Last night Joy and I had a rare evening where all the kids were in bed before 8:30.  Both of us had plenty of work to do – but we decided to just have some time for the two of us.  We’d missed our morning prayer time together so we opted to watch a couple of Joyce Meyer episodes that Joy had saved on the DVR.

I don’t typically watch many “christian programs” on TV – and though I’ve always enjoyed Joyce Meyer’s teachings when I’ve heard them, I wouldn’t call myself a regular viewer.  She had author Gary Smalley on as her guest.

To say that I was challenged and pushed in my spirit would be an understatement.  Here is a 65+ year old man – a guy whose been ministering longer than I’ve been alive … and he’s sharing with the world how he’s battled lustful thoughts all his life.  He accepted the fact that since he was a man, this was his unfortunate lot in life – his “thorn” in the flesh.  (He didn’t use that phrase, but I’ve certainly used it).  After all, according to Dr. Dobson, 99% of men struggle with lust (women, too, by the way) and 1% lie about it.

Whether or not men (or women) struggle with lustful thoughts isn’t the issue, though.  The issue is how he overcame this.  Not only Gary, but Joyce and many others, from thoughts of lust, worry, anxiety, anger, fear … the list goes on and on.

How do they overcome and walk in victory?

THE WORD of GOD.

For a solid hour, Gary and Joyce steamrolled a path of Scripture and teaching on how meditating on the Word of God brings victory in our minds.  Gary pleaded with God, “can you REALLY take this away from me”?  God’s voice said “my Word is so  STRONG, it will do it”.

Which brings me to the title of this blog post, “Who Are We Kidding”?  Here’s the reality.  Many (most) of you who are reading this today … you haven’t read God’s Word.  You haven’t meditated on it.  You haven’t hidden it in your heart.

You are pastors …
You are worship leaders …
You are small group leaders …
You are parents ….
You are “Christian Record Label Execs” …
You are church staffers …

And we get up, pour our coffee, rush off to our jobs, sneak in some blogs, twitter, and facebook along the way, come home, love our wife and kids, watch some TV, and go to bed.  We get our “Word” for 30-40 minutes on Sunday.

That is woefully, painfully, and horribly WRONG.  WHO ARE WE KIDDING?

Even as I type this blog, I’m convicted because the truth is … I woke up at 5:15 AM today, went to regimen training, came home and ate breakfast, took my kid to school, grabbed some coffee, and came back home to share this “revelation” with everyone on my blog.  Do you notice what is missing?  That time in God’s Word.  That quiet time where I read, study, meditate, and just listen to His voice.  I justify it saying, “when I get to the church, I’ll close my door and get that time in” … and many times I do.  Many times, my day is thrown into the tyranny of the urgent as soon as I ascend the stairs to our office complex, though.

WHO ARE WE KIDDING?

I challenge you to get into God’s Word.  Don’t just check off a daily reader plan, either.  Meditate on it.  Memorize it.

What are you struggling with?  Lust?  Fear?  Anxiety?  Financial Attacks?  Loving people?  Unforgiveness?
There are plenty of Scriptures that you can find.  Memorize.  Meditate.  Get victory.

This is a hard word today.  I, my friends, am the chief of sinners.  But I want to sound this truth, and remind us of it again and again.  If you receive this from my heart … from God’s heart … will you leave a comment below and let me know?  While you’re there – don’t forget to checkoff the box that says “subscribe to comments” so you can keep up with the ongoing discussion.

Hey Gang,

I’ve just published my first written contribution to the “OurCreativeCommunity.Com” site.  This is an incredible group of creative folks who are holding each other accountable and inspiring one another.

My post is called “It’s Worth It When You Finish”, and is inspired by some recent physical regimen training I’ve been doing.

So check it out, and spread the word.

I’m so excited about this.  I’m bummed because I can’t attend a live location of the telecast, but I’ve got my DVR setup to record it.  (I hope – DVR says 8:00 – 9:00 on Fox Business is the Dave Ramsey Show, followed by Neil Cavudo … so I’m recording both)

If you’re tired of all the negativity, if you’re tired of all the government intervention, if you want to be inspired, tune in.

