If nothing ever changes...

The word "change" stirs up a lot of emotions. I guess it all depends on the lens you are looking thru. Uncertainty, excitement, anxious, cautious, angry, sad, uneasy, indifferent and joy are just a few of the words people use to describe change.

C3 is going thru some changes. Come to think about it, C3 always seems to be in a season of change. The one thing that stays the same is the consistency of change.

People are affected by change and I have had to have some tough conversations, some uncomfortable ones and some pleasant ones.

I started saying this statement (be ready, it's pretty profound): "if nothing ever changes, nothing ever changes".

Did u get the full effect of it. Did it impact you deeply. Did it hit confuse you. Did it insult you. Did it make you think - yea, me too.

My point: if C3 is constantly changing, everything & everyone has to continue changing as we'll. I have learned to love it and hate it at the same time. I think others have too.

We don't get to rest because change causes you to adjust. We don't get to celebrate long because the next change is coming soon. We don't get to coast or set the cruise control because the speed is never the same.

Here's the truth: if nothing ever changes, nothing ever changes. If everything stays the same, then everything stays the same. But If everything changes, then everything changes.

Change

Change for the sake of change is crazy but change with intent is necessary.

Today was the first day of the new service times for C3. We needed to do something because of our limited children's space. We have room to grow in our adult environments so we focused on our true obstacle - kids space.

It took us awhile to drill down on the root of the problem we were trying to solve. It was so easy to think our only option was to add a fourth service time. Once we listed all the pros and cons we realized it wasn't the best solution.

We had a whiteboard session and exhausted all the possibilities then landed on what we decided was the win/win.

Our goal is to have more children attend the 4p service than were attending the 8:15a service. That's it!

My point: change is a constant. Change with a desires outcome is wise change. Change just for the sake of change is frustrating.

Based on today, we are on the right track. The 4p service has room to grow. I think it will prove to be worth the time invested in the decision process. We shall see...

dirty laundry

The craziest thing happens every week. I throw dirty, wet nasty clothes in this basket in my closet and out of no where a pile of folded clean laundry appears.

I throw the dirty clothes in a closet and the clean ones appear in plain view. I think it's funny that we try to hide the dirty laundry of our lives but it is much better to go thru a process to become clean so we aren't ashamed to talk about it in public.

My point: think about the things in your life that you are hiding or ashamed of and find a coach to help you identify where you are and where you want to be, then help you get there.
 
I thought about looking into this mystery but I decided to just enjoy it instead. I am so thankful that my wife does laundry but I am learning that not every stain comes out...

what the heck is that...

I was at a restaurant when I walked past this thing hanging on the wall. Upon further review, it was a phone. You actually had to put .35 in it to make a local call... go figure.

That old thing got me thinking (I know, that is a dangerous thing, but bear with me). The reason the pay phone existed was to accomplish a very clear purpose - to be able to talk to someone when they were not with you.

Over the years, the purpose has stayed the same but the methods have changed drastically. We can now open up our own personal phones to call, text or even email right from the palm of our hands.

I think that was a pretty clear example of some of the things we do in life. The way we used to do church many years ago doesn't mean that is the best way to do them now. The purpose has not changed and never will - to tell others about Jesus Christ. C3 chooses to say it a little different but it is still the same point. We say "leading people to LifeChange"...

We don't try to do things the way the church did them years ago. We don't even do them the way other churches are doing them today.

My point: The phone like the church has kept the same clear purpose or vision. The methods have changed to be the most effective in this day and age.

Could you imagine actually being in a position to have to use a pay phone. What would you do if you answered your phone to hear "you have a collect call..." - my kids wouldn't have a clue what that means...

fun with facial hair

I have updated my facebook with pics from when I shaved my chuck norris beard. 

My point: the beard looked amazing growing and coming off...

here is a small sample

change is coming

Whether you voted for him or not, whether you are happy or not, America spoke loud and clear. The masses came out to let their voices be heard and overwhelmingly they said "change" is what's needed. 

Some people think that no matter who the democratic nominee was, they would've won because people are just that fed up with Bush. The republicans are being blamed for the condition of the country. Right or wrong, it is what it is.

I know of some people who support McCain that are all gloom and doom. Those who support Obama may have a huge reality check coming if/when he isn't able to deliver everything promised on the time table that is expected. This country was set up with checks and balances and somehow some way, I believe this is all part of a much larger plan.

As a Christian, I believe that ALL (not some) authority is appointed by God (Rom 13:1). Because I believe there is a much bigger plan, I have to believe that even this president elect is part of that plan. It is a piece to the bigger puzzle. It has to happen in order to accomplish the ultimate plan. We are witnessing history and again, whatever your opinion, as emotionally charged as you may get, this is a pretty cool time to be alive.

For those who prayed for a different outcome, you need to continue to pray for this president. For those who think this one person is going to make all the problems go away... you should read how this story ends. The Bible tells us how this is going to play out. I don't know why we are surprised. 

My point: It's easy to accept God's will when it is what YOU want - but can't it still be God's will when you don't get your own way. I am a proud American and am anxiously looking forward to see what happens. 

This is a historic time, embrace it and know it is all part of a story & we know how it ends. Stay tuned, it's gonna get interesting...