Oh Baby!!

Babies, babies, babies! What IS in the water?! Actually, I'm sure water has little to do with it.
Within my circle of friends, there has been a massive influx of pregnancies and births...a little overwhelming as I think about trying to give them all ample attention! And for those kiddos who will grow up far away from me, it makes me sad. Here are all the 2006 babies I am aware of....I'm so excited to watch you grow!

Below, in no apparent order: Megan Burruel, Kristina Metro, (Little Boy) Marchessault (due in 3 months), (Ann-Marie) Baker (due in August), Rylan Park (little sister is due in August), Christian Young (baby #2 due ??), (Zakaraya) Malone (due soon!) and Baby Nelson (seen here in mommy's tummy).






Infinite X's and O's from your Auntie Jamie!!

B Collision

Last Friday, I received a special package on my doorstep...the pre-release for David Crowder's new album, "B Collision," released by SixSteps Records. (I know I recently posted about David Crowder...I'm not obsessed, I promise.) His previous album, "A Collision" was an eclectic mix of alternative rock and, surprisingly, bluegrass music! All songs hinged on the theme of "death"...a lament about life here on earth and a celebration of things to come. The "collision" of this world with the next.

After the release of their last groundbreaking album (who does an entire album about death, anyway?), David writes about a personal experience which made mortality all the more a reality to them. Many of you read about the tragedy involving a pastor who was electricuted while performing a baptism. Kyle was a pastor at David Crowder's church, and a personal friend. He states that this experience made him look back at the first album with new eyes...ones full of tears and pain. Hence, "B Collision" was birthed. It's an acoustic succession of some songs from the first album. It's raw in production and emotion. Some will really connect with it. Some won't, until...

Crowder's new album is released today...you can pick it up at a discounted price, or check it out on itunes.

In celebration of things to come...
Jamie

What I Learned from Japanese Television

I never would have thought I could learn so much from Japanese television! I found myself stumbling upon that station after perusing channels, and saw (in subtitles) something about Muslim faith. As I will be travelling to a muslim country in a couple of weeks, I thought there may be some pertinent information to learn about the culture, so I stopped for a while...well, an hour, actually.

Come to find out, the speaker and host were both Christians. The video cut away often to join this Pastor as he led a group of Japanese Christians on a tour of the temple grounds in Jerusalem. The way he explained things gave me a basic awareness of the Christian/Muslim conflict that I never had before. For example, he discussed the passage in which Abraham lays his son on the altar. The interpretation of this act is the root of dissent between the two spiritual forces. While Jews believe that it was Isaac that Abraham laid on the altar, Muslims believe that it was actually Ishmael. They justify this with the passage in which God commands Abraham to give "his only son." Since Isaac was born 25 years after Ishmael (who was born through the maidservant, Hagar), they believe God's instruction was directed at Ishmael.

So, the crux of the conflict is whether you believe God's prophecy to be fulfilled in the line of Isaac (Abraham--Isaac--David--Jesus) or Ishmael (Abraham--Ishmael--Mohammed).

What an important lesson for us to learn. Had Sarah been patient with God for a son, this feud would not exist. It is imperitive to wait on God's timing.

This pastor also walked his tourists through the spot on the temple grounds where the Holy of Holies was believed to have stood. Wow. Those of you who have had the good fortune of visiting Jerusalem would know that the Mount of Olives (and the temple of Christ's Ascension), the Golden Gate, and the Holy of Holies all fall in line with each other. This pastor asked his tour group to touch the exposed bedrock on this site and thank God for the cross of Jesus. What an experience that must have been.

Have any of you had this experience? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Most Frequently Used Noun...

Some of you know that linguistics is a subject that interests me a great deal. In fact, I've recently had dreams with verbiage that has sparked English discussions with faculty here at Biola. Although I don't consider myself to be a sequipedalian, I DO enjoy learning new vocabulary and looking at patterns in diction and dialect. I love people with accents...I find them fascinating. My friends are often frustrated by my constant correction of their grammar (too bad...they're better for it!) and I am usually very meticulous in my writing (which is why it takes for-e-ver to crank out one of these things). As a second grade teacher, I loved teaching parts of speech and parsing sentences.

