This was pretty funny. A friend of mine sent me this and it was eye opening. This is a quiz to see "How Metrosexual Your Worship Pastor Is." I took the quiz. I would like for you to take it for me and comment what you scored me as. I'll reveal the actual score later on.

Monday, June 2, 2008
#269. Understanding how metrosexual your worship leader is. (A handy guide)
There are really only two reasons I wanted to write this post:

1. The first post was just an appetizer.
I wrote about this subject a few months ago when 12 people were reading the site but I just barely touched on it. I didn't do it justice and people have reminded me that there is more to be said on this pivotal subject. So this is like the Timbaland Remix.

2. No one has quantified this phenomenon
There are some things in life that are concrete and true. For instance, it is a fact that "You're all I want for Christmas" by Mariah Carey and "Christmas in Hollis" by Run DMC are fantastic songs. No argument there. But when you tell someone about your church, there's not a standard system to describe the degree of metrosexuality your worship leader possesses. Wouldn't it be awesome to say, "You'll love my church and the music. Our worship leader scored a 78 on the SCL Metro Test."

Don't answer that last question. It was rhetorical. As a service to churches around the world, here is an easy rating system by which to analyze to what degree your worship leader is a metrosexual.

1. Has a faux hawk hair style = +1

2. Has more product in his hair than your wife = +1

3. Has Rob Bell, black rimmed glasses = +1

4. They are not prescription, but just for effect = +2

5. Attends the Catalyst Conference = +3

6. Performs at the Catalyst Conference = +10

7. Owns Puma, Vans or Diesel sneakers = +2 per each pair

8. Wears jeans on stage = +1

9. Wears designer jeans on stage = +2

10. Wears Wrangler or Rustler jeans on stage = -3

11. Has a goatee = +2

12. Wears one of those Castro revolution looking hats = +2

13. Drinks coffee on stage = +1

14. Drinks some kind of coffee you did not know existed = +2

15. Brings a French Press on stage and makes his own coffee during service = +5

16. Has a handlebar mustache = -3

17. Good at Frisbee but hates getting all "sweaty" = +1

18. Has a haircut that covers one of his eyes while singing = +1

19. Owns a white belt = +2

20. Owns suspenders = -3

21. Wears a scarf with a t-shirt = +1

22. Wears a winter knit hat even in the summer = +2

23. You think he covered a My Chemical Romance song last week = +3

24. Drives an Audi or VW, silver of course = +2

25. Uses the words, "postmodern, relevant" or "emergent" nonstop = +2

26. Cringes a little when people say the "H word." (Hymnal) = +3

27. Has ever said some form of the phrase, "That song is so 1990s" = +1

28. Owns a Grizzly Adams red and black flannel shirt = -2

29. Named his kid after a color or a number = +2

30. References Norwegian punk bands you've never heard of = +2

31. Wears a tie = -1

32. Wears a tie as a belt = +2

33. Looks as if he might exfoliate = +2

34. Has a man bag or European Carry All = +2

35. Brings said bag on stage with him = +2

36. Has a tattoo = +2

37. Has a visible tattoo = +4

38. Wife accompanies him on stage and plays tambourine = -4

39. Was formerly in a punk new wave band = +2

40. Knows the names of all the people on the scripted MTV show, "the Hills" = +3

41. Refuses to drink anything but Vitamin Water = +2

42. Your wife ever says, "he needs a barrette for his hair." = +2

43. Has a nickname with "the" in it, as in "the edge," = +2

44. Owns every Nooma video = +2

45. Has a soul patch = +3

46. Won't play barefoot on stage until he gets a pedicure = +2

47. Refers to California as "the left coast" = +2

48. Currently subscribes to Dwell or Details magazine = +2

49. Owns a pair of lady jeans = +2

50. Twitters you from his iPhone = +2

51. His toddler dresses cooler than you = +2

52. He wears graphic t-shirts over button down, long sleeve shirts = +2

53. Ever says "we got a hot mic here" = -4

54. Shops at the Gap = 0

55. Shops at Urban Outfitters = +2

I scored one of the worship leaders at North Point and he did pretty well. At some point I will do a lady version, but for right now, I feel like a 55 item list of analyzing worship leaders is enough to earn me a new batch of "you are weird" emails, and at the end of the day, that's all I can ask for.

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I'm not sure about McCain's choice for VP. If people thought Obama was overcompensating, what do they say for McCain? I mean 30 Rock is a great show but I'm not sure it has the wide-spread appeal that McCain is looking for. Although, Tina Fey's diatribe on Saturday Night Live about Hillary was pretty stirring.

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The name is kind of an oxymoron but I am totally excited about this year's Thriving Musicians Summit at Bayside Church September 19th and 20th. This will be my teams second year to go and it was a great time to grow as a team and see where we are going. Check out the promo video. Its not to late to sign up.

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I was thinking about this the other night and it might sound a little cynical but I believe that everyone has a price. Everyone has a limit to what the will do and how much they will sacrifice or accept to do something. I believe this is a fundamental flaw for us and leads us into sin. The only person who didn't have a price was Jesus Christ, who sacrificed it all not only while on the cross but remember "he had no home," and lived off of other charity.

I think part of really knowing who you are is knowing your price. Not necessarily how much you make but what it would take for you to step outside of God's plan for your life. Some people's price is very low and thus they have a shallow or non-existent relationship with Christ. Other people have a very high price so they have a much deeper relationship with Christ.

However deep or shallow your relationship, however high or low your price, there's no denying that you still have a price. What is your price.

Let's take the focus off of money or what you will receive and ask ourselves this question, "What am I willing to give up for God." Are you willing to give up the comforts of life such as housing, television, extra income. Are you willing to give up living in a safe area if God calls you to the slums. Are you willing to give up indoor plumbing because God has called you to the mission field. Where do you draw the line.

I asked this question of Beth the other night and she started listing what we "need." With her permission I'm sharing her list with you.

#1 Telephone, #2 Internet, #3 Satellite TV, #4 Food,...

Seriously that was her list. I busted out laughing and asked her if she realized she listed food 4th to telephone, Internet, and TV. She laughed too.

Many of us have our priorities skewed and need to get them back in order. However, to do that, we have to figure out what our price is and then work to make it less. Once you have identified your hangups, what keeps you from moving to that next level with Jesus, you and God can work on it. Until then, He's not the Lord of your life, He's just the Lord of what you let Him be.

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What is Your Price

2008-08-27T11:32:00-04:00

TJ

Comments

Since our Olympic adventures were so popular, Beth and I decided to give you a little encore. Actually this is what my brother-in-law does while other adults are working. Enjoy!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

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Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Sure I've gained a little weight but check out the agility. I'll take agile over skinny any day.

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So, I've been complaining about the Internet at my office for a good month now. Well today they decided to finally get it checked out. Guess what? We were running a slow dial-up speed. Hey, didn't I...never mind. Anyway, they won't be able to fix it for a couple of days so the kitchen table is where I'll be. Its not so bad while the kids are asleep, a little bit harder when they're awake. I'm still not sure Beth knows exactly what I do. She keeps accusing me of playing. She doesn't realize that my job is basically revolving around my computer(s) and the Internet these days. That's why its been so hard to work well with dial-up speed. It was so 1995 (he says with a "valley girl" accent).

By the way, anyone know why spell check makes me capitalize Internet?

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Last night Beth and I went out Go-Karting (I'm not sure why its spelled with a K but it is) with some friends for a birthday party. It was great. I really enjoyed going as fast as I could around the track and literally riding on the edge of control (I almost lost it once) at about 40mph, on an indoor track. This was especially exciting for me because I am a big racing fan. I watch NASCAR every week and even watch some Indy Car and Formula One racing. What I didn't expect, though, was to learn a pretty cool little life lesson from the experience.

I was the first car on the track...the 8 car, if you know me and know racing you know I wasn't super-psyched about that. The first couple of laps were warm-up yellow flag laps. I got going to what I thought was a pretty decent pace. Once the green flag dropped I went a little faster. Then all of the sudden I got passed by another guy. I didn't realize I could go that fast so I floored it and spent the rest of the time chasing that guy and eventually passing him...along with passing Beth and all of the girls (not that all girls are slow, just these girls) on the track 7 or 8 times. The rest of the story is, I was eventually black flagged for using too much brake (even though I was the fastest on the track!?) and lost a couple of laps and finished second.

However, the little life-lesson was pretty profound I thought. Proverbs tells us that "without vision, the people perish." If you don't know where you're going, how to get there, or how fast you can go, you'll never make it. I had no idea how fast I could go on that track. What I thought was pushing it actually turned out to be a rather pedestrian pace. It took someone who had been there before to show me how to do it. So I followed him around for a few laps and then when I felt comfortable passed him and went on my way.

