Thursday, October 11, 2007

The Case Of The Missing Blogger

The case of the missing blogger has been solved!

I'm here! We are all alive and happy! Thanks so much for your patience. I can't believe you came back. You are the best blogger family ever. All is well in the Cottrell household. I just apparently turned my brain off for 2 or 3 weeks.

I haven't really been reading blogs or anything much, either. It has been a cray busy time of travel. And school, football and cheerleading has been in full gear. And, of course, the new TV season began. We aren't really big into evening TV. My only evening TV vices are American Idol (which isn't on until January), Survivor (which I am skipping this season), and The Office (which I watch and watch over and over again because I love it). The first episode of The Office this season was so funny that I about threw my back out.

Angela and I have started a new show this season: Chuck. It comes on on Monday nights. We love it. It has everything...it's stinkin' hilarious, suspenseful, full of action, and has a little love story going on, too. Perfect for both chicks and dudes.

I have had so many bloggable moments (a new and frequent phrase in our house these days)...I should have at least kept a running list, so I wouldn't forget. The senoir moments are creeping in more and more lately...and I have forgotten some of the bloggable moments. But I have remembered some, and will share them in the next few days.

Currently in my heart to share is the fact that I am ECSTATIC that the weather here in middle Tennessee is getting cool. I am sitting right now at Jack's football practice, wearing my favorite Appalachian State University hooded sweatshirt. It's actually a little cold. I couldn't be happier. I feel like there is a shaft of light glowing from the heavens straight down to me in my little fold-out chair...I am so happy...surely everyone around me sees the cool weather-bestowing favor of God on me right now...

: >)

Another cool thing happening right now is something that has been in the works for months. I have signed with a management company. What that means is I am teaming with a group of people who are going to help me and my ministry...help us make decisions, like the who's, what's, where's, and how's of what we will be doing in ministry and music for the next few years. I am telling you - I can feel the weight JUMPING off of my shoulders as we speak. Thank You, Lord.

The company is called Blanton, Harrell, Cook and Corzine (is that long enough for you?). In years past, they were simply known as Blanton and Harrell. They have been managing the careers of Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith from their earliest years. And in addition to those two, they also currently work with Point of Grace, Bebo Norman, and Aaron Shust. And they just signed both Chris Sligh and Phil Stacey (from the last American Idol season).

Angela and I are giddy at the thought of having some weight lifted off of us. And we are grateful for these guys and gals, and for how they will speak into our lives and ministry. And we thank YOU for your prayers, as we are continually staying on our faces before God, seeking His will for us, for our family, and for this ministry.

OK...now that I am writing, I don't want to stop. But I must...I don't want to scare you off with an entry that is obnoxiously long.

Football awaits. And then...couch time with Angela...and The Office.

Blessings,
TC

26 comments:

connorcolesmom said...

OH YEAH you're back!!
WE have missed our miesta!!
Boy having kids does make life quite busy -huh :)
We have baseball every night with our 7 yr old and it was actually cold out there tonight. My 3 year old ran up to me and said "hold me mommy it is cold!!" It made me smile and think - finally fall!!!

CONGRATS on the very longed named management company :)
That is such great news.

God bless you and your sweet family!
Kim

Lisa Pierre said...

Malcolm and I just finished your "couch time" with The Office too. He's just now trying to "get it." He thinks it is stupid, which I just absolutely love. Week 1 and tonight's was terrif. I'm DVR'ing even TBS' Tuesday night reruns and this season's.
So happy for your cooler weather. Send it on down and over to TX.

boomama said...

I really want to fill this comment with Office references from tonight, but I guess I should probably write a post about it instead. Because what about Andy? WHAT ABOUT ANDY?

And congratulations on this huge new chapter for y'all. Very exciting to see what God is going to do!

Fran said...

We have missed the fire out of you!
And as i'm sure you know, the Fall weather God gave mid-Tn is settling into West TN as well and I just ran like crazy to that Starbucks in Target this afternoon! It made me so happy to be a little chilly with my fav beverage in hand. :)

I am truly so glad that you are ok and settled into some peace with "life." You bless us all. I'm listening to the Lamb has Overcome.....since Deeper Still. I have become a professional singer I think! I just love every single song. LOVE IT! Thank you for your music. It allows Jesus to just flood my heart sometimes....actually all the time.

