Jon's Song Diary

• Staring at the Sun—TV on the Radio
  You know if you stare at it head on it'll burn your eyes out. I once took a pair of binoculars and stared at the sun for over an hour.
• Leaving New York—R.E.M.
  Little known fact. Every single time I type New York I type it as N-e-w--Y-o-u--r-k. Why is that?
• Extreme Ways—Moby
  What's wrong with the world? Moby...that's what. I try to hate the man, but then I think...would Jason Bourne be the same without this song?
• Silhouette—Driveblind
  This song must be played at the appropriate level, and yes, my cube-neighbors at work think I am very annoying.
• Ganja Babe—Michael Franti
  He sounds like he is in love.
• All These Things That I've Done—The Killers
  If the goal is to pack out stadiums this song is a decent start. A word of advice, if you are going to use a choir in your song you have got to do better than, "I've got soul, but I'm not a soldier." What the heck?
• Comeback (Light Therapy)—Josh Rouse
  When I dance-walk there is a 62% chance that this song is running through my head.

Jon's Song Diary

• Pumps and a Bump—Hammer
  Does anyone remember how disturbing this video was? I was a teenager when it came out, and I couldn't eat sausage for years. I don't think Hammer went bankrupt...I think all his money went toward reparations for all the damage done by this video.
• River—Terry Reid
  There is nothing like kicking back in your canoe and floating down this river. This guy turned down Jimmy Page, thus opening the door for Robert Plant.
• Been Caught Stealing—Jane's Addiction
  Have I told you about my baseball collection? Remind me to tell you about my "Mama Said Knock You Out" cassette single. Speaking of cassette singles...if you find yourself around the Denver area tell John Lashmet I want him to return my House of Pain single (and my copy of Fletch).
• Promise—Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
  This song is proof positive that we shouldn't be afraid of new things.
• Let Me Be—Xavier Rudd
  I wonder if I was born in Australia would I feel the same way as the guy who wrote this song, or would I be to busy hanging out with the mighty Koala.
• One Blood—Terence Jay
  I want to join a firm...at least...I would have during my earlier years. I have a feeling my nickname would have been "The Major 2: Electric Boogaloo."
• Take Your Mama—Scissor Sisters
  Another great song for all your dance-walking needs.

Jon's Song Diary

• Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games—Of Montreal
  This song oozes with Canadianeseness. This is the sound of a person under the influence of the metric system. Unfortunately the Outback Steakhouse has ruined this song, and their chances of me eating at their establishment.
• Amber—Clearlake
  This seems like the kind of song a Blade Runner would listen to. By the way if you hear of any Blade Runner job openings in the area please let me know.
• Multiply—Jamie Lidell
  If I had a noisy neighbor I have a feeling this is what he/she would sound like. There were times when I wouldn't mind the racket. Like when I vacuum.
• Hong Kong—Gorillaz
  I started listening to this song, and 3 months later it was finally over.
• Bittersweet—Big Head Todd & The Monsters
  I was introduced to Sister Sweetly many moons ago, and I have marveled at its light for many moons since.
• We—Neil Diamond
  Love and listen to Neil...often.
• Alpha Beta Gaga—Air
  Whistle while you work, especially you Mrs. Gilion.

Jon's Song Diary

• Intimate Secretary—The Raconteurs
  I truly believe Jack White is a figment of my imagination. Something not really there. I think, therefore Jack White is. Since he is a figment of my imagination and you have no idea who he is...trust me when I say he needs to go away.
• Whoever You Are—Geggy Tah
  You know how people describe bands by saying "Oh, they are the next Beatles". There was a time in my life when I believed with all of my heart that Geggy Tah wouldn't be the next anything. They would be the first Geggy Tah, and they have yet to disappoint me.
• Orange Sky—Alexi Murdoch
  I had a dream last night, but there were no orange skies involved.
• The Shining—Badly Drawn Boy
  Is this what creation sounds like? Who knows, but this song got me thinking about creation today.
• Chesapeake—Portastatic
  I have a tree in my front yard. It has very pretty flowers, but it smells really bad. It reminds me that sometimes even the prettiest girls will fart.
• Cold Beverage—G. Love & Special Sauce
  As many of you know my favorite drink of all time is IBC Root Beer. Please send all cases of IBC Root Beer to Lifepoint Church C/O Jon Goings.
• Burden in My Hand—Soundgarden
  When Chris Cornell broke up Soundgarden he acquired a special gift from the gods and now...anything he touches turns to crap.

Jon's Song Diary

• (Night Time Is) The Right Time—Ray Charles
  I think about the Cosby Show every time I hear this song.
• The Last Blast—Blue States
  This song is essential for me when I'm coming down from a caffeine high.
• You Can Decide—Field Music
  There is a part in this song that reminds me of the movie Waiting for Guffman. It was at that point of remembrance that I realized I had to include it on this list.
• Knights of Cydonia—Muse
  Life seems so much better when you play this song at maximum volume and you scream along with the chorus.
• Always—Thomas Dybdahl
  Shhhhh. It should be against the law to make noise whilst this song is playing. Don't make me exercise my right to make a citizen's arrest. Shhhhh.
• Mornings Eleven—The Magic Numbers
  This song is so fun. It reminds me of jumping off of the Schulz's deck. Sure...it wasn't really that high, but to a 7 year old me it sure as heck was.

