The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it. - Flannery O'Connor

Looking for a Father

This morning was a bit different but really special at Eastside. Many of our ladies (including almost all our praise team singers) were at a ladies retreat in the mountains, so we used a male quartet to lead worship. Worked pretty well. I was proud of Kyle singing that high 1st tenor (alto) part. Also,a former Eastside member and current missionary to Honduras, Mark Tindall, talked about their work their, reminding us that in life we all are seeking a father... really the Father. Much of there work is with very poor children and families. Anyway, it was a good morning... both inspiring and convicting.

Then tonight on 60 Minutes they did a piece on Pete Carroll, the football coach at USC. Now, growing up in SoCal, I've always rooted for the Trojans, but in recent years it's been fun watching Carroll rebuild the USC program and hear about his unorthodox and fun-loving ways. Well, after watching the interview on 60 Minutes tonight, I will be even more of a fan, and I imagine that many across the country who might not root for the Trojans on Saturday will certainly root for the man. I have no idea about his faith, but I do know he understands what Mark Tindall was talking about this morning. If you have 12 minutes, the piece below will remind each of us that it's important to figure out a way to make a difference.



Watch CBS Videos Online

Puns

I believe that to fully appreciate puns, one has to have children who are old enough to sigh heavily and roll their eyes.

A friend sent me a bunch of puns the other day, so I thought I'd post a few here... especially for all those dads out there who enjoy torturing their kids with "clever" word play.

Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got married. The ceremony wasn't much, but the reception was excellent.

A jumper cable walks into a bar. The bartender says, "I'll serve you, but don't start anything."

Two cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other: "Does this taste funny to you?"

What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh.

A dwarf, who was a mystic, escaped from jail. The call went out that there was a small medium at large.

Movin' on Up

Sunday was our annual time to remind ourselves of the blessing of children in our church family and make "prayer apples" available to our members (each with a child's name) to encourage praying for them throughout the school year. Kyle preached and did a great job. Here's what the morning looked like:

O Worship the King

At the Name of Jesus

Welcome and Family News

Ah, Lord God
I Will Call Upon the Lord
As the Deer

Prayer

Jesus Loves Me

Jesus Loves the Little Children

Scandalous Love

(Michele reads names of birth-K kids, Kyle prays, Kyle talks)
You Are My All in All

Concepts and Habits

(Michele reads names of gr 1-5 kids, Kyle prays, Kyle talks)
Tithes and Offerings: Our Gifts to God

Thank You, Lord

Symbols and Fruits

(Michele reads names of MS & HS kids, Kyle prays, Kyle talks)

Communion: Our Family Meal

When We Meet in Sweet Communion

A Common Love
Blest Be the Tie
Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying

Prayer Apples for Our Children and Teachers

Shepherd’s Blessing

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And... in light of Jesus' invitation for us to become more like kids, I thought this quote from Heartlight fit as well.

"Humility is the Christian's greatest honor; the higher men climb, the farther they are from heaven." - Burder

The 31st State

On this date in 1850, California became the 31st state in the Union.

Interesting information I think, and perhaps even historically significant, but with all that is going on with the economy, apparently not a particularly "front burner" topic today. The only reference on the state web site is buried down in the history section where you would expect to find such info. But... no banner on the front page, so the one above will have to suffice. Have a blessed 090909. :-)

What Was that Title??

A friend from church sent me this one. Sadly, no comments needed... (insert sigh)

Do-Re-Mi

Jen and Fok tell us that this video is currently Claire's favorite. Actually, her Papa thinks it's pretty cool as well.

Removing All Doubt...

Remember the old saying, "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt?" It seems it has many variations and possible sources. Among them are:

It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - George Eliot

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt. - Abraham Lincoln

It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt. - Mark Twain

But it seems to find the source one needs to go back to the words of a truly wise man, Solomon.

Those who have knowledge use words with restraint, and those who have understanding are even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. - Proverbs 17:27-28

Now that I think about it, many of our public figures, especially talk radio specialists might heed the suggestion. Some of the propaganda and nonsense they spew is an insult to anyone who bothers to think about it.

And... here's another quote that at least a couple of them may have on their wall.

Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once. - Evan Esar

Finally, maybe we should all heed what our moms taught us...

If you can't say something nice (helpful), just don't say anything at all.

Sounds almost biblical (1 Cor 13:1).

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Speaking of encouraging words, Brice wrapped up his "I Met Jesus" series and Josh Spainhower and Kim Sloat talked about their mission trip to Tanzania. Here's what our worship looked like:

He Lives! (w/ refrain of I’ll Fly Away as a bridge after v 2)

Welcome and Family News

My Life Is in You

Prayer

I See the Lord

Reading: Galatians 4:4-5

Tell Me the Story of Jesus (v 1)

Reading: Ephesians 5:1-2

We Saw Thee Not (vs 1-2)

Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:19-22

Low in the Grave He Lay

Communion: The Body Remembers and Celebrates Bread

Reading: Acts 2:41-47

Come Share the Lord

Lord, I Give You My Heart

Offering

A Mission to Tanzania

Invitation to Children’s Church

God Is So Good

Sermon

Jesus, Draw Me Closer

He Is Wonderful

Shepherd’s Blessing

God is not moved or impressed with our worship until our hearts are moved and impressed by Him. -- Kelly Sparks (courtesy of Heartlight)