to about the belief that Saddam had WMDs, I do believe that, in order to keep the status quo, no one has been held accountable for mistakes. I understand completely that I am an armchair commander at this point. I am thankful that we do live in a country where our leaders, for the most part, do look out for us. I just have a hollow feeling about the aftermath here in America. I pray that those in Iraq will come to love freedom. The elections were an amazing step forward. I know that wonderful things have happened but, does the end truly justify the means? Who knows, maybe I'm looking into the episode tooooooooo much.

I appreciate the writers of the Simpsons for tackeling the issue of truth and justice in such a great manner. It wasn't scathing but it was powerful. It caused me to think. Imagine that!

Times Up!

2005-03-27T15:34:00.000-08:00

Well. it is 5:00pm on Easter Sunday and the clock is ticking away the last few precious hours I have for Spring Break. All in all, it was relaxing break. I did have a few bouts with my insonia but I used the extra hours to read instead of just tossing and turning. I spent a great deal of time studying the book of Galatians. As I chew on my thoughts, I'll post them here. Suffice to say, Galatians is good stuff. I think Paul's words were the cause of my sleepless nights. Another cause of my sleeplessness are some changes and thoughts that have been swirling around me. Please pray for me as I am seeking to better understand God's heart. (More to come)

Right now, I am in my office getting things ready for the coming week. It is rainy and I'm rockin' a little DMB. Good times, good times. On Friday, I am taking the Fellowship of Christian Students on a weekend retreat. We are going to be looking at the gifts that God gives us. It should be great.

On the Horizon:
The new Brian McLaren book, The Last Word and the Word after That : A Tale of Faith, Doubt, and a New Kind of Christianity, releases this Tuesday. It is the final chapter in the New Kind of Christian trilogy. I have been anticipating the book for a while now. Amazon don't fail me now!

I'm anxious to see if U2 posts their live shows on iTunes. We shall see as the Vertigo Tour kicks off this week on the west coast.

7 weeks til the summer

Have a great week everyone!
Peace,
Micheal

Jesus Called. He Wants His Students Back

2005-03-22T13:50:00.000-08:00

My friend, Brian Brophy, just had his second article published on Youth Specialties' website. This aricle fully captures what it feels like to be in full-time student ministry. Brian has a heart for students and it shows. Great Job Bro!

Jesus Called. He Wants His Students Back

Hello, Hello!

2005-03-15T06:36:00.000-08:00

"I got a ticket to Vertigo!"

On Saturday, my wife lovingly purchased a ticket for me to see U2 on Saturday October 29, 2005 @ 7:30 pm (CST) in Dallas, TX. I saw the boys in Dallas during the Elevation tour in 2001. They played Reunion Arena last time. The city has built the American Airlines Center since then and I am excited about seeing the concert in that venue.

In other U2 news: Congrats to Bono, the Edge, Larry, and Adam on being inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame last night. I saw a few clips on the news this morning. While giving the induction speech, Bruce Springsteen poked some fun at the mullet (The mullet was in rare form at Live Aid. Go out and get the concert for a gander). The full induction ceremony premieres on VH1 this Saturday.

Bringing the Issue Home

2005-03-10T09:32:00.000-08:00

Both Jordon Cooper and Urban Onramps posted this video that startled me to my core. Landmines are no joking matter but unfortunately landmines are not seen as a problem by many westerners because we see them as mearly a thrid world problem. Shame on us. Watch the Video and then check out Stop Landmines.org. Do something that matters.

Urban Onramps
jordoncooper.com

Will We Share?

2005-03-09T09:03:00.000-08:00

In mant towns in India, Daltis are not allowed to draw water from a well. They must go to the well to beg for a higher caste person to share, and often no one does. Hinduism tells them they are worthless, with no hope for change, and the caste system only reinforces these lies. So, when they hear the truth about God- that He loves them. He made them in His image, and that Jesus came to die so they could be with him- they are overcome. In John 4, Jesus breaks social taboos and drinks after the samaritian womanbat the well and then he offers her the living water, "A well of water springing up into everlasting life." At first, this may seem like a call for social justice and as followers of Christ we are commanded to look after the poor and weak, but in the end, it is a call to evangelism. We are bearers of the well that will never run dry.. Will we share the well?

This is taken from the liner notes of Share the Well the latest album from Caedmon's Call. Lately, I have felt a little dry. A little crusty. It takes a reminder like this to realize that in the midst of the desert I have access to the healing spring, Jesus Christ. Today's post is dedicated to those who feel like they can no longer press on; To those youth ministers and teachers who rarely (if ever) witness the fruits of their labor. Keep Sharing!!!

It Still Has Soul

2005-03-08T12:18:00.000-08:00

As I have stated before: I am in love with my iPod. A few months ago, I pontificated my idea that my iPod "Knows" me. I (half jokingly) stated that my iPod can sense what is going on and plays the prefect song at just the right time. Well, yet again I was wrong. The folks over at Ask iPodLounge posted the following in their latest weekly Q&A. Enjoy.

"Q: I'm a 5th grader doing a science fair project: Is the iPod's shuffle mode truly random? Can you tell me if the iPod's shuffle feature uses random or pseudo-random number selection? Do you believe your iPod gets to 'know' what people like or dislike? - Paul

A: The iPod's shuffle mode works as follows: when you start playing music in this mode, the iPod shuffles all your tracks (much like a deck of cards) and creates an internal list for your library (or for a selected playlist, genre, artist, etc.). It then plays the songs in this order until it reaches the end of the list.

The next time you turn on shuffle mode, the iPod does the same thing. If you listen to 20 songs one day, then listen to another 20 songs the next day, it is possible that one or more of the first 20 songs will come up in the second set of 20. Random playback means that each time you start playing the iPod in shuffle mode the songs are mixed up; therefore, each song has an equal probability of coming first in the list, second, third, and so on.

There is a difference between this shuffle mode and true random playback, however. The shuffle mode creates a list of songs and plays them in that order; random playback would give each song an equal probability of coming up next, which would lead to some songs coming up several times in continuous play.

As long as you keep your iPod playing in shuffle mode (without syncing it, playing other albums or playlists, or doing something that stops the shuffle play), you'll hear every song on your iPod once, and only once, until it gets to the end of the list.

And, no, your iPod probably doesn't get to know what you like, unless you use the rating feature or an iTunes Smart Playlist based on your most frequently played songs."

Oh well, I guy can still pretend can't he?
Link

Church Marketing Sucks

2005-03-08T09:10:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, a ministry buddy and I were talking about the "next" ministry position churches will begin to hire. We were discussing media ministry and he said to me, "Mark my words, the next ministry position will be a person with a design degree whose job it is to advertise." Billboards, interactive web sites, outreach events, magazine ads, these types of things. We laughed because, right now, we do such a poor job of relaying our info to the masses. Our first contact, for better or worse, is often in some sort of print or media outlet. Those who are in charge of these ventures do not fully understand how important these forms of communication are to those who we are trying to reach. Apparently, others share in our frustrations. I stumbled across Church Marketing Sucks today. According to their site, "This isn't simply about putting butts in pews or selling glossy postcards. It's about helping the church be the Church, and seeing lives changed as a result. If helping the church communicate better allows one person to finally glimpse the Gospel, then our work has been worthwhile." Give it a good look around.

Church Marketing Sucks
Via

3rd Time's the Charm

2005-03-07T08:58:00.000-08:00

The 3rd leg of the "Vertigo" Tour were annouced today. Below is the listing from @U2.

U2 has announced the dates and cities it will play when the Vertigo Tour returns to North America this fall for its 3rd leg. The 3rd leg will begin in Toronto in mid-September and continue almost until Christmas with a final show in Portland.

September 12: Toronto, Air Canada Centre
September 14: Toronto, Air Canada Centre
September 20: Chicago, United Center
September 21: Chicago, United Center
September 23: Minneapolis, Target Center
September 25: Milwaukee, Bradley Center

October 3: Boston, Fleet Center
October 4: Boston, Fleet Center
October 7: New York, Madison Square Garden
October 8: New York, Madison Square Garden
October 10: New York, Madison Square Garden
October 16: Philadelphia, Wachovia Center
October 17: Philadelphia, Wachovia Center
October 19: Washington, DC, MCI Center
October 20: Washington, DC, MCI Center
October 22: Pittsburgh, Mellon Arena
October 24: Detroit, Palace of Auburn Hills
October 28: Houston, Toyota Center
October 29: Dallas, American Airlines Arena

November 1: Los Angeles, Staples Center
November 2: Los Angeles, Staples Center
November 13: Miami, American Airlines Arena
November 16: Tampa, St. Pete Times Forum
November 18: Atlanta, Philips Arena
November 25: Ottawa, Corel Centre
November 26: Montreal, Bell Centre

December 7: Hartford, Civic Center
December 9: Buffalo, HSBC Arena
December 10: Cleveland, Gund Arena
December 14: St. Louis, Savvis Center
December 15: Omaha, Qwest Center
December 17: Salt Lake City, Delta Center
December 19: Portland, Rose Garden

I am so stoked. It looks like Oct 29 and Nov 18 will be my widows of opportunity. More to come.

Fresh "Breath"

2005-03-04T13:16:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon everyone! I felt the need to refurbish the site. I know it isn't a big change but I needed some new colors! I also updated the sidebar.

Blood::Water Mission

"1000 Wells Project"

Erwin Raphael McManus

Uprising

Ecclesia

That's about it for now. Have a great weekend.
Peace, Micheal

Behind Every Great Man...

2005-03-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

There Is An Even Greater Woman.

@U2 posted this great article about Bono's family. It is rare for people in the world spotlight to remain grounded but the Hewson's seem pretty awesome. I smile very big when I picture Bono dropping the kids off at school in his pajamas and the radio blaring. Great article!

Link
Via @U2

Way To Go, Corporate FatCats!

2005-02-28T13:28:00.000-08:00

I guess that the record industry likes to punish those who steal music and those of us who are resposible downloaders.

News reports have been circulating today that the music industry is pushing to increase the pricing of online music stores such as iTunes.

But just as music lovers are being coaxed into using legitimate download services, price jumps could prod them back to piracy, industry analysts said.

"I think whoever came up with this idea understands the online music industry about as well as a cow understands algebra," said Phil Leigh, senior analyst for Inside Digital Media.

"If the labels really want to fight piracy, it defies logic to increase prices and create more of a disincentive for the consumer to use legitimate providers. If they want to encourage the public to use legitimate online pricing, raising prices is about the last thing they should think of doing."

Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. I have a difficult time already trying to convince my students that they should be sensitive to the choices that they are making when it come to responsible downloading. Now the fatcat record execs want to squeeze a little more blood out of the turnip. iTunes= Relevant. Corporate FatCats=Irrelevant

Link
Vis

I Like My Church Shaken and Stirred

2005-02-28T09:54:00.000-08:00

I love my church and I love my brotherhood but I have grown increasingly frustrated with the way that we "do" church instead of "being" disciples. For about three years I have been listening to the conversations started by authors and writers such as Brian McLaren, Tony Jones, Leonard Sweet, Sally Morgenthaler, Relevant Media, Kendra Creasy Dean, Dan Kimball and others in the "Emergent Church" movement as they have been slowly calling the church to re-imagine its calling: To move from a group of professional "church-people" to a radically different group of pilgrims inviting others to be a part of God's wondrous plan in order that they may begin inviting others so that we can begin to embody Jesus Christ in faith and hope and love and life. Books such as "Adventures in Missing the Point: How the Culture Controlled Church Neutered the Gospel", "Generous Orthodoxy" and "A New Kind of Christian" by McLaren, "Emerging Church" by Kimball and "Blue Like Jazz" by Don Miller have been percolating in my heart for the past few years and are now beginning to overflow the strict confines in which I find myself. I am tired of these little "church" rules that we have created. We are not driven by grace, We are driven by fear. Not a fear of God but of each other. "Oh, well so and so might leave if we take this step!" "Sister congregation will write about us in the bulletin!" I am sick of playing the game. Jesus did not play games. Jesus called us to a "radical lifestyle reorientation."

Over the last 6 months I have been encouraged by some in our brotherhood who have shared these same beliefs with me and the world through conversations and blogs. For three years, I have felt alone in my feelings. This was posted on Mike Cope's blog this morning and I wanted to share it here. I feel better knowing that there are others who are not satisfied with the way things are. We are not finished "restoring" God's vision for his body. Do not let anyone tell you that we have accomplish that task long ago. We have allowed good to be the enemy of great. Let us press on together. The links are below.

The State of the Church Address

The Church in North America is on life support.

This is a fact which few of the "25 Most Influential Evangelicals," recognized by Time Magazine last month, know, preach or write, and something many leaders in Churches of Christ have not accepted.

The United States is now one of the three most secular countries in the world.

Wait a minute, you say: What about the 2004 election, which highlighted voters advocating traditional, Christian values? And with Christianity blitzing the media, movie theaters, and malls, Christianity just has to be flourishing in the West, right?

Not so fast.

We're living in what's being called the "Post-Christian Era." Christianity in North America has been on a steady decline for the better part of a century, with the most staggering drops occurring in the past 25 years. Christian statistician and church consultant George Barna reported that over the past decade, three million people have been leaving churches every year in the United States.

Closer to home, half of Abilene's (Texas) 120,000 residents do not attend one of the roughly 150 churches in town.

