Hitting the Deer - Again!

We have been back in Brownwood now for right at 10 years. Hard to believe but true. This past weekend I finished one of those 3week marathon's of "to-do's" and "events" and "pressure-to-perform related activities" that needed immediate attention every moment of your waking day. So I was thinking - and had been thinking about a myriad of topics I wanted to blog about and give some sharp-tongue dialogue during this holiday oops - Christmas season. But alas, my morning today started early with Dylon needing to be at the band hall by 7:00 AM. Did I mention it also happens to be 25 degrees here just north of the equator {I am sure there is some sarcastic words about global warming I could inject but I will forgo that} and I am exhausted after the previous three weeks (referenced above) and picking Dylon up at midnight last night from a basketball trip? Well, needless to say my response time is probably somewhere equal to several gallons of liquor entering my body during a short period of time. [Once again that sarcasm may be leaking out.]
Results, I hit my 10th deer during my 10th year. Where has the time gone?

Has Been Awhile

I have missed thinking in a mode that gets my thoughts together in such a manner that I could post them here. But, when I think I could not have more of those proverbial "irons-in-the-fire" there I go and blow myself up! We are smack-dab in the middle of our 6th community-wide musical at the Lyric with The Sound Of Music this year. We moved the normal summer production to the Christmas Season (or Holiday Season if you prefer - I'll leave this thought for another post) when our Director, Dr. Nancy Jo Humfeld took a temporary teaching position in Switzerland during the summer this year. It has been a challenge to say the least, but we have had great crowds and a good show. They are to be congratulated. There are five more performances - if you are in Central Texas this weekend you should drop in and see us. http://www.brownwoodlyrictheatre.com/

To ad to the holiday season our Senior Pastor here at Southside resigned this past Sunday. Jerry has been a real source of strength and love for our family of faith now for almost seven full years. He will be missed.

Then - it is the Season. Jill and I and the quartet I sing in has not taken on as many singing and performing gigs this year for obvious reasons. But, that has not stopped the partying!!! Partying is such a goofy term for me - but it fits.

I ate an Eggroll

The holidays are here - ready or not. The past several weeks have just been an absolute whirlwind for me. We completed our 5th annual production of Handel's Messiah with a great crowd and very satisfying performance. Dr. Greg Church was our director this year along with Dr. Allen Reed as our organist. Once again I got to see a collection of regular people from churches all over our county come together and produce something extra-special. My hat (for what it is worth) is off to Dr. Church and Dr. Reed.

I went to the Texas State Volleyball championship to watch our Lady Lions compete for the first time ever at this event. This little journey snatched 8 hours out of my Saturday but was well worth seeing them play. They took home the "runner-up" trophy but wow - they have my respect and admiration.

At church we completed our 40 Days of Community with our Celebration service and then one last "re-cap" this past weekend. I don't know if I needed much encouragement to see the need for community in our lives but this certainly did reinforce my thoughts on the subject. To have people come together, grow, study and see the life of Christ in one another is so very healthy in our spiritual walk.

Today I got up early, did my morning rituals and proceeded to walk out the door. As I did it hit me - Thanksgiving is this week. Wow! Now, we have been preparing for this for several weeks. Getting the house repaired, buying food, thinking about menus, talking to all the family coming in from all over the country and then five days prior to the event it just all the sudden seems to be happening. So on the way to the office this morning - I had an egg roll.

Why are some people afraid of Dialogue?

I don't know if my ripe age of 45 is the cause of this current frustration or the simple truth that I know I know more now than I did 20 years ago and that is it seems I never know enough! I found this music video of the music group Chicago singing a song entitled "Dialogue." The song (or at least the music video) is not-so-hot but the concept of listening to each other, respecting and giving legitimacy to another differing viewpoint is important - if not essential to healthy communication.

There appears to me to be almost an overriding fear that giving any level of credence to divergent thoughts somehow diminishes what people believe to be true and just. Today - this is a real struggle for me. Really!! Can you tell?

Your thoughts - please share abundantly!!!

Here is the video I referenced along with a much better Chicago number. I love that group!

Post Vote - Racism?

Within the Christian arena - mostly Evangelical sector, this election was a pretty tough one. Now when I say that - many evangelical Christians will say to me "it wasn't tough on my part!" Here at the church I minister and pastor in I found our diversity amazing. We are a middle of Texas-Southern Baptist roots-mostly white family of faith and yet though the majority of those that call this their church family were obviously McCain-Palin supporters (I add Palin because she was/is loved by many) the number of those that would come up to me and express their appreciation of my defense of Obama's Christian Faith - was significant.

I never came out, publicly in support or against either of our candidates. I believe this to be a personal and private decision on my part and though ridiculed by several for this position I stand by it and say, "you just need to get past this."

Where I find myself now is in an analytical mode especially when it comes to the post election of Obama. Though I never and I mean never heard the "race" issue come up among friends those inside and outside our church, I am concerned about this now. There have been several articles written about the large gains within the young evangelical community supporting Obama and the appreciation they had for our new president and what attributes and perspectives he brings to the office. We tend to be allowing a bit of smugness and irritation to manifest itself in the way of racism. Not racism of the "burning cross" or segregated bathrooms, water fountains, etc...... But, racism of the jokes-lifestyles-choices. I hear people quoting conservative commentaries on President-elect Obama and how they are enraged to be challenged on a comment they made and its perceived racism.

