HopePoint Set List 5.29.11

Everlasting God - Tomlin

Come Ye Sinners - Robbie Seay

In Christ Alone - owl city

Because of Your Love - Phil Wickham

I Surrender All/Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Little Philly

My good friend/ex-roommate/coworker/fellow laborer at Wofford, Philip Long, totally got married to Amber Green Long this past weekend. I've been to a lot weddings in my day but this one (also Bill's) was one of my favorites because I've know Philip for a long time. I've watched him grow from a 45 year old man to a 60 year old in his 4 years at Wofford. (i just made myself laugh).

When Jonathon Crowe transferred to UVA 4 years ago he gave me Philip's number and said he'd be great to work with at United, a ministry I help with at Wofford college. I was like, "a freshman...great". That "great" was totally sarcastic until I met him. Dude's the man. It takes about 5 seconds to realize that. His love for God was infectious. It still is. I loved the past 4 years of rocking with Philip. When he needed a place to live last summer he crashed at my place. He's also working at HopePoint this summer before he heads off to Gordon-Conwell in the fall (he's getting paid to go there...no big deal. Did i mention that Philip is a genius?).

One of the coolest things is that Philip looooooved this random pastor named David Platt. No one had ever heard of him...at least not in Spartanburg. Philip drove to Birmingham to go to Secret Church 3 years ago, which is a 6 hour worship service comprised mostly of teaching (i thought he was bonkers). But this year Secret Church was broadcasted online and he rented a room, bought tons of food, and got 50 people to come. I went and it was awesome. After 7 hours (it never ends on time) I wanted to hear more. So P Diddy, thanks for introducing me to Platt. You're neat.

Longshanks, I'm going to miss you. You're going to love being married. I'm so happy to know you. We're absolutely going on double dates with our babes this summer. Man, we are married...that's what I'm talking about.

William Loyle Harritt Is Hitched

This past weekend Jennifer and I went to Memphis to watch the world end. (if you haven't heard, the world was predicted to end on May 21st at 6 pm according to your time zone...of course). I find it ironic that the day Bill Harritt gets married the world is supposed to end: we all have been saying that for years. I guess I can't talk...no one ever guessed Young Harritt and I would be married to actual girls.

The Eckstroms (Andrew and Florence) decided to drive (our wallets decided for us) and the Ridings hitched a ride with them. What should have been a rough, 10-12 hour trek ended up being one of the best parts of my weekend. You are guaranteed to giggle, party, and have an entire new vocabulary ("in essence", "probably should", and "you're right" were repeated upwards of 100 times) after 22 hours of exposure to Andy Ex.

But the weekend was terrific. Vitters, the Don, Robby, Trip, Terry, Jack, and Mike were all there as were about 500 other people. The wedding was super cool. The church, 2nd Pres, Memphis, was radical, the dudes were in rare form, and Bill's wife Janet is awesome.

Also, back in the 'burg, Laura Story led worship at HopePoint whilst I was away. That made my weekend pretty swell. If you haven't heard her new CD, you "probably should". Thanks Andrew.

Anywho, Bill is the man. I've known him since that glorious day in the year 2000 when he hobbled into Public Speaking 101 with a torn ACL. My life has not been the same since. He and Janet are going to love being married to each other and I can't wait to party with them soon. Bill, keep it raspy and loud. I love you.

HopePoint Set List 5.15.11

Hosanna - Hillsong

Come Thou Fount

Forever Reign/Inside Out - Hillsong

Rob played a cajon (pronounced kuh - hon) yesterday. It was hot.

Mother's Day

Yesterday was a terrific Mother's Day. Being married is great for 10 million reasons but one of those is the crock pot. Jennifer cooked and baked and my parents and my sister, brother-in-law, nieces, and nephew came over. My house is no longer a frat house. It is filled with pillows and curtains and fancy plates, which is awesome. I fell like a real person. It is fantastic.

We sat around the table and talked and we reminisced about last Mother's Day. It was hard on our family b/c Heather was pregnant with Evie, who was diagnosed with HLHS, which means she only has half a heart. It was super scary but now, after 2 heart surgeries, she is a healthy, hilarious 1 year old (almost). On the way to church yesterday Heather was getting a little emotional as the thought about the past year and the following conversation ensued:

Heather: Kids, I love being your mommy. The Lord is so good to us. I love you very much. (probably with tears)

Katie Hays (who is 3): you look like a chicken nugget

Heather: Ummm, thanks?

Katie Hays: oh I wasn't talking to you, Mommy, I was talking to Evie

I love my family.

HopePoint Set List 5.8.11

Search My Heart - Hillsong United

Forever Reign - Hillsong Live

Before the Throne - Shane and Shane

The Greatness of Our God - Hillsong Live

The One Who Saves - Hillsong Live

*My Friend Shane Fast spoke today at HopePoint and it was great. He shared about what the Lord is doing through Rebirth East St Louis..check it out - MP3 or Video