Every once in a while I wake up very early with nothing to do, nowhere to be, with nothing that is really pressing. So, I usually take that as a sign that I need to spend some extra special quiet time with the Lord. This morning is such a morning. 4:50 AM isn't my first choice for starting my day. Then I realize that our days really aren't ours in the first place. God is the giver of all our days, for this is the day that the Lord has made. And this is the time He wants to speak to me about some things in my life.
Today is Vertical Obsession which a local church here in Knoxville is sponsoring. I am thrilled to be teaching a few of the sessions along with Darren Thomas, who is is the minister of music in Youngstown, Ohio where Bishop Norman Wagner is pastor. Darren has been in ministry for a very long time, and has helped so many people with his gifts. I am honored to spend the weekend with he and his lovely wife Sonia. In today's sessions, I will be teaching on Gospel Music: The past, present, and future. Another class will be on Excellence in Music Ministry. The Lord has been dealing with me about a few things including Passion - Purpose - Perspective - Presence - and the Pursuit of Excellence. I can't wait to share what is on my heart to those who are hungry to learn more about music ministry.
The Thomas' flew in around the same time as Kim did last night so after they landed we all went to Outback with the pastor and his wife for dinner. The boys somehow arranged some activities with friends from the church. How convenient. I need to say here, just how much we are missing Kim while on the road. Even with her flying in on the weekends, it just isn't the same. I look forward to returning home and finding some normalcy to our lives. At Outback we had a lovely dinner while remembering past times together and openly sharing our vision for the future. I love to see pastors who are passionate about worship, and their music/worship programs. Those who make the greatest investments will be the ones who reap the greatest rewards. We are going to have an awesome time today!
I bought a new bible this week and I'm so excited about it! It is the New King James version John Maxwell Leadership Bible. He is my favorite author of all and to have a bible that features his teachings is a double bonus! I've also noticed Spencer has begun to study and read his bible at night before going to bed. He has a huge heart for God and it is so sweet to see him taking the time to read his bible, especially without being asked or reminded to do so. I can't help but believe that someday all the things he is reading will begin to take over his life. Speaking of the boys, they are so pumped to be in Knoxville and can't wait to play their music this weekend!
Say a prayer for me today, for I'm sure I will be dragging sometime after lunchtime. The last time I saw 4:50 AM, it was on my way to catching an early morning flight back home! I am happy to report that God is my refuge and strength, my refuge in time of trouble! Have a happy Saturday!
It has been a very long day! Kim and I just got back to the hotel and are ready to crash! All of the boys are off with their friends doing stuff and I hope staying out of trouble. Today's music workshop Vertical Obsession was life-changing for me. I was so blessed by both of Darren Thomas' sessions. He spoke breath into my life. A timely word is truly an awesome thing. I'm amazed how God uses people to reach out to others and help them make it another day. Darren wrote one of my all-time favorite gospel songs, "Lift Up Holy Hands". I've personally seen that song touch thousands of people through the years. It is interesting to me how some songs, the good songs seem timeless. They never grow old. The world is better off because of the talents of Darren Thomas. The sessions today were intimate and so relaxed. Even though there was a schedule printed, everyone present knew from the beginning that this would be a day of being sensitive to what the Spirit wanted to say. The worship was spontaneous and unpredictable. I prayed many months ago for God to allow my paths to cross with "winners" in the kingdom. He has answered my prayer. Today was a win-win for many people, including myself. I feel as if God is clearing up my vision, and giving me a passion like never before to do what He has in store for me to do. That is exciting! I am very tired... and may write more later this evening.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
A New Day
Those three words mean so much! A lot has happened since I last had time to blog. I left off with turning on the generator and just sleeping peacefully in the RV for the night. How was I to know of a city ordinance in Pigeon Forge that doesn't allow motor homes to park in parking lots with generators running. I have no idea how long the police officer had been outside, but I finally woke up to a whirlwind of flashlights and patrol lights accompanied by a knock on the door. After finally getting dressed, putting my glasses on, and looking somewhat presentable, I answered the door. The office was very nice and told us the bad news. I decided to just let the boys continue sleeping and finally around 2:00 AM I pulled out on to the main drag in Pigeon Forge and drove up the street to find a room for the next two nights. It was a nightmare getting the sleeping boys into the room! They woke up to strange surroundings and wondered what in the world had happened! I just played like I didn't know what they were talking about. The joke was on them! Haha
