BST's Blog

He's My Dad

2012-01-24T15:16:00.000-06:00

Yesterday morning I was running like crazy getting kids to school, taking Maddie to the orthodontist, running home to pick up Sam's forgotten lunch, worrying about orthodontist bills, and running Maddie back to school. After signing her back in I was leaving the school office a little frazzled and came face to face with the picture of my father on the wall (at Sam Thomas Elementary--named for my dad).

I stopped in my tracks. It literally took my breath away and caught me completely off guard. I cant even adequately describe what I felt in that moment. With all the hype of having a school named for my dad sometimes even the name is easier to associate with my kids' school than with my dad who played ball with me, held my hand, picked me up when I fell down, loved watching scary movies with me, played one million practical jokes on me, and loved me...to the core. I came face to face with those eyes--those eyes that always seemed to dance a little and laugh whether he was actually laughing or not. I saw that sly smile...a smile I so fully remembered and I was undone, So unexpectedly. Undone. I miss him, still, and cannot believe we actually get to send our kids to school there! He's my dad! What a dream!

As I was driving away, a spiritual epiphany hit me. Sometimes I do the same thing with God. It's easy to get wrapped up in churchy stuff, the initiatives of church, programming, meetings, the facility...and forget how personal this relationship is. He's my Dad! Thank you, Abba!

2012-01-14T09:36:00.000-06:00

Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.
~C. S. Lewis

2012-01-12T10:13:00.000-06:00

We are thrilled to announce that The ZOE Group has completed a time of transition and is ready to jump into 2012!

As The ZOE Group is relaunching, we hope that you’ll join our mission to reach others with a passion for worship. You can do that by sharing this site with your friends and family, by “liking” us on Facebook, by purchasing CDs and folios, by donating to the ministry, and by praying for us!

For a limited time, we are offering sales on available CDs and folios in the ONLINE ZOE STORE so you can complete your ZOE music library. Pricing for the CDs is from $5 to $8, and all music folios are $5. Be sure to take advantage of these great prices! We have limited inventory on some of these items.

Check back on this site often for the latest ZOE news and upcoming events. We are so grateful for your support and look forward to many more years of sharing great worship experiences!

I am personally extremely excited about our new ZOE Board! We have a wealth of gifted and passionate people serving in this ministry! Our new board and directors consists of Geof Vickers (our most awesome attorney), Jeff Berry (VP of Centricity Records who also ran a worship related non-profit for many years), Laura Troup (former publicist for Thomas Nelson Publishing working with many authors including Donald Miller), Mike Cope (speaker and Pepperdine Lectures Director), Josh Graves (preaching minister at Otter Creek Church), Kent Bogle (international man of mystery. Just kidding--but seriously. :) Kent owns 8 different companies all over the world and has a passion for worship and ZOE in particular.) Randy Gill (Randy has written or arranged many of our songs and will now be the acting board president).

Directors include Jason McArthur (VP of Provident Record Label Group and singer with ZOE), Amy Westerman (ZOE singer), Kevin Penna (ZOE singer), Melissa Kirby (ZOE singer) and me.

Here's to a brand new day! I am so, so, so, SO pumped and so very grateful to be past these last couple of years of struggle to get here. Thank you, GOD!

Twelve Clean Pages

2012-01-06T20:12:00.004-06:00

Go right now and order your copy of Nika Maples' new book, Twelve Clean Pages. Nika (a good friend and bridesmaid in our wedding) asked me to read the manuscript last Spring. I was completely sucked in. I wrote a recommendation for the back cover saying "I was not ready for this book to end!" And, I wasn't. You must read this book of grief, struggle, questioning, anointing, and triumph. I cannot possibly recommend this more highly. Congratulations, Nika! You are brilliant!

For more information, you can click on her link over there to the right in my favorite links. Or, visit her website at www.nikamaples.com . You can also read excerpts of her book on her blog...it will hook you. I watched as many of these life experiences happened to Nika. I don't know anyone else quite like her. She truly is an extraordinary person.

2012

2012-01-05T15:57:00.002-06:00

Happy 9th Birthday, Ella!

2012-01-04T13:54:00.003-06:00

Happy birthday to my lovely and vivacious Ella! She turns 9 today. Ella, you have made life so much more fun! Mommy and I adore you! Happy birthday!

Christmas Jazz

2011-12-24T13:13:00.001-06:00

Last Wednesday night Derek Brown and some of his buddies did a jazz program for us at Highland. Derek is the director of the ACU Jazz band program and goes to Highland. It was so cool to see people getting to use their gifts and bless others. It was fantastic! Thank you, Derek!

The Christmas Family Tree

2011-12-24T13:04:00.002-06:00

This year the Highland Children's ministry produced a Christmas musical called "The Christmas Family Tree" written by my Nashville buddy, Kathie Hill. Our friend Kelly Litton directed the show. She was simply amazing. Sheryl was on her team of teachers and we all just marveled at her amazing gifts along the way.

Maddie had her first solo...ever. I was so excited to hear her and my heart just melted when she sang! Ella had a hilarious lip sync moment with Sheryl singing off stage...video clips will be at the bottom after the pictures.

Thank you to Kelly, Suzetta (our children's minister) and all those who gave so much of their time to make this happen!

This is the video clip where the "Christmas" children introduce themselves...wait for Ella at the end. Hilarious!

This is Maddie's sweet solo. I wish you could have heard it live...it really sounded so great!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Here With Us

2011-12-24T12:28:00.001-06:00

On December 4th we had the Highland Christmas Celebration at the historic Paramount Theater in downtown Abilene. It was an awesome night! Here are some pics of that long but fun day.

Load in started that morning at 9:30am...kudos to all the cast who gave up an entire day to get everything ready!

The theater is ready...the sound and lights are set and we are ready to begin our rehearsals and sound check with the band and choir!

Brandon Young who I knew at ACU and then at Otter Creek in Nashville is now back in Abilene with his family teaching art and design at ACU. He is a FANTASTIC electric guitar player! I am so excited he played with us.

Jordan Ziemer...God led me to Jordan. He plays keys at Beltway Baptist in Abilene but has connections to Highland., I loved having Jordan there.

Rod Pringle...long time Highland member and awesome musician. It was a true pleasure having Rod play.

Logan Pringle grew up at Highland but in recent years has been traveling with his band and playing in Austin. Logan is incredibly gifted...and back in Abilene. I'm so thankful!

The evening began with Greg Straughn playing cello and voice over readings of the prophets and then a haunting acappella version of "O Come, O Come Emanuel" by Beth.

Thanks to Lyndell Lee for all the great graphics and ProPresenter stuff.

The band kicks into high gear for rehearsal

Lindi Connally rehearses her incredible dance piece

After rehearsal we shared a very special time of communion together.

Rehearsals are complete and it's time to open the house! Let all those folks in!

Thank you to Debbie Riggs from PURE Photography for these amazing pictures! They were such a great gift to us! I love the beautiful Paramount Theater. I can't imagine a more perfect venue for our Christmas celebration. Thank you to Barry Smoot and everyone at the Paramount.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Missing Judy

2011-12-24T11:50:00.002-06:00

For those of you who prayed for our dear friends, the Fishers, thank you. Judy was released from the pain of cancer the first week of December. This will be the first holiday the Fishers will spend without Judy. Craig was one of my college roommates and closer than a brother over the last 20 years. The four of us roommates have walked many paths with each other. This loss cuts deep as Craig and his family are like family to us too. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you during this holiday. I loved Judy and will miss her! Even in the pain of loss, community rises up and carries us through. Craig asked Stephen, Chris and me to pray at the end of the funeral. We prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for the life of Judy Fisher and for the impact she made.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-24T11:16:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas, everyone! Here's my favorite Christmas video starring my friend, Rob Thomas (Johnny). May your weekend be full of blessings!

Here With Us

2011-11-17T08:57:00.001-06:00

I'm not sure about you, but the last few weeks have been chaos in some ways for me...just very busy and I end up feeling like I need 5 more hours each day to get everything done. We're in the middle of intense rehearsals for our Christmas show at the Paramount on December 4th.

And, although it was INCREDIBLE, after the ZOE conference last weekend I really felt spent.

Also, my voice is struggling to overcome allergies...thank you, West Texas. So, last night was exciting for me but I was still feeling the crunch. The Spirit led Dava Lynn Sullivan to ask me how she could be praying for me (Thank you, DL!) It caused me to self examine...to stop and be still. So, during the elders meeting (sorry, Ed) I practiced praying in color like our children's minister, Suzetta, does. I decided to just sit right in the middle of the words "Here With Us". What I discovered was that a deep need was being met in that moment as the Spirit brought to mind every word, every phrase, every description that makes up Immanuel...God with us.

I wrote in big block letters in the middle "Here With Us" and began to just surround it with phrases and descriptions that came to mind. As I did, I felt bit by bit, my heart releasing to the Lord....relinquishing power, resting in Him, being quiet, receiving His fuel. Some of the words and phrases I wrote as I contemplated God's real presence with me were, "Peace, present, available, focus, able, Life, comfort, support, beside, around, under, over, in and through, in the dark, in the car, at rehearsal, at home, as I sleep, in the stillness, Guide, Companion, Friend, Guard, Shepherd, Healer, Father, Overcomer, Foundation, protection, cover, shield, FULL provision, green pastures, true life, true rest, Invader of loneliness, and "my worth is fully answered in Jesus".

This was a pretty personal exercise...there were some other things I wrote too, and I normally wouldn't share something like this but I felt prompted this morning to share with you. It's easy to allow our STRIVINGS to take over. But last night...as though He was almost pouring oil over my head...He quieted my heart to see the power once again of "Here With Us". The word "permeate" kept coming to mind. He will, if you'll allow Him, permeate your entire being today. He so wants that. He wants to be known by you. It's His greatest pleasure.

Consider these words from one of my favorite hymns--"Dear Lord and Father of Mankind"

Drop Thy still dews of quietness,
Till all our strivings cease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress,
And let our ordered lives confess
The beauty of Thy peace.

