Life at Lifted Magazine

All those Christian music lovers living in or around Nashville...

2007-09-06T13:11:00.000+01:00

Now is the time to take advantage of this free offer from the Gospel Music Channel to see some of your favorite Christian artists live and in person! Download free tickets to gain access into their studio where you can watch artists like Jars of Clay, George Huff, Mandisa and others perform live. How many chances can you possibly get to have this sort of intimate access?

Tuesday, September 18th
See American Idol's George Huff, Mandisa, and Israel & the New Breed

Wednesday, September 19th
See Jars of Clay and Natalie Grant

Don't miss out! And if you can't be there in person, just check out the first 24-hour, all music entertainment network devoted to the uplifting, inspiring and diverse music that is Gospel.

The How of Ministry

2007-09-06T02:32:00.000+01:00

Art is it, the how of ministry that is.

OK, I am prejudiced because I am an artist. I see the visual arts as the way to connect to other people. Art for me is a portal for service, a means of communication, a way to attract and unite people. I discovered art ministry by doing art ministry. I found it was a window to understanding people’s needs. For me it meant seeing the needs of teens from broken homes and difficult situations. And as a new friend reminded me this week the arts are just the how, the means to an end in ministry. The goal of ministry is relationship. The goal of ministry is connecting to other people. Ministry is not programming. It is not a well executed sermon, worship service or a slick bulletin. Those are just the how. What happens among the people involved between the conception of a message and the service is the real ministry.

Ministry happens when people are plugged into the church in their area of giftedness.
So if I talk about art ministry I can communicate the how of ministry to you. I confess that visual art is what comes to my mind when I talk about art ministry. The arts are really much broader than the visual arts. Even in my narrow focus I can admit that the arts are music, drama, poetry, writing, media, dance and graphics. The arts communicate. Communication connects, invites and expands the message. Our message is the message of relationship first between God and man, then man to man.

My plan was simple. Meet with the kids who had an interest in art and give them the opportunity to create. Have the supplies they needed and just be there giving a helping hand and a few suggestions. I was able to begin to steer them and help them begin to express their faith through art. We had a few shows. We made some mission goals and planned projects. But what really happened was an instant connection, artist to artist. What was shared was their struggles in life, their hopes, their fears, their vision. So much more happened on the personal level than I expected that when my new friend Chris shared his vision of art ministry from a musician’s viewpoint I knew what he was saying was true. It wasn’t just about the music on Sunday morning it was about the team and the way they communicated with each other and the congregation. Chris’ challenge when he had accepted his position on staff at my new church was to grow an across the board arts ministry involving as many disciplines as he could find leadership for and get us involved with the inner workings of the church. His vision looks suspiciously like Paul’s description of the body of Christ in the book of Ephesians.

In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2:21-22

The principles of the how of ministry, of course goes beyond the arts. We can engage and connect through sports ministry, helps ministry, disaster relief… the possibilities are as vast as the gifts and talents in your local church.

Pray for each other

2007-08-29T13:31:00.000+01:00

While this came to me as a forward from a friend, there is much to be said about the power of prayer and I just wanted to pass it on.

May everyone who receives this message be blessed. REMEMBER to pray. That's all you have to do. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of reward. Make sure you pray, and pray believing that God will answer.

"May today be all that you need it to be today.

May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight and conquer all your fears.

May God manifest himself today in ways that you have never experienced.

May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer and your prayers be answered. I pray
that faith enters a new height for you; I pray that your territory is enlarged and I pray that you step into your destiny within the ministry.

I pray for peace, health, happiness and true and undying love for God."

AMEN!

Hope you have a blessed day and be on the lookout for our next newsletter coming out in a few days!

Ministry Monday: The Where in Ministry

2007-08-27T05:43:00.000+01:00

There is a cross stitch in my dining room I created that reads Bloom where you are planted. It is framed with dogwood blossoms and was created when I live in North Carolina. Where I lived if you looked out my back family room windows in the spring you would be treated to a woods filled with dogwood blossoms among the oaks trees that towered above them. At the time I had a son in kindergarten and one not ready for preschool. I was a stay home mom and my kids and my home were my ministry. The wisdom of the little saying I had seen cross stitched and hung on my older sister’s family room wall helped remind me to be content where I was. There is something inside me since I became a believer that just makes me want to serve. I had been active in the youth ministry at my church in Florida and wanted that again. It just wasn’t the right time. I was in a new church and still getting to know people. They were still getting to know me. I felt like my ministry was hampered when what I really was needed was a broader view of ministry.

