Music Ministry Newsletter of First Baptist Church of Temple

January 6
I stood on the platform this past Sunday and challenged each of us to write out some goals and a direction that we believe God is leading us in 2010. I believe God has something wonderful in store for us in 2010 both individually and corporately as a community of faith. Have you done your homework assignment?

You are now in the first full week of 2010 and back to the grind of work. School is back in session and the work week is in full swing. Is anything different? Is God speaking? Are you listening? Or do you sense that it's the same verse, been here done this before? If we are going to be followers of Christ, rather than standers only, our new year's beginning demands that we are active in our pursuit of Christ. You can't be a follower and stand still. Now don't misunderstand what I am saying. I'm not saying there isn't a time to wait. I have waited many times in my life for the answer and direction God would have for me. But even in waiting, a Christian life of discipleship is never passive. It is always active. Actively seeking, actively praying, and actively listening for His still small voice.

I'm not going to talk about change in 2010. Life is constantly changing and we are growing accustomed to it. It is a matter of our current existence. I am learning it is how we deal with that change that makes a difference. Do we look for God in our daily work? Do we seek to find His hand in our relationships and the events of our lives? Are we aware that God is at work all around us and is calling us into a future where He is already? Do not fear, friend, for the days of 2010 are already in His hands. He has prepared them for us already. It becomes our decision what we will do with them. Will we grasp all that God has for us or will we settle for what we believe is the best? Unfortunately the best, we believe, has a basis in the past.

The year is bright! The possibilities are endless! Our limits are only placed by us for we have a limitless God.

Blessings to us all in 2010!

December 9
This came to me this week from a friend. There was some discussion about the carol "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." I am sharing it with you because I thought it interesting. The wording of the carol seems a bit odd when you stop and think about it. Here is some explanation taken from Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, (copyright 2001, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan)

"When people today say "Merry Christmas!" the word merry means 'happy.' When 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' was written, merry had a very different meaning. Robin Hood’s Merry Men might have been happy, but the merry that described them meant 'great' and 'mighty.' Thus in the Middle Ages, a strong army was a merry army, a great singer was a merry singer, and a mighty ruler was a merry ruler. Also, the word 'rest' simply means 'keep' or 'make.' A comma also needs to be placed after the word merry. Therefore, in modern English, the first line of the song should read, 'God make you mighty, gentlemen.'"

Sunday night we get to sing God's praises and tell the story of the Christ Child once more. This story, over 2000 years old, gains new meaning to me each year. Like the paragraph above, God sheds new light each year I get to lead a new group of people in telling the ageless and timeless story. I'm glad that you get to share in this experience. There never has been, nor will ever be, another group just like this one to tell the story. This is a moment in time, never to return. Thank you for your diligent and hard work over the past 4 months that will come to blossom this Sunday evening. Don't miss the moment. Don't miss the experience.

You have reached a new level as you have memorized much of this program. You have taken it to a new standard. I pray that God will speak and sing through you as you share this music. Remember, some will hear it for the first time, others will hear it for the last. You are the merry messenger, a mighty tool that can be used by God to speak truth into the life of someone listening. There is power in the word of God and the Holy Spirit will use you.

I'm proud of you! I'm looking forward to Sunday night. Practice well, pray hard, and be merry (great and mighty!).

November 18
A week ago Jan told me about the Thanksgiving project on Facebook, the social networking site. It was a project that each day until Thanksgiving we would post something of which we were thankful for all to see. I have managed to keep it up to date. But I also have found that one posting each day just wasn't enough. And so I write this short note for you all to challenge you to express your thanksgiving to one another. We have much to be thankful for.

I am thankful for...

...the calling of God on my life and the chance to do what I love doing each and every day.

...a wife that understands and supports me, even when the hours are late and sporadic.

...two beautiful and intelligent girls that keep their dad in check and teach me not to take myself too seriously.

...a furry dog that brings more joy and fun than I could have imagined. Even when she's covered in leaves!

