A & Q

I figure it's about time for me to answer old questions (really, statements) and ask some new ones (one).

A while back, I posted a list of my favorite music artists and said I would explain why later. Well, it's later, so let's see if I can make this clear yet succint.

5. Acappella - besides being in the group, I have been a big fan since my childhood. I remember when they came to my hometown, Borger, TX back in the mid-eighties, singing Shut De Do with their Miami Vice-ish skinny ties and sunglasses on. That was a turning point in my musical upbringing. Acappella has been a major part of my life ever since.

4. The Temptations - One of the greatest groups to ever sing a love song. They didn't only sing about love, though. They sang about life. They went through all kinds of trials to become (in my opinion) the most popular r&b soul group ever. They revolutionized the way we all listen to music. As a matter of fact, this song was the first song I ever sang to Stephanie. Thank you, Temptations, for pouring your hearts into every note you sang.

3. Tower of Power - Chicago meets the Temptations. In the seventies there was a horn-rock band movement that swept America. Tower of Power emerged from Oakland, California's East Bay and took the world by storm playing their own instruments and singing their own tight harmonies. Unfortunately, however, a lot of their music has been forgotten. I can say from experience that they are the tighest, funkiest, groovin'-est band I've ever seen or heard. Here's some proof:
Soul Vaccination, You Got To Funkifize, Diggin' On James Brown

2. Take 6 - This is, hands down, the best vocal group that has ever existed! The quality of each voice, mixed with the richness in the musical arrangements, and the heart behind all of it makes a legendary style that is often imitated but will never be duplicated.

1. Bobby McFerrin - The single most innovative vocalist in the world. The greatest vocal, non-verbal communicator out there. One of the world's most incredible vocal improvisationalists. In my opinion, simply the best.


So, here's the new trivia question:
What band has the most number 1 records of all times (Josh Graves)?

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Tater Faith and Whatever

No, it's not the latest Christian bluegrass duo to land on Nashville. I just thought it would be a fun title. And it has a point, believe it or not.

Steph and I watched Faith Like Potatoes night before last and it completely sparked something in us. If you haven't seen this 2006 movie yet, I highly recommend that you go rent it or buy it and watch it as soon as possible (I hope I don't get sued for this free advertisement!). Here are three reasons I fell in love with this film:


1. It's based on a true story. Can't go wrong there.
2. It's about people completely surrendering their lives to God and stepping out in faith to answer His call.
3. It's about God showing what He does when we are totally sold out for Him. Basically, it's God showing off!


Seeing this movie has kicked us into gear. We've been sitting on some major, life-changing decisions for a while, but now we have to choose. Will we take the comfortable route or take a risk that will alter our lives forever? I think God has shown us what we need to do.

Go check it out yesterday! (note: if you have a hard time understanding thick Scottish and/or South African dialects, you may want to turn on the subtitles)


Faith Like Potatoes reminded me of a song I've been hearing a lot on the radio and it kinda hits me in the gut every stinkin' time I hear it. It goes perfectly with this idea of having "tater faith" (as we southern folk would say it). It also fits perfectly with today, seeing how God has allowed me to be another year older. I still say it's just Tuesday! Enjoy today!!!

It's time for healing time to move on
It's time to fix what's been broken too long
Time make right what has been wrong
It's time to find my way to where I belong
There's a wave that's crashing over me
And all I can do is surrender

(Chorus)
Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something Heavenly

Time for a milestone
Time to begin again
Reevaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow Your will
Or just climbing aimlessly over these hills
So show me what it is You want from me
I give everything I surrender...
To...

(Chorus)

Time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out
That I've wanted to say for so many years
Time to release all my held back tears

Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believe
You're up to something bigger than me
Larger than life something Heavenly

Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but now I can see
This is something bigger than me
Larger than life something Heavenly
Something Heavenly

It's time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out

Whatever You're Doing (Something Heavenly)
Sanctus Real
songwriters: Dan Gartley, Mark Graalman, Matt Hammitt, Peter Prevost, Chris Rohman

Peace, Love, and Chocolate Birthday Cake

Thinking of You

Pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks.
Philippians 4:6 (NCV)

Heaven knows no difference between Sunday morning and Wednesday afternoon. God longs to speak as clearly in the workplace as he does in the sanctuary. He longs to be worshiped when we sit at the dinner table and not just when we come to his communion table. You may go days without thinking of him, but there's never a moment when he's not thinking of you.

Knowing this, we understand Paul's rigorous goal: "We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5). We can fathom why he urges us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17), "be constant in prayer" (Rom. 12:12)... and "let heaven fill your thoughts" (Col. 4:2 TLB).

From: The Great House of God
Copyright (Word Publishing., 1997)
Max Lucado

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Happy Birthday, "Groove Master"

On this date in 1939 my favorite drummer was born. Over his extensive career, he has completely changed the way we listen to music. He is the inventor and innovator of "groove" drumming. His name is Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, also know as the "Groove Master" and today is his 70th birthday!

The reason Bernard Purdie is my favorite drummer is not because of his technical ability (although he is technically sound), or even because of his groove (although he grooves harder than any other drummer on the planet). I love Bernard Purdie because he loves what he does and it shows. I know that sounds a bit cliche, but it is so apparent in the way he approaches music. It's like notes are words and he believes every note he plays. That's how I want to approach the music I make. That's how I want to approach the ministry I do. That's how I want to approach life in general; living like there's no tomorrow and loving every minute of it! Watch the videos below to understand what I'm talking about (since it's his birthday, I decided to give you three for the price of one!).

Here, Bernard "splains" his signature groove, "The Purdie Shuffle."

In "part 2," Purdie shows you how to really feel this groove. Pay special attention to the end of this clip. Classic Bernard Purdie!

This clip gives a very small glimpse into Bernard's career. Listen to his stats. Incredible!


Peace, Love, and Chocolate... and GROOVE!

Order Of Importance

This idea of prioritization has been pretty prevalant in my life lately. With as much as I've had going on, it only seems natural for me to go through all my "stuff" and remind myself of my priorities. It's up at the top of my order of importance so I don't forget what I need to concentrate on for that moment. Yes, I'm saying I prioritize how I make my priorities. Kinda fun, huh? Anyway, I thought I'd list my major priorities (I'll spare you the details) and maybe set an example for you to list yours (Really, I just want to see if anyone other than my wife reads my blog anymore ;) so take a moment to list yours if you are reading this right now... please). Mine go like this:

1. God
2. my family
3. ministry
4. my friends
5. other work / personal business (what I need to do today)

I figure if I can approach life in that order, everything else will fall into place as it should. So, how about you?

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Hope

"The most dangerous man in the world is the man with no hope."
- Dr Brent McCall








Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Is It Loving?

