The book that can change your life - Part1

Whew, I'm pooped! I did the talk in all four services at our church today and man I'm wiped out. It was a good day and it never ceases to amaze me that people actually listen to what I have to say and they say they even like it.

I spoke about how the Bible is an amazing book that can change our lives. I gave lots of facts and statistics to demonstrate why this book is so amazing. I then wrapped the talk up with some very practical tips on how to get into the Bible in 2007.

So, how about you? Have you developed the habit of reading the Bible on a regular basis? If not, why not start right now? Start with the book of John. Or, start with Philippians or Colossians. Read a verse a day, chapter a day, but start reading something. Tye out.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NIV

Happy Birthday Mackenzie!!!

Today we celebrated the 9th anniversary of the birth of our precious daughter Mackenzie! She wanted to have Hawaiian pizza and carrot cake. One of her new fave movies is Cars so her cake and decorations were all done up with the Cars motif. The Wohlers all came over and celebrated with us - thanks to Brian, Jody, Ben and Kathryn for stopping by to see us, and for giving Mackenzie a gift card for Panera - she loves those muffies! Click on the pic to see a slide show.

Andrew just got home and gave her a DVD game of Deal, or No Deal and we are getting ready to play. We got her the game Operation. (remember that one?) It is on sale at Walmart for only $8.00 so get yours while quantities are limited!

Anyways, happy birthday to you Mackenzie. You have been a wonderful daughter and we are so proud of you! A proud dad out.

Merry Christmas from the Male's

It was a great Christmas morning at the Male house this morning. Mackenzie was up at around 7 Am and we managed to hold off opening gifts until around 7:30. Once everyone had opened their gifts we enjoyed some of Sharon Pagel's world famous homemade cinnamon rolls that Josh brought over and they were delicious. Thanks Pagels! Click here to watch a slideshow of the festivities.

The kids got some much needed clothes and some fun stuff too. There was nerf disc shooters, Apples to Apples, an mp3 player, a Lightning McQueen alarm clock, and jewelry for the girls. Yours truly received a really nice stainless steel coffee mug from Star Bucks and some decaf Christmas blend. We just finished eating our Christmas dinner complete with turkey, sweet-potato casserole, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and Allyson's amazing yeast rolls.

Another year and our family is all together. I can't help but wonder how many more years we will all be together - the kids are growing up so fast. The next thing you know, well, let's cross that bridge when we come to it.

Thank you Jesus for coming to earth to rescue us from our sins. Thank you for loving me so much that you went to the cross for my sins. Jesus truly is the reason for the season.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV

Secret Santa in Spokane

I've got a couple hours before the next service starts at 3:30, so I thought I would share with you a story I saw online this morning. On Thursday in Spokane, Washington a lady was reported as boarding buses and passing out Christmas cards with a $50 bill in each envelope.

My blog entry on Free Hugs was about people who decided to give away free hugs and when you see the video it is quite moving.

This article entitled Bus Riders Gets Gifts from Secret Santa was about some unknown person giving away free 50 dollar bills. This story sounds a little familiar to me...

2000 years ago Jesus Christ took on the form of a man and was born in a stable in a little town called Bethlehem. He lived a perfect life and died a horrible, disgusting, death on a Roman cross and 3 days later came alive from the dead. He did all this so that you and I could receive a free gift - the free gift of eternal life.

And how do you receive this gift? Just like those people on the bus - you reach out and accept it. That's it! If you could earn it then it wouldn't be a gift! Why not accept Christ's offer of eternal life right now? Tye out.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15NIV

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16NIV

That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9NIV

Digital family dinners

I was just getting ready to head on down to New Covenant for Christmas Eve services, all four of them, because I am playing in the band today when I decided to check the news online and I saw on Yahoo! News an article about digital family dinners. The concept is simple; you have a camera and microphone in your dining room and you can enjoy dinners with your relatives that are at a distance.

This sounds really good especially for those who cannot get out and be with other people very often. I was even thinking that we could be with our families this Christmas without the 8.5 hour drive! And when things get out of hand, you could just hit "mute!" HA! (just kidding there!)

