Soultuary

Glad to be alive!

2006-02-12T20:08:00.001-08:00

Sunday, February 12, 2006
Blog from Myspace.com

Glad to be alive!
I know you are all waiting with baited breath or watering eyes, or whatever you do when you are anxiously awaiting another amazing blog entry!
Well, things have been a little crazee around here and I promise I have at least one good story, but first the usual accout of my life, blah, blah, blah, blah...
Patti and I have been really talking a lot about what to do with work and schooling the kids. We are home schooling right now, but it is a real task for all parties involved. It would be great to stick the kids in school, but we don't really get a great feel about Davidson County schools... So, we have been considering a move to Williamson County - but that is more expensive and would require a greater income - dilemas, dilemas... Balance is what we seek, but juggleing is what seems to happen more often than not. If you are in perfect balance, at the fulcrum point, it is pretty easy to maintain. Juggling makes you tired...
I've been back to the gym with Lauren and Ray in the past two days as well. That little guy can run! He gets on the mill and cranks it up to like 8mph and just flat out burns! I top out around 7.5mph for any length of time, so I am genuinely impressed with the kid. I am also glad that Lauren is getting into a bit of a workout routine. She needs the excercise and wants to improve herself.
On a similar note -Man, my wife is looking HOT these days. She lost another 15 lbs and it is sweet. Now if I could just go buy her a whole new wardrobe... It makes me happy to see her happy withy her appearance and her confidence.
OK - So I almost died this morning... Alright, so maybe not death, but at least a lot of pain and misery. With the snow falling over the last 48 hours, I think the entire town of Bellevue has been to Kroger and bought everything! So, we had this massive truck to work - no make that a massive truck AND three smaller trucks! On top of that, we were short three people and then a fourth called out. So, instead of working until 3AM as always, I was there until I finally ran out of gas a little before 7AM.
When I gout out to the parking lot, I checked to see how slippery the roads where and they seemed fine - no snow, just wet. I'm glad I was so tired, because I was just potsing along at about 35mph when I got to this little bridge that goes over a stream near our apartment. As soon as I hit the little bump in the road that ties into the bridge, I realized it was a sheet of ice. How did I know this? Well, because I was looking over the side of the bridge through my windshield and up the wronng side of the road out my passenger window! I steered back into the swerve and then had houses in my sight - not cool - I cut the wheel back to the left again and you guessed it, more houses! Then the truck did a 180 and I was going backward down the road in the wrong lane. At that time, I actually said out loud "Oh, Jesus" not as a swear, but one of those little prayers, touched the brakes and came to a stop. Just on the soulder of the opposite lane, facing backward.
You should really try prayer. It seems that God might listen and stop you from spinning out of control!
Later-Ray
****If anyone still reads the blogs here, please let us know (patti@soultuary.org). Ray's been been blogging on MySpace.com. I'll try and remember to cut and paste his blogs here as well.
Check out my article that has been published on a churchplanters website www.seedstories.com

Update

2006-01-27T05:57:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I thought I'd post an update since Ray hasn't in awhile. Ray actually has a MySpace and he has been posting/blogging there as well.

Ray has been out on the road this past week with Carman. They've been to KY, Alabama, GA, &(tonight & tomorrow) Florida. He says it's been a good run.

Last weeks meeting at our house was awesome. We had a smaller group because many were out of town. This past week we focused on "What is a Disciple of Christ?". We had a great discussion. What really hit most of us is that when we look in the scriptures and study what the disciples did doesn't reflect how most disciples in America look today.

Some of the questions that came up were, "Why are their miracles and conversions, etc. in Africa & other countries? Do we believe that these things are happening in other parts of the world? Why isn't it happening here? Why don't we look like the disciples in the Bible?

Most of us came to the conclusion that we have been trained to think differently. We have been trained that you don't go out into the world and pray over people in the streets (world) like the disciples did. We have been trained to come to a healing service or a tent revival and that's where the healing/conversions, etc will take place. I don't see alot of that kind of activity with the disciples in my Bible. Jesus sent the disciples out not in. There is healing in healing services, but it's not the only place where healing can take place. Aren't we here to go into the WORLD and make disciples?

Casting out demons, healing people, etc. in Jesus name is awesome. "The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." And He said to them, "I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven. Luke 10:17-20). In Luke 10:17-20 Jesus tells the Disciples that he has given us the authority to do these things. So we should be doing them. That verse also tells us that we shouldn't rejoice because we can do these things, but rejoice because our names are written in heaven.

All I'm saying is that we have the authority from Jesus to do these things and I don't see much of that going on. What's up with that?

Our church "Soultuary" is on a mission to be true disciples of Christ and obeying God's word. I'm even taking a course called, "Introduction to Biblical Interpretation" and going for a theology diploma. I want to get it right. I want to interpret the Bible correctly so I can obey God and be the real deal.

Next Tuesday we are focusing on leadership. What's the deal with leadership in the Bible? What is the role of Elders, priests, pastors, and other leaders? Come join the conversation with Soultuary this week at 7pm www.soultuary.org.

God bless,
Patti

P.S. I'm on MySpace too. You can go there and do a search for Patti LeGrand

Soultuary Meetings

2006-01-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

Soultuary Meetings will resume next week, Tuesday, 1/10/06 at 7pm. www.soultuary.org

MySpace

2005-12-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

I finally setup a MySpace account and will be re-posting my blogs there as well. Check it out for a more recent photo!

http://www.MySpace.com/RayLeGrand

Later-
Ray

How Many Times?

2005-12-28T12:40:00.000-08:00

Man I have been busy and scatterbrained! Would you believe that I started a post at least three times in the last 10 days, only to get interrupted and say, "I've only written a few lines, I'll just re-do it later", only to find that later didn't come in the next 24 hours! I guess my ADD is still hanging in there... maybe I should get a new Ritalin prescription to help with... hey is that a squirrel outside my window?

Anyway, the holiday season has been good to us. We have been enjoying the time spent with friends and family and are preparing for a great new year!