The imagery there is exactly what I felt last night...God dropping droplets of quietness upon my soul...until my heart was calmed to really see things for how they are. His peace is truly everlasting...invading.

I don't know where you are today, but I really pray this will encourage you. It's not always easy to make yourself vulnerable to a bunch of people and I resist that at times, but felt the Lord's prompting today. I pray that in some ways my own struggle to find peace this week can encourage you in your journey.

Pre-Halloween Fun

2011-10-29T10:27:00.000-05:00

Sam, Ella and Maddie at Boo at the Zoo. The Abilene Zoo had over 10,000 people visit that day.

Sheryl preparing to go out with girlfriends dressed as Lucy

Angie Martin as the Black Widow, Sheryl as Lucy, and Beth Ann Fisher as Mary Catherine Gallagher

Ella ready for her Monster Bash at the HIllis's house. She went as "Spa Girl"

What Sam Sees

2011-10-26T15:58:00.001-05:00

Sam did some barn yard art in class last week. I was so impressed with his drawing! I feel like I could NOT have drawn this well as a 6 year old! He is loving Kindergarten at Thomas Elementary.

Here are some samples of his art...

Weekend of Fun!

2011-10-23T19:51:00.000-05:00

This weekend was the annual Highland Father/Son camp out. Until the day of, Sam hadn't wanted to spend the night. Luckily, he changed his mind! What a blast we had! We came back dirty, stinky, and tired but we played hard and loved every minute of it!

We started off the trip with a visit to Sonic!

The Abilene State Park is so awesome! Great trees, awesome trails, and great camp sites.

I loved this concentrated Sam time

Sam hanging out on the top of my truck

My buddy Greg inspecting the tent construction

What's a camp out without hot dogs??

Jim Etheredge and Steve Eller did a great job of cooking and planning.

Sam enjoying a mouth full of s'mores

Brandon Young and Lee Penya brought guitars for a camp fire sing along

Sam and I played an early morning game of chess

It was cold enough to really hug the fire

one of the trails

Sam and Cason Kilmer

On Saturday morning I went hiking with a mess of kids...it was a blast! Lots of "whoaaaaa's" and "COOOOOOL's"

We came home and rested a bit and got ready to go to the Abilene Zoo for "Boo at the Zoo". We were all excited to go. Abilene actually has a great zoo. Little did we know that the zoo was expecting 10,000 people on Saturday. UGH!

Sam (Frank), Ella as an Asian princess and Maddie as Queen Elizabeth

After the Zoo we had an AWESOME night with our buddies the Sullivans. Slade, Dava Lynn, Clark, Bennett, Griffin, and Nolan. Sam was in heaven playing ball, ping pong, etc. We had a blast with them. Slade and I have been friends since ACU days. It's fun to see what a great dad he is. I love his whole family. Dava Lynn sings with us at Highland.

We roasted marshmallows in the Sullivan's outdoor grill

The Sullivan and Thomas kids...a whole lot of fun!

All in all it was an awesome weekend. This morning was another amazing morning at Highland. God is doing great things here. I feel so thankful for getting to be a part of it all!

"The World As I See It" by Madeline Thomas

2011-10-21T09:52:00.000-05:00

This is a poem written this week by my 10 year old, Maddie.

The world as I see it is so green and so blue.
The world as I see it is full of people just like me and you.
The world as I see it has days and nights.
The world as I see it has darkness and lights.
The world as I see it has dogs and cats.
The world as I see it has hippos and rats.
The world as I see it has clouds like doves.
The world as I see it has never ending love.

~Madeline Thomas

New Music Atlanta

2011-10-20T08:56:00.002-05:00

Have you registered yet for New Music Atlanta with ZOE? It's not too late! Randy Gill, D. J. Bulls, the ZOE Group, Dusty Rush and others are preparing an amazing weekend of worship and an awesome music workshop for praise teams and anyone who loves to sing. You do not want to miss this! The registration price is ridiculously low too...probably the lowest of any conference you could find. Very affordable and with registration you'll also leave with a folio of brand new music. Go today to www.campuschurch.org/nma and register. We want you there!

Sunday Morning

2011-10-17T17:07:00.001-05:00

Sunday morning had to have been one of the coolest experiences I've had in a while. The worship center was packed with ACU Homecoming guests but there was an intimacy about the morning that could have only come from the Lord. From the moment we began you could feel it in the room. And the Spirit just blessed us with an abundance of power that day. There was a transparency on the praise team that moved me to tears...scriptures being read through tears, songs being sung boldly, hearts being laid before Him. It was a wonderful day. Our friend Amanda Vickers from Nashville was in town and sang with us. She sang Hallowed...completely awesome. Sheryl sang Redeemer...it was just one of those days...a day I'll remember.

Jonathan Storment, our preacher, is great at using visuals as he preaches...props and other creative elements. This Sunday was no exception. Here's a picture of Jonathan during his sermon...

He confessed that he might look a little like "Fonzie's nerdy nephew". HA! Loved that!

Another thing I love about Highland is that Our children's minister Suzetta Nutt has taught the kids at Highland to "pray in color". It is one of the most formative things I've seen. Brilliant! (praying in color is drawing what you see and hear in your head and heart as you pray) Sunday as the story of Joshua was being read, one of the 4th graders drew this picture. This is incredible...from a 4th grader! Landry Bonneau (one of Maddie's good buddies) drew this and explained...the wall represents our struggles and the horn is the word of the Lord. When His truth is spoken, it tears down our walls. I love that Suzetta and others are giving our children the freedom and mentoring to pray in such creative and abstract ways. Check out what Landry wrote on the wall...just such a powerful image! I love this!

Highland has been deep in prayer for Liam and Tatum, two Highland children struggling with cancer. At a prayer service for them, Ella drew this while praying in color. I loved this too. I praise God for the children's ministry at Highland...one of the big reasons we love it here so much!

ACU Homecoming 2011

2011-10-15T16:44:00.000-05:00

This weekend is ACU Homecoming. Growing up, this was one of my all-time favorite weekends of the year. Our kids have been anticipating and looking forward to this for weeks!

The weekend got kicked off last night with the Homecoming Carnival and Jam Fest on the front lawn.

It ended with a fireworks show...but we didn't last that long. The kids jumped themselves into exhaustion...there was even rock wall climbing and laser tag.

This morning was the Homecoming Parade. We took our normal spot right in front of Bitsy's Flower Shop. The kids brought bags to collect all the candy being tossed from each float.

Kelly Wilson Litton and Meredith Speck on the Coming Home Court

Willie the Wildcat is very environmentally friendly

Gata Float

Siggie Float

My intern, Trey Wrape, (in white) marching with Gamma Sigs

Our dear friends--the Brown Family. Tod, Lee Ann, Bailey, Hutton, and Reagan

life-long friends--Corey Patterson and Amy Nichols Boone

Homecoming Chapel in Moody Coliseum

Tonight is the annual Homecoming musical. This year they are doing "The King and I". We've been resting this afternoon since it will be a late night. The kids are excited about seeing some of their friends in the show. More pictures to come!

Sam A. Thomas

2011-10-13T16:32:00.000-05:00

‎20 years ago today I said goodbye and hugged my father one last time. I've missed him every single day. Thanks to Amy Boone for this wonderful quote by Andy Raine from Common Prayer..."Do not hurry as you walk with grief; it does not help the journey. Walk slowly, pausing often; do not hurry as you walk with grief. Be not disturbed by memories that come unbidden. Swiftly forgive; and let Christ speak for you unspoken words. Unfinished conversation will be resolved in Him. Be not disturbed. Be gentle with the one who walks with grief. If it is you, be gentle with yourself. Swiftly forgive; walk slowly, pausing often. Take time, be gentle as you walk with grief."

I wanted to share this in honor of my dad. I love this because of Sheryl's voice singing and thinking about how much Dad would have LOVED hearing her. And I love the end of this slide show seeing the heritage of faithfulness passed down and having our own "Sam Thomas" who brings joy to my life every day. We all miss you, Dad! I only wish I could see what you see and hear what you hear in that great cloud of witnesses. Someday!

New Music Atlanta

2011-10-08T07:35:00.000-05:00

All of us in ZOE are excited about New Music Atlanta coming up next month. We want you there! Our first conference in 2 years. Randy Gill and the folks at Campus Church are working like crazy to prepare. You don't want to miss this. Awesome worship, clinics where we'll learn tons of new music and great fellowship! Go here to register www.campuschurch.org/nma

Braces!

2011-10-05T10:53:00.000-05:00

Maddie is sporting new braces! She looks so cute! I can't believe she's old enough to be getting them. We celebrated yesterday by taking her to get frozen yogurt. I love this girl so much!

Prayers for Judy Fisher

2011-10-02T16:15:00.000-05:00

For those of you who've been reading this blog for the past 8 years, you know that my 3 college roommates, Craig Fisher, Stephen Bailey, and Chris Doggett remain like brothers to me. There aren't many in my life who've been through more with me than these 3. We've done it all...life, deaths, marriage, struggles, illness...etc. Some things are just too difficult to think about much less write about. Craig's mom, Judy, who is family to me, is ill. She's been fighting cancer for a while now.

The 4 of us guys are a cord that cannot be broken. We've held on tight for many years. I come to you today begging you to pray for Judy. She is not well. We are praying that God would bless her, bless Jim-Ed, bless Craig and all of his family. I'm asking you this selfishly. I love this dear woman. I hate...truly HATE to see her suffering. Will you please pray for Judy? Would you ask God to rain down his healing power in her life? Would you ask God to give all of us grace to walk the days ahead? Will you specifically lift up Craig, Beth Ann, Riley and Owen Fisher? I'm asking you, my blog family. Please war for them all right now. I love these people more than my words can say. I'm so grateful for all of you who have stood in the gap with me over the years. I need you today.

