BAIRN PWOER

There’s an entire new language these days that is causing some of us “older folks” a great deal of confusion.  For example, I recently received this text message from my daughter; “Hi Daddy, how r u 2 day?  Got your msg. LOL. g2g. ttyl  Luv u”

I’ll happily decipher the hieroglyphics to get a “Luv u” from my daughter anytime, but is it really that much more difficult to use actual words?  I mean, how much longer could it take to type in a few more letters…10 seconds, “Hi Daddy, how are you today?  Got your message. Laughing out loud.  Got to go.  Talk to you later.  Love you.”

But apparently, these “poor spelling” children of ours are simply exercising a part of their brains that most of us didn’t even know existed. Visual Literacy expert, Donis A. Dondis, explains, “There are three levels of visual information that we perceive: physical, perceptual, and conceptual. We learn that physical realities are objectively factual – a maple tree has green leaves, a cat’s fur has a smooth, soft texture, a pen is smaller than a computer. Not everything that we see has a physical reality that is tangible and thus our brain ‘fills in’ the missing information.”

Here’s a fun example:

“i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno’t mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!”

The Psalm of David says what you may be thinking right now, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well (Psalm 139:14 NIV).  Yes, the power of the human brain is astounding.  It’s amazing what God has enabled us to do with the 100 billion or so neurons in our brains…most of which are laying idly by in my brain.

One of the very fun and amazing pieces of “brain power” we’re working on at my LOGOI Ministry office is the ability to let people communicate with each other whether or not they speak the same language.  Using some of the latest programs in language technology, people will be able to log onto our LOGOI website, type a message in English and send it to someone in a foreign language country where it will “arrive” and thus be read in their native language (and visa versa).   While  our amazing brains will need to fill in a few gaps here and there with some rough translations, if it works like it’s supposed to work, neither party will even have to click a “translate” button to make this happen.

But for all this amazing technology, with even more astonishing things on their way, nothing  quite compares with getting a “luv u” from a real live person you desperately love.  No matter how it’s spelled.

Beautiful Feet

Isn’t it amazing to see the length some people will go to try and become more beautiful?  I recently learned about a 54 year-old-lady named Cindy Jackson.  She holds the world record for having had the most plastic surgery procedures—50 and counting.  Ms. Jackson is quite outspoken about the reason she has had all these plastic surgeries: she wants to look like a Barbie doll.  (With all that “plastic,” she’s getting close).  She has even written a book titled, “Living Doll—The amazing secrets of how cosmetic surgeons turned me into the girl of my dreams.”

And while most of us would never go anywhere near that far to try and become more beautiful, I read a report that claimed most people will spend more money on diet plans, gym memberships, and make up, then they will for their retirement savings.  Not wanting to be left out of this amazing “diet plan” industry, I wrote a fun country song about my diet plan which explains my diet plan philosophy, “what I really need are just fatter friends” (“Fatter Friends” is available on iTunes of course).

We’re all familiar with the story of God directing Samuel to anoint David as Israel’s next king over Jesse’s more “kingly” appearing older brothers. 1 Samuel 16:7 reads, “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (New Living Translation).

I love the imagery of Romans 10:15 “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News.”  Way back before telephones, Fed Ex, and emails, runners would be sent to deliver the news from the battlefield back to the King.  Imagine that runner appearing over the hills in the distant as he races with the good news, “victory!”  People would rejoice and dance in the streets as the good news spread throughout the city.  I suspect not one person in the entire city cared if the messenger bringing the good news was thin, chubby, had acne, or those elusive abs craved by so many people these days.

So, in our search for true beauty, let’s take a good look at our big ol’ toes and calloused heels.  After all, God gives each one of us the opportunity to have beautiful feet and deliver the ultimate in good news, “the Good News of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Zion reigns” (Isaiah 52:7).

P.S.  Download Ed’s latest single, “Beautiful Feet” on iTunes.  Released two weeks ago, it’s already a top 30 hit on Christian Radio & Retail Weekly’s Inspo charts.

My Mom Still Packs My Lunch

I have a t-shirt that says, “My mom still packs my lunch.”

It was given to me for my last birthday by a staff member here at work because, well, it’s true.  My mom does still pack my lunch.

Yes, I am in my mid 40’s and quite capable of fixing my own lunch (so I’m told), but my mom packs my lunch just about every weekday. Now it helps that she works here in my office, but that’s not really the point.  You see, something magical happens every time mom fixes my lunch – it tastes way better than anything I could ever fix.  So I moan with delight with eat every bite, proudly wear the t-shirt, and ignore all the envious looks from all the other office personnel.

