Sam is growing fast! Sheryl snapped this over the weekend. Like the furry slipper on his hand? (Thanks Howells!!)


Here's a pic of my buddy, Nate, and me taken last week. Nathan used to (and still does sometimes) sing with ZOE.

Ella and I had a "Daddy date" today. She wanted to go play on the playground inside Cool Springs Mall. One of the other younger girls had an unfortunate accident all over the plastic boat. Ella was so kind with her and helped her. (and I watched in pity thinking...I know exactly how that feels!!) :)

I hope your weekend was great. The weather here was wonderful. Yesterday we borrowed some friends' power washer and went to work on the outside of our house and fence. Wow...love the power washer!!!

Last night...Jeanne Sandella brought a delicious meal over with John and the kids. We enjoyed our time together and the meal was incredible! Thanks, guys!

This morning we talked about covenant. It was a great morning and very encouraging personally. It was also wonderful to have my mom back and sitting on the front row! We had an emotional send off for TJ and Holly at the end of service. They are back from language school and off to the Dominican to begin their work there.

This afternoon we had a rehearsal for the Schermerhorn Symphony Center concert in 2 weeks. I am so excited that we get to be a part of that. There are some tickets left but they are the $50 and up tickets. Let me know if you're interested.

Life group tonight was really wonderful...we had a great time of worship and shared communion together. I continue to be so thankful for our life group family.

It's not supposed to be above the mid 70s here this week. Wooo-hooo! Have a great Monday everyone!

First things first...
We had dinner at Phillip and Mary Alice Duncan's house last night. Mary Alice is the queen of lasagna. WOW! I think I had 5 helpings. How humiliating! And then we had this awesome Oreo pie (at first I thought she said Oriental pie, then I heard burrito pie...both of which were scaring me a bit.) The Oreo pie was also out of this world! Mary Alice, you ROCK!!! Such sweet friends!

I pulled into work this morning and there were hundreds of people in the parking lot. Apparently it's Brentwood High School's homecoming and the parade begins from our parking lot. There were floats, cheerleaders, the band, cars with homecoming queen nominees, etc. It reminded me of the ACU homecoming parade.

We LOVE getting to go back for ACU homecoming. The parade is always AWESOME! The floats are always so cool! The kids always love watching. I'm sad that we won't be there this year. But...next year is a reunion year for me so I will be there.

I remember Gamma Sig Homecoming breakfasts at ACU. Having to wake up at 3:30 or 4:00 am as a pledge to get things ready. Having to wake up at 5:30 as a member and even now to attend. (I promised myself I wouldn't go back...if I want to throw biscuits at someone I can do that at home. For free.) I noticed in the ACU Homecoming program that the Knights are having a reunion meal at 10:30am or something. Now THAT'S what I'm talkin about. Maybe if the time changed I'd reconsider going. Gamma Sigs...maybe next year?

It made me think about homecoming stuff from high school too. Mums...such a bizarre Texas thing. I remember girls wearing mums that basically took over their bodies like a giant spider. Mums with cow bells, mums with gold footballs hanging, mums with teddy bears, mums with cheerleader dolls, mums with megaphones, mums with just about anything you can imagine. I think some of them had to actually be strapped on or they'd have ripped the shirt they were pinned to. Then...the guys started. Garters. Garters with footballs, garters with numerous other symbols.

It also reminded me of Junior High (which is what it was back in my day...not "middle school"). Remember paying 50 cents for a "ribbon"? They had the slogan of the week and the colors. I still have some.

All that to say, fall is certainly here. It brings a nice spell of cool weather (it was in the lower 50's here last night). It also brings nice fall colors and lots of memories. Hope you enjoy your weekend. Friday night football, anyone?

Eric Wyse and I are working on a hymns project for Family Christian Bookstores. (Some of them with the Prague Symphony...absolutely breathtaking.) It's 150 of America's top hymns...6 CDs worth plus a book of hymn stories. CRAZY! Do you have any idea how many that really is? Sheryl and I were going through some masters last night and working on the project. 150. I kept thinking...wow, we've got a lot here and would count them up--90 or so. 150. Yep. What are your favorite hymns? I'll bet they're on there.

Here are just a few of mine...
--O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
--This is My Father's World (my dad's favorite)
--Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
--Beneath the Cross of Jesus
--O Sacred Head
--Father of Mercies
--Father and Friend, Thy Light Thy Love

ZOE rehearsal went well last night. We're getting ready for the conference. Please be in prayer for Philip and Amy Organ. (Philip sang bass on the recording this year and will be singing at the conference.) Amy's mom has cancer and it's not good. Please pray for healing and peace for that family.

In the news...

Mike summed up some world events brilliantly by saying... "Several fundamentalist Muslims, angered by the Pope's statements that some parts of Islam are violent, have responded in violent retaliation. Thankfully, many moderates of their faith are pointing out the tiny inconsistency in their objections."

This whole thing is so bizarre to me.

In family news, my mom is still in Abilene. Maddie got to talk to her on the phone this morning. The kids are missing her a lot. Sam is really trying to start walking. He is basically willing himself not to at this point. Sheryl and I are getting geared up for the ZOE weekend coming up in a couple of weeks. We're looking forward to seeing you all.

This year we will take the conference on the road to the West Coast as always but we're adding Lubbock, TX in March and Orlando, FL in June. We hope to see all of you in one of those spots!

I appreciated Pegc's comment yesterday and thought I'd just take it online for some discussion from all of us.

She asked... "What do you believe causes one to be able to "worship" and get the "feelings" you are describing? It seems that sometimes music does it, but even according to you, not all the time. So what do you think is the "secret" to drawing one into worship?"

I would begin by saying that nothing can draw us into worship except the Holy Spirit and a willing heart to go there.

Having said that, there are certain things that are important for the worshipper to bring...an open heart, yes, but also a sense of expectation. Sometimes we don't feel like entering in. There is a biblical notion of bringing the sacrifice of praise. David said it. Instead of burnt offerings...He desires our heart. So, even when I don't feel like it (write that ten times and see how ridiculous you feel), God still deserves it, so we offer a sacrifice of praise!

Now, all that aside, there are certain things that help me more than others. Typically, it's the leading that either helps or hinders. Sometimes the happy-clappy, foot stompy types of things are great--when, WHEN, there's a clear object of that excitement--being God and not the person leading worship. Sometimes the mellow, contemplative style does it for me...again, when the leader(s) are helping me see God's face by continually pointing to him.

