After a PCD concert up the far north, Kansas City, I was watching SportsCenter on ESPN. They showed the surging Texas Rangers highlights. After a guy got a base hit they showed him doing a crab-like thing with his hands. Announcers said, "this is called the Claw."
Well, I said to myself. I've got to write a song about that! So I did along with hip hop artist Canton Jones.
Sent it to Josh Hamilton (soon to be MVP!) and he sent it to the Rangers announcer. They've been playing the hide off that song at every Ranger home game 10-15 times a game.
So I thought, ok, now how can I parlay that into something that has a noble cause. Right away, FT. HOOD FAMILIES and CHILDREN. We feed 1500 troop families every year and give gifts to every child. What if this quirky little tune could underwrite this celebration!
Pass this along to your friends and family and co-workers. Put this on your facebook. Let's celebrate our surging TEXAS RANGERS and let's support our troops.
Well, Sunday is going to be something else. A man named Robert Rogers will be my guest and he will tell his story of the greatest pain a person can have.
In a freak storm that swept his van off the highway at midnight- he was thrown from the van...and watched in horror as his family was carried downstream trapped.
4 children and a precious wife. one special needs child and a precious child they adopted from China. All gone.
He said the agony of the funeral with 5 caskets was overwhelming. And worse still was going back into the house with toys, clothing, pictures on the ice box.
Yet God gave him a peace. Through worship, the word and great counselors - he has journeyed through the sadness.
Did he blame God? Did he feel guilt about being the only one saved? How has he kept his focus?
They called today to tell me "Great are you Lord" went #1 on INSPO charts. The Lord is good and so is radio across this country and our wonderful friends who have supported us for 20 years.
Hard to believe that 3 preacher's kids- who were friends- got together to do an album to hopefully sell enough to cover the cost. That was 20 years ago.
Whew.
20 years. 20 #1's. And all because we've been blessed to have great producers, wonderful songs, favor with radio and the best friends and fans in the world.
I’ve bought myself many a reprieve by invoking the Monday
morning rule. The Monday morning rule allows you a few days of cheating on your
diet after you’ve blown the latest dieting attempt, because everyone knows you
never start a diet in the middle of the week. You have to wait and start over
on Monday morning! And since you’re going to start a new diet then you might as
well placate yourself with some french fried bananas until Monday morning. Been
there? Alarms and sirens! Hello?! This may be your last chance. It’s time to
quit monkeying around with your dream!
I should probably apologize to all skinny people for the use
of the word “diet” above. As any skinny person will tell you, “It’s not a diet.
It’s a lifestyle change.” Well, what I’m currently doing feels like a diet. I
know it’s a diet, because diet has the word die embedded right in it. I’m
thinking this diet and exorcise (not a typ-o) might be what dying feels like!
But, since it’s been a very long time since I’ve owned a pair of pants with a
waist to length ratio I’d be willing to display for all the world to see, like
on a Levi’s tag, I’ve decided skinny folks may be on to something with this
lifestyle change and I’m all in.
My lifestyle change started one morning two months ago while
I was praying. As usual, Satan’s Monday morning rule tried to affix itself to
the fat old monkey on my back, but because I asked, Jesus bound him for me. You
see, I’ve grown tired of my furry backpack. He’s heavy and I am through
carrying him around. He’s “had a great ride” as I’ve heard successful dieters
say, because he’s succeeded at taking me out of the spotlight and making me
blend in at the back of group photos. He’s made me watch my kids ski and
snowboard from the deck of the ski lodge instead of getting out in the snow and
building memories with them. My monkey wants me to stay in my career’s comfort
zone instead of advancing using the gifts God gave me before I was even
born.Precious gifts never utilized.
This Silverback avoids eye contact with anyone he feels is judging me by my
size instead of seeing a possible friend. Precious friends are more precious
than jewels. My clinging simian doesn’t like me to dance with my beautiful
deserving wife at wedding receptions anymore. He sweats too much and sideways
glances make him uncomfortable. He’d rather find a table in the back of the
room and plant himself there while all the beautiful people celebrate the new
bride and groom. Precious memories ruined by a monkey. Is this all I am? Some
fat guy providing transportation for Satan’s shame, blame, guilt and addiction
all dressed up in a gorilla suit and clinging to the back of one of God’s
children?No,I’m better than this!
I have a new Monday morning rule. It’s different than my old
one. If I can look at myself in the shaving mirror on Monday morning and know
that I was true to my new lifestyle change for the past week, then it’s been a
successful week and I sign myself up for another week of lifestyle change.No, it’s not easy. Nothing worth fighting for
ever is. I’m done monkeying around. Are you?
Pray these spirits to come on your children. Pray like this:
"Father in the name of Jesus, I pray for the spirit of..."
*Love: to come upon my child. That they would live a life of love. Loving themselves and others. I bind selfishness and destructive thoughts. (Gal. 5:25)
*Self Control: Help my children to have restraint for their thoughts, their feelngs and their behavior. Let them be alert and attentive to everything around them. Let them have a strong 'yes' and a strong 'no.' (1 Ths. 5:6)
*Love for God's Word: My children will grow to find your Word more precious than pure gold and sweeter than honey. Let them memorize and retain scripture that will lead them into their purpose. (Ps. 19:10)
*Courage: May my children always be strong and courageous in their character and in their actions. Give them strength not to be swayed by peer pressure. Give them the strength to do right. (Dt. 31:5)
*Generosity: Grant my children a spirit of generosity. Let them always be willing to share and see the need in others. Let them understand that blessings are always to be shared. (I Tim 6:18-19)
Been a while since I've written. Not intentional, just busy and started tweeting. Hope your summer is going well.
I've been preaching a series called "Take Control of Your Life." It has really struck a chord with many people in our church. One of the things even believers struggle with is a spirit that controls us. Not possesses us, but influences us. Spirits of shame, bitterness, destruction, hatred, deception and addiction.
I asked people who have had a destructive thought this past week to contact me. I couldn't believe the amount of gifted people- young and old - most affluent and living the American dream- who thought about ending their life. Wow.
Recognize that you have the power to bind and loose the spirits that come against you. You have an enemy and that enemy is wanting to control your thoughts, emotions and will.
Through the power of prayer we can bind the strong man and loose the power of God.
Today's blog submitted by guest writer Robin Thomas:
I’m thankful that I live in a country where we each have the
freedom to celebrate our patriotism with family and friends on the 4th
of July. We’re free to eat Aunt Kay’s homemade banana nut ice cream then go sit
on a lawn chair in front of the courthouse square and watch our kids wave a red,
white and blue symbol of American pride at passing homemade parade floats and
synchronized Shriner’s go-karts. Yes, I love America and I love folks who love America,
too. It’s a day to honor our veterans and those who paid the price for precious
freedom. It’s a day of celebration traditionally capped off by detonating fireworks!
That awesome burning sulfur smell from a freshly popped
Blackcat takes me back to the summers of my youth when I “helped” my uncles operate
their little firework stand. Firework City, USA was on the edge of their farm
on an old dirt road just a mile south of the traffic loop in Lubbock, Tx. Firework City, USA was a 6 ft by 20 ft metal
shack which housed the entrepreneurial dreams of my then 15 year old twin
uncles. I loved going to visit them at my Grandmother and Granddaddy Thomas’
farm. We’d take off our shoes when we got to the back porch steps of my
grandparent’s ‘57 Chevy blue farmhouse and not put them back on until we left
in a few weeks. My grandparents made magic happen for us grandkids on their
farm and they did it by giving us 110% more freedom than we deserved. As long
as I didn’t drive into Granddaddy’s blackeyed pea patch, I was allowed to drive
his old farm truck all over the farm. For a nine year old, that is FREEEEEDOM! We worked and were rewarded with non-monetary
rewards. My kids have never been swimming
in an irrigation ditch after chopping weeds out of dryland cotton all day, but
if they had, they’d know there was no better experience, time or place in the
world. This is stuff you can’t experience onWii or X-Box.
One particular summer night right after a strategic dirt
clod fight, “someone” double dared my younger cousin, Kurtis, to stomp out the
fire of a still burning 18 shot medium barrage firework. I wonder why that
firework stand seldom turned a profit? Anyway, Kurtis took the dare. He had no
choice as it was a double dog dare. Kurtis soon learned the sulfur flame insulating
value of the sole of his PF Flyer’s sneakers, which, as I mentioned earlier,
were not presently on his bare feet, but instead were lying in a neat pile of muddy
shoes by the screen door of my grandparent’s ‘57 Chevy blue farmhouse. After a
lot of howling and tattling to Grandmother about what I double dog dared him to
do (he was such a crybaby) I learned I have the freedom to tell the truth that
“blue flames are not really ice cold” and also not play mean-spirited pranks on my
cousin. I then experienced forgiveness by way of peach tree switch. And guess
what? I still loved Grandmother nonetheless for it. And all of us grandkids
still chased fireflies that night after eating watermelon cooled by an
irrigation ditch full of cold West Texas well water. Freedom. Granddaddy still whittled
scary watermelon rind monster teeth for each of us out of some of the few watermelons
that his nine year old grandson hadn’t crushed with his old farm truck. Freedom.
And we still shot roman candles at each other after snipe hunting armed with
nothing but an old burlap tow sack and a lot of courage. Freedom. Happy Independence Day, PromiseLand
West. I hope each of you remember your first taste of freedom this 4th
of July!
Today's blog submitted by guest writer Robin Thomas:
In the ten minutes it takes you to read this, the BP quail spill will have gushed 420 barrels of quail into our ocean. If you drove into work this morning beside a semi truck, that’s approximately 20 semi truck trailers full of quail! Every 10 minutes. For the past 60+ days. And counting. This environmental catastrophe cost 11 BP workers their lives on April 20th, 2010. 11 families forever changed. And that was just the tip of this black iceberg. The disaster will likely wreck the coastline of four U.S. states, destroying their tourism income and their fishing industries. This toxic goo is already seeping into and will forever unbalance eco-balanced wetlands and marshes. BP still can’t fix the leak for all the “small people”. Kevin Costner is on the job, but just knowing that doesn’t give me the peace that I know it should, either. Oh, Brother! As a professional worrier, I catch myself worrying about this unpluggable plume of quail, flocking into our lives. We ALL want MORE quail, right? “Why, Lord, does it cost me $60.00 to fill up my gas tank! Come on, God, can’t you make the Middle East situation ease up, so we can get cheaper quail and more of it?! Will I ever be able to afford to fill up my Suburban all the way to FULL again?” We ALL want to Drill, Baby, Drill. Don’t we? I know I do. “More, Lord, more!” Then my worries turn toward a scenario not unlike the Israelites in Exodus who were wandering through a manna-laden dessert somewhere shy of the borders of Canaan. At some point in their exile they had groused and grumbled so much to our Father about the manna he was providing and not having any meat to eat, that He gave them some crude oil. Not just a small elegant restaurant serving of oil under glass, but an unstoppable, plume of oil that literally fell from the sky in epidemically portioned coveys that blacked out the sky. With the wind God sent, the oil piled up like drifts of snow covering everything in the entire camp of people and extending for a mile all around their encampment. How good was that meat! The Israelites gorged on the meat that they coveted and craved until it was coming out of their nostrils, just as God said they would. “Oh yeah, FINALLY, enough oil, Lord! Woo hoo! You have provided!” This meat is chicken fried goodness! We knew what we needed and finally made you provide it! The meat contained a lesson. The plague from consuming this oil wiped out everyone that complained to God about His provisions for His people. In His wisdom He sent fire to consume the edge of the camp and all of those that were belly aching about the manna He had already provided them. This place is called Taberah. It means “burning” because God’s fire burned them. Sad story. True story. Is this oil leak finally the quail we have been praying for?So, America, are we finally getting enough oil? I’d prefer if it didn’t wipe out ALL of our dwindling clean water supply. Out here in the desert.
Emily and Megan delighted PCD at the Austin concert with warm hugs and big kisses. These precious twin girls were amazingly blessed to be adopted into the home of Eric and Marilyn.
Had supper with an ex-mafia hit man. I guess he was a hit man. I didn't come right out and ask him if he'd 'rubbed out' anyone- but his reputation is scary. I didn't ask.
He said 'the mafia is bigger and more vibrant than ever. Just legit now and re-branded into a friendly package. But people still 'sleep with the fishes' on occasion.'
I asked him about the where abouts of Hoffa. He said, "DreamCity."
I'm on twitter now. I'll try to stay more current than my blog has been, but no guarantees. I appreciate everyone hanging in there with me as I have slooooooowly embraced digital portals. I'm still remaining absent from Facebook. I know. I'm old.
Austin's Mayor Leffingwell, Mayor Pro Tem Martinez, Pastor Gaylon Clarke and I - along with 2 officials from the the Capitol Area Food Bank recieved a check from the generous people of Austin who participated in the GOOD FRIDAY CELEBRATION at the LONG CENTER. A capacity crowd gave willingly to the this great charity that feeds thousands of people a day.
Bravo Austin! Special thanks to Will Davis and Austin Christian Fellowship, Mac Richard and LakeHills Church, Gaylon Clarke and Greater Mount Zion, Matt Carter and Austin Stone and of course the very generous PromiseLand West.
Paris Hilton and National Day of Prayer. How could those two things possibly be linked?
In the late 50's Conrad Hilton (Paris' grandfather) and the President touted what would be known as National Day of Prayer. Go figure.
Well, if anybody needs prayer...
Most people believe in prayer, but we don't pray. Why? Time. We don't have time. We're busy. But think of it this way. Not long ago a precious lady with tear filled eyes told me, "I haven't heard from my daughter in 5 years." She was broken hearted.
Is there anything that breaks the heart of a parent more than when we have not heard from our kids. Think about our Heavenly Father. We are his kids. Yet everyday, countless millions completely ignore him. Not even a word.
God can't figure out why nobody wants to talk to him.
Consider this little acronym. A.C.T.S.
A.Acknowledge him. "Lord, I know you are aware of my thoughts, my life, my children - help me to be aware of your presence in my life."
C.Confession. "Lord, I confess that I have hurt others with my actions. I confess that I have not been the person I know I could be, but God I thank you for forgiving me and loving me into the person you want me be."
T.Thanksgiving. "Lord, I thank you for everything you've done in my life. For the good times and the bad. You have allowed me to enjoy such a great life!"
S.Submission. "Lord, I submit my will and my life to you. Please direct my steps in the path you want me to take.
Arrived in Nashville and went over to the Grand Ole Opry for a tv rehearsal for the Dove Awards. Saw some great folks, people who I admire and follow their music.
The Dove Awards airs Sunday at 7central on GMC.
The band is incredible. Michael O'Martian, Tom Hemby and an allstar group. Plus we get to sing with Kari Jobe and a gospel choir. The run through was so amazing. Chills. I think it's going to be a killer moment... "REVELATION SONG."
We've been nominated for Song of the Year, Group of the Year. If we win I'll certainly be thanking our families and churches.
Here's some pictures for you. Do you know these people? Take a guess. Person that gets it right wins a free PCD cd.
Looks like we're going to be tv to sing and possibly accept a Dove award. So I said to my wife, how does my hair look? She said, 'fine'. I said what about my teeth? She said "golden." Golden?
So I went to the dungeon and was tortured by a dentitst who put Joker-ish things in my mouth and poured kerosene on my teeth.
I think they went around the corner and laughed as I bared my teeth and moaned with pain.
Not sure if they're golden anymore- but I do have new skin growing back on the inside of my mouth.
I can't beleive what God did through the great people of plw, acf, Lake Hills, gmz. Peeking around the corner and seeing people rush in 2000+ jammed into the Long Center. What a night!
The evening began with a dimmly lit cross, a tenor singer performing "When I survey the wondrous cross" with a cellist. So haunting. Reverent.
To see the stage filled with 25 worshippers from 5 churches was breathtaking. All worshipping and praising Jesus.
Then the pastors gave mini-messages, (except for Gaylon!). Of course, we gave him some of our times. Go Gaylon!
Communion was touching and seeing the body of Christ come together for a somber reminder of Jesus death was more than I could hope for.
Go Jesus!
We took an offering at the conclusion of the evening and people gave $25,000 to Capital Area Food Bank! Praise God!
What did you think of the evening? What was great for you? What could we have done better? Would you like for us to do this again next year?
Last summer I met with 4 great pastors for lunch. I had to buy of course. Mac Richard, Gaylon Clark, Will Davis, and Matt Carter. Our discussion that day was a festival that we would hold downtown.
I believe it was the first time they had met each other. You have no idea what it was like trying to get those guys at a table. Like herding...
Well, after we agreed that it would be great for the city, I said to the pastors, "I have a crazy idea." They said laughed. I asked them if they'd give up their Easter Sunday one time. In unison they said, "no."
Matt Carter of Austin Stone said, "I would do Good Friday." So that got me started and 6 months later here we are. We handed out 1500 tickets in 24 hours. And we have a waiting list of 400. Just amazed at the demand.
So I'm getting ready to go down to the Long Center, and I'm a bit nervous. A few jitters. Praying it goes well.
Please write me back if you get to go down there and let me know your thoughts. Can't wait to lift the cross up over the city I love.
