Nashville

What’s It Worth?

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Today, I saw a house for sale in the neighborhood where I go to church. It had been listed for a while, and I noted that the price had been reduced recently. So being eternally curious, I googled the house for fun and giggles to see what it was worth.

It was just shy of a million dollars. It was a nice house, but by no means spectacular. I think it had about 2600 square feet, so it wasn’t a big house. It was just a normal-sized house in a good neighborhood in the insane housing market of Nashville.

It seems that when I was growing up, a million dollars could get you a mansion. If you spent a million dollars on a house, you were rich. At least that’s what 10-year old me thought at the time.

But now money is worth less than it used to be. Back in the day, currency was based on a gold standard, but now it’s just paper. And every day that paper grows less and less valuable.

I think that’s pretty much the tale of everything that we tend to prize and value on this side of heaven. Eventually, those things depreciate. They rust, get eaten by moths and other critters, and get stolen. Technology is the worst because the top of the line product quickly becomes outdated and soon after obsolete. Soon after that, it’s junk.

But things eternal only grow in value. If you treasure what is heavenly, as the verse in Matthew 6:19-21, you will find joy both now and hereafter. If you value what the Heavenly Father values, you will find you are rich in those things that no amount of money can buy. Those are the things that truly matter.

I heard a pastor say that the streets of heaven are paved with gold, because gold up there is worth about as much as pavement down here. It would be dumb to walk around with pits of asphalt in your pocket thinking you were wealthy. In the same way, gold isn’t the true currency of heaven. Love is.

If you love God wholeheartedly and love others the way that God has loved you, you are valuing the right things. If you value possessions, remember that he who dies with the most toys is still dead, but what you take with you are those who are following and trusting in Jesus because of your faithfulness and your testimony.

Opryland Memories

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This year will mark 28 years since Opryland USA theme park went away. I still think that tearing down Opryland to put up a mall was the dumbest thing Nashville has ever done. At least, it’s in the top ten.

I miss that place. I miss the rides. I miss the shows. I miss those little fruit drinks that came in the plastic containers shaped like fruit. I miss it all.

Most of all, I miss knowing that a place like that exists. I understand that Dollywood is still around and isn’t that far away, but it’s not the same. There is so much history and so many memories from 1972 to 1997.

Maybe what I miss in a way is how life was back in 1997. No social media. No constant 24 hour news channels. Less craziness in the world (or maybe it seemed less crazy because there weren’t CNN and Fox News channels constantly reminding us of how bad everything is).

These days, I’m always on the lookout for Opryland memorabilia. So far, I have a couple of t-shirts, a couple of records, and some key chains and glasses. Every time I go to Goodwill, I check for Opryland shirts.

There really is no point to this story, other than if you want to send me Opryland stuff, that would be great. Sometimes I get nostalgic and need to write it down. Also, it helps me remember more good times from back then.

Thanks, Opryland USA, for some of the best memories!

RIP, Hickory Hollow Mall

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Another piece of Nashville history is going away. In short order, the Hickory Hollow Mall will be demolished to make away for something different (supposedly similar to 100 Oaks Mall for those who live in the area). I have so many good memories from this place from back when I was in high school.

To give a bit of context, the family used to travel up to Middle Tennessee for the summers back when I was young. We’d stay at our property in Christiana, but periodically, we’d trek into Nashville and visit this mall. Those were good days.

I remember they had possibly the best food court ever of any mall in existence. Of course, I’ve only been to 10 malls, tops, so that’s not based on much. But the food court was amazing.

I also remember I had my list of places I HAD to visit during any trip to the mall. Of course, I’d go by Waldenbooks and the music store (which I can’t remember the name of at this particular moment). I’d also make a point to drop by the Family Christian Bookstore.

I had heard that the members of DC Talk liked to hang out at this mall. Or maybe they went there once. Or possibly they shot a music video there at one point. Whatever. I kept thinking I was going to run into them randomly and have my brief moment of fame.

For those of you old enough to remember malls in the 80s, there was a whole mall vibe. You could literally spend the whole day without batting an eye. I even fantasized about getting locked in the mall overnight and having free access to roam around (that was before I saw the movie Dawn of the Dead where flesh-eating zombies invade a mall).

I know this mall has been basically dead for a while now. The last time I was there it was like a ghost town (if ghost towns were all indoors and had stores instead of buildings). It was sad. But knowing that it won’t physically be there hurts my heart a little and makes me a little sad.

RIP to the Hickory Hollow Mall. You were good while you lasted. Thanks for all the memories.

Happy Last Day of April

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I sincerely repent of all the times as a kid when I laughed and made fun of old people for always talking about how fast time goes by. They were right. And now I’m old. Well, older.

Which brings me to the fact that tomorrow is officially May.

That means that we’re officially 1/3 of the way through 2018.

