I've always heard that the older you get the faster time goes by, but it's really true. This year has gone by so fast. Also, I guess this year has been one of the most transitional years of my life. I made a big move across the state, took a new job, bought and sold a house, lived in a rental house for 4 months, and started a blog - whew! It's been a great year! Time flies when you're having fun!!
Ok, a lot of people have been asking about the Living Christmas Tree so for the 3 of you who read my blog let me give the official report. There were 5 performances at the Thompson-Boling Arena. The estimated attendance was 60,000 (however, we are currently in the midst of a recount). A total of 692 people came forward to make a decision for Christ - 507 of those were for salvation. Praise the Lord! The show went well. It was a major learning experience for me. Doing a show in an arena like that is a lot different from anything I'd done before. I was amazed by the people in our church that came out to help. It takes an army to pull something like that off. All in all I was really happy with it - and Jackson thought it was awesome (he's not always the easiest to please)! I'm looking forward to 2008 when I'll be involved from the start. Can't wait to see what we can come up with!
Have a merry Christmas! It's all about HIM!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Busy, busy, busy
Wow. There is so much going on right now. We had a great Thanksgiving. My dad and stepmother came up from Pensacola. We had a lot of fun with them.
Also, we're finally moving. We will close on a new house in Knoxville on Wednesday of this week. The movers will arrive Thursday morning with all of our stuff - Happy day! We also sold our house in Memphis! What a blessing!
Also, our church is getting ready to present our Living Christmas Tree. I'll be directing it for the first time. It's going to be a lot of fun! You can check out more info here.
I realized again this year how blessed I am. I have a beautiful, healthy family that loves me in spite of myself. I love my job. I have great friends and a great church. God is good (I'm also thankful that His goodness doesn't depend on me having any of those things).
This is a picture of my 2 favorite people a couple of weeks ago at our house. Aren't they cute!
Also, we're finally moving. We will close on a new house in Knoxville on Wednesday of this week. The movers will arrive Thursday morning with all of our stuff - Happy day! We also sold our house in Memphis! What a blessing!
Also, our church is getting ready to present our Living Christmas Tree. I'll be directing it for the first time. It's going to be a lot of fun! You can check out more info here.
I realized again this year how blessed I am. I have a beautiful, healthy family that loves me in spite of myself. I love my job. I have great friends and a great church. God is good (I'm also thankful that His goodness doesn't depend on me having any of those things).
This is a picture of my 2 favorite people a couple of weeks ago at our house. Aren't they cute!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Waiting
It seems like every time I begin to write I feel the need to apologize for how long it's been since last time I posted something here. So, I'll go ahead and get it out of the way. I'm sorry. I'm a terrible blogger. I've been so busy since we moved to Knoxville.
Last week our choir and orchestra made a trip to Louisville, KY to do a concert at the National Quartet Convention. I ususally don't consider myself a huge southern gospel fan (although I can appreciate anything that's done well and in the right spirit), but I had a really good time. We sang with The Talley Trio, Phil Cross and the Poet Voices, The Kingdomheirs, and Larnelle Harris. It was a great time. It also gave us a chance to bond with some of the choir and orchestra members. You can see some of the pictures here. After you enter the site choose photos and find "Celebrate with Sevier Heights Choir and Orchestra".
Right now we're in Memphis. We came to check on the house (which we're not so patiently waiting to sell) and to get some fall clothes and beach supplies - that's right, we're getting ready to go to the beach. I'm going to an executive staff retreat Monday-Wednesday of next week in Pigeon Forge the coming back to work for 2 days. Then after church on Sunday night, we're loading up the car and heading south! This is our annual family gathering near Destin, FL. It's the highlight of the year for me - can't wait!!!!
Those of you who know me well know that patience isn't one of my greatest strengths. I guess I really don't know very many truly patient people though. That's what we're working on - waiting on God's timing for the sale of our house in Memphis. As you pray for our house to sell, please also pray that we will be patient and trust God's perfect timing in this situation. Have a great weekend!
Trusting Him,
Jon
Last week our choir and orchestra made a trip to Louisville, KY to do a concert at the National Quartet Convention. I ususally don't consider myself a huge southern gospel fan (although I can appreciate anything that's done well and in the right spirit), but I had a really good time. We sang with The Talley Trio, Phil Cross and the Poet Voices, The Kingdomheirs, and Larnelle Harris. It was a great time. It also gave us a chance to bond with some of the choir and orchestra members. You can see some of the pictures here. After you enter the site choose photos and find "Celebrate with Sevier Heights Choir and Orchestra".
