robin brannon

MY BLOG HAS MOVED

2011-02-02T23:26:00.000-06:00

I have officially moved my blog to WordPress. I'm very excited about the move and the great opportunities that lie ahead.

To get there, you can either click on this link or type into your browser: http://rcbrannon.wordpress.com/

I can't wait to see you there!

IT'S ABOUT TO GO DOWN

2011-01-30T22:10:00.000-06:00

Howdy to all 4 of you who read my blog. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your time and attention as I babble about whatever it is I'm babbling about at the moment. You reading my blog is very special to me. I hope it's been entertaining, thought-provoking, or at least interesting. It's been a lot of fun for me. That's why I'm excited to announce a change of venue. Over the next few days I'll be moving my blog to WordPress. I'll post the details as soon as it's ready. I hope you'll join me there and discuss the fun things I have in mind.

Have a blessed week by blessing someone!

Peace, Love, and Good Blogs

JESUS AND...

2011-01-25T09:14:00.001-06:00

This past Sunday at church we were challenged to confront ourselves concerning the idols we worship. I think that's one of my favorite subjects in church services; not because I like to judge people for their idolatry (God knows my idolatry all too well!), but because it reminds me what holds - and should hold - the utmost importance in my life.

Right around Christmas I saw this video on Twitter. It may be offensive to some (perhaps to many) but it encompasses the message that we serve idols ... often more than we serve God.

**DISCLAIMER** The following video has some language that may not be suitable for young ears. If such language is offensive to you or your young readers/listeners, please refrain from watching the clip.

The idol of stuff is a great big idol in the U.S. When we really get real about what we worship (especially those of us who claim Christ) it quickly becomes a severe case of "Jesus and..."

We're commanded to love God with everything we have - our heart, soul, mind, and strength - and to love people in the same way we love ourselves. (Luke 10:27) Also we are told that through God's riches we would have our every need supplied; we were never promised to have our greed supplied. (Phil. 4:19)

So what's the deal? Why are we so wrapped up in this idol we call "Stuff"? It's not going to love us unconditionally. It won't always be there for us. It won't last forever. (Matt. 6:19-21)

Jesus will. (Matt. 28:20b)

Will you choose to worship Jesus and Stuff, or just Jesus?

Peace, Love, and Jesus

SPORTS vs. GOD

2011-01-19T09:45:00.000-06:00

"Why is it that we can jump up, throw our hands in the air, clap, yell, cheer and celebrate at a football game, but if we demonstrate the same behavior at church we are judged almost to the point of condemnation?"

If you've been in a church setting for even a little while I'm sure you've heard this question asked. Well, I don't know if I have the "right" answer, of there even is a "right" answer, but I do have an answer.

Think about this: We do not and cannot know everything we want to know about God.
However, we can, and often do know everything we want to know about our favorite players. We can learn about his strengths and weaknesses, we can find out what motivates him to be the best, we can even know how long he will be signed with a team and the amount of money he'll make during that time (thus proving the point that most guys love stats ... more about that later). All of these things are fun to know, but don't really make all that much of a difference in our lives. The fact that the Cowboys signed the best receiver in the draft doesn't mean automatic success for the team.

That is not necessarily the case with God. The fact that He sent the Savior to the world means automatic eternal life for all those on His team. We know a lot of stats from the Bible and from the stories of people who have experienced God, but we don't know the half of it. We know that love motivates God to give us grace. We know God will be signed with His team forever and that He doesn't need money because it's all His anyway. We also know that He has already defeated sin, death, the grave, and the world. There it is; God has already won, but we never know what team will win the next game. As the old NFL saying goes, "Anything could happen on any given Sunday."

Don't get me wrong. I love sports. I love rooting for the Texas Longhorns, Dallas Cowboys, and Tennessee Titans in football, as well as the Spurs, Lakers, and Thunder in basketball, and the Rangers, Braves and Cardinals in baseball. I love rooting against the OU Sooners in any sport (sorry, Sooner fans. I still love ya!).

The fact that I love sports, though, could be disastrous for me if I'm not careful. I could let my love of sports overwhelm my love for my wife, my family, or my God. I could end up worshipping sports instead of God. That causes me to think very carefully and make sure I keep my priorities in check.

Do you get what I'm saying? Do you understand the significance of this dilemma? What should we do about it?

What do you think about the sports vs. God debate?

Peace, Love, and the Dallas Cowboys

I HAVE A DREAM

2011-01-17T10:16:00.000-06:00

The speech that changed America. Watch. Believe. Act.

Peace, Love, and Freedom

BUT...

2011-01-07T23:28:00.000-06:00

Steph and I were talking about stuff the other day and before we knew it we were fussing about whatever it was we were talking about. I don't remember exactly what our subject was. What I do remember is how the fussing started. I said something to the effect of, "I agree with you, but..." That one little word had a huge impact on the direction of that conversation. Had I not used those three letters I would have saved a lot of time and energy trying to explain myself.

See, the word "but" has the power to throw a conversation into reverse in under a second. When we say "but" we negate everything we said prior to that word. For example, "That show was great, but I wish there hadn't been so much singing." Even if the singing in the show were the best ever, the person who made the comment wasn't a fan of singing (shame on that person!).

In the case of my conversation with Steph, I ruined the good vibe by using that word. Even though I was giving my opinion - and my opinion is highly valued by my wife - the fact that I had already agreed with her was completely overshadowed (and nearly nullified) by "but." I'm learning that if I can keep the "but" out of the conversation it will end much better for me. Of course, "but" is appropriate in some situations. We have to be careful how we use "but," though, so it doesn't cause us problems. In other words, keep your "but" out of the way and you'll be just fine.

How has your "but" gotten you in trouble? How did you correct it?

Peace, Love, and Good Speech

TWO DOWN, A LIFETIME TO GO

2011-01-03T22:04:00.000-06:00

After two years of marriage Stephanie and I are still falling in love with each other every day. 2010 had its fill of difficult situations but we made it through each one with God's help. We are learning more about each other all the time. We're still getting to know each other which makes things tough at times, but once we have worked through an issue we get that much closer to each other.

Is it difficult? Not all the time.
Is it easy? Not all the time.
Is it like any other relationship we have (parents, siblings, friends, etc.)? Not all the time.

Steph is my best friend and I'm hers. Best friends are unique because they care about each other and get on each other's nerves all at once sometimes. It goes far beyond tolerating each other. It means that we know each other well enough to be certain that we are madly in love with each other regardless of what we're fussing about at the moment. The trick is to remind each other of that truth. Sometimes it's a lot easier than other times. But that's life, right?

I'm praying that this year reveals a lot more of that true love, respect, and trust that is making us better for each other all the time. When we're better for each other, it's a lot easier to be better to each other. When we're better to each other, it's a whole lot easier for us to get through the tough times. That makes it perfectly simple for us to live out the words of this song:

Happy anniversary, Baby! I love you now!!!

Peace, Love, and Great Marriage

TEN TOP TENS FOR 2010: part 10

2010-12-31T09:03:00.007-06:00

My final post in this series. My final post of the year. My final post to get you thinking about life and all its possibilities.

I don't know of anyone who doesn't want to make any positive changes in their life. And if someone says they don't have anything to change about themselves, they're delusional. Everyone changes in some way or another. We grow, we learn, we adapt. We become embittered, we become enlightened. We search for the best this life has to offer. Think about some thing or things you want/need to change in your life. Remember, you can't change anyone else. You can only change yourself. Do you have your change(s) in mind? Good. Now, let's talk logistics.

The top ten best times to make a positive change in your life:

10. Now.

9. Right now.

8. Do you know when "now" is?

7. This magic moment.

6. The time has come.

5. Isn't there something you should be doing besides reading this?
4. Wait ... you're still here?
3. Don't let this opportunity pass you by ... Oh, there it goes ... Well, catch it!
2. Why in the world are you still reading this?
1. It's always "now."

So, what are you waiting for? As my mama always said, "Don't put off today for tomorrow."

Peace, Love, and Now

TEN TOP TENS FOR 2010: part 9

2010-12-30T23:46:00.001-06:00

These are my top ten most memorable moments of 2010:

10. The Nashville flood (including baptizing the van in Jackson, concert in Glasgow, KY, and getting home)

9. Getting the honor of performing with Acappella Classic at Acafest

8. Visiting Bob Marley's home/museum

7. Learning about the murder of my good friend, Hal Moreland, the weekend before Christmas

6. Western Heights drum line winning drums at Konowa Marching Contest/Western Heights marching band getting straight superior ratings at OSSAA Marching Contest (first time to get an overall superior rating since 1999, first time to get superior ratings from all 3 judges since 1987)

5. Being on the Amazon River (as a matter of fact, the entire Brazil trip was unforgettable)

4. Steph's 30th birthday

3. Finding out we were expecting/Finding out we had to give our baby back to God before we even got
to hold it in our arms

2. Our first wedding anniversary

1. Sending Dad to his eternal home

What are some of your most memorable moments of 2010?

Peace, Love, and Memories

TEN TOP TENS FOR 2010: part 8

2010-12-29T11:08:00.000-06:00

And I quote...

10. "These people better not get a divorce or I'm gonna be so mad!" - Zac George at a wedding we sang for after a 16 hour drive ... after a 3 1/2 week Brazilian tour ... after a really long summer ... before a long trip back home via Nashville ... on a bus that broke down in Nashville ... after the air conditioner broke down ... in August.

9. "If I can't whoop 'em, I don't want 'em." - Steph speaking of other people's children

8. "Lil' girl, you can take your attitude elsewhere 'cause I ain't the one you need to mess with today." - Me at school ... 'nuff said.

7. Courtney Fowler to her son: "Brock, would you bring me my house shoes, por favor?"
Brock, after running to get the shoes: "Por favor is back!"

6. "Everybody ought to love sweet potatoes!" - Papa J telling the story of how he tried to bribe Dad to keep him from tattling when they were kids

5. "Aaaaaand ... there's water coming into the van." - Anthony Lancaster as we baptized our van

4. Gabby: "Are you gonna wear those shoes with that dress?"
Steph: "Are you gonna wear that face with that dress?"

3. "I'ma pray for you ... a lot!" - Me

2. "Lots of laughin', lots of lovin', lots of exercise; that's what's gonna make life fun!" - Steph

1. "I love you, Son." - Dad

End quote. What are some of your favorites from 2010?

Peace, Love, and Good Quotes

TEN TOP TENS FOR 2010: part 7

2010-12-28T12:20:00.000-06:00

I did Christmas movies the other day. Now, it's time for movies released in 2010. There were some great ones; many that I had to leave off my list because there were so many good ones. Here are my top ten:

10. Dear John
9. Shutter Island
8. Toy Story 3
7. Tangled
6. Letters To God
5. How To Train Your Dragon
4. Alice In Wonderland
3. Megamind
2. Inception
1. The Book Of Eli

Maybe you can hip me to some that I missed.