Obviously, part of it is personality. But, I firmly believe that we can and should be able to worship no matter what the circumstance because God is certainly worthy. We all have things that speak to us a little more deeply. I think for me Sunday night it was a mixture. Taye added some older hymns to the collection and would go back and forth between those and the new ones. He also seemed to really be sensitive to where the Spirit was leading and a couple of times we just parked on a chorus for a few minutes to let it sink in. Honestly, that was the trigger point for me that night. Not just blowing through them, but taking the time to really connect with the lyric. Taking the time to really let it sink into my heart.

Ultimately, the "secret" is the Holy Spirit and our own individual decision to allow him to move in our hearts during worship. Deciding to "go there" if you will. Sometimes it's as easy as that. But I certainly do appreciate leaders who have a shepherding heart in worship--who see the goal and help the church get there--realizing that true worship isn't about the volume, the use or non use of an instrument, the coolness factor of the songs, or anything else besides encouraging the heart to recognize the majesty of Jesus and bow before Him.

Thanks for asking Peg! I'm not always the best at doing the things I've written about here, but since worship is one of my favorite things, I love to talk about it from a worshipper's perspective. Thanks for giving me the open door!

OK--now you guys--what are some things that help you in worship?

In a year or more, I haven't had a worship experience like I had last night. The guys from Sanctuary (the college worship time on Th nights) led our monthly worship night called Celebration. There's just a difference with them. It wasn't about musicianship, though they were all great musicians. It wasn't about self glorification, though they were all extremely talented. There was just a spirit of worship. Taye, the leader, exudes that spirit, but he's not the only one. All those on stage had that spirit. Sometimes when I hear worship bands lead, it's as if the worship leader is the only one even attempting to lead worship while the players are seem checked out--at best. (True sometimes with praise teams too.)

The night culminated for me in a repeating of a David Crowder chorus, "God Reigns" going right into "How Great is Our God". I wasn't even able to sing the last part of it because I had been so moved. I needed that so much. THANK YOU to all the Sanctuary folks for coming and blessing us so richly. I can't remember the last time I felt so powerfully led into worship!

(R-L) Cole Young, Randy Gill, BST, Ken Young, and Keith Lancaster

Yesterday, thanks to Randy's organization, we had a reunion lunch of some of the Nashville worship guys. We don't see each other nearly enough. I emailed Cole yesterday and asked him to join us too. It had been too long since I'd seen him. It was fun catching up. We talked about our churches, our ministries, our ever-changing families, and our dreams for the future. It was fun to be with those guys and catch up a bit. Ella joined me and sat between Cole and me. I think she might have a new crush.

This morning has been filled with house cleaning, playing ball, and enjoying family. I love the weekend! Meanwhile my mom is having a blast at her 50th high school reunion back in TX. Hearing about it is making me homesick. Howdy to all y'all back in the great STATE! Have a great weekend!

Last night Sheryl and I got to do something really cool. There's a violinist who is pretty popular in other circles (she does stuff at Crystal Cathedral, with Benny Hinn, and plays to 10s of thousands in Europe). She did a worship record with the Prague National Symphony (Eric Wyse is producing). David Thornton, Sheryl and I got to add vocals to the record last night. It was a long night, but amazing. The orchestrations are unreal. Parts of it sounded like John Williams. At one point during Here I Am to Worship, the oboe cried in this beautiful woodwind sound. Hearing songs like that one along with In Christ Alone, All Creatures of Our God and King, Praise to the Lord the Almighty, etc just made my spirit stir. 5 1/2 hours of singing over beautiful symphonic sounds...such a wonderful, wonderful treat!

There's a reason to celebrate today! I found out last night that the Playground CD is doing really well! It's the #2 overall seller in Parable bookstores and #1 as far as recordings. YEA!! Click here to order your copy Online ordering of Playground CD

One last funny today...Vicki Atnip, our good friend and also fellow Otter staff member, told me that she was really into watching LOST this season. She said, and I quote, "It's the first reality TV show I've ever watched!"

Eric Noah-Wilson and I made it back in last night without any trouble. In fact, we had a hilarious flight attendant who laughed with us the entire way back from Florida. Turns out she knew my old buddy and former intern, Jay Duty. She regaled us with tales of near terrorist attacks on flights she's worked...the perfect bookend to a thought provoking couple of days.

Thanks for the great comments yesterday. I hope it was clear that I wasn't drawing conclusions...just asking questions and making some observations, mainly about me. You guys all raised some good questions. My friend, Eric Ebeling, wrote me with some more. I'm so thankful for friendship and community. (And grateful for the steak dinner you're offering me, Eric. Don't think for a minute I'm not taking a raincheck.)

There is a crispness to the air here today. Fall is definitely coming. Maddie and Ella had school pictures, football is in full swing, and every grocery and convenience store has Halloween candy stocked and ready. I even wore a long-sleeved shirt today.

Have a great Wednesday, blog family!

I'm sitting here on a lay-over in Miami blogging at the Admiral's Club and feeling extremely sleeeeepy. Eric Noah Wilson and I are meeting with the folks in Orlando today about the ZOE conference there next summer. We fly back tonight.

So, last night I watched the conclusion of the special dramatization of the 9.11 events and then some news coverage that followed on ABC. Knowing I was hopping on an airplane at 6am the next morning, I needed about 10 Lexapro tablets when it was all said and done. FOR THE LOVE. If the Taliban wanted to create terror, they could have just skipped the bombing and gone straight to Charles Gibson and the 20/20 team. I am not under any misguided notions that we are safe from attack. In fact, I believe it's likely that they are always planning some new attack. But, there was no shortage of sensationalism in their reports last night.

The sad thing is...flying, living post 9.11 causes me to look with different eyes. It makes me more paranoid, more suspicious, more prone to profiling. I hate that.

As I watched last night it occurred to me again what a crazy upside down kingdom we belong to in Jesus. Jesus...the guy who chose not to wage war. Jesus, the guy who asks me to turn my cheek. Jesus, the Son of God who gave His life for us so that we wouldn't have to die. Now that...that is crazy, upside down, hard to comprehend, self-less love. And then he asks us to love our enemies? What could that possibly mean? Surely he didn't mean for us to follow His example. Surely. hmmmm. Really, Lord?

