A Dirty Debrief

Before you ask what a dirty debrief is, let me explain. It is just random thoughts and observations I'll be jotting down. Nothing slick just quick thoughts.

Wonderful SNC. I was nervous for Jared. He preached his first sermon and it won't be his last. Walked us through Luke 17. I'm so glad God has given such a talented teammate. Jared is gifted with things impossible to teach.

Speaking of Gifts. I'm so looking forward to teaching on the doctrine of Spiritual Gifts this Christmas season. Series starts next week.

Dr. Ridings and Pastor Greg were in the house tonight. As Kenneth left he commented to me how he wouldn't change a thing about SNC. He was really bragging on God. Pastor was also very pleased which is always a plus. I love both of those men and the investment made in my life. SNC is standing on the shoulders of these men, and we will honor their generation.

I love Dennis Horton! Happy B-day Devin (his son). He is taking our house talent to a whole new level with his leadership. By the way, some of you have commented on the visuals and media. Dennis has been spending some long hours tweaking. His wife literally doubles his ministry. Get with her about going to Honduras in Feb.

Dusty Stepp is about to start showing out with our new video stuff. More info to follow. We will be back online in '09!

Big week next week. Looking forward to seeing the Mud Creek team. We scatter over the holidays. Good to see Robert at SNC.

Missed Joey and Rebecca tonight. Big stuff in store for youth!!!

I'm going to post winner of SNC creative date contest this week, maybe Tues. Proud of the men who participated.

Pray for the weekend services. Love you guys - Mark

Comments

[Phil Alexander]

Mark,

Thanks for the kind words, and I sincerely appreciate all the love that has been shown me in the last three weeks with the band. It is amazing to me, as a 28-year bass player, how this musical lineup has jelled. I am the technician, working over every line of a song to learn the bass line note for note, as it is played on the recording, before I branch off and add my own style. Dennis is the last-minute genius; he called me Thursday from his in-laws' house to find out the keys of the songs we did tonight, then spent a little time yesterday listening and playing the songs. Jack is happy-go-lucky. I saw him Wednesday night at Ingles, and he said he never listens to the songs until we get to rehearsal. Then he just rips it out as if he has spent every waking moment on the music. And Parker is just a miracle. I didn't know how I would fit in, as the oldest in the band, having to lock in with someone EJ's age, but it has been incredible.

I say this not to boast but to testify to the wondrous ability of God Almighty to take four very different individuals and use us to bless others. It is very rare that a musician finds others who not only are equally talented but who work together as well as this group. The defining moment for me came at last week's Wired! You saw how it just all was magical.

I know I have a talent for this instrument, and sometimes the things I pull off in rehearsal or in worship amaze me! I mean, I'm thinking, "Wow! I just did THAT???" It's because this incredible ability I have IS incredible only because GOD gave it to me. I was a music major for about 2 1/2 years but got my degrees in other subjects; I only studied two semesters of intensive applied music with a bass professor in college. Yet in the last two years, I have seen my abilities break through a plateau and reach new heights only because of God.

Judy and I have talked about this, and it just seems as though God, through all the rough times of the last few years in my personal life, has been preparing me for this moment with this band. Thank you for the opportunity for me to be used of the Father.