What a week! We are all still spinning from the incredible Easter experience last weekend. We had an all day ministerial meeting yesterday where we discussed visioning and how to fill some of the gaps we're experiencing in a growing and busy church. It was a great day to reconnect with each other and some of our dreams and goals for OC.

I took some time "off" the beginning of the week to take care of some other things that I needed to get done. I am also vocal directing for a cast for Norwegian Cruise Line and the Gary Musick Company in my off time. It has been such a fun thing to step back in that world for a moment. The kids are so talented! I am jealous of their itinerary. They will be performing on NCL's Marco Polo which basically will take them around the world. (maybe I'll get to go check on them?!)

Back when I worked for Norwegian, the shows were produced by a company out of Fort Lauderdale...which is where we rehearsed and lived for a few weeks. Now, Gary has some of the Norwegian contracts and he is based here in Nashville so the casts come here to rehearse. It provides a great opportunity to get outside the church walls every now and then and get to be involved in the lives of performers who are in a different world. This cast is smaller--4 singers and maybe 5 dancers or something. The singers are from NY, Toronto, Boston, and Iowa. It's been nice getting to know them. Maddie, Sam and Sheryl came up at one point this week to check the progress. Maddie was so thrilled to be there. She is a performer at heart! Saturday they will run the show and the whole family will get to come and watch.


Rochelle, Sarah and Maddie


Rod, Dallas, Sarah and Rochelle look over one of their shows called "A Night of Stars" before doing a vocal run of the show.


Dallas and Sarah croon through one of their run-throughs

----
Last year Parable Bookstores commissioned Eric Wyse and me to make a CD for kids. I wanted to do something with a Jack Johnson kind of sound (he recorded the soundtrack to the movie "Curious George"). TJ McCloud immediately came to mind because he is one of my favorite artists and has that Jack Johnson vibe going--especially now that he and Holly are really LIVING on the beach! (They are missionaries in the Dominican Republic...look for their website in my links.)

The CD was called Playground and you can order it here . It was a huge success for Parable and brought some great attention to TJ's awesome style and writing abilities. Parable decided they wanted another one so TJ has been hard at work writing a new set of songs. The new CD which is titled "I Want to Shine" will release after Memorial Day.

TJ flew in last Friday and has been working on vocals all week. I am producing this one and having a blast. In my opinion, the songs are even better and the tracks are stronger. TJ has really knocked it out of the park! Some of the songs include, "Firefly (I Want to Shine)", "Jonah", "We're Goin to the Beach", "God is Good", "I Will Song Over You", "Playground--remix", "Ice Cream", "John 3:16" and more. I absolutely LOVE "Ice Cream" (maybe because it's dedicated to the Thomas kids!)


Here's TJ...aka Captain Dominican


We used the studio group "Kids Call" again this year for the songs that have kids' voices on them. They are fantastic!


I am so proud of TJ and I can't wait for you to hear this new record! I'll let you know more about ordering once it gets closer to release date.

I have a special interest in TJ's music career. He was my worship intern 5 years ago and then moved to Nashville after graduating from ACU. I am such a fan and so thrilled at what God is doing in and through him in both the Dominican and in the States!

Speaking of interns...I've also been spending some time this week getting things ready for my first worship intern SINCE TJ. Kyler will be here the middle of May. He has a great heart for worship and I think he will be a great leader. I'm looking forward to journeying with him this summer.

Now...if only my taxes would magically be done...Have a great week, friends!

We have had an absolutely fantastic weekend... The Otter Creek Easter egg hunt on Saturday, time with the Williamson family that night, a Sunday morning that goes down as one of my top three favorites since I came on staff 11 years ago, an amazing lunch at my mom's, and a jamming night of worship tonight. It was a full, amazing weekend. At some point I'll share more about this morning and the life-changing testimonies we heard. But for tonight...simply a slide show of sorts beginning with Sam sitting in a sea of eggs!



The kids pose after the Otter Creek Easter egg hunt on Saturday



On Easter morning the cross was covered in fresh flowers and laid on the front steps of the stage


Easter morning--worship choir


The Thomas family at my mom's house for Easter lunch



Kevin, Kyle and me at my mom's before Easter lunch





"Alive Forever Amen!"...our awesome band guys



tonight was so fun---everyone did a great job! The band was awesome! The singers sounded incredible and we had an awesome time of worship.
Happy Easter, everyone!