You wouldn't read these stats in Time or hear them on American Family Radio, however.

Christian media organizations talk like the only work to be done on our soil has to do with Constitutional amendments, and Time seems convinced that evangelical Christians are running the country. These are just the kinds of lies the Enemy would have us believe, though.

The actual center of Christianity in the world today is highly debated, but experts agree it lies in one of three places: Latin America, Africa or China. Some have estimated that China, which had only 700,000 Christians at the beginning of the Communist rule in 1949, now has between 60 and 100 million believers, most of them meeting together in large, underground house church networks. Africa now boasts nearly 400 million Christians, but that number is expected to eclipse 600 million by 2025.

This kind of rapid, exponential growth simply is not happening in the United States, which now has the third-largest un-churched population in the world. The rumors are true, by the way: Missionaries from African and Latin American countries are now moving to our continent to work among the lost North Americans.

The question of how we got to this point isn't nearly as important as how we will get past it. The message and commission Christians have simply is too important to ignore this glaring problem. Many have ignored it, however, to the detriment of their hearts and the faith.

One solution to the problem will need to come in the form of a paradigm shift-a change in methodology or theory-regarding the nature and role of the church. The technical definition of the word "insanity" is repeating the same action and expecting a different result each time. This definition often describes Christ's church to a T. Churches will need to take a hard look at the Great Commission-"Go and make disciples"-and then formulate strategies to best accomplish this commandment.

Here's a clue, though: It's probably not going to look anything like what most churches have been trying in recent decades. "Attractional" Christianity, which attempts to bring in the un-churched with dynamic worship, flashy programs or the best preacher in town, has been the strategy of choice for churches for much too long, and research is indicating that the post-modern unbeliever isn't falling for it anymore.

If churches take the Great Commission seriously, though, one word ought to stick out: Go. Christ went when he became the incarnation of the living God on earth. The apostles went upon receiving the Holy Spirit, first to their hometown, then to the world. And our responsibility is the same in our neighborhoods and cities in the United States.

The second phrase that should stick out in a fresh reading of the Great Commission is "make disciples." Baptism certainly is what happens at the initial decision to be a disciple, but it doesn't magically spawn a disciple. True discipleship literally means "spending time with Jesus" and requires relationship, accountability and lots of latitude. "In-process" disciples make lots of mistakes, but that's OK-that's why Christ came. Mature Christians must see that Paul's vision for growing Christians in his young church plants-sanctification-is carried out in contemporary congregations. Sanctified Christians no longer run back to their old muck and mire but strain forward, pursuing righteousness and nurturing new disciples of their own.

The Western Church does itself and the Kingdom no good in denying that it has a problem. It is hemorrhaging because it has emphasized the phrases "baptizing them" and "all nations" to the detriment of the three most important words in the Great Commission, "go" and "make disciples." If North America is to see an in-breaking of the Kingdom of God, and if Christians desire to delight their Creator, the Church will need to wake from its slumber and dive headlong into God's mission.
All North American disciples of Jesus are missionaries, after all-now more than ever before.

Steve Holt
Mike Cope

File Under: Signs of the Apocalypse

2005-02-24T08:40:00.000-08:00

I read this news report this morning about a group of Texans who are pushing for the state to become a Republic once again. When the article quoted some of the leaders about the move it sounds rationale. When the article gives some of the group's history it sounds like this:

Led by self proclaimed "Ambassador" Richard McLaren, several people claiming to represent the Republic of Texas Organization took two hostages in remote Fort Davis. The resulting standoff left two Republic of Texas sympathizers dead and McLaren and several followers are serving lengthy prison terms for their roles in the incident.

What! As a Texan, I am not ready to follow these guys into battle much less to their capital in Overton (where ever that is). Way to go crazy rednecks!

Link

Hiatus

2005-02-24T06:37:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the short hiatus. I haven't been feeling well this week and so I have been resting. Just trying to take care of myself.

This weekend, I am participating in the one thing that all youth ministers spew vitriol at: the dreaded lock-in. We are participating in World Vision's 30 Hour Famine. The fast will begin this evening and finnish at midnight Saturday morning. The handful of students that are particpating are stoked. I'm excited too. Keep us in your prayers. For many of these students, this will be the first time that they have fasted. They need your prayers.

I have updated a few things on the blog this morning.

UrbanOnramps.com

Disney War

God's Politics

Sojourners

Constantine

Best Movies

review

Relevant

Keep looking for new features and links in the coming week. I hope you have a great day. Peace.

Today Was a Good Day

2005-02-21T12:03:00.000-08:00

Happy President's Day! It has been a great afternoon.

I finished Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell. Excellent book. Thought provoking and applicable.

I have been able to prepare for our 30hr Famine.

I slept in.

I cleaned my office.

As you can see, I have had a great day. My wife has gone to get her hair cut and I am off to the bookstore.

Peace.

Fair Warning

2005-02-18T13:09:00.000-08:00

In a month or so, I will be 25. For ten years, I have been a licensed driver. My first car was a 1985 Ford Mustang and my second is the Chevy pickup that I am currently using to ferry me to and fro.

I love music. The only thing I love more than music is loud music. My favorite place to listen to music loudly is in my truck. My parents have warned me. I ignored them. My wife has asked me to turn down my radio. She got about as far as they did. Many people have taken upon themselves to help me curb my decibal fixation. I didn't listen to any of them until today.

There I was, rocking away to Eddie Vedder and the boys from Pearl Jam when I heard a car horn. I looked to my left and there were two smiling police officers giving me the internalational "You need to turn it down now" signal. I promptly turned the music down and hung my head in embarrassment.

So, for all of you (especially my wife) who have failed miserably to change my music behavior, for about an hour I seriously contemplated changing the way I listen to music in my car. For about an hour.

Have a good weekend. Peace.

No Condiments

2005-02-15T10:41:00.000-08:00

A big wave of nostalgia washed over me this afternoon as I was eating my lunch surfing my daily blogs. Yesterday, Greg Kendall-Ball posted about an annual Harding tradition that I loved to partake of.

Each spring, some guys who were kind enough to befriend me would invite me over to their backyard and then later to the park so that I could help Kick-Off the Grilling Season (KOGS) or Wrap-Up the Grilling Season (WUGS). These guys were great. They made the BEST burgers. I know that I was just one of hundreds of people who enjoyed their tradition but every time I make a burger their "No Condiment" philosophy guides my every patty.

Thanks Guys!

Kendallball.net
journey plot: OSEA

Revolutionary Love (Neo-Mechanical Mix)

2005-02-15T06:45:00.000-08:00

Good morning! I got out of bed this morning with only minutes to spare. As I was brushing my teeth, I logged onto iTunes and purchased the newest David Crowder Band EP. The EP is titled Sunsets & Sushi (Experiments In Spectral Deconstruction). What a great title! As I am writing this I am listening to a wonderful remix of Revolutinary Love. I am also rocking the remix of Deliver Me. DCB is one of the best worship bands around. If you have iTunes you can click the link below for the album.

iTunes
Amazon

This Group Needs Tyler Durden

2005-02-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

My favorite quote has to be...
"We closed the doors, but some people got stuck in them"

Chaos at IKEA Opening

The Bigger Moment

2005-02-10T06:28:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday night, one of my ministry goals was fulfilled. When I began this campus ministry two years ago, I had an idea to create quarterly seminars to strengthen families which I called "Family First." During these seminars we would invite an "expert" to speak or work with families for the evening discussing topics such as alcohol abuse, teen culture, teen sexuality, etc. Tuesday, we had a member of the Vice and Narcotics squad come and educate our families on substance abuse. Although we only had 1% of our HS student body attend, we did have about 40 parents attend. We also had one of the local youth ministers attend. The evening went well and everyone who attended thanked the officer for his wonderful presentation. People mingled around discussing how we could involve more families in help create a healthy environment. All in all, it was a great success. I felt good. I created a worthwhile program that impacted a number of people. I felt accomplished.

Last night, the youth minister at the church I attend got sick. He asked me to teach his wed night HS class. I agreed, no problem. I love discussion classes but this group of students is often tight lipped. So, I gave them a hand-out with questions and allowed them time to process what the class was going to be about. While they were answering questions, a young girl asked if she could speak with me after class. "Sure," I said. After class, we talked for a few minutes about her struggles and doubts. We prayed together and I shared a few of my own doubts and fears. As she left, she thanked me.

As she walked away, I couldn't help but wonder which was the bigger moment: the "Family First" seminar or praying with one student? Of course, I already knew the answer.

Ministry isn't about the masses. It is that moment where God uses you in spite of yourself. It isn't in front of everyone, it is the "after class" moments. That is ministry, the other often comes across as self-promotion.

Family First

2005-02-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I have been given an opportunity to broaden my ministry here. I firmly believe that if I only impact these students then I've only impacted a small fraction of our community. Tonight, the administration has given me the green light to hold the first "Family First" seminar. These seminars are geared toward bringing families together to discuss sensitive issues such as faith, alcohol abuse, and teen sexuality. Tonight's inaugural seminar will tackle "Substance abuse." We have decided to clarify our drug policy and felt that this meeting with parents, students, and community leaders was a natural extension of what we are trying accomplish. Instead of creating an atmosphere of fear and hiding, we, as an admistration, have communicated to our families that we want to help them get their kids clean. If a student or their family comes to us, we will do whatever is neccessary to help them get healthy without booting them from school. This evening, a member of the city's Vice and Narcotics Unit will speak to these familes giveing them the neccesary resourses to help combat these forces of evil at home. Please be praying for our families here. This is an important night for our school.

Below I have posted a copy of what I am planning to say this evening. Thank you for your prayers.

Good Evening!

In his book, The Tipping Point, author Malcolm Gladwell argues that everything from fashion trends to best-selling books to even group behavior follow the same path of growth that viruses do. Social behaviors can turn into epidemics very, very quickly.

First, there is a point where everyone is contagious. Everyone is vulnerable to this new trend.

Socondly, Gladwell points out that places where an epidemic breaks out, small changes somehow have big effects. He calls this geometric progression where essentially something doubles and then doubles again. Same effect as the old saying, “You tell 2 people and then they’ll tell 2 people…”

Then, Gladwell believes, there comes “the tipping point.” It is the point in which an epidemic reaches critical mass. When the scales have been tipped and there is no controlling the epidemic.

What I love about Gladwell’s book is that he takes these negative words like Virus and Epidemic and he redeems them. We tend to see these words and react in revulsion. We imagine things like the plague or the AIDS pandemic and we feel defeated.

Gladwell show us the opposite is possible. He shows organizations and businesses how they can POSITIVLY infect their people for radical change.

That is what we have the chance to do this evening.

Your children are vulnerable and contagious. They see what is going on in the world around them, they see what their friends and doing and they see how some of their friend’s parents turn a blind eye to their destructive behaviors. They are soaking it all in.

How can we infect them with a sense of what is right?

Like Gladwell points out: It begins with small changes that create big effects.

Hiring a campus minister was a small step. Clarifying our drug policy so that you can get help from the school is a small step. This “Family First” seminar is a small step. Coming tonight was a small step for you. Partnering together regardless of color, church background, or any other reason is a small step to victory.

This is just a sample of what I will try and communicate this evening. Thanks for your time.

"Blink" In the News

2005-02-07T10:15:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned last week, I began reading Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. Gladwell is a great storyteller and his writing style really makes his ideas explode off the page. While perusing Jordon Cooper's blog this morning, I came across a link to an ESPN.com article by Jeff Merron interviewing Gladwell about Blink and how it could relate to football and, more specifically, the Super Bowl. The very first question must leave a bad taste in the Eagles mouths this morning.

Jeff Merton: Early on in "Blink," you ask, "When should we trust our instincts, and when should we be wary of them?" That's a great question, and seems at the heart of what happens on the football field. You've got intense, detailed preparation leading up to the game, and lots of fast analysis between plays (by the coaches and players), and then the "instinctive" moves that happen once the ball is snapped. Let's say the Eagles call you up and ask you to spend a day with the team explaining the lessons of "Blink," and how they could be used in the Super Bowl. Would you take them up on the offer? If so, what would you say? Who would you spend the most time with? What would you want to talk about first?

Gladwell: I'd settle for an hour with Andy Reid. (Gladwell reiterates a story from Blink where a General, portraying Hussein during a war game leading up to the latest Iraqi war, defeats the team playing the US by speeding up his attacks, catching them off guard.) That's why I've always been so surprised that more NFL teams don't use the no-huddle. It's not just that it forces your opponent to keep a specific defense on the field. It's that it shifts the game cognitively: it forces coaches and defensive captains to think and react entirely in the instinctive "blink" mode -- and when teams aren't prepared for that kind of fast-paced thinking crazy things happen. Andy Reid has to know that Belichick has an edge when he can calmly and deliberately plot his next move. But does he still have an advantage when he and his players have to make decisions on the spur of the moment? I'd tell Andy Reid to go no-huddle at random, unpredictable points during the game -- to throw Belichick out of his comfort zone.

In my best "Debbie Downer:" Wha, whaaaaaa. Ouch. The Eagles wasted a full minute near the final seconds because they were lazily walking to and from the huddle. The Eagles were anything but unpredictable. Would the outcome of last night's game have changed if McNabb had gone no-huddle? The world may never know. The Eagles sure don't deserve to know after the apparent lack of hustle in those last hopefull seconds. Congrats Pats!