Which is why, in my opinion, the following is so riveting! OXFORD UNIVERSITY created a study to find which NOUN is the most frequently used in the English Language, and the result might surprise you! I'll let you look for yourself, but I've included a hint in the picture here. See if you can guess...

The top 25 nouns are as follows:
25. fact
24. problem
23. group
22. number
21. company
20. government
19. point
18. case
17. week
16. work
15. place
14. woman
13. eye
12. child
11. part
10. hand
9. life
8. world
7. man
6. thing
5. day
4. way
3. year
2. person

And the number one MOST USED NOUN:
*check this out for the answer!
http://articles.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20060622064209990003&ncid=NWS00010000000001

(source: AOL news 06/22/06)

Artist of the Month!

Hey friends!

This just came down the pipe from the David Crowder Band...they are eligible to become MSN Music's Artist of the Month for July. David Crowder Band falls under the SixSteps record label that I represent, so to have a great showing of support over the other secular contenders would mean great momentum for the label/artist and, ultimately, the gospel of Jesus! It looks like we have a good chance of winning at this point....now let's OVERWHELM them with DCB votes!

To vote, go to http://music.msn.com/music/artistofthemonth

Rock on,
Jamie

A Frenzy of Frosting

Wow! I saw more cake flying around this weekend than ever before! See what happens when I leave you NorCal folk by yourselves for too long?! First, frosting topped off the nuptials of Cody and Ellen Bray...an act that, I must say, caught me off guard since both (appear to be) so prim and proper. Guess I was wrong! This was followed by a not-so-shocking display of cake vandalism by Jen and Kyle Park at their daughter Rylan's first birthday party. Witnesses will attest to the fact that Kyle clearly started this mayhem. Looks like mommy and daddy had more fun with the cake than Rylan!

There were, in all events, moments of civility that were captured on camera. The following snapshots are from the Bray wedding (don't worry...the beer bottles are closed...), Rylan's birthday, and some friends after church at CrossWalk. Whoosh...there goes another weekend!

Happy Birthday, Barbara Bush Sr.!

....and of course, ME!

Recently, I discovered that other fabulous people share my birthday, including Bobby Marchessault and Becky Perry. Holla, my friends! Other fellow Gemini include Chris Alexander and Jenny Howell (both June 7) and Franse Mathews, Larry Nelson, and Ashley Wilson (all on June 9th). I'm so glad I get to share this season of celebration with you!

So what, you may ask, did I do to celebrate? Thanks to MANY of my friends from Revolution and a few golden friends, I was surrounded by love and laughter. Suzanne, Heidi, Silke, Christi, Jeff, Rachel, Matt, Charlie, Bridget, Steph, Stephen, Kaelin, Christina and Jessie all met me at Outback Steakhouse, where we enjoyed good food, odd tricks by Charlie, and a guest appearance by Captain Jack Sparrow himself! I can't imagine a better group of people with whom I could spend my last night as a 28-year old. Pictures...and there ARE pictures...are soon to come.

Today, the faculty and staff in the Education Department through a Birthday Barbeque in my honor. It was yummy! ALL the faculty and staff ceased working to join me on the patio for this party...I felt very special. I've also been receiving Myspace messages ALL day...it really is a phenomenon! My entire comments list now reflects birthday salutations. For those of you who have survived a "myspace birthday," you know what I am talking about!

Tonight...flying home to Stockton, where I will spend the rest of the weekend at weddings, bridal showers, graduation and birthday parties! Let the celebration commence!

Joy to you on this beautiful day!
Jamie

(Feeling like showing some birthday love? You know where to leave a comment!)

It's A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

While I was on my blogging sabbatical this week, I had time to finish "The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers," a memoir of Amy Hollingworth's friendship with Fred Rogers. While the writing was nothing special, I loved absorbing insight into the character of this godly man. Though his quiet and rather slow nature soon became the butt of many jokes, Mister Rogers consistently broadcasted biblical principles on his daily program. The concept of identifying your feelings and controlling them was a thread throughout PBS's longest running program. He sang songs such as "I like to Take My Time," reminding us to think before we act. (Did anyone notice that the traffic light fixture was always blinking yellow.....slow down?) Fred Rogers' advocacy for "quiet time" is a contradiction to most contemporary children's programming, and his passion for spiritually/emotionally healthy children was admirable.

