A little help with a question please . . .

I’ve come across a bit of a dilemma lately, and I would be interested in your opinions to explore the issue. First of all, a little background info. Since 2007, I’ve been playing drums with the praise band at Newspring Church. It has been immensely rewarding for my playing and my spirit. The church gives me complete freedom to express myself and it has really allowed me to explore new areas of my playing.

Lately, thanks to Jesse, I’ve been offered the chance to play a few gigs outside of the church. These have been shows that are very scripted and limited in their scope, but they pay fairly well and have re-introduced me to the music scene in town. But, whenever I play these gigs, they take me away from the church.

So, after missing the last two weeks from the church for outside gigs, I have found myself dealing with this question: By taking these outside gigs and missing the church services, am I turning my back on God in favor of a ridiculously small amount of “fame and fortune?”

Delivery Deliberation

So, tonight we had the 2nd of our Birthing Classes, and we got to tour a room at Wesley's Birthing Center. It's all so surreal walking through these "rehearsals" and thinking about what's really going to happen. It's only 6 1/2 weeks until our due date, and it seems like we could be riding to the hospital at any moment. We actually realized today that we need to start putting together our "baby bag."

I just sat there in the room staring at the cradle-thingy where Evie will sleep. All I could do was imagine her laying there right after she was born. I still have no idea how all of these things like labor and delivery and raising a daughter are going to work. All I know is that God is working a miracle in our lives right now and that he'll make sure everything works out. Good thing he's in control, 'cause I have no clue what I'm doing!

Let's argue this out . . .

I just started doing some in-depth study of Isaiah and I've found it really interesting. Right off the bat I found a verse that just floored me a little. Check out Isaiah 1:18. I think it's really amazing to think that the God of the universe wants to sit down with me and reason out my sins. The Message even says "let's argue this out." How amazing is that? Most non-believers think of God as a cosmic killjoy dictator that makes various arbitrary demands on us. In truth, the opposite is the case. God is a loving Father that is looking out for us and wants us to know him and understand his ways and his love.

That's awesome!

Parental Duty #1: Complete!

Well, the nursery is starting to take shape. Thanks to Lance & Jenny for the swing and exer-saucer. Thanks also go to Grandpa Flick for the hand-made cradle and high chair.

But now we've finally added something of our own. Tonight we put together Evie's crib! Isn't it nice looking! It was actually pretty easy to put together - we only had to redo two steps! That's a new record for us!

It's getting closer and it's getting more and more real all the time. We've started planning our time-off from work and how we're going to manage our other obligations. Very soon we'll start making plans for birthing classes and tours of the birthing center.

I can't believe we're getting this close. I can't believe I'm really gonna be a daddy.

She looks just like Mommy!

Is it just me, or does she look worried? I mean, I would be if I had me for a dad, but she's starting kind of early ain't she? And don't oeven ask why she's trying to kick herself in the head!

What Is It All About?

I hear so many people in the world who are grumpy this time of year. Maybe it's the economy, or the stress of shopping, or just the pressure to be happy. But I can't help but feel that it all comes down to those people not knowing what the season is all about. So let's pose the question. What is Christmas all about?

It's simple, really. And we've had a little boy with a blue blankey telling us for 43 years now. So here it is. The best explanation of what Christmas is all about that I've heard so far:



And now for something completely different, just for fun (be patient, it has it's moments)

Prophetic headlines

Over the past couple of months, I have compiled several articles that have prophetic implications. Check these out:

One World Government

• G20 nears deal for global oversight of banks, Financial Post, 11/14/08
• U.S. Could Take Stakes in Big 3, Wall Street Journal, 12/8/08
• And now for a world government, Financial Times, 12/8/08
  

One World Religion

• World asked to help craft online charter for religious harmony, American Free Press, 11/14/08

War of Gog & Magog

• The death of OPEC, MSN Money, 9/11/2008, note the alliances mentioned.

Rebuilding of Babylon

• Can ancient Babylon be restored? ABC News, 11/12/2008
  

Matthew 24:31-33 (New International Version)

And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door."