Sunday Ibok Memorial

2011-10-02T15:06:00.000-05:00

Memorial services for Sunday are as follows:

Tuesday October 4
Funeral at Skyvue Funeral Home
7220 FM 1187 Mansfield, TX 76063
Phone: 817-478-6955

Viewing--10-11:30am
Graveside service--noon
Memorial Celebration--Good News International Christian Church 3:00pm
1919 South Collins Street, Arlington, TX 76010
817-380-5406

For more details, please visit www.GNICC.org

Sunday Ibok

2011-09-29T10:27:00.002-05:00

Over the last few months it seems that pain, suffering and grief are on the rise. Losing Sheryl's mom has made us even more aware, I'm sure. We're approaching the 20th anniversary of my father's death next month. At Highland we're praying for several families with young children who are fighting cancer. It makes you just ask all the WHY questions.

I think some people feel afraid of questions. Solid answers are much safer...much stronger...much more resolute. But how can thinking people live fully in faith in a God who sent His Son to Earth through the womb of a virgin, healed sick people, raised the dead, and then came back to life Himself WITHOUT asking questions??

God is certainly big enough for my questions. He isn't shaken. He doesn't fret when I doubt. He doesn't doubt His ability to be King of Kings, Lord of Lords and the Alpha and Omega. Actually, I believe He allows me to dive into deeper places in Him through times when my understanding just doesn't cut it. I hear echos of His words to Job. My heart hears the songs of faithfulness that He so lovingly sings over me.

My friend Sunday Ibok who went to ACU, would visit Nashville frequently, and whom I loved to hang with in NYC when I was there on work, had a freakish brain aneurysm Sunday night while on a visit to Texas for a wedding of a mutual friend.

Sunday had come through Abilene last week to see friends here and then traveled to Dallas for the wedding. While sitting in a hot tub Sunday night he began to complain of his head hurting. He went and laid down and his friends knew something wasn't right. He was taken to the hospital and then care flighted to Baylor Medical Center. Sunday was declared brain dead on Monday afternoon. As friends have gathered and prayed over him for a miracle...for healing...it struck me--God's been healing Sunday for years! That man was an overcomer. We see in part...but God sees in full. He knows ultimate healing. People may say, "Where is your God"? I would point to Sunday's life and say, behold the matchless grace of Jesus.

Why? Why, God, would you want to allow this light to leave our world? Why so early? I don't understand. I don't have to.

Sunday loved Jesus. In fact...his last post on Twitter on Sunday before anything went wrong was "FAITHFUL". God has been, is, and will be faithful. I miss you, Sunday! My heart grieves for those of us left behind who will greatly miss you. But I rejoice for you. Go dance with Jesus!

Happy Birthday, Sally!

2011-09-19T13:24:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday to one of our dear friends today...Sally Gary. I won't even mention her age. I just wanted to give her a birthday shout out! :)

Built Ram Tough

2011-09-18T14:30:00.000-05:00

I know it may seem crazy to some of you but there is a part of me...the part raised in the country on a farm...that LOVES trucks. I made the move to Texas in another way last week when we traded my car for a Dodge Ram. Yes, I'm serious. And can I just say how much I am LOVING it? It swallows me, but it is fun to drive! You won't be seeing a gun rack or NRA sticker on this one, but I am thinking about adding some custom made ZOE mud flaps. ;) Just kidding!

A Duet with Haven

2011-09-17T17:42:00.002-05:00

Last night before bed I got to do an impromptu duet with my buddy, Haven Heflin (daughter of Houston and Karen). She is 3 years old...and completely adorable. This made my whole day!

Haven Heflin and BST singing "Hear Our Praises" by BrandonSThomas

KTAB News story update

2011-09-14T08:29:00.000-05:00

Here's the link to the story on KTAB last night...

http://bigcountryhomepage.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=412017

Thank you again to Jessica Reyes and KTAB!

KTAB News story update

2011-09-13T15:41:00.000-05:00

Well...long story short...the morning the interview was scheduled last week Sheryl fell and we thought she broke her ankle (still might be...although she is much better). So, it was postponed. It airs tonight at 6pm on KTAB channel 10 in the Abilene area. It should be available online afterwards at KTAB News Stories . We have decided to DVR it and we are going to the West Texas Fair tonight. Yeee-HAWW!

KTAB News

2011-09-05T18:40:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow, Abilene CBS affiliate KTAB will be doing a story on our family for their series called "Beyond the Book". I'm not sure whether it airs at 6 or 10 tomorrow night but if you're in the area, tune in!

* well, this morning Sheryl fell off a stack of boxes at storage and we thought she had broken her ankle. Very painful! Xrays showed no apparent fracture but she has a really bad sprain. All that to say...the interview was postponed until Thursday. Not sure when it will air but I'll let you know. Thanks in advance for your prayers for quick healing for Sheryl. :)

ACU Recreation and Wellness Center Grand Opening

2011-09-03T13:20:00.000-05:00

Yesterday marked the grand opening of the incredible "Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center". It is beyond anything you can imagine...and certainly beyond anything we ever had as students. Huge fitness class areas, gyms, rock climbing wall, unbelievable pool area complete with a lazy river, indoor track, and more.

Here are some pictures I took yesterday during the grand opening...

Entry way into the center

rock wall climbing

indoor pool area

view from above

fitness classrooms

view of the bell tower from one of the wellness center balconies

It is a great day for ACU and a wonderful day for all current and future students! What an awesome recruiting tool and perk for all students, faculty and staff!

ACU Opening Day Chapel 2011

2011-08-29T17:39:00.000-05:00

This morning Sheryl and I attended the opening day chapel ceremony for ACU's 106th year. It is always something to behold! Like a scene from the opening day of Hogwarts, it is full of pageantry and tradition. We LOVED getting to be there today. The singing brought chills!

Here are a couple of videos from today...

ACU Welcome Week Candlelight Devo

2011-08-26T10:33:00.001-05:00

Tuesday night I went to the annual ACU Welcome Week candlelight devo in the ACU amphitheater. It was awesome...as always. It had been almost 20 years since I had been to it. I loved hearing the more than 1000 voices sing with passion to the Father. Many of the songs were ZOE songs/arrangements. It was surreal in a way. I thought of my friends who had written some of those songs...probably having no clue the life it would have within my particular tribe, and wished for them.

My buddy Chris Davis who wrote "Here In This Place" probably never imagined how his song would be tied in a very emotional way to the beginning of all these students' college experiences. Chris is a good friend and a good man.

I'm wondering if my friend Eric Wyse ever imagined the picture above when he wrote "Light the Fire"? Eric and I produced several kids records together for Parable Bookstores and we've done multiple projects together including the Hymns project for Family Christian Bookstores. I love and miss you, Eric! Please come see us.

I'm wondering if my friend from Belmont Church, Rob Still, could have ever imagined how "A New Anointing" would take on a life of its own? Rob has often told me how ZOE brought that song to life. Worship Leader Magazine had used our recording to introduce that song in their Song Discovery program. I wished for him as I heard these kids belting it out. A season for a NEW anointing! Powerful words for these kids in this time in their lives.

And every time we sing Shout Hallelujah, I think about the night in the studio when Randy Gill introduced us to that song. It's one of my favorites! I love how Randy has helped shape the worship vocabulary within our tribe and beyond.

One of the MOST bizarre things is how songs take on a life of their own. I stood there as the students sang these songs and listened as the girls all sang the adlib parts by memory...parts that my wife Sheryl, Jason McArthur, Zach Wilson and others made up while we were in the studio. I listened as the tenors soared on parts in "Salvation Belongs to Our God" and "Worthy is the Lamb" and remembered how the tenors and altos haggled (a serious ZOE tradition) in the studio over who would sing which part. The tenors always want to sing the alto parts. HA! And those students were just belting it out. There were no screens....no lyrics...they just all knew them by heart. It was so incredibly moving. I just cannot express how full my heart was that night.

I doubt most of these kids knew any of the background or history of these songs. I did some quick math in my head that night and realized that they were all 3 and 4 years old when the first ZOE CD came out. Talk about a fossilizing moment!! What they WERE thinking about was worship. They seemed to be transported right into the throne room of God. And, after all, THAT is what it's about.

I walked away that night thinking about my ZOE family...all the experiences, the journey, the laughter and tears, the prayers....and I thanked God. It's in times like that when words completely fail you. But I know that in ways I cannot know, the Spirit was able to help me as I prayed. As we have said from the beginning in ZOE...there is only ONE audience and it's our Father. He is the Almighty, Abba, Alpha and Omega, King of kings and Lord of lords. His glory is above the heavens. What I saw Tuesday night was that His fame and glory were being celebrated in powerful ways. Hallelujah! May this generation take that to even higher heights! I want to be a part of THAT! We serve a mighty God! I stand in the shadow of the cross and feel so thankful that I have a hope in Him. Without Him, I am nothing. He gives Life. He takes my meager offering and makes it into something I could never imagine. He takes my brokenness and makes beauty from ashes. He loves beyond my wildest imagination. I want MORE of God and LESS of me! Praise God for his unfailing love!

Sam Thomas Elementary

2011-08-24T17:04:00.001-05:00

We were so very honored by the Abilene Newspaper doing a front page article on my dad and our family returning to Texas and being a part of Sam Thomas Elementary. What a treasure for us to keep, always! I absolutely loved the pic of Sheryl and Sam too.

To read the story...go here-- Abilene Reporter News

School Days

2011-08-19T10:07:00.001-05:00

School starts in Abilene on Monday. The kids will be new students at Sam Thomas Elementary--a school built and named after my father. It is a dream that we are getting to be there. It is an awesome school and the administration and teachers are incredible.

Last night we had meet the teacher night. We got there a little early to find long lines waiting out the front doors to get in. Once the doors opened, we walked past this picture of my dad smiling down on us...I think we all took a collective sigh of peace.

We love Mrs. Smith--the principal. She has done so much already for us. Sam has Nyla Davis for Kindergarten (long time family friend), Ella has Mrs. West for 3rd grade and Maddie has Mrs Sutherland and Ms. Mayhall for 4th grade. They are all really excited about their teachers. We are at Thomas with some of our favorite Abilene friends...Bill and Laura Carroll's daughters as well as Houston and Karen Heflin's daughters.