But there is a downside to all this. People need the personal touch of other human beings: A hug, a kiss, a touch on the shoulder, a holding of hands, etc. If you don't believe this, click here to watch this video from a previous post. People need healthy touch and interaction.

Today, on this Eve of Christmas, why not reach out and touch someone (remember the old phone commercials!) literally. Share a smile, a handshake, a hug or some other healthy physical interaction that lets the other person know that they are valued! Tye out.

Book a Hollywood Celeb for New Years - or not

I ran across this article today and it got me to thinking a little. But first, read this artice.

Have a few extra hundred thousand dollars hanging around your house? Are you dying to cut open that mattress and spend wildly on unnecessary things? Well, have I got the list for you! Us Magazine polled event planners and got the low down on celebrity bookings.

Mariah Carey private performance - $1,000,000
Usher private performance - $1,000,000
Dr. Phil speech - $750,000 - $1,000,000
Nicole Kidman party apperance - $500,000 + jet
Jessica Simpson private performance - $400,000
Scarlett Johansson party apperance - $200,000
Demi Moore party apperance - $200,000
Nick Lachey party apperance - $100,000 (negotiable)
Pam Anderson party apperance - $75,000 - $250,000
Adrian Grenier private performance with band - $35,000

Well, have I got a deal for you! Instead, why not come on over to New Covenant Bible Church on New Year's Eve (8, 9:20, 11 Am or 5 PM) and I will appear for FREE!!! That's right, since the budget was tight this year at NCBC, they couldn't afford anyone else, so they got me for free.

However, I might show up for your private party with my saxophone for around $10k. I know this sounds expensive, but look at how much money you will be saving by NOT getting one of the people listed above. : ) (I'm cracking myself up here!) Tye out.

Free Hugs Here

I know I am supposed to be working on my talk for next Sunday, but my eye caught this article on Yahoo! News and it moved me deeply. Take a few minutes to watch this video. Warning - it is moving!

Wow! That was powerful! Click here for the actual site and see the comments that were posted. Love is a powerful thing. (that was "love," not "lust") This is the reason Christ came. He died on a cross so that our sins could be forgiven and so we could love one another. Our world is filled with hate (just check out some of the "Christian" sites - they seem so angry!) and it so desperately needs to know the love of Christ through a committed Christ follower.

So, give someone a hug today - just because. And if you haven't hugged your wife and kids today, then what you waiting for? Tye out.

Greet one another with a holy kiss. 2 Co 13:12NKJV

Festivus - an alternative Christmas celebration?

By now you are getting to know me pretty well, but you might not know that I have enjoyed watching reruns of Seinfeld and think they are quite humorous. (I am not endorsing every aspect of the show, of course)

One episode back in 1997 features the Costanza's (George and his parents) celebrating "Festivus" a holiday Frank made up that would be celebrated on December 23 with an unadorned aluminum pole as the centerpiece. The byline was "Festivus for the rest of us." Read what Dinesh Ramde, Associated Press Writer reports:

The "Seinfeld" Festivus episode developed from series writer Dan O'Keefe's childhood experiences. His father invented the holiday in the 1960s.

"As a kid, we'd come home and there'd be weird decorations," said the 30-something O'Keefe. "There was the playing of strange German and Italian pop music from the '50s. And the airing of grievances was a real thing."

Instead of a pole, his family celebration featured a clock and a bag. (O'Keefe said his father won't say what they symbolized.)

It seems that an enterprising individual has figured out a way to profit from this totally ficticious and made up holiday. Click here to read about it.

I am a Christ follower and I can tell you that I am thrilled to be celebrating Christmas. I feel sad for people who are confused by this holiday, or they are unwilling to take a good look at the truth claims of Jesus Christ who came to planet earth, born in a manger, crucified on a cross, and is risen again to pay the debt I could not pay.

Jesus is the reason for the season. Tye out.

Andrew's Video is now on YouTube

I just figured out how to imbed video right into my blog. So, here is Andrew's video he produced for Water Shed. Enjoy!

Email Interruptions

I don't know about you, but I am very easily distracted so today I took the advice of the guys over at Pastor Hacks and I turned off the dinger thing in Outlook because every time it goes off I spend a few seconds looking at who might have emailed me. That isn't really the problem though. You see, my problem is the amount of time it takes me to get focused again. Yikes!

