It is summer time.....the time when many people go on vacation and are gone a lot during the week and especially over the weekends. It is the time many churches who have multiple services will reduce the number of services they offer. At CSF we decided that we should not cut any of our services as it would not honor the people who have adjusted their normal routines to be at a specific service time. Moreover, we did not want to assume that our numbers would drop enough to warrant cutting a service.
What we decided to do was offer a picnic on our beautiful patio for all those who attend our noon service to encourage people to continue to come to that service. Well......people continued to come and others joined them. We had our largest noon service ever.....it was awesome. People stayed after the service and ate together. I was able to meet so many new people and I saw people just hanging out talking and having a good time.
Next Sunday and for the rest of the summer....we will be doing the same thing.
Today's Bible Reading: 1 Timothy Chapter 5
This chapter is clear that in the church we are to care for those who cannot help themselves. However, it is also clear that people should take responsibility for themselves if they are able. Also, families have a responsibility to take care of each other. The church should take action when the person or the family cannot help.
In a culture where people believe that the government of others should help them no matter what....the Bible gives a strategic guideline of responsibility.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Church Office Update
Our staff has been working hard this week to get moved completely out of our current location in the warehouse and into the building. As of today we are completely out. We will start full office operations next week in the new building. However, our phone system is dragging behind as well as our Internet connections. This means that come next Monday....our phones and our email contact systems may not be working.
Of course our office cell phones are working and we may have the one direct office line up and running. Please be patient with us as we are having to be patient with our service providers. If you are scheduled to serve at the office next week, or meet with a staff member, or something else.....all office activities are in the new building. Also, our new CSF counseling ministry called The Matthews Counseling Center is open and up and running in their new rooms.
Speaking of our office moving.....we still have some desk, couches, TV's and tables for sale real cheap. Contact Chris Faulkner at the office for prices and details.
As I close for the week....some have asked: "Why are we moving the offices out of the warehouse and into the new building?" The answer is simple. We are moving forward with our short and long range goals and dreams as a church. We no longer will be spending $5,000 a month in rent and fees for the warehouse office space. We will be taking that money and using it to upgrade our systems and ministry in the new building as we look to build our second phase, add parking and our much needed play ground. We are a church that moves and acts on our dreams. We are a church that has a staff and volunteers that are always willing to sacrifice small current pleasures for long-term big dreams. The challenge with most people and churches is that they don't have the ability to see past next month. They live for today's little prizes while sacrificing larger dreams later!
PLEASE Forward this BLOG to as many CSF people as you know...so they know that our offices have moved and so they are aware of the changes.....(believe it of not, we still have people who don't read my BLOG everyday! HA HA )
Of course our office cell phones are working and we may have the one direct office line up and running. Please be patient with us as we are having to be patient with our service providers. If you are scheduled to serve at the office next week, or meet with a staff member, or something else.....all office activities are in the new building. Also, our new CSF counseling ministry called The Matthews Counseling Center is open and up and running in their new rooms.
Speaking of our office moving.....we still have some desk, couches, TV's and tables for sale real cheap. Contact Chris Faulkner at the office for prices and details.
As I close for the week....some have asked: "Why are we moving the offices out of the warehouse and into the new building?" The answer is simple. We are moving forward with our short and long range goals and dreams as a church. We no longer will be spending $5,000 a month in rent and fees for the warehouse office space. We will be taking that money and using it to upgrade our systems and ministry in the new building as we look to build our second phase, add parking and our much needed play ground. We are a church that moves and acts on our dreams. We are a church that has a staff and volunteers that are always willing to sacrifice small current pleasures for long-term big dreams. The challenge with most people and churches is that they don't have the ability to see past next month. They live for today's little prizes while sacrificing larger dreams later!
PLEASE Forward this BLOG to as many CSF people as you know...so they know that our offices have moved and so they are aware of the changes.....(believe it of not, we still have people who don't read my BLOG everyday! HA HA )
Thursday, June 19, 2008
On The Road
Today's BLOG will need to be short. I am leaving in 30 minutes to take Peyton and two other boys to Football Camp UNC Chapel Hill. They will be Tar-heels for the next three days!
Don't forget this Sunday after the noon service we will be having a free picnic on our patio! All of us at the 3rd service will hang out afterward and eat and have a great time. It is free and it will be fun!
Don't forget this Sunday after the noon service we will be having a free picnic on our patio! All of us at the 3rd service will hang out afterward and eat and have a great time. It is free and it will be fun!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Matter Of Perspective Part Two: Flooded Vacation
Every year for our big summer vacation, the Hibbard family tries to go somewhere we have never been. If you have been around CSF for a while, you know that we have a goal that each of our kids will have visited and spent time in all 50 states before they graduate from High School. It is a fun thing for us to plan new adventures each summer and go to different parts of our great nation and experience new things with our kids while they are growing up. Vacations are a year round planning process that builds excitement all year.
This summer we are going to Wisconsin. More specifically the Wisconsin Dells area. It is a great place full of lakes, rivers and water parks. They have the largest assortment of indoor water parks in the country. Great news when you have active boys and recent skin cancer episode to deal with......
Unfortunately, you probably recognize the name Wisconsin Dells even if you have never been there. It is one of the hard hit places with the horrible floods and tornadoes. As a matter of fact, the place we are scheduled to stay use to be on a beautiful lake that is no longer there.....because the levy broke and the lake drained. Other areas around where we are going have been flooded and the water is just now starting to recede. A tornado also ripped through the area and leveled a few towns.
I have to be honest when I first saw the floods and devastation I thought.."Perfect, the place we are going on vacation is flooded and the lake is gone! "I can't believe our bad luck"...blah blah blah...Then over the next few days I saw people's homes flowing down the river. You see entire cities under water and the water is not moving. I saw families interviewed who have lost everything and did not have flood insurance. Immediately I felt ungrateful and very much like the whining, self-centered and personal entitlement driven people that drive me crazy! I had to whisper a prayer of forgiveness for my attitude and then whispered a prayer for people who are suffering with this flood and the recent tornadoes.