Welcome back to Bloggyland or wherever we are. And give that sweet family hugs from all.

Be God's~
Fran
Jackson TN

Sweet Tea & Grits said...

The ghost showed up to post! :) I am a phantom blogger as well, so no finger pointing here. Glad to see you back, Travis.

My son and I are waiting for "The Office" here in CA, that's why I'm using this valuable time to catch up on some blogging. I make a point of not making phone calls to my NC family on Thursday nights for fear they may spoil the anticipation of the night's episode before I get to see it. No fair!

It's wonderful to get an update from you and hear that life is good in your corner of the world. I pray for you and your family and team on the way to work each day as I enjoy "The Lamb Has Overcome". What a way to start any day! It's does me better than any cup of coffee ever could!

Blessings to you and your household!

puzzlepiecesista said...

Hey Travis, Good to hear from you again......I too left the blogger world for a few weeks as my precious momma went home to be with Jesus on Sept. 26th. My heart and emotions are still so raw, just blogging that much has me in tears, so I'll stop now.

On a more uplifting note, I am so
thankful for you about your management company.....Proverbs does say there is wisdom in many counsolers....something like that anyways!! I will be praying for you and your family and the future plans God has for you. We all know they will be GREAT and look forward to the next chapters!!

I'll have to check out "Chuck" on Monday nights....I'll let you know what I think (like that really matters huh!!??!:), I need to laugh a little through the pain ya know?

Blessings on you all,

Angela
Redmond, WA

Kelly from Va said...

Thank you for returning!! We have missed you. Every morning it's Beth Moore's blog than yours!! Love it!! I am praising him right now for what he is doing in your families life!! We serve an awesome God!! He saved me.. most of all he saved my 12 year old from the jaws of death!! Praise you father!! We are also enjoying the cool weather in Va..bring the winter on.. Keep us posted love to read your blogs!! God Bless Travis

Tracey said...

Wow! Travis, sounds like your are about to reach new heights in your ministry! That is awesome!

I agree with you about the nip in the air! Dontcha just love it?! There's nothing better than the cool breezes, the leaves changing and laying on the couch on Saturday watching football all day!

Enjoy this "new season" in your life as the Lord breathes his renewal!

Tracey
Go Dawgs! (That's GA, by the way, NOT Mississippi State!)

Cindy said...

Hey Travis,

Welcome Back!!! I'm glad all is well. I have been much in prayer for you during this busy time of travel and sharing your music. Everyone deserves to turn their brains off every now and then. The weather here in WNC is turning quiet cool too. I thought it was supposed to be in the 70s yesterday but it didn't even make it to 60. The girls went to school in shorts and flip flops. I felt like such a bad mom all day. But I am so ready for Fall. That is great news about signing with a management company. Hope you make it back this way sometime soon. I have been able to see you and/or Beth at least once a month since April. I just don't know what to do with myself now. Hope you have a peaceful weekend. We are going to be doing some 'spring cleaning' that didn't seem to get done in the spring. That sounds like a lot of fun doesn't it?

Cindy

Dionna said...

We all deserve to give our brains a break every now and again! :)
I don't watch much tv either - except American Idol and Survivor are two big favorites. (We share something alike!)
Congrats on the management co. I recognized the name as soon as you said it. You've worked so hard, it's time to have your load lightened. :) Good for you.

Key of A said...

Hey Travis! It was good to hear from you last week. It's exciting to see where your ministry has taken you since we were at App. I love reading your blog and keeping up with what is going on in your life. You missed a really good weekend in Boone at ASU's homecoming. The weather was beautiful, but it was hot. YUCK! Just doesn't seem like football season.

Take care!

Amanda

-PS - I hope this doesn't post several times. I'm having trouble getting it to go through.

jennyhope said...

so glad for the update i was wondering if you were ever returning to blogland!

ocean mommy said...

