A New Day

I left my home of 6 1/2 years today........

this is the first home for my wife and I as a couple.....
this was the home our girls were born in.....(literally).......

this was the home I discovered who I was in Christ....

this was the home where I beat down many demons...
this was the home I discovered there were still more awaiting me...


this was the home I understood that "All things were possible"
this was the home I found out there was NOT an endless amount of possibilities

this was the home I fully realized that we are ALL just flawed men....no one gets to bypass this one

this was the home that I found out broken promises were hidden with an over abundant smiling face - and some need to feel like a hero............... or a "saviour"

this was the home where I lost myself and rediscovered him again (a couple of times)

this was the home I made some extrordinary friends for life
this was a home where love dwelt..................

YES.....I'm thankful for having lived and breathed in this home...... this home I left today

Oh......the Joy that awaits my new home!!!!!!!!!!!!

January Blessings

The month of January 2009 has been a time of thanksgiving, reflection
and a renewed wonder in the awesomeness of God.
(and NO....there is nothing in this about the innaugural)

In the christian community, there is so much being debated about God's providence and the proposal that it really doesn't exist....meaning it is only OUR choices that determine OUR fate. I sorta believe in this philosophy because scripture says.... " whatsoever a man sows, he shall also reap..."; however, does this deny the fact that God does look after His children and opens doors that no one else could open? Isn't that what God's providence is?

There are 3 birthdays in January that are very special.

My father, David just celebrated his 62nd birthday on January 9th. He has been the strongest most faithful man I've ever known. Religiosity and all it's minions have tried to destroy my father for over 25 years.....but he is so strong in the Lord. He continues to fight off the powers of hell, even though today it may not be behind a pulpit. He is a faithful provider for his family and works so hard to maintain normalcy in a very sub-normal world. I am so proud of my Dad.

Then there is my grandmother, Jeanetta Turner, who turned 82 on January 27th. Words cannot begin to describe ro capture what my grandparents have meant to me and my family my whole life. They have taught me what diligence, support, gratitude, loveand work-ethic is all about. I will forever try to live up to their example and standard; unfortunately I don't think I will ever get to that level......but it sure is worth trying. Today, Jeanetta is as vibrant as I remember....her secret is hanging with the younger folks.......whatever it is....it works.

Finally, in between these auspisous events, my sister gave birth to her first child, SOPHIA. Born on January 22, 7.4. pounds and 20 inches.....I know my sister Starla and her husband Mike are beyond thrilled, as well as all of us immediate family. It's been a tough couple of years for Starla, but I see how God has been right there for her......it's my proof that angels are watching over us. I don't care what anyone says..........either there are angels watching or God is doing it or some other-dimensional being is doing it.......I choose to believe in God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and all His angels

2009 is a transition year for me and my family.....and while its painful.....there is also a wonderful thing that happens when you get to act on your faith. We teach, talk, and preach about faith; but how joyful it is to really embrace the moments in your life where you MUST ACT on your faith.

The beauty is that I am seeing how God's been working it all out long before I knew anything about it........now, come on...........isn't that providence?

Let me be perfectly clear, as of right now, I don't know what, when, where, who, or how anything is going to change in my life.......but I do know that transition is in effect and no matter what takes place, God is making it happen.

I choose joy
I choose love
I choose to be happy
I choose to leave the rest to God.........cast it out, BABY!

My First Experience in the ER as a Parent

So my darling daughter, Adalyn, with exuberance abounding during my choir rehearsal last night, tripped and fell flat on her face. Her nose began to bleed and then swell. (approx. 9:50pm)

AT 10:10pm, I was made aware of this and we (Angie and I) began the proceedings of going to the emergency room for the first time in this area.....and for the first time as parents.

This is not a pleasant experience for anyone at any age. You are filled with the questions of unknowing. I mean.....did she break her nose?...... If she broke her nose, is there anything that can be done anyways?......if we don't take her to the ER will we regret it?....If we do take her, will it be a waste of time and money?........and by the way, where is the hospital?

We figure out the closest hospital was about a 20 minute drive.....so we go to find it. Addy is being brave...not crying.....but not enjoying keeping ice on her 'boo-boo' (10:25pm)

We arrive at the hospital.....I'm excited because there's not a lot of activity....we're gonna get treated quickly...this is making my decision to go to the hospital easier to accept. We park.... unload everyone out of the car seats....walk to the door.......the doors don't open.......THEY'RE CLOSED?????!!!!!!! What kind of a hospital closes?

Have I really been so out of touch with hospitals that I didn't know they have working hours?