Ministry happens and is meant to happen first where we are. If giving glory to God is giving others a correct estimation of the character of God, then how we serve at home, how we care for our family matters. It is the requirement for deacons and elders to have their household in order. If they have not mastered this first, then they are not qualified to serve in the church in leadership. We cannot ignore our family and say we serve others. It is wrong.

Clearly in the Bible Jesus speaks about going into the world and preaching the gospel and making disciples of the nations. In the book of Acts it is given more clarity, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

That is easy to translate that into, “you will be my witnesses first in your city, state, region, and nation and to the rest of the world.” We are to be involved some way in this strategy of outreach. We cannot do it all ourselves. Not everyone is called to foreign missions. The best way to cover the where of ministry is to be involved in a local church where ministry goes on at all these levels. Then when as you live out your faith, and as you are able to participate, you will have the opportunity to serve in your city, state region, nation and world. I think short term mission trips are the best means to serve in these various spheres of influence. I think your ministry should start locally. Why travel to Africa to do VBS, if you won’t help at VBS in your church, or in your city. I think if you want to go on a foreign mission trip that your training should begin at home. Why go to Seattle to help plant a church when you won’t invite your neighbor to church. We need to broaden our view of ministry on the local level. We need to broaden our view of missions and ministry on the personal level too. Are we looking for opportunities around us to serve? Do we say to the people we know, the people whom we encounter during the day, “how can I help you?” and really mean it.

Ministry Monday: The Who in Ministry

2007-08-20T05:52:00.000+01:00

When we think of ministry, do we look over our shoulder to someone behind us? Are we looking for the “other” whom we imagine is the one spoken to when someone mentions ministry? “Who me?” We think of ministers, now days, paid professionals with higher degrees, titles and privilege. We may think of an office filled by someone deserving of respect. But do we think of servant, relief, support, preparation? When we think of ministry Biblically these words should fill our minds. We should also see ourselves in the picture.

Why? Shouldn’t we leave ministry to the professionals? No, at the risk of the church crumbling at its very foundation. No, we are the body of Christ and if there is anything true, it is that we have been called to servanthood. We are:

"… a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. "
2 Corinthians 5:17-20

This verse very clearly includes us as believers in the concept and practical living out of the word ministry. We are called to ministry. We are called to be reconcilers. We are given a charge to bring others to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

So ministry is always about us. How we respond I believe depends on how we are called, how we are gifted and where we are placed. God has always done these things; called us, gifted us and place just where he wants us. Are we listening, using our gifts, aware of those around us and open to the still small voice and what God may want to do I our lives? We don’t need seminary. We don’t have to be a deacon. We certainly don’t have to be perfect, just available and willing. We shouldn’t let anyone disqualify us from service. We should not let anyone or anything keep us from responding to God.

Ministry Monday is about individuals and groups that have heard God’s call and answered it by simply doing what God asked. If you have answered God’s call to ministry and would like to share your ministry story email me, Ruth Eshbaugh at ruthieonart@ruthieonart.com. I am the webmaster for Good News Now and a writer for Lifted Magazine; I would like to write about what God is doing in your life.

Chrstian Music Festivals in September

2007-08-17T10:22:00.000+01:00

There aren't many festivals coming up in September but since all of them are towards the beginning of the month, we thought it might be a good idea to get this list out to you sooner than later!

September 1, 2007
Celebrate Freedom with Luis Palau
Atlanta, GA, USA
http://www.palau.org/celebratefreedomatlanta/

September 7-8, 2007
Rock the Universe
Universal Studios Orlando, FL, USA
http://www.rocktheuniverse.com/

September 8, 2007
Godstock
Fairfield, IL, USA
http://www.godstock.com

New in Travel on LiftedMagazine.com

2007-08-17T10:17:00.000+01:00

The Unique Antique

Everyone has heard and probably even sung the children's tune "London Bridge is falling down." But few know it's surprising and somewhat tragic history. There have been at least five London Bridges rebuilt over the Thames River in England in the last 2,000 years and each bridge has its own tale of adventure.