So often we try to set out to do things on our own and we fail. What we don't realize is that "nothing is new under the sun." There are so many people who have gone before us, who have blazed trails and made all of the mistakes for us. They have cast the vision and all we need to do is follow in their tracks. What you have to do is decide if you are the trailblazer or the follower. I think we have to play both roles to be successful. You should follow for a while, accomplishing another person's God-given vision and then when you're ready, start blazing a trail of your own and lead others in accomplishing what God has put on your heart.

We are not meant to be the Lone Ranger of whatever it is we're called to do. We are meant to live, learn, and succeed in community with others. Find someone to lead you or find someone whom you can show the way. We'll get so much more done.

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What Go-Karting Taught Me About Life

2008-08-19T17:21:00-04:00

TJ

Comments

Due to his five comments, Joseph Lyman has won the free copy of Wild Goose Chase. That's good because I won't have to ship it. However, the rest of you (in the words of my brother-in-law) are "busters" for not commenting. You should definitely get the book. Its great. Also check out Mark Batterson's first book "In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day." It will make you want to go out and do something really daring.

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Well, I've mentioned this to a few people and today someone asked me if I was going to blog about it, an the answer is yes. I have really, really enjoyed the Olympics this year. I thought that once the swimming was over, I would lose some interest and then I watched Usain Bolt (he makes the all-time name list) celebrate for the last 20 meters of the 100 meter dash and still shatter the world record and now I'm pulled into track and field.

However, there are some things I am not super excited about. There are some sports that just should not be in the Olympics. My basic idea is that if the Olympics is not the biggest achievement in your sport, it should not be in the Olympics. I applaud the IOC for removing baseball (I question removing softball), I wish we could lose such sports as basketball where the NBA championship is the pinnacle of the sport...for now, and tennis in the Olympics will never reach the level of any of the majors and besides, does anyone watch Olympic tennis? Finally soccer, they already have the world cup, Euro, the Champions League, not to mention all of the European and African League championships. Did I forget MLS championship? No, I didn't forget.

The Olympics was made for the sports that people don't gather around on a weekly basis to watch but they'll gather around every four years. I enjoyed watching the badminton finals and mens' team sabre more than I enjoyed watching the Redeem Team thrash Spain, as much as I can't stand Spain.

Let's get the major sports outta there. Its a waste of time and money and if we don't have those in the Olympics maybe we can figure out a way to get Equestrian closer to the host city than 1231 miles away...that's right 1231 miles, or quite the horse ride.

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Well maybe someone at Focus on the Family figured it out. They pulled the "praying for rain" video from YouTube. Not so good for my blog but good for posterity. Trust me, it was stupid.

Don't forget to comment on the Wild Goose Chase blog to get a free book.

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I love focus on the family. They are so creative and funny. Well, not really funny. Check out this video that focus on the family made. I'm sure that many lost people will come to Christ based on this video.

I don't care what your politcal view, this is just stupid...and its not even funny!

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Another Reason People Like Jesus but Not His Followers

2008-08-16T11:00:00-04:00

TJ

Comments

"Some live as if we expect to hear God say, 'Well thought good and faithful servant!' or 'Well said, good and faithful servant!' God isn't going to say either of those things. There is only commendation, and it is the by-product of pursuing God-ordained passions: 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'"

In his book Wild Goose Chase Mark Batterson challenges all Christ-followers to follow the Holy Spirit wherever he leads. The Celtic Christians' name for the Holy Spirit translates to Wild Goose and while at first it sound sacrilegious, its a fitting description. We never know where the Holy Spirit will lead us and its not always safe or comfortable to follow Him. However, most Christ-followers live very ordinary and boring lives which can lead to discontent and sometimes even sin. Boredom is not an option for those who are following the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

This book definitely challenges me to set God-sized goals, and to escape all of the cages that hold me back from being all that God has made me to be. Pick up a copy of this book and start chasing the Wild Goose right now.

Also, don't forget to comment on this post for your chance to win a free copy of Wild Goose Chase. If you don't win, visit ChaseTheGoose.com and buy your own copy. Also, check out Mark's blog to see what else he has to say.

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You may have noticed but lately I have been complaining a lot about being by myself at work and not being able to meet with anyone. So my sister sent me a video that she says she feels might represent a typical day at the office for me. I think I agree.

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A Typical Day for Me

2008-08-15T15:24:00-04:00

TJ

Comments

As I told you a couple of days ago, I am doing a book review this week on Wild Goose Chase. So, the rules for this are simple and designed so you don't cheat. I will not publish any comments until the end of the day that I post the review. I am doing this because Beth made a good point to me that people would just wait until they saw four comments and then make theirs.

I am hoping to set a new record in comments for one post and also get a better idea of who is reading my blog so I don't write something mean about them, not knowing that they read the blog.

So, keep and eye out. Its coming.

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I got this link from another blog I read. This is pretty impressive guitar playing but what else do you expect from Lincoln. I hope you guys will go out and buy this CD. Lincoln is one of the best worship leaders I know of and is definitely the best Christian guitar player...no guitar player around. He is the Worship Pastor at Bayside Church so I'm always pulling for other worship leaders. Check out this link.

Click Here to Listen

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For some reason, I was was chosen to review a new book on my blog. This is really exciting for me and what makes it more exciting is that it is a book by a pastor that I really respect, Mark Batterson (National Community Church in Washington DC). The book is called Wild Goose Chase and is about setting life goals that God has chosen you for.

So far I am really enjoying the book and my review will come out before the release date of August 19th. Another thing that is really exciting about this review is that the publishers also sent me a book to give away on my blog. So, when the review comes out, I will be giving the book to the 5th person to comment on the blog.

So, be looking out for my review and you can check out book bytes on Mark Batterson's blog. Check the blog everyday. I am a fast reader.

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Well, it took all of one day but I admit that I now have Olympic fever. All it took was watching the opening ceremony to get me into these games. I don't care if the fireworks were fake, it was awesome. Somehow that excitement turned into excitement about the actual games. I was watching badminton the other day...badminton.

The only problem is that here on the West Coast we not only get the tape delay from China, we get an extra 3 hour delay here. So, I see peoples response to what is happening from the East Coast before I can see it on TV. I pretty much have to go into blackout mode if there is something I really want to experience.

I'm kind of glad that China is doing such a good job as a host country because it will bring them more into the spotlight and make it harder for them to make serious human rights violations, religious persecutions, and dubious diplomatic decisions with questionable national leaders. There will no longer be that shroud to hide behind.

So, go USA. I'll be watching, Beth.

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I Spoke Too Soon

2008-08-11T01:01:00-04:00

TJ

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I remember when I was a kid, watching the Summer Olympics and just being in awe. I remember watching Carl Lewis in '88 and '92 (I was too young to remember '84). The Olympics always held a magical quality and I couldn't wait to watch them.

Its not the same anymore. I don't know if its the professionalization (I may have made that word up), the commercialization, or the time difference, but its not the same. One possibility is that the events in China start at 12 AM and end roughly at 8 AM. I watch all of my TV shows on my DVR so I'm used to tape delay, but I also watch SportsCenter, listen to sports radio, and check ESPN.com religiously so I can't avoid the results before I watch them. What happened to that magic. It feels like any other Friday but tonight (actually about 12 hours ago) are the opening ceremonies. Whaaa?

Are you looking forward to the Olympics?

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This is stuff that has always gotten to me and Perry Noble did a great job putting it into words. Some of you may remember him from our One Prayer series. He was the one who, according to Terrence Green, would be the result if Dave and I had a baby. If you don't go to Bay Hills, don't ask. The devil is at work and generally he doesn't show up in a red suit with a pitchfork. He is behind the scenes whispering things to those who God wants to use, planting ideas in their heads that go against God's word, and leading them to criticize those who are making an impact on the world for Jesus Christ. Here it is in Perry Noble's words.


If I Were The Devil…

Here are some things I would do…

* I would tell church leaders that “it’s not about the numbers!” That they should be more concerned with quality than quantity. I would make them take pride in the fact that they were reaching no one, and actually get them to criticize the people that are.
* I would convince church leaders that the quality of their worship services do not matter.
* I would tell Christians to not allow themselves to be polluted by the world, but rather to attack it consistently so that those who are in it would be driven further from the church.
* I would convince church leaders to DREAM SMALL! The last thing I would want would be people realizing that God is honored by people who really do believe that He can do the impossible! (Craig had an AWESOME post on this!)
* I would get the church to focus on politics, getting them to believe that they are doomed unless a particular political party holds office.
* I would make sure that those who believe in reformed theology and those who don’t hate each other; after all, if they fight with each other they have no time to fight me.
* I would tell bloggers that they are “just” and “right” by setting up websites that do nothing but attack other ministries and tear them down.
* I would tell pastors that it is perfectly acceptable to substitute ministry work for their personal walk with God; after all, He should understand.
* I would convince pastors and church leaders to focus on what other churches are doing “wrong,” thus taking the focus off of their church.
* I would tell churches that boycotting “secular” organizations is the most practical and effective way to reach the world.
* I would tell young church planters that they cannot teach Scripture, call for repentance or take an offering, for that would be offensive. (What I would not tell them is that the only people that ever offends are “Christians!”)
* I would get denominations to focus way more on inwards preferences and religious politics, allowing those who give the most money to call all the shots.
* I would tempt the church to focus on issues and not Jesus.
* I would tempt pastors to buy into the lie that things “will be better at the next church,” thus causing them to never dig roots in a community and build a great work for God.
* I would tell pastors to disguise their jealousy over other pastors with statements like, “I am really concerned with such and such church down the road,” OR, “what you don’t know about THAT church is…”
* I would make churches feel prideful in their particular Bible translation.

