Heath's Blog

The Cool Monster

2007-10-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make: I’ve always wanted to be “cool.” I even think I am cool sometimes (as cool as a dork can be). I’m not sure I know anyone who doesn’t want to be cool. Not that there’s anything wrong with cool. Or maybe there is…

When the desire to be “cool” becomes the most important pursuit in your life, there is a problem. When trying to keep the appearance of cool compromises the call God has placed on your life, it is wrong. So where does that leave us?

Here’s what I’ve noticed happening among Christians in my generation. We have pursued cool so much that we are blending in with the culture around us. I’m sure there are some who have tried to use the cool factor to win some to Christ. The motivation may have been good at the start, but on the whole I think we have become so enamored with cool that we have pushed Christ (and His call on our lives) to the side.

There are movements that promote being just like the world in order to win the world to Christ. I’ve seen, heard, and read about Christians who use foul language, smoke, drink, act, talk, and look just like those who have no relationship with Christ. We watch the same filth, listen to the same junk, laugh at the same jokes--the only difference is that we end up at church on Sunday mornings instead of sleeping in…sometimes. We often waffle back and forth on the importance of going to church--and then only if it is a “relevant” one with coffee, donuts, lights, sound, and video. Why not just talk about Jesus over a beer and hot wings while watching the big game on Sunday? That’s fellowship, right?

I’m sure there are some of you reading this thinking that I’m just speaking out against alcohol and tobacco. Not so. And I’m certainly not speaking out against hot wings and football. I’m aware of the verse in 1 Corinthians 9:22a that says “I have become all things to all men, so that by all possible means I might save some.” We’re quick to quote that verse out of context in order to justify our own behavior. Paul was talking about Jewish dietary laws regarding food sacrificed to idols. His decision was to abstain from that behavior (eating food sacrificed to idols, though he was free to do so), not indulge in it, in order to win some to the Lord. I’m just asking: what are we doing? And more importantly, who are we winning to Christ?

Bottom line: we are not called to be conformed to the world, but to be set apart. God hasn’t called us to be cool; He’s called us to be servants, to be holy, and to love each other with a sacrificial love (See 1 Peter 1-2, Colossians 3, and Romans 12). If “cool” is a result of our service, so be it. But it shouldn’t be the goal. The goal should be to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”-- Jesus. That will reach the world. Cool.

The Amazing Raft Adventure

2007-08-16T11:39:00.001-07:00

Hope this helps clarify the story I mentioned in my last post. This is the "raft" my "friends" bought for me to use on a 4 hour trip down Cypress Creek. I was cleaning out my car today and found this. It's the actual package the raft came in. (I had the red one.) Let's notice a couple of things about this particular product. First, let's take a look at the NAME of the product: Child's Boat. Hmm. Second, let's take a look at the PRICE of the product: $3. That's quality. Just observing those two facts, I've drawn some conclusions about this product: Never use this kind of flotation device for any type of rafting. Ever. If someone you know offers this to you to take a trip down a river, go ahead and call the local authorities. Your "friend" is trying to kill you.

Summer Update

2007-08-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. It's been a while. Thanks for checking back in to see how things are going. Sorry that the only post you've seen for a couple of months was about left lane drivers. I hope they haven't wreaked havoc on your summer travels, or worse, that you've become one of them. :)

Another busy summer has come and gone and now I finally have time to update you on my goings on. There have definitely been some crazy moments. The summer got started with a bang. Literally. I broke my left thumb playing basketball. Amazingly enough, I was still able to play guitar, but thankfully, I didn't have to. God, in His perfect planning, had given me speaking opportunities for most of the 4 weeks I was in a cast. My first worship leading event was the weekend after the cast was removed. Awesome. Being in a cast was very challenging for me. Everyday things became difficult. To top it all off I had 8 days straight at the beach. In a cast. But I learned a lot from the experience. Especially that we are supposed to use the gifts God has given us or He will take them away.

