WHEW!!!! We're home! No--I didn't have access to a computer while we were there. I barely had access to my brain.

Our trip began in complete chaos. We got to the airport at 5am last Saturday and it was mass hysteria. Snow, ice, flights delayed and automatically re-booked with kids on different flights, etc. Somehow, by an act of God, we all made it on the 6:10 flight. After hours sitting on runways in Nashville and Dallas while de-icing, we made it to Abilene around 4pm or so. UGH!

Sing Song was incredible--one of the best Sing Song shows I've seen in a long time. But it will forever go down as a night of scandal. Let's just put it this way--the judges results got screwed up and wrong results were announced. But--they came back and righted it and all's well that ends well. They had the ex Sing Song hosts come on stage at the end since it was the 50th year. After the show some of us got together for photo ops. Pictured left to right are: Cindy Mullican, John Scott Davis, Sharon Hickey, Denalyn Lucado (Max's wife), BST and Martha Kate Stallings Gunn. MK and I were hosts together. Her dad is Gene Stallings, former coach of the Alabama football team.

The week was great. We had such a great time with the Lorenzes and got to see Brooke and Brady more than we have in recent visits. (Brooke is pictured here. She's been a little sister to me our entire lives.)It was so fun singing with old friends like Kellie Curtis Miller, Stephen Bailey and John Scott Davis. Craig Fisher even drove in for a night and we got to hang out and share some deep stuff.

It is always crazy traveling with kids, but everyone did a great job. I wish I could have seen more old friends and done more "Abilene" activities, but overall it was a wonderful trip.

I got to see Russell Heil. It was so great to get to hug him and look him in the eye. Oh my goodness, those girls are beautiful! We're still praying for them and will continue for a long time.

Here's a pic of the Zoe's! We had a great time together!

Now, back in my office, glad to be home in Nashville and ready to tackle some new things. I think I needed to get away for a few days and clear my head. Stephen and Craig were a tremendous help in that too. (Missed you, Chris!) I'll be more on schedule with blogging now.

We leave in the morning...4:30am...for the airport. Brutal! Whew! We're heading to Abilene. Tomorrow night I'll be judging Sing Song and will hopefully get to see some old friends. Then the ZOE festivities begin Sunday morning when we lead worship at Highland. Sunday night the ACU Lectures begin and we'll be leading each night through Wednesday.

I might not be able to blog much next week. Pray for us as we go out there. We're looking forward to it!

One thing I hate to miss...Sunday morning the entire Shaub family will be leading the communion thoughts. It's the one year anniversary of Jonathan's accident. David, Sharon, Nicole, Jonathan and Megan will be sharing. I hate to miss that!!

Have a great weekend, everyone! Stay warm!

Last night at Vespers (our Wednesday evening service) the theme was The Journey. Our rehearsal ended early and I was able to go, unexpectedly. I sat in the back with T.J. and Holly and Lauren Gingles. I could not believe the amount of emotion the service brought out in me. I always love the dim lighting, the soft music, the ancient prayers and writings of people like Thomas Merton. I loved the stations--one was a reflection on the journey up to now and an exercise in thanksgiving. At another you were to look ahead 10-20 years and pick one fruit of the Spirit you wanted to be most evident in your life. And the other was a table that was a literal feast of fruits, nuts, and other delicious things representing the table that God spreads before us along the journey. After the station time, T.J. played guitar and led some old hymns. I couldn't move. I sat still while tears flowed. He's one of my all time favorite singers/worship leaders, but the presence of God in that room was so heavy.

I am struggling mightily. My tendency is to micro-manage what others think about me and always position myself in a positive light. (isn't that called pride?) I have just decided to let it be what it is. Times of struggle are exactly that.

Last night we were led in prayer. It was a prayer written by Thomas Merton. It hit me squarely between the eyes. I hope it blesses you today.

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain
where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. BUT, I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone.

We were driving down the street the other day and Maddie exclaimed from the back seat, "Daddy, when you and Mommy got married I was already in Mommy's tummy!" Uh, no! I wonder who else she's said that to. Just for the record--marriage 1998, Maddie 2001. That would be one LONG gestation period.

This morning I was talking on the phone to someone very dear to me and went into auto-pilot. I looked up and I was turning in the parking lot of the OLD Otter Creek building. Nice.

We went out for steaks last night with Ryan and Sarah Williamson. Old friendships are so sweet. The steak wasn't my favorite, but the company sure was good!

I am working on plans for Abilene next week. I'm excited to see old friends and be home for a few days. Since JV can't come, John Scott Davis is singing bass with us. John Scott (affectionately known as John Scott Fred) and I sang in a group together in college. I first met him doing Summerstage in 1987. I was a "Junior Scholar" and taking college courses before my senior year in high school. So, I got to be in a show--something I'd long dreamed about after watching it every summer. John Scott was like a big brother to me. He adopted me and later that year when he was a Sing Song host I got to stand back stage and help. For a senior in high school this was BIG STUFF.

It's funny to think back on those days. There were so many friendships forged that have lasted all this time. I'm excited about him singing with us. AND--Since Jason has to leave on Tuesday, my partner in crime, Stephen Bailey, is coming to sing in his place. Stephen, John Scott, and I were all in that traveling group together (and of course, Stephen was also my long time roommate and still my best bud). We had a blast! I remember one night that summer of traveling(1989)--we sang at a camp and then got back in the van to leave. A girl had given us a "love note". In it she described why she thought we were cool. She called me the "funniest", John Scott the "cutest", and Stephen the "longest". HA! Well, I'm pretty sure she meant to say tallest...but you can imagine the mileage we got out of that one. Well, at least if I can't be tall or cute...I can be funny.

Our team for Abilene looks like this:
Sheryl
Melissa Kirby
Amanda (McKinney) Vickers--we're so excited that Amanda's coming!!
Lindsey Morgan (Pepperdine student who sang with us in Fresno and also dates our boy, Pete!)
Jason McArthur/ Stephen Bailey
David England
Peter Wilson
John Scott Davis

It'll be fun! If any of you out there reading can come--please come to our late night on Monday!

Yesterday morning was so amazing. I could NOT believe how many people were there. It was the weirdest thing to combine all the people from different services--all sitting together. We actually ran out of room. That place was PACKED!

Thanks for your prayers. Please continue them. This week will be full with preparations for Abilene. The entire family flies with ZOE this Saturday and we'll be leading worship at the ACU lectures and at Highland Sunday morning.

Have a great week!

Do you ever have days, weeks...where you want to just disappear? I can always tell when I'm overloaded. I want to quit everything. Everything. I know that's not my most rational side talking--but on those days it's how I honestly feel.

I haven't seen my family much this week. I don't feel a whole lot like leading worship. Just in sort of a funk today. It will pass, I'm sure. I just want you guys to know out there there ministers have these types of days too.

Thanks for your prayers!

Let me just first state---for the record---I miss Doug Sanders. It's lonesome having this big office to myself. Wait...music's playing, I'm getting things done, I can concentrate without constant attacks of ADD...maybe this IS good.

Question...any of you out there have kids with summer birthdays? What did you do with them regarding Kindergarten?

Did you see on the news the latest Baptist church who went to picket and spew hatred on gay people? When I see things like that it makes me want to puke. Yeah--let's see, Jesus did show up with a picket sign to the stoning of the woman caught in adultery. Didn't he? Oh--and then there were the times when he went to the houses of tax collectors and picketed them and yelled hateful statements at them. Oh--and we can't forget the time he found the man so possessed by demons that his NAME was Legion. I'm sure he had a picket sign for that too. Wait...am I wrong?

This morning I arrived at my NEW office. It was SO weird. It was so quiet. Doug wasn't already meeting with someone in our office...in fact, I'm not even sharing an office anymore. I'm back to having my own office again. It was quiet. Sometimes too quiet. So...Michael Buble helped ease the quiet. Then the chaos began.

Staff meeting was like a bunch of deer looking into the headlights of 1000 oncoming cars. We were sitting in a conference room around tables and the first feeling I had was one of sheer excitement. I literally wanted to jump up on the tables and just run around the room. I cannot believe this has happened to us! Hallelujah! Then Doug brought us back to reality.

There are so many things that are changing---ministry will be completely different in this new place. And...that's not a bad thing. We have this amazing opportunity to press the re-start button. We are all being challenged with what that means for each of us.

This afternoon it seemed as soon as I hung up with one person, someone else was coming in my office trying to teach me how to use the new phone system or needing to talk about something. The busyness of the day wasn't really all that bad. It helped us feel like we were all still together. And...now I'm getting lots of exercise walking to the ends of the earth to find the other ministers in their temporary offices. Mine is in the "green room" behind the stage where we will also have rehearsals. It's a nice, coveted spot. Meanwhile, Tim got the lovely lilac room behind the sound booth. Eat your heart out, baby.