For more details, or to find a church that is hosting the live telecast, go to:
www.townhallforhope.com

What’dya say we gather here on the blog tonight and discuss what is said?
Fred

Ryan over at www.iamanoffering.com sent me an email a couple of days ago about “Blog Action Day“.  I’d never heard of it so I took some time this morning to check it out.

“Blog Action Day is an annual nonprofit event that aims to unite the world’s bloggers, podcasters and videocasters, to post about the same issue on the same day. Our aim is to raise awareness and trigger a global discussion.”.

It looks like the bloggers discussed the environment in 2007.  This year we’ll discuss poverty.  Be thinking about it.  What in the world does that have to do with this blog?  Well, I talk about worship a lot here.  God’s interested in poverty – He’s interested in seeing His Kingdom advanced here on the earth.  Shaun Groves recently wrote an excellent blog post on this subject of why we don’t hear about poverty and the Kingdom in our churches.

I feel like I should be a part of this.  I mean .. get the contrast here … This morning, I’m sitting here in my air-conditioned home, typing this blog on my MacBook Pro, with the kids playing and watching cartoons on a big, LCD HDTV.  Joy just bought a beautiful new piece of furniture for our living room.  On it we have some pictures, including “Kelvin” … an orphan from Tanzania who we’ve sponsored through Compassion International. Rebekah (my 4-year old) is now sitting at our kitchen table coloring a picture for young Kelvin.  She frequently goes by and says “Daddy, look at that little boy, he needs me”.  We are so blessed and are extremely wealthy when compared to the rest of the world.  What can we do?

Poverty is real.  So is God’s Kingdom.  He’s called us to be a part of it.  So, save the date.  On October 15, 2008, we’re going to discuss worship as a lifestyle as it applies to how we minister to those in poverty.

Check out this video below:

Blog Action Day 2008 Poverty from Blog Action Day on Vimeo.

Are you ready?
Fred

May 9, 1996, St. Simons Island, GA

A dozen years … that’s quite a long time. It’s 11:11 PM EST right now as I type this, and I can tell you exactly what I was doing 12 years ago.

I’d just laid down in my bed over in Apt. W-16 of what was then called “Windsong Apartments” on St. Simons Island. It was a normal night, a normal day – but something changed all of a sudden.

As I began to relax and settle in for a great night’s sleep, my room got darker. It was as if someone covered a window – it was already dark, but now it was blacker than any black I’ve ever seen … or felt. Felt – that’s right, I could feel it. Now I’m short of breath. It’s as if I’m being choked. My heart is racing.

In my mind’s eye, I see death. I see it everywhere. I am afraid to close my eyes, because with each time I close my eyes I see mental images of those I love, but they are dead.

I’ve already been a Christian for quite some time … and by God’s Holy Spirit, living in me, I realize that this is the most horrific spiritual encounter I’ve ever been a part of. Still to this day, I’ve never experienced anything like this.

Not knowing what else to do, I just pray. I find my Bible and begin to read the Scripture aloud. I hope I don’t wake up Edward, my roommate in the next room over. Maybe I should? I fear if I lose focus even for a moment, it could be all over.

Minutes pass. Thirty minutes pass. Hours pass. I pace the floor of my small bedroom overlooking the back pool. I pray in the natural. I pray in the Spirit. I read the Word aloud. I declare the Psalms. I battle like I’ve never battled before.

May 10, 1996, St. Simons Island, GA
It’s now around 1:00 AM. This has been going on for quite some time. Just now, my phone rings.

The phone rings ….

Only one time. How could the phone only ring one time when it would’ve taken days to download the wave of thoughts and emotions coming over me and rushing through my mind as I look at that phone. Nobody calls me at 1:00 AM. This is the call. Someone I love has passed.

A quiet voice on the other side seems excited that I’d answered. It was my former Pastor and boss, Craig Walker.

(Craig) Fred, you answered on the first ring, I knew it – what’s going on?
(Me, voice shaking) Um, Craig … hey, man, I dunno, something’s up, and it’s big, I’m praying.
(Craig) Fred, the Holy Spirit woke Lezli and I up, and told us to CALL YOU and PRAY.
(Me, somewhat encouraged) Craig, I’m literally pacing the floor in my bedroom in my underwear!
(Craig) let’s pray.