There is a sign that says in between the hours of 10pm and 7am go to [this other hospital]..so we proceed to the other hospital (10:35pm)

We arrive and check in with the receptionist.....she's nice and gives Addy a beautiful green bracelet that has her name and info on it.....Addy want to take it off immediately....but after we tell her only the doctor can take it off...she calms a bit.....and so the waiting begins..... (10:50pm)

At 11:20pm, we are called into triage where we tell the nurse whats wrong and vitals are taken. I am realizing that Addy hates her temperature, blood pressure, & pulse taken....fun times!!

.........and so we wait......and wait........and wait

Finally we are called to go to the doctor......YIPPEE.........(12:50am)

Nurse comes into our holding room (1:10am)

At this point, I must tell you that I didn't realize their are no walled-in rooms in the ER...so, you get to hear everyone's problems, sounds, pains, etc... It was a packed night....so we had our elderly, our druggies who overdosed, our kids who couldn't breathe, and people with existing illnesses who were screaming out in pain..........all while trying to calm two little girls and two frightened parents

FINALLY..... the doctor comes in at 1:45am......He says it is a good sign she is not bleeding and doesn't think it is broken; however, we can not tell and we need a CAT Scan....DA-DA-DA-DUM! (that was Beethoven's 5th for anyone interested)

I send Angie and Macayla away ( back to the car ) and I begin to wait for this CAT scan.....Addy passes out ( PTL ) (2am)

At 2:35am, we go to the other side of the hospital for the xray and we wait to get all magnetized up

At this point, I must say it is not a pleasant feeling seeing your child next to the CAT Scan machine....even though I knew this wasn't life threatening....its just not a good feeling.

(and YES.....I know its illegal to take pics inside these buildings...but I just had to -
the big hole was about to chomp down on my little girl)

Well, I wished I had the next few minutes recorded...because I'm telling you...CRAZINESS!!!

I had to move Addy from one bed to the other....she woke up and FREAKED out..... She went ballistic....I tried to calm her.....she wasn't giving in......the doctor was an old craggedly man who was towards the end of his shift ( I guess).....he was...."Look, sir....you're gonna have to calm her down".......and I was....... "I can't"........he then said....."You're gonna have to hold her"

So the doctor put the magnetic vest on me.......yes they do make one in a 'very' large size. So I'm all suited up....holding Addy's hand...telling her we are going on a treasure hunt....blah blah blah.. none of it is working

I think I've calmed her down a bit and then the doctor puts foam in between her head and the headrest.....then STRAPS HER HEAD DOWN..........yeah right.......Addy is going ape at this point...........The doctor is yelling at me....ADDY is crying.....I finally get her calm and the table begins to move into the hole............Addy looks up and sees the RED LASER light going to her face and jumps out of that bed....SCREAMING as loud as she can.....

The doctor throws up his hands .....gives me a ...."I can't do this.....we're going to have to sedate her".............SEDATE HER???? EXCUSE ME????? I don't think so

We go back to the ER.......(2:50am).......the [original] doctor tells me that we can sedate her but she seems to be okay because there is no bleeding and she can still breather...so he wants us to keep an eye on her and then he discharges us at 3:05am.

We get home at 3:45am and Addy is asleep..................so was it a good idea to go to the ER? Hindsight no...because we waited 5 hours for them to say "keep an eye on her". But as "inexperienced emergency situation" parents, we would've worried all night if we didn't have her looked at........

I must say, I don't see how anyone could be in the medical profession. Thank God for them. I just don't see how they do it...........

A special shout out to my brave wife Angie, and little girl, Macayla, who were troopers through the whole night.

To my sweety, Adalyn.....I know one of your favorite movies is Hunchback from Notre Dame, but we definitely don't want you looking like Quasimodo....so we're gonna get all better real soon.

My final thoughts about this experience is that the emergency room had no resemblance of Grey's Anatomy, Chicago Hope or even ER......WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?

30 LASHES....I know

Okay.... I hear ya........ I've been away for a very long time. Give me 30 lashes.... I deserve them

I mean....this is my first blog in August.....what????

I must say that it has been a very busy month.
We had a wonderful Inspiring Excellence Conference filled with great speakers and music. KUDOS to all involved.

Then I went away for a little R & R with the family. We went to Branson to see Mom and Dad and my sis Starla. My grandparents George and Jeanetta were there, as well.....looking wonderful and being the best they've ever been in their 80's. I love them so much.

Then, I went sown to Mobile, AL. to the University of Mobile to work with one of my favorite groups. THE VOICES OF MOBILE.


They were every bit the most wonderful group to work with this time. I love their music and the way they are performing it. Keep it up guys.

Anyway, I back to it now. SO MUCH GOING ON!!!!!!!!
Let me know how your summer has gone.......because it is just about gone!

Major Week of Sadness

I took the fam away the last two days for some wonderful time together. Away from computer, blogs, and even phone (although the latter was not by choice....it just so happens I jumped into the swimming pool with my cell phone in my pocket...yes it died)......

