2008 Election
Written on 31 October 2007 by beau
It is clear that the 2004 Presidential Election was greatly impacted by the turnout of evangelical Christians to the polls. In a little over a year, many will be very interested as to how this group will affect the next election. Some have argued that the leadership of this group has shifted from the old guard (Falwell, Dobson, Rogers, etc.) to a new generation of mega church pastors like Rick Warren and Bill Hybels. Will that shift have political implications? Will the rise of the Emergent Church make any waves in the next election? Only time will tell. But there does seem to be a bit of a philosophical switch as many churches are not only concerned with saving souls, but there is an added emphasis on bettering the world that we live in. If this change is really happening then there will surely be an impact at the polls next year. For a more in depth look at this potential shift, take a look at this past weeks cover story in the New York Times Magazine. It is always fascinating to see what a historically liberal publication has to say about a traditionally conservative movement.
C4 Retreat Prayers
Written on 26 September 2007 by beau 
This past weekend was the C4 fall retreat at High Point Camp. Our theme for the weekend was Body Art: The Body of Christ Displaying the Art of His Glory. One of the many highlights included a time on Saturday night where everyone wrote out a personal prayer and a prayer for the C4 ministry. Some have asked for an opportunity to post their prayers on this blog so if you are interested, just scroll down, click on comment, and you can post your prayers and then check back to read the prayers of others.
O Death Where Is Your Sting?
Written on 31 August 2007 by beau
Today I went to the funeral of a man whose sons’ I knew better than him. It is always a humbling experience to be confronted with death, even if the loss was not a personal one. At one point, I was sitting in the pew thanking God for moments like these because it forces us to bring our lives back into true focus. The trivial cares and worries of my life faded off into the distance as thoughts of death and eternity erupted into the forefront of my mind. Death is something that can invade at anytime with no warning, and it leaves those left behind feeling helpless and dazed. The presiding pastor stood aloft in a high pulpit and wore a black robe which stood in stark contrast to the all white church building. He reminded us that in order for Christ to have victory over death, He had to first allow death to do its work on Him. For three short days it looked as if death had won, but with the resurrection of our Savior, death has permanently lost its sting. I left with a heavy yet refreshed heart, asking God to allow the reality of this day to continually do its work in my life.
Back From Poland, Off to NYC
Written on 29 June 2007 by beauIt has been awhile since I have put up an entry since I have been in Warsaw for 11 days and then back for 2 and now off again to New York City for another week. I will try to put up some highlights of both trips over the next few days. One of the things that we saw in Warsaw was a group performing Capoeira. This was the first time I ever saw this live in person. It was an impressing sight so I encourage you to read about it and maybe even check it out on YouTube.
Fresh Bread
Written on 30 May 2007 by beau 
Last night we finished up The Life You Were Meant to Live series by taking a look at John 6. When the passage is kept in its context, it really is a fascinating look at belief and commitment. Many were coming to Jesus with wrong motives - they just wanted another free meal. Others just wanted another sign before they would considering believing. Still others were offended by Jesus’ words and they turned and stopped following Him. I think that at one time or another, I have had those types of thoughts and feelings regarding Jesus. In the end, when our faith is waivering and our commitment is on the line, we want to be able to rise up like Peter and say, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68-69) I look forward to interacting with your thoughts, concerns, and questions about this passage and the entire series.
What’s That Smell?
Written on 23 May 2007 by beauFirst, I must confess that trying to teach with live sheep in the middle of the room last night was a bit of a challenge. It certainly provided a different atmosphere and at times I admit that I was distracted. I look forward to hearing the perspective of those that were in attendance.
I think that one of the most challenging thoughts of the night came from Timmy J’s reading of Donald Miller. He talked about how he didn’t realize how selfish he truly was until he lived in community. What are the biggest challenges that you have experienced in community? What are some ways that we could do community better through C4?
