Deeper Graves

Masquerade: Conversation Notes - Perspective & Two Gods

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 15:37:00 +0000

Below are my conversation notes from this past Sunday's Masquerade: Perspective - Two Gods at NewChurch Georgetown.

Everyone Bring's Their Perspective

Take a look at the following picture and provide what you see, experience and feel by viewing the photo from these 4 perspectives.

A fugitive on the run and surrounded by the authorities.
Moving from Washington State to the Oklahoma plains and seeing this view out your car window.
You come upon this at the 50 mile mark on your 100 mile long hike that ends over the top of the far mountain peak in the picture.
First time seeing your 10 day stay vacation cabin as you pull up to it in the car.

What do you see differently from each perspective? What is unseen or unknown? Would if effect your perspective even more?

God Perspective

People tend to have two different perspectives of who God is to them:

God out There - sincere diligence, change into something that is better, centers on sanctified self effort (we can make ourselves holy)

trying to change who I was and who I should be
working for righteousness (make ourselves right)

God in Me - Made right (huge word justification); TRUST God to mature them

maturing into who I already am
already righteous (made right)

Read Colossians 2:9-10 (Maturing)

9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.

SHAME - It whispers and hisses that no matter what you do, you will always be defined by what you did or what was done to you. It mocks you. Shame wants you desperately performing for acceptance you don’t believe you deserve

no one matures in bitterness
no one gets free in isolation
no one heals from rehashing the testimonies of bad religion
no one gets to love or be loved in self protection

We are the only person in the world we don’t have the ability to protect. Once we hide from TRUSTING God and others, we become more enflamed, more self-justified, and more calloused in repeating our blame for our shame.

Reading of 2 Corinthians 5:21 through two perspectives.

2 Corinthians 5:21 - He made him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him. (NIV)

Room of Good Intentions

… presume that Jesus became sin so we would care enough to try and makes ourselves more righteous
… see the word “might” in this verse as implying that some won’t quite get to this righteousness.
… believe this righteousness in only legal (theoretical) and not actual.
… read these words as a challenge to be more caring based on all HE has done for us.

Room of Grace

… accept the logic of the argument that in the same way Jesus became actual sin, you actually became righteous (new creation)
… upon learning the verb “become” is in a tense meaning once and for all, you could accept that you became righteous at the moment of trusting Jesus, and not as a progressive becoming from self effort.
… upon discovering the verb carries no question of doubt, you could accept that, because He became sin our our behalf, you became the righteousness of Christ in Him.

Distortions of God

Distortion of God keeps the light from within and what shines outwardly. This distortion causes us to believe these lies.

God can’t satisfy me as much as my sin
I’ve always been this way. I don’t believe your powerful enough to change that.
There is something fundamentally wrong with me.
I don’t believe God has been fully good to me.
I’m going to feel like a failure anyway. I might as well enjoy it.

These give us permission to fail because we perceive a picture of God separated from us.

Truth about sin - fighting sin only heightens the anticipated pleasure.

TRUST God’s power in us to truly be IN US and WE ARE NEW CREATIONS

READ 2 Corinthians 5:17

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!

VIDEO - GAMBLE!

Caterpillar Metamorphous

Natures provides many examples of this incredible discrepancy between who we appear to be and who we truly are.

Biologists ask to analyze and describe DNA

- EVERY TEST and DNA confirms it is a BUTTERFLY

WOW! God has wired into a creature looking nothing like a butterfly a perfectly complete butterfly identity. And because a caterpillar is a butterfly in essence, it will one day display the behavior and attributes of a butterfly. The caterpillar will mature into what is already TRUE about it.

READ Romans 12:1-2

12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

As followers of Jesus Christ, WE have a DNA of righteousness, nothing can make us more righteous than we already are. We have been made new and have the fullness of Christ.

GOD knows our DNA and he knows that “Christ is in me.” That same fullness of Christ is available for ALL if we believe and TRUST God is who He said He is, sent his son (Jesus Christ) to become sin so that we may be free from the death of sin and trust God that once we accept Him... WE ARE A NEW CREATION!

Now He just wants you to join Him in what He already knows is true!

Masquerade: Two Faces of Shame & Guilt and Authentic Faith & Life

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 20:10:00 +0000

Over the past few days, I have had quite a few requests for my conversation notes from this Sunday at NewChurch Georgetown, which was the second week of our Masquerade Series. I have posted those notes at the bottom of this blog post.

I first want to highly recommend the book, The Cure, by Bruce McNicol, Bill Thrall and John Lynch. This book has been transformational for me, in terms of the
way I view Trust in God, Grace and Sin. This conversation has been influenced or directly taken from the book The Cure.

In the meantime... Food for thought...

Many people don’t appear lonely, but inside they are dying for a kind & gentle word. Reach out to others. http://t.co/ijTDo2I6Tz #BeKind
— Explore God (@exploregod) April 10, 2014

In anticipation for this week's conversation, I also recommend reading this Relevant Magazine article on authenticity, which is mentioned in one of NewChurch's 4 core values. The core value states... We value an authentic FAITH and LIFE. Notice it says Faith AND Life. Being authentic does not give you freedom to be a jerk!

I hope this sparks discussion and thought for this coming conversation. See you at 11am in the living room at NewChurch Georgetown.

Too often, we allow ourselves to be jerks under the pretense of being "authentic." http://t.co/xKZTTGiJyu
— RELEVANT Magazine (@RELEVANT) April 10, 2014

Chris & Becca - 100% for Hope: 2013 Haiti Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:53:00 +0000

Our first picture with Manelson together

We would like to take a moment and share with you something that is extremely important to our family. As many of you know for the past two years we have spent some time in Haiti. This past year we were fortunate to experience Haiti together as a couple. This forever changed our marriage and the way we view many things. This coming October we both plan on boarding a plane and heading back to a village we love so much and spending time with people we now consider our extended family.

