The Ramblings of a Mad-Man

I have had some new songs birthed in my heart lately. It has been wonderful to be inspired by God's word and to hear it set to a melody in my head. There's nothing like it. Now, it's just a matter of sorting it all out and putting it on paper. The hard thing for me is that multiple ideas seem to come at once. Then I'm left to sort out the clutter. But, I'm thankful for the mess.

We have just over 2 days left until Baby Ava Drew arrives. We are really getting excited now. I can't wait to hold her in my arms and kiss those little baby lips, see those little baby fingers and toes, and know that we have a life-time of joy ahead with her. I can't wait!

Today, we had our last doctor's appointment before the birth. While in the waiting room, a man fell asleep waiting on his wife and began snoring. He was so loud that you could see people all over the room laughing at him. I actually got this on video tape, but my wife's conviction and fear of legal consequences has convinced me not to post it. I think there should be a law that states "if someone allows themselves to look foolish in public, someone with a camera has the legal responsibility to hold them accountable by making an example of them on youtube, or a similar web-based site. To have said camera and not to act is Punishable by Law." I believe that only then will we see a decrease in public stupidity.

Speaking of which, I think we were behind Richard Petty today on the way to the doctor's office. He had the same cowboy-ish hat on. He was sporting the same dark glasses. And, he was driving like he had no idea what he was doing. Similarities - completed. He would stop 25 feet short of a stop sign. Then slowly pull up to the stop sign. Then, stop again. At a red light, he put his blinker on to change lanes, stopped, sat in front of us until the light changed, then turned his blinker off and proceeded to go straight. The craziest part of all of this was we could not seem to ever get around him. What?!

Okay...I'm rambling. So, I guess I'll sign off for now. I'll be posting video footage of the baby soon after the birth. Jody made me promise not to post any of the birthing process. No worries. I'll just post the good stuff :)

Random Things that Drive Me Crazy

Some things just make no sense to me at all. Some make me laugh, others make me cry, and some of them are just plain crazy. Here are a few of them:

1) While watching the local news, I saw a lady interviewed concerning the threat of a mudslide and the possibility of it destroying her home. Her comment was "this area was beautiful when we first bought out home 15 years ago. Now, we have these big hills and mountains that are threatening everything we've worked for." - Really? Those hills and mountains just sprung up over the last 15 years? Poor thing.
2) I sent an email to a worship pastor about a conference I am hosting in January. I received a reply that said "please remove me from your mailing list". I replied with an explanation of why I sent the email and that I wouldn't send anymore. The last reply said "there must be a mix up. I am the worship secretary. Not the minister of worship. So, please remove me from your list. I will not be attending the conference." - Seriously? You can't just assume for a moment that you should forward the email to him? Or, perhaps, that since his first name is at the top of the email that you should at least let him know about it? Come on, lady. Man, I love my staff.
3) It is raining right now in Southern California. Someone just walked into the church and said "there's a good chance that we might get some rain sometime today. I'm hoping to make it home before it starts." - Well, you might want to look outside. And, I'm sure it is going to be confusing later when you realize your jacket is wet and you can't figure out how that happened. Are you serious? For some people, I firmly believe in medicating.
4) I am receiving someone elses emails. Everything that goes to them comes to me. How is this happening? I get their spam, I get their bills, and I even get personal emails to them from their parents and friends. I get enough of my own emails that I don't want to read. I don't need yours, too.
5) 2009 Georgia Football.

What's something that drives you crazy?

On a Midnight "Plane" to Georgia

I used to always wonder why in the old R&B song "Midnight Train to Georgia" the lady didn't take a plane. Was it because in other songs people were leaving on jet planes, not knowing when they would be back again? Or was there another reason? Well, last night I discovered the answer....BECAUSE THE PLANE RIDE WOULD BE MISERABLE!

My family and I left last night on a midnight "plane" to Georgia and decided we will never do it again.....or at least until our baby is older. The plane was packed. Ella wanted down. She wanted mom. She wanted dad. She wanted no one. She wanted mom. She wanted to run the aisle. She wanted....well, you get the idea. She finally dozed off right about the time we were beginning our decent. So, needless to say, we are exhausted. But, the good thing is, we're here.