[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

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

How (Not) To Worship

I'm so glad we don't worship this way (he said with tongue planted firmly in cheek)!

Lord, forgive us for who we worship and help us to remember Who we were made to worship.

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Mmmm... Cake!

Do you ever have days when you really wanna do this? I know I do!



Peace, Love, and Chocolate

What Can I Do?

When I see the beauty
Of the sunset’s glory
Amazing artistry
Across the evening sky
When I feel the mystery
Of a distant galaxy
It awes and humbles me
To be loved by a God so high

What can I do but thank You
What can I do but
Give my life to You
Hallelujah, hallelujah
What can I do but praise You
Every day make everything I do
A hallelujah, a hallelujah
Hallelujah

When I hear the story
Of a God of mercy
Who shared humanity
And suffered by our side
Of the cross they nailed You to
That could not hold You
Now You’re making all things new
By the power of Your risen life

What Can I Do?
Paul Baloche & Graham Kendrick
Copyright © 2005 Integrity's Hosanna! Music

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Thought Provoking

I was listening to the radio the other day and an interesting question was asked, so I thought I'd share it and see if anyone has any good answers:

What does it mean to be spiritually mature?

Talk to me...

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Celebration! 100 Posts And Counting...

Well, I finally made it to my 100th post on this blog spot! I've been racking my brain over the last several days trying to decide what I would write on this post (Really, what do people typically do to celebrate a milestone like this?). Actually, I had been thinking about waiting until my birthday to post it, but I decided that would simply take too much time between posts. Instead, I decided to write about some of my favorite people in the world, my family.

A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to take Steph and Gabby to Texas for the first time to meet my parents. While we were there we were able to have a little reception at the University Church building (where I was a member for eleven years before moving to Nashville) in honor of Stephanie's and my marriage, my dad's 90th birthday and my graduation (finally) from WTAMU!


I would have, and should have, written about this right after it happened if I had had better pictures, but I haven't gotten them yet. I hope to get them soon. Until then, I'll have to use what I have, which isn't very good at all (I'll exchange them once I get the good ones in).


B.C. Brannon - one of the greatest men I've ever had the priviledge of knowing. It's a trip to think that anyone would still have the desire to do work at the age of 90. My dad has told me on more than one occaision that he wants to preach until he can't preach anymore. By then, it'll be time for him to be with Jesus. He hasn't preached as a 90-year-old yet, thanks to pneumonia, but if the Lord so wills him to see October 5, and to preach again, he will have been preaching for 68 years! Most of my friends' parents aren't even 67 years old and my dad has been preaching that long. That's dedication! That's passion! That's honor! That's God inhabiting every fiber of his being! That's why he's my hero!

JoNell Brannon - After my mother died in 1989, I thought I would never have a mother again. Five years later, I was proven wrong. Dad showed up at WT one fall day of my freshman year and told me he was headed to see my "new mom." JoNell has been nothing short of a blessing to me since she married Dad. So much so that I call her Mom. I must mention, though, that I was encouraged by a very wise man to call her Mom instead of JoNell because in certain African cultures (from which I come) there is no step-mother, aunt, grandmother. There is only mother. Therefore, JoNell is my mother and I'm proud of that!


Stephanie Brannon - If you had asked me early last year if I thought I would be married with a child by this time, I most likely would have laughed until I couldn't stand up straight anymore! God seems to change people's plans from time to time before they even know their plans have been changed. Steph has been an answer to a prayer I'd been praying for quite a long time. I'm grateful to be married to such a beautiful, wonderful woman of God!

Gabrielle Nelson - It seems like just yesterday that we had a 10-year-old little girl who was excited about starting 6th grade in a few months. That's because it was just yesterday. Gabby turned 11 today and we treated her to a nice homemade breakfast, balloons, and presents. Isn't she adorable at 7:15 in the morning?



So, as you might have guessed by now, I am madly in love with my family and I'm so glad God put them in my life and me in theirs. What can I say? I'm blessed!

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

For Our Heroes

Today is the day our great country has set aside to honor those who have given their lives to help ensure our freedom. It's sometimes difficult, in today's culture, to look past the immediate and remember history, but that's something I try to do on Memorial Day. There are so many young men and women who have paid the ultimate price in the wars in which we are currently involved. To their families I offer my heart-felt condolances.

My brother, Earnest, fought in Operation Desert Storm in the late eighties and early nineties. I may never forget the day when I was told he had to go to fight. That's not something a freshman in high school who lost his mother the year before really wants to hear. I got in trouble in my algebra class for being so distracted worrying about him. Fortunately, he came home. Unfortunately, he came home with a severe drinking problem as a result of his having to kill. He developed this habit of drinking a few shots of vodka, falling asleep (or passing out) for a few hours, waking up in the middle of the night, taking a few more shots, and passing out again. He would go through a fifth of vodka in just a matter of a couple days. We lost him eight years ago from an enlarged heart caused by a mixture of alcohol and diet pills.

That being said, Ernie was, and still is, a hero of mine because he was willing to give his very life so that you and I could enjoy our freedom. Valor and bravery like that is hard to come by these days. I pray that we raise our children to be courageous and honorable like the men and women of our armed forces. I also pray that our children will be raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and that they display all the characteristics of Christ-followers. Big blessings from our Big God!

Peace, Love, and Freedom

Meanwhile, back at the Acappella concert...

Since I haven't blogged about Acappella concerts in quite a while, I figured it would be appropriate to share this nugget that happened recently in Aca-world.

We were doing an intimate concert for about 150 people in a small meeting room of a nice lodge / hotel. The concert was going great. Everyone was really into the music and the message. We were all having a wonderful time. We got toward the end of the concert and I asked the audience to "stand up and join us while we sing about our new home" (which, if you have been to an Acappella concert recently, you know that means we're about to sing "Holy City." And if you haven't been to an Acappella concert recently, maybe it's time you came to one!).

As I was hyping the crowd for the song, a couple of older gentlemen in the back of the room became overwhelmed with the Spirit and started to jump and shout! It was amazing to see God moving through these sixty-somethings. I had not seen anything quite like it at an Acappella concert before.

Well, just as we started to sing, one of the older men tripped and fell on top of the man next to him. We stopped to see if they were okay. They weren't. All I could hear was groaning and a woman screaming. The man who was fallen upon found the strength to speak up and say that his hip was broken. The man who did the falling had a broken collar bone and femur. Everyone was in shock and no one was moving, so I yelled into my microphone to call 911. I then ran out of the room toward the front desk to get help since I didn't have my phone with me on stage. The hallway seemed like it went on forever. I ended up sliding down the railing of a long flight of stairs. It looked like I wasn't going to make the landing.

Then I woke up.

Can you imagine that really happening?