OK, so you know how it is said that a woman may be a bit upset if she walks into a room, only to find another woman wearing the very outfit she has on? Well, I experienced a similar thing recently. No, I wasn't wearing the identical outfit as some woman! My daughter Raina and I were over at Rocket Town to check out Pillar and a few other bands when I noticed something familiar on the talent manager, who was MCing the show. On his left forearm was a Holy Spirit dove tattoo, identical to mine (aaargh)! I was initially drawn to the image, which I found in a Christian Tattoo Book published by Flame Resistant Ministries, because I had NOT seen it anywhere before. Yes, I had seen similar images, but none exactly like it. Anyway, the artist who did the work for me, Billy Joe of Billy Joe's Tattoo on Broadway in Nashville liked the book I had so much that I gave it to him as a tip. Anyway, I suspect that the dude from Rocket Town saw the book and felt the same way I did about the image and had it put on. My buddy JD McGowan, who did the original variation of that tattoo (a bat, as seen on the Billy Joe's website) on my right arm, said he keeps trying to hide the book, because he doesn't want other people getting the same exact ink I have!

I've gotta get back down to the shop and pop a new hole in my head for the New Year too!

Speaking of the New Year, we are supposed to have a little shindig at our place with a few friends. It also happens to be Patti's birthday, so we will probably do a little something for her too.

On the music front, I have been having fun getting re-acquainted with my bass guitar. I haven't had as much time with it as I would like, but the little time I have made has been great. I'll also be out with Carman doing merchandise in January, which should be a blast. Also, Ryan Soria and I are planning to start back up with doing some music again.

The big deal with Soultuary is that we will be launching it as an actual church and not just a kinship in January. Please be praying for us, as this is a big step and we want to make sure to move forward in the right way.

Well, that's about it for now. Reagan is on the kitchen counter making a mess and I just got hit in the head with a bouncy-ball...

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year - Rock On!

Later-
Ray

Update

2005-12-26T19:08:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! Sorry it's been a few weeks since we blogged.

A quick update... We are in the process of updating www.Soultuary.org. We did do a little updating. Check it out! There will be more updates very soon.

We are very excited that we will be officially starting to meet as "Soultuary" on January 17, 2006. We will be meeting in our home on Tuesday nights at 7pm.

Please be praying for us.

More info to come soon.

God bless,
Patti

Holiday Season

2005-12-16T06:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess there are a lot of good things about the holiday season, but with everything that takes place between Thanksgiving and New Years, one of the things that I don't seem to have enough of is time!

Patti and I have been enjoying the company of many good friends in the recent weeks. Notably a dinner party with Brooke and Grant Noorsworthy and then our own little Soultuary Christmas party.

I have been mad busy working nights, which has received mixed reviews with the family, partly because I am home more during the day, but if I sit down for five minutes, I start to crash out... But, if I keep going!

Ray-Ray and I will be going to see Narnia this morning. We are looking forward to that. I'll get to spend a little one on one with him. Hopefully, if I can get the time off, Raina and I will get out to Rocket Town tomorrow night and catch Pillar, Falling Up, Day Of Fire, Staple & The Wedding. Shh... don't tell her we are missing Underoath tonight! I've gotta work and it did sell out...

It seems that every time I post I either disclose or hint of changes coming... well, it looks like Patti will be taking a fulltime position at Gallagher Financial, where she has been temping. This will allow me to get back to part time hours, although it hopefully will not mean that I have to look for a new employer... I hope that Kroger will let me work part-time nights from like 9P-2A or something. If not, I will probably just go find some temp work somewhere... This will also allow me to hit the road with Carman again as we have dates coming up in January and I have been invited back.

Oh, and as for hints of change... 2006 will likely be a banner year for Solutuary. I'll just leave it at that for now.

Merry Christmas!

Later-
Ray

Burning The Midnight Oil

2005-11-20T02:50:00.000-08:00

Well, I am finally getting into the swing of working the night shift. Of course, just because you get a day off, it doesn’t mean that you can just switch back to a “daytime mentality”, so I’ve been up all night getting a few things done.

I am really excited that my In-Laws will be here tomorrow. It is always good to see them, but even more so now as our son Ray has been with them for about a month (although I understand he is leaving his mohawk in NY). We will also be getting our dog, Paulie back! So tomorrow should be a very full, busy and joyful day!

Things haven’t been going to well for my folks though it seems… apparently my father encountered some sort of internal bleeding in his arm, which made it swell up and turn purple from just above the elbow all the way down to his hand. He spent some time in the hospital earlier this week because of it… blood thinners… they help keep him alive, but they also bring their own issues.

Patti and I had a great time with Brooke and Grant Norsworthy and their friend John the other night. We ate at Fido’s and then headed over to Rocket Town for a “By Invitation Only” Third Day show, which was pretty cool.

We won’t be hosting Soultuary this week due to the holiday and associated visitors. Please keep us in prayer as we are really trying to hear God on what direction He wants us to take this group.

Later-
Ray

He’s Back!

2005-11-15T11:15:00.000-08:00

Well, Carman’s bus rolled back into Nashville yesterday afternoon. I had enough time to get home, shower, change, spend a little time with Patti, Raina and Reagan (Ray Ray is still visiting in NY) before taking Lauren out to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the GEC last night!

I had a great time on the road with Carman. Even though I was “just the merch guy”, I still kept my eye out for and in fact was able to participate in a few ministry opportunities. Because I tried to incorporate ministry elements into each of the announcements that I made from the stage, several people approached me each night, which was cool. I met many amazing people and was able to pray with several and encourage them in their lives and ministries as well as to have been prayed for and encouraged myself.

Carman also took some time out of his busy schedule to talk one on one with me and encouraged me to pursue the areas of ministry that God is putting before Patti and I.

Patti and I have a few things to work through as it pertains to employment, as we both have a few employment opportunities that have presented themselves over the last two weeks. It’s possible that there might be an opportunity to earn more money and or allow more time for ministry, but we will see what unfolds.

Well, I’ve got a lot to do today, so I’m gonna run for now.

Later-
Ray

Tuesday Night Group

2005-11-09T07:54:00.000-08:00

We had an awesome time together last night. We hung out together, ate, and had an awesome teaching/conversation with each other.

We were talking about the Body of Christ and how we are supposed to be. Brooke, led the group last night. I don't think she had any idea that what God put on her hear to share was on my heart for this past week.

I look forward to getting to really know the people in our group more and being apart of their lives. Not just one day a week, but really get to know these people.

