What a blessing to have Joel Quile here yesterday! The girls loved him. Maddie called him "George". We had a great day hanging out together. He suffered through some mixing with me yesterday afternoon and we finally got a chance to really talk last night. It was a blessing. Thanks for coming up, Joel!

Last night at TGIWednesday, Matt Duncan shared his vision and film with us. It was powerful!! What an amazing film! And yes, this is the same Matt Duncan from ACU days. He splits his time between Nashville and NYC and is very involved in the film community. He did a great job last night.

Today is the pre-school "Fun in the Sun". Here's a pic of Maddie with her best buddy since birth, Mack Young. Too cute! (side note--the boy in the background is Chris and Amy Welch's son. Some of you know them from ACU.)



Working on Jason's wedding ceremony today. Yes, Dogget, I am MARRYING them. Yes--CRAZY. Believe it or not, this my 7th wedding ceremony to officiate. It's always an honor, but I'm really excited about this one. So many good friends are coming into town. We're having dinner tonight with Rob Thomas (Igniter Video guy) and his family. I always love being with Rob...but add Rob AND Jason AND Emily AND Nika to the mix and it's all out madness. Emily and her new husband, David, and Nika will be here tomorrow. We're going to have a blast!!

I know MANY fo you have asked about the ZOE conference. I asked Eric if I could reprint this email. He agreed.

Unfortunately we have been having difficulty getting our website up and running. All of our website work is done gratis (AND WE ARE SO GRATEFUL!)which puts us at the bottom of the totem pole. Being a non profit organization we have to rely on a lot of gratis work and this is one of them.

The dates are October 6 - 9. The cost for both conferences is $170 with an early registration discount of $15. The cost for each conference is $85.

Leonard Sweet and many others will be joining us for the Leadership Conference and Michael Card will present a concert and teach a class for the Worship Conference.

We hope to be live for registration this week. If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact me at the Zoe office.

We will be sending a mass email to everyone when registration is live. So if you are not on the email list and want to be notified, please write us at vmccaleb@zoegroup.org.

Blessings, Eric.

I hope that helps! Have a great day, blog family.

This morning I went to pick up Joel Quile from the airport. He's here to hang and share some time with us today. I am so glad to see him. We're about to head out to the Bennett House to sit with Chris Yoakum and do some mixing on the recording.

Tonight at TGIWednesday we have Matt Duncan talking to us about the importance of artists in our churches. He's going to talk about how the Church can support film makers and show a short film that won an Academy Award a few years ago. Melanie Brown, one of our children's' ministers, will be leading worship with the kids. It should be a great night.

ZOE is meeting this afternoon to rehearse for Jason's wedding this weekend. I am marrying them and really looking forward to our participation in this huge event.

Have a great Wednesday!

Sunday mornings are always a crazy time for me. But, one of my joys is getting to work with so many different praise team members. Here's a candid shot that Phil Wilson took during rehearsal. We had a great morning. This series in john has been very challenging and encouraging in ways I can't even express.




Sunday night we had life group. The Cox family has joined us and in one move has more than doubled the amount of children. Our kids couldn't be happier. And--Judson Chaudoin couldn't be happier to have a boy his age to play with. He's been so sweet to Maddie and Ella. These pictures crack me up. The girls were all standing in their pool screaming at the top of their lungs, and the boys, well, they just look like boys, don't they? (Chloe Cox and Sam are missing in these pictures) The funniest thing about these pictures is that it appears they were practicing a no-mixed-bathing policy that night. I think it probably had more to do with the fact that they just migrated that way. But, funny still.






Yesterday was completely terrifying for us. I can't even blog about it, but only to say, praise the Lord for health. Every day is a gift.

This week I HAVE to get finished with the recording. Since the Bennett House sold, everything has been up in the air. But, hopefully, we'll finish this week with mixing.

Also, Joel Quile is coming in tomorrow to hang with us for a day. We are really excited to see you, Joel. Safe travels to you.

Have a great Tuesday, everyone. The Lord is good to give us mercy and the strength to walk every path. No matter where you are today or what you're dealing with, let Him help you.

We spent most of yesterday playing outside. It was such a nice day here, we had to get out of the house. Here are a few pictures from yesterday. Sam was even soaking it up! The girls were displaying their new matching swim suits.







This morning at Otter Creek we're talking about the claims of Jesus in John 8. I anticipate it being another great day. I pray that whereever you are, the Lord will cause you to feel His presence this morning.

Here's our order of worship:

Welcome- Tim Woodroof
Family Prayer—Bill Harlin/Brad Forrister
Meet and greet

Praise and Worship—BST
-Worthy Art Thou
--That’s Why We Praise Him
Reading--taken from the Book of Common Prayer
--Be Unto Your Name
--Here I am to Worship
--In Christ Alone

Teaching—Tim Woodroof
--You Are Holy
--Crown Him with Many Crowns

Supper--Jamon Martin
Offering

Ministry moment—Mentoring Ministry/ Jackie Vickers
Shepherd’s Close—
--Who Can Satisfy (chorus)

Last night went well at Lipscomb. It was fun to have the ZOE folks back together. (Peter, Jeff did a great job filling in for you--but we always miss you!) I was surprised at how engaged people were last night. I really, really enjoyed it. Here are a couple of pictures.





I had lunch with JV today at this hilarious place called the "White Trash Cafe".



The hostess wore a bouffant blonde wig with big pink rollers and tied up with toilet paper. She was an older lady who had the attitude to go along with the costume. There were all sorts of tacky things on the wall (all for sale, no less) and they displayed a T-shirt at the front that was also for sale that said something like, "If you make fun of this T-shirt I'll slash the tires on your house". I decided I might need one of those. (don't worry, honey, my better judgment won out today.)

I've been in discussions all day long with people about the state of "church". When will we ever be what we're supposed to be? I guess my own personal answer to that is the church is made up of individuals and we can't expect something from the corporate body that we aren't doing ourselves. Preston Shipp and I talked this afternoon about this very thing. We agreed to help each other look for ways to get our hands dirty. I'm sick of talk, aren't you? We put way too much emphasis on that Sunday morning hour. I'd rather spend my energy trying to figure out how to engage the world with the other 98.9% of my time and life. Maybe then, if we all started helping each other do that, we'd see a change in the corporate church. I dunno.

God, help us be a light. Forgive me for being so unmoved and so stubborn. Please open my eyes to the world around me.

How devastating to wake up to the carnage in London. I just don't understand what makes people think they have the right to destroy innocent lives like that. I pray that God will provide peace and comfort for all those families. Lee Camp from Otter Creek has a bunch of students from Lipscomb over there this summer. All were on their way to different internships and jobs. Most were traveling the transit system. All are accounted for and ok. Thank the Lord!

Jim Williams had some good things to say last night. It's always good to be reminded of what our kids need from us. It made me thankful to be married to Sheryl who is constantly looking for tools and ways to be a better parent. She's an inspiration to me.

We're preparing to sing at Lipscomb tonight. We'll still be doing stuff from our Desperate theme from this year. It was great to be with the full team last night (except for Peter). We haven't all been together in a couple of months.

Another upcoming ZOE event-- this will be the first year for the Williamson County Fair. At least, they're making a big deal about it being the inaugural year. Anyway, on Sunday night August 7, there will be a big night of worship. Diamond Rio and others are involved and ZOE will be leading some worship as well. Worship at the fair? With cotton candy? What could be better? (Actually, I have no idea how that will work--we'll see.)

The girls went to their Nonnie's house this morning and then were going with Sheryl to play with Lea Brown at the pool. It's one of those days that I'm wishing I was on vacation and could go with them.

We had a blast last night at Rosepepper Cantina celebrating Katey's birthday (and Maddie's too). We're so thankful for good friends. God has blessed us over and over again with friends who have become like extended family here. Happy birthday to you today, Katey! You young chicken, you.



Mollie, Katey and Maddie



Amanda and Maddie



Lea and Ella

Tonight at TGI Wednesday we have Jim Williams, the author of the book Parenting on Point. Click here for more info on him. ZOE is leading worship tonight in preparation for our first Lipscomb Lecture appearance tomorrow. We're doing a late night thing. I don't even know if anyone will come, but we're glad to be doing it.

Have a great day, everyone.

4 years ago today we got up very early and drove to the hospital with such a sense of anxious expectation. We couldn't wait to see the face of our daughter, but we had never gone through this experience. Maddie waited a long time to decide to be born that day. When she arrived, we were instantly in love. She had the perfect cherub face. She was soft, pink and very cuddly.



This morning something happened that rarely, if ever, happens. Ella slept until 8:45am. That has to be a serious record for her. Meanwhile, it gave me time alone with Maddie. I told her the story of the day she was born. I couldn't help but cry a little. She has been such a blessing to me (as have all our kids).

As I was preparing to make her breakfast she said, "Please daddy, may I have some oatmeal?" I said, "You've got a deal, birthday girl!" She then made sure that I had noticed how she asked for it. (I've been telling her that big 4 yr old girls are polite and don't whine.) She said, "I'm 4 now and I know how to ask." Too sweet. This gives some comfort for all the 1000's of times Sheryl and I have said, "Can you think of a different way to ask instead of 'I want, I want'?" (I know we'll keep saying that another million or so times, but it was nice to see at least some recogition that it's getting through this morning.)

We had a great night at the Rubio's celebrating the 4th with their family and the Woodards. God's blessed us with special friendships. I am so grateful.

I'll leave you today with some pictures from the party this weekend. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDIE!!