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Only The World

Sometimes the music overshadows the words. Thanks to whomever made this slideshow. May this post encourage you today!




song: Only The World
artist: Mandisa
writers: Clint Lagerberg, Matthew West, Cindy Mizelle
album: True Beauty
label: Sparrow Records
released: May 2007

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

The Motions

This might hurt, it's not safe
But I know that I've gotta make a change
I don't care if I break,
At least I'll be feeling something
'Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
Instead of going through the motions?"

No regrets, not this time
I'm gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love make me whole
I think I'm finally feeling something
'Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of this life

Take me all the way (take me all the way)
Take me all the way ('cause I don't wanna go through the motions)
Take me all the way (I know I'm finally feeling something real)
Take me all the way

I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?"

I don't wanna go through the motions

The Motions
Written by Jason Houser, Sam Mizell, and Matthew West
© Word Music, LLC; SONGS FOR LULU

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Feeding Jesus

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." ~ Jesus

Today, we have an opportunity to help feed the hungry. My blogging friend, Trey Morgan, is involved with a ministry in Santa Ana, Honduras called "Feed the Dump People." There are so many people in Santa Ana, and all over the world, whose only source of possible nourishment is the garbage that is left over from others' meals. These people are filthy, smelly, barely clothed, and beautiful because they, like the rest of us, are image-bearers of God. Check out Trey's blog when you get a chance and do what you can to pitch in. This is a perfect opportunity to feed Jesus!

http://www.treymorgan.net/2009/05/feed-dump-people-day.html

Peace, Love, and Food for the Hungry

Total Ripoff!

I've been reading Josh Graves' blog for a little while now and I really enjoy it. I enjoy it so much, as a matter of fact, that I'm gonna totally rip his idea off and do a survey blog. I started to copy his idea completely and ask the question, "What are your top five sports cities?" but I thought of a question that would be fair to Josh and his readers, and fun for me and my readers (or at least for me). Josh, if you're reading this, please forgive my theft of a brilliant idea! And if you're not reading this, I guess it doesn't matter, anyway! :-) Hoping to get some good input, so I'll encourage all of you to post comments.

What are your top five music artists? This includes solo artists, bands, vocal groups, orchestras, jazz ensembles, or any other artists that come to mind. Here are mine:

5. Acappella
4. The Temptations
3. Tower of Power
2. Take 6
1. Bobby McFerrin

Now, understand that this is an extremely challenging list for me to write because there are so many artists that I love for so many different reasons. I'll explain my choices in a later blog.

Your turn!

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

The Tomb Is Empty!

Arise, My Love
Written by Eddie Carswell
Performed by NewSong
© SONY/ATV SONGS LLC

It Happened On Friday...

...but it started on Thursday. The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is also called Passover, was approaching. The leading priests and teachers of religious law were plotting how to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people’s reaction.
Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around.
Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread arrived, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John ahead and said, “Go and prepare the Passover meal, so we can eat it together.”
“Where do you want us to prepare it?” they asked him.
He replied, “As soon as you enter Jerusalem, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. At the house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is where you should prepare our meal.” They went off to the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, and they prepared the Passover meal there.

When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.” He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.”

After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you. “But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. For it has been determined that the Son of Man must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him.” The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing.

Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.”

He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.

At last he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation.”

But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

So they arrested him and led him to the high priest’s home. The guards in charge of Jesus began mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and said, “Prophesy to us! Who hit you that time?” And they hurled all sorts of terrible insults at him.
Then the entire council took Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
Jesus replied, “You have said it.”
Pilate turned to the leading priests and to the crowd and said, “I find nothing wrong with this man!” Then they became insistent. “But he is causing riots by his teaching wherever he goes—all over Judea, from Galilee to Jerusalem!”
“Oh, is he a Galilean?” Pilate asked. When they said that he was, Pilate sent him to Herod Antipas, because Galilee was under Herod’s jurisdiction, and Herod happened to be in Jerusalem at the time.

Herod was delighted at the opportunity to see Jesus, because he had heard about him and had been hoping for a long time to see him perform a miracle. He asked Jesus question after question, but Jesus refused to answer. Meanwhile, the leading priests and the teachers of religious law stood there shouting their accusations. Then Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Finally, they put a royal robe on him and sent him back to Pilate. (Herod and Pilate, who had been enemies before, became friends that day.)

Then Pilate called together the leading priests and other religious leaders, along with the people, and he announced his verdict. “You brought this man to me, accusing him of leading a revolt. I have examined him thoroughly on this point in your presence and find him innocent. Herod came to the same conclusion and sent him back to us. Nothing this man has done calls for the death penalty. So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him.”

Then a mighty roar rose from the crowd, and with one voice they shouted, “Kill him, and release Barabbas to us!” (Barabbas was in prison for taking part in an insurrection in Jerusalem against the government, and for murder.) Pilate argued with them, because he wanted to release Jesus. But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

For the third time he demanded, “Why? What crime has he committed? I have found no reason to sentence him to death. So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him.”

But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished.

As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. A sign was fastened to the cross above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.” And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

By this time it was noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.
When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow.

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph. He was from the town of Arimathea in Judea, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock. This was done late on Friday afternoon, the day of preparation, as the Sabbath was about to begin.
As his body was taken away, the women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where his body was placed. Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body. But by the time they were finished the Sabbath had begun, so they rested as required by the law.
(from Luke 22-23, NLT)

There is nothing more that can be done now. Go home. Your King is dead.

Yes, You

I don't know what to do
ain't no words comin through
can't seem to think when I'm looking at you
when I'm thinking of the words to say
all I think of are two

yes, You

when I'm all alone
my heart's like a stone
but you give me the strength when I'm on my own
I start thinking of some words to say
there's only two that I know

yes, You

I'm on bended knee
and my heart you see
you there's no one else who can set me free
when I'm thinking of the words to pray
there's only two that I need

yes, You

(By Bobby McFerrin; ©ProbNoblem Music/BMI)

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Blogs I Like

I haven't been the most faithful blogger on the planet by any stretch of the imagination, but I enjoy blogging. It's a good way to reach out to whomever will take a moment to read and learn some of my thoughts on life and all it's intricacies. Since I've been crazy busy lately, I feel like I've neglected my little corner of the blog world. So, to fill some time while I try to get my stuff together, I thought I'd hit you with a list of blogs I like. I'll give you the url's and you can copy and paste into your browser as you so choose. I pray these blogs bless your life as they have blessed mine. If you have any others I need to get into, please hit me with them. I love reading good blogs that encourage, educate, and entertain (yes, blogging is entertainment) me, as well as challenge me to be closer to Jesus. That's what I attempt to do with my blog, so that's what I like to read. I guess that makes sense. Okay, enough rambling. Here's the list:

My beautiful wife, Stephanie Brannon - http://roos-kangaslang.blogspot.com/

Matt Chandler - http://theresurgence.com/mc_blog
Shane Coffman - http://shanecoffman.blogspot.com/
Mark Driscoll - http://theresurgence.com/md_blog
Gary & Melody Evans - http://garyandmelody.blogspot.com/
Louie Giglio - http://268generation.com/blog/
Josh Graves - http://joshgraves.blogspot.com/
Brenda Hughes - http://path189.blogspot.com/
Chris Lindsey - http://chrislindsey.blogspot.com/
Patrick Mead - http://patrickmead.net/
Trey Morgan - http://www.treymorgan.net/
John Piper - http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/
Terry Rush - http://www.terryrush.blogspot.com/
Brandon Scott Thomas - http://brandonscottthomas.blogspot.com/
Chris Tomlin - http://christomlin.com/blog/

If I had more time, I'd read more blogs. Hope you enjoy these.