We spent yesterday making up for all the misery the night before. First thing of the morning, I took the boys out to the pool and let them swim. We were the first ones to arrive at the pool which was no surprise to me. Then two ladies about 75 years old came to swim. Both of them nearly fell down the steps into the pool, which scared the you-know-what out of me! I offered to help them out of the water when we started to leave, and they declined. I told the boys that when I am 80 years old, please don't let me swim in hotel pools. Insist that I stay in the room and study my bible, or something else worthwhile. After our swimming pool scare, we drove into Gatlinburg and took the aerial tram up to ski mountain (Ober Gatlinburg), to spend the day on top of the mountain! Once up there, we then took a lift chair up to the lookout mountain and enjoyed the scenery of TN and NC, while listening to some fabulous bluegrass music provided by the Country Tones. Once back down the lift chair, we went inside and the boys went ice skating. I thought about going myself, but finally counted about 300 reasons NOT to put the skates on! After a while of sitting, I struck up a conversation with a retired Baptist pastor and his wife who were from Kentucky. What a delightful couple they were and I so enjoyed chatting with them about the things of God. (That reminds me, I need to mail them a couple of CDs later today.) Around 7:30 we started down the mountain and drove back to Pop's Catfish and Chicken in Pigeon Forge. Colton and I ate until we got what I call a "greasy headache". Once back at the hotel, I took the boys swimming again, and then it was bedtime!
Today we woke up, packed, checked out, and drove to Strawberry Plains, TN (east Knoxville area). There is an RV place across the street from the hotel where I made an appointment for in the morning to have the fresh water hose repaired. Let's pray it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to get fixed. I wouldn't want to see Colton or Spencer give up their baseball careers just for an auto repair. Just kidding! We found a bbq place on the side of the road that actually offered seating inside. At first, we didn't know for sure if we could go in. The bbq was very good! A trip to an ATM, and the indoor swimming pool rounded out the afternoon's activities. Tate is taking a much needed nap. Spencer is in the workout room trying to "get into shape" for upcoming football season. He leaves us to go back home next Thursday night, for a month of pre-season practices before football season begins. Colton is upstairs washing everyone's clothes. The reason he's doing it, I am sure, is to get his cell phone back. (It has something to do with what happened at the indoor pool.) Don't they realize there are security cameras nearly everywhere we go in public?
Kim's flight arrives into Knoxville around 7:00 tonight! We are beside ourselves and can't wait to see her mom. Tomorrow I am teaching an all-day music workshop (of which I need to finish up studying for tonight), and I'm sure the boys will have things planned with friends in Knox-vegas, and Kim will probably hit a mall with a girlfriend.
We spent yesterday making up for all the misery the night before. First thing of the morning, I took the boys out to the pool and let them swim. We were the first ones to arrive at the pool which was no surprise to me. Then two ladies about 75 years old came to swim. Both of them nearly fell down the steps into the pool, which scared the you-know-what out of me! I offered to help them out of the water when we started to leave, and they declined. I told the boys that when I am 80 years old, please don't let me swim in hotel pools. Insist that I stay in the room and study my bible, or something else worthwhile. After our swimming pool scare, we drove into Gatlinburg and took the aerial tram up to ski mountain (Ober Gatlinburg), to spend the day on top of the mountain! Once up there, we then took a lift chair up to the lookout mountain and enjoyed the scenery of TN and NC, while listening to some fabulous bluegrass music provided by the Country Tones. Once back down the lift chair, we went inside and the boys went ice skating. I thought about going myself, but finally counted about 300 reasons NOT to put the skates on! After a while of sitting, I struck up a conversation with a retired Baptist pastor and his wife who were from Kentucky. What a delightful couple they were and I so enjoyed chatting with them about the things of God. (That reminds me, I need to mail them a couple of CDs later today.) Around 7:30 we started down the mountain and drove back to Pop's Catfish and Chicken in Pigeon Forge. Colton and I ate until we got what I call a "greasy headache". Once back at the hotel, I took the boys swimming again, and then it was bedtime!
