Brewster Bits

Pump Up the Mood

2011-09-14T11:47:00.000-04:00

I can be a pretty moody person. Many would probably disagree, but that is just because I'm usually pretty good at covering my mood cake with a pretty thick layer of positive, optimistic icing. Such was not the case on Friday. Despite being my day off and a supposed day of rejuvenation from the week, there was no positive, optimistic icing for my cake.

My family had been home long enough to know what my mood was like, and so when I announced I was going to watch a movie, my wife quickly had a suggestion. She knows that when I'm in one of these moods, I will almost always pick something that really exacerbates the mood. She knows that I will pick some Sundance-esque, artsy, deep thinking, dark, end weirdly and in utter hopelessness and depression kind of movie. I have a tendency to feed my miserable mood with "life is crap" movies and music. Which then leads to ... well ... it's a very ugly looking cake. Her suggestion, right on the heels of announcing my desire for a movie, was "Please! Pick something HAPPY!" Annoyed, I did! Regretfully, I facebooked my selection before viewing the first five minutes, which clearly made me aware that it was rated R for several reasons. But ultimately, it's B-grade (perhaps even C-grade -- it was not a cinematic wonder by any means), craziness of killer fish eating everyone and the comedy of bad scripting did lift my spirits.

BIT: Media can help with our moods. I regularly listen to my ipod when working out at the gym and running. I find that music propels me to do better than I would have done without it (or in the case of the gym, trying to workout to "bad" music they pump in). An article I was recently reading quoted a Brazilian study where cyclists who listened to music they liked were able to push themselves further, and that in Taiwan patients awaiting a heart procedure who listened to their favorite music had less anxiety than those who didn't listen to music.

BITTER: So, what is it about media that is able to lift our spirits and inspire us to do and be greater (or feed the bad mood)? Is it the content, the lyrics, or the beat? I researched my preferences. When running, I like to listen to Christian music. If I'm going for distance (the long haul) I usually listen to Praise & Worship music by Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Fee, etc. (there's nothing like "You Never Let Go" to spur me on in the power of the Holy Spirit ... not to mention I sometimes get ideas about worship series while on these worship-runs). If I'm going for speed ... well, it's got to have a more driving beat, so I pop in (I know that dates me, I really do use my iPhone, but we used to "pop in" tapes and Cd's) some Hawk Nelson, Stellar Kart, etc. (get a little "Crazy Love" to motivate me to move faster).

If I'm at the gym on the Rowing Machine, I've got to get my Caribbean on ... so, it's some Bob Marley, or if I want to be more progressive I listen to Stefani Hudson suggested Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley or Matisyahu. If I'm on the Elliptical I love me some Hootie & The Blowfish, James Taylor, or Jimmy Buffett. And, when lifting weights ... if it's a good day I try experimenting with some Alternative, like Death Cab for Cutie, Fountains of Wayne, etc. But, if it's a bad day ... and I need some inspiration .. then I need Rock .. and there's nothing like some Led Zeppelin and AC/DC to get the mood in motion.

BITTEST: It looks like beat may win out over lyrics. Except that I know lyrics are important. Recently, I let my son (I've blogged about his Pop/Rap musical taste [if you can call that taste]) listen to "his" music on the way to school. A song by the New Boyz came on. Not so bad. It had a good beat. But then the lyrics ... "I hope you don’t take this the wrong way ... Girl you look better with the lights off, Better with the lights off, ooh. Girl you look better with the lights off, Better with the lights off, ooh Better with the lights off."

Really? I know if I tried this with my better half (who looks FANTASTIC with the lights on and off), that she wouldn't "take this the wrong way".

I invite you to comment or facebook your suggestions for me to try in my next work out ... when I need to Pump Up the Mood.

A No Max Day

2011-08-24T09:52:00.003-04:00

Last week was the first week of school. Since I am the parent of two transitionally challenged children, we take these new beginnings carefully. My oldest has started Middle School (which is a transition that has challenged me) and my youngest has started First Grade. With my youngest, the "transitional challenge" has historically been his process of discovering where the new boundaries are with the new teacher and challenging the flexibility of said boundaries.

As any good parent, we have been questioning the children each day on how things are going. My youngest likes to collect money, so the reward system in his class ... getting a dolphin penny for good deeds and changing 10 pennies into a dime and collecting 4 dimes for reward ... seems to be going well.

On Friday my wife was questioning our youngest about his day. He was noticeably down, so she knew something had not gone well. To the question, "What's wrong?" His answer was, "It was a No Max Day." Not knowing exactly what that meant, but getting ready for the possibility that he had to pull a stick (the opposite of the penny reward) ... the teacher saying, "No Max." ... my wife asked for more details. To "How was it a "No Max Day"? his response was "On the playground at recess, everyone I asked if I could play with them said, 'No, Max.'"

BIT: It is a hard life lesson. Sometimes the answer to our questions is "no". That God sometimes tells us "no" was the topic of Sunday's sermon. Paul, who usually seems to have it all together is told "no" twice in Acts 16:6-7. Paul wanted to go to Asia but "having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia" (that's Bible Speak for "no"). Then Paul wanted to go to Bithynia "but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to" (again a Biblical "no"). Yet, even after two divine "no's" Paul kept on trying and finally the answer came in a vision "of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.'" (vs. 8)

I shared a little about last week being a "No John" week. A couple of really good things for the church, or at least I thought they were really good things, turned out to be divine "no's". It is easy to respond to "no's" (especially divine "no's") like a first grader ... "So what did you do, Max?" "I went over and sat by myself." Sometimes that's what we want to do. Give up or get into a mood.

BITTER: So, I've decided to model Paul. My plans were vetoed with a divine "no." Yet, we're going to keep on moving. Notice that Paul didn't stop, he "went down to Troas" (vs.8). We're going to keep connected to God in prayer, work out the plan before us, and wait for our vision of who is to "come on over to First Farragut and help us."

My youngest didn't give up completely. Monday he hit the playground, found two boys who wanted to play with him, and had a great time. He even managed to find a new girl friend. I bet it was a "Yes Max Day."

I Got My Friday Back

2011-08-19T11:19:00.004-04:00

The reminder came yesterday from my wife, "Tomorrow is Friday." Now, usually that statement is not remarkable for someone grounded in reality and having access to a calendar (my wife IS grounded in reality and while being, at times, scheduling challenged, she has a calendar). What made the announcement remarkable has to do with background. Since my wife is a teacher she has off during the summer. Since there is no school during the summer, my children are also home. The upside of this is that it means that scheduling vacation is easier. The downside is that I lose my alone time on Fridays.

The "background" came about half way through the summer vacation season when I accidentally let something I was thinking slip out of my mouth. The slip was, "I can't wait to get my Friday's back." My wife didn't have to have an interpretation, she knew what I meant, and she was offended (and rightly so). But once it's out ...

BIT: During the school year, Fridays are my day to decompress from the week. It is my day off. I have a very set schedule. I take my oldest to school. I go to the grocery store and do my shopping in a particular way (OCD). I come home and put the groceries in their proper place (OCD). I usually work on some project at home. I eat lunch and go to the gym to workout. I pick up my oldest from school. I soak. I cook dinner. Note there is no "we" involved in my Friday. It is refreshing and, for my introverted self, it recharges me for a new week in an extroverted vocation. As dysfunctional as I've described it, my Fridays are like my Sabbath.

During the summer Fridays look very much like Saturdays. There is a "we" component. It's not that I don't like being around my family ... Though this was the way my wife took, "I can't wait to get my Fridays back."

I do love being around my family. I just need "I" time. Life without a Friday is like someone not following the natural flow of the grocery story, or not putting all the cold items together on the checkout conveyor, or not putting the cereal on the "cereal" shelf.

BITTER: Today is the first Friday that everyone has been in school. This was what my wife was talking about yesterday. So, I dropped off my oldest at school. I went to the grocery store and followed the proper flow through the grocery store. I put my groceries on the conveyor with all the cold items together. I got home and put everything on their proper shelf. My project has been this blog. I will go to the gym in a few. I will pick up my oldest at school. I will come home and have the most amazing saltwater soak in my jacuzzi bath tub. I will grill turkey burgers on the grill with Steak Fries that will make my wife grin. So ... bring on life ... bring on church work ... bring on the family ... you can even put the cereal on the wrong self ... 'Cause, I Got My Friday Back, Baby!

Vacation

2011-08-10T09:55:00.011-04:00

I LOVE vacation. It's not that I don't love my job, I do. But I like to get away and travel. Go to the ocean, camp, relax, eat good food ... Because my wife is a teacher, we have to schedule vacation during her time off (I love taking my wife on vacation with me). This usually means the concentration of our vacation is during the summer. For some reason, it seemed to me, and to others, that I was away most of the summer, even though I wasn't.

Because we have so many projects going on at the church (sealing and striping the parking lot, new roof for the building, etc.), the chair of trustees has had to call me several times to coordinate visits, workers, and schedules. First he called me at Annual Conference (which is NOT vacation, though I am wandering around in shorts and camping in my motor home with my family ... but I do work). The next time he called I was in Myrtle Beach on vacation number 1. Then two weeks later, while on vacation number 2 in Atlanta, jokingly he asked, "How many days of vacation do we give you?" To which I replied, "A bunch, and thank you very much for all of them."

BIT: Vacation does make me feel uncomfortable, perhaps guilty. So many things are left undone each time I leave, no matter how hard I've tried to cover all the bases. Maybe it goes back to the "Historic Examination" questions for ordination. There are 19 powerful questions that we must answer before we can be ordained. Question 17 is "Are you determined to employ all your time in the work of God? Question 19 is "Will you observe the following directions? a) Be diligent. Never unemployed. Never be triflingly employed. Never trifle away time; neither spend any more time at any one place than is strictly necessary."

I get stuck on some of these questions from time to time. Like question 2, "Are you going on to perfection?" Well, some weeks it doesn't feel that way. Some weeks it feels like I'm on the highway to hell (spiritually). But usually questions 3, 4, & 5 can get me back on track, "Do you expect to be made perfect in love in this life? Are you earnestly striving after it (perfection)? Are you resolved to devote yourself wholly to God and his work?"

BITTER: The same is true for question 17 (Are you determined to employ all your time in the work of God?) No, I'm determined to employ some of my time in hanging out in a beach chair, completely unemployed, trifling away time doing absolutely nothing. And, I may spend more time than is strictly necessary doing this.

Of course the argument can be made that I'm doing the work of God while resting and relaxing and recharging my spiritual batteries. Jesus did take time to get away. I don't know if I can make an argument for 4 weeks ... though I might try.

Well, I'm back and ready for a new season at First Farragut. I can answer 17 with a "yes" ... until next summer (maybe if I take all the weeks in a row, no one will notice I'm gone?).

Stuck in the Middle with You

2011-06-15T10:43:00.000-04:00

Today is Wednesday of Annual Conference Week. It is the end of our meeting time and in a few minutes the bishop will drop his gavel and "set" the appointments for the coming year. My appointment will be to return to the First Farragut United Methodist Church for a fourth year. I am excited to be going back and hope that for many years to come, when the appointments are set, my name will be listed beside First Farragut with incremental years that approach double digits.

During this Conference, I have had many opportunities to reflect back on these three years at First Farragut. On Sunday, after two morning worship services where we looked at how the disciples dealt with the obstacle of the Jewish leaders and what they were called to do and say by God, the Brewster Family boarded the family motor home. With the Saturn in tow, we headed to Lake Junaluska, NC. Shortly after crossing the North Carolina state line, in the midst of the winding and mountainous I-40, I was confronted by a guardrail to the right of me, a car in the lane left of me, and a wheel (metal rim with tire attached) in front of me. It was in my lane. I slowed down as much I could, but we hit the wheel. My decision was to not push the car next to me into the concrete barrier.

The impact with the wheel blew the front wheel of the motor home, damaged the entry steps, and busted the wheels and tires on the right side of our towed Saturn. The next 45 minutes were spent trying to find someone open on a Sunday, near our location in Nowhere, NC, who could help us with three flat tires. We waited for another 2 hours for help to finally arrive.

Due to the delay, I missed the opening worship of Annual Conference. Monday was spent looking at why Holston Annual Conference needs to adopt "A Call to Action" to address the need for more vital churches. This meant we looked terrible statistics of loss and decline over 40 years. Then we followed this depression by haggling over a couple of line items in the budget for next year. As I left for the afternoon, I decided to run around The Lake and reflect.

In three years, we've made some pretty big decisions. Some might even say that we decided to hit a pretty good sized wheel in the road, because the other options weren't really options. As we had these times of visioning and discerning, we reached these difficult decisions with consensus. We all agreed to move boldly, risking what may come for the glory of God. Sometimes it felt like at least three wheels had fallen off. It was difficult to find help because our situation was unique and was bigger than most could handle. The wait was longer than we expected. We wanted results quicker than they came.

But help did come. Three wonderful guys made it to us and changed our motor home tire, towed our car to safety, and then found us rims and tires to complete our fix. I believe our help has arrived for us as a church ... and it's not me. It's the Holy Spirit working in and through us in ways we have not experienced before. There is hope ... We are already doing most of what "A Call to Action" suggests. So, in this next year we'll concentrate on becoming more vital as a congregation.

BIT: So, First Farragut, in a few moments as the gavel falls, in the words of Stealers Wheel describing being on tour (and other things), I'm "stuck in the middle with you". Yes, "clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am, stuck in the middle with you, Yes I'm stuck in the middle with you, stuck in the middle with you."

BITTER: Whether we have cars to the left and a guardrail to the right on a winding mountainous road ... Or clowns to the left and jokers to the right, we're stuck on this tour bus together ... For at least one more year. I believe we are going to have a great time, filled with fun adventure as we become a more vital congregation for Jesus Christ. So, here's to Fantastic Four (oh, I may have my blog title for June 2012)!

Fifteen

2011-06-02T12:00:00.000-04:00

It happened soon after we were married. It was not a subject that came up in our premarital counseling. We did not discuss it in the nine months we were dating ... nor during our 6 week engagement (which btw had some talking). There were none around the parsonage during any of this time. She had no clue.

We were at a store. I saw them. I lit up with excitement. "Honey, we have to have them!" The answer was a resounding "No. They are creepy." After pleading for some time she put the exclamation point on the discussion with, "And, I find it disturbing that you like them."

They are gnomes. I'm not much on "yard art." But gnomes make me happy. Don't know why. They are not like most "yard art" that jumps out at you and says, "Here I am!" Instead, they are hidden celebrations.

Anyway, we overcame the impasse. Any good husband would not want something that "creeps out" his wife lying around the house ... so I let it go. Then, a couple of years ago my wife gave me a couple of gnomes as a present. She told me these two "don't creep me out as much". They look like normal gnomes to me, so I know this was a sacrificial gift from her to me. I try to keep them hidden in the garden.

BIT: Today, Gincy and I celebrate having been married for 15 years. The gnomes are just an example of the give and take that has to take place to survive that long. Yes, I know 15 years is just a drop in the bucket in comparison to some ... but that just gives me something toward which to look forward. And, I must say that Gincy has had to give more than take. Our prenuptial agreement is a testament to that:

She would always have to work, because I probably wouldn't make enough. Which has meant her working at Target and The Thifty Nickel.

She would have to move and follow me in my work. Which has meant the stress of finding new jobs everywhere we go.

She would never be able to tell a church member to "go to hell," even if they needed to hear it (especially if they needed to hear it). Later, this #3 was amended to include Conference Officials. Which has meant that Gincy has had to bite her tongue on numerous occasions.

BITTER: So, in our first fifteen years, our journey has included: burying both of our last grandmothers, mourning the tragic death of our nephew (Spencer Alford), surviving adopting two fantastic boys (passed parenting test not once, but twice!), vacationing in Mexico (said she'd never do it, never say never), Bahamas, Key West, and Maine, been to Guatemala (wouldn't call it a vacation); we've survived a car accident in South Carolina, survived Hailapocalypse in Farragut, experienced every parent illness known to humanity, meningitis with our oldest, and both of our kids having matching forehead scars.

And so, today, I mark a fifteen year journey with my beautiful wife, Gincy, with what I have selected as my 2011 theme song.

One of Those People

2011-05-26T11:05:00.008-04:00

It happened about three months into my "get fit" season. I was having a discussion with someone about my schedule, when it came out ... "You're becoming one of those people." "Those People"? What are "Those People"? I asked for clarification. The response was "Gym People." You know how "those gym people" are? No, please tell me how "those gym people" are. I believe I was just called a fitness freak.

I was offended at the time, but as the fit season continues on, I have had lots of opportunities to see what this person was referring to. "Those People" don't have to be limited to "Gym People", it can be anyone who really gets into something with determination and dedication. When you do something with discipline, intensity, and enthusiasm other people notice. As people (friends, congregation members, family) have noticed that I've become one of "Those People", they've been sharing what they have been doing to lose weight and get fit. Those who've gone through what I have just gone through have shared encouragement.

BIT: As a congregation, First Farragut is studying the Book of Acts in our "Hot Summer in Acts" worship series. No doubt there were those who called the Apostles and their groupies "Those People". Actually, in chapter 2 alone we're told the reaction was "amazed and astonished" (7), "amazed and perplexed" (12), and "awe" (43). Of course there are also those who called "Those People" 9 am drunkards. People noticed that something was going on with these people. They had discipline, determination, dedication ... there was an urgency and an intensity about what they were doing and what they were sharing ... they were enthusiastic ... and people noticed. "And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved." (2:47)

I may be a fitness freak. You have to be pretty freaky or all in to lose 70 pounds in a little over 5 months. People will notice as you go from a size 44 to 33. Some even react with awe. But what I really want to be known for is being a part of "Those People" whose lives are a witness to the loving Savior. And it has happened ... at my gym ... "Hey, aren't you the pastor of that church down the road?" "Yes, Yes, I am!"

BITTER: So, I've actually come to find humor in declaring that I am (probably) "One of Those People." So, in Jeff Foxworthy fashion, I've put together a few things to help you determine if you are "One of Those People"[disclaimer: just because I list these things here does not mean that I've done them (even though I have ... and I apologize)].

When out at lunch with co-workers you tell them how many fat grams are in their selection ... You might be "One of Those People"

If you refer to your personal trainer like those who've taken Financial Peace University refer to Dave Ramsey (eg. Colemun would not approve of that) ... You might be "One of Those People"

If you've ever bought new running shoes by going to a place that has a 7 step Personal FIT Process ... and you've paid well over $100 for a pair of shoes you only do one thing in ... You might be "One of Those People"

You go to the gym even when there is a tornado warning for your area while your wife worries at home ... You might be "One of Those People"

If you've ever put duct tape over the blisters you got while running so that you can run some more ... You might be "One of Those People"

If you've ever researched remedies to nipple chafing ... You might be "One of Those People" (be careful with this research!)

If your gym has featured you in a video ... or if the staff know you by name ... that might be a tell-tale sign that you are "One of Those People"

Goal

2011-05-18T07:44:00.006-04:00

I had a goal for today. It was to reach my LOVE goal (yes, inspired by Pat Luna our Stepping Stones to the Future consultant ... I can hear her now, "We HOPE to raise this amount. We have FAITH that we will raise this amount. But, we'd LOVE [Alabama style] to raise this amount.").

I started out getting fit and losing weight 22 weeks ago (5 months). When I started the people at The Rush asked me why I wanted to lose weight and what my goal was. The why was pretty evident (I'll blog some before and after pics next week). My hope goal ("I hope to lose") was 50 pounds. As I approached that goal in March, I knew I could do better. I haven't grown taller since high school, so I set my LOVE ("I'd love to lose") goal of being at my high school weight of 177 (that would be a total loss of 70 pounds).

I had a goal for today. It was to reach my Love goal.

BIT: I've had another goal that I've been working on for some time. In 2008, in preparing to come to First Farragut, I started trying to get fit. I was running. As I remembered it, my celebration of greatest number of miles run in an hour was 6. So, I've been trying to reach that same goal 3 years later and at least 50 pounds lighter. I kept wondering why I wasn't able to do it.

Last week I achieved my goal. I ran 6 miles in under an hour (and then two days later I ran an average pace of less than 9 minutes per mile), only to find that my record wasn't what I remembered. (see http://brewsterbits.blogspot.com/2008/04/5-miles-hour.html). You don't have to take the link ... it was 5 miles an hour. I was working toward a goal that I had already achieved weeks earlier.

We have to set goals in order to work at our mission (purpose). The mission of getting fit and losing weight needs goals. The mission of raising money needs goals. The mission of running needs goals. The mission of the church ... needs goals. I shared with the Charge Conference last year that one of our goals as a church was to have an increase in worship attendance for 2011. I'm excited to say that we are on target to achieve this goal.

Goals challenge us. Paul has a goal that he shared in Philippians 3:10-12: "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the GOAL; but I press on to make it my own."

Goals inspire us. Paul was all about inspiring people through difficult times ... inspiring them toward the goals. "So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up."

BITTER: This morning ... I was one pound shy of reaching my Love goal of losing 70 pounds. So, spiritually "I press on for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus." And I'll press on physically ... maybe Friday ... I'll find Love. BTW: If you see me running in your neighborhood ... Call me FLASH!

Power

2011-05-11T09:52:00.008-04:00

There's been a lot of buzz around First Farragut about power this week. I have been trying to be intentional about finding the OMG in my preaching (see OMG blog for more info http://brewsterbits.blogspot.com/2011/03/omg.html). We have started a long worship series in the book of Acts called "Hot Summer in Acts" (I knew when I titled it I was setting us up for some really hot weather this summer, but it was 89 at my house yesterday). Sunday was the first part of the Pentecost story, Acts 2:1-13. My question of reflection was the promised power came, but for what ... the power to do what?