...a job that pays me for doing what I love and the stability that is there, even though I know I'm not guaranteed tomorrow.

...for an assistant that is amazing and keeps the music ministry office running a whole lot smoother than I could ever dream.

...for accompanists and instrumentalists that are supportive, talented, and willing to try anything I ask.

...for a choir that can still laugh and smile when I push them to their limits.

...for parents that never told me I couldn't succeed in my dreams.

...for technology that helps me do everything that needs to be done.

...for friends that encourage me to get up in the morning and exercise when it might be easier to stay in bed.

...for an accountability group that challenges my thinking and actions and keeps my direction clear.

...for my growing up years, with all the challenges, for they made me who I am today.

...for one man in high school who told me that I could do anything that I put my mind to doing.

I could go on and on. It is good to give thanks to the Lord for all these things, for I know that they are only possible through him. Thank you for being a part of who I am and who I will become. I pray for your Thanksgiving holiday to be filled with the opportunity to reflect on your many blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 11
Over the past few weeks I have had many conversations with folks who are overwhelmed with the challenges of life. Overwhelmed by the amount of work to do or even the lack of work to do, they feel helpless in their situation. Some have lost their job; others have been given responsibilities because of downsizing that require more time and energy than what can be given. Some are dealing with family crises with children or challenges in their marriage relationships that devastate them emotionally. Others have been dealt a blow by the prognosis of their personal health. Does this sound familiar? Could you add your current status to this list?

I wish there were such things as magic wands that we could wave and change our circumstances forever. Unfortunately, that only happens in fairy tales. I can only offer words from the Lord that are water to a thirsty soul. Listen to what Paul writes:

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."
2 Corinthians 4:8-10; 16

"Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:4-9

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen." Philippians 4:19-20

I pray that you will be encouraged today by God's words. Stay in the Word, cling to His steadfast love, and don't give up!

I love you.

November 4
I've been here three years! Some days it seems like I started just yesterday and others it seems like I've been here for a very long time. When I stop and look back on the past three years, however, it has been a productive and quick journey. And with most anniversaries and new years, I usually take a few moments and reflect on where I've come from and where I'm going.

The past three years have been wonderful as the Anthony family has gotten settled into life in Temple. I still have to pinch myself occasionally when I think about this city boy now lives in Central Texas. I've been here long enough, though, that it seems perfectly natural. I know how to get around town, I have met all sorts of wonderful people, and I even know a little more about getting around in Austin than I ever have before. I do have to admit I still have to call my personal GPS, Mr. Grady Tyroch, for directions and information, but those calls are getting farther apart than they once were.

Ministry at FBCT has been great. We have seen many things happen and I believe we continue to develop our musical style and abilities on the great foundation that Theiss Jones had for years here. There is more to do, but there will always be more to do. That's the nature of ministry. We have seen new folks join us and I am most grateful. We continue to gain new opportunities of ministry outside our walls and the impact of this music ministry continues to grow. I can stand and wave my hands all day long, but without each of you to sing and play and follow my direction, I would be no where. Thank you for your service and dedication to this ministry. You ultimately make a difference!

The future is bright. I have one more box to go through of files that were in cabinets and then it will be on to something else. With each file folder, I have caught a glimpse of past ministry and the lives that were touched through the years. There are more folders to hold the pictures of our future; we just have to write it together. I'm glad that you're a part of the journey. It wouldn't be the same without you!

Happy Anniversary!

October 28
I love to worship. I love to lead in worship. I love to watch other people engage in worship. I love to be in the presence of the Almighty God and to sense Him in real and powerful ways. I have found, however, that the act of worship is work. It may take some work on the part of any worshiper, but it takes a lot of work on the worship leader. As a worship leader who leads others in worship each week, do you feel that way?

