What has been going on this week?

This has been a good week so far. I am excited about my sunday's in July. I will return to lead singing on the 22nd of July. I will be mostly visiting other churches. I got an emailed today from a good friend inviting me to speak at an event for young leaders. I hope all will go well and I will be able to speak to them at the end of July. I also think I have found the condo I want. It will need a little paint and possibly new carpet. I look forward to closing the deal on that one. Today, I went to Six Flags with the campus church youth group. It was a good day for me to just walk around and people watch. I noticed that the rides have gotten smaller seats( Hint: I know what you are thinking) Anyway, it was a good hot day reminding me of Texas. Speaking of Texas, I believe I will make my journey there to summer. I can't believe I will go to such a hot place. I need to visit some friends and get away for awhile. This weekend, I will problably be moving my mom into her apartment. I would share in this forum that ordeal but I won't at this time. I need to catch a movie this weekend. Don't know what is playing. All I know is that is $9.25 here for a matinee. I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT! In Desoto/Lancaster Texas I used to pay $2 for a first run matinee. I was spoiled! Anyway, that is all for now!

B.M.W.

Well today was pretty good. My campers took the news pretty well about the robbery. Coach Davis made it a part of his morning devo. Many were sad and were concern about this. Well, today was my first day to start walking back and forth to work. This experience is highly overrated. Just like running, who said it was fun. It rained today when I began and I delayed leaving. I waited and then proceeded home to have the rain to continue. Well, I know most woman want a BMW. Well, I hope they don't mean BLACK MAN WALKING. I have to admit this is good for me. I scheduled my annual check up for next monday. I guarantee you I know what he will say. Eat less, exercise more, lose weight! How many have never heard that from a doctor. Anyway, my papers for my bank loan for a house came in, so tomorrow I hope will be my last outing in looking for a house. I have the papers in hand to hopefully close in middle of next month so I will have a few weeks in my new home before school starts. Have a blessed day!

Random Thoughts

Well, It has been a pretty good day today. It was my last sunday for awhile to lead singing since I will be taking some time off. I will be trying to find a house to buy since my deadline of finding one is quickly closing in this summer.

This morning, I shared with the worship team that I have a hard time tending to those who are already saved. I think my ministry is with those who are either leaving the church or never have been to church. They don't have all the issues those growing up in the church has regarding those who lead. I have worked for many churches and have found this to be sooo true. They are trying to maintain the church they knew while growing up. I have always had a spirit that cause me to think outside the box. I hope that I was not offensive in my delivery this morning. I have been told I can be cruel when I am very passionate about something. One day, I will blog about how singles are treated in the church compared to the world. Let me tell you, it would be so much easier to just be in the world, but wait where I would spend eternity stops me! Oh well!

I was stopped in the hallway at church by an older gentlemen who wanted me to know that I could not leave this church unless he goes with me. He was very appreciative of my work at East Cobb. I was very appreciative of his comments to me. Most of the time, adults don't share that way. I was glad meet this gentlemen today. Ministry is sooo hard. I believe it is because you spend 90% of your time dealing with issues brought up by members. I thought we were supposed to be evangelizing the world.

I shared with the teenagers this morning John 3:16. Wanting them to define God, love, belief,perishing, and everlasting life. The easiest one for them was everlasting life(promise of Heaven). Defining God and love was the hardest. I would like for you to pray for this youth group to continue their quest in finding God and love. They are precious to me because I spent about 8 months with them.

Adults, I want to in the near future talk about being an Adult. I work with teenagers(my preferred group) over Adults for many reasons. I will tell you about them soon.

I am going carless(no car) this week. I let my sister borrow my car to carry my mom to her appointments in an Air conditioned vehicle. I get to walk to work. Don't be too sad for me, it is just a 5 minute walk.

I went to Campus church tonight to hear John Alan Turner. He was at GAC when I was. He did a great job. I know that he is committed to making families better. Major point tonight was that learning the bible is the Home's responsibility not the church. The church should support what is already happening in the home not vice versa. Good point! May it help you today!