Come join us this Sunday night for a Worship Celebration as we close the Easter weekend with a bang... "Alive Forever, Amen!"


We have a worship choir of 40 people, and awesome band and some great worship songs that will lift up the name of Jesus!


That's this Sunday...April 8th at 6pm at The Otter Creek Church located on Franklin Road in Brentwood, TN. Come join us as we sing...

"Worthy is the Lamb! Worthy of our praise! Worthy is the one who has overcome the grave!!!"

Yesterday, Ella went to her school Easter party and egg hunt. It was at the home of one of her classmate's grandparents who own Purity Dairies, the leading dairy in the south. Their home is like a wonderland for children (their grandchildren). Sheryl went with Ella since I went last year. Ella poses here in front of one of the (ONE of the) playhouses...decorated better than our home, I might add. It's like something from Better Homes and Gardens! :)


Sheryl and Ella pose together...beautiful girls on a beautiful day. (Holy cow...my wife is HOT!!!)


This is a giant fort in their backyard...unbelievable!


This is Ella's class with her teacher, Anna Morgan.

Last night I had some great time with the Elders. They are great men. We met to discuss some things related to the music ministry. I'm so blessed by them. And...I'm excited to announce that we'll be having a worship intern at Otter Creek this summer for the first time in 4 or more years. (TJ McCloud was my last intern) Oklahoma Christian student, Kyler Erwin will be joining us in May. Praise God!

Yesterday, holding on to the last little but of sunshine and warn weather before the very, very frigid Easter weekend headed our way, I got to go with Maddie to her school Easter party and egg hunt. She had been SO excited. She woke up with a perma-smile that did not fade until she hit the pillow last night


Here's Maddie posing with her buddy, Ryan as they wait to hunt eggs.


Here's a picture of some of the girls in Maddie's class.


I love this picture. Sydney Williamson is one of Maddie's best buddies. Maddie and Sydney are in the same class and Maddie informed me ysterday that she and Sydney are sisters..."No, Daddy, I mean like REAL sisters! We decided it yesterday." Precious. Of course there are complaints on that issue from us. The Williamsons and our family go WAY back. I'm grateful for their friendship.

Rehearsal last night literally rocked! We were in the gym with the band and ran through everything. The band sounds great, the choir sounds incredible...it's going to be a lot of fun this weekend! Thank you to everyone participating. I hope some of you blog readers can come. Otter Creek...6pm...this Sunday.

I admit it. I love food. I love delicious, attractive to the eye, wonderfully seasoned, perfectly cooked food.

I come by it naturally. I come from a long line of cooks on both sides of my family. My mom, a fantastic southern chef, still uses recipes and actual antique bowls handed down from great and great-great grandparents. Family reunions, holiday gatherings, parties and birthdays were often marked with famous family recipes.

Sheryl comes by it naturally too. Her mom AND dad are amazing cooks. I remember the first time I had Ernestine's pecan pie. It was absolutely unbelievable. The very first night I met her parents, Sheryl and her mom went to a dinner party and left me home with Sheryl's dad and her uncle (Sonny--Kiki's dad). What did we do? We cooked. Sheryl's dad made some incredible stir fry thing. I was won over instantly and put at ease.

And now, I get to come home and often smell some amazing treat cooking in the oven or on the grill. Yes, sometimes we have pizza or just a salad. BUT, Sheryl continues a tradition that our families have enjoyed for generations...we sit at the table, turn off the TV, pray, and enjoy food and fellowship. As we sat down tonight, I looked at the grilled asparagus, the seasoned grilled chicken, the rosemary potatoes, and tomatoes and HAD to take a picture. (yeah. I am ridiculous. But I wanted to capture what I was thinking as we sat down to enjoy.) Thank you, Sheryl! Thank you, Mom, Ernestine, Granny Brandon, Dot, Mow, Granny Tucker, Bob and so many more in our lineage who've passed down the gift and art of food!

This picture was taken last fall. L-R...Josh Ross, me, Luke Norsworthy. I love Josh and Luke. They have both blessed me. Today I want to tell you a little bit about Josh.