My schedule this summer was a little different than it has been in the past. God is really at work moving me in a new direction in ministry. There is a lot going on behind the scenes that I will share at some point in the future. Because of this change, most of my summer ministry was added to the schedule very late in the season and didn't get put on the calendar page of my website. I will be putting the events I did on the calendar page of my site shortly. A little backwards, I know, but better late than never. That reminds me of the Christmas my cousin gave me a nice leather bound planning book for a gift. The only problem was that the calendar was for the previous year. She wondered why it was discounted so much... I just told her I would look back and remember the things I did and pencil them in. Apparently I'm good at living in the past.

One moment I don't want to relive happened earlier this week. I was invited by some friends to go tubing down a creek. These "friends" also provided the "raft." It floated. Barely. It was also bright red and tiny. I'm pretty confident it also had a warning label on the package that denied it could be used as a flotation device and not to leave children with it unattended. I should have made other plans. After 3 hours of laboring to navigate this thing downstream it finally busted. Leaving me with a 200 yard walk past 2 fly fisherman to a gravel beach at which I quickly exited. My "friends" kept tubing and I started walking. I trekked 2 miles in the Alabama summer heat to a friend's house. On the way I acquired two real nice blisters on my feet and was chased by a crazy man on a lawnmower. Down the sidewalk. Seriously.

Other than that episode, I really enjoyed the summer. One real highlight for me was being able to speak at my home church's youth camp. I also got a chance to visit New Orleans again and see the progress being made there. It was another great summer and I want to thank everyone involved from the people I met to the ones who invited me to minister. And especially those of you who pray for me! Thank you!

Left Laners

2007-04-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry to bring this up here, but I just have to get this off my chest. I recently became more aware of a problem that is plaguing U.S. highways and interstates: left laners. I think you know who I mean. People who drive in the left (passing) lane of roads as if they are the only vehicles on the road. The people who are oblivious to the mile long train of cars behind them waiting to go faster than a comfortable 72 miles per hour. The people who don't notice frantic flashing headlights signaling kindly to move over one lane. The people who don't notice me riding on their bumper in hopes that eventually I'll overtake them before I have an aneurysm. The people who notice every random historical marker on interstates but can't seem to read this LARGE PRINT sign:

Maybe you can sense the ire in my tone. I drive. A lot. The past two weekends I traveled almost 2000 miles in and through 4 states. I can't remember how many hours I spent in my car. But I do remember the 20 drivers (no exaggeration) who treated the passing lane as their own personal driveway. I tried different ways to entice them to move over out of my way. I tried flashing my lights, tailgating, and finally waving them over with my hand (I used ALL my fingers by the way). Nothing seemed to work and it made me seriously angry. Especially at the person I waved over who waved back at me "I'm staying right here." So sorry to be a hindrance to you sir, I didn't notice your name on that lane.

I'm not a fan of passing people on the right, mainly because its dangerous. There was almost a collision in front of me because someone tried passing on the right while the person in the left lane tried moving over out of my way. But eventually I passed on the right anyway, only to find them moving over after I passed them. Not annoying at all. Really.

Look, I realize I'm not the only one out there. I'm just asking others to realize the same. In some states it's actually illegal to drive in the left lane if there are faster cars behind you. Plus, it's just plain courteous to move out of the way for faster traffic. So, if you are a left laner, I'm asking you to keep your head on a swivel. Watch for cars behind you flashing their lights and signaling you to move over. Then do it. It only takes a second. "But what if I'm already going over the speed limit?" you ask. No worries. Just remember that the left lane is for people who are going faster than you.

Forced Flexibiltiy

2007-03-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

I had some plans for this month. Then they changed. I was upset. It started back around Christmas. I signed up to lead worship for two AIM mission trips in New Orleans back to back as well as a training session in Chicago the Saturday before. I would end that trip with another training session in Dallas before returning home to relax. And then the first phone call. The first mission trip in New Orleans fell through. I would still be able to lead for the next one and still had Chicago and Dallas lined up. Then the second phone call. The second week scratched as well. I was pretty upset. Not only because the cancellations meant I missed out on two paychecks, but because I would also miss out on seeing some close friends there (one of whom is a girl I really like). I know. Double bummer. I asked God why this was happening to me. No reply.

