Ragamuffin Ramblings

Songs of the Season - It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

2010-12-04T23:08:00.001-05:00

Our next song of the season comes from an artist whose singing "emotes more feeling in a single line than most artists conjure up in an entire album," according to ChristianityToday.com. In her very first Christmas album O Holy Night (released in 2008), singer-songwriter Sara Groves recreates classic holiday melodies that will warm your heart and point you to the Savior. Groves' rendition of "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" adds a chorus that proclaims:

Peace on the earth, good will to men
From heaven's all gracious King
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels, to hear them sing

As you allow this song to lead you into the Christmas season, remember to acknowledge the magnificent grace and peace that God has bestowed upon his people through the gift of his son, Jesus.

Lyrics:
It came upon a midnight clear
That glorious song of old
From angels bending near the earth
To touch their harps of gold

Peace on earth, good will to men
From heaven's all gracious King
The earth in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels, to hear them sing

O ye beneath life's crushing load
Whose forms are bending low
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps so slow

Look now for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing
Oh, rest beside the weary road
And hear the angels, and hear them sing

Singing peace on earth, good will to men
From heaven's all gracious King
The earth in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels, the angels sing, sing, sing

Still through the broken skies they come
With peaceful wings unfurled
And still their heavenly music floats
Over all the weary world

Above its sad and lonely plains
They bend on hovering wing
And ever over Babel sounds
The blessed angels, the angels sing, sing, sing

And I can hear the angels sing
And I can hear the angels
And I still hear the angels sing
And I still hear the angels

Glory hallelujah!

Songs of the Season - Welcome to Our World

2010-11-29T22:37:00.001-05:00

Our second song of the season comes from inspirational songwriter Chris Rice. "Welcome to Our World" echoes humanity's yearning—a quiet, constant yearning—for the Messiah. Rice's poignant lyrics serve as a reminder of God's redemptive work through the gift of his son Jesus Christ. But this song is not simply about Christ's coming; rather, it is about why Christ has come. Rice describes the infant Christ this way:

Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born, unto us is born

This song reminds us that the story of Christmas does not end with the cradle, but with the cross. Meditate on this truth as you listen to the song below.

Lyrics:

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting
Welcome holy child, welcome holy child

Hope that you don't mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long-awaited holy stranger
Make yourself at home, please make yourself at home

Bring your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking heaven's silence
Welcome to our world, welcome to our world

Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born, unto us is born

So wrap our injured flesh around you
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God, perfect Son of God

Welcome to our world

Songs of the Season - In the Bleak Midwinter

2010-11-26T11:58:00.005-05:00

First off, I apologize. This blog has remained dormant for much too long. Thankfully, however, the holiday season has granted me some spare time to update this blog.

And now, since Thanksgiving is behind us and the Christmas season is at hand, I have decided to create a new set of posts called Songs of the Season. Each week, I will post two Christmas songs (one song on Mondays and one song on Fridays) that, I hope, will put you in the Christmas spirit and remind you of "the old, old story of the power of death undone by an infant born of glory."

This week's offering comes from the brand new Christmas album (appropriately titled Christmas) by husband-and-wife songwriting duo Jill Phillips and Andy Gullahorn. Gullahorn's soothing guitar playing sets the perfect tone for Christina Rossetti's famous lyrics.

The song, though unfamiliar to some, will lead you into the Christmas season by reminding you that even in the bleak midwinter, there is hope in the person of Jesus Christ.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Lyrics:

In the bleak midwinter
Frosty winds made moan
Earth stood hard as iron
Water like a stone
The snow had fallen
Snow on snow
In the bleak midwinter
Long ago

Angels and archangels
May have gathered there
Cherubim and seraphim
In the air
But his mother Mary
In her maiden bliss
Worshiped the beloved
With a kiss

Heaven cannot hold him
Nor can earth sustain
Heaven and earth shall fall away
When he comes to reign

What then can I give him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb
If I were a wise man
I would do my part
What then can I give him?
I will give my heart

Playtime's Over

2010-08-04T01:54:00.001-04:00

"Somewhere in that pad of stuffing is a toy who taught me that life's only worth living if you're being loved by a kid." - Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story 2

I was six years old. "Boys! Dinner's ready!" yelled my mother. I hurriedly tossed my Thomas the Tank Engine toys to the floor and bolted out of my bedroom. But before I left for the kitchen, there was one more thing I had to do. Quietly, I crept back down the hallway toward my bedroom door. Ever so carefully, I cracked the door open and peered inside.

Could it be? Were my toys really alive?

Seeing no movement, I resigned with a sigh, closing the door and scampering back toward the kitchen.

This is the impact that Toy Story had on me as a child. I distinctly remember sitting in the movie theater as the film unfolded, enthralled with the story of these fiercely loyal toys. Something about them resonated with me. Maybe it was their tenacity. Maybe it was their humor. Or maybe, just maybe, it was their unwavering devotion to one another and to their owner, Andy.

Four years later, Toy Story 2 was released, and you cannot imagine my numerous concerns prior to viewing the film. As a ten year-old, I was still very attached to Woody, Buzz, and the gang. 'What if this new movie ruins these characters forever?' I worried. To my relief, Toy Story 2 did just the opposite. It expanded the characters—gave them depth. The film took our playtime heroes on new and exciting adventures while still remaining faithful to the original film. That's a tall order these days, but the folks at Pixar seem to accomplish this task with ease.

Can Pixar make a bad movie?

'Time will tell,' I thought as news of a second sequel hit the Internet in late 2008. Once again, my nervous pessimism kicked in, and as the release date for Toy Story 3 drew near, my inhibitions about the film increased exponentially. Finally, I bit the bullet, bought a ticket, donned my 3-D glasses, and settled into my seat, fully prepared for the disappointment to come. But then, something amazing happened.

The movie started.

And two hours later, I was wiping the tears off my 3-D glasses. Pixar did it again. With skill and ease, they crafted a fitting end to the Toy Story saga—one that they can be proud of.

In Toy Story 3, our playtime heroes face some of their biggest obstacles yet. This is not merely a happy-go-lucky tale; rather it is a tale filled with angst and uncertainty. As Andy leaves for college, the toys have to make some tough decisions that will affect their future. Disagreement and bickering ensue, and relationships are strained. Woody and Buzz's friendship is pushed to the brink, more so than any other Toy Story film. Their journey is a hard one, fraught with danger and disappointment. And on this journey, the toys look hell in the face and prepare themselves for the worst. This movie is not for the faint of heart or the young of age.

But let me be clear. There are moments of humor and fun in Toy Story 3. The film is not overly morose. However, I would venture to say that this film is the most dramatic of the Toy Story films, and with good reason. As life with Andy fades into oblivion, the toys' decisions become all the more crucial to their survival. These are life and death decisions being made, and to put it frankly, none of the characters are 100% sure what to do. That is what makes this film compelling to watch. These computer-animated hunks of plastic are dealing with real-life issues that we deal with every day. And, like us, they argue about what to do next in the face of uncertainty. Pixar has fashioned these fictional characters to be mirrors of ourselves, and that is why this film is truly remarkable.

I won't spoil the ending of the movie for you, but I will say this: Pixar closes the curtain on the Toy Story saga with class. Honestly, if you had asked me before viewing the film what the perfect ending for Toy Story 3 would be, I wouldn't have been able to give you an answer. But the folks as Pixar hit the nail on the head. They continue to confound my expectations and churn out good, solid, compelling stories.

Can Pixar make a bad movie? Well, they haven't yet.

RATING: 5 (out of 5)

Some New Music

2010-07-29T01:23:00.004-04:00

To quote Dan Rydell from Sports Night, "I've got the intellectual property cops crawling up my butt."

It seems that my zealous effort to record (and distribute) a full-length album of cover songs was...well...illegal. Without securing the copyrights for the individual songs, I am not allowed to distribute covers of popular songs.

But do not fear! More music is here! (Well, not here, but on the way.)

A brand-new album of ORIGINAL songs is in the works, with a tentative release date sometime around December 1st. But you may be saying to yourself, "Gee, December 1st is a LOOOONG time away."

Again, do not fear! Podcasts are here! (Well, again, not here, but on the way.) Weekly podcasts will be coming very soon to wet your whistle until the album is released! Brace yourself, Internet fans. You ain't seen nothin' yet!

Music of Mt. Freedom Blog

2010-07-12T21:53:00.004-04:00

This past May, I became in the Interim Minister of Music at Mt. Freedom Baptist Church in Wilmore, Kentucky. Since then, I've started up a blog for the music ministry at Mt. Freedom. I'd like to invite all of you to visit www.mtfreedom.blogspot.com... a blog entitled The Music of Mt. Freedom. Posts on this blog cover a wide range of topics such as: the state of worship in the church today, the hymns versus praise songs debate, and song highlights from previous worship services at Mt. Freedom. Check in each week and become a part of the dialogue by adding your own comments!

Lessons Learned from Abraham

2010-07-02T03:11:00.004-04:00

Abram said, "Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir." And behold, the word of the LORD came to him: "This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir." And he brought him outside and said, "Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness. - Genesis 15:3-6

This summer has been a roller coaster ride, and it's only halfway done. I won't go into all of the details, but suffice it to say that many aspects of my life have not gone according to plan. My plan. But everything has gone according to God's plan.

You see, between the job search struggles and the relationship woes, the Lord has been reiterating this one simple truth: He is in control. At the beginning of the summer, I accepted a ministry position at Mt. Freedom Baptist Church in Wilmore, Kentucky. I soon learned that our sermon series for the summer would focus on the life of Abraham. Little did I know that the Lord would use these passages of scripture to renew my mind and transform my heart.

Abraham was called out his homeland and told to go to "the land that I will show you." He followed unswervingly, and the Lord made known his promises. Along the way, Abraham made both good and bad choices, and the Lord made known his promises. Even when Abraham doubted God's promises, the Lord showed himself faithful.

There is a lot of uncertainty in my future. I have one more year left at Asbury University before I graduate. Then, after graduation, I'll be searching for a teaching job in the Lexington area. As I look forward to my future, there are many unknowns. How will I find a job? Where will I live? What about grad school? And as I look forward, I long one day to be in a relationship with a woman who knows and loves the Lord Jesus Christ. I long to experience marriage, and I long to experience fatherhood. I pray that I will love my future wife as Christ loves the church, and I pray that as a father, I will emulate the character of my Heavenly Father.

There is a lot of uncertainty, but there is no need to worry. There is no need to fret. The Lord has made known his promises. And if I ever begin to doubt them, all I need to do is walk outside, gaze at the stars, and remember the unchangeable promises of God.

Myth #1: Soccer is Cool

2010-06-19T20:41:00.017-04:00

This summer, I'm starting a new series of posts on this blog called MythBustin'. Named after one of my favorite television shows (MythBusters), this series will examine what I consider to be some of the most persistent myths of our lifetime.

On the television show, myths are tested and then given one of the following labels: (a) CONFIRMED, (b) PLAUSIBLE, or (c) BUSTED. In the same way, I will examine these urban legends and, after much thoughtful consideration, I will label them appropriately.

Now, for our very first myth. Myth #1: Soccer is cool.

Beginning Thoughts
Ah, soccer. Or should I say... football? Or is it... futbol? Well, let's not worry about semantics just yet. For now, let's just call it soccer. We are in America after all!

I felt it was appropriate to begin my MythBustin' series with this subject as the FIFA World Cup is now in full swing. Thousands, nay, millions of people have been glued to their television sets, watching this international spectacle unfold (in high definition, I might add).

But many believe soccer to be a "mind-numbing bore and that any reasonable person would rather be playing it than watching it." (Dan Rydell, Sports Night)

So is this myth true? Is soccer cool? Let's take a look at the evidence.

Evidence in Favor
The only evidence I can find that soccer is even remotely cool is the fact that everyone likes it. Well, ok, not everyone, but a vast majority of the international community eats, sleeps, and breathes soccer. They start riots when their favorite team loses and when their favorite team... wins. Hmm... I've never understood that part.

Anyway, the point is this: Because lots of people like it, it must be cool. But can that argument hold water?

Not really... and here's why. First of all, the "if everyone else was jumping off a cliff" argument comes to mind. Obviously I'm being a little bit facetious here, but you get the point. Second, let's take a look at the top four highest grossing movies worldwide of 2007. This should give us a peek at the types of movies that lots of people like. They are, in this order: (1) Spider-Man 3, (2) Shrek the Third, (3) Transformers, and (4) Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.

Oh dear.

This goes to show us that just because lots of people like something doesn't make it cool.

Well, we have to throw that out as insufficient evidence. And, since that was the only evidence we had in favor of this myth, let's move on to the evidence AGAINST this myth.

Evidence Against
Since I don't have sufficient space on my blog to outline all of the evidence against soccer's supposed coolness, I will simply list these two pieces of evidence.

(1) The score: It was hard to hunt up reliable data, but according to majorleaguesoccertalk.com, the average number of goals for a winning team in a Major League Soccer game in 2009 was 1.69, and the average number of goals for a losing team was 0.67. Dan Rydell of Sports Night sums up his feelings this way:

(2) The lack of drama: In America, we like situational sports drama. For example...

bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth, and the team's best hitter squares off against the pitcher in a last ditch effort to win the game
3.6 seconds left in an NCAA basketball game, and one team, down by three points, throws the ball in to their best outside shooter to send them into overtime
down by four points with only 18 seconds to go, one football team sends their wide receivers streaking down the field as the quarterback throws a Hail Mary

In soccer, the only drama occurs when someone gets close enough to the goal to take a shot. But even then, their chances of making that shot are slim to none (remember the first piece of evidence?). Also, in soccer there are no timeouts, no stopping of the game clock, and no instant replay.

So, it's kind of like watching grass grow except... less exciting. Plus, the Simpsons seem to agree with me too!

Conclusion
Well, the evidence is overwhelming. This myth is...

Note: The purpose of this post is to do one thing: entertain. Don't twist yourself all up in a knot over my dislike of soccer. Think of me as Stephen Colbert... only not as funny.

Some Summer Updates

2010-05-11T19:11:00.021-04:00

Well, a lot has been going on in my life lately, so I figured I'd fill you all in via my blog! Now sit back, relax, and enjoy catching up on my life.

Facebook: The Search for Love
To begin, the short film that I starred in last semester, Facebook: The Search for Love, was accepted into the the Highbridge Film Festival where it won three awards (Best Audio Editing, Best Original Musical Score, and Best Comedy).