This weekend we got to spend time with our mothers in Cleveland and Hixson, and we got to see the tornado damage in person. It was quite extensive. We visited a business that had lost power for 5 days. In worship on May 1 we had many family members from Alabama who came up here to visit with their families because they had no power and it would be days or weeks before it was restored. We've got to have power to run our homes and fuel our cars.

But what about the Church? My point (actually two points) was that the Church needs power ... Power to be a People and Power to Proclaim. There are so many needs just in our community, and when we broaden the scope to the needs of the world ... we can easily feel powerless. Acts tells us differently. God tells us differently. Jesus tells us differently. The Holy Spirit tells us differently. The church tells us differently. We are not powerless. The needs can be met, are being met, and will continue to be met as we open ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit. Power to fulfill our mission as We Love Jesus Christ, We Love Each Other, and We Serve. (That was the OMG moment for me).

BIT: To highlight my OMG moment, the Holy Spirit lead me to a song (that's my story and I'm sticking to it). It was "The Power" by Snap. So, I ended the sermon by rapping (as best I could) the lyrics to the song:
It's gettin', it's gettin', it's gettin' kinda hectic
It's gettin', it's gettin', it's gettin' kinda hectic
It's gettin', it's gettin', it's gettin' kinda hectic
It's gettin', it's gettin', it's gettin' kinda hectic

and then with a creative burst, the lyrics go:
It's gettin', it's gettin', it's gettin' kinda heavy
It's gettin', it's gettin', it's gettin' kinda heavy
It's gettin', it's gettin', it's gettin' kinda heavy
It's gettin', it's gettin', it's gettin' kinda heavy

And then ...

I've got the power! (yes, I sang it ... and sang it soprano). And then I got carried away (some would argue I got carried away right before the rapping). I was dancing (90's style) ... I know, I wouldn't have believed it either ... but there is video (that if posted will lead to serious repercussions).

I couldn't leave the congregation hanging ... so they got to chime in as well. I've got the power ... You've got the power ... We've got the power.

It was Pentecost in Easter at First Farragut!

BITTER: What is before us is not going to be easy. And things are definitely gettin' kinda hectic and heavy with storm devastation, broken lives, broken relationships, hopelessness, poverty, disease, and famine. We need power. The Good News is ... God knows we need the power ... and God gives the Power of the Holy Spirit to us (Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you ...").

Stayin' Alive

2011-05-02T10:28:00.004-04:00

I'm a pretty routine kind of guy. I like structure and schedules. I enjoy the Christian year ... Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter. It flows, and it is predictable. It causes me stress when my structured, predictable schedule is interrupted. Of course I'm in the wrong vocation ... interruptions happen frequently.

Such was the case this past Wednesday. My day was going as planned. I had my list of things to do and was well into checking them off. Then the call came (interruption). I would have to come and pick up the boys because they were going to dismiss school a little early and there would not be after school care. I looked at my schedule and realized that I could still pull off my 3:00 appointment with my trainer at the gym and their kid care started at 3:00 ... it's magic!

I picked up my youngest at the primary school ... ran home and changed into my gym clothes ... ran back and got into the line for the intermediate school ... they let out just in time for me to pick up my oldest ... and get to the gym. Since I didn't have to change and was running short on time, I decided to leave my cell phone and wallet in the car. I was stressed, but I was going to work it off ... life was good.

My first inkling that I had made an unwise decision was near the end of my workout as I looked out the window and commented to my trainer, "Wow it looks like it's 8:00 at night". Workout over ... gather up kids ... it's beginning to rain ... get into car ... pick up cell phone ... all kinds of missed calls, messages, and texts. Almost all from my wife ... wondering where we are. Since I'm driving, I don't call or text her ... I'll be home in just a couple of minutes [btw, this was another unwise decision]. I have the radio on and now realize that Knoxville has gone into DEFCON 1 while I have been working out at the gym.

I pull in the driveway and I am met at the door by my beautiful wife, who calmly and lovingly shares her feelings with me ... about my decision to pick up the kids and take them to the gym during a tornado warning ... about how she had canceled her dental appointment in order to rush home to check on her family.

I looked up the word "moron" to make sure she had not used it in a politically incorrect manner. It fit. "A person who is notably stupid or lacking in good judgment." I was a moron. I had lacked good judgment in trying to keep to the schedule and not allow something to alter me or my plans.

BIT: Well the storms came and the Brewster's spent a great deal of time wisely hunkered down in a closet. The hail was huge and powerful and scary ... and destructive. I facebooked on Thursday after the storm, "Thinking of planting some flowers tomorrow ... around my mutilated bushes ... under my stripped trees ... in front of my pocked house ... beside my two dented cars ... a sign of hope?" We did just that. The pictures are before and after (I know I won't be going into the landscape business).

BITTER: Reflecting back on the high of Easter Sunday to the low of Wednesday and back to a high this past Sunday as we celebrated Confirmation Sunday, I can't help but hear the Bee Gees singing:

Whether you're a brother or whether you're a mother,
You're stayin' alive, stayin' alive.
Feel the city breakin' and everybody shakin', people,
Stayin' alive, stayin' alive.
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin' alive, stayin' alive.
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin' alive.

Of course in my reflection I'm wearing roller skates and there is a disco ball. Life is full of breakin' and shakin' (and hail and wind and tornadoes). Easter is all about brokenness being transformed into wholeness ... pain and grief meeting hope ... life (and maybe some flowers) being planted in destruction. It's about stayin' alive ... but not just life ... abundant life ... allowing Christ to alter us (so we're not morons).

Rev. Mickey Rainwater shared a scripture in his column last week. It is Romans 2:1-2 (The Message)
"Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."

So, break out of the routine every now and then ... don't be a moron ... be altered ... plant some flowers (there are a whole lot of people who need some) ... be a sign of hope amidst someone's destruction ... be a witness of God's Abundant Life!

Disappointment

2011-04-20T19:45:00.008-04:00

We've all done it ... disappoint. Wikipedia defines disappointment as "the feeling of dissatisfaction that follows the failure of expectations to manifest." I know (on occasion) I've disappointed my parents, my wife, my kids, my church, my God ... we don't live up to expectations. Sometimes we even disappoint ourselves. We know what we want to do ... need to do ... and we don't measure up. We don't do it.

As we move into Maundy Thursday and then into Good Friday, no doubt there was a lot of disappointment going around. Even knowing God's plan, I can't help but feel that Jesus felt disappointed. Disappointed in Judas, who betrayed him. Disappointed in Peter, James, and John who could not stay awake with him while he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Disappointed in Peter, who denied him three times. Disappointed in the crowd who chose Barabbas. Disappointment is a major theme in Holy Week.

BIT: Yesterday I weighed in for week 18 in my weight loss (I had lost 60 pounds, now just 59). I knew I had made some poor choices this past week. I ate a hamburger at Season's (not just a burger, but a burger with cheese and sauteed onions) and fries ... then I blogged about my Denied Breakfast on Saturday. I missed my first day of not going to the gym (Saturday). I weighed in on Sunday with a 3 pound gain for the week. I worked hard on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday to get it off. It didn't happen.

I went to The Rush on Wednesday knowing I had gained a pound. In 18 weeks I have not ever gained. Through Christmas ... no gain ... through New Years ... no gain ... through Spring Break in Florida ... no gain.

I had confessed to my trainer, Colemun, that I had gained three pounds on Monday. So, telling him that I had lost two of those pounds by Wednesday ... you would think I would have gotten an "atta boy." Instead, "John, if you'd hit a car with three people in it and you only killed one of them, would that be good news?" [insert knife] While I don't know that I would have been so blunt, it got the point across. It wasn't good news. Whatever excuses I had come up with ... however I wanted to "spin" it ... it was a disappointing week.

BITTER: Disappointment is not what defines us ... No matter who, and how, and how often I've disappointed ... it is not what defines me. Holy Week is a hard week. We look at Jesus and see anguish, fear, choices, sacrifice ... we see denial and disappointment ... it requires us to look at ourselves. Renni Morris, one of our Lay Leaders, shared a quote from a devotional by Robbins Sims at our Church Council meeting on Tuesday, "Holy Week only works, however, if we put ourselves in the thick of it, which involves more than a grim determination to face the worst. It requires courage born of the knowledge that God's sovereign grace surrounds this week and our lives ... There is no time, place, or circumstance beyond which God's grace does not extend."

With Colemun, after my "not good news" confession and his response that I had to get back to business, he didn't bring up the weight gain again during our session (except for a comment during our workout about how much more we had to go toward our goal ... he mentioned that it would have been 10 pounds, but now it was 11 [and turn the knife]). He knows I'm not defined by gaining one pound in week 18 ... that I'm a disappointment (I am his "poster child" or as my wife calls it, his "cash cow").

Thursday and Friday of Holy Week may be focused on a series of disappointments. Our lives may be punctuated by a series of disappointments. Things we've done and things we've left undone abound. But Sunday's coming ... when God's grace and love overcomes whatever disappointments may have defined our lives ... as we accept God's Resurrection power and life, our lives are defined not by what we do ... but by what Christ does for us.

Have a Blessed Holy Triduum.

Denied

2011-04-18T09:32:00.008-04:00

It seems like Easter will never get here! I don't know why, but it seems like Lent has lasted forever. I know it is partly because Easter is so late this year. Usually we are scrambling (this is a delayed pun) to recover from Christmas and Advent so we can jump right into Lent.

Each Lent I have tried to do something new (add) to grow spiritually during these 40 days of preparing for Easter, and I try to give up something (deny). This year I have fasted on Thursdays (anyone who knows me knows this is not easy). In years past, I've not made it. This year I believe I did (during the week when I had the Super Moon Flu I did not fast on Thursday)... one more to go. The denial of something I enjoy helps me to connect with the sacrifice that Jesus made for me during this Holy Week (though it doesn't even compare).

Denial has made it seem like a long Lent. I guess the opposite is true of "Time flys when you're having fun" ... Time drags on when you're in Denial (trying to restrain myself from telling the joke that da nile is not just a river in Egypt). Lent is a great time for me ... to reflect ... to learn ... to reconnect to my faith ... but thank God ... Holy Week is here!

BIT: The other "partly" for why my Lent may seem to be dragging also has to do with denial. It has to do with what I've been doing (or perhaps better stated, not been doing) for the last four months. Rather than for spiritual reasons, I have been denied for physical reasons. If you've been following the blog, you know that I have been trying to eat healthier and exercise in order to lose weight. I have lost 60 pounds so far. Since I am the primary food preparer for our family, my family has been (sometimes reluctantly) on the way with me.

One of the traditions in the Brewster house is to have a big breakfast on Saturday morning. Traditionally, this has included eggs, bacon and/or sausage, and biscuits and gravy. This was not going to work ... so, Saturday breakfast, since December, has been modified. Eggs (a good source of protein ... though I usually eat scrambled egg whites) and turkey sausage. Sometimes I fix the kids a biscuit (but if I'm feeling weak ... no, a biscuit for you ... I run a tight kitchen).

Saturday before last, my oldest ... looking at his modified Saturday breakfast of eggs, turkey sausage and biscuits (it was a strong day) ... asked me when we were going to have a "real" breakfast. I knew what he was asking, but told him that this was a "real" breakfast. He responded that he wanted breakfast "like we used to have with meat and biscuits with gravy." I explained that turkey was a meat ... even though I knew what he was talking about. I thought about it ...

GRAVY ... how many calories and fat grams could there be in flour browned in pig grease and doused with milk? I didn't check. This past Saturday ... the Brewster's were denied no longer (though we won't have this every Saturday)!

BITTER: Isn't biscuits and gravy with real sausage and whole eggs scrambled in butter a lot like Easter after a really long Lent? Have a Blessed Holy Week.

Colemun Ricker

2011-04-06T16:44:00.013-04:00

I've written about him here on the blog (you can search "Colemun" in the search box to the right to pull up those blogs) ... I've quoted him to our staff at First Farragut ... I've whined about him to my family ... I've talked about him and with him at First Farragut Church (he came and did an interview during worship in the "Get Pumped!" worship series) ... it's a wonder someone hasn't told me to "Shut up already about the Colemun." So, instead of a shut up ... with the advent of The Rush video with VP Rob Rettmann and Colemun ... I wanted to give Colemun a shout out.

I went to The Rush back in December (2010). Having tried everything known to humanity to loose weight, I knew I needed help ... professional help. I'm a Biggest Loser fan. I like to sit on the couch with my bag of Fritos and dip them in Peanunt Butter while watching Jillian kick thier butts. I needed a Jillian (my wife calls Colemun "Jillian" [sorry dude] "So, how was Jillian today?" she asks), and I needed to throw out the Fritos.

God has a way of putting just the right people and events in my life when I need them. God had to really work on this one. From Jill-Marie Weaver, our Children's Director at the time, inviting me to The Rush for a spin class (NEVER went ... thought about that bike seat with 250 pounds ... and my seat ... well, you get the picture ... sorry for that picture) to Stefani Hudson, our Administrative Assistant, telling me every time I complained, "You need to go to The Rush!" over and over, lead me to Colemun.

Colemun was the right person. It is not an easy feat to go from a couch potato to losing nearly 60 pounds and fitting into a t-shirt you wore in college in 1990 (Colemun is barred from 1990 jokes), all in just 4 months. I had vacations, Christmas, New Years, and generally just bad weeks during this time. I needed to be inspired, challenged, and motivated. Colemun is a huge part of my success. Not only did he teach me how to do the exercises I needed to do to reach my goal (correctly -- he's smart that way), he didn't hurt me .. well, he did hurt me, and on several occasions (one of which I blogged about) ... he didn't injure me (we're still working on ninja feet). And the temporary pain has really paid off.

So ... thanks to The Rush ... thanks to Colemun (we still have some more work to do). I highly recommend both!

BIT: As for The Rush video ... the day after recording that ... my facebook post was "Hubris is painful." I really pushed it so that I wouldn't look goofy. That "Easter Bunny Burpee" (jump, burpee, pushup -- I rename some of the exercises) didn't look ANYWHERE near like that until the camera came out. And, the sliders with the pushups on the balls ... it COMPLETELY collapsed the first time ... but when the camera came out ... I was a rock star. Yes, Colemun + Rob and his Video Camera + John's Pride = SORE abs and legs.

Hope Is Present

2011-03-30T08:03:00.007-04:00

My original plan was to blog today about last Sunday's message. It would have been on fear. But something has been working on me for the last couple of weeks and some times you just have to let it out. I realized it last night at our Staff Parish Relations Committee meeting. Marty Layman is a member of our group, I knew that today was a special day in his family's life, but I knew I would come completely unglued if I said or did anything. [I've already made three trips to the rest room to get tissue this morning writing this first paragraph]. Today is the birthday of Garrett Lee Layman. He would have been one today. I don't really know what I want to say. First Farragut Church is marking this time by announcing the Garrett Lee Layman Memorial Scholarship for TAKE-OFF (our parent's day out school). This Sunday our congregation will have an opportunity to give a gift to this fund that will make possible scholarships for TAKE-OFF. It is a living legacy. Gincy and I will be giving a gift to this fund. The Layman Family is very involved with The March of Dimes. Holly has a page where you can support her by walking or giving a gift (http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?pp=3438401&ct=4&w=4535160&u=hlayman). What to say? I really didn't know what to say, so I went back to what I shared at Garrett's Celebration of Life Service. So Here's the Bit.

BIT: It was proud big sister Olivia who said what we all were thinking – gathered there in that small room off of the NICU at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Upon hearing about the death of her little brother, Garrett, from her mom and dad – in the midst of her grief she said it – “This is the worst day ever.”

Sunday had been a great day – Easter Sunday. Olivia was out on Main Street at First Farragut Church clutching the picture of her little brother Garrett. We had all experienced the hope and joy of Easter – the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We had the single red rose on the altar rail celebrating the birth of Garrett Lee Laymon that week. I’d preached a sermon on the empty promises of Easter – an empty cross, the promise that our sins are forgiven – an empty tomb, the promise of eternal life – empty burial clothes, the promise of a close personal relationship with our living Savior, Jesus Christ. It was a glorious day filled with promise.

Only two days later – Tuesday -- we were filled with profound emptiness. It was what we had been praying for weeks would not happen. And it happened … so quickly … right in the midst of our hope and promise.

What do you say? My experience tells me that there is no loss so striking, so numbing, so tragic, so full of grief, as the loss of a child. Any loss is tragic for those left behind. But the loss of a child seems to have its own extraordinary kind of tragedy. Our minds naturally want to race ahead into the promise of life – what precious Olivia did after declaring that Tuesday was the worst day ever – a litany of all the things little Garret and she would never do together, each accented with her grief. This worst day ever, will forever be etched into my mind.

Yes, the death of a child has its own kind of tragedy. Our children are supposed to bury us, as their elderly parents. Our children are supposed to outlive us. Our children are supposed to carry on our family name, our family traditions, our family memories. At least that’s how I would plan it. And my words, just like on Tuesday, seem so empty.

What we lack in words – we make up for in presence. Words aren’t going to be able to begin healing your pain – but presence will. Paul says it this way, “I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

It is God’s presence that makes my spirit say to you, I’m convinced that this is not God’s will. God does not will suffering and sorrow and death. God wills the abundant life. The truth is -- God mourns with us. God knows our sense of loss, our sense of sorrow, our sense of grief. On Tuesday -- the worst day ever -- after Resurrection Sunday and because of Resurrection Sunday, Jesus with tears in his eyes, because he knew the pain that death brings to those left behind – especially because it was someone so special -- received little Garrett saying, “little child, come to me, the kingdom of God belongs to you.”

It is presence here tonight that tells my spirit that miracle baby Garrett, had an impact, even in only 8 days.

It is presence here tonight that tells my spirit that Marty & Holly and Olivia are in good hands. Yes, their burden is enormous – greater than any I can imagine. But I also know that many of you are a part of the Body of Christ at First Farragut Church. I know that presence is going to take care of you. First Farragut is a place of Christian love and care and fellowship – the communion of saints, the body of believers at First Farragut reaches out to you to be with you, to stand with you, to pray for you, to cry with you, that we may together express our hope in a risen Savior.

Many of you are friends and family who have experienced the love and grace of God many times. I know your presence surrounds and upholds Marty and Holly with the peace of God.

Your presence, the Body of Christ’s presence, God’s eternal presence embraces us. An infinte God grieves with us. This parent God lifts this little Garrett from the fragile embrace of death and gives him new life in an eternal realm. And so, people of God, gather around this miracle. That even on the worst day ever, God’s presence, the Church’s presence, the loving ones presence – brought the Easter Resurrection Promise to fulfillment – That in the midst of the worst day ever – death – hope was present. Hope is present.

BITTER: Happy Birthday, Garrett!

Revealing

2011-03-28T13:53:00.006-04:00

It will probably go down as one of my more crazy ideas. I designed a t-shirt for when I reached my original goal of losing 50 pounds and weighing under 200. That's not the crazy idea. The crazy idea was how I was going to let my congregation know that I had reached this goal. They have been watching me slowly loose the weight over 3 and a half months. We did a mini worship series on "Get Pumped!" from 1 Corinthians, which highlighted getting fit and healthy, both physically and spiritually. They have been part of my inspiration as they've given me encouragement to keep going. So, I wanted them to celebrate with me.

So, the shirt had come in the mail before spring break but I had not reached the goal. And, I didn't plan to reach the goal over spring break ... eating twice at Fudpuckers in Destin while on vacation will not help you lose weight! But it sure was good. I gained 3 pounds. But then I came down with the flu ... lost the 3 pounds I had gained ... and 5 more. This past Friday I reached my goal. I weighed 197 pounds! I celebrated with Colemun, my fit trainer at The Rush ... but I didn't wear the t-shirt (because he would make me get it all sweaty). I'll wear it to The Rush on Wednesday when I have my session.

I facebooked that I was going to have a big surprise in worship on Sunday ... and all kinds of people tried to guess what it would be. Even some church members from my distant past remembered other crazy things I've done in worship.

No one guessed. I put on the t-shirt. Put my dress shirt over it. Put on my tie. Put on my robe. Put on my stole. And then at the sermon time ... I told them it was time for the surprise. I took off my stole. I took off my robe. I took off my tie. It was reported that one of our first-time visitors leaned over to the person who had invited them and asked, "What have you gotten me into here?" To which she responded, "He's not ever done this before." I took off my dress shirt to REVEAL my OnederLand t-shirt. Needless to say, I believed they were surprised. At least they looked surprised.

BIT: People started calling it a striptease, which I have opted to use "progressive reveal". Striptease in worship just doesn't sound right. Of course we did have a discussion in Church Council this week on Pole Dancing for Jesus. Don't worry, it was a very short discussion. There will be no more "reveals" for a while at First Farragut (or Pole Dancing).

BITTER: Thank you First Farragut for all your support and love. I am the most blessed to be your pastor!

Anguish

2011-03-23T08:21:00.007-04:00

During Lent, we've been looking at the "24 Hours That Changed the World", and this past Sunday we entered the Garden of Gethsemane. The words used by the Gospel of Mark in describing Jesus in the Garden are "greatly distressed and troubled." (14:33) Out of his own mouth, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death." (14:34) Jesus was anguishing.

