It's been one of those days...just long and tiring. Seeing Sheryl, Maddie and Ella at dinner was the shot in the arm I needed. So, instead of writing... I'll just say amen to what Mike said.

Maddie and Ella both enjoy their cheerleader outfits their Nonnie bought them in Abilene. Maddie was completely fascinated with the cheerleaders we saw in Abilene. It's no wonder that she has developed an interest in doing "cheers". Her aunt Kiki is the cheerleader sponsor where she teaches here in Nashville. She also helps Maddie with the "jumps".

This is Maddie's cheer she likes to say right now. It completely cracks me up.

The Wildcats are HOT!
And CAN'T BE STOPPED!!!!
(insert out of control screaming and jumping here and then a pause long enough to yell...)
We're number TWO!!!!!

She'll be the new breed of cheerleaders...realists.

It was a great weekend. We had our big pledge Sunday--totals are still being counted...hanging chads and all. I had rehearsal all afternoon Sunday and again last night. It's going well. There are quite a few lines to memorize and I am wondering when I'll be able to do that!

I can't wait to hear the bluegrass band playing with us. I know they will be fantastic. JV is really the only "Sanders Family player". Actually, all the actors are supposed to sing and act and play the instruments--but that was just a little too much--even for Music City. However, JV is saving us from too much disgrace. I believe in the course of the evening he is playing the piano-with one awesome ragtime type solo, the trumpet, and an accordian. What a multi-talented guy! The other instrumentalists will be playing guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and others.

Is anyone else in the holiday spirit? Some years it's easier than others. This year it seems Sheryl and I both are getting there early. Christmas has always been my favorite. I enjoy having the tree up, the stockings, the lights. I love that warm family feeling. After my dad died, I dreaded holidays like Christmas. My mom and I tried to do things out of our norm to break up the grief. We spent the first couple of Christmases in NYC--something everyone should do at some point. However, it wasn't until we had kids that the holiday really came back to life. I LOVE BEING A DAD! I find myself on pins and needles waiting to see their joy and surprise. Maddie can hardly stand the suspense of knowing we've bought things but having to wait until Christmas--truly my child! She saw a "purple thing" that Sheryl bought recently. It's a pair of Disney Belle shoes in a purple package. Not a day has gone by that she hasn't bugged one of us about the "purple thing". "Where is it? When can I have it? Where did you put it?" A couple of nights ago she thanked God for the "purple thing". Sheesh.

As the season approaches, schedules get tighter and tighter. If it's any indication, we had to back up our office Christmas party to November 30th. I just pray that we'll be able to take the time to enjoy and celebrate birth, hope, family, and all that we have to be thankful for. My mom will be packing up "the dreams God planted" over the coming weeks--not just a chapter of her life, but almost an entire novel. Moving is never fun or easy. However, one of the things I have always loved about my parents, and Mom especially, is their eagerness to try new things. I have the adventurous spirit deep in my DNA. I am excited about this new chapter in her life and ours. Thanks for you continued prayers about her transition.

God is good! Today we have the opportunity to live and reflect that truth. It happens in grandiose ways, yes. But, in truth, it happens more poignantly in small ways...the way we treat our spouse, the way we talk to our server at a restaurant, the way we handle people who treat us rudely, the way we respond to those who disagree with us, etc. Those scenarios sometimes take us by surprise. Maybe we could agree together to be on the lookout today for opportunities to show the glory of God in the small ways...an decide ahead of time how we will react.

This weekend we had a 24 hour period of prayer on our new property that culminated with a prayer walk headed by our teens. What a great day!

There were 5 or so stations that each group went to. At each station were several teens who read scripture and then led the group in prayer. I wish every single Otter Creeker could have been there if only to hear the prayers of our youth. To hear Lindsay Netterville lead such a sweet prayer, hearing Eric Innis comment on why we were there in such a mature way, being admonished by James Woodroof...this was a very special day!

At each station we had a different prayer theme...like praying for our youth, children's ministry, and kindergarten or our church neighbors or those who have yet to know Jesus..etc. We are in the Bible belt, yes. However, if we have to be surrounded by other churches (that's a whole different blog) I am so glad to be neighbors to Fellowship Bible and Brentwood Baptist. Both churches are filled with Spirit filled, passionate, faithful followers of Jesus. It's exciting to think how we might partner with them in community events.

I loved hearing the prayers of our elders and their wives too. I have always been blessed by hearing our shepherds pray, but it's not often enough we get to hear the powerful prayers of women like Paula Franklin and Jeanine Adams. What a blessing!

Tomorrow is our big pledge Sunday. It's a major day for us. I pray that it will be a day that honors the Lord and paves the way for a new season at OC.

Here's our order of worship for Sunday (one note--every first Sunday of the month, we have "Birthday Sunday" which we've been doing for over 30 years. Bob reads the names of the kids who have birthdays that month, they come down and we embarrass them to death by singing to them. Then they go eat cake.)

