5 Guys To Cape Town

This Tuesday, this ragged excuse for a music mission team of guys will be leaving for one of my favorite locations in the world - Cape Town, South Africa.

This will be my fourth trip to this beautiful city. When I think about how this whole music mission partnership/relationship came about, I continue to marvel at how God works to bring together people from literally all over the globe to accomplish His work.

I hope to make the time to blog periodically during my time there. We would appreciate your prayers as we go to lead music workshops with some of the most talented, but completely under-resourced people we will ever meet.

I know I speak for Doug Sarrett, Doug Diamond, myself, Shane McConnell, and Michael Boggs when I say "thank you" for praying - we know how desperately we need it!

I Miss My Sabbatical

Yes, I admit it openly - I really do miss my sabbatical. Who wouldn't?

Here is what I wrote in my journal this morning:

Lord, it's hard coming back from sabbatical.

the pace
the volume of work
the tension of balancing what's important with what's not
the fear and anxiety of not being able to keep up
the frustration that seeps into my personality as a result of all of the above

it's so much easier to be quiet and still when I am not working
i'm a much nicer person to be around when all of the above is not consuming me
_________________________________
I am convinced as I was writing this, God led me back to a chapter from one of the books I read when I was "not working" to remind me of the following:

"without a rich theology of labor, we'll have an impoverished theology of rest"
"before we understand God's rest, we must understand the Lord's work"
(The Rest Of God - Restoring Your Soul By Restoring Sabbath - by Mark Buchanan)

God reminded me this morning of my calling, and while much has changed in "how" I do what I do each day, the "why" I do it has not.

There is alot more to this than what I have written this morning......

I must keep pondering this, but for now - well, I have to get to work!

4th of July

It's fun to look back through the years to see how we have celebrated Independence Day.

Growing up, my parents always took me and my sister to the 4th of July Picnic at the tabernacle behind the Immanuel Baptist Church in Kyle, Texas. The church where my parents and grandparents worshiped. It wasn't the 4th of July unless we went to this picnic at this tabernacle.

Maybe that picnic influenced me more than I realized because years later, I would want to have a picnic of my own - in my own back yard - invite hundreds of my friends (that would be choir and orchestra members), and we would eat, play music, set-off fireworks and celebrate our freedom. We hosted that party/picnic for many years until we couldn't manage the crowd because we could not park all the cars!





July 4th of 1990 will always be memorable for me because we had just moved into our house here in this amazing neighborhood that celebrated the 4th with their own parade and bar-b-que. When we moved in, we were not aware of all of that, so I just remember watching the parade (at least 200 yards away) from our bedroom window as we painted the inside of our bedroom because we had so much work to be done on our new home.

All of this came back to me yesterday for some strange reason as I waited for my two youngest sons to pick out their fireworks to help us celebrate yet another Independence Day 2008!

Summer Camp

There is something about summer camp that always gets me.

For years of summers, I have watched my sons go off for a week away from their parents and return different from the way they were when they departed for their camp destination.

All of these camps must have had some kind of life-transforming and/or life-shaping experiences because even now Seth (my 24-year old) spends most of his days creating both hilarious and meaningful videos for some of the best camps offered this summer -and he even gets paid to create them!

Our two youngest sons returned today from our church student camp. They are both different young men - it really is that visible - even on the outside. Who can imagine what has happened on the inside. Certainly God knows - after all - He did it.

I love this photo of Matt - it was taken two weeks ago at Windy Gap in North Carolina while he was attending Young Life Camp.

If I created a caption for this photo - it would read, "ahh, now, this is summer camp!"

29 Years - Lost and Found

This post is an admission of negligence and grace.

One evening sometime in the month of April, I came home from work and did what I always do - I removed my watch and my wedding ring, slid my wedding ring onto my watch band, connected the watch band and then..........

For the past 60-70 days, I have been in search of my lost watch and wedding band. I have (as they say) turned things upside down in search of it. After looking everywhere possible, I finally confessed that I was afraid that I had somehow "thrown them away" in a bag of things brought home from Target or somewhere.

Who knows? All knew was I was not happy about losing my wedding ring after 29 incredible years of marriage.

So, one afternoon on my sabbatical, Karla and I went shopping for a replacement wedding ring. As I entered each store, the conversation began with me announcing "I made it for 29 years before losing my wedding ring". That usually brought about a very willing sales person to offer ridiculously expensive replacements.

My how rings have changed in 29 years!

Well, on the afternoon of June 22, 2008, I purchased my new (replacement) wedding ring - see photo!! Karla loves it (that's all that matters), and now my ring finger no longer feels naked, and that's a good thing.

So......all is well......until tonight......

I was searching for something else that was lost (not nearly as important as my lost wedding ring), and guess what I found?

Yep.....my lost watch and my lost wedding ring!

So, now the dilemma......keep the new one or wear the old one?

At this writing, that decision has not been made, but I am still in shock that I actually found this lost wedding ring.

God extended grace to me - yet again.......

One Month

On May 27, I "officially" began my sabbatical. I am not going to elaborate on the past 31 days in this post, but I am going to quote from one of the many wonderful books that I have been reading.

I read this quote on the plane home from Chicago yesterday. It hit me in the face as if I turned my head right into someone's left hook.

The book is entitled, The Rest Of God - Restoring Your Soul By Restoring Sabbath - written by Mark Buchanan - pastor and author (3) books.

What he wrote on page 147 is what nailed me........

"As I left for sabbatical, many people in my church wished me well. They told me they'd miss me, that they'd be praying for me, that they hoped I came back refreshed. And then they usually said, "You deserve this".

I don't. I can think of all kinds of people who deserve it: a single mother who works three jobs to ensure her kids have a decent home and good clothes; a couple who have been clocking twelve-hour days or more six days a week for many years, trying to keep a small business from sliding over the edge; a tradesman who never has time for a holiday when the work is on and never has money for one when it's not; a millworker whose shifts change like the clouds so that he's seen the inside and out of every hour of every day and now never quite sleeps and never fully awakes. I can think of all the people who do their jobs faithfully and capably, even though they die at it a little every day. I like what I do, and I have not worked half as hard as half of these people, and few will ever be given the luxury of a sabbatical.

No, I don't deserve it. It's pure gift, like being born in peacetime and not war, like being forgiven, or kissed, or told you have beautiful eyes. I never earned a minute of it. I don't deserve a scrap of it.

But I feel obliged to the people in my church who have allowed me it. Obliged, not to come back smarter, or thinner, or more eloquent, or more studied up, though all that could help. The obligation I feel is not to pay them back. These things don't work that way, on some barter system where the church trades several months of leave in exhange for shorter, pithier sermons.

The obligation I feel, rather, is to come back restored."
_______________________________________________________________________

God bless Mark Buchanan, and I thank God he wrote this book

Taking A Walk With A Legend

I have to admit that I seldom take walks. I either jog or do nothing. Shame on me.

Last week, I had the extraordinary privilege of taking a walk with arguably the most respected musician/arranger/orchestrator of our time, but more importantly, a true gentleman, husband, father, grandfather, and genuine friend to many.

What a joy to simply take a walk with and converse with Ronn Huff.

Besides being a true genius of an arranger and orchestrator, this man is a deep thinker, he asks hard and great questions, and he expressed a sincere interest in my life and my career. He is quiet and determined. He is passionate and sensitive.

I treasured our time together in ways I will never be able to adequately articulate, and I pray we will have more "walks" in the future.

Here is what was written about Ronn when he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall Of Fame (3) years ago:

"Being inducted as a non-performing member of the Hall of Fame, Ronn Huff’s legacy is well-known to anyone who has directed church choirs in the last 30 years. While minister of music in a Denver church he arranged and published two highly successful books of hymns, "Celebration, Music for Festival Choir" and "Celebration II." But his arrangements and recording of Bill and Gloria Gaither songs into a 1973 musical called "Alleluia, A Praise Gathering" brought national prominence and was the first religious recording to receive an RIAA Gold Album certification, selling over a million records and books. A Christmas work called "His Love, Reaching," a collection of early Praise and Worship songs entitled "Exaltation" and a series collaboration with the Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma are among the successful church music publications he authored. Huff claims to be an arranger, not a composer, but his work is found on many recordings, both sacred and secular. In the past two years alone his name appears on and arrangements are heard in the recordings of Faith Hill, Charlotte Church, Amy Grant, Celine Dion, Jewel, Martina McBride, Allison Krauss, Sandi Patty, John Michael Talbot, Keith Urban, George Strait, Clint Black, Lonestar, Boston Pops, and The American Boy Choir. Until recently Huff held the position of Pop's Director for the Nashville Symphony, but a battle with Parkinson’s Disease has limited his activities in recent years."
________________________________

While these credits speak to the amazing accomplishments of Ronn, you would never know any of this from a simple conversation with him. He would rather talk about his family, his faith, and ask questions about you, your family, and your faith.

