Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Richmond Marathon 2012

It's official! I just registered for the Richmond Marathon. This year will mark the 10th Anniversary of my first (and only) marathon. I will be running with my buddy Joe Thompson. I'm hoping my friend John Mitchell will join us too (John was my running partner for many years when we both lived in VA). We'll see if Richmond is better at age 47 than it was at 37 (this is a photo of John and me finishing in 2002).

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Observations from Tulsa

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Tulsa Workshop. It is a gathering of believers primarily from the acapella or noninstrumental churches of Christ. For perspective, it’s kind of like their version of the North American Christian Convention. I had never been to something from that particular group of the Restoration Movement before (I hate to even use that kind of partisan language, but it’s needed to set this up correctly). Over the years I have had much contact with these brothers, primarily through blogs, facebook and other online venues. I was finally able to accept their invitation to attend Tulsa.

Some observations:

1.       Acapella singing, when done right, is wonderful. Over 1000 people lifting their voices to the Lord sounded terrific. And these folks really know how to sing the different parts. It was a new experience for me.

2.       The Lord has some gifted preachers in every part of his Kingdom. I was blessed by the powerful teaching from God’s Word.

3.       They know how to fellowship and make a newbie feel welcome. I never felt like an outsider, and I made many new friends.

My time at the Tulsa Workshop was well spent. I hope to return.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Tulsa Worship

I'm looking forward to attending the Tulsa Workshop this week. I first heard about it several years ago when Marvin Phillips spoke at Hillsboro Family Camp. I understand that it is like the North American Christian Convention for those in the acapella churches of Christ. Over the years I have made a number of friends among those brethren. I'm looking forward to spending time with them; and especially getting to hear some of them preach/teach.