BST's Blog

Isn't it interesting that when a sensitive topic is raised and people have strong feelings about it, there tend to be mostly anonymous posts? What is the deal with that? Come on, blog family--if it's worth saying, it's worth signing. None of the comments were offensive--I enjoyed hearing all the perspectives. It seasons the conversation. But--anyone in ministry who has received the lovely anonymous letter will agree with me. If it's worth saying, it's worth signing. I even got a note once on one of our yellow "encouragement" cards that was anything but encouraging. I guess the writer felt justified in using that card by starting the admonition with, "Let me encourage you to...." It was mean spirited and of course, anonymous. Anyway, say it with me bloggers out there, "If it's worth saying, it's worth signing."

Now, on to better things. We had a great rehearsal last night. I didn't think we'd need all three hours for music, but we used every last second. It really helped to get that music into our physical blocking and action. I am getting so excited about this show. It's something completely different than we have ever done. I hope people enjoy it.

My sinus infection continues to rage. I think I have had this for 7 months now. Seriously. It goes away and comes back...every other week or so. I am going to Vanderbilt on Tuesday to spend 4 hours with doctors who will poke me, stab me, etc. in an effort to find out what is going on. I am also convinced that these problems have exacerbated my vocal issues. I am hopeful that there might be a solution that will help both things. I'd really appreciate your prayers.

Speaking of problems being exacerbated (just had to use that one more time), my office looks like something off of "Clean Sweep"! Seriously, I need some major help. It's disgusting. I haven't seen the top of my desk in months. I have costumes all over the place, sombreros, coats people have left after rehearsals, coffee cups, water bottles, music--maybe close to a million sheets here and there, my to-go salad container sitting on the floor next to me, books not in bookshelves, CDs not in cases and not on shelves, pictures, bills...IT IS DRIVING ME CRAZY!! The thing is, with everything going on with the show right now it's virtually impossible to keep order, but as much as I'd like to blame it on that, this has become the norm in here. NO MORE! Come December 30th it's CLEAN SWEEP in BST's office! Stay tuned.

Anyone watching "The Real Gilligan's Island"? I've admitted before, we love some dumb shows like that. Last night while I was at rehearsal late, Sheryl watched "Nanny 911". Maybe someone could come do a reality show on the building campaign. It would have strong characters, a lot at stake, strong opinions, deep emotions, and the future of OC weighing in the balance. I appreciate the time and energy people like Becky Cowart and others have put into this. No one is paying them. They have gone the extra mile and paid the price. Becky is one of our ministry coordinators (what we call our deacons). No matter how we feel about the project itself, she deserves our thanks for all her efforts and for her deep love for this place. Sometimes I think, just like in politics, it's difficult to step outside your strong opinions and treat each other like human beings. What did CS Lewis call it...our almost but not yet glorified selves? Seeing each other as children of God and not as an issue or an opinion. Really hard to do, isn't it? I'm working on it. I have a long way to go, but I am working.

Have a great day, blog family. We will be at home tonight putting up the "Santa tree". I'm so looking forward to just being home! The Santa tree is a smaller, skinnier Christmas tree that goes in the den by the fireplace. The girls will enjoy putting more ornaments on the tree. You can tell where they have decorated--there are usually like 30 ornaments on two limbs.

Peace of Christ to you today!