Today's the day. March 16th. 25 years ago a much thinner boy/man walked in very nervously and waited to see the radiant bride walk down the aisle.
That moment is frozen in my heart. 25 years later I still get a chill.
I'm still in love with that green-eyed Louisiana girl. Love her laugh. Her humor. Her sneezing. Her cold feet at night. (always hunting for a warm spot). Her beautiful face and beautiful heart.
She's a sucker for a good novel, a crossword puzzle and sniffles now then at a good Oprah show.
She's made my life better.
I wouldn't doubt that she could still get into her dress. Me on the other hand. Well, I wouldn't look good in her dress!
Sunday, Africa came to plw with their drums and costumes and energy. Wonderful day. The kids were orphaned by war or aids yet their contagious joy was evident in their dance and song.
After the event, I guess something got a hold of Lily. Because about an hour after we got home, she went outside with Denise's best pots and pans and starting beating and banging.
During the night Lily got sick. So we all were up a lot and trying to help her. Flu.
I asked her this morning what specific hurts she had so I could pray specifically. She said she had 4.
1.Butterflies: her stomach felt like it was fluttering.
2. Headake: (she spelled this for me.) Like something was kicking her head from the inside.
3. Hot in her head like coffee when you first pour it: She said she had a fever like something on the radio. I asked her what that meant. She said "102.3"
4. Back above the booty hurts. (no explanation needed)
Lake Hill's MAC RICHARD, Greater Mount Zion's GAYLON CLARK, Austin Christian Fellowship's WILL DAVIS, JR and plw's ... me.
Together we will join hearts, congregations and resources to shake the city for Jesus with a GOOD FRIDAY CELEBRATION at the LONG CENTER.
Truthfully, it's been a bit like herding cats. Everybody is busy and you have to stalk them. You get one nailed down then the other flap comes loose. But when you finally get them together... magic.
I can't wait to see what happens when we pour vessel to vessel and bring the city to the cross.
Magnolia Cafe may not ever quiet be the same. 4 pastors and no one knew who would pick up the tab. So i did.
Laura Story, Johnny Diaz and PCD performed in front of a sold-out crowd in St. Louis MO this past Friday night.
The place was buzzing with excitement over JOY FM's 9th birthday.
Laura had some harsh things to say about the PCD boys... "they're like grandfather's to me. You know when you're around your grandfather you feel warm and fuzzy- that's how they make me feel." Grandfathers? Young whippersnapper.
Johnny Diaz did a fine job singing and playing. Johnny had some comment as well that bordered on abusive. We'll let him slide because he's under 30.
We turned 5 years old today. Sometimes it feels like 15. Sometimes it feels like 5 minutes.
Relationships. That's been the greatest reward of all- the people I've meet and how our lives have intersected.
I remember where I was 5 years ago. 3am-5am at Waffle House- with a guy slightly inebriated. I was a nervous wreck about our first service. Everything was planned I just wondered- will anybody be there?
I can remember looking from behind the curtain to see if anyone was sitting out there. Yes there were some people. Precious people.
And we've grown ever since. Some great people who started with me- some are no longer part of my life- but I think about them often. That's what my dad told me would happen. No one really leaves your heart.
When I was at the radio station the other day, I heard that Gokey from American Idol (Adam Lambert days) was signing autographs in the little singing lounge.
So I walked up to him and introduced myself to him. When I said, "Phillips Craig and Dean" he flipped out. Said he had followed us "since he was a little boy. " (wow).
Invited him to our church and told him we'd get him in to sing before long.
I had really hoped that he would win. Felt like it should have come down to Gokey and Lambert. Not Chris Allen. Gokey has the pipes- as does Lambert. But Lambert... is just bizarre.
Said "since he was a little boy." That hurt. Take a look at this picture and you tell me who looks younger! (be kind).
Today we held the funeral of Denise's father, Brian Chelette. Great man. Man of integrity. A man of the Word. A Psalms 40 guy.
6'3" - 46 Long suit- Size 12 shoes. Big guy.
And he seemed twice that big the day I asked him for his daughter's hand. Palms sweating. Nervous. Stuttering. I said, "Mr. Chelette, I want to marry your daughter." He paused (far such a long time it seemed.) He said, "Take care of my baby."
Brian was fun. And fair. I remember he opened his heart and bar b que pit to everyone who would come to his house. If it stood still long enough, it got smoked. He served our new members, our Elders, our seasoned saints- his cooking was the way into their hearts.
I guess Heaven can use a cook for the Big Supper about to take place.
Trying to find the right words to eulogize such a bigger-than-life man's man is tough. He was a missionary to Africa; Ghana, Uganda. He pastored 6 different churches. He baptized so many. He was the director for the orphanage called "Children's Mansion." He wanted it called a Mansion. Not an orphanage.
So many abandoned kids came to know him as their father. They also came to know Christ as their Saviour.
He loved to have fun and laugh. His eyes would squint almost like slits- his voice would get higher in pitch till you couldn't understand a thing he was saying- but you laughed at him.
Parkinsons took a toll on him. And the last year was brutal. Nursing homes are tough places to get comfortable.
In the dining room, my father in law was convinced they were going to call on him to preach so he had a sermon hand written in his bible by his plate. "Hideouts to Hindrances". I chuckled thinking what would the seasoned folks of Pflugerville Nursing Home know of hide out. And what hindrances would they have?
Thanks Brian for so much. Thanks most of all for giving Denise to me.
I couldn't have been prouder of Garland and the gang. Voices of Lee. Fantastic. Not only did they perform with excellence their SING OFF songs. They touched our hearts with their songs of faith. Wow.
"He Looked Beyond My Faults"- unbeleivable. Written by my favorite Christian composer, the late Dottie Rambo.
They thrilled us twice at my precious church. Then I got them up early Monday morning and they sang live on the BUCKY & BOB show and THE RIVER. What a treat. They were tired and sleepy and hungry, but willing. Sweet kids
Get the dvd from our church of their performance at PLW this past Sunday. It will touch your life.
My Elder Kyle Barber, Member Dwight Kemnitz, and Executive Pastor Michael Heflin and I went out into the freezing cold pasture outside of Austin to kill birds.
Yes, I know, are birds supposed to be killed? Yes. Our guide, a lovely and entirely feminine English maiden and her dogs helped us send about 30 birds to their eternal reward.
My hands were numb from the cold, my ears felt like 2 pieces of ice, my nose felt like an icicle- but it was fun. Shooting stuff. Shooting anything. Fun. Fun.
Being with the boys. That's fun. Telling funny stories, creating memories.
When's the last time you did something so out of the ordinary that it created a great memory. I did today. Thanks Kyle.
Looking forward to seeing my daughter and her group perform at my church next Sunday. Really proud of the favor God gave them around the world. They worked really hard.
Lots of media wants to talk to them while they're here. And they will be on Daystar Network and TBN the following Tuesday and Wednesday.
Life is changing for some of them.
Garland tells me they were in the Dairy Queen (5-star eating in Cleveland TN) and someone recognized them and bought their meal! Can it get any better than that-a free meal at the Queen!
I'm going take those kids to Fogo De Chao and watch them go crazy. Them I'm going to ask them to sing for the whole restaurant.
The horrific tragedy in Haiti is playing out before our eyes every minute. The heart tugging stories of children covered by debris. The bodies lying on the ground. The sad story of the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere being devastated by an earthquake.
Did God cause this? Is this the judgments of God on this nation?
Pat Robertson believes so. God is punishing this poor nation for it's wickedness.
Got a call from a member in our church who said, "they want to know if you'll pray at the investiture of the new Texas Supreme Court Justice, EVA GUZMAN."
Sure, I said.
Arrived at the Capitol and promptly got lost. Asked for directions and was thankfully directed to the Representatives Chamber where the ceremony would be held.
Then I got nervous.
They called the assembly to order and the Clerk begin to speak in pig-latin I think. "O-yea O-yea". Hmm.
In walked Governor Perry, US Senator John Cornyn, and the entire black-robed Texas Supreme Court. Impressive. Prestigious.
The Pledge. The National Anthem. Presentation of Colors.
Then these words from one of the Justice's: "and now to offer the invocation, Pastor Randy Phillips."
Everything went sloooow - mooooo. Thankfully I'd written out the prayer. Good thing.
I looked up once and Gov. Perry winked at me. Head down and keep praying.
Thanks Justice Guzman for your generous invitation and may God bless you for ruling with power for the powerless and giving a voice to the silent masses.
And may you always keep the Supreme Judge the ruler of your heart.
I arrived to ridiculously good weather. So not fair. And shuttled over to the storied Rose Bowl for the National Championship between Texas and Alabama.
I met Mark Harris (4Him) a huge Crimson Tide fan and found that our seats were among the rabid Alabama faithful. When I got to my seat one lady said, "are you lost?" And another one said something I can't print.
Went over and met the Governor of Alabama, Gov. Riley. Nice guy. Posed and noted the plane overhead carrying a banner -"impeach the corrupt Gov. of Alabama." Said nothing about it.
The pageantry, the colors, the sounds that only college football can display. Incredible. Ate 1 hotdog, 2 Fatburgers and drank 2 - $5 water bottles.
Then the game started and the screaming began and then Alabama fans got very quiet as Texas surprised everyone with 2 quick scores. I said to Mark, "this is not good. Should of had at least one touchdown."
But whatever, we have Colt and the Lord. And then we apparently had neither. Colt is down. And I guess the Lord switched sides. It got ugly fast.
Garrett Gilbert, a true freshman, inserted in the most pressure packed of circumstances and gave up some big plays but also made some incredible plays. It almost turned out really good.
All in all, great night with some new crimson friends.
Couldn't help all night thinking about one great kid who has lived his life for this stage- who consistently has given God praise for everything- still in defeat and getting hurt continues to praise God. What a great young man. We love you Colt.
Mark Harris, formerly with 4Him, is meeting a huge Alabama supporter. Well, I'm meeting him in CA for the big game.
I'm sitting on the Alabama side with burnt orange on. I'll be lucky to get out of there alive.
Mark sent me a scripture today to express his feelings on the game. PSALMS 75:10 "I will cut off the horns of all the wicked, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up."
So I sent him one back. ISAIAH 59:19 "When the enemy shall come in like a (RED) flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him."
Ok religious people, hide your eyes/cover your ears. I've just been to Hell and survived. Yes- the "H" word. Also known as DISNEYWORLD.
My cousin is "friends" with Peter Pan so he asked us to come out and bring Lily. We did. It's been 3 years since we'd gone to H- so my memory was foggy at best. Yes, we did get the head of most lines, yes we got to meet Disney characters.
And yes, the recession is OVER. They closed the park at 11am everyday because it was at CAPACITY. That means thousands of people were paying $8 for a bottle of water and $100 to get in the park and $25 to park. Did I tell you about the $25 tacos? Two of them.
I did see Celine. She was there with her family.
Lots of walking, lots of fretting, lots of pain. A few moments of fun.
But bottom line: I've been and come back. 2013 Disneyworld here I come.
I've heard from so many of you saying that you voted for VOICES OF LEE. Some of you voted 40 times! I'm very grateful.
We were in Saginaw Michigan for 2 concerts and I had everyone take out their cell phones and text : 33088 then put in 3. They got a big kick out of that. (I think) They're very wonderful people. Not easily amused I might add. Probably due to the weather. That would make anyone wary.
Well, we'll see what happens on Monday. Just a real shocker to have them get this far.
We're having NOTA and VOICES OF LEE at my church in January or February. Stay tuned.
Been talking to Garland and the VOICES OF LEE singers. I'm getting so nervous about Monday night. the finale of THE SING OFF on NBC.
I'm sending Denise with a friend out to Burbank, but I'm staying with Lily Pearl. I can't take it. Makes me so nervous. I'm going to fix some popcorn and drink cokes with the Pearl. She told me she's tired of Garland getting so much attention and we've been gone from her waaaaaay too much.
She also said she did not want to stay with grandparents anymore.
So I'm staying in Austin and nervously awaiting the Monday.
All of you have been so kind to vote and get your relatives and co-workers to vote for VOICES OF LEE. They are great kids with great voices.
Love NOTA also. What talent! They love Beelzebubs? No. No. We ain't having no devil stuff.
Text: 33088 then put in 3 (you can text up to 10x)
Phone: 877-6SING03 (you can call up to 10x)
Email: nbc.com (you can email up to 10x)
Come on everybody, let's do this thing together!!!!
Denise and I flew out to Burbankk, CA after church to see Garland's group Voices of Lee compete in the NBC acapella show called THE SING OFF.
We arrived and took a taxi to the Warner Brothers Studio and were given an arm band and taken into the studio that was built for the show.
My heart started to beat fast just looking at the high level of attention this show would get.
Nick Lachey was the host. He came out and said hello to everyone. Denise started fanning. Oh brother.
The judges were introduced Ben Folds, Boys to Men singer, and Pussy Cat Dolls singer.
Garland's group VOICES OF LEE sat in a booth and the other groups around them. Nick would introduce each group and they would perform. the evening was loooooooong. Arrived at 6pm and left at midnight. (Pacific time.)
After each group sang a song they were called out to the stage and told that one of them would be going home. Me and Denise were just so nervous for Garland. The music is dramatic and the light changes... wow.
Watch Wednesday to see what happens. You won't believe it. If they make the cut then America can vote for the finalists. Call your friends and family.
Had a great time last night in Irving Texas with Max Lucado, Actress Janine Turner, Evangelist Matt Pitt and the boys, PCD.
We taped a TBN Christmas special and I hosted. Those things always make me a little nervous, but I'm calming down some.
Max told me when he got off the plane that he was sick and would need to leave shortly after he spoke- briefly. So that made me reassign lots of pieces that I had scheduled.
Ended up it gave the boys more time and room for one more song. Always a good thing.
Janine Turner is ... blond. Marilyn Monroe-ish. Very gorgeous and sweet. Unassuming and smart. With a very unusual laugh. She was fun.
Matt Pitt. Where do I start? Ritalin?! Definitely. More ADD than I am - I pitched him the ball and he... well, he's still talking somewhere. Wild. Wonderful. Scary, Contagious. Amazing. Passionate.
Presented him a Longhorn jersey on the set. He's a big Alabama guy.
At the end of the TBN show, I needed to sing another song for time, I tried one of Fernando Ortega's songs. See if you can tell that I didn't know the words. :)
Flew out at 10:30 got in my bed around 12:30am. Tired but happy.
Sure proud of Garland and VOICES OF LEE. They're at Universal Studios taping THE SING OFF. An acapella competition reality show.
Garland called and said the host was NICK LACHEY. She's just squealing. I said, "Who's he?" She said, "Daaaaaad. Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson! Come on."
Fine. Fine.
They did their performance last night with 8 other groups. She said it was so scary. You sing in front of 3 judges. One from Backstreet Boys, one from Pussy Cat Dolls and someone else.
Anyway she said everyone performed one song together. Then each of them performed their song for the judges. She said it was terrifying and exhilarating... all together.
After everyone performed, They stood all together in front of the judges and they took turns telling them how they did.
Then Nick says "these 3 groups are safe". (Cue the lights, big drums, spots) Garland said her heart was racing! Then they said...
Well I can't tell you that. Tune in to NBC Dec. 14th.
Yes, I turned a year older this past Thanksgiving. But I still look good. Denise got me some great gifts, Lily was thoughtful with her card... Garland...hmm. I think she called.
Many of my dear church members were kind to get me various gifts. So kind. Like Phyllis got me some eye glasses. A cross between Jay-Z and Buddy Holly.
LeeUniversity's Voices of Lee Selected to Compete on NBC's The Sing-Off
LeeUniversity's Voices of Lee has been chosen to compete on the upcoming national television show, The Sing-Off, from NBC and Sony Pictures. Called the "ultimate a cappella competition" by NBC, the program will air on Dec. 14, 15 and 16, 2009, and end with a live finale on Dec. 21, 2009.
Voices will compete with seven other a cappella groups from around the country for a Sony Recording Contract in a four-episode competition. Groups will rehearse and sing today's most popular songs arranged and performed with no lip-synching, no back-up bands and no safety net. In front of a panel of professional experts, the groups will compete for the title of the nation's best a cappella group. The competition will conclude with the final two groups competing in a live finale, airing on Dec. 21, 2009, with America calling in to vote for their favorite group.
Auditions were held during September 2009 in four US cities: New York, Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles. Voices traveled to Atlanta to audition for the show. Following the a cappella style, no instruments of any kind were allowed. Each member of the group had to include a completed application with video.
Paul Telegdy, an executive vice president for NBC calls the show a "fantastic feel-good series that viewers of all ages can enjoy." He said, "To hear these singing groups recreate a popular song with only the sounds of their voices is truly amazing.”
13,000 ft. in the clouds on a noisy plane. Then she jumped into the open sky with some strange man strapped to her.
Jumped out of a perfectly good plane! Something to do with a bucket list or a birthday or something crazy. And guess what? She talked my dad into jumping with her. Yes, my 70 year old father jumped out of a plane.
Where was I? Hugging a tree. Am I missing something here? What would make a human want to do this foolishness?
Sorry I haven't written lately. Haven't had a lot to say. But I appreciate you checking in from time to time. Been sad a little bit. Things happen.
