Friday One...

Yeah...been one of those weeks. I've only got one thing for you. Here it is:

For those of you with teenagers driving this is my favorite parenting idea of the week: (via Mark Driscoll)

The Flight of Lawnchair Larry!

You may be familiar with this story. Back in 1982, 33-year-old truck driver Larry Walters made national news. Larry had a habit of spending his weekends in his Los Angeles backyard, just south of the L.A. International Airport, drinking "Pepsi" and eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. He would just sit in his favorite lawn chair, staring at the houses around him in his subdivision. Not a real exciting life.

Apparently, one-day boredom prompted Larry Walters to buy some balloons and a tank of helium. He figured on tying the balloons to his lawn chair, filling them with helium, and floating up for an aerial view of the neighborhood. He judged that he would get no higher than 100 feet, but just in case, he got out his BB gun and loaded it. He planned to regulate his altitude by shooting out a couple balloons. I’m not sure how many six packs of …Pepsi…he had consumed when he came to that idea, but Larry thought that it was worth a try. 

So Larry Walters of Los Angeles went out and bought 45 big weather balloons, a huge tank of helium and some rope. First, he secured his lawn chair to the ground, and then he filled the balloons with helium. One by one he tied them to his chair. Before lift off, he went inside the house and got another six pack of…Pepsi…, a couple PB&J sandwiches, and his BB gun. Then he went out and sat in his lawn chair. He had instructed his neighbors to cut the ropes securing the chair when he was ready. “Let’s Go!” he yelled, and the ropes were cut. 

But he didn’t go up 100 feet. He went up 11,000 feet. Shot straight up in the air! And the BB gun? It was useless since he was using both hands to hang on to the chair for dear life! 

He zoomed straight up into the landing pattern at LA International Airport. The pilot of an approaching Continental DC 10 reported that he had passed a man in a lawn chair, and control tower told him to report immediately upon landing. They thought the pilot might have been drinking too much…Pepsi. 

Eventually, they sent up helicopters to rescue Larry Walters. They closed the airport and diverted all landings and takeoffs at LAX while they played tag with this guy in a lawn chair at 11,000 feet! When they finally got him down, he was surrounded by TV crews, the police, fire, and rescue squads and plenty of curious people. It was a major event. 

“Were you scared?” asked a reporter. “No, not really.” Larry answered. “Are you going to do it again?” asked another reported. “No.” “What in the world made you do it the first time?” Larry thought about that for a minute and said, “Well, you can’t just sit there.” 

Peter was a "Larry Walters" kind of guy at times. There's an unbelievable story about Peter walking on the Water in Matthew 14. Jesus had just fed 5000 and sent the disciples off across the lake where there was a looming storm. After a time of prayer, Jesus walks out to the boat on the water. On. The. Water. That's a whole different blog post. Anyway, Peter sees him and here's what happened:

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”        “Come,”  he said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

I look at guys like Larry Walters who say..."well, you can't just sit there" and I think..."well, I sure can." Peter, really? You know people weren't made to walk on water, right? 

Look through the pages of the Bible and you will see them filled with people God used because they weren't content to "just sit there." God called them to action and they answered. The need for courage arose and they leaned hard into their faith in God to give them strength.

 - Moses stood up to Pharaoh, parted the Red Sea, and led a nation to freedom! (He tried to convince God that he wasn't the guy for the job at first.)
 -  Joshua led armies against seemingly insurmountable odds
 - David became king.
 - Peter walked on water and became the rock on which Jesus founded the church.
 - Paul, a devout Jewish leader, brought the message of Jesus to the Gentiles (that would be most of you)

What keeps you "just sitting there?" Fear? Lack of ability? Possibility of failure? Let's face it, it comfortable from the couch. It's comfortable in the boat. It's easier to not take a stand. It's easier to join in with everyone else than to be a difference maker. "Sitting there" protects our reputations, careers, and money, but what does it cost us?

Picture yourself there on the sea of Galilee in the middle of the storm. Look around. Where’s Jesus? He’s definitely not in the boat. If you truly desire to follow Jesus, then occasionally you are going to have to walk on water. Once you realize that and begin to step out, you can have full assurance that you will have the supernatural support that you need. Peter only walked on water because he had faith that Jesus’ power could hold him up. You can do the same.

New life every week!

I don't know if you noticed this. It might have slipped by you. We've had 4 baptisms this month! 4! It has been so exciting to see people walk with Christ into new life. Don't let the power of that slip by...there is no more important thing. Period.

On a similar note, we are offering RESCUE class again September 15, 22, 29th during the Sunday School hour in the Loft. Sign ups are available now. Sign up in the church bulletin or email the church office to let us know you're coming. RESCUE is a three-week class that walks you and your older elementary child through God's plan for salvation. RESCUE creates an opportunity for parents to talk through the most important decision a child will make. If you have any questions, contact me or Kari Jo. 