Manelson & Eddie Romelus

Our last trip was fantastic, but held a lot of firsts. It was Becca’s first time in Haiti. Our first experience as a couple in a third world country, our first time to share getting to love on Manelson (our sponsored child), and our first time to be trapped by a raging river and mudslide all during the middle of a Hurricane. There were so many neat experiences that happened throughout this visit. Our experience with Manelson is one we will cherish for the rest of our lives. He and his brother,Eddie, are the only surviving members of his immediate family. Thankfully they have an aunt who has taken them in and cares for them. He was very shy and timid in the beginning, and he doesn’t smile often. Chris however got him to smile and giggle by teaching him to play the box drum, leave it to music to be a universal barrier breaker and bridge builder for relationships to form. From that moment on he was glued to Chris’ side. It was hard for us when we had to leave the village so quickly and didn’t get to say goodbye to him. Not a day goes by that we don’t think about this little boy.

Becca surrounded by haitian children

Another monumental experience, and one we are always asked about, was Hurricane Sandy. We had to quickly leave Les Abricot because it is very remote and the road into the village is mountainous and dirt paved. Had we not left when we did we would have been stuck there. This would have been tragic for many reasons, one being the roof to where the guys were sleeping blew away and it flooded up above the tables we ate at. Needless to say, those who live in Les Abricot were hit hard and lost much. They already have so little. Thankfully we made it to high ground in time; however we were stopped by a raging river that completely washed over the only road out of the southern part of Haiti. We were forced to turn around and go back to a church in a village called DuChity. Here in this very tiny place we were humbled and taught a giant lesson on hospitality.

Pastor and Madame Pastor lived right across from the church, and a school is right next to the church. The night that we left Les Abricot we ended up sleeping in his church without him knowing it. He was very upset that he didn’t know we were there. He was not upset because there were people in his church, but because we were sleeping on hard benches with water surrounding us on the floor. He wanted us in his home where he and his family could tend to us.

This is exactly what they did. Their home is approximately 500 square feet. It had three rooms and a kitchen. They cleaned out their kitchen and made beds for some of the guys, while the other room with two beds became the ladies room. The final room housed the rest of the guys. They brought in 10 strangers that didn’t look like them or even speak the same language. We later found out that they had only lived in this home for 6 months, so they were still working on making it their own, and Madame Pastor had just had a miscarriage 3 months earlier. Madame Pastor cooked us 3 meals a day and sometimes these meals were cooked in the dark. Not only did they take care of us, but they also took care of others who were stranded as well. People were staying in his church and in the school next door. They were taking extra bedding and clothes across the street while it was pouring and winds were gusting about.

Now, I know you might be thinking “Well, he’s a pastor. That’s his job.” But we know for a fact that we would have a hard time taking 10 strangers in and letting them take over our house, without a definite end in sight. They have so little and yet wanted to give us the moon. On the day we left they thanked us for not grumbling about their accommodations when they knew we were accustomed to so much “better”. They even told us the next time we come to stop again and they would have it all fixed up. This family was a godsend for us. We were definitely ready to get on the road, but it was hard leaving them.

These trips to Abricot, Haiti have and always will be about developing lasting and healthy relationships where discipleship can occur over many years. The people of Haiti give 100% to discipling us and we give 100% to discipling them. Life transformation continues to take place each year, and we continue to see everyone involved take on more and more characteristics of Christ.

This year, due to a successful Run, Walk, WOD For Hope Event, we will also be able to provide a solar panel system to the school at the church. Last year, we watched as school children struggled to see their work with no available light. This is a huge blessing.

How can you be a part and make an impact as well? As a couple, we are needing to raise $4,000 total so we both can make the same trip in Oct. We need to have the money raised by July 1, 2013. I sincerely ask that you prayerfully consider making a donation to:

Donate at: http://www.razoo.com/story/2013-Sister-Church-Trip-To-Abricot-Haiti-1?referral_code=share

Or Write a Check to:

NewChurch Georgetown

Att: Graves Haiti Trip

375 County Road 245

Georgetown, TX 78633

Or instead of typing in lengthy URLs, you can use a barcode scanning application running on your iPhone or Android to scan the code and immediately open our donation page for you.

ALL DONATIONS CAN BE USED FOR TAX DEDUCTION PURPOSES

We realize that without your help, this trip would not be possible for us. For this reason, we want to give something back in return for your generosity. If you are able to donate to this cause, we are committed to giving back in return. The following will be committed to on our end based upon the amounts donated. We thank you ahead of time for your kindness.

We also ask for your prayers as this trip approaches. Please pray specifically for these 3 things:

Our Protection
Our response to God’s call to action in Abricot, Haiti
3.Continued sponsorship of school children in Abricot

God Bless,

Becca & Chris Graves

Who Do You Place in Position of Glory?

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 21:27:00 +0000

We are ALL made to worship, ALL the time. Romans 11:36-12:1 defines worship in three parts. We place someone or something in the position of GLORY. When we place someone or something in the position of GLORY, we DEDICATE our lives to to keep that someone or something in position of GLORY. Because of this, we SACRIFICE our lives and things connected to our lives to keep someone or something in position of GLORY.

What are you putting in the place of GLORY?

Below are some reflective thoughts (from past experiences) about my own struggle of placing Glory in something else besides God. A lot was being sacrificed. God brings joy and life. Anything else has the potential for destruction and death.

It reminds me and hopefully you, to continually place the ONE true God, the CREATOR as the only one in the position of GLORY.

Thanks to Pixie Renna in taking my jumbled thoughts and words and making them into a reflective, authentic and redeemed piece of art.

To God be the Glory.

_________________________________________________________________

God? Where are you? Where have you been? Why haven’t you answered me and who are you, anyway?

You leave me with so many questions- more than there are answers… Or maybe I am too afraid to listen to all of the answers you’ve given. It’s easier to believe there are no answers than to work to hear your whisper.

The more I analyze and justify your silence, the smaller you become. You must not be that great, or that almighty if you can’t even get ME to hear You. Maybe it’s just me… maybe you didn’t make me to hear you.
You ARE big. You have to be big to do all the things you said you did. Making each of us, making this place for us… But how do I even know you are real? I can see you in everything, but how do I know what I’m seeing is you? And why do you let so much ugly into this world you made? Why do we have to hurt to grow? I am so self-centered… of course I can’t see anything but me.
I know… I know “You” are the answer. Aren’t you? You’re the answer to all of my questions, right? But I can’t hear you!! Is the silence your answer?

