Martin Lloyd-Jones on Exceptional Christians

For devotions, our family has started to walk through the Gospel of Matthew.  We are currently at the beginning of chapter five - The Sermon on the Mount.

    And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
    “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
    “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
    “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
    “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
    “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
    “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
    “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
    “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
    “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
(Matthew 5:2-12) 

Fellow blogger/author/speaker Tim Challies just posted a quote from Martin Lloyd-Jones on reading these 10 verses from Matthew 5.

Here is a great, challenging quote from Martyn Lloyd-Jones. It is drawn from his Studies in the Sermon on the Mount and it does away with that false notion that the heights of Christian experience are reserved for the few and exceptional Christians who take on Christian work as their vocation.

Read the Beatitudes, and there you have a description of what every Christian is meant to be. It is not merely the description of some exceptional Christians.

 I pause with that for just a moment, and emphasize it, because I think we must all agree that the fatal tendency introduced by the Roman Catholic Church, and indeed by every branch of the Church that likes to use the term ‘Catholic,’ is the fatal tendency to divide Christians into two groups—the religious and the laity, exceptional Christians and ordinary Christians, the one who makes a vocation of the Christian life and the man who is engaged in secular affairs.

That tendency is not only utterly and completely unscriptural; it is destructive ultimately of true piety, and is in many ways a negation of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no such distinction in the Bible. There are distinctions in offices—apostles, prophets, teachers, pastors, evangelists, and so on. But these Beatitudes are not a description of offices; they are a description of character. And from the standpoint of character, and of what we are meant to be, there is no difference between one Christian and another.

Let me put it like this. It is the Roman Catholic Church that canonizes certain people, not the New Testament. Read the introduction to almost any New Testament Epistle and you will find all believers addressed as in the Epistle to the Church at Corinth, ‘called to be saints.’ All are ‘canonized,’ if you want to use the term, not some Christians only. The idea that this height of the Christian life is meant only for a chosen few, and that the rest of us are meant to live on the dull plains, is an entire denial of the Sermon on the Mount, and of the Beatitudes in particular.

We are all meant to exemplify everything that is contained here in these Beatitudes. Therefore let us once and for ever get rid of that false notion. This is not merely a description of the Hudson Taylors or George Mullers or the Whitefields or Wesleys of this world; it is a description of every Christian. We are all of us meant to conform to its pattern and to rise to its standard.

 Good words.

Some of the Great Albums That Snuck Out in 2011

Listed below are certainly not an exhaustive list of the albums that came out in 2011.  They are though some of the ones that I have enjoyed the most.   
What about you?
Do you own of these?
Have you heard of any of them?
I want to encourage you to check them out when you have a moment.
What albums would you add to this list?


Abandon

In the two years since Abandon’s Forefront Records debut Searchlights, the San Antonio-based band scored a Dove nomination, throngs of critical acclaim and tours alongside Fireflight, Building 429, Remedy Drive, Teen Mania’s Acquire the Fire, plus a plethora of major faith-based festivals. Amongst all the activity, the modern rockers crafted its sophomore CD Control, which finds the five-some taking the next natural evolutionary musical step, while also turning inward for their greatest lyrical depth to date.

The thirteen tracks that comprise Control are oozing with examples of the group’s instant reliability and heart on sleeve vulnerability, despite all the interactions with success and fame since first starting as an indie act in 2005.

As the idea of Control continued popping up in the songwriting sessions, it was only natural for Abandon to follow suit with the album’s moniker. However, it’s more than merely a quick catch phrase that summarizes the thematic thread throughout the project, but also a chance for audiences to consider a handful of very pertinent rhetorical questions. “‘Are you in control or is God in control?’” the singer encourages fans to ponder. “We basically want people to come away with an answer to ‘who’s controlling your life?’ We’re not really looking for a quick answer, but more to challenge your perspective and to provoke thought and motivation. It’s brave to question where you’re at and search out your heart.”

Between members’ constantly developing faith, the project’s adventurous sonic ambition, and perhaps most importantly, everyone’s individual resignation of Control, Abandon is poised for its most active and effective season thus far.

Ambassador

“There are times when ‘death,’ both actual and metaphorical, becomes more vivid and more personally relevant to us. The glorious gospel truth provides hope by announcing that no one has been able to prevent death or vanquish it completely, except the Lord Jesus Christ through His cross and resurrection.”

