Delos-Birthplace of Apollo

It was an early rise this morning--6AM for a 7AM departure to Delos, the island where legend has it that Apollos and his sister Artmetis were born. It’s a majestic island filled with all kinds of ruins.

We were fortunate to have Atonis as our guide. I can only tell you if he was a high school English teacher, there would lines standing outside of his classroom to get in. He was so full of stories and made it interactive and fun. We were lucky--some of the other tours just had fact tellers.

One of the highlights of the tour this morning was sitting in the 6000 seat theater where actors and actresses (something very uncommon--the ladies would not usually act, they were played by men) and the telling of how we got the names in our current theater for ORCHESTRA, CHORUS and THESPIAN. Of course on this island is also the home of the God of the theater--Dionysus. So I have something to tell my friends back in the theater.

All in all it was a great morning and we’re now back on ship heading to Turkey. I read in the papers here on board that Turkey is floating away with some of the worst rain in 80 years ahead of us. Suppose to 75 and raining there tomorrow.

Anyway--this afternoon will include a run to the gym since I missed it this morning and a catch up nap.

Enjoy the pics!

By the way--my greek name is Dimetri!

Yassou! (that means good bye in Greece)

GYM or VIM Spirituality

I have been listening to Cross Point Church Nashville’s pastor, Pete Wilson, in a series that they did last summer called SYNC. You can listen to it on their Podcast through I tunes.

Several times I have heard Pete allude to Dallas Willard’s acronymn for spiritual growth VIM (Vision, Intention, Methodology) where in each of these categories you work toward spiritual growth (Vision= what God created you to be, Intention=the passion and drive to move toward that goal, Methodoly=ordering your world around this vision)

As I went to the gym this morning, I was struck that many of us have GYM spirituality. Let me explain.

A local workout place is a lot like a local church. It’s a gathering point of like minded people, it usually has something going on to attract people, it has “life” seemingly in abundance, and there are a bunch of people who seem like they are making progress toward a goal. That may or may not be true.

Now if you take my analogy of GYM to spiritualilty, there are many times that we walk into the GYM (Local church) and are overwhelmed with all of the things that are suppose to help us grow and change (transform as Pete says it). You can go from activity to activity ( in the gym that would be machine after machine) and be really busy in the GYM (local church) and think that you are making progress--all the while you are doing nothing to make progress toward that vision God has given you for your life. You’re just busy!

If you go into the GYM (local church) without VIM, you’ll certainly be swallowed in a maze of things that are good. Don’t get me wrong, but are they the kind of things that move you towards your spiritual growth? I think we seriously have to stop and ask these questions of the GYM (local church).

Instead, we have to own our own spirituality (our spiritual health) and make a plan that helps move us along the path of growth. What I’m advocating here is a specified plan where you seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in what your VIM should be. Then go and do that!

The most successful people in the local GYM are the ones who have a plan to grow. They stick to it with great passion and great devotion. They measure their life by it. They order their world around it. They become the VIM that they see in their life and what the Holy Spirit reveals to them.

What do you think? Maybe instead of the church offering GYM memberships, we could offer VIM memberships where Christ followers are challenged to own their own spirituality--and not leave it up to the local GYM to do it for them.

Sunrise, Sunset

As you read this in the states, the day has come to close on this side of the world. I just saw the sun slip behind the horizon to the west.. which means that it’s mid day in Texas.

We tendered (dropped anchor) here in Santorini this afternoon about 2PM. I awoke my lovely wife with a phone call at 6:30 her time to let her know we had made port. Spoke to my lovely children (I really do miss their grumpy voices in the morning).
We traveled by tender boats to the island and were quickly shuffled to buses to take us to our tours. Our guide was Kostos--a very stylish greek man--and very knowledgable.

We moved up the mountain where we could see all sides of the island. Santorini is basically a volcanic island that some say that was the place of Atlantis. A giant vocalnic eruption years ago made this into a string of islands.

Made our way to the top of the island (walking by foot up the cobbleston streets) and saw some lovely things. A quick trip down and our next stop was a greek cafe where we sampled Tomato Fritters, Yogurt sauce and some other things. Very good--I think I like greek food.

They dropped us off in Fira town which is the capital of Santorini. We walked up and down the streets to see the shops--but we didn’t buy. There were people shelling out the dough for greek jewlery. I didn’t get it--but they were giving it up.