While Josh was at ACU, my mom was still living in Abilene. It was not uncommon for him to go over to her house with another good friend, Keith Rogers, and help my mom. They moved wood, changed light bulbs, visited, and basically made themselves available at other times when she needed something.

Josh is now a preacher in Houston. Every Sunday, without fail, I get a call about 9am. "Hey buddy, this is Josh...give 'em Jesus today." Most of the time, I only get to hear the message since I am usually working with the praise team then. But, when I see the call coming in, I always know. It is something that has really encouraged me. It's being community--family--to each other.

Allen French shared something with me last fall at ZOE about communion. He told me that some of his closest friends and he always take the cup from the center circle on the tray. This reminds them of the fellowship they share because of the blood of Jesus. I have been doing that ever since.

This morning as I took the cup, I thanked God for that fellowship He's given me with other followers all because of the blood of Jesus. It gives me an even deeper sense of gratitude for the cross. It reminds me that we are all on a journey together to try and walk like Jesus. What an adventure! Josh helps me on the journey. I'm really thankful for him.

Tonight was a great time of fellowship with a few of my very favorite people. Lea Brown brought dinner (so sweet!! And thanks to Amanda for dinner on Tuesday!!) and stayed and visited for a while. Lea is moving back to TX in May. We're trying to soak in every minute until she LEAVES US! (bitter?? Us??)

Sheryl had some girl time tonight while Jeff Berry, Jeff Johnson, and John Sheryl came over. JJ is here from Dallas finishing his worship record. (You might remember me writing about him before--he was an American Idol contestant in season 4--something we never let him forget.) John is here from Houston beginning his worship recording. JB came for some meetings about song writing and basically to SEE ME. (at least that's what I keep reminding him of.)

We laughed and laughed and laughed tonight. I always leave hoarse after spending time with those guys. (in the pic--Jeff Berry, me, Jeff Johnson)


My physical therapy went well today--it hurt. REALLY HURT. But--thankfully, I feel a wider range of motion tonight and was really able to have fun hangin' with the boys.

One last thing...my brother-in-law in trying to attract bloggers to his site is suggesting that I am actually a fan of mo-hawk Sanjayayaya. It is without merit and only refuels the debate of actually paying attention...Fajita, M&Ms come in all sizes and flavors but the original M&Ms are STILL the ORIGINAL M&Ms. Quit deflecting your issues onto poor Sanjaya. He seems to have enough to deal with on his own. Now---go counsel someone.

Nice serious shot of Jeff Berry there. I love the blog setting where I can rib him without him being able to rib me back...at least not yet! Those of you who've heard Jeff in concert at Otter before know that we love to give each other a hard time. We're life-long friends. Jeff and I have seen each other through a lot of things. He's also one of my all time favorite worship leaders and singers. Check out his website in my links...

His CDs are some of my very favorite worship CDs. Jeff has traveled with his band and helped start awesome events like "Choice" at Baylor and "Grace" in Abilene--college and young adult worship experiences. Until recently, when not on the road, he was leading worship at The Heights--a really awesome Baptist church in Dallas. He's now in a new time of transition.

Jeff flew into town today. We hadn't seen each other in a few months so it was great to catch up. He came to rehearsal tonight. We had a marathon 2 hour rehearsal. It was really an awesome night. The worship choir is slammin' and I am continually amazed at the combination of heart and voice that God has given us in the people He's drawn to OC. I feel SO incredibly blessed to work with them.

Tonight Jeff played while we sang "You Are Holy". ZOE's arrangement of that was inspired by Jeff. We ended rehearsal with a time of worship where Jeff played and sang one of his original songs, "When I Speak Your Name" (on ZOE's "Deep Calls to Deep" CD). It was such a great way to end our time together. I was moved again by those words--"I am forever changed...when I speak your name."

Afterwards, Jeff came to the house and we ran the gamut from laughter to serious heart sharing. I just thank God for friendships like that. I know God has Jeff in some unfamiliar territory and is leading him down some new roads. I just can't wait to see what those will look like. Will you join Jeff and me in praying that God will make that path clear?

Thank you for your prayers for my physical health. I am functional today. I begin physical therapy tomorrow and I am really hoping they can figure out what in the world is happening to me.