Mom’s are rather amazing creations don’t you think?  Only a loving God would think up something as wonderful as a mom.  From day one, their children consume their thoughts and occupy their time.  They seem to know the right things to say, the right things to do, and always know the exact ingredients to put on a sandwich and how to cut it so it doesn’t lose any flavor.  I’m living proof that even after four decades, when it comes to her children, there is no tiring from giving an overabundance of tender loving care.

Abraham Lincoln wrote, “All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.”  An old Spanish proverb says, “An ounce of mother is worth a ton of priest.”  Henry Ward Beecher wrote, “When God thought of mother, He must have laughed with satisfaction, and framed it quickly—so rich, so deep, so divine, so full of soul, power, and beauty, was the conception.”

My dad, Dr. Les Thompson, who also happens to be a happy recipient of my mom’s lunch menu, is busy writing a book to help us non-thoelogians better understand the Trinity. The “three-in-one” concept is difficult to grasp but I get the benefit of reading excerpts and discussing them with our resident theologian – often over Mom’s lunch.

I’ve been intrigued about a particular section where he speculates on a conversation Mary and Joseph could have had on their way to Jerusalem.  Mary is “great with child” and they are trying to figure out the strange concept of God the Angel had described;

“…there’s something here about God we’ve never understood before,” Joseph said as he steadied Mary in the saddle. “Gabriel talked about God, then he talked about the Holy Spirit…and then the baby.  Can all three be God?”
“…Mary looked down and felt the baby kick in her stomach.  She just smiled.”

If Joseph was a typical guy, he was probably trying to work through all the angles, details, and improbabilities in an attempt to form some logical conclusion about something miraculous.  Mary just had to feel that baby kick… and she knew.

Mom’s are like that aren’t they? And while Mary obviously had a singular and miraculous experience, mom’s don’t need much discussion on most things.  “They just know.”

My mom never asked if she could pack my lunch.  She just started doing it.  She knew she’d have absolutely no objection from me so why even bother to ask, right?  After all, she already knew exactly what I liked.

I don’t know if your mom still packs your lunch, but I highly recommend it.  Whether you’re six or forty-six.

Thanks mom!  Happy Mother’s Day.

I love you.

###

#1 in Northern Ireland

Here’s some fun news:

“Love Me Anyway” is on top of the Christian music charts in Northern Ireland.  Of course, everyone knows the Irish have excellent taste in music

I received a nice note from a station manger which simply said, “We love this song!”

Meanwhile, here in the states, “Love Me Anyway” has officially been on the charts for 9 weeks.  It peaked at #2, holding that spot for 2 weeks, fell to #3 for another two weeks and is presently at #6 on the CRW’s Global Inspo national chart.

What a joy it has been to receive emails from folks who, like me, are blown away with the fact that God knows us inside and out — all our faults, broken promises, and sin — and loves us anyway (see 1 John 4:10).

“Friday” a hit in Northern Ireland

Hey, wow, I just found out that as of March 28th, “Friday” is #31 in Northern Ireland…just two behind Michael W. Smith’s “Deep in Love with You.”

What’s interesting about this chart is that it’s a Top 40 CCM & CHR chart (Contemporary Christian Music & Christian Hit Radio) vs. the Inspo charts where I seem to do the best.  So it means “Friday” is competing with all the “big” names on this chart.  Here’s what it says on their website:

102.4 Shine FM Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) &  Christian Hit Radio (CHR) Charts – Top 40 is designed to provide an overall picture of the Contemporary Christian music scene.  Rankings are based on a comprehensive calculation using information obtained from major Northern Irish, UK, Irish, European  & Worldwide charts and retailers, as well as Christian airplay, album, download, web streaming charts, Christian Music magazines and new releases. For this reason some entries may not have been released in certain countries. The 102.4 Shine FM Chart is fast becoming one of the leading  Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) &  Christian Hit Radio (CHR) UK Charts and is the only CCM/CHR chart broadcast live in Northern Ireland.Last updated Sat, 28 Mar 2009 20:04:24 GMT

Radio Charts

“Love Me Anyway” has now officially been on the Christian Radio & Retail Weekly (CRW) charts for 5 weeks and is being played on 180 radio stations across the country.  Last week, it was heard by over 174,000 people (estimated audience impressions).  The single held the #2 spot for two weeks and fell to #3 this past week.  Listen to a sample here: Love Me Anyway

The “Friday” single was released on March 17th and with just a few days worth of charting, ended the week at #49 on the Inspo chart and #58 on the AC chart.  “Friday” has already been picked up by some three dozen stations across the country  including stations in: Guam, Marianas Islands, Northern Ireland, Ontario, Bonaire, and Peru.  Listen to a sample here: Friday

New Single Tops Radio Charts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MIAMI, FL – With the help of some of Christian music’s biggest names, ED THOMPSON, Miami based Christian artist and entertainer, has just released his newest CD, “Beautiful Feet.”