As I then could tell Peyton....our vacation may a be a little different, but we are still going. We may not have a pretty lake to look at and play in.....but we have not lost our home. Their is no need to complain...at least we have the privilege to go on vacation. As a matter of fact, I told him that we were going to specifically drive to some of these town that have been under water and people's lives turned upside down...so that we could see what it looks like and that this would be a good reminder of what is most important in life.
We always want our vacations to be memory makers and adventurous. I have a sense that our stop in the fine state of Wisconsin will be a memory we will never forget! My prayer for all of us is that we will be careful about the whining we do this summer of gas prices and the heat. Our homes, for now, are not heading down the Mississippi, our neighborhoods have not been flattened by tornadoes and down town Charlotte is not under water!
Attitude and perspective........it is one of the few things we can control in life! How are you doing today with yours?
Today's Bible Reading Colossians Chapter 5
This book ends like so many of Paul's letter's to the different churches. He ends it with his heart felt passion and compassion for them. He ends it with listing those in the local church that have helped build the church into a life changing agent of Grace. It also ends with Paul giving them and us a Matter of perspective. The last verse implores them to remember his chains! He is writing this letter to them from Prison! He is in jail because of his Faith in Jesus. Whatever they were going through in the church was not as bad as being in JAIL! Same holds true for us today!
This summer we are going to Wisconsin. More specifically the Wisconsin Dells area. It is a great place full of lakes, rivers and water parks. They have the largest assortment of indoor water parks in the country. Great news when you have active boys and recent skin cancer episode to deal with......
Unfortunately, you probably recognize the name Wisconsin Dells even if you have never been there. It is one of the hard hit places with the horrible floods and tornadoes. As a matter of fact, the place we are scheduled to stay use to be on a beautiful lake that is no longer there.....because the levy broke and the lake drained. Other areas around where we are going have been flooded and the water is just now starting to recede. A tornado also ripped through the area and leveled a few towns.
I have to be honest when I first saw the floods and devastation I thought.."Perfect, the place we are going on vacation is flooded and the lake is gone! "I can't believe our bad luck"...blah blah blah...Then over the next few days I saw people's homes flowing down the river. You see entire cities under water and the water is not moving. I saw families interviewed who have lost everything and did not have flood insurance. Immediately I felt ungrateful and very much like the whining, self-centered and personal entitlement driven people that drive me crazy! I had to whisper a prayer of forgiveness for my attitude and then whispered a prayer for people who are suffering with this flood and the recent tornadoes.
As I then could tell Peyton....our vacation may a be a little different, but we are still going. We may not have a pretty lake to look at and play in.....but we have not lost our home. Their is no need to complain...at least we have the privilege to go on vacation. As a matter of fact, I told him that we were going to specifically drive to some of these town that have been under water and people's lives turned upside down...so that we could see what it looks like and that this would be a good reminder of what is most important in life.
We always want our vacations to be memory makers and adventurous. I have a sense that our stop in the fine state of Wisconsin will be a memory we will never forget! My prayer for all of us is that we will be careful about the whining we do this summer of gas prices and the heat. Our homes, for now, are not heading down the Mississippi, our neighborhoods have not been flattened by tornadoes and down town Charlotte is not under water!
Attitude and perspective........it is one of the few things we can control in life! How are you doing today with yours?
Today's Bible Reading Colossians Chapter 5
This book ends like so many of Paul's letter's to the different churches. He ends it with his heart felt passion and compassion for them. He ends it with listing those in the local church that have helped build the church into a life changing agent of Grace. It also ends with Paul giving them and us a Matter of perspective. The last verse implores them to remember his chains! He is writing this letter to them from Prison! He is in jail because of his Faith in Jesus. Whatever they were going through in the church was not as bad as being in JAIL! Same holds true for us today!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Powerless Church
If you tried to contact the church yesterday from about 11:30am - 3pm by phone, you realized that something was wrong. If you emailed a staff member and they did not reply to you all day when you thought they would....you realized something was wrong.
We lost all power yesterday afternoon to our offices and main building. As a matter of fact the entire block on our street lost power. The cables that run down the road that carry power, phone and our Time Warner cable snapped! In an instant we were powerless! Without AC the temperature began to rise. Without power we could not use our computers and be on our personal CSF network. Of course, their were no phones and no emails. Powerless.......
Things like cables and power poles snapping can happen and make us powerless, but, like yesterday in a few hours we can be restored to full capacity. It is a pain when this happens but it is not horrible and life threatening. (unless the cable snaps and hits you with 1 gazillion bolts of power or something like that...)
However, when a church loses it's real power for life change, then it is tragic and lives can be lost for eternity. What is the real power that can be lost in a local church? The easy answer is to say the "power of God". Although that is true...it really can't ever happen unless God chooses to do so and He would never to choose to do that. The local church loses it's power when the people in the church stop doing these things:
1) When people stop caring for lost people and make church a social club for Christians.
2) When people stop serving in their local church and community. Needs go unmet and ministry stops.
3) When people stop giving financially to their local church. The church can't pay basic bills and worse yet...can't move forward with a God directed vision.
4) When people in the church stop living in genuine Biblical relationships of loving and caring for each other.
5) When people stop growing spiritually by praying, Bible reading and growing in their wisdom and practice of the things of God.
If a church stops doing one of these things they lose some power. Stop doing more than three....you are dead in the water. No power! God is still alive and well and would want to have his life-changing power flow through that church....but the people have stopped the flow. People snap the power spiritual power cables.
Of course, for the most part and at this time, CSF is a full power church! However, it will take all of us doing these things as individuals to allow our church to continue being high powered for life change! We need every person who calls our church home....to be fully engaged in all these areas. We need full power by all people!
Today's Bible Reading Colossians Chapter 3
Time for a self spiritual living test. A personal power test! Read through chapter 3 and then ask yourself....."what did I use to do as a non-Christian that displeased God? Do I still do those things?" Verse 8 says....we use to do some wrong things, but we must rid our lives of such things. Some people call it their "old-self" and compare it to their "new-self" in Christ. As new powerful Christ follower, do you act like your old self or the new person who as given your life to Christ?
We lost all power yesterday afternoon to our offices and main building. As a matter of fact the entire block on our street lost power. The cables that run down the road that carry power, phone and our Time Warner cable snapped! In an instant we were powerless! Without AC the temperature began to rise. Without power we could not use our computers and be on our personal CSF network. Of course, their were no phones and no emails. Powerless.......
