Skillet (the passing of the drum torch) and a personal update

Lori Peters is leaving Skillet and that makes me sad.
She is arguably one of the most talented female rock drummers (not to mention rock drummers in general) I've ever heard. She will be replaced by a new 18 year old drum prodigy (I hope) named Jen Ledger.

The following is from an email from John Cooper (founder of the band):

"Hey Panheads! We are out on tour bringing the rock to Winter Jam and loving it! Thanks to all of you who have already come out and supported us!!

I am writing an email to let everyone know about a change in the life of Skillet. Some of you already know, or have been speculating that Lori our drummer is no longer with Skillet. Unfortunately, this is the case. Lori told us about two months ago that she feels that it's time for her to come off of the road and start a new chapter in her life. We are of course going to miss her!! I wanted to let you all know sooner but the task of finding another drummer and getting prepared for this tour right on top of Christmas was overwhelming. On top of that Lori was finishing up the year and helped us train a new player so it was a bit premature to make any announcement.

Lori’s last show with us was New Years Eve where we rocked it out together for one last time! She is going to miss all of the loyal fans who have been so supportive of the "coolest chick drummer ever!"

Lastly, we wanted to wait to make this announcement after we had a new drummer in place so there would not be those who think that Skillet is over. We are far from it! So as you know know we are losing an awesome girl drummer, and replacing her with another awesome girl drummer! We will let you guys know more about the new member soon, but for now, her name is Jen Ledger; she just turned 18; and she is looking forward to rockin your faces off!

As always, stand and be strong
John Cooper"



In other news...
My recovery continues. Still not able to use my left hand for much more that typing and sometimes holding a glass. My time off from work is quickly coming to an end. I've accomplished almost nothing on my list that I made of things to be fixed/repaired while off from work. I'm resolved to that end now, though I wish it were different. At least the bills are still getting paid. I'm thankful for the sick leave I've been able to use. Can't imagine having to take this time off without a regular (albeit reduced) paycheck coming in.

One of these days I'll post a couple of pictures of my hand as it heals. Not too bad looking for those of you with weak stomachs.

Please keep my oldest in prayer. She is still living with us and still unemployed. She has been given a couple of deadlines for getting her life back on track. Hopefully she will begin to take some initiative in the next few days.

Please also pray for my second. She will be starting again at a new college in a few days and there are still many details to be worked out. The main one being financial assistance.

Going on down the list... my next three are all struggling in school and haven't got the best of grades so far this year. I'm sure most of it is their lack of motivation, but the fact remains that they somehow need to get back on track and work very hard to be able to finish the year well. I don't know how to motivate them. This has always been hard for me. I don't want to be too strict and cause them anguish. I want to push, but not break their spirits. My wife is so much better at this encouragement thing.

The younger school aged kids are all doing well. Their work hasn't gotten that hard, yet.

The youngest ones are fine. Their life consists of play mostly. They have that down pretty well. They just need me to be more playful with them...

That's all for now.