In 1968, a wealthy businessman named Robert McCulloch purchased a crumbling London Bridge for over two-million dollars. At the time, it was recorded as the most expensive antique ever sold. Then he packed up the bridge and shipped it from London to its new home in the Arizona desert.

Lake Havasu City gave a new life to the London Bridge, yet ironically, the city received a new life of its own upon the bridge’s completion in 1971. Once a vast expanse of land, a man-made lake and a few shops, the opening day of the London Bridge drew in an excess of 50,000 spectators.

Today more than two-million tourists visit Lake Havasu City for its unique blend of history and present-day recreation.

Lampposts, which were fashioned out of cannons captured in the Battle of Waterloo, line the streets of the mock English village. Visible scars mark the granite bridge reminiscent of a WWII Nazi attack.

In contrast to the rich history, jet-ski’s and boats dot the crystal blue water surrounded by a coastline of campgrounds, fishermen and beaches.
The history of the London Bridge is like an action-packed movie or a good fiction book. It should be interesting to see what adventures are in store for this unique antique in centuries to come. Read the full story here.

New in Entertainment on LiftedMagazine.com

2007-08-16T10:24:00.000+01:00

Because we have so many great new articles flowing in each week, we're going to take a few moments to highlight some of them for you right here, in addition to our usual monthly newsletter. What you find featured here on the blog you usually won't find in our newsletters so be sure to sign up for both!

A Moment with Brent Barrett: Broadway and Recording Artist Extraordinaire

Brent gives us advice about life ("As a friend said, 'This is not a dress rehearsal; this is the only life you have.' Everyday is a gift. Take it and make it the best you can."), love ("...My new puppies, Boris and Bianca, my 9-month-old Shih Tzu’s...are the sweetest beings on earth.") and much more. Read the full interview here.

TheatreWorks presents The Elephant Man: The true life story of a remarkable man
A wonderful performance by the whole cast, TheatreWorks’ production of The Elephant Man was done in a manner which not only focused on the physical deformity and emotional pain of the main character, but brought a vast array of life's morals and lessons to light. Religion, acceptance, love, pain, intelligence, tolerance and facing ones own internal imperfections were readily understood. Brilliantly directed by Robert Kelley, and skillfully written for the stage by Bernard Pomerance, this production allowed the audience to place themselves in the shoes of someone who suffered greatly in his life, but through his suffering taught others the importance of tolerance and understanding for people’s differences, no matter what they may be. A true teacher of tolerance and compassion, Joseph Merrick’s life will continue to profoundly touch generations to come. Read our full review here

Coming soon

We'll also be featuring interviews with Shane Sparks (judge from Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance") and Leilene Ondrad (a.k.a. "Smiley" from the reality show "Flavor of Love" and now on the show "Charmed School")

Ministry Monday: Puzzle

2007-08-14T05:55:00.000+01:00

I have a theory. I believe there are basically two kinds of people, those who like to play cards and those who like to put puzzles together. I am definitely in the puzzle person category. There isn’t really a reason why we puzzle people are what we are, it seems to be a natural occurrence, as my theory goes.

I think it explains why I like serving in the Church. It is like one BIG jig-saw puzzle. There are all sorts of pieces, people pieces, and details to be attended to pieces, personality pieces, talents and gifts pieces. There are young pieces and not so young pieces. And somehow we are all suppose to fit together. Each one of us has a unique place in the big picture in the fellowship of believer in our local church and beyond.

How is it possible for us to all fit together? First, we have a Master Planner who lays out our puzzle ahead of time. He already knows where we are going. He had something in mind when He brought us all together. He’s the one who stands over our shoulder and says, “do you see that piece over there?” Sure enough, it’s the one we’ve been looking for, for at least a half an hour.

