A Resilient Life - Part "Last"

OK, this has gone on long enough - I will choose to combine the final list of questions and end this saga of "oh, my, why must I deal with life in such a manner as this" confrontations.......

Hey, it's the real deal - I can't help it if the truth hurts, but it really does sometimes, doesn't it?

Oh well - here are the final list of questions, and since I don't know of ANY 60-80-somethings who read my blog - just humor yourself with these - maybe they will bring some insight to our future - maybe not - regardless, here they are, and if God is gracious enough to allow us these years, here are the questions we might be asking:

(BTW - I just happen to think they are incredibly powerful questions!)

60-somethings
1. When do I stop doing the things that have always defined me?
2. Why do I feel ignored by a large part of the younger population?
3. Why am I curious about who is listed in the obituary column of the newspapers, how they died, and what kinds of lives they lived?
4. Do I have enough time to do all the things I've dreamed about in the past?
5. Who will be around me when I die?
6. Which one of us will go first, and what is it like to say good-bye to someone with whom you have shared so many years of life?
7. Are the things I believe in capable of taking me to the end?
8. Is there really life after death?
9. What do I regret?
10. What are the chief satisfactions of these many years of living?
11. What have I done that will outlive me?

70/80-somethings
1. Does anyone realize of even care who I once was?
2. Is my story important to anyone?
3. How much of my life can I still control?
4. Is there anything I can still contribute?
5. Why this anger and irritability?
6. Is God really there for me?
7. Am I ready to face death?
8. And when I die (how will it happen), will I be missed, or will the news of my death bring relief?
8. Heaven? What is it like?

Part 4 of 6 - A Resilient Life - 50-somethings

Some of these hit a little too close to home.......

50-somethings find themselves wondering how many years are left......

Here some additional questions 50-somethings are asking:

1. Why is time moving so fast? (because it is moving so fast!)
2. Why is my body becoming unreliable?
3. How do I deal with my failures and my successes?
4. How can my spouse and I reinvigorate our relationship now that the children are gone? (and I'm not so sure "a naked room" is the answer - and that is only funny if you have seen the movie, "Failure To Launch"!!)
5. Who are these young people who want to replace me? (I would add - and why do they insist on calling me Mr. Worley?)
6. What do I do with my doubts and fears?
7. Will we have enough money for retirement years if there are health problems and economic downturns?

A Resilient Life - Part 3 of 6

Sorry to not keep this going at least daily - life keeps getting in the way.

Here are the questions 40-somethings are asking - maybe not aloud - but trust me, they are asking them:

1. Who was I as a child?
2. What powers back then influence the kind of person I am today?
3. Why do some people seem to be doing better than I?
4. Why am I often disappointed with myself and others?
5. Why are limitations beginning to outnumber options?
6. Why do I seem to face so many uncertainties?
7. What can I do to make a greater contribution to my generation?
8. What would it take to pick up a whole new life-calling in life and do the thing I've always wanted to do?

A Resilient Life - Part 2 of 6

Part Two brings the questions that 30-somethings would ask if you really confronted them with what they really want to know out of life.

1. How do I prioritize the demands being made on my life?
2. How far can I go in fulfilling my sense of purpose?
3. Who are the people with whom I know I walk through life?
4. What does my spiritual life look like?
5. Do I even have time for one?
6. Why am I not a better person?

A Resilient Life

I have not had much time for reading lately with wedding, friday night football, stuff at church, and tons of other things going on.

I have, however been making my way through Gordon MacDonald's book, A Resilient Life.

Alot of this book is stuff I kinda already knew or at least had read before, but one chapter particularly nailed me - and still continues to cause me to ponder deeply. (is there any other way to ponder?)

He talks about the "real matters of life" questions that different generations ask - they might not come right out and ask them on a regular basis, but they are indeed the questions that when forced to examine the deepest soul-searching crevices of our lives, these are pretty much the ones that truly matter.

See if you don't agree:

20-somethings ask -
What kind of man or woman am I becoming?
How am I different from my mother or father?
Where can I find a few friends who will welcome me as I am and who will offer the familylike connections that I need (or never had)?
Can I love, and am I lovable?
What will I do with my life?
What is it that I really want in exchange for my life's labors?
Around what person or conviction will I organize my life?

I think I will close this post with this list. Next post will list the 30-something questions, and I will continue posting this next week until I have listed the 70-80-somethings questions - man, they are amazing!

happy pondering.....

Heismann - 2008?

OK, I realize how bold and even possibly arrogant this post may seem, but let's just consider........

Wait - before we consider - let me give you some background.

