Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Hey

Hey, friends. I hope you are having a great week. Thanks for your grace while I took a little unplanned blog break. After our fun weekend in San Antonio...WHEW! I was tired. It was an awesome Living Proof Live, followed by 3 services at Oak Hills Church the same weekend (their pastor is some guy named Max).

I came home to find the last week of work on the Christmas project staring me down. We finished everything up (finally) after more than 6 months of hard work. Woo hoo! It's done! When I finally did the last bit of listening and deciding and scoping and wringing of hands, I felt like I was walking on air. I am so happy to be done...and what a joy it was to make. Now, if I can just persuade a few people to purchase it...

Last week was also the first week that all of our kids were in school. And by first week I mean the first week in ELEVEN YEARS that all of our kids are in school every day of the week. It's been quite an adjustment these past few days...especially after our home schooling stint last year (which we loved, by the way). But can I just say that with them in school, and with my project being finished, I feel like the Lord has just opened up the heavens and poured HOURS back into my days. I am LOVING it. Nobody in the house for a few hours but us. I keep telling Angela we could do naked cartwheels if we wanted (she hasn't fallen for that suggestion just yet). I actually got some much needed office work done today, plus I got my cell phone AND my computer fixed. And I bought a birthday present. HOURS, people. I got HOURS back.

Our baby is in kindergarten. Too much. I don't really want to talk about that. I'm just sayin.'

Speaking of my baby, would you please pray for him (Levi) this Friday? He is having some minor outpatient surgery (he has a hernia). I will be out of town. WAAAHHHH. The surgery was planned for later. But the doctor called and had an opening this Friday...and since Levi has had some abdominal pain from the hernia, we decided to get it taken care of as quickly as possible. Thank you for praying for him.

Before I arrive in Las Vegas for Deeper Still this Friday, I am heading to Houston on Thursday. My mentor (I call him my "worship daddy") Dick Hill's wife, Dot, passed away on Sunday, after a long bout with a terrible muscle disease. Her service is this Thursday. Please pray for Dick and his two daughters, Ashley and Ally and their families.

Dot was the most gracious person I have ever known...even in the midst of horrific circumstances. What a legacy she leaves. Heaven is lucky to have her.

I gotta go watch tennis. I hope you all have a great rest of the week. I will be back soon!

TC

31 comments:

3girlsmom said...

Had a ball in San Antonio, too. Great to meetcha!
Praying for Levi. My middle daughter had hernia surgery (twice - 1st time it opened back up). Suggestions - make sure he has a little pillow (like a travel pillow) that he can hold to his tummy when he coughs, sits up, etc. It'll help his tummy muscles not have to do so much work and will feel better. And of course, ice cream, movies, unlimited attention, people at his beckon call, and a little spoiling will make it a little easier, too. Speaking from experience, I tell ya. Twice. I told the doc that we get the next one for free if this one didn't take. He did not laugh.
Hope all goes well!!!

Holly said...

Praying for Levi, for Dot's family (so sorry to hear that) and for you and the whole LPM team this weekend.

Angela's strawberry cake was some kind of wonderful, let me tell ya!! And my only problem? Getting the icing THICK enough. Who'd of thunk it?

Enjoy that beautiful hearted lady of yours. She's truly a blessing!

Holly

JayCee said...

Travis,
I'll be glad to be one of the first one to purchase the Christmas release......can't wait!

We will be praying for all the concerns you posted.

Good for you and Angela to have some much deserved time together!

Loved the worship in San Antonio. Thanks so much & keep up the God work!!

Blessings,
Janet in St. Louis

Fran said...

Aaaahhh...I'm praying for that darling little guy on Friday. And, for your daddys heart too. :)

You have a few fans that will buy the Christmas CD.

And, always keeping you and LPL/Deeper Still in my heart. Be safe, bless the Lord always!

Hugs,
Fran

Oliver said...

