120 Crayons

Tunnels

2009-07-01T16:40:00.005-05:00

Getting away this week from the regular-ness of my life and work has been personally and professionally much needed and greatly valued.

Being at Ridgecrest is a rich tradition of the strange combination of heritage and sentimentality. There are people here who have been coming to this place every year for 40 or more years. I'm not sure what I think of that - I guess if it has helped them deepen their ministry, and encouraged them to "stay the course", then I supposed that's a good thing. If on the other hand, it has become a place for purely reminiscing, then I am not so sure we can afford to sit around for too long pondering the "good ole' days!"

It has been interesting to see how this place has evolved through the years. (The last time I was here for this particular week was 15 years ago.) I applaud LifeWay for working hard to continue to be a ministry resource and equipping center for churches all over America - that is no easy task these days.

I am also noticing how tough it is to be in ministry these days. Everyone here is dealing with the stuff of life, and how to minister to people who seem to be hurting more now than ever before (not sure that that is necessarily true, but it seems so), while trying to lead ministries with not nearly enough resources, attempting to manage/balance their ministry and family - all the while dealing with pastors who are being told by every person with a book deal, website, and a conference how they are supposed to grow their church - often times at the expense of some wonderful men and women who merely want to help people worship God more genuinely and effectively. Many of these folks are dealing with churches who have made the questionable decision to "market" worship services based on a style of music.

These are indeed difficult days for many, many local church Music & Worship Ministries.

I can't help but think about this tunnel that we drove through to get to the mountains. So often, we think of a tunnel in terms of "well - just remember, there's a light at the end of the tunnel" or my favorite even more stupid line - "there's a light at the end of the tunnel and it's a freight train!"

I choose to look at this tunnel in a different way - someone, somewhere, at sometime determined that the only or best way for someone to get from point A to point B with a mountain in the way was to "tunnel" through or under that mountain. No easy task, and probably the person or people who thought that up were severely criticized and questioned. But, they persevered, and as a result, we have a nice, smooth ride "through/under" that mountain on our way to a glorious destination like Ridgecrest.

So, for myself and my new friends I am making here this week, I encourage us all to look at wherever we are in the tunnel of our ministry - not so much that there is light at the end as much as what is it that God wants us to learn from where we are right now.

The Power Of Cinema

2009-06-25T07:31:00.003-05:00

I realize I may be one of the last remaining humans who had not seen the movie, Gran Torino and maybe worse - this movie was the recipient of my first and only "Fandango" screw-up where I bought the tickets to go see it, and changed me mind one hour before it was to begin. How completely stupid was that?

Anyway, this past Sunday, the first Father's Day - 11 weeks following my father's death - I sat down with my middle son and watched this powerful story unfold on my living room TV.

I know that we all watch movies for so many different reasons. Most of all, we want to be entertained and escape the crap of life.....probably most of the time, we want to laugh, we want to enjoy a great adventure, watch things blow up, and see people fall in love, and appreciate our favorite actors being the heroes that movies tell us they are.

I had only seen a few previews for this movie, but from the opening scene, I was hooked. Maybe it was the emotions of my first Father's Day where I did not send anything to my Dad or talk to him on the phone. Maybe it was the amazing story, maybe it was Clint Eastwood's performance. I was so moved by this film, I practically made Karla sit down with me the next night and watch it again.

I will watch it several more times because (at least for me) there is so much in this film that causes me to stop and think about my life, my relationships, and my faith.

One of the blogs I like to read - listed on the side panel of my blog - is Brett McCracken. I have never met Brett, but I wandered onto his blog one day, and have been a regular ever since. He is a film critic, and I love his world-view, and his take on films. He is one of the film critics for Christianity Today. He and his fellow critics rated Gran Torino as #3 of the 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2008.

I couldn't agree more.

If you want to read Brett's review of this film, go HERE

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Painful Life Lessons

2009-06-12T12:31:00.003-05:00

Yesterday (less than 24 hours after appearing in Juvenile Traffic Court for two moving violations within 24 hours of each other) Ben lost control of our red Jeep and rammed a telephone pole 5 minutes from our home.

Bless this boy's heart.....not a good 11 weeks with the freedom and responsibility a driver's license brings a 16-year old.