It’s been almost three years since his last project and having weathered a tumultuous past year and half, THE AMBASSADOR has emerged with a rich living testimony and is pressing forward with the most anticipated release of his career. Once focusing primarily on “conversion” and a call to commitment, THE AMBASSADOR is now living as a recipient of refinement and an extender of truth, who emphasizes in his writing that the Lord will keep and revitalize, through grace, those trust in Him—even beyond the time of their conversion.

His fourth solo offering, STOP THE FUNERAL, marks his first release at his new label home, Xist Music, who has entered into a groundbreaking joint venture with 220 Entertainment and Universal Music Christian Group. The CD is masterfully produced and lyrically enthralling with THE AMBASSADOR’s signature unadulterated messages of God’s resolute standards, this time with an emphasis on grace and truth, shared through testimonials of his struggles and failures.

“I experienced a season of ‘death’ death of dreams, relationships, ministry momentum, a good name, etc. I became more appreciative for the good news that Jesus Christ can stop the funeral. He can neutralize sin, and its consequences, eradicate death of all kinds, and usher in life. A funeral is necessary once it is clear that there is no hope and no chance of living, and sometimes people prematurely make ‘funeral arrangements.’ When I felt my funeral being planned, I cried out to the Lord of life and liberty and He raised me up, restored me on multiple levels, and now is sending me forth to proclaim the Excellencies of Him who called me out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

That “light” brought the beauty of restoration and a fresh infusion of joy, gratitude and invigorating ideas that birthed STOP THE FUNERAL. With a starkly authentic voice, a vulnerable heart and a ready pen, THE AMBASSADOR teamed up with brilliant producer Sean Simmonds who also vocally assists on the track “Get With Us”—to bring his vision and journey to life musically.

The halt in the “funeral procession,” starts with the CD’s first single the boom bap throbbing bass-built track “A-M,” where THE AMBASSADOR proclaims that he’s alive and still “reppin’ the “I AM.” He brings to life STOP THE FUNERAL’s creative versatility through diverse collaborations with new and old friends including everyone from the phenomenal Mali Music on the old school funk groove “Trust In You,” to the remarkable vocals of BET “Sunday’s Best” darling Jessica Reedy on the soulful and soothing “Crumbs” to the coupling of old time friends, multiple GMA Dove winner KJ52 and Urban Contemporary songstress Michelle Bonilla on the edgy worship anthem “Your Love.” The experience continues with Australian pop sensation Charmaine’s angelic musings on the infections breakout single “Up Down” who also appears with BEC Recordings newcomer Ryan Stevenson on the bouncy feel good “Nothing Like Us.” The addictive “Favor,” featuring the electrifying Canton Jones, communicates the crux of the album’s theme God’s faithfulness to rescue us from ourselves, in spite of ourselves or anyone else. And THE AMBASSADOR would not neglect one of his staples the cypha. Closing out the journey is “The Reunion Cypha” full of esteemed lyricists God’s servant, J.A.Z., shai linne, C-Lite, The Cross Movement original member, Cruz Cordero and DJ Wade-O of wadeoradio.com.

This new project symbolizes the reset and amplification of a music ministry that demonstrated signs of weakness and waning. STOP THE FUNERAL is THE AMBASSADOR’s escape from a personal and premature “fade to black.” It represents newness of life, not death, but prosperity and triumph…that is the gospel!

Josh Garrels

From ChristianityToday - Freak-folk singer-songwriter Josh Garrels spent more than a year crafting his seventh album, and he calls the process "the most rigorous mental and spiritual struggle I've known as an artist." Perhaps it was the extra fire that helped refine the project—Love & War & The Sea In-Between (Small Voice Records) 5 stars—to a brilliant, 18-song collection that grapples with and celebrates, well, love and war and all the gritty tension of a spirit forging its way through the shadowy intricacies of humanity.

Poignant masterpieces are nothing new from Garrels, and this isn't drastically different from his two previous records. But stylistic variety is a hallmark, and Garrels builds an even more lushly layered melting pot of styles and backing instrumentation. "White Owl" features jazz flourishes. Instrumental "The March" is driven by an accordion's tango cadence, while "Sailor's Waltz" conjures Eastern European immigrant or gypsy strings. "Rise" blends Americana staples with a flute and percussion that sound Native American. And "The Resistance" throbs with a trip-hop pulse.

