The other night I woke up standing in the living room holding one of my wife’s crutches (from when she broke her leg a few yrs ago). I couldn’t remember how or why but I had a vague certainty that there had been a threat to my family and I was going to stop it… Some people talk about sleepwalking, but I’m actually doing something about it….

As you all know, May the fourth is widely known as “May The 4th Be With You Day” or “Star Wars Day.” I, for one, think this is brilliant.

Here’s a Star Wars-related story for you. In both my local church ministry and my traveling concert ministry, my job involves talking a lot – often ad libbing – which can lead to some regrettable statements.

For example, a few years ago I was introducing a song at a marriage conference, and I was thinking about some of the conflict-resolution strategies that had been offered. For some reason I had mentioned Star Wars earlier and was now talking about how complicated relationships can be.

I said something along the lines of how, in marriage, you have to choose your battles carefully, and that I had learned that sometimes (I can’t believe I said this) “you have to let the wookie win.”

This statement was greeted with an awkward, stunned silence. Except for my band members, who were all on the floor laughing. (continue reading…)

We have a winner! Emily has agonized over the names (there were over 100 submitted) and she has come to a decision… The winning names are…

… “Ping” and “Pong,” submitted by CarolBeth! Thanks to everyone who contributed ideas! We had a great time (and a few laughs) looking over your suggestions. And congratulations, CarolBeth – I’ll contact you soon to make arrangements for your prize (free CD or DVD).

Yesterday, a new baby goat named Taz was born at the Riggan Ranch (that’s him to the left).

You may remember that last week I wrote about our two new baby lambs. I decided to hold a naming contest, but then Easter Weekend happened and I completely forgot to wrap up the contest and have a winner declared. Better late than never, right? If you haven’t submitted your suggestion, click HERE to leave a comment. My daughter Emily will judge the competition and I’ll announce the winner by noon on Friday (tomorrow). The winner can choose any of my CDs or DVDs as a prize.

Don’t forget to submit your name suggestions (for the lambs) by clicking HERE!

On Monday, my son’s sheep (Cutie) had two babies (Joshua and Jericho). Just a couple of hours ago, my daughter’s sheep (Anabelle) had her two babies, which are unnamed so far. Click the “More” button to see what they look like (hint: they look like lambs). Any name suggestions? I think I’ll make a contest out of this… I’ll have my daughter be the judge. The winning entry will get a free CD or DVD (your choice). (continue reading…)