Normal Rockstar

Liam's Dedication Ceremony

Thanks to Harry and the crack media team at Rolling Hills Community Church, we already have video of Liam's baby dedication ceremony today. Enjoy!

Big Sunday: Child Dedication, Wine & Chocolate...

(Click the picture for a slideshow of Liam at 5 mo)

This upcoming Sunday is going to be a busy one for us. First, we will be celebrating Liam's baby dedication with our home church - Rolling Hills Community Church. This is a neat ceremony in the life of a child and the church. Basically, Erin and I will stand before the church and commit to raising Liam in a godly home. Then our church will commit to helping us raise him in a godly fashion as he grows up in the church. Because our families live so far away (Canada and Montana) we won't have any family present for the dedication. But we would love for you to come and be our "Nashville family" if you are in the area. It will take place in the 10:30am service - please come and say hi if you choose to come!

Sunday EVENING we are honored to be the beneficiaries of a wine and chocolate tasting hosted by the good men of my mentoring group. It's open to anyone - it starts at 7pm and will take place at Sol on Main in downtown Franklin. We would love for you to join us there - Liam will be around to meet his public for the first 45 minutes, so you will get a chance to meet him. You can click here for more details.

So... by Sunday night Erin and I will be bone tired but I'm sure overwhelmed by the love and support from our church family and friends. We hope to see you at some point on Sunday!

Thanks for the love, Bod!

It's almost 2am and Liam is due for his next feeding in an hour. I just finished changing another dirty diaper and was lying in bed reflecting on the events of my life in the past week and was struck by this thought: how do people outside of "the Body" (i.e. those who wouldn't consider themselves practicing Christians) survive having children?? I mean, I'll be completely honest: if it weren't for the overwhelming encouragement and support of our Christian friends and family, Erin and I would be in a VERY different place right now.

Thanks to the generosity of our community group and friends here in Nashville, we haven't had to cook a meal since we arrived home from the hospital last Saturday - and I believe there are meals lined up through next week as well. Thanks to an unnamed friend Erin's mom was able to change her flight so that she could be here 2 weeks early to help around the house, allowing Erin and I to focus our time and energy on getting to know Liam (it's amazing what a grandmother will do for a little snuggle time with her new grandchild!). And thanks to modern technology we have received countless emails, blog and Facebook comments, gifts, flowers, and words of affirmation and encouragement as we have shared Liam's diagnosis of Down syndrome and our struggle to face the reality of that. I know that literally around the world there are people praying for Erin, Liam, and I as we learn what it means to be a family together.

The body of Christ can be a beautiful thing when it works as it should.

Been Raptured? New Service Allows You to Send One Last Email.

Looking for the most creative way to meld technology and faith? Look no further! A new service is providing Christians who have been raptured with one last opportunity to reach their friends and family who have been left behind. According to their website a mere $40/year gets you 250mb for document storage (150mb encrypted, 100mb unencrypted) and the ability to send an email to up to 62 email addresses. How does this happen, you may ask? Who is the unfortunate one that has to stick around to hit the "Send" button?

Well, they've already got that hurdle taken care of. From the website:

"We have set up a system to send documents by the email, to the addresses you provide, 6 days after the "Rapture" of the Church. This occurs when 3 of our 5 team members scattered around the U.S fail to log in over a 3 day period. Another 3 days are given to fail safe any false triggering of the system."

Admittedly, my thought process when I first read this went something like, "Hmmm... all you would have to do to throw a good scare into the world or discredit Christians even more would be to find and eliminate the 5 team members..." I'm thankful I don't have THAT kind of target painted on my chest!

I get what these guys are trying to do - I mean, the idea behind it is noble (and yet somewhat freaky - how would you feel if you suddenly received a message in your inbox six days after your family member/loved one disappeared?!?). Something about it just feels rather dirty and almost embarrassing. I suppose it's kind of like recording a video for your family and leaving it with your will to be shown to your family or at your funeral when you die. I don't have a problem with that... why do I struggle with this idea?

"I'd Rather Have Jesus"... Really?

We sang this old hymn in church Sunday morning and the lyrics really hit home:

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold,
I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I'd rather be led by his nail-pierced hand.

