neverknowsenough

It's Been A Month

2011-01-18T06:19:00.000-08:00

This will be short:

Have heart-attack
Merry Christmas
Happy New Year
Daughter's wedding
Be told by Doctor to slow down after you already feel you are at a crawl.....
Blog

I am so trying not to whine and be like a major-league basketball player from Dallas - but, I continue to struggle with just purposefully not doing "stuff." Here are some thoughts that I believe are worthy of me noting to myself.

Food can taste good with significantly less salt, especially if you pre-plan the preparation and ingredients.
Friends and family want to help accomplish task if you let them.
Laundry always exists.
The dog really does sleep all day.
Wal*Mart is at the top of a hill and all needed items are placed at the rear of the store.
A gallon of milk weighs more than you might think.
Your bank account does not care if you have been ill.
The world around you will continue regardless of your station in life.
Anticipating a particular type of weather just because you iPhone app says too is probably being to presumptuous.
Even TV gets old.

OK - now with all that here is something wise: "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

What Took Place & Why - One WEEK Contemplation part 2

2010-12-22T04:25:00.000-08:00

I have been home for 3 days now and I continue to gain strength and as I affectionately describe my days as "learning that resting thing" I (along with my phone-Nazi wife) have limited my phone calls and interaction with people just to keep my mind clear and help with my reflection on what took place and why it took place. I have not even had a vehicle to drive, seriously!

If you read this blog at any level you know that I am a Christian and hope, pray that you also know my heart and mind are not one of arrogance but a desire to learn and grow in my walk and faith. For over 26 years now I (along with my wife and family) have ministered in churches across the United States in varying capacities. All of the ministries have been blessings to me. For some of these ministries it has taken a bit longer for me to recognize how God used that period in our lives for me and the family to recognize the and learn points from that time. Each ministry has had it's stressful points, most brought on by myself and some directly from the people in the ministry itself - but most often I have dictated that "stress" level. Here in Brownwood much of my reflection over the last 7 days has been "why did I let this happen to me?"

My weight, time investment, self-imposed expectations, management of pressure points and response to each of these issue-points has to be carried by myself. God does not expect us to live up to any human standards only His standard. Now, I will admit that though God provides us with His Word to understand and know those "standards" - humans are still "interpreting" those standards. At this point I do not need someone to say to me "scripture is very clear......." and start ranting on various interpretations of scripture. I am just trying to convey that as we grow in our spiritual walk and faith we have to learn to recognize and respond to God's direction and desires.

It has been a week now since my heart-attack. Last Wednesday my day started early and finished late with me in an CICU at a level of physical pain that is difficult if not impossible for me to describe. As I plan this day - my prayer and anticipation is that it will be vastly different.

Below is good explanation as to what happened with me during the Cardiac Catheterization that took place on Thursday of last week. I also had two stints placed in my heart as well.

The Road Home - Contemplation, part 1

2010-12-20T07:13:00.000-08:00

My daughter ask me this morning what was I going to do today - after I indicated "nothing" she told me I should start to journal some - so here I am getting back in the groove. If you have been out of my loop last Wednesday (January 15) I had a heart-attack (the doctor considered it "light") and my world has changed! Like it or not!

Wednesday evening about 5:30 p.m. I found myself lying on the floor in my office after serving about 60 meals and having a day filled with frustration (I had even told Jill earlier in the day that I was stressed from compounding issues) rationalizing the physical pain that was filling my body. As I reflect, I know that I was thinking "this is just gas" and "I really need a massage to help this hurting back" and "two years ago my doctor told me that I was having issues with acid reflux and that the symptoms were very similar to heart attacks," "I really don't want to alarm people," "I need to get these carolers out the door," "why is there a toilet outside one of the rental houses," "I need to make arrangements to get the kitchen cleaned," "I need to lose weight," "the Sunday services are nowhere near ready," "I still need to get a family to light the advent candle," "what about the ferns outside the office doors - they need to be replaced," "I need to get the jazz band secured for my daughter's wedding in three weeks," "this food issue at the reception are ridiculous," "I really need to have a long conversation with Alan (our new Lead Pastor) about the calendar for the spring and all of 2011" and the list could go on and on and on. Needless to say with some powerful persuasion from some very loving yet determined individuals I was helped to a vehicle - off to the Brownwood Regional Medical Center and in the Emergency Room and eventually landed at Abilene Regional Medical ICU for three days and five total days in the hospital.

My wife (whom I love even more today than seven days ago - and whom I affectionately now call the "phone-Nazi") lovingly completely restricted my phone and Internet access as well as consistently with a firm tone indicated to me that I was going to slow down. So many have shown their prayers, love, support, help and reflections it is really overwhelming to me as I read through them.

During the same week my younger brother was having some significant out-patient surgery that would put him down for just over a week. So much, so quickly and compacted that as I began my journey home (I affectionately call the "Hundred-Acre Woods") it really seems surreal. Thus my posting of that picture above will now help me to know that this was not a dream and I do have to make some changes - like it or not!

What Does a Christian Look Like?

2010-10-21T12:37:00.000-07:00

The picture here is from our Church marquee sign. Over the past year's of being in full-time ministry every once-in-a-while I fall right into something that really catches my attention spiritually. Something that is a bit hard to describe and... being a believer of the Trinity I just chalk it up to the Holy Spirit doing something, speaking to me, trying to get my attention over something. I posted this particular pic on my Facebook wall with the statement "amazed at how many phone calls and emails we have received from this sign" and yet another string of comments were received. Here is a bit of a sampling from them.

that's awesome
lol
please don't take it down because of those who think God only loves those who are better at hiding their sin
Eric, It is so nice you have a church that fully accepts you!! LOL...no I read the other day where a church put their info and the phrase..."Give our church a shot!" on shot glasses and hit the bars one night inviting folks to church!!.
one of the best posts I've seen all day
Well, I will be driving by asap!
That sign will probably show up on Leno or something! I look forward to your next sign change!
Figured you would get some bad stuff from this as most Christians around Brownwood are prudes and do not show the love of Christ! You need to put up Jesus Loves Homosexuals! haha! I like what Gandhi said sometimes..He said I like your Christ...but you Christians I do not like!
on top of it...and I will never understand this is why "Sunday" Christians think it is some type of sin to have a sense of humor. The word LAUGHTER is in the Bible countless times and besides, JESUS does love strippers. The Bible says nothing can separate you from the love of GOD.

We went ahead and left the sign up for an additional week and this led to some additional feedback not quite as supportive of the sign's utilization with this particular phrase. The sign is coming down today not because a few have had concerns - it's just time. But, I am still trying to wrap my mind around how different Jesus looks within the Christian family of faith community.

I am in a Thursday morning Bible study with a group of guys and one of the men from the group today emailed a link to a blog site here and he quotes Edward Hays "If we are to experience God, we must be open to God, to the mystical, to the divine, appearing in our lives. And we must have an openness that is free of any preconditions about how that will happen. looking for God in the godly form is the great historical mistake."

I do know this - there are so many out there that struggle with some of what I consider some of the simplest concepts of Christianity. They have difficulty believing that people who live by some clearly defined scriptural guidelines would not be judging them as a person regardless of their activity and though...... they are clearly not in favor of the activity itself. I could continue down this road that is certainly winding with divergent exit roads to various scriptural topics but I'll just stop here and say. Jesus loves everyone, regardless! Even strippers!

Home Alone

2010-08-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

It's Friday night in Central Texas and at 7:52 p.m. it is still 81 degrees with enough humidity for it to feel like 88. This after the high today had to be over 100. Jill is out of town tonight on work related stuff and being the empty-nesters that we are - here I am, home alone. Television viewing is pretty thin in the early days of August on a Friday night. I have reviewed all of my Facebook friends status updates, paid all the bills, read the online version of USA Today and the New York Times (at least looked at the pictures), actually cleaned the guest bathroom, ran the vacuum, texted some good friends that are fighting a battle with cancer (and winning at this point), played with the dog a bit, made some fresh-brewed iced tea, checked the email multiple times and pondered some of life's mysteries.

Today in an email to our church family and friends I encouraged them to read John chapter 5 in anticipation of the Sunday AM worship service at church. I have looked through, heard preached, and debated this passage many times over the past 25 years of my professional, ministerial life but tonight it is having some freshness to me. I have now encouraged my FB friends to provide some feedback and now you. Do you have some thoughts here?

Finding the Humor!

2010-07-22T19:24:00.001-07:00

Yes it has been awhile - now that we are past that, here it is!

My days over the past 6-7 months have been all over the place. At church one of our Pastor's was led to another ministry and I found myself as the last full-time fella in the place. Then change just became a bit rampant with transitions taking place on an almost weekly basis. Compounding the stress of finding people and their anxiousness over varying thoughts on what is "true" biblical interpretation. Then budget preparations in an economy that is stressed at best layered on top of our last child leaving the little nest and then our 7th performing season at the Lyric has found my ability to multi-task seriously challenged. I will be the first to admit I have not handled this challenge very well. Often late on needed task, many tasks handled and completed in less-than-quality fashion and just simply making some bad decisions.

Well then I found myself with two relatively close associations of people choosing to take their own life, people ravaged and passing from cancer people hurting from the loss of a family member and this seems to have been my life and ministry for just about 6 months. In this week alone I have seen three deaths one of which was my principal from elementary school and seriously - 5 deaths in the last two months. I have even been taking almost 11 days to make a play on Words With Friends and I can not even remember the last time I was at the gym exercising.