Acts 2:44-47 "All the believers stayed together. They shared everything. They sold their land & the things they owned. Then they divided the money and gave it to those people who needed it. The believers met together in the Temple every day. They all had the same purpose. They broke bread in their homes, happy to share their food with joyful hearts. They praised God, and all the people liked them. More and more people were being saved every day; the Lord was adding those people to the group of believers."

The church (God's people/The Body of Christ) should be spending itme togther and be apart of each others lives.

The Believers in Acts 2 left a good example for us to follow. Verse 47 says that more and more people were being saved and the Lord adding those people to the group of believers.

Let's start being the church that God intended for us to be. Be real with each other. Hang out together. Care and pray for each other. Let's be the real deal.

Patti

About our Church Plant - Soultuary

2005-11-05T19:22:00.000-08:00

Ray is doing well as he is on tour with Carman. He loves it!

I’m been doing a lot of thinking, reading, and praying about our church plant.
I really believe that this church plant is about God’s people getting back to the way it was in this Bible. I really believe that God doesn’t want this plant to be another building with the same old routine and programs. He wants it to be a place where there is real community between God’s people and that is what we are doing.

I bet if I interviewed 100 followers of Christ that most would say the same thing about their church experience. First we get a bulletin from the greeters. Then we take our seat and the service begins with worship. After worship, we have announcements and then they past the plate. We greet each other with a “good morning” and get ready to sit and listen for a 1 ½ hours (or more). Followed by a prayer. Most (not all) then get in their cars and go home and don’t see each other until next week.

Routine, routine, routine. BOOOOORRRING!!!!!! I don’t think that is what God intended and there is a generation out there that is getting totally turned off to God because of the way “church” has been done for many years now.

It’s not about the building or the programs. The PEOPLE ARE THE CHURCH.

I’m thankful that we meet every Tuesday night at 7pm. We hangout and might add some music to our worship from time to time. We don’t listen to one person speak for an hour. We have conversation with each other on a certain topic. We talk and learn from God’s word and from each other. It all happens naturally.

Put God first. Your relationship with Him comes first. Then when THE CHURCH gets together you can hang out and pray, talk, encourage, eat, have fun, etc!!! It doesn’t have to be routine or boring.

Is God telling you to be a part of Soultuary? Maybe you live in another state or city. I’d like to invite you to move to Nashville, TN and join us if you feel that is what God is telling you to do. If you are already in the Nashville area, come on out and join us.

God bless,
Patti

Do (Selectively) As I Do

2005-10-31T14:40:00.000-08:00

OK, surprise, surprise, I am NOT perfect! So, please, if you are going to “follow” me or “copy” me in any way, pick the right things!

I am not writing these things to say, “look at me” as much as I am writing them to say, “look at me”, which might sound like a contradiction, but it really isn’t. I am NOT saying, “Look at me” so that you would say, “What a great guy that Ray is” but instead so that you might say, “Geez… If a schmuck like Ray can do these things, then I should be able to do even greater things!”

The Apostle Paul basically did the same thing (sans the schmuck part!) in I Corinthians 11:1 when he said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

I posted recently about how I had challenged our Soultuary group to perform so called, “Random Acts of Kindness” and how we ourselves had been doing the same (leaders lead, right?). Well, yesterday I was planning on using a few dollars from my initial Carman check to buy a really cheap lunch for our family, so we could spend some time with friends. When we got to the restaurant, a good friend from church slipped me a couple of bucks, which actually wound up paying for our meal! Because of this, I was able to take a few bucks and get a little treat at Steak 'n Shake for Patti and the kids two exits down the highway. As we were getting off the exit ramp, there was a homeless man standing there, so we grabbed one of the bags we had made up (as mentioned in a previous post) and handed it to him. What a big smile we got! And to think, we wouldn’t have been able to hook this guy up, if we ourselves hadn’t been taken care of earlier!

On that same note, I spent some time at Starbucks in Brentwood this afternoon with my friend Grant Norsworthy. We talked for nearly two hours and really encouraged each other (well… at least I was encouraged.). Among other things, we talked about this whole act of service thing and in fact I was able to perform an act of kindness for Grant, when more coffee than should be allowed to made it’s way into his Palm Pilot! Fortunately it didn’t get inside, but anyway, one of the things I shared with him was that I felt like God was encouraging me not just to share with people who “look” like they are in need, but to bless anyone that I have the opportunity to do so. This for me is a big stretch…

As it happened, I had printed up some cards that said, “We hope that you enjoyed your Starbucks today. But you may be wondering why would a complete stranger pay for you?
We believe that God gives us many gifts and does little things to show us that He sees us and that He cares. More or less, we consider ourselves to be His Delivery Service. And, who knows, maybe you will also be inspired to do the same!” and I had the intent of paying for someone at Starbucks that afternoon, but the place was mobbed and I really didn’t feel comfortable doing it in front of a big line… So, as we wrapped up, I noticed this very well dressed businesswoman clicking away on her laptop and talking on her cell phone. After disposing of my trash, I walked passed her table and as I did, I set the card and $5 down and said, “I hope you enjoyed your coffee. Have a great day!” and walk out.

Grant and I talked for a moment at the car, and I also gave him one of the bags I had made up for the homeless. Just as we were about to leave, the woman came out to the parking lot and told me that she appreciated the gesture, but that she didn’t want me to waste it on her, as she was already a believer and didn’t need the money. Grant, knowing a little bit of my personal financial situation chimed stating that I should take the money back, as I probably needed it more than her. I turned back to the woman and asked her if she had felt blessed and encouraged by my gesture. She indicated that she had. I told her that it really wasn’t about the coffee, or the money and that when I gave it to her; I really didn’t think she needed the cash! But, I also didn’t want her to miss out on a chance to be encouraged and to know that God sees her and wanted to do something special for her. So, I told her that if she really didn’t want to keep the money to please, go and do the same. She gave me a big smile and asked if Grant and I do this kind of thing all the time… I told her that I don’t do it enough, but that I feel like God is impressing on me to do it more and more. And to do it as a lifestyle change, not a one time event.

Grant apologized for suggesting I take back the cash, but I had just invited him moments before to say anything to me, so there was absolutely no harm done. I appreciated that he felt free enough to speak his mind to me. Isn’t that also something that we all need to be able to do for each other – be open and honest and not take offense when someone speaks into our lives? I mean, what if they're right?!

