"I think there are times when I believe God welcomes the circus into our lives to give us an opportunity to show that there's another way to live and respond to things." - Tony Dungy, now former coach of the Indianapolis Colts, winners of Super Bowl XLI

I suspect you'll be hearing more from Mr. Dungy in the near future, but now, on to some links!

- Reason #4,567 why it's important that we share Christ with those who don't know him.

- I thought this was a myth.  Apparently not.  Yikes.

- I LOVE infomercials; in fact, I found myself watching one around 2:30 this morning for a portable steamer that will replace all irons in the very near future!  And that's why this is awesome.

- Anyone who loves Star Wars needs to watch this.  That means you, Mr. David.

Careful travel in the Winter craziness!

Exciting news - last night, Taytum Lynn Snyder was born to my brother and his wife!  Apparently, she wasn't all that excited about leaving her home of the last nine months, but in the end, she made my family really happy by showing up... so, congratulations to Grant and Jamie!



In other news, this Sunday is CONNECTION SUNDAY!  I know we talk a lot about numbers and records and all that, but let's not lose focus on what this is all about - a chance for you to bring your friends and family to meet Jesus.  With that in mind, and because other people write better than I do, here's a link to an article to help you get in the right frame of mind.  Enjoy:

A Most Reluctant Convert

We'll see everyone Sunday!

I  have no idea if today is a good day or bad, if you're pro-Obama or no-Obama, or if you just want the whole thing to go away.  Regardless of where you happen to stand politically, I think we can all agree on one thing: this video is hilarious.

I don't know if we should feel better or worse about Obama's basketball skills, but click below for a full display of them...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-3ROv_MsNs

More to come later on...

Often, I get questioned about the music I listen to.  In an attempt to answer the questions of ‘what in the world is that?’ and ‘what can so and so  listen to that’s better than what they currently are?’ I decided to share my top ten list of 2008. A couple notes before we dive right in: ‘Christian’ music is a fairly loose term, as the term ‘Christian’ means a disciple of Jesus and someone who belongs to Christ.  Music cannot, therefore, be ‘Christian’ anymore than a chair or a pistol can be.  There are, then, two types of ‘Christian’ bands: ministry bands, who seek to spread the gospel through music, and bands who happen to be Christians and whose priority in music is artistic.  My list of the top Christian music of 2008 is almost completely the latter. Enjoy! 

note: clicking on the band name and album will take you to their music... so check it out!


Top 10 ‘Christian’ Music Albums of 2008 


10. Underoath - Lost in the Sound of Separation            

Underoath is far and away the most successful heavy Christian band in the mainstream.  For the last several years, they’ve made a name for themselves with their intense sound, mixed vocals (both clean and screamed) and their faith in God. Their newest album, ‘Lost…’ is a perfect mix of their previous work: it’s heavier at times than ever before, and more melodic at times than ever before.  And while I don’t think it’s a ‘perfect’ record (as Alternative Press called it when it came out), it’s a solid addition to their already fantastic library. It’s been my experience that you either like UO or you don’t - and I do. 

* Recommended if you like: Screaming; drummers who sing, but don’t sound like Phil Collins 


9. Children 18:3 - Self Titled            

This was the shocker of the year.  This band has an atrocious name (though it references Matthew 18:3), looks like a modeling agency for Hot Topic (clearly, no one understands them), and has a ridiculous story (they’re a family of homeschooled children from Minnesota).  Despite all the strikes against them, their music is simply stunning.  It would be classified as pop-punk, if there was anything poppy about it, and it might be the single tightest punk record I’ve ever heard.  The multi-gender dueling vocals add to strong musicianship and thought provoking lyrics to make an album that is great from start to finish.  I was shocked that I liked it, but sometimes, that’s how music is. 

*Recommended if you like: Makeup; girls and boys singing together; family bands that don’t even loosely resemble the Partridge Family 


8. The Myriad - With Arrows, With Poise            

The Myriad gained a lot of notoriety when they won a contest for independent bands for MTV in May (I’m not sure what it’s called.  I haven’t watched MTV since I was in high school), and their sophomore record doesn’t disappoint.  Their moody, brooding sound has gotten bigger and more grandiose since their debut in 2005, and while that’s not always a good thing, it makes for a fun listen.  In other news, if there was a person I could trade voices with for the rest of my life, I’m pretty sure Jeremy Edwardson, their lead singer, would be the person I would trade with.  So they have that going for them, which is nice. 

