Wisdom From Above

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

James 3:17

Sometimes we question if we can discern what is of God and what isn't. If you question whether or not something originates from the wisdom and heart of God, measure it by the descriptors in this passage - pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, good fruits and sincere. Pretty straight-forward.

This is from The Daily Verse. 

INTEGRITY MUSIC LATIN AND CANZION GROUP ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE

MOBILE, Alabama (May 19, 2009) Integrity Music Latin and CanZion Group announced today that they have entered into an agreement to jointly serve the Christian retail market through the newly named CanZion-Integrity Distribution (CID). 

The new CID entity will begin distributing Spanish and Portuguese language products to Christian retailers in the U.S. and Puerto Rico beginning July 1 while maintaining separate operations for all other markets. 

This ground-breaking alliance between two of the worlds leading producers of Latin worship music will combine sales, marketing, manufacturing, distribution and publishing efforts for all current and future CDs, DVDs and digital products. 

Together, the new CID artist roster includes: Latin Grammy winner Marcos Witt; Latin Billboard winner Danilo Montero; Latin Grammy nominated and Premios Arpa winner Alex Campos; Latin Grammy and Dove Award winner Aline Barros; Latin Grammy and Latin Billboard winner Juan Luis Guerra; Dove and Arpa winner Funky; Premios Arpa winner Julissa Rivera and Dove Nominee and Latin Grammy nominee Daniel Calveti among others. 

"We are delighted to partner with CanZion Music which has such a significant ministry impact throughout the Latin world, said Michael Coleman, CEO and co-founder of Integrity Media, parent company of the Integrity Music Latin label. This new partnership will strengthen the outreach of both of our companies in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and it is an important step for Integrity as we seek to further our mission of helping people worldwide experience the manifest presence of God." 

Marcos Witt, Founder and CEO of CanZion adds: We at CanZion Group are extremely excited at joining efforts with the great family at Integrity Media to impact the kingdom for God's glory. At CanZion we share many of the same values that Integrity embraces, especially when it has to do with people experiencing the manifest presence of God through music. We believe that by working together we'll be able to do an even better job of spreading the glorious news of the Gospel to the Spanish language world. We also have the conviction that our union will be a model of unity that will glorify God. 

CanZion-Integrity Distribution will be headquartered in Mobile, Alabama with Canzion operating their label group from Houston, Texas under the direction of Arturo Allen. All sales, distribution and accounting of CID will be handled from Integrity Medias offices in Mobile, Alabama. Elias Yepez, formerly of Zondervan, Vida, and currently the Director of Sales and Marketing for Integrity Music Latin, will be the new Director of CanZion-Integrity Distribution. 

Get in the Game

Trained for War

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman

Tuesday, May 19 2009

"Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers 

for battle" (Psalm 144:1)

You'll never experience God in powerful ways by acquiring Bible knowledge

alone. It is only when that knowledge is used in the heat of battle that

you will know the reality of what you've learned intellectually. Otherwise,

it remains only an exercise in spiritual gymnastics that yields little

fruit.

David became a great warrior and leader of a nation at an early age. His

training ground was his job as a shepherd in the open fields. When bears

and lions sought to take his sheep, he personally fought them. This was 

his early preparation for future battles. Goliath was the real competition

amongst a discerning audience to reveal how well his training prepared 

him.

Today, our local churches often look more like luxury cruise liners

designed to tickle the ears, entertain its members and make them feel good

instead of a battleship designed to train an army for war. The average

member still watches from the sideline.

In sports you discover how well you handle pressure by competing. You can

practice all you want but never know how you will do until you enter the

game and test what you've learned and practiced when there is pressure

added to the equation. In battle you discover how well you are trained by

what you actually do on the battlefield.

Have you ever prayed with someone in public? Have you ever personally led

someone to Christ? Have you ever served others for the sake of the Gospel?

Have you ever taught a Bible study? If you said no to these questions, you

are not engaged in the game. Today, why not ask God to give you the grace

to step onto the battlefield.

Hour of Power Germany

For those of you interested, Deborah Rosenkranz (Former German singing Flight Attendant) is interviewed on the German version of Hour of Power.  

