Speaking at New Covenant Bible Church today

WOW! I can't believe how fast time flies when I am giving the talk in church on Sunday. The 8 AM service went fairly well and the 9:20 AM went much better. I love the fact that I have four times to share the message because it takes so much work to get it ready for presentation.

I have had several people stop by and say how much they needed the message. There are so many people who live their lives under the weight of guilt and shame for things that have happened in the past. This guilt keeps them from reaching the full potential of what God wants for their lives!

God is a very compassionate and merciful God who is long suffering and cares deeply for us. His initial call to Adam and Eve after they sinned was "Where are you"?

God is saying the same thing today! Where are you? He wants to forgive and give you a fresh start.
It's time to head on back in. I usually grab a power bar before the 11 AM service so I have some energy! Tye out.

The sermonator - Does God really care?

I am working today on putting the finishing touches on my talk for this Sunday. I will be sharing in all four services so if you are a praying person I would appreciate your prayers.

I know a lot of my readers do not view my blog on the weekends, but I thought I would put my outline in here just in case you had some ideas you would like to share with me like illustrations, or changes you would make.

I read through the Bible this year three times and the thing that has struck me about this year's readings is how compassionate and long suffering God is. (I know! You're not supposed to end sentences like that, but that's how us mid-westerners talk.) Even when God decrees judgment on a person, place, or thing, he is compassionate and merciful and will even relent his decree of judgment when people respond in prayer and repentance. I know that statement irks Calvinists, but it is in the Bible. Adjust. (quoting Jim Cymbala who I heard say that at a conference for pastors) Here's the sermon outline:

“Does God Really Care?”
Exodus 34:6-7

1. The Bible teaches that God, in his very essence, is compassionate and merciful. (Deuteronomy 34:6-7a)

• Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:9)

2. Because of his compassion, God responds to prayer.

• Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:1-6)
• People of Nineveh (Jonah 3:4,10)
• The children of Israel (2 Chronicles 7:13-14)

3. As compassion receivers we should be compassion givers.

• We must never forget from where we have come (Deuteronomy 24:21-22)
• God, who is rich in mercy, loved us (Ephesians 2:4)
• The Great Commandment (Mark 12:30-31)

Conclusion: Does God really care? Yes!!! God has demonstrated his love and compassion over and over again and we can rest in this fact and share this compassion with others.

Let me know what you think. And, say a prayer that God would use this message to encourage, challenge and motivate his people to action. Tye out.

Yogi Berra quote of the week

"Do you mean now?" (Yogi's response when asked what time it was by Rube Walker, the Met's pitching coach, while flying from New York to Los Angeles.)

Road Trip Christmas 2007

We went to Cincinnati for the holidays to visit family. It was a good trip, but it is good to be home. In all honesty it is hard to have a "family" Christmas when you are staying with someone else. But I know it is important for the kids to know their grandparents (and great-grandmother Pearl) so we made the 1050 mile round trip to do just that. (was I whining there?)

I had an especially good visit with my cousin Cindy Hargis on Christmas eve and it is so good to spend time with someone who for many years I did not even know. It is neat that we have so much in common. Great seeing you cous!

Christmas eve we spent time with the Nickloes clan (Judy's side) with prob about 25 people. Christmas morning we had our Christmas at Judy's parent's house where we stayed and then in the afternoon we saw my side of the family. We left Wednesday morning and got back around 3 PM.

Highlights:

• Being with my family (mom, dad, grandma, brothers and their families)
• Being with my family (Judy, Andrew, Allyson, Morgan, and Mackenzie)
• Being with family (Judy's clan)
  
• Seeing Cindy again
  
• Eating at Skyline Chili - twice
• Bob Evans - great breakfast
• UDF ice cream
• Watching back to back episodes of the office with Andrew
  

Next time I think we will plan our agenda ahead of time. There are some fun things to do in Cincy and because we had so many people and places to be it was kind of a "tail wagging the dog" syndrome. We'll see how it goes. Tye out.

Christmas presents

Once again we have experienced a wonderful Christmas! I received a new Cuisinart coffee grinder (pictured at left), Starbucks coffee, some bucks for iTunes (I am listening to Count Basie right now!), some cash, and a new denim shirt. The kids got some cool things as well.

I just downloaded some iTunes with my gift card from Allyson: Gerald Albright/Georgia on my Mind, Count Basie/Basie is Back Album, Joey DeFrancesco/Organic Vibes album, Diane Schuur/two selections from Blues for Schuur.