Peace, Love, and Good Movies

TEN TOP TENS OF 2010: part 6

2010-12-27T11:57:00.000-06:00

Today's post is the top ten blogs I've read this year. Here goes:

10. Brandon Scott Thomas
9. Blake Bergstrom
8. Patrick Mead
7. Anthony Evans
6. Joshua Graves
5. Terry Rush
4. Mark Driscoll
3. Pete Wilson
2. Compassion International
1. Trey Morgan

Which blogs do you like to read?

Peace, Love, and Good Blogs

TEN TOP TENS FOR 2010: part 5

2010-12-26T16:51:00.003-06:00

Since it's Sunday I thought it would be appropriate to share my top ten worship songs for this year. All of these songs have helped me get through various situations over the course of the year, whether good or bad. I hope there's a song on this list that speaks to you in a very real way:

10. Glory And Honor - Acappella
9. Trading My Sorrows - Darrell Evans
8. Blessed Be Your Name - Matt Redman
7. Healer - Hillsong
6. Our God Is Greater - Chris Tomlin
5. Majesty (Here I Am) - Martin Smith; Stuart Garrard
4. God Holds The Future In His Hands - James Rowe; James Vaughan
3. Firm Foundation - Jamie Harvill; Nancy Gordon
2. All I Need Is You - Hillsong
1. Rejoice - Anthony Evans

Name some of your favorite worship songs.

Peace, Love, and Worship

TEN TOP TENS FOR 2010: part 4

2010-12-25T10:05:00.001-06:00

Christmas Day - the biggest movie box office day of the year! How many blockbusters have been released on Christmas Day? Surely there's a count somewhere, but that's not what this post is about. This post is about great movies about Christmas, involving Christmas, set at Christmastime, etc. Let's spend a little time at the movies, shall we? This is my top ten Christmas movie list (this one was tough because there are so many great Christmas movies, so please add to this list):

10. Home Alone

9. The Family Stone

8. Elf

7. Miracle On 34th Street

6. Scrooged (and all the other movies based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens)

5. How The Grinch Stole Christmas

4. A Christmas Story

3. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

2. It's A Wonderful Life

1. A Charlie Brown Christmas

Name some other great Christmas movies.

Peace, Love, and Merry Christmas ... at the movies

TEN TOP TENS FOR 2010: part 3

2010-12-24T17:01:00.002-06:00

Today's list is all about traditions - Christmas traditions. Every family has Christmas traditions; some more than others. Here are ten Christmas traditions my family (Brannon, King, Fowler, Hackett, etc.) keeps:

10. Holiday travel
9. Christmas music on the car radio
8. Opening new pajamas on Christmas Eve
7. Day-after-Christmas shopping
6. Football!
5. Baking Christmas goodies
4. Decorating the tree
3. Caroling in nursing homes, schools, stores, and other places that need Christmas cheer
2. Spending quality time with family/friends
1. Jesus: the real Reason for the season

Feel free to share some of your Christmas traditions.

Peace, Love, and Merry Christmas

TEN TOP TENS FOR 2010: part 2

2010-12-23T09:07:00.003-06:00

Today's top ten list is dedicated to sports - the ten greatest team/school mascots. Some are serious, some are funny, all are the real deal. This ought to be fun! Here we go:

10. University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane

9. Oklahoma City Thunder

8. Muleshoe High School Mules (note: Why are they the Mules?)

7. Mustang High School Broncos (note: Why are they not the Mustangs?)

6. University of South Carolina Gamecocks

5. Dumas High School Demons

4. Stanford University Cardinal (note: Cardinal is singular)

3. Odessa Jackalopes

2. Texas Christian University Horned Frogs

1. Montgomery Biscuits

Gimme some more good ones!

Peace, Love, and Great Sports

TEN TOP TENS FOR 2010: part 1

2010-12-22T15:55:00.001-06:00

I love top ten lists so I want to share ten top ten lists on the last ten days of 2010. Some of the lists may be funny (although ... probably not very funny), some may be more serious, and some may be just plain ridiculous. Hope you will add to them if you have something to add.

For the first list, here's my top ten list of books I've read this year (in no particular order):

10. Stuff Christians Like - Jonathan Acuff
9. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - C.S. Lewis
8. The Haunted Mesa - Louis L'Amour
7. Good Book - David Plotz
6. Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey
5. Don't Make A Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings - Tyler Perry as Madea
4. Plan B - Pete Wilson
3. Love And Respect - Emerson Eggerichs
2. More Than Enough - Dave Ramsey
1. Ecclesiastes - King Solomon

Your turn to share your favorite books of 2010!

Peace, Love, and Good Reading

THE SING-OFF: AND THE WINNER IS...

2010-12-21T23:18:00.000-06:00

I guess I didn't come right out and say it, but I knew from the first episode who would win season 2 of NBC's The Sing-Off. If you read my post an the first week of the show, you might have guessed who I wanted to win, too. So, I'll give my congrats now and give my take on the show a little later.

Congratulations to COMMITTED from Huntsville, AL! I've been a fan of theirs from the first downbeat I heard them sing. Their harmonies blend naturally and all of them sing great leads. They are all musically advanced and sensitive to each other, as well as to the song they're singing. Kudos to these six young men. I wish them all the best!

Tell me what you thought about the show.

Peace, Love, and Good Music

THE SING-OFF: SEASON 2 (part 2)

2010-12-17T17:03:00.006-06:00

I'm gonna keep this one short, sweet, and to the point.

If you haven't been watching The Sing-Off, you've been missing out on some great music! This week's shows have been outstanding, to say the very least. It started out on Monday with six remaining groups and is now down to four (not three as it was originally intended). Although one of my favorite groups - Groove For Thought - was eliminated on Monday, the four who remain - The Backbeats, Street Corner Symphony, Committed, and Jerry Lawson & Talk of the Town - gave stellar performances on Wednesday. So stellar, in fact, that the judges couldn't bring themselves to cut either of them.

So, now it's up to you, America. Choose this day (or at least by Monday) whom you like the most and vote at http://www.nbc.com/sing-off/. As for me, I think I'm gonna have to vote for everyone (except The Backbeats; they've never been a favorite of mine. Don't get it twisted, though. They are quite talented and their rendition of "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac was outstanding. I just haven't quite bought into them yet.)

For a different point of view, check out judge Ben Folds' comments here!

Peace, Love, and Good Music

THE SING-OFF: SEASON 2

2010-12-12T20:57:00.001-06:00

It's back with a vengeance! NBC's hit a cappella competition, The Sing-Off, has returned for it's second season and the competitors are even more fierce than the first season. The ten competing groups are all outstanding. I'm glad I'm not a judge because I would not like to send any of them home. However, if there is no one willing to to send them home the show might drag on forever, and (almost) all good things are only good in moderation.

So, I'll give you a brief opinion of the groups each week. Hopefully, these few posts will encourage you to take interest and share your opinions of the show. I have no affiliation with the show, but I do love a cappella music and am a proponent of seeing it flourish on a national level.

1. ELEVENTH HOUR - the sole high school group on the show. These kids have great energy, lots of personality, and the determination to not be looked down on because of their youth. Fun to hear and see that kind of focus from a young generation that generally has very little interest in anything besides video games, computers, and being self-absorbed. Unfortunately, they didn't make it past the second show, but I do think they have great things in store for their future if they stay with it.

2. ON THE ROCKS - 15 dudes from the University of Oregon (the college of which Acappella's own Zachary Wilson is a huge fan). These guys are a ton of fun to watch. I'm interested to see them get more serious and sensitive. They remind me a lot of the Beelzebubs from Season 1.

3. GROOVE FOR THOUGHT - our resident jazz ensemble. These guys have a warm sound, a great blend, and fantastic ears for tight harmonies. I guess it helps that the majority of them are music teachers. I really dig this group.

4. PITCH SLAPPED - the mixed ensemble from Berklee College of Music in Boston. They have a good look and a great energy, but their sound was a bit forced and not quite balanced from top to bottom. I expected to see them go a lot farther based on their pre-performance vignette, but they were eliminated the first night. I do, however, wish them all the success they can handle!

5. JERRY LAWSON & TALK OF THE TOWN - our resident a cappella legends. Jerry Lawson, formerly of The Persuasions, has teamed up with a group of veteran music-makers to create an unparallelled representation of our a cappella roots. The music these gentlemen make is the type of music on which I was raised. They remind me of a lot of the old church singing groups I listened to (and sometimes had the honor to sing with) as a kid. Mr. Lawson has a humility about him that reminds me a lot of my dad. This group is very special to my heart.

6. THE WHIFFENPOOFS - America's first collegiate a cappella ensemble. This group of Yale seniors have a rich choral sound that is quite lovely. They are quirky, fun, and surprisingly enjoyable to watch. Unfortunately, their stiffness and lack of versatility has cost them a spot on the show. They were eliminated on the second night, but I trust their tradition won't be eliminated for a very long time.

7. MEN OF NOTE - some young, talented singers. These guys are ambitious and energetic, to say the least. The unfortunate part is that their energy became nervous energy on the competition stage and they got a little ahead of themselves. This caused them to be a little rigid and not quite relaxed enough to continue in the competition. They were eliminated the first night. I believe, however, that they are not finished singing!

8. STREET CORNER SYMPHONY - our Nashville connection. I'm a little partial to these guys because they are from Nashville and a couple of them have some connection with Acappella Ministries. Jon and Mark McLemore are two of the six southern cats who just rip it up with righteous harmonies, fantastic leads, and rock-solid time. I'm hoping to see them for the remainder of the show!

9. THE BACKBEATS - our resident conglomoration. This group of twenty-somethings is a mash-up of several different groups from southern California (some of them were on season 1) who have come together to create a very solid ensemble. Their strongest element, in my opinion, is the emotional connection they make with their audience. They really know how to dive into the heart of a song. I'm wondering how this will affect them in more up-tempo music. Can't wait to find out.

10 . COMMITTED - quite possibly the next Take 6. This group of youngsters are from the same college as the members of one of my favorite groups ever, Take 6. There must be something in the water there because these kids are crazy good! Their arrangements are ridiculous, their blend is unreal, their soloists are just dumb, and their overall cohesiveness is out of this world!! As much as I love some of the other groups, these guys are my run-away favorites. I don't know if they can be beaten. I guess we'll find out soon. By the way, Committed is primarily a ministry-oriented group, which makes me dig them even more!

So, there ya have it. That's what I think about season 2 of The Sing-Off so far.

What do you think?

Peace, Love, and Good Music

LIFE LESSONS FROM DAD (Post # 300)

2010-11-15T21:17:00.001-06:00

One month ago today Dad left this world to receive his reward. It's been a very difficult month, but it's given me more reason to reflect on the many things he taught me; Dad was such a great teacher (and the fact that I don't always get it right does not reflect the fact that he was such a great teacher). So, for my monumental 300th post, and in memory of Dad, I want to share my top ten list of the most important things he taught me. As was his custom, I'm going to back up every lesson with Scripture. I hope you get as much wisdom and insight from Dad as I have.