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Groove... Now!

I posted this on Chocolate Chips (uncle-chocolate.blogspot.com), but never got any response, so I'm posting it here in hopes that someone will see it and have a better day. I know it made me smile!

I thought I'd venture away from the norm and hit you with a little groove from my favorite drummer, Bernard "Pretty" Purdie. He kinda reminds me of that uncle that everybody loves but nobody wants to get behind him at the bbq because "he be done ate all the food!" He probably cooked it too! ;-) Incidentally, Bernard's 70th birthday is 5 days before my 33rd this year, and he's still out there groovin'. :-) Everybody needs a little groove in their lives, and this is the perfect example of how to enjoy life, so without further "adieu," enjoy the groove!




Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Thank You

To all the single moms and dads who are trying to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, thank you for proving that it can be done.

To all the married couples who love their spouses as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her, thank you for being an example to those in loveless relationships.

To the people who revolutionized the way the world communicates (internet, blogging, email, etc.), thank you for making life easier and so much more complicated all in one fell swoop.

To all the musicians who have influenced my life (from Aretha all the way to Zorro and so many in-between), thank you for fueling my passion for music.

To the people who doubted me and what God would do in me, thank you for giving me a reason to keep working and learning and improving (I'm bound and determined to prove you wrong!).

To all my friends with whom I've lost contact, thank you for always being there for me, even when we can't or don't talk anymore. My friends are my family.

To my family, thank you for allowing me to make mistakes so I could learn the value of striving for perfection, the goal I'll never reach on my own, especially in this life.

To my beautiful wife, Stephanie, and our little biscuit, Gabby, thank you for showing me what family love really means. I'm still learning, but aren't we all?

And finally, to the person who stole my iPod yesterday, thank you for reminding me that it's just stuff and that there's a reason the streets in Heaven are paved with gold (because the currency in Heaven is love). Jesus died for that, too.

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Rebirth Of A Nation

Yesterday we witnessed a first. For some, a long-awaited first. For others, long-feared. I know plenty of people who are thrilled to see a black man as President. I know some people who are equally thrilled, if not moreso, to see the former President leave office. Here are my thoughts (thank you for asking) about the whole thing.

I am a Christian first, then a husband, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a friend, a worship leader, a musician, and an American, in that order. I love my God, my family, my ministry, and my country. I worship my God. Period.
I care deeply for my family and friends, but I don't worship them. I care deeply for my ministry, but I don't worship it. I care deeply for my country, but I don't worship it either. I worship the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That is my God.

I say these things because I find it extremely important to understand my priorities so I always remember from where I come and to Whom I belong. I choose to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," so that "all these things will be added to [me]." (Matt. 6:33)

So what does this have to do with the "rebirth of a nation?" Simply stated, a lot of Americans are worshipping the new President and serving him as a god. They firmly support everything he says and does. His words are like fresh water to them. They run through the streets chanting his name as though he were the savior of this land.

As I watched the new President's inaugural speech, I felt an underlying sense of pride (for my heritage as well as my country's courage to try to break down racial barriers) and a surprising sense of hope. Then something happened that put things into perspective. The camera moved. They panned out over the crowd and then went to a shot of the President at the podium with so many hundreds of people seated behind and above him. All around him were men and women just like him. He looked so small. It was at that moment that I remembered, "He's only a man. He may be very intelligent and well-spoken, and he may hold one of the highest political offices in the world, but he's still only a man. I respect and even admire him, but he's still only a man. His position is much grander than he. His country is so much more powerful than he. And all the while, Jesus sits on His throne, awaiting His appointed time to return to the Earth He created and take His children home with Him!"

My point is two-fold.
1. Respect the office of the President.
2. Worship the true Savior of this land.

Although the President holds significant authority in this world, no person holds higher authority than Jesus. The President is a good man and I choose to respect him. However, I choose to be led only by the Holy Spirit who prompts me to love unconditionally.

This is not my confession of perfection. This is my request for rebirth. May we, as a nation, be reborn into the faith, hope, and love of Jesus, the true Savior, both now and eternally!

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Meet The Brannons

Hey Kids! I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to my new bride, Stephanie. She and I married on New Year's Day and I'd never seen her more beautiful! Absolutely radiant!!

Okay, enough gushing. It's been two weeks now, and things are good, but we are learning a lot about ourselves, each other, and marriage that we never imagined. Some people say marriage is easy. Some say it's super-difficult. Some view marriage as an obstacle or a burden. Some view it as a great challenge. I think it's all of the above (minus the obstacle / burden part, of course).

It's easy to be around the person you're in love with. It's super-difficult to change from being a selfish single person to a selfless married couple (it doesn't happen overnight). The challenge is learning to be completely selfless and fully devoted to your God and your spouse. It has been said that it takes couples about 9 or 10 years to learn complete selflessness. Well, I'm a guy, and I'm from Texas which makes me want to do things faster and better (thank you, testosterone), so I'm shooting for less than 5 years! We'll see how that works out for me.

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

In My Head

Since I have had so much going through my head over the past several weeks (and longer), I decided to lump them all together in an end-of-the-year-beginning-of-the-new-year-pre-wedding blog. So, here's what's in my head:

1. I'm getting married tomorrow!
2. I don't have everything done that I wanted to get done, but I have enough done to get by.
3. I really need to be packing right now instead of blogging.
4. I wonder if my bag will be big enough for the honeymoon, or if I should pack the bigger one.
5. I hit a deer.
6. I hope I can find some cuff links before the wedding.
7. I'm really ready to get this over with.
8. I mean it was last week, and I barely even felt it, but that deer jacked up Spot pretty good. The deer feels nothing now, though.
9. Do I have enough underwear?
10. Spot is my truck's name. He needs a new headlight.
11. Happy New Year!
12. What the crap?!?!?! I'm getting married tomorrow!!!!! (It's okay. Just breathe. Don't hyperventilate. Just breathe.)

