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.

Read the Bible in 90 Days with us!

Sarah and I, along with a bunch of friends, are going to read the Bible through in 90 days starting in January. Would you join us?

To be honest, I don't have much luck with one year Bible plans for several reasons. A lot of groups are having great success with focusing on reading 12 pages per day for 90 days, though.

This won't be a study program. It is a reading program designed to help us read every word. You can go back and study whatever you like, however you would like, later. There is also an audio version for those who would prefer that.

We will meet here at Sabine Creek Ranch each Sunday night at 6pm through March for fellowship, music, a short highlight of the readings ahead...and a little accountability! You are welcome to participate regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, just curious or totally committed. We'll also have an online environment for those who live too far to join us live.

If you’d like to do it, here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Pray about the challenge and ask God to guide you in using His time to read His Word. Think about when and where you will read.

2. Fill out this form and I'll contact you with more details.

3. Go to Amazon.com or Christianbook.com and purchase the Bible in 90 Days Bible and the Participants Guide. Total cost: about $20. You can also get audio CDs if you prefer. (We don't make anything on this, by the way).

4. Consider inviting another friend, family member or coworker to join us, "Like" this group on Facebook. We'd love to see a great group do this together, and we already have people from all over who are joining us.

5. Begin reading with us January 3, follow the 12-pages-per-day schedule and keep reading every day until you have read the Bible in its entirety!!

Although we'll be focusing on reading the Bible fairly quickly, I know each of us will benefit from knowing and understanding God's Word better. Fill out the form today, and we'll see you in January!

Concert in Rockwall

I'll be doing a concert on Sunday, November 1 at the Pier 419 Auditorium at Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall. Start time is 6pm. A lot of new songs, some of my favorite older originals, and featuring other talented artists I know you'll enjoy. This will be a great night of music, food and fellowship in a wonderful venue.

Concert will be from 6-7:30, and feel free to stay around afterward to hang out. Tickets $10 and available at link above. Please help us plan by purchasing conveniently online. Proceeds will go to Sabine Creek Ranch camp and retreat center.

Hope to see you there!

It can get a little loud at camp.

As a guy who gets a lot more done in a quiet environment, it can get a little noisy during camp season! Here is a recent view from my office window. Sometimes you have to go on a quest for quiet....

Is Summer Camp Still Relevant?

There is such a myriad of options for kids during the summer months today. It seems they are all on a faster path toward achievement in school and activities. There are sports camps, music camps, science camps, computer camps, and the list goes on.... All these activities vie for the attention, the resources and the limited time of children and their families.

In the midst of all these options we compete with, I periodically wonder, "Is there still a need for what we do at Sabine Creek Ranch?" Although we offer many amenities and fun activities (a new ropes course with a "Screamer Swing", climbing wall and zip line is being completed for this summer), we are really here to give kids a chance to unplug from the media and activities that consume their every spare minute, and to help them meet with the God who wants to have a relationship with them. To allow them to gaze in wonder at stars, to sing praise songs around a campfire, and to meet the friends that will be friends for life.

And so, I always come to the same conclusion. In the midst of an increasingly crazy world of activity and mind-numbing interaction, there is more need than ever for the spiritual life and renewal that can be found here. While we will continue to discover ways to improve the logistics of making that happen, fellowship with the Lord is what it's all about, and that can never change.