After all, I don't call it Tye's Jazz for anything. Tye out.

Another jazz great dies

I'm a little sad today because another jazz great has died and I did not have the privilege of seeing him perform. He was an amazing pianists that had a style that was unmistakable when you heard it. Rest in peace.

Here's the report from the Canadian Press:

Oscar Peterson, who once said playing piano gave him 'extreme joy,' dead at 82

TORONTO - Jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, whose flying fingers mesmerized audiences around the world - from dance halls in 1940s Montreal to the lights of Carnegie Hall and beyond - has died at age 82.

He played alongside the giants of jazz: Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Roy Eldridge, Nat King Cole, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington, who once called Peterson the "Maharajah of the keyboard."

"Until the end, Oscar Peterson could tour the world and fill concert halls everywhere," said Andre Menard, artistic director and co-founder of the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

"This is something that never diminished. His drawing power, his mystique as a musician, was so big that he remained at the top of his game until the end ... Oscar Peterson has been the musician every musician in the world can look up to and aspire to."

Word of Peterson's death at his home in Mississauga, Ont., set off a torrent of international tributes, including a statement from French president Nicolas Sarkozy, who said "one of the bright lights of jazz has gone out."

"He was a regular on the French stage, where the public adored his luminous style," Sarkozy added. "It is a great loss for us."

Merry Christmas everyone!

I want to wish all of you a very merry Christmas. On this Christmas eve I pray that you will reflect on the miracle of the virgin birth of the savior of the world, Jesus. Tye out.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)

Happy Holidays

I want to wish everyone "Happy Holidays!" But why would a committed Christ-follower not say "Merry Christmas"? hmmmm

My Christmas wish would be that you would come to accept Jesus the Messiah. He has radically changed my life and given me hope not only in this world but in the world to come. I now have a rational belief system that governs my life and makes as much sense as anything I have ever heard. It explains how I got here, why I am in the shape I am in, and provides basic instructions for life. Most of all the Bible tells me about a savior who came to planet earth to die for my sins. wow.

But I know I have readers who have other traditions and in an honest effort to "not shove my religion down your throat" I am happy to say happy holidays!

A cell phone salesman sings incredible opera

Here at Tye's Jazz we don't typically do anything in the music realm that involves opera or orchestral style music but today I'm going to change that - just today only because I am in the "Christmas spirit."

Paul Potts blew away the judges and the audience on Britain's Got Talent (not the least of which was Simon Cowell) with an incredible operatic voice that brought tears to many people's eyes. (I'm not joking this time)

I've made comments in the past on posts about America Idol about some of the singers' performances and what I think constitutes an American Idol. I believe they should totally wow you and move you in a deep way like when Carrie Underwood, Kelley Pickler, and Kelly Clarkson perform. It's when Nadia Comaneci scores a perfect 10. ( I loved Nadia!)

Now it's your turn to be the judge. Does Paul have what it takes? Let me know what you think. Tye out.

Straight No Chaser performs 12 Days of Christmas

Gina Kaufman posted this on her Facebook and I just had to post it for my faithful readers. This is Indiana University's men's chorus Straight No Chaser performing a Christmas classic. You can purchase their DVD by clicking here. Enjoy!!!

Yogi Berra quote of the week

"A home opener is always exciting, no matter if it's home or on the road." Yogi Berra

O Holy Night - this one will bring tears to your eyes!

This version of "O Holy Night" will bring tears to your eyes. Enjoy!!!

Final Inspection of the basement? PASSED!!!

Today at slightly after 3 PM I received the final inspection on the basement remodeling project. Tonight we are going to do some cleaning and get ready for the carpet which is being installed on December 27th. This is the last inspection to satisfy the building permit and none too soon because my one year had run out, and the 30 days of grace were up on December 27th. Whew!

A politcally correct holiday wish

(I did NOT write this. I changed it to italics to emphasize this fact. I saw this on someone's Facebook and copied it. Enjoy!)

To All My Democrat Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all.

I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

To My Republican Friends:
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

44 days

Most of you know that I enjoy reading through the Bible every year and this year I am going to read through three times; once in the NIV, The Message, and the NET Bible. I use a website (www.biblereadthrough.org) to track my progress and also to challenge myself as well and it keeps track of the number of days you read in a row.

I broke my streak yesterday - 44 days. As I collapsed into bed around 10 PM last night after a long day it occurred to me that I had not read yet. I was bummed, but too tired to do anything about it. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is week.