Mister Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister, a detail I didn't realize when I was a young girl watching the program. In retrospect, it makes perfect sense. While he didn't proselytize the gospel verbally on his show, his values were plastered all over the script. Children find esteem in his mantra, "You make each day a special day by just your being you." I remember anticipating time in the "Land of Make Believe" and especially trips to the factory as seen in "Picture Picture." I remember the tinkling soundrack of the piano embroidered throughout the program, and can imagine the smell of the musty closet from which he pulled his trademark cardigans. A proponent of routine, you could always count on the changing of wardrobe, the feeding of the fish, and the greeting of the trolley.

In 1969, a year after his children's program began it's multi-decade run, funding for public television was in jeopardy due to new legislation from President Nixon. A twenty million dollar grant was the cause for his appeal at the United States Senate. I was captivated by the clip below, as I think you will be. Notice that Senator Pastore begins his dialogue with Mister Rogers seemingly abrasive and rude, as he is unfamiliar with this particular children's program. Note the change of attitude that occurs halfway through Fred's heartfelt appeal. You'll also notice that Fred has the same patient, slow nature in the pressure-cooker courtroom environment that he does on his television show, a testimony to his authenticity. This, in part, was what ultimately led to the securing of the government's grant. Take a few minutes and remember the sound and heart of Mister Rogers.

Mr. Rogers vs. The US Senate

Carrie Turner Strikes Back

Hi all!
Carrie Turner once again sang a fantastic set on Friday night...here are some photos of the band (thanks, Selena!)


The Incredible, newly-married, Neeman!


Not feeling so great, but holding it down on keys none the less!


Watching Blake play the drums is worth the price of the ticket!


Selena and Sarah...our number one groupies! : )

Preparing for Africa

Hi friends, welcome back.

Thank you for being patient with me during my week hiatis from blogging!

I attended much-needed fellowship function with my short term missions team this weekend, as all of our meetings thus far have been hinged on training (safety, culture, teamwork, etc.) This was just dinner, and it was a wonderful time of getting to know my team on a more personal level. The demographics of our team have made me, at first, a little apprehensive about making close friends on this trip, but I've really been pleasantly surprised. I can see in my colleagues such nurturing, wise spirits. It will be a refreshing change of community! And I'm opening myself up to learning much from them.

Last night we each shared about our childhoods, and there is quite a variety of experiences represented on our team; from those who raved about their happy home to those who broke down in tears at just the memory. A good reminder that we all bring to the table different views of God and different experiences with others. Last night I prayed especially for an increased sensitivity to the emotional needs of others. It will be imperative on a trip like this.

We also laughed a lot. One of my new favorite people on our team is Eileen. She reminds me so much of my Aunt Carol, quirky and fun-loving, yet so nurturing and full of concern. I told her that in some ways she reminds me of Mister Rogers...I'm not sure she took it as a compliment, but it was certainly intended to be one! I love her soothing spirit and heightened appreciation of the things around her. And Ashley has been a welcomed blessing in my life! She and I are the "young ones" on the team, and I am sure thankful for her company! Plus, she is a resident, like I, of the LBC, so I have a buddy with whom I can commute to meetings!

I'm hoping to soon have a newsletter published with updates and specific prayer requests regarding our trip. If you would like to be a partner in prayer, please let me know! We'll need it!

Blessings on the Journey,
Jamie

10 Years of Unanswered Questions

It was 10 years ago today that Kristin Smart, a classmate of mine from Lincoln High School, disappeared from her dorm at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. I remember the media frenzy that ensued following her disappearance, and never did I think that ten years later we would still be wondering what happened. I remember her as a beautiful, tall, athletic girl (she was on the swim team at LHS) with many friends. Today, I'm thinking about her family and the years of pain they've had to endure, and the years of pain to come. I wish for them some kind of closure...the finding of her remains and justice for her killer. Peace and prayers to the Smart Family today.