Welcome--Tim Woodroof
Family prayer
Meet and greet

Praise and Worship--Brandon Scott Thomas
--God of Grace and God of Glory
--Great is the Lord Almighty
--Send Your Rain (start with "soften our hearts".. into verse two to the end)

Prayer--Justin Mundie
--Lord, For Your Glory (sheet music in the bulletin)
--Great is Thy Faithfulness (chorus)
--I Will Praise You

"Threshold Moments"--Tim Woodroof
Testimonies--Otter Creek Elders
Shepherding Prayer

Video

Commitment by the Otter Creek Family
--Had It Not Been the Lord

Supper/Offering--Tim Woodroof
Birthday Sunday--Bob Enkema
Shepherd's Charge--_____________

--Forever (chorus)

Speaking of cancer and prayers...

Can we add John Edwards to our list? One can only imagine the depression he must feel this week after the loss. So much time, energy, money, dreams...gone--or at least put on hold. Then--the day you lose to find out the woman you love has breast cancer? Almost too cruel. Let's not forget, this is also the family that has suffered the loss of a child--something I cannot fathom.

Father, we lift up the Edwards family. We ask for healing for Elizabeth. Please grant them peace and rest right now. Keep them from despair. Draw them close to Your heart. Protect them from mean things being said and help them to see with Your eyes.

YEA!!!!

Great news everyone--

The mass taken from Jeff WAS NOT CANCEROUS! Praise God! The mass was indeed pre-cancerous and would ahve turned malignant, but they got it in time! HUGE answered prayers. Everyone is doing well.

Rejoice!

Last night we went to P.F. Chang's with Steve and Karen Speake. The Speakes don't have kids and love our kids. They have been like older siblings to us over the last 6 years. One of the best memories we have together is our trip to NYC back in 2000. They are really a hoot.

Last night at Chang's, we wisely requested a booth. We've learned that in a booth we can at least attempt to corral the kids. It cracks me up now when younger people encounter us in places like restaurants or airplanes. It's the familiar deer-in-the-headlights-look that is far, far more effective than even teaching abstinence. Both of our servers last night had that look. It's the wide-eyed, I'm never having children, someone please save me look. And--I think our kids are pretty well behaved in public. (You see, I know that look quite well because for 30+ years, I had that same look!) Of course there was the whole incidence with Maddie throwing the plate on the floor and it breaking into a million pieces. But that's another story.

We got home and had the talk every couple loves to hate about money and finances. What a year we're staring into! I can't go into all of it here, but there are some major expenses coming our way--not to mention trying to pledge money to the building campaign.

Speaking of--my trip out to the World Outreach Church this week really got me pumped about some possibilities for our new building. Check out that page if you get a chance. The architect and interior designer both go to Otter Creek and our building will be similar. They have three different places of worship--3 different services going on at the same time. All live worship stuff and the sermon is basically broadcast in from the main sanctuary. One of the rooms has a 45 ft--yes, FOOT, long screen. It was amazing.

I am having lunch with my brother, Randy Gill, today. I love that guy. I am so glad we're both in Nashville. We don't take advantage of our proximity as much as we ought to.

Please keep praying for Jeff. He's in a regular room and is in a lot of pain. He had a slight fever yesterday, but that's not that abnormal. There's a chance that pathology might come back today.

Father, please be with Jeff today--HEAL HIM! Surround Carol and Jeff with your loving care and give them peace. We ask you in the name of Jesus to eradicate any cancer from his body. May Your name be praised through this. We all agree together in this prayer as siblings bound by tyhe blood of your Son.

Thanks to Kyle for sending me this picture. This was taken a couple of weeks ago in Texas. I'm still enjoying the warmth of the time spent there with people and old friends.

Last night at our emergent service there were three stations--giving, receiving, and encouragement. At the giving station people used clay to sculpt what they wanted to give to the Lord--something representing it (a gift, a sin, something you hold to tightly to...etc). There were the COOLEST clay sculptures there. In fact, Scott said they ran out of clay!

At the receiving table those who wanted to received the Lord's Supper. The encouragement table was a place to write encouragement cards to others. I heard it was a great night.

Meanwhile, we were in rehearsals that began at 6:15 and ended close to 9:30. The show is really going well. I am amazed--and always have been--at the talent in this place. I have been in professional paid productions with people who weren't half as talented as those here at the Creek. It really blows me away. I have to think that God would not gather people like that all in one place for us to just waste the gifts. It certainly calls us to something higher and deeper.

This show is so hilarious. My character--Pastor Oglethorpe--is such a fun guy to play. He has it bad for June--the Sanders Family sister who "doesn't sing, she signs". Anyway--fun stuff.

