The Eleventh Hour by Jars of Clay

Rating: 5 out of 5
I got this album as a gift for my 30th birthday from my friend Gay last
month and I was very excited by the thought of forming my own
interpretation of each of the 11 songs in the CD. After all, this was a
Jars of Clay album, and they’re, like, my favorite band in the whole world!

It’s
been over a month since I started listening to the album and I’ve had a
very enjoyable, soul-enriching time picking the songs apart. With each
repeat of the CD, I find myself not only singing along to the songs but
also getting encouraged and consoled knowing that these guys understand
what it is like to have bouts with doubt and seasons of questioning
one’s faith.

I first heard "I Need You" years
back–October 2003–and it instantly became the official song to go
with my daily slogan: "I need You Lord". Its message still rings true
for me today. This and the CD’s first song, "Disappear", echo the pinnacle of all my yearning and longing to be closer to my God ("I’d
really love to know/I’d really love to climb my way into your heart and
see what I could find/I’d walk into your skin, swim through your
veins/See it from your eyes/Cause I’d really love to try"–Disappear). These songs challenge me to pursue that closer walk with the Lord.

Going though the songs "Something Beautiful" and "Silence" comforts me as I find some company–the guys–in asking questions about my life’s direction and sense of meaning ("I
want you to hear me, I want you to find me/Cause I, I want to believe
but all I pray is wrong and all I claim is gone"–Silence), and questions about character ("What
I get from my reflection isn’t what I thought I’d see/Give me reason to
believe you’d never keep me incomplete"–Something Beautiful). These songs encourage me to follow the questions through till I find my answers.

With "Fly", "Revolution" and "These Ordinary Days",
I find the positive message of hope and assurance backed by catchy
guitar riffs and rhythms. These three songs assure me that I won’t have
to worry about being ever alone ("And I’ll fly with you through the night so you know I’m not letting go/I’m not letting go"–Fly), that I don’t have to be anything I’m not to make an impact on the lives of those around me ("You
gotta begin with who you know you are to be a revolution…/Cause you
don’t got to fight or make yourself belong to be a
revolution"–Revolution), and that God’s love wins at the end of the day ("I don’t know where, I don’t know how/I don’t know why, but your love can make these things better"–These Ordinary Days").

The rest of the songs are just as exceptional as well. I really love how "Whatever She Wants"
warns about the subtle nature of sin without making it sound "preachy"
and how ironic it gets when it describes the after effects ("She wants to save you with her bandages after she makes you bleed"). While "Scarlet", "The Edge of Water" and the album’s title track "The Eleventh Hour" all explore the different aspects of a burgeoning, deepening relationship with the Lover of our souls ("Trace
the shape of my heart, till it becomes more familiar to your eyes/I’ve
been lost without you, cold without your love"–The Eleventh Hour).

I
have been really blessed by the music and ministry of Jars of Clay.
This is by far the best album from them that I’ve listened to and the
most lyrically profound. It has been a wonderful month just getting
into the heart of The Eleventh Hour and I know the Lord allowed this CD
to come into my life for such a time as this, when I needed
inspiration, consolation and encouragement–not to mention plain good
rock music–the most!

Secondhand Lions

Rating: 4 out of 5

A movie populated by heavy-hitting, Oscar-caliber actors Michael Caine, Robert Duvall and Haley Joel Osment, "Secondhand Lions"
tells the story of a young boy who is forced to learn to live with–and
love–his uncles and discover that even the toughest-skinned people
have warn, sweet cores just waiting to be thawed out.

I was able
to watch this on cable and was really enamored by it. The main draw of
the film for me was Haley’s performance. As always, this young Oscar
nominee (for "The Sixth Sense") impresses with yet another good role. His interactions with old-timers Caine and Duvall are memorable and endearing.

The
movie is also quite exciting especially when it flashes back to the
adventures and escapades of Walter’s uncles–Hub and Garth–when they
were younger. It’s also funny to see how Walter’s other relatives try
to suck up to his uncles just to get dibs on the gentlemen’s supposed
hidden millions.

You’re gonna love this film whether you’re a Haley fan or not.

The all-new INXS

I just saw the video for the new INXS song "Pretty Vegas" with JD Fortune as its front-man and I must say the song sounds good, the band looks good and the video was great.

I had no doubt JD would make a fine, fine lead vocalist for the band. And now with their new video out, and eventually a new album, the all-new INXS will be on the rise again.

20 Random Things About Me

The whole "tagging" thing is one of the aspects of blogging culture
that I have yet to get used to, as it is so unexpected–I never know
when I’m gonna be "it" and have to answer "tag" questions.

