Happy New Year! As we get set for another year in music (which is looking pretty promising if you ask us!), let's keep glancing back at some standout records of 2008. Another favorite this year was Family Force 5's Dance Or Die -- an album that took the crunk rockers into the dance music scene. If you've ever seen these guys live, you know they're an amazing live band who can entertain like few others. Sure they may seem silly to those who take their music just a bit too seriously, but these guys know what it takes to put on a good show, and they do it with ease. Dance Or Die is a new era for the five and maybe a bit hard of a pill to swallow for those who were attached to their first record. Dance Or Die even introduces a couple of ballads into the mix -- a daring and brave move on the band's part. While it works for them, it does disrupt the album's energy flow, but the tracks have proven to be some of the fans' favorites. And while there isn't an in-your-face spiritual message, the band does take us to higher altitudes via "Radiator" and "D-I-E 4 Y-O-U." There's something about this band's albums that make them extremely replayable for me. Dance Or Die is one I keep spinning long after a fleeting favorite is removed from my car stereo's rotation.
Anyone else have this one? Let us know if you recommend it and what your thoughts are on it!
Our synopsis: "Fun and funky with an emphasis on dancing to save the human race (?!), Family Force 5's Dance Or Die is no sophomore slump. It's proof these guys will be around for awhile." (Recommended by JFH's John DiBiase) Perfect For: Dancing, fun, and bold faith ("Radiator") Song Highlights: "Dance Or Die," "Wake The Dead," "Get Your Back Off The Wall," "Fever," "D-I-E 4 Y-O-U"
So, what are your thoughts on and experiences with the album Dance Or Die? Do you recommend it? If so, why?
This week marks the end of 2008 and the beginning of another new year. As we look ahead to another promising year for new music, we look back at another catalog of releases. Incidentally, JFH staff pickedHouse Of Heroes' The End Is Not The End as their favorite album of 2008, which should finally hit stores nationwide early '09 (possibly February 24th). The End Is Not The End is a solid collection of indie rock songs that are as accessible and catchy as they are fresh and deep. From lighter subject matter ("If," "Leave You Now,") to much deeper fare ("Voices," "Field Of Daggers," "In The Valley Of The Dying Sun"), The End Is Not The End has a little for everyone as well as plenty of food for thought. If you haven't picked it up because you're waiting for a physical copy (and haven't seen them live to get one or been able to find a copy online), this will certainly be worth the wait to pick it up in a couple months when it finally hits streets!
Anyone else have this one? Let us know if you recommend it and what your thoughts are on it!
Our synopsis: "The fusion of music and written word of this caliber is so rare these days, but House of Heroes has succeeded where most have tried and failed. Easily the best record of 2008." (Recommended by JFH's Josh Taylor) Perfect For: Relationships, Spiritual life, fun Song Highlights: "If," "Out Of Control," "Leave You Now," "Field Of Daggers," "In The Valley Of The Dying Sun"... all of it, really!
So, what are your thoughts on and experiences with the album The End Is Not The End? Do you recommend it? If so, why?
Only a couple more days 'til it's Christmas -- a time of giving and receiving as we celebrates God's gift of His Son to us once again! This also a time of year filled with all kinds of emotions - from joy to sadness, sentimental thoughts to melancholy musings, it can be pretty up and down. This year, the newly reunited Sixpence None The Richer returned to music with a full-length Christmas album titled The Dawn Of Grace. Now, while I admit it's not quite the quintessential Sixpence Christmas album we've all been waiting for, The Dawn Of Grace is a decent and unique Christmas offering that successfully covers a wide array of emotions, born out of the artists' own happiness and sorrow. Leigh Nash's silky smooth vocals make this one especially worth a listen. Personal favorites include the traditionals, like "Silent Night" featuring Jars of Clay's Dan Haseltine and an added verse the singer wrote himself, as well as "Angels We Have Heard On High" and "Carol Of The Bells."
Anyone else have this one? Let us know if you recommend it and what your thoughts are on it!
