I See Dating People

So, on Sunday evening while I was nursing a "Love It" size dish of mint ice cream with Heath Bar mix-ins at Cold Stone Creamery, I discovered that a couple of my friends were dating.

(If you are wondering who they are, don't ask. I will wait for them to out themselves here on this blog. I'm pretty sure that it is not a secret, but if I were to share their names, you would focus more on them and not on the story. And since this is my blog, I need you to pay attention to me. OK?)

Back to Cold Stone ...

I sat there in disbelief -- not about the fact that they are dating (which I think is great), but about the fact that I did not know. How could this have happened? How did this get by me? How was this inner-looper SO far out of the loop?

And then images started coming back to me. Images from the past few days of my life. Random images of moments that nearly went unnoticed or unquestioned at the time, but which suddenly carried great significance and meaning. Everything was beginning to make sense -- and I didn't even realize that everything didn't make sense to me to begin with!

I was living out the closing scene from The Sixth Sense.

With this new awareness of my friends' relationship, the last few days of my life flashed before my eyes -- eyes which now had the benefit of 20/20 vision ...

• so that's why he came to home team for the first time in a very long time (I thought it was some sort of spiritual awakening)
• so that's why she was at our class event one hour early (I thought she may have read the class calendar incorrectly)
• so that's why she called him for directions to the restaurant on Sunday (I thought she just called somebody whom she knew was going)
• so that's why they sat next to each other at dinner and held hands (I thought ... well, I'm not really sure what I thought about that)

Now my senses are more refined. They are more sensitive to dating people lurking among us. You may or may not notice them. In fact, many people have come to believe that they do not exist at all. But trust me when I tell you that they do. I should know ... I've seen them!

A Very Special Delivery

I've been waiting to post about this until the story had fully unfolded ... and it finally has!

As some of you know, I mailed a package to Ricky in India last week. This was something that I had put off for quite a while, to be honest with you -- not knowing how best to mail it, and not knowing what would be best to send to my brother on the other side of the world.

I finally got my act together and rounded up some things to ship. Among the contents were Daily in His Presence by Andrew Murray (the HFBC daily devotional for 2006), a book about prayer, a book about the Christian faith, some prayer guides from Pray The Word Ministries (praying for your local church and for your pastor), and copies of HFBC's Ekklesia magazine (Missions 2006) in which I mention in an article that Ricky prayed for me while I was in Guatemala last May.

To send the package certified -- so I could track it and verify that it arrived -- would have cost more than $100. Thanks, but no thanks. The cheapest route would have taken up to 2 or 3 months for it to arrive (yes, 2 or 3 months). So, I opted for the middle of the road option and paid about $43 to get it there in 4-8 business days.

I have to tell you that when I went to the Post Office at West Gray and Dunlavy, God provided me with a Christian postal worker -- Shirley. Since I showed up with my stack of contents and no box, she saw the titles of the books I was sending. Shirley's face lit up -- and the encouraging words started to flow!

She said how grateful she was to see a "young man" (that's me -- YOUNG!) with Christian literature and material. I told her the story about Ricky -- my brother on the other side of the world in India. I think it became Shirley's mission in that moment to do all she could to make sure that that package got to Ricky. We spent about 15 minutes looking over the options, ensuring that we had the address formatted the right way, weighing the pros and cons of each delivery method -- while she periodically quoted scripture and prayed over the package!

(Apparently, Shirley was going to retire last year, but God told her to "be still" and to stay at the Post Office. He wasn't done with her yet, she said. I'm so glad that He wasn't!)

Well, I received an e-mail from Ricky today. The package arrived! Here's what he had to say:

"JA MASIH KI, brother. Its like a dream coming true. Thanking you very much I received your package yesterday (31th, March). I cant express my joyness. This is a first time I got a mail from foreign. More than me my parents were waiting for your mail. All the peoples of my street gathered to see your mail. My grandmother was blessing you. I will distribute your magazine, but unlucky noone will be able to read and just see pictures given in it. Brother, you should have given my picture in magazine. You have increased my and mine parents respect by mentioning my name in the magazine. Thanks very much for the package."

I would appreciate your prayers as I continue to encourage Ricky in his faith from the other side of the world through e-mail. Also, please pray that he is able to make the most of the materials I provided him. He has some understanding of English, although I am not sure how skilled he is. Pray that the Spirit is able to give him the understanding that he needs! Finally, please pray that Ricky and his family (and the people in his village) are not focused on me and the package I sent, but rather on God and the Gift that He has given us all!

This week, I'm going back to the Post Office to tell Shirley that the package arrived. I told her that I would!

Build it and they will chat

One of my new favorite websites is the Houston Architecture Info Forum.

I am a sucker for new developments here in H-Town. I love to hear about 'em and to watch 'em go up. As a kid, I wanted to be an architect (not just to pretend to be one, but to actually be one). But when I learned that math and science were involved, those plans changed.

The best part of the website? The forums. You'll find inside scoops from folks who are "in the know" about such things. Here's one of the best ones concerning the southwest corner of Kirby and Westheimer. Sure looks better than Jalepenos and a gas station! But with hundreds of high-rent-paying-inner-loopers right across the street, the wait at Chuy's may get a lot worse! iAdios mios!

Tearing Down Walls In More Ways Than One

Thanks for your prayers for Bob. I want to share with you an e-mail that I received from him today:

"Hi, thank you for your card. Im so sorry for what happened to the wall and at the same time I am very grateful that I was not seriously hurt, not even a scratch. I was not aware that I came out in the news. What did channel 2 say? Can you give me some information about that? Anyway............yes I would love some information about your services. I will not be going any time soon though, but I will go..........I just need some time. I know God has something for me and he is going to do it the easy way or hard way. I just need some time to get my life in order. Thanks again for sending me a card instead of a bill for the wall. Please keep me in your prayers, I really do need them alot."