If you piece all of the shooting days together, we shot this film in about four days. Not bad, huh?

I had so much fun working on this project. The crew was incredibly professional, the cast was incredibly talented, and the experience was both fun and challenging. I hadn't acted for the camera very much before this project, so all of this was very new to me. Through it all, I learned a lot and had an awesome time!

If you haven't seen it already, you can watch the film in its entirety below! Enjoy!

In addition, if you want to see how Facebook: The Search for Love was created, then look no further! Below is a Behind-the-Scenes montage that'll give you a glimpse into the movie making process. Enjoy!

Summer Living
Recently, my plans for the summer drastically changed when I was offered the position of interim Music Minister at Mt. Freedom Baptist Church in Wilmore, Kentucky. I accepted the position (pending a congregational vote), and I plan to live in Nicholasville with my friend Reuben for the duration of the summer. I also plan to work part-time at Lowe's in Nicholasville and take two online courses, Theology and Leadership Development.

Earlier this week, I moved into Reuben's house and unpacked all of my stuff. Below are some before and after pictures. Enjoy.

BEFORE

My original, wannabe desk.

AFTER

My much-better desk!

My New Album
This summer, I'll be recording a new full-length album and giving it away for FREE! If you aren't familiar with my music, you can check it out on the right sidebar of this blog under FREE MUSIC. Also, you can visit my Facebook Fan Page or my NoiseTrade Profile.

But back to this new album... I need your help!

The songs on this new album will be cover songs... i.e. they'll be songs written by someone else. What I need from you is some song ideas!

What songs would you like to hear me record? Here are some ideas people have come up with so far:

(1) Viva la Vida by Coldplay
(2) Thriller by Michael Jackson
(3) Rainbow Connection by Kermit the Frog
(4) Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
(5) Still Fighting It by Ben Folds

Post your song ideas in the Discussion Tab on my Facebook Fan Page. I look forward to your input!

I'm Outnumbered: One Mom's Lessons in the Lively Art of Raising Boys
Yep... my mom's an author. My mother, Laura Lee Groves, has written her first book about raising four rambunctious, red-headed boys that I'm sure will provide knowledge and insight for numerous mothers around the country. Nay... the world.

Check out her blog entitled Outnumbered Mom, and if you'd like more information about her book (to be released on August 31st, 2010), visit this Kregel Publications link.

Andrew Peterson's Upcoming Album
July 27th. That's the date I have marked on my calendar with two big letters: AP. Why? Because Andrew Peterson's newest album, Counting Stars, gets released then! If you didn't already know, I'm sort of an Andrew Peterson wannabe... er... groupie... uh... fan. Yeah, something like that.

Anyway, he recently released a new radio single from the album entitled "The Reckoning (How Long)." I've posted it below so you can listen to it, but you really should buy it for yourself! It's only 99¢ at iTunes and Amazon.com.

For more information about Andrew Peterson and his upcoming album, visit his website or The Rabbit Room.

And now... enjoy the song!

Facebook: The Search for Love

2010-04-07T02:07:00.006-04:00

This past semester, I had the privilege of starring in a short film that will hopefully be entered into the Highbridge Film Festival. Check out this teaser trailer for the short film "Facebook: The Search for Love."

What I've Been Up To Lately...

2010-03-29T14:23:00.006-04:00

Currently, I'm a part of Asbury University's latest sitcom entitled Friends Like You, Too. Performances are March 30th and 31st. Check out this awesome feature about the sitcom from WLEX-18!

Ok, Go Ahead and Watch This

2010-03-21T18:47:00.004-04:00

If you haven't already heard of the band OK Go, you're missing out. Their newest single, "This Too Shall Pass," has become an Internet sensation after the release of these two music videos.

Sit back, relax, be amazed, and enjoy.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-16T11:41:00.005-05:00

Follow the Men of Johnson Third East through the decades as they declare their unfailing love for the ladies of Kresge Second East.

Haiti: A Land of Desperation and Need

2010-01-14T00:21:00.010-05:00

Believe it or not, this post was originally going to be about the late night power struggle between Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, and the ever-bungling National Broadcasting Company (NBC). But as I began to write, I realized that while this late night brouhaha is entertaining, in the grand scheme of things, it means very little.

This past Tuesday, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck the island nation of Haiti, decimating the capital of Port-au-Prince and killing upwards of 40,000 people. The dire situation in Haiti can be summed up in these words from Haiti's president: "Parliament has collapsed. The tax office has collapsed. Schools have collapsed. The hospitals have collapsed."

The more and more I read the newspaper, browse Internet articles, and watch the news, my heart cries out for the people of Haiti. There is so much fear and death. There is so much heartache and need. All of this in a place that is only 700 miles from my front porch in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and yet it feels so far away.

The nation of Haiti is very close to my heart. Three years ago, I traveled to Haiti on a mission trip, and I can honestly say that I am a different person because of that trip. Haiti is one of the poorest nations on the face of the earth. According to most sources, around 80% of Haiti's population lives in poverty, with the majority of Haitians living off of roughly $2 per day. And Haiti is one of the most spiritually dark nations on the face of the earth. Vodou and witchcraft are regularly practiced alongside other religions, pointing to a deep spiritual need existing there.

So why am I writing this? To make you feel bad? No. To guilt you into doing something? Certainly not. I am writing this to the body of Christ to encourage action. This action is not motivated by guilt; rather, it is motivated by the following command.

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." -James 1:27

In addition to this, the scriptures say these things.

"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." -James 2:14-17

"Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." -James 1:22

So what is my point? Undoubtedly, very few of us can pack up and head to Haiti to help with the earthquake aid. Besides, that is not what I am suggesting anyway. What I am suggesting is that we, as a community of believers, as the body of Christ, lift up the nation of Haiti in prayer. There is power in prayer, and we are commanded to pray. I am also suggesting that, if you are financially able, you find an organization like Compassion International or World Vision that you can contribute money to in an effort to help with the earthquake aid. Every little bit counts.

Lastly, I want to stress that this post is not intended to guilt you into giving away money. In fact, if giving away money is your way of making yourself feel better, don't do it. For, as the scriptures say, "Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." -II Corinthians 9:7

O Come, Divine Messiah

2010-01-05T23:05:00.008-05:00

Happy New Year, everybody!

As a gift to you all, I have released a brand new Christmas song entitled "O Come, Divine Messiah." Composed by Josh Dahm, from the band Too Many Drummers, this song echoes the cry of God's people as they long for the divine Messiah sent to redeem the world.

You can download it for FREE below. You'll also find some album art there too. To preview the song, just click on it. To download, click the arrow tab to the right of each item and choose the DOWNLOAD option.

Enjoy the music, and have a Happy New Year!

The Muppets Strike Back!

2009-11-26T17:58:00.004-05:00

The Muppets are back... again! Four months after posting their first round of videos on YouTube, the Muppets have returned to the interwebs with four new videos. The one receiving the most buzz on the web is a cover of Queen's hit song "Bohemian Rhapsody." You can watch the videos below.

Believe me, you won't be disappointed!

Instead of Goodbye by Eugene & Doris

2009-11-06T00:27:00.004-05:00

Three close friends of mine at Asbury (Christian Loftus, Lauren Wallace, and Faith Shaw) are in a band called Eugene & Doris. Just yesterday, they released their first full-length album entitled Instead of Goodbye... and it's awesome.

And you can get it for free.

Check them out on Facebook, MySpace, and NoiseTrade. If you want to download their album now, see the widget below. Wow... this post has way too many techie terms! Oh well... if you want some good music, look no further than Eugene & Doris.

Song of the Week: Boys (Lesson One)

2009-09-05T01:00:00.006-04:00

Jars of Clay. A band that's been together for over ten years now and a band that continually churns out solid music. With their newest record, The Long Fall Back to Earth, Jars exceeds expectations with rich lyrics and exceptional musicianship. I've been a Jars fan for a long time, and I can say this without hesitation: This is one of their best albums yet.

This album is so good that I struggled to pick out one song to post on my blog. The song I did choose, Boys (Lesson One), struck a particularly close chord with me, as it illustrates a father's relationship with his growing boys. Being one of four brothers, I felt compelled to choose this song.

However, the scope of this song should not be limited only to the relationship between an earthly father and his sons. Rather, we can see many parallels between our earthly fathers and our heavenly Father. So enjoy this Song of the Week, and check out Jars of Clay's new album, The Long Fall Back to Earth.

You won't be disappointed!

Boys (Lesson One) by Jars of Clay
Lesson one: Do not hide
Lesson two: There are right ways to fight
And if you have questions, we can talk through the night

So you know who you are
And you know what you want
I've been where you're going
And it's not that far

It's too far to walk
But you don't have to run
You'll get there in time

Lesson three: You're not alone
Not since I saw you start breathing on your own
You can leave, you can run
This will still be your home

So you know who you are
And you know what you want
I've been where you're going
And it's not that far

It's too far to walk
But you don't have to run
You'll get there in time

In time, to wonder where the days have gone
In time, to be old enough to wish that you were young
When good things are unraveling
Bad things come undone
You weather love and lose your innocence

There will be liars
And thieves who take from you
Not to undermine the consequence
But you are not what you do
And when you need it most
I have a hundred reasons why I love you

So you know who you are
And you know what you want
I've been where you're going
And it's not that far

It's too far to walk
But you don't have to run
You'll get there in time

If you weather love and lose your innocence
Just remember... lesson one

North! Or Be Eaten

2009-08-20T18:12:00.005-04:00

Readers thrilled to the phantasmagorical adventures in On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, Book 1 of the Wingfeather Saga. Now in Book 2, Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby, mom Nia, ex-pirate grandfather Podo, Peet the Sock Man, and trusty dog Nugget flee north to rebel headquarters.

Their escape brings readers to the very brink of Fingap Falls, over the Stony Mountains, and across the Ice Prairies while villains galore try to stop the Igibys permanently. Fearsome toothy cows and horned hounds return along with new dangers: a mad man running a fork factory, a den of rockroaches, and majestic, talking sea dragons.

Andrew Peterson's lovable characters create what FantasyBookCritic.com says made Book 1 "one of the best fantasy novels in a very long time," and Book Two contains even more thrills, exploring "themes universal in nature, ranging from the classic good versus evil, to the importance of family, and burdens of responsibility."

If you'd like to purchase North! Or Be Eaten, visit the following link!

Summer Musings

2009-08-09T04:43:00.009-04:00

Hey, everybody! Just to let you know, I've written and recorded a few songs this summer to share with you. If you'd like to download my new EP, Summer Musings, click on this widget.

Enjoy!

One Giant Leap for Mankind

2009-07-19T23:06:00.009-04:00

"That's one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind."

Those words from American astronaut Neil Armstrong resonate today as we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landings. Oh, how I wish that I had been alive on July 20, 1969, to watch the moon landings on live television. It was a pivotal moment in history that left the late Walter Cronkite giddy with excitement. Going to the moon proved that in an age of unrest and uncertainty, America was still a land of explorers. It lifted the spirits of humanity and propelled us into the space age.

Today, 40 years later, many doubts and negative opinions exist about America's space program, NASA. NASA's plans to go back to the moon in 2020 and eventually to Mars in 2037 have evoked criticism and concern. 'Why continue sending man into space?' some ask. They cite budgets and finances, making the argument that it is too costly to send some humans on a million-dollar space excursion. But the words of fictional character Sam Seaborn of the West Wing come to mind.

Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin blazed a trail for future generations on July 20, 1969. Now, 40 years later, we must continue that journey to wherever it may lead us.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled for 'Parenthood'

2009-07-12T01:10:00.006-04:00

My oldest brother brought this show to my attention, and now I'm bringing it to yours! In the last few years, NBC has hosted some of the worst dramas on television (My Own Worst Enemy, Kings, Knight Rider). So you'd imagine my surprise when NBC's 'Parenthood' piqued my interest. In the beginning, it was strictly because of the people involved. Ron Howard (Frost/Nixon, Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind) and Brian Grazer (24, Arrested Development, Shark) are the executive producers, Thomas Schlamme (Sports Night, The West Wing, Studio 60) is directing, and the cast is chock full of some great actors like Peter Krause (Sports Night) and Craig T. Nelson (The District).

So, I thought, at least some great people are working on it! Then I watched this promo, and now I'm hooked. Keep your eyes peeled for this show as it has been pushed back for a midseason premeire on NBC!

Fireworks in New York!

2009-07-06T00:22:00.005-04:00

Enjoy a short snippet of the fantastic fireworks show we experienced this year.

Happy Fourth of July!

My Music

2009-06-27T01:38:00.004-04:00

Some summer music is on the way! I've been feverishly working on an EP that I hope will knock your socks off. If you'd like to become a fan on Facebook: follow this link.

More updates to come...

The Ridiculous

2009-06-17T18:59:00.003-04:00

If you've read the purpose of my blog (on the right side of your screen), you know that it contains my thoughts on the good, the bad, and the ridiculous. The news story that follows most definitely falls in the final category.

PETA outraged by President Obama's fly-killing
In a recent interview with CNBC, President Obama was being bothered by a very persistent fly. Obama responded like any other normal person would: he swatted at it. When that didn't work, he killed the fly. Here's a video of the vicious killing.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) responded by condemning the insect murder:

"In a nutshell, our position is this: [President Obama] isn't the Buddha, he's a human being, and human beings have a long way to go before they think before they act. If all this has you wondering how you can be a bigger person (figuratively, as well as literally) in your dealings with exoskeletal beings, check out our handy-dandy bug catcher—one of which we are sending to President Obama for future insect incidents."

Ridiculous.

eBay Sale!

2009-05-28T12:46:00.014-04:00

Well, I've been doing some cleaning, and I've come across some things I'd like to get rid of. Now, thanks to the Internet wonder known as eBay, I can sell these items online! And, thanks to the Internet wonder known as blogging, I can tell you about it!

Here's what I'm selling:

1) The NIV Archaeological Study Bible from Zondervan

An Illustrated Walk Through Biblical History and Culture, The NIV Archaeological Study Bible sheds new light on the Bible. From the beginnings of Genesis to the end of Revelation, this new study Bible is filled with informative articles and full-color photographs of places and objects that will open your eyes to the historical context of the stories you read and the people you meet in Scripture. From kings and empires to weapons of war to clay pots used for carrying water, the archaeological record surrounding God's Word will help contextualize and inform your personal study.

2) The Legacy Study Bible edited by Hank Hanegraaff

Document your legacy of faith with the Legacy Study Bible. Best-selling author and "Bible Answer Man" Hank Hanegraaff has created the perfect tool to build and pass along your spiritual legacy.