Second, I don’t know about you, but at my house it takes the whole family to put a puzzle together. We lay it out on the dining room table for days and we take turns forming the edges and filling in the center. Sometimes we work together, some times alone or in pairs. Often at our house we find ourselves staying up very late to do, “just one more piece.” That’s how the church and its ministries fit together. Over time as we continue to come together, things fall into place, friendships are formed, we become a community. But you know, something I’ve observed is that as a puzzle begins to take form, we tend to tackle the most obvious pieces first . I guess it is because they are easily recognizable. We are sure where they belong. There is comfort in finding our place. But with the complete picture in mind we cannot stop and be satisfied to find only our place in the community. We should continue to work, sometimes late in the night, to fill out the remaining holes in the puzzle, the areas that aren’t so recognizable. It may take effort on our part, a willingness to venture out into the unknown. It means reaching out to new people, being willing try out our gifts, to give freely of our time and talents. It means to not be satisfied being on the sidelines, but to join in. It takes a commitment to the body of Christ.

Where is your place? Maybe you already know. If so, let me encourage you to begin to help others find their place. Maybe you are aware of an area of ministry that isn’t complete and needs to be filled in.

I think you get the picture.

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit." Ephesians 2:19

The next few weeks I want to write about "What is ministry?"

Ministry Monday: Celebrate Recovery

2007-08-07T05:50:00.000+01:00

There has been a lot in the news written about celebrities and rehab recently. I am the webmaster for an online news site called Good News Now, http://www.goodnewsnow.com/. Every day I read about 25 news sites looking for “good news” stories. Some days there is not a lot of "good news" to be found. Today was like that. But I did find an article about rehab. It was written from the point of view of an adult child of an alcoholic whose mother got help. Emily L. Hauser who writes for the Dallas Morning News talks about how rehab saves lives. It saves lives not just of the addict, but of the children of those caught in the destruction of an addiction. It is really worth the time it takes to read.

Seeing rehab for what it really is Behind the gossip is a place where lives are changed - and saved

The truth is not every one who needs rehab gets into rehab. It is expensive and not always available to the uninsured or under insured. But that doesn’t mean there is no help for those who suffer with addiction and desire to get help. Twelve step programs like AA and NA give access to anyone who will walk through the door and give sobriety a chance. I got sober in AA twenty five plus years ago. It does work if you work the program.

In the last fifteen years there has been a new group that has made head way in the recovery business. It is a Christ centered program called Celebrate Recovery. Its focus is on changing lives from the inside out. Celebrate Recovery distinguishes recovery from sobriety. I dare say it seeks to take the 12 steps of AA a step further. It does that in its central focus being a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ and a commitment to working out Biblical principles in a community of believers. This working out in community is accomplished by accountability partners, sponsor/sponsee relationships, small group and study group accountability. The thing I like most about CR as it is called, is that it really works for anyone with life issues. If we are honest we all have them. CR claims to save lives. It also claims to change lives and bring inner peace and healing. For me twenty five years sober it is a refuge from the storms of life and safe place to deal with inner issues and find healing.

If you would like to know more about Celebrate Recovery visit their website.

New for August at Liftedmagazine.com!!

2007-08-02T09:54:00.000+01:00

Food & Healthy Living

Jesse Brune: Your Happy Living Expert
Brune is a certified trainer and chef, and shares some of his philosophy on staying healthy, what to eat, and the mindset and emotional side of a workout routine. In this candid interview, Brune talks with Lifted Magazine’s Andrew Moreno about his past struggles with his own insecurities, while also speaking to the importance of remaining positive.

Relationships

From This Side of the Aisle
As this month's Lifted newsletter is published, Michael D. Duty celebrates eleven years of marriage to his wonderful wife. Along the way, they've both grown, matured and changed.

Election 2008

Dr. George Phillies – A New Kind of President
As our political dialog continues, Lifted Magazine and Andrew Moreno decided to continue in our pursuit to fully educate our readers on select presidential candidates. This time around, Lifted Magazine's Andrew Moreno sat down with Dr. George Phillies, a 2008 Libertarian Presidential Candidate.

Ministry Showcase

Art Informed by Faith
Sometimes something influences your life unexpectedly. You read a book, meet a person or experience a loss or illness and your life changes. If the influence is profound enough, your world view may even change. For Raleigh artist Kathy Ammon it was a sermon (or to be exact a series of sermons) she heard at her new church, Apex United Methodist Church, that moved her life and her art into a new direction.

