Whirlwind

My head is still spinning from everything that is going on. We are in the middle of our annual Global Outreach Celebration. We have 27 units of Missionaries here with us at Immanuel, and I have the awesome opportunity to lead them in worship. This past Wednesday night was our Kickoff Celebration, I led worship for them this morning and will again tomorrow morning, and then Sunday Morning and Evening are our final services. In addition, I am planning our Student Worship Choir tour to Chicago, so I've been on the phone, planning itinerary, and trying to make monies match the budget. I am working with a new planning website for our worship teams, staff, and volunteers. So, I've been logging many hours of tutorial videos and uploading of info. I had an article due today for Brentwood-Benson's Publication that is due out in April. So, I've been writing that. (For those that care, it is called "Impact Worth the Sacrifice" - Not that you asked or anything!) I am teaching for LifeWay in Glorietta, NM in August. So, I had to develop 5, count 'em, 5!!!, classes that I will teach. Those are being emailed tomorrow. I laid out the worship flow for the next 2 weeks. And now, here I sit at 1am waiting for what is sure to be the first feeding of the night for our 6 week old daughter, Ava Drew. What should I fix her? Hmmmmm.....I guess I'll go with the old standard. Milk.

But, amidst all of this I was somehow able to watch "American Idol" and keep up with the drama on "Survivor". I am a renaissance man :) I also caved for the sake of a friend of mine. He asked me to get together about 20 voices and to premier a worship musical of his at MusiCalifornia in less than 4 weeks. Am I crazy? Probably. But, I will start work on that as soon as the music arrives. The easiest way to do it was to throw it to my praise teams. I needed people that could read well and learn the music primarily on their own. We quickly had 20 voices and are going to do it. Insanity!!! But, I don't go it alone. There are many of you right there with me.

Rainy Day

It has been raining ALL DAY LONG. I love it. We are actually about to head out in it for the evening. We are just going to a couple of stores. But, it will be a time for us to all hang out. We're thinking about going to Costco just to run around and see what kind of free samples they have. Then, we'll grab a corn dog. The kids actually planned the evening. Anything involving the word "free" has me on board. So, Costco it is. I wonder if they will be giving away free corn dogs. That would make the night PERFECT!

Video Report From Chicago

Originally, we had planned just to post this video at Rob's blog, so there is a reference about reading the blog below this one. But, then I thought that my readers might not go over to his goofy little blog, nor would it be fair to subject you to that ridiculous site. (I jest...) So, check it out below. It really does capture our candid personalities.

The Chicago Experience

I am a huge baseball fan. I love everything about the sport. I even love the way the word baseball sounds when it rolls of the tongue. "Basssssse-baaaalllll." I love going to games live, as well as watching on television. I am a big Atlanta Braves fan. But, more so, a fan of the game. One of my goals is to see a live game at every MLB park in America. I have a LONG way to go. As one of the most historic parks in major league baseball, Wrigley Field has long been a park that I've wanted to visit. Today, that dream was realized. However, I won't see an actual game there until we return in July. At that time, I will get to share that experience with our students.

This is now one of my favorite pictures of me:

New Chicago Video Blog

Chicago Video Report

Impending Danger

All of the signs around Chicago keep warning us that we may die. I'm beginning to get concerned. I wonder what they would suggest I do if I look up and ice is actually falling?! Scary.

We finally made it to the hotel at 1:09 am local time in Chicago. We are trying to walk the trip as if we had the choir with us. So, basically our means of transportation is the Metro System. So, we rode into town, but then had to walk about 5 blocks to the hotel...in the snow...dragging my suitcase. But, all is good. We are in a room and are doing well.

I've been trying to get in touch with our ministry partners this morning. They know we're here. They know we're supposed to meet. Why are they not returning my phone calls?

Pray we get this lined up soon. If we are unable to touch base before lunch, we are going to visit some of the spots that we are planning on taking the group for performances in hopes of setting those up. I'll check back in soon and give you an update. You can also check out updates HERE .

I'm In Chicago

I've never been here before. I'm really excited to be in "the windy city". I've always wanted to visit. Now, I'm actually here. Rob Signs (our High School Pastor) and I are on a "pre-trip". Our purpose: to set up the Student Worship Choir Tour by meeting with ministry partners, touring the areas we'll be performing, etc. Actually, our purpose is to get away and hang out in really cool locations. Then, do it again with the students. Yeah. That's probably a more accurate description.