Right now we're in Memphis. We came to check on the house (which we're not so patiently waiting to sell) and to get some fall clothes and beach supplies - that's right, we're getting ready to go to the beach. I'm going to an executive staff retreat Monday-Wednesday of next week in Pigeon Forge the coming back to work for 2 days. Then after church on Sunday night, we're loading up the car and heading south! This is our annual family gathering near Destin, FL. It's the highlight of the year for me - can't wait!!!!
Those of you who know me well know that patience isn't one of my greatest strengths. I guess I really don't know very many truly patient people though. That's what we're working on - waiting on God's timing for the sale of our house in Memphis. As you pray for our house to sell, please also pray that we will be patient and trust God's perfect timing in this situation. Have a great weekend!
Trusting Him,
Jon
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Settling In
Well, We've sort of made the move and are started to get settled in Knoxville. It has been a wild few weeks though. I'm in the middle of my second week of work and starting to feel a little more like I'm going to survive. It's been like drinking from a fire hose so far. Angie, Jackson, and Lucy made a trip to Memphis yesterday to pick up some more stuff. We only came with the essentials last week. We're going to leave most everything in Memphis until our house sells. I really miss them and will be glad when they come back. It's amazing how much you miss all the noise that comes along with a 3 year old boy when it's not there for a few days. Angie bought a picture to hang in Jack's room the other day that says:
"Boy (n) - a noise with dirt on it."
It's so true, isn't it. I know it is at our house.
Jackson's doing well with the change. There's a park around the corner from where we're living. It has a stream, 2 playgrounds, and lots of walking tracks and grass and trees. We've been walking over there almost every evening and playing. He likes to throw rocks, sticks, big acorns, etc. in the water.
The people at our new church have really made us feel welcome. Our first Sunday was a lot of fun. We sang an awesome song called "Lord, You're Holy" that really blessed me. I think this is going to be a great place to serve! We're so excited to see what God is going to do. Have a great week everyone.
"Boy (n) - a noise with dirt on it."
It's so true, isn't it. I know it is at our house.
Jackson's doing well with the change. There's a park around the corner from where we're living. It has a stream, 2 playgrounds, and lots of walking tracks and grass and trees. We've been walking over there almost every evening and playing. He likes to throw rocks, sticks, big acorns, etc. in the water.
The people at our new church have really made us feel welcome. Our first Sunday was a lot of fun. We sang an awesome song called "Lord, You're Holy" that really blessed me. I think this is going to be a great place to serve! We're so excited to see what God is going to do. Have a great week everyone.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Favorite Things
Today Jackson and I met Angie at Sonic for an afternoon ice cream treat (It was like 4,000 degrees here today). That's one of my very favorite things. Jackson gave me a Sonic gift card for Father's Day. Instead of let's go to Sonic, he says "Let's go to California"... I'm not really sure why. When we're at "California" Jackson always climbs up to the front seat and we all sit together to eat our ice cream.
Another one of my favorite things is on Sunday nights when we come home from church. We all 3 get our pajamas on and lay in Angie's and my bed together and watch the Animal Planet.
Another one of my favortie things is breakfast time. We are one of the weird families that actually sits down and has breakfast together everyday... I know, it's like unheard of. I love it...
It's the little things that keep us going sometimes.
Another one of my favorite things is on Sunday nights when we come home from church. We all 3 get our pajamas on and lay in Angie's and my bed together and watch the Animal Planet.
Another one of my favortie things is breakfast time. We are one of the weird families that actually sits down and has breakfast together everyday... I know, it's like unheard of. I love it...
It's the little things that keep us going sometimes.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Last Week at Work
Well, it's been kind of a sad week... Actually when I think about it, it's been a really sad week. Yesterday was my last day in the office at Bellevue and today Angie, Jackson, and I went to clean out all of my stuff. I'm excited about the work that I'm going to do, but I'm going to really miss the people I work with here in Memphis. OK, enough of that.
Jackson just told me to write about the zoo. So, even though we will miss the Memphis Zoo very much, we've found the website about the Knoxville Zoo and it looks pretty cool too. They have 2 lions... a mommy lion and a daddy lion with round and round hair (as Jackson calls him). Here's one of my favorite pictures of Jackson at the zoo. You can't even see any animals but I think it's a cute picture. He just had to wear this hat that day.
Pretty cute huh.
I realized that I haven't written about our trip to Nicaragua yet. I don't have time to write all I want to now. I'm posting a couple of pics from our sight-seeing day though. These are of the volcano in Maysaya.