The rest of the article can be found here. Enjoy.

Paradigm Shifting Read

2005-01-31T13:45:00.000-08:00

Be Aware! This post contains some graphic information. It is not here to offend anyone but I will not shy away from presenting facts that are too often ignored in our churches and in our lives. People are suffering. Please, do not look away.

Every so often, I find myself feeling listless and bored. I get up, brush my teeth, go to work, go to church, eat, and go to bed. For weeks, I can continue this pattern with little to know thought about the outside world. The only thing that matters is Micheal's wants, and needs; fears and dreams; hopes and failure. Then I get blindside by Truth. God's holiness and power grabs me by the throat, roughs me up, and dares me to care about something other than myself. A few weeks ago, I received Terrify No More by Gary Haugen and Gregg Hunter. Haugen is the founder and president of International Justice Mission, "a non-profit human rights organization that investigates and intervenes on behalf of victims of oppression." The book chronicles IJM's undercover operations in Svay Pak, Cambodia to free young girls from sex traffickers. These men and women of God do some extraordinary things. Not only do they bust up brothels that "rent" out innocent girls for rape, not only do they work with foreign governments to bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice, not only do they provide aftercare for these girls who have seem the worst from humanity (mostly Westerners) but IJM cares enough about these girls to make sure that no operation is complete until all these qualifications are met. What I loved about this book is that the authors made these injustices real. You and I know that people are in slavery today. We know that to be true. We know that genocide continues to happen today. We know that innocent people are brutalized everyday because of the color of their skin or the place they were born. We know these things to be true. But in my cozy, little living room it isn't very real. It is too messy to be real to us. Things get complicated when they are made real to us. It means we have to care. It means we have to act.

I remember watching MSNBC late one night in college. There was an undercover documentary about young girls in Cambodia who had been sold into the sex trade industry. Some had been kidnapped from other countries and some had even been sold by their own parents. When I pulled this book out of the box, I immediately recognized a picture on the cover. It is of a man carrying a small child as they run from one of these undercover rescue operations. This book is a written account of the work that went on behind that documentary. One of the images from that television program that is burned into my memory is of a middle-aged man. The book describes this guy as the picture of the pudgy Western customer. This man was on vacation to have sex with children. He pulls aside of the IJM guys, who is undercover, and gives him tips on how to ask for "younger girls." Sickening.

How young are the girls that are being taken advantage of in Svay Pak? Read the following except from the book as told by one of the undercover officers...

I was escorted into a back room and immediately presented with no fewer than a dozen girls between the ages of five and ten who were available for me to sodomize, rape or molest for a few dollars. It was certainly one of the most appalling scenes I had ever encountered, but it was also one of the most surreal. Wow, Hell is just not many circles below the surface. And human beings can actually make it a routine abode. the darkness is very total. And it's here. And that's where we've got to go.

Yes, We have to go there too. Another quote in that same passage punched me in the gut. Haugen tries to explain his inner thoughts about what he has just witnessed. His words are how I feel now that these incidents have been made real to me. "It was," he says, "as if someone had reached inside to grab my deepest internal compass of reality and orientation and had sent the arrow spinning in circles with a massive flick of the finger." Truly, my life has been reoriented. When I ignore injustices like Rowanda, when I turn away from the man begging for change, and when I close my mouth to the global killer AIDS, I am helping injustice to breed. Hagen quotes MLK...

Cowardice asks the question- is it safe?
Expediency askes the question- is it popular?
But concious asks the question- is it right?
And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular; but one must take it because it is right.

I have been changed because of this book and the actions of a small but powerful group of Christ's follwers in Washington, DC. I apoligize for the length of this post and I am barely scratching the surface of this wonderful book. I do want to leave you with one more thought. Haugen paraphrases philosopher John Locke's thoughts saying that "we as Christians say we believe the most movelous, earth-shattering, and revolutionary things: that we are fully loved by a good and all-powerful God who will never fail to secure us in life and death, that we are therefore free to experience and exhibit selfless love and courage and joy every day, no matter what, for eternity. But how many of us live as if these things are true? Begining today, I am one who will choose to live this way. Join with me.

Performance Enhancement Therapy

2005-01-29T13:20:00.000-08:00

That is the field I want to enter into after ministry. I just finished watching "Metallica: Some Kind of Monster." What a great documentary. I wish that I had been able to see it on the big screen this past summer but in my little screening room (my office) there were no screaming babies or annoying chatter. With the band falling apart, the record label hired a $40,000-a-week performance enhancement therapist to help the band reconnect. What follows is a 2 hour documentary that chronicles the tear down, tearing apart and reconstruction of a twenty-year old powerhouse. I'll be the first to say that "St. Anger", Metallica's 2003 release, did not connect with me. I loathed Lars' "ping-ing" drum. It sounded more like a cow bell than a snare. As I watched the movie I began to connect with the album and the story that helped develop the unique sound. If you get a chance, go out and rent "Metallica: Some Kind of Monster" this weekend. You don't have to be a fan of the band or heavy metal to appreciate this story.

I'm not one for toliet humor but...

2005-01-28T13:50:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I am looking forward to catching up on some reading (look for a book review early next week) and catching up on some rest. Tonight I am attending a going away party for one of our sixth graders. His dad is a local youth pastor and they are moving to TN. I've been asked to give a short devotional thought for the family. I feel a little inadequate but my prayer is that I will be used mightily tonight.

In response to the title of the post. I wanted to leave you all with a funny story that I found on a news site this afternoon. The title of the piece was Man Peed (His) Way Out of Avalanche. I laughed so hard. Here is an except:

Rescue teams found Richard Kral drunk and staggering along a mountain path four days after his Audi car was buried in the Slovak Tatra mountains.

He had 60 half-litre bottles of beer in his car as he was going on holiday, and after cracking one open to think about the problem he realised he could urinate on the snow to melt it, local media reported.

I hope this story put a smile on your face. have a great weekend.
God Bless.
Micheal

Link

Thud!

2005-01-27T13:39:00.000-08:00

That is the sound of my lifeless body hitting the floor. I am absolutely wiped. I taught 6 classes today varying in size from 43-150+. Our administration sent a handful of our teachers to observe other schools as a part of our SACS accreditation. Although I am mentally and physically exhausted, I felt that today went well. We are looking at ways to revamp our Bible department and I spend the day surveying students so that we could gain some insights on what they need from our teachers. Please pray for these students and pray that I and my team of teachers might be able to reach their hearts. Thanks.

Early Morning at the Office

2005-01-26T22:51:00.000-08:00

Good Morning All! Here I am working late. I'm preveiwing a clip from "Freaks and Geeks" for my seminar tomorrow. I'll give more details on the seminar tomorrow. I am growing increasingly frustrated with my schedule tomorrow but no worries! In the picture you can see a few items keeping my company: my iPod, a new book (the Vow), Principal Skinner, and a ton of jackets for the homeless. I wish everyone a great day. More to come.

That's Two for Scott

2005-01-26T09:05:00.000-08:00

Again, my buddy Scott gave me another heads up about a story I wrote about last week. Apparently, Rolling Stone reversed its decision not to run an advert for the new TNIV Bible. Zondervan purchased ad space back in the fall but the editors of RS rejected the ad last week citing an"unwritten" policy that bans "religious" advertisements. I'm glad that RS changed its mind. I have read the TNIV New Testament and have enjoyed the clarity. I am looking forward to February when the entire text is released. Be on the look out for these Zondervan ad in the Onion and on Mtv.com.

CNN.com

'Aviator' Soars with Academy Voters

2005-01-25T11:08:00.000-08:00

Like that post's title? I felt like a newspaper reporting typing that out.

The nominees for the 77th Academy Awards were announce this morning with Scorsese's "Aviator" at the top of the list with the most nominations. Thanks to my friend, Scott, for reminding me that the nomination ceremony was today. Absent from the nominations was Moore's "9/11."

The Academy voters must have all been from Red states this year. I'm kidding.

I saw "Fahrenheit 9/11" on opening day back in July. Well, I actually had seen most of it before. I am an avid cable news watcher and had seen many of the scenes live when they first aired on CNN, Fox, or MSNBC. Moore's use of news clips got real old real quick. I was glad to see that film get shut out. My money is on Scorsese. I loved "The Aviator." Howard Hughes was such an interesting and flawed man. DiCaprio and Marty really brought this American story to life. Up until this film, everything we have seen about Hughes has been a parody. Long fingernails, germ phobia, and ego are really only a small part of the Hughes saga. Cate Blanchett as Kate Hepburn was absolutely astounding. I really enjoyed this movie. I am interested to see how it fares next month at the awards ceremony.

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Conversation 1

2005-01-24T09:49:00.000-08:00

I began rereading Practicing the Presence of God by brother Lawrence today. Last week, I picked up a new edition from NavPress entitled Practicing God's Presence: brother Lawrence for Today's Reader. Robert Elmer has done a wonderful job updating this spiritual classic.

As I read today, I was again stuck at how simple brother Lawrence's words are. "In this walk," he said, "we ought to give ourselves completely to God, both physically and spiritually, and look for our own satisfaction only in doing His will. We need to hold on to our faith in the spiritual desert when prayer is hard and God refines our love for Him. A single step of this kind takes us closer to him."

Brother Lawrence lived in a French monastery in the 1600's. No cell phones, no DVDs, no outside influences really. Yet, Larry struggled with what it meant to give himself fully to God. He had given himself physically by joining the monastery. But it was his inner self, our sinful nature, that betrayed his walk. I'm sure that as he worked on those sandals everyday, he was tempted to complain or to "trivialize" his work by neglecting the spiritual renewal that his service could bring. How often do we do this today? My profession has "minister" in the title. I cannot talk about what I do without the spiritual reality of what I do (ministering in the name of Jesus Christ) staring me right in the face. Yet, I find myself neglecting the spiritual aspects of communing with God in favor or typing another lesson, or surfing the net looking for resources. I long to be in the presence of my Father. I groan to be consumed by Him fully (physically and spiritually) in my life.

That's all I wanted to say. I think I'm going to shut down the ole Powerbook and spend some time with my Abba.

Still Waiting for the Dawn, er the Tour

2005-01-24T08:45:00.000-08:00

This morning I logged onto @U2 to see if any U2 tour dates had been announced. Quite a few dates have been revealed but, none of them are near me. I think that Boston is the closest city. Oh, well! I will have to wait for the boys to return from across the pond. Here are the dates and the cities that will host U2's "Vertigo Tour" in the near future (Via @U2). Visit @U2 or U2.com for more info.

NORTH AMERICA DATES

March 28th San Diego, CA - Sports Arena
April 1st Anaheim, CA - Arrowhead Pond
April 5th Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center
April 9th San Jose, CA - HP Pavilion
April 14th Phoenix, AZ - Glendale Arena
April 20th Denver, CO - Pepsi Center
April 24th Seattle, WA - Key Arena
April 28th Vancouver, BC - General Motors Place
May 7th & May 9th Chicago, IL - United Center
May 14 Philadelphia, PA - Wachovia Center
May 17 & May 18 East Rutherford, NJ - Continental Airlines Arena
May 21 New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
May 24 & May 26 Boston, MA - Fleet Center

EUROPEAN DATES

June 10th Brussels - King Baudouin Stadium
June 12th Gelsenkirchen - Schalke Stadium
June 14th Manchester - City of Manchester Stadium
June 18th London - Twickenham Stadium
June 21st Glasgow - Hampden Park
June 24th Dublin - Croke Park
June 29th Cardiff - Millenium Stadium

2nd July Vienna - Ernst Happel Stadium
5th July Katowice - Slaski Stadium
7th July Berlin - Olympic Stadium
9th July Paris - Stade de France
11th July Zurich – Letzigrund Stadium
13th July Amsterdam – Arena
19th July Milan - San Siro
23rd July Rome - Olympic Stadium
27th July Oslo - Vallehovin Stadium;
29th July Gothenburg - Ullevi Stadium
31st July Copenhagen - Parken

3rd August Munich - Olympic Stadium
5th August Nice - Parc des Sports Charles Ehrmann
7th August Barcelona – Camp Nou
9th August San Sebastian - Anoeta Stadium
11th August Madrid - Estadio Vicente Calderon
14th August Lisbon - Alvalade

Blessings and New Features

2005-01-23T18:37:00.000-08:00

Good Evening!
These last two weeks have been an incredible blessing on me and my ministry. They have been difficult for me and my students but God is working in our lives and His presence is unmistakable. Without going into too much detail, first know this: We have some students who are hurting. Please be praying for my students. One of my students lost their father this past week. It is one of our Seniors. Another Senior lost a grandparent this week. I attended two funerals in as many days this week. It has been tough for me. Imagine how much more difficult it has been on these families. Pray for them.
I felt more connected to my students this week. I have been able to deepen more relationships (which is what ministry is all about) and I have been able to share in their lives. I even had a student apologize to me for giving me a hard time. This student pulled me aside this evening and told me how much I am appreciated. They said, "You have one of the most difficult jobs and you do it because you love us. I wanted to say I'm sorry for anything I've done. I just want to thank you." That makes ministry worthwhile. I don't need to hear it but it sure is nice when it is said. Countless other small things like that have been happening. Thank you for blessing me with this job, LORD.