Something else occurred to me last night watching this movie. These men and women (terrorists, Taliban, etc) who become martyrs...they do it out of love for God...love for God and hatred for those who oppose their view. (does that sound like anyone else to you?) There was a line in the movie last night saying, "Christians teach that we should turn the other cheek. We will give our God more love than that. We will wage war for our God."

I realize that this is a very sensitive issue, but doesn't it seem like we sort of live somewhere between those two points of view? We have not fully embraced Jesus in his admonition to love our enemies and turn the other cheek. Neither have we decided to wage a holy war. But our culture certainly seems to be caught in this weird place of picking and choosing as we walk around with WWJD wrist bands. It makes me uncomfortable. I do it too.

The longer I live, the more I realize just how much Jesus is really calling me to. Some days I'm ready, other days I struggle. I'm just so incredibly grateful for his love that is transforming all of us. Thank you, God! You don't leave us like You found us! Please, Lord, continue your healing, transformative power in my heart. I desperately need it.

9/11. I remember exactly when we learned...watching the Today show as Sheryl nursed baby Maddie. It's hard to believe 5 years have passed. My thoughts are with those families today.

We had a great weekend! Saturday night my mom took us to see Big River--one of my all time favorite musicals. It was an awesome production! It brought back lots of memories of my senior year at ACU when I was in Big River. I was remembering all the fun people in that cast--Donjalea, Mark Reeves, Kimberly (Meador) Condor, Jennifer Money and Brad Crisp, Jim Brown, Kyle Dickson, Bethany Brooks, Charlci Conatser, Dawn Swearingin, The Neblit, T. Clark Miller, Jennifer Langford, and so many more! It was a blast! (Sorry for mutilating the spelling of names...I know I did.)

Sunday morning we had some men from our mission in Kenya--Made in the Streets--visiting with us. They led us in communion thoughts. It was a cool morning.

The Glory Bugles were last night. It was a huge success! We had a packed house and collected a lot of money for our inner-city Wayne Reed center. The Bugles were hilarious! It was fun seeing the whole thing in context. A couple of my favorite songs..."Heaven Yes, HELL NO", and "Have You Heard From Peter's Rooster?"

Disney Channel...mornings..the Doodle Bops. Is anyone else frightened by them? It's like going back to my theme park days. But worse. The blue guy gives me nightmares.

just a few more weeks til ZOE!! If you haven't yet, go register! You can also order the new ZOE CD... click here to register... ZOE Conference registration and information

Have you seen Greater Tuna? Love it. Have you seen Waiting for Guffman? Well, if you like those spoofy types of things, you'll LOVE the Glory Bugles. These guys are hilarious...most are professional actors or singers (Bonnie Keen formerly of First Call, Nan Gurley famous Nashville actress--and ACU alum--her husband Wayne and Steve Pipkin, music producer, etc). These 4 ARE the Glory Bugles and they will be doing a show at Otter Creek Sunday night. The Tennessean raves about them, and they have quite a following. Brian Mason spent an hour interviewing them and laughing with them last Sunday morning on his radio show.

Admission is free and there's free nursery care for kids under 2yrs old. Come---come and bring your friends. It will be a blast! According to one Glory Bugle, they put the "FUN" in fundamental. One of my favorite songs they sing says something like this... If the King James version was good enough for John the Baptist, it's good enough for me.

6pm Sunday night September 10 at Otter Creek Church, Nashville, TN. Join us!

OK...as an intro to this posting, I should tell you that Maddie is one of the most pure hearted people I know. Sometimes she doesn't even get potty jokes. So, that makes things she actually says accidentally even funnier.

Maddie loves descriptive words. In the last year she began adding an "er" to the ends of words to make them more descriptive. One day I was choosing her clothes and we were in a hurry. (The girl has an opinion--always. If I'm choosing her clothes what I've learned to do no is give her at least 2 options and if I don't she'll actually say, "Give me some options.") I chose her outfit and told her to get dressed quickly. She was a little cranky that morning and was throwing a little fit. I kept thinking...what's the big deal? Finally, in a tormented cry she said, "YOU'RE SUCH A PICKER!!" (it sounded like "pecker") I about lost my teeth.

I said, "EXCUSE ME??" And she responded, "You're such a PICKER! You ALWAYS like to pick what I wear." Oooooohhh...piiiiicker. Got it. (Didn't like the tone...but got it.)

Then in Chattanooga visiting Paul and Jill, it was Ella's turn to ride in the car with Mack. Maddie was furious (and tired after a long day and little sleep). She cried and I asked her what was wrong. "Ella's such a rider." And, actually, she was right. Ella was a rider.

Last night, Ella was being hilarious. She kept making funny jokes in bed and the girls were laughing at each other. I kept sprinkling pretend salt on Ella's arm and pretending to eat it like corn on the cob. Maddie was just rolling on her bed belly laughing. Then she said..."Ella, you're such a CRACKER!" I about died. Seriously. I wanted to fall on the floor. Ella said in her wee smoky voice, "I'm not a craaackerrr!" Then Maddie said, "You always crack me up! You're a CRACKER!"

So, in case anyone was wondering, in my opinion, both of these girls are crackers. They constantly crack me up. WHAT FUN!

PS: Had an AWESOME breakfast today with Chris Seidman and Grant Boone. Oh my goodness. (Ty..be afraid. Be very afraid.) It was so fun to laugh with those guys and then get to talk serious heart stuff. Old friends are such a treasure.

Several updates...

We made it home safely. PRAISE GOD! We even got to see our friend Lauren last night. The kids were excited to see her and we were too.

We're getting ready to move into our offices after 8 months of living out of boxes. That should be fun. We haven't all been together on the same hall in years. I am looking forward to being closer to everyone.

Regarding the post a couple of days ago about "peace"...one funny I forgot to mention was that the girls apparently decided to use this huge bowl of lemon drops as the communion bread. It seems that they passed it back and forth enough times to actually consume the entire bowl between the two of them. They were very lemony-fresh.

The Playground CD hit shelves on September first. If you don't have a Parable bookstore in your neck of the woods, you can click here to order one (and it's a better deal online anyway). Online ordering of Playground CD

Don't forget to register for ZOE... ZOE Conference registration and information

Tonight we begin Vespers again at OC. Fall is officially here!