Sunday we have one...count 'em...ONE service. I can't even tell you how exciting that is. We're going to be in limbo for a few weeks meeting in the family life center until we can move into the sanctuary. (There's some construction)

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I didn't get to say this last week because I think I was in total denial but the Cox Family has left us. They've gone to Alabama. Clarissa will still arrange for us and she and Rob and their kids will always be a part of our family, but it stinks that it will have to be from a distance. We miss you guys! God bless you in your new home!

Not much time to blog this morning--just a quick note to say that yesterday was such a special day. So many old friends back, so many great memories made. It was a wonderful day. Thank you to Phil, Tim, ZOE, all the readers and everyone who helped make the day a success.

Today is a day of rest!!

A couple of things to mention tonight...

First, I didn't get to blog about my exciting lunch with my friend in the publishing business, Stuart. His company publishes Len Sweet. He took me to lunch, encouraged me in my writing, and even brought me a jar of Le Madeline's tomato basil soup--a true friend. We're trying to be creative about a writing project. He's a great encourager. Thank you, Stu!!

Second, we got to take the girls and Sam to see the Dora the Explorer stage show at TPAC this afternoon thanks to Geof and Amanda Vickers. It was so much fun! Dora looked EXACTLY like Shelli Meador--it was weird. The show was great and all the kids in the audience were very involved. Thank you, Geof and Amanda!!

Thirdly, the move this morning went so well. We had hundreds of people show up to help and we were completely moved out of the Granny White property by noon. Amazing. It was so weird to see that place so empty. The only things left were equipment, etc to get us through the service tomorrow morning. It was fun to see all the hustle-bustle at the new building and really live in that space for a day.

And, finally, Paul, Jill, Mack, and Champ Young are here visiting. They came in for the final day at the old building tomorrow. They are dear, dear friends who LEFT US and moved to Atlanta last fall. But I'm not bitter. No way. But seriously, it's been like putting on that favorite bath robe---being with them is so comfortable and wonderful. It makes me realize even more how much I miss them. They are staying with us tonight and we had so much fun staying up laughing.

Tomorrow's the big day. I'm excited and a bit nervous. I know it will be an important day and I don't want to forget anything!

Oh my goodness. What a week! I have had Fresno revisited...with a vengeance. Some stomach flu hit me hard this week and I've been down. I haven't been that sick in years. Of course it would have to be THIS week.

I am writing from the balcony of the old Otter Creek building. Since our offices moved yesterday and the server isn't up yet, the only way I can prepare things for Sunday is from up here at the old building. It's sort of surreal sitting up here. All the hymnals and Bibles are packed so the pews are very empty looking. There's no more hustle-bustle in the halls. Everyone's over at 409 Franklin Road setting up their temporary offices (the office wing is under construction). It's quiet. Quiet enough to think and remember.

I remember a night in 1998 when I tricked Sheryl into coming to the building to help me "set up for Sunday". She walked in and there were candles everywhere. We got engaged that night. (we also drank wine in the sanctuary--and it WASN'T grape juice!)

I remember a day later that year in August when friends and family gathered and we were married here. I remember almost word for word what Mike Cope said that day. I remember Stephen holding me up at one point. I remember Kirk Nofsinger and Jeff Berry singing so beautifully. I remember John Catchings playing the cello with such grace. And then I remember Sheryl walking down that aisle. Beautiful!

I remember the first day each of our 3 kids came to worship here. Precious memories--all of them.

Now I'm sitting typing in scriptures for the last Otter Creek service at this building. It's a sobering thought. We really ARE but a blade of grass--here today and gone tomorrow. The sovereign Lord is from everlasting to everlasting.

Sunday will no doubt be an emotional day. Thanks for your prayers. I hope it will be both a day of remembering AND celebration.

Crazy times abound at the Creek. Boxes line the halls, pictures are down, bulletin boards are empty, and there's a bustling that suggests that time is short. We move the offices Thursday. We have our final service here Sunday morning. It's going to be an emotional day. Here's what we have planned...

I'm sort of setting the stage with the song "If These Walls Could Speak" (you rock, Alice Griffith!). Then we're going to travel back in time without the praise team and sing songs that our Otter Creek ancestors would have sung through the years...slowly moving forward in time with the aide of scripture readers. (The first pairing is John Rucker age 92-whose father was one of the first elders here- and his son, Ed, who is a current elder.) Each reading time will be a pairing of generational groups making our way down to Gunner Martin, age 7, who will read to Sydney (4), Jack (2) and unborn baby Williamson. It will be a special time.

The DVD's that Randy Brewer has produced for us over the last few weeks have been nothing short of award-winning. They've been emotional, funny, and have captured the true spirit of Otter Creek. We'll have one final DVD this Sunday.

Here's our order of worship:

Welcome and intro
Family Prayer—Phil Wilson
--Let Your Glory Fall in This Room (Chorus only)
--When We All Get to Heaven (vs1)
Meet and Greet
--Praise the Lord

“If These Walls Could Speak” (powerpoint slide show of pictures through the years)

Recognition of different OC groups (praise team sits)

DVD

Reading—John Rucker and Ed Rucker (Deut. 6:4-6 and 7-9)
--Rock of Ages (vs1)
--Have You Been to Jesus (vs 1 and chorus)
Reading—Clark Buchi and Jim Butler (Psalm 103:8, 11-14 and Psalm 103:15-19)
--There’s Power In The Blood (vs1)
--No Tears In Heaven (vs1)
--When Peace Like a River (all)
Reading—Brian Leeper and Jamon Martin (Ps.145:3-4, 5-7, 8-9, 10)
--O Lord Our Lord
--He Leadeth Me (vs1)
--Blest Be the Tie (vs1-2)

Supper—Tim Woodroof (The importance of table fellowship)
--O Sacred Head
Offering
--I Come to the Garden Alone (vs 1-2)

Reading—Brandon Young and Matt Hudson “Shapiro”(Ps.89:1-2, and 5-7)
Praise team comes up
--A New Anointing
Reading—Eric and Logan Innis and Craig and Meredith Harwell (Ps 96:1-2, 3-5 and 6-7, 8-9)
--These Are the Days of Elijah
Reading—Gunner Martin to Jack, Sydney, and unborn baby Williamson (Psalm 22: 27-28, 30-31)
--Great Is Thy Faithfulness (vs1)
--He’s Always Been Faithful
--Had It Not Been the Lord (chorus)

Birthday Sunday—Bob Enkema

--We’re Marching to Zion (vs1)
Closing Prayer—Fletcher Srygley
--The Lord Bless You And Keep You

Forgive me--for this might be a long one.

I wanted to post the text from a brochure I did for Otter Creek. We're handing it out today. We're beginning our final week in this home. Today we have services, classes and a huge pot luck afterwards (where we'll put everyone, I have no clue). Next week we are basically moved out but will meet in the sanctuary one last time--adults, kids, babies and all. Thank you for your prayers this week as we move. It's going to be crazy, but fun!!

Recently, Carolyn Maddux handed me a flier entitled “Otter Creek News” dated January 1975. In it were lovely pictures of the youth directors, Steve and Jeanine Adams (Steve now serves as an elder here and Jeanine leads our women’s ministry), Clarence and Jane Shaub, John and Ruth Rucker, Buddy Arnold (the worship leader) and all the elders serving at that time. There were headlines throughout the brochure with titles like “Otter Creek Youth: On The Go For Christ”, “Do the Huge Crowds Make You Wonder?”, and “Your Invitation (to become a part of the OC family).”

One article states, “At Otter Creek you will find friendship, worship, study, challenge, excitement, and opportunity.” I was struck at the similarities between 1975 and 2006. Otter Creek is still that kind of place today.

John Rucker wrote a nice article about the history of Otter Creek that was also included in this newsletter. I want to borrow from pieces of his writing in order to capture this moment in time. It’s important for all of us to know our heritage—whether you’ve been at OC for 60 years or only 3 months.

The first worship service of the Otter Creek Congregation was held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Campbell on Otter Creek Road in 1929. There were 28 present, mostly children. Snow was on the ground and many of the children had to walk all or most of the way to the service. Leonard Johnson preached his first sermon for that first Sunday service. Most of the children had never been to Church or Sunday school before, for there was no other Church in the community.

During the summer months of 1930, Hall L. Calhoun held a meeting under a tent located about a stone’s throw from the present building (erected in 1949). There were 42 people added to the church during this meeting. After the meeting, services were held in the Campbell’s front yard and continued at their home for the next 14 months.

In 1930 David Lipscomb College, having built two new dormitories decided to remove the original home of David Lipscomb which had been changed into a dormitory and dining hall. The building was torn down and the material was given to the “cause” at Otter Creek.

In the spring of 1930 work was started on a building that would sit on some property donated by Fletcher Williams directly across the road from the Campbell’s home. All the work was done by those directly interested in the cause and by friends who wanted to assist in the work. All the work was done free of charge. The only cash expenditure on the building was for hardware, roofing, and many small items necessary for the construction of the building.