Travis,

Congrats on completing the Christmas album (did I just say that?) I mean -- CD. We can't wait to hear it!

I know where you are with Levi going off to kindergarten. My daughter started kindergarten this year too. We walked her in to her classroom; she sat down, found her pencil box, went right to work and left her bereaved parents standing there. "Ok. Well...Bye!" We were then forced to drown our sorrows in a big breakfast at Bob Evans. But we're ok, and proud and blessed to have a headstrong, vivacious child. May God bless Levi and his surgery. May he get lots of attention and stuff he loves! I know it will be hard for you to be away.

Enjoy the "free" time too while you've got it!

Safe travels and my prayers are with you and your friends and family!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for checking in. I always love hearing the day-to-day of your beautiful family (nekked cartwheels!). I'm with Angela. Already bought 2 copies of your Christmas CD. Praying for Levi. My son had a different kind of surgery at 14 months and 2 years. It's hard, but he'll be fine. Also praying for Dot's family. Yep, Heaven rejoices while we grieve. Ironic, isn't it?

Have a great time in Vegas. We thought it was amazing how God showed up in San Francisco! He's going to be uncontainable in in Vegas!

Blessings,

Karen in CA

Darlene R. said...

Hey Travis,

I will be praying for Levi, bless his heart, and for you and Angela. I know that you want to be there for him.(and her!)

I will keep your friend and his family in my prayers also.

San Antonio was fun. I would do it all again in a heartbeat. I LOVE my blogging siestas (and a miesta)! ;)

Naked cartwheels...fun-ny! I'm not surprised that she hasn't just taken that suggestion and run with it! Enjoy the HOURS that you have been given! It IS nice. :)

Blessings,
Darlene

jennyhope said...

Praying for Levi, Dick and his 2 daughters and that Angela won't agree to the naked cartwheels.

Also, when you need me to sing a solo just give me a call 867-5309 jenny.

It will be a joyful noise...I think I would sing Love lift us up where we belong. I will do the male and female vocals...yes that's right bebe and cece. I am totally kidding.

please do update on levi!! loved the dick tracy costume pic. that was him right?

Amanda said...

I will pray for Mr. Levi. Also, let me and Curt know if you need anything while you're in H-town. Do you need a car?

Profbaugh said...

Travis,

Wow! When you post, you really post my Miesta. First, know that I'll be praying for Levi on Friday and for both you and Angela. There's nothing more difficult than when your baby has surgery. . . even if it is outpatient. I'll also keep your friends in prayer as they say goodbye to their dad--never an easy task.

Now on to the positive. I'm so glad you've finished the Christmas CD. Can't wait to purchase it. And enjoy the time when the kids are in school. I'm not sure about the naked cartwheels--I think I'm with Angela on that one. In fact, I'm trying really hard to get that picture out of my head!!

I so enjoyed getting to meet you face-to-face in SA. Check out the picture of us on facebook. Loved the worship. You and your worship team managed to usher me into the throne room over and over again. Thanks for that.

Safe travel this weekend, Travis.

Much love,
~Cheryl

hisfivefooter said...

I'm sorry to hear about Dot, I will be praying for her family. Also about your son, having your child sick when there is nothing you can do is very hard. I'll ask God for a special annointing on you because of your willingness to sacrifice. As to you and your wife alone at home, watch out for people who unexpectedly come to your door when you least want them to! This is the first time in twelve years that I don't have to drive anyone to school, because they can drive themselves! I have a senior, a jr.higher, and a fifth grader...Oh My! They are all getting driven by the senior. All girls, all of the time! Hope you and your wife have a good time!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Travis, hearing about Dot makes me so sad! Dick was an incredible Worship Pastor for the short time I knew him. I admired him so and Dot -- you are right...no finer lady! And I mean that...SHE WAS A LADY!! I am praying for the family!

Will be praying for Levi. Tell Angela I said hello.

Blessings,
Dori

P.S. Naked Cartwheels? Please! No visuals, okay???