Another phone call. This time with slightly better news. There was a trip scheduled for Arizona that needed a worship leader. But if I went on that trip it meant Chicago was out of the picture. Bye bye Chicago(I hope to go there one day...). I was bummed. And then I went on the trip. It was being led by a project leader I had met the year before in New Orleans(where else could it have been, right?). The participants were the senior class from Lee's Summit Community Christian School in Missouri. The students did a great job and I was encouraged by the staff very much. We also heard a passionate young lady in Sunday School say that things don't happen to us, they happen for us. In worship God overwhelmed me with His presence one night. It turned out to be an amazing trip. God really spoke to me and rejuvenated me. All of the schedule change turned out to be worth it just for the encouragement alone.

Sometimes what looks like disaster turns out to be beautiful. I am amazed at how intricately organized God is especially when it comes to speaking to His children. I saw this demonstrated before the Arizona trip as well. Our regular worship leader at church had the flu and called me on Saturday to see if I could fill in for him on Sunday. Most of our musicians were out of town that day so an impromptu practice drew 4 of us together. We ended up doing an acoustic set. Rehearsal was great and I was really looking forward to Sunday. But I had one of those days where nothing seemed to really connect. The style was somewhat different than our people were used to and I goofed by having too short of a set list. I also messed up one song completely by not finding the right notes. Blah. At the end of it I felt really bad. As we were packing things up, a lady approached me with tears in her eyes. She asked me if I believed God had songs for certain people. I said yes and then she told me that she had only heard the last song we did 3 times. Each time she heard it was after dealing with a certain situation in her life. It happened that the day before she had been in that situation again. That song encouraged her even in a trial. God speaks to His people.

I've decided not to worry so much the next time my schedule changes for no apparent reason. Instead I want to see what God has in mind for that time. I'm glad God uses us in His work. I'm also glad that He works on our behalf. Just know that where ever you are, God knows. Whatever you need, God knows. Things don't happen to you; they happen for you.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

The Profound and Electric Toothbrushes.

2007-03-08T09:53:00.000-08:00

So I’ve realized that I am horrible at updating my blog. I think the reason is that I always want to write something profound. Or, at least, something well thought out. My apologies to anyone checking in every few days or so to find nothing’s changed. I’m going to try to update more frequently from now on. In the meantime, here are some thoughts from the last month and a half.

The Indianapolis Colts finally won the Superbowl with Peyton Manning at quarterback. I’m not a Colts fan (go Titans), but it was nice to see Peyton get the ‘big’ win. Even more impressive was the effort put forward in sharing the Gospel from Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith. The two coaches didn’t use the Superbowl as a forum for discussing race issues, instead they used their position of influence to spread the Truth about Jesus Christ. This was more than just a heat of the moment shout out to God at the end of a big game. This was a full page ad in USA Today and a website that you can still check out. It’s www.beyondtheultimate.org. May we all use our positions of influence to share the Gospel as well.

I had a chance to lead worship on a ski retreat in West Virginia with my friend Eric Hixon of MUD Ministries. It was a great trip. There were about 8 salvations over the weekend. You gotta love it when you get to influence other’s lives for eternity and get to snow ski at the same time. Awesome. It was quite an adventure getting there though. Eric just acquired a Garmin navigational unit. Our trip together was the first trial run for the Garmin. It didn't fair well. First it wanted us to take only back roads. After a slight adjustment in programming we made it back to the interstate. The unit also sounded upset when you didn't follow directions. "Recalculating," Garmin would say with a tinge of attitude. Even worse, their were occasions when the Garmin took us somewhere that didn't exist. I was directed to a Walmart that must have been hidden in a grove of trees. That's when there was a tinge of attitude in my voice as I said "goodbye" to the Garmin.

