BST's Blog

Before we get started today...guess where the picture on the front of our new CD came from. The correct guess, and it's unreal, will get a free CD. Paul Johnson gets the credit for noticing this one.




There are several books I'd like to write someday. I've not sure when that will ever happen and really only a couple of these are viable.

1. I'd like to write a book about embarrassing moments. I mean, come on, who is more qualified? On that note, this morning a friend sent me an email with an attachment from someone else. The attachment was quirky and I made some comments about it and ended up sending it to THAT person instead of my friend. Perfect. Good job, BST. Some things never change.

2. I want to write a children's book about the reverse of growing up--or maybe the beauty of being a child. Maddie would always say things like, "Daddy, when you get little you can sleep on a bed like mine!" Or, "Daddy, when you get little, you can play with toys like these." There's a book in there somewhere.

3. I'd like to write a book about grief. I remember going through such a rough time after losing my dad...my goodness, such a rough time. I remember going to the Christian bookstore and searching for hours for something that I could identify with. The only books on dealing with grief that were available were, in my opinion, completely retarded. I've had some email correspondence over the years with other friends going through grief struggles. A part of me wants to write a book and call it "Letters to Tony" (or some other made-up name). I think that when I was in the middle of that it might have helped to read the real struggles of others to know I wasn't alone. Maybe a peek into someone's journey to healing could be of help. Who knows?

4. Then there's always the worship book. I have lots of ideas here. Maybe a tie between some passages in Isaiah and Matthew. But, the market is so saturated with worship-type books. I'm not sure that we really need another one.

5. And lastly, I'd love to write a book of collected stories and ideas on the missional church...practical ways to get the church off their collective butts and into the community. It seems to me there are a number of books talking about the importance of it and even some that share stories, but I think we need some good, solid ideas and suggestions. I'm not saying I'm the one to write that one. I just really love the idea.

On a similar note, Teresa Kelly at Otter Creek has orchestrated an adopt a school program for one of Nashville's inner city schools, Kirkpatrick Elementary. Different groups are adopting each class room. For instance, the "mature" classy group who call themselves the "Ya-Ya's" are taking the entire 1st grade. They'll split up the classes so that each of them will be a room mother to one class. I am a room father to a 4th grade class. I'll be getting to spend this year with Ladarius, Santangila, Mercedes, Ty'Quisha, DeQuan, and Cavelle...to name only a few. The goal is to get involved in the lives of these kids and families and to provide an opportunity for all Otter Creekers to get outside themselves. We're partnering with an African American church in the inner city to provide a Thanksgiving dinner in November. That should be fun. In fact, once I get started with my weekly room parent stuff, I'm SURE I'll have some good stories. Don't worry, I'll only share what's appropriate to share. (well, "appropriate" is subjective, now isn't it?)

Lastly, and I know this is long. Sorry. Here's a blurb for all you OC folks out there. This is from Doug. We need your resources TODAY! I'll sign off here. Blessings!

All of the household furnishings and furniture donated and warehoused at the King House are already 100% depleted and placed with some of Katrina’s relocating families. Otter Creek has furnished 4 apartments completely but more donations are needed desperately. The requests for more are still coming and the King “Warehouse” is empty. Another 16 apartments have been donated and families are ready to take occupancy but these families will need everything for their new homes: furniture, beds, linens (kitchen, bed & bath), kitchen ware, lamps, EVERYTHING. Please take donations to the King House as soon as possible. If you cannot deliver your items, please call the church office to arrange for pick up. May God be glorified through these efforts.

Thank you, Otter Creek family, for all you do!