We’re back to the boat now--maybe a quick trip to the Oceanview cafe for a late night snack and then a show in the theater at 10:30--which we may skip. It’s an early morning tomorrow in Mykonos.

Thanks for reading and keeping up with me. The best way to let me know what you’re thinking is to comment. I can read those immediately--faster than email.

Ciao’

Dvorak or Copland?

I’m enjoying the classical music that is available on the ship this week. I turn it on in the morning while I’m getting ready. You might say that this makes me “traditional” but my roots in music are in classical training and I’ve just found a foundation there that calms my soul. I can move to the contemporary and enjoy it and visit the classics for some refreshment and grounding. I certainly wouldn’t want to live in this genre’ all the time. But it feeds my soul.

One of the channels plays all Dvorak’ ( I love the NEW WORLD SYMPHONY) and one plays Aaron Copland (RODEO, FANFARE FOR THE COMMON MAN, APPALACHIAN SPRING).

The thing that I think that I appreciate about both of these composers is their earthy nature. Both bring out the natural spirit in the music. Both were men of great knowledge in their native folk songs and their native songs of their land. Dvorak being Hungarian knew the songs of the gypsies, the nomadic tribe that wandered around Europe and likewise Copland knew the melodies of the songs from the Appalachian people. Thats what I think connects the two of them.

So--Dvorak or Copland? I think I’ll have both.

Good Night and Good Morning

As we keep heading east, we continue to move into new time zones. While in Rome, I was 7 hours ahead and now we are into the Athens/Istanbul time zone which puts us 8 hours ahead of home.

At some point it gets very confusing of what it really is. My body is used to waking up around 5:00 AM Texas time. Let’s see.. that would be around 3:00 PM in the afternoon.

While on deck yesterday morning, I could see the sun rising in the East and the Moon rising in the west. I thought about the song of being caught between the moon and New York City--but I was caught between the moon and the sun somewhere in the midst of the Med. ocean.

As I said yesterday, it was a pretty rock day at sea. I think the afternoon convection heated up the water and made it pretty choppy. I finally had to lay down in the afternoon and just let my body get used to the motion. Right now, as of 7 AM in the morning, it’s pretty smooth sailing and I can’t tell if we’re moving or not.

I’m up early to go work out and to get some quiet time in before the day begins. We’re docking around 2PM this afternoon and will see the sun set on Santorini Greece which I hear is amazing. Sorry there are no pictures so far--it’s just too expensive to spend the time uploading them.

Ciao’
Paulo

Where Are My Sea Legs and Formal Night

The boat is rocking pretty good right now and I’m wondering where my sea legs are? We took out of Rome last night at a pretty smooth sail, but somewhere around 3:00 AM I began to feel the boat lunge from side to side. Being on a lower deck, you can feel the motion more than you can on the higher levels. Especially this morning in the theater, you could feel your body list from side to side.

If I don’t look out the window, I’m pretty good--but it’s when the horizon gets fuzzy that my tummy starts to feel a little queasy. I sure hope that it settles down by supper--or I’m going to be seeing green.

Just went up on deck and the culprit of all of this is a pretty stiff Easterly breeze that is throwing chairs around on the upper deck like a tractor through a wheat field. They are scrambling to keep everything on board.

Oh well---I’m staying busy. We attended to seminars today on the upcoming ports of call and this afternoon attended a seminar in the Gym. I forgot how much I like the buzz of the gym where so many people are passionately going after health!

Off to another seminar... how to make crepes’... yeah, it’s a slow day at sea. Now where did I put my sea legs?

Tonight was the first of two formal nights. No I didn't wear my beaded gown--but there was sure enough sparkle to go around. And may I say.. many of these fashions should have been retired years ago. Ladies--when have you seen a sweater dress since flash dance in the 80's? I saw one tonight.

The show tonight was a Broadway review. Sure thought of my kids when they sang 3 songs from WICKED, RENT, WEST SIDE STORY and more.

We dock at Santorini at 2 PM tomorrow-about 6 AM Texas time. Maybe I'll try some pics tomorrow.

Ciao'

Internet on The High Seas

So, this internet thing on the seas is going to be iffy. I"m going to have to go without pics until I can get a cheaper/stable connection. Just imagine in your mind what is happening

Highlights from today
Boarded the ship
Found my room
took a nap
Signed up for a class at the gym
Ate some supper
Saw a show
nibbled on some sweets before bed.