If I could only take more walks like this one!

Planes, Trains, & Automobiles

Time and People.......

Two very important ingredients of life, and I am realizing during my sabbatical that I am pretty horrible at both - I don't build in nearly enough margin of time with regard to anything I do, and I don't spend nearly enough of the 24 hours in a day with people - especially people with whom I enrich their life and (as I am discovering on my sabbatical) with people who greatly enrich my life when I give them my undivided attention.

I spent the day on Wednesday in the beautiful city of Baltimore, Maryland. (Since Karla and I are such NCIS nuts, I loved seeing signs on the interstate for exits that Gibbs and crew are always talking about in the TV show).

I was in Baltimore for one reason - to meet with a new friend, worship pastor, author, and one of the nicest guys I have ever met. He gave me an entire afternoon of his time - something I will always treasure because even though I don't build margin into my time, I know what it takes to "give up" an afternoon with someone - especially someone you hardly know!

So, realizing I did not want to waste one minute of this man's time, I wanted to make sure I got to where I was supposed to be "on time".

He asked me to meet him for lunch at a restaurant (47) miles from the Baltimore airport. By my Google Map calculations, it would take anywhere from 45 minutes to 90 minutes (depending on traffic) to get from BWI to my lunch destination. With my plane arriving at 10:30am, there was no way for me to have enough time to rent a car and get there on time, and the last thing I wanted to do was to be late to the beginning of an afternoon of conversation.

So, I took a cab - yes, a cab - 47 mile cab ride! What an adventure as my cabbie drove 80 on the interstate (not wearing a seat belt) while glancing often at his portable Magellan he would hold up with his right hand. I was strapped in holding on for dear life. We left BWI at 10:45am. We arrived at my lunch destination at 11:15am. He certainly got me there on time - 45 minutes early! Talk about margin.......

Oh, and yes, it cost a fortune!

Fast forward to the end of my amazing afternoon with this fine and gracious colleage. (I knew I was not taking a cab back to the airport, but was not sure of my options, and quite honestly, I was not about to fret over them while immensely enjoying the company of my new friend.)

So, not surprising to me, my new friend offered to drive me back to the airport. Well, that was not an option because I had already imposed by taking up an afternoon of this man's time - the final straw could not be a 2-hour (in traffic) round trip for him just to get me to the airport, but to give you one more reason to understand what a great guy this man truly is - he would have done it without thinking about it.

I asked him about the Metro - (rail train public transportation). He looked it up on-line, and we landed on a most adventurous (and lengthy) itinerary of two different trains, and finally a city bus to get me back to the airport. (margin, sweet margin)

So, I took the red train, then the green train, then a 30-minute wait for the city bus at the last train station to get me to the airport - I finally arrived at BWI having spent 90 minutes watching the scenery blow by me, rushing through dark tunnels, loving the smell of the city bus, and enjoying the heck out of watching people - all at a total cost of $7.60.

You gotta love public transportation.........

Margin, margin, margin - it allows you to enjoy this beautiful world that God created!

Sit Long, Talk Much, Laugh Often

Karla and I returned late last week from a few days at the beach. It was paradise. I forget what the ocean and sand does to my state of mind. Our trip was an incredibly gracious gift from many people with whom I serve along-side-with (I know that is horrible grammar, but whatever) - the point is - I am grateful beyond words for that gift - the time away with my precious wife was immeasurable.



On Saturday night, our family gathered to celebrate Father's Day - a great dinner, conversation, laughter, some tears, and even some gifts. I received some neat cards, a DVD collection of a TV-series that I have not seen but looks extremely interesting, a "sleep-noise" machine - (gotta love the sound of the ocean as I drift into sleep mode), and two different photo-sets from my sons that I will treasure. In keeping with "tis better to give than receive", I am most excited about my gift to my Dad. (Because I am such a loser and did not get it until I returned from the beach, he will not receive it until tomorrow). I so look forward to his call when I can tell him how to most enjoy it!

This particular Father's Day was also a day of "firsts".

Our first without BigBy - Karla's father who passed away on January 2. It was difficult at times because we miss him, but Seth's prayer reminded us that he is in a better place. Where would we be without that hope?

It was also Seth's first Father's Day. He is a great Dad, and he brings loads of joy to his family and to our extended family....and to me.

My heart is full of gratitude for the experiences of ocean, beach, companionship with the most important person in your life, and the gathering of family around the table.

We have a sign that is visible above our kitchen table - If it were not so large, I would carry it around with me because it should not be limited to our kitchen.

It reads - SIT LONG, TALK MUCH, LAUGH OFTEN

Celebrating 15 Years

One thing that a sabbatical affords is time to reflect.

About a month ago, the incredible choir that God has allowed me to lead and serve along side with for the past 15 years did a most wonderful thing - they gave me a book of congratulatory notes written to me (by choir members) on the occasion of my 15th anniversary as worship minister at church.

For whatever reasons, last night I decided to open the book and read some of the notes. It was a most humbling experience to read nice things that people wrote to me.

I must share one of them in this post because I laughed out loud - for quite awhile -oh my gosh - this is hilarious and so fitting considering the person. (I so love you GT!)

Here ya go - and this is EXACTLY what he wrote:

Worley,

You are a such a loser! Talk to me after you have been at one job for 30 years. 15 years is just getting started. Seriously, I love you more than my 20-gauge shotgun. You are awesome and I admire your heart and your love for God and His people. It is an honor serving under your leadership. If there is ever anything you need, ask someone else.


priceless.......

Forgiveness - Don't Waste Your Life

This past weekend, I enjoyed going to see two of the top movies currently playing in all local theaters.

In each of these movies, a particular line jumped out at me as being refreshing and possibly even redemptive (if not surprising) considering I was not at church, but sitting in a dark room for two hours with total strangers having paid alot of money to be entertained.

In one of the movies, one of the main characters asked this question, "but what about forgiveness?"

In the other movie, the main character at one point says, "I just don't want to waste my life."

Two blockbuster movies with totally non-contrived lines spoken by lead characters as part of the overall plot of each movie.

I just keep thinking about those lines.....

I hope I forgive more frequently than I judge, and I hope I'm not wasting my life.

Sabbatical Thoughts - Day 3

During this "time away" during which I am resting, reading, studying, and listening to God - I stumbled upon the following from Dan Perkins - Pastor of
Twin Oaks Church - San Jose, CA

I will be probably spend several days pondering the following:
_______________________________________________________________________________

I don't know why it's taken me this long to realize that most things in life that are good for you can also be bad for you (key word... most as opposed to some). So... I got to thinkin... What makes it so? Reminded of that old joke about the town idiot who thought the thermos was the greatest invention ever made. "So," another person replies, "What's so special about a thermos? It keeps things hot or cold."
"Yes!" says the idiot... "But how does it know?"

What I've discovered are the two key components in whether something will be good or bad for you.

First, Moderation. Without getting into the moral implications of behavior (duh! put down the breadstick) this seems rather obvious. Too much of anything can be bad. Right? The notion of "you can never be too rich or thin" has already been dispelled by anorexia and the lottery. Besides, anyone who has been to Hawaii can attest there comes a time when you do want to go home. So what makes moderation a determining factor of whether something is good or bad for you is when you push beyond the point of content for the sake of consumption. We here in the US are trained to think and consume beyond contentment. Why? Because we can!

So, you're probably thinking, "What's so special about the thermos..." Well, I'm not saying this is certain but I think our ability to moderate our consumption is a key link to our ability to live holy. As a pastor I have had to deal with a lot of people's choices that have put them in difficult life situations. Invariably, those choices were the results of people going beyond the point of contentment insisting for more! More sex, more numbing, more money, more power, more... More... MORE! Just because we can do something doesn't mean we should do something. Sadly, we have grown up in a place and in a time when you walk into the candy store you check your pockets to see how much money you have and proceed to buy all the teeth-rotting, insulin-rising, pre-packaged stuff we can get our hands on. Why do we do this? Perhaps it because we've been conditioned but I know some folks who just know how to live contently! They have little, drive older cars, take simple camping vacations, you get the idea; and they're happy! They're simply happier than most folks I know because they're content! How did they miss the conditioning?

The second cause for good or bad is our Motivation. Now this one gets a little tricker to identify because it's hard to pin down motivation. I believe motivation is fluid. It changes course like a meandering river based on the current landscape. In fact, motivation can quickly change when confronted with certain obstacles. Our motivation can either push us to these obstacles and reveal our heart's conviction or push us through these obstacles and reveal our heart's resolve. They key here is our heart. What good or bad that results of any action, activity or ability is what lies within our heart... "YES! But how does it know?"