Read more of our recently added Faith articles:

Read more of our recently added entertainment articles:

What's coming up soon on LiftedMagazine.com?

Brett Barrett from Las Vegas' Phantom of the Opera
Career: Interviewing as a Christian
College: Tips for Entering Freshmen
We Are Marshall DVD Review
Theatrical Review of The Elephant Man
and much, much more!

Christian Music Festivals in August

2007-08-02T09:49:00.000+01:00

I'm a few days late and some of these have kicked off already - but that doesn't mean it's too late to join in the fun! It's another long list of music festivals this time around!! We even have a few for those visiting or living in the UK.

August 1-4, 2007
Soul Fest
Gilford, NH, USA
http://www.thesoulfest.com

August 2-4, 2007
Spirit West Coast 2007
Monterey, CA, USA
http://www.spiritwestcoast.org/

August 3-5, 2007
Creation Fest 2007
Woolacombe, Devon, UK
http://www.creationfest.org.uk/

August 5-8, 2007
Kingdom Bound 2007
Park Resort, NY, USA
http://www.kingdombound.org/

August 9-11, 2007
Unity Music Festival
Muskegon, MI, USA
http://www.unitymusicfestival.com/

August 10-11, 2007
Rock the Desert
Midland, TX, USA
http://www.rockthedesert.com/

August 17-18, 2007
Higher Ground Music Festival 2007
Winsted, MN, USA
http://www.hgmusicfest.com/

August 17-18, 2007
Purple Door 2007
Lewisberry, PA
http://www.purpledoor.com/

August 17-19, 2007
Freedom Fest 2007
Snohomish, WA, USA
http://www.freedomfest.org/

August 24-27, 2007
Greenbelt Festival
Cheltenham, UK
http://www.greenbelt.org.uk/

August 31 - September 2, 2007
2007 LifeLight Festival
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
http://www.lifelight.org

August 31 - September 2, 2007
Rock the Light
Kansas City, MO, USA
http://www.rockthelight.com/

Tuesday it is Art: John Bramblitt Update

2007-07-31T06:48:00.000+01:00

A while back I wrote about a blind visual artist from Denton Texas named John Bramblitt. He just finished a new series of paintings and has a show coming up in Lake Charles, Louisiana August 1 - September 8, 2007 at Gallery on the Lake. The name of the show is called Perceptions. Check out John's artist’s statement on his website.

After John realized he was going blind he struggled to understand and adapt. He overcame many obstacles. One can see in this new series that the process goes on. John has gained an understanding of perception that is expressed in his new work. The new art challenges our perception of what it is to see and to know. John confronts our misperception of blindness and the negative connation the word has in our language. His paintings ask us to rethink how we think about seeing and knowing.

John is also going to be a guest artist at the Special Arts Festival, November 10th in Garland Texas that explores the creativity of people with special needs. The Special Arts Festival will showcase the accomplishments of people with disabilities and educate the public to “the amazing possibilities that may have been overlooked where people with disabilities have achieved great things and overcome critical barriers to their success.”

How can you get involved?

Visit John’s website and be challenged by what you see and read.

Support the arts, go to see John's exhibition in Lake Charles, LA.

Attend or volunteer to help at the Special Arts Festival. Contact Jacqi Serie at jserie@unt.edu.

Impact

2007-07-24T00:28:00.000+01:00

The American Heritage Dictionary defines impact as “the effect or impression of one thing on another.” Chelsea Heckathorn of Plano Texas was impacted by a mission trip to Zambia this summer. She is no stranger to world missions. Chelsea and a group of teens went to Zambia with Global Expeditions part of Teen Mania Ministries for a month in June.

Chelsea has been to Romania and Mexico with her Willow Bend Church youth group. The mission oriented environment of her church has impacted her. And she in turn wants to impact others.