In my reply to Bob (again, not his real name), I talked about "walls" that we build up in our lives that prevent us from having a closer relationship with God. I commented on the symbolism of his crashing into a wall -- and one at a church, too! It reminded me of how God chipped away at the walls in my life -- but that He just may be doing it more dramatically in Bob's life!

As I was typing my reply, Stephen Curtis Chapman's "Great Expectations" was playing on my radio. I was reminded of how that song ministered to me so much, especially not long after the "walls" had come down in my life. So, I quickly googled and shared the lyrics with Bob in my e-mail, too.

I offered to take Bob to lunch or dinner sometime with some other friends of mine. Please pray that he would be open to connecting more -- if not in person, then at least through e-mail. More importantly, pray for his heart to be softened and in tune with what God may be showing him.

Prayer for "Bob"

Please say a prayer for the guy who ran into our wall here at HFBC. For his sake, I'll just refer to him as Bob. (No, "Bob" is not his name.)

I'm sending him a card just to say that we are thinking about and praying for him. I also invited him and his family to come visit our church -- and promised that we would have an actual parking space available for him!

He's a young guy in his early 20s and lives on the other side of town. That's all I know about the guy (other than his real name). Since the scene had been cleared by the time I arrived that morning, I did not get a chance to meet him.

Anyway, say a prayer for him, please. Particularly, pray that the message in the card would be well-received. More importantly, pray for freedom from any circumstances in his life that may have led him to have that accident.

Who needs Pottery Barn?

My latest office decor ...

It's A Sign

My cell phone went off around 4:25 a.m. last Friday. Miraculously, I actually heard it. Truth be told, I think that the first call stirred me a little and it was the beeping of a new text message that finally raised me from a dead sleep.

The missed call and the text message were both from Priscilla Kwan, a friend of mine who is a reporter with KPRC Channel 2. She needed me to give her a call ASAP regarding an "accident" at HFBC. Not knowing what to expect -- and somewhat fearing the details -- I gave her a call.

Priscilla explained that a pick-'em-up truck had slammed into the "Houston's First Baptist Church" sign at the base of the tower along the I-10 feeder road. She asked if I could come up there for a live interview. I was to be the "spokesperson" for the church.

Now, I'm not sure if she tells all of her interviewees this when she wakes them up and summons them to the scene in the wee hours of the morning, but Priscilla specifically said, "Don't take a shower. Just comb your hair and come!"

Uh ... right.

So as the minutes ticked by -- closer and closer to the live 5:00 a.m. broadcast -- I frantically began to get ready for my first public statement on behalf of HFBC. My first project was my hair. Even if my head were small enough to wear a hat, I'm not sure that would have been the look I would've gone with. Instead, I stuck my head in the shower to wet down the Einsteinian morning mess and then towel-dried the life out of it. Just slap on some product and the hair project was set.

My second project was my clothes. The first couple of shirts that caught my eye had horizontal stripes. With God's mercy, I had the presence of mind to calculate the impact of horizontal stripes in front of a camera notorious for adding 10 pounds. Tragedy averted. Then, my eyes fell on my 2005 Houston Project t-shirt ("pray for more") and the clothing project was concluded.

My third project was to notify friends and family. Driving through Memorial Park, I managed to text friends (or at least the ones spiritually mature enough to forgive me for a pre-5:00 a.m. message) and asked for their prayers. (Thanks to those who replied!) Then, I called Mom and Dad. I hate calling the folks at odd hours because I know that from the time they hear the first ring until the time I can explain that I am not dead, every conceivable horrific scenario goes through their minds. Bless their hearts (literally).

It was an eerie sight when I arrived at HFBC only 28 minutes after getting the call. There in the pre-dawn fog and unflattering street lights were Priscilla, Steve (the camera guy) and a pile of shattered bricks. The cops, ambulance, tow-truck and suspect had already cleared the scene. Priscilla was told that the driver of the truck suffered only "bumps and bruises" -- no serious injuries at all. Police suspect alcohol may have been involved. Please lift up this unnamed man in a prayer.

We did a live segment a little after 5:00 a.m. and then did combo live/pre-recorded segments at 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. You can see one of the segments on the Channel 2 website.

Since I started working at HFBC in early February, I have slowly been getting my office set up and arranged. Friday morning provided me with unique and unexpected decorations. On the top of my desk's hutch, I now have mementos from my first "crisis" at work -- portions of the brick wall and the large letter H. It's a sign of a special moment in my new career here. More importantly, it's a sign that the church is more than the bricks around us. The Lord's work keeps on going!

My Unexpected Day At The Spa

While hundreds of genuine and wannabe cowboys made their way down Memorial Drive from Memorial Park to downtown for the rodeo parade last Saturday, I passed by them on the way to the spa perfectly secure in my masculinity. The fact that I was using a gift certificate -- and not paying for this on my own -- gave me further comfort as I compared my plans for the day with those of the guys clomping along on horseback facing the cold and rainy elements.

The leadership team of The Shed class at Houston's First Baptist Church gave me a gift certificate to a spa when I stepped down as director last September to teach The Real Deal. They know me so well.

So finally, I made an appointment and went in for my day of pampering last Saturday. I signed up for the Chairman's Retreat which included a massage, manicure, pedicure, facial, haircut -- and "spa lunch" (which is spaspeak for "girl food").

When I made the appointment, the kind lady asked me what I would want for lunch that day. I opted for the chicken salad sandwich since BBQ ribs were not an option. She asked what I would want to drink and I asked for a Coke. I said, "I realize that a real Coke may not go with the whole concept of a 'spa lunch' but if you try to slip a Diet Coke on me, you can count on my throwing a spa tantrum." I got my Coke.

My day at the spa did not quite go as I had expected.

Keep in mind that most patrons are women, and most are not there for hours worth of pampering. They are in-and-out for either a manicure or a haircut or a pedicure ... or whatever else women get done to themselves. Therefore, they come in in their normal clothes and stay in their normal clothes.

