To be honest, I haven’t paid a whole lot of attention to National Signing Day in years past.  But I certainly have this year.  You see, my youngest son is part of the hype and drama. CBS Sports (MaxPreps) lists him as one of the top pro-style quarterbacks in the nation.  He is also projected as a high draft pick in the Major League Baseball draft this June.  But first, on February 1^st, he will excitedly sign his letter of intent to play football and baseball at what we affectionately call, “The U.”  This is very good news for me. Half my wardrobe has the “U” on it.

To both my wife and son’s chagrin, however, it appears I have gotten caught up in all the hype.  There are at least a dozen or so fan-based websites devoted to University of Miami athletics and dozens more dealing with the MLB draft.  Few articles or discussion boards where my son is mentioned go by without coming to my attention.  And while the vast majority of articles and comments are very positive, a tiny few are negative. And what is a father to do when uninformed nincompoops make disparaging remarks about his son?

Well, in the way of a confession, I’ll admit that I have cleverly disguised my name and relationship to my son and have responded in anonymity to a few of the comments made by knuckle-headed bloggers and fans.  Using my highly developed skills in sarcasm and derision, I not only put those misanthropes in their places, but questioned their very intelligence for even thinking something negative about my son.

Then, and this is where I blew it, I proudly showed my wife and son some of the blog posts and comments (without revealing my cleverly disguised message-board name). I was confident they would be pleased how a total stranger was coming to his defense

To my great surprise, however, they were both able to instantly determine each one of my blog-post replies despite my cleverly disguised name.  Then, after reading my acrid comments, they would turn and look at me with an eye-narrowing “what is wrong with you?” glare.  “What?” I answered, trying in vain to look innocent.

After a brief discussion where various degrees of my intelligence were questioned, a beautiful moment took place, one I will long cherish.  My son put his hand on my shoulder, looked me in the eyes and with an assuring and loving smile said, “It’s ok, Dad.  I can take it.”

It’s a beautiful thing to see your child grow up with steely fortitude ready to face a hostile world.  It’s that much more amazing to realize they are willing to step into the brutal world of college football where one can turn from hero to goat in an instant.  I have watched in admiration as Jacory Harris, the University of Miami quarterback these past years, has skillfully and graciously managed such a hostile environment.  “It comes with the territory,” is the common view.

And now a new wave of aspiring athletes will face the glaring spotlights and the roar of cheering or jeering fans.  As a Dad, I can’t imagine ever overcoming the sense that I have to protect and defend my children. There are, after all, a few loud cynics out there who like to drag as many people as they can down their sad and lonely road.  But for now, with ample threats from my wife and son, I have retired my clever pseudonyms.  And when I feel that desire to set another pundit in his place, I’ll remember that assuring smile, “It’s ok, Dad. I can take it.”

While Matt is perfecting his video, graphic art, and marketing skills by helping fill seats in the San Jose Theater, he is receiving excellent training that he hopes will help him open his own firm down the road.  Meanwhile, Laura is trying to hold down two or three part time jobs while waiting for the CEO job at Google to open up.  That means we should expect the latest in fashion from J-Crew this Christmas.

They are thoroughly enjoying getting to know the beauties of California and are earnestly trying to get everyone of their relatives to move out West.  They found a lovely apartment with room for guests while they wait to save up the few billion dollars needed to buy a home in California.  What a thrill it is to watch them grow together in God’s love and grace this past year.  They are setting the bar high for their siblings.

ABBY… is in her senior year at FSU in Tallahassee.  While she diligently studies courses in her exercise science major, she recently discovered that what she really enjoys, according to her blog, is cooking. This came as quite a surprise to us because we weren’t sure she even knew where our kitchen was while living at our house.  She prepared a five-course meal for us not to long ago which was so good we’re thinking perhaps she should open a Bed & Breakfast & LA Fitness combo.

To help with gas and grocery money as well as pay for the occasional speeding ticket or two, she has found a great nanny job.  Then, to try her hand at another one of her passions: wearing expensive jewelry–she became a stylist for Stella & Dot.  So in between football games, being a nanny, jewelry parties, cooking, blogging, and trips back home to visit family and watch her little brother’s football and baseball games, she tries to fit in school and study.  Somehow, she’s making it all work and word on the street is she’ll graduate…eventually. She comes from a long line of very remarkable ladies and there is no doubt she will carry on the tradition.

Few things in this life make my heart leap higher than seeing her car pull up in our driveway when she comes home during a school break.  She lights up our lives with her charm and love of life, and love for her family.  There is no doubt God has big plans for her.