I will not go into the scriptures that speak to the encouragement of human equality and the role that plays in the Christian's life. I'll let you head over to Crosswalk.com and do a little study. You can easily tell that I am not a "hot-button issue" guy that believes the defining attribute of a "true" Christian is their stance on abortion and homosexuality. There is a big picture to the life of Jesus Christ and what the Bible is communicating from God to us on this earth that needs to be discerned and observed. I would pray that our emotions and "upbringing" do not rule our spirit and desire to be a Christ-follower.

I still have a great deal to learn.

Ranting Again

I will admit that it took me a bit to get to the original author here - but I did. John Henson's bloged this on October 22nd and which led me to Todd Rhoades and then finally to Gabe Lyons who co-authored the book "unChristian." The survey was of non-Christians aged 16-29 years old that were asked, “What is your current perception of Christianity?”
91% said anti homosexual
87% said judgmental
85% said hypocritical
78% said old-fashioned
75% said too involved in politics
72% said out of touch with reality
70% said insensitive to others
68% said boring
64% said not accepting of other faiths
61% said confusing

Here is Gabe Lyons in an interview.

What are your thoughts?

Politics-Worry-Spirituality

10+ years ago I remember my response to the election of Bill Clinton. I was devastated - seriously my stomach was hurting and I had a painful headache. I remember it very clearly, I even remember talking with Jill about the horror of the coming years and all of the evil that would be coming our way. Now, I jump ahead to the 21st century and my reflection on politics-its place in our spiritual walk and thinking in my own personal life. It's different - profoundly.



I will say that I have grown weary of "the news." I am tired of hearing about polls - their validity vs. distortion. The on-going rationalization from people as to why we should be looking at a particular candidate from a particular perspective. Oh, and one of my particular favorites "he's lying!"



Well - now that I am a ripe 45 year-old husband, father and U.S. citizen that has a mind of his own and desires spiritual "stuff" in my life and for people to discover spiritual "stuff" in their own lives my perspective has a different slant. I honestly believe that we Christians can not let whomever our fearless leader of the United States may be dictate our faith, beliefs and relationship with God. As a point of historical reference - we see (at least in the printed records) Christians much stronger in their walk with God during periods of trials and struggles. Scriptures speak of how our faith is manifested through our response to "hard times" whatever they may be.


Talking this morning with a co-minister we pondered many a thought on this issue. In John 19 and the first part of verse 11 Jesus is speaking to Pilot, after being arrested and taking to him - Jesus says: "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above..." Matthew Henry comments on this verse in this way: "As reminding him that his power in general, as a magistrate, was a limited power, and he could do no more than God would suffer him to do. God is the fountain of power; and the powers that are, as they are ordained by him and derived from him, so they are subject to him. They ought to go no further than his law directs them; they can go no further than his providence permits them."


Now most will view Matthew Henry as a conservative theologian and thus my reason for using his quote. God is in control - irregardless of the head poobaaa of the United States' views on issues and society. Our ability to have an authentic personal relationship with God should not be determined by anyone else.


So, though I am tired of the news - I am going to try and not let it dictate my daily walk and desires within my spiritual life and what it brings to me and those that I come into contact with on a regular basis. Scriptures teach it's not healthy. I pray I can learn something today!

Impacts of People - Don Martin

Have you even had one of those people come in-and-out of your life that just seems to leave a significant impact but - you just can't seem to put a finger on "why" they are leaving that impact? Then - the light bulb comes on. Well, Don Martin is one of those people for me. Don was my Chemistry teacher in High School (class of '81), he was a coach in Football, Basketball, Golf and probably others. In educational circles Don completed his little 50+ year stint as the superintendent of schools here in Brownwood. He hired people and placed them into positions that would eventually lead to the Brownwood ISD being one of the most recognized districts, not only for sports but specifically in educational instruction in the State of Texas. After retiring from education he (and his wife Betty w/ other partners) proceeded to invest what was probably a sizable amount of money into our historic downtown district in the area of fine visual arts. Then after a period found out that he had cancer in the brain.

The impact for me (other than the obvious) clicked today as I attended his memorial service, read the scriptures he loved and taught, sang the music of the church he enjoyed and listened to stories and impacts that he was a part of and made. Don lived his faith in ways that were subtle but obviously very significant. One does not often get to meet genuineness in the form of people on this earth that have invested in one's life (and others) in those formative early adolescent years as well as transitional adult years in positive and productive ways. Don Martin was one of those people.

I left the service today inspired to be an honest, authentic man of faith that desires to let the Spirit use him. Now, there is a legacy. Thank you Don!

Cool Weather & Soup

It is October in Texas and that usually means you do not know what the weather will be from day to day. I know that last night we received 2.5 inches of rain and I did not even see rain in the forecast. I looked forward today (via my iPhone weather planner) and noticed that on Sunday the high temperature is to be 69 degrees. I am ready for soup! Thursday I am preparing our Women's Lunch meal that will include a potato soup with cheese, scallions and fresh veggies from a chicken broth base. Where has the year gone?

