The Journey of Ascent

A Lesson In Worship From Genesis 22

2011-12-07T09:12:00.004-05:00

Below is an outline from a teaching I have done in the past. If you want maybe a different perspective of worship, I encourage you to read Genesis 22:1-14 and follow along with this simple outline. I hope that it challenges you to realize that worship isn't about what I can get from God, it's about what I can give Him.

The Journey of Worship – Gen. 22: 1-14

1. Worship requires a recognition of God’s call. (v.1)

a. God simply calls Abraham’s name and his response is ‘Here I Am.”
b. Other examples

i. Samuel (I Samuel 3: 1-14)
ii. The calling of the disciples

2. Worship involves our response to God’s call. (v. 2-3)

a. Abraham set out the next morning to fulfill God’s call.
b. Samuel – ‘Speak, Lord your servant hears’
c. The disciples – followed Jesus immediately

3. Worship comes from a mindset of faith. (v. 5-8)

a. Abraham’s use of the word ‘we’ in verse 5 implies He had faith that God would not abandon His promise regarding Isaac.
b. When asked where the sacrifice was, Abraham told Isaac that God would provide the sacrifice.

4. Worship requires TOTAL obedience to God’s call. (v. 9-10)

a. Abraham built the altar, laid the wood out, bound his son, laid him on the altar and raised the knife to kill him. Note that God didn't respond until He knew Abraham was willing to fully obey. Going through the motions was not allowed.
b. Examples of disobedience

i. Cain (Genesis 4)
ii. Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron (Leviticus 10: 1-2)
iii. Saul (I Samuel 13 and 15)

5. Obedient worship will bring a response from God. (v. 11-13)

a. The total obedience of Abraham, brought about God’s provision of a sacrifice.
b. Examples

i. Abel (Genesis 4) – God honored his offering
ii. Naaman (2 Kings 5: 1-14) – Naaman was healed of leprosy when he followed the instructions of Elisha
iii. Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael – (Daniel 3) – their refusal to worship the golden image landed them in the fiery furnace. God’s response – 4th man in the fire and no harm came to them.
iv. Daniel – (Daniel 6) – Daniel’s refusal to cease praying to God lands him in the lions den. God’s response – lion’s mouths shut.

6. When God responds, it is appropriate for us to remember and honor His response. (v. 14)

a. Abraham honored God’s provision by naming that place with the character of God that had been displayed. Jehovah Jireh – God will provide.
b. Stones of Remembrance - Placing markers in our lives when God responds to us, gives us things to look back on, remember, and celebrate during the times when God seems silent.

i. Jacob at Bethel
ii. Israel at Jordan

Now go dive into the Word and see what God shows you!

Forgotten God - Chapter 4 - My Thoughts

2011-12-06T12:50:00.003-05:00

This may be the most convicting chapter in the book at this point. It asks the simple question, "Why do you want the Holy Spirit?" The convicting part of this is that we should want the Holy Spirit in our lives, not to benefit ourselves or bring attention to ourselves through the manifestation of the gifts, but rather to use the gifts given to us to benefit the church and to bring glory and honor to God!

It is so easy to seek certain manifestations of the Holy Spirit rather than simply seeking the Holy Spirit. Miracles and supernatural signs excite us, but that's not what the Holy Spirit is all about. The Holy Spirit leads and guides our steps as we strive to become more Christ-like. The miracles happen as a 'by-product' and more often than not, when we least expect them.

Ask yourself another tough question. Are signs and wonders more important to me than my quest to become more like Christ? If they are, you have a priority issue. God has called us to point others to Him. Sometimes that happens best when we live a life like Christ and share Him with others. I don't want to appear to be diminishing signs and wonders, but in my life, I want to make sure that anything that happens points people to King Jesus and not to Chris Darling.

It would also be wise to remember that the gifts of the Spirit are absolutely USELESS unless God's love is permeating your life. (I Cor. 13) What good is it to demonstrate a supernatural gift and not treat your neighbor (or a complete stranger) with the love of God.

The Holy Spirit's work is vital in the life of believers. We should all desire for the Holy Spirit to use us AS HE SEES FIT and not how we want to be used. When we experience that desire, then we have come to the proper answer to the original question. Why do you want the Holy Spirit?

Forgotten God - Chapter 3 - My Thoughts

2011-11-29T13:29:00.002-05:00

The first thing that it is important to understand is that, while how we live and what we do are very important things, we need to build our lives around sound doctrine/theology. If our theology regarding the Holy Spirit is bad, the results could be spiritually disastrous for us. I don't think any of us want to spend a life pursuing things that the Holy Spirit of God would directly oppose. It is from this premise, that Chan builds a basic theology of the Holy Spirit.

We can never begin to fully understand the Holy Spirit. Even as we learn more about Him, it will become more evident that He is far beyond our comprehension. This fact alone should enhance our worship of God because we come to the realization that our finite mind can not begin to grasp His greatness. No analogy or metaphor can ever lead us to grasping the working of the Holy Spirit within the Trinity.

When we look at the book of Acts, one thing is certain. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost was a life changing event for those in the Upper Room. Peter, the 'denier' becomes Peter the evangelist who that very day preaches a sermon that leads to the conversion of 3000 people. Later on in the book we see Stephen the first martyr lay down his life, and ultimately we see the persecutor of the church, Saul, become the first great missionary, Paul. When the Holy Spirit comes inside of us, our lives will be changed!

I think we should all really strive to internalize the seven truths that Chan lists regarding the Holy Spirit towards the end of the chapter. Making these truths part of our understanding (however limited) of the Holy Spirit will certainly help us to recognize that just as the Father is God, and Jesus is God, so to the Holy Spirit is God!

Forgotten God - Chapter 2 - My Thoughts

2011-11-14T09:35:00.003-05:00

In continuation of last week's post on chapter 1.....

I personally love the opening of this chapter. Chan challenges the Christian to open his or her mind and discover truth about the Holy Spirit based on what the scripture says, NOT on what we have been taught from our denominational camps throughout our lives. This is so difficult to do regardless of which 'camp' you fall in, but it is so eye opening as we put our denominational bias aside and let God speak to us through His Word. It is scary, because as Chan points out, maybe you will read passages and land at the place you always have, but maybe you won't. That's when fear can creep in and destroy the teaching process that God has you in. If we are genuinely seeking to know more about God, then it shouldn't matter what our friends, family, think. That is easier said than done, however.

Fear also can impact our prayer life. Chan poses the question, what if God doesn't answer? This fear keeps us from asking big so many times. The next question to ask ourselves is, 'was my prayer based around God's promise or around my desire?' God has to keep His promises, but He is not obligated to give us our bucket list of requests. Do we have enough faith to believe that God is still working for your good even when you don't get the answer you want?

Next Chan addresses the fear of God actually showing up in your life and asking you to do something that you aren't ready to do. Do you really want to know His will? Remember that Jesus said, "If any man come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." Are we ready to pick up the cross? Are we ready to let the Holy Spirit rip away the sin that prevents us from becoming who we are called to be in Christ? Are we ready to get uncomfortable? - to my CCC worship team (does this sound familiar?)

Does your concern for your spiritual reputation hold you back? Are you worried about being labled 'charismatic' or 'conservative?' I love the question that Chan asks close to the end of this section. "Where does your allegiance lie? Do you care about what people think when they see you, or do you care about seeking the truth concerning the Spirit of God and then living in the light of the truth, holding to those promises, and enjoying that relationship?" My question to you would be this: regardless of what camp you find yourself in, are you willing to admit that you might be wrong on some things about the Holy Spirit?

I love the closing section of this chapter where Chan addresses the 'Good Fear.' We should allow ourselves to be open to the Spirit's lead, but not in an anything goes mentality. Everything should be weighed against the truth and teaching of scripture. If it lines up...great!! If it doesn't....LOOK OUT!! Sadly, there are many false teachers who would use the 'word from the Lord' to promote their own agenda and not God's. Conversely, just because there are some false prophets out there, we shouldn't condemn all prophets as false. When there is a word, weigh it against the teaching of scripture before casting a judgement on it. Remember, God can not contradict Himself!

What scares you about going deeper in your relationship with God? Are you ready to give those fears to God and ask Him to give you the strength and wisdom to work through them?

Forgotten God - Chapter 1 - My Thoughts

2011-11-07T14:12:00.002-05:00

I have just begun taking our choir through Francis Chan's book "Forgotten God." If you haven't read it yet, trust me, you need to! I don't care if you come from charismatic or traditional backgrounds, this book will completely revolutionize the way in which you approach the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.

While I am going to be posting these weekly thoughts, largely for my worship team, I hope that all who read this will enjoy and hopefully be challenged to read this book on your own. These posts are simply little nuggets of truth that I gleaned from reading this book.

Here we go!

The opening quote from A.W. Tozer that Chan begins the book with speaks volumes about the modern church's ability to 'operate' without the leading and working of the Holy Spirit. Tozer says, "We have measured ourselves by ourselves until the incentive to seek higher plateaus in the things of the Spirit is all but gone." Essentially, we have stopped measuring our success as a Christian against the standard of scripture and have measured ourselves against other human endeavors. It's much easier to 'measure up' when the standard isn't as high. If the church of today were to measure itself against the Jerusalem church following the ascension of Christ, I'm not so sure we would feel so good about ourselves.

I like that Chan brings our attention to the fact that Jesus told His disciples that it would be better for them if He were to leave so that the Comforter could come. Think about that for just a minute. The disciples had access to a physical, living, breathing, Jesus, yet Jesus tells them that it will be better for them if He leaves so that the Comforter can come. If this is true (and it has to be.....Jesus said it), why are Christians so scared of living in the power of the Holy Spirit?

Being indwelt by the Holy Spirit should produce a profound change in the way we live our lives. Our pastor uses the phrase, "If there's fire in your fireplace, there should be smoke in your chimney," and I think it applies here. If we as Christians are living in the power of the Holy Spirit (which is the power that raised Christ from the dead), there should be a marked difference when compared to someone living without the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Challenge from Chapter 1 - Evaluate your own life (you're the only one who can) and ask yourself this question: "Is the power of the Holy Spirit evident in my life?"