On a final note, before I head up to pack for the next leg of the Carman tour, I find it interesting that my four year old Reagan has a new “invisible friend”. He has been playing video games with his friend Jesus. He will actually launch a game in two player mode and then drop his controller and say, “OK Jesus, let me help you with this” play for a bit and then go back to his own game! He’ll then tell me not to step on Jesus as I walk passed and things like that. I want to know Jesus like that!

Pray for me and my family while I’m gone.

Later-
Ray

Home For The Weekend

2005-10-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

Yeeahawn…

I just rolled back into Nashville after running merch for Carman. It was just a single show in St. Augustine Florida, as the second date on the tour, also in Florida, was cancelled due to the effects of hurricane Wilma. So instead of taking a three day stop on the road, we came home for the weekend.

This was my first time doing something like this. The church that hosted the event was the smallest on the tour, there were about 700 people there last night. Unfortunately we had some technical gremlins that popped up. The sound crew was very competent though and got the bugs worked out as quickly as possible. However, the delay also meant that we got started a little late. I had the merchandise tables up and running earlier in the day and the team of volunteers I had were awesome! At show time, I grabbed the mic and got the crowd going, which was fun. Justin Johnson told me that I had the crowd going as loud as he has ever heard them.

Anyway, it is good to be home. Patti and I are going to take advantage of the time, take a little walk with the kids and maybe buy me a new pair of jeans so I don’t look like such a slob!

Well, I’ve gotta hit the shower… really….

Later-
Ray

Hittin' The Road

2005-10-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

Hey What’s Up?

I’ll be hitting the road with Carman in about an hour. My friend Justin Johnson will be stopping by the house to pick me up so we can head down to the warehouse in order to pick up merchandise and load it into the bus. I should probably finish packing!

Actually, packing will be pretty easy (and no, I have NOT started yet) as we initially had two dates in Florida this weekend, but with the aftereffects of Hurricane Wilma parts of Miami are still basically in the dark. No power, no show. Our prayers are with them… Anyway, because of that, we will be doing one show in Florida tomorrow night and then head back to Nashville before leaving for Mobile Alabama on Monday. So, I get to be home for the weekend – Woo Hoo! However, I don’t get paid for those days either, which kinda sucks, as this is a gig I took at least partly for the pay-day. Hey, ya gotta eat right?! And there are six of us eatin’ off my meal ticket.

The other thing I want to post about real quick is serving people. I made mention in a recent post about Steve Sjogren and his whole “Servant Evangelism” deal, right? Anyway, at the end of the conference, I asked a question about how to motivate people to actually get their papmperd little butts outta the pew and go do something! Steve said the best thing to do, as a leader, is to go and do it yourself. Thanks for the scoop Captain Obvious! But the reality is that he’s 100% right… I remember how successful the “No Strings Attached” program for feeding the poor that Pastor Louie Federico had at The Vineyard in Fishkill New York. That was something he started, so why shouldn’t I get my pampered little butt outta the pew myself, right?

Before our Soultuary group on Tuesday, I took a run out to Wal*Mart and dropped about $30 on some “supplies”. Things like; pop-tarts, beef jerky, fruit snacks, breakfast bars, juice, tissues, lip balm and those hand warmer things that you break and mix the chemical agents to create heat for about 10 hours. I made up about a dozen of these and put them in plain shopping bags with a note that said the following:

After talking about serving people, I handed each person there a bag and told them to keep it in their car. When you see someone in need, simply hand it to them. If you want to talk with them, please do it, but if you just aren’t comfortable, the note will cover the basics!

Patti and I took a little drive with the kids today. We went to Centenial Park in downtown Nashville, looking for someone we could help out. Go figure, when you aren’t looking, they crawl out of the woodwork, but today we had a really hard time finding anyone. Anyway, we drove around the park a couple of times, but we eventually spotted this guy asleep on a park bench with a plastic bag at his feet. So, I got out of the car, walked over and placed my bag next to his. As I turned to walk away, Patti said that he woke up and looked… There was no verbal exchange, I don’t know anything about his condition, but I do know he now has something to eat, drink and something to keep him warm as well as a note indicating that he was on God’s mind and that he is loved.

I also got an email from Leah Heyman who told me she took one of the ideas we shared at the group and attempted to quietly pay for an item for a person in line behind her at the store today. Apparently the item needed a price check or something, which caused a bit of a scene and she wound up having to explain this whole thing, not only to the people behind her, but also the cashier – they were dumbfounded! They had never heard of anything like this? God would want to bless us in little ways, even at the grocery store? WAY TO GO LEAH!

Well, Patti us telling me I’ve gotta hurry up… in fact she’s said it multiple times now and I see by looking at the clock that I really do have to hurry up! So, me and my new haircut – courteosy of Rachel Johnson – will be hitting the road.

Later-
Ray

A Few Posts

2005-10-24T00:35:00.000-07:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah… I’m busy! But, if you read Soultuary, you know that! So, instead of writing one marathon post, I am posting a few things that have been going on as individual items. Just remember that these represent the last week or so and not only have I been working like a dog, but my parents had been here visiting from NY, so I haven’t exactly been all over the computer!

• Meet The Parents (10/16 – 10/21)
• "50" (10/20)
• Is Carman Crazy? (10/19 – 10/20)
• My Encounter With Steve Sjogren (10/23)

In addition to all these things, I am continuing to seek prayer for Ben & Hannah Stacy and Kainos as they are going through what I think will be a redefining time for them right now. And as always, please pray for Patti, the kids and I as well as Soultuary!

Later-
Ray

My Encounter With Steve Sjogren

2005-10-24T00:32:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend (Friday Evening through Saturday) we had a Tennessee Area Vineyard Men’s Conference which featured Steve Sjogren as the key speaker. Steve is a church planter, many times over and is the founding pastor of Vineyard Community Church in Cincinnati, Ohio which I am told is the largest Vineyard church in the US, with about 6,000 people in average attendance. He is also the author of a mess of books, a motivational speaker and all around cool guy. Yes, I just called a man pushing 50 an all around cool guy… He wore a black t-shirt, loose fit jeans and a hair style that was younger than himself without looking out of place, although the loafers with no socks gave it all away!

But what is a look with nothing to back it up? Well, it’s vain of course! Duh!

