The Art of Duplication

One of the greatest joys I have been blessed to witness is the beauty of the art of duplication. Throughout the biblical text as the readers we are challenged to disciple others. In fact the great leader Paul said "follow me as I follow Christ." Paul had a relationship of duplication with Timothy who in turn, carried out the art of duplication. One key concept in the art of duplication is that each of us involved in this art must come to the realization that we all need a Paul and also a Timothy for the art of duplication to be successful. It is liberating and inspiring to watch others who I serve with not only catch this vision but also carry it out. Today, as you look in the mirror ask yourself "is the art of duplication in effect in my life?"

live to love
c

Girl at Dentist Still Praising, Watch till the very end

I saw this on Shonlock's blog, I had to repost it...too funny...make sure you watch till the very end

EXCEED

Growing up, my competitive nature constantly increased. I did all I could to push myself past my complacent tendencies. I wanted to beat the best, I wanted to become the best. As I have matured in faith, I have to admit my competitive nature still raises it's head, but there is another driving force that resides in the depths of my soul. My heart has changed from wanting to be the best, to helping others become better than me. I wholeheartedly believe there are too many lead pastors in America that are concerned about their own status, and neglect their staff. It has been a deep conviction in my soul, to be able to witness people I have discipled do greater things than I possibly ever could. I must quickly admit that this no theory of my own, in fact the one many of us follow, Jesus said in John 14:12 "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father." In other words Jesus was saying, every Spiritual Father's Ceiling should be their Spiritual Son's floor. That is my prayer for the people I serve with. As you go throughout your life, I pray you find a great sense of joy as you help others become better than you were.

YOUTUBE

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST...THIS IS WAY TOO FUNNY

STV FLYER PLEASE REPOST

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Hey guys please repost this on facebook, myspace, blogs, emails, etc...any help getting the word out is greatly appreciated...the event is going to be INCREDIBLE!

Beautiful chaos

In the midst of a chaotic schedule, that demands numerous tasks, activities, and deadlines the beauty of life is at times overlooked. Throughout the week, upon my work day ending I consistently find myself running. Martial arts, soccer practices, speaking engagements, often cause me to constantly be in pursuit from point "a" to point "b." In my fast paced world I often fail to recognize the most beautiful parts of the pursuit of my journeys. Sometimes the most beautiful times of my journey are the few moments I have riding with my daughter to one of her sports activities, the late night book reading before she goes to bed, the simple times of helping her brush her hair prior to her going to sleep. In the midst of chaos, I challenge you to take time to cherish those short moments of beauty, sometimes those opportunities never revisit you.

Live 2 Live
-c

Consumer vs Contributors

I'm sitting here on the couch in the study which looks into the sanctuary at my church. It's about an hour away before our service starts. As I set here trying to be still, trying to respect what little quietness that can be found, which isn't much. I find myself overwhelmed with reality. In the echos of the hall I hear a couple of our greeters welcoming people into our church. I hear the hospitality volunteers asking people how they are doing as they extend a cup of coffee to them. I hear the worship team doing sound check, making final adjustments before things get underway. The reality that I am struggling with is there are literally 350 plus people that will receive a bulletin, a cup of coffee, or at least be exposed to the worship music. Yet how many of us truly take time to serve? I find it a constant theme in the American church that we are so much more comfortable being consumers rather than contributors. I want to challenge you to be a part of the love movement, don't just be a consumer be a contributor.

Live to Love
-c

New Series: Mirror

Over 2000 years ago, God used twelve ordinary men to transform the world. As followers of Christ, the call on our lives is no less. We are called to be an effective church, allowing ourselves to be God's vessel for accomplishing extraordinary things. Prepare yourself, as we look in the mirror and examine if we are truly an effective church...


Series starting April 11, 2010

The Love Movement

Today was an extremely tough, yet extremely moving day for me. Today I had the privilege to officiate the celebration service of a church member's family member. Unfortunately, the person that passed away died as a result of an accidental overdose. Even in the midst of this tragedy, I must say although I didn't know the person personally, today I was truly impacted by the way she inspired humanity. She lived a simply life, faced many struggles including imprisonment, the death of her son, her husbands imprisonment, and battles with addiction, yet her love for humanity was breathtaking. The chapel overflowed with people that her life impacted. As a result of her deep compassion to all those she encountered I have been impacted and convicted in a great way. I just wonder what might happen to this world if we would truly take time for those we encounter. I just wonder what would happen to this world if we served humanity in a way that truly reflected the heart of Christ. This week I want to challenge you to do something uncommon for someone without them knowing who did it. Maybe this week you find yourself in a local fast food restaurant's drive thru, I challenge you to buy the person's meal that is waiting in line behind you. Simply tell the cashier that you are a part of the love movement. Maybe there is someone you know that needs to be encouraged, send them a card in the mail and sign it the love movement. Maybe the elderly lady next door needs her yard mowed, when she leaves to run errands take time to mow her yard and place a note on her door signed the love movement... There is countless possibilities each day for us to share the love of Christ. My prayer for all of us is that we would leave this world better than we found it.

Will you join the love movement? I would love for you to place in the comment box other ideas you might have to help keep the love movement going!

Live to Love,
-c

April 13th, 2010 Come join me

Friends, we were asked to be a part of another great event April 13, 2010.
The Violence Prevention Rally at the Abilene Civic Center. Event starts at 5:30PM.
Would love to see you come out and help us Silence the Silence, which will help
Silence the Silence. At 6pm there is a special activity called Walk a Mile in my shoes.
I promise if you come out you will laugh your tail off as you watch me do something I have
never done before....

April 8th, 2010 Come Join Me

Friends, tomorrow night I will be at the Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Event downtown. The goal of the event is to reach out to as many children and families regarding the ongoing occurrence of Child Abuse, ways to prevent it and provide information to those who may possibly be in an abusive environment. During ArtWalk booths will be set up along Cypress Street outside The Grace from 5 pm- 6:45 pm. A Candlelight Vigil will follow in Everman Park will be at 7pm. I would love to have your support with this event. Remember it's our job to SILENCE THE SILENCE, WHICH WILL HELP STOP THE VIOLENCE!

Live to Love.
C

It's Easter, Invite someone to your church

James 2

Reading James chapter 2 inspired me and convicted me all in the same breath. James chapter 2 verse 8 reads, "Remember His call and live by the royal law. It's the very heart of Scripture: Love others as you love yourself. You'll be doing very well if you can get this down. The sad reality is at times I'm biggest personal fan and yet at other times I'm my worst enemy me. What I mean by that is there are times when I love myself greatly, and yet there are other times when I am completely in disgust of myself. With that comparison in mind, that is exactly how I treat humanity. At times I can be the most compassionate person to be found, loving my family and those I encounter with the upmost respect and admiration. Then at times, I treat those I encounter in a way that is far from the love of Christ. As my faith deepens the later, happens less and less which I am thankful for. As you journey on down in James chapter 2 verse 20 cuts to the depth of my being. It reads, "The fact is, belief has to show itself through works performed in faith. If you don't recognize that, then you're an empty soul." I pray that I am never categorized as an empty sou

Milestone

Yesterday was a beautiful day. Two things happened that are extremely monumental. First Ash passed her big exit exam that will allow her to become a R.N. Secondly, we found out the sex of our baby due this summer. Needless to say yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day.

PS:

WE'RE HAVING A BABY GIRL!