10. Always keep your promises. Jeremiah 44:25
9. Tell the truth, always. Zechariah 8:16
8. Get out of debt and stay out of debt. Proverbs 22:7
7. Do things right the first time. Jonah 1
6. Be kind to people, even when you don't want to. Matthew 25:34-40
5. Be patient. Ephesians 4:2
4. Never complain. 1 Corinthians 10:10
3. Work hard. Colossians 3:23-24
2. Trust God. Proverbs 3:5-6
1. Be good to each other (That was his marriage advice to Steph and me, but it works for everyone). Matthew 7:12

What else should I add to this list?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

LIFE IS LONG ENOUGH (by Max Lucado)

2010-11-02T15:24:00.000-05:00

All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old.

Psalm 139:16

No person lives one day more or less than God intends. "All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old."

But her days here were so few ...

His life was so brief ...

To us it seems that way. We speak of a short life, but compared to eternity, who has a long one? A person's days on earth may appear as a drop in the ocean. Your and mine may seem like a thimbleful. But compared to the Pacific of eternity, even the years of Methuselah filled no more than a glass. ...

In God's plan every life is long enough and every death is timely. And though you and I might wish for a longer life, God knows better.

Traveling Light

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

COPING MECHANISMS

2010-10-31T10:37:00.001-05:00

One of the worst parts of this past few weeks is figuring out how to cope. I am blessed beyond blessed to have a wife and daughter who have been so supportive and caring as I grieve for Dad. Now it's my turn to be supportive and caring while we grieve for the baby. I feel honored to say I provide some sense of strength and comfort for my family, but it's really not me providing that. It's God working through me. Either way, I'm trying to figure out the best ways to get through a time like this.

So far, I have come up with reading (especially Scripture), prayer, talking with family and friends who have been through the same types of situations, listening to uplifting & comforting music, reading, prayer, spending time with good friends who come to visit, singing (which is tougher to do when your heart is mangled like mine), reading, prayer, watching good movies, writing, and reading ... and prayer. I'm seriously considering training for a marathon, too. Otherwise, that's all I got.

What coping mechanisms do you suggest?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

REJOICE AND BE GLAD

2010-10-28T21:48:00.000-05:00

B. C. Brannon, 91, of Borger, died Friday Oct. 15, 2010, in Amarillo.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wed. Oct. 20, 2010, at the Church of Christ at Borger. Burial was in the “Garden of Love” at Westlawn Cemetery under the direction of Minton/Chatwell Funeral Directors of Borger.

B. C. was born April 30, 1919, in Dodd City, to Isaac and Lizzie Brannon. He was the minister at Jim Hall St. Church of Christ. He was a retired airplane assembly mechanic. He was a longtime Borger resident. He was preceded in death by his parents, sons Ronald Williams, Earnest Earl, and James Henry, first wife Vera, and second wife Shirley.

He married Jonell Wilson Nov. 26, 1994, in Plainview.

He is survived by his wife Jonell of Borger, sons, Bobby Ray Brannon and Robert Brannon, both of Portland, OR, and Robin Charles Brannon of Edmond, OK; 12 stepchildren, brother L. J. Brannon of Childress, sisters, Verdele Jackson of Gainesville, TX and Adele Bates of Bonham, TX, 11 grandchildren, 36 step grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

To send condolences, sign the online guestbook at http://www.mintonchatwell.com/.

I have decided that October is my new least favorite month. Not only did we lose Dad, but we also found out today that we lost our baby. We are hurting, but we know that God is faithful and just - His ways are far higher than our ways, and His thoughts are far higher than our thoughts. His knows exactly what we need and what is best for us. He also knows how to comfort us in our time of greatest need.

Rejoice, Family, and be glad that Dad doesn't have to suffer anymore - ever again! - and that Baby never has to deal with this world, but gets to party with Dad, Mama, Ron, Ernie, Gram, and all the rest of those who have gone on before. Great is their reward!

Shalom

WHAT I DID ON MY SUMMER VACATION: Part 3

2010-09-19T22:59:00.000-05:00

We left Searcy the third time and headed back to Tennessee. It was a grewat opportunity to spend some quality time with the in-laws ... except for the fact that we were in preparation for ACAFEST, so I didn't get much face time with the fam for a little while. However, the end result was memorable and meaningful for me as well as the rest of the Aca-fellas. We were blessed to perform with Acappella Classic!

It was, to say the least, a fantastic experience. I learn so much every time I get a chance to sing with Acappella alumni. I feel like I grow as a musician and as a Christian when I'm around those guys. So, if you are an Acappella alumni and you're reading this, thank you for giving yourselves to God and His work. You are an inspiration to me!

After ACAFEST, we traveled to Houston and Lufkin, TX for a couple of concerts at a couple of amazing churches. I hope to write more about them later, but I really need to move forward before winter gets here!

Next up, Brasil!!!

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

I LOVE YOU, MAMA

2010-09-17T06:52:00.000-05:00

Shalom

WHAT I DID ON MY SUMMER VACATION: Part 2

2010-09-07T21:37:00.000-05:00

Arkansas: The Natural State. I spent quite a bit of time in Arkansas this summer - more than usual, anyway. It was for a good reason, though. Acappella got to sing as part of Uplift at Harding University in Searcy, AR. Uplift is a three-week event in which three different groups of campers converge on the Harding campus for a week at a time to learn more about Jesus, grow in their faith, and fellowship with other high school and junior high kids from all over the place. Since we were allowed to perform all three weeks, we got to travel back and forth three times from Oklahoma.

We had just returned from Tennessee visiting my in-laws for Gabby's birthday (can you believe she's twelve now?!?!) and Gab decided to stay there with the fam while Steph and I spent the next three weeks in OK. Zac and Lacey George invited Steph and me to their parents' house in Arkansas for a couple days before the first Uplift concert. We got to spend some great bonding time with the George family, and I got to do something I hadn't done in about five years. I GOT TO PLAY DRUMS!!!
(here's a sample)

Anyway, we ended up doing the Uplift concerts and they were tons of fun! Maybe I'll get to talk about them in depth sometime. Until then, I guess you'll have to settle for boring stories about our boring travels. It's always boring!

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

WHAT I DID ON MY SUMMER VACATION: Part 1

2010-08-25T15:10:00.000-05:00

To say it's been a busy summer would likely contend for the "Most Understated Phrase of the Year" award.

It's been so busy, I haven't blogged for about three months.
It's been so busy, I haven't read any blogs for possibly more than three months.
It's been so busy, I forgot how to blog! (Okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration.)

Either way, I've had a remarkable summer, to say the least. It all started with a trip to Kentucky that went horribly awry.

It was the first weekend of May. The Aca-fellas and I were scheduled to perform at a youth rally in Glasgow, KY that Saturday, then near Gulfport, MS the next day. As we drove toward Glasgow that Friday evening, the weather started getting pretty rough (cue the "Gilligan's Island" theme). Our plan was to drive to Jackson, TN, spend the night there, and go the final five-or-so hours to Glasgow the following morning. Well, we made it to Jackson, but not without some near misses.

As we got into Arkansas, we turned on the radio to hear whether we should be concerned about the weather or not. As it turned out, we should have been concerned. The weather man was talking about a tornado touching down and causing quite a bit of damage about an hour ahead of us. We decided to keep going. We figured if the tornado had already hit, it wouldn't come back there. A little while later, we found out there was a tornado touching down about an hour behind us. That's when we got a little nervous. We were surrounded by tornados!

By God's grace, we made it to a small motel in Jackson. It was raining pretty hard and steadily. The tornado sirens were going off ... all night long. People who know me know I don't sleep all that well on a regular basis. Heavy rain and sirens certainly didn't help matters much. The next morning we loaded up the van and started out of the parking lot. That's about as far as we got. We didn't realize how high the water in the parking lot was until we were wading through it from the van that had just been baptized (It was waist-deep.).

After some phone calls and frustrations (and a ride on the back of a tow-truck ... inside the van), Wes got us up and running in a rental van. We made it to Glasgow about 30 minutes before we were to sing. Some of the guys had wet clothes. Some had really wet clothes. Either way, we got through the concert and loaded out when we found out that we wouldn't be going to Mississippi after all. A massive flood had struck Nashville - we had just driven through there a few hours before and were supposed to drive through there again - and we were stranded. Thanks to the kindness of Dale and Brenda Clark, we were put up for the night, worshiped with the Impact Church in Glasgow the next morning, and got on the road in the Clark's family vehicle on a northwestern route through Louisville, KY and St. Louis, MO on our way home. We made it home around 3:00 AM.

Looking back, it was only by the grace of God we made it anywhere that weekend. Interestingly enough, that was just the beginning of summer break!

How was your summer?

Next, more adventures in Arkansas.

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

THIS MIGHT HURT...

2010-06-18T11:26:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking about idolatry quite a bit lately and I'm noticing more and more what an idolater I am. I pray that God will help me overcome my idols and worship only Him. Check out this clip. You'll understand what I'm talking about.

Whom/what are you worshipping?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

I KNOW A YALE GRAD

2010-05-24T21:29:00.000-05:00

Just a quick word of congratulations to my buddy, Eric Barry, who just graduated from Yale with a Master's degree in vocal performance. Eric and I went to little ol' WTAMU together and I had the privilege of singing with him on more than one occaision. Eric's a great guy and I wish him all the success he could ever hope for!

Congrats, Buddy! I'm proud of you!

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

WE ARE HOPEFUL

2010-05-23T21:50:00.001-05:00

Most everyone is hopeful for something.

Some hope for health, some for wealth;

Some for family, some for sanity;
Some for life, some for death;

Some for love.

I'm hopeful for a new job. Not that I don't love my current job(s), but I'm in need of something more stable and consistent (mainly for my sanity). I have a great opportunity to work at a great place. The interview happens Monday at 1:00. I'm hopeful that it works out in a way that I can provide for my family by doing something I love to do.

There are some, however, who have no hope. One of my very favorite quotes is from Dr. Brent McCall who says, "The most dangerous man in the world is the man with no hope." I am hopeful that I will never be that man. If you are that man, I am praying for you to find hope. If you know that man, pray for him and help him find hope.

For what are you hopeful?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

AND I QUOTE...

2010-05-21T20:51:00.000-05:00

"I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose."

1 Corinthians 1:10 - NLT

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

PARENT-TEACHERS

2010-05-18T11:38:00.000-05:00

Parents are teachers by default. We teach our children how to walk and talk, how to work and play, how to give and take. We also teach them our habits (good and bad), fears (healthy and unhealthy), and much of the intricacies that make us who we are. I don't know how many times I've heard the phrase, "You are your father's son," or "You are your mother's daughter." What we do as examples sticks a lot more than we realize sometimes. And sometimes we influence our kids in ways we didn't consider.