The trip this summer consisted of two weeks of VBS (vacation Bible school) in Zambia. The first week she stayed in the secluded village of Chibebe where the teens roughed it. They slept in tents under primitive conditions. During their stay they ate simple foods like "mealypop," which is something like grits and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

The second week of vacation Bible school was in Livingstone, a small city-type setting. It consisted of daily singing, lessons from a Bible story that the children acted out. The children were then asked questions. Next come craft time followed by lunch and the activities were repeated.

Chelsea was impacted by the singing. She says, “Some of the most amazing worship comes from the country of Zambia. They are all very passionate about singing.”

The conditions never dampened Chelsea’s enthusiasm for what she was doing. She quickly bonded with the kids, the other teens, her interpreter and the other people she met. In her own words:

“It was definitely a life-changing experience. There's just something about being surrounded by incredible Christians who love the Lord and are on a mission to tell the world [about Jesus] that really causes amazing bonds to be formed. I met some awesome people from all over the country”

Would Chelsea do it again? Yes, “I just can't afford to have an ordinary life in the States while there's a world in need of a Savior.”

Chelsea plans to attend an international nursing school in Spain with the hopes of returning to the mission field one day.

How can you get involved with Teen Mania Ministries?

· Visit their website at Teen Mania Ministries
· Donate to Teen Mania Ministries through their website.
· Support a child from Zambia. The children Chelsea met in Zambia all need sponsors. It cost $43.00 dollars a month, and it provides education, health care, and food for the orphan. If you are interested email me at goodnewsnow@goodnewsnow.com and I will have Chelsea contact you. She has seven sponsorship cards.
· Go. Contact Global Expeditions through the Teen Mania Ministries website.

Posted by Ruth Eshbaugh. Ruth is the webmaster for Good News Now. She writes about Ministries for Lifted Magazine.

You're going to love the film Ratatouille!

2007-07-19T21:03:00.000+01:00

What do you get when you combine a mouse with a clumsy restaurant garbage boy and a 5-star French restaurant? The best chef in Paris! Rats aren’t known for their cooking skills in the kitchen, only their mischievous hunt for food, but the talented and innovative minds of the animators at Disney and Pixar Animation studios, have created an unconventional story with a more than unlikely little hero.

A sure-to-please, entertaining treat for the whole family, Ratatouille is a story that caters to both children and adults alike. Throughout the movie, kids along with their parents were sporadically laughing, as Remy and his friends were found in not so favorable predicaments. The humor is easily understood by young audiences and the story is sophisticated enough for their parents to enjoy. The plot is very well-developed and the characters are so cute (especially Remy), that you can’t help but cheer for them.

Read our full review here!

Kitty Kavey Inspires Us

2007-07-18T11:35:00.000+01:00

Kitty Kavey's story is one which can provide inspiration for many. Despite a very rough childhood and a massively tragic motorcycle accident Kitty Kavey never seems to have lost the desire to live life to its fullest.

"I'm an eternal optimist," Kitty told us. "I always think it's going to be better, that somehow everything will work itself out. I always thought God was my Dad, and used to talk to Him as if He was just an invisible parent – not some sort of supernatural being. I felt that He thought I was special, and He'd make sure I got through whatever it was. Whenever it seemed something terrible was happening, I had faith that I'd get through."

Even her agent has nothing but kinds words, "She's never forgotten where she came from, and how hard a road it's been. She's a leader and a teacher to those who follow the same path. Always one to help others, she actively participates in charitable activities of all kinds, and loves to be of service to others. She prefers directing, writing and producing work of a comedic genre, and is on a crusade to include a more accurate representation of ethnic minorities in the media. She believes that anything is possible and dreams are attainable here in the land of opportunity. Her feisty nature and positive spirit transcend her circumstances, and remind us all that it is a great day to be alive!"

Read the entire interview online now

The ever intense Shane Drake

2007-07-17T11:30:00.000+01:00

Somehow even his name sounds dark and mysterious...Shane told us, "I think that I would be fairly accurate in saying that I am pretty intense. I take my life and the contents of it, quite seriously. I can definitely be a little whacky, sometimes witty, and often times paranoid. Plus it is probably a relevant thing to note that I have a fairly obnoxious dose of OCD which pretty much gives me the qualities of a delusional mad scientist."

