from my perspective...

This Sunday Feb 7th

2010-02-04T08:20:00.001-08:00

Coming up this Sunday...

Jordan House & a combined TEEN choir from Woodmont Hills and Otter Creek youth groups are leading worship....this will be great!

Cool new "call to worship" video from Igniter Media....

New video about the upcoming Financial Peace University class beginning two weeks after the Colts win the Superbowl...

Exciting announcement about summer happenings at Otter Creek (can't give anymore details than that!)

We're singing "God of this City" just after Josh kicks off his new series on Luke/Acts...

You've just GOT TO BE HERE!

All Creatures of our God and King

2010-01-21T11:44:00.000-08:00

Josh & David are speaking this Sunday morning about VISION 2010- past, present, future. Tim Woodroof is our special guest, it should be great!

So to honor our heritage, I chose as one of our songs, the hymn "All Creatures of our God and King".

Found this on www.sermonindex.net & www.gospelpiano.com about this hymn:

All Creatures of Our God and King

Author --Francis of Assisi, 1182-1226
English Translation --William H. Draper, 1855-1933
Music --From the Geistliche Kirchengesäng of 1623
Tune Name --"Lasst Uns Erfreuen"
Scripture Reference --Psalm 145

In 1225, a devoted Italian monk named Francis of Assisi wrote the lyrics for “All Creatures Of Our God and King." The music portion was added much later. Praise of God is the theme surrounding this lovely hymn and it echoes Francis' love for the world God created. All earth's creatures get life from God and all depend on Him for their existence. Saint Francis of Assisi, as he was to be later known, had a deep abiding love of nature and saw God’s hands in everything. The wonderful music and lyrics of “All Creatures Of Our God And King” reflect the grateful heart that penned the words.

Throughout his life, Saint Francis of Assisi demonstrated a humble and forgiving spirit. The beneficiary of inherited wealth, Francis lived the self-indulgent life of a soldier until the age of twenty-five. Then, he renounced his birthright and chose to live a poor, meager lifestyle as his honor to Christ’s selflessness. One psalm comes to mind when referring to Saint Francis of Assisi: Psalms 145:10,11 "All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord; and thy saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power."

Desert Song

2010-01-19T21:12:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

We sang "Desert Song" from Zoe's new Inside Out CD, released last October. Accomplished songwriter Brooke Fraser wrote Desert Song, and as usual, Zoe did a great job at creating an a cappella arrangement as an option for churches in our heritage.

I got one comment that the words were great (which I agree totally) but the arrangement took this person back to the "old fashioned c of c" feel...The person said further that they just felt flat after we sang it.

I'm not crazy about the melody line and feel of the chorus without instruments, but I want the song to stay in our repertoire b/c of its meaning...

Thoughts?

Sunday Jan 10th at OC

2010-01-12T15:09:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to talk J.R. Allen into letting me post his beautiful opening prayer on here. The mic wasn't working for a good bit of it, and he had obviously worked hard to prepare it.

We also missed the first part of Chase Meador's scripture reading. Thank you Chase for carrying on! You and your mother did a great job presenting I John 4.

Enjoyed hearing from Rubio after a long break / busy travel season. Love that guy. He's grown so much since he was 7 years old. (when I first met him)

I love Joe White! Thanks for the thoughtful communion thoughts/scriptures. Most of the time, less is more, and less was certainly more on Sunday.

The church did well on our first time through "We Believe" by Chris Lindsey. Great song.

And wow, does Otter Creek love "From the Inside Out" or what? Didn't sound new or unfamiliar at all!!! Love that song. I can't wait to sing Sheryl Thomas & Randy Gill's song, "Inside Out", similar theme.

Songs for this Sunday, Jan 3

2009-12-31T09:20:00.000-08:00

Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee (enjoy Steve Raney, Pat Ward & Marilyn Switzer!)

Doxology

We Shall Assemble

Stand and Shout

Shout to the Lord

There's A Stirring

Be Thou My Vision (starting our 2010 Vision series this Sunday)

Our God He Is Alive

It Is Well With My Soul

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name

You are invited to Rocketown on Sunday, Dec 13th!

2009-12-02T15:11:00.000-08:00

Why so many hymns?

2009-11-22T11:30:00.001-08:00

Wow, we sang a lot of really old hymns today at Otter Creek. I just never can resist some of these classics on the Sunday before Thanksgiving:

Now Thank We All Our God

We Gather Together

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

Count Your Blessings

We also sang "Be Thou My Vision" as it fit perfectly with Josh's message.

Why so many?