The kids with uncle Chris (Fajita) and Kiki




What's a celebration without cotton candy??


Last night we went to Smyrna to their 4th of July celebration with bands playing and fireworks exploding. It was really fun. Though we got home late, it was fun to see the kids' faces as the fireworks broke into multi-colors in the sky. Maddie and Ella loved it--except for the "noise".

I always love a celebration. I like celebrating birthdays too. Yesterday we celebrated 2 birthdays--Maddie's and our country's. I don't have to love the USA more than God. I don't have to approve of our government's policies. I don't have to debate whether we can or can't burn a flag--in order to enjoy a good 4th of July celebration.

Having said that, I got an email from a friend this week (who was equally as gagged) with a picture of Jesus draped in an American flag. YUCK! It wasn't the presence of the American flag with Jesus that disgusted me. It was the ABSENCE of the flags from every other nation. Jesus is King. His Kingdom is not of this world. He is Lord of all nations, all tribes, all people. His love crosses boundaries we have never even considered. Praise His name!

Here's our Order of Worship for this morning. In John 8 we see Jesus pretty angry. We see the religious leaders pretty frustrated. Here's a question--how did God's Son...who was so controversial, holy, and convicting...end up having so many tepid followers?? Sometimes I wonder if the term "Christian" isn't completely offensive to our Holy Father who gave His Son for our freedom. We wear that title so flippantly. In the Bible belt it can even be more of a social or political title.

May God bless us all as we lift up His name today. None of us are perfect. Praise Him for accepting imperfect offerings. I am so thankful that He does not treat us as we deserve.

Order of Worship

Welcome—Tim Woodroof
Family Prayer
Meet and greet

Praise and Worship—BST
--Doxology
--Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Reading
--A New Anointing
--Days of Elijah
Prayer
--I Will Never Be the Same

Message—Tim Woodroof
--Jesus Lover Of My Soul
--I Will Change Your Name

Supper
Offering

Ministry Moment
Birthday Sunday
Elder’s Close
--Lord, You Have My Heart

The know-it-all at the first Sprint place obviously didn't know it all. I went to the Sprint Center in Cool Springs were they informed me that it was a very easy process to transfer my phone book--even with my phone being broken. YEA!!!

My rear-view mirror is sitting in my front seat. Help me, Tony.

Sheryl's sister, Gail, and her family (including Fajita) are here. We had Maddie's birthday party this morning. It was a lot of fun. I'll post some pictures next week. I am exhausted though. Maddie is appropriately Tinker Belled. She and a few of her buddies had fun playing in the pool and swinging outside. I think we have enough hotdogs to last for a week. gag.

Tonight we're going out to Smyrna to a 4th of July festival. It should be fun, and dirty, and sweaty, and exhausting.

Peg--you are so right. You deserve first dibs so email me and I'll reply with the clips. The prize is the free CD and as soon as it's ready, it's yours.

One last thing--most of you may have heard about Clarissa's mom, Ruby. The surgeon found cancer in one of her lymph nodes. Let's pray hard for her and her recovery. Hang in there Johnson family.

I was half way afraid to touch my computer this morning. It seems everything I touch is falling apart over the last 24 hours. My flip phone flipped out and completely broke in two. I went to the Sprint place this morning and begged them to help me retrieve the information on it...146 business and personal contacts. The guy smugly chirped, "Yeah, right!" (BAMMA) I said, "If I were some international criminal with spy contacts on this phone, you know there'd be a way." He laughed and said no. "Well, if Marshall from 'Alias' were here, he'd know how," I said under my breath. UGH!!

Then, it was hotter here yesterday than it's been in years, according to the news. I crawled into my Blazer after work yesterday just wanting to get home and crawl in bed. It was like 250 degrees in my car. Apparently, the rear view mirror's adhesive melted. Yeah, melted. There's some cord that goes into the mirror to keep bright lights soft or something--I've never used it. That cord is holding the mirror up there. It looks like I have some big thing hanging and swinging from my mirror, but no--it's the mirror itself. Nice. It bangs around on the windshield when I drive. Here's a picture for you. (notice the Thomas Texans sticker in the front right corner!)




On a different note, Maddie had some fun at the Williamson's this week but had a collision with the swing--just in time for her 4th birthday party pictures. I took this of her this morning after breakfast. Notice the nice green and blue bruise on her head. (At least it's a bruise that goes away quickly and she didn't cut chunks of her hair off or something weird--although this morning hair picture may look like she did that too.)



Since I'm sharing pics--here's one of Ella from this morning too.



Tomorrow's the big birthday party day for Maddie. She is having a small get together in our backyard with a few friends and Tinker Bell. Tinker Bell is her character of choice right now. Chris (Fajita) and Gail are driving in with Sierra and Canaan and we're planning a fun holiday weekend. I'll have pictures to share next week.

Here's one last picture I've leave with you. I think I mentioned earlier in the week that some of our Life Group went to support one of our group members, Geof Vickers, in a bike race in Cookeville last Sunday. Geof had a major accident on his bike. He's fine now--and because he's fine, I can show this amazing picture. I like to call it, "Screaming Geof". He was mangled in a mess of bikes and riders--his bike isn't even in this picture. It had flown over his head. Notice that his arm is about to be caught in the spokes of another bike--they thought he broke it, but thankfully, it was only a sprain. If you're wondering which one Geof is, he's the screamer.



Have a great weekend, and for heaven's sake--drive safely.

I feel like I have drool dripping from my mouth, I'm so sleepy. I think I got in bed around 2am. Chris and I worked a long time last night and only got 3 songs mixed. Ugh. Chris is a champ though. He's juggling FFH recording and a million other things. The studio is booked solid and he's having to squeeze me in where possible. I just wanted to show you a picture of Chris and ask you to pray for him. The Bennett House just sold and he could use our prayers for the stressful time ahead.



We finished Living Prayer, The Bread Has Been Broken, and You Were There. If you'd like a sample, feel free to email me.

The best part of last night, however, was after we were done and he shared a juicy morsel with me. A producer friend of his gave him the original scratch and real tracks from Def Leppard's song "Pour Some Sugar On Me". The lyric was different originally and there were some funny moments in the vocal. We were already silly since it was late, but we had ourselves a good laugh listening.

I'm really too sleepy to write any more today. I hope you all have a great Thursday. Remember me writing about how long Wednesdays are? I think I counted up a 16 hour work day yesterday. Maybe that entitles me to a nap this afternoon?

Tonight at TGIWednesday, Rubel will speak to us about some important issues related to death and dying. Fun.

Here are a few pictures taken in the last 18 hours of Sam. He's saying hello to everyone in that last one. Have a great day!

Jason and Alisha are getting married in about 2 weeks! We met today to discuss and finalize plans for the service. I'm so excited to be marrying them. The whole ZOE team will be very involved in the celebration.

My mom and I got to see KO and Marilyn Long today from Abilene. KO used to own and run Jeffory's Village Peddler where I worked for a while as a student along with friends like Jeff Berry, Kristen Cottier Brown (I KNOW YOU'RE READING!!), Brooke Lorenz Nichols, Stan "the man", and others. It was great to see them. They haven't changed a bit.

Kiki is coming over tonight to keep the kids (I can no longer say "girls"--weird!!). We're going on our first date night. I am thankful for Kiki and her willingness to help us. (back from our date--we had a great night! We ate outside at Jackson's in Hillsboro Village. What a beautiful night!)

A friend and I were talking about some of the old days at Belmont Church. It was so neat to talk about some of those days when John Elliott and Michael W. Smith used to lead worship. Don Finto was the senior pastor and they were exciting times. It made me remember how very thankful I am for John Elliott. I learned a lot about what I do today from that man. There are very few leaders anywhere who have the heart and gift combination that he has. He has made a real difference in my life. I pray that I can pass that on.

Thank you, Lord, for the men and women who have brought your grace into our lives. Thank you for the teaching that has happened in quiet moments. Thank you for the example and the love that has been given so unselfishly. Thank you for those servants of yours who have taught me more about joy and following Jesus. Thank you for all those I don't know yet who You will use to impact me and soften my heart for your purposes. I am so glad you've chosen to use broken vessels. Their brokenness and healing have taught me about you more than any sermon or book.

The group from OCU was awesome yesterday. The craziest thing--one of the singers was the nephew of my life long friend, Kyle Dickson. Caleb is traveling and singing this summer. It was so cool and such a surprise to see him. The morning was great.

We had a small life group last night because several had gone to Cookeville to see Geof ride in a bike race. Geof had a bike wreck (I think he's ok) and they ended up staying in Cookeville longer than planned. Geof, it's like riding a bike...you just...oops, maybe that's a bad analogy here.

We went out to Hickory Hollow Mall this morning. They have a great play area where the girls love to go nuts. It was fun for them. Sheryl bought some new clothes for her shrinking body.

That's all folks.

Friday after work we made a spontaneous decision to go to the "movie castle" (Maddie's term) and see Herbie Fully Loaded. It was so much fun! The girls loved it. It took me back to my first Herbie movie in Abilene sometime in the mid 70s. I have vivid memories of it. For those of you who are Abilene readers--remember the old Westgate Mall? I saw Herbie at the Westgate cinema. (I also saw the first coupla Star Wars episodes there) I remember loving Herbie! The girls loved it almost 30 years later.

On another weekend entertainment note--I am loving the "Into the West" series on TNT. I love history and have always loved stories from the old west. If you haven't watched any of it--check it out. It always kills me to think of what we did to the American Indians. That's a whole different blog.