Those are just a few things…

If you would like to read more Perry Noble, go to http://www.perrynoble.com

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I Wish I Had Written This

2008-08-07T13:14:00-04:00

TJ

Comments

In the last few days I have really been thinking about this subject a lot. Bay Hills is entering into a new phase or season, as my friend Alex told me yesterday, and it can be a little scary. Today I received a comment from a worship leader named Jim on a post from a few weeks ago in which I revealed my deepest, darkest, most selfish ambitions (Confessions of a Worship Pastor). This prompted me to think even more on the subject of discerning whether or not God is working in our lives.

My conclusion is that as long as everything is going well, plans are coming together without a hitch, people are generally happy with what we're doing, etc., we are not being effective and God is not particularly involved in what we are doing. In an email conversation with a buddy from my high school days, Matt, he reminded me that Jesus was offensive and if he's not offensive then we don't know him like we should. So whether you're in ministry or work at the local McDonald's...which I won't be boycotting...if you're just cruising along, you may need to ask God to shake things up a bit.

I'm not saying you should intentionally tick people off but if what you are doing isn't ruffling a few feathers, if you aren't causing a few people to be offended, you may want to re-think your approach. People-pleasing is never the answer. What we as Christ-followers should strive for is God-pleasing and that is it. Those who are on board with what God is doing will be pleased...eventually.

So, good news Bay Hills. All of the struggle with facilities, the daily opposition you face as a Christ-follower in the Bay Area, and all of the other small conflicts we face, are a sign that God is getting ready to do something big. So brace yourselves, its coming.

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So I was reading some more about this McDonald's thing and ran across a posting on Tim Steven's blog. This is genius. Here is an excerpt from his blog about this subject.

In their book A Matrix of Meanings, Detweiler and Taylor make a great point...

"In the New Testament, only the Gospels were written with the general public in mind. Yet many in the church read pop culture in light of Peter, Paul, and John's letters. Books of the Bible intended as “in-house” documents, designed to purify God's people, have been used inappropriately to correct the broader culture. So the warnings against sexual immorality in I Corinthians 7 get directed toward audiences Paul never intended."

The authors go on to point out Paul’s writing in I Corinthians 5:12–13, "What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside."

I like how the same passage reads in The Message , “God decides on the outsiders, but we need to decide when our brothers and sisters are out of line and, if necessary, clean house.”

So, there it is. We have to stop worrying about how those outside of the grace of God live their lives and worry about how we can get them to know Christ. When that happens, the Holy Spirit (who I believe is in charge of convicting people of their sin) will be able to change the hearts of those who put their trust in him.

There is no need to create separation from those who are not believers. There is enough of that as it is. Christians are getting a bad rap because of those who love to create conflict and force our beliefs on people who don't know Christ from Adam's house cat...that's right, Adam's house cat. Let God take care of the outsiders. Let's focus on introducing the outsiders to Him.

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More on McDonalds

2008-07-31T12:22:00-04:00

TJ

Comments

Well, sorry but no more McDonald's for us Christians. Apparently the American Family Association has decided that its not okay for McDonald's to support the Gay and Lesbian Community. According to their rhetoric they have decided not to be neutral in the same sex marriage debate. Well, I guess I better stop buying there fries. O wait, I don't expect people who are not Christ-followers to act like Christ-followers. I'm pretty sure that McDonald's is not a Christian Company if there is any such thing. What McDonald's is is a company that employs thousands upon thousands of people with families and financial obligations. The corporation will not lose out from a boycott but in some small towns that are waiting to hear what they should boycott next, the people who work at McDonald's are going to lose their jobs.

When are these people going to learn that people need the love of Christ, not a bigger gap between them and those who know Jesus Christ. If the American Family Association would concentrate its efforts on showing people the love of Christ instead of searching the TV, internet, and newspaper for their next target, maybe they won't need to call for as many boycotts. But that's just my opinion, I'm not calling for a boycott of the American Family Association, just suggesting that they revisit their Bibles and pray about the direction of their organization.

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I read an interesting article in Newsweek about "faith based" mutual funds. Have you heard of these? Its amazing how many crazy ideas people have. Basically, whatever your belief system, you can find the mutual fund for you to make sure that you are investing only in things that are consistent with your beliefs. So, for example, there is a Mennonite fund that will not invest an anything related to war or that harms the environment because Mennonites are pacifists and environmentalists. Another Evangelical fund has no problem with companies that harm the environment or those who profit from war but will not invest in Alcohol producers, Tobacco companies, and some of the other "7 Baptist Deadly Sins."

However, the most profitable of all of these are the Islamic funds. One called Amana has well outperformed the market. Guess what it invests heavily in...you got it, OIL! So, next time you invest ask yourself WWJI. "Where Would Jesus Invest?" Or maybe in this case Muhammad. Isn't there something in the Bible about rich men, camels, and the eye of a needle?

You'll all be glad to know that the so-called "vice funds"...and they exist...are performing well below the market. TAKE THAT DEVIL!

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I've found myself alone a lot lately at work. Not because no one else is doing their job but because they all seem to have a lot going on in terms of a sabbatical, recovery from surgery, speaking engagements etc. Our office manager has been around but we keep different hours and she can do a lot of her work from home. So generally, I'm the only one here the past couple of weeks. This can be good for a few days because I can get stuff done but after a while I've noticed something profound. I'm nowhere near as creative when its just me. I tried to write songs...nope. I tried to do some graphic work...nope. So I just built a roadcase out of an existing shelf I already have. Not creative at all, I just wrapped it in felt and screwed some wheels on. In fact, this is the first meaningful blog I've posted this week because I was at home talking to my wife about this very subject.

I am a social person. I always like to be in the middle of everything and I love being around other people. I have found that my creativity hinges on this as well. Not that I need other people for ideas...in fact I notoriously scrap other ideas and do what I always wanted to...but I need other people as sounding boards. I need people I can share my vision with and get feedback from. I would love one day to have a large group of creative people I could meet with regularly to just throw out ideas. To brainstorm. Where nothing is outside the realm of possibility.

I need people to be around me in order to create things, ideas, concepts, whatever. I can get things done that need to be done, but for me that seems like a lost week. If I'm not creative I don' feel like I am doing what I am called to do. Maybe that's why God created Adam and Eve. Not that he needed anyone else but that he wanted them to see what he had done and enjoy it with him. He wanted to test out new inventions on them. Imagine this: God walks up to Adam in the cool of the day "hey Adam, try this out, I call it the mango." How great that must have been for God to see Adam's face light up as he took that first bite. We're the same way, we are made to live in community, to share experiences, and enjoy life together. Anyone want to enjoy life with me Tuesday-Friday from 9-5? I'll be here.

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I'm Not as Good by Myself

2008-07-25T19:35:00-04:00

TJ

Comments

In the past few years I've worked hard. REALLY HARD. But something has been missing and I wasn't sure what it was until I stumbled upon the solution. It was Dan Patrick. ESPN just hasn't been the same since the greatest sportscaster in history...that's right...left the network and went off of ESPN radio as well.

So I was on iTunes the other day and noticed that the Dan Patrick Podcast was featured. So I signed up and I have never been so productive. So, if you're looking for something to give you a good kick in the pants. I suggest DP.

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We are having a sermon series entitled "Mythbusters" in a couple of weeks and we're trying to get some ideas for some myths to bust. What are some myths you would like to see busted by some idiots. Any ideas? Let me know. We will be sure to put all of the videos up on the website so even if you don't go to Bay Hills you can still check them out.

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As I've just been thinking about things this week, different challenges that must be met by the end of the summer such as how we are going to change to 3 services seamlessly etc., I had a bit of an realization or clarification of a previous realization. People who go to church and "the Church" are two totally different things and it is my job as a "pastor" to move people from going to church to being "the Church."