Well, I'm developing an entire litany of reasons but try this one on: Many of the people I love, respect & admire...many of the people whose marriages I want mine to mirror, many of the Christians whose example I want Faith & Eli to see...these people are all steeped in the classic hymns! And in our tradition, many of those hymns can be found in "Great Songs of the Church", the hymnal Otter Creek used for many years when Buddy Arnold was the lead worshipper.

All of the hymns mentioned above are in that hymnal.

Do I want to go back & relive the glory days? Do I want to take us back 4 decades and stay there? No no no. But I long for us to find ourselves in the greater story (the meta-narrative is the new buzzword for this, right Josh?) of the Otter Creek family and of the body of Christ universal.

I love the new songs, and we'll continue to keep learning them and singing them. But I will not leave these classic, faith-shaping legends behind.

Tomorrow I'll tell you more about "Nun Danket" (the german name for the tune & hymn, "Now Thank We All Our God"). It has it's roots in the bloody Thirty Years War in Germany that raged from 1618 to 1648.

Recapping Oct 1 to 4th 2009

2009-10-05T20:08:00.000-07:00

What a weekend!

Last Thursday, Zoe Conference after work, then Sanctuary praise event after that!

Last Friday, Zoe Conference all day, then sabbath service at the Jewish Temple...very cool and uber meaningful.

Last Saturday, Zoe Conference in the morning, then after lunch we did a balloon release for one of Jaime's friends' baby that died in utero at 34 weeks, back to Zoe Conference that afternoon, then the Shriners' Circus downtown to cap off the day.

(Faith asked us later, while we were viewing pictures of the release, if Chase (the baby boy who died) is still with God...how precious. We answered assuredly while fighting back tears. We had written notes to Chase and tied them to the balloons. Jaime has some good pics on her FB page.)

Sunday was a great time of worship with the Otter Creek family. I am especially grateful that I have no emails regarding our "choir" that was on stage. I sincerely appreciate the openness of OC.

Then Sunday evening was a benefit concert at OC by Jah-Way (Reco's band) to benefit a victim of domestic violence. The entire event was in the stream of our Carolyn Maddux Peace & Justice Ministry...people coming together to help a sister get back on her feet when she found herself with nothing after leaving an abusive relationship. A great time to jam with brothers and sisters in "undignified" praise. My fav was the opener, "You Are Good".

Today I just tried to recover from all of this! I did manage to vacuum most of the house, mow half the yard (after Jaime got home I didn't have much time), and get groceries, and take recycling to the drop off. And hang with the kids all day. Ok, there wasn't much rest, but I'm hoping for lots of it tonight.

Peace everyone!

Thanks Paulette!

2009-09-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

Paulette, you encouraged me (through our buddy Steve) to get back on the blog train, at least for tonight. :)

Quick updates....

Kids & I enjoyed a fun but quick trip to Memphis last weekend (down on Fri night, back on Sat night). Jaime stayed here to work at her new school, Currey Ingram. She's such a dedicated SLP!

Saturday morning, "Granlyn" (my Dad's wife) treated us to yummy Texola pancakes (my grandmother's recipe, who was born in Texola, OK), then a trip to the Memphis Zoo. I'm a big fan of the Nashville Zoo, but the Memphis Zoo makes our zoo look like a backyard full of a few chickens and an old farm dog. The Memphis Zoo rocks! I tell you, my hometown has several things going for it, and I will always defend Memphis to all middle and east TN snobs. Ok, I will say that the elephant and giraffe habitats are MUCH better here in Nashville, the zoo designers simply allowed more space for these beautiful gracious animals. But in Memphis, zoo goers can see both of these up close, and there are more of them to see. Ok, enough about the zoo, but please go if you get the chance. I wish we could have stayed all day. We were there like 5 hours. (Plus we had a DELICIOUS lunch at Backyard Burger inside the zoo!)

My sweet Mom is doing much better & going HOME tomorrow, to her very own home in Frisco, TX. She is so excited; please say a prayer that her transition will go well and she'll feel no more vertigo and have vision trouble. The rehab facility gave her the green light, but it's still scary to fly on your own again. I am so proud of her, and thankful for her fighting spirit. I've learned what stroke really means to a person, and how it robs you of dignity and normal functionality...I always knew those things happened, but when it happens to someone you love, it all becomes crystal clear.

Got some great new shoes for little Eli yesterday at Lonnie Young's in Green Hills. Can we afford to shop there? Heck no. But for Eli's wide foot we needed some expert help. The Shoe Carnival guy was just not getting it that his foot was a W and not an M. The guy (Ron Johnson) at Lonnie Young's was SO GREAT to Eli and Faith both, and spoke to them like they were real people. Imagine that. We won't always spend $43 on shoes that he'll wear for 4 months maybe, but at least now we know more about his foot size/shape. Thanks Lonnie Young's! (and thanks to my high school friend Cristi T. for the referral.)