Garrels' rich vocals unite his broad-ranging work, and the insightful depth of his lyricism anchors it. The guy's got soul that can flex like Ben Harper and Ray LaMontagne ("Million Miles") or mellow like Jack Johnson ("Bread and Wine"). His falsetto on tracks such as "White Owl" and "Ulysses" can send shivers similarly induced by Jonsi of Sigur Rós. Plus, he can lay down a smooth rap with spoken word eloquence ("The Resistance").

Lyrically, Love & War is prophetic, incisive, achingly human, and longingly spiritual. Garrels and isn't afraid to question life's murky mysteries: "Tempted and tried, I wondered why / The good man died, the bad man thrives / And Jesus cries because he loves 'em both" ("Farther Along"). He calls out unjust human institutions: "I was born into a system constructed for failure / It's a sinking ship manned by drunken sailors" ("The Resistance"). And he liberally draws nature metaphors and celebrates friendship, beauty, grace, and love both human and heavenly. It's hope and redemption that ultimately win the day in these epics.

In keeping with his true indie spirit, Garrels is giving away free Love & War & The Sea In-Between, along with any income it generates. "We were so provided for during the making of this album, by both God and men, that it seems appropriate to give away as freely as we received," he explains. That leaves no excuse to miss this gorgeous collection that will surely stand up as one of the year's best.

The Isaacs
The family band with heavenly harmonies is back with Why Cant We?, a rousing thirteen-song set of country and bluegrass flavored originals. Includes "Four Men Walkin' Around," "I Still Trust You," "That Is Why I Sing," and more.

Mat Kearney

Dove Award Winner, Mat Kearney, returns with his fourth studio album Young Love, revisiting the heavy grooves, spoken word, and singable choruses fans came to love from sophomore-release, Nothing Left To Lose. After becoming a licensed cab driver in hometown, Nashville, Tennessee, Kearney found lyrical inspiration for Young Love through the conversations he had with passengers. Young Love was recorded in Nashville with Kearney’s long time producers Robert Marvin, and Jason Lehning. "Down Down" will be the first single released to Christian CHR/AC radio, while "Hey Mama" can currently be heard on mainstream rock radio.

Kearney has sold over 600,000 units since his 2004 debut, Bullet, and has had music appear in a myriad of film and television shows. Songs from Bullet and Nothing Left To Lose, can be heard on shows including: Friday Night Lights, Bones, 30 Rock, Gossip Girl, Grey’s Anatomy, and featured in films like Soul Surfer, and Ramona & Beezus. Over the years Kearney has shared the stage with John Mayer, The Fray, Jason Mraz, Train, Keane, Ingrid Michaelson, and most recently, Owl City.

Rachael Lampa
One of the most recognized voices in Christian music! Award-winning artist Rachel Lampa's highly anticipated "next" album will satisfy faithful fans and new listeners alike. Her collection of deep and mature reflections on All We Need includes the hit radio single "Remedy," "Elevate," "Savior's Face," "Run to You," "One and Only," "Uncharted Territory," "Feet," and the title track.

John Mark McMillan

Singer-songwriter John Mark McMillan follows his critically-acclaimed album "The Medicine" with "Economy," a new 10-track album of spiritually-minded rock songs. Hailed by critics and fans alike, McMillan is the writer of the popular worship song "How He Loves."

A preacher’s kid from North Carolina, John is part storyteller, part poet. Drawing on the religious imagery of his upbringing, he crafts spiritually-minded, emotionally-packed songs set against a background of indie rock with a decidedly Folk/Americana bent.
Check out an interview that I did with John Mark here. 

Leigh Nash
Former Sixpence None the Richer vocalist Leigh Nash offers an exceptional set of classic hymns, re-written with fresh new melodies and modern arrangements. Hymns and Sacred Songs includes "Blessed Redeemer," "Be Still My Soul," "Power of The Cross," and more.