We were meeting with our staff and elders this week and a lot of what we talked about was how to get people who are standing on the sidelines to get involved and help with all of the stuff that has to get done. We talked about calling, asking, making announcements, and even threatening (I think the person who brought that up was joking...I think). But as a think about it more, its not about getting people to serve, its about getting people to become "the Church."

When I go to a restaurant I don't get up and wipe tables when I'm finished or take out the trash and I sure don't go out on the streets and recruit new patrons for them. Why should I, I'm there to receive their service not to give mine. This is the same mentality many have when they come into our churches. They are there to receive a service and when its over they leave. The key is to engage them and bring them into the community, the family that is the Church so that they will be compelled to pitch in, to help out, to make it easier for more people who are not part of the Church to become a part.

So, I'm soliciting feedback here. What are some ways that I as a "pastor" can move people from going to church to being the Church? Have you experienced anything before that really helped you to take ownership of what was going on at your church? I'm looking forward to the comments.

Also, take a deep look at your own situation, even if you are serving are going or being?

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This is pretty disturbing. A new study shows that 57% of Evangelical Christians believe that there are other ways to get to Heaven besides through Jesus Christ. That's pretty scary. We've heard this from other types of churches (non-evangelicals) but generally Evangelicals (categorized as Bible-believing people who have accepted Christ as their Savior) are pretty staunch on this fact.

Now, I know some people who believe this way or are leaning toward it. I heard Perry Noble from Newspring Church say that if you think there are other ways to heaven but also believe in Jesus Christ "pray tonight and say, 'Jesus, you're a liar.'" Because basically that is what 57% of Evangelicals are saying.

On this point Jesus was clear. He said "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Now, I am not here on earth to decide who is going to Heaven and who is not and I honestly pray that by the grace of God everyone will go to Heaven but I know that it can't happen without Jesus Christ.

If you are struggling with this, please read your Bible! Because you have missed something that is so important that it changed the world.

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57%

2008-07-09T11:24:00-04:00

TJ

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This is something that I don't share with many people but I thought that in the spirit of transparency and after reading another blog I frequent with a similar confession, I decided I would go ahead and share with everyone.

It is so hard to be all about God! Maybe some of you know what I mean, maybe some don't. We are all supposed to be only about God's kingdom growth, not ourselves right? That's one of the things I find myself struggling with the most.

Its not a secret that Northern California is not exactly the "church capital of the world," and although I love it dearly and the people here, mega churches don't really exist out here. The problem is, however, that most of the conferences I go to are at mega churches and I see these mega church pastors and mega church worship leaders. I see all of their top of the line equipment, their huge stable of professional musicians (we have great musicians here, unfortunately we don't have as many as a larger church would), their great facilities, their well produced CDs and videos, and I think, "I'm as good as that guy, how can I get there?" How can I get those things I so desperately "need." Then there's Church Production Magazine (one of my favorites). I told my worship team last week that its like Worship Pastor "pornography," with pictures of new equipment, and great church setups. Then I look at our blue and yellow gym that we have to set up each Saturday, our projection screens that will likely fall on someones head before new ones arrive, and our pieced together sound, lighting, and computer equipment. It can be depressing when you have these lofty and unrealistic expectations and a super "big head" (both figuratively and litereally) like me.

Who am I to think I deserve these things. I've been in full time ministry for almost 3 years. That's it! I haven't paid my dues, or really even had to struggle as most young ministers do. And yet I feel like I have a rain cloud over my head. I have trouble being happy for someone who made it big because I want it to be me. I want people to read my blog, buy my CD, and wait at the doors of Bay Hills just to hear my band play. What a jerk!

However, we all have something that we struggle with, that causes us to sin. Paul called it his "thorn in the flesh." Its what keeps us leaning on Jesus instead of "our own understanding." I am just grateful that God can still use an egotistical sinner like me to do His work in the church, and I hope to one day be "ALL ABOUT GOD."

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Well, we are back from vacation and we hit the ground running. We landed on Friday at about 2 pm, I went to work at about 3. Then, I got to setup on Saturday followed by band rehearsal and Sunday I was leading worship. We are so happy to be home in our own beds and hanging out with Whisper.

Sunday was a great day. The band sounded great and the congregation was pretty hyped up for the middle of the Summer. Tomorrow its back to the grind at Bay Hills. I have lots of work to do but I'm looking forward to it. Also, glad to be back to blogging.

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I'm not sure how many people are Twittering now but I like to think that I am on the leading edge of this new website www.twitter.com. It basically let's people know what you are doing if you want them to know what you are doing. I like it because its not as involved as MySpace or Facebook, butyou can still keep up with friends and family. You can also link it to your Facebook, MySpace, or blog page to keep people updated with what you are doing.

There is actually a church (Elevation Church) that has all of there staff keep Twitter updates so that anyone and everyone can know what they are doing. This can either confirm or debunk the idea that pastors don't really do anything. Anyway, go to Twiiter, set up and account and find me. I want to know what you're doing...Right Now!

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Do You Twitter?

2008-06-12T02:48:00-04:00

TJ

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This Sunday was another great one at Bay Hills. We kicked off the One Prayer Series with Dave's message, "Make Us Passionate Worshippers." Let me tell you, he really brought it. I think the Holy Spirit was really working in people this week and through Dave to just guide them into becoming more passionate about their love for the Lord. We also baptized 8 people this Sunday and it was amazing. We had some great testimonies from those who were baptized and you could definitely see the Lord at work in the room while people were watching.

Now its two weeks off for me and while I'm excited for the trip, I'm also a little bit sad to miss the next two weeks that I know are going to be great. But I guess I'll just have to think about it while I'm lying on the beach.

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One Prayer

2008-06-09T17:13:00-04:00

TJ

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Beth and I have been having to do a lot of praying and petitioning of God lately for some pretty serious decisions. It really kind of got me thinking about how I pray for stuff and what my motivation is. Do we pray out of Faith or out of Fear?

I think generally I pray out of fear. I am so afraid of making the wrong decision that I literally want God to write the answer on the wall. But I'm not sure that is what God wants. Often we want Him to make the decision for us and then right it in stone but He wants us to have such a relationship with Him that we can hear His voice and do His Will without fear of being outside of it. I believe this is why we are told to fast and pray. In order to pray with faith we have to be in a place that we are so focused on God that there is no way we will fear not doing what God wants.

So, pray with faith. If you don't have faith that God is guiding your steps, maybe its time to go deeper. If you always stay at the same depth, eventually you will get used to where you are and won't be able to sense His guidance. But if you are going deeper, you will be able to maintain that personal connection with Him and more easily follow His Will. And who knows, maybe He'll start writing things on the wall for you.

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I haven't written a a couple of days because I don't have much to say right now. But when the bloggers I read don't write anything I get disappointed so for the few people who read this I thought I'd write an explanation of the title of this blog.

I call it ,"Even When No One is Listening" for two reasons. Number one, not many people read this but I will blog even if no one is reading it just so I can write things to come to me whether stupid or insightful, I talk even when no one is listening (especially at my house). Number two, because that is the attitude I take toward what I do. I am a worship pastor and it is my job to lead people in worship. But if I only worship when others are paying attention, what's the point, its not in spirit and in truth. So, I will praise Jesus whether people are listening or not.

So there you have it. Happy Memorial Day.

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This morning my daughter said one of the cutest and oddly profound things she has ever said in her short life so far. We were eating breakfast and I had plugged my iPod into the stereo and we were listening to some music. When she heard it, she first said, "yeah, music!" Then a couple minutes later we were sitting around the table eating our oatmeal and she said, "I gotta dance!" Of course being the good father I am I said, "you have to finish your oatmeal first."

After a few minutes I really started thinking about what she said. She had to dance. Not "I want to dance," but "I've gotta dance." Its amazing how the things that our kids say can really speak into our lives and humble us in profound ways.

When we were little kids, its likely that we felt the same way Karoline did when she heard the music. We would dance freely, sing, and jump without worrying at all about what those around us thought. However as we grow older and "mature" we are taught about shame, and that there is a time and a place for everything. One of the places I was taught was not the time nor the place for dancing, jumping, and being undignified was church. My parents didn't teach me this, the church leadership and tradition did. That's a bit sad. I remember going to camps in the summer and seeing other kids going crazy during the fast songs, raising their hands during the slow songs, and bowing to their knees when the Holy Spirit led them. All of the kids from our church would make fun of them. We thought they were freaks. We had been trained to not express ourselves to God...send us to a college football game or a concert and we were dancing , clapping, and screaming with everyone else but church was not the time nor the place.

As a church leader I refuse to allow this to happen at Bay Hills. In fact, our youth group are some of the best worship leaders we have. They sit at the front of the church (when most people prefer to sit farther back), they sing loud, raise their hands, even fall face-down on the dirty gym floor when the Spirit leads. I can't get them to sit down, its great.