I've added a new link this week to my buddy Matthew Paul Turner. He's an author popular in the Emergent Church movement...and also just a hilarious guy. Thankfully, he's nestled right here in good ol' Nashvegas!

One last thing...Sanjaya on American Idol. What in the world??? That hair! I mean seriously. Thanks to my friend Justin McIntosh for photo shopping this and sending it to me. This is what I would look like with Sanjaya's hairdoo...hmmmmm--now THAT'S a faux hawk! Bless.

It's been a long day. I am not feeling the relief of the medication yet...BUT I was flipping channels tonight (I'm normally at Samson on Mondays) and stumbled upon

I heard a familiar voice serenading me. It was my Norwegian Cruise Line singing partner, Beverley Staunton. After doing a million shows together, we'd know each others' voices anywhere. Bev and Audra kept me sane on that contract. This is Beverley's 3rd or 4th season on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars". It was fun to hear her rockin' out tonight. If you look real close you can see her at the back of the band each week.

I'm so proud of Bev. Recently baptized, married to a great guy, and expecting a baby boy!! GO BEV!! I know you catch up on the blog as you can--Sheryl and I send our love. Can't wait to see you in L.A. in almost a month!!! YAY!

update:
Back is worse...now affecting neck and left arm. Thank you for continued prayers. I went to the doc today and got some medication and a big honkin steroid shot. On to a PT in a couple of days and then we'll see. I can't seem to get relief. Please pray for a break in the pain. Thanks!

We had a great weekend. Friday night Gary and Ellen Musick came over. We enjoyed our visit with them eating fondue and laughing.

Saturday afternoon the fondue theme carried over as the ACU alumni association had a nice reception at The Melting Pot in downtown for Nashville area alumni. It was good to visit with some old friends.

This morning John York preached again and did a great job. I was feeling awful though. I have a wicked Spring cold. And...my back is just wrong. Apparently, it seems I have a rib that is somehow scraping against my scapula. It feels like it sounds. Please keep praying. I have been to the doctor every day--it's getting old! BUT, the weather here is gorgeous...85 degrees and the trees are in full bloom. (trying to think positively. It really is so true that when you're in a lot of pain it impacts everything. I don't know how people with chronic pain survive.)

We're getting closer and closer to Easter. The worship choir is sounding awesome and the band had a great rehearsal Saturday. It's going to be a wonderful weekend!

This just in from our ZOE Wineskins editor, Greg Taylor...

Thanks to the diligence and expertise of Keith Brenton, ZOE officially
announces next Monday the availability of zoe worship mp3 downloads for a
buck. It's on the home page but announcement comes Monday and happy
to have people testing the waters today and through the weekend.Leak the
word on your channels!
Thanks,
gt

Let the games begin!!

God bless Brian Wiersma. Brian sings with Vocal Union but is also a CHIROPRACTOR!! By this morning I was in tears. It has been really awful. I might have to get an MRI...but we're praying that these adjustments will do the trick.

I tried a new desk chair today to see if it would help. I have been doing stretching that makes me look like I am a Chinese acrobat. I have taken about everything I can take, legally. It's only helped marginally. Please pray for healing for me.

Tonight, we had rehearsal for Easter. Even though many were Spring Breaking, we still had a good, solid group. My friend, Gary Musick, dropped by and sang. Also, Clarissa Cox surprised everyone and was with us tonight. We miss her entire family.

Here's a picture of the few, the true, the non Spring Breakers!!

Anyone know how to post a cut from a song on blogger? My blogger tech guru is skiing. Let's all give one big BOOOOOO to Amy Westerman. (I'm just jealous)

I am really, really hurting. I need something...not sure what. Maybe like 20 adjustments to my back? Physical therapy? Jon Blackwell...WHERE ARE YOU??

Friday night, thanks to the generosity of my friend, Meredith, I went to the Pink/ Justin Timberlake concert and sat in an awesome suite. Both were great performers. The arena was packed! At one point I looked over next to us and there was Reba McEntire and her husband. I freaked! Then I looked to my right and my buddy, Jody (who sings with Avalon) and his wife Stephanie were there with her brother. Jody and I kept text messaging gawking at Reba. I'm telling you...I was a 7th grader. Lauren was there and we all had such a blast! Overall, the show was great--but the company was even more fun!