For more information about the Kristin Smart missing persons case, please visit:

http://www.findkristinsmart.org

http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060525/NEWS01/605250335/1001 (the Record, 5/25/06 article)

http://www.myspace.com/find_kristin (Kristin's MySpace page)

"I Had the Time of My Life..."

Our Revolution Ministry Appreciation 80's prom has quickly been hitting the blog-waves, as I see that Trotter and Bobby both have Prom-postings up. No worries...I have an added bonus for you later. Sunday night was bumpin with sounds of drum-machines and synthesizers as we hit the dance floor. Yep...this was an era of extravagance. More makeup, more hair, more fabric! I still wonder how we made it out of that decade alive, and why we choose to still revisit the hideousness. I remember a time when I wanted my wedding colors to be peach and teal, when I owned a pair of pink legwarmers, and when...sadly...I knew all the words to "Kharma Chamelion."

With that being said, I felt very appreciated for the work I've done at Revolution in my short time there. It's clear that the MANY volunteers that serve each week look forward to these events from time to time, and I can see why. Rev's staff is crazy, and we LOVE it! In between a great dinner and dance contests, we did have time to snap a few pics (thanks, Stephanie!)

"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"...Bridget, Steph, Rachel and me.

And, the LBC Life Group gang (or...our nostrils, at least.)

BONUS TIME!
YOU MIGHT BE A CHILD OF THE 80's IF...

You remember Don Johnson when he was "cool" ('specially in that white suit!)
You know who shot J.R
You owned at least one skinny leather tie.
Your first Walkman weighed 10 pounds and was the size of a brick.
You wore L.A. Gear tennis shoes.
You know the meaning of Wax on/Wax Off
If you can "See Better" with sunglasses that have paint splattered all over the lenses.

You can feel St. Elmo's fire burnin' in you.
You need a shopping cart to carry your personal stereo with you.
You remember what Michael Jackson looked like before the surgery.
You go rollerskating every Friday night (not to skate, but to 'hang out')
You still want to take Karate...(after you move to California)

"Outrageous!" is the term to describe something neat and cool
There was nothing to question about Bert n' Ernie living together
The phrase "Where's the beef?" still doubles you over with laughter.
You went out and purchased the sound track for 'Miami Vice'
You remember the magazines of song lyrics
If you think Hulk Hogan is the best wrestler of all time.

Two words: The Clapper.
Six words: "This is your brain on drugs."
You want to live in 'the Valley'.
Ferris Bueller was your idol.
You watched 'Star Search' on a regular basis.
Every now and then, you blurt out: "Ooh noo, Mr. Bill!!!"
If you had an entire wardrobe of Esprit clothing (or coveted one.)
Your bangs are teased perfectly to 7 inches above the rest of your hair.
Have multi-colored earrings that touch your shoulders
You wore lace gloves with the fingers cut off, bangle bracelets up to your elbows,
bright red Reebok high tops and parachute pants to a school dance

You're still bitter that WHAM broke up
You know whose phone number is 867-5309
You drink Diet Coke because Max Headroom told you to
You still watch things on Beta tapes
You have the tendency to turn up the collar of your polo shirts
Everything in your wardrobe is either pastel or fluorescent

You know all the words to "I'm just a bill, sitting up on Capitol Hill" and "School House Rock."
The feeling in your thumb is only now just returning after holding down the Atari joystick to control the racecar in Enduro Racer
You still can't believe that Milli Vanilli was deceiving you all that time
You still wear a bandana tied around your leg and/or a ponytail off-center on the side of your head.
You still carry your boom box on your shoulder
A piece of folded paper and two hands could tell your fortune.
You ever wanted to learn to play "Stairway to Heaven" on the guitar and choreographed "Dancing Queen" by yourself in your room.