And pray we did. For another 15-30 minutes. Finally, we both sensed a peace. The heaviness lifted. It was as if I’d been visited by the very Angel of Death. Or maybe I’d been given a glimpse into the heavenly realm where demonic and angelic battles happen daily, witnessing this Messenger of Death carrying out attempting to carry out his deed.

Amen.

I write in my little journal, “May 10th, something is happening, and all I know to do is pray and rebuke death. Something is going on out there”. (paraphrased, sadly, I can’t find that journal now).

Sometime early 1998:

So this incredible gal named Joy has moved to St. Simons Island. Although I knew her in college, we were only casual acquaintances who attended the same college ministry. She went to Virginia. I went to Mississippi. Now she’s in my arms, we are dating, and I’m thoroughly convinced that I’m holding the woman that God has destined to be my wife.

I don’t remember what sparked the conversation, but I share this story with her. Something inside of her won’t accept this as just another one of “fred’s stories”, and oh, there are many. This one seems special. In a cautious reaching out, Joy says “it would be cool if that prayer was for me”.

I’ll never forget my response – probably too bold and premature for a woman who’s been hurt and disappointed by love. I said “yes, maybe I was warring in the Spirit for the life of my future wife without even realizing it”.

The next day I searched and found this journal that so easily escapes me. I can’t wait to call …

(Me) Joy, what was the date … can you look up your insurance records, can you ask your mom and dad …”?
(Joy, rather quickly) Oh, I don’t have to look it up. I’ll never forget it. It was May 9.

May 9-10, 1996, Richmond, VA
Joy, living in Virginia, far away from me, from my mind, from my heart, separated from a heart breaking, broken marriage, gets that phone call.

“Joy, we’ve just gotten your blood lab results back. You are very sick. You have acute leukemia, and you may not live. You need to be in Atlanta at Emory University Hospital tomorrow. Pack your bags. Leave immediately.”

Joy’s prognosis was bleak. She had just been diagnosed with a disease that the statistics say will kill her at any time. If the disease doesn’t kill her, the treatment is just as bad.

491 miles away … and nearly 2 full years before I’d even set eyes on the woman of my dreams … God moved. He rallied. Prayers were shot into the heavenly realm like bullets. God won. Jesus won.

“by His stripes, we are Healed”. (1 Peter 2:24b, YouVersion.Com)

I praise God for that night. I praise God for the backup support of my eternal friend and brother in Christ, Craig Walker. I praise God for the Wilbanks’ family who never wavered in their faith. I praise God for my own parents and family who heard of my encounter the next morning and continued praying.

And most of all, I praise God for my wife, Joy.

For her tenacity.
I was never there in her hospital room. I never held her during nearly 6+ mos of in-and-out chemo treatments, as she wasn’t mine. I didn’t share her tears. I didn’t share her pain. I couldn’t be there to comfort her after bone marrow biopsies, losing her hair, and fighting the doubts everytime one of the people in the rooms down the hall passed on into eternity.

I’ve heard all of the stories, though. Of how she refused to be negative. Of how she had God’s healing Word taped on index cards all over her IV pole and chemo caths. Of how her Dad would preach “sunday service” in the hall for the other patients. Of how no crying or sadness was allowed in that room – only faith, confidence, joy, and belief.

Nearly (10) years of marriage and (4) beautiful kids later, I will never forget how blessed we are.

God is Good. All the time.

The next time you feel compelled to pray, will you do it?

Hey Everyone -

Hope you had a great weekend. I hope to get a “Worship Confessional” out this week sooner-than-later. (yeah, right!).

I wanted to give a big “thanks” and “shout out” to our team members at SSCC. They are incredible. We’ve been asking a LOT from our volunteers … the “ask” when we moved from the old shopping center facility to our new facility only increased that much more.

One of the additional “asks” is that our volunteers, praise team members, host team, greeters, etc … all those who are there early, and stay for the morning … we’ve asked them to park off-site about 5 minutes away. We’ve hired a shuttle to run back and forth between SSCC and the Sea Island Bank parking area. Truth be told, I think we severely underestimated our parking capacity.

Yesterday was no exception. Our 11:00 AM service was full, and we didn’t have any parking spaces. So, because of the sacrifice of our volunteers (most of whom have a great attitude about it!), we were able to have spots for people to park.