Here's a picture of our group as the show was getting started.

The rest of the weekend was just beautiful! The "popcorn" trees (Bradford Pears) are out. This was taken outside our door. I love the blooms!

The girls and I went swimming on Saturday and had a nice visit with Gary Musick. I must have overdone it with swimming because I was really sore later. After swimming, my mom took us out to Opry Mills to get the kids' Easter outfits. They look so cute! How is it possible that we have kids this big??

This morning went really well. John York preached out of Luke 15 (prodigal) and did a great job! We spent some time in meditation studying the Rembrandt painting of "The Return of the Prodigal Son". I've always loved that painting.

This afternoon, Eve came over and did her Edward Scissor-hands magic on my hair. At least 2 inches...gone with a bit of a faux-hawk! HA! Some folks from our Life Group are pictured below. Sheryl threw together a fire pit and we burned up some of our fence pieces! (see...she continues to be resourceful!!!)

Many of you will be traveling for Spring Break...be careful out there! Blessings to you this week.

This morning was round two of Spring programs. Today it was Maddie's turn. The kids were so cute!! Here are some pics of the show...

After the show, Maddie posed with her good buddy, Sydney Williamson. Sydney and Maddie are in the same class. I remember when Ryan and Sarah were living in California and we wished for days together and for our kids to know each other. And now, they are big buds! It's so fun!

I went to watch one of the Gary Musick's casts do a run-through this afternoon. This cast is on Celebrity Cruise Line. They had GREAT energy and the shows seem to really be progressing nicely. I've said it before, but I'm just so encouraged by what I see that production company doing. Their professionalism is incredible and they have awesome hearts. What better combo?

I got to spend a little time with John York this afternoon. He is covering for Tim while Tim is in Greece the next 3 Sundays. John and I go way back and I am looking forward to hearing him.

I also spent some time working on some of the charts for the Easter concert and working on some of my parts that I need to get more comfortable with. I hope those of you in driving distance will come join us that Sunday night April 8th. It's going to be a lot of fun!

Tonight...well, tonight I am reverting back to a 7th grader. I am going to a concert at the Nashville Arena. I'll tell you more later. CRAZY!

Last night our rehearsal ROCKED! I am so pumped! We have around 40 people singing and it sounds incredible. I love that we have some brand new folks too.

This morning on the way to Ella's program, Maddie and Ella were in the back seat and Ella was talking 90 miles an hour. She was so excited! She saw the Bradford Pear trees all with white blooms along the side of Old Hickory Blvd and exclaimed, "POPCORN TREEEES!!!!"

Then Ella and Maddie got in a discussion over whether God wears glasses. It was quite entertaining to hear. Ella finally decided that God could NOT shop at Target for glasses because He's so big that He would crush the store. "And that would NOT be good!"

The program this morning was all about Noah and each class had a different part to play. Ella's class sang about rain. It was so cute!

Here's Ella singing with her class..."You are God!"

The finale was with all the boys and girls who are Tuesday/Thursday students.

I love that our kids get to go to Otter Creek pre-school. It is such a special place! This morning was really fun.

Remember God's goodness today. He's all around us!

thanks to my Samson brother, Richard Roberts, for passing this on. This discipline has really helped me. I hope this is encouraging for you today...

Lectio Divina: Ancient Practice Yields Fresh Messages
Whitney Hopler
Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer
Editor's Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of Tony Jones' new book, Divine Intervention: Encountering God through the Ancient Practice of Lectio Divina, (Think Books, 2006).

If you're looking for a fresh message from God's Word, you may discover it through an old practice: lectio divina ("sacred reading"). This ancient way of approaching Scripture can be a powerful way for you to tap into what God wants to tell you today.
Here's how you can use the ancient practice of lectio divina to discover new messages from God:

* Expect the Bible to change your life. Recognize that the Bible does much more than other materials you read. Know that it doesn't just inform and entertain; it also has the power to transform you from the inside out. Know that the Bible is unique among books because its words are living and active. Expect God to use the Bible to change your life in exciting ways.

* Understand that the same passage of Scripture has many layers of meaning. Realize that there's always more you can learn from any single passage of Scripture. Know that Scripture has literal, spiritual, allegorical, moral, and analogical meanings that can speak to you personally as the Holy Spirit guides you while you read.