Worship Confessional - November 6, 2011

2011-11-06T15:03:00.002-05:00

OK, a lot of worship pastors have begun doing this on a weekly basis. This may be completely unappealing to you and that's ok. Don't feel obligated to watch. For those unfamiliar with this type of video blog, it is basically a chance for me to verbally process my experience in worship this week. I talk mostly about the music portion of our service as for me to process in video form the challenge from the message today would take all day and then some. God is doing something in me and in our church and it's exciting. So, for those who might find this interesting....

A Story of Healing

2011-05-04T14:25:00.000-04:00

In the summer of 1998 as I was preparing for my junior year of college, my mother was diagnosed with colon cancer. Scans showed seven tumors throughout her colon and the truth was that the outlook was not good. She met with an oncologist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and they opted to try chemotherapy. After much prayer (and some insistence from my parents) I did return to Lee in the fall on ’98. That decision would ultimately be a pivotal one in this story.
Mom struggled greatly through the chemotherapy during the coming months. The side effects of the poison that was put in her system took a heavy toll on her, including the one that most women fear the most with the loss of her hair. She was consistently too weak to go out and on the rare occasion that she was able, she didn’t want to because of the hair loss.
I came home that Christmas to find my mother’s body decimated. She barely weighed 100 lbs. and she was just plain sick all the time. I know that she came close to giving up, but she never did. The chemo was having some, although not much, affect on the cancer. Again I struggled with the decision to go back to school in January, but ultimately I went back.
In early February ’99, Campus Choir was scheduled to be at Winterfest in Ocean City, MD. This was about a 3 hour drive for my parents, but despite my mom’s weak condition they were making plans to attend. An hour before they were supposed to leave, my mom said that she didn’t think she could make it. With some encouragement from my dad she decided to come anyway, and she was expecting that the only time we would have together would be in the hotel, because she felt that there was no way she could attend the evening services.
Friday night’s service came and my mother tried to attend. She made it through about an hour and had to go back to the hotel. She decided she would try again on Saturday night.
As the choir gathered for prayer before the service, something was different. I can’t adequately describe it, but there was an expectancy that we were about to see something that was going to blow our minds, but we couldn’t put our minds around what was going to take place.
We took the stage and worship was electric that night. There’s something about 2,500 teenagers in a room coming together to worship that is amazing. We still didn’t know what was going to happen.
At some point during the worship, one of the youth from my home church grabbed my mom’s hand and asked her to go down to the front with her. My mother was weak and reluctant, but teenagers don’t know how to take ‘no’ for an answer and she went down. Within a few moments, I saw something unusual from my perch behind the percussion gear. Our sax player had made his way toward the edge of the stage, not more than 6-8 feet from my mom, and was ‘playing over her.’
I began to feel impressed to go pray with my mom. As I prayed, I was led by the Lord to ask her if she was willing to dance for her miracle. This was significant to me, because my mom was NOT a dancer. She began jumping up and down, worshiping, praying, and pleading with God for a miracle.
Then it happened. The power of God took control and the next thing I knew my mom was on the floor. Given her medical condition, I was concerned because as she was lying on the floor she was clutching at her side like she was in pain. I asked her if she was alright, but I got no intelligible response. After several minutes she got up and all she could say was, “It’s gone.” I turned around to say something to her and she was gone. This frail, bald, 100 lb. woman was running around the convention center like a little kid. The most vivid memory I have of that occurrence is seeing her waving her hat around on her finger like a toy. The embarrassment of her baldness was overwhelmed by the joy of what she was experiencing with God that night.
Following the service she shared with the choir that when she was on the floor, she felt as though someone had made an incision into her side and then reached in and scooped out the cancer. She proclaimed to us that night with confidence, “I’m healed.”
At this point, skeptics would say that it was an emotional reaction based on the circumstance and that nothing backed up her claim of healing. To those skeptics that may be reading this, the story isn’t over.
Mom got back home on Sunday evening and that Monday morning she was in the doctor’s office demanding blood work. They did the blood test and we waited for results. The oncologist called a couple of days later and asked her to come back because there was a problem with her lab work. The problem was that there were no detectable cancer cells in her blood.
He wanted to repeat the test, hand carry the blood to the lab, and personally oversee the testing. This man of science was convinced that it was a simple lab error. When the repeat test also came back clear, he asked my mom if she would consent to a CT of the colon. She agreed. The doctor also made one more request. He asked my mom to bring her Bible with her when she came back to talk about the CT because if it was clear, he wanted to know about this healing stuff that my mom was talking about.
The CT wasn’t only clear, but it showed no scarring and no sign that cancer had ever been in my mom’s body. My mom was then able to share the gospel with her oncologist, and he in turn accepted Christ as his Savior. The most amazing part of this story is the following statement that my mother made in a worship service. “The cancer was horrible. The treatment was worse. However, knowing that my suffering opened the door for one man to go to Heaven, makes me say with confidence that I would do it again if I had to.”

Side note – it is now May, 2011 and my mom is still cancer free! To God be the glory, great things He has done!!

Ramblings of a Frustrated Football Fan

2010-09-02T00:52:00.003-04:00

Disclaimer: I'm not sure I agree with everything I'm about to write. I am aggravated, disgusted, and frustrated with the roller coaster of news coming out of Chapel Hill. Laugh and mock all you want, but if it were your team, you'd be in my shoes too.

Football is not life. I get it. At the same time the only thing that I look forward to in the sports world more than college football season is college basketball. North Carolina appears poised to have the NCAA hammer dropped on them because several athletes seem to think the rules don't apply to them.

I can say this with confidence. If these players did in fact violate rules in dealing w/agents or in getting unethical academic help, they deserve to be suspended for however long, previous precedent is set. If the coaching staff or administration has been trying to cover this up, they need to go too.

Now for what bugs me.

The vast majority of the players in question had the opportunity to leave school for the NFL last season. They stayed because they felt something special was being built in Chapel Hill. Now, because they have stayed, they may have possibly turned a much anticipated season into a PR nightmare in which the consequences could affect UNC far beyond the length of time these players have left at Carolina. For that, I call them selfish.

What started this? A simple twitter post that someone read and ran with? No. This started on the west coast at USC. The saga that has become Reggie Bush has embarrassed the NCAA to such an extent that they are on an absolute witch hunt for any violations. You're school isn't on the radar yet? Just wait. This will go farther than Chapel Hill. In football terms, the Tar Heels aren't exactly the big fish of the pond and the NCAA won't stop there.

Here is my frustration outside of the obvious one.

The NCAA is not about academics. I don't care what politically correct line they say to the camera. They are a business and they are out to make money. Don't believe me? Tell me why football doesn't have a playoff. It's because the money is too good with the existing bowl system.

The NCAA expects its participants to walk a line that they don't walk. That line is one of integrity above self-promotion or advancement. Their rules for players are so strict that if a coach has his team over for a barbecue, the players have to pay. Otherwise it is an improper benefit being given them.

Before you remind me about the value of the education these kids are getting, trust me I know and I have the student loans to prove that I know. I would have gladly taken my free ride at college for the opportunity to play ball.

So why do college athletes think they are above the law? Very simple. Us. We turn these kids into super heroes before they're 21. We have made them feel superior to us because we gawk at and idolize these kids and most of them aren't mature enough to handle it with humility. Our adulation and adoration for these athletes make them think that they deserve whatever they want. Remember we aren't that far removed from a 19 year old kid suing the NFL because they have an age limit. His argument was that he had a right to make a living. To that I say, GO BAG GROCERIES until you're 21. An organization such as the NFL has a right to enforce hiring guidelines so long as they are not prejudiced against a group of people. The NFL age limit is for the players safety. Their bodies are battered in a way that most 19 year old bodies aren't ready for.

What I hate the most about this situation is the fact that the involved players essentially get no real punishment. The school is hit with sanctions and post season bans that last long after the guilty parties are gone and in most cases making millions in the NFL or NBA. There has to be a better way to handle this junk.

Bottom line: Do I feel sorry for the players? If they broke the rules....no. They know the rules going in. Do I feel sorry for the coaches? Only if they were truly unaware of what was going on. I also find it hard to believe that a coach at a DI school is dumb enough to not at least have an idea that something fishy is going on. Do I feel sorry for anyone? Yes. The fans, the alum, and the innocent parties on the team. The fans and alum make it possible for programs to exist with the money that is spent on tickets. The innocent players are unfairly thrust into a situation where if they can't perform at the level of the punished players, they are criticized as being bad players.

Ok. I've had my say. Comment, mock, do whatever you feel necessary.

Rise And Sing

2010-03-10T10:37:00.001-05:00

“If you’re alive and you’ve been redeemed, rise and sing! Rise and sing!”

This is the opening line to a song by Worship Leader Steve Fee. How often do we as Christians find ourselves waiting for God to do the ‘extraordinary or miraculous’ before we are willing to praise Him in a way that is visible to those around us? Think about it, though. We’ve been redeemed by the sacrifice that Christ offered on Calvary. To me, that’s pretty extraordinary. That’s certainly miraculous. I am spiritually ‘debt free’ because of Jesus. Isn’t praising Him the very least that I can do to express my gratitude? Praise should be an everyday occurrence in our Christian life. So, come on! Rise and sing praise to God!

An Early Morning God Moment

2010-02-23T09:32:00.003-05:00

If you know me at all, you know that I am not at all a morning person. I tend to stay up late which probably compounds the problem of not liking mornings, but there I go making excuses. Ha!

Sundays always start early for me. Our worship team meets at 8am and I typically am at the church no later than 7:30 (barring no early morning children crisis). This past Sunday as I was up and about getting ready at home, I was running through the service flow in my head. I knew the direction that our pastor's sermon was going and the only closing song I could come up with was one that we've done a lot and I just wasn't looking forward to doing it. As a worship leader that's not a great attitude to have when you are going to lead the church in worship, so I was praying and trying to get my focus where it needed to be.

As I was praying, the Holy Spirit prompted a prayer in me. At least I thought it was a prayer at the moment, but then as more of it was coming out of me, I realized that while it was a prayer, it was also a song. I've dabbled a little bit in song writing, but I've never had one of these moments before. I went scrambling through the house looking for pen and paper. I didn't want to forget the words before I could get to the church and sit down at the piano.