Our walls... The things that we hold within... for security, defense and identity or let me put it this way, for peace of mind, confidence in any situation and what you want people to know about you; are healthy when we are moved and monitored by a standard beyond ourselves and built on a foundation of spiritual and ethical bedrock. Our gates... The things we let in our lives, determined not by quantity but quality, will ultimately decided how well we live our lives.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Tyndale House Publishers. (2004). Holy Bible : New Living Translation. "Text edition"--Spine. (2nd ed.) (Ro 12:2). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.

So how does this work in your life? Here are some questions for you to discuss.

How content are you and what makes you content? are you leaking?
What do you fill your life with to be "full?"
Are there appropriate and/or defined boundaries in your life?
If so, what are they?
If not, what should they be?
What causes you to act on something?
Do you see yourself as a leader or a follower? A motivator or moderator?
What precautions have or do you need to take on letting good things in your life and removing the "crap" from your life?
When was the last time you did an inspection of the gates in your life? food, entertainment, friendships, habits, recreation, pursuits... what's been burned, loose and hanging off the hinge?
Read Ecclesiastes 12:1-6 and discuss it's meaning, keeping in mind what can be good for you can be bad without moderation and proper motivation...

Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well. For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.

Tyndale House Publishers. (2004). Holy Bible : New Living Translation. "Text edition"--Spine. (2nd ed.) (Ec 12:6-7). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.

They Really Do Grow Up Too Fast

Our 18-year old has grown up and graduated high school.

This weekend at two different functions, we enjoyed a DVD slide show and oh my what memories to see this kid come into our world, grow up in this house and neighborhood and now he moves on to college.

I know you get sick of hearing it, but they really, really do grow up too fast, and I know you get sick of hearing "cherish every moment", but cherish every moment....

even the ones you want to forget because they were tough at the time....

My friend prayed this prayer at his son's graduation party some 18 years ago, and I have never forgotten what he said......"Lord, thank you for giving us this young man. We know he is on loan from you, so for as long as you will allow, may we be gracious and loving parents and worthy stewards with this gift."

Matt Worley - congratulations - you have brought years of joy to many, many people, and I thank God that He has loaned you to us - what an amazing gift you are!

Generations

Recently, my parents and my sister came for a brief visit from Texas. I insisted that this photo be taken.

(4) generations of Worley men.

My prayer is that someday this photo will mean something significant to Elliott's kids.

I think that's important.......

American Idol - Shout To The Lord

I know that if you have wandered onto this blog, you have already been overwhelmed by this subject line, but I would encourage you to read this in its entirety. I hope to get to meet Josh Harris one day - this whole blog entry of his just confirms my respect for him, and deepens my desire to meet this man and hear him speak to me in person.

This is very powerful stuff, and yes, it is long, so just deal with it....
__________________________________________________________________________________
FROM JOSH HARRIS
I wanted to highlight a few interesting comments that have been left on my first and second American Idol posts this past week. I was glad that several people with more "inside" information stopped by to share. So here are their remarks followed by a few closing thoughts from me...

Christians Inside Fox
A Christian woman named Beverly posted what I thought was a helpful inside perspective from Fox. It helped me to see that, for Christians who work at Fox, having the song played was a triumph. It's easy for me to be cynical as I watch and forget that there are believers working at this network who are looking for any chance to shine the light of the gospel. She goes on to share that positive feedback from Christians would be helpful. Thanks for taking the time to post, Beverly.

I work on one of the "sister shows" of American Idol...so picture an office, with all of the producers, crew, etc. gathered in watching the live feed at our CBS offices, then this song comes on...an office filled with a few Christians....atheists and agnostic Jews. You could hear a pin drop....it was awesome.....the power that came through....nothing had to be said...no debates....just people being touched more than they realized...producers, writers...crew that had never darkened a church door in their lives, or their only experience with Christians was a negative one. You don't always see the workings of us Christians that are behind the scenes...you don't know how much prayer went into getting a song with that message on a, let us not forget, a SECULAR show. So, from someone behind the scenes, the best thing you can do is write to the producer of Am. Idol and simply state how much you appreciate the diversity they showed in having an very inspirational song in their program. Period. No criticizing. This will go farther than you realize. Also, pray, pray, pray for us Christians that have chosen Hollywood as our vocation, career and our mission field.


The Folks at Hillsong
I expressed curiosity about how the process for rights to use the song worked. This person has some knowledge of it and about Christians in the Idol band. I appreciated her comment that we should "reserve our outrage for the real tragedies of this world." Well said.
I know the people from Hillsong who negotiated this deal thru Integrity Music, and the word change wasn't approved, but while they deal with that, they are quite happy the song was song used.

There are also very strong Christians in the American idol band, who are witnesses in places most of us don't have influence—let's rejoice that He is praised, even if by 'indifferent' vessels—let the fruit of our ministry be heard in our churches and in the churches of pop culture.

Let's reserve our 'outrage' for the real tragedies in this world...Let his praises rise... Even from hearts as cold as stones... God can command praise from stones—not just the redeemed.

Jason Castro's Church
A girl named Leslie attends the church that Jason is from. She writes,
Jason Castro and his family attend my church in Rockwall, Texas. He is a Christian and has asked for prayer because one of the other contestants is either an atheist or agnostic. I was told that Jason Castro encouraged a few of the others to sing "Shout to the Lord" after they at first balked at the lyrics. Just FYI: Jason's mother gave him the idea to get dreadlocks, and he now uses his look as a way to be able to witness to teens that normally wouldn't listen. Way to go, Jason!
Sharing the Gospel
I was inspired by this youth pastor who instead of merely hanging out on Christian blogs like this one used this whole discussion as an opportunity to try and share the gospel on secular blogs. Here's a portion of his post...
Well, I can see why some people would be offended by there being a worship song in American Idol. But, at the same time, if all of the singers didn't mind singing it, I don't see why it's a big deal.

The connection between helping the world and praising Jesus go hand in hand. Not to sound like a "Jesus freak" or anything (but I am a youth pastor), but you simply can't love God without loving your neighbor. So, a worship song to the Christian God (even if they left out his name on Wednesday night...but, incidentally, they did say "Jesus" on Thursday night) should almost be like a rallying cry for Christians to do something about all the injustice in the world.

If Christians did more loving in the name of Jesus than judging in the name of Jesus, His name would be much sweeter to the world.

Anyway, I try my best to do this. And I hope that others will be inspired by that song to honor Jesus with their lives and not just with songs.

If you want to discover who this Jesus is, then come check out my blog where I am going through the Bible trying to read it without any preconceived ideas, reading it for what it is. I'm open for discussion too. So, please, if you are wondering WHY people make such a big deal about God, I'd encourage you to check it out.

No Hellfire and Damnation
And finally, Michael Glitz, the columnist at the Huffington Post who I joked with in my post was kind enough to drop by and share the following comment. His words remind me how silly all the ranting over this fiasco must appear to people outside the evangelical Christian subculture.
Hey Josh, Thanks for taking my link in the spirit of positive discussion in which it was meant. My reference to the fact that some evangelical Christians were annoyed included everyone in your community who weighed in on this post, a fair number of whom were annoyed more than "curious" about whether the composer could sue, as you were. Hey I thought that was "annoyed" too to be honest (grin). Others on Huffington have pointed out what carol said that a further reason the group sing-along was inappropriate was the simple fact that not all of them are presumably evangelical Christians and so singing that song without it coming from your heart is at the very least troubling. Thanks for weighing in without hellfire and damnation.
Closing Thoughts
So far, my two posts about the song have been more humorous than serious. I wasn't outraged when they edited the lyrics. I was surprised when they did the song again and included Jesus' name, but I didn't think it was a major triumph of God's kingdom.

As I've read various comments people seem to fall into two different camps. Some Christians are upset—because they left out Jesus, because non-Christians were singing a song of "praise", because it was all about money, because it's another example of Christianity being "censored." Other Christians are elated—because they put Jesus back in, because a praise song was heard by millions of people, because they see this as incredible evangelistic platform.

I guess I'm not really at home with either group. With all due respect, I don't think that having a song like Shout to the Lord sung (even though I like it) is going to usher in revival. This reminds me of the fervor before the movie The Passion of the Christ was released. People spoke about this movie as if it was the ultimate opportunity for the gospel to advance. I don't think it was. Was I glad that it was released? Sure. But I think that it's too easy for Christians to think that any moment in the media spotlight on TV or in film is a bigger deal than it really is. We should welcome any opportunity for media to help spread the good news about Jesus, but I don't think we should put too much stock in that vehicle. The gospel is going to advance as it always has—steadily as it is clearly proclaimed by believers in their words and modeled by their lives and actions. The gospel advances as local congregations receive and live God's word for their neighbors to see.