Our synopsis: "A little rough around the edges, but this unique and daring Christmas venture from Sixpence captures the joy and sadness of the holiday season." (Recommended by JFH's John DiBiase) Perfect For: Sitting by the fireplace with a cup of cocoa and a pensive heart. Song Highlights: "Silent Night," "Christmas For Two," "Carol Of The Bells"
So, what are your thoughts on and experiences with the album The Dawn Of Grace? Do you recommend it? If so, why?
“Now in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that a census be taken . . . .” Luke 2:1
Caesar Augustus was the Roman Emperor at the time of Jesus’ birth. The Latin meaning for Augustus is “exalted one.” Literally his name was “Caesar the exalted one.”
A few verses back an angel declared to Mary that she would name her son, Jesus. Just Jesus... not Jesus Augustus, or even Jesus “the exalted One," although He is the exalted and most High Savior and Lord. I thought that was interesting. Jesus, God, the babe, not the Exalted one.
But I, we, know that Caesar “the exalted one” doesn’t take center stage at Christmas. We don’t sing Caesar carols, or say “Merry Caesar-mas.” But my Christmas’ do tend to lean in the direction of Target-mas, or Gap-mas, or Wii-mas, instead of CHRISTmas? I catch myself wondering if I'm really focused on Jesus Christ or Stressed Augustus? Know what I'm saying?
Man... Christmas '08 is next week?! Where in the world did this year go?? Well, it's tradition to be cranking the holiday tunes more fervently by this time of the year, and as I'm typing this, my Christmas iTunes playlist is rolling (I love the work of composer Percy Faith... amazing!!!). There have been some solid Christmas offerings from CCM artists over the years. Among them is Rebecca St. James' 1997 project, simply titled Christmas. Rebecca was just 20 years old when her Christmas debut released and it features a nice mix of electronic pop and rock to offer some fresh updates of familiar traditional and modern Christmas tunes. It's still a great listen 11 years later! ~ John
Anyone else have this one? Let us know if you recommend it and what your thoughts are on it!
Our synopsis: "A very unique sound that can only be found in a Rebecca Christmas project. An annual favorite!." (Recommended by JFH's Wayne Myatt) Perfect For: Worship during the Christmas season! Song Highlights: "Sweet Little Jesus Boy," "One Small Child," "Happy Christmas," and "Silent Night"
So, what are your thoughts on and experiences with the album Christmas? Do you recommend it? If so, why?
The previous blog that mentioned Relient K's "Let it Snow Baby... Let it Reindeer" inspired me to post this blog.
A while back I was taking a walk down a street by my house (yes walking, not running or jogging in any form, shape, or fashion) reflecting on snow globes. I’m serious. Snow globes with no swirling snow are just boring. To give them life you gotta shake up’em up a bit.I thought of how my life, particularly my walk with Jesus, gets a lot like a boring, snowless snow globe. I get lazy, detached, and complacent.My prayers get shallow and monotonous.My walk with Jesus becomes routine and religious. Worship becomes a duty instead of a delight. My joy, my peace, my passion for Christ just sort of settles to the bottom, if you know what I mean.
Then God comes along and sees my snow-globe life. A life that has settled for attending Church, golf-clapping the birth of Jesus, cheering for my presents, keeping my quiet times, praying on the run, and not cussing. It's a life that hasn't been stirred up in a while.Bored, and boring to God.
So God takes my life and shakes it up a bit (sometimes a shake, other times a jolt). He does it through a crisis, a challenge, a concern, or a miracle.And just as a snow-globe becomes alive inside when shaken, so do I. Boredom becomes passion again. Prayers become pleas again. Laziness becomes neediness again. Worship becomes WORSHIP again. Jesus becomes relationship instead of religion again. The adventure, beauty, and joy of our salvation is best seen before God and others when things get shaky and we trust the One doing the shaking.
So let it snow baby!