This "kid" is the grandson of my mom's first cousin. His great-grandfather was my grandfather's brother. Ponder that for a few moments. and of course, we have never met......

However, for as long as I can remember, his Dad and I have shared wonderful memories at every Family Reunion that has ever taken place. This guy is the "real deal".

Let's now consider......

Stephen McGee (Texas A&M) was impressive at quarterback in the final five and a half quarters of last season after taking over for the injured Reggie McNeal, who suffered a sprained ankle midway through the third quarter against Oklahoma … in those five and a half quarters, McGee rushed for 175 yards on 34 carries (5.1 per carry) and completed 9-of-29 passes for 83 yards, while leading the Aggies to 10 scoring opportunities on 19 drives … for the season.

McGee completed 24-of-53 passes for 283 yards and two touchdowns and one interception in eight games … he rushed for 235 yards and two touchdowns on 43 carries (5.5 average) … started the Texas game … best passing game was a 9-of-15 effort for 112 yards and a touchdown against Colorado … best rushing game was 108 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries against Texas.

HIGH SCHOOL: Three-year starter at quarterback for Class 3A Burnet High School, leading his team to a combined record of 36-5 (including a 28-2 mark as a junior and senior) … Burnet appeared in the 3A state finals in 2002 and 2003 … did not throw a single interception in the 2003 regular season … finished his career with 8,256 passing yards and a 3A state-record 101 passing touchdowns … as a senior, McGee completed 196-of-313 passes for 3,579 yards with 47 touchdowns and three interceptions … as a junior, he completed 155-of-276 passes for 2,841 yards and 34 touchdowns and five interceptions … as a sophomore, he connected on 93-of-176 attempts for 1,829 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions … two-time all-state selection and three-time all-district pick … named the 3A Offensive Most Valuable Player after his senior year … also earned Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine Super Team second-team and Austin American-Statesman All-Centex Co-Player of the Year honors … coached by Bob Shipley … also played basketball and track and field … all-district on the hardwood as a sophomore, but was injured as a junior … advanced to the regional meet in track with the 400- and 1,600-meter relays … an excellent student, McGee was Burnet’s No. 1-ranked student-athlete and ranked No. 9 overall in his senior class of over 250.

CAREER BESTS
Completions: 9 vs. Colorado 2005
Attempts: 23 vs. Texas 2005
Yards: 112 vs. Colorado 2005
Long Pass: 40 (td) vs. Colorado 2005
Rushes: 24 vs. Texas 2005
Rushing Yards: 108 vs. Texas 2005
Long Rush: 49 vs. Texas 2005

Last week vs. Kansas -
AT&T Offensive Player of the Week: Stephen McGee, So, QB, Texas A&M (Burnet, Texas)

In Texas A&M's come-from-behind, 21-18, win at Kansas, quarterback Stephen McGee engineered a pair of 80-yard, fourth-quarter scoring drives for the Aggies. He led A&M on a 12-play drive in the closing minutes by converting three third down passes including a 35-yard strike to set up the game winning touchdown with 0:34 left. McGee completed 25-of-40 attempts, with no interceptions, for 240 yards.

He has thrown ONE interception in his last 137 attempts.

I just have to believe - based on what I know and hear about this young man - that he HAS to be a contender for the Heismann in 2008.......

you can say you read it here on October 11, 2006......

to keep up with Stephen, go HERE

Wedding

Since we have never had a child get married, we only knew what friends and family tried to tell us.

Today, I have nothing to offer anyone. I have been tired in the past - on the heels of major productions, after an intense, extended time working on a project/recording, etc..., but nothing like this.

A friend told me that it would be overwhelming because never before have you experienced so many people expressing their love for you and for your child at one time.....maybe not since birth! They were/are so right.

This weekend was so full - so emotional - so very, very wonderful. I am truly overwhelmed.

I had pre-determined that I would not bother with taking photos. I did not want that to distract me from "experiencing the moments". The temptation was too much for me, so I decided to take some before the ceremony. I was having trouble with my flash on my camera, so Kim and Seth worked on it, then Kim tested it.

We were really just "messin' around", but this photo might very well be one of my favorites - and there are many.....

Happy Marriage, Seth & Arley - I love you both!
Dad (The Lion King)

Friday Night Lights

I forgot what that feeling felt like until last Friday night.

What is it about high school football on Friday nights?

Attending our son's first high school varsity game was just absolutely a ton of fun.
Yes, it was brutally hot (90-something-with-no-breeze-sweat-in-your-seat-without-moving-around weather), but it just didn't matter. We even tried our hand at tail-gating - never done that before, but we will do it again...

Growing up in Texas, it was all about Friday night football. It's no different in Tennessee even though I still believe that the "real" UT orange is burnt, not bright.