For example, the parent who won't allow their teenager to go on the school trip because they will be flying and the parent is afraid of flying. In the teen's mind, "Flying should be an awesome experience, but I won't know that until I'm out of this house." Then, once that teen is out of the house and on their own, they develop an intense fear of flying because they don't know what to expect and it just seems crazy that a machine that big can get up in the air and stay there and what if it crashes and we're all gonna die and...

On the other hand, we do teach our children good things. Let's say the same parents have always been very frugal and responsible with money, saving what needs to be saved, spending only what needs to be spent, investing enough to make the money work for them instead of them working for the money, and giving enough away to make a huge difference. The teen has always seen money treated this way and learns by watching Mom and Dad to follow suit. As a result, the teen grows up to be a responsible and generous adult who teaches his children to handle money the same way.

So, now it's time to take stock of the example we set.

What are you teaching your children?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

I'VE BEEN BUSY

2010-05-13T17:14:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted. I had some other stuff in the works, but I ended up scrapping it for the time being.
I've been busy.
I've been VERY busy.
I've been working ... A LOT!
I've been spending time with my beautiful girls.
I've been working on some Dave Ramsey personal finance stuff so I can take care of those beautiful girls (and myself) like I'm supposed to.
I've been working on life, trying to live the way I'm supposed to live.
I'm still working on it. I may never finish working on it.
I'll keep trying, though, because that's all I can do.

What have you been doing?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

TAKIN' CARE OF BUSINESS

2010-04-28T22:16:00.000-05:00

I've not been posting much lately. I could blame it on a number of reasons, but the bottom line is that I've just not been as diligent with my blog as I have been with other facets of my life.

That's probably a really good thing!

I finished re-reading The Richest Man In Babylon yesterday and it's got me all motivated. If you haven't read that classic gem on finances, I implore you to go get it and read it right away! Proverbs spends a ton of time talking about gaining wisdom. There is a whole lot of wisdom to be gained from this book.

Everyone has something about themselves they want to make better. For me, two things: finances and punctuality. I've already started working on both issues.

Do you have anything you want to make better about your life?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

GREATEST MARRIAGE ADVICE EVER

2010-04-19T22:06:00.000-05:00

When Steph and I got married, my dad gave us the greatest marriage advice ever:

"Be good to each other."

Dad was always known for making things easy to understand.

If we're being good to each other, we have no time or room to be un-good to each other. Now, don't you wish you had thought of that?!

What's the greatest marriage advice you've heard?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

COMFORTED OR COMFORTABLE?

2010-04-14T22:29:00.005-05:00

This question has been rattling around in my mind for quite some time now:

Are we supposed to be comforted or comfortable?

Think about this question for a moment. When was the last time you went through something difficult? Loss of a loved one? Financial woes? Bad grade? Betrayal? If you prayed, did you pray for God to comfort you in your time of need, or did you pray for God to make you comfortable?

I know I tend to ask God to make me comfortable. When the money is tight I ask for him to put a job in my hands instead of asking him to help me be a better steward of the money and resources he has given me.

When I'm stressed out about not having enough time to get everything done I ask for him to give me a vacation instead of asking him to help me manage my precious time better.

See where I'm going with this? I would much rather be comfortable than comforted. That's on me, though. I cannot be entitled and spoiled and expect God to bless that type of attitude. Instead, I'm called to be like Jesus, who, even though he was God, thought nothing of himself, but served those around him (Phil. 2). If I learn to serve like Jesus did, and love like he does, then I won't ever think to ask to be comfortable because I'm busy being comforted by the "peace of God, which transcends all understanding" (Phil. 4:7).

So, what do you want to be - comforted or comfortable?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

PROVERBS: WEEK 1

2010-04-08T08:34:00.000-05:00

As I've been reading and studying Proverbs this week, I've noticed a distinctly unmissable message: Wisdom is the key! So far, Solomon, the person attributed with the majority of the authorship of Proverbs, has hammered on the topic of wisdom for eight chapters straight, with no sign of letting up any time soon.

Besides his admonition for the reader - to whom he speaks as a father to his son - to gain wisdom, he specifies some key areas in which to gain this wisdom. In chapter 2, he encourages wisdom pertaining to the importance of avoiding "the immoral woman." He returns to the topic in chapter 5, and again in chapter 7. If someone spends the majority of three chapters (out of eight) coming back to the same topic, I would think that that author is resolved to get his point across. Maybe he has personal experience and is trying his best to warn anyone who will listen to not follow his example. We are talking about Solomon, the wise king with 700 wives and 300 girlfriends. He probably knows a thing or two about this subject!

Solomon also speaks adamantly against the love (or worship) of money. He makes quick mention of it in Prov. 3:9-10, along with a few other places, but then spends all of chapter 6 expounding on the subject. I might add that the end of chapter 6 is a segue back into the immoral woman issue.

It seems to me that Solomon really wants us to spend time working on our hearts - weeding out the junk that blinds us from the wonders God has in store for those who live holy lives. This is huge! We have a great opportunity to example the way of life to which we've been called. It starts with seeking wisdom, getting our hearts in check, promoting fidelity in our marriages, and stewarding our finances in a way that pleases God.

There's more to the story. We'll dig deeper into it as the days and weeks go by. Your thoughts?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

OH, JOHNNY!

2010-04-07T22:11:00.001-05:00

I've recently come to realize that I love Johnny Depp's movies. He is among my top five favorite actors (don't ask me to name my top five right now ... it changes too much). I just thought I'd mention that.

Any actor/actress you're really into right now?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

I WANT (ANSWERS)

2010-04-04T20:17:00.002-05:00

Everybody has dreams. Some folk don't share their dreams, some don't realize them, some don't even acknowledge them. Regardless, everyone dreams about something. Everyone wants something. For one it may be financial success, for another a happy home, for yet another a great adventure. Everyone wants something.

A while back, I posted this about what we want, but I never gave my answer for the proposed question. The time has come for me to answer my own question. (The question, for those of you who didn't read the other post, is this: What do you want?)

I want to love and serve my family the way they deserve to be loved and served.
I want to be a great example for my child(ren).
I want to be out of debt.
I want to sell our house in Tennessee.
I want to provide for my family.
I want to be financially stable.
I want to serve God without hesitation, reservation, or contemplation.
I want to go where ever He sends me and never question that decision.
I want to live regret-free.
I want to live excuse-free.
I want to not cringe when I hear my wife or my daughter start a statement with "I want..."
I want to have undeniable peace in my soul.
I want to wake up each morning, kiss my wife, hug my daughter, and thank God no matter what the day holds.
I want to be content.
I want to be free.
I want to go to heaven ... now!

The trip about this whole thing is that I can have everything I want and then some. As long as I seek the kingdom of God first, everything else will come along in its appointed time. So, I guess I should say that I want to worship God. Everything else is just details.

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

ALIVE!

2010-04-04T06:51:00.003-05:00

ROAD. DARK. STARS. SHADOWS. FOUR. SANDALS. Robes. Quiet. Suspense. Grove. Trees. Alone. Questions. Anguish. “Father!” Sweat. God. Man. God-Man. Prostrate. Blood. “NO!” “Yes.” Angels. Comfort.

Footsteps. Torches. Voices. Romans. Surprise. Swords. Kiss. Confusion. Betrayal. Fearful. Run! Bound. Wrists. Marching.

Courtyard. Priests. Lamps. Sanhedrin. Caiaphas. Sneer. Silk. Arrogance. Beard. Plotting. Barefoot. Rope. Calm. Shove. Kick. Annas. Indignant. Messiah? Trial. Nazarene. Confident. Question. Answer. Punch!

Peter. “Me?” Rooster. Thrice. Guilt.

Proceedings. Court. Rejection. Prosecute. Weary. Pale. Witnesses. Liars. Inconsistent. Silence. Stares. “Blasphemer!” Anger. Waiting. Bruised. Dirty. Fatigued. Guards. Spit. Blindfold. Mocking. Blows. Fire. Twilight.

Sunrise. Golden. Jerusalem. Temple. Passover. Lambs. Lamb. Worshipers. Priests. Messiah. Hearing. Fraud. Prisoner. Waiting. Standing. Shifting. Strategy. “Pilate!” Trap. Murmurs. Exit.

Stirring. Parade. Crowd. Swell. Romans. Pilate. Toga. Annoyed. Nervous. Officers. Tunics. Spears. Silence. “Charge?” “Blasphemy.” Indifference. Ignore. (Wife. Dream.) Worry. Interview. Lips. Pain. Determined. “King?” “Heaven.” “Truth.” “Truth?” Sarcasm. (Fear.) “Innocent!” Roar. Voices. “Galilean!” “Galilee?” “Herod!”

9:00 A.M. Marchers. Palace. Herod. Fox. Schemer. Paunchy. Crown. Cape. Scepter. Hall. Elegance. Silence. Manipulate. Useless. Vexed. Revile. Taunt. “King?” Robe. Theatrical. Cynical. Hateful. “Pilate!”

Marching. Uproar. Prisoner. Hushed. Pilate. “Innocent!” Bedlam. “Barabbas!” Riot. Despair. Christ. Bare. Rings. Wall. Back. Whip. Slash. Scourge. Tear. Bone. Moan. Flesh. Rhythm. Silence. Whip! Silence. Whip! Silence. Whip! Thorns. Stinging. Blind. Laughter. Jeering. Scepter. Slap. Governor. Distraught. (Almost.) Eyes. Jesus. Decision. Power. Freedom? Threats. Looks. Yelling. Weak. Basin. Water. Swayed. Compromise. Blood. Guilt.

Soldiers. Thieves. Crosspiece. Shoulder. Heavy. Beam. Heavy. Sun. Stagger. Incline. Houses. Shops. Faces. Mourners. Murmurs. Pilgrims. Women. Tumble. Cobblestone. Exhaustion. Gasping. Simon. Pathetic. Golgotha.

Skull. Calvary. Crosses. Execution. Death. Noon. Tears. Observers. Wails. Wine. Nude. Bruised. Swollen. Crossbeam. Sign. Ground. Nails. Pound. Pound. Pound. Pierced. Contorted. Thirst. Terrible. Grace. Writhing. Raised. Mounted. Hung. Suspended. Spasms. Heaving. Sarcasm. Sponge. Tears. Taunts. Forgiveness. Dice. Gambling. Darkness.

Absurdity.

Death. Life.

Pain. Peace.

Condemn. Promise.

Nowhere. Somewhere.

Him. Us.

“Father!” Robbers. Paradise. Wailing. Weeping. Stunned. “Mother.” Compassion. Darkness. “My God!” Afraid. Scapegoat. Wilderness. Vinegar. “Father.” Silence. Sigh. Death. Relief.

Earthquake. Cemetery. Tombs. Bodies. Mystery. Curtain. Spear. Blood. Water. Spices. Linen. Tomb. Fear. Waiting. Despair. Stone. Mary. Running. Maybe? Peter. John. Belief. Enlightenment. Truth. Mankind. Alive. Alive. Alive!