FYI: Sometimes I post the same blogs on JFH as I do on my personal site. Sometimes I don't. I share more personal stories and experiences on my personal site (such as having violent hiccups, the art of splitting wood, traumatizing my four year old's pre-kindergarten class, and so forth). These stories and experiences are usually weird and funny (at least that's what I'm told). Would love for you to check it out. www.jarrodjones.com
This week, it seems only appropriate to recommend another Christmas album. In 2003, pop punk rockers Relient K produced a Christmas EP, creatively titled, Deck The Halls, Bruise Your Hand, and packaged it with their third studio album, Two Lefts Don't Make a Right... But Three Do, later the same year. The EP was a success and after being re-released the following year, the band expanded the 10-song EP into a delicious 17-track project last year, entitled Let It Snow Baby... Let It Reindeer. Now, the 2003 Relient K is light years different than the 2007 (and even the 2008) Relient K, so the record is a bit all over the place having the past and present mixed together. Arguably, the newer stuff is the strongest and the most timeless, but the original EP still possesses a unique energy and charm. This year, the band releases three MORE (?!) Christmas tunes to add to this release and posted them on iTunes with a fun little video for "Sleigh Bells," making the latest 20-track version of this project the quintessential must-have. I've never personally considered myself a fan of Relient K, but I admit you'd be hard pressed to find a better rock Christmas album than Let It Snow Baby... Let It Reindeer.
Anyone else have this one? Let us know if you recommend it and what your thoughts are on it!
(Remember, we want YOUR comments on how the record has affected you. But please keep in mind, this is NOT for your own reviews.)
Relient K Let It Snow Baby... Let It Reindeer (2007)
Our synopsis: "Relient K build upon a strong 2003 EP with this full-length 2007 Christmas release that blends traditional and modern with alt rock and pop punk flavors chock-full of fun and heart." (Recommended by JFH's John DiBiase... and Josh Taylor) Perfect For: A rockin' fun record at Christmas time, Christmas cheer, remembering the reason for the season. Song Highlights: "Sleigh Bells," "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "O Holy Night" (2008 download), "I Celebrate The Day," "Merry Christmas, Here's To Many More."
So, what are your thoughts on and experiences with the album Let It Snow Baby... Let It Reindeer? Do you recommend it? If so, why?
I lived so many years in religious chains. I lived mainly a "sin-avoidance" gospel. In other words, my Christian walk was mainly about not sinning (no cussing, no lying, no drinking, and so forth), doing Christian duties to keep me from sinning (Church, Bible, Prayer, Bible Studies), and finding Christian techniques to help me avoid sinning (wear Christian T-shirts, listen to Michael W. Smith, and wear a Cross necklace).
I also viewed God as a Daddy who was hard to please. I always had to prove to myself, and to God, that I really loved Him. My thinking was like this: "I'm going to change my life. I'm going to quit cussing. I'm going to quit looking at porn. I'm going to read my Bible more, pray more, put the Fish on my car, and get a Christian tattoo). I failed to truly believe and rest in the reality that in Christ I am completely accepted and loved. The Apostle John said, "This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sin" (1 John 4:10). He also wrote, "We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). God loved when I didn't love Him. He sent His son even while I flipped Him off. He first loved me and then i loved Him. But still I had it all wrong. I was living as if He loved me because i first loved Him. I didn't get it. I was chained to religion.
I realized that religion is performance. Religion is living for God's acceptance and love. Relationship is living from his acceptance and love. Religion is trying to get God to respond in love. Relationship is living in response to God's love. And with that I learned that I don't obey God to get accepted. Rather I obey because I'm already accepted by God. I don't serve Christ to get loved, I serve Christ because I'm loved. See it?
Spoke at a conference a couple of years ago. In the front row, to my right, was a girl who looked like she hated being there and hated me (or the message, or both). After the second day, and the third and last session, a lady approached me with tears in her eyes. She said, "I brought a group of girls here this weekend. They are from a foster home. They are hardened, bitter, and angry. Well, one of those girls gave her life to Jesus. She was sitting in the seats in front of you yesterday." It was that same girl. The lady continued, "Her heart broke for Christ because of something you said. She heard you say, 'God loves you.' It was the first time she ever heard a male say that God loved her.'"
"God loves you." I'm sure you've heard those words before from many people. Those three jaw-dropping words are so cliche' now. They make for cute coffee mugs and colorful calendars. But have you truly paused, opened your Bible to 1 John 4:10 & 1 John 4:19, Romans 8:14-16, and savored that G-O-D L-O-V-E-S YOU!