Steve Sjogren definitely has the goods. Even if you are not impressed with his credentials, his experience or his black t-shirts, reading his thoughts or better yet, hearing them expressed to you is nothing short of refreshing. Personally, there were so many un-orthodox and out of the main-stream things that he talked about, I wondered if he had been reading my thoughts! Obviously, the difference is that while I was right at home with his concepts and had owned them as my own even before hearing the name Steve Sjogren, he has years of experience with these things, while my side is still largely theory…

So, you can imagine how excited I was to learn that there was going to be a “private session” with Steve for the Pastors, Staff Members and Church Planters on the weekend! I double checked with Jon Sterns, who Pastors The Franklin Vineyard and is the Area Pastoral Care Leader (APCL) in charge of the Vineyards in TN and had put the conference together. He confirmed that I was invited – Woot!

It was a round-table type of meeting where Steve did Q&A with us. The topics were all over the place, but he handled them with ease and Jon did a great job of keeping things on track as far as time was concearned. Towards the end, I had a desire to ask Steve about what techniques he employed to motivate his people in general, but more specifically his “pew sitters” to get off their butts and do something (in Jesus name)! I stuck up my hand to ask the question, but Jon indicated that we were nearing the end of our time together and that he would like for Steve to share any advice or details about any mistakes we should try to avoid.

OK – I rarely filter myself and while I wrote out a detailed account, I have since deleted it as it pertains to something that Steve shared in confidence… and I want to respect that.

Let me just say that what Steve shared was simply a piece of his own personality that had been used against him by the enemy and that he had planned to let go of his natural tendencies in that area. No sin, no mind altering situation…

After a group photo, the people dispersed as our next session was to be starting shortly. I waited patiently in the corner for Steve as one man was speaking and praying with him… I felt way out of my place, but strangely at peace with what I was about to say.

Steve turned and I introduced myself as we started walking toward the cafeteria door and I told him how much I had appreciated all that he had shared in the previous sessions. I also told him that I was somewhat familiar with his work, as Patti would often read books and we would then discuss them. In fact we had just gone through one of his in May. I then told him that I was taking a risk in saying this and that I felt way out of my league, but that I agreed with 99% of what he had to say… And while I may be about to put my foot deeply in my mouth, I also know that God has spoken through a donkey in scripture and I am definitely an ass! But the whole thing he shared as something to avoid was a bunch of crap in my opinion. I shared ever so briefly about how my own experience was actually quite similar and brought it back to Steve by noting that while he was in the throws of talking about getting away from this part of his personality, he was actually “doing it again” as he shared. I encouraged him to be fully Steve, as God had created him. Regardless of if he has experienced pain!

Some people thought Evel Knievel was a fool to get back on his motorcycle and jump some ridiculous number of flaming obstacles after a near death crash on his previous attempt, but that was how he was made! That was his personality, his nature… If he wasn’t flying over something on a motorcycle, he was denying something special that he himself was.

Steve, in my opinion, needed to get back in the leathers, don that cape and hit the throttle again! Would he be successful? Would he crash and burn? Does it matter on this side of the ramp? You’ll never know unless you jump!

Anyway, he seemed to receive the words of some well meaning punk kid…

As we left the cafeteria he asked my deal and I started to tell him that I was going to be planting a church… not much detail at all. There just wasn’t time, which sucked, because this is a guy who’s brain I could sit and pick all day.

As we got near the conference room, Steve’s attention was taken by another and then another and well, it goes with the territory for someone like him I suppose… So I went to use the restroom.

As I was washing my hands, I noticed Steve. As I dried my hands, he was at the sink washing his. Not one for bathroom conversation, but feeling compelled to say something, I simply said, “…And Steve. Thanks”. I was thanking him for not slapping me, but I don’t know if he knew that. He looked me in the eye and said, “Could I give you my personal email address? I’d love to talk with you some more”.

I told him I was a little to busy for that but he could look me up when my new book hit #1 on the NY Times Best-Seller’s List… NOT!

I shot him a note this evening after work. I know he counsels with several church planters and I am hopeful that this is what he had in mind, but, we’ll see!

Lesson learned and re-learned. Be who you are… even if it hurts.

Later-
Ray

Is Carman Crazy?

2005-10-24T00:30:00.001-07:00

So, the other day, my good friend Justin Johnson gives me a call with a proposal. Justin is not only a great friend he also happens to be Christian recording artist, Carman’s drummer and band leader. Anyway, he knows that we have been knocking ourselves out trying to make ends meet and since he became aware of an opportunity, he gave me a call, which went something like this:

JUSTIN : Dude!
RAY : Dude – What’s up?
JUSTIN : Ahh… nuthin. You still lookin for work?
RAY : No, the Kroger thing is keeping me plenty busy and getting the bills paid.
JUSTIN : Oh. Well, look, the guy who does merch(andising) for Carman can’t make this leg of the tour and I thought you might be interested…
RAY : Nah…. You know, like I said, the Kroger thing is working out pretty good.
JUSTIN : Well, it would be great just to hang on the bus and I think the gig pays like (obscene amount of money for hanging out on a bus with your friends and selling CDs).
RAY : Did you say (obscene amount of money)?
JUSTIN : Yeah, (obscene amount of money repeated).
RAY : For selling CDs and T-Shirts?
JUSTIN : That and getting up in front of the crowd and getting ‘em going
RAY : You know me too well…
JUSTIN : Yeah, I thought it would be right up your alley!
RAY : OK, can I call you back later this evening or tomorrow morning or something?
JUSTIN : Dude, if you want the gig, it’s yours. I already told (the tour manager) about you.
RAY : Sweet. I’ll call you back.
JUSTIN : OK
RAY : Later
JUSTIN : Seeyah!

So anyway, the opportunity is awesome! But there was this little potential problem called my day job! I know how short staffed they are at my Kroger store, so I almost didn’t even want to ask, but the opportunity was just too good! The gist of it is that management at Kroger likes me. I am a very hard worker and do whatever is asked of me.

I was told by my immediate supervisor that I wouldn’t be able to take a leave of absence and that I might have to resign if I wanted to do the Carman thing… which didn’t sound too good to me. He advised me to talk to the head manager. I went into the store early to do that and learned that the manager I needed to speak with was off that day. It also happened to be payday and so I went to get my check. There had been an ongoing accounting issue with my pay and it was continuing to on go… grrr! Anyway, it’s no bad thing, because I think I was able to us the issue as spin for my situation. I talked to another manager and to pretend I am shortening a long story, I’ll just say that over the course of a few hours, I was granted the leave without having to resign, which is an exception to policy for anyone with less than a year’s tenor. And, I was told that not only would they fix my back pay, but that I would get a raise when I returned!