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

This Christmas

This Christmas is different for me than any other Christmas in my 32 years on this planet. Several reasons. First, it’s my first Christmas with my future (in one week!) in-laws. I never imagined being this close to marriage a year ago, but it’s something that God has done in my life and I’m thankful. Second, it’s my first Christmas outside of Texas (that I know of). It’s odd how traditions are so easily broken when there’s a good reason. I believe that if I had gone to Texas this Christmas, I’d come back to Tennessee more broke than I already am. Providence. Third, it’s my first Christmas in which I don’t get to see my Dad. I’ve always been able to see him on or around Christmas day, but I won’t get to see him until probably April (God willing) because of low fundage, wedding preparation, moving, and plenty of other reasons. I’ll admit. I was really upset when I first realized I wouldn’t see my Dad anymore this year, but I found hope. I found hope in the work I’ve been able to do with the church. Every year, the church where I work does a food / clothing / toy giveaway called “Christmas Blitz” and it was started several years ago by the late Tommy Gill. Shortly before he died, he told me, “Do good things for people and good things will happen for you.” Very similar to a Bible verse that says, “Give and it will be given to you.” That’s what Christmas Blitz is all about. We gather up food, clothing and toys, box it up, and deliver it to area families who are struggling. Some have a little food to get them through the holidays. Some have nothing at all. Steph and I met an elderly couple who is taking care of 2-year-old twin girls who were born prematurely and have had health problems all their lives. That’s got to be nightmarish at times. I can’t imagine being in that situation. But God is faithful. He brought them more than enough food to get through the holiday season, as well as some great toys and gifts for the girls. It reminds me to count my blessings daily. I may have gotten tons of stuff for Christmas. I may have gotten nothing material for Christmas. I’m not discussing that with people. What I will discuss, though, are the huge blessings I received from people who allowed us to give them hope for the holidays and a sense of joy and family. How many people do we know who have no hope or joy or peace or family? You might be surprised when you think about it. So, as we reflect on Christmas time, let’s reflect on the joy that comes from giving and from family. Let’s be in constant prayer for those who can’t be with family or loved ones this holiday season, especially our troops. Blessings to you all, and don’t forget…

ONE WEEK ‘TIL WE TIE THE KNOT!!!

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Special Needs

Some of you (now, all of you) know that I used to drive school buses when I was in college in Texas. One of the greatest privileges I ever had was driving special needs buses. I know. You can joke all you want about me having been the driver of the "short bus" (but should've been one of the passengers), but I found that one of the most honorable jobs I've ever had was getting to serve children and young adults with special needs. Of course, I was a bit nervous when I started monitoring and driving those buses. Who wouldn't be. The difference, though, is that I learned very quickly that people with special needs are still people. Some of them are physically challenged, some have psychological hinderances, some simply think and act on a much younger maturity level than that of their age. Whatever the case, these kids really are special.

For example, I was monitoring one morning when we picked up one of our autistic passengers. This child was quite large for his age and a little on the mischievous side. This particular morning, I had a candy bar open and sitting on my seat next to me. When we loaded this passenger, my chips were still where I had left them. I got his seat belt fastened and turned around to answer a question the driver had asked me. When I turned around, my candy bar was gone! I looked at the culprit just in time to watch him scarf down the last bite of chocolaty goodness... the chocolate bar I had paid 65 of my hard-earned cents for! We got a good laugh out of that one.

On a different bus that I drove, I had a brother-sister combo who rode to school together. The brother was a few years older than the sister and wasn't in the special needs program, nor did he need to be. It was the sister who needed the special attention, so he rode to school and home with her to help her out. She used a walker and had a lot of trouble speaking. I believe she had some sort of palsy. Either way, they picked on each other a lot, as all good siblings should. One day, the brother was picking on his little sister so much that she got sick of it and threatened to hit him over the head with her walker... and she would've done it, too! I think the only thing that stopped her from trying to knock him out was her seat belt!

The thing that really changed my heart about special needs kids, though, was a kid who suffered with severe mental retardation. He couldn't speak, could barely walk, had to wear a helmet because his motor skills weren't always reliable. He was (and still is) an amazing child. I guess he's probably over 21 years of age now, although his mind is still that of an infant. The thing that got to me was the driver who was driving when I first met this passenger. Since the passenger had trouble walking, I, as monitor, had to get out of the bus and help his mom or brother or other family member get him into the bus. He would sit there in silence all the way to school. Then the driver and I would team up to help him off the bus. One day the driver, his name is Dave, said something that I'll never forget. He looked up in the mirror at this particular rider and said "I wonder what goes through his mind all day."

I wonder what goes through our minds all day. Do we spend the majority of our day griping and whining about how bad the world is to us, or do we try to think of ways to be good to the world? Do we think about the impure images we're constantly bombarded with, or do we seek redeemed images of our spouse, or better yet, images of our Savior? Do we waste our time worrying about the money we don't have so we can buy the stuff we don't need and then worry about the money we don't have, or do we count our blessings, thanking God for being all we need?

We're all children with special needs in one way or another. The One who meets all our needs made us special.

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

10.29.08

1.1.09 - 12:00 PM - Nashville, TN

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Honoring The Fallen

The past month has seen a lot of death, especially in my world. I really appreciate all the kind comments you (the readers) left on my last entry. I love it when we honor the memory of our loved ones. That being said, I'd like to honor my friends as well. Please, copy and paste the links below in your browser to read more about these outstanding individuals.

Debra Dee Ortiz
May 23, 1990 - September 29, 2008
I had the honor of teaching Debra when she was a freshman and sophomore at Canyon High School (Canyon, TX). She always had a big, beautiful smile on her face. She was one of the most kind-hearted, sincere, hard-working, unselfish students I ever got to teach. Although I didn't get to work with her on a regular basis, she was always there in the band, working hard to achieve all the goals she had set for herself. It seems like she always had a kind word to say, even when other people didn't. I will miss her contagious smile and the dedication she had for everything she did. Blessings to her family.

http://www.canyonnews.com/pages/full_story?article-obituary-Debra-Ortiz%20=&page_label=news_obituaries&id=279468-Debra-Ortiz&widget=push&instance=1st_right&open=&

Marc R. Schoch
March 7, 1987 - October 21, 2008
At the end of marching band season in 2004, I had all the members of the drum line sign an old drum head and I kept it as a reminder of how great it was to teach those kids that season. One of the reasons it was so great for me was Marc Schoch. Marc was always at the top of the section. He worked hard on a daily basis. He always had this great energy about him that told me he was going to be the best he could be and bring other people along with him. He was one of my private students as well. I loved teaching Marc. He always listened well and took instructions to heart. In the spring of 2005, he was a featured soloist in the marimba trio "Stubernic" and he completely nailed it. Now that I think about it, I think he was one of the ones who started calling me 'Papa B.' What a great kid and a tragic loss! Blessings and comfort to the Schoch family.