I quit walking with a purpose a long time ago. I quit walking with You a long time ago. And it is easier, except when I get honest and think about things too much. But in the darkness I can be whomever I want to be and I can stay out of the light that reminds me of who I could be… probably the person you WANT me to be.

If you are everywhere, why can’t I feel you here… now? God… are you there? Can you hear me? Do you still love me? Broken & Lost & Doubtful? Even though I lie, and hurt people around me, I steal and curse and slander your name? Really- you still love me? That is unbelievable… and awesome.

Power of The Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:55:00 +0000

In some ways I am embarrassed. In other ways I am giddy. This time of the year reminds me a lot of my childhood. For many, many years around my birthday, I remember huddling around the tv to watch the "enhanced" version of the 1939 classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with my two sisters. Every year the tv station seemed to hype the movie up more and more, like it would have never before scenes shown on television. The reality was, it was just a darn good movie, and they knew it would increase ratings. They were correct. My big eyes were glued to the tube every year. The fact of the matter is, I have watched the Wizard of Oz more than any movie in my lifetime.

1939 Classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

In that movie, Dorothy comes across 3 characters, all of which are seeking something to complete them. The scarecrow is missing a brain, which notably contrasts with the tin woodman's desire for a heart. They are join by the lion, who is seeking courage. The conflict between the scarecrow's desire for a brain and the tin woodsman's desire for a heart reminds me of an ongoing debate between mind and emotions.

The conclusion the tin woodsman makes in the movie is this:

"Once I had brains and a heart also; so, having tried them both, I should much rather have a heart."

On Saturday evening I was recovering from an asthma attack in a local hospital's ER. I laid there watching my heart trying to pump blood to my lungs in order for my body to regain it's normal oxygen levels. Getting a shot of adrenaline, also aids in this dramatically(cue the shakes and head spinning). In my lifetime, my heart will around 2.5 billion times and pump sixty million gallons of blood throughout my body without missing a beat. That can only be explained by God!

However, could the heart also be an emotional organ and that it has a "relationship with the emotional brain." Intelligence alone, without the involvement of the heart can be very dangerous. (You're Stronger Than You Think, Dr. Les Parrott) Jesus highlighted the importance of the heart when he said:

"Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks."

Without the heart, we lack emotional sensitivity and understanding. Without the heart, we lack a major component of human strength. (You're Stronger Than You Think, Dr. Les Parrott) Without the heart, we lack the understanding, which is the basis of care.

Just as I was reminded this week, when you think about your heart, focus on these two areas:

Allow your heart to be vulnerable (if this is a negative word for you, allow yourself to be open), while using your heart to connect. The ability to connect with the heart takes relationships to the next level.
Your heart is stronger than you know. It is a machine that pumps 2.5 billion times in your life. It can handle more than you can imagine. Be willing to listen to your heart. God designed you. Where does your source of strength come from? (You're Stronger Than You Think, Dr. Les Parrott)

deeper graves

A Friend in Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 04:35:00 +0000

If I am honest, God and I did not see eye to eye on a lot of things this week. A couple of times we could of come to blows.

I was angry with Him! He listened! I cried! He comforted!Past hurts were remembered! He said Be still!I asked, "Where have you gone?", He said "Where have you looked?"

An amazing thing then happened. God showed up and reminded me, I am God! He said, carry everything to me through prayer. He showed me through my friends and He showed me through my maw maw.

Maw Maw, who suffered a stroke just days earlier had peace. Maw Maw, who could cannot swallow, still had her spirit. Maw Maw, who cannot move the right side of her body, had strength and perseverance. Maw Maw, who had to be given a feeding tube cause she cannot eat, was fully nourished! Maw Maw, who could now hardly speak, taught us all this week!

Once you have Jesus, it cannot be taken away. Until the end of your days, rejoice in HIS name. You can have an impact. Jesus causes miracles to happen, just like this...

What A Friend We Have In Jesus

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit,O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge; take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In his arms he'll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there.

deeper graves

In This Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 20:31:00 +0000

Critique or criticism is tough. With my C/S/D personality type, I do it to myself more than anyone else. Whether I think I am good or bad at the positions and opportunities I have been placed in, I know for a fact, I have been placed here by God in this moment, to accomplish His plans.

Days like today bring frustration and in many ways anger. The unknown of the great things God will do, gets overshadowed by the disillusions I carry about the moment I am currently in. Or is it disillusion? Is it fact? Maybe, the reality is I forget to celebrate ALL that God has already done. Maybe in that moment, God reveals HIS greatness yet to come.

Stop the criticism and start asking myself, "How can I best serve God in this situation?" God is looking for my obedience, to use me, whatever the circumstances. He has this leadership thing under control. In this moment, I need to just knuckle down and do the work.

deeper graves

Why The Local Church?

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 20:03:00 +0000

It is estimated that nearly 10 billion followers of Christ are not invested in growing and serving their local church. I have heard the following questions raised several times by followers of Christ over the past year.

"What's the point of being a member, belonging and committed to a local church? Isn't it about your own relationship with God that matters anyways? Isn't that what it's all about? Individuals walking with God - loving Him, getting to know him, serving Him? I'm part of the church universal, so why do I need anything else?"

The assumption this person takes, is that a person can be healthy spiritually without a vital connection to the local church. Could this be a faulty premise? Is meeting and serving together with a local community an optional activity?

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares to Peter that, "...and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." It is very interesting that this is the only entity that Jesus ever vowed to establish. Does it make sense for followers and servants of Jesus to be disinterested in His singular greatest passion?

In 1 Corinthians 12-14, Paul uses a metaphor of the human body to describe this entity called the church, as he wrote to the church at Corinth. Christ is the head, and followers of Christ are various body parts. In my opinion, the analogy Paul uses cannot be any more clearer. Christ is the head of the church. A healthy body is completely intact. All of its parts (members) are joined together and work together to do whatever the head (Christ) directs.