DAVID…despite a severe case of senior-itis, is enjoying his senior year of high school.  He is a much talked about young man in our Miami area sports fanatic world. My “David” Google alerts are constantly going off as more and more pundits chime in with their various articles filled with accolades and speculations about his future.  Of course, it’s not all bad.  He didn’t seem to mind meeting a certain famous Westminster Christian alumni and MLB star at his mansion in Miami Beach.  It wasn’t him so much, however.  It was just a bit surreal when Cameron Diaz walked in and joined our little conversation.  We have pictures!  Hence the popular Thompson phrase, “It’s nice to be David.”

He now holds the Florida career Home Run record with 47 (eclipsing Prince Fielder) and still has a full season yet to be played.  He also became Miami Dade-County’s 3^rd most prolific all-time yardage gainer with 8,301 total yards and 86 touchdowns during his high school football career.  His hard work has been rewarded with being named the Miami Herald Athlete-of-the-Year the past two years and by receiving a very exciting full scholarship to the University of Miami to play football and baseball.  Of his many athletic accolades, he loved being an Under Armour All-American and getting to play at Wrigley Field on national TV.  On January 3^rd, he gets to play quarterback on national TV for the Semper-Fi Marine All-American game in Phoenix.

It is thrilling to see that Dave is the first to acknowledge God’s blessings and how hard he works to be a good steward of those gifts.  We don’t know what the future holds, but it sure is a fun ride.

JENN & ED…are not sure what to think about being empty-nesters coming this May.  We might actually have to start talking to each other again.  But as it turns out, Jenn is really nice to hang out with.  She seems to have found her niche as a school administrator being the elementary school principal at Westminster Christian in Miami.  She is very excited about the brand new elementary school building about to break ground.  She must be a tireless worker…because she is usually sound asleep by 9:30 each night.  Of course, she gets up at five every morning. Maybe that has something to do with it.  But don’t let her fool you, while she is a gifted administrator, her real job is being a mom and wife.  In that department, she has few peers.

I remain as LOGOI Ministries president and have started a second job as David’s agent…or so it seems.  Between the two, I get a better farmer’s tan in the agent job.  We have had a bitter sweet year for our family and LOGOI when Jesus determined it was time my Dad moved into his new permanent home.  It’s tough to lose your dad, mentor, boss, and best friend. We miss Dad terribly but are thrilled he’s getting to hang out with Moses, Abraham, Samson, Paul, and a host of others he’s been telling us about all these years.   A day has yet to go by when we haven’t heard from someone whose life was impacted by my dad.  He has left a wonderful legacy punctuated by a family he dearly loved and who dearly loved him.

With Abby graduating, David’s big decision regarding college and the draft, and Matt & Laura’s new life in California, 2012 should be another fun and interesting year for the Thompson family.  We are enjoying special times with Mom who is facing a new season of life with grace and joy…and as a brand new Great Grandma.  Although she has come close a couple of times, she has yet to get kicked out of one of David’s games with all her antics and bellows in the bleachers.  After all, what ref is going to toss a Great Grandma?

I miss my long talks with my Dad and never thought to ask him a question that is now running around in my head: Do they celebrate Christmas in Heaven?  These were the kinds of questions I loved to ask my Dad.  So, I now turn to my big brother, Dan, my new “resident” theologian.  I called him up and posed my question.  He thought a moment and even over the phone, I could see him smile.  He then said, “Ed, don’t you know?  The answer is, “Yes, every day!”

So from our house to yours, we hope you have a very blessed Christmas.

Forever,

The Thompson Family

I was a bit surprised then, how many people responded with a “I had no idea” reply…even from some grandkids.  So, I thought it would be fun to include a song here beginning with one my all-time favorites: a duet I sang with Dad when I was 9 or 10 years old called, “God Spoke.”

Dad got a lot of use from this duet and we sang it frequently. He knew it wouldn’t be long until I could no longer hit those high notes.  As you listen, you’ll appreciate why this, and so many of the other roughly 150 songs Dad recorded over the years, are so special to me now.  I miss him very much.

I pulled this song off an old LP so you get to be reminded of what pre-digitized music sounded like.

Forever!

God Spoke

Warm summer greetings.

Attached is a link for a three-and-a-half minute video report from Cuba. It was filmed during our mission trip this past June and I’m very excited for you to see it.

God is very much alive and well – even in a country where the government loudly proclaims, “there is no God.”

What a joy God has given us to help, teach, and encourage hundreds of Cuban pastors to boldly proclaim the Gospel. Thank you for being our partner in ministry.

Enjoy!

To see the video, click on LOGOI.

