I was really excited about coming to Amarillo today, but I really didn't expect any cool scenery. Well.... Stanley took us all to a "Pseudo-Grand" Canyon and it was gorgeous!!! You can see it in the background of this cool pic! Peace.
Today I'm traveling to Amarillo, TX with Emily to meet some friends for New Years Eve. This is a real-time pic from the road. Don't you love technology!
Today we are learning that the death toll from the great tsunami is almost 120,000. My human mind can't comprehend the immense tragedy that this is. As a believer I feel very unprepared to answer a question as simple as "why would your God allow this to happen". Frankly, I don't know. I know and serve a God who is more powerful than any tsunami would ever be, yet I feel a sense of confusion when I think of what God could have done. As I search the scriptures I see that grace is found in ever single part of creation. God will use this tragedy for some good. I couldn't explain that to someone who just lost a loved one, but I can approach God and pray that through this tragedy the light of Christ will shine somewhere. I am proud to be a part of the most giving nation in the world, both in government giving, and in personal chartitable giving. We may not be able to answer questions, but we can be the light of Christ. Keep praying for a sense of peace for those affected by this tragedy.
Tommy
Last week was an incredible week. I always love Christmas time, but this year I didn't "feel" like it was Christmas. I don't know if you had the same experience as I did, but I saw Christmas all around me (trees, lights, presents, Mary, Jesus, Parking at malls), but I just didn't sense it on the inside. Don't get me wrong, I had a wonderful Christmas. I love spending time with my family and friends, and giving presents is always a fun thing (so is recieving, :) ) This year just went by extremely fast, and I believe that is why Christmas didn't feel like Christmas.
I am wholeheartedly excited about this coming year. I am going to be taking a lot of time to prepare my heart for some new things in this coming year. I am excited about leading worship with the finest bunch of worship leaders I have ever worked with, and I am excited about leading our congregation into the throne room of God in fresh and unique ways. 2005 is going to be a great year.
Today we have just found out that the total deaths from the great Tsunami will possibly be over 50,000 (it's already 40,000). I believe we should be in prayer for all those who are being affected directly and indirectly with this tragedy. I wish I could see what God sees when I look at this broken creation, but I can't. So all I can do is pray that God will comfort the broken hearted, and wake up the rest of the world to the fact that we are not alone in this world, and that God's command to love our neighbor also means our neighbors across the world. Join me in praying for all those who have been in the center of this tragedy. Love God by loving others. Peace, love, and rock and roll.
p.s. you can donate to the Red Cross by clicking on the title of this post.
Christmas is a time for...
Remembering the sacrifice God made
Remembering the love God has for us
Remembering the day that our redeemer was born
Remembering the day that our hope and salvation was manifest
Remembering that parking at malls is the absolute worst part of this holiday season. I believe I would rather swim in a pool of acid, or have mice chewing on my skin incessantly than park at a mall during Christmas.
There so many important things about the holidays. I love Christmas.
p.s. I really do love Christmas (parking is what I don't love)
by the way, for all of you who have been asking, yes, I am dating someone. someone special. now please, quit asking me about it. God bless. :)
I went to a Chinese restaraunt today and the were playing the song "The First Noel (Birth of Christ)", and they have a big Buddah statue in the lobby. Hmmm.
Tommy
I've had one of those weeks. It's on of those weeks that are REALLLY wonderful, but intense. It seems like time seemed to find the appropriate moment to speed up, and you were left behind. Well, I have learned this week that I constantly need to refocus, refocus on the one true constant. I am reminded of one of my favorite songs, "Give Me Jesus". Its words are incredible simple, yet incredibly peircing..."You can have all this world, but give me Jesus". That's it. That's what life is about, refocusing everything you do on finding Jesus. It sounds to simple, and a little cliche'd, but it's real.
Tommy
This year, for me, has been especially speedy. It seems (literally) like a few weeks ago was when I arrived in the wonderful Oklahoma City. I am amazed at how time seems to expand and contract on a whim. But time is not why I am posting today. I had a thought that I would like to share with you.
A lot of people look at the business world and condem its approach of over-commercializing Christmsas time (or to be politically correct, holidays). But, I thought it might be prudent for those who are believers in the birth of a savior named Jesus that we look closely at some of the positive aspects of the business world. "Christmas 2005" is already in the works at major corporations. Most corporations have an idea of what the trends will be next year, and at this moment are working on a marketing plan for Christmas 2005. What if we (and I'm speaking to believers here) took a cue from the corporate world. What if we didn't celebrate Christmas just one day a year, but experienced the begining-of-redemption on a daily basis. What if on December 26th we still marveled at the beauty of a love so great that it would humble itself to become a human born in a mule feeder. I think the corporate world has a lot of priorities out of whack, but I think there may be some redemptive qualities we can learn from. Just a thought. God bless.
Tommy