You ever had a Dorothy Hammill haircut.
You thought a Commodore 64 was the highest technology available
You want to be "Where Everybody Knows Your Name"
One Phrase, "The Plane, The Plane"
You can name at least three members of the Brat Pack
Still think banana clips were a godsend
Still wear Wet n' Wild makeup
If your idea of hi-tech toys is still the heat-sensitive color-changing sticker on Transformers
If you remember Bruce Willis from Moonlighting, not Die Hard
You still wear your "Members Only" jacket.

You had snap bracelets
You remember when Pee-Wee wasn't a pervert.
You had had five pairs of socks on at any given time
You still think Donkey Kong can beat Mario up
If you still have your scratch-n-sniff sticker collection
If you remember when you heard that drinking soda and eating Pop Rocks would make your stomach asplode
You still play with that CASIO SK-1 Keyboard (literally...I just gave mine away last year.)

I've got NO TIME...NO TIME!

That was my Jack Bauer impression, in honor of tonight's season finale of the highly acclaimed "24." I'm heading down to Irvine tonight to spend the momentous occasion with Justin and Phillip Hersh & friends. It also means that I've got no time to blog somethin' fantastic for you today. HOWEVER, be sure you check back this week for pictures of our INCREDIBLE 80's prom night at Revolution (ooohh, yeaaaah). That wasn't the only fun time had this weekend...I had dinner with a friend in Hollywood, CA, and walked the "Hollywood Walk of Fame" for the first time in years. (Brock...I wish I had a camera with me. Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper were on site in front of the Kodak Theatre. Priceless.)

See you all back here soon!

Love, Love Me Don't?

Alright, I feel a little bit sacrilegious posting this, but for lack of other creative content, I dedicate this backhanded homage to the greatest composer of all time...Sir Paul McCartney. My mom and I saw the musical legend perform in Las Vegas last November. I'm still shaking off the goosebumps when I listen to "Live and Let Die" and "Maybe I'm Amazed." For my mom, who was a Paul McCartney fan from the original inception of the infamous group, this was the climax of years of Beatle's fan-dom. For the generation that studied The Beatles in Music Appreciation classes (mine), it was rock history coming alive.

After all those compliments, now I don't feel so bad for this: In light of Sir Paul McCartney's separation from his wife of four years, former model and anti-landmine advocate Heather Mills, we submit these TOP 10 revised titles for your approval...
 
10) We Can't Work It Out
9) It Isn't Getting Better All the Time
8) You Say Goodbye, and I Say Goodbye
7) Got to Get You Out of My Life
6) And I Don't Love Her
5) Can't please please me
4) She Doesn't Love You, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
3) I Don't Feel Fine
2) Live and Let the Marriage Die
and...(drumroll, please)
1) I Want to Hold Your Alimony Check

Anybody have another suitable addition to the list? Or, just want to berate me for my irreverant entry?

Just an experiment...

Worlds Apart

In my opinion, this is one of the greatest songs ever written. Yes, more spiritual introspection in one song than ALL Beatles songs combined. Just reading the lyrics moves me, as it tries to define the desperation of our hearts- to know Him and love Him. And it's a scary thing...opening yourself up to being broken. It's the duality of living the Christian life. It's daily sacrifice, followed by infusion of the spirit. It's 2 Corinthians; "I will very gladly SPEND and BE SPENT for You." If you haven't listened to this song in a while, it's time to dust off the old Jars of Clay album, skip past "Flood" (isn't everybody sick of that one by now?) and give it a spin. Or, just sing along as you read...

WORLDS APART

I am the only one to blame for this
Somehow it all adds up the same
Soaring on the wings of selfish pride
I flew too high and like Icarus I collide
With a world I try so hard to leave behind
To rid myself of all but love,
To give and die

To turn away and not become
Another nail to pierce the skin of one who loves
More deeply than the oceans,
More abundant than the tear
Of a world embracing every heartache

Can I be the one to sacrifice
Or grip the spear and watch the blood and water flow

To love you - take my world apart
To need you - I am on my knees
To love you - take my world apart
To need you - broken on my knees

All said and done I stand alone
Amongst remains of a life I should not own
It takes all I am to believe
In the mercy that covers me