Cindy said...

Hey there,

Glad to have you back! I'm gonna cut you some slack this time for leaving us hanging. I know you have been really busy. My girls and I are really excited about your Christmas CD. I believe it comes out sometime in October but I can't remember exactly when. I counted yesterday and there are 113 more shopping days until Christmas. Yikes! Some of my co-workers think I'm crazy for already thinking about Christmas. I told them to just wait until they had kids to buy for. This year my girls are 10 and 9 and they have cell phones and lap tops on their lists. I asked my youngest the other day if they thought I had a money tree planted somewhere and she told me when we got enough money we could go buy one! LOL! My girls are back in school also. Abigail is not very happy because they are having to wear uniforms this year. At the end of each summer I believe that things will slow down at least a little when school kicks back in but now we have homework, volleyball, Awana, piano, violin. I don't know if I'm coming or going. We will definitely keep Levi in our prayers this week.

Have a Blessed rest of the week!
Cindy in Weaverville

connorcolesmom said...

It was great to meet you in SA I can not imagine how busy you have been - whew it wears me out just reading about it
wow I can not imagine having all my kids in school all day long - that would be amazing - I homeschool as well

I will be praying for Levi and his surgery (connor had a similar surgery when he was little and it was no big deal)

I will also pray for Dick and his girls - that is a great loss and I know they will miss her

Have a great time in Las Vegas
May God annoint you with His presence and may His Spirit rain down in Vegas :)
Blessings
Kim

Jesusistheparty! said...

Hey Travis, ptL on the "hours" He has bestowed upon you and Angela-what a blessing!!! Sorry about your mentor's wife. Praying for God's glory all over your numerous situations this week. You know the verse PS. 116:15 that says, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints," always reminds me that although death doesn't seem precious on this side, it's as if a precious newborn has been delivered into God's arms. Love, joy, and peace, Dana ps May God put the true "viva" in Las Vegas this weekend!

Tiffani said...

So glad you're "back"...I will definitely be lifting up your sweet requests to the Lord. Isn't it awesome to so freely share with other saints and KNOW that they WILL intercede for us?? Such a precious privilege to be children of an awesome God who gives us awesome friends...even if we've never met them!!


I'll see what I can do about rounding up some someone to buy that CD you mentioned, Christmas is it?? I mean if it means your family gets to eat, I'll do my best to support it! ;) I kid b/c I love!

By the way, I am still dying for the track you did on Beth's Stepping Up Video "Psalm 121" Oh my, that songs speaks to me...and the heavenly sound of the 3 of you singing together...I can't get it out of my head!! I led the Bible Study at our church, so I had the videos, I would watch that one song over and over...will it ever be available?

Take care,
Tiff

Unknown said...

I told you to come back and you DID! Wow, what a power of persuasion I have! (big ole j/k)

I can't imagine the freedom in your schedule you currently have, after having little to no freedom in the schedule for so long. Praise Him for those free hours.

(As far as what you & Angela could be doing during this time, I will no comment. I'm just saying...)

I'll keep little Levi in my prayers (and Mommy & Daddy too). I think it's harder on Mommy & Daddy than it is the patient. At least he'll get some pain medication and be knocked out for a bit!

I wish I could've gone to the pastor named "Max"'s church!

I'm sorry to hear about your friend. Even though Heaven rejoices when one if its angels is called Home, we're still down here missing our friend or loved one.

I know this weekend will be the most awesomeness. My hubby would've gone to Las Vegas for a conference if he could've gotten off work and all. He loves those bright lights ;).

Anonymous said...

Hey Travis,
Your blog is fun. This is my first comment, but I wanted to let you know that my three year old also had a hernia repair a couple of months ago, and by late the same afternoon, he was asking to go to the park. He bounced back so quickly. Kids are like that. But I also know that when it's YOUR kid, it's totally different. Both of mine had minor surgery this summer, and I was totally worked up over it more than they ever were. My husband does anesthesia all day every day and I was still concerned. I will pray that he will be pain free and you and your wife will be worry free. Thanks for the great music in San Antonio. I had a blast.
Lisa
Pensacola, FL

ocean mommy said...