I bought an electric toothbrush the other day. I must admit that I used to think electric toothbrushes were only for people too lazy to brush their teeth the manual way. I also figured that they didn't really clean teeth much better than a regular toothbrush. Boy, was I wrong. I picked one up at Target the other day while shopping with some friends. It was the peer pressure that got me. Plus the toothbrush was on sale. I caved. My teeth have never felt cleaner. It really feels like I've been to the dentist every time I use it (minus the pain and gum bleeding caused by that torture-like sharp pointy hook thing).

I recently began helping out with a college ministry here in town called the Well-Florence. I get a chance to lead the leadership team in worship and prayer before each meeting. So many times leaders pour out and out, but never have someone pour back in to them. This is my chance to be that encouragement for them. It's also a great way for me to stay connected when I'm at home. If you're ever in the Florence area, please check it out.

I'll write more soon. In the meantime, hope this tides you over. I've got some exciting trips coming up over the next couple of months. I'm also looking forward to the changes God is calling me to in ministry. I'm not sure exactly what that entails, but I'm sure it will be good. Please keep praying for me as I work that out. Until next time.

"The Year of Following Through" Part 3

2007-01-05T13:40:00.000-08:00

2006 is almost over. I've had a little time to stop, take a look back, and sum it all up. These are the big and small moments that made up lessons I learned in 2006. This was the year of following through.

Part 3

There were definitely some intense lessons learned in 2006. I am thankful for those. I also enjoyed the lighter lessons and humorous moments that took place. In this final edition of my review of “the Year of Following Through,” I would like to mention some of the things I actually followed through with. Some are serious, some not so much. Enjoy.

I fell in love with leading worship and speaking on short term missions trips. In 2006 I made a concentrated effort to be involved in more of those. I spoke or led worship on at least 10 week-long trips.
I also joined facebook and myspace in a true shock to most of my friends. (I never thought it’d happen either…)
I finally got around to getting my own website.
I bought a Total Gym and started working out. (Thanks to my workout partner, Chuck Norris, and those of you who have noticed the change in my physique.)
I worked on writing more songs.
I finally recorded some of my original music.
I read more books.
I witnessed more.
I visited New Orleans a bunch.
I visited the Alamo in San Antonio.
I messed with Texas.
I moved in to an amazing apartment.
I started playing disc golf.
I competed in and won “the Not-so-Amazing Race.”
I also won my pool in the NCAA Basketball tournament. (I’m still waiting on my so called “friends” to take me to dinner.)

Now that 2007 is here, I have set some more goals for this year. Here are a few of them: I want to continue “following through.” I want to write and record more music. I want to cook more. I want to read more. I want to find my soul mate without the help of Dr. Neil Clark Warren. I want to travel to Europe. I want to be a good big brother. I want to start running. I want to learn piano. I want to be more effective in ministry. I want to know God more. I want to be a blessing to others. I want to be more of a servant.

"The Year of Following Through" Part 2

2006-12-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

2006 is almost over. I've had a little time to stop, take a look back, and sum it all up. These are the big and small moments that made up lessons I learned in 2006. This was the year of following through.

Part 2

After the fun we had at the Florence Edition of New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, I learned two things: first, I should make better plans for next New Year’s Eve, and two, I really should make a better effort at following through.

Following through can look like a lot of different things. For me it meant doing the things I said I would do. It also meant that I needed to set some new goals and work to achieve them. And it also meant doing some things that I knew deep inside I should have been doing all along.

It’s important to note that following through didn’t mean acting on every crazy idea that came to my mind. Even if the crazy ideas were representative of good things. It meant not acting on them until I had counted the cost. (That’s Biblical by the way.) For instance, some friends and I had been discussing the idea of starting a ministry together. Now, that’s a good thing, but, the way we wanted to set it up would have been very inefficient. The good news is that we took the time to research it and count the cost before we jumped in headlong. It was a bittersweet decision. Things didn’t work out to be the perfect image we had dreamed up, but we were still able to minister and work together in some cool ways without having a name or organization over it. Through the process it brought us closer together and made us better people because we learned to seek the Lord in our decisions and trust that His direction is the right direction.