I'm bushed. We are at sea tomorrow. Will try to write then.

Running In Rome (Day 2)

I didn’t sleep well last night. I was quick to sleep around 10 PM (3 PM Texas time) but was quickly awake at 12:45 AM and couldn’t get back to sleep until 4:30 or so (which one of you was talking about me? hmmm?)

The alarm to get up and run at 6:00 AM came as a jarring wake up and I really considered sleeping in. I did sleep a little longer and awakened at 6:45. Quickly I dressed and went north of here to Piazza de Popolo (where we were yesterday). I turned left and went across the Tiber into Vatican City. I ran and ran until I hit the end of the street and took a left. This all looked very familiar since it is close to where the Vatican tour takes place and we had been here in 2006.

Just beyond the gate I entered into St. Peter square. I was so tempted to run in and around the square, but for some reason the police were really active there this morning. I decided to wave to the Holy Father and move along.

Down now to Castel San Angelo where I was yesterday I crossed back into Rome and continued to run up the Vittoria Emmanuel Blvd. It was getting close to 8:00 by now and so I headed back to the hotel.

I will never forget running here. To be greeted in the morning by the shopkeepers as they ready for the day --”Bon Giorno” and in great Texan I said “Howdy”. It will truly be a memory I will never forget. Thanks Rich for challenging me to run in Rome.

We’re moments away from leaving Rome and heading to the ship yards at Cittavechio, some two hours away. I might just fall asleep on the way there.

Running In Rome

So, I was challenged before I left the states. “Jim, you have to run in Rome!” Don’t think the thought hadn’t already crossed my mind. I was just wondering how safe it would be to run in a foreign country.

I ran in San Francisco in 2000 when I had just begun to run. I got up that early July morning and ran in the wind and rain of San Fran. I felt alive.

Somewhere between 2000-2009 I had forgotten how much running can connect you to a place and a time.

This afternoon I felt that urge to get up and go run. I didn’t know where--I just had the urge to do it. So, I started out from my hotel and turned right down the Via del Corso--one of the main avenues in Rome.

It was busy and crowded with people--so I had to be careful and dodge a couple of folks. Once I hit “The Wedding Cake”- a government building which is really a military memorial, I found an open spot and ran and ran freely--past the Roman Forum, the prison where Paul and Peter were kept, past Trajan’s Market, the Coliseum and the Arch of Victory. When I rounded the corner at the Palentine Hill, I had a choice to make, do I stop and enjoy or keep going.

I decided to keep going and headed south just around the Circus Maximum. Now--let me tell you that was tough because it’s all on an incline. Once I reached the half-way point of the CM--I noticed people were walking along the bottom of the area--so I decided to run the Circus Maximus.

The CM was a place of entertainment for the Romans and was the setting for many chariot races. Some say that there were as many as 300,000 people who watched games here.

I imagined that in my mind as I ran--”surrounded by so great a crowd of witnesses”--ok, there were three people watching me. But it was exciting.

I continued on up the Tiber River and headed into the Campo d’ Fioria area which is known for it’s night life and markets. After this I headed back to Piazza Novona where the artists sell their goods. I couldn’t help but think of my friend ,Randy Elrod ,and wish that he were here with me too. Randy is a Renaissance man and would enjoy it all here.

Back to the hotel I found my way back by instinct. In all I covered 4 Miles in a little under an hour. I think that’s better than my time at home.

I was listening to Travis Cottrell’s “JESUS SAVES” cd as a finished and realized that Paul and Peter came to this city to tell people about the Christ that saves. So many then and today still have a notion that they have to do for Christ in order to gain salvation and life--nothing could be further from the truth. Christ came to free us and give us life. More on that revelation in another blog.

So, tomorrow-I run again. Somewhere to the north (Piazza de Popolo (the plaza of the people) I’ll make a turn to the west and head to St. Peter. I wonder if the holy father will join me.

Mark it down--today I ran in Rome!

Worship Confessional, September 6, 2009

Rich Smith from Levi Ministries led for me today while I'm away for vacation. Here was the set list:

Hosanna (Baloche!)