Today we woke up, packed, checked out, and drove to Strawberry Plains, TN (east Knoxville area). There is an RV place across the street from the hotel where I made an appointment for in the morning to have the fresh water hose repaired. Let's pray it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to get fixed. I wouldn't want to see Colton or Spencer give up their baseball careers just for an auto repair. Just kidding! We found a bbq place on the side of the road that actually offered seating inside. At first, we didn't know for sure if we could go in. The bbq was very good! A trip to an ATM, and the indoor swimming pool rounded out the afternoon's activities. Tate is taking a much needed nap. Spencer is in the workout room trying to "get into shape" for upcoming football season. He leaves us to go back home next Thursday night, for a month of pre-season practices before football season begins. Colton is upstairs washing everyone's clothes. The reason he's doing it, I am sure, is to get his cell phone back. (It has something to do with what happened at the indoor pool.) Don't they realize there are security cameras nearly everywhere we go in public?
Kim's flight arrives into Knoxville around 7:00 tonight! We are beside ourselves and can't wait to see her mom. Tomorrow I am teaching an all-day music workshop (of which I need to finish up studying for tonight), and I'm sure the boys will have things planned with friends in Knox-vegas, and Kim will probably hit a mall with a girlfriend.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Long days and late nights...
It has been a long but wonderful day for all of us. We ran some errands, got fresh haircuts, and I ate my first hamburger of the summer at Five Guys. I must say it was very good, but tonight I am paying the price. Okay, enough about that. A stop by the Verizon store really brought the boys down when they found out that upgrades would cost way too much, and they need to keep their current phones. Of course, somehow that was all pinned on me and I was the blame for Verizon's rules. Oh well.
Not only am I the bad guy when it comes to phones, I am the poster child for bad haircuts. This cut is the absolute worst cut I've ever seen! Not only for myself, it is the worst cut ever given to a human being! After finding a mall parking lot to snooze in, we pulled the shades and got some shut-eye. Then it was time to go to church, so we visited a nearby church that Colton wanted to visit. It was nice to have the night off. Then a trip to Cracker Barrel was on the agenda. We've renamed our Tom Tom GPS to Jim Jim because its in great need of an update but I'm too cheap to pay the $70 for one. I'd rather buy a new GPS anyway. Jim Jim took us through some winding roads that were very foggy and scary. We finally made it back to Pigeon Forge and instead of checking into a hotel room, we cranked up the generator and everyone is asleep except me (since I'm typing this blog), and Colton who is talking to someone in another time zone about camps or something. I predict he will be Mr. Grumpy in the morning. I hear the pillow calling my name! Later...
Not only am I the bad guy when it comes to phones, I am the poster child for bad haircuts. This cut is the absolute worst cut I've ever seen! Not only for myself, it is the worst cut ever given to a human being! After finding a mall parking lot to snooze in, we pulled the shades and got some shut-eye. Then it was time to go to church, so we visited a nearby church that Colton wanted to visit. It was nice to have the night off. Then a trip to Cracker Barrel was on the agenda. We've renamed our Tom Tom GPS to Jim Jim because its in great need of an update but I'm too cheap to pay the $70 for one. I'd rather buy a new GPS anyway. Jim Jim took us through some winding roads that were very foggy and scary. We finally made it back to Pigeon Forge and instead of checking into a hotel room, we cranked up the generator and everyone is asleep except me (since I'm typing this blog), and Colton who is talking to someone in another time zone about camps or something. I predict he will be Mr. Grumpy in the morning. I hear the pillow calling my name! Later...
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
A Change of Plans
To ad-lib is one of the most exciting things in music whether it is playing an instrument or singing. Sometimes our plans simply change. And the ability to go with the flow is important. I love being around those kind of people. So, today we had a change of plans and decided to ad-lib a bit.