Ok, one more thing...we sang "Glorify Thy Name" last Sunday at Otter Creek...it was one of the first p & w songs that I ever heard/learned. I'll always love it, but people, it fell FLAT. It was like a giant sucking sound taking all of the energy and pizazz out of the sanctuary. I think we as a worshipping congregation are just done with that one, and that's fine. Plus, it didn't really flow out of Josh's really great message very well. I was going for the whole "let's glorify God like Mary strove to do through her Magnificat" angle. Nice try, but let's put this song on the shelf for a while. It may have it's day again, but not soon.

That's all for now...

We are just trying to keep up with our schedules now, it seems. I have the kids all day on Mondays, so Jaime can work. Then the kids are at OC preschool (one word: awesome) on Tuesdays/Thursdays. We are blessed more than we could have ever asked or imagined.

Jerry Rushford at Otter Creek this Sunday

2009-06-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

Looking Ahead to Sunday, June 28^th

Church, we are in for a God-sized blessing this Sunday morning. Jerry Rushford, Director of Church Relations and Professor of Religion at Pepperdine University, is our guest speaker both in our adult worship gathering but also for the auditorium Bible class at 8:45 am. (Other adult classes are meeting as scheduled in other parts of the building as well.)

Jerry is a long-time family friend and I’m confident we will experience God and God’s Word in a memorable way as Jerry speaks to us. If not, maybe he can teach us something about surfing. ;)

Regarding our summer adult Bible classes, are there not some great opportunities out there? We’ve had incredible response, and I hope you will take advantage of these special summer offerings at 8:45 am each Sunday.

This Sunday, Jerry will be speaking in the “Nooma Class” which meets in the auditorium. Both of the regular Nooma teachers (“nooma” refers to a video series by Rob Bell which is serving as the class’ curriculum, see www.nooma.com for more info) will be out of pocket this week at Otter Creek Camp!

Jerry’s topic for this June 28^th 8:45 am class in the auditorium is:

"I Heard the Song and Strove to Join"

(Rediscovering the Power of Forgotten Hymns)

You probably know by now that I’m passionate about retaining the classic hymns in our repertoire, not only for their beauty and ability to teach/shape us, but also for the stories behind the hymns which Jerry always shares so profoundly.

If you decide to attend another Bible class this week, you will be able to download the audio recording from Jerry’s class at www.ottercreek.org at some point next week.

See you soon/Sunday!

Murray Sanderson

Yesterday at Otter Creek

2009-06-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

Hey church,

Sorry about the extended Meet & Greet yesterday! It dragged (drug?) on for 5 minutes...partly because of my poor management of it, but partly because of a last minute OC member need...

And if you want to hear more of Dennis Jernigan's life testimony (God's work in his life to help him defeat homosexual lifestyle), go to www.dennisjernigan.com

If I haven't said it lately, I love this church, and am so thankful to be here!

Very helpful quote

2009-06-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

We talk a lot about worship being 24/7...I found this quote very helpful.

“The best public worship is that which produces the best private Christianity.” Bishop J.C. Ryle

AWESOME!

2009-05-03T11:57:00.001-07:00

This morning the Otter Creek Elders gave the answer to the long-awaited question, "Who will be our next lead minister?"

Answer: TWO PEOPLE! It's a team approach. I'm so pumped.

Lead Preaching & Teaching Minister will be Josh Graves (starts September 1, 2009)

Preaching & Pastoral Care Minister will be David Rubio (transitioning out of our Youth Ministry over the next 15 months to begin full-time work as part of the preaching team in Fall 2010.)

God is so good! I'm so excited and humbled to get to work with these two godly men. I've known David since he was 7 yrs old, and God has had his hand on David for significant ministry all of his life. I met Josh almost 5 years ago and have been impressed with him over the years.

A team model, I'm so proud of our elders for breaking the mold and launching out in a new direction! New times call for a new model.

Go to www.ottercreek.org for an incredible video created by David Woodard that recaps the new plan...

This Coming Sunday

2009-05-01T06:31:00.000-07:00

So excited about our new Dialogue Series...John York continues it this Sunday with a message from John 3 about Nicodemus. The recording software crashed last Sunday morning, so we missed Rubio's sermon series kickoff, plus Charity's debut! I'll never forget it though. The little 4 year old taught our whole church a new worship song "We love you, Lord"...incredible.

Songs we're singing this Sunday:

Let God Arise (another great Tomlin song...it's on Zoe's Fearless CD)
I Love to Tell the Story (don't mess with me, it's Fanny J...)
Ancient Words
Blessed Be Your Name (thank you, Matt Redman, for giving us language & notes to express pain and trust and praise simultaneously)
How Deep the Father's Love
I Will Change Your Name (on this note, check out Jonathan Nelson's new song, My Name is Victory)
Before the Throne of God

Happy Friday everyone!

