The Early Bird Gets The Worm

I have no idea where that saying came from, but after waking up this morning before 6:00 I have every intention of finding out! There is no reason to ever wake up on a Saturday morning any earlier than 8:00 or so. Then I'm reminded of the days where I usually wake up early and awesome things happen later in the day. I'm guessing today will be such a day. I need to finish preparing for a 10:00 AM rehearsal and get the boys some breakfast.

Spencer called me last night and sounded very tired. His football practice went well and he was excited to get new cleats, a new mouthpiece, and his helmet. They will practice again today. He told me he weighed yesterday and was three pounded under the weight limit. I knew he would do well and told him not to sweat it this summer... to just have fun and not worry about those things. If I had five practices a week for a month to prepare for a football season, there is no telling how much I might lose! Hmmm Nah. Truth is, I rebounded for Tate last night after dinner in the basketball gym next door for a short while, and this morning I could hardly get out of bed and walk! That is sad isn't it? I am so ashamed. I'm going to blame last night's wonderful catfish dinner.

Rehearsal went well, as we learned four songs in 80 minutes. That makes for a productive time. I tend to move quickly through a rehearsal, mainly to keep people interested in the music, and to actually accomplish more in the time we have together. People feel positive about the music when their time is appreciated, and when they are made to feel as if they've accomplished something significant for their efforts. I also understand that great rehearsals are usually a result of someone doing their job long before I've arrived to town. I appreciate those who faithfully work in the music programs of today's church. At times, it can be a thankless job. I realize it is because of others' talents and sacrifices that I am able to do what I do each week. And knowing that God Himself will reward us with blessings from Heaven makes it all worthwhile.

The mexican fajita lunch has begun to settle and I feel a nap coming on. I normally don't nap, but tonight some of the young people are playing volleyball in the gym, and I've already been asked to "bring my game" to the court. Ha!

No nap for me. Nothing but noise in the room. I thought I would be nice and take the boys to Sam Ash Music store for a while. I let Tate tear up the drum room, then asked if he would come with me to the acoustic guitar room while I looked at some of Nashville's finest. Colton immediately grabbed a $3,200 Martin acoustic guitar, and Tate swung around the room using various guitars hanging from the wall. After a few glances from the salesman, and knowing I was fighting a losing battle with Tate, we simply left. A quick run through Dairy Queen and then we were back at the church for a night of fellowship on the volleyball court. I left my game on the sideline tonight. I hated to disappoint all my fans. Ha! We just got back to the room and hopefully things will quieten down soon. I need to study tonight since the pastor (who is a preaching machine) asked if we could "tag-team" in the morning about worship. I'll help lead the worship and speak for a short while. I can't wait to see what all God has in store for us!

Music City U.S.A.

It is a lovely morning in Knoxville, TN and we are preparing to pull out and head toward Nashville. I always love going to Nashville. It is one of my favorite cities to visit. Knoxville is becoming one of my favorites each time I visit. No wonder so many people are relocating to the Smokies. The people are wonderful, the food is great, the pace of life seems just perfect, and the church is fabulous! I feel as if God has helped me turn the corner (again) on some things in my life, while I've been here.

There is so much for us to do while in Nashville. So many friends to see, and then there is the music industry to "take in". Enough of this. I need to just sign off and get this gang moving down I-40 east. Later!

I must say the drive from Knoxville to Nashville is one of the prettiest in the country. I really love going those mountains. We made it here in great time. Colton and Tate both slept while I drove. (I actually slept while at the wheel, but only after coming over the mountains as the road leveled out. Just kidding!) We arrived at the church, went to lunch (gyros) with pastor. I love being with real people. Real people make up for the artificial ones we meet from time to time. I've noticed that real people are usually kingdom minded. They are humble and meek, and seem to prefer others. They often give unselfishly to others, and do so without any strings attached. And no matter where you go, everyone speaks highly of them, because they are "real". Anyway, as good as the gyros were, the fellowship and conversation was even better. We covered enough material to outline a music and ministry conference. Ha! I'm the lucky one, just to be here this weekend. I'm going to absorb every moment I can, and carry it with me the rest of the year.

After lunch we checked into the evangelist quarters. Wow! Talk about nice! I'm trying to keep the boys out of the welcome basket and fridge long enough to make it to dinner. We have a rehearsal at 10:00 in the morning with the worship team. We'll have the afternoon and evening free. Then it will be Super-Sunday! I know we're going to have a great time! It's almost time for dinner. I'd better get this gang ready to go...