To date, Shane Drake has directed over 50 music videos and co-produced 3 films. This year, he was awarded the MTV/VMA for Video Of The Year for his video "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" for the band, Panic! At The Disco.

Although you may be familar with some of his work, you may not know that he used to be a be involved with the youth in his community. "I was a youth pastor for a couple different churches a few years back," Shane responded. "It was a wonderfully enriching time in my life and I loved every moment of it."

Read the entire interview with Shane online now.

Ministry Monday: Hillsong United

2007-07-17T03:25:00.000+01:00

Hillsong United took over Lakewood Church Sunday night, July 15, 2007. They led worship for an overflow crowd in the arena size venue. Thousands of youth groups descended upon the Houston church from around the region to hear the wildly popular Christian worship band from Hillsong Church Australia.

There was a very enthusiastic crowd and an enthusiastic band with one message and that message was unapologetically Jesus Christ.

When I hear the name Hillsong I think of Darlene Zschech. It was my 18 year old son who reoriented me to the music of Hillsong United. They are a rock band and definitely much louder than Darlene; very high energy. We enjoyed their sound in the car on our road trip to the Houston area this weekend. Our adventure ended at the concert which was a great ending.

In concert, Hillsong United holds nothing back, not in their sound, their dance, the energy nor the message. In the introduction videos that played on the big screen before the band came on, Joel Houston (vocalist and spokesperson) let us know he sees each concert as a privilege. He is given an amazing opportunity to reach a vast audience. He had one chance last night, for a brief time, to try to impact a generation.

In Joel’s words and then later in song and a sermon message, Hillsong declared that every generation needs a revolution. This revolution needs every one of the kids that filled the church last night to be sold out for Jesus Christ. Unafraid to speak his name outside the church. It was a call to step out of the safe places we hide our faith and let the world know in word and deed how great our God is. The youth were challenged to let God use them to glorify and magnify Himself.

As I looked around at the sea of youth before me last night and listened to their worship, I saw the message was received. The name of Jesus was lifted up, God was magnified.

How you can help Hillsong Ministries?

Pray for this new generation of youth to be sold out for Jesus Christ.

Speak the name of Jesus Christ boldly outside the church.

Give your life over to God by placing your life in His hands.

Read and study the Bible.

Visit the Hillsong United websites to find out what they are about, where they will be playing next. http://www.hillsong.com/united/
and Hillsong United MySpace http://www.myspace.com/hillsongunited

Written by Ruth Eshbaugh. Ruth is the webmaster for Good New Now (http://www.goodnewsnow.com/) and writes about ministry for Lifted Magazine.

Watch out for some of our upcoming articles!

2007-07-10T14:50:00.000+01:00

Dr. George Phillies Interview (2008 Libertarian Presidential Candidate)
Interview with Rue McClanahan of the Golden Girls
Talking to director Shane Drake
Meet the inspirational Kitty Kavey
Laughing with comedian John Heffron
Back from CineVegas
Film reviews of La Vie En Rose and Ratatouille

A change in publications

2007-07-10T14:45:00.000+01:00

Over the past two years, the staff of Lifted Magazine has worked very hard to produce PDF editions of our digital magazine for our readers to enjoy. But demand has dropped and we find that more and more people are just reading the articles online instead of downloading the PDF. Therefore, we will no longer be publishing PDF editions of Lifted Magazine but will focus on bringing more new articles to our readers throughout the month and publish a monthly newsletter highlighting our best new articles to make sure you don't miss the best of the best. We were pouring a WHOLE lot of time and resources into producing the PDF issues so it will be a lot more beneificial to everyone if we drop them.

Our newsletters will now arrive once a month and will feature the best of the best new articles we are adding online. We will continue to feature many of the new articles here as well so that you don't miss out on anything!

There will also be some changes coming up on the website which we will certainly announce here too so check back often or subscribe to this blog :)

New Releases: Sicko

2007-07-02T09:45:00.000+01:00

Michael Moore is one of the most controversial documentarists of this time. He has made many friends and enimies with previous films such as Bowling for Columbine and Farenheit 911. But now he has used his personal connections to take his research to a whole new level and perhaps make a positive impact on the lives of many individuals in America.

