Crazy Weekend

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We had a crazy weekend this past weekend! Because of our “snow storm” on Thursday, we canceled our tech rehearsal for KidStuf. Boy, I don’t know if we will ever do that again! Needless to say, the “dress” rehearsal on Saturday was a bit crazy. As with Murphy’s Law, anything and everything seemed to go wrong–especially with the sound stuff. We just purchased some new microphones and they didn’t work exactly like we wanted. Isn’t technology wonderful??

Then, Taylor and I had to leave the tech rehearsal early for Upward Basketball team pictures. Then we had our 5th game of the season. I couldn’t be prouder of our little guys! They are really improving! Trust me, it has nothing to do with the coaching. Actually, I think they have a huge handicap in that area! It is going to be sad to have the season end in a few weeks because they are really beginning to play really well and play really well together as a team.

Right after the game, Grandma and Papa Jeffries took the boys so that Jenny and I could go to an area church planters meeting. It was a Groundhog Day party!! Any excuse to get together with church planters and eat. Jerry Fields, the state Church Planting Director for MO Baptist Convention spoke and had a good time of Q & A. I really respect Jerry for staying in there for us planters in the midst of some very trying days in MBC Church Planting. Needless to say, planting has really changed in the 6 years since we started the process. Honestly, I really feel like a wily veteran as many of the people we went through basic training with and started planting with aren’t doing it anymore. That has always been a passion of mine–that we need to create networks for planters so as to minimize burnout. Met some folks from Extend Global, a great missions organization based right here in Springfield.

Then, finally, I decided to take the boys to the MSU Bears basketball game to give Jenny a break and some peace and quiet.? They just couldn’t seem to get over the hump and close out the game.? They ended up loosing by one point after not being able to score on several attempts and putbacks in the final seconds.? They also missed several free throws down the stretch that would have put the game away.? We had a good time–Tucker loved to wave at Boomer and eating popcorn, Taylor of course loves basketball, and I just love hanging out with them.

Sunday was extremely busy as well with KidStuf and the Super Bowl.? KidStuf was awesome and the technical things went really smoothly.? The message was on kindness and our cast does such a great job–dancers, singers, actors, and hosts. . . all were awesome!!? How ’bout them G-men?? I always like to root for the underdog unless I have a dog in the fight, so it was great to see such an upset.

Just now getting around to posting such a crazy weekend!!? Maybe we need to slow down.? No, we definitely need to slow down.? Ever felt like you life is moving at the speed of light??? Why do we let it happen that way??? Crazy indeed!!

A Matter of “Pride”

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msubandlogogold.gifI had the privilege to march my freshman year in the Bruin Pride Band at then Southwest Missouri State University.? It was quite an experience that I will always cherish!? I didn’t get to go on any “big” trips (I don’t think Tulsa or St. Louis counts in that category!)? I missed two huge trips by one year–a trip to London the year before I was at SMS, followed by a trip to the Tournament of Roses after I had hung up the old trombone to “get a real job” as a bank teller and then youth minister.

Got an opportunity to see them play in the Tournament of Roses Parade this morning.? They represented Missouri and their university well!? They also had the opportunity to play at the Crystal Cathedral last Sunday during the services.? Here is an article in the News-Leader with many side links to other articles.? Way to go Pride!!

Ratatouille–St. Louis Style!!

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ratatouille.jpgJenny and I got the honor and opportunity to marry a couple in our church in St. Louis over the weekend (pictures to come . . . hopefully!) We decided to get some well needed R&R while the grandparents (thanks Tom & Gwen and Bill & Betty!!!) were watching our little angels, so we stayed an extra night and day in St. Louis.

We went to eat at a restaurant on Friday night that shall remain nameless (on the Landing.) We were pumped that we were able to get in well under the 30 minute wait. Unfortunately we were seated in between a table of 15 or so people and another table of almost 30 (no joke). We left our little “angels” at home and got the opportunity to hang out with some other peoples little angels! Bummer!

Everything was going well as we enjoyed our soup and bread when another table was pointing and talking about us! I’m pretty used to that, but usually it is followed by mocking and laughing! Not very often is Jenny publicly ridiculed like this. Finally, Jenny said, “what is the deal?” Read more

Merry Christmas–Boy Band Style!