New Features
I have really enjoyed this blog. Whether or not anyone else has has yet to be seen. On the right, I have a few list such as On my Desk(Books that I am currently reading), On the iPod (music I am currently listening too), and the Blogs that I like to read. I added a new entitled Best of 2005. Throughout the year, as I read new books or listen to new albums, I will list the ones that I feel are stellar in this list. Periodically, I will review them, alter them or discuss them in the blog. I hope that this list will kind of be journal of the journal. The first on the Best of 2005 list is Hurt: Inside the World of Today's Teenagers by Dr. Chap Clark.

I Don't Know Where I Would Be...

2005-01-18T14:03:00.000-08:00

Over the past month or so, I have been reading Chap Clark's latest book, Hurt: Inside the World of Today's Teenagers. Clark spent his sabbatical substitute teaching in the California school district. During his time in the schools, Clark was able to piece together this groundbreaking book on today's adolescents. Clark asserts that the most damaging thing that is happening to our young people is the systematic abandonment by adults who should be caring for them. Throughout the book, Clark dissects different areas in the lives of students that have been self-serving agendas on the part of adults. In every area, from Parents to Peers, School to Sex, I feel that Clark has been dead on in his assessments. Today's chapter was Sports. Below are some of the highlights.

Sports are no longer about fun, exercise, experience, and play. They are about competition, winning, and defeating an opponent. Sports are no longer child's play; they are a grown-up, dog-eat-dog reality. 114

(During a peewee football game) The sidelines were packed with parents, either videotaping or chewing their nails. Most were yelling. Near the end of the game, if "our" team could somehow take the ball away from the other team, we would get one more chance to score. Then the man next to me, camera in hand, nearly lost his hat as he screamed at his son, "If you don't strip the ball, you're walking home." 114

By the time an athlete gets to high school, his or her chance of participation, much less success, in a sport has been all but settled. ...in most high school sports, the main players are set even before the season begins. 115

There are not enough sports or enough room in the ones that are available for "average" student-athletes to compete. Even if there were more opportunities for participation, I am convinced that few of these average players would enlist, mostly because they have been told since junior high that they did not have what it takes to be an athlete. This attitude creates inside the developing identity of an early developing adolescent a defining stereotype that most have a hard time shaking. Trying to convince a late blooming tenth grader to try out for basketball is asking him to risk a great deal, especially if he was derided as a child or early adolescent. One more rejection, especially for the mid-adolescent, may be one to many to risk. 116

(Speaking about 3 preadolescent boys and 3 preadolescent girls who considered themselves "good" or "pretty good" at the organized sports they participated in) Not only did they feel fine about performance segregation, but they also felt it was "more fair" than letting those who were not good take time away from them. I asked at what age this should begin to happen, and they immediately agreed- as soon as they start sports! "If we're better than thy are, the why should we suffer" one child said. 117-118

Did you notice that the last quote was spoken by a preadolescent child!!! I am all for athletics, do not get me wrong. My dad is an assistant football coach and the girl's softball head coach at a 4A high school in Texas. I grew up in the locker room and on team busses. In high school, I played soccer and football. I was even a part of two state championship football teams, one of which I was the starting defensive nose guard. I love sports. It just saddens me that many students will miss out on the greatest aspects of sports because many adults are raising their children to believe that sports is all about annihilating others and being the best at the expense of others. Participating in sports helped me learn so much about myself and the world around me. My dad was a great role model for me in this. He pushed me hard but not win a trophy. Every push was for me to develop a healthy sense of self. I don't remember my dad ever pushing me to win but I remember his encouragement to win the game of life. Ed Toogood was another man that taught me what sports can truly accomplish in the lives of young adolescents.
Ed's son, Brian and I grew up together in Dallas. Brian spent one year in BBI, Boys Baseball Incorporated, a organized peewee baseball league that acted more like the Majors. Ed grew frustrated with the way Brian, a great ball player, was being pushed to mercilessly compete at all costs. Ed and Brian left BBI and Ed formed a Y Baseball team and invited me and a few of our friends to play. Ed and my dad helped coach us and it is by far and away one of the main reasons that I have dedicated my life to helping preteens and teens. Ed allowed me, a pudgy, uncoordinated, late-elementary student to participate in baseball. I would never have been accepted to BBI but I was welcomed to this team with opened arms. Ed became our soccer coach in high school after the first coach left. Coach ------- wouldn't allow me to play but Ed helped me and coached me to become a fairly descent soccer player. I didn't start but I played and contributed and grew. Thank you to all the Coach Eds out here that know that trophies eventually fade away. It is character, memories, and self-esteem that last a lifetime.

Like a Ton of Bricks

2005-01-18T10:41:00.000-08:00

This morning I read an article in USA Today reporting that Rolling Stone Magazine has rejected an ad from Zondervan Publishing citing a ban or religious advertising. The ad is for the newest Bible translation the TNIV, Todays' New International Version. Here is an excerpt...

The rejected ad shows a serious young man, apparently pondering the problems of modern life. The text touts the TNIV as a source for "real truth" in a world of "endless media noise and political spin." A blue Bible peeks up from the corner of the ad.

The Onion, the weekly satirical magazine, will carry a similar ad next month, and the February/March issue of Modern Bride has an ad featuring a woman in bridal white promoting True Identity, the women's study version of the TNIV. More ads are booked for Web sites, including VH1 and MTV. "God" isn't mentioned in any of these, only in ads for Christian media such as Relevant, a Christian monthly magazine aimed at hip twentysomethings.

But every ad carries the slogan: "Timeless truth; Today's language"

And that assertion of "truth" evidently triggered the rebuff from Rolling Stone.

Even The Onion will display the ad!?!?! I don't have much to say right now. I just wanted to put this article out there for you all to read.
USATODAY

Hi-larious!

2005-01-18T05:58:00.000-08:00

Turn any iPod into the new iPod Shuffle in 3 easy steps!

When I saw this picture I laughed and laughed and laughed. This photo was posted on Flickr the day Apple introduced the iPod Shuffle. My wife and I love our iPods and as I have said here before, I like the shuffle mode. However, I also like seeing the screen and I like veiwing my contacts. I can see the benefits of having a $99 iPod. It will help Apple break into the price market. 249 songs is top of the line for flash drive players under a hundred dollars. I really feel like Apple took a step backward with this product. But... I'm just one guy with weird opinions and barely there thoughts. Anyways, enjoy the photo.

Link
Via JordonCooper.com

Taking Stock

2005-01-17T17:52:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post this section of scripture from Matthew for you all today.

Matthew 5:3-12(MESSAGE)
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘carefull,’ you find yourselves cared for.
“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

This week these words have challenged me, comforted me, and helped me see my life in perspective. This week has been filled with a myriad of emotions for me. It has been one of the most "productive" weeks in ministry that I have had. Tough but rewarding.

Stuck In My Craw

2005-01-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

This morning I was talking with one of my students. Many of my students are really into music and I have enjoyed introducing them to (who else?) U2. I let this particular student borrow the DVD mini-doc that accompanied "HTDAAB." He returned it to me this morning as I walked into the school. I breifly spoke to him about it in the hallway and ended our converstion with, "Cool. I'm glad you enjoyed it." He walked away and out of the corner of my eye I saw and heard it: Another student openly mocking me. He smugly replied, "Cool!" in a near falsetto voice to his laughing friends completely unaware that I had heard him. It wasn't the first time I had seen this student mock me and I am sure it won't be the last. The problem is not that I was mocked. The problem is that this type of behavior is typical from so many of our students. During 6th period, I guest taught a Seventh grade Bible class. The class was great. So eagar to learn. We discussed what it meant to show respect. Total disconnect to many of our upper classman.

As far as this student goes, I don't know. I have tried to give this student a chance to lead in chapel. I got shot down. I even heard him ragging on a friend who read scripture in chapel this week. I know that this student is "active" in their youth group. By active I mean that they show up. They may act the same way there. I just don't know. The last thing I want to do is write a kid off and forget about them. Challenges, challenges.

Update
My wife just came into my office and was telling me about her day. Another story of disrespect from her classroom. ARRRGHHH!

Return of the Students

2005-01-03T05:17:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! Well, we have returned for the Spring semester.

My morning started at 4am! 4AM!!! My alarm was set for 4:45am but I awoke a few minutes early. I had a great workout this morning and have had a little time to relax before our students walk through these doors. My email is still down. It has been down for 3 weeks. I don't know what the deal is but it is frustrating. I am sorry to all of you who may have written me in the past few weeks. Hopefully, your messages are in our server and not lost in cyberspace. I hope you all are doing well. I wish everyone a wonderful week.
Peace,
Micheal

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

2005-01-01T12:23:00.000-08:00

Well, 2005 is now upon us. If you came here looking for a post on my resolutions you won't find it. I don't stick to resolutions, nobody does. It is my prayer that I will just fall deeper in love with my Savior. New year :: More love! Below is a prayer that Andrew Jones posted on his site (link below). Happy New Year!

God, thanks for all you did for us and in us in 2004.
For health, for life, for the chance to play.
Bless those who finished the year without homes
with less family members
without hope.
Forgive our screw ups, our rebellions, our stubborn fits of independence, our neglectful attitudes, forgive our missing of your best and our shameful downgrading to things lesser.
Give us a clean slate for next year. A new beginning. A empty vessel.
Fill us with big dreams for 2005.
Fill us with big hopes.
We will be strong and courageous
and greet the new year with outrageous boldness
because
YOU ARE WITH US!"
Tall Skinny Kiwi:

Tsunami Relief

2004-12-29T11:29:00.000-08:00

I feel so helpless as I watch the video footage coming from the region. Below I have a linked a few charities that are helping make a difference in the lives of the tsunami victims. Please consider helping.

World Vision
Amazon
Apple

First Advent Service

2004-12-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

Over the Christmas break I had an awesome opportunity to attend my first Advent service. I took a little trip to Maryland and attended the Christmas Eve service at Cedar Ridge Community Church. Brian McLaren gave a wonderful message based on the hymn "O Holy Night." It was a great service and I was blessed for having been there.

I, iPod

2004-12-23T13:31:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite features of my iPod is the shuffle. My wife laughs at me but, my iPod and I have this emotional thing going on. When ever I put my Pod on shuffle the "right" song comes on at the "right" time. When I'm chilling out, mellow tunes from Coldplay or Jem play. When I'm mowing the yard, I am rocking out to the Who or the Stones. Even when I work out I never hear a slow song. My iPod knows me! oooooohhhh!

Merry Christmas

2004-12-20T17:53:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, we head out to Washington, DC to see my wife's family. We have the car packed the iPods charged and a few books in tow for the trip. I picked up Planet Simpson by Chris Turner for some "light" social commentary and Coffehouse Gospel by Matthew Paul Turner. I love road trips. Keep us in your prayers.

Oh, last night we had a great date to dinner and then to the movies. We saw "A Series of Unfortunate Events." Jim Carrey was disurbingly good. I really enjoyed a scene where the children were reading a letter from their parents. In the letter the parents were trying to help their children have perspective on the "bad" things that happen in life. They reassured them that even "unfortunate events" may be the starting point to grand adventures. Apt commentary for any minister.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Celebrate the Son.
Peace, Micheal

Thank You

2004-12-19T20:07:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take a moment and thank Doug Fields. He and the whole team and Simply Youth Ministry have made a world of difference for me and our ministry. May God continue to bless them as they bless other ministers in the trenches. That's all.

Simply Youth Ministry

Back to Buisness

2004-12-16T07:30:00.000-08:00

This fall has been great. Here at Catching My Breath, I have been preoccupied with the new U2 album and other various pop culture happenings. While I will still write about these things from time to time, I want to focus more on my ministry. As we approach the new year it is back to buisness. This blog was originally designed to be a place for me to work on my writing skills and a place to "dump" my thoughts. I am in full-time ministry and I need an outlet to write and process my ideas and desires. This is not a "New Year's Resolution." This change has come about from a deep yearing to excell at what I do. I want to be the best I can be for my students. As Seven Covey would say, I need to "sharpen my saw."

Let me bring you up to date.

I am on a journey but I do not have a map.

In 2003, I graduated with a degree in Youth and Family Ministry. I had three internships at three different churches in three different cities. Each church presented me with a different set of needs, problems, and opportunities. A few months before graduation, I had been touring the interview curcuit. Florida, Texas, Kentucky. I was offered a few jobs but none of them seemed to be a right fit. Then came an amazing opportunity to interview with a progressive church in Texas. I wanted that job. After the interview, I really wanted that job. It was now time to play the waiting game. While we waited, my wife was asked to interview for an art teacher position at a private school down south. When the administration discovered that I was a ministry major, they asked me to interview for a brand new position they wanted to create: Campus Minister. We agreed and they immediatley offered us positions. I still was holding out for the church position but I felt that this was a great opportunity. Then I heard from the church in Texas. They were not going to hire me. They hired my friend instead.

I was hurt. Really hurt. I remained hurt for nearly a year. I was misrable. I felt God was leading me to this school but I could not get over this betrayed feeling. This was entirely my fault and not my friend's or the church's fault for making me feel this way. I did it to myself. My pride kept me locked up for almost 9 months. Not a great way to live.

So, we moved to this school and I began building this ministry. It was (is) more difficult than I could have ever imagined.