From No Wonder They Call Him the Savior
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2005) Max Lucado

Peace. Love. Dark Chocolate

AROUND THE SUN

2010-04-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today marks another trip around the sun for the most beautiful woman in my world! If you get a chance, take a moment to show her some love in my comment section (or you could go to her blog, but she hasn't been blogging all that much lately, so maybe here would be better? I dunno...).

If you hadn't noticed, I'm madly in love with this woman! She is absolutely gorgeous, totally intelligent, and completely sold out to Jesus! There is no other woman on the planet as amazing as my Roo-Baby ... and I don't care if I'm biased (it's my blog. I can be biased if I want to be!), I'm just speaking the truth!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Baby. I love you now!

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

WORDS OF WISDOM

2010-04-01T21:21:00.000-05:00

The Purpose of Proverbs

1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.

Prov. 1:1-4 (NLT)

I have been reading a chapter of Proverbs each day for the past month. I'm going to keep doing this throughout the year in addition to the rest of my reading, whatever that may be. I'm going to read from a different translation each month to keep things kinda fresh and new for me. So, I figure it might be good to share some of the things I learn from my daily readings. This will hold me accountable and give me some insight from other people (if anyone makes comments) about the Word of God and how it applies to our lives. I hope you'll join me on this journey.

Today, it's all about wisdom. The purpose of the Proverbs is to help the reader acquire wisdom. It gives constant encouragement for the reader to seek wisdom (Prov. 1:2). It speaks to us like a dad speaking to his son (Prov. 1:8-19). It calls out to us from the streets like a person trying to help their loved one find his way back home (Prov. 1:20-33).

The majority of the book was written by the wisest man in the world (besides Jesus, of course); he should know what he's talking about. The whole book is common sense stuff that we tend to forget.

So, today's thought is simple: seek wisdom in every way you possibly can. Don't wait. Start now!

Peace, Love, and Wisdom (and Dark Chocolate)

AND I QUOTE...

2010-03-31T22:30:00.002-05:00

"Every other day, I’ll rev that sucker up to twelve miles an hour and do three five-minute intervals. Running at that speed for that duration doesn’t come naturally to anyone-it’s hideous, absolutely horrible. But by pushing past the pain, you become progressively tougher. You prove to yourself that pain is just that, pain. You can walk away from it afterward knowing that you surpassed a barrier that makes most humans curl into the fetal position and weep for Jesus."

- UFC fighter Forrest Griffin
via Daniel Wright, Biggest Loser Season 8

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

TREASURE

2010-03-29T22:10:00.000-05:00

I treasure my family.

I'm madly in love with my beautiful wife.

I'm amazed by my wonderful daughter.

I'm inspired by my hero of a dad.

I'm strengthened by my fabulous mom.

I'm given hope by my super siblings.

I'm encouraged by my incredible in-laws.

I'm entertained by my fantastic friends.

I'm unequivocally loved by my heavenly Father.

What more could I ever need?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

I FORGOT WHAT I WAS GOING TO WRITE ABOUT

2010-03-23T22:37:00.002-05:00

At one point today I had a really interesting topic to write about. Over the course of my busy day, though, I forgot what it was. I cannot, for the life of me, remember what I was going to write about. Sure, I might remember later on. It may take a few days, and I may forget that I had been thinking of it in the first place, but I'll probably get it back someday.

I mentioned it to my wife and she said, "You were gonna write about cuddling me."

Guess I have some cuddling to do. :) G'nite!

Don't you hate it when you forget what you were going to say?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

AND I QUOTE...

2010-03-22T22:39:00.002-05:00

"Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils."

- Louis Hector Berlioz

19th century French composer

Don't let your teacher get away from you without learning something great!

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

AND WE'RE BACK!

2010-03-21T22:26:00.001-05:00

I now deem Spring Break officially over! We had a great trip to Tennessee to visit friends and family, and to rehearse with the boys in preparation for our new and improved concert program, which debuts in less than a week. I hope to see some of you at an upcoming concert. Here's a short list of dates:

March

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Date: Saturday, March 27th, 2010

Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00p.m.

Location: Tulsa Fairgrounds (Central Park)

Event: Free Concert as a part of the Tulsa Workshop.

Contact: Shane Coffman (918) 520-6959

Web site: http://www.tulsaisww.com/

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Date: Sunday, March 28th, 2010
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Location: Oklahoma City Ford Center

Event: We will be performing the National Anthem at the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Portland Trail Blazers NBA game (how cool is that?!)

Contact: http://www.oc.edu/thunder.aspx

April

North Richland Hills, Texas

Date: Saturday, April 10th, 2010

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Location: Legacy Church of Christ

Event: Private concert for Oklahoma Christian University's North Texas Alumni Dinner Auction.

Info: http://www.oc.edu/auction

North Richland Hills, Texas

Date: Sunday, April 11th, 2010

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Location: Legacy Church of Christ

Event: Free Concert

Contact: http://www.legacycoc.org/ or call (817) 485-6749

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Date: Friday, April 16th, 2010

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00p.m.

Location: Riverside Church of Christ

Event: Free Concert

Contact: Kent Hall (505) 898-2627 or www.klajhall@aol.com

Web Site: http://www.minuteswithmessiah.com/church/rside.html

Amarillo, Texas

Date: Saturday, April 17th, 2010

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Location: Central Church of Christ

Event: Concert - Tickets $10.00 adults, $7.00 children under 10 Groups of 10 or more $7.00 each.

Contact: (806) 373-4389 or http://www.amarillocentral.org/

Garland, Texas

Date: Sunday, April 25th, 2010

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Saturn Road Church of Christ

Event: Free Concert
Contact: (972) 271-2444 or http://www.saturnroad.org/

May

Glasgow, Kentucky

Date: Saturday, May 1st, 2010

Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location: Plaza Theater

Event: Free Concert for the IMPACT Youth Rally

Contact: Refuge Church of Christ (207) 678-4366

Picayune, Mississippi
Date: Sunday, May 2nd, 2010

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Location: First Baptist Church of Picayune

Event: Free Concert

Contact: Josh Spears (601) 337-0236

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Date: Friday, May 21st, 2010

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Location: TBA

Cincinnati, Ohio

Date: Saturday, May 22nd, 2010

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Location: Cincinnati Christian University

Event: Concert festival

Contact: http://www.acapellacinnati.eventbright.com/

Which concert will you attend?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

REST

2010-03-11T22:46:00.000-06:00

"May the presence of the Lord go with you, and he will give you rest."

-from Acappella's album Find Your Way

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

MAGIC MUSIC TIME

2010-03-10T22:04:00.002-06:00

My bride showed me this video last night and I had to share it with blog-world!

You're welcome.
Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

I WONDER...

2010-03-09T21:54:00.001-06:00

Your thoughts?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

EVERYBODY HURTS

2010-03-08T22:34:00.000-06:00

I heard this great song today and it brought me to reality. No matter what we go through, there is hope. No one is immune to the adverse situations that arise in this journey called life. Everybody hurts some time. What makes the difference is how we handle the pain.

Don't give up. There is hope.

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

I WANTED TO PUNCH A KID IN THE FACE

2010-03-07T20:31:00.001-06:00

(Disclaimer: I DID NOT punch anyone in the face...or anywhere else.)

We were standing in the check-out line at the grocery store today and quite possibly the single most rude child I've ever seen was standing in front of us with his mother. This little boy, maybe age 12 or so, had short blond hair, iPod earbuds in one ear, and an attrocious attitude. The entire time we were in line behind them, he was yelling (literally yelling) at his mom about how stupid she was - how she wasn't using the self-check-out machine correctly, how she was so slow, how she didn't sign her name on the credit card reader. I stared the kid down the entire time, but he never looked at me. I soooo wanted to walk up to him, punch him in the mouth, and say, "Do you know who this woman is? She's the woman who brought you into this world, provided food, clothing, and shelter for you, gave you all kinds of nice things, like that iPod you have jammed in your head like a fool, and this is how you repay her? I ought to beat some Jesus into you myself, but I'll let her do that for me. You had best learn some respect, and quickly, before you mess around and get yourself killed!"

But I didn't.

Steph wouldn't let me. She loves me too much to see me go to jail for beating up a child. If she hadn't been standing between him and me, though, things just might have been different...

And what was worse, the mom just stood there and took it! I wanted to tell her to beat her child! That's the problem with parents these days: they are so afraid of getting in trouble, and the government is so deep into the parents' business, that parents have lost their backbones. Stephanie was about to go Madea on both the mom and the kid: "You wanna call CPS? I'll call 'em myself!" I really wish she would have... it would've been awesome!

The moral of the story is three-fold:

1. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." Eph. 6:1

2. "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Prov. 22:6

3. "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." Prov. 13:24 (or, in the paraphrase of "Pops" from Tyler Perry's House of Payne, "Get the rod, whoop the child!")

Seen any kids acting a fool lately?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

FAITH LIKE A CHILD

2010-03-06T21:41:00.001-06:00

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

FIRE!!!

2010-03-05T22:40:00.002-06:00

There was an enormous fire in our apartment tonight!
We were making dinner and some of the marshmallows from the sweet potato casserole bubbled over and landed on the floor of the oven. Then they caught on fire. It was crazy! There was smoke all over the place. I couldn't even see the casserole dish for all the smoke.

Instinctively, I panicked. I didn't know what to do, so I did the only logical thing I could think of.

I blew it out.

Turns out it wasn't a big fire at all.
There was hardly even any smoke.

But my family thinks I'm all brave now. Totally worth it!

Had you going for a second, didn't I?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

GETTING THE ITCH

2010-03-04T21:42:00.000-06:00

I'm so eager to get back on stage, I just don't think I can stand it! I'm also getting excited about the upcoming drum corps season, even though I won't get to see any live shows because of the touring schedule. I'm hoping to get a gig somewhere writing/teaching for a high school drum line in the upcoming season. If anyone knows of an OKC area line that needs some assistance, throw in a good word for me, and then let me know so I can pursue it, would ya?

Back to my original statement - getting back on stage. We have less than one month until our first full concert since November! For those of you who aren't counting, that's more than four months!! I can't put into words my level of excitement for the possibilities of what is ahead. We are working on new music, new "old" music, new not-quite-so-"old" music, and of course, some "old" music (gotta keep it all fresh). Some of you who are facebook fans of Acappella, or friends of mine, have seen some rehearsal videos of a few "old" tunes we are freshening up. That's not really even the tip of the iceberg. We are working on some major upgrades that will take our shows to the "next level" and beyond!

Hope to see some of you readers soon at a concert near you. If you find out we're going to be where you are, drop us a line and let us know. We could always use the encouragement!

In the meantime, we prepare for the Tulsa Workshop on March 27.

Hang on tight... it's gonna be a great trip!!