This morning, I felt like writing a “Thanks” and “Encouragement” to those who served on the Worship Team yesterday. After doing so, I thought it would be good to share … to encourage all of you other worship leaders and ministry leaders … stop, and take a moment to show some gratitude for those who give sacrificially with you. A little “thanks” goes a long way.

Granted, this is specifically for our team, but here it is … I offer this with gratitude and sincerity:

Hey Team,
Just wanted to say “Thanks” for your serve yesterday to the Kingdom of Christ. We had a great Sunday.

I’d like to honor and recognize the sacrifice you all make, in time and energy. In case you didn’t hear, the parking lot was completely full during the 11:00 AM service.

Because you willingly sacrificed by riding the shuttle or being dropped off, someone was able to have a parking spot at SSCC.

I want you to know that your sacrifice and give isn’t without notice. I’m grateful for your generous donation of time and effort. But more importantly, God notices. He sees from heaven. Surely, He saves a great reward for you. With these beautiful works of righteousness and sacrifice, you can know that God sees and rewards you.

Thanks so much for all you do. Going the extra mile. Serving the people so that they can have a great time with Christ.

As I close, I just want to encourage and exhort you … obviously, Sunday AM isn’t always a time when we, as a “worship-leading team” have the luxury to just abandon ourselves in worship. I feel like if we just “lose it” up there, we can’t really be leading others. It’s our time to give – our time to lead … yes, to model worship by “doing it”, but at the same time, we give ourselves to the discipline of playing, singing, paying attention to arrangements, parts, and focusing on eye contact and ministry to those out in the congregation.

So, my challenge is to make sure you’re carving out some time in our hectic days just to “sit” at the feet of Jesus. We’ve been committing the 1st hour of each day here at SSCC with prayer and worship. What a privilege – it’s part of our work day. I’m the first to admit that I realize none of you receiving this email (or at least, most of you) have that luxury to “spend an hour in prayer and worship on the clock”. But I do want to encourage you to find that time – maybe only 15 minutes, 30 minutes … grab an iPod, or a CD, or just have a quiet place … and love on Jesus. Let Him love on you.

I won’t want for us to all get so caught up in ministry that we forget to just stop and love on Jesus. Remind yourself of the story of Mary and Martha. Martha was so busy with life, with activity, with responsibilities in preparing for Jesus’ visit, and she got really frustrated with Martha, because she was more concerned about just worshiping Jesus. When Jesus finally spoke up about it, He told Martha that Mary was doing the right thing.

I don’t write this to suggest we aren’t spending time with the Lord – on the contrary, it’s just a loving reminder to stay IN LOVE with Jesus. As the Worship Director, it’s imperative that I REMAIN IN LOVE with Jesus, and that I challenge, remind, and encourage YOU to do the same. He’s all that matters. He’s everything.

Amen???

Love you all!
For the Kingdom,
Fred

Hey Everyone -

Leadership is critical when we’re in positions of influence and ministry. Whether it’s my role as the Worship Director of St. Simons Community Church, my role as the owner of my own businesses, or my role as a Christ-follower in the marketplace and in the public arenas of life … leadership is important.

One of the things I love about working @ SSCC is being part of a large staff with some incredible leadership. Pastor David Yarborough is only a couple of years older than I am … but he’s got a lot more grey. (haha). Seriously, just about anytime you hear someone introducing him, they always say something like “this man is wise far beyond his years”. That’s so true.

Over the last few days I’ve had the privilege of walking through some church-related issues w/ him and I’ve been blessed to just sit back and listen to wisdom and be built up in leadership. I couldn’t help but jot down a few notes on a legal pad as we just talked.

Let’s introduce them in a 3-part blog series and discuss in the comments section.

On Leadership:

1. People need to be heard. Listen.

A good leader will listen to those he or she is leading. Personally, I think that’s one of the big differences between a leader and a dictator. Personally again … I can’t help but confess it’s one of my greatest weaknesses. If Joy (my wife) were an online/blogger/reader … she’d comment with a hearty “amen” there. But, I’m becoming better in this area. I’m trying to become more intentional about listening. The people may not be saying the right things … but they still need to be heard. They need to know that THEIR OPINION MATTERS.