http://amarillo.com/stories/102308/obi_obit3.shtml

Billie Wayne Lemons
ca. 1955 - October 12, 2008
Billie was a great friend of the Brannon family and a wonderful example to me. He taught me to be bold in my faith. He taught me how to sing from the depths of my soul. He was the one who told me "lead songs as if you had written them." He changed the way I viewed life. He was always full of joy and his smile was one that always brought comfort. He was a great mentor, teacher, motivator, father, son. He played football for Texas A&M back in the 70's and spent a season with the Cleveland Browns. His son (and my friend), Devin, followed in his footsteps... sort of. Devin played football at Texas Tech (and did very well there) and spent a little time in the NFL with Chicago, Miami, and Washington. Although he never really saw any playing time, he still got there, which is not something most folk can say they did. Billie's dad, Wayne Lemons, did the eulogy for my mother's funeral back in 1989. The whole Lemons family is close to the Brannon family. That's why I'm so saddened to have heard about Billie's sudden death. I can still hear his beautiful tenor voice singing "People Get Ready" with the Harvesters 4 when I was a teenager... and younger. Oh, how I will miss him! Blessings to his family, which is just like my extended family.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billie_Wayne_Lemons

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

More Tragedy

I'm sure some of you have heard about this, but most of you have not. Even so, I have bad news. As most of you know, I taught in Texas before I moved to Nashville. One of the schools I taught was Amarillo High School. At AHS, I had a student named Marc Schoch (sounds like 'shook'). Marc was one of my best students when he was in high school. He always worked hard, took instruction well, and made great improvement on a daily basis. I received a phone call yesterday that Marc's roommate at Texas Tech University found him dead in his dorm room from an apparent suicide.

Marc is the second one of my students who has lost their life in the past month. Debra Ortiz was a band member in Canyon, TX when I was an assistant band director there. She was killed in a terrible car wreck on her way to Amarillo College (as a freshman) September 29th. I didn't work as closely with Debra as I did with Marc, but she was a fantastic student and a beautiful individual.

Please, pray for the Schoch family and all the people who knew and loved Marc that we will find some peace and comfort in this unmentionably tragic time. Also, pray for the Ortiz family and Debra's loved ones as they still mourn.

Shalom

Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

At The Cross

Sometimes your world is bright with laughter.
Sometimes it's stained with tears.
Sometimes it's overflowing with non-stop worship.
Sometimes it's clouded with fear.

No matter what this life brings,
Whether for gain or loss,
You will always find joy, peace, and rest
When you meet Him at the cross

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

A Fresh Start

This is a word that I felt appropriate to share until I can come up with my own words. I'll write something original soon enough. Just waiting for the right thing to write. Hope you read, enjoy, and get something good out of this. I didn't write it. My friend, Paul, did. It's a great outline of how we all have been called to live. The key word is...

LOVE!

----------------------------------------------------

Colossians 3 (English Standard Version)

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

Colossians 3

Put On the New Self

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Rules for Christian Households

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

A Big Ol' Double-Shot, part 1

Hey Kids! I know it's been a while, so here are a pair of blogs to kinda play catch-up for the last few weeks.

We got to visit northeastern Pennsylvania a couple weekends ago which landed us in Scranton, PA, home of Dunder and Mifflin Paper Company. Of course, “The Office” is filmed in California, but the city of Scranton is still capitalizing from the show’s success. So, for all you fans of “The Office,” we (Mark “Kix-in-the-Mix” Hixson and I) took a couple of pics that I thought would be fun to share. Most of them are kinda tough to see, so I’m posting some of the better ones. Hope you enjoy!

Kix wanted some pics with some of the characters from the show. 


Another shot with more “people” 


Kix at the “Crystal Club“


The famed “Farley’s Pub,” complete with Bouncer


We also had a great time in concert at the Spruce Lake Retreat in Canadensis, PA. We spent the day with a
great bunch of people celebrating Labor Day weekend. 


We had a total blast on this trip. We hope to see more of our Aca-friends soon at a concert near you!

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

A Big Ol' Double-Shot, part 2

I got to spend the majority of a week with Roo and her family in Myrtle Beach, SC. We were there until the day before Hurricane Hannah hit the coast. As a matter of fact, it had already started raining by the time we started driving back to Nashville. This is a shot of the beach the day before we left…

And this is the same beach the day we left…


What kind of mess is that, huh? God does some truly amazing things!

On the drive back, God started doing some amazing things in Steph’s and my relationship. God has this uncanny ability to teach people different things about ourselves that completely change the way we live. He did that with Stephanie and me over the last week and a half. He went to some crazy extremes to show us what we needed to learn. It’s an intriguing story, full of suspense, heartbreak, redemption, and reconciliation. She can tell this story much better than I, so I’ll post her story as soon as she posts it on her blog. What I will say is that He has totally changed the way she and I approach our relationship for the better…best! I’ll write more about this later. I’m excited to see where God is taking us!

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Tommy

We buried a great man yesterday. Tommy Gill was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, friend, and child of God. He was giving, caring, loving, compassionate. He was Jesus to so many people who needed help. He was Jesus to me by giving me a place to live while I get myself back in order financially. He fought fires for 28 years and he fought cancer for 18 years. He understood and promoted the value of hard work and was the embodiment of generousity. He was always joyful. I never spoke to him when he didn't have a big ol' grin on his face. He loved to sing. He loved good music, especially bluegrass. And he loved his family. I know his wife, Dora, meant the world to him. Tommy suffers no longer. Now he lives with his Father and he still loves us. We'll miss him but we look forward to the day when we see him again. Tommy Gill was, and is, a great man of God. Let's celebrate his life by living our lives for the One who gave us this time to live. Live out loud!

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Women Who Worship

I saw the most amazing thing a couple weeks ago. We were in Elmira, NY doing a concert at North Presbyterian Church for a crowd of about 200-300 people when I looked into the middle of the room and saw two people doing something I haven't seen in quite some time. They were worshiping with reckless abandon! Erin, the promoter who brought us to Elmira, and her friend Kathy spent the whole hour and a half in awestruck worship to Jesus. I'd be willing to bet that if some of us saw the way they were behaving we would question their sanity, run away from them in fear and confusion, make fun of them, or whatever we could do to negate their idea of worship. But they didn't pay any attention to what the people around them thought. It is evident by their actions that they live their lives in abject worship. I'm not saying they have it all together or that they're perfect. None of us are. What I'm saying is that they both spend all their time, whether in public or in private, in constant conversation with God, and that's the beginning of a great relationship. I wish I had that kind of relationship with God. I'm not there yet, by any means, but I want to always be aware that God is listening intently to what I have to say. He's listening to my praise and my put-downs, my joy and my junk, my heart of worship and my heart of worry. I can't wait for the day when He takes all the bad stuff (put-downs, junk, worry, etc) and throws it into the fire! I don't want it anymore and I know I never needed it. So, I'm gonna take Erin's and Cathy's example and try to put it to work in my life. From the looks of it, that's what a life of praise looks like.