I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause
I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame
I'd rather be true to His holy name

Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin's dread sway;
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

What a classic song by George Beverly Shea... And, even though it was written decades ago, these lyrics still challenge me today, especially in light of my occupation. My prayer today is that I can honestly sing these words - today and for years to come, regardless of what profession/ministry position I may find myself in.

How about you? Can you sing these words and mean them?

VIP Screening of "Fireproof" the Movie

I had the opportunity last night to attend a VIP screening of the upcoming movie "Fireproof" along with some other blogging friends. The movie hits theaters September 26th and is the newest creation of the guys who brought us "Facing the Giants". I heard some pretty incredible stats last night regarding "Facing the Giants" - a church in Albany, GA decided to use it's church members to make a movie and did it for $150,000. It was released to 400 screens nationwide and ended up making $10 million at the box office. They have since sold over 1.5 million DVDs, making another $10 million+.

This time around they will be releasing "Fireproof" on 1000 screens nationwide, I believe, and Sony has picked it up and will be working with the church to help promote the film. Honestly, I went in with a little bit of skepticism because I knew that Kirk Cameron was the lead actor, a fireman named Caleb. You may have a differing opinion than I, but I was rather embarrassed by his role in the Left Behind video series (nothing against him - I've been able to hang out with him a little bit, and he's a great guy. It was probably just the script). However, all that to say that I was really quite impressed with his performance in this movie. Just as the case was with "Facing the Giants", this movie is all about the STORY - not the actors. The story, which deals with the struggles a married couple goes through including financial burdens, online pornography, attractions at work, etc. draws you in. The acting is not amazing but was, for the most part, believable (Kirk Cameron is the only professional actor, and he donated his time to make this movie. The rest are all members of Sherwood Baptist Church). I found myself getting choked up in a number of places, and I wasn't expecting that at all.

Take a minute and watch the trailer below. You can help spread the word about the movie by blogging about it in the next few months. I'll post about it again a week or two before the release - this movie has the potential to do a lot of good, especially in our world where over 50% of marriages these days end in divorce. Help us get the word out... "Never leave your partner behind."

Praying in Public: To Do or Not to Do?

I had a couple of interesting experiences last week that have made me want to find out what your collective opinion on this is. Let me paint two different scenarios for you:

Scenario #1

Out for dinner with my wife and another couple. Before our food arrives we collectively bow our heads and my friend says grace. After the meal is finished, we get up to leave and my friend goes over to the table beside us (a party of 10+ older folks) and compliments them for praying publicly before their meal.

Scenario #2

Out for lunch with my wife and seven other friends. The drinks arrive, the appetizers arrive, and no one's said grace yet. I catch the eye of one of the leaders of our group and discreetly ask him if he wants to say grace for us. He then proceeds to announce to the table in a somewhat apologetic, almost embarrassed manner, "Jeremy wants me to say grace before we eat, so let me pray."

I have a lot of respect for both of these men and for the way that they live out their faith. The way Scenario #2 played out kind of bothered me for some reason, though. I have grown up praying in public in restaurants. To this day whenever my family goes out to eat we hold hands around the table and dad will say grace for us all. So I guess what I'm wrestling with is this question: am I being the "weaker brother" by asking to pray before our meal? Is that too old-school/conservative/traditional? I don't do it EVERY time I'm out to eat, but more often than not. If I was really in tune with my faith and in prayer continually anyway, would God automatically know that I was thankful for my food and not need that public admission?

Here's my conclusion: I still believe it is an encouragement both to others in the restaurant and to the server to see a couple/family/group of friends praying before a meal. It also serves as a good reminder to me that since everyone in the restaurant now knows I am a person of faith, I'd better conduct myself in a way that represents the Lord well. And let's be honest... does it really hurt to take an extra few seconds and pray together with friends/family? If I end up looking a little less cool as a result, so be it.

praying in public, prayer

Fat Pastors: Do As I Say, Not As I Do

I randomly came across this stat the other day and it forced to the surface some thoughts and feelings I've had for a number of years. Here's the stat:

- 73% of pastors are overweight with 50% more than 30 lbs overweight

This is a classic example of "do as I say, not as I do". From pulpits all across North America every Sunday congregates are warned of the dangers of alcohol, smoking, promiscuous sex, money, and - depending on the convictions or biblical interpretations of the one doing the majority of the talking - other sinful behavior (gossip, maybe?).