Welcome/Announcements/Offering

Your Grace Is Enough (Maher)

Grace Greater Than Our Sing (Smith arr.--with a Ukelele?)

We Will Glorify (Paris)

Our God Saves (Baloche)

Rescue (Anderson)

Morning Message-David Strunk

Be Thou My Vision (Hymn)

Closing

This post is part of Sunday Set Lists over on Fred McKinnon's blog.

When In Rome!

We are here...arrived early Saturday morning (late Texas Friday night). The plane was 50 minutes early into Rome (something unheard of). We got to hotel but couldnt get to room until after 1 so we hit the ground running--literally.

We saw the Pantheon and were greeted by a stalker. Yes, we figured him out and quickly he exited. When in Rome'-remember that tourists are targets. After a visit to the Pantheon we headed toward Trevi Fountain. We decided this time to take our time and watch people. So we sat at The Trevi fountain for about 45 minutes and saw some folks... very interesting. Headed then to the Spanish steps and then back to a little Trattoria near our hotel.

An afternoon nap was in order-boy did we sleep hard! Up at 5:30 and headed to our fave Pizzaria in the Barberini area... it was so good. Carlos Pizza and then a quick night time tour of Rome!

Today, we were up early for a rooftop breakfast. We can see St. Peter from our roof and to the south is the Forum and coliseum. We then headed to Piazza De Popolo (the plaza of the people)for a tour with ANGELS and DEMONS...very interesting tour that ended at Castel St. Angelo--where I climbed to the top to get some great views of Rome.

Went back to hotel and napped for a bit--then I did something daring. I went for a run in ROME! Yes, I ran from hotel to the Coliseum and the Circus Maximus ( I actually ran on the ground of the CM and could hear the crowd cheering) and then back along the Tiber river and through Piazza Novona. ( I thought of Randy Elrod as I ran through the Piazza-imagining that he was there with me running through all of that art... Randy--this was for you!) and then finally back to my hotel.

Dinner was back in the Pantheon area where we heard a great little combo play all of the American faves ( and then he took an offering). Internet is down at hotel--so were sending this from an internet cafe. At this moment we have 15 minutes left...hurry, hurry.

Heading back to the hotel in a moment but not before a trip to the Gilateria near our hotel.

Tomorrow we head to the boat and will hopefully have more internet access there. I am planning to run to St. Peters square in the morning. Maybe the Holy Father will join me!

Ciao for now!

Paulo

Happy Birthday Blog! A Toddling Three Years Old

This blog was born some 3 years ago this month as I began to traverse the world with a trip to Rome. It's that time and season again, and I'm off for another site of the world.

Thanks to those of you who have faithfully followed and commented. You've become part of my journey.

I'll be out of touch for a few days, but as soon as I can establish contact over there--I'll let you see what I see.

'Til then!

Up The Down Staircase... MY New Office

Today is the first day I really feel settled in my office. I'm across the complex, up the stairs on the opposite side of the building. IT'S SO QUIET OVER HERE. I love it.

I'm reminded though it's a little like living in a two story house. You can't just remember to go back and get something. I'm constantly thinking of what can I take and drop off downstairs when I run for an errand and what can I bring back. Oh well, small price to pay to have some quiet time for me. I felt very productive today!

Worship Confessional, August 30, 2009

This post is part of Sunday Set List over on Fred McKinnon's blog. I've been posting these confessionals over there for a year. Thanks Fred for doing this. I've met some incredible worship leaders through this avenue.

Set List:

Indescribable (Story)--from the Brentwood-Benson collection "30 Minute choir

Today Is The Day (Brewster/Baloche) I taught them the "Oh Oh Oh" part today. Told them it was an ancient Old Testament song that the antiphonal choirs used to sing across the temple to each other.. I don't think the bought that, but they laughed anyway. Great song...

Baptism---two of our missionaries children were baptized this morning. Great to do this while they are home.

Welcome/Announcement/Offering

Our Heart (Dearman) I first heard this song 16 years ago and fell in love with it then. Since then Don Moen has done it and Travis Cottrell did it on VOICE OF THE FAITHUL, This song was on my ipod when we were in India 3 years ago. As I sat and waited to board the plane, this song was going over and over and over as I watched the nations go by me and get on the planes. This is Travis' version here on this video. I would have used it for our service, but the words were too small.