I heard from Carol Nelson this morning--things went well with Jeff. His surgery was only about 2 hours long. The doctor thought the liver and other organs looked ok. As for what was removed, we're waiting on pathology which could take as long as Monday. The doc said it was about 50/50 as to whether it was malignant or not. However, he did feel like he got it ALL. Jeff was in ICU last night but is expected to be moved to a regular room today sometime. This is good news so far! Thanks for the many prayers for them. Let's keep it up. They said they could really feel the prayer coverage.

My mom SOLD HER HOUSE!!!!!! Yeeee-hawww! This has been a stressful thing lately. Not only did she sell it, but it seems that God has worked everything out just as it needs to be with timing and stuff. She'll close there on the 10th of December and close here on the 15th.

Thank you, Father, for caring about our every day concerns. Thank you for being involved in our lives and not just a stand-offish being. Thank you for your touch and for speaking through unlikely things like clay sculptures. Thank you for laughter. Thank you for reminding me this morning of your sovereignty. And YOU will reign forever and ever.

I refreshed my links and added a few new ones. Hope you enjoy.

What a nail biting night! Sheryl and I were at a movie and it was killing me not to check every 10 minutes on my phone. Isn't our system fascinating? What if it had come down to a tie in the electoral vote and the decision went to the Senate and House?? Isn't it weird to think Thomas Jefferson was elected that way? Amazing stuff.

On that note, why can't we figure out a way to have a systemized way to vote? Voting is different not only state to state but county to county too! Maybe there are benefits. What are they? Some places have stupid chads that don't punch. Some places lose votes by turning the power off. In Oregon, no one goes to vote--everyone mails in their ballots. In Arkansas, my in-laws filled out their ballot with a pencil and slipped it in a box like it was 1892. Other states neglect sending out absentee ballots until 4 days before the election. I am just glad to know that being an idiot isn't reserved for church work. It certainly seems to apply to government work as well.

My mom came through her cataract surgery this morning with flying colors. Still waiting to hear something from Jeff. Let's continue to pray...for each other, for our country, and more importantly--that we will be Kingdom people (more than US citizens--citizens of the Kingdom of our Lord and God that has no borders). Let's also pray that I don't get any more calls from cast members today.

Here's how my yesterday went with regard to the play and casting. (by the way--rehearsals have already begun and man 2, who is usually cast in a leading role wasn't cast this time because the vocal part fit man 1 better.) Enjoy.

Scene 1 (phone rings at the Thomas house)
Brandon: This is Brandon
Man 1: Brandon--I can't get my schedule to work out for the rehearsals. I cannot do the show. We've had some doctors drop out of our practice and the scheduling just won't work.
Brandon: I hate hearing that! I don't know what we'll do about voice parts, but we'll figure something out.
Man 1: sorry man.

Scene 2 (Brandon calling man 2)
Brandon: Hey bro! Ok--I have something to ask you...if we re-arranged the voice parts is there any way you'd consider doing the show?
Man 2: why should you have to?
Brandon: well, Man 1 had to drop out and I really need you.
Man 2 (loving the fact that I am squirming here): well, I guess I can swallow my pride and take the role.
Brandon: man, you are so awesome. Thank you so much. You know how weird this is for me. See you tonight at rehearsal.

Scene 3 (phone rings an hour later at the Thomas house)
Brandon: this is Brandon
Man 1: Brandon--this is (insert name). I got everything worked out!! My schedule is free now! I just wanted to call and let you know.
Brandon: wow--I just hung up with someone else who is taking your place. But--we really need you for that vocal part. Let me call Eve and see what to do. Thanks for working that out!


Scene 4 (this is after calling Eve and agreeing that we need man 1 since he had already begun the show--calling man 2)
Brandon: Hey man. Ok...soooooooo, I just got a call from (man 1).
Man 2: laughter
Brandon: Dude...I don't know what to say. He's worked things out and I think we need him for that voice part.
Man 2: go on..grovel!
Brandon: I am dyin here! Please, please forgive me!
Man 2: Just be glad we're good friends.

Scene 5 (this is just 45 minutes before rehearsal--phone rings at the Thomas house)
Brandon: this is Brandon
Man 1: Brandon--I am so sorry to have to do this.
Brandon: NO!!!!
Man 1: I came home and talked with my wife who said the schedule of rehearsals is just too much for her. She has asked me not to do it
Brandon: NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Man 1: I am so sorry
Brandon: OK--you're really doing the right thing. I understand. I'll take care of it. (inside...I hate you, I hate you, I hate you!!!)

Scene 6 (minutes later--calling man 2 back for the hundredth time)
Brandon: Hi
Man 2: laughter
Brandon: so....what is your definition of friendship??
Man 2: more laughter
Brandon: yeah, soooo I just got a call from (man 1) and he is definitely OUT.
Man 2: you must be kidding.
Brandon: nope. I am begging. I am groveling. Please, please, please take this role.
Man 2: You'd better be glad it's me.
Brandon: see you at 6:30?
Man 2: I'll be there.


