Pierced

She’s been alluded to in previous posts, but I believe it’s high time she made her debut appearance in this blog. Ladies and gentleman, it is with great pleasure that I present to you – Erica Joy Seawel, my best friend and love of my life!

Have you ever had that scenario where you felt like you had to fulfill someone’s request, did so to avoid discouraging them, then came out feeling like it was all worth it? This was my weekend at Stream 2008 in Franklin, TN. It’s amazing how God can completely take control of a situation you thought you had figured out.

It wasn’t like I was opposed to going or had some personal conviction that made me hesitate. From the position of a worship leader, I had every reason to be there and everything to gain. And even though my first response was out of reluctance, I’m really better off now having attended. I was challenged, I was edified, I was convicted and I was even forced to get out of my comfort zone a little (always a sign that God is near.) Thank goodness Diane, the elders at Highland in Abilene and most assuredly the hand of God all agreed that allowing Mike Cope to make an exception to his sabbatical was a good idea! All of us were blessed to be with Mike this weekend as he led us into the throne room.

We all tend to be snobs in our own ways. Some of us are clothing snobs, who only wear the latest from Banana and JCrew. Others could be car snobs, who crave that Mercedes emblem and all that it entails. My cousin Jim Sallie just brought this one to my attention – some of us are even coffee snobs. Now there you might be getting close with me. Folgers and Maxwell House just don’t cut it anymore since I’ve seen the light and I just might fit into that category. Nevertheless, most of us have that one thing. Is it scary that my initial reluctance to the idea of going to Stream was because I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of Ken Young leading worship?

I don’t think it’s a bad thing that Brandon Scott Thomas and the Zoe Group are my absolute favorites when it comes to worship. I had just come off my first Zoe Conference in October and I really didn’t think Ken and Hallal would quite compare. And after it was all said and done, I still prefer the Zoe Group but the important thing I gained was not more validation for my preconceived opinions. I saw God this weekend. It was Lisa, the Memphian turned Franklinian whose husband left her a week ago but she is seeking the face of God instead of relying on anything else to get her through. It was the drama on Friday night, the one that often defines my life so eloquently – I cry every time. It was the testimony of Mike Cope, who only now is allowing himself to grieve after years of trying to be the strong one. And it was my Dad, who never fails to show me how to be a better man.

Strangely enough, I took away a song or two from worship with Ken that I think we might be able to use at Highland. Never thought that would happen but it just might. And what could be better than toping it off by having lunch with Justin + Carrie, a random appearance by Mike Beck and another sweet victory by the No. 1 Memphis Tigers. Honestly…if I could have shared it all with Erica. But that’s another conversation for another day in the blog world. This week, don’t be afraid to let God change your perceptions – you’ll probably be better for it.

Normally when I get off work I’m exhausted and last night was no exception. But it was Thursday night and anybody who’s anybody knows what Thursday night is. Basketball night. It’s that one time a week when the “Has-Beens” shake off the rust, lace up the worn Nike’s and hit the court full speed…or at least we’d like to think so.

Last week was a thrilling game of 3-on-3 that lifted our spirits and egos that night, yet attacked our bodies with bruises and aches the next day. Last night was fun as well, even though we had fewer people – I’ve recently garnered a huge respect for the guys that get 15-20 rebounds a game. That stuff straight up wears you out. But I love the game…more on that later.

The real reason for this post was to share with you, the avid viewer, my new calling…maybe. After basketball and dinner, my roommate and I borrowed Guitar Hero II from an unknown source and decided we’d give it a shot. Both of us had played previously but hadn’t felt success at the highest level. And we’re both too cheap to buy the game. We set the thing up in our living room and began playing a seemingly harmless and trivial game of DDR for your fingers.

However, those of you who have been enlightened by this game know what happened next. We looked at the time and it was nearing midnight. We started at 9:00 in career mode. And we only had 13 songs left – can’t you understand the urgency and immediate need of winning and achieving Guitar Hero immortality? We did…and…we did. We proclaimed ourselves victors at 1:30 this morning after having played “Freebird” to a raving crowd who clearly wanted more.

How am I ever going to focus at work today…

I’ve tried this once before. I was living in Greece at the time and blogging was the most convenient way to let everyone know the wonders I had seen and experienced that day.

Once back in the States, I was quickly consumed and had (or made) little time for writing. It’s like that time I started a weight-training program and began drinking protein shakes…it lasted about a week.

But I want this time to be different. Before, I had to be wary of what I wrote about and careful not to offend. Now, with seasons of life having passed and the freedom of clean slate, I can set sail for what I’m sure will be a challenging yet rewarding time of reflection.

I long to be shaped and molded by Christ – a desire I hope rests deep within all of you, if you happen to wander these pages. I didn’t form this blog to house my personal vendettas or blast people from the supposed safety of the Internet. And I’m not entirely sure why I made this.

But this just might be the best thing ever…