Not only will tomorrow be the first day of May, it will also be the 8th anniversary of the flooding that took place in Nashville on May 1-2, 2010.

Where did that 8 years go? Man, those old people were right again. At least I get to make fun of the funny clothes they wore back in the day, just like someone down the road will look at my fashion sense and roll on the floor laughing at me.

I can still remember seeing all the flood waters, especially in the downtown area. I recall hearing about how Opry Mills had being overrun with flood waters. I couldn’t even get out of my neighborhood to get to work that day. It was insane.

Looking back has given me a little perspective. Like the fact that I’m able to look back. The flood waters left and Nashville is still here. I still remember the words written on a garage door on a street where the flood waters had done the most damage: “Storms pass, love shines, we survive.” Those floods are in the past and you and I are still here.

Philip Yancey wrote, “Faith is believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse.”

You don’t get the benefit of all the hindsight and 20/20 vision from looking back on something until you’ve lived through it. Faith is believing God’s promises as though they had already come to pass. In fact, faith is knowing that God’s future is so certain that it can be spoken of in the present tense.

Speaking of time flying, there are only 239 days until Christmas, so you best get to shoppin’.

Thinking of Texas Tonight

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 “Do not be afraid—I will save you.
    I have called you by name—you are mine.
When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you;
    your troubles will not overwhelm you.
When you pass through fire, you will not be burned;
    the hard trials that come will not hurt you.
For I am the Lord your God,
    the holy God of Israel, who saves you” (Isaiah 43:1-3, GNT).

I’m seeing pictures and hearing stories out of Texas about the complete devastation from the hurricane and flooding. So many people have lost everything. Some have even lost their lives. I know that the waters are rising and the rain never seems to stop.

It seems that natural disasters and tragedies like this have a way of snapping your priorities back into place. All those trinkets you chase after don’t seem nearly as important as before.

It brings back memories of when Nashville had its own flooding back in 2010. I can’t imagine watching helplessly as all your possessions and heirlooms are lost forever in the waters.

I do know that God Almighty has promised to be present with those in the midst of deep waters. No amount of storms or floods can ever separate any of us from the unfathomable love of Christ.

Lord, be with those who are wading through the deep waters tonight in Texas. Let Your peace that passes all understanding guard their hearts and minds tonight. May Your grace be sufficient for them and Your comforting presence be near to all whose hearts are heavy.

May all find that you are a Shelter in the midst of the storm, and a Strong Tower and Refuge to those in time of need. May all find that underneath are the Everlasting Arms that won’t ever let go.

May Your people be Your tangible presence as they go to where the need is keenest to be with the people who have lost everything. More than any money or material goods we can give, may we be the face of Christ to all those we serve.

Amen.

 

Another Field Trip

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I finally accomplished my goal that I set in 2015. I visited the last of the regional campuses of Brentwood Baptist Church, located in East Nashville and known as The Church at Lockeland Springs. That goal will probably need to be amended when the next regional campus starts in Nolensville, but until then– mission accomplished!

I had help from a new app called Waze. It’s like your ordinary GPS app that gives directions, but this one has the option of Mr. T telling you when and where to turn. My personal favorite is him yelling at me to “TURN LEFT, SUCKA!”

I made it, thanks to Mr. T and Waze. I knew immediately I was going to like this place. It had the smell of a very old church building and looked very inviting. The worship service was spot-on in theology and practicality.

I love how the Church is made up of churches that all express different facets of the body of Christ, yet are all each the body of Christ. Each of the regional campuses has taken on the nuances and flavor of their communities and each reaches out to a different segment of Nashville’s population.

Of course, since I was already in the neighborhood, I had to stop by The Pharmacy for one of their amazing burgers. The one I consumed was called The Farm Burger and had bacon, ham, and a fried egg on it (and it was delicious). I truly appreciate the animal sacrifice that went into the making of this fine creation.

I believe that occasionally, it’s good to break up the routine and do something that’s different. That could mean going to a different church or checking out a part of town that you’re not used to.

I’m thankful for the inspiration to visit all five of the regional campuses. It definitely opened my eyes to the fact that not all of the body of Christ looks and functions like my church. There’s lots of room for every kind of person in God’s kingdom.

 

The Allman Brothers Band for the Road

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One of the joys of having over 100 people a day move to Nashville is the most enjoyable and fun commutes I’ve been having [said with copious amounts of sarcasm].

I really enjoy creeping along I-40, then for a brief moment to speed up, only to run into more traffic and slow down again. I really have nothing better to do than idle in traffic for an eternity. [sarcasm continued].

The one glimmer of goodness in all the gridlock is that I have ample time to listen to quality music. It’s not like I have anywhere else I can go during that time, so I might as well put it to good use.

Today, I spent a lot of time with The Allman Brothers Band, specifically the deluxe edition of their second album, Idlewild South. There’s a 45-minute version of the song Mountain Jam that’s not for the musically faint of heart.