Instead of playing in Asheville this week, God knew we simply needed some time in the Gatlinburg area. Doesn't every American family need a getaway to the smokies every once in a while? (I'm going to use my time here to finish up some very important work details for some future ministry opportunities.) We took our time driving over the mountains and enjoyed the afternoon scenic route. I surprised the boys by checking us in at the Grand Resort in Pigeon Forge. They are loving the inside pool and jacuzzi that is practically inside the lobby. Our room is literally across the hallway from all of the action. After they swam a while, we then went across the street for some of Corky's ribs! Enough said.
The AYCE (all-u-can-eat) ribs at Corky's did us in. Just let me say that whenever Spencer is eating, and I mean eating pretty anything... no one sitting nearby is safe! Most of his food fails to reach his mouth. He is famous for spilling his drinks, and the drinks of others. He is the master of the no-napkin approach to dining. And especially with bbq, people sitting within a 4 table radius are in some amount of danger, though it may vary. I videoed him tonight and hopefully, I can get it posted soon. In addition to him attempting to "feed the world" with only his meal, he then continually asks others (mostly myself) for bites off of their plate. At the end of the meal, we all had put a major hurting on Corky's inventory.
I'm ready for bed already and it is only 8:30 pm! Haha Tomorrow we'll probably go enjoy Gatlinburg, and try to gain access at the NASCAR park in Sevierville (remember we were banned from the NASCAR park in Concord, NC), and from there ... I have no idea what we'll be doing. I need to pick Kim up at the Knoxville airport Friday night, and that is the most anticipated event of the week! Today is the day that both Colton and Spencer become eligible for cell phone upgrades, and they are being so sweet! I hardly recognize either of them, except for Spencer's eating habits. It is definitely Spencer.
Instead of playing in Asheville this week, God knew we simply needed some time in the Gatlinburg area. Doesn't every American family need a getaway to the smokies every once in a while? (I'm going to use my time here to finish up some very important work details for some future ministry opportunities.) We took our time driving over the mountains and enjoyed the afternoon scenic route. I surprised the boys by checking us in at the Grand Resort in Pigeon Forge. They are loving the inside pool and jacuzzi that is practically inside the lobby. Our room is literally across the hallway from all of the action. After they swam a while, we then went across the street for some of Corky's ribs! Enough said.
The AYCE (all-u-can-eat) ribs at Corky's did us in. Just let me say that whenever Spencer is eating, and I mean eating pretty anything... no one sitting nearby is safe! Most of his food fails to reach his mouth. He is famous for spilling his drinks, and the drinks of others. He is the master of the no-napkin approach to dining. And especially with bbq, people sitting within a 4 table radius are in some amount of danger, though it may vary. I videoed him tonight and hopefully, I can get it posted soon. In addition to him attempting to "feed the world" with only his meal, he then continually asks others (mostly myself) for bites off of their plate. At the end of the meal, we all had put a major hurting on Corky's inventory.
I'm ready for bed already and it is only 8:30 pm! Haha Tomorrow we'll probably go enjoy Gatlinburg, and try to gain access at the NASCAR park in Sevierville (remember we were banned from the NASCAR park in Concord, NC), and from there ... I have no idea what we'll be doing. I need to pick Kim up at the Knoxville airport Friday night, and that is the most anticipated event of the week! Today is the day that both Colton and Spencer become eligible for cell phone upgrades, and they are being so sweet! I hardly recognize either of them, except for Spencer's eating habits. It is definitely Spencer.
Did someone say "Cheap Gas"?
I heard recently that Tuesday is the best day of the week to fill up your tank. I'm not sure if that is true, but I hope it is true tomorrow. Spencer saw a BP today that had regular gasoline for $3.89 per gallon. We are leaving the Asheboro, NC area in the morning. It has been so wonderful to be here. The churches are fantastic! The pastors and congregations are so kind to us. The food is yummy. But the temperature was 99 today. It is time to leave! Haha
I have an admission to make. I've been having difficulty getting to sleep at night. I do alright once I fall asleep but it is the staying up late that is concerning me. This thing called "vision" is taking me over. It consumes my every thought. It's all I can talk about lately. I'm amazed how even the gal taking my order at Xaxby's seems interested in me going on and on about what God has in store for my life. All I can say at this moment is that God is putting some pieces of my life's puzzle back to together again. And I'm believing the revised version is going to be incredible!
