what will happen next on American Idol?

Confession....I have been a fan of American Idol for quite some time.  I especially love the auditions.  Partially because it is quite hilarious to see the antics and shenanigans of auditions, and partially because I love to hear what Simon will say next.  I also appreciate that several of the contestants these days are people I think I might make an album I would actually listen to.  However, this week I saw something that I never, ever, ever expected to hear on Idol.  I heard a piano introduction that took me back to my early college days at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church and Grace bible study in Abilene, TX.  Yes, this brief piano introduction was truly driven into all our minds for all of eternity.  As I heard this piano intro I turned to Candace and said, "NO WAY!"  But my suspicions were true.  For whatever reason, the contestants of American Idol were all singing Shout to the Lord together.  I completely don't know what to do with this information.  

Currently Listening Remedy By David Crowder Band see related

Awkward Situations: A Louder Hallelujah

This week my church is performing its annual Singing Christmas Tree.  As you might expect, the production comes complete with music, acting, dancing, a high cheese factor, and a ridiculously tall tree stuffed with singers.  During our Sunday night performance last night, I had a new experience.  You see, over the years, I have found that I have no problems quickly building report with children of all ages.  Whether through smiling, making funny faces, or using funny voices, it seems that I can find some playful way to engage them into a smile or laughter.  On this night, the opposite was true.  Mind you, I was not paying attention to the children in this particular instance, but they surely paid attention to me in an alarming way. 

Let me set the scene....At the end of the performance, our pastor invites people to come on stage and sing the "Hallelujah Chorus" along with the choir.  Quite amazingly, many people choose to participate.  So we're trucking along and we reach the point in the song where the music has the men singing without the ladies for the first time on the part "and He shall reign forever and ever."  Which, if you are not familiar with the "Hallelujah Chorus" is full and boisterous.  When we reach this portion of the song, about ten children who had chosen to sing with the choir turned around with a look of fright and one actually grabbed on to her mother as if she had seen something horrifying.  All of this sudden movement caught my attention so I peeked down to see what all the bustle was about.  Quickly I realized the power of our men's section had sent them into shock or distress or something.  Then I had a realization, the location where I stand in the tree is flooded with ladies.  There is not a man anywhere close to me.  Next realization #2 hits me...these kids are staring directly at me.  I know I can sing loudly from time to time, but I can honestly say I have never struck such amazement while praising the Lord.

Currently Listening The Greatest Hits By Grits see related

Thanks for the Thanksgiving

In a few days most Americans will get the day off from work, gather with some family or friends, cook up a feast, and enjoy a time honored tradition we call Thanksgiving.  Maybe it's the turkey, maybe it's the fact we know the Cowboys will be on TV, or maybe it's the fact that this the one holiday dedicated to overeating, but Thanksgiving is a magical time.  It's at this time I would like to pay honor and thanks to my favorite character in the Thanksgiving saga: the pumpkin.  I'm going to make a strong statement that the use of the pumpkin in the grand scheme of Thanksgiving is one of the greatest decisions ever.  Further, I would say that the pumpkin is one of the most under-appreciated foods year round.  Some people neglect the pumpkin until November.  This year, I encourage...no I implore you to reconsider the goodness of pumpkin.  It can be used to make delicious pies, muffins, brownies, coffee, pancakes, and the list goes on.  So next time you want to make a delicious treat, consider the pumpkin and get creative. 

Here's a cooking tip: Pumpkin brownies + Chocolate Chips = Yum!!! 

Currently Listening American Gangster By Jay-Z see related

Look Out Below...

So I admit it.  I grew up in a place with no trees.  Since then, I have moved to places that had progressively more trees.  With the most recent transition to Kansas City, I feel as though I have moved into a woodland deluxe.  There are trees all over the place here.  I realize this may not be a rainforest or anything, but it makes Waco look like a barren wasteland.  Let's face it, Hereford does actually look like a barren wasteland.  So this year I'm experiencing a new phenomenon in my life....FALL.  There are leaves changing colors, falling from trees, and completely covering lawns and driveways.  The other day we swept the driveway, bagged up the leaves, and two hours later, leaves had recovered the whole driveway.  This thing called Fall is a crazy circumstance but I welcome it.  For most of my life summer just gets cold all of the sudden and then it is snowing.

On a side note, it's hard to believe I haven't been blogging for 5 months.  But fear not, it's going to soon be on like Donkey Kong till the break of dawn.  Posts of a more witty and/or thought provoking nature will soon be coming to a theater near you. 

Receiving a Sonic giftcard for your birthday- $20

Receiving a Playstation 3 for your birthday- $599

Receiving a "Jump to Conclusions Matt" for your birthday from Jim Simmons- priceless