Needtobreathe

After two years of non-stop touring, NeedToBreathe has poured their full efforts into creating The Reckoning – an album centered on the songwriting talents of Bear and Bo Rinehart. Inspired by the dynamic they had developed on the road, the band was determined to capture their on-stage energy and exhilarating live performances, along with their experimental recording ideas.

“We wanted to make a record where we pretty much tried everything. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to create something that would define us.”

The Reckoning marks the fourth album from Needtobreathe in five years, all released on Atlantic Records.

"We've put our hearts and souls into this record, along with a lot of blood, sweat and tears. We believe it's the strongest collection of songs we've ever created."

Sovereign Grace
“He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.”

These words, spoken by an angel to the women at Jesus’s tomb, changed history forever. Christ’s resurrection was more than a display of raw supernatural power. It was the single event that assures us that his payment for our sins has been accepted. God’s wrath is satisfied. Death is defeated. The powers of darkness are overcome. Sin’s dominion has been broken. And the life of the age to come has dawned.

The songs on the Risen album celebrate these realities, experienced and enjoyed by all who place their faith and hope in Jesus Christ. 

Laura Story

Authentic, and powerful in it’s purity, Blessings is a rich follow up to “Great God Who Saves,” Laura’s 2009 Dove Award winning Inspiration Album of the Year.

Blessings testifies to Laura’s journey – personally and musically – while lyrically maintaining roots grafted deep in her genuine affection for worship. With a voice that is a beautiful wash of warmth, comfort and ease, Laura effortlessly moves you through the celebration of resting in God’s provision and faithfulness – His blessings.

Switchfoot

"Vice Verses is a record of tension and release. It’s an attempt to describe the polarity of the human experience. The sunlight and shadow. The highs and lows, laughter and pain, hope and fear, doubts and belief," says lead singer/guitarist Jon Foreman. "Vice Verses is soul music – attempting to get to the heart of the human experience: Living in the tension and turning it into song."

It’s that very uneasiness – an unwillingness to choose the treadmill over the triathlon – that fuels the band’s forays into new musical territory and Jon Foreman’s unflinchingly honest lyrics. Songs like "Afterlife" and "The War Inside" take the harder-edged approach of their previous release, Hello Hurricane a step further, creating what Billboard has called "powerful, anthemic rockers…like an amalgamation of U2’s ‘Achtung Baby,’ Linkin Park." Overall, Vice Verses is a more eclectic collection than its predecessor with quiet gems like "Souvenirs" and the title track next to the infectious "The Original," reminiscent of Foo Fighters, and the biting, largely spoken-word "Selling the News." The rousing lead single "Dark Horses" makes abundantly clear, we were designed to transcend, to stand up against the darkness.

Working with producer Neal Avron (Weezer, Linkin Park) and executive producer Mike Elizondo (Eminem, 50 Cent, Pink, Maroon 5 and Fiona Apple), the band recorded most of Vice Verses in their San Diego, CA home studio.

"The art comes from the awkward ache. The knot in my stomach usually teaches me more than comfort ever could. The sculptor’s chisel carves away at the block to bring something new into being. In the same way, we hammer away at the world we're given to bring something new into being. We re-appropriate the past and present to create the future – breath by breath." 

The Story - Various
Music Inspired By The Story is an unparalleled project from the best-known artists in Christian music. The songs on THE STORY take timeless biblical stories and provide a completely new context into how God's story of love and redemption intersects with our story of brokenness and failures resulting in a new story of hope and rescue. The 2 CD set feature 18 all-new songs written by multiple Dove Award-Winners Nichole Nordeman & Bernie Herms, produced by Brown Bannister & Bernie Herms, and a stellar line-up of artists across all major labels who combined have sold over 75 million albums. Artists include:
Matthew West
Leigh Nash
Mark Hall (Casting Crowns)
Brandon Heath
Bart Millard (MercyMe)
Michael Tait (Newsboys)
Chris Tomlin
Mandisa
Francesca Battistelli
Mac Powell (Third Day)
Steven Curtis Chapman
Natalie Grant
Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay)
Jeremy Camp
Michael W. Smith
Amy Grant
and others

Heather Williams
Heather Williams walked through the desert of abuse, homelessness, poverty, and the loss of a child before she drank deeply from the oasis of faith. In her debut release, she tells her story of redemption in soaring vocals and sonic melodies. This Time Around includes "Hallelujah," "God Is Still God," "Breathe Again," "Holes," "Beautiful Thing," and the title track.