Favorites for August 23rd...

1. Favorite Marriage Article - 3 Ways to do ANYTHING for your Marriage - (via marriedpeople)

People say they would do anything for their marriage, but seldom do. Here are 3 anythings you can right now!

2.  Favorite Parenting Article - Patience = Money In The Bank - (via Orange)

Much like money in the bank, we all have different amounts of Patience Capital or “PC” in our banks. From time to time, our children will make a withdrawal from our banks. When our accounts run dry, we typically say things like “I’m running out of patience” or “I’m trying to be patient with you.”  In these moments, we’re actually on overdraft protection mode! The reality is that we all must take some steps to re-build our PC accounts. Here are a few ways to grow your PC accounts so that you won’t bankrupt your patience!

3.  Favorite Video - Black or White Cover - (via YouTube)


4. Favorite Artwork That Looks Like A Photo - (via Twisted Sifter)

5. Favorite Food Idea - 17 Unexpected Foods You Can Cook on a Waffle Iron - (via Buzz Feed)

**Brownies! Who knew? Click the link for 16 more.

Four score and seven years ago.

Have you ever heard of Edward Everett? Maybe if you're a history buff. I enjoy history a great deal, but can't recall anyone ever talking about him. Edward Everett was the man who gave the main address at the cemetery in Gettysburg. He spoke. The Marine Band played after him. Then, America changed. 

America changed when President Abraham Lincoln gave a short, simply, dedicatory address we now know as the Gettysburg Address. No one speaks of Edward Everett. You can't make it through Elementary School without at least knowing a little of the Gettysburg Address. 

Lincoln was invited to speak at this occasion simply as a formality. That he decided to attend was nice, but he was not the main attraction. The Honorable Edward Everett was the main speaker. Everett's words didn't change the face of a nation though. Let's make a comparison. 

• Everett spoke a wonderful oration for two hours...(2 HOURS!)...rarely, if ever, using notes.
• Lincoln spoke for three minutes. (For the record, the opening prayer was 4 times as long as Lincoln's remarks)

What made the difference? President Lincoln determined to say more with less. So often we want to use more words and flowery language and end up saying less and making less of an impact. Lincoln wanted to say a great deal in the fewest words. His speech was 271 words. A few simple paragraphs; spoken in plain language. In those 271 words Lincoln reshaped how a nation viewed the Constitution, how it viewed its mission, and renewed hope that this nation could recover and thrive to become all the founding fathers imagined:

that we here highly resolve that THESE DEAD shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

At the risk of sounding cliche, Jesus was the best at this. Constantly he was telling people short stories and object lessons and challenging their faith, their understanding of God, and their understanding of themselves and their purpose. There was one point in the life of Christ that Jesus used three, simple, words that rocked my life.

When he had received the drink, Jesus said,  “It is finished.”  With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. - John 19:30, NIV

That moment in time needed no lengthy speech, no explanation  In that moment Jesus, on the cross, beaten, crucified, changed not a nation but an eternity. In that moment Christ took on the sin, shame, and guilt of all people for all time. In that moment, my life changed. A door was thrown open that had not been open to me. An invitation to be restored to a right relationship with my Creator. With those three words, "It is finished,"Jesus changed my life and the lives of every person from every nation. His death brings us life. His death has broken the chains of my sin, removed my guilt, and given me a great hope for this life and the life to come. 

I pray you've found that hope. It changes everything. 


-----
Much of the information on Lincoln's speech came from an article I read from The Atlantic Magazine. You can read the article here. 

The image used is from the Library of Congress. In it, you can see Lincoln, hatless, at the center of a crowd at the orators stage. 

You know that ain't listening!

Yesterday morning we showed the following:



We showed all of that to tell you about the upcoming Marriage Retreat we are hosting at Cumberland Falls State Park on September 27-28th. Dr. Scott and Elizabeth Wigginton are the teachers for the weekend. I can't tell you how excited I am about the possibilities for the weekend. 
I also know that space is somewhat limited and registrations are already coming in! Don't miss out. The cost is $149/couple. Our goal is to keep the costs as low as possible. However, if you need financial assistance, please note that on the registration form. You can turn those into the church office or to me. Download and print out the registration form today!
CLICK HERE TO GET THE REGISTRATION FORM

Generations of Snooping Dogs Walking on Water Committing Adultery

That title could be misleading, but never mind that, let's get to this weeks 5 favorites!

1. Favorite Marriage Article - 7 Reasons Adultery is Stupid - (via Bob Russell)

1. Eventually the adulteress will turn against you. “For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.”  (Proverbs 5:3-5) Find out the other six here

2. Favorite Parenting Tweet - (via Burk Parsons)

"Too many men want to change the world but aren't willing to change diapers, but that's precisely where changing the world begins, at home."