God You Reign (Brewster) This was a new one for us this week. I just love LINCOLN BREWSTER! Such a powerful song....

Holy, Holy, Holy (1verse) Our missionary was to lead on REVELATION SONG, so he came in on Holy, Holy, Holy to get him there and ready (and in key). Set up was great.

Revelation Song (Riddle) Terry led on this one too and the team backed him up. Congregation joined in and stood up too! Wow!

Morning Message--Terry Jones

This was our second week to hear from local people who are serving around the globe. The Jones' live in India.

Terry spoke about his ministry there in India and basically brought the message in the style where he would go and speak to believers in India (recalling a biblical story and then asking them to repeat the story to him). I loved what he said about WITNESS in the new testament. It's never used as a verb--meaning to "do" but it's always used as a noun--meaning that's what we already are and should be! Wow! He also described that a healthly church in India is expected to plant other churches --if a church doesn't give birth to another churcn in India it's considered to be a "problem" church. Hmm..does that word condemn the american church who is so preoccupied with more and more and more... Wow again!

You Said (Houston) One of my favorite Reuben Morgan songs. Such a call to missions and sharing Christ.

Mighty To Save (Houston) Another Reuben Morgan song. Worked well! Can I just say I love Reuben Morgan's songs... everyone of Hillsong's faves I have are Morgan's songs. There's just something about his writing that captures me.

NEW MEMBER PRESENTATION--presented new members.

How was your Sunday?

DNA-- Knowing Why You Were Created

There are few sermons that I go back and listen to for the second time. I mean they are rare. Today I'd like to tell you about one that I've listened to twice and probably will again.

Pete Wilson, pastor at Crosspoint Church in Nashville, preached a sermon two weeks ago in the opening of the their DNA series. I'm telling you that it gripped me the first time I heard it and it did the same thing today. You can listen to the sermon here.

Some of the things that stuck out to me from Pete's message:

• "I don't want to give my life to an institution"--Pete
• " Spiritual growth is not measured in how much you know about Jesus, but how much you've grown in your relationship with him and with others"
• "It's time to get our noses out of our study and into action...we don't need another bible study to make us grow-we need to exercise what we already know!"
• "Spiritual growth is measured in relationship"
• "You are responsible (to own) your spiritual life--to make it grow and go deeper. It's not the church's responsibility to make you grow"
• "Love God, Love people--it's that simple"

I listened to this message as I ran this morning. It energized me as Pete spoke these words which I find to be true. I truly resonate with what my friend Pete preaches.

Let The Games Begin.. Snyder Tiger Football

I once heard a story about a seminarian who interviewed with a church about a pastoral position. The seminarian returned to the campus and told his professor "they kept asking if I was community minded?" The professor asked "What did you say?" The seminarian said "Yes! But they kept asking it again and again". The professor asked "You know what they mean don't you?" The seminarian "No". The wise old professor said "They want to know if you go to the out of town football games!"There is nothing more important in a small town than the local football team. The year and it's greatness hang in the balance every Friday night.

Tonight we begin the season in Big Spring. We'll have one in the band, one in the youth group bus and one with us. So--"we're community minded"

The picture above is our oldest and her friend Chance Young at the Pep Rally this morning. Yes, we even attend the pep rallies!

Click here to view this video

Time Is Passing.........Fast

School has started and as is our family tradition, we take a family photo on the first day of school. (and also a trip to the donut store)

The first pic is from 2001 and the other from 2000. By 2001 all had were in school ( and Mom and I actually went and celebrated that day). The last picture is yesterdays.

The kids have grown and I've grown old...wow---time flys by--fast.

Worship Confessional, August 23, 2009

This post is part of Sunday Set Lists over on Fred McKinnon's blog.

Set List

Missions Countdown (from WorshipHouseMedia)

Call To Worship--Worship Choir- THE SOLID ROCK

We are using the Brentwoon-Benson Book "30 Minute Choir" to kickstart our Worship choir this fall. Easy but great arrangements. Take a listen to them. This was the hymn The SOLID ROCK...upbeat! Good opener.

Today is the Day (Brewster)...man I've been waiting forever to do this song. We introduced it today. I reached back and told our congregation that every generation has sung this scripture in a different way. (I even reached back and sang the old "THIS IS THE DAY"--and said if you sang that song when it came out you were really cutting edge--with a beat. Then I taught them the chorus to the song first). Wow!! This song had such energy this morning--really exciting.