The building was completed in the Fall of 1930. The first service was held with H. Leo Boles preaching the first sermon. There were about 60 people in attendance.

The first elders of the Otter Creek congregation were George W. Lewis, Fletcher L. Williams, and Andrew Mayche. Geo. W. Kieffer and John E. Rucker (the father of our own John Rucker!) were appointed elders in 1936.

Early preachers were S. C. Boyce, Chester Hunnicutt, L. L. Yeagly, Roseau Cullum, J, R. Stroop, and others from the College, Hillsboro, and Belmont congregations. The first regular minister was L. Haven Miller who started to work with the congregation in 1944 and continued until July 1946. J. W. Brents began preaching in 1946 and worked with Otter Creek for the next six years or so.

After World War II the Otter Creek congregation began to deal with considerable growth and felt compelled to make plans for a new building. The one built in 1930 was completely filled and overflowing. The church decided to purchase the Granny White/ Otter Creek Road site in 1949 and build a building that would be considered adequate for years of growth. The new building was completed on January 1, 1950. The two doors that were in the front of the auditorium were in the original home of David Lipscomb built in about 1872.

Later more Bible class rooms were added. Additional land and the “cottage” were purchased in 1960. Also, that same year, the Otter Creek Kindergarten got its start under the direction of Ruth Rucker. They began with 10 students. Today, the Otter Creek Kindergarten and Pre-School are well known for excellence and are filled to overflowing. As the Otter Creek congregation grew, the new Bible School addition was completed in 1968.

The facility did provide Otter Creek with many years of adequate room. However, as was seen in years past, space soon became an issue. Many people remember sitting on the window sills on Wednesday nights just to participate with Buddy Arnold in heart-stirring worship. The place was packed. By 1983 it became evident that something must be done.

In the mid 80’s Otter Creek launched into a remodeling process. While the auditorium was undergoing construction, the church crammed into the fellowship hall. Soon, the sanctuary was complete. That first day, Buddy Arnold led “We’re Marching to Zion” as the members walked into the sanctuary for the first time. It was a day no one would forget.

Since that day there have been a few improvements here and there but no major remodeling or space added except for the addition of the portables 5 or 6 years ago. As we have experienced over the decades, space became an issue again. When attempts to build on at our current site failed because of land restrictions, the leadership began to search for land. There were talks of land open on Old Hickory Blvd. across from Maryland Farms, there was the land next door to the Korean Presbyterian Church on Franklin Road and then, most recently, the land at Concord Road and Franklin Rd.

In the fall of 2005, a new opportunity came into view. The Living Word church building (formerly Brentwood Baptist) at 409 Franklin Road became a possibility. After prayerfully considering the location, space, and parking capacity, the Otter Creek church once again decided to move this family so that we can have adequate space for the next generation and beyond.

We stand on the shoulders of brave men and women who have made sacrifices and faithfully moved forward in order to reach more people. These men and women have taught us over the generations to trust God in these times. We are here today because of their investment and God’s faithfulness.

Over the years there have been many who have served this congregation faithfully as elders including, George W. Lewis, Fletcher L. Williams, Andrew Mayche, Geo. W. Kieffer, John E. Rucker, Charles Armstrong, Clarence Shaub, Kennedy Green, Howard Hackney, Frank Maddux, John W. Rucker, Buddy Arnold, Thas W. Rogers, Howard Justiss, Fred Hall, Frank Gower, Ira Travis, Everett Beasley, Doyle Gaw, Charlie Brandon, Larry Wilson, Clark Buchi, …

There have been women in our family who have shown us the Father—women like Mrs. Campbell who began her experience with Otter Creek in 1929 and continued to serve this church for decades after. Ruth Rucker taught us to be fearless and to take risks as she opened the Otter Creek Kindergarten and Pre-School program in 1960. Virginia Karnes has been a quiet source of strength for years. She was instrumental in getting the Kindergarten started. She is still one of the most joy-filled worshippers at Otter Creek. Sandra Collins has brought the Word to life for many in this church and followed her dream by helping start the Wayne Reed Daycare Center in the late 1990’s. Janet Crothers and Melani Brown have brought their joy and expertise to our children’s ministry. And the list goes on!

We celebrate the men who have faithfully preached the Word at Otter Creek in times of trouble or peace. These men include L. Haven Miller, J. Ridley Stroop, JW Brents, Ed Cullom, Willie Cato, T. Coy Porter, John McRae, Carroll Ellis, Tommy Donald, Perry Cothom, Russ Corley, Bobby Harrington and Tim Woodroof.

We celebrate others who have taken the Word to the streets and the hearts of those who need Christ…men like Howard Justiss who had a dream to begin Agape which now serves thousands of families, women like Deby Samuels who helped to start the Room in the Inn program for Nashville and Matt and Emily Little who’ve kept that dream alive most recently. We’re thankful for Corky French who served as Chaplain for the Williamson County Sherriff’s department, and all those who’ve helped to make the Wayne Reed Christian Childcare Center a growing and vibrant point of light in inner-city Nashville.

We move into a new era now. The parking lots are full, the building is crowded, the nurseries are overflowing and it seems a lot like times past. As we move we carry with us the hopes and dreams of men and women from those early meetings in 1929. We want to see the world come to Jesus. We want to lift Him up and we want to be faithful to Him as we forge ahead. One day, this history will be added to again. What a joy to consider those who will join us along the way! May God bless us as we continue to walk with Jesus.

I remember my 10th grade year---my friend and I sat in Algebra 2 and talked the entire time. How I ever--EVER passed that class I will never know. I think I even made a B. Now that is nothing short of miraculous.

You remember High School. Every day has its own drama. Many of the conversations were either about relationships, who likes whom, who's done what, what that season's team is up to, etc. I remember realizing that I secretly enjoyed knowing what was happening with other people and talking about it. I remember realizing that there were certain people who ALWAYS seemed to know the "scoop". And I liked them A LOT. I liked hearing and knowing the details about people.

That was High School. I remember being the recipient of people's "interest" a little later in life. I remember how it felt. I remember hearing from others how details and impressions were passed around about something that was extremely painful to me.

Then I married Sheryl. One of Sheryl's pet peeves is gossip. I remember thinking that her reaction to it was, at times, a bit extreme. I remember thinking--what's the big deal? I mean it's one thing to have a conviction and quite another to enforce it on someone else. (I can't even believe I felt that way about this stuff, but secretly, I did.)

Sheryl has impacted me for the good in more ways than I can count. But--one of the most obvious ways is by watching her deep, heart-felt, sincere love for people. There's nothing fake there. When she loves you, she LOVES you! I've watched her grieve over the hurts of others and walk through difficulty with friends--all without breathing a word about it to anyone else. She has helped to instill this deep conviction in me that not only should I not SAY anything about someone that would hurt them--but neither should I listen to someone say it to me. Now, in ministry this gets dicey. We've all heard the phrase--"Here's something we need to be 'praying' about". Uh-huh. Well, sometimes we just have to listen and carefully counsel and ask questions and love through the messes. We've all got 'em. Messes.

However, there are other times when we just need to call a spade a spade and stop people in their tracks. I've watched Sheryl finesse this. It doesn't have to be rude. But it's quite easy to say something like "You know, we probably shouldn't be talking about this" and re-direct the conversation.

There are situations in our churches that just all out suck. We can admit that, can't we? There are people who fall, people who leave, people who get divorced and people who think differently than we. But, I am convinced that these situations are NOT helped by gossip...even in the name of prayer. If you feel a concern for someone, tell them. If you have a worry, go to them. If a brother or sister offends you, go to them. Go to them. Go to THEM. Then, if there's something that can't be worked out there are wise people who can help.

The point in all this is this--we're all a mess. We've all got stuff. Sometimes it's easier to concentrate on someone else's than our own. That's not to say there shouldn't be accountability--because in my book, friendship is NOT telling your friend everything they want to hear. It's being able to say the hard things. But it's also saying the hard things to THAT person and not a group of other people. In doing so, we harm the cause of Christ and we can irreparably damage someone who might be feeling pretty vulnerable and lost.

Just needed to vent about that today--and to remind myself to practice what I preach!

Sorry it's taken me a while to post. Things are crazy here as you can imagine. We move out of our offices ONE week from today. There are boxes everywhere, people scurrying about, and last minute plans and details which seem to change by the minute.

It was a great weekend in Fresno--in spite of the stomach thing that I got. The ZOE team, being the family that they are, all made me nice cartoon images on the airplane barf bags and sent them back to my seat on the return flight. They are hilarious! I wish I could share them with you.


Thanks to Lindsey I have some pictures from Fresno--since my camera is still flying high above the ground banging around inside some Southwest Airlines plane. This picture is of Peter, Lindsey and me. You can tell in this picture that I am not feeling my tops...maybe even more like death warmed over!