Have you registered for the ZOE conference yet? Don't wait! It's not far now...

click here to register... ZOE Conference registration and information

COME! We want to see you!

This morning at Sheryl's parents house Maddie and Ella were playing "church" (worship service). Maddie had her Paw-Paw's guitar and Ella was beating on a stool like a bongo drum. Maddie was making up lyrics and playing the guitar singing, "Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! We thank you, God!" etc.

Then Maddie led a prayer that went like this, "Thank you God for everything, thank you for our family and for all the animals." At the end of the prayer, Ella announced, "OK everyone, listen up. It's time for 'Peace'." (They call communion "peace". I think it's because we've talked to them about the peace of Christ and also Sheryl has offered them a "little piece" before. So, they've always called it "peace".) Maddie put down the guitar and Ella began to organize the taking of "peace". It was all so fun to watch.

I thought about how cool it would be for them to get to partner in sometihng like that. Maybe one day. I recently heard someone say that women are given their leadership titles and freedoms by men. Seems to me that it's more likely that God instills that in people and that the Holy Spirit guides each of us into the roles God has for us. Hopefully, one day Maddie and Ella will walk in freedom and use all the gifts the Lord has given them to serve the Body.

We made the trek to Arkansas Friday to see Sheryl's brother, David. He's still in really bad shape. Along the way we got to stay in Jackson with our friends Jeff, Melissa, Bailey, and Meg. The girls had a blast with them and we stayed up laughing with Jeff and Melissa.

Once we actually got to Arkansas, we met family. Four of the 8 kids in Sheryl's family are here. It's fun seeing them. Kevin, Billy and Cindy (and Haley and Chelsea) all drove up from the Houston area and we're all here in Cherokee Village, AR. We took up a whole row this morning at church and afterwards had some pretty good catfish.

I am always reminded what a great family Sheryl comes from after being with them. We are blessed to both have a heritage of love to pass on to our children. Hope you're all doing well out there in Blog world. Thanks for your continued prayers for David.

This morning on the way to school Maddie said...

"I wish I could decorate the whole world!"

When I asked her what she meant she said,

"You know, put lots of ribbons in the trees and lights like at Christmas time. I could put big bows on all the cars that drive and everything could be decorated."

What a cool thought. Maybe one day she will. One thing is for sure, she decorates my life every single day.

Quick update...

First, thank you to all who wished me well after my, um, unfortunate "accident" shall we say. Wow.

Second, we told our life group about one of the families we met last Saturday (no fridge, stove, microwave, air conditioning, etc). That NIGHT after life group people kept coming back over delivering stuff. We ended up with a window unit air conditioner, clothes, shoes, bedding, towels, bags and bags of groceries, a toaster oven, a microwave, school supplies, laundry detergent and quarters, etc. It was SO COOL to see people respond...and not just respond at some point, but IMMEDIATELY respond. John Sandella, Travis, Lea Brown, Sheryl and others left for the grocery after group. Amanda and Geof headed home and came back with a huge bin of stuff. It was almost like Christmas!!

Sheryl, Travis and Doug went over yesterday afternoon to install the air conditioner and deliver the other stuff. It was a neat day.

Third, another hilarious moment with Cindy Craig. That girl makes me laugh hard. She was on praise team Sunday morning and was witness to a funny moment. At the end of services I stood during the final prayer (the team was seated on stage and usually their cue to stand or sit or whatever is given by me). I stood and held my hands down and back motioning in a way that I thought might suggest...don't stand. Well, Tracy Dean was seated next to me and the other soprano for the day. I guess she thought the motion meant...let's hold hands. HA!!! She reached out and took my hand. I heard Cindy snicker and that was it. Why do I love crazy moments like that so much?

Life, family, this journey...all full of awesome moments. Sometimes we take ourselves way too seriously. We should never forget how to laugh!

This weekend has been full of important moments. Some are like the ones I wrote about last week...snapshots that you want to just freeze in time. Others are like snapshots of you from 5th grade that you want to burn in case anyone might possibly get their hands on them.

First, Sheryl brought the kids up yesterday afternoon while she worked at the Otter consignment sale (it was AWESOME!). Maddie and Ella were in the sanctuary trying on different costumes from my office (from old Otter musicals and things). They would dress up, sing and dance, and then Sam would clap for them. It was so adorable. Then we brought out three stools and I sat in the middle and the girls sat on either side. Sam crawled around. We sat there for probably 25 minutes just singing. They wanted to sing You are Holy, I Will Worship, Shout Hallelujah, What Can Wash Away My Sin, etc. They sat on their stools and just belted it out with all the gusto they could manage. It even sounded really good!

Second, through Doug Sanders' AWESOME connections with Metro Housing, today we were able to deliver a refridgerator to a family who lived in the projects. They live in what we would consider 3rd world conditions...no air, no fridge, no stove, no food, only a mattress on the ground, but lots of smiles.

After dropping off the fridge we went to another area in the projects where a woman we'll call Janice lived. She's a single mom, 27yrs old, with a 5 yr old daughter (LaQuandra) and a 6 year old son (Elijah). They lost everything in a fire. Everything. Sheryl spent all morning rounding things up with the help of Maddie and Ella. I was proud of them for wanting to get rid of some of their "good" toys and dress up clothes. How many of us also have bedding sitting in closets we NEVER use? We were also able to take a bunch of kids clothes from the consignment sale to them. Anyway--Maddie, Ella, Sam and Sheryl came with me. Doug led us to "Janice's" house. LaQuandra ran out to meet us. Maddie and Ella disappeared upstairs (a nice, though little, place for the projects). Doug and I put her bed together and Sheryl helped unload some food. I went into "LaQuandra's" bedroom where she was telling Maddie and Ella she wanted them to see her toys. She pulled out this black bag and in it were 2 things---a stretchy thing that goes around a suitcase to hold it together, and a ratty old stuffed pink donkey that was losing all it's stuffing. She shrieked with delight at the dolls, dress up stuff, and books. Maddie and Ella beamed. On the way out Maddie said, "That was a good house...just the right size." They have no concept of "the projects". She just thought it was a cool place to live. I love the way kids think.

I say all that not seeking a pat on the back. I say it for this reason...I am so grateful for Doug Sanders. He is a GIFT to our church staff. It was his initiative that took us there...his idea. I asked him how Metro Housing got hooked up with him and he said simply, "Well, I just went down there one day and introduced myself to them and told them we wanted to help." DUH! I just continue to be grateful for the way he shows Jesus to me by helping push me outside myself.