Each week I lead others in worship for two services. Many of you join me and I cannot say how grateful I am to all of you who participate as worship leaders week by week in our congregation. You are an inspiration to me for your constancy, your dedication, and your musical gifts and talents. I am very grateful to those who do "double duty" and stay for the second service. You go the extra mile. I pray for God to give you strength as you serve Him twice in the one morning.

Some have asked me if leading two services is hard. It does make for a full morning, but it's not hard. I love worshiping twice. If the truth be told, I seem to worship easier the second time around than the first. Now hear me, the first service is not the rehearsal. I have never thought that and hopefully never will. We may manage to tweak something in the second service and often there's something that goes a little smoother, but that's only natural. It's the second time we've been through it. We know where we're headed. We know the end result. We've heard the message and now can take the message and make it our own.

The goal of our worship is to glorify God and to tell the story of His redeeming work in us. The Spirit of God is always present when we gather. It's a promise that He has made and He never breaks His promise. If it seems like we're more into it, or the Spirit is moving more in the second service, I believe it's because we are more tuned into what is happening. Depending on my frame of mind, I find it often takes me time to warm up and be ready to hear the Spirit of God, to listen for His still small voice that may whisper to me in the middle of a scripture or the third phrase of the song. God is all around us; we are the ones that must be warmed by the elements of worship to hear the voice of the Lord.

God is at work. We must tell each other the story of what God is doing in our lives. Don't miss the chance to share that with someone. Don't miss the chance to worship Him on Sunday. Hey, you might even get a second chance in the same morning!

See you then!

October 21
It was my job for many years to be a proofreader for publications. Ssshhhh, don't tell anyone here in Temple, they might make me do it again. As a proofreader, it was always irritating to me when I made a mistake and let something slip by. There were times that I even believed that someone changed it after I had read it; I didn't believe that I had let something slip by that was such a glaring mistake. If you have been a proofreader, you understand. It is a common understanding among proofers, though, that the mind will often believe it sees what it wants to see, not necessarily what is actually there. That's why many proofreaders will read backwards; it doesn't allow the brain to imagine what is there.

In other areas of our lives, our mind once again sees what we believe is there, not necessarily what is actually real. As you drive, our minds play games on us and we see what we expect to see, not what we actually see. I have learned recently that if you are looking for something while driving, you may not ever see what is actually there. Some call it your brain is just playing games with you. Whatever the reason or excuse, we end up not seeing reality.

In our daily lives we often will define our reality with what is around us, with only what our eyes see. The Word of God tells us not to look at what we see, for what we see is temporal. We need to look to what is unseen, for this is reality. We may define our present circumstances as the way it will always be, there is no hope, and there is no way out. But God tells us differently! Be encouraged today! Hear the Word of God spoken to each one of us!

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Looking at the eternal,

October 14
As a young man thinking I had so much to accomplish and do, I often would work 6-7 days a week. Rest was the last thing that was put into the schedule. For years I worked on my days off, playing catch up or trying to get ahead. I didn't need a whole lot of sleep and it never seemed right to simply sit and relax. My thought was that I was wasting time. I guess it was a personality flaw, thinking that I could do it all and it wouldn't catch up with me. I knew God rested on the seventh day and He even included the direction of rest into the Big 10, but the Sabbath for most everyone else is one of my biggest workdays. At least that was my excuse.

Over the past several years, my understanding has begun to change. I have found the need more and more to rest. Maybe it's because I'm getting older and simply can't keep up the pace anymore. Maybe it's because my children are getting older and the pace is getting quicker. I would like to believe that it's because I'm listening to the Spirit more and trying to live a life that reflects the fullness of God's power within it. I am seeking to follow His instructions at a deeper level and yes, that means following the command for rest.

I am grateful to the church and to you as its congregation that you allow your staff time off. It is not with boasting that I tell you I often lose days of vacation because I simply don't find the time to take them. I took some last week and it was wonderful; thank you! Many of you have seen my picture of the fish that I caught. Some think I simply purchased it at Kroger! Oh well, I guess you'll never know for sure; after all, Photoshop is an amazing program. I'll just have a great time enjoying redfish as I eat the fruit of my efforts by myself!