Right now the only thing stolen was this cybershot camera. I will miss it. I don't know what they will do with it without the cords, and battery charger. May they find all the happiness with my camera. I hope to have another one before school starts back. I did not know how much it was worth till I searched for a new one. I closed a credit and bougbt it with the points. Anyway, I'll get another one, but not this one. It was expensive.

Have a blessed week!

Great Story

I will not end my night on a sad note. Click on to this story.
Tell me what do you think? Be a Johnny today!

I GOT ROBBED!!!!

I got robbed today. I returned home before going to my mother's house and my apartment had been burglarized. I can not really described the feeling I have tonight. Yes, I am still in my apartment. The Police was no help at all. It was though I was his way of doing nothing today. The apartment maintenance guy went beyond the call of duty to figure out how they got into my apartment. I had left a window unlocked in my bedroom and they took the screen off and push my dresser drawers to get in. They trashed my apartment. Right now he/they only took my digital camera, and maybe some checks. I could not believe it. My labtop was in clearview, my paycheck from East Cobb was in clearview, my target watch was in clear view(now I know it must not be worth much when a person is in a hurry). This looked like a grab and go type of crime. They were looking for cash. They went in my medicine cabinet to find nothing. This was horrible! I felt at the time of opening the door to my apartment very invaded. I am 36 years old and very rarely have I felt afraid until today for that moment at least. I wanted out, and wanted out fast. I sat down outside waiting on the police to come-45 minutes later. ( Ironically, I was with my realestate agent the day before and we set the alarm off in a condo and the police was there in 2 minutes) I guess I am back living in the ghetto of Atlanta. After being afraid, and settling down, I felt like I wanted to fight. They/He will not win. The maintenance guy will receive a letter and a gift card for helping me tonight. I regained my senses. I will continue my search for a new home. My lease is up the end of July. Up till now, I really have not had to many problems while living here. I had been warned by people to not live here, but I felt like it was the classic fear of seeing too many minorities living in one area. I needed cheap rent and it was very close(next door) to where I worked. Anyway, as the Sanford and Son episode which came on the other night I can say " I have been robbed"

East Cobb Church of Christ

I thought tonight I would blog about the current church I am attending and working for today. When I say it like that, some may think that I will leave. I don't know what the Lord has planned for me. I know I am driven by need. I think I am needed there and that I am contributing to what is happening there. This church and it's leader was there for me at a transition point where I needed many things. They welcomed me like I was a celebrity or something. I appreciated the leadership then and I do now. I have worked for many churches, and have seen many types of leaders in the shepherd's role. I appreciate their willingness to care more about the people than building and things. Are these men perfect? No! Am I perfect? No! We do get to listen to Preacher Ray! I called him Preacher Ray, because he wears many hats. I mentioned in a previous post about preacher's I enjoy listening to. As Ray reminded me that his name was not there, it really was an oversight. I enjoy hearing him preach the word each sunday because it seems so fresh. I have left (I can honestly say) many sunday feeling challenge in my faith and walk with God. He is very passionate about preaching the word of God. Ray has many hats, and I am one who is grateful that one of those is preaching at East Cobb. Ray tells me that he knows I can go and lead at any church I want, I usually have to tell him he's crazy. Not too many places can handle a worship leader like me. I love letting the spirit guide me during the planning and during the actual worship service. This has scared many preachers over the years, but Ray and many at East Cobb has encouraged me to stay the course. Keep listening to the spirit and his guidance. I am thankful for a church like East cobb that wants to see God's message spread throughtout the world. I am glad God has brought me here. I pray that God will keep me here. Like my regular ministry with GAC, I want to be a Lifer. Only God knows the timeline with that. So, to East Cobb, I say thank you and I love you! We are not perfect, but we are on the right track as long as we let the spirit guide us. TD

Who decides what songs you sing each sunday?