Anguish is defined as "agonizing physical or mental pain -- torment." I would include in the mental pain category, spiritual pain or struggle. Jesus will go through physical pain and struggle later in the 24 hours, when he is tortured humiliated and ultimately crucified. But as we enter the Garden of Gethsemane with Jesus, we experience Jesus' spiritual struggle.

Sometimes we place so much emphasis on Jesus' divinity that we lose sight of his humanity. That he was fully human meant that he felt many of the same emotions and feelings that we feel. We have seen Jesus be angry with the money changers, tempted by Satan in the wilderness, grieve at the loss of a dear friend, and now feel anguish. One of his best friends in all of the world has left to go turn him in to the authorities (even betraying him with a kiss), the other eleven will all desert him, three (Peter, James, and John) cannot even stay awake during his darkest hour of prayer and struggle, Peter (his most loyal) denies him three times before morning, and he knows he his facing ridicule, torture, pain, suffering, and one of the most gruesome deaths imaginable, crucifixion.

As Jesus anguishes in his spirit, he responds much the same we do when we are experiencing deep spiritual or physical struggle or pain. He goes to God and says, "Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me." Our spiritual and physical anguish many times leads to asking the question "why?" Why do healthy and good people die of cancer? Why do children sometimes die before their parents? Why am I not finding the right person to marry?

One of the greatest tirings we struggle with is trying to understand the will of God. What is my purpose? And when things turn rough and we anguish, we ask, how in the world does this fit into your divine plan for me? Why does it have to be so hard? Surely, there is a better way.

Maybe that was what Jesus was going through in the Garden of Gethsemane. Even though he knew and understood the will of God, his anguish lead him to ask God to "remove this cup from me." But his simple prayer didn't end there ... "yet not what I will, but what you will."

BIT: Our challenge on Sunday was to look at where we are in the story. Find yourself in the story. Are you like Jesus -- struggling with knowing the will of God and actually doing the will of God? Are you like the three disciples -- who are unable to stay awake, or pay attention, or follow through when Jesus most needed them? Are you like Judas -- who'd had enough of Jesus not measuring up to his expectations and is out of here? Or, are you like Job (who's not in the story, but I added him as a bonus) -- struggling with determining the will of God in your life?

What is that you anguish with in your life? Are you to a point in the struggle where you can say, "yet not what I want, but what you want"?

Let us continue our journey and observance of Lent together.

Tired

2011-03-17T20:43:00.006-04:00

This week has been vacation for the Brewster Family. We started out with a weekend with my 40 year old sister in Springfield, TN. We had a great time and great food celebrating her momentous birthday. Then mom and dad in their motor home and us in ours traveled to Destin, FL for 5 days on the beach. Luckily, I didn't burn myself until the third day (this must be some kind of record ... usually I'm a lobster by day 2).

It has been a fantastic week! Great weather! Great food (high marks for the Stefani Hudson recommendation of Fudpuckers -- be careful with the name, but the food and fun was amazing! Great beach! Great camp site -- 200 ft from the ocean! It has been a great and relaxing time for me. Covered up like a vampire ... in my chair ... sitting on the beach ... good book ... I think you can get the picture.

BIT: Sometimes vacations can be hectic and draining. Too much activity. Each morning my better half asks, "What's the plan?" My reply has been, "There is no plan." The only ritual has been running each morning on the beach ... 30 minutes one way ... 30 minutes back ... mostly to atone (a subject we will be covering in our new worship series ... part 2 this Sunday!) for the sins of the previous evening, and continued fasting on Thursdays. So, I am well rested.

Our non-schedule has meant that my two kids have had many opportunities .. pools, beach, shopping, restaurants, bike riding ... so I was reminded how draining a vacation can be when my youngest fell asleep while eating a pop tart -- yes, that is a bite in his mouth ... mid chew.

BITTER: No matter how tired I've ever been ... I've never fallen asleep while eating. Thanks First Farragut for this fantastic time away.

I Had To Put It Down

2011-03-15T22:22:00.006-04:00

Some on the staff at First Farraugt have been trying to get me to join the "i" family. I've been resistant for several reasons. One, my carrier didn't support the "i". Two, I'm so familiar with pc. All of that came crashing down this past weekend.

The whole family loaded into the motor home to go and visit my sister who was celebrating her 40th birthday. My sister lives in the "middle of nowhere" Tennessee. So, my better half had my phone trying to get directions to her home (which shows how often I've been to visit, I repent!) My better half was having trouble with my Android phone. She kept saying that it was automatically pushing apps and moving freely in the map app. I told her that "it was working perfectly fine before she got it" (DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME, ONLY A PROFESSIONAL SHOULD TRY THAT LAST COMMENT). We did finally make it to my sister's home. It was a GREAT celebration!

On Saturday my Android starting acting crazy with me at the helm. It would randomly push buttons. Apps would pop up while I was trying to read email. It was a little annoying. But then Sunday came. The Android went nuts! I could not do anything with it. Soon I was in "connectivity withdrawal". No email. No Facebook. No blogs. No texting.

After lunch on Sunday, in full withdrawal with shaking, we went to the Verizon store. I handed my precious Android over to the tech guy, Daniel. Who, within 60 seconds said ... "There is nothing we can do for it ... we might be able to get your contacts off of it ... but only if we can get to the settings."

BIT: The short is that I have now entered the "i" world. Yes, I have an ipod, I'm not a total goof. But now I have an iphone 4. I know it is the first step toward total indoctrination (or in Trekkie language, assimilation). How many people do you know who purchased an Apple product and then didn't go all in?

Even with the holy grail of phones, I still grieve having to "put down" my Android. I knew where everything was ... my calendar, my apps, my email, my texts ... Now, I'm still lost.

BITTER: Worse, I've now gone 3 days without work email. Of course my better half reminds me of our prenup agreement which states that I will not engage in work related reading at anytime during my vacation (she knew from the beginning my difficulty with boundaries). So, if you've emailed me ... until I reconnect with my tech savvy staff ... am vacationing blind.

Remember

2011-03-10T07:49:00.005-05:00

The staff at First Farragut have been trying to get me to update my pictures since losing nearly 50 pounds. I've told them I didn't want to do that until I reach my goal (nearly 50 pounds, isn't 50 pounds). However, I have posted a picture of my thumb from last night on this blog.

It was our Ash Wednesday Service that caused the "dirt" under my fingernail. I always try, after the imposition of ashes, to get the black ashes out from under my thumbnail. It never works. No amount of hand sanitizer or scrubbing will work. My eldest commented that next year he thinks he'll get the sign of the cross on the back of his hand instead of on his forehead (an option we give at First Farragut). The reason he gave caught me. He said that the ashes on his forehead sort of hurt, burned. I've thought of that when I've been making the cross on people's forehead. The ashes are wet and grainy, and you can feel it "scratching" across the skin.

The imposition of ashes is about remembering. "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return." It is a powerful moment for me. I usually have the hardest time with kids. My very first funeral was for a 6 year old who had drowned. It is a memory I carry with me. Children are so precious. Having had such a difficult process putting our family together, having children is a very special gift. The thought that children are dust and that they might return to dust too soon, makes it very emotional for me.

It happened last night. Perhaps my biggest break down in ash imposition history. It wasn't a child, it was Phil Scheuneman. I made it to "Remember that you are dust ..." and the images of his beautiful wife going through cancer and dying last year flooded my mind ... too soon ... Phil's loving spirit, gracious and generous ... their children ... and it happened ... I couldn't finish "... and to dust you shall return." It felt like forever before I could go on ...

BIT: Remembering can be painful. Ashes aren't easily removed from under your thumbnail and they do grit into our forehead. But remembering that we are mortal helps us to appreciate and celebrate the new life God gives us in Christ. Mortal remembered, eternal life celebrated. Paul puts it this way, "When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "'Death has been swallowed up in victory.'" (1 Corinthians 15: 54)

Is it not the same with Easter and Resurrection? How can we fully appreciate and celebrate Easter and Resurrection without the pain and suffering of the Crucifixion?

BITTER: I have started my fasting on Thursdays (no, I'm not giving up facebook). Blessed Lent ... Let's journey together to Easter ... (It's more fun that way)

OMG!

2011-03-07T07:49:00.005-05:00

Our closing worship service at Lake Junaluska on last Thursday was lead by Bishop James Swanson. The whole Conference was centered around "Worship ... Faithful and Relevant", so the Bishop shared about worship. He captured our attention by talking about text language, especially OMG (Oh My God). OMG is used to exclaim surprise. The Bishop turned OMG around to say that our worship should have OMG moments ... moments when we experience the awesomeness of God and our response ... Oh My God! (OMG!)

If you've ever heard our bishop preach, you know he can get going. After writing this blog Annette Spence, Editor of The Call, shared some excerpts from the Bishop's message: In a message titled, "OMG," Swanson asked listeners if their worship experiences led them or their flocks to respond, "Oh, my God."

"What is it about worship that makes you skip and jump and leap and run when you leave that place -- or makes you cry until you have no tears?" he said.

"There ought to be something on Sunday morning that makes a man want to stop squandering his money on alcohol when he has a family to take care of," Swanson said.

"There ought to be something on Sunday morning to make a person say, 'I shouldn't take the Lord's money and spend it to buy season tickets for Vols games.'" [to view the entire artical, http://holston.org/about/communications/the-call/volEEE/num10/ministers-convocation/

After he got going he challenged us preachers to make sure that we are worshipping when we worship. Even if no one else is worshipping, the pastors should be seen worshipping. I'm excited about our Lenten Worship Series: 24 Hours That Changed the World. Someone told me on Sunday that he hoped the series would be as good as the video trailer we've been using in worship. That's what I'm going to do ... look for the OMG each Sunday (pray God reveals what OMG that God wants to share) and bring it. So be on the look out for God.

BIT: Sunday was Children's Sunday. The theme wasn't OMG, but it could have been. The three mini-messages were on worship. Ian Collins lead us with "Worship in All That You Do" with an illustration from Nacho Libre ... excellent! He also referenced the author of the next book our staff will be reading together: The Practice of the Presence of God with Spiritual Maxims by Brother Lawrence. Eryn Hill shared "Worship In All Circumstances" noting the struggles that we all face, including her own struggle with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis ... inspirational! Hope Whitaker brought it home with "Worship in Celebration" sharing wonderful stories about her family, especially her aunt who sings and dances despite being deaf and physically challenged ... Amazing! Kids singing, dancing, reading, praying, drawing, waving banners, playing instruments ... to the glory of God ... it really hit me as I went up to lead The Great Thanksgiving ... I felt so humble to be there ... to be in the presence ... IT WAS A GREAT THANKSGIVING ... and ... OMG!

Time to Go

2011-03-03T09:14:00.012-05:00

As I ran 5.2 miles around the lake this morning, I reflected about my time here at Lake Junaluska this week. I've been attending the 2011 Holston Conference Ministers' Convocation on "Worship ... Faithful and Relevant." First I was excited about attending because I love worship and want it to be faithful and relevant. Second, (as you may know by now by reading these blogs) I love "...", so when I saw "..." in the title of the Conference ... well ... I had to come.

My reflection led me to realize that I haven't gotten a whole lot out of the lectures. Yes, here and there, I was challenged by some theological positions, but my knowledge hasn't grown dramatically. What I have experienced this week is a closeness to God that is transformative.

I'm in a beautiful place in the mountains. So, I couldn't help but think about The Transfiguration (this Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday, as it is Children's Sunday, we will not celebrate it at First Farragut). I share the experience from what we would have used this Sunday ... from the Gospel of Matthew ...

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

No, it has not been a huge knowledge time for me. But, it has been a huge spiritual time for me. Part of this experience has been my running around the Lake in the morning, even before sunrise. Thinking and praying ... truly feeling a closeness to God, my Creator, Jesus, my Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit, whom I have experienced as the source of my calling. In worship with my brothers and sisters in the ministry, I have experienced the closeness of God through words of prayer for each other and sharing celebrations and concerns. There is nothing more powerful than sharing a concern and having someone place their hands on you and pray, thanks to my friend Micah Nicolaus.

I find myself like Peter ... with a deep sense of wanting more! Unlike Peter, I'm ready to come home. [Honey, I've not bought any property at Lake Junaluska] Yes, it is good to be on the mountain with God, experiencing God's closeness. Lake Junaluska IS a very special place. But, Jesus knew something that Peter didn't. If they had built some homes and stayed ... eventually ... Peter, James, and John would have missed the other disciples, their friends (those back "home"). Eventually, their calling in Christ, would have compelled them to get back to their work, their mission ... a will would have made them long to practice the insights and inspiration from their time with God. They would have missed their family and friends. My good friend Betty Furches said it to me today at breakfast, "It's day three, I'm ready to go home." [That was really what I should have said to my wife in a previous blog -- I REALLY miss you by day three and REALLY want to get home] Then she said how much "Honey" (her spouse) was also ready for her to get back.

BIT: It is time to go home. Time to get back to my work in Christ at First Farragut. And, I bring an energy and a wholeness that I did not have before coming up to the mountain. [I believe I also have a new sermon series for the Fall]. So, make sure you spend some time ... as God says in our scripture ... "LISTEN TO HIM". Have you spent some time just listening to him? I promise, you won't regret it.

4 Life

2011-02-28T08:09:00.004-05:00

I allow my oldest to control the radio in the mornings on our way to school. It was a bad decision when we had satellite radio and ALWAYS listened to Radio Disney. Then it was only a 5 minute commute to school and then 5 more minutes to work with the youngest, still listening to Radio Disney. That was bad. Now is worse. I don't know what I would call it. It's like pop rap. It's not pop and it's not rap ... The words flying by so quickly. I don't even know what they're saying, except when they silence out a word or string of every other word -- Even though it's silent I can figure it out.

It's the same kind of stuff they play at The Rush (except they evidently only paid for 10 songs that they play over and over again). Even though it's bad music at The Rush, I can put in my ear phones and crank up some good tunes (I'll share in a later blog post about my work out music selection ... something to look forward).

Not so in the car. I am captive. Every once in a while I will use the time for a teaching moment when I hear something particularly offensive. My oldest is open to these discussions which I appreciate. At his age I probably wasn't quite as receptive (mom doesn't have internet, she can't add comments).

It has only gotten slightly worse since my oldest has discovered that he can "mix" the sound on the car stereo. Please note this is a Saturn L300. It is by no means a jam machine. Nonetheless, my oldest can get the bass low enough to emit a slight "thumping." So when Dev's Bass Down Low comes on we do thump, some.

Today I was half listening to the radio, when I caught a lyric (again it is rare). It was "'cause everybody dies but not everybody lives, ah!" "Ah!" indeed I thought. I tried to get some of the other lyrics to see what she was really "singing" about (I'm not convinced Bass Down Low doesn't have some other meaning). I asked my oldest about the song. He didn't know the title but did tell me it was Drake. My response was, "Is this Drake singing?" It was the question that got me the "you have got to be kidding me look." I knew I had crossed some parent stupidity line so I dropped it.

Online, this morning, I found it. It's Moment 4 Life evidently by Drake but sung by Nicki Minaj, how could I have been so stupid. I began reading the "clean" lyrics (which should have been a clue to "stupid"). They started off well: I fly with the stars in the skies / I am no longer trying to survive / I believe life is a prize / But to live doesn't mean you're alive. Then it talks about slaying Goliath with a sling ... that she's not lucky "I'm blessed." Then it really falls off a mountain.

BIT: I was still thinking about our fantastic youth leading worship services yesterday, when the Moment 4 Life song came on the radio. We had 5 messages spread over two worship services that focused on "Walking with Jesus". Each young person shared about how they were striving to always (24/7/365) walk with Christ. Each was a different story. All were powerful. To Sarah White, Joe Wasileski, Ashley Wilcox, Nicolas Henderson, and Caroline Dyer, I say thank you for sharing your witness in such an inspiring way. I know I would not have been able to do what you all did on Sunday when I was your age. To all those who read scripture, lead us in prayer, played and sang (wow! Amanda Cleveland, Erin Lewis, and Jordan Kirchner -- that was recordable kind of music, what a blessing!)

I came away with two things from worship on Sunday. One, I am so proud to be a part of a congregation of such talented, inspiring, devoted followers of Jesus Christ (pinch me, it says on my door that I am the Lead Pastor of such a group). The second thing was that walking with Jesus is really about light and life. Whoever wrote, "'cause everybody dies but not everybody lives, ah!" got that part right. Life is a prize. Paul wrote about the prize (Philippians 3:12). To live doesn't mean your alive. Again, Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21, "to live is Christ." So, while Nicki Minaj is singing about rising from the bottom of her life to what she thinks is the top - her "empire." What is she listening to? Is she held captive in a car with some questionable music, or what?

I'm going to put my money on our youth, because I believe they've discovered what is truly life -- a life built on the one who said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (btw, that's Jesus in John 10:10)

BITTER: Nick White, with those smooth dance moves, You my friend are way cool, like Jesus! My heads still bobbing ...

Put A Ring On It

2011-02-24T09:19:00.007-05:00

Our administrative assistant, the fantastic Stefani Hudson, noticed it almost immediately this morning. As we were talking about the day she exclaimed, "You're married!" Of course she knows I'm married, but you wouldn't know that if you had just met me. I have not been wearing my wedding ring for the last couple of years. I had gotten to a point where the ring no longer fit and it had become uncomfortable. So, I took it off. My wife was not too excited.

Yesterday I decided it was time to tell my wife that I would be out of town next week. She has never liked it when I go on trips. Especially since, what I've come to term, "The Great Gaffe" After one such trip away from each other, my wife and I were talking about missing each other with some friends. She had said how much she missed me and had trouble sleeping when I was away. I responded with, "I really don't miss you until the third day." (WARNING: DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!). I had an explanation for what I really meant, but it didn't work then, and probably won't work now.

So, I've known for a while that I would be away, but she's been under the weather and I was looking for a good moment to tell her. That moment was not availing itself. As I was reaching the critical point, I noticed my wedding ring on the dresser. My thought was, "I wonder if that fits now?" Having lost nearly 40 pounds! It did.

So I had a plan ... Drop the news of my trip ... Wait for the response ... Take it like a man ... Then flash the bling and cushion with, "Look, honey, it fits." So I dropped the news of my trip. Her response was that it was okay. So I went ahead and showed her the ring and said, "Look, honey, it fits. It's still a little tight, but it's not painful." What I didn't realize was that I had set her up.

"I'm not so sure that I like that it's not painful." Of course she smiled.

BIT: Rev. Grady Winegar on Sunday, June 2, 1996 [yes! 15 years this June] held my ring and my wife's and said, "These rings are the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, signifying to all the uniting of John and Gincy in holy marriage." Over nearly 15 years, we've had some painful and uncomfortable times (what the ring had come to be). But I'm reminded of a print I gave to Gincy by Brian Andreas which says, "while it was a little scary at times, mainly he could not even imagine the world without her there." So, my outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace is now proudly displayed for all to see ... and it fits!

BITTER: I know you've not gotten past "The Great Gaffe". What I meant to do was to put much more emphasis on the "really" word. I REALLY miss you by the third day ("don't" should have been completely left out.) See, it still didn't work.

Access the Pump

2011-02-21T09:53:00.012-05:00

We ended our "Get Pumped!" worship series on Sunday. I have really enjoyed it. The good news is that Colemun (my fit coach) and I were talking during the week and he mentioned the slogan for The Rush, which is "Stay Pumped!" Could there be a sequel? You know I love sequels!

Just because the series has ended, doesn't mean that "getting pumped" is over. One of the illustrations throughout the series has been my weight loss/getting healthy. That will continue ... until I reach my goal. Today I sit in my office wearing pants I have had folded in my closet for at least 6 years! My belt is in the first notch (not the last).

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me ... I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12ff)

Of course Paul is not talking about my weight loss or my getting in better shape, but it does challenge me to strive for all the goals Christ desires for me (especially the ultimate goal that Paul is talking about). My third point on Sunday answered the question "How to Pump?" and related to what Paul shares with the Corinthians in 3:21, "All things are yours, whether Paul or Appollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future -- all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God." That's some pretty power-filled stuff! One of the pumps from the first sermon in the series was that Paul gave thanks for the Corinthians because they did not lack any spiritual gift. Paul knows of the potential that the Corinthians have in Christ and he is trying to get them pumped.

BIT: Getting pumped is not over! As Christians ... as a church that follows Jesus Christ ... as "God's coworkers ... God's field, God's building" (3:9) ... as God's "temple" (3:17) ... God has given us every gift and resource that we need to do God's work and to reach the goals God has set for us. All we have to do is ACCESS THE PUMP! Yes, the sermon series is over (with a possible sequel in the pipeline), but something we must continually do is access the pump ... use the tools that God gives us to build our spiritual lives. GET PUMPED FIRST FARRAGUT! "All things are yours ... all are YOURS, and YOU are of Christ, and Christ is of God."

Deflated

2011-02-14T17:09:00.006-05:00

We continued with our "Get Pumped" worship series yesterday. The first service was challenged to get on "Jacob's Ladder" to grow in spiritual maturity. Of course there was a play on words. The hymn "We Are Climbing Jacobs Ladder" was used along side the exercise equipment (aka torture device) given the name Jacob's Ladder.

In the second service we were blessed by the presence of Colemun Ricker, my fit coach at The Rush. We did a short interview before the message. He shared about his passion and love for training and helping others. We looked at how he works to help others reach their objectives, which includes lots of encouragement, but sometimes requires challenges and corrections. We related this to what Paul was sharing with the Corinthians. Colemun also shared what a fantastic student I was, and about my agility and quickness (he may not have used those exact words, but I'm sure that was the gist of it).

