E-3 Project Review

On Sunday we had the E-3 Project, which was a night of worship and prayer on the church property. It was a magnificent night. The sun was setting, there was a gentle breeze and the peace of God was present on the property. Tim and Elliot Parry led us into the Lord’s presence through worship. After some remarks we opened up a time of sharing, and the Scripture was shared with great insight:

-I opened with observations from nature. As the wind had gently blown, I stated that we wanted the Holy Spirit’s breeze to continually blow over our congregation in a consistent, steady way. As the sun was setting we were reminded of the Scripture that states, “As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” – John 9:4.

- Tim encouraged us to fight spiritually through worship and prayer with a great Scripture (and he had a cool sword!)

- Barbara read Psalm 84
- Sherry gave a beautiful spiritual observation about the big oak tree (some say that we cannot cut it down now . . . but that is yet to be determined . . . ha!) - Ann shared some encouraging comments from Psalm 112
We walked the land and prayed. We gathered again, held hands in a circle and prayed. Simple. Real. Powerful. Memorable.

Real Spiritual Confusion

I heard about someone yesterday who in reference to the Vanderbilt football team said, "Vanderbilt needs to get set free from the spirit of oppression." I laughed! I think they need the spirit of speed, tackling and depth.

I am enjoying this Saturday withouth the mental weight of tommorrow's sermon. David is preaching for me. I will miss speaking tommorrow, but I enjoy a mentally relaxing Saturday.

A Mechanic's Quote

Randy Rodgers is a local mechanic in Gallatin and a friend of mine. Yesterday, he read a beautiful essay at Rotary that really touched me. I found out that he wrote this essay. Randy cave me a copy, and I am riveted by these words - especially the last ones: "we try to stop and smell the roses but we really don't. We try to stop and enjoy the sunsets but we really don't. We complain about the rain when it's here and when it's not. We complain about the heat when it's hear and when it's not. And even someone's life we complain about when they are here and when they are not.

The Day I Forgot

September 12, 2007

Yesterday, I woke up and went through my morning routine. After getting ready for the day, I woke up the kids and helped them get to their bus. As my custom, I turned on the morning news to catch up. And then I realized the date . . . September 11. Then I got upset.

I was upset because I had forgotten. The five previous years I distinctly remember waking up with this tragic memory emblazed in my mind. I had started my date with awareness, sadness and a sense of awe. Like the rest of the country, this date of infamy was slipping back to normalcy. I knew in that moment that this is not good for our nation, and was not good for me.

Later that night Beth went to the ladies prayer meeting. It was a very rare night in which I was alone, the kids were asleep. I had several options to entertain myself with sports, political analysis or something to read. There was a program called “The Day the Towers Fell” available too – but I could avoid that with dozens of others alternatives.

Well, I chose to watch the documentary on 9/11/01. And I had forgotten. I had forgotten the intensity of the sights, sounds and trauma. For a couple of hours last night, I watched and my mouth dropped. I was in awe again. I can’t believe that September 11 has become another day in our psyche. It was too real. It was too human.

We have forgotten Civil War veterans on Memorial Day.

We have forgotten War World I veterans on Armistice Day.

We have forgotten Pearl Harbor victims on December 7.

Let’s not forget the events of September 11.

New Podcast Interview

I know I am a wannabe talk radio guy. In fact, in my latest interview I use the term "airwave." However, my latest episode of conversations is with my pastor, mentor and best friend - John McKinzie. Take a listen at http://www.conversations.podomatic.com/