It was my first visit to an active volcano... kinda weird. Anyway, that's enough for now. We're going to dinner with some good friends tonight. Looking forward to that! Have a great weekend and a great day in worship on Sunday!
Jackson just told me to write about the zoo. So, even though we will miss the Memphis Zoo very much, we've found the website about the Knoxville Zoo and it looks pretty cool too. They have 2 lions... a mommy lion and a daddy lion with round and round hair (as Jackson calls him). Here's one of my favorite pictures of Jackson at the zoo. You can't even see any animals but I think it's a cute picture. He just had to wear this hat that day.
Pretty cute huh.
I realized that I haven't written about our trip to Nicaragua yet. I don't have time to write all I want to now. I'm posting a couple of pics from our sight-seeing day though. These are of the volcano in Maysaya.
It was my first visit to an active volcano... kinda weird. Anyway, that's enough for now. We're going to dinner with some good friends tonight. Looking forward to that! Have a great weekend and a great day in worship on Sunday!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Big Orange Country
Well, it's official. We are moving to Knoxville - home of the Vols (I better learn to like orange). I have been called by Sevier Heights Baptist Church as their Associate Pastor of Worship (that's a fancy name for Minister of Music). Check out their website at www.sevierheights.org.
This has been a long, complicated journey, but God has shown Himself faithful to us once again. I am so blessed to have this opportunity and to have been able to serve at Bellevue for the past three years. So now I've found myself in the difficult position of trying to adequately express how thankful I am to the people that we've been serving here at Bellevue. My family has been loved on and encouraged by this church more than anyone could ever know. I'm a better Christian, a better husband, a better father, a better minister, a better musician, a better friend, a better leader, a better follower, and a better man because of what I've learned from the people here at Bellevue. Thanks to all of you from the bottom of my heart. I will thank my God upon every remembrance of you. I love you all.
We'll be moving in the next few weeks. My first Sunday at Sevier Heights is August 19. There's a lot to do between now and then. Please keep us in your prayers. We really need to sell our house and would really like to be able to find one there soon as well - those are 2 huge prayer requests.
Once we get settled in there I promise I'll do better with my blog!
This has been a long, complicated journey, but God has shown Himself faithful to us once again. I am so blessed to have this opportunity and to have been able to serve at Bellevue for the past three years. So now I've found myself in the difficult position of trying to adequately express how thankful I am to the people that we've been serving here at Bellevue. My family has been loved on and encouraged by this church more than anyone could ever know. I'm a better Christian, a better husband, a better father, a better minister, a better musician, a better friend, a better leader, a better follower, and a better man because of what I've learned from the people here at Bellevue. Thanks to all of you from the bottom of my heart. I will thank my God upon every remembrance of you. I love you all.
We'll be moving in the next few weeks. My first Sunday at Sevier Heights is August 19. There's a lot to do between now and then. Please keep us in your prayers. We really need to sell our house and would really like to be able to find one there soon as well - those are 2 huge prayer requests.
Once we get settled in there I promise I'll do better with my blog!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
What's Wrong with Me??????
Holy cow! I just realized that it's been 18 days since my last post. What is wrong with me???? I started out so strong, now I'm slacking in a major way. I've got to get myself together. I don't really even know what to write about. A lot has been going on these last few weeks.
I performed my first wedding this past Saturday. That was kinda cool. Brian Smith and Cindy Robinson are both choir members at Bellevue. They were kind enough to be my guinea pigs, so to speak. I did the ceremony and the pre-marital counseling (I'm learning that counseling is not my strongest area). I actually really enjoyed it. It's humbling to be a part of that moment in someone else's life... very cool.
Today Angie and I had eye doctor appointments. I was blind for half the day. They dilated my eyes and then had me pick out the frames for my new glasses. That is so unfair. I really don't know what they're going to look like... I couldn't see diddly-squat. Then I had to drive myself back to work. It was interesting.
My Aunt Polly got a new dog. She's one of the few people who actually read this blog. So, congratulations Polly. I can't wait to meet my new cousin!
That's all for now. I really am going to try and do better... I promise.
I performed my first wedding this past Saturday. That was kinda cool. Brian Smith and Cindy Robinson are both choir members at Bellevue. They were kind enough to be my guinea pigs, so to speak. I did the ceremony and the pre-marital counseling (I'm learning that counseling is not my strongest area). I actually really enjoyed it. It's humbling to be a part of that moment in someone else's life... very cool.