Well, I'm getting tired. I guess I need to start blogging during the afternoons. Maybe I will let Colton drive tomorrow while I blog. On second thought... that isn't a good idea.
I have an admission to make. I've been having difficulty getting to sleep at night. I do alright once I fall asleep but it is the staying up late that is concerning me. This thing called "vision" is taking me over. It consumes my every thought. It's all I can talk about lately. I'm amazed how even the gal taking my order at Xaxby's seems interested in me going on and on about what God has in store for my life. All I can say at this moment is that God is putting some pieces of my life's puzzle back to together again. And I'm believing the revised version is going to be incredible!
Well, I'm getting tired. I guess I need to start blogging during the afternoons. Maybe I will let Colton drive tomorrow while I blog. On second thought... that isn't a good idea.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Mondays = Play Day
TGIM! Thank goodness its Monday. We are all moving slow this morning. Yesterday was totally awesome! Great things are happening with our family and ministry. My mind was racing last night so fast I couldn't get to sleep. So I did some computer work and decided to sleep in until 8:30 this morning. We're planning a run to Wal-Mart, the bank, a couple of more errands, and then taking some friends to dinner tonight. They were kind enough to let us plug in for several days and loaned a vehicle to get around in, so we could minister in the area. It is nice to have friends isn't it? Tonight we plan on doing The Mayflower, my favorite seafood place in North Carolina!
Tomorrow we plan on pulling out and heading toward the mountains enroute to Gatlinburg/Knoxville area. I've cancelled in Asheville for the middle of the week. I think we'll look for a nice state park and settle in... maybe even busting out the Smokey Joe grill right out of the box! Can you say Steak-Fest?!?!
Tomorrow we plan on pulling out and heading toward the mountains enroute to Gatlinburg/Knoxville area. I've cancelled in Asheville for the middle of the week. I think we'll look for a nice state park and settle in... maybe even busting out the Smokey Joe grill right out of the box! Can you say Steak-Fest?!?!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
This is the day... that the Lord has made!
Sundays are always exciting! We live for the weekends is a line I've often used in describing ministry opportunities. Even though I realize that everyday counts in the eyes of God, and we should always strive to do our best each day of the week, it is Sunday where people seem to focus more on the things of the Lord... unbelievers and believers alike. And on that note, let me tell you the energy and excitement this morning in the motorhome is that of Super Bowl Sunday! There is an anticipation in all our hearts. Some of it may be that we've been off since Wednesday and taken some much needed "play time". But I have to believe that it is mostly due to that continual relationship the boys are developing with ministry and God. They know that today they will have a chance to make a difference in the lives of someone besides themselves... and somewhere along the way, they too, can have their lives changed forever. Wow! Enough of the deep stuff! I had better make sure everyone is dressed, fed, and prepared before we leave for service.
We made it back to the MH after a wonderful Hibatchi Grill experience! It is nap time for the boys, but I wanted to add to today's blog before it gets too late. All of the excitement we felt this morning while getting ready for service was for a very good reason. It is always exciting to see people experience God's presence!!! We had a wonderful, deep move of God during the worship hour today. I spoke to the congregation on the subject of worship and relationship. The two really do go hand in hand you know. I gave away free CDs today and it felt so good! I asked the congregation to give them to someone this afternoon, as a way of inviting them to the concert tonight! God's people are always so nice to be around. We met some wonderful people today after service. I'm thankful my boys are getting to see another side of ministry, God's kingdom, and a world filled with people who are hurting, lonely, and in need of answers for their lives. I know that answer, and His name is Jesus.
We are missing mommy very badly! I can't wait to see Kim Friday night in Knoxville, TN! I'll try to have the clothes all washed and taken care of before she arrives, so we all can have some quality time together... outside of going to a laundromat.