More information from Lincoln about the song can be seen here. We didn't do the the OH OH OH part...can't do it all at once.

Days of Elijah (Marks). Sometimes we sing songs that we really don't know the background to them. I shared the background of this song this morning. We aren't LITERALLY living in the Days of Elijah (that's not the point of the song) We are living in the days when the God of Elijah, Moses, Ezekiel and David still speaks, still moves and still acts. We are living in the days when God is speaking...will we be brave enough to declare "Behold he comes..." Wow--I've missed this song and our people SANG!

Welcome/Announcements/Offering

O Worship The King (Tomlin) Another great song that we don't sing often enough. Great!

Offering (Baloche) It's been 4 years now since we introduced this song here. It's become such a standard for us. When we sing it we sing with such feeling and heart--I just love it.

Don't Run--Missions Video from Worship Films. Thought this was a great intro into our missions section. Great video.

Speak To Me---I sang Tommy Walker's new song SPEAK TO ME. This song has become such an anthem for me in these days. I listen to it in the early morning hours when I walk and I see the handiwork of God. It fit perfectly after the video and asking the Lord to speak to us.

Morning Message---The next two weeks we are hearing from Missionaries out of our church. Today was Bob/Georgette Kornegay who have been in Guatemala for almost 2 years now. They sold everything and went down there to start a ministry. I was part of the trip to Guatemala in 2006 that birthed this vision in them. It's so exciting to see where God has taken them.

Heart of Worship---Redman.... Again--another goodie that we don't sing often enough. A great reminder in these days when we think the church has to have to much to be "in". All we need is a heart of worship.

How was your day?

Words Are Like Feathers!

Feathers from trey taylor on Vimeo.

My good friend, Dorothy Holland, sent me this video in response to my "WHY DO WE SAY THAT" post from yesterday. This is a clip from a series they did last year called FEATHERS. It's powerful.

Heard from someone else yesterday (in fact 2 people) that they had been victims in the last few days of stray words from believers. I guess hunting season is open! Be careful...and watch out for those feathers.

Do You Want Me To Do Your Funeral?

An interesting article today in USA TODAY was pointed out to me by my good friend, Kyle Goen. You must read it and tell me what you think?

Being in a small town, I'm called upon regularly to meet with families that have no church affiliation or relationship with a church. In fact a friend across the world the other day said "Jim, how many funerals do you do in a week?" There have been weeks when I've done 3-4.

When I meet with a family that doesn't have a church relationship, I listen very closely to hear their story. Most of them do want assurance of where their loved one is now. I don't try to make the deceased into a hero if he/she wasn't one. But by including the family story in with the story of God's greater story, somehow it all works together.

Where situations are difficult I focus on God's unchanging plan and love for the creation he died for and for the hope that we who are left on this place have in Jesus.

So, do you want me to do your funeral?

Why Do We Say That?

I guess I've become more aware lately of things said "in gossip" (and in Christian circles that can come in many forms--prayer concerns, spiritual concern, etc) about fellow believers.

It's going on all the time and I honestly think that it has become so much a part of who we are that we don't know that we're doing it.

Case in point: someone yesterday "supposed" to know something about someone that I love and know dearly. Their supposition about this person was completely false and in fact "GOSSIP". I really don't think they know they were doing it. If that fact has been shared about this person, then a sin has been committed.

Another case in point, I know believers now who are wounded because of words from"spiritual" people about the journey that these believers are on. Good and godly people have been injured by "supposition" about these situations (and I'm appalled at some of the things that have been said "in love" to these folks). We wouldn't dare treat the unbelieving world this way--why in heaven's name would we treat a fellow family member like this?

My thought - we don't know that we're doing it ( and sometimes we don't care that we're doing it).

I'm pointing the finger right back at me--my eyes have been opened to the way that we treat each other in the name of love.

God forgive us!

Worship Confessional, August 16, 2009

This post is part of Sunday Set List over on Fred McKinnon's blog.

Call To Worship-- Scripture Reading Ezra 3: 1-13 - the people proclaimed "He is good; His love endures forever"

Forever (Tomlin)-- a good one that we forget about. Good to bring it back.

I Have A Hope (Walker)--Third week for this one. We'll let it rest for a while. But still love it.