But today I got some pretty cool news. Carrie Underwood has PCD listed on her playlist. She wrote underneath REVELATION SONG "awesome song."
Here's the link if you want to check it out. I'll try to write more often for those of you who want me to.
In her recent iTunes Celebrity Playlist, Carrie Underwood revealed that she is a fan of Christian music. Underwood picked not one, but twoThousand Foot Krutch songs for her playlist. "Fire It Up" and "Already Home" from the band's latest release, Welcome To The Masquerade (Tooth & Nail), were two of Underwood's picks. Songs from Casting Crowns and Phillips, Craig & Dean also made Underwood's playlist. Click here for more info and to view the country superstar's full iTunes Celebrity Playlist.
Last night I experienced one of the most amazing events involving college students. It’s called The Basement in Birmingham Alabama. The lead young man’s name is Matt Pitt. I met Matt when I hosted a television show in Dallas. I had no idea who he was or what he did- but he blew my mind that day. I told him, “I’m coming to see your event in Alabama.” He said, “no you won’t.” JSo our student pastor Tim, a youth intern, and I boarded a plane early Tuesday from Austin and flew to Birmingham. I was not prepared for what I witnessed.The event started at 6:45 pm. Thousands of students started lining up at 5:30! Students from all over the country. There was such a buzz in the vestibule. A live DJ spinning tunes, coffee bars, garment booths, testimony boots- and everyone was so energized.They took us to our seats toward the front and the host said, “now watch the doors they’re about to open.” Like a gushing hydrant- thousands of students came pouring into that cavernous blue light splashed arena. They went to the front and the countdown began.10-9-8-7…Then DJ’s with dancers came out slamming and spinning and throwing down about Jesus. The place was absolutely jumping. (I tried.)Seamlessly they transitioned from DJ’s to a live band and worship team, to drama, to finally the message brought by Matt that talked about The Final Destination. Of course he was referring to heaven and hell.The message included live drama, songs, video and a powerful appeal. Many gave their hearts to Christ.It will take me several days to re-live and re-play that evening.It made me want to do 3 things better. I want to ask you also to think about this:1.PASSION FOR CHRIST! So many of us have lost or never had a deep passion for Christ. We know Jesus based upon our parents relationship. As a watch those students pouring out their heart unashamed- I felt like a I need to take my passion level higher.If you are passionate about Jesus- you will be in his House. He will be your priority. You will behave in ways that are filtered through this question: Is Jesus pleased with this action.2.PURPOSE FOR THE LOST. Everyone of the leaders have a heart and spirit that is contagious about sharing the gospel. They are so infectious with their love for life, that people gravitate to them. Do you realize for many of your friends and fellow classmates- you are the only Jesus they will ever see. Your life is a living testimony of faith. How are you doing? Does it bother you about the kid that sits alone that everyone shuns? Or the student who laughs too loud to cover us a hurting heart? Look for the lost.3.PRIORITY FOR LIVING. Life is short. This past week a member of our church passed away. She was 49. I know that may seem like a full life for you- but believe me- it’s a breath. It’s here- it’s gone. I’ve been thinking about eternity a lot lately. Most of what I am obsessing about has no eternal weight. It will stay here after I go. What about you? Are you living for an eternal purpose? If you are your life will have different priorities. You will choose friends, music, pleasure habits and life issues with a different angle.Pray this prayer with me:“Lord Jesus. I want to be a champion for you! Forgive me that I have become wrapped up in life and obsessing about what others think of me. I want to live life concerned about what YOU THINK OF ME! Help me with my energy and passion for you. Come into my heart and turn your face towards me. I love you Jesus.”
After visiting with a church member in Austin Thursday it became apparent that I needed to go to Houston to say good bye to a friend.
Made the trip in 2:15. My mother would be so proud.
Rode the elevator up to the 3rd floor and walked down those linoleum fluorescent splashed to room 102. I could hear the music long before I got to the door..."worthy is the lamb that was slain, holy, holy is he." Sounded familiar.
The family was gathered around the bed of a 49 year old lady from my church. 49. So young. 3 months ago she had a back-ache, she went to get it checked and found a tumor. Her 50th birthday would have been in December- but instead she will celebrate in Heaven- a timeless place of peace.
Today she went to be with the Lord.
I got to baptize her this year, she found her dream job, and loved a great boyfriend-then a backache. Life is so incredibly unstable.
But I know a steadying hand. It's pierced. It holds us when we're shaking a like a leaf.
Crystal Hopkins saw eternity lying in the hospital bed. I started singing for her, "worthy is the lamb that was slain"... and she tried to raise her arms but couldn't. So my wife and her mom lifted her arms to Heaven. Come get me Jesus. And he did.
Good bye friend. We'll miss you. Tell Jesus "I love him."
Question: Pastor, my spouse has been unfaithful and it is destroying my life. I cannot sleep, eat, or have any moments peace. Life is forever changed by their horrible choices and betrayal. I've been told that divorce is a sin- but I don't know what to do?
Answer: First let me say how horrible I feel for you. Spouse betrayal is gut wrenching. It's like a funeral with no body. You mourn, but there's no closure. Here are some things that I pray you'll consider: counseling. There are so many great counselors who are beleivers that can help you find your way. church attendance. This is the time to get into church- not away from it. No matter the questions that people ask you. Go! God will meet you there. Books. Your mind and soul is like a sponge right now. Read a book called, HIS NEEDS/HER NEEDS- by Willard Harley.
In terms of divorce, there are many wonderful ministers who disagree on this issue based on the same scripture. My opinion based on scripture is that divorce is permitted in 3 cases: immorality, abandonment, abuse. In each case the vow is broken and the covenant partner released.
I hurt deeply for you. And I will be praying for you. Let the peace of Jesus touch your heart today. You deserve better than this.
My little girl is growing up. Never thought I'd be doing homework with my child with 'readers' on, but that's what happens sometime.
Denise and Garland surprised Lily by taking her to see HANNAH MONTANA in San Antonio. Great seats for the girls- Lily has danced and sung these songs in every conceivable mic available. Mic being drumsticks, knives, her grandpa's walker, etc.
I'm in CA at KLOVE on the radio with their share-a-thon and performing on Friday.
You ever been to Brooklyn NY? Ever heard of Brooklyn Tabernacle? Well, we have been blessed to have been invited every year to this phenomenal church for 10 years.
It's really hard to explain or put into words the experience of Brooklyn Tabernacle. Unless you've known it- and it has known you. One thing is for certain- you will be changed.
Do yourself a favor - if you're ever in NYC over the weekend- go to this church. The 200 voice choir, the ethnicity, the passion, the praise, the love- it's like drinking water out of water hydrant.
Some city. Some church. Some Pastors. Some Saviour.
Question: How do I stop feeling guilt for choices I made earlier in my life? I know that God has forgiven me, but on many occasions I am reminded of my failure either by something someone says or seeing something that reminds me of it. I feel forgiven yet forsaken.
Answer: I feel guilty too. It's a normal human feeling; I didn't see some of my oldest daughter's first years; I was distracted from my family life; I hurt some people close to me... the list is endless. I can't go back there. And neither should you.
Here's what I do know; feelings of guilt are not God-sent. Romans 8:1 NLT "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus."
Jeremiah 31:34 NLT "I will forgive ther transgressions and I will never remember their sins."
One thing that migt help is to take a spiritual assessment test of sorts:
1. Take a personal Inventory. You have to be very honest with yourself. What problems are you facing or causing?
2. Accept Responsibility for my fault. Admit you blew it. Admit you made a bad choice. Admit you caused pain.
3. Ask God for forgiveness. God's forgiveness is not for how bad or good you've been. Forgiveness is what God does. Ask Him.
4. Admit your faults to another person. This is tough. Find someone that you can trust. Someone who understands confidentiality. Get a plan to approach the person you hurt. take the high road.
5. Forgive yourself. This is where you must closet those feelings of guilt. Time to move on. Clean out those feelings and replace them with the love of God.
For our Judeo-Christian roots, Yom Kippur is signficant to all of us. It is a personal examination- a personal atonement.
He shall make atonement for the holy place, because of the impurities of the sons of Israel and because of their transgressions in regard to all their sins; and thus he shall do for the tent of meeting which abides with them in the midst of their impurities. (Leviticus 16:16)On Yom Kippur, the high priest sacrificed a bull and a goat for sin offerings and carried their blood into the Holy of Holies. He sprinkled the blood of the sin offerings on the ark, on the veil and on the altar of incense. He did this to atone for the Tabernacle because of the sins, transgressions and ritual impurity of the people.As one writer put it, "the rituals for Yom Kippur teach us about the distance between man and God. The heart of man contains a deadly conceit. It is the idea that "I'm generally a pretty decent person. God isn't really that upset with my sin."The Bible teaches that God cannot abide sin. All men are sinners, and therefore, all men are forced out of the presence of God. Just like Adam and Eve, who were forced out of the Garden of Eden, we are all separated from God.Our sin is as filth before the Almighty. Shame and disgrace ought to cover us every time we open our Bibles. We have sullied the very parchment of Torah with our sins and trodden on the shed blood of Messiah. Our worthy deeds are utterly eclipsed by our transgressions and sins. Yom Kippur reminds us that this is a real problem. The writer of the book of Hebrews says that "in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year" (Hebrews 10:3).The Day of Atonement teaches that we cannot be good enough to merit salvation, to win God's favor or to earn a reprieve from punishment. We have no worthy deeds before Him, and our sin is like uncleanness before Him. Sin forces us out of His presence. We cannot get past the veil to enter the Holy of Holies. "When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, 'Then who can be saved?'" (Matthew 19:25).Salvation and relationship with God depend on a person acknowledging that he cannot make the distance. A man needs atonement. He needs a sacrifice for purification.On Yom Kippur, the high priest set out to cross the distance between us and God by entering the Holy of Holies. The book of Hebrews teaches that, in the heavenly Temple, the death and resurrection of Messiah was the equivalent of the high priest's entrance into the Holy of Holies on earth.For Messiah did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. ... He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (Hebrews 9:24-26)
So we're playing in the backyard and we see something slither across the grass going fast. A red/black/yellow snake. Ooo. I hate snakes.
A man from our church was with us and said, "that's a coral snake, Texas' most deadly snake." Comforting.
Then he started saying a rhyme. "Red N Yeller/Kill a feller" "Red N Black friend of Jack." I don't know about all that rapping. But here's what he was.
Dwight said, "you got a shovel?" Me - a shovel? No. But how about a 7-iron? So Dwight sent him to his final resting place. Best use that 7-iron has ever had.
Went back to the hairdresser and she cut my hair real short- to take most of the blonde out. Then she colored it back to brown. But she said, "now it will go blonde again so you'll have to come back."
Beginning to think these hairdressers are like chiropractor. They get you hooked and you can never get away. How many session does this take!!
I want to be my old handsome self again. I promise, I will never bet again.
I've had a dream to have a radio show for sometime. Thought it would be a music/entertainment/inspirational type show. After making a heart connection with counselor Dr. Jimmy Myers and Phyllis Rhea, I now believed we had a team that could make this happen.
We pitched ourselves to The Word, The River, KVET and others. No serious takers. With the unfortunate firing of KLBJ's morning show guys because of a racial slur- I told Phyllis- "let's go after KLBJ"! Yeah, right. The #1 talk show in Central Texas.
Well, the program director took a meeting with us. Listened. Then said, "let's try one show out on Sunday afternoon." Sunday afternoon? My nap!
Well, we did it! Nervous as a cat, we gathered topics and did research, had waaay too many lunches and finally- the clock said, 2pm... and we heard the voice over "RANDY PHILLIPS AND DR. JIMMY MYERS ON KLBJ."
Whew that was a rush. The first 15 minutes was like our hair was on fire. Talked over each other. Mangled syntax, wrong conjugations... awful. But then it smoothed out and people began to call.
When the 2 hours was over... I felt like I'd been riding a bucking bronco. So mentally and physically tired. Not sure he'll let us do it again, but it was a blast and a dream come true.
Preachers should never wager. But I often break that rule. The results can be disasterous.
I felt pretty good that our student pastor and youth team could not get 100 students to Wednesday night service. 112. It includes some adults, but the room was full.
So. Now I have to do my part. Go blonde.
I'm not a welcher, if I said it I need to do it. So here you go.
I have a new appreciation for the ladies who undergo things like this often. It takes soooo long. And the process is just painful.
The success of Revelation Song is just so humbling. Not just because of the favor the Lord has allowed, but because of the way it has touched people's lives.
Here's just one of the letter's we've received recently.
Dear PC&D,
I wanted to let you know how your ministry has helped me, I had fallen away from church and downgraded my relationship with the Lord to a sad small part of my life. I was on vacation several weeks ago and in (withheld); Christian music is everywhere down there, as I drove around I felt a tug on my heart that drew me closer to the love of the Lord. I found the yearning that died was rekindled and all though I'm still working my way back slowly, your song Revelation and my wife's prayers are showing my a clear path to walk. Just today I purchased your song on I-Tunes and now I find my self crying during it and the hardness of my heart is beginning to soften.
Well, I didn't cry, but it wasn't cause I didn't want to - because neighbors were all around me talking.
My little girl is growing up. Last night she excitedly packed her paisley backpack- selected some healthy snacks (oreos) and prepared for bed complete with an alarm clock.
We prayed and she ran us out. Go away. A little different I might add as she usually clings to us at night not wanting to be alone. Hmm.
This morning she bounded down the stairs dressed and talking fast and eating oatmeal. And then the walk. The walk to the corner where I said goodbye to my little girl. Big lump in the throat- but smile of the face.
Off an incredible night in Houston with radio station KSBJ, Denise and I drove back after the concert to Austin. 1:30am arrival. Pooped. Got stopped by a trooper. Talked my way out of the ticket. Whew.
Saturday drove to SanAntonio for a great time with Max Lucado at his church Oak Hills. I arrived just in time to get a sound check. Backstage we met with Max- then headed to sing for his wonderful church. Saturday night church. I was surprised by how many people came out. They sang with us, worshipped. Great night.
Then went to eat supper with Max. What an amazing author- Christianity's most prolific author EVER. Sold more books than anyone in the history of Christianity. And so humble. So meek. So classy.
After supper he said, "what you guys want to do now." SLEEP! Got a great night's sleep then awoke refreshed to do 2 more services with Max.
After the 2nd service I saw a giant of a man standing and raising his hands to worship as we sung "Revelation Song." NBA LEGEND DAVID ROBINSON! My hero. We got our picture taken with him and his boys after the service. I put my arm around him for the picture... around his WAIST. Incredible how tall he is.
The classiest NBA player to ever play the game. Nobody does the national anthem like David Robinson.
Got in the black mafia car and drove to Austin. Right after I got a What-a-burger. So good to be home.
An incredible 3 weeks. Can't remember when I've had so much fun singing and I can't remember being so tired.
Just wore out! Love to have a day to rest, but onward to Texas! Houston Texas. With one of the largest Christian radio stations in the country. KSBJ.
When we arrive we're told the concert is sold out! Wow. 3000 seats.
We are also teaming musically tonight with KRISTY/NATHAN NOCKELS - WATERMARK.
Denise and Lily drove up from Austin and we will drive back to Austin after the concert tonight. Probably get in around 2am.
What a night! The audience is just buzzing and singing and worshipping and loud! Song after song- they continue to push us to our best. Then REVELATION SONG intro starts.... complete enraptured worship. The place is just up in smoke.
Hard to even sing. Standing, hands raised, praising the King, Jesus Christ.
After our interviews we rested for what would turn out to be an unbelievable experience.
A beautiful amphitheatre with a river behind it and an assortment of stores, boutiques and restaurants around it. Pretty hot, but not Austin hot.
We are surprised that people are already gathering at 6 pm. 2 hours before the mini-concert. After sound check we assemble to an upper room and watch the audience assemble. We are just amazed that they'd come out in these kinds of numbers.
Wading through the audience, we take our place on stage to "Friend of God" and the place is jamming. They estimated 3000 people present! Wow.
What is becoming so thrilling for us is to see seasoned adults who have followed our songs for 18 years and a young audience that is aware of our recent songs. Just so wonderful.
We sing for an hour and sign autographs for 2 more. I'm hot sweaty, sticky and so satisfied. People of OK are so kind. And God is good.
This will be the final week for the promo FEARLESS promo tour. In one way I'm glad it's coming to a completion, in another, I wish it could continue.
The audiences have been overwhelming. Beyond my wildest expectations; 4000, 5000, 3000- turning people away? Just humbling and surprising.
Today we go to Tulsa OK.
6:30am Morning show with Chris/Heather: KXOJ
Had a blast with Chris. He's so much fun and makes radio seem so easy. (which it is not.) We take callers from the area and talk about why the title FEARLESS and the story behnd REVELATION SONG.
After the interview former 4-HIM'sAndy Krissman interviewed us for his show. Great to see him again. One of the signature voices of contemporary Christian music.
**For anyone planning on doing a free event with Phillips Craig & Dean**We had a free PCD "mini concert" last night here in Orlando. I wanted to share what happened so YOU can be prepared in your city! With just 2 weeks of promotion on the air AND in spite of a massive severe thunderstorm right on top of the church at the time doors opened... FIRST They filled their 3200 seat sanctuary with approximately 4000 people!