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I have been so busy with life that the blog has taken a back seat for almost a month–yikes.? We started off December with KidStuf and haven’t slowed down since with everything from school parties to children’s choir concerts at Wee Hope and the Giloiz.? I hope to get into a little more regular “blog groove” after the first of the year, but until then, I will hope to have a year in review post soon and also an update on why the blog silence here in a week or so–but no promises.

In the meantime, we have two of the best kids on the planet.? Taylor is pretty much figuring out this whole Santa thing, but hasn’t said anything to ruin it for Tucker.

Christmas Eve started at the Jeffries’ for breakfast, opening presents, and Christmas lunch.? The kids (big and small alike) had a good time testing out the toys and hiking in the back pasture!? We had an awesome time at our church’s Christmas Eve service.? Kris, Eric, Daniel, and Jenny did a great job with a very meaningful worship experience.? I am really blessed to be a part of such an unbelievable team that lifts me up when I am down (and hopefully vice versa!) ? Then Santa had a hard time getting to put out the presents because of an overzealous 6 year old–but finally was able to come and drop off some goodies.
garageband.jpgTaylor got an electric guitar and an amp (if you want to call it that–more like a transistor radio, remember those?).? Tucker got a tackle box full of Play-Dough stuff as one of his “big” presents.? Then later on at Grandma and Grandpa Stone’s, Tucker got a “matching” guitar while Taylor got a microphone and mic stand!? They did a great job “performing” for us in the living room.? Watch out Jonas Brothers!? (That’s for all those parents who have to watch the Disney Channel.)

Just seems like it was yesterday when we were having our first Christmas in Pryor, OK, first Christmas with Taylor, first Christmas (heart monitor-less) with Tucker. . . and wasn’t last Christmas about a month ago??? We are so thankful for all of our friends and family surrounding us to make life so enjoyable!? I hope you all have a wonderful new year in 2008!

Happy Reformation Day . . . and Halloween!!

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Most of us know of Halloween being the day before “All Saints Day.” (See John’s blog for a nice little history lesson!) Sidebar: By the way, if you haven’t heard John’s act, you need to!! He did an awesome job for us at Blowout! He really connects with people . . . and is a great magician. You can see his act tonight at South Gate Baptist Church in Springfield.

Besides being Halloween, October 31st is Reformation Day–the anniversary of 225px-luther46c.jpgMartin Luther, a Roman Catholic monk, nailing his “95 Theses” to the Castle Church doors in Wittenberg, Germany. It was common in that day that the Church doors would be a place of public notice, much like our modern day bulletin boards. This public display began a debate of doctrine–specifically the Roman Catholic practice of indulgences, the granting of penance of sin. Luther’s argument was that the church had gone away from the central idea of Christianity of justification–God’s act of declaring a sinner righteous–by “Faith Alone,” not by anything any human can do. This act began what is now called the Protestant Reformation and a breaking away from the Roman Catholic church.

All this talk about Halloween being a terrible thing is funny. I really think it is a great opportunity to reach out to be a good neighbor. Here is a good perspective about Halloween I read today:

This year we?re doing something else. We?ve invited all of the neighbors over for dinner before the festivities begin. We?ve got at least 40 or 50 people who are planning on coming by for a barbeque. We?re doing this simply because we enjoy our neighbors and love to spend time with them. Halloween evening can be hectic, with parents getting home from work and then rushing to prepare their children, so we thought we?d attempt to relieve one burden by taking care of dinner for everyone. It should be fun and we?re looking forward to it.

My encouragement to you today is to think and pray about this issue so that you can do what your conscience dictates for that day. I do not see Halloween as a great evangelistic occasion and this is where some of my thought on the issue has probably developed most. In the past I may have tried to convince myself that Halloween would offer occasions to share the gospel, but I don?t think this is usually the case. Nor does it have to be. I think Halloween is a time that you can prove to your neighbors that you care about them, that you care about their children, and that you are glad to be in this world and this culture, even if you are not of this world or this culture. Aileen and I feel that God has deliberately placed us here and among these people. We want to celebrate with them, even on an occasion of such dubious importance as Halloween.

Have a Great Halloween . . . and Reformation Day!!

Fitness–Where’s the Oxygen?

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My next door neighbor and I have decided we need to get into better shape, feel better during the day, etc.? We went on a little jog this morning at 5:30 a.m.!? I know, David at 5:30 a.m. is pretty crazy!? We started out real well, but we were huffing and puffing before too long.? We made it through and ran and walked for about 30 minutes.? I am pretty sore right now, but thankful that we are getting into shape.? (‘Course I don’t if it will ever be back in shape as I have never really ever been in shape.