The girls and I stayed outside most of the day playing in the water and enjoying the heat. Last night we went to Otter to meet the group, New Reign. They are a traveling group from Oklahoma Christian. They'll be singing this morning as a part of our services.

Tim is preaching this morning on Nicodemus and his journey to faith. I am excited about the service. New Reign has some great music to add, the guy I wrote about, "Gary", will be coming, and we've got a great service planned. Tonight we're having life group at our house for the first time since before baby Sam was born. Pray for us!

Here's the order of worship for this morning...

Order of Worship

Welcome—Tim Woodroof
Family Prayer- Brennan McGehee/Jeff McInturff
Intro morning and special guests—BST
--Savior (New Reign) With “Magnificent” DVD
--I Stand In Awe
--Salvation Belongs
--Shout Hallelujah
Prayer
--Open Our Eyes, Lord

Teaching—Tim Woodroof
--You Can Come (New Reign)
--Here In This Place
--All Who Are Thirsty



The Supper—Joe White
--How Could You Say No? (New Reign)
Offering

Ministry Moment—Sewing Ministry
Shepherd’s Close--Steve Adams
--You Are Holy

Thanks for the comments yesterday. I went back on the good advice of a friend and changed their names. That was a good call, man. Looks like "Gary" will be at Otter this Sunday.

After I wrote I was re-reading the chapter in Blue Like Jazz about when he and his college friends set up the "confession booth" during the hedonistic week at their school. When kids came in to laugh at them or see what the heck it was about, the Christians confessed to THEM. They confessed that they loved money too much. They confessed that they knew Jesus loved the poor and the hurting and yet it hadn't made much of a difference in the way they treated people. They confessed that they'd given Jesus a bad name by the things they chose to get upset about. And the result? Tears. Tears fell from the eyes of those who'd been hurt by religious people.

Couldn't we find a way to do that? Couldn't we find a way to fess up that we've screwed up? Of course some will go to their graves defending their "God-given, spiritual right" to judge and withdraw fellowship. Whatever. That makes me want to say a string of curse words. What the world needs to see--as in any relationship--is our vulnerability. What's more vulnerable than laying down your life for someone? That's not just a physical act--it's a life-style and a way of thinking. Are we anywhere near it?? Or, have we pacified ourselves by spewing out religious jargon and proof texts until we've convinced ourselves that we know what we're talking about? I feel pretty strongly about this whole thing. Can you tell?

One of the biggest light bulb things for me over the last couple of years (I'm ashamed to say it's taken that long) is that Jesus calls us into relationship for relationship's sake. Often we "befriend" people with the hopes of getting them in the door of our church (some don't even do this). Once they're there, we can relax cause hey--isn't going to church the same as having a relationship with Christ? Nu-uh.

Jesus calls us to the uncomfortable. He calls us to love even when--and especially when it stretches our comfort zones. Look around you. How many people are you in relationship with who aren't just like you? How have you treated that outcast person you see at work or at the gym? How have you treated the gay man or woman in your office? How have you responded to the alcoholic or drug abusing friend? How have you treated the partying, promiscuous co-worker or family member? Professional kindness? Not enough. How have you treated those who've asked you for money? What strides are we making to develop Christ-breathed relationships with those who are needy, lonely, or hurting? Often they are the very ones we run from.

I may sound belligerent here--99% of this is directed at me. I'm more and more convicted about this in my own life. I'm making strides to take care of this and love like I think Jesus would. I'm so distracted by my own selfishness. I'm often too busy or just don't care. Would you pray for me as I pray for you--that we could really be more committed to sharing the love of Christ with those who need him?

We had a great night at TGIWednesday. The dinner was awesome--and we had more people than we could fit. The time in the sanctuary began with interviewing some of the kids. I asked them what God's favorite animal was. Nathan Bridges said a giraffe. I asked him why and he thought for a minute and said, "Because it starts with a G!!". Judson Chaudoin spoke up and said he thought God's favorite animal might be an alligator. I asked him why and he said, "Because it starts with a G?" The crowd loved it. I asked them other questions like "What is God's job?" Thomas Link spoke up and said, "To take care of his children". Sweet.

The question I threatened to ask that I would love to have heard these kids comment on was "How does God go to the bathroom?" My better judgment took over and I opted for a different approach. But, come on...you know that would have been funny.

Randy Harris spoke on simplicity--but with a different take. He didn't get into details of how to live simply (which is always ironic to me when people try to give you 100 ways to live simply). He talked about the life that Jesus brings and embracing it and finding ways to take that to a hurting world. It was powerful. So many of our people needed to hear that. It's easy for people in the Bible Belt to think that everyone's a Christian and that the statistics of those losing faith or leaving the church (definitely 2 different things there) only apply to places like Los Angeles or NYC. We need to remember that it's all around us. Randy challenged us to get out of the bubble and take this message to a world of people who are hurting and who may not look anything like us--and who will most definitely make church "messy". If church ISN'T messy, something's wrong. Yeah, you can quote me, Concerned Member.

It challenges me--what about you?

(this blog has been edited by the administrator. If you'd like to see the full content, please e-mail me.)

Being the resourceful gardener I try to be, I am always looking for creative ways to water the garden while keeping the kids occupied and entertained. Here's my latest attempt.



Now, that's one sad little garden, but it looks better than it used to. Honestly, I think if I would just decide to grow GRASS and WEEDS in my garden, then I'd have much more success. Why is it that there are patches of my yard where I can't get grass to grow, and yet it seems to flourish in my garden? (That's a rhetorical question, by the way.)

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Last night we celebrated Paul's birthday at Las Palmas. It was hilarious. Ryan and Sarah Williamson (Paul's wife is Sarah's first cousin) had their two kids, Paul and Jill had their two and we had our three. It was a zoo. As we all tumbled in with our circus children the tables around us all stopped and looked with gaping mouths. We knew it was only a matter of time until we heard, "Check, please!!" from each of the them. (Until Eric and Sallie Miller came to sit at a nearby table--they enjoyed the chaos with us.) We didn't care though. Our kids were covered in hot sauce, rice, and taco. Later they added some chocolate cake to their facial. Baby Jack used Ryan's dress shirt for his napkin. Why not??

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Tonight is TGIWednesday again. Randy Harris is here and will be speaking about simplicity. I know it will be a great night. We're doing something a little more scaled back with the kids too.

Has anyone else in ministry noticed that Wednesdays are the longest day of the week?

Sweet Baby Sam! James Taylor should re-write his song.

Looks like it's good but inconclusive news for David Rubio today. The results showed no cancer but a further test might be required. While there is much to rejoice about, the doctors say it's not time to celebrate yet. Although, we'll take every bit of good news possible--even if it has to trickle in. Praise God!

------

Great day off today. The entire family went to the pool and we took Maddie's friend, Darcy. It was quite the time. I love summer. Tonight Lea Brown came for dinner and Katey Earles dropped in later. We all enjoyed sitting outside and eating the delicious chocolate pie that Betsy Piper made for us. What a blessing the food ministry has been over the last week!

Father, thank you for some good news today. Thank you for giving peace to David and Becky. Thank you for the gift of life and family. I pray that you take my heart and transform it to be more like you. I am a man in need of your transforming power every single day. Thank you for always covering my imperfections with the blood of Jesus.

"How great the love the Father has lavished on us that we may be called his sons and daughters. And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1

Happy Father's Day, everyone! I am the proud father of THREE children. WHOA! I have learned so much from my earthly father, Sam Thomas. He taught me to love--and love deep and true. He taught me to be tough and stick with things. He taught me to be a friend to people and try to leave people better than you found them. I have other "second" fathers in the faith like Ronnie Lorenz and Harold Lipford who have taught me much. I'm also thinking of Bud Arnold this morning. God be praised for so many great role models!

Maddie, Ella, and Sam--I love you more than you'll ever know. I tell you in your ear each night, "There's nothing you could ever do to make me stop loving you." I mean it. I thank God for you. You are a gift to me beyond measure.

-----
David seems to be in great spirits. They hope to know something by Monday afternoon. I think we're all feeling optimistic. I'm praying that God give them peace until then.

This morning Tim will speak about courage. Tonight we will meet for our monthly "Celebration Sunday". We'll be celebrating God as our Father. Here are the worship orders for both services.

Sunday AM
Welcome-Tim Woodroof
Family Prayer—Keith Thompson/Zac Smith
Meet and greet

Praise and Worship—BST
--Praise the Lord
--At the Name of Jesus
--He Is Exalted
Prayer
--Fill Me With Your Fire
--Light the Fire
--Lord, Reign In Me

Teaching-Tim
--Clap Your Hands
--My Hope it Built (1st verse)
--I am Mine No More (verse 1)

Communion—Chris Sanders
--I Am Mine No More (verse 2)

Ministry Moment-
Shepherd’s charge—Fletcher Srygley
--Rise Up O Church of God

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Celebration Sunday
Welcome
Intro the night--Phillip Duncan
Never Been Unloved (Igniter DVD)

Congregation stands and reads 1 John 3:1
--How Great Is Your Love
--You Are Worthy of My Praise
--A New Anointing
--Shout Hallelujah
--Salvation Belongs To our God
--This is My Father’s World

Open Mic Sharing—How has God been Father to you?

--Father and Friend
--Glorify Thy Name
Prayer—the Lord’s Prayer
--How Deep the Father’s Love
--Father of Mercies

Open Mic Sharing— expressing gratitude to God—What do you want to thank your Heavenly Father for?