If I was a leg, and was severed from the body, I would die if I was not re-attached to the body. The same consequences hold true to followers of Christ who remain aloof from the local church.

In a world where individuals formally and publicly join groups left and right without even thinking twice, why are we as followers of Christ reluctant to give God (the head of the church) that same response?

In my opinion, it is because in most things we join, it comes without expectations or consequences if there is a lack of commitment. God expects you as followers of Christ, to "die of self," everyday. That takes sacrifice.

I have been conducting a front porch (small group) at my house this year, through my local church, NewChurch Georgetown. We have been looking at our SHAPE and discovering where God is directing us to serve not only in our ministries outside the local church, but inside the local church. I challenge you to start asking questions of God to reveal to you what your SHAPE is? Start by reading 1 Corinthians 12-14. Then take action within the local church. The local church needs your uniqueness to make the body complete.

Church historians note that within the past 100 years that people have spoken of "going to" this church or "attending" that church. For the previous 1,900 years of church history, followers used the terminology "I belong to this church" or "I'm a member of that church." Why the change? Do you "go" to church? Or are you an invested and a growing member (invested in making disciples) of the church?

deeper graves

Do For One...Say Hello To Manelson!

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 02:11:00 +0000

Manelson Romelus

It has been a couple of weeks since I returned from my second trip to Haiti. God moved, God introduced, God's power was revealed and God was glorified. This is my first of many blog posts about my latest trip to Abricot, Haiti.

Last year I had the privilege to spend time with a 10 year boy named Manelson Romelus. Manelson was quiet, shy and never broke a smile. Through my interactions with him and asking questions of the local pastor, I discovered that Manelson was missing several things that I take for granted each an everyday of my life. You see, Manelson gets to eat about 1-2 times a week. Manelson was not going to school due to the inability to pay for the education. And finally, Manelson was missing his parents.

Manelson, Myself & Eddie

Manelson, his brother Eddie and his 4 sisters are living a childhood without their parents. Manel Romelus and Nerese Romelus had both passed away. Manelson and Eddie were now living with his aunt just outside of Abricot. Manelson spent his days helping his aunt look after their goats and chickens.

Good Looking Young Man!

At a Catalyst Conference for pastors, prior to going to Haiti, I heard someone say the following:

"Do for one that you would like to do for many."

In that moment of staring into Manelson's eyes, this quote surfaced in my mind. I had a choice to make. I had an opportunity to impact and change the course of a child's life. It is overwhelming to think about changing the world, but I had the opportunity to change one heart. God said to me, "How are you going to respond?"

A Percussionist in the Making!

I came home from Abricot, immediately told Becca about Manelson, and shared with her that we could sponsor him next school year through RMI's Hope For Kidz program. We accepted the opportunity.

This year, Becca and I got to spend time with Manelson. We got to see him going to school. I got to play the cajon with him. We got to hand him a backpack full of school supplies and toys. More importantly, we finally got to see him smile.

You can also have an opportunity to do for one that you would like to do for many. To change the world, one heart at a time. If you are interested in sponsoring a child through RMI's Hope For Kidz program, you can learn more information here. You can also email me about specific children you can support in Abricot, Haiti.

Abricot, Haiti 2012

Our 4 Little Munchkins!

And Then There Were 8...

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 03:46:00 +0000

I am 23 days away from my 2nd trip to Abricots, Haiti. I have more anticipation and excitement than I did one year ago. In a way, I find that odd. I would think that your "first time" would have provided me those emotions.

The reason, I think, is because it is not just an exploratory trip for me. I have been there. I have developed relationships. I have looked into the eyes of the people of Abricots. I have seen them cry. I have seen them dance with joy. I have seen them pray and I have prayed with them. I have seen the hurt. I have seen the broken. I have seen the searching.

For one week, we are just people. God's creation! Although we come from different experiences, languages and cultures. We are people searching to know and to let be known our Creator!

Let me introduce you to the 2012 team.

JD Griffis - Team Leader and a mainstay on trips to Abricots. JD brings his skill of organization, clarity, athleticism, steadiness and planning to the team. JD is actively involved at NewChurch Georgetown and is currently leading a front porch. Anytime you talk to JD about Haiti or Mexico, you can see the fire and passion for sharing the love of Christ.

Rachel Elliott - Another mainstay on the Haiti trips. Rachel has been a vital part in the Hope For Kidz program between NewChurch and Abricots. Rachel has a way with the kid's in Haiti, that is remarkable. After seeing haitian kid's grow up without parents in Haiti, Rachel and her husband Dennis decided to adopt their 3rd child into their family. Rachel and Dennis are both pastors at NewChurch Georgetown.

Mike Rainey - This will be Mike's second year going to Abricots. Mike is a pastor at NewChurch Georgetown. Mike is also our Haitian Creole wizard. Mike has an incredible ability to hear, listen and learn the native language very quickly. Being that Mike is 6 foot 4 (I think), he also serves as our basketball team captain when we play in the streets of Abricots. Mike is also our cajon player.

Deb Cleary - Deb has also made returning to Abricots a yearly trip. She has developed some deep rooted relationships in Abricots. It is an amazing site to see her face light up in the presence of the Haitian children. The haitian children's response is the same. Deb is like family to so many of the haitian people. It is an excellent asset to have someone on the team so familiar with the people of Abricot. She will provide tons of knowledge to our newcomers on the trip.

Myself - The Haiti trip last year, truly was life changing for me. I was reminded how we all are God's people and the love of Christ has no boundaries. I also met Manulson Romelus, who is now our Hope For Kidz sponsored child. This trip also started discussions within our family about potentially adopting in the future. We will see where God leads in this decision. What I do know is that the Haitian people are now my family as well.

Becca Graves - My beautiful wife. Becca has heard me talk of Haiti for a year now. She is excited, but anxious about the trip. I have first hand experience about how loving she is to our children and I cannot wait for the first time she stares into the eyes of a Haitian child. I am very proud of her for making the commitment and decision to go. Becca is not one that likes to rough it and this trip will challenge her, however, she is the most selfless individual I have ever met. The selflessness will be a huge asset to our team.