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

HOOKS & VERSES

2010-03-03T21:20:00.001-06:00

I was thinking about pop music today. I'm not really sure why. I'm not a huge pop music fan. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of pop artists I enjoy, but I don't necessarily follow the music like some folks might. Now, as I say that, give me a good Michael Jackson, Prince, Boyz II Men, or Mariah Carey tune, and I'm a pretty happy dude!

Anyway, I was thinking about pop music today - particularly about what pop music has come to; catchy hooks sung by people who probably have a good deal of talent but are auto-tuned all to pieces (another topic for another day) can only go so far. That's the part most people listen to...but I know fans of good music, like you, want more than just a catchy hook and some auto-tune.

Let's talk about the verses. It used to be that the verses to songs mattered almost more than the choruses.
Take My Girl for example. Most people know the verses to that song because David Ruffin put such thought and care into crafting each line to a memorable moment. The chorus is memorable in itself, but those verses are where it's at!

Nowadays, it's all about the hook. For instance, I Got A Feelin' by the Black-Eyed Peas. If you know the words to the verses of that tune, I commend you. I am willing to bet, though, that most of America doesn't have a clue. It's all about the hook. "I got a feelin' (woo hoo) that tonight's gonna be a good night..." People know that. Who needs a verse when you've got a hook like that?

Today's pop stars, in my opinion, really need a refresher course (or maybe a beginner course) in the art of singing great verses. I'm of the school of thought that verses are the gateway to the hook. If you only had the opportunity to sing the verses, but not the hook, could you still carry the song? People tend to do their most flashy work during the hook, especially once those pesky verses are done. I find it more impressive if a singer kills a verse...and then kills the hook!

And so I make my appeal to all aspiring pop musicians and songwriters:

BRING BACK THE GREAT VERSES!

It would make life, and music, so much more meaningful.

I'm just sayin'!

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate...and great verses

SHAPE

2010-03-02T19:29:00.001-06:00

Recently I heard Chip Ingram talking about ways to get involved in ministry and use the talents God has given us. He called it our SHAPE. Puzzle pieces have all different shapes, but they fit together in a specific way to form a big picture and complete the puzzle. Figuring out our SHAPE is one good way to find out where we fit into the puzzle we call ministry. Of course, SHAPE is an acronym. It helps us to better understand how we can get involved in God's work.

S - Spritual gifts (Do I have the gift of counseling, benevolence, organization, etc.?)
H - Heart/Passion (Do I have a passionate heart to serve those whom I'm called to serve?)
A - Abilities (What am I able to do well?)
P - Personality (How can my personality be used to help people see Jesus?)
E - Experience (How can I put my spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, and personality to work and gain ministry experience?)

So, what's your SHAPE?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

I'M AMAZED

2010-03-01T21:49:00.000-06:00

Regardless of what I'm going through, regardless of my circumstances, regardless of my poor choices or lack of discipline, I can't help but be amazed at what Jesus went through for me. It puts my petty problems into perspective. It paints the perfect picture of perseverance. Knowing the sacrifice Jesus made for me, I have no choice but to be amazed.

Lord, I'm amazed by you - how you love me!

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

AND I QUOTE...

2010-02-28T20:03:00.003-06:00

"My partner married me because she or he thought the pleasing things I was doing during our courtship would continue for the rest of our lives. Am I holding up my end of this bargain?"
- Willard F. Harley, Jr.
from His Needs Her Needs

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

BE STILL

2010-02-27T22:06:00.003-06:00

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

I GIVE UP

2010-02-25T20:23:00.000-06:00

Considering everything that has happened over the past few weeks, I find it only appropriate to declare that I'm surrendering every aspect of my life to the One who gave me this life in the first place. I will accept whatever God places in my life, whether I like it or not. He is so much bigger than any trial or sorrow I might face. I want my life to bring glory to his name.

So, Lord, bring the rain if that's your will. You are holy.

God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good.

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

SORROW FOR THE NIGHT, JOY FOR THE MORNING

2010-02-25T08:31:00.000-06:00

I eagerly await the Day when there is no more sorrow. How wonderful it will be when the only tears we cry are tears of joy and awe at the sight of the Holy One!

Unfortunately, that Day hasn't come, yet. It will come soon enough (very soon), but until it comes, we must endure all of the pain, hardship, and brokenness this world has to offer.

There are some, though, who are already experiencing life face-to-face with the Father. One of the most recent is baby Lorna Ganeath Galatian.

Our sweet friends, Scott and Nanci Galatian, have been foster and adoptive parents for quite a while, but never had a child themselves. On Tuesday, February 23, that changed. Lorna was born weighing 2 lbs 11 oz, and was 16 inches long. She was relatively healthy for her age and size and was doing really well. Wednesday afternoon Lorna started having trouble. In a very short amount of time, she was gone. I don't know why God took her to be with Him so soon, but I do know that He is sovereign and faithful.

We have a great opportunity to show our love, support, and faithfulness to God's word by praying for the Galatian family. If you know them, I'm sure you've already been praying and contacting them. If you don't know them, I implore you to lift them up in prayer. This is a grief with which I'm not familiar, but I do know how much a family of believers can encourage a brother or sister in mourning.

"...weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Ps. 30:5

Shalom

A MODERN MUSICAL MASTERPIECE

2010-02-23T22:23:00.000-06:00

This one is for musicians, especially musicians who have studied music and understand terms like "beat displacement" and "a bar of nineteen" and fusion/progressive rock.

This tune, I'm Tweaked, was written as kind of a joke. Vinnie was listening to a James Brown record and thought, "I wonder what would happen if this record were playing at a club and skipped. It would be hilarious to see people trying to dance to it." So, he wrote the tune.

This is not for the faint of heart. I will say, though, that this tune is one of the reasons Vinnie Colaiuta is one of my favorite drummers ever.

Enjoy!

You're welcome.

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

UPDATE - 2.22.10

2010-02-22T20:20:00.000-06:00

I know I said I wasn't going to post any more updates for a while, but this one is too good to pass up:

4:00 PM... Glory be to God for even more great news from the Bynum camp! DEBBIE IS GOING HOME TONIGHT!! She got herself up at 6:30 this morning, took a shower, and put her makeup on! Later, John got her walking the halls several times. One of the doctors stopped them in the hall and said that he wouldn’t have bet a nickel that she would be doing this great! Since John is a paramedic, the doctor said he is going to check out an IV pump and the meds she needs and send them home!!! They did make her promise not to go back to work this week and maybe next week. She will not need to go to the Rehab Center since she is doing so well and they can do any physical therapy she might need at home. Two of her doctors were off today but came in to tell her goodbye.

So, they are sending up a soft food tray and if she can get it all down without any trouble, they will be going home. John wanted me to pass along that he wants to have one big “Welcome Home” bash and invite everyone instead of several groups planning several different events…he doesn’t want to wear her out! Be looking for more info on that soon! John said Debbie would love to have visitors, but please call first to make sure she isn’t resting.

If that isn't an incredible example of the power of prayer, then I'm not bald!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

PERFECT TIME

2010-02-21T08:15:00.000-06:00

Quick update on Debbie: She is now in her own room and wants to go home. There is the possibility of her spending about a week in nearby Jim Thorpe Rehab Center to get some of her motor skills working a bit better before she heads home, but the fact of the matter is that she is making unbelievable progress! We praise God for his might, compassion, and faithfulness!!

It's Sunday morning as I type this. A perfect time to worship. Then again, it's always a perfect time to worship!

What are you thankful for today?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

UPDATE - 2.19.10

2010-02-19T17:20:00.001-06:00

Here's the latest update on our dear sister, Debbie:

I just got off the phone with John. He told me that she has been awake and talking some today. She told John and the kids that she loved them. She told the nurse that she was ready to go home! She is having a little trouble with fine motor skills, but this is the be expected.

The therapist had been there and when I talked to John, Debbie was sitting up in a chair and talking! Ok, people. Let's stop for a second and let this sink in....Less than five days ago, we were just praying she would make it through the next hour. NOW, she is awake, sitting up in a chair and eating ice chips! What an AWESOME God we serve! Praise you God for your healing thus far of our precious sister, Debbie!!!

Now, here are some intructions from John and the doctors. She can still have visitors this weekend, but here is the thing. She still needs LOTS of rest to continue healing like she has the past few days. SO, the doctors said they HAVE to limit the number of people in the ICU to 2 at a time. AND NO SICK PEOPLE, PLEASE!!! If you are sick, you will NOT be allowed to see her! This is for HER protection as her system is still so fragile. Thank you for your understanding! Also, if there are too many people for everyone to be able to see her, PLEASE UNDERSTAND and not get your fellings hurt. It is nothing personal. Debbie stills needs to get her rest. We expect the weekend to be busy with visitors who can't come during the week, so if you CAN come during the week, that might be better.

So there ya go! I hope to keep giving these great updates!!!

God bless,
Delisa

How awesome is our God?! And how awesome is it that in a matter of just a few days, over 1,500 people have come together on facebook, not to mention the thousands of others who are not on facebook, to pray for this child of God?!

Let's continue to pray for Debbie and the Bynum family. It's certainly not over, but there is so much for which we can praise our compassionate Father.

In the meantime, I'll start getting back to other topics on this blog. I have a lot of thoughts I'd like to share here. Hopefully, I'll be able to make some sense of them and share them in a manner that readers will be compelled to discuss. Although I'm not really a writer, I appreciate feedback just like most any writer would.

Isn't God amazing?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

UPDATE - 2.18.10

2010-02-18T22:03:00.001-06:00

This is the latest update from Delisa:

4 PM... John just called and they were able to take the tubes out! They did make her promise not to try and use her voice or talk for 2 hours. I can only imagine how hard that is going to be for her!!
She is wiggling her toes and moving her hands when they ask her to. She is still a little slow to respond, like she's sleepy, but she is responding. John said she even seems to recognize people she hasn't seen in a while, so this is good. He said she is very emotional and cries pretty easily right now.

The Neurologist said it may be a while before they can tell if there are any neurological deficits but they are optimistic that there may not be any. She is recovering faster than they could have even imagined she would have.

Tyler went to the doctor and they said his feeling bad was probably due to stress. Please keep Tyler, Audrie and Shellie in your prayers. It cannot be easy watching your Mom suffer like that.

I am just hopeful that she will be able to talk to them soon! Keep the prayer coming, Prayer Warriors. She's not out of the woods yet, but the trees are getting thinner! :-)

And this is from Amy Hilterbran Bell, a friend of John and Debbie:

I just got off the phone with John. He said she has been talking some, and responding well. She is wanting a vanilla diet Dr.Pepper, lol, but she can't have one just yet!~ She is still very weak and tired, but at least we are getting good news, and moving forward! Thank you Jesus!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Keep praying!!!