I did have a great time. It was relaxing and great fun, filled with wonderful friends I don't get to see often. I laughed often and relaxed fully. I went away with the knowledge that everything in Temple was in good hands. That is a wonderful feeling. And I prayed for you often. I thought about your rehearsals and times of worship and even though I was on vacation, I missed them. I missed them because I've grown to love and appreciate the time that we all spend together. It is a blessing from the Lord for me. Thank you!

I hope that you take time out and relax. After all, it is a part of the Big 10!

September 30
I like tea. I like all sorts of tea; orange pekoe, black currant, peach and ginger spice, Russian or Iranian, and good 'ole iced! I like it hot in the winter and definitely iced in the spring, summer and fall. I'll even drink it iced in the winter, but occasionally I like it hot. I like it mostly unsweetened, made with 3 bags of Lipton's black tea and one bag of Bigelow's orange spice per pot. I can't resist McAlister's sweet tea, though. I do cut the content with 1/2 unsweetened, but it really is good. Oh yes, and add the lemon. Many of you are tea connoisseurs, knowing exactly which restaurant has the best tea. Me, I'll just take a glass of tea. Mainly the only particular is that I prefer brewed, not instant.

For years we had a tea kettle on the stovetop. We brewed a fresh pot of tea each evening for dinner. Did you know that tea will eat away at metal? It will. I had the pot to show for it. After we dumped that pot, I got a used instant Mr. Teapot at a garage sale. We proceeded to wear it out too. Two pots and they both ended up brown and cracked. When they leaked all over the counter we dumped them too. We then made tea in the microwave in a glass container. It wasn't as good, but it worked for lack of anything better. Two years ago, for my birthday I believe, the girls got me a new Mr. Teapot. It came out nice and clean, fully together with all the parts fitting so nicely. Each evening we've made tea. If someone is coming to dinner, sometimes we've made 2 and 3 pots. After 2 years, though, it's beginning to show its wear. It still works, though, and each evening I can be found making a fresh pot of tea.

After dinner we dump what's left in our glasses. Actually, we normally just dump what's left in Jan's glass. Mine is empty. And sometimes we just dump whatever tea is leftover since it is only a little bit. It does a real number to our white sink, though. It turns it brown. I often have to get out the Softscrub with bleach and use it to clean the sink. It just gets too stained. I was cleaning the sink today and thinking how often I have to do it; probably at least once a week. I was grumbling a little, thinking my hands are going to smell like bleach for the rest of the day. The price of getting out the stain! Then it hit me.

What's the price of our stains? What's the price of those never ending personal stains that happen every day? The price is a life. It would be ours, but Christ has stepped in. Through the bleaching of his red blood, our sin filled lives with stains that we cannot remove are taken away and once again we are "as white as snow." And one cleaning doesn't do it. It's over and over and over. I wonder if Christ ever gets tired of doing our washing. I wonder if he carries the smell of our sin with him the rest of the day.

Christ only washes when we ask for it. He sees our stains but can't clean them until we ask. I hope you ask for it this week. I hope you ask for it before Sunday. Your worship will be much fuller if you do.

Reminded by the smell of bleach...

September 23
Last week was the completion of the first four weeks of school. For the Anthony family, this year has been quite an adjustment. I kept asking all the parents of high school students if the schedule got any better. Sadly, they all just would smile at me and say "you'll get used to it." Get used to it?! When would that happen? With some time, however, it finally did for me. (You will notice I have said "for me," not "for us". I'm not sure Jan has fully gotten into the swing. I'll let her speak for herself!)

It was sometime in the middle of last week that the routine finally kicked in. I'm not sure what day, it just happened. I finally got in the swing of this new schedule. The routine finally seemed like it flowed, though it has been crazy! I wasn't ready for the miles and trips on the car back and forth to the high school, the hours in which they would be made, and the frequency of them with two girls with two different schedules and interests going to the same location. They never seemed to have to be in the same place at the same time. Someone told me I would be glad when they started driving. The verdict is still out on that one, but I'm beginning to understand the need!