I have no map. There are very few people in the nation doing campus ministry at protestant k-12 schools and nobody is doing it the way I am. I am charting my map everyday. I feel like I am part of Lewis and Clark's expidition. Everday is something new: a new crisis, a fresh chance, a new mistake, a new action. It is somewhat exciting for me. I get the feeling that my students are just begining to come close. When I arrived the hurt, confusion and pain caused by the previous administrator in charge of the spiritual were open, oozing sores. He is no longer with us yet I still deal with some of the mistakes he made yet things are happening.

So that is where we are. I could go on about another failed church prospect but that is over with and done. For now, this is my place. This is the minsitry I have been called to. Join with me as we chart this course.

Like a Rolling Stone

2004-12-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

I was able to watch the Dylan interview last night on 60 Minutes. Despite the fact that this news show, once again, was a mouthpiece for its parent company, Viacom, the interview had some fascinating moments. To be fair, CBS isn't the only network that hocks its wares by doing a "news" segment on an author or movie. Diane Sawyer did it last week with the cast of "Ocean's Twelve" and Fox and Friends has consistently showcased one of their anchor's books every morning. I digress, back to Dylan.

Here is Bob Dylan, now in his mid-sixties, reminiscing about his life, career and legacy. Ed Bradley (What’s with the earring old man?) asked Dylan some great questions but only received curt, mater of fact answers. Dylan has been elusive to the media. This was his first interview in 20 years, you would think that he would have more to say. Instead, Bob seemed to want to set the record straight no mess, no fuss. The man showed that he had a great perspective on himself. He certainly had not bought into what other said or made of him.
When Ed tried to get at the heart of what others thought of Dylan and how that compared with how he (Dylan) saw himself, here is the exchanged that followed:

He may not have seen himself as the voice of the '60s generation, but his songs were viewed as anthems that sparked a moment.
"My stuff were songs, you know? They weren't sermons," says Dylan. "If you examine the songs, I don't believe you're gonna find anything in there that says that I'm a spokesman for anybody or anything really."
"But they saw it," says Bradley.
"They must not have heard the songs," says Dylan.
"It's ironic, that the way that people viewed you was just the polar opposite of the way you viewed yourself," says Bradley.
"Isn't that something," says Dylan.

My favorite part of the interview happened near the end.

His fellow musicians paid tribute to him when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, joining him in a rousing rendition of his most famous song, "Like a Rolling Stone." That song was recently named by Rolling Stone magazine as the No. 1 song of all time. And he has 12 other songs on their list of the Top 500.

"That must be good to have as part of your legacy," says Bradley.

"Oh, maybe this week. But you know, the list, they change names, and you know, quite frequently, really. I don't really pay much attention to that," says Dylan.

"But it's a pat on the back," says Bradley.

"This week it is," Dylan replies. "But who's to say how long that's gonna last?”

Leave it to Bob Dylan to remind us that everything is just blowin in the wind. Sounds a little familiar. (Ecclesiasties 12:8)

Link

"Expert" Opinion

2004-12-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

After posting my measly opinions on the new U2 album yesterday, I wanted to showcase a real author's thoughts. Beth over at U2 Sermons turned her blog into a great book entitled "Get Up Off Your Knees: preaching the U2 Catalog." Beth always has some great insights and thoughts on all things U2. She consistently delivers great theological insights and this morning's post was no exception. Here is what she had to say about "Yahweh".

Of course I know that many Christian listeners wer.e instantly thrilled by "Yahweh"; I have to admit that at first, I wasn't one of them. It reminded me of "40," and after all U2 has done since 1983 for them to return to the place where they close an album with a straight-ahead inarguable hymn just seemed to me far too pious and self-limiting for them. (I probably would have liked the song instantly had it been on a Matt Redman album, don't get me wrong...) I've gotten used to the idea and can take the song at face value now, but it took awhile. (And I do sympathize, as a Christian: sometimes you just really want to shout the truth of how you feel about God even if you know many people will misunderstand you.)

There's an obvious lyrical retread of the earlier U2 song "Do You Feel Loved" but I also wonder if there is an influence from "Take My Life and Let It Be," especially since the message is precisely the same as that hymn's?

I initially thought the only non-personal verse on "take this city if it be thy will" was odd. Now that I realize they will be singing it in maybe 70 cities, and thus getting maybe 1,400,000 people total to sing it with them (in those people's own cities), it seems like a shockingly bold stab at spiritual warfare. However, Angela Pancella has a whole different theory in this comment which is pretty persuasive too.

Another thing by which I initially was annoyed was the "tell me now why the dark before the dawn" line, which struck me as a sort of insincere Mandatory Bono Insertion: "can't write a whole song of faith, must insert a doubt-reference even though it's obvious this lyric is actually madly in love with a vision of total consecration." Then, out of nowhere, I heard it in my head as the kind of utterance recorded in Exodus 33 when Yahweh and Moses are having such an intimate tete-a-tete that Moses blurts out "now show me your glory!" As if it's sort of "now that I'm finally right next to you I'm going to be so daring as to expect an answer."

Another member of my household is quite taken with the "what no man can own, no man can take/take this heart and make it break" line. There's an odd comment on U2.com about the reference having to do with people not being able to "own" Jerusalem, but it also vaguely evokes Biblical references like Rom 8:38-39, and a passage that is semi-quoted earlier in the song, John 16:21-23. But I think what he likes most is the repetition of "take" - how it brings home that the ultimate gift of self is too big to be given to, owned by, another finite human; total self-abandonment is only for God.

Finally: I was interested to hear in the alternate version that there was originally a much muddier, vaguer period of wandering around before the "Love is like a drop in the ocean" revelatory moment, and that near the end there was originally one chorus that (with typical U2 wordplay) changed the text to "Yahweh, You're waiting for me, I'm still waiting for the dawn." In both cases, they seem to have decided that the watchword of the hour was total clarity and removed things that suggest hesitation or lack of commitment.

Wow! Beth rocks!

Link

How To Dismantle an Album

2004-12-02T09:53:00.000-08:00

Over the past week, I have listened to both HTDAAB and some of the outtakes found on The Complete U2. While I am hestitant to pronounce this the greatest U2 album, I am awed after every listen. This isn't The Joshua Tree. It isn't Achtung, Baby!. It isn't even ATYCLB. It is something... something different. It feel very organic. It feels alive. I find myself breathing slower as I listen. I find myself smiling. It feels like a soundtrack for life. Below are some of my thoughts on each of the tracks. I left "Fast Cars" off because many of you do not have that track on your albums. Enjoy.

Vertigo
Enough electronic ink has been spilled over this song. I can’t add anything to the mix. Good track but doesn’t hold a candle to half the remaining songs on Bomb.

Miracle Drug
Great second song. Miracle Drug is simply beautiful.

Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own
As this song begins, I find the stress of the day melting off of my shoulders. I get the same feeling here as I do when I here the first few measures of With or Without You. Bono wrote this song for his father. It is an emotional "love letter." In Blender, the Edge says that they actually sang it at Bob Hewson's funeral. While I know it's immediate context, I have this feeling that God is singing this song directly to us.

Tough, you think you’ve got the stuff/ You’re telling me and anyone/ You’re hard enough/ You don’t have to put up a fight/ You don’t have to always be right/ Let me take some of the punches/ For you tonight/ Listen to me now/ I need to let you know/ You don’t have to go it alone// Sometimes you can't make it on your own// I know that we don’t talk/I’m sick of it all/ Can - you - hear - me – when – I –Sing/ you’re the reason I sing You’re the reason why the opera is in me

Time and cigarettes have been none to kind to our Irish singer and it shows on this song. Instead of sounding forced or over-dubbed in the studio, Bono’s voice has never sounded more true or real. Bono’s beleaguered pipes are used to great effect all over this album but nowhere more effective then in this prayer.

Love and Peace or Else
One reviewer stated that this song started of with the Edge’s guitar rumbling across a barren wasteland. They’re right. This is one of my favorite tracks. What could have easily been turned into a “John Lennon peace-nik love-in song” was instead crafted into a hard edged rock n’ roll statement. Love and Peace or Else has the best Edge guitar solo on this album. More “new heart” language on this track too.

City of Blinding Lights
As this track begins it leads you to believe that this is a sequel to Where the Streets have No Name. A beautiful love ballad and existential thought piece.

All Because of You
All because of you… I am.
Statement of self or declaration of the I Am?

Man and Woman
This song is hot. True love, innocence, faithful love. Good stuff.

Crumbs From Your Table
Best Song on the album goes to Crumbs. Another cry to “get up off our knees” and make a difference. If you profess to be a disciple of Jesus Christ this song should kick you straight in the teeth. Nobody is going to give a rat’s about the gospel if all we give them are empty words and empty promises. Another thing, why don’t we just give the homeless some soup and a blanket or what ever we can give them and skip the sermon we make them sit through to get the things they need right now? The sweet by and by means nothing to a growling stomach and cold feet. Same for any of our “benevolent” acts. Just do it.

One Step Closer
Noel Gallagher of Oasis is given a special thanks for this song. As the story goes, Bono and Noel were having a late night discussion about faith and life and the other things you talk about late at night. As the discussion moved to Bono’s father who had just passed away Bono revealed that his father had sort of abandoned his faith. When he stated that he wasn’t sure that his dad had come back to his faith, Noel quipped “he’s one step closer to knowing now.” Bono looked at Noel and said that he was going to write that song.

Original of the Species
Classic U2 and will become a classic in the vein of With or Without You, All I Want Is You and One. The music is absolutely stunning on this track.

Yahweh
Gorgeous prayer to the Almighty to come and transform our lives to his image. So great, in fact, I had to post the lyrics. Do you think U2 believes in the Almighty?

Take these shoes
Click clacking down some dead end street
Take these shoes
And make them fit
Take this shirt
Polyester white trash made in nowhere
Take this shirt
And make it clean, clean
Take this soul
Stranded in some skin and bones
Take this soul
And make it sing

Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Yahweh, Yahweh
Still I’m waiting for the dawn

Take these hands
Teach them what to carry
Take these hands
Don’t make a fist
Take this mouth
So quick to criticise
Take this mouth
Give it a kiss

Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Yahweh, Yahweh
Still I’m waiting for the dawn

Still waiting for the dawn, the sun is coming up
The sun is coming up on the ocean
This love is like a drop in the ocean
This love is like a drop in the ocean

Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Yahweh, tell me now
Why the dark before the dawn?

Take this city
A city should be shining on a hill
Take this city
If it be your will
What no man can own, no man can take
Take this heart
Take this heart
Take this heart
And make it break

That's just the way I see/hear it. For the Boys take on the new album check out the newly relaunched U2.com

Silence

2004-12-01T08:35:00.000-08:00

To commemorate World AIDS Day, the blog will remain silent today just like the church has (OUCH!).

5 people die of AIDS every minute.

Link

New Media

2004-11-29T13:50:00.000-08:00

@U2 posted a great review from Playlist on the The Complete U2 "digital boxset." The author, Dan Frakes, was spot on in his assesment on this collection. Well done Mr Frakes.
@U2

Back to the Grindstone

2004-11-29T13:41:00.000-08:00

Well, it is now 3:30pm. Most of the students have left or moved on to their extracurricular activities. The hallways are quiet. The first day back is over.

This morning in chapel, I encouraged our students to begin to act on their decisions to follow Christ. Almost immediately, I lost 1/4 of them. It is so frustrating. At lunch I went around to as many lunch tables as I could asking them to participate in chapel (I only got to a few tables today. I will hit them all during the week). Almost every girl I spoke with was willing to participate. I think 10 guys signed up. 10!

Frustrations abound. Maybe tomorrow some more will sign up. I want these students to be leaders and maybe that's the problem. When are they going to want to be leaders? That is when a change will happen. It won't be me forcing them. It will be them owning their leadership.

Why Christmas?

2004-11-26T16:33:00.000-08:00

I hate the holidays. Sure, I love spending time with my family and yeah, I love the cold weather and ok, I love the food but I still hate the holidays. I hate that every body tries to out do everyone else in gifts, decorations, and holiday cheer. I hate that we are so conditioned by our society to consume, consume, consume. Today is Black Friday, the Friday after Thanksgiving. After stuffing our faces on Thurday, Americans run out to the mall in order to stuff our stockings. We can't even enjoy one another's company for 48 hrs. We have to get the best... or the greatest... or the craptacular... It doesn't matter.

Don't get me wrong. I know I am being a hypocrite because I love to get new stuff. I almost wet my pants as those U2 songs made their way from the servers over at iTunes to my hard drive but, why should December 25 be any more different than the 24 or the 26? Why do we have to make a special day to give thanks or celebrate? Why special days? Why can't we just enjoy our blessings without making a day of it?

I don't have any answers, except easy ones. And easy answers are as craptastic as a new...

Happy Thanksgiving

2004-11-24T14:31:00.000-08:00

Well, the week is almost half over. Tomorrow comes the turkey. We are in Dallas at my folk's house enjoying the comforts and convinience of a big city.
My dad has taken up a very close relationship with our dog and my PS2. He has been hugging the dog and playing ESPN NFL 25K. He is taking the dog for a walk as we speak. Mom is woking on dinner for tonight. My sister has just left to spend the holiday with her fiance. Our relationship has been strained, to say the least, due to their relationship but everything went better than expected while she was here. My wife is spending some time with a friend at the mall.