--What the Lord has Done In Me
--This Is How We Overcome
--I Belong to Jesus (Chorus)

Wednesday night the band and I played and led "You Are Worthy Of My Praise" (I will worship..."). This morning Maddie was dressed in the top to her Snow White outfit and her skirt was a blue plastic grass hula skirt. She had her tambourine and was slapping it, almost on beat, and singing what she thought were the words to "You Are Worthy of My Praise". Her version, sung with great passion, went like this, "You know-- I love to worship, You know-- I love to praise. You, Lord, I love to worship. You, Lord, I love to praise." Of course she followed that up with a techno version of "I Like to Move It" and "Ice Ice, Baby". I loved it!!

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We're all praying for David today. He had his biopsy at noon. I will let you know results as soon as they are public. Thank you for your prayerful comments yesterday.

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Last night on "Hit Me Baby One More Time" (I watched it while giving Sam a bottle), Howard Jones sang. Wow--did that ever take me back. I loved some Howard Jones music in the 80s. For you Abilene folks, I can never hear him sing without thinking about Kevin Chrane. I know, random.

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I got to go to lunch today with 12 people who are being called into leadership to develop this thing that John Coates is calling "The Nashville Choir". Men like Dave Williamson and David Guthrie were there. Jason McArthur went with me. The vision is pretty cool. He's wanting to hand pick this group from professional and non-professional singers in Nashville. Part of the experience was a walk-through tour of the Schermerhorn Symphony Hall going up. It is amazing. 97 Million dollars worth of construction and special planning. It's supposed to be the best concert hall in the world when it's completed. The dream is to do a concert there with this new group. Seeing the inside was amazing. I even got to wear a hard hat. Yeah, Jason and I were stylin in our hard hats!

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In honor of Father's Day this weekend, I am going to share with you a section or two of a letter that my father wrote me the day I left to tour with Take One at ACU. I had just graduated from High School, but ACU let me represent the University since I had taken the Junior Scholars program the summer before my Senior year of HS. As a parent, it now seems amazing that my own parents released me to travel the country at 18. I'm so glad they did. My dad wrote me this letter on June 18, 1988. It's been almost 17 years to the day. I've kept it close to me for 17 years and read it often. Even seeing his familiar handwriting makes me feel close to him. I hope this doesn't seem too personal. It's just something that means a lot to me. Dads--be sure to write feelings and thoughts down for your kids. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. Miss you, Dad!

Dear Brandon,
You left today on the first leg of leaving home. You can't imagine the void I've felt all day. I thought I had prepared myself for this moment--but now I find that I'm overcome with a flood of memories. I'm exhausted from the constant flashbacks that have gone on in my head all day long. I'll make it through this adjustment time, but I'm not doing so well today. I'm surprised at my reaction, cause I've listened to many of my friends talk about their experienced with empty nest and I've always been able to encourage them with the "right" things to say--and now, today, the right words aren't there for me. For the first time I was able to understand the tears in my mother's eyes when I left home. It's a feeling you can't know until you experience it.

After you left this morning, we came home and tried to stay busy. I worked in the yard, but couldn't get in the mood to really work. I cut down the flowers under your window that had been damaged by hail--but kept thinking how much you liked the flowers and used to cut them and put them on the graves of your pets (ok--this is totally humiliating--and unfortunately, for me, true.)Then I cut off the long rose stems and thought about how you liked for me to keep those trimmed so they wouldn't scratch across your window at night.

I went around to the back yard then, and suddenly, the little mound out toward the camper flashed a memory of your sand box--do you know there is still sand under that mound? I stood looking at it and then up in the mulberry tree where I could see a few boards left from the tree house we made. Remember the night we spent trying to sleep up there?

I walked on back to the barn and inside I could see your go-cart and bicycle. In back of the barn was your old swing set and Tiger's (my horse) cart. I'm seeing all of this through misty eyes--I haven't been brave about this at all. Walking back to the house, the dogs barked and I thought again of all your pets and the weird names you gave them. "Polo" for a dog, has got to be the craziest name I have ever heard--and now, suddenly, it's beautiful.

So much for the yard! Right now I may never work in it again!! I can hardly bear to look at the gazebo without thinking about your senior party.

I came in the house then and told Mom I'd help her change the bedroom furniture around. That turned out to be and all morning-plus-effort. After several trial layouts we finally decided on one that will be a little bit different. At least the room got a good cleaning.

(here he rambles a bit about other activities through the day ending with...)
I got a haircut and came home. It's still bad around here. The apricots don't taste quite as good now, and the house is awfully quiet. It will take a while to get accustomed to it. I'm already looking forward to you being back at ACU and getting to go to the productions you'll be in. I'm very proud of you and I'm really glad you are getting to see the country this summer--it's a terrific opportunity.

I wrote all of this down so you'd know how your dad felt on the day you left. This has been a very long day and it's just 5:25pm now.

We're going with Dave and Ann to the Paramount tonight to see "Fountainhead". That'll help pass the evening away. I'll miss you in your spot at church in the morning, and at lunch when we go out to eat.

I'm not writing this to make you feel bad because this is a natural experience that all parents go through. It's just a chronicle of life and I wanted to share it with you.

God Bless you,
Love,
Dad

You may recall me mentioning David and Becky Rubio. David is a good friend and on staff with me at OC, and Becky is one of Sheryl's best friends. They are the ones Sheryl organized the "While You Were Out" thing for. A few months back, David experienced a weird virus that attacked his heart. They thought it was pleurisy. He was experiencing some pain over the weekend and went in on Monday to get it checked. The CT scan showed a large mass between his heart and lung in the pleura.

Tuesday night, David sat out on the back porch of The Ross's house. Tony, also and Otter Creeker, is his doctor (and mine too). Tony shared the difficult news with David and told him that this was not a good place to have a growth (is there any good place to have a growth??). No matter whether it is malignant or benign, it must be removed which means a very difficult surgery.

Yesterday morning, David shared this news with the staff. We were shocked and immediately prayed over him. Afterwards, he came in my office and we talked about a lot of stuff...some of which involved how to talk to his 6yr, 5yr, and 6 month old kids about this. YUCK.

Sheryl and I met David and Becky at McDonald's (thanks, Julie, for also coming for a bit. I know you're presence was so encouraging!). As our kids played we just sat and stared at each other not really knowing what to say. Basically, they are in this limbo of being worried and not even knowing the full extent of the problem. That stinks.

Last night after the speaker was through David addressed the church and told them about his condition. As he was speaking, his parents (from Memphis) came in the back door. Fred Ewing came up with the Elders to lay hands on David and Becky and pray for his healing. He called the entire church down. People crowded as close as possible while Fred took some anointing oil and anointed David's head. He said something like, "This oil represents the healing power of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit that covers you, and this church's commitment to support you through this journey." It was beautiful. I had not seen anyone do it quite like Fred. He rubbed it all over David's forehead, his neck, and even into his hair--giving the visual picture of saturation. It was so very powerful. I can't even type this without crying about it.

David has a biopsy tomorrow. Will you join me in praying for his health? Many of you know David. Pray for him this next week. He and his family moved into the dorm last night at Lipscomb because he is one of the people in charge of the Impact camp there every summer. As he tends to do, he is charging full-steam ahead. Please pray for his strength and for peace for Becky.

Last night was truly magical. The girls absolutely loved it! We discovered that the year I saw Peter Pan was Cathy Rigby's first year--31 years ago. She's been flying ever since! Maddie's eyes could not have gotten any bigger--they were like pancakes the entire night. What fun! The show was amazing too. All of you in Nashville with kids need to see this before it leaves.

On a sadder note, a close friend got some very bad test results back from a CT scan he had yesterday. After he communicates with some family and other people we'll start praying for him by name. It's just hard to think of much else today.

As I kissed my sweet girls last night and put them in bed, I rejoiced for one more day here. I rejoiced that God is allowing me to experience the beauty of life and of love. These are very precious gifts and we often take them for granted.

Tonight we have TGI Wednesday again. The band is playing, Miss Melanie is reading a story to the kids and then we have a special guest speaker who will talk about priorities.

Tonight we are going to see Peter Pan at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center with Cathy Rigby. Maddie is so excited. It's all she can think about. Not even knowing, Eve brought over some "big sister" gifts last night and Maddie's was a Tinker Bell doll. (Maddie has also decided to have a Tinker Bell birthday party next month.) She could barely contain herself and go to sleep last night. So cute. My mom bought us all tickets and we're all going--if you can even believe it. Kiki is staying home with BST (Baby Sam Thomas). He's been really easy with bottle and such.

Peter Pan was the very fist musical I saw as a kid. It was probably around 1973 in El Paso, TX. We were visiting my aunt and I still remember it to this day. It was so magical.

Michael Buble is coming in July and we have tickets to see him. You may recall that I've blogged about him several times. I really love his voice and music. Both CDs are really great!

Now, the whole diaper thing...please. Girls are so easy. With Sam there's way too much to consider. I think I had my first successful diaper change over the weekend. Before that it was everywhere. I had heard that little baby boys were like sprinklers. Obviously, they were right. This is where the pee-pee tee-pee's will come in handy--also an Eve gift.

OK--now the really big news!!! Today marks the first day that Blue Bell ice cream can be bought in Nashville area Kroger and Publix supermarkets. (Insert angels rejoicing here!)