The Day America Went to Church, Part 2

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I remember that week very well.? It seemed that everyone spent hour upon hour watching the tragedy.? Praying that people would be found.? Praying for those who hadn’t heard from loved ones.? Watching the dedication and honor of the rescue workers.? I can remember one of my first statements in my sermon on 9.16.2007.? I said that I feel totally exhausted from watching the horror over and over.? It was amazing that we would stay up until the early hours in the morning just shocked with the pictures and video.

I remember using Isaiah 25 as the text of my message.? An unbelievably powerful message of restoration and hope.? Here are some excerpts: Read more

The Day America Went to Church

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I was reminded of the 9-11 tragedy again last night as MSNBC had the day “as it happened.” I can still remember sitting with Jenny and Taylor (about 5 months old) in the living room before leaving for church. At the time I left for church, the towers had not yet collapsed.

I remember that event quite well because it matches up with my calling to plant this church. We had been struggling with a calling to start a new church that would be focused on those outside of the church–not necessarily ignoring those inside the church, but basically reaching those who don’t have a “place” in the current church landscape. Read more

Unexpected ESPN2 Surprise

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As most of you know, I was a “band nerd” growing up in Junior High all the way through college at MSU. Some of my favorite memories growing up were around the marching band field or specifically, Drum Corps International. I had several friends who went on to be in some of the top corps or Division I corps. One friends was in the Madison Scouts, another started in the Phantom Regiment and then later on in the Blue Devils, and another was in the Cavaliers. I really wished I could have been in the Drum Corps, but it is only “bugles” and don’t have trombones or woodwinds. My friend Mac and I went to KC two years in a row to the World Championships in Arrowhead Stadium “back in the day.” Every so often, they come here to Springfield during the summer. It is really a lot of fun to check out their hard work and talents on display.

It was a tradition with several of my friends that we would get together on Labor Day and watch the DCI World Championships on PBS. I haven’t seen it for several years, but was looking for it this Labor Day and didn’t see anything on PBS. The reason, it has “grown up” and become an official “sport” and was on tonight on ESPN2. There is a part of me that really misses that whole scene of being a part of a musical group that you are depending on every person to succeed. I can still remember walking on the practice field at SMSU when I was a freshman and the band played a B flat concert scale and I began weeping because of the huge wall of sound. There is something about having over 300 people playing together that is really special.

I know, I know . . . let it go man! You’re 34 years old! But I love watching those kids work so hard over the entire summer to play music and entertain people all across the country. If you haven’t been to one of these competitions, they are quite the pageant. One of my favorite times is when the Corps is getting ready to play and face backfield and “warm up.” I love everything about it . . . the drum cadence, the drum major leading the band, the drum line, the big “company front” at the end!! I know . . . I am a total band nerd! Once a band nerd, always a band nerd.

Monday Evening Catch-up

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I intended to get around to this a whole lot earlier, like last Monday, but here’s what’s been going on lately.

  • Taylor headed to 1st grade on Thursday! Wow, I am feeling quite old now! He had a great time. (He didn’t want to go this morning, but didn’t want to leave this afternoon–go figure.)sunday-best.jpg
  • The ol’ alma mater, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is back in the embarrassing news–again. There was a segment on the Today Show on Friday telling about the new “homemaker” degree Paige and Dorothy Patterson instituted. Fellas–need not apply. Unbelievable. And we wonder why people don’t want to come to our churches anymore. Just google “Southwestern homemaker” and look at all of the blog discussions. A really funny post on the degree program here (ladies need not apply for this one). Someone needs to get the idea that it isn’t 1955 like this picture. . .
  • The cable internet is in at the church!! It is WAY faster than the poor DSL. The manager/installer of the contracting company was an awesome guy that really displayed some great customer service after the mother company dropped the ball big-time! Thanks Jason!
  • We gave out journals to everyone this Sunday! I am really excited to see what can happen in our entire church family decides to get on board with God and meet with Him daily to have devotions!!
  • The band was really awesome on Sunday! Great time of worship!
  • KidStuf is really looking great! I’m in on anything with a “dance team”(Kris Schawo included) and a “comedic host.” September 16th is going to be AWESOME!!
  • It was really great to see everyone having a great time hanging out before and after church . . . reminds me of the “old days.”
  • I think I have some guests coming on Sunday!! I am really excited to see them at CFC! They are perfect people for our church–unchurched and overchurched!