As for me, I am enjoying this chance to relax. The last few weeks have placed a lot of strees on my shoulders. Here I am, on my butt listening to The Complete U2 and cherishing this down time. I downloaded every U2 album, every single, every remix from iTunes yesterday. I am lovin it. It has been a good week. I hope all of you are doing well. We are so blessed that I feel guilty designating only oneday for giving thanks. Make tomorrow great!

Lovecats

2004-11-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

Last year at this time, I had just finished the book by Tim Sanders, Love is the Killer App. I had heard Tim speak at Catalyst and his message of knowledge, networking, and compassion in the workplace really resonated in my heart. Tim explained that these things are the intangibles. These were the things that will make all other buisness models obsolete. I think that Tim message was exactly what I needed to hear. I feel that every other ministry book is a buisness book in disguise. "10 way to 'sell' your clients Jesus," "How to work with your board," "Keeping up with your budget." Killer App was a buisness book with the covert opporation of being a true ministry book. I learned more from this book about being a minister than from any, any book I read in college. Thanks Tim.

Here are a few highlights of the "Lovecat Philosophy":

Lovecats are savvy, well-connected people who genuinely care about their business partners. Lovecats intelligently and sensibly share their three greatest intangible assets with their bizpartners. These three intangibles are: Knowledge, Networking, Compassion.

Knowledge: When you're a lovecat, your knowledge inlcudes everything you have learned and everything you continue to learn. Simply put, a lovecat doesn’t ever stop learning. Lovecats delight in reading books that offer new insights about business or a profession, and they share this knowledge with their bizpartners as frequently as they can.

Network: When you're a lovecat, your network includes your entire web of relationships.When a lovecat finds two people who need to meet each other, they arrange an introduction and then step out of the way. Lovecats don't seek compensation for making an introduction. They just make sure that people who should meet, do meet.

Compassion: Compassion is the human ability to reach out with warmth. Lovecats share warm smiles, kind words, and human tenderness with their bizpartners. When lovecats ask, "how are you today?", they really care about your answer. Lovecats stand out, like bright purple cats in the drab corporate world, because they express genuine concern and show unexpected generosity. When you intelligently express compassion in the workplace, you produce surprise and delight. Lovecats don't just provide what people need, they are what people need.

Tim has now begun, with the help of Intulogy, "Lovecat Leadership Training." I wish I could get down to Austin next month but no money + no time off + no money= No training. I highly encourage anyone to pick up Tim's book. Caution: It will change your outlook on life, buisness and ministry. Be forewarned.
Be a Lovecat

Call Me Miles Davis!

2004-11-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

If you have seen "Billy Madison" you might get the reference to the title of this post. I felt it was appropriate given the post I found on @U2 this morning.

READY ... SET ... DOWNLOAD
November 16, 2004
posted by: m2

In the December issue of SPIN magazine, Bono says U2 and Apple will team up next year to allow fans to download concerts after U2 shows. Here's the full quote of Bono discussing the U2-Apple relationship:

"We will do a commercial with Apple for our album, and no money will change hands, which is important, because we have been offered boatloads of money from many other people. But we will make an Apple commercial that's as good as any video. And next year, you will be able to go to a U2 show and download the concert onto your iPod. We're going to make a digital box set, where you can get every U2 album and every U2 B-side and every U2 lyric, all at once. We want to do this because we like their company."
(Thanks MG/U2tours.com.)

I want to hug my PowerBook and my iPod. Does that make me a bad person?

The Joshua Tree

2004-11-16T12:40:00.000-08:00

It doesn't get much better than this.

The album begins and builds to the sky. "Where the Streets Have No Name" then on to "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." 2 songs that touch the edge of heaven. Ethereal yet earthy. The listener is then taken into the heart with the classic "With or Without You." Every time I listen, those first few measures give me goosebumbs. Just when you think you we will be taken high, the social conscious slams you to the ground with "Bullet In the Blue Sky." It isn't until "In God's Country" that you begin to try and stand up from the fall. After "Bullet" you just want to lie there and catch your breath. Thankfully there is a song like "Running to Stand Still" to keep you company.

Good stuff all the way through. From start to finish this is a complete album. "Sweetest Thing" was originally planned for this album but was pushed aside and rightly so. Nothing could top "Joshua" not even U2. That is until "The Fly" showed up. So long 1980s. Hello "Achtung Baby

Where's My Flannel?

2004-11-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

It's only been over for a few years but, the 1990s are back in a big way. 2 weeks ago I welcomed the group Live back to my listening ears. Their greatest hits album "Awake" reminded me of why they were one of my favorite groups. Today, Pearl Jam released a 2 disc retrospective entitled "rearveiwmirror". The first disc is called "Up" featuring all of their hard rockin' chart toppers and fan favorites. The second disc, "Down," features brooding hits such as "Black," "Man of the Hour," and "Yellow Ledbetter." I am digging it. Next week comes the much anticipated Nirvana box set. The set will feature 3Cds and a DVD. Not sure I will get that. I gushed all over their greatest hits album when it was released a few years ago.
I guess the reason I'm writing about these bands is that they make me feel a bit nostalgic. When these groups ruled FM radio, I was just begining to form my own opinions about life and music. I was breaking away from mom and dad's opinions and becoming Micheal. Junior high was the absolute worst time for me. Partly because of others but also due in part to my "Well-if-the-world-hates-me-I'm-gonna-give-them-a-reason" attitude that I had. Life sucked. I still carry heavy scars in my heart from that time. Listening to Pearl Jam or Live or whomever helps me remember how far God has taken me. Music to me is like scent. It conjours up such strong memories and feelings. These groups, for better or worse, have helped shape my worldview in some small way. I can't explain it. They just have. Here's to looking forward in spite of the past.

Ol' Dirty

2004-11-15T12:44:00.000-08:00

ODB has passed from this life. ODB was one of the founding members of WuTang Clan and a millionare who cashed in his welfare checks on Mtv. He changed his name to Big Baby Jesus for a while. He was truly too beautiful for this world.

What Is It Good For!

2004-11-15T12:17:00.000-08:00

Right now, I am basking in the closing track "40." War is a good album. The boys kick things off right with "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and never look back. Many of my favorites are here: "Seconds," "40," and "Two Hearts Beat as One." Every new year at midnight, ever since I was a teen, I put on "New Year's Day" and just disappear for a few. This is when U2 became U2. Perfect album for today. Tomorrow comes "The Joshua Tree."

And the Reviews Are In...

2004-11-15T09:29:00.000-08:00

I found a few reviews for the new album. I'll update this post throughout the day.

Time via @U2
New York Times
FOXNews

Whodunit?

2004-11-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

I am a big CSI fan. When I was in high school we had HBO and I would watch their America Undercover series Autopsy fascinated at how scientists used their craft to help solve crimes and bring justice to greiving families. CSI: Miami is by far our favorite of the series but we have been enjoying the newest one, CSI:NY very much. On Wednesday, with 5-10min left in the episode, right as the officers were wrapping up the crimes, right as justice was being served, a "Special Report" began. First, I held my breath. "Oh no, has there been another terrorist attack," I thought. Then as the CBS Special Report countdown clock clicked its way to #1, I realized what the report would be: Arafat had died.So the blonde headed report makes her announcement and I'm thinking, "Alright, we can go back to the show. Who's guilty!" But alas, CBS screwed us once again with a news report and went to a 5 min glowing biography of the terrorist's life. I was ticked! When they finially went back to CSI the show was over. AAARGH!
Well, CBS heard America. Check out the link.
Link

October

2004-11-11T14:15:00.000-08:00

Yes. I know that it is November but that fact did not deter me as I listened to this album today. I believe that today was the first time I have sat down and played this album all the way through. I had a tremendous amount of paperwork to go through today and the boys helped me get through it all. October begins with the anthem Gloria. Great stuff. The album then shifts into gear with I Fall Down. I fell in love with Tomorrow and I Threw a Brick... is moving up my list of favorites. I probably listened through the album about 3 timee. While I didn't get a chance to acctually soak it in, it was the perfect medicine for a cloudy, grey day.

11 Days

2004-11-11T08:34:00.000-08:00

Although this is not a U2 site, I have been consumed with excitement over the release of How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb on Nov. 23.
Last night, I recieved a copy of the new album. I immediatley ran to my listening studio (my truck) and quietly placed the CD in the player. I resisted the temptation to skip though the opening track, "Vertigo." I listened to it once. I have since repeated a few of the tracks but for the most part I am waiting for the 23rd. There is nothing like going to the record store (as much as Best Buy, Walmart and Target are music stores) plunking down your hard earned cash and opening up that new album. I love the smell of that plastic and paper. I love to examine the art work both on the CD and in the liner notes. I am planning on purchasing the special edition of HTDAAB. It includes the album, a DVD, and a hardbound book with handwritten notes. Sweetness is my weakness.
In light of the new album, I will be listening to the other albums in order when I am at my desk. While my collection does have a few holes (Boy, Wide Awake in America) I do have enough to last me for another week or so. I am planning on completing my collection by purchasing The Complete U2 from iTunes over Thanksgiving break.
As I live with each album, I'll be posting some of my thoughts and feelings. First up: October.
G-L-O-R-I-A!

An "Incredible" Night

2004-11-09T12:44:00.000-08:00

Last evening, my wife and I snuck away from reality (or so I thought) and spent some much needed time together at the movie house. All weekend I had been itching to see the new Disney/Pixar collaboration "The Incredibles" and Monday at 4:30 was the first opportunity we had. As many of you might know, I love the movies. I can probably count on one hand the number of films that I dislike. Yes, there are some duds out there but going to movies are enjoyable experiences for me. I don’t let the fact that the movie wasn’t a classic deter my encounter in the darkness.

"The Incredibles" was amazing. Visually, it was by far and away the most beautiful film of the year. Towering skyscrapers, lush jungles, and magma so realistic that the heat got to me made this experience memorable. The characters were so real, albeit stylized. The realness was heard in their voices and felt in their actions. As I stated above, I thought I was escaping reality and instead I was beat over the head with it visually and emotionally.

Bob Parr lived an extraordinary life saving the day as “Mr. Incredible.” In the opening minutes of the film we see Mr. Incredible filming a documentary wistfully trying to imagine what it would be like to save the day once and for all, hang up his suit and live a normal life. In a crazy turn of events, Mr. Incredible gets his wish. Apparently, superheroes live is a litigious culture much like the world that we live in and Mr. Incredible is sued by someone he rescued. The plaintiff claimed that he did not asked to be saved and that Mr. Incredible should have to pay for the injuries said plaintiff incurred from the superhero during said rescue. That lawsuit opened the floodgates for superheroes to dragged to court to pay for their “help.”

The Superheroes are forced to live “normal” lives with “normal” people hiding their true identity and denying their abilities and desires to rescue others.

So Mr. Incredible the super becomes Bob Parr the insurance claims adjustor. His life is now spent crammed into a cubicle instead of leaping buildings. His only source of happiness comes from helping others. In one scene, Bob unselfishly help an elderly woman beat the system so that she can make a claim on her policy. Bob desperately wants to live the life that he was created for. He has found this “normal” life unfulfilling. He and his pal Frozone, spend evenings listening to the police scanner and trading old war stories from their crime fighting days.

I couldn’t help but think about my students. The majority of my students are faithful, committed Christians who seek to serve the Lord with every ounce of their being. They want to do the right thing. They want to lead their peers. They are extraordinary.

Unfortunately, a different group runs the show. This group is self-seeking, apathetic, and defiant. It is because of these students that my incredible students live underground. I can see it in their eyes. They long to do what they were designed to do: Live for Christ.

What can we do to change this around? In “The Incredibles” it takes a crisis for the Supers to be able to return. What is it going to take?

Sweetness

2004-11-08T11:39:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to send some love out to Relevant Network. Thay have been an invaluable asset to my ministry. Every other month, I recieve a box full of useful, repeat USEFUL, resources. Books, DVDs, CDs. The new box came to me this morning. I am in the middle of soaking it all in. Thanks Guys. God blessings on your ministry as you bless others.
RELEVANT NETWORK

An Intellectual Tortoise

2004-10-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, I might be jumping the gun here but I am so excited about the new U2 album. This morning, I viewed the lyrics for How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. They sat in my printer for 3 hours before I succumbed to the temptation. The lyrics are absolutely beautiful. One of my colleagues explained their lyrics as "uncontrived" to one of our students yesterday. After reading these new songs, “uncontrived,” “heartfelt,” and “down on your knees prayerful” are great adjectives to describes these words.
NOTE: LYRICS BELOW. If you are waiting for Nov. 23 please stop reading now.
One new song struck my heart immediately when I read the lyrics. “All Because of You” was a gift from God to me this morning. I have been incredibly tired this week. Late nights and sleepless nights do not make the days very easy. As I read the words to this new song I found myself tearing up. I turned the words of these Irishmen into a prayer to the Lord.
Well done boys. Thank You.

