Jeff's Reflections

Listening to the Whispers of God

I've spent the last few days at New Life Church, attending most of the ENTER worship conference.  Over-all, a big positive for me.  I went solo, but at just the right times bumped into a number of worship friends from in town, and had some wonderful conversations.  I got to catch up several times with Jared Anderson, who is a friend now (wrote amazing worship songs like "Amazed", "Hear us from Heaven", "The Beauty of the Lord").  He's in Nashville now and I'm encouraging him to go visit St. Ignatius Orthodox Church.  

Bill Hybels gave a stirring talk on listening for, and to, the whispers of the Lord.  It was a beauiful triggering point for me--to remember the whispers I heard that lead me to leave a very comfortable life in TX...I was reminded of big turning points in my journey, that God was so kind enough to "whisper" to me about.  I was convicted by the times I receive a "whisper" to do a good thing, to reach out to my neighbor...and I ignore it.  I'm sure I miss many "whispers" because of all the noise and pace I stlll allow in my life.  Lord have mercy.

Great times with Michael Card at the Glen

I remember the summer after my 6th grade year in Indiana, when we were preparing to move to El Paso.  It was a rough and weird time.  I remember being at some random house, hanging out with my big sister, Laura.  We were listening to a Christian radio station, and...I have no idea how I remember all this...and a Michael Card song came on..."Love Crucified Arose".  Loved it.  We taped the radio show (yes, I said "taped"), and listened to it all the time.  As the years have gone on, I've loved and appreciated Michael's thoughtful, deep, mellow, challenging, inspiring music.  That's why it was so cool to have him at Glen Eyrie for the past 4 days, and get to spend time with him as he led a retreat for pastors and their spouses.  He didn't want to lead worship (he gave a great concert, as well as great teaching), so I did.  

I totally appreciate his genuineness, his pursuit after God and His wisdom, his humility...great guy, great artist.  The retreat was a real blessing and joy.  I loved also having Steve and Gwen Smith as facilitators--some great people.  Steve is the author of THE LAZARUS LIFE, for which he asked me to write the song about Lazarus, "Still Waitling".  I need to get that posted on here.

Good times.

Excellent collegiate week at Glen Eyrie

We just finished up a great week that I was in charge of at the Glen--"Spring Break Spectacular" (so yea, the name could have been cooler...but it was "spectacular").  We had over 100 students/leaders from 7 campuses--they came in Sunday afternoon.  Most of the students had never been to the Glen, so the castle, the 800 acres of crazy gorgeousness, and the awesome weather wowed everyone.  On top of that, the week flowed better then I could have hoped for--speakers, workshops, worship time, high ropes, quiet time, games...  I loved getting to know many of them.  It seemed that everyone I talked to loved God, and were on a journey of trying to get to know Him, and follow Him.  The week was an invitation to live in His love more, and respond in love to God's invitation to live with and for Him.  

College was a big time for me in my relationship with God, and getting over myself, and growing in Him.  So it was great for me to get be with collegiates, and walk with them as we all grow to enjoy the invitation to "taste and see that He is good".  

We're already planning on 2 or 3 Spring Break weeks next March.  Can't wait!

The lamest blogger ever returns

I'm pretty sure anyone who used to check this has stopped, since I haven't blogged since Reagan was in office.  But, still, since I haven't written in my journal in a while, I'm OK with even this just being for me as the sole reader.  

Actually, maybe I should stop this blog, since the title is about nothing in particular, and blog with titles that will give me a topic.  Yea.  That sounds good.  

Shane & Shane time

One of the perks of Glen Eyrie work is getting to meet great, "famous" people. We just had a worship arts retreat that I put together and led, and I had a great chance to hang out with Shane and Shane. I have been HIT by their music for a while now. To not only get to hear them, but to get to know them was excellent. They are great guys. And I am still in awe of their pipes. Crazy.
Jared Anderson from New Life Church here in town--who is also now a friend (who would have thought? I wouldn't have thought!)--shared as well, and I had him lead us in "Amazed"--my 1st taste of his music, and a song I led alot in TX. Great, great song.
I'm thankful for God's kindness to cross my path with people I respect so much.

