I'm hopeful that this weekend proves to be a restful weekend. There are things on the agenda such as 2 soccer games and parties afterwards, but nothing that should be too hectic. Summer is taking the day off tomorrow and I have tomorrow off as well. We are going to volunteer in the morning in Micah's class untill aournd 11:00. Then we are kid free until 2:30. I feel a lunch at On the Boarder coming to mind.
I just figured out that my new quartet has a myspace page. It is www.myspace.com/speakeasyquartet.
It has some tracks from our 3rd rehearsal which are not the best, but imagine that we sound good and you'll have an idea of what we have the potential of sounding like. :)
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
3rd Place
I have a quartet I'm in called Speakeasy. We have only had 5 rehearsals and competed in a contest. We ended up in 3rd place and missed out on 2nd by only 3 points out of a total of 3600 points. In 5 rehearsals our average was a 76.5. A 76 is a qualifying score to go to international. Though we don't qualify til March, we should only get better which means we should be heading to the International Convention in July.
this year, the international convention will be in Nashville, TN. I'm excited about it being so close to home because my family will be able to come.
I took a 6:00am flight out of Corpus Christi on Sunday and was able to make it back to church for tech rehearsal and worship. Afterwards we had lunch with the whole praise team. We had a great time.
this year, the international convention will be in Nashville, TN. I'm excited about it being so close to home because my family will be able to come.
I took a 6:00am flight out of Corpus Christi on Sunday and was able to make it back to church for tech rehearsal and worship. Afterwards we had lunch with the whole praise team. We had a great time.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Advair
It is funny looking at all the things that a new medication might cause. I've been prescribed Advair which is for Asthma. It helps me with that, but it has potential to cause any of these side effects:
Serious side effects include:
bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing);
fast or uneven heart beats, restless feeling, tremor;
fever, chills, cough with yellow or green mucus;
stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath;
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; or
worsening asthma symptoms.
Less serious side effects include:
headache, dizziness;
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
dryness in your mouth, nose, or throat;
stuffy nose, sinus pain, cough, sore throat; or
hoarseness or deepened voice.
So will this medication really make me better? I guess we will find out soon enough.
Serious side effects include:
bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing);
fast or uneven heart beats, restless feeling, tremor;
fever, chills, cough with yellow or green mucus;
stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath;
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; or
worsening asthma symptoms.
Less serious side effects include:
headache, dizziness;
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
dryness in your mouth, nose, or throat;
stuffy nose, sinus pain, cough, sore throat; or
hoarseness or deepened voice.
So will this medication really make me better? I guess we will find out soon enough.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Asthma
When I was a kid I had an incendent where I was breathing in and felt a sharp pain that seemed to come from my heart. I did all kinds of testing back then and it was determined that my heart was rubbing against my lung and that I would grow out of it.
Well, I never did. I've had those symptoms since then though only occasionally.
I went to the doctor today to take care of a nasty cough that is in my chest. He did a breathing test and treatment and told me that at the minimum I have allergy induced Asthma. He prescribed me a inhaler that I will be using twice a day for six months and then he will do a workup on my lungs. He did say he is not officially diagnosing me with Asthma, but it very well could be that.
After coming back to work and letting the staff know the results of my appointment, one of our admins said that she had asthma and describe those same symptoms that I described at the top of this post.
So it looks like I have Asthma. I don't know what to think about it, but it looks like I got it. At least there is treatment.
Well, I never did. I've had those symptoms since then though only occasionally.
I went to the doctor today to take care of a nasty cough that is in my chest. He did a breathing test and treatment and told me that at the minimum I have allergy induced Asthma. He prescribed me a inhaler that I will be using twice a day for six months and then he will do a workup on my lungs. He did say he is not officially diagnosing me with Asthma, but it very well could be that.
After coming back to work and letting the staff know the results of my appointment, one of our admins said that she had asthma and describe those same symptoms that I described at the top of this post.
So it looks like I have Asthma. I don't know what to think about it, but it looks like I got it. At least there is treatment.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Book Recommendation
The lastest book that I've read is "The Secret Message of Jesus" by Brian D. McLaren. This is an excellent read as he dives into the gospels and looks at the message of Jesus with a fresh perspective. This book focuses on the kingdom message of Jesus that is such a focus of His teaching.
He takes you on a journey of Jesus' times and the religious and political makeup of the culture. As you begin to frame Jesus' message in this context, the message of Jesus comes alive in a way it never has before.