In both services we looked at how Paul knew the Corinthians had huge potential, but had gotten off the track. They had not matured and were stuck on "milk". Milk is good because we need to start with the basics before we move on to solid food. Yet, sometimes we need coaches and teachers to help us make the move -- to grow in our maturity. We need encouragement. We need challenges that we would not normally put in front of ourselves. Sometime we need a shove to get out of our comfort zone. And, ff we're doing things the wrong way we need correction.

The challenge was to Get Pumped! Find the area in our lives where we need to keep on maturing. Maybe it is getting more fit so that God can use us as God's temple (This coming weeks topic). Maybe it is getting more fit in our spiritual life so that God can use us as God's Co-worker, God's field, God's building (1 Corinthians 3:1-9)

BIT: So, if the worship theme is "Get Pumped!", why the title "Deflated" for this entry? Well, my goal for this week is to have lost another 3 pounds. This would put me at the 30 pound mark! One of the things that has made me nervous as I have been losing this weight is the possibility of having excess skin when all is said and done. So far it's not a problem. I am doing it the right way. Good nutritious food, portion control, and exercise. But, I've watched the "Biggest Loser" enough to know that sometimes ... well they can turn out looking like a deflated balloon. I'm hoping that is not the case. But, nonetheless, I did some online research ... which is always dangerous.

There were several suggestions. Lose the weight slowly. Exfoliate (how in the world do you exfoliate your entire body, please don't let me know). And then came the holy grail of suggestions ... soak in sea salt at least twice a week. I love to soak! I love salt (even though I have done away with it for this weight loss)! So, I looked online to find how I could get sea salt. I found I could get genuine Dead Sea Salt! Isn't that like Holy Salt? So I ordered some. Being the frugal person that I am, I saw that I could get free shipping if I ordered 20 pounds of Holy Dead Sea Salt ... so I did. Unfortunately my better half saw the salt when it arrived. I don't know if you know how much salt is in 20 pounds ... it's a lot of salt.

BITTER: Needless to say, I believe the entire faculty at Karn's High School now knows the story of Giny's crazy husband's sea salt adventure. That she has a barrel of Holy Dead Sea Salt sitting beside her tub. That's okay. I can look at that barrel of salt in the bathroom and say to myself, "Self (I call myself Self, while God calls me Dude), you've lost more weight than that barrel of salt! I think next time I'll order 40 pounds so I can look at that for a while! Get Pumped! My Friends!

Get Pumped!

2011-02-08T14:38:00.003-05:00

We started our new worship series on Sunday, "Get Pumped!" It is on three texts from 1 Corinthians. I shared that I wanted to talk about "Why I Love First Farragut" as we celebrated the one year anniversary of our "Stepping Stones to the Future" campaign. I was drawn to 1 Corinthians because I was looking for what Paul shared with the churches. He always starts out his letters with a Thanksgiving, even when he's going to have to share some things that might be hard to hear. After reading Paul's Thanksgiving for the Corinthians, I saw that 1 Corinthians is featured in the lectionary as the readings for January and February. So, I read those texts as well. What happened was: I read 1 Corinthians + it was the lectionary for this time + our Stepping Stones Celebration + coming off "Becoming" (our last series) + my working out + doing cardio + watching what I eat + losing weight + getting in better shape = this series, "Get Pumped!"

That's what I think Paul is doing with the Corinthians -- he's pumping them up. Later he's going to let them have it. But right here in the first part of Corinthians, he's pumping them up. I connected "Why I Love First Farragut" to four of Paul's pumps: 1) I give thanks to my God always for you because ... of the "testimony about Christ was confirmed among you" (1:6). I Love First Farragut because you step with commitment. 2) I give thanks to my God always for you because ... "you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1:7). I Love First Farragut because you step with sacrifice. 3) I give thanks to my God always for you because of the ... "grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge" (1:4). I Love First Farragut because you step with faith. 4) I give thanks to my God always for you because ... "you are not lacking in any spiritual gifts" (1:7). I Love First Farragut because you step with vision.

BIT: On Sunday we celebrated that First Farragut United Methodist Church now owes less than $3 million dollars!

No Ninjas

2011-01-26T09:37:00.005-05:00

We got my son's report card. He is in kindergarten and has struggled with keeping his hands to himself, respecting others, disrupting the class, not listening, not following directions ... yet, he is incredibly bright. His first report card reflected both of these attributes. He got all fantastic grades in subject areas and then the conduct grades: N in class, N in music, N in Art. Each day he brings home a face representing his conduct that day. He gets a smiley face if he's been good, a dot face (dot for a mouth) if he's been corrected twice, a line face if he's been corrected four times, or a sad face (which he has not gotten). Slowly the string of smiley faces has increased ... 2 in a row ... 3 in a row ... 4 in a row ... 5 in a row (his Aunt Jen got him a prize for the monumental feat). Recently, we got to 7 in a row.

So, on this recent report, we got all "S's" in conduct. And we celebrated!!!

Then it happened. The little girl would not share her crayons. My son did not use his manners, he did not tell the teacher, he took action. We came home with a note and a dot face.

As part of his corrective measures, we asked him to write the little girl an apology letter. He likes to write and began drafting the letter. My wife asked him what he was doing, as she could not make out what he was writing/drawing. He replied that he was drawing a ninja. To which my wife said, "We don't draw ninjas on apology letters." It struck me as funny. Who goes into parenting thinking that some day they will put together that sentence, "We don't draw ninjas on apology letters."

I guess ninjas on a letter would not convey sorrow for an action. His ninja (which he drew after completing the apology letter without illustrations) was quite good -- better than my ninja could ever hope to be.

BIT: How often do our apologies contain a ninja? Sometimes we know we should apologize but really don't feel like it was completely our fault. It's like we want to say, "I'm sorry, but ...". Can there be "buts" in an apology? Jesus was teaching about what to do when a brother or sister wrongs you. Peter trying to get his mind around what Jesus was teaching asked a question:

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive
someone who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you,
not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

No, Jesus didn't address the question about the appropriateness of ninjas in an apology. But I'm thinking he would say what my wife said, "We don't draw ninjas on apology letters." And, if by chance we get an apology letter with a big ninja on it. Forgive, "not just seven times, but seventy-seven times." But make sure you keep the ninja. You never know if the artist might become famous.

Overflows

2010-12-21T18:57:00.005-05:00

All of this talk about filling cups and saying "when", reminded me of one of my favorite scriptures. It is psalm 23. Of course all of psalm 23 is wonderful, but I'm especially fond of verse 5.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

As I think about my family, about my wonderful place of work and worship -- First Farragut -- about my home and community, about the resources God has given to me ... I feel this scripture. The imagery I have: God is pouring wonderful things into my life -- sure there are things that get in the way (enemies), things that get me down and confuse and frustrate me -- but there are so many good things. I'm a welcomed guest at God's table (which really is enough in and of itself). I say to my God "when ... that really is enough". However, God keeps on pouring. My cup overflows with blessings.

BIT: My God is an Extravagant God. Thanks First Farragut for another wonder-filled year. I'm looking forward to serving with you in 2011. I believe God's got some really great things in store for us.

Enough

2010-12-20T19:30:00.006-05:00

Yes, I know it's the title to our recent worship series and congregational study, but I want to take a little different slant with "enough". Our series was about finding joy and generosity in contentment and simplicity. "What is enough?" was the question we were asking.

Enough means "an adequate quantity" or "as much as necessary". Sometimes it is used in a way that expresses that someone has had more than what is "adequate" or more than what is "necessary." I'm reminded of the movie, "Regarding Henry". The main character, Henry, played by Harrison Ford, suffers a wound that changes his life. He has to relearn everything. One of the things he learns is "an adequate quantity" when his secretary starts adding milk to his cup and says, "say when". Henry is confused about what she is asking him to do and he doesn't say "when" even as he has "an adequate quantity". The milk runs over the side of the cup. His secretary tells him to say "when" when you have "enough".

Later in the movie, Henry discovers that he is not going to be able to continue to work at the law firm where he had become somewhat of a legend. So he says good bye to his bosses and then goes to say good bye to his secretary, Jessica. Jessica asks him, "Mr. Turner what happened?" Henry replies, "Well, I had enough, so I said 'when'."

There are times when we feel like we've had more than enough ... more than what we can process. The challenge is to say "when" with grace and to say "enough" before the milk spills over the side.

BIT: Today I had my second 30 minute fitness session with Colemun. I should have known I was in trouble when one of the first exercises I did was called "surrender." In Literature, I believe this is called foreshadowing. I am sad to say that during the second dreaded "plank", I had had enough. "Grace" would not be the way I would characterize my "when" as I collapsed onto the floor. You would think there would be a break time. A short recess. No. On we went to do something with the name "death" in it. Colemun's idea of a break is a fast lap around the room. I remember during one of those laps praying that we would not do anything else involving my 40 year old arms. As God does with a lot of my prayers ... more arms.

BITTER: After forgoing the recommended stretching, I made my way somewhat dramatically home. Yes, "The Biggest Loser" would have had some really good footage of me trying to pull myself up the stairs to get into our jacuzzi bathtub. [Congregation members, please note that every parsonage or pastor's residence should be outfitted with a jacuzzi tube ... make it happen] And then poured in the "Juicy Pomegranate and Mango Infusions." (It was all VERY manly) All because I didn't know when to say enough. But, I must be making progress. I HAVE to be making progress. Well, at least I'm getting my money's worth.

Ouch

2010-12-16T18:38:00.005-05:00

This is a follow up to a recent post. Yesterday I had my first full workout session with my fitness coach, Colemun. This is my new accountability method of getting into shape. A few days ago I had a half session. Most of the time was spent weighing, testing, and setting goals. Then we did some stretching and exercise. After that session I thought, "that's not so bad." Nothing like "The Biggest Loser." I didn't sob, or fall off any machinery in exhaustion, or puke (I feel like if they show it on TV, surely I can talk about it ... but I'll not mention it again).

Yesterday was a different story. I had a thirty minute session and Colemun quickly let me know that I was going to get my money's worth. It was his objective to see how much of a full hour-long session he could fit into 30 minutes. All of it is somewhat of a blur. I do remember Colemun mentioning that I had broken a sweat (everyone loves a smart alec). And 20 seconds into holding what I believe was my 15th plank maneuver he asked me if I had another 10 seconds. I believe I said, "I don't know." His response was, "I'll take that as a yes." It was not a "yes", but I did make it.

In the previous blog entry, I shared the wisdom of a friend -- that sometimes we can't do it on our own. We have to have help to make the changes. My help is that I know there is no way in the world I would push myself to the extent that Colemun pushes me. I would have shortened each exercise to a more comfortable number of repetitions. I definitely would not hold the "plank" anywhere near as long as Colemun makes me hold it. He is my helper, even though his help is painful.

BIT: Sometimes the healing and wholeness can only come through struggle and pain. Today, I can still feel my workout from yesterday. No pain No gain. I should be gaining.

Days of our Lives

2010-12-15T19:14:00.003-05:00

Today I'm thinking about the signature phrase from the soap opera, "Days of our Lives". You know it -- say it with me -- "Like sands through the hour glass, so are the Days of our Lives." The reason I'm thinking about this strange topic is that it really hit me today -- so often there is so much we don't know. One of the reasons we don't know is that we don't stop and take the time to figure it out. We allow the days to just fly by and they lack impact.

Our worship series "Keepin' It Real: A Life-giving Christmas has been helping me to keep perspective and to prioritize the "real" things. This past Sunday our congregation "kept it real" as we reached out to so many who are struggling this Christmas through our Community Christmas Dinner. It was one of those days that have impact.

Take time to stop. Figure out (praying really works) what's "real". Allow our "days" to have impact. Happy Holy Days!

BIT: Great "Keepin' It Real" lunch with my PI and two of three Angels ... Charlie.

Appointment

2010-12-06T19:07:00.002-05:00

Those who have followed this blog for a while will remember that I started 50 in 5 about 5 months ago. It was my program to lose 50 pounds in 5 months. On December 1, after 5 months, I weighed, knowing that I was no where near my goal. In 5 months I managed to gain 1.5 pounds. A friend of mine reminded me recently that sometimes we can't do it on our own. With the encouragement of some of the staff at work and an angel (messenger from God) from our congregation, I sent an email for help.

So, I have an appointment tomorrow at 4:40 p.m. to meet with an organization which tortures people into getting fit and healthy. Notice that I have some psychological work to do in this regard. I know that I need to lose some weight. I know that I need help. 50 in 5, my program for losing weight failed. Someone once said, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."

BIT: For me it's more like, "If at 30th you don't succeed, by all means don't give up. Try, Try, again." I'm going to get there.

"Let it be to me according to your word."

2010-11-29T15:32:00.003-05:00

It is Mary's response to being told that she will conceive and bear the child, Jesus. As a staff we are reading "Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas". I was trying to figure out which of the past readings to highlight at Staff Meeting tomorrow (as I will be going around the table asking each staff for their favorite from the week -- guessing that they didn't read -- grades will then be handed out -- Yes, I'm preaching on John the Baptist this Sunday, so I'm trying to get in the part -- REPENT YOU SNAKES!) ... as I was reflecting upon our time of confession and repentance during staff meeting tomorrow, I realized I hadn't read today's reading. Knowing that I was probably going to highlight Henri Nouwen's "Waiting for God", I read today's devotion, "In Defense of Humility" by Bernard of Clairvaux. I had one of the "wow" moments as I read what Bernard wrote about Mary and her response, "Let it be to me according to your word." It reads like a prayer:

Let it be to me according to your word concerning the Word. Let the Word that was in the beginning with God become flesh from my flesh. Let the Word, I pray, be to me, not as a word spoken only to pass away, but conceived and clothed in flesh, not in air, that he may remain with us. Let him be, not only to be heard with the ears, but to be seen with the eyes, touched with the hands and borne on the shoulders. Let the Word be to me, not as a word written and silent, but incarnate and living. That is, not traced with dead signs upon dead parchments but livingly impressed in human form upon my chaste womb; not by the tracing of a pen of lifeless reed, but by the operation of the Holy Spirit. Let it thus be to me, as was never done to anyone before me, nor after me shall be done. I desire that he may be formed, not as the word in preaching, not as a sign in figures, or as a vision in dreams, but silently inspired, personally incarnated, found in the body, in my body. Let the Word therefore deign to do in me and for me what he needed not to do, and could not do, for himself, according to your word. Yes, let it be done for the sake of the whole world, but specially let it be done unto me, according to your word.
Excerpt from "Watch for the Light"

BIT: It's no John the Baptist ... Happy Advent!

We're Social

2010-11-23T15:16:00.004-05:00

I've been on Facebook for some time now, at least personally. I must admit I don't do a whole lot with it. I check on friends and wish them a happy birthday (when I don't miss it because I've not been on in a while). Recently, First Farragut started a group page for our children's ministry and Mark has been getting a page for youth. Well, not to be outdone, I decided to get a Facebook page up and running for the church in general. With some help from our 20 something administrative assistant, I was able to get it to work.

I was partly inspired by our new worship series for Advent, "Keepin' it Real: A Life-giving Christmas." The resource we are using had some suggestions for carrying the series into the social media world -- letting people interact with it throughout the week. I decided to give it a try. Hopefully I will be more regular than my blogging. Follow us on Facebook! First Farragut United Methodist Church

BIT: One thing this whole experience has shown me -- I'm either getting old, or everything is getting more complicated. I'm going with complicated.

There Is Hope (2)

2010-08-18T09:06:00.004-04:00

At First Farragut we've had two Sundays now of "There is HOPE". Hope in Church and Hope in Christ have taken us through the first chapter of Colossians. My plan was to write a blog entry after each session of "There is HOPE" to be done by the time the "By the Way" (First Farragut's weekly newsletter) goes out on Wednesday. I've not been able to do it this week. It's not that I don't have anything to say, but because someone else already said it better than I ever could. Amanda Cleveland, a First Farragut youth, writes some incredible blog entries and she has one from Sunday. Check it out!

BIT: Hope isn't a fairytale, it's a promise. Thanks Amanda!

Update: 50 in 5

2010-08-16T09:45:00.002-04:00

Yes, I know that I have not been doing regular updates on my 50 in 5 challenge. If you've not read the previous post ... I'm trying to lose 50 pounds in 5 months. It started on July 1 and runs through November. If your a math genius, you know that the average I need to lose is 10 pounds per month. It has been a month and a half ... so to be on target I would need to have lost 15 pounds.

[Scene cuts to John eating at the All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Buffet at Seafood World in Myrtle Beach] As we all know John struggled in July with his challenge as he was on vacation and tempted by all the wonderful food of Myrtle Beach. [Scene cuts to John walking around Pirate Land Family Campground] But he was no slouch either, regularly walking in the mornings even while on vacation. Did John exercise enough to be on his target loss or did he eat away all of his loss?

Well, for the first two weeks of July (before vacation) I did lose 5 pounds. Then two weeks of vacation, where I LOST 1 pound. Not the loss I wanted, but a loss while on vacation is a keeper. Then two weeks in August, back on the walking trail, and I lost another 4 pounds. My update is that I have lost 10 pounds (and am 5 pounds behind my goal).

But there is good news. I had my 3 month check up (which was really 5 months, but Dr. Ken didn't mention being 2 months late so we're going with it). My cholesterol came in at 199 -- below 200 for the first time since I've been testing. My sugars were down. My blood pressure top number was down 30 points (it's still high, but 30 points!).

I'll update you at the end of August. Maybe I can make up two or three pounds? Who knows.

BIT: I just wanted to share "The Call to Prayer" for my morning time with God. It is from Psalm 147:1. "Hallelujah! How good it is to sing praises to our God! How pleasant it is to honor him with praise!"

There Is HOPE

2010-08-10T12:11:00.004-04:00

Have you ever listened to a song over and over again and then all of a sudden you are hit with this deep meaning spiritual moment? I have the album "Hawk Nelson is My Friend!" on my ipod. I listen to it when I'm walking (as part of my 50 in 5). It's fast paced and it inspires me to go faster and further. My favorite song on the album is Let's Dance, but I listen to them all. So, I've listened to One Little Miracle more than a few times. Nothing had really jumped out at me. A lot of times my mind is wandering when I'm walking (with an occasional run here and there) ... thinking about God, my next sermon series, what's going on in the life of my family, etc. Or, the voice of Jillian Michaels is screaming at me "Run, fat boy, run" (which we'll leave to later blog). I'm not always paying attention to the lyrics of the songs I'm hearing. But this morning, as I rounded the turn for my 4th mile, I was on Union Rd behind the Church (which is narrow and scary), that song came on and it was like the words and music were speaking just to me.

Perhaps I was more attune to the topic of hope because of our new worship series "There is HOPE (Colossians @ First Farragut). Usually my walks fill me with dread and pain, but this morning I was filled with God's reassuring hope as I listened to One Little Miracle by Hawk Nelson.

BIT: I "hope" you're being filled supernaturally by God's hope this week and/or sharing God's hope with someone who needs it. There is HOPE in Church!

50 in 5

2010-07-01T14:37:00.002-04:00

No, I'm not turning 50 in 5 days. That's way, way, way off. It's my new goal. Today is July 1st and half of 2010 is gone. There's been something on my "to do" list for far too long. So, I've decided to finally go for it. Do it! Lose 50 lbs in 5 months. Why 5 months? Well, that would take me to Thanksgiving. What a Thanksgiving I will have if ... no, when ... I reach my goal.

I started today with a 3.5 mile walk. My plan is to blog on my progress on the 1st and 15th of each month (accountability).

BIT: I told my better half of my plan and goal and she has decided to join me. She also suggested that we make it a competition. Of course I laughed at her. "Haven't you watched the Biggest Loser? You don't stand a chance." After I picked myself up off the floor, we've decided on a friendly competition. So, I'll share how badly I'm beating her with each progress report.

First Fruits

2010-06-24T14:04:00.013-04:00

This is the first year in many that the Brewster Family has had a garden. Now, it's pretty small (5 ft. x 10 ft.), but it has generated really big excitement with the kids. A little over two weeks ago, we saw our first banana pepper make it to picking stage. I thought this would be a great teaching moment. So, I took my two out to the backyard and I told the story from Leviticus 23:9-11, 14 ^{Then the Lord said to Moses,“Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. When you enter the land I am giving you and you harvest its first crops, bring the priest a bundle of grain from the first cutting of your grain harvest. On the day after the Sabbath, the priest will lift it up before the Lord so it may be accepted on your behalf.
Do not eat any bread or roasted grain or fresh kernels on that day until you bring this offering to your God. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed from generation to generation wherever you live.

[Yes, I know, I left out the part about offering a one-year old lamb. I just didn't think the folks of Farragut (or my subdivision) would appreciate me burning a lamb on an altar in my back yard (besides, I'm pretty sure there's a permit form for that). I know, I also left out the part about bringing a quart of wine to church as a liquid offering, but we have rules about that at First Farragut (though I may try that offering in my back yard later, I think it will fit nicely with the Farragut milieu)] Of course if you don't read your Bible, you wouldn't have known I left out that valuable info ...

... but back to the story. I told my two we would take our first fruit, the banana pepper, to church on Sunday. And we did. I had a teaching moment with the congregation right before the offering about first fruits. We laid the pepper on the altar with the offerings.