That’s not always an easy thing to grasp. The first two months of 2006 were very hard. I had just finished working with a ministry that took care of booking and promotion for me. God led me to step out and do all of that on my own. I was very excited about the prospect of having a great start to 2006 when my schedule for January and February became disappointingly empty. Now this is my only job, my only income, so if my schedule is empty that means my wallet is empty as well. Oh, I had some questions for God alright. I had stepped out in faith and trusted Him to provide ministry opportunities and there were none in sight. I was frustrated.

On top of having an empty schedule, my Grandmother was sick and not doing very well. Another family issue had placed my infant second cousin in my parent’s care. All of this happened within a three month window. The same three month window that had me stuck at home. Now, you may be putting the picture together in your mind right now as to how God works these things out, but at that point I couldn’t see what was really going on. All I knew then was that I spent a lot of time sitting up through the night with my Grandmother or with my little cousin. My mom, dad, and sister did the same.

In February my Granny passed away. We were very close and it was hard to take. But, my Granny was a believer and is now in Heaven. The entire family was there at her home when it happened. It was another bittersweet moment. I realize now that my schedule was empty for those last months of her life so that I could be there with her and my family. I wouldn’t trade those moments now for anything.

In the Fall my parents officially adopted my second cousin. Austin is now my little brother. I’m glad I got to be home for the first little bit of his life as well. He has brought much joy into our lives. It was amazing to see his life beginning as my Granny’s was ending.

Matt Redman’s song “Blessed be Your Name” really took on new meaning for me. Especially the bridge: “You give and take away, You give and take away, my heart will choose to say blessed be Your name.” I saw that firsthand. I’m glad God has perfect timing. This year God taught me to trust Him even in the hard times. He is good.

to be continued…

The Year of Following Through

2006-12-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

Part 1

2006 is almost over. I've had a little time to stop, take a look back, and sum it all up. These are the big and small moments that made up lessons I learned in 2006. This was the year of following through.

It started out innocently enough. I was hanging out with a few close friends last New Year's Eve. We were sipping coffee at our local shop, Rivertown, and making lists. You know, like people do on TV at the end of each year. Lists of top movies, top people, best moments, worst moments, that sort of thing, only with people we actually know. Somehow in the course of the conversation we noted that we had a lot of great ideas, but never really followed through with them. We decided 2006 would be different. In the words of Bo Woody, it would be a year with "a lot less talk and a lot more action."

Later that evening we went out to eat. (I know, coffee should be after the meal, but sometimes we do things backwards in Alabama.) We were discussing how none of us had ever done anything spectacular for New Year's Eve. (This was no exception. Appleby's is pretty slow on New Year's Eve.) So as we were trying to come up with some big plan for Dec 31, 2006, a thought hit me. Why can't we have our own New Year's Rockin' Eve? Why does New York City get to be the only place to count down the end of the year by dropping a giant ball from the top of a tall building? I voiced these questions to the guys. The overwhelming response was "why wait until next year? We still have 2 hours left." Since it was the year of following through, how could I argue?

We put our heads together and came up with a plan. After a mad dash to Wal-Mart, we met back at the Greenlee's house to put everything together. A giant inflatable soccer ball, a roll of twine, packing tape, and battery operated Christmas lights became a New Year's Rockin' Eve countdown ball. We headed downtown to the parking deck and ascended to the top. We wished it was taller. We hung the ball over the side and began the countdown. We prayed the cops wouldn't show up. We rang in the New Year with cheers, high fives, and some snapshots of our creation. The countdown was a great gesture for ringing in the "Year of Following Through."

to be continued...

Football & Redemption

2006-10-30T21:54:00.000-08:00

It used to be a Sunday afternoon ritual--backyard football. My friends and I would get together after church to eat, watch some football, and then head outside for a game in someone's yard. We would play until it got too dark to see the ball or until we were all so tired we could hardly move, whichever came first.