Now, finally, I will NOT be giving full details on this part...and hopefully most of you won't have read this far (Russ Debenport won't for sure). You all know me well enough by now through stories and other things to know what a big statement this is...last night I had the single most embarrassing moment of my entire life. The only thing I'll give you is this...during a play at a community theater in east Nashville, I...let's just say that I had some issues. Issues which have caused me more humiliation than I ever thought possible...even for me. Someday, possibly at my funeral, my old college roommates (Stephen, Craig, Chris) can share the story in its entirety. For now, suffice it to say, I will never be the same. And neither will any of the people who actually saw me. BLESS. I believe that's enough sharing for today.

Love this pic of Sam!


Phil Keaggy. Brilliant, humble, genuine, freakishly gifted. Note to self, when Phil Keaggy asks if he can bring some “friends”, ALWAYS say yes. Turns out his 2 buddies were the guys who made up the group Glass Harp back in the early 70s. That was the group that really put Phil on the map. Daniel and John played and sang with Phil as they had done 30 years ago when they were filling concert halls. The blend was awesome. The music they made was absolutely incredible. At one point as Phil played his 1970 electric guitar, I thought his fingers were going to catch on fire. Simply amazing! I have never enjoyed Phil as much as I did last night. I told him afterwards that it was so fun to watch him make music with buddies. (He and John have been friends since the 8th grade.) It was fun visiting with him. There’s just something about that guy’s heart—simply spectacular. So hard to believe they are empty nesters now. I really enjoyed the night. THANK YOU, PHIL!!!

I’m sitting at Williamson Medical Center waiting as my mom has cataract surgery. She’s a trooper. It’s hard to see your parents age. Though her mind continues to sharpen in wisdom and Godliness, her body continues to challenge her. Sometimes that seems backwards to me. But, it seems the Creator knows what He’s doing. (Mom came through GREAT!!! The doctors keep telling her that her blood sugar levels are looking great and she's really doing well. YEA MOM!)

ZOE is coming!! The conference is shaping up. Can’t wait to see those of you coming! I am really excited about my long time best friend and brother, Stephen Bailey, leading a track this year on Saturday. I’ve thought for a long time that one of the biggest missing elements is a track for ministers who are leading start-up ministries. There are unique struggles, unique blessings. Stephen came out of the film industry as part owner in a highly successful special effects company to lead worship at a church in the DFW metroplex. His gifts are perfectly suited for ministry to churches of any size, but his experience in starting the ministry at Lake Cities gives him a voice to those who are wrestling with how to start a ministry from scratch. I couldn’t be more excited about him joining us this year for our series of conferences. He and Joel Quile (the pulpit minister with Stephen) will both be at the conference. Joel will be doing a class on interpretive dance. (um, that’s sarcasm in case you missed it. Ha—can you imagine? Go Quile, go Quile, go Quile…)

Here are a couple of pictures from Lauren’s birthday party last week…


our friend, Lauren with Maddie



Kyle, Ella and some freak.

All you Nashvegas residents and those within driving distance...

Come join us tonight for Phil Keaggy and friends at Otter Creek at 7pm. Doors open at 6:30. Free admission.

Come and bring a friend!

Here are some snapshots of moments I've enjoyed over the last few weeks. (Blogger is finally letting me post)


Girls are ready for their dance recital!


Ella is having a blast!


curtain call


Daddy and Maddie at the recital.


No real change in David's condition. Please keep praying. Apparently, they thought Sunday night was it after he caught Pneumonia and couldn't breathe. However, he made a serious comeback in the early morning hours Monday.

Do you ever want to freeze time? I've had that feeling a lot in life. I remember having it with my father when my young mind realized that he would not live to see my wife and kids. I remember having it in college as I laughed myself hoarse with my roommates. I remember feeling that way at our wedding reception as we were surrounded by our dearest friends. I remember certain days, certain pictures, certain feelings that remain as snapshots in my brain.

I felt that way Monday as I watched Maddie walk up those big steps to her Pre-K class at Otter Creek. It had snuck up on me. I hadn't stopped to realize that there wouldn't be anymore family days on Mondays when everyone was home. I held her that night and wanted to freeze time.

After loving on Maddie, I went over to Ella's bed and scratched her back and told her like I try to tell her often, "There's nothing you can ever do to make me not love you. I love you when you're good. I love you when you're bad. I will always, always, always love you." Then I laid down next to her and gave her a big hug and said one last time... "I love you!!"

She turned over and looked at me with this dead pan expression and said, "You told me that three times. I think that's kinda weird." (in her growly little Ella voice.) I laughed out loud. She's a nut.

Reality is, time is fleeting. Every minute, every second means something. We have opportunities that are here and gone in an instant. We are but a blade of grass--here today and gone tomorrow. The love of God is from everlasting to everlasting.

Take time today to take snapshots. Soak it all in. Seize an opportunity. Say something you need to say to someone you love. Don't wait.

Here's one last snapshot to leave you with...Maddie on her first day of Pre-K

Please pray for Sheryl's oldest brother, David Largent. David has been struggling with cancer. It appears that it has spread pretty quickly. He fell last weekend and broke his hip in 3 places. The doctors aren't optimistic about time. We're praying that he knows the love of Christ before his life here is over. Please join us in that prayer.

Things I don't so much like...

--snakes (can barely type it)
--mushrooms
--sushi
--milk
--long boring meetings
--the endless barrage of spam email
--the RETARDED email forwards that threaten bad luck for 15 years unless you forward the email and subject your friends to the same stupid message. Did I mention I can't stand those??
--watching baseball on TV

Things I really love...

--my family
--friends
--laughter!!
--celebrating birthdays (YEA LAUREN!!)
--Steak Maui at Houston's (Nashville no longer has a Houston's. BOOOOOO!!)
--seeing acts of kindness
--great movies
--pictures


My friend Sally Gary comes in town this afternoon. She's on that last list too. I'm looking forward to having some good time with her. Maddie starts pre-K on Friday. I'm still trying to get my mind around that. I'm SO glad we decided to wait on Kindergarten. It'll be hard enough to get used to her being gone 3 days a week. She's excited though.

Feel free to leave some of your most and least favorite things...and if you don't...you'll have bad luck for 20 years. Pass that on to all the people you really want to annoy.