This is where grace comes in. I love it when I keep a bible reading streak going but when life circumstances dictate otherwise, I have to let myself off the hook, get a good night's rest, and hit it again the next day.

I have a question for you. Where do you need grace in your life? Forgiveness? Why not ask God for whatever it is you need right now and then get on with trusting him to work in your life? There is never any point in beating yourself up.

Yesterday is forever past. Today is a new day. Let's get on with it!!! Tye out.

...But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13b-14NIV

Plumbing is done!!!

The plumbing is done. Thanks to DJ for a job well done. We should be able to have the plumbing inspection tomorrow and then the final by Thursday or Friday. yippee!!!! Tye out.

The Male family was elfed!!!

Alright, I kinda got caught up in the hype of this www.elfyourself.com rage so if you want to see Judy and I dance click here. To see our kids dancing, click here. whatever!!! (it was fun though!)

A call for some new Christmas hymns and carols

Ok, go ahead and say it - "Tye, you are such a Scrooge." I was thinking last night in church as we sang the same exact songs I sang when I was in elementary school 35 years ago that it might be time for a change. (btw, I am not grinding an axe about NCBC. Gary, Angie and Jane do a FANTASTIC job!)

That said, I would like to issue a call to Christian artists and writers to present us some new Christmas carols and hymns that have a more "today" sound combined with today's praise and worship more vertical worship.

I'm not against the old hymns. I'm just a little weary of the old ones.

I have to confess that I do not enjoy singing about theology. I prefer the songs that sing to the Lord, rather than about the Lord.

So, if you have the gift of creating new music and expressing a heartfelt passion for worship of our creator then please get busy and share your talent with the church. I'm ready!!!

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.
2 The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.
3 He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Psalm 98:1-3NIV

Potpourri

I've been really busy the past couple weeks and it shows in my blogging. Sorry to be out of touch for so long. Here's a brief update on a number of fronts:

Family: Judy is on Christmas break from school and is enjoying her time off. She made the curtains for our bedroom and it sure made a difference! Great job sweetie! I played a band job in Iowa City and it was miserable. The place was freezing cold and the band played about the same. I can't remember wishing a job would get over as much as I did Saturday. : (

Kids: Allyson is going to Poland for a missions trip January 25th. What an exciting opportunity. Andrew has been such a great addition to the staff at NCBC as he helps our Washington Campus get ramped up.

New Covenant Bible Church: I am busy getting ready for my talk on December 30th. I believe I will be sharing about God's compassion as evidenced in the Old Testament. We are also ramping up for our winter Impact that launches February 10th.

Basement remodeling project: The plumbing will be finished tonight and I will call for the plumbing inspection. After that, I will call for the final overall building inspection. We will be moving Andrew in on December 27th, the same day the carpet will be installed. I still have some finishing touches but will be able to work on that over the next few months. Frankly, I am burned out and tired of this project and I am very thankful it is coming to an end.

Consider yourself briefed. : ) Tye out.

Yogi Berra quote of the week

"I don't have a ten." (Yogi's reply, after thumbing through a large roll of bills that he pulled out of his pocket, to Joe Pepitone's request for ten dollars for breakfast.)

No electricity, no email - what next?

I am sitting up at Panera (my second office) because when I arrived at the church at 8:45 AM there was no power. We have been without email due to issues with the ISP so I have to confess that I am a little lost right now.

There was an ice storm that started on Saturday and has continued even through last night. There are now tree branches and power lines down everywhere which has caused many to be without electricity including our church offices.

Well, I just received word that the electric had come back on at the church so I'm going to head on down and try to get ready for a noon meeting. Tye out.

It's called Christmas

Alright, let's bring a conclusion to "Video Week" here at tyesjazz.com by watching a video about Christmas. I do have one disclaimer on this one. I don't especially care for the "attitude" that the group takes - it' kinda demeaning. But, I think the basic message is good. Merry Christmas everyone!

Gaining control over our secret thought life

I receive a weekly email from Patrick Morley of Man in the Mirror and this one was especially good because I know exactly what he is talking about! As a man, I realize that this struggle is very real and this is why the Bible tells us to guard our hearts and our minds, taking them captive for Christ. Here is what Pat writes:

There is an ancient fable about a scorpion and a turtle. The scorpion, a poor swimmer, asks a turtle to carry him on his back across a river. The turtle said, “That’s insane! You’ll sting me while I’m swimming and I’ll drown.”