He was also at the Zoe conference as a keynote speaker. He was excellent as usual. He has a new book that was just put out called "Everything Must Change." I'm eager to see what he has in store as he claims this to be his pinnacle work. I'll try to let you know when I read the book.
He takes you on a journey of Jesus' times and the religious and political makeup of the culture. As you begin to frame Jesus' message in this context, the message of Jesus comes alive in a way it never has before.
He was also at the Zoe conference as a keynote speaker. He was excellent as usual. He has a new book that was just put out called "Everything Must Change." I'm eager to see what he has in store as he claims this to be his pinnacle work. I'll try to let you know when I read the book.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
2 CD recommendations
As I sit at my desk, I look at my iTunes and see 7500 songs. If I pushed play and played every song running 24 hours a day, it would take 19 days to listen to all of them. On top of that I've got about another 200 CDs I've yet to import into my iTunes. I'm amazed I've gotten this much of my library on there to begin with.
Out of what I have, I definately have some favorites. Two that I would recommend today are Bart Millard (Lead singer for Mercy Me) "Hymned No. 1." He takes his favoirte old hymns and has a jam session. It is very enjoyable. You get to hear new takes at good old hymns.
The second recomendation is Casting Crowns' new CD "The Altar and the Door." This CD has got some incredible songs including my favorites, "East to West" and "Slow Fade." Pick up this CD if you don't have it. It rocks.
Out of what I have, I definately have some favorites. Two that I would recommend today are Bart Millard (Lead singer for Mercy Me) "Hymned No. 1." He takes his favoirte old hymns and has a jam session. It is very enjoyable. You get to hear new takes at good old hymns.
The second recomendation is Casting Crowns' new CD "The Altar and the Door." This CD has got some incredible songs including my favorites, "East to West" and "Slow Fade." Pick up this CD if you don't have it. It rocks.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Cowboys
Well, one who lives in Dallas can't blog today without at least mentioning the game last night. What a game.
I admit that I had almost given up on the Cowboys after the 5th interception, though I can honestly say that there was always that glimmer of hope that they could pull it off.
There were two things that I loved about the game. The first was the kicker. Not only did he execute a great onside kick, but he kicked two 53ft fieldgoals in a row. Did I mention it was in the visiting stadium on Monday night football and he is a Rookie?
The thing that stood out the most was Tony Romo's interview after the game. After being asked about the 4 first-half interceptions, Romo starts to explain them and then stops himself and just says he played poorly. That takes humilty and a lot of class to be able to say that. Way to go Tony Romo.
I admit that I had almost given up on the Cowboys after the 5th interception, though I can honestly say that there was always that glimmer of hope that they could pull it off.
There were two things that I loved about the game. The first was the kicker. Not only did he execute a great onside kick, but he kicked two 53ft fieldgoals in a row. Did I mention it was in the visiting stadium on Monday night football and he is a Rookie?
The thing that stood out the most was Tony Romo's interview after the game. After being asked about the 4 first-half interceptions, Romo starts to explain them and then stops himself and just says he played poorly. That takes humilty and a lot of class to be able to say that. Way to go Tony Romo.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Sabbath
I went to the Zoe conference this past weekend. One session I really liked was Gary Holloway's on Sabbath. I admit that my habits in the disciplines are not anywhere where I want them to be. One discipline I haven't practiced is Sabbath. I can't count the number of times I've heard people say that it is the only command of the Ten that Jesus doesn't bring into the new covenant. Yet, Jesus talked about it. In Mark 2 he talks about Sabbath being made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
The writer of Hebrews talks about the Sabbath in chapter 4
Heb 4:9-11
9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.
NIV
The difficult part of Sabbath is making time for it. We are such a culture of muititasking and busyness. To stop that for a period of time or even a whole day is no easy talk.
Oh, but to have a day when I turn the cell phone off, I don't check email, I don't think about work, and I don't worry. A day filled with family, fun, and worship.
My family will try this. If you have any experience with Sabbath, I'd love to hear your input.
The writer of Hebrews talks about the Sabbath in chapter 4
Heb 4:9-11
9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.
NIV
The difficult part of Sabbath is making time for it. We are such a culture of muititasking and busyness. To stop that for a period of time or even a whole day is no easy talk.
Oh, but to have a day when I turn the cell phone off, I don't check email, I don't think about work, and I don't worry. A day filled with family, fun, and worship.