Jim Brickman and Weddings

I get the privilege of playing at my sister-in-law's wedding this weekend. She has given me freedom to select the music literature for the event. She also provided some selections she loves (at my request) by Jim Brickman. I must say I have a similar simplistic style of playing as Mr. Brickman though I obviously am not on the same "playing field" so-too-speak.

So, I got my iphone out (as close as I will probably get to a Mac) and downloaded a rump-full of selections from Mr. Brickman. As I was going through some old post - this music in the background, I found myself pictured in a soap opera, you know with the music playing upon every dramatic moment. Give this a try - find some of Brickman's music (I have provided a sample here) and look through some old photographs. You'll feel the love - I promise. Oops! Now I sound like a politician. What could you do with 700 BILLION? I just have to go now!!!!

Satan's Candy Bar

On my way home from this past Weekend in Dallas my plans included meeting up with my daughter Erica for a bite of dinner as she was traveling back to UNT and I on to Brownwood. I was up early (6:30) for the first session of the day and missed breakfast for obvious reasons. Then wanting to get away just a touch early from the TASB conference I skipped lunch, went to another session and headed out. I was STARVING - I found a bag of these mini-Heath bars, a candy from my teen years and I was hooked. I could not stop eating them, on and on and on and on!!!!! By the time I reached the restaurant for dinner I had consumed well over half of the bag. The chicken-taco-salad I was eating was not going to compensate for the 10,000 calories (my estimate) I had nibbled through.

I was engulfed by fear to get on the scales Sunday morning - I just knew I had allowed the Prince of Darkness to infiltrate me. Three (3) POUNDS!!! In a matter of three days and after being rather attentive to eating - 3 POUNDS! I am on a cleanse now. My sister-in-law's wedding is in four days and I am determined to lose the 3 + 4 more.

Why am I so vain???????????

Well this is something!

My good friend Paul Irby has a blog - though his post at times may be few and far between (he has a specific post about this dynamic) and he is on a delicate romp about this one and I must say that I agree with him. It is well worth a read and research. with a daughter that has talked of ministry within churches I have started seriously researching the issue of women in ministry from a Biblical-Historical view point. My extended family (on my wife's side) have so many women gifted and used of God I often wonder and find myself pondering how they might be used if more evangelical Christians viewed women in ministry a bit differently.

I will not rail on Lifeway Stores here - I'll let Paul do that for me. I will say this that Paul is a very well-educated West Texas Baptist Boy (his entire life) that lives in Abilene. Check Paul Irby out here.

Variety!!!!

This week is going to be one of the most variety-oriented weeks of the year for me. A bit like my television viewing. I will readily admit that unless I am watching an episode of "Seinfeld" for the 40th time or "I Love Lucy"- either would not be uncommon for me, I have to really "watch" or do the Tivo pause thing when necessary to really get the gist of what is taking place. Tonight's TV viewing included the ending of a Hepburn movie (Jill's favorite time in front of the TV) then "Dancing With the Stars," "Prison Break" and "Boston Legal." None of these final four have excessive redeeming qualities but they do get my mind off of the day to day thoughts that will engulf my thinking process.

The "variety" I referenced in my title this week includes; my paid gig (church work) topped with a 50's variety kick-off party (complete with sock-hop dancing, hot-rod cars, watermelon seed-spitting and Dr. Pepper drinking contest) for our churches' campaign - 40 Days of Community event. This event is simply defined as a time for us as a church community to see/experience how we as a family of faith can accomplish our spiritual lives better together. I will also attend a state-wide school board convention in Dallas, help cast 50 in our community musical production of The Sound of Music, pray for my daughter who collapsed in a 5k run in Dallas this past weekend (and ended up at Baylor Medical Center's emergency room) and seriously review the needs of our historic downtown district here in Brownwood. And to top it off I have been taking a rather humorous trip down memory lane looking through old high school pictures of plays and school friends then posting them to a class web site while having a spirited email conversation with a great friend from my teen year's job at Burger King. All in a week!?! There is a great deal going on - but at least I am not in a funk today. Go figure!

Growing-Spiritually

Donna Posey has a most interesting post from last Thursday (that I just now read.) Over the past couple of weeks it seems as though I have just been in a "funk" in regards to spiritual stuff happening in my life. I certainly have a desire for something spiritual and actually even long for it but, there is just something that I can not put my finger on. I guess Donna's post has got me thinking along with another friend of mine John Henson. John seems to be in a place that really deals with the "living our life" indulging in spiritual actions stuff. Rick Davis also has an approach that I often find my self looking at and (though it almost always takes me multiple reads) getting some good stuff. But all of that to say this: Yesterday during our worship we sang a song entitled "You Are" by Mark Roach.
I had a comment from one in the service that "Morning Star" (referenced in the song) was a common name for Satan (found in Isaiah.) I giggled, then looked up the Revelation reference 22:16 - and had a little text-message conversation with him about the song and the "morning star" lyrics. WOW finally challenging myself on something spiritual and it is this?
Growing Spiritually - I just don't believe that we can simply give a common phrase or saying to bring some one out of this state of being or lack there of. Moving forward in our spiritual life has to be a choice-process-intentional to see growth and significance.