“Dear turtle,” laughed the scorpion, “If I were to sting you and you drowned, I would drown with you. That would not be logical!”

Persuaded, the turtle said, “You’re right, of course. Hop on.”

The scorpion climbed on the turtle’s back, but halfway across the river it gave the turtle a fatal sting. As they both sank toward the bottom the turtle said, “You said it would not be logical for you to sting me, so why did you do it?”

“It has nothing to do with logic,” the scorpion replied. “It’s just my character.”

Secret thoughts are just like that scorpion. They will bite you every time.

Click here to read the rest of the article - it is well worth it!

He's absolutely right. Us men need other men in our lives to help hold us accountable and to partner with us as we seek to live our lives as godly men. If you don't have a mentor I would strongly urge you find one, and it can't be your wife guys! It's great to have someone to bounce ideas off and to air things out with. Tye out.

Chuck Norris endorses Mike Huckabee

As part of I happened to be with one of Mike Huckabee's campaign advisers (and one of Mike's best friends) when he heard the news that Chuck Norris had endorsed Huckabee. Then, my son showed me this video of Chuck and Mike and I was waiting for the right time to share it.

Since it seems like this week is "Video Week" at tyesjazz.com, I thought "Why not!" Here you go!

Yogi Berra quote for the week

"Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded." (Yogi's opinion of Rugerio's, a popular St. Louis restaurant where he had once worked as headwaiter.)

Free Hugs Campaign

Welcome to "video week" at www.tyesjazz.com. : ) I think I posted this video once before, but that's alright. Maybe you need a hug today so I would encourage you to watch this. And if you are a "sap" like me, get the tissues ready.

To read the story behind "Free Hugs" click here.

Everybody's free to wear sunscreen

I'm in a video mood this week as you can probably tell. Part of this is due to the fact that I have been busy working ont he basement and have not had time to think enough to write something creative on my own.

I saw this on Tammany Block's Facebook and really liked it. I especially like all the kissing (yep, that's right!). We need to take time to appropriately touch, hug, and kiss (appropriately) the ones we love. (it's too bad I have to add that little disclaimer) Also, I should say I don't agree with everything that is said on the vid. Hopefully you are mature enough to select the meat, and toss the bones. : ) Enjoy! Tye out.

This is what Christmas is all about - Evel Knievel accepts Christ

Listen to this - all nine minutes. I especially like the part where he tells how life was meaningless before Christ. Five Rolls Royce's, two jet airplanes, wine, women...did not satisfy Evel.

Robert Craig "Evel" Knievel died in Clearwater, Florida, finally succumbing after nearly a three-year bout with the terminal lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Rest in peace - finally. Tye out.

Hanging doors in the basement

Tonight was a huge night in the basement remodel project. Dave Dawson and Larry Smith came over and helped me get four of the doors hung. One of the doors was damaged and they even took me over to Menards to replace it! Click on the pic for a slideshow of the progress.

It was a "milestone" night and it was fun working with such talented people! Thanks to Larry and Dave for helping me get this done tonight. You guys are awesome!!! Tye out.

Let everything that has breath (even jazz musicians) praise the Lord!

Yesterday was an awesome day at New Covenant Bible Church as the big band performed in all four services. We did three numbers and there was one solo opportunity on It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. You can click here to listen. The recording does not do justice to the band, but will give you an idea of what it sounded like.

BTW, the choir number was really hot!!! It is the third selection in the recording!

The best part for me is the fact that I can use my talent to bring honor and glory to God through a medium that just a few years ago was considered "ungodly."

A special thanks to Gary and Angie for their passion for spiritual worship expressed through many forms, including the Christian big band! Tye out.

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary!
Praise him in the sky, which testifies to his strength!
Praise him for his mighty acts!
Praise him for his surpassing greatness!
Praise him with the blast of the horn!
Praise him with the lyre and the harp!
Praise him with the tambourine and with dancing!
Praise him with stringed instruments and the flute!
Praise him with loud cymbals!
Praise him with clanging cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord! Psalm 150 NET Bible

Yogi Berra non-quote for the week

Yogi Berra definitely had a way with words. I found a website that has many of his quotable quotes and you can click here to check it out. The website owner also has many quotes that are attributed to Yogi that Yogi never said, but people say he said it. He gets his quotes from Yogi's book Yogi -- It Ain't Over....

That said, here is your Yogi Berra "non-quote" for the week.

