Making the Connection

Just got back from the first ever Connection Church Valentine’s Dinner Cruise on Town Lake in Austin. Fortunately, the boat was enclosed, so we were toasty. The food was excellent: fa-jee-tas (wrap anything in a tortilla and I’m good). Sumptuous dessert provided by Kevin’s Cookies (Austin’s Best Cookies). Romantic soundtrack provided by my trusty iPod. We had a beautiful view of the Austin skyline. And lots of new faces. You can check ‘em out by clicking below:

Love Boat

In the immortal words of blues legend BB King: "The thrill is gone! The thrill is gone!" If that describes your marriage, you’re not alone. That’s what this Sunday’s service is all about: How to put the adventure back into your relationship.

Last weekend I went to see Mark Schultz in concert. I was in tears through most of the concert. He’s got a gift for storytelling through songs. Most of the time, I think those types of songs are schmaltzy and manipulative. But somehow, he does it and moves past my defenses.

He told a story and played his new single about a couple he knew who spent their entire lives together. The song Walking Her Home is like a summary of The Notebook, which also devastated me. SPOILER WARNING: We are trying to incorporate the song into this week’s service.

If you want to add spark back into your marriage, I recommend checking out the Family Life website. And they’re running a special on their Simply Romantic Nights stuff. It’s hot. I HIGHLY recommend ordering it.

Also coming this Sunday, I’m excited that a new vocalist, Amber Bogney, will be singing with our band. They’ll be performing a song by a band with a lead singer from New Braunfels that is usually thought of as a one-hit wonder… What song could it be?

How would you introduce Jesus? Here’s how Steve Harvey did it in an arena full of people. Pretty powerful stuff:

I just got back from a meeting with our friends at The River 102.3. They are eager to partner with us on our annual Big Hunt. We talked about ways to make this year event bigger and better than ever. Get this, our very own Steve Etheridge may be the MC! This is going to be fun.

Check this letter out:

My heart was very warmed when I opened your letter and saw the gift of $1,325 from you and your combined "church home group." The heart of our Lord must have been warmed when you had a Chinese dinner theme night, prayed over our brothers and sisters in China and then made a commitment to send as many Bibles as you could. The amount you sent has been matched by an anonymous donor, which means that you and your home group have donated 662 Bibles to China! Thanks be to God! May he bless you richly indeed. - Norm Nelson, Compassion Radio

I’m so proud of the Rhoades Connection Group and their heart to see people all over the world know God! Way to go!