(in the aisles, along the walls, on the floor, everywhere!) Picture - http://twitpic.com/d27kyVideo clip -http://twitvid.com/F20D4THEN they filled several large classrooms wired for video of the sanctuary with a few hundred more!AND their giant lobby was holding easily another 300-400 more people unable to fit into the sanctuary or classrooms, but who just wanted to listen from there and wait for an autograph after the show.PLUS the church estimate of easily 1000 people turned away at the door or parking lotnot to mention all the people who decided not to come or just never made it due to the terrible weatherIt was the most amazing thing I have seen in a while. It was like Beatlemania! And the best part is that they did AMAZING, owning the roomfor over an hour and making sure that EVERYONE had a fantastictime. They sounded great and were there for a LONG time afterwards signing autographs until everyone was gone!!There. You have been warned! IF you do a PCD show, be prepared for HUGE turnout and Excited fans! :)~jeffJeff Cruz, Asst. Program Director / Music Director WPOZ - Z88.3fm Orlando, FL
4:15 lobby call is beyond tough. Early - you better believe it. Early.
I feel numb. Haven't gotten enough sleep in 3 nights. I am really toasted. But feet keep moving.
We fly from South Carolina to Atlanta. They on to Orlando, Fl.
We arrive at the STRANG COMMUNICATIONS. This media conglomerate publishes of the largest magazines in nation. For about an hour we toured the building and they interviewed us.
After this we talked the record label into taking us to the hotel for a nap. Yes, A NAP!
Then on to a large church called NORTHPLACE. I walked in and was completely taken back by the size of the auditorium and the gorgeous ceilings, and production - audio/video. Never seen anything like it.
Seats 3500. We thought, well maybe 1000 would look ok in there. At 6 pm the church told us , the building is full. FULL. They began putting people in the aisles and in the staircases. The church rep says there were 4000 in the building.
Here's what breaks my heart is they turned away 500 people who couldn't get in.
they loved the new songs but there was an anticipation for them to hear 'the song.' And when the intro began to ... praise began to erupt in that vast audience. By the time the verse was over everyone was standing and singing.
After the song concluded people just would not leave.
Just so humbling.
We signed autographs for an hour and half. Everyone was so kind.
We just cannot figure out what's going on! Honestly, we just are blown away by the kindness of people and the response to this song.
Going to sleep and lobby call at 7:30 headed to radio station.
5:30am lobby call. Short night. Eyes look like road map of Texas.
HISRadio Show: Greenville SC.
Delightful folks Rob and Kristy. Spent about 2 hours with them talking about the new album FEARLESS and the new song REVELATION SONG.
Soundcheck at Gateway Mall:
We have a soundcheck at the mall at 10am. Ever been to a 'brown bag;? It's where people come to the mall and eat and hear us sing for about 30 minutes. These are very interesting events sometimes.
After the soundcheck we have some time to kill. So what do we do? Find a comfortable place to nap. Dan finds a cozy place.
Wow! Brown Bag gone wild!
Unbeleivable. There are 700 people waiting to hear us sing some of the new songs. Surreal. So cool to watch people singing along.
Revelation Song intro starts and people just go crazy. Worshipping in a mall. Saying the name of Jesus at Chic-fil-a. so wonderful.
Back to the room
Where I prepare for Sunday's message and try to take a good nap!
7 PM Worship Leaders Conference
We will sing at a wonderful event with our friend Chuck Wallington who has had a tough year. People are so kind to us along this 18 year journey- Chuck is one of those great people.
TODAY THE NEW PCD RECORD IS AVAILABLE TO THE WORLD!
What a blessing! revelation song has been #1 song in the country for 4 weeks straight. #1 Christian song on iTunes. The Lord is good.
Week 2 of the FEARLESS promo Tour has begun. These things are always brutal physically. Pray for me, I'm old.
A typical day starts at 5am for a 6am radio show, followed by a luncheon at a mall called a "brown bag" where we sing several songs- yes, in a mall! Then we call 10-15 radio stations and talk about the new album, revelation song, and other things.
Every evening has a concert of some sort. You get to your room about 11pm to get ready for the 5am wake up call.
6:30 AM THE FISH Morning show with Kim
The Fish Nashville Network has 80 stations that hear the morning show. We talked about the album and about things we don't even know.
10:00 AM DON MOEN RADIO SHOW
Don Moen, kingpin of Integrity Label, has a syndicated show that across America. He's the John Tesh of Christian music. Looks like him too.
Again we talk and talk and answer questions and wax eloquent. Whew.
NOON LUNCH WITH PROVIDENT DISTIRIBUTORS
These folks are the ones who call the bookstores and say "how many PCD cds can we interest you in today?" The reps are excited because bookstores are calling them!
1:30 INO RECORD LABEL
This is our record company in Nashville. We meet with the president Jeff Moseley who says, "can you believe this?" All the staff comes around with congratulatory hand shakes. My main concern: free cds from other artists in their merch closet.
We call radio stations across the country. My favorite- Hawaii! She says, "I want to come to Texas to your church." I said, "how about I come to see you instead."
Again more talking. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
CBN SKYPE INTERVIEW
Staring at a computer to a faceless voice. 800,000 people will see this interview. I'm nodding off after lunch has set in and the early morning. Dan is fading. Looks bewildered.
4:30 GO TO AIRPORT
Check in and go to a massage booth where the lady says, "are you musician?" Yes. A drummer? Sometimes. I thought so. What's the band? Phillips Craig and Dean. She says, "yeah, I have some cds by them- they're old aren't they?" I just stay quiet and pray she'll stop talking.
Airplane ride
We settle into our seats very tired. And grateful that our cd released today. What a blessing.
Dan Dean is tuckered out. The blur takes a small nap.
GREENVILLE SPARTANBURG
We're picked up by our record company employee, he takes us to Greenville, a 20 minute ride to our hotel. It's about 11pm. So tired.
Call home and I'm grouchy. After a little bit Denise says,, "why don't I let you relax a little bit and we can talk tomorrow.". Yep. Good idea.
Well, the moment I looked forward to has come and gone. But my heart is still beating fast.
Janine Turner, actress, author and a faith-filled believer spoke at our church Sunday as we did a SINGLE PARENT CELEBRATION. We gave away gifts to every single parent, car care, lunch, and much more. Over 100 single parents.
I've had a crush on Janine ever since she starred in Northern Exposure. Then of course there's Amy Grant. (should I be confessing this?)
I wondered, will she look that good up close? Does TV enhance her beauty?
The answer is... tv doesn't do her justice. Whew. More beautiful than you can imagine. I want to go on record as saying she is not more beautiful than Denise.
What a great service. Larry Gatlin wrote a song especially for the occasion. It was moving. So emotional. Great song.
Then Janine spoke and sang with her amazing daughter. That little girl is special. You will hear from her one day, Juliette.
You need to order this DVD. It would be well worth it. And I'm serious about that.
On the eve of the release concert of our new cd we wondered, after 18 years where are we in people's hearts?
Well, I wasn't prepared for what would happen next.
We arrived at the church to a line of people that wrapped around the building. The concert was at 7:30 and the place was packed at 6 PM. 4 overflow rooms were filled up- and they turned hundreds away. (to my agony.)
So many emotions running through my heart... a #1 song for 4 weeks... the testimonies of people about Revelation Song... the complete backing of KLTY... the arrival of our lead Elders to pray over us ... and Jon and Sherry Rivers.
Not sure you know the story of Jon and Sherry Rivers and KLOVE, but when they walked in catering, I couldn't hold it together.
Then the concert began and the place was electric with the power of God and the kindness of people. First song or two- I could hardly sing. I'm sure my pitch was terrible. Everywhere I looked there was a memory, a story, an emotional pull over the 18 years of PCD.
Midway through the concert, KLTY recognized us with plaques of our #1 song and recognized Jeannie Riddle who wrote the song. We sang a few of the songs from the new cd FEARLESSand then Shawn's Elder from St. Louis, Dan's father in law, and Michael Gotcher, my lead elder from Austin came up and prayed over us.
We were released in a powerful way.
After the prayer we sang revelation song and the glory of God came in with such incredible power- thick presence.
I'll never forget this event, ever. Thanks to Mr. Clint Lewis for the genius of this idea and everyone who has supported pcd over the 18 years. A renaissance of the favor of God.
FEARLESS - the new PCD album drops to the public Aug. 4th. Now the promotional tour of the new cd begins.
Today we're in Dallas. This morning at 6 am we were on KLTY- the largest Christian radio station in the nation.
At 9am we called 25 radio stations across the country and thanked them for playing revelation song. Incredibly, the song has been #1 for a month. 4 straight weeks. Unreal.
At 11am we went and got some Mexican food with the KLTY staff.
1pm we went to DayStarNetwork and did an interview with Joni Lamb. Sang 3 songs on the coolest set. They put make-up on us which we desperately needed.
Then on to the mega-church Gateway where we met our band and rehearsed. Tonight we're supposed to have standing room only audience with station KLTY. The writer of revelation song will be here.
Also each one of us brought our lead Elder from our church. So thrilled to have Elder Gotcher praying over me as we launch the new album.
The only thing missing in this amazing day... A NAP!
Got an email containing John Eldridge's thought for the week. Wow! I just loved it. I've been speaking lately on Freedom for Life.
Let me know what you think of this excerpt:
And so Screwtape reveals the Enemy’s ploy—first make humans flabby, with small passions and desires, then offer a sop to those diminished passions so that their experience is one of contentment. They know nothing of great joy or great sorrow. They are merely nice.
Christianity has come to the point where we believe that there is no higher aspiration for the human soul than to be nice. We are producing a generation of men and women whose greatest virtue is that they don’t offend anyone. Then we wonder why there is not more passion for Christ. How can we hunger and thirst after righteousness if we have ceased hungering and thirsting altogether?
As C. S. Lewis said, “We castrate the gelding and bid him be fruitful.”
The greatest enemy of holiness is not passion; it is apathy. Look at Jesus. He was no milksop. His life was charged with passion. After he drove the crooks from the temple, “his disciples remembered that it is written: ‘Zeal for your house will consume me’” (John 2:17). This isn’t quite the pictures we have in Sunday school, Jesus with a lamb and a child or two, looking for all the world like Mr. Rogers with a beard. The world’s nicest guy. He was something far more powerful. He was holy.
Sitting at my desk Tuesday when my assitant says, "somebody from the Daystar Network is on line 2. Want to talk to them?" Ugh - yeah.
DayStar Network is the classiest Chrstian network around. Great visionaries in Marcus and Joni Lamb; amazing studios/equipment; a hot house band; and efficient personnel.
Yes, I want to talk to them.
They said, "Marcus wants you to guest host". I said, "Absolutely, what month?" They said, "Thursday." "You mean in 2 days?" "Yes."
Ok. Had a blast. The support staff made everything so easy and the guests were wonderful - especially a guy named Matt Pitt. He's from Alabama. Has a student service on Tuesday nights with 5000 kids. Fired me up.
One of the funny things I did on the progarm was to show the audience where Marcus Lamb really was. I told them Marcus and I had switched. I was now hosting DayStar and he was... well take a look...
PCD headlined a festival last night in Osh Kosh WI. Cool 80 degrees! 10,000 people heard Crowder - Anthony Compolo - then PCD.
We hit the first big intro and came running out - big roar- breeze was blowing my shirt and I was doing my best MJ imitation. Opened my mouth to sing and an uninvited guest entered. A moth? Junebug? I don't know but it entered in a big way. I began to swallow- choke- and finally I thought- I'm going to go ... well you know.
I got him down finally. Great evening. When we sang "Revelation Song" the crowd was singing big! And when I sang the 2nd verse "clothed in rainbows of living color - flashes of lightning" ... It started to gently rain. Some moment.
Some people go to Wisconsin to get cheese. I got a bugger. A cheese-bugger.
This question comes up often and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Can you celebrate the life's work of a person without celebrating their lifestyle?
Sometimes the two are impossible to disconnect. On one had you have the bizarre behavior and sad allegations concerning Michael Jackson. On gloved hand, you have a master of music. The premier showman. The genius of pop music.
As a believer, can you celebrate the music without the morals?
Very sad today at the passing of Michael Jackson. His music touched my life and influenced my writing and music. 50 years old. Too young.
The album "Off the Wall" is the perfect album musically. Just genius. "Thriller" was jaw dropping. What an incredible talent. What a tragic ending.
His song "Heal the World" is spiritually moving. My favorite "Will You Be There" resonates deep in my soul.
I've been listening to all the old songs today. I remember where I was when I first heard most of them. Sad.
I almost was able to co-write a song with Michael through a record company arrangement. He wrote the music and I supplied the lyrics, but it was right at that time that he was arrested. And his world was turned upside down.
I hate that the last 10 years of his life was marred with scandal and legal wranglings and bizarre behaviour. His music was genius.
I appreciated Paul Young's humility and his view of relationship over religion. He has been through a lot. I'm glad for the freedom he has found. When he finally gave it all up, he was ready to write. I love how his viewpoint changed from "God, let me do something for You" to "God, let me see what You're doing, and if I could be some small part of it that would be awesome." I guess that is what has happened. I love how God often does things such that we can have no claim to having done it, and He gets all the glory!Thanks PLW for inviting Paul Young.
Paul Young, the author of The Shack, invaded our world Sunday with 3 encounters. Each service was different- each riveting. We had 2 packed houses (9am/11am) and over 600 men Sunday night at a MEN ONLY session.
People were moved, shocked, healed, offended- all the above. The Shack is a polarizing book.
We had asked our neighbors (she has read the book) if they would like to attend with us. They went to the early service. We made it to the later service.
What I heard in the later service was a damaged man who is still bitter. Sure, there were points that he and I agree on. I have described myself as 'non-religious' to people explaining that 'religion' has gotten a black eye that it deserved. I can then explain that I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Interestingly, as I listened to the author, I started thinking of people who have been in my life who have had horrible things happen to them. In many instances, there was an interest or a need to study psychology or sociology. I think I've heard it described that people who have had such traumatic experiences think that they can fix themselves and then go help others. It was interesting to hear from my neighbors that afternoon about the authors horrible experiences growing up (told in the early service). I wasn't surprised to hear that he would turn to seminary as my understanding was that some of the instances occurred when he lived abroad with his missionary family (kinda like the victims turning to sociology and psychology). But I felt that I was listening to a man who has not forgiven, who wrote a book to create a new Jesus for his kids that would not be the Jesus that he was 'forced' to know as a child.
I won't ramble as I know you get so many emails. I was not impressed by this speaker, and I do feel that there are credible questions to be asked of him before he is to take a leadership position of espousing his belief system to a crowd of hundreds at PL
hey mom and dad!! we have internet access here.. so i just wanted to email you guys and let you know what i was up to. so far, we've done 2 clinics. the first day we had about 200 patients, yesterday we had around 100. these people are so precious.
i don't know if you heard on the phone, but the first day was probably the most brutal for this whole trip. we had to hike 3 miles to and from the clinic in the scorching heat. (and believe me, it is soooooo hot here) up through the mountains. and once we got to the clinic, there was no air, no fans, nothing. plus a tin roof, so it absorbed every spec of heat. it was miserable. but we saw so many people.
i can't wait to tell you all of the stories. there will be alot.
we have to get up every day at 6, and leave by 7. we usually get back home around 3 or 4.
yesterday was definitely more bearable. we were in a much smaller building, but we had fans, and one room had AC.
i've been working with a PA, Tara Sasse. so far, i've learned how to test blood sugar, i've taken blood pressure, and i've learned how to write prescriptions and interpret them.
i'll tell you one quick story. one patient that we saw yesterday was a little 9 yr old girl. she had strep throat and tara suggested a penicillin injection. at first she was going to let me give it :/, but i figured since i havent had any practice, i would rather wait. and it was a good thing. she had to give the shot in her buttocks and the needle was clogged, so the medicine wouldnt go in. and of course the girl was screaming. so she had to restick her, and again, the needle was clogged. i felt so bad, the poor girl was sobbing. but after the second time, she started bleeding pretty profusely. we had already given her some oral antibiotics, so tara said she should be fine. but i'm just so glad that it wasn't me, cause i would have felt so bad!
today, we had a "day of rest". we got to sleep in until 8, and basically work on meds all day. i think we are going to the river around 2. and then we have church tonight.
this place we are staying in is so nice. we have dorms with bunk beds, 2 showers, 2 bathrooms. all concrete of course. but much nicer than i expected.
no AC. anywhere.
tomorrow we have a clinic here, they have their own hospital.
i should be able to check my email frequently, so feel free to write me back. i want to know whats going on in the USA.
i miss ya'll and love you soooo much! cant wait to see you!
love,
Gali :)
So Ms. Phillips loves Bryan Adams. She goes into a tizzy when he comes on the radio. "mercy" - says that a lot. Fans herself. Oh brother.
We got tickets to see him at the Paramount. We were in the lower balcony. She griped about- "we should have been lower so I can see him better." Good grief.