I am grateful he was unhurt and if I have to wake up to a phone call early in the morning, I would rather it be from one of my sons telling me they were in a wreck than an officer of the law explaining to me my son was in a wreck.

Later in the day yesterday, I received yet another apologetic text from him. My response was simple and to the point. Life's lessons are often very, very painful. and yes, cars can be repaired or replaced - he can't!

So, I will take him to his 8-hour Defensive Driving Class tomorrow, and then he won't be driving for awhile. Time away from being behind the steering wheel of a moving vehicle will do him so good right now.......

Rehearse Truth

2009-06-05T06:03:00.004-05:00

This Sunday in our worship services, we will spend some time in Psalm 22.

The final 10 verses of the 31 total verses in Psalm 22 are powerful.

They are powerful probably because of the first 21 verses.

At the conclusion of choir rehearsal this past Wednesday evening, we took the time to look at and respond individually/personally to the (4) prayer journaling "prompts" prepared by Ramon Presson.

In his fourth and final prompt, Ramon makes note that the psalmist, David makes a shift from gut-wrenching lament and desperate plea to proclamation. He goes on to say that given that it's not merely a sudden mood swing, what then do verses 22-31 tell us about the value of rehearsing the truth of who God is?

Rehearsing anything is usually in preparation for something important - presentation or performance. The Dictionary says rehearsal is "a session of exercise, drill, or practice, usually private, in preparation for a public performance, ceremony, etc"

The importance of rehearsing truth has become very important to me these past several weeks of my life. You probably relate. It really seems sometimes as if the psalmist wrote the EXACT words that I would write. I have been pretty brutally honest with God lately. I've been angry, frustrated, and yes, even felt somewhat abandoned.

I know better. The only reason I know better is because of my faith in the truth. Jesus said it - "I am the way, the truth, and the life." - John 14:6

My friend Jeremy is going to sing an old song at the beginning of our services on Sunday to help us "rehearse truth". The song, "In His Sanctuary" was written in 1983 by Michael Hudson and Michael W. Smith.

As I was looking for a recording of this song to play for Jeremy, I had searched everywhere I could and finally e-mailed Michael W. to see if he might know where to find a recording. Amusingly, he did not remember writing the song. (He also never recorded it, which might explain in part why he does not remember writing it!) Considering the hundreds of songs he has written and considering I don't remember very many details of my life from 1983, this is pretty understandable, but still funny!

Here are the words to this song - the second verse has become my personal theme for the week.....

IN HIS SANCTUARY
by Michael Hudson and Michael W. Smith
©1985 O’Ryan Music, Inc. / ASCAP

(verse 1)
Life can bend and break me
But the Father has a way of keeping me together
through the burdens of the day
He tells me “Come away, it’s time we had some time alone”
And ev’ry time I come away it feels like going home

(chorus)
In His Sanctuary there is glory, there is strength.
In the Presence of the Father there is wisdom, there is peace.
I will come and worship.
I will listen, I will speak
Most amazing conversation, most amazing transformation,
As the God of all creation talks to me.

(verse 2)
Nothing I won’t show Him,
Nothing I can hide.
I’ve never known a burden that was better kept inside.
How many times I’ve known the joy and found that sweet release,
And worry turns to worship,
And burdens turn to peace.

(repeat chorus)

Watching My Friend Have The Time Of His Life!

2009-05-30T19:46:00.003-05:00

Last Friday evening, Karla and I attended the Nashville Symphony concert as guests of our dear friend, Billy Ray Hearn.

Being with Billy Ray and his wife, Nancy is always special, but this particular evening was extra special.

A few weeks earlier, at a fund-raiser for the Symphony, one of the items that donors could "bid on" was an opportunity to CONDUCT THE SYMPHONY!!!

Well, Billy Ray WON, and here is my best effort to capture his "moment" using my cell phone camera - (keep in mind they do NOT allow photography during Symphony concerts, so I probably broke several rules, but I don't care!)

It was such a wild ride watching him conduct! I was thrilled for my friend, and he did an outstanding job!!!

Way to go Billy Ray!

Knee Pain

2009-05-19T07:36:00.002-05:00

5 days after my knee "scope", Matt and I were driving over to Seth and Arley's new house to mow and edge their yard.

We were on I65 headed north when this truck got my attention.