My family will try this. If you have any experience with Sabbath, I'd love to hear your input.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
My new office
After 13 months sharing an office with 2 other ministers and once a week with an intern as well, I have my own office. Yeah. I am so happy to have a place of my own again. No hearing 2 people's phone conversations all day long. I can shut my door and listen to my music as I plan whitout bothering anyone. It is wonderful. I've been more productive this week than I've been in a while. I'm lovin it. We get new furniture in about a month and then we will get the PODS that a lot of our stuff has been on for a year.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Happy 10th Anniversary
Today is mine and Summer's 10th wedding anniverary. Wow! It hard to believe that we have been married that long, because it has flown by in a hurry. I can honetly say it has been an unbelievable 10 years.
Of course, a lot has happened in 10 years. I'm in my 3rd ministry position. We've lived in 6 different houses/apts. We have 3 children, one in kindergarten.
Summer, thanks for putting up with me this long. I hope you can make it another 50-60 years with me. It will be a fun 50-60 years to come as long as we have each other.
Of course, a lot has happened in 10 years. I'm in my 3rd ministry position. We've lived in 6 different houses/apts. We have 3 children, one in kindergarten.
Summer, thanks for putting up with me this long. I hope you can make it another 50-60 years with me. It will be a fun 50-60 years to come as long as we have each other.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Pepperdine
Pepperdine was this past week. My praise team was able to lead 3 sessions. We had a well-known artist from our church Ro Diaz to paint during our sessions. He was also the featured artist for the lectures.
The praise team did extremely well. We were well received by those who attended our sessions. All through the week people were coming up to tell us how much they enjoyed it. The praise team came away very encouraged as well.
It was a great week. Of course, Pepperdine is one of the most beautiful places in the country.
On the plane ride home, we got to fly on a 767, which is one of the bigger planes. It has 2 seats, and aisle, 3 seats, an aisle, and then 2 more seats on each row. I was sitting in the center 3 seats and an older couple was sitting next to me. In the middle of the flight, the older gentleman went to the restroom, but when he came out, he collapsed on the floor of the plane. He ended up hurling a dozen times by the time we arrived at DFW and was complaining about his chest. The paramedics came on the plane and escorted him off as soon as we were able to dock with the airport.
Summer's mom and aunt were able to fly in and visit while I was gone.
The praise team did extremely well. We were well received by those who attended our sessions. All through the week people were coming up to tell us how much they enjoyed it. The praise team came away very encouraged as well.
It was a great week. Of course, Pepperdine is one of the most beautiful places in the country.
On the plane ride home, we got to fly on a 767, which is one of the bigger planes. It has 2 seats, and aisle, 3 seats, an aisle, and then 2 more seats on each row. I was sitting in the center 3 seats and an older couple was sitting next to me. In the middle of the flight, the older gentleman went to the restroom, but when he came out, he collapsed on the floor of the plane. He ended up hurling a dozen times by the time we arrived at DFW and was complaining about his chest. The paramedics came on the plane and escorted him off as soon as we were able to dock with the airport.
Summer's mom and aunt were able to fly in and visit while I was gone.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Tribute to a great man
My vocal coach, Jim Casey, passed away over the weekend. He had cancer that had taken over his body.
Jim was well-known in the barbershop society. He coached many gold medal quartets. There are many of the best singers that have attributed much of their success in singing to Jim.
I was able to work with Jim many times over the past 3 years. He transformed my voice into what it is now. He also coached my quartet and helpped us get to the international competition.
Several months ago, I had him come and work with our praise team. It was an incredible night where everyone there was blessed. I will never forget him talking about the importance of communicating the message of the song from your heart. After talking about it, he sang "It is Well with My Soul." I don't think I will ever here a more heartfelt expression of that song than what he sang to us that night. We also gathered around him and prayed over hiim.
He called me the next day just to let me know what an incredible experience it was to work with us and that it just overwhelmed him when we gathered to pray over hiim.
Two weeks ago, my quartet was able to visit him in ICU and sing a couple of songs for him. As far as I know, our quartet was the last that he coached and the last to sing for him before he passed on.
He will be greatly missed. He knew my dad, so I'm sure he will find him in heaven and sing a few.
Pepperdine was this past week, but I'll save that for tomorrow.
Jim was well-known in the barbershop society. He coached many gold medal quartets. There are many of the best singers that have attributed much of their success in singing to Jim.
I was able to work with Jim many times over the past 3 years. He transformed my voice into what it is now. He also coached my quartet and helpped us get to the international competition.
Several months ago, I had him come and work with our praise team. It was an incredible night where everyone there was blessed. I will never forget him talking about the importance of communicating the message of the song from your heart. After talking about it, he sang "It is Well with My Soul." I don't think I will ever here a more heartfelt expression of that song than what he sang to us that night. We also gathered around him and prayed over hiim.