Lacking Motivation-Still

This is a bit odd to be to be posting and experiencing the subject at hand. But I will just admit it!!! I am really lacking motivation here lately. Last night as I had just completed preparing some Cheesy Crusted Potato Casserole, Buttery Corn-on-the-cob, tossed-salad, fresh-cut watermelon and home-made banana puddin' (and I do enjoy meal preparation) for the 100+ people to eat I noticed I had not even secured servers, clean-up help etc.... Some people jumped right in (thanks Audrey & Jennifer) but still - this is a problem. I had made all my preparations for worship band rehearsal - but it was still the same-ole, same-ole. My desk is full but my motivation is weak. I don't dislike anything I am doing - I just don't want to do it right now. Maybe it's the rain - hurricane, oh well! Hope this is an encouraging blog for you as surely (I know - don't call me "surely") your day can not be more frustrating than this!

Small Towns

This is kind of hard to articulate but Brownwood (pop 20,000) is consider a small town and especially so when you think that the nearest "large" town-Abilene is 70+ miles away and their population is just over 100,000. We are definitely very rural. I sometimes think what it would be like to have remained in the large cities in which we use to live; Denver, Wichita, Birmingham, Ft. Lauderdale, Toledo and of course Sweetwater (to be exempted from the large city threshold.) This morning after getting up at 5:30 AM to prepared and take my son to marching band rehearsal - I scooted off to have our vehicle (pictured) put into the vehicle hospital. As it approaches 170,000 miles this is to be expected but-as we are only one or two payments away from a debt free vehicle I don't mind the occasional several-hundred-dollar repairs that are needed to keep it in good working order.

What I appreciated more than anything this morning was that I took my car in - was greeted by name, and proceeded to have a seat (waiting for Jill to pick me up) then have some great conversation with people that knew me from early childhood and just loved my parents. We talked about the amazing 6" rain during the span of an hour that we received at the lake last night and how good it was for the lake to get those kinds of downpours. Brad walked in and another conversation took place as he wanted to help us get a kid-jumpy-thing for a big event we are having at church later this month - and he doesn't even go to our church. After Jill arrived we headed out to get some breakfast (a very rare occasion for us) at a local non-national-chain restaurant and had additional varying conversations just as above with more people.

There is something really fulfilling today about getting to minister in a small town, knowing people and loving just where God has placed you for His purpose.

Thinking about Labor Day

I often wonder how my parents "did it!" You know - working, raising kids, working, going to church, working, fixin' the car, working, cleaning the house, working, loving their kids, working, visiting family, working, having a life!! I think you get my drift. After lamenting not being with our oldest on his birthday - Jill and I decided that we would like to take a quick trip to Denton, see their new home and treat them to lunch with us. Being that I work on Sunday and we determined to do this two-days prior to the Sunday, we left after the morning worship services. Stayed at a great hotel, Hyatt Regency, north of the Metroplex that has all those little bells and whistles that you just don't find at the LaQuinta. You know - a great big fluffy bed with HD wide-screen TV - a breakfast buffet to die for and a nice little workout room (that I actually utilized.) Now, between the drivin' and the eaten' and the visitin' I am exhausted. I even attempted to take a nap on the journey home as Jill and Dylon wanted to shop a bit at a mall. It was hotter than blazes in the parking lot and the kid-yelling-filled conversion van that pulled along side of me in the parking lot did not help my disposition any. I went in the mall - got myself one of those fabulous hot cookies and a Diet Coke and shopped with the family.

Oh well - I am picking myself up today, eating a breakfast burrito (thus the reason for the picture) and getin' er done! When was Labor Day?

A Slower Day - Emerging

Donna Posey has written a super little brief on the broo-ha of the Emerging Church debate. I will admit that my "in" box has slowed on the "emerging" thing and been replaced by someone begging for money for John McCain and for the Republicans to seize the moral ground.

I did watch with great interest Barack Obama's speech last night and as intently this morning listen to Governor Palin. I believe the presidential race has gotten interesting in new ways.

For the first day in six weeks I do not have anything pressing in an unhealthy way. I am sure that some of you that may read this will differ on my need to give something attention, either way - I have had a moment to think.

My Oldest Turns 22

Well, time marches on! How is that for a cliche? I am proud of all my kids Jill and I have been blessed with great kids that pay attention to their spiritual life and know that their relationship to God is a top priority. Dexter, our oldest turns 22 tomorrow, August 27 (the one in pink in the pic). We are not going to get to see him (which will be a first I believe in 22 years)and I am finding that a bit tough. I did have an extended discussion with him today via facebook and we finally found a way to get a present to him in a 24 hour period and 180 miles distance but it is just not the same. He continues to invest his life in to ministry work at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas and by his own words "loves" what he does. What more can a parent ask of God for their kids. I am blessed!