Staggering.
Are you living a "sin-avoidance" gospel? Is your walk with Christ more about modifying your behavior to look more Christian? Or do you believe with all of your DNA that you are ferociously loved by God, and because of that love you want to live for His glory? His first love for you changes everything. Who wants to be religious with a ruthlessly loving God who wants relationship? This God, our God, who would give His Son so that we might have that relationship. Stop living for His love. Start living from His love. Don't obey so that you might feel accepted and loved by God. Obey because you are accepted and loved by God.
I'm not a parent, so when it comes to learning some of the lessons that parents learn, it's usually through being a pet owner. For those who don't know, my wife and I are the proud caretakers of a little guinea pig named Chewie who's three and a half years old. He's a spunky little spoiled furrball, but more loveable than any pet I've ever had or known before him. My most recent lesson was experienced during the revisitation of a favorite activity of little Chewie's...
I believe it was earlier this year when we began occasionally letting the little guy run around on our carpeted office floor. It's good exercise for him, he has a blast, and it's ridiculously cute to watch him running and skipping around joyfully, all the while chattering to himself about only God knows what. But to keep him out of trouble, we have a small little fence that we use to keep him away from small spaces and wires he could nibble on. The funny thing is, early on in this new world exploration of his, he managed to get behind my desk to where a wealth of random, unorganized wires were well out in the open and free for the chewing. I caught him just in time before he could do any damage to himself or the appliances and returned him to his safe caged-in area. Since this incident, however, Chewie has become completely fascinated with this area of the room -- often trying desperately to find a way outside of his little pen to get back there. Perhaps he thinks it's some kind of magical haven - a guinea pig eutopia (haha!), but he has no idea that it's not the best place for him to venture to. Sadly, it's often the same way with us and God.
Many times in life, we'll be told -- whether by parents, God, superiors, etc -- where we should not go or what we should not do in attempts to keep us out of trouble and/or out of harm's way. However, we either don't believe the intentions are pure, or we just become so fixated by what we cannot have -- this forbidden fruit, so to speak -- that we want it simply because we want to know why we can't have it. It's a problem that has plagued mankind since the dawn of time.
It's unfortunate, really. God calls us to be holy -- not just because sin goes against everything God IS... hence the reason for His Son dying in our place for our sins so we can commune with Him and eventually each spend eternity with Him -- but because it's for our own good and we were created in His likeness! Just as a parent wants the best for their child and to protect them by asking them to wear a coat in cold or rainy weather, drive safely, buckle up, not run with scissors, eat healthy food (or for a pet owner not to allow a little furrball to run into an area where it could be harmed), God wants to keep us safe... and righteous. He calls us to be obedient first and foremost to His will and instruction (and He's given us an entire book to go on). So... have you been trying desperately to venture into territories God is trying to keep you from for your own good?
December 1st! Omigoodness, where did 2008 go?! Well, the end of the year is inevitably approaching, and with its approach comes CHRISTMAS! It's my favorite holiday and time of the year, which is due in part to the season's music! I grew up with the music that my grandfather passed down to my mother, so any modern music that can even slightly capture the Christmas mood and sound great scores points in my book. The best modern Christmas album to come along in quite some time is arguably Jars of Clay's 2007 release, Christmas Songs. It's modern and classic in places where appropriate, and upbeat, unique, and pensive. It's a deep collection that also knows it's okay to have a little fun, like on the duet "Hibernation Day."
So now that the turkey has digested and Black Friday has passed (but this week is... Cyber Monday?! Just what we need -- TWO shopping frenzy days! *shakes head*), it's time to dust off the Christmas records and get in the Christmas mood!
Anyone else have this one? Let us know if you recommend it!
(Remember, we want YOUR comments on how the record has affected you. But please keep in mind, this is NOT for your own reviews.)
Our synopsis: "Jars' Christmas Songs was THE Christmas album of 2007. As Christmas '08 approaches, grab this one for getting into the holiday spirit!" (Recommended by JFH's John DiBiase) Perfect For: Christmas cheer, remembering the reason for the season, and music to cozy up to someone with. Song Highlights: "Wonderful Christmas Time," "Hibernation Day," "Winter Skin," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," and "Peace Is Here."