Things like cables and power poles snapping can happen and make us powerless, but, like yesterday in a few hours we can be restored to full capacity. It is a pain when this happens but it is not horrible and life threatening. (unless the cable snaps and hits you with 1 gazillion bolts of power or something like that...)
However, when a church loses it's real power for life change, then it is tragic and lives can be lost for eternity. What is the real power that can be lost in a local church? The easy answer is to say the "power of God". Although that is true...it really can't ever happen unless God chooses to do so and He would never to choose to do that. The local church loses it's power when the people in the church stop doing these things:
1) When people stop caring for lost people and make church a social club for Christians.
2) When people stop serving in their local church and community. Needs go unmet and ministry stops.
3) When people stop giving financially to their local church. The church can't pay basic bills and worse yet...can't move forward with a God directed vision.
4) When people in the church stop living in genuine Biblical relationships of loving and caring for each other.
5) When people stop growing spiritually by praying, Bible reading and growing in their wisdom and practice of the things of God.
If a church stops doing one of these things they lose some power. Stop doing more than three....you are dead in the water. No power! God is still alive and well and would want to have his life-changing power flow through that church....but the people have stopped the flow. People snap the power spiritual power cables.
Of course, for the most part and at this time, CSF is a full power church! However, it will take all of us doing these things as individuals to allow our church to continue being high powered for life change! We need every person who calls our church home....to be fully engaged in all these areas. We need full power by all people!
Today's Bible Reading Colossians Chapter 3
Time for a self spiritual living test. A personal power test! Read through chapter 3 and then ask yourself....."what did I use to do as a non-Christian that displeased God? Do I still do those things?" Verse 8 says....we use to do some wrong things, but we must rid our lives of such things. Some people call it their "old-self" and compare it to their "new-self" in Christ. As new powerful Christ follower, do you act like your old self or the new person who as given your life to Christ?
Monday, June 16, 2008
Listerine Message
Yesterday was one of the messages that I knew going into it would be direct, a bit sharp and could have a "sting" as it was received. That is why I called it a Listerine message. Listerine is the mouth-wash that while you are swishing it around in your mouth it taste horrible and burns...however, you know it is good for you and that once you spit it out the shock will be over and you will have done something good for yourself. No more germs and evil plaque!
My message yesterday on simply being a good parent could have been a shock to your system, but, if simply followed would be great for you and your family. I was bombarded after each service with people who agreed with the SIMPLE message and agreed that it's truth stung a little as they were hearing it. Many people said they would need to start concentrating on the little values message they were giving their kids.
The three SIMPLE imitations that all of us can do are these:
1) SIMPLE imitation of Integrity. Don't be perplexed when your kids don't obey authority and follow the rules...when you have a lifestyle of family values of breaking rules!
2) SIMPLE imitation of Fairness for all people. Our kids should know that we view all people the same and we deal with them "not by the color of their skin, but the content of the character of their heart!"
3) SIMPLE imitation of Full Devotion. Our kids will need to see us as their parents being fully committed in our relationship to God. That means regular church attendance, serving, being involved in Bible reading and prayer.
I pray....for our kids sake.....that all CSF parents will start being worth image bearers of Christ and live a life worthy of imitation.
Today's Bible Reading: Colossians Chapter 2
I love this chapter. It reminds us that a relationship with Christ is SIMPLE. It is not what we do that allows us to have a salvation relationship with God....but it is what Jesus Christ has already done on the cross. Moreover, the silly little legalistic rules and traditions we come up with in our religions are more about outward appearance than they are true heart change. We all know that we can go through religious motions and practices and never have a heart change. What we need is a heart change based on what Christ has done and then live in that new heart transplant according to the grace of change that HE has given us.
My message yesterday on simply being a good parent could have been a shock to your system, but, if simply followed would be great for you and your family. I was bombarded after each service with people who agreed with the SIMPLE message and agreed that it's truth stung a little as they were hearing it. Many people said they would need to start concentrating on the little values message they were giving their kids.
The three SIMPLE imitations that all of us can do are these:
1) SIMPLE imitation of Integrity. Don't be perplexed when your kids don't obey authority and follow the rules...when you have a lifestyle of family values of breaking rules!
2) SIMPLE imitation of Fairness for all people. Our kids should know that we view all people the same and we deal with them "not by the color of their skin, but the content of the character of their heart!"
3) SIMPLE imitation of Full Devotion. Our kids will need to see us as their parents being fully committed in our relationship to God. That means regular church attendance, serving, being involved in Bible reading and prayer.
I pray....for our kids sake.....that all CSF parents will start being worth image bearers of Christ and live a life worthy of imitation.
Today's Bible Reading: Colossians Chapter 2
I love this chapter. It reminds us that a relationship with Christ is SIMPLE. It is not what we do that allows us to have a salvation relationship with God....but it is what Jesus Christ has already done on the cross. Moreover, the silly little legalistic rules and traditions we come up with in our religions are more about outward appearance than they are true heart change. We all know that we can go through religious motions and practices and never have a heart change. What we need is a heart change based on what Christ has done and then live in that new heart transplant according to the grace of change that HE has given us.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Half Way Point
In January over 400 people purchased our Expand Daily Bible Reading Journals! Many people made a commitment to read their Bible, pray and Journal on a regular basis. For many, it was the first time you had ever made such a spiritual commitment.
Well It is the Middle of June and we are half way through the year commitment you made. How are you doing? Has been harder than you thought?
What are you learning about God and yourself through this experience? I am sure many of you have missed a day or week here and there. I want to encourage you to keep going...keep feeding yourself!
Also, I want to ask you to email me at Kennyhibbard@charlottesouth.org and share with me any stories, learning's and experiences you have had because of your time reading and journaling. I look forward to hearing from you!
Hope to see all the MEN at our Texas Holdem' tournament tonight!
Today's Bible Reading Philippians Chapter 3
What goals do you have for you, your career and your family? Are you pressing forward each day with passion and vigor?
What spiritual goals do you have? Do you place as much effort in your spiritual God honoring goals as you do in other endeavors? The famous verse, Philippians 3:14, that is used in on Christian sports posters and the like is clearly not talking about just goals in general. This verse is talking about your high calling and goals that honor God and His ways.