Good grief, what a truck, and what a way to get someone's attention!

Past 30 Days

2009-05-14T11:11:00.004-05:00

The past 30 days have been stupid crazy - much like everyone else's life these days!

In the past 30 days, the following has occurred in and around our small world:

1. I "re-furbished" the backyard fort, added a new roof, slide, and swing!

2. Ben and his lovely date, Marissa went to Prom

3. Seth became 25 years old, and we celebrated his birthday!

4. My mother's first cousin's grandson got drafted by the Dallas Cowboys!

5. Seth and Arley closed on their first house - exciting days ahead for them!

6. BBC moved its PM Sunday Service to the new Hudson Hall.

7. I traveled to New York City to visit Redeemer Presbyterian Church!
(I'm convinced I am supposed to be a Presbyterian)

8. Matt (and a team of 4 other Samford students)
won the Regions Bank New Venture Challenge
(a business plan competition for Samford students) - how exciting!

9. Ben had his Spring Band Concert - outstanding!

10. BBC had a Missions Celebration Service - part of which we honored ReConstruct!

11. Ben had his Spring Band Banquet - he won (2) awards!

12. We celebrated Mother's Day with a fantastic lunch cooked by Paul -
then Karla celebrated by going to see Star Trek!

13. Elliott discovered the trampoline, and wishes to make it his new home!

14. Seth finished his LifeWay Fuge Camp Videos - they are all outstanding!

15. Matt has a new job - (in addition to mowing lawns for David Moody all summer)!

16. Seth premiered his film, The Time Closet
at the Western Kentucky Film Festival!

17. I created a "When I Die" file - everyone should have one - seriously!

18. I had knee surgery

19. Because of my knee surgery, we missed the James Taylor Concert last night
(major bummer) I hope J&M enjoyed it in our place!!

20. Someone ran into the back of our Expedition

21. Ben ran into the back of another person's car

22. Karla "had" to get a new phone - she has now discovered "Twitter"
_________________________________________________________________________
So, where do I begin to blog about (22) things in (30) days? I can't, and I won't.

Sometimes I'm better off making a list, and moving on - just grateful for a life that is anything but boring!

The Simple Life

2009-04-14T23:13:00.003-05:00

Many of you who read this blog from time to time will relate to this post because you have experienced first-hand what I experienced today.

While my Mom was at doctor's appointment 30 miles away, I (along with the trusty help from my aunt) cleaned out my Dad's closet. (My mom really didn't want to be here for that - totally understandable)

I knew today was "my day to step up." My sister has "walked through fire" these past several days - not to mention weeks, months, and years simply by "being here" (she lives 30 minutes away) whenever my Mom and Dad needed her. As a retired school teacher, she recently took an extended "sub" job at a school - today, she had to go back to work.

So, in no way attempting to measure up to or come anywhere near what she has done for this family in so many different ways, I knew that at least to some extent, this was "my job" to do what needed to be done - I had to be the "closet-cleaner"!

What I discovered in this process was yet another tribute to the class and character of my Dad.....

1. Put others first
2. Don't make a big deal about the clothes you wear -
choose function over style
3. Stay organized
4. Live simply

Here is a photo of every single piece of clothing my father owned - (yes, a few things had already been claimed, but this was the bulk of it) - all fitting in one small suitcase and on several hangers! He lived 86 years for crying out loud, and the sum total of his clothing fit on the corner of his bed! (He did have some kind of thing for suspenders - notice the basketful!)

I then had to photograph this bag and this cap. I gave this bag to my Dad many years ago at Christmas - it is still in mint condition. I think this cap was his favorite. I really hope my mom will hang it in the closet as a reminder of the wonderful man he was.

I miss him today.....and now I need to go home and throw everything I have away - (or at least make sure that ALL my clothes fit on the corner of my bed!) - it really doesn't matter anyway does it? I certainly can't take it with me, so I can only hope and pray that whatever it is I leave behind will be of value to my kids or grand kids.

An Easter To Remember

2009-04-11T21:36:00.002-05:00

This Easter Sunday would have been my 17th consecutive Easter Sunday to have the privilege of standing before the congregation of my church and lead them in worship on the most glorious of Sundays! As important as that is to me (and believe me - it is REALLY important to me!), I will instead be sitting with my Mom and sister (celebrating all that Easter is to a Christ-follower) at the First Baptist Church of San Marcos, Texas.