"Little League baseball is a very good thing because it keeps the parents off the streets." (Sorry, but Rocky Bridges said this, not Yogi.)

See you next week! Tye

Painting on the stairs

I needed to cut in (term used to describe painting all the corners and around trim first) the area in the stairwell. So, I grabbed some scrap wood and started measuring. I use a pole to paint with, but for the edging I needed to be right up there. (Click on the pic to see a slide show.)

I figured out that if I could "spring load" the arms that would hold the unit to the steps I wouldn't have to put screws in the steps. I did this by inserting a shim and then screwing a wood block on the other end to hold the unit to the stairs.

It doesn't look very fancy, but it worked like a charm. Tye out.

I get by with a little help from my friends, uh, daughter

Mackenzie wanted to help me paint so she did the bedroom closet (hey! we all have to start somewhere!) and then she did the lower of half of the bathroom. She did a fantastic job and her servant heart is awesome. Click on the pic for more pictures.

The basement has been painted!!!

90 sheets of drywall, 50 gallons of drywall mud (10 buckets), 24 gallons of paint, and the basement has now been painted!!! YEAH! You can click on the pic for a slide show. Click here to see pics of me and Judy! She's soooo cute! Judy took some time out from studying to help cut in the ceilings.

One year ago tomorrow I set out to construct a bedroom and a bathroom in the basement for my son who is living at home while attending college. Actually, tomorrow is the one year anniversary of getting my building permit. Now, 365 days later we now have about 850 square feet of living space because it seemed logical (at the time1) to go ahead and do the whole basement.

This week we'll be hanging the doors, grouting the tile floor, covering up some exposed Romex wiring, installing a combustion air vent, and staining the door trim. Next comes the bathroom fixtures, and then carpet.

This Christmas I am planning to take some time off!!! Tye out.

Time management quote

Got joy?

Happy Thanksgiving! At New Covenant Bible church last night we had our annual Thanksgiving Eve service and yours truly was privileged to lead it. I also was able to play in the band which was a lot of fun. Thanks Gary for letting me join the band tonight!

I concluded the evening with a short devo talk that I wanted to share with you today. Here you go!

Got Joy?

Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NET

Do not be anxious! -Anxiety is caused by a being overwhelmed with cares that we are often not in control of. I don't know about you, but I have often been weighed down with anxiety when I worry about things that are out of my control.

with thanksgiving - this is the key to this entire passage right here. Yes it is important to pray. But if you pray and at the same time you harbor unforgiveness and ungratefulness you may as well not be praying.

...and the peace of God...will guard your hearts and minds.... How can having a grateful heart “guard your heart and mind?” When we have an ungrateful heart it leads to some pretty ugly things like bitterness, anxiety, and an inability to enjoy the life God wants us to live.

Check out what Erwin McManus, pastor of Mosaic Church says in his book Uprising regarding the need to have a grateful heart, a heart of thanksgiving:

When we are grateful, we see and experience life with a healthy optimism. When we lack gratitude, we move toward pessimism and even cynicism. (Uprising p120)

An grateful heart always sees what is wrong with life. The longer we live without gratitude, the more embittered we become. The more embittered we become, the more we find ourselves overwhelmed with depression. (Uprising p120)

For in the same way that gratitude leads to wholeness, bitterness will leave us shattered and broken. In this condition we will find ourselves unable to experience the life God dreams for us…. (Uprising p120)

Bitterness creates and illusion of control and power. Bitterness is a form of hate. It is anger facing backwards. Bitterness requires that you live in the past; hope requires that you live for tomorrow. Gratitude not only allows you to enjoy the present, but keeps you looking forward to the future. (Uprising p120-1)

Bitterness is a terrible thing and it happens when we (1) choose not to forgive others, and (2) we are ungrateful for the life God has blessed us with, no matter the circumstances.

The reality is we don’t deserve anything. EVERYTHING is a gift from God and were it not for his gracious hand we would not have anything to be thankful for.

Today is an annual reminder to be thankful for all that we have. Let's be thankful today! Tye out.

Yogi Berra quote of the week

Since the kids are out of school this week for Thanksgiving, I bring you this Yogi quote for the week:

"Closed." (Yogi's comment when asked what he liked best about school.)

Painting the basement, self appraisal, thanksgiving eve service

Larry prepares the sprayer to paint the basement

I am writing from home again. This time Mackenzie does not have school and Judy does, so I am working from home. It was a busy and fulfilling weekend at home and church.