So I'm more excited about Christians inviting their unbelieving friends over to watch American Idol together so they can build friendships and establish a platform for sharing the gospel in that relationship than I'm excited about an occasional worship song being sung on the show. If both happen, that's cool, too.

Oh, and let me gently disagree with people who are upset about the song being sung, edited or not. Don't get so worked up about unsaved people singing songs of praise to Jesus. It happens every Sunday in churches around the world. It happens in my church every Sunday. Thankfully, a large portion of people at our church are Christians. But there are many people who claim to know Christ that don't. And there are many unbelieving people who come who need to repent and believe.

Here's reality: we live in a secular, pluralistic society. We need to be good neighbors to agnostics and atheists and people of other religions. Christian faith and practice shouldn't be forced on others. And we shouldn't be overly surprised when "gospel" music that is very meaningful to believers is co-opted and used in secular settings by people who don't have personal faith in Jesus. How many times has Amazing Grace been sung and loved by people who don't really grasp its truth? Like it or not we live in a culture where many people view gospel music as merely a style that is part of a cultural tradition. That's all it means to them.

Moments like this are reminders for me that the songs and trappings of Christian culture are not the hope of the world—Jesus is! We need to make him known. We need to love and seek to serve the world around us through prayer, through faithful evangelism, and through Christ-like service of those in need. Our goal is not building a more air-tight evangelical bubble. Neither should our goal be hoping that our subculture will burst out into the broader culture to great acclaim.

Instead, our goal should be to proclaim Christ and him crucified to the people we go to the school with, work with, and live next door to. Our goal should be to preach the gospel and live lives worthy of that gospel. Our goal should be to use our gifts in every sector of society so that God is glorified. I'm grateful there are Christians at Fox attempting to do that. I'm going to try to be more faithful to pray for them and all the rest of us, that we'd be busy making Jesus known.

Long after American Idol airs its final show, Jesus will still be on his throne. Isn't that a comforting thought? Let's seek to make him known right where we are.

What I Would Give To See This Video

LEWISTON, Maine -

Police are searching for a man accused of shoving an electric guitar in his pants and walking out of a store in Lewiston, Maine.

Police say the theft occurred last week and they're looking for three men. One of the men shoved a Fender Stratocaster in his pants and pulled a sweatshirt over the top. The other two acted as lookouts.

All three can be seen on footage from video surveillance.

Strangely enough, the music shop has seen the method before. A man did the same thing in 2006 but was caught as he tried to walk out.

(personal note - I hope this guy was a large man - wow, I can't begin to imagine this in my pants - imagine the trousers on this guy?)

Asking The Right Questions

(I have always believed in the importance of asking the right questions.)

I am part of an on-line network of fellow music ministers who serve in churches much like where I serve. We are constantly e-mailing one another to share ideas, learn from one another, and exchange resources to better equip ourselves to serve better and longer.

This week, one of my colleagues asked this very important (and right) question:

As you look over your ministry for the past 10-15 years (or longer if you want) what (personally or professionally) have you done, instituted, dropped, re-worked, etc that has brought the most impact and progress for the effort?

I have to admit, I don't know how I would/will answer that question - I promise to work on that and blog about it at a future time, but for now, one of my good friends answered it in the following way, and it so impressed me, I had to blog about it.....

1. No plateaus – no matter what I have seen or done, there is always more to see and do.

2. Hang out with young people – my teenage kids still let me associate with their friends. I workout with college students who are stronger than me. It pushes me to do more (see #1).

3. I belong to Jesus – not my boss, my job, or even my family. Helps me keep an eternal perspective.

4. I could learn something new about God everyday, live to be 100, and still have an awful lot to learn when I get to Heaven.

5. Never meet a stranger – treat EVERYONE as being more important than yourself and they just might teach you something.

6. Don’t quit memorizing scripture – “Without faith it is impossible to please Him…” “Faith comes from hearing and hearing by the Word of Christ.” Kind of speaks for itself.

7. Laugh really loud and really hard everyday. Just look around, there’s always plenty of material.

8. Dance whenever possible.

Steely Dan - 31 years later

My married friends with (3) grown sons tell me all the time how uniquely different each of their sons were growing up and how they continue to be different.

I am finding that true as my boys grow older. It is fascinating to watch as their interests expand and take shape.

Ben seems to be the more musically interesting of the (3). That's not to say that Seth does not have musical talent - he does having taught himself the guitar and mandolin. Matt has the best singing voice of the (3) even though he wouldn't be caught dead singing solo in public.

Then, there is Ben who blew me away recently when he told me that I told him once that if he were going to be serious about his musical talents, then he would need to make sure he develops an appreciation for all styles and genres of music.

I don't ever remember telling him that, but if he says I did, then I must admit every now and then, wisdom somehow escapes out of my mouth.

Ben is definitely appreciating music...not to mention becoming one heck of a bass player and soon to be the section leader of the "tenors" (or "quads" as they are sometimes called) in the percussion section of his marching band at school.

Yesterday, Ben gets in the truck with me and immediately asks if I have my iPod in the truck. I have not seen my iPod since Matt borrowed it months ago. He then asks if I have any CD's in my truck - as he put it, "I have to listen to music when I am in the car."

So, I happen to have Michael McDonald's Motown CD, a CD of Sting, and one of my all-time favorites - "Aja" by Steely Dan. I asked if he had ever heard of Steely Dan - what was I thinking - Ben is 15. "Aja" was released in 1977.

We had a blast listening to all the songs - appreciating the sparseness of the production - able to hear every instrument cleanly - marveling at the bass lines, the classic Fender Rhodes sounds, and just great music.

I was thrilled that my 15-year old could appreciate something as classic as Steely Dan....

The End Of March

There is so much I have wanted to blog about since my last post. I can't figure out when and how to write.....just one of those seasons.

I am sitting here now writing because today we buried yet another person just 3 months into this new year - a person who had immeasurable influence on my oldest son.
During the very meaningful memorial service today, I was reminded of the time that teachers have with my kids - the potential for unforgettable influence. Mark Madison had that kind of influence on Seth. Seth's whole life is wrapped up in telling a story in a format that people can watch and listen and experience. Mr. Madison - the Media/TV Production instructor at Brentwood High School - shaped Seth's passion in his most formidable years - 4 years of high school. I know Seth's heart is broken over the passing of this man at the too young age of 58. I am grateful that so many people came today to acknowledge the impact he had on their lives.

Barely a month ago, my friend for many years and the first songwriter I ever signed to a publishing contract, Gary Driskell passed away. He was 50. Just not supposed to happen, but it did. His memorial service on March 1 was a celebration of everything that Gary wanted his life to be about - in giving honor of God. Tomorrow in worship, our whole service will be about heaven. One of the songs I chose to be sung is one of Gary's best songs - yes, it won a Dove Award for Song of the Year in 1991, but more importantly, as I reviewed the words of that song tonight - I realized how powerful and hopeful they are. I look forward to how they will minister to the many hundreds of people who will be in attendance in our worship services.

Then, to top all of this off - (and I know how trite this will appear as you read it), probably the saddest, but so profound movie I have ever watched is CASTAWAY. It has been on all weekend on TNT. I can't not watch it. I keep catching bits and pieces of it. I own the DVD, but resist ever opening the package to place in the DVD player to watch because I know the effect it has on me. I still remember watching it in the movie theater. It took me weeks to get over it, and I am not sure if I ever did. So powerfully written and acted - not to mention the incredible musical score - wow......what emotion.....

Sadness, sorrow, pain, hurt, suffering.......all of these things will pass away, but they are so very real for so many people - maybe that is part of why I keep doing what I do.....I am not a doctor or a nurse or a brain surgeon - I don't have that power or ability to literally save someone's life. I am simply an encourager - I am a believer in the hope of the message of the Gospel. More and more, I am experiencing first hand those people who have no life without that hope. So, every Sunday we gather to remind one another - to encourage one another that apart for Christ, we have nothing.

My ramblings continue to ramble......tomorrow we talk about heaven - tonight I am sad for my wife who lost her father earlier this year - I am sad for the family members who still grieve the death of their husband, father, son named Gary Driskell, and now the wife and son and brother of Mark Madison. At the same time, I must praise God for giving us hope - where would we be without it?

God Bless Pam Moses

Somethings really never change.

