Sanjaya and the Blender Cat

Disclaimer: I realize that American Idol is just a silly TV show. Now, with that being said...

Can somebody please tell me what kind of a world we live in where Sanjaya Malakar is still in this competition??? Chris Sligh has more talent in his Rob Bell-style glasses than this kid. If the competition was between Sanjaya and a cat in a blender, the cat in the blender should win because:
a) it would sound better
b) it would be less weird

OK, I'm ranting. I admit I'm being a little unfair (I suppose Sanjaya actually would sound better than a cat in a blender.) I realize that this is a real kid with real feelings. I realize that by all accounts he seems to be a nice guy. I am simply submitting that even he must realize at this point that people with much more talent are getting voted off of the show. Tuesday, there was even someone in the crowd holding up a "Save Sanjaya" sign. Doesn't that imply that everyone knows he doesn't belong there but are voting for him out of pity so that he won't get his feelings hurt? How bad will his feelings be hurt if he actually wins the show...then the show goes off the air because it has lost all crediblility (as some are speculating)...and he doesn't sell enough CD's to buy a used car? You are ruining this kid's life! Come on, America! We showed ourselves to be musically stupid last year when we voted off Chris Daughtry. Let's not remove all doubt for the rest of the world by keeping this kid in any longer! Is that really what you want???
(End of ridiculous, frivolous, unimportant rant.)

AE

Random, stream-of-consciousness quotes ,links, and stuff

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I've been a bit preoccupied. Still don't feel like I have much to say at the moment...so...here's some random stream of consciousness stuff:

• "I know that God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much." --Mother Teresa
• CLICK HERE for an interesting article on "Out of Ur" about how the church has no place for prophets anymore, and how the church suffers for it.
• Click HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for thought provoking articles on Youth Ministry.
• CLICK HERE to check out "The Voice." This stuff is amazing. I can't recommend it highly enough.
• Emma is doing much better and has even gone back to preschool.
• Dana felt the baby kick yesterday. Thank you, God.

AE

Emma's in the hospital

It's been a rough week. Emma (my 3 yr. old daughter) is in the hospital with Rotavirus. She spent last night in the hospital and will spend at least one more night there. The short of it is that she was getting dehydrated and is now on an IV. Her fever has to stay down for 24 hours before she can be released. She is much better, but prayers would be appreciated.

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While all of this is going on, I found out about a church situation that reminds me of why I swore I'd never go into professional ministry. I've typed and erased 2 long rants about it, but on second thought it's not appropriate to discuss it here. I'm very tired. May God bless you, and may you bless the world around you.
AE

Video: My Dad discussing Katie Strunk's Burrial on the News

CLICK HERE for a video from a local news program in Arkansas covering Katie Strunk's burial. My Dad is interviewed and says some really beautiful things about her. I can tell he's tired and hurting over this, but he is incredibly strong.

ABC News Video on Enterprise Tornadoes Featuring My Dad

ABC News ran a story tonight on the tornadoes in Enterprise that featured my Dad. I am continually amazed by his strength and character. CLICK HERE for the video.
AE

The Tornadoes in Enterprise

My parents (Keith and Lynn Ellis) live in Enterprise, AL. My pregnant wife and my daughter were visiting them this week. Yesterday (Thursday) morning, Mom, Dana and Emma went to Montgomery to help my sister shop around and get ready for her upcoming wedding. My family is all fine, and I am extremely thankful. Yet, every time I have said that prayer in the last 24 hours, I have been struck by the fact that there are those who don't get to pray that prayer. One of the teenagers who died in the High School went to the church that my Dad preaches at. My Dad was called on to tell her family that she had died. My Dad's strength continually amazes me. Another girl (who I know pretty well) was injured, but will live. The school followed the correct procedure and had the student gather in a hallway for safety. Those one one side were killed while those on the other side were buried in debris, but lived. I don't have a neat theological formula that helps explain that. I'm thankful that my family was spared that kind of loss. I hurt for the parents who sent their kids to school, never to speak to them again. I hurt for the families that are sitting in hospital rooms of their children. I hurt when I think of their confusion in relation to the God they placed their faith in. I don't think they need answers (and I'm not sure there are any answers that would help). I think they need love. I think they need the support of their faith communities. I think they need our prayer for the peace that passes understanding. Please join me in lifting this community up in prayer.
AE