Well It is the Middle of June and we are half way through the year commitment you made. How are you doing? Has been harder than you thought?
What are you learning about God and yourself through this experience? I am sure many of you have missed a day or week here and there. I want to encourage you to keep going...keep feeding yourself!
Also, I want to ask you to email me at Kennyhibbard@charlottesouth.org and share with me any stories, learning's and experiences you have had because of your time reading and journaling. I look forward to hearing from you!
Hope to see all the MEN at our Texas Holdem' tournament tonight!
Today's Bible Reading Philippians Chapter 3
What goals do you have for you, your career and your family? Are you pressing forward each day with passion and vigor?
What spiritual goals do you have? Do you place as much effort in your spiritual God honoring goals as you do in other endeavors? The famous verse, Philippians 3:14, that is used in on Christian sports posters and the like is clearly not talking about just goals in general. This verse is talking about your high calling and goals that honor God and His ways.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
A Matter Of Perspective
Yesterday was one of those days.......challenging news around every corner. Stuff like our move into the office not going as smooth as we hoped with the technology side of things over in the new building. Things being harder than you thought. Stuff not going the way you planned. Money tight and gas prices soaring. Money tight and food prices going through the roof. Money tight and the economy limping.......you know the drill.
As I was watching FOX news (fair and balanced reporting) I was ready for the day to be over. As I sat their pondering all that was not going the way I thought they should...I found myself getting more and more frustrated. Then they ran the Fox News Alert report:
A Boy Scout Summer Camp had been hit by a tornado and four of those great kids were killed. In a moment four families were getting ready to get the worse news a parent could ever get! In a moment four families were going to have their world crushed and turned upside down. This Father's Day weekend, four dads would go to the funeral of their little boys!
While that was running through my head they showed more flooding in the Mid-West. I saw people's homes flowing down rivers. I saw neighborhoods just like mine under water up to the roof tops. I saw families just like mine huddled in a rescue shelter not knowing what to do or where to go....because as the one Father said...."we have lost everything we own!"
I whispered a little prayer for all those families and especially the ones who little boys had died in the tornado. Then I went and checked on Peyton who had a friend over and they were laughing and playing a game. Brady was snuggled up with Kelly watching Backyardigans on the couch and their was peace in our home.
I went to bed and could give a rip about the gas prices, the food prices and that our network connection would be a week behind schedule in the installation. I went to bed with a new perspective of how great today would be and how blessed I was on that night to have a home not flooded and a all my family healthy and alive.
Life is a matter of perspective.
Today's Bible Reading Philippians Chapter 2
Does your life imitate Christ? Is your life work imitating? What would our church look like if everyone served, prayed, tithed and was committed as you?
As a parent....what if your kids imitated your commitment to Christ? Would that make you happy or are you hoping they will find someone else to imitate when it comes to spiritual things?
As I was watching FOX news (fair and balanced reporting) I was ready for the day to be over. As I sat their pondering all that was not going the way I thought they should...I found myself getting more and more frustrated. Then they ran the Fox News Alert report:
A Boy Scout Summer Camp had been hit by a tornado and four of those great kids were killed. In a moment four families were getting ready to get the worse news a parent could ever get! In a moment four families were going to have their world crushed and turned upside down. This Father's Day weekend, four dads would go to the funeral of their little boys!
While that was running through my head they showed more flooding in the Mid-West. I saw people's homes flowing down rivers. I saw neighborhoods just like mine under water up to the roof tops. I saw families just like mine huddled in a rescue shelter not knowing what to do or where to go....because as the one Father said...."we have lost everything we own!"
I whispered a little prayer for all those families and especially the ones who little boys had died in the tornado. Then I went and checked on Peyton who had a friend over and they were laughing and playing a game. Brady was snuggled up with Kelly watching Backyardigans on the couch and their was peace in our home.
I went to bed and could give a rip about the gas prices, the food prices and that our network connection would be a week behind schedule in the installation. I went to bed with a new perspective of how great today would be and how blessed I was on that night to have a home not flooded and a all my family healthy and alive.
Life is a matter of perspective.
Today's Bible Reading Philippians Chapter 2
Does your life imitate Christ? Is your life work imitating? What would our church look like if everyone served, prayed, tithed and was committed as you?
As a parent....what if your kids imitated your commitment to Christ? Would that make you happy or are you hoping they will find someone else to imitate when it comes to spiritual things?
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Picnic On The Patio
Summer is here! Longer days, grill-outs and all kinds of outdoor fun! In the spirit of this season in the beautiful Carolina's....we are going to have a FREE picnic for all those who attend our noon service.
We know that when the 3rd service lets out....most go out to eat. So, we have built a team of people who will take a head count of those in the noon service and then they will prepare for us a wonderful picnic experience. The band, the CSF staff and all those in our 3rd service will hang out and enjoy lunch. If the temps are to hot...we will all eat in the atrium area at tables that have been set up while we are in the service.
Of course, this is one way of promoting the third service and encouraging CSF Players to make this their service of choice. Our numbers continue to increase and we need more people to attend the noon service. Another practical way is the fact that we will no longer have Middle School meeting separately on Sunday morning during the 1st and 2nd services. They will meet all summer on Sunday nights at Summerpalooza and then will be meeting on Wednesday nights in the Fall. This means that families with middle school kids can now also choose the noon service.
Today's Bible Reading Philippians 1
What is God doing in your life. Has He given you dreams that at this time seem fuzzy or maybe impossible to achieve. Paul promises us that when God starts to do something in our lives, that he will complete it. It may take different turns, go over different hills and dump into unknown valleys.....but HE will see it to completion.
We know that when the 3rd service lets out....most go out to eat. So, we have built a team of people who will take a head count of those in the noon service and then they will prepare for us a wonderful picnic experience. The band, the CSF staff and all those in our 3rd service will hang out and enjoy lunch. If the temps are to hot...we will all eat in the atrium area at tables that have been set up while we are in the service.