I, on the other hand, had five "treatments" lined up. This elevated me to a whole other level of spa patron -- the partially dressed level. Upon arriving at the spa, I had to change into a robe, a pair of drawstring pants and a cheap pair of flip-flops. As I was escorted around the spa from one station to another (with resting stops in between appointments in the men's "holding room"), there I was in my spa get-up amidst women in their normal clothes.

I felt like Mrs. Roper in her muumuu on Three's Company.

Anyway ... back to the unexpected day at the spa. Here it is in a nutshell ...

• Pedicurist was a Christian woman who attends Second Baptist. She's friends with an HFBC staff member who provides her with Bibles in different languages so she can distribute them to the different women who work at the spa. And she loves Beth Moore.
• Masseuse was a Christian woman who attends Lakewood Church. Did not get to talk to her much given the circumstances (nearly being asleep during the massage).
• Manicurist was an Asian woman. My assumption is that she is one of the women to whom Pedicurist has been reaching out to with the Bibles.
• Hair guy asked me what "religion" I was when I told him I worked for my church. I said that I was Christian and attended a Baptist church. He said that he was Baptist, too, but did not attend a church. I invited him to visit my Sunday Bible study. Pray for him, please.
• Facial lady was widowed last year. When it came up that I worked at a church, she asked about opportunities for women in her situation. God gave me some names of other widows her age in our church and I've followed up with a few of them this week in hopes of making a connection. And she loves Beth Moore, too.

Finally, the front desk manager introduced herself to me during one of my layovers in the men's "holding room." She recognized me as a new staff member at HFBC. Turns out, she and her husband teach a Sunday Bible study there. When I checked out at the end of the day (six hours after I arrived), we compared notes on all of the "divine appointments" that I had during my spa day. Plans were made for her to continue where I left off with hair guy, and we talked about ways to minister to facial lady.

I left my day at the spa with opened pores, buffed nails, relaxed muscles and manageable hair. But I also left -- unexpectedly -- reminded that ministry opportunities are all around us if we take the time to stop, look and listen to others.

Right And Wrong Is Black And White -- or Gray?

Let me be honest ... I am totally stealing this from a friend of mine who sent it out via e-mail. My friend does not have a blog, so I'm taking liberty to add it to mine. But my friend gets all the credit. However, since my friend refers to a "client" I do not want to reveal my friend's identity.

--------------------------

I was just reading an excerpt from a client's "core values" statement, which is probably fairly similar to many of corporate America's value statements. Under integrity, it says "There are no gray areas between right and wrong."

And I got to thinking - (I don't have a blog so this is my version) - that statement is totally contradictory to many Americans' personal views. But somehow when you bring the concept of right and wrong into the workplace, there's a different standard than when it refers to your personal life. But the workplace is obviously made up of these individuals who apply the gray concept to many personal moral issues - so how can the 2 coexist??

Interesting.

U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!

Check out this screen capture from the NBC Olympics website.

I think it's safe to say that NBC and Coca-Cola are more than just a little biased toward the good ol' US of A when it comes to coverage of the Olympics.

I mean ... wow.

Support Dee

Many of you know Susan Mayoli -- a wonderful Christian sister here in the singles ministry at Houston's First Baptist Church. One of Susan's sisters in Kenya -- Dee -- is battling breast cancer.

We've set up a special blog containing e-mail updates from Dee sent over the past few months. What an incredible spirit this woman has! Not all of the e-mails have been posted yet (it's a work in progress). And now, Dee and Susan have been given access to the blog so they may be posting their own posts soon.

The blog is simply called Support Dee. I've put a link to it over there in the right margin under "My other blogs ..." so you can easily get to it at anytime.

Please keep Dee in your prayers, and be sure to post any encouraging words you may have for her on the blog!

Open For Business

For those of you who frequent the halls of Houston's First Baptist Church, you are welcome to drop by my office now anytime! I am located on the 2nd floor in the Education Suite right in the middle of the "Hall Of Pastors" -- between B. F. Riley and Joseph Leonard Gross. If you know where the Connection Center is on the 1st floor, we are basically right above that.

Being a sucker for history and heritage, I did some quick googling on the two men mentioned above. I've come up short on information about Dr. Gross. However, the caption under his picture here in the hallway says that the idea for the Star of Hope mission began during a prayer meeting in his office. He was also active in the founding of the Baptist Hospital, which later became the Memorial Hospital System and is now the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System.

My googling was more productive for B. F. Riley. Here's an excerpt from an article in the Baptist Standard commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 1900 hurricane in Galveston:

The building of First Baptist Church of Houston was destroyed. Pastor B.F. Riley had come to the church only a week earlier. At the time, the church had a membership of about 575 and a building valued at $37,000.

In the Sept. 13 Baptist Standard, Riley reported that wind and rain battered Houston and his church for 10 to 12 hours.

"Houses are demolished, and the streets are barricaded with beams, bricks and stones, trees, telegraph poles and wires," he wrote. "Among the wrecked buildings is the Baptist church. The steeple in falling carried away the whole south end of the building. The remainder is practically useless for service. Our people have suffered severely. ... I have never seen more universal desolation."

At the time, First Baptist Church of Houston was the largest in Union Baptist Association, which then listed 27 churches and covered a vast area, including Galveston.

An Extraordinary Life

I wanted to share a few moments from Marge Caldwell's memorial service today. These are some of the highlights that really stuck out to me:

• Dr. John Bisagno, HFBC Pastor Emeritus, led the Welcome and Remembrances. He said that when Marge got to heaven, they tried to give her some wings to reward her for her years of service -- but she turned those down and asked, "Could I have those gold eyelashes instead?"
  
  He reminded us that Marge served on two Pastor Search Committees at HFBC -- the one that brought us Bro. John and the one that brought us Pastor Gregg. When Marge showed up in heaven, he said, her daughter probably greeted her and asked, "What now, Mom? Looking for another pastor?"
  
  Bro. John pointed out that while everybody referred to her as Marge, Chuck called her Margie. Then, he led us all in singing the song, "Margie" written over 60 years ago:
  
  Margie, I'm always thinking of you, Margie
  I'll tell the world I love you
  Don't forget your promise to me
  I have thought of home and ring and everything.
  
