I can't get enough of Coldplay's Viva La Vida! What about you?

By Joy A. Kennelly

I don't know what it is about that Coldplay song, Viva La Vida, but it always makes me speed extremely fast with the song loudly blaring with all my windows down.

Every single time.

Especially on quiet streets with 35 mph speed limits - I blast down going around 60 mph. It's like my little rebellion. I can't help it. It's like great music is my speed. Don't tell.:) It has to be the aggressively strumming violins and the chorus where I can sing at the top of my lungs to release stress.

Doesn't hurt to drive a sports car too, but that won't be for long. Plus, that song doesn't come on too often unfortunately... or fortunately.

I heard it on the way to church and then when I got out. Fortunately, it was early and hardly anyone was out on the streets. I promise to stop. Really I do.

I think if I play this song at home I'd drive my neighbor crazy playing it over and over again. Especially when I don't know all the words and only belt out the chorus. Can you relate? There is just something about that song. I just love it. It's kind of primal scream therapy or something.

Now to listen to the rest of the album. I know, what's taking me so long? If I like one song, then I don't want to ruin it with another one till I'm saturated with my favorite first.

Big sigh. It's like cheating on a boyfriend. Not that I have or will. Cheat that is, or have a boyfriend for that matter, but still - I love Viva La Vida and Coldplay!

Now, moving right along. Want to hear what I learned in church today? If not, stop reading, but if you're curious enjoy the read.

The skit was right on target as always - about driving while talking on your cell and the ensuing ticket the dad received that the wife found out about through their innocent young daughter. Too funny! I especially liked it when the dad said, "It's a ridiculous law anyway." To which I said loudly, "Amen" making people laugh.

I hate not being able to talk as I drive. Now I'm afraid to put my mascara and makeup on while driving, paint my toes, shave my legs, eat food, steer with one knee while I put my hair up in a ponytail, or anything at all! Not fair.

(Oh, and for those who don't get my sense of humor - that is sarcasm people.)

Today's sermon by Pastor Jim Mackinga of Bay Cities Community Church is called:

Avoiding the Potholes in Life

James - Practical Christian Living

Part 16

Mistakes We Can Easily Make

1. Hurting Others With Words We Say.

James 4:11a

   ^{11 -12}Don't bad-mouth each other, friends. It's God's Word, his Message, his Royal Rule, that takes a beating in that kind of talk.

I wish a former client would read this and realize that as Pastor Jim said today, "Slander is the revenge of a coward." Slander is defined as, "a malicious, false, and defamatory statement or report: a slander against his good name."

Hopefully the threatening letter I sent will shut her up once and for all. It's not my fault if the public and the media doesn't find someone of interest. It just isn't. Either they like you and want more of you, or not. Brutal truth. I don't understand it either, but that's the breaks with PR folks.

I do the same type of publicity for every client and sometimes they hit, and other times, they just don't. No matter how much I want them to, or will them to, or how hard I pitch. Especially when they stop right when they should be pushing forward because they're at a tipping point, but run out of money. Oh well.

PR can be somewhat luck of the draw - if you want guaranteed placement... Buy advertising.

But I digress. Just a sore point that's all. I'm not innocent of talking badly about people either, but it does hurt when you think someone would be happy with everything you accomplished together (which was a lot of work to get her to the point she is today - trust me!)

What's weird is that I've generally only had this trouble with certain female artists. Not all, just some who think they're more than they really are.

Oh dear, is that talking bad about someone? Darn it. It's hard isn't it? Okay, this really is all. I promise.

Thinking lovely thoughts, lovely thoughts, lovely thoughts...

Ephesians 4:31:

   ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.

Colossians 3:8:
⁸ But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.

(Now Pastor Jim was meddling. Just kidding. I forgot the Bible doesn't want us swearing. Duh! Just a little reminder that Christians are supposed to live differently than the world.)

2. Improper Response to God's Law & Word.

James 4:11b

If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you.

Matthew 22:35-40:
³⁵ One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: ³⁶ “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”

   ³⁷ Jesus replied,

“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’^{[a] 38} This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^{[b] 40}

The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Now this chapter was very convicting because as Pastor Jim pointed out, if we really are doing God's will, we will view everyone through God's eyes and love them as He does. Jim did admit it's harder with some people than others. Truer words have never been spoken. Ha!

3. Have a Wrong View of God Himself.

James 4:12:
¹² God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor? (God doesn't need your help judging. Get it? LOL)

James 2:8:

   ⁸ Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”^[a]

Philippians 2:3-4:

   ³ Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. ⁴ Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

This verse is the hardest to live out, but I'm trying. Care to join me?

How To Be Careful

1. Continue to be concerned with your words.
2. Learn to Submit to God's word.
3. Understand who's really in control.
4. Stop arrogance in every way you can.

Okay, that's all for today. May the reading of God's word bless and keep you until we meet again. Isn't that a nice closing? I've only heard it in Presbyterian churches, and I like it.

Happy Sunday! Now to get some work done.

I'm excited The Shore Restaurant and Lounge has a bunch of cool events coming up which I need to prep for. Just met with the organizers of the Hermosa Beach Shorts Fest and they will be hosting their Kick Off Party at the Shore on August 7 from 7pm - closing.

Plus,Actor Domiziano Arcangeli's Golden Halo Award for Acting Achievement from the Southern CA Motion Pictures Arts Council is right around the corner, August 4. Oy!

And you're all invited to everything too ok? See ya there!