A First @ First

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

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

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!

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

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

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!)

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!