Today Angie and I had eye doctor appointments. I was blind for half the day. They dilated my eyes and then had me pick out the frames for my new glasses. That is so unfair. I really don't know what they're going to look like... I couldn't see diddly-squat. Then I had to drive myself back to work. It was interesting.
My Aunt Polly got a new dog. She's one of the few people who actually read this blog. So, congratulations Polly. I can't wait to meet my new cousin!
That's all for now. I really am going to try and do better... I promise.
Friday, June 8, 2007
What a Week!
Man, this week has been a whirlwind and a half! I'm glad to have a minute to sit down and blog a little. I've got a lot to talk about... where to begin?
I know you're all dying to hear about the reunion, so I'll start there. It was weird. Most everybody looked pretty much the same. I guess all the bald people just stayed at home:) It was good to see some old friends that I haven't talked to in a while. Several of my really close friends from school weren't able to make it for one reason or another but some of them were there. It's funny how people stay pretty much the same. For the most part the people that did stupid stuff in high school are still doing stupid stuff. And the people that made fun of the people doing stupid stuff are still doing that. Some things never change; but then again some things do. Some people have made some really great decisions that surprised me a little bit. Some had made some really bad decisions that surprised me a lot. I guess I left feeling really grateful for how God has blessed me. I'm really thankful for the wife and the life God has entrusted me with! I was reminded that I need to walk worthy of all of this.
Next... today is my dad's birthday. I love my dad. He's getting old, but I love him:) He's a little bit down in his back today (old age strikes again!) so I'll post some pictures to cheer him up.
Happy birthday, Daddy! Hope these help your feelings. Love you.
Next... this week was Vacation Bible School at church. Ken and I led the joint worship time called "The Gathering". There were over 2,000 of the most fired up, excited, screaming kids you've ever seen. It was awesome! We all had a blast. How can you not have a blast with Ken Reich though. He's the man!
I have to admit though, our family is going through beach withdrawals this week. A couple of days ago Jackson was talking about Nanny (my grandmother who passed away last November). He loved her (as we all did). Angie said, "Jackson, Nanny is in heaven with Jesus. Do you want to go to heaven and see Nanny and Jesus?". Jackson thought for a minute and said, "No, I want to go to Florida"... He really loves the beach!
Have a great weekend everyone!
I know you're all dying to hear about the reunion, so I'll start there. It was weird. Most everybody looked pretty much the same. I guess all the bald people just stayed at home:) It was good to see some old friends that I haven't talked to in a while. Several of my really close friends from school weren't able to make it for one reason or another but some of them were there. It's funny how people stay pretty much the same. For the most part the people that did stupid stuff in high school are still doing stupid stuff. And the people that made fun of the people doing stupid stuff are still doing that. Some things never change; but then again some things do. Some people have made some really great decisions that surprised me a little bit. Some had made some really bad decisions that surprised me a lot. I guess I left feeling really grateful for how God has blessed me. I'm really thankful for the wife and the life God has entrusted me with! I was reminded that I need to walk worthy of all of this.
Next... today is my dad's birthday. I love my dad. He's getting old, but I love him:) He's a little bit down in his back today (old age strikes again!) so I'll post some pictures to cheer him up.
Happy birthday, Daddy! Hope these help your feelings. Love you.
Next... this week was Vacation Bible School at church. Ken and I led the joint worship time called "The Gathering". There were over 2,000 of the most fired up, excited, screaming kids you've ever seen. It was awesome! We all had a blast. How can you not have a blast with Ken Reich though. He's the man!
I have to admit though, our family is going through beach withdrawals this week. A couple of days ago Jackson was talking about Nanny (my grandmother who passed away last November). He loved her (as we all did). Angie said, "Jackson, Nanny is in heaven with Jesus. Do you want to go to heaven and see Nanny and Jesus?". Jackson thought for a minute and said, "No, I want to go to Florida"... He really loves the beach!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Saturday, June 2, 2007
I Wonder if Anyone's Bald Yet?
It has been too long since I've posted anything here. We've been in Destin, FL all week with the high school seniors from church. I've been leading worship for their senior trip. God's been teaching me a lot through the speaker (Mike Curry) and through some things that have been going on in my life. I'm not sure that I can articulate it all right now and it's really early in the morning. Maybe I'll try another time.
