IllumiNations!

Daddy's Little Girl is a Princess

I am one proud papa!  My daughter, whose name is Sarah, is truly a princess in both name and title.  The name Sarah, means "Princess", and, my daughter Sarah completed the Moses Lake Jr. Miss Program as 1st Runner up this past Saturday night with princess-like dignity and class.  As I watched her perform, and heard her answer questions before a live audience, I was struck by her poise, confidence, and the sense of security she exhibited before hundreds of watchful eyes.

As a protective father, a Christian, and a pastor of a local church, I was not about to let my daughter be a part of something that emphasized outward appearance, and sensuality!  Initially, I was a little suspicious of the Junior Miss Program, and what it might expose Sarah to. After investigating a little and praying, Peggy and I gave her the green light to participate.  The last 6 weeks have been rather stressful at times while Peggy and Sarah bought dresses, and wrangled over "girlie" type stuff.  Oh, it's good to be a man!

Saturday night was the Grand Finale, and while most of the other girls danced for the talent portion of their presentation, Sarah sang "Think of Me" from the film adaptation of "PHANTOM OF THE OPERA."  She hit a home run, er, uh, sang beautifully, and brought tears to the eyes of a number of people all over the auditorium! 

When the results were announced, another girl won as Moses Lake Junior Miss, but my eyes were only on Sarah.  Sarah never really cared whether or not she placed as part of royalty, but she did want to compete, and do her best.  Well, as she was announced as 1st runner up, I felt as if she had just won an Olympic Gold Medal, and set a new world record as well!  The attitude she exhibited after the announcement was one of humility and graciousness.  Can you tell I'm proud and partial?

The American Junior Miss Program has high ideals and encourages inner beauty and character along with service, goal setting, education, and good health.  I have included the 'Be Your Best Self' Promise that AJM contestants make when competing.  Thank you for letting me indulge in a little fatherly boasting.  Only parents will be able to understand my indulgence!

The 'Be Your Best Self' Promise

I want to help improve the world, and that begins with me.  I promise to do the following things:

• Eat the right foods
• Stay fit
• Get a good education
• Live by moral principals
• Serve my community
• Set goals
• Work to reach my goals

ANOTHER SIDE OF GENE SIMMONS

I grew up during the rise of the kings of shock rock, KISS.  I never got on the KISS bandwagon, but did have some friends who did though I could never understand the attraction to them musically.  To each his own I guess. 

I share this because I just read an interesting article over at NEWSVINE about Gene Simmons, the founder of KISS and the man with the unofficial longest tongue in the world.  It seems Mr. Simmons was born in Haifa, Israel and has the birth name of Chaim Witz.  In this story, Mr. Witz, er, uh, Simmons made a very special effort to commend an Israeli soldier critically injured during this last war with Hezbollah. 

It was a great human interest story and was used to remind me that there is always more to people than meets the eye.  To read this story entitled GENE SIMMONS HAILS ISRAELI SOLDIER go to the link at NEWSVINE BY CLICKING HERE.

Well, gotta go and put on my spandex pants and face paint so I can do a gig with my new band SCREAMLOUD!!!

PS - PLEASE DON'T TAKE MY PICTURE OR STORY AS AN ENDORSEMENT OF KISS OR THEIR LIFESTYLES

JESSE HELMS ON BONO

Even Jesse Helms is a fan of U2 and BONO!  I have been a U2 fan for 25 years now and I can honestly say I have always loved the passion and energy that they bring to every song and show they perform.  I remember turning on MTV in 1981 and watching a music video that was filmed in Northern Ireland and being impacted by the way BONO led young people through the streets as he wailed-out lyrics with actual substance and meaning.  I had the privilege of seeing U2 twice in concert in 1984 and I was moved deeply by their music and BONO'S stage persona.  I remember wrestling with the questions of the genuineness of BONO'S faith in Christ shortly after my conversion. 

For a number of years I quit listening to U2 as I came to have serious doubts about BONO'S "form" of Christianity.  I would read articles about his wild times on tour and be confused by the kind of expletives he would use during interviews.  Well, I don't always agree with his politics, methods, or language, but I have come to see that this man really knows Jesus and has something to say. 

BONO is one of the most influential Christians on this planet and he is using his albums, celebrity and concert pulpit to do something worthwhile in the world.  As one of TIME MAGAZINE'S PEOPLE OF THE YEAR and one of their PEOPLE WHO SHAPE OUR WORLD, he is getting a hearing from both sides of the political spectrum.  That in itself is a minor miracle.  Even the ultra-conservative former Republican Senator Jesse Helms raves about BONO AND SAYS OF HIM, "I knew that he was genuine."

Christianity Today carried an interview that BONO did with French music journalist Michka Assayas, where BONO discusses Grace and the Gospel.  Based upon this interview, it is clear to me that BONO knows in Whom he believes.  Everybody has been talking about him for the last several years, so I figured it was time to give my two cents worth.  By the way, their newest project,  How To Dismantle  An Atomic Bomb is right up there with Joshua Tree as the greatest work of their long reign as the biggest rock band in the world.  U2 IS FOR YOU TOO!  I know, pretty corny!

Blessings,
Doug

Tags: U2, Bono, Christianity, religion, Time Magazine, Jesse Helms, music, celebrities