I just realized today, while viewing my cousin Jehan’s blog, that she tagged me and the subject is 20 random things about me. Well, here goes…

1. I only get to brush my teeth twice in a day…but no bad breath, thank God!

2. I like chocolate but I love the white ones even more–Cadbury Dream, baby! ;o)

3. I prefer sneakers over any other type of shoes–they’re casual and easy to put on.

4. I (most of the time) love walking because it gives me a chance to
(sort of) exercise, to ponder on stuff and pray, and it’s a costless
leisure activity.

5. I enjoy movies because I like to have stories told to me through images.

6. I trim my own fingernails and toenails, though sometimes having someone else do it for me seems interesting.

7. I have a great tendency to be legalistic and strict, which is
probably why I have a hard time forgiving myself when I make big
mistakes. Minus kaayo!

8. Despite appearances, I am not as wholesome and as squeaky clean as some people think me to be… (hmmmmm???)

9. I only wear black underwear because white ones are high maintenance… hehehe!

10. I shave my armpits regularly to minimize sweat and stench.

11. I have a second name. It’s Anthony.

12. As a kid, my brother Mark used to call me "potot" (shorty) because
I was shorter than him. Yeah, but look who’s better looking now? hahaha!

13. I have a birthmark–a red dot–on my forehead

14. I am a nocturnal creature. I function better at night.

15. The reason I bought a camera phone is because I love to take pictures of myself. Narcissistic?

16. My first ex-girlfriend now lives in Pennsylvania. My second will be
moving to New York for work. Wanna go abroad? DATE ME! =op

17. I don’t mind getting hand-me-downs or secondhand things. I’m a sucker for freebies!

18. Most of my friends are women.

19. I’m 30 years old, but I can get away with 20! ;o)

20. My daily battle cry is: "I NEED YOU, LORD!"

Okay! That’s it! I tag Jucy, Melvic, Jopie, Marlen, Gay, and the person reading this post now! ;o)

They Still Move Me

I’ve been listening to their music for almost a decade now, raved on
about them in this here Friendster blog  and have been inspired by their
songs in ways no other band has. With a name taken from 2 Corinthians
4:7 in the Bible, Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Matt Odmark and Stephen Mason have lived up to being treasures in Jars of Clay.

Their lyrics, above all, have struck a chord with the songwriter in me,
invigorated the poet in me, and stirred up the romantic lover of God in
me. And in some really mellow and melodic songs–like "Art In Me", "Tea and Sympathy", "Much Afraid", "Sad Clown" and "No One Loves Me Like You"
among others–they have helped me go through repentance, appreciation
(of God’s goodness), surrender (to His ways), sorrow (for wrongs I’ve
done) and assurance (that God loves me). Now, that’s music that lifts
up!

From the first notes of "Liquid" from their debut album to the last notes of "The Edge of Water" in "The Eleventh Hour"
(their fourth album, which I just recently got), they have, through
their music, ministered to me throughout the years. And having just
read their 2000 interview to promote "If I Left the Zoo",
I realized that this band still moves me–emotionally and spiritually.
They still, as they always have, move me closer to my God.

I’m still three albums short of completing the entire Jars of Clay
catalog and probably loads of interviews and concerts behind as well
before I catch up with "Redemption Songs"
album. But I’m in no hurry. As I always say–and have always
believed–good things come to those who wait. And I will definitely
wait for the next Jars album, the next Jars song that will minister to me and
challenge me again.

I’m sure when I get to that point I’ll find out that they still move me after all!

Fly

A song by Jars of Clay

Another song from "The Eleventh Hour" that I’m currently pondering on. Very nice, inspiring message and, as usual, sung by Dan Haseltine with great conviction. Very soothing to the heart and to the soul.

God never let’s us go. His promise is to never leave nor forsake us. Isn’t that great?

Now you’re alive.
I’ll fly with you through the night so you know I’m not letting go.
I’m not letting go.
Tears like rain fill up the sky.
Oh my love I’m not letting go, I won’t let you go.
I’m not letting go, I won’t let you go.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Rating: 4 out of 5

One of the things I was looking forward to in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
was the new batch of special effects that the filmmakers cooked up.
Another was the character development of the three leads, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint). I saw the film’s Philippine premiere earlier today, and I thought the film was good but not quite. Let me explain.