New routines are difficult. The complexity of the routine only adds to the stress and the length of time it takes to adjust. It took me a month. Now, though, it seems like it's moving a lot smoother. I understand for the next few years of my life I better get used to it; I will have many adjustments to make!

What have I learned? I've learned once again that adjustments are happening all the time. Nothing stays the same! I've learned that it serves as an opportunity to re-evaluate why and what we do. It helps to be flexible and adjust my lifestyle to the needs of others. I can become too focused on my own needs and forget about others (though with two high school kids that's a little difficult!). I've learned that as I adjust, others have to adjust around me also. It causes everyone to make alterations in their routines. And as I enter into a new phase of life, once again I have to listen, learn, and allow myself to be taught by others.

Ecclesiastes 4:13 says "Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice." I am learning once again to listen to others who help me make those adjustments. I'm not considered a youth anymore, but I can learn from them! And their parents too!

September 16
Thank you for your recent response to the opportunities to help me with my trip to the Ukraine next April. Many of you have responded with prayer support and financial support and I am thankful for both. I am grateful that you have chosen to join me in making an impact for Christ in the country of Ukraine. As I have heard Michael Gott speak on several occasions lately, the fields are white unto harvest and we are praying that God will use us greatly in this country.

Michael Gott is our connection to the pastors and churches where we will be ministering. You can read about him at www.michaelgottinternational.com. He is the same person who opened the door for FBC, Temple, to connect with Timotei Ruso in Romania. Michael and Jan, his wife, have recently returned from Ukraine where they served the churches there for nearly 2 months. More than 1600 people became believers in Christ. Michael has told the leadership of SMOT that the greatest challenge for our trip will be to choose wisely where to sing and how many times for we have too many requests to minister.

Current updates for the trip and an outline of where we will be are posted on the Singing Men of Texas website, www.smonct.org. This quote is posted from Dr. Vyacheslav Nesteruk, President of the Ukrainian Baptist Union:

"From the very first moment that I heard of this evangelistic project, I and my colleagues were totally for it. There was no decision to make - come and help us reach our nation. You have a full assurance of our cooperation; area pastors, individual churches, and our people open their arms to the Singing Men of North Central Texas and Michael Gott in 2010.

Tell us how we can help you - your ministry can reach a segment of our society yet untouched by our Baptist witness. Welcome."

When I first heard of this opportunity, I felt a great desire to participate in this mission endeavor. I have seen plans fall into place and doors open wide where we wondered if this was where we were to go. It was clearly the right decision. I believe that God wants to do something extraordinary with this trip. Michael said this would be a monumental trip for one of two reasons; it could be the end of an era and the doors will be closed behind us, never to allow ministry opportunities like this for many years, or the doors will swing wide open and this will be the beginning of a great spiritual awakening in this part of the world. With recent changes in the political leadership, either one can happen. We are praying that God will use us in a significant way. We cannot accomplish this without your prayer support.

The Singing Men will hold the first concert of the season tomorrow evening at FBC, Killeen, in their new facility beginning at 7:00PM. In keeping with our tradition of several years’ past, area choirs have been asked to join us in singing one song during the concert. Tomorrow evening the joint choir will be singing "By the Gentle Waters" and Cindy Berry will be directing the group. It will be a nice concert. You will also be able to hear more about our upcoming trip in the spring and will be able to see pictures of where we will be. I think you will also get to hear our first public attempt at singing in Russian. (That reminds me, I need to practice!)

Thank you again for your support of me, both prayerfully and financially. I couldn't do it without either one those. May God receive the honor and glory alone for what He will do through us.