Worship in the Round

2009-04-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

On Easter Sunday at Otter Creek, we had the praise team on stage, as well as 15 other singers to fill out a new song we introduced. It was sort of like...and I do mean sort of...but it was almost "seating in the round" and I really really liked it.

Otter Creekers, what are your thoughts/suggestions?

We could actually fit about 75 people up there comfortably...

Stories of Faith & Eli

2009-03-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

On a recent road trip to IN Faith was displaying frequent defiant and disrespectful talk and I had had enough. I firmly told her that she was not to talk to me that way and that if she did it again I would pull the van over. She replied, "O--KAAAAY (in a very sarcastic tone), she waited a second and said, "NOW PULL THE VAN OVER!!"

Clearly, I need to work on clarifying what happens if I have to pull the van over.

I wanted to reply back, but I looked at Jaime and we both busted out laughing! We were in shock!!!

And Eli has actually started praying now...I can't believe it...I saw it first last night at the dinner table. He bowed his little head and folded his hands and was moving his lips...then abruptly said "men!" raising one hand in triumph. It was the most adorable thing ever.

Then at bedtime, he wanted to pray again... It went like this....."God. (little pause) Men. (Amen)". I think that simple prayer brought a big smile to God's face. It sure did ours!!! Isn't that all we need to do most of the time? "God, I'm here, that's it, Amen."

I'll post about my date with Faith to the cupcake cafe later this week...

Gratitude List

2009-03-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

1. the advent of spring.
2. spring.
3. warmer weather (get the picture)
4. my lovely wife who puts up with me being uber-defensive on most days
5. my precious kids who are determined to keep me young
6. we SOLD OUR HOUSE IN INDIANA! Thank you, God!
7. Got to meet Amy Grant (again, but I don't think she remembered me from the last time...why?)
8. Tokens totally rocked. Thanks Lee!
9. being a part of a funeral today, it's a great perspective-putter
10. Starbucks iced tea (black & green, mixed, sweetened)
11. being at Otter Creek, all the thoughtful people and sweet notes of encouragement
12. Tatiana did not make the final 13 for this season
13. Being able to be an intermittent blogger

It's Friday, but Sunday's Comin'!

2009-02-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

Hey Church!

Hope you are having a great start to your weekend.

Keep the 7th & 8th graders (and sponsors) in your prayers as they are leaving momentarily for Gatlinburg to enjoy Winterfest this weekend.

The Ministry Moment for this Sunday morning, February 22nd, is REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY. This is a time for us to remember and celebrate the lives of our Otter Creek family members who have gone on to be with the Lord in the recent years. Our dear brother Bob Enkema will preside over this brief time of remembrance during our service Sunday morning.

Our guest speaker this Sunday is Charles Coulston, long-time missionary and director of Made in the Streets, for more info www.madeinthestreets.blogspot.com Though Charles will be glad to talk with you about this ministry, he will focus mainly on God’s missional call on our lives in our own setting.

To emphasize the themes of lifting up the poor, and God’s care and concern for all nations, I’ve selected two new songs.

In addition to some familiar hymns, we’ll be singing “God of this City”, an incredible new worship anthem by Chris Tomlin and friends. The Zoe Group gave us a great arrangement of this song on their 2008 release, Fearless. We’ll also be singing “Let Us Be You”, written by two Otter Creekers: Michael Lusk and Clarissa Cox. This song appears on the Zoe Group’s CD, “In Christ Alone”.

Anticipating a powerful move of God this Sunday,
Murray

The gospel at a football game

2009-02-06T08:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my friend Pat B., I found out about this video...INCREDIBLE!

Words can’t do this story justice – watch and enjoy –

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=b6c7b995da9705f7695b

Our little bowlers

2009-02-02T10:31:00.000-08:00

I kid you not, (get it, kid...heh heh), Faith's FIRST EVER time to go bowling in her life...on her first roll (using the coolest ramp that wasn't around when I was little) she bowled a STRIKE! Her final score was 107, excellent for a 3 yr old.

Eli did very well also; however, he prefers more activity than bowling with 4 people can currently offer. Like, running up & down the lanes, which gave Daddy quite a "don't bash my son in the head with your 14 lb ball" fright.

We had a great time, and I think we'll make it an annual January tradition. Without my birthday, and the start of a new year, and MLK's bday, and my nephew's b'day, an occasional inauguration, and the OC Chili Cookoff...January can be quite boring!

Hymns I want Faith & Eli to know...