Another good thing was the Holiday Breakfast Sampler that we got to experience at Cracker Barrel . Wow. I love that place. We've got to get one built on Greenspot in Highland. Let's start a petition, now.

Magic Numbers

Just so you know, I am a big baseball fan. I love everything about it. I especially love to be at the games. I've never been happier than when I'm sitting in a baseball stadium. The crowd, the energy, the noise, the food. The whole experience drives me to want to do it again and again. But, even as a big fan, there is still a line that I consider "too much".

I saw that line crossed when Mark McGuire passed the single season homerun record and the ball sold for $3 million dollars. Yes, you read it right. $3 million dollars. For a baseball. And, once again as Barry Bond's record breaking career homerun record ball sold for $752,467. Now, that does not seem so bad in comparison. However, it is still outrageous. Wow. Wouldn't it be nice to have that kind of money to blow on a baseball?

By the way, I finally broke down and got a myspace site. I had refrained for many years, but it seems to be the only place that I can keep up with old college friends, choir members from former churches that I've served, and friends from seminary. I've had the page for 2 days and already I've spoken with 7 people that I haven't had contact with in over 10 years. Amazing.

Sad, But True

Please make sure your sarcasm detector is turned on and tuned up for the following:

It is amazing how many people in the church know so much about so many things. I can't tell you how much advice I get from people based on their...well, based on nothing. I am not complaining, mind you. I am simply stating a fact. In a church with nearly 2500 in attendance each weekend, can you imagine the amount of input I get on music? Now, I am not writing this because anyone has been mean or un-Christlike in an email or letter. On the contrary. Most people simply state their request(s) and leave it at that. But, the worship ministry is not KSGN. We don't have an all request line. How could we?

Let me explain it like this: In any given week I may get 10 requests for a specific type of music. In addition, I may get 10 different requests for certain songs. Along with that, I may get 10 requests for a specific type of music that is in contrast to the previous 10 requests for a totally different kind. (Sarcasm alert) And just for the record, I love having people "thank me in advance" for fulfilling their requests. "No problem, sir. In fact, I had no idea what we were going to do for music next week until you approached me. I'll be sure to get right on that."

Okay....now that I've gotten that off my chest, let me say that there is absolutely nothing more that I would rather be doing than worship ministry. It is my heart. It is my passion. It is my calling. I know that people have their favorites. But, ask yourself this question: Is your favorite more important than someone else's? We can't possibly be successful as a church and as a worship ministry by going in so many different directions to meet the needs of everyone that we miss the needs of everyone. Over the past 15 years of ministry, I have learned that if you try to please everyone, you please no one.

In a nutshell - here is the vision of the worship ministry. This statement will not give you the details of how to accomplish this - it is simply a broad view. The worship ministry exists to glorify God, to lead and encourage, teach, and mature believers in worship. But, part of our purpose also involves attraction. We desire to attract the world to the church by glorifying God through whatever means possible. If you have a Kingdom vision, then the details of seeing that vision realized will not distract.

Spring Cleaning in July

The Worship staff and I spent all day cleaning out the choir room and music library. We are not yet done, but it was a very interesting day. I found music from 1942, 1957, 1963, and the like. I could not believe how much unneeded stuff was taking up space. Anyone who knows me well knows I am not one for keeping unneeded items around. I'm the guy that throws out the first lost tooth from my children because.....well, who needs a nasty tooth laying around? They aren't going to need it anymore. So, needless to say, the staff had to really challenge me on some of the music. I was ready to chunk all of it.

We still need some boxes broken down and put away, so if you are at rehearsal Wednesday night, perhaps you can get in on a little spring cleaning yourself!

UFC 7/7/07

Tonight's UFC is definitely lives up to its name - it is STACKED. I have watched one fight and it was off the hook. The second fight is going on right now - I have it paused - I love TIVO. Going now to watch the rest. I just had to post - I love the UFC.