Jack and Jill Maxwell did their thing while we sang and Mike spoke on Saturday night. As always it was amazing!! This is a picture of Jesus holding a tiny mustard seed.




Here's a picture of the group plus Eric at lunch last Sunday before we boarded the plane. It was rather chilly out there. Too bad we couldn't have gotten a dose of California sunshine. Although--the warmth of the family at the college church was such a blessing. Thank you to Sandra and Lex, Lisa and Steve, Lee Smith and his crew and everyone who made our visit out there so wonderful!

It's been a nutty week and then yesterday in the middle of it all I went to do my thing with the inner-city 4th grade class I'm working with. I wish...I REALLY wish I could blog about it. Maybe later. So many thoughts and feelings. Coming from a household of educators I see those emotions rise up many times.

This Sunday at Otter Creek we are having our good-bye potluck--a throw back to the old days of potlucks. It should be a lot of fun. Please continue to pray for our transition period. We don't want to lose sight of the most important things.

God bless you all!

It was a great weekend conference in Fresno. We finish up tomorrow and back home tomorrow night. The food as been every bit as good as it always is. However, today we had the infamous California In & Out Burgers for lunch. I've always enjoyed a good IN & Out burger. UNTIL TODAY. Let's just say that I found out why it's called "In & OUT". IN fact, it might be more aptly named, "In & Out and out and out and out....ooops yep, one more OUT." Disgusting. I think I was green most of the session tonight.

Talked to Sheryl and the kids have had a good weekend. I wish I were going to be home sooner. I know Sheryl is ready.

Lots of prayers going up today for Russell Heil and family as they endured Kari's funeral this morning. To continue to post words of encouragement and prayer, please visit here Faith @ Full Capacity. I know it will really mean a lot to him once he's able to see through the fog.

Blessings to all of you tonight. And...take my advice...stay away from In & Out Burgers.

The conference got kicked off with a bang. It's always great to see so many old friends!

Speaking of old friends--please remain in prayer for Russell Heil and his two small children. His wife, Kari Leigh Heil, lost her battle with the disease of depression on Tuesday of this week. Kari was a bright light and had done some choreography for me when I directed the Hosts and Hostesses for ACU's Sing Song in the mid 90's. Russell is a pulpit minister in Mansfield, TX. I don't know when I have felt so compelled to pray night and day. I can barely keep my eyes open today because of not sleeping this week thinking about that family. I cannot fathom his pain. Will you join me in praying specifically for his peace and for the spiritual protection of those two precious children (5 and 6mo.) and Russ? Kari's funeral is tomorrow in Mansfield. Let's send our prayers and thoughts their way.

Russell's blog site is Faith @ Full Capacity. You can leave a comment of encouragement or prayer there.

Thanks to GT for the kind comment yesterday. I miss you, Greg!! I am so pumped that you'll be here in Fresno.

I'm writing from Fresno where it's chilly! However, I have just come from eating SUCH great Mexican food. YUM! It's so great to be here. I love this particular conference. It's hard to explain. It has a personality and character all its own. The people---it's the PEOPLE! I am so glad to be here.

Please pray by name for Russell Hiel and his family. I alluded to his situation yesterday. No need to give details. Just lift him up.

Also--thanks for your prayers regarding the conference this weekend. We're all excited and ready!

on the note of celebrating life... Wooooooo-hooooo!!!!!!!
Emily Rose Bailey was born a few minutes ago weighing 8.6 lbs and 20.5 inches. Praise God!!!

Congratulations! This is such an answer to prayer!

Do you have those days where life and death seem to all run together? I felt overwhelmed this morning by the things some friends are dealing with. There's great joy--Stephanie Bailey is having her baby today! There's great sorrow--a friend is dealing with the loss of his wife. There are friends whose marriages are in trouble. There are friends who are in the middle of a difficult divorce. My friend Shannon is healing from her surgery. (Thanks for the update Amy!) Another friend is battling her own demons. Jaz and Jamie struggle to even get up and live each new day. I miscommunicate with my wife. I feel excitement over the move and anxiety over all that is left to be done. It's one of those days when the good and the bad all seem to culminate in this weird tapestry that people call "life".

Life--a weird series of events and decisions. One decision can forever change it. It is this multifaceted experience of all the personalities of God. It's a hands-on lesson in trust and love. Life--full of moments that pass quickly and beg to be noticed. Life--this weird thing we hold onto that we're not even guaranteed from one minute to the next. Life--a gift to be treasured. Life--full of joy...even in the smallest of moments. Life--finding love, discovering yourself, discovering God...even in unexpected places.

Don't read this today and try to analyze where I am or what could be going on with me. I'm really ok. I'm just reminded of the precious, sometimes difficult, road that we all walk and how important it is to support each other along the way.

This morning we all overslept. It started the day in a chaotic way...but almost funny with everyone running around the house like mad men. Being a part of a family is fun.

It's raining cats and dogs here. I just wish it was snow. If it's going to be cold, in my opinion, it might as well snow so we can have something to look at. I am definitely a summer guy.

We're preparing for the West Coast ZOE conference this weekend. I always love--LOVE--going to Fresno. The people there are absolutely golden. They put the Love in tender loving care. I was telling a couple of the team members last night at rehearsal what a treat they're in for. I also like it because it's a somewhat smaller conference than the Nashville one. It's easier to visit with people and not quite so crazy.

Still waiting on Stephanie Bailey. Where's that BABY?????

Thank you for your continued prayers for Shannon Zachary. I'll keep you posted. Shannon and her husband, Mark, are believers and trust in God's power to get them through this. Isn't it neat as adults to talk about matters of faith with people you grew up with but never really went to church with or talked about Jesus with? There are a handful of friends from High School (Wylie Abilene) I even still keep up with. I mean--I am about to face my 20 year reunion in 2 summers. UGH! But it always makes me feel so good to know how God has directed and guided the lives of friends from so long ago. Shannon and I started together around 1st grade and have been friends ever since. That's about 30 years. It's really an honor to get to pray for Shannon and her family. Thank you for joining me. Her surgery is this morning.

Have a great Tuesday, everyone!

There was a buzz in the air last night. About every 15 minutes a new group of wide eyed Otter Creekers walked into the sanctuary and we stopped to dream together about what might happen in that space. Here's some of what I said...


Welcome to our new SANCTUARY! The best way to begin talking about this space is to piggy back on Bernie Arnold from this morning's DVD. She talked about how we'd been surrounded over the last 55 years at the Granny White property by such a great cloud of witnesses but that this move allows us a unique chance to teach (insert kids' names in the room at the time) to be the great cloud of witnesses for a generation yet unborn. The Psalms speak of this saying-- generations yet unborn will speak your praise, O Lord. What an AMAZING opportunity!

The vision for this space includes DYNAMIC teaching/preaching, DYNAMIC worship, and DYNAMIC family life experiences. Because this is Nashville you can see a good performance about any day of the week. You can go, be moved, and leave saying--WOW that was awesome! The difference in that and what I'm talking about is YOU. The way we will move and impact this community and our world is not so much what will be happening on "stage", although we will continue to strive for excellence and even more creativity there. The way we will most affect change is by what's happening out in the pews. If we are a worshipping church, if we allow ourselves to be engaged in every part of our corporate experience together--then guests will come in and say, "Surely the spirit of God is in this place!" Face it, when guests come in, they expect that what's happening up here (on stage) will be professional--or at least a good effort. And it will be. What will really impact them though is what they feel from the living organism that is the Church at Otter Creek. If we are worshipping and praying and studying with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, it will impact people. We want this to be a safe and spiritually challenging place for guests.

Do you know there is no such thing as "armchair" or "spectator" worship? We are called to dive in! Some of us come on Sundays and sit back and watch the "show". Now is the time to make a change. There will be an expectation of all of us to be a full part of what we're doing in here corporately. This will not be a production--it must be an interactive worship experience!!

This move affords us a unique opportunity in our history to shake the dust off, to re-evaluate, to re-prioritize, and to renew our minds when it comes to our corporate worship experience. Please be in prayer about this and take it personally.

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working on Fresno and preparing to leave on Thursday. Rehearsal tonight with ZOE. Have a great day and PRAY that Stephen and Stephanie Bailey have that BABY today!!!!!

Also, I'd appreciate your prayers for a dear friend who went all the way through school with me--Shannon Crowe Zachary. Over Christmas they discovered she had cancer. She's having surgery tomorrow. Pray for her husband, Mark, and her sweet children (2 of them). She believes in prayer and I know many of you will lift her up.

This morning Tim is preaching from Joshua 3&4 as we officially begin this closing season at Otter Creek. He's using the story of Joshua leading the people through the Jordan and into their new home. It's a GREAT metaphor for where we currently are. The series will be called "Crossing the Creek". We have a short 3 more Sundays together here at this building and then the real party starts!

Yesterday we went and celebrated again with Geof and Amanda at their Nashville wedding reception. It was a lot of fun--catered by Blue Coast Burrito (a.k.a. Baja Burrito franchised). I was in need of some good Mexican food!