2009-01-30T11:43:00.000-08:00

In addition to the countless fresh contemporary songs of praise that are sure to lodge themselves into the hearts of my children,

Here's a start to my list of proven hymns I want my children to know, and thus be shaped into the image of Jesus Christ by...

1. Amazing Grace
2. How Great Thou Art
3. Be With Me, Lord
4. All Creatures of our God and King
5. All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name
6. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
7. Be Still, My Soul
8. O Sacred Head
9. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
10. Softly & Tenderly
11. Great is Thy Faithfulness
12. I Come to the Garden Alone
13. How Great Thou Art
14. Nearer, Still Nearer
15. My Jesus, I Love Thee
16. Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

What ones would you add?

Remembering W's Inauguration and the Inaugural Ball we went to...

2009-01-19T14:29:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my sweet mother, Jaime & I had tickets to W's 2nd Inauguration and to an Inaugural Ball that evening. A friend upgraded our seats at the Inauguration, so we got to sit on literally the 14th row from where he was being sworn in. This pic of W is his short speech before he brought Laura out to dance for only about 90 seconds total. Word was that he really didn't enjoy the dancing...

We stayed with Travis & Kelly Speck that night in NW D.C. It was so fun!

Oh, to be in D.C. tomorrow...very exciting.

Stream Franklin 2009

2009-01-16T14:05:00.000-08:00

Join me for a great weekend of praise with Ken Young & Hallal...
RICK ATCHLEY is the guest speaker.

www.streamworship.org for more info...

it's next weekend, Friday & Saturday, Jan 23 & 24th...
and it's going to be awesome!

Song for last Sunday!

2009-01-13T11:35:00.000-08:00

Hey Otter Creek family,
Wasn't that a great sermon last Sunday from John York? In hindsight, this beautiful song by Michael Card would have been perfect for it! To me, the song sheds light and hope on our wilderness wanderings. Hope it's encouraging for you.
(And I've emailed John to see if it would dovetail into his message for this week.)

Chorus:
In the wilderness
in the wilderness
He calls His sons and daughters to the wilderness
But He gives grace sufficient to survive any test
And that's the painful purpose of the wilderness

Verse 1
In the wilderness we wander
In the wilderness we weep
In the wasteland of our wanting
Where the darkness seems so deep
We search for the beginning
For an exodus to home
And find that those who follow Him must often walk alone

Verse 2
In the wilderness we're wondering
For a way to understand
In the wilderness there's not a way
For the Way's become a man
And the man's become an exodus
The way to holy ground
But wandering in the wilderness
Is the best way to be found

(BRIDGE)
Groaning and growing
Amidst the desert days
The windy winter wilderness
Can blow the self away

(ENDING)
And that's the painful promise of the wilderness

Moving Forward

2009-01-05T13:09:00.001-08:00

I have been at Otter Creek for almost 3 months now. This church already feels like home to us, and I am grateful to God for His abundant provision...truly more than Jaime or I could have ever asked or imagined.

Here's one observation I've had since arriving here mid October....

There have been three instances in the corporate worship assembly where a member has come forward during the song after the sermon to ask the church for prayers.

I just want to say PRAISE GOD for the way this church responds in those instances. Jaime & I were talking about this...and this is the way it ought to be... At Otter Creek, when someone comes forward, you don't really know exactly who is coming forward because of the MOB of people around the responder, hugging and holding and supporting them. It's so incredible! I love the way our church family does that.

And better yet...people STAY with the person who responds. It's not just a hug and a "well wish". They sit with them the remainder of the service and usually it means they get to share communion together.

THEN, after church, just prepare to stand in line for a while if you want to hug the responder, because they again will be mobbed by this church family.

I've been in churches where eventually people will come down after someone responds, which is great, much better than it was years ago in most churches of Christ.

But at Otter Creek, it's like INSTANT...it's like a movement of the Holy Spirit of God activating the forces of love and encouragement...saying..."They stepped out, they're making a move, GET TO THEM AND SURROUND THEM...be my hands and feet..." It just occurred to me that it's the whole Prodigal Son idea. And while he was still a long way off, his father RAN TO HIM and HUGGED HIM etc. (Thank you Fred E. for bringing that up yesterday in your prayer.)

Awesome. Healing and growth and encouragement flows freely here.

Resolutions

2009-01-02T13:01:00.000-08:00

In recent years, I haven't been too big on new year's resolutions. I remember making some growing up, and not really looking at them much past January 15th or so.

Don't get me wrong, I definitely have a consistent desire to be a better person, husband and father...I just haven't put it down on paper. I definitely want to read my Bible more, and pray more, but those seem so hard to define since I don't want to be legalistic about it...