I will never forget my experience with one charismatic teacher who, being a good 80-100lbs overweight, justified his girth by saying, "Being from the south, I love food" while patting his round belly. The congregation gave him what he wanted - a loving, "he's a good ol' boy" chuckle - and he carried right along. The ironic thing was that in the following weeks he was absent from the pulpit because of various health issues, including a knee surgery that undoubtedly was required due to the excess amount of weight he was asking his knees to support.

I'll be honest: I have a hard time respecting a pastor who  vehemently speaks out against sin and ignores his sin of gluttony and overindulgence. It seems to me that the same biblical text quoted in support of not smoking or drinking - 1 Cor. 6:19, 20: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." - while dealing contextually with sexual sin, would apply here. I mean, if our bodies truly are a temple of the Holy Spirit, wouldn't it be appropriate that we take care of them and do everything we can to "honor God" with our bodies?!?

"But he doesn't have time to exercise or work out - he's too busy preparing for the sermon, visiting the sick, praying for the lost, going on missions trips..." Give me a break and stop making excuses for your fat pastor. If he's practicing what he's preaching, he'll MAKE the time, because he reads his Bible and understands that the way he treats his body - how he fuels it (food) and how he maintains it (exercise and rest) are acts of worship.

Do yourself and your church a favor and start holding your pastors accountable in the area of food and gluttony. It will pay off in the long run and add literal years to their lives.

Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic: Speaking Out Against Christian Music Industry?

[Editor's note: I wrote this entry yesterday and lost it before I was able to post it. So this is my second attempt...]

I came across an interview the other day that peaked my interest [HT: Supersimbo]. Ryan Tedder, lead singer for the band OneRepublic, was interviewed by the Houston Chronicle and was quoted as saying the following (click here for the full article):

"Q: You were raised by an extended family of missionaries and pastors. Has that played into your music?

A: I got offered a Christian record deal. I'm Christian, I grew up in the church. But I'm not going to tour churches. I was raised in Oklahoma. Tulsa's like the buckle of the Bible Belt. I grew up in that environment. I was in Nashville for two years, (and) I quickly became friends with probably half a dozen of some of the biggest Christian recording artists. Every single one of them was absolutely miserable with the fact that they were "Christian" recording artists. I saw some stuff in Nashville that turned my stomach. Some of the most pretentious, insecure people I ever met were Christian recording artists."

I'm a Christian... I have a Christian record deal... I play in a lot of churches... I live in Nashville... Does that mean I'm miserable, pretentious, and insecure?

On the first read, it would appear that Tedder has a bone to pick with the CCM industry. But I want to give him the benefit of the doubt. Why? Because, with very few exceptions, I agree with everything he said. I see stuff in Nashville that turns my stomach too. And I have met very pretentious, insecure people who call themselves Christian artists. I think he exaggerates his point a little bit by stating that every single one of his "big Christian recording artist friends" was "absolutely miserable" with what they did, but I know there are some who look on the other side of the fence and see greener pastures.

Here's my deal: Tedder claims he's a Christian - I believe him. Therefore, both he and I belong to the same family, the same Body. And as different members of one body, we serve different functions. Tedder feels called to "the world"; my primary focus is to the Church. One is not better than the other - both are vitally important to the furthering of the Kingdom. Yes, there is a lot that is un-Christ-like about the Christian music industry - I will be the first to point that out. But can't the same be said about the Church?

Ben Stein is Expelled

I came across this movie the other day [HT: Brock] and have been quite taken by it. I've seen banners for it on other blogs but  haven't taken the time to really check it out. Watch the trailer and let me know what you think.

Ben and his team have done a fantastic job of providing some great resources for people like us to help get the word out on this movie. It's releasing in April, not February like some of the trailers say. One of the quotes in the super trailer that stuck out to me is this:

"In my experience, people who are confident in their ideas are not afraid of criticism..."

Check out these links for more info:

Resource Site
Official Website
YouTube
MySpace

(This is post 301, by the way... pretty cool!)