  For Margie, you've been my inspiration
  Days are never blue
  After all is said and done there is really only one
  And Margie, Margie it's you.
  
  Finally, Bro. John was joined on stage by his wife, Uldine, and they sang a duet for Chuck -- "Walkin' along, singin' a song, side by side!"
  
  
• Jeannette Clift George, founder of A. D. Players, spoke about "An Extraordinary Friend." She shared how Marge was instrumental in bringing her back into the Christian life and how for so long she tried to be just like Marge. At one conference, Jeannette said she caught herself telling people about her beloved husband, Chuck! Jeannette encouraged us to have a "Marge day" -- to live out Hebrews 13:3 and "encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today."
  
  
• Beth Moore, Bible teacher and author, spoke about "An Extraordinary Mentor." Marge was the person who first invited Beth to speak at a women's retreat, and encouraged her -- many times -- to pursue teaching and speaking. She pointed out that she had not lived one day of her ministry without Marge being in her life -- until now.
  
  Toward the end of the service, when the slide show was playing, Beth went down and sat with Chuck on the front steps of the Worship Center so he could see the show up close on the monitor. I could see them whispering things to each other as each new picture came up -- and laughing more than a few times, too.
  
  
• Gregg Matte, HFBC Pastor, delivered the message. He pointed out that there were many funerals going on throughout the city today, and most of them would focus on the "who" -- who the person was. Marge's memorial service helped us understand the "why" behind "who" she was -- her relationship with Jesus Christ.
  
  Gregg said that when he first began to think about this service, he was drawn to Psalm 116:15, which says, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." But as he prepared, he turned the page of his Bible and saw Psalm 118:13-14:
  
  I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me.
  The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
  
  Gregg shared how Marge had been "pushed back" so many times in her life -- including the final weeks of her life. But just as she had helped so many people, the LORD helped her -- and she knew it.
  
  Finally, Gregg shared that in recent weeks, the HFBC Counseling Center staff met and talked about what they were looking forward to in 2006. Marge, a member of the staff, shared that she wanted to become more like Jesus. Referring to how much Marge already looked so much like Christ, Gregg asked us, "What could Marge possibly share in an accountability group?" When Marge told her husband Chuck her goal for 2006, he wisely advised her that that would mean she would have to endure more suffering. Shortly after that, they were in the car wreck.
  
  So not only did he talk about the "why" behind the "who," but he explained the "how" as well, presenting the Gospel message and inviting people to come and talk with any of the folks on the stage after the service.
  
  
• Following a slide show set to Mark Schultz's "Remember Me", Bro. John closed us in prayer and then had everybody to reach across the aisles and hold hands as we sang, "Sweet, Sweet Spirit" -- a former tradition at the end of each service at HFBC:
  
  There's a sweet sweet spirit in this place
  And I know that it's the spirit of the Lord
  
  There are sweet expressions on each face
  And I know that it's the presence of the Lord
  
  Sweet Holy Spirit
  Sweet heavenly dove
  Stay right here with us
  Filling us with your love
  
  And for these blessings
  We lift our hearts in praise
  Without a doubt we'll know that we have been revived
  When we shall leave this place

If anybody else reading this attended the service, feel free to share the moments that you remember! I know there were many, many more!

Kiefer Sutherland Will Not Die

Watching 24 on Fox is a ride like none other on TV. Even though I have only seen the first season (on DVD), I can attest to the (literally) minute-by-minute roller-coaster of a ride that the show is. Plot twists. Double agents. Accidents. Bad guys behind every corner. You never know what is going to happen next.

But there is one thing that you do know. Kiefer Sutherland will not die.

Kiefer plays Jack Bauer, the star of the show. Each season, for 24 hours, we follow him through the minute-by-minute action of one horrific scenario. Presidential assassinations. Nuclear bombs. Terrorists threats. He has dealt with all of them (and more).

But Kiefer Sutherland will not die.

Why? Because he is the star of the show. As I watched the show on DVD with some friends, you could feel the tension in the room each time Kiefer was in a sticky situation. Chalk it up to great writing and production -- we were on the edge of our seats.

But Kiefer Sutherland will not die.

I guess the same could be said about James Bond films ... or anything starrring Harrison Ford. We know 007 isn't gonna get knocked off, and Harrison's whole career is based on being the tough guy who comes out on top. There is great freedom in knowing that. Your focus switches from being worried about the star to being thrilled by the story.

That's what the Christian life is like, too.

We know how the story ends. While we will actually die a physical death, as believers we know where we are going. There is nothing to fear! We will not truly die! Our focus switches (or should switch) from being worried about our lives to being thrilled by the story -- the eternal story unfolding around us each day, minute-by-minute. Talk about freedom!

The next time your find yourself dwelling on your self, remember this -- Kiefer Sutherland will not die!

Tribute to Marge

The HFBC Counseling Center has posted a great tribute to Marge on the HFBC website. Be sure to check it out!

Services for Marge

The Caldwell family will be having a private family burial for Marge at some point this week.

The visitation is on Thursday at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home (13001 Katy Freeway) from 5-9 pm. The memorial service will be in the HFBC Worship Center on Friday at 12 noon. The memorial service is open to the public.

Her obituary can be found in the Houston Chronicle, along with a Guest Book where people have already begun to post comments about what Marge meant to them -- as well as messages for Chuck.

I Can Only Imagine!

My first day on staff at Houston's First Baptist Church was Marge Caldwell's last day on Earth.

There is something poetic in that for me.

As a freshman at Baylor University, I was introduced to Marge when she spoke during Welcome Week as the keynote speaker for the "Social" general session.

(For those not familiar with Welcome Week, it was based on the concept of the whole person with the theme verse of Luke 2:42 -- "Jesus grew in wisdom (intellectual) and stature (physical), and in favor with God (spiritual) and men (social).")