So let me ask you this question: does your outward appearance show the joy, that as a Christ-follower, you should have welling up within you. What is more honoring to God, to stand amazed, in complete surrender to Him without fear of how it looks or what people think, or to cross your arms and stand with a stoic look on your face? Some people deny the importance of outward expressions of worship but deep down, I think they know that its important. Time after time the Bible talks about people falling to their knees, face-down, bowing, raising holy hands, shouting to the Lord, clapping, dancing, and on and on because of their experience with God whether through witnessing a miracle, experiencing Jesus first hand, or being filled with the Holy Spirit.

So I guess the big question that Karoline raised to me is, "do I gotta dance." Or is it enough to just be cool and not show my emotions. Is God enough to make you dance or do you need something more, because as far as the Bible sees anything we need beyond God to bring us into worship (whether its of God, a football team, a band, or anything else) is an idol.

I'm gonna do my best to get the place where I just gotta dance.

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I Gotta Dance

2008-05-23T12:52:00-04:00

TJ

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I'm pretty excited about next week. Dave will be talking about worship, what it really is, how we should respond in worship, etc. He may even let me talk a bit during the sermon which would be the first time since I last preached (two years ago). So, in preparation for that I thought I would share a little insight I got from a book I've been reading, Stricly Strategic Volunteers by Tony Morgan and Tim Stevens.

Unless you've taken a Biblical Greek class or just know you Greek really well, you may not know that one of the main Greek words used for worship is "latreia," which means "divine service." I guess that makes me the Divine Service Pastor. What this means is that worship is so much more than singing, listening to a sermon, or coming to church. It is our service to God. Everything we do is worship. I know you've probably heard this a million times but its so crucial to how we live our lives. As Christians we have succeeded in compartmentalizing our lives so that there is the "divine" and the "secular." However, this creates a situation that isn't reality. Everything you do is seen by God. Everything you do is either an affirmation or a refutation of the Holy Spirits presence in your life.

As Christ followers, we are called to be a light to the world; "shine your light to all men that they may see your good works and praise your Father in Heaven." So ask yourself, "how am I worshiping God" whether you are at church, at your kids baseball game, at work. After all as Jesus put it, "you are the salt of the earth but what good is salt that has lost its saltiness." Keep it salty.

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True Worship

2008-05-22T18:38:00-04:00

TJ

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If you are confused by this post, please read the previous post and the comments on the previous post so that you may more fully enjoy this post.

Due to the unprecedented response to my last post (by people who will be seeing me at the beach without a shirt on in the near future), I think I should clear a few things up.

-No one has ever made a good video about swimming.

-Christians always sleep with a shirt on (I believe that's somewhere in the Old Testament, Deuteronomy perhaps). Plus who's going to make a Christian video where they get out of bed in their underwear and no shirt. Come on!

-When you water-ski, you have to wear a life jacket ("so we can be safe!" Dora) Thus, you are technically shirtless but we're going with the spirit not the letter of the theory (remember I'm a California liberal).

-When I said I'm only a few pushups and situps away from being ripped, I meant a few thousand plus some type of cardiovascular exercise and probably a miracle pill or two.

-Yes Jared, don't worry about muscles, we wouldn't see them anyway.

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Well lately I've been reading the swerve blog from Lifechurch.tv and something Craig Groeschel has been talking a lot about lately is changing your habits so that you can be more creative, more alert to knew things, and escape from any ruts you may be in. So I took his advice and today I bought the new Kirk Franklin CD. This is a very different genre from what I normally listen to but I am enjoying it.

However, I was struck by one thing in particular. I downloaded the Album from iTunes and included was a music video for the title track. In the video Kirk Franklin is a boxer and spends 100% of the time with his shirt off.

Kirk Franklin is ripped.

I'm working on a theory about Christian musicians. I first developed this theory a few years ago when I saw a Carmen (you may or may not know him but he was basically the first Christian music superstar) video. In the video he was a boxer (sound familiar) and spent 90% of the time with his shirt off and he was ripped. Ergo, the theory: if you are a Christian Musician who happens to be ripped and you want people to see how ripped you are, you have to make a video where you box.

You see, as a secular musician you can just take off your shirt. For example, Scott Wylan, Keith Sweat, 50 Cent, etc. Christian musicians can't do this because they are Christians and that wouldn't be appropriate. However, if your ripped, what's the point if you can't show it off? So this is the only "legitimate" way to make sure people know you are ripped.

So, in conclusion, ripped Christian musicians box in their video. I'm a few sit-ups and push-ups away from being ripped myself so I'm writing a song called "God Punched Me in The Lip When We Were Boxing Together Just Like Jacob." So you can look for my video in the next few months.

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I sound like an old man, but I'm not sure what's wrong with kids these days. Saturday night around 9:30, Beth and I were enjoying our little southern escape into NASCAR and just hanging out. I heard some odd noises outside, since it had been hot that day, we had the windows and doors open and were enjoying the cool night. I got up and looked outside and I saw something moving in the front yard. I looked out of the door and sure enough, kids from our youth group were there in our front yard. I watched for a few minutes as they stuck pink forks, knives, and spoons into my front yard. I just watched and observed and reflected upon some of the things I did with my friends when I was young. As I thought, I realized, we never put forks, knives, or spoons anywhere. I felt bad for them that they got that bored. What ever happened to going to the skating rink, bowling, or the movies. I'm afraid those things just aren't cool anymore. Rather, what's cool is putting dinnerware in yards...I guess. Well I better go pick some up. I have to stay cool.

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Pink Dinnerware

2008-05-19T23:10:00-04:00

TJ

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Well, its hot out here in the Bay Area again. Its Global Warming I'm sure, I shouldn't have bought the Expedition and F 150. Anyway, yesterday it was 93 and today its supposed to be up to about 100. I realize that everyone back in the South doesn't feel sorry for me at all but let me explain myself.

In the Bay Area, for some reason, people don't think they need air conditioning. I don't understand this. We have enough days above 72 (which I believe is "room temperature") to warrant air conditioning. Its insane to sit in your house and sweat or to put you kids to bed in what might as well be a sauna. And there's nothing you can do. You can only take so many layers of clothing off. Sorry for the rant.

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I shared a story yesterday with our congregation at Bay Hills (so for all of you who were there, you are excused)about an experience Beth and I had Saturday night. A friend of ours invited us to a party that one of the companies she works with was throwing. Every year a local radio station KFOG (you'll see the irony in a minute), has an event called KABOOM (more future irony) at which they have a concert and shoot off some serious fireworks from a barge in the bay. We were partying on a dock in Alameda (Port of Oakland) and had a great view of downtown San Francisco where the fireworks would be coming from. As it grew darker anticipation grew as well. We enjoyed the time of fellowship and listening to the two guys with guitars who were singing, not to mention the food was great. The time came when it was dark enough for a really great fireworks display. We tuned into KFOG, the cued the John Phillip Sousa music and the show began. We heard the kaboom, but we didn't see anything. Then the next kaboom but all we saw as a red glowing bank of FOG.

The famous San Francisco fog had rolled in while we were partying and blocked our view to the fireworks show. Once or twice we got to see some sparks peek over the top of the fog but we basically all went over to a fire they had built to warm up.

This got me thinking, though, about church. About what many experience every Sunday. You see we go to church, we see our friends, eat the donuts and drink the coffee. Then we sing the songs, clap, some dance, and we watch the funny video. Then the pastor comes up and we laugh and learn from his sermon. But all of that is just the party leading up to the fireworks and everyone has to see the fireworks or they leave unfulfilled, unsatisfied, and unchanged. What we must remember is that God is why we gather, He is the main event and we know that "where two or more are gathered" he's right there with us. But so often we experience everything but God...His presence...his healing...His Grace. Don't be the ones who are standing on the dock watching the fog light up, wondering what it must be like to be able to see the fireworks. Get on a boat and be where they are. Go to God and be where He is, experience the fullness of Love.

O, and never go to Oakland after dark.

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Well my brother-in-law was a bit offended that I had a post just for guitar nerds and not for nerds like him with no discernible skill, unless having greasy hair is a skill. So, I saw this video last night and I immediately thought of him and now can't wait to get to the beach and maybe play a bit of cornhole. That's right, one of the most addictive games in the world. Not familiar, check out this video.

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I just left a comment on another person's blog (I do this alot because I like it when people leave comments for me...its my Love Language, HINT HINT). Anyway, now I can't stop giggling to myself. When I finished the comment it sent me to a page with one of those verification deals with the letters and the squigglies that you can barely read. So it said that it was there to "prevent robots from leaving comments."

Now, think of your grandmother. If someone would have said that when she was your age they would have been out in the streets with torches and pitchforks hunting down those nasty, medicine stealing robots (late nineties SNL reference).

Now I just have this picture in my head of Rosie from the Jetsons sitting at a computer leaving random comments on people's blogs with her evil robot laugh. Sorry, I just had to share that.