The album is receiving accolades from industry insiders who are thrilled with the very real, refreshing, and meaningful lyrics and beautiful melodies.

“These songs are definitely touching people’s hearts,” says Karyn Ragsdale, Music Director for WKCL radio in Charleston, SC.  “When we play Ed’s songs people call the station wanting to know who the artist is and how they can get the music.”

The CD’s first single, “Love Me Anyway,” has already reached number two on the Christian Radio & Retail Weekly’s Inspirational chart.  The second single, “Friday,” is set for release within the next two weeks.

Don Koch, multi-Dove-Award winning songwriter and producer, Phillip Keveren, popular composer and orchestrator, Tom Hemby, renowned guitarist, and the Prague Symphony Orchestra lent their talents to the new album.  The result is a mix of modern pop sounds and moving ballads.

Thompson worked closely with Don Koch while writing the songs for the album.  Koch, who produced the album for Bang Bang Radio Music Productions, has  37 number one CCM  (Contemporary Christian Music) hits to his credit.

“It was quite a thrill to write with Don,” says Thompson.  “He wrote some of my all time favorite inspirational songs and it was an amazing experience to watch him work, and even more amazing to realize he was working on my songs.”

About Ed Thompson: Ed Thompson is a Christian singer, songwriter, and entertainer who performs across the United States, spreading a message of faith and hope through innovative mediums.  He lives in Miami, FL with his family where he is an active contributor to both the local community and Latin America through LOGOI Ministries.  Ed Thompson’s music can be purchased on iTunes and other music download services.

The Small Things

This year, the coach of my son’s high school basketball team asked each of his players to “give up” something during their season.  The “somethings” they were to give up were things like ice cream, video games, junk food, or sodas.  The idea was that whenever you wanted the thing you “gave up,” you would remember your commitment and goals for your team and teammates.

David for three

My son, David, said he offered to give up homework, but the coach rejected that one.  Instead, he gave up sodas.

David is not a huge soda drinker, so perhaps he thought it would be a relatively easy thing to give up.  And so it was…for the first week or two.  But the “pause that refreshes” took on an entirely new desire as the days and weeks passed by.  In fact toward the end of the season David said, “I’m not sure what I want more, to get to the playoffs or have a Coke.”

Without thinking (I blame latent A.D.D.), I was constantly offering David a Coke over the course of the season—especially at restaurants.  Each time he would look at me like a sad puppy and mumble something like, “Thanks a lot, Dad, I’ll just have water.”  Of course, I, as his loving father and in full support of his commitment, would order a soda and boisterously enjoy each gulp.

I’ve thought a lot about this past high school basketball season.  Not so much about basketball, but a lot about the “give-up-soda” thing.  You see, if I’m honest with myself, I suspect I would have cheated and had a Coke—or two.  After all, I bet some of the other kids broke their commitment…

But David didn’t.  To my knowledge, not even one sip.  And while I could go on to list a few items that would be much less flattering regarding my youngest son, I’ll stop here in order to leave the impression he’s a perfect child.

It’s probably no surprise that the Bible has a whole lot to say about the “little things.”  Jesus addressed the concept in his parable about the shrewd manager, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities” (Matt. 16:10 New Living Bible).

My Grandparents were missionary pioneers in Cuba and my dad was born and raised there.  Over 40 years ago, my dad started a ministry called LOGOI.  Part of LOGOI’s ministry, in essence, is continuing the work my grandfather began over 80 years ago.
Last year, LOGOI started a project to help Cuban pastors get a pig – a simple yet practical way to help them survive financially.  I have the joy of being part of this project.

We just received a touching note from a Cuban pastor who had just received his pig.  His words were few but profound, “Thank you for your help,” he wrote, “This pig will sustain my family and will give me an opportunity to buy a little bed for my daughter.”  (He renamed his pig, “Camita” which means, “little bed.”)