PS: I've been asked this several times recently...you don't have to keep up a blog to publish a comment here. You do have to register though. It gives you a profile which basically says your name and that's all you really have to do. Hope that helps answer some questions if there are those of you wanting to comment but not wanting to maintain a blog.

Updates...

--the trip to Alabama with ZOE was a wonderful experience. The church was warm, sincere and very worshipful. I was so blessed to be there! Thanks to all those who were instrumental in bringing ZOE there.

--Sunday, some of us met down at SIR (a building full of rehearsal spaces that many touring bands use before they hit the road) to begin rehearsals for a night that will be called "A Light for the City". Nashville's brand new and amazing Schermerhorn Symphony Center will house a night of Christian music on October 15th. ZOE will be singing that night. More information on tickets soon. We are so pumped about singing in that space!

--Sunday night the girls danced their hearts out while 7 or 8 life group friends and their Nonnie watched. Geof and Amanda brought flowers for the girls as did the McInturffs. They were so sweet to do that. The girls were beside themselves with excitement. It was a great night. Hopefully, I can post pics soon.

Finally, today is a special day in our lives. On August 15, we celebrate several things...Karin Hensley's birthday (ZOE), Beth Ann Fisher's birthday (Craig's wife), Taylor's birthday (The Doggett's daughter)...but most importantly for us, our anniversary! We have been married 8 years today. I'm thankful for Sheryl, for her graceful ways and her loving heart. I'm a blessed man!

We're in dance recital time. Maddie and Ella have done a fantastic job. They have one more performance Sunday night at New Song at 5:30. It’s been fun to watch them prepare and get excited about it. Blogger won't let me post pics for some reason. Maybe I've reached my max?

As I mentioned, I’ve been at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. It’s been mostly good. As is always the case, you have to take some things and translate it to your own tribe or environment. Perhaps one of the greatest things I’ve been reminded of this week is that leaders are called to inspire people. And one of the best ways to inspire people is to paint a picture…a dream that’s bigger than ourselves. The Kingdom of Jesus is an upside down kingdom. It’s a way of death…not exactly popular. Come and die. Come and lose your life and gain His. Come and give up your rights and lay down your will. These are not exactly great conference themes. I’ve missed hearing some of that this week.

The other thing about conference or “group think” that is sometimes troubling is when someone we respect stands and says, “This is the best way to achieve results…” and people all nod their heads and leave trying to make their places look exactly like that. It’s troubling to me because there is a certain truth in principle to all of that, but there are often discrepancies. I’ve found myself uncomfortable in ZOE settings after teaching a class and going home replaying it in my mind. I have tried more in recent years to stress how the Holy Spirit wants to do a unique work in all of our places. There are awesome ideas we can share and ways communal discernment can create something better than we could ever do on our own...but I confess to you that often times the messiness of that causes us to opt for the least common denominator. I shiver when I hear people say things like…”Well, we can’t do it that way because that’s not how ZOE does it”. Or, today I heard someone say, “Well, Bill Hybels said we have to…”

Praise God for His example of the Body---all parts, all functions, all joined together serving our purpose and working towards the same end. We need each other. And…aren’t we glad?

ZOE sings in Athens, Alabama Saturday night (tonight). It's my first date back with ZOE. I'm looking forward to it!

BIG NEWS!!!!!!!
The kids' record I produced with Eric Wyse called Playground released yesterday! The first shipment to stores was 20,000! Wooo-hooo!! TJ sounds great on it! He wrote most of the songs. He and I co-wrote a couple. It will also be available on itunes. I'll let you know when. Click here to find a Parable bookstore near you! God's hand was on this project from start to finish. It was one of the most enjoyable projects I've ever been a part of. Please, go buy lots of CDs!!

Willow Creek Leadership Summit today at the People's Church in Franklin. Should be a great day.

We had praise team auditions last night. That's always an important night, somewhat stressful, but I'm convinced it's the right way to go. It affords me an opportunity to spell out the vision of the worship ministry and stress the importance of gifting and heart. Basically, just because someone can sing doesn't mean they should be leading worship (on praise team). We're really looking for men and women who have a passion for worship and leading worship.

The girls have their first ever dance recital today. There will be another one Sunday night at New Song Church in Franklin. I'll try and post pics tomorrow. I can't wait to see it!!!

(Look real close)

OK, please don't throw stones at me, but I LOVE ME SOME RICKY BOBBY! Some guys from life group and I went last night. It could quite possibly be the funniest movie I have seen in a long time. I laughed until I hurt. Absolutely hilarious.

I needed the laugh. My cousin, Deana, was in a bad motorcycle accident over the weekend. She was life flighted and is in critical condition. She had surgery today and they are hoping to save her foot. She broke both legs and has severe head trauma. Please lift her up. I'll keep you posted.

Last night at Samson we talked about "responsibility". It brought up some quirky feelings in me. Some that I'm still processing. I have this love/ hate relationship with responsibility. I was actually named "Most Dependable" in my High School year book...please save the jokes (I was also named best dressed, but at Wylie in those days that wasn't too hard to manage.) After losing my dad I felt a lot of self imposed responsibility. It did weird things to me. Not all bad. We're all responsible to live up to our calling as children of God. Perhaps my struggles with it come from knowing how desperately far I am from deserving that title? Whatever the case, it's one more reminder that I am a work-in-progress.

Then...to end a weird day of extreme emotions, I ate most of a pack of chewy Spree. 75% of them were red and purple. Gotta love it!!! What can I say? There's joy in the small things!

Last Friday we took a quick trip to Chattanooga to meet Paul and Jill Young and their family. They moved to Atlanta last year and we really miss them. Jill's parents live in Chattanooga so we met there since it is half way.

Maddie and Mack were inseparable as babies and toddlers. It was so fun watching them all play together again. Paul and Jill have a new addition to their family...baby James! Mack, Champ, and James are like little brown surfers...making our little white marshmallows look even whiter! It was so fun laughing and being together again. We love the Youngs! Here are some pictures of the weekend.



The kids pose on Friday after taking a walk in the rain.



Paul and Champ. Champ's hilarious personality shines through!



Sam cools off in the shade



Ella and Mack



Maddie and Ella at the fountains



At the park



The kids enjoy Hawaiian shaved ice

Last night I was laying on Ella's bed waiting for her while she brushed her teeth with Sheryl. She came and jumped on me and kissed me. I said, "Wow! Your breath smells good!!"