Now for the day and the topic of this post. I so love scripture and it's ability to speak truth and confer a sense of peace to believers. Today's reading was from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." As I was trying feverishly today to do some "catching up" I found myself penning some words to a friend that just discovered cancer in her uterus. In my attempts to spell "uterine" (which I am still sure is an actual English word) my spelling kept making me change the word to "Lutheran." Now, I don't know about you but to me that is funny!

As I have re-read this blog it so sounds like a "woe-is-me" post, but that really is not my intent. Everyone has seasons to struggles. These "seasons" look different from person to person and just wanting to get to the next week can be stressful in and of itself. Find the love Paul was referencing. Stop looking over the septic tank to the other side. Pick the daisies and don't just stare at them. And, for Pete's sake (whomever he is) don't watch the weather and happenings in the Gulf.

Next week our family will attempt to take what will more-than-likely be our last family vacation together. Kids are out of the house, Erica is engaged to be married to a great guy this coming January and I am determined to build our house in which I expect to be our last. I'm hoping that we can take a Night-time Segway tour of Haunted Churches, Houses, Old Buildings of downtown San Antonio. (Doesn't that just sound like fun!?!) My prayer today is that I can apply the words the Apostle Paul penned to the church at Corinth - Peace!

Oh, I am so in this particular song!

Patience & Motivation

2010-03-15T09:42:00.000-07:00

This photo shows Dylon (right in the center with the black bibs from his band uniform) just before the Senior Walk during the last home football game of his Senior year in High School.

This year has been packed full of "stuff" and "activities." He has participated in his first High School musical - and played the lead no-less. His basketball team went two-deep into the playoffs and though he was not a starter he still made every practice, bus trip, tournament, etc..... In band his ensemble advanced to state and will rehearse early in the morning and late in the afternoon up until the end of May when they head to Austin. He is taking college Physics which at times is "eating his lunch" academically. His favorite statement to me regarding this Physics class is "I love the application but can't stand the homework and equations!" He is planning on taking a mission trip with the church youth group this summer to Mexico. To say that he is busy is probably an understatement but I have noticed in my short 47 years of life that healthy teenagers tend to find themselves in this time of schedule and "lifestyle."

Dylon, like most people, is now struggling with the final 11 weeks of school. Now, to be completely truthful, it has not been just the final 11 weeks but this entire year. He fights getting his homework completed and for that matter just about anything completed. His "patience" and conversation level is very short and by no-means attempt to question him as to his motives and/or intents because they are his and shouldn't really matter to the masses of people let alone a parent.

As a point - Dylon has been a part of the media ministry at our church for over five years. When issues arise during a worship service as soon as possible we begin to text one another (this goes for all the media personnel) to address issues that need attention. Well - we get to going back and forth with the text messages and the next thing you know I get a text with a link to a website. Out of curiosity I head to the web site via my iPhone and find myself at an Anger Management course. Yes! you read that correctly - Dylon was confident that I needed some professional help and want to play a part in me finding that help. It took me a couple of minutes to stop laughing (on the inside because the service was still happening) then I thought "this boy really lacks some patience!"

Now, as some time has passed and I find myself often in the same predicament. I often want something completed or at least where I can see the "light at the end of the tunnel" and if it doesn't happen quickly my motivation just vanishes. A nice scripture reference comes from Ecclesiastes 7:8 "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride." Now a quick discernment for me on this scripture shows that even God knows that to see or be at the "light at the end of the tunnel" is a good thing but we better be careful in how we get there when it comes to patience and motivation or we could have another serious issue to handle.

So, today I'm gonna stay the course, be even-tempered and take a breath when I just want to be at the "end of the tunnel." Pride and the negatives surrounding that issue is much more difficult to handle than patience.

Random Thoughts

2010-02-04T14:52:00.000-08:00

Here I sit, legs crossed on a set of bleachers in the same high school gym I where I auditioned to be Drum Major in my High School band. Where I remember pep rallies, a few basketball games and one hated semester of Physical Education. Dylon graduates this year from High School. Still can't believe our baby is 18 and making applications to Universities. Also in this same memory pool is Coach Alcorn, a young man that graduated with Dexter, play basketball with him and yes, he is one of the assistant coaches. I know, I know - getting mushy on here tends to happen too often but I just must be in that season of life because every time I turn a corner it begins to happen.

Last week I got my "little." If you are familiar with Big Brothers Big Sisters - the term "little" is used by the "big" (me) to reference their little brother. His name is Joseph and by all outward signs is a great kid. I pray that our family can have a positive impact in this kids life over the next few years. I am really amazed at all of the need that is present in this dynamic in our little town.

Last night we had a discussion forum at church to discuss the Elders in our church. This is new territory for our church family when it comes to church polity and specifically its leadership. It's challenging for our diverse congregation which is generally VERY young (in its age demographic) to adapt to healthy comfort levels. We are a blessed family of faith with very little conflict over the years and though I am a little anxious over this new territory I am also encouraged.

Is this enough randomness for a post? At least it is a post. Blessings!

Down Time & Personalities

2009-12-29T15:49:00.000-08:00

Yes, I realize how long it has been! I will not make this post a small book, promise. Here is a short synopsis of the past four months.

At church we are still short a full-time staff pastor. Though close to 20 part-time staffers are helping and "filling in" where needed stuff still falls upon the remaining two full-time pastors.
I joined and completed a "Quest-12" event to lose weight and begin the journey to get healthy. During this portion of the journey I became friends with some amazing people, lost over 25 pounds and at least have a knowledge of what I need to do to continue my journey.
Got to learn and begin acknowledging that Apple should have a place in this world.
Watched my youngest son complete his last fall semester of High School. This is going to be a tough spring as he is a busy young man and I am loving being a part of his life.
Watched my daughter graduate from the University of North Texas. This was very tough and deserves me penning some thoughts, but I will try to pull myself together and get to this at a later point.
Had the opportunity and am currently experiencing some down time in Estes Park, Colorado with our family and in laws.

Now that last bullet leads to my "title" for this post. I love my in laws and really appreciate them shouldering most of the cost while we are here in this beautiful condo. Over the past few years when we have journeyed this far from Texas we usually fly. When Jill and I started adding up cost and the "Holiday Season" expenses we felt it best to rent a large SUV and just have some great bonding time with our kids for the trip. The large SUV didn't work out (due to an amazingly irritating lack of responsibility on the part of the rental agency) and we made the journey in a "cross-over" vehicle which just made the bonding moments closer and more intimate.

Our family tends to be rather gregarious and though you may find this hard to believe, when I am with the family as a group - I am the quiet one. Times like these really get one to reflect upon all of your life's components. You know; how you raised the kids - are they respectful, do they have manners, are they selfish, when does their level of patience become unhealthy and most of all, can we as a family survive the close confines of a hybrid vehicle for 18 hours (one way)???? We are averaging about 85% but still have the drive home. So, we are a good solid "B" and I am ok with that percentage.

With the oldest (Dexter) now 23 and Erica (turned 21 today) out time apart is relatively extensive. So we get to catch up on their life and likes. Christmas Eve after they finished their services (Dexter had one as late at midnight) they drove through ice and snow to surprise us Christmas morning. During their scary journey - to help stay awake they recorded themselves singing to some Karaoke. Upon listening to these tidbits (which also happen to take place in the barren land of the Texas Panhandle) we laughed until we cried. As a snack for our journey Dylon had purchased some squeeze cheese in which he drew caricatures with the cheese on crackers. Though a bit disturbing as he named each one of them, Dexter took pictures for posterity sake. We heard music that they thrive on and listen to regularly and found ourselves just a little shocked that they literally have thousands of songs on the iPod and/or Zune. Jill laughed her contagious laugh and we basically hooped and hollered for hundreds of miles.

We made it to Estes Park and are enjoying the time. Dexter works in ministry, Erica works in ministry - Jill works very hard and I do what I do. (I realize that previous sentence was horribly structured.) Getting up without a set time rush, exercising without pressure, eating with family each and every meal, sitting and talking, taking little jaunts to see God's creation of the Rockies is relaxing and refreshing. Once again I need to acknowledge that I am a blessed man and relish in all that He has done in my life. May the God of my blessings manifest Himself to you in fresh ways in 2010!