She told me, "when he sings my songs, I'm going to stand up." And she did. Mortified.
About 30 minutes into the show he says to the ladies on the front row, "girls, why are there 2 empty seats next to you? Did your dates go out of town?" They said they didn't have a date.
So he says, "well, we need to fill these seats." Ms. Phillips jumps up and starts waving and acting awful. Bryan says, "you up in the balcony with the black shirt on, come down here and bring that fellow with you." Beyond red.
We go traipsing down the stairs and he waits on us till we get to the front row. Denise is just enraptured. And I am- well, it was pretty sweet.
Pastor Randy, I am so upset about my father who is dating and likely will remarry. My mother passed about 2 years ago. I am so furious that he would dishonor her memory by marrying so soon! What is the appropriate time to remarry?
Answer:
I'm sorry you are so upset about this. There is no appropriate time to remarry. The time is appropriate whenever your father feels that it is. Remember, no one can replace your mother. He desperately needs companionship.
I heard Dr. Laura one time say that men remarry quicker IF the relationship with their deceased wife was good. Men tend to wait much longer if marriage wasn't so good.
Hang in there. Try to make each encounter positive. Ask God to help you with this this terribly difficult situation. And as far as your mother is concerned, there is no pain in Heaven. She doesn't see our earthly relationships as we do.
Honor your mother by taking the high road. You won't regret it.
My message this past Sunday was about "ANGELS AND DEMONS". It must have touched a nerve in people as we have been inundated with stories about both!
Post your "angel" / "demon" story on my blog and let other people read it.
The entire series on "The Journey: Are you ready for the next dimension?" is now available and for a limited time - I am giving a free book called "This present darkness"- Frank Peretti.
Having the knowledge of studying God’s word for the past 20+years, I agreed with everything you spoke on and about this past Sunday. However, in my smugness I had become complacent to do anything with the knowledge I have about God’s messengers, ministers, protectors – His Angels. With renewed vision and encouragement to call upon the Lord to send his helpers to come to my aid in several areas and circumstances that I am going thru ( keyword is thru!) I applied the truths you shared and asked God to send His angles out for my benefit.As you know, one of the current difficult areas of my life is the feeling of loneliness and even more so that everything is heavy on my shoulders alone. As I was on an early morning run the other day, I was also deep in prayer about the burdens that are weighing on my heart, when suddenly I felt this large yet agile presence running right along side of me. My tightly kept emotions totally released and I burst into tears. The knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that strength and power and protection were right next to me and just for me was too much. In continued reflection of this divine orchestrated moment, I am encouraged with the thought, “ If my Heavenly Father allowed me this special and very real experience on the familiar setting of the jogging trails behind my house, how much more is going on in the heavenly realms for my behalf?! “ I believe exceedingly, abundantly more than I can think or ask for!
When they told me that being a pastor- the highs are greater than the lowest lows... well you wonder about that.
Because people can be so disappointing and you start to get a little gun shy. You close down a little. Protect your heart.
And then you have a Sunday like Graduation Sunday- my favorite Sunday of the year- and they were right, it puts your world back in place.
As I looked into the faces of these amazing graduates; attorneys, surgeons, 4.0 gpa, missionaries, pastors, nurses, engineers,- I felt so proud. It was a fatherly pride that welled up from the depths of my soul.
I was so emotional- Dense looked at me like, 'what is wrong with you'? I don't know. Must be that thing they told me about pastoring. I walked through the fire with some of these kids, served in Juarez with them, held them when they cried, laughed when they laughed. Memories.
The speakers moved me; Lauren Ray, Katlyn Lewis, Tyler, Drew Rogers- thank you for your depth of soul.
Singer: Jane Bryant! Wow. You rock.
Thank all of you for your love for Jesus and putting our worlds right-side up.
If you want to get your eyes open to the real facts, ask your kids at the supper table this evening. Ask them to describe their feelings about you and the home. But I better warn you—it may hurt! It might however, open your eyes.
Needless to say, having a Christian home—even a pastor’s home—is no guarantee against family squabbles.
Stop right now and think about your home. Now, an evaluation is no good if all it leads to is guilt and hurt. To stop there would be like a surgeon stopping the operation immediately after making his incision. All it would leave are hurt feelings, a lot of pain, and a nasty scar.
So let's begin the summer with honesty and correction.
Pastor, what do I do about my daughter who is dating an unbeliever? Everything I say seems to push her towards him.
Answer:
My heart goes out to you. I have two daughters and I would certainly be upset as well. Sometimes the harder we push them the further they go away from us and closer to the problem.
1. You should commit this situation to prayer and fasting. Don't underestimate the power of this combination. God can do more to change a heart than we can.
2. For sure do this: make every encounter with your daughter positive! You don't want her to dread a lecture every time she sees you.
So the youth flocked our house yesterday. Yep, we've been flocked.
I have to call a number to have them removed- for a donation of course! But here's the best part. I get to pick the next house! Already the wheels are turning.
Start looking out your windows folks- the birds are coming.
I was terribly disappointed Wednesday night that Danny Gokey did not make the finals. What a mistake.
That's what you get when people can vote. Adam is clearly vocally superior, but Danny had so much more versatility. And I loved that he was a worship leader. I also loved that he was journeying through sorrow over the loss of his wife.
It should have been Gokey America!
Chris is average. Nice kid and talented, but not exceptional. Adam is amazing. A rock star for sure... but Danny!
Pastor, after your message the other Sunday about Heaven, you got me thinking about some things I’ve never thought about. Fishing in Heaven. Fun. I thought of Heaven as one long church service. Not to embarrass you, but will there be sex in Heaven?
Answer:
Thanks for the question. It doesn't embarrass me at all. YES THERE WILL. (some folks won't be happy about this- some will) Rev. 22:3 "no longer will there be any curse."
Heaven will be Eden without the curse. What was in Eden before sin contaminated the perfect environment? Whatever was in that perfect state will be in New Eden. Sex was in Eden. I believe it will be in New Eden as well.
I'm frequently asked this question in our marriage classes. Often by single adults. My answer always surprises people and sometimes makes them angry. So beware. This is just my opinion.
There isn't a God-chosen soul-mate for every person. Your sole mission in life is not to find this one-in-a-million person that God made for you. Actually I believe you could marry 15 different people- not at the same time of course.
Everyone in scripture had an arranged marriage. Nobody picked their own spouse. Parents and suitors arranged in a business deal to unite their daughters sometimes in political alliance. In scripture you can see this played out with Isaac and Rebbecca. A servant of Abraham picks Isaac's wife.
When you compare the arranged marriage system with the Western mind set of dating you will be amazed how Eastern cultures accepts and lives with their spouses and produce legacy far greater than ours.
So what's the deal? If you and your spouse live by Godly principles, you can be very happy and holy.
Read the book, "His Needs, Her Needs" by Willard Harley. If you put these principles into place- you can be very content.
I'm not suggesting you exclude God from this important covenant, but over spiritualizing the selection process turns into God-manipulation.
I have not heard from my son for many years. Our abrupt breach happened after a bitter argument about the lady he intended to marry. I was very opposed. He cut off all communication with me. I'm broken hearted.
I have more children in my house. But the breach with my son is consuming me. What can I do?
Answer:
To begin with, let me say how deeply sorry I am for your broken heart. I pray that God will turn the heart of your child towards you. Nothing breaks the heart of a parent more than this.
Let's fast and pray together. God can change a heart.
Finally. You mentioned you have children still remaining in your home. FOCUS ON WHAT IS LEFT- NOT WHAT IS LOST. I can't emphasis this enough. You still have children that need your attention. Don't lose them too. Turn your son over to God, but give your heart to your remaining children.
About a year ago, I bought a new house and I told my boss, a friend- they seemed very excited. A week after I closed on the house I was laid off. My boss knew it was going to happen for weeks and didn't warn me! I'm angry and hurt. What can I do?
Answer:
That is the deepest hurt. Betrayed by a friend. I am so sorry for you. Yet at this very moment, God's healing is reaching for you.
Reveal your hurt to God: Vent our frustration to the Lord. Tell him about the friend who betrayed you. He will not be surprised, upset and angry with you. His face is towards you.
Release the one who offended you: Forgiveness is the ultimate act of Christianity. As long as you hold on to your anger for that person- they have authority over you. They cage you. They dominate your thought life. They manipulate your emotions. DON'T GIVE THEM THAT POWER. Forgiveness severs the ties. Let them go!
Re-focus your life: Don't give anyone the right to steer your heart into depression. Redirect your focus on what comes next. Take captive the thoughts of revenge as it keeps you in a negative place. Set your emotions at the feet of Jesus. (2 Cor. 10:5)
Q: I pray and sometimes God answers my prayers and sometimes he doesn't. Is there a particular way to pray so that God answers every time?
Randy: Good question. The truth is God answers every time. He either answers "yes", "no", "wait" or "answer your own prayer."
1. Pray honestly: Don't try to manipulate God. He's not your husband. :) Pray from a honest prayer - tell the Lord what you need and why you need it.
2. Confess any sin in your life: God loves it when we come clean. "You know Lord I have been so arrogant and prideful. I have lied when I was in a bind." Unconfessed sin hinders your prayers.
3. Pray Big: "God I don't need a little. I need a lot! I want this thing to set the city on it's ear! Go ahead and pray big."
4. Be specific: If your prayer consists of general request, how will you ever know if they're answered? Be specific. Watch God go to work.
5. Pray the Will of God: 1 John 5 tell us to pray in harmony with the will of God. Asking God to put your competition out of business is not the will of God. Asking God to hurt someone- not God's will.
Now go pray! Get excited about it! It's an adventure.
Sunday was such an amazing service. We had the authors of the best seller, "Same Kind of Different as Me." Their story was riveting.
The miracle of a dangerous homeless man that turns into a warrior for God- a multi-millionaire high society art dealer who learns to serve "God's People."- which is the greater miracle?
And the story of the lady who made this entire testimony real -Debbie. She is in Heaven now. But overjoyed with what has happened with her ministry.
Just before Ron and Denver came up to speak, our worship team led the congregation in contemporary psalms and a sacred hymn. In the middle of one of the songs, a precious praise singer's dress came loose and went all the way to the floor. Yes, to the floor.
The audience gasped. The worshipper gathered her skirt and ran off stage. What would she do? Was she so embarrassed that she would go home?
2 minutes later she comes bounding back out and finishes the song. Wow. What courage. What would I have done? I would have still be driving -probably in Canada by now.
Ask me something about scripture or family relationships or things you need me to pray for- or you may just want some advice.
I'll still blog- but I'd like to help you as well.
Ok, so somebody send me a question. A concern.
I'll be like "Ask Anne" Or "Dear Anne" or whatever it is. We can call it something. Do you have some suggestions? "Randy's Ramblings." "Useless Advice from a Pastor"...
Of course use an alias when the question is sensitive.
Here comes this ... well... robust lady- not the stylish slim model we're used to and I - along with everyone in the audience wanted to dismiss her- based on her looks.
She's never been kissed. She's unemployed. She's thick. She is lonely -her best friend is a cat. She too large. Too boxy. Too manish. Bushy eyebrows.
Typical humans.
The Simon in us that sees someone not fitting the mold- and we tend to dismiss their offering. Cyncial Simons.
Lesson I've learned here: give people a chance. Everyone has a dream.
The look on the judges faces when she begins to sing. Touching. And then she sings this song about "a dream." Lump in my throat.
Have you seen this? Watch and learn the lesson Susan taught us.
Over 1700 people worshipped in the beautiful Westlake Performing Arts Center Easter Sunday. The weather was looking very threatening. I began to pray (as I'm sure every Lead Pastor was as well) and ask the Lord- "Lord let the weather turn out good. Don't let people have an excuse not to come to church!"
Well, it turned out beautiful. Thank the Lord.
And what a great service. full band and horns, a wonderful worshipping team- and then AVALON! Knocked it out of the park.
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
Tell me your thoughts on the service or your service.
Jesus was up all night- suffering from hypothermia, dehydration, loss of blood, collapsed lungs,
9am today- he was crucified at the foot of Golgotha. Agonizing pain.
Noon: a total eclipse of the sun. The sky goes black. Nature can't bear to look at its suffering savior so she pulls a black drape of sorrow around him.
3 pm: He breathes his last breath. Hangs his head and dies. He will be extracted from the nails- given to a wealthy man named Joseph for burial.
Nicodemus and Joseph wrap his body and place it in the chiseled out tomb. A rich man's tomb has a weeping room. and 3 other places for bodies. A common man's tomb was simply a place where you put the body and sealed it.
Notice the how the stone is rolled in front of the tomb. See the trough.
The stone that sealed in Jesus weighed 2 tons. The angel rolled it away and sat on it! One angel.
I stood in Jesus tomb and looked at the place where He lay. Chills.
I love the sign over the door as you leave the weeping chamber.
One of the things that really intrigued me when I was at the place where Jesus was crucified: it's only 40 yards from Golgotha to the tomb.
Very short distance. Somehow I thought that Jesus was crucified a great distance from the city and buried a great distance from there. But really is about 40 yards apart.
A garden between.
Remember, there's always a garden between the place where hope seems lost and the place where hope is found. The Garden Between.
There's a garden, a place of fragrance, a place that blooms between the desperate place and the glory place.
Financial desperation. Relationship trauma. Addiction agony. Look for the garden. There's a Gardener there- he will bring your dreams back to life.
After one year of being in a cafeteria, Palm Sunday, we made a triumphant entry into the gorgeous $13 million renovated Performing Arts Center.
Our entire congregation was together for the first time in 14 months. Fantastic! What great energy! What great music! What an amazing Saviour.
Gary Dorsey led us in worship with a full compliment of 10 worshippers and an amazing band AND HORNS! Yes, The Monster Big Band showed up to play with us. What a great day.
We talked about journeying with Jesus to the Mnt.of Olives, the Temple Steps, Caiaphas dungeon, the Praetorium and Golgotha.
Each place played a valuable lesson to us who follow Christ.
As the Passion week gets ready to unfold itself on my soul, I can't get this image out of my mind.
The Golgotha attendant said Jesus would have been crucified at the base of the hill. I've always thought it would be on top.
He said the Romans wanted to send a message to everyone about the Roman dominance. At the base of The Skull today is a busy bus station. I wonder if they know what happened here 2000 years ago.
I know I used to say, "I don't need to go there." That changed when I went. Something about that place. Something about those Israelis. Something about that City.
Before we depart for Texas, Denise and I made one more pilgramige to the sacred Wailing Wall. This wall is one of the only remaining parts of the original Temple in Jesus' time.
When you approach the wall you're immediately awed by the massive stones laid upon top of each other. No cement.
You're also struck by the thousands of prayer requests that are folded on paper and stuck int he cracks of the rocks. Today I have written the names of my family and my church family on a piece of paper and placed it in the stone.
Lord hear my prayer for the people I dearly love.
Men and women are separated by a fence. Rabbis, Orthodox Jews, and soldiers with machine guns strapped around their waists praying along side of me.
"Lord Jesus, welcome home! Set up your Kingdom and rule this earth with Righteousness."
Bittersweet. I'm so looking forward to going to Texas, but I have had such an exhilarating trip.
Today was the best of course.
We loaded buses early this morning and went to the Upper Room where some significant things happened: the Last Supper, Jesus appeared to Disciples after Resurrection, and Holy Spirit was poured out (Acts 2).
We led worship in this beautiful church that represents the Upper Room. "Spirit of the Living God/fall fresh on me." Chills.
Next we went to Golgotha. I was anticipating such a moving experience, but it's really tough. Big bus station is nearby. Horns blaring, busy traffic. Overhead a Muslim prayer blasts from loud speakers. Still I could sense the essence of my Christian faith.
The Place of the Skull. See the features on the rock. Our guide says that Jesus was crucified AT THE FOOT of the hill instead of on top. Said this would have been Roman custom.
The Garden is literally a stones throw from Calvary. Never pictured it so close. Gorgeous and lush. A 200,000 gallon cistern runs underneath. And Joseph of Arimathea Tomb that Jesus was buried is less than 50 yards from Golgotha.
Calvary, the Garden, the Tomb. All right here. Half a football field in length.
Denise and I walked into Jesus tomb. The feeling is beyond words. The opening is 5 ft high. A stone trough is below it where the 2-ton stone would have slid.
Very small little cave. Low ceiling. And there it is. The place where Jesus lay. So emotional. The entire essence of our faith in this cave. And the best news of all, he is not here! He is risen!
Well, I found out today what Paths of Righteousness are. You know how a picture is worth a thousand words?
PS. 23: "He leads me in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake"
Across the face of the some of the steep rugged mountains are grooves or paths that have been cut into the side. They call them Paths of Righteousness.
The sheep could easily lose footing if he tried to cut his own trail. Lord knows I've done that.
If I will intentionally follow after the Good Shepherd and choose right motives, intentions, attitudes- He will lead me on a sure path towards my destination.
Getting out of the path leads to a serious fall.
PS. 18: "He makes my feet like hind's feet and sets me upon high places."
Again, I understand more clearly that life is rugged terrain. I need him to help me navigate on the journey of life towards His will. The deer/hind has nimble sure footing even though it's craggy and sometimes the gravel is loose. Because I need sure footing- he can take me to the high places! Let's go.