She stared at me with a funny, confused expression. She sat up, pulled her shirt collar out and stuck her nose down the front of her shirt.

"My breasts don't smell like anything," she said.

I haven't stopped laughing since.

I'm in car hell. Literally. One morning last week my trusty old '98 Blazer with 122,000 miles wouldn't start. I called Doug Sanders and he came and jumped it for me. I drove her to my AWESOME car mechanic (Nashville residents, ask me about this place) who changed the battery for me. Once they did, however, it appeared that something got fried in the jump start. The temperature thingy (this is why I don't work on cars) is all messed up. As a result, the air conditioner doesn't work.

The guys at the garage worked on it for 2 1/2 days. TWO AND A HALF DAYS! I was thinking the labor costs alone was going to kill me. They called and said that after they called GM, ordered parts and tried everything they couldn't figure it out. So, yesterday I picked it up and they charged me...nothing. YEA! They are awesome!

So, the thing is, the air conditioner is broken yet blows air...air that can't be turned off...air that blows out the top and on my feet...air that is somewhere around 500 degrees. I drove to work at 8am this morning and in the 10 minutes it took me to get there I ended up looking like a cat that had fallen into a swimming pool. Nasty. Car hell.

Praise GOD for the Pearmans at Otter Creek who are loaning me their Dodge truck. I am cruisin around in a king cab, baby! Hallelujah and praise the Lord for air conditioning!!!!!!!

---------------------------------

At my Samson group last night the discussion topic was "honesty". More on that later this week. It was an amazing discussion...one that has stuck with me and given me food for thought today.

Have a great night, friends!

It was Saturday night. The year was 1983. We were in Hamlin, TX about an hour or so outside Abilene where my mom grew up. My Paw-Paw's house was on the corner and I can remember it like it was yesterday. He had these metal TV trays. We'd call the local hamburger place and order 4 hamburgers and fries (the burgers were perfectly greasy, and the fries were awesome!) and we'd sit in his small living room in the house where my mom was raised eating on our metal TV trays. Then that famous animated mule would come on the TV and most Americans would hear the song lots of us can still sing today... "Heeeeeeee-hawwwwwwwww, hee, hee, hee, haw, haw, haw!" (and you thought I was going for the profound?)

So, my buddy Amanda got to program the Hee Haw re-runs on CMT this weekend. We watched some of the marathon. (It's funny how a show like Hee-Haw can transport you to a specific time and place. I had that experience yesterday.) Several things struck me. For one thing, 90% of the jokes weren't even remotely funny. Secondly, 80's hair and country plaid just don't go together. And lastly, clogging just ain't what it used to be.

This week we are having a Hee-Haw party over at Minnie Pearl's old house (some of our friends now live there) and Lulu is coming. I'll bet the entertainment of the night will be the behind the scenes stories coming from Lulu! I'll be sure to give a report.

Here's to my hometown back in Abilene, TX...population 115,000 and growing. SALUTE!!

I can't get enough of the tomatoes!!! I love em!! After recording last night I cut up several tomatoes, crushed some almonds and sprinkled them on top with some feta cheese and vinaigrette. It was gooooood. Ella ate half my bowl. Well, then she threw up all night, so go figure.

Last night went well with ZOE. The stuff is sounding really good! Randy has done a fantastic job. Peter sounds great too. I'll pick back up with ZOE at conference time. It's been good to take a break but I miss everyone!

Speaking of ZOE...online registration began yesterday! So, reserve your spot soon!

Updates…

* ZOE is almost done recording. It’s sounding great! I’m going in tonight to record “Offering”. Randy Gill is producing this year. He’s done a fantastic job. Peter is doing an awesome job singing the worship leader part. I’m only making a small little appearance singing this song. I’m also playing Mr. Mom at home while Sheryl records. I've got stories!!

* The record I've been working on with TJ is done as of today. YEA! We are all really pleased with the end result. I’m astounded at God’s provision through this project. It was sort of a spirit-filled version of Pandora’s Box! None of us knew when we started this how much fun it would be and how much we’d feel the hand of God.

* Tomatoes are GOOOOD! I’m finally seeing a result to my OCD in nurturing my tomato plants. We’re having lots of dishes involving tomatoes these days.

* Our friends, Hainey and Greg came through. THEY’RE ENGAGED! We’re so happy for them.

* There’s been a new, refreshing feeling at Otter Creek. Some great things happening behind the scenes and a renewed sense of filling there. That’s a praise GOD!

* Ella was making up a song the other day in the playroom...a rather disturbing little ditty. "Someday I'll diiiie. I’m really gonna die. Someday I'll die. But I think I’m gonna play first. I’m gonna play with some toys. And someday I'll die." Um, maybe we'll put that on our next kids’ record and call it, "Sobering Truths For Very Small Kids". Wow.

* As I mentioned, I’m playing Mr. Mom at night while Sheryl’s recording with ZOE. Anyone who even half-way thinks that stay-at-home-moms don’t have the hardest job is a lunatic. It’s rewarding, sure! But, this is why the commercial that said "Calgon, take me away!!" was so successful! I was supposed to give baths night before last. The kids were all outside and jumping on the trampoline. I just decided to run upstairs and get the soap and shampoo and did the good ol' backwoods dad trick. I hosed 'em down, baby. Right there in the back yard. Oh yeah!

Have a great week, everyone!

This weekend we finished the Kids' Project. I'll give more information soon. I am really, REALLY excited about it. It's sort of a Jack Johnson style kids' record with Christian themes. 10 original songs, a couple I co-wrote with TJ. Eric Wyse and I co-produced it. TJ has always been one of my favorite singers. What a thrill to be able to do this together before they leave for the Dominican. (Check out his link to the right.) He sounds so great on this!!

My girls have been running around singing the songs around the house. It's really such a fun record! We added kids' voices on Saturday. That was quite an experience. The kids did a good job. Here's a picture of them with TJ.

Please take a minute to pray for Ansley Brown today. She had some corrective surgery this week and is struggling with pain. She's only 3 yrs old. (For you ACU ex's this is Kristen Cottier's daughter)

Please continue to pray for my ex roomie and brother (as if that weren't enough reason to pray), Craig Fisher. His recent surgical procedure was a real pain...