Dutch BCB plans Festival and Bookstore Day

Dutch association BCB plans Book & Music Festival, Christian Bookstore Day. BCB—the primary association of Dutch Christian retailers and suppliers, which represents the Netherlands in ChristianTrade Association International—is planning a new consumer Christian Book & Music Festival and a Christian Bookstore Day. BCB is changing the focus of its annual fall consumers’ fair to be more experiential. Current plans are for several large, themed areas, each running continuous programming. Depending on logistics, the revamped event will be held later this year or in 2010. For Christian Bookstore Day, BCB plans to coordinate and generate nationwide publicity and develop in-store materials. Each local store would organize its own activities and local publicity, highlighting its own identity. Publishers can participate with discounts, giveaways, and other promotions to attract buyers. The first Christian Bookstore Day is planned for early 2010.

Plans of Tomorrow

The Plans of Tomorrow

By Os Hillman, May 13, 2009

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You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. - James 4:14b

A group of workplace believers meet at my office every week for fellowship, study, and prayer. One man attended our group for several years. Jim was well liked and in good health. One Thursday he showed up as usual. The next morning I received a call, "Jim is dead! He died in his easy chair last night!" Jim had no prior problems and there was no indication he was about to go be with the Lord. Naturally, it came as a shock to us all.

Whenever things like this happen close to home, it brings us face to face with our mortality. A friend of mine said he was challenged by someone to do an experiment. He challenged him to live his life for one year as if it were the last year he would live. He responded to the challenge and did as proposed. It changed his life forever. He began to focus on different priorities and people when he viewed life in these terms.

James gives us a perspective on viewing tomorrow.

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that" (James 4:13-15).

Life is fragile. Consider where you are investing your time and energies. Someone once said they had never heard anyone on his deathbed say that he wished he had made more money in his lifetime or he wished he had made a certain deal. Usually it is something like, "I wish I had spent more time with my kids." Ask the Lord to give you His priorities for your life.

Girls Garden

My wife started a garden tonight with our next door neighbor and another friend.  They're using a plot of land her church owns.  Krissy came home all muddy. 

She and our neighbor tried to till the land using a large power tiller.  After a few minutes of being taken for a ride by the tiller, a man finally came to the rescue.  

He asked them, "Where are your husbands?".

The girls said in unison, "Oh, they are home taking care of the babies."

Possible names the girls came up for the garden:

Eden Envy

Three Sisters Square

You Grow Girls Garden

Which one do you like best?

A Fleeting Shadow

A Fleeting Shadow

By Os Hillman, May 12, 2009

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Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow. - Psalm 144:4

Every time I fly over a large body of water, I imagine opening the window of the jet and pouring out my coffee into the immense body of water below. I imagine the time that I spend on this earth compared to eternity is no more than that cup of coffee. The incredible size of the ocean compared to one small cup of coffee is what our life is like compared to eternity. Why then do we invest so much in temporal pursuits when we know that our investment here can have so much impact on our eternity? It is the great paradox of human behavior, especially for Christians.

Does your business life have an overall ministry objective to it? This does not mean we must be constantly involved in "Christian activity." It only means that we should be about what God has called us to do with the motive of being obedient to this mission. Do not let the worries and cares of this life keep you from having an eternal impact on the lives of those you meet each day. Satan has a way of keeping our focus on the problems of today rather than the spiritual opportunities before us. He is master of the urgent, not the important.

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Happy Mother's Day

We had a beautiful Mother's Day.  It was a wonderful day at church.  I did a skit involving 2 Jamaicans (if you want further explanation, please leave a comment).  Then, we ate at Stoveworks in the Factory.  They had a yummy buffet.   After that, Krissy took a nap and now we're off to Crockett Park to watch a free concert by the Nashville Symphony.  

We took some great pictures of Krissy and our girl.   I'm so glad Krissy got her girl.

Happy Mother's Day!

Russian EMA Organization Hosts First Christian Music Awards Show

An affiliate of the Gospel Music Association (USA), the EMA (Former Soviet Union GMA) hosts its first awards show.  Over 1000 people were in attendance of the event.  According to Artist of the Year winner, New Jerusalem, it was the best Christian music event he has ever attended. 

Here are some links to media coverage of the event, which took place earlier this month:

Protestant.ru (Russian TBN)

CNL Download

  

Live Journal - individual footage

The EMA also held an event called the Moscow Music Forum in late November 2008 which was an important event in the development of Christian music in the Former Soviet Union.  Watch a report uploaded to YouTube of the event (with English subtitles).

