Homesick

Not what you’re thinking. I’ve returned from a great trip home to Abilene, TX. For the first time in many months, I was able to spend time with lots of great friends whom I have missed. I also had a wonderful time with my parents and sister. Sing Song was fun and Lectureship was so inspiring and encouraging.

Life transitions are hard, and there are still times when I’m down because I miss so many special people. But now I also have lots of special folks here in Memphis. And I still have many special friends in Denver and in San Antonio from my internships. Truthfully, I’ll never be satisfied now regardless of where I live. I have too many wonderful friends in too many different places.

I’ve decided that all my homesickness is really just longing for heaven. Being in heaven with Christ is the only true home for all of us, and painful goodbyes are an unfortunate part of life on this earth. I think I’ve written about this before, so forgive me if I’m a little preoccupied with the heaven idea—but that’s the point, right? When our minds are set on things above, the earthly things don’t hurt nearly as much. We press on to the goal…

I’ll try to remember to blog about some things this week that I heard at the Lectureship.

Not exactly what I had in mind…

Well, first service on Sunday had some interesting moments. The best was when some ladies plugged in four coffee pots simultaneously and tripped the electrical breaker. Would you like to guess what else was on that circuit? That’s right: sound system, powerpoint system, projector, stage lights. If we had known it was going to happen, we could have advertised: “this week the Highland Street Praise Team, unplugged!” Fortunately, someone knew what to do and we were back up and running within a song and a half.

This week will be a short week. I’m traveling to Abilene for Sing Song / Lectureship. I’m looking forward to being reunited with family and friends whom I haven’t seen in so long. I’ll be at Highland (Abilene) on Sunday.

For others like me who have no special plans for Valentine’s Day, I will close with something my good friend Emily Crews likes to say: “Happy Clean-Out-Your-Toaster Day!”

The Long Anticipated Napoleon Post

So I was eating dinner with some kids from the Youth Group tonight. On the screen in the gym they had Napoleon Dynamite playing. One kid at my table mentioned that when he first saw the movie, it made him think of me.

And ya know, I have to say that the first time I saw it there were a few moments that were all too familiar. One of which—yes—was the dance. Oh, the pain!

For me, being a goofy idiot is actually part of my strategy to keep others from knowing just how smart (or not-so-smart) I can be. I like to keep people guessing.

Can you see some of Napoleon Dynamite in me?

A Glory Story: Michelle

There is much rejoicing around the Worship Ministry at Highland Street today. The Lord has heard our cry and answered our pleas!

One of our own, Michelle, had an important MRI and doctor’s appointment last week. Four years ago, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Through regular treatment, she lives a very normal life. I would have never known she had this diagnosis if she had not told me.

Earlier last week, her doctor scheduled an unusual appointment and indicated that he wanted her to do another MRI scan of her brain and spinal cord. He also indicated that she may need to start an entire new treatment. Wednesday, we (the Praise Team) had a special prayer time for Michelle and we have all been wrestling in prayer for her.

Report? She’s practically MS free! No new “bad spots.” All old “bad spots” are healed. Healed! Incredible!

And Michelle is a worshiper. You see, most with Multiple Sclerosis do not lead normal lives. Michelle understands better than all of us how every breath is a gift from above. She is able to celebrate her “every-day” activities. And when I say she celebrates, I mean her life is loud! The Lord has filled her heart with songs of deliverance! She is a light. And the light she shines speaks very clearly: what has been done in her has been done by God.

We can all learn from Michelle. Truthfully, we all share the same desperation for God’s sustaining power in our lives. When you come to realize this desperation, you find the Lord. And when you find the Lord, there is but one response: worship!

A Father's Touch

I was going to blog about how busy I am. It’s been longer than usual since I’ve written. Tonight, I’m having to put some extra hours in at church to keep up, and I was planning on throwing myself a pity party. Poor, Ryan. He took on more than he could handle…again.

I went to grab some grub between my last meeting and the time I’ll spend here tonight arranging some music. I met a homeless man (Robert) standing outside the restaurant. I do not give money to strangers, but I am willing to take them to get food whenever it works out. Tonight, it couldn’t work out for him, but he asked for my card and I’ll probably see him tomorrow because he hangs out in the neighborhood of this church.

My pity party lost its momentum (or would it be, un-momentum?). Here I am so concerned about having to work late. But I could be working hard to find something to eat. Thanks to the Lord for the blessings we take advantage of everyday. And thanks be to Him for re-orienting my perspective this evening.

O how quickly I think about myself.