September 9, 2009
Levites were descendants of the Hebrew tribe Levi. These people were set apart from the rest to perform special duties in the temple. The primary role of this tribe was to lead worship in the temple and to provide music for the special services. During the great exodus into Egypt, the Levites were the only ones who held fast to the teaching of the Mosaic Law and did not bow down to the golden calf. I believe there are those who are called out to serve in the role of the Levites today. I believe you are those people.

As we read through the Old Testament, the Levites had very specific roles to fulfill in the temple worship. They were worship leaders and singers, musicians and servants of worship. They were accomplished and well rehearsed. They purified themselves and made sure they were ready to go before the Lord in the acts of worship. They took their job very seriously.

In 1 Chronicles 16:4, they were called "to minister before the ark, to invoke, to thank, and to praise the Lord, the God of Israel." In the following verses, King David "appointed those to sing a song of thanksgiving to the Lord by Asaph and his brothers." (v.7) "When they finished, all the people said, 'Amen!' and praised the Lord." (v.36)

2 Chronicles 29 tells the story of Hezekiah cleansing the Temple and restoring Temple worship to its rightful place. Hezekiah calls out to the Levites to "consecrate yourselves, and consecrate the house of the Lord..." (v.5) He instructs the Levites to "not be negligent, for the Lord has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him and to be his minister and make offerings to him." (v.11) Later in the chapter, Hezekiah stations the Levites in "the house of the Lord with cymbals, harps, and lyres..." (v.25). As the burnt offerings began, "the song of the Lord began also, and the trumpets, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. The whole assembly worshiped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded. All this continued until the burnt offering was finished." (v.27-28) What a worship service that must have been!

Each Wednesday as you come into rehearsal and each Sunday morning as you come to lead others in worship, you continue a tradition that has been held for thousands of years. You offer songs of praise and lead others to the throne of God. You exalt the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our midst. You hone your skill in rehearsal and you minister to the Lord in worship each Sunday. You have a holy and awesome role in what we do week by week.

I am proud of you and what you do. I am thankful for each one of you. You are important to what we do here at First Baptist Church and our church would not be what it is today without your skill and service. May God be praised tonight as we rehearse. May his name be exalted this Sunday morning as we sing to him. Thank you that you allow yourself to be used in such a mighty way.

September 2, 2009
Christmas has always come upon me and surprised me. That means that often I have not felt fully prepared for all that has happened in the month of December. It's not that I wasn't organized, mind you, just that there was a lot going on. Musicians in December are busier than a one armed paper hanger! And who wants to think about December and Christmas in the middle of July?! But this year's different.

The story we'll tell is the same. The Christ Child is born to Mary and Joseph in the town of Bethlehem. The angels appear to the shepherds. The Wise Men come and worship. As we often tell it, it all happens in an hour. We tell it and go on. Nothing much has changed, right? But this year's a little different. Same story, just different expectations.

I was in Hobby Lobby today. It's been a while since I was there. They have all the Halloween decorations out in one section and in the next section is the Thanksgiving paraphernalia. Right next to all these beautiful decorations are the Christmas decorations. As of today, they are already 40% off! It's the place to shop for all your Christmas decorating needs. I was a little surprised since it's only September 2, but I guess it keeps getting earlier and earlier! But that's the marketing division's responsibility. Is this year going to be any different?

I have been reading in the Old Testament of how the people of Israel would follow God then turn away, follow God then turn away, follow God then turn away. Each generation made their own decisions as to their commitment to God. While one generation claimed the steadfast love of God, the next would choose to "do what was evil in sight of God." When they chose to repent, a sacrifice was made on the altar and their sins were atoned. At the beginning of the New Testament, Christ was born as the Lamb of God, set apart for the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, once and for all. While the story doesn't change, it is a story that each generation must hear, learn and understand, and ultimately make a choice for themselves.