So, what are your thoughts on and experiences with the album Christmas Songs? Do you recommend it? If so, why?
Ever hear a new band, only to dismiss it for sounding like another band that you oh-so-badly do not enjoy in the slightest?
I must have been in a bad mood the day I first heard Capital Lights. It was either that, or I only listened to "Outrage", which is the worst song on This Is An Outrage!. (Maybe even knowing that they cover Hannah Montana in concert, which is just insulting to me). I don't really know what it was that made me not like them. But last weekend, my girlfriend was in town, and she knows I didn't like them (except their Christmas song that I told her about and she liked), but she had the entire album on her iPod, and she asked me to at least listen to their song "Mile Away". So I did, and I thought, "Well, it's not terrible". Then it got stuck in my head so I eventually bought the song on iTunes and fell in love with it. Then I decided to listen to the rest of the album, and decided that, with the exception of "Outrage", it was a very good album.
Before: I hated Capital Lights.
Now: This Is An Outrage! is on my JfH Staff Picks of 2008.
"Casual neglect leads to catastrophic loss." I read this out of Ken Gire's book Window's of the Soul years ago. I haven't forgotten it.
King Solomon says it this way, "I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest and poverty will come upon you like a robber and want like an armed man" (Proverbs 24:30-34).
Got any friendships that you've been neglecting? Has the passage of time and lack of attention brought thorns and overgrowth of nettles and broke down walls in those relationships? Casual neglect can lead to catastrophic loss. Outside of Christ I can think of no other gift to the soul than family and friends. For now, let's go with friends. This is what I tend to neglect the most. I tend devote so much time, energy, anxiety, and resources toward people or groups of people whom a year or ten years from now I will never see or hear from again. But who will really matter when the lights go off in my world, sickness slams into my life, and the years creep up and over into my life? What about you? Who will matter then? Who will look out for you? Provide for you? Care for you? Will your Degree matter? Your career? Your sport? Your TV? Your music? Your Wii? Your ministry? No. I'll tell you who will matter: Your family and true friends will matter then. But do they truly matter to you now? Why should we commit and devote more elsewhere than to those to whom we really matter and who really deep down matter to us?
I can do so much better as a friend. I was convicted about this over Thanksgiving. I deeply love my friends. If I was truly thankful for my friends and loved them as deeply as I say, it would be revealed by how much I invest time and energy in them. I have allowed the walls to crack and nettles and thorns to grow between us. And when I say "friends" I'm not talking about Facebook or Myspace friends. I'm talking about those few friends that you do life with, whether in the everyday or by long distance.
"I make demands on my friends. I insist that my friends be loyal and keep their promises. I work hard to show that I am loyal to my friends, and I keep promises to them. If they think I let them down, I want to hear about it. And vice-a-versa. I expect friends to be friends and keep the friendship energy up---even when their circumstances change and their attention goes elsewhere. . . . {W]e all need good friends. Not people who supply with cocaine, or tell you what you only want to hear, or are interested in what you HAVE. No, you need people who are responsible, loyal, caring, and who are available and interested in what you are going through. Such people are rare, and like all they rest of us they have their downsides. But if you find a friend who earns your trust, hold on forever. Your life will be richer." (My emphasis) To have a close friend I have to be a close friend. I've realized lately that I'm investing more time and energy in things that truly don't matter as much as those whom I love, who love me, and who are committed to me to the end. I want to be a better friend. What about you?
There are things we unintentionally and casually neglect in the now that we may pay through the nose for later. I remember when I was younger---teen and twenty-something---I didn't really get this. I had an underlying "Immortality of youth" belief. In other words, I never paused to consider how habits, behaviors, and actions would affect my body, mind, opportunities, relationships, and Spirit, later on in life. I still have a hard time doing so in many instances.