All Texans can attest to the miraculous powers of Blue Bell ice cream. People here who have only known Purity are in for such a treat--no offense to Purity lovers. The Tennessean (Middle Tennessee's major newspaper) organized a taste test. People were blindfolded and given bites of each brand of ice cream. Some were familiar with Blue Bell and some weren't. When those who were familiar with it were given the bite of Blue Bell, they clapped their hands and screamed. I laughed at this. Lee Ann Womack, Nashville country artist, even commented that she had a house in Texas but now that Blue Bell was in TN, she might sell it. Hurry out and get some. All flavors are good, but I especially love homemade vanilla (tastes like it's right out of the ice cream freezer) and homemade vanilla with strawberries. Mmmm!

I met Sheryl and the kids at the park for lunch. She amazes me. Her brother and his family are also here to help, but just the fact that she's ready to get out and go is incredible to me. Sam was basking in the sun chasing off some of his jaundice. He is so fun to hold. I just can't believe he's really here.

Have a great day in blog land. I'll report on Peter Pan tomorrow.

PS: Looks like Peg C. and TL were the tied winners for the closest guess. Am I right?

It's been a full week. Everyone's doing well. Sam is eating better and looking cuter and cuter every day. The girls are just eating this up. Sheryl's folks left Friday morning. The girls were very sad to see them go. However, Sheryl's brother, Chuck, and his family came last night so they've had plenty of activity to keep them occupied.

I stayed home with Sam this morning while Sheryl went to church with the family. I think people were floored to see her. She looks great. it's good for her to get out and combat cabin fever. And it was great to have the morning with BST (Baby Sam Thomas).

Here are some pictures of last week. This first one is of him coming home from the hospital and then the girls mobbing him!

We're all glad to be home. We came home yesterday around lunch and had two very excited girls. They practically smothered him. I'll try and post some pictures of the return home later this week.

Baby Sam is as cute as can be. He has been sleeping a lot--except in the middle of the night when he ought to. Although we still don't think it's a case of mixing up his days and nights. I think he's just getting adjusted.

We've had some friends drop by and celebrate with us. It's so fun welcoming a child into the world. It never fails to amaze me--the gift of birth. I mean, how can anyone see something like that and not believe in God? I know it happens, but I think people have to be blind not to see God's hand in this whole thing.

Last night Ella wanted to say bedtime prayers. She said, "Deh Gah, bless Mommy, Daddy, Ella, Baby Sahhm...NOT Maddie." Then she grinned and added, "I just kidding, Gah." That girl. Then this morning she came in and laid her head on my shoulder after she woke up and said, "Oh, honey. You're my honey." Precious.

We've had a great day playing outside. My mom brought over the giant whale pool that sprays water from it's nose and we played long and hard. I bought some annuals at Wal-Mart this morning (on sale for one dollar) and planted them in the garden. I don't know where this that burst of energy came from. Afterwards I thought I was going to pass out.

It's been fun having family here. Sheryl's parents leave tomorrow. We've been blessed by their presence. We're going to enjoy one more night of card playing and eating. I'm going to win.

Thanks again for all your warm wishes and messages of love and support. We appreciate you!

Thank you so much for the warm wishes and sweet words! It was so cool to hear from some of you I haven't heard from in a while like Wendy Beth and others. Thanks for remembering us.

What a great day! Sam just looks so cute. I wish I could introduce you in person. Since I can't I thought I'd steal away and post a few pictures. I hope you are able to view these.











We go home tomorrow (Lord willing). Thank you for all your prayers and joyful messages. They have meant a lot to us!

Samuel Scott Thomas was born June 6, 2005 at 5:14pm. He is a perfect reflection of his oldest sister, Maddie! He weighs 8.11 3/4 and is 21 1/2 inches long. He has honey colored hair and is a great eater! He is already adored by his mommy and daddy and both of his big sisters, Maddie and Ella. Praise the Lord!

Sheryl pushed for about 5 minutes. It was the easiest one of all three, according to her. Thank you for your prayers. All is well. Time for rest. God is good!!!

OK--so I just discovered the computer room inside the family waiting room. It's currently 4pm. We've been here since 6:15 this morning. It's been a good day for most everyone. Sheryl's doing fine and enjoying her epidural. We're still waiting. Sam is taking his own sweet time. I am just hoping that this means he's laid back. Please, God.

Maddie and Ella were up here for a while. Maddie was not herself. We went down to the cafeteria and ate lunch. She sat in my lap the entire time and felt really warm. After a while she dozed off only to wake up and throw up. YUCK! I hate throw up!! Bless her heart. I felt so sorry for her. Kiki took her home and she's in bed sleeping. Hopefully, it was a passing thing.

Jill Young has been here most of the afternoon serving as the labor and delivery comedic relief. My mom, Sheryl's parents, and I have been laughing at her and trying not to get impatient.

Come on, SAM!! You can do it, son.

Thank you for your prayers. Please pray thta he'll come soon. More later.

OK, so maybe it wasn't the last time to blog before Sam. I had to write about the events of the afternoon. After church we went back to the summer kick-off for the youth program in the fellowship hall. It was complete with lights, music, a specila appearance by Hall and Oats (AKA: Rubio and Jordan House), and several Rubio style videos. The reason we went was because the youth interns did a While You Were Out video of last the events last week. I wanted Sheryl to be there and enjoy the fruits of her hard work. She planned the While You Were Out thing for David and Becky Rubio while they were gone on vacation. I just cannot tell you what an amazing thing it was to see the before and after. Sheryl had a crazy idea and because she loves them so much, and because everyone loves them so much, it spread like wild fire. Watching her on the video made me cry. I am so proud that I am married to someone who is that kind of a friend. Becky Rubio came over last night with the kids and wanted to hear every detail from Sheryl. I know they had fun talking about it.

This woman who manages a complete remodeling project at 38 weeks in her pregnancy, who laughs and shares, who cooks and creates; this woman who is now almost 40 weeks pregnant and still amazing beautiful--THIS is who I get to be married to. My kids will grow up knowing her as their mom. WOW! Why God blessed me like this I can never know. But I sure am grateful.

This is a letter from Rick Warren that went out to a group of faith leaders. (Also see Mike Cope's blog from this weekend). Praise God that a pastor in a large church in America is actually trying to do something. Click HERE to sign.

June 3, 2005

Dear co-worker in Christ,

I have a simple request -- but it could determine whether millions live or die.

You’ve probably read in the papers about “The ONE Campaign: To Make Poverty History” that’s been endorsed by a wide coalition of folks from all across the faith and political spectrum. Helping the hurting is something we all want to do.

I’ve never been involved in partisan politics -- and don’t intend to do so now -- but global poverty is an issue that rises far above mere politics. It is a moral issue … a compassion issue … and because Jesus commanded us to help the poor, it is an obedience issue! He told us to do all we can to alleviate the pain of our brothers and sisters: “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40, NKJV)

That’s why John Stott, Billy Graham, and many other evangelical leaders are joining me in lending our names and prayers to this campaign. I deeply believe that if we as evangelicals remain silent and do not speak up in defense of the poor, we lose our credibility and our right to witness about God’s love for the world: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” (1 John 3:17, NIV)

We are blessed to be a blessing to others, and certainly America, as the most blessed nation on our planet, has the greatest obligation to help those who are stuck in poverty around the world. Last month, I was in Kenya and Uganda, and then in Rwanda where the average income in that nation is 67 cents a day! Imagine trying to raise a family on that.

If you were hopelessly in debt, with no chance of ever getting out of debt -- or even your children getting out of debt -- you’d despair. But if someone cancelled all your debts -- as the Bible commanded Israel to often do -- you’d have the hope of a new future. The poor aren’t asking for a handout -- they just need a hand up!

This summer, at the G8 conference, our nation has a historic opportunity to lead the world by showing a visible and significant commitment to the fight against global poverty, hunger, and disease. In early July, President Bush will gather together with leaders from the world’s eight wealthiest nations in Edinburgh, Scotland, to discuss these very issues -- especially in Africa.

We all grieved when 250,000 lives were lost in the tsunami in Southeast Asia. But there is a health tsunami of that proportion in Africa every 12 days!

What can we do? For the past two years, I’ve had 4,500 of our Saddleback members quietly testing a prototype of our global P.E.A.C.E. Plan in 47 countries. It is a strategy for small groups in churches to show compassion. Once we have the template perfected, we’ll share it with every church that’s interested.

But there is something much simpler that you can do right now: Join me and other evangelical leaders in an open letter to President Bush that encourages him -- with our support and prayers -- to take specific, measurable actions to fight poverty, hunger, and disease at the G8 summit. Below is a copy of the text of this open letter we’re sending.

All I need you to do is e-mail me back at rick@peace.gs giving your name and title, and I’ll add your name to the list. Also you can visit www.one.org for more information.

If you can send a copy of your signature (preferably in a jpeg format) to add to the bottom of the letter, that would be great, but don’t let that delay your response. We'd rather hear from you now.

Thanks in advance for showing your compassion for those suffering from disease, hunger, and poverty.

May God bless your ministry,

Dr. Rick Warren
Pastor, Saddleback Church
Author, The Purpose Driven Life


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We saw Madagascar yesterday. WE LOVED IT! The kids laughed (although not as much as I did). It was a great day. We had "Thomas Family Fun in the Sun Day" aptly named by Sheryl. My mom had gotten the girls this big beach ball thing that squirts water. We had that going and played in the water and ate pizza and danced and laughed all morning. My mom and Kiki were there which made it even more fun. I think none of us know what to do with ourselves. We're just all ready to see Sam.

