My brain is tired. I have a had a great week. I am just tired of processing. I feel like watching Dumb and Dumber or Ron Burgundy. Mindless.

This morning my learning community studied scripture with Brian McLaren and another Brian whose last name I can't recall (that's the trouble with being partners with McLaren). It was a great session. Some of it I was on board with and some not. That's the thing about all this. The power of community and discussion with regard to spiritual matters is never to all come to the exact same conclusion. I challenge anyone--no matter how conservative the church--to admit that everyone in their family of believers is in total agreement on every issue. It's not realistic. So--why should we run from organized religion into another form of organization where everyone has to think alike? (Not that anyone said that today, just something I'm thinking. Some people seem to think that all post moderns or emergent types think the same--not true). It was cool to approach scripture as a narrative story. One guy suggested that it might be like a God breathed play, piece of art or even a family album. I love that imagery. Yes, it's God breathed. But we can't camp out in one verse and make a doctrine out of it to the disregard of the rest of the story--any more than we could turn to a page in a family album when someone was three years old and study it and think we completely know them based on that one picture. Ridiculous, right? Well, we're certainly guilty of that when it comes to scripture...especially in the CofC. (although we truly don't hold the patent on that!) When we think of scripture as a narrative, it helps us put things into context with regard to God's story. This is our family history. All of it--not just bits and pieces. The mass genocide in the Old Testament, to Jesus' teaching of turning the other cheek. McLaren suggested that we know things by their fruit. Certainly those who practice what scripture teaches have much more credibility--like Mother Teresa. Scripture is best interpreted by itself and through the fruit it bears.

Not everything this week has resonated with me. Yet, I have really enjoyed the open discussion in a setting where it's safe to disagree. Why we have to polarize people really confuses me. Some post-moderns shake their fingers at the "moderns" sitting in their churches (some really making a difference in the lives of the poor and hurting, I might add). Some "moderns" shake their fingers at the post-moderns who long to seek after spreading the Kingdom of God in new and exciting ways thinking it needs to look just like they have always looked. Why can't we just say to those who are making a difference and excited about spreading the love of Jesus and ministering to the poor and oppressed, "GO FOR IT!! More power to ya!"???

Maybe the next movement after this whole emergent thing will be to combine all of these things, and be full of a little less talk and a lot more action. Perhaps that's what's happening now. I really hope so.

On a different note, Matt Elliott helped me find a website this week called blogbinders.com. Check it out. You can take your blog and turn it into a paper back book. For those of you like Stephanie Gross, Clarissa, Stephen, Val and others who write things for your kids to read later , it would be a great way for you to keep these writing and pass them on.

Tonight my mom took the whole family out to Houston's. YUM! We went from Houston's to Ben and Jerry's. It was a lot of fun and some GREAT food. So much for the calorie counting tonight.

I pray that some of this writing about Emergent has been coherent. Some of it has not, I'm sure of that. Sometimes you just have to say things out loud or write about them before you really know how you feel about them. Sometimes, even then, you aren't quite sure. I am not that concerned about landing on absolutes. The only absolute I need is my faith that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He's called me to serve. I don't even really understand the extent of that calling. I may never know. But what an adventure to seek it out! I hope I haven't offended anyone in these posts. It's not really my intent. I just want to share what I've heard and what I'm trying to process as all these things rumble around in my head. Thanks for allowing me to process with you.

Warning--long post coming.

Tonight we saw Star Wars III. AWESOME! Although it was dark, it was really so great and set up the final 3 that I grew up on with such clarity. It made me wish that Josh and Jeremy (Morse--my cousins) were here with me to see it. Sheryl wanted to go see it on our date tonight. I was so excited! There's no one I'd rather go with.

Today was another great day at Emergent. This morning in my "learning community" we talked about "church" for 2 hours. How to think about and be the church in our post-modern North American context. The facilitators were Doug Pagitt and Al Roxburgh. Here are some things I wrote down during that time:

*Tension is--how to be missional while also being a community you can JOIN and find transformation.

*We should be a witnessing community on a journey--that's church. We tend to camp--to build and stay and make ourselves comfortable. We are to be sent--we're on a journey.

*Look at Luke 10. What was the location of the church? Where was it to be found? Jesus sent the disciples OUT. Out, with and amongst people. Church should not be what many of us have made it--a gated community that sends out a posse to bring people in--we are to be sent out. How TRUE!! WE are to be SENT OUT!

*3 characteristics of the way the church was formed in the 20th Century--
1. Corporate images and systems
2. Formed out of deeply individualistic view where the church is the provider of goods and services to self actualized individuals. (BINGO!)
3. Commerce driven society.

The next session I attended was Brian McLaren's class called "Spiritual Formation in Worship". Here are some notes:

*All practices become formative and define us. For instance--if we allow ourselves to watch pornography, that becomes spiritually forming (or malforming). The same holds true for gossip, etc.

*In order to really succeed at something you must engage in the practice of--running, playing an instrument, etc. Let's say you love music and have a passion for the violin. If you've never played it or practiced, when you pick it up to play you're going to really stink! Spiritual formation comes from discipline and practice.

Here are 10 Spiritual Practices for Public Worship--
1. Ritual--doing things I may or may not feel like doing to bond to the meaning they represent.

2. Inconvenience--going to a place I didn't choose, at a time I didn't choose, for a purpose I DO choose. Choosing to inconvenience ourselves as a discipline to get out of our selfishness.

3. Association--we meet with some people we like and some we don't for a purpose we believe in.

4. Speed--altering my pace to see what I've missed or to feel a different rhythm.

5. Hospitality--using my presence and our space to help "the other" feel welcome in the presence of our community. (Made me think about having the praise team spend some time welcoming people before church--helping guests connect once they are up front leading)

6. Attentiveness--waiting receptively for what I may receive. For instance--the sermon. Practicing a ritual of attentiveness--stopping to listen, training ourselves to stop and listen. We have to practice.

7. Generosity--taking greater pleasure in being fruitful than consumptive--practice of giving--money, talent, music, drama, art. The practice of joyful giving.

8. Modeling--exposing apprentices to masters. In prayer, teaching artistry, faithfulness, service, hospitality.

9. Justice and Mercy--preaching, singing, praying, signifying, announcing justice. Many times mercy gets the spotlight at the expense of justice...God's desire to help the poor, hurting and oppressed.

10. Catholicy-- (recognizing the church is bigger than just us) quoting others, affirming others, praying for others, inviting others.

The other thing that Brian said that I loved is that everything in our service from greeting in the parking lot, to meet and greet, to singing--or whatever-- should be spiritually formative. For instance--we should approach it in such a way that during meet and greet or whatever we have like that when we SEE SOMEONE DIFFERENT THAN US, WE SHOULD BE DRAWN TO THEM AS A PART OF OUR WORSHIP EXPERIENCE...the practice of inconvenience, etc.

Finally, the last learning community this afternoon was on "Humanity". I wasn't able to stay for it all, but we talked about two extremes. Many pastors or leaders end up feeling the "Super-pastor syndrome" while the other end is the "Struggling pastor in despair". To me, Emergent and deconstruction has paralyzed some people into the latter category--all gripe and little joy. I've been guilty of that too. Deconstruction is so important for new beginning...but there MUST be a new beginning.

All the sessions were great today. I'm looking forward to more tomorrow. Thanks for the comments today and last night. It's been a cool experience. The thing is--none of us should be afraid of having the discussion. We won't all ever--EVER-- end up on the same page, but the discussions are important and necessary. It might be time to pull up camp, Church. Are we too comfy? Are we resistant to the journey Jesus is calling us to? Are we willing to follow Him over following our man made rules? The adventure excites me!

What an interesting day it's been! I had lunch plans with Cole Young (Ken's son) at, yes, Baja Burrito. (Clarissa clearly does not get the deep profound meaning of good Mexican food.) As I waited for Cole, I talked with Greg Wilson who was also waiting for DAREN STANLEY. As Greg and I talked it was like a teaser for my afternoon at Emergent. Even though Greg and I share many of the same opinions, even though we worship together at Otter Creek, even though we have similar backgrounds, we were still missing each other with terminology. (nothing huge, but still) Too lengthy to get into, but it struck me. Communicating can be so tricky. Words like "missional", "Church" etc. bring a certain amount of baggage--even though they're great words. Greg encouraged me so much in talking through some things but as we talked I thought it's no wonder we have such a hard time communicating with the world. Sometimes we can't even understand each other! Hold that thought.

So, at Emergent, they have us broken into these things called Learning Communities. We have 4 sessions with the same community and then there are the other seminar offerings where you can choose for yourself where to go. My Learning Community heard from Todd Hunter and John Franke today about "Truth". Now, as you can imagine, it was DEEP. Geez-o-pete. Seriously, some great stuff! It made me really think about communication...our communication with God and each other. We are finite beings. God is Infinite. As I listened to John Franke speak I wrote in my notes, "The language of God and man intersects at our ability to understand the infinite." God reveals Truth (Himself) to us in ways that we can somehow try to grasp, and yet--he IS Truth. He IS Infinite. We are boxed by our understanding, our surroundings, our background, our sin, etc. We are finite. It made me think about Maddie and Ella. There are certain truths I want them to know. And yet, I can't talk to them like I would to an adult. I have to try and put it in their frame of reference. I might use stories, illustrations, etc. to help them understand, and yet they are still somewhat limited by their experience and age. Is this making any sense? We make these outrageous claims to know all truth. I think that through relationship with Truth, He gives us peeks into His nature and His will, but we can never fully know (in my opinion) the fullness of the Infinite. We are like Maddie and Ella--trying to understand in our limited way. The funnier thing is when Maddie and Ella try to tell each other the right way to do things. (While either not making any sense or sometimes completely missing the point.) Again--like us. Obviously, there is a role here for the Holy Spirit--wisdom, discernment, etc. But, in our most Spirit filled moments, we are still, as Paul said, "Looking through a glass dimly." One day, my friends, one day!

