Just thinking about...

Christmas Eve

I'm Bob Cratchett right now at the office on Christmas Eve. I've read Scripture, prayed, reflected and then checked out news, Twitter, Facebook, & Outlook. A couple of our Elders are here at the church getting the communion stuff ready for tonight's service. Gary added chairs to the auditorium for the service because it's a popular service. Maundy Thursday is too.

I've read over my notes for the service tonight and the sermon for Sunday. I've even looked at the outline draft for January 4^th.

I've looked at the pictures from the Thanksgiving meal that a couple of our small groups sponsor over at Midland Park. I've looked at my notes for the January series on Money. I've tried to figure out how to define missional better. I've looked at the pile of "books to be read "and wondered which was first. I've responded to some tweets and updated my status on FB. I've considered writing on my blog. I've tried to remember if there's anything left undone.

And now I've stopped.

In the background to all of this activity is Chris Botti. He plays trumpet in a way I also wished I could. (Yes, I play trumpet!) It's his Christmas recording and it's great! It's been playing now for hours and it has become background music. But I stop and listen.

I've got a cup of Jamaican Blue coffee which is outrageously good! (Thx to Cindy Schirle)

And I'm going to meet my wife, my kids, my grandkids for lunch and then later today red and I will watch "It's a Wonderful Life".

Now I will write on my blog.

Now I can say without any reservation "I am a blessed man."

Missional

When talking with a buddy of mine today about our work of making disciples and mobilizing them into the culture, I said this (and then thought it!):

"God didn't call me to put butts in the seats; but Christians in the streets."

What do you think? (Other than replace "butts")

More my son…

Please continue to vote for my son in the WIRED Magazine contest for sharpest, best looking, creative, sure to succeed, what-a-guy , outstanding, most creative, techno, new small business of the year. He's one of the five national finalists. He could win $40K. And he has promised to take his mother and me to Chik-Fil-A if he wins. Go here to vote. You might want to check out his record company at Tone-Box Records. God bless.

My son…

Wired Magazine has chosen five people whose businesses are innovative and cutting edge. Out of the whole country, my son Jason and his business, Tone-Box Digital ,was chosen as one of the top five! I'm a proud papa!

One of these five will be chosen for a $40,000 prize; and, I have already decided who should win! My son!!!!

The winner will be chosen by the people who vote on the WIRED web site. How 'bout going on and voting for Jason with Tone Box Records? Watch the video and then vote by pressing the arrow to the left.

Maybe Jason will buy us all a cup of Starbucks if he wins. Or better yet, Tone-Box Digital will become nationally known as a place for Indie artists and bands to get their stuff out

You go son!