The Economy of a Worship Leader: an interview with John Mark McMillan

How much ground can you cover in one short interview? Well, when it’s a chat with John Mark McMillan, the answer is ‘not enough.’ You get the sense that there’s so much beneath the surface; this man’s waters run deep. Even more intriguing, is how his music draws you into a different type of worship. It must be something about the union of his paper-thin vulnerability and roughly-hewn vocals reminiscent of a rock and roll legend. Here is the dialogue that left me wanting more…

John: So, let’s start with some background questions. Where are you from?

John Mark McMillan: I’m from Charlotte, NC. I was born here and still live here today.

JOHN: How long have you been doing music? Did you grow up in a musical home?

John Mark: My mom and dad messed around with guitar, but I don’t think they would consider themselves musicians. I grew up in a Christian home and went to church where music was played regularly. Honestly, I got into music to impress girls, because I wasn’t very good at sports, but I don’t think it really worked. I did [however] fall in love with music [in the process].

JOHN: So, are you married?

John Mark: Yes sir I am, and I have 2 kids.

JOHN: So music must have worked at some level…

John Mark: (laughs) Yeah, I don’t know if it was the music or what but… um, yeah (laughs).

JOHN: So with that in mind – how did you transition from being in music to impress girls to saying, I want to do something with this?

John Mark: I had friends who played and I thought, if they can do it, I can do it. So I picked up the guitar and started playing. But there wasn’t a particular moment or anything. [I was] like most young kids; they start playing music because their parents make them take lessons or they’re just kind of interested in it or in my case, because there are some musical friends around. It’s typically a discipline or something you kind of enjoy, but for me, I just really became enamored with music and the idea of making melodies – even just for my personal enjoyment. I just became really interested in music somewhere down the line – practicing, playing and writing songs.

JOHN: In your bio it mentions that you were influenced by Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. What is it about those artists that resonates with you?

John Mark: I think a couple of things. One is the ability to tell a story – to write words that resonate with people. The second is their ability to speak to the sort of ‘common man’ – the average guy or girl. For some reason that idea of making music to connect with the common individual or to empower [them] is fascinating to me.  And they both have such an amazing ability to do that. So that’s really why I became enamored with those kinds of guys.

JOHN: You came out with a couple of independent records before you signed with Integrity Music. How was that transition for you?

John Mark: You know, when you’re independent your greatest strength is also your greatest weakness. I was coming from a world where I could do whatever I wanted with the resources I had, into a situation where I had to bring a bunch of other people on board. The positive is that I actually had resources through Integrity [and could do things] that I hadn’t been able to do before. You have a bigger community of people to get work with, to get behind what you’re doing. I think the negative side is that you have to get all of those people behind you, and you have to have a lot of conversations about things that I used to just say, ok, I’m going to do this. That hasn’t been bad though – [Integrity] has been really good, that’s why I signed with [them] as opposed to other labels. They really seemed interested in letting me be myself and do what I wanted to do. They haven’t had major questions over lyrics, song titles, album covers or anything. They’ve never challenged me on any of that. They’ve been pretty cool on letting me do what I wanted to do. It’s a double-edged sword, ya know. You have a team behind you, but the negative side is that you have to work with a team (laughs).

JOHN: When the average person thinks of Integrity Music they typically think of Don Moen, Darlene Zschech or Alvin Slaughter. When you think of John Mark McMillan you don’t necessarily put him in the same lineup. Do you consider yourself to be a worship leader in the same vein as those other artists?

John Mark: Ya know, in a lot of ways I don’t know. In the world I came from a corporate worship world was – well, I just wasn’t really exposed to all of that stuff, to be honest. I didn’t really know much about all of those guys when I came on board. I’ve met a few of them and they’re all really great people, really sweet and talented. I didn’t really think about it that much. But in philosophy, yes, they want to connect the hearts of people to the heart of God. They want to give people a language to express the things they want to express – and that’s what I do. Stylistically we’re very, very different. So it’s yes and no. I think we’d sit down and have great conversations and be on the same page on most every issue, especially creatively. They’re very creative. I think sonically, lyrically, and in the way we do what we do, we’re very different, but in philosophy we’re the same.

