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TV Opportunity

This past Sunday we had the great privilege of filming a soon-to-be televised church service with Jools Hamilton, our dear friend and Methodist Chaplain at Trinity College. We had a wonderful time as I (Blake) led worship and Katy was interviewed. 

In the interview Katy discussed why our family came to Ireland. She did a wonderful job. We are always so blessed to partner with Jools in various ways. This was definitely one of the coolest and most fun adventures with our friend thus far.

The program is set to air the 23rd of February at 11:10am GMT on RTE, Ireland’s national television and radio broadcaster. I encourage you to check it out on RTE-1 if you’re in Ireland. If you’re in the US and don’t want to wake up at 5am you can find it online here.

SFC

Doxology

Over the past year or two in Ireland I’ve had various opportunities to teach about worship. Most recently I spoke at a youth retreat for St. Mark’s Church. I'd like to share a thought with you that we talked about this weekend.

“When we see the Lord of hosts ‘high and lifted up,’ ponder his infinite wisdom and knowledge, wonder at his unfathomable mercy and love, we cannot help but move into doxology.”  Richard Foster - Celebration of Discipline

Doxology means: a liturgical formula of praise to God

For some, liturgy can seem like a bad word. In reality, all churches have liturgy. Even the churches with the most “freedom” in worship…they have a liturgy as well. At our church here in Dublin (which is pentecostal), our typical liturgy goes like this. 

  • Every Sunday someone begins by welcoming everyone saying a prayer and/or reading a scripture
  • We sing about four songs
  • We pray for people
  • We take communion
  • We say the announcements
  • We sing one more song
  • Someone preaches a sermon
  • We have a response time
  • We share tea, coffee, & conversation
  • Then we go home. 

This is our pattern of worship. This is our liturgy.

The point is this…“We can use all the right techniques and methods, we can have the best possible liturgy, but we have not worshipped the Lord until Spirit touches spirit.” Richard Foster - Celebration of Discipline

When we worship God when we're alone, when we come together with other believers to worship, and even when we’re out in “the world” doing everyday things, all it takes is our spirit connecting to God’s Spirit for worship to take place. Let’s worship in everything we do. I pray I can live a life full of worship.

doxology

Object Permanence

Eden_snowsuit

Having a baby has taught me a few things:

  • Do not leave exposed flesh within reach of a teething baby
  • Do not think about accomplishing a task. The baby will find out and have strong feelings against it. 
  • Once you have mastered the art of dressing a baby, you are now qualified to enter steer wrestling competitions at your nearest rodeo. 

We love our kid...but he is definitely a challenge. One of the most challenging things is the fact that he does not yet have the concept of object permanence. This means that whenever we leave a room, he is not sure we exist any more...and he wails.

So, is this just a rant or is there a spiritual nugget in there somewhere? Oh yes...just keep tracking with me.

There are so many times in my life when I’m just like Eden. God feels near and almost tangible in my life. Suddenly, when it seems like I am in a vulnerable place, I do not feel like He is on the scene like He should be.

Just like any human parent, God is always there. When I am near the door of Eden’s room as he’s crying in bed, I think about how God has His hand on my shoulder as I am going through any situation - He is watchful, patient, and loving. I would never leave Eden to cry on his own without my help close by. I cry on the other side of the door with him. God weeps with us when we weep and is happy for us when we feel happy. He loves us and will never leave us.

Now, if you’ll excuse me - the baby was notified of my productive blog-writing and has a few choice words for me. Later, friends.