Yesterday, I was making my way down the hall at church when I happened on that wonderful sight of one of our Brentwood Young Children's School classes walking in single file back to their classroom. The only thing missing was the "rope" - you know, the thing that all the kids hold on to to keep everyone together walking in single file following their teacher.

This particular class' teacher was none other than Pam Moses. As I walked past her, I told her that her group reminded me of when she taught my son, Matt. He was 5 when he was in her class.

She then asked me how old Matt was. When I told her that he is a senior in high school, she responded with "that makes me feel about 100!!!".

I told her if she feels that old, how do you think I feel?

So tonight, I bless God for Pam Moses - 13+ years of helping to shape the lives of boys and girls as they become men and women!

Why Don't We Ever Sing "__________" Anymore?

My position as worship minister opens the door (quite often) for comments, opinions, suggestions, and even criticism for how we do worship - most especially the songs we sing or don't sing.

A few months ago, a guy came up to me after a service and asked me if we could sing "__________" (a title of a song that will remain nameless for this blog) sometime? I told him (like I tell everyone) I would certainly consider it.

SIDE NOTE
We sing 3-4 songs every Sunday. We have averaged (over the past several years) somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 different hymns and 45 different choruses sung in our services each year.

Back to my story -
So, this same guy (I think) e-mails me in November to remind me to sing "__________". I ignored it because I was busy with Christmas, and honestly, this song didn't fit at Christmas anyway.

Well, this past Sunday morning as we were preparing for our orchestra and other worship leaders to arrive, this same guy (whom I did not recognize) makes his way through the Worship Center evidently on his way elsewhere, never stops walking, but says to me (loud enough for those around to hear as well), "are we singing '______________' today?" When I told him, "no", he replied, "well, I sure wish we would sometime soon because we haven't sung that song in so long, I think I have forgotten the words." (he never broke stride as he headed out the door elsewhere)

I have wondered what he would have done if by chance Sunday would have been the day we really were going to sing "____________"????

Joy Unspeakable

This child makes me smile!

Not So Great A Beginning To 2008

The longer I live, and the longer I serve in a ministry position where there is always pain and heartache and someone in need, it should not come as a surprise that it is bound to happen more close to home at some point.

It's not the way any of my family wanted the new year to begin, but the phone call came this morning around 10:30am, and the day has been brutal to say the least. My sweet wife's father, Byron passed away this morning as his sweet wife, Carolyn was taking him to see the doctor because he had not felt well these past few days due to what we thought was a simple cold.

I spoke with a friend on New Years Eve whose mom passed away a few days ago, and it seemed like similar stories - things seemed so normal, then.......they're gone. They are GONE - no more time with them - no more words to be exchanged - no more hugs - no more pats on the back - no more smiles......it hurts to see my wife, my mother-in-law, and my brother-in-law hurt like this.

As if that was not enough, I had to take my 18-year-old to juvenile traffic court this afternoon because of a speeding ticket he received a month ago when he was still 17. The "court experience" began with a high school senior reading aloud an essay he wrote about dying in a car crash and what it was like for his parents to identify his body because he chose to drive 93 mph in a 70 mph zone.

Having just come from sitting in the ER with the body of my "just deceased" father-in-law, the reading of that essay was sobering and even more painful.

So, 2008 is off to a not so great beginning. As my beautiful wife said to me in the midst of her sometimes uncontrollable sobbing this morning, "I don't know how people with no faith deal with something like this"........she is so right - I don't know how they deal with it, but it is a powerful reminder that as long as there are people out there who don't believe in the Jesus we believe in, then we continue to do whatever we have to do to love these people, and introduce them to this Jesus who in times like today reveals Himself in ways never before imagined to help heal hurt and pain that is so deep words fall short in describing it.

Thank you, Byron for your constant words of encouragement, your love of life, your faith, your laugh, and your example of how to live a life of significance for the Kingdom.......you will be missed, and I know you are already enjoying your eternity!

(I love this photo because it was captured following a most incredible evening at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center last spring when we enjoyed an evening of hymns with our incredible symphony and several special guests artists - Byron loved that evening - he told me that often - it was a memory that will remain with me forever.....)

Continental Singers

The CONTINENTALS were formed in 1967 as a non-profit, inter-denominational ministry. Powerful music and the message of Jesus Christ are the foundation of CONTINENTAL MINISTRIES. From the great cathedrals of Europe to the smallest believers' gatherings in Thailand, we reach out to the hearts of people . . . seeking to meet their needs spiritually, emotionally and physically. The purpose of our ministry is to build each tour member personally and spiritually, to develop a missionary heart, taking every opportunity to proclaim the gospel of Christ throughout our musical programs as well as one-on-one, and to encourage all believers along the way to a deeper and more meaningful commitment to Christ.

Beginning with one tour in 1967 by President and Founder Cam Floria, The CONTINENTALS have grown into CONTINENTAL "WORLD-WIDE" MINISTRIES including over 45,000 people and a phenomenal 1,500 concerts a year. We have performed in all 50 states and 76 countries. We have now established international groups in many different areas of the world including: South Africa, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Slovak Republic, France, Great Britain, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Romania, and Singapore. These young people are being nurtured in their own countries to proclaim Christ in their own languages.

___________________________________________________________________________

As a teen-ager, I first heard the Continental Singers when they came to my church in San Antonio, Texas. My parents bought their long-play record for me to listen to over and over. In May of 1972 (after my second year of college), my good friend, John Lee invited me to tour with his Continental Singers group to Hawaii, New Zealand, and Australia during that summer of 1972. I never dreamed that could happen, but it did, and I believe it stands out as a significant experience (that I continue to reflect upon) that helped shape my future in music ministry. I went on to lead/direct Continental Singers groups in the summers of 1973, 1974, and 1976.

I have remained in close contact with many fellow "tour members" through the years. The founder and director of Continentals, Cam Floria has now (thanks to the internet) begun to reach out to all present and former Continental Singers Directors in a more intentional way.

His most recent e-mail blew me away. I know it is alot to read, but I hope you will take the time. I believe there is a reason the ministry of Continental Singers has continued for so many years, and here are some of the reasons why!
___________________________________________________________________________

Dear Friends of Continentals everywhere,

On Monday morning December 10th the Continental office will close. And the staff and Dean and I will go to a secluded location to praise God for 40 years of blessing, thanking Him for his love and faithfulness and asking for his direction on our world-wide ministry for 2008 and the future. Please join us on the 10th anytime during the day. The Lord will hear our prayers as the Holy Spirit directs our thoughts and as we join our hearts with all of you. Here is a list of some of the things we are praying for:

1. Our Mission, that it will consume our hearts as we advance THE KINGDOM OF JESUS CHRIST around the world through music, missions, leadership development and performing arts' ministries. Our earnest prayer will be that God will enable us to accomplish this task in the coming year to a greater degree than ever before in our history. In Luke Gabriel told Mary that His kingdom would never end... and our "requirement" is to constantly follow our calling to share the Good News of Jesus Christ through all of our performance opportunities anywhere in the world.

2. The Continental INDIA MISSION-STRIKE TEAM leaves Friday December 7th for Hyderabad India. Pray for these 9 members led by Matt Wilkinson that the Lord will work through this team as he has the others the past 3 years... last year 4,500 people gave their lives to Christ during their Crusades with Harvest India. Pray for an even bigger harvest for the Kingdom this December. After India, the group will join with our Kenyan Continentals (an all African team from Nairobi) and our Brazilian Continentals for special Christmas week presentations in Singapore sponsored by a number of churches culminating in a large outdoor concert on Orchard Road.

3. Our partnership with COMPASSION... our 2008 goal is to sponsor 1,000 children in countries all over the world. Pray that God will open peoples hearts to be generous in offering support to these needy children at our concerts and performances. Compassion provides necessities in all areas of their lives for only $32 a month.

4. The new Continental relationship with CHILD EVANGELISM FELLOWSHIP. Last year nearly 3,000,000 children prayed to receive Christ through that organization around the world. Pray for our partnership as we launch CONTINENTAL KIDS GOOD NEWS groups in cities all over America and the world to reach even more children for Christ through the performing arts in association with CEF over the next few years beginning in April of 2008 in Greenville South Carolina.

5. All of the CONTINENTAL INTERNATIONAL OFFICES and MINISTRIES in Brazil, Chile, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Holland, Italy, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Japan, Korea, Kenya, Mexico and those developing in Israel, New Zealand, Philippines and through a new relationship with Jamaica Link in Jamaica. These offices will sponsor ministry outreaches with another 42 groups and tours in 2008. Pray for wisdom, continued opportunities in their countries and all of them need major financial assistance.