The thing Franke said toward the end of the session that I thought was so good was, "The best apologetic is not an argument but a way of life, community and a living faith. Many people are won to community before they're won to faith."

This totally resonates with me in things I've been thinking about lately. Community is so important. Through community we can hold each other accountable, practice group discernment, pray for real needs, hold up tired arms and feeble knees, and practice real Jesus-breathed love.

I know these are random thoughts at best as I am processing through today. I believe there is absolute Truth with a capital T. God is Truth. I won't ever pretend to fully grasp Him. My life will be spent in that endeavor, and through His Spirit I will have moments where He will give me glimpses into the Infinite. But only glimpses. Through relationship with Him I can become more and more familiar with Truth as it changes my life.

I'll close with this. There's such power in authenticity. People really don't care if you know all truth. They care more if you're truthful. Are we authentic? Is our faith a way of life? That seems such a more difficult challenge than to claim to know all truth.

More tomorrow.

Since Maddie's class at school spent time on Mommies a few weeks ago, they graciously allowed a day or two for dear old dad this week. Maddie came home with a card written in Miss Dele's beautiful calligraphy. Neither of us could make it all the way through the card without busting out in laughter.

"My Daddy"

"My Daddy's name is 'Dad' and he is 40 years old. (Excuse me???) He sorta looks like Mommy! (um...) His favorite restaurant is McDonald's because his favorite food is french fries. Green is his favorite color. He likes to play with me and go on dates with Mommy. My Dad's job is to work on a 'keyboard' (piano) and 'work with clothes'. (that's the part that we totally cracked up at.) At church, his job is singing. I love my Daddy!!"

I love to hear random extemporaneous thoughts from 3 year olds. I am glad she knows I love to play with her and I am glad she also knows that I like spending time with "Mommy".

So--American Idol last night...I might have to eat my words (hush, Deanna). In my opinion, Bo was the best last night. In fact, my girl, Carrie, might have been third. Not sure. It's going to be really close. What I love about Vonzell is her spirit. Carrie's voice is so amazing, but she seems to sometimes lack the emotional connection to the song that Vonzell has. That's such a huge thing.

This morning the girls came in and crawled into bed. I was a Daddy sandwich. They are both so cuddly and love to snuggle. There's no better way to wake up.

Emergent continues today. Yesterday and this morning, the critical concerns courses have been going. I'm looking forward to the main conference starting this afternoon. More on that later.

Baby Sam! He's almost here! If not before, then one week from today we'll be at the hospital having Sam. Yee-Haw!

PS: please pray for Craig Powell...long time friend of Stephen Bailey (see Stephen's blog)

Rosepepper...yum! Such a cool little place out in East Nashville. If you're in town, stop by.

Last night as we were trying to get the girls settled down, I asked them about their day. (We've been loosely following the "examen" principles.) I'll ask them what the best thing about today was--or what blessed them today? Then I'll ask them what was something hard about today? Then we pray. It's been so interesting to see how girls ages 3 and 2 respond to this. They get it more than you'd imagine. Last night when I asked Ella about the day she told me that the biggest blessing was riding her bike at the park. The hardest thing to her about the day was "seeing Geoff". "He made me cry." OH MY. Ella got so embarrassed by her crush on Geoff that at dinner she literally turned into a statue and buried her head first in my chest and then Sheryl's. We really tried to underplay it so as not to make it worse. Bless her! Only the beginning.

After praying, Ella hugged me and said, "Daddy, I love your hat. Daddy, I love your hair." Then she stroked my arms with her tiny hands and said, "Daddy, I love your arms." Cue the sappy music and bring on the Kleenex. I would have given her anything she ever wanted in that moment!

These times are so, SO precious. Sheryl and I have been looking at the girls over the last week and marveling at how big they are. It just seems to be like sand running through your fingers. It goes so fast. Pat, Otter Creek's pre-school and kindergarten director, tells the parents every year at the orientation meeting, "These are long days and short years." So true.

One last thing on the movie--"Kingdom of Heaven". I have a lot of friends who are serious movie and theater critics and I tend to be one myself at times. However, I took that hat off as I went to see this movie yesterday. I had already heard negative comments from some of my friends. The reason I liked this movie was because it was about character. There are so many movies that exemplify lead male characters who are money hungry, power hungry, sex craved, immoral, and fanatically appearance conscious. This movie's main character, though flawed deeply and fully aware of his own sin, chose the high road. He heard from his father a challenge and followed it. He risked his life for the lives of those unable to defend themselves. He gave up power and wealth for conscience. "A kingdom not built on conscience is not a kingdom at all." I long to be that way and find myself lacking. So, when I see a character like him, that's something I want to support and say--go see.

Sheryl has a girls night out tonight. I am really excited for her. Sarah and Jill and others have put a night of fun together for her before the storm hits! Have fun, honey!

One last little funny--I have gotten into the habit over the last year of calling Maddie and Ella "honey". "No, Honey, you can't do that." "Come here, Honey Bunny, and let me give you kisses." Things like that. Maddie and Ella are both now saying that to each other and it's cracking me up. Maddie will say to Ella, "No, Honey, you can't have that crayon." Now Ella has picked it up and it's about the cutest thing you've ever heard. Of course, I'm biased--as any father ought to be.

Have a great day!

This is a post from Maddie.

"Thank you, Amanda for having a birthday."

"Thank you Ella for having a birthday" (?)

"Thank you, Mommy for having a birthday"

"My favorite thing about today was dressing up with Ella as the Queen of Hearts"

"I don't like spiders in the garage. They're nice, but I don't like them."

(we cleaned out the garage today. Bless us all)

Ella says,

"I liked riding my bike" (at the park today where we also took Bear. That's another story)

When asked who her favorite person in the whole world is and who she loves, Ella replied,

"Geoff!!!!" (Amanda's fiancé)

The girls wanted to contribute today. Just returned from seeing "Kingdom of Heaven" I loved it. I know others haven't enjoyed it, but I really like it. We're off now to Rosepepper Cantina to celebrate Amanda's birthday.

We had a great weekend together. Friday night my mom graciously kept the girls and allowed us to go out on a date. We had a blast with Mary Ann and Daniel Green and Brian and Tara Layton. It has been a long time since we have been out with the Greens and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole evening. We ate at what is quickly becoming one of my favorite Nashville restaurants--El Texano. It's run by a Hispanic family from Texas who makes authentic TEXAS BBQ. Brisket, ribs, sausage. It's awesome! And--it's in Nolensville. The Greens are trying to convince us to move south and join them in Nolensville. Who knows? Maybe we'll do it sometime.

Yesterday we spent the day enjoying our family and playing. It was great to be home and great to be together. Last night Maddie told me that I was "the King" and I asked her who she was. She replied, "A big scary woman". I'm not real sure what that meant but it made me laugh really hard.

This morning we're focusing on the healing of the paralytic. I think it will be a great morning. Tonight is our monthly Celebration service. We're going to do a repeat of sorts of the late night at Pepperdine that focused around the desperate theme. I'm looking forward to it.

Today is Kellie Curtis Miller's birthday and tomorrow is Amanda Brooks McKinney and Kyle Dickson's birthday. All three of these friends have meant a great deal to me. Happy birthday, friends!

This week is the Emergent Convention here in Nashville. I'll be sitting at the feet of Brian McLaren, Tony Compollo, Dan Kimball, and others. I can't wait! I'll be sure and let you know how it goes. If you're coming out for the conference, let me know. Matt--we need to be sure and get together!

Have a blessed day!

Sheryl continues to progress. We're so excited to see baby Sam!! Thanks for your prayers.

Last night we had a blast playing outside and eating with Daren Stanley and his kids. You'd think Maddie and Ella had never had a friend over. They were all over Mary Carsen. It was fun to hear their screams of delight as they ran around together. These are such precious years!!

As we were getting into bed, we got a call from Amanda and Geoff. THEY'RE ENGAGED!! We are so thrilled! They drove by to show us the ring and let us celebrate with them. Congrats, guys! We love you!



I am still laughing today over memories that came flooding back as I wrote that list yesterday. Oh my word. Seriously. Some thing I forgot to mention--

1. Willard Tate's "life learning skills" class. "You've all got an A in here. Your job is to keep it." Who can forget the banjo and singing songs that had to have been in the original soundtrack from "A Mighty Wind"? )"Boooorn to win, Booorn to win...")

2. Validine

3. PE. I chose Scuba, Snow Skiing and Advanced Snow Skiing, and Bowling. Now THOSE are my kind of PE classes.

4. Welcome Week. It just got more and more fun each year.

5. Breaking into Jennifer Money, Shellie Braddock, and ??'s (can't remember who else lived there) house and taking all the labels off their canned goods in their pantry.

6. Chris Seidman doing a hip jiration in chapel while leading "I Love the Lord Messiah" (deep down in my heart...UHGH!)

7. Clint's dog, Daisy, who HATED Stephen. She would literally go back to our bedroom and under his bed to pee.

8. Senior Sing Song--the Flintstones!! Ba, ba ba--ba Barney rubble, Ba, ba ba--ba barney rubble...short and squatty, funny little body Barney Rubble. Torey Barnhouse rules.

9. The cast from "The King and I" maintaining a weird orange tint to their skin all through the week of performances. Ask Melissa Kirby, Jane Ann Myers, or Beth Ann Fisher!

10. Michael W. Smith Concert at ACU. Awesome.

11. The "Return to Gilligan's Island" social.

12. Taking dates to the Paramount. The Changling...ooooohhhhhhh!! Why was everyone so creeped out by that movie?

13. The dollar theater.

14. Kyle meeting Camille.

15. Singing "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" during the closing chapel each year. I still remember standing there singing it on that last day of our Senior year.