Another Airport Run...

Today is Spencer's last day with us on the tour. He is flying home just in time to make it for August football practices. He is acting like a big-shot since he is flying alone (non-stop) from Knoxville to Orlando. There is no telling all the things he will tell to those sitting around him on the flight home. To my surprise, Spencrer has really done well with the traveling this summer. His heart is so big for God. Spencer will be going into the 6th grade this fall. I am so proud of him. He is always on honor roll and does his best at whatever he sets his mind to do. We will miss him so much as we continue to travel some...

We spent a couple of days over in Pigeon Forge again, and I've had enough of the Smokies to last a while. In the morning we are leaving for Nashville! We'll be there for about 11 days, then we'll head up through Kentucky and on to Indianapolis, where Colton and Tate will fly home to start school. I guess I'd better get Spencer to the airport now since I am speaking tonight at service. I wouldn't want to get caught in city traffic while church is going on. More later...

As things turned out, I needed to stay with Spencer until his flight took off, so I wasn't able to speak tonight. I guess God figured that could wait until next time. Spencer and I enjoyed a nice meal at Ruby Tuesday's across from Gate 2 at the Knoxville airport. He is growing so fast! My lil buddy starts middle school next month. I am so proud of him. He felt like a rock-star with his guitar strapped around his shoulders and me leading the way in my church suit. Haha! He sent me a text when he landed and I am sure he is happy to be back home. Football practices start for him tomorrow.

I raced back to the church service and arrived just as it was ending. Pastor asked me to end the service with a couple of songs, so I did just that, and God's presence was very real to me. It was nice just to sit around after service and talk with all God's people. I no longer wonder what people's agenda might be when we are together. I try to see people as a living soul, where everyone is equal and we all are God's children. I have a calling on my life and try to fulfill that as best I can. I have learned to leave the rest up to God. He is in control of things now.

We came back to pastor's house and just sat around and ate some sandwiches and chips while enjoying the fellowship with some of the saints. Tomorrow is a travel day and we need to be in Nashville by mid-afternoon. Tate crashed early, after having a long day, at Cracker Barrel, the laundromat, practicing drums at the church, and tonight's service... all without a nap! I miss Spencer already. I miss mom.

Foundations

I wish I could get inside Tate's head. He woke up this morning and said, "Dad, are we going to the church today?" I answered him, "No, not today". Then I saw a huge disappointed look on his face. Now, I'm sure he will be just fine once our day gets started, but for a moment he was looking forward to being in God's house. I say, mission accomplished! I remember when I was his age, and most of my memories revolved around going to church. I don't regret that at all. It is part of my heritage. It is the foundation to my life.

My idea of our little summer tour was mostly to have some time with the boys, "away from the norm", and hopefully be able to show them another side of God's Kingdom and ministry. We are finding out that everyone, everywhere is not the same. All churches are different in some way. It doesn't matter where we are or how many show up to hear us play. All that matters is that we find God's presence and help lead others to Him. Every person counts, they have a soul. Everyone needs God in their lives. And regardless of a person may be in their relationship with Christ, there needs to be a solid foundation. I've looked forward to this summer with the boys because I knew it would be a time we could begin a new foundation for the plans that God wants to build in our lives. It is an exciting time!

The week ahead...

As awesome as Sundays usually are... Mondays are at the other end of the spectrum. It is usually a play day and that part is great! But the checking out of hotels can be challenging with my bunch. Everyone getting cleaned up, making sure the boys are all packed up, and paying for room damages (just kidding), are all part of the routine. Then I call downstairs and plead the front desk for a late check-out. Then like I said earlier, it is usually play time! All we have on today's agenda is check out of hotel, meet pastor and family for lunch, meet with Uncle Jimmy's relatives before taking Kim to the airport for her flight back home.

The boys and I plan on hanging out in the Smokies, singing Ronnie Milsap songs, and spending money we really don't have on rides, putt putt, go-carts, and other amusements the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area has to offer. Spencer is "leaving the tour" Thursday night. (That sounds like it should be in a gossip magazine, all except, no one really cares, and it wouldn't sell very many copies.) Anyway, he is trading in his music career for the gridiron. He plays Pop Warner football in the fall and practices begin August 1st. Spencer likes to compare himself to Shaquille O'Neal, part musician/rapper, part athelete, and part Superman. All of this means I'd better stop blogging and start packing my bag. Happy Monday to all!