6. Especially for OUR STAFF that their efforts in recruiting, booking, administration and creative ministry production will be rewarded. Pray for encouragement as they pour their hearts and lives into this ministry. We need 650 concert hosts and 375 new Continentals for 2008! And pray for staffing needs in the areas of business management, recruiting and concert administration and the development of a volunteer staff.

7. That God will bless our BOARD OF DIRECTORS with wisdom, with faith, with financial increase and with the energy necessary to carry out the plans they are outlining for the future of the Continental ministry. Pray for them by name; Jim Schmidt, Scott Rummell, Brent Lauer, Hal Spencer, Thurlow Spurr, Marc Whitmore, Randy Swanson, Howard Parker, Joe Huntsman,Leen LaRiviere and Cam Floria.

8. The most significant new strategy to continue this ministry, the MORE THAN MUSIC PARTNERS fund raising campaign. Pray for enough monthly partners to empower all the ministry groups to continue. Pray that churches will add Continentals to their mission budgets and pray for more large donors whose gifts this year have been the miracle that came at the right time and just in time. Jesus promised that if we ask anything in His Name He would make it happen, so please pray sincerely with us that God will bless Continentals financially.

9. The funding of the CONTINENTAL FOUNDATION, whose goal is to eventually reduce the sponsorships the Continentals have to raise so that more talented Christian young people can come on tour and have the "life changing experience" and fund the administrative end of the Continental Ministries to secure a financially strong future. Pray for the three directors; Randy Swanson, Glenn Hughes and Robert Machado that God will bless their fund raising efforts with individuals, foundations and through estate planned giving.

10. For our 2008 ministry outreaches with the theme, A NEW BEGINNING. The new beginning we are talking about this year is the one that happens when people ask Jesus Christ to come into their lives and change them forever!! Pray for our two tours this winter and spring that will launch the 2008 program. Tour M to the Philippines and Young Continental Tour #1 that will tour the west coast of the U.S. And pray for Dean Butler as he finds the right music and production ideas to open the audiences hearts to receive the more than music ministry.

11. That the 40TH ANNIVERSARY ALUMNI CELEBRATION in Yorba Linda and Anaheim next summer on August 15 and 16 will be a launching success for the Continental future. A New Beginning for the ministry too with alumni support and prayer partners who will stand behind this ministry and pray for God's total direction on every plan, every tour, every person who is involved anywhere in the world as a Continental.

12. And for a young man named CAMERON BONNER, who needs a new kidney and a new future. A supreme and very successful Continental director with a huge following who was hired to run the booking and recruiting side of our ministry and was suddenly struck down 16 months ago with a brain hemorrhage and stroke and two open heart surgeries, all because he needs a kidney and suffers from lupus. Pray that the doctors approve all the blood tests for he and his brother and medicines that will make the transplant work in his body. And pray that this will happen soon!

JOIN WITH OUR STAFF ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 10th... ANY TIME DURING THAT DAY OR EVENING... GOD BLESS YOU,

Cam Floria

Amazing!

How did we ever exist before YouTube?

I really want to try this one Sunday morning!!!!!

Wishing For More Blog Time

On the eve of my middle son's 18th birthday, I am briefly reflecting back on this Fall and the blistering pace of it.

Between high school band for Ben, Ben's 15th birthday, senior year football for Matt, our first grandson, Thanksgiving........I am still trying to figure out where it went.

Not to mention all the stuff I would like to write about but for those of you who know me well, know that I am a bit overwhelmed at this moment or shall I say a bit preoccupied with what sometimes feels like a frieght-train headed towards me, and I am running as fast as I can to keep it from running over me. (I know - I brought it all on myself, so I am not complaining - merely and lamely attempting to justify my lack of blogging for almost a month!)

For now, just click HERE and scroll down to observe a very short video of my son dancing with his son - for me, it is priceless.....

I still can't process me being a grandfather, granddad, papa, or whatever I am except that God has been more than gracious to me to give me my wife, my sons, my daugher-in-law, and now Elliott.

November 1 - A Really Good Day!

Friends and family tell you that becoming a grandparent is an amazing experience.

They are right.

On Thursday evening, November 1 at 6:19pm, our beautiful daughter-in-law, Arley gave birth to Elliott Benjamin.

He is a beautiful baby, and I am still in awe trying to imagine my oldest son as a father.

In these few moments after Elliott's birth, I have watched Seth, and I believe he is and will be a great father.

I can't wait to watch this kid grow up - what an absolute joy beyond words......

I held him in my arms tonight and stared into his face. I so wished he could tell me what he was thinking, but I guess I will have to wait for that...

in the meantime, it's very difficult to describe all the feelings and emotions of the past few days......other than God continues to amaze me at what He creates!

Tuesdays and Lists

It's just another Tuesday - or is it?

This past Saturday, our pastor performed the wedding ceremony of one of his 23-year old twin sons. In his "talk", he referred to the Tuesdays of life. He talked about how normal they are, how routine they are, even how mundane and boring they can be, but also how extraordinary they can be when two people who have been called by God agree (in the sacred bond of holy matrimony) to lives their together for His glory.

This Tuesday morning, I am pondering those words that Mike spoke last Saturday.

Like you, alot is going on my life these days, and if you know me - I make lists - all kinds of lists - all the time - I always have one in my pocket....not sure why - just do....

So, here's my Tuesday list:

1. I am praying for my two friends currently in South Africa doing some incredible work with some of my most favorite people in the world - so wishing I were there with them...

2. I am praying for my friend, John Thomas who as I write this is giving Michael W. Smith a guided tour of the various ministries he and his amazing team are involved in there in Cape Town

3. I am praying for my dear friend who was diagnosed with MS just a few weeks ago. As I visited briefly with him last evening (in what I believe was not just random, but rather a God-arranged connection) at the Publix, I saw in his eyes both signs of weariness and peace. I admire his faith more than I can put into words...

4. I am praying for my oldest son and his wife who are expecting Elliott Benjamin anyday now - at least that is what I am told. I don't know how to prepare them for what is next, but God does.....heck, I don't know how to be a grandfather, either for that matter......

5. I am praying for my two sons dealing with high school - the highs and lows of being almost 18 and just turning 15......what college to attend next year - how to do well enough in my classes to get to my junior year - how to live out my faith when everything around me tells me I can't.....or shouldn't......

6. I am praying for my parents whom I don't see nearly enough - the sometimes guilt I feel for that - the pain of separation from them - the amazing range of emotions that I feel when I am with them as I watch my sister become the parent to them in how she cares for them - I felt some of that this past weekend as we spent some absolutely fantastic moments together - enjoying blessing after blessing that God has graciously given to us.....I am thankful for my sister's love and care

7. I am praying for my wife who keeps order in our home and protects family and constantly prioritizes the things that really do matter around here - and she still manages to have one of the most exhilarating and rewarding, but time-consuming jobs that anyone could imagine. I don't know how she does it, and I don't do nearly a good enough job of helping and supporting her.

8. I pray for my church. I don't thank God nearly enough for the following -
that I serve in a church that worships God, teaches scripture, gives to and supports missions, cares for the sick, poor, and needy, values families and the discipleship of kids, raises up leaders, and equips the next generation. May I focus more on that than the stuff of politics, bureaucracy, and strife.

9. I pray for those with whom I serve and lead - their lives are just as complex as mine, and many are brutally more troubled and devasting unfortunately. I don't know how they manage except for God moving and working and reminding and loving and caring and listening and healing. Praise be to Him!

10. I pray for the my son's friend who is sleeping in the room next to me as I write this. He's on fall break from college, and likes to stay here. I am glad he likes it here. His parents are no longer married to each other, and while he will see them on his break, he likes it here - that is because of what I said earlier about Karla's priorities of making this home a home.....

11. I pray for my friend, Ify and his family who are wrestling with so many things right now. The weight of their pain is evident. I so pray that somehow God can receive glory in all of this, but that is so very difficult to see right now. May God give them strength to endure, to live through this, to make very, very difficult decisions, to trust Him more when there is no strength left to trust......may those who have surrounded them with love and support realize the need for yet another "round" of a deeper level of love and support....
_____________________________

If you have made it this far in your reading, I encourage you to make a Tuesday list.....then keep it throughout the week.....

Make sure that every item on your list can somehow end up bringing attention and honor to God.......that really is all that will matter when we no longer make lists or have anymore Tuesdays......

New Territory For Me

I have lived for 55 years, and "first time" experiences are fewer and far between.

Tonight, however was one of those "firsts" for me, and a huge lesson in today's technology and "how things work these days"......

I received a phone call this evening from a college football coach at a mid-size university. He asked for my son, Matt, but Matt was not available. He identified himself and told me that he had received information on my son, and wanted to know if he had a highlight video because he wanted to see it.