BIT: The problem came the next week when the squash I'd been eyeing ripened. My mouth was watering for some fried squash and onions ... I came home from work to find that it had been picked, so I told the family we should fry that puppy up. To my horror, my two theologians told me that since it was the "first" squash, it too would have to go to church. And so it has progressed. The first cucumber came last Sunday and the first bell pepper is on it's way.

BITTER: You know, I think my garden is growing faster since giving the first fruits. I wonder if that's in that Bible? Let me know if you find it.}

Comfort

2010-06-07T23:05:00.003-04:00

Yesterday in worship we celebrated VBS Sunday with "God's Word is ... Comforting." To be honest it was a struggle for me. The question I shared toward the beginning of the sermon was my question, "How can he [the psalmist] say that?" (the "that" being "Thy Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path," and our scripture phrase from the same psalm 119, "Your promise revives me; it COMFORTS me in all my troubles.") How can we, who are not unlike the psalmist who says he is "suffering much" and is asking God to "restore my life again as you promised ... my life constantly hangs in the balance ... the wicked have set their traps for me", find comfort in God's Word.

Knowing that so many in our congregation are struggling with some huge issues (divorce, cancer, long-term job loss, financial burdens, addictions), I was concerned about sharing that God's Word is Comforting. I personally know it to be true, but I knew I was going to have to be able to answer the question, "How is God's Word comforting?"

Well, I hope you were here for the sermon to find the answer.

How interesting it was to find that Monday's "The Refrain for the Morning Lessons" in my devotional/centering prayer time was from Psalm 71:21, "You strengthen me more and more; you enfold me and comfort me." I took it as a "God Thing" that perhaps God thought the sermon on Sunday was helpful (perhaps even on target). It was also interesting to find that today is an opportunity to remember Barnabas (whose name means "son of encouragement", one of the circle of seventy who founded the Church. He was martyred for his faith, at Salamis, June 61 a.d. Part of the Morning Lesson was from Acts 11:

"They sent Barnabas out to Antioch. There he was glad to see for himself that God had given grace, and he urged them all to remain faithful to the Lord with heartfelt devotion; for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. And a large number of people were won over to the Lord."

Perhaps Encouragement and Comfort are not too far apart. Perhaps God's Word is Comforting because God uses people like Barnabas to live out God's Comforting Word through Encouragement.

BIT: No, I won't leave you hanging if you missed the sermon on Sunday. My thoughts on "God's Word is Comforting" is that scripture (God's Word) is more about a personal encounter with God, than just impersonal words of information. God is more interested in having a relationship, a connection that is deep and strong. A relationship with God through Jesus Christ brings Comfort out of God's Word.

BITTER: Who will you encourage today? Perhaps it will bring someone God's Word of Comfort. "You strengthen me more and more; you enfold me and comfort me."

VBS Fun!

2010-06-03T14:24:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is the last day of VBS at First Farragut. It has been fantastic! Here's Wednesday's Video. We'll have another video at Worship on Sunday!

VBS is Going Strong!

2010-06-02T14:20:00.003-04:00

Enjoy Day 1 Highlights! Don't forget VBS Sunday is at 11:00 a.m. this Sunday. Children will be leading the music for the worship service.

Shocked and Proud

2010-06-01T16:14:00.005-04:00

Today was the beginning of Vacation Bible School. Yes, I know it is a Tuesday. Who begins VBS on a Tuesday? Well, First Farragut does. Really, how many people would have shown up on Memorial Day ... really? We kicked off our new worship series "God's Word Is ..." this past Sunday. It is inspired by VBS. The VBS theme this year is "High Seas Expedition", but because we've already had worship series like "Expedition Bethlehem", "Get on the Boat: Adventures with Jesus", and "The Unexpected Adventure", I thought we might be traveled out. So ... God's Word Is ... .

Any way. We put everything away after the 11 am service on Sunday so that the VBS crew could begin decorating. The decorations stay up for this coming Sunday because it is VBS Sunday at 11 am (so don't miss it). So this morning was the first I saw of this year's theme decorations.

I was shocked! There it was -- the sacred prayer rails configured into the shape of a boat and the Holy Altar with a ship's wheel coming out of one side -- not to mention the enormous mast looming over top, with nautical flags! What were they thinking?!

And then I answered it. What were they thinking? What does it say to have an altar with a steering wheel. It means your outside the box for sure. It means your altar can go places. What about the Body and Blood of Christ that we will break and share on Sunday? Can you picture me in a robe, standing behind the altar with a steering wheel coming out of it, surrounded by prayer rails in the shape of the hull to a ship? Stop Laughing.

Yes, I know, I can picture it, too. Which makes me proud. Proud to be the pastor of such an incredibly talented and creative congregation. A group willing to except change (as long as it makes sense). A congregation that is out of the box and into the world. Sharing God's Word -- it's true ... it's comforting ... it's life-changing.

BIT: Yes, I know someone will probably say something on Sunday ... but I'll just smile and say, "I was shocked, too."

There's Something Wrong with Scooter

2010-04-12T11:37:00.010-04:00

I was absolutely in hysterics when I saw this commercial. Then I looked over and saw my "The Unexpected Adventure" book lying on the end table, and it hit me. Not the book, but the thought that so often we go through life -- our Christian Life -- with the attitude of Mr. Hill. "Oh well, I've got my receipt. Surely someone else will come along and save Scooter. Don't worry about it."

First Farragut has started their new worship series "The Unexpected Adventure" where we will be looking at tools that will help us to be used by Christ to "save Scooter." I hope we do get worried about people and become intentional about sharing the Good News and the hope of Easter.

BIT: Oops! Someone forgot to Boost! See ya Sunday for a REAL Boost. Remember, "Put Good In ... Get Good Out!"

Burden

2010-03-11T09:44:00.007-05:00

Ever since last Sunday's Sermon on Psalm 55 ("Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved." v.22), where I shared the story of the Strawberry Plains Lenten Burden Cross, I've been burdened by something. I shared that Gincy and I cast our burden, prayed, and in a couple weeks time our prayer had been answered. What I only shared briefly was that this had been a burden we had carried for two years (longer if you count the discernment process on whether God wanted us to adopt at all). I also shared three points: 1) Cast your burden (based on the Psalm 55); 2) Change your burden (based on "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28); and, 3) Carry each other's burden (based on "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2). Anytime you try to organize something (even a sermon) you run the risk of coming across as, "If you follow these 3 steps ... or these 4 points ... God will do this ... or your life will turn out like ... or money will reign down on you from God. It doesn't happen that way. God cannot be limited to 3 steps or 4 points.

I've not received any negative feed back from my sermon to cause my reflection. It just hit me that with a topic like burdens, which we all have and struggle with, I might come across as overly simple. It has also hit me in a couple of other ways (the way God usually works in my life). This week our staff is studying "Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God" by Francis Chan. There it was, he states on page 41:

When I am consumed by my problems -- stressed out about my life, my family, my job -- I actually convey the belief that I think the circumstances are more important than God's command to always rejoice. In other words, that I have a "right" to disobey God because of the magnitude of my responsibilities.
Worry implies that we don't quite trust God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives.
Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, or lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control.
Basically, these two behaviors communicate that it's okay to sin and not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional. Both worry and stress reek of arrogance. They declare our tendency to forget that ... in the context of God's strength, our problems are small, indeed.

Wow, I'm glad I didn't say that on Sunday morning! And, then again this morning during my Centering Prayer Time -- big shout out to my Centering Prayer Buddies at First Broad Street and my Centering Prayer Buddies at First Farragut (yes we have an underground movement) -- from The Morning Psalm from The Morning Office:

O God, when you went forth before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, The earth shook, and the skies poured down rain at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, at the presence of God, the God of Israel. You sent a gracious rain, O God, upon your inheritance; you refreshed the land when it was weary. Your people found their home in it; in your goodness, O God, you have made provision for the poor. The chariots of God are twenty thousand,
even thousands of thousands; the Lord comes in holiness from Sinai. You have gone up on high and led captivity captive; you have received gifts even from your enemies, that the Lord God might dwell among them. Blessed be the Lord day by day, the God of our salvation, who bears our burdens. He is our God, the God of our salvation; God is the Lord, by whom we escape death. (Psalm 68:7-10, 17-20)

BIT: I know, this has been a blog on the burden of preaching a sermon on burdens. It is no easy thing. But, I stand behind Cast, Change, Carry. We'll take up Lenten Psalms Part II this Sunday, "Amazing Love" -- hey, maybe that has something to do with burdens ...

We Had Faith!

2010-03-01T08:37:00.010-05:00

It is the Monday after a fantastic Sunday (even if it was long -- two worship services, celebration lunch, ice skating, and confirmation class). It was a glorious day! Worship attendance was up and the Rev. Dr. Bernice Kirkland, former associate pastor of First Farragut and currently serving as the Executive Pastor at Cascade UMC in Atlanta, GA, delivered an inspiring and "anointed" message (anointed being her second step in her sermon). She truly put an exclamation point on our Stepping Stones to the Future Debt Reduction Campaign. It was great to finally meet Bernice and her wonderful husband Darryl.

It was also a special day of homecomings as the Rev. Richard Edwards and his family were in attendance at the 11:00 am service. He gave us quite a "good word" after our time of commitment, which was our "step" for this Sunday. Our Celebration Meal was incredible. [The cake above, made by Jason Yarbrough, was a part of this extravaganza]

Stepping Stones has been a time of homecomings as some members whom we had not seen in a while came back. And, Stepping Stones is currently a time when new people are visiting and joining with us. We celebrated 3 births this week and still have one on the way. Through our devotional book and centering times we have grown spiritually as individuals. Through worship and making contacts we have grown together as a congregation. Stepping Stones to the Future has truly been a time of moving forward!

So, now for what you are wanting to know ... I did not even fall once ice skating on Sunday afternoon with the kids. I don't know that I would have called it Speed Skating (as was advertised in worship), because there were far too many inexperienced skaters around me. You mean that's not what you wanted to know? ...

Here's how we did ... In our first Sunday of receiving estimate of giving cards, we have surpassed our Faith Goal of $750,000! And, we stand very close to our Hope Goal of 1 Million! When we get a little over $100,000 more we will reach this goal. We still would love to make our Love Goal of 1.6 Million. We will have cards available this Sunday or you can mail your cards in to the church.

BIT: It's sometimes a little scary standing there by the basket as people come forward to make their commitment. That lurking question, "what if we don't make it to our goal?". Knowing that many people have put in a lot of time and energy and resources to make this happen. However, I felt no such fear this Sunday as people stood to come forward with their gifts. The Spirit that has been moving through this campaign had calmed my anxiousness. I had faith we would reach our Faith Goal. I am excited because I know how much this is going to help us to move boldly into the preferred future God has for us as First Farragut. Now, let us move on to to Faith & Love!

The Blessing of Sacrifice

2010-02-22T09:30:00.006-05:00

Our Stepping Stones to the Future worship series and debt reduction campaign in sprinting toward Celebration Sunday this coming Sunday. Pat Luna shared with us about taking a sacrificial step. Her message came with an exclmation point (and you know how I love exclamation points!). The First Farragut Cardboard Testimonies. Many of you have asked to be able to see this video again ... so, here it is.

BIT: How many more lives can First Farragut impact as we move boldly in the Future?

In Box

2010-01-06T20:55:00.006-05:00

On Sunday, I got back from a weeks vacation. One of the things I have to deal with when I get back is a stack of mail (mostly junk) and a WHOLE bunch of emails. It's not too bad when I deal with email on a daily basis, but when I'm not in ... it accumulates.

On Sunday, I challenged the congregation at First Farragut to a 50 day period of prayer and fasting. I thought that perhaps 20 people would commit to praying daily for our church -- people, staff, pastor, leaders. And, maybe 10 would commit to fasting. What a surprise to have over 30 people who have already committed to praying and over 30 who will be fasting!

This week as I have been praying, I've celebrated this outpouring of spiritual centering. One of the things that came to me on Monday while I was doing my centering prayer was that for some of these people (over 30! WOW!) through their daily prayer and weekly fasting, there will be an in box overload. Like going on vacation and coming back to get caught up on a deluge of email messages, some may have not been checking their in box from God. I believe that God is going to have some really great messages for these over 30 people!

BIT: PLEASE SHARE YOUR REVELATIONS! What is God sharing with you? Whether it's a single message or a deluge of email love from God, please let me know. You can either email me privately or share through a public comment to this blog. I'm looking forward...

BITTER: I'm pumped about my first day of fasting (tomorrow). What a surprise when my 9-year old came home today from shcool and asked what was for dinner. It was shrimp, rice and Sautéed cabbage. He said, "well, I'll have to fast tomorrow because that smells so good." He wasn't part of my over 30! Happy Fasting (and Praying). Check that In Box!

The Party's Over

2009-11-30T12:02:00.004-05:00

Yesterday we started our new worship series "Rediscover Christmas", which means that "God's Party" is over. I don't know if everyone liked it or not, but I really enjoyed putting "It's God's Party: You're Invited" together. Even as I moved on to "Rediscover Christmas" for our Advent Season, I was reminded that the Party -- God's Party -- really isn't over. It really hit me on Thanksgiving morning as I was preparing for two (not one), but two Thanksgiving Feasts [One Thanksgiving Lunch with my better half's family and One Thanksgiving Dinner with my family]. I was sitting watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade when Yo Gabba Gabba suddenly appeared and began singing "Party in my Tummy". I called for my five-year-old to come so we could do the "Party in My Tummy" dance (note: I had not previously heard, much less danced to, this particular song). But, once you've heard this song ... wow! You want to jump up and dance.

There's a party in my tummy so yummy, so yummy
Now, There's a party in my tummy so yummy, so yummy
Hey, There's a party in my tummy so yummy, so yummy
Now, There's a party in my tummy so yummy, so yummy.

Later that day I added my own verses to this one -- "Turkey, Yeah! In my tummy, Party, Party, Yeah ... Ham, Yeah, In my tummy, Party, Party, Yeah ... (you can add your own verses pretty easily)."

I guess the party, God's Party, goes on ... even into Advent. Yes, we'll have God's Party on Sunday, December 13th with our Community Christmas Dinner at First Farragut, where hundreds of God's people will come together to share the Good News, eat some turkey (Party, Party!), get some clothes and a special Christmas gift. Christmas Eve will be a pretty cool Party -- A Birthday Party!

Bit: Did you notice yesterday, as we "Rediscovered Joy", that John the Baptist was doing a little Partying with Jesus? "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in her womb (JtB) leaped ... 'The moment the sound of your greeting entered my ears, the babe in my womb skipped like a lamb for sheer joy.'"[The Message] Sounds like a Party in her tummy!!! Party, Party! (You know you want to get up and do the John the Baptist dance ... go ahead ...)

Party Like a Rock

2009-11-16T09:26:00.004-05:00

It was a massive crisis yesterday! My oldest received a "new to him" ipod (formally my better half's). He, in an act of self-sacrificing love, gave his old ipod to his younger brother (who is 5 today!). Somehow in the excitement of the now-5-year-old downloading songs onto his "new to him" ipod, some of his new songs got onto the oldest's ipod -- it's all way above my head (this ipod sync thing). So, I had the 5-year-old running through the living room singing "Party Like a Rock Star" from his older brother's ipod (the non-explicit version -- which I still can't tell if there are inappropriate references because it all sounds like mush) while the 9-year-old is in severe drama because he can't get the Wiggles and Vegetales off his ipod -- What will people think? My better half is trying to understand the "help" pages on itunes (which might as well have been written in Coptic) in order to unravel this mystery.

In the melee, as I was trying to decipher the Shop Boyz and realizing that it was the Kidz Bop Kids (which must be somewhat closer to Jesus), It hit me that the Shop Boyz/Kidz Bop Kids were inviting people to "Party Like a Rock Star" (especially since it is repeated 70x7 times).

We at First Farragut have just finished our 3rd in the series of "It's God's Party: You're Invited". These have been some really fun worship services as we have looked at how God invites us to God's party. We've celebrated resurrection with our All Saints Service, we've celebrated deliverance as we looked at the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks, and the Festival of Booths (which I changed to Tabernacles after someone questioned me about the Festival of Boobs) in the Old Testament, and we've celebrated abundance as we looked at Jesus attending a wedding party that became God's Party when Jesus turned the water into wine. This Sunday we finish up our series with looking at God's invitation to the Kingdom Party in Matthew 22.

So often we get caught up in the crazy going on all around us that we forget that Jesus wants us to have a good time (life more abundant is the way, I think, he put it). And Jesus had a good time. Look at how many times we have stories about Jesus sitting down with people around food -- it was a party. November has been a great experience of celebration at First Farragut! As we prepare for Thanksgiving, make sure you step outside the melee that is this season (or better yet allow your melee to be transformed into something holy) and celebrate the source of your resurrection, deliverance, and abundance.

BIT: It's God's Party! You're Invited to Party Like THE Rock. Totally Dude.

Love Competition

2009-11-02T10:11:00.004-05:00

Recently I was watching television. I can't remember the show, but it was one of those awkward moments in a conversation when someone says "I love you," maybe for the first time, and the other person pauses. This is never good. Even if the return is "I love you, too" you've got a mess. It got me to thinking about how much we expect love to be reciprocated. If I love you, I expect for you to love me back, without any pauses.

My better half and I have always engaged in what I call "love banter" (don't worry, it's rated "G"). It is a way of taking the traditional "I Love You" to another level. When my better half tells me "I love you" (this only works well when she starts it, fortunately for me she does usually start it). I respond with "I love you more." Then, she replies, "I love you most" (she's an English Teacher so she has superlatives down cold). I'm not an English teacher, so I respond with, "I love you more than most" (trying to add humor by emphasizing the meaning "I love you more than most people, which is the correct grammatical interpretation, I think).

Evidently, this has rubbed off on our offspring. Except that our 4-year-old (soon to be 5!) has it somewhat confused. His rendition of the competitive love is to shut it down and score the point. So, if you tell him, "I love you." He replies with "I love you the most, what did I say? I win!" And, then will follow that immediately with another "I love you the most, what did I say? I win!" If you try to respond with the same, he will increase his volume and speed. What then ensues is a pandemonium of love -- as everyone tries to one-up the other in the amount of love, the speed of the love, and the volume of the love.

BIT: Low and behold, it's in scripture -- Romans 12:10: "love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor." (RSVP). I love you! -- Let the pandemonium begin!

It Was All About the Children (Really, It Was All About God)

2009-10-26T19:26:00.006-04:00

Yesterday was just one of those perfect Sundays! Yes, I know, I didn't preach. But, WOW! Three incredible testimonies by fourth and fifth graders. I don't believe I could have done what Ian Collins, Grace Shahan, and Alex Weaver did with their sermons on Prayer even when I was in high school -- which wasn't all that long ago. And yes, I know there are those who think I can't do what Ian, Grace, and Alex did even now! Everyone was fantastic -- special music, liturgies, prayers, Adult time, sermons, greeters -- wow, what fantastic greeters -- it was all fantastic. (I like the word "fantastic") Prayer time with our prayer warriors -- what a special time! God was evident and moving in some very exciting ways.

If that wasn't enough ... 250 people showed up for Trunk or Treat that evening! Candy and Creepies everywhere. Chili made by scouts! Games and did I mention candy? Thanks to Tonya and her incredible team. Jill-Marie, our Children's Director -- wow! Marian Lewis -- our Cinemas Leader -- incredible! All the helpers, all the children, all the leaders ...

BIT: If I could bottle that ... well, I'd work for First Farragut for free. NOTE: I can't bottle that! It's all about God -- Ain't God Great?

Warfinflarf Is Not A Word

2009-10-13T08:54:00.002-04:00

Many mornings my 4 year-old and my 9 year-old and I get into exciting discussions on the way to school. Most of the time these center around Legos, Star Wars, Spongebob, or any number of topics. This morning the discussion became philosophical. My 4 year-old was trying to use the plural of up (ups) in a sentence. My 9 year-old was trying to explain to his brother that "ups" is not a word. It is just up (singular and plural). So far we were having a simple English Grammar conversation (some might call it an argument, because the 4 year-old was insistent that "ups" was indeed word) and then it happened. The 9 year-old blurted out "Brother, warfinflarf is not a word! You can say warfinflarf, but you cannot use it in a sentence because it is not a word." And then I was included in this "discussion" as the 9 year-old asked, "Dad, what makes a word a word?" I was still trying in my mind to make a sentence using "ups" and "warfinflarf" when the 9 year-old answered his own question. "Brother, a word becomes a word only when someone gives it meaning."

This past Sunday we talked in worship about just this thing. Not "warfinflarf", mind you, but that God has created us to live a life of meaning and influence. We can be a life, go through life, live a life, but it really isn't life (a word) until someone gives us meaning. In our life, that someone who not only creates us, but goes ahead and adds us to The Dictionary, and thus gives us meaning, is God!

BIT: Remember, you can't necessarily be anything you want to be (that's simply warfinflarf), but you can be everything God created you to be!

One Body

2009-09-30T10:17:00.002-04:00

This Sunday the First Farragut Family will celebrate a number of things. First it is the culmination of our Power of One Worship Series. We've covered the Power of having One Spirit that gives us our identity, sets us on a mission, and gives us the means to accomplish that mission. We've covered the Power of having One Mind, the mind of Christ, and how we serve with humility. We've covered the Power of having One Heart and testing where our treasure is ("For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"). This Sunday we will look at the Power of One Body.