Angela Herrington - Angela is also new to the Haiti team. Angela's husband, Josh, was part of the team last year. Angela brings her musical ability to help lead in worship. She has also been designated (since she is new) the restroom beautification project. This consists of making a hole in a concrete floor resemble somewhat like our home amenities. This is a very important job!!! Seriously, I am excited to have Angela's calm, peaceful but yet energizing character on our team.

Bobby Catt - Bobby is the youth pastor at First Baptist San Angelo. Bobby is also my brother-in-law. Bobby is phenomenal at relating to youth and children where they are at in life. Bobby also has lots of experience in missions. He has traveled to Jordan, Canada, Venezuela, Guatemala and Peru. In college, Bobby interned at a missions agency and was responsible for entering child sponsorships in Haiti. Since that time he has desired to go to Haiti.

This team sets out on Thursday, Oct. 18. Please pray for us as a team and as individuals that we allow God to use all of our uniqueness and strengths to serve the people of Abricot. Also that we work together as a team to step up around each other's weaknesses.

Please pray for the people of RMI who will lead us while in Haiti.

Finally, please pray for the people of Abricots.

Mystery and Intrigue

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:57:00 +0000

When a collection of unique individuals designed and hand crafted by God come together, there is potential for great things to happen. The collection of people is not by chance, but designed by God. Then when Jesus shows up to this unlikely place, among this group of unlikely people, we unite around Him to do unlikely things for the kingdom. This is NewChurch Georgetown. The question for each unique individual is, will you be apart of this story.

If I was given a 1/4 of a page, what would be the best way to share about our community? How do you design an ad to represent who we are? In my mind, simplicity is the key.

So, I designed the below ad as an art piece. I wanted to use the resources I had available. I wanted to create a sense of intrigue for the reader. My purpose was to draw attention. I would rather you (the reader) ask questions and try to seek the answers from our community. I wanted to provide mystery to our unique community. One thing I love about our God and our community is that we are both mysterious. When there is mystery involved, you seek to discover more to uncover the unknown. Questions are asked and deeper relationship are developed in this moment. To me this is a nice breath of fresh air.

The reality is, the sketched tree came from a photo that I took of a tree on NewChurch's property in the winter of 2010. This tree represents our body. The tree along with the dark, clean lines of the background bring out the simplicity. It allows the you (the reader) to see our distinctives, our values. Again, it provides just enough information about our community to provide mystery and intrigue. We would love for you to check out our community. Unique individuals, unified on mission, becoming unlikely disciples.

This ad will appear in the Oct. 2012 Focus Magazine for Georgetown.

Contagious Passion

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 15:37:00 +0000

As I prepared a conversation about the book of Psalm for NewChurch Georgetown's How To Read The Bible For All It's Worth Conversation Series, I was reminded once again about the definition of Lament. Lament means to have a passionate expression of grief. As I looked further into this idea of lament, I ran across a tweet from one of my favorite bands, Gungor. Gungor tweeted that:

"Approximately 70 percent of the Psalms are laments. Approximately 0 percent of the top 150 CCLI songs are laments (songs sung in churches)."

I became very curious as to why we don't lament as an individual or as community of followers of Christ.

After focusing much of my attention on the act lamenting, my focus began to shift towards to word passion that was used in the definition of lament. I see a lack of passion not only in expressing grief, but in giving thanks, developing relationships, sharing gifts and talents, seeking the character of Christ and the sharing of community. Where has passion gone? A passion for His people, led God to giving us life, hope. A passion for His people led Christ to the cross.

Where has passion gone? God reminds me that passion is truly alive in people who are passionate about asking questions and seeking truth. They make a choice daily to ASK. THEY make a choice daily to be AVAILABLE. They make a choice daily to GIVE. They make a choice daily to SEEK OUT. They make a choice daily to WORSHIP. They make a choice daily to exhibit PASSION!

What happens then... God REVEALS TRUTH to them through the scriptures or through HIS people. The ME becomes less important than YOU. Friendships and Discipleship occurs FREELY. WORTH is placed upon HIS people. OBEDIENCE occurs. God is WORSHIPPED! PASSION becomes CONTAGIOUS! PASSION SEEKS TRUTH and the cycle continues.

On multiple occasions over the last few weeks, I got to experience the above take place. This happened on a patio of a local bar, while unknown preparations were taking place for oil wrestling inside. Men from different backgrounds and different views came together unified for one purpose. We ASKED questions about our God!!! God revealed HIMSELF, we were CHALLENGED. We left with more questions to seek answers. PASSION became CONTAGIOUS!

Tree of Knowledge of Good & Evil in the Living
Room of NewChurch Georgetown. Designed and
created by Jim Elliott

This happened in a garage as a Grandpa SHARED his gifts and talents FREELY as his grandson listened and watched intently. GAINING wisdom, knowing his grandpa was spending 60 hours designing and making a 300 pound 14 foot metal tree as he termed "a small gesture" to share his view of the scriptures with his community at NewChurch Georgetown through art. NOT for Grandpa but to ASCRIBE worth to GOD! PASSION became CONTAGIOUS!

This happened on the softball field as a new follower shared that he is now self employed and owns his own big rig and is leaving this weekend to pick it up. He shared his excitement, his nerves and his opportunity! This man was PASSIONATE not only about the work opportunities, but his opportunity to grow as a follower. You see, he never misses an opportunity to SHARE, ASK QUESTIONS and SEEK TRUTH! He wants to be a LIGHT in a trucking industry that is known for being dark. His PASSION as a NEW FOLLOWER is CONTAGIOUS!

And finally this happened at Sonic, while impromptu marriage counseling was occurring and friendships were growing. Conversations were started because people ASKED questions and wanted to learn about each other. ME became less important and YOU became the focus! We MADE ourselves AVAILABLE for community! PASSION became CONTAGIOUS! I want another Sonic moment!

It is amazing what could take place as an individual or community if PASSION becomes CONTAGIOUS! PASSION to SEEK GOD'S TRUTH! PASSION for YOU!