Here’s what happened: some gracious folks here in the United States—despite our economic woes—decided they would “be faithful in the little things” with some of their funds.  On the other end is a young pastor in Cuba who truly is living day-to-day by faith (having given up all of his government provided provisions in order to become a pastor).  There is also a beautiful four-year-old girl who really needs a bed of her own.

In God’s amazing grace, and in very unlikely ways, they all come together.

Aren’t you glad God just asks us to be faithful in the little things?  Sort of like that Coke… such a small thing really, but “unless we are faithful in small matters, we won’t be faithful in the big ones.”

I have a vivid memory of waiting for David to come out of the locker room after the final basketball game this season.  The team had fought hard, but lost in a tough playoff game.  I loved watching as the boys slowly trickled out of the locker room into the consoling and loving arms of parents and friends.

I was waiting, too.  With an ice cold Coke in my hand.

###

To learn more about LOGOI’s “Pigs for Cuba” ministry, visit www.logoi.org

Ed’s 2008 Christmas Letter

Strange things are afoot.

My youngest son’s voice is suddenly lower than mine. I have to hold the newspaper at arms length to read the tiny type.  It’s taking less and less time for the barber to cut my hair and some days, I’ll even watch the news over Sponge Bob Square Pants.  And is it me, or does Santa not look quite as old as he used to…

So, with all the extra time I’ve saved up at the barbershop, here’s a quick family update:

L-R: David, Abby, & Matt

Matt (21) is starting to believe he may actually graduate from college.  He’s majoring in advertising with a minor in film so eventually, he’ll be able to advertise the films he’s produced.  He seems to come up with an amazing new idea every week and only lacks a government bailout to fund his dreams.  In the meantime, we’ve tapped into his very creative reservoir and are enjoying “Matt the intern” at LOGOI. He’s also the star of our new music video, which you can see at:

Matt’s Music Video Debut

Not knowing what to get him for his 21st birthday, we decided it was time for him to jump out of an airplane. 10,000 feet later, I broke out into a cold sweat as I watched Matt jump out the door.  A minute later, a very mean man pushed me out, too.

While Matt thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of dropping some 1,000 feet per second going 120 mph, I spent the time screaming like Jamie Lee Curtis in a Halloween movie.  Alas, the harnesses held and my doctor tells me my eyeballs will eventually slide back into place.

Abby (18) excitedly became a college coed in spite of my lucrative bribes to stay home with daddy.  She’s amazed how quickly her freshman year is flying by and between sorority functions, working in the intramural department, and Facebooking her million or so friends, has found a few moments to study.

I’m still a bit traumatized over leaving her standing in the middle of the college campus when we had to head back home.  Just to give you an idea, hearing my heavy sobs, the nice taxi driver who took us to the airport looked at me and said, “c’mon man…you’re starting to make me cry.”  I don’t do “goodbyes” very well.

I was pleased to learn, however, that Abby missed us greatly for close to 15 minutes.  She’s making great friends, studying hard, and still very much wants to be a physical therapist.

After winning last season MVP awards for JV football, basketball, and baseball, David (15) has finally landed in high school to the great delight of varsity coaches.  As the starting quarterback for the varsity football team, he helped lead his team to an impressive 7-3 record (winning more games than the previous three years combined).  Along the way he became the 10th leading passer and 6th leading rusher in Dade County (3A-1A).

He was also named an “Athlete of the Week” by the Miami Herald. Naturally, I made a highlight video.  Just click here to watch #13 in action: David’s Highlight Video.

He had a full day off before starting varsity basketball and of course, baseball is on the horizon.  He’s having to learn how to study and do his school work in between games and on bus rides, but he’s determined to maintain his high honor roll status. His work ethic and competitive intensity are hard to match and nothing excites him more than “game days.”

Jenn continues her career as an administrator at our Christian K-12 school, but she’s a lot more excited these days about her new kitchen.  She’s only needed one for the last ten years and has somehow managed to prepare amazing meals with a kitchen and stove built in the 1800’s featuring two out of four burners that worked—on occasion.  So it was with great rejoicing that she remodeled her kitchen into a beautiful, granite laden, cabinet-a-plenty, state-of-the-art kitchen Rachel Ray would be proud of.

For several days, she just stood in the kitchen smiling, turning the burners off and on.  To celebrate, we ordered pizza.