The Second thing we will celebrate is that this Sunday is "Celebration Sunday" for our annual stewardship campaign. Everyone is invited to bring their estimate of giving card (or pick one up at worship this Sunday) and prayerfully fill it out. The challenge we shared on Sunday was to either take a step toward tithing (add a percentage increase from your income) or to tithe (give 10% of your income to First Farragut Church). I want to add another challenge that I did not share on Sunday, but I will share this Sunday. Even if you feel uncomfortable making an estimate of your giving, I challenge you to go ahead and put down a minimum you will give. By turning in a card you are saying to God, "I embrace the power of one to make a difference at First Farragut."

We will celebrate this Sunday the amazing impact that First Farragut Church is having on our community. As the community of God, our mission is to make God appear. We are the body of Christ. Our hands are his gentle hands, our words are his words of forgiveness and encouragement, and our eyes are the eyes of compassion.

May our extravagant love for God overflow today (and this Sunday, and for always) into extravagant generosity and thereby strengthen the body of Christ here and around the world!

BIT: We'll also celebrate World Communion Sunday!

Be the Sizzle

2009-09-21T10:44:00.003-04:00

Yesterday we worshiped around the theme "One Mind" in our "Power of One" Stewardship Worship Series/Campaign. It was a great worship experience even if the rain and swine flu kept some away.

This morning as we were getting ready to leave for school. My four-year-old pulled out his bag which he was supposed to fill for homework -- 3 favorite things (yes, I had to suppress the desire to break into song -- "these are a few of my favorite things"). As we scoured the house for the favorite things (without singing), I was reminded again of the Sizzle (I did break down and go to Estelita's on Thursday -- got the fajitas -- and did they sizzle!). The sizzle seems to keep coming up. I saw a McDonald's breakfast commercial yesterday where they challenged us to "Be the Sizzle". So, I want to highlight 3 sizzlers:

David & Marian Lewis who sizzled on Sunday, sharing about their mind-set on giving.
Scott Blazer who sizzled last Sunday, sharing why he said "yes" to being the Stewardship Director this year.
Kathryn Norton who sizzled through making the video this Sunday (and many Sundays), the Power of One Brochure that goes out next week, the video this Sunday.
(it's like the sermon on Sunday, sometimes you get a Brewster Bonus) Mark Veness who said "yes" to being in the video sharing the impact our Teaching/Learning ministry has on his life and the lives of others.

So, I'm looking for sizzlers! What about First Farragut makes you sizzle? Are you sizzling? BE THE SIZZLE!

BIT: My four-year-old put 3 characters from his Spongebob Squarepants Lego set in the bag, I'm sure it was because I wouldn't fit.

Power of One

2009-09-14T08:59:00.004-04:00

Yesterday we kicked off our Stewardship Campaign with our new worship series "Power of One". We looked at "One Spirit" from John 17:20-23, which is the focus verse for our worship series.

"My prayer is not for them [the disciples] alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

We had a great worship time together and as we gathered together around the Table on Sunday I know I felt as if we were One Spirit -- The Power of One.

Last Tuesday, in preparation for our Power of One Campaign, we gathered all the church leaders (those who could make it) for a time of information, inspiration and challenge. I shared with this group the scripture from Deuteronomy where Moses challenges his people who are getting ready to go into the promised land with Joshua as there leader (in a couple more chapters Moses will die) from chapter 31. I mentioned that Moses doesn't take this opportunity to rehash the hardships, the loses, the struggles, the failings on the part of the people and himself, but concentrates on what the future holds, "Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you." (31:6-The Message)

Moses' charge to his people reminds me of Fajitas. If you've ever been to a restaurant that serves fajitas, you know they are supposed to come to the table sizzling. The marinated meat, the onions, the peppers, the oil, all combine to make a fajita, but if it isn't sizzling ... well, it's not a fajita most people are going to want to eat. Moses knows the exciting things God has planned for his people. They've got all the ingredients. He wants them to start sizzling.

As we move into our Power of One Worship Series and Campaign, as we move into the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010, we've got a lot to celebrate as a church -- First Farragut:

We project an increase in membership for the first time in 4 years

We project an increase in worship attendance for the first time in 5 years

On any given Sunday 35% of our people in worship are under the age of 18

60 youth and adult counselors returned from their Spiritual Life Retreat on Sunday. 60!

We have a great location on the main road in a growing section of West Farragut

We have a heart for mission giving and are having a deep impact in a number of outreach areas.

We have a great facility

We have great, talented, and dedicated leaders and church staff

These and many more make up the ingredients of a fantastic fajita. We've got the oil (the Holy Spirit) coating and holding it all together. Now, with the Power of One -- let's light the flame and sizzle!

Bit: I'm on a diet, but I may have to run to Estelita's for lunch.

About That Boat

2009-07-09T13:26:00.003-04:00

Yes, there is a "John Boat" in our worship center at First Farragut. And no, I don't know why they call it a "John Boat". All I know is that I asked if anyone had a boat that we could put in the worship center and Voila, there is was [Bayou VBS is over and I'm still speaking French!]. So here's the reason for the boat, as I wrote in my July Newsletter Article.

June kicked off our “Get on the Boat: Adventures with Jesus” worship series. It continues through JULY! So far we’ve looked at what it means to take an adventure with Jesus – what we can expect when we “Get on the Boat” with Jesus. First we learned that being on a boat with someone naturally leads to a growing relationship with that person. The same is true with Jesus. Jesus wants to spend some quality time with us and wants us to have a growing relationship with Him. But, we also learned that getting on the boat with Jesus is a busy and wearisome experience. Even when we make plans, sometimes those plans are interrupted. Jesus showed us how to handle interruptions with grace and compassion. We closed out June with a merging of our “Get on the Boat” theme and our Vacation Bible School’s theme of “Crocodile Dock: Where Fearless Kids Shine God’s Light”. Our children led both of our worship services in the 5 VBS promises: God is with us; God is powerful, God does what He says He’ll do; God gives us life; and, God Cares for us. We discovered what happened to the disciples when they got in a boat without Jesus.

In July we’ll look at how getting on the boat with Jesus is not always as easy as it looks, using the disciples own struggle with understanding Jesus as our example. We’ll also look at how getting on the boat with Jesus means risk, but that it also means healing change. To close out our series we’ll take a look at what happens after we’ve been boating with Jesus.

The challenge this summer is to make sure you carve out some time in your busy summer schedules to take a spiritual adventure with Jesus and to spend some quality time with Him. An adventure with Jesus is something you won’t soon forget!

BIT: So, if you're reading this and your church doesn't have a boat in it's worship center (aka Sanctuary), then what are you waiting for? Get on the Boat. I promise you'll get a fantastic reaction when you bring it up at your next church council meeting.

A Boat Load of Underwear (Literally)!

2009-06-26T12:39:00.005-04:00

The VBS mission this year was for the kids to fill the boat that is in our worship center (not many churches have a boat in their worship center -- more on that later) with underwear and socks for children. One of the things we are always short on in our Wesley's Attic Clothing Ministry (which is located in the basement -- more on that later) is underwear and socks. We do not take used underwear and socks, so we have to purchase these items.

BIT: This boat load of socks and underwear in our worship center will make a big splash (aka "deep impact") in Service to our community. THANK YOU VBS!

BITTER: That's what I'll be if I don't see you at VBS worship on Sunday!

Four of Five

2009-06-25T13:52:00.003-04:00

Today we have finished our fourth day of VBS. There was some rockin' the dock (Crocodile Dock, that is)! Only one more day and then our worship spectacular on Sunday. Both worship services will be led by our children and we'll be singing VBS songs!

BIT: Yesterday I was Mary Lin (no, she is not a Biblical Character [a character, yes, just not Biblical {even though she knows her Bible, because she is a Sunday School teacher}]) I wanted to avoid confusion with being Pharaoh on Tuesday -- a Biblical Character. Even though I played Pharaoh on Tuesday, some of the kids are still booing me on Thursday. Move on already. Oh, yes, I was Mary ... Mary works in the tech loft and in honor of doing hardly anything, because Matt Benson is incredible with tech, I compiled a video (yes, you may oh and ah) of some of my favorite pictures so far (they all wouldn't fit). Enjoy.

Crossroads

2009-06-24T15:56:00.013-04:00

I have been known to change topics in mid-conversation, so why not mid-VBS. I was reading Mark's thank you in this weeks "By the Way" [this is our "green" version of a weekly newsletter sent out weekly via email -- how environmentally friendly is that! [not to mention we ran out of money to send out the regular newsletter] and I was moved at how much our youth accomplished on their mission trip. [If you haven't signed up for "By the Way" go to ffumc.org and sign up at the top of our web page].

So, I interrupt our regularly scheduled blog on the conspiracies of First Farragut's VBS "Crocodile Dock". [and some have mentioned that the blogs are far from regular, but I note that this is 3 in one week, which surpasses the one who plays golf instead of blogging]

So, don't miss the "By the Way" on Friday and check out what "the one who plays golf" says about the trip by clicking Mark Aronowitz in my blog list.

BIT: I'm so glad I'm the pastor of a church with such a serious, intensive on the task at hand, don't waist time with frivolity, group of youth and youth counselors.

Groundhog Day!

2009-06-23T13:20:00.010-04:00

Yes, I know it is way past February and Groundhog Day is long gone. It just seemed like Groundhog Day, the movie. Yes, I played the Pharaoh from the Exodus story today in VBS, and to say that it got a little repetitious would be an understatement. For each plague, I would come out of the robe room (dressed more like a Greek god than an Egyptian Pharaoh -- but I don't think we were going for cultural relevance). I would sit on my aluminum foil "throne" the crowd of VBSers would yell, "Let My People Go." I would say "no". Then ... a plague would come and I would run back into the robe room. Then repeat. The only changes each time was that the plague would change (and whatever they threw at me, literally) and I would make my "no" more and more emphatic.

So ... it went sort of like this ... Out ... Let my people go! No! Water to Blood and then Dead Fish (thrown at me) ... Back. Out ... Let my people go! No No! Frogs (kids jumping at me) ... Back. Out ... Let my people go! No! No Way! Gnats (kids screeching at me) ... Back. Out ... Let my people go! Let me spell it for you N - O! ... Flies (I did get a fly swatter to swat at the buzzing kids) ... Back. [Don't you dare stop reading ... I had to do the whole thing 4 times! ... Read on] Out ... Let my people go! Absolutely Not! ... Dead Livestock (this one was quite humorous with the kids acting out dying cows) ... Back. Out ... Let my people go! Read my Lips, "No One is Leaving!" ... Boils (kids put red circle dots all over me) ... Out. Back ... Let my people go! ... What part of "no" are you missing? You are going nowhere!" ... Locust (again with bugs coming at me) ... Back. Out ... Let my people go! I'm talking never, never, never, never,never, ever, ever ever. (period) ... Darkness (kids put a pillow case over my head) ... Back. [I hope I didn't leave one out!]

Now do it 3 more times for 3 more groups. And, while I make it sound gruelling here. It turned out to be pretty fun. And, I think the kids liked it too. Where else but Vacation Bible School do you get to throw paper wads at your pastor (oh, I forgot about the hail plague!).

And, the crocodile showed up today (I was wondering if we were going to have a "Crocodile Dock" without a crocodile). He displayed today's theme, "God is Powerful" [the first day was the firefly for "God is with us"]. Of course the crocodile's name was Jacques le Croc, which I'm going to assume is French.

All I know is that we are having a blast with this French gator, the Greek god Pharaoh caught in a continual Groundhog day, and the fantastic life lessons we are learning about God's love and power.

BIT: My conspiracy theory was correct that I shared yesterday. (Remember that I was not in on the planning and felt like I got a leftover part). After I was in costume as the Pharaoh, the Children's Director, Jill-Marie (sounds French doesn't it?) came to me and told me that she needed my help at the closing time, the "firefly finale". I kid you not. She told me she wanted the kids to stuff balloons up my robe and then take a pin and pop them to show that "God is Powerful". I told her I did not believe that any curriculum person in their right mind would write down such a scenario. And, lo and behold, there it is was in the leader's guide. What kind of crazy is that? It's crazy for Jesus, I tell you!

It's On!

2009-06-22T10:54:00.004-04:00

Yes, the 2009 VBS has officially kicked off @ First Farragut! It has something to do with Crocodiles and Jesus. I know the kids are having lots of fun today singing and going to different rooms (and I've not seen a Crocodile, yet). The theme is "Where fearless kids shine God's light." I have to be Pharaoh tomorrow -- something about the kids throwing plagues at me. I really need to get in on the planning for next year. Something tells me that I got the leftover part.

BIT: This is my last first at First Farragut. After this week I will have been at First Farragut one year. I'm sure we'll have a lot more "firsts", but we will all have them together. Here's to firsts at First Farragut (and to seconds)!

It's All About the Cookies

2009-05-20T09:27:00.005-04:00

I know I have not been keeping up with this blog thing. My excuse is that I have been too busy. "Too busy" keeps me from doing a lot of things I need or want to do ... exercise, read more, spend more time with family and friends. So a while back I decided that I was going to claim some blog time and hopefully my "too busy" would slow down. But then I couldn't decide what monumental entry should be the revival piece, so I kept putting it off. Today it hit me. No, it is not a monumental entry with global ramifications. But it is the revival piece.

Today is Pajama day at my 4-year-old's pre-school, except that he didn't want to wear pajamas this morning. Instead, he insisted on wearing jeans and a sleeveless white t-shirt. I was a little hesitant because I know that he goes to a rather upscale school (I'm reminded each month when I write the check and think college tuition would be less). I wasn't sure how this ensemble was going to go over -- jeans and a "wife beater" (that was what was going through my head). But, I thought the dress code might be more lax on pajama day. Besides, who wants to argue with a headstrong 4-year-old at 6:45 in the morning?

At breakfast, he informed me that his teacher had asked him to bring two sticks of butter so that they could make cookies today. Thankfully, we had butter in the frig, so I agreed. Then, after breakfast, he informs me that he has decided that he wants to take "3 eggs and 2 butters" to make cookies today at school. He is not sure his teacher will have enough ingredients to make the cookies.

As I got dressed, he tells me that I should dress like Wolverine today, too -- and asks if I will be making cookies at church. I tell him that I've got to make a hospital visit and attend a retirement lunch and that if I was dressed like Wolverine ... well, everyone would know for sure that I'm crazy.

As I dropped him off this morning with his half-dozen eggs and 4 sticks of butter ... don't ask ... my eye caught the bulletin board where the kids had shared what they love about their school. And there was my 4-year-old's: "I love Nanny's because I love to make cookies."

BIT: So here I sit in my office ... dressed like Wolverine, my feet up on my desk, eating a cookie ...

... in my mind. Here's to "too busy".

Oh No! Say It Isn't So!

2008-10-06T19:02:00.003-04:00

Gincy and I knew we were in a "different" place a couple of months ago when we were required to attend a new parent orientation for Max's new child care center. As it turned out, it was an hour and a half orientation! Now, Gincy and I feel like Max was in a great child care/learning center in Kingsport -- but an hour and a half orientation?

During that orientation, it was explained to us that this palce (we'll leave it unnammed, even though we are very impressed) strived for excellence. If the ozone alert was too high ... well then the students would not go outside. No more "less than nutritious" lunches and snacks ... only the best.

BIT: The "best" hit me the other day when I received the email notification that the scheduled menu had to be changed. It seems that the regular menu selection for the day did not arrive. The talapia that had been order did not arrive on the morning delivery!@!? Therefore, it was necessary to make a substitution .... Max (our three-year-old) would be served fish sticks ... gasp!!! instead of the scheduled talapia.

I wanted to replay to this email notification that I insisted that the next time this occured that stuffed crab should be the substitute! Where do they think we live ... Farragut?

A First @ First

2008-08-24T15:24:00.011-04:00

Yes. It was the First First Farragut Follies that was meant to kick off our Wednesday Night Live Fall programing. It was designed to be a display of various First Farragut member's talent. This being my First and First Farragut's First, I didn't know exactly what to expect. Pastor Betty, who had started another church's "Follies" (and whose 15th they were celebrating) was in charge -- along with the MC abilities of Tonya Alsobrooks. The evening started out well with a rousing skit -- a take off of the "Who's on First". Other talents did include the normal (but exceptionally gifted) vocalists, violinists, and a pianist (this one made the "normal" category by just a hair).

And then there was the strange and unusual. We were mesmerized by a hula-hoop act (actually hula-hooping on his knees!) a pogo stick act (with no hands!) a skit with something to do with beavers (I think) a folding demonstration of a fitted sheet, and the parallel parking of a tricycle.

And then there was the shocking. The youth "human dominoes" was ... well, words cannot accurately describe it. But the cake was taken by the "Hog Calling" talent of Marian Lewis. Not only was I shocked that someone from the prestigious Town of Farragut had ever won an award for Hog Calling, but that she had taken First Place, and that she is a Lay Leader of the First Farragut Church. She not only is a Hog Caller, but a teacher of the art. She brought several members up on stage to demonstrate the finer points of Hog Calling. In the end, the gift had been shared with a dozen or so members.

I took pictures to capture the Hog Calling portion of the Follies. But I believe I was laughing so hard that they are a little blurry. But this is proof.

BIT: There is already a groundswell to make sure we have a Second First Farragut Follies. What other hidden talents (or "talents") might emerge!

Poop

2008-08-21T19:27:00.004-04:00

Today was the third tragic day in the life of Knoxville in recent days. Today a 15-year-old boy was killed by a fellow student at Central High School. He took out a gun and shot him. It has been very sad, especially after the Karnes High School student fell out of the back of a truck and died. All of this on the heels of the tragic shootings at the Unitarian Universalist Church a couple of weeks ago.

As we were watching the news tonight during dinner -- we don't usually watch TV during dinner -- Max, my 3-year old put it all in perspective when he said, "It's like the world pooped in its pants."

BIT: Only a 3-year-old could put it all in perspective and make us laugh at the same time. Yes indeed, the world has pooped in its pants! Only our Savior can save us from the hole we dig for ourselves -- of deep darkness. He comes to shine His Light of Hope and Love. Those who have lost loved ones are in our prayers. I cannot imagine the pain.

BITTER: Let's just hope Max doesn't poop in his pants!

Tis A Gift to Be Simple

2008-08-12T13:30:00.003-04:00

This week as been all about getting Gincy and the kids into their various schools smoothly. It wasn't until Friday when we went to meet Kile's 3rd grade teacher, that I realized how huge the Farragut school system is. Kile's school has over 15 3rd grade classes! In Kingsport he had 4. The 3rd grade at Farragut Intermediate is the size of my entire elementary school in Chattanooga! The Farragut Middle School, Intermediate School, and High School are all located on the same campus connected by circular roads!

BIT: As Max and I turned onto Campbell Station Road on Monday morning, on our way to Nanny's Edu-Care (which has over 200 preschool kids), we were met by a familiar sight. It was the car line going to drop off at the Farragut Primary School. It was familiar in that it reminded me of the Speedway in Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway on a weekend. Everyday is Christmas in Farragut!!! I'm lovin' it (especially when I don't have to go there!).

A Royal Welcome!

2008-08-07T08:58:00.002-04:00

Yes, I know I'm not doing well with the blogging. Promise to do better! I've been at First Farragut over a month now, but I remember my first visit to my new office. From visiting with the staff only once, I knew there were some jesters ...

BIT: The throne became a Diva Planter for another staff member ...

Moving Day

2008-07-23T15:16:00.003-04:00

Yes, I know it has been an incredibly long time since I blogged. So, I'll try to catch everyone up. Tomorrow is Moving Day! I know what you're thinking ... you've been in Knoxville for over a month, wasn't moving day back in June? Well, yes and no. We moved to Knoxville in June but we didn't MOVE to Knoxville in June. We (2 kids, a wife, and a dog) have been living in a motor home for almost two months. (I cannot adequately describe this experience, but imagine what ever you can to the theme song from Deliverance). Gincy can describe it, but [WARNING] it has a rating.

Deliverance is what we hope to have tomorrow as we move into our three bedroom apartment in Lanesborough -- imagine "O Happy Day" theme song!

BIT: It will be a busy day, but at the end of it I know that I'll have a real shower (or ... I can hardly say it out loud ... a bath!)

One Last

2008-06-13T23:03:00.002-04:00

Yes, I know I said I was looking forward (and not backward)!! But, at Annual Conference this year the organist was Louise Ammons. She is incredible!!! I will miss her organ voluntaries at First Broad Street, especially her Bach ones. There's nothing better than a Bach Organ Voluntary! But she is also quite the adventuresome one. Who would take the associate pastor, his wife, and two kids to the Country Club? Thanks Louise!!! I understand that First Farragut is in the market for a new accompanist. I wonder if Louise is in the market to move for half her salary?

A Different Buffett (Buffet!)

2008-06-07T21:45:00.009-04:00

Last night we ate at one of those 120 item Buffets -- this one was close to where we are staying at PirateLand. I knew we were in the right place when we walked in and there was a live mermaid on a rock surrounded by water. Above her was live music and they were playing Jimmy Buffett. Buffett, a Buffet, and a Mermaid!

Kile was with me ... Max with Gincy. As Kile and I approach the Buffet, he started picking items I didn' think were good selections. I tried to explain what they were, but he is headstrong and so I thought this would be an excellent teaching moment. So ... Kile got steamed oysters, craw fish (whole of course) and something that looked like a rock and the waitress showed him how to open and scoop out the gross stuff inside. It was beyond description. Before I could show Kile how to eat the craw fish (I don't like them, but I know how) he had it broken in two and had eaten everything! Then he slurped up the oysters and then moved on to the aforementioned rock thing.