Last night was a blast. We are all excited about being a part of this community and school. It seems like only yesterday I was starting school as a Kindergartner riding to school with my dad. Every morning on the way to school he would sing "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning". And it was...just about every single day.

Here's my Kindergarten school picture...

Thomas Family Pics Summer 2011

2011-08-17T15:13:00.000-05:00

Our dear friend, Jill Batson, took some pictures for us before we left Nashville that have become my favorite family pictures we've ever had made. Go visit her website! Jill Batson Photography

Here are some of my favorites...

Thank you, Jill! Tomorrow the kids get to meet their teachers at Sam Thomas Elementary and they will begin a brand new chapter on Monday. We're all excited!

Happy Anniversary

2011-08-15T11:48:00.000-05:00

In the course of 2 months so many things have happened in our lives that it seems hard to keep track right now. I haven't had much blog inspiration since we lost Sheryl's mom. But so many wonderful things have occurred. We are transitioning well into Abilene life. More on that later.

The true purpose of today's blog is to celebrate our 13th anniversary! Happy anniversary to my lovely wife! It's been an amazing journey of faith and laughter over the years. I am a very blessed man. 13 years ago today we stood with Mike Cope and many of our closest friends to join our lives. Many of those friends have walked every step with us. What would we do without community? We are deeply thankful for the friendships and family given to us. God is good!

And over the years God has added to our joy by giving us 3 amazing human beings. Each birth was special. Each child a unique piece of God's heart for us. We love them!

Maddie

Ella

Sam

Summer 2011

Sheryl's Mom

2011-06-26T10:00:00.002-05:00

In the midst of our transition from Nashville to Abilene we lost Sheryl's mom, Ernestine Rathbun, this past week to a sudden stroke. Sheryl and I were laying on the bed Tuesday night crying tears of joy that our 13 year old dog, Bear, had been found in Abilene. We were so thankful to get her back. Then we got the text that Ernestine had been life flighted to Houston. It just seemed too much. Surreal.

Sheryl headed to Houston to be with her and the kids and I waited in Abilene for good news. At first the news seemed positive. She was responding to voices and pain. But over night Wednesday, things declined.

Thursday night as Sheryl and her family were gathered around, Ernestine slipped peacefully away. The last thing she heard in this life was Sheryl's voice singing over her. The song was straight out of scripture in Zephaniah 3.

The Lord our God is with you
He is mighty to save.
The Lord will take great delight in you.
He will quiet you with His love.

He will rejoice over you,
He will rejoice over you.
If you could only hear His voice,
You would hear the Lord rejoice,
Rejoicing over you with singing.

We are all so sad. The family is gathered in Lake Jackson and as happens every time we're together, there's laughter, joking, hugging, and lots of stories. This time it's seasoned with tears, but it's good to be together.

Tuesday of last week Ernestine made her famous chocolate cake. Ironically, even in her absence, she is still taking care of us by feeding us. We're savoring every morsel.

Visitation is today at the Restwood Funeral Home from 1-3pm.
The memorial service will be tomorrow at 10am at the Lake Jackson Church of Christ.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support!

Going Away Festivities

2011-05-30T23:04:00.000-05:00

This has been an amazing weekend with friends! From our surprise going away party to swim time with friends and a farewell dinner with some of my close brothers. I have so much to write but I feel like if I don't post some of these pics it will never happen with the craziness of moving.

Here are some pictures and video from our surprise party...(more to come later)

There was a "Roast" part of the evening...nobody was safe. Johnathan Vest was hilarious and fried us all!

The girls wrote a "Hee-Haw" song about Sheryl. It was really cute. L-R Amy Westerman, Laura Troup, Gail Gonzalez, Kiki, Amanda Vickers (Bobby Colvert was on guitar with legendary steel guitar player Carco Clave)

Our long-time friends, Steve and Karen Speake, presented us with a beautiful picture on canvas that Karen had taken in Ireland. One of Karen's paintings hangs over our mantle. We love the Speakes and will miss them dearly.

In case you missed it...here's the video Amy Westerman put together for us. This is why we were crying! :)

Kevin, Kiki, Sheryl and me

Scott and Amy Westerman, Sheryl and me

Amanda Vickers, Amy Westerman, Sheryl and Kiki. These three girls planned the party and really blessed us with all their hard work and special touches. It is a night we will never forget.

The party took place at the Wilcher's. Randal is an elder at Otter Creek and Dele teaches at Otter Creek with Sheryl. They have blessed our lives immensely.

Randal, Sheryl, Dele and me

Sunday morning my good buddy Josh Ross team-preached at Otter Creek with Josh Graves. Many of you remember Josh Ross and have prayed for his family over the last year as they walked the very difficult path of losing his sister, Jenny Bizaillian from a freak infection. The morning was powerful! I so loved having Josh there. Afterwards, the Ross and Graves families came to our house for lunch. Sweet time with great friends!

BST, Josh Ross, Josh Graves

Josh and Noah

Truitt Ross and Sam

Kara Graves and Lucas

Truitt Ross

Sheryl, me, Kayci and Josh Ross, Josh and Kara Graves

Lucas Graves was like, "Enough talking already! It is NAP TIME!"

Sunday afternoon we went over to JR and Joy Roper's house for a swim party. They have an amazing home and their back yard is something out of the Garden of Eden. We had a blast and Ella actually lost her last front baby tooth. Thank you, Joy and JR for your years of friendship, musical inspiration, and love.

Um...yeah...it's really THAT beautiful!

Ella...toothless!

Maddie. Cameron Hunt is smiling back there in the background

Ella

Their infinity pool was so gorgeous!

Last night I had dinner with some of my closest Nashville brothers. It was so fun and so great to get to laugh together. I love these guys.

L-R back row--Daren Stanley, David Shaub, Jeff McInturff, (front row) Daniel Green, and Brian Layton

Daniel, "Shaubie", and Brian.
"Shaubie" was an elder at OC for much of the time I was there. He is also like a brother to me. I lived with David and Sharon for a little while before Sheryl and I got married. His whole family is like family to Sheryl and me.

Daniel and Brian have been dear friends to me. Daniel and Mary Ann were in life group with us as young marrieds. Brian's kids and our kids carpool every day to school. Both of these guys have loved me even on days when I have been unlovable.

Today we had more pool time and lunch with the Graves and Ross families. I spent most of that pool time in the shade because I have fried myself already this weekend. Tonight Ella wasn't feeling well so she and I stayed home and watched a movie while the rest of the family celebrated Memorial Day out in Nolensville with Kevin, Kiki, Chris and Gail and their kids. Here are some awesome cousin shots. Thanks to Chris for sending these!

Canaan, Maddie and Sierra

I love this picture!

Sam, Canaan, Maddie and Sierra. I wonder if you could hear Sam screaming over the deafening cicadas??

Back to work tomorrow...this is my last week. Much to do! More goodbyes. I'm storing up these moments in my heart...every last one.

Surprise Going Away Party

2011-05-28T09:55:00.000-05:00

Last night we were surprised and surrounded by many friends who have meant more to us than we could ever put into words. Thank you to everyone who came and especially to Amy Westerman, Kiki, and Amanda Vickers for planning the most perfect send-off. I will share some more pictures and video later but I wanted to share the video Amy Westerman put together this morning. Last night we laughed and cried all the way through it. Thank you for the time and energy it took to complete this! What can we say? We love you and you are family!

Days of Whine and Roses

2011-05-27T16:29:00.000-05:00

I find myself feeling waves of emotion that come and go right now...generally brought on by seeing or talking to friends and thinking of leaving them. Last night my good buddy Mark Whaley threw a going away party for me. It was really fun. These guys mean a lot to me. I loved having a night of laughter!

Jeff Lovett, Grant Batson, Mark Whaley, Stephen Chisolm, me, Gary Musick

I stopped by to see my sweet cousin who is the manager of the Starbucks near our house...we lovingly refer to it as either St. Arbucks or Star$$. Ang drew a little mural on my coffee cup in protest of us moving...

But meanwhile, work still has to get done. I am producing my last show at TPAC (Tennessee Performing Arts Center) this weekend. It's the Legacy Dance Show. Today was load-in and rehearsal. Here are some pics of the set going up.

One last thing today...our friend, Amy Rieder Owen, sent me a picture of Sam from graduation last Friday. I LOVE this picture. Here's why...each child had to write their definition of love and read it. Sam's was, "Love is my daddy playing with me." In this picture he had just read it out loud and was looking at me. I was sitting on the front row of the balcony filming it. It was such a sweet moment. I love that Amy captured it! Thank you, Amy!

It's going to be a busy but fun weekend. I am excited about the coming weeks and all the adventures that we will have! God is giving us such a sense of anticipation about Abilene. So many amazing experiences to be had! But, first, we must figuratively sing "Friends Are Friends Forever" as we pack up everything and say our goodbyes. These are sweet tears we're crying...and tears of great gratitude. But they're still tears! :) So, thank you for continuing to pray for these days of transition for the Thomas family. Have a great weekend, blog family!

Transition Stuff

2011-05-23T14:37:00.000-05:00

I have these two personalities that live inside me...I have a definite explorer spirit...who has to somehow commune with my homebody spirit. I have always loved traveling and experiencing new things. I am at home on the road. I love navigating new cities and discovering new places. But, I grew up in the same house from the time I was born until I graduated from High School. My mom later moved (AFTER I was married and living in Nashville). I love to explore. I hate to move. I have been confused by this, but I think I have figured out that the explorer spirit thrives when there is a known home base. I'm experiencing some weird emotions lately that seem to be in direct conflict with each other. I am excited about the new adventures ahead for us. I can't wait! I am excited about all the pages of life that are yet to be written. I guess it's the moving thing that's stressing me out the most. If it were possible to snap my fingers and have the whole thing done, I would. I am serious. I so TOTALLY would. However, as I have learned more than a handful of times in my life, God teaches us some things in going through a process that we could never learn otherwise. We learn dependence. We learn to trust. We learn to pray. We learn to wait upon Him. That pretty much sums up where I currently find myself.