But when I went to disable the dinger thingee it wasn't that easy. So I called on my trusty MS Office Assistant - I like the dog version - and found out how to turn the dinger off:

1. On the Tools menu, click Options.

2. Click E-mail Options, and then click Advanced E-mail Options.

3. Do one or more of the following:

a. Display a desktop alert when messages arrive
b. Play a sound when messages arrive
c. Change the mouse cursor when messages arrive

There you go! I hope this helps you be even more productive, especially since we are so close the Christmas break! Tye out.

Denver and the Mile High Orchestra

I found this video on youtube.com. This is an incredible big band and I really enjoy listening to these guys. I hope you enjoy this video. Be sure to stop by their website for additional info, tracks and charts.

Denver and the Mile High Orchestra.


This one loads real slow. Be patient.

I'm a Christ Follower (Mac vs. PC)-Part 2

This parody reveals how some people think of Christianity. They think we follow rules and regulations that draw us closer to God. Christianity is not about religion (man's attempt to reach God), but it's about relationship (God reaching out for man through his son Jesus). Enjoy!



Church on Saturday? Polished shoes? I love that line where Mr. Christian says "I'm all ready to go." While the clothes may make a man, what is in his heart is the most important thing.

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV

I'm a Christ-follower (Mac vs. PC parody) Part 1

Have you seen those Mac vs. PC commercials? If not, click here to watch one. Then, come back here to Tyes Jazz to watch a cool parody from Eric Bramlett and the fine folks at Community Christian Church over in Naperville, Illinois. We were there back in February for a multi-site practicum and I was able to meet Eric, and even get "interviewed" by him. Click here to see my blog entry.



I love these parodies because they get us thinking about how we must appear to unchurched people and seekers. I think it is a matter of being authentic. We've got to learn how to be real so that a watching world can see that Jesus makes an internal difference. I'm thankful that we have seen the days pass where you have to wear a certain clothing type, read a certain kind of Bible, and go to church as a specific time in order to be "godly."

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35NIV

Men's Fraternity Update - one prays to accept Christ!

This morning marked the halfway point for our first ever Men's Fraternity at New Covenant Bible Church. Robert Lewis, who teaches via DVD, shared his faith story and challenged men to accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior. It was one of the best gospel presentations I have ever heard.

We received word shortly after the conclusion of the meeting that one man had prayed to receive Christ and yet another recommitted his life to the Lord. This is what it is all about! This is what Christmas is all about!

January 3rd we start back up with the second half of Men's Fraternity - The Quest for Authentic Manhood. Some of the topics we'll cover are:

• Genesis and Manhood
• A Biblical Definition of Manhood
• A Man and his Wife
• 25 Ways to be a Servant Leader
• Father and Sons
• Fathers and Daughters

Thanks to the leadership team of our AM Fraternity: Ed Luebe, Matt Thede, Lance Greco, Ken Smejkal, Jeff Dunham, Kurt Tennyson, Tom Green, and Dan Van Zoest. It has been a joy serving with you!

Denver and the Mile High Orchestra - video

Click on the title to watch a video of Denver and the big band. Tye out.

Denver and the Mile High Orchestra

Denver and the trumpet section.

Denver and the Mile High Orchestra. Nothing like driving 286 miles ONE WAY to get to see an awesome big band and front man - Denver! The concert as absolutely phenomenal and very entertaining. The venue, North Heights Lutheran Church, had an impressive worship center with the seats in a circular fashion. The ceiling had to be at least 40 feet tall. It seemed massive, yet intimate at the same time.

This band has got it going on! It was obvious that they were having the time of their lives performing and sharing the love of Jesus through big band music. The bass player was incredible, and entertaining to watch as well. The drummer did this awesome drum solo on "Little Drummer Boy" while the band lined up in the front playing Tower of Power licks. The alto played like the cat on Buddy Rich's band in the late 70's and the tenor player had this huge penetrating sound. (Berg Larsen mouthpiece!)

Denver's heart for missions was evident in his plea for Compassion and near the end of the concert sharing the gospel and praying with people to receive Christ as their savior!