As head of the Gospel Music Association International Committee and International Representative of the GMA Board of Directors, I'm very proud to see how this organization in the Former Soviet Union is forming.  We look forward to more news from the EMA soon.

Best Blogs #1: The Story of Anthem

This one blog has probably seen the most traffic of any of my entries.  It's a great God story.  I have to give glory to Him at #1.

November 4, 2008

The Story of Anthem

Franklin Cowboys Combine Highlights

We had a fun week.  Every day from 6 - 7:30, both of the boys participated in the Franklin Cowboys Spring Combine.  Over 300 kids participated from all age groups all across Franklin.  Alex was in the 9 year old group.  Kaden was in the 7 year old.  Each day of the combine, they each learned new skills they'll be able to use when the season starts in July.  Alex will play tackle football in the fall - Kaden still is too little.  He'll play flag again (if he wants). 

Tonight, they finished the week with a competition.  They competed in broad jump, punting, kicking field goals, sprints, high jumps and some obstacle courses.  Krissy and I were proud to watch them compete.  They both did so well.  Kaden kicked a 20 yard punt - the longest in his age group.  Alex was the only one in his age group to make a field goal.  Alex also got the best in the high jump and 2nd in broad jump.  Kaden came in second in sprints.  

Overall, out of 30 kids in his age group, Alex came in second all around.  I was so proud to hear his name announced.  I thought for sure Kaden at least came in second, maybe even first (goes to show you how proud I am), but he wasn't called.  He must have barely missed coming in second (eternal optimist father).  Here are the results...seems Kaden did well enough to be in first or second.  I guess they didn't want to give it to too many Nordhoffs...

I was proud of both of my boys.  It's a fun event and only cost $35 per child.  They each got a t-shirt and were able to get some great experience doing what they loved. 

Best Blogs #2: 10 Years Ago

I'm listing the best blogs of the last year (my first year of blogging).  We're almost there.  Tomorrow, I'll reveal #1.  Bet you can't guess what it is!!

May 30, 2008

10 Years Ago

Best Blogs #3: Manhood '08

This was a special weekend retreat I took with good friends.

August 8, 2008 (08/08/08)

Manhood 08

Best Blogs #4: Never Be The Same

This was one written during a time where I was feeling sentimental about my family.  See if you can relate.

March 1, 2009

Never Be The Same

Change Habits for 10 Bucks

Changing Besetting Habits-The $10 Challenge

By Os Hillman, May 7, 2009

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Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin." - John 8:34

"I hate being late," my friend lamented. "It has been a problem for me all my life."

"Do you really want to change that?" I asked.

"Yes, I do."

"All right. Every time you are late to work or anywhere else where you have committed to be at a particular time you must give me $25."

"No way!" my friend responded. "I would go broke! But I will do $10."

"All right, $10 it is. It has to be a large enough amount of money for it to hurt your pocketbook."

"Believe me, that will hurt," my friend said. About a month later my friend found great motivation to be on time to every place she had to be. In the first week, I got only $10 from my friend. The next week, $20. The third week, nothing. By the fifth week, my friend had changed a lifelong habit that had hindered her all her life. In order for my friend not to be resentful of me for the money she had to give, we put it in a jar to be given to some other Christian cause. This ensured my motive was only for her best interest.

Some might be reading this now and say it is legalism. For my friend it was freedom. For the first time she had some means of changing a behavior that had caused her problems in relationships and her own work habits. Psychologists tell us that it takes 21 days to form a habit. So, if you need to change some habit, you need to be actively engaged in that new behavior at least 21 days. My friend needed help to change a habit she didn't like about herself. It took another individual to hold her accountable, and it took a potential loss of something to provide the added incentive.

A successful businessman was experiencing a difficult marriage. When counseling the couple over dinner one night, a friend of mine noticed that the man often criticized his wife. After further counsel it was determined the man simply could not love his wife. My friend asked him if he truly wanted to see change in his marriage. When the man said he did, my friend said, "Every time you criticize your wife you must agree to give me $100." This man was well-off and needed substantial incentive to change his behavior. After the man rebelled and retorted, he agreed in front of his wife. A few weeks later a report came back that things were changing. This man did not want to write any checks to my friend. Although it was a competitive game to the man, it was also yielding some positive changes in his marriage. He began to acquire the habit of avoiding criticism of his wife, which was killing her spirit.