Saturday morning - I facilitated Basic Leadership Training for small group leaders and had a great time welcoming 4 new small group leaders to our current network of over 40.

Saturday afternoon and evening - Larry and I spray painted the basement with primer, then we sprayed the ceilings. Wow, that went fast and the sprayer did a great job. Thanks Larry!

Sunday - I spoke in Starting Point (our newcomers ABF). We had the Welcome Lunch right after church and the food and fellowship was great. It was nice getting to LuAnn and her daughter Becky who sat at our table. Sunday night I met with one of our ABFs to do some coaching.

Monday - I worked on my self appraisal. This is how we do annual reviews at NCBC. It is an intense 10 or so page document that helps me review the past year and see how I met any goals I had set and how well I had helped accomplish the mission of New Covenant Bible church.

Tonight I have a wake to attend and then tomorrow night I am leading the Thanksgiving Eve service.

Busy weekend and week. I am heading downstairs to start painting the color on the walls of the basement. I hope to finish sometime this weekend, get the doors hung, have the carpet installed, and get the inspections done. I better go! Time's a wasting! Tye out.

Mr. Mom

On most Friday's you can find me behind the counter at Panera serving up bagels, latte's, and pastries but not today. Mackenzie became very sick yesterday with strep throat and so she needed to stay home today. Since Judy has school on Friday, I decided to stay home from Panera and be with KK.

So, it's 10 something and I am still in my pajamas. I like having some time off, but already I'm feeling a little stir crazy. I'm ready to get after some long overdue items here at the house.

This got me to thinking. God created man to work and when we don't work (on a regular basis) we run the risk of atrophy: mental, physical, and spiritual. I rarely complain about having to work mostly because I really enjoy what I do. But having worked 6 days a week now for almost a year I can tell you that this Friday is a welcome break! Tye out.

Living in a van down by the river

One of my favorite comedy sketches is that of the late Chris Farley doing his "motivational speaker" routine on Saturday Night Live. It's hilarious! It makes me laugh and I hope it does you too! Tye out.

Yogi Berra quote for the week

"I will get it when I die!" (Yogi's somewhat heated reply to a teammate in the clubhouse telling him that he was foolish for buying life insurance.)

I need to be me

I am now 46 years old and have spent my life trying to figure out who I am and feel that I can say with some level of confidence that I have come to some conclusions on this subject:

I am a child of God: He chose me, called me, and saved me. Nothing I do can ever separate me from his love.

I am a husband: may I learn how to love and serve my wife for the rest of my days

I am a father: may I be there for my children and parent them according to their needs, not mine.

I am a pastor: may I never turn back from this calling and serve him faithfully the rest of my life.

I am an implementer/refiner: this means I will never start my own church. I will probably never be the "senior" pastor. I will probably never have my name ascribed to some great work. I am completely ok with this - well most of the time.

Who are you? Whose are you? Tye out.

Another thing I do to beat the blues...

Frank Caliendo has to be one of the most incredible impressionist since Rich Little. His show "Frank TV" debuts on TBS this Thursday night.

Blue Monday

After an incredible week of ministry and a big band concert on the weekend, I have to confess that I'm feeling a little blue this morning.

So, how do you beat a blue day? I have realized that I have down days after a hectic week of even good things. I also have blue moods when I think about the past. You see, there are some really good things about my past that I now miss, and there are some things about the past that are NOT good things that I have to get over, and on with it.

This often occurs to those who have experienced a loss of some sort. Today I am thinking about people who have experienced the death of a spouse, or a divorce because this leaves such an incredible void in their lives. Check out what Michelle McKinney Hammond says about this in her book Get Over It and On With It:

This applies not just to the death of a loved one, but also to the death of any situation in our lives. We lose the victory we could have when we refuse to accept change by focusing on what has been – what we no longer have or never had. One-tree-itis. Um hmm. That’s what most of us have. We get stuck on the one tree we can’t eat from. Yet we are standing in the middle of a garden that offers a bounty of luscious fare. Life offers us so much that we never partake of when we choose to be prisoners of our own pain. Our insistence in having what we want gets us into trouble, hung up, stuck every time. In Urbaneese it’s called being “stuck on stupid.”

It’s time to give it a rest. Don’t talk about it. Don’t revisit it anymore. It’s over. To refuse to face this fact is like not accepting that summer or winter is over and refusing to wear the right clothing. Not only will you look ridiculous wearing a coat in ninety-degree weather or summer apparel in below-zero temperatures, but you will either burn up or freeze to death. It is unhealthy not to embrace change and make the necessary transition. Now is the time to focus on an important issue: What do we do next?