In the meantime, the kids are finding ways to incorporate their thoughts about moving into some fun games. Last night at bed time I sat on the bed with Maddie, Ella and Sam and played a game that Maddie termed, "I'm moving to Texas." It's a memory/alphabet game that we had some fun with. You had to repeat every word and then add your own each turn. After all was said and done, here are the things we're bringing with us to Texas:

A: Apple
B: Banana
C: Car
D: Dog
E: Elephant (get ready Abilene ZOO!)
F: Frog
G: Gargoyle
H: Hainey (our dear friend who currently lives in Washington DC)
I: Iguana
J: Jackpot (um, yes, please)
K: Kiki (Aunt Kiki, will you come with us??)
L: Lemon
M: Maddie (good thing!)
N: Nancy (as in Fancy Nancy)
O: Ocean
P: Parrot
Q: Queen
R: Robber
S: Seventeen Snakes (Maddie did this because she knows I have a phobia)
T: Telegraph
U: Universe (Sam thinks in big terms)
V: Venomous Rat (Ella...this item kind of sums up our hilarious Ella)
W: Weirdo (pretty sure we're bringing 5 of those)
X: X-ray
Z: Zapper

The kids amazed me with their ability to remember all those words and think through to the next one. Sam received a little coaching from Maddie, but he did a great job too!

I also wanted to share some video clips with you from when ZOE sang at Otter Creek last weekend. Thank you to David England for making these available and to Jackie (his wife) for taking them!

Gary Musick Productions Marina Cast 2011

2011-05-21T14:13:00.000-05:00

Our work with Oceania Cruise Lines continue to go very well. The cast of the Marina is here rehearsing. All of them except one have worked for us before. It's fun when we have returning cast members. It's like a reunion! This particular cast has some of my favorites! Yesterday they did a run-through of the "Con Molto" show for the producers and production staff. We loved it!

Here are some highlights...

Heather, Chris, Blake and Jen

Cherry, Serena, Danielle and barely seen Stefanie

Serena, Stefanie, Jen, Cherry, Blake

Danielle, Cherry and Blake

Heather

Cherry and Serena

Sam's Kindergarten Graduation 2011

2011-05-20T22:29:00.000-05:00

Today came sooner than we could ever have believed. Since 1960 graduates have collected Kindergarten diplomas, sung songs and caused parents to shed many a tear. Since 1996 I have watched as this process continued. In 2003 our first born, Maddie, began her experience at the Otter Creek School, going through pre-school and finally graduating from Kindergarten in 2008. Ella followed. Today, Sam graduated from Otter Creek Kindergarten bringing an end to 8 wonderful years that our kids have been a part of that school. Sheryl has also been a teacher there for the past 2 years. We knew this day would come, we just didn't know it would come in the blink of an eye.

Sam nailed it. He was awesome! All the songs were so fun! Each child also presents their art work definition of love and speaks into a microphone in front of everyone telling them what their definition means. Sam said, "Love is my daddy playing with me." That made my whole week!

Here are some pictures and video from the day. What a blessing we have received from this wonderful school and all those associated with it!

These are the "Love is..." masterpieces

All the graduates received a Bible and a diploma

My mom ("Nonnie") with Sam

David, Charity and Becky Rubio. Charity was in Sam's class. David and I were on staff together at Otter Creek Church for many years. He is still the youth minister there.

Otter Creek School/ Otter Creek Church buddies

Thomas Kids Update

2011-05-18T14:04:00.001-05:00

As you can imagine with all the impending changes, we have been a flurry of activity over the last week. However, as crazy as it is to prepare for a move, life goes on. The kids have had lots of end of the year school functions. Sam graduates from Kindergarten this Friday. I'll post some pictures...if I can stop my eyes leaking long enough to take some.

Here's what our kids have been up to recently-

Maddie's teacher had the students in her class partner with someone and write a presentation which was to include powerpoint. Maddie and Hannah did theirs on tornadoes. They presented it in the media center and invited the parents. It was really a cool thing!

Ella also had a class project she's been working on. Her teacher assigned each of them an important Tennessean to research. They brought it all together this week by having a program called "Tennessee Idol". The teacher had one of the students play Ryan Seacrest and they had judges and each student dressed as their character and told the audience why they should be named Tennessee Idol. Ella's character was a famous Native American Tennessean named Nancy Ward. Sheryl made her costume and Ella did a great job with her speech. I love that her school is having them do things like this!

Sam had an awesome opportunity recently to take a VIP tour at the Nashville ZOO thanks to his friend Jackson's mom, Kelly Beaman. (Beamans...remember the amazing Easter egg hunt and the dinosaur birthday party?) Sam got to see and touch some of the animals. It was a pretty awesome experience.

Sam and I also had a daddy day last Saturday and went hiking at Radnor Lake. It was cold but beautiful!

After hiking Sam wanted to rock out a little bit...he's really not losing circulation here (blue lips)! He had just finished a blue ring pop. :)

Big News for the Thomas Family!

2011-05-16T15:47:00.005-05:00

For those of you who know me well, you know that for almost 14 of the 16 years I've lived in Nashville I've had a "Texas room". Texans have a way of being completely obnoxious about their state. I mean seriously...I remember getting grilled in Texas History at an early age in school. And while other school aged children drew maps of the United States, we drew maps of the U.S. AND Texas. I am, for better or worse, a Texan by birth. And now, after many years, I will become a resident of the Lone Star State once more!

I am excited to announce that we will soon be headed to Abilene where I will be the Minister of Worship and Arts at the Highland Church! I grew up in Abilene. And while I haven't lived there in 20 years, I still have a great love for that place. Highland is a wonderful church--rich in the Spirit and deep in the ways of Christ. I get to partner with an INCREDIBLE team there! Jonathan Storment (preaching minister) and Ben Siburt (executive minister) are relatively new to Highland as well. I am so excited about partnering with those guys...along with Matt Pinson, Beth Reeves, Michael Mercer, Sarah Campbell, Gina Lewis, Joe Almanza, Mary Lee Mattis, Suzetta Nut and Dickie Porche. The Shepherds at Highland are simply incredible. These men are iconic in my life. Men like Ronnie Lorenz, John Willis, Ed Allred, Roland Orr, David Wray, and so many more...helped shape me. These are the men who will now shepherd my family and me. I cannot tell you what that means to me. There just aren't words!

We have bathed this decision in prayer and it has been confirmed in our hearts over and over. I was trying to explain to someone today that it is the weirdest thing to have both incredible JOY and incredible SADNESS happening at the same time in our hearts. The sadness comes from leaving Nashville...and all it holds. Our friends here mean the world to us. Our family here is irreplaceable. How will we make it without Kiki and Kevin? Gail and Chris? Lauren Gingles? Jeff and Anna Berry? The Williamsons? The Batsons? The Westermans, Hensleys, McArthurs, Englands, Kirbys, Vickers, Musicks...the list goes on and on. There will be a lot of tears shed over the next month. I began that over the weekend by starting my goodbyes to the Gary Musick Staff and leading an emotional morning at Otter Creek with the ZOE team.

But, the JOY comes in knowing we are heading to a place that is also very dear to us...and to a work we believe without a doubt that God has prepared for us. We are so excited! Interestingly, Sheryl and I both have history at Highland. It was at Highland that we both (individually) discovered our passion for leading worship. And now, God is calling us back for a new season! What a treasure! And to be able to run that race with such gifted men and women on that Highland staff? Incredible! What a blast Storment and I will have on Sunday mornings!

Nashville will always be special to us...we married here. We had all our kids here. The big stuff in life has happened for us HERE. ZOE was established here.

Some have asked what we will do about ZOE. We will continue to minister with ZOE and look forward to the ways that our new partners at Highland will be able to contribute ideas and energy to that ministry. I see it only getting better!

While we are leaving a huge slice of our hearts here in Nashville, we will get to be in the same town with some of our favorite people on Earth! Craig and Beth Ann Fisher! WOO-HOO!! Amy and Grant Boone! Ronnie and Darla Lorenz! Kyle and Camille Dickson! The Lipfords, Perkins, Chranes, Millers...and so many more! And...it's so cool to think that when I left Abilene I had just lost a Sam Thomas who was so special to me. Now, I'm bringing one back! This Sam Thomas definitely has the fire and spirit of his grandfather (as do his two older sisters)!

We ask for your prayers as we make this important transition. I specifically ask that you'd pray that God will grant us peace and wisdom at every turn. And please pray that we can sell our house. We want to be able to begin without that hanging over our heads. Please pray for my mom as well. She will be joining us in the move. Her good buddy Dorris drove her to Abilene over the weekend to look at houses! She does NOT waste time, people. You know her.

So, let the excitement begin! We're coming back, Abilene...and bringing the Thomas family circus! Yee-HAW!

ZOE Family

2011-05-15T17:22:00.000-05:00

After 14+ years of ministry together, the ZOE singers are more like family than anything else. Together we have something that apart we could never know or accomplish. We've celebrated marriages and births, mourned losses, laughed until we were sick, and fought like we were siblings. I love these people. We love our ZOE kids too. Here are some recent updates on some of the ZOEs...

Welcome Owen Kate Mundie! We're excited for you, Justin and Carrie!

Justin with Owen Kate

Owen Kate

Two weeks ago, Anna Kate and Andrew Hensley were baptized at Otter Creek (Karin and Blake Hensley's twins). We all still remember when they were in the womb and Karin was H-U-G-E! We were recording one of our earlier CDs while Karin was pregnant with the twins. What a special day to be a part of. ZOE sang and we all cried as we listened to Anna Kate and Andrew talk about their faith and get baptized.

The ZOEs with Anna Kate and Andrew

Blake, Karin, Anna Kate and Andrew

Kevin, Amy, BST, Sheryl, Melissa, and Jason

This afternoon we had the McArthurs over for lunch after we all sang at Otter Creek. Jason and Alisha mean so much to us! We welcome Maddox McArthur to our ZOE family!

what a great pic of Jason and Maddox

Sheryl and Maddox

Ella loves Maddox too

Maddox is warming up his voice to steal the tenor ad-libs from his daddy.