Last night I took Maddie and Ella over to my mom's. She needed help getting the Christmas tree down and the girls LOVE going over there. Sam was ready for bed so Sheryl stayed home with him. The girls played "tea party" with Aunt Maude's old tea set (my grandmother's sister who would probably cringe at the thought. Her furniture even had plastic covers). They jumped on the bed (only at Nonnie's house) and they had fruities. I'm so glad they love going.

This afternoon we begin a two week period of tours through the new building. I'm stationed in the sanctuary today charged with casting a vision for what things might look like and feel like in there. It will be a neat day.

Blessings to all--

One funny story from Disney--

We had come back to Magic Kingdom from Epcot and everyone was in need of a pick-me-up. Sam was hungry, the girls were cranky, and I was ready to put a for sale sign on the stroller (including its contents).

Sheryl decided she'd head to the baby station to nurse and Maddie and Ella and I decided to hit the ice cream shop on Main Street. It's already awkward enough taking a stroller in there but I had to. Everyone, including me, decided we wanted an ice cream float. (Yum--I want one just thinking about it!) I waited in line and when the treats were ready I noticed how very full to overflowing they were. I took the liberty of sipping some out of Maddie's and handed it to her. She can usually manage without spilling. Ella, on the other hand, is a mini-me when it comes to being klutzy. I decided I'd hold on to hers and mine in both hands and guide the stroller through the shop, out the door, and onto the sidewalk using my elbows. A nice gentleman held the door for me. I looked across the street and spied some tables and thought to myself...if I can just get across the street we can sit there and enjoy!

In my haste, I forgot about the curb and the stroller went plummeting forward and Maddie and Ella began to spill out. Instinctively, I grabbed for the stroller and them but lost one of the floats. It fell forward in slow-mo emptying its contents on Maddie's head. Plop. A big glob of vanilla ice cream sat perched atop her head while rivers of Coke and melted ice cream flowed down her face and neck. It was one of those moments when you either laugh or cry. Fortunately, it was so hilarious I couldn't help myself. I fell apart laughing. Maddie began to laugh and Ella was screaming laughing.

Families all around us watched and felt sorry for us and we began to be showered with wet wipes. I'm convinced that there are more wet wipes at Disney than anywhere else on earth. I patted Maddie's head dry while we continued to giggle. I went back in and they were nice enough to give me a new one. And we were off for our table carrying with us our Coke floats and a new fun memory of our time at Disney.

Happy birthday today to my father, Sam Thomas. That story was for you, Dad! You'd have been on the street laughing!

Aren't Christmas letters interesting? They come in all kinds. There are those that lean toward the hilarious, there are those that list off things the kids and parents are thankful for (maybe my favorite to read), there are the informational, and the event based.

A great friend shared with me that our 2004 Christmas letter caused him to want to write a screen play. He was having one of those days--you know...THOSE days. He read the letter and secretly dreamed of the freedom of being able to send out a Christmas letter that was full of honest truth about the year...even humorously honest. It struck me. Mainly it struck me because we've literally had friends call us and ask us if our kids were really as perfect as my blog made them out to be. Of course we had to put the phone down to keep from choking from painful laughter.

Perception is a funny thing, isn't it? I find that I like to think and dwell on the positive. I think that's a good thing--but sometimes it bites me in the butt and causes me to come off in a way that is completely irritating. I guess I sometimes assume that people know enough about the hard stuff in our lives and don't really want to read about it in a Christmas letter. But--then again, there's something to be said for honesty. The hugest irony in it all is--if you go back and read my 2004 entries, you'll see that it was a year of utter HELL. Maybe the worst year of my adult life--aside from the year my dad died. I think my friend should write a great show about that--it would be hilarious. And, I want Will Ferrell to play me.

I wanted to blog about this today because it's important to note that life is full of real struggle whether you're a minister, a dad, a lawyer, a performer, or a student. I want to try and be more honest about where I am. I guess that's one reason I haven't blogged much lately. I am not sure I know. I've been doing A LOT of processing. It's really been good. Good and hard. I had a great afternoon with Don Finto yesterday--a Nashville father figure for me. I needed that.

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I went over to our new building today. We're looking at doing a bunch of things to the stage and it's all SO exciting! I could literally do back flips. I can't believe this is happening in a month. We also had a significant meeting today as a staff with someone helping us think through how to do business differently--thinking about reaching lost people and how that should impact our services and our attitudes. It was so energizing for me.

I pray that your day is great! Thanks for bearing with me as I'll be pouring out random assortments of thoughts and feelings over the coming weeks. There's much to be done for Fresno. Thanks for your prayers regarding that trip next week!

Insert music from "Flight of the Bumble Bee".

Our church move was bumped up a month. Our final day at Otter Creek is February 5th. This all happened while I was gone.

(more "Flight of the Bumble Bee")

The West Coast ZOE Conference happens in the middle of all of that the weekend of January 20th.

(music swells)

What Phil referred to...the lost item...I lost the digital camera with all--ALL of Ella's birthday pictures and ALL of our Disney World pictures. It's somewhere clanking around on a Southwest airplane. Please, please, please pray we get it back. I literally burst into tears at the airport when we returned--partly from exhaustion, but mostly from sheer frustration over losing those precious recorded memories. Thankfully, our friends traveling with us took some pictures and we still have our Disney Photo pass.

I am deep into planning for the "Closing Season" at this building. Any of you done that before? Any ideas? We've got a lot of creative people working on it but I always love hearing what you guys think.

More blogging later.

We're back after a week in Orlando. I had a conference there and then we went to Disney--thanks to a very good friend. We spent some wonderful quality time with Jakie and Lindy Cabe and their two adorable daughters, Caroline and Riley. It was fun watching our kids together. Lindy was my vocal director at Six Flags Over Texas in 1993, helped me get the ship job and then we got to perform together at Casa Manana. We've been friends for a long time. I love Jakie and the 4 of us just had so much fun. We hit Magic Kingdom, MGM, Animal Kingdom and Epcot--where the girls had breakfast with the princesses in Norway! We made so many wonderful memories and we're glad to be home.

I learned a lot last week. I have so much to blog I don't even know where to begin. I am not really ready to blog yet. It's been a nice vacation. I will try and post some things tomorrow. Blessings to all!

My favorite things about 2005--

1. Hearing the words, "It's a boy!!" and meeting Sam, my son!

2. Watching Maddie and Ella grow...and seeing Ella start pre-school

3. Enjoying life and love with Sheryl

4. Skiing Steamboat Springs and sitting in a hot tub watching snow fall like rain all around us.

5. Finding out that Otter Creek has bought a new building

6. Having my mom here and watching the kids around her.

7. Nanny and Abba-ba's Nashville visit.

8. The fall ZOE conference--maybe my all time favorite ZOE conference.

9. Otter's hiring of Doug Sanders and all he's helped bring to our staff.

10. My trip to Abilene to judge Film Fest--which turned into a weekend of fun with Stephen and Craig.

11. Life Group

12. Kirkpatrick Elementary, Mr. Adam's 4th grade class, and Kenneth and DeQuan

13. 4th of July fireworks in Smyrna (reminiscent of old Abilene days)

14. Cathy Rigby in "Peter Pan" at TPAC. Watching the wonder in our girls' faces as they watched.

15. Hearing Stephen say, "We're pregnant!"

16. Jason and Alisha's wedding and Amanda and Geof's wedding

So many wonderful memories made in 2005. It seems like such a full year! It was about 100% better than 2004. I'm thankful for family and friends. I'm thankful for the gift of music and worship. I'm thankful for the beautiful smiles I see every day on my kids' faces. I'm thankful for faith and the Spirit of God who reminds me every single day that He's alive and well. It seems even on days I don't want to believe, He intersects my path in ways that I could never deny. I'm thankful for another year at Otter Creek and for God allowing me to do what I feel passionate about.

Happy New Year, Blog Family!! May God make His face to shine upon you.

Feeling better...hot tottie and all.

Car trips with 3 kids under the age of 5 should not be attempted by anyone. Thank the Lord for VCRs and creative Sheryl. By the time we got home I was ready to separate the girls for a minimum of 3 years. Today we took the divide-and-conquer method. Maddie and I took the mall and Sheryl, Ella, and Sam went their own way. We're preparing for Ella's party Saturday morning. We're doing a small Jo-Jo birthday party for her and a few friends her age.

Katey came over tonight bearing gifts from Abilene. PECANS! Mom, eat your heart out. It was nice to see her.

On the whole C.S. Lewis thing...one of my favorite things about him was his group of friends at the pub. Hardly any of them agreed fully with each other. They loved to debate and still maintained a wonderful friendship. It's great to know that we don't have to see things exactly the same to remain friends. It's not always easy. But, it's worth it.