Some big things coming this next week...finishing producing this kids' record with TJ McCloud before he leaves, Greg Staley and Hainey Price come through on their way to move Greg to D.C. and Sheryl's brother Chuck and his family come next Friday. It will be fun!

Congrats to our buddy, Zane Williams, on winning the Maxell's song of the year! Zane's a good Abilene boy and Otter Creeker! Go, boy!



Happy weekend, blog family!

Thoughts on returning...

--the sun rises and sets whether you're in Cancun or Nashville and brings with it a new day with new adventures.

--I love nighttime at our house...scratching backs, telling stories, soft giggles...and that's just Sheryl. KIDDING PEOPLE.

--It's always fascinating to me to be around people with a different world view. It's challenging and enlightening.

--I love the ocean. It is my favorite place to be. I love snow skiing too...but that's more like fun recreation. If I want relaxation, it's the beach, baby.

--It's hot here. It's really, really hot.

--I still have a dream to live in the Caribbean and run a catamaran business. Maybe one day.

--Speedos do not look good on ANYONE. The vomit factor is way too high. As Lea Brown says...her worst nightmare is a clown in a speedo. I think I saw one or two.

--Being away from the cell phone was great. I need to try that more often.

--I'm a blessed man.

We just returned from Mexico. What an amazing 4 days we had! Otter Creek gave us a 10yr anniversary gift last fall and we've been saving it until summer so that we would have child care. (Kiki teaches) So, with all the confidence in the world, we left the kids in the capable hands of "Aunt Kiki" and took off on the child-less vacation we've been anticipating for months. (How much do we LOVE Kiki??!!) We weren't able to go during my leave of absence for several reasons...school wasn't out and Kim couldn't keep the kids, we hadn't found the right deal, and that time was not supposed to be "vacation". So, away we went on the first child-less vacation in several years. What amazing timing!

We stayed at the Riu Palace Las Americas in Cancun. It is absolutely amazing! We had such a great time together laughing, relaxing, re-connecting. We even made some new friends, Michael and Monica from Ft. Worth.

I know that some people think all we do is travel and have a constant vacation. Excuse me while I catch my breath from laughing. Even at the airport someone who knew us quipped, "You guys are always on vacation somewhere!" Not true. While we do travel, it's usually business and we haven't had time like this together since 2003. But, after saving and watching for deals, I can honestly say it was worth the wait!

Here are some pictures of our time away.


one if the "infinity" pools.


BST and Sheryl


Our new buddies, Michael and Monica


BST and Sheryl in the lobby


the view from our room

Just got back from Denver. Long story. Was out there helping to promote a hymnal and meeting with some folks during CBA. It was really crazy. I've performed at CBA before but never been on the exhibit floor. It was a zoo. Don't believe me? Here are some pics for ya. One thing I will say...Love me some Lulu Roman. We spent about 5 hours together on Tuesday while she signed CDs in our booth. She told me some AWESOME Hee-Haw stories. Oh, how I WISH I could share. More blogging later...my trip ended with sitting on a runway in a tiny airplane for 6 hours waiting to take off. I'm SO GLAD to be home!!!!

BST and my new buddy, Lulu Roman from Heee-Hawwwww!


Lulu signs her CD at our booth.



BST and freaky Christian circus butterfly woman. She completely scared me.



Pic with some other circus people. They were LESS scary if you can believe it.



Stephen Baldwin. There's much to comment on here that I just can't share.



This one was for Maddie and Ella. Who knew Strawberry Shortcake was a Christian?



BST and Kirk Cameron. His TV show partner kept wanting to know if I knew where I'd go if I died that night. Kirk...nice guy.

here are some pictures from Maddie's birthday party yesterday. She's gotten to that age where she wanted some of her school friends. There were only 3 boys from her class there. They would have NOTHING to do with the girls' games. It was so funny to watch them separate themselves---until cake and presents!! We had a great day! (The woman who used to make cakes at my favorite Nashville bakery--Becker's, now closed--still makes cakes from home. She did this awesome cake! Call if you want her number.)

One of the greatest things of having kids is hearing them talk to each other. They have these all out hilarious conversations that just kill me. Here are some recent gems...

Maddie was coughing (half of our house has summer colds--yuck!) and not covering her mouth while we were eating dinner. Ella, in her most bossy tone said, "Maddie! You HAVE to cover your MOUTH! Germs fly through the air and they land on my food. I don't like that cause it doesn't taste very good!"

This morning the girls got in my car so I could take them to my mom's for their "Friday at Nonnie's". Maddie got in and said, "Daddy, I'm THIIIIRSTY!" Ella looked at her and in a funny voice said, "Well, HELLOOOO, THIIIIIIRSTY!!"

On our way to my mom's house I overheard the girls discussing what we call "bathroom words" (translated: poop, pee-pee, bottom, and that's about it). Ella was talking about them and Maddie was trying to convince her that those words are ok to say as long as you're "in the bathroom" since they're bathroom words and all. Ella said, "No! We are NOT SUPPOSED TO SAY THEM!" Maddie told her that we just have to say them in "privacy". Ella continued to argue her point until Maddie looked at her and said, "I have an idea, let's stop talking."

These things are cute because there's no teenage attitude or angst! Given a different tone or inflection they might be completely UN-funny. But, it's one of the highlights of my day listening to them try and work things out with each other in their pre-school way. These are the days...!

Have a great Friday!

Last night we had the XXXchurch guys here to share with us. It was pretty awesome and extremely convicting. You should check them out sometime. They are doing amazing work.

Yesterday for Maddie's birthday she got to go with Ella to this place called "Sweet and Sassy" where the girls got to have their hair done and some other stuff. Thanks to Sheryl and Kiki, they had the time of their lives! Maddie chose the "princess" style. Ella chose the "rock star" style. How fitting!

Here are a few pictures from their time there. Afterwards, they came by the office to let me see them. Too cute!

Happy Birthday, Maddie! My beautiful, red headed, charmer is 5 today. WOW! I just can't believe it. She is a lover. She is tender hearted and loves people deeply. She can't stand to see anyone in pain or sad. She is such a gift to me...and all of us in this Thomas family. I love her sweet hugs and her very girly personality. I love the way she lights up a room (at least in her father's eyes). She is 5! It's a big day for us. Happy Birthday, sweet Maddie!

Happy Birthday, America! I'm thankful for our country. Lord, give us a heart for the nations!