Who should decide what you sing each Sunday? Elders,Worship leader, Committee,members, or let say the Holy Spirit. This has been on my mind for a while, so I will blog my thoughts on the subject. I have led worship at many places and have always been amazed how people think they should pick the songs. Granted on one hand, I do get to choose the songs. I just start thinking about the Old Testament in how they people did not do it right. They worshipped the wrong thing and did not follow order. I want you to know the worship that I planned with the Holy Spirit's help is seasoned with prayer in order that we can worship in truth and spirit. This is very important to me. I problably could count on both hands the times where I got to sing what I like. Some people think that this is always the case. Believe me, It is not!

If I don't choose the songs who should? I want to build the case for all of those(I believe there are 2 of you) who read my blog, to pray for that Worship leader or song leader whatever you call it at your church. Randy Harris had spoken last week about how the taste of music of a congregation could be split in thirds. So, each song sung at your service, about 2/3rd of the people prefer another style or just plain don't like that hymn. So, if you are the worship planner(leader), you are in a no-win situation. This being the case, choose to rely on God's spirit to guide you on song selections. People will be mad no matter what! Is that biblical? I don't think so. If you look at the parable of the wedding feast taught by Jesus, he tells us to not to be first or to have it our way. The first shall be last and the last shall be first. We say we want to serve, but really we say I want to have it my way. Side note: Just because you are older does not give you the right over those who are younger. The bible even warns the young peole to not let you look down on them because they are young.

Be prayerful of that leader, if he gets it wrong(grace will still be given) or starts listening to members- how can he tell that your request is from the Holy spirit. Remember God is the audience, NOT YOU! Another sidenote: Who do you think receives the praise you are given? Who is doing all of the listening? Let me answer this one for you--GOD. I have had to tell people over the years that they are not lifting their hands for the people around them- It is to the Receiver- God. Does this mean that the worship leader should not take suggestions? No, but be careful what you ask for.

Worship is very important to me. Over the years, many have considered my style of leading worship participatory-friendly. I love when every one can sing to God without reservations. I have led in churches where new songs were discouraged and encouraged.. I have led at churches where old songs were discouraged and encouraged. I do believe in a blended service with BOTH type of songs. I don't mean do all your preferred style and then throw in one or two of the other style. I have even been a part of a work that called it balanced if we had 4 days of old style and 1 day of the new. He called that BALANCE! Are you kidding me!

I just want to praise the Lord. My prayer is that there is a church out there that will want to be led by the spirit and want their leaders to be led by the spirit. I believe when the spirit is working in a church the only boundaries are the ones we selfimpose. What do you think?

Summer Camp

I have never been to a summer camp as a child, I have always been there as a counselor or a speaker. I do have conditions if I now will attend a summer camp. Air condition is a MUST. Sleeping arrangements, don't matter to me unless there is no air condition. The summer camp I am currently working at is a day camp on our school campus. Needless to say, I am good! Air conditions abound unless I walk outside. Here are some pictures of the campers this week:

1st Political post

My good friend Jim miller has an interesting blog today. Take his survey and let me know how it came out for you. I ended up 55% Thompson. Hillary was dead last @ 28%. Have a blessed day and weekend!

Church and School

Tonight I found myself thinking about Church and school. Many of you know I work for my almater Greater Atlanta Christian. A very fine Christian institution, and tonight like every night this week I was face with a dilemna. Whether to wear shorts or not? I know this is not a big deal for many. I considered myself a visitor tonight and have seen some their own members wearing shorts. I was running late tonight returning my nephew home and running back to hear Randy tonight. I still had my shorts on, but went home anyway to change into jeans. What is appropriate to wear to services? Because many of my students attend along with their parents, I changed clothes. My norm would have been to wear what I had on and if anyone had a problem with it, it would just be their problem. I am glad I still wear whatever I want at East Cobb, but even there, some would love for me to wear a suit. I always tell those that their next worship leader will wear a suit. Anytime they are ready to find him, let me know. Suit no more, only on those occasions( funeral, wedding- where I am the groom)