We will be praying for Levi his sweet parents Friday. We'll also pray that nothing distracts from worship this weekend...seems like you've got quite an emotional load right now! God must have something extra special planned for Vegas!

Blessings
stephanie

Anonymous said...

No, No, I want to be the first to buy your CD!! Pick me, Pick Me!! Ü Praying for Levi...and you...my baby started Kindergarten, too! He read to me last night!!! Ahhhhh! So sweet!

Naked Cartwheels???? Ü I'm not going there! Can't believe you did...Ü Men!

Heather in CA

twinkle said...

Travis, I want to pray for Levi. Hope you won't mind.

Holy Father in heaven, thank You for Travis and what he means to all of us. We just love him and ask You to set his heart at peace about the surgery. Bless Levi with the very best of care! Give his doctors and caretakers a loving and skillful touch as they perform the operation and bring him through the surgery and recovery. Fill Levi with courage and strength. Help him to walk through this victoriously and to open his little heart to Jesus caring for him through this time in his life. Thank You for listening to every prayer we pray for this family and continue blessing them with Your love and favor. As Levi's father is ministering in Your name...I pray that You would be there with Levi as his eternal Father watching over him. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Theresa said...

I will definately lift Levi, Dick and his girls up to our Lord this week. Unlike Jennyhope, I might even pray for Angela to consider your idea, after all, it sounds like it is getting too quiet at your house. You may need some more pitter patter around there.
Can't wait until Oct. 5, you are on FBCT's calendar. I told Joe Estes we were going to camp out for front row seats.
San Antonio was a blast, can't wait to see you again.

Unknown said...

Travis,

My daughter, now 19 years old, had hernia surgery when she was three. It's amazing how quickly they heal from it. And OUTPATIENT! I couldn't believe it.

Praying for yall.

Sheryl
Marietta, GA
www.sherylsstuff.blogspot.com

Mel @ Studio MCA Designs said...

So glad to hear that you are getting some down time. I will be praying for the little guy! You betcha!

Leah Adams said...

So glad you are getting some much deserved and much needed rest!! You and Angela just rest and play a little.

Will definitely be praying for Mr. Levi.

Can't wait for the Christmas CD!! When does it hit stores??

Leah

Susan B. said...

I will certainly pray for Levi. My father just had this done, and he's in the sore, recovery stage. However, I'm sure it's much different for him with the almost 70 years age difference! I will also pray for the Hills. Prayers for the weekend too. May God cover the arena with His presence!

Timothy Hill said...

Naked cartwheels? Hmmm...that's awkward.

WOW and GEMz said...

Already praying! I just have to say, that I am falling in love with your music. We have been using Beth Moore Bible studies for a year and a half now, and saw you both at the Live Simulcast event in August. WOW! I want to buy all your music. But, I will have to do it gradually, $$$ is tight. We used your music from Jesus the One and Only on our Monday night Bible study this past Jan-Mar. Can't wait to get more, and very anxious about your Christmas album. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us.

Lisa

Anonymous said...

Travis, I was at the funeral for Dot yesterday and wasn't it just a beautiful celebration of her life? Your singing was from heaven and the songs were amazing!! Dick Hill is an amazing godly man!!! I learn so much from him whenever I'm around him. Dot, just like they said yesterday, was Proverbs 31 personified, wasn't she? The service blessed me and the gift of your voice blessed me by being there! We will continue to pray for the Hill family. Be safe in your travels and thank you for blessing so many with the gift of song. Terri Latham

Anonymous said...

naked cartwheels.... leave it to a man. Love ya!

Kara said...

thank you for coming and leading worship at oak hills. i hope you will join us again!