Posting daily at 1pm central about all kinds of things. One day it's dating, the next it's TV commercials. I hope you're entertained. Professional photos on SmugMug – https://benwilder.smugmug.com
This has got to be one of the most annoying jingles on TV and streaming. It’s no wonder Instacart disabled comments (actually, they’ve disabled comments for all of their YouTube posts, which is probably something that worries the executives every morning when they wake up, drink their imported coffee, and drive their Porsches into work). If you haven’t seen this recent ad, I hope watching it doesn’t ruin your day…
I was sort of under the impression they’d quit it, just stop, when they aired the football game/ grocery store commercial back during the football season. Have you seen that one? Here’s a recap and warning, it’s probably worse than this nail salon version.
Is it that difficult to find good singers? I mean, they could just pick a few favorites from American Idol and hire them to star in these commercials. Heck, they could even use The Voice rejects and it would still be less irritating. I’m not alone in my hatred for these ads. Here’s a small sample from Reddit.
If you’re familiar with the uncomfortable situation between Mark Driscoll and John Lindell and you’re wondering if that’s what Christianity is, please as much as you have the power to do, forget everything about that situation (after you read this post, of course 🤪)! It’s embarrassing what’s going on between those two men. If you haven’t heard of their conflict, I’ll sum it up this way: At a men’s conference, a former stripper guy came up on stage to perform acrobatic stunts, including swallowing a sword and climbing a pole. That’s the gist of it. I’m assuming most normal men in attendance were asking, as the guy climbed the pole, “What is happening right now?”
Driscoll was a guest speaker at this men’s event and called out the act as evil and likened it to women performing at a strip club, in light of the acrobat guy being a former male stripper. Lindell, the pastor of the church that sponsored this men’s conference, took offense and then the two men were at odds. Gosh, nothing’s going to attract more people to faith in Jesus like two middle-aged men bickering about who’s right or wrong, right? And side note: whoever decided scheduling a former male stripper to do strippy-type things at a men’s conference… Excuse me guy, yes you… YOU’RE FIRED.
What this sword-swallowing performance has to do with Christianity or the ministry of Jesus is still a little foggy. But one thing is for sure: Two men on a holy power trip is just ugly. If this whole situation is what Christianity is, who would ever want to be be part of it?
Thank God for making a way to Heaven because if it were left up to humans, we’d screw it all up. I don’t know which of these guys has altruistic motives, if either do, but I’m pretty sure whatever they’re doing is not really the best way to present Jesus to people.
In a Bible study I’m part of during the week, the question was posed of how we’d present Christianity to someone who isn’t a Christian. Lots of good ideas, people coming from a place of honesty and humility. All I could think of in the moment (and I didn’t mention this in the group) was an old cologne commercial, one of my favorites of all time. I had no idea I could put Christianity and Bleu de Chanel in the same sentence, but here we are. My favorite line of the ad is this: “I’m not going to be the person I’m expected to be anymore.”
That’s part of what Christianity is to me. To society, culture, the world… we’re expected to want money, power, respect, a good paying job, wealth, influence, comfort, self-love, just to name a few. Jesus teaches the exact opposite so Christianity offers freedom from those pursuits (or at least freedom from the selfish ambition that compels those pursuits) and says we don’t have to be who the world/culture/society expects us to be anymore.
OK, now it’s time to forget all the silly stuff going on between Mark Driscoll and John Lindell.
Just think about it for a second, if you look at your face every day when you get up and think you’ll never be great, you’ll never be great, not because you’re not, but the hate will always find a way to cut you up and murder your faith.
NF “The Search”
In a lot of movies there’s the moment where the hero has a choice to make. Will the hero rise up to the challenge he or she faces or back down, fading into obscurity? These heroes are often people just like you and me. You work with them, pass them on the street, they’re a friend of a friend. I had one of those hero moments last weekend. I was faced with a choice. Would I, just a simple man, rise up to the challenge or stay comfortable? Only, I’m not the hero of the story! Plot twist… I’m part of a group of triathletes who I admire so much and in my moment of doubt, these people showed such strong character. They were the heroes all along.