Inspirational Youth

As I look over the years and review "stuff" from time to time I am noticing a distinct trend. That I am getting older and I find it often energizing (within a certain context) to be around younger more mature youth. A good example of this is this past Sunday at church. Howard Payne is back in session and that always finds us with between 30-40 college students in our services in addition to our normal crowd. Now we are consider a demographically young church with the vast majority of people in attendance on a Sunday below the 30 year-old age group. So, this dynamic with the addition of Tim Stary (the one on the left in the photo)being the Teaching Pastor this Sunday really added a different youthful dynamic. To watch and worship by students willing to worship and praise however they are comfortable, listening and hearing the snickers at remarks by a youthful speaker of the Word is just inspirational. I pray as I get older that I do not get too out-of-touch with what this up-and-coming generation love and bring to the church community.

The college kids in the picture are from our Doer's Ministry to a city housing project. Every week a team of people prepare sack lunches for the residents that otherwise might go a couple of days with a solid meal. Once again, just inspirational to see their eagerness to invest their lives for others.

Warren Obama McCain

I watched (actually bounced - TiVo between this and the olympics, etc) Rick Warren interview Barrack Obama and John McCain this past week. I wanted to read some non-biased reviews of the event and found one via John Henson-Wondering Thoughts at Salon.com. I was fascinated at the entire process as well as the interviews themselves. In our Deep South island we tend to live on - Warren has taken quite-a-few jabs at even having someone like Obama in the church building. Personally I find this baffling. I wonder what we are so afraid of in our Christian circles. If our minds and beliefs can be "swayed" or "duped" by listening to anybody our walk has to be pretty shallow. I personally believe that our faith in Jesus Christ and what He brings to our lives is strengthened by diversity and opened minds. Let us all hold hands, kiss and bask in the love!! OK - maybe I just quoted a Coke commercial - but maybe you get my drift.

Lucille Ball and the Heimlich

I love my wife and one of the most enjoyable traits she possess is the "Lucille Ball Episode" dynamic. You need to know quickly that I really admired Lucille Ball her skills as an actress and the sheer sense of presence that she exuded. Jill loves our dogs (Amos and Grizzly) very much. Often when she gets home she will take them for a walk to the lake through the 200 acre woods, fish with them frolic around looking and pointing out all the deer etc. She loves to create and tell stories to them during the journey through the woods and these are stories that end up having a life of their own and get retold many times over. Grizzly, a mutt of a dog that is very attached to Jill (even though he is technically Dylon's dog) and will protect her or at least give the impression of wanting to protect her and upon her arrival in the drive will run up to her anxious to partake in the "treat" of the day. It has not been uncommon for Jill to purchase some McD's burgers specifically for him on her drive home. (To Jill's credit and Grizzly's waistline this particular trait has ceased.) Last Friday the above home arrival was taking place and Jill had a doggy bone ready for Griz and she swung open her car door and proceeded to toss a bone to Griz. He caught it (via the mouth not his hands) but quickly began to show signs of distress and Jill ran to him in order to help. She sensed that he was choking and began to attempt Heimlich via his throat. Now I don't know how many dogs you have heimliched - as for me the number would be "zero." But I don't know the place for the Heimlich to start would be the throat. She was a bit distressed that he would not let her continue the maneuver and to make an all ready too long story shorter - the bone came up and everyone is happy. I so wish that a camera would have been on the short moments of this interaction - to see Jill wrapping her hands around Grizzly's throat to dislodge the needed obstruction is a very humorous story for me and one of those beautiful - Lucille Ball moments.

Glad,Tired & Frustrated

Here I am in my office on a Sunday at 3:00 in the afternoon. Now, as a general rule this is not normal for me though "normal" over the past 6 weeks is certainly subjective. When you combine my church work (paid gig) in with my community service/involvement and then a little family stuff in between it has been very hectic. As I write this now I will complete a fairly intensive 6 weeks following our final performance of "The Jungle Book." I am GLAD that I have been able to invest time, energy and ability into the past weeks endeavors and many of those endeavors have been fruitful. I am TIRED as my body fights off a summer cold and allergies which tend to rear its head when my body is physically tired. I am FRUSTRATED at what I have not been able to accomplish over the summer months - with the fall just around the corner and so much potential setting in the wings several areas that really needed attention about 4 weeks ago are now in a "do what we can" mode. I was reading a blog from Donna Posey in which she quoted her husband, Andy: "there is no need to pole vault over mouse turds." Now, I don't know about you - but I needed that!!!!!

Levity for Tuesday

My current schedule (and I must admit is of my own doing) is absolutely crazy. Jungle Book is this week at church, University students begin arriving in town next week, our church is preparing for 40 Days of Community, we are remodeling a house for our youth/student ministry (to be completed in two weeks), Dylon has started Band and still working, our Senior Pastor is out of town and Jill and I desperately want to go on a cruise with our Sunday School class in January but I am too worried about my daughter's tuition bill (due in two weeks) to make the reservation.

So, I needed some levity and this was the result!

Happy Things!