God bless,

Ed Thompson

logoi.org

The Westminster Christian Warrior baseball family and friends have a very special ministry opportunity.  Coach Emil has gathered together several large bags full of used WCS baseball uniforms and equipment for Cuba.  As you know, baseball is a big deal throughout the entire island and many churches use baseball as a very effective outreach ministry.  They love the game and if need be, will play with sticks and tightly bound rags because baseball equipment is a luxury most simply do not have. Can you imagine the joy it will be to bring our gorgeous WCS Warrior uniforms along with catcher’s gear, baseballs, gloves, etc., hand delivered for a Cuban church team or two?  What a wonderful, amazing gift!

Here’s the problem: the Cuban government charges very large fees for every pound of luggage brought into Cuba—between $5 and sometimes up to an astonishing $11 per pound.  (These fees seem to fluctuate from day to day and we never know exactly what to expect.)  And as you know, baseball uniforms and equipment are on the heavy side. To that end, we estimate taking in 4 large duffle bags of Warrior uniforms and equipment with each bag weighing between 50 and 70 pounds.

That means each WCS duffle bag will cost between $250 and $770 to get into Cuba.  So…

Would you help make this wonderful gift of WCS baseball uniforms and equipment to Cuba possible?  Specifically, we are asking for your help to cover some of the luggage fees.  And by the way, all gifts made payable to LOGOI are tax deductible and you will receive a receipt for your donation.  Should God bless us with more funds than needed for the luggage costs, those extra funds will be used for LOGOI’s “Pigs for Pastors” project in Cuba.

Perhaps you can help cover one “duffle bag,” maybe two.  Or perhaps you can cover a half of a duffle bag or a quarter.  Whatever you can do will help make a very meaningful, practical and lasting gift of love to our brothers and sisters in Christ in Cuba.  And just think, every time someone mentions Cuba, you’ll think of Cuban church baseball players running around with Warrior uniforms on—and telling others where they came from.  So come on, let’s do this. Together, we can get this done!  Thank you for your prayerful consideration of this fun and very special project.

Please make checks payable to LOGOI. You can give your donation to Emil, David, Ed or even Grandpa & Grandma Thompson.  You can also give online at www.logoi.org (see the “Donate Now” button in the upper right hand side) or mail a check to:

LOGOI: 14540 SW 136 St., Ste. 200, Miami, FL  33186.

If you have questions, please call LOGOI at 305-232-5880.

Thank you so much for your partnership.  Go Warriors!

I’m often asked, “Why do you make that annoying twitch whenever a bird flies by?” With a nervous jerk I whisper, “boomerangs .”

It all began when I bought my son, Matt, an authentic hand-carved Australian boomerang for his ninth birthday.

It was a sleek piece of wood finely fashioned from the root of a Black Wattle tree from the Arrernte tribe in northern Australia. Either that, or a Walmart plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Matt looked over the crescent-moon shaped piece of painted wood and said, “Why’d you get me a stick?”  I could sense his veiled excitement, however, so I grabbed him by the hand and marched him to the nearest park.

“I’m very honored to teach you the ancient art of boomeranging,” I began. “Simple pieces of wood like this have been used for sport or as a weapon for over 10,000 years. I could tell Matt was impressed with my boomerang knowledge by the way he rolled his eyes.

Arriving at the park, we were pleased to see we had the large open field all to ourselves. As we walked to the middle, I provided a succinct overview of the proper boomerang throwing technique. As it was Matt’s birthday, however, I graciously allowed him to be the first to try it out. This gave me the opportunity to stand by and offer constructive criticism in the form of a play-by-play announcer.

“And once again the boomerang leaves the child’s stubby fingers only to be retrieved a mere 25 feet from it’s starting point without any hint of “boomer-ranging” whatsoever to the dismay of the watching crowd.”

We were bonding.

Finally, after several failed attempts and with a severe look of annoyance, he shoved it at me and said, “Here! You do it.”

I seized the boomerang with the confidence of a tribal Aborigine and slowly ran my thumb over the edges. “The secret of handling this ancient weapon,” I began, “is all in the wrist.” Matt yawned to show his interest.

I asked him to step back a few feet and wound up like a multi-million dollar relief pitcher. Despite tearing several ligaments in my shoulder, I made a major league toss worthy of the Hall of Fame.

The boomerang made vapor trails as it rocketed six feet off the ground directly at a shiny new BMW in the parking lot. My skin turned clammy as I watched in dismay. Matt, however, was suddenly extremely interested.

Inches before impact, it took a dramatic 90 degree turn and then an impressive arch as it soared into the sky. With large drops of sweat pouring off my face, I looked at Matt and said, “Bet you thought it was going to hit that car didn’t you”. I let out a nervous laugh to help Matt relieve some tension.

