American Idol

I'm probably guilty of several things, but one thing most definately is watching to much TV. My wife and I love to sit down, after Dreyson goes to sleep of course, and watch a good movie. We also, like most avid TV viewers have our favorite shows. Some of our favorites include "Everybody Loves Raymond," "King Of Queens," "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air," and "Friends." Probably our favorite ever, though, is American Idol. We get so excited when each new season is about to begin and disappointed when it's over. We talk about each week's show like we are the judges (If you're laughing about that it's because you do it too and you know it). At all times we know who is staying and who is going, or so we think. We have our favorites on each season and the ones, well, we'll just say aren't. We love American Idol!

Well, I think we'll be watching this season through a little different lense than seasons past. My wife and I both auditioned this past week for American Idol, season 9. Let me just add this note...I did not want to audition. I went to support my wife and she talked me into it at the last minute, but nevertheless, I did it. I can write you this post because neither of us made it past the first of many rounds. It was an experience, however.

We sat out all night in line 2 different times to be a part of this show. We saw some "interesting" people and met some friends that were crazy enough to wait all night as well. All in all it was a pretty good experience. Exhausting, and one that we would never do again, but it was fun.

The best part of this whole experience took place the first morning we were in line. It was about 4 am (yes, I said am) and we had already been in line for about an hour. There were already thousands of people in line. People started getting brave and singing aloud in line for people to hear. We heard some great voices. The bravest, however, came from a group of people behind us. They were far enough away that we couldn't make out any faces, and at first, couldn't even tell what they were singing. There were a couple guys playing guitars and several people singing with them. Steph and I kept listening carefully to hear what they were singing when, finally, we made out the song. It was "Mighty To Save." We saw hands raised and heard voices singing, so loud, praises to our King. The group began to get a little bigger and louder as time went on. Probably around 20 or 30 people made up this group of worshippers, American Idol hopefuls, and no doubt followers of Jesus. They worshiped for at least an hour as they sang song after song. What a beautiful sound so early in the morning amidst so many people trying to "make it" and get rich and famous. No question that morning, while most of America was sleeping, that Jesus was made just that much more famous.

This whole experince challenged me and reminded me of Romans 1:16 which says, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." I wish I knew the people who were worshipping that morning so I could shake their hands, thank them, and tell them, "I'm not ashamed of the gospel either." I suspect one day when we all join in one song I will have that opportunity.

To One End

Count It All Joy

July 3rd, Jamie, the Lead Pastor at New Day, and I were finishing up having dinner with our families. We had a great dinner and were getting ready to head over to another staff member's house for a poker night with the guys when we got the call. A wonderful family in our church experienced a tragedy. The husband passed away, and not by natural causes, leaving behind a beautiful wife and two beautiful little kids. The knots began to build in our stomachs and we knew what the next step was. We were heading over to the family's home. You know, I love being a pastor, but at moments like this it gets really hard.

A verse popped in my head from Romans chapter 12 verse 15 and it says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn." This verse has never been so real to me. This isn't really a verse that stands out to you too much until you're in a situation like this. I've mourned with people before, but never over a death, and especially one that occurred only a few hours before. What do you do? What do you say? Is there anything you can do or say? I don't know.

For the family, there are so many questions and so few answers. The grief and frustration and guilt and sadness and anger...so many emotions I'm sure they will have to eventually process. I know there is nothing that I can say or do to bring comfort to a family who is experiencing such a horriffic tragedy, but I do know that there is a peace that surpasses all understanding that can be found in the loving arms of Christ. Will they ever understand why? Probably not, but in His love they will find rest, and in His arms they will find comfort.

Psalm 119:76 says, "May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant." That is my prayer for this family today. That they would find comfort in the unfailing love of Christ. And for me, Jamie, and all of New Day, may we embrace this family, be the church, and mourn with them.

In James chapter 1 it talks about facing trials and how we should consider it pure joy because it produces perseverance. Pure joy? This, in light of yesterday's loss, is another verse that just got a little harder. No less true, but never more real. This particular verse came to mind because on a shelf in this family's home was a book, written by the wife, titled, "Count It All Joy."

God, be with this family. Surrnound them with your love and peace and comfort. Give them strength enough to make it through this loss. Let your presence be felt like never before in their home and in their hearts.

To One End

Entering the World of Blogging!!

Well, if you're reading this blog, then you probably found the link on our new, and amazing I might add, website. I have to be honest, this is my first ever post, on any blog, ever! I'm excited to let you into my life a little bit and hopefully post some challenging thoughts for you to think about. "To One End" is the name of my site and if you're curious why I named it that, well, let me tell you. In my life, every aspect of it (husband, father, servant of Jesus, pastor, son, friend, brother, etc.), I want to live in such a way that everything points To One End. That one end is to bring glory to God. Whether I'm at home or at the office, by myself or in community, I want my life to be all about Jesus.

I really do look forward to sharing my thoughts, my family (I have a 15 month old son be ready), and just some ways that God is working in my life.

To One End