The rest of the story-- man 2 is perfect in the role and the re-arranging of vocal parts will be minimal. God provides! Who says worship and arts people lead stress free lives? Have them call me!!!

In case you're reading this for the first time today--please read the entry from this morning and keep praying.

So many thing to pray about today. Let's pray for our country and that we will watch how we behave with each other over the coming days. It's one of our gifts here to be able to vote. Be sure and take advantage of that right.

Please be in prayer for Jeff Nelson. I just got word this morning that the doctors found a large mass in his colon and he will be having surgery tomorrow to remove it. The biopsy seems hopeful that it's not malignant. However, the surgeons are treating it like cancer and removing lymph nodes and everything. Please, please be in prayer for him. Jeff is a long time friend and mentor. I am not sure I'd would have even known what worship ministry was had it not been for his leadership.

More later.

There is a church I know of who is trying to articulate a vision for the future in this post-modern era. I read this last week and found it quite intriguing. I know it's a little lengthy, but it's worth the read. Let me know what you think. For his sake and his church's sake, I've left them anonymous.

A Note About Church and Culture

As is evidenced by any number of sources, the dominant culture of the western world is undergoing a major cultural shift. This is not simply a generational shift (such as from “Baby Boomers to Generation X) but rather a shift in overall epistemology (how we come to know things). Not since the Enlightenment has the world experienced anything like this. Most churches are not aware of this change or view it as simply a passing fad to be ignored and/or opposed (much like most churches initially ignored and/or opposed the Enlightenment and subsequent modernity before realizing it’s scope and impact). After being totally caught off-guard by the modern shift, the church did a pendulum swing and married itself to Modernistic/Enlightenment thought, which also wasn’t the best move for anyone involved. Instead, we propose that be ahead of the cultural curve and engage the postmodern mindset. What we are advocating is quite different from the way that the church embraced the modern mindset (in many ways to her detriment). What we are proposing is much more along the lines of what the apostle Paul advocates in 2 Corinthians 10:5, “take(ing) captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”. Looking at this passage in context reveals that it is not referring to one’s personal “thought life”, but is rather talking about taking captive the dominant philosophy for the cause of Christ; redeeming what we can out of it for the sake of the gospel and refuting what we have to (in the most appropriate and effective way). This is also a principle that Paul modeled on Mars Hill when he actually used a pagan idol and heathen poets to reveal the Living God. He redeemed their epistemology and dominant philosophy and made it obedient to Christ. This is the course that we believe should take in regards to the postmodern shift. This will involve letting go of some presuppositions which are thoroughly rooted in modernity and not Scripture (though it may at first seem like the opposite ). This is not simply a change in worship styles or moving from “traditional” to “progressive”. It is instead a radical rethinking of how we engage the dominant culture with the message of Jesus (more on the message of Jesus later).



This will involve the following:

1. Changing Our Attitude Toward Change

In the past, we have worked hard to change attitudes towards specific beliefs and practices only to have to fight different battles a few years later. What if we changed our overall attitude toward change so that we can engage a culture that changes at the speed of light? What if change was something that was understood to be woven into the fabric of our being?



2. Renewed Emphasis on Story (narrative)

Propositional truths ring kind of hollow (and shallow) in the ears of postmoderns. Emphasis on the (true) story of Jesus and the stories of his followers (including those at ) fascinate them and communicate truth in a less threatening and more engaging way. People begin to see their lives as an extension of the story and begin to believe “truths” that they couldn’t be argued into.



3. Become Less “Event Oriented” & Instead Become More Process and Community Oriented

We must begin to view evangelism and discipleship less in terms of “Big Events” and more in terms of a process by which disciples (apprentices of Jesus) involve themselves in the lives of both other disciples and the community around them and are thereby spiritually formed.



Focus On Experience(s)
Talk about truth without ways to experience truth seems sort of inauthentic to postmoderns. We must find ways to facilitate opportunities to experience truth (whether through metaphorical physical activity involving activities other than hearing or reading, or by offering opportunities to be a part of the mission of God, even if one hasn’t yet become a believer). On a weekly basis (but not a rigid programs or ministries) we would like to give opportunities to incorporate Biblical truth into their lives.
Less focus on “Ministries and Programs” and more emphasis on community, opportunity, and mission.
To postmoderns, all of our ministries and programs may make our church appear to be a marketed product that we are selling. Most immediately lose interest (the cardinal rule is “don’t let your marketing show”). For those who are attracted to such a sales pitch we have to ask: are we creating people who are MORE self-centered rather than less? Are we simply creating “Christian” consumers?


