I Don't Even Know What to Say

And we wonder why people don't take the Christian faith seriously.

This Sunday (April 5th)

Morning Service

Songs

#235 (Red hymnal)

#512 (Red hymnal)...to the tune of "The Church's One Foundation"

#42 (Blue hymnal)

#36 (Blue hymnal)

#231 (Blue hymnal)

Sermon

Matthew 21:1-11:  "The Triumphal Entry"

Evening Service

Songs

#153 (Blue hymnal)

#230 (Blue hymnal)

#255 (Red hymnal)

#6 (Red hymnal)

Sermon

Psalm 116:  "The Cup of Thanksgiving"

This Sunday (March 29th)

Morning Service

Songs

#660 (Red hymnal)

#140 (Blue hymnal)

#1 (Blue hymnal)

#609 (Red hymnal)

#7 (Red hymnal)

Sermon

Numbers 36:  "Walk by Faith"

Evening Service

Songs

#124 (Blue hymnal)

#251 (Blue hymnal)

#484 (Blue hymnal)

#310 (Blue hymnal)

Sermon

1 Timothy 3:  "Confessional Christianity"

This Sunday (March 22nd)

Morning Service

Songs

#282 (Blue hymnal)

#469 (Red hymnal)

#302 (Blue hymnal)

#204 (Blue hymnal)

Sermon

Numbers 35:  "Cities of Grace"

Evening Service

Songs

#4 (Red hymnal)

#75 (Blue hymnal)

#361 (Blue hymnal)

#280 (Blue hymnal)

Sermon

Acts 16:16-34:  "What is Saving Faith?"

For Want of a Flu Shot

You've heard the proverb "For want of a nail..." before. Well, for want of a flu shot, a week was lost.

Monday night, my wife started feeling the beginning stages of being sick (aches, etc.). By Tuesday morning, she and my youngest daughter both had the flu. Wednesday morning, my oldest daughter had the flu. And I was bragging that because of my Diet Coke and protein bar diet, I was once again going to escape this illness. Well, "let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." At about 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, as I was writing a sermon, my legs and back started aching and by Wednesday night, I had a full-on case of the flu. Thursday and Friday, I spent the entire day in bed, running a temperature of 101-103 and eating about 500 calories each day. It's now Saturday and I still feel lousy. Food doesn't sound good at all...even the thought of drinking a Diet Coke makes me want to vomit. The only thing that sounds good is orange juice and popsicles. I'm not sure that a flu shot would have prevented this, but we have decided that we are definitely going to be getting a flu shot this winter. If you've been fortunate enough to have not gotten this flu, be very thankful. If you have gotten it, it is just another small reminder of the effects of Adam's fall.

American Idol, Final 13

Coming to you live tonight as the top 13 sing on American Idol. After a one-week break (due to a meeting) and because of all the clamoring of my readers (well, 4 of them) to live blog again, I'm here with Lite Cheddar Curls from Costco. According to the American Idol website, they'll be performing the songs of Michael Jackson tonight, who I believe is Al's favorite artist (besides "Culture Club").  By the way, is there a more tragic figure in the music industry, perhaps ever, than Michael Jackson?

Lil Rounds

I like her, she's married with 3 children, although I don't really like the style of artist that she is. She'll be singing "The Way You Make Me Feel." She's wearing Aretha Franklin's bow on her shoulder (can we ever get enough mileage out of Aretha's inauguration bow? I say "no."). She can certainly sing. Randy says, "Yo! Yo! Alright, so! Lil Rounds, what's up baby? So check it out." He really likes her. Says she puts a whole new spin on the song. Kara thinks she's great. Paula likes the "softness." Thanks, Paula, that was very helpful. Simon thinks it was good, but was somewhat disappointed. Thought it was a lazy song choice...the entire crowd starts booing. Ryan just refers to Simon as "55 years old." Is that true? Well, that's the benefit of www.imdb.com. Let's check it out...

Nope, Ryan is wrong. Simon is only 49. Now we're debating the age of Diane Lane, whom we just saw in a commercial. So, we imdb her. Mem says she's 44, I say she's 47. Well, I'm wrong, she's right. She nails it...44 years old.

Scott Macintyre

Now I don't mean at all to sound prejudiced against those who are sight-impaired, but should he really be in the top 13? I don't think he can sing very well at all. Danny Gokey's friend was way, way better. He should be in the top 13. He'll be singing "Keep the Faith." He's playing the piano tonight. He's much better singing behind the piano. Kara wants to know if Scott just learned that on piano this week. He says yes. Kara thinks it was a good performance and that he was true to himself. Paula thinks she's at Disneyland and says, "Scott, it was so magical." Simon hated it. Says that nobody knows the song. Paula references record sales in Norway. Why? Randy thought that it was too safe.