Tonight is my 10 year high school class reunion. Angie and I are going to it. I'm pretty excited to see some friends that I haven't talked with in a while. It's funny how important those relationships are to you when you're in school and as soon as it's over you let them go. People are so weird (myself included). Sunday morning we'll be heading back to Memphis and our crazy summer will continue. I'm sure I'll be writing soon about the reunion! I wonder if anyone is bald yet????
Tonight is my 10 year high school class reunion. Angie and I are going to it. I'm pretty excited to see some friends that I haven't talked with in a while. It's funny how important those relationships are to you when you're in school and as soon as it's over you let them go. People are so weird (myself included). Sunday morning we'll be heading back to Memphis and our crazy summer will continue. I'm sure I'll be writing soon about the reunion! I wonder if anyone is bald yet????
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Fishing and Family
On Saturday Angie went shopping with a friend (she needs the girl time occasionally) so Jack and I decided to go fishing. Actually it was his idea and I went along with it. We loaded up our stuff, packed a lunch and were off to the worm store. We picked up a blue carton of night-crawlers, looked at the fish in the tank at Bass Pro Shop and then headed to the pond (at the church). I got Jackson fixed up with a worm and a Mickey Mouse bobber on his orange rod and reel his Paw-Paw bought, and threw it out there for him. As I was getting my hook ready I heard "Daddy, will you help me". I turned to see the end of the fishing trip. We'd been there for 2 minutes and his line was so tangled I thought I was going to have to just throw the whole thing away. That was the end of the fishing for him (it was ok though - he'd already lost interest). It was a beautiful day and we had a blast eating our sandwiches, chasing the ducks and gathering up sticks (I'm not sure why we were gathering sticks, other than Jackson just wanted to). There's something about spending time like that with him that just fills me up.
Here's a pic of Jack watching the ducks and eating an apple:
Here he is showing me how the ducks dance. I wish I had a video, maybe you can imagine it:
Here's a pic of Jack watching the ducks and eating an apple:
Here he is showing me how the ducks dance. I wish I had a video, maybe you can imagine it:Angie and I have our 5 year wedding anniversary this Friday. There's no way I could adequately write what a loving, faithful friend and companion she is to me. I am blessed beyond measure. I love you, babe (even though you never read this).
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
American Idol
It's only a couple of hours until American Idol starts so I thought I'd go ahead and let you in on my thinking about this season's competition. To begin, let me say that it was not the strongest group we've had to choose from; however, the top 3 are pretty good. I'm going to do 2 things here:
Number 1 - my pick: Melinda should win. She's the best singer in the competition. She's actually one of the strongest vocalists they've ever had. She doesn't have the star-quality that others have had, but the girl can sing. No 2 ways about it. Blake should stay through the finals. Jordan should go home this week. (I can hear the moans all the way from here, but she's so young. She will grow up to be an amazing singer and entertainer - she's almost there. It's time for her to go.)
Number 2 - my prediction: Melinda and Blake will be in the finals. Blake will win (by a hair). The guy is just too cool. He's also very talented and the most creative artist they've ever had on the show. While Melinda is still my choice, Blake is much more marketable and will sell a bajillion (sp?) albums. America will choose him. I won't be mad - he's really good.
There you have it. I've been wrong before, but I think that's the way it'll go down.
I found a really great worship album this week that I didn't know about before. It's called Gateway Worship - Living for You. If you like Hillsong or Desperation Band kind of stuff you'll love it. Gateway Church is in the Dallas area. Have a great Tuesday night. I'll be looking for post-Idol commentary.
Number 1 - my pick: Melinda should win. She's the best singer in the competition. She's actually one of the strongest vocalists they've ever had. She doesn't have the star-quality that others have had, but the girl can sing. No 2 ways about it. Blake should stay through the finals. Jordan should go home this week. (I can hear the moans all the way from here, but she's so young. She will grow up to be an amazing singer and entertainer - she's almost there. It's time for her to go.)
Number 2 - my prediction: Melinda and Blake will be in the finals. Blake will win (by a hair). The guy is just too cool. He's also very talented and the most creative artist they've ever had on the show. While Melinda is still my choice, Blake is much more marketable and will sell a bajillion (sp?) albums. America will choose him. I won't be mad - he's really good.
There you have it. I've been wrong before, but I think that's the way it'll go down.
I found a really great worship album this week that I didn't know about before. It's called Gateway Worship - Living for You. If you like Hillsong or Desperation Band kind of stuff you'll love it. Gateway Church is in the Dallas area. Have a great Tuesday night. I'll be looking for post-Idol commentary.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Headed South
We're driving to Hattiesburg tonight after I get home from work. It's been a full day so far so I hope I'm not too sleepy - I'll drink coffee, that'll help. Our friend Christy Robinson is getting married Saturday. Christy worked with me in the music ministry at Petal-Harvey Baptist Church before I came to Bellevue. I'm really happy for her.