Welcome/Announcement/Offering
We received an award from Buckner International for collecting the most shoes in the medium church category. We were presented with a bronzed shoe. We in turn gave Buckner the Large pair of 21 Nike Sneakers that we used to promote the Shoes Campaign. Good laughter here.

Video Bumper--Jonah Chapter 4 (from CCC Omaha) DIDN' HAPPEN

We would have shown this bumper video--but Media Shout decided not to cooperate and crashed each time we tried to import the .mov file. Very frustrating.

My Savior's Love (Hymn for Praise/Worship-Cottrell arr)-- Good change up on a familiar hymn.

Psalm 23--NIV--We read this scripture aloud. It's always great to hear God's people saying his word together.

You Never Let Go (Redman)

Morning Message

Big Enough God (Riddle) Last week for this one. This has been a theme song for us all summer during the Jonah series. Thanks Jenny Riddle for a great song.

You Never Let Go (Chorus)

So, how was your Sunday?

So, Madam Speaker, What Has Changed?

Wisdom From Beyond The Grave

You've got to listen to this speech by Ronald Reagan in 1961. It's scary how he predicts the situation that we are in now with our NATIONAL HEALTHCARE DEBATE. Can we bring Ronald Reagan back please!!!

Get "OUT OF MY DREAMS"--Oklahoma

A maddening thing about being in a musical is that the music is imprinted in your brain and short term memory so deep that it takes days for you to de-program from the production.

Case in point: Last night in my dreams all I could hear was " Out of my dreams and into your arms.." It was crazy!

So--OKLAHOMA--Get out of my dreams. I'm done with you!!!

Daily Audio Bible Podcast--The Word on The Run!

One of the things I'm enjoying the most in my morning exercise time is listening to the DAILY AUDIO BIBLE podcast. Each morning I get a new download with an Old Testament reading, New Testament reading, a Psalm and a proverb.

Each morning it is comforting as I walk/run to hear God's word spoken over me. As I'm trying to get in shape physically, God's working on my heart to make me inwardly strong.

They even have a podcast for kids--which I think is pretty forward thinking. Might just get Daniel to pull it up and give it a listen.

What other "digital" resources have you found that are encouraging to you?

A Family Affair--OKLAHOMA

Part of the fun this week has been the families that have participated in this production. We've had families with 4 or more members participating. These are their pictures. What better way than to spend time together in the theater.

Worship Confessional, August 9, 2009

This post is part of Sunday Set Lists over on Fred McKinnon's blog.


Set List

Start Small--Opening video (ShiftWorship) a great thinking opener--find something to praise and thank the Lord about this week.

I HAVE A HOPE (Walker) Second week for this song.. I love it!

Welcome/Announcements/Offering

BLESSED BE YOUR NAME (Redman)

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL (Hymn Charts arr.)

WHO CAN SATISFY (Jernigan) This section of songs was extremely powerful today. We had the family of the twins that passed away in our service today. I had no idea when I planned the service a couple of weeks ago that we would be singing these songs about hope and grace in the midst of the storms of life. Wow--Holy Spirit was there.

Morning Message-Jonah: Is Your God In A Box?

GOD OF THIS CITY (G3 arr.)
Only 1 more week in Jonah. We've intentionally slowed down the use of new songs this summer in order to "stay" with a song until it a catches on in the congregation. This has been very different for me--but it's been good as the congregation can immediately join in and contribute. I think when I looked last week that we had done GOD OF THIS CITY 4 times, BIG ENOUGH GOD 6 times and RESCUE three times in this 8 week period.

How was your Sunday?

OKLAHOMA

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Make New Friends... But Keep The Old

Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.
New-made friendships, like new wine,
Age will mellow and refine.
Friendships that have stood the test -
Time and change - are surely best;
Brow may wrinkle, hair grow gray,
Friendship never knows decay.
For 'mid old friends, tried and true,
Once more we our youth renew.
But old friends, alas! may die,
New friends must their place supply.
Cherish friendship in your breast-
New is good, but old is best;
Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.
Joseph Parry

Goodbyes are hard. Layne left this morning for Corsicana. He stopped by the hotel where our friends, The Rayburnes, were staying. I knew this morning would be hard, but it was doubly so saying goodbye to him and them at the same time.

Good friends across the years. They make the journey worth it.