3) Dell DJ 30 GB MP3 Player with Accessories

Included in this package are:

Dell DJ 30 GB MP3 Player
Docking station
USB connect cable
Protective leather case
Silicone case and armband
Installation software
All instruction manuals
Original packaging

To bid on any of these items, visit my seller page HERE.

Arthur Conan Doyle Is Rolling Over in His Grave

2009-05-20T11:06:00.002-04:00

The newest adaptation of Sherlock Holmes... with Robert Downey, Jr. as the famous detective. I wish this was a joke, but it's not. Arthur Conan Doyle is rolling over in his grave right now.

Clutter-Free Christianity

2009-04-01T14:12:00.002-04:00

The following is a review of a new book by Robert Jeffress called Clutter-Free Christianity. Check it out!

Summary

When did the Christian life become so complicated?

Your greatest desire is to please God, but with each passing week, your spiritual to-do list grows longer. As you strive to fulfill a never-ending inventory of requirements for being a godly parent, spouse, voter, employee, and more, you feel increasingly disconnected from the God you're trying to serve.

It's time to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of what it means to please God. In this liberating look at the core principles of faith, Dr. Robert Jeffress reveals the truth about what God really wants from you--and what he wants to do for you.

Through solid biblical teaching and practical insights, Dr. Jeffress points you toward a revitalized faith centered on becoming more like Jesus in action, attitude, and affection. You'll learn how to partner with God in the process of spiritual transformation as you choose to follow Christ in forgiveness, obedience, trust, contentment, service, and prayer.

Through a renewed focus on experiencing the kingdom of God right now, you'll find your to-do list shrinking and your spiritual life deepening. It all come with embracing Clutter-Free Christianity.

Includes a Bible study guide for personal growth and group discussion.

Memo to Worship Bands

2009-03-18T17:34:00.005-04:00

Because of my hectic spring break schedule, I have not kept up with the Song of the Week. However, I recently came across the following article from Christianity Today and decided to post it. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Enjoy.

Memo to Worship Bands
Five sound reasons to lower the volume.
by John G. Stackhouse, Jr.

Can you hear me? You can? I'm sorry if I am shouting, but I have just spent half an hour in a church service with a typical worship band, and my ears are ringing. I'm sure to be fine in a minute. Or hour. Or day--I hope.

Why does everything every Christian musician performs nowadays seem to require high amplification?

I was at a Christian camp not long ago where we gathered to sing around a bonfire. Guitars appeared, but just before I could get nostalgic and suggest we sing "Pass It On," the microphone stands appeared too. Apparently three guitars for 40 people were not enough. No, they had to be amplified.

I am not 110 years old, friends. I grew up in the 1970s with fuzz boxes, stacks of Marshall amplifiers, and heavy metal bands loud enough to take on Boeing 747s and win. I have played in worship bands for more than 30 years, and like lots of juice running through my Roland keyboard or Fender bass or Godin guitar. Futhermore, I'm a middle-aged man and my hearing is supposed to be fading. But even I find almost every worship band in every church I visit to be too loud--not just a little bit loud, but uncomfortably, even painfully, loud.

So here are five reasons for everyone to turn it down a notch--or maybe three or four.

First, I know it's breaking the performer's code to say so (the way magicians are never supposed to reveal a secret), but cranking up the volume is just a cheap trick to add energy to a room. The comedic film This Is Spinal Tap showed us all the absurdity of using sheer noise to compensate for a lack of talent. (The knobs on the band members' guitars and amplifiers were modified to go to 11.) Do not compensate for mediocrity by amping it up to MEDIOCRITY.

Second, when your intonation is not very good--and let's face it, most singers and instrumentalists are not anywhere close to being in perfect tune--turning it up only makes it hurt worse. If I hear one more "harmony singer" have trouble deciding whether to hit the major or the minor third and instead split the difference at a scalp-tightening volume, I think my head will split also.

Third, the speakers in most church PA systems cannot take that much energy through their small, old magnets and cones, especially from piano, bass, and kick drum. So we are being pounded with high-powered fluffing and sputtering--which do not induce praise.

Fourth, consider that you might be marginalizing older people, most of whom probably do not like Guns N' Roses volumes at church. And if you suspect older congregants may be secretly delighted behind their tight smiles, ask them. I dare you.

Fifth, let me drop some church history and theology on you. By the time church music matured into Palestrina and Co. in the 16th century, it had become too demanding and ornate for ordinary singers. So Christians went to church to listen to a priest and a choir.

The Protestant Reformation yanked musical worship away from the professionals and put it back in the pews. Luther composed hymns based on popular melodies, including drinking songs. Calvin insisted on taking lyrics from the Psalms. This was music in which almost anyone could participate.

The problem today, to be sure, is rarely elaborate music. We could use a little more artistry, in fact, than we usually get with the simplistic and repetitive musical figures of many contemporary worship songs.

No, the contrast with the Reformation is the modern-day insistence that a few people at the front be the center of attention. We do it by making six band members louder than a room full of people. But a church service isn't a concert at which an audience sings along with the real performers. Musicians--eery one of them, including the singers--are accompanists to the congregation's praise. They should be mixed loudly enough only to do their job of leading and supporting the congregation.

Now, I like Palestrina and I like good Christian rock. So, church musicians, if you want to perform a fine song that requires advanced musicianship, by all means do it. We will listen and pray and enjoy it to the glory of God.

But when you are leading us in singing, then lead us in singing. And turn it down so we are not listening to you--or, even worse, merely enduring you. I know that is not what you want to happen. But I am telling you that's what is happening.

Sorry, again, for shouting.

Song of the Week: Creed

2009-03-07T17:54:00.004-05:00

At the request of my eldest brother, this week's Song of the Week comes from the curious and creative mind of Rich Mullins. One of the most influential and thoughtful Christian musicians of our time, Rich Mullins captured true beauty and channeled it through his music. This week's selection shows just that: true beauty in what typically appears mundane.

"Creed" sets the Apostles' Creed to music in a way that only Rich Mullins can. I would go as far to say that if you haven't heard Rich Mullins' "Creed," then you haven't seen Shakespeare the way it was meant to be played. But in all seriousness, this song is remarkable because it brings to life a statement of faith that was penned over a thousand years ago. So often, we mindlessly recite this creed without giving a thought to its history, its meaning, or its power. But Rich Mullins brings it to life with a lively hammered dulcimer and this declaration:

"I believe what I believe is what makes me what I am. I did not make it; no, it is making me. It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man."

We as Christians must not abandon the beliefs, creeds, and songs of our past! They are foundational to the history of our faith, and they still remain relevant today. They may not be trendy or fashionable, but they are essential components of who we are and what we believe. Let us not fall into the easy trap of self-worship, making ourselves the focal point. Let us not seek sensationalism, but instead let us seek substance. Let us boldly declare what we believe as we follow the command of our Lord and Savior to "go... and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19,20)

So enjoy this song by Rich Mullins, and always remember the foundations of our faith; for "it is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man."

Creed by Rich Mullins
I believe in God the Father
Almighty Maker of heaven and Maker of earth
And in Jesus Christ
His only begotten son, our Lord

He was conceived by the Holy Spirit
Born of the virgin Mary
Suffered under Pontius Pilate
He was crucified and dead and buried

And I believe what I believe
Is what makes me what I am
I did not make it; no, it is making me
It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man

I believe that he who suffered
Was crucified, buried, and dead
He descended into hell
And on the third day, he rose again

He ascended into heaven
Where he sits at God's mighty right hand
I believe that he's returning
To judge the quick and the dead and the sons of men

And I believe what I believe
Is what makes me what I am
I did not make it; no, it is making me
It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man

I believe it

I believe in God the Father
Almighty Maker of heaven and Maker of earth
And in Jesus Christ
His only begotten son, our Lord

I believe in the Holy Spirit
One holy Church
The communion of saints
The forgiveness of sin
I believe in the resurrection
I believe in a life that never ends

And I believe what I believe
Is what makes me what I am
I did not make it; no, it is making me
It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man

I believe it

Song of the Week: Faust, Midas, and Myself

2009-02-28T23:21:00.004-05:00

Switchfoot's song "Faust, Midas, and Myself" cleverly weaves together two stories of selfishness and greed and translates those stories into Jon Foreman's personal experience.

The first is Goethe's Faust in which the title character makes a deal with Mephistopheles, the devil. Faust, a Job-like character, is offered "everything [he's] ever had in fantasies." This also echoes the temptation of Jesus found in Matthew 4.

"Again, the devil took [Jesus] to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, 'All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.'" -Matthew 4:8,9

The second story concerns King Midas. Overcome with greed, Midas asks the Greek god Dionysus for the golden touch, that everything he touches turns to gold. This seemingly wonderful power backfires when he accidentally changes his daughter into gold.

Jon Foreman's lyricism takes these two tales and shows the similarities that exist in his own experience. All of us experience temptation and failure, and more often than not, serious consequences follow. Thus, we must take heed of the warning that is presented in this song: "You've one life left to lead." We must remember to be responsible with the time we've been given on this earth because there are no do-overs.

Faust, Midas, and Myself by Switchfoot
This one's about a dream I had last night
How an old man tracked me home and stepped inside
Put his foot inside the door and gave a crooked smile
Something in his eyes
Something in his laugh
Something in his voice made my skin crawl off

He said I've seen you here before; I know your name
How you could have your pick of pretty things
You could have it all, everything at once
Everything you've seen
Everything you'll need
Everything you've ever had in fantasies

You've one life
You've one life
You've one life left to lead

I woke up from my dream as a golden man
With a girl I've never seen with Golden skin
I jumped up to my feet; she asked me what was wrong
I began to scream
I don't think this is me
Is this just a dream or really happening?

You've one life
You've one life
You've one life left to lead

What direction?
I'm splitting up
This is my personal disaffection!

What direction?
What direction?
What direction now?

I looked outside the glass at golden shores
Golden ships and masts with golden cords
As my reflection passed, I hated what I saw
The Golden eyes were dead
A thought passed through my head
A heart that's made of gold can't really beat at all

I wanted to wake up again
Without a touch of gold

What direction?
Life begins at the intersection
What direction?
What direction?
What direction now?

I woke up as before, but the gold was gone
My wife was at the door with a night robe on
My heart beat once or twice, and life flooded my veins
Everything had changed
My lungs had found their voice
And what was once routine was now the perfect joy

You've one life
You've one life
You've one life left to lead

Life 101 - "What's Keeping Us Together"

2009-02-23T02:01:00.006-05:00

This past Saturday, some friends and I played a song in the Asbury College Freshman Talent Show. Here's a video of that performance. Enjoy!

Song of the Week: Canaan Bound

2009-02-21T13:00:00.000-05:00

To continue with this month's theme of love, I chose Andrew Peterson's song Canaan Bound, as it weaves a tale of twofold love; one is earthly, the other divine. On the surface, this song chronicles the lives of Abraham and Sarah as they journey to Canaan, the promised land.

"Sarah, take me by my arm. Tomorrow we are Canaan bound, where westward sails the golden sun, and Hebron's hills are amber crowned."

Beautiful images of star crossed lovers permeate the lyrics, delving into the depths of devotion. But this song is not merely a song of mortal love. A second glance reveals a much deeper message.

"I trembled at the voice of God; a voice of love and thunder deep. With love he means to save us all, and love has chosen you and me. Long after we are dead and gone, for a thousand years, our tale be sung how faith compelled and bore us on... how barren Sarah bore a son. So come to Canaan, come."

In this promised land, promises are kept and miracles come true. Ultimately, Canaan symbolizes the promise of hope and renewal at the hands of an almighty God. This is divine love--love that triumphs over all others and stirs up a faith that drives us forward into the unknown.

Canaan Bound by Andrew Peterson
Sarah, take me by my arm
Tomorrow we are Canaan bound
Where westward sails the golden sun
And Hebron's hills are amber crowned

So bid your troubled heart be still
The grass, they say, is soft and green
The trees are tall and honey-filled
So, Sarah, come and walk with me

Like the stars across the heavens flung
Like water in the desert sprung
Like the grains of sand, our many sons
Oh, Sarah, fair and barren one
Come to Canaan, come

I trembled at the voice of God
A voice of love and thunder deep
With love He means to save us all
And Love has chosen you and me

Long after we are dead and gone
For a thousand years our tale be sung
How faith compelled and bore us on
How barren Sarah bore a son
So come to Canaan, come

Where westward sails the golden sun
And Hebron's hills are amber crowned
Oh, Sarah, take me by my arm
Tomorrow we are Canaan bound

Song of the Week: Love is Different

2009-02-14T16:35:00.008-05:00

Lately, I've been considering what to blog about, as I've had a mild case of writer's block. Thus, here is my idea... Every week, I'll post one of my favorite songs and blog about it. So in honor of Valentine's Day, I've decided to inaugurate my Song of the Week section with a song by Caedmon's Call called Love is Different. Enjoy!

Love is Different by Caedmon's Call
Well, it looks like five thousand miles broke the camel's back
But it's not as though I had a plan to win you back
Because I don't know what I want
But at least I know that much
Now I'm afraid love came right up
And it slapped me in the face, but I did not know

'Cause love is different than you'd think
It's never in a song or on a TV screen
And love is harder than a word
Said at the right time and everything's alright
Love is different than you think

So I won't expect a postcard from Trafalgar Square
But I'd be lying if I said I didn't care
Because you can't just turn it off
And put a blindfold on your heart
But I'm off to a good start
A continent away, but I do not know

But maybe you're the dream I'm waking from
'Cause I see you everywhere I go
Darlin' you are such a mystery to me, you know

PS Last Valentine's Day, I referenced this song when I blogged about the meaning of true Christian love. If you'd like to read that post, click here.

News from the Blogosphere!

2009-01-25T13:23:00.004-05:00

Hello, all you out there in Internet Land!

It is I, Andrew Groves, with an exciting bit of news. Currently, my mother Laura Groves is a contributor to the Kindred Heart Writers blog, which is listed under my "Favorite Blogs" section. Her writing is powerful and poignant, curious and challenging, and now you can read some more of it.

My mother has now founded two completely new blogs that she will be updating from time to time. The first, called The Storied Path, is all about reading, writing, and literature. Here is an excerpt from my mother's first post:

"My love for words leads me to pen everything from poetry to drama to non-fiction with a taste of fiction thrown in. The mode matters not; the message is what’s important. The relationship of story to truth keeps me writing and thinking.