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Sometime I really don't understand people. Why do they do what they do? What are they thinking? You know, that kind of stuff.

When I drove up to work today I saw a sight that is becoming a little two familiar. It was a pile of trash in the parking lot of the church! So here's how I think it went down. Somebody had just finished their spring cleaning (good job, show that initiative). They thought, "what should I do with this trash?" And then, all of the sudden, a light bulb goes off. "I know, I'll dump it at a church."

What? Who does that? Who thinks that little about churches, or anyplace for that matter, to dump their trash in its parking lot. The thing is that we have a perfectly good dump where you can just pull up and dump it out, much like you would have to do in a church parking lot.

I guess its just a product of living in a fallen world and sin which even extends to how to dispose of trash. Here's a bit of advice if you have trash you need to part with. You pay taxes for men to drive trucks around and take it for you, if you have two much, they offer two oversize load pickups FOR FREE!, and last but not least, a quick trip to the dump.

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You may or may not have heard of Lincoln Brewster but to all of us Worship Leaders who have dreams of replacing our lead guitar players and hogging all of the glory, he is the grand master. Lincoln (I'm not really on a first name basis but Mr. Brewster seemed odd) is a great worship leader and a better guitar player and has finally finished work on his website and its now online at www.lincolnbrewster.com. Anyway, what's so great for guitar nerds (at least those who use PODs) is that He has put his patches online for all to download. Now don't expect to come to Bay Hills and hear Brewsteresque leads from me, you still have to have the skill, but at least now I can't make the excuse that I don't have the tools to get that sound. Anyway, here's a surprising video of Lincoln talking about his Live rig, which is the exact same thing I do. Guitar players its time to sell those amps.

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Wow, today was a doozy! That's how I'm spelling that. We went twenty minutes long in both services today so I would like to go ahead and offer my apologies. The problem at Bay Hills is that when we go long, we kind of hurt ourselves for the next service because parking is so tight. Anyway, it was a great service and since my very sensitive drummer said today that I never give compliments I will lavish them now. We had three "regulars" out today and Beth didn't even notice they weren't there. This isn't a slight to them but a complement to our team that is consistently improving and getting more and more professional sounding every week. The goal is to be consistent, no matter who is on stage and that happened today. God really worked through all of the elements and songs this week and I know that people were challenged and hopefully changed.

We played one new song today: Mighty to Save (Hillsong United). Check it out if you don't already have it.

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Why don't people think this is a legitimate job?

About a week ago I was golfing...yes golfing with a friend of mine and his father-in-law. Now don't get me wrong, the father-in-law is a great guy and his daughter happens to be a very talented singer on our worship team so this isn't a complaint about him, its about everyone...that doesn't sound good. O well. So we had finished our golf game and were driving back home and he asked, "so what do you do?" Trying to keep myself poised I said "well, I'm the worship pastor at Bay Hills Community Church." I'm sure he was a bit embarrassed after that since he had been to the church several times but it made me think, "why does nobody think this is a real job?" No one goes to the Dentist and then sees him at the grocery store and says "so what do you do?" I guess it just seems like its not that big of a deal or its easy to be a worship pastor but to everyone out there who is wondering, this is my full-time job. I don't do anything else but this. I am one of the lucky people who gets to do exactly what I want to do and get paid for it. Amazing? Yes. But true.

Thank you Blogger for allowing me a vent.

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My wife has lost her mind. You know how you look at old pictures of little boys and they are wearing the girliest clothes and you say "why would anyone put their son in something like that?" Well, Anderson now has those pictures to show his therapist when he gets older. Beth decided to dress Anderson up in a smocked outfit (which, by the way, she knows I hate even on Karoline), and brought him to church...in public. He wouldn't look me in the eye all day yesterday. Its quite disturbing and I will be having Beth checked by a specialist.

However, if we all act like it never happened, maybe there will be no lasting effects and things will some day return to normal. Add it to your prayer list.

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So I'm pretty sure in my last few posts on my blog I have promised to blog more. About that...I guess I kinda forgot. Anyway, my parents told me that they still periodically check my blog to see if I've written so now I feel really guilty. I mean the thought of them just waiting for my insights on life, for my opinions on pop culture...too far? So I decided that I will write for them. I will write this blog for all of you, yes that means you. Actually I'll probably forget again. See you in a year.

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Here are some of the books I read whilst I was gone...

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I thought this little Widget was pretty cool so I put it on my blog. Its pretty much the only thing I've put on my blog in a while but you know what...BACK OFF! Anyway, you can check out what I have bought most recently on iTunes. Keep in mind that I occassionally buy for a video or a special music we do in church so if its not cool, Dave (our pastor) made me do it. Anyway, like I say everytime I put up a new post, I'll try to get better about putting stuff up.

By the way, there are two cd's everyone should buy: TJ Goff and Prabir and the Substitutes. Both are totally awesome! Seriously though if you haven't heard Prabir and the Substitutes, check it out.

www.prabirandthesubstitutes.com

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Because My Opinion Matters...

2007-08-14T16:49:00-04:00

TJ

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One of the best religious books I have read in a while is Rob Bell's "Velvet Elvis." "Velvet Elvis" was written in order to challenge people to know why they believe what they believe. Christianity has become bogged down by people who don't know why they think the way they do and thus blindly accept what they are told by pastors and other religious leaders. On the "Ultra Conservative Christian Coalition Scale of Books to Read" 1 being "don't read because it might make you think about things we've said and come to the conclusion we might be wrong" and 10 being "this is what we've been saying all along," this book gets a -4.

Bell, the lead pastor of Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, who is not exactly the least controversial person in Christian leadership circles, raises some seriously stirring questions about why we believe what we believe and where those beliefs came from. He challenges convention and those who establish it as well as calling for Christ followers to study their Bibles and critically think about what they are taught and hear from the pulpit.

In my opinion, as a church leader, this doesn't bother me. Hold on to your seats people, but even I, on occasion, have been wrong. Other pastors have committed this sin of being wrong as well. The only people who would be threatened by this are people who preach things outside of the Bible or emphasize things that the Bible doesn't.

If you're going to read this book, you have to read the whole thing. If you stop in the middle of a chapter you may become angry with the author. He asks some questions that leave you thinking, "can he ask that?" Well, I don't think God gets upset when we ask tough questions as long as we come to Him for the answers. I hope you read this book and I hope it spurs you on to a new level of spriritual maturity.

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For a long time I have been reflecting on my Seminary days and how they have impacted my life. Its interesting because as I am now in the ministry, I rarely call upon my seminary education. The reason for this is because in seminary they don't have classes called "How to Deal With People Who Think Your a Jerk 101" or "Nobody Likes Your Music, Now What 303." This is disappointing. However, yesterday it all came together and it was made clear to me why I went to seminary...

I now know where all of the funny stuff is in the Bible!

That's it...That's what seminary is for. My brother-in-law Jared is now in seminary and soon enough he will unlock the secrets of Bible humor. For instance, there are a few words in the Bible that may not be looked upon as words to be used for polite conversation (see Numbers 22 and the pretty much all of Deuteronomy). And, every time a Youth Pastor decides to dress up like a girl, you can get him with the passages in Deuteronomy that says he will burn for cross-dressing (especially if he's a Baptist).
Try reading some of the guidelines for using the restroom when in the camp as a transition from one worship song to another. That will shock some people.
Anyway, now I know that I didn't waste two years of my life at Paige Patterson Seminary...I mean Southwestern Seminary, and that makes me happy enough to dance around in my underpants like good ole' David.

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I didn't actually stop reading but I forgot to let you guys know. My parents got on to me about it so here it is. I'm currently reading two books. The first is called "God's Blog" by Lanny Donvan. This is a look into what God might right if he had is own blog. He probably wouldn't get all busy and forget about posting stuff like I do. The other book is called "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell. He sounds British but is probably from Des Moines or something. This book basically outlines the idea that every big fad, disease, and trend are started at one critical time by a small group of people. This is the tipping point. I thought it really would apply to how we can reach people with the message of Christ and I am learning some really cool stuff. For example, me blogging about "The Tipping Point" will not be "The Tipping Point's" tipping point. Got it? Good.

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What I'm Reading

2006-10-19T12:10:00-04:00

TJ

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I hope this doesn't offend anyone but I really thought it was funny. www.whiteboydj.com

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Baby Got Book (WhiteboyDJ.com)

2006-09-29T16:54:00-04:00

TJ

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What a long week. I can't believe how much such a small thing can affect my life. You know how they say that you don't know what have until you lose it. Well, I didn't know what I had. I've spent my entire life with this thing and I took it for granted. It was always there waiting for me to look up at it in wonder, but to me it just faded into the background of my life. How selfish and shortsighted of me to forget such an important part of my life. I could have done more, I could have said something...At least goodbye, but did I? Of course not. I just sat there while they took it away from me, unknowingly, I had to read about it in the paper. How will I go on? How will I continue to live knowing that it is no more. Now, its just as insignificant as any other piece of dust. No one asked me what I wanted. No one asked me how I felt about it. They just took it away. One day, it will be back. They will realized the error of their ways, the huge mistake that they have made.