I won't be blogging again until I have seen the face of my son. Whoa. Hang on....need a sec to process that one. (Thank you, Lord!) We check into the hospital at 6:15 in the morning. We'd appreciate your prayers. (And, um...thanks for the suggestions. While we already knew most of those, I appreciate the reminder. I think.) Did I mention that Sheryl also took a midnight walk last night? She went downstairs and got Kiki and they went walking. I think she's ready, don't you?

Father, You have answered our prayers in bringing this baby into existence. I ask you, Lord, to continue to watch over him as he goes through some really hard stuff over the next couple of days. What a shock it must be to leave such a happy, safe environment and be thrust into the world of hunger, bright lights, loud noises, and interrupted rest. Thank you for knowing what that's like. Bless Sheryl and please keep her safe. Bless Sam and keep him safe too. Thank you, Lord!

Here's the order of worship this morning--

Welcome—Tim Woodroof
Family Prayer
Meet and greet
Praise and Worship—BST
--Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
--Praise to the Lord, The Almighty
--Holy Spirit, Rain Down
--Reading John 6:33, 35
--Break Thou the Bread of Life
Prayer
--Magnificent--BST and team

Teaching—Tim

--Reflective Meditation
--Here I Am to Worship
--O Sacred Head (vs 1&2)
Supper
--O Sacred Head (vs 3)
Offering

Birthday Sunday—Bob Enkema
Ministry Moment
Shepherd’s Close
--You Are Holy (Chorus only)

It's been a really busy day. I haven't even had a moment to blog. No baby--at least not yet. Sheryl was feeling weird tonight, but it seems to have passed.

The "While You Were Out" project seems to have reached it's completion. Talk about community...I can't wait to tell you more about it. I don't want to ruin any surprises so I'll wait until Sunday to report. It ended up involving around 30 workers and lots of contributors. We were all out there working tonight. Sheryl was helping put finishing touches on things and I was steam cleaning carpets. The girls were happy just to play on the bed and be around all those people.

I got to talk to Chris Davis today. Chris is a mutual friend of Jeff Berry. Chris is such a neat guy. We hadn't seen each other in a while so we spent some time catching up this afternoon. Chris is a producer and arranger. He has produced the Veggie Tale stuff, Cedermont Kids, and written a huge boat load of songs...one that we love to sing called "Here In This Place" (Lay your burden down...). He told me he's working on a new project called "Baby Praise". These things are selling like you wouldn't believe. Some of those early Cedermont Kids and other children's records he's worked on have just gone triple (yes, triple) platinum. We talked about getting together to try and write a some kids worship tunes. That might be a nice change of pace.

The girls always make a point of reminding me on Friday nights that "tomorrow is Saturday and you'll get to be home ALL DAY LONG!" I eat it up. There will be a day coming not too far from now when they will have their own plans and schedules and not care as much about spending the entire day with me. I am soaking in every moment I can get.

Lastly, I mentioned in an earlier blog that I am re-reading Donald Miller's BLUE LIKE JAZZ. I keep wanting to copy sections on my blog. Today I realized that I could easily end up re-printing the entire book on here. There are so many great sections. I really hope each of you has had the chance to read it. We're working on getting him to come to Otter in September to speak to our staff and then the church about being missional. Today our administrator, Doug Sanders, suggested that instead of it being just us why not combine with Fellowship Bible (the church who'll practically be in our backyard at our new location) and have him speak to the combined staff about how we can join together to be missional in that community. I am loving, LOVING, that idea. I'll let you know how that progresses.

Have a great weekend, blog family. God is good. I've told you that I've been processing lately. One thing that Donald Miller wrote that I completely identified with is when he said (paraphrased), "I don't feel like I chose faith. I more feel like it chose me. I am just drawn to believe. It's in every cell of my being." That made more sense than anything I've read, heard or thought lately. That's me.

Good night!

I have to add this today. I have been enjoying a couple of other blogs. These guys are out there really doing something. I think you'll be encouraged and challenged as you read. I've added them to my links over there----> but you can also access their blogs below.

Messy Ministry--Steve Holt

Journey--Cody Hufstedler

Last night was so much fun. We had a huge crowd for dinner and then a full house for worship. We had all the kids with us from 7-7:15. We've never really done this. It was a ZOO, but I LOVED it! I called the kids (1st grade and under) up to the front and had them help me with the first two songs. The band was jammin and we we sang "Every Move I Make", which is Maddie's favorite song right now. She calls is the "Na Na Song". Most of the kids were clapping and singing. After the second song I had them return to their families and we continued. Sheryl was singing on the team--yes she's like 11 months pregnant and still going! We didn't notice, at first, that Ella had come back on stage and was doing flips. She had her butt in the air trying to do a somersault. Barney panties in plain sight to the world. Let's just put it this way, she was extremely reluctant to leave stage.

It was an AWESOME night. Lisa Harper is delightful. I've known of her for years but have never had the honor of hearing her teach. Amazing and gifted teacher!



Her work with establishing the Renewing the Heart Conferences has been powerful for women of all ages. She taught from Malachi last night. I wish you all could have been here. (There is a CD of last night available).

My correspondence with the anonymous questioner went south in a hurry yesterday. It's complicated to explain why I even replied, but he dropped a name of a dear friend in a later email that made me look at this with completely new eyes. I answered all of his questions with honesty and vulnerability. He wrote back and said, "Generality is fine when talking about the weather, but not in matters of eternity."

It was disappointing and led me to believe that the name dropped to me was only dropped in order to gain trust and not to have a real conversation. I know most of you are saying, "DUH??!!" But, in my mind, I never want to be so jaded by those idiots over at Concerned Members that I miss an opportunity to truly minister. (By the way, I never--EVER--read that stuff. It only distracts me from my real purpose.) It appears they bested me this time. I still refuse to say I've learned my lesson. There is something to be said for wisdom and Godly caution when dealing with such people, but I just never want to us to be so closed to inquiries that we immediately dismiss them. Even though I was WRONG this time--let's just pretend for a moment that I wasn't. What if that person were truly interested and based on the sins and mistakes of others I wrote him off? I don't know. It's a complicated issue for me. All I know is dropping the name of a good friend to gain trust might be one of the oiliest, nastiest, most deceptive things I've experienced in a while. Yuck.

MOVING ON--and we are. We are moving on.

Lisa talked about God's relentless love and discipline for those He loves. It was wonderful. One of my favorite quotes of the night was, "You'll never see the back of God." In other words, God won't leave. Sometimes we labor under this false idea that if God only knew who we really are down deep, He'd leave. If He only knew how screwed up our world is, He's say, "Adios!" Well, He won't. He knows and He's chosen to stay and love. Praise God!

"How Great is the love the Father has lavished on us--that we might be called sons and daughters of God! And that is what we are!" I John 3:1

That applies to you, me, and even the writer of those e-mail messages. We are blessed to be servants of the Most High God. We are blessed to have the example of Jesus to teach us how to serve others. We are blessed to know mercy and grace. Therefore, let's put into practice what we know. We are a messy people. God's people have always been that way.

I loved the candor with which a friend at Otter Creek spoke on Sunday as he responded after the message. I think it went something like this, "When is all this going to make a difference? I'm tired of coming and pretending like my marriage hasn't had struggles. And, I'm tired of coming pretending I don't struggle with cursing. I've already wanted to say 'damn' three times in this speech alone!" It might be one of my favorite things ever said. At least it was genuine. We needed to hear it and need to learn from it.

We've got bigger fish to fry than ironing out all our theological differences. We have enough to worry about with struggling to be authentic in our journey with Jesus and serving the world around us. What a cool adventure the Lord has set before us! It's so cool to be on this journey with all of you. Have a great day!

Last night we went to my mom's house and took some dessert. The girls played and I changed Mom's air filters. While we were there we discovered the photo albums. The album of pictures when I was Maddie's age created some giggles with the girls. Here are a couple of pictures we found...



See? I've always had this hair style.



That last one looks like a head shot from "Hee-Haw". It's a wonder I wear shoes at all and have all my teeth.

After we put the girls in bed I had all this nervous energy. I compiled a list of the birth guesses. (This is what happens when you're nervously awaiting the first glimpse of your son!) Here's what we have so far. Some have already expired. Sorry!

May 29, 8.1--Phil
May 31, 10.0-Mom
June 1, 8.5--Ginger Handy
June 1, 8.9--Fajita
June 2, 9.2--Debbie
June 2, 9.8--Stephen
June 3, 8.7--Beaner
June 3, 9.7--Karen
June 4, 8.0--Jenni
June 4, 8.2--Cousin Janie
June 4, 8.12-Janet Garza
June 4, 9.6--Stephanie
June 4, 9.7--Ed Harrell
June 5, 7.14-Craig Fisher
June 5, 8.7--Andrew Battistelli
June 5, 8.11-Mark Lowenstein
June 5, 9.4--Katherine
June 5, 10.2-Deb
June 6, 8.6--Peg C
June 6, 8.6--TL
June 6, 9.2 1/2--Amy Westerman
June 6, 10.4-Rob Cox
June 6, 11.0-Clarissa
June 7, 12:03am, 8.4--Jeremy Houck (Sheryl cursed you!!)
June 7, 9.4 1/2--Zac (Screetch still hasn't reported his guess)
June 10, 8.9--Tim Castle (are you crazy??)

I'll add mine in by saying June 6, 9.8 12:15pm. I know no one else cares about this as much as I do, but it sure is fun to think about! (Sheryl has a good doc appt this morning. It could be before Monday, but I'm still guessing Monday.)