The Kingdom Of God

We propose that adopt the theme “On Earth as it is in Heaven,” for 2005. This is obviously taken from Jesus’ sample prayer found in the Gospels. In this prayer, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven,” are not separate items, but rather a reflexive restatement of the same idea. The “Kingdom of God” does not simply stand as a synonym for “the church” (with a leader, members, etc.), nor does it refer implicitly to the “second coming” (in it’s popularly understood form) and the subsequent end of the world. Instead, it is an ideology…a vision…a dream that God has about how this world is supposed to be and how it’s supposed to work. It’s a mission…a grand adventure that God invites us into whereby we become a part of how that ideology, vision, and dream becomes reality “on earth as it is in Heaven.” Looking at things through these lenses radically changes what they look like and what they mean to us. Evangelism becomes less about saving one’s personal soul so that they can go to Heaven one day when they die (though this is a part of it), and more about one becoming a part of the Mission of God whereby things on Earth are beginning to line up with God’s will the way they do in Heaven. Discipleship becomes less about being persuaded to mentally agree with certain propositional ideas and more about the people actually immersing themselves in the Way of Jesus and being formed into His image by the experience of it. Church becomes less about doing the right “acts of worship” in the right way and more about a redemptive community that through interaction and a common mission forms those it encircles into the people Jesus would be if He lived their lives. Life becomes less about me and more about God and you. The world becomes less a frightening place to be fought against and more the creation of God desperately in need of both the good news we are called to embody, and reconciliation in it’s broken relationship with a God who is madly in love with it (John 3:16).

The leadership dinner was nice last night. The real festivities after dinner didn't begin until around 8pm which meant that one of us had to go get the girls and take them home and to bed. (Our girls are usually IN bed by 8) Since Sheryl has not gotten to be a part of many of the discussions, I thought it might be nice for her to stay--so I went to get the girls. I am really glad she had a chance to stay. It allowed her to feel more connected. Who knows, maybe I'll get in trouble for leaving early--oh well. People who schedule things late like that either don't have kids, or have endless resources for home babysitting--I'm convinced of it.

This morning we are going to see a 15 minute DVD full of testimonials and stories of OC and what the Lord has done in our presence. This is all leading to next week's big comittment Sunday.

Here's the order of worship for this morning:

Welcome—Tim Woodroof
Family prayer— Brennan McGehee/ Mike Blankinship
Meet and greet

Praise and Worship—BST
--A New Anointing
--Lord Reign In Me
--Blessed Jesus

Readings by praise team
Ephesians 1:17-20 (TJ McCloud)
2 Cor 17-18 (Jeff Krinks)
Gal 3:26-29 (Eve Clevenger)
1 Cor 12:12-13 (Steve Speake)
Eph 3:10-12 (ALL)

--Here In This Place
--Above All

Supper—Phillip Allen
--Surround Us, O Lord

Offering--Phillip Allen
--Thank You

Special Video
Reach Campaign News—Jim Butler
Shepherd's Close
--Days of Elijah (chorus only)

Tonight we have "Trunk or Treat" in our parking lot with Church of the Redeemer. It should be a lot of fun.

I pray your Sunday is filled with conviction about real Kingdom issues. I pray that we'll all be awake enough Spiritually to not miss what the Lord wants to say to us. And I pray that would be especially true for the messages outside our church building walls...where God sometimes speaks more clearly and plainly.

I've been enjoying the CD Sam sent me. Here are the lyrics to one of the songs that really ministered to me this morning--

Here I am, Lord, kneeling at Your feet
A broken spirit longing for mercy.
My heart is longing, Lord
This is my plea--
Take my sin and purify me.
Lord, I give you all of me.
words and music by Sam Middlebrook (c) 2003

There are several others that have been especially meaningful--in fact, I found myself wishing he'd been with us at ZOE to share some of these songs. Thanks again for sending this, Sam!


This weekend we have a lot going on. Maddie is so excited about Sydney Williamson's birthday party she can hardly stand herself. One night she even slept with the invitation--perhaps it's because it's a princess party??

Saturday night we have a leadership dinner for all those in leadership at OC and those who are steering the Reach Campaign. We will all give our pledges for the campaign that night and let that be the starting point for the church in its giving.

Sunday we'll enjoy some time of worship together and Sunday night we'll have "trunk-or-treat" in our back parking lot for the kids of OC, Church of the Redeemer and maybe neighborhood kids too.

Speaking of Redeemer, I met with Thomas McKinzie yesterday--pastor of the new Church of the Redeemer who meets in our building on Sunday nights. I was surprised to find him around my age. We had a great conversation and a good laugh. I left there feeling so thankful that we've been afforded this opportunity to journey with a group of people we wouldn't otherwise have much contact with. It's a cool thing they're doing.

