Friday, August 25, 2006

Favorite Album Follow-Up

If I had to choose only one music album to keep for the rest of my life, I would choose Steven Curtis Chapman's Declaration. His music has ministered to me more than any other, and several of the most helpful songs I've ever heard are a part of this album.

Here are the songs: Live Out Loud, This Day, Jesus is Life, No Greater Love, God is God, See the Glory, Bring It On, When Love Takes You In, Magnificent Obsession, Declaration of Dependence, God Follower, Carry You to Jesus, Savior.

Thanks for sharing! Have a good weekend!

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Think Before You Answer

Alright, folks. Here's a good question for you to ponder today. If you had to choose only one CD to keep for the rest of your life, which one would you choose? And why would you choose it? How has it ministered to you on the journey? I'll share mine, but I want to hear yours first.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Weekend Review

My parents and I had a good time together this weekend. For the most part--we were very lazy--and it was great! We ate some good food, watched some funny home movies, and enjoyed being together again.



Sunday morning was great at Highland. I always enjoy the fall season when most people are back in town, and there's extra energy and excitement. In December, we will be transitioning into an interim worship site (as we construct a new building on the east side of town). I cannot begin to express how excited I am about only leading one worship assembly on Sundays. I am counting down the weeks!

Finally, yesterday, I attended Jazzercise. Yes, Jazzercise is an aerobics class focusing on cardiovascular health and body toning. Oh wow. I was one of two guys in attendance. I went because several of my female friends in Memphis go to Jazzercise often, and my own schedule has often been altered so that they could attend Jazzercise before meeting for other events. It became clear that I needed to experience what all the hype was about before I continued giving them a hard time about it.

It was an enjoyable experience. I caught on pretty quickly and worked up a good sweat. There was a lot of hip action that I wasn't mentally prepared for, and the most sore part of my body is the part that I am currently sitting on. :o) You're welcome.

Friday, August 18, 2006

Congratulations, Jennifer!

More exciting news this week! Congratulations to Jennifer Walker, who is now engaged! There are some great pictures on her blog (use the link on the right hand side). We're all very happy and excited for you, Jennifer!

My parents arrived safely into Memphis last night, and I'm thrilled to have them with me this weekend. I'll post some pictures next week. Have a good weekend!

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

School Store

On Saturday, the Highland Church family served over 3,000 children by providing them with free school supplies and a health fair. It was an amazing day of service! Below is the link to the website that shares more information about this event and how it got started. There are also a number of pictures on the website.

www.highlandschoolstore.com

Here's a shot of my friend, Demetrius, serving away!

Friday, August 11, 2006

The Papa Prayer

Okay, book suggestion today: The Papa Prayer, by Larry Crabb. If you know me well, you know that I'm not a big reader. Reading is never my first thought when I discover some extra time in my day. It is even more rare that I suggest a book to others.

This book is a paradigm pulverizer. My relationship with God will never be the same. Crabb talks about the priority of relating to God in prayer, not just bringing Him our list of requests. The goal of our relationship with God is just that--our relationship with God. The goal is not the blessings and benefits. Crabb demonstrates how the desires of our hearts will be refined into His desires as we spend more time relating to Him in prayer. And these perspectives speak to the sometimes frustrating claims of Scripture: "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" (John 14:14). Crabb also does an excellent job of providing practical explanations and suggestions.

I strongly urge all of you to read this book. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Thursday, August 10, 2006


Alright, folks. A local church in Memphis spent $250,000 to erect this monument on their church campus. You can judge it's relative size by noticing the trees and the size of the truck next to it. The motto of this church is "Liberty through Jesus Christ." I'm curious...what do you guys think about this statement to the world? Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Promise Keepers

Last weekend, I attended the Promise Keepers event in Jackson, Mississippi. I went with a handful of men from Highland. It was a good weekend! There were over 8,000 men in the coliseum! I really enjoyed several of the speakers.

I have to say, it wasn't quite what I expected. The conference was very evangelistic in nature--which is fine, and I witnessed several hundred men give and re-give their lives to Christ. But I didn't expect the entire weekend to be focused on it. I was expecting a little more of a challenging weekend for Christian men to step up and be the men God is calling them to be.

I am glad I went, though--it was a good experience. I believe the conference is in Dallas this weekend if any of you Texas readers are interested. I still really admire and appreciate what the Promise Keepers ministry is doing for men in this country.

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Happy Birthday, Kami!

Well, my wonderful sister is turning 21 today! Wow! And she'll be a senior in college this Fall!

Just in case anyone ever asks you, I am very, very proud of my sister. What a joy it has been to watch her grow and to truly develop a friendship with her that is so special. She makes me laugh like no one else can!

I sure hope and pray that one of these days my sister and I will live relatively close to each other. She is a true gift to all those who know her!

Happy Birthday, Kami!

Friday, August 04, 2006

A New Arrangement

I learned a new arrangement of a great song last night. In fact, a child wrote it. It happened spontaneously at the end of a recent Sunday school class. As you know with children, the lesson in Sunday school usually consists of one simple truth. The lesson on this occassion was no different: Jesus died for ALL the children of the world.

After the teachers had done their best to drive the message home, they naturally chose to end the class with the song, Jesus Loves the Little Children, so they could include the verse about Jesus dying for all the children. That's when the new arrangement came from the back row:

Jesus diaper-ed all the children
all the children of the world
every color dark or light
they are precious in His sight
Jesus diaper-ed all the children
of the world.

Hmm. So close. :o) I'm leaving today for Promise Keepers in Jackson, Mississippi. Praying for a rich experience. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Layne Rouse is Engaged!

Congratulations to my best buddy Layne Rouse! He proposed to Apple back on Sunday morning, and she accepted! What an exciting time! We're all very happy for you guys!

I encourage you to say a prayer for Layne and Apple today, that the Lord will continue to be the Author of their relationship.

Tuesday, August 01, 2006


And the bedroom.  Posted by Picasa


Makes me hungry just looking at this picture. I love kitchens. I spend a lot of time in them.  Posted by Picasa


And the kitchen. Posted by Picasa


Here's the living room area.  Posted by Picasa


Here's the new place! This is what you see from the front door.  Posted by Picasa