Pride, Joy, and Treasure

A few times this summer while the boys and I were on tour, the question arose that of my three sons, which one did I love the most? Actually, it wasn't a question as much as it was an accusation that I must love one more than the others. How absurd is that? I hadn't heard that "question" since I asked (screamed) it out myself as a young child. This topic usually came up when one of the boys didn't get their way about something, or they didn't get what they asked for in the mall, etc. I usually explained to them all how I loved them equally, and how parents don't love one child more than another. Somehow, this answer never satisfies them, especially the younger two boys. Even though they are all three different in personalities and dispositions, naturally they all mean the world to Kim and I.

For example, Colton being the oldest child is pretty independent and head strong. He has his own idea about things (most everything), and sometimes needs extra time with dad or mom to come around to our way of thinking. But when I see where his interests are, I can't help but feel good. He plays high school baseball, yet most of his friends, at least the ones he wants to hang out with, are from church. If given the choice between playing a baseball game and rehearsing with a worship band, he would choose the band most of the time. Colton's main instrument is drums, but he learned to play the bass and acoustic guitar this past summer. (One night he even found a microphone that was louder than mine, and started singing in it.) We can't have that now can we? Haha His grades are good for the most part, and he is very sociable with others. He loves the things of God and is always willing to do whatever is asked of him when it comes to giving himself to the kingdom. I am very proud of Colton and all that he has accomplished so far in his life.

My middle son Spencer, is sometimes called "Little Deano". People have a big laugh whenever I let him put on my glasses for a moment. We've never had any problem out of Spencer. He too loves playing baseball and football and does a great job at both. He has played on some teams that went to state tournaments and has achieved quite a lot in the sportsworld. But when it comes to sports or church or music, Spencer jumps at the opportunities for music and church. He is very talented and has become a good singer. Along with playing the guitar, he is picking up some things on the piano as well. Spencer is tenderhearted and has a soft and sweet spirit. Everywhere we went this past summer, people often commented on how they enjoyed being with Spencer. It is a joy to watch Spencer grow up in the ways of the Lord, and I am excited to see what all God has in store for his life.

Tate. There are times I wonder what was I thinking... at age 39, when we were sure we'd have a little girl, if only we tried one more time. I just have to thank God that Tate is our last child. Tate is quite a little ham. He loves to entertain others, and is the owner of a huge imagination. Tate immediately wins people over. On the summer tour, it was Tate that people always wanted to see play the drums. I could be singing, but all eyes were on Tate. He just turned six years old a week ago, and has girlfriends strung out all across the country. Tate doesn't hide the fact that he is a player when it comes to girls. (We really should be worried.) Most, if not all of his girlfriends are at least high school age, usually college. I reminded him this summer that when I was 5 years old, I did nothing exciting. I never went on trips, never crossed the state line, never saw all the things he'd seen, etc. Knowing that Tate is our last child, our baby, makes every moment a little extra special. I treasure each day spent with Him. He is a real treasure in our lives.

My pride, my joy, and my treasure. Kim and I are very blessed to have Colton, Spencer, and Tate in our lives.

Home Is Where The Heart Is

The flight to Orlando yesterday was worth every penny I paid for it! It feels good to be back home for a few days. Kim picked me up at the airport and gave me a big hug and kisses! I miss her so much whenever I'm on the road, and I appreciate her being so understanding with the call of God I have on my life. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful wife, and the boys are fortunate to have a mom who takes care of all their needs.

This morning I am sitting in my brand new recliner and enjoying the quietness of my house. After waking up very early (again) and seeing Spencer off to school, I spent some time with Tate before letting him ride his brand new bicycle down to the bus stop. Kim left for work shortly afterward and I'm waiting to take Colton to his orthodontist appointment. Just call me Mr. Mom. I have a lunch appointment with a super musician Corey Powell who heads up one of the finest horn sections in the country. He plays with many top artists, and I get to buy him lunch today. Colton has a baseball game today and tells me he is scheduled to start the game pitching. Spencer has a football game on Saturday and I'm excited about seeing him dish out some pain to the other team. (Listen to me! I've turned into a dad with anger management issues.) I'd better charge up the camera now.

