Blogs – what an interesting thing. Do you know where the word blog comes from? It comes from the two words web log. Kind of like the Captains log from Star Trek, which really could have been called - a clog, when you think about it. You know the one… "Captains log. Stardate 08032007. Starfleet Command has directed the Enterprise to do a preliminary exploration of planet. Scanners report the atmosphere to be breathable, but are receiving confusing readings with regard to life forms. I am beaming down with a landing party composed of all our chief officers except for Mr Spock, who is staying behind to sharpen the points of his ears and have his brows waxed."
The word blog is a portmanteau. (Now there’s something you really wanted to know.) A portmanteau is the fusing of two words together to give a combined meaning. You actually know other portmanteaus - words like spork, animatronics, ginormous, and cyborg. So, in keeping with the spirit of blog lingo, I could actually name today’s blog entry Goodaby... ok, maybe not.
The Good.
While looking back on earlier blog entries this year I was really encouraged. (Check out Discouraged but Not Defeated and Ok, Ok I’ll Blog.) I have been working very hard at getting healthy and living a balanced life. The good news is that I am making progress with my panic/anxiety stuff and (so far) have lost over 30 lbs since March. These are two areas of my life that have really needed some attention. My mental health and my physical health. I have a ways to go, but the good news is that I am making progress in areas of my life that have been suffering from lack of attention. For those of you who really like to know the secret to success when it comes to weight loss, well, don’t tell anyone but it’s… exercise and eating healthy. I know you would rather have heard it was a program, a system, a diet or a pill – but alas it is the ancient and mysterious art of discipline. As for my anxiety stuff, relief has come from doing the work that it takes to conquering irrational fears through acceptance and not resistance. Reading and applying the things I am learning have helped me to take baby steps toward peace. A phrase I like to use is "feel the fear and do it anyway." If anyone would like more specific details about what I am doing just drop me an email. Your "You Too Can Be a Winner Like Me" program will be shipped within 7 to 10 days - all at a low, low price of just 3 easy payments 39.95 a month. Operators are standing by.
The Bad.
One of the more public roles of ministry for me at Abundant Life is the leading of our worship services on Sunday. Last week I got my vocal chords scoped and the results were less than exciting. Although there were no nodules, my vocal chords were inflamed and discolored. Years of multiple services and poor vocal technique is finally catching up with me. The Dr. said that if I continue down this path I am looking at developing nodules and possible surgery. I am on two weeks of vocal rest (no singing), a course of Prednisone and a referral to a vocal coach. So… in a growing church that is open to adding additional services, more venues and alternate locations - I have to take a serious look at what my role will look like in the future. The not-so-bad thing about this is that it does force me to look at mentoring and duplication. Which, if we are serious about growth and reaching as many people as possible for Christ – that has to happen anyway. I will keep you posted.
The Baby.
As I write this my wife is in Clarksville, Tennessee - near Nashville. She is with our daughter Melea and her husband Eric as they wait for the arrival of their first child... and yes... our first grandchild. (Now that is just down right freaky to say out loud.) Grandchild. That makes me a grandfather. My mind still can’t completely embrace the whole concept. Oh well, it will happen whether or not I'm ready for it. It will be very cool. It’s just a little weird being a grandfather at 30.
Yes, there are pictures of Elijah. I will give you a link to Eric and Melea's blog rather than posting them here. Try not to be jealous.
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