3. Favorite Parenting Article Your Kids Might Just Hate - Snooping On Your Kids - (via gigaom)

This article was written by the child of a parent who openly snooped on their child's online life: "On the other hand, I think having him supervise — and knowing that he was supervising — helped me not only to stay out of trouble and behave appropriately for my age, but also fostered a certain amount of critical thinking about why my dad worried about some of the things I did." Read The Rest Here

4. Favorite "Generations" Picture - (via Amazing Things)

And Finally, 

5. Favorite "Jesus" Dog - (via Amazing Things)

This photo was taken on December 31, 2002. The Rideau was experiencing some unseasonably warm weather and a layer of water had formed on top of the ice covered lake, resulting in a mirror-like surface.
photo credit: ©Ken Watson

Thank you Mr. President**

Imagine yourself standing on the sidewalk in front of the White House. You have come here to share some of your ideas with the big man, the President of the United States of America. You want to talk to him about a possible tax cut for the middle class; you want to talk to him about the tuition at your son’s school; and world peace would be nice as well. And you even brought along some cookies that he can share with the first lady!

So you’re off. You head towards the security gate and announce to the guard, “I’d like to see the President.” He looks at you and says, “Right, and I’d like to fly Air Force One, but I’d say neither one of those things are going to happen. Beat it dork!”

You turn away, disappointed. You had made it so close. You didn’t even get to give him your cookies. But, there were too many barriers. Barriers of time, the president is too busy. Barriers of status, you are a nobody. You would have had to get through the Secret Service, and by some odd chance that you could have done that, the President’s staff would have stopped you. There was no hope.

That is, unless the President took the initiative. Unless he sees you walking away disappointed and devastated that he asks his chief of staff, “See that person with the sack of cookies? Go tell him that I would like to talk to him.” If he were to say that, then instantly all of the barriers drop and you are welcomed right in to the comfy chair in the oval office! Everything is the same, the gates, the guards, the staff, but the situation is not the same. You feel special. Why? Because he saw you from up there and made it possible for you to come inside.

Ephesians 2:13 says; 

"Now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away from God are brought near.”

We can’t even get in to see the President, but we are granted an audience with God? How can that be? What happened? Someone tore all of the barriers down. Hebrews 10:19-20 says, “So, brothers and sisters, we are completely free to enter the Most Holy Place without fear because the blood of Jesus’ death. We can enter through a new and living way that Jesus opened for us. It leads through the curtain—Christ’s body.”

Through Christ’s blood on the cross, all of the barriers between God and us are torn down. We are made to feel special. Not because of anything we have done, but because He saw us from up there and called us into His presence. His love for us and desire for us to communicate one-on-one with Him caused Him to take on human form and die for us. Now you are welcome in God’s presence. And you don’t even have to bring cookies.

**I wish I could take credit for all of the above, but I believe much of the idea behind it came from Max Lucado.

Photo Credit: www.whitehouse.gov

Joe's Announcement

Yesterday morning our Senior Minister, Joe Hatchett announced his resignation. Here was his statement to the congregation:

Last Sunday night I tendered my resignation as Senior Minister of the Campbellsville Christian Church to the Elders.  For several months I have been praying that God would help me make a difficult decision concerning ministry and my role at Campbellsville Christian Church.  I feel I have made a choice that is best for me, my family and the church.  My last Sunday as Senior Minister will be September 29. 

I thank God for the opportunity to have served Him at this church for the past ten plus years.  It is my prayer that I have faithfully cultivated the spiritual seed planted by those before me, and have planted seed that will bear fruit in your lives in the years to come.  I appreciate your love and support during these years.

May you grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.  May you multiply disciples as you bear witness of the power of salvation that is in Jesus.  May God bless you and may you be a blessing to others.

Joe Hatchett

When Joe and Kathy came to Campbellsville I was still "wet behind the ears." Joe has been a great friend and mentor to me and will be greatly missed. I also know that God continues to have great things in store for the Campbellsville Christian Church and will lead us to those as we continue to "fix our eyes of Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith..."

As we navigate these times, let me encourage you to pray for the Transition Team, pray for our Elders and Deacons, and pray for the staff. I, along with the church staff and leadership have the utmost confidence in God and His continual provision for Campbellsville Christian. While we are sad, we look forward to seeing what God will accomplish and will continue to give Him the glory.

Okay, your grandma is cooler...