16. Jeff Berryman

17. "Hair" and "Messy Eater"

18. Reg Cox, Brad Small, Wed night Bible study, and the campus ministry at Southern Hills

19. Winkie James.

20. Those windy days at Shotwell stadium watching football and hearing the Big Purple play the ACU fightsong. Purple, white, purple, white, fight-fight-fight!

OK--I won't subject you to any more. It just felt so good to go there yesterday, I thought I would do it again today. There's that old country song that says, "Ain't it funny how a melody brings back a memory? Takes you to a certain place and time, completely change your state of mind." How true! There are songs that take me right there. Restless Heart does it for my ACU experience. "Long Lost Friend" especially.

Any songs that take you back to your college days? I realize this will date us, but hey--who cares??

Sorry for the rant yesterday--wait, that's not true. I'm not sorry for it. Just sorry if it scared anyone. I am really fine. Thanks for the email from concerned friends. Honestly, there are days when I need to vent like that, but can get up after venting and go on about my day. I never want to underestimate the power of words though. Clearly, as Owen so beautifully wrote, we are all under grace--even the knuckle heads who don't think they are. :) My opinions are precisely human--filled with as many holes or more than those with whom I disagree.

Now, on to something lighter today. I have to say that I am loving "The Vonz" (Vonzell Solomon) and Carrie Underwood on American Idol. I love Carrie's voice--she can belt. WOW! I love Vonzell's presence and her heart. Gotta hand it to the mail carrier. (she's a mail lady in real life) I'm not a Bo fan. This will draw serious boooos from Kiki and others I know. Too bad. Don't like him. Next week is the finale. It should be a lot of fun!!

Taking a lesson from my old roomie, Fish (See Craig Fisher's link to the right), I am going to list off some fun college memories. For some of you who were there, maybe this will mean something. For others of you, this will be a direct confession of my idiocy.

Some of my favorite memories include--

1. Late night laughter in Mabee Dorm with Stephen Bailey, Alan Brown and Matt the Wildcat. This includes the infamous dingle berry man.

2. Brent McCall locking me out of my dorm room our freshman year. He was bitter because I made him hang his Taco Bell uniform out the window because it smelled like dead cats. Someone stole it. He locked me out and I had to go outside and crawl into the window in nothing but my towel--not realizing I was giving the entire communications building a clear shot of my essentials. I heard lots of great comments on that one.

3. Chris Seidman dreaming about football and calling the game in his sleep.

4. Fish and his big ol glasses.

5. Stephen Bailey almost leaving us to join Acapella. (I was thinking about that the other day, Stephen. What would I have done if you had left??)

6. "Bi-focals, bi-focals...I have to wear my bi focals, they make me feel irate. I have to wear my bi focals how will I ever get a daaaaaa--ate? I first saw her in the burger line (bam bam bam) blue eyes cryin in the bean...(later in the song) there I told her that I loved her so (bam bam bam) blue eyes cryin in the bean. The she choked on her red jello (bam bam bam bam) blue eyes cryin in the bean." YEA, SING SONG 89!!! We were eye balls. Stephen directed us and we all blinked and changed colors from brown to blue--bet you could guess what other song we sang about that.

7. Take One all those summers. Especially when Stephen, John Scott Davis, Kellie Curtis, and Sheila Johnston traveled. The Yosemite Family Encampment!! I first met Dan Jocoy when we sang there. Dan now ministers to a church in Oregon and I get to see him every year at Pepperdine! Hi Dan!

8. Laurie Smothers, Shellie Braddock, Kimberly Meador, Trish Savage, Traci Dunn, Amy McRay and others. Bless all of their hearts.

9. Junior Senior Wars and getting kidnapped my Senior year by the traitor, Clint Findley. And racing naked down Westheimer with shopping carts. Don't ask.

10. Scaling the walls of then deserted McDonald Dorm with the leaders of the Senior class. (If they only knew) We all got in and played hide and seek on the top floor. Pitch dark deserted dorm rooms are the creepiest thing EVER.

11. Senate meetings where Tara McKnight (now Seidman) would announce how many days left til marriage.

12. Pledging with Chris Seidman. That's really all I can say.

13. My roommates, Stephen Bailey, Chris Doggett and Craig Fisher. The sick hat, the goodnight dance, Stephen's sheets that went unwashed for 2 years, that awful wig that ended up burning on top of Fish's lamp, Dog's study habits--relentless, Stephen's dates, Beth Ann and Karen--our guardians and future roommate wives, Days of Our Lives, Oprah (Chris getting really mad about topics), Po' Folks and the Better Business Bureau, glassy and glossy-the mascot glass heads of 1541 Westheimer

14. Puppy Chow candy that made Craig and Clint so sick that we then offered to the annoying visiting magazine salesmen. We'll answer for that one day, guys.

15. Happy-sad

16. Sing Song 1991. Being a host with Stephen and Val and having to sing "Man in the Mirror". If only we knew!! Also singing "If I Sing, You Are the Music" to my dad sitting on the front row.

17. Kyle Dickson, Donjalea Reynolds, Mark Reeves and others--Victory nights, late night prayers, asking hard questions about God.

18. Being called into Jack Reese's office with Ty Lovell to be warned about talking about the Holy Spirit. Apparently, people were becoming a little too excited. My goodness--how things have changed. Jack and I have laughed about this.

19. My summer in Nashville doing an internship at Reunion Records. I lived with Kent Roberts and Michael McCoy. It was such a formative time for me. I still admire those guys so much.

20. My senior year. I lost my dad that year in the middle of rehearsals for "Big River". The musical was a nice distraction from the bewildered feelings I had. I remember the singers at my dad's funeral--the best in the world. I remember those who drove all the way to Groesbeck, TX to help me bury my dad. Their presence was the greatest gift of all. I remember Chris Doggett sitting outside waiting for me to get home and hugging me and letting me bawl. I remember my roommate and brother Stephen ministering to me even through his own pain in the loss of my dad. I remember David Lewis and his great counsel to me. I remember Vic Bliss and his words of comfort that ring in my ear to this day. (Vic lost both of his parents in a freak car accident) I remember directing GSP to victory as doctors and surgeons. I remember graduation and going through the first major mile marker without my dad. I remember having to pack up the house on Westheimer. I'm not sure any of us believed it was over. THEN--the infamous trip with Fish to Cancun. Hilarious. It was the perfect cap to that difficult month.

There are 20 memories--there are many more. Perhaps I'll do a sequel. I'm thankful to have such great memories. For some reason, the warm weather and graduation in the air makes me think about such things. I know we all have great memories like that. Hope this made you think of some that bring back a smile. The thing I'm most thankful for is that after 16 years or so, my best friends are still those guys from Westheimer. I'm a blessed man.

Interesting comments on the blog yesterday. Thanks for contributing your remarks. I had an interesting email today. Someone wanting to know where scripture gives us permission to do some of the things we do at OC. It's always hard to answer questions like that because, coming from a communication background, I realize that we're talking on two different levels. Neither of them higher than the other necessarily, but still two different presuppositions. One sees scripture as a mandate or list of rules for church and the other sees scripture as the thing that breathes life into those institutions and allows us the freedom to truly become what Jesus wanted us to be. Religious people hated Jesus. He went against the norm. I'd love to hear what He'd have to say about some of our unspoken rules we've set up in the CofC. Not all unspoken. Ludicrous.

Why are we more concerned with proof texts than action? Why are some men spending their intellectual gifts on circulating papers about instrumental music? (See the recent Christian Chronical) Do we have nothing better to do? Are we more concerned that we'll lose our identity as acapella churches over whether we're reaching the lost? Is that what we think will save us or show our good works when we see Jesus? Jesus said, "Do you love me? Then feed my sheep." When will we in the church wake up to see that we are all OBESE and have spent this feeding on ourselves instead of those who don't know Him? "Bring them from highways and byways, from the streets--all who thirst, all who hunger. Invite them to the banquet!" (loose translation there) We worry about who his sheep are. We worry about what our sheep pins look like. We argue over building new sheep pins and how much to spend or not spend. We worry about how communion will go and whether we should sing or not sing during it. We worry about how we worship. Don't you just want to stand and scream sometimes and say HELP US, LORD!!!!! God save us from navel gazing.

Jesus talked to people he shouldn't have by the standards of his time. He ministered freely. He healed on the Sabbath. He challenged the law when it interfered with the glorification of His Father. Seems to me we spend too much time defending what's comfortable for us and not enough time getting out of our comfort zones in finding ways to spread His Kingdom.

That, my blog friends, is called a soap box. Sorry. Time with the girls was sweet last night. Watching them jump on the counch cushions all over the den floor and fall down laughing and not be able to stand back up--all so sweet! I am a blessed man. Sam was doing some serious gymnastics last night. Wow--it was wild! Sheryl's doing well.

I neglected to mention after returning from LA that I had an amazing night with my cousin Shannon and her family. They live in Tejunga (near Passadena). Shannon is the daughter of my mom's brother, Mike. I prayed for her for many, many years. It's so amazing to see the Lord work in her life. They are a powerful couple with 2 kids who are just beautiful. They are deeply commited to their church, but beyond that have a heart for those who don't know Jesus. It was so neat to be with them.

Also--John Chisum sent me his new CD yesterday. Some of the ZOE folks and a couple of other OC singers sang BGVs on it. It sounds great! It's called "A Table in the Wilderness". You'll be able to find it in stores, or you can go to John's web site and order. John continues to travel with Integrity Music doing conferences and things. I think he's going to join me for the Nashville ZOE conference this year. FINALLY!! I'm excited. Go order one of these CDs. I know you'll like it.

Have a great day, bloggers!

What a great pic! This was taken right be fore the group headed off to LAX. It was a beautiful day in sunny Malibu. Thanks to everyone for such a wonderful week of ministry and fun.