We begin tonight to learn to tell the story in a new way. Same story, different music; same story, new singers. I am excited that this year will be different. What makes it different? Our musicians, our instrumentalists, our new music, our excitement, our expectancy, our energy, and ultimately our joy to share the story again and again. You make a difference week by week in the lives of so many. Your role as a choir member is important, for you are set apart with a calling from God to share the story each and every week. This Christmas we tell the story once again, as old as it might be, to a generation that will have to make a choice again to follow or walk away. I'm glad that you are here to help and offer your talents to the Lord. This year's going to be different! I'm glad you're a part!

August 26
School is back in session! The Anthony family has been trying to keep up with the new routine for the past few days and I'm not sure how we're doing. We're all tired and, at times, a little cranky. The alarm clock rings much too early these days and there's just too many papers to fill out and sign. Homework has started and it's only the third day of school! Hang on to your hat, it's going to be a fast ride.

Each year Beloit College in Wisconsin publishes a mindset list for incoming freshmen. This year's list is for the class of 2013. These kids were mostly born in 1991. The list is a compilation of the "cultural touchstones that shape the lives of students entering college." You can read the whole list at www.beloit.edu/mindset if youre interested. I publish a few just for your information and enjoyment. (There are 75 of them.)

I share these with you not only because they're fun for me to read and share, but because I want you to be aware of them. This list opens my eyes to the mindset of those around me. Too often I begin to think that everyone knows what I know and thinks like I think. This is not true. It reminds me to be sensitive and open to others and to what has shaped their lives. My world is constantly changing and I have to be aware of those changes in order to serve God in the midst of them.

August 19
Playing the piano is my passion. There's only one thing that makes it better; playing with someone. I realized in college that I enjoyed practicing and playing with another person or group rather than spending all that time by myself. I found that it was more fun and much more rewarding making music with others than simply by myself.

Some of you might smile at this revelation and just say that I'm the guy that loves to be with others. True, I am an extrovert. I know some who would rather spend their time by themselves and not mess with others. We call them introverts. I am not one. But I have also come to the revelation that God has created us for one another; we need each other in so many ways.

I am currently a part of a personal accountability group. This small group of men has come together to support, encourage, and pray for each other. Life can be messy at times and it's good to have someone to help you be grounded in the Word and to occasionally be able to ask the hard questions. God is working in each of our lives and we are grateful as we offer ourselves to God and to each other, to hold one another accountable in our spiritual and personal lives.

One outgrowth of this group has been for me to commit to a time of regular physical exercise. It hasn't been easy because of the commitment involved. I believe God wants us to be as healthy as we can and I had begun to notice that I had become a little lax in this area. And so I have tried to change my behavior. Once again, it hasn't been easy. God did help provide someone who is holding me accountable. Where it not for this person, I probably would not have lasted into the second week!

I say all this not to draw attention to it for my sake. I tell you this because I want you to understand I believe we need each other. God wants us to live healthy spiritual and physical lives and few I know can do all that on their own. Only as we bear each other's burdens and help one another are we able to see God's design fully fulfilled in our lives. Galatians 6:2 says "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." In our society many have bought into the idea that we can do it alone, we can do it ourselves. I've come to believe that we can't. Time and time again I have seen where folks have gotten into trouble because they have believed they are alone; no one will know this or that. We are not alone! We have each other!

Proverbs 27:17 says "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." My prayer is that you will continue to sharpen each other as we bear with one another our burdens, our dreams, our lives!

August 12
I bought my red bus 11 and a half years ago. It's a Dodge Grand Caravan minivan but I call it my red bus because of everyone I have carried in it over the past years. I have carried people, a dog, a desk, loads of musical equipment, and moved in it. It has made countless trips to Georgia, a trip to Florida and a trip to Washington DC. It has been all over the east coast and the south, not to mention the state of Texas. The red bus has had 4 sets of tires, 5 batteries, 2 sets of brakes and a brand new transmission. It has had too many oil changes to count. And based on the current mileage of 193638 miles, at the "government rate" of 18 miles per gallon, it has used 10,757 gallons of gas. (Sometimes I got more, but right now I'm getting less so I guess it evens out in the wash!)