This weekend we'll see lots of kids dressed up as all sorts of things. Again, it occurs to me that often we send a message on these types of holidays. It completely makes sense to me why people don't want to "celebrate" a holiday that was marked for evil purposes. However, sometimes I think our closed doors and humbug attitudes can send a message that can be misinterpreted. (Don't bother us, we're religious. We don't care for you. You're less than--because you're trick-or treating. God is exclusive and you're out) That may sound over the top, but believe me, it's the impression Christians give all through the year--not just on holidays we may or may not share with the world around us. I'm not saying go out and have bloody eye balls on your door or witches flying from your windows, but let's at least be ready with warmth and cheer. Really, how many times do our neighbors come and knock on our doors. It's an opportunity!

Here are a couple of pics from Maddie's Harvest party at school. Ella's not dressed up but will be this weekend. Maddie's teacher, Ms. Dele was Cinderella. The girls are both fairy princesses--along with EVERY OTHER GIRL at school. Of course, not every other girl has mommy who can make her costume! Sheryl is a wonder--for sure!

Have a safe weekend and let me know if there are ways you're being creative with your candy giving.

'

Stephanie Bailey sent me this picture today. This picture was taken at the reception during Homecoming weekend. The roommates' kids! We were missing the Doggetts' kids--which would have almost doubled the amount of children!

Listed from right to left are:
Riley Fisher (son of Craig and Beth Ann)
Maddie Thomas (ours)
Rainey Bailey (daughter of Stephen and Stephanie)
Ella Thomas (ours)
not pictured: Owen Fisher

This morning was trick-or treat at the OC kindergarten and pre-school. The kids were so hilarious! Maddie is a fairy princess and looks ravishing, of course. Pictures soon to come.

Last night we had the parade of Bible characters where the kids dress up and the church gets three clues to guess who they are. We had over 90 kids involved. They were hilarious too.

Afterwards, we had our first rehearsal for "Sanders Family Christmas". Although it was long, it was really fun. It's such a funny script and such a great cast! The read and sing through was interrupted by uncontrollable laughter many times.

Have a great day everyone!

Here's another picture from the weekend that my buddy, Kirk Nofsinger, took as the parade was coming to an end. Thanks, Kirk!!

Last weekend was so much fun! The carnival ended up being inside Bennett Gym. We all sweated off about 7 lbs each. Maddie and Ella proudly wore their ACU cheerleader uniforms that "Nonnie" had bought for them. In fact, they wore them for about 3 days straight. We had to peel them off.

Saturday morning I ended up going to the Gamma Sig breakfast. I was glad I did. There was no biscuit throwing. The skits were pretty funny. I got to catch up with my old pals Don Heyen and Corey Curtis. Corey lost his dad this year. It was good to talk and find out how their family is doing. I got to see ol' Jay Duty (former Otter Creek intern) and spend a little time talking with Justin (boyfriend to Sarah Woodroof from Otter Creek). It was a good time to visit.

The parade was so much fun. We got to ride in this amazing cherry red classic Chevy convertible. The girls had a blast throwing candy. Ella's aim was a little off. She kept hitting the nice man driving the car in the back of the head.

The car took us on to Chapel. It was so cool--I had coerced the alumni office to ask my best buddy and college roommate, Stephen Bailey, to lead worship (which they were smart to do). He did a great job! AWESOME job! Jonathan Stites spoke. I was sitting there watching them thinking--aren't we here, in school, 20 years old, at chapel, with the whole world ahead of us??!! It was easy not to feel old until Dr. Money got up and talked about how the Young Alumnus award has to go to people under 40. My 34 years were suddenly very present. The cool thing was, I had decided to talk a bit about the song "Had It Not Been the Lord" and the scripture Jonathan picked to speak about fit perfectly. I love it when the Spirit does that. It was a really cool moment.

Afterwards they whisked us away to the Williams Performing Arts Center for the reception. It was so amazing to see friends from so many years past. Some of our relatives showed up too. The Nofsingers were there--my family when I lived in Dallas (and still). Their kids were so old it broke my heart. How does time pass so quickly??

One of the coolest things was that the Fishers and Baileys drove out from the metroplex to spend the day with us. Craig and Stephen were my roommates at ACU and have been my brothers in life. The most fun was watching our kids run and play together and have so much fun.

Maddie and Ella got reacquainted with their kids as well as Colin and Chloe Dickson. It's such a joy to see our kids connect and have a blast with the children of people who mean so much to us.

That night we went to the Homecoming Musical--"Kiss Me Kate". It's not my favorite show. HOWEVER--it was awesome! Maddie got to go for the first act and really loved it. She felt so big getting to be there and watch. She said it was her favorite thing of the weekend. The show was incredible. The dancing was amazing. The theater dept has always been the best of most any place I know. Over the last decade as they have become more and more competitive, it really shows in the quality. I think they are only accepting 12 majors a year. Every role was outstanding. It's cool to know that those kids are being trained to such a degree of professionalism by people who are passionate for Jesus. So rare in that field!