Did you really have to die for me?
All I am for all you are
Because what I need and what I believe are worlds apart

And I pray,
To love you - take my world apart
To need you - I am on my knees
To love you - take my world apart
To need you - broken on my knees

I look beyond the empty cross
Forgetting what my life has cost
And wipe away the crimson stains
And dull the nails that still remain
More and more I need you now,
I owe you more each passing hour
The battle between grace and pride
I gave up not so long ago
So steal my heart and take the pain
And wash the feet and cleanse my pride
Take the selfish, take the weak,
And all the things I cannot hide
Take the beauty, take my tears
The sin-soaked heart and make it yours
Take my world all apart
Take it now, take it now
And serve the ones that I despise
Speak the words I can't deny
Watch the world I used to love
Fall to dust and thrown away
I look beyond the empty cross
Forgetting what my life has cost
So wipe away the crimson stains
And dull the nails that still remain
So steal my heart and take the pain
Take the selfish, take the weak
And all the things I cannot hide
Take the beauty, take my tears
Take my world apart, take my world apart
I pray, I pray, I pray
Take my world apart

Worlds Apart.

SPARAGUS?

While shopping in Food 4 Less yesterday, I witnessed a most disturbing sight...cartons and cartons of asparagus, topped with a bright yellow sign reading: "SPARAGUS." Now, perhaps the average joe would disregard this unfortunate verbiage, but I hale from Stockton, CA...home of the Asparagus Festival, and producer of 70-80% of domestic asparagus. No one seemed to give this sign a second thought, but it was an unheralded reminder of home for me. This April, I missed the festival for the first time in years.

Many of my friends have had a hard time grasping the concept of an "Asparagus Festival," writing it off as a few roadside carts full of green veggies placed at an intersection in some hick-town. I'm here to dispell those images, and testify to the valley fun we have annually at the Stockton Asparagus festival!



Festival-goers wait hours in line to get some Deep Fried Asparagus.

...And this is worth the wait! YUM!

The festival takes over the downtown waterfront, and offers lots of entertainment.



The festival also showcases Stockton's diversity.

What a fun day for the whole family!

It's called ROCK.

Howdy, ya'll...thanks for dropping by.

I've heard some of my friends mention that they will be attending SPIRIT WEST COAST, DEL MAR on May 26-28. You are all in for a treat! Please be sure to stop by the Tooth + Nail Stage at 3:00 on Saturday to see STORY SIDE B rock out! I had the opportunity to meet these guys last summer- they are legit! I'll be attending their concert at DAY 7/Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside on Sunday, May 28 @ 6 pm. Listen, also, for their songs "Miracle" and "More to this Life," now playing on the Christian Radio airwaves!

Somebody Get Me a Latte!

Mike Erre, from Rock Harbor Church in Costa Mesa, along with Todd Proctor as Worship Leader, were our guests at Biola’s undergraduate chapel this morning. I got a rare opportunity to ditch the office for a while to enjoy worship with the Biola student body, and was blessed by the message that was delivered.

A survey was taken at Rock Harbor asking it’s congregants about their biggest obstacles in the faith. Surprisingly, the most popular answer was their skepticism toward the forgiveness of God. How can God repeatedly forgive my sin?

I’m sure the answer to this question was a paradigm-shift for many students, as it was for me. When we ask God to forgive us, typically we appeal to the MERCY of God. That is to say, if God is in a “good mood,” perhaps he’ll forgive us. Doubt arises out of this mentality because we think that one day God’s mercy will expire if we tap it too many times. Our appeal, rather, should be to the JUSTICE of God.

He used this illustration: It’s like going to Starbucks, and ordering a latte from Joe behind the counter. Let’s say that the next day you come in, you have forgotten your wallet. In desperate need of a caffeine fix, you beg Joe to give you a latte. Since you are a good customer he agrees. The next day you do the same thing. Appealing to his MERCY, you beg for a latte. Somewhat agitated, he concedes again. If you were to do that a third time, Joe may not be so gracious as to help you. His mercy has run out. We often view God in the same way.