I truly can't wait! What an honor to culminate a most amazing (and yes, extremely difficult) week of my life.

This past Tuesday morning (April 7) around 2:15am, my Dad left this earth, and joined the countless number of saints in heaven in the very presence of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ!

On Good Friday, we joined together as a family to honor his life sitting out under the partly-cloudy skies in the middle of "no-where" Central Texas (Uhland, Texas to be exact) at the Live Oak Cemetery.

The five grandsons and two great-grandsons lifted his flag-draped casket from the hearse, walked it to the designated spot, and then the brief, buy very meaningful grave-side service began.

Two military men took the flag from my Dad's casket, carefully held it over the casket as "Taps" was played, then they took what seemed like forever to meticulously fold it - it was powerful to watch them do this. One of the men then held it for "inspection" to the other. The other then took it, marched ever so slowly to stand directly in front of my mom, knelt on one knee and presented the flag to her. His words were unforgettable - "on behalf of the President of the United States and a grateful nation, I present this flag to you in honor and appreciation of your husband's service to our country." I was stunned - I had seen this in movies and on TV, but never right in front of me, and certainly not with someone saying that in reference to my Dad....

My mom and dad's pastor read scripture, prayed, then opened it up for anyone to say something who wanted to. My nephew - the oldest grandson spoke - and boy did he speak powerfully about my Dad. He then challenged all the grandsons and great-grandsons to continue this man's legacy in how they live their lives. WOW! I was blown away. Then Ben (my youngest) told a funny story of how he must have received his grandaddy's "gene" for patience in repairing things and re-assembling things! It was perfect!

Where would we be without faith and family in times like these?

We then got in our cars and journeyed 5 minutes away to the little county church where my mom grew up, and where (63) years ago, my mom and dad were married. Now on this Good Friday, she celebrated his life.

I can't begin to imagine all that was going through her mind and heart as she sat through a beautiful service of remembrance in front of a packed house of maybe 175 people. (Here's a photo of the front of the sanctuary and all the beautiful flowers)

After the service, everyone gathered in the fellowship hall to re-connect, express their love to each of us, and simply enjoy the company of one another.

This final photo just astounds me for its beauty. Besides Seth's capturing of the moment in such a powerful way, Ben is wearing one of my dad's hats that his grandmother gave him the day before the service........

Happy Birthday, Dad!

2009-04-07T21:57:00.002-05:00

I have many, many friends whose Dad no longer lives here on earth. Regardless of how they died - expected or unexpected - regardless of their age (after all - at what age determines whether a person lived a long and fruitful life anyway?) - the loss is real, and it hurts because they simply are no longer around.

My Dad is gone, and I will not see him again until I get to heaven, but his mind is now clear, his body is now healed, and he is now in the presence of God Almighty! Wow!

On September 12 of last year, he turned 86. I posted the following words and photos about him. They have never been more real to me than now. Here is what I said then, and here is what I say now - this time on his first birthday in heaven!
(do they even keep track of those kinds of things there?)
_______________________________________________________________
Today is my father's 86th birthday!

For all these years W.J has lived and contributed to so many people's lives in a variety of ways. He has done so in what many would call "the old fashion way" - hard work, determination, and caring for others.

His dry sense of humor, his quiet spirit, and his work ethic have always impressed me, and anyone who knows him.

As a child, I remember him working 12 hours @ day - 7 days a week at the Gulf Service Station. I don't know how he did it.

Together we have built many things in and around our home. They are constant reminders of his ability to use his hands to create something of value. I love "constructing things with wood", and that love comes directly from him.

My favorite of all time is this deck that we built 20 years ago (in the summer of 1988). The people who now live in this house probably don't realize how special that "work of art" is to my family, but I will always remember that experience!

(Good grief, I hope I can build something like this when I am 66 years old!!)

So, thanks Mr. Worley for being around for 86 years. You really WERE a good man, friend, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

(The photo at the top is my Dad with my sister's grandson. I love the expressions on their faces!)

This Kid Is Driving!

2009-03-27T16:13:00.002-05:00

in a motorized vehicle legally and alone without a parent in the front seat!