What are the habits that keep you from becoming all that God may want you to become? Do you desire change enough to be accountable in a way that it costs you something when you fail? Ask a friend to hold you accountable in an area that needs change. You will find new freedom as you conquer old besetting habits.

 

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The Facebook Generation

I've noticed a trend lately.  There is a new generation cropping up.  It's the generation of children whose lives are being documented literally from 'Day 1' online via Facebook.  

My 6 week old, was born in March.  We documented the 18 hour birth experience, 'play by play', so to speak via Facebook status updates.  Every important moment was captured in a status update.  If I had been setup with Twitter at that time, I would have sent out even more updates or tweets.  (Unfortunately, I had a hokey connection to the internet via the hospital's TV system, but it worked anyway.)

Even better than the status updates was reading all of the comments sent back by my Facebook Friends encouraging us along the way.  We even had one friend, during a particularly difficult part of the birth, who gave us massaging techniques that we incorporated into the birthing process.  We called her and she walked us through some things that helped Krissy along the way.  

This new generation is the Facebook Generation.  Every bit of their lives from birth to death, will be captured on Facebook (or some new version of it in future years).  Pictures, videos, blog stories, likes and dislikes, all of the IQ challenges, relationship status, political views, favorite music - all of it will be captured (forever) on Facebook.  They will have a living log of their life like no one else has ever had before.  

They are the Facebook Generation.  

My baby girl, Anthem, is a Facebook Baby.  

Facebook is the new scrapbook of life.  

Best Blogs #5: Dreams For My Daughter

Counting it down.  On May 9, 2008, I started blogging.  This is a countdown of my favorites throughout the last year.  

Here is #5 on my list:

April 7, 2009

Dreams For My Daughter

Best Blogs #6: My Girl

You can't beat a blog about the birth of your first daughter.  This one comes in at #6.  5 more to go.

March 22, 2009

My Girl

Best Blogs #7 - Pacifiers, Mylicon, TV Remotes and Nose Suckers

There are a few about our new baby that make it into the Top 10.  Here's one of my favorites:

April 7, 2009

Pacifiers, Mylicon, TV Remotes and Nose Suckers

Church Announcements

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The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

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The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight:

'Searching for Jesus.'

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Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those

things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

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The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a

conflict.

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Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at

someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much

about you.

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Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

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Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I Will Not Pass This Way Again,' giving obvious

pleasure to the congregation.

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For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery

downstairs.

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Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help

they can get.

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The Rector will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will

sing: 'Break Forth Into Joy.'

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Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24th in the

church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

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At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.

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Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several

new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

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Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

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Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person

you want remembered.

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The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and

gracious hostility.

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Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - Prayer and medication to follow.

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The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may

be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

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This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from

the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

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Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are

invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.

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The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would

lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

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Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the

back door.

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The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church

basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this

tragedy.

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Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use the large double doors at the side entrance.

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The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan

last Sunday : 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.

Favorite Blogs of the Year - #8

This one is appropriate - after a great weekend of sports on TV.  Check it out:

June 16, 2008

My Favorite Sports Memories

#9 Favorite Blog of the Year

I don't really have a basis for picking my favorite blogs.  In the case of today's favorite of the year of blogging, I'm picking a memorable moment of the year - one that I will never forget.  Actually, this is one I wish I didn't have to write.  

I remember where I was when I heard the news of Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter's accidental death.  I wrote about what he meant to me in this blog...#9 Favorite of the Year:  

May 22, 2008

What Steven Curtis Chapman Has Meant To Me

Coming up on One Year of Blogging

Well, I've almost been blogging for an entire year.  Lots of memories.  I'm going to reflect on my Top 10 favorite blog posts of this year since the first post on May 9, 2008.  Here's #10:

November 12, 2008 - Knick Knacks

My Sedona!

Goodbye Oldsmobile, Hello Kia.  I never thought I'd ever buy a Kia.  However, after test driving this car, we fell in love with it.   So, introducing the new Nordhoff family car - a 2007 Kia Sedona - only 7000 miles!