First off, I didn’t find it any better than it’s predecessor (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban).
But on the other hand, I didn’t find it any worse either, which is a
good thing since I really would like to see this whole seven-part
franchise to the very end, and there’s three more to go. Goblet of Fire, I’d say, is just as good as the previous sequel in most respects. Director Mike Newel has maintained the same dark, more mature tone of the series set by Alfonso Cuaron in Azkaban
and tells the story in a much similar fashion. Or perhaps being adapted
from a book in a series written by one author would by default entail
that the films would be told in a similar way.

However, let me
just say again that the movie is good and is a lot of fun to watch,
especially when the story goes down to the personal level, focusing on
character interactions. It was refreshing to see Harry, Hermione and
Ron deal with the issue of attraction and dating as they–and all the
students of Hogwarts–had to attend a ball. The kids have entered a new
stage of their teenage lives.

The movie also highlights Daniel
Radcliffe’s improved acting skills and–I guess as part of the whole
"more mature" tone–his sex appeal, as he is shown topless in a bathtub
scene. Producers are really using the "sex sells" concept here. Tsk,
tsk, tsk. Talk about corrupting minors.

Oh, well… I guess I should just be thankful that Goblet
didn’t fall short on the special effects department, which is one of
the series’ main attraction for me–the visuals and all. The wizards
(pun intended!) behind the film really came with some really cool
effects shots, among them the underwater transformation of Harry into
an amphibious creature, the carriage pulled by flying horses and the
monstrously huge maze in the final event of the Triwizard Tournament.
Oh, and the goblet with its white flame looked nice!

All in all,
this fourth installment in the franchise is pleasing enough for me, a
muggle to the whole world of Pottermania. The pure-blood fans, on the
other hand, might not share my sentiments, as several subplots and
details were excised due to the adaptation… or lost in translation,
if you will. But I have no doubt that general moviegoers will enjoy and
embrace this new chapter in Harry’s life as they did the previous ones.

And by the way, Ralph Fiennes turns in a short but very good performance as Voldemort!

The Girl of My ‘Dream’

She was the second girl to make my heart skip a beat and there’s an elaborate story attached. When we parted ways there were a lot of questions–some answered, some un-asked. But over the years a lot has changed. She went on to become a registered nurse who flew to merry old England and serve God’s beloved Brits. And I remained in the Queen City of the South to learn more about life and, yes, love.

Melvic and I have gone through all the post break-up stages. We went from the awkwardness of seeing each other days and weeks after the fact, not knowing if we should say "Hi" to each other or avoid each other completely. Then we moved to a period of having little or no communication at all (I guess courtesy of the "new" boyfriend she had. I could be wrong). And then she went to London for a nursing job and the next phase of our "relationship" kicked in.

I had somehow managed to get her e-mail from a mutual friend of ours and I guess I just e-mailed her out of the blue. She replied. It felt welcoming. We’ve exchanged e-mails since. I’d ask her about her life there. She’d update me about that. She’d ask me about my life. I’d update her about it.

We’ve just recently started chatting online and I must say I enjoy having conversations with her now (actually she could probably say the same about me since we barely had any interesting conversations in the "past"). I’ve gotten to know her more through our online interactions now than I did when we were together offline. Talk about irony.

So why the title? Well, during one of our chats she told me she was coming back to Cebu for a vacation and I boldly asked her for a "pasalubong" (present). And after much coercion (hehehe) I got her to promise to bring me two (I guess we’ve been getting a lot closer lately that I felt I could ask such a "big" favor from her).

She arrived in Cebu on the last week of October and we immediately set a "date" to meet. I was excited… to get my present… and to see my friend who I haven’t seen in years. Although she cautioned me that her face might not be quite "presentable" because of some unfortunate "accident" (long story. she doesn’t want it told!), I still insisted we meet–I wanted to get my chocolates! (hahaha) So, we finally met at E-Mall last Friday (November 11) and to my surprise her face looked okay. (Sorry, Mic. Had to tell the story as it is.)

We watched Flightplan, had some treats at Goldilocks and had an engaging conversation. It was great to see her again. My friend. My good, good friend. She’s definitely gone a long, long way from the young girl I knew back in the 90s–and I’m not just talking geography. Talking to her that day made me realize that she has–as I have–grown up, moved on, matured and became a fine, fine person to be with. And I’m actually happy for her and proud of the life she’s lived so far.

But I still haven’t revealed the reason for this article’s title, have I? Well, at one point in my past, Melvic was the girl of my dreams. But this time, she was the girl who gave me a "Dream"–a Cadbury Dream white chocolate bar, which I asked her to bring me from the UK!