Shalom

UPDATE - 2.17.10

2010-02-17T22:02:00.001-06:00

Here's the latest on Debbie from the "Praying for Debbie Bynum" facebook group:

GREAT NEWS!!! John said that there were several visits from friends today...from high school and church. He said with the first visit of high school friends, she never opened her eyes, but starting crying when they talked to her. He didn't think she was really crying until the next set of visitors came in and she started crying again. He realized then that she really was crying. When another friend came in and said something like "Girl, I bet you're ready to go home!", she opened her eyes and NODDED "YES"! How great is this!!! The nurses came in and were amazed. John said she interacted with them in that way for about five minutes before she went back to sleep. The doctor said that if she is still doing well in the morning, they are going to take her off the ventilator. They said it will still take a while for her to get up and around. This is such great news!

Thank you for your continued prayers for the Bynum Family. They can feel the love and prayers from everyone of you!

Several of you have mentioned CarePages to me. I just set up a CarePage for Debbie, mainly for those who are not on Facebook. Please spread the word!

https://www.carepages.com/carepages/DebbieBynum

God bless,
Delisa

Keep praying! It's working!! God is faithful and mighty to save!!!

Shalom

UPDATE - 2.16.09

2010-02-16T22:31:00.001-06:00

There have been a few developments, but Debbie is still in need of our prayers. If you're on facebook, I would like to invite you to join the group "Praying for Debbie Bynum." There, you will find updates and a community of over a thousand praying right along with you. God has been so gracious to us so far, and we know He is faithful. Don't be afraid to let Him know how much she means to us. Even if you don't know her, you can pray for her because she is a sister in Christ.

Here is an update from Delisa McKinzie on the Facebook page:

8pm...Our Acappella family (singers, wives and kids) just returned from the hospital. The guys got to go in and sing a few songs to Debbie. She is still unresponsive, but I believe she heard them. After they finished, I, along with the other wives and two daughters got to go in and see her for a few minu...tes. John called as we were on our way home and asked us to pray for a concern at the moment that has to do with her heart. If I understood him right, something in her heart is not firing like it should. They were getting ready to take her to get an EKG and a sonogram so they know what they are dealing with. The doctors feel like she had a few small wins today. They expect days where she has some wins and some setbacks, but we will take the wins today and give God all the glory!

She still has a LONG road ahead so DON'T STOP PRAYING! The next few days are critical! And please say an extra prayer for strength for John. He is not sleeping very much at all!

Keep the prayers going up!

Shalom

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!!!

2010-02-15T13:30:00.001-06:00

If you're reading this, please stop and pray for our sister and friend, Debbie Bynum. Debbie is the wife of Acappella's manager, John, and is in ICU with bacterial meningitis and severe sepsis. Here is an email I just received from Delisa McKinzie that will help explain the situation further:

I just spoke with John and here is what he told me…

Debbie has a very rare strand of bacterial meningitis. It is not contagious, however, it is the hardest to fight and kills 4 out of every 6 people. She also has an abscess behind her ear that is leaking puss around her brain. She also has pneumonia. The first two weeks are critical and the doctor is trying to be optimistic. He gives her a 50/50 chance at this point, IF she can make it through the next week or two. Then, he feels 95% sure they can start to get things back for her with some very intensive treatment and medications. The doctor said she is not going to fight this quickly…it will be a 6-8 week process, assuming she makes it through the next few weeks.

John said that one of four things will happen…
1) This will overcome her and we will lose her.
2) She will fight it, but never be better than she is now.
3) She will fight it and will get some of her motor skills back, but could still have brain damage.
4) OR…she will make a full and complete recovery.

They have done a CT scan and MRI to see exactly where the abscess is because they have to remove it. When they find out, they may move her to either a hospital in Dallas, Baptist (here in OKC) or St. Francis. Please keep praying…continually. This sweet lady is fighting for her life right now and she needs us!!! And we are praying that they will keep her here in OKC so we can be there for John!

I will keep you posted as I hear more.

God bless,
Delisa

Shalom

GREATEST LOVE SONGS

2010-02-12T21:24:00.001-06:00

So, we're at Valentine's Day. I figure it's only appropriate, since we've been talking about love so much lately, to compile a list of some of the greatest love songs ever. This is, by no means, the be-all, end-all list, and it's in no particular order. It's just a list of ten great songs about love. Enjoy!

1. My Girl (The Temptations)

2. L-O-V-E (Nat "King" Cole)

3. I've Got A Great Idea (Harry Connick, Jr.)

4. My Better Half (Bobby McFerrin)

5. What Happened To The World That Day? (Tower Of Power)

6. You're The Inspiration (Peter Cetera/Chicago)

7. Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler)
8. Storybook (from The Princess Bride)
9. Stay With You (John Legend)
10. Yes, I Do (Me)

What are some of your favorite love songs? This is an "all-skate" question. No lurking allowed!!!

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

AMAZING LOVE

2010-02-11T22:04:00.001-06:00

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

SPECIAL KIND OF LOVE

2010-02-10T21:49:00.002-06:00

When I tell you of true love will you listen?

If I sing of wondrous love will you hear?

Will you open up your heart

Be responsive from the start

to the love we'd love to share?

It's very near

Chorus:

Love, there's a special kind of love

That defines the human soul

Everyone should know

This special kind of love

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

Love, there's a special kind of love

That will really see the best survive

Bringing a feeling so alive

This special kind of love

For this special kind of love cannot be hidden

It's a power that cannot be overcome

Changing everything, it knows no other equal

And was shown to us through Jesus Christ His Son

(God's own Son)

Repeat Chorus

And this special kind of love will last forever

It will bring the promised land within our view

Meeting all our hearts' desires and true fulfillings

With transforming power to heal and make us new

Repeat Chorus

Special kind of love

This special kind of love

Special kind of love

This special kind of love

When I tell you of true love will you listen?

Scriptural Reference:

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. . . In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. . ."

1 John 4:7-9,17-18

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO LOVE

2010-02-09T09:09:00.002-06:00

Please check out this post from my friend, Brandon Scott Thomas. It's a perfect opportunity to love someone you may not even know.

Don't delay. Do it now.

IT IS URGENT!!!

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

LOVE: THE SUMMARY

2010-02-08T21:46:00.000-06:00

If you haven't noticed, I've been thinking about love a lot lately. I want to learn what it means to love the way Jesus loves. I know it'll take a lot of time, effort, and prayer, but I know that's what God wants me all of us to do.

"We love because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19

WHO DAT

2010-02-07T22:23:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints for winning Super Bowl XLIV!

Congratulations to Drew Brees for becoming the MVP in Super Bowl XLIV!

Congratulations to the city of New Orleans (and the "Who Dat Nation") for overcoming incredible odds and finding new strength!

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

THE LOOK OF LOVE, pt. 12

2010-02-06T21:26:00.000-06:00

When problems arise, love never fails.

When bad news is spread, love never fails.

When our enemies close in for the kill, love never fails.

Love will always be with us.

Love will never leave us or forsake us.

Love will always have a place for us.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

THE LOOK OF LOVE, pt. 11

2010-02-05T19:47:00.000-06:00

Sometimes all you can do is keep going.

"[Love] always perseveres..." 1 Cor. 13:7

What is something that makes you persevere in the name of love?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

THE LOOK OF LOVE, pt 10

2010-02-04T19:49:00.001-06:00

Hope is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life. Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.

When used in a religious context, hope carries a connotation of being aware of what Christians see as spiritual truth; see Hope (virtue). In Christian theology, hope is one of the three theological virtues (faith, hope, and love), which are spiritual gifts of God. In contrast to the above, it is not a physical emotion but a spiritual grace. Hope is distinct from positive thinking, which refers to a therapeutic or systematic process used in psychology for reversing pessimism. The term false hope refers to a hope based entirely around a fantasy or an extremely unlikely outcome.

(quote from Wikipedia's definition of "hope")

When we put clothes on love, dress it like a human, it looks like hope; not the I-hope-I-get-a-million-dollars-in-the-mail type of hope, but the my-hope-is-in-You,-Lord type.

"[Love] always hopes..." 1 Cor. 13:7

It's the type of hope that quells your deepest fears. It's the type of hope that calms your raging storms. It's the type of hope that leads to everlasting joy, peace, life.

When you look at love, do you see hope?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

THE LOOK OF LOVE, pt 9

2010-02-03T21:03:00.000-06:00

Trust. Such a delicate, tricky subject.

Who are we supposed to trust?

Family, friends, church workers, law enforcement, medical professionals, etc., etc.

What about those family members, friends, church workers, and so on whom we can't trust...or don't trust?

What are we supposed to do with them?

"[Love] always trusts..." 1 Cor. 13:7

Always?

Who or what does it trust? The thief? The rapist? The child molester? The porn addict? The adulterer?

Although each of these people were created by God, in His image and likeness - and although we are commanded by Jesus himself to love everyone (including our enemies) - does that mean we trust them?

I submit that we are not called to trust the people we don't know, or the "bad guys", or anyone else who fits into similar categories. However, we are called to trust God and His sovereignty, and His wisdom, and His Spirit to help us discern those whom we should trust.

This takes a little work on our part. We must pray. Not just talking to God, but listening for Him to speak in whatever way He chooses. Maybe He's talking through trustworthy friends, maybe through something you read, maybe through a tv ad or movie. Whatever the method, He still speaks to us.

And the best part? We can trust God!

How's your trust shaping up? Is it looking like love?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

THE LOOK OF LOVE, pt 8

2010-02-01T21:16:00.002-06:00

When we need protection from dangerous people, we call for help.

When we need protection from our dangerous selves, we seek a different type of help.

When we need protection from spiritual dangers, we summon our ever-present Help.

"[Love] always protects." (1 Cor. 13:7)

How do you protect those whom you love?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

THE LOOK OF LOVE, pt 7

2010-01-31T19:03:00.001-06:00

"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." (1 Cor. 13:6)

When we love we aren't happy when evil, injustice, unrighteousness is done. A loving heart is compassionate, honest, loyal, and true. Anything less is unacceptable. Anything less is unloving. Anything less is from the evil one.

Are you rejoicing with the truth, or delighting in evil?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

TWO GUYS, ONE BIG DEAL

2010-01-29T11:30:00.003-06:00

This guy likes cows...

So does this guy...

This guy likes to hang around with this kid named Schad...

So does this guy...

This guy likes to sing...

So does this guy...

So what's the big deal about these two guys?

THEY'RE BOTH A YEAR OLDER!!!

Anthony Lancaster

Birthdate: January 29, 1988

Wes McKinzie

Birthdate: January 6, 1970

Happy Birthday, Boys!!!!

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

THE LOOK OF LOVE, pt 6

2010-01-28T18:59:00.006-06:00

"You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!" (Matt. 5:43-44 NLT)

"When you are angry, do not sin, and be sure to stop being angry before the end of the day. Do not give the devil a way to defeat you." (Eph. 4:26-27 NCV)

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." (James 1:19-20 NIV)

"[Love] is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." (1 Cor. 13:5 NIV)

Interesting how one's countenance changes when they're not easily angered or keeping record of wrongs.