Grammy Block Party 2011

2011-05-11T09:22:00.001-05:00

Each year the Recording Academy shuts down part of Music Row and puts on a block party for the members of the Academy. It's a thank you to those of us in the Nashville chapter and an opportunity to hear some great live music and see friends.

It was serisouly steamy here last night...I think the humidity was about 345%. It was fun though. The bands were all really great. The Civil Wars were awesome. (How had I missed the fact that Joy Williams is the female singer in The Civil Wars??) Jason McArthur's new band at Provident, Royal Tailor, was great too. Tauren has an incredible voice and style. I enjoyed getting to know them.

Jeff Berry was also there with Centricity artist Brad Rempel from High Valley. High Valley has seen great success already in the country market. Brad is a great guy. It was fun seeing him again.

Here are some pics from last night...

Royal Tailor

JR, Blake Hubbard, Jason McArthur, Tauren Wells and me

Jeff Berry, Jordan Greiner, Brad Rempel and me

Jeff, Jason and me.

The Civil Wars

ZOE in Malibu

2011-05-09T16:05:00.002-05:00

We traveled last week to Malibu with ZOE to sing at Pepperdine University. It was a wonderful week of fellowship and ministry. It was a lot of singing but it was also a LOT of fun! We sang in Smothers Theater Wednesday and Thursday nights and we did an afternoon set each day in Mike Cope's class. This was our 13th year to share that afternoon class. It has been a wonderful journey. (Hopefully with more to come!) We love Mike and are thankful for his long partnership in ministry.

We have lots of must-do's each year we go to Malibu. John's Garden and the Cross Creek shopping area are almost at the top of my list. I love starting each day at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Duke's restaurant, Zuma Beach, Santa Monica, late night laughs with ZOE friends and family...all of these were joyfully checked off our list.

The ZOE family means so much to me! After all these years together there's no real way to define all that God has given us. We simply have something together that apart we could never know or understand.

Here are some pictures from the week...

Apparently, the matchy matchiness runs in our family because here's how Sheryl and Kiki looked as we showed up at the airport.

Ahhhhh Pepperdine and Malibu! We've missed you!

Every one of the 13 years we have gathered in the stairwell of the tech booth in Smothers Theater for prayer, last minute rehearsal and laughter. This is a very sacred space for us. Oh...if those walls could speak!

Kevin, Peter, Lindsey and Amy (So great seeing all the Wilson clan and the Morgans!)

This, my friends, is called a Malibu Dream, or as I like to call it, Heaven. I look forward to our reunions each May.

Peter and I were going over the media for the day. Peter and his wife Lindsey are a huge help to me every year at Pepperdine. Thank you, guys!

Zuma Beach

The ZOE girls at Zuma Beach

Amy, Karin, Melissa, Sheryl

I have laughed out loud at this picture more times already than I can count.

Yep, this one too.

Precious.

DUKE'S!!!

The view from our table at Duke's

Zuma Beach

Kiki and Sheryl at Zuma Beach

Karin and Melissa

Pepperdine

Packed house in Pepperdine's Smothers Theater

3rd Street in Santa Monica

ZOE and friends at Duke's

Smothers Theater stairwell...our sacred space.

Go, Craig!!!

2011-05-02T10:49:00.000-05:00

Q&A with new alumni leader Craig Fisher

Mom's ACU Golden Anniversary

2011-04-29T15:45:00.002-05:00

Earlier in the month I had the honor of escorting my mother to her 50th anniversary at ACU. They had a great turn out and it was fun for her to see a lot of her classmates from the 60's. One of my favorite parts was the evening banquet when they showed an old film of ACU back from 1958. It was incredible to see the way the campus and the students looked back then. I have seen many pictures from my parents' scrapbooks and heard lots of stories so it was really cool to see it on film. I even saw Doug Smith (a good friend of ours and one of the co-founders of the ZOE ministry).

Here are some pictures from Mom's big adventure...

In case you didn't know...my mom's maiden name was Brandon! Nice glasses, Mom!

Mom and our sweet friend, Barbie Bates

The new Hunter Alumni Center is really beautiful!

You guys know Stephen Bailey--long time friend, roommate, best man, etc. His father is the ACU Alumnus of the Year and they had a really awesome display in the Alumni Center. Way to go, Dr. John!

Mom posing with some friends after the morning devotional...which was awesome, by the way. All those 70 somethings could really sing! And they worshiped! Very sweet moment. The woman on the right is the mother of Deann, Missy and Craig Comolli. (Missy and Sheryl were roommates for a while at ACU).

Mom with Bob Hunter. What would a trip to Abilene be like without a picture with Bob? You can also see a nice photo of Bob and Shirley in the upper right hand corner of this picture.

My good buddy Kyle Dickson dropped by to say hi. Great seeing you, Kyle!

We had a very nice visit with Ronnie and Darla Lorenz (some of our very best friends for many years). Craig Fisher also stopped by (and took this photo). Thanks Fish! As we were sitting in the lobby visiting Craig's name scrolled across the news feed on FOX News. We cheered. :) Craig is taking on a new role at ACU as Alumni Director.

Mom's original class had 300 something. Over half of them are no longer living. There was a beautiful tribute at the evening banquet. There was a great turn out...this group is looking good!

Here they are doing the "WC" (stands for Wildcats...ACU's mascot)

Maddie at the Frist

2011-04-27T10:21:00.000-05:00

Maddie mentioned to us recently that her art had been chosen to be displayed and I don't really think any of us understood what that meant. Honestly, in my mind I was picturing a line of pictures in the third grade hall at school. Later we discovered that her art had been chosen (along with 6 other kids from her school) to be displayed in the Mayor's exhibit at the Frist. The Frist is Nashville's beautiful Art Museum. We were so thrilled!

The piece they chose was interesting because it wasn't her normal style. She definitely inherited the creative/artistic gene from my dad and from Sheryl. I couldn't really draw my way out of a box so I'm always very impressed with this particular gift. I think it's a wonderful thing the Mayor is doing to encourage art awareness in young people.

Maddie and Ella--Ella was very proud of Maddie too

My sweet little girl isn't so little anymore!

Maddie and one of her art teachers

Beautiful girls!

Maddie and her friend Haley

The Frist is next to Union Station which made a nice backdrop for some photos.

Maddie's art will be on display through next week. Congratulations, Maddie! We're all so proud of you!

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T22:51:00.002-05:00

I want to publicly thank all my friends who have contributed to this recent series on my blog. It has been so fun for me to hear their thoughts and introduce you to them. God has blessed me with all of them and the influence they have on my life and my family. THANK YOU, friends! I love you all very much!

We had an incredible Easter weekend! I hope you did too. It began with Sam's Kindergarten class Easter egg hunt at his buddy, Jackon Beaman's house. You might recall my blog postings on Jackson's last two birthday parties (super hero and dinosaur). The Beaman's never throw a small party...they do it up right. This one was unbelievable. They transformed their back yard into the board game Candyland.

Sam got to the Beaman's and he was SO excited!

entrance to their back yard. They ordered different colored shirts for all the kids and turned them into the Candyland game pieces.

The guy in the bunny outfit is the mascot for Auburn University. He was incredible!

Yep---you're not imagining it...it's a chocolate fountain.

Sam, left. Jackson Beaman, right.

The kids with Miss Melissa

Eggs galore.

This is Ashley...Sam's...um...special friend. (he LOVES her)

Sam and Ashley

Bunnies!

Next was Nicole Shaub's wedding rehearsal and wedding ceremony. The Shaubs are dear friends here in Nashville. (I lived with them briefly before Sheryl and I were married.) We were so excited to be a part of that ceremony and thrilled to see old friends.

Sheryl and I were excited to see our friends Lea Brown and Trina Gehl visiting from Texas.

Nicole, Sheryl and me

The wedding was beautiful and Charles and Nicole are off to a great start on a wonderful life together! Congratulations, friends!

Sunday morning, Sheryl and I sang at Otter Creek. It was a joy-filled day. The choir and praise team led worship together and we led the full version of "The Hallelujah Chorus". It was awesome!

Jason and Alisha McArthur were there with baby Maddox who made his debut! He is perfect!

After church we celebrated at my mom's with Gail and Chris and their family and Kevin and Kiki and their family. It was so much fun! Kevin and I showed up to sing Sunday morning realizing that we unintentionally matched. Awkward. It was hilarious. We all had a blast together and loved watching the kids hunt eggs. Thanks to my mom for a delicious Easter lunch!

Easter baskets!

Egg hunt!

Gracie looked so beautiful

Sam

Ella was in full bunny mode

the kids with Aunt Kiki

Sam had a blast hunting eggs

Sam and I matched on purpose...Kevin and I didn't.

Kevin, Liam, Gracie and Kim (Kiki) Penna

Gail, Canaan, Chris and Sierra Gonzalez

My sweet family...looking into the sun doesn't make for the best family photo :)

Classic.

Happy Easter, everyone! I'm thankful for each of you. Have a great week!

"He Is Risen From the Dead"--David Lewis

2011-04-23T22:35:00.003-05:00

David Lewis, affectionately known to me as "Pap", has been a friend and mentor for many years. His shepherding heart and loving care have helped me navigate many roads over the last 24 years. There are few people in this world I love more than David. I can't imagine anyone better to close this series with a word of pure HOPE about the resurrection power we have in Jesus. David constantly reminds me that God has placed Eternity in my heart. He always reminds me of how much God loves me. I pray you feel His deep love for you today! Thank you, Pap!

I read a little story about a famous painting that once hung in an art gallery in Europe. It's a depiction of Faust (that fictional character that sold his soul for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures) playing chess with the devil. In the painting, the devil has Faust checkmated and is claiming his soul in victory. Over the years people looked at this painting and felt a certain identification with it. They would go away and feel like the artist had captured their own hopeless situation when it came to death. One day a great chess master stood looking at the painting, studying the game board for a long time. Finally he disturbed everyone in the gallery by stepping back and shouting at the top of his voice, "It's a lie! The painting is wrong! The knight and the king have another move!"

