Our worship team sang Glad's "And Can It Be" at church on Sunday. It was spectacular. I've heard from several that it is the best presentational piece we have done in a service. I'm so proud of all the things that our praise team has accomplished. They are the best.
I sang in the Vocal Majority shows this weekend. I got to sing the solo to "They Call the Wind Mariah." It was really an honor to be able to sing a solo for a VM show. I'll post pictures when I get a chance. They are still be processed by the VM picture guy, but I'll put one up shortly that I do have.
Blessings,
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
FPU Top Ten List
I'm facilitating a Fincancial Peace University class right now for a small group in our church. We decided to do a top ten list.
Top Ten (or 16) ways you can tell if someone is involved in FPU:
1. Wads of cash bulging out of wallet
2. Bank teller knows you by name and has your cash ready
3. When told the price of your tickets at the movie theater you say "Not good enough!"
4. The highlight of your month is when the checkbook balances on the first try
5. You have no plans for the last week of the month because you have already spent all your cash
6. Fasting becomes a financial discipline as well as a spiritual one
7. Growing older becomes more appealing as it gets you closer to that retirement money!
8. You have become a credit card Nazi
9. $1000 in the bank is no longer good enough
10. You turn to your wife and say "pay the lady" cause she has all the envelops and money.
11. At the restaurant, you calculate exactly 15 percent gratuity and can actually give the waiter correct change.
You consider it a great day when you are able to feed your family of 5 at Taco Buenos for $7.98 with coupons.
13. If you ask your church budget people for a copy of the churches’ zero-based budget
14. If you get excited when someone brings up the subject of compound interest.
15. If you carry a calculator with you to the grocery store and end up taking most of your time putting things back because you only have $100 this week to spend on groceries.
16. "Date Night" consist of going to Braums for a smoothie and watching movies checked out from the library.
Top Ten (or 16) ways you can tell if someone is involved in FPU:
1. Wads of cash bulging out of wallet
2. Bank teller knows you by name and has your cash ready
3. When told the price of your tickets at the movie theater you say "Not good enough!"
4. The highlight of your month is when the checkbook balances on the first try
5. You have no plans for the last week of the month because you have already spent all your cash
6. Fasting becomes a financial discipline as well as a spiritual one
7. Growing older becomes more appealing as it gets you closer to that retirement money!
8. You have become a credit card Nazi
9. $1000 in the bank is no longer good enough
10. You turn to your wife and say "pay the lady" cause she has all the envelops and money.
11. At the restaurant, you calculate exactly 15 percent gratuity and can actually give the waiter correct change.
You consider it a great day when you are able to feed your family of 5 at Taco Buenos for $7.98 with coupons.
13. If you ask your church budget people for a copy of the churches’ zero-based budget
14. If you get excited when someone brings up the subject of compound interest.
15. If you carry a calculator with you to the grocery store and end up taking most of your time putting things back because you only have $100 this week to spend on groceries.
16. "Date Night" consist of going to Braums for a smoothie and watching movies checked out from the library.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
FPU
I am a coordinator for Financial Peace University. That doesn't mean that I'm some financial wizard that has perfect budget and lots of surplus at the end of the month, but it does mean I try to hold to certain principles that though hard at first, help to give you financial peace. Today I will give you two principles.
1. Put $1000 in an emergency fund.
Do whatever you have to. Sell something, work overtime, sell a kid. Ok, maybe not sell the kid, but get serious about getting $1000 in the bank. Why? Peace of mind. This money is for what I said it is for, emergancies. Not for that cool new tool or that makeup that you've been needed to get but didn't have money for. I'm talking about deductible in case of an accident or hospital stay emergency.
2. Get on a budget.
Spend every dollar you make on paper before the month starts. If you don't spend it on paper you will spend it somewhere and will have a headache trying to figure out where all the money went.
For more info, pick up a copy of Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey.
As Dave Ramsey says "Control your money or the lack of it will control you."
1. Put $1000 in an emergency fund.
Do whatever you have to. Sell something, work overtime, sell a kid. Ok, maybe not sell the kid, but get serious about getting $1000 in the bank. Why? Peace of mind. This money is for what I said it is for, emergancies. Not for that cool new tool or that makeup that you've been needed to get but didn't have money for. I'm talking about deductible in case of an accident or hospital stay emergency.
2. Get on a budget.
Spend every dollar you make on paper before the month starts. If you don't spend it on paper you will spend it somewhere and will have a headache trying to figure out where all the money went.
For more info, pick up a copy of Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey.
As Dave Ramsey says "Control your money or the lack of it will control you."
Thursday, September 07, 2006
God IS Active
Have you ever thought about how active God is? Try reading a book of the Bible without seeing God’s activity. I’ve started a study on Jeremiah recently. I am going to put the text of the 1st chapter and highlight God’s activity. Read God’s Word and be amazed at his activity:
Jeremiah 1
1:1 The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. 2 The word of the LORD came to him in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah, 3 and through the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, down to the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile.
4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, `I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."