I know it's happened twice before, but something about the youngest born driving out of the driveway with new-found freedom......yikes!

Today part of me is wishing the kid in the photo above was still running around the house.......but only a really, really small part of me......

Buzz Lightyear has to be smiling!

Ken Medema

2009-03-26T08:10:00.002-05:00

One of the many wonderful people God has brought into my path over the years is a talented musician named Ken Medema. If you know him, know who he is, or have never heard of him, you will enjoy the following - and BTW, this man's laugh and love of life bring great joy to my life!_________________________________________________
25 Little Known Things About Ken

1) He wears 2 different size shoes
2) Fell off a stage and landed on his feet in the orchestra pit - had the presence of mind to yell out - "It was all part of the act."
3) He has been happily married to his wife, Jane, for 44 years
4) He has 2 grandchildren, Charlotte, 5 and Henry, 1 (named after Ken's dad)
5) He and his sister Mary were both born blind
6) He has a daughter, Rachel, who is getting married in the next year or so
7) He has produced over 38 albums in his career
8) He uses a text reading program called "JAWS" so he can read e-mails and surf the web.
9) He reads "audio" books and reads at least 40-50 books per year
10) He wishes an iPod would be more friendly to blind people
11) Performed after speeches by Desmond Tutu, Charles Kuralt, Bill Moyers, Jimmy Carter, Marian Wright Edelman and Lynn Redgrave among many others
12) His favorite ice cream flavor is French Vanilla
13) His loves French Roast coffee
14) He is on the road over 200 days per year
15) Over his career he has composed nearly 65 choral anthems
16) For years, he rode a two-wheeled bike in his neighborhood
17) His favorite literary genre is science fiction
18) He loves driving golf carts
19) His podcast called Inside the Songs (LINK) comes out on the 15th of every month.
20) He played second chair trumpet in the junior high band because he couldn't sight read.
21) He can "see" little light and dark images outdoors in bright sun light
22) He has his degree in Music Therapy
23) His web site is "Accessible", which means that if you hover over an item it will audibly tell you what it is with his reading program
24) He has written the theme music for 30 Good Minutes a TV show broadcast from Chicago on PBS
25) In college, he could swim the entire length of an Olympic pool underwater with one breath

For more information on Ken, click HERE

Young Church Singers

2009-03-16T23:50:00.003-05:00

OK - I am REALLY "dating" myself now.....

As a student at Baylor University, I had the joy and privilege of being in a contracted studio session recording group - hired by WORD Music (located at that time in Waco, Texas) to record about once a month on a Saturday in Dallas, Texas.

The leader and person who formed/hired (and named) this group was Charles F. Brown. At that time, he was Senior Editor in charge of all choral works published by WORD Music, and he needed an quick and inexpensive way to record his choral demonstration recordings.

So, he hired a bunch of college students, and called us the "Young Church Singers."

Not highly original, but heck 30+ years ago, we thought it was pretty cool!

This group was really good - (I still am not sure how I got in, but it sure was fun -and hard work!)

I am guessing this photo was taken sometime around 1975 or 1976.

Oh to be a college student again and earn $75 on a Saturday, hanging out with good friends and making good music!

(The first person to identify me in the photo gets a free recording of the Young Church Singers - HA HA!!)

South Africa Music Team

2009-03-11T10:46:00.002-05:00

Landing in Cape Town, South Africa later today will be this wonderful group of close friends of mine.

For the past 3 years, I have led a team of musicians/worship leaders to Cape Town to lead workshops and partner with a local church and Christian radio station to help develop local South African Christian musicians, and even help them get their songs developed to be played on the radio there.

This is my first time to not be leading a team, and I hate that, but I am so pleased for this group to be going under the way more than capable leadership of Jeremy and Maribeth.

If you would, please take a minute to pray for them (by name) right now as you read this - that God would use them to encourage and equip these incredible folks living on the other side of the world!

in the photo - L-R are: Chris, Todd, Joyce, Maribeth, Jeremy, and Shelly!

Their workshops will be this Friday and Saturday, and Cape Town is (7) hours LATER than Nashville! So a really good time to pray for them is as you go to bed each night! Thank you

Ben - String Bass

2009-03-02T22:12:00.003-06:00

Ben Worley - String Bass from Dennis Worley on Vimeo.