Into my mind came the scripture from Leviticus that describes most of what was on the buffet as "an Abomination." And while I like a great BBQ pork ... I was all for the Old Testament Levitical food laws after this buffet experience with Kile. No lesson was learned as he went back for more oysters. Our waiter was in absolute shock when he came for the plates. He said that in all of his years at this restaurant, he'd never seen a kid Kile's age eat what Kile ate.

BIT: Our vacation is over. Tomorrow we head to Lake Junaluska for Annual Conference. Our house in Kingsport will be shown. The countdown to Farragut continues ... we're at 10 days. Today was great as we spent most of the day swimming. Kile & Max have had a great time. It has been wonderful to spend this down time with my family. I know I will get to see some of you at Conference. Looking forward!

Margaritaville

2008-06-05T22:19:00.005-04:00

Don't tell my wife (don't worry she reads this), but I've been working on my first sermon at First Farragut while I'm on vacation. Gincy has a strict rule about work and vacation -- they don't mix. She's slacked off some over the years (I like to think of it as mellowing with age) and has allowed me, on occasion, to bring religious books with me on vacation. The work for the sermon has been a poll of pastors who have served First Farragut. I've received information from all of the pastors -- not that there are a whole lot! I'm not telling you any more (this is known as a teaser), you'll just have to show up for the sermon -- First Broad Street folk will have to go to Andrew's first sermon!

I will tell you that my input on the survey has to do with where we ate last night. We went down to Broadway on the Beach and ate dinner at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. It was great! People on stilts made balloon animals and hats for our kids. They had everyone stand up and participate in a song that is not endorsed by the United Methodist Book of Discipline -- so my description of the evening will stop here. The part that is helpful to the First Farragut folks is what I ordered. It is my answer to the survey for my first Sunday.

BIT: Okay another clue. "I like mine with lettuce and tomato ... (Kile ate my big Kosher Dill).

Just Add Water

2008-06-04T21:09:00.005-04:00

I wasn't sure how Max would do with this beach thing on vacation this year. This is Max's first trip to the beach. Please don't feel sorry for him. Two years ago, right after we returned to the States with him, we went on a two week trip to Eastport, ME and back. Last year Max went to Walt Disney World. He's not been deprived!

I remember Kile's first trip to the beach. He was absolutely overwhelmed and scared out of his mind. Needless to say we didn't spend much time at the beach that year (on our beach vacation!). Even later Kile has never really been into the beach. This year is different for Kile. He's been in the water and hopping the waves. We went and bought him a mini-board and he has used it.

Back to Max. Max has taken to the ocean like he has taken to his bath. He LOVES water. Every time we go to the beach (or the pool, or the lazy river). Max acts like he is insane. He runs around ... in and out of the water ... stomps and dances in the water ... screams the whole time. It is so hilarious to watch. Especially as people walk along the beach and see this crazed 3-year-old acting so weird. I kid you not, a couple actually turned around and headed the other direction after spotting Max -- I believe they thought it was contagious! (They looked like they needed to catch it!)
Kile, while still liking the beach is so much more comfortable with the fishing pole. Gincy loves to sit in a chair by the water, any water ... and soak up the sun. (Note: she burned the first day, ouch!) I'm not so much into the sun. I burn very easily. I sometimes look like a vampire -- hat on, sunglasses, fully clothed with towels wrapped around me. But, give me some water and a good book and there I am.

BIT: I guess you could say: Brewster's -- Just Add Water -- one dances on the waves, one contemplates life & fishing, one is the sun goddess, one is under the umbrella (sing it with me, "umbrella .... ella, ellla, ella"). Hope you all have a vacation as great as ours.

BITTER: Yesterday we received a call that Gincy's uncle -- Joe -- had died of a massive heart attack. Please keep Gincy and her family, especially her aunt Judy in your prayers -- they had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and Uncle Joe had just tunred 70 last week. It was quite a shock. Gincy will go and spend some time with her family when we return.

Anniversary

2008-06-02T23:13:00.004-04:00

Today is Gincy and my 12th wedding anniversary. I don't believe she remembered, but I didn't catch on until breakfast this morning. We had started off on our long, long, long, trip to Myrtle Beach, SC. We stopped at McDonald's (Max's favorite) for some coffee and some snacks. It donned on me and I handed her my hash brown and said, "Happy Anniversary!" I would have been in trouble except for the aforementioned fact that I don't believe she remembered either. Later she talked to her friend in Kingsport who said that a hash brown for an anniversary present was "really, really bad."

After many hours of driving (did I mention we have a 2 and 8 year old?). We made it to Pirate Land Campground (doesn't that sound romantic?) It was late and we started looking for someplace to eat. I knew it could not be McDonald's after the hash brown thing. Nothing looked good. And, then I saw it. I really didn't know anything about it. It was the Bonefish Grill. Max liked it because it was "where Pirates eat." Note the skeleton of the fish (or as Max calls it -- a sketelon).

It was a great (GREAT) meal. I had the Rhea's Charr (which was some sort of fish that was charred) -- I felt it only destiny since I was still burned from my charring the other night. This charr was Really, Really Great. Gincy had the Tilapia. Our appetizer was the "Bang, Bang Shrimp" (Personally, I always have to order something with the words "bang, bang" in them).

It was a great anniversary dinner if I say so myself.

BIT: I didn't say so myself. Gincy said it was wonderful as well. Happy 12! What do you get someone for their "Baker's Dozen" anniversary? Note: It's got to beat a hash brown!

A New Countdown

2008-06-01T21:14:00.005-04:00

My last everything at First Broad Street is over so I'm no longer counting down the days. I found a picture from our Luau that I could share. Now the countdown is for a new beginning. In 18 days I start a new job at First Farragut in West Knoxville. But as we make this transition there are some things we REALLY want to have fall into place.

First -- our house in Kingsport needs to find a new owner. We've had several nibbles but no one has made that offer (or any offer).

Second -- Gincy needs a job. She had a good interview on this past Friday, but 70 people applied. She was one of five asked in for an interview. She is an incredible teacher, so I know someone is going to be blessed to have her.

Third -- We've got to have a place to stay in Farragut (or nearby). The optimal plan was to sell our house in Kingsport and then buy a house in Farragut ... but since we've not completed "First" we are in a quandry over "Third". Currently our plan is to take a vacation! One of my favorite sayings is, "When the going gets tough, the tough take a vacation." Our temporary plan is to camp in my parents' motorhome. Tonight we are staying at the "Soaring Eagle RV Park" in Lenoir City. Tomorrow -- it's Myrtle Beach!

It was great to run into John & Renni Morris while setting up my sister with babysitting my Jeep Wrangler. Everyone at First Farragut have been so wonderful. I can't wait (Did I mention I was taking a vacation) to get to work!

Charred!

2008-05-29T10:08:00.003-04:00

If Wednesday was a Roast then last night was a Charring. What a wild night at First Broad Street! It started with Master of Ceremonies Jim Welch's comment that he was "Amazed that this many people turned out to see you leave." And it went down hill from there. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. I don't know how many Trustee rules were broken, but I'm glad I'm going to miss that meeting!

The theme -- Luau Tribute for John Brewster-- to the food and the decorations -- orchids!!! Everything was spectacular! Four "roastings" by Rev. John Bardsley, Rev. Jack Weikel, Rev. Jack Edwards, and my current D.S., Rev. Fred Dearing were only the warm up for the entertainment for the evening. I then became the theatrical prop for the "Billows of Smoke" Men's Ensemble presentation of "Man of La Manche" and "There Is Nothin' Like a Dame". Again, I don't remember horses in "South Pacific"! There was another Ode by the "Five Blondes!" (I knew we were in trouble when there were only 3). Yes, this one was put to music (if you can call it that). I will not share it in this blog -- way to much information for my Farragut readers too soon!

The Mission Intern Music Video was out of this world. I still have the song playing in my head. FANTASTIC! The video greetings from those who were not able to be present was priceless. And then there was the "First Farragut Fudge" -- there are not words to accurately describe this. How Retta, Janet and Mike pulled this one off I'll never know. I can only say that Julia is jealous and wants the recipe.

BIT: I have not run across any pictures that I would share, but I will share the closing song with my blog readers. Again, it was by the "Five (really 3) Blondes!" and is set to the tune of "Danny Boy"

Oh John-ny Boy, the Bishop, He's a callin'

from down the road on Knoxville's Western side,

First Fair-gut needs a new Senior Pastor

It's you, it's you must go and we must 'bide,

but come ye back when Forty's done thru Knoxville

or when Jul-ia gets you run out of town

For we'll be here with Clark and his short sermons,

Oh John-ny Boy, Oh John-ny Boy, we'll miss you so.

And, First Broad Street, I will miss you so.

Roast

2008-05-28T09:23:00.004-04:00

2 Days and Counting. Yesterday was my last Staff Meeting and, as was tradition, the staff roasted the outgoing person. It really wasn't too bad. Except for Nancy Tate coming unglued about 30 seconds into a story from my first year and having to sit down, and Karen Baker telling the "Bite Me" story, it was not too weepy or embarrassing (and I got an electric guitar that plays "It's a Small World", muscle rub?, and a 12 pack of Diet Coke!!!)

This morning was my last time in Contemplative Prayer. This has been such a surprising connection for me. I would have never believed I would have lasted for a year and half in a group that sits around in silence. But it has been refreshing spiritually. What a great support group these people have been. I will miss them and hope to continue this spiritual discipline into my ministry at Farragut. Who knows, maybe there's some budding mystics in West Knoxville?

BIT: Joy Eastridge shared an Ode (I guess that is what it is called, even though she didn't sing it) at my roast:

John Brewster

May 27, 2008

My favorite thing about John is his laugh,

He helps to make working here at First Broad Street such a blast!

If "laughter is the best medicine" indeed

Then he's the only Parish Nurse we truly need.

Three years ago he welcomed me to the Nurture Team

And made it all easy it seemed,

Keeping up with the needs and wants and sometimes demands

Of such a varied, and really enormous holy clan he understands.

An admitted "Type A"

He's learned to cope with lots of delays

Going with the flow

In contemporary God is always in charge of the show.

Preaching, teaching, leading by example, taking a stand

He's much more than a one man band.

He's kept all those balls up in the air in a beautiful juggle

[Helping me through many a computer muddle.]

Allowing God to work through him

His Grace lending a hand.

A creative powerhouse and humble spirit,

Through humor and the Gospel he helps us really feel it.

A gentle dad, to Max the Mighty and Kile the Kind

A loving husband to Gincy the Jovial.

Visiting, calling, comforting, showing true friendship

To anyone in need this man guides the membership.

Thank you, John, here you will be truly missed.

Your presence amongst us has been a blessed gift.

Thank You Staff of First Broad Street -- I will truly miss you and your ministry with me has been a blessed gift. Thanks for Five Fantastic Years!

Clark

2008-05-27T08:54:00.000-04:00

Rev. A. Clark Jenkins has been our Senior Pastor since June of last year. This means I've not had a whole lot of time to really get to know him. Clark brings a contagious personality with a great sense of humor. It has been fun talking with him about First Broad Street and ministry in general.

BIT: I will miss Clark's passion for mission and justice ministries. May First Broad Street continue to live into their new motto: "A Church at the Heart of the City with the City at Heart." Clark is the one facing forward. Danny Howe, Director of Missions, is the backward one!

Just Jack

2008-05-26T07:53:00.001-04:00

There are two people to thank (or roll their yards) for bringing me to First Broad Street and Kingsport. The first is Rev. Grady Winegar, who was the Kingsport D.S. and will retire this year at Annual Conference. He was my first Senior Pastor when I was appointed as the Associate Pastor at Wesley Memorial in Cleveland, TN. The other is Rev. Jack Edwards. Jack retired last year as the Senior Pastor of First Broad Street and then took a full time job at Carter-Trent Funeral Home. He is working on becoming a licensed funeral director.

Jack had planned on coming to my last services yesterday. I met him outside Carter-Trent on my way to my jeep after worship. They had gotten several calls and he had not been able to come. He and his wife Judy are wonderful people. Even though Jack is no longer on staff at First Broad Street, I will miss him. We've gone out to lunch and had several phone conversations even after his retirement-- especially centered around my decision to move this year. His wisdom and prayer support have helped to get me through these crazy days. I also know that he and Judy will be taking more trips to Knoxville ... so, I'm sure I'll get to see them (I don't think you'll have to pry the reason out of Judy!)

BIT: You may have noticed that I have a talent at selecting very artistic pictures.

Nancy

2008-05-25T07:52:00.005-04:00

Today was my last Sunday -- 5 days and counting! We had two fantastic worship services in Contemporary! Yes, despite my strict instructions prohibiting anything that might illicit a weepy moment, there they were. In 8:30 Contemporary, Stephanie Wood (the worship leader) was doing a great job (as always) until she started praying for Gincy and me and the kids during the morning prayer ... she's fired! Next, at 10:45 Contemporary everything was great until the band decided to end the service with "Friends are Friends Forever". What part of "no weep" did we miss!

As I think about things I will miss, the list is enormous. I've been spending time reflecting on my Nurture Staff. Nancy Tate is Director of Congregational Care and had hoped to make it to at least one of my last services. But Nancy wears many hats at First Broad Street. Some have compared our worship schedule on Sunday mornings to a Worship Mall -- 6 different services in a 3 1/2 hour period! Nancy's other hat is coordinating these. So, she was so busy this Sunday, she couldn't make it to Contemporary.

BIT: I will miss Nancy because she is phenomenal! She is a wonderful woman with such a compassionate Spirit. She knows so much about First Broad Street and our members. She's the one I ask when I have a question or a concern about someone. She is indeed my right hand (and has been known to keep me out of trouble!). Nancy also has a deep love for the church and all of our people ... especially those who are in crisis or hurting. She is a natural part of our Nurture Team!

BIT II: Nancy is the one on the right in the picture. The other person is the ever-dedicated Mary Jane Alley who works with the very talented Sue Ann Greene and Dr. Mike McIntire (who loves a good spreadsheet) . My motto is: It's always good to keep those who sign your paycheck happy!

Jack, The Supreme

2008-05-20T09:01:00.003-04:00

I remember one of my first experiences at First Broad Street. It was teaching a Wednesday Night Bible Study. I looked up from my notes and there amongst the 40 or so participants were Rev. Spurgeon McCartt (former Senior Pastor of FBS and a former District Superintendent), Rev. Jack Edwards (Senior Pastor of FBS and a former District Superintendent), and Rev. Jack Weikel (former Senior Pastor of Broad Street in Cleveland and a former District Superintendent). I thought to myself (edited version), "What am I doing here!"

When Jack Edwards and Jack Weikel and myself would meet to discuss Pastoral Care issues, we would joke that if the title for Jack Edwards was Senior Pastor then Jack Weikel (who is older) should be Supreme Pastor. My self-designated title was Ass. Pastor, but it never really took off -- they stuck with Minister of Nurture.

The picture that I've included is of the new and improved Nurture Staff at First Broad Street. This particular picture will not be used in the upcoming Church Directory because Jack has a candle sconce coming out of his head.

BIT: I am going to miss Jack Weikel and his fantastic wife Nancy (who worked with our Bereavement Ministry and now works with Retta and Forever Young). They are truly a "power couple" of First Broad Street. They share their love and care and leadership with the Church. I'm going to especially miss Jack's mentoring (he's been there and done that, usually more than once), his wise thoughts (I'll be calling him up to get some of these even if it is long distance), and his wise cracks.

Pub Table

2008-05-19T09:07:00.005-04:00

I've been using it for several months now. I saw it done when I went to an Emerging Church Conference in Dallas last Fall. Those of you who attend Contemporary Worship know that we did away with the "pulpit" several years ago (except when one of the other pastors is preaching and then it emerges from the closet). I've experimented with several different preaching techniques over the years, from preaching without anything, to preaching from the Communion Table, to preaching sitting in a chair (most people seemed to like this one the best because it tended to slow me down). But most recently I've become comfortable with the pub table.

So, as we have reached "11 more days" on our countdown ... I realized yesterday as I preached my next to the last sermon, that I'm going to miss my pub table. I can put my notes, the slide remote, and my giant coffee mug on it and nothing falls off. It's high enough that I can read what I've typed (yes it is in 16 point but I refuse to wear glasses until I'm 40, which is ... on down the road).

BIT: I had hoped to be at the church when the pub table arrived. As it turned out, it arrived on a Friday when I was off. Tammy, our Baptist Receptionist [she is a great person and I only mention that she is Baptist because it makes this story more humorous], was the one who signed for the pub table when it arrived. She called me at home to find out where I wanted the building staff to put it. I could tell she was a bit confused (what on earth does a church need a pub table for?). When I told her that it was for Contemporary Worship, I believe she said something about us being "crazy Methodists". That's better than what most would have said, "Those crazy Contemporary Folk!"

The Joy!

2008-05-14T20:48:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I ran into my doctor (not an actual collision!). I was running on the Green Belt and he was running the in other direction and we met. I didn't recognize him at first because he had his shirt off and he didn't look doctoral (he's also a church member and he didn't look churchy, either). It was somewhat weird because usually I'm the one who has to be in some state of undress when I meet him in a professional manner). But it was great for him to see me running because he is the one who keeps ordering all those blood tests and is working so hard to get my numbers down. I always tell him I'm exercising ... and now he actually caught me in the act!!!

I'm going to miss my doctor. He's an incredible person and a great part of our Contemporary Worship Team. He's one of the ones who ministers through sound (and other ways, too) -- running the sound board. He's also the husband of one of my Nurture Team Staff.

This leads me to my countdown -- 15 Days! Joy Eastridge is our newest addition to our Nurture Staff (I'm the 2nd newest, so that tells you about the dedication, experience, and wisdom of our team). Joy is our Parish Nurse. She is the one who really got me inspired to be more active -- yes the "not so wonderful" numbers from my doctor's blood tests were motivational, but our Parish Nurse is the one who rallied me on -- she is inspirational! Her "Walking with Jesus" and "Walking Well" and other programs have connected my physical activity with my spiritual well being and my missionary outreach. She is also active in planning a number of programs and activities that emphasis that our bodies are God's temple and we need to take care of them. Everywhere I go and visit someone has a good word about the ministry of Joy Eastridge. With her incredible team of nurses, who check my blood pressure on Sundays (NOT a good day to take my blood pressure!), she has rallied the entire congregation into better health and wholeness.

BIT: I'm going to miss Joy Eastridge, her incredible husband Dr. Wes (my doctor) her 3 fantastic children -- one of whom is a mission intern this summer. Thank You Joy for your ministry to First Broad Street, your dedication to your Savior Jesus Christ, and for making my ministry so much more fulfilling! As of Monday I've lost 25 pounds (since January 1) and at least two people noticed tonight at Wednesday Nighter!

Pentecostal Power Outage

2008-05-11T22:25:00.011-04:00

This evening it happened! For only the second time since we have lived in Kingsport, our family went down stairs into the basement because of weather conditions. The wind had been blowing all afternoon, but this was not out of the ordinary for Pentecost. But it was really blowing!!! I started trying to get the weather channel kind of blowing. With my luck, it wasn't "on the eights" so Kile and I went down stairs, followed by Gincy and Max. As we looked out the storm door, the hail started to bang against the glass and then the power went out.

Soon it was over. The wind was still blowing and the rain was coming down like you wouldn't believe, but I felt it safe to come up. I found that a tree limb had fallen on a power line across the street. But it wasn't until I decided to scrap the special Mother's Day Chimichangas and opt for Pizza! Pizza! from Little Caesars. As I walked out to the car, I looked into our back yard to find the big pine tree had broken off and fallen across our neighbors yard. It was a big Pentecostal storm!

The power went off at around 5:00 p.m. and when I called the recorded voice told me that the plan was to have the power on by 12:00 a.m. WOW! How dependant on electricity are we! As it ended up, the power came back on around 10:00 p.m.

BIT: Every once in a while it might not be such a bad idea to pretend that the power is out. Yes, the children and the wife go crazy (and I must admit it was a bit nerve racking), but it did open us up to new things. Maybe that's what Pentecost is all about. I don't think this big tree will be fixed by our OPEN HOUSE on Sunday. Is it Trinity Sunday? Is there any way I can make this into something Theological? Maybe someone will like the Pine Tree across the backyard look! It's very sheik!

X Box 360

2008-05-09T21:11:00.003-04:00

I'm not big into video games. My wife, Gincy, is the expert. I think the last video game I was really good at was Centipede. That should date me!

Today, Kile (my 8-year-old) "needed" to stay home. Yes, he did have a slight fever and was complaining of a sore throat, headache, and upset stomach, but something told me this was not a "huge" as it sounded. But what father sends their son with a temperature to school. So ... Kile stayed home. It was my day off and I had huge plans -- cleaning and packing and painting and caulking and grocery shopping. It was going to be fabulous day of productivity.

I did get the wall I wanted to paint done and cleaned up the area in the basement I wanted to clean. I even caulked the shower for the third time in 30 days (I'm sure my wife has made a call to the people who help crazy people. I'm just waiting for them to show up in their white coats with the special white blazer.) What I wasn't prepared for was Kile asking me to play "Spiderman" on the X-Box. I may be a whiz at PowerPoint and the "go to guy" at First Broad Street for all things technological ... but there is one thing I've never really excelled in ... video games.

But since he wasn't feeling well, I decided to give it a try. And, I must admit, I was spectacular! Kile was Doc Ock and I was Spiderman. Soon I was slinging the bad guys with my web and smacking them with my awesome punching ability. It didn't take me long to learn how to jump across the great lava pits! I was huge!