For the next three years, I always looked forward to Marge returning to Waco to tell us about her love for Chuck, how they met, and the importance of relationships in our lives. That an elderly woman could have 2,500+ freshmen wrapped around her little finger simply amazed me.

My senior year, I served on the Welcome Week Steering Committee and had the privilege of taking Marge and Chuck to dinner before her general session. What an amazing couple! My parents were there and they still remember that dinner -- the one and only time my folks ever met the Caldwells.

Marge's joy and love for Christ encouraged me each time I heard her speak during my years at Baylor, and again each time I heard her speak during my years here at HFBC. Since I was always skeptical of large churches -- and even the Baptist denomination -- I was reluctant to ever come to HFBC. The fact that someone like Marge Caldwell called this place home made it more inviting to me. Something must be real at HFBC, I thought, if someone like her could call it home.

As I type this, Mercy Me's hit song "I Can Only Imagine" is on the radio. What is Marge doing right now? Dancing? Being still? Standing? Falling? Singing? Silent?

I can only imagine ... but if I were a betting man, my money would be on dancing ... and laughing!

My First Day

My first day at Houston's First Baptist Church was February 6. Thanks for your prayers as I've walked through the process of starting this new job -- rather, this new ministry. It's great to work at a place where you are prayed over three times before noon on your first day!

I am in a temporary office with a temporary laptop and do not have too much work to do just yet other than getting to know my team and how things work -- which is plenty of work in and of itself! After 8 years at HFBC, I know a good number of the staff members already. Learning how we all work together and what my role is in the mix -- that's another story.

When I logged on to my church e-mail account today for the first time, I had 128 items in my inbox. Since today is just my second day, I was leary of e-mail traffic that rivaled both of my last two jobs -- combined! But, as it turns out, my e-mail was added to the church staff distribution list weeks ago so those 128 e-mails were 3 weeks' worth of traffic. Not bad.

For those of you who attend HFBC, let me say this ... even in just the two days that I've been here, I have been tremendously blessed by the warmth of the other staff members, the excitement and passion they have about their jobs, and the desire they have to make improvements where needed (especially as it relates to communications). As a lay member, I've always had great respect for our church staff. Now, from a "behind the scenes" viewpoint, it's great to see just how well-deserved that respect truly is!

My Last Day

My last day of making cancer history at M. D. Anderson was January 27. Thanks to all of you who prayed for me that day so I wouldn't "lose it" like I thought I would. No tears were shed on my part, but there were a few from my co-workers. And I have to admit that I choked up as I walked out of the building for the last time. M. D. Anderson is a phenomenal place and I had the privilege or working with a talented and fun team.

For my "farewell" party, co-workers really went all out. In the background, there was a slide show of pictures from throughout the past few years, accompanied by well-selected music. My co-workers had picked up on things I had said in the last few weeks and built a "soundtrack" for the occasion with songs I liked or that had special meaning -- such as "Hail To The Chief" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" and "We Got The FUnk" and more.

For food, there were two bowls of punch -- one gold and one green (Sic 'Em Bears!). The cake was red, white and blue and was set up in front of the "SWM 2008" poster from my surprise birthday party in 2003 (which I had kept in my office ever since).

For a memento, they had people sign a book or send in stories or well wishes that they compiled into a scrapbook for me. Not knowing they were going to do that, I brough my white labcoat for people to sign -- the labcoat that I kept in my office and threatened to put on any time I needed respect or authority. (That's a "hospital thing" if you don't get the joke.)

So ... my last day was a good day. Until the last 10 minutes.

As I was finishing up the mass-deletion of files and programs off my laptop, I accidentally deleted several important folders -- not just files, but folders filled with files. It was about 6:00 pm on a Friday when this happened, so everybody else had already left for the weekend. So, on Monday, as I was on the road to my "pre-sabbatical" in the Hill Country, I called the tech guy and asked if we had a backup of the files. We did. Thank God. My reputation was spared!

Doodle #1

Here's a doodle from Monica Roberts.

Great Things

My head hangs low today, my friends, in shame and disgrace.

January 20, 2006, has come and gone and I forgot to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Ronald Wilson Reagan's inauguration.

Can you forgive me?

While we're on the subject of Reagan, let me share one of my favorite quotes of his. He spoke these words in his final address to the nation from the Oval Office on January 11, 1989:

"I wasn't a great communicator, but I communicated great things."

I take those words to heart as I begin my new role at HFBC. God is doing great things in our church. I think all of us who go there can attest to that! What a joy it will be to have "great things" to communicate -- to have "great things" that almost speak for themselves!

Doodle Time!

If you were like me as a child, you used to pass time away in church by doodling on the bulletin. And now, if you are like me as a grown up, you are actually interested in hearing the message each Sunday and are focused on trying to write down each thought and nugget of truth.

Therefore, you have no time for doodling on Sundays.

Well, now's your chance. If you attended HFBC this past Sunday and did not get a chance to doodle, simply right click on the picture above, copy it, paste it into Microsoft PowerPoint or Photo Editor, print it out, and doodle your heart out. Glasses, hats, warts -- the sky's the limit. Consider it my gift to you.

When you're done, e-mail your doodlings back to me so I can share 'em with others.

And for those you who like to know "the rest of the story," here's the original picture taken with Dinah (and Dave) at Dustin and Megan's wedding reception.

"The End of The Spear"

A friend forwarded the following e-mail to me and asked me to put it on my blog. I am flattered to think that my blog came to mind as a way to help reach 100,000 people! ;-)

But before you read the e-mail or see the movie, I wanted to bring up another point that may go unnoticed by most media. The actor cast as Nate Saint (martyred in the movie) and Steve Saint (his son who maintains a ministry with the Waodani tribe) is Chad Allen, an openly homosexual activist.

Now, I am not bringing this up in an attempt to turn people against the film -- not at all. Rather, I think it offers an interesting item for discussion for believers. What impact, if any, will his involvement in the film have on its message? For an editorial on this topic, refer to this article I found by doing a simple Google search.