I make no claim to be a great chess player, but I do know what it means to be checkmated and there are times when I have felt this way about death. What about you? The empty tomb still shouts, "It's a lie! The Knight and King have another move!”

Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, “He is risen from the dead.” Matt. 28:7

On this Sunday, “I wish for each of you Easter eyes, able to perceive in death, life; in guilt, forgiveness; in separation, unity; in wounds, glory; in the human, God.” (Bishop Klaus Hermmerle of Aachen)

David Lewis is the Director of The Haven in Keller, Texas. Please visit his website at http://thegentlehealer.org/ or follow his blog at http://themannaman.wordpress.com/ . You can also follow him on Twitter at @DavidKLewis.

Some of you have seen this but I saved it and wanted to share it with you guys on Easter. Love this! This song was comissioned for SBC Houston. One of the things I love most about this is the pure joy on so many of the faces you'll see. What a great testimony! Happy Easter, everyone!

"Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song."- Pope John Paul II

Scar-filled Moments--Josh Ross

2011-04-22T13:55:00.000-05:00

Josh and Kayci Ross and their handsome boys, Truitt and Noah

Josh, Luke Norsworthy and me

Josh Ross, Josh Graves and I always loved getting together after the ZOE Conference for chill time.

I've been sitting here searching for the right words to say to introduce you to Josh. Many of you need no introduction because you know he's been like a brother to me for many years...and you know his story. For those of you who are just meeting Josh today, let me encourage you to grab a tissue (maybe a box) and engage with him as he shares his story. Josh has a servant's heart. He's one of the more sought after ministers and speakers because he's so real. God has given him this gift of opening his heart to people and the Spirit has used that literally hundreds of times in my life. Even back when Josh was at ACU and I was already in Nashville, he would go to my mom's house to stack firewood, change light bulbs, visit, mow the grass...whatever she needed. He served my family. Then as years passed, that brotherhood only deepened which made it almost unbearable to watch his family have to walk through the difficulties of last year.

Today on Good Friday as we remember what Jesus suffered and the confusion and doubt that overwhelmed his followers, it is good that we stop and examine our own doubt...our own scars...and ask some of these same questions. Josh--I love you, my brother. You are a shining light because you so readily allow Him to use you, even in scar-filled moments.

My name is Josh Ross. I’m a preacher, but more importantly, I’m a follower of Jesus. Let me begin with a confession: one of my greatest fears in life is to be a living contradiction. It’s the fear of not living a life that aligns itself with the radical Jesus I preach about on Sunday mornings. It’s a fear of modeling good citizenship for my two boys while failing to model faithful risk-taking.

I was with a mentor recently who cried when he told several other young ministers that he used to go into a depression every Sunday night because the sermons he preached about the radical nature of Jesus on Sunday mornings didn’t line up with the life he was living the rest of the week.

Taking Jesus seriously is bound to bring physical, emotional, and social scars. And do we believe that God enters into the scars of life?

Maybe to redeem the scars.

Maybe just to be present in the scar-filled moments.

*****************

I’m the middle child in my family. Jonathan is the youngest. Jenny is your quintessential protective oldest child. I can remember times when she was babysitting us and she would hear a train outside and immediately she’d force us into a hallway where we would sit under a mattress because she had seen a television show that depicted tornadoes as sounding like trains. The only problem was that it was a clear, sunny day outside.

Jenny and her husband David.

I received a text from Jenny on February 3, 2010 that her fever had spiked to 105. It wasn’t too uncommon for a Ross. We don’t get sick much, but when we run fever, we go all out. My concern for Jenny on that day was that she had been sick over 5 days. Immediately, I fell on my knees in my office and prayed for God’s hand of mercy to touch Jenny’s body. I received a text within the hour that her fever had broken. We thought this was good news. Actually, the fever broke because a disease had conquered her body.

The next morning I received a phone call from my mom that Jenny was in ICU. She had gone to a medical clinic early in the morning and after checking her blood pressure, they told her to go to the ER immediately. Don’t pass go. Don’t collect $200.

Three days prior to her walk into the ER, she had gone to a clinic and they diagnosed her with the flu. It was the wrong diagnosis. She had been suffering from strep throat. The sickness entered into her blood stream and by the time she reached the ER her body was in a full-blown battle with septic shock.

I was on a plane the next morning to the DFW area where I was expecting to walk into a hospital and to be back in Memphis the next night just in time to preach at Sycamore View the next morning. Call me naïve if you’d like, but I thought that if you didn’t die from a car wreck, bizarre tragedy, cancer or heart attack, that scientific research and medical advancements would cure everything else.

I arrived as anesthetics were putting Jenny into a deep sleep and within a few hours the doctor met with my family in a hallway and spoke the words, “There’s a 50/50 chance.”

Our world began to crumble.

There were over 10,000 people praying around the clock for Jenny’s healing. We were knocking down the doors of heaven for God to speak the word over her sick body. We were clinging to any hope we could find. After all, healing just seemed right. Why should a husband lose his wife? Why should a 9-year-old daughter live the rest of her life without her mom?

The struggle lasted 18 days. We were told that there was a 1 in 500,000 chance that sepsis would go to her brain. On February 22, 2010, we received the news that it had happened. The family was called in to say goodbye. As Jenny breathed her last breath, a doctor sang the song “It is Well” over her body.

I found myself asking questions like:

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus when you don’t get your way?
What is the purpose of prayer?
What good is God?

Maybe you were raised to believe that you could never question God’s activity in the world and you could never doubt his existence or he might just zap you with a lightning bolt. Maybe you think that the barrage of questions God deals Job towards the end of that bizarre book trumps every other moment of questioning and feeling of anger found in Scripture. In a context influenced so heavily by the Enlightened period which emphasized knowledge and intellect, the desperate need to believe with assurance has suffocated the potential gift of asking hard questions.

February of 2010 would leave me scarred. The scars would force me to ask questions. And I leaned into the sovereignty and grace of God believing that Jesus could carry me through a season of uncertainty. And somehow, God entered into my grief. He took my questions and doubts and rooted me in the story of the resurrection…a story that declares that we win.

I’ve discovered that deep faith is scarred faith.

Last September I stood at Jenny’s grave reading 1 Corinthians 15. It was a holy moment as God spoke the promise of the resurrection into my heart again. The good news for me is that God knows how to bring dead things to life. Jesus can resurrect death from septic shock, cities scarred by racial tension, and a world that in many ways has gone berserk.

And so we pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven.”

Josh, Luke and me

The Ross, and Norsworthy families eating at our house (I think Sheryl is taking the picture)

Josh and Kayci live in Memphis where he is the minister of the Sycamore View Church. Check out their website here http://www.sycamoreview.org/ . Josh has a heart for the inner city. As he ministers at Sycamore View, He and Kayci are also making a move into the inner city to become an active part of that community and share their lives every day with those around them. You can find Josh on Facebook or follow him on Twitter at @joshualouisross.

Blogging from Brooklyn--Hilary Rushford

2011-04-19T09:20:00.001-05:00

I have known Hilary for years. Her dad is an iconic presence at Pepperdine University where ZOE has sung on many occasions. Hilary's heart beats for Jesus and in the years I've known her, that has only deepened. One thing she said to me after asking her to be a part of this series was,

"I never want to make someone feel their life could have been bigger or better if they had moved to the city/pursued their dream/etc. I'm also very conscious of how many people pursue dreams and don't have paths of success/fame, so I think it can be dangerous to speak to a broad audience about how or why God provided that success for me and risk implying that if only someone had had more courage/faith/patience God too would have "rewarded" them."

I could not agree more. I personally was never a fan of the whole prayer of Jabez mania. It's a tricky deal because I do believe God loves us entirely and WANTS to bless us. But when we feel like we're entitled to blessing just because we believe in Him I think we step into dangerous territory. If anything, we've been promised TROUBLE in this life because of following Jesus. But as in the case of our forefathers and mothers like Moses, Abraham, Joseph and Esther, sometimes God puts people in positions of power or influence "for such a time as this". This is one reason I wanted to highlight these men and women...to show that there are agents of Light walking among us--even in dark places. I know I can speak for each of them in saying they all take each day as a gift from God and as an opportunity to be His instrument. Hilary--God is using you for such a time as this. Thank you for allowing Him to and for being a great friend and sister to me.

My first professional job in the original cast of the 1^st National Tour of
“42^nd Street”
when we played the Ahmanson in Los Angeles

This year I played a dream role starring as Jeanne Coyne in the east coast debut of “What A Glorious Feeling”

I never intended to be a professional actor. God opened a door I'd never dreamed to knock on straight out of college with the Broadway tour of "42nd Street," which led to "The Rockettes," which led to New York City, where I now know I was meant to root my heart. I’ve been blessed to perform and choreograph here, to have health insurance from the very thing that makes my soul most delighted (which usually involves wearing my tap shoes). "Artist" turned out to be my career, though it’s also simply who I am. When I think about "faith and the arts" or "being a Christian artist" ... I get stuck. Yes, I'm a Christian. Yes, I'm a professional artist. But to me there doesn't seem any more correlation or challenge than if I were a Christian lawyer or software developer.

What I’m fascinated and inspired by lately is not how we're artists in our profession (those of us blessed to say that) or artists in formal ministry (i.e. worship leader) but how we're redefining what it means to be in artistic ministry in unconventional ways. Truman Capote said, "I live in Brooklyn. By choice. Those ignorant of its allures are entitled to wonder why." I too live in Brooklyn and am smitten with its allures. That is due in large part to my church community here – primarily a tribe of remarkable artists.

Dana is a graphic designer and exceptionally talented illustrator. She has her dream job at a boutique firm working with the best in her industry. Dana also loves people well. She champions my best friend Kristen and I in our heart for hospitality, a heart sometimes expressed in the themed costume parties we’ve become known for.