Lastly, thanks for the comments yesterday. The reality is, email communication pretty much sucks. Admit it. There's no emotion, it's hard to tell tone of voice, and it's impersonal. Perhaps their questions are coming from sincerity. I doubt it. But, it's just another good lesson in communication. If there are questions that important to ask, and if they mean anything to you, pick up the phone and have a conversation. Or, better yet, have a face to face.

I got a response this morning from them after answering their questions with more questions. Here's what they said..."We are a patient body of individuals. We reserve our endorsement for the privilege of your answers, or that of another in authority within your group."

Glad they're patient cause they probably won't be hearing from me again. Maybe Larry can take this one on! Go, Larry!

Tonight we begin our Summer Series--TGI Wednesday!



For worship, Clarissa is playing keys, Michael LuSK is acoustic, Jason Patrick is perc, and Sheryl, Amanda, Philip Henry and I will be singing. Our speaker is Lisa Harper who used to be the Women's Outreach director at Focus on the Family. She began the "Renewing the Heart" conferences that some of you may have attended. She lives here in Nashville and has the reputation of being a fantastic speaker and teacher. I know we'll be blessed by hearing from her. If you're near Nashville, come join us! Dinner at 6pm and then we begin worship at 7pm.

Today I'd like to print an email I got and ask you for your impressions, feedback, etc. You know, sometimes I feel like I am standing in the middle of this shouting match--the world on one side asking to be heard and zealous religious legalists on the other side (from all points of view) screaming that their way is the only way. Frankly, I'm exhausted from it. I'm exhausted from those who say if you don't believe in just the right way, you're condemned forever and I'm exhausted from those who say if you DO believe, you're not quite as enlightened or intelligent. One of my favorite quotes from the Emergent Conference was from a really funny woman who was talking about a need for balance. She said, "About the only thing I know of balance is swinging through it from one extreme to the other!" It was meant to be funny--and it was. I'm guilty too.

Here's the email. I'll let it speak for itself. And--honestly, I get stuff like this a lot. Perhaps I am reading too much into it--but all you have to do is read the wording carefully and you'll understand their position. What would your response be?

We are in search of answers to identify your groups beliefs, so can you please answer the following questions:

1) How does your group define the steps necessary for eternal salvation?

1) Must one read the New Testament in order to be saved? Or can it be revealed directly from the Spirit without the necessity of the printed word?

2) Must one believe all biblical scripture as divinely inspired? Can there be other authoritative documents, besides the "Bible"?

3) Who must one believe in as crucial for salvation? The God Father? The Holy Spirit? Jesus? Mary?

4) Must one repent of "all" sin in order to be saved or can "Grace" save without "complete" repentance?

5) Is any type of confession necessary for salvation, such as: confessing "Jesus as the Son of God", or can one confess "Mary"; the "Holy Spirit" or "God the Father"? Or any mix thereof?

6) Is baptism essential for salvation? If so, what type, "spirit baptism", "water sprinkling", "immersion baptism"?

7) Is there a specific order of events for salvation?

8) What type of worship do you endorse? Accapella singing, instrumental worship, speaking in tongues? etc?

9) Can one believe in any form of "Christian" movement / denomination / body and be "saved", such as Catholicism, Seventh Day Adventist, Southern Baptist, Methodist, etc?

As a group we are looking for the answers in order to determine if we will endorse (and or embrace) the use of "ZOE Worship", conferences, etc., within the body we represent. So as to determine unbiased answers, we at this point have elected to remain anonymous to you. We seek your response without any preconceived notions as to how you may view our group by name. If you are not qualified to answer these questions (for the ZOE group, conference, worship, etc), then please forward the email to the appropriate individual.

We Thank You for your consideration in this matter.

Memorial Day by the pool...what could be better? Perhaps Memorial Day in the hospital? Nah. We enjoyed this beautiful day with Lea Brown, Trina, Kim Ewing, Kiki, my mom and the girls. The water was absolutely freezing, but we didn't care.

So far, no baby. No contractions. Nothing. Big, fat, nothing. (that was a descriptive adjective describing "nothing" not Sheryl.)

Speaking of Sheryl...she is out of control. She began a "While You Were Out" type project on a friend's house this weekend. She's redesigning and remodeling their kitchen--with the help of many others from church. I am telling you, not only is Sheryl a great friend to have, but the girl has energy running out her ears. Could this be a sign that the end is near??

For lunch today we had grilled burgers, hotdogs, chips, baked beans, and my mom's homemade banana pudding. Praise the Lord!

Do you ever have those weeks or days where you find yourself in a place of processing? That's where I currently am. I am processing a lot of things--spiritual, personal, physical. I know motivation will come but, presently, it's elusive. One thing I do know--I need to get off my rear and do some cardio tomorrow. Please continue to pray for Sheryl and baby Sam. If not before, he'll be here one week from today!!

Thank you, Julie, wife of Tim, for your hilarious comment yesterday. And...Joel, the only thing funnier than your comment is that Jake really is "son of Corky". His father's name is Corky French and he used to be a minister at Otter Creek. HAAAAA! I had myself a good ol laugh about that one too.

The wedding was absolutely beautiful last night. The actual ceremony took place in a church building that was erected in 1859. It's such a cool old place. The reception was where the real party was, however. I only wish I had taken secret photos. What a great night. One of the highlights to me was watching Jim and Ginger McAlister completely tear up the dance floor. Though in their sixties (or maybe seventies?) they can swing dance better than most couples my age. What a great night!

OK--the first guess on birth comes this morning (Phil's--with water breaking at 10am). Guess we'll see if he's right!

Here's the line up this morning...

Call to Worship—Igniter Video (I Believe)
Welcome—Tim Woodroof
Family prayer—Steve Speake/ Mark Baird
Meet and greet
Praise and Worship—BST

--You Are Worthy of My Praise
--Lord Most High
--Because We Believe
--Shout to the Lord (verse and 2xchorus)
--Fairest Lord Jesus
--Christ Above Me

Teaching—Tim Woodroof

--Spirit of the Living God (1x)
--Open Our Eyes Lord
--Holy Spirit Breathe on Me (1x and tag)

Supper/offering—Galen Foster

Ministry Moment—Scott Owings (Summer Line up 2005)
Elder’s Close—Terry Frisby
--Lord Most High (chorus)

This masterpiece is by Carrie Cowart. I like to call it "Prison Stripes meets Six Flags meets Sunday Morning Worship". Carrie drew this during worship on Sunday. Thanks, Carrie!

Speaking of the Cowarts...Christine is marrying Jacob French (son of Corky) tomorrow night. Congratulations, guys! We're looking forward to the wedding.

The guesses are coming in good and strong. My favorite is Phil Wilson's. He guessed even the time of water breaking. Hmmmm. That's about as far as I want to go with that.

Happy Holiday, everyone!

Keep those birth date guesses coming! It's anyone's ballgame.

American Idol (or "A Miracle Idol" as Maddie and Ella call it) ended last night with a bang. I still say Vonzell. It was a total toss-up. Did anyone see the ad for the show coming on this summer by the same producers called "So You Say You Can Dance" or something like that? I want Craig Fisher to be on that.

The main reason for posting today is to point you to the Larry James/Central Dallas Ministries link over there----->. Larry James is a personal hero of mine. I know Cope feels the same way. He is speaking truth into our churches, small groups, fellowships, and immediate families about social justice and the need for Christians to get off their rears and serve our neighbors. If you haven't already, you should add him to your daily blog read. In fact, I'd echo Cope in saying if you can only read one blog a day, forget mine and make his your home page. Powerful stuff!

Sheryl's doing well. She looks like a fake pregnant person. Her body is the same except for this HUGE protruding growth right in front. She's definitely carrying Sam differently than she carried the girls. And I always thought that was a wives tale.

Happy late anniversary to Stephen and Stephanie Bailey. I think they have finally surpassed the amount of year living together that Stephen and I shared. They are a great witness to the power of faithful marriage and service to each other. 9 years, guys--what a blessing!

Didn't mean to make anyone nervous by posting late in the day. Sheryl is still her pregnant self. She is feeling tired, but thankful for every day the baby can "cook" so as to be completely healthy. Thank you for your prayers. (Hopefully not 27 lbs of baked Sam)

The guesses on day and weight are clipping right along! Keep 'em coming. It will be fun to see who is the closest. Don't email them to me because the chances of them getting lost in that abyss are too great. Post them on here in the comment section so we can all go back and find out who was closest.

Have you thought much about dreams? My co-worker, Scott Owings, is going through the "Spiritual Director" training this year. He's our minister of outreach and spiritual formation. It's been fascinating to hear some of what he's learning. For those of you who think I'm talking voo-doo and magic, it's basically just helping ministers do what ministers need to do--but better. It's training in being quiet and processing what the other person is saying. It's training in discernment and listening for God's voice. It's training in asking questions to help the other person process. It's really a wonderful thing. It was cool to see that the Emergent Conference had Spiritual Directors available this year (I think they have had them in years past too.) Scott and some of his other SD's were at the ZOE conference and were available for prayer and counsel at different points. We got great feedback on that.

I want to tell you about two dreams. The first is Maddie's. We haven't been mentioning Jonathan Shaub as regularly to them as we had in weeks past. Monday Maddie told me that she'd had a dream about Jonathan. I asked her which one (Vest or Shaub) and she said, "The boy who got hit by a truck". I asked her what he was doing in her dream and she said, "He was walking, driving a car, running, and playing!" I thought that was pretty cool! I pray that he'll be doing those things soon.

