Truth in Love

For our small group meeting last night, we talked about speaking the truth in love. Here are just a few tidbits that stood out:

* The stronger the bridge of relationship, the more truth someone can handle. I like this statement. It's common sense. Think about it: If you are approaching someone about being...oh, let's just pick something...an alcoholic. Who do you have a better shot at? The complete stranger or the friend of 2 years? Who is more likely to listen to what you have to say? The person that barely knows you or the person that you have invested in and can trust you...even if what you are saying is hard to absorb.

* Which side to you fall on? Are you too blunt with people...no tact? Or are you a people pleaser? You will compromise the truth to avoid stepping on someone's toes. Both of these are extremes and both can be dangerous...which leads us to the final point...

* In the person of Jesus Christ we find the perfect blend of grace and truth. Want to learn how to speak the truth in love to your spouse, co-worker, or children? Study how Christ dealt with people. As always, as with most things in our journey, the answer is simple: Imitate Christ.

"Ya'll Are Everywhere" part deux

My feeble attempt at a cool picture.
Jump!
Wait your turn.
Jump around.
Smile.
Tim, our small group pastor, testing the theory that 5 helium filled balloons can indeed lift a Honda CRV off the ground.
Jeremy, our student pastor, showing some serious skills by chatting on the cell phone and throwing a 20 yard TD strike at the same time.
Tim showing off his cool magic trick called, "Replacing my head with a balloon."
Cute little guy.
This little dude was small but got in with the big kids and showed some serious moves.

"Ya'll Are Everywhere"

Yesterday, Saturday, we set up the bounce house at a local elementary school. They were doing a breakfast with Santa thing and so we added to their event by allowing kids to jump off all the sugary syrup in their system and also gave out a couple hundred balloons. (I will post some pics this week). It's always encouraging to get an occasional comment from someone that lets you know you're accomplishing your mission. Yesterday, it came from a lady who simply said, "Ya'll Are Everywhere." That is big time encouraging to us considering we are a brand new church...small...and with no money. Just doing the little things can make all the difference. What a great thing to be known for --- being everywhere in the community. Rock on.

Thumbtastic!

Great video of 2006 Iron Bowl.
Linky

Not Your Way

So we've lived in Cartersville, GA for almost 2 years now...and I finally ate at the famous 4 Way Lunch. Grease pit? Yes. Good eatin? Sorta. I had a hamburger "all the way"...which means it had mustard, chili, and onions on it. As you can see, this place seats around 10 people (it's about the length of 7 newspaper stands). Check out the sign posted above the grill. Now that's funny.

(click on the picture to see an enlarged version)

Church Videos

Bob put together a great collection of church videos. Click HERE to watch.

Next 2 Series

So we just wrapped up our Mythbuster's series at Oak Leaf. I'm excited about our next 2. In December we will do a series called "Light", and in January one called, "God on the Radio". Both will be fantastic.

Poor Question - Great Response

LSU head football coach, Les Miles, being interviewed at halftime during their game with Tennessee last weekend.

Click HERE to watch.

warning: you do hear him curse

by the way: they won the game

I Like You

I'm all for