Exercise and Spirituality

2009-09-05T15:20:00.000-07:00

Well today I did something I thought I would never do - entered and completed a 5K. Now, less anyone think I was like a swan flying over the earth - this was not pretty by any one's standard. There was a bit of bribery here because if you entered the event and completed the race you were awarded 30 points for your team in the Quest 12 Challenge. Krista and John knew and know a bit how this peer-pressure works and use it especially in situations that would never be considered (i.e. a 5K "Goat Gallup" run early on a holiday weekend in Brady, Texas!) One should see the varying outfits people will done in public at the races. Very short 1980's-styled shorts were normal and one fella had a shirt obviously too small that came just above his belly-button (and don't forget the low-rider short-shorts) which was just uncomfortable and I desperately wanted to encouraged the "pull down your shirt please" thoughts in my head. Dylon was also running with me and we were in total agreement on this issue. I was anxious (probably and understatement) as thoughts ran through my head, you know; "what are other people going to be thinking with such an out-of-shape guy in this race," "this green shirt really does not highlight the good-points of my figure, " "what if I am the last one across the finish line," "how many people will it take to lift me up into the ambulance," and so on...... We stretched as a group (a comic-moment all by itself) and walked to the starting point. The gun fired and we were off----------20 seconds later I said "the running-trotting or galloping will have to cease" and I began to walk in a brisk pace just as if I were entering Wal*Mart and desperately wanted to get out as quickly as possible. The 20 minutes of running or (you get the drift) put my breathing into a asthmatic-sounding gasping for air. This too subsided as people jogged by me and continued their trek to stardom. There were about 10 of us in the "back-pack" group. I chose to keep that brisk Wal*Mart stride up while most others chose to jog a little the walk. One of the most painful components of this trip were my man-breast (sorry if that offends anyone) and my need for the Seinfeld-"Bro". Enough said about that! The highlight of the entire day was when I saw Dylon (just after I passed the 3K marker) walking back to me after he had already completed the race. Our little posse yelled: "Eric look - manchild (a reference name I use for Dylon on Facebook) is coming to walk with you!" This was such a proud daddy-moment for me. As we passed through the local neighborhood's of Brady, Texas people had chosen to get their favorite lawn chair, sit outside on the cool damp Saturday morning and watch people run in the Goat Gallup. Here I was almost at the end and knowing I could make it just when was I going to hit the "jog" again and finish big??? Dylon, by my side said "start it whenever you are ready dad" and there I went. Going past the finish line, hearing them scream out my time (which I swore was 70 minutes) I honesty thought that I would collapse on the pavement in front of Brady High School's Bulldog football stadium (memories of marching contest from the early 80's again) and need that ambulance. Alas, it was only hugs and cheers and congratulations everyone for accomplishing such a task.

Now I know there this has gone on long enough - but give me a moment here. Here are some thoughts that I am taking away from this event:

To challenge yourself to get healthy is not just a physical event - it is also spiritual.
I honestly believe that God provides some people with the spiritual gift of "encouragement" (no doctrinal post on this please) and within our group Krista, John and Jill (Underwood) have this gift among others.
Your mind goes many places during events of this nature and mine went to my spiritual life and my wife Jill.
All of my kids are wonderful - today my youngest manchild manifested that "wonderfulness" in sharing that crossing with me. A true blessing!

This journey is needed and possible for me - I'm so glad I have determined to do it!

Biggest Loser Brownwood - Quest 12

2009-09-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

Well, the best laid plans.............. My intents were to get back to blogging and the release that I tend to experience when I post here. I just read of Donna's new journey in a foreign land and had to admit to her and to any that may still read this that I am a bit jealous. I too am on a much needed journey but alas an island off the coast or Europe is not currently on the map. After several years of allowing my time and energy to be consumed by work and "stuff", I am going to get back into shape. I am admitting publicly that it has gotten out of hand and I need to get on this journey to a healthier me for myself, my family and my faith. I have joined a group from a local gym here (Fit By Faith - if you link to this be prepared to wait a moment for it to load as there is an audio testimony by it's founder) that has launched into it's second Quest 12 Challenge. (I affectionately call it "Biggest Loser Brownwood") There are 40 of us divided into four teams with each team having a trainer. We must track every piece of food that enters our mouth as well as weekly/daily exercise etc... There is a great deal of accountability and though I am not necessarily into the "cheering" that is a part of this - I am confident it will be exceptionally productive for me. I am also fortunate that my youngest, Dylon will also be joining me and he is fairly excited too. He does not need to lose the weight, but the "toning" should be good for his dating life. Jill is also attending to her health though she is not interested in everyone being up in her "kool-aid" and will be much more private about her journey.

Now, with that being said and having just consumed an apple - I am off to my first Tae-Bo class every then back to the church for a worship rehearsal and couple of meetings. My simple yet challenging goal is to lose my first 50 pounds by Christmas. This should help on our Libby Family Colorado Christmas trip!

Quality Time - Manchild

2009-08-13T09:04:00.000-07:00

I get quite-a-bit of ribbing referring to my youngest son as "manchild." I certainly do not mean any disrespect but find the title quite fitting even if I did copy it from a friend (John) in Florida. This is one of the songs from Fleet Foxes that we will sing together on our way home. Just a bit of bonding I guess you could say.

Parenting

2009-08-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

I love my kids. Really, when I think about it and contemplate life and what that life might look like without them it just becomes depressing. Today I read in USA Today that "Parents, Kids Today More Harmony Than Prior Generations." They suggest and offer a myriad of data to support the claim that parents and their kids today are getting along better that those of the 1960's and 70's. Though I have never, not got along with my parents I do not know if that is the normal. In the 70's (now this is in retrospect from my perspective) the black-and-white look at social issues, religion, theology, education, etc..... was prominent. Today the "grey or gray" of life is significant. When I have discussions with my son (Dexter-turning 24 this month) it is not uncommon for us to agree of some particular social issue but I also know that my viewpoint has changed on that particular social issue from my "growing up years." I have observed parents (in their 70's) discussing issues with kids (in their 40's) and there is some common ground but not much. Learning, discovering, discerning and yes changing can be good and a healthy examination of ourselves can go along way to strengthening the bond between kids and their parents. Even if you do agree - the willingness to think about it makes a strong statement.

Marriage - 25 Years!

2009-07-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

25 years ago today I remember staying at a close friends house, Michael Dove in the last week of preparations for mine and Jill's wedding. I remember going to see the movie "Ghost Busters" as well as traveling back and forth from Winfield, Kansas to Whitewater, Kansas passing by an Air Force Base and seeing fields of corn while thinking about what guys would be thinking about during the drive. I remember planning a day for the guys at the water park, including the pastor of the ceremonies that I would later regret as everyone but myself had never removed their shirts in public (we were very good, modest Baptist) and ended up red as a fire truck during the wedding ceremony.

As I type these words I just think of how blessed I am to have had a beautiful, supportive wife of 25 years. This previous statement should not lead you to think that our lives together have been rosey and "smooth." Jill and I both have type "A" personalities which can lead to colorful and vibrant conversation at times. We were both raised in conservative families but there is enough differences in our "history" to really test our togetherness related to parenting at times. We have three great kids that are all healthy and stable irregardless of our parenting skills. I know that I do not think as I thought and my take on life and love have grown and matures over the past 25 years, but she still loves me. I do not look the same and can be a pain to tolerate at times, yet she still loves me.

We are going to go on a little trip for our 25th anniversary which will technically be our first significant trip together with just us. We still have one in college that continues to have vehicle issues and one in High School that still has (well, we'll just avoid this thread of conversation.) So, money can still be tight, maybe not as tight as the diaper, formula years - but you get my jest. I am so looking forward to this time together. Just know this, the journey is worth it! How's that for philosophizing?

Nothing Profound Here - Just Thoughts

2009-07-02T11:44:00.001-07:00

Two of my favorite bloggers Donna and Lisa both titled recent pennings with the same phrase so I just ripped-off of them. After my last little bit thought I might just need to think a bit.

All of the celebrity deaths recently should get some people thinking. It has got me thinking about my age, people from the past, times long ago. I am finding myself in a bit of "where and how do I spend my days" contemplation. Jill and I will have been married 25 years in 23 days. I find myself thinking of Michael, Shelly & Vince, Eddie, Joel, Shawn and the list could go on and on - but the bigger question for me - why?

The weather - I realize we live in Texas but dang it is HOT! Once again I believe my age to be showing a bit, but I don't remember such heat and uncomfortableness. Now I am dreaming of rain and winter and 80 degree days.

Airplane crashes - it does seem as though Air Bus has some issues. I would hate to be their Public Relations Director right now.

My desk - filled with three old drinks from various fast-food outlets and 4 2/3's empty water bottles and a slew (how much is a "slew?) of pieces of paper that need some form of attention. (OK - just threw-away the drinks.)

Teenagers from all across our city just helped paint, put new siding up and simply help to clean up over-grown yards for people in our city. Doesn't this just sound like a great project to be a part of within a community.

July 4th is upon us - when I really think about it, we are very fortunate in America to have the freedoms we have. I am not scared, worried or distraught over decisions that are being made, even though I don't like all of them - we have the freedom to "rethink" our choices in 4 years and if I disagree with the vote I probably will not be shot for it!

Did I mention how hot it is in Texas?

Well - my mind is now blank and though I am having serious work motivational issues this afternoon, the need to accomplish some tasks are significant.

Happy 4th of July!

The Bible - Authentic Interpretation

2009-06-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

I don't know how much trouble I may get into for this post, well ---trouble may not be the word but I am fairly confident I will get some good talkin' toos. I do not mind admitting that I am a fan of Rob Bell, you know from Mars' Hill. I love the way he communicates, seeming to be thinking through his thoughts yet delivering them at the same time. A friend and fellow blogger - Donna has much of the same gift. Right now every other post of hers (this is an exaggeration that comes from a bit of jealousy) is about her upcoming move to Europe yet the words are very provoking and can really make one think. Thus is how it is with me and Rob.