Danny Gokey

OK...this is my guy. He'll be singing "PYT." He really sounds like Bob Carlisle of "Butterfly Kisses" fame to me. He's a good performer. Paula's standing up, yelping and clapping, which doesn't really mean much. She says that a true mark of an artist is when you can hear somebody with your eyes closed and know exactly who they are. She says he's on his way to the finals. Simon thought the vocals were brilliant. However, he didn't like the dance moves. Randy loved it all. Kara liked it, too. I think the final 3 is in his future.

Michael Sarver

Another guy I like. Seems like a humble, hard-working, family man. He'll be singing "You're Not Alone." Looks like the kind of guy we'd be watching sing on the Jerry Falwell show. Didn't really do much for me...which means the judges will think it was great, right? Simon says that he's not the best singer, but that he was very passionate tonight and gave 110%. Randy thought that tonight he was one of the best. Wow, that's saying a lot, seeing that a whole 4 people have sung so far. Kara thought he did a great job. Paula says that he picked a song that was "instinctual perfect for you." What does that mean?

Jasmine Murray

She'll be singing "I'll Be There." I didn't know this was a Michael Jackson song. This girl can sing. I think she's a potential sleeper in this competition. This means, of course, that she'll be either blasted by the judges tonight or voted off very soon. Randy says, "You know what, man, you did a pretty good job on that." Kara thinks she has great stage presence. Paula presses "play" and says the same lines that she's said a number of times. Simon says that she made a good attempt, but thought it was a bit robotic.

Kris Allen

He'll be singing "Remember the Time." I think he'll be one of the first to go. Boring and safe. Kara says that the girls love him. She likes him best when he's playing his guitar. Paula thought he was very engaging. Simon thought it was interesting and didn't think it was a song that suits the guitar. Randy thought it was kind of cool.

Allison Iraheta

She'll be singing "Given to Me" (never heard of it). She can sing and she's unique, which usually takes you a long way in this competition. Paula is mind-boggled. Says she's a "rock star." Simon thought it was a good performance, but says she needs to lighten up a bit. Randy says "she's got it" and that she can sing anything. Kara tells her to keep being a rocker.

Anoop Desai

He'll be singing "Beat It." This should be interesting. This is one of those songs that no one else should ever sing, unless you're going to put a totally different spin on it (like David Cook last year with "Billie Jean"). Simon will not like this. Paula says that when you pick a song it's an opportunity to show the world what you've got. She thinks this song is untouchable and belongs to MJ. Hey, she agreed with me. Simon thought it was horrible. It was very lightweight and karaoke. Randy says that it was the wrong choice. Kara agrees with the others and felt disconnected with Anoop. This could be the end of the line for Anoop Dog.

Jorge Nunez

He'll be singing "Never Can Say Goodbye" from the Jackson 5. Oh, I hate this kind of stuff. Prediction: Karaoke, old-fashioned, wedding singer, cruise ship...one or more of those words/phrases will be said in the next 5 minutes. Randy didn't think it was a good song choice, and...here it is: too old-fashioned. Kara thought it was emotionally disconnected. Paula says she has "mad love" for Jorge, but doesn't think that Jorge was himself tonight. Simon thought it was corny and awful and old-fashioned.

Megan Corkrey

This is the girl with funky dance moves. She'll be singing "Rockin' Robin," a Jackson 5 song. She's unique, you can say that for her. Wonder if she regrets having a tatoo running the length of her right arm? Whoa...she ends by doing some weird bird noise! Kara says that it was "so Megan" and that it showed her personality. Paula likes her quirkiness, but felt disconnected. Simon thought it was a "stupid" song choice and that the dancing verged on being "ridiculous." Randy didn't particularly care for it.

Adam Lambert

He'll be singing "Black and White." Love this song. My favorite MJ song. He can flat-out sing. A little over the top and theatrical. But I thought it was great. Paula loved it and says that never in the history of AI have we ever seen someone so comfortable on the stage as Adam. Simon thought it was in a totally different league than everyone else tonight. Randy says he's the most current, the most "right now" and could make a record now. Kara says he hit notes that she didn't know existed and hopes that Michael Jackson is watching right now (well, as long as he isn't picking his nose up off the ground).

Matt Giraud

He'll be singing "Human Nature." He's on the piano tonight. Good choice. He's a good singer...a very good singer. I don't particularly like this song, but he's good. Randy says, "Check it out, baby, check it out" and says it was a good performance. Kara says he's very talented. Paula was blown away. I don't know about that. Simon says it was very good...kind of a meat & potatoes, good solid performance.  They're obviously running out of time...judges are hurrying.

