The end to September....Anybody for DonkeyKong? Everything is BIGGER in Texas?!

Well, I know this will be a shock to most of you, but the month outside of my mom passing away, this by far was one of the hardest months in my entire life. I am down, up, then down, happy, frustrated, mad, sad, glad, in argument's with friends and family, that don't understand that I love them, care about them, and want only the best for them. I am hoping and praying to the God above, I need a better October....Please.

Well, today is the first day of one of the largest state fairs in the nation. Yes it's so BBBIIIIGGGG.
This big event runs from today to October 23. I will let you know who might stroll through our TGIFridays-B10

C A N C E L L E D
Well plans are final, and Karla and I are on our way to Nebraska, leaving this Wednesday afternoon, we cant wait. T-bag & Nat we will see you soon. Oh yea miss shelly bang bang, you want to play? Oh it's on, better go get warmed up on the old Atari beeaacthhhh. CANCELLED

OH VICTORIA....A belated birthday... Lincoln Brewster @ FC... Introducing El Paso to Nebraska-CANCELLED

Oh where, oh where can one of my favorite sisters be. HAPPY 49th Birthday VIC.

I want to say a huge sorry, and happy belated birthday to one of my very best friends Patrick Ley. I have a had such a great friend like you since summer of 93. I have been there for your moms cancer, the passing of her, your engagement to Shari, the wedding when we kidnapped her, ( that's what the best man has to do), I was there for the birth of your new son as you dedicated him, and I am sure more good best friend bonding moment times to come.

When I am down, you always call at just the right time, you know when my walk is struggling, and all you have to do is just listen, and it picks me back up and puts back on the path. Love you bro.

This weekend was yet another surprise for the grapevine campus of FellowshipChurch.com Lincoln Brewster, national recording artist, and worship pastor/leader led worship all weekend at FC-grapevine. It was an awesome time of worship. Ed's message still on adultery just plain rocked. Check out this powerful message and awesome video they did to get the point across here.

C A N C E L L E D
Two short days and 1 week I will be back in the Big O' with my girl Karla. We are lining up the schedule, and it will be jam packed. Just to name a few highlights. Mai Tai Lounge, a kite Flying Festival, riding 4 wheelers, Jazz on the Green, Chris Saub Band Jam, going to the Husker game, and of course, our Lady of 680 CCC, and tons more. STAY TUNED, you know who you are??!!

FOR ALL PEOPLE INVOLVED, YOU BETTER GET READY TO WORK!!!!! CANCELLED

Inside scoop on Rita & Texas...News at the Creek... Who stopped by FC?

Yes, I am ok and all is well. Hurricane Rita has turned more east. The DFW Intl. Airport is discussing possibly shutting down the airport completely Saturday and Sunday. The DFW metroplex is completely sold out of hotel/motel rooms. The closest is the far north of Oklahoma City, Ok.

Dad and I arrived safe, sound, probably not so sane, but I was able to go back to work early Tuesday morning.

This past weekend at Fellowship, we had two different musical numbers. Check it out here.
So you are probably wondering why does FC and other church's play for example this weekend the Dixie Chicks and Sheryl Crow in their worship set? CHECK out this blog on "Secular music in Church."

We made it to the "Creek" on Sunday, and dad could not believe the campus and how massive it is. He enjoyed the service, but commented, "it was sure different, this church is definitely into building relationships." They kicked off the a brand new series, War of the Worlds, first installment- REEL relationships-"why can't you be more like me?" The series opener was a guitar solo, and he was doing a cool riff to "Live and Light Die" and with also a light show. After the service we ate lunch in their 800 seat cafe, and then I showed him around the campus, with a brief hello to Gene Apple in the guest central area. He saw me and immediately remembered me from FC, and asked me what I thought of the service. I loved it

Gene Apple is the new Lead Pastor for Willow Creek South Barrington Campus, check out the news press here.