Our church family is in the process of updating its bylaws. I have been in several congregations that have needed to tackle this issue. Basically bringing our polity and process up-to-date with operations. At the same time we will get to tackle, discuss, discern and probably discover spiritual truths that tend to be more important to our day-to-day lives now more so than in 1984. We are not a congregation of heavy drinking-bar hopping, night-life people but I am sure that we will have a word or two on the usage and appropriate levels of alcohol. Another topic will be women and how God intended their role in the church to be as the Bible states. (This is where Rob comes in for me.) Now, I am not about to debate the qualifications of leadership within the church specifically related to gender roles on this blog. It would neither be appropriate nor redemptive. I do however want to quote from Rob Bell's "Velvet Elvis" and from page 46 "In order to live it out and not just talk about it, someone somewhere has to make decisions about this verse. Someone has to decide what it actually looks like to put flesh and blood on this command. And that's because the Bible is open-ended. It has be be interpreted. And if it isn't interpreted, then it can't be put into action. So if we are serious about following God, then we have to interpret the Bible. It is not possible to simple do what the Bible says. We must first make decisions about what it means at this time, in this place, for these people."
Now that makes me think and in my slightly pious thoughts-should make you think. Well, enough of that! Thoughts and------please be gentle!

Social Conscience - Patriotism & Worship

2009-05-25T09:06:00.001-07:00

Today I found myself in a bit of a debate via Facebook on the issue of Patriotism and Worship. It was not mean-spirited and if you know me at all you know that I love dialogue. And now, the discussion has prompted a blog post on Memorial Day. I am an adamant pro-separation of patriotism and worship. This is not to say that I don't recognize much (if not all) our freedom to worship: When, Where, How & Whom is based upon some one's willingness to put themselves in harm's way and many to actually die for that freedom. I will often take the moments of days like yesterday's "Armed Forces Sunday" - to recognize men & women dieing for this freedom with that of Jesus and His death for our freedom in Christ.

What today brings me is how my age, experience and spirituality continue to bring me a new awareness of social issues within our society. Growing up in a town like Brownwood we often found ourselves sheltered from the "issues" of the day. This, coupled with Adam Lambert - his rendition of "Mad World", an iTunes download Bruce Hornesby's "The Way It Is" and Peter, Paul & Mary's "Don't Laugh At Me" gets me to thinking. How often do we just let the social conscience of the day dictate our perspective (whether "for" or "against")? I remember all of these songs yet I don't remember the "social conscience" of them. They are all from different periods of my short 46 years of life and granted the Peter, Paul & Mary was very early in my physical development but still - how did I miss all of this.

Well, I am glad that I am growing and though my ignorance will still bubble to the top and fall from my lips I am so glad that my awareness of social issues continues to grow. Here are some YouTube clips of the music. Enjoy or maybe go "what is he thinking?"

A Quickie!

2009-05-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile and one of my favorite cousin-in-laws had one of my favorite verses at the bottom of an email to me today. It is well worthy sharing!!!
"Are you tired? Wornout? 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. 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. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

Sigur Rós and Memories

2009-04-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

Jill has started a new job and needed to spend a week in Dallas for orientation and I got to go up on Thursday spend the evening and we were together on Friday/Saturday. We also spent some time with Erica and Dexter and one of the coolest things is how conversations with 21 & 22 year-old children is vastly different from when they were in Jr. & Sr. High. I can often just almost get misty-eyed thinking and pondering how time passes and great seasons of life are now history. One doesn't always know the greatness of a moment when one is experiencing the moment but retrospect always put these "moments" into perspective.

Well, Dexter just placed a link to this Sigur Ros YouTUBE on his facebook status. I do not speak the language but the 9 minute piece is certainly worth a listen. I had to turn my volume way up to get all of the subtleties of this work - but it is good, very good! Enjoy!

Sigur Rós are an Icelandic post-rock band with melodic, classical, and minimalist elements. The band is known for its ethereal sound and lead singer Jónsi Birgisson's falsetto voice.

Thinking GREEN today

2009-04-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

April 22nd is "Earth Day" and I was reminded of this by John - who is Mr. vegetarian, socially conscious in Louisiana no less and just a generally good guy. On Facebook he referenced the "Green Bible" and found this to be very helpful as I ponder these thoughts.

Our Teaching and Student Pastor, Tim Stary - is getting married in a couple of weeks and their wedding invitations were printed on wood. Yes, you read this correctly - wood. Now I am not for sure if this is a good "green" thing or bad "green" thing. The invitation looks very, very cool (from my perspective) but my pondering is about to give me a headache.

This morning when I arrived at the office I opted to water some of our flower beds here on the grounds of the church. Over the past several weeks many volunteers put in new beds that need some individual attention and I find the "watering" stuff to be very therapeutic. Now, does this make me "green" or wasteful? There is that headache thing going again.

I am working so hard at keeping healthy files on our computer. Now, as we are preparing to update our information systems is this being green or generating unnecessary electronic equipment that will one day clog up landfills and harm the environment.

I dropped off some keys at a local Toyota dealership this morning and as I drove into the dealership in my 2003 SUV that is paid for and still running in a good healthy manner I began to look at one of those "Prius" hybrid cars. Would it be best for me to turn in my paid-for-SUV and get one of these vehicles?

How do I get myself into something of this nature on a Monday? Here are some scripture passages from the "Green Bible." Enjoy!

"You shall not pollute the land in which you live... you shall not defile the land in which you live, in which I also dwell." Numbers 35:33-34
"But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being." Job 12:7-10

Man-Child and Learning

2009-04-07T14:23:00.000-07:00

Dylon (man-child) as he is affectionately known in my Facebook and Twitter post is 17 and still not driving. It is not that he does not want to drive, he has just not been willing to put the necessary effort into preparation for the driving test that is needed to past the written test. He hates testing and specifically anything that requires studying. He is fortunate to be a strong "tester" on achievement etc....types of test but he is motivationally challenged in this area. Anyhoo - one of my joys (most of the time) is the task of taking him here, there and just about everywhere as the family taxi driver. One of the joys I get during these soon o-too-be-so-short moments is him introducing me to new and diverse music. This particular number may not be new to you - but I just love it. Jack Johnson - I am a bit amazed that though he likes music that is just too "busy" and "loud" for my taste some of his favorite stuff is just like this. Listen a moment then read on:

Now, here is some philosophizing (or something like that.) What and how we learn from new generations is really significant. Currently at our church, family of faith, christian community (however you want to describe it) we are a fairly young congregation. You can also say that our 40 and younger crowd far out-numbers the 40+ crowd. (I am a member of the later.) We are facing issues like: "What does a Senior Pastor's position look like?" - "How does the position of Elders work and lead a church family?" - "When does the congregation absolutely need to have a final say in decision making?". These are not divisive issues, they are "learning" and "discerning" issues of polity and policy. I have been so please at this "younger" generation within our family stepping up and growing and helping to teach others. As our church family continues to grow and we see and experience new ways of helping and ministering within and outside our family it is just kinda cool to learn something from a "kid." I really never know enough!

Mondays - on Tuesday

2009-03-31T05:36:00.000-07:00

Here I am at 7:00 AM on a Tuesday sensing that I need to start my week over and wishing it were Monday. (Thus the video in the post!) We had an incredible day at church yesterday. It has always been a tough for me to elevate one particular worship time over another because when I really ponder what each service brings to the seeker and Christ-follower, how one service impresses an individual may be completely different to another. Yesterday we hosted numbers that are usually reserved for Easter & Christmas. During the worship time one of our Teaching Pastors - Tim Stary, spoke from the Book of Mark. To make a short sermon even shorter - he simply spoke to how the "big" miracle in our lives as Christ-followers is simply the living of our life that shows Christ as God/Savior. Then some exceptionally brave people from our church family wrote a simple statement on a piece of cardboard of their life and how the spiritual journey with Christ has manifested itself. This was simple - not unique, but a first for us at Southside. People had an opportunity to experience the awe and wonder of lives that have been transformed and be encouraged to live a life of purpose and discovery.

Now, here is my Monday - a constant stream of phone calls, emails and personal visits from people expressing their appreciation for the worship time on Sunday. Probably one of the least - and yet most productive days I have ever experienced. I realize that I may sound a bit dramatic but literally all day long people were speaking of worship and what it was to them. Though I was only 1 of a team of no-less than 25 people - I was the recipient of such great encouragement and appreciation.

Well, I still have an immense amount of work to accomplish and need to get 16 hours of work completed on a Tuesday. There is a blessing there - I know it!

The Weepies - Life

2009-03-25T09:47:00.001-07:00

It has been such a long time - I will work hard in this post to not lament my schedule. I will admit right up front (and have before in post) that I love to invest time & energy into my wife, kids , church and worthwhile community organizations. I am now to "step 1" in the 12 step process and am admitting that my "energy" is limited especially when it comes to actually being productive in that investment of time. Last night I rolled-off as president of our local downtown organization. During the meeting I had to acknowledge at some level that this past year of my life with all of its dynamics simply resulted in a less-than-desirable tenure as president. We (oops! I need to say "I") often want to rationalize the outcome in relationship to our (my) output and at times I had to catch myself in that rationalization.
Now as I review my work and ministry at church I have to walk that same careful line and manage my time and energy in productive, positive ways. I am so fortunate to be a part of a family of faith that wants to serve and be Christ-followers. Over the past couple of months we have been blessed to see spiritual people in our family of faith willing to minister, lead, serve just very inspirational. I just have to do my part and as Paul encourages "to the best of my ability."
So, now with step 1 behind me (kinda) my youngest man child (Dylon) has hooked me up with this new group The Weepies. I just love their folk-styled music. I am not to hip on this puppet music video, but I do love the words. Get past the puppets and listen with your eyes closed. I think you will love it!