This video is excerpts from a Wind Ensemble Concert that Ben got to be a part of about a month ago. These are high school band kids from all over the middle Tennessee area playing under the direction of guest conductor, Dario Sotelo - Artistic Director and Conductor of the Brazilian Wind Orchestra, and the Principal Conductor of the Paulista Symphonic Orchestra.

This was an incredible experience for Ben, and I hope you enjoy watching him play this most amazing music!

30 Years

2009-02-24T08:28:00.003-06:00

February 24, 1979

Today marks 30 years of marriage to Karla!

So far this morning, we have celebrated by taking care of Ben who has the stomach flu....welcome to life.....

God has blessed us way beyond expectations.

After 30 years, we are still learning how to love each other, care for each other, communicate with each other, and enjoy each other, but the journey has been and continues to be incredible.

We have friends who have shown us what a healthy marriage looks like, we have friends who have helped us raise our kids, and we have/had Godly parents who modeled a healthy marriage. What more does a couple need?

As we grow old together, I am reminded of something Jay Strother said as part of Seth and Arley's wedding ceremony in September 2006 - (pardon my loose interpretation) "Seth and Arley believe that they can accomplish more for God together than separately, and therefore they come together in holy matrimony to do that."

Every day that I get to live, I want to believe that is exactly what God has allowed in our lives. So, today, I thank God for my marriage to Karla, and pray that it can always bring glory to Him.

(yes, the photo was taken at our wedding reception, and she is indeed a beautiful bride, and I have no idea where my hair went!)

World-Class Musicianship

2009-02-20T16:28:00.002-06:00

Last night, Ben and I had the immense joy of attending the US Navy Band in concert at the Collins Alumni Auditorium on the campus of Lipscomb University.

Besides being a "free" concert - (Ben and I had a lively debate on the way home trying to decide who covered all the expenses so that the concert attendees did not have to pay to see this group!!)

The concert was outstanding. A mixture of unique classical pieces intertwined with Sousa marches, and their performance of John Williams' classic movie theme, E.T. was just amazing!

They invited some area high school and college students to join them on stage to play the Sousa march, "The Washington Post"..... wow!

What a beautiful evening of incredible music played by some of the most extraordinary musicians anywhere.

If you get the chance to see and hear them while they are on their 26 concert-28 day tour, don't miss it! I would have gladly paid to experience it!

For more information, click HERE

Generosity

2009-02-13T17:36:00.002-06:00

The journey began 5 years ago this month when our Missions Minister, Scott Harris introduced us (me and Karla) to John & Avril Thomas from Cape Town, South Africa.

That conversation was the beginning of a most incredible music & worship ministry missions partnership with some of the most loving, talented, and under-resourced people on planet earth. Since our first trip there in 2004, we have taken (3) music/worship teams there leading workshops, and we are planning two more trips this year.

At our very first meeting with John, he told us about a church choir in a community (Masiphumelele - "Masi" for short) near his church who had recorded their very first CD. He was convinced that one day this choir should and would record another CD. In March of 2007, our team spent several days in Cape Town recording the Masi Choir. In and around that same time, several Christian artists (Jars Of Clay, Casting Crowns, and Michael W. Smith) made their way to Cape Town - they met John, heard about the ministry of Living Hope, heard the Masi Choir sing and lead worship, and they all told John they would do whatever they could do to help the ministry of Living Hope and the Masi Choir. John was convinced in his heart that these artists "had" to be on this CD. (If you know John - his vision, passion, and faith are all "off the chart", and it is almost impossible to say "no" to him!!)

So, literally for the past two years, we have been working on behalf of John Thomas, Living Hope, and the Masi Choir to "secure" these artists and have them record one song on the Masi Choir CD.

The beautiful and sometimes frustrating thing about artists who want to help ministries like Living Hope and the Masi Choir is that they truly want to do this, but they are also most often contractually obligated to companies who quite honestly cannot always afford to allow such valuable "assets" to "give away" their name value to charitable organizations.

However, today was a monumental day in this journey.

Both Michael W. Smith and Dan Haseltine (lead singer for Jars Of Clay) came to the studio and recorded their respective songs. I can't tell you in words how I feel. I see the faces of that choir, I hear their voices, and now we have (arguably) two of the most recognizable voices in Christian music singing along with this beautiful African choir!