I am still recovering. Being back in staff meeting this morning was rough. I feel like I have missed a month worth of stuff. There is a lot going on at the Creek right now. I can't really go into it all. Just a lot of stress on the staff and elders. Ministry to people is never easy. I know--I am a minister AND a person with all the baggage that being one of those people things entails.

In LAX I bought the new Time Magazine because it had Darth Vadar on the cover. For all you Star Wars lovers out there, it's a great read. But, there was another article in there that really made the magazine a prize for me. Please run out and buy it before it goes off the stands. I tried to create a link to it online, but you can't read it unless you subscribe online to Time. The article is entitled, Faith and Frat Boys. The subtitle asks, "Can devout Christians reconcile their beliefs with college culture?" It is an EXCELLENT article. Seriously. Go read it. I worry so much about the youth culture around here. Longer story there, but basically, there seems to be such a tepid sense of spirituality. I don't understand it. Reading this article made me want to jump for joy. These kids are truly being missional. I want that so much for Maddie, Ella and Sam. The immersion of kids into church bubbles does not seem to do the trick. I know there are always exceptions, but it seems to me that most of the kids in that environment struggle to keep their faith alive. Maybe some of you have seen this or experienced that? What's the deal? It's like our Christian private schools (secondary--not necessarily college, although it's there too) suck the spiritual life right out of them. Especially those in this area. Any thoughts?

Sheryl has Bunko tonight. I know she's excited to have some time out. I am so glad things went well last week. I am so blessed to have a wife like Sheryl. The girls and I are going to party down while she's out. Just don't tell her. Oreos and singing. What could be better?

My mom is an incredible woman. Her heart for God astounds me. She is 67 years old and yet, she absorbs spiritual matters like a sponge--always learning, always growing, always stretching. She is not one of those people who get under my skin who think they've "arrived" at all spiritual wisdom and understanding, and yet, she knows more than most. She is a Godly woman who lives her life in the shadow of the cross. She invests herself in things that matter. She loves deeply and she is a wonderful mother. She has walked with me for many years and always challenged me to seek the deeper things of God. I am thankful for you, Mom!



Sheryl is one day going to read words like this written by her own children. She is teaching them the things of God. She is investing herself in their lives and making a difference. I cannot imagine a better influence as a mommy for my girls. I love to watch her with them. I love the way she cares for them. I love the way she loves on them. I am blessed to be married to a wonderful mother. Maddie wrote something at school this week about Sheryl for Mother's Day. Some golden nuggets included, "my mom is very old, she looks like she has a baby in her tummy, she likes to eat salad and cupcakes, for fun she likes kissing daddy, and she likes to go to the store." Salad and cupcakes. Well, that just about says it all, doesn't it?

There are others who've mothered me over the years like Darla Lorenz, Jeannine Nichols, Kaye Price Hawkins, Jeannette Lipford, and Donna Reynolds. My life would not be the same without their influence. I am grateful for the way God uses women to shape the lives of girls AND boys. Thank you for your influence and your love.

Got back last night from Pepperdine. I am too exhausted to write about the final couple of days, but I will tomorrow. I am just thankful to be home with my family. I loved getting to cuddle and kiss all three of my girls last night. We're having Mother's Day lunch at my mom's. It will be wonderful. Enjoy your day with your mom or thinking about your mom. If your mom is no longer living, I pray that today will be a day of sweet and peaceful memories.

Sunny!!! Praise God for sunshine!

We had a great day yesterday. Before class we met in the sacred stairwell in Smothers Theater. We've been meeting there for years. We discussed all the things we've laughed and cried about in that very stairwell over the last few years. We talked about our need for the Lord. We prayed for Sally and cried tears of joy that there was actually a forum this year addressing sexual issues. We prayed for another friend who we recently met who is here this year after getting out of prison (19 months). He said that at times he would just sit in his bunk and sing "ZOE songs". Such information is almost too difficult to process. What a blessing and honor to be a part of peoples' lives. By the time we were done praying we were a mess. THEN we had (got) to sit through another heart wrenching message from Mike. What a blessing to be a part of that class with him. There were so many people crammed in to the theater that people were sitting on stage and even to the sides of us. There is no more powerful time of worship (except the night sessions at ZOE Nashville when everyone is busting out). The power doesn't come from us--it comes from being in a room full of people who are panting to engage in worship. It comes from a God who meets those who seek Him with all their hearts. It comes from a higher level of expectation--expecting God to show up! It's definitely not us. We just get to be beneficiaries. What a HUGE blessing!!

We went to celebrate Cinco De Mayo by eating some great Mexican food at a little dive in Malibu. We were excited when Pierce Brosnan came in with his family. There's nothing like eating chips and salsa with James Bond!

Afterwards, JV and I headed off to get coffee while the rest of the group drove down to the Colony (a beach front residential area near Pepperdine). When we came back to the dorm they were glowing. Apparently, they saw Brad and Angelina. Like they need last names. We couldn't believe it!!

We eventually left to go rehearse for our late night time. We talked about the theme of desperation last night. It was truly a powerful time of worship. My goodness. Something just happens at night. Have you noticed that? For whatever reason, people seem more open at night. There was a huge outpouring of worship and openness. The open mic time was powerful. One man shared through tears his desire to be undivided. We could all relate. Other men and women shared beautiful passages of scripture that had fed them through times of desperation. I think we could have stayed there all night. Afterwards, I got to visit with a young brother who's 16. His desire is to be a worship leader and he wanted to share and pray about some things. I just can't get over the honor of being able to hear stories like I've heard this week. Another woman approached me after the late night session and told me that our session last year had started her on a year long journey to healing from abuse. What does one do with such information? I feel like a fly on the wall getting to hear and see such amazing things. We all know that God is the one doing these things and moving in hearts. Why He is allowing me to witness His glory like this is still beyond me. I am eternally grateful.

I got up this morning and ate breakfast with the group who is all leaving me today. I am doing class alone with Mike. That's a first. I'll really miss them. Towards the end of breakfast Eve began a story in her best story telling voice. She told of a group of friends who went to eat Mexican food and saw a movie star. She told of two of the friends who jumped in their little red car and sped off for coffee leaving the mini van full of other friends in the dust. She told of how the mini van drove to the beach to see who they could spot. Then she went on to say, "And since we didn't see ANYONE important, we made up a great story that our friends in the little red car completely bought!" I slammed my hands on the table and in my best Elaine impersonation said, "GET OUT!!" They totally got us. And we bought--hook, line... So, no Brad and Angelina.

I am thankful to be here today. I am thankful for the memories of this place. I am thankful for friends and stories I've yet to hear. I'm grateful beyond expression for ZOE. I love them so very much. I'm thankful that Sheryl and the girls are thriving at home. But I can't wait to see them! A very cute little red headed girl was dishing out yogurt across the line from me today and I almost wanted to go and hug her. I am ready to see all my girls. Love you, Sheryl! I'll be home tomorrow. YEE HAWW!

Meanwhile, I think I'll enjoy this beautiful day in Malibu. God is good.

Cold and rainy. Cold and rainy. Cold and rainy.

We had a star sighting yesterday down at the Malibu Country Mart. Nick Cage came in to get coffee. My friend, Sally, was proud of herself for not creating a scene. He's a small little guy and sorta goofy. Who knew?

Our class time yesterday went well. I always love hearing Mike speak. Late night last night went well too. It's always amazing to me how hearing the Word of God read aloud can be so very encouraging. I had a chance to visit with some people and I know it was more of a blessing to me than it was to them.

Please pray for Sally today. She is sharing something very difficult in a forum here. I want to tell you about it, but I'd need her permission. It's a topic we desperately need to learn to talk about in our churches.

I miss my family--a lot. It's not the same out here without them. I've been coming here a lot of years and part of the fun is the family craziness. It doesn't seem fun at the time, but it really is. I got to talk to my girls last night and it made me really homesick. Talking to Sheryl was such a blessing too. I miss her! She seems to be doing well. Thanks for your prayers.

We're doing class again this afternoon-- "By Their Scars You Shall Know Them". Mike always delivers such a word of hope and healing. I love being a part of that class. Tonight we'll do another late night (9pm West Coast time, 11pm to my body--brutal). We're continuing the theme of this years conference tonight--"Desperate". I expect it to be another powerful time of worship.

If anyone is in Nashville, tell Tim Woodroof to call me! Have a great day--

Hello from the internet cafe on the campus of Pepperdine University! It's cloudy and cold here. BOOO! However, the warmth of seeing so many familiar faces has been cool! I just spent an hour sharing and catching up with Chris Seidman. Our friendship goes back many years. It was great to visit with him.

This morning we sang at the Wineskins thing and this afternoon we'll do class with Mike. Tonight we have our first late night. It's a lot of singing. Please pray for our voices and our hearts. Pray that we will have the energy and strength we need.

Last night I got take out from my favorite local restaurant and took it over to an area that had outdoor seating in Malibu. I sat and ate my shrimp scampi and thanked God for the beauty of cration and the stillness of that moment alone with him.

I'll report more tomorrow. Have a great Wednesday!

We had a great time in Florida! Even though the weather didn't cooperate the entire time, it was still worth it. We found a nest of shells and dug out some really cool ones to bring home. We ate lots of great seafood and the girls and Jack all had a blast in the pool. Oh, how I LOVE vacation! Ryan brought his camera and got some great shots. I wanted to share some with you.













That last picture of Maddie just melts my heart!

I leave for Pepperdine tomorrow. It will be a very full week. Please pray for us as we travel. If I don't get to post while I'm out there, I'll give the full report next week. Have a wonderful week!

PS: I spoke with Jeff Berry today. He's doing well after he scared all of us to death with that heart virus. He thanks everyone for their prayers.

Time travel has always been appealing to me. I'd love to go back and meet my great grandfather, a Texas politician in the House who was also a voice teacher and a Baptist preacher. I am sure he was quite the character. He had a long history of public service before becoming a Rep. I'd like to meet him.