The short story is that there was going to be a group cycling ride on the weekend. I anxiously, and unconfidently, signed up to go… wondering if I’d be holding the group back. I desperately want to get along, to blend in, to be my best without being a burden. Sounds noble but it’s really a fault and it can be crippling sometimes. Besides that, I’m not a very fast cyclist and the night before the ride, I was restless and worried. I woke up that morning and gave in to the doubt, texting the group that I’d try to catch the next one. Just for backing out I was disappointed in myself, having very little confidence because these athletes are pretty great at all the disciplines; swimming, biking, and running. Who am I to think I can even try to keep up? But then something crazy happened.
I sent the message to the group and it wasn’t met with condolences. I fully expected a thumbs up or an “OK, see you next time.” Nope. These amazing athletes didn’t give up on me, even though I had already. They didn’t accept my withdrawal, but instead they encouraged me to try.
So I did.
It is easily the most special moment so far in my triathlon journey because not only did I finish, I did well. It’s nice when people believe in you even when you don’t, isn’t it? From the encouragement of other athletes and the satisfaction of finishing the long course… I hope I can keep surprising myself more by taking chances. By doing things I didn’t think I could. By believing in myself, even just a little more. By thinking that I have the ability to be a greater version of myself tomorrow than who I am today.
I love this season of my life. I love the triathletes who continue to inspire me.
American Idol fans are already aware that season 22 is Katy Perry’s final run as a judge on the show. She’ll be off to pursue music again, focusing on that side of her career. Life is short, so I totally understand Katy’s choice to remove Idol from her schedule to go after other goals. Especially in light of American Idol alum Mandisa passing away yesterday, a sad reminder that no one is promised another day.
Mandisa was on American Idol in 2005 with the original show judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. Since then the show has gone through a short list of judges, even one season with 4 judges. Three seems to be the magical number though, and for the last 7 seasons the judges were Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry. With Katy leaving, there will be a spot open for a new (or previous) judge. At the time of this post, only a few names have popped up as possible replacements, even Taylor Swift getting a little notoriety as the next judge. Aim for the sky, I guess, right? I agree that they need someone big, current, trendy, talented, and who commands respect in the industry and Taylor fits all of that. But does she have the time? Doubtful. Someone else who would be a great judge but who probably doesn’t have the time… Dolly Parton. I’d love to listen to her critiques and praises for folks trying out for the show.
Let’s be honest, though… most fans miss the unabashed opinions of Simon Cowell. I’m adding his name to the list of possibilities, along with the following which are a mix of previous judges, various show mentors, and other folks I think would be be great as judges.
Jelly Roll
Ben Platt
Jennifer Lopez
Simon Cowell
Randy Jackson
Kelly Clarkson
Teddy Swims
Alanis Morissette
Dolly Parton
Some would do fine, others would be too nice, but none of them would be as constructive (or destructive?) and honest as Simon. So I’ve got my fingers crossed it’ll be someone like Simon, if not Simon himself. The ratings would certainly tick upwards if he were to return. Who would you suggest as the next judge? Chime in below!
My next sprint triathlon is coming up in a few weeks so I’ve been ramping up my workouts (between afternoon naps 🥴). If you’ve read any of my triathlon related posts, you know swimming is where I need the most improvement. Last week I was swimming at a local pool and there was a synchronized swim team practicing. That’s one of the only times I’ve heard music under water and all of the sudden I was in a Disney movie.
Waves on top of the water, and sound waves under! Fun times. When I train on my bike, no music. Obviously I want to be as aware of my surroundings as possible when I’m cycling long (and shared) roads. When I run, it’s a little easier to add music into the workout. Especially in a low-risk neighborhood. So I have this playlist conveniently called “Run Music 2.” So clever.
It’s about an hour long and includes music from NF, Kendrick Lamar, Tommy Profitt, Electric Light Orchestra, Sia, Muse, and a few others. They’re not all fast because sometimes I need a song that gets me in my feelings. When I’m inspired about spiritual things, or whatever, my feet often move more swiftly. For example, the list includes “Who Am I” by Needtobreathe, “Don’t Let Go” by Spawnbreezie, and “Caution” by The Killers. Not exactly dance club-type music.
But then there’s music with higher BPM. The oldest song that I just can’t quit is “Your Woman” by White Town. Such a steady percussive track, I can’t help but run on beat.
So that’s the oldest song on the list… the newest addition is Kanye West’s “POWER.” Also a good cadence for running.
If you want to check out my run playlist, the Spotify link is below. Let me know if you have any songs I should add to this!
Out of the Wilderness 