I'm Melting, I'm Melting.........

Okay, it is just flat out hot. I don't care if it's summer. I don't care if it's Southern California. I don't even care that it is a dry heat. At some point - hot is hot. With the heat comes the concern of electric bills going way too high. This in mind, we went out and bought a tower fan today. It is really cool. We found this thing on sale, and it has a remote control, a temp control, a timer....anyway, it is awesome. Ahhhhhh, finally cooling down. I think I'll go now and just lay in front of it.

Creative Teams

I'm excited about tomorrow's staff meeting. We're going to be looking at doing ministry in creative ways that will impact lives, help people to grow in their faith, connect our people into the life of the church, and offer tons of ways for people to serve the Lord and others through ministry opportunities. I'll give you a list of things we are going to implement soon. I believe that we must constantly be experimenting and devising ways to reach as many people as possible while meeting the needs of the people God has blessed us with. I agree with Mark Batterson when he says that the church should be the most creative place on the planet. Pray for our worship staff as we seek God's face in planning for His bride.

Crazy List

Here is a list of things that are on my mind right now:

1) My in-laws have been here for 3 weeks! It has been good, and I hate to see them leave tomorrow.
2) I have driven to LA 3 times this week.
3) I saw a guy dressed like Jack Sparrow in a coffee shop in Hollywood yesterday. He hissed at me.
4) My 5 year old, Abby, is starting school this August. (Not my little girl!)
5) Mark Batterson is the man. I am learning and being challenged so much by my 3rd reading of THIS BOOK.
6) In addition to my 3 trips to LA this week, I was in San Diego last Friday, Palm Springs Monday-Wednesday of last week, and in San Antonio the week before that. I am a traveling fool lately.
7) My kids are playing "restaurant" with their Grandpa downstairs. It is too cute, and hilarious, and is affording me the time to blog. Gotta love Grandpa.
8) I can't wait for the next UFC FIGHT 7-7-07.
9) I am sitting in the ALL-You-Can-Eat Right Field Pavilion for tonight's Dodgers Game. I have set the goal of eating 7 Dodger Dogs tonight. (Wow. My stomach hurts already.)
10) Not only was Jack Sparrow in Hollywood yesterday, but a guy painted silver was standing on a milk crate at Hollywood and Highland. He was a mime and was incredible to watch. He had made a hat-full of money in approx. 10 minutes. (If only I could keep my mouth shut, I'd be rich.)

Sorry Todd

A very good friend of mine, TODD LOLLIS, is a die-hard LA Dodgers Fan. The funny thing is that he has never been to LA. However, he will be cheering just as loud as the fans in Dodger Stadium when they win, and mourning every loss as if he were on the team's roster. Todd, as I've told you before, get yourself out here and lets go to a game. Because you are in Georgia, I know you won't make it by tonight's game against the Padres...so I'll be cheering for you. That's right. I will be at the game tonight. My father-in-law is leaving town tomorrow morning and has asked if we could go to a game. It is one of the things he has always wanted to do and now has the chance. So, we're trying to squeeze it in before he leaves. Sorry Todd. I'll call you from the game!

Todd and another close friend of mine, JR LEE, are following God's call to Acworth, GA to plant FREEDOM CHURCH. Please pray for them as God continues to work out the details, provides the finances, and blesses them with all of the people He will be bringing their way. Get ready Acworth - Freedom is Coming!

Water, Ceilings, and Bathrooms, Oh My

We just discovered a leak in our downstairs ceiling. It is around a recessed light, but I didn't know lights had water in them.?. Obviously, we've got a leak. The most obvious place is a pipe - I guess - in the bathroom directly overhead. Our warranty company is supposed to be getting someone out to look at it. We're hoping that will take place sometime before Christmas (sarcasm-intentional). Gerry Ramos, my buddy in the tenor section, is really trying to help us our there. Thanks, Gerry, for all you've done, are doing, and continue to do for my family. You're awesome!