In terms of my body, when younger, I was a partier. I abused alcohol and smoked cigarettes. I ate a lot of pizza and Krystal burgers. I exercised by default because I was an athlete. But I didn't get enough sleep, ever. Now, I've struggled with overeating, eating/drinking too much sugar, drinking too much caffeine, not getting enough sleep. Exercise is a battle too. As a result I have had issues physically and mentally. My habits and behavior have affected my energy, mood, thinking, emotions, and perspective of life and even God. At times, I get cravings for nicotine and alcohol and a lot of sugar---mostly when I'm down or overwhelmed and want to escape it all.
My wife has helped me tremendously in these areas. She is very holistically health conscious. Her motto is "everything in moderation." I try to eat until just a little over satisfied (yeah, I'm working on this one). I might drink a soda once a week. I rarely eat sugar except on special occasions, or when out with friends, or at parties. Cigarettes now make me sick (thank goodness). I'll have a glass of wine maybe once a month (Jesus turned water into wine, not kool-aid). I eat a lot of fish. I take a lot of vitamins.
The Apostle Paul says, "You may say, 'I am allowed to do anything.' But I reply, 'Not everything is good for you.' And even though 'I am allowed to do anything,' I must not become a slave to anything. You say, 'Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food.' This is true, thought someday God will do away with the both of them. . . . [Our bodies] were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares for our bodies" (1 Corinthians 6:12-13).
That's huge. Christ cares not only for our souls but also our bodies. He died to redeem our souls, minds, wills, and bodies. I have sought to dedicate and commit my body---and the habits and behaviors that affect it---to Christ. I want Christ to be all, even in my body. He is the only hope for my body, and the strength comes from Him to honor Him with my body.
What are you doing with your body. Better yet, what could you be doing to your body? How have you been affected? How are you seeking to honor God with your body in these areas?
I'd love to know a bit of your experience in this area.
This week, since I've been going back in time a lot lately to some 90's or early 00 releases, I thought it might be appropriate to look back on 2008 a bit with 2009 approaching so quickly. First off, congratulations are in order to Third Day who took home an American Music Award last night (for "Favorite Contemporary Inspirational")! And with the release of their latest studio album, Revelation, this past July, we want to spotlight it as one of the highlights of the 2008.
After Third Day went edgier for their album Wire, they took a more the pop/contemporary route for the less favorable (but still had some highlights), Wherever You Are. Their latest, Revelation, returns the band to more of a rock format and they haven't sounded quite this good in some time! Kind of imagine if their 1999 release Time was a little edgier throughout, with mainstream quality production as well, and you have an idea of where Revelation lies in the Third Day anthology. It's also very refreshing to have the honest in a track like the title song. The chorus especially strikes a chord with me:
Give me a revelation
Show me what to do
‘Cause I’ve been trying to find my way
I haven’t got a clue
Tell me should I stay here
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I’ve got nothing without you
So... Anyone else pick this one up yet? Let us know if you recommend it!
(Remember, we want YOUR comments on how the record has affected you. But please keep in mind, this is NOT for your own reviews.)
Our synopsis: "Third Day is at the top of their game with this encouraging collection of southern rock anthems for the Christian walk." (Recommended by JFH's John DiBiase) Perfect For: Encouragement through uncertain times, faith, confidence Song Highlights: "Revelation," "This Is Who I Am," "The Otherside," "Slow Down," "Call My Name"
So, what are your thoughts on and experiences with the album Revelation? Do you recommend it? If so, why?
This week, the JFH staff announced their personal Top 15 Christian market releases of all time (key word is "favorite" -- some seem to have missed that important part. ). So with our sharing of our top 15 lists, it seems only fair for you all to get a chance to list your Top 15 Favorite Christian albums of all time too! Without explanations for each one, feel free to list your Top 15 in the comment field below and share with everyone which records YOU would pick as your Top 15! Just list them as Artist, Album and (year). Like this:
I’m not any busier than anyone else. It’s just that I am afraid. I’m afraid of resting. I lack courage to rest. Things are never done. I never feel any closure nor do I ever feel caught up.
Odd that rest takes courage. Courage to walk away with things undone. Courage to risk not being prepared for something. Courage to frustrate or offend people because you are not available. Courage to face the mounds of “to-do’s” the day after. Courage to just be alone with God… and yourself.