OK ... so, here's the e-mail:

========================

A major film, called End Of The Spear, opens today, January 20. It depicts the effects of the Grace of God in very powerful and spectacular ways.

The story begins in 1956, when five Christian missionaries (Jim Elliot was among them) gave their lives in an Ecuadorian jungle, attempting to bring the gospel to the Waodani stone-age people. At that time they were the most violent tribe on Earth – and yet they became the most loving and peaceful!

The missionaries made friendly contact, but something went terribly wrong. The Waodani speared them to death. A tragedy? Yes, but God turns everything to good, for the blessing of many and for His glory, and this was no exception. God used this tragedy to motivate more people to become missionaries than any other event in modern history – perhaps ever. He also used two women to complete the work of the five martyred missionaries, bringing the Waodani to himself.

So the deaths of those five men did more to advance the kingdom of God than their lives ever could.

It is a major motion picture (production cost $12 million) that tells the story of God's Grace from the perspective of the Waodoni. Beginning today, End Of The Spear will be shown in theaters across the United States. If it does well it will be accepted by many other theaters, but it must do well right from the start. We can help make the film do well. We can work together to get at least 100,000 people to see the film on January 20th.

How? Very simple. This e-mail is going to hundreds of addresses, many in America. Our connections are endless! So, if each of us were to pass this e-mail on to just 10 others (some can share it with hundreds!), and each of them did the same, our goal of getting 100,000 people to see the film on January 20 would be reached easily -- and likely greatly surpassed!

Just forward this e-mail to 10 caring friends. Let's make End Of The Spear a great success! To learn more about the film visit: http://www.daretomakecontact.com/

========================

Extreme Makeover: H-Town Edition

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is in H-Town this week building a much-needed home for a much-deserving family.

The picture here shows the Kubena family -- John and Monica (on the left) and their identical twins, Sara and Tara. Both girls are battling Leukemia and are being treated at H-Town's own Texas Children's Hospital.

Unfortunately, all of the volunteer slots are taken. But there are still ways to help out if you're interested -- especially financially. The goal is to raise $150,000 to help cover the family's medical bills.

(OK, so East Bernard ain't exactly H-Town and is located outside more loops than I care to count. But it's closer to H-Town than Dallas, so we win.)

Flingin' My Green And Gold Afar

At HFBC on January 15, Pastor Gregg pointed out that the First Edition was printed in burnt orange in honor of the Longhorns' national championship. Being the devout Aggie that he is, he pointed out that he had nothing to do with the color choice. As pastor of the church, he does not micromanage down to the color of ink used in our weekly newsletter -- and rightfully so.

This week's First Edition is in maroon ink. It features an announcement about three new HFBC staff members -- myself included. With pictures, no less.

Me in maroon. Yes, I went to A&M for graduate school, but to this day I still have no idea where my diploma is. I remember seeing it last at my parents' house at some point rolled up in the tube it came in. A&M is a great school (yes, I said it), but my loyalties lie up the road about 90 miles at dear ol' Baylor.

So, beginning February 6, you can expect to see the First Edition in green. A lot. Sic 'em!

Do You Get It?

Some people categorize their friends like they categorize clothes. I have my good weather dress shoes and my rainy weather dress shoes. I have my normal pants and, um, -- let's just say my "new normal" pants.

For the most part, I have used late-night TV to categorize my friends. I have those who prefer Leno and those who prefer Letterman. Of course, I'm not sure which host all of my friends actually prefer. But when the truth comes to light, I file away that nugget of information for future use.

Now I have a new method of categorization: those who get "The Office" and those who do not.

I understand that there is a difference between liking it and getting it. I know people who get it, but do not like it. I am OK being seen with these people in public, even though they make me sad. But I also know people who do not like it because they do not get it. I am not OK with these folks. They trouble me.

I have heard rumors of people who do not get it but who actually like it. Do they know that they do not get it, but continue to watch it in hopes of figuring it out? Or do they not even know that they do not get it and are simply attracted to the show for reasons other than the humor? If you happen to be one of these people, let me know. I want to study you.

If you are a friend of mine and are reading this, let me reassure you -- I do not use these categorizations to judge your value as a person. They simply give me guidance on how best to communicate with you.

For example, I can interact with those who prefer Letterman and who get "The Office" much like a husband and wife who have been married for 47 years. A simple glance and a well-timed "uh-huh" can convey more meaning than an hour's worth of dialogue. When talking with someone who prefers Leno and who does not get "The Office", I try to speak slowly, use small words and keep my jokes on the 2nd grade level.

It would help me out a great deal if you could let me know how best to categorize you. Regarding "The Office" on NBC, which of the following best describes you?

(A) Get it / Like it
(B) Get it / Don't like it
(C) Don't get it / Like it
(D) Don't get it / Don't like it

Marathon Sunday

The list of spiritual lessons to be learned from running a marathon is long and well-known. God showed me many of them when I ran the Houston marathon several years ago, and they have remained with me ever since. Run the race marked out for you. Keep your eyes on the prize. You've heard 'em all before.

Well, I ran in the marathon again yesterday.

Notice, I did not say that I ran the marathon. I ran in the marathon. In fact, I ran in it three times -- once with Ross Culbertson, once with Lincoln Goodwin and once with Julie Abrahams as they each passed by mile marker 22 near my house.

And again, God used the moment for spiritual lessons and illustrations. But these were new ones for me since I saw the marathon from a different point of view.

I ran with Ross for about a quarter mile at the most. As I was running with him, I was encouraging him and asking him how he was feeling. He was doing great. Then, he asked me how I was doing and told me that I was looking good! Me -- the guy who had only been running for 2 minutes. After about 3 minutes, I wished him well and bowed out of the race.

When Lincoln came along, I jumped back into the race to run with him. I played the role of "encouraging friend" again as we went along for a little over a quarter mile (now that I was warmed up, I could go farther). Like Ross, he gave me feedback on how I was doing in my 4 minute contribution to his 4+ hour journey.