Thank you to all who have emailed and called me to ask how things are. We need your prayers, times are tough, and hopefully it will let up here, very soon.

booming birthday... What are you doing in here???... Happy Belated Birthday

Well, we made it super safe, sound, and tired. I love going thru Chicago, and cant wait till we go to the "Creek" tomorrow. Just chilled last night at my sister's house, with a pizza, vino, cards, and many laughs.
We are heading to the Botanical Gardens today, and more than likely taking care of baby Larsen.

Dad, me, and his best friend with his wife went out for dinner at Landry's Thursday night. Dad went to the bathroom, and he had to wait for a small 3x5 toilet stall. The guy leaves the stall, and dad tries to walk in it, and some guy goes, "there is someone here," and Dad goes, "What are you doing in here?" Of course the guy didn't answer him and when he finally finished doing whatever he was doing, he did not say a word to dad or even bother making eye contact. So the moral of the story is, if you are going to be working and you want to get your swirve on, or want to sword fight with your favorite sports partner, make sure you are not at work, while it is busy, and dont do that in public. GROSS people .

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO YOU KRISTEN DRISCOLL. im sorry, i forgot. i human. not perfect. love

Trent Douglas knows who his daddy is? Thompson Family going to the "Creek"...Happy 18th Birthday Andrea and 50th to my sister Debra...Lifto???

Well today was a shocker, I have not seen one of my long lost brothers from good ol' college days in a long time. I was talking to a manager and I hear "Thompson", and I said, "Lifto, what are you doing here?" It was so weird, but it was awesome, Christopher and Kjerstin Lifto are now in North Carolina, and we go way way way back to 1993. He just got done with his two week R & R, that they spent in Arkansas, two fun filled weeks in the water, and I am sure plenty of "Hot Baths"- private joke, I know you two are laughing.

God continues to bless with me with great friends, and for all my other friends, If they did not show love, compassion, and a open heart, trust me, you all and I owe them a wonderful thank you. They found me yet in another deep dark hole, that I could not get out of. LIFTO'S, I LOVE YOU, THANK YOU, and yes I know I am still worthy!!! It still up holds me when I need it. ***Please pray for Lifto and all that are still in Iraq.**

I want to welcome into the world Trent Douglas Sanders who was born this morning around 2am, I cant wait to see you two and meet the little Sander-man in just two days. Congrats Brennan and Annie.

Well, after much anticipation we are going to our little Thompson Family reunion to CELEBRATE DEBRA RUANE'S 50th BIRTHDAY, this weekend in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Here is the down low for our schedule....
Friday arrive in Kenosha around noon, lunch at the Secret Garden? and chillin in the evening.
Saturday breakfast w/ family @ hotel, Saturday Nick Larson and daughter, Brennan Sanders joining the Thompson Festivities in Milwaukee.
Saturday night we will all go to dinner at the SafeHouse, and then possibly a Comedy Sports Club, and then the downtown Milwaukee riverfront.
Sunday wake up and go to church at Willow Creek w/ Kristen, eat breakfast, and head towards Downtown Chi-town.
Monday head back to Branson with Dad, and Tuesday back to work

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ANDREA RUANE, AND DEBRA RUANE.!!!!!! Try and guess who is 18 and who is turning 50???? They are both young at heart.

Bon Jovi @ FC...get ready Chicago & Kenosha-Big Ran is coming into town...

Well, I have already begun, what I call "Hell week", I am no longer in school, but let me tell you all about my week so far, and to come. It goes something like this.... Sat the 10-started to paint my apt in the evening, went to bed at midnight... Sunday 11- got up for 930am service @ FC, then met friends from Fridays @ Grapefest-which lasted 4 hours, then napped, cleaned apt, and went to my other job @ 530pm-930 Chatted with KK till midnight Mondy-12 worked at 630am-3pm, came home showered, at other job 530-till 9pm Tuesday-13 take my car in to rotate tires, LOF on car, work @1130am-3pm possible double? Wednesday-14 work @TGIFridays at 730-230pm, then at my martini from 530-930 Thursday15- wake up, pack, drive 7 hours to dads, go to sleep @8pm, wake up at 330am leave Branson for Chicago-Kenosha @ 4am for a 8 hour drive. Kids I have not even hit the weekend. Yes, you read right, they sang a BonJovi song-"Living on a Prayer" for our brand new series. Love Affair. The service was awesome.