Although Moore is famous for being one-sided in his political plight, this film is made for the American people in a hope to promote understanding and encourage change in our system. The argument Moore makes is one of a moral and ethical tone. If the United States is one of the richest countries in terms of GDP and other health indices, why do we fall so low in our health care system? In his film, Moore uses juxtaposition to analyze the US health care system versus counties like Canada, Britain and France. Because these citizens pay for universal health care through taxes, doctors and health-aids are government employees and patients need not worry about their medical bills. Citizens can chose which hospital, pharmacy, and doctor to see – without paying any money. This may seem like a mythical utopia, but as Moore captures in his film, this is a reality. Read our full review online.

For more information on Sicko and local show times, please visit http://www.michaelmoore.com/

Christian Music Festivals in July

2007-07-02T09:17:00.000+01:00

July is now upon us and there are more great music festivals going on for you to enjoy!

July 11-15, 2007
Lifest 2007
Oshkosh, WI, USA
http://www.lifest.com/

July 14-15,2007
Luis Palau Heartland Festival
Omaha, NE, USA
http://www.palau.org/omaha

July 14-15,2007
Hills Alive
Rapid City, SD, USA
http://www.hillsalive.com/new2007/

July 25-28, 2007
Creation Northwest
George, WA, USA
http://www.creationfest.com/

Tune Filled Tuesdays Vol. 2

2007-06-26T09:44:00.000+01:00

Eleventh Hour
MySpace profile

Eleventh Hour is four guys with one great sound and a lot of potential. Although they don't list any of their own influences, I hear a lot of similiarities to Creed and Nickelback, especially in their song "I Need You." Strong guitar riffs, great melodies and powerful lyrics run rampant here.

Those living in Ohio absolutely should go out to a show where Eleventh Hour is playing. We don't think you'll regret it in the least. You can find a list of upcoming venues on their MySpace page.

Ministry Monday: Malachi Ministries

2007-06-25T16:33:00.000+01:00

Malachi Ministries

Website: http://malachi.org/

I heard about this ministry while listening to AFN, the Armed Forces Network, a radio station which caters to those in the miltary around the world and other English speaking listeners. They were interviewing some of the volunteers for Malachi Ministries and I had to find out more abou them.

Malachi Children's Ministry is a joint venture of Cadence International and Child Evangelism Fellowship, Inc. (CEF). With the strength and experience of Cadence International in working within the military culture and with the proven success of CEF in reaching children for Christ, we create a synergy that allows more powerful ministry to these special children.

Around four million people call the U.S. Military "home." This includes almost one million children of military and civilian personnel. Within this American subculture, approximately 25-35% of the people in a given community move every year. Most assignments for people in the U.S. Military last a mere two to three years with the end of the assignment possibly bringing a move across the world. Children in this environment must continually adjust and make new friends. One or both parents may leave on deployment or on an unaccompanied assignment for six months to a year. Military life can be difficult for all involved. These children need people in their lives to anchor them in Jesus, the Rock of Ages.

If you would like to help Malachi Ministries, there are several ways you can do so.

Pray their leaders and missionaries all around the world as well as for all the students to whom they get to minister. Give them receptive hearts and may the hearts of their families be receptive as well.
Donate your frequent flyer miles. Learn more here.
Donate funds

Tune Filled Tuesdays Vol. 2

2007-06-19T13:11:00.000+01:00

Praise-Apella

Website
MySpace Page

In a time when more or more artists seem to be relying primarily on instruments and sounds created in the studios, Praise-Apella is going in completely the opposite direction. These five gifted individuals are the instruments and create all the sounds with their mouths using beat-box and other techniques.

Each song has its own feel and showcases the talents of each band member. Their song "Lord I Give You My Heart" is a wonderful song of praise with a great funky feel to it which makes you want to bob your head along with them as they sing in perfect harmony with one another. You might even forget for a moment that they aren't using any instruments.

It's not hard to see why this band will be performing along with other great musicians like Michael W. Smith, Leeland and Superchick at The Fest in Wickliffe, OH. The Fest is a FREE one day, Christian family festival being held August 5, 2007. In addition to the live performances, other activities and events are available of all ages. Learn more on their website.