I told him we had one (from the first 5 games of the season), and he offered to give his address so that I could send a DVD. I then did something that I can't believe I did.

I told him that my oldest son had put the video on YouTube, and would he like that link so he could view it that way?

To my surprise (or not), he gave me his e-mail address and asked me to send him the link - which I did, and now this coach has my son's highlight video.

Man, how things have changed!

If you want to view what this college coach now has, click HERE

Hospital Elevators

I'm not sure what it says that this post should have happened one week ago tonight. Good grief, life is busy....

One week ago tonight, long after visiting hours had ended, I stood alone on a hospital elevator and wept. I wept for my young friend and his family whom I had just visited. A 17-year old kid who loves rap music and basketball and has a million dollar smile, but there's not enough money in the world to help him walk again - that's up to God, and it hurts to see he and his family go through this. I simply could not contain myself - the only response was tears.

It makes me wonder how many people everyday walk into empty hospital elevators only to find themselves finally alone, and so they weep - overwhelmed with their pain and hurt and suffering and sense of hopelessness and emptyness over their loved one's illness.

I wonder what the blog would read like if the walls of hospital elevators could capture conversations? I have a feeling most of it would be no words.....just tears...

Please say a prayer for Ify Nonyelu....

Can You Say Crazy?

First of all, I don't know who had their camera with them at a location like this, and secondly, I can't believe they captured this shot! (I "stole" it off my son's Facebook site - that's a whole 'nother blog for another day!)

This is my crazy son (the senior) diving off some rocks here in our area somewhere.

I don't know what scares me more - that I don't know where this is, or that he somehow thinks this is "safe" fun!!!

OH MY GOSH!

OK, before you call me scrooge - maybe I'm just jealous.....and secretly wishing I had the nerve......

kids these days.....

Teenagers, iPods, and Traffic

This morning I got stuck with having to take Ben and his friend, Matt to school.

It was also "Late Start Monday" (which means school did not start until 8:15am) instead of the unheard-of hour of 7:25am.

My middle son, Matt usually handles the duties of taking the younger ones to school with him.

Well, I hate traffic - despise it - beyond most things I can mention. I believe it to be a colossal waste of time sitting bumper-to-bumper to get somewhere.

(side note - what is God trying to tell me that my sons attend a high school that is impossible to get in and out of because of traffic, and we attend a church which is impossible to get in and out of because of traffic?)

So, as I sat in traffic, trying to not comment on every idiot in the world breaking every traffic law written in their attempt to "get ahead of the line" (honestly, you wouldn't believe what we witnessed - I even watched a guy do a u-turn over the curb of the median right in front of me!), Ben decided to play with Karla's new iPod which was conveniently sitting in it's cradle waiting for teenage hands to mess with it.

Ben began to find all these songs, and he and his friend Matt were completely enlightened, entertained, and amused with this (while I sat steaming in my captain's chair).

I did calm down somewhat, and the thing that really amazed me about this whole Monday morning experience was when Ben got excited about finding a particular song on the iPod, and was shouting "oh, oh, oh, oh".....and he started the song, and the first four sounds you heard were a kick drum - that's all - just a kick drum, and Matt blurts out from the back seat, "Paul McCartney".......

wow......

I think we need a new game show for teenagers - an updated version of "Name That Tune".....Matt Edwards might win everytime!

First Day Of School

It flies by. Everyone tells you that, but you don't believe it. It's true....and oh my, what a difference in (4) years!

The photo to the right is a few days ago. The photo below is (4) years ago!



hilarious!

Please Pray For Ify

I am somewhat overwhelmed this evening.

One of only (4) seniors "to-be" (when school begins one week from Monday) on my son Matt's basketball team at school was involved in a one-car horrific accident this morning less than one mile from where I live.

He is in critical condition tonight, having had surgery to relieve pressure on his spine from a broken bone in his neck. We have no idea when he will respond from what the doctors consider a successful surgery.

If you read this, would you simply stop and pray for Ify (pronounced - "ee'-fee").

I have had Ify in my car so many times giving him a ride home from games. He is a wonderful kid, and this is so tragic. I spoke with his mom tonight. She was brave.

I just pray for God to move and work in His most powerful, mysterious, and healing ways in this so that many, many people can see how great He truly is.

thank you....

The Wrong Kind Of Profit

I read the following in today's USA Today (on-line).

MARRIOTT BLASTED FOR HOTEL PORN
(Hotel Hotsheet - by Kitty Bean Yancey)

X-rated entertainment is the profit center hotels don't like to talk about. It's big business, making hundreds of millions for hotels and vendors (I've never seen any figures made public, so if you know of numbers, please tell me.)

Anti-porn groups have unsuccessfully tried to stamp out raunchy hotel room entertainment. Wednesday, Morality in Media released a letter from its president, Robert Peters, to Marriott CEO Bill Marriott Jr. Peters writes that he tries not to stay at Marriotts, "despite their quality," because the chain offers porn. "I realize that Marriott is not the only major hotel chain that distributes pay-TV pornography," the letter says. "Marriott is, however, the only major chain whose founder (your father) was honored by Morality in Media for his efforts to fight pornography."

He inadvertently stayed at a Marriott when a relative made a reservation, Peters writes. And he was not happy to see an "Adults Only" movie option, that offered titles such as 100% Sex: Sophomore Sluts and All Sex: XXX Fantasies.

Peters writes that porn contributes to the breakup of marriages and to sexual assaults and that "Morality in Media, among many others, is of the opinion that a criminal prosecution of a 'mainstream' corporation that is in the business of distributing hard-core pornography is long overdue." He urges Marriott to "do the right thing" and remove porn.

I have written about this issue, and the position of Marriott and other chains is that they are giving customers what they demand and no one has to view porn in a hotel room unless he or she chooses to.

So readers, do you think hotels should remove porn options (as Omni hotels did)? Do you think businesses that traffic in pornography should face prosecution?
(end of the article)
______________________________________________________

This saddens me greatly because everything I read tells me that porn is beyond out of control in terms of its impact on men (and women) and the destruction of healthy relationships in the context of marriage.

I am quite sure that I have no idea the magnitude of profits derived from this horrific venture. I so hurt for those who believe that making a profit from this is necessary to their bottom line. May they find some other way to do business that does not destroy so many people in the process.

Did I read this correctly - hundreds of millions of dollars?

Saving Grace

I watched this show on Monday night. It was very disturbing.

I can’t figure out if I was offended or authentically confronted with the reality that much of the world is contained in the Holly Hunter character. Probably both…….

I don’t want to judgmental, but I also don’t like any kind of stereo-typical portrayal of what someone thinks followers of Christ are like.

I wish I were a better writer to be able to articulate what I truly feel.

Here is my best stab at it.

Just when I thought this show was over the top in it’s drama, they would throw in a line or two that reeled me back in. I wish I knew more about the writers. They either really get it or they are working very hard at trying to get it. Someone has done their research on dialogue, questions, and conversation topics of people who are asking questions about their faith.

Here’s what I mean by that - God is always pursuing people. Even people who are outwardly opposed to being pursued by God. He is always trying to reach them - get to them - save them, but it always comes down to people having to decide for themselves - do I really believe in God? Do I really need God? Is He for real? If I say yes to God, what does that mean? Can He really, honestly change me? Do I want to really, honestly be changed?

It always comes down to a question of faith.

I want so much to believe that that is the underlying theme of this show - does this Holly Hunter character really have the faith to believe? And if so, what does that mean?

I am curious to know where this series will take us. Yes, there are offensive scenes, content, and language, and there is some “out there” theology, but they are asking some “right” questions, dealing with some very real issues of faith, and I applaud TNT or whomever for bringing that into our homes via cable TV.

I guess we will see where it goes, and I suppose I will watch again not really sure why it has “drawn me in”………

Williamson County Wonder #3

Recently, in the Williamson A.M. section of our newspaper, someone picked the "wonders of the county" and wrote about them. Honestly, I don't remember what #1 or #2 were, but #3 was interesting to me because I drive by it everyday.

(Here's how the newspaper described it)

MOCKINGBIRD HILL HOUSE
For more than a year and a half, Brentwood drivers have watched the progress of one Mockingbird Hill home at Concord and Franklin Roads.

The owners of the 20,000 square-foot, Mediterranean-style home have asked to remain anonymous, but we can tell you a little about the multi-million-dollar home.

It includes six garages and 126 windows, a wine cellar, sauna, home theater, a spacious master suite, a pool house and guest house.

Particularly unique features include a coffee bar in the master suite, a water feature in the master bathroom, a 30-foot-tall round entry foyer, an extensive swimming pool and waterscape, and an observation tower.