It is 12:17 AM and all is quiet in the MH (except Colton is under the covers up top, still texting.) He thinks I can't see the light from his phone. In spite of his "teen ways", he is a good kid who loves the work of the Lord and has a huge heart for God. Spencer impressed me tonight, right before bedtime, as I found him reading his New International Kids Bible on his own decision. Tate crashed hard! He is truly living a rock star life on the road. The little man overdosed on ice cream at CookOut. For those of you who aren't familiar with CookOut, NC folks are crazy about it. We all ordered bbq plates which included NC style bbq, hushpuppies, fries, slaw, and a drink... all for the whopping price of $3.99!!! I thought if CD sales ever dwindle and I had to, I could order 40 bbq plates in the drive through, take them to the concert and offer them as a post-concert meal, while selling them for at least $8-$9! Unbelievable!
Oh before I forget, I saw some teenage boys at the door tonight during intermission. They appeared to be undecided whether to come on in or keep walking down the sidewalk. So I walked outside with my guitar and took their requests. After playing "Crazy Train" by Ozzy (on my mind earlier in the blog), and "Carry On My Wayward Son" by Kansas, they chose to come in with me. Then we cranked it up a notch and plain 'ole rocked while playing songs about JESUS! They seemed to enjoy the rest of the concert, and I believe they'll be back to visit the church again. Ramseur, NC has been a delight to visit! It reminds me of Mayberry. And not because Gomer was in the audience tonight. Just kidding. It felt so good there tonight, I didn't want to leave that place. The boys seem to be catching on to the idea of ministry, and are coming to understand that the Kingdom is bigger than just one set of city limits. I see some progress being made. G'nite
We made it back to the MH after a wonderful Hibatchi Grill experience! It is nap time for the boys, but I wanted to add to today's blog before it gets too late. All of the excitement we felt this morning while getting ready for service was for a very good reason. It is always exciting to see people experience God's presence!!! We had a wonderful, deep move of God during the worship hour today. I spoke to the congregation on the subject of worship and relationship. The two really do go hand in hand you know. I gave away free CDs today and it felt so good! I asked the congregation to give them to someone this afternoon, as a way of inviting them to the concert tonight! God's people are always so nice to be around. We met some wonderful people today after service. I'm thankful my boys are getting to see another side of ministry, God's kingdom, and a world filled with people who are hurting, lonely, and in need of answers for their lives. I know that answer, and His name is Jesus.
We are missing mommy very badly! I can't wait to see Kim Friday night in Knoxville, TN! I'll try to have the clothes all washed and taken care of before she arrives, so we all can have some quality time together... outside of going to a laundromat.
It is 12:17 AM and all is quiet in the MH (except Colton is under the covers up top, still texting.) He thinks I can't see the light from his phone. In spite of his "teen ways", he is a good kid who loves the work of the Lord and has a huge heart for God. Spencer impressed me tonight, right before bedtime, as I found him reading his New International Kids Bible on his own decision. Tate crashed hard! He is truly living a rock star life on the road. The little man overdosed on ice cream at CookOut. For those of you who aren't familiar with CookOut, NC folks are crazy about it. We all ordered bbq plates which included NC style bbq, hushpuppies, fries, slaw, and a drink... all for the whopping price of $3.99!!! I thought if CD sales ever dwindle and I had to, I could order 40 bbq plates in the drive through, take them to the concert and offer them as a post-concert meal, while selling them for at least $8-$9! Unbelievable!
Oh before I forget, I saw some teenage boys at the door tonight during intermission. They appeared to be undecided whether to come on in or keep walking down the sidewalk. So I walked outside with my guitar and took their requests. After playing "Crazy Train" by Ozzy (on my mind earlier in the blog), and "Carry On My Wayward Son" by Kansas, they chose to come in with me. Then we cranked it up a notch and plain 'ole rocked while playing songs about JESUS! They seemed to enjoy the rest of the concert, and I believe they'll be back to visit the church again. Ramseur, NC has been a delight to visit! It reminds me of Mayberry. And not because Gomer was in the audience tonight. Just kidding. It felt so good there tonight, I didn't want to leave that place. The boys seem to be catching on to the idea of ministry, and are coming to understand that the Kingdom is bigger than just one set of city limits. I see some progress being made. G'nite
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