11 The word of the LORD came to me: "What do you see, Jeremiah?"
"I see the branch of an almond tree," I replied.
12 The LORD said to me, "You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled."
13 The word of the LORD came to me again: "What do you see?"
"I see a boiling pot, tilting away from the north," I answered.
14 The LORD said to me, "From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land. 15 I am about to summon all the peoples of the northern kingdoms," declares the LORD.
"Their kings will come and set up their thrones in the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem;they will come against all her surrounding walls and against all the towns of Judah. 16 I will pronounce my judgments on my people because of their wickedness in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what their hands have made.
17 "Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. 18 Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land--against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. 19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
It is hard to miss God’s activity, but I feel so many times we miss it because we are not looking for it. Take this week and open your eyes. Look for God’s activity in your life and everything around you. You may be surprised about how active God is being.
Jeremiah 1
1:1 The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. 2 The word of the LORD came to him in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah, 3 and through the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, down to the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile.
4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, `I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."
11 The word of the LORD came to me: "What do you see, Jeremiah?"
"I see the branch of an almond tree," I replied.
12 The LORD said to me, "You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled."
13 The word of the LORD came to me again: "What do you see?"
"I see a boiling pot, tilting away from the north," I answered.
14 The LORD said to me, "From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land. 15 I am about to summon all the peoples of the northern kingdoms," declares the LORD.
"Their kings will come and set up their thrones in the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem;they will come against all her surrounding walls and against all the towns of Judah. 16 I will pronounce my judgments on my people because of their wickedness in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what their hands have made.
17 "Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. 18 Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land--against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. 19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
It is hard to miss God’s activity, but I feel so many times we miss it because we are not looking for it. Take this week and open your eyes. Look for God’s activity in your life and everything around you. You may be surprised about how active God is being.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
The Perfect Labor Day
A rain filled Labor Day is not most people's idea of a perfect holiday, but when you live in Texas and there has been an 18 month drought, you love every minute of rain you can get. We had an all day soaking rain yesterday and it was awesome. The temps dropped and we turned off our air and opened our windows.
I used to hate rain most of the time, but as much as it doesn't rain here in Texas, I am beginning to have a real appreciation for rain.
The family and I just laid around yesterday and played video games, wathced movies, etc. It was great. You don't get those kind of days very often and I really enjoy them.
Micah has a little bit of a cough, but he went to school and they said it would be ok for him to be there as long as he didn't have a fever which he doesn't.
Well, Gotta run.
I used to hate rain most of the time, but as much as it doesn't rain here in Texas, I am beginning to have a real appreciation for rain.
The family and I just laid around yesterday and played video games, wathced movies, etc. It was great. You don't get those kind of days very often and I really enjoy them.
Micah has a little bit of a cough, but he went to school and they said it would be ok for him to be there as long as he didn't have a fever which he doesn't.
Well, Gotta run.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
So it's been a while
Well since I've posted last, Micah has started school. He loves it and is doing great. He is going to be our child who will be studious and end up Valedictorian of his class. I can already tell that Anna may not be the same way. Anna will end up being Miss School Spirit along with Prom Queen Rebeckah I'm not sure about. She just going to be the down to earth laid back girl that is enjoyable to be around.
I got a new Dell Axim X51v. It is awesome. I'm able to surf the Internet, work with my excel and word documents, play games, do email, keep up with contacts, plus other stuff that I''m not aware of. I can also do powerpoint presentations on it.
We are still sharing offices. It looks like November is a realistic date of getting back to our old offices in the basement.
Summer and I have decided that we want to take a big Disney vacation for our 10th anniversary. We were originally going to go out of country, but 10 years of marriage celebrates having children and Summer has never been to all the Disney stuff. So we are headed to Fl next year for the trip of a lifetime for our children. (Somehow I think Summer may enjoy it more than they do.)
Our praise team has been invited to sing at the Pepperdine lectures next year. We had our first rehearsal on Sunday and it was great. We really have a talented bunch of singers at Preston Road. I'm so proud of the things that we have accomplished since I got here.
Well, that's it for now. I like this new version of Blogger beta. It makes many of the functions of blogging a little easier such as blog design. Have a great day.
Bret
I got a new Dell Axim X51v. It is awesome. I'm able to surf the Internet, work with my excel and word documents, play games, do email, keep up with contacts, plus other stuff that I''m not aware of. I can also do powerpoint presentations on it.
We are still sharing offices. It looks like November is a realistic date of getting back to our old offices in the basement.
Summer and I have decided that we want to take a big Disney vacation for our 10th anniversary. We were originally going to go out of country, but 10 years of marriage celebrates having children and Summer has never been to all the Disney stuff. So we are headed to Fl next year for the trip of a lifetime for our children. (Somehow I think Summer may enjoy it more than they do.)
Our praise team has been invited to sing at the Pepperdine lectures next year. We had our first rehearsal on Sunday and it was great. We really have a talented bunch of singers at Preston Road. I'm so proud of the things that we have accomplished since I got here.
Well, that's it for now. I like this new version of Blogger beta. It makes many of the functions of blogging a little easier such as blog design. Have a great day.