I'd like to see what Rome was like back in "the day". What was it like to live in that city? I'd like to see that.

I'd like to sit with my ancestor, David Price Thomas, who migrated from Ireland in the 1800's, and ask him all sorts of questions about people we don't know about and can't find. I'd like to meet him.

I would like to meet Jesus, of course, but I am profoundly glad to know I can have a relationship even today with his living presence. I'd also really like to meet John. I love the book of John and have always been fascinated by his close relationship with Christ. I'd like to sit at his feet and hear some stories.

Time travel. Could it also mean that I could snap my fingers and be at the beach instead of driving through the night? Yeah, I'd like one order of that, please...and hold the pickles.

Maddie is so funny about car trips. She loves them. She'll often ask, "Daddy, can we get in the car and go to sleep and drive somewhere?" How many of us have vivid memories of family trips in the car? We marvel at how more of us weren't killed by rolling around, unbelted, in the back seat. My place was leaning up between the seats listening to my parents converse. I didn't want to miss anything, you know. My father would play the harmonica and drive me crazy. Harmonicas can be quite cool. Just not for hours on end. Sheryl remembers her sister drawing a line on the seat and telling her not to cross into her space. I'm sure many of you have similar memories.

Please pray for us as we drive the 8 hrs to the beautiful white sand and blue green oceans. Pray that we'll stay awake. Pray that we don't kill each other. We're excited for rest and relaxation. Have a great week, friends!

Do these images of car travel prompt any memories? I'd love to hear some.

Working intensely on Pepperdine stuff. We are looking forward to being out there with the ZOE family and seeing all those wonderful faces of people we love. I have to finish up by tomorrow so I can head out of town tomorrow afternoon.

We had a great dinner at my mom's house last night. A Texas BBQ place in Nolensville has the best Texas BBQ I've had since moving to Tennessee 10 years ago. It's called El Tejano or something. Amazing.

It was great to be at my mom's house. I hope the girls will build memories of going over there. I spent a lot of time at my grandparents' house in Hamlin, TX (where my mom is from). I have lots of fond memories of creaking floors, old carpet, soft chairs, juice glasses from the 1950's left over 20 years later, my Granny's old floral apron she'd always wear, "Post Toasties" for breakfast, greasy hamburgers from the local diner, watching Hee-Haw on Saturday nights and more. I want my girls to have memories like that.

Coupla funny notes on the girls...

Ella likes doing the "this little piggy" thing, but that piggy never goes to market. He goes to TARGET.

Maddie is learning to persuade. For some reason she feels the need for Ella to feel the same urgency to "dress up" as she does. She'll set out a nice princess dress for Ella and then proceed to convince her of the benefits of wearing said princess dress. It's always a hoot.

I love that Ella calls Maddie "Sissy". I know I've said that before, but it's so cute to hear her call Maddie her pet name.

There are so many cute things that happen all through the day--as all of you with children know. I just wish I could remember more to write down! Maybe we'll have some good stories coming back from the beach that don't involve Sheryl giving birth. For the love.

One of the benefits of these praise team meetings I have been having for over 3 months now is the interaction and shared dreaming. One of our team members suggested we have section leaders. After considering it for a while, I appointed section leaders this week. I am really, REALLY excited about this. These folks will serve in more of a relational role than a musical, although all of them are highly qualified to serve in that way too. Each person will help me keep track of the people in that voice part, they'll send weekly emails of encouragement and prayer requests, they'll plan nights out for all the sopranos or whatever the case may be. I think it will be a very good community building thing for us. It's hard to keep track of 70 or so people in the way I want to. This will help.

I promised to provide the name of the book that has really helped on planning Emergent Worship. There are two workbooks published by Abingdon Press. One is called Worship Feast, 100 Awesome Ideas for Postmodern Youth (Order# 0-687-06367-1). The other is called Worship Feast, 50 Complete Multisensory Services for Youth (ISBN# 0-687-06357-4). Call 615-749-6421 to order. Hope that helps. While the title suggests these are for "youth", they are very adaptable for all ages. I think you'll find them helpful. Also, be sure to check out Dan Kimball's website at their church Vintage Faith.

Have a great Tuesday, everyone!

This just in! Here's a picture of Jonathan Shaub with mom, Sharon, and sister, Nicole! Keep praying!!!

My cousin, Jill, died yesterday. She was 37. She had lived a very hard life but had pulled her act together a decade ago enough to enjoy her family and kids. She had cancer and somehow developed 7 brain tumors last week. Her teenaged boys found her Saturday night on her bathroom floor. Please pray for her boys and all those impacted.

I had such a great morning yesterday. The team was maybe one of the best we've had in a while, they were VERY engaged in leading worship. It was a great morning! Tim's message about the water of life was powerful too.

I called our neighbors all afternoon and never could get an answer. They don't have an answering machine. (lucky them) I was disappointed they couldn't come. But--as always seems to happen, the Lord worked in all of that. We had some great worship time and then talked about the message that morning which turned into something really amazing. We had some very deep and open sharing. I was really thankful that we were able to go that deep. It was cleansing and healing for most everyone there, I'd imagine. There are always those who will never allow themselves to be vulnerable, but when those who are willing to confess open their hearts, there's nothing better than that.

Sheryl went to the Dr. this morning. Apparently, she's growing a large baby in there. WELL, DUH!! Finally the doc admitted it. Looks like we'll be having this baby somewhere around May 26th. That's exciting!! Ella came 2 1/2 weeks early and was 9 1/2 punds. That will tell you something right there! Please pray that Sam doesn't decide to be born in Florida (where we're going Wed) or while I am away in Malibu, CA. the following week.

We leave Wednesday for vacation. I am taking my first vacation day of the year. PRAISE THE LORD! We're heading to the beach with Ryan and Sarah Williamson and their kids. The girls are already wearing their swimsuits every day in preparation.

Have a great Monday, everyone!

Friday night we were HOME. Ahhhhh, home. What a nice change. Twila Paris went late doing her vocals so I switched my schedule to record yesterday during the afternoon while the girls were napping. We spent much of the morning cleaning and working on finishing touches for Sam's room. Sheryl nailed a rope lasso all the way around the room above the chair rail. It looks so cool. The cowboy theme is almost complete!

Since Mom has never been in town while we recorded I invited her out to see the studio and get a feel for what it's like. She brought her book and sat in the nice leather couch in the engineering room and watched Chris work his magic. The session went well and we are now officially DONE recording. Praise the Lord above.

This morning we are studying the woman at the well section of John. The theme this morning is living water. I think it will be a very encouraging. It's also Sheryl's last day on praise team for a while. Probably QUITE awhile! Tonight we have life group. I hope our neighbors will come.

I hope you all have a very uplifting day of worship. I remember Mike Cope saying once that sometimes we allow our worship services to dictate how much we worship. Some places have dry, boring worship while other places have energetic, upbeat worship. Whatever the case, God is still God. Even if you're in a place where you're singing Night With Ebon Pinion reeeeeaaaaaallly slow, He is still the same God and still as exciting, holy, full of mystery, love, and grace. Let's lift up His name this morning!

Here's our order of worship:

Welcome—Tim Woodroof
Family prayer
Meet and greet

Praise and Worship—BST
--At the Name of Jesus
--All Hail the Power
Reading (Jer. 2:13, John 7:37-38, Rev 7:17)
Prayer
--Send Your Rain (chorus to the end)
--All Who Are Thirsty
--It Is Well With My Soul (verses 1,2)
--Jesus, Flow Like A River (Hymnal)

Teaching—Tim Woodroof
--Who Can Satisfy (Sheryl starts with solo)
--There Is A Fountain (…filled with blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins” vs one only)

Supper
Offering

Ministry Moment
Shepherd’s Close and Blessing
--It Is Well With My Soul (last verse)

PS: Someone asked last week about the meet and greet time--the focus of that is always just getting people up and into each others' space. It's hard to really enter into worship when you haven't spoken to or even acknowledged the people around you. We encourage people to get up and introduce themselves to those around them realizing that we are all about to enter into a very important and heartfelt time of worship.

Rick--Scott Owings has a great book of ideas for Emergent Worship. I will get the title and post tomorrow.

Wednesday night was fun. We met early and worked on Pepperdine stuff. It was fun to talk and plan and tell Eve and Philip what a treat it is to be there. We had a great rehearsal.

Afterwards, I had time to catch the last half of Evening Prayers (our Wednesday night assembly). Because of rehearsals for Christmas, then Easter, then recording and now Pepperdine, this was my first one since early fall. What a blessing! WOW! The stations were awesome. There was one for encouragement where we could write encouragement cards to Otter folks who are struggling (their names were on a list). There was another station where Scott Owings and Leland Vickers (one of our elders) stood and received people to pray. They had oil and anointed your head and said in reminder, "The Lord is your Shepherd" and then prayed a blessing. The other station had all kinds of fruit, nuts, bread, etc. It was a table for "feasting and fellowship". People quietly took some of the food while hugging and blessing those around them. Meanwhile a wonderful meditative CD was playing in the background. The evening concluded with worship. JV and Amanda led (JV played piano and sang with Amanda). It was so incredible. Amanda sang "So Are You to Me" and it flowed into "A Shield About Me". It was so beautiful. I found myself just falling to my knees and soaking it in. How I needed that!! I am so grateful for those who help to execute these times on Wednesdays. They are a huge blessing.

Yesterday we all tried desperately to become more "highly effective". I have to say it was the best day yet. That whole book is like sitting through my entry level majors courses at ACU. Go Carley Dodd! I was reminded of a lot of great communication techniques, but still felt convicted that sincerity always wins out over technique. And--sincerity CANNOT be a technique. We had some really great discussions and group time with the staff. It was a very beneficial day.