Anyway, for 2009, I have some concrete measurable resolutions. Some of them are as follows:

Read through the Bible, but this time I'm using the NLT. Want to join me? Go to http://www.oneyearbibleblog.com/ and sign up. It's free and though trite, it's true...reading God's Word every day will change your life. I've always striven to have a "quiet time" but I'm tired of trying to come up with some fresh approach every day. It's been years since I did this the last time.

Get in shape! This is my year! Jaime & I have sort of set a goal statement for this year: no new children and no moves! ;) We'd love to have another child in a few years, preferably adoption, but for now, we're viewing 2009 as a year for stabilization. (and asking the Lord to stabilize it for us!) And after serving at Preston Road C of C for 13 years, my tenure at the last 2 congregations I've worked with is an average of 30 months. Not ideal.

To help us regain our senses around eating/exercising, Jaime is forming a Biggest Loser Club in the spirit of the TV show. Go to http://www.journalforjaime.blogspot.com/ for more info.

I am tempted to make a goal about our finances. I love all of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace stuff...but with two mortgages right now, I'm going to leave it as "improve my stewardship of the abundant resources God has given us." We just can't abide by all of his principles right at the moment. Anyone know anyone moving to Indy? Got a great house on almost an acre!

Got a resolution you want to share?

Point of Grace Winter Wonderland Concert

2008-12-19T14:15:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,
I'm too zonked to write my own post...but if you want to read about the Point of Grace Winter Wonderland Concert here at Otter Creek last night, go to Brandon Scott Thomas' blog...he says some nice things about me, but mainly it's a review of the concert. So I'm not trying to pat myself on the back...:)
www.brandonscottthomas.blogspot.com
Thank you Brandon! It was so good to see you & worship with you!

Jaime's new blog address

2008-12-16T12:49:00.001-08:00

A reminder that Jaime's blog is now at http://www.journalforjaime.blogspot.com/

The video she posted will definitely brighten your day. Full refund if not. ;)

Honoring God's Name

2008-12-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

Jaime & I are trying to prevent Faith (and Eli eventually) from saying "oh my gosh" or any casual or dishonorable variation of God's name...such as g, geez, gee wiz, gosh, gah, golly...

You may think I've gone over the zealous edge or something, and I know many Christians who drop these words casually. But I also know many other of our friends are trying to do the same thing, to keep the name of our holy and awesome God high and lifted up...

But it's not easy, just today, Faith & Eli were taking in an early morning cartoon in between our book reading time and our game time...so we flipped over to Mickey Mouse on PBS Sprout (Comcast On Demand). Before we got 3 minutes into the cartoon, Mickey said "oh my gosh" so I paused it for a moment and asked Faith is she noticed anything. She did not. I told her what Mickey said. (I wish you could have seen the look on her face. Like, "and your point is?")

A few minutes later, Pluto or Goofy, not sure which one or even if it matters, busts out with the same phrase, "oh my gosh". This time, Faith caught it, and announced proudly to me that Pluto had just said the forbidden phrase.

I affirmed her for noticing, and reemphasized the importance of God's name.

Do I ever slip up and say "oh my gosh"? Sure. But I fight it, and I sure don't want Faith & Eli to imitate me in that vocabulary.

My point: take a listen as you go about your day. God's name is being taken in vain right and left. Let's take a call to action and see if there are ways you can treat God's name with greater honor, greater respect and reverence. (and encourage others to do the same)

Call on His name, to be sure, all throughout the day. But always in a way that honors Him and shows Him that you love Him, and fear Him.

One week countdown to Point of Grace's Concert at Otter Creek

2008-12-11T14:34:00.001-08:00

Point of Grace Concert on Thursday, Dec 18th

We still have plenty of tickets left for Point of Grace’s Winter Wonderland concert here next Thursday at 7 pm. You may earn a free ticket by serving as an usher, or a roadie (helping unload/load). I also need 2 or 3 servers for the catered dinner onsite that evening for the artists and the crew. See Murray for details or email murray@ottercreek.org .

Loaders are needed from 9:45 am to 1 pm, and then after the concert is over. Free ticket (probably 2) per loader.
Servers for the catered dinner are needed from 5 pm to 6:50 pm.
Ushers are needed from 5:45 pm to 7:15 pm.

Thanks!

Murray

The Nativity According to Faith

2008-12-09T14:57:00.001-08:00

So we're teaching Faith how to tell the story of Jesus' birth with our Nativity set...we're not the first family to do this...but it's fun when it's our first year for it to really start happening...

So we ask Faith to tell us the story.

She begins by standing on the large stuffed chair near the Nativity set, and takes the reclining donkey in hand..."Well, the donkey's name was Libby...can you say 'LI - bby'?" It's hilarious! It takes awhile in this teacher/student format. Last night we (the class) were asked to repeat several things, one of which was donkey.