But, here is a second scenario: Let’s say your mom knows you are quite irresponsible with your wallet, and also recognizes your need for a daily latte boost. Unbeknownst to you, your mom calls Joe at Starbucks and buys a gift card for you. Knowing you will probably lose it, she asks Joe to keep it at the counter, and charge her whenever it runs out. This time, when you come in without your wallet, Joe gladly rings you up for a latte…and even offers you a scone.

The justice of God is the reason we can be completely forgiven, because it would be unjust of God to charge you for what has already been charged. Jesus was this pre-paid transaction; not that it gives us license to sin freely, but that when my fallible self screws up, Jesus has satisfied the justice of God on my behalf.

I loved this word picture, and hope it sheds new light for you on this difficult concept to embrace. Have a beautiful day, and bask in the grace of God.

We Need Jack Bauer

It was brought to my attention by Bobby that I haven't even MENTIONED 24 on this blog yet! That is purely an oversight, as my blood runs loyal to Jack Bauer and his world-saving ways. To remedy this problem, I'd like to present the following quote that I found in an article by Peter Suderman for National Review (www.nationalreview.com/comment/suderman200601230849.asp). This isn't one of those Chuck Norris/Jack Bauer homages, but rather, a commentary on the nature of 24. I particularly enjoyed the following quote (perhaps because it's true):

"Kiefer Sutherland plays Bauer, CTU’s toughest counterterrorist hombre, as an Americanized, cowboy version of James
Bond: more brutal, more determined, more prone to extreme measures. Bauer is the sort of guy who, even after more
than a year in hiding, still answers an innocuous knock on the door with a Glock held behind his back. Supervisors,
bureaucracy, and regulations are merely obstacles to be bulldozed. He doesn’t just ignore the rulebook; he shreds it,
incinerates the scraps, and blows up the building the incinerator is in on the way out."

Yes, friends, with phrases like "Somebody get me a hacksaw" and "After I'm through with you, you're gonna wish you felt this good," Jack, at first take, appears to be heartless and bloodthirsty. But a simple analysis on his psyche would uncover a deep loyalty to family (namely his daughter) and, not so subtly, his country. The motivation for everything he does is truth and justice. Sure, he goes about things differently than the norm, but he achieves his objectives. He gets the job done.

The question arises: How, with this "I don't play by the rules" mentality, would Jack Bauer be received in the church? If, in the quote above, you replaced "Supervisors, bureaucracy, and regulations" with "Elders, bylaws, and religious traditions," how would the church respond to such upheaval? A challenge to pharisaical thinking, an extreme makeover for lathargic liturgy, someone who will stand up and YELL, "We're losing them...we need to go, NOW!" Where are those who will sacrifice for the kingdoms sake? Who will figuratively hold their breath and run out into this nerve-gas infested world to save those who don't know they are dying? And who will challenge religious heirarchy to bring relevance and compassion into the church, the Bride of Christ?

I say we need more people like Jack Bauer.

A Night at the Chateau

Hi friends. Welcome back.

It's been a couple days since I had a fabulous girls-night-out at Chateau Marmont, but I just got the pictures and thought I'd share : ) Several of my girlfriends and I decided to venture out into the Hollywood nightlife scene on Sunset Boulevard for an upscale dinner and good fellowship. Silke joined me, as well as Chrisi Phillips, her sister Cheri, and Cheri's good friend from Pepperdine, Tia Mowry (of "Sister, Sister" fame). Tia's twin sister, Tamara, was in Napa and unable to join us this time around. At the Chateau, we enjoyed appetizers of Grilled Artichoke and honey, as well as garlic risotto. My meal was delictible...herb roasted chicken and potato puree (which, come to find out, is just mashed potatoes). Some flourless chocolate cake was the grand finale of our time together.

Somehow, upon arriving home, our classy dinner out turned into a kind of giggly-schoolgirl slumber party. We stayed up late on Cheri's front lawn just being silly. Isn't that freeing to do sometimes? I love it. And, we have photographic documentation of the event.

Philly, Shocker, Jzamie, Tia and Cherbear.







(Above...that's Cheri jumping OVER a bush, not mounting it!)