Only A Twin Would Understand

Today's funeral for the two Dillard twin boys reminded me of something; there are just some things that only twins understand about each other. There is an unmistakeable bond between twins--and I'm not talking the psychic stuff.

Hearing the stories today of the Dillard boys and how they took up for each other and fought with each other reminded me of the times I spent with my brother Jon. We were together from womb

to High school graduation; sharing birthday parties, classrooms, Boys Scouts and RA Basketball.

Jon and I get along great and he's one of my advisers when I need another perspective. We're different in personality (I'm artsy and he's analytical) but we compliment each other in many ways. We even married girs with similar names (Jon married De Ann--I married Diane)

I texted Jon afterwards-- I don't tell him often enough how much I love having a brother.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAN!

Twelve years have gone by today son; it seems just like yesterday when they were telling me you were on the way. I can remember the moment you entered this world-screaming at the top of your lungs.

Twelve years have passed by; so many parties and places and friends. I hope this day you'll have a blast as you play with your block buddies and enjoy the last days of summer.

Thanks for the joy you've brought to our lives...and by the way, stay out of my ice cream sandwiches in the ice box!

Happy BirthdayDoodle Bug!

I Will Run The Race

Today begins week two of my running regiment. It's gonna be a slow process, but I think I can do it.

Back in 2002/2003 I was a prolific runner, doing 5k's and 10k's and really feeling good about myself and what I was accomplishing. Later in 2003 my world fell apart at church and I began to coast physically (still going to a gym) but not paying particular attention to my progress (or lack of) and my eating patterns.

When I arrived here in 2005 I started to run again, but the fire and desire of running had gone out. Again, I let my circumstances dictate my health and well being and thus found myself this year at a whopping 40 pounds heavier than when I arrived in 2005.

I began a walking regiment in April slowly building up from 1 mile to 2 and finally up to 8 miles and beyond. People have seen me walking all over the place and have questioned me why I'm out and about so far. I tell them not to worry, that is my time with God and with myself. I tell them to worry if they see me toting along a suitcase.

Last week I began to run again. I set myself some goals ("make it to the end of the block", "make it to the CVS on College", "make it Citibank" and today "make it to the Smith's on Ave. V") I'm amazed at each day when I pass where I was yesterday that I feel a little more confident. I have a little more spring and capacity in my lungs to go a few more steps.

I guess it's that way in life too. Just set a few goals and reach them, then move the marker and set some more. I had forgotten how important that was not only to your physical health, but to your mental health too.

I'm aiming for the 5K Run at the White Buffalo Days here in October (that's about 8-9 weeks away) and then my son and I will run a 10K at Thanksgiving in Fort Worth.

What are you shooting for?

PS: I'm down 35 pounds since March 2009.... and working on 35 more!

Worship Confessional, August 2, 2009

This post is part of Sunday Set List over on Fred McKinnon's Blog

Another goodbye today as our Youth Minister, Layne Scott, has resigned and is going into coaching this week. That makes 3 staff departures in a month and 1 more is to come as our Administrator leaves at the end of the month to go back into retirement. Add to that the departure of 1 more secretary and our children's intern for the summer--that will be 7 so longs this summer. That's a lot of goodbyes!

Worship was good today--but we're still a little reserved in our singing and participation. I think the departures have had some effect in that area. We introduced Tommy Walkers " I HAVE A HOPE" song. I really believe that song will be an encouragement to us in the coming days.

Here's the rest of the list:

Psalm 42 -Scripture Reading

I Have A Hope (Walker) This is a great song. So powerful and encouraging. Listen to it here!

Because of Your Love (Baloche) I love this song.. so exciting to sing.

Video--Faith Weaver Friends (a new program beginning in the fall)

Welcome/Announcements/Offering

I Will Sing of My Redeemer/You Set Me Free (Cottrell) Off of his new album--a good firm hymn with a new chorus that really sings. Listen to it here.

What Can I Do (Baloche) Ah.. one of my favorites!!!

Awesome God (Mullins) Chorus only

Message--Continuing series in Jonah ( only 2 more weeks of this)

Rescue (Anderson)
Everlasting God (Brown)

Speak To Me

In these days of changing situations with our church, this song has come to mean a great deal to me. It is the cry of my heart for the Lord to speak to me.

Listen to the song and let me know what you think.