See! What a friend she turned out to be! =o)

* * * * *

Only One

A song by Caedmon’s Call
====
Only One is one of my favorite Caedmon’s Call songs because it shows the many things we can do wrong and how, through it all, God never gives up on us nor leaves us. God’s faithful that way!

=====
I come from a long line of leavers
Out of the garden gate with an apple in their hands
I expect and I believe
You’re gonna run out of love
You’re gonna give me the shove
‘Cause that’s the thing that lovers do
Then there’s you

You found me cynical and jaded
You lifted my mask and lightened me up
And when my black eyes have faded
I found they were gouged
Had the coal in my mouth
I’ve never seen the old age new
And then there’s you

You’re the only one
Who knows my secrets
You’re the only one
Still you’re the only one
Who never leaves
And I wake up to this mystery

I betrayed you with a little kiss
I thought you’d find someone better
And you forgave me even for this
Came to the upper room
You dragged me from the tomb
There is none both good and true
Then there’s you

Psalm 37: Not sleeping. Not blind.

There’s just something about the way passages of scripture are translated in The Message. Verses are somehow given a refreshing twist to them and they become a more potent salve to a wounded soul. I read Psalm 37 earlier today and, like I’ve been doing lately, looked up its version in The Message. And, like I’ve been getting lately, this specific translation gave the passage a deeper meaning and made it more "alive" to me.

Psalm 37
(The Message)

1 Don’t bother your head with braggarts or wish you could succeed like the wicked.
2 In no time they’ll shrivel like grass clippings and wilt like cut flowers in the sun.
3 Get insurance with GOD and do a good deed, settle down and stick to your last.
4 Keep company with GOD, get in on the best.
5 Open up before GOD, keep nothing back; he’ll do whatever needs to be done:
6 He’ll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon.
7 Quiet down before GOD, be prayerful before him. Don’t bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top.
8 Bridle your anger, trash your wrath, cool your pipes–it only makes things worse.
9 Before long the crooks will be bankrupt; GOD-investors will soon own the store.
10 Before you know it, the wicked will have had it; you’ll stare at his once famous place and–nothing!
11 Down-to-earth people will move in and take over, relishing a huge bonanza.
12 Bad guys have it in for the good guys, obsessed with doing them in.
13 But GOD isn’t losing any sleep; to him they’re a joke with no punch line.
14 Bullies brandish their swords, pull back on their bows with a flourish. They’re out to beat up on the harmless, or mug that nice man out walking his dog.
15 A banana peel lands them flat on their faces–slapstick figures in a moral circus.
16 Less is more and more is less. One righteous will outclass fifty wicked,
17 For the wicked are moral weaklings but the righteous are GOD-strong.
18 GOD keeps track of the decent folk; what they do won’t soon be forgotten.
19 In hard times, they’ll hold their heads high; when the shelves are bare, they’ll be full.
20 God–despisers have had it; GOD’s enemies are finished–Stripped bare like vineyards at harvest time, vanished like smoke in thin air.
21 Wicked borrows and never returns; Righteous gives and gives.
22 Generous gets it all in the end; Stingy is cut off at the pass.
23 Stalwart walks in step with GOD; his path blazed by GOD, he’s happy.
24 If he stumbles, he’s not down for long; GOD has a grip on his hand.
25 I once was young, now I’m a graybeard–not once have I seen an abandoned believer, or his kids out roaming the streets.
26 Every day he’s out giving and lending, his children making him proud.
27 Turn your back on evil, work for the good and don’t quit.
28 GOD loves this kind of thing, never turns away from his friends. Live this way and you’ve got it made, but bad eggs will be tossed out.
29 The good get planted on good land and put down healthy roots.
30 Righteous chews on wisdom like a dog on a bone, rolls virtue around on his tongue.
31 His heart pumps God’s Word like blood through his veins; his feet are as sure as a cat’s.
32 Wicked sets a watch for Righteous, he’s out for the kill.
33 GOD, alert, is also on watch–Wicked won’t hurt a hair of his head.
34 Wait passionately for GOD, don’t leave the path. He’ll give you your place in the sun while you watch the wicked lose it.
35 I saw Wicked bloated like a toad, croaking pretentious nonsense.
36 The next time I looked there was nothing–a punctured bladder, vapid and limp.
37 Keep your eye on the healthy soul, scrutinize the straight life; There’s a future in strenuous wholeness.
38 But the willful will soon be discarded; insolent souls are on a dead-end street.
39The spacious, free life is from GOD, it’s also protected and safe.
40 GOD-strengthened, we’re delivered from evil–when we run to him, he saves us.

God never ever sleeps and He definitely isn’t blind to what is going in the lives of His children.