Alexis Grace

She'll be singing "Dirty Diana." Very unique performer. She could very well be in the final 3. Kara says "You're Back." Paula thought it was fantastic, but that she oversang a bit. Simon says it was very over the top. Randy thought it was good, but not great.

Top 3: Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta

Pack Your Bags: Anoop Desai and Jorge Nunez

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree

I saw this picture this morning and it made me chuckle. Please let me know if my dog ever starts looking like me (or vice versa).

This Sunday (March 15th)

Morning Service

Songs

#660 (Red hymnal)

#293 (Blue hymnal)

#84 (Blue hymnal)

#25 (Blue hymnal)

#296 (Blue hymnal)

Sermon

Numbers 35:  "Cities of Grace"

Evening Service

Songs

#198 (Blue hymnal)

#60 (Blue hymnal)

#442 (Red hymnal)

Sermon

Acts 16:16-40:  "What is Saving Faith?"

Free Book!!

That's a phrase that should make any book lover leap for joy. Through June 11th, Reformation Trust is offering "John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology" free of charge. All you have to pay is a $5 shipping charge.

Click here.

More Bucer

"From this we must go on to learn how harmful and pernicious those people are who teach that this ministry of the church is of no importance, a merely outward activity which does not contribute in any particular way to our salvation, and without which it is quite possible to become a Christian and receive God's gifts. The Lord, they say, must inwardly teach his own, washing and purifying them, giving them new birth, feeding and strengthening them and leading them on in all good things."

Nothing new under the sun, is there?

Lunch Recommendation

As you can probably tell by now, this is not a blog devoted exclusively to theology. If you want good theology and a focus on the good news of the gospel of Christ, then you should make sure that you attend to the means of grace at a confessionally Reformed church on the Lord's Day. And while there is and will be some occasional discussion of theology and good books to read, this blog is basically about life.

This afternoon, my wife and I had lunch with another couple in our church. At their recommendation, we went to a new restaurant in Bellingham, "Scotty Brown's." If you are looking for a nice place to go for lunch, this is definitely a place you should consider. I had a "Halibut Bowl" (containing grilled halibut, rice, salad, and a wonderful dressing, all in a bowl). It was outstanding. My wife had a "Dragon Bowl" (chicken, rice, vegetables, and a spicy yogurt sauce). She let me have a little bit of it...and it, too, was outstanding. Scotty Brown's is off of Barkley, near the Barkley shopping center.

The Paisley Party Experience

Saturday night, my wife and I traveled to Tacoma to see Brad Paisely (along with Dierks Bentley and Crystal Schwanda) in concert at the Tacoma Dome. I had purchased these tickets for my wife in December for our anniversary, knowing that she really wanted to see a country artist in concert. Now if you don't know what it's like to go to a concert like this, here's a helpful way to figure it out: If your clock radio has a built-in CD player, put a CD in it, push play, turn it up as loud as you can possibly get it, and put the speaker next to your ear. That will begin to give you a fairly good idea of what it's like. Yeah, yeah, I've heard the "If it's too loud then you're too old" line before...which is probably true at this point in my life. But it was amazingly, incredibly loud. But here are some more of the details...

Our tickets also included the "dinner experience"...which was just a fancy way of saying that there was an all-you-can-eat buffet prior to the concert. I purchased the tickets this way because that's the only way that we could get seats on the floor of the Tacoma Dome. I didn't want to get tickets and then have to sit way up in the "nose bleed" section. So we got there about 5:45 pm and had dinner prior to the concert. It was pretty decent food (chicken marsala, prime rib, pulled pork sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, salad, etc.). Then after eating, we went into the arena itself to locate our seats, which were quite good. They were right on the center aisle, 22 rows from the front, about 20 feet from the end of the "runway" (the narrow strip on which the singers often perform).

Finally, at 7:30 pm the concert began, with Crystal Schwanda kicking things off. I'm not a big fan of hers, but she does have a nice voice. Next came Dierks Bentley. And then was the star of the show, Brad Paisley. One thing I noticed about him is that he's much shorter than I expected. I don't know why, but I thought he was over 6 feet tall. He's actually only 5' 9".  It was cool to be about 20 feet away from a big country star, as you might be able to see in some of these pictures taken with my iPhone.

Now I have to tell you: Sitting through a 3-hour concert is quite the sociological experience. You really do see all types of people. In fact, as I sat there, I came up with the following types of people. I don't know if these are people you find at every concert or just at country music concerts...