Herod was nuts, but he was an amazing architect. He designed 2 palaces (one is 3-tiered off the face of the mnt), an inpregnable fortress, food storage's, a temple, a bathhouse, and condos for his army captains - 820 feet on top of a mountain!
Masada: The stronghold.
How did they do that? We are taking a cable car up to the top of this mesa. How did they get the supplies, the building materials and fresh water up here? Ingenious.
Israelis most treasure Masada for the tragedy that happened here AD 73. Jews climbed this mountain as the last stronghold from the Roman army. For months they held off the Romans who encamped at the base of the mountain. Finally the Romans built a ramp! Yes a ramp- up to the mesa. When they climbed the walls they found bodies of the 1000 Israelis who had taken their own lives rather than surrender.
Today young Israeli soldiers are brought to this summit for their oath of allegiance. They take the pledge: "Masada shall not fall again."
We began the morning with a collision of geographical terrain. Out of the big city, Jerusalem, into the desert. Barren. Rugged. Hot.
Our ears began to pop as we descended into the lowest place on earth. The dead sea region. 1300 below sea level.
We stopped at a national park where they found the dead sea scrolls. A Bedouin stumbled upon these amazing scrolls- preserved as only this arid air could do-and unveiled Israel's greatest archaeological discovery.
I am standing in front of "cave #4" where the "mother load" of scrolls were found.
We then went to En-gedi. When young David was fleeing from the jealous King Saul, he came to the Dead Sea region. Interestingly, there is a gorgeous fresh water spring that cascades off the beige rock. We are told this is where David hid with his men.
A large cave mouth is visible where King Saul went to the bathroom and David cut off part of his robe. Wild Ibex goats are visible climbing the sides of the rugged mountains.
This has been the most emotional moment of the tour for me and Denise. We traced Jesus' arrest in the Garden to the High Priest's house. They tried Jesus in a mock trial- then lowered Him down a narrow opening into a dungeon. No lights. Stone floor.
I'm in this tiny quarantined cell trying to imagine what Jesus felt. The weight of the world. The stark loneliness. The betrayal of his best friends. No light.
We closed our eyes. Silence. Then our guide read Ps. 88, Jesus' prayer. So emotional.
We sang a song, "tis so sweet to trust in Jesus." I wish I could linger here a long time.
Jesus best friend, Simon Peter, denies Jesus 3 times in this courtyard. This is the actual place in Caiphus' courtyard.
Walking down from the top of the Mount of Olives you begin to trace the route where Jesus rode the donkey and people waved palm branches.
At the bottom of the hill is the garden of Gethsemane. So impressive to see these gnarled olive trees that were present at the time of Jesus. He may have prayed at one of these.
After he prayed in the Garden, he would be arrested and taken to Caiphus' house.
According to Zech. 14, one day Jesus will return to this mountain and it will split into. Water will come gushing out from underneath and the fill the Kidron Valley.
Then Christ will enter the Eastern Gates that have been sealed for centuries and rule the nations.
Just below my feet are thousands of graves. The Jewish cemetery is intentionally on this mountain so they can be first to see Messiah. They also are buried facing the Temple (where the golden dome is presently)
Amazing feeling to stand here and see how close everything is. I can see the entire Old and New Jerusalem at this glance.
I'm standing in the place where Jesus looked out over the city and wept. There's a church here with tear bottles.
On the top of the Mount of Olives we had quiet a little ride. Double hump. Getting on the beast was easy, when it stood up- felt like 30 feet in the air. And the dismount was scary. First the front legs go down, pitching you forward, the the back legs, leveling you out. Great fun.
We started early this morning with a devotion about the City of David. The City of Zion. Solomon's Temple. Jerusalem.
Our buses took us around the Kidron Valley up to the where the Temple used to stand. Now a Muslim golden dome marks the spot. All that is left of the original site is the Western Wall and the exit steps. Jesus walked these very steps.
They set the sound system up and we led worship on the steps where Jesus taught the disciples. We sang, "You are my King (Amazing Love)". The meaning of that given that just across the valley is the place where He died- was overwhelming.
And then we sang "Mercy Came Running". We were thinking about the blood sacrifices that took place inside these walls. The rivers of blood that would cleanse Israel one year at a time. Yet Mercy hid behind the veil wanting desperately to be freed.
Singing the song in this place, the meaning has never been so rich and so moving. The sacrifice of Jesus tore the veil and... Mercy Came Running.
Underneath the Western Wall is a series of tunnels that run under the Muslim community that is built on top. The tunnels and very tight and cold and snake along the Western Wall of the Temple. Incredible how Herod constructed this place. Huge stones quarried and brought in - weighing thousands of pounds.
One particular spot was chilling. Our guide stopped everyone and said, "if you drilled 30 feet beyond this western Wall and 10 feet up you'd be inside the Holy of Holies." As we rounded the corner, an orthodox Jew and several ladies were praying and crying and touching the wall.
We walked the Via DeLarosa where Jesus carried the cross. What strikes me is how narrow the streets are. I tried to picture Jesus laboring under the cross moving through these cobblestone streets.
The tour concluded at the Holocaust Museum. I'm not sure when my emotions have run such a gamut. The museum is so well done. The unspeakable horror that happened to this people... pure evil. I stood by Oscar Schindler's tree and the memorial that was planted in the Gentile of Righteousness garden.
Another emotional moment was going through the children's memorial where tribute is paid to 1.5 million kids who perished. To see the pictures of babies and 1st graders, and teenagers; just too much. Candles are lit to signify their souls ascending into Heaven.
The bus driver and guide began playing beautiful music about the Holy City. The City of David. The City where Christ was crucified, was buried and rose again.
Very dramatic. Just as we were about to go under a tunnel and top a hill to see our first glimpse...
Then we came up over the hill and it took my breath. I've been waiting and longing and now here it is.
If you can spot the golden dome, that is where Solomon's Temple was built. The pride of Israel. Now the dome is where Muslims believe that Abraham offered Ishmael.
Just in front of the Golden Dome is a stone fence. The only Western Wall. The only thing remaining of the glorious Temple. Tomorrow we will go to the Western Wall. I will insert the names of my wonderful church people.
Some city. The sounds are of Muslims praying over loud speakers, synagogues busy, heavy traffic, blowing horns, - big city. Now lit up with night lights. The moon is shining down of this magnificent place.
This is the spring at the foot of Mnt. Gilboa where the Lord said to Gideon, "you've got too many men in your army. Have them drink from this spring." Some lapped water like a dog, some cupped their hands and drank with their hand on their sword.
The Lord thinned the army down to 300.
I 'm looking at the valley between mountains where the invading armies were like a carpet. Gideon's minority soundly defeated them by simply obeying God. The invaders turned on each other.
We began this morning with a short bus ride to two tragic excavation sites. The first was a Roman city on 300 acres, the capitol of Decapolis (10 Roman cities). Scythopolis. As you can see in the model it was vast, sophisticated and architecturally amazing. It's culture was self-indulgent, affluent and perverse, .
Now check out this actual excavation of the model you see above.
Of course my favorite part was the amphitheatre. (of course.) Seated 7000. I stood on the stage and the other members of our tour sat in the audience. I barely raised my voice to sing, "favorite song of all", - like I was sitting next to them.
Denise's favorite part of this Roman city were the gorgeous Roman/Greek columns standing everywhere. And of course, she loved the avenue where the guide told us "this place was lined with shops with only the best and finest of fashion. Can you imagine that?" Denise was nodding enthusiastically.
Notice the hill in the background? They estimate 15 different cities were build there- one on top of the other. The most famous was a Philistine city called Beth-Shan. It is there that Saul and his incredible son -Jonathan's- bodies were hung after they were killed in battle.
Two tragic places: all disobedient to God. An earthquake completely demolished the self-indulgent city of Scythopolis. The sword of Philistines destroyed Israel's King and heir.
I'm standing on the Golan Heights and the guide is telling us about the Israeli wars. The wind is blowing- 30 miles an hour. It's cold up here. I have on a shirt/t-shirt. What chills me is not the wind though.
In front of me is a bunker on top of this mountain complete with a bomb shelter.
Looking to my left I can see Lebanon's border and on the right Syria. They talk about how the armies from the Arab nations converged on Israel during the 6 Day War. He concludes by telling us, another conflict is likely. Hope I get down off this mountain before they start shooting.
Our adventure started again at 6:30am as it does every morning. We load buses and head for sites we've read about in scripture. I won't read scripture quiet the same way again. The smells, the sites, the colors, the flavors...alive.
Today we went to Ceasaria Philippi. A pagan town built by the Romans -who built upon the ruins of the Greeks. It is at this spot that Jesus chose to gather his disciples and tell Simon Peter something really powerful.
In the wall of this site is a huge cavern that springs of fresh cold water gush and feed the Jordan River. The Greeks built Temples to their Gods here. The Jews called the large mouth of the cave...The Gates of Hell. The Greeks would throw their sacrifices in the mouth of the cave.
Jesus looks around at this paganism, cult worship and says...the gates of Hell shall not prevail against the church. Whew!
We ended the day by baptizing 60 people in the Jordan River. You enter this place where Jesus was baptized by John and you pay $10 for towel, robe (very see through). Men go one way, ladies the other.
We made our way to the water. Dan Dean was my baptismal partner. (We look good don't we?) Shawn led worship. We baptized over 60 people. To say it was cold would damage the reputation of the word. It was brutal. By eventually you got numb and it was fine. To think that Jesus submitted himself to this wonderful ritual in this water is just such an example for me.
We had lunch at a restaurant famous for serving Simon Peter's fish. Tilapia. It is beleived to be the fish that Jesus made the coin appear to pay taxes.
Well, they brought it to me- and I looked at it. It looked back at me. Wow. For the record, Denise ordered cheese pizza.
We boarded boats and set sail to the middle of the Galilee. Amazing to lead worship on the lake where Jesus stills the storm. "Peace be still". The place where Simon Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water.
I am looking at these waters that have white caps on them and thinking; Would I get out of this boat? Would you? Simon Peter had tremendous faith.
Hard to believe right before my eyes... the Sea of Galilee. Tonight we're in a hotel right on the shores of where Jesus lived, walked and performed most of his miracles.
The lady who was bent over with a terrible spine condition; the leper; the man with the withered hand; all those miracles performed right here.
Jesus 'church' was here. I stood and watched the sun go down over the water that he walked on. The place that he calmed the storm.
Trying to let this moment sink in. Jesus walked and lived here.
Today we passed a village called City of Magdala. Mary Magdalene's house and place where she lived. She's the lady that Jesus cast out demonic spirits. She would be the first to Jesus' empty tomb.
Then we went to the mount where Jesus spoke the Beatitudes. Surreal. We had Sunday morning church looking over the area where Jesus spoke to 10,000+ people. Mt. 4, 5, 6. You can close your eyes and be transported back in time.
Simon Peter given a second chance. Tradition says that I am standing on the sand where Jesus stood on the shores of Galilee. He called out to Simon Peter and his crew, "Caught any fish? Cast your nets on the right side." Peter swam to shore. Jesus prepared breakfast for him. Jesus helped Simon forgive himself. He asked him three times, "do you love me"?
Simon Peter's House. We arrived just a short drive to Capernum; Jesus' town. Walked in to the excavated city of Capernaum. Incredible. Here is the church/synagogue where Jesus read scrolls; where Jesus attended on the Sabbath.
Simon Peter's House is completely excavated. Simon Peter was wealthy and this is evidenced by the enormous house for that time. Amazing. His house is literally 10 feet from the steps of the synagogue. What's so surprising is how close everything isl geographically.
Rising up from valley of the plush fertile fields is a mountain range called Carmel. A primitive road wound up the side till we reached this dazzling view.
Mount Carmel. The place where Elijah challenged the prophets of Ba'al to worship contest for the God of fire.
Our guide said, "look out across the Valley of Meggido. See the city of Nazareth, -next to it the Mountain where Christ was transfigured- then follow that to the mountain where Saul and Jonathan died in battle. Next to that is where Elijah healed the Shunamite lady's son who died."
Whoa. Slow down. He said in such rapid fire- places and faces that have ruled my biblical memories. Slow down fellow!
I surveyed the vast fertilevalley of Meggido. I could sense what it would feel like for the armies of the World to gather for the final conflict. They will march towards Jerusalem for judgement.
Up to Nazareth. Jesus' hometown. This is the place where he grew up. It is completely a Arab/Muslim community now. I went the the Mount of Precipice where supposedly the synagogue leaders tried to throw Jesus over the edge.
Here's Cana. - Where Jesus performed his first miracle. Now trace the road where we will sleep tonight. The edge of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus walked these roads. What an incredible experience!
The morning began with a 6 to 3 buses and 3 Hebrew guides. After loading our luggage we left Tel Aviv and drove to Caesarea.
Caesaria. Founded by Herod the Great, a crazy ruler but an amazing builder. And some of his dream buildings still exist. Our group began with worship in an incredible amphitheatre.
Herod's Palace. This two level struture is stunning. The foundation shows how he entertained Kings in banquet halls, even had a indoor swimming pool.
One of the most moving moments was when the guide said, "The Apostle Paul was incarecrated in this cell below the house for 2 years. He wrote Philipians from here." I was standing where my hero of the faith made his appeals and shortly after would die.
The cobblestones I am standing on in Joppa are 4000 years old. It's tough to wrap your mind around this kind of antiquity.
Jonah was here. Probably very close to this spot. I guess he stood here and made a decision to sail away into self-will and not God's will. They put a whale here to remind us- go with God's will every time.
Simon the Tanner's House. (Very cool-it's been restored from ruins.) Acts 10. Apostle Peter came to this house and went up on the roof. I'm looking at it now. On the roof he had a vision where God told him- take the good news to the Gentiles. I am saved today because of the decision that happend at this house
4am. I'm roaming the lobby like a confused nomad. Can't sleep. Everything's deserted. Roaming. Praying. Reading the Bible. Where's IHOP?
I'm looking out at the water kiss the shore and it dawns on me- this is where Jonah pushed out to sail away from God's assignment. He stood right here somewhere and debated obeying logic and God's will. I am Jonah.
Finally got some breakfast. Fish laying on the counter looking up at me. Right alongside it some egg yokes floating freely in a vat of red juice. Yummy.
After an uneventful 11.5 hour flight from Atlanta. Flight was so nice and Delta crew accommodating. Wondered how I would kill so much time? We'll reading, movie, dinner, and slept. Next thing I knew - we landed in Tel Aviv. (Ms. Phillips snoozes)
I thought security might be aggressive and I was ready to see machine guns. Nothing. Georgetown has tougher security.
Got a cab and headed sea side to our hotel. I'm constantly in a state of confusion concerning money exchange. Never quiet sure if the natives are gouging us. (Cabbie needed some Afrin.)
First impressions; green! Everything is so irrigated and the temp is so cool. Tel Aviv is a big city complete with Taxi's honking, graffiti, cafes, bustling commerce. If you didn't know better you'd think... New York.
Then you see signs, "Ashkelon, Ashdod"- Philistine cities I've read about in OT. Places where Samson wrecked havoc. Goliaths people. Pretty cool.
Ms. Phillips and I left Austin with enough luggage to weigh down a small aircraft carrier. Tried to think of everything. I was proud of Ms. Phillips though. Her suitcase weighed exactly 50 lbs. (this has been a sore subject in the past.)
Upon our arrival into Atlanta, I had a surprise in store for Denise. We were supposed to lay-over for 6 hours. Garland surprised her mom by driving up from Tennessee. It was Garland's 21st birthday!
Checked back into the airport and went to Crown Room- where it felt like someone was pumping sleeping gas into the room. (Somebody is going to have to carry us to the plane!)
Now we have an 11 hour flight ahead of us. We are scheduled to arrive Tel Aviv at 5:45 PM. (9:45 AM Texas time).
Tuesday we will board a 14 hour flight from Austin to Israel. We will be on a guided tour with other believers viewing the sites and places where Jesus lived. Each day our group (PCD) will be singing at different sites.
The tour lasts for 7 days. We will visit the Garden Tomb where Christ was buried. We will go to Pilot's chamber where Jesus was convicted. We will tour Galilee and surrounding towns where the disciples lived.
We actually sing on a boat in the middle of Galilee! I'm going to scan the surface of the water to see if I can see Him.
We will go to the Upper Room where the Holy Spirit was poured out. We will visit Gethsemane where Jesus was crucified. Our tour will also go by the Mt. Olives where the Lord Jesus will return soon.
What a trip.
I will (try) blog everyday about where we were that day and pictures of our visit.
I hope you will visit the blog and tell others to read as well.
I cannot wait to step foot on the Holy Land. Whew. That's going to be some journey.
Also pray for Lily and Garland; that they won't kill each other. The question is who will be taking care of whom?
An Elder in my church invited me to go kill the symbol of peace. Doves. Chucker. Pheasant. Can you imagine me with a gun? Scatter!
As you can see in the "4 Amigos" portrait- I am ready to shot something.
We had a guide and a couple of beautiful dogs. She was ... direct. I remember one of her statements was, "shoot the dogs and I shoot you." Made an impression. She would do it too.
