First Bloom 2009

I took this shot a few weeks ago, and the rose bush has since exploded in vibrant color, but I wanted to post this shot to mark the event.

New Web Video at Southside

Okay, so it's been a minute or two since my last post. Ummmm... Motivation much?

I preached a sermon at Southside church of Christ in Rogersville, AL. a few weeks back, and they've seen fit to post it to the 'Net.

A little bit of background is in order: I was a member of that congregation for two and a half years, from 2000 to 2003. I was also a member of their traveling chorus, and the only Caucasian in the bunch.

I absolutely adore Southside. They're an outstanding congregation.

The sermon's text is on my blog here. The video is on Southside's site here. If the video link doesn't work, keep in mind that it'll likely only work if you're using MS Internet Explorer. Another way to get to the video is to go to Southside's link:

http://www.southsidecocinrogersville.org

and go to the media link, after which you'll see a link for "The Three Storms" with my name, Guest Speaker Bro. Jeff. (I guess they forgot my last name. HAAARRRR, HARRRR!!!!)

I've gotten some very good responses from them, and I'm very thankful for their desire to have me speak.

Benjamin Zander

Our professor showed this clip in class yesterday. I was absolutely amazed.

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/benjamin_zander_on_music_and_passion.html

Thanksgiving 2008

I'm thankful for family and friends.

I'm thankful for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon me.

I'm thankful for the things I've seen as roadblocks, for the things I've seen as hurdles, for the things I've seen as trials, disappointments, temptations, storms, and the battle scars of life. These things are blessings that God has seen fit to shape me with.

I'm thankful for second chances. At this point, even seven thousandth chances.

Most importantly, I'm thankful for the One who created me and Who died for me so that I might truly live.

Thank You.

---Jeff

I Step Aside

I've not posted in entirely too long.
Time to get the juices flowing again...

---Jeff

I Step Aside

You in your world and I in mine
With a tear in my heart, I step aside

Such times God's will the hurt sustains
Lately seems a constant refrain
Yet who am I to block your path?
To be His hands, a worldly salve

You in your world and I in mine
With a rip in my heart, I step aside

A heavy chested, bellowed roar
Frustrations I allow no more
In my meekness your embrace
For your love I fear to chase

You in your world and I in mine
With a wound in my heart, I step aside

A final grasp, chest to chest
Yet longer still at your behest
Oh, how I wish your heart to tend
But with a sigh and a tear I'll let it end

You in your world and I in mine
With a weakened heart, I step aside.

Mt Hutchison church of Christ VBS 2008

Just thought I'd post a few pictures from Mt. Hutchison church of Christ's Vacation Bible School from last week. It was a whole lotta' fun!
Hey, wait a minute! No dancing, folks!!!!! ;^) The kids had a skit every day this week based on the VBS theme "Can You Dig It?" It was all about digging for treasure and archaeologists as a metaphor for uncovering the hidden treasure of the heart. Good stuff.




Not a bad showing for a country congregation. Actually, a pretty good teen turnout. I thought this next picture captured this guy's general attitude pretty well. He's a funny dude. ;^)

One of the younger students drew this picture up for me. I consider it a pretty cool award! Being that this was my first VBS (I've never even attended one, and I taught this one...), it's pretty high praise, indeed. Thanks, Cheyenne!

I Place My Faith

A new song I'm working on:

I Place My Faith

I have no faith in human institutions
I have no faith in the things they say
I have no faith in government illusions
I have no faith in the taxes I'll save

But I have faith in Your Holy Son
And I have faith in what He's done
And I have faith in what He'll do
I place my faith in a loving You

I have no faith in worldly contributions
I have no faith in the price I'll pay
I have no faith in people's resolutions
I have no faith in preventing the grave

But I have faith in Your Holy Son
And I have faith in what He's done
And I have faith in what He'll do
I place my faith in a loving You

Out of the grave, into the sun
How does it feel to know that You've won
Out of my sins, into Your blood
I know it's real, I'm Yours to become

Out of the grave, into the sun
How does it feel to know that You've won
Out of my sins, into Your blood
I know it's real, I'm Yours to become
Once I put on Your mighty armor...

I have no faith in printed distributions
I have no faith in the words on their page
I have no faith in mass hallucinations
I have no faith in a worldly sage

But I have faith in Your Holy Son
And I have faith in what He's done
And I have faith in what He'll do
I place my faith in a loving You