Recently I had the opportunity to renew this Sunday afternoon tradition. Not flag football or two-hand touch, but real, live, tackle football. It had been years since I played and I could tell that I was no longer in playing shape. (Ok, so it’s important to point out here that I have never been in “real playing shape.” After all, I wasn’t on my high school team, I was in the band. But that’s another story.) I had a lot of fun and thought I did really well considering I was playing against guys that were ten years younger than me. (I never thought I’d be able to say anyone was ten years younger…) I finished the day feeling nasty, sweaty, and sore, but happy to have two touchdowns under my belt.

Taking a shower never felt so good. It was as if I forgot what it was like to be clean. It’s funny how you don’t really appreciate ‘clean’ until you’ve been ‘unclean’ for a while. I think we are like that spiritually as well. After we have been made clean by the blood of the Jesus, we sometimes take the freedom of our redemption for granted.

I’m not advocating that we sin in order to appreciate forgiveness. Not at all. The Bible warns us against that in Romans 6. But sometimes we do take grace for granted and we fall headlong in to sin. This doesn’t make us somehow ‘unsaved.’ It just means we need to get cleaned up again. In John 13 Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. Peter suggested that if Jesus washed his feet, he wash his whole body as well. Jesus’ responded that Peter was already clean because he had had a bath, only his feet were dirty. That’s how it is with us after we receive Christ’s redemption. We are made clean (saved) by His blood, but sometimes our feet get dirty. The only thing we need to be completely clean is to have our feet washed. The good news is this: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NIV).

Don't take your redemption for granted. Live freely in the grace given you through Jesus Christ. Do your best not to live in the old way of life that you used to be a slave to, instead, live the abundant life. If you mess up, ask for forgiveness. Remember that God no longer condemns you. Remember that we once were enemies of God and slaves to sin and death. We were blemished, but now are white as snow. God no longer counts our sins against us or condemns us, but views us dearly loved, little children. Those who have been set free are free indeed.

Transition and Contentment

2006-10-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

So it seems like everyone I know (including me) is in a 'transition' phase of life. You know, a "what next?" period of life. Come to think of it, it seems life is mostly filled with these different types of transitions. From being a kid, to a teenager, to a college student, to having a career, to NOT having a career, to having another career, to having a family, to letting go of selfish ambitions, and on and on. Some of these happen slowly, others way too quickly. What do we do with them? How do we react?

In most of these transitions there is a tinge of discontent. We aren't really content where we are so we move to be somewhere else, or someone else. Or is it that we move because we aren't comfortable? There is a distinct difference in being content and being comfortable. Contentment doesn't depend on comfort. Comfort often leads to complacency. Complacency leads us nowhere.

Paul said that he had learned the secret of being "content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Philippians 4:12, NIV) Paul certainly wasn't comfortable where he was when he wrote this, but he had a contentment that went beyond circumstances. Contentment isn't about things, or even people, but about having a relationship with Jesus Christ. When we understand who God is, who we are, and what God's plans are for us, we can be content in any situation.

Last summer I spent 11 long days in the Dominican Republic leading worship on a mission trip. It wasn't comfortable at all. The food wasn't that great, it was sticky hot, the water pressure in the shower was a notch above squirt gun, the shower only worked when the electricity was on, and the electricity seemed to go off and on whenever it felt like it. I really struggled with this being so far from home for so long. I was completely cut off from life back home. I couldn't just call my friends and complain about the circumstances and enjoy a good laugh. Plus it was the end of summer and I was super tired.

I learned then that I have a tendency to want to move when something isn't going my way or life isn't comfortable. Only this time there was nowhere for me to go except God. But He used that situation to teach me contentment. I had to rely on God, who He is, and what His word said about me.

There are other times we move because we have a sense that there is something more, something bigger that God has in store for us to do. I think God uses this divine discontent to get us moving in the right direction. This is a good thing. My challenge to anyone in this divine discontent is to follow God. There is a really cool picture of this in the last chapter of Exodus. "Whenever the Cloud lifted from the Dwelling, the People of Israel set out on their travels, but if the cloud did not lift, they wouldn't set out until it did lift." (Exodus 40:36-37, MSG) When God's presence moved, they moved. When God sat still, they sat still, no matter how long. That's true contentment.