Last night we worked some solo stuff for the record. Twila Paris is also recording and in the same studio in the room next door. Her stuff was sounding good! She has a new record coming out soon. Anyway--Sheryl nailed "Living Prayer" and JV and Melissa did a great job on the trio with her. We then moved on (MUCH LATER) to "You Were There". That song is a booger. Seriously. It's one of those that--once we really, really get it--will be awesome. It's just really hard. Sheryl laid down the vocal to the first part and then I am singing the middle part of the song. Towards the end of the song the solo switches to Jason. He did an incredible job. There's one part at the end of the song where he goes up to a high b flat and just stays there. It is AWESOME! We're beginning the conference from the first of the book of Matthew. (We hope Donna Hester and Jill Maxwell will come and do their dramatic piece) This song will fit perfectly in that time. I don't want to give anything away--it will be a great weekend! Oct 6-9. Make plans to come.

Tonight I am going back out to lay some more vocals down. I think my mom might come see the studio. She has never gotten to see that part of the process and this studio is so cool, she'll enjoy it.

One of my goals for today is to select and appoint praise team section leaders. We're going to try this and see how it goes. This is more for relational purposes than musical. I'll let you know how it goes. I pray you have a blessed day! Please keep praying for the Shaubs.

I am loving this weather. It makes me want to just be outside all day! My mom and Kiki came over last night and between all of us, we got Sam's room cleaned out and painted and the girls bathed and put to bed...no small accomplishment. It looks really good! I know Sheryl is home right now organizing and nesting. It seems crazy that he's almost here!

I have been working on Pepperdine today. I am especially looking forward to our Thursday late night time. If you're going to Pepperdine--please come and bring your bible. We're going to do something similar to what we did here last Sunday night with open sharing and scripture readings woven through songs from the Desperate CD and a few others. Come prepared to share a passage that has blessed you during times of desperation and another passage of thanksgiving. It will be so cool to hear the Word come to life in that setting. I love that week and I love those people! There is nothing better than gathering in a standing room only theater with people who are passionate about worship.

We are rehearsing tonight for Pepperdine. Pray for this group. We have a couple of newbies coming. They are seasoned vets here at the Creek but they'll be new to the Pepperdine experience. I can't wait for them to be there! (Eve Clevenger and Philip Henry to be exact)

I had a phone call from a good friend this morning who poured out his heart about some family issues. It reminded me of how grateful I am to have community. It reminded me how little I really know and that sometimes the only thing you can do is listen. Then another friend dropped by the office. I hadn't seen him in a couple of weeks and it really made my day. It's amazing how God can minister to us in little ways. I am so thankful for all the gifts He's given. One more...this morning as I left, Maddie said, "But Daddy, I don't WANT you to go to work. I want you to stay and play with me!" She's said this several times lately. While it breaks my heart, it's also a wonderful thing to hear. There may be a day when she's too wrapped up in her stuff to say or want that. I won't go all Cat's in the Cradle on you, but I am trying to soak in these days.

One thing Seven Habits HAS done for me--in writing out the roles and tribute statements (basically, what do you want that specific person to say about you on your 80th birthday regarding that role), it's made me more aware of the little things. Now when either Maddie or Ella says, "Daddy, come play outside with me" or any host of other requests, I find myself putting down the bills, or whatever has my attention and going with them. For that, I am grateful. I can be so easily distracted by the "urgent". There's nothing more urgent than spending time with Sheryl and the girls. These days are so short. I don't want to waste any time.

Tomorrow--our last all day staff retreat working through the Seven Habits workbook. My desk still looks like a disaster area, I still feel like I am juggling a thousand things, and I am still living in "quadrant one", but things are improving slowly.

Anyone coming to the Emergent Conference here in May???

PS: For whatever reason, my counter bit the dust last month. I kept hoping it would revive, but no luck. So--we've got a new counter, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to this blog site. Come back any time!

Sunday was exhausting...but in a great way! Yesterday morning we had one of the most powerful times of worship and teaching that we've had in a long time. Tim's message was so convicting to me. He talked about John 3:13-21. People who love darkness hate the light because the light exposes their deeds and they don't want them exposed. Basically, that was the gist.

I honestly was so convicted by the Word. It is so hard to lead worship in those times and after hearing it the second time, I couldn't avoid saying something after the message. I just confessed my own hypocrisy. I know that there are things in my heart that I hold on to that are not of God and I don't want to do that. It was such a great morning for me. I hope it was for others. If I could have just gone to my knees for the rest of the service, I would have. The guided time of meditation during the supper only convicted me even more.

After second service we had the luncheon for those who are interested in Otter Creek and becoming a part of this family. It was well attended. We hurried home and put the girls in bed and Sheryl headed out to her shower. Let me just say this...Sarah Williamson and Beth and the ZOE girls all did such a great job of making it a wonderful afternoon for Sheryl. Sarah Williamson is one of the most creative people. She had the attendees address envelopes as they came in with their own addresses so she could give them to Sheryl along with thank you cards that she made. Really--such a great friend! She went way above and beyond to make it a very special day. Thank you, Sarah! What a gift to us that you and Ryan are back in Nashville now!

She came home and we both looked at all this boy stuff and just shook our heads. I am telling you, I have been swimming in dress up clothes, the color pink, and every princess thing imaginable. Don't get me wrong--anyone will tell you, I love being the father of little girls. It is priceless!! But what a change in scenery to see blue blankets, boy shirts and pants, blue passies, etc! The craziest gift of the day went to Eve who gave Sheryl these things called "pee-pee tee-pee's". Basically, they are little triangular cloth things that you put on his you-know-what when you're changing his diaper. We have little to no experience with changing a boy's diaper. But--we're getting all kinds of reports and stories now. I am sure there will be some bloggable moments to come. Pee-pee tee-pee's. Yep.

After looking quickly through the gifts I had to jet out and head back to OC for Celebration Sunday. We had a great night! We had several sections of open mic times where people could just come up and read scriptures of praise. At one point we had a time where people could read or share about a scripture that has gotten them through a difficult time. It was very moving. I always love getting to do things like that where it seems like we really do "church" more like what it ought to be. We're all sharing, we're all speaking the Word. It was another encouraging moment.

I came home and crashed. In fact, Sheryl had to thump me to wake me up after laying down with Maddie. I think I went to sleep right there in her bed. Sunday was anything but restful. Has anyone ever heard of Sabbath? I mean--what the heck? Does it exist?

To keep the theme running, I got up at 6:30 on my day off and headed to a ZOE meeting that began at 7am. Thankfully, I had the wherewithal to say last month that Mondays are my family day and I couldn't stay beyond 9am. It was a great meeting. We talked more about the conference this fall--fleshing out the theme and the journey through scripture we'll take that weekend. I am really pumped about this conference.

It was great to see Mike Cope and all the ZOE gang. And--might I add--that Randy Gill pulled out the guitar and we had a wonderful time of worship. I wasn't able to sing a note after singing so much over the weekend. It was so frustrating to not even be able to get a sound out. But--Greg Taylor who sat next to me was belting it out and it was really cool. It was almost like he was singing for the both of us. GT--who knew you could really sing?? You've been holding out on me.

I left at 9 and came home to spend the day with my favorite people. After being snowed in last Monday in Colorado and being in the studio all weekend we haven't had a family day in a really long time. We set out for the park. Sheryl stopped in at Wal-Mart to buy a helmet for Maddie since we were taking her bike. My mom met us there and brought some really good lunch food. We enjoyed the beautiful day while the girls wore themselves out. I loved watching Maddie ride her bike around the sidewalks at the Granny White Park. Ella and Maddie both stayed on the swings for what seemed like hours.

It was serendipitous that Julie and Betsy Corlew (they both have married names now) showed up with their kids. We all went to ACU and they are old friends. It was nice to catch up with them. We also got to have some quality time with my mom, David and Becky Rubio, and then later--Wendy Bowling and Kristen Thompson and their kids. Ella was thrilled to see Jamie--her pseudo boyfriend. The Granny White Park is a favorite! We stayed for over 3 hours and had a blast.

We came home and crashed and then went to BAJA BURRITO--yes, I know...it comes as a shock. It's just that--it's the perfect place to go and sit outside. May I offer that if you ever visit Nashville, it's a must.

What a great day! What a great weekend! I am thankful for the community God has given us and the family He has given me. I am grateful for the warmth of the sun, the good health we enjoy, that my back and shoulders have loosened, that Sheryl seems better, that pineapples and salsa really do go together, and for the butterfly, Eskimo, and "lippy" kisses that I got tonight from my girls before they drifted off to sleep.

To borrow a line from the Cindy Morgan song..
"Thank you, Lord! How could I ask for more?"

I woke up Friday morning with my shoulders and neck feeling completely seized. I tried massage, hot tub, Advil, pain killers, hanging from a bar at the gym (which gave me the most relief, I might add), and so far nothing has really helped. I felt awful while we recorded this weekend. However, I kept thinking about Sheryl and tried to keep my mouth shut. She's such a trooper.

Recording went very well. We finished all the group songs. "You Were There" took us all day Saturday. It was quite difficult, but I am really excited about the outcome. Thanks again to Kiki and my mom for helping with the girls--and Steve and Karen Speake who entertained them on Friday. Apparently, Maddie and Ella spent the time dressing up Steve in their princess attire. How I would have LOVED to have a picture of that!

Today is Sheryl's shower for baby Sam. I am so excited!! We have only about 6 more weeks to go and it seems really hard to believe! We were out with people from our old life group last night celebrating Jeff McInturff's birthday and we were all laughing at how our lives have changed. Rusty and Andrea Bragg are about to have another boy this week, Chad and Elizabeth Milom are having another child right after and then Sheryl. There were kids running all over that room screaming with delight. I still remember when Maddie was the only child in our life group and people would squirm when she screamed. Some people hate to hear it, but the phrase, "You'll understand when you have kids" is really so appropriate. They will and they do!