Then came Julie. We had received word from a friend that she was not having a good run, but when she reached our cheering section she was in good spirits. Several of us jumped in to run with her and to do our best to encourage her. We followed her lead -- running when she ran, walking when she walked. Having run a marathon before, I understand how well-intentioned friends may be toward the end of the race when they do their best to get you to pick up the pace. And I know how annoying that can be. With Julie, we just followed her pace.

So what did this illustrate to me? What lessons were learned or reinforced? I'm glad you asked.

(1) We have to prepare to run the race -- even the little ones. If you add it all up, I still ran less than one mile. But come Monday morning (heck, even Sunday night), I was more sore than I had been in years. Muscles that I forgot I had were killing me (in fact, they still are). That's what I get for jumping in and pushing my body beyond what it was ready to do. No stretching. No warming up. No water. A belly full of coffee and coffee cake. Even in little "races" such as my stint in the marathon, we have to be prepared. As we go about our lives and come across the deceptively easy "races" we take on, we have to be ready for what it will take. Are we prayed up? Are we biblically grounded? Are we seeking God's direction? Training comes before the race -- not during the race.

(2) We need to encourage others running the race. Ross and Lincoln had 22 miles under their belt by the time I joined them. Clearly, they had a big goal that day -- one that they had been training for for months. The end was in sight, just 4.2 miles away. But they asked me how I was doing -- the guy who was new to the race, who hadn't trained at all. That's how mature believers need to be with newer ones. We need to take time out to turn our attention toward newer believers -- or believers who are struggling -- and ask about their journeys. Even in the midst of our greatest challenges, we can find ways to encourage those around us.

(3) We need to meet people where they are. That's what we did with Julie. We met her where she was and encouraged her in the progress she was making. She had already covered 22 miles! We were well-rested and ready to go. She was well-worn and ready to go home (her words, not mine). Our task was to come alongside her and show our support -- not to push her beyond her limits or to a pace she wasn't ready to run. That's how it is with other believers, too. Meet them where they are in their relationship with the Lord and walk with them -- or run if they're on fire and hungry for more! Don't slow them down -- and don't push them past what they can handle.


Hmmmm ... maybe I need to train for the 2007 race?

Change Of Plans

Things have changed since I told you about my new job.

As it turns out, my last day at M. D. Anderson will be Friday, January 27 -- one week later than originally planned. My first day at HFBC will be Monday, February 6. We just needed more time to transition things at M. D. Anderson.

And, of course, this allows more time for my team members to plan my farewell party. Good times!

Unexpected Blessings

If you ever need a healthy dose of affirmation -- or want to find other believers at work -- just quit your job.

On Tuesday, I sent an e-mail to about 150 folks here at M. D. Anderson letting them know about my plans to leave to go to work for my church. These were people that I work with currently or have worked with during my three and a half years here. The response has been an amazing blessing.

First, people say nice things. Maybe they realize that this is their last chance to share their thoughts so they finally speak up. Or maybe they are just being nice. But as of today, I have received 83 e-mails -- and one phone call. Sure, some are short and to the point ("Congratulations! Sounds like a great opportunity. I wish you well!").

But others are ones that I will forward to my personal e-mail to read on a day in the future when I need a little boost. It's funny how we don't take time to express our gratitude toward one another until we're faced with losing somebody. And I am equally guilty. When a co-worker retired a couple of months ago, I realized just how valuable she was to our team and to guiding me in my job here when I first started. As her departure loomed closer, I finally took the time to thank her.

Second, people reveal their faith. Many of the e-mails referenced the "blessing" of "serving the Lord" in my new job. Several mentioned where they attended church -- or that they just started going to Beth Moore's Bible study at HFBC on Tuesday nights. Some quoted scripture. And almost all of these were from people with whom I had never discussed my (our) faith.

Since I did not work extensively with some of them, there was not much time for us to get to know one another. Otherwise, we might have discovered our mutual Father. That said, I have been blessed to work very closely with several strong believers on my team -- many of whom lent a listening ear as I struggled with the decision to leave M. D. Anderson.

OK, so maybe quitting your job is a bit dramatic if all you really need is a little boost. But if you are considering making a job change, be sure to have an e-mail ready to go -- and then sit back and watch what God reveals to you.

FREE Gift Cards!

Random question/offer . . .

I have $150 in Dillards gift cards. However, I want an iPod and they do not sell them. The only thing iPod-related that they sell are jeweled cases, and that ain't really my style.

So, if anybody is planning on spending $150 at Dillards anytime soon, I would love to swap cash for these gift cards. I have a $50 card and a $100 card if you are only interested in one of them.

(OK, so actually, they are not FREE, but since it's an even trade you're not losing anything ... so that's kinda free, right?)

Unexpected Transitions

When I quit my job at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) in 2000, I did not have a job lined up already. Dumb move. Twenty-one months later, I ended up at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center where I still am today.

But not for long.

Today, I submitted my resignation. With lessons learned under my belt, I already have a new job lined up this time. I guess the more accurate way to put that is to say that God has lined up one for me. I am resigning to pursue an opportunity that He dropped into my life -- one that I wasn't looking for, and one which I never expected to have.

I have accepted the position of Director of Communications at Houston's First Baptist Church.

Here's how God has worked . . . on December 6, David Self (Executive Pastor at HFBC) contacted me about my interest in this new position at the church. The month since that initial phone call has included meetings with David, lunch with Pastor Gregg, many conversations with Don Munton and other friends, several prayer request e-mails, a meeting with the Personnel Committee, approval by the Deacons –- and back-and-forth bouts of doubt and assuredness!

In this new role, I will report to David but work closely with Pastor Gregg to support his vision for HFBC. Departments I will oversee include Reprographics, Membership Services, the Garden Bookstore, and the Resource Center (or Library). While these may not all seem related to one another at first glance, each department impacts our ability to effectively communicate what HFBC is all about.