To My Wife...10 years later

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:45:00 +0000

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)

As I read one of the most famous chapters on love in the bible, I am reminded how often I truly fail at love. How often have I become angry at the ones I love? How often have I kept a record of wrongs against those who have failed me? How often have I been rude? How often am I proud?... Don't answer that!

I am so thankful for a God who provides me an example of true love!

Almost ten(10) years ago, one of the best decisions in my life took place. I married you on March 9, 2002. You are my best friend! I love you!

Love rejoices in the truth...

Truth is I have not always been the greatest husband. I have failed you, Becca, many times. But the truth is over the past ten (10) years we have become honest with ourselves about who each other is as a person and as a spouse. We rejoice in the truth about each other. We are both not perfect! We do not want to be perfect! I love that about us!!!

Love protects...

Becca Andrews Graves is worth fighting for. I will always fight for you! I am your protector.

Love trusts...

Becca you are THE most trusting, God fearing and honest woman I know.

Love hopes...

If the next 10 years are any resemblance of our first 10 years of marriage, there is nothing but hope. I am still glad we can enjoy simple things like setting suns and chasing moons, when we laugh and when we cry. What an amazing mother and friend that I get to call my wife! I pray that as a family, we can have an impact on many lives throughout our time on earth.

Love perseveres...

When I proposed to you over 11 years ago, I told you the following:

I love you will you please be mine.
I'll hold you close when you might cry
Our love is patient, our love is kind.
Your beauty lies within my eyes forever.
I praise the Lord everytime I think of you.
Pure and precious you waited for me.
You fear the Lord, that's to be praised.
Will you please be my wife, forever.

This is more true now!

Love never fails...
My love for you is abundant!!!

Your husband,
deepergraves

Drops of Silence

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:32:00 +0000

As I am writing this, I am literally in tears. These are not tears of pain, suffering or loss. These are not even tears of joy.

"They Are Just Thorns"

This morning was an energy drain. It was a morning that was planned and well prepared for. My "C" personality could not have contributed any more to the task at hand. It was time just to be honest and authentic. I poured out, friends listened, God smiled.

On the way back to the office, I began speaking to God. (BTW - I do this a lot when I drive.) For the most part, these conversations usually consist of me sharing my frustrations with life and sometimes even with God. Today, wasn't any different.

Here is how these conversations with God in my truck play out.

I raise my voice to share my points to God.
I calm down and sit in silence, so He can respond. But ultimately the silence gets to me, so I turn on the radio for some "relief."
I then, out of pure disdain for Kevin Fowler's wobbly vibrato, turn off the radio again.
Once again I start to spew my thoughts to God.

The above scenario played out for miles as I drove back to the office. Once I turned into the church parking lot, God shouted... Can you shut your trap for a moment!!!!

"I Will Walk The Path With You"

NewChurch sits on 20 acres and I never really go enjoy all that the piece of property has to offer. So I drove my truck to the back acreage of the property. Turned off the ignition, pulled out my lunch, turned off some horrible Texas Country Music and said, Ok, God, my mouth is shut!!!!

God, in as few words as possible said this... Do you see and hear the beauty that is all around you that I created? Why do you want control? Have I gotten you this far? Do you trust Me? Chris, you know who you are and I am here with you.

I then sat in silence for 45 minutes. Just God and myself. Silence brought me to tears.

deeper graves

Humorous Truth

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 17:22:00 +0000

The past eleven years have been a process of continual transformation of thoughts, theology, personality and character.  During that time, some of my most challenging and transformational moments occurred during times of inward and outward expression of humor by myself and from others I share life with.  

Last years Band of Brothers trip to Big Bend and Carlsbad, NM with 8 other guys was a humorous adventure.  When you combine nine admittedly screwed up, authentic and expressive men with over 1,500 miles of adventure into 7 days there is bound to be humor.  In that humor, I can honestly say we were all transformed.  I also work with one of my best friends, Lee Hoy.  We share laughs on a daily basis.  We laugh at ourselves, each other, and life.  In that humor, we transform, challenge and grow each other daily.  

This got me to look at the Bible and Jesus and explore the humor that it contains.  I found a book called Religion Saves and Nine Other Misconceptions by Mark Driscoll, which answers the top nine questions that his congregation would like answered.  One of these questions dealt with the humor in the bible.  Is it biblical to use humor as a pastor and as a follower to share the truth?

The Bible is predominately a serious rather than a funny book. Yet it would distort the Bible to suppress the humor that is present.  Elton Trueblood also wrote a book in 1964 called The Humor of Christ.  Trueblood says in this book, "There are numerous passages...which are practically incomprehensible when regarded as sober prose, but which are luminous once we become liberated from the gratuitous assumption that Christ never joked... Once we realize that Christ was not always engaged in pious talk, we have made an enormous step on the road to understanding."   

Trueblood also says, Christ laughed, and... He expected others to laugh... A misguided piety has made us fear that acceptance of His obvious wit and humor would somehow be mildy blasphemous or sacrilegious.  Religion, we think, is serious business, and serious business is incompatible with banter."  

Other scholars say, If there is a single person within the pages of the Bible that we can consider to be a humorist, it is without a doubt Jesus... Jesus was a master of wordplay, irony, and satire, often with an element of humor intermixed."

Jesus was often invited to parties because people liked him, crowds thronged around Him, and His fiercest critics falsely accused Him of being nothing but a party animal and going against the laws. To me, this suggests Jesus was fun to hang around with. 

For years I have been a person who has bottled up my emotions.  I have been know to be a firecracker when those emotions reach a boiling point.  This is a part of my being that I have thoroughly concentrated over the past few years.  What I have discovered with humor is that it heightens all other emotions.  If I now feel freed up to laugh deeply, I am also passionate enough to weep deeply.  Bottling up emotions to "be strong" display little if any of the characteristics of their passionate God, who both laughs and weeps.   Laughter enables us to rise above the pain.

Humor is also a missiological ministry tool necessary in our culture.  In Corinthians 9:22-23 Paul writes, "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak.  I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings." We all love to laugh, listen to the most current comedians, watch the latest hilarious youtube videos, love practical jokes and enjoy the after dinner sitcoms.  As Mark Driscoll says, "To reach people, we need to speak their language, and their language obviously includes comedy."