Welcome Back!

Fall is in the air here in Atlanta as well and not a minute too soon!

Congrats on the new management company. That is so exciting. Can't wait to see what God does next. :)

blessings,
stephanie

Speaking Thru Me Ministries said...

yeah you are back. i love Kirk, but i was getting tired of listening to him for sooooo long. JK! i am so excited for your new jump into ministry or the next level HE is taking you to!! Praise Him!!

have fun!!

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

I'm personally in the market for a management team myself.

Does yours do laundry and orchestrate sleepovers? Cause that, my friend, would rock.

:)

God's girl said...

Welcome back! Great to see what is going on with you all. Isn't it great to just enjoy family.

Blessings,
Angela

Joanne said...

Hi Travis,
I'm so glad you're back, I was getting a little worried! What exciting news. CONGRATULATIONS on your signing with the management group. Will you still be able to do the living proof events? Tell us more what this means for you, please! So good to hear from you and hear things are going well for you and your family!!

Much love to our Miesta!
Joanne from NH

P.S. Angela, I am so so sorry to hear of the death of your mom! I can't even begin to understand how your feeling. I pray that God will show himself to you during this time.

twinkle said...

Thanks for the info about "The Office" and "Chuck." My dh is setting up the tv system to record these. Sounds like we've been missing some good shows!

And you sure have been busy while you were away from your blog! Great things are happening for you and I am glad. Missed you.

I spent a little time in Carolina...the southern one...last weekend and it was just gorgeous on the beach! I've been singing that song "In my mind I'm going to Carolina" ever since. Congrats on the AS victory! Makes me want a hoodie since I love it when the underdog wins...

Blessings to you and your family, Trav.
And much sympathy to you, puzzlepiecesista. Turn your mother's memory into a legacy of faith. Honor her memory by doing something just in her memory. GBY!

Jan said...

Can you say DWIGHT K. SHRUTE and BEETS fast three times???????

So happy you are back! We are a huge OFFICE family here, also. Every week I feel my face flush with embarassment for Michael. My hubby says, "Wouldn't you kill him?" over and over as each episode airs.
Congrats on your good news.I know you and your sweet wife must be thrilled.

Blessings from Fayetteville,
Jan

Anonymous said...

Travis! I am so glad you came back. Praying for you and your ministry and this is answered prayer! YAY GOD!!!

I also laugh at the Office..my oldest daughter started watching it with me and we laugh til we cry!

Great News!!

Rachel said...

Very excited for you and your Team, Travis! I do hope you will all still be working with Beth and Living Proof. I've not been able to attend yet and would hate to miss it. God bless you and your family!

Holly said...

Glad you're back, Travis!

Praying for your family, your ministry, your new venture and all the rest.

May I just say that on the cool days we've enjoyed here lately in Colorado, there is nothing I like more than listening to your "Found" cd while working in the kitchen. It has brought me into the Throne Room of Christ and served to bring about some worship in the Smith home!

Many blessings to you and your family!
holly

Kelly S. said...

Glad your back!! Congratulations on your management team! I'll be praying for your ministry.

We are so ready for fall in the mountains of ETN, the leaves are starting to turn--best time of the year!

Darlene R. said...

Okay, I lost my comment!
Anyway-- WooHoo -- you're back!
Life with 3 kids that are involved in activities can be hectic!

I'm thinking that I am going to have to start watching The Office. It seems to be a big thing amongst the blogging people!

So glad things are going well for you all!

Profbaugh said...

Travis,

You came back and I missed it!!! I've been at Illinois State University's homecoming; I'm an alumni band board member. So, you post and I'm out of town. Go figure!! Glad to see you back in bloggityville, again brother.

And I almost forgot, congrats on the mgt. company. As one who teaches and ocassionally freelances in PR, your life will be much easier now. Let the professionals do their stuff and you can continue to do what you do best--make wonderful music!!!

Celebrating your return to cyberspace,
~Cheryl

Amy T said...

Welcome back! I checked and checked and then didn't for a few days and now I have lots of catching up to do! See ya! (Well, not really, but you know what I mean!)