Ed & Jenn

My work continues at the ministry of LOGOI.  A highlight this year was having a LOGOI board meeting in Cuba.  Now that’s something you don’t do every day!  It’s a very strange feeling to stand on a beach facing Miami and consider the danger and trek so many have made to reach freedom.  It is a joy to be a part of helping the church proclaim the Gospel in the beautiful country of Cuba and throughout Latin America.

Another highlight was recording my third CD.  I felt like I’d hit the “big time” when multi-Dove Award winning producer, Don Koch, said, “let’s work together.”And just so you can never say I didn’t get you anything for Christmas,click on the link below for a FREE mp3 of one of my new songs:

FREE MP3 DOWNLOAD

“Beautiful Feet” will be released in early 2009…and I’m expecting every one of you to buy at least a dozen copies each!  It’s all original work at an entirely new professional level for me…complete with the Prague Symphony Orchestra.  Nice!

So, Merry Christmas, from our house to yours.  May the love and grace of Jesus fill our hearts and lives.

The Thompsons

Limo Rides

When was the last time you rode in a limo?

I asked this question to my office staff the other day because my son, David, had recently ridden in a limo to his school homecoming party.  I had asked him how he was planning on getting to the party, since as a typical teenager, he seems to be under the impression that his parents are sitting around anxiously waiting for opportunities to jump up at a moments notice and drive him where ever he wants to go.

David simply shrugged and said, “We’re taking a limo.”

Now, one may think this sort of matter-of-fact answer would shock me.  David, however, is my youngest child, meaning I’ve been through this twice before.  So his matter-of-fact comment about a fancy limo taking him to a party got my standard answer, “Oh?”

“Oh?” by the way, is a great answer to almost anything a teenager says.  You have to say it as a question, of course, which not only does it cause the teenager to elaborate, but it’s a great delay tactic giving your brain a chance to race through variables associated with their irrational comments—most of which will have something to do with time and money.

“Yes,” David replied in a low, teenage mumble, “a group of us are taking a limo.”  Now, the last thing I want to spend money on is a limo ride to a homecoming party, so I gave him my, “Do I look like Donald Trump?” scowl.  This caused David to quickly mumble, “Don’t worry Dad, the limo isn’t going to cost us anything.”  To which I immediately perked up and said, “Wow, a limo!  That’s sounds like a lot of fun.”

But I started thinking about this whole limo concept.  I mean, with the exception of politicians and the Donald Trumps of this world, limos are used when you want (and can afford) to do something extravagant and special.  In my impromptu office survey, for example, the only limo rides taken were at weddings—and neither was mine.

I couldn’t help but consider the stark contrast of living in a “limo-available” country and a very special mission trip I was able to take last month to Cuba.  Now, I suspect there are a few limos somewhere in Cuba, but it is definitely not a “limo-available” place.

A group of us were able to take some relief supplies into Cuba after Hurricane Ike tore across the country.  We had the privilege of visiting some homes and churches of local pastors.  One pastor’s family and home particularly sticks out in my mind.  They were a handsome family. They stood in the front of their little church and smiled at us and we smiled back.  Beautiful little girls holding hands, well groomed, cute dresses.  Beautiful.

Their house church, which perhaps could seat 20 if everyone squeezed in tight, somehow filled up with over 60 each Sunday.  Behind a curtain in the front of the church was their home. After apologizing for the “mess,” they graciously allowed us to walk around—it didn’t take long.

Two sparse bedrooms, a closet for a kitchen—which had a sink and nothing I could see that resembled a stove, and a bathroom whose mirror was a few shards of glass, and empty closets.  Our talkative group went silent as we saw the true picture of their situation.  There were no limos here.

While we thought no one else was looking, several of us left cash gifts to help out.  We also were able to provide gifts of clothes and even some hand-made dolls for the girls lovingly given by a grandma in California.  It felt good to help…even though we know it will all be used up soon.

A few days later, I was back in my beautiful “limo-available” country and my Miami home which featured such luxury items as a working stove, complete mirrors in the bathrooms, and closets full of clothes.  I looked at my well-fed and happy family and couldn’t help but say a prayer of “thanks” to a gracious God who, for reasons I’ll never understand, allowed me to be born and live in this amazing country.

While we certainly have our troubles, I love living in a “limo-available” country.  I may never splurge for one, but I like the idea that I could.  It means I live in a country where God has blessed me with far more than just life’s essentials.  It also means I can joyfully and willingly help others in need.  And of course, opportunities to do just that are everywhere.

Happy Thanksgiving!