Wander down the storied path with me." -Laura Lee Groves

The second blog is called And Then I Had Boys: Encouragement for Moms of Multiple Sons. In this blog, my mother hopes to share the lessons learned from raising four sons.

"My hope is that this will be a place of help, encouragement, and inspiration for boy moms. Here's my best advice for the mother of multiple boys: Tumble out of bed expecting a crazy day. Then you'll never be disappointed." -Laura Lee Groves

So stop on by and read some thoughts and writings from a wonderful writer, teacher, and mother.

Behold the Lamb of God - Live at Ashland Avenue Baptist Church

2008-12-16T15:16:00.007-05:00

Earlier this month, I went to one of Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb Christmas concerts with my brother and his wife. All I can say is that I was blown away. Songs that I had heard a hundred times over rang true from the lips of their creator, Andrew Peterson, an average, down-to-earth guy searching for truth. My heart was touched as I viewed this songwriter on the verge of tears as he sang, "Hallelujah! Christ is born!" This was truly an unforgettable experience that I'd now like to share with you. Below is a 20 minute video of some snippets of this unbelievable concert. I hope that you enjoy it, and that it reminds you of "the brave little boy who was God, but he made himself nothing." Merry Christmas!

Hosea

2008-10-19T14:44:00.004-04:00

Andrew Peterson's newest project, Resurrection Letters, Vol. II, is replete with images of brokenness and redemption. With rich lyrics and lush musical arrangements, this album displays the unique talents of singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson in a new light. His most powerful song, in my opinion, is his retelling of the tale of the prophet Hosea. Here's what Peterson says about it:

"The Old Testament story of Hosea paints a powerful picture of the stubborn, pursuing, renewing love of God. Hosea is told by God to marry a runaround, no-good, heartless woman. Hosea obeys, and I can’t help thinking that he must not have enjoyed it much. He was probably humiliated, scorned by his friends, not to mention heartbroken by his new wife, Gomer. Even Noah, though mocked for building a giant boat in the middle of a desert, at least kept a little dignity, could feel like a man. But there was Hosea, alone in bed while his wife caroused, and everyone knew it. All because God wanted to make a point. After Gomer ran off with another man, God sent Hosea to buy her back and bring her home. Then God said about Israel, about us, dead in our sin: “…I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth…” The word Achor means “trouble”. From the ashes of the Valley of Trouble came new life, green and lush. Forgiveness. Rest. Resurrection." -Andrew Peterson

You can listen to the song above by clicking the play button. Enjoy.

Here are the lyrics:

Hosea by Andrew Peterson
Every time I lay in the bed beside you, Hosea, Hosea
I hear the sound of the streets of the city
My belly growls like a hungry wolf
And I let it prowl till my belly's full
Hosea, my heart is a stone

Please believe me when I say I'm sorry, Hosea, Hosea
Oh, you lovable, gullible man
I tell you that my love is true
Till it fades away like a morning dew
Hosea, just leave me alone

Here I am in the Valley of Trouble
Just look at the bed that I've made
Badlands as far as I can see
There's no one here but me, Hosea

I stumbled and fell in the road on the way home, Hosea, Hosea
I lay in the brick street like a stray dog
You came to me like a silver moon
With the saddest smile I ever knew
Hosea carried me home again, home again

You called me out to the Vally of Trouble
Just to look at the mess that I've made
A barren place where nothing can grow
One look and my stone heart crumbled--
It was a valley as green as jade
I swear it was the color of hope
You turned a stone into a rose, Hosea

I sang and I danced like I did as a young girl, Hosea, Hosea
I am a slave and a harlot no more
You washed me clean like a summer rain
And you set me free with that ball and chain
Hosea, I threw away the key

I'll never leave

Letters to the Editor, Vol. II

2008-09-18T00:25:00.004-04:00

So, there's this guy named Andy Osenga who makes really good music.

Sometime last year, he got this crazy idea to record an EP from ideas that his fans emailed him. He also let his fans record themselves as background vocals and email him the audio.

Thus, Letters to the Editor, Vol. I was born.

It's an awesome record, and you can download it for free here.
http://www.andyosenga.com/free/

But Andy wasn't done yet.

No, over the past month or so, he's been working on Letters to the Editor, Vol. II. He allowed his fans to submit ideas, pictures, and stories just like last time.

And here's the exciting part: my vocals (along with many others) and guitar part made it into his final song on the record! I'm incredibly pumped. So if you want to hear good music that one of your friends was a part of, download this album. You can download it for free or make a donation here. You won't regret it!
http://www.andyosenga.com/2008/09/16/letters-to-the-editor-vol-ii/

The Dark Knight Soars

2008-08-06T11:55:00.007-04:00

When “Batman and Robin” was released eleven years ago, moviegoers shuddered as they watched their dark knight succumb to ridiculousness right before their eyes. The film, riddled with cheesy one-liners and ridiculous gags, seemed to extinguish any hope of a solid series.

Until now.

Director Christopher Nolan’s Batman series has successfully rebooted the franchise, as evidenced by its latest film “The Dark Knight.” In the film, Gotham City’s famous caped crusader returns to face his ultimate nemesis: the Joker. The realistic take on the Batman universe set forth in “Batman Begins” continues in the sequel, but with a much darker tone. Batman faces an epic struggle between good and evil… order and chaos. The lines he has drawn have suddenly become blurred, and he must decide whether his role as the protector of Gotham is an asset or a danger.

The Joker, played by the late Heath Ledger, is a twisted anarchist bent on wreaking havoc across Gotham. Ledger’s chilling performance is breathtaking, underscoring his unique ability to fully inhabit a character. When you watch him slither across the screen, you don’t see Heath Ledger; all you see is… the Joker. And it isn’t his grin-shaped scars or his grungy appearance that makes him so frightening. It’s his motivation: “I am an agent of chaos.” Ledger’s Joker has no agenda. He’s not in it for money or power. The Joker is the ultimate embodiment of chaos. He thrives on disorder and panic. As Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler Alfred puts it, “Some men aren’t looking for anything logical… They can’t be bought, bullied, reasoned or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.”

Even more unnerving is the Joker’s delight in inflicting pain, whether on himself or on those around him. While being thrashed by Batman in an interrogation room, he continues to taunt the dark knight, laughing all the while. The more Batman pummels him, the more he enjoys it. The Joker’s deadly instruments range from pencils to pistols, but his signature weapon is a knife. He uses knives because “guns are too quick. You can’t savor all the little emotions.” And savor he does. Every time he employs this weapon, he asks his victim, “Wanna know how I got these scars?” Then he delves into some horrific story about his scars, embellishing it to terrorize his victim. This Joker is no joke.

Christian Bale reprises his role as Bruce Wayne / Batman in the film and delivers a solid performance. Batman’s struggle to confront the Joker without sinking to his level permeates the plot, allowing Bale to explore a much deeper level of the character than before. The caped crusader is driven to the brink of darkness in his quest to bring order to Gotham. Bruce Wayne’s words, “Batman has no limits,” ring hollow as the city he has sworn to protect is going up in flames. For the first time, the mortality of Batman is on display. The incredible angst after Rachel Dawes’ death makes the struggle even more poignant, as Batman must avenge the death of someone he loves.

Aaron Eckhart’s portrayal of Harvey Dent is excellent, but his transformation into the coin-flipping murderer Two-Face is less believable. Dent’s love for Rachel Dawes is shown in the film, but it isn’t developed thoroughly. Thus, when she is murdered, his vengeful alter-ego is hard to take seriously. Also, the burnt half of Two-Face is just a little bit over the top. Nonetheless, that is my only bone to pick with the film.

While the film is titled “The Dark Knight,” the Joker is the one who steals the show. Ledger creates a comical, yet creepy villain that will be remembered for years to come. His performance is absolutely Oscar worthy, and this movie wouldn’t have been the same without him.

The movie ends with Batman taking the blame for Harvey Dent’s string of murders. “I’m whatever Gotham needs me to be,” Batman declares to Gordon. He adds, “Sometimes, truth isn’t good enough; sometimes people deserve more. Sometimes people deserve to have their faith rewarded.” But this movie raises several important questions. While it is noble, almost Christ-like, to take the blame for someone else’s actions, isn’t Batman just perpetuating a lie? Can he assume to know what is best for Gotham? Is withholding the truth really the right thing to do? We are left without answers as the manhunt for Batman begins.

But that’s okay, because some of the greatest movies aren’t meant to answer questions, but raise them.
RATING: 5 (out of 5)

Family Man

2008-07-31T10:44:00.001-04:00

Here is a beautiful video illustration to Andrew Peterson's heartwarming song, Family Man. Enjoy!

"Family Man" from Trevor Little on Vimeo.

Let's Trade Some Noise

2008-07-25T10:28:00.006-04:00

"A great record is its own best marketing tool." Those words from singer/songwriter Derek Webb echo the motivation of NoiseTrade.com, a new website by which artists can supply their music directly to their fans. After the enormous success of Webb's FreeDerekWebb.com experiment, Webb sought to create a platform for artists and fans to interact.

Here's how it works. An artist uploads his/her music to NoiseTrade.com. You (the consumer) hear about this magnificent website and check it out. Soon, you find an album that you wish to own. No problem. You can download the album after you 1) email three friends about the site or 2) pay what you want. Yes, that's right. Pay what you want. It can be as little as $1 or as much as $25.

Now, you may be asking yourself, "Why are these artists doing this? Don't they realize that they will lose money if people pay what they want?"

But remember the wise words of Derek Webb, "A great record is its own best marketing tool."

Honestly, when it's all said and done, the majority of an artist's income doesn't come from record sales; it comes from ticket sales. You see, a musician's album is a vehicle for getting his/her name out there. The more people know of you, the more opportunities will arise for you. That's what NoiseTrade is all about, allowing artists the chance to get their music out in the marketplace.

Personally, I think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. One of the best albums available for download in my opinion is Derek Webb's "The Ringing Bell." You can download it below if you'd like. Believe me, you won't regret giving NoiseTrade a look. But don't take my word for it... see for yourself!

Muppets on YouTube!

2008-07-21T09:04:00.009-04:00

Yes, my friends, it's true. The Muppet characters we all know and love have now officially joined YouTube and have uploaded their first round of hilarious videos. Sam the Eagle, Gonzo the Great, the Swedish Chef, Beaker, and our favorite hecklers Statler and Waldorf have now entered cyberspace to bring Muppet mania to your computer screen. Their renditions of famous pieces of music will bring you to new depths of laughter... enjoy!

Stars and Stripes Forever (Sam the Eagle and friends)

The Blue Danube Waltz (Gonzo the Great and Camilla)

Habanera (The Swedish Chef and Beaker)

Ode to Joy (Beaker)

Statler and Waldorf

Love As a Way of Life

2008-07-18T16:09:00.007-04:00

Recently, I came across a new book by Gary Chapman called Love As a Way of Life. I haven't finished reading it yet, but what I have read is full of practicality and spiritual truth. Below is a book summary and a special interview with the author himself. Enjoy!

Summary
For decades Dr. Gary Chapman’s best-selling books have shown readers how to speak the “love language” of those they care about. Now he digs even deeper to uncover the foundations of what it means to cultivate a lifestyle of love and how doing so leads to satisfaction and success in every area of life.

Drawing fresh insights from timeless biblical principles, Chapman presents poignant stories of real people who have discovered the joys of living out the seven characteristics of authentic love: kindness, patience, forgiveness, humility, courtesy, generosity, and honesty. Enhanced with eye-opening self tests, practical ideas for building daily habits of love, and inspiring examples of love’s power to change lives, this book guides readers in putting love to work in all of their interpersonal relationships.

Convinced that in a world of constant conflict people desperately need authentic love, Chapman paints a compelling vision of how life can be richer and relationships more satisfying for anyone who practices Love As a Way of Life.

Interview with Gary Chapman
1. Can you describe some of the everyday situations that can be changed if a person has a foundation of love?
When love becomes the focus of ones life it will change every encounter we have with people. In the family, the husband is thinking, “what can I do before I leave for work that would be helpful for my wife?” Such thinking may lead him to take the trash out, put his breakfast plates in the dishwasher or feed the baby while his wife takes a shower.

In the workplace, employees are asking, “on my break, what might I do that would help someone else?” They will also make time to listen to a co-worker who seems to be having a hard time with a personal issue.

At the bank, post office, or cafeteria, the lover will look people in the eye and smile, perhaps opening the door to a conversation. They will express interest in what is going on in the lives of those they encounter.

The focus is not on “it’s all about me.” But, rather on “It is all about others.”

2. What is the take-away message of Love as a Way of Life?
Love as a Way of Life is designed to help the person who sincerely wants to make a positive impact in the world. I believe that is ‘most of us.’ Our biggest problem is that we don’t know how and we keep getting tripped up by our own selfish ambitions. The purpose of the book is to help us break free from the prison of selfishness and come to experience the satisfaction of truly loving others as a way of life. It is little acts of love that build up to a lifestyle of service.

3. Why do you need a foundation of love before you start figuring out our love languages?
The five love languages give information on the most effective way to express love in a meaningful way to a particular person. But, if you are not a loving person – don’t have the heart or will to focus on others – the information is of little value. Most of us must make a conscious change of focus from self to others if we are going to genuinely, and consistently enrich the lives of others. Love as a Way of Life is designed to help people make that change.

4. When did you realize the need for this book?
I first recognized the need for Love as a Way of Life when in a counseling session a husband said to me, “I’ll tell you right now, if it is going to take my washing dishes, and doing the laundry for my wife to feel loved, you can forget that.” I had just explained to him the concept of the five love languages and that his wife’s primary love language was ‘acts of service’ and that these acts would deeply communicate his love to her. I realized that he lacked the will to meet his wife’s need for love. He was locked into his own perception of what his role was to be and it did not include washing dishes and doing laundry. I knew at that moment that there was something more foundational than simply knowing a person’s love language.

5. What are the seven characteristics of lasting love?
I view love not as a single entity, but as a cluster of traits, which if developed will enhance all of life. These traits are:
Kindness: discovering the joy of helping others
Patience: accepting the imperfections of others
Forgiveness: finding freedom from the grip of anger
Courtesy: treating others as friends
Humility: stepping down so someone else can step up
Generosity: giving your time, money, and abilities to others
Honesty: caring enough to tell the truth

6. Why do you think it’s so hard for people to embrace these characteristics?
All of us have some of these characteristics to some degree. Most people see love as being better than hate. But most of us are comfortable to live somewhere between love and hate in a lifestyle that is fundamentally focused on self. We feel good when we are making money, accumulating things, gaining status, but in time these things do not ultimately satisfy what I call the ‘true self’. The true self longs to make the world a better place to live. To do something to help those less fortunate than we.