STOP the truck...a day of silence... Handing out awards... "Anyone for a Love Affair?"...Grapevine-means Grapefest

Well, I was trying to get home before my dad and his friends got to the hotel. He calls me and says, "hey we just passed a sign that said, Mesquite 2 miles ahead". Of course since my dad and his friend Herb are total pranksters, they were joking and that was the running joke the two days they were here, and it still is going on even though they have left. "Thanks for the laughs," they said. Silence is golden, I awake to jazz playing, I enjoy Panera Bakery in silence, I drive my car with no radio, I treat myself to a 7 mile hike on the north side of grapevine lake, my soul is complete not letting anyone's noise in, I answer no phone calls today, The tube is dusty, as it is silent today, My life needed to be silent, God filled my void of noise with His breath of continued encouragement, My soul is gratified with the presence of not letting any outside voices in. Be still and know that I am God and I love you in my silence... Well, I have started handing out awards for this new season. The first award I will be handing out, will be going to my new little brother, that I have never had one to pick on, and "Your a Dumbass award" goes to Clint D. from My Martini bistro in North Arlington. Congrats Clint, you know U rock. Marriage is designed by God to be a lifelong covenant, a forever love affair. But how do we keep that covenant from being threatened by another kind of affair? This explosive new series by Ed Young teaches us how to protect our marriages and families from adultery-how to keep the unthinkable from tearing apart the marital love affair. It's said this is going to be the 2nd most controversial series ever done by Ed Young at Fellowship. You don't want to miss this series. I will see you this weekend at FC.

This weekend my friends and I are heading to Downtown Grapevine for a yearly showdown of good old Texas wine. It runs through this Sunday. Game ON!!

Getting closer to my dad... Talking to Hurricane Katrina victims...Your late, OH NO I AM NOT...

***This post is dedicated to Matthew and my father***

Well, my couch arrived safe and sound, it is much bigger in my small apartment, than what I remember it being. I am so appreciative of the 3 amigo's bringing it down for me. Each time I get to hangout with my dad it is sweeter, better, and I get to know him like a son should.

In my opinion, we were not close growing up through high school and college. I did not want to get to know him, and well there was not enough time. Dad and I had a great talk time today and more I hope tomorrow. I am blessed to have been passed on with great genes. He is such a loyal father, husband, friend, and brother. He cares for people and their soul's, hearts and well being. I could never reach his level of love and devotion that he has for everybody else, other than himself. Tonight, I sat and watched my dad cry, and weep over people that are asking for his prayer and support with child rearing, to marriage crisis, to our own family support of cancer on the Thompson side. People pour there hearts out to a man, that just wants to show them love and possibly Christ's heart made real through Him. I continue to struggle to love people where they are, along with myself and my many failed attempts to love people unconditionally through my faults and there own, to only realize, I am not alone. I am weak, I am poor, I am discontent with knowing that I have inherited a family trait of love, faith, and hope that I do not pass on as well as I should.

I left my dad as I tucked him in to bed, wondering if I will see him again, and to be able to share my faith with him and others, not knowing what life lies ahead for the both of us. My dad told me that there are Hurricane victim's staying at the hotel that I put him up in. As I walk past this family saying goodnight to others, I could hear them talking about not ever going home to New Orleans again. My mom physically stopped me in the lobby, and whispered you need to listen. I engaged them in conversation, and my heart broke in tears as it is now, typing. This family of 9 living in a two room hotel, have nothing except what they showed me in their room. I wanted and needed to be humbled, only cause God just blessed me with a expensive couch, and this family lost 3 homes, and everything in them. I tried to encourage them, with my own shallow faith, my sometimes poor lack of hope , and my love that is hard to express outside of my own race. After two hours of opening myself up, I am drawn to more tears, because I am so blessed with everything I have including my friends, and they are just thankful to be alive and living together in a room built for just two.