The photo above is several of Matt's closest friends - most of whom play on the basketball team. They are "true" fans, and I love these guys after spending most of my summer with them! This photo was on the front page of the sports section of our newspaper on Saturday morning.

Funny how traditions never change. Players wear their jerseys to school on game days. Here is Matt (and Ben) heading off to school last Friday morning very early. Don't they both seem thrilled?

Trip Down Memory Lane - Part 1

This is Part 1 of a 2-Part entry.

I had a neat week heading down to Texas for a few days to visit my folks. I don't see them nearly enough because of the distance between where they live and where I live. That's too bad for many reasons.

They now live about (30) minutes north of San Antonio (where I grew up).

So, we (my Mom, Dad, and myself) decided to take a trip to SA and see the places that influenced me growing up. Wow, what an experience of "looking back". The conversation in the van as we talked about "landmark" after "landmark" was rich, funny, and rewarding.

I won't bore you with too much detail (I know - that's a first!), but here's a brief overview:

Benjamin Franklin Elementary School where I attended grades 1-6


continue to the next entry for more photos and memories.......

(oh, and the photo at the top is the front porch of the house I grew up in - I can tell you where every room in that house is........)

Trip Down Memory Lane - Part 2

....we continue the "tour" of some significant places of my child-hood........

Lakeview Baptist Church where I accepted Christ and was baptized at age (7)
(my Mom was also the organist!)


2239 Fresno Drive - the house I grew up in - (wow, it seemed SO much bigger when I was a kid!!)


Northside Baptist Church where I attended until high school!


John Greenleaf Whittier Junior High School


Thomas Jefferson High School - (they don't make schools like these anymore!)


If you are ever able to go back to those places where when visiting them after so many years bring thoughts and memories to mind (both good and sometimes painful), I so much recommend it. Visiting these places with my parents was an experience I will never forget.

Idol or Icon

This excerpt from Chuck Fromm, Editor of Worship Leader Magazine is a very interesting read........

Musical excellence ultimately centers on the topic of performance. First of all, "performance" is often a shunned discussion by Christians as it relates to worship and the church. Why? Because the word "performance" is often translated into something that is inauthentic or lacking integrity. We think of performance as something that is made up or acted out in public, but does not necessarily relate to our private lives. But this way of thinking when applied to a performance art like music is problematic. To make music or deliver a speech, for that matter, requires some kind of grade-able performance.

The amount of professional jobs available for musicians underscores the common phrase of "starving musician." The American Federation of Musicians (AFM), the largest musician union group in America, claim that only 15% of their 45,000 members have steady employment. Of the 35,000 records (CD's) produced professionally in the United States, less than 200 will sell more than 50,000 units. In other words, there are very few rich musicians.

We are a country of people that create our social identities around musical style; we will pay $400 for a U2 ticket and 36.4 million people watched Taylor Hicks become the 5th American Idol. Only the Super Bowl and the Academy Awards garner bigger viewing audiences. America loves excellence in music and performance.

Now admittedly what is "excellent" is very subjective; the criteria is based on the personal taste of the participant or observer. Those who watch American Idol have your own favorite judge. The discourse they create among each other helps give us a language to express what we feel about the performance, as well. Our need is to generate some kind of rational truth about the phenomena that we just experienced, and in order to do that, we need language. In other words, the work of the judges is just as much a performance as that of the talent.

Fortunately, this is not a public process that those responsible for music in worship have to endure. Why? Because our use of music, or any media art for that matter, in worship goes far beyond "mere performance." There is a major difference between an idol and an icon. And idol brings attention to itself. The icon points to God. The goal of our music is to relate people to God. It it does that, it is excellent, if not, it's not.....

Priceless

This is an actual photo taken in downtown Chicago.

Better yet, THIS PERSON offered an on-line "photo caption" contest.

The two winners were:

"Some were a little miffed when the stewardship committee took over the church."

and

"Because MONEY matters!"

One Of My Favorites

This photo makes me happy.....

July 4th - Talk About Fireworks!

A friend sent the following to me. Most likely a July 4th he will never forget!

Hello all,

Thought you might find this interesting. This is how my 4th of July tour started this year with the US Air Force Band of the Golden West. Yes, that’s our USAF truck filled with over $400,000 worth of tympani, percussion, music, personal instruments, and a brand new state of the art sound system burning to the ground and clogging our Interstate Highway System with cosmic debris. Click HERE and watch your tax dollars burn!

Grocery Store & Famous People

I know I'm old when I enjoy going to the grocery store. Our Publix is nearby, so I often offer to go to the store for Karla, and more and more she entrusts me with this important task of obtaining those items that provide for our family's basic needs and then some.