It was an aweome night, but I have to admit that it was a long day. We spent 9 hours driving and covered around 590 miles - what were we thinking! I got to bed around 2:15 AM, but I can tell you I had visions of big bands dancing in my head! Tye out.

P.S. Stay tuned for a NCBC Big Band/Brass Line Christmas Concert 2007. - I'm serious!

The NCBC Big Band is ready to go!!!

The New Covenant Bible Church Big Band (first ever) is set and ready to go for this Sunday, December 17 in all four worship services. Our band rehearsed last night and I feel really good about our preparation. It has been fun playing with a big band again, especially after all these years. (click on the pic for a brief slideshow)

Special thanks to the sax section guys for all your hard work and extra practice sessions: Travis Gossman, Eric Haberkorn, and Mark Fritz.

We are still looking for players. In the sax section we could use another tenor and a bari player. An accomplished high school musician could handle the music.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!!!

(even jazz musicians!)

Orchestra Conductors

(I did not write this. It is hilarious! Enjoy!)

An American orchestra had just arrived in Europe for a two-week tour.One hour before the first concert, the conductor became very ill and was unable to conduct, and the orchestra suddenly had to find a substitute.

The orchestra manager asked whether anyone in the orchestra could step in and conduct. The only person to volunteer was the last-chair viola player. The manager was nervous. "You have no time to rehearse," she said. "You'll have to conduct the concert cold." "I know. It'll be all right," said the violist.

The violist conducted the concert and it was a smashing success. Because the conductor remained ill, the violist conducted all the concerts, getting rave reviews and standing ovations every time.

Two weeks later, the conductor had recovered, and the violist took his place at the rear of the viola section. As he sat down, his stand partner asked, "So where've YOU been for the past two weeks?"

Patricia Heaton says "It's not about me"

In the past couple of years I have enjoyed watching reruns of Everybody Loves Raymond mostly because it always gives a chuckle, if not a downright belly laugh. After a stressful day at work sometimes it helps just to laugh. (a little rationalization going on there.)

Christianity Today had this article on Patricia Heaton who plays the wife of Raymond Barone, Debra. Her character is quite the overbearing wife who regular demeans her husband - which stems from an overbearing mother (Raymond's) and a guy like Raymond doesn't have the equipment necessary to become a man and lead the women in his life. (that came from Men's Fraternity and maybe I'll takle this issue in another post.)

Back to Patricia. She is without a doubt a gifted and talented actress. She confesses a personal relationship with Christ and she also says some things in her article that caught my eye. Check it out.

She is the chairwoman for Feminists for Life, an organiztion of women committed to the Pro-Life ideal. She apparently lives a life of morality in a town where family values are not highly regarded. In fact, while waiting her turn to MC at the American Music Awards where she was to follow the Osbourne family she decided to leave before her segment after listening to the explictive saturated monologue of the Ozzy Osbourne.

Listen to this quote from Heaton: If you give your life to God, he doesn't promise that everything will go well. But he does promise peace.

Heaton goes on to talk about her view of tithing (interesting) and how she has been challenged to give until it hurts. This would have to be pretty interesting for someone making a reported $6 million a year. I can only pray that this halftimer is attempting to extend her financial influence (and celebrity status) and that God will take the platform she enjoys to influence the lives of many people. Tye out.

P.S. Please understand that I realize that Ms. Heaton may not have it all together spiritually the way I would see it, but the things I read today were very encouraging.

The NCBC Big Band live!!!

The NCBC Big Band rehearses (minus a few)

Sunday December 17th I believe we are going to have a little part in making history at New Covenant Bible Church. Our big band will be performing in the 8, 9:30, 11 AM, and 5:00 PM services. We will play two big band arrangements in the style of Count Basie - it will be a moment! You will not want to miss this exciting, ground-breaking, historic moment.

The band is made up of 4 saxes, 4 trombones and 5 trumpets plus a full rhythm section. It all started last month when during our Brass Line (2 trumpets, 2 bones, 1 sax) rehearsal someone said it would be cool to put our two brass lines together and form a big band and voila!

We are really excited about this opportunity to use our gifts and talents to bring glory to the Lord Jesus Christ - using swing music! Who would have ever thunk it!!! See you Sunday! Tye out.