I have mentioned Texas in my previous post, where I received a lecture before being hired full time as a worship minister on what is appropriate to wear not only to church but in the office setting. I don't mind dressing up, but I don't get the whole outside appearance means more than substance. Anyway, how has any of you dealt with this in your adult life? A big reason for me to love teenagers is relationship. They will tell me when my hat don't match my clothes or shoes not matching clothes. The teens don't really focus on that but the relationshi(ok, most of the time) . Why can't we as adults do that? Why did I have a dilemna tonight! I don't know! Randy was good again, but this is what was on my mind tonight. Sleep well, TerryD

Looking forward to July

This summer, I am helping with a day camp that has served me in a way to outreach to the community around the school I teach. This has been exhausting(physically)which is alright since I need the exercise, but has been very rewarding. In July, I will be taking a month off from my worship leading duties to reflect, pray, vacation, and whatever God takes me to on Sunday. I am a person who loves to travel and experience new things. I am 36, and sometimes feel like I am 66, tied to all of my different responsiblities. Tim Spivey said it well in his blog listed here http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/2068372/19030256. I am looking forward to July.

Update on Randy tonight: He presented the story on the prodigal son. Again, an excellent lesson presented like we had never heard it before. I feel like Randy, that I am like the older brother in the story, who has done all the things right and tended to those who were hurt, and then this punk comes and we throw a party for him. Randy is good! I felt very convicted tonight to give up control and see what God has planned for me. Everything I get to do is great! I wondered if I am prepared to receive the people Randy talked about tonight in the service. He mentioned worship wars of the future being more about Punk rock, rap, and etc. Are we ready for this? As a worship leader, I was challenged tonight. I was thinking tonight how nondiverse the worship team was tonight. Here is a church wanting to embrace the community but have a very lily white praise team. They have a Korean ministry, Hispanic ministry, and a meals-on-wheel for people staying in extended stay hotels- and no diversity on the praise team. This is not a cut on this church or the worship leader who I believe is awesome. He along with his team will be coming to East Cobb sunday night. So, I mentioned it here as an observation and a direct call to put up or shut up as I continue to digust Randy's lesson tonight. Randy encouraged them to go for it. Don't be afraid. Please join me in prayer not only for this church, but all christians as we think about our responsiblity and respond to Luke 15. It was a great evening. Terry

Randy Harris @ Campus Church tonight!

He was awesome as always. I am amazed everytime I hear him. I put him up there with the great preacher/speakers of my limited 36 years of life. My favorite all time speakers are( in no particular order): Randy Harris, Mike Cope, Patrick Meade, Don Mclauglin, Jeff Walling, Fred McClure, Terry Rush, Marvin Phillips, Dr. Ken Neller( The very best short preacher sermons I have ever heard)Late Bro.Reginald Dulin, Keith luttrell and Harold Washington. There are so many. Who would be in your top ten?

Date last night!

Many have asked so I will tell you about last nights date! It started out by me leaving work late to get ready for this thing. I would be driving during rush hour to pick let's say Lady W up. I should back up a little, to say I found out earlier today SHE IS 42 YEARS OLD YIKES! I know many of you would say- big deal, but it is to me. Anyway, we were going to drop by a friend of hers who's marriage is not going well. I know, I know, what are we doing here! My job was to lead a prayer after the conversation stopped. Well, after about 3 hours, I led a prayer. We went back to Downtown Atlanta and ate at an ok restaurant. Food was good, Service was good! BUT, I GOT A PARKING TICKET for an expired meter. I could not believe it because I did not see any meters around when I parked. Needless to say, I will now have to pay $10 for this oversight. It would make a better story if there would be a second date. 42! That is my latest! I will get in trouble for this, but I know she(42) is not internet savy. Ok, you can stop laughing now! TD