Anderson Cooper and Chicken

2009-03-04T07:30:00.000-08:00

Last night I along with my beautiful wife were in the last stages of our day preparing for the much needed sleep that comes from toiling during the sunshine. We are watching Anderson Cooper 360 as I have quickly tired of the "sky is falling" information related to the first 100 days and the NYSE. We both laughed after watching the following clips. I in my subtle under-the-breath-body-shaking and Jill in her boisterous manner. We were remembering a recent trip to the local KFC in which I had a hankering for some fried chicken only to be greeted along with the lunch time rush with "we are out of chicken!" Now, I'll try to avoid the obvious dissertation as to why KFC (which is an acrostic for Kentucky Fried CHICKEN) should never run out of chicken. I suppose I could see why one would want to call 911 and then go home and make some brownies.

Wives and Daughters

2009-02-22T14:09:00.000-08:00

OK - here I am after two weeks and ready to post. I really can't try to rationalize why it has taken so long but I will drone on a bit about my schedule. My time here at our church, which also happens to be my paying gig has significantly increase. And, at the same time as I roll-off several of the boards I currently serve on and/or reduce my involvement I still struggle a bit with the best and maximum use of my time. Meetings, planning sessions and operational discussions tend to take their toll on the hours within a day.

This weekend I had a great time with Jill in the metroplex. I am a big fan of the Hotwire.com ability to get a 4 star hotel for almost a hand-shake and we hit that on this little trip. A great stay a the Hyatt Regency and if were not for the $30 breakfast I let myself get sucked into our total outlay would have been negligible for the overnight excursion. The primary purpose of the trip was for Jill to speak at the end-of-the-overnight "purity" event for Erica's (my daughter) youth group. I will just be upfront at how proud I am with both of them. Erica has developed a great group of kids at a start-up church in Justin, Texas. Justin is a town just north of Ft. Worth and right behind the enormous-gihugic (gie-huge-ic) Texas Motor Speedway just off of I35W. Their little church meets in a work-out gym. As you can see her group is diverse and really loves and shows that love to Erica. One can tell she loves them and is authentically concerned for them and their families. I am so proud that as she works part-time within this ministry and that it is one that pays dividends far beyond the monetary remuneration (I think that is a word - I'm also sure Kirk or someone will let me know if it is not.)

At the dinner Jill told stories and encouraged kids and their parents to be aware of the various personalities that exist within the family structure. Then, as we are aware of those personalities let our spiritual selves rise to the top and let great things happen in our lives. Jill is good - I know she is my wife and the love-of-my-life but she just has a way of connecting with people and letting that quick relationship speak to people and the needs at hand.

God has blessed me - may God bless you too!

Discussions and Friends

2009-02-02T07:04:00.000-08:00

In my current situation related to work I find myself attending a great of meetings. I have learned quickly that if you wrap some of them around a food component that their "enjoyable quotient" rises significantly. I will readily admit that I love discussions and all they can bring including knowledge and growth both intellectually and spiritually. Friendships and the Internet are amazing sources of dialogue. Donna Burns Posey, Lisa Camp, Paul Irby and Kirk Scott are four of my favorites. Each deal with issues and create some great prose that I personally think could easily rival the national writings of many less eloquent though read more predominantly in cyber-world. And now my brother Barri is on the blog-world. He just started but I know will not lack for something to say. I see each of these most regularly on Facebook but true joy is when they take a moment to think and pen their thoughts.

Finding ways to express ones-self and put it out for all to learn and grow (whether right or wrong) is tough. I am going to rest here a bit with Kirk for a moment. Kirk and I met while in High School and oddly enough slapping Whoppers together at the local Burger King - as we attended different High Schools here in the gateway to the Texas Hill Country. Our bond was quick and as recent little get-togethers have shown, long-lasting. Kirk has an absolutely beautiful family (as you can see by the posted picture). I find myself missing strong healthy long-friendship talks about nothing and everything. Kirk lives smack-dab in the middle of the Texas Hill County (Austin) which is just a bit too-far a drive for a dinner and/or lunch together.

This moment of rambling about a great friend really shows the need to quality relationships in our lives whether it be sittin' in the chair beside us at church or at a keyboard thousands of miles away in Florida.

I just love friends and discussions!

A Smile and Mother Teresa

2009-01-28T11:48:00.000-08:00

I was thinking today of authentic Christianity - what that looked like and specifically what my part would look like. Some were talking to me of my wife Jill and how she has the ability to light up a room with a smile and great banter. Then I found the transcript of Mother Teresa's acceptance speech related to the Nobel Peace prize of 1979. This is only a portion of the transcript - but it is poignant. Enjoy - be blessed!

And so let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love, and once we begin to love each other naturally we want to do something. So you pray for our Sisters and for me and for our Brothers, and for our Co-Workers that are around the world. That we may remain faithful to the gift of God, to love Him and serve Him in the poor together with you. What we have done we should not have been able to do if you did not share with your prayers, with your gifts, this continual giving. But I don’t want you to give me from your abundance, I want that you give me until it hurts.

The other day I received 15 dollars from a man who has been on his back for twenty years, and the only part that he can move is his right hand. And the only companion that he enjoys is smoking. And he said to me: I do not smoke for one week, and I send you this money. It must have been a terrible sacrifice for him, but see how beautiful, how he shared, and with that money I bought bread and I gave to those who are hungry with a joy on both sides, he was giving and the poor were receiving. This is something that you and I - it is a gift of God to us to be able to share our love with others. And let it be as it was for Jesus. Let us love one another as he loved us. Let us love Him with undivided love. And the joy of loving Him and each other - let us give now - that Christmas is coming so close. Let us keep that joy of loving Jesus in our hearts. And share that joy with all that we come in touch with. And that radiating joy is real, for we have no reason not to be happy because we have no Christ with us. Christ in our hearts, Christ in the poor that we meet, Christ in the smile that we give and the smile that we receive. Let us make that one point: That no child will be unwanted, and also that we meet each other always with a smile, especially when it is difficult to smile.

Leading or Walking Along Side

2009-01-21T19:07:00.000-08:00

I find myself in a place within ministry that is fairly unfamiliar territory in my current church position. As I think, pray, seek to understand it is definitely a new place for me. Now, I have been in the 2nd position on a church staff before where the Senior Pastor has left the church and the church (the people) look to me for accomplishments of task but here at Southside it just really seems different. One significant difference is probably that I am 10 years older than the last time this took place and 21 years older than the first time this dynamic happened. Our church is just a wonderful grouping of people wanting to talk, share and minister to others and themselves but at the same time really open to support its paid staff in either leading or walking-along-side of them on this spiritual journey.

Currently we are preparing ourselves for the Easter season. Our facilities have been built and designed to hold 150 people (in a traditional sense.) Our Easter preparations are going to be for 800+ it looks like and this is going to take some work, planning and admininininining. (That last word is probably not a word.) This is kinda cool to see people light up at reaching out to others that have either never consider their spiritual life or it has been a long time sense they consider spirituality. I am looking for myself some inspirational "stuff" that will help me help others in this process. "Unchurched" that is, don't know if I really want feedback on "The Shack".
My daughter, Erica's church is doing a bit of a study on the book Unchristian so I am in a read of this literature. Just finishing up "The Shack" and it challenged me in many ways and yes, I found it enjoyable. If you are reading or have read this, give me your thoughts.

American Idol - What are they thinking!?!

2009-01-15T15:09:00.000-08:00

I will admit I am a watcher, laugh er, "ooo & ahhhher" of American Idol. I still just get baffled at the personalities, talent (or lack there-of) that gets placed on national TV. Even watching the judges (whom do appear a bit less drunk this year) gasp at what comes out of someone's mouth is just very humorous to me.

Now - let's get a bit philosophical. Knowing full-well some just want the attention, let's skip over them and look at the ones that honestly have a perspective of themselves that is not shared by the mass public. What are they thinking? Am I so in my own little paradigm that my understanding of their perspective is not rational? For me to laugh, sometimes giggle for minutes, stop then giggle again and still just not believe that someone can have such a poor, clear understanding of their abilities in vocalization.

Well - now here I am questioning being philosophical over American Idol. I need a break and my desk certainly needs some attention.

Finally Back

2009-01-02T17:58:00.000-08:00

Since mid-November the holidays have been all over the place along with additional "happenings" that kept sucking up time, energy and sometimes a spirit but 2009 is here and I think I'm ready. Just a couple of thoughts then I hope to be regular at this blogging stuff beginning next week. This Sunday our church says "good-bye" to our lead pastor of almost 7 years. He has been an amazing component to the literal transformation of a Family of Faith here in Brownwood. He (and Becky) will certainly be missed by many, including myself.

Our family just got back from a Christmas Trip/Vacation to Wichita, Kansas where my second father and mother (my wife's parents) live. After the initial travel which also happen to be on Christmas Eve following a candlelight-worship-communion service we arrived at our destination at 5:00 AM and I was TOAST! Thursday was physically rough but emotionally very rewarding. It snowed while we were there, we celebrated Dylon's 17th and Erica's 21st birthdays which was a joy. We got to rekindle some great family moments, worship at the church were Jill and I were married almost 25 years ago and just had a great time. The pictures are of that little trip. I know that Christmas for Christians is about the birth of the Savior and I don't want to minimize that at all - but, how wonderful it was to love, laugh, travel, eat, play and worship with family during this season. I am Blessed!