Upon reaching the apex of its climb, the boomerang began a long, arching descent. Our mouths dropped open in disbelief as it made its wide turn. It was beautiful.

It then occurred to me the boomerang was, in fact, working.  It was coming right back at us.  At any moment we would hear the sonic boom as it made its rapid plunge. That’s when it also occurred to me that this piece of wood is considered a weapon and, at this rate of speed, could quite possibly decapitate a moose.

In response to these observations, I made the tactical decision to scream like a little girl. I hit the deck as it zoomed past me blowing dirt in my face. To my horror, however, I heard Matt excitedly yell, “I got it,” which, unfortunately, he did.

I turned just in time to see Matt use his forehead to stop the boomerang–a fraction of an inch above his right eye. The impact knocked him to the ground and made my knees buckle as a large bloody gash erupted.

Matt’s ensuing wail was drowned out only by my own.

Later, in the emergency room, the plastic surgeon masterfully repaired the nasty gash in Matt’s eyebrow and forehead. The doctor was even brave enough to talk with the seething woman in the waiting room.  He assured her that her husband’s lack of Aboriginal skills would not result in any permanent damage or even a scar in our son’s forehead.

I, on the other hand, developed a rather irritating little twitch…

###

Ed performing his "menu" song

Last month during of one of my concerts, I had just set up my next number, nodded to the sound guy to start the DVD, smiled as the music and video began to play, and happily began to sing along when suddenly, about 60 seconds into the song, the computer froze.

Everything stopped.

Oh no!  The spotlight never seems quite so bright and the stage is never so uncomfortable as when something like this happens.  I watched the sound tech frantically scrambling to get things working which meant I suddenly had several awkward minutes to fill.

So, I blamed George Bush.

As always, I was thinking back over my program on my flight back home and couldn’t help but laugh at that awkward moment.  I’ve had plenty over the years.  There was the time in Iowa when the pastor suddenly jumped up from his chair, rushed to the stage and grabbed the microphone away from me.  I was stunned to say the least and only slightly relieved when he quickly apologized and asked everyone to immediately rush to the restrooms to take cover from a tornado that had just touched down outside.

I’ve had stage lights explode, fire alarms blast, electricity go out, and even one experience where the church sound man had gone completely deaf (he had bought the equipment for the church and by-cracky, he was going to run it…no matter what).  Now that was an interesting concert.

Life is sure funny sometimes.  What would you say is more correct, (1) Things usually go as planned and expected, or (2) Things usually don’t go as planned or expected.  I suspect most of us would answer things usually don’t go quite the way we had planned.  Of course, that always causes another big question…“Why me?”

I suspect that is why James 1:2 reads, “…WHEN troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.”

The following verses in James (after 1:2) explain why we should consider trouble an opportunity for great joy.  The words are deep and powerful and you would be very wise to stop reading this article and pull out your Bible and turn to James right now.

(Are you still here?)  If you are, perhaps seven words by Rev. Steve Brown may be helpful when it comes to the “Why me?” question.  Those seven words?  “So the world can see the difference.”

In other words, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven” (Mat. 5:16) … then the world WILL see the difference.

Matt, Jenn, David, Ed & Abby

Warm Christmas greetings from the Thompson Family. Or, as the Spanish Santa’s say here in the malls of Miami, “Jo, Jo, Jo.”

Jenn and I took a moment to reflect on this past year to see if we had anything exciting to report. After a few minutes we realized 2009 was far more eventful than we had initially thought…so we took a nap.

Feeling refreshed, here’s a quick look at our year in review:

Matt (22) graduated from college! That is a wonderful, amazing sentence that wears us out all by itself. Now that a diploma from Florida International University hangs on Matt’s wall, he can always proudly say, “I was the first child to graduate from college in my family…” We are, or course, very proud of Matt. And now, the real world begins for this college graduate…

With that said, the ink was barely dry on his diploma when he was off to Macon, Georgia to begin his “Development Intern” job at First Presbyterian Day School. My brother, Gregg, just so happens to be the Head Master. Gregg was looking for someone with creative abilities to produce promotional videos, webcast school games and special events, speak at chapels, and generate even more excitement, energy, and school spirit for a great high school.

Laura & Matt

That job description had “Matt” written all over it. He is also a football coach once again and has even added “swim coach” to his vast repertoire of things he can do.

But far more exciting than any of these things is… he is getting quite serious with a young lady named Laura, who is as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside. Jenn and I are way too young for any of this…we need another nap.