In what could only be described as a God moment, the song, "Deeper" was birthed. God had provided a perfect end to our service on Sunday and I am so honored that He chose to use me as a vessel for His service.

A New Year Begins

2010-01-03T23:01:00.003-05:00

So, 2010 is now 3 days old. It seems like 2009 flew by, but I'm finding that cliche more true each and every year. God has blessed me with an amazing wife, two gorgeous daughters, and I love what I do when I go to work every day. As good as life is, there are areas in my own life both personally and spiritually that I feel God is calling me to improve in. I look forward to tackling these areas in this upcoming year.

I plan on using this blog as kind of a progress report as I make headway in these areas and from time to time, I may elaborate on some specifics.

On a note of personal interest, the Tar Heels are coming to Charleston tomorrow to play the College of Charleston in basketball. At this point, I have been unsuccessful in obtaining a ticket, however, I plan on going to the arena tomorrow night anyway to see what I can find on the street that doesn't cost me an arm and a leg. Pray for favor! :)

I hope all of you have a wonderful new year and that God blesses all of you!

Three Brief Rants

2009-12-04T09:13:00.003-05:00

OK, this first one is a bit overdue, but here goes. About a month or two ago, there was a game altering mistake by a referee during a World Cup Qualifier match between Ireland and France. I don't follow soccer, but this got so much press it was impossible to miss. Here's a video of the play.

Following the game, Ireland petitioned FIFA (soccer's governmental body) for a rematch because of this play. FIFA denied the petition. I for one am glad that they did. Was it a bad call? Absolutely. But, imagine the precedent set if FIFA allows an entire match to be replayed because of one bad call. I hate it for the Irish team, but referees, umpires, officials are part of the game and they make mistakes. Sometimes we have to live with other people's mistakes too. It's tough, but it's life.

Second rant. Climategate. I'm sure by now most of you have heard the story about leaked emails obtained by a hacker that would essentially prove to some extent that the data we've been fed regarding global warming has been manipulated to keep the panic alive. It seems that all the media and government want to do is find the hacker and punish him or her. Let me first say that they should. Hacking is a major problem and offenders need to be punished. However, no one seems to want to look into the content of those emails.

I think that we have fashioned enough of our energy policies around the concept of global warming that maybe it deserves a look into. It seems that some money could be saved if the data was indeed manipulated as we could lessen some of the regulations imposed on Americans by the government in the name of global warming. Problem is, it won't be looked into because the left has spent years building a large part of their platform on global warming and this kind of information could cripple their legislative efforts. If global warming exists, what harm does an investigation do?

Finally, Bobby Bowden. The man is a coaching legend as has achieved some incredible things as a head football coach. Also remember that he hasn't achieved it without some level of controversy. (Free Shoes University, 23 players missing a bowl game because of academic fraud). Now, the Gator Bowl wants to subvert the system in place and grant a 6-6 FSU team a spot in the Gator Bowl that should be occupied by a higher ranked ACC team simply to give Bobby his final game in the state of Florida.

If bowls were just about the game, I could deal with this. However, bowl games involve large payouts to the participating schools. If the ACC allows this to happen it will hurt every team ahead of FSU in the ACC with the exception of the conference champ and Virginia Tech (Chick-fil-a Bowl bound already). If Bobby wanted to finish his career in the state of Florida, maybe he should go ahead and step down so that the beating he took at the hands of the Gators could be his last game. Don't punish Clemson or GT, Miami, BC, and UNC just to be nice to 'poor old Bobby.'

Heaven's Kiss

2009-12-03T09:14:00.002-05:00

There is a line of a song by John Mark McMillan that says, “Heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss.” Upon a first hearing or reading of this lyric, the listener may be jolted by such a graphic description of heaven meeting earth. At the same time, I think the whole point of a lyric like this is to make us think.

The plan of salvation wasn’t neat and tidy. It wasn’t a picture perfect blueprint. It couldn’t be. Salvation required sacrifice. It required a blood sacrifice. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 NASV.

As we begin celebrating this Christmas season, let us not forget that while family, friends, fellowship, and food are all wonderful aspects of our celebration, the real reason for celebration is God sent His only Son to provide that perfect sacrifice. Our sin is now under the blood of Christ. I am so grateful that heaven met earth like a “sloppy wet kiss.”

For those that don't know the song, it is called "How He Loves". It has been recorded by John Mark McMillan, Kim Walker (great arrangement), Jared Anderson, and David Crowder. Note that Crowder altered the 'sloppy wet kiss' lyric and made it 'an unforseen kiss.'

Bohemian Rhapsody - Muppet Style

2009-11-25T10:47:00.002-05:00

This is too great to not share. Enjoy!

Challenge From Scripture

2009-11-16T11:17:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since I last posted on here. This will not be long, and probably not that profound. However, I came across this verse in Psalm 101 that really messed me up (in a good way). I don't think it needs any exposition to make its point. It's as simple and straight forward as it gets.

David writes in Psalm 101:3, "I will set no worthless thing before my eyes;"

Are you challenged?

Night of Worship

2009-08-15T11:02:00.004-04:00

The last Wednesday night of July, Crossroads Community Church presented a night of worship. The theme of this night was celebrating the holiness of God. These 2 videos show how we closed out the worship time. I hope you enjoy and that you are blessed.

Another Wedding Memory

2009-07-26T21:10:00.001-04:00

Micah Tsakalas sings Israel Houghton's "The Weight of Your Glory".

From Our Wedding

2009-07-25T23:46:00.001-04:00

Stacie Moore sings "Because You Loved Me". Video features Micah Tsakalas on piano and John Brockman on drums.

A Little Trip Down Memory Lane

2009-07-25T22:33:00.003-04:00

Ok, so I was going through some DVDs yesterday and I came across my videos from Campus Choir's 50th reunion. This video features "Who Can Satisy" and "I Love You Lord". Enjoy!

Independence Day

2009-07-04T08:18:00.002-04:00

Let me preface this by saying that I am one of the biggest patriots around. I am proud to be an American and I am even more grateful to the men and women who over the past 233 years have fought so bravely to ensure that our freedom is not threatened by foreign powers. God bless America.

Let me also say that this is in no way intended to be a partisan blog. Politicians on both sides of the aisle have become inundated with the idea that their title means they know what's best for the country despite what their constituents believe.

We call today Independence Day, and rightfully so. In 1776 a group of 'traitors' signed a document saying they were tired of being ruled from afar by a government that gave them no voice. In that historic event, this nation was formed.

Fast forward to today. As we celebrate our 'Independence', I can't help but think of how dependent our government has forced us to be on them. They now control a large portion of our financial sector as well as that American institution known as General Motors. Is this the freedom that our founding fathers envisioned? Did they really want to trade a government that gave the people no voice for another one closer to home?

Before you hit me with our right to vote (which I'm grateful for, by the way), let me say this. Yes, we can vote, but for who? The most qualified candidate with the best interest of our country in mind? I don't think so. We are given the freedom to vote for the wealthiest, smoothest talking, party line toting candidate from each side of the aisle.

The concept of personal responsibility is completely lost on today's politicians. No, I'm not even going to broach personal morals/ethics here. I was raised to believe that when you make a mistake, there are consequences. Our government has for years been fiscally irresponsible, spending money on some of the most ridiculous things imaginable. This fiscal irresponsibility has left this country with an ever increasing debt with no end in sight.

Now think with me for a second as to what would happen to a member of the private sector who spent and spent and spent with no ability to pay off the debt. A few words come to mind. Repossession, foreclosure, bankruptcy, and the list could go on.

Our government and large corporations show the same irresponsibility and what words come to mind? Bailout, print more money, raise taxes. Sound familiar?

I don't pretend to be a political expert and I understand that a company like GM going under would cost countless jobs. At the same token, a government controlled GM forced to make cars that no one would want to buy is doomed to fail as well. It's just going to take longer. Maybe, if we would let the corporate 'big boys' that are irresponsibly run go under, it would shake some sense into other CEO's that they need to run an efficient business, or risk losing it all.

America is the land of opportunity and we are still a free people. I just wish that we were still free to succeed and free to fail if need be.

Cinderella

2009-06-30T14:08:00.002-04:00

For those who are interested, this is a video from this past Sunday at Crossroads. It is me and the band playing Steven Curtis Chapman's "Cinderella." Enjoy!

Something that grabbed my attention.

2009-06-23T10:59:00.001-04:00

OK, I don't particularly like using other people's material, but as I was doing my blog reading this morning, I stumbled across this gem by Perry Noble, pastor of NewSpring Church in Anderson, SC. Check it out.

http://www.perrynoble.com/2009/06/23/god-and-frustration/

Are We Going Through the Motions?

2009-06-04T10:39:00.004-04:00

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." - Colossians 3:17 (NASV)

"I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming
Passion inside of me.
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything
instead of going through the motions."

These are lyrics to a song by Matthew West called "The Motions." If you haven't heard it, check it out.

We always hear about people just going through the motions of life. You hear in refernce to athletes, businessmen, students, etc. I'm certain that at some point in life we have all been guilty of just getting by or 'going through the motions.' We probably have used the logic of "I just don't feel well" or "I'm tired" or "I busted my tail yesteday, I'm taking it easy today." However, the words of the above scripture in conjunction with this song have really challenged me.

Going through the motions is not what we are called to do with our lives. Scripture makes this clear. We are called to do everything in the Name of our Lord Jesus. That simple challenge makes me step back and take stock simply of what I'm doing.

I am always telling the worship team at Crossroads that worship is a lifestyle. This verse from Colossians really hammers that home. Everything we do should be done in His Name and for His glory.

One other personal challenge that I deal with when I start evaluating my life and actions is that it is very tempting to try to evaluate what those around me are doing. Are they giving their all? Are they doing it as unto God? I have to check myself and realize that I can't answer those questions. I also have to check myself and ask if I'm trying to evaluate their shortcomings so that I feel better about my own. I am then reminded that I shouldn't worry about the speck in my brother's eye when I have a log in my own.

What about you? Does this challenge/encourgae you? Would love to hear what God's doing in your life. Feel free to leave comments.

Love you guys!

