BST's Blog

Good morning, everyone! Back in Nashville now. Great trip to Orlando! More on that in a minute.

Regarding the comment section on the blog over the last couple of days--no offense taken at all. This is a good forum for asking questions. My wife has labored over the years of our marriage to help me be better about asking questions instead of immediately assuming. I still struggle with that. It's not uncommon for her to say to me, "Why don't you just ask me if that's the way I'm feeling instead of assuming?" She has a great point. I am positive that I do that in all areas of life at one point or another. My deal with the Passion thing was to simply report, as one who was there, what transpired. It really was amazing. Had I not been there, I might even agree with Daren about the actions of what went on inside as opposed to the world outside. (there was a contribution taken for the victims in South Asia, by the way. No word on how much was raised, but these college students were giving generously all week.) I guess my caution to you and to me is to be slow to judge something you have no first hand knowledge of. Seems like I have a tendency to do that at times.

Even so, both scenarios are supported in scripture. Jesus encouraged the selfless ministry to others and giving all one had to people in need, as well as extravagant worship. The woman who came in to Jesus and poured expensive perfume comes to mind. That must have been incredibly uncomfortable for those watching--and wondering why she wasn't giving that money to the poor. Yet, there were many other times when He called people out of their religious boxes into a new way of thinking about Kingdom. Living it. Isn't it cool how multi-dimensional this walk with Him is? It really can be mind blowing.

The thing I appreciate about Daren, for those of you who don't know him, is his relentless search for the heart of God. It has been one of the things that has greatly encouraged me. There is much to learn on the journey. Sometimes I feel like I am riding the "short bus" to my Spiritual special ed class. Strike that...MOST of the time. I'm glad the Lord speaks to us through each other and through the Spirit. I'm thankful for the accountability.

Now, Orlando--so, Friday I went with a friend from the conference and met Bret Testerman and Charles Stovall for lunch. It was fun to see them. Afterwards, Charles took my friend, Mitch, and me to MGM to ride a couple of rides. The Rockin-Roller Coaster was about the coolest thing ever. 0-60mph in 2 seconds. It's like a rocket. It's completely dark inside and they have Aerosmith music blaring. LOVED IT.

Next was Tower of Terror. Ok, I have confessed to my great fear of heights. I decided to stand in line with Mitch and Charles to pass the time since I WAS NOT GOING ON THAT RIDE. By the time we got inside and it was time to get on, I noticed two small girls in line behind us. I leaned over to one of them and asked her age. "4", she said, and her babysitter offered that she had ridden this yesterday. I asked the little girl if it was scary and she said, "Vewy sca-wy". I figured, if she can do this I can. So I got on.

I am not sure when I came to, it was several days later. OK, just kidding, but seriously. There's a reason kids ride those things. They are more resilient. It scared the pants off me. I freaked. But I was very proud of having done it. Once is enough. Never again. Charles, you were the smart one.

It was wonderful to come home and see the girls and Sheryl. I am so blessed to have them. I pray that you all are enjoying the gift of family and friends today as you worship. It's still such a cool thought that my mom isn't just visiting. She's here!

May God continue to open our hearts to being more like Him--as radically different from our nature as it may be.