You need courage? Me too. I risked and took a day of rest yesterday. I had to fight pre-occupation with all of my undone stuff, projects that screamed for attention, events calling for further prep, possible missed calls, and so forth. I had to fight fear.
Is it just me? Why are we so afraid to rest? I’m a little baffled at myself. I guess if we don’t act like we’re busy, or keep ourselves busy, we worry what people might think of us. Like we have the good life or something if we rest. Or if we don’t keep ourselves busy, we might not like what we find about ourselves, or what God might have to say to us.
Still God commands us to rest. We don’t have to be afraid. It’s just right. It’s healthy–physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. God rested on the 7th day too.
Get creative. Take a day. And just be. And just be with Him. It takes courage. But even more so, it takes trust. It takes trust in the Lord of the Sabbath to take care of things left undone. Takes trust in the Lord to have you prepared for the project ahead. Takes trust in the Lord to take care of the frustrated people you didn’t call back. Takes trust in the Lord to deal with the people who may judge your rest. If God says we can rest then that is enough.
For the last couple of months we have been able to partner with several different groups of remarkable people who have worked at raising awareness for various needs.In Eureka, CA, we did an event w/ some people raising funds for child soldiers in Uganda.
In Bend, Oregon, and Lake Stevens, Washington, we did events to raise awareness and support for families in the area dealing w/ cancer.We have been humbled to be able to work alongside of such people and seeing them work gives me a sense of urgency in my own life to make these sort of things not just something I do but something that becomes a part of who I am.
There is a phrase written by the Hebrew prophet Jeremiah that has really impacted me lately."He pled the cause of the afflicted and needy; then it was well.'Is not that what it means to know Me?' declares the Lord."The idea of knowing God is something that is very attractive to me, and finding out that somehow it is tied up in loving our neighbors (according to Jeremiah) kind of takes me off guard.But then I read that Jesus said similar things 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
Bono (a hero of mine) says "God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house. God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives.God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war. God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them."
So what am I doing today to plead the cause of the afflicted and needy?
This week, we've released the JFH staff's Top 15 Albums of All Time. One of the titles that shows up on several of the lists is hardcore / rock band Project 86's 2000 sophomore album, Drawing Black Lines. For me, this is the album that got me into the band and would remain my favorite full album from them to this day. As well as containing one of my favorite songs by them ("Stein's Theme"), it's solid from beginning to end, including bold songs of faith as well as haunting anthems that even tackle such sensitive topics as pornography ("PS"). "Me Against Me" is one of those songs many believers who fight the sinful nature can relate to, while the infectious "One Armed Man (Play On)" rips into the party scene to expose its ugly side. Project has gone on to record several stellar record since then, but Drawing Black Lines has less bitter angst than the delectible Songs To Burn Your Bridges By and feels more cohesive stylistically than their latest, Rival Factions. I can understand the band's frustration in trying to create each new album with hopes to top this one (and in some fans' minds, they have), but even when the day comes that they might truly top Drawing Black Lines, this will still remain a hard-hitting and memorable collection of rock songs.
Anyone else familiar with this record? Let us know if you recommend it!
(Remember, we want YOUR comments on how the record has affected you. But please keep in mind, this is NOT for your own reviews.)
Our synopsis: "Intense hardcore tour de force that remains the band's best effort." (Recommended by JFH's John DiBiase) Perfect For: Struggles with peer pressure, emptiness, lust. Anthems for the faith Song Highlights: "Stein's Theme," "Me Against Me," "One Armed Man," "Chapter 2," "Set Me Up"
So, what are your thoughts on and experiences with the album Drawing Black Lines? Do you recommend it? If so, why?
Josiah, my oldest boy of three years, was almost potty trained. But we were leaving chick-fil-a the other day and he started whining as he reached behind himself to grab his hiney. i know that reach. i recognize those eyes. I’m familiar with that vein in the forehead. so we bolted for the bathroom. we entered into the bathroom stall to do the deed.
Funny thing . . . I don’t remember the back of his spidey-underoos having a lump.