To those critics of humor in sharing the truth, I leave you with this quote from Charles Spurgeon: "Many hearers lose much blessing through criticizing too much, and mediating too little; and many more incur great sin by calumniating those who live for the good of others.  Pastors (ministers) have enough of care and travail without being burdened by undeserved and useless faultfinding.  We have something better to do than to be forever answering every malignant or frivolous slander which is set afloat to injure us... There are tender, loving spirits who feel the trial very keenly, and are sadly hindered in brave service by cruel assaults.  The rougher and stronger among us laugh at those who ridicule us, but upon other the effect is very sorrowful..."

deeper graves

This is Why I am Here

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 03:14:00 +0000

This past year I spent over 6 months in a Trimergent Leadership Training course developed by Clint Anderson. This course was entitled Leading Self. Leading Self was truly a life changing experience and I was transformed. I would highly recommend it to everyone.

Most people I encounter do not know their purpose in life and they go through their days treading water, just to get by. This is not how I will live the rest of my life. I have a purpose and have discovered the difference in "being" vs. "doing".

I had lunch with Clint Anderson and Lee Hoy today and I was reminded once again about my inabilities to sometimes openly share about myself. That C personality dang it!!!

Below is what I discovered about myself during the course. This is who I am created to be.

Mission

I exist to be challenged physically and mentally, which ignites creativity and the arts inside me, so that others can experience God in a unique way.

Vision

I will cherish being surrounded by authentic and healthy relationships, sharing our gifts and abilities in a creative ways while bonded together by a unified purpose to Glorify God.

Core Values

Honor God | Fear God | Healthy Relationship | Love Others | Integrity

Personality

I am a very high Conscientious person with Dominance the next closest personality trait. Steadiness is not too far behind Dominance.

Personal Distinctiveness

Discerning, Reflective, Challenger for discovering the authentic.

Passions

Challenges | Fun | Music | Improvement

Strengths

Weaknesses

Priorities

Honor God | Family | The Arts

deeper graves

State Fair of Texas

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 02:04:00 +0000

Lee and I decided to take our photography to the State Fair of Texas. These shots were taken on 9.24.10, the opening day of the fair. This was my first visit the State Fair since I was a Freshman in High School. I had an amazing time and I got some fun shots. I hope you enjoy.

As A Video:

Still Shots:
State Fair of Texas Photos

Motorcycle Ride and Chalk Ridge Falls Park

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:04:00 +0000

Last Friday morning I decided to combine to of my most prized times of re-energizing and headed out on my bike with my tripod and Canon EOS camera to be alone in silence. I headed out towards Florence on Highway 195. A few miles west of Florence, I turned north on County Road 228. This road T's into FM 2484 that parallels the south shore of Stillhouse Hollow Lake. This drive was incredible. It had amazing views for the eyes and many curves for the bike. I then turned north onto FM 1670 heading towards Stillhouse Hollow Dam and Chalk Ridge Falls Park.

Chalk Ridge Falls Park contains about 5 miles of nature trails, several creeks, ponds, waterfalls, and wildlife. Needless to say, this was exactly what my camera needed. I only had about two hours of exploring at the park and I quickly realized I had to make a return trip to fully experience the park. This was due to the amount of things to see and because I brought my tripod but I had left my adapter for the camera at the house. The return trip is already in the works. In the meantime, below are some of my favorite pics from the day. You can also view the entire album here. These are all handheld photos so they still are not quite as clear as I would have liked with a tripod, but I think they are pretty good for a beginner.

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deeper graves

Leading Self

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:56:00 +0000

Yesterday I had the opportunity to embark on a ten day journey to discover my meaning in life, my purpose, my mission and my vision. What does it truly mean when you are leading self? I can honestly say I have no idea at the moment what that looks like for me. However, yesterday I started to reflect and deconstruct my life to discover my meaning.

What Clint Anderson, Director of the WBA (Williamson Baptist Association) and founder of jclintanderson.com has challenged me with already is as follows:

What would Investing vs. Doing look like in my life? Being vs. Doing?

None of us have a perfect grasp on reality!

Think about that statement. We spend most of our lives positive

we know the reality of our environment, family, friends, church

and faith, when most if not all of us cannot grasp the reality of

even our inner being. Who we are at the core? Our Meaning?

Will I ever come to a place where I am okay with me?

"God wastes nothing"

Even in our times of complete folly, happiness, pain, suffering,

joy, passion, peace and cloudiness; God will waste no opportunity

to use me.

"We do not manage time, we manage life"

How many times have we heard the phrase, "I (You) need to work

on time management," in the work place, from colleagues or peers.

I now think that phrase is about as useful as the mole on my left

temple. All show and no value. :)

I look forward to nine more days of discovering my meaning and

learning to lead myself.

Humbled,

deeper graves

9 Guys and a Roadtrip

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:57:00 +0000

Wow it has been about two years since I last posted on this blog. My wife, Becca, started her business's blog and I thought what the heck, I should dive back into my own blog world.

Over the past two (2) years, my life has truly changed dramatically. I will post a future blog about everything that has gone on over these past few years. However, one of my new interests has become macro nature photography. I will use this blog to post some of my pictures and experiences in this new huge world of macro photography. I am learning immensely and have found this a huge joy!

In four (4) days, I will set out along with eight (8) other men on a road trip to West Texas and Carlsbad, NM. This road trip will consist of herping (snake and reptile looking), over 20 miles of hiking in Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains, The Hall of the White Giant spelunking cave tour at Carlsbad Caverns and most importantly insanely good food. I will post some of my pictures from this 7 day journey to my blog over the next few days as well as my facebook page. I would truly enjoy your thoughts, comments and feedback. If nothing else, you will get to see first hand the emotional, physical and visual results from nine guys in two vehicles, three rooms and two beds over seven exhausting days. This will be fun!!!

Here are some pictures from last years journey: Big Bend and Carlsbad 2009

- Deeper Graves

Shy Tree Concert

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:45:00 +0000

In Concert Saturday August 16, 2008 at "The Living Room" at NewChurch Georgetown. 375 CR 245 Georgetown, TX. 78633. Show starts at 7:30PM with doors opening at 7PM. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Is that a Lime Tree?