Abby, (19) is a sophomore at Samford University in Birmingham where she is studying the cognitive and corporal effects of college on two hours of sleep per night. She has always been a blur of activity… now she must be seeing everything blurry, too.

She somehow manages to keep up with her studies in between her Facebooking and nimble fingered texting. And while this sounds a bit strange, it does make my day to get a text from Abby that says, “Luv u Daddy.” Abby continues to study Exercise Science. She is still very interested in helping people who need prosthetics, but is developing an interest in working with children who have autism as well.

Abby

She’s in a tough major requiring lots of long hours of study… and I have no doubt, a little extra sleep would help. She loves her Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and has made some great friends. She now has a “big” and a “little” which I’m told means something important. And because she is always awake, she is also the sorority’s intramural chairman planning all their sports teams and events.

Needless to say, this beautiful and energetic girl with a gorgeous smile has a long list of would-be suitors. I have calmly responded by developing a deep and intimidating scowl I’m hoping young men sense and fear from hundreds of miles away.

Abby seems to have developed some sort of immunity to my scowl, however. She knows she can soothe the savage beast with a simple gaze and smile in my direction. It’s not fair. I need a nap.

Most would agree that David (16) had a pretty good year. He started 2009 helping lead his team to their first State Baseball Championship since 1998. David was the only freshman on the team, but led Westminster Christian in home runs, batting average, and other such nice things.

The great season helped David become a First Team All-State Team selection, a First Team All-Miami Dade selection, and to top things off, a MaxPreps All-American (the top 30 baseball freshman in the country). So, yes, I suppose he had a pretty good year.

When the 2009 football season rolled around, David, now a sophomore, had the opportunity to put on the pads and help lead his team back to the playoffs for the first time in six years (Matt’s junior year). As a second year starter, the preseason report by the Miami Herald listed David as one of the top QB’s in Miami. The season concluded with David making the top 10 in several offensive categories for the entire state resulting in him being described as, “the top rated quarterback in Florida for the class of 2012.” Hmmmmm. Matt is quick to remind David, however, that his (Matt’s) 80 yard touchdown pass is still the family record. Even so, you can see some highlights here: David Football Highlights. After attending all his games, Jenn and I need and deserve a long nap.

Dave & Tim Tebow

Meeting Tim Tebow was pretty cool, too. And in case you were wondering, yes, the college letters have begun. Of course, Jenn thinks David being inducted into the National Honor Society was even more impressive than his athletic skills. I know…Jenn is so funny.

Speaking of Jenn, she had a pretty good year, too. She started the new school year at Westminster Christian as the new and very cute Elementary School Principal. Yes, several major changes took place at the Alma Mater of Ed, Matt, and Abby… but none more exciting than Jenn’s new role.

She was promoted from her Assistant Principal job in the Middle School to being in charge of grades PreK – 5th with roughly 60 teachers and over 340 kids to oversee. While most think she is working really hard, the truth is, she’s just reliving her childhood. We especially love to hear the stories of cute little boys and girls who are sent to the Principal’s office for one reason or the other. I tell everyone, “If I worked half as hard as Jenn, I’d actually get somewhere.” Jenn would take a nap if she had the time…

As for Mr. Ed, well, I am working on a very exciting project at LOGOI called our “Virtual Pastor’s Office.” It’s a brand new way to do missions and we have high hopes for how it can help indigenous pastors and leaders, missionaries, churches, as well as partners in ministry right here in the States. You can get a preview at www.logoibeta.org.

It’s also been great to see three of the singles from my “Beautiful Feet” CD make it to the top 20 of Christian Radio & Retail’s Global Charts. Over 500 stations are playing my songs and soon you’ll even be able to include some of my songs on places like “Pandora Radio” on the internet. My single, “Love Me Anyway” climbed all the way to #2 on the inspirational chart and held a top 20 spot for over 25 weeks. A fourth single is scheduled to be released in January. You can check my website for more details: www.edthompsonlive.com. And come on, invite me to perform at your church already.

Finally, I thought you’d enjoy a little picture of our home decorations this year. We’ve thought about doing this for quite some time as our neighbors get into the Christmas spirit with great gusto. They found a few “empty” spots in their yard this year which they’ve been able to fill with blowup Santa’s, snowmen, ferris wheels, and even a manger scene if you can see through all the penguins. So, we put up our Christmas tree, hung a wreath, and wrote, “Ditto” in lights on our roof with an arrow pointing at the neighbors. A steady stream of cars driving by at night seem to be enjoying our Christmas sentiments. We hope you do, too.

Merry Christmas, from our house to yours. May the love and grace of Jesus fill our hearts and lives. “Ditto!”

The Thompsons

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.

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.