Until you face the reality that this season of your life is over, you will be unable to plan your next move.

Today is the beginning of the rest of your life. The past is the past. Enjoy the victories and learn from the defeats.

I think I'm going to get busy planning the rest of my life and living it to the hilt!!! Tye out.

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Php 3:13NIV

Post Sonny Fortune concert notes

The concert last night went very well! Sonny is a master saxist and was phenomenal last night. His combo tunes were the best part of the concert.

After the concert, some of us went to the Irish Democrat and I had a reuben sandwich with a side of heart burn!!! I've heard about the food there and now I can wholeheartedly concur that it was incredible.

Why the sleepy baby pic? I volunteered to transport Sonny Fortune to the airport so I had to pick him up at 5:20 AM and head to the airport. I was back in bed for an hour snooze before heading out to the church. This morning I was filling in for our worship arts pastor Gary Hoobler helping serve communion.

After the service I picked up the fam and we headed to Culver's for lunch. Then a two hour nap for yours truly. In a few minutes I am heading back for the evening services. Tye out.

Sonny Fortune Master Class

Even though I have had a maxed out schedule this week, I carved out a couple hours to attend a free master class with jazz saxist Sonny Fortune. He was friends with John Coltrane and talked about his influence on his life, both personally and musically. Sonny described him as a quiet guy who was very different on the stage. He said that he was "fiery" on stage as he played.

I had the privilege of transporting Sonny to the hotel last night and enjoyed his company. He is a humble man who loves jazz music a great deal. I'm looking forward to performing with him tonight. Tye out.

CR Jazz Big Band to perform November 10th with Sonny Fortune

CR Jazz Big Band will be performing along with the Kirkwood Student Jazz Band at Kirkwood College in Ballantyne Auditorium November 10th at 7:30 PM. It should be a good concert.

Both bands will be performing tunes with Sonny Fortune, saxist. I am really looking forward to meeting Sonny - I actually get to transport him tonight and tomorrow.

There are several people from New Covenant Bible Church participating as well: Joel Tee, Robert Dunham, Jason Grimm, and Steve Graham. Come on out and enjoy some big band jazz! Tye out.

Yogi Berra quote of the week

"He must have made that before he died." (Yogi said this about Steve McQueen while watching one of his movies. Yogi claims to have said this about Jeff Chandler and some other actors, too.)

Tears at the Country Music Awards (CMA)

I'm sitting here watching the Country Music Awards after a long day at the office and the second act I caught was Kellie Pickler, and it was no "act" at all. It was absolutely obvious that as she sang the song she became more and more emotional as it went on.

I, for one, love it when an artist/performer allows their natural emotions to flow out of their performance. Kellie did just that because by the end of the song the tears were just flowing down her cheeks and upon conclusion of the song she literally doubled over with emotion. (Loretta: it's true. I still love sappy female vocalists)

You see, this 21 year old American Idol Finalist was nowhere a year and a half ago. Tonight she performed on the CMA show. Something tells me she still feels privileged to be there, not entitled.

Brad Paisley wept as he received his award. He thanked his wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley (she is still beautiful), band, crew, and God. He seemed truly thankful.

Kenny Chesney - entertainer of the year. He said that he can't believe that he gets to do what he does every year - performing. Very humble speech.

I love country music. Tonight I was partly reminded why. Tye out.

Brassline, Impact Group Host Pizza Party, and remodeling

This weekend was like a whirlwind! I had a rough day at Panera, but was able to work 8.5 hours which will definitely help with the bills. Friday night and Saturday morning was our equipping staff and spouse retreat. Everyone had a good time. I wasn't feeling so well, but I managed to make the most of it.

Sunday was Brassline Sunday and we had a great time playing our instruments for the glory of God. Click here to listen. I had a couple sax solos and that was fun.

After the 11 AM service we had a pizza lunch for the Impact Group Hosts for the Why> series and that went great! 25 pizzas, testimonies of changed lives, and great conversation were the ingredients and we had a great time.

Aaron is coming back tonight to work on the drywall finishing and we hope to be spraying by Saturday. This means that the following week we will be painting and getting ready for the carpet and bath fixtures. WOW! I will be soooo happy when this is all over.