Well, long story short - we did manage to thin the flocks a bit and create more space for the healthier birds to thrive.
Took the girls to the nail place by Nordstroms. Got them a Valentine's package. Manicure, pedicure.
My favorite moment was seeing the Pearl up in that chair with the Asian ladies around her. They thought she was so cute. Feet would hardly touch the water.
Here's an unsolicited, unofficial, low-budget review of the 51st Grammies:
Rev. Al Green and Justin Timberlake... rocked it! "Let's stay together." boogiing all around with Lily!
Jonas Brothers with Stevie Wonder: the young boys held their own! They really did well. Good job boys.
Whitney Houston: "Houston we have a problem." What's up with girlfriend? Still acts medicated. Come on Whitney! Everybody wants you to win.
Neil Diamond: Love Neil, but wow. Going through the audience? High fiving Paul McCartney? I'm thinking. No. You know he's 107. He looks great.
Jay-Z: Get off stage! You look like Joe the Camel.
MIA and the other Rappers: Mercy. Thought girlfriend was going to have a "baby poka-dot" on the stage. Frightening. What about Lil Wayne? Grill-city.
Coldplay: Great sound. So visual. Love the tunes.
The Grand Finale: Stevie Wonder singing a song he wrote that nobody knew... pitiful. What a down way to end an evening with the most talented people in the world.
Phillips Craig and Dean: Has Grammys. Grammys on our moms side. Grammys on our dad side!
Been in Nashville finishing up my vocal on the new PCD album that comes out in March/April.
Studio singing is work. You wouldn't think so, but it is. You go in at 9am and leave at 9pm. You sing one chorus for 3 hours. Sometimes line by line. It helps to have a great producer.
Our producer is Bernie- terrific young man with incredible skills and talents. He's Canadian so that's odd- he says, "Eh" a lot. The recording studio is in their house. Oh yeah, he's married to Natalie Grant. Not bad for a Nuk.
Beautiful home and twin girls whose contagious laughter and giggles can be heard all over the house. So much fun!
Bernie and Natalie are so hospitable and generous. Not sure how I sang, but I sure enjoyed my stay at Bernies.
It's hard to grasp the national significance of our new president, Barack Obama. Did you think in your lifetime an African American would be President?
One interview with MLKing on the BBC he said, "I believe a black man could be president of America within 25 years." He missed it by just a few years. A prophetic utterance.
Can you imagine, black slaves built the White House where Barack Obama will live? Such incredible irony and deep significance.
God bless our new President. Whether you voted for him or not, the bible asks us to pray for him.
What are your thoughts on this historic day for our country?
Fasting is so incredibly powerful. I feel close to Jesus. I feel that my prayers have wings. Abstaining from anything, but especially food for a God reason is amazing.
The idea of not eating is such an amazing feat. So much time is spent around the table. Commercials look so good. Stuff you'd never consider before.
Also fasting from tv. And that too is interesting. In the evenings I just sit there and look at Denise. "What?" She says. "What are you looking at?" - When you don't have a lobotomy in front of the tube- you have to ... converse. It's so strange.
I make Lily's lunch. PBJ has never looked so good. Like fillet Mignon. I even saw some packing peanuts that I thought- "you know, with a little salt and butter..."
January is the month for purging, cleansing and making yourself ready for God's presence. I asked the church to fast 21 days. Someone in our church will be fasting one day- everyday for 21 days.
Maybe you might want to join us. Fasting is incredibly powerful. A New Testament Imperative.
You can fast food or activities or a combination of both. Daniel's fast (no protien/carbs) From sun up- to sun down. Or fast one meal. Give yourself lots of grace, but put your heart into it.
I'd love to hear your stories about how your fasting. What happened to you? If it was your first time, how did you find the experience?
I got a precious email today from a lady about fasting:
Hello Pastor Randy,I wanted to share this story with you. After church on Sunday, during dinner, I spoke with our kids about fasting and suggested that we fast from watching TV during the week. The moaning and groaning was deafening. My youngest must have yelled NO at least 20 times. I said, ‘Alright, what would you like to fast from? You tell me’.He stared into space as he thought. Then he declared, ‘ I’ll fast from my vitamins.’ Then my daughter said she would fast from homework. I replied, ‘This is why God gave you parents, TV it is.’
Sitting here trying to figure out what descriptor to put with the year "2009."
You know how preachers always try to rhyme. "2007: Opening the Windows of Heaven." "The Great 2008".
Stuck on 2009, but I'm open to suggestions. "2009: The year of the Bovine." Hmm. Don't know many sermons I can preach around that except for the the pigs that couldn't swim.
Over the holidays, we've all been very ... close. We've been in each other's space and in a smaller house things have gotten tense from time to time.
Got a credit card bill and there were some charges that our oldest daughter put on the card. We had a "Come to Jesus" meeting with our daughter about budgeting, spending, etc. Heated at times.
The little one came around the corner with this sign. It broke the tense meeting up with hysterical laughter.
The sands of time are draining out of the hour glass for 2008. What kind of year did you have?
You are on one of these 3 levels of living. Survival...Success...Significance.
The Survival Level: Just sleep-walking through life. No risks. No leaps. Protecting your heart. Holding tight.
The Success Level: Right by the eyes of those around you. When all you dreamed of owning is a reality. Your bottom line is the envy of many. You broke through the crowd of mediocrity and are living the good life. You are esteemed.
The Significance Level: has nothing to do with age or income but everything to do with impact and purpose. You are making the world around you better. You are improving the lives of those who come in contact with you. You inhale sunrises. The world is better because you lived in it.
Here are a couple of wonderful things you can do with your children that doesn't cost much, but will make incredible memories. Ready?
1. Pajama Ride: After the kids are in their pajamas and off to bed, wait about 10 minutes, then race into their room, flip on the lights and yell, "Merry Christmas surprise".
Load up the car, in your pj's and head down to the pancake place and eat a big breakfast. Your kids will love it! What a great memory.
2. Kids-in-charge-night: Tell the kids, "you're in charge." Let them plan dinner- help them buy the ingredients - then let them cook. Oh boy. It will be worth the mess. (I hope) Get them chefs hats and aprons. Perhaps think about pizza if it doesn't go well.
3. Day Off School: One day after your child has received a good report card, or did good in a play, or received some kind of award- send them off to school - then show up a short time later and say, "sorry but I need to pull you out of school today." Then go shopping! Or go to a movie! Or go get some pizza.
Good luck and write me a review on how it goes! Now go make some memories.
For the 3rd year, our precious church people boarded buses in the pre-dawn hour Saturday and journeyed to Ft. Hood in Killeen Texas.
Once we arrived we prepared meals for over 1500 families who lined up for miles to get a turkey, pie, vegetables and bread. Children got to meet Santa Claus and some recieved a new bicycle!
So moving to see our church applauding our service men and women, many who live at the poverty level.
Maybe for a day we lightened their load and brought a little joy from Austin. To all the men and women of PLW.... thank you.
Well Lily told me in a very matter-of-fact voice that she was quitting first grade. Yep dropping out. I asked her, "have you told your teacher." She said, "I'm going to tell her tomorrow."
I said, "what will you say to her"? She said, "Mrs. Hampton, this will be my last day at school."
I said, "what will you do all day?" She said "color and stuff."
Not sure how that's going to look on a resume. "Education: dropped out of first grade."
Well, today was a sad day. We buried the sassy. Yes the pacifier. Lily had fought to keep it, but she turned 6 and she told us it was starting to make her teeth look like "a mooses".
I didn't care if she walked across the stage to get her diploma in one hand and the sassy in the other. (I guess that's what having an infant at 40 does to you.)
Nonetheless, she decided we should bury it. So we did. Each family member said something about the sassy, "you brought us many great memories." Each of us sang a song, "precious memories" was Denise's.
I made a cross. Lily shed some "faux" tears for the camera.
Well it finally happened. We finally got to meet Josh Hamilton!
If you follow major league baseball, perhaps you've heard the incredible come-back story of Josh Hamilton. Hopelessly addicted to alchohol and cocaine- Josh was out of baseball for 4 years after bing drafted by Tampa.
Josh found Jesus and the Texas Rangers took a chance on him. He set the world on fire this season! The most spectacular event of course was the Home Run Contest in Yankee stadium where he crushed baseballs out of the park! The fans chanted his name. When interviewed all he talked about was Jesus.
Every time he comes up to bat Josh has them play the PCD song, "Saved the Day." We joined up with Josh in Raleigh North Carolina recently and we sang the song for him and the sold out audience. It was a night I'll never forget.
Momma is a doll. Dodi Osteen is an incredible woman of prayer and faith. She has overcome cancer and overcome the death of her amazing husband. She is powerful.
Met her the other day at prayer service. She was just a doll. Said she loved our music.
She is so proud of her son, Joel. I told her how proud I was of him and what he has done in the city of Houston. He has made church such a warm place rather than the rigid turn-off of old. The phenom of Lakewood is astounding.
I remember Joel being a shy introverted tv-editor when we would go to their church and sing. And now, he is the man.
His father must be so proud of him as is his mother.
Halloween didn't start out as a holiday for children to dress up and travel from house to house collecting candy. The Oct. 31 celebration dates back nearly 2,000 years to and ancient Celtic festival called Samhain. The Celts held the festival to celebrate the night before their new year, when they believed ghosts returned to cause mischief. There were costumes, yes, but they were more likely to be animal heads and skins rather than princess and superhero attire.
- Amanda HoffstromFun Facts!1920: Year of the country's first official city wide Halloween celebration in Anoka, MN, now called the Halloween Capital of the world1 Billion Pounds: The total amount of pumpkins produced by the country's leading pumpkin-growing states - including Illinois, California, Ohio and Pennsylvania - in 2006Fruit or Vegetable? Pumpkins are fruits.24.03 Seconds: The fastest time for carving a face into a pumpkin. Stephen Clarke set this world record in 2006 in Orlando.Halloween JokesWhy don't witches like to ride their brooms when they're angry? They're afraid of flying off the handle! When do ghosts usually appear? Just before someone screams.What would you call the ghost of a door-to-door salesman? A dead ringer.What did the skeleton say to the bartender? I'd like a beer and a mop!why was the skeleton afraid to cross the road? It had no guts...How do witches keep their hair in place while flying? With scare spray.why don't skeletons ever go out on the town? Because they don't have any body to go out with.
Ok, it's that time. You are going to vote right? Every vote is important.
Some folks have asked me, "I'm not sure who to vote for." They ask me whom I suggest.
I voted early and I used a 3-part criteria: I call it the "F-FACTOR"
1. FAITH: Which candidate will best bring Christian values to the highest office in our country. Which candidate loves the unborn, fights social injustice and lives a moral life?
2. FINANCE: Which candidate has the best plan for our economy? Which candidate can surround themselves with people who can help stabilize our credit crises and restore global calm?
3. FEAR: which candidate do our enemies fear the most?
We began working on the new PCD cd. I forgot how much work singing can be. You think, singing should be easy.
Maybe for most folks, but I worked on ONE LINE for over an hour. ONE LINE.
I like the new producer even though he's Canadian. His name is Bernie Hermes. His wife is NATALIE GRANT. Bernie is smart and talented even though he is Canadian.
I hope you like the new cd. Should be out in the Spring. We each wrote a couple of songs and then had some good outside songs too.
Scared of the economic turbulence? Worried about your retirement? Stocks in the tank?
What do you do?
Well, if you're hopes and trust is in this world- cross your fingers and hold on tight. But if you are a citizen of a different kingdom- you sow!
Sow? But times are tough. Sow? But I'm told to hold. Sow? Yes, sow.
Generosity has no season. In fact, to break recession, you sow.
Sunday our 3 year old church will sow a serious seed into the soil of a church that is 75 years old. We need the money for our own building program, but somehow I believe that if we'll sow this seed, we will reap a harvest.
So Sunday, Pastor Gaylon Clarke from Greater Mount Zion will preach for me and we will present him a significant offering.
I'm expecting a hundred fold harvest. My friend, now is not the time to hold, but the time to sow. Do you need a harvest?
Sitting tin the President's Club in Houston Texas waiting for my flight and watching Texas play... Texas North.
#1 OU Sooners playing my #5 TEXAS Longhorns. I just can't stand those Sooners. Bob Stoopes and the other Texas rejects that beat my Horns. Does anyone from Oklahoma actually play for OU? Sad.
Sad for Texans to beat fellow Texans.
Did I mention I can't stand OU?
When will Bob Stoopes finally go to the Pros?
My orange blood is boiling as OU has just scored a touchdown. The porous UT defense is tyring but...
18 years ago -3 preacher's kids went to Nashville to record an album. We were assigned to an artist/relations lady named Jackie Patillo.
We were green and scared and clueless. Jackie took us under her wings and guided us through the maze of recording. She brought us our very first number 1 song, "Turn up the Radio."
We would start feeling uppity sometime with all the success that came our way and we'd sass her some- but Jackie would bat those eyes and snap those fingers and we'd cower down. Jackie knew best.
We were able to connect with her again after 7 years in New York. She look great as usual and we laughed and talked about old times. She runs the gospel division on Sony.
Thanks Jackie for helping 3 preacher's kids find their place in Christian music- and we're still going strong.
Well I wasn't sure what to expect when I went to the movie "Fireproof." A church produced it. How good could that be? $500,000 budget. Please. Church volunteers as actors. Hmmm. Kirk Cameron. Zzzzz.
I was wrong.
Totally blown away by the genuine and authentic story and compelling way they portrayed marriage and the gospel.
Yes, even I (ole Stony) cried. Couldn't help it.
Kurt Cameron was fantastic. The script was believable, the actors were genuine, the entire experience was wonderful.
Mostly, I loved my wife more and I loved Jesus more. Can it get any better than that?
The sign outside Yankee Stadium said, "9 games left in Yankee Stadium." As I entered the park where Babe Ruth swung his bat and Joe DiMaggio rounded bases I was struck by the fact that 85 years of baseball memories were going to be soon gone.
So I took everything in a little slower. The emerald grass, the sounds of "hot-dogs", the occasional cursing of a Yankee fan, the crack of the bat, the players, the organ player (terrible) and the amazing announcers voice.
A dear member of the Navy joined me to see the game. Barrett Smith. Barrett is a member of my church and has moved to Connecticut to work in a nuclear submarine. He watches our services faithfully.
No one can fully appreciate the "Star Spangled Banner" till you see an enlisted uniformed young man stand tall and strong.
We love when we get an invitation to minister at Brooklyn Tabernacle. Ever been? Well if you're ever in NYC, you've got to experience The Tabernacle. Mercy.
The mixture of ethnicity and electricity for Jesus is goose-bump raising. Usually we go to the church about 8am . The sun is barely up. We walk back into our hotel room at 8pm. The sun is waaay down. It's a full day of worship and one that is unforgettable.
Unlike churches in the South where we have autonomous church buildings, the first thing you notice is that they pull up to a curb on a major street in Brooklyn. The front of the church is about 30 yards across. Right next to it is a drugstore and a pizzeria.
But when you walk in, it opens up into this beautiful lobby and 3000 seat theatre. Gorgeous.
The place fills up 3 times and they wrap around the block to get in for the next service. They sing with such passion. The 300 voice choir has the energy of freight train.
Tired to the bone, but so grateful I got another chance to sing at the Tabernacle.
In early August I felt impressed to contact Bryan Duncan. I had an old cell number, wasn't even sure if it worked. Turns out it did. He answered with his warm and fuzzy voice... "what!"
I told him the Lord had put him on my heart. He wasn't impressed. I told him that I wanted him to come to my church. He pre-warned me, "look, this has been a tough year. I went through a divorce and I'm in counseling for addictions. I'm not sure you want me at your church."
Yes, I want you at my church. Bryan blazed the trail for many of us with his genius lyric lines and blue-eyed soul voice. I felt this would be a God encounter for both of us.
He arrived at my church with sunglasses on... that he never took off- till just before he went on stage. But immediately the presence of God touched him. And his story touched us. His voice and songs were autobiographical and transparent.
People lined up after each service to encourage him and buy his cd.
Glad you came to Texas, Bryan. I pray you were glad too.
The hardest job in the world: teachers! Hands down.
They are underpaid, under-appreciated and undervalued. Sad because they are priceless. They spend more time with our children than we do.
So how can I be a parent every teacher loves to see coming instead of dreads?
1. Have a 'What Can I do to Help you' attitude.
Work with your child's teacher to let them know- I'm with you!
2. Give Help - Not Advice
Most teachers are informed, just overwhelmed. Help them. Ask them how.
3. Show Appreciation
It's amazing how little appreciation is shown to our teachers. Get together with the parents and make sure your teacher's birthday and other occasions are celebrated.
4. Be positive
If your child struggles, make your teacher aware of it and ask, "as the parent what can I do at home to help you." Focus on changing your child- not the teacher.
5. Respect the Teacher
Ask yourself this question: What would the teacher's life be like if every parent behaved like me?
6. PRAY FOR THE TEACHER
Multiply the needs as a parent times 25 students and you will feel the need to pray for the teacher. Tell them, "I'm praying for you." Ask them, "is there anything specific I can pray with you about?"