In a county of impressive homes, this one stands as a wonder to thousands of motorists who see it each day.
_______________________________________________

Here's my top ten things I have to say/ask about this as I read about it:

(please pardon my ignorance which I feel certain I will reveal)

1. How many people will live in the 20,000 sq. feet of space?
2. How many bedrooms?
3. What about the kitchen?
4. Only ONE home theater in 20,000 square feet?
5. Six-car garage? I'm guessing the guest house is bigger than my house!
6. What does "extensive" mean when describing the swimming pool?
7. 126 windows? My home has 12 - (if Karla had her way, we would have close to 120 even in our 2,400 square-foot home!
8. What the heck is a "water feature" in the master bath?
9. Coffee bar in the master bedroom - with 20,000 square-feet, why not a Starbucks!
10. The view must be amazing if they built an observation tower! I hope they like looking at our church since I'm certain it occupies the bulk of their view from their observation tower!

Who knows, maybe they go to my church! If so, please don't be anonymous - invite me over for dinner - I promise not to "gawk"!!! (is that a word?)

Run Fred Run

This is not a political post.

I was minding my own business driving yesterday, when as I stopped at a red light, I looked up to see this bumper sticker on the back of the car in front of me.

I laughed aloud for several minutes.

Whoever thinks these slogans up? Hilarious!

I have no idea why it hit me as so funny, but it did.....

Everyone needs to laugh a little......

I May Be The Only Person

in America who does not watch American Idol.

I had lunch with a friend in the music business last week. He asked me if I watched it, and I had to confess that I don't. He said he didn't either until this year. Then he told me why.

Among other extremely popular artists that he manages, he also represents the person in this photo. Jordin Sparks is 23 days younger than my middle son, Matt. My friend has managed her "singing career" since she was (14). Needless to say, he has done well.

I laughed when he told me that he had encouraged her to audition for American Idol if only for the experience. Who knew she would win it all and become famous at (17).

I laughed even more when he told me that by encouraging her to audition for American Idol and now winning, he worked himself out of a job. Evidently, Simon gets to manage the winners on American Idol, so too bad for my friend.

What a crazy world we live in where a show with people singing on it is the number 1 rated television show in America......

I don't think that ever happened with Lawrence Welk! (OK, I really am old!)

entertainment and idols.........what a strange combination.......

Worship? I'm Afraid So!

I know this event took place last month, but I have not made the time to blog about it.

If you did not see the news, over 92,000 Alabama football fans showed up at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL for the Alabama Spring Football Game.......that's right - the spring football game!!!

Talk about your fans.....or talk about worship - yes, I said it - worship. These people worship Alabama football, and many of them if pressed would tell you that Nick Saban better be the football "messiah" or else.

Man, this scares me.

Here is what the AP said about it:

In front of a crowd in excess of 92,138, the largest crowd in A-Day history, Alabama’s White squad defeated the Crimson squad 20-13 in the first public scrimmage under first-year Alabama head coach Nick Saban.

Alabama’s capacity crowd is well over the previous best for a Southeastern Conference Spring Day game, which is believed to have been set by Tennessee in 1986, with 73,000. It also nearly doubles this season’s previous best set by Florida at 47,500.

“I’d like to thank all of our fans, who made this a really special day today,” Saban said. “To have as many people as we had here today is a great self-gratification for the players. It shows what great passion and support we have at the University of Alabama and it certainly makes me feel great about being here as a coach.”

There are so many things that could be said about this, but here's my observation aside from football and a new head coach.

There truly is something to be said when over 92,000 people cram into one place to watch a sporting event that has no "pay-off", no end goal, no winner, no loser, no champion, no anything - just a spring football game.

I am now rambling, but I conclude with this - it is astounding to me that football in Alabama (and certainly not just in Alabama) is truly a religious experience - meaning, there is amazing commitment to it, it is valued far above many other things, and it is certainly what many, many people in Alabama spend alot of their time talking about.

Louie Giglio says it well - at the end of the trail of your affections, your allegiance, your energy, your time, and your money is a throne. Whatever sits on that throne is what you worship......hmmmm.....92,000 people.........

There Goes The Neighborhood

We have lived in the same neighborhood now for almost (17) years.

Matt was (7) months old when we moved into this house and neighborhood. Ben was not even a dream or wish in our mind. This neighborhood has always been a truly GREAT neighborhood.......a great place to raise kids, to enjoy neighbors, backyards, and evenings much like tonight when the air is clear, clean, and cool - even in late May.

We have had our share of gatherings (both large and small) in our back yard. We have a great back yard because of the shape of it, and because it literally connects to the "common ground" that our neighborhood is so "known for". So, therefore through the years, we have hosted hundreds of people having fun and enjoying music, food, and each other!

Well, that may have come to an end - all because we now have a new neighbor who lives behind us - on the other side of what I would call a very small "creek bed".

Twice now, this neighbor has made his way over to our back yard to ask us to "keep the noise down because his small kids either need to take a nap or go to bed at 8:30pm". BUMMER!

What ever happened to the good ol' neighborhood where you could shoot off fireworks at any time of the day, hang out with friends in your back yard and maybe even be a bit on the "tame rowdy" side?

This "new-to-the-neighborhood" scrooge asked our boys to quit shooting off fireworks at 9:30pm - on the evening of JULY 4th for crying out loud! (Never mind the rest of the neighborhood was shooting off fireworks well past 11:00pm!!)

Now, last Sunday - near the conclusion of a most delightful Mother's Day - this clown actually came across his yard, through my back yard to my driveway and garage, and asked my sons if they would "tone it down" so his small kids could go to sleep (my sons were immensely enjoying one another playing different instruments in MY garage at 7:30pm!!)

Now before I sound like a ruthless, "you-know-what", I don't hate this guy. I feel sorry for him. My kids were young once - (check out the photo above). I don't think I would have ever asked a neighbor to "tone it down". That's not the "neighborhood way" - especially THIS neighborhood! We just have fun, and enjoy our neighbors with all our weirdness and differences and "stuff" that we deal with.

So, I don't want to not like this guy.

I realize in a few years, we won't have any more kids in the house except an occasional grandbaby, so who knows - maybe I might wander over his direction and ask him to quit mowing so my grandkid can take a nap!

Generations

This photo is stunning to me in so many ways. The young child is my sister's grandson, Wesley. The marvelously handsome elderly gentleman is my Dad. You are looking at a young boy - age 6 (I think), and a man - age 85.

As I ponder this photo, it is very difficult to articulate what I feel. I honestly remember being that age and playing baseball. I remember my much-younger Dad being at most every game I played even though he worked 14-hour days, (7) days a week owning and operating a Gulf Service Station.

I think about the fact that I will be a grandfather in November of this year. I don't think I fully realize what that means because I continue to believe that I am too young to be a grandfather, but I'm really not, and I could not be more thrilled about having a Worley rug rat around.

I think about what my Dad has witnessed in his lifetime. I think about his wit. I think about his solid faith, his example of love and commitment to my Mom, his stable and quiet approach to most everything in life that I can think of. The words "stress" and "my Dad" have never been used in the same sentence, even though I am quite certain he has experienced it......I would never have known.

I really wonder what runs through his mind as he watches his great-grandson play baseball. That must bring him great delight because I know how much he loves that game, and I know how much he loves watching kids play it - most especially, his kids.

I went to the doctor today because of some nagging pain that will not go away. I will spare you the boring details except to say that the orthopedic doctor told me to expect to have (3) different surgeries on (3) different parts of my body sometime in the next 5-10 years.

As I have pondered that statement, I almost have to laugh. Here's a doctor I have never met or talked with until today, and after reviewing x-rays and spending 15 minutes with me, that's what he has to say to me. Good grief - I don't know what's up with tomorrow, much less the thought of (3) surgeries in the next 5-10 years.

I think about my 85-year old Dad. I really think if he had been in that room with this doctor, he would have cracked a joke, and walked out of the doctor's office to go out and prove him wrong. After all, alot of things have to be "going your way" to still be around at age 85!

So, our bodies wear down, even our minds don't stay as sharp as we would like, but we get up each morning and thank our great God that we have breath and energy, and yes, even pain because we all know that there is much to be learned through pain.

I know I need to persevere because I want to still be around at age 85.....and watch my great-grandson play baseball or sing or play an instrument or make a movie or watch (Lord, what would I do!!??) my great-granddaughter dance or sing or play ball or paint a picture or laugh out loud.

I really do need to ask my Dad what that feels like, and as much as I need to hear it, I am quite certain it would bring him even greater joy just to tell me all about it.