This week I have a concert and I am also hosting Rick Caldwell, global director of Men's Fraternity. I don't have any slush time, so, Tye out.

Yogi Berra quote of the week

OK, this is my third year in Iowa and I am becoming weary of all the campaigning already. So, in the spirit of the Iowa caucuses I bring you the Yogi Berra quote of the week:

"I know. Texas has a lot of electrical votes." (Yogi's reponse to former president George Bush's remark that Texas was very, very important in the coming election.)

Tye out.

The drywall is being finished!!! Yeah!

Aaron


Nick

I am so pleased to have discovered that one of our church members, Aaron, is a drywall finisher. He has graciously agreed to do the final two coats on the drywall and then do the texturing for a VERY fair price, and I have really enjoyed getting to know he and Nick who is helping him.

Last night they started working on it and I was amazed to see them using the 5 gal buckets of drywall mud as "stilts." So, I captured it on video and you can check it our right here on Tye's Jazz. Check this out:



A very happy Tye out.

I'm on Facebook!

Facebook - wow. I love the fact that I now have 91 friends in just three day's time. I like being able to "poke" people. I'm still going to focus on my blog for the most part, but if you want to touch base with me now you have another way to do it. Tye out.

Fall Fest at New Covenant Bible Church

Mackenzie is "Dorothy" (Riley is Toto)









Morgan is a football player









Allyson in her poodle skirt








Our church sponsored a "Fall Fest" for kids that featured games, prizes, candy, and lots and lots of fun. You can click here for a slide show of all the cool costumes. Our children's ministry does an outstanding job putting on this event that nearly 300 kids came to. I spent most of my time taking pics of all the outstanding costumes. Tye out.

Quote of the day from "SparkPeople"

Facebook's help desk has responded!!!

I received a reply from Audrina at Facebook's Help Desk in response to my email that my last name is legit! I had to supply my exact birthdate and I think she is going to go ahead and process everything.

Stay tuned. I might be on Facebook yet! Tye out.

Facebook won't have me!!!

I tried to register with Facebook and was not able to because they deemed my name inappropriate. I guess the fact that my last name has something to do pornographers and people seeling less than reputable stuff is what has landed me in this quandary. hmmm

I sent an email per their help desk to see if there is something I can do about it. If you have any ideas on what I can do to overcome this, please let me know. We'll see! Tye out.

A pumpkin for Mackenzie

Mackenzie and I headed up to Bart's Farm for a pumpkin and a pony ride today after lunch and we were disappointed to find out that they were not offering pony rides this year. However, we did get a pumpkin and will probably do the carving tonight. Dad out.

Denver and the Mile High Orchestra

It's Saturday night and I'm feeling the effects of a recently acquired cold - I don't feel so hot. So, I'm sitting here on the couch watching an incredible football game: Ohio State and Penn State.

But you all know that I REALLY would prefer to be blowing some great jazz music, and as luck would have it I found this clip of Denver and the Mile High Orchestra and thought I would share it with you. The tenor sax solo is incredible and I love that vintage Mark VI. I had one once upon a time and got rid of it because I didn't think it could be used to glorify God. Too bad. So, I'm praying that the Lord will give it back to me. Maybe some day. Enjoy the vid. Jammin' Tye out.

Drywall taping, strategic plans, and a staff retreat

This was another busy week and I got a lot done. Tuesday night I did some work in the basement and then on Wednesday we finished taping the drywall. Thanks to Mark Retter for helping me get this done. Last night I cut the grass and cleaned out the garage. Part of that cleaning was finally fixing my racing bike and the small Trek bike I have. I haven't rode since July because of the broken rim and remodeling the basement. Scott Kacena gave me a new rim for the back and it looks really good on the bike.

I am writing this from East Iowa Bible Camp where our Elders, deacons, and equipping staff are having our annual strategic planning retreat. I have the privilege of leading worship again this year and really enjoyed playing and leading again. Tonight I shared my 5 year plans and I am sooo excited about the future of New Covenant Bible Church.

It's late, so I need to check out. Have a great weekend! Tye out.

Yogi Berra "non" quote of the week

It's been a busy week so I haven't had a chance to do any blog posts. Sorry. I'll try to get back in the saddle next week.

This week's Yogi Berra quote is a non-quote. Yogi never said it, so it's a non-quote quote:

"It's deja vu all over again."
(What a howler! Yogi never said it, Yogi says he never said it in his book, yet the clown who wrote the jacket notes of his book says he said it.)