However, we all suffer from the malady of being ego-centric. I call this the ‘false self’. It is that part of man that pulls him to focus on self-preservation and a self-centered lifestyle. This is not all bad. Indeed we must meet our own physical and emotional needs in order to continue life. It is when we never get beyond this self focus, that life becomes a ‘dog eat dog’ world where everyone is out for self even at the expense of others. Such a life never brings long-term satisfaction. However it is often later in life that people discover the emptiness of selfish living. I’m hoping that Love as a Way of Life will help people discover the satisfaction of developing the ‘true self’ earlier in life.

If you'd like to learn more about Gary Chapman's new book, Love As a Way of Life, visit the link below!
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Way-Life-Transforming-Aspect/dp/0385518587/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215792028&sr=1-1

Long Lost Luggage

2008-07-15T10:08:00.004-04:00

There are only two possible disaster scenarios that can occur when you ride on a plane. The first, and most obvious, is a plane crash. The second is losing your luggage.

Hold on. Let me rephrase that second one. The airline loses your luggage.

I recently experienced this disaster firsthand, and I’m now telling you about it to vent my frustration.

It all started in the St. Louis International Airport at the check-in area. Everything was fine until I realized that the airline I was flying on (which will remain anonymous) was charging me $15.00 to check my bag. Miffed at this superfluous surcharge, I reluctantly handed my suitcase over to the airline employee. My flight path would take me through Dallas / Fort Worth to my hometown Fort Lauderdale, Florida. My luggage was supposed to follow, but due to the inept nature of several airline employees, it did not.

After arriving late into Fort Lauderdale International (about 10:45 pm), I made my way to the baggage claim. Slowly but surely, the baggage carousel crept along, revealing bag after bag after bag. Time passed, and I soon realized that the crowd around me had begun to thin. And then the carousel stopped.

My bag was not there.

I made my way to the Baggage Claim office to try and straighten things out. After waiting fifteen minutes in line, the woman at the desk told me that my luggage had been left in the Dallas / Fort Worth airport. However, I was soon informed that my suitcase would be placed on the next available flight to Fort Lauderdale, a flight scheduled to arrive at 12:30 am. I described my bag to her and gave her my address so that they could ship it to my house first thing in the morning. She handed me a sheet of paper called a “Property Irregularity Receipt,” and I was on my way.

Now, let’s get one thing straight. When I gave this airline employee my address, I was speaking clearly and concisely. I even spelled out the words “Oakland Park” one letter at a time to make sure that everything was correct. Despite my efforts, I discovered after I had left the airport that the address on the receipt was noticeably different from my actual address. “40th Court” had become “48th Court” (a street which does not exist), and Oakland Park was spelled “Aokland Park.” Maybe my thick South Florida accent got in the way…

We turned around and headed back to the airport. I waited in line again at the Baggage Claim office for several minutes. When I reached the desk, I explained the mistakes, gave her the correct address very slowly, and triple-checked my second “Property Irregularity Receipt” when she printed it out for me. Everything was correct. By this point, it was a little past midnight. Frustrated, I left the airport and got home around 12:45 am.

After coming home, I called my father to explain all that had transpired that evening. During our conversation, he informed me that the airlines only deliver baggage when there is someone present to receive it. Because of my job, I wouldn’t be at my house at all the next day. Thus, my bag would not be delivered to my home. I called the airline’s 1-800 number and pressed “0” frantically until I got hold of an actual representative. I explained the situation, and the operator said that she would make sure my bag wasn’t sent out, but instead left at the Baggage Claim office. I thanked her and hung up. I called my older brother briefly to fill him in on everything and then went to bed around 2:00 am.

I woke up the next morning and emailed my boss, telling him that I would be late to work that day. My plan was to head to the airport in the morning around 8:30 or 9:00 am to pick up my luggage and head back to work. Problem solved, right? Well, when I reached the Baggage Claim office (for the third time now), I was told that my luggage had missed the 12:30 am flight. However, I was soon informed that my suitcase would be placed on the next available flight to Fort Lauderdale, a flight scheduled to arrive at 11:05 that morning. This all sounds too familiar, I thought to myself. The man I spoke with also told me that he would call my cell phone as soon as he had my luggage, which he said would be around noon. I thanked him and left for work. My new plan was to wait for the call and stop by the airport during my lunch break.

Before I continue, here’s a little side note I’d like to share with you. The cell phone that the airline was going to call had very low battery that day. Why didn’t I charge it the previous day? Because my charger was unavailable to me. Where was it? Yep, you guessed it. It was in my suitcase. Thankfully, my battery didn’t die until later that day.

Back at work, I kept my eyes on the clock. 11:00… 11:30… 12:00… 12:30… 1:00, and still no call. Fearing that making a call might drain the battery on my cell phone, I used a work phone to call the airline. After pressing “0” several times, I spoke with a representative about the status of my bag. Checking her computer records, she said, “It says here that your bag was picked up this morning at 10:30 am.” I informed her that I had not picked up my bag this morning, and she agreed to send a notice to the Baggage Claim office.

Now my biggest fear was that someone else had stolen my bag, and there was no real way to find out except to visit the airport for a fourth time. I gave them another hour and a half to call me, and when they didn’t, I got in my car and drove over to the airport around 2:30 pm. I explained my situation and handed them my “Property Irregularity Receipt.” The woman at the desk took my paper and began to look around the office for my bag like she was looking for the remote control. I’m sure she was thinking, It’s gotta be here somewhere.

As she was looking, the man I had spoken with that morning came out of a back room. He recognized me and began to help me. While looking up my records on the computer, he asked me if I’d like to help them. “What do you mean?” I asked. “Would you like to step into the back room and see if you can identify your bag?” Puzzled, I agreed. As I stepped into the back room of the office, I felt like I was breaking several federal laws. After all, who can say that they’ve entered the inner sanctum of the Baggage Claim office? As I scanned for my luggage, I noticed two workers sitting in the back room watching TV and munching on some snacks. Not very surprising, I thought to myself. They looked at me strangely as I surveyed the room, as if I shouldn’t be there. After failing to locate my luggage, I returned to the outer office.

The man at the computer said that my luggage may have missed the 11:05 flight, but he wasn’t very sure. After a little more research, he realized that the flight had been delayed. Instead of arriving at 11:05 in the morning, it had arrived about 3:00 that afternoon. At that point, it was 3:15 pm. “Carousel #8 has the luggage from that flight coming in. If you stand over there, you might find it,” he said. I rushed over to the carousel and waited impatiently for the luggage to start rolling in.

Eventually it did, and I watched as bag after bag passed me by. Nothing. The crowd began to thin, and my spirits began to wane. And then, my bag appeared. The carousel stopped. I hurried over to my bag and picked it up. I’m not exaggerating here: it was the second-to-last bag. But there it was, good as new. Exhausted but satisfied, I loaded my bag in the car and drove away from the airport. After four visits and a dozen or so blunders, I don’t want to go back to the airport for a long, long time.

Fourth of July

2008-07-06T20:08:00.003-04:00

With Independence Day on the minds of Americans this weekend, I felt it fitting to share this song by Ben Shive. It is simply entitled, "4th of July." I hope you enjoy it!

4th of July by Ben Shive
The first star of the evening
Was singing in the sky
High above our blanket in the park

And by the twilight's gleaming
On the 4th day of July
The city band played on into the dark

And then a cannon blast
A golden flame unfolding
Exploded in a momentary bloom

The petals fell and scattered
Like ashes on the ocean
As another volley burst into the blue

But the first star of the evening never moved

We stood in silence
The young ones and the old
As the bright procession passed us by

A generation dying
Another being born
A long crescendo played out in the sky

This nation, indivisible
Will perish from the earth
As surely as the leaves must change and fall

And the band will end the anthem
To dust she will return
So the sun must set on all things, great and small

But the first star of the evening
Will outlive them all

Hello, WALL-E!

2008-06-30T14:28:00.005-04:00

WARNING: This review contains material that may spoil the movie for you. If you haven't seen the movie and plan to, stop reading now.

Robots in love… Sounds like the premise of a cheesy B movie from the fifties. But Disney / Pixar’s newest film “WALL-E” is one of the most delightful and heartwarming films of the summer. Once again Pixar Animation Studios has churned out a quality family film in the ranks of “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.,” and “Cars.” Who ever thought that a love story between two robots could be so touching on such a human level? From the opening titles to the closing credits, all eyes are on the lonely trash compacter named WALL-E as he searches for meaning in his existence.

The movie opens by introducing our mechanical protagonist as he goes about the work of cleaning a desolate and deserted planet Earth. The last surviving Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class (WALL-E) unit, WALL-E lives alone with his pet cockroach. Over time, he develops a curious personality, sifting through rubble to find interesting knick-knacks. Among them is a videotape of the film “Hello, Dolly!” that introduces WALL-E to the concept of love and its expressions. Thus, when a female robot named EVE (Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator) visits the planet, WALL-E is immediately star struck. What follows is a tale of excitement and wonder as WALL-E pursues EVE across the galaxy to gain her love.

What is most impressive about the film is the way that emotions are conveyed so plainly with so little dialogue. This story is simple, yet compelling and doesn’t need more dialogue to develop the characters. Sound engineer Ben Burtt (“Star Wars”) electronically constructed almost all of the robot chatter in the film. Aside from an assortment of beeps and blurps, a few human characters speak as well. Burtt’s work combined with the animation from Pixar creates a film that is worth seeing again and again.

Once again, the people at Pixar have displayed their seemingly endless creativity in “WALL-E.” They continue to confound expectations by continuing to make quality family films one after another. “WALL-E” is a heartwarming feature that surprises and awes. It is full of laughter, romance, and hope. This visually stunning tale transports you into the imagination where true love is cherished above all else… whether you’re a human or a robot.

RATING: 5 (out of 5)

My Traveling Brother Returns!

2008-06-24T12:07:00.008-04:00

Yes, it's true. Not only has my oldest brother Jonathan returned from a week long trip through the Mojave Desert, but he has also returned to the blogosphere with a vengeance! Visit his new blog (Felix Culpa) at http://www.thegrovesblog.blogspot.com or just click on the his link under "Favorite Blogs."

Now, there is one issue I need to clear up before you visit his blog. As you can see, the web address for my blog is entitled "A Groves Blog," while the web address for Jonathan's blog is "THE Groves Blog." I just wanted to reassure my many readers that, despite my inferior title, my blog is still noticeably cooler than his blog. With that said, enjoy your reading...

Shyamalan's Just Not Happening Anymore

2008-06-18T12:44:00.007-04:00

WARNING: This review contains material that may spoil the movie for you. If you haven't seen the movie and plan to, stop reading now.

I settled into my seat and tried desperately to quell my excitement during the endless pre-movie ritual known as the previews. After each preview I expected the movie to start, only to be shown another preview. For fifteen minutes this ensued, until I could take it no longer. Finally, the lights dimmed a bit, the theatre grew quiet, and I leaned back in my chair to enjoy M. Night Shyamalan's newest thriller "The Happening."

Now, I wish the previews had never stopped.

"The Happening" suffers on so many levels that it's hard to know where to begin. The magic, if you'd like to call it that, is gone. If you've seen some of Shyamalan's earlier films, ("Unbreakable," "Signs," "The Village") you can easily recognize the ethereal, mystical qualities. Shyamalan is known for leading his audience down paths of the unknown, where some questions are answered, but most are not until the very last instant. His previous films have also contained deep character studies that highlight the authenticity of his characters. In "Signs," Graham Hess' grief after the loss of his wife is so... real. When you watch the film, you understand Graham at a much deeper level because you relate to him. Not so in "The Happening," as Elliot Moore (played by Mark Wahlberg) doesn't deal with any major emotional issues at all in the film. With the exception of a few spats with his wife and the typical emotional distress found in disaster scenarios, this film fails to engender any emotional attachment from the audience.

Part of the problem lies in the acting, which is some of the worst I've seen in a summer blockbuster. An actor or actress in a Shyamalan movie is expected to react to supernatural events in a believable or coherent way. In reviewing Shyamalan’s previous movies, we would discover this to be true. But in "The Happening," something went wrong. Elliot Moore (Wahlberg) sounds like a child afraid of the dark. Often, his tone of voice borders more on whining than panic. And his wife, played by Zooey Deschanel, is just plain odd. Her character is as inconsistent as the changing winds that threaten to destroy her family.

Shyamalan's initial concept for the film was to answer this question: "What if nature turned against mankind?" An interesting question. However, his way of answering this question is both gruesome and non-suspenseful. It's like a bad mixture of "I Am Legend" and Spielberg's revamped "War of the Worlds." The film begins in Central Park, as some kind of chemical toxin is rewiring people's brains to kill themselves. We see these suicides throughout the movie, from a girl jabbing a hairpin in her neck, to construction workers leaping off buildings, to a man lying underneath a lawn mower. The gruesome sights are completely gratuitous and only produce disgust for the movie. M. Night Shyamalan's first R-rated movie? I wonder why. In addition, the cause of the manic-inducing toxin is correctly attributed to nature about thirty minutes into the film. There is no race to find out what's really happening, because we've already figured it out. It also feels like Shyamalan takes every opportunity to explain how it’s happening, why it’s happening, and how to escape "The Happening." There are no real twists and turns... just running and hiding in this film.

"The Happening" is also incredibly preachy. The only singular message of the movie I could find is, "You shouldn't pollute because it hurts the environment. After all, the environment might get angry and try to kill you, so watch out!" In a scene where Elliot and friends join up with some strangers to escape the toxin, the background clearly illustrates this message. The kooky strangers own a greenhouse, in contrast to the giant factory smokestack a few miles behind their house. In addition, the movie ends in hopelessness, as we see this event beginning to occur around the world with no feasible solution. You walk away from the movie saying, "Well, that's kind of depressing."

While Shyamalan presented early signs of becoming an unbreakable blockbuster director, in the same village as directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Steven Spielberg, my sixth sense is telling me that something peculiar has been happening in his more recent films, beginning with "Lady in the Water." (Read that sentence again...) If "Lady in the Water" signaled the director's departure from what made his previous movies great, then "The Happening" confirms that the old M. Night Shyamalan is gone for good. Apparently, his next movie will be a live-action version of a Nickelodeon cartoon show.