Wouldn't you know it, as we were leaving the hotel and heading to lunch, the passenger door to the motorhome flung open! Apparently, Ford thinks I am made of money and they want to do me harm today. The pastor called a local mechanic who thinks he can repair the inside latch mechanism (do I sound like I know what I'm talking about?) by the end of the day. Problem is though, Kim 's flight is at 7:30 tonight and we've got to get her to the airport in plenty of time. When it rains, it pours. Honestly, I can't complain. God has been very good to us this summer, and He has kept his hand of protection on us. For that, I am most thankful. I've learned a long time ago, not to question why things happen or don't happen in our lives. It is all for a reason.

You won't believe this! The owner of the garage repaired the door latch free of charge! And he shared his life's story with me as he did the work. We had a wonderful discussion about God's grace and mercy. I couldn't help but notice how quietly my boys sat and listened to this man share of his addiction to pain killers, and how that almost ruined his life. Of how he was facing serious jail time, and about to lose his family in the process. He told me all I owed him was a prayer. I assured him I could do that for sure. After signing a couple of CDs for him, I gave them to him and encouraged him to allow the songs to speak to his life. I told the boys afterward that "the song" is only the vehicle God uses to reach the hearts of mankind. There must be more than just another pretty song. We should sing about the life-changing power of God, and His unwavering and unconditional love for us. They've finally caught on... that this summer isn't about singing and playing. It is about people. We are in the people busines. I pray we never forget that. I hope we never become so exalted that we forget about others... those who God places in our paths. Reaching people with the gospel of Christ is what life is all about. It has been a wonderful start to what I hope is a wonderful week. Now, hopefully tomorrow will be our play day!

Smokey Mountain Rain

After a wonderful Saturday spent teaching a music workshop, we rested very well at the hotel last night. In fact, I feel as if I slept too hard. I was having a hard time waking up... until Tate and Spencer opened their eyes (and mouths). We're just hanging out this morning since the service is 1:00 this afternoon. Kim is going through Spencer's suitcase, declaring it a disaster zone, Tate is trying on Kim's clothes (which greatly concerns me), and Spencer is singing "Smokey Mountain Rain" with the assistance of Ronnie Milsap in the background on i-tunes.

Today promises to be an awesome of music, ministry, and friends. But first, I need to walk across the street to the RV company and pick up my newly repaired vehicle. They squeezed me in yesterday and repaired the fresh tank water hose for $5.61 (parts) and $110 for one hour's labor. Another prayer answered. You know how auto repairs can get ugly in a hurry. Tonight we'll be spending time with my stepdad's, newphew at his church. I say it this way because my stepdad is related to everyone east of the Mississippi, and south of Louisville, KY. We always joke with him about his family tree. He is a great guy with a wonderful, friendly and loving family.

I was right about today. It was one of the most powerful day of services/concerts we've had all summer! Singers are a dime a dozen. Musicians come and go. I've learned a long time ago there is always someone, somewhere who can sing and/or play better than I can. Talent alone doesn't get the job done. Talent doesn't save anyone's soul. Abilities can't change people's lives in a positive manner. I have to say that out of all the musicians and singers I heard in today's services, they weren't trying to perform. They weren't trying to impress anyone... except God. They didn't try to "out sing" the other guy or group. There is a difference in ministering in song, and simply singing a song. The world doesn't need another good singer. What we need are more singers who live the life they sing about, and who actually "minister" to the souls of the listeners. I was so impressed today by Darren Thomas. He went on last in the program, and once it was his turn, he simply began to lead the rest of us into God's presence. He didn't need an outline. He wasn't relying on lead sheets. His songs didn't have any live video footage playing in the background. There wasn't a stage filled with smoke and dry ice, with orange lights circling about the audience. When did we (the church) begin to think that God Almighty needed all of that extra stuff (I call it "fluff"), before He can move in a service. Note to all singers: If you feel you must have those "extras" for your song to be over-the-top, then maybe we need to change songs. Better yet, why don't we just change singers and allow someone whose life is anointed have a chance to sing. Oh my! I need to stop before I get too deep into this here. It is late and I might type something that will need to be edited out tomorrow. Ha! I'll save these thoughts for another time... another place.

But let me say that today was perhaps another life-changing time in my life. I've been encouraged in my spirit. I know God has his hand over my family's lives. He is preparing us for a new day. I want to be ready when His time is right. I want to be prepared when it is time to step out on faith and allow God to do His thing through us. Keep us in your prayers. I hope everyone has a wonderful week!