Indentured

One of my ancestors was an indentured servant. Jonathan Burch Walker died, leaving his son, Jonathan B. Walker (so they couldn't afford a "baby names" book...) an orphan. The year was 1824.

Young Jonathan was indentured to a man name George Murphey, who, in exchange for the boy's service, was ordered to "cause him to be learned to read & write & arithmetic so far as the order of three inclusive," teach him to be a "waggon maker" and give him a good suit of clothes upon his release at age 21.

It's an interesting glimpse into a very different, yet not too distant, world. I've not known anyone "indentured." (Originally, two identical copies of an agreement would be handwritten on a piece of paper, one right below the other, then cut apart with a unique wavy line, the "dents". A piece was given to each party, and they could be fitted back together to prove the authenticity of the agreement).

This morning I wondered how being such a bond servant shaped young Jonathan's life, and if any of the resulting characteristics might have even been passed down to our family members through the generations. Was he a willing and hard worker? Was Mr. Murphey kind or harsh?

I too, of course, am bound to serve. Paul starts the book of Romans by calling himself a bond-servant of Christ. Then in II Corinthians 4:5 he says, "For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake." He was bound to serve those around him.

The first commitment, if seldom easy, seems at least a little more intuitive. Christ is obviously worthy to receive all glory and honor, as well as our meager service.

Serving others, however, often requires me to go back to an agreement I made. I received unmerited grace and mercy on the day Christ saved me. Certainly nothing I "earned" in that transaction. In response, however, I bound myself to Christ, and committed to follow Him, and to serve others as He did. To go and make disciples, baptizing and teaching them to obey. To visit orphans and widows in their distress. To be His hands and feet.

I wonder what that's going to look like today?

The Creative Process

A good, short documentary on one man's creation of music and art. Watch the video below, then go to this link to watch the final product.

Making Making Mirrors - a short documentary from Gotye on Vimeo.

Happy Birthday Concert

I told Sarah last week that I knew what I wanted for my birthday this year. I never usually decide at all, but just say, "Whatever...." (Never the answer she's looking for.) I told her that this year I'd like to have a house concert and invite people out to enjoy some awesome music together. She said that would be great! And because it's really easier for us to throw an event in one of the big rooms here, we hope a lot of friends and music fans will come out!

So I am excited to invite you to Sabine Creek Ranch on Friday, March 23 at 6:45 for a concert by Beth Wood. I first became acquainted with Beth's music on a new show I really enjoy called Troubadour Texas, which follows the lives and music of independent artists from the Lone Star State. (I record them all...check it out on Channel 21 on Sunday evenings!)

Beth now lives in Oregon, but makes it back to Texas often.

The Washington Post says, “Beth Wood is a musical triple-threat — a thoughtful songwriter and talented multi-instrumentalist with a supple, soulful voice.”

Lone Star Music Magazine describes her music by saying, "...this is the work of a genuine artist with a remarkable voice determined to make meaningful and lasting art.”

My main criteria, though, was that I liked her music! Check out the video below if you'd like to hear a little more.

Details:

• What: Beth Wood in concert at Sabine Creek Ranch
• When: Friday, March 23. Arrive 6:45, Show starts at 7:15.
• Who: Adults only for this performance. Spread the word and bring friends!
• Cost: $10 per person at the door will support Beth in her musical journey.
• Why: Just for fun and because music is a great thing!
• Contact: eddie@sabinecreek.com for details.

The Walkers

We had a newer family picture taken recently. I can't believe how my kids are growing up! They are all awesome and uniquely gifted, and I couldn't be more blessed. Sarah is beautiful and amazing and gets the credit.

A Fight at Men's Retreat!

We finished our annual men's conference here at Sabine Creek Ranch a couple of weeks ago. In addition to the great time we had eating, hanging out, catching up with friends and playing some 42, we were challenged to start fighting a little harder.

On Friday night, the guys came into a full professional boxing ring with MMA fighters going at it. This wasn't fake fighting, these dudes were pounding away!

Our point...we are in a fight. It seems our men are either 1.) not fighting at all, or 2.) fighting like little girls on a playground. The reality is that, in addition to living in a fallen world and battling our own flesh, we face a spiritual enemy that is seeking to steal, kill and destroy our marriages, our kids, our communities, our churches and our very lives. It's time to learn to fight.

Paul used the analogy of boxing to paint a vivid picture of how we are to discipline our bodies and fight to win the prize. It was demonstrated for the guys clearly, and I think we all took home some practical ideas and met some others who will stand in our corner to help us fight to win.

Chad Hennings, a former fighter pilot and Dallas Cowboy standout, also knows a little about the battles we face, and did a great job on Saturday. Here are a few pictures in case you missed it.