Yesterday was Tate's 6th birthday and he was pumped up for it too! As soon as he walked through the doorway from school he wanted to go to town and get his bicycle that we had promised him. I'm surprised he didn't run someone over in the store while he was trying it out for size. We had dinner at Sonny's BBQ and he thought he was big stuff since he ate ribs and cleaned the bone like an expert. (I wonder where he got that talent from?) Then we had some birthday cake while the waitresses sang "Happy Birthday" to Tate. Last night Colton had band practice, Spencer had football practice, and I practiced laying my head on the pillow around 9:00.

It will be great being at home for a week. I have several meetings planned regarding some exciting things coming up later in the fall, along with playing out a couple of times as well. Then it's back on the road again (in the words of Willie Nelson) as I fly back to Memphis next Monday and pick up where I left off. After making it to the Ole Miss homecoming next Saturday, I'll begin to make my way through MS, AL, TN, NC, and GA before heading home for good around the end of October. The good news is Kim will meet me in Nashville for a weekend and Colton will do the same in Greensboro, NC.

If anyone can hook me up, I am looking for the following football tickets: Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, and Georgia. (I'm not sure if they still play football in North Carolina.) Just kidding!

Heading Home

It felt so good last week crossing the state line from Indiana into Kentucky. Then the trip down to Nashville was even better. But neither compared to driving into Mississippi. Wednesday afternoon I stopped at ASCAP and took care of some business, then I had lunch with a friend in outside of Nashville. We shared our visions for ministry, and our dreams for life. He is getting married in a couple of weeks and that reminded me of so many dreams I had at that age. Many years later, I am happy to report that I feel my best years are ahead! After a great lunch (more like dinner), I drove I-40 west and played at a church in Dickson, TN. I spent the night and got an early start for Mississippi on Thursday. For some reason on travel days, I usually can't sleep in. Thursday was no exception. I stayed awake trying to get my phone to work between Jackson, TN and Holly Springs, MS where I had planned on having lunch with a pastor friend of mine from way back. I hadn't seen him in several years and it seemed as if we met for lunch everyday. I am amazed how God controls our lives and blesses our families when we remain faithful to His calling. I am so happy for everyone in my life who has dreamed dreams in life, had visions for their ministry, and found where they are supposed to be in both. Thursday night I met my sister, my brother and sister-in-law, and my stepdad for dinner. We stayed so long talking... it seemed we shut the place down.

Friday, I drove over to Batesville, MS to visit a long-time friend from college. He has been involved in music ministry for ever it seems, and I thoroughly enjoyed being with his wonderful family. As a bonus, our football team from Apopka had made the trip up to Mississippi to play his high school team. It was a battle to the end, as Apopka fell short. Saturday morning I was able to sleep in until 10:00 AM. That was the first time in about ten days I hadn't awakened early. Playing one-nighters can begin to take a toll on the body (and voice). The drive over to Oxford was only 30 minutes and I set up camp to tailgate on the Ole Miss campus. The game against Vanderbilt started at 6:00 PM and was a great game even though Ole Miss fell short on the scoreboard. The entire weekend brought back some wonderful memories of my time spent at Ole Miss and the Mississippi delta.

This morning I woke up very early and drove about two hours to Corinth, MS and played at a 10:30 service. I always enjoy playing in Corinth. That town also brings back memories of when I was at Northeast and met Kim. On my way out of town I stopped in Booneville and drove around the campus. It has changed some with a few new or remodeled buildings, but overall, it has the same look and feel as it did back in 1981. (Tuition for an 18-hour semester was $220 back then.) I suddenly feel very old! I drove around the campus and saw all the hangout spots where Kim and I spent a lot of time... and I thanked God for keeping his hand of blessing on our lives and blessing us with a wonderful family. None of our friends would have ever thought we could have made it together and lasted this long. Those were the days... It is a good thing to look back every once in a while... just to see how far God has brought us. I really couldn't have made it without Him on my side. Today I remembered the times He spared my life and gave me another chance to do what was right and serve Him. Some of my friends weren't so lucky. Automobile accidents, tragic circumstances, etc. have claimed the lives of many of my friends. Tonight, I am the luckiest man alive. And tomorrow is Tate's 6th birthday, and I'm flying home to Orlando for a week! Even though I'll be working it will be great to spend some time at home with the family. This tour will end around the third weekend of October. Keep me in your prayers.