There are many other people who have poured there lives, time, and energy into my life. You know who you are, and I am thankful, but the other person, who cares for me deeply, not as much as my father, is a very good friend of mine, that I would like to wish a very Happy BIRTHDAY to. You and my father continue to pour into my life, I love you and I am glad you have not ever given up on me. You have secured a love that not many can hold on to,Your hope sustains people daily. Your faith in Christ continues to make you whole, and I pray I can continue to keep grasping onto what you all ready cling to. MATTHEW SMITH have a great BIRTH-day. You don't know how much you mean to me and others. Love you bro. rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

So you have your doubts....

***THIS POST IS DEDICATED TO SHANE KARDEL**


HUMOR ME PLEASE..... I know that some people are wondering why I am so engulfed with FC. Well, if you want me to be brutally honest, I would say for a period of time after my mom passed away, I was very upset with God, and I was in a period of "disliking those damn Christians", I think the whole "Christianity" word and lifestyle is used so fliplantly anyway that it just makes me sick. For example "everybody is a Christian in the South", and my response is, "no, everybody is not a Christian in the south", but that is a whole different post, that I probably will jump on later.

Anyway, I was really not excited about anything Godly until God gave me a fresh start on July1, 2002 when I tried to take my own life, and luckily one of my 5 roommates at the time found me at my darkest point and took me to get the help I needed. Thank you Shane!! I was a mess, I was mental, I was on drugs, sleeping around, and hated Christians, unfortunately. I asked God to please take my life, and if He didn't, I would. He decided that He still loves me, wants the best for me and desires for me to keep falling in love with Him, and to share my past life, with others.

He brought me to Fellowship, that is the one wish I had before I ever passed away, and that wish got granted. This church is not normal, they do nothing that is normal, they have created a church, that is not your typical church type setting. You will not find these items in FC, you wont find stained glass,
pews,
hymnals,
a choir in robes (ok maybe 6 times a year, but rarely),
fire and brimstone preaching,
and anything of old traditional Baptist jargon. You just wont find that stuff.

YOU will however enccounter a church, that I love along with thousands that gives to poor, has missionary's church plants all over Brazil, reaches out to their community with a creative, innovative, bible based credo. A lot of people have emailed me in the past and they just don't understand what is so unique about this church, and I have stumbled (literally) on this webpage.

DON'T LOSE ME HERE, Fellowshipchurch.com speaks to the masses on everyday life, and they have created a type of church that today 800 other church's are trying to model after. From 1998-2002 attendance grew from 6,000 to 13,000 in just 5 years. Just in the last two years FC has more than doubled. When I moved down here, and started attending on Thanksgiving weekend we were running around 13-14,000 people every weekend, now we are at 20,000 every weekend with 3 other satellite campus' Here is one reason why we are the 3rd largest and fastest growing mega church in the nation.
Are you ready? You will not believe your eyes, Here is pictures and proof of why I go to one of the best church's in the nation. SCROLL DOWN TO THE NEWS part, click on FELLOWSHIP CHURCH PAGE and check out our sets and stage designs for the last two years, and remember this is not an ordinary church. These are actual pictures of FC throughout the year. Here is my remarks- "Authority Issues"- it is a castle, and these pics are of the series opener that they kicked off with "Lets Get it Started" by the Black Eyed Peas

Thread Series for Easter check out the 4th picture those arches come down from the ceiling after worship to kind of disguise the band equipment during the message.