The red bus has been our family car for all these years. It has had coke spilled on the seats and carpet, salt from French fries all over the floor, melted crayons in the back windows, and our girl's spit up when they were small. (I won't go into any more detail than that!) They were 18 months old when we got it and we were so grateful for the 2 side doors so that Jan and I could each put a girl in their car seats. We put a VCR/TV combo in between the back seats and the girls watched movies to Georgia and back for years. One year someone asked how long it took us to get there and I couldn't think of the hours, but I knew it was 7 and a half showings of "The Jungle Book." I almost had it memorized after that trip! It was the first car that Rachel ever drove. Unbeknownst to her parents, after putting it in gear on an incline, it rolled into the car parked in the next slot and scraped the two doors all along the side. The red bus still has the mark on the front bumper from that one.

After 193000 miles, however, the red bus has been retired. What was once shiny and new, glistening with candy apple red paint and glimmering gold wheels, has come to the end of the road. What drove so well and smoothly will now be relegated to the dump to be counted as a clunker and sold for scrap. It's a story that happens often, but also one that has been brought to light with the latest government plan. Yes, I sold my red bus as a clunker and got a new car. Had to; it wasn't going to make it much longer.

My new car is shiny and glimmers now in the sunlight. It is nimble on its new set of tires and quick to respond with an engine that isn't even broken in yet; it's much quicker than the red bus in recent days. I love new cars, but I hate buying them. So, while I plan to keep this new one for many years, I will keep in my mind how, after many oil changes and miles and gallons of gas and repairs, this one too will be a clunker someday. It's a way of life!

The only thing that lasts forever is the Word of the Lord. Isaiah said "the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." (40:8) While I will enjoy a new car, I remember that even I will wear out someday. I am grateful that the Word of God has always been, is now, and will be forever. I place my faith not in the mechanics and technologies of man, even though they might be shiny and glimmer brightly in the sun today, but in the steadfast, never ending Word of God. It's the only thing that will last!

June 24
The homepage on my computer is www.msn.com. When I first open up the internet, I am always interested in the breaking news of the moment. I take a quick look at the topics of the day and then move on to what I am searching for. If the truth be known, I probably spend more time reading about auto industry and the new car lines that are coming out. The news does catch my attention, however.

In the past two days I have been intrigued by the story of Mark Sanford, the governor of South Carolina. What started out as a intriguing story has gotten crazy. What started out as "we can't find the governor" has turned into a circle of deception and lies. Long story short (you can read about it online), seems the governor went off to be by himself after a hotly contested and stressful legislative session. He said he was going to go for a hike in the woods. Seven days later he turns up flying in from Argentina. Today he revealed that he has been involved in an extramarital affair. Once again, one more high ranking official is caught in a compromising situation.

I'm not going to get into the discussion of the political fallout. Bottom line, no one is sinless. So many are making choices these days that bring dishonor upon themselves and their families; this hasn't changed since the beginning of man. The Bible is clear that we have all fallen short and we have all sinned. We are in need of a Savior. Over the past year we have seen our world turned upside down in so many ways. The economy is reeling, our government is struggling and our cities are showing the strains of actions from so many that have followed their own selfish paths. Lest you think I'm making this a political column today, that's not my intent. I'm just watching what is becoming clearer every day: we need a Savior.

It begins with one. It begins with me. I have no control over others and what they choose to do in their own lives. I will not answer for them; I will only answer for myself. One day I will stand before my Lord and there will be an accounting of my life and the choices that I have made. Some of my choices bring me shame and guilt, others bring me joy. Not one of them, however, makes me worthy of a life spent in eternity with my Lord. It is only by the blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross for me and my confession of faith in Him that makes a difference. As I seek to live my life on this earth, I pray that God will be honored by my actions. I pray that the choices that I make will not bring dishonor to Him. And in doing so, I pray that I will be witness to the saving power of Jesus Christ. The world needs a Savior. Will you show them?