Defining Our Context

by Jon Goings

Dennis and I recently attended a conference on worship. There were so many things taught and discussed I feel like my brain is about to explode. I may have to sit down with the podcasts, re-listen to everything, and digest what I took in. I will say that God had a lot to say, and now all I can do is pray that God will work a little Isaiah 55:10-11 in my life.

So what do I mean by "Defining our Context"? A lot was made about putting the text into our context. The "text" being the Word of God. Our "context" being where we do life.

For several months I've been wrestling with trying to figure out my context.

This area of the country is often referred to as "The Buckle of the Bible Belt." I disagree. This seems to indicate that we have things together. This seems to indicate we have a good handle on the things of God. This seems to indicate God can rely on us to keep things up.

This seems to be an inaccurate assessment.

I would consider this part of the map "The Kiddie Pool of the Kingdom." The most interesting thing about the kiddie pool is that it is very difficult to make a distinction between the urine and the water. It all looks the same. Everything is so saturated by "Christianity" in this area ( i.e. the chemicals that keep the pool looking pretty) that it's real easy for people to exist without feeling like there is anything wrong.

How do we stop concerning ourselves with looking pretty and start worrying about Revelation 3:15-16?

The Ride (Finale or Finally)

Act III: Aww yeah...that's it.

Jon lifted his bike onto the rack attached to Fritz's trunk.

"That was a great ride," he thought.

The End

I was thinking about Matthew 14. Whether I'm enjoying the feast, or I'm frightened by the storm...JESUS IS MIRACULOUS! Time and time again God has shown me that regardless of my circumstance he never changes. I think this is why we see David dancing before him in a joyous celebration, and why we find Paul singing praises and preaching the word in prison. He is worthy because of who he is...not because of what's happening on the hills of Springzark. How can we praise him during the good and bad times? Because as Romans 8:28 infers...

It is a great ride.

Now if you will all join me and Mister Neil Diamond:

God of my want, want, want
Lord of my need, need, need
Leading me on, on, on
God of my day, day, day
Lord of my night, night, night
Seek for the way, way, way
Taking me home

Warning: Egos of Kit & Jon May Soon Blow Through the Roof

The word is out about What Is the Point?! This week the Christian County Headliner published a profile of our own Kit and Jon and their What Is the Point? podcast.

Here's a bit to get you started:

It seems like everything these days is going high tech from music to lunch menus, and now even churches. Two members of the Life Point Church in Ozark have helped take their church to the next tech savvy level by producing a podcast each week.

Church members Jonathan Goings and Kit House star in and produce the weekly variety podcast from Goings' home.

A podcast is similar to a radio broadcast, but with one catch--it's never broadcast. Musicians, talk show hosts or anyone can record a segment and then upload it to the iTunes Web site on the Internet where anyone worldwide can download it, much like any song.

Full Article

The Ride (continued)

Act II: Are you calling me fat?

"THIS SUCKS!!!"

There was no one around to hear the cry of Jon's heart.

A few months prior Jon had decided that he needed to challenge himself. He signed up to participate in a bike ride well beyond any distance he could fathom completing. As his pen met the paper of commitment he gave no thought to his current affinity for laziness or the fact that Thanksgiving and Christmas still clung to his midsection like a baby three-toed sloth. He was going to get out do this thing.

The slight breeze that had just been assisting Jon's Excalibur forward was now destroying his momentum. In a matter of moments the joy that was a nice evening cruise had become a crucible of agony. Every turn of the crank arm, every slight elevation, every slip of the hand sucked the life out of Jon as he began to curse the same hills that had brought him so much joy a short time ago.

The thoughts now racing through his mind, although true, did not ease the pain shooting through every inch of his husky frame. At the very moment that he crossed a dangerous intersection failing to look for cars something occurred to Jon. He realized that his current situation was only distracting him from his goal, finishing out this ride would prepare him for what lay ahead. He refocused and through the storm of pain pressed on. This time borrowing from Styx, Jon praised Jesus again.

You hands
Build me up when I'm sinking.
Just touch me
And my troubles all fade.

The Ride

I don't know if this is a first, but I'm about to introduce you to a Blog Trilogy. In this first act I will introduce you to the characters, set the scene, and introduce a story line. In part two the main character will face some conflict, and then everything will be wrapped up in the denouement.

Act I: How'd you get so far close to me?

He felt all 85 degrees of sunshine bathing his neck as he lowered his bicycle from its perch. The tires had been filled with air, work was done for the day, and all that remained was a quick drink of water before Jon set out on his journey to enjoy the back hills of Springzark.

Newton's 23rd law of physics clearly states that a 270+ pound human being should not enact force upon their bodily joints without first considering those joints will most definitely enact a force upon said human being at a later point in time. Knowing this fact and with a quick chuckle, Jon clicked his shoes into the pedals and said goodbye to his companion, Fritz the Jetta.