A Ringing Endorsement

2009-04-22T13:12:00.002-04:00

A couple of weeks ago for my birthday, my parents bought me a Wii. Yeah, I know, I'm behind the times and should've had one a year ago, blah, blah. Well, I have a 3 year old and a 5 month old....video games aren't my top priority.

Last week, we purchase the Wii Fit program. We had heard good things about it, but I was still a little skeptical over how decent of a workout can you actually get. It's a video game, right?

A mere 7 days into my Wii Fit usage, I am 100% sold. Using it 30-45 minutes a day, and only slightly altering dietary habits, I have dropped 5.5 lbs.

The workout is legit. My body feels it every time I do it. Get one!

Pretty Interesting Quote

2009-04-22T13:11:00.003-04:00

So I was on my way to Men's Fellowship this morning and the DJ on the radio made this statement. I won't elaborate. Think about it.

"You are the perfect person for the place you are in right now."

Blessings,
Chris

Is Service Too Much To Ask For?

2009-03-06T18:16:00.002-05:00

Ok, this is a departure from the spiritual or sports related blogs that I tend to write more than anything else. This is going to be my own personal venting station for the next couple of moments. If you'd rather not read my venting, then feel free to stop reading right now.

Beth and I enjoy eating out, however we are constantly noticing the price of everything in restaurants climbing which means we can't eat out as much. Here's the thing, I don't mind paying for a quality meal, but if I'm paying good money (at least in my budget), shouldn't I also expect some quality service?? I submit 2 examples, albeit the second one is more definitive of service.

We love the Sunday buffet at Sticky Fingers. Nothing fancy, I know, but chicken, barbecue, veggies, and dessert for about 9 bucks/person is pretty tough to beat these days. We recently discovered that while Sticky Fingers has not 'discontinued' the buffet, they have revamped it. Here is their definition of revamping. The menu for it has not changed. It is no longer self-serve. You tell your waiter/waitress what you want and they bring it to you. It is now about $5 more expensive. Give me a break!! Sticky Fingers, I guess we won't be seeing you for a while.

Now today, after having family pictures taken (thanks Mama T for the pics and Tuesdie for the hair), we sat down for lunch at the local O'Charleys restaurant. It was 2pm and the restaurant had maybe 4 or 5 tables occupied. Two things really bugged me. Beth's food was too spicy. When she made our server aware of it, her response was not to find out how she could fix it, but rather ,"would you like to order something else." Sure, we'd love to pay for an extra entree. After my wife declined, the manager showed up (unrequested) within 3 minutes and rectified the situation so I will give them some points back. Then as we were leaving the restaurant (Beth w/3 year old Carrie in tow, and me w/Hannah in her car seat) we passed the hostess on our way to the door. She was so busy that she was standing behind her stand singing along w/the radio. Not only did she not even attempt to open one of the exit doors as a courtesy, she didn't even ask if she could get the door for Beth who was about 10 feet ahead of me trying to keep up w/Carrie.

Bottom line, if you are in the restaurant business, make sure the level of service in your restaurant matches the level of your prices.

Privacy?? Not So Much

2009-03-05T09:39:00.004-05:00

As I'm reading through the Bible this year, I'm amazed at the things that are jumping out at me from those passages that I've read more than any others in my life. Once again in Matthew, a verse jumped out and hit me upside the head.

"Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known." - Matthew 10:26 - NASB

God doesn't dig privacy. Probably because no matter how hard we try to hide some things from ever seeing the light of day, God sees them. He knows not only everything we do and every word we speak, but He knows every thought we think. Kind of gives a new twist on the classic song by The Police, "Every Breath You Take."

Is it that God has nothing better to do than pry around and search for the skeletons in the closet. No!! It's simply part of who He is. He is the omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful), and omnipresent (ever-present) Creator of the universe and beyond.

Few things can create more stress in our lives like trying to keep a sin secret. The reality is that it will in time be revealed no matter what we do to hide it. Isn't it so much better to 'control' how that sin is discovered than to have it yanked out in the open when you least expect it.

The Bible tells us that 'The truth shall set you free.' Are we hiding anything? Let's show some courage and confess. I have no doubt that you will find freedom in the confession. You will find brothers and sisters in Christ who can hold you up in prayer and hold you accountible as you deal with whatever issue is in your life.

What's in the dark corners of your life? Time to shed some light on them and enjoy the freedom that comes in confession.

Love you all!
Chris

A Different Worldview

2009-03-04T14:48:00.002-05:00

Our youth group at church put forth a challenge to the entire church to join with them in reading through the Bible in a year. I've been following the plan that they are using and yesterday came across a phrase that may often go unnoticed in scripture. This phrase, I believe, gives us a glimpse of what it is like to see through Jesus' eyes.

"Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd." - Matthew 9:36 NASV

The phrase that struck me was this. "He felt compassion for them." These were the people in the slums of the villages. Many were probably homeless, penniless, sick, outcast, and any other 'negative' adjective you could attach.

Let me put it in modern terms. They could have been the guy sitting at the intersection with a cardboard sign reading, "Homeless, please help!" You know the type. The person who we desperately try to avoid even making eye contact with because we don't even want to open the possibility for a conversation to start. But this was the very type of person that Jesus had compassion for (see v.35).

I often hear people pray something like, "Lord let me see the world as You see it." This is a great and noble prayer, but I'm not sure that we understand how radically our world view would change if God answered this prayer in our lives. Think about it. Jesus didn't care what mistakes (if any) that people had made to end up in such a bad situation. He didn't lecture them with things like, "If you had only done this," or "why don't you get a job." He simply had compassion.

The challenge to all of us (myself included) is this. Dare to see the world through His eyes. The question to all of us is this. Are we ready to see the world through His eyes? Be prepared to be forever changed if you are!

Blessings,
Chris

Valentine's Comes A Day Early

2009-02-13T22:32:00.002-05:00

Beth and I had a great time celebrating Valentine's Day today. We were forced to celebrate early as she has to work all day long tomorrow. The day was nothing fancy. Just a great lunch by the Ashley River at California Dreaming, and a day of hanging out together.

It's interesting to me that the longer you are with someone, the more important the little things are. That's not to say that Beth and I don't enjoy and love the 'big' surprises from each other, but those things aren't nearly as important as just spending time with each other. Driving back home this afternoon, we had one of the most in depth conversations that we've had in a long time and I absolutely loved it. I love it when we can put aside all the distractions of every day life and just be with each other. It was just an amazing day.

Beth,
I love you with everything in me. You are my best friend and my soul mate. I am so looking forward to the rest of our life together. You make each day something to be treasured. I LOVE YOU!!

Fitness Update 3

2009-02-09T08:02:00.001-05:00

OK, today marks 4 full weeks of being back in the gym. My beginning weight was a horrible 268 lbs. Last week I was down to 259 lbs. This morning, I weighed in at 260 lbs. Disappointing, but expected as I was unable to get all of my workouts in last week and I wasn't the smartest eater (particularly late night snacking). Gotta be smarter this week. I am 50 lbs. away from my goal of 210 lbs.

Fitness Update 2

2009-02-03T06:45:00.002-05:00

Well, 3 weeks have passed since I returned to working out. When I began, I weighed 268 lbs. My goal is to lose 58 lbs. As of yesterday which was the 3 week mark, I now weigh 259 lbs. I have lost 9 lbs. in 3 weeks. That leaves me 49 lbs. short of my ultimate goal. Gotta keep plugging along.

Does Anyone Else.....

2009-02-02T15:27:00.004-05:00

find themselves reading multiple books in a stack at the same time. Since rekindling my love of reading over the past few months, I've gone from working on one book at a time to working on multiple books. I actually find that this helps me focus when I sit down with one of my books. I also find that I don't read similar books at the same time. Each one is a completely different genre or subject matter. For example there are 3 books on my currently reading list (not counting the Bible which stays there). Here's my list.

1. "The Winner's Manual" by Jim Tressel (head football coach at Ohio State University)
2. "The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty" by Buster Olney
3. "Black" by Ted Dekker

Just curious to see what some of your reading habits or favorite reads might be. Comment back please!

Psalm 24:3-5 - A Worship Leader's Perspective

2009-01-27T11:00:00.002-05:00

Psalm 24:3-5 reads: "Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation." - NASV

Have you ever wondered why some church services seem so 'lifeless'? Have you heard people walk into a church, not get anything from the service and then start blaming everything from the pastor, to the music minister, to the sound system? It's not uncommon, and if we are all honest with ourselves, we've probably all done it.

The harsh reality is that it's not anyone's responsibility to get us ready to worship and receive from God except the person staring back at us in the mirror. Unfortunately, it's always much easier to critque elements of the service and blame those for our struggles instead of taking a deeper look.

All through the scriptures, we see references of going to the temple for worship using phrases like, 'going up', 'let us go up'. There's a reason. The temple sat on top of what is now called the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. I can tell you from first hand experience that walking up to that spot is not easy, even for the fittest of individuals. Just wondering, do you think there might be a message for us in the fact that from the very beginning of corporate worship, you had to work (literally) just to get there.

I don't think God wants us to approach corporate worship casually. It shouldn't be 'church as usual.' The question posed in verse 3 of Psalm 24 could just as easily read, "Who can enter God's presence?" Don't we go to church to have an encounter with God? If so, is it not reasonable to think that the standard God lays out in this passage applies to us?

Before heading to your church for worship the next time, I challenge you to spend time with God before you go. Begin to prepare for worship before pulling into the parking lot or sitting down in your seat. When you prepare and take care of spiritual 'business' beforehand, you open yourself up to 'ascend the hill of the Lord.' When you do that, it doesn't matter if they sing your favorite song, or if the sermon isn't what you wanted to hear. Why won't it matter, because those aren't the real reasons for going to church in the first place. The reason is to spend time in God's presence with our fellow believers.

Disclaimer - In no way is this blog an attempt to lessen the importance of those leading in worship also being prepared to spend time with God. I will be addressing that in the next couple of days. This is simply a concept that I believe applies to everyone coming to worship from the senior pastor all the way down the line.

As always - I'd love to hear feedback from you guys. Be blessed!

Fitness Update

2009-01-23T07:36:00.004-05:00

I know I began discussing this a few months ago. However w/the new baby, church activities around Christmas, illness, etc. I have not been keeping up with it. Here is where I am at now.