ALL BECAUSE OF YOU

I was born a child of grace
Nothing else about the place
Everything was ugly but your beautiful face
And it left me no illusion

I saw you in the curve of the moon
In the shadow cast across my room
You heard me in my tune
When I just heard confusion

All because of you
All because of you
All because of you
I am… I am

I like the sound of my own voice
I didn’t give anyone else a choice
An intellectual tortoise
Racing with your bullet train

Some people get squashed crossing the tracks
Some people got high rises on their backs
I’m not broke but you can see the cracks
You can make me perfect again

All because of you
All because of you
All because of you
I am… I am

I’m alive
I’m being born
I just arrived, I’m at the door
Of the place I started out from
And I want back inside

All because of you
All because of you
All because of you
I am

U2TOUR.DE - U2 News: 'How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb' Lyrics, U2 Tour

Back in Black

2004-10-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

My wife rocks. Merry Christmas to me!!!
iPod U2 Special Edition

Last Entry... maybe

2004-10-23T13:04:00.001-07:00

This weekend I wrote the following...

This will be my last entry here at Catching My Breath. My anonymity has been lost. Due to some of the info I write about and the fact that my students are "stumbling" on to the site I feel that it is time to move on. This has been happening over the course of a few weeks. I'm sorry.

The problem is that I love to blog. Whether it is about something stupid like Darth Vader ordering a pizza or venting frustrations, I enjoy putting my thoughts on cyber paper. So, I have come up with some guidelines that I hope will allow this site to continue.
Guideline 1: If you are one of my students, you are more than welcome to visit this site. When you visit, leave a comment with your name. I want to know who you are and what you think. Really. No catch. I'm intersted in what you have to say.
Guideline 2: Keep in mind that this is my site. It is my thoughts and hobbies; life and words. I am well aware that many students do not care for me or the things that I do. If this applys to you, I would rather have you "lurk" and not post. Again, if you post leave your name.

For now, these are the only guidelines. We will try this for a few days on a trial run. Thanks.

Good Morning!

2004-10-20T06:45:00.000-07:00

Good Morning to all! Very rarely do I get to sit down and process this early in the morning. Last school year this was a little easier. I was getting up at 4:45am to work out. I would be in the office around 6:30am and begin managing tasks for the day or read a little. This year has been different. First, I have not been able to get my butt out of bed. This morning I arrived at the school with a mere 3 minutes left! My insomnia seems to be rearing its ugly head again. I have had a diificult time fall asleep even though I am dead tired. The second reason I haven't been able to sit down in the mornings is because of the way we have set up our chapel schedule. We moved the time back by almost an hour. So from 8-9:40am I am setting up chairs and preparing for chapel. I feel like my day doesn't even begin until 10:30am. I have no one to blame for this but myself. Anyways, I am off to set up our chapel today. It looks to be a great day today. I we be traveling with some classes on a history field trip. Peace

U2 in iPod Deal

2004-10-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

Ooh, my Bono-sense is tingling. First a 30sec commercial, then an exclusive 2 min commercial and now this! Atomic Bomb overload.

Link

Jesus Is Lord

2004-10-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

As I have expressed before, I am hesitant to post anything that is remotely political in anyway. I have been coy with my friends and my students about, not only, who I am going to vote for but if I am going to vote this election cycle. It has been a challenge, especially the part about not voting. I get blank stares, some shake their head. I have really struggled with this. I love politics but I wonder about how much stock we need to be putting in our elected officials. I also wonder if those who are not Christians have a difficult time understanding Jesus' power and authority when they look at Him through the lens of middle-class Republican leadership.
I am currently chewing on Brian McLaren's a Generous Orthodoxy. His word's have spoken to my heart about this very issue this morning. Have we communicated to eachother in the church that Jesus is not our "mascot" or "president" but that he is our "Lord?" Brian writes:

In Jesus' day, "Caesar is Lord" was the political pledge of allegience, required in a way not unlike "Heil Hitler" was required in the 1930s and early 1040s in Nazi Germany. To call Jesus "Lord" meant that there is a power in Jesus more important that the power of the king of the greatest state in history. To say "Jesus is Lord" was then (and should be now!) a profoundly political statement- affirming the authority of a "powerless" Jewish rabbi with scarred feet over the power of Caesar himself with all his swords, spears, chariots, and crosses.

Similarly, today there are plenty of other authority figures around, Caesars in various realms: presidents national and corporate, experts scientific and social, celebrities and media moguls, priests and pastors and bishops and cult leaders, various people in various high places who exert whatever control they can. But Jesus comes as a liberating, revolutionary leader, freeing us from the dehumanization and oppression that come from all "powers that be" in our world. His kingdom, then, is a kingdom not of oppresion but of dreamed-of freedom, not of coersive dominance but of liberating love, not of top-down dominance but of bottom-up service, not of a clenced iron fist but of open, wounded hands extended in a welcoming embrace of kindness, gentleness, forgiveness, and grace.

These words struck close to home for me. I truly, honestly, with-every-ounce-of-my-being believe that Jesus was the ultimate revolutionary leader. It is a shame that we have co-opted the real Jesus and his message into one of the most bottom line, middle of the road, clean hands and white robed religion. Again, I hate hate religion but I long for the ultimate relationship with this man, my Lord.

I still don't know if I'll vote. When I look at Jesus and his message, I don't have time to worry about voting (John 19:8-11; Romans 13:1; Daniel 2:21, 4:17) It will take care of itself.

Join With Me...

2004-10-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

...And Together We Will Rule The Pizza Empire As Father and Son!

Link

2 Words

2004-10-07T06:48:00.000-07:00

POPE BONO

Via

On a side note:
Vertigo has been breaking all kinds of records for the new music medium. According to U2.com, it has sold more copies on iTunes in a week than any other song!

45 days/ 7 hrs left

AM in Dallas

2004-10-07T05:12:00.000-07:00

Due to the curvature of the earth, Dallas is pitch black at 6:45am. It is so much darker than at home even now at 7:15am. I am headed out to my old alma mater, Dallas Christian School. I attended DC for 13 years (K-12). Roughly 3 years after I graduated, they launched a campus ministry. I spoke with the Campus Minister last yaer as we were seeking ideas about our campus ministry. The Ministry at DC seems to be effective in reaching the students there. At the time the ministry launched, DC was much like the school I work at. A "culture change" has occurd since then. It is "cool" to be spiritual. There is positive influence to make make right decisions and live a cross-shaped life. The culture of the school changed. I will be filming chapel and interviewing students about the ministry today.

Note: TobyMac's Diverse City rocked my face off! Review coming soon.

Update

2004-10-06T05:24:00.000-07:00

I will be heading to Dallas today for Youth Specialties' National Youth Workers Convention. I have updated the music that I am currently listening to. Last night, I purchased the new TobyMac album and will be reviewing it after I live with it on my way to Dallas today. I'll try and post at the convention and will recap the day when I get back each night. Have a great weekend. Peace

Giant Train Wreck

2004-10-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

Does it really surprise anyone that Britney Spears chose to remake Bobby Brown's "My Perogative" for her upcoming greatest hits album? As I was flipping through the channels on XM, I stopped at 20 on 20. There was the single beaming down to my truck from outer space. I couldn't help but shake my head. Is there a better vehicle for Britney to finally drive off that cliff with? I don't think so.

2 Days

2004-10-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday morning, I will be heading out to Dallas for the Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Convention. I always enjoy this convention. David Crowder will be leading worship all weekend. I can't wait.

Football Fans For Truth

2004-09-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

The debates are tonight. Here is another group that is seeking truth from the Kerry campaign.
Football Fans For Truth

Humbling

2004-09-28T11:56:00.000-07:00

God continues to tug at my heart strings. I have been working on my philosophy of ministry; trying to put into words what I believe about God, ministry and where I play into that as a minister. This morning I read the following from Mike Cope:

I was trained to be a professional.

It was great training for a Constantinian world in which the church is the center of all life. But it doesn't fit our current situation of living in a post-Christian, post-modern world.

One of my graduate school professors insisted that a preacher should spend one hour in study for every minute he preaches. That's great advice -- if the goal is to preach sermons. For much of my preaching life, I've preached two sermons a week. That would be 50 hours of study. While in Searcy, I preached three sermons a week. That would be 75 hours of study.

I was trained to do just that. With seven years of Greek and a couple years of Hebrew along with class after class of textual studies, I was prepared to do one thing: study. I had (for the most part) incredible profs. I don't regret most of the classes.

But I was never taught other things: like how to be missional, how to help form a missional church, how to pray, how to disciple people in the way of Christ, etc.

Again, good people were teaching me what they knew. It wasn't them--it was more a whole system that didn't understand what we're facing. We majored in information transfer. We hardly even minored in formation and transformation.

There was never any training and mentoring in how to connect with lost people, how to move Christians from consumer-demands to kingdom-service, how to start justice-based ministries, or how to plan worship that forms people and prepares to send them out in Jesus' name.

It's easier to train professionals. People who know how to caretake the organization. They know how to bring about slow change. How to do studies. How to organize. Basically, how to do all the things really good businesses do.

So churches have learned to rely on people who know very little about Christian mission and formation but know a LOT about professional matters.

I remember taking a class on evangelism. The whole class was, of course, a study of evangelism. We spent the whole semester getting ready to perform a skit from GO YE MEANS GO ME. And there was a class on "the work of a preacher" that was basically a study of the pastoral epistles--in other words, another textual class. My class on worship studied the issues of worship and worked toward the big project: of each group preparing a devotional for one class period.

I'm thinking we don't need any more professionalism. (That isn't to say, of course, that we want to give up serious study of scripture, including languages!) We need missionaries. Missionaries right here: people who can learn the language, teach the language, learn the culture, teach the culture, mentor, equip, train, reach out.

Wow! "We hardly even minored in formation and transformation." Exactly. I believe that my frustration over students who just don't "get it" might come from the fact that for years they didn't want "it" because of what we have been feeding them. Over and over the largest complaint I hear from my students is that the could care less about the dimension of the ark! They want to be transformed. They want to become different. So much to say!
More to come.

1 John 4:8

2004-09-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

I have really been chewing on what I wrote the other night (see "A Long Time Ago" below). After someone posted a comment that first gave me an English lesson and then doubted whether or not some students "pop pills," I felt like I need to weigh my words. After I posted that entry, I went back into the bed room, slid into bed with my sleeping wife and picked up the book on my nightstand. With doubt and weariness weighing heavy on my heart I began reading. I wondered what I would do now that I voiced my frustrations. Would I shrug my shoulders and move on forgetting these students or would begin to seek ways of bringing this message of hope and peace and life alive to these students? Thankfully, God has given me some great insight into bringing his message to these students. (He also blessed me with some encouragement from a few of the great students today!) In the days to come I will hopefully share some of these thoughts here. Right now it is late, I can't type fast and the shower is a callin' my name. Stay tuned. Peace.

Conesey

2004-09-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

From Drudge :: Conan O'Brien will take over the Tonight Show after Jay Leno in 2009. Exciting but I wonder how well Conan will play with audiences at 10:30 instead of midnight (that's CST).
link

Uno, Dos, Tres, Catorce

2004-09-27T11:37:00.000-07:00

I downloaded "Vertigo" from iTunes this morning. That was .99 cents well spent. I am so excited for November. U2 has not disappointed this fan. Check out these lyrics from the final chorus...

Hello, hello
Hola
We’re at a place called Vertigo
Dond' esta
Lights go down and all I know
Is that you give me something
I can feel your love teaching me how
Your love is teaching me how
How to kneel
Kneel

While I was posting this message U2.com released a full track listing from the new album How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb.
1. Vertigo
2. Miracle Drug
3. Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own
4. Love And Peace Or Else
5. City Of Blinding Lights
6. All Because Of You
7. A Man And A Woman
8. Crumbs From Your Table
9. One Step Closer
10. Original Of The Species
11. Yahweh

Atomic Bomb

A Long Time Ago

2004-09-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

In a Galaxy Far, Far Away...

I was a high school student. I was a decent student: As, Bs, the occasional C. I didn't drink or smoke. I certianly never slept around. I went to school, I went to church and not much else. I was never "in." I was never "out." I was one of the few who could travel between the classes. I played sports so I was able to hang out with the jocks. I was in chorus and theater so I hung out with the kids that were in those circles. I tried to fit in where ever I could. For three years I was the class president. I WANTED to do the right thing. I DESIRED to be respected not just by my peers but by the teachers and parents and coaches and area youth ministers and elders and and and and... Now that I work with students I feel useless at times.

Useless. That is a powerful word.

Don't get me wrong I work for some of the brightest, hardworking, greatest students on the planet. These students show me and their peers such great kindness and respect. They love the Lord and seek to glorify His name in their daily lives. I am blessed by these students. I feel loved by them and feel that I am making a difference (a 7th grader told me this week: "Thank you Mr. -------, ... for being cool.")

It is those other students that make me feel useless. It is the student who avoids eye contact with me. It is the student who will giggle and whisper to his/her friends as I walk by. It is the students who will party on the weekends until they can't see straight and then complain that they have a terrible reputation and feel persecuted. That makes me feel useless. It is because I feel like I can't relate to them. I feel like I am, to paraphrase my Lord, a doctor working with only healthy patients. The problem is that those who are sick ignore the sickness or deny that they are sick or they are happy with being sick. I long to help. I want to see them find what it is they are looking for in Christ and not the pills they are popping.

Just because these students are the minority doesn't make be feel any better.

Oh, God! Help me see Your big picture. Help me share it with my students.

Rough Stuff

2004-09-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

Lord,
May your name be praised. You are the Creator. You are the Sustainer. You are Life. Fill me again.
I am hurting. Between my mother's cancer, sister's poor choices, worries for my students and others I am spiritually drained. Forgive me for feeling this way. Forgive my selfisness. I have no reason to be. You're blesses are uncoutable. Your love is obvious. Help me to rest in you. I love you Dad. I want to be filled with your spirit anew. Guide me. Allow me to guide others in your name. You are a mighty God. You are above all. Thank you thank you thank you.