Last week I had a cool dream. It's sort of hard to explain because it was so surreal that putting it into words somehow looses the impact. It was simple and basic, but when I tell you about processing it with Scott you'll see how I was reminded of God's goodness. In my dream I was over a huge lake. It was as if I was either standing or sitting right on top of the water in the middle. The water was as smooth as glass all the way to shore and I was leading the song, "It is Well With My Soul" (When Peace Like A River). There were hundreds of voices singing along, although there were no people to be seen. I just remember feeling engulfed in the music and looking all around me feeling this peace and serenity. I woke up and felt so full. I didn't feel the need to process it or think much about it. I mentioned it to Sheryl and that was it. It just made me so happy and was so encouraging.

Today I finally mentioned it to Scott. He began to ask me questions like, "What does a lake represent to you? Were you on top of the water? What were you feeling? What does the song represent to you?" These were interesting questions. I told him that the lake is a place of fun and peace to me. I was definitely on top of the water and it almost as if I were sitting Indian style or something--weird. I was feeling completely full of God's love and peace. The song doesn't really represent anything to me--well at least I didn't think. I've always loved the story behind the song. Scott asked me why and I told him because it was as if the guy made a choice between faith and despair. Scott then reminded me that last summer I had shared another dream with him (and now I remember that I shared it with the worship leaders, while sobbing and talking about my year, during the ZOE leadership conference). In that dream I was sinking and all these people were around me just watching me and talking to me as if nothing were going on--oblivious. I had completely forgotten that dream. He said that to him it was significant that this time I was sitting on top of the water and that the water was a smooth as glass. WOW! I hadn't even thought about that. SO COOL! He reminded me of the Psalm that says something like, "Even in the night God's Word instructs me." It was a great conversation.

And now for something completely different...

Tonight is the American Idol Finale. Glory Hallelujah. Last night Bo and Carrie went head to head. To me, it's a complete toss-up. Who's gonna win??

One last thing to add to this already long entry. (Keith Brooks--hush.) Here's the schedule we're getting ready to release for our Summer program on Wednesday nights. The worship time will be different each week--sometimes the band, sometimes no band, sometimes drama, sometimes youth or kid led. If you're in town, come join us for dinner first and then family time at 7pm. The topics and speakers are as follows:

June 1 -- Lisa Harper -- "The Greatest Thing in the World"
June 8 -- Karyn Henley -- "Raising Children in a Post-Christian World"
June 15 -- Kent Vaughn -- "What Time is it?"
June 22 -- Randy Harris -- "Living Simply in a Complicated World
June 29 -- Rubel Shelly – “The ‘D’ Word: Talking about Death before it’s too late”

July 6 – Jim Williams – “Parenting on Point”
July 13 -- Matt Duncan -- "Can anything good come out of Hollywood?"
June 20 -- Phil Ware -- "Wonders and Worries of the WWW"
July 27 -- Don Finto -- "Who is my Neighbor?"

August 3 – Leslie Collins – “Anger Management”
August 10 -- Chris Peck – “A Wounded Healer"
August 17 -- John Mark Hicks – “Finding God in the Pit”
August 24 – Phil Keagy Concert
August 31 – Michael Card – “A Cord of 3 Strands”

The doctor appointment went well yesterday. Sheryl is really not as far along as he would like. Apparently, white boy babies struggle with lung development and he's afraid that if Sam comes too early, he might not be as developed as he needs to be. SO--it's a wait and see game. If Sam does not come by June 6th, then we will check into the hospital that morning. It's hard to imagine Sheryl going another two weeks, but we're both really ok with this. We want him to be fully ready and not have to leave him in the NICU. Please pray for Sheryl over the next two weeks.

Attention! For all of you who plan to have kids one day one of the best pieces of advice I have to offer is to polish up on your spelling expertise. It cracks me up how many words, and sometimes now sentences, we end up s-p-e-l-l-i-n-g.

"Should we go to the p-a-r-k today?"

"What day is that p-a-r-t-y happening?"

Now, a word to the wise--some spelling can be tricky. For instance, one has to get creative when spelling things like z-o-o or p-o-o-l. Our kids, 2 and 3, get those right away. Do any of you have stories or thoughts related to spelling or code words in front of kids?

Ella and Maddie are truly my children, for they love to say the word, "poop". Please, Lord, help me. Sheryl finally put her foot down and said that "poop" is a word that can only be used in the bathroom and is definitely not appropriate for the dinner table. (Maddie and Ella would sometimes just look at each other during dinner and say, "poop!!" and then die laughing.)

For the most part, they are complying. However, they've now discovered ways around it. For instance--last night in the van on the way home they began to say "poop!" and we reminded them that it wasn't appropriate. It was like there was a period of processing for about 30 seconds and then Maddie exclaimed,"Well, I actually (yes, "actually") have to go poo-poo, so that means I can say it. I have to go poop!"
I mean, how can you argue with that? Oh my.

One more sort of random thought today. Back to my post on Sunday about people struggling with their faith and spiritual life in general...it strikes me as interesting that many people who read and deeply soak in the writings of McLaren end up at this crisis of faith. It makes sense to me. I LOVE his books and they've caused me to have to think and process my faith. Honestly, it's something we should have to go through. However, for some, it's been this paralysis that seems to take over--not sure what they believe about church, not sure what they believe about Jesus, not sure what they believe about anything. Again, in my opinion, that's probably extremely healthy. I just wonder about those who seem to camp there without moving through it. The reason I wonder is because if we are to know people by fruit, what does skepticism , bitterness, confusion, anger, apathy, etc say about us? (I'm talking about people who stay in those emotions for years--not "visit") Those are all emotions I've dealt with at different times on this journey and still do, depending on the day. When I look at Brian (McLaren), I see a man who has the ability to ask questions and grow in his understanding without abandoning the joy of the Lord. The man is bubbling with the fruits of the Spirit. Why do so many people reading his writing not reflect that same fruit? I wonder if it's just that McLaren is way down the road in this discussion. I wonder if it's his spiritual maturity. I wonder if it's his connection with a local church, and all it's messiness that helps him balance things. I wonder, since he interprets scripture as a narrative, if he also is able to view his life and faith journey in that way--allowing for the times of serious questioning and doubt while still holding on to the anchors of faith. Just things I am thinking about today.

I am grateful for the freedom to explore what being a part of the Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ really looks like. Certainly, there are less walls than we imagine. Certainly, it's more about heart and less about form. Certainly, God wants us to care for the poor and struggling much, much more than we do. I can't wait to see how these things take shape. The Kingdom of God is much bigger and probably spreads in spite of (IMHO) what we do on Sundays. It's the hands and feet of those out in the work place. It's the lunch discussions that happen every day. It's the water cooler and coffee break encouragement that happens in office buildings around the world. It's people like David and Sarah Wilson giving up a high paying lawyer's job to live in Kenya and work with street kids for 6 months. It's people like Sheryl's cousin Kim going back to teaching in order to make a difference in the lives of kids. It's striking up conversation with other parents at the park and showing you care. It's caring for your neighbors and asking them into your house. It's how you treat your employees. There are so many things that seem to be Kingdom related that often go ignored. We think that if we could only get them into our church building on Sunday then, praise God, they'll be saved. I'd say that it's much more about what happens outside of that time that has a lasting impact in the lives of those around us. For those of you in the secular world, my heart, respect and prayers go out to you. You are making a difference. Praise GOD for you! Here's a part of a liturgy we did Sunday morning. It's my prayer for all of us today as we are light to a very dark world.

"O Savior of the world, who redeems us by your blood, we believe in you.
Shine your holy light upon our hearts, forgive us for our sins and loosen our tongues to speak of your glory."

PS: I liked Stephanie's idea--any guesses on day, time, weight, etc? Now that tomorrow's induction is off this could get really interesting. Let's see--the winner gets a free ZOE CD mailed to you by me.

It was a great day at the Creek. We were in John 5 where Jesus makes some extremely bold claims about himself--claims that many people have a hard time swallowing. Searching, asking questions, and digging deeper into spiritual matters is a great thing. I think even having to wrestle with the question, "Is Jesus really who he says he is?" is a great thing to struggle through. It helps us land on our own spiritual feet. It helps us own our belief. It allows us to move on to something better and more exciting. However, it seems that that question seems to be a stumbling block for people. Some people I love deeply are struggling through those issues even now. I guess faith is like life--fragile, ever changing, and full of highs and lows. But that's why it's called faith--isn't it? Being certain of things unseen? There isn't much call for faith in general these days. Usually we see and get what we want. The whole idea of being certain of things unseen seems almost ridiculous. Maybe that's a consequence of our culture. I just know that when I think about that definition of faith it makes me realize how timeless that truth really is.

Tonight we had life group--small. Though small, it was really awesome. I love those times when the sharing is intimate and more personal. I'm thankful for what God is doing in our group.

Maddie has been the major song writer this week. At every available moment she is making up songs about her day, clothing, books, or pictures. Tonight she was reading "Miss Fannie's Hats" or something like that. In the book there was a picture of a church building. I caught her sitting on her bed with that page opened. She had her eyes close and her hand in the air and she was singing these words, (don't judge her theology)

"You live in the church, that's where we praise you
the mommies and daddies sing praises to you
We love you."

Now, I'm not about to stop her song to tell her that God lives in our hearts not the church building! It was so sweet, it made me want to cry. She was really into it too. She had her eyes closed and was really emphasizing the words. I told her today that some people write songs for their job. She said maybe she would do that too.

Sheryl goes to the doctor in the morning and we should know more about the trajectory from there. Overall, she's looking great and feeling great. Thanks for your prayers. We attribute her good health and comfort to the many prayers on her (our) behalf. Thank you!