During December our gym membership ran out. Two weeks ago, we joined our local YMCA. (At least here, I much prefer it to the 'mega-gym'. It's much more personal.) I began using the workout outlined at http://www.bodyforlife.com. This is a different approach to working out than I have ever used before, but I have to say, early on that I really like it. I began training again on January 12. That morning, I weighed in at a horrendous 268lbs. I can't believe I even posted that. Last Monday morning, I weighed in at 263lbs. Granted it's water weight, but I feel that's a pretty good start.

Please pray for me as I attempt to get myself back into shape. Next weigh in, Monday morning the 26th. Update to follow.

What if?

2009-01-22T14:38:00.002-05:00

Absolutely no motive behind this blog except asking a few random 'what if's'? Enjoy.....and THINK!

Random
What if personal responsibility meant something to people?

What if we had to rely on personal communication (letter writing, cards, verbal communication) and coulnd't use electronic communication?

What if Clemson's basketball team could actually win in Chapel Hill? (sorry Clemson fans)

What if there were never an American Idol?

Better yet, what if 'reality' tv didn't exist?

Political
What if we held politicians to the same standards that we hold professional athletes? (think about it...how many more stories of scandal in sports make headlines?)

What if we didn't have party affiliation on the ballot? Would we know who to vote for?

Historical
What if the world tried to sit down at the table to negotiate with Hitler?

What if our founding fathers took the bribing gifts (land, title, etc.) of England's ruling class and ignored their neighbors?

What if the South won?

Spiritual
What if we actually listened for the voice of God in our lives?

What if we actually did the right thing without selfish motives?

What if we loved each other HALF as much as we love ourselves?

What if we worshipped God in spirit and in truth?

PRAISE GOD

2009-01-08T12:38:00.001-05:00

WOW! I just got a killer report from one of the directors of our church's MOPS group. At this morning's meeting, the had 9 moms receive Christ and 11 more rededicate their lives. If you've taken the moment to read this, please take another moment and give God praise!!

God is AWESOME!!!

My First Bowl Game Experience

2008-12-28T21:51:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I had the awesome opportunity to go to my first college bowl game. Beth and I attended the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte, NC which featured my beloved Tar Heels against the Mountaineers of West Virginia.

From a purely football perspective, it was everything I hoped for (except the outcome). Packed house, 2 pretty good football teams, and an incredibly competitive game.

Now for the experience itself.

Disclaimer: I have attended college football games before, this was simply my first bowl game and I saw some things I've never seen at a college football game despite walking into Clemson's 'Death Valley' clad in entirely Tar Heel garb.

We contemplated bringing our 3 year old daughter with us. Economics won out and we decided to leave her at home. We were sooooo glad that we did. I don't believe that I have ever in my life seen such a mass display of public drunkenness as I saw yesterday. For a 1pm kickoff, we watched a guy fall down TWICE while simply walking across a row to get to his seat. What time did he start drinking to be that hammered before kickoff?? During the 4th quarter, our section was interrupted twice by fans attempting to fight with each other. I mean, it's a FOOTBALL GAME people!! Nothing to fight over.

This leads me to this question. Why is it necessary for people to get absolutely HAMMERED to enjoy a football game? Do they even remember being at the game when they are that drunk?

I will also be much slower to categorize any particular fanbase with any derogatory sterotype. I was so disappointed to see that at least in the 2 incidents in our section, UNC fans were the start of the trouble. I guess unfortunately the harsh reality is that every school has its share of 'not-so-bright' fans as well as good fans.

I'm all for having fun at the game, but please.....do so in a manner that allows those around you to still have fun!

2008-12-17T23:47:00.003-05:00

Check these guys out. Saw them perform on Christmas in Washington earlier tonight. They are phenomenal!!

After a very long blogging hiatus....(at least for me)

2008-12-17T14:48:00.003-05:00

It's time to sit down and put some thoughts down on 'paper.' Since it's been so long since my last blog this may be only semi-coherent as I will probably touch on several topics. Sit back, and enjoy the read.

First and foremost, it's impossible to think that our little Hannah Joy is almost a month old already. Time has flown by. The adjustment from being a family with one child to a family with two has gone pretty smoothly, but there have been a few surprises along the way. I would say that the biggest surprise is that the adjustment has had more to do with our 3-year old than with our newborn. We've had a newborn before so the feedings and poopy diapers are 'old hat.' However, we've never had a 3-year old before, let alone a 3-year old who for the first time in her life is not the absolute center of our little world. We are growing and learning together as we see the changes in some of her behavior patterns and it has been an interesting ride to say the least.

I also need to pause and let everyone know that I have the most amazing wife. She has been so gracious with my work schedule and allowing me to get the rest that I need, all the while handling night time feeds and fussiness. I don't know how she does it, but I know that I love her more now than the day I married her, and I didn't think that to be possible. I love you, Baby!!

Now on to my second favorite topic...sports.

In college basketball......it's a great year to be a Tar Heel fan! The Heels look unstoppable (in my biased opinion) barring a mental collapse on their own part. I in no way think they'll go undefeated, but anything less than a national title will be disappointing this year.

In college football....SEC fans are going to not like this, but I'm sick of all the anti-SEC conspiracy theories surrounding the Heisman Trophy. Let me preface this by saying if I were a voter, I would have voted for Tim Tebow. The reality is this, though. We had 3 finalists for the Heisman who all had ridiculously good years. There was not a 'bad' choice to make. I for one don't think that the Big XII has very many quality defenses, but that doesn't take away the caliber of talent that Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy possess. No one knocked the lack of quality teams in the Pac-10 when Bush and Leinart were winning it, and I think the same needs to be said this year. There was not a 'wrong' choice for Heisman. Congrats to Sam Bradford.....it's just ashame you're gonna lose the BCS Championship Game to the Gators.

Also, football related, I am so excited to be attending my first bowl game this year. Beth and I are making the trek to Charlotte next Saturday to see North Carolina battle West Virginia in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Go Heels!!

Hannah Joy Darling

2008-11-22T05:15:00.007-05:00

Hope you enjoyed a few pics from Hannah's first day in the world. Beth and Hannah are doing great. Carrie loves her new little sister to death. In fact, she cried when we couldn't bring her home with us last night. I am now seriously outnumbered in my house. 3 girls and then even our dog is a girl! Thanks so much to everyone for all the prayers, and words of encouragement. We love you all very much!!

At the risk of losing manliness points.....

2008-11-20T13:52:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow, Beth goes in for her C-Section and little Hannah Joy will be here. In less than 24 hours I will be the father of 2 precious little girls.

As the time gets closer and closer (I'm telling you....scheduling a child's birth is for the birds...knowing when is that much harder on my nerves) I find myself facing some fears. I know that God has and will continue to equip me to be the best Daddy to my girls that I can be, but being responsible for the well being on one child is scary enough, and tomorrow morning that responsibility doubles. YIKES!!

I don't know why I'm feeling afraid at the moment and I'm sure that joy will overcome this fear as soon as I hold that sweet baby girl, but that doesn't stop the fear right now.

Is this normal?? Am I being stupid?? What's the deal?

Hope and Encouragement through Lyrics - Part 4

2008-11-18T14:18:00.002-05:00

I know it has been a very long time since my previous blog of this nature, but life is crazy right now. Beth goes in for a C-Section on Friday morning, Christmas is 6 weeks away (if you work in a church, you understand the fun involved in that), and life is simply zooming by. That said here we go.

Check out these lyrics from Casting Crowns latest album The Altar and the Door

"It's a slow fade when you give yourself away

It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray

Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid

When you give yourself away

People never crumble in a day

It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade"

How true are these words in our everyday life? Falling into sin is rarely a jump off a cliff moment for Christians. It is typically a very subtle progression that if we are not careful, we may be completely oblivious that we are even slipping until it is too late.

These 'slow fades' typically happen when life is good. Why? It's simple. When things are good, we let our guard down. Quiet time slips into non-existence and the domino effect begins.

We live in phenomenal times. The stakes are too high to let our guard down no matter how good things are.

Remember the words of I Peter 5:8 - "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Chris and Beth in Pictures - Happy 5th Anniversary Baby!

2008-11-15T11:09:00.014-05:00

I love my family! (Me, Beth, Carrie, and Carrie's cousin Rose) - 9/08
Our 1st home - 6/2008
At the His Radio Morning Friends Summer Tour in Summerville, SC - 7/07
The day Carrie was born - 9/30/05
Honeymoon in Disney - 11/2003
Wedding Day - 11/15/2003
Getting close in a phone booth in London - 5/2002
Beth and I after a Campus Choir concert in Cleveland, TN - 5/2002
Beth and I w/Alvin Slaughter at Winterfest in Ocean City, Maryland - February 2002

I am such a blessed man. I could have never dreamed to find a wife who is such a perfect compliment to me and all my little quirks. She is the most amazing woman!

Beth, I love you with all my heart and look forward to many more years together.

Video

2008-11-09T22:02:00.001-05:00

OK, so maybe I'm dating myself with this one.

Enjoy this trip down memory land from my favorite Christian band of all time.

Update on Beth and Baby

2008-11-07T07:03:00.001-05:00

Sorry this has taken so long. Things have been very busy on the home front.

On Wednesday when we went in for the preliminary ultrasound, we learned that Beth was not a good candidate to attempt to turn the baby. There is not enough fluid left and it would be dangerous for Hannah if they were to turn her. A c-section is scheduled for the 21st of the month, and if Beth goes into labor before then, she will have an emergency c-section. Your continued prayers are appreciated.

Perspective

2008-11-04T22:41:00.002-05:00

Reality jumped up and bit me in the face a few minutes ago. While jumping online to check email, facebook, etc., in an effort to divert my attention away from the election returns, I learned that a friend of mine lost his 10 day old baby boy today. What a painful reminder of what really matters in life.

Chad and Tracie, if you read this, you are in my prayers. We love you guys.

I am so grateful that my hope is not in what political party is in power. My hope is in the Lord! May I never lose sight of those things that really matter in life.

Important Prayer Request

2008-11-03T10:24:00.003-05:00

Wow, it feels like I haven't blogged in ages. I'm almost having withdrawls on some level. OK, so maybe not that extreme, but still I have missed sharing my thoughts, events, etc. with those of you who find it in your time to read this.