A Moment to Cherish
Written on 21 May 2007 by beau 
No matter who you are, there are simple moments that you have experienced that you will always remember and cherish. Recently I had a moment like this that was initiated by my 2 year old daughter. I was outside working on our flower beds when Mary came up and said, “Daddy, let’s swing in a hammock.” Well, I just couldn’t resist that invitation. (And I was thankful that Brian Moore had recently come over to help me get the hammock hung up.) So we went and lay in the hammock and talked, sang songs, and played “Where is Thumbkin . . .”
Have you had any memories or moments lately that will stick with you? I was reminded that day in the hammock how much we need to be thankful for those simple yet impactful moments in life. One of the many blessings that we need to encourage one another with, and also be thankful to God.
Jonah and The Big Fish
Written on 18 May 2007 by beau 
This Sunday morning May 20, C4 will begin its annual summer Bible study at Calvary Church. (We will meet at the 9:25 hour in room 306 in fellowship hall.) We are going to start by taking a look at the book of Jonah. It’s only natural that when you think about Jonah you think about the big fish that swallowed him up. At this point, my two year old thinks that the fish’s name is Jonah. The other thought that often comes to mind when thinking about Jonah is MISSIONS. Jonah is a book that is usually used to preach messages about BEING CALLED, GOING, GOD’S HEART FOR THE NATIONS, etc.
We are going to take a bit of a different approach over the next few weeks as we look at Jonah. We are going to see what we can learn about our relationship with God as we look at Jonah. On Tuesday nights we have been looking at the abundant life that we are meant to live, and we will take the same approach with Jonah. I think that Jonah has a lot to teach us about ourselves and our relationship with God. Join us as we look at Jonah from this different perspective . . .
Life in the Sun
Written on 15 May 2007 by beauWe continued our series, “The Life You Were Meant to Live” this week at C4 by taking a look at Life in the Sun. From John 1 we saw how Jesus is the Light. Then we moved to John 3 to see the invitation to Come to the Light. And finally, John 8 encourages us to Be the Light.
We looked at several illustrations about the LIGHT that help us to think about our relationship with God. We talked about MOVING IN AND OUT OF THE LIGHT, ANA’S GLOW IN THE DARK PAJAMAS, THE MOON, AND PLAYING IN THE SHADOWS. Which one of these illustrations was most helpful? Is there another illustration about LIGHT that is helpful for you?
Mother’s Day Tribute
Written on 12 May 2007 by beau 
One of the many reasons that I married my wife Erika is because I knew that one day she would be a great MOM. So on Mother’s Day I thought it would be a great time to give a few reasons why I think that she is the best!
10. Sunday Afternoon Golf - Erika is a huge sports fan. One of her favorite things to do is curl up on the couch on a Sunday afternoon and watch a great final round on the PGA tour - especially if Tiger, Sergio, and Adam Scott are in contention.
9. The Next Food Network Star - I think that Erika could have a show on the Food Network. She is an AWESOME cook.
8. Laundry, Laundry and More Laundry - Erika does a great job of taking care of our home and all the needs that go along with it. THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!!
7. Pura Vida - Love the fact that Erika is bilingual and that our kids will grow up learning both English and Spanish.
6. Her Green Thumb - Not only do the flowers look great, but she is not afraid to get down and pull weeds, and this year she has planted her own vegetable garden.
5. No Worries, Mate - Crocodile Dundee may have made this down under phrase popular in America, and Bobby McFerrin told us to, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” but Erika lives out Philippians 4:6 which says, “Do not be anxious about anything . . .” I am so thankful that she has such a laid back approach to life. She rarely gets frazzled, frustrated or freaked out about anything.
4. Come By Anytime - Erika loves to have people over to our home and she is a GREAT HOST . . . we would love to have you, come by anytime.
3. The Simple Pleasures - Erika gets really excited about the simple joys of life . . . a hot cup of coffee, really good chocolate, or an afternoon nap is all it takes to make her day.
2. Faith, Hope, and Love - Erika’s faith in God is genuine and inspiring. It’s the foundation for everything else that I have written about in this post.
1. Her Children Rise Up and Call Her Blessed - On such a special day, how could I end with anything else. She is a GREAT mom with such a great love for her girls. I LOVE YOU ERIKA!