I've been reading C.S. Lewis while we've been here. Mere Christianity is such a great book. I read it in college, but that's been a while. It's especially fitting as I've been listening to friends lately talk about Dualism and their enlightened views on the world. Lewis makes some really great points. Have you read it lately?

I am officially sick with head cold deluxe. Can someone please send relief?? Hot totty anyone?

We're in Jonesboro, Arkansas with "Fajita" and Gail and their kids. (Fajita--Chris--is married to Sheryl's sister.) The kids are running around like wild Indians. It's so fun to watch them.

I am reminded about Christmases past with the Morses. Josh, Jeremy, and Mary were more like siblings to me than cousins. I loved being with them. I remember one Christmas Josh and I watched Star Wars 27 times. CRAZY! We played hide and go seek and it was always the most fun when my dad was "it". The anticipation was sheer terror. They always had the latest gadget or video or game.

I'm also reminded of Christmases at my Aunt Dot's in the Woodlands, TX. We'd all gather around her old red player piano and sing "Rubber Ducky" and all the standards. Then we'd eat and eat and eat and eat. So many wonderful memories.

I remember Christmases with my Granny--before she died in 1976 (my mom's mom). I always loved being there. They spoiled me. As an older kid, my Aunt Vickie (married to my mom's brother, Rob) introduced the most holy hashbrowned potato casserole. We still make it every year--her recipe.

Christmas is about family. Even the awkward moments are to be treasured. We're living our story--sometimes we forget to take a look around. We're making our family history now! It's such a blast.

Thank God for family! Yesterday Jaz and Jamie came to be family with us. It was fun. Maddie was hilarious with them. She was Chatty Cathy about every part of Christmas morning and then when Jaz decided it was time for a nap--she wouldn't hear of it. She stood over him yelling, "WAKE UP!!!!" We were honored to have them join us.

Otter was a blessing yesterday. There were no childrens' classes or nurseries. It was one BIG family gathering. I loved having the kids with us. We should do that more.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Joy to the world--the Lord has come! We wish you the peace of Christ this Christmas holiday.

Here are some pictures from the Thomas family from the last week.



The girls were so excited about the Rockettes' Christmas show. Maddie was dressed from shoe to bow at least 3 hours early. Here they are with Lauren and Kyle before the show while we rehearse.



Thursday night we performed at the Opry House right before the Radio City Music Hall's Christmas show. It was a lot of fun. Watching the girls' faces was my favorite part.






Friday night we got to tour around in a limo with the Colvert family and friends. It was so fun to be with Keith and Martha Rogers. We miss seeing them.






we had a blast in the limo on Friday night. Here's a picture of Maddie and Darcy. They all had such a blast!







We traditionally open gifts under the tree on Christmas Eve (but we save the really special ones for the next morning). Here's a picture of the kids and me on Christmas Eve.






Santa didn't forget us!! (The stockings were handmade by Sheryl this year. We LOVE them!!







Maddie got a huge Wizard of Oz picture book and a Mulan doll from Santa.






Ella--looking cool in her sunglasses from Santa!










Sam loves his new bouncy toy from Nonnie! It makes car sounds and everything!

Merry Christmas, everyone! We thank God for Emanuel!

Last night was such a BLAST! We sang on stage at the Opry House prior to the Radio City Rockette's Christmas show. It was fun being in that place and on that stage. It was fun hearing Sheryl sing "So Are You To Me". It was fun seeing all the Otter Creekers back there cheering us on. What a blast. (pictures to come)

The actual Radio City show was incredible. The best part was watching the girl's faces. I am so glad we ended up doing it. We all had fun.

Tonight we are being treated by Bob Covert to a limo ride around Nashville for a couple of hours to look at Christmas lights with the girls. (Maddie says we're riding in a "lizamine".) The Colverts, Martha and Keith Rogers, Steve and Karen Speake, my mom and we are all riding together. We've been making cookies today to eat while we ride. It will be really fun. I am very excited to see Keith and Martha. I've missed them.

The girls are so full of excitement and anticipation about the weekend. I have to admit...I am too. It's such a fun time of year!

Ho-Ho-Ho!!

Here are some photos from last weekend



Mark and Michael Lusk rehearse during sound check Sunday night. These guys are so incredibly talented it makes me sick. I LOVE hearing them play. I'm so thankful they're at Otter Creek and gave up time from their other music stuff to help us out.



Jason Patrick is our band leader. Jason and I go way back. He's a gifted singer too! I really love working with him.







Glen, Tim, and Chris work during sound check. Chris Brush (on drums) actually grew up at the church I went to and still love in Dallas (Lake Highlands). Chris is a professional drummer in town and was willing to come play with us. I'm grateful for him.


The cast gathered each night in the fellowship hall to warm up (Jeanette Lipford style! You should here Ella singing..."What shall I siiiing todaaaaay"). We gathered Sunday night for a photo. Not everyone was in the photo, but this is most of us...kids and all.


We're all getting excited about the Radio City show tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to seeing our girl's reaction to the show. Maddie and Ella already love dancing around the house--I can't wait to see how this impacts them.

Have a great Wednesday!

The show was really so much better Sunday night. It was truly enjoyable. I'm glad it's over though.

I took a vacation day today. It was needed. This morning we closed on refinancing our home to a new interest rate. YEA! This afternoon I went to TWO movies.

King Kong--2 words...long and scary. Seriously, it really scared me. Creepy crawly things and gorillas and women on very tall things---I AM VERY AFRAID OF HIEGHTS. It was good--all 3 hours of it.

The Family Stone--simply awesome. I loved this movie. I could tell where it was going in the beginning and already started tearing up. It hit a little too close to home for me. I seriously laughed out loud a lot and then ended up using 2 napkins to dry my face from crying. It's worth the price of the ticket, in my opinion. I have always been a huge Luke Wilson fan. It's one of my favorites of his.

Tonight was Christmas with Katey who's driving to Abilene tomorrow. She's a part of the fam and we love her. Safe travels, Katey! She bought the girls recorders (remember elementary school music class?). We're going to tell them they can only play them at her house. :)

Back to work tomorrow. I'm squeezing a full work week into one day. It's a busy one. Then rehearsal tomorrow night for the Radio City thing on Thursday. We're all excited. Maddie keeps telling people we're going to see the "Rockets" (Rockettes). They'll love the show.

Blessings to all--

We had a wonderful show last night. The band was sounding great and the vocalists were all fantastic too. We had some sound and power issues. Welcome to our 55 year old building that was NEVER designed to do what we're doing. Phil and Scott handled it beautifully.

Tonight will be the big night. It's our last show and most all of Otter Creek waits til Sunday night to come. We also have 15 or so women from a half way house (hate that term) and some men from Room in the Inn coming. It'll be a great night.

This morning I'm making the choir be here, groggy and all, at 7:30 and serve as one huge praise team. We'll all sit on stage and lead together. Bless them. They're tired and some are sick. They're troopers. We're talking about incarnation again this morning and it's impact on our World and in our lives.

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My mom gave the girls and Sam a great children's book sometime ago (it's a benefit of having a Children's Lit Specialist for a mom--we have an AWESOME library!) called If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Last night Ella was making up songs to herself as she's prone to do. Here's what she was singing to the tune of "If You're Happy and You Know It"...

If you give a mouse a cookie then you won't...
If you give a mouse a cookie then you won't...
If you give a mouse a cookie...
THEN YOU WON'T HAVE ANY COOKIE!
If you give a mouse a cookie then you won't!

She's a funny one. Those of you who know her can imagine her squeaky little voice chiming that out to herself.

Have a great morning, blog world!

Last night it happened. There was a moment when everything just fell into place...sound, voices, and heart. There were tears in the chorus as the Spirit of God flowed over us. It was only rehearsal, but we were giving it our all-- not for any person---but for the Filler... the Giver of good things. He met us. It was an amazing moment. (It also just so happened that one of the fathers of the kids in the show is a sound expert and he helped us iron some things out--GOD PROVIDES!) Once the sound was fixed, a wave of relief and confidence poured over us. But that's not what I'm referring to. There was a distinct moment when the Spirit poured over us like a wave. It was beautiful!

Tonight we will lift the roof. I have no doubt. But this morning is Christmas with Kiki! The girls can't wait!

Last night was nuts. It always is. The first night we put all those elements together--sound, lights, kids, band, singers, monitors, etc...crazy. It wasn't nearly as nuts as two years ago when we hired out sound and the sound technician almost checked into the looney bin because of the show. Bless. At least we don't have camels. (and I don't mean cigarettes)

I looked up on stage and realized that there's so much more going on than just this show (always a great thing for a director/producer to remember when he's suffering from tunnel vision.) One friend is dealing with her mom who just had a liver transplant, another is dealing with pain from a recent back surgery. There are a couple of extremely pregnant women, people dealing with family or kids issues, and more. Here we are--a collection of broken people all holding on to one hope--Jesus. That may sound cheesy, but it's so true. We are bound together in a common belief that compels us out of our own junk and into presenting this message of Life and Hope.