When I met with Gregg a couple of weeks ago, he mentioned in his prayer over our lunch that we were looking to see if there were an “intersection” between what God is doing at HFBC and what He is doing in my life. What a perfect way to put it! I could go on and on about the different ways in which God has confirmed that there is indeed such an intersection, but I won’t. Just take my word for it – I am assured that this is where God is calling me to go.

My last day at M. D. Anderson will be January 20 and my first day at HFBC will be February 1. Between the two, I plan to take a few days off to tie up some personal things and to go on a brief vacation. While I will enjoy some downtime to relax, I also want to spend time alone with God before I enter this new chapter of my life. I would appreciate your prayers for this to be a rejuvenating time with Him, and that I would be open to receiving a fresh vision from Him for this new ministry. (And if you have any leads on a secluded getaway in the Hill Country, let me know!)

Let me say a few words about M. D. Anderson. One of the most painful aspects of this transition was coming to terms with the fact that I would be leaving such an incredible institution. What a blessing it has been to be a part of that place! The dedication of its people, the boldness of its mission, the achievements in its past, the promises in its future – it all adds up to a truly world-class organization.

My leaving M. D. Anderson is definitely the result of a “pull” toward another career – not a “push” away from this institution that I love and admire so greatly.

• For those wanting a job, I recommend M. D. Anderson.
• For those wanting to make a financial donation, I recommend M. D. Anderson.
• For those seeking a place to volunteer, I recommend M. D. Anderson.
• For those needing treatment, I recommend M. D. Anderson.

OK, I think I have communicated enough for now. Thanks for letting me share this with you. I would appreciate your prayers as I wrap up things at M. D. Anderson and prepare for this new chapter in my life.

Going Once, Going Twice ... Uh, Never Mind

One of my favorite memories from Astroworld was the mini-bakery near the front entrance where you could buy mini-loaves of freshly baked bread. I bought many mini-loaves over the years. (No wonder I'm not a fan of the Atkins diet.)

Well, there was no bread at the Astroworld auction today, but it was good times nonetheless. And, I was quickly priced out of getting anything I wanted. For example, the "Please Remain Seated At All Times" sign from the Texas Cyclone went for $1,300. And a bench that I thought would somehow "work" in my house went for over $300.

No thanks.

The final day of public access to Astroworld (or at least to the backlot) drew out a random assortment of folks. I think most, like me, were curious onlookers hoping for a deal -- only to have those hopes dashed by bigger spenders.

There were older folks and younger folks (that's me) ... and people willing to put their dignity aside for a few minutes while they got down on the dirty floor to pick through hundreds of Astroworld shot glasses hoping to find one with their name on it.

Again ... no thanks.

As we left the grounds (Lori Latham went with me), we passed by Batman: The Escape -- or what is left of it, at least. What thousands of people used to stand in line for in the 117 degree heat and 97% humidity is now a partially disassembled pile of metal tracks. By the time you read this, it may already be completely taken down. I'm not too emotionally attached to this ride since it's not from the glory days of Astroworld (translation = my youth), but it seemed to capture the mood of the day.

Besides, I still miss the Dexter Freebish. Can I get an "AMEN!"?

My Trip To The Rose Bowl

Just got back from California. Had a great time at the Rose Bowl. Got to hang out with some fans before the game and toss around the ball for awhile. This pic shows my good form and concentration. HOOK 'EM!

What's In A Name?

Move over Clarence and Earl. Looks like Steven needs a seat at the "lame name" table.

The Top 100 Baby Names of 2005 is out and Steven did not make the list. Of course, neither did Todd nor Travis nor Lincoln nor Joel. And neither did Catha nor Dovie nor Dinah nor Shanna nor Lori nor Janet ... nor Arshunda. (Don't tell my roommate, but David made the list in 38th place.)

According to the website, the noble name of Steven (meaning "crowned one") hit its peak in the 1960s when it was the 10th most popular name for boys that decade. We were 15th in the 1950s and 13th in the 1970s. Since I was born in June of 1970 (and was therefore conceived in the 1960s), I'm sure my parents were all about giving me what was then a Top 10 name.

The 1980s brought on competition from the likes of Jose and Nicholas and Joshua, pushing us down to 30th place. We surged again in the 1990s to 23rd place and have been falling ever since. In fact, it appears that beginning in 2000 they lumped us Stevens with our archenemies -- the Stephens. From 2000 on we are never listed in the same year; a footnote explains that names with spelling variations were grouped for their calculations.

I am convinced that that's what brought down the good name of Steven. From the 1950s forward (when Steven and Stephen first appeared), Steven always outranked Stephen. Always. See the chart below:

Then, in 2000 when they implemented integration of the names, Steven/Stephen fell to 36th, then to 49th in 2001 and 2002, then to 75th in 2003, and finally ... off the charts in 2004. And that's where we remain.

So, my curiosity is getting to me. Did Steven fall out of favor with the new parents of America, or did we simply lose out to trendier names? Was there a dictator or celebrity who brought shame upon our name, as was the fate with Adolph and O.J.? Shouldn't the fact that our name is in the Bible help us out a little? I mean, even if I do have to sell myself out to our "ph-ed" archenemies, I'll take it if it means I can get back on the list!

It's discouraging to know that there were more little Xaviers, Tristans, Ians and Liams brought into the world last year than adorable little Stevens!

Stealth Aggies

Not long before the Rose Bowl last night, I asked a friend of mine which team he was pulling for.

A quizzical expression on his face told me it wasn't an easy decision for him to make. He finally sided with Texas. His angst prompted me to ask him where he went to school. Turns out he went to Texas A&M.

Now, I'm pretty sure that I knew that, but there is nothing about him that serves as a constant reminder of his Aggie status. I never hear him talk about it, there is no decal on his car, he doesn't wear Wranglers. The fact that he went to A&M had slipped my mind completely.

When I pointed this out to him -- that his Aggieness was not detectable -- he had this to say:

"I enjoyed my time at A&M. It was a lot of fun while I was there. But in a way, A&M is like your high school girlfriend. It was fun while it lasted, but at some point, you just have to let it go and move on."