Whatever Takes Us Away

This Saturday night, November 3rd, our youth group is going to have a movie night and lock-in. So far we have two movies lined up, along with pizza, popcorn and other snacks to hold us over through the night. The movies we are planning on watching are Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ" and "Facing the Giants". Depending on response to the first and what may take place afterwards, time permitting after the second, we may watch "The End of the Spear" - but that will largely depend on the reaction to the "Passion".

So, if you read this much at all, you may already know that I really enjoy music. It takes many forms, functions and all different kinds - most of which I truly to love and appreciate listening to. Last night was no exception. I took two of my three girls for a night out complete with a concert with BarlowGirl & Toby Mac. I love my family and I love music, what better way to spend an evening and a birthday gift. We sang, danced, praised & worshipped God with both groups. I was a little hesitant about BarlowGirl, after hearing the latest album, thinking it may not be a rock concert, but they proved that notion all wrong. Those girls have really got it going on when it comes to music! They are truly amazing (young) women for God; taking vows of purity and not dating and using the talents and gifts God gave them to share the message of Jesus - really awesome!

Likewise was Toby Mac. He's been around a while, formerly being a part of dc Talk. He and the Diverse City Band brought the house down. A real professional and a good man of God, his show lacked nothing.

I'm so glad I was able to share that with my wife and oldest daughter, who happened to turn eight yesterday! It was equally great to be able to share in fellowship with so many other believers. During both BarlowGirl and Toby Mac there was an awesome moment of Bible reading, sharing testimony and God showing up in our midst. Something I will always remember, me and my girlz, a night on the town and with God!

To the Youth Group at New Harmony UMC,

The Youth Director has challenged you to get as many young people (6th – 12th grades) to come to our Sunday evening gatherings. The challenge is to have at least 20 young people attend our gatherings for no less than four (4) weeks consecutively.

If this challenge is met I will do the following: Dye my hair black with streaks or patches of white. The current group has one week to decide whether or not to take this challenge upon themselves.

(Brittany not pictured)

Our group currently consists of 6 young people. That means at least fourteen (14) additional people have to attend four consecutive weeks, totaling 20 in all. This challenge has to be met before the end of January 2008 for the Youth Director to consider it accomplished in full.

The challenge has been issued. Will you step up to the challenge?

Greetings! Today, being September 20th, is the day before September 21st. Duh! Tomorrow, being September 21st, is my wife's birthday!

We have been together for 10 years now, and in October we will have been married for nine (9) years. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else or with anyone else. She has grown into an amazing woman, gifted and talented and has an ability to take just about anything that comes her way (four children and a full time college schedule included). This post serves nothing more than to let Tina know that I am totally happy with who I married and to say "Happy Birthday" - even though the post may be a day early (I could set it to post at midnight, but I don't want to hassle with all that).

So, Happy Birthday Honey! I Love You and am so glad God choose You and I to be together.

Coffee. I like coffee. I like to drink coffee first thing each morning, usually before I do much of anything else. Somedays I drink more than others, not for the caffeine, but because I like it so much. One cup would be sufficient for the caff intake, but I continue to drink because I enjoy it.

Sunday morning, this past one, I didn't have the opportunity to have that first cup before getting started, or startled as it were. I was barely out of bed when my phone rang. It was my mom, sounding confused and bewildered and in need of help. My dad, who is also the church pastor, was sick and had hardly slept at all the night before. Could I help and stand in his place for preaching? Still needing that first sip of java, I accepted the task and wandered back up stairs to see what I could muster up. Coffee finally brewing!

I sometimes read something, hear something, see something that makes me write something. Okay, it's more than sometimes, it happens quite offten. I read my Bible often. I listen to a few Bible based programs through Podcasts on my iPod almost everyday. I see things in daily life that make me wonder what people sometimes think (or if they even think at all) before doing whatever it is and I feel compelled to write about it. This past Sunday morning was taken care of in advance of it ever happening. God took control and I let go.

The below post is what transpired several weeks ago. I didn't stick entirely to the written message, I sometimes tend to wander in my speaking, but mostly the written was what was spoken to the congregation.

After getting myself somewhat put together (message wise) I tended to myself, then to getting everything gathered for Children's Church. I thank God often and always for my best friend and wife, Tina, as she is the backbone and lifeline for me here on earth. She stepped in for me downstairs, gathered a few helpers and made it through Children's Church just fine. I got through my message, and by the divine inspiration and preparation of God, the music that was already picked out worked well with my message. Afterwards, those in the congregation ensured me that I did a good job and a few, at least three, said I had a promising future behind a pulpit. Had to come to grips with something like that thought, but somehow, by God, I accepted their compliments and well wishes with grace. Firm handshakes all around and out the door.

I still needed coffee, the 1.5 cups just didn't do it and I was mentally, emotionally and physically drained after church.

Today, however, I have had nearly a whole pot of coffee, making up for my weekend lack. Drink on java lovers!