Dana Tanamachi in front of one of the backdrops she created for us

Dana creates gorgeous hand-lettered backdrops on our chalkboard wall. They've in essence branded our parties and we're always telling new people who see them online that they’re welcome at the next one. They have also made Dana blow-up on the interior design blogosphere. Martha Stewart Weddings, Design Sponge -- all the biggest places to get a write up have featured our kitchen & Dana's talent. But all the attention & requests that flooded her way actually weren't what Dana desired. She already has her dream job and doesn’t want to give up Life Groups & neighborhood dinners to pick up extra jobs. Dana doesn’t share her talent with us for income, networking or exposure. She shares her gift as a way to support our ministry of hospitality and thereby use her talent as a ministry too.

Gentlemen friends at our Christmas party

Hilary (“Alice” with the flower), Kristen (“Red Queen”) at our joint Un-Birthday party with adorable Tweedles Dee & Dum

Then there’s Brian. Growing up in the Church of Christ I have a deep love for acapella worship, but I also love our instrumental worship team at Trinity Grace Church. When Brian plays the cello my heart rises up in my chest, as do the little hairs on my arms. Brian played for our church for years —all the while not believing in God. It was an honest paycheck for a musician. He poured out his love for the instrument, staring back at a sea of people pouring out their love for God. But he wasn't there as a Christian artist. He was there as a professional artist, and an atheist at that. Then Brian discovered God.

Brian Sanders & my new favorite instrument the cello.

Brian also happens to have only a thumb and one finger on his right hand. Why does God create some babies with the 10 fingers and toes we innocuously proclaim as so important at birth, and then a few are not? Surely his parents experienced sorrow at this. Surely Brian experienced moments of frustration at things he couldn't do or the stares of strangers. But Brian will humbly tell you that he is an exceptional cello player because of his uniquely crafted hand. He says with a shrug, "I have a superior sound to other people. I'm not being conceited. It's not me. I didn't design the hand. This is what God gave me." God created Brian to be an artist. He tucked the soul of a cellist into an improbable package and then called Brian into ministry even when he wasn't a believer himself.

In February I put on a one-woman-show for my 7-year-anniversary in NYC. It was born out of a natural selfish desire as an artist: I wanted to create. However, as I reflect on a sea of smiling faces from that night and the “thank yous” that followed, I realize that to share our talents is to be generous if we have the patience to hone our craft and the courage to put it out there.

The promo card for my show “The 7 Year Itch”

With Late Night with Jimmy Fallon writer, Cory Cavin, re-enacting the story of our awkward 1^st kiss

Now that the show is done I’m onto my next creative venture, starting my own business as a stylist. For years I’ve managed to get complimented on my style on a starving artist’s budget. So now I help people represent themselves for the job or relationship they desire with out acquiring more things or straining their budget. When I'm in the audition holding room, living in a different state with a new cast, or listening to a client’s physical insecurities -- I'm clearly in ministry, representing God because I said that "church" word in what I did last weekend. So I’m an artist. And a Christian. And my guess is if you’re reading Brandon’s blog, you probably are too.

Regardless of the setting, title or paycheck, what we're doing in Brooklyn is collaborating and acting outside the box. The majority of our church body actually are professional artists: graphic designers, photographers, writers. And yet God is moving among us in unconventional ways. He's calling us to share our gifts to launch one another's careers, confidence and ministries. He’s using us in ministry even when we don’t realize it at first. And in response what I pray we're doing is creating providence: making space for God to move.

If by chance you're thinking "if only I lived in a big city, was a professional artist, were surrounded by that culture" – we all create providence where we’re at. Pursue the creativity you love & ask God to use it. Disregard the paycheck, title or formal ministry. Believe throwing theme costume parties can be a spiritual gift! And know that you're welcome to come soak up some of our creative energy in home sweet Brooklyn anytime.

Our well-dressed guests at the Mad Men Holiday Soiree

The cast & company of “The 7 Year Itch” after the show

See Dana’s gorgeous work at www.danatanamachi.com

Read Brian’s eloquent journey in faith at http://briansanderscello.blogspot.com

Find Hilary on Twitter/Facebook @HilaryRushford, www.hilaryrushford.com and follow her blog at http://www.deanstreetsociety.com/ as she becomes an entrepreneur, shares video from her cabaret and creates some providence!

"Date Trees on Broadway" by Lara Seibert

2011-04-17T10:09:00.007-05:00

I remember the first time I saw Lara perform. She was a Sing Song Hostess at ACU. I heard her sing and then saw her dance and thought...wow, this girl is going to do big things. What I didn't know then was that Lara had a heart even bigger than her talent. She is what we call in the business a "triple threat" (meaning she is an awesome singer, dancer, AND actress). However, she is not defined by any of those titles. She is first and foremost a daughter of the King. I am so glad she's a part of this series. Thank you, Lara!

My name is Lara Seibert and I'm an actress living in New York City. I graduated from ACU in 2006 with a BFA in Theater. The summer after graduating, I decided to move to NYC, one of the most terrifying and thrilling decisions of my life. I had two thousand dollars to my name and no job waiting for me, just an apartment in Harlem that I would be sharing with an acquaintance that I had met about a year prior. I was terrified.

I grew up in the church and had a wonderful church home, both in Grapevine, TX, where I'm from, and in Abilene, where I went to school. God has always been very present in my life and I have felt so richly blessed. So this move was really the first time in my life I was truly stepping out of my comfort zone and taking a huge leap of faith. And it was extremely stressful. A few weeks before the move, I was having trouble sleeping, having horrible nightmares and anxiety. I had no idea if I was doing the right thing and for the first time, felt truly afraid of the future.

My sister, Allison (Seibert) Rogers is also an actress, who was working in Dallas. She and her husband, Jeff, had just finished reading a book that they said changed their lives. It was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. On the day I was leaving, they gave me a copy as a going away present and I read it on the plane on the way there. The impact it had was truly remarkable. The story, if you are not familiar with it, is about a shepherd boy who is in search of his Personal Legend, a path that God has planned out for every individual. He faces many trials and fears and setbacks and distractions but ultimately, his heart is not satisfied until he can fulfill what the Lord has planned for him. It was PERFECT! Here I was, trying to follow my dreams and this was just the encouragement I needed. One of my favorite lines from the book is, "It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting." Dallas would always be there, I could always go back. But I knew I wanted to see what all I was capable of.

After a long day of searching for survival jobs, I was on my way to a restaurant that a friend worked at and was very hopeful that they would hire me, only to get a call on my way there, that it wasn't going to work out. That was my last resort and it had fallen through. I remember this day so well. I was walking back, in the rain, of course, crying like a crazy person on the the street and finally just stopped and cried out a desperate prayer to the Lord asking "What on earth am I supposed to do!!??" After several minutes of more crazy crying I finally pulled myself together and looked up where I had stopped. It was in front of a restaurant called Isabella's. I walked in and it turned out they were in desperate need of servers, so my lack of experience wasn't an issue, they wanted me to start the next day and my insurance would kick in three months later. It may not seem like a big deal to some, but this was truly an answered prayer.

So I had my survival job. I was meeting wonderful people, found a church home that I was comfortable with, not quite my style, but it was something. I worked at this restaurant for almost a year before I got my first acting job. Ah, the lessons of perserverance. It was the National tour of The Producers. I had a wonderful time.

I think you know you're on the right track when God sends you little signs or little gifts that help you on your way. John West was one of those gifts. I met him on tour and he became an instant best friend. He was a fellow believer and we started up a Bible study together on tour and went to church together whenever we could. There is no way I could have stayed so close to God without him. When that tour finished both John and I got cast in another production together where we would be given our Equity cards, granting membership into the official Actor's Union. We were thrilled. This show, however, for many personal reasons, was a very big struggle. I was unhappy, hadn't found a real church home that I could connect with since I'd been back and was not very happy with the job overall. Again, my stubborn nature took me all the way to the breaking point before I completely broke down before God in desperation, praying that something would happen to take me away from this show, anything. Once again, an answered prayer. I got cast in the Broadway production of Young Frankenstein. I was going to be making my Broadway debut. As Mr. Coelho says, "Maybe God created the desert so that man could appreciate the date trees."

The more familiar I become with this business, the more I marvel that anyone can do it without a relationship with God. To be constantly in competition with your best friends, repeatedly judged on outward appearances and falling short, to be out of the job every three months or so and then trudge on to two or three auditions every single day to find another job is ridiculous. What we do for a living is so unnatural and thankless. It will get under your skin and make you believe things you never thought you would believe. But the one thing, the only thing, that keeps my head on straight, is the truth that I know in Jesus Christ and His promises. I know this because it has NEVER failed me and it always proves to be true. I see jealousy and malice all around me in this business. But because of Jesus and His love, I'm free of all that. I am loved and need not bring others down around me to lift myself up. What a relief that is! Thank God I can be encouraging and loving to my friends and know that I will find so much more comfort in focusing on what they need rather than my own problems.

If you have dreams I pray that you follow them. That stirring inside of you is God telling you He is behind you, and He is! Your dreams are His desires for you, all you need is to keep Him at the front of them and He will not let you down. I have a wonderful church home now in NYC, Trinity Grace Church. It is truly the biggest blessing of all. I don't know how people survive in this world without Christian fellowship and furthermore, I don't know why on earth anyone would want to! We aren't meant to stand alone. We are so much stronger with friends to share the ups and downs with. To share in the turmoil of job hunting and auditions but to also share in the joys of a Broadway debut. He is there through all of it.

If you have not read The Alchemist, I strongly, strongly urge you to. You will feel so inspired to go after your own Personal Legend. My story is no where near finished. There have been countless rises and falls since that great show and there will be many more. But I no longer fear the future. With God leading the way I cannot wait to see how high I can climb.

Laura just finished performing at the Paper Mill playhouse in "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum". In May Lara will head to Maine for the summer to be in "The Marvelous Wonderettes", "Annie", and "Xanadu". For ticket information please visit this website: http://msmt.org/current-shows/the-marvelous-wonderettes

Happy Birthday, Sheryl!

2011-04-13T13:59:00.003-05:00

I interrupt our series for an important message to my lovely bride! Happy birthday, Sheryl! You are God's gift to me and to our family. As we talk about God's handiwork in creativity...He truly outdid Himself when He made you! You are a masterpiece! I love you!