Here's a picture someone sent me today. This was this past Sunday at lunch.
Have a great weekend everyone. Be sweet.
Here's a picture someone sent me today. This was this past Sunday at lunch.
Have a great weekend everyone. Be sweet.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Blog-neglect
I can't believe that I have written here in almost a week... what's wrong with me? Where are my priorities? Well, I've repented now and am determined to do better. So, where to start?
Last night the Women's Ministry at church had a meeting and I was invited, along with Jamie and Bro. Steve, to come and sing a love song to my wife. I couldn't think of any reason to pass up that opportunity, so I agreed. I sang "We Will Dance" and at the last minute suckered Angie in to singing with me. She sat on the piano bench with me and sang some harmony... it was sweet. It was the first time she's ever sung a duet with... I'll always remember it. I'm glad we sang that song too because I really do love to dance with her... most of our dancing is early in the morning, in the kitchen. I'm rambling now... onto something else. After we sang Angie stayed for the rest of the event and I left (the only other man left in the room was Kevin Britt, the soundman - God bless him). Jackson and I stopped at Sonic on our way home for milkshakes. When we got home we watched "Curious George" and then went to bed. I was trying to wait up for Angie so we could watch American Idol. We DVR it every week. But I fell asleep in Jack's room with him so I still haven't seen it. I heard it was weird this week.
Here's a funny story. Jackson has watched some of the DVD of the Passion Play we do at church. My friend, Scott Benjamin, was a soldier this year. The other night after church Jackson saw Scott and said, "I know you. I saw you on TV. You killed Jesus. You were a soldier. You put him in a cave." How do you respond to something like that? At least he was paying attention... I guess. I'll write more later. I couldn't let this blog-neglect go on any longer.
Last night the Women's Ministry at church had a meeting and I was invited, along with Jamie and Bro. Steve, to come and sing a love song to my wife. I couldn't think of any reason to pass up that opportunity, so I agreed. I sang "We Will Dance" and at the last minute suckered Angie in to singing with me. She sat on the piano bench with me and sang some harmony... it was sweet. It was the first time she's ever sung a duet with... I'll always remember it. I'm glad we sang that song too because I really do love to dance with her... most of our dancing is early in the morning, in the kitchen. I'm rambling now... onto something else. After we sang Angie stayed for the rest of the event and I left (the only other man left in the room was Kevin Britt, the soundman - God bless him). Jackson and I stopped at Sonic on our way home for milkshakes. When we got home we watched "Curious George" and then went to bed. I was trying to wait up for Angie so we could watch American Idol. We DVR it every week. But I fell asleep in Jack's room with him so I still haven't seen it. I heard it was weird this week.
Here's a funny story. Jackson has watched some of the DVD of the Passion Play we do at church. My friend, Scott Benjamin, was a soldier this year. The other night after church Jackson saw Scott and said, "I know you. I saw you on TV. You killed Jesus. You were a soldier. You put him in a cave." How do you respond to something like that? At least he was paying attention... I guess. I'll write more later. I couldn't let this blog-neglect go on any longer.
Friday, May 4, 2007
All Good Things Must Come to an End
We've had a great morning so far... but all good things must come to an end. We're having a baby shower at our house for some friends tonight - so it's about to be cleaning time.
We slept until almost 7:00 this morning (which is really late at our house). Then Angie and I did our devotions. We traded places this morning. I have a little office in our house that I use every morning for my personal devotion time. It's nice to be able to close the door and be alone with the Lord. But, Angie needed the computer this morning to print some stuff for her journal so I used the kitchen table. The phone rang about 35 times (ok, maybe just 3 or 4. But it was still hard to focus). However, I did read some great stuff in the Word. In Luke 20, Jesus calls those who will take part in the resurrection (that's all of us who are saved) "sons of the resurrection". That sounds cool, doesn't it... sons of the resurrection. He also said that "God is not the God of the dead but of the living". If you are alive in Christ today, you too are a "son (or daughter) of the resurrection" - hallelujah! End of sermon.
After that we ate breakfast and then went for a run together. When Angie and I run together, I push Jackson in the jogging stroller. He loves that but I don't run fast enough for him. When our house gets in sight I pour it on though... he laughs and throws his arms up like he's on a roller coaster. I love that kid.