I praise God for His timing. I look forward to what is next, but for today, I thank God for the unique and authentic generosity of two men who more often than not have to say "no" when they truly want to say "yes".

Today they said "yes", and there are many people in a tiny church in the middle of a community overcome with poverty and HIV/AIDS who are rejoicing!

To God be the glory!

Some Very Random Thoughts On "New"

2009-02-13T09:15:00.002-06:00

This might be my most random and potentially ridiculous blog post in a very long time if not ever, so if you dare - keep reading......

Why do we crave new?
When does new become not new?
When does new become old?
Is there a time in between not new and old?
Why is new to some and not to others?
Why do worship leaders insist on singing new songs all the time?
Why would we rather drive a new car than a "pre-owned" car?
Why do we want a new house?
Why do we want a new job?
Why do we crave new clothes?
new furniture
new kitchen
new garage
new girlfriend
new boyfriend
new wife
new husband
new computer
new cell phone
new widescreen HDTV

What is our fascination with new?
What is right with new?
What is wrong with not new?

I guess this hit me this week related to songs and church buildings.
In my profession, I am always looking for new songs - particular right now new Easter songs. On a weekly basis, worship leaders everywhere are introducing new songs to their congregations. What is new to some is vaguely familiar to others. What is old to some, is brand new to others. What gives? I remind my choir often that some of the older hymns we sing were new at one point - they refuse to believe that (smile)!

We are about to open a new building/room/space on our church campus called the Connection Center. I still remember when we moved into our now-almost-7-year-old Worship Center. How exciting it was to be there because it was new. Now it is not nearly as exciting to be in that room because we have become familiar with it. The new Connection Center will be new. So that makes me wonder when it will no longer "feel" new to everyone.

Why does any of this matter?

I don't really know except that I guess I want to be careful not to always be consumed with new. New always becomes not new and eventually old. Keeping new in persepective might be a good thing.

I tend to be equally thrilled that within God's Church we celebrate a new baby, new Christians, as well as honor those who have been married for 50+ years!

Minister On-Site

2009-02-07T10:31:00.002-06:00

Since most if not all of the ministerial staff at our church work on Sundays, we usually are off on Fridays.

However, each minister rotates serving as "on-site" minister each Friday.

This is different from our "on-call" minister who is available to respond to ministry/family/Benevolence/medical, etc.. emergencies.

(If you are thoroughly confused, fret not - for the sake of this post, it really does not matter!)

I had the joy of being on-site yesterday.

I can't speak for other ministers and what they get to deal with when they are on site, but you would have thought yesterday was Friday the 13th instead of next Friday!

I had to respond to two uniquely different phone calls and situations.

SITUATION #1
A lady calls from out of state concerned about her son who has moved to Nashville and has no place to stay. She wants to know if he can park his car in our parking lot and sleep overnight in his car in our lot! There is so much more to this story, but WOW! I took all her information, passed it along to our Benevolence Ministry, and hopefully they will be able to offer some kind of assistance to this young man and relieve his mother's anxiety.

SITUATION #2
A man calls to tell me he accidentally broke a kerosine lamp sitting next to their family Bible, and now the Bible is ruined - soaked and smells aweful. He ask me what he should do with the Bible? He told me they can't destroy it or throw it away or burn it - because it is sacred. So.....what do you do in this situation? WOW #2...
I told him I would ask around for advice and counsel, and I would call him back on Monday. In the meantime, I suggested he wrap the Bible in plastic, seal it, and place it in his garage until I get back to him with whatever "official" counsel I can offer!

Ministry is completely crazy sometimes - that's all I have to say about that.

Happy Belated Birthday!

2009-02-03T09:03:00.002-06:00

My 57th birthday was last Sunday.

Before you consider me to be egotistical in wishing myself a belated happy birthday, this post is truly not about me - other than the honor I have of sharing my birthday with a true legend - one of my heroes...... George Beverly Shea.

For 62 years, Bev Shea has been the voice of the Billy Graham Crusades. He turned 100 on Sunday, and he did a concert!!!! Good grief - a concert at age 100!! Most people don't get to breathe that many years, much less still be able to carry a tune out loud!