There's a lot of stuff going on in our lives right now. For the moment I will fill you in on what is by far the most pressing issue and the one that I really covet your prayers regarding.

As most of you know we are expecting our second child, Hannah Joy, later on this month. (due date is 11/27) Well, several weeks ago we learned that she had turned breech. Not a huge deal, at first. The doctors wanted her to turn by 35 weeks. As of last Thursday, Beth is 36 weeks pregnant and Hannah is still breech. On Wednesday, we go in for a preliminary ultrasound, and if all looks ok there, then we will go to the hospital on Thursday where they will attempt to turn the baby to a head-down position. What we have learned is that this procedure doesn't always work and more often than not, ends up in a C-section being performed on the spot. There is also a small risk that the baby could go into distress which would lead to an emergency C-section.

Please pray for Beth's saftey as well as the safety of our precious baby girl. Also pray that God will give us peace as we go in for this procedure later on in the week.

Hope and Encouragement through Lyrics - Part 3

2008-10-23T13:38:00.007-04:00

There is a song on the latest release from Hillsong, This Is Our God, titled, "Healer" that has sparked a lot of controversy because of the story of its author.

(Side note - this song also appears on Trent Cory's Freedom Is recording - I highly recommend it)

The point of this blog is not to judge Mike Guglielmucci. Were his actions deceptive, misleading, and bluntly, sin? Yes. Does that change the power in the message of this song? I don't think so. Check these out.

You hold my every moment

You calm my raging seas

You walk with me through fire

And heal all my disease

I trust in You

I believe You're my Healer

I believe You are All I need

I believe You're my Portion

I believe You're more than enough for me

Jesus You're All I need

(More than enough for me)

Nothing is impossible for You

Nothing is impossible

Nothing is impossible for You

You hold my world in Your Hands

How many of us at times in our lives have been first-hand witnesses of the healing power of God in action? Myself, and those traveling with the Lee University Campus Choir in February of 2001 watched God instantaneously heal my mother of colon cancer (which would lead to her oncologist at Johns Hopkins giving his life to Christ). God is still in the business of healing physical, emotional, mental, financial, and any other type of hurt that you can imagine.

Unfortunately, due to the manner in which God's healing power is presented on television through mainstream outlets, we as Christians have become as skeptical as the unsaved. You know we've all done it. (By 'it' I mean questioning claims of healing in people's lives.) I'll be the first and say that when my own mother stood up and declared that she was healed, I hoped and prayed for medical confirmation.

The bottom line is this. Are there people out there who would exploit God's promise to heal for personal gain? Yes! But the more important question is this: do you believe God is more than enough to heal your pain? My answer is "yes" and I'm going to start trusting God more in that area.

On a side note, I've gotten some positive feedback from this series of blogs. So, I guess I will keep them coming.

Hope and Encouragement through Lyrics - Part 2

2008-10-20T21:20:00.002-04:00

I was all prepped and ready to blog regarding a different song, however, I can't get the lyrics to this one out of my head. The song is called "I Will Rise" and it is off of Chris Tomlin's New CD entitled Hello Love. Check out these lyrics.

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say it is well

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

(And) I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow no more pain
I will rise on eagle's wings
Before my God fall on my knees and rise
I will rise

Maybe this song is a modern day "It Is Well", maybe it's something altogether different. But this song speaks such hope to my spirit. In a day and age where nothing seems certain or secure, what hope to know that "Jesus has overcome and the grave is overwhelmed."

Are you facing difficulties in your life right now? Does the current economic crisis of this country have you on edge wondering what will life be like in 6 months? I can't guarantee that there won't be difficult times in life. Even Paul wrote that in this life there would be trials and tribulations. I encourage you to take hope in the fact that Jesus has overcome all the forces of this world. Rest in that!!

Hope and Encouragement through Lyrics

2008-10-16T14:00:00.005-04:00

This is going to be a mulit-part blog over the next few days so as not to bore the casual blogger or blog follower with a seemingly endless mass of words.

I'm in a different place in my life right now. There are a lot of things going on (some major, some minor) that are difficult to deal with at times. (no one freak out or anything....I'm not depressed, my marraige isn't on the rocks, we're not bankrupt, or any of the other stuff that probably would come to mind when a person talks about hard times) I think just maybe that God has slated me for some time on the proving ground.

At this time, I'm not ready to publicly talk about what's going on. If you're close to me, you probably already know some of what's going on. God is speaking to me a bit differently right now. In difficult times past, He's used a scripture or a word of encouragement from someone I trust to help get me through. This time, He's using song lyrics. (go figure....I mean, I am a worship minister.....makes sense right?)

The first song that has come to me, is one that I don't even know all that well, but I know 1 line of it very well. The line is this:

"Sometimes He calms the storm and other times He calms His child."

I've watched God calm a lot of storms in my life. But recently I've really noticed Him calming me and not the situation. This isn't to say that I'm not genuinely concerned about situations I'm faced with, but it is to say that for the most part I am looking at the situation with a much calmer state of mind. Part of this calming that God is teaching me is directly from scripture where we read:

"Be still and know that I am God." - Ps. 46:10

Do you realize how hard that is for someone like me to grab hold of? I am a Yankee, born and bred, but I love living in the South. I've always said the perfect place for me to live is a place where people are friendly but still get things done with some kind of sense of urgency.

I do NOT like waiting. I want an answer.....no.....a solution or resolution.....and I want it yesterday. Being still is not part of my internal hardwiring. Maybe that's why God seems bound and determined to get me to be still. Maybe I'm too busy to always hear His voice. Maybe, I'll get the peace of mind about a situation if I will just wait.

"When you wait you will find strength.

When you wait you will find rest.

When you wait you'll learn to rise above,

and you'll soar through every test.

If you'll just wait."

.........to be continued

God Is Up To Something Cool

2008-10-12T14:15:00.005-04:00

Today we had another really cool service. Pep and 3 others, tag team preached about Peter's spontaneous message at Pentecost. That was really cool, but the moment for me was the end of the service.

As I said in an earlier blog, Pep, our pastor, has been spending some time with the youth group the past few weeks in preparation for a Mission Trip to Beautiful Feet Ministries in Fort Worth, Texas. Check them out here. http://www.thefeet.org. Anyway, Wednesday night, the Middle School kids had a really cool time in worship. Pep was so blown away that he asked the guys to close our service this morning with their version of Hillsong's "Mighty To Save". It was just a really powerful moment in worship that was led and fueled by our youth.

Week after week I am starting to see God break down walls in both our high school and middle school youth. What excites me more is the thought that the excitement those kids are starting to feel, is the kind of excitement that if brought into our worship times with the whole church could really ignite some awesome stuff. The thought of our youth leading the way is awesome to me.

I am so grateful to be on staff at a church that truly understands how critically important it is to get our young people involved in ministry on various levels. I love that our youth are setting the example in many ways.

To the guys that led us this morning: Dave, Rhett, Joseph, and Tristan. I'm not even sure if you read this blog, but if you do, let me tell you that you did a killer job this morning. Thanks for your willingness and your flexibility. Keep up the good work guys!!

Update

2008-10-10T11:06:00.002-04:00

Well, it's now been two weeks since my near heart attack on the scale. In those 2 weeks I have lost 4.5 lbs. Not a lot, I know, but they tell me that slow and steady is the best way to lose the weight, because it indicates lifestyle change. Who knows? All I know is that I miss my 3-4 sodas a day, but I do feel better since starting this journey.

Why Do the Nations Rage?

2008-10-08T23:19:00.004-04:00

We have recently started learning the song "The Lord Reigns" by Klaus Kuehn. The bridge is a reference to Psalms 2:1-4. The song says, "Why do the nations rage when the King is on His throne?" This lyric prompted me to think about the current economic upheaval this country is in.

It appears that the teetering of our economy has the entire world in a sense of panic. Markets all over the world are dropping as a result. Many Christians are in a sense of panic as well. However, through all of this turmoil, God is still reigning on His throne, and no earthly turmoil, whether political, financial, social, or the like can change that ever constant truth. God is the omnipotent King of this massive universe in which we live. Nothing happens that He doesn't allow or know about. That is not to say that He causes these things, but He is not surprised by them either.

I am not writing this to encourage Christians to not be concerned or to be financially careful during these difficult times. This is simply an encouragement that in the midst of all of this difficulty, God is on His throne. That is the ultimate sense of security that I know of. No matter how messed up things get, God is in control, and there's nothing that can happen that He can't handle.

Cardboard Testimonies - Must See

2008-10-06T11:24:00.001-04:00

Like my friend Josh, I know this video has been circulating for a while, but you gotta check this out. What would your cardboard testimony be?

Quick update on my fitness journey

2008-10-06T10:43:00.003-04:00

Well, it's been 10 days since I had the heart attack on the scale when I saw what I weighed. Up until today, I've been doing nothing but cardio at the gym. Today I added some weight lifting back in. To date, I've dropped 2 pounds. It's a small step I know, but it's still encouraging. Thanks for your prayers and for helping to keep me accountable.

Sunday Recap

2008-10-06T10:31:00.003-04:00

Sunday was an intense but wonderful day of ministry at Crossroads. Sunday morning was fantastic. Pep preached one of the most intelligent sermons on Pentecost that I have ever heard. Good stuff.

Youth last night was off the hook. Our youth worship team has come so far. Tim has stepped up big time in leading them, and the kids are really starting to get some confidence in leading out. Then our pastor came in and spoke to the kids about what it's like to be the wounded guy on the Jericho Road (Good Samaritan story). He really opened up to the kids about some personal stuff he's faced and the kids responded. It's awesome to see what God is up to here.

My Favorite Pictures

2008-10-03T21:28:00.011-04:00

Leading worship at the 2008 His Radio Summer Tour stop in Summerville

My baby girl is growing up too fast!!

Carrie and Ms. Tuesdie (notice how she's 'helping' Tuesdie dry her hair)

Our 1st House!

Savannah on our 4th anniversary getaway

Carrie and her friend Bethany at her 2nd birthday party.

The Crossroads band at our appearance on His Radio's 2007 Summer Tour.