Alive and Kicking

2004-09-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

Well, we survived the storm. I was absolutely amazed while I watched the storm. This was my first hurricane. Being from Teaxs, I am no stranger to dangerous storms or winds but in a tornado or thunderstorm the sky is black and swirling, vicious and unforgiving. Thursday was different. The sky looked as though it was a cold November day. The trees were different though.

Our neighbors lost 2 trees in under an hour. We watched as one came crashing down near the house. Blinked and we would have missed it. They swayed wildly. Back and forth. Back and forth. Absolutely amazing.

We lost power for 60 hrs. I was upset until I realized that we were lucky. There are still people in Montgomerythat do not have power. That's in Montgomery. I cannot imagine what is going on 2 hrs south of here.

The Lord sparred our house and those that we love here. Praise His name.

Here I Am...

2004-09-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

...Rock You Like a Hurricane!

I'm feeling a little wierd. I haven't gotten too anxious about this hurricane yet. That is, until this morning. We have canceled school for Thursday and Friday. All football games for the state have been canceled this weekend. We have canceled our vaction and are planning on buying a few sandbags (for our poarch) this afternoon.

I am a little excited about being a part of a hurricane. After years of tornadoes in TX and AR, this will be a nice change of pace. I am half kidding. I am feeding off of everyone's nervousness. I have to be calm because I don't want to freak any of these students.

We are expecting 30-50 mph winds for the next 30 hrs.

Hang On Tight! I'll be back after the storm.
-Micheal

Quote of the Week

2004-09-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

The Church will be most provocative and alluring when it is being itself, being who God has constituted it to be, that is, being a mini-society that proclaims the person and work of Christ, and imitates His sacrificial service.
-Brian Kay

All that they could find...

2004-09-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

This morning on U2.com...

Ok, so the wait is nearly over and the new album is on the way. So what do we know... and what do we not know!
There’s still a lot to be revealed in the coming weeks, but, when you pull it all together, quite a few of the vital statistics are already out there. We figured it might be time to separate some of the facts from some of the wilder flights of virtual imagination and online chatter. Of course, some of these outrageously speculative stories may yet turn out to be bang on the money - others will fade within days into the obscurity of rock'n roll trivia quizzes.
So here’s our top ten checklist to guide you through the jungle of rumour and speculation.

U2 have been recording a new set of songs over the past two years. Set for release on November 22nd, the album is called How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb.

According to Edge, at least one of them is called All Because of You. Or at least that's what the track was called when they were recording it. See our earlier story here. But what we do know for sure are titles of six other tracks on the album.
A handful of influential people - outside of the band - have heard some of these songs. The unanimous verdict seems to be that it's a pretty dang hot collection. Take Bill Flanagan, sometime U2 biographer, who says: 'I've heard it, it's great. It's the best album they have ever done. It's going to knock them out!'

In case you were hibernating or holidaying on Mars, earlier in the summer some of the new material went missing during a photo shoot with the band in France. 'A large slice of two years work lifted via a piece of round plastic.' reflected Edge.'It doesn't seem credible but that's what's just happened to us....'

The first single will be on air before the month is out. It’s called Vertigo and comes complete with a Kraftwerk cover and live studio performance.

The album has been produced by Steve Lillywhite, his first time at the desk for a whole U2 album since he produced the bands' first three albums, Boy, October and War. But others have been in the studio too - including Flood, Jacknife Lee, Nellee Hooper and Chris Thomas.

Any clues about the sound of the record ? Lillywhite says, 'I've heard some great songs. The Edge is playing some really great guitar.' Time Magazine, which also claims to have had an ear to the studio wall, is delighted that 'there's no crunk-style rapping, no gospel choirs or techno experiments.' 'Instead, this as-yet-untitled album is just full of confident, expansive guitar rock from the masters of the form.' It will, according to Bono, ‘be our first rock-n-roll album'.

Oh yes, the title. Well, in case you missed it above - the album is called How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb.
When Vertigo goes to radio later this month, expect to find U2.Com undergoing its own revolution in look and content. When the album arrives, expect even more startling changes.

Plans to tour are also underway - the date of the tour will be 2005. (Rest assured, you’ll have the dates first from U2.com, just as soon as they’re buttoned down.) Paul McGuinness says the tour will be defined by ‘the character of the new album and the new production.’ So we can speculate more on the tour, when we've heard the album!
(Throughout September and October U2.Com will be posting official confirmation of all new U2 releases - as and when we get it!)

U2.com

Holy Fish and Chips...

2004-09-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

This weekend Batman made a rare public appearance in London at Buckingham Palace. Strange, Bruce Wayne missed all the action.

Link

I guess it's my job...

2004-09-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

Well, I am still without a home. My office carpet was cleaned last night and has been airing out all day so hopefully tomorrow I can return to my desk and my XM Radio. For the past few days I have been in the main office and away from people (That has its ups and downs).

I did has a group of girls come and talk with me yesterday. I was proud of them and taken aback my a comment they made. first, I thanked them for coming to me because they were concerned for their friend, a jr high girl who does not eat lunch, complains about her wieght and takes "energy pills." I told them that they did the right thing by coming to me. My mind was racing trying to think of an appropriate course of action then I was appaled at what they said next.

"Her mom knows thet she takes the "energy pills." She doesn't like that she takes them but she says it's ok."

WHAT! When are parents going to be parents instead of buddies. I know exactly what this parent is thinking. She is hoping that someone (read Youth Pastor, Minister, Me) will take the role of "bad guy" by telling her daughter that she needs to get healthy so that she won't have to. The mother will come out smelling like roses while the minister will be the "evil guy who made me get fat" or whatever.

I guess I have to be the parent.

Must Find Application, Must Find Apllication

2004-09-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

Great laugh this morning.

Police: Puppy Shot Man Trying To Kill Dogs

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- A man who was trying to shoot seven puppies was shot himself when one of the dogs made the .38-caliber revolver discharge, deputies said.

Jerry Allen Bradford, 37, of Pensacola, was charged with felony animal cruelty, the Escambia County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.

Bradford was being treated at an undisclosed hospital for the gunshot wound to his wrist, said sheriff's Sgt. Ted Roy.

Bradford said he decided to shoot the 3-month-old puppies in the head because he couldn't find another home for the shepherd-mix dogs, according to the sheriff's office.

On Monday, he was holding two puppies, one in his arms and another in his left hand, when the dog in his hand wiggled and put its paw on the trigger, making the gun discharge, the sheriff's report said.

The revolver and a rifle were seized from the home, deputies said.

Deputies found three of the puppies in a shallow grave outside Bradford's home, Roy said. The other four appeared to be in good health and were taken by Escambia County Animal Control, which planned to make them available for adoption.

"That should never have to happen," said Bruce Rova, director of the Escambia County Animal Shelter. "There are so many options people have. We'll try to find them a new home."

Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

A Man Without a Home

2004-09-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

Today, I have been unable to get into my office. Last week, the air conditioner in my office froze up and began leaking. No one has been able to come out and clean the carpet or anything. It was RIPE this morning. I have been in the "fishbowl" confrence area all day and probably will do the same tomorrow.
One of the things that made the smell worse is the fact that my office is a closet. Not a "my office is so small it is the size of a closet" pity party that many complain about. No, my office was a utility closet at one point. The carpet is so dark I was unaware of the leak until I was changing shoes and my socks became wet. Maybe I will be back in my "home" tomorrow. I feel aware from my students today.

Check out the closet. This picture was taken during this summer as we planned for the retreat.

Quote of the Week

2004-09-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

"Presumed familiarity of Jesus and his message has led to unfamiliarity, unfamiliarity has led to contempt, and contempt has led to profound ignorance."-Dallas Willard

Making Someone's Day

2004-09-07T11:20:00.000-07:00

I just made some nurse's day. As I was leaving Subway, I backed out the door intending to hold it open for the lady behind me. I leaned hard on the door thinking I was on the side near the hindges. Apparently I was not. I went sailing out the door into the street. Some nurse screamed out in horror until she realized I was ok. She then began laughing; loudly; crying. At first I became very angry (embarrassment will do that to you) until I realized how scary it must have looked untill I showed that I was ok. Her laughter was a mix of relief and of gut-bust because, well, it was funny. Maybe I'll be the topic of conversation around the table- the surgical table.

More Challenges from the Irishman

2004-09-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

U2 Sermons posted a link to a story about Bono and Noel Gallagher. I remember reading the story almost 3 years ago after September 11 and have read it since then but never gave it a second thought until last year after the Catalyst confrence. Tim Sanders, CSO at Yahoo and author of Love Is the Killer App, told the audience that when he sees a buisnessman sleeping or drinking his brains out on a plane instead of reading and learning for his buisness he will wake the guy up and exchange buisness cards and email addresses. When Tim goes back to his office he emails them a list of books that will help them excell in their field. Often he might send them the book in the mail. How cool is that?
So, here is another challenge from Bono- putting our information in the hands of those who seek it on terms that meet their needs not on terms that allow us to put another "convert notch" on our belt.

excerpt from an interview with Noel Gallagher [Q/HM, March/April 2002]
"Before going to see U2 in Manchester recently, me and my girlfriend were saying, 'I wonder what it is with Bono and God?' Anyway, we're sat around a table after the gig and I go, 'Explain it to me 'cause I was brought up Catholic and it means ---- all to me.' We had a good three hour conversation about his religious philosophy, which is basically, 'Go to God, tell Him what all your flaws are and say, Can you work with me?' Which is completely different to the 'Don't drink, don't screw, don't take drugs and always go to church' ... you get taught in school. I didn't think a whole lot more about it until two days later when there's a knock on the door and the recorded delivery guy hands me two books that have been sent by Bono. There's also a little note, which reads, 'I don't know if you were serious the other night, but here's something that might give you a bit more of an understanding.' His Dad's on his death bed, yet he still takes the time to go out, buy two books and send 'em to me! . . . I tell you, I'm going to read 'em from cover to cover."

One of the books was most likely Yancy's What's So Amazing about Grace?

Last year, I dealt with a student who was struggling to figure out whether or not He believed there was a God. I tried talking with him at lunch, in my office, at the mall if I saw him. Then, I stopped talking. I realized that he was tired of being talked to- he needed someone to talk with. I gave him a book and a cd of music I knew he would like and thoughts from an former atheist that was telling his story. The book and cd allowed him to listen and think without the pressure I was undoubtedly putting on him. He listened to the cd that night and worked his way through the book. He opened up a little more. Our talks became more discussion than me blathering on. We made alot of progress.
Now, we have lost touch. This student found someone else to "talk with." Unfortunatly, the choices that he made are costing him dearly. He is still searching, longing to fill the gaps in his life. Hopefully, one day he will look back and remember our conversations.

Maybe, just maybe, I ought to send him a package.

What's So Amazing About Grace (Visual Edition)

"Scouts Came In and Picked Off Our Best and Brightest"

2004-09-07T05:57:00.000-07:00

Wow! It is scary how close to home this hits for some.

Be aware that this is From Lark News.
Link

I Would Attend That Workshop

2004-09-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to see that someone posted a comment on my blog. The first! I was even more excited to see that Beth Maynard was the one who posted that comment. Beth Maynard and Raewynne Whiteley co-edited the awesome book Get Up Off Your Knees: Preaching the U2 Catalog and run U2 Sermons. I felt very honored that she took the time to drop me a line about the titles of the new songs from the new album (now rumored to be called How Do You Difuse An Atomic Bomb) and I am even more honored that she quoted another one of my posts about the interview on O'Reilly on her site. Here I am returning the favor.
She wrote a great post about the last few minutes of the interview. I know that everyday I work here in this environment, I have to remind myself that those who oppose my ministry are for the most part doing it not because they hate me but because they fear new ideas and approaches. Like everyone they fear change. Time, trust, and relationships will help us begin to see each other eye to eye. I just need to be respectful to their "true place" even if they run roughshod over mine.

Doing God's work on Fox
...a moment I found personally moving, though almost peripheral to the main topic - but perhaps not really - was this:
O'REILLY: I understand the late Jesse Helms, the arch-conservative, the late Jesse Helms of North Carolina was a very big booster of your cause, is that correct?
BONO: Yes. It's been amazing. I've been really surprised. You know, I came at this from -- you know, I grew up in a Labour household, you can imagine in the north side of Dublin. I have all my opinions. I had my opinions of conservatives, and they weren't all good. And then I met some conservatives that really turned me around on that. They were religious conservatives. They were people that, well, had their convictions that were different to mine, but they held them, you know, from a true place.

I know a lot of churches, a lot of people, who need a workshop these days on how to be able to believe that someone who holds convictions different to yours can hold them from a true place.

Anyways, check out Get Up Off Your Knees: Preaching the U2 Catalog
Buy at Amazon

Doesn't Meet Our Company's Standards

2004-09-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

That was the answer that I got from a LifeWay employee last night when I asked her if they carried the audio CD of Rob Lacey's US edition of the Street bible entitled
The word on the street. What confused me even more was the fact that I was holding in my hand the latest LifeWay circular in which Lacey's book is featured.

I am waiting for a LifeWay represenative to return my call for more information.