We have folks coming from Kirkpatrick Elementary, Room in the Inn, and others this weekend. My neighbor, Jason, and his family from Tanzania are coming tomorrow night and hopefully bringing some of the folks they're working with in his mission. (He's a church planter working with people from all nations currently living in east Nashville--many from Africa.) I'm excited that they're all coming.

It again takes me back to the theme of our year in 2005 with this ministry... communicating the message. We underestimate the power of worship. We RARELY do that with pulpit stuff. But, it's at least as important, and maybe more. In worship we are communicating to the Lord--all of us. Those who are involved in worship leadership (praise team, worship leaders, etc) are leading people...LEADING people in their communication. Leadership is always contagious one way or another. Either we're furthering the boredom of people, or we're leading in such a way as to infuse them with the very Spirit of God. What will our testimony in song be this weekend? Will those who are coming look at us and know that we believe what we're singing about? Will what we're doing make any difference in their lives? Hopefully the answer is yes. I pray that we present this message this weekend in a very real, authentic, encouraging and even exciting way. And I pray that those who are hurting will find some hope.

Please come if you can! Tomorrow and Sunday nights at 7pm.

Rehearsal went well last night. We only stayed an hour. I sent everyone home to rest their voices and get well. There's lots of sickness going around right now. We had several out last night with it. Here's a shot from last night.





Jay Chaudoin prepares to sing out his tenor part on the top level of the stage.





This morning we got to go to Maddie and Ella's school Christmas program. It's always one of my very favorite parts of the holiday season. The kids were adorable!! Here's a picture of Maddie with her classmates getting ready to sing.




Ella is sitting on the front row--ready to go!! She was absolutely hilarious to watch! Tall Maddie is on the very back row--all you can see is her bow sticking up.





My favorite part of their show was when they pulled out the jingle bells!







Here's a picture of Ella with Ms. Betsy, her teacher. She loves Ms. Betsy! Ella was eating a candy cane, as you can see.






After the program, Santa came around to all the classroom parties. Ella had a great time visiting with him.





Here's Maddie with Santa in her class room after the party. Santa has an unusually large hand.





Maddie poses here with her good friend, Sarah Catherine. It was a fun day for all! More rehearsals tonight. It;s our first night with every element--band, lights, sound, singers, and kids! Whew! I know it will be fun!!!

Rehearsal went well last night. We're just all trying to stay well and keep our voices at this point. Below are some shots from the week.


Reco and Trayce practice "Everything to Me" with the praise team in the portable. They all sound incredible on it.








We've been busy preparing the sanctuary. Karen Speake painted these awesome banners that were hung last week.













Last night after rehearsal Kyle climbed up on the ladder that I refuse to even touch to help get the drapes hung. It was such a blessing to have the help!












with the back lighting, the drapes end up looking really cool--here's a shot from 2 years ago.




Here's a picture of the full group from 2 years ago.









I was so thrilled that Sheryl and the kids joined me at Kirkpatrick Elementary today. We had made and frosted over 50 cookies on Monday for the kids in Mr. Adam's 4th grade class. The girls were excited to give them to the kids. When we got there all the kids greeted me with Christmas cards they had made and written in. It was SO AWESOME! I'll have to try and scan some after Christmas. (One 4th grade girl went over to Sheryl and remarked about our kids, "They look like they daddy!" I would agree.) We had a blast. I read The Polar Express to them complete with the jingle bell, thanks to Mom. We also sang a bunch of Christmas songs. When is the last time you sang "The 12 Days of Christmas"?? I got lost around #9 and it came to a screeching halt. After Kirkpatrick, Maddie and Sam went home with Mommy and Ella and I had a "Daddy date" and went to lunch. It was fun. My sweet Ella Bella. She is such a joy!

Have a great afternoon, blog family.

OTTER CREEK IS MOVING!!!!!!! YEA!!!!! I've been DYING to share this with the blog community since August. We've not known for sure until last week that everything would work out, but this is a huge answer to prayer! This gives us so much more bang for our dollar. PLUS--no "REACH" campaign for the next 20 years. HALLELUJAH! Here's a shot of the front of our new building that was originally built for Brentwood Baptist and then recently owned by the Living Word church. (Julie Woodroof took all these great photos!)





Here's the sign and view from the road.






This is a cool picnic area on the property. It will be so nice for Spring and Summer gatherings and life group functions!





This picture is of the sanctuary and was taken from the balcony looking down.






this is looking at the front of the sanctuary.






Here's a view from the stage area.






This picture is of the gym and family life center. It's incredible! A full kitchen, room for dinner theater, a great place for the youth, etc. YEA!!


We are all really excited! Our first Sunday will be February 26th, 2006! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!! Praise God for providing this alternative for us!

we have a lot to do in the next 10 weeks. There's a lot of processing of emotions too. After 75 years on Otter Creek Rd, this is a huge transition for our family. Sheryl and I have only been here 10 years and yet we got engaged in the Otter Creek Sanctuary one January night in 1998. WE got married there, our kids were all born while we went there and we've experienced a lot of life in just 10 years. Imagine those who've been around for 75 years! We plan to have a season of remembrance and celebrating the past. And then we'll have a season of new beginnings once we get into our new space. It's going to be incredible.

Meanwhile, rehearsals and plans shift into HIGH GEAR for this weekend. I hope those of you close enough to Nashville will plan to come. Saturday and Sunday nights...7pm.

I pulled into my driveway last week and looked over and this is what I saw...WOW! It made me think about the lyric that says, "Who paints the skies into glorious day? Only the splendor of Jesus!" Beautiful, isn't it? I sent it to one of the local weather men. We'll see if he uses it or not.


Friday night was a blast. The Lyric Street gang is very nice. It's been several years since we've been able to sing at their party. Randy's house was so beautiful and "Christmasy". I'm glad we did it.



Yesterday morning was "Breakfast with Santa". It's something that Otter has been doing for years. The fellowship hall was transformed into a winter wonderland and the Santa was great! Here Janet (one of our children's ministers) welcomes everyone and talks about the true gift of Jesus.





The kids loved getting to talk to Santa. Looks like he has his hands full here, doesn't he? Tell me about it!




Maddie's buddy, Sydney, was also very excited. Sydney is the daughter of our long time friends, Ryan and Sarah Williamson. She's sitting in her Bammi's lap (Beth Williamson). Byron and Beth have been family to me for many years. It's so fun having them at Otter Creek now!



Sam was just so cute! Sometimes I have to rub my eyes and look again just to make sure that he's real...and to make sure it's not Baby Maddie. He and Maddie favor so much as babies.



Cookeville went great. It was a long trip and Phil Wilson, who was bringing the sound stuff in his van, had some car trouble. Primarily because he hadn't added oil since 1998. Our big 18 passenger van was cruising down the interstate and then we realized Phil wasn't back there any more. However--we all made it fine. It was a good trip and, as usual, lots of hilarity with the group.

This morning is a very special day at Otter Creek. We're making a pretty big announcement. I'm so excited about the future! After church, we're rehearsing for the show this weekend and then Life Group at our house. We're having our Christmas party tonight. It will be lots of fun too.

Have a great Sunday!

Last night we rehearsed for the Lyric Street Records party we're singing for tonight. It's going to feel really weird singing "Sleigh Ride" with the Rascal Flatt's guys. We are no Rascal Flatts...but we sure are rascals. (that's a dad joke that requires hitting your knee and laughing like a doofus.) It was fun singing some of those songs. It reminded me of so many other similar rehearsals. When I lived in the Metroplex I did this thing every year called Holiday Cheer. It's a group of singers from the Dallas Opera, Casa Manana, and other places who go out and sing at malls, the holiday nights at the zoo, Ruth's Chris, Mortons, and other restaurants and parties. It was a lot of fun and some great holiday money. The only down side was the Victorian garb we had to wear. Well, maybe not the only downside...but probably the biggest one.

Then there were the "Reflections" Christmas shows while at ACU. We sang cheesy holiday classics like the Carpenter's "Merry Christmas Darling". The one thing I do remember about most of those shows is that I'd inevitably lay my keys down somewhere and end up having to hunt for them...unless Stephen was also singing. He usually watched for my keys laying about randomly.

I loved my mom's blog yesterday about the troops singing "Silent Night". Christmas seems to put things into perspective for some--while it can cause others to lose all perspective. Retailers love Christmas because sales are through the roof. Some of them make their entire livelihood on the sales from the day after Thanksgiving. Trouble is, most of that stuff is being accumulated by people who'll have to build bigger barns to make it fit. I am really trying to break that pattern in my own life.