1/16th of a mile into the ride Jon made a right turn onto Farm Road 186 and was greeted by a quick descent into bliss. Shade trees covered the route and the rush of wind in his face gave Jon the feeling that he was, "KING OF THE WORLD!!!" The ride couldn't have been better. The uphills were slightly challenging, the downhills were a treat, and the weather was just right. Jon, inclined to sing, borrowed a tune from the Beatles and offered it as praise to his creator and Lord Jesus.

The sun is up
The sky is blue
It's beautiful
And so are you

Reaching the halfway point Jon took a drink from his water bottle, rejoiced that God's providence had brought him to this point in his life, and with an eager twinkle in his eye prepared mind, soul, and body for the next step in his adventure.

Episode II Music

• Sometimes By Step—Rich Mullins (Kit House pick)
• Lonely Moon—Mark Heard (Kit House pick)
• Blueberry Hill—Bruce Cockburn (Kit House pick)
• All Summer Long—The Beach Boys (Kit House pick)
• Phantom Limb—The Shins (Kit House pick)
• Three More Days—Ray LaMontagne (Jon Goings pick)
  There's desperation in Ray's voice that would hint at a desire to return to something he loves.
• Your 8th Birthday—Cloud Cult (Jon Goings pick)
  My 8th birthday was nothing like this. I don't remember what it was like, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't anything like this. Great song though.
• Fallen—Vib Gyor (Jon Goings pick)
  This band has some serious potential. I'm very excited to hear what they have in store for us.
• +81—Deerhoof (Jon Goings pick)
  Sometimes it's supposed to be fun.
• Stop Ou Encore—Plastic Bertrand (Jon Goings pick)
  If this song doesn't do it for you then you really need to go down to Lake Springfield and bathe yourself 7 times.

Feel Like Makin Love

You can find me In Da Club
Bottle full of Bub
Momma I got what you need
if you need to feel a buzz
I'm into having sex I ain't into making love
So come give me a hug
If you're into getting rubbed

- 50 Cent from the song 'In Da Club'

Here we find "Fitty" explaining his desire for the quick fix...the meaningless relationship...the casual sex. Mr. Cent has no desire for the deeper relationship...the romance...the love making.

For so long I found myself just having sex with the church.

I like being a Christian when all I have to do is listen to CDs purchased at CPO, say "Praise God" a lot, watch only PG rated movies, and make sure I am at the early service on Sunday mornings.

I have noticed that performing the act is so much easier than truly making love.

Making love requires relationship building, serving, sacrifice, communication. Love is not made by chance; it requires a lot of time and effort (and sometimes discomfort).

I was reading a while back, and God revealed some things to me. I think it's very interesting that godliness is personified in Hosea, whilst "God's people" are described in the person of Gomer. One a loving husband, the other an adulterous wife.

Several years ago I came to the realization that my life in Christ was more like Gomer's. Sure I was "married", but MY desires were the ones being fulfilled. I still went to church, I said and did the right things, but I didn't give much thought to the other person in the relationship and I lived life on my terms. When God finally got my attention, and when I finally surrendered to Him...I quit "going to church" and started "being the Church" or as Mr. Cent might say I quit "having sex" and started "making love".

See you Sunday.

M.C. Lucious G

Who Is Jon Goings?

The story of my life begins in the 19th chapter from the book of Jonathan (using the New Standard Living King Jon International Message Translation or NSLKJIMT).

Chapter 19 (78) In the beginning God created a little baby from the heavens who would change the earth. (79) The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. (80) And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and began his journey by watching 'The Empire Strikes Back' at what is now an International House of Pancakes. (81) His mother treasured all these things in her heart. (82) And there arose a great storm of Preston, and his waves beat into Jonathan's ship, so that it was now full. (83) Jonathan wept. (84) And Jonathan grew, not necessarily in wisdom or stature, but he has rounded out nicely and has found favor with all you can eat buffets. (85) Skip a bit, brutha.

Chapter 20 (7) On the third day Jonathan's mother said to him, "I'm out of tequila." Jonathan said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water." The servants then turned the hose on Jonathan and replied, "Fill it yourself, sucka." (8) That is exactly what I intend to do. Fill "it" myself.

Episode I Music

• Shut Us Down—Lindsey Buckingham (Chris Austin pick)
• Savin' Me—Nickelback (Chris Austin pick)
• Send Me On My Way—Rusted Root (Chris Austin pick)
• Summer Love—Justin Timberlake (Chris Austin pick)
• Jesus Walks—Kanye West (Jon Goings pick)
  This song reminds me that it seems we can rap about anything except fo' Jesus.
• The Small Print—Muse (Jon Goings pick)
  Who or what is your muse?
• Can't You See—The Marshall Tucker Band (Jon Goings pick)
  Did you need a practical (yet poetical) application of Matthew 5:29? Well here it is.
• Into the Ocean—Blue October (Kit House pick)
• Mysteries—Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs (Kit House pick)
• Because—The Beatles (Kit House pick)