*Recommended if you like: Lyrics you don’t understand, so you assume they’re intelligent; bands that sound like they’re British, but are really from Seattle 


7. Mychildren Mybride - Unbreakable            

While I truly despise the album title (I can’t get that terrible Bruce Willis movie out of my head when I see it), MCMB are one of my favorite new bands for 2008.  Basically, if you don’t like any form of heavier music, this is one to stay away from, because it might be the heaviest record I’ve ever owned.  The vocals range from growls to high pitched shrieking, and the music is so frenetic that it’s difficult to keep up until you’re used to the pace, but if you can stand it, it’s worth the trip.  This is speed metal at its finest, and will simply melt your face off… in a good way, if that’s possible. 

*Recommended if you like: Fast guitars and faster drums; the sound a pair of dogs would make when fighting a pack of coyotes; music that sounds evil but is actually not 


6. Deas Vail - The White Lights EP            

Ok, so this is technically not an album (its five songs clock in at around 18 minutes), but these guys are so freakishly talented that they HAD to make the list.  Deas Vail is generally known for their classically trained lead singer, Wes Blaylock, but while that’s perfectly understandable (he’s hands down the best vocalist in the industry), the rest of the band should be given its due as well.  The music is catchy, but not overly poppy, and the haunting melodies and hooks stay with you long after the EP is done.  Truth be told, if this were an album, it would be in the top three, but that comes in 2009.  And yes, this is the band that played at ACC in May of 07, and they’re as good a live band as you’ll ever see. 

*Recommended if you like: Singers that make your jaw drop; layered synths and keyboards; time signature changes at unexpected times 


5. The Classic Crime - The Silver Cord            

Surprise number two on this list: while the Classic Crime’s debut was mediocre, at best, their second go of it is anything but.  The record was recorded live, which gives it a raw rock feel that’s fairly rare to hear these days, and the album is themed around the subject of dealing with mortality.  While songs about death can be morbid, the Classic Crime manages to bring a glimmer of hope to the depressing subject, and focus on living a meaningful life in the present.  The album is all over the map stylistically, which can be good or bad, but at the end of the day, there’s something for everyone here.  In other news, this is probably Stephanie’s favorite on this list, which makes it a plus for people who like her… which includes me. 

*Recommended if you like: Rock music in the 90s; songs about dead bodies that convey spiritual messages 


4. Anberlin - New Surrender            

In a muddled music world of titles and labels, Anberlin is one of those bands who just sound like Anberlin.  Singer Stephen Christian sounds unlike anyone else in music, and musically, while they don’t, after awhile, seem original, that’s just because they’ve put out four records and they remind you of them, previously (this might not make sense to someone who hasn’t heard them, but as a long time fan, I promise, it’s sensible.  Somewhat).  At any rate, ‘New Surrender’ is the best of what Anberlin has to offer: there are soaring choruses, catchy verses, loud guitars, random keys, and songs that get stuck in your head for weeks at a time.  They toe the line of ‘pop’ and ‘rock’ perfectly this time around, and do it all without taking themselves too seriously (which has been a problem in the past). All in all, it’s a great release. 

*Recommended if you like: Bands you might hear on the radio; emo hair; songs that make you want to pump your fist  


3. We Shot the Moon - Fear and Love            

Back in the day, there was this little band called Waking Ashland who made one of my favorite records of all time (called ‘Composure’), and then quickly fizzled out.  Well, Jonathan Jones, the front-man and songwriter for WA has a new band, and this is it.  ‘Fear and Love’ is eleven tracks that will make you happy - it’s light, it’s fun, it’s technically tight, and it’s impossible not to tap your toe or bob your head.  Lyrically, Jones deals with life, love, and most of all, redemption - and he comes across as honestly as any musician there is.  This is music without pretention, and stripped of all its self-importance; as a result, it’s tough to complain about much of anything here. 

*Recommended if you like: Pianos and rock bands who employ them as their primary instrument; humble introspection 


2. Attack Attack! - Someday Came Suddenly            

Surprise number three on this list: I’m fairly sure that I’m the oldest (in age) fan of this band, and yet, I’m strangely ok with that.  AA sounds unique in the fact that it sounds like several seemingly conflicting musical styles at the same time: they mix elements of hardcore, techno, and pop-punk together… on every individual song… seemingly at random.  If it sounds like that’s a mess, that’s because it sometimes is, but if nothing else, they keep you on your toes.  At the end of the day, though, what they do, they do well, and this is one of those CDs that at first you don’t expect much of, but once you start listening to it, you can’t stop.  It’s not for everyone, but if you like fun, heavy music, it’s probably going to quickly grow on you. 