* Know that praying Scripture is a powerful way of conversing with God. Invite God to lead you to what He truly wants to say to you by using His inspired words in Scripture. Understand that, if you read the Bible prayerfully, its timeless truths will reveal God's timely messages to you in whatever situation you currently find yourself.

* Recognize the importance of listening. Understand the key to hearing from God is listening well. Learn how to be truly quiet. Practice eliminating distractions and unnecessary noise from your life. Expect God to speak to you if you make time to pay attention to His voice.

* Read ("lectio"). Set aside time dedicated to lectio divina: 10 minutes for reading, 5 minutes for meditation, 10 minutes for prayer, and 5 minutes for contemplation. Schedule it for the time of day or night that works best for you. Designate a quiet place to use. Make sure you're not too hungry or tired, so you won't be too distracted. Choose a just a few verses of Scripture to use for devotional reading; remember that you want a small taste of Scripture to savor for an extended period of time. Experiment with passages of from different parts of the Bible, and ones that are both familiar and unfamiliar to you. If you're having trouble choosing passages, consider using a lectionary (a list of Scripture passages that follows the church calendar), and using the assigned reading for the current date. Read your chosen passage slowly, over and over, to let it sink in. Read both silently and out loud. Focus only on the words themselves, without trying to figure out what they mean. Simply absorb the passage. If your mind wanders, just gently return to your reading and continue. Relax and receive the passage as a gift from God to you

* Meditate ("meditatio"). Keep the Scripture passage at the front of your mind and ponder it. Consider which word or phrase stands out above the others to you. Once a certain word or phrase rises to the top of your thoughts, focus just on that and let the rest of the passage fall away. Then ask yourself what the word or phrase is causing you to feel and think. Consider what you see when you shine a light on the word or phrase in your mind's eye. Don't rush the meditation process; stick with it for the full amount of allotted time rather than hurrying into prayer. Give God time to say all He wants to say to your heart through the word or phrase.

* Pray ("oratio"). Ask God why He gave you the particular word or phrase you focused on today, and why you felt or thought what you did when you meditated on it. Invite God to show you what He wants you to do with what He has given you during this devotional time. Be persistent as you pray, seeking to know how you should apply this experience to your life. Listen carefully and patiently for God's response, trusting that He will reward your faithfulness with answers.

* Contemplate ("contemplatio"). Rest in the love God gave you to experience during this devotional time. Imagine that you're ascending a ladder into heaven and letting the concerns of this world fall away. Thank God for the gift of the fresh message He has just given you through His Word. Write down your thoughts about this experience in a journal.

* Make it a habit. Don't worry if you get distracted in the middle of lectio divina, or if you can't get to it every day as hoped. Just do your best to practice it as well as you can, whenever you can. Make it a regular part of your schedule. Look forward with eagerness to the new messages God will give you through His Word in the future.

Adapted from Divine Intervention: Encountering God through the Ancient Practice of Lectio Divina, copyright 2006 by Tony Jones. Published by Think Books, a division of NavPress, Colorado Springs, Co., www.navpress.com.
Tony Jones is a nationally recognized leader and published author in youth ministry and the emerging church movement. He serves on the National Working Group of the Faith as a Way of Life Project at Yale and is an active police chaplain in Edina, Minnesota. His primary interests lie in the intersection of faith with contemporary issues, practical theology, and the emerging church. Tony and his wife, Julie, live in Minnesota with their three children-- Tanner, Lily, and Aidan-- and a 90-pound yellow Labrador Retriever.

Our Celebration worship experience Sunday night was awesome! The college Sanctuary band did an incredible job. My buddy, Mark Butler, runs sound for them. Mark was just a little kid when we first came to Otter. He's now a big college guy. How does that happen???

Tay and Shapiro and the rest of Sanctuary really brought us into a powerful time of worship. It was nice to be able to just be there and participate. At one point I looked over at Sam and he had his head back singing at the top of his lungs. SO CUTE!

The fence is back up! Hallelujah! Now all we have to do is stain it. Anyone out there ever use a sprayer for such a thing? Someone told us that it's possible. It we can, we figure that's the way to go!

American Idol tonight...top 12! YEA!