Bret
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
I've been tagged (well, in April)
Believe it or not, I just saw that my wife tagged me on her blog in April. I guess I missed that one. It caught my eye today as I was browsing her blog. So here it goes. Better late than never:
Four jobs I've had
Four places you'd rather be:
Four people to tag:
Four jobs I've had
- Server at Shoney's and cracker barrel
- Youth Minister at Riverwood Church of Christ in Nashville, TN
- Family Minister at Reidland Church of Christ in Paducah, KY
- Worship Minister at Preston Road Church of Christ in Dallas, TX
- Star Wars
- Harry Potter
- Lord of the Rings
- ?too many to fit into the fourth slot?
- Paducah, KY
- Nashville, TN
- Dallas, TX
- Rockwall, TX
- Stargate SG-1
- Stargate Atlantis
- 24
- American Idol or Nashville Star (when they are running)
- London and Scotland (Hymn tour)
- Destin, FL
- Gatlinburg
- Charleston, SC
- eBay
- Worship Forum
- Games Workshop
- Bolter and Chainsword
Four favorite foods
- On the Border Flour Tortillas and butter
- Chong's Lunch Buffet (in Paducah)
- Chick-fil-a #1 with Diet Coke and Honey mustard
- All of my wife's cooking except fried chicken :)
Four places you'd rather be:
- On the beach with my family on a remote Caribbean Island
- Disney would be fun
- Colorado Mountains
- Holy Land Tour
Four people to tag:
- John Kimberlin (like he will ever looked at my blog)
- My mother-in-law
- Lesli
- Mike Polutta
My wife is on her way home
I'm so excited. My wife is on her way home with the kids. This is the longest I've ever been away from them. I'm looking forward to being with my family tonight.
Last night I started teaching Financial Peace University to one of our small groups. It was a great meeting last night. I am looking forward to this quarter with the group.
After this Sunday, I'm giving our praise team a 2 week sabbatical from rehearsals and leading. They do so much for our worship ministry here at PRCC.
That's it for today.
Last night I started teaching Financial Peace University to one of our small groups. It was a great meeting last night. I am looking forward to this quarter with the group.
After this Sunday, I'm giving our praise team a 2 week sabbatical from rehearsals and leading. They do so much for our worship ministry here at PRCC.
That's it for today.
Monday, July 10, 2006
2006 International Convention
The last time I stood on an interational stage was in 1992 in the New Orleans Superdome. It was with my dad in a quartet.
I grew up singing barbershop music. My dad was always involved in a quartet and I always went to conventions and sang with my dad. By the time I was around 10, I was competing. My freshmen year in high school, my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer that had spread to his liver.
Little did I know that the last time to be on stage with dad would be on the International stage. He passed away 6 months later.
Fourteen years later, (last week) I stood on stage with the Vocal Majority Chorus. I had set a goal that one day I would win gold for dad. Friday night was the night that my dream of gold came true. I was of course an emotional basket case after they announced we had won. I celebrated for about 5 minutes and then it hit me. Tears started to flow and there was no holding them back. For the next 2 hours I teared up thinking about all the experiences I've had singing with dad.
After that, I celebrated by singing with one of my musical idols, David Harrington and another guy from the Louiville Times, a chorus I used to sing with in college. I had so much fun that I lost track of time and we sang till 4:30am. I guess time flies when you are having fun.
This past week has been a milestone for me. The only thing is I wish that Summer and the kids could have been there to witness it.
By the way, Summer's sister Leslie had a baby yesterday about 1:14pm. The baby and Leslie are healthy. Summer is supposed to be coming back at the latest Thursday. I sure miss them a lot. This is the longest time I've been without them at any one time.
Well, gotta go. Don't forget to see the pics of my medal below.
Bret
I grew up singing barbershop music. My dad was always involved in a quartet and I always went to conventions and sang with my dad. By the time I was around 10, I was competing. My freshmen year in high school, my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer that had spread to his liver.
Little did I know that the last time to be on stage with dad would be on the International stage. He passed away 6 months later.
Fourteen years later, (last week) I stood on stage with the Vocal Majority Chorus. I had set a goal that one day I would win gold for dad. Friday night was the night that my dream of gold came true. I was of course an emotional basket case after they announced we had won. I celebrated for about 5 minutes and then it hit me. Tears started to flow and there was no holding them back. For the next 2 hours I teared up thinking about all the experiences I've had singing with dad.
After that, I celebrated by singing with one of my musical idols, David Harrington and another guy from the Louiville Times, a chorus I used to sing with in college. I had so much fun that I lost track of time and we sang till 4:30am. I guess time flies when you are having fun.
This past week has been a milestone for me. The only thing is I wish that Summer and the kids could have been there to witness it.
By the way, Summer's sister Leslie had a baby yesterday about 1:14pm. The baby and Leslie are healthy. Summer is supposed to be coming back at the latest Thursday. I sure miss them a lot. This is the longest time I've been without them at any one time.
Well, gotta go. Don't forget to see the pics of my medal below.
Bret
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
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