Barrack & Don exchange emails

Remember "Blue Like Jazz" writer Donald Miller? Apparently, he's in tight with Obama...

READ THE EMAILS

The Revival Hymn

OK. I've really debated about whether to put this up here or not. Many of you who've read this blog since it started a few years ago know that it used to talk about faith a lot more than it has lately. In fact, I even changed the name from "bechurch" to "griff has left the building". There's something voyeuristic and a bit insincere about living one's faith openly on a blog.

That being said, God has really used this video in my life. Through it, He has ignited a new hunger for Him and His holiness. He has reoriented me. There's one phrase that literally haunts me. It's the creed of Moravian mission - "May the Lamb who was slain receive the reward of His suffering." Such a beautiful hope.

The video is a little long - and you'll have to fight through the really old preaching styles, but it's worth it. The first part has audio clips of men who were involved in the Scottish revival of the early 20th century. Then, there's this bizarre music video-style thing (which I completely don't get) that cuts off abruptly. Then, it really gets going.

In following days, I'll post some of the main points of the video for discussion - but for now, just check it out. You'll need about 25 minutes or so - and I'd recommend being alone when you view it. It really turns modern "Americhristianity" on its ear and gives us a peek into true, biblical repentance.

Victoria Osteen's new book is gonna be GREAT!

I REALLY love the name of this book! I've got to run right out and get it. It reminds me of that verse in the bible:

John 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

Oh....um....never mind...

Apparently, CNN thinks Palin is the devil.

Before we start - full disclosure is in order. I'm no big fan of Sarah Palin. I'm leaning towards voting for Obama - even though I hate his running mate.

But regardless of your political leanings, you've got to admit that CNN's coverage is a bit ridiculous. The photo above ran along with this story as the featured story on their homepage: "

Palin aides: Trooper probe now 'confidential'

So I'm thinking why not just say "Palin is the devil" or "Palin loves to snack on the brains of young choir boys"?

Media - you are officially on notice. This is a non-partisan shout out, so listen up CNN, MSNBC, Fox, and the rest of you poor excuses for news organizations. And especially you - Rupert Murdoch and others who commodotize the news to line your own pockets at the cost of our nation:

I DO NOT CARE about the following:

• Sarah Palin's glasses, who made them or how quickly they sold out
• Sarah Palin's daughter and/or boyfriend
• Barrack Obama's pastor
• John McCain's inevitable relationship with lobbyists after years in the senate
• Anybody whose last name is Spears, Cyrus or Lohan

I would like to actually hear some objective, unbiased news. I'm not sure if I remember how that works - it's been so long. I think it involves getting the facts and telling them to me. Don't feel like you have to figure it out for me. Don't feel like you have to correct anybody's spin for me. Don't feel like you have to tell me what you think about it.

Look - it's not working. Trying to make news "fun" or "edgy" is just sad. Jon Stewart beats you hands down at that. Trotting out pimped out 30-something anchors to read the prompters is transparent. Your "event-driven" graphics and stock music clips are cliched and pitiful. JUST STOP ALREADY!

These are serious times. We need a Walter Cronkite - not a Jessica Rabbit! We need fair, objective and responsible journalism - not pictures of a VP candidate looking like she's gonna bite some dude's ear off!

COME ON!!!!!!!

Amanda's Graduation Video

Well it's taken a little while to get around to it, but here's Amanda's graduation video. She graduated back in May and has already started college. They played this video at her graduation ceremony at which I cried liked a woman ;)