From Spolights to Headlights

Tonight is "Trunk-or-Treat" at Highland Street. A safe environment for children to come and walk around to different cars and ask for candy. It has just been confirmed that Zorro will ride again.

The last time I wore this Zorro costume, I was in front of thousands of people dancing like there was no tomorrow. And although passing out candy to little children doesn't sound nearly as exciting, there are many who would argue that it's much more Scriptural.

Props to the Class of 2004! Have a great weekend everyone!

This might catch on...

May I propose two ideas? First, as I recently ate at a restaurant here in Memphis, the waiter was listing the different salad dressings (an important test) and finished triumphantly with "hot bacon." Hot bacon?! Maybe I'm new around here, but I had never heard of it. And that's exactly what it was. Not "hot" as in "spicy," but "hot" as in temperature. While it is tasty, my arteries would rather call it "liquid cork." But to me, it sounds more like an exclamation phrase. As in "boy howdy," "cool beans," etc. "Well, hot bacon! That's great!"

I'm still getting used to this one. Give it a try and tell me what you think.

My second idea is a new street equivalent to "Amen." What if we ended our prayers a little differently to be seeker friendly? I suggest, "I know 'das right." I really think this one has potential. Can't you hear it? "...and in Jesus' name we pray, I know 'das right." I love it! We've got to meet them where they are, folks.

Give it a try!

Sigh of Relief

Since arriving in Memphis, I've had an empty frame in my office. It has been the source of much ridicule and teasing--but I've been able to withstand the emotional assaults. You see, this frame was quickly recognized as a frame intended to display one's diploma. But since my graduation was so recent, the diploma had not been mailed yet. You can imagine the thoughtful and poignant comments I heard:

"I'm just not sure if I can follow the lead of someone who never graduated from college."
"Lipscomb graduates actually receive a diploma when they graduate." etc., etc.

I knew I could hold on through the storm for the six to eight weeks promised for the delivery of this shockingly expensive piece of paper. But after twelve weeks I was beginning to sweat. But the Lord will deliver those who wait upon Him. My diploma has arrived. I now have the authority of a Bachelor of Arts "with all of the honors, rights and privileges." I suppose the best way to translate this phrase into contemporary language is to say that I have a job. And I'm grateful.

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On a more meaningful note, I finished watching the Godfather triology for the first time ever this weekend. My lack of watching "must see" movies has also been the source of much emotional assault over the years.

So today, I call my friends and family to join me in celebrating the arrival of the diploma, and the wonderful feat of experiencing the Godfather and all of its glory.

Slow Eating is the 10th Fruit of the Spirit

Well, my new friends in Memphis did not take very long to begin giving me a hard time for always being the last one eating. Those of you who know my Dad will understand where this comes from. But it also comes from a deep love and appreciation for food. I treasure every bite and those of you who don't should repent! Ha!

Two weeks ago at reach group everyone was commenting on the excellent cake someone had made while I was still finishing my main entree. Yesterday at our Birthday Banquet I was still eating my chicken as the chairs around me were stacked and pushed back against the wall! Gees! I had to carry dessert back to my office. But this doesn't really bother me. If I'm eating, I'm happy.

What about you? Do you treasure your food or do you forget what you ate within ten minutes?

A Glimpse

Over the last several months, this church has been praying for an 18 month-old baby from Belize. Some of our youth kids were there on a mission trip when Chris was born. He was born with life-threatening complications. His life has been full of risky surgeries.

Recently, people from this church gathered funds to fly Chris and his mother to Memphis so that he could have surgery at St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Two weeks ago, he was operated on by the best children's brain surgeon in the world. Within days he was up and around--doing great!

Chris and his mother were here at Highland Street on Sunday. They sat close to the front. Their very presence was an awesome reason for praise. At one point, we were singing "On Bended Knee." One of the lines reads, "...as I look upon Your face..."

As we sang it I glanced at Chris. This tiny child was looking straight at me with big brown eyes. In those eyes, I caught a glimpse of the King.

You Park in my Place, I Breaka Your Face

Last week I got in trouble for parking in someone's "unofficial" place at chuch. But after all the uproar, it sounds like it's pretty official to me! She had been out-of-town all week, and I'm usually one of the first ones to the office. The place was open. No one said anything for the entire week.

Then she returned. There was actually a large turn out of people when everything hit the fan. This indicates to me that they all knew I was going to get it, they just came to watch the show! And they didn't bother to warn me ahead of time because they wanted to watch the show! But I was happy to move--I would want someone to do the same for me. Those of you who know me will remember that I had a certain place at ACU where I always parked. This is very important to me--very troubling if someone is in my spot.

When I die, if I wake up and someone tells me we have General Parking, I'll know I'm in the wrong place.

Trying to fix the "you're too young" idea

Today has been fun. I turned 23 today, and there is a significant amount of cake and other treats at my apartment. My birthday is always during the Zoe conference or soon after, so I love the reality that I get a trip to Nashville every year for my birthday!

Zoe conference: feast. I loved it. Life-changing worship, inspiring speakers, special friends, and two Baja Burritos. It was a great blessing to hear Mike Cope preach again--I've missed him. I also had fun rooming with Val Durrington, spending time with my close friend DJ Bulls, and catching up some with Jeff Nelson (my mentor from two summers ago).

The best news I have from the conference is that I found someone who specializes in voice care to work with me. This is very important because my voice is a somewhat critical part of my ministry and future. This person mainly works with recording artists and actors in the Nashville area. I approached her after her clinic to see if she could help me find someone who could work with me, and she offered herself! That's right, I get to work with a voice specialist in Nashville. Isn't that awesome?

The Conference left me feeling very inspired. Recently I had been fighting some feelings of inadequacy (largely because of my age, so I added a year today!). One thing I felt strongly about this weekend was that the Lord has gifted me, invested in me, and He WILL work through me if I seek Him above all.