What is happening to M. Night Shyamalan? Maybe he breathed in some of that chemical toxin because it looks like he’s committing career suicide.

RATING: 1 (out of 5)

New Look... Same Blog

2008-06-16T14:11:00.004-04:00

Hello, everyone out there in Internet Land! It is I, Andrew Groves, and as you can see, I've restructured my blog slightly. I hope that you enjoy the new look and continue to visit my site regularly! Here's a sneak peak at what else is coming to my blog...

For the next twenty weeks, I will be reviewing my top twenty favorite albums of all time. I'll start with number twenty, and each week I'll count down to my favorite album ever!
Continued reviews of summer movies including Prince Caspian, The Happening, and more!
My various ramblings and lessons I've learned from the Almighty.

If I Were the Devil

2008-06-10T16:03:00.017-04:00

As I was sitting at my desk today, a song by Andy Gullahorn was stuck in my head. So, I decided to share it with all of you out there in internet-land. Following are the lyrics to "If I Were" by Andy Gullahorn. Humorously, this song describes how the singer (Andy) would behave if he were the devil; ironically, the description Andy gives accurately depicts the real devil and his character.

*****************************

"If I Were"

By Andy Gullahorn
.

If I were the devil, I wouldn't wear red

I wouldn't have horns or a pitchfork

I wouldn't breathe fire 'cause it might give me away

But if I were the devil, you'd never know

I'd befriend you quick and corrupt you slow

So you don't notice until it's far too late

If I were the devil... if I were the devil...

If I were the devil, I'd spend all day

Lowering standards of what's okay

To think, to say, to watch on your TV

I'd break down the value of promises kept

And fade out truth till there's nothing left

Except gossip and lies popping up as thick as weeds

If I were the devil... if I were the devil...

I might not be as foreign as you think

'Cause I wouldn't always show my evil side

I've got the time and patience just to wait

And steal your soul just one sin at a time

Like I would if I were...

No, I'm not the devil, but if I was

I'd take God's people and split them up

To keep their minds off who they're called to be

So they're no longer fighting over living or dead

It's "Is it the body or just bread?"

While all the unfed die hungry on the street

If I were the devil... if I were the devil...

I'd make moms and dads who never stick around

And pain so bad you have to drink to drown

And guilt so I can kick you when you're down

And I would if I were...

If I were the devil, I wouldn't wear red

I wouldn't have horns or a pitchfork

I wouldn't breathe fire 'cause it might give me away

Fatal Deduction

2008-06-06T22:36:00.009-04:00

Gayle Roper's latest book, Fatal Deduction, provides a simple yet pleasurable experience to the average reader. Not quite as thrilleresque as the title suggests, this story is rooted more in who the characters are than the events surrounding the characters. When strange events begin to transpire around the main character Libby Keating, her true person is revealed and explained. The mystery of the crossword clues provides a framework by which Libby and the other characters can be fleshed out, allowing the reader to better understand the characters' decisions and actions.

Libby is an excellent example of a true Christian that struggles with past events and present decisions. So often in Christian literature, the Christian protagonist is presented as flawless or incorruptible. Not so in Fatal Deduction, as Libby's heart is in the right place, but her decisions are not always upright. Several times in the book, the reader hears Libby's thoughts about her self-centered sister, her impolite daughter, and her corrupt father and grandfather. During these thought processes, Libby often realizes that her thoughts are not God-honoring and prays for forgiveness. With the aid of her newfound Christian neighbor Drew Canfield, Libby is able to learn to forgive those who have wronged her just as her Heavenly Father forgave her.

All in all, Fatal Deduction is able to provide sound Biblical lessons in the form of a pulse-pounding, page-turning murder mystery. Gayle Roper weaves a story full of real-life characters, extraordinary plot twists, and moral guideposts that bring enjoyment to any reader.
RATING: 2.5 (out of 5)

If you'd like to learn more about Gayle Roper's new book, Fatal Deduction, visit the links below!
http://www.gayleroper.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Fatal-Deduction-Gayle-Roper/dp/1601420137/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1212806398&sr=8-1

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Overblown Sequel

2008-05-27T17:45:00.011-04:00

WARNING: This review contains material that may spoil the movie for you. If you haven't seen the movie and plan to, stop reading now.
Well, the time has come for me to review the highly anticipated movie "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." After almost twenty years, everyone's favorite archaeologist adventurer returned to the silver screen this past Thursday. His reception thus far has been less than stellar, but for good reason. Indiana Jones has fallen prey to excessive special effects and bad writing.

It seems that the George Lucas trend of redoing good, old movies badly has carried over into this new film, much to my dismay. Recently, Lucas has relied heavily on special effects rather than story in his films, a strategy that has proved unsuccessful three times in a row with his Star Wars prequels "The Phantom Menace," "Attack of the Clones," and "Revenge of the Sith." The same is true of Indiana Jones, I'm afraid. Extravagant CGI backgrounds populate the film and distract from rather than enhance the plot. The action sequences are so extreme that the element of realism is lost. While the previous Indiana Jones movies certainly weren't known for their realism, an element of belief existed in the audience that these events were truly happening to the title character. Not so in "Crystal Skull," as Indy survives a nuclear blast by hiding in a refrigerator, escapes debris flying through the Amazon by simply ducking his head, and goes over three waterfalls with hardly a scratch.

The new film also lacks the quick-witted writing found in the previous films. The father-son duo in The Last Crusade is reciprocated in this film with the introduction of Mutt Williams, Indy's son. But the chemistry that existed between Harrison Ford and Sean Connery does not carry over into this new relationship. With the exception of a few humorous asides, Mutt and Indy barely bond at all in the movie. Reintroducing Marion Ravenwood (now Williams) was a nice idea, but the spunky and adventurous Marion we all came to love in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is reduced to a minor character who swoons at Indy’s every word in “Crystal Skull.” Their marriage at the end of the movie adds insult to injury as a tamer, more family friendly Indy is unveiled.

In addition, the villains in the new film are more eccentric than evil. Leading the group of Soviet soldiers is Irina Spalko, a Russian “scientist” of the paranormal, played by Cate Blanchett. Indy’s finicky sidekick Mac is equally odd as he switches loyalties about every ten minutes or so. Both characters can’t even compare with the treacherous archaeologist Belloq, the creepy Nazi named Toht, the savage Thuggee cult, or the double-crossing Elsa Schneider from the previous movies. Whenever Indy is captured, you don’t fear for his safety because Spalko and her minions aren’t that frightening to begin with. Throughout the movie, it seems as if Indy is eager to help the bad guys because of his curiosity regarding the skull. Whatever happened to the old Indy―the one who was willing to blow up the Ark of the Covenant just to save his girl?

Also, the movie’s plot is the most confusing and farfetched in the series thus far. With “Crystal Skull,” the series has strayed away from its supernatural roots into the extraterrestrial. The movie’s climax is a mixture of “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” with Spalko being consumed by flames, and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” with the aliens departing from our dimension to explore the “space between spaces,” whatever that means. The rest of the movie consists of Indy and Mutt stumbling through curiously well lit tombs to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

The only positive thing I can say about the film is that Harrison Ford has still got it. He can pull off Indiana Jones, even at age 65. The opening chase through Area 51 reassures us that Indiana Jones can still get it done. But can we put up with all the other garbage they crammed into this movie? Sadly, no. Harrison Ford’s performance isn’t enough to salvage “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” It seems that the series will forever have an ugly stepchild tacked onto it. On a more personal note, I was incredibly disappointed with this movie. As I texted my brother after watching the film, “I need to cleanse my movie-watching palate; there’s a bitter aftertaste in me.” Let’s hope that the bitter aftertaste isn’t prolonged by another overblown sequel in the future.
RATING: 1 (out of 5)

A Seemingly Awful Day

2008-03-26T23:01:00.007-04:00

God is good. Over time, I've managed to forget such simple truth as this. Do not be mistaken: I do not view God as one who lacks goodness. Instead, I have allowed the goodness of God to slip my mind and my heart... until today. This seemingly awful day was redeemed by the one source of hope in our fallen world. The stress of the day had overwhelmed me, but Almighty God enveloped me in his love.

God is good. There's really no better way to say it. He is faithful to the faithless and loving to the loveless. And we can see this goodness all around us if we just take a look. He reveals himself in times of trial and triumph; yet so often we ignore him in both. We can see him in the blossoms of spring, the warm smile of a friend, and the sparkling of midnight stars. His promise of redemption drives deeper than we may realize, granting us comfort when we least expect it.

God is good. And he is the only being that is perpetually good. All else may fade, but the goodness of God endures forever. His word is replete with examples of this goodness, if we would only read it. And we can be a part of this goodness, if we would only listen. Our lives are filled up with so much noise that the voice of God cannot be heard. We must stop picturing God as a part of life and begin to recognize him as the source of our life. Then, if we acknowledge him, he will lead us in his way, and the seemingly awful days will be redeemed by the sovereign Savior.

God is good.

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

2008-03-20T00:19:00.008-04:00

"When your spirit is hovering over the deep,
In the image of God just look into that darkness and speak."
-Andrew Peterson
"Let There Be Light"
Love and Thunder

Andrew Peterson fulfills these lyrics as he creates a world of surprise, suspense, and wonder in his first novel, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. Peterson, a master storyteller, transports the reader to a place where the imagination rules supreme. Filled with tales of flabbits and Fangs, bards and bookstores, and dragons and dynasties, this book compels its audience to dream as a little child.

Overflowing with original songs and poems, humorous footnotes, and appendices, this carefully constructed tale brings laughter and enjoyment to any reader. Peterson enhances the story with memorable characters such as Podo the grandfather pirate, Peet the Sock Man, and Armulyn the Bard. His vivid descriptions of faraway lands paint word pictures that tug at the imagination. And the timeless truths presented in this book spark noteworthy thought and discussion.

Just as Andrew Peterson's songs contain reflective expressions of truth, this novel leads its readers down a pathway of discovery. Discovery of innocence, hope, and courage. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness reminds us to look beyond the present to the endless possibilities that await us. Possibilities not yet imagined...
RATING: 4 (out of 5)

If you'd like to learn more about Andrew Peterson's new book, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, visit the links below!
http://www.andrew-peterson.com/
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400073847

Love Is Different

2008-02-16T12:38:00.003-05:00

"Love is different than you think
It's never in a song or on a TV screen
Love is harder than a word
Said at the right time, and everything's alright
I said love is different than you think." -Caedmon's Call

Ah, the season of love has come... and passed. Valentine's Day: that time when you remember those you love or when you frantically search for someone to love you. It is a joyful time for some, sorrowful for others. Often we get so wrapped up in who is loving us that we forget to love others. Somehow Valentine's Day has become strictly romantic, stripping the word 'love' of its full meaning.

You see, I love different people for different reasons. I love my mother and father because they have raised me up into who I am today. I love the guys on my hall because they are my support socially and spiritually. And I love all my friends (or at least try to) because Christ first loved me. What has happened to Biblical love? The love that overflows from us because we are so thankful for God's love. We are supposed to be so overwhelmed by God's grace that we just can't help it. Love should be the natural result of our inward state. But so often our love is motivated by other factors or conditions. Imagine if God operated like that. His love would be based upon whatever he deemed to be 'lovable.' How tragic that would be! Thank God for his un-conditional love!

I also believe that what we learn about love from songs and movies is often NOT representative of Biblical love. The love I see in scripture is one that made the blind see, washed the feet of sinners, and drove the King of Kings to a bloody death on the cross. Love is not just that feeling of nervous excitement or anticipation. It is not just those butterflies that seems to course through your stomach when that special someone says hello to you. Love is not strictly romantic. It is more than that. Love is decision and sacrifice. Andrew Peterson puts it this way:

"Now, love is not a feeling in your chest
It is bending down to wash another's feet
It is faithful when the sun is in the west and in the east
It can hurt you as it holds you in its overwhelming flow
Till only the unshakeable is left
'This new command I give you,' he said, 'Love as I have loved.'
So, brother, love her better than yourself
And give her your heart."

So amidst the candies and the flowers this month, remember that love is different than you think.

Wind and Spirit

2008-02-04T12:48:00.002-05:00

These are the lyrics to an old Chris Rice song; I felt like sharing them in light of last week's awesome Prayer and Praise Chapel and Holiness Emphasis Week. Enjoy!

I hear a sound and turn to see
A new direction on that rusty weathervane
Suddenly the dead brown leaves are stirred
To scratch their circle dances down the lane

And now the sturdy oaks start clapping
With the last few stubborn leaves that won't let go
I can hear Old Glory snapping
And her tattered rope now clanging against the pole

And my breath is snatched away
And a chill runs up my spine
Feels like somethins on the way
So I look up to the sky and

From the corners of creation
Comes the Fathers holy breath
Riding on a storm with tender fierceness
Stirring my soul to holiness

I see the lifeless dust now resurrected
Swirling up against my window pane
And carried across the distance
Come the long awaited fragrances of earth and rain

And out across the amber field
The slender grasses bend and bow and kiss the ground
And in them I see the beauty of the souls
Who let the Spirit lay them down

And it takes my breath away
And a tear comes to my eye
Feels like somethins on the way
So I look up to the sky and

From the corners of creation
Comes the Fathers holy breath
Riding on a storm with tender fierceness
Stirring my soul to holiness

And like a mighty wind blows with a force I cannot see
I will open wide my wings and let the Spirit carry me

From the corners of creation
Comes the Fathers holy breath
Riding on a storm with tender fierceness
Stirring my soul to holiness

I hear a sound and turn to see
A new direction on that rusty weathervane

The Golden Compass

2007-12-01T02:12:00.001-05:00

Recently, I've been bombarded by requests to join Facebook groups boycotting the upcoming movie "The Golden Compass" because of its atheist message. Now, I have a few things to say here, so don't think I'm crazy before you finish reading.First of all, let me ask a simple question. How many of you involved in these "Boycott the Golden Compass" groups have actually read any of the books? My guess is probably few of you. I'll admit that I haven't read them either, but that's not the point. How in the world are you supposed to oppose something when you don't even know what it contains?

Second, I'll admit that author Philip Pullman wrote his fantasy novels from an atheist standpoint. There is no doubt that he is an outspoken atheist. But does that mean that we can't give his novels a chance? To be honest, there have been many great works of literature written by atheists and Christians alike. In addition, God can use anyone to convey truth.I'll conclude with this. I have no desire to see or read "The Golden Compass" because it doesn't appeal to me. I'm more of a drama/thriller movie lover than a fantasy movie lover. But for those of you that aren't going to see the movie because "we'll be putting money into the pocket of an atheist," you're just being ridiculous. Grow up, and give it a chance...