And then when the angel speaks...the angel (in Faith's version) always sounds really mad, and she says to the people, "CALM DOWN! Be still, be calm!" (We've been teaching her the story of Jesus calming the wind & the waves...) Actually, I think it's very appropriate and accurate. It's her way of saying, "Don't be afraid."

I just love it. Again, you'd really have to be here in our den to get the full effect.

I love experiencing Christmas in the eyes of a child. (at the risk of sounding extremely cliche)

Quote from Faith this morning over breakfast

2008-12-05T14:39:00.000-08:00

My daughter says some cute things, no doubt, but this has to be one of the most precious.
I was explaining to her that I was going to work but I would be home later and get to play with her then. (and Eli, her brother)

So Faith says, "When you get done with work, I want to see you."

It means more if you read it in a little 2 year old girl voice.

Upcoming blog topics

2008-12-04T14:44:00.000-08:00

Here are some topics I'm considering...

"How to score off the top of the charts on those standardized stress tests" (we've moved 3 times in 4.5 years of marriage, we have 2 children, and 2 mortgages. Don't even start with me on the 3 jobs.)

"How to sing hymns proudly with no apologies" (I know I'm only 40, but I am 40, and I've given myself permission to sing 'Praise to the Lord, the Almighty' regularly.)

"Why if people don't make their car payments, their cars get repo'd, but our gov't is preparing to bail out the people who made those cars" (self explanatory)

"If I don't have more time in the day, how will Facebook, MySpace and blogouniverse help me stay connected to all of my wonderful friends?" (I love these things, but the fact that they exist didn't add time to my already maxed out day)

"Why doesn't our next President just present a birth certificate" (have you heard about this? The Supreme Court is talking about it)

"Why don't i get up every day and work out at 6 am like today?" (i love the extra energy all day!)

That's all for now...

Gratitude List

2008-11-30T12:03:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for...

...Jesus Christ, and my identity in Him.

...The love of my precious wife, Jaime, and the joy of co-raising our two adorable children.

...Our new house that keeps us warm, and Jaime's ability to make a house a home.

...Our new church family, that could NOT possibly be more loving, supporting or encouraging.

...A great thanksgiving weekend in Memphis with extended family: way too much to eat, our annual football game outside, and a new annual tradition: a late Friday night basketball game in White Station C of C's brand new gym.

...the life and witness of Prentice Meador, and the rock-hard faith of his family who were all at Otter Creek this morning...demonstrating their faith in a sovereign God whose will is perfect.

...Starbucks' Christmas blend (but I still believe Dunkin Donuts coffee is better any day of the week.)

...cool temps and the promise of snowfall!

...MUSIC to help celebrate Christmas: Selah's version of "O Holy Night", Amy's myriad of Christmas releases, Sara Groves' new Christmas album, and Go Fish's song "It's About the Cross".

God, You are so good. May Your Name be forever praised.

The Gates of Splendor

2008-11-25T08:16:00.000-08:00

A legend of the faith, Prentice Meador, passed through the gates of splendor early today into the arms of Jesus after 70 years of faithful service on earth. I can only imagine the party going on in Heaven.

But for us who remain, we will sift through shock, grief, disappointment (to put it mildly) and anger in the days to come. We will celebrate in due time, no doubt. What a life well lived.

Join me in praying for Barbara and for Prentice's large extended family.

www.prayforprentice.com for funeral arrangements and a chronicle of the last few days.

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

(And as a movement, I think we need about 10 men and/or women to rise up and take up the mission of preaching and teaching...Prentice leaves some huge shoes to fill!)

To our North Central Church family in Indianapolis

2008-11-21T06:46:00.000-08:00

This is both a THANK YOU note to all of those who helped us move from Indy to Nashville…and a WHAT I MISS about North Central.

Thank you…

Mark Winter, you headed up the effort. Thank you for using your clout to recruit great workers. You then worked like a champ yourself; if you hadn't brought your tools, I think we would still be there.

Jerry Barnes, Doctor, you made a master plan for the move that gave some order to the chaos. Thankfully, because of your skillful planning, we got everything on the truck. I apologize again for being late. Thank you for insisting that we pack all of the boxes first! You were right!

Sherry Winter, Sherry Sigo: My dear sisters in Christ. You attacked the kitchen and didn't let any unpacked shelf or cabinet slow you down. You helped me get the pantry packed up, so we don't have to start from scratch down here. Thanks also for the M & M's toward the end when we were waning. Those helped me power through until midnight getting all of the little stuff done around the house. Thank you for your "moving graces"; meaning, and I've said this before myself…there's NOTHING worse than agreeing to help move someone, and then you get there, and they are not ready! What a pain. You ladies powered through and helped us pack up all of the stuff we left out in order to show our house better and all of the cabinets we just didn't get done before we left last month. Thank you.