Yesterday early evening, I was searching for just the right loaf of bread when I felt someone grab my arm. I looked up to find STEVE GREEN standing in front of me. What a delightful surprise at Publix. Now, I have seen several "famous people" at Publix through the years - one of the neat benefits of living in Nashville - but this encounter was so heart-warming because of who Steve is. He is always an encourager, and he was so gracious in many ways.

I laughed when he told me he was looking for just a certain kind of box fan for his bus. The kind that had a certain base and would not easily fall over. It's strange, but I knew exactly what he was talking about! He did not find it at Publix, so he was going to have to move on to another location.

He was leaving that evening for the Dayton, OH area for a concert that is most likely taking place as I write this.

The most interesting part of our conversation was when he told me in the course of our ever-so-normal conversation that he had just finished changing the sheets on the beds in the bus. My reaction must have surprised him, because his response was "well, I might as well do it - someone has to!". How's that for servanthood at its best.

Made me wonder how many other famous people I have seen at Publix who change their own sheets on the beds in their expensive tour buses!

I hope you will take a few more minutes to read about this extraordinary man of God -Steve Green. Oh, and I can't wait until December 8 when he will join our choir & orchestra for a one-night-only Christmas Concert! That will be grand!!


FROM THE HEART OF STEVE GREEN
One of the advantages of a career that spans a little over two decades is the ability to look back and hopefully gain a proper perspective. God’s good providence can only be seen as we thoughtfully review the events of the past. From such a vantage point much that seemed important at the time fades away and the very common community of family and friends becomes the highlighted means of grace that God has used all along.

God sovereignly planted me in a missionary family, providing a remarkable context and training ground for ministry. He gave certain abilities and gifts that were to be stewarded and used for His purposes. Out of His free love, He extended kindness in Christ, rescuing me when I did not have the sense to know of my own perilous predicament. He gave me a wise and precious wife whose counsel, encouragement and constant love has strengthened me. He sent teachers and leaders and pastors to instruct and help give shape to a particular calling.

He let me meet Billy Ray Hearn and Peter York, who gave me an opportunity to record. He sent Greg Nelson and Phil Naish to give musical guidance and much needed assistance. He brought along Jon Mohr, Phil McHugh, Doug McKelvey and other writers to help put a life message into song. God called my brother, David out of the banking business to help and protect and be a companion in ministry.

He sent wonderful teammates, Cecelia, Mark, Brenda, Ed, Brian, Fred, Jan, Carry, Beamon, Jeff, Patti, Barny, Charles, Paul and many others who covered my weaknesses and taught me what serving is all about. God gave an entrusted platform that spread across 50 countries, letting me be an ambassador and representative of Christ. He put it in the hearts of church leaders to invite and provide a place for music and the communication of the gospel.

During an interview I was asked to describe the greatest moment of my career and also the lowest and most difficult. But how can we really know which is which? From heaven’s point of view it may be that the most thrilling event was perhaps the most dangerous and unguarded, and what I thought was the lowest point was in fact, the place of greatest blessing.

With each passing year there has been a slow (God is merciful and patient), but growing awareness that all of this has very little to do with me and everything to do with the sharing of life and calling along side other glad subjects of the King. In the end, the only appropriate refrain is, “For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory!”

To learn more about Steve, be sure to go HERE

Just For Arley

OK, I can see why Arley would think I love Matt and Ben more than Seth (jokingly) since I blogged twice about them with photos. So, this one's for Arley....

Actually, it's for me to talk about my son, Seth, too!

Twice in the past week, I have been in two entirely different locations - Franklin, TN watching a football scrimmage (yes, in June - football!), and then at a Burger King in Elizabethtown, KY when people I do not know began talking about videos that my son, Seth had created.

Actually, at the Burger King in Elizabethtown, there were a whole herd of kids with Centri-Fuge t-shirts on, so when I got in line behind them, I asked one of their sponsors where they had been that week for their Centri-Fuge camp. One thing led to another only to find out that Seth's videos had been shown there and were greatly admired and appreciated.

I can still remember the summer several years ago when every Friday at noon, Seth and I would go to the newest movie release.....well, we would do that if the rating was acceptable. (That's a whole 'nother blog.....)

I am grateful for Seth's imagination and his creativity. It's never predictable, and it's always unique.

I am always interested in "what's next" from him......

So, Arley - here's a post for you and your future husband!

Teenagers In The House

I sent a note to a friend today (one whom I have not seen in years), and told him that I now had two teenagers in the house!

All I can say is "good grief"! Where did the time go? I know everyone says that, but it's true.