Beth and I on tour with Campus Choir in Ireland - 2002

Carrie and Ms. Ellen (her eyes are so pitiful)

OK, so I'm not a Clemson fan, but I'm pretty proud of this shot taken during Clemson's entrance at the 2006 UNC/Clemson game.

This is Lew, our education minister.......well you see the picture.

More Random Thoughts

2008-10-03T13:42:00.004-04:00

It's been a while since my last blog, so I think I will take the opportunity to share some brief thoughts that have crossed my mind over the past few days.

1. I am so blessed to lead the worship team at Crossroads Community Church. I could not ask for a more committed, hard working, and flexible group of individuals. I love them all!

2. My daughter is 3 years old! Where in the world does time go? I still remember holding her and her entire body fit from my fingertip to my elbow. Now.....not so much.

3. My wife never ceases to amaze me! I love you baby!!

4. My opinion is that the current financial crisis is just as much the private sectors fault for relying on credit to buy things that they can not afford as it is the governments fault for the ridiculously socialistic bureacracies that they continue to install and then fund w/taxpayer money. When will someone actually stand up and be responsible for their own mess and fix it w/out someone or something (the government) bailing them out. It's NOT the governments job to fund our financial blunders just like it's not our job to fund the governments financial mistakes.

5. Does anyone else think that Obama's campaign slogan should be, "I'm not George Bush and John McCain is." I mean seriously, that is the substance of every speech he gives.

6. Is anyone else tired of hearing McCain and Palin use the word "maverick"?

7. Migraines are the worst chronic affliction that I can fathom. I'm not saying they're aren't worse ones, I'm just saying I don't think I could deal with them (particularly the pain part....I'm a wimp).

8. I can't believe we had 4 new people at choir rehearsal. God rocks!!

9. And on a more 'comical' note, it's sad that my golf game is so bad right now that I get more joy in things like this than in my actual game.

A Painful Revelation

2008-09-26T17:14:00.002-04:00

Maybe it's my wife's recent diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Maybe it's the fact that fewer and fewer of my pants fit properly anymore. Whatever the reason, all I know is that my lifestyle HAS to change. The wake up call had begun before today. Consequently this week, I had returned to the gym for the first time in (well let's just say too long). Today I was brave enough to face the scale for the first time. While I don't have the courage to tell you what it read, I can safely say that I have never weighed more in my life than I presently do. This is unacceptable to me. I was a 2-sport athlete in high school, a decent intramural athlete in college, and a recreational athlete right now (softball, basketball, golf, etc.) If I don't change something now, those activities may not be possible for me in the very near future. Please pray for me as I embark on this journey of lifestyle change. It will not be easy, but w/God's help I am determined to reverse this dangerous trend in my life. Periodically, I will post some updates as to how I'm doing. I am considering you, my blog readers a public accountability forum. Don't hesitate to ask when my last trip to the gym was (or my last trip to McDonald's for that matter). I love you guys, and I need your help now.

Sleepless Nights Abound

2008-09-25T05:59:00.002-04:00

Man, oh man! My body feels as if I'm back in college with the amount of sleep I've been getting lately. For the last several weeks, Carrie has been going through a phase of simply not sleeping all night. It started with her simply waking up (usually around 3 or 4) saying she was scared and eventually ending up in bed w/mommy and daddy. One disturbance a night is one thing, but over the past week especially it has become a multiple time per night event with last night as the climax.

Of course the 3 hour time period from when I put her to bed to the time I went to bed was uneventful. Then it happened. I went to bed and the circus begins. It starts with "Daddy, my nose is running." Even after getting her tissues, wiping her nose, and giving her some medicine, this was the cry (no wait, scream) every 10 minutes for the next 2 hours. When I finally believe I'm getting to sleep at 2am, here she comes into my room at 2:30 wanting to lay in bed w/me (Beth was working). I had no fight left in me and let her up in my bed. This turns into an hour long experience of "I'm cold.", "Daddy I want to lay on you", "Daddy, I want to lay on the pillow", "Daddy, I don't want this pillow", Daddy, more milk please!" It's now 3:30am and I finally drift off to sleep only to have to wake up 2 1/2 hours later to start getting ready for work and to have enough time to get Carrie ready to go to the sitter.

Bottom line is this. In college 2-3 hours of sleep a night was many times a luxury. Now, it feels like I'm in someone's torture chamber when asked to function on that amount of sleep. What's worse is this.....I'm not even 30 yet!!!

I Love My Worship Team

2008-09-24T09:44:00.003-04:00

I just feel the need to share with everyone how freakin' awesome the worship team is that I have the pleasure of leading each week. Last night I threw them a pretty big challenge (Israel Houghton's "I Will Search") to have ready in one rehearsal and do it on Sunday. They dug in hard and got the job done last night. I can't wait to do that song on Sunday!

4 Downs - '08/09 - Week 3 Recap/Week 4 Preview

2008-09-18T08:59:00.002-04:00

Week three was really not a very eventful weekend in the college football landscape. The "Collision in the Colisseum" was about as exciting as a calculus test (unless you're a USC fan) in which case it was validation of your vast superiority to the rest of the college football landscape (sarcasm intended). On to game balls and penalty flags.

Game Balls
*North Carolina - call me a homer if you want, but UNC's beat down of Rutgers on Thursday night was the most impressive football this team has played since year 1 of the debacle that was the John Bunting era.

*Maryland Terrapins - Last week, they lost to Middle Tennessee State; this week, they beat a ranked California team? Huh???

*Southern Cal - think what you want about Ohio State, USC did what they are supposed to do - win big against a quality opponent.

*South Carolina's Defense - a week after collapsing against Vanderbilt, they held the Georgia offense in check and limited them to 14 points. Thanks to their horrendous offense, however, Georgia still got out of Columbia with a win.

Penalty Flags
*Ohio State - How many are tired of this script? OSU comes into a game against a much quicker team and gets hammered. Smash mouth football does NOT win big games in the college landscape.

*South Carolina's Offense - see game ball reference

*The Pac-10 - USC dominated, Oregon escaped in double OT, the rest of the league took a huge step back. How bad does Tennessee's loss to UCLA look now?

Week 4 Predictions (Last week - 4-2; Overall - 10-4)

#3 Georgia @ Arizona State - a dangerous game for the Bulldogs. If they don't find their offense, they could be on upset alert. I'm picking Georgia, but not as confidently as some might think.

#4 Florida @ Tennessee - throw past performance out the window. These teams hate each other. Unfortunately for the Vols, Florida has too many weapons. Gators win.

#6 LSU @ #10 Auburn - as good as Auburn's defense is, their offense is that bad. 3 points won't be enough to beat LSU. Tigers win (and really put my SEC west pick in jeopardy).

#18 Wake Forest @ #24 Florida State - what? 2 ranked teams from the ACC playing each other? 2 weeks ago, most probably thought that wasn't possible. Wake's first road test, and Florida State's first test at all. I'm gonna take FSU in a mild upset.

Virginia Tech @ North Carolina - early control of the ACC Coastal is up for grabs. UNC has come close against VT in the past. This year, I think they get over the hump. Heels win!! (yes, I'm biased - get over it)

Conference Power Rankings
1. SEC
2. Big 12
3. Pac 10
4. Big 10 with 11 teams (hanging on by a thread, thanks to Wisconsin)
5. ACC
6. Big East

Enjoy the football action this week!!

Journalistic Arrogance Personified

2008-09-12T22:52:00.002-04:00

Let me preface this blog by saying that this is in no way a political blog. This is a commentary on the arrogance that has invaded and conquered the profession of 'journalism'.

It is no secret to any intelligent American that those who bring us our news are bringing it now not with the intent to tell the story, but rather to promote an agenda. It is no surprise to me that conservatives would typically get their news from Fox News and that liberals would get their news from the likes of CNN, MSNBC, ABC, or CBS. The aforementioned networks all have a slant whether they will admit it or not. For some reason, America's anchormen and women have taken it upon themselves to become commentators and not reporters. Why not give us the story and let us make up our own minds?

I have watched with great interest, Charles Gibson's interview with Republican Vice-Presidential candidate, Sarah Palin. My interest is simply because I know the least about her in comparison to Obama, McCain, and Biden.

In this interview which has aired over the last two days, Mr. Gibson (to his credit) pressed Governor Palin for answers, often repeating questions multiple times. Let it be said that I want journalists to press for answers. What bothered me was watching him sit 5 feet from her with his glasses on the tip of his nose as he looked down at her as if she were a 5-year old in need of a lecture. The tone in his line of questioning was condescending, he accused her of losing him in a 'blizzard of words' (which by the way, if he got lost at that point, maybe he's not as intelligent as he pretends to be), and he pressed repeatedly for a straight forward 'yes' or 'no' (does anyone know a politician that will indulge you with a simple 'yes' or 'no'?). It is this attitude of 'elitism' that makes me want to vomit. If you can not put your bias aside when conducting an interview, then you need to find a new job.

For the cynics.....yes I would feel the same way if any of the 4 Presidential/Vice-Presidential candidates were treated like this. All of these individuals are at the very least entitled to be treated with respect and as equals with those interviewing them.

I'm very curious if others saw the same thing in Mr. Gibson this week. Give me some feedback!

4 Downs - '08/09 - Week 2 Recap/Week 3 Preview

2008-09-11T13:21:00.005-04:00

We are headed into week 3 of this year's college football season. This looks to be a more interesting week than last week. Let's get right to last week's Game Balls/Penalty Flags

Game Balls

*Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno with this ridiculous move vs. Central Michigan

*East Carolina - Not only are they legit, but I called this upset. I just didn't think it would be that dominating

Penalty Flags

*PAC 10 Officiating - excessive celebration.....ok, try this. You score the game tying (provided the PAT is good) touchdown in the closing seconds of a game and tell me how you react. This was a disgrace.

*Urban Meyer - for not manning up and admitting that the late FG vs. Miami was for rankings and allowing his Heisman winning QB to have to stand up for him because he won't discuss it.

Now....on to week 3. My prediction record for the season is 6-2.

13 Kansas at 19 South Florida - based on USF's performance against UCF, I think this one goes to the Jayhawks.

5 OSU at 1 USC - Beanie Wells or no Beanie Wells, it just doesn't matter. Southern Cal is going to win this one by 2 touchdowns at least. Way too much firepower for OSU.