When Gincy got home today and we were gathered around the table for supper, Gincy asked Kile how I did with the video game (She knows!). I was ready for Kile to surprise her with a report of my incredible Spiderman ability. But, instead, he reported that I was "about as good as Max". Max is 3!

BIT: I was crushed and Gincy didn't stop laughing for 30 minutes. I know I'm better than a three-year-old. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Tunnel

2008-05-08T11:19:00.009-04:00

Each morning after I drop Kile off at Jackson Elementary, Max and I go to "his school". Max attends First Broad Street Child Care Center and I work at First Broad Street United Methodist Church. While they both have "First Broad Street" in them, they are two separate buildings. The Child Care Center is in the Woodyard Center (aka the First Church Building) and my office is in the Main Building (aka the Broad Street Church Building). After I drop off Max in his room, I walk through the tunnel that runs underneath Watauga Street and magically appear in the Main Building. First Broad Street is two of the church-like buildings on Church Circle.

As I made that trip today, I realized how much I'm going to miss the tunnel. What other church has a tunnel that connects their buildings? I stopped to read the plaque on the wall of the tunnel (aka The Toombs H. Kay, Jr. Interlink). [Yes, I realize there are a lot of AKA's in this one!] The inscription on the plaque reads, "May this structure symbolize the completed reunion of First Methodist and Broad Street Methodist Churches.

For me, the tunnel is more than a symbol. It is indeed an interlink between where I work and where both of my sons have been taught and nurtured and disciplined (especially Max!) and loved. I have always felt a special connection. Kile & I went to work/school together. Max & I go to work/school together.

BIT: On Tuesday I sent the email ending Max's stay at First Broad Street Child Care. I can remember sending the email when Kile was ready to move to Kindergarten. Gincy and I have been blessed with marvelously dedicated and loving people to help raise our children -- it takes a church! They have invested so much time and energy. I wish I could list all of the names of those who have worked with Kile and Max all of these five years. To Karen Baker (the director) and her phenomenal staff ... We Will Miss You ALL! THANK YOU!!! -- 21 Days --

Last Communion

2008-05-05T10:28:00.004-04:00

I know our Catholic brothers and sisters have a very special time in their faith journey where they celebrate their first communion -- when they are able to receive Holy Communion. [We won't get into our sacramental differences - I save that for Confirmation Class.]

As we continue "The Countdown" of my time at First Broad Street (today we're at 25 days), I reached another last yesterday. It was my last time to celebrate Holy Communion as a staff member. It happened that I was in our two Contemporary Services and I didn't mention that it was our last during the services (I know some of you are going to be ticked that I didn't give you warning). I don't believe I would have been able to make it through the Communion Prayer had I declared that this was my last time. And you know that would have led to me having to sing (chant I guess it is in church) the Country Hymn "There's a Tear in my Communion Wine." You know ...

Lord, I've tried and I've tried

But my tears I can't hide

You are on my lonely mind.

All these blues that I've found

Have really got me down

You are on my lonely mind

--Williams (the Jr.)

It just would not have been good!

I great big thank you to Martha Wilkerson, who with superhuman dedication, has prepared our Communion Table for all these years. You are fantastic!

BIT: My last point in the sermon yesterday was about Glorifying God through our Joy in Christ. I can't think of too many occasions where I have experienced or shared more Joy in Christ than gathered around the Communion Table with the people of First Broad Street -- traditional & contemporary. Keep it Up: Glorifying God through knowing Christ and making Him known!

May Day!

2008-05-01T19:50:00.006-04:00

Yes it's the 1st of May! It's Ascension Day! It's National Day of Prayer! It's my last meeting with the Stephen Ministry Leaders. So, on this 29th countdown day, I celebrate the Stephen Ministry of First Broad Street! (Yes, I know I've already used 4 exclamation points! [oops, there's 5!])

Stephen Ministry was a dream of my predecessor, Rev. Caryl Griffin. She got it started and I got to bask in all of its glory. With the fantastic leadership of Cindy Haskins and Bill Crawford it grew and thrived. With the continuing leadership of Nick Grabar and Rev. Jim Harless (and Cindy is still sticking with it) this will be a powerful ministry of First Broad Street long into the future. (Bill moved to Florida and is very active in the Stephen Ministry of his new church -- Go Bill!) Today we have over 20 persons who are trained Stephen Ministers -- those who have survived over 50 hours of training -- those who now minister to care receivers who need someone to walk beside them through a difficult time. We also have expanded this ministry to hospital visitation. There are 3 Stephen Ministers who help with our daily hospital visits. In a congregation where there are over 300 persons hospitalized in a given year, this is a valuable resource. In a congregation where over 180 persons will lose a significant loved one, this is a valuable resource. I love Stephen Ministers! I Love Stephen Leaders! I will miss you all -- all that you do, and all that you have done. (I think my popularity has been founded in a large part upon your ministry) You are incredible people, called by God, and dedicated to caring. Thank YOU!

BIT: Today, the First of May, is also ... take the top off of the Jeep Day. Now, when there is a 20% chance of rain or less, you will see me in this incredible machine! Yes, it's over 10 years old with cracking seats. But she's still incredible. I love SPRING! Pray that I will stay dry ... and that our house will sell so that the Jeep can move to Farragut!

5 Miles An Hour!

2008-04-30T15:37:00.008-04:00

No, it doesn't sound real fast, but it was a milestone today. Yes, for the first time in five years I traveled, without assistance, with only my two legs & feet, five miles in only one hour (actually 59 minutes!). As I shared in an earlier post, I have been working at being more active.

Monday's trip to my doctor for my regular 6 month check up was more motivational than inspirational for my new more active lifestyle. I did lose weight -- double digits since my last visit! -- but all the other numbers we have been working on were "elevated" [which reminds me of Christ's Ascension which is celebrated TOMORROW! - I know, strange]!

So, it was back to the "Green Belt" with new intensity this week. I received good news this afternoon that the results from an additional blood test taken on Monday showed that the most critical numbers were back to "not as elevated." Hallelujah!

My next goal is to make it to 6 miles an hour (maybe by moving day: June 18th? - I'm in no hurry).

BIT: As the countdown continues -- we're at 29 days left -- I want to start sharing things I will miss about First Broad Street and Kingsport. Today, I celebrate the Green Belt -- the band of asphalt that almost continuously running from one end of Kingsport to the other. What a wise and beautiful feature! I particularly like the portion that runs alongside Reedy Creek. We will miss our bike rides, picnics, and, oh yes, did I mention 5 miles in one hour! Call me FLASH! (maybe not)

Countdown

2008-04-27T17:06:00.003-04:00

Someone asked me the other day if I was counting down the days until I leave First Broad Street. I must admit that I really haven't. It wasn't until I was preparing for my sermon for today that I realized that this would be my last sermon in the three mainline traditional services (we have the "liturgical" traditional service in the chapel). I also realized that yesterday was my last wedding (at least scheduled one).

As I mentioned in my sermon this morning (my last Traditional with 4 more Contemporary to go) whether I'm ready or not, the countdown has begun. And so it does. I have 4 more Sundays and 32 calendar days (I get some "vacation" and Annual Conference in June). I have two more Wednesday Night Bible Studies and 4 more Child Center Chapels. I am the clergy on call one more weekend (next weekend) ...

BIT: Thanks so much to my Traditional People (and some Contemporary who skipped their worship this morning) for such a great last service! I love you all (and I mean all!)! By the way, I will tell Andrew that you all LOVE singing from "The Faith We Sing". LOL

"I'm Going on Ahead"

2008-04-26T20:44:00.005-04:00

For the last two Saturday mornings, Kile (my oldest) and I have gone to the "Green Belt" for some running. Actually it's more of a walk/run with the emphasis on walk. I have been running on a regular basis (again with lots of walking). I did make it 4 1/2 miles in under an hour on Thursday (something not accomplished since I arrived in Kingsport)! Those of you in Contemporary know that I've been trying to be more active with the Parish Nurse campaigns of "Walking with Jesus" and "Walking Well". I'm getting there.

Kile and I both get up before my wife and Max. I have to stick to a schedule or everything gets out of wack -- I'm sensitive that way. So, Kile and I have decided to make this our Saturday morning time. Today we had on our running outfits on and both were sporting our ipods (actually Kile had Gincy's because it has the really good 70's music). Last Saturday Kile made it 1 1/4 miles. We were set to break a record.

We set off on our walk/run. I told him that if I ran ahead and happened to get out of sight that I would turn around and come back, and that he shouldn't worry. Shortly into our walk, Kile started running, turned back and said, "I'm going on ahead, don't worry." I couldn't help but smile.

Later when I did catch up, I was running a little bit ahead of him. I don't think he knew that I could hear him -- but I had my ipod turned down so that I could hear him (paranoid). All of a sudden, from behind me, I heard him say, "I love you!" What a great start to the day!

On our way back we stopped to look at several natural wonders -- a mother duck with her 4 ducklings, a tree that had been gnawed on by beavers (go with it!), a beetle being eaten by ants (way cool!), etc. We held hands and walked some more. Kile told me this was the best day ever ...

BIT: As we were stopped looking at the natural wonders Kile told me that "sometimes you have to slow down in order to see the really good stuff." The rest of my day was incredibly crazy - a funeral planning session, a wedding and a funeral. But my philosopher son (I hope he majors in something else!) may have a point. I highly recommend taking a Saturday morning with someone special -- and -- make sure you slow down for the really good stuff.

I give!

2008-04-24T17:29:00.003-04:00

Our house has not been on the market two weeks and already I've had enough. It probably has a lot to do with the amount of work we've had to do in order to get the house ready to show. I WILL NEVER PUT DOWN HARDWOOD FLOORS AGAIN! And, I now have come to the crystal clear realization that I HATE PAINTING!

And so, after nearly two weeks of trying to keep the house immaculate in case someone wanted to see it ... I give. I did the hardwood, I'm working on the painting, but I give on the house cleaning. Tonight we will meet with someone with whom we hope to contract out our house cleaning.

BIT: Sometimes you just have to "know when to fold them." I'm folded!!

Remember!

2008-04-22T08:49:00.009-04:00

On this Earth Day I was thinking back to our Awesome Confirmation weekend. This past Saturday we gathered out at our Retreat Center for our "Baptism and Reaffirmation of Baptism" Service. It was not the most beautiful of days. It was raining -- a sprinkling -- and I commented to one of the parents that it must be a sign that God liked sprinkling (We celebrated two immersion and one sprinkling Baptism). I don't think they found it as funny as I did (probably former Baptists). [NOTE: I love Baptists! But they don't usually get infant baptism jokes]

The creek that we dam up to create the Baptismal pool is from a natural spring. So despite some warmer weather in the 60's and 70's the creek was COLDDDDD!!!! Clark and I got in and soon were numb. But I couldn't help thinking as each of the Confirmands entered the creek and gasped -- as they continued down into the waist-deep water (actually Clark and I had to pull some) -- as Clark dipped his hand into the water and made the Sign of the Cross on their forehead and said, "Remember your Baptism and Be Thankful". That they would indeed remember this -- the shock of Baptism.

"Remember Your Baptism and

Be Thankful"

I tried to capture this shock in my sermons on Sunday -- from 1 Peter 2:2-10. What a shock it must have been to be reading this wonderful letter. These were ordinary folk -- who had probably been scattered from their homeland -- maybe struggling with self-esteem issues (if not outright struggling with faith) -- and they hear these words of encouragement, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." I dare say that was something they talked about for a long time -- REMEMBER!

BIT: It was also neat to connect royalty to our Baptismal Service in the creek. As each came to be Baptized or to Remember their Baptism, at the height of the drama of the service, there were all the camera "clicks" coming from the shore as family and friends "captured" the event. You would have thought it was Madonna! And I dare say in God's eyes they were just as royal ... "This is my Beloved ..."

BRAZIL 2

2008-04-17T10:58:00.005-04:00

I've not gotten as much about my mission trip to Brazil on the blog as I had thought. But things have also been more crazy than I anticipated. But I was looking back over my journal from the trip and thought I'd write about our 2nd day -- which was our first actually in Brazil.

We arrived after a 9 hour overnight flight from the U.S. Then we boarded a bus for a 2+ hour trip to Teresopolis, where we would be staying at the Methodist Camp. Pastor Anselmo was our first speaker and he shared about planting new churches. I'm not going to share everything he said, but there were a couple of things that really have stuck with me. One was the quote, "Churches require persistent and hard work, but it is exciting work. You must have a passion for your church. God has called you to make this church happen."

As many who read this know, my family and I are transitioning from Kingsport to Farragut. It is hard to leave a place where you have been passionate, where you have been a part of making church happen. This transition is a hard thing! But I also feel that God has a new calling for my life. It is my belief that God has set into motion the changes necessary to make that calling a reality. In a few weeks Andrew Amodei will be arriving with his family to become the Minister of Nurture at First Broad Street. He is very excited and he is already filled with passion for First Broad Street. You can hear it in his voice. He is ready to help make First Broad Street happen.

Last night I arrived home after my normal 12+ hour Wednesday marathon, which was accented by a nearly hour session of having our family pictures taken for the church directory (I'm going to let your imaginations create the picture). How wonderful to have two letters in the mail from members of First Farragut. They were letters of love, care and support -- anticipating my arrival in June. This morning I received an email from another member. He had read my blog and was still excited about me coming to First Farragut!

My "passion" for First Farragut has grown daily as I have met with their staff and committees. My excitement grows as I receive their prayers of support. Just now as I write this -- God thing! -- a package for Kile and one for Max has arrived at my office from First Farragut! I know that God has called me to help "make this church happen."

BIT: Don't ask me how I started out talking about my mission trip to Brazil and ended with moving to First Farragut. Here's some more pictures! They are from the Methodist Camp at Teresopolis. It was truly a beautiful place.

Project

2008-04-15T10:21:00.006-04:00

Have you ever had one of those looming projects or reports? It was something so huge and daunting that you didn't even know where to begin. We have been working to get our house ready to put on the market. It wasn't that the house was in bad shape, it was that I had started so many smaller projects and had not completed them. So, I had to finish installing the wood floors, finish tiling the counter tops in the kitchen, cut and install the new baseboards, etc. So, it took us a while to even begin the list of "normal" things that had to be tackled ... painting, cleaning, painting, cleaning ...

Yesterday was the day! The papers were signed and the sign went up in the yard. The tour of agents go through the house today. Since this is our first house that we have owned, I must admit it was a little depressing seeing the sign go in the yard. Yes, it was a celebration that we had reached a level of completeness with our projects so that the house could be shown. But, we have had some wonderful experiences in this home. The kids have played pirate on the backyard swing set (aka The Pearl) and they have played pirate in their bedrooms (the beds were the pirate ships) and they have played pirate in the den (the coach) ... We have watched as our blood, sweat, and tears have gone into updating the various rooms. Okay, that's enough of that! We're praying it sells fast and for asking!!!

BIT: As I turned into our subdivision and saw the three signs (not only did it remind me of the Trinity, which I know is weird) but I got a great idea for a reality TV show. The house across the street is for sale, the house next door to us is for sale, and our house is for sale. All by different real estate companies. Wouldn't it be neat to watch a show where the realtors are all competing to sale their house first? I'll have to pitch this to one of the networks. "Real Estate Battles"

The Office

2008-04-10T23:00:00.000-04:00

I watched "The Office" this evening. I don't usually watch it. I watched it once and wasn't all that impressed. So, why try again? No, it wasn't because of the TV ads for this new season. On my visit to that place in West Knoxville earlier this week, I met with a group of people with whom I will shortly be associated in a professional manner. They mentioned their love of this particular television program (I did note that JoAnne likes "The Biggest Loser" too -- what a twist with the TV audience getting to vote for the finalists!!!) So, I watched it again -- gave it a second chance. And, I must admit, that I enjoyed it more this time. No, it's still not in my top 10 programs, but since I liked it more, I'll give it another try. Maybe it's an aquired taste? (Surely it's not a generation gap, being that I am so young and all.)

BIT: I will be leary of people from the office inviting Gincy and me over for a dinner party now! And, hopefully my future office will not be quite so disfunctional. Shout Out to FF Staff (that doesn't date me does it?)

Conspiracy!

2008-04-09T20:48:00.005-04:00

I got home yesterday from a trip to West Knoxville (for those who are still in denial I'll just leave it at that) to discover a conspiracy afoot. I've had a feeling that people are up to no good for some time. Phone calls from people who don't usually call the house ... and they want to talk to my wife Gincy. People being especially nice. Plans for a "celebration" of my ministry at FBS on Wednesday, May 28.

There's a word for a constant feeling that people are out to get you. I have that feeling!!! But, I also remember a poster that hung in one of my high school class rooms that read, "Just Because You're Paranoid Doesn't Mean They're Not Out To Get You."

For me, my conspiracy theory was proved correct when I arrived home yesterday to find my wife just "looking through some old photographs." Again my mind ran through the question, "how often does Gincy look through old photographs?" The answer is NEVER! And my mind ran to those pictures of me that are less than flattering. Those pictures that would never be used for a "celebration" but more for a blazing "roast".

BIT: So I offer this picture of me from a 1995 youth mission trip. That's a good "celebration" picture (if it is a little old). Also, I know the staff usually has a "going away" time for one who is leaving at a staff lunch. They also usually ask the person who is leaving if they want such a celebration. I don't know of any plans, but I also know ... NO ONE HAS ASKED ME IF I WANT ONE! (PARANOIA)

It's Official (I mean It's Projected)

2008-03-08T22:29:00.003-05:00

This Sunday an announcement will be made in our four morning worship services that someone is projected to be appointed as "Minister of Nurture" at First Broad Street (I don't want to steal any one's thunder, so you'll just have to show up to find out who). Since I am currently the "Minister of Nurture" and I don't share my office space very well, that means that I am projected to move somewhere else.

This is not a surprise for me. I have know since November that I would be moving. I asked to move. That sounds so matter of fact, but in reality it was a grueling decision. I have been a part of the ministry at First Broad Street for 5 years --the longest any church has ever kept me. FBS is a special place for me and my family. Max was added to our family during our time here and I will never forget the outpouring of prayer and support as we navigated the seemingly endless red tape of our adoption. I originally told the D.S. that I would stay another year, but after two weeks of reflecting upon this decision, I felt God was nudging me to new things.

I didn't have much to do this past Sunday, having just returned from Brazil. As I looked out over the congregations at 8:30 Contemporary and 10:45, I remembered the special times we have had. Some have already caught wind of the change and approached me with thoughts of support and love. Thank you for 5 fantastic and wonderful years!

BIT: But ... I'm not done yet!!! No lame duck here!! There is much to do! We have a new Contemporary Worship Service to kick off on March 30th. Everything is coming together. Jenny Rogers will be announced as our Interim Director of Contemporary Worship this Sunday. She has hit the ground running. I will be working with our new Minister of Nurture to get him off the ground. And so much more ... So good bye will have to wait for a while. Let us carry on ...

BRAZIL

2008-02-17T23:52:00.001-05:00

I will spend the next several entries sharing about my mission trip to Brazil. The 10 of us (latter to be 9 and then back to 10 again) went with little knowledge of what to expect. We were all clergy -- we were all men -- a dangerous combination! Add in that our leader and assistant leader had to back out of the trip, that our fill in leader had to leave after the first week, and you begin to get a picture -- and if you can't, I will share my pictures with you. So, let us begin...

We (Paul Goshorn and I) left at 2:30 p.m. from Walgreen's on Stone Drive for the two hour trip to Maryville, where we left the car and made the 20 minute trek to the airport. We got there several hours ahead of our departure and then the plane was delayed for 40 minutes. We boarded our plane to Washington, DC and arrived in just enough time to walk to our flight to Rio which was beginning to board. Now it was just a 9 hour flight!

Bit: A 9 hour flight with a screaming child two rows in front of me! That's all I'm going to say.

The pictures here were made on our trip from the Rio airport to Teresopolis. Who wants to look at pictures of pastors waiting in an airport.

Not Yet

2008-02-07T08:50:00.000-05:00

Lent has begun!

For me, one of the most moving worship services each year is the Ash Wednesday service. This year Clark read the "Invitation to the Observance of Lenten Discipline" and I heard with new ears the invitation, "I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to observe a holy Lent: by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's Holy Word." I try to use the season of Lent like society as a whole uses New Year's resolutions. However, unlike resolutions, it's not really me trying to get myself thinner, healthier, etc., but it is a time to allow God to get me right. What discipline can I use to allow God more access to me? The Ash Wednesday service helps me "to make a right beginning of repentance."

Another powerful aspect of the service for me is the imposition of ashes. The United Methodist Book of Worship describes Ash Wednesday as "a dual encounter: we confront our own mortality and confess our sin before God within the community of faith." It's that mortality thing that really gets me during the service. As I stand there and make a cross with the ashes on each person's forehead, as I say, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return," as I especailly try to do this with little children, I want to say, "but not yet."

"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return, but not yet."

Yet, there is no guarantee. For some, whom I've seen "walk through the valley of the shadow" and come out (sometimes miraculously) on the other side, it is a celebration to think, "but not yet!" For others I know the time is approaching quickly. The tornadoes of Tuesday, just as the service of Ash Wednesday, remind us that there is no "but not yet." At any time, the words I use might come from the "Service of Committal".

"This body we commit to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust."

BIT: May this Lent lead us all to live each day with the thought of ashes.