Happy Things!

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

iPhone how and why?

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

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

The Jungle Book - minus Salsa!

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

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

Something Simple

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

24 Years

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

Coldplay

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

Thinking Out Loud Here

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



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

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

Time - Family - Friends

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

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

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

Too much stuff!

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

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

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

I'm Back

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

Road Trip Day 2

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

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

Road Trip

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

Admitting Something Here

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

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

Get to See ALL My Kids

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

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

Sometimes You Need a Parade!

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

How is that for wisdom!?!

Success At Communication

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

• Refuse to narrowly define yourself


• Constantly welcome diversity in you life


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


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


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

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

Chicago Trip

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

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

Father's Day!

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

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

Relay for Life

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

A Crazy Week

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!