Of course, this is one way of promoting the third service and encouraging CSF Players to make this their service of choice. Our numbers continue to increase and we need more people to attend the noon service. Another practical way is the fact that we will no longer have Middle School meeting separately on Sunday morning during the 1st and 2nd services. They will meet all summer on Sunday nights at Summerpalooza and then will be meeting on Wednesday nights in the Fall. This means that families with middle school kids can now also choose the noon service.
Today's Bible Reading Philippians 1
What is God doing in your life. Has He given you dreams that at this time seem fuzzy or maybe impossible to achieve. Paul promises us that when God starts to do something in our lives, that he will complete it. It may take different turns, go over different hills and dump into unknown valleys.....but HE will see it to completion.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Go For It!
I am in the process of reading a new book entitled: The 10 Rules Of Sam Walton. I chose this book because a few years ago I read the biography of Sam Walton entitled: Made In America. It was a fascinating read and was very motivational for me.
This new book is written by Michael Bergdahl the former CEO at Wal-Mart for many years. It too has been a very insightful book on Leadership and other qualities that each of us can improve our life skills. While reading yesterday I came upon this little saying that was a favorite of Sam Walton as he would give talks to his employees and staff at Wal-Mart.
I hope you too will read this and apply it's simple truth to your own life's goals!
"If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win, but you think you can’t, it is almost certain you won't.
If you think you will lose, you have already lost. For out in the world we find, success begins with a person’s will…it is a state of mind. If you think you are outclassed, you are. You have to think high to rise. You have to be sure of yourself before you can ever win the prize. Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger man or woman, but sooner or later he or she who wins is the one who thinks they can."
It is a reminder of the famous quote by Henry Ford: "Whether you think you can or you think you cannot...either way, you are right!"
Wherever you find yourself today......be confident and shoot for your goals! The glass is never half-empty it is always half-full!
Today's Bible Reading Ephesians Chapter 6
In these verses children are told to obey their parents....and they should. However, I have a question for all of as parents. Are we worthy to be followed? Are we worthy of our kids doing what we say and doing what we do? Are we a good and positive example for our kids to follow?
One of the easiest and most SIMPLE things we can do as a parent that will help our kids be all that they can be....is to give them a positive example to follow!
This new book is written by Michael Bergdahl the former CEO at Wal-Mart for many years. It too has been a very insightful book on Leadership and other qualities that each of us can improve our life skills. While reading yesterday I came upon this little saying that was a favorite of Sam Walton as he would give talks to his employees and staff at Wal-Mart.
I hope you too will read this and apply it's simple truth to your own life's goals!
"If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win, but you think you can’t, it is almost certain you won't.
If you think you will lose, you have already lost. For out in the world we find, success begins with a person’s will…it is a state of mind. If you think you are outclassed, you are. You have to think high to rise. You have to be sure of yourself before you can ever win the prize. Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger man or woman, but sooner or later he or she who wins is the one who thinks they can."
It is a reminder of the famous quote by Henry Ford: "Whether you think you can or you think you cannot...either way, you are right!"
Wherever you find yourself today......be confident and shoot for your goals! The glass is never half-empty it is always half-full!
Today's Bible Reading Ephesians Chapter 6
In these verses children are told to obey their parents....and they should. However, I have a question for all of as parents. Are we worthy to be followed? Are we worthy of our kids doing what we say and doing what we do? Are we a good and positive example for our kids to follow?
One of the easiest and most SIMPLE things we can do as a parent that will help our kids be all that they can be....is to give them a positive example to follow!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Gotcha!
Admit it.....I "Gotcha" yesterday! I could feel the tension as I started going off on the person who had the phone ringing during the welcome. It was hard for me not to break a smile as I tried to convince each service that I was angry over the phone ringing continually while I was talking.
I had a bunch of people tell me that they were thinking..."man, Kenny is losing it over this phone ringing"...or, "I bet our first time guest never come back"...or, This is not good...." HA HA That was great! It was a perfect example of how our anger outburst can ruin things for everyone.
However, the best part was the fact that in the first and third service....while I was "going off" on the guy with the ringing phone, may people in the crowd start clapping when I said very firmly; "Why don't you turn off your phone..we tell you people all the time to turn off your phones before coming into church...you are not that important!" I could not believe that the madder I acted the more many of you clapped! That was hilarious! One lady in the first service, saw I was "getting mad" so she turned around and said ..."turn off your phone!"
We could not have scripted a better prank to teach a lesson! Many of you said my message was very helpful on the issue of anger. Remember, every message can be listened to in different formats for FREE on our website! Moreover, soon we will have the services filmed and on the website for a high quality video viewing.
Not only was the service great....but the first Sunday of summer saw us continue to have large crowds. As a matter of fact, yesterday was our third highest attendance of the year! These are great days at our church! Glad you are a Teaming up with us to be apart of what God is doing here!
Today's Bible Reading Ephesians chapter 5
Talk about classic verses! Eph chapter 5 is the most used verses for teaching on marriage. Here in verses 21-33 we read about how husbands and wives should relate to each other. We see here very clearly that each spouse is to lovingly submit to the other to meet the other's God given needs. It is in these passages that Paul encourages men to go above and beyond in Loving their wives and women must do all they can to show Respect to their husbands. We each have our own greatest needs....Paul says that we should each submit to meet those needs.
Re-read verse 33....that is profoundly needed in all marriages. As a matter of fact their is a great book called Love & Respect that is based on this teaching that is a MUST read for all couples!
I had a bunch of people tell me that they were thinking..."man, Kenny is losing it over this phone ringing"...or, "I bet our first time guest never come back"...or, This is not good...." HA HA That was great! It was a perfect example of how our anger outburst can ruin things for everyone.
However, the best part was the fact that in the first and third service....while I was "going off" on the guy with the ringing phone, may people in the crowd start clapping when I said very firmly; "Why don't you turn off your phone..we tell you people all the time to turn off your phones before coming into church...you are not that important!" I could not believe that the madder I acted the more many of you clapped! That was hilarious! One lady in the first service, saw I was "getting mad" so she turned around and said ..."turn off your phone!"
We could not have scripted a better prank to teach a lesson! Many of you said my message was very helpful on the issue of anger. Remember, every message can be listened to in different formats for FREE on our website! Moreover, soon we will have the services filmed and on the website for a high quality video viewing.
