This past week has been very exciting for Phillips, Craig, and Dean. We received word from our record company this afternoon that “Revelation Song” has been number one for 16 straight weeks making it the longest running number one single of the year. We give all glory to God for his faithfulness and favor on our group. We could have never imagined that radio stations and PCD supporters across the country would have embraced our new single in such an unbelievable way. Our concerts have been well attended and incredibly anointed. My only wish is that each one of our Heartland partners could experience this moment with us. Each and every Heartland partner should take ownership of every success PCD experiences as a group. Because of your faithful support, prayer, and love, we are able to do what we do. Below, find some pictures from concerts and appearances the past several weeks. Thanks to each one of you for all you have done to enrich my life. I gladly share each and every success with you, the incredible partners at Heartland Church.

(PCD singing at Brooklyn Tabernacle, Brooklyn, New York)

(PCD with pastor and author Max Lucado in San Antonio, TX)



(Randy and myself with retired NBA all star David Robinson and sons)


(Singing at an outdoor concert in Tulsa, OK)

Life and Golf

I heard someone yesterday say life and golf are a lot alike....both require lots of forgiveness! How true! Most folks I know usually need a lot more forgiveness than they are willing to dole out. Jesus explained how forgiveness in God's Kingdom works with a parable found in Matthew 18. Let me explain it in golf terminology:

A certain golfer found himself in the deep rough behind a grove of trees. His view to the green was totally obscured and he had no shot whatsoever of making the green and salvaging par. While pondering his situation the master rule maker of the golf course came by with some good news.

"My dear friend, I am going to show you some grace. Take your ball from behind these trees and place it out on the plush fairway in a place that has a flat lie and an unobstructed view of the green."

The bloke could hardly believe his good fortune. With joy he took his ball from the rough and placed it on a flat surface out in the middle of the fairway. In short order he had chipped onto the green and made his par.

As he and his playing partner teed off on the next hole he observed that his playing partner's tee shot had somehow landed in a divot in the middle of the fairway. Though he had a clear shot, it was obvious that his playing partner's shot had a great chance of being impacted by the depth of the divot. His playing partner looked imploringly at the man who has just been the recipient of great grace and implored, "Will you left me place this ball a few inches behind or to the left or right of this divot?"

The first golfer roared his displeasure and would not let his partner move his ball even the slightest bit! "You will play the game by the rules even if that means playing from a divot...there will be no bending of the rules on this course." And he folded his arms in anticipation of an upcoming bogey (or perhaps even worse.)

About that time the master rules maker appeared. "Didn't I just show great grace to you?," he roared to player one! "Didn't I just allow you to move your ball from behind a tree and about 20 yards out into the fairway? And I didn't charge you even one penalty stroke? How is it that now you refuse to grant any mercy and will not even let your playing partner move his ball one inch to the right. You should feel compelled to show the same kind of mercy as you have received." The rules commissioner was furious and his wrath hot! And the master rule maker was so upset and he took the young man's golf ball and chunked it into a pond on the 18th hole.

"And that's exactly what my Father is going to do to each one of you who doesn't forgive unconditionally anyone who asks for mercy!" (Matt. 8:35 MES)

Let us each give mercy and love as we are want to receive it!

Be blessed!

PD

A New Day!!!

This past Thursday signaled a new beginning for Heartland Church. After 40 plus years of being in the Irving area, Heartland purchased a 5 year old church building in North Carrollton. We are excited and firmly believe that God is directing our steps. This new location has great freeway access and is located one exit East of 35N on Highway 121. We will begin planning immediately on the things that need to see happen cosmetically before we take possession of the building in January of 2010. Some of things include a remodel and adding restrooms to our children's department; new lighting and sound systems, upgrades to the student area; cosmetic changes to the restrooms; rearrangment of the main floor seating; and of course, painting and flooring changes in select areas of the building.

Of course, the most exciting aspect of the whole process has nothing to do with buildings. What makes my heart beat faster remains the potential of all the unchurched people who don't know Christ making Heartland their home.

I'm reminded of a story told by Ann Lamont in her book, "Traveling Mercies." She tells the story of a little girl who was lost on the streets of the big city in which she lived. Finally a policeman stopped to help her. He put her in the front seat of his of his car and they drove around looking for any recognizable landmark. She finally spotted her church causing her to exclaim, "This is my church. I can get home from here."

I believe that there are many lost, lonely, and frightened people who are looking for a place that will remind them, "I can get home from here." I am believing that God will bring them to us!

Later,


PD

Happy Anniversary To Us!!!!

Thursday, August 27th, Becky and I celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary. It was already a special day….but around 2:15 PM I decided (before we left town) to check our home phone one last time. The voice on the other end was the admissions office from Texas Women’s University telling my wife that if she called in before 3 they had a spot for her in their nursing program. (Talk about kicking things into high gear!) The call was made and my wife is now on her way to becoming a full-fledged nurse! It was the best anniversary present that we have ever received. I am now throwing my support behind my incredible wife and in a couple of years her dream of being a nurse will come true! That afternoon we left town to spend a few days away from the rigors of real life and to have some relaxing moments away. Of course my relaxation included a couple of rounds of golf (see picture of the deer on the golf course below) and hers included a massage package. (Not wanting to brag, but I put the trip together and the spa package was a winner!) Keep Becky in your prayers as her schedule is rather hectic this semester!