It was wonderful to be at Highland on Sunday. HOME! Mike's sermon was wonderful. My buddy Jan Meyer read scripture and they played the baptism DVD I love so much during Mike's sermon. What a wonderful morning!

It was a wonderful week--restful, encouraging, energizing for the future, and rich in fellowship. There were a few people I didn't get to see as much as I wanted, but it was still wonderful. Jeff Berry and I at least had Starbucks. I got to see Val open his door in his underwear, Kyle and I got to have Mexican ice cream, I got to spend at least 10 minutes with the Lipfords, I got to visit with the Wade twins and the McCalebs at the carnival, I got more time than usual with Wendy Wray Ogren, and got to at least laugh on the phone with Joel Quile after promising each other we'd visit at some point that week. He's a blessed guy--what a beautiful family!

We're home now. I've been buried today trying to dig out. One bright spot was my call from Sam Middlebrook--thanks, Sam! Your prayers are such an encouragement!

Actually, there were many other bright points today. I spent all morning with Mike Cope, Jeff Walling, Randy Gill, GT, Larry Bridgesmith and Phil Harrington talking about ZOE and the future. It was an exciting morning. We're looking ahead to our next conference on the West Coast in January. COME JOIN US!

One other thing I neglected to mention--in the last 2 weeks I completely changed gears on Christmas. I am securing copyrights and we had auditions last night for "Sanders Family Christmas" a wonderful musical comedy...the sequel to "Smoke on the Mountain". We had a great turn out and a wonderful cast as a result. We hit the ground running tomorrow night.

Tomorrow morning I will lead worship at Lipscomb chapel again. Please pray for me so I will know how to encourage them and do something that honors the Lord.

It's good to be home. The hardwood floors in our house are STILL not right after another go around this past week--but that's another blog altogether. Let's just boil it down to some good ol' creamed corn.

This is long already, but after this morning, I keep thinking about the future and what might be on the horizon. I know tomorrow a large group meets in Dallas from the Churches of Christ (Lynn Anderson, Cope, Walling, Rubel, Rick Atchley, and others) with leaders from the Independent Christian Churches. On the census of 1906 we were divided for the first time. We're coming up on the 100th anniversary of that date. Leaders from both groups are looking to bridge a 100 year old gap. I think that's a cool thing. Let's pray for those men and women tomorrow. Whatever the case, we serve a God who is bigger than all of us put together. Today was a day of being reminded of that.

This weekend has been incredibly indescribable. I'll have to blog about it some through the week. The girls absolutely loved that parade. More on that later too. This picture was taken in chapel during the presentation on Saturday. Pictured with me are Royce Money, ACU President and Linda Giddens, ACU Alumni Board President.

We're exhausted and feel full. It's been a wonderful time of blessing and being with friends and family. We fly home in the morning. More after we get back!

Rain! I remember several heavy rains while at ACU--the kind where you go from your car to the nearest building and look like you swam under water. Today we had one of those rains here. Sheryl and I waded to chapel.

Chapel was really cool today. They did all the Homecoming court stuff up front and then spent the rest of the time in worship. I just always feel so encouraged when I get to be here on the Friday worship days. Honestly, ACU really is unique. The kids really sing. They really seem passionate about worship. The praise team up front did a great job. All the football players were sitting on the floor towards the front. One of the players just stood up at one point with his hands in the air in worship- not caring at all what anyone thought. There were kids like that scattered all over the coliseum. BUT--the thing that really freaked us out was how many ZOE arrangements and songs they sang. It's really weird to be singing in a coliseum of students and hear girls mimic things Sheryl made up in the studio. I honestly had to stop at one point because I was so overwhelmed. The passion of the students, the volume with which they sang, the heartfelt leadership of the student leading worship... it was really cool.

We spent some time in the campus center. The "shrine to Brandon", as Sheryl calls it, is completely embarrassing. The girls think it's pretty cool though since they're pictures are in the case as well.

That reminds me, this morning Maddie popped off, "Daddy, your hair looks weird." I said, "Is that a good weird or bad weird?" She replied, "BAD weird." Alas, I am already embarrassing my daughter...a trend I hope to continue for many, many years.

I have decided to break down and go to Gamma Sigs' Homecoming breakfast in the morning. I ran into some friends who convinced me to go. Hopefully, I've talked Kyle into going. We were remembering some things about pledging this afternoon. At one point during the brutal bid night experience, we were out on this property doing something secretive--but it involved all means of torture and humiliation (well, not really--only mostly). A lot of it had to do with physical stuff--running, etc. But the worst was the eating. Kyle was reminding me--we were in the same group with Chris Seidman and others--how I took it all. Meanwhile, he was spitting things out right and left while no one was watching. When he told me the next day, I was so mad. I had eaten who knows what and he had done the MUCH smarter thing. All you GSP guys out there know what I mean.

