Peter's Escape parts 1-5

So today I'm putting the finishing touches on a video that will bring closure to our PrisonBreak series. Every week, we've had a recurring character--kind of a John Belushi-Blues Bros guy, played by the incredibly funny Peter Vienne, III (or 3Pete as we call him).

Week one, we were introduced to his character as he snuck out of the "prison" we constructed on stage, to an "exterior wall," where he produced a spoon and began "digging" his way out. Awesome on-stage summersault!

Week two, his tunneling obviously successful, our beloved escapee finds his way out from a "tunnel" under the front of the stage. A few Belushi-inspired dance moves later, our escapee makes his exit through the doors in the rear of the room (by the sound board).

Week three, prevented from leaving from the rear of the building, our escapee dons a disguise and positions himself in the midst of the crowd. It's of no use, however, as the "police" search the crowd and after spotting him, chase him back onto the stage.

Week four, our escapee, still looking for a place to hide out, joins the praise band for an opening rendition of "The Happy Song." Wailing harmonica...guess he learned that in prison. The "cops" sniff him out, however and after questioning the rest of the band, they are seen chasing him out of the building into what becomes a high speed chase.

Hopefully, I'll post the video for week five sometime next week. (You didn't think I was going to spoil it, did you?)

do the shuffle

A blogging hero of mine, Jason Powell, has challenge us all to "do the shuffle." That is, (from his blog) to "fire up your player of choice ... hit the random button ... and list the first 15 songs it spits out."

I'm sure this is supposed to be revealing. Well here's my list:

1. Live and Breathe – Decemberadio
2. Best I Ever Had – Vertical Horizon
3. Mighty Is The Power of the Cross – Chris Tomlin
4. What the World Need Now Is Love – Jackie DeShannon (don't judge me...it's from the Forrest Gump soundtrack.)
5. All The Earth – Passion Worship Band
6. My Delight – Matt Adams
7. Jacksonfive – Falling Up
8. Unfailing Love – Chris Tomlin
9. Whom Shall I Fear – Darrell Evans
10. Indian Creek – Alathea
11. King or Cripple – Delirious?
12. I Never Knew Life – The Del McCoury Band (token bluegrass...not their best song, but a good album)
13. Ready for You – Kutless
14. Anything – Third Day
15. Undignified - Matt Redman

Nothing embarrassing...nothing very revealing either, I suppose.

Give it a try and list yours in the comments or trackback to this post.

Willow Arts Conf and Old Friends

So I'm taking a page from some of my favorite bloggers and blogging from a conference that I'm attending. I'm so cool! ;-P

Shout out to Candie Aikens who emailed me yesterday. I haven't spoken to her in a few years so it was good to reconnect a little via lots of 1's and 0's. (that's binary code for my technophobe friends.) The crazy thing is I knew Candie from Spring Road Church in Lanett, AL where I served on staff. Today at the Arts Conf, I run into six Spring Roaders, five of which I knew very well back in the day. I directed them all to the blog here, so for all of my faithful readers (both of you) maybe you'll get some company for the day.

If new folks do show up, they're probably just looking for family pics. Click here. I'll try to post some new pics soon...maybe even include Tricia.

As far as a conference update...I'll never be as good at this as some of you are, so I won't try very hard.

Basically, 1) Dewitt Jones - ridiculously talented photographer talked about filling your cup and loving what you do. Good Stuff.

2) Nancy Beach talked about the need for artists to embrace the truth and all of its ugliness, but at the same time to not dwell in cynicism. Also very good.

When I lived in Alabama I was the secretary for the for our local Christian camp board. I was the worst secretary in the history of secretaries, so don't ever expect good notes from me.
That's all I have to say about that.

outcomes, grace and books

I know I haven't blogged in awhile. Been busy. I just read an awesome post that really resonates with me right now. Click HERE. Thanks to Terry Storch for linking this.

I'm getting ready to preach this Sunday and since I don't have the luxury of clearing my plate for the extra study time involved, it's made for some long days (and nights.) I can't wait, though. I'm talking about my favorite topic...GRACE.

Took me awhile to begin to understand grace. Thanks to Brennan Manning [the Ragamuffin Gospel] and Philip Yancey [What's So Amazing About Grace?] I'm well on my way toward beginning to comprehend how big a deal God's grace is. I know I'll never get there...not this side of heaven. But I do believe, when we get up there (up being questionable) we're going to all be amazed at the collection of losers, sinners and reprobates that we encounter who've been rescued by the intense love of God. His grace will truly amaze us!

I've also been reading Getting Things Done by David Allen...GTD in the blogosphere. If you've ever wanted to be more effective in what you get done and less bogged down by all that still needs to be done, pick up this book. My life will never be the same. Truly!