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:10:00 +0000

These fruits have been growing on my one year old tree located in my backyard. Although, this is not a fruit tree. This is a red oak. Why do I have what some have called limes or green apples growing on my tree. It seems healthy. I have two other red oaks planted at the same time, and they are not producing fruit. I had to research and find out what was going on. What I found out is that these are called galls.

Oak apple galls are sometimes mistaken for an actual crop of the tree, such as apples on on apple tree, but are actually deformed leaves. The gall is about 1 1/4- 2 inches or larger in diameter, globular, and smooth. The outside is green and darkens with age. The inside has a juicy, white, spongy substance with a small, hard center where the parasite is located. When the parasite leaves the gall, the gall dries and the insides become a mass of fibers.

The oak apple gall wasp is identified by its gall. A gall is an abnormal growth on a plant. The life of a gall wasp is very interesting. They do not hatch from the gall until they are a full grown adult. They quickly find another adult of the opposite sex and mate. After mating they both fall to the ground. The female burrows itself down into the ground next to the oak tree from which the gall grew. It finds the root of the tree underground and injects its eggs into the roots. The larvae hatch and feed on the roots for a year and then become pupae. The wingless females hatch underground, burrow out, and inject an egg into a leave's center vein. The larvae that hatch are round. They cause a chemical reaction that makes a gall form around the larvae. Inside the larvae eats and grows until it is an adult and then it will hatch out and the life cycle of the oak apple gall wasp will start again. These gall wasps cannot sting, so they don't bother us people and since they don't really bother trees either, galls are just something interesting to learn about.

I have no need to worry about these galls. I will enjoy my fruits and another interesting thing about nature.

Yahweh - A Creative Worship Element

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:25:00 +0000

Enjoy! NewChurch Georgetown Band performed this song to open up Quest (what we call our worship service) on Easter 2008. We wanted to express the Change from Old to New through our Savior Yahweh. This song kicked off our new sermon series Change Happens.

I would love some feedback, comments, or other ideas for creative worship elements.

deeper graves

A Change is Gonna Come

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:44:00 +0000

Incredible! That is how to describe our current sermon series on Change going on at NewChurch Georgetown. When you hear the word change coming from the current state of the church, you almost immediately visualize a well dressed man, shouting at the top of his lungs..."REPENT, AND CHANGE YOUR WAYS." Unfortunately, this is exactly one of the reasons so many unchurched are staying so far away from the church. To Change... in one sentence for me, is a journey, a ride, we should all be on in life. We should always be changing. If we are changing, we are growing. Where there is no growth, there is death.

At NewChurch we say to Change is a journey each of us need to take to learn and discover the character of Christ. It is not an overnight, snap your fingers type of change that we have come to demand in our fast food or immediate results culture. Personally I am very afraid of those who do say "I Got it Fully or Why do I need to Change, my character is like Christ." Those are usually the ones who this book, Lord Save Us From Your Followers is about. Let's call them Mr and Mrs. Me. They re-wrote the song "It's All About You" to "It's All About Me." They consume in church while others pick up their waste bi-products. If we are making positive changes in our character and life we are growing more into the character of Christ. Therefore, we become Fully Alive, we get up off our butts and produce for the Kingdom of God. Become more spiritual discplined. We serve the body.

Are you the 3 foot peach tree, just planted on healthy solid ground. Who is producing buds, but not far enough along in your journey of change (growth) to produce fruit. Or the 12 foot peach tree in my neighbors yard, who has stopped producing, growing, and is now on the curb (in many pieces) sitting and waiting for it's next stop in life. It is dead with no fruit.

"A Change is Gonna Come" Is it? Today, yesterday, tomorrow? I know I have to look at myself in the mirror, everyday and ask the same question. A famous pop song says it best.

Michael Jackson's - Man in the Mirror

I'm Gonna Make A Change, For Once In My Life

It's Gonna Feel Real Good, Gonna Make A Difference

Gonna Make It Right . . .

I'm Starting With The Man In The Mirror

I'm Asking Him To Change His Ways

And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer

If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place

Take A Look At Yourself, And Then Make A Change

And yes we are doing this song this Sunday at NewChurch. So for all the professionally offended who think we should not do a Michael Jackson song in church. Is there a mirror in your room?

deeper graves

Chicken-and-a-Blanket

noreply@blogger.com (Deeper Graves) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:12:00 +0000

Looking for a relaxing lunch with my wife, daughter, and a couple friends, we ventured out yesterday to a local hot spot. A place known for their fine cuisine. Even their presentation of food is perfection. The Chick-fil-A waffle frie (just a pure art form). You have to admit, no other frie can compete with its texture, it's taste, or its attitude. Combine this frie with the mouth watering chicken sandwich (with a perfectly placed pickle) and you experience a taste of heaven.

During our lunch utopia, things turned when my daughter asked me to go watch her in the playground. For those of you that know Chick-fil-A , I am talking about the cramped indoor playground where little kid screams curdle your blood and where 5 minutes becomes an eternity. I knew I had left my utopia when as I walked in, a newly mother was sitting right by the front door with that well known piece thin piece of fabric (blanket) draped over her chest. We all know what was under that blanket, a leech... Oops sorry, a little baby, experiencing his/her relaxing lunch. To all the males out there... to experience screaming little girls and a nursing mother all in a 10 by 10 space is uncomfortable. And that is an understatement. What do you say to the lady? Did you enjoy your lunch? Is it enjoying theirs? Nice blanket! The weather is nice. No, you just sit there, awkward, just hoping that blanket does not slip off. Watching the mom's face cringe, smile, cringe, smile, as the little one goes to town. Honestly, in some regard, I sat there in utter amazement of women once again. And of course silent...

Until that one infamous kid, who knows who it was, crapped their pants. Whoever designed this indoor playground, obviously did not take the confined space and diaper chili into consideration. Smell was overwhelming. And with that my lunch was over. Seriously, you cannot resume eating after that.

deeper graves