Beer Guy

There were 2 guys seated to our left who spent more time getting out of their seats to buy beer (and subsequently, getting out of their seats to head to the restroom) than they spent watching the concert. Here's one thing I have never understood: How can someone consume so many glasses of beer in such a short period of time? Don't you become incredibly full and uncomfortable? Just relating it to my beverage of choice (Diet Coke)...I could never drink 4 or 5 cans of Diet Coke in a 2-hour period. Is it different with beer?

Uncle Rico

If you don't get this reference, then you need to go out and rent "Napoleon Dynamite." This is the guy who is always living in the past. Although he's in his 30's or 40's he still thinks he's in high school (or at least he wishes he was still in high school). By the way, was high school really that great? If that's the highlight of your life, how sad is that? Of course, there's a female version of Uncle Rico, too. I just couldn't think of a witty name for her.

Testosterone Guy

These are the guys who are constantly trying to show how manly they are. There were a couple of guys seated about 10 feet in front of us who were doing one of two things all night: (1) Yelling and screaming and hooping and hollering like they were living in a cave somewhere, or (2) High-fiving each other. Sorry, but I don't see the need to high-five another guy as Brad Paisley is singing.

Junior High Girls

One of the traits of Jr. High (or Middle School) girls is that they almost always travel in herds. Well, I saw a lot of this at the concert. And these weren't necessarily Jr. High girls. These were girls of all ages who for some reason had to go everywhere together.

Mr. Cool

This is the guy who just stands there the entire concert and basically never moves. He's too cool to sing...too cool to high-five...too cool to bust out any dance moves. He may be enjoying it all, but he's not going to show it in any way. I also saw a similar version to this: The guy across the aisle from me never moved the entire night, but he was quietly singing the lyrics to every single song.

Overly Animated Girl

These girls usually come in pairs. They constantly sing the songs with the artist, dance all over the place, and do just about anything they can to attract attention to themselves. However, they also have a limit, as I noticed with the 2 "Overly Animated Girls" in front of me. After singing all of the Crystal Schwanda songs...and then becoming even more animated with Dierks Bentley...at a certain point with Brad Paisley, they just had no more energy left. I guess they should have loaded up on the Red Bull.

Clinique Girl

This is the girl who has just spend hundreds of dollars at the Clinique counter and she's going to visually remind you of that very fact by painting her face with about a half-inch thick layer of make-up. Now as John MacArthur once said, "If the barn door needs painting, then paint it." But this was a little over the top.

Vertical Wild Thing Couple

I don't think I need to say too much about this one...but puh-leeze, do we have to be subject to the two of you groping each other for 3 hours?

Outside of the sheer loudness, it was an enjoyable experience. I got to spend the evening with my wife, we had some great seats, heard some professional entertainers, and got to experience the many "characters" that make up a concert.

Bucer at Midnight

It's midnight here and I'm still wide awake. Tonight, we had our monthly council and consistory meetings and I always have a hard time winding down after those meetings. It's not because we have knock-down, drag-out meetings, as sadly happens in some churches. We are blessed with great unity on both our council and our consistory and I'm very privileged to serve with these brothers. We also get our work done and go home. Our council meeting typically goes from 7:00-8:15 p.m. and our consistory meeting then lasts until about 9:15 p.m. No late night meetings here, for which I'm very thankful. But for some reason it takes me forever to get tired once I get home. So, as the rest of the family is fast asleep, I picked up one of my newest books, "Concerning the True Care of Souls" by Martin Bucer and I thought I'd share a quote with you from the first chapter...

"For the people have been led by them (leaders in the Roman Catholic Church) into thinking that if they have been baptized and take part in the common ceremonies, and do not interfere in the affairs of the so-called priests, then they belong to the church and congregation of Christ, even though they may never really have come to know Christ our Lord, and live in open sin, relying for their comfort in God not on Christ, but on the ceremonies of the so-called priests, their own good works, and the merits of dead saints. Indeed, they would be unable to place their trust in Christ the Lord, since in all their life and conduct they contemptuously despise him and his holy word."

What a great reminder that is for ministers to faithfully preach Christ and point our people to our only hope, the perfect and finished work of our Savior.

This Sunday (March 8th)

Morning Service

Songs

#613 (Red hymnal)

#383 (Blue hymnal)

#88 (Red hymnal)

#219 (Blue hymnal)

#306 (Blue hymnal)

Sermon

Numbers 33:  "Pilgrim People"

Evening Service

Songs

#14 (Blue hymnal)

#141 (Red hymnal)

#135 (Blue hymnal)

#280 (Blue hymnal)

Sermon

Luke 24:13-35:  "Christ-Centered Christianity"

Happy Square Root Day!!