So, we booked the cheapest hotel we could find and we got free wifi, 2 breakfasts, and 2 free dinners along with it. Pretty sweet. It is snowing outside as I type this, and I can't wait to walk around the city tomorrow and meet with our ministry partners. We are waiting on some food we just ordered. It is 2am in Chicago and we are ordering take-out. The reason is our flight was delayed due to the snow and we haven't eaten since lunch. So, we're going to eat. That Reuben sandwich can't get here fast enough. They are delivering.

I'll post some pics and more updates often while we're here. Check back!

Doctor Doctor

Well, I finally broke down and am at the Doctor's office this morning. I hate upper respiratory stuff. Actually, I just hate being sick. But, don't we all?

Pray that this is nothing serious. They usually just tell me its a virus and I have to let it run its course. So, I let this thing run its course over the past 3 weeks. I think I've given it enough time to take over my body. I feel like I'm trying to breathe under water.

Immanuel Worship

I can't wait for tomorrow. It is Sunday and I love worshiping with our people at Immanuel. I had a guy come in my office this week to meet with me. He told me that his life had been a waste up to this point. He said that he had sensed God calling him to Himself. He said "I need redemption and I know the only way is through Jesus. I need His forgiveness and salvation. What do I do?"

Well, that was an easy one. So, I walked him through some scripture that answered that question. He went on to say that the choir and the music had convicted and encouraged him during the services he had attended at Immanuel. That is what it's all about! Bringing glory to God through our worship and allowing Him to work through that in people's lives. Amazing!

Goodbye Frances

It is rare that you find someone who exhibits all the traits of a great leader. Someone who is passionate about what they do. Someone who is dedicated. Someone who is steadfast. Someone who is a team player. Someone who is supportive and submissive to authority. Someone who is not afraid to try something new. Someone who is willing to push the envelope. Someone who supports you in success, as well as in failure. Someone who works diligently to make themselves better. Someone who is faithful.

This list could go on and on, and every aspect of it describes someone that I have had the privilege to serve alongside during my time at Immanuel. However, she has come to a place in her ministry where she feels that the time has come to retire. Frances Iverson has been the organist at Immanuel for 33 years. 33 years! When Frances first began in this position in October, 1976, I was celebrating my 2nd birthday. That really puts it into perspective for me. She has given her life for the sake of the call at Immanuel.

Thank you Frances, for exemplifying what it means to be faithful in ministry. I only hope to have the impact in my ministry that you have had in yours.

My Worship Staff

I am blessed with an amazing ministry team at Immanuel. Not only do we have awesome volunteers, but I would put my worship staff up against anybody's in the country. I have not been in the office all week, due to the birth of our new little baby girl whose video you can see if you scroll down on this page (shameless plug). But, they have not missed a beat in my absence. They always do an incredible job and I am blessed to serve with them. Thanks Ellen, Eric, Byron, Larry, Amy, Sharon, Lisa, and Brad. You make me look good and I am so grateful for you.

Writing

I just wrote a song that I feel the Lord gave me. The subject came from a question that I hear people ask themselves often. The question for some is "how do I know that I am saved?" While for a mature believer it may be hard to understand why someone would have this question. But, if you'll think back to the early days of your walk with the Lord you may remember being full of questions as a new believer. While our questions may not all be the same, the fact that we have questions propels us into a deeper understanding of Who God is as He teaches us through His word and the power of His Holy Spirit.

This song actually asks no questions at all. Instead, its message is to provide the answers. A reassurance, if you will, that God has the power to save. The chorus flows from the heart of a believer that speaks one simple truth; "I know that He saves". The world may ask "how do you know?" Well, I know because He saved me. In fact, this is the title and overall message of the song. Below is a simple chorus from the song that gives you an insight into the heart of this tune:

I know that He saves
I know that He redeems
I know that He can rescue
Because He rescued me

I know that He loves
I know that my Jesus lives
Because He made a way from no way
I know that He saves

Ava Drew's First Day

My baby girl was born yesterday. She is the youngest of 4, and her big brother and sisters are so ready for her to come home to play. We still have another day or two in the hospital. But, then it's play time! God has blessed us tremendously and we want to share those blessings with you. So, without further adieu, here is Ava Drew!