Josiah was whining and near tears. I was whining and near tears. he was circling around the stall like a nervous chihuahua while I was chasing him and trying to take care of his business. It was not a pretty sight. I had to have him assume the position and clean him up. it was beautifully disgusting.
Then i started laughing. Josiah started laughing. There we were, spidey-underoos at his ankles, daddy with toilet paper in one hand and covering his nose with the other just. . . laughing. Poopy before us, beneath us, above us, around us, and we’re laughing. He said, “dadddddddyyyyyy. it funny, it’nt daddy. it funnnnnyyyy.” it was a holy moment. i’m not kidding. a holy moment. my son and i. Just him and me. In the mess. Poopy, tears, and joy.
Messes, tears, and joy–sounds a lot like a life with Jesus.
I'm a mess inside. I've made messes of my life.. I've caused messes in people's lives. I still make messes. I just mask it better. You?
But God enters into my mess and messes. And He always will. Same with you.
Tears come... and they go. His joy never ends. Same for you.
i told a friend about this worship moment i had with Josiah. He looked at me as if i’d told him i was a chicken nugget. I don’t expect him to understand, really. nor can anyone understand the love of a God to become man and enter into . . .our mess.
i will tuck that moment with Josiah into a special place within me. Not sure you can really relate to that or not. That's okay. But for what it’s worth I’ll give you this little jewel to pocket away until needed:
Ever since I had to sell my Wii (I needed money.....sigh), I've been missing playing video games. I'm not a huge gamer, but I do enjoy them. I've always loved many of the games that have been released through Nintendo. So a week or two ago, I went to my parents' house, and I pulled out our old Nintendo 64, and some of the games (I left the South Park games alone haha), and I brought them back to my apartment. Unfortunately, some of our games had been lost or stolen, classics like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
But I did pull out some Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie, as well as a couple of my all-time favorites from the console, WWF Wrestlemania 2000 and Star Fox 64. Great games. Now I just need to get ahold of WWF No Mercy (I found a place where I can get a copy for like eight bucks!) and the original Super Smash Bros. How about all you guys? Favorite games from the Nintendo 64.....GO!
Happy New Year! As we get set for another year in music (which is looking pretty promising if you ask us!), let's keep glancing back at some standout records of 2008. Another favorite this year was Family Force 5's Dance Or Die -- an album that took the crunk rockers into the dance music scene. If you've ever seen these guys live, you know they're an amazing live band who can entertain like few others. Sure they may seem silly to those who take their music just a bit too seriously, but these guys know what it takes to put on a good show, and they do it with ease. Dance Or Die is a new era for the five and maybe a bit hard of a pill to swallow for those who were attached to their first record. Dance Or Die even introduces a couple of ballads into the mix -- a daring and brave move on the band's part. While it works for them, it does disrupt the album's energy flow, but the tracks have proven to be some of the fans' favorites. And while there isn't an in-your-face spiritual message, the band does take us to higher altitudes via "Radiator" and "D-I-E 4 Y-O-U." There's something about this band's albums that make them extremely replayable for me. Dance Or Die is one I keep spinning long after a fleeting favorite is removed from my car stereo's rotation.
Family Force 5
“Now in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that a census be taken . . . .” Luke 2:1
I'm not a parent, so when it comes to learning some of the lessons that parents learn, it's usually through being a pet owner. For those who don't know, my wife and I are the proud caretakers of a little guinea pig named Chewie who's three and a half years old. He's a spunky little spoiled furrball, but more loveable than any pet I've ever had or known before him. My most recent lesson was experienced during the revisitation of a favorite activity of little Chewie's...
Ever hear a new band, only to dismiss it for sounding like another band that you oh-so-badly do not enjoy in the slightest?
This week, the JFH staff announced their personal 
). So with our sharing of our top 15 lists, it seems only fair for you all to get a chance to list your Top 15 Favorite Christian albums of all time too! Without explanations for each one, feel free to list your Top 15 in the comment field below and share with everyone which records YOU would pick as your Top 15! Just list them as Artist, Album and (year). Like this:
For the last couple of months we have been able to partner with several different groups of remarkable people who have worked at raising awareness for various needs.