Kinda looks like love to me. Don't you agree?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

THE LOOK OF LOVE, pt 5

2010-01-26T22:04:00.000-06:00

The homeless man.
The single mother.
The unwanted child in the orphanage.

The people who are in the most need are the ones we have been called to serve. These are the ones Jesus told us about. These are the ones who need to see what love looks like.

For so long there has been an infestation of selfishness in our world that we have all but become completely oblivious to it.

It seems we have forgotten that love "is not self-seeking" (1 Cor. 13:5). It's kinda easy to forget when you have what you need. It's a little easier to forget when you have what you want. It's really easy to forget when you have what you need and what you want. It's hard to forget when you give of your means without hesitation.

Love is not selfish.

Are you looking more like love yet?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

THE LOOK OF LOVE, pt 4

2010-01-24T21:48:00.002-06:00

{This was originally posted on June 4, 2009}

[Love] is not rude.

1 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)

When defining what love is not, Paul put rudeness on the list. “It is not rude.” The Greek word for rude means shameful or disgraceful behavior.

An example of rudeness was recently taken before the courts in Minnesota . A man fell out of his canoe and lost his temper. Though the river was lined with vacationing families, he polluted the air with obscenities. Some of those families sued him. He said, “I have my rights.”

God calls us to a higher, more noble concern. Not “What are my rights?” but “What is loving?”

Do you have the right to dominate a conversation? Yes, but is it loving to do so?…Is it within your rights to bark at the clerk or snap at the kids? Yes. But is it loving to act this way?

From: A Love Worth Giving
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2005)
Max Lucado

What is love looking like to you these days?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

THE LOOK OF LOVE: THE FACE

2010-01-23T22:32:00.002-06:00

When I look into a mirror, this is the face I ultimately want to see; the epitome of love in human form.

Do you see the face of love when you look into the mirror?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

THE LOOK OF LOVE, pt 3

2010-01-22T23:51:00.000-06:00

When we look at love in human form, what do we see?

So far, we've seen patience and kindness. But what do we not see?

Do we see envy, boasting, pride?

I can say with great certainty that I have never seen love saying, "I'm better than you!"

That's not the look of love. "It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." (1 Cor 13:4)

Love doesn't hate; it congratulates!

Is there something you should consider getting rid of that might help you look more like love?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

THE LOOK OF LOVE, pt 2

2010-01-21T22:08:00.001-06:00

When you put clothes on love, what does it look like to you?

"...love is kind." (1 Cor 13:4)

Love makes you reach out to that total stranger who is in need and serve them in whatever way you can. Love shows respect and dignity to those who may or may not deserve it. Love gives of its last resources without hesitation. Love shows "the kindness of a Savior."

What are you doing to look more like love?

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

THE LOOK OF LOVE, pt 1

2010-01-20T22:16:00.001-06:00

Love is a verb; it is an action. Over the next few posts, I want to flesh out this idea: love in human form. What does love look like? What do you see when you see love?

Does it look like patience?

"Love is patient..." (1 Cor. 13:4) Love allows you to wait for the right moment, the right opportunity, the right person. Love helps you endure hardship and put up with stupidity.

Love is patient - "quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry." (James 1:19) Love knows the value of a listening ear. Love knows how to hold its tongue. Love knows how to keep from blowing its lid.

So, I'd say love looks a lot like patience.

What do you need to do to look more like love?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

IT HAD TO BE YOU

2010-01-19T22:22:00.000-06:00

I love you, Baby! Just thought you should know that. :-)

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

LEGENDARY LEGACIES

2010-01-18T22:30:00.000-06:00

Today we commemorated two men who changed the world in their own ways.

One changed music, one changed ministry.

One changed bodies, one changed hearts.

One changed the way we treat people with disabilities, one changed the way we treat people with different skin color.

Both changed lives.

Teddy Pendergrass passed away last week. His life as a musician was remarkable, to say the least. But it was his life-altering accident that showed what he was truly made of. After his brakes failed in his car, Pendergrass hit two trees, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. The injury caused him to start an organization designed to educate and encourage others who had spinal cord injuries. The Teddy Pendergrass Alliance still operates on all cylinders, just as does the memory of the R&B legend.

Theodore DeReese "Teddy" Pendergrass

March 26, 1950 - January 13, 2010

Of course, this country...this world would not be the same were it not for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His dedication to justice, even in the face of adversity, was such that caused the greatest awakening in America concerning the way we treat one another. Because of Dr. King, my older brothers were among the first black students to integrate the schools in our hometown of Borger, Texas. Because of Dr. King, I am able to be married to the most beautiful woman I know without fear of persecution. Because of Dr. King, we see people more like Jesus sees people. Thank you, Dr. King.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968

What a great pair of lives to celebrate!

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

WHAT WE ALL NEED

2010-01-14T21:28:00.004-06:00

There's nothing you can do that can't be done.

Nothing you can sing that can't be sung.

Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game

It's easy.

There's nothing you can make that can't be made.

No one you can save that can't be saved.

Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you

in time - It's easy.

All you need is love, all you need is love,

All you need is love, love, love is all you need.

There's nothing you can know that isn't known.

Nothing you can see that isn't shown.
Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be.

It's easy.

All you need is love (all together now)

All you need is love (everybody)

All you need is love, love, love is all you need.

Lennon/McCartney

What else could you possibly need?

p.s. If you're not singing this song - if it's not totally stuck in your head by now - you are a much stronger person than I!

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

AND I QUOTE...

2010-01-13T21:19:00.001-06:00

The following 8 nuggets of wisdom come from chapter 8 of Dave Ramsey's book More Than Enough.

"Work is doing it. Discipline is doing it every day. Diligence is doing it well every day."

"Prayer is vital, but God is not in the business of rewarding the lazy."

"We feel better about ourselves when we are accomplishing things."

"I have heard it said that the reason worry kills more people than work is that more people worry than work."

"Discipline understands that the best way to get rich quick is to get rich slow."

"A consistent excellence is a rare thing to observe, but so is wealth. Diligence is just that: It is consistent excellence."

"I have heard it said that adults decise a plan and follow it, while children do what feels good."
"You work, you get paid; you don't work, you don't get paid."

You're welcome.

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

RESPECT YO MAMA

2010-01-12T21:32:00.001-06:00

The Biggest Loser was great tonight! Watching the way the mothers on the show cared for their kids reminded me how much I miss my Mama (today would've been her 66th birthday), but also how proud I am of my Mom (that's my step-mother, JoNell), Steph's mom (Cathy), and Steph. Mom gave birth to twelve kids, Cathy to six, and so far, Steph has given birth to one. I know for a fact that all of these mothers would sacrifice everything they could so their children could succeed in all of life's challenges. That's why I love them! And that's exactly what Patti did tonight.

Patti and her daughter, Stephanie (what a great name!) came up for elimination after having lost only seven pounds between them. Week 2 always seems to be the toughest, as I understand it. When they faced the rest of the cast to plead their case as to who should stay on the ranch and who should go home, I saw an incredible display of a mother's love for her child. Without any hesitation, Patti declared that she had a good support system at home and could lose the weight she needed to, but Stephanie didn't have that. She said Stephanie needed to stay on the ranch in order to save her life. For the first time that I can remember, the vote was unanimous. The grey team actually said, "We wouldn't disrespect our Mama, so we won't disrespect Patti's wishes, either." Out of respect for Patti and the apparent kindness she exhibited to all of the contestants, she was able to sacrifice her chance at $250,000 so her daughter could have a chance to live.

Love at its finest.

If you are able, take a moment to let your mom know how much you love and respect her.

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

STANDING AT A DRY WELL

2010-01-11T22:44:00.001-06:00

What happens when you have nothing left? When you're standing at a dry well, hoping to find the smallest drop of something that might begin to quench your overwhelming thirst? When you find yourself grasping, unsuccessfully, for the smallest inkling of hope?

Maybe that's when we are supposed to realize we're standing at the wrong well. Instead of drinking from the Well that never runs dry, we go back to the same old dried up hole in the ground...wishing...

From which well are you finding refreshment?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

SWEET PEA

2010-01-10T22:01:00.000-06:00

In the most non-biased way I can possibly say it, we have the sweetest little girl on the planet! Gabby is such a compassionate, caring, understanding, generous soul and Steph & I are madly in love with her.

Since Steph and I have been married, each night at bedtime, the three of us pray together and then tell Gab "good night." For the past few months, Gabby has been the one praying, which is awesome. I have noticed how her prayers have progressed and matured. The insight she displays sometimes catches me off guard. Just last night, she prayed this:

"Lord, thank you for reminding us how much we're blessed. Even though times are tough right now, we still have a lot more than most people in other countries. We have food to eat and a home to live in and cars to get around in. Help us to give to others out of what you have given us."

We are so blessed to have our Little Darlin' in our lives. Our daily prayer for her is that she continue to grow in God's wisdom and understanding and that she will see through God's eyes. I think she is already starting to do all of that.

I just had to brag on my Sweet Pea!

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

ONE DAY WITH JESUS

2010-01-10T09:10:00.001-06:00

Spending one day, just one day with Jesus, is better than spending thousands without him. Don't believe me? Then I dare you to try it. Simply allow the joy of Jesus to overwhelm you for just one day. You'll be eternally glad you did!

Are you ready to spend just one day with Jesus?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate

THE "WHAT IF?" GAME

2010-01-09T12:48:00.005-06:00

One of, if not my very least favorite games is the "What If?" game. "What if you couldn't read or write?" "What if I had taken up a different trade?" "What if Colt McCoy hadn't gotten injured in the fifth play?" What if? Does it matter? It's not that way. Why add stress to an already stressful life?

Steph and I outlawed the "What If?" game a long time ago when we were dating. This is why:

The "What If?" game always, without fail, brings about three things this world can and should do without - doubt, fear, and worry.

When we doubt, we doubt God's promise to work in our lives. We doubt His power, grace, and authority. We doubt His love.

Our fear drives us to do things we never would have thought of otherwise. We lie, cheat, deceive. We beat up, tear down, destroy. We turn to ourselves and away from God.

Max Lucado describes our worry problem best in his book Traveling Light:

     No one has to remind you of the high cost of anxiety. (But I will anyway.) Worry divides the mind. The biblical word for worry (merimnao) is a compound of two Greek words, merizo ("to divide") and nous ("the mind"). Anxiety splits our energy between today's priorities and tomorrow's problems. Part of our mind is on the now; the rest is on the not yet. The result is half-minded living.

     That's not the only result. Worrying is not a disease, but it causes diseases. It has been connected to high blood pressure, heart trouble, blindness, migraine headaches, thyroid malfunctions, and a host of stomach disorders.

     Anxiety is an expensive habit. Of course, it might be worth the cost if it worked. But it doesn't. Our frets are futile. Worry has never brightened a day, solved a problem, or cured a disease.

So, next time you decide to play the "What If?" game, take a moment to think of how you will feel afterward. It just might change your mind.

Your thoughts?

Peace, Love, and Dark Chocolate