Well, I got up this morning tired and that is never a healthy way to start your morning. But, I took my vitamins and allergy pills, got a shower then listen to some scripture on the way into town and am feeling so much better. I started pondering the good things in my life, wonderful wife, great kids, super church with a great community of friends. Then after a quick peek at my email I received an email of encouragement from a friend of 25+ years ago. Go figure - FACEBOOK strikes again. I know I'm getting older but I am truly amazed at this online community thing. I have also lost 21 pounds - that has to make me feel better, only 74 to go and I am at the world's ideal weight for me. I'm giggling now so I'll leave you with that!

iPhone how and why?

I will admit I am crazy busy and am in a period where it will not end for at least several weeks. So I find myself having to "suck it up" and move forward trying to get "stuff" accomplished. But my iPhone, which I love has decided to not accept voice mails which means I either have to answer EVERY phone call or, heaven forbid, call every one back. As I was leaving the office today for my 7th meeting in less than two days I realized that I did not have my phone and turn the vehicle around, ran into the office and thought to myself (out loud) and asked how we (the American people) became attached to our cell phones like they were the index finger of our dominant hand!?! Our ministry assistant agreed with the verbal outburst!

Well - I got to get going, that forging ahead thing, but I'll leave you with this inspirational thought as I listen to a jazz clarinet (from my iPhone) play "Just a closer Walk" - Are you ready, here it is: "This too, shall pass!"

The Jungle Book - minus Salsa!

Well, I have not blogged in a several days but I did get past the Salsa Festival and then our special "Throwback" service at church. People responded beautifully to this eclectic grouping of old hymns, praise and worship music and testimonies of people investing in their spiritual lives and reaping beautiful rewards from the investment. Now - our children's musical - The Jungle Book. I am so fortunate to have a tremendous team working on this project. We have about 30 kids and 40 parents and associates helping with this production. And, as I think about it - they have all devoted hours upon hours during the summer months to see this to fruition.

Ya know, I love investing time in my kids and I can honestly say that I am the better for it. In a few years we'll see what my kids think about this "investment" on my part.

Something Simple

We are having what we have affectionately called a "Throwback Service - Kicking It Old School" service this week at church. We have provided those who want an opportunity to tell us about songs/scriptures that have been powerful to them over the years and we are developing a service around this component. I have been amazed at some of the variety of "old school" stuff that has been presented. Dylon said to me "are we going to get to hear some old Stephen Curtis Chapman stuff?" I kinda had to rethink a bit to get to where we are getting on this service. It has been fascinating to read scriptures that have played significant roles in the people's lives and why they have made this impact. I have not got to the last song of the service yet but I will say this - this video I have linked of Jeff Deyo leading "Bless The Lord" (not an old-school song" helps me to focus on the Christian life in worship though simple and maybe a bit redundant for some - well, it just works for me.

24 Years

On Sunday, Jill and I celebrated our 24th anniversary and yes we went to church, had lunch with friends (my mom's Sunday lunch was not available due to their little trip to Colorado) and last night we went to see Mama Mia. I had not seen the Broadway Show and so my expectations were minimal but over all it was ok - other than hearing Pierce Brosnan sing, that was just disturbing. But, I digress this is not a blog about Mama...or Pierce it is about my beautiful wife. She has grown more beautiful over the years and I am still amazed that she puts up with me, at least most of the time. Jill loves her kids and has been a great mom and works hard on our home and to help pay for it! What more can a man ask? She rarely, if ever reads this blog so I posted a recent pic of her - just to help prove my point! I love her and look forward to 25+ years ahead.

Coldplay

Well, this is a new group to me (no need to tell me how "out of touch" I may be) and Erica expressed to Dylon that she wanted to take him to a Coldplay concert. So, being the nosey father I am I found some music and video and wow, I really like them. From what I can tell I like their newer stuff a little better than some of the older stuff. Well, Tim (one of the pastor's here at Southside) just came in a chided me about not knowing this group. Oh, well I'll always say, "I never know enough." Tim did say that the lead singer grew up in Christian circles. Good stuff!

Thinking Out Loud Here

I was reading a blog from my friend Jeff at consumingworship.com (link to the right here) and he has articulated some thoughts I have struggled with for years. Why is it so easy for us to point out the "faults" we find in others. At times it just becomes second nature to some people to begin railing, dissecting and literally condemning individuals/groups/segments/etc. etc...... In my devotion time this morning there was a quote from an unknown source: "The gospel is like a lion. It doesn't need to be protected, it needs to be turned loose." - What does this mean, at what level can we apply this thought?



Having discovered Facebook - (my daughter has accused me now of cyber-stalking) and am finding friends from long ago, reconnecting in ways I would never have dreamed. But, at the same time is has taking me back to a period of my life when I discerned scripture and spirituality different than today. This has to be expected in a growing, maturing Christian walk - but still the revisit can really make one think!

My schedule is full - I either have to buckle down and git-er-done or throw up the hands. I'll try the buckle-down thing first. I'll let you know how this works out!

Time - Family - Friends

Well I have discovered a new love this week - Facebook! I know that I am often slow to the table (though my mid-section doesn't necessarily show this) but this connection with friends, family and people from the past is just amazing. I have found myself more-than-once spending over an hour at a time viewing friends pictures, reading their blogs seeing their families/friends sometimes after not talking with them for years and years. I now get what reporters talk about when they speak of this "connection" through the WWW.