This photo of Ben (left - duh), and Matt is of course priceless if you are their parent. If not, well.....you can read someone else's blog instead of mine.

When you work in the same church for as long as I have been at Brentwood, you see kids grow up right before your eyes. It never ceases to get to me......I can't believe there are people in my choir who were kids just not that long ago.....

Well, enjoy them - everyday - enjoy them, and thank God for them as gifts on loan for a period of time that only He chooses....

Oh, BTW, if you were thinking "oh, how cute" when you viewed the above photo, then check this one out - amazing how quickly the "mood" changes, and oh, what a look from Matt!!

Father's Day - 2006

This picture is so full of "oh my gosh, I can't believe you posted such a photo and opened the door for comments"!

Yep, I did it.......this is 1972 - good grief. Does anyone remember where you were (34) years ago. (I know, some of you reading this were not even BORN!!!!!!)

Here's me, standing with my Mom and Dad, and the look I am getting from my Dad says it all. (I want that outfit my Dad is wearing!!)

I had just returned from a summer of singing and "ministry" with the Continental Singers. The whole direction of my life was altered that summer, and I began to believe that music and ministry would become a vital part of me from that point on.

The "look" from my Dad was because my hair had NEVER been that long EVER. He was not a happy camper. (but, oh, I was SO handsome, don't you think?) Interesting the things that create division among fathers and sons - the length of ones hair.

I am grateful me and my Dad could get beyond that one. I wish I could post every photo of every bookcase, dog house, picnic table, work bench, and numerous other "works of art" that my Dad and I have built and created over time. He is one amazing man, and I am blessed to be his son.

On this upcoming Father's Day 2006, I hope that my sons learn a few things from me - mainly how to love God and how much they are loved by me and their most wonderful mom.

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

and oh, did you notice who's on the TV in that photo - Rex Humbard - now there's a blast from the past for all you TV Evangelist fans........

and oh, oh - what WAS I thinking with that shirt and tie? stupidity and lack of taste run rampant in the Worley clan..........

Kids, The Ocean, and Meetings

I love this photo! Yes, it was several years ago, and I have no idea where Seth was, but it was fun to grab Matt and Ben and hug them at my favorite place on earth - the ocean.

This afternoon, after a very long day at church and while sitting outside a meeting room waiting for my cue to "appear" at this particular very important, high-level, muckity-muck kind of meeting, I was pleasantly surprised to be thoroughly entertained by two kids. Conner and James, ages 4 and 6 respectively told me all kinds of marvelous things about themselves. Conner shared rocks with me that he had in his pocket, and James (typical older brother) did most of the talking. They were absolutely delightful to say the least. Their mom was in a different meeting and left them in this particular place (I'm sure) to sit still, behave themselves, and not get into any kind of trouble.

I just have to tell you - I really wanted to just go crazy with these two kids. They were so full of life - bouncing on the sofa, turning cartwheels on the floor, sitting on the coffee table as if it were a boat of somekind.........talking non-stop....

Thank you, God for these kids - they made my Sunday......

And yes, my meeting while important was so influenced by my experience with Conner and James - you go, guys!!!

Just A Simple Lunch

It was just a simple lunch appointment, but the purpose of getting together was more than a visit or to "get caught up" as friends.

Billy Ray Hearn is my hero. This man has more vision, more passion, more love for God and life and people, and being around him is always an inspiration. He introduces me to other people as "his minister of music". What an honor that is for me - more than he realizes.

Billy Ray's wife, Joanie was in a terrible automobile accident last September. She suffered numerous injuries and as a result, has never recovered to be able to live her life like she was before that accident. Now, her days with us seem to be numbered. Billy Ray called me to ask me to meet and help him plan the music for her memorial service.

I will never forget my lunch on Wednesday with Billy Ray. He was quiet, almost numb,
and exhausted from caring for Joanie over these past (9) months, but wanting so to make sure her life is honored with God-honoring music. I will do all I can for this man and his wife.

It seems strange to meet with someone to plan such a service while they are still living, but we both agreed that was best under these difficult circumstances.

I guess the strangest of my feelings right now has to do with the fact that Billy Ray's first wife died several years ago, so now this man is going through the same thing twice in a lifetime........life just is not fair at all.......

So, I will cherish that simple lunch with this man I admire. I pray you would do the same with those you love......

The photo is from this past February when the organization that produces The Grammys honored Billy Ray. Pictured (L-R) are Recording Academy President Neil Portnow, Bill Hearn (Billy Ray's son), actor and GRAMMY winning Sparrow Records recording artist Andy Griffith, and Billy Ray Hearn.