Those of you with kids...what are some ways you're teaching your children about giving? It's so easy for this season to become the ultimate "I want" season. Sometimes, I think it's really the adults who instill that in kids. While our kids are young and not wise enough to know how all this accumulation works, if pressed they'll tell really only say one thing they want for Christmas. It's so tempting (coming from someone whose love language included giving gifts) to want to lavish them with every cool toy and princess doll ever made. There's a side of me that really wants that. But--the Spirit reminds me that I am also their teacher. I want to be teaching them the joy of giving. I am convinced that giving them everything they'd ever want is NOT healthy. So, why do so many families do that?

This year we're really turning it down a few notches. I just want some ideas about how to involve them in the act of giving. I'm taking them with me to Kirkpatrick next Wednesday when I'll read "The Polar Express" to the kids. Any ideas on how to include the girls? Any ideas from any of you out there about practicing the act of giving? How are you teaching your kids about that? What's working?

Incredible rehearsal last night. Annie Grace Netterville was rockin' on "Away In A Manger" and the kids were so CUTE! We went through the Avalon song, "Everything to Me" and Reco and Trayce jammed. It was fun. The band sounds perfect and things seem to be coming together.

I'm at the point now, though, where I try to stay asleep at night. The trouble isn't really GOING to sleep, it's staying asleep. This morning at 5am I was wide awake with lists in my head and a pending anxiety attack. Lighting and sound, drapes and tech work, rehearsals and holiday schedules, drum shields, kids, ZOE and Cookeville, babysitting, year end reviews, spot light operators, Lyric Street, Rockettes...I need an Advil.

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Steph--thanks so much for going there. :) I think more men have dealt with that issue than anyone would readily admit. I've got my own stories. I think that stuff robs people in ways we might never fully understand. There've been very brave Godly men who've come forward and confessed their struggle with it. They are the few who represent the many--especially if statistics hold true. It's dumb to even pretend it's not a problem in our churches. God is good to break chains of all kinds of addictions--and p*orn is definitely included in that. Hallelujah!

If any of you struggle with that, there are some great sites like Integrity.com and some tools on the triple x church site (spelled with three x's--xx*church.com)that offer accountability. All our ministers here have that on our computers. Every questionable site is reported and sent to an accountability partner. It's incredible! I highly recommend it! Some of our praise team folks use it too.

Hope that's helpful! Have a great morning, everyone!

I played flag football today with 10 4th grade boys at Kirkpatrick. It's been a long time since I've played flag football--much less with 10 scampering rabbits. I will not be able to move tomorrow. (Stephen, Craig and Chris--SHUT IT!)

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So, apparently, the "yittle yam" is evolving. Today is was...

"Yittle yam who had a farm
had a farm, had a farm..."

You get the idea.

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Sorry for the "p*boy" comment yesterday. Not sure who left it. Like any one of us needs another opportunity to tune into online p*rn. For the love. Take your p*rn and be gone!!! Been there, done that. Don't need it or want it.

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Rehearsal tonight with kids! Annie Grace Netterville is singing the solo. I know she'll put some soul into it! I can't wait!

Have a great night!

Ella and Maddie are preparing for their school program next week. I wonder if Ella's class is singing Mary Had a Little Lamb. Here's what she's been singing around the house recently,

"yittle yam had yittle yam
yittle yam, yittle yam
yittle yam had yittle yam
yittle, yittle yam."

It's hilarious with her little raspy voice.

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Rehearsals abound. Tomorrow night we add kids to our already chaotic rehearsals for Christmas. The kids will join us at 6pm, then the adults will join the band at 7:30. The band is truly awesome. I'm so excited!

Friday night is the Lyric Street party. A small group of us are singing at the party for their record label. (Lyric Street has artists like Rascal Flatts, Aarron Tippen, She Daisey, etc. and the President goes to Otter Creek!) That should be fun.

Saturday afternoon ZOE heads to Cookville to sing and back that night. Then Sunday begins the daily rehearsals for the Otter Christmas show that next weekend.

Then, the following week is the Radio City deal!

I'd appreciate your prayers for peace and health over the next few weeks. There's a lot to get done and so far I'm not feeling stressed, just excited. I love this time of year. Kids make it even better. I love the sense of anticipation and excitement! AND--opportunities abound to teach them that this season is more about giving than receiving...although that's such a challenge!

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Last night I was on the way to pick up a couple of guys downtown to take them to an appointment and I was stopped at the light on Charlotte Pike. I saw a homeless man begging on the corner and remembered the food sacks that were in my back seat. Doug Sanders had all Otter Creek members take some sacks of food to keep in their car for occasions like this. I was so thankful to have it! It's not that complicated and it really meets a need. Thanks to Doug for the great idea!

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There are lots of hurting people during the holidays. Those who experience loneliness and grief, those who are financially wrecked or hungry, those who are estranged from family members, etc---this season can sometimes only exacerbate what they're already feeling. It would be cool to consciously make a decision to seek them out and encourage them over the next couple of weeks. Any ideas on what's working out there?

Yesterday morning The elders, staff, and praise team at Otter Creek surprised me for my 10 year anniversary as a minister there. I was definitely surprised! Jim Butler and David England came up front and seeing David I knew something was up. Karin Hensley also joined them. The praise team gave me a WAY COOL ipod with streaming video. I can't wait to use it! The church gave Sheryl and me a nice gift that couldn't have come at a better time for us.

As I stood up there thinking about the last ten years I was struck with a sense of how long it's really been. I came there in my mid twenties, single, naive, and uncertain of what God was doing. (Not to mention wondering why in the world He would be leading me back to a CofC!) God has been so good to me over these 10 years. OC has seen my best and worst. I've fallen on my face and they've given me grace. I've experienced some real victories in the Lord and they've stood by me cheering me on.

In that time I dated and married Sheryl. Our wedding was in that very sanctuary. In fact, we got engaged in the sanctuary--another story for another time. Maddie, Ella, and Sam all experienced their first worship times at Otter Creek. They've been blessed by those elders and teachers. My mom is now a member at Otter Creek--and teaching a Sunday morning adult Bible Class on Spiritual Development. What an amazing 10 years! I've made some very close friendships. I've grieved the loss of mentors like Bud Arnold and John Crothers. I've said goodbye to friends too young to die like Shanon Dickerson. (I'll never forget Bud Arnold and Shanon Dickerson's funerals--within months of each other.) I've seen friends come to Christ. I've grieved as friends have said goodbye to their marriages. I've celebrated and with others who've committed their lives to each other in marriage. I've even performed several weddings there. I never would have believed that.

The birth of ZOE happened during those ten years. It has grown into something none of us could imagine and the elders and staff have been so supportive of that ministry. There've been Christmas musicals with the Temple choir, "A Sander's Family Christmas", 7 years of Phil Keaggy and Jeff Berry concerts, Summer Life, VBS, Easter musicals, Randal Wilcher classes, Donald Miller, life groups, hilarious Matt and Emily Little moments, answered prayers...and prayers that seemed to go unanswered.

There've been so many special memories. I praise God for the life, the community, the family and the joy that Otter Creek has brought into my life. Thank you, Lord for 10 special years! Here's to the next 10!

What I should have also said in my post on Friday is that I left the two day retreat with Otter Creek staff feeling so PUMPED! I think it was the most beneficial and spiritually challenging time together we've had in ages. We talked about vision. We talked about holistic spirituality--or more plainly stated, discipleship and living missional lives. There are many exciting days ahead!

This morning we have elder ordination. We're talking about incarnation a bit and service. We also have Vocal Union with us. They'll be singing a couple of songs in preparation for their journey to Carnegie Hall in a couple of weeks. They're singing O Come, O Come Emanuel and O Holy Night.

Have a wonderful morning of worship!

If a church were to re-word or re-structure their mission statement to reflect something like...

"Our mission is to grow people into an authentic relationship with Jesus until all men, women, boys and girls are ready to give away their lives for the sake of Christ."

Something to that degree--can you imagine the ramifications that would have? Where would you start? How would the church respond to holistic spirituality? Can you imagine the impact of taking something like that seriously?

Authenticity is attractive. Kids today, and adults too, are looking for something more real than the churchy game that most of us play. In fact, I'd be tempted to put a banner up where other praise banners are that simply states, "No more B.S." And I don't mean "Brandon Scott", although the two are sometimes synonymous.

What if the church really got busy being about the business of Jesus? What if we cared less about maintaining status quo and looking like the world around us and began to be radically DIFFERENT than the world? Did you know that based on just about every statistic out there--there's not much difference? Marriages don't stay together, people don't seem to have more victory over addictions, etc. And so, the burning question is...just what difference does Jesus make? It's HUGELY convicting to me.

For me, the call of Christ is becoming less and less appealing by worldly standards. I think that's as it should be. While my flesh rejects the notion of dying to myself, my spirit turns backflips at the thought of true authenticity in Christ...and becoming what we're all meant to be through His power. Furthermore, based on real example in my life, this change is not possible without surrender to the Spirit of God. I'm still learning, Lord!! I need Your molding touch!

"Not by might, not by power, but by MY SPIRIT says the Lord!!"