Not only was the service great....but the first Sunday of summer saw us continue to have large crowds. As a matter of fact, yesterday was our third highest attendance of the year! These are great days at our church! Glad you are a Teaming up with us to be apart of what God is doing here!
Today's Bible Reading Ephesians chapter 5
Talk about classic verses! Eph chapter 5 is the most used verses for teaching on marriage. Here in verses 21-33 we read about how husbands and wives should relate to each other. We see here very clearly that each spouse is to lovingly submit to the other to meet the other's God given needs. It is in these passages that Paul encourages men to go above and beyond in Loving their wives and women must do all they can to show Respect to their husbands. We each have our own greatest needs....Paul says that we should each submit to meet those needs.
Re-read verse 33....that is profoundly needed in all marriages. As a matter of fact their is a great book called Love & Respect that is based on this teaching that is a MUST read for all couples!
Friday, June 6, 2008
We have picked an Architect
After months of interviews we have selected David Dial from Living Stones Architects. David is an accomplished architect with many years of experience in large firms. A few years ago he branched out on his own and created Living Stones. He is an expert in our style church design and has given us great ideas and concepts to tie into our first phase. It will be awesome.
This Summer David will begin the design process and take the lead with the contractor to make sure we are set in early Spring. As with any building in the city of Matthews, we have a long set of months in front of us to get everything cleared for construction this Spring.
Also, as you know, next week is the last week we will have our offices in the rented warehouse across the street from our campus. Our staff has decided to become portable and have less privacy so that we can stop spending $5,000 a month in rent. Our offices will be located downstairs in the current kids area on the first floor. I believe we as a staff will actually like this better (no rats, AC that works) than the offices in the warehouse. I also believe that you will enjoy serving in our new portable office area better. As a staff and a Church we have always believed in being a Team and that personal sacrifice in the short run is better for long-term gratification.
Please continue to give faithfully toward your Expand pledge. We will need a steady flow of pledges coming in to achieve our new building goal. Remember, your Expand giving, regular giving and any payments for camps, sports teams and the like.....can be given on line! No need to miss while your away this summer!
Today's Bible Reading Ephesians Chapter 2
Read this classic verses and let the truth pump you up....
Verse 8-10
It is by Grace you have been saved, through faith..and this not from anything you can even do to earn it, it is the Gift of God, not by your works (what you do) so that no one can brag. We are God's handcrafted workmanship of perfection, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
This Summer David will begin the design process and take the lead with the contractor to make sure we are set in early Spring. As with any building in the city of Matthews, we have a long set of months in front of us to get everything cleared for construction this Spring.
Also, as you know, next week is the last week we will have our offices in the rented warehouse across the street from our campus. Our staff has decided to become portable and have less privacy so that we can stop spending $5,000 a month in rent. Our offices will be located downstairs in the current kids area on the first floor. I believe we as a staff will actually like this better (no rats, AC that works) than the offices in the warehouse. I also believe that you will enjoy serving in our new portable office area better. As a staff and a Church we have always believed in being a Team and that personal sacrifice in the short run is better for long-term gratification.
Please continue to give faithfully toward your Expand pledge. We will need a steady flow of pledges coming in to achieve our new building goal. Remember, your Expand giving, regular giving and any payments for camps, sports teams and the like.....can be given on line! No need to miss while your away this summer!
Today's Bible Reading Ephesians Chapter 2
Read this classic verses and let the truth pump you up....
Verse 8-10
It is by Grace you have been saved, through faith..and this not from anything you can even do to earn it, it is the Gift of God, not by your works (what you do) so that no one can brag. We are God's handcrafted workmanship of perfection, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Last Breakfast
Today, Peyton (my 4th grader) and I had our last breakfast meeting for the school year. When the school year started I made a commitment to him that he and I would get up early and have a breakfast meeting every Thursday morning. Over this entire school year we have had breakfast at a little restaurant in Mint Hill just about every Thursday morning. These times have been great! We have spent these times talking about school, sports, sex and other growing up stuff. Of course, this morning, we talked about the heart breaking loss he had last night in our National League Baseball championship.
While I was sitting there talking to him I could not stop thinking...."I can't believe he will be in 5th grade next year." This brings me to the point of the BLOG today. As parents how much quality and quantity time are you spending with your kids? Some of you may be thinking that you don't need both or that you can't do both. As you know, there is an old saying that reads...."It is not the amount of time, but the quality of time you spend with your kids that matter." Well, in my opinion, this is a wrong statement and one that we created to help ease our minds over the lack of time we choose to spend with our kids.
The truth is that our kids need both...quality and quantity time. This is very true for kids who are very relational and need a bunch of time to feel loved by a parent. Moreover, as our kids get older they need us to spend more time with them and in those piled on minutes....quality will be happen. For most kids, quality only happens after huge amounts of the mundane.
For example....I spend a bunch of time coaching my son's sports teams. However, it is only when we are alone eating breakfast that we can actually talk. It is when you have spent the whole day with your older teenage kids that you get that quick meaningful chat.
School is out for some this week and for all by next Tuesday. I want to encourage all CSF parents to really think about creative ways that you and your kids can spend some quantity time together. At CSF we are offering some things this summer to help foster this endeavor. Take advantage of them......
Because of our schedules, most of us will have to plan ahead to spend a BUNCH of time with our kids this summer. This summer will be over before you know it....and your kids will be in the next grade and then the next grade and very soon will be gone. The time you have now while they are kids and teens can never come back once they are over......spend them wisely and with no regrets later!
Today's Bible Reading Ephesians Chapter 1
You are going to love this book. This book of the Bible has some of the most read and most quoted verses in all the Bible. Paul started the new church in Ephesus and it was located in a major city. It was a fast growing city and much like Charlotte has become, it was full of people from every race and nationality. Also, just like Charlotte it was growing with people who were not Christians and regular church attendees. In this book we will be encouraged to live a godly life in a culture that has turned away from Christ and we will learn how to be an affective church in a culture that is more and more non-Christian.
While I was sitting there talking to him I could not stop thinking...."I can't believe he will be in 5th grade next year." This brings me to the point of the BLOG today. As parents how much quality and quantity time are you spending with your kids? Some of you may be thinking that you don't need both or that you can't do both. As you know, there is an old saying that reads...."It is not the amount of time, but the quality of time you spend with your kids that matter." Well, in my opinion, this is a wrong statement and one that we created to help ease our minds over the lack of time we choose to spend with our kids.