I also think good leadership creates an environment where listening is possible, but also creates boundaries … there are times when we need to sit back and listen to those we are leading. Then, there are times when those who are being led need to just trust their leadership, yield when necessary, and hold their questions for the appropriate time. Giving people the opportunity to “be heard” shouldn’t be a free-for-all …. so, leaders should be intentional on setting aside quality time to “listen”. Maybe a lunch 1-on-1 … or maybe a smaller group “forum” from key people who are involved with the ministry or business area you are leading … or even a simple phone call.

Evaluate yourself. Are you listening to those you lead? When was the last time you were intentional about creating a dedicated time, forum, or appointment to just allow those you are leading to “be heard”?

Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3 … in the meantime, let’s discuss “Listening Leadership” now … add your comment below!

PS: as a blogger/leader, I want to “listen” to those of you who read this blog … so I have a specific question, and I’d love for you to include your answer in the comments of this blog. I’m releasing this “Part 1″ on Friday. How are your weekend reading patterns? Would you prefer to have Parts 2-3 starting on Monday of next week – or to go throughout the weekend? “I’m listening ….”

For the Kingdom,
Fred

a bit tired …
a bit overwhelmed …
a bit excited …
a bit grateful …
a bit frustrated
a bit grieved …
a lot blessed

It’s Saturday night. I’m exhausted. This day started around 6:45 … the kids never sleep in on Saturdays. You can’t drag them out of bed on a school day, but the one, single day of the week I could sleep in, they are always up early. ALWAYS.

I had a great father/son date with Jon Michael, my oldest (he’s 7). We went to “Sweet Mamas” for breakfast and then he accompanied me to our new church facility where he was a great helper. We built table carts .. you know, those big metal dollies you can load folding tables up on and push around? He’s only 7, but he can run a socket, allen wrench, and knows the different sizes of bolts, washers, and nuts. Thanks, kiddo.

I’m overwhelmed. We have two more Sundays until we make the huge transition to our new church facility. I’ve never been involved in something this huge – this big – this massive. Every square foot of this 74,000 ft2 facility is about to bust with ministry. All of the music/audio/lighting/tech stuff comes together this coming week – including our first sound checks and rehearsals. Yet at the same time, I have this stuff going on with Andrew, our youngest son. I’ve had multiple shipments of products from vendors for my e-biz this week, many of which are still packed in boxes and not even listed for sale. I think I’m 2-3 days behind on shipping orders.

I’m excited … this new church building is going to be awesome. I’m also excited because I can feel the energy, excitement, vision, and I know that this island and region will be turned upside down.

I’m grateful … Joy’s upstairs getting the kids to bed. They are laughing, giggling. We had prayers together. We had a wonderful meal. I have a great church, a great job, beautiful kids, and a gorgeous wife who loves me. We live in a nice house on a resort island. Who could ask for more?

I’m frustrated … I love blogging, and keeping up with my friends in blogworld – but I just cannot keep up. Over 250+ unread blogs. I’ve not even been able to track the Compassion Blogs … from all my blog friends who are out in Uganda with Compassion International. Joy and I are SO READY to sponsor a child.

I’m grieved … not a week goes by, it seems, that I don’t hear reports of people who have walked with God for years .. decades, and I hear the stories of how they’ve stumbled in terrible ways. Sin you wouldn’t imagine. Scenarios that astound you. I’ve been saying over the last few years that “nothing surprises me” anymore. I wish it weren’t that way. Satan is a horrific foe … and I’ve seen how he’s ravaged the lives of those I’ve known for years, and it only makes me work out my own salvation with “fear and trembling”. But by the grace of God, it could be me.

I’m a lot blessed. God loves me, in spite of myself. When I’m tired, when I’m weak. When I’m excited, when I’m grieved. Regardless, God’s blessings overtake me.

I’m forever grateful.  Are you?

For the Kingdom,
Fred

Hey Ya’ll -

It’s Saturday, and I’m just hanging out w/ the kids, getting ready to watch the Auburn/Georgia game. Go Dawgs.

I received this email and it was just one of those times when this kind of encouragement really “hit the spot”. I was so blessed by this short email, and I replied and asked permission to share it with my blog readers. This email came from “Joan” in Romania. She’s been voting for my piano solo, “Away In A Manger” on IndieHeaven.Com’s FanFaves charts every single day. So have many of you – because it climbs the charts every day.