Tomorrow Erica will be speaking at her church. It is a youth day and as a church they are taking a moment to hear from, pray for and be fed by the youth ministry of their church. I have always been proud of my little girl - but there is this extra little lump in the throat today.

Time - where has it gone? My blogging has been sporadic (you have read some of the reason) and I hope next week sees some release of the time sensitive pressures that have existed this week. Maybe after Wednesday, oops - that is half of next week. I need to get to some yard work.

Too much stuff!

Well, I am back and working on not being overwhelmed. I am co-directing an "Arts In The Park" event in our fair city. This is a great opportunity for kids from 3 different neighborhoods of varying socioeconomic status to get some quality music, visual arts, theatre and dance instruction. I am so grateful to our local Arts Council for funding this project. Anyway - it is taking several hours a day on top of a standard, get-back-from-vacation filled desk. This Sunday evening at church we are having a leadership appreciation dinner and time of inspiration for the coming year. Just some additional preparation needed. I have uploaded some pics of our trip to Houston. Enjoy, at whatever level!?!

Here is a quote today from my daily Bible reading today:

Love more persons more--love them more impersonally, more unselfishly, without thought of return. The return, never fear, will take care of itself.
-Henry Drummond

I'm Back

Well, my dreams of posting while away just need to be put to bed. It did not happen and I am back home, rested and so appreciative for the chance to be away from the daily "stuff" and spend time with Dylon and Jill. Dylon and I spent the day on Wednesday at NASA, how so very interesting. I wish we had taken the opportunity to have our kids to see this place when they were itty-bitty. It was just inspirational.
We headed back to Brownwood on Thursday (Dylon wanted to work - go figure) and Jill and me were able to head to Dallas on Thursday - late afternoon. We had a great hotel and enjoyed our time together. At least half of our time was spent with Erica and Dexter and we always enjoy those times. We never rushed for anything which is so very unusual for me and my phone only rang one time with Brownwood stuff. Just odd.
Today we had the privilege to be guests at Erica's church. The pastor spoke on taking a vacation from being judgemental. I had never heard this perspective and it was good. I'll blog about this in the future - but certainly a refreshing twists while remaining very contextual and biblical. Pictures will come later and I look forward to work tomorrow - how often can you say that in the middle of the summer!?!

Road Trip Day 2

We started out a little slow, but on trips like this - does is really matter? Our hotel is directly beside a "Buck Fee" usually known as a Starbuck Coffee. As Dylon slept in I took a moment(s) to just continue trying to decompress - not an easy trait for me. I am seeing this as a more and more important component as time passes. ON with the trip - we were up and out of the hotel by 10:30 and off to get some sun screen (something not used by my body in several years +) and some water for the beach. With a quick trip through the Jack In The Box (we always select places to eat that do not exist in Brownwood) and being very proud of myself for selecting the fajita pita (12 grams fat with a whole-wheat pita and fresh veggies) we headed south to the Gulf. The late morning-afternoon was great. Watching the birds dive into the ocean, Dylon building sand-castles and just sitting and thinking and for a period of time sleeping. My body feels the places that were missed with the 50 SPF - part of my need to get back into yoga! We got back to the hotel around 6:00 freshened up and headed to The Main Event. This place is huge and with the Michael Jackson, Cher and yes some hot little mid-70's Disco videos screaming over the black-light drench bowling alley complete with computer screens for scoring purposes it was an enjoyable evening. We also got to play some of Jill's favorite game "skee ball." I have pictures but some issues with this computer is prohibiting their posting.

Because of the nature of this trip and timing I chose today to do a word search on "rest" during my Bible time and Matthew 11: popped up along with this reading for me 28 "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. 29 Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. 30 Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." I do not believe that I am "worn" or "burned-out" on religion - but the entire chapter was interesting and at the very least so applicable to so much within my realm of influence. If you have a chance I would love some feedback on this chapter.

Road Trip

Every year (at least for the last 4) Dylon and I have taken a "road trip" for lack of a better phrase to get away as father and son, not spend too much money and just, well - chill. We are on this journey now. We have settled on Houston and that area as our destination this year and we will shorten the trip due to Dylon's job and the economy. On the way here yesterday it was tough to just get out of town and the previous day's job calling had me at church from 7AM until 9PM (with about hour and half at home for lunch.) Today we will head to Galveston and the beach (please do not try to visualize anything here - just disturbing) and maybe see some sights. I'll try to blog tonight about this (without the beach photos!)
I have always loved these time with Dylon and wish I had had the ability to do this with my other two.