The truth is that our kids need both...quality and quantity time. This is very true for kids who are very relational and need a bunch of time to feel loved by a parent. Moreover, as our kids get older they need us to spend more time with them and in those piled on minutes....quality will be happen. For most kids, quality only happens after huge amounts of the mundane.
For example....I spend a bunch of time coaching my son's sports teams. However, it is only when we are alone eating breakfast that we can actually talk. It is when you have spent the whole day with your older teenage kids that you get that quick meaningful chat.
School is out for some this week and for all by next Tuesday. I want to encourage all CSF parents to really think about creative ways that you and your kids can spend some quantity time together. At CSF we are offering some things this summer to help foster this endeavor. Take advantage of them......
Because of our schedules, most of us will have to plan ahead to spend a BUNCH of time with our kids this summer. This summer will be over before you know it....and your kids will be in the next grade and then the next grade and very soon will be gone. The time you have now while they are kids and teens can never come back once they are over......spend them wisely and with no regrets later!
Today's Bible Reading Ephesians Chapter 1
You are going to love this book. This book of the Bible has some of the most read and most quoted verses in all the Bible. Paul started the new church in Ephesus and it was located in a major city. It was a fast growing city and much like Charlotte has become, it was full of people from every race and nationality. Also, just like Charlotte it was growing with people who were not Christians and regular church attendees. In this book we will be encouraged to live a godly life in a culture that has turned away from Christ and we will learn how to be an affective church in a culture that is more and more non-Christian.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
New Production Booth Points To The Future
Last Sunday at 1:05 pm we concluded our 3rd service. At 1:15pm about 10 very skilled volunteers from CSF begin building a our new sound and tech booth in the back of the main auditorium. This great new booth will allow us to have our current sound board, computers and other production stuff for Sunday's services in a sharp looking professionally crafted booth. No more ugly white tables with gear on them and cables hanging everywhere. You will love the new professional look!
Moreover, the large size will allow us to have a camera raised up in the booth for us to start filming the services and put them on our web site. Moreover, we will soon start showing the band and speaker live on the large screen. This booth will allow for us to increase what we do on Sunday morning as far as production is concerned. The massive light board has been moved up stairs into the balcony area and the down stairs production booth will now be up-fitted with new state-of-the-art equipment that will allow us to do live video, record our music live for live CD's and even serve as a way for our band to continue making new CD's...and all the other things we have not been able to do with professional quality.
The volunteers who designed and built our new Production Booth did a great job. Many are professional cabinet makers and builders for their careers. They spent many hours before Sunday, building the pieces in their shops and then they were here ALL Afternoon/Night Sunday assembling it so it can be ready to go this Sunday! GREAT JOB GUYS AND GALS!
CSF is all about TEAM work! The local church is at it's best when we are functioning as a TEAM!
One last thing.....The Tim Hawkins Concert is sold out! 575 people will enjoy this very funny night. If you procrastinated and did not get a ticket.....he will be back next year. Also, please go to our website and listen to the first message in the SIMPLE series. HA HA HA
Today's Bible Reading Romans Chapter 16
As Paul closes out the book of Romans he does a great job recounting the people who had helped him start and be a part of the church. In a way, he goes down the roster of the Church Team that helped him start and run this church. As you read through the list of people, you can read that he cares for them deeply and he list what they meant to him and what they did for the church.
We started our church 9 1/2 years ago. I too have so many people that come to mind that have been here for so many years. They have served and been a part of our church in good and challenging times. They have served faithfully. They have given sacrificially. They are Players on this great church team. I am thankful for so many people....you know who you are.
Question for you......If we were to come up with a roster of current Players that are making a difference now...would you be on that active roster?
Moreover, the large size will allow us to have a camera raised up in the booth for us to start filming the services and put them on our web site. Moreover, we will soon start showing the band and speaker live on the large screen. This booth will allow for us to increase what we do on Sunday morning as far as production is concerned. The massive light board has been moved up stairs into the balcony area and the down stairs production booth will now be up-fitted with new state-of-the-art equipment that will allow us to do live video, record our music live for live CD's and even serve as a way for our band to continue making new CD's...and all the other things we have not been able to do with professional quality.
The volunteers who designed and built our new Production Booth did a great job. Many are professional cabinet makers and builders for their careers. They spent many hours before Sunday, building the pieces in their shops and then they were here ALL Afternoon/Night Sunday assembling it so it can be ready to go this Sunday! GREAT JOB GUYS AND GALS!
CSF is all about TEAM work! The local church is at it's best when we are functioning as a TEAM!
One last thing.....The Tim Hawkins Concert is sold out! 575 people will enjoy this very funny night. If you procrastinated and did not get a ticket.....he will be back next year. Also, please go to our website and listen to the first message in the SIMPLE series. HA HA HA
Today's Bible Reading Romans Chapter 16
As Paul closes out the book of Romans he does a great job recounting the people who had helped him start and be a part of the church. In a way, he goes down the roster of the Church Team that helped him start and run this church. As you read through the list of people, you can read that he cares for them deeply and he list what they meant to him and what they did for the church.
We started our church 9 1/2 years ago. I too have so many people that come to mind that have been here for so many years. They have served and been a part of our church in good and challenging times. They have served faithfully. They have given sacrificially. They are Players on this great church team. I am thankful for so many people....you know who you are.
Question for you......If we were to come up with a roster of current Players that are making a difference now...would you be on that active roster?
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
The Question That Must Be Answered!
On Sunday our Pre-school director came up to me and told me about what happened with my three-year-old son. Brady, my youngest son, has just turned three and a few weeks ago he moved up into his new group on Sunday morning. He has left the nursery area and is a big boy in with the other three-year-olds. Evidently, he noticed the colorful sign on the wall that read..."Jesus Loves Me!"
Brady asked Leah..."what does that say?" She told him... "It says, Jesus Loves Me." He then replied..."Who is Jesus?" That is a GREAT question for a three-year-old to be asking. I am so pleased that over the next weeks, months and years my son will be taught that every Sunday by adults who love him! That is the question that must be answered by each person. "Who is Jesus...to me?"