Hitting the Deer - Again!

2008-12-16T05:44:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-25T06:42:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-11-17T15:40:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-11-10T06:39:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-23T08:42:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-01T17:41:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-30T05:20:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

2008-09-22T20:22:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-15T07:01:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-19T08:00:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-31T07:01:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-21T10:55:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-12T06:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-08T12:01:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-06T18:11:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-06-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-06-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-07T14:31:00.000-07:00

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!

A Crazy Week

2008-06-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

This week has been amazing and crazy all at once. My last blog was about Project Sweat and all the work the kids do during the week. Here is one of the videos that Dylon did for the evening service. Each day we went to each work site to video then show them during the evening worship time for the students. Here is day 1. Enjoy - hopefully I'll get back to the stuff on Friday!

Busy Week

2008-06-02T09:20:00.001-07:00

This week our church youth along with several other churches in our fair city will be involved in an event called "Project Sweat." This is simply an opportunity for these teenagers and a few adults investing their time in the first week of their summer with helping those that need help. They will be roofing, painting and repairing homes for people that just physically and financially can not accomplish this need by themselves. One of our church members - Butch - is helping to oversee the work at a particular house. They always visit the house prior to the work starting and he had a quick deja vu as he realize that in his earlier days (Butch is now retired) he had dated the women's daughter. They bantered back and forth with just a touch of sarcasm that my friend Donna would have relished in listening too. Well, to make a long short palatable - Butch is just loving this opportunity to help this lady with a new roof, repair of siding and helping kids be the presence of Christ in her life. I'll try to have some pictures this week. I just have the logo today - but I am proud of our church kids and the kids in our community. Each night they will meet here at Southside for some worship and each morning for a hearty breakfast. Tomorrow's menu - Sausage Gravy and Fluffy Biscuits with a variety of whole grain Cereals, fresh fruit, milk and juice!

Bringing Home The Bacon

2008-05-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

Dylon has been hired in his first "real" job. He will be working at the local movie theater. As parents we really struggled with this as we were concerned about his schedule during the summer - church camp, band camp, youth missions endeavors, Wednesday and Sunday spiritual times, vacation etc.... He really only has a few years left then he starts running downhill for the next 45 years. I am very pleased that his boss is a Christian and understands the dynamics of mid-adolescent kids.

I do not always have a clear - unrestricted sense of what is best and when one's kid/family is involved sometimes that fuzzy view is skewed even more. But, my spiritual reading today took me to "The Seasons of Parenting" by Dr. John Rosemond. He states that at or about the age of 13 the season of "mentoring" begins to take place. The Season of Mentoring
Season two lasts for ten years, from three to thirteen, at which point a second transition takes place (or should) that moves parent and child into season three, the Season of Mentoring. It is no coincidence that in traditional cultures, early adolescent rites of passage—Jewish bar and bat mitzvahs being extant ex-amples—occur when a child is thirteen. These rituals mark and celebrate a major transition in the parent-child relationship. They acknowledge that the child in question has completed the disciplinary “curriculum” of season two and is now regarded as self-governing. He no longer needs adults to tell him what and what not to do; rather, he needs adult mentors to help him acquire the practical skills he will need to emancipate successfully—how to apply for a job, balance a budget, plan for the future, and the like. I do not necessarily consider myself to always be a good parent - I guess I just know my faults too well. But - we are here, like it or not!

Rob Bell - On Mars Hill and Its Ministry

2008-05-27T18:07:00.000-07:00

Today I received a forward that is basically a short 3-part dissertation from Rob Bell on the various "thoughts" out there about him, his writings and the ministry of Mars Hill Bible Church. I found it very interesting and welcome hearing from the "horses" mouth. All three videos will take about 15 minutes with the last one speaking of the church and its need to reach out.

2008-05-27T10:25:00.000-07:00

Memorial Weekend was a whirlwind of activity. Dylon and 46 High School band kids went to Austin for State Solo & Ensemble. His group received a "2" - that is very good for this young group of musicians. Saturday I tasted 19 different versions of Pork Spare Ribs at a local contest and there was really only one that was a little painful. I spent the rest of Saturday afternoon dealing with flooring and air-conditioning issues at our house - I hate this kind of stuff. On Sunday we had a nice service utilizing our new theatrical lighting system along with some interpretive dance, recognition of our graduating seniors and men/women that have/are serving in the military. Memorial Day itself started with a little time at Eastlawn (a local cemetery) where our quartet sang the national anthem and "America The Beautiful" for a nice service for those that have given their lives for our country. Then, on my hands and knees I scrubbed our kitchen floor. It was time!

Today - I am behind-way behind, so you have my thoughts and I leave you with this: Nothing would remain stable in human society if we determined to believe only what can be held with absolute certainty. -St. Augustine

I'm Gonna Read Another Book

2008-05-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received the Spring 2008 "Willow" periodical and quickly began to read while waiting for my son to finish his Youth Worship service. One of the articles was a quick review of the book Pagan Christianity? entitled "What Happened To The Church?" I found the article simply fascinating. Most of my worship comrades that read this blog will probably begin to laugh at how slow I am but - I am what I am! This particular statement; "As Christians, we are taught by our leaders to believe certain ideas and behave in certain ways. We are also encouraged to read our Bibles, yes. But we are conditioned to read the Bible with the lens handed to us by the Christian tradition to which we belong. We are taught to obey our denomination (or movement) and never to challenge what it teaches." This is a fairly frank statement - but, from my perspective, pretty accurate! I like to be challenged, well not always - but it is a good statement. Have you read this?

It's OK to be tired - Isn't It?

2008-05-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

I googled "exhausted" - (which I will readily admit can be dangerous if you do not have a filter in place) and found this interesting picture. We got home last night from a good time meeting so many family members and friends from my Aunt Claudia's funeral service. The driving can make you tired, the emotions can make you tired even the "thinking" from trying to remember people's names can make you tired. As I arrived home I was going to take what I thought would be a "minute" to check email, read the online paper, etc. After seeing that I had 200 new emails I just shut the thing down. It was exhausting to think about all of that!!

Now that I have arrived at the office I am looking at the schedule and thinking - the "thinking" alone is getting me tired! School is almost out, summer programs are quickly ramping up for the church, community and family. I personally enjoy 88% of everything I do (I will not reveal the 12% I do not enjoy) and often find many physical and mental rewards for investing my time/energy into "stuff." But, today - not feeling it so much!

People Choosing Jesus

2008-05-19T07:01:00.000-07:00

I have found in my 25+ years of full-time ministry service that this time of year is a busy year for people and families that are "church-goers" to find a church home. When school is out the number will continue to grow through the summer and often peak in August. I have said this to say the following. We have been in a sermon series on "faith" and some needed components in our lives to get the most out of our faith. During the musical portion of the worship time we read as a congregation the following passage of scripture: Acts 26: 17 "'I'm sending you off 18 to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I'm sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.'(The Message)

Let's remember that I am not a theologian of the highest education possible - more along the lines, I try to be a student of scripture and always open to letting the Holy Spirit play a discerning role in my spiritual walk. I love conversing/reading with others and gleaning their thoughts and discernment of scripture. Yesterday following one of the services, a couple (guests in our services) approached me and was talking of how they wanted a church family that was willing to reach out in sharing and propagating the Gospel - specifically in such a way that people chose this spiritual life based on the positives it brings not just because it got them out of hell. The scripture above is from the chapter where Paul is talking to King Agrippa specifically about his conversion and purpose.

I know that I am really putting myself out there on this one but I would like your thoughts about this and not just an email but right here on the sight. I have close friends on both sides of this issue. Some believe the best method is a frank, often confrontational approach to the spiritual conversion and others to the more, often much more subtle "life-style" spreading of the Gospel. I think most of you will know my preference here and I will share later. OK - let's get after it!!

Losing People You Love

2008-05-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

Claudia Mulkey, my mother's sister-in-law passed away this morning. She was a wonderful lady that I can never remember not liking. This particular picture (she is the second person from the right) was taken just a few weeks ago when she insisted on attending the annual Mulkey Reunion. My mom said to me just yesterday that she was more like a sister to her than and in-law and spoke of all they would do for them in their early years of marriage. As I have seen myself she was a strong mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She invested time and energy into not just her family but also her church, community and friends. I remember when we first took Erica to school at UNT - her and Uncle Laddie provided us (and Erica) with every imaginable telephone contact for them and then proceeded to take us to dinner at Babes (a place I would highly recommend!) Her investment of time and energy into helping make the lives of others better simply put, is inspirational.

I have a friend that consistently ask people if they are a good person and then follows up the question to ensure people are more than just good people but also have an honest relationship with Jesus Christ. Well, I can say with confidence that Aunt Claudia was a Christian and lived her life in such a way that led others to want to choose to have what she had in her walk. What a testimony! Here is a song that Claudia specifically asked for her service. How appropriate is this!