God is so cool! I think that He has something in store for me with this whole Carman thing. Although I have to wonder about the sanity of Carman and his management team… after all, they will be putting ME on a stage with a microphone in my hand before a captive audience of five to ten thousand people a night! This is either a brilliant move or something that they will regret for the life of Carman’s ministry!

Seriously, this will be an amazing thing for me from a ministry and a financial perspective. Plus, I wind up with a better situation at my regular job? How much of a God thing has that got to be!

I hit the road with Carman on Thursday, October the 27th and arrive back in Nashville on Monday, November the 14th. This will be the longest that Patti and I will have been apart in 15 years of marriage, so please keep us in prayer. While I will be thoroughly enjoying my work, I will also be missing my family in a way that I am not accustomed to.

When I am on the bus though, I will have plenty of “free time”, so I plan to do some required reading for the church plant process, read my Bible and plan things for Soultuary and Vineyard Nashville’s youth group. And, I may even get to post an audio blog or two from the road!

Later-
Ray

“50”

2005-10-24T00:30:00.000-07:00

OK, so some of you know that I used to be a total fat slob… I felt like crap and got out of breath tying my shoes! What a wreck… While I am 6’1”, on January 1st of 2005 I weighed in at 245lbs! And knowing that I am not exactly “big boned” that means I was really, really fat!

Again, many of you know that I decided to do something and made it my 2005 New Year’s Resolution to become a vegetarian (and no Ryan, I’m not a Vegan… I am technically a lacto-ova, meaning I do consume eggs and dairy in small portions). Also, not that I was a heavy drinker or anything, but I also elected to give up the consumption of alcohol completely and do whatever else I could to get healthy. A month later in February I also gave up soda.

I started loosing weight almost immediately as I was eating almost nothing but salad for the two weeks or so, because like a lot of other “well thought out” plans, I didn’t really know much about vegetarianism. Anyway, I have disciplined myself in this life change and also got back to the gym in September, although now that I am employed at Kroger as a professional lifter and lugger, I haven’t had time for the gym, but I am still getting a daily workout.

That said, would you please join me in celebrating and maybe a comment to commorate the loss of 50lbs since January! That’s right, I am down to 195lbs, I’ve lost 4” off my waistline and I am feeling great! So pass the Boca Burgers, BBQ Tofu, steamed veggies and the salad!

“Lighter”-
Ray

Meet The Parents

2005-10-24T00:25:00.000-07:00

It was a very happy occasion for mine and Patti’s parents when we had moved back to NY from Nashville in June of 2004. Then, when my brother Justin followed suit and also went back to NY I remember by father saying how happy he was that he would never have to make that “horrible drive” again!

Well, of course, Patti and I moved back to Nashville in May of this year and just a few weeks ago, my brother Justin again did the same. Of course, he left with hardly a Honda Civic full of belongings, was sleeping on the floor and wearing the same three days worth of clothes over and over and over again! So, it was inevitable that my father and mother would again make that “horrible drive” to bring Justin a few of his things!

I would never try to tell anyone how to live their life… After all, I am not exactly a big fan of people telling me how to live mine! But, my parents talk pretty frequently about how difficult it has become living in the Hudson Valley on a fixed income with taxes soaring, not to mention medical expenses and the fact that a significant number of their friends and family members (including Justin and I) have moved out of the area. That said, I can’t understand why they won’t consider moving to Nashville. I mean, come on, I’m here! –lol-

Seriously, we had a nice few days together. I was able to get Wednesday off, which enabled me to spend some time with my folks. Although they were quite tired and needed to rest off and on through out the day, it was still time well spent. They even got to be a part of our Soultuary meeting on Tuesday night!

I really hope that they might consider moving here. I really think it would be a huge financial coupt for them and it would be so nice to have them in the neighborhood again!

But, they had to return… and in fact they did so with my son Ray-Ray in tow! Since Patti’s parents are planning on coming down for Thanksgiving and I’ll be away for 18 days before then, it was just beneficial to all parties involved.

I love my family and want the best for them. My wife and children, as well as my parents and my brother. Thank God for family.

Later-
Ray

It's Been A While

2005-10-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

So, I used to have this blog-site… Oh look, it’s still here! I wonder if anybody reads it anymore. I am such a delinquent! OK, so actually, I am not a delinquent, which is precisely why I haven’t been online much lately!

OK, I will spare you (and I) the painful throws of trying to write about everything that has been going on since September 29th, when I posted last. Instead, I’ll just summarize a few things that are going on.

Happy 15th Anniversary to Patti and me! That’s right; we celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary this past week, on October 13th. It’s hard to believe that we’ve been married that long, yet it almost doesn’t seem like 15 years is the total extent. Grant it, we met in High School, 18 years ago, but it feels longer than that… in a good way. I am still very much in love with my wife and am looking forward to what the next 15 years may bring us!

Man, our Soultuary group kicked butt that last Tuesday night! It was funny. We have been working on a discipleship series and are using Larry Kreider's Biblical Foundation Series of weekly devotionals as we draw up the outline for each week, so I do have an idea of where things are going before we get there. But, a few days leading up to Tuesday saw several people interacting with us (and not just one or two, nor from the same place…) that all seemed to be having issues with conflict. Patti and I talked and prayed over this and as we talked we hit on the notion that it is very rare in the din of conflict for someone to take time out in prayer and then come back to the other party and say, “I’m sorry. I’ve spent time in prayer and believe that God revealed that the problem is me. Can you forgive me and give a little room for me to make mistakes as I work on this part of my life?” Also, the words to a Justin McRoberts (check out Justin's MySpace site) song, Galatians 2:20 off his "Reason for Living" CD, which says, “I have sinned. I have broken your heart; I have strayed from the path that you laid down for me Lord. And what can I do, I am the problem. And I am helpless in myself.” These things were the impetus that caused Patti and me to ditch our plans for the message we had prepared and go in this different direction. I knew what it was I wanted to cover. It had to do with judging people, counseling and the “unseen dangers” associated with helping in that regard, as well as pride and sin. After Ben and Hannah Stacy led us with music, we opened with Psalms 26:2, which reads, “Test me, Lord, and try me; examine my heart and mind.” asking for God to show us any ways that we “are the problem”. Then we discussed a few pointed questions that I had prepared and launched into the main scripture of the evening, Galatians 6:1-10, which I had only found 45 minutes before the first person showed up for the meeting. Finally, we broke down into smaller groups of 3-5 to talk and pray with each other. In the days since, I have had several people comment on what a powerful evening it was!

