Wisdom from Princess Leia and other random Friday thoughts

I ran across an issue of Esquire magazine last week called the "What I've Learned" issue. It is a collection of interviews of famous people where they tell what they think they have learned so far in life. Some of the quotes are good, some are way off base, and some shouldn't be repeated. I thought for the next several Fridays I would share one quote that I thought was interesting. The quote for this week comes from Carrie Fisher. Any man who grew up in the 80's knows her as Princess Leia Organa. Here's what Princess Leia has to say:


"Kindness is a more valuable commodity than intelligence"


My college buddy Dave wrote a great post on his blog about excercising our faith. It is a must read. Check it out here.

I'm looking forward to worship on Sunday. Come ready to be challenged in a very specific way about how you can take your spiritual life to a higher performance level. If you want a preview, read James 5:16.

When does American Idol go to Hollywood? Emily and I haven't been watching it yet, but we will start when all the people who embarrass themselves on national t.v. have been weeded out.

Mark Johnson and I went to see an amazing bass player at the Handlebar on Wednesday. His name is Victor Wooten and he is most famous for playing with Bela Fleck. I never knew a man's fingers could move that fast!

Donny goes to the Neurologist for a follow-up visit today. Pray that he will continue to heal and get his energy back.

One last thing, keep praying for the future of Freedom in regards to where we will eventually have a building. I had an interesting conversation today with someone that could possibly lead to something important, or it could be nothing but a dead-end. Pray that we will have the wisdom to know the difference.

Still no spellcheck available on blogger. This is getting old.

Truth or Consequences

Today Roger Clemens will appear before members of Congress to answer questions regarding possible steroid use. Up to this time, Clemens has been considered one of the best pitchers in the history of baseball. His name has frequently been mentioned in the same breath as former greats like, Koufax, Gibson, Ryan, and Tiant. (Just kidding about Tiant) After watching all the opinions and other talk on ESPN this morning (thanks to Mike & Mike) I believe the damage is done. No matter what he says from this point on, his image and legacy are badly damaged. Maybe that's why he's fighting this so diligently.

Regardless of what Clemens has or hasn't done, his best move now is to tell the truth. As my 7 year-old, Grace, told Sherry yesterday, "when you tell a lie, you have to tell another one to cover it up, then it becomes a chain reaction of lies." She learned that from Angelia Marzka and Allison Bregg on Sunday in Break Free Kids. The most important lessons really are the simplest ones aren't they? Maybe Clemens would do well to remember the lessons he learned in Sunday School as a child. Perhaps we all would benefit from that. If I were one of the Rocket's advisors I would ask him the best question ever: "What is the wise thing to do?"

Play it loud

I began reading the book of Ezra this morning, and I was struck by this passage. That's a great example of what worship should be like. Some people will be prompted to cry while others feel like shouting. We can express our feelings to God in so many different ways, and all of them bring joy to His heart.

I love the last part of v.13 where it says that, "the sound was heard far away." It wasn't heard far away because the Israelites had an awesome sound system with giant woofers that could pump out a huge bass line. It was heard "far away" because the worshippers were so jacked up about God that they were shouting, screamimg, crying, clapping, and singing, and they weren't concerned with what anyone else thought! That's the kind of worship I pray we'll have at Freedom.

Monday morning quarterback

I know that football season is over, but I have decided to continue calling the first of the week post "Monday morning quarterback". Amanda Somers reminded me that with recruiting, spring practice, and summer workouts, football is a year-round sport anyway. Here's what's happening today:

Donny is slowly improving. The loss of feeling on his right side has caused him to feel very drained when he tries to go places. I talked with him this morning, and he said he felt better yesterday than he did on Saturday. He goes back to the doctor on Friday for a follow-up visit.

I was reminded yesterday of why I love Freedom Fellowship. When I stood on stage yesterday and looked down at all the people who were on their knees during prayer time, I started to get emotional. It was cool to see senior adult couples, a mentally handicapped man, college students, married couples, teenagers, and families all praying openly to God about what's going on in their lives.

I'm glad I don't own Guitar Hero. That doesn't mean I don't like Guitar Hero or don't want Guitar Hero. The Breece's came over for supper last night and Mike brought Guitar Hero II for the PS2 and it was awesome. The reason I'm glad I don't own it is that if I did, I'm pretty sure I would spend way too much time playing it. I only played four songs last night, but I did score 98% on Strutter by KISS. I felt like Ace Frehley! Maybe I'll start painting my face.

I married way over my head. I was reminded yesterday morning how awesome Sherry is. Donny had been originally scheduled to preach yesterday, but due to his illness I got to bring the message instead. Normally I like to have the message totally finished by the Wednesday before, but things being as they were last week I didn't begin the message prep until Thursday. Needless to say I felt a little stressed out about that. Sherry knew that, and she prayed faithfully for me on Thursday during the prep time and throughout the service yesterday. I am blessed to have such an amazing partner to do this whole pastoring thing with. Not to mention that I really like to look at her and hang out with her as well.

I'm looking forward to a new week. We'll see what God has in store for us! Spellcheck is still down on blogspot. That, coupled with my lack of phonics knowledge is a recipe for disaster.

Friday stuff

Well it's Friday. This has been an odd week with all of the excitement over Donny's stay in the hospital, but he's home now and things are beginning to get back to normal. Here's what you need to know:

- Amber Ploof is doing a great job revamping our "guest services" ministry. There are still opportunities for you to be involved in welcoming guests to Freedom. This is a very important, yet very simple way for to be involved in what God is doing each week at our worship gathering. If you think you might be interested, or if you would like more information about this opportunity, talk to Amber this Sunday. You can find her at one of the tables in the atrium where the welcoming team sign-up sheet is located.

- We will be continuing the message series about fellowship being the fuel that helps us move forward on our journey with Christ. Donny did a great job last week kicking things off. We will talk Sunday about the "messiness" of getting involved in the lives of others.

- Blake has posted two of my favorite commercials on his blog. Check them out here.

- I sent ya'll to Jonathan's blog earlier this week. That was for something serious and meaningful. Go there today for something silly. Click here.

- I'm a little bleary-eyed this morning. Sherry and I had to do some middle of the night care for Grace who got a touch of the virus that has been going around. Extra big thanks go out to my main man Trey for letting me come get their carpet cleaner at 11:30 last night. Sorry I had to wake you dude!

- Sherry and I are going on a double date tonight with a girl (I guess now I should refer to her as a lady) who grew up in my youth group at Fairview and her husband. That makes me feel old.

Donny's back home!

He's home! That's about all that's new.

Donny update - Thursday a.m.

Donny will be coming home from the hospital today. The doctors are going to treat him with medication, and he will not have any type of surgery or other procedure. When he gets back, he will be able to resume all of his normal activities. Thank you for praying these last few days. I will let you know when he gets home.