Terrible, tragic news from the home of Steven Curtis Chapman, one of the most recognized Christian artists and an amazing advocate for international adoption. His oldest son accidently ran over & killed their youngest daughter (pictured seated on SCC's lap) today.
Do my ears deceive me? Am I in some Alice In Wonderland land? American Idol closes its mega-evening with "Shout to the Lord"? Nice.
I have never before watched AI, but thanks to the writers strike, I got on board on opening night this season. Since the basketball brackets are all said and done, I'll place my predictions for American Idol (in order of dismissal):
Michael As Simon often points out to the early contestants, I think he's "forgettable". Kristy Our Oregon girl has had a couple of good weeks in a row, but I think she's annoyed enough people to not make it all of the way. Way to hang in there, girl! Syesha There's no doubt she has a pretty voice and an amazingly beautiful face, but she seems limited in the type of music she can perform well. Jason His aw-shucks personality is both his greatest strength and his biggest annoyance. I do really enjoy his mellow sound. His "Hallelujah" was one of my favorites of the season. Brooke Ah, Brooke. I love Brooke. She has the most attractive personality of the whole crew. Her sound is unique and her songs choices have been perfectly suited for her. David A The 12-year-old (not really) early crowd favorite has definitely been blessed with some amazing pipes. That kid can sing fo' shizzle (sorry, the urban comes out sometimes). But does no one else hear that airy rasp that comes out with his words? Anyway, he probably has the voice and talent to win it all, but he just doesn't have the total package. He's appears too innocent and shy. Not star-like. Carly Carly was my favorite from the early try-outs until the last few weeks. Her vocal strength is totally amazing. She's sounding kind of the same in a lot of her songs, though, lately. I was hoping she'd be the winner, but I'm not sure now. David C Other than being a cocky dude, this guy is IT. Did you hear Billy Jean? Very, very cool. He is the full performer. The Rock Star. This year's American Idol.
This week a good friend of mine came home after a long separation. I didn't realize quite how much I missed her until we were together again. Then a lifetime of memories and emotions came flooding back. My friend was my therapist for many years - especially helping me sort through the tumultuous emotions that accompanied my teen years. How many of my tears have fallen on her? Too many to count. I learned dedication and discipline from time spent with my friend. I was sometimes frustrated after our time together, but I was always drawn back for more.
My friend lived in my parents' house most of my growing up years, so we knew each other well. But she was kind of a "foster" to our family; the original family just wasn't in a place to give the her the care and space she needed. A few years ago I was a bit heartbroken when the grandkids of the original family decided it was time for my friend to move in with them. After so many years? How can you take her away - all the way across the country? My pangs of sadness were accompanied by splashes of guilt since I hadn't spent much time with her since I moved out. Isn't that how we are sometimes? We take friends for granted.
Recently, though, the original family grandkids asked Allan and I if we would now take my friend into our home as "fosters"; they will be leaving the country and it really isn't reasonable to take her along. Of course! Of course! So yesterday my friend came home. Getting her settled into this house was not an easy task, but it was well worth the pain and even some temporary damage. It was a joy to introduce Trinity to my friend. I was very surprised when she and I were able to pick up pretty much right where we left off. Good friendships are like that.
iTunes free download this week is from a familiar source.
On the Third Day is taken from Michael Olson's sophomore album, Where Fear and Faith Collide. The track is a watertight pop song ready for mainstream acceptance, with the Christian artist relaying his faith with a tremendous amount of passion and confidence. Those with a weakness for epic grandeur and who tend to get misty-eyed thinking of 'we are all one'-type sentiments should have a seat and take a listen to our free Discovery Downlado. - iTunes Store
Download Now *you have to have a itunes account to download song