Music...Stirrings

I need to build in time and intentionality for music/songwriting/practicing/growing. I really have been feeling this lately. If you're reading this, you can pray for me, as to what that means and looks like. I feel like things are stirring inside (song ideas...), and I need to pay attention to them, but I'm not.
I want to lay down on the altar anything that is selfish and self-indulgent, but, or shall I say "and", take up and get after any stirring that is from God. I'm praying that I'll know the difference in this case.

What is stirring inside of you? Are you praying for discernment, to know and dismiss things that are not of God, and to know and pursue things that ARE, even if they don't make sense?

Music...Stirrings

I need to build in time and intentionality for music/songwriting/practicing/growing. I really have been feeling this lately. If you're reading this, you can pray for me, as to what that means and looks like. I feel like things are stirring inside (song ideas...), and I need to pay attention to them, but I'm not.
I want to lay down on the altar anything that is selfish and self-indulgent, but, or shall I say "and", take up and get after any stirring that is from God. I'm praying that I'll know the difference in this case.

What is stirring inside of you? Are you praying for discernment, to know and dismiss things that are not of God, and to know and pursue things that ARE, even if they don't make sense?

Facebook...my excuse for not blogging

So yes, I've been on Facebook since this summer. And I really like it. And even though I don't spend a lot of time on it, it's still more than I probably NEED to...and it certainly doesn't help me BLOG here with any regularity. I'm going to work on that.

It's been a good summer--my kids are growing up in grace, creativity, increased light saber skills (that would be Ben), and my wife continues to be awesome. It's work to keep up with, well, work, dishes, things that break and need replacing (especially because I'm not a handyman AT ALL), diapers, mood swings...and still know, keep up with, and enjoy my wife. But we are trying! We are trying to get date nights in more consistently---and it's fine if it is 1 hour at starbucks with a deck of cards, and maybe a drink.

Bottom line--I am blessed to have a great wife and kids. Life is hectic, but it's good.

Tahoe Fun

Patti and I got back late last night (with baby Cecilia, now 7 months) from an amazing long weekend at the Granlibakken Hotel/Resort at Lake Tahoe. Years ago a group of Christian singles decided to do something fun and soul-refreshing over the 4th weekend at Tahoe, and it's turned into a big, volunteer-driven event that is both deep and a blast. This is the 3rd time I've been invited to lead worship and get crazy with 80s music as well as some originals. They invited Patti to come this time, too and asked us to be a "mentor couple"--they loved Patti (no suprise) with her wisdom and humor. The baby did great over-all--nap times and early bed times made things interesting, and although everyone wanted to hold her, she was mama/daddy clingy...but, she's so stinkin' cute, that made up for it.
There were over 100 of us there. These are impressive, bright, and successful people, and it was great to listen, learn, and encourage. And seriously, doing little parts of 80s songs makes 'em go wild. That was a definite highlight! If any of you are reading this, God bless, seek PEACE, and let us know how you're doing.

I head for TX this coming weekend, to be a wedding of a great friend, Bill McBrine. Good times.

Good times at the Glen

I've gotten to spend some time w/ some of my favorite authors lately---Mark Buchanan, author of Your God is Too Safe, and Kenny Luck, author of the newly released FIght.  One of the definite highlights of my job at Glen Eyrie is getting to know people I think alot of.  I still can't believe I have a personal thank-you note from Anne Graham Lotz! 

We just had about 40 students from 15 countries all over the world--Egypt, Cambodia, South Africa, Kenya, Brazil, etc--come to the Glen to be with us for a month.  I'm going to love spending some time with them. 

If you haven't been to the Glen, you need to.  Come for an "Innovo (to be made new in Greek)" personal spiritual retreat.  Come for a bed and breakfast.  Just come!