Tonight is Celebration Sunday--a time of worship and praise. We're going to encourage people to read aloud from their scriptures tonight. We're singing songs of praise and thankfulness and then giving open mic times through out. I'll let you know how it goes. We've done that before and it's been a real blessing.

Have a great Sunday!

Order of Worship
Welcome--Tim Woodroof
Family Prayer
meet and greet

Praise and Worship--BST
--God is the Fountain Whence
--You Are Worthy of My Praise
--All In All
--A Shield About Me
Teaching--Tim Woodroof (John 3:13-18)
--He Is Mighty to Save
--How Deep the Father's Love
Teaching--Tim Woodroof
--Healing Grace
Lord's Supper--BST
--Responsive Reading
--Shepherd's blessing--Steve Adams
--Here I am to Worship (vs 1 and both choruses and the tag--everything but vs 2)
Bread and Cup
Offering
Ministry Moment-Mark Ott (Sanctuary)
Close- BST
--I Belong to Jesus

Tonight we head back into the studio. We are recording Fernando Ortega's "When All Thy Mercies" and Avalon's "You Were There". None of us have the freakish voice of Jody though. I wish the label would just let him come sing it on our record. We're excited for Jody and Stephanie. They are also expecting and are due around the same time we are. They'll be great parents.

Our good friend from Disney, Charles, is coming tomorrow to hear us record. We're glad he's here. He came in for GMA week and stuck around to visit some family. Can't wait to have you join us, man!

Thank you for all the wonderful birthday remarks to Sheryl--they were all so nice (well, almost all). She is such a gift to me and I know to many others. Praise God for her life!

I got an email today from an old college friend, Drew Anderson. I haven't talked with him in probably 12 years. His mother died last week and he wrote to tell me that some of the ZOE CDs helped to soothe her over the course of the last days of her life. It was very encouraging and humbling.

As we go into the studio tonight, it's we are once again faced with the conviction that this is NOT about us. We are but small vehicles that the Spirit is using to touch lives. We'll never know how some of this music impacts people--and it's really better that way. It's God's thing and He'll do what He wants to with it. It's always really humbling to think that God can take what happens in those hours at the studio and turn them into holy moments for His glory later. None of us--not one single ZOE member-- misses that profound truth. We know it's not us. That's why we continue to seek your prayers for this project. We know how important it is that we approach this in a way that honors the Lord. Please keep praying! We're almost done.

Have a great weekend, blog family!

Isn't she a hottie?? WOW! How did I manage marrying someone like Sheryl? Today is Sheryl's birthday. She is a Godly woman. She has weathered many storms in her life. She has blessed more people than she could ever know. She is a real friend to people. When Sheryl is in your life you know you can count on her tenderness, her sensitivity to good and right things, her kindness, her passion for Jesus and her genuine heart. I have been the beneficiary of those things for many years now. I am a much better person and Jesus follower because of her influence in my life. (and did I mention that she's hot??)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHERYL!!

If you'd like to send your own message of birthday greetings, you can email her at sherylthomas@earthlink.net.

We are rehearsing with ZOE tonight for recording again this weekend. It's also GMA week and the Dove Awards tonight. I am trying to go to a few things related to GMA this week, but it's a hard week to be out of the office after being gone. I hope you are all having a blessed day. It's a special day to celebrate a rare gift in my life. How has Sheryl blessed you?

Wow--what a week we've had! Steamboat Springs was really beautiful. I forgot to mention the newspaper article too. It was a huge spread with a picture and everything! Since it was written by a non-Christian it had an interesting slant. But--I really liked it.

Saturday was incredible. The mountain was gorgeous. It was pretty slushy down at the bottom so we went straight to the top. We really had a lot of fun skiing...especially after Philip remembered how to ski. :) The rest of the group rode the gondola up to the top of the mountain and met us for lunch. This was a huge accomplishment for JV and Amanda--both terrified of heights. I know I've written that I am also afraid of heights, but for some reason ski lifts don't bother me too much...except while riding with Kyle Dickson. I've skied more times with him than I can count and he always tried to terrify me by rocking the seat back and forth.

While we ate lunch we asked about the weather. We had heard that bad weather was approaching and thought maybe we should drive to Denver that night to beat it. Everyone just dismissed our concerns...silly Tennesseans. Well, sure enough--that night after dinner we got word that the impending storm had shut down airports in Steamboat and Denver the following day. We were beginning to get worried. When we called the airline, apparently we were the ONLY ones who didn't get the word early enough and re-book our flights. Thankfully, there was one seat left the following afternoon. We all agreed that Sheryl should get that seat. We then spent the next 24+ hours trying to figure out what to do. As we watched the news from Denver we were just horrified at the thought of driving into that storm...not to mention that there were blizzard and avalanche warnings between Steamboat and Denver. So, we decided to make the best out of it.

Sunday, after spending hours on the phone to the airline and car rental places, we went into Steamboat to look around. It is really a neat place. The shops were cool and we found a couple of little things for the girls.

What makes this story even weirder is that the weekend we were there was the final weekend of the season. The town turns into a ghost town for a few weeks until summer. In fact, the hotel we were staying in right at the base of the mountain--and most all the others around it--closed. We were homeless. Thankfully, John Ott's parents took us in.

That afternoon the Otts took us up the mountain to Robert's cousin's house. It was seriously like something from "Man From Snowy River". Amazing. It's quite common place there to see a porcupine amble across the road, to see Elk grazing, a fox scamper in front of you, or to meet a nice family of black bears who live just over the ridge from this house. For as far as the eye could see there were mountains and valleys--mostly covered in snow. This house they took us to was a huge--HUGE--log cabin. It sat on over 30 acres. There were large windows in the living areas where you could see the mountains and all the snow. Their golden retriever waited loyally at the door. It was like walking into some Colorado Magazine shoot. Amazing.

We got home and all bedded down for the night at the Otts. We knew we had a busy day ahead. Early the next morning we rented the car and began our trek to Denver. Sheryl was waiting in Steamboat to fly and would meet us in Denver if everything worked out. We prayed before we drove out and asked the Lord to watch over us. The next 4 hours were incredible. When else would I be driving through the Continental Divide after such a snow storm? I have never seen scenery like that in my life. I almost felt like we were on an expedition discovering new lands. Much of that stretch was uninhabited. We saw some beautiful snow covered mountains and trees. We saw some peaceful lakes covered in ice. We saw several huge log cabin estates--who are these people?? The entire time we thanked God for his provision and commented that if we had to be stuck, we couldn't imagine a better group of people to be with. The stress of what we were missing at home was purposefully put aside since none of us could do anything about it. There were a few interesting moments in driving, but overall, it was a safe trip.

We got to the airport where 2000 people had been stuck the night before and it looked like Armageddon! Lines everywhere, bags as far as you could see, tired, grumpy, "postal" people. It was not pretty. We decided to head back out to the curb to take our chances there. Thankfully, we got checked in and through security in plenty of time and Sheryl was on her way. We all had a happy reunion at a Mexican food restaurant near our gate. We were extremely glad to be heading home.

I don't know why all this happened. Perhaps it was because God was protecting us from something else, perhaps it was so that we could have an extra day with the Otts and Whitney, perhaps it was simply because of the obvious. Whatever the case, we had much to be thankful for. I have those beautiful images burned into my mind of the driving trip from Steamboat to Denver. I don't think I'll ever forget it. Laughing with friends while we drove the the Continental Divide--awesome!

We could not get home fast enough. The girls immediately opened the door squealing with delight. What a way to come home! I could have eaten them up. We all fell on the floor and giggled and hugged and tickled. It was a heavenly reunion. I'm not sure who was happier that we were home though--the girls or my mom and Kiki. THANK YOU to those two and Sarah Williamson for helping with our girls. We are very blessed.

I'll leave you with some pictures the Otts took while we were on the mountain on Saturday. I wish I had some pictures of us singing too. Unfortunately, we only had the camera on Saturday.



Gatha Ott (John's mom), Philip Henry, and BST on top of the mountain!




JV and BST riding on the gondola. JV is just a breath away from a major panic attack over heights!




Amanda and Sheryl riding the gondola




The group after eating on top of the mountain

Again--thanks for all your prayers. We really believe that God guided our steps over the weekend. Have a great week!

We're HOME!! Praise the Lord. It's late and I am exhausted so...details tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers. It was so great to hug my girls tonight!

Here's the update:
As of now, Sheryl has a seat on an afternoon flight tomorrow that will get her home around 7:40pm. The rest of us are going to watch the weather and, Lord willing, will rent a car and drive to Denver to try and catch flights out of there tomorrow afternoon or evening. If you've watched the weather, you've seen the conditions there. It's blizzard-like. So, please pray for our safety and wisdom as we make these decisions. If anyone has any pull with United Airlines, let us know!

IMMEDIATE PRAYER REQUEST!!

As of now, all flights are cancelled out of Steamboat tomorrow--in fact, it's looking like we're stuck here until Tuesday. Please, please pray for us to be able to get home. We have kids who need us to come home, Amanda has the Country Music TV awards Monday and her job depends on it, JV will have to go to unpaid days, etc. It's important that we get out. Please pray for us!

We've had a great time in Steamboat! Friday morning we sang for the school and the kids really seemed into it. They were all really great kids. Last night we sang at the big dinner at the Grand Hotel here. What an amazing place! The group did an incredible job and we all had a great time too.

After the event last night we walked outside and it was snowing buckets. I was really excited. We didn't see much snow in Nashville this year and I missed it. We got back to the hotel and Tonya (our new front desk friend) graciously allowed us to uncover the hot tub outside. It's HUGE! Amanda decided not to go but Philip, JV, Sheryl and I went out to brave the elements. It was hilarious. Snow was coming down like a heavy rain. Sheryl and I ended up using the cover as a shield so we could enjoy the hot tub without being covered in snow. It was cool because from under the cover you could watch the snow falling down. We all commented that it looked like something out of the Polar Express.