Creative Church Conference was in the middle of this series "Retro-Getting back to the Basics" and you will notice the far left and right staging's that the band is on, they turned in circles.

Who's Kidding Who, was about parenting and this was a intense 6 week series and they wanted it up close and personal, so they didn't even use the back stage, so on the first picture with the two pink lit up scrims is where the actual stage curtain is . This was one of my favorite set designs, they really went all out on the light shows during worship, as you can tell.

Easter 2004 was done in part of the Mel Gibson movie, and the actual stage is completely back dropped in a giant curtain. I really liked this one. The cross' you see were huge and they had 3 of them 1 FAR stage left, middle main stage, and 1 FAR stage right.

Cribs, they really out did themselves. as you can see, they had 4 complete stage changes.

Still counting, is a another great favorite, where the band is playing on those half circles, they rotated during worship.

Life is too short, the band and drummers, that were on a movable platform that moved automically back and forth in front of the big white curtain. When Ed is usually preaching they try to hide and or disguise the band, so you can focus on the message.

Just Lust , was another stage set design they rented from VH1, the Oscars, the Grammy's.

That is Fellowshipchurch.com and one more reason why I am inviting all I can to just introduce them to God in a non church way. WHEN ARE YOU COMING????

Dollar Rental or Avis...The couch is on the way...Good-bye our fearless leader

Well I am happy to report that Chris & Michelle Saub and baby Micah made it safe and sound to DFW, and the wedding went off with a good guitar solo hitch. I took them to get a rental car, but oh well for the reservation. We stood in the Dollar Rental line for 15 minutes, and then at the counter for 35 minutes as this Asian could not figure out how to pull her head out of her ass. Michelle kept on saying if they don't have what we want we are going to Avis. I don't think so. Here is what they reserved online- a black 4 door Chrysler 3000 for $ 24.95 a day. They got 4 door Chrysler Silver Charger for $25 more and it's a premium model. The moral of the story is, if you are in line listen, look, and pay close attention, cause in this case that Asian screwed the Saubs, and when momma isn't happy, no one is happy. We are getting ready to go out for dinner, and hit up a few musical bars. Peacceee My dad and his best friend are going to leave Tuesday at 5 in the morning with the couch. We will spend Tuesday night and all day Wednesday together and go to First Wednesday at FC, and then they will head back to Branson. I am trying to gain my composure, due to one of the best general managers I have ever had the pleasure of working under. He just got an immediate move to my old store "Dirty C-30", I will definitely miss Drew.

Just got back in and I am very tired. Have a great Labor Day weekend, and I will see some of you at FC.

2 of 3 couples -Not saved, hanging with a new sister, GO HUSKERS

Happy September Labor Day weekend. I hope all is doing well. I am in my 5th straight day in a row for a cool 100'. Got to love that. Well, I wanted to report since I have gotten a lot emails about my 3 couples I am counseling/encouraging. I am sad to share 2 of the 3 are calling it quits, and going their separate ways. Continue to keep them in your prayers. ****This post is dedicated to my fav new sister KK**** You were brought into my life, and I hope not taken out anytime soon. I wake up realizing each day I am blessed to have you in my life. You are an encouragement to me. You give me/others hope. You continue to keep life a smile away, a laugh is always on your tongue, and your beautiful eyes reflect how much inner beauty you bestow thru all that is thrown your way. So sister, thank you for being you, being fun, being my favorite new sister. Cant wait to take you to the Big O' in October. Please keep my two friends family's in your prayers who are still struggling with a small hurdle-cancer that they will overcome. If you want to help out with the devastation from Hurricane Katrina, you can help out by giving to the AMERICAN RED CROSS or FC is also helping out to the much needed relief for the people in the south. We are two fun filled days away till the 2005 Nebraska season opener where the Huskers will play Maine. Can't wait till the 2nd weekend in Oct. cause I will be there with bells on with my girl for that weekend. You know who you are, save the date.