I originally wrote this as a note on my Facebook page, and close to thirty comments resulted from it. Listed below are some of the comments... if you're interested.

Christopher Davis (Christian Academy of Louisville) wrote at 12:02am on November 27th, 2007
Andrew, this is so true, and I agree with you 100%. It was the same with Harry Potter, yes, its about magic and wizardry, but they were great books. Very well written, and held a LOT of positive messages too. We can respect a good book as a good book, even if we don't agree with it or like the author. And as for "putting money in people's pockets", I agree with you. Grow up. We do it everyday. I mean, think about where your money goes. Really.

Julianna West (Asbury) wrote at 10:49am on November 27th, 2007
Harry Potter. Yeah, I am a Potterhead. When I first started reading the books, my mom held a pretty apprehensive view towards them- like Chris said, for all the "practical" uses of magic. She slowly relaxed though as I shared with her some of the underlying messages of loyalty and bravery and how the right choices aren't necessarily the easy ones. (I think it is important to remember also that both Narnia and the Lord of the Rings, which are both largely highly respected works in the eyes of Christians, contain magic.)I think that with this story, it is much the same. While I completely understand the necessity of only allowing things into your mind that are true, just, pure, noble, etc. as the Bible clearly outlines, I think that ultimately the reader must decide to what degree they will internalize the words they are reading. I plan on seeing the movie and making my own judgments.

Matt Schlabach (Asbury) wrote at 9:02pm on November 27th, 2007
that is true sometimes but in this series he actually kills God, Pullman's goal isn't just to undermine God but to kill him off entirely. i agree that God can use non-Christians but when someone actually opposes our faith we can't just let it go and act like its no big deal

Andrew Groves wrote at 10:08pm on November 27th, 2007
Matt, I see what you're saying, but I still don't like the idea of people boycotting the book/movie because they HEARD that he kills God. Why not read the book (or see the movie) for yourself and then make a judgement? Yes, as Christians we need to be careful about what we put into our heads, but shouldn't we also as Christians be aware of what our culture is thinking, even if we don't agree with it?

Hilary White (Vanderbilt) wrote at 10:12pm on November 27th, 2007
Well, duh. Three things though - 1) in their defense, I believe both Narnia and LotR were written allegorically. Obviously there exists artistic license within those plot lines but I see the basic themes of redemption and ultimate triumph of good over evil, etc. It's not just magic; 2) God uses filthy rags and empty vessels as well and 3) Andrew, dawg, you're absolutely right, but what interests me is this - do you realize that what you're arguing against is exactly what we were all taught at WA? Were we ever encouraged to read The DaVinci Code or anything else like it on our own? No - we were taught that "oh my gosh good Christians don't read that it's bad and you'll go to hell" rather than finding out what made it principally wrong. Most of our fellow students have not developed those critical thinking skills so remember that when you're invited to join the group by a WA person; I'm just glad you can think of it on your own. Woot. Go you.

Hilary White (Vanderbilt) wrote at 12:24am on November 28th, 2007
Matt, you made clear that Pullman's characters ended up killing God, which as you said should be a big red flag to us as Christians. You pointed out one of the main tenets of the Christian's argument in my opinion. It's a valid point that we not support the makers of the film, I just wanted to add that we've got to know why it's wrong as opposed to blindly following. You're smart enough to know why so I'm not worried about you or anyone else here :) shoot if anyone cares enough to post that's more than a lot of people.

Nate Yardy (Urbana / Champaign, IL) wrote at 10:59am on November 28th, 2007
You make a good point, Andrew! And I'm surprised at how many people have responded in agreement!So, I have read the books. Essentially in this story, and this is a bit of a spoiler, but not too bad, there is no God. Instead, the oldest angel happened to be the mightiest and told everyone else he created them. And so the main characters are part of a resistance against this imposter. The books are very well written, and I for one, greatly enjoyed them. I don't think the books will lead people really astray if they already know what they believe, even if the author "kills God" in the story.

Nate Yardy (Urbana / Champaign, IL) wrote at 11:04am on November 28th, 2007
P.S. I would have to strongly disagree with Hilary about LOTR being an allegory. For one, Tolkien hated allegories. He thought stories should be able to be applicable to reality, but not always have direct correlation. He believed allegories were a cheap form of story-telling. And besides, since an allegory is a story that has direct correlation to reality/the spiritual world, LOTR doesn't fit the picture. LOTR is simply a story from a greater world that had been and was developing in the Silmarillion and in Tolkien's mind. This world has similarities to ours, but not enough for it to be an allegory. Tolkien believed the highest form of praise to God was "sub-creating," or using the abilities God gave us to the utmost for His glory, without necessarily being didactic. Anyway, those are my thoughts. If you disagree, oh well. I thought I would just throw out a few things to add to the discussion.

Jenna King (UMiami) wrote at 7:10pm on November 28th, 2007
I think there is something very key about this book that everyone is missing.I'm sure it's very well written, and I'm not one to really support boycotts like this cuz i think they are stupid and pointless. (anyone remember the Disney boycott when we were little? ya...)But here is the problem I have with this trilogy.The author came out and said that he had read the Chronicles of Narnia and hated them. He hated that is portrayed a Christian world view. So he decided to write his own series that struck down all that C.S. Lewis stood for.(cont. in next comment)

Jenna King (UMiami) wrote at 7:11pm on November 28th, 2007
As people have mentioned, the evil organization in the book is called "the church" (in the movie its "The Magisterium" so try to make it more appealling and hide the true intention from movie goers), and the evil boss dude that the 'good guys' defeat is "God" / "YAWEH". You cant get much more anti-christianity than that.No where in Harry Potter does J.K. Rowling trash Christianity in anyway. I'm a potter freak, and made fun of people who bashed it wihtout reading it. but i've read parts of this, and I can tell you, I have no desire to give my money to people who so blatantly defy and blaspheme the name of God.Like i said before, I think boycotts are stupid. However, in this instance, I have no problem standing against something that so strongly seeks to tear down everything that I wrap my world around. So ya.

Christopher Davis (Christian Academy of Louisville) wrote at 11:18pm on November 28th, 2007
Can I ask though...if a fictional book ruins you're faith (not, you, Jenna...just a general you...), then you really aren't that strong to begin with. And if its written for kids, they won't be able to catch the hidden messages it presents anyways. And in the end, like I've said and Andrew has said...you can still respect a good work of art as just that- a work of art.

Andrew Groves wrote at 12:16am yesterday
Jenna, here's my response to a few of your thoughts. I have never read any of the books, and haven't seen the movie. So how am I supposed to really know the nature of his anti-Christian views? You see, you've told me that he blatantly attacks Christianity, but don't you think I should at least read some of them so that I can know how my faith is being attacked? Too many people are hearing from their buddies, "This book is anti-Christian; don't read it," and not finding out for themselves. I'm in no way questioning your assessment of the book, but I believe that an individual should be able to view art and make informed decisions about it. That's my two cents...

Jenna King (UMiami) wrote at 12:51am yesterday
oh totally, Andrew. I agree. Have at it. I'm not saying that anyone should not read it or whatever. Like I said, I think boycotting is stupid. I personally dont want to sit and fill my spirit with someone who is blatantly attacking who I am to my very core. However, I was a huge proponent of people reading the Harry Potter books before making a judgement. however this is different in the fact that the entire reason the series was written was to attack the principles set in Narnia. Of course everyone should make their own decisions. I'm all for that. If you want to spend your money on it, fine by me. You should be able to make your own informed decisions. I'm just presenting mine.

Jenna King (UMiami) wrote at 12:51am yesterday
And Chris, I'm in no way saying these books are going to change a Christian's view and make them an atheist. like you said, if that occurs, they weren't Christians to begin with. What I'm worried about is this type of "harmless" fiction that will indoctrinate the non-believing world by aiming at children, giving them a view that "the church" is evil and we should "kill God." power to the guy for being a good writer and being successful, this is America after all. I'm just not going to put my hard earned money to support it. thats all.

Christopher Davis (Christian Academy of Louisville) wrote at 1:09am yesterday
Yeah, that makes sense. Do you think that the messages might click in a child's mind though? I don't mean to seem controversial, and I'm sorry if I do. I'm just honestly asking. Also, I agree with you about the problem of his using this book to advance his views...I think its wrong. I wonder what made him act this way though...

Jenna King (UMiami) wrote at 1:15am yesterday
eh, honestly, he can promote his views just like C.S. Lewis could. you know? but ya, i do think kids will pick up on it. Even if it isnt concious. Its just adding to an indoctrination of our youth. It's pretty blatant when he calls out "the church" and "God/YAWEH" i mean, he even uses the biblical term for God that God gave Moses.honestly, i'm just worried that the movies will make kids want to get the books for Christmas, and start a giant wave of this. who knows. He just hated the fact that the Chronicles of Narnia got such acclaim with it's pro-Christian views, so he wrote his own. Like I said, he has every right to be successful in this way. Thats for God to deal with, not us.However, we have just as much of a right to say that we won't support it or give our money to it.

Hilary White (Vanderbilt) wrote at 10:56am yesterday
I'm with Jenna on the youth indoctrination idea. I wouldn't let my children see it or read the books without being confident in their abilities to analyze and understand the main ideas through the grid of a Christian worldview. I remember that when my aunt and uncle bought me The DaVinci Code for Christmas I watched my mom cringe and basically hide the book from me and at the time I didn't understand why. Several years later I sneaked it out and read it anyway and was amazed by the stuff in there. Yes, it was an extraordinarily well written novel but equally heretical and, frankly, wrong, academically speaking. But would I have known that as a twelve or thirteen year old reading a Christmas gift? I don't think so. I was especially impressionable through books when I was younger; I remember ideas and am still influenced by things put into my mind as a little kid. I'm glad my mom knew me well enough to take it away before I was ready to handle it, and I think I'd do the same.

Caedmon's Call Newsflash!

2007-10-21T22:54:00.002-04:00

Just in case you hadn't realized from the banner photo on the top of this blog page, there's been some personnel changes in the critically acclaimed folk/rock band Caedmon's Call. It seems that Cliff Young, who was the least talented musician in the band anyway, had a falling out with the band and left to pursue a fruitless solo career in kazoo playing. Thus, I, Andrew Groves am here to fill his shoes with purpose and skill. The next Caedmon's album will feature the amazing songwriting talents of myself and Andrew Osenga and is predicted to go platinum. Caedmon's fans... here I come.

Reconsidering Cable

2007-10-15T11:00:00.001-04:00

Don't we all love the Home and Garden channel? Its stimulating and provocative programming keeps viewers like us captivated, thirsting for more. While statements like this may be true for some people, they are not true for the majority of you reading this post. So, if we don't enjoy watching the Home and Garden channel, why do we pay for it in our cable bills? One word: bundling.

You see, bundling is very simple: cable providers refuse to give you ESPN, for example, unless you also subscribe to Disney. But what if I don't want the Disney channel? It doesn't matter because Disney owns ESPN and wants you (the naïve consumer) to subscribe to all of their channels or none of their channels. Frustrating, isn't it? The reason our cable bills are so high is due to the number of channels in our cable plans. But we are not given a choice of the channels comprising our bundle; we're just given a basic cable bundle and sent on our way.

Why am I making such a fuss over this? Let me illustrate. Imagine that a nice young boy from down the street is selling magazine subscriptions to raise money for a class field trip. "Oh, how precious," you think to yourself. "Maybe I'll just renew my subscription to National Geographic, and he'll be on his way." However, when you tell Billy that all you want is National Geographic, he informs you that in order to get National Geographic, you have to pay for four other magazine subscriptions. "But I'm not interested in these other four magazines! All I want is National Geographic." Well, that's too bad because (in this fictional account) a megacompany owns all of these magazines and only offers this set of five magazines bundled together.

You see, cable is a visual form of magazine subscriptions. They have employed a system known as "narrow-casting" to appeal to specific viewers, as opposed to "broad-casting" that appeals to a mass audience. In other words, an outdoorsman would want the Outdoorsman's channel, and a chef would want the Food Network. Cable channels focus on narrow subjects, and should be available in whatever combination a consumer desires. If you want to read more about this, I invite you to visit the following website. It might just open your eyes to some new possibilities with cable: how you should be able to customize channels and keep cash in your wallet.
http://www.howcableshouldbe.com/

Anonymous Thoughts

2007-10-01T11:52:00.001-04:00

The following are some thoughts concerning the Presbyterian structure of church government. The author of these thoughts shall remain anonymous...

The crux of this improper understanding of the church government rests in two areas: a failure to recognize the local church as an autonomous body and the false dichotomy of "teaching" and "ruling" elders. The first is the result of a fear that left to themselves, churches would run amok, and therefore they need to be governed by an outside agency (the Presbytery). Unfortunately for Presbyterians, it is clear in the New Testament (particularly in the writings of Paul) that local congregations were not subject to the oversight of anyone. This does not mean that the could not be rebuked or challenged when they were unfaithful, but it does mean that they and their pastor bore the responsibility for maintaining fidelity to doctrine and theology. If a pastor or a member of the body is driven out, Paul does not come and exercize some "authority" in removing them, but he implores them to take their own action to expel unbelievers. Ultimately, the shepherd of the flock is responsible for his sheep, and in that responsibility he should be teaching them in a way that makes a Biblical reaction involuntary when issues occur.

Sam [Lamerson] claims that a strong argument for Presbyterian government is, "First, this seems to be the kind of government that the early church practiced in the book of Acts and the Epistles of Paul. The early churches were ruled by a plurality of elders and these elders came together to rule on theological issues." While it is true that Paul and others came together and often called churches out for unfaithfulness or sin, they did not ever exercize authority over a church by removing members or a pastor. They were calling for reform, not forcing it upon an autonomous local church. He also suggests that total depravity requires accountability to keep it in check. I wholeheartedly agree- and it's clear in the New Testament that accountability rests with the church itself. It is the responsiblity of the congregation to rebuke or expel their pastor if he is in unrepentant sin, and likewise with any brother or sister in the same situation. Appealing to an outside authority is both unnecessary and extemporaneous; the church should be equipped (by the pastor) to handle any such incidence.