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Joy, Pain, Fear, and Perseverance

In trying to understand my negative qualities in order to fix or alleviate them, I've been thinking about my past and what got me to the place where I am now. I thought about the good times that I've been fortunate enough to experience. I thought about how the good things that happen in life often come from some sort of trial or pain. That led me to think about how some painful events or situations came from things that were originally good. The pain of failure can come from the joy of education if you bomb the final. The joy of winning first prize in the relay race can come from the pain of having to replace the anchor runner of the team because of illness.

I've experienced joy that started with pain. Ten years ago I was struggling through a back injury that nearly cost me my spot as timpanist / section leader for Blue Knights. There was a stretch of nearly two weeks where I couldn't make it through a full day of rehearsal, and in the world of drum corps, that's likened to missing almost a month of school! That back injury made me stop playing for a while, but I started thinking more about the music I was supposed to be playing and figuring out ways to make it better. It's always nice when you can take a step back and look from a distance at how things are and how they should be. Because I was able to stop and regroup mentally, I was able to go to the next level of my musical ability. By the end of that season I had aged out of drum corps as World Champion Timpanist for Drum Corps International and as Best In Section for Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps.

I've also experienced extreme pain that stemmed from joy. I'm blessed to be part of a big family. For many of us, family is one of God's greatest treasures. He gives us people to care for us when we're young, teach us as we grow, encourage us as we struggle through adulthood, raise as our own children and grandchildren, and care for us again when we're old. At the same time, he takes away those very same people. I've dealt with a lot of death and loss in my lifetime. I lost my great-grandfather, Robin James (after whom I am named) at age 4, my Uncle, Charlie Staples (also after whom I am named) just after I turned 13, my mother, Shirley, about a month after Uncle Charlie, my brother, Ernie, when I was 24, my brother, Ron, when I was 26, my Gram, Bea Adams, when I was 27, and so many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends along the way. I've been engaged to be married twice, yet I've never been married yet. I've lost countless friendships for countless reasons. I've lost jobs and job opportunities. I've lost places to live and people to live with. All of these things and people brought joy to me at some point, but that joy was stifled by the pain of losing them.

I guess that's why I struggle with fear. I've become accustomed to living with the fear that all that I have and know and love will be taken from me. That sounds like I just walk around all day hoping God doesn't take something else from me...and it's somewhat true, but it's much more complicated than that. See, I know very well that God will give and take away because that's what He does. However, I'm a little selfish and somewhat insecure which means I tend to want to hold on to what I have. It really hurts me when God takes things or people from me. That's when I have to remember that God is painting this picture that is so much bigger than my life and my selfishness. He chose to include me in that picture, but I'm not the focal point of it. Jesus is. So, if I tough it out and trust God enough to know that He knows what's best, I will find all that joy that I lost and I'll find it in Him. Ain't that good news?!

- - -
Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your Name
by Matt Redman
album: Where Angels Fear To Tread (2002)

Peace, Love and Chocolate

Good

Things are going well. Steph and I are doing great, I'm busy with Acappella and my job at the church, and I get to see my folks next week. I'm headed home for a few days before our concerts in Oklahoma City (Edmond) and Tulsa (come see us in concert if you're in the area.. www.acappella.org/calendar) so I'm excited about that. We just finished up with Acafest and that went rather nicely. Now we're gearing up for the rest of July. Once this month is over, life will calm down immensely. So, I wanted to share a song that's been on my heart for a some time now. It's a reminder that no matter what happens in my life, God is still God and nothing will ever change that. It's a reminder that He loves me and He is merciful to me, even though I don't deserve it. Remember Him as you go through your week. I bet you'll be glad you did!

YOU ARE GOOD

Lord you are good and your mercy endureth forever,
Lord you are good and your mercy endureth forever

People from every nation and tongue
From generation to generation

We worship you
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
We worship you
For who you are...

We worship you
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
We worship you
For who you are
[repeat]

You are good

You are good - all the time
All the time - you are good

HOUGHTON, ISRAEL
Copyright: 2001 INTEGRITYS PRAISE! MUSIC
CDTitle: SPEAK TO NATIONS
Year: 2001
ISRAEL & NEW BREED

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Movin'

I wanted to share this song with you because I'm in the process of moving and I probably won't be online quite as much as I have been... so I may not be blogging quite as often. I'll try to post something on a regular (or at least semi-regular) basis. Soooo... enjoy this one!

Movin'

Chorus:
Movin', gotta keep movin'
Groovin', stay in the groove (yes)
Movin', gotta keep movin'
Pressing on, striving toward the goal, (yes)

Well every one of us is in a race
And we're running for the prize
It takes time and energy to train
A spiritual exercise
Throw off every weight that slows you down
Take that path that Christ has led
Forget everything that is behind
And just strain toward what's ahead
And just keep on (movin'...)

Well everyday we have to make a choice
Say true to what is right
Overcome everything that's in our way
And fix our eyes on Christ
Just keep pressing on up toward the goal
Where a crown of life you'll find
Well no doubt Christ will be waiting there
When we cross the finish line
And we just keep (movin'...)

Bridge:
Jesus died on the cross
Willing to die for even me
Now he reigns up on high
Don't give up or become weary


Words and music: Ken McAlpin © 1999 Clifty Music (BMI)
Lead: Ken McAlpin (chorus and bridge), All Step Out in Verses

Scriptural Reference:
"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Whirlwind Weekend

I'm recovering from a whirlwind of a weekend. Lots of stuff can go down in four days, and did it ever! I have to take this opportunity to thank Rhonda Coleson, our booking agent, for all of her help and support. She's been awesome and we couldn't have made it through this weekend without her. So, the ten peso version of the story is: we went to Little Rock, Dallas, and Searcy, AR, leaving on Friday and returning yesterday. It was a fun trip and we are glad to be back in Nashville.

Now here's the million dollar version!