This morning I looked out our door and it looked like God had over turned a huge bowl of whipping cream. The trees are laden with snow and, hopefully, the mountain will have good conditions. I am excited about skiing. I haven't been in a couple of years. I just hope I don't kill myself.

They're calling for a winter snow advisory for tonight. Please pray we can get home. I know my mom and Kim would appreciate those prayers too! :)

Have a great weekend, blog family. Let it snow!!

No time to fully blog today. But I wanted to share a funny story that Rick Johnson sent me. I always love these things. Why are church bloopers so funny? And...why is it that laughing in church or someplace you're not supposed to be laughing SOOO much more fun?? (with my laugh--I've never been that subtle. It can be quite the disturbance!)

A visiting minister during the offertory prayer:

"Dear Lord," he began with arms extended and a rapturous look on his upturned face, "without you we are but dust..."

He would have continued, but at that moment one very observant little girl (who was listening carefully for a change!) leaned over to her mother and asked quite audibly in her shrill little girl voice, "Mommy, WHAT is butt dust?"

Church was pretty much over at that point...

Have a great weekend, bloggers! Snowy Colorado, here we come!!

the ZOE girls pause for a photo opp. while recording last Saturday
L to R: Sheryl, Melissa, Amy, Karin



The guys gather around one mic to cheese for the camera.
L to R: David, Jason, Peter, JV and BST.

I wanted to share some pictures Amy sent me. I hope you enjoy them. I just returned from our staff retreat. We went to this incredible retreat center called "The Hiding Place". WOW! It was amazing. We had a good day together and some great discussion. I really hated being away from Sheryl though. I was worried the entire time. It was hard to keep my mind there. Sheryl is hurting very badly today. We're going to the doctor in a couple of hours to see what's going on with her back. Otherwise, after Monday's appt with the OBGYN, the baby seems to be fine. Praise God!

I am running around trying to make sure I have everything I need for the trip to CO. tomorrow. Mercy. I am looking forward to it though. I think our time out there will be really cool. I had the most interesting discussion with a newspaper reporter from Steamboat yesterday. She called because they are doing a story on us coming out there and printing a picture and stuff. Anyway--I don't think she was a Christian--or at least had much experience with church stuff. We had the coolest discussion about music and worship and the name ZOE and what it means. She asked some great questions. Hopefully, the story in the paper will be a good one.

Please pray for Kim and my mom as they keep the girls this weekend. I know the girls will have a blast--they always do. I just pray that everyone stays healthy and safe.

Monday night we went out to Rose Pepper Cantina--one of our favorite Spring-Fall places to eat. We sat outside and baptized my mom in what Rose Pepper is all about--the delicious cheese sauce, the amazing enchiladas, great drinks, etc. Mom really loved it. However, one of the best moments was when Ella got out of the car to go into the restaurant. She immediately grabbed my mom's hand and was ready to go. As mom was walking with her we mused that these moments--the random eating out kind of moments--were why she moved to Nashville. It's so wonderful having her here. She is SUCH a blessing to all of us! Please don't be mad at us, Abilene people. We're trying to appreciate every bit of her presence here!

I may not be able to post in Steamboat Springs. If not, I'll report when I return. Thank you for your prayers. Have a great weekend!

Yesterday was a great day. After church we went over to Byron and Beth Williamson's for lunch (Ryan's parents). They've been like family for many years. Ryan's sister, Shelly, and her husband, Adrian, are here picking out things for their house. They are moving here in a couple of months. It will really be so fun to finally have them all in one city! Adrian is chief resident at a hospital in Kansas City. He's moving here to work at one of our Nashville hospitals. I always love talking to him because he ALWAYS has a good story for me.

Yesterday afternoon the singers came over to work on stuff for our trip to Colorado this week. It was a very productive rehearsal. Man--Sheryl and Amanda could just do the entire thing singing solos and it would be incredible. We're doing part of the time acapella and the rest with piano and guitar. It's a little different from what we normally do. Friday morning we'll sing and lead worship for the school there and then that night we'll sing at the formal dinner there in Steamboat. The night thing will be more presentational. We do that from time to time and it's always a little hard to make the transition. But I think it will be a really cool night.

Last night we had life group. Kyle led the discussion on joy. I was outside on kid duty. Judson Chaudoin and I played ball and had so much fun. I apologized to Jay and Kim when we went inside saying that Jud was muddy, sweaty and bloody. It gave me a taste of what it will be like to have a son. It's so crazy how instinctively different they are. Judson takes risks that Maddie and Ella would never take (well, maybe Ella would!). He was swinging on the tree swing at the top of our yard twisting and turning upside down swinging his light saber, he dove for the ball as we played, rolling down the hill, he would fall and skin his knee and get right back up. I honestly was taking it all in thinking about what Sam might be like. We're in for even more fun in the days ahead!

After group sharing time, I went back in and we noticed that our new neighbors, Jason and Anna Maria were walking down the street. I went out and asked them to come in and join us. The group really loved having them there. I sat at the piano and played and we worshipped for a little while and then circled around them and prayed for their family and their new life here. We talked afterwards about the possibility of them coming regularly and using our group for some fellowship time for the people they are reaching out to in Antioch. I am really excited about that possibility.

As I write, Sheryl is at the baby doctor. I am hopeful that we'll have some more information after this visit. These feelings of contractions--what are they? Are they contractions? We need to know. Thanks for your continued prayers. Please keep praying for the Shaubs too. Jonathan's 25th birthday is Thursday. He could use some encouragement.

Have a great Monday! Have I mentioned that I love Mondays? Karen Carpenter has no clue. It's my favorite day of the week. I have all day to be with my family. I pray that your Monday is filled with joy.

Whew! I feel exhausted tonight. Are you sure we can't gain an hour instead of lose one tonight? We've had a long, but awesome weekend recording. We've really enjoyed recording at the Bennett House this year. It's been such a comfortable, "vibey" place. We got a lot done. Here's what we recorded this weekend:

--Mighty Is the Power of the Cross
--The Bread Has Been Broken
--Ps. 23 (Clarissa's)
--Let Us Be You (Clarissa and Michael Lusk)
--Living Prayer (we got everything but the solo done. Sheryl will come back later and lay down her vocal.)

Last night my mom kept the girls. They had all the cushions off the couch and played hard all night. They had a blast. Today Aunt Kiki kept them. It's wonderful to have family like Mom and Kim. The girls love them and it makes it easier on us.

Tomorrow morning we are talking about Jesus clearing the temple and the Lordship of Christ. It will be a great morning. Afterwards, the singers are coming over so we can work some on our set for next weekend at Steamboat Springs. Then we can all crash.

I know I keep asking and reminding, but I have thought a lot about Jonathan today. Please keep praying for him. He really needs intercession right now--for encouragement and healing.

Good night, bloggers!

PS: here's a reading we're doing in the morning. I took it from the book of John and just pieced some things together. Feel free to use it if you ever need a congregational reading on Lordship. I had a really hard time finding something I liked.

Leader: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

All: Jesus Christ is Lord!

Leader: In Him was life and that life was the light of men. The true Light that gives light to every man has come into the world.

All: Jesus Christ is Lord!

Leader: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

All: Jesus Christ is Lord!

Leader: He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.

All: Jesus Christ is Lord!

Leader: Yet to all who received him and believed in his name he gave the right to become children of God.

All: Jesus Christ is Lord!

Leader: He prophesied, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days”, and so it was accomplished.

All: Jesus Christ is Lord!

Leader: He is King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Ancient of Days, the Alpha and the Omega, our Redeemer and the Victor over death!

All: Jesus Christ is Lord!

OK--I know I have already innundated you with pictures today...but Sheryl had Ella's two yr portraits done and they turned out so cute--I had to share!

It's April Fools!! My dad and my crazy aunt Dot used to love this "holiday". One could never be sure what might happen on April 1st. I also have a friend who was born on April 1st. Now that's sad.

Some funny moments lately from the girls:
--Maddie's view of reality when it comes to hair is sharply skewed thanks to her father. Most normal children would warn you if your hair is sticking up. Maddie becomes concerned when my hair is "sticking down".

--Maddie and Ella have taken to singing "Shout Hallelujah" and they love to dance while singing it. However, their version says, "Shout Hadalujah" sung with great gusto!

On a much more somber note, please continue to pray for the Shaubs. Jonathan got some bad news yesterday. The doctors said that the pelvic area around the large wound they have been treating is beginning to ossify. Basically, that means due to lack of movement and the inability to get the wound closed, his body is beginning to produce bone-like tissue in the area which could impact his ability to walk. Please join us in praying that JD will be able to beat this and return to normal soon. Doctors told them yesterday that they expect to keep him in ICU at least another 6 weeks. That was hard news for everyone.

Tonight we head to the studio. Peter flies in around 3 and we'll rest some before we head out to Franklin. Please keep praying for this process. We are asking that God would anoint this time and sing through us.

I'll leave you with some pictures from our Easter weekend.


Maddie and Ella ready to go to the Otter Creek Easter egg hunt on Saturday


My mom with the girls at our house


Maddie and Ella with their cousins, Cannan and Sierra (Fajita's kids!)


These little bunnies all have their mouths full!



Thomas family--at my mom's on Easter Sunday. (nice pic of Maddie, huh? This was sort of her mood for good chunks of the weekend)


OC Easter Sunday morning--the Easter Choir (we're missing a few, but most of them were in the picture. The girls wanted in too! The sweet cherub sitting next to them is Abby Cox--sitting next to her mom, Clarissa!)

Thanks for letting me share. I hope you guys have a great weekend. We'll feel your prayers as we resume recording tonight. Thank you!!