I have a few prayer requests that I want to post as well. So, here they are in no particular order;

• Safe Travel for Pastor Jerry & Cindy Bryant, who are in Israel
• Healing for Sher Powers, who is recovering from surgery
• Provision for the Dollarhide family who are in need of a new residence & work
• Direction for Kainos, as Ben and Hannah Stacy are seeking God for the band’s future direction
• Continued healing for Leah Heyman
• Safe Travel for my parents, Ray & Barbara LeGrand as they are on their way to Nashville for the week
• Provision for Patti and me as one car is in the shop needing $800 worth of work and the other car is making an ominous noize…

Youth Group has also taken a turn for the better. We observed that the youth who are leading had been under serious time constraints since school started, so Patti and I took ownership of teaching back over for most weeks. The youth will be teaching as well, but only once a month or so, which allows them more time for their studies and preparation for the lessons they have!

As Patti mentioned, my brother Justin is back in Nashville – Woo Hoo!

Work at Kroger is going well. As Patti and I looked at things, we realized that if I make a change and go to night crue I would be able to get enough hours to support us, and be able to put in 20 hours at Vineyard Nashville in the office every week from 1PM-5PM, while still spending time with the family, plus it would mean a raise!

I am not one to beg people for money or anything, so when we were advised by Pastor Jerry Bryant to write a letter seeking people to support my internship financially, I was a little reluctant. And although there were a few people who talked about contributing, we hadn’t realized any monthly support. We did get a few one-time gifts, which definitely helped, but don’t impact the long-term at all. Grant it, it’s just not in my personality to chase people down ($2, I want my $2! - If you haven't seen the movie "Better Off Dead", just read on...), so I had more or less let it go, figuring that I would have to work extra hard to see anything happen with the ministry stuff. As it happens, we did not only receive commitments for monthly support, but also checks! We are not at the goal and will appreciate any gift or support towards the internship, but this is definitely a big step in the right direction!

A friend of ours wanted to let her son go to see Green Day at the GEC this weekend, but couldn’t take him and wouldn’t send him without a responsible adult. So she asked if I would be willing to take him. And, knowing that my daughter Raina is a H-U-G-E Green Day fan, she said she would buy her a ticket as well. So, Raina and I are getting to go see Green Day and Jimmy Eat World for FREE tomorrow night – BONUS!

Well, I’ve gotta grab some lunch with the fam before I head off to work.

Keep us in prayer. Stuff is happening and a lot of it even seems good!

Later-
Ray

Pray & Thanks

2005-10-06T05:46:00.000-07:00

Ray's been working long hours at Kroger so I'll do some blogging.

I want to thank God for his provision. I also want to thank family and friends that have been praying for us and for their encouragement.

We met with our pastor the other day. We all agreed to wait on the church plant assessment until after the holidays. We need to get some things in order so the assessment will go smoothly. Especially our fiances.

We would love it if you all could remember to bathe us in prayer for God's will to be done in us and through us. God is doing lots of awesome things here in Nashville through us with the people he's placing in our lives.

Here's the deal on the internship.

If anyone wants to financially support Ray's internship you can make the check out to Vineyard Nashville (in memo put church plant/LeGrand internship). Pastor Jerry will put the money aside. If it looks like we have enough monthly support and/or one time gifts, then the internship is a go. We are going to wait and see until Oct. 22. If there isn't enough monthly support, we will return all moneys back to the people who gave. We won't keep the money if there isn't going to be an internship. I think that would be the write thing to do.

If anyone wants to hear more about this church plants vision, shoot us an email. Please pray about if this is something God is calling you to be apart of and consider moving here & joining us.

God bless,
Patti

Update

2005-10-03T20:06:00.000-07:00

Well, here is where we are at. Pastor Jerry (our sending pastor) told us to try doing an internship at Vineyard Nashville. Ray would have to work for Pastor Jerry 20 hours per week and work at part time job the other 20 hours. To have enough income, Ray would have to raise his own support (like missionaries do). We are waiting to see how much support we get to see if we can do this.

If we could do this, it would be great for Vineyard Nashville and for Ray. Ray would be getting a lot of experience preparing us for our church plant.

You can’t know if you made the decision that God wanted you to make unless you take some steps. Some steps are better than 0 steps. We are willing even though it’s very hard. We are being made stronger through this I know that.

Please keep praying for us. There is definitely power in prayer.

Our Tuesday night meetings are still going well. When we were still in NY earlier this year and didn’t know if NY was where the church plant was suppose to be, we started a group, but it didn’t grow. Here in Nashville we started with 8 this past July and are now at 23-25 people! Pretty cool!

One more note. Ray’s brother, Justin, decided to move back to Nashville. He moved back this past week. He lives in an apartment complex across the street from us. He left Nashville six months ago to move to back to NY and realized he liked Nashville better.

We have some family in town now!

God bless,
Patti

Requests & Thanks

2005-09-29T06:50:00.000-07:00

Man there is a lot going on at the LeGrand house this week! First a few good reports for you. Patti, the kids and I are doing well. We haven’t starved or anything, even though I have been unemployed for about three weeks now and we were living hand to mouth when I was working. It’s amazing how God has been taking care of us. There have been a few gifts here and there, plus some bread from the church and then things like food people bring to the house for meetings just seems to stretch for a bit! And we are saving on gas by not really driving anywhere.

Although, I did drive to work yesterday! As I mentioned, I switched my focus and began seeking part time work to allow me the time to work the internship at Vineyard Nashville and this week, I had two job offers. One is kinda still out there… just in case I can’t get the hours I need, but the one I took is at Kroger in Bellevue, out on Route 100. I’ll be working afternoon grocery, so if you do your shopping out that way, keep an eye out for me!

As for the requests, our friend Leah Heyman has not been having a good week. She wasn’t feeling well again and wound up back at Baptist Hospital on Tuesday. We have had her three boys here for the past two nights. They are great kids, but are worried about their mother. Please keep Leah and the boys in your prayers!