“Away In A Manger” is at #13 today on the charts. If even a small percentage of the people who read this blog will try to visit the FanFaves chart and vote daily, it could potentially make it to #1. I’ve NEVER had a song at #1 on this chart!

Anyway, thanks to all of you for your support and help. It’s a huge encouragement – more than you know. Checkout this wonderful testimony and email from Joan. I love hearing back from you folks who enjoy the music. Please keep’m coming. It’s an inspiration.

Hi dear Fred!

Just 1 week before you wrote me to vote on Indiheaven. At that time, you were at the bottom of top, but now you are on the 16th. Congratulations!!! I vote everyday for you and for those who are on the 1-15 place. I maximum rate for you and I minimum vote for them I don’t know if this is fair, but I really desire to see you on top 10. God bless you for you are our blessing!
Your songs are always inspiring and heart lifting up.

We love you very much!
Keep beeing the best for the Lord!

With love,
Joan Martonfi
Arad, Romania

Thanks, Joan. You blessed my heart more than you know. I had no clue that my simple piano melodies were touching lives in Romania!

And thanks to everyone else!

Fred

Hey Everyone -

Quick announcement about a concert I’ll be involved with locally this weekend.

I’m excited to announce a great concert that will happen THIS FRIDAY NIGHT, Oct 12 at 8:00 PM in the Ritz Theater.
It’s called “Baby Boom” and is concert to benefit my friends, James and Brooke Sellers. (many of you in Blog World know James and Brooke – James aka “The Tone Guru”)

You may recognize James from being one of the two electric guitar players with Worship Under the Stars. He and his wife Brooke have a strong desire to start a family, but have experienced the tragedy of multiple miscarriages in the past few years. Because of complications with these, they are moving forward with plans for “invitro”. This is an expensive procedure, and one of our mutual friends, TJ Thompson, came up with an idea – hey, let’s have a music concert and donate all the proceeds to help James and Brooke start their family.

So, the “Baby Boom” concert idea was birthed. I call it “friends making music and helping other friends accomplish a dream”. The doors open at 7:30 this Friday night and tickets are $15. ALL PROCEEDS will go to James and Brooke. For all you blog buddies out there, your donation counts. You may think your gift of $5 or $10 doesn’t matter … but if just the readership of this blog and a few other bloggers jumped on board and spread the word about this, and everyone just donated $10.00 … c’mon, that’s less than 2 fraps at Starbucks … we could easily raise several THOUSAND dollars in the next few days! (donate online at www.thebabyjournals.com)

The event isn’t sponsored or endorsed by any specific organization – it really is just some friends coming together to make music and help out some other friends.

Artists include:
Alex Watson
McKendree Tucker
Inside Out Band
Family Life Worship Band
and myself, along with some of my “Worship Under the Stars” friends and some new players, too!

It should be a packed night with some incredible music, worship and fun. Most of all, it’s a way to reach out and help a couple who is trying to fulfill their dream.

Hope to see you there!
Fred

PS: for updates on their journey, you can visit www.thebabyjournals.com

Hey Everyone -

Yep, still on mini-vacation. It’s been awesome. I’ve been scolded by a few friends for having “Lappie” on my little getaway. I have to tell you, though .. it’s been nice. For the most part, Lappie is put away .. but there are times when Joy just wants to read, or even worse … watch old episdoes of “Matlock” (uggh) … so that gives me an opportunity to do something that is relaxing and refreshing to me … reading blogs, blogging, posting on TheWorshipCommunity (yeah, just posted there for the first time in like 2 weeks!)

Anyway – while reading my blogroll this AM I noticed that one of my friends is now blogging. Welcome Carter Schultz to the Web 2.0 world.

Carter is one of my “mighty men” … a term I used for handful of guys that I have the privilege of praying and fasting with each January. This group of guys has been meeting for a dozen or more years now, faithfully each January. It’s something I dread, and something I can’t miss at the same time.