I guess I'll just go on living my life. Soon I'll probably forget about it like I had so many times before when it was right there in front of me like a light shining in my face. It will probably be alright. Most people from here on out will be fine without it. My daughter will grow up not even knowing it existed. Unless...Unless I spread the word...Unless I tell her and everyone else about it. Then it can never go away. Then it will never die no matter how much they want it to. They might make the rules but they don't rule me. I'll show them...

That Pluto is a planet!

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Over the past few weeks I have really been thinking about my approach to worship. I've actually been working to decrease my role on Sunday mornings. The temptation for any worship pastor is to make it about themselves. This is generally done subconsciously...If not said worship pastor should probably find a new job...but its easy to fall into this trap. I too was beginning to fall into the trap of making it the TJ show. So I am now making a concerted effort to make it about God and to deflect some of the attention away from myself.
While considering ways to do this I came across a concept that, while it may not be new to you, its new to me. There is a difference between having a heart to worship and a heart for worship. A heart to worship, in my opinion, is the category into which most people fall. If you enjoy singing, listening to worship music, spending intimate time with Christ, and giving Him the glory (all good things and things we should do), you have a heart to worship. I fall into this category and hopefully most Christ followers do as well. However, in order to lead people in worship, whether as a pastor, worship leader, or any other position, one must have a heart for worship.
In my opinion, having a heart for worship means that you have a passion to see God's people worship Him. A heart for worship is a rare thing but I believe it is something we have to strive for. It is wanting other people to have that personal, intimate experience with Christ that you have. I believe this is what God wants for us...to know Christ in such a way that we cannot stand for others not to know Him as well. I love God and I love to worship Him. Now it is my hearts desire to see those around me love God and love to worship Him.

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Heart For Worship

2006-08-28T15:04:00-04:00

TJ

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Well, its time once again to break out the Auburn flag and fly it proudly at my front door. Unfortunately no one around here really cares except maybe the Va Tech fan that lives down the street...boy would I like to trash talk him about the 2003 Sugar Bowl. We are really excited because our friends Ryan and Emily are getting ESPN Gameplan and said we could come watch Auburn games anytime. I'm not sure that they realize the consequences of such and offer. Anyway, I saw this picture and thought it was perfect for some trash talk. Unfortunately, most Alabama fans don't know how to use computers or read even, so it might go unnoticed. Anyway, War Eagle!

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Who's Your Daddy?

2006-08-25T22:24:00-04:00

TJ

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Its been a while since the last post but with Bay Hills moving to a new facility I've hardly had time to eat or sleep, much less write witty, inspiring posts on my blog...At least that's how I like to think things work.

This weekend was crazy. It started off really well. Because the school we meet in decided to wax the floors on Friday, we were not able to get in to do any work. So instead of what has become my customary "Friday night till eleven work day," Beth, Karoline and I were able to spend some quality time together at one of our favorite places. That was great because they had been out of town for nearly three weeks and had just got in that morning.

So Saturday morning came early and I got to the school at about seven after making a Starbucks run only to find that the container in which we were storing everything had been broken into. They took our projectors, sound board, sub-woofers, lightboard, and our velour drapes (I assume to cover up their loot). This really kind of threw a kink in things. After a lot of phone calls and some really good people helping out we were able to get the stuff we needed to do church the way we had planned.

Sunday was another early day. I arrived at the church at seven to put in the finishing touches and prepare for the morning. You wouldn't believe it. We had parking issues in our new facility that should have been able to hold the cars of our congregation. We were adding more chairs in both services and are now having to think about buying more. The band sounded better than ever before. The singers were great. The energy in the congregation was great. It was probably the best worship service I have ever been involved in.

God was there and we all knew it.

It was great seeing how God works, in spite of the circumstances, through his people. We could have easily said "let's just go down the street to the old building and wait until we can replace our equipment," but we know that Satan would be patting himself on the back if we did that. We are beginning to reach our community in new ways and at a much faster rate. We realize that we have invited him to oppose us in new ways now but we know that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world!

Keep praying for Bay Hills! This is not a God friendly area and its not an easy place to take a stand for Christ, but He is our strength and His purposes will be accomplished.

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I know what all of my super-conservative friends are thinking right now..."newsweek is a liberal sounding post, I'm not reading that"...what has Bill O'Reily done to you? Anyway, there is a great article about Billy Graham, in fact it is the cover story. They don't even marginalize his Religious beliefs. It's really cool. Anyway, check it out.

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Great Newsweek Article

2006-08-11T14:38:00-04:00

TJ

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Okay, so I forgot to tell you but the books I read last month were "The Long Walk" by Slavomir Rawicz and "I Am Not But I Know I Am" by Louie Giglio. "The Long Walk" was a random pick. I literally went through Barnes and Noble and picked a random book. It, however, turned out to be really cool. Its about a Polish man who escapes from a Soviet prison in northeastern Siberia with a few other inmates and walks to freedom in India...that's right India. It is a true story. Check it out.

"I Am Not but I Know I Am" is by one of my favorite author/speaker/Auburn fans, Louie Giglio. You might recognize some of his work like the song and book "The Air I Breathe." not to mention the song "We Fall Down" and the college movement "Passion" that produced such personalities as Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, and Matt Redman to name a few. Anyway, this book is about how insignificant we are and how great God is...sounds depressing, but the cool part is that God still takes time out to love us and to know us. This book is about understanding that this life is not about you, its about God and what He can do through you. Happy reading.

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New Book

2006-08-08T21:27:00-04:00

TJ

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BayHills.net is up! The moment all four of you have been waiting for. Check it out even if you don't live in the Bay Area which by the way won't back down. Its pretty cool.
Haven't you been waiting for a place to hear David Fasold streaming every week, not to mention my CD that you still haven't told your friends and family about. But really it is cool. Also, you can subscribe to the E-Newsletter. Anyway, I'm excited about it because I've been working on it for months. But I can't take credit it was all about Bill Jones at UDFD Design. He's really good. You should all hire him.

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Maybe I'm not used to real work but I really got worn out this past week. We are all busting our humps (pardon my French) trying to get the big Bay Hills move done these next few weeks. I learned how to pull wire, and do some other pretty cool stuff though. I think that when I look back on this whole experience though I won't remember the 13 hour days or the 7 day weeks...I know what you're thinking: "aren't all weeks 7 days?"...Not in my world weeks begin on Tuesday and end on Sunday, Monday is something other than a day of the week usually. Anyway, what I'll remember is the people God put me alongside to work with. I really have enjoyed getting to know guys like Sal Castro, Larry Willitzer, Dave Lewis (who is insane), and getting a little closer to guys I already kinda knew before this whole deal. Now, to anyone outside of the greater El Sobrante area...Basically if you can't hear me shouting right now...You have no idea who I am talking about. However, I urge you that when you are doing stuff you don't like or maybe you even hate it, look around for why God has you there. Its really cool.

Hey by the way, check out the new bayhills.net, its really cool.

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Have you heard about her? She is wonderful and she never ever gets mad at me. Oh wait, she's mad because I didn't write enough about her. Crap!

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This past week in Relevant magazine, one of my favorites, I read a very clever editorial. The point that the guy was trying to make was basically that maybe, just maybe, my generation has a problem with thinking we're always right. No way I thought, I don't think I'm always right, this guys an idiot. But then I thought about it for a while. Could it be? Do I constantly look at what other people are doing and judge them, those poor saps. If only they new how I did it, how I lived, my viewpoints, and my opinions. Surely they would realize the errors of their way.

Honestly, I spend a lot of time criticizing, being cynical, and judging people according to how I think things should be. It can be a little bit tiring always knowing what's best and wondering why everyone else doesn't.

Why is it that we think that our way, our lifestyle, and our opinions are always right? Its because we don't want to admit that maybe...just maybe we're wrong. Maybe the way we live, the way we do things, or our opinions are not absolute truth. There are many ways to do things, ways to live, and ideas to believe in. Although I know that God's word is absolute, I also know that man tends to twist the truth to fit their viewpoint. So next time you decide to drink that hater-ade (that's a word from high school) stop and take the time to consider the merits, maybe what works for you doesn't work for someone else. Maybe what works in your community, doesn't work in another community. Maybe you're wrong.

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I Might Be Wrong

2006-07-12T11:47:00-04:00

TJ

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I am reading two books this month. First of all, I am the last person on earth to read "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller. I think this is one of the smartest Christian books I have ever read and I think that even non-Christians might enjoy it. It basically makes you rethink the whole Christian sub-culture. Check it out.

