"Shakolade"

Our staff went to a marraige seminar this past week (Gary and Deni were gettting the car) when we stopped in for some serious and I mean serious hot chocolate. This little store in downtown Columbus "Shakolade" (I think that's what it's called) has the richest ever. It"s as if they melt a candybar with a teaspoon of milk and serve it up! We all ordered the $14 dollar dixi cup small (slightly exaggerated of course) and really that is about all that we could handle. That stuff is so rich, I had to drink my Keri's as well. (Bummer, I know) But by the time I was close to finishing my 2nd cup, I really didn't want it, nor want to waste it either, so I quickly chugged it to get it down. Almost like I was taking it for granted. Life is kind of that way as well. Sometimes some of the greatest things in life can become routine and boring. This is where we begin to take for granted and lose the joy that was once there. Personally, I want to guard against this in my own life, by slowing down and being grateful for what God has blessed me with. What has God blessed you with, whether people, possessions, or great hot chocolate that you perhaps are taking for granted?

Picture with Santa

It was that time again to bring the kids to the ever crowded mall, to get a picture with a heavy gentleman wearing a red suit and sweating profusely. I tried to snap my own picture for my blog, but was brought down by 4 elves and with my arm behind my back, forced to drop a $20 bill in order to get out of there alive! Just Kidding of course.....well.....kind of. My oldest boy Kaden had practiced saying what he wanted for Christmas a 100x's but when the moment of truth came, it took him at least 10 seconds to recall "Bow and arrow". To which this Santa said "You'll shoot your eye out kid". OK, I added the last part! As for Kross, he replied, Sucker! Which he saw in Santa's hand and walked out happy with it in his mouth. Our little girl Kali, just screamed the whole time. But it was a great experience to be a part of something and someone that my kids so much believe in. Jesus talked about that childlike faith. I was challenged to ask myself, "What do I believe in, really?" And how far am I willing to go with those beliefs? Are they beliefs that are just nice things to say, or are they deep convictions that I build my life on? HO HO HO!

track-action

This morning as the first snow of the season fell, the roads got slick fast. I was trying to stop at a red-light, when I realized I wasn't going to make it. I made a quick turn into a parking lot and acted like "I meant to do that". (You know like when you fall down, jump up and act like nothing happened!) Anyway, I had apparently lost traction. Right now I am trying to find traction as a church planter to be effective and efficient. Traction is (track - action)! I am trying to create "tracks" for which "action" will follow. If you have no tracks, then you will have limited or wasted action. Create solid and clear tracks and actions will move on them.

Where do you feel like you are losing "traction"? Do you have any tracks in place or do you need to create and establish some?

u me we C3

plant a tree

Warren Buffet said "Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago"
- Have you ever thought about how you live and what you are doing today that will effect the future generations? The Bible says "You reap what you sow" What is it that you would like to reap at the end of your life, or perhaps even after you are long gone? And, what are you doing to "plant" that today? Personally, Keri, myself and some friends are planting a church (www.myC3church.com) that will plant other churches. We are planting today and praying for God's favor to effect the future generations. Soooooooo, go plant a tree or something!

Big God

I read a great quote the other day from Earl Creps book "Off road Disciplines" that said, "If God were small enough to be understood, He wouldn't be big enough to worship." Wow, how true is that! It's like in the Bible where it says "His ways are higher than mine". As much as I would love to have a handle on God and life, I am so glad I don't. There is so much I don't understand and even more I don't even know I don't understand. (Now I am really confused) But what I do know, is that God's in control and there is no one like Him. He is bigger than anything my finite imagination can put limits to and I must trust Him.

Go Tigers!

We live in Pickerington which is right outside of Columbus Ohio. It has that small town feel. Tonight our High School team plays in the division II State Championship football game. It is a big deal here. Schools get out early and there are signs lining the street from the HS, 6 miles to the interstate! Local businesses are on board as well. It is the talk of the town. Everyone loves being a part of a winning team! I think it is the same way in life and for our new church plant. We are gaining some momentum and we are attracting some incredible people. They all want to be a part of a team that is winning and moving in the right direction. It is exciting to be a part of something that is making a difference!