This SIMPLE question reminded me of how important each Sunday is in the life of a child. It is this importance that also concerns me. You see, at CSF we have far too many families that only come once or twice a month. This is not great for adults and it is very harmful to a child. They need weekly fun learning about Jesus and the things of God. They need to see church as a place to go on a regular basis if they are to really believe that the information being taught is real, important and something they should commit their life to.
I want to encourage us all.....lets make sure our attendance is regular for our own sake and the lives of our kids and teenagers. Summer time is a time when we all are gone a bunch. That is fun and a great thing about summer! However, when you are in town, be sure to make weekend plans around an active attendance each Sunday. Each Sunday we have dedicated adults ready to teach your kids..."Who is Jesus?"
Today's Bible Study Romans chapter 15
In verse 20 Paul shares his heart of what he has been called to do.....his heart matches the heartbeat of CSF....He says, it has always been his ambition to share the good news of Christ in places and to people who had not heard about Jesus. His desire was not to focus on those who were already Christians and build a church full of Christians who already had a relationship with Christ. Nope, Paul's desire was to reach people who were far from Jesus and could not answer the question: "Who is Jesus?"
The vision of CSF has always been to focus much of our energies to reaching those who are disconnected from Jesus and a local church. When we hang with Paul....we are in good company!
Brady asked Leah..."what does that say?" She told him... "It says, Jesus Loves Me." He then replied..."Who is Jesus?" That is a GREAT question for a three-year-old to be asking. I am so pleased that over the next weeks, months and years my son will be taught that every Sunday by adults who love him! That is the question that must be answered by each person. "Who is Jesus...to me?"
This SIMPLE question reminded me of how important each Sunday is in the life of a child. It is this importance that also concerns me. You see, at CSF we have far too many families that only come once or twice a month. This is not great for adults and it is very harmful to a child. They need weekly fun learning about Jesus and the things of God. They need to see church as a place to go on a regular basis if they are to really believe that the information being taught is real, important and something they should commit their life to.
I want to encourage us all.....lets make sure our attendance is regular for our own sake and the lives of our kids and teenagers. Summer time is a time when we all are gone a bunch. That is fun and a great thing about summer! However, when you are in town, be sure to make weekend plans around an active attendance each Sunday. Each Sunday we have dedicated adults ready to teach your kids..."Who is Jesus?"
Today's Bible Study Romans chapter 15
In verse 20 Paul shares his heart of what he has been called to do.....his heart matches the heartbeat of CSF....He says, it has always been his ambition to share the good news of Christ in places and to people who had not heard about Jesus. His desire was not to focus on those who were already Christians and build a church full of Christians who already had a relationship with Christ. Nope, Paul's desire was to reach people who were far from Jesus and could not answer the question: "Who is Jesus?"
The vision of CSF has always been to focus much of our energies to reaching those who are disconnected from Jesus and a local church. When we hang with Paul....we are in good company!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Do you struggle with a Addiction...we are here to help!
Yesterday's message had people talking in the cafe and at lunch afterward. That is good. A Sunday service should always be something that makes you talk about it when it is over and our goal is that everyone who listens can recall and restate the main idea behind the message.
I had a few people pull me aside and share with me that they have an addiction and that the message was on target and helpful. Moreover, I was pleased that these people shared with me that they were getting helped here at CSF through our counseling ministry and/or our Celebrate Recovery groups. That is awesome!
What about you? Did yesterday's message help you to realize that you need help? Maybe you need help to recognize your personal baggage and how that is affecting your life now? Maybe you need a group or someone to talk to? Whatever the case......don't struggle alone.
As a helpful reminder today...here are the SIMPLE Spiritual things you have to believe about you if you are in the downward spiral of addiction!
SIMPLE Spiritual Thinking…
1) You Are Not Crazy BUT understood by God!
2) You Are Not Alone BUT in Fellowship here and with God.
3) You Are Not Unforgivable but Forgiven already by God.
4) You Are Not Hopeless BUT are the Beloved of God!
Also, here is the book I referenced: Last Addiction by Sharon Hersh
Today's Bible Reading Romans 14
This chapter highlights that their are not certain foods or religious "things" that are good or bad. This chapter teaches against legalism. However, verse 19-21 is clear that if you choose to engage in something that does not have the chance to lead you down the wrong path....BUT it does cause someone else who is not as strong as you to stumble and go down the wrong path...then you should not cause a "weaker" person to stumble.
In my mind this talks directly to the issue of what parents allow in their home. Unfiltered Internet, non-guarded cable or satellite TV, in sight and not locked up alcohol and the like. As a parents we should put down our own "rights" for the betterment of our kids...
I had a few people pull me aside and share with me that they have an addiction and that the message was on target and helpful. Moreover, I was pleased that these people shared with me that they were getting helped here at CSF through our counseling ministry and/or our Celebrate Recovery groups. That is awesome!
What about you? Did yesterday's message help you to realize that you need help? Maybe you need help to recognize your personal baggage and how that is affecting your life now? Maybe you need a group or someone to talk to? Whatever the case......don't struggle alone.
As a helpful reminder today...here are the SIMPLE Spiritual things you have to believe about you if you are in the downward spiral of addiction!
SIMPLE Spiritual Thinking…
1) You Are Not Crazy BUT understood by God!
2) You Are Not Alone BUT in Fellowship here and with God.
3) You Are Not Unforgivable but Forgiven already by God.
4) You Are Not Hopeless BUT are the Beloved of God!
Also, here is the book I referenced: Last Addiction by Sharon Hersh
Today's Bible Reading Romans 14
This chapter highlights that their are not certain foods or religious "things" that are good or bad. This chapter teaches against legalism. However, verse 19-21 is clear that if you choose to engage in something that does not have the chance to lead you down the wrong path....BUT it does cause someone else who is not as strong as you to stumble and go down the wrong path...then you should not cause a "weaker" person to stumble.
In my mind this talks directly to the issue of what parents allow in their home. Unfiltered Internet, non-guarded cable or satellite TV, in sight and not locked up alcohol and the like. As a parents we should put down our own "rights" for the betterment of our kids...
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