JOHN: So do you consider yourself to be a worship leader?

John Mark: I do, and I have a couple of things to say about that. The first is that I have done and still do what people consider to be a worship leader’s job. You stand on the stage and play sing-alongs before the guy that speaks gets up at whatever fellowship you attend or whatever community you’re involved in. I do that and I love doing that. I think on the broader scope, it’s like there are two words for worship that overlap in places but are different things. There’s sort of a biblical term ‘worship’ that music can be a part of but is actually a small part of, and then you have this sort of cultural phenomenon of worship which is the musical portion of a gathering. I am involved in and I love being part of the musical portion of the gathering, but also in my mind I think if you’re a janitor you should also be a worship leader in the way that you’re a janitor. If you’re a CEO you should be a worship leader in the way you lead your company, ya know? So for me, I consider myself a worship leader in both of those regards.

JOHN: Let’s talk a little about your song “How He Loves.” It was from an independent record first, and then you put it on The Medicine, right?

John Mark: Yeah, Integrity really connected to me through that song. I actually recorded and released The Medicine independently before I signed with Integrity though. So when I signed with them I told them, I want to put The Medicine out [through the label]. They asked me to put “How He Loves” (the version from the old album) on it and I said no. So then they asked if I might re-record it. I thought ok, it’s a good opportunity for people to connect with it because people know that song. So we recorded it in a way that I thought sounded a little more like the [new] album.

JOHN: When you saw the song was being recorded by other artists and sort of taking on a life of its own, how did you react?

John Mark: I was excited, I thought it was great.

JOHN: So The Medicine has a black and white cover and there are certainly some elements of death, sin and darkness. Economy isn’t a direct opposite, but there seem to be lighter moments. Was there some transition going on in your life that this reflects, or is that just the shape of the songs?

John Mark: I think it’s more the shape of the songs. The concept behind The Medicine was death and resurrection. Those references come right out of the Bible, because resurrection only makes sense in the light of death. There’s still some of those references on the new album, but we’ve kind of moved on (not that I’ve moved on from those ideas but), to more about everyday life. I was thinking more about people when I was writing it, I mean, specific people in my life and those around me. I thought of it more as a here and now album, [whereas] The Medicine was more of a contemplation about death and resurrection.

JOHN: This next question may seem random, but there’s a method to it... Do you fear anything?

John Mark: (laughs) Do I fear anything? Yeah, I fear lot of stuff, but I try and overcome my fears. I mean, I know biblically that I shouldn’t and I know the way I’m supposed to feel, but you’re human. You fear being unsuccessful, being irrelevant, being alone. You fear sometimes maybe you’ve poured your life into the wrong thing. Those aren’t things that haunt me on a daily basis though.

JOHN: You said the word ‘haunt.’ That’s one of the things that brought me to ask that question, because there is an element to your music that sounds kind of haunting. Pleasantly haunting, if that makes sense.

John Mark: (laughs) Yeah.

JOHN: What would you say is the main theme behind the “Economy” CD?

John Mark: If there’s a theme behind the album, it’s the economy of life and death, light and darkness, the economy of relationship and what it means to face many of these issues together as people.

JOHN: If there is one song that makes a statement about who you are, or what you’re about, which one would it be?

John Mark: That song would have to be “Seen a Darkness” the last track on the album. It’s also the song that inspired most of the rest of the album.

JOHN: Let’s finish out with a few lighter questions (laughs). What records are you currently listening to?

John Mark: I’ve been listening to The National (High Violet), Bon Iver (Bon Iver) as well as some Paul Simon, M83, and Peter Gabriel.

JOHN: Coffee or Mountain Dew?

John Mark: Definitely a coffee man. Espresso – cappuccinos, lattes, stuff like that. [I’m] not a big sugar guy.

JOHN: And what books are you reading?

John Mark: A couple of books by Frances Schaeffer and I just finished William Golding’s classic, Lord of the Flies. I know it’s kind of dark but there’s a great message in it. Plus, I missed out on reading a lot of the classics in school so I’m trying to catch up.

JOHN: That’s a noble reason, for sure. Well John Mark, I really appreciate you taking the time to chat today. I look forward to catching up with you again sometime soon.