The other side to this coin is the false dichotomy between "ruling" and "teaching" elders. It's very unclear in the New Testament that there exists a separate class of "ruling" elders. Much of this comes from the "Overseer Qualifications" passage in I Timothy, but the "ability to teach" is clearly delineated in that passage. Additionally, all of what the Presbyterians would call "ruling elders" at the Jerusalem council taught, so which were they, ruling or teaching? The bottom line is that to be an "elder" or "overseer," it is clear in Scripture that you must be able to teach, which seems to make you a teaching elder. There's also a strong argument from Greek here, however, I'm not proficient enough to state it yet. Ruling elders are pastors, teaching elders are pastors, overseers are pastors. If you are not a pastor, you have no authority over a church.

A few closing comments: Baptists have a book of church order as well- it's called the Bible, and it contains all we need to understand government, discipline and "trials" (if you want to call them that). Second, as I read through the "levels" of church government, it occurs to me that none of this is clearly (or even vaguely) laid out in Scripture. They are clearly constructions of expediency and practicality. There is no session, board or presbytery in the New Testament, there are local churches and pastors. I find it odd that the "reformers" are so in love with a book of church order, a book that is essentially just tradition. The Catholics and and Anglicans have books of church order too, and for that matter, so do the Methodists, though they don't follow it much anymore. All that said, the Presbyterians are my brothers and sisters, but they need to get their act together on Baptism and Ecclesiology.

The Men of Johnson 3rd East

2007-09-19T02:05:00.002-04:00

For those of you who don't have a Facebook account but would love to meet the guys on my hall, these pictures are for you... enjoy!

Peter Pollet

Ben Dawson

Bill Tobias

Jordan Stratton

Dave North

Zach Shaner
.

Hans Gehman
.

Nate Greenway

Jin Kim

Nate Potratz

Tim Goodman

James Guthrie

Don't worry... there are many more guys on my hall to meet! I'll post some more pictures when they "become available."

The Least of These

2007-09-04T16:20:00.001-04:00

"Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." -Matthew 25:40

This past weekend a few buddies and I went into downtown Lexington on the spur of the moment. Originally intent on having some private praise and worship, we ended up buying some food and giving it to some homeless people in Phoenix Park. Doesn't sound like much, does it? I mean, what difference can a sandwich, some bananas, and an Ale-8 make? More than I could have known...

Enter Scott, a middle-aged man down on his luck and heading to jail in the next week. A few of us sat down with him and struck up a conversation about anything and everything. Honestly, I have to admit that I was very uncomfortable for the first few minutes. Will he really be willing to talk with us, and what should I say? I've never conversed with a homeless man before. What's going to happen here?

Well, it turned out that Scott was the most talkative of us all. He kept reminding us what great guys we were to take time out of our day to come give him some food. "Lots of other kids your age are out here (indicating some local bars) partying it up." And he gave us invaluable insight into the dangers of addiction. But that's not all we gained. No, there was more.

The only phrase that pops into my head is, "The taste of God was good." I walked away from that park feeling refreshed, renewed, and regenerated. Something inside me clicked. Who are "the least of these"? The hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned, the lonely, the downtrodden. By serving Scott, we served Christ, and got a tiny glimpse of what genuine, selfless service to an Almighty God looks like. And if we can somehow grasp that concept, we will hear the voice of our Lord speaking softly, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." By serving God in this place, a far country, we are made certain of the inheritance of our eternal home.

Painting Pictures of Egypt

2007-08-28T22:37:00.001-04:00

My new college life has been a rollercoaster of change lately. This song (one of my personal favorites of all time) describes my feelings exactly while alluding to the Israelites' forty year banishment into the desert. Change is necessary sometimes, but it is rarely easy. That's how we grow. Anyway, here it is: Painting Pictures of Egypt by Sara Groves.

I don’t want to leave here
I don’t want to stay
It feels like pinching to me either way
The places I long for the most are the places where I’ve been
They are calling after me like a long lost friend
It’s not about losing faith
It’s not about trust
It’s all about comfortable when you move so much
The place I was wasn’t perfect but I had found a way to live
It wasn’t milk or honey but then neither is this

I’ve been painting pictures of Egypt
Leaving out what it lacked
Cause the future seems so hard and I want to go back
But the places that used to fit me cannot hold the things I"ve learned
And those roads closed off to me while my back was turned

The past is so tangible
I know it by heart
Familiar things are never easy to discard
I was dying for some freedom but now I hesitate to go
Caught between the promise and the things I know

I’ve been painting pictures of Egypt
Leaving out what it lacked
Cause the future seems so hard and I want to go back
But the places that used to fit me cannot hold the things I"ve learned
And those roads closed off to me while my back was turned

If it comes too quick I may not recognize it
Is that the reason behind all this time and sand?
If it comes too quick I may not appreciate it
Is that the reason behind all this time and sand?

Camera Phones, Lawn Mowers, and Facebook?

2007-08-11T01:57:00.002-04:00

I said I'd never do it. Never. Who needs a camera on their cell phone anyway? I mean, seriously people, a phone is for communication, not for picture taking! So I purchased the only Motorola flip phone on the market that did not have a camera. And I was pleased with it... until I discovered that this archaic gadget would lose reception indoors and hold a charge for a maximum of eight hours. So I gave in, but not willingly. After scouring the internet for any decent flip phone that didn't have a camera and discovering that such a device didn't exist, I ended up buying a Motorola KRZR. And this phone works great. I can even sheepishly admit that I have used the camera feature on my phone often. Hmmm... not everything new is a bad thing...

Mowing the lawn. It's never really been a joyful thing to do, but every two weeks or so, there I am behind our twenty-six year old lawn mower, plowing along. Wait a minute! Did you just say "twenty-six years"?! Yes, it's true. My father purchased this lawn mower the year Ronald Reagan became our fortieth president. Yeah, it's that old. In fact, it's so old that just a few weeks ago, it died. Now, let's get one thing straight: I hate mowing the lawn. However, after using that mower for two years, I was familiar with it and was very opposed to any new mower that would come along. Today, I put our new lawn mower to the test and... I was amazed at its speed. It works better than our twenty-six year old clunker. Hmmm... not everything new is a bad thing...

It's all Daniel's fault. I never wanted a Facebook, and I have said for months that I will never get one. Never. But then I discovered that a Facebook page had been conveniently created for me. Great, now what do I do? There are already around thirty "friends" signed up on this page, and they're all excited that I have a Facebook. And to top it off, I have no way to ever contact these friends other than Facebook. Ahh... once again pop culture has backed me into a corner by providing no other alternative. So, I'm gonna give a shot. But don't worry, I won't be buying an iPhone or selling all my possessions to raise money for the (RED) campaign anytime soon. Let's see what Facebook has to offer for now. Hmmm... not everything new is a bad thing...

Zero Regrets

2007-07-30T23:40:00.001-04:00

It hit me as I stared at my bottle of Mountain Dew. The number... zero. Technically, it's not really a number because it doesn't represent an actual value. It signifies nothing really. But not the nothing you're thinking of right now. Confused yet? You see, you're imagining nothing as an empty room or a guy with holes in his pockets. But zero is much more than that... or actually much less. An empty room is still a room, and it follows all the laws of science like gravity and all those other ones I've forgotten since high school. The same is true for the pockets. So, those examples can't quite clarify the concept of zero because something with the quantity zero is really nothing at all to begin with.

But despite all my attempts to belittle zero, it continues to hold tremendous power to stymie change. Let me explain. Now, not all of us are math wizards, but most of us (I hope) can perform a few simple operations of arithmetic. Addition for example. If you add zero to the number four, you're left with... four! Big surprise... but it goes to show that zero didn't help the number four change at all. The same goes for subtraction: four minus zero equals four again. But let's get a little more tricky. What about multiplication? Well, if you multiply four by zero, you've lost it all! And dividing four by zero arrives at the same answer. The addition and subtraction of zero accomplished nothing, and multiplication and division actually reduced our initial number. When you put zero into something, nothing changes, and most often, things get worse.

By now, you've either stopped reading or you're on the brink because of my ramblings. Do I even have a point? Yes, I do. Last night, several hundred students from my church's youth group held a worship service to celebrate and remember their fond memories from this year's summer camp. As I absorbed the atmosphere around me, I began to realize that this room I was sitting in was brimming over with joy. Not just happiness... joy. Godly joy. What Scripture calls "the joy of the LORD." These students had been touched by the hands of God, molded into more mature, effective servant leaders, and directed to the center of His will. It's like nothing I've ever witnessed before. I'm probably not even doing it justice because of my poor writing skills, but I could sense that each and every one of these kids had grown in their faith to some degree. As the youth choir sang a multilingual worship song, I felt a void in my heart that I have been ignoring for some time now. I've made my life too busy for joy. I've invested in nourishing my mind instead of my soul. I've blocked out the Creator of the universe from leading me, and it's taken its toll.

When you put zero into something, nothing changes, and most often, things get worse. In God's kingdom, the simplest of faiths can trump the soundest of minds. I've given God nothing for so long, justifying my behavior by convincing myself that I'll get to my faith... later. If you're reading this, maybe you're right here with me, or you've been here before. It's about time we all stopped serving two masters, or serving the wrong one entirely. Looking back, I view this period in my life with genuine heartache. I only wish I could go back and change it all, but that's just not possible. And that's just not what God wants. It's been painful, but God has taught me through my desertion of Him. And I pass this along to you: If we are able to keep our eyes upon Jesus, the "author and perfecter of our faith," we can live our lives in the center of his will with zero regrets.

Further Musical Notes...

2007-07-25T21:34:00.001-04:00

If you read my previous post about music (or even if you didn't) you should read these posts. Both of them are very thoughtful. Give them a look.

The Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Lame
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19313280/
Deep and Wide
http://www.andrewosenga.com/blog/2007/07/24/deep-and-wide/#comments

The Power of Music... do standards actually exist?

2007-06-24T22:14:00.001-04:00

Music can be compelling, unique, or downright awful. Or... can it? What determines if music is essentially "good" or "bad?" (Just a quick note: Those quotation marks are to pacify any disagreeing readers' strong opinions.) If I decide to purposefully play my guitar with only two strings instead of the typical six, or drum on pots and pans instead of drums, is my music still "good?" How about an entire album of kazoo playing?

Often I drive home from work in the evenings to the tune of artists like Andrew Peterson, Caedmon's Call, and Derek Webb. Their albums offer something more substantive than the typical, overrated pop music pervading the airwaves today. "Good" music paints pictures, illustrates truth, and carries with it a significance yet undiscovered by most. I long for the times when I can get stuck at a railroad crossing just as a "good" song begins to play. A sense of fulfillment comes over me when a "good" song finishes just as I pull into the driveway of my house. Can "bad" music do that? I don't think so.

Now, I know what you skeptics are thinking. "Art should be judged subjectively... Who are you to say what music is 'good' or 'bad?'" My response to that argument would be to ask a simple question: How would you determine what music is "good" or "bad?" Most likely, your response would be that every individual makes that determination for themselves... i.e. music that's "good" for me may not be "good" for you. But that means that no music is "good" or "bad"... it's all just out there in musicland somewhere waiting to be categorized by someone's individual opinions. My kazoo playing is musically equal with a Beethoven symphony. But if I decide that mine is better, then it is... for me, at least. This flawed thinking cannot serve to judge music with a critical eye.

I'll end with this. I know that we all like different styles of music, and that's great. But some music is just plain "good" and some is just plain "bad." That doesn't mean we all have to like the same music, but we should all make an effort to recognize "good" music when we see it.

Broken Windows... Broken Hearts

2007-04-22T20:12:00.001-04:00

This past week and a half has taken us all by surprise. Isn't it odd that everything seems so right just before everything goes wrong?

My oldest brother was in serious car accident just over a week ago. His car was demolished, but he walked away unscathed. However, the time period in between the accident and my brother's call was excruciating for my family. The notion of injury or even death momentarily took our breath away. Days afterward, a gust of wind snapped the metallic pole for our basketball pole in half, smashing the windshield of our car while my mother was inside. Again, my mother walked away unscathed, but shaken.

As time progressed, the tragic shooting at Virginia Tech came into focus, as a disturbed young man took the lives of thirty-two students and faculty members before killing himself. The whole nation delved into mourning for the victims as prayer vigils and services continue to be held.

And this past weekend, the unexpected death of a three year-old girl has left my church family in utter disbelief.

How could all these things have occurred so rapidly? I cannot even begin to digest one before the next appears. "Wait a second," you might say, "You weren't really affected by any of this as much as other people. What are you whining about?" And you know what? You're right. All I endured was a broken window. My brother lost his car, but nothing happened to me. I didn't know anyone who perished at Virginia Tech, and I grieve for a family's loss that is not my own. Why am I so distraught?

I would venture to say that the answer lies in something tangible yet often overlooked. There is a terrible tragedy in this world, more powerful than we can even imagine. Our beloved world is dying. Physically, emotionally, spiritually... We are a fallen people who have forgotten that our world is not perfect but in a constant state of decay. We are patron saints of lost causes, wandering grief-stricken when tragedy comes our way. The wonderful, empty things of this world blur as tears fill our eyes. Whether it be from broken windows or broken hearts, we've realized how truly lost we are without a savior. And we fall our knees... acknowledging our utmost dependence on the only constant force in the universe: Jesus Christ.

Party at the Pompano Marketplace... Be There!

2007-04-14T05:02:00.003-04:00

I felt it appropriate to begin my blog with an entry of the ridiculous nature. Last night as I was leaving work, I gazed out across the vast parking lot of the happenin' Pompano Marketplace and observed one the of most ridiculous occasions I have ever experienced. A group of young teenagers, not unlike myself, were enjoying the warm night air of South Florida. Very unlike myself, however, these absurd children were "partying it up" in the middle of the Pompano Marketplace, music (if that's what we want to call it) playing and shadows dancing in the moonlight.

Now, let's get a few things straight. First, last night was a Friday night, indicating that this late night pow-wow was an extremely pathetic attempt to jump start the weekend with a really cool social event. It must also be noted that no place of social significance even exists in the Pompano Marketplace, as it includes such glorious temples of retail such as Steinmart and Staples. Perhaps it was Woodcraft store that attracted them, or maybe the Dollar Tree. Regardless, this was a most entertaining and unusual occurrence in my neck of the woods.

Feeling very overwhelmed by the group's sense of "coolness" I responded by climbing into the Shaggin' Wagon and proceeding to rev its engine uproariously. This was followed by my swift exit out of the parking lot to impress them. Oh... I can just hear their murmurs of amazement now as I reminisce my deft departure. I feel so much better about myself now that I know I am so much cooler than those guys (and have a larger vocabulary).