Carter is the pastor at Liberty Church in Fairhope, AL (just between Pensacola, FL and Mobile, AL).
Checkout his blog and welcome him to Web 2.0
His church site is totally cool, too …

OK, that’s my siesta … I’ve just sync’d my iPod so I can go hear some tunes by the pool – Shannon gave me a CD of 15 songs to “vote on” for the upcoming Fall Quarter for InsideOut Youth at SSCC … from that list he’ll probably take the Top 5.

Later!
Fred

Monday, July 23 – 6:30 AM EST

Hey Everyone,

I’ve been reading in the New Living Translation (NLT) a lot this year – just for a different perspective on the Word in more contemporary language. I keep a few other translations nearby and often compare them if I feel like I’m missing something. There have been several times when a verse has been exceptionally refreshing for me, though.

This morning was one of those times as I was reading in the 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians, verse 58:

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless“. (1 Cor. 15:58) [emphasis mine]

What an encouragement to us as we start out our week.

For the Kingdom,
Fred

Hey Everyone!

Just wanted to give a quick “shout out” of CONGRATS to Jonathan Byrd for winning the PGA John Deere Classic this weekend. Those who know me would say “well Fred, you’re not a golfer, never played golf, and never much followed golf”. However, I find myself as the Worship Director of a church where golf is big … and Jon is a faithful member of our church. The beautiful thing is seeing him win … one of our very own …, and although I missed it on TV yesterday, the report is that his interview after the match was full of giving praises to Jesus! You hear that from athletes from time to time, but I can vouch that this guy is walking the walk. The week before winning the Masters, Zach Johnson was at our church, too … so maybe that “winning anointing” is there! Of course, we are all WINNERS through Christ!

Bottom line – we sure are proud of our man, Jon Byrd! Congrats, bro – and we’ll be cheering for you in the British Open.

I’m back from my ministry trip to Dublin, and hope to post an update shortly, and yes .. even a VIDEO CONFESSIONAL .. so stay tuned!

For the Kingdom,
Fred

OK, so obviously our folks in Britain definitely have the talent – after seeing the phenomenom with opera singer Paul Potts (posted on my blog here), I’ve just started seeing this new singer popping up on Britain’s Got Talent … but this time, instead of a mobile phone salesman singing opera, it’s 6-year old Connie singing one of my favorites, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.

Thanks to both Alex and Mandy for putting me onto this one:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En0A8KGMgq8[/youtube]

Enjoy!
Fred

Just gotta post this .. it’s incredible. First, kudos to the folks who shared it:

1: TonyMcCollum.Com posted it here
2: Robert Pooley (pastor friend of mine in Gulf Breeze, FL) then linked to it on his blog here (which is how I found out about it)

so .. I’m sharing it here. Hope you’re inspired like I was. No lie – tears welled up in my eyes. As a musician, I can appreciate any style or talent like this.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oxTy7KIAaA[/youtube]

Comments?

Hey Ya’ll -

I got a very pleasant surprise when I got back from lunch – a praiseworthy email from an “ebayer” who’d purchased a Speck Macbook case from my listings on Ebay. Makes you feel really good to know somebody is pleased with your work. So, I’m sharing an excerpt below … and in doing so, want to encourage all of you readers – take a moment today and CELEBRATE something good … give you waiter a bigger tip, tell your secretary how great they are doing, encourage your staff, take your wife some flowers tonight, or ladies … well, you can probably think of some way he’d appreciate that special “thank you”.

Here’s the email … I doubt this Ebayer would ever find my blog, and I’m not posting their userID anyway, but if by some chance you visit … “Thanks for encouraging me today!”.

Just bought the Speck cover for my MacBook after seeing that you guys had the best rating of all that sell those covers. Almost immediate communication and shipping notice came back……..I was impressed. When I saw the email address with Christian in it, I went to the web hosting site and saw your company philosophy and ‘real’ business. I’m so glad when I see Christian brothers and sisters do things right and glorify the Lord in the process.

My MacBook Pro (for which I made the purchase) is for editing Christian missionary video in the field. I’m always encourage to ‘do better’ when I see other Christians doing first class work.

Thanks! Keep up the good work.

Have a great rest of the afternoon, everyone!
Fred

Short and simple … but this Scripture from 2 Chronicles is a promise for us … and would be an encouraging reminder for us to meditate upon:

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him”.
(2 Chronicles 16:9, NKJV)

Amen?

Have a great morning,
Fred