Our Soultuary meeting was good again this week, although we had one of our more intimate size groups. Between health issues, meetings and certain people being in South Africa, well, let’s just say that we had some elbow room! Which was fine. Ben Stacy brough his guitar and Ryan Soria brought over his keyboard this week as well as his guitar and the music took on a whole different flavor. After the teaching on faith, we wound up basically taking a little jaunt down memory lane, playing and singing some songs we had all done in churches over the last 15 years or so. I think we covered everything from the obvious Vineyard tunes, to Darlene Zschech, Maranatha, The Gaithers, Alvin Slaughter, Andre Crouch, Brownsville, some crazy summer camp things and a few others thrown in for good measure – It was a blast!

Well anyway, I am getting ready to head off to work in a few minutes, so I’ve gotta run. Please also keep us in prayer for our financials as we nail down the employment / internship balance.

Later-
Ray

Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

2005-09-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

I seem to remember that I used to have a blog site… Oh look, I do have a blog site! I should probably post something…

I guess despite all the things I've been up to lately, as U2 say, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For". I still need to get support for my intership and I still need to find work. I've got some good leads, but more on that in a minute...

As you can imagine, I’ve been a little busy, what with becoming un-employed on September the 9th and then looking for full-time work, and then getting offered an internship through Vineyard Nashville that I’ll need to raise support for, to looking for part-time work to off-set what the fund-raising for the internship won’t cover.

Anyway, I’ve got like 50 something resumes out and several applications in with local businesses. I’ve had a couple of interviews and one or two good possibilities. In fact, I’ve got another interview later today. I really need to get some money flowing in though… this is a good test of faith, eh?

It has been really nice to be home though. I’ve enjoyed spending some time with Patti and the kids, as I do the daily job search thing. I’ve also managed to get off to the gym a few days a week. It’s good to start getting back into shape a bit. And, I’ve had plenty of time for ministry related things. I have been able to work on the new Vineyard Nashville website, interact with people from church, our Soultuary home group, Vineyard leaders and the gang from Kainos.

Last night we were off to celebrate our friend Rachel Johnson’s birthday. We had a great time and Rachel’s sister-in-law Amber made a killer cake – that girl can follow the directions off a box like nobody’s business! And, knowing that I am out of work, it was especially cool that Justin Johnson wanted to take us out to dinner, so that we could be included in the celebration. What a great friend. I can’t speak highly enough of Johnsons!

Well, I have gone through my emails and poked around the job sites a bit this morning. Now, Lauren and I are headed up to the gym for about an hour. After that, we’ll come back for lunch. Then I have plans to get together with Ryan Soria to go over some music for Soultuary and related stuff. Then, I’ve got an interview with Toy-R-Us (hey, as a father of four, I know a thing or two about kids and toys!). Later this evening, Patti and I will be getting together with Pastors Jerry and Cindy Bryant. I’m looking forward to some good conversation with friends.

Moreover, I’m hopeful to actually slow down a little bit this weekend and pay some attention to my wife! She’s really been doing so much, especially while I’ve been out of work. To a degree, I’m sure it’s more like having another kid in the house for her, so I want to do something special. Invest in some long conversation over tea or something that she enjoys!

Anyway, that’s all I’ve got time for… my endorphins are screaming “let us out you fat slob!” so, I’m gonna have to get my butt to the gym.

Later-
Ray

In Need of Support

2005-09-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

I guess you could say I've been feeling pretty needy lately! Let's just say that I definately have a need for God - without whom, I wouldn't be here at all, at one in the morning typing away at my computer! God is good...

OK, so I just sent out an email to this giant database of email addresses I have maintained over like the last 5 years. Grant it, I did narrow down the list, so as not to send SPAM intentionally. Anyway, here is what I wrote:

Hello!

Would you take a moment to read my attached note, seeking prayer and support for the role my family and I have in a church planting effort that is now taking shape here in Nashville, TN?

To be perfectly honest, I have to say that I struggled with the timing of this correspondence, considering that my heart, prayers and finances are already wrapped up in everything from the practical needs of a family, to investing in my local church, to supporting the massive restoration efforts that are underway as a result of Hurricane Katrina and everything in-between! But, I also know that God’s timing is sometimes different from what I think it should be (can you imagine?!) and that there is a calling on my life and that what God wants to see through, He will see through! So I send this email in full confidence that His will is to be done, regardless of my own notions… But maybe, just maybe I am hearing Him and am actually being obedient to His will by striving towards the visions I believe He has given and with the support of my pastor!

That said, please, read through the letter I have prepared here. I welcome your feedback and look forward to hearing from you. And because I respect your privacy, rest assured that you are not on some “spam list” and that I will honor any request to remove your email address from my files.

Oh, and if you are led to do, please forward this correspondence to anyone whom you think it would be applicable (church, work, school, friends, enemies, etc…) – I GREATLY APPRECIATE IT!

In Christ,
Ray LeGrand
Church Planter

To view a PDF version of the letter I put together, click HERE.

Well, I think the initial shock of being un-employed is over. I have been working at finding the right opportunity, and as it states in my letter, it's possible that it may even work out that I can spend even more time in ministry, if I can get the necessary support - Not a bad thing, eh?!

Let's see, what else is up?

Our Soultuary meeting this week was cool. Although a few regulars couldn't make it, there were three first timers to the group! I think if everyone showed up on the same nite, we might not fit in our little apartment! I look forward to working on that problem... Ryan Soria led the music for us and did an amazing job as usual. One of the things I thought was so cool though was that the voices in the room all just seemed, I dunno... well they sounded so much greater - an enhanced sense of depth, passion and expression. I had written and re-written my notes at least six times (thank God I had the time, right?!) and finally wrapped the version I went with at like 6PM on Tuesday. While it felt a bit last minute, I know that it really wasn't and the proof was in the proverbial pudding... I had to really play conversational traffic cop, because this group would have talked until after midnight!

I've been working with the crew from Kainos quite a bit this week too. Please pray that I can provide the right direction so that their minstry can truly flourish! They are such a great goup of musicians and are being used to reach out to the youth, but I desire to see them propelled further forward! I will be seeing them off for this week's leg of the Shout-Fest Tour tomorrow.

Well... my eyes are fluttering and I'm re-typing nearly as much as I am typing, so I have to call it quits for now.

Later-
Ray