So many things happened the last few days:

• Little David Archuleta lost......to my surprise and, honestly, joy. I thought the little teeny boppers were gonna rule the phone and text lines voting for the tyke........but D.C. won out.
  

• John McCain rejected both John Hagee and Rod Parsley's endorsements.......... the scary thing about this for me is not only how politicians are so fickle when it comes to "who" is supporting them and what those endorsers can bring (as far as votes); but I am seeing how the church is hiding behind the political correctness that is destroying the whole belief system......I mean all Christians (or those who live by the Word of God) should believe what Hagee and Parsley are preaching but where are the Joel Osteens and Rick Warrens..........they are hiding folks.....or just trying to stay out of the fray.... but isn't that the same thing?

• Dottie Rambo's funeral services were this week. It sounds like it was an incredible service. You can go to this website for pictures and an Order of Service. http://www.gospelmusicupdate.com/news2007/dottietn.shtm

• And, finally, Steven Curtis Chapman's 5 year old adoptive child, Maria's funeral services were held today. In case you hadn't heard, Maria was accidentally struck by an SUV one of her brothers were driving this week. She died at the hospital later.
  

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080523/TUNEIN/805230396/1838/TUNEIN03

I can't imagine this happening.....yet it does everyday.
Life is so precious and so fleeting.

How will we live it the fullest and most promising?

MOM.....I love you

Today is the day we collectively honor the mothers of this country.

I am a blessed man to be born from my mother and father. They set great examples and filled our home with love beyond compare. Always striving to be better; Always looking in the face of adversity and reflecting God's faithful grace





These are some stories about my Mother that still stay with me today. Stories which played a major part in creating the person I am today:

• Mom started teaching me piano when I was 4. She always let me choose to play or not...never forced. If I didn't practice, she didn't give me a lesson. This went on for 8 years....until I was 12 years old and she sent me to her college professor.
  

• Mom (and Dad) NEVER missed a performance of mine, for 6 years, when I was in school: 62 choir concerts; 34 band concerts, 10 musicals/plays, 8 piano recitals. 10 award banquets, and (sorry about this) 2 orchestra concerts. (All estimates....probably more)

• We moved from a small town to a big city when I was in the fourth grade. The strange thing is I remember Mom crying when she dropped me off at my new school.....I'm sure she cried when I went to school for the first time in first grade; however, I don't remember that.

• Mom lived in a hospital for over a month in 1994. She collapsed on July 31 ( her birthday) and stayed for the month of August. She was bedfast for many months after that, losing the ability to walk and play the piano. Today she is doing well and continues to play the piano better than me.

• At the face of death, Mom encouraged me to leave home and follow my dreams. She could've requested me to stay with her....but she didn't.

Mom continues to support me and encourage me today. There is more to be written; more stories to tell; but, these are the ones to tell today. It is no secret that I am such a blessed man.......... a big part of that is because of my beautiful mother.

Mom...... I love you

The Title Picture - Honeymoon and Cars

Some of you have asked about the beautiful picture on my opening title page. I'm happy to inform you this was a photo I took on my honeymoon to the Grand Cayman Islands.

That's right......I took this shot on my little camera or maybe it was my wife's camera.... All I know is it was taken in Dec. '03

Okay...... the story of the honeymoon is a good one...and I guess this is as good as anytime to tell about it.

First of all, Angie and I got married on March 8, 2003 in Franklin, Tenn. We had a couple of days in Nashville and then moved to Chicago for our new assignment at Family Harvest Church. The honeymoon was gonna have to wait.

In August, we learned we were gonna have a baby......SHOCK!!!!!
We needed the honeymoon before the baby came......you know the last-vacation-for-a-while- kind-of-thing.

We went to the Caymans in December thanks to Dad who got us a great deal (Thanks Dad). Angie was 5 months pregnant

It was joyous and wonderful.....we loved everything about it......



.............EXCEPT our rental car.

So, yes, I know I'm a big guy...but REALLY....do they have to make cars so small.

Getting inside this vehicle was an experience.......HILARIOUS!!!




Oh well, the next to last day I broke a tooth on some coconut shrimp and Angie began to have EXTREME Stomach flu symptoms - vomiting all over the beach during our Sunrise Excursion.

It was definitely time to go home....but one day
we will get back there......Gorgeous Place

Adalyn Elayne is 4 years old

4 years ago......the greatest miracle in my life happened; My firstborn Miss Adalyn Elayne Wiggins entered this world.

The birth was joyful, fun, unexpected, even hilarious......a little bit of a Farelly Brother's movie and a National Geographic / Discovery Channel episode.


The funny thing is that is the way Addy lives her life...... joyful, unexpected and a little adventuresome.

Happy Birthday Princess ADDY....... you will always be my light