Up Early Again

2008-05-15T05:36:00.000-07:00

Dylon, our youngest and most articulate child had Jazz Band rehearsal at 7:00 AM this morning which provides me with some real alone time at the office. Though it is not abnormal for me to stay up late at my ripe age of 45 it certainly is not the "normal" especially after a Wednesday, my typically busiest day of the week. Last night I just had to see if the two David's made the last round of American Idol. Surprise!?! Today, I've used this early morning time to read through the 10+ Blogs I look at on a regular basis. I love reading others thoughts, especially when they have taken the time to think through the process of putting something out there for the world to peruse. Here is what I have seen today:

Ode To Forty-Something http://donkathink.blogspot.com/ Donna has a real sense of purpose in her blogging - something insightful and well written.

Prayer - Whom Does It Potentially Change - I'll not provide the link here but it is from a Worship Leader Blog. Someone has made a statement and then allows some thought - then discourse. Here is the thought: A speaker at a Friday evening event at our church building made a statement I’ve heard several times before but have never really agreed with: “Prayer does not change God, it changes us.” Now, since God is immutable, this statement is technically correct. However, its implication (as I interpret it) is that prayer is simply a tool God uses to teach us and to grow us; it is not an avenue of communication that actually touches His heart and moves Him to respond to us. Now there is something to think about!

Put Sensual Needs in Their Place-Acts 2:41f http://aintsobad.typepad.com/aintsobad/2008/05/put-sensual-nee.html This blog is from Dr. Rick Davis - a local pastor here in Brownwood who's blog is read by literally thousands. I will admit I have to read his blogs slower and a little more deliberately but he does have some very interesting thoughts.

Missional or Not http://wonderingthoughts.typepad.com/my_weblog/ This blog is from John Henson - a former pastor in our community now a Pastor of Emergent ministries at FBC Shreveport. He is always posing questions and thoughts on how we as Christians, specifically within our church community can be on task in our spiritual walk. He provides a link to an article where a church in Georgia is raffling off (no money needed) two $500 gas cards to church attenders. Something to think about!

http://tipitee.blogspot.com/2008/05/playing-catch-up.html - Lisa, a worship leader, cousin-in-law and friend. I love just keeping up with her and when she is so inclined gleaning some wonderful spiritual insights.

http://www.consumingworship.org/ This last link is for the guy that is probably most responsible for my current blogging habit. A friend from my early years in ministry in the west Texas town of Sweetwater. He is the Worship Pastor at a church just outside of Denton in Aubrey. Today he listed all the new contemporary songs that he has introduced to his congregation. For me this was a very interesting read and inspirational for me today.

I'll leave you with a picture of Dylon. Though I might sound like I am complaining about having to get up early to take him to school. But, this too shall pass and I know I am going to miss those 25 minute drives into town (15 min if we are running late.) Kids grow up, head to college and well...you get the gist!

To Do List Too Long

2008-05-12T21:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days when your "to do" list becomes "too long?" I'm there! Usually when this happens to me I have huge motivational problems and search for those feel good songs. Here is the results of my quick search - maybe this could help you, if not today - maybe some day!

Change Happens - Memories

2008-05-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

I (along with Dexter) attended the graduation ceremonies of Howard Payne University today. Events of this nature seem to always take me back in my history to great times. Pomp and Circumstance, formality, family, uncomfortable hooping and hollering when one moves from stage left to right after shaking hands with the president of the university, etc..... We were on the floor directly next to the band and able to see the faces of students and they prepared to cross the stage. My mind this time went back to the day I helped Dexter move into the dorms four years ago - the kids whom were to become his best friends and how change just has to happen. I often pride myself in recognizing when change happens and embracing the new and all that it brings. But, there is something about this getting older that can be painful - you know that nose pressure and sensitive pain in the chest that is like tears but not. Dexter is and has moved on working full-time at a great church in a job that he just loves and today I begin to hear stories from some of his best friends of going to Iraq on a short-term mission trip, heading off to seminary to study for the ministry, leaving for the Dominican Republic to serve two years in a school, marriage, journeyman and so on. May God grant them safety, happiness and fulfillment in such wonderful endeavors. And may God grant me some continued wonderful memories of simple yet poignant moments from the past. Change happens - memories linger!

Oh! that the memories which survive us here Were half so lovely as these wings of thine! Pure relics of a blameless life, that shine Now thou art gone. --Tennyson

Our Eclectic World

2008-05-09T05:18:00.000-07:00

When one hears the word "eclectic" a myriad of definitions can arise. Dexter and Erica came in last night from Denton to celebrate Mother's Day (a few days early.) Dexter also wants to see many of his friends graduate from HPU on Saturday. Now back to the post - They introduced me last night to a new show - at least new to me. Big and Rob - have you seen this one. I don't know that I would have ever even stumbled upon this one as it is on MTV and this particular channel is not even on my "channel flipping" process. What I found fascinating is that it was funny, clean and the particular episode I was watching, they cleaned out their closets of all the items they were not wearing - bagged them into grouping areas - then proceeded to go on to the streets of their fare city and pass them out to homeless people.

Then - this morning during my various news-surfing moments (I tend to flip between The Today Show and CNN) I am watching a Mother's Day moment with The Duggars. This is a family from Arkansas that currently has 17 children (one mother) and the mom announced on TV this morning that #18 is now on the way. I just don't have any words to say about this.

Our world is so very eclectic!

The 50% America

2008-05-08T04:18:00.000-07:00

After a full day (Wednesday's tend to be the busiest day of the week for me) Jill and I were home by ourselves last night. After a delightful dinner of fish fillet (Jill) and big mac (eric) we settled into some TiVo(ed) American Idol. I can not pinpoint why I enjoy this show so much - but I do enjoy. For the first time in several weeks I felt the right person left the show. When Mr. Dreadlocks (as I like to refer to him) sang his styled - I really liked him but overall he was not in the same league as six of the others (three of whom have already been voted off!) I guess you could say that I agree with about 50% of America. That could almost elect a president!

Good luck to the Brownwood High School Band. They took off last night for a whirlwind trip (4 nights-3 days) to Orlando, Florida. They will spend over 48 hours in a bus between Wednesday at 4pm and Sunday morning at 6am. Dylon was honestly very excited about the trip. Oh - to be a teenager again!

Proud of My Kids

2008-05-06T05:37:00.000-07:00

I am proud of all my kids and at times I get to share some of that with others. Yesterday I received and email from Dexter and he had made a music video for his church this Sunday. He works at Highland Park United Methodist Church in the Dallas area. He shot and edited this video. The people in the video are part of the church (main guy is the Jr. High minister.)

Variety in Life

2008-05-05T19:16:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy where God has me right now. That certainly does not mean I am in a constant "bed of roses" but I so appreciate the eclectic ministry and various opportunities from day to day. On Monday I experienced three areas of my life - home, church, community. In each of these areas talk of spiritual "stuff" came up and the three individuals pictured in this post were either referenced, quoted (or misquoted). I admire all three of these individuals and honestly can attribute spiritual growth in my life from something they have communicated.

I know that I will receive emails or comments telling me some heretical statement they have made and I will find myself googling feverishly to "defend" them and/or discount the statement. But (and don't you just love the "but") I pray that I will never find myself discounting others because they are not on the same "spiritual" page as myself. I honestly do not know, nor do I have the time to check out all of the reasons why I should discount these lovers of Jesus. (How was that for a spiritual dig?) I do know that I enjoy spiritual discourse with: my minister comrades at church, friends at City Hall and Good Samaritan Ministries as well as my wife and children. And, the ability to have spiritual discussions in each of these areas in one day is a joy.

Here are some quotes from the above that you might enjoy (or at least have starting point of spiritual "thoughts" for you to comment on and me to begin my research!)

If you want to have sustained joy, you have to not only make sure that you think right, but you also have to make decisions now that are going to guarantee some joy in the future. One of the key things for people as far as joy is concerned is not living a selfish, self-centered lifestyle where we live our lives expecting everybody else to do something for us. - Joyce Meyer

You can be committed to Church but not committed to Christ, but you cannot be committed to Christ and not committed to church. - Joel Osteen

"I am learning that my tradition includes the rabbis and reformers and revolutionaries and monks and nuns and pastors and writers and philosophers and artists and every person everywhere who has asked big questions of a big God." - Velvet Elvis, Rob Bell

I Learned Something This Weekend

2008-05-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

Trash - who would have thought. But this weekend, which was filled with weddings, our quartet singing at a Southern Gospel concert in Stephenville, church, my brother and family in town to celebrate Mother's Day (a week early) and my reading of this months GQ periodical. I'll not get into how my portion of the worship services went as I would need to schedule a counseling session to relieve my pain. Jill was able to go with the quartet in our singing engagement, that was a treat that does not always take place and while we were there one of the quartets (a mixture of a 14 year-old piano player to an 82 year-old retired Methodist minister) was also a treat to hear.
Now with portions of my weekend discussion behind - I also read one of the articles in GQ. Here is the link: http://men.style.com/gq/features/landing?id=content_6769 It is bit long but a very interesting read on how Los Angeles is dealing with their trash issue. I find it fascinating to read how some people - obviously outside the "Christian" perspective - sense the need and responsibility we have (as top of the food chain) to be good stewards of our environment. I'll warn you ahead of time (if you read the article) there is some language in the article that would not be utilized during a church service.