I know I have talked and written about being with the Billy Graham Crusade in Syracuse, NY in March of 1989. I talk and write about that because it was such an honor to be around that team of people. Bev Shea was gracious to sit in a quiet room under the arena seating in the Carrier Dome and visit with me that evening. I will always remember the opportunity to just listen to him talk about life and ministry.

So, I encourage you to read more about this incredible man of God. You can do so by clicking HERE

Happy Birthday To Karla!

2009-01-28T09:56:00.002-06:00

My sweet wife turns 53 today!

Recently, she was counseling a 30-something female following one of our services, and as they talked, the subject of age somehow came up and when Karla told this young lady that she was 52, the girl blurted out, "no way - well, you sure are hot to be 52!!" I think Karla took that as a compliment.

This "hot-now-53-year-old" is spending her morning speaking at the Nashville Women's Rescue Mission - she took several paperback New Testaments to give to those homeless women who don't have Scriptures to read.

If you have a minute sometime today, be sure to wish her a happy birthday!

Compassionart Project

2009-01-25T20:48:00.004-06:00

Imagine the vision that brings the following names to come together to write songs for the sole purpose of helping to fight poverty world-wide?

Names like Michael W. Smith, Darlene Zschech, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Paul Baloche, Israel Houghton, Graham Kendrick, Steven Curtis-Chapman, Andy Park, Stu Garrard, and Martin Smith.

This CD and other related products releases on Tuesday.

I am particularly thrilled about this project because each artist got to personally choose the charity/organization their portion of the royalties/sales/proceeds would go to. In other words, every person involved in this project is donating to some cause somewhere.

Michael W. Smith chose Living Hope in Cape Town, South Africa.

If you have read my blog or know me at all, Living Hope is where a huge piece of my heart remains at all times.

In anticipation of Michael's 2007 Christmas Concert at Brentwood Baptist (where he agreed to do two shows as benefit concerts) he took the time while he was in Cape Town to meet with John Thomas, the founder and leader of Living Hope in October 2007.

Maybe that played a part in Michael choosing Living Hope to be "his" charity/organization.

As he put it to me - "it seemed like the right thing to do"!

God bless you, Michael, and God bless all of these incredibly influential songwriters/artists who took the time to come together and creatively submit to one another for a greater cause. What a picture that is - what a testimony to laying aside egos, personal and professional agendas to do something really important that goes beyond fame and fortune.

I hope you will take the time to read more about Compassionart, and you will purchase the CD and or other products - for in doing so, you will help to fight poverty, and minister to "the least of these".

Very Random Moment

2009-01-21T08:06:00.003-06:00

I hesitated blogging about what happened to me last Sunday morning after our second worship service because 1) I made such a "dork" of myself, and 2) this will really sound like I am either name-dropping and/or patting myself on the back.

What the heck - this is what really happened.....

I was standing in the main area of our Music/Worship Office Suite talking with two friends, and I was facing the door, when a man walked into the office, made eye contact with me, and asked if I had a moment to speak with him.

As I made eye contact, I immediately blurted out, "I know you!" (what I meant was - I "recognize your face", but I did not who the person was)

I walked over to him, shook his hand, and introduced myself. He introduced himself to me and began to as genuinely as anyone has ever spoken to me - look me in the eye and tell me graciously and humble how much he appreciated me, what I do, what we do as a worship ministry, etc.....

The person was Lee Greenwood.

It was so totally random.

He and his family have evidently been coming regularly to our church, and he told me that he followed me back to my office area to express his gratitude to me.

He then said if there was every anything he could do for me to call on him.

Again - so totally random.

If you are too young to know the name or have an appreciation for the extent of this man's musical career, be sure to check him out by clicking HERE.

You just never know who is going to walk up to you after a worship service!

(hey, at least he didn't write me an anonymous note!!)

The Answer: Blue & Gold

2009-01-17T17:36:00.002-06:00

Hats off to the Brentwood High Boys Basketball Team for beating (upsetting?) Franklin last night AT Franklin.

They now get to wear their own blue and gold practice jerseys come Monday in practice!

If you live in the area, mark your calendars now - Friday, February 6 - Frankin AT Brentwood. It's always difficult to beat the same team twice in the same season!

Who knows, maybe the Franklin coach should consider having the Franklin team wear blue and gold practice jerseys between now and February 6!!!