If we are following comfort, we are following our own selfishness. True contentment comes from following God. Who are we following?

-heath

The Awkward Moment

2006-09-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I couldn't just mention this moment in my previous entry without telling the full story. Earlier this summer while I was in New Orleans I frequented a pretty cool coffee shop called Rue de la Course. It is located in an old bank building and has great stone floors and a high, decorated ceiling. My friends and I went there after lunch to prepare for the evening sessions we were leading for Adventures in Missions, and to get some good coffee.

We just happened to be sitting a couple of tables away from an attractive young lady studying for the medical school admissions test. As she was studying, a young man walked in, noticed this attractive young lady, and walked over to her table. We watched the awkward exchange. "Is this seat taken?" asked the young man. The young lady looked around, surprised to see 50 empty tables scattered about, and sheepishly, reluctantly, offered the seat in front of her to the young man. "Just like old times," he replied.

My friends and I looked at each other in disbelief, asking with our eyes "did that just happen?" Then we exploded with laughter, realizing that yes indeed, that just happened.

The young lady obviously heard our laughter, and embarrassed, walked outside to make a phone call. Meanwhile, the young man grinned from ear to ear as he stared into his open book. We laughed some more, then left.

The next day brought a similar scene. We were again sipping coffee and discussing the evening service, when in walked the attractive young lady. Again, more laughing from the idiots. We were in the middle of asking each other what the chances were that our grinning friend would show up again, when he walked in. This time he sat at a different table, still close by mind you, but not before he struck up a conversation and handed the lady a gift. Then, awkward silence, followed by more grinning, and laughter from the idiots.

I don't know what happened between those two, but I know it was awkward. I know because the next day I walked up to the girl and asked her myself. I told her how we had noticed the situation and appreciated the entertainment. She was happy we enjoyed it.

It made me think of all the awkward situations I've been in. Sure, I've embarrassed myself a few times, but what great stories. It takes a lot of nerve to go out on a limb like that young man. I don't think most of us risk like that quite enough. The guy may not have got the girl, but at least he tried. Just like old times...

-heath

The End of Summer

2006-08-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

Wow! I am finally back home from a packed summer schedule. Honestly, it's like stepping out of Narnia-- as if time stopped here and ages passed during my time on the road. There were so many amazing things that took place I can hardly process it all! Oh, there were definitely hard times, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Here's what my schedule looked like over the past few months:

June 10-30, Matamoros, Mexico, speaking and leading worship
July 12, First Baptist Greenhill, leading worship
July 16-August 5, New Orleans, speaking and leading worship
August 9, First Baptist Killen, speaking and leading worship
August 11-12, Clements Baptist, leading worship
August 13, FBC Rogersville, leading worship
August 16, The Edge, Rogersville, leading worship
August 20, FBC Rogersville, concert

I have some great memories from all of these places. Here are just a few that stick out.

The airline lost BOTH of my bags on my way to Mexico, but got them back within 10 hours (possibly a new record for quickest recovery time!).
I drove to New Orleans. (no correlation to previous mention of air travel...)
Had a blast with the summer staff at The Gateway in Mexico. They were 'bout it, 'bout it!
Learned to laugh at my own jokes because no one else seemed to "get it."
Great conversations with too many people to list.
I saw a great awkward moment between a guy and girl in a coffee shop. I think I'll write the full story later. "Just like old times..."
Great encouragement from my friend Anneli about my calling in life.
Seeing many students answer God's call on their lives.
One student sharing his faith with a convenience store clerk between 2 sessions of an evangelism conference.
Knowing God was with me every step of the way.

These were just a few, but there are so many more. I would like to say thanks to all the churches and organizations that I partnered with this summer. I know I'll look back over this season many times and be encouraged. Was it hard? Yep. Was it worth it? Definitely. Am I ready to go again? Absolutely.

-heath

Welcome!

2006-07-31T13:34:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Welcome to my nice little spot for posting my thoughts online. Thanks for taking time to check them out. Feel free to respond to what you read. Looking forward to hearing from you.

heath