*Recommended if you like: Bands that high school girls enjoy; angry raves; laughing; music that sounds angry but is really anything but  


1. House of Heroes - The End is Not The End            

I truly cannot say enough about this record.  ‘The End is Not the End’ is a concept album dealing with humanity’s response to tragedies, specifically wars.  They pull it off without sounding preachy, primarily by placing each story into the eras of WWII and the Cold War of the 1960s.  They sing of a French spy who knows he’s destined to die at the hands of the Nazis; an American who has fallen in love with a Soviet beauty; a prisoner of war who doesn’t want to leave his fellow prisoners; a man who fought alongside and subsequently lost his brother.  They do all of this while keeping the mood light, and the key is in their amazing musicianship.  Every note and harmony is flawless, and every lyric thought out and thought provoking.  Through all of this, the ideas of forgiveness and hope are at the forefront, and the message is clear: no matter how terrible this life is, there is always something to look forward to.  This album, quite honestly, is the best thing I have heard in at least eight years, and could be my favorite album of all time. 

Recommended if you like: Good rock music 

See you guys soon!

Ok guys, here it is: the answer key (at least to the best of my knowledge) to the Bible word puzzle!  The books are in red, and I listed the words in order below.

This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket, on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much he passed it on to some friends. One friend from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his john boat. Another friend studied it while playing his banjo. Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend, was so intrigued by it she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend judges the job of solving this puzzle so involving, she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There will some names that are really easy to spot. That's a fact. Some people, however, will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized. Truthfully, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or scholar to see some of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in this paragraph. During a recent fund raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new sales record. The local paper, The Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, "the books are all right here in plain view hidden from sight". Those able to find them will hear great lamentations from those have to be shown. One revelation that may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. Also, keep in mind that punctuation and spaces in the middle are normal.  A chipper attitude will help you. "Compete really well against those who claim to know the answers.  Remember, there is no need for a mad exodus, there really are 30 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be found."

1. Amos
2. Mark
3. Luke
4. John
5. Joel
6. Judges
7. Job
8. Hebrews
9. Esther
10.  Acts
11.  James
12.  Ruth
13.  Romans
14.  Titus
15.  Matthew
16.  Genesis
17.  Philemon
18.  Chronicles
19.  Daniel
20.  Nahum
21.  Hosea
22.  Lamentations
23.  Revelation
24.  Timothy
25.  Samuel
26.  Numbers
27.  Malachi
28.  Peter
29.  Exodus
30.  Kings

Roy Williams sent me the following puzzle on Sunday, and I figured I'd get around to it sometime.  Then, Ali sent an e-mail saying the puzzle was incomplete, but when she got it completed, she solved the whole thing.

So, since I'm uber competitive, I thought, 'Hey! If Ali can do it, I can do it!'  It took over an hour, but I finally did it (by the way, Ali definitely 'wins' if there's a 'winning' to this - she got it done first, even though she didn't know she was competing with me).

The puzzle explains itself.  Enjoy, and I'll post the solved puzzle with the answers highlighted Friday or Saturday.

*note: I am in no way responsible for headaches, bad moods or broken computers that may occur from trying to complete this puzzle.*

This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket, on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much he passed it on to some friends. One friend from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his john boat. Another friend studied it while playing his banjo. Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend, was so intrigued by it she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend judges the job of solving this puzzle so involving, she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There will some names that are really easy to spot. That's a fact. Some people, however, will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized. Truthfully, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or scholar to see some of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in this paragraph. During a recent fund raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new sales record. The local paper, The Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, "the books are all right here in plain view hidden from sight". Those able to find them will hear great lamentations from those have to be shown. One revelation that may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. Also, keep in mind that punctuation and spaces in the middle are normal.  A chipper attitude will help you. "Compete really well against those who claim to know the answers.  Remember, there is no need for a mad exodus, there really are 30 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be found."

Well, I just spent around a half hour writing an extra long blog post about my dog eating chocolate and a band I've recently discovered and wanted to share with you.  Then, sure enough, I accidentally deleted the whole thing.  I rule at life.

Since I in no way want to re-create thirty minutes of musing (you'll have to take my word for it that it was really, really interesting),  I'll just refer you to a morbidly ironic story I found today.  Enjoy:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28485679/?GT1=43001

And don't forget - THIS Sunday, January 11, is the beginning of our Cultivation 201 classes.  Jeff and Anna Finley will be teaching a course on Marital Enrichment, and you'll definitely want to make sure you don't miss the introduction... so, everyone who's married or wants to be married sometime should check out the class!