Lisa Henderson, Jen Cirrincione, Kelly Dean, Beth Carter: You came over one evening in September and packed up 98% of our kitchen and all of our china. (We left a few pieces out to help it show better.) NOT A SINGLE PIECE got broken. Thank you so much for your diligence and friendship. (and Kelly was 8 months pregnant! )

Charles Jeffers, Jim Sigo, John Brehm, Jordan Brehm & Jeremy Brehm: You guys used your "hoss-ness" to wrestle that piano onto the truck without a scratch. You also moved the beds and everything else, and I appreciate your good smiling attitudes during the evening. You never once slowed down or saw a box or piece of furniture that worried you. You just powered through.

Ed Johnson: you came to the rescue just as some of us were losing our strength and jumped in on the heavy stuff. Thank you! You stayed until the bitter end, and you made me laugh at my own hair, which is always a good thing.

Wayne & Lauren Harless, you guys were incredible! Lauren, your sweet personality and helpful spirit were such a blessing. Thank you for helping me clean up the mess in the laundry room where the washer had been. And thanks also for your help in cleaning out our fridge. Wayne, your calm demeanor and willing heart were such a blessing, and I appreciate the many many trips you made from the house to the van with heavy boxes of books. (Wayne, I still remember one of your very thoughtful communion comments & prayers. You do such a great job at that.)

Kim, Anthony & Andrew Faulds – thanks for coordinating the pizza dinner! It was nice to have you there for support and encouragement, and for the many boxes and items you made sure got on the truck. We can't wait for your visit down here, and hope its very soon.

Deanna Flowers – thanks for helping provide the pizza, and for being there for moral support! I am blessed to have you as a mother-in-law. Your support and encouragement means the world to us. We also look forward to your first visit to Nashville.

Now, what I miss about North Central:

To avoid making this the world's longest blog post, I'm going to be as brief as possible.
1. The people. The church family there is so tightly woven, yet you have a heart for people outside the circle, so well demonstrated by your We Care We Share mantra. Now that's worship.
2. The worship team, you guys are so gifted and encouraging and inspiring. Ken Evens, you stand out as "the tenor who sang every Sunday" and I've told Otter Creekers about your commitment, holding you up as an example.
3. The men's covenant group.
4. Sherry Sigo, there will never be a better scheduler / singer / sound woman. You were a dear friend as well. I'm doing my own scheduling now, and I'm feeling your pain.
5. My Sunday morning rides in with David (our friendship as a whole, but especially those talks.) I expect you & Lynette to stop & see us on one of your many trips south to the bayou.
6. David's calm and thorough approach with the Word. In your sermons, you always made the Bible accessible to all, but challenging for those of us who needed it.
7. Ben – you are an incredibly gifted leader. Worship leadership is just one of those. I learned a lot from you. What a joy to know you are leading now, and helping the church worship God in spirit and in truth with excellence. I miss our friendship.
8. The elders – it was SUCH a blessing to work with a group of men who were so like minded, and who loved each other so much, and who loved the church so much. Our prayer times during elders' meetings are a cherished memory.
9. The staff – oh my word, Dawn, if you get any more efficient, you're going to work everyone else out of a job. :) You are amazing! You are a prayer warrior and I thank you for including me in some of those. Lisa, I appreciated your great work but also your wit, and heart for people. More than once you made me think about our ministry approach overall because of your perspective. Sara, you are very wise, and very good at what you do. Thank you for lending your precise gifts to the church for such a time as this. Jason, you are always smiling and are doing such an awesome job with the teens. You can thank me later for leaving, since now you have my old macbook pro. ;) Kathy, your heart for the children is amazing, keep up the great work! (Debbie, I know you are not officially on staff, but your work with We Care We Share is truly inspiring, and that ministry defines NC for the community.)
10. Sonshine Preschool – Miss Sharon and Miss Marcy and Miss Tiffany and Miss Sarah! Faith misses all of you, as we all do. Miss Marcy, you especially won Faith's heart early last year.

I'll stop there, and I'm sure I've inadvertently left someone off, so please forgive me.

We're all moved in, and the kids are doing well. Please come see us sometime!

Looking for Jaime's blog?

2008-11-18T15:00:00.001-08:00

www.journalforjaime.blogspot.com

We decided that I would retake this blog as my online journal about worship / life / etc. and Jaime would move her much much better blog to her new site: www.journalforjaime.blogspot.com

We apologize for the inconvenience!

Check back later for a post to the North Central Church of Christ family!