He called me the next day just to let me know what an incredible experience it was to work with us and that it just overwhelmed him when we gathered to pray over hiim.
Two weeks ago, my quartet was able to visit him in ICU and sing a couple of songs for him. As far as I know, our quartet was the last that he coached and the last to sing for him before he passed on.
He will be greatly missed. He knew my dad, so I'm sure he will find him in heaven and sing a few.
Pepperdine was this past week, but I'll save that for tomorrow.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Goooooooooooooal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok, so it's been over a month since I've posted. I have lots to talk about, but I'm going to try to spread it out so maybe I can post more often.
Today Micah had a soccer game and scored his first official goal. We had promised him that if he scored a goal that we would go to Chucky Cheese. He was open and one of the kids just happened to kick the ball to him. From about 12-15 feet from the goal, he kicked it and it was perfectly on target and nobody in front of him to stop it.
He was so excited after scoring the goal. It was one of proudest I've seen him. We honored our deal and took them to Chucky Cheese. Anna, though not acting scared before we got there, got scared as we went in. When Chucky was out walking around, she hid under the table so she wouldn't see him. Oh, well. I guess we will have to accept the fact that Anna will always have Chuckphobia. (and noisephobia, fireworksphobia, asperagusphobia, and of course darkphobia. I'm sure there are official names for these phobias, but I'm too lazy to look them up.
Bret
Today Micah had a soccer game and scored his first official goal. We had promised him that if he scored a goal that we would go to Chucky Cheese. He was open and one of the kids just happened to kick the ball to him. From about 12-15 feet from the goal, he kicked it and it was perfectly on target and nobody in front of him to stop it.
He was so excited after scoring the goal. It was one of proudest I've seen him. We honored our deal and took them to Chucky Cheese. Anna, though not acting scared before we got there, got scared as we went in. When Chucky was out walking around, she hid under the table so she wouldn't see him. Oh, well. I guess we will have to accept the fact that Anna will always have Chuckphobia. (and noisephobia, fireworksphobia, asperagusphobia, and of course darkphobia. I'm sure there are official names for these phobias, but I'm too lazy to look them up.
Bret
Friday, March 16, 2007
Happy Spring Break and St. Patrick's Day!
Well, it is that time of year again. The weather is absolutely beautiful, the yard needs mowing, kids get out of school for a week, and you get pinched for not wearing green. Oh yeah and let’s not forget the NCAA Tournament.
Summer and I took the kids to Sea World with the Clarks. We had a blast. Summer and the kids have never been to Sea World. The shows were awesome. I even got to touch a dolphin. It has actually been around 20 years since I’ve been. It is amazing what they can train those dolphins and whales to do.
In one of the shows a sea lion jumped a little too far and went over the wall in front of the audience. He was ok, but you could tell it wasn’t supposed to happen by looking at the trainer’s reaction.
It’s also a time for spring cleaning. Summer just put a ton of stuff in a consignment sale last weekend. It is a time to weed out old toys, clothes you can’t wear anymore, and decorations that you’ll never use again.
Maybe spring time is a great time to do some spiritual cleaning as well. I challenge each of you to take an inventory of your spiritual temple and clean the cob webs out of that dark corner of your soul. Take out the trash. Open the windows of your heart so that the Son can shine in and you can breath in the fresh wind of the Spirit.
But remember that the only way to clean your temple is to ask God. Remember the words of David:
“Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow...Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:7. 10
Summer and I took the kids to Sea World with the Clarks. We had a blast. Summer and the kids have never been to Sea World. The shows were awesome. I even got to touch a dolphin. It has actually been around 20 years since I’ve been. It is amazing what they can train those dolphins and whales to do.
In one of the shows a sea lion jumped a little too far and went over the wall in front of the audience. He was ok, but you could tell it wasn’t supposed to happen by looking at the trainer’s reaction.
It’s also a time for spring cleaning. Summer just put a ton of stuff in a consignment sale last weekend. It is a time to weed out old toys, clothes you can’t wear anymore, and decorations that you’ll never use again.
Maybe spring time is a great time to do some spiritual cleaning as well. I challenge each of you to take an inventory of your spiritual temple and clean the cob webs out of that dark corner of your soul. Take out the trash. Open the windows of your heart so that the Son can shine in and you can breath in the fresh wind of the Spirit.
But remember that the only way to clean your temple is to ask God. Remember the words of David:
“Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow...Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:7. 10
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
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