Spank or not to spank - that is the question. However you feel about this, here are some things to watch out for when you discipline.
10 commandments Discipline:
1.examine evidence:interview witnesses before bringing charges.
2.justice swift:don’t make them sit for hours waiting for pardon from the Governor.
3.cool down: don't discipline when you're angry. Call a parenting Time Out
4.keep your word:don’t threaten them- give them what you said.
5.don’t exhume bodies of past:deal w/ present issues not things that happened last month, or even year.
6.don’t argue w your kids. They're stalling from the inevitable Go ahead and give it to them.
7. make the punishment fit crime. Don't send them to the electric chair over missing their curfew by a few minutes. The discipline should reflect the severity of the problem.
8.help them understand why you're punishing. If you're confused-they sure will be.
9.don’t withhold forgiveness: after you punish, let it go. Don't hold it over their heads.
So yesterday at the end of my message I had people come up on stage who had a "changed life" experience. Written on cardboard- a before and after kind of idea.
Wow. So moving. In particuliar this precious couple wanted to share their story. As you see this picture tell me what goes through your mind?
Had a great time at the Natl Worship Leader's Conference (Monday-Thursday). Sold out event that was held at RiverBend church. It was incredible.
They asked me to teach on a couple of days- I don't know why. What can I tell them? Sing good! Do things with excellence!
Actually I talked to them about what it means to have a worship experience vs. lead worship. Worship leaders can get sequestered in their own world and sometimes not see that we are about- guests!
So worship leaders must make sure their building, their worship set meets the Senses Tests:
1. Smell: what odor does your church have? Smell is so important to the persons worship experience.
2. Sight: what does a guest see when they walk in your building? Dead plants, old carpet, trash, un-mown yards, chairs stacked against the wall? 1st impressions are everything.
3. Hearing: do you have mood music, ambient audio playing? Is it pleasant? what about your sound system. Does it have enough power to be a warm sound.
4. Taste: is your worship set list tasteful? Will it connect to people in the audience? Are you playing it skillfully.
5. Touch: Steep your worship set in fasting and prayer. We want our music to touch people's lives!
Oh yeah, PCD played at the event too. What a blast!
Went and picked up Garland from the airport today. It's been several months since I had seen her. I sent her away half girl/half lady... she arrived today... a lady.
It was in slow-mo. She was walking towards me, hair blowing in the wind, smiling, pulling a piece of luggage. My heart tugged. My little girl has grown up.
So hug those little girls and boys and don't ever say, "I can't wait till you grow up"... because - they will.
One of my favorite things that I get to do as a pastor is baptize people. To see people from all walks of life decide- I want to be immersed in water that symbolizes new birth- it's incredible.
This past Sunday night I baptized 45 people at the Rubios house. What a gorgeous pool.
May God bless the wonderful folks who allowed me to baptize them!
1. The Almost-er This is the person sitting near you that is constantly on the verge of praying. You can hear them doing that little breath thing, that little exhale before you are about to speak. And you can hear it because it's loud in the deafening silence of the prayer circle. Every time you are about to say a prayer you hear the Almost-er and you stop out of courtesy. And then they don't pray. So you start again and a long exhale from the Almost-er stops you again. It's quite a little dance.
2. The Gun Slinger When there are only two people left that have not prayed and the Closer is mentally warming up to end the session, you may find yourself in a prayer showdown. It's just you and another girl that looks like a heathen right now for not praying. The entire circle senses that the prayers were good but they need one more before the Closer prays. They need one more tiny prayer to kind of wrap things up. But you don't want to pray and neither does the Gun Slinger. So you sit their in silence across from each other like cowboys in the street, waiting, letting the tension and the awkwardness build until finally someone draws their gun and blurts out, "Lord thank you for this day and everything you blessed us with!"
3. The Opener You might think the "Closer" is the one with all the power, but don't be misled, the opener is in control. In addition to often choosing the Closer, they set the tone for the entire prayer circle. If they go long, people after them are going to go long. If they work in cute little jokes to the opening prayer, the people after them are more likely to be casual too. More than that, they don't need to worry about the Closer or fear someone cutting them off. They can pray and then relax. Their job is over and done in a matter of seconds.
4. The Rambler
Another name for this person is the "Jon Acuff." This is the guy or gal that sees the chance to pray in front of people as an open microphone. A chance to not so subtly reference everything they've recently learned during their quiet time in one long, rambling prayer. And there's no way to stop them, unless you are married to them. If you are, then like my wife, you can grab his hand and give him a squeeze that says, "I love you, you are good at praying but no one wants to hear about the spiritual mysteries you have uncovered recently in the book of Joel."
5. The Cave In
Deciding not to pray in a prayer circle is like not giving to a love offering. What you don't have any love in your heart? What you don't feel led? You're the only person in the room that didn't get led? Maybe we should pray for you instead of doing this prayer circle. Expect at least one person to be the Cave In.
6. The Closer
Closing a prayer circle is like being Spiderman. It's a gift and a responsibility. Although you get to determine when it ends, you also have to monitor the amount of quiet time that signifies everyone has gone. Because what you don't want to happen, what the Closer fears the most is the "Encore-ist." This is the person that goes after the Closer, boldly defying all rules of group prayer. It's an embarrassing situation for a Closer and for a few minutes afterward it's hard to make eye contact with them.
Bonus - 7. The Shot Blocker
This one is rare. Hearing this one in a group prayer is like seeing a unicorn. On the highway. With Gary Coleman riding it's back in the breakdown lane. In basketball, when someone on the opposing team swats your shot with their hand, preventing you from scoring, this is called "shot blocking." The same thing can happen in a prayer circle. It usually looks like this:
Person 1: "Lord, thank you for affirming my decision to take a new job." Shot blocker:"Lord please give Danielle more patience and discernment as she looks for a new job. Help her not rush into anything."
This is the basketball equivalent of someone blocking your shot into another state. Just as you try to send up a prayer to God, they swoop in and contradict you. (Thanks LunarWorld for the idea.)
Those are the six people I find most common in prayer circles, but I bet you've run into some others in your day.
A bunch of us fellas went to the civic center in Austin to watch people beat each other up. I had a ring side seat and it was waaaaay too close. Violent, brutal and did I mention the ladies that walked around announcing the round cards.
I tell you prayer was needed.
Had a great time and learned more things about pugilism than I will ever need. I'm going to stick to praying, preaching and singing. I'll leave hitting to someone else.
Father’s Day weekend is always a special time for me because of my girls, Garland and Lily Pearl.Daddy loves his girls!
If I am a good father (you’ll need to ask my girls)- it can be attributed to how I emulated my dad.
One phsycologist said, “we are all indelibly marked by our relationship with our father forever.”So true.And my dad was the best.The Hebrew word for parent and teacher are the same.My dad taught me some things for which I’m grateful.
I thank my dad first because He taught me to love Jesus Christ.He taught me to love the people Jesus loves.Authenticity to love folks.He told me people can tell if you really love them or not.
I thank my dad because hetaught me how to live a disciplined life.He exampled prayer and fasting and reading the bible.Those things were not work to him- but privilege.I’m working on it daily.
I thank my dad because hetaught me how to love a spouse.He is a true romantic.A throw back to the era of note writing and cards.He taught me that it’s important to stay romantic.Fill the car up with gas.Get the groceries in.Handle stuff.Never should a lady have to open her own door, pull out her own chair..Working on it.
I thank my dad because he taught me how to have fun.My dad’s sense of humor is side splitting.Quick witted.Funniest man ever.(ha-ha funny.)He can take the smallest nothing and roll with laughter.
I thank my dad because hetaught me to be a giver-not a taker.His money, his time, his presence- all available to his kids and his people.Though he’s never had a lot of money he gives much of it away.The Lord has always taken care of him.I’m doing the same.
I thank my dad because he taught me to love the House of God.I love church!We’ve always lived on the church property.The last 5 years, he moved off the property for the fist time.Some men in the church bought him a house in West Austin.When we build our new church, I’m building a house on the property too.I love the church.24/7.
I thank my dad because he taught me class.I don’t always exhibit it, but I have it because he gave it to me.His dad was a classy man.My dad can be in the presence of Presidents or paupers and knows how to handle every situation.
I thank my dad because he taught me to be ready when your time comes.One day at church a guest preacher had droned on and on- my dad leaned over to me and said, “what would you do if you had to follow him?”He taught me- be ready.Have something to say if called upon.I think I said, “I’d sing..”He said, “good answer.”
Texas Ranger-Josh Hamilton-hit to the sound of the beatBy ANTHONY ANDROStar-Telegram Staff WriterS-T/TOM PENNINGTONThe song that's played when Josh Hamilton comes to the plate has drawn a lot of interest from Rangers fans.
Josh HamiltonSaved the Day, by Phillips, Craig and DeanOutfielder Josh Hamilton has a strong faith and believes one of the main reasons he didn't die from his drug problems was because of Jesus.When he was deciding what music he'd use when coming to the plate, he listened to different songs before finding one that struck a chord with him.The Christian song is about Jesus' resurrection and what he did for people."It's one of those things," Hamilton said. "A lot of guys want to listen to their song. What I want to do is I want everyone else to hear my song."The up-tempo sound has found a following with Rangers fans."So many people have asked about it," Hamilton said. "The Rangers get e-mails all the time asking 'What song was that?' I've had a lot of people say they love the song."
But his legacy lives on in the lives of his children and grandchildren. Bill was a founding member of Redeemer Lutheran church. He had great vision. He saw that something small could be something great. Dwight Kemnitz, his son, has the same DNA. He is a charter member of a handful of people that has become known as Promiseland West.
Bill Kemnitz hired me as a freshman in college. Probably shouldn't have. He taught me a great deal. He taught me how to treat a customer. How to keep a customer satisfied. He taught me how to be a man of my word. Not to over promise and under deliver.
He had a wry sense of humor. He was fair, honest, tough and always teaching.
He had a firm handshake.
Bill was a fixture in the Austin community. He will be missed. Our prayers are with his incredible wife Marietta- and family Dale, Dwight, Donna, Debi.
I was 8 years old when I saw The Rambos at the Coliseum in Austin. I was mesmerized by her beauty and voice. I learned every one of her songs. I imitated her. My grandpa even made me a little guitar and wrote "Dot" on it.
I can remember after her concert in Austin, my parents introduced me to her. They made me sing for her. She said, "I'm going have to come get you and take you on tour with us."
I can remember waiting by the door for many days wondering if this would be the day Dottie came to get me. I think she got busy.
Dottie taught me the power of words. She taught the magic of a great lyric. She taught me that words can paint pictures and take the listener on a journey.
Her songs are forever written on my soul. "We shall behold Him", "One more river to cross", "Sheltered in the Arms of God", "Build my mansions next door to Jesus", "Come Spring", "Tears will never stain the streets of that City."
Wow.
I met Dottie recently at a Gaither taping. She was slowed by health issues but she was still the elegant and classy lady I fell in love with.
I walked up to her and introduced myself. My heart was actually racing.
When I got the call that she had be killed in a bus crash, I revisited the memories in my mind.
The world will miss you Dottie.
And one 8 year old trapped in a 46 year-old body is still waiting for you to come get me.
Interviewed Mayor Will Wynn on the radio for my Sunday morning show. I like Will. I know people give him a lot of flack for some of his ideas and Gore-like tendencies- but I've always found him to be a stand up guy.
I remember when he came to my church to speak when he was running for Mayor. Most politicians pretend how religious they are and how they will keep the cross on the highest hill. You can usually see through the fog.
Mayor Wynn said, "I don't go to church much and I'm not trying to make the city of Austin a Christian haven. But I will be a great mayor for the city you love and I think that faith is incredibly important."-
Mayor Will Wynn. I'm praying for him. He's had a few issues with his temperament- I think he choked somebody- my kind of mayor.
I'm going to get bumper stickers made- "Our Mayor can beat up your Mayor."
Ever feel forgotten? Ever feel lonely? Listen to the words of Jesus.
LUKE 12:6-7Aren’t 5 sparrows sold for 2 pennies?Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.Indeed the very hairs on your head are all numbered.DON’T BE AFRAID.You are worth more than many sparrows.
Jesus wants to remember some very important things. If we remember them we won't be afraid.
#1 There's Nothing God Doesn't Know
Romans 11:33Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!How unsearchable his judgments and his paths beyond tracing out!
Nothing is too complex for him.Nothing too involved.
He knows your life.He knows you, where you are, how you’re feeling.
Knows what you’re going through.
#2: There's Nothing God Doesn't Know
Jeremiah 23Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?
Declares the Lord.
Do not I fill heaven and earth?
The night is so dark.He can see in the dark.
The circumstances are so foggy.He can see through the mist.
The end seems so uncertain.He sees the end from the beginning.
Take His hand.He can see better than you can.
#3: There's Nothing God Doesn't Hear
Psalm 17:6 I have called upon you
For you will hear me O God
Incline your ear to me and hear my speech.
Incline-bend way over.
He can hear a whisper.He can hear a thought.
Even a groaning.Whether you’re on top the mountain or deepest valley
#4: There's Nothing God Cannot Do
Jeremiah:Ah Lord Godthou hast made the heavens and earth by thy great power and they outstretched arm and nothing is too hard for thee.
Don’t be afraid.There is nothing he can’t accomplish.
Nothing he cant fix.Nothing he cant forgive.
You can trust him with your problems, your anxieties and your eternity
Flew into Raleigh North Carolina. Began singing to myself, "In my mind I'm going to Carolina." Love that JT.
We arrived from different locations to get together and sing. This trip we were unusually happy because we were going to the retreat center of BILLY GRAHAM. They said he wouldn't be able to attend, but that his grandson would. Mr. Graham is house bound.
We began to drive up into the Appalachian Mountains and the low clouds hung around us. The driver turned up into this well manicured two-lane drive that snaked up into the mountains... WELCOME TO THE BILLY GRAHAM RETREAT CENTER. Wow.
The driver had to stop the car to let some wild turkeys cross the road. Deer were seen. So remote yet so comfortable.
We checked into the lodge and I went to my room. Blond pine, rocking chairs, beautiful rooms and one noticeable absence... NO TV. I thought I'd go out of my mind. I asked the desk, "were the TVs left out on purpose?" She said with a smile, "that's the way Mr. Graham wanted it."
No CNN. No ESPN. No mayhem. No political mess. No grim economic reports. No - just peace. Ok.
We sang to a private audience of about 400 guests. Signed autographs. Had a great time.
Dinner was served in a large open room, buffet style with large round tables and a "lazy Susan" that contained fixin's and sweet tea.
Our host was one of Mr. Grahams assistants. We asked him lots of questions and all of us came to the same conclusion. Billy Graham is a man we should imitate.
Just seems like yesterday that I was standing in the hospital gazing at a small bundle with a red wrinkled face and a pink stocking hat. She felt so fragile in my hands. Your big green eyes looking up at me melted my heart.
Truthfully, I was so young and filled with fear:
-Fear that an amateur dad like me might let you down.
-Fear that I might fail to do my part in helping you to be what God intended you to be.
-Fear that I might not prepare adequately for the day you would leave me.
onclusion of the evening and people gave $25,000 to Capital Area Food Bank! Praise God!
(wow).
Pasadena, CA-
Nick Lachey was the host. He came out and said hello to everyone. Denise started fanning. Oh brother.
Whew that was a rush. The first 15 minutes was like our hair was on fire. Talked over each other. Mangled syntax, wrong conjugations... awful. But then it smoothed out and people began to call.
After supper he said, "what you guys want to do now." SLEEP! Got a great night's sleep then awoke refreshed to do 2 more services with Max.
**For anyone planning on doing a free event with Phillips Craig & Dean**
Back to the room
Well, the moment I looked forward to has come and gone. But my heart is still beating fast.
chiseled out tomb. A rich man's tomb has a weeping room. and 3 other places for bodies. A common man's tomb was simply a place where you put the body and sealed it.
Before we depart for Texas, Denise and I made one more pilgramige to the sacred Wailing Wall. This wall is one of the only remaining parts of the original Temple in Jesus' time.
Very small little cave. Low ceiling. And there it is. The place where Jesus lay. So emotional. The entire essence of our faith in this cave. And the best news of all, he is not here! He is risen!
Underneath the Western Wall is a series of tunnels that run under the Muslim community that is built on top. The tunnels and very tight and cold and snake along the Western Wall of the Temple. Incredible how Herod constructed this place. Huge stones quarried and brought in - weighing thousands of pounds.
Denise was nodding enthusiastically.
Our guide said, "look out across the Valley of Meggido. See the city of Nazareth, -next to it the Mountain where Christ was transfigured- then follow that to the mountain where Saul and Jonathan died in battle. Next to that is where Elijah healed the Shunamite lady's son who died."
Been in Nashville finishing up my vocal on the new PCD album that comes out in March/April.
.
hit to the sound of the beat
Dottie taught me the power of words. She taught the magic of a great lyric. She taught me that words can paint pictures and take the listener on a journey.
Interviewed Mayor Will Wynn on the radio for my Sunday morning show. I like Will. I know people give him a lot of flack for some of his ideas and Gore-like tendencies- but I've always found him to be a stand up guy.