Life Makes an Impact

2008-05-03T12:44:00.000-07:00

I am sure you have noticed that "waxing eloquently" is not a particular trait of mine. But there have been people in my past that have this particular distinction. Dr. Michael Schepis is one of those individuals. I did not meet him until I was well into my 20's - but, he was the pastor my wife knew best as a young child growing up in Wichita, Kansas. He was vertically challenged (short) and could sing a song entitled "Ship, Ahoy" with an amazing amount of passion. So much so that in even in VERY conservative and often pinned-up Baptist churches people would clap and stand upon its completion - and this "standing and clapping" was not for the great performance but for the message it contained. He had a great deal of humility that was so obvious it seeped from his pours. He was not a perfect man (as his humility attested to often) and he was not dynamic as we might know preachers. But, he was an authentic minister of the Gospel. Dr Schepis passed away this week. Happenings of this nature sure can make one reflect upon their life - especially the "what kind of impact am I making" kind of reflection.

I don't think it is healthy to fret about leaving a legacy and trying to busy oneself and tell everyone how they should live. I do think it is healthy to live a life of authenticity, being real to yourself and real to God. I certainly have a ways to go - I am glad to have known Dr. Schepis and so many people that he impacted. He will be missed!

Maybe an Oxymoron!?!

2008-05-01T06:09:00.000-07:00

My spiritual journey has taken me in the book of Acts today: Here is the scripture that stands out - Acts 20:32 "Now I'm turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends. 33 "I've never, as you so well know, had any taste for wealth or fashion. 34 With these bare hands I took care of my own basic needs and those who worked with me. 35 In everything I've done, I have demonstrated to you how necessary it is to work on behalf of the weak and not exploit them. You'll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, 'You're far happier giving than getting.'"

Over this past week I have had the privilege to see several groups of believers: The Havins' Security Unit (prison) in Brownwood - already blogged about this earlier, Youth detention center (prison) for girls located in Brownwood - yesterday played at a memorial service for child of a resident of the detention center in which the newborn only lived a few days, a group of economic leaders of Brownwood (men and women) all of whom I speculate were believers, our church Wednesday program then tonight I will meet with the Arts Council of Brownwood. It is pretty easy to see that I have a pretty eclectic circle of opportunities for ministry.

As I grow older those words of Paul become more real to me. Seeing men/women minister in each of these areas with distinct purpose often for little financial compensation was inspirational. At the memorial service yesterday the husband and wife sang "Somebody's praying..." (her voice was a dead-ringer {no pun intended} for Patsy Cline) to this grieving group of young girls, teachers, guards and warden. Last night at church watching so many teenagers interact with each other - praying, singing, hugging, tears etc.. I hope and pray that I can always view my opportunities as a minister as something other than a job. Well, I should get to work.

Was that an oxymoron?

Kind of a Tough Day

2008-04-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

My spiritual journey today took me to Romans - specifically the 12th chapter. Verse 1 & 2 states: 1 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. 2 Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. (The Message) I know one of my character traits is to be "frank" when speaking to people. And, I have spent the better part of the last 25 years trying to tame or at least soften the blow when I am conversing. I am relatively positive this is why God has not called me to a teaching pastor role within churches. But (there could be some "frankness" here) at what point do we just let people misunderstand or misinterpret situations, environments or actions? Of course this is assuming that I always correctly analyse situations, environments and actions!! Well - this is hoping and praying that your spiritual discernment today is a bit more fruitful than mine has been to this point.

Living in the Moment

2008-04-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

This has been an interesting weekend for me. Friday night (and Saturday) the quartet I sing with had the privilege to be a part of a "revival" service at a prison unit here in Brownwood. Dallas Huston was the preacher for both services and as always Dallas is so capable of being very authentic and laying out some very clear thoughts from scripture. On Saturday he gave some great background on David then proceeded to encourage the men of the prison on how God uses people even when they really mess up. During the evening one of the inmates sang accompanied on guitar by an amazing musician (also an inmate.) I see my week ahead wanting to look at scripture where God uses some of the most unlikely - to do some of the most amazing. I would welcome your help here, post a comment or email me - this could be interesting to get some varied opinions out there.
Also - today was a bit rainy with cool 50 degree weather, overcast. Combine that with my mom preparing Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, corn-on-the-cob with gravy, fruit salad and strawberry cake - and one would have thought it was Thanksgiving. At church the crowd was numerically lower than normal (I'm sure the weather played a role in this dynamic) but the time of musical worship to me was an "introspective" style focusing on the attributes of God and how He so desires a relationship with us. I attached a video of one of the numbers we did Sunday "My Creator King." Has to be one of my favorite - hope you enjoy.

Some "Quotes" I Like

2008-04-25T06:19:00.000-07:00

I am a fan of "quotes" and how they make me think and potentially inspire others - enjoy!

"Life becomes harder for us when we live for others, but it also becomes richer and happier." Albert Schweitzer.

"It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable." Moliere

"The habit of giving only enhances the desire to give." Walt Whitman

"The smallest good deed is greater than the grandest intention." Unknown

2008-04-24T05:50:00.000-07:00

I mentioned this yesterday but I have found over the past 24 hours this specific topic of "faith" continues to find its way into my non-church life. On a recent episode of Desperate Housewives Lynette, Felicity Huffman (who has just been through a battle with cancer and tornado - remember it is a "soap-opera") begins to recognize her (and her family's) need for something spiritual. She notices all of her neighbors headed to church on Sunday and proceeds to ask Bree, Marcia Cross if they could join them. What takes place over the course of the episode from there I think is really funny. Lynette wants and needs answers even to the point that after the minister has completed his sermon she raises her hand to ask a question - prior to the closing hymn. (It might help to know that the church she had chosen to attend was Presbyterian) Well, I say all that to say this - at the end of the show Bree after Lynette had been chided for asking so many questions related to "faith" and "spiritual stuff" Bree recognizes Lynette's need and exclaims "questions help strengthen our faith!"

Now, what does that mean to you? I am going to ponder this thought for the day and maybe post something later on - or even tomorrow. But it is an interesting question to me.

I'll leave you with this quote from Winston Churchill "Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."

Christians and the "Main Streem"

2008-04-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

I love it when people, organizations and media outlets propagate Christian values, causes and such even when they may not be necessarily propagating "The Gospel." The difficulty for those of us from the Evangelical Christian Faith tends to surface when we are not either promoting the particular value or lending the cause credence. We just look (and sometimes are) Hippocrates from either ignoring the Biblical premise or "devaluing" the premise by our silence. A couple of good examples of this I have found are: 1) From Minnesota Public Radio - They have a news series on Religion in Public Life and I just read a "faith story" from Emily Nerland that was encouraging and very applicable to anyone's (especially a Christians) daily life. http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/199804/06_newsroom_religion/docs/commentary_nerland.shtml

2) I just watched a clip from the Ellen DeGenerous Show as she was interviewing Dr. Wayne Dyer and through out the interview he spoke of how focusing on compassion just one hour a week is proven to help our physical bodies with the additional release of serotonin. To me this is fascinating simply because Jesus is all over this "love issue" and "compassion" to our fellow man.

Now I realize that following directives that may be very positive but not based in who Christ is and wants to be in the life of an individual can be counter-productive in the scope of eternity. But, this should only encourage us to live our lives in such a fashion that people KNOW we are a Christian and WHY we do WHAT we do as a direct result of that relation with Jesus. When someone chooses to be a Christ-follower because of the positives just seems to be they way Jesus propagated His Father's love. Jesus seemed very successful in this process.

Earth Day - Something Spiritual

2008-04-22T06:43:00.000-07:00

Genesis 1:27-30 (The Message)
God created human beings; he created them godlike, Reflecting God's nature. He created them male and female. God blessed them: "Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth." Then God said, "I've given you every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth And every kind of fruit-bearing tree, given them to you for food. To all animals and all birds, everything that moves and breathes, I give whatever grows out of the ground for food." And there it was.

If we abdicate our responsibility to the Earth and its care - we need to take out the first chapter of the Bible. This is not "worshipping the Earth" just taking care of it!

It Is Gonna Get Hot!

2008-04-21T18:10:00.000-07:00

Well I got home tonight excited about Jill's wonderful smellin' Italian Nachos and saw that Dylon was preparing himself for the Texas Summer. The dryer vent goes from the floor vent up over the end table and subsequently pointed to him blowing cool air. There has to be a bit of redneck to this, I am sure!!

2008-04-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

Well - here goes number 2 post and I have several thoughts. Today has been productive with computer "filing." My email that I keep had grown to well over 200 and I just had to do some housekeeping. This has also helped with my "feeling a little more productive" as well. Take this as a line of encouragement-going ahead and getting something accomplished that you stare at every day can really help you when you are or have been "motivationally" challenged.

We have been in a sermon series at church related to "faith" and this quote from Oswald Chambers that I read to day seemed most appropriate.

Faith for my deliverance is not faith in God. Faith means, whether I am visibly delivered or not, I will stick to my belief that God is love. -Oswald Chambers

Yesterday my brother, Barri lead the musical portion of our worship service. He is very high energy, a little animated and always a blessing to me and our church family. It can be humbling when people come up to me and say; "Eric, can we get him on a regular basis?" which happen multiple times yesterday.

Last night our church family went and had a great big "block party" in a low-income apartment complex in our fair city. This has to be one of the most rewarding events I have every participated in. Close to 350 people (maybe just a few more than 350) attended. As the evening progressed both the residents of the complex as well as Southside folk grew more and more comfortable with each other and relationships began to be developed. One of my prayers is that we can continue to forge these relationships as a church family. This is such a good thing!!