One of the funnier moments in Gamma Sigs happened later after I graduated and came back as an alumnus for bid night. Donny Vaughn, several others and I were in charge of the alumni fire. We made up some story about one of our club songs... "O come ye brothers to the call..." We totally lied and said that one time a group of GSP members went to work on a Native American Reservation back in the 60s. These Native Americans did something they termed "the call" and we'd imitate it yelping and doing all sorts of stupid things. We taught the pledges how to "call" and said that all through the night and on into the 6 week pledging period that any time they saw their brothers from across campus, they should "call" to them. For whatever reason, it stuck. Throughout the night, every time we'd hear people doing it, we would have to just bite our lips to keep from completely breaking down in laughter. Remember this, Donny? Apparently, "the call" is still a part of GSP legend.

My mom needs to sell her house. Please keep that in your prayers. She closes on her new house in Nashville on December 4th. That's coming QUICKLY!

I think I decided that I might want to go get my Masters in worship ministry through Integrity. At some point, I'd like to be back in Abilene and teach at ACU and be a part of encouraging young men and women in that area. That might be a few years off, but it's really been something on my heart while we've been out here. Who knows what the church will look like in 20 years. We may all be moving to Africa. We might be selling our huge buildings and embracing a new paradigm. We might actually become missional in nature. I just think we've got exciting days ahead. There's a lot of groaning and complaining out there and I'm doing my fair share of it. I just feel like the truth is this--God will glorify Himself through all of this. Whether it looks like it does now or something completely different and outside our boxes, it has always been and always will be his bride. I can't wait to see how these current stirrings impact, convict, and improve the world-wide fellowship of believers we all belong to.

It's raining, the girls are asleep, and it's time for a nap. Hope all of you are having a great week.

The flights to Abilene were some of the best we'd ever had. Even American Eagle only threatened near death 3 times as opposed to the 20 or so that are expected on such a flight. We've had such a relaxing, wonderful time!!

We spent some time with our friend, Sally Gary on Tuesday night. Afterwards, my life long friend, Kyle Dickson came and kidnapped me and we went to Val Durrington's to borrow a squirrel trap. Yes, a squirrel trap. I loved Val's face as he opened the door--only expecting Kyle. One of the best things about going "home" is getting to see your friends. It's been great in that respect already.

This afternoon I helped Mom clean out some stuff. We also went through some old video tapes...Wylie High School concerts where Shawna Duff and I were singing Daddy's Hands and other less memorable moments. There was one tape of my dad interviewing my grandmother about all her memories. We enjoyed watching bits of that. There was a recital from ACU where many faces and voices of old friends--all Jeannette Lipford's students--came to life. John Scott Davis, Kellie Curtis, Gayla Hester, Julie Corlew, Wendy Wray, David Chrane, Holly Sparlin and on and on. (This post is for you, Anonymous. I like to call it my "names a plenty" post.)Like it or not, each of us has a history made up of names and faces. Some bring warm memories and others bring pain. These are the warmest of memories. Getting to see my dad on tape, my grandmother, my cousins and others in New Braunfels as we were kids. It was really a riot. Maddie exclaimed at one point, "Daddy was YOUNG!" Ouch.

Tonight we went over to Kyle and Camille Dickson's. Our kids had so much fun playing. Colin and Chloe were great hosts. It was nice just getting to visit in a low key environment. (Yes, 4 kids running and playing is lower key than the Homecoming weekend.) Being with them always makes me feel like moving to Abilene. They are great friends.

Tomorrow I am tackling the storage shed. Never mind that someone forgot to change the thermostat here--it's 94 degrees!! UGH! We are spending some time tomorrow night with our family's long time friends, the Lorenz's. Ronnie and Darla have been parents to me so many times over the years the lines were often blurry between who's child was whose. It will be nice being together.

Friday begins the festivities. Since Mom is moving, I am having all these nostalgic moments. I think we might even take in the Wylie High School pep rally that morning before ACU chapel. That evening is the carnival. The girls have been asking about it every day this week.

Saturday morning is Homecoming breakfast--do I really want to go pay $10 to eat with people I pledged with and under...only to watch men throw biscuits at current pledges? Doubtful. However, the parade starts at 9 and so we'll be getting ready for that. Maddie has her candy all prepared to throw. The rest of the day will be really full with the presentation and whatever speech I am giving at chapel and then the reception in the performing arts building. That night will be the Homecoming musical...Kiss Me Kate. It will be a full weekend, but lots of fun, I'm sure.

I honestly feel like I am on vacation. I know I needed this. I am thankful to God for the respite and the time with family. The girls have been so much fun. It's fun to watch THEM have fun. They love being here and have been so happy. Sheryl and I are loving the down time. Thank you, Lord, for providing rest for us!