I'm excited about Sunday. It's our Mission Sunday. We're singing some great songs and will hear several testimonies from guys that are serving in full-time mission work. Ryan and I wrote a song specifically for this Sunday and we're doing it Sunday night. It'll be fun. It's called "For the Glory".
Anyway, I've got to get to work. Lots of toilets to scrub and floors to vacuum. As I said, all good things must come to an end... including this post :) Have a great weekend.
We slept until almost 7:00 this morning (which is really late at our house). Then Angie and I did our devotions. We traded places this morning. I have a little office in our house that I use every morning for my personal devotion time. It's nice to be able to close the door and be alone with the Lord. But, Angie needed the computer this morning to print some stuff for her journal so I used the kitchen table. The phone rang about 35 times (ok, maybe just 3 or 4. But it was still hard to focus). However, I did read some great stuff in the Word. In Luke 20, Jesus calls those who will take part in the resurrection (that's all of us who are saved) "sons of the resurrection". That sounds cool, doesn't it... sons of the resurrection. He also said that "God is not the God of the dead but of the living". If you are alive in Christ today, you too are a "son (or daughter) of the resurrection" - hallelujah! End of sermon.
After that we ate breakfast and then went for a run together. When Angie and I run together, I push Jackson in the jogging stroller. He loves that but I don't run fast enough for him. When our house gets in sight I pour it on though... he laughs and throws his arms up like he's on a roller coaster. I love that kid.
I'm excited about Sunday. It's our Mission Sunday. We're singing some great songs and will hear several testimonies from guys that are serving in full-time mission work. Ryan and I wrote a song specifically for this Sunday and we're doing it Sunday night. It'll be fun. It's called "For the Glory".
Anyway, I've got to get to work. Lots of toilets to scrub and floors to vacuum. As I said, all good things must come to an end... including this post :) Have a great weekend.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Clarification
O.K. It seems I need to clear up a couple of things...
First of all, the times at the end of my posts are incorrect. I don't know why - I'm not computer savy enough to fix. But, I don't go to bed at 7:00, Mike Bratton. Any pointers on how to fix that would be welcomed:)
Secondly, I think that a few of you thought I was a little bit hard on my wife about the swimming pool thing. Sorry it came across that way. She is the most amazing woman in the world and I would never do anything to embarass her. You have to admit, though, it would be funny to watch Angie try to shove that big ol' blue pool in the back of her car!
American Idol... Can you believe Phil got voted of this week? This week!! of all weeks. He sang "Blaze of Glory" better than Jon Bon Jovi. Melinda is staying strong though. It will be the disappointment of the year if she doesn't win.
Better get to work...
First of all, the times at the end of my posts are incorrect. I don't know why - I'm not computer savy enough to fix. But, I don't go to bed at 7:00, Mike Bratton. Any pointers on how to fix that would be welcomed:)
Secondly, I think that a few of you thought I was a little bit hard on my wife about the swimming pool thing. Sorry it came across that way. She is the most amazing woman in the world and I would never do anything to embarass her. You have to admit, though, it would be funny to watch Angie try to shove that big ol' blue pool in the back of her car!
American Idol... Can you believe Phil got voted of this week? This week!! of all weeks. He sang "Blaze of Glory" better than Jon Bon Jovi. Melinda is staying strong though. It will be the disappointment of the year if she doesn't win.
Better get to work...
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Crisis
Angie called me with a crisis yesterday while I was at lunch. She was at Wal-Mart doing some grocery shopping (a story that starts with "she was at Wal-Mart" can't be good). It was really hot outside and we'd been thinking that we should buy a little swimming pool for Jackson - he loves the water. So Angie went to look at the pools and bought one - a big, blue one with a slide. Awesome, we got a pool. She had also bought a bunch of groceries. She loaded them in the car and started trying to get the pool in there. After a few tries she realized that it just wasn't going to go. The thing is huge, I don't how this problem wasn't seen ahead of time. She folded it and twisted every way she could and it just wouldn't fit (I wished I had a picture of that). I ended up having to go to Wal-Mart to get the pool. We loaded it in my friend Ryan's truck and took it home. Here's Jackson on the slide:
The water was too cold for me, so I stayed out and just took pictures.
Yesterday morning, Jackson got up and wanted to read his Bible. We made a little pallet on the floor and he laid there forever reading his little Bible story book. I realized that one of my top priorities as his dad should be to teach him to love the Word of God. I know can't make him love it, but I can show him how to love it. I can show him why he should love it. Angie and I strive to do that - to be model lovers of the Word. I want to be able to say to him, just like Paul said, "follow me as I follow Christ".