I'm also reading "Night" by Elie Wiesel. This is not a feel good book. It is about the author's experience in Aushwitz during the Holocaust. It allows you to see that this stuff was real and that in any way we can we must prevent anything that even could become what the Holocaust was from ever happening again. This book will impact you more than most you will read.

I think that both of these books have changed the way I look at God and the world for the better. I hope you will take the time to read them both.

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My Two Books for June

2006-06-26T19:09:00-04:00

TJ

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Yes, I realize that we're half way through the year 2006 but I am still making New Year's resolutions.

For the 6 people who read my blog, most of whom are related to me, I am sorry for not writing anything new in a while. However, I resolve to write at least one blog a week from here on out. Since my off day is Monday, expect them on Tuesday.

I am also resolving to read one Christian book a month and one secular book a month. You probably don't care but I'll let you know what I am reading and perhaps you'll take a look at them and tell me what you think. Have a great week.

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New Years Resolution

2006-06-26T19:04:00-04:00

TJ

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I was thinking about some things that have been going on in my life and around me in the past few months and I thought that some of the insights God has been teaching me would be an encouragement to the few people who read this little blog.

In the small group I am leading we are going through the "Experiencing God" study. This has been really eye opening even for someone who is doing it for the second time. In the study, they talk a lot about Abraham. He is a great example of someone who rearranged his life to join the work God was doing in and around him.

One of the points the authors make about Abraham has really stuck with me more than any other, perhaps because of how it applies in a few situations I am very familiar with. The point they make is that even though God promised Abraham a son, it was many excruciating years before the promise came to fruition. Why is this? Why does God tell us what he is going to do, and then make us wait for it?

Abraham was pretty messed up, he pimped his wife off on two different occasions, had sex with his daughters, had a son by his wife's maid, not to mention all that went on with his protege' Lot. Now I'm not saying that you are that bad, I'm also not saying you're not. To God, sin is sin, there is no degree, no points for greater sin like on your driver's license, its just sin. What I am saying is Abraham needed some work. He was let's say...a little rough around the edges. If he was going to be the "father of many nations," he needed to be molded into a great man. It took a lot of work by God to create Abraham out of Abram.

We are the same way. God has plans for us, great plans! He has made promises and He will keep them. But don't expect that you can just do these great things He has planned for you as you are. No way buddy. You have to adjust your life to Him. It goes beyond excepting Christ, it goes beyond taking the first step toward change. You have to be the man or woman He wants you to be in order to accomplish these goals. Once you reach that level of relationship with God, He will have something else for you and you will have to adjust again. He is refining us all. There is too much sin in our lives for us to ever reach "totally refined" that's where the sacrifice of Christ comes in.

So, don't worry if what God has promised you isn't happening. He is working in your life to make you better at whatever He has planned for you. Whether you are to be a parent, songwriter, evangelist, missionary, successful businessman, or whatever He has promised you. "The Lord is faithful and He will do it." Now we just have to trust that He does what He says.

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Hey everyone. Just wanted to let you know that if you don't have my CD it is now available online at http://cdbaby.com/cd/tjgoff. So be sure to go on and buy it. It will also be available digitally on itunes and other digital downloading services very soon. This is a pretty cool thing that's happening so if you have any friends or family who haven't been able to purchase the CD, be sure to let them know.

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Buy My CD

2006-05-18T12:50:00-04:00

TJ

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Wow, it seems like its been a while since I have written anything in here. I have to admit, blogging has not been the first thing on my mind the past two months. With my daughter Karoline's birth, I have been spending all of extra time I've had with her and Beth. It has been such a great two months. I love being a dad. Anyway, I was right a few months ago. Being parents, while a big responsibility, has not been the end of our lives. This might be because Karoline is extremely durable. Beth has been pretty tired, but she's been pretty tired ever since we've been married...doesn't say much about me huh? Babies poop is a lot better than doggie poop and she's been a pretty good sleeper. I think Beth and I should stop with this one because the chances of getting another angel like Karoline, much like the chances of getting another Whisper (our perfect dog), is slim to none. Well, I hope you've enjoyed the pictures the last few weeks. I'll start writing a little more now that things have settled down.

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Why, why, why do we have to be involved in politics. My mom will probably be really disappointed in this blog but hey, its how I feel.

I was recently watching "The O'Reilly Factor" and they had the organizer of a large Christian youth gathering on and a woman who had opposed the group in San Francisco. Just last weekend the kids from our church attended the very gathering they were discussing. Those who opposed it had protested, yelling fascist, gay rights, and what not at the over 30,000 students gathered. Apparently a lot of left wingers are starting to protest anything Christian because they say Christians impede upon others right (gays, pro choice, etc.). Anyway, the debate was quite interesting, but I was disappointed.

The organizer of the event kept saying that the culture is throwing all kind of sin in the faces of kids and his gathering is to encourage Christ followers to let their voice be heard. That's great, but I ask you, what should those voices be saying? He believes that they should be saying no to the secular progressive movement, no to gay marriage, no to abortion. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't support any of that, but isn't there something more important they should be saying.

How about sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If he would have said on the show, "we aren't a political organization, we want people to know the grace, power, and love of Jesus Christ," what could the girl have said back. Nothing... My point is, we as Christians continue to give people reasons to hate us and not give them reasons to love Christ. It seems to me that being a Christian is more about politics than it is about following Christ.

"You are the light of the world, a city on a hill cannot be hidden. Shine your light upon man that they might see your works and praise your Father in Heaven."

What that verse doesn't say is "convert them to your politics so they can be saved."

All I'm trying to say is that the Bible tells us (to quote Pastor Scoggins @ FBC Opelika) "its gonna get a lot worse before it gets any better." We are not going to change this country into a Christian Theocracy. However, we can change lives by telling people about Jesus Christ. Besides, Jesus had long hair, wore sandals, and wasn't a homeowner. Sound like any Republican you've ever met?

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Politics Shmolitics

2006-03-28T18:13:00-05:00

TJ

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Believe it or not, a couple at my church asked me when I was going to write a blog about having a new daughter. I didn't really think that anyone outside of my immediate family read this silly little thing. Anyway...its long overdue. I have been a father now for a little over two weeks and its probably been the best two weeks of my life. Beth and I have a healthy and adorable little girl named Karoline Belle and we could not be happier.

The only problem is that people keep coming up to me saying, "wow, you look tired." Don't say that to anyone! No matter how tired they look. The words "you look" should be followed only by the words "nice, buff, handsome, hot, and hungry." Never by a negative adverb. Someone told me I looked tired the other day and I had had 10 hours of semi-uninterrupted sleep the night before. What do you want from me?

Look, here's the deal. I haven't brushed my hair in about eight years and I haven't been out in the sun for about three years. I probably always look tired. I'm sorry that I offended you.

No matter what the haters say, I don't care. If I look tired then that's my new look. I probably also look a little bit taller as well, and that's because I am a proud new father.

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Walking A Little Taller

2006-03-21T18:07:00-05:00

TJ

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Its funny really how often we just throw ourselves into something that we really have no idea how to do. The other day I was telling a friend about how I gained a starting spot on my highs school soccer team. Basically what happened was that the coach asked if anyone could throw the ball in from the sideline to the far post (that's the other side of the goal to all of you football loving, hot dog eating, soccer haters out there. Don't get me wrong I love football and hot dogs too, but I also love soccer. Anyway, the coach (who later went insane) noticed that the other team was leaving the man at the far post. If we could throw it in there on a throw in, that would be an easy goal. Well, being the over confident person I am I said, "I can do it." So the coach put me in the game and guess what? I could do it. We scored, I started the rest of the games until the coach went insane and benched me. We were promptly eliminated from the playoffs upon my benching.

Well, let me tell you, this baby thing is starting to feel like that half-time meeting we had on the soccer field. "Hey, I noticed there is a baby coming into the world, we need someone to be its father."

"I can do it."

I'm hoping that it turns out the same, except for the coach going crazy and benching me part. I keep telling myself that God has created me to be little baby Karoline's father and that he would not give me anything that I cannot handle. It might seem like I can't handle it but I can.

So many other things are like this too. We have to be willing to say, "I can do it" even if we don't know what it is. My sister and brother-in-law recently did this when God asked them to get into missions. (I hope they already told everyone important.) They don't know where or how, but they know that they can do it. What about you? What is God asking you to do? Don't just sit there like the rest of my soccer teammates did and stay on the bench the rest of the season. Say yes, say you can do it. Just like the scary cajun guy played by Rob Schneider said in the water boy and later by my friend Preston Bedsole every minute until you wanted to punch him. "You can do it."

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Here Goes Nothin'

2006-03-01T19:28:00-05:00

TJ

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