2 Georgia at South Carolina - this game has been Georgia's Achilles Heel of late. On paper, it should be a romp. I think it stays close early and Georgia pulls away late.

10 Wisconsin at 21 Fresno State - will Fresno State be this year's Hawaii? No. Wisconsin is the best team in the Big 10 and they win on the road.

Michigan at Notre Dame - who cares. Michigan wins

Bonus Bias Pick

North Carolina at Rutgers - last time, Ray Rice ran for 200+ against UNC. This year, no Rice = no win for Rutgers. Heels win in prime time tonight!

One quick side note - apparently, you don't get punished for sitting at home and eating cheeseburgers. While Georgia was on the field beating a decent Central Michigan team, Southern Cal was taking the week off. Funny how Georgia didn't vault back to #1 the way USC vaulted after beating a TERRIBLE Virginia team (that would lose to a lot of 1-AA schools). Hmm....think the media is going to make sure that USC gets into that title game this year?

Conference Power Rankings

1. SEC
2. Big 12
3. Pac-10
4. Big 10 (with 11 teams)
Tie 6. Big East and ACC

Enjoy the football.

Random Thoughts

2008-09-11T09:03:00.002-04:00

I think God is preparing Beth and I for the lack of sleep that will come when Hannah Joy arrives. Carrie hasn't slept straight through a night in days (maybe weeks - I lost count).

Since when does being an actor/celebrity make you a political commentator/analyst? (yes, I mean both left and right wingers.) I mean, do they really have a more profound grasp on this issues than us mere peasants do?

Do people (including myself) truly realize how transparent their life becomes when they choose to use social networking sites (myspace, facebook, twitter)? Not knocking it, after all, I'm on all 3 of those plus I blog here, just wondering if people really grasp how much of themselves they put out there for the world to see?

UNC football is actually on national television tonight! Along with their game against Notre Dame on NBC (the Notre Dame Broadcasting Channel) - that's twice in a year on national tv! Big stuff for a team rebuilding. GO HEELS!!

Does anyone really care what someone like me writes on these blogs?

Today is 7 years removed from the terrorist attacks of 9/11. If we didn't have the major news outlets (cable and network), how many of us would actually even remember that it happened 7 years ago today. Funny how 9/11 has stopped being something worth remembering for the tragedy and the bravery of those hit and become a weapon in a political war for Congress and the White House. Think about it, on 9/12/01, the day after - was anyone really against fighting terrorists? Amazing what time and politics can do to lessen the impact a great tragedy has on each of us.

The Sweetest Thing

2008-09-09T21:46:00.002-04:00

Last night, I was attending a meeting at church that didn't get out until 9:45. After the meeting I had to run to the store before coming home. When I got home, I was surprised to find my nearly 3-year old daughter waiting up for me.

When I walked in the door she ran up to me and said, "Daddy, can I pray for you?" Certainly not what I was expecting to hear her say. Come to find out, Beth had read the Bible with Carrie. After reading Beth prayed with her. At the end of their prayer, Beth heard Carrie praying for mommy to have a good night. This was the same type of prayer that Carrie prayed over me. It was simple, but of all the prayers prayed over me, I think I will always remember that one. It was the first time I heard my daughter pray for me. What a great moment!!

4 Downs - Week 1 Recap and Week 2 Preview

2008-09-03T21:26:00.002-04:00

Week 1 is in the books and it was a pretty interesting week. In honor of a local sports talk radio show, I'm going to award Game Balls and Penalty Flags each week. Before we look at this week's upcoming action, let's recap with Week 1 Game Balls and Penalty Flags.

Game Balls
*Alabama - Not sure if they're that good, or Clemson is that bad, or both.....bottom line is they made it look easy in disposing of the #9 team in the land.
*East Carolina - They hung tough w/VT in Blacksburg last year. This year, they used "Beamer Ball" to beat VT in Charlotte.
*Arkansas State - Beat Texas A&M in College Station. 'Nuff said.

Penalty Flags
*Clemson - Tommy Bowden's philosophy of playing down this game backfired in a big way. Clemson looked disinterested, under-prepared, and flat out over-matched against the Crimson Tide. If this is the best the ACC has to offer, wow.
*Michigan - Welcome to the Big House, Coach Rodriguez. The Wolverines lost their 2nd straight home opener to a non-BCS school. More proof about the weakness of the Big Ten.
*Tennessee - at least the SEC got one reality check in UT's shocking OT loss to UCLA. Wonder if Phil Fulmer will take the guys out west to start next season.
*Texas A&M - Arkansas State......reallly?!?!?!

On a side note, kudos to the AP voters for voting week 2 based on performance and level of competition. My only concern is will they continue this trend now that perennial media darling USC is in the top spot?

As for my predictions from last week. 3-2 (lost Tennessee and Clemson) - not a good week for orange.

Here's what to watch this week (and there ain't much.)

Miami @ #5 Florida - Rivalry game. Yes, the U has been down lately and Florida has the Heisman Trophy winner, but this game is always a war. A ton of speed on the field. Nope.....Florida wins by 14+

#8 West Virginia @ East Carolina - call me crazy, but I think ECU's good start continues as they knock off their 2nd ranked opponent in as many weeks. The Mountaineers go down.

Mississippi @ #20 Wake Forest - Can the ACC get a bit of revenge against the SEC after losing 2 games last week head to head and a 3rd this week in the Miami/Florida game.......yes. Wake wins thanks to their incredibly unorthodox offense.

Here's my conference power rankings after week 1

1. SEC
2. Pac-10 (thanks to UCLA)
3. Big 12
4. Big 10 (with 11 teams)
5. Big East
6. ACC

That's it for this week. Enjoy the football.

2008-09-01T20:31:00.001-04:00

This video was shot at our trip to the Westside vs. TL Hanna football game on August 29, 2008. Westside's Drum Major is our cousin, Josh Malone.

A Surprising Lesson Learned

2008-08-30T22:51:00.001-04:00

Most of you have probably either read or are familiar with the concepts of The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Interestingly enough, I had really only heard of the books but had never really investigated what their premise was. Well, I recently read Chapman's The Love Languages of God and I learned something that I really wasn't expecting to discover.

Just in case you aren't familiar, Chapman's 5 love languages are as follows:
1. Quality Time
2. Physical Touch
3. Receiving Gifts
4. Acts of Service
5. Words of Affirmation

Chapman's hypothesis is that we all speak 1 of these languages better than the other 4. The challenge in his original book is for us to recognize our spouse's love language and become more adept at speaking that language in our relationship.

In the book, Chapman discusses how God, our creator understands which of the 'love languages' we are individually hard-wired to speak and He will speak to us in that 'language'. God also understands that our response to Him will most often be in the language that we speak as well. As in his other books, Chapman challenges us to become more adept at speaking the other languages in our relationship with God.

I'm not sure if the lesson I learned is one that the author intended, but regardless, here it is.

As a worship leader, (one who grew up in a Pentecostal/Charismatic tradition at that) I would tend to look for a response from the group that I was leading in worship. I often found myself frustrated when I wouldn't see a physical response that I felt was appropriate. While reading this book, it hit me. What if the group of people I'm leading contains more 'quality time' or 'acts of service' people than it does 'physical touch' people. A physical response may not be reasonable for me to expect. I began to become much more aware of the simple fact that not every Christian responds to God in the same way that I do.

I don't pretend to have mastered this concept in my life, but I know for a fact that I am much more respectful of someone's 'worship language' and I no longer expect everyone to respond to God my way. It's a very eye-opening and humbling point of view to have, but it has enhanced my own personal worship as I am challenged to learn these foreign languages in my own walk.

4 Downs - '08/'09 - Week 1

2008-08-28T14:12:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again. College football season is upon us and it looks to be a pretty entertaining year. Let me preface this first blog by saying that due to several circumstances (busy work schedule, baby 2 on the way, and purchasing our first house) I have been unable to do the amount of pre-season reading that I would have liked. My predictions are based primarily on what I know teams have coming back and the little bit I've caught on ESPN in passing. As the season unfolds, I hope to be much more educated with my thoughts. That said, here's my preseason conference/national championship picks. (BCS conferences only)
ACC - Atlantic - Clemson/Coastal - Virginia Tech. Champ - Clemson It could be argued that Clemson has had the most talent in the ACC for each of the past 2 years and that hasn't changed this year. If Clemson can't avoid the midseason lapses of the past, it could be Tommy Bowden's last season, extension or not.
SEC - East - Florida/West - Auburn. Champ - Florida. Ironically, Florida and Auburn both have division rivals ranked higher, but in the SEC schedule is everything. Fewer tough road games makes the path easier for these 2 teams as opposed to UGA and LSU.
Big 10 (w/11teams) - OSU - They are the only good football team in this league and could go undefeated were it not for a date w/USC in the Colisseum.
Big 12 - North - Mizzou/South - Oklahoma. Champ - Oklahoma. Missouri is good.....Oklahoma is better.
Pac 10 - USC (see Big 10 commentary)
Big East - WVU - Slaton and Coach Rodriguez are gone, but Pat White is still there and the Big East may be down this year.
BCS Championship - USC vs. Oklahoma - Only way USC doesn't get here is if they stumble against OSU in September. Don't think OU is the 2nd best team in the country, but the SEC is too tough this year and will not get a bid into this game. Champion - USC

Games to watch in week 1
South Carolina vs. NC State - yeah it's too unranked teams, but it's opening night. You're not a fan if you're not watching. South Carolina beats a very inexperienced and unproven Wolfpack in Columbia.
Tennessee at UCLA - should be a great matchup on Monday night. I think Tennessee's speed will be too much and they'll win on the road.
20 Illinois at 6 Missouri - Mizzou's first chance to prove they weren't a flash in the pan. Tigers win.
24 'Bama vs. 9 Clemson (in Atlanta) - Clemson has bad memories of the Georgiadome (see Auburn game last year). A win here is a great early statement for the ACC frontrunner. Clemson wins by a touchdown.
Kentucky at Louisville - Again 2 unranked teams, but they just don't like each other. Kentucky wins a tight one.

That's it for week 1. See ya next week.