Busy day tomorrow, gotta get to bed...
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Fun Weekend
We had a great weekend. On Saturday we went to "Arlington in April". It's a little festival they have every year in the old part of Arlington. They had booths set up all over the place, a stage, fair-food, and stuff for kids to play on. Jackson jumped in the moon bounce forever. He also rode a pony. When we came home I fell asleep watching golf (as my weekend ritual goes). Later that night we went to our friends Ken and Susan's house for tacos - I love tacos. Man, I'm tired just writing about it all. It was fun though. Here are a couple of pics from the day:
Last night at church there was a children's musical called "Race to Win". It had a NASCAR theme. Before church in the parking lot, the choirs hosted a car show (great idea - way to go Paula Greene!!!). Angie and I took Jackson out to look at the cars. Someone had an old truck out there and parked it by a red sports car. Immediately, Jackson labeled them as Tow Mater and Lightening McQueen (from the movie "Cars" for those of you who don't watch enough animated motion pictures to even know who Stinky Pete is). We stood there forever. He would cry everytime I tried to get him to leave. Finally, he gave up (I think he just got hot) and we went in. He sat through about 12 minutes of the musical and then decided he wanted to go play in his class. The kids did a great job.
Last night at church there was a children's musical called "Race to Win". It had a NASCAR theme. Before church in the parking lot, the choirs hosted a car show (great idea - way to go Paula Greene!!!). Angie and I took Jackson out to look at the cars. Someone had an old truck out there and parked it by a red sports car. Immediately, Jackson labeled them as Tow Mater and Lightening McQueen (from the movie "Cars" for those of you who don't watch enough animated motion pictures to even know who Stinky Pete is). We stood there forever. He would cry everytime I tried to get him to leave. Finally, he gave up (I think he just got hot) and we went in. He sat through about 12 minutes of the musical and then decided he wanted to go play in his class. The kids did a great job.
Our pastor preached about "Running to Win" from Hebrews 12 yesterday. I was reminded once again of the importance of living each day for Jesus. Lord, I'm yours today!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Alarm Clocks
On Thursdays, we have a men's meeting at church at 6:15 a.m. (yes, that's in the morning). I usually don't even get home on Wednesday nights until 9:30 or 10:00. So, Thursday mornings come quickly. Last night I fell asleep in Jack's room and so when I went downstairs to get in bed I was a little disoriented (actually, I don't even remember it). When the alarm clock went off this morning I hit snooze, of course... then it went off again. So I turned over and saw that it said 4:55. I got up, stumbled into the bathroom to start the shower and noticed the clock in there said 1:35. So I went in the kitchen... that clock also said 1:35. In my stuper the night before I had set the clock instead of the alarm... I hate those things. I'm happy to report, however, that I had no trouble going back to sleep and made it on time to the meeting. The Pastor taught a great lesson on praying the Names of God. He's been doing a series of teachings on prayer on Thursdays - very cool stuff.
Jamie and I went to lunch with Fred McWilliams today. Fred is the Minister of Music at Impact Baptist Church in Frayser. That is a church that Bellevue (my church) helps support. I really like him. He's 23 years old and works like 3 jobs and loves every bit of it. He strikes me as being a guy with a truly thankful heart. You da man, Fred.
I should be working so I'll sign off for now. More later....
Jamie and I went to lunch with Fred McWilliams today. Fred is the Minister of Music at Impact Baptist Church in Frayser. That is a church that Bellevue (my church) helps support. I really like him. He's 23 years old and works like 3 jobs and loves every bit of it. He strikes me as being a guy with a truly thankful heart. You da man, Fred.
I should be working so I'll sign off for now. More later....
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Stinky Pete
My son Jackson has a great imagination. He's never just Jackson, he's always Peter Pan or Buzz Lightyear or Sheriff Woody or Mufasa. I'm always Captain Hook or Stinky Pete or a tiger (For those of you who don't have 3 year old boys, tigers are not as good as lions). It's raining today so he can't play outside. He turned 3 last Monday and has lots of new "outside" stuff to play with. He got a sandbox, a big boy bike, a baseball and glove, and golf clubs - but thanks to the rain he'll be giving Angie fits inside all day today.
I'm home for lunch and have to go back to work soon. I probably won't see him again until Thursday evening since I have late Wednesdays and REALLY EARLY THURSDAYS. So, back to Stinky Pete duty.
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