I have to admit — I am sometimes a bit slow at realizing things. It took me a couple years, but I finally discovered a young lady named Carrie Underwood. She was the 2005 American Idol winner, one of America’s best pop country music artists, her debut album “Some Hearts” has gone 5 times platinum (over $5million sold), and it only took me 2 years to figure out what an amazing singer she is!

I have to admit, I have a lil crush on her LOL — I mean, c’mon, it’s hard not to: she’s born in 1983 (currently 24), from the south - Oklahoma, she has a spine-tinglingly powerful singing voice (that reminds me of LeAnne Rimes but only better), 3 time Grammy winner (2007 Best New Artist, Best Female Country Vocal Performance, Best Country Song), a Christian (as far as I can tell), a blond, and of course, as my sister said… “She’s really pretty!” She’s definitely a southern belle imho, and my favorite American Idol

Sorry for the lateness, but here it is: today’s Music Monday featuring Carrie Underwood singing “Inside Your Heaven“! Check out the in-studio video of her singing this through in one cut–even though it’s not perfect, it’s simply riveting:

Album version:

Carrie has a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and an emphasis in journalism… so here’s her brief autobiography:
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Wow… John Stott is retiring. His work has probably shaped my understanding of atonement much more than I even know it! Wish I could hear him speak in person before its too late..

Here’s a few photos from my trip down to Southern Seminary last week:

Before you read this, if you have not had your quiet time with the LORD of Lords yet, please come back later. I don’t want you to read my blog if you have not done your devos yet. Seriously. “If we are to be Spirit-filled as we engage others in online dialogue, discussion, and debate — we need to first immerse ourselves in prayer and in the Word.” (Nathan Busenitz)

Having said that, the Holy Ghosted led me earlier to Titus 3:9 where Paul exhorts his young disciple to, “avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.”

I just read and commented on Challies’ intriguing article which asked, “Is Error in Doctrine Always Sin?” I never truly wrestled with this tough question, but I am now. And yet at the same time, I am also reminded of the nature of the conversations that I have with others in the blogsphere–some Christians, some not; some are Calvinists, some are not; some go regularly to a church, some go to a church that some evangelicals would not call a church.

Quite frankly, I do not find myself engaging in enough discussions about the things that matter to me–namely, theology and doctrine. There is much discussions going in the Reformed blogsphere that I have not joined in on–like here and here! (Though, I know some of you have already skipped reading this post ’cause of how boring this jibber-jabber seems!)

Reflecting on this, I am somewhat disappointed at my day-to-day schedule which does not allow me to read enough Scripture, not enough Christian books (let alone finish my shelf-full and bedside table full of books I have not finished or started), and not enough time to listen to mp3 sermons and seminary classes that were taught last year! As much as am I do participate in conversations on my blog and respond to posts on other blogs, I still wish I could read & respond to more so that my mind could be sharpened more. Those of you who are reading my blog, and especially those of you who have made comments, have indeed helped me in sharpening my mind of biblical discernment.
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At the Pulpit Magazine blog, Nathan Busenitz (MacArthur’s right hand man), has started a series titled “The Blog in Our Eyes” that aims to provide some blogging principles that us Christians should strive embrace. Part 1 and Part 2 has just been published.


Also, fellow SBTS blogger Tony Kummer also wrote recently in a similar tone on the same topic.

I don’t know that many hymns, but of the all that I know–I love them! They’re soo rich in biblical truth, scripturally-grounded words of praise.

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. (Acts 12:7)

Somehow for some unknown reason the other day, I started humming this hymn to myself. We haven’t sung this at church in a long while, but I was reminded of the sheer clarity of how the lyrics express penal substitution. And in light of the recent uproar in the left side of evangelicalism against this great doctrine, I thought it’d be helpful to post this. I encourage you to read all the stanzas slowly:

And Can It Be That I Should Gain

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

’Tis mystery all: th’Immortal dies:
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
Let angel minds inquire no more.

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Passion Conferences has recently released a free EP that can be downloaded from www.hopeforthehokies.com. The songs are in prayer and support of all affected by the Virgina Tech tragedy.