Friday, June 13th
Zach Wilson and I drive the Acappella van and trailer to Little Rock. The original plan was for us to get there around 6:00 PM and get settled into our housing for the night. Arrangements had been made for our van and trailer to be cleaned and detailed in Little Rock on Saturday while we flew to Dallas. Most of that plan happened the way it was supposed to...except for the van. It broke down again. We were driving down I-40 toward Memphis, not quite an hour out of Nashville, and it just quit running. We had to pull onto the side of the road and start making phone calls. Somehow, the van started again and we got back on the road. There were lots of prayers going up on our behalf, and they worked! We eventually made it to Little Rock around 8:00 and got the van where it needed to be. Zach stayed with our booking agent's sister and her husband, and I stayed with my best friend's brother and his wife. It was great to see them and spend a little time with them. It was a long day, but we got through it and prepared ourselves for Saturday. (by the way, it was also my late brother, Ron's, birthday. He would have been 42.)


Saturday, June 14th
Zach and I flew from Little Rock while Zac George, Allen Brantley, and our newest member, Anthony Lancaster (if that name sounds familiar, it's because he's our boss' son) flew from Nashville to Dallas. We all met there to be inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame. That's an experience I won't forget. We were inducted along with the likes of the Jordanaires (featuring one of my heroes, Ray Walker) who sang for a time with Elvis Presley, the Cathedrals, Lulu Roman from Hee-Haw, songwriter David Meece, the Imperials, Jessy Dixon, the Florida Boys, and many other pioneers in the Christian music world. There were also tributes to Larry Norman (Bebo Norman's dad and the "father of Christian rock music")and Dottie Rambo, one of the greatest gospel music songwriter who ever lived. Both Larry and Dottie died earlier this year, so it was a great night. We were honored and humbled to have been a part of it.

Sunday, June 15th
We flew back to Little Rock and were met at the airport by our freshly cleaned van and trailer, courtesy of Kevin, another brother-in-law of our booking agent. We drove our nice clean van an hour away to Searcy for the first of three concerts at Harding University for Uplift. After we checked into the hotel, Jacob and Laura, who both work for Harding, took us to lunch at the Rib Crib. That's good eatin' right there! We headed back to the auditorium and got our lights and sound set up. It was the first time we had set up lights since October, so the process was a little slower than normal, but we got it done in time. We had some dinner (Brick Oven Pizza) and went to the hotel to get ready for the concert. I finally got to call my dad and wish him a happy father's day. I hope you did too! Anyway, we had our devo time and then a 10:00 PM concert that was electric! The crowd was hyped and we just had a blast. Anthony did great, too, for his first Acappella concert. We took our equipment down and moved it to the back of the stage (because we'll be back again) and went to bed.

Monday, June 16th
We left the hotel at 7:00 AM so we could get Zac back to Nashville for work before 2:00. We got fuel and breakfast and drove about 15 miles down the road to Bald Knob (yes, that is the name of the town) and the van broke down again. This time, it didn't start again. To make a long story short(er), we had the van towed back to Searcy to be repaired, the trailer was towed to an impound lot for safe keeping, we rented a van that was a little bit too small for us and our equipment and luggage, and drove back to Nashville. I managed to get only one speeding ticket, even though I was going the same speed as everybody else. Yeah, that happened. Anyway, we got back to Nashville around 5:30 (no, Zac didn't get to work) and had just enough time to get the van unloaded and take it to the rental place five minutes before it closed (now you understand that if I hadn't been speeding, I wouldn't have gotten the van to the rental place in time and would've been charged over $300 extra. I saved the company some major money!). It was nice, though, because Anthony took me to Stephanie's parents' house just in time for my birthday party! That's what you call a happy birthday!!

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

War With Myself

I’m at war with myself
The very thing I want to do
I keep trying to do
But I just can’t seem to do
The things I know You want me to
‘Cause I’m at war with myself

I’m going through a lot of things that make me stumble
Attacking me, beating me, breaking me, keeping me humble
The Word is good, but my sinful nature's taking over
I need a light, can someone help me to recover

All I need is You (all I need is You, all I want is You)
All I want is truth (I’m in search of truth, the truth that only comes from You)
Can I find the faith (can I find the faith to keep me on the straight)
I’m calling out Your name

Chorus:
The very thing I want to do
I keep trying to do
But I just can’t seem to do
The things I know You want me to
‘Cause I’m at war with myself
No matter what I try to do
I keep failing You
But I know that I should do
The things I know You want me to
‘Cause I’m at war with myself

I’m fighting in this battle like a wounded soldier
I don’t think I can bear this burden on my shoulder
The ride is rough, it’s going fast, it’s almost over
I need a hand to get me off this roller coaster

How can I get to You (how can I get to You, I need to get to You)
I still desire truth (I still desire truth, the truth that only comes from You)
I’m desperate for the faith (I’m desperate for the faith to keep me on the straight)
I’m screaming out Your name

When the righteous cry out (when the righteous cry out)
They’ll be set free (be set free)
From the pain in this life (this life)
That brought them to their knees

In the night, a light, the smoke is clearing
The sky is dark, and hot, but I’m not fearing
It’s raging on, but I know that I can win this battle
Eventually, the other side of me will crumble

All I need is You (all I need is You, how can I get to You)
All I want is truth (I still desire truth, the truth that only comes from You)
Can I find the faith (I'm desperate for the faith to keep me on the straight)
I’m crying out Your name

Repeat Chorus (x2)

War


Words and music: Keith Lancaster, Sean Samuel, Nicolas Dunbar and Matt Nunnally © 2003 Anthony K. Music (ASCAP)


Scriptural Reference:

"We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it." Romans 7:14-20

"For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you. Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?" 2 Corinthians 13:4-5

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Cardboard Testimony

My friend, Sam, sent this video to me and I found it to be powerful, uplifting, Spirit-led, and full of hope! As you watch this 8-minute clip, formulate your own cardboard testimony and share it with us. I'll even share mine. Just look at the comments.








Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Tragedy

Take 6 recorded a song many years ago, one of their biggest hits, in which the chorus says: "If we ever needed the Lord before, we sure do need Him now." That line is on repeat in my head as I write this. Stop whatever it is you're doing and pray right now. A child has gone Home early. Her family needs your prayers for comfort, peace, wisdom, and understanding in this tragic time. Specifically, pray for her oldest brother, who accidentally was the reason for her meeting Jesus at such a young age. I can't imagine the thoughts, feelings, emotions coursing through him and his family. Pray as though your life depended upon it. It does, and the family's does, too. God wants to hear from you. There is no better time than right now.

Shalom

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MARIA SUE CHAPMAN, DAUGHTER OF STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, DIES IN ACCIDENT AT FAMILY HOMENASHVILLE, TN...5/21/08... At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Thursday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family's six children and one of their three adopted daughters.More than five years ago, Chapman and his wife MaryBeth founded The Shaohannah's Hope Ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry's goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world. Chapman is a five-time GRAMMY ® winner and 54-time Dove Award winning artist who has sold over 10 million albums and garnered 44 No. 1 singles.