Admitting Something Here

This picture is from the 2007 Creative Arts Conference at Willow - for whatever reason I did not get one of her this year. Nancy Beach, one of the Teaching Pastors at Willow Creek and oversees the Creative Arts Ministry there was my favorite speaker of the week. From her text in Psalm 40 she took a moment to focus on "He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud" then proceeded to have us critically analyze where we were in our ministry and life. Though I do not always open myself up during messages I wrote and entire page of "stuff." Today as I took a moment to do some "reviewing" of our time I have once again been challenged from the conference. Our senior pastor often encourages us to journal and write down transformational moments in our life. I have to admit this is not a strong point for me - but as I review this page of my notes from the conference - the entire page rings true to me a week later. Getting honest with our self can be difficult as we often try to rationalize other's response to our words, work and life. You know what I mean, blaming my current state on others especially the failures. Letting God "lift me out of the ditch" as He did David might just be the ticket to something extra special He has for me. My pit may not be as severe as the struggles many are going through right now and I so do not want to minimize other's issues like cancer, separation, loneliness, emotional depression and the list could go on. I just want to let God do the work in me He wants to do and not get in the way.

She also made another "dead on" statement for ministers. We need to be careful not to do "ministry" out of "memory." Oops!

Get to See ALL My Kids

Well, I am excited! All my kids are going to be home this weekend-though not all of them for the entire weekend. It is kinda a belated Father's Day thing. Dexter told us that he has decided to save gas and drive only 60mph now. Jill started giggling on the phone when he told us this and then she proceeded to tell us of this car here in Brownwood that has big letters with green shoe polish on the back windshield some words with the driver's intent obviously to save fuel. The now infamous letters of shoe polish said (if you are "language-sensitive" skip the next line) "get off my ass, I'm saving gas!" How appropriate - now, I am gonna go have some Italian cuisine with my kids!

Just before I leave you - I must apologize! I was just re-reading some of my recent post and noticed many, many grammatical issues happening. I am a bit challenged on correcting these post and though mortified believe I might just have to live with this embarrassment. Oh well, off to the Italians!

Sometimes You Need a Parade!

I was writing this early in a post to my cousin-in-law whom is in the midst of a busy and emotionally difficult week. I lamented how I can relate at some level as my desk is completely covered in layers of paper and work to accomplish and is now spilling onto my floor as I rationalize this behavior as a means of compartmentalizing my life. Then as if a lightening bolt hit me in the head I received a phone call saying "Eric, are you coming to the parade?" I remembered that I was driving our little community train in the annually Juneteenth Celebration Parade and I was off. I'm back in the office now, still covered with all this "stuff" but feeling much better. I guess sometimes we just need a parade!

How is that for wisdom!?!

Success At Communication

On the last day of the conference in Chicago we had the opportunity to hear Dr. Richard Allen Farmer speak. I feel like it would take me days to write only his "high points" within a list of accomplishments so I will give you a couple, maybe three and have you Google his name if you would like more. He is a pianist (accomplished, I heard for myself), a twin and a teacher of teachers/communicators. During the conference I had the privilege of attending one of his break-out session on "Putting the Pieces Together" which was simply two hours of frantic note-taking from me on great ways to creatively get a "thought" across to one's audience. Here are some bullets from his message on the last day of the conference as he was speaking to 3,500+ mostly creative artists within church ministries from across the country.

• Refuse to narrowly define yourself


• Constantly welcome diversity in you life


• Work hard at being able to communicate what is in your heart


• Know when not to take "no" for an answer


• Don't be afraid to live in the cloud of the sweet mystery of art and love

This man knows how to communicate - what a treat it was to hear and learn from him.

Chicago Trip

I just love this opportunity that I along with some of our worship team members were able to attend the Creative Arts Conference this year at Willow Creek in Chicago. Willow Community Church is a dynamic group of people that average 26,000 each weekend and share Christ with a passion and work hard at helping those in need. I could go on here but that is enough of this church.

This conference started off with Nancy Beach, one of the teaching pastor's at the church speaking from Psalm 40:1-10 and just challenging us to recognize how blessed we are in our ministry and exhorting us in our worship to Christ. We also heard Brian McLaren (this was a very interesting interview) and then Gilles Ste-Croix of Circa de Soleil (hope I got that right.) For me it was very inspirational. Right now I am over-my-head in work to get accomplished but I'll blog about some of the sessions - most of them just marvelous, darling!

Father's Day!

It has been awhile! I did not realize how tired I would be during the trip to Chicago and as you noticed - updates were non-existent. I write about the trip tomorrow but today - it's Father's Day. The pic is of my dad at the dinner table - traditional Sunday lunch with Braised-Roasted Beef with mashed potatoes, corn, hot rolls and gravy - OOOOOH the gravy!! We finished it off with Jill making (from scratch) a fantastic German Chocolate cake. This thing apparently took 3 hours of prep in addition to the baking time. It was wonderful.

My dad - a man of integrity, love and humbleness. What more could a kid ask for? I love him and admire him as much if nor more than any man I know. I am blessed!

Relay for Life

To cap off an amazing week (and busy one too) Jill spent the entire night at Brownwood's Relay for life. Prior to heading to the stadium to walk laps raising money for cancer research we were at the Country Club to see over $90,000 donated to local charities from the Texas Bank Golf Classic. (Jill's company - Guardian Health Care was a major sponsor for the event.) There is just something that is very rewarding when one is able to invest in "things" like this. I am very proud of Jill and all she does to impact our community for the better! She's a keeper!