I'm headed over to Chick-fil-a for lunch in a few minutes. I'm meeting one of my choir members, Kevin Soto. One of my favorite things to do is hanging out with our people. I love hearing about their life, what God's doing and has done, and learning about their families. As a church leader, there are so many things our people can teach us if we'll listen. Listening and learning about their lives gives you an inside track to ministering to them, and others. Today will be a great time and then on to San Antonio on Sunday.

Not Good

It seems that every 18 months or so I get some kind of sickness that sets in and decides to take up residence in my throat. I guess it's that time again. I started feeling worn down last weekend, but thought it was just that....lack of rest. But, it seems I wasn't that fortunate. I have "the croup"...for lack of a better term. My throat is on fire, my head is pounding, my body is tired, and my voice....well, it's all but gone...and I have what feels like a large gold fish settling down for a long winter's nap in my throat. Will a healing come before Sunday? I can feel like death but still lead worship....but I need my voice. I'm up at 12:30am blogging because I just can't get comfortable. Pray with me that this is short lived. Okay....I'm sleeping 'til noon tomorrow. Good night.

You've Gotta Be Kidding Me

Every year this happens. Every year. There seems to be that one spark of hope...that one ray of light...that one "true" American Idol..but then this happens. A few years ago it was Latoya London - but she was ousted at #4. Then it was Chris Daughtry - but he was ousted at #4. Now, Melinda. I don't know what else to say. I'm going to bed.

American Idol

After our escapade at Chick-fil-a, our worship staff came back to our house to watch last night's episode of American Idol. It was a lot of fun as we critiqued each vocalist's performance. In the end I took a survey from each person as to who was GOING HOME. Here are the results:

Ellen & Les - Jordin
Sharon & Alan - Jordin
Amy - Jordin
Byron - Jordin
Jody - Blake
Megan - Blake
Brad - Jordin

Alright, now for me. I believe that Blake will be hanging around for the finale. Here's why: I think that Blake will get the little girl and teen votes. I think that any fan of that genre, Maroon 5 types, will vote for Blake. That being said, I believe that Jordin and Melinda are close enough in style that they will split votes. In that scenario, Melinda is going to bring more votes in. Therefore, I believe that Blake and Melinda will meet in the finale next week. Go Melinda!

Click on the comments below and tell me who you think is going home.

Universal Follow-Up

Universal was great on Friday. Caleb actually rode a "big" ride with me...Jurassic Park. It was awesome and ended with a huge waterfall. At the end Caleb was in shock and kept saying "oh my goodness....oh my goodness...." It was hilarious. He followed that up with "can we go again?" So, I think I've got a roller coaster rider on my hands. I will post some pictures later this week of our trip to Universal Hollywood.

Happy Easter!

I hope that you and your family are having a great Easter. My morning was very busy with 3 worship services, but all went well. We spent the afternoon at some friends' home with many other friends and had a great time watching the Masters Golf Tournament, and I was happy that Zach Johnson ended up winning. My boy, Phil, didn't win it this year...or even come close due to a horrible final round. But, maybe he'll sweep the remaining 3 majors. It was kind of sad not being in Augusta for the week of the Masters, but it's nothing new to me. Hopefully we'll be able to get home soon to see everyone. Have a great rest of the day with your family, and I'll post some of those repelling pics I told you about later this week.

MISS USA

Jody and I were flipping channels tonight and came across the Miss USA pageant. It just struck me funny that in order to represent our country as Miss USA, you must look good while wearing a 2-piece bathing suit and high heels. I know that's random...but it was pretty funny watching those ladies.

Amazing

I'm amazed every time I'm around God's people. Sometimes I'm amazed at what idiots Christians can be...but then I think about how I probably appear that way to God most of the time. (But anyway, I digress) Most of the time I'm amazed to hear stories of God's power and deliverance in people's lives. Last night I met a lady that I had heard had a tumor. I had been praying for her without having ever met her. She showed up at choir practice and wanted to join the choir. As we talked further, she shared with me how God had taken such good care of her and her latest test came back benign. God is still our Jehovah-Rophe, our healer. He simply blows my mind.