Here are my 5 favorite things this week:

1. Favorite Marriage Thought - Secret Weapon - (via marriedpeople)

Think about the last fight you had with your spouse. At what point of the argument did things seem to quickly go from bad to worse. Was it when you got sarcastic? Was it when your spouse got defensive? Was it when you said that thing you swore you would never say again? Was it when your spouse raised their voice? Imagine rewinding to the moment right before the argument quickly became “unhelpful.” Now imagine there was a secret weapon you could interject into that moment that would keep the negativity from escalating out of control. Want to know what it is? Click here

2. Favorite Preschool Parenting Point - 5 Ways to Teach Preschoolers Spiritual Truth - (via Orange)

1. Experience the TruthPreschoolers learn best through experience and active participation. Choose activities that give them these memorable experiences. FIND OUT THE OTHER 4 HERE

3. Favorite Dog - Let's Ride - (via Twisted Sifter)

4. Favorite Old Photo - Sunny D - (via Awkward Family Photos)

“In the 20th Century, babies were kept in cages outside windows, so they could get sunlight and air to get Vitamin D for good health. Originating in America, it was also said that these too provided more room for families who had little space in their city homes & somewhere for the child to play with toys.”

5. Favorite Grandma - Your Grandma is Way Cooler Than Mine - (via storylineblog)

Have a great weekend!

Gatorade and Jesus

I was in Louisville a couple of weeks ago when I saw something that completely impressed me. We were getting on the on ramp for the Watterson in the middle of a ton of construction. Traffic was moving at a snail's pace. People were impatient. Out in the middle of it all was a police officer, standing in the heat, trying to maintain calm in the midst of the frustration of so many drivers. As we approached the officer, a truck next to the officer rolled down his window and reached towards the officer with an orange Gatorade, handed it to him, and went on his way. 

I was impressed. In reality, it wasn't a big gesture. He didn't hand him $1,000 or a Mediterranean cruise, it was simply a Gatorade. My first thought was, "Who carries extra Gatorade with them?" My second thought was "What a great idea!"

I am going to presume some things on the driver of this truck. I don't know him/her. I don't know their motives. I don't know what they said to the officer. What I do know is that they were ready. They were prepared; in the event that they saw a need they could meet it. 

I wanted to get out of the traffic. I wanted to drive above the speed limit. I wanted to make the other stops we needed to make and get home. I I I. My thoughts and attitudes were about me and what I wanted. I wasn't prepared to let anyone else's needs interfere with me. Then, in a moment of conviction I was reminded of 1Peter 3:15:

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, (1 Peter 3:15, NIV)

Am I prepared at any given moment to explain why I have hope in Jesus Christ? 

Maybe Gatorade isn't exactly sharing your faith, but it certainly made me question why that driver did it. I don't know whether he was a Christian or not, but I have a hunch, if he was, he would be be prepared to give an answer to the reason he carried extra Gatorade. So the question for you and I today is: Are you prepared?

New Life...

Two baptisms yesterday! Maybe I should leave town more often! 

Small Group Connection is this coming Sunday night (Aug. 11th) from 6:30-8:00 PM. Sunday night will be a finger food night for the adults. Teens will have their own "Connection" event and food. Childcare will be provided on the 2nd Floor of the Education building and they will also have their own food. 

Our Wednesday Nights start back in 2 days! As a reminder, here is the schedule:

5:45-6:15 PM - Dinner in the FLC
6:15-6:30 PM - Clean up and move to groups (our Teens will be in the FLC for Fuel this year, so we will have to clear the FLC so they can begin)
6:30-8:00 PM

• Root 252 - Children's Ministry
• Fuel - Student Ministry
• Deeper Life Studies - Adults
• Survey of the New Testament
• Parenting Beyond Your Capacity
• 1 Corinthians - Men's Study

It's going to be an exciting year! 

Porn, Overexposure, and Shipwrecks:

Here's this weeks 5:

1. Favorite Country (UK) - Why Porn is Blocked in the UK - (via Gospel Coalition)

I love America, but the UK's getting it right! Here's the analogy: Would you want heroine or oxycodone to show up in your mailbox everyday, unsolicited, for any and all to have access? The UK is saying no to online porn, unless you specifically request it. MUST READ ARTICLE!

2. Favorite Facts - 4 Things Porn Makes You Believe - (via Cross Shaped Stuff)

Pornography, or any type of fantasy sex for that matter, removes the personhood from the person. It treats IT as an object (notice I said it, because that is exactly what they are to you). IT becomes something which I use as a vehicle to deliver pleasure to me...Perhaps this systematic objectification and dehumanization is what makes it easier to callIT a “hoe,” “skank,” “whore,” “booty-call,” “dime,” or worse? READ THE FULL POST HERE.

3. Favorite Social Media Thought - Overexposed - (via The Busy Mom)

4. Favorite Deception - Deceptive Fast-Food Ads - (via So Bad So Good)

5. Favorite Honest Logos - Universal Unbranding - (via Laughing Squid)

Have a great weekend!