Their music is ideal for cruising down the highway with the windows rolled down and the summer breezes blowing in. It still works for windows rolled up and inching along the interstate, but really it makes me want to find a deserted two-lane road, throw the map out the window, and just drive wherever the road takes me. One day I just might do that very thing.

I do think good music is good for the soul. There’s something healing about hearing the right song at the right time that goes along way toward detoxing from the stresses of the work week. I recommend old-school country, southern rock, jazz, blues, or just about anything from the 70’s.

PS It helps a lot if you crank up the volume and roll down the windows (but not so much when it’s sweltering and humid outside). Then maybe just crank up the A/C.

 

 

May Day: Seven Years Later

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As I was hiking through Radnor Lake State Park on this picture perfect day, it hit me. Seven years ago, the rains started that led to the floods that devastated much of the Greater Nashville area.

Seven years ago, I saw a portable school building floating down an interstate that looked more like a river than a highway. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much rain in a 48-hour period in my entire life (and I hope I never do again).

It wasn’t just a bit of flash floods here and there. It was called the 1000-year flood for a reason because Nashville hadn’t seen anything like this in a very, very long time.

Not only did we survive, we have thrived since. Nashville is back and better than ever.

I was reminded yet again that in the life of faith, whatever we may suffer or lose cannot begin to compare to what we gain in the end. Any loss or pain we go through doesn’t come close to matching the glory that awaits and the inheritance that is ours in Christ.

It’s easy to lose perspective in the daily grind and forget that Jesus has already overcome all that we face (or will ever face). There’s nothing that was or is or will be that God can’t work to our good and His glory, nothing that can ever separate us even for a moment from His love.

I still remember seeing the words on someone’s garage door just days after the flood subsided: Storms leave. Love shines. We Survive.

That’s still true because the same Jesus who spoke peace to the waves can still speak healing and peace and victory to the hearts that need it most today.

 

Return to Radnor

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I read recently that exercise is one of the most underutilized antidepressants. It’s also a great way to enjoy this beautiful spring weather we’re having here in Tennessee.

After several months, I finally made it back to Radnor Lake State Park. And yes, it was more than worth the wait.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait to get in. I was surprised at how easily I was able to find a parking spot. I figured that half of Nashville would want to take advantage of the ideal weather and get in a little hiking. Apparently not.

So my friend and I got our hiking in. There’s nothing like a strenuous hike to show you how out of shape you are. For me, it involved lots of heavy breathing and more than a little wheezing. It was not my finest moment.

Still, I was in my favorite place doing one of my favorite activities. I call that a win, even on a Monday.

Not even a brush fire could diminish the beauty of Radnor. Apparently, a brush fire burned about 1/2 to 2/3 of an acre, but I believe that it will come back better and more glorious than ever.

I still think it’s one of the best kinds of therapy to get out into nature and breathe deeply (with only a sleeping cat in your lap topping it). It’s healing for the soul to get away from electronics and technology and all things man-made and get back to what God created.

After a while, I started breathing normally again. If I didn’t know any better, I’d almost say I got a “hiker’s high,” similar to the euphoria and endorphins release that runners experience. Plus, there was a breeze blowing with just a hint of crispness to it.

I think I’ll sleep better tonight than I have in a while. And I will be back to Radnor soon enough.

 

How You Know You’re Officially Old

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thejoshuatree

I can still remember where I was when I first heard U2’s The Joshua Tree.

It was my first foray into the world of U2 and Bono. I recall being captivated by the sounds coming out of the headphones connected to my Sony Walkman (cassette player, no less). I bought the album on cassette, CD, and finally the deluxe 2-CD edition that came out about 10 years ago with B-sides and unreleased tracks thrown in for good measure).

I still remember what it felt like the first time I experienced it. I had never heard anything like it before. It blew my 15-year old mind.

This year, that album turns 30 years old.

I’m officially old.

Most albums from the 80’s sound very much like they came from the 80’s. You can listen to how the drums were produced and almost pinpoint the year the song came out.

The Joshua Tree doesn’t sound like an 80’s album. It sounds like a classic album whose sound is universal and timeless. It sounds as fresh and new today as it did way back in 1987.

I just discovered that U2 will be embarking on a 30th anniversary tour of The Joshua Tree, where they’ll play the entire album from start to finish (with other songs thrown in, I assume).

If they come anywhere Nashville, I might just have to sell a kidney or mortgage my cat to get a ticket. After all, it’s on my bucket list.

This album remains one of my favorite faith-based albums of all time. Actually, it’s one of my favorite albums of all time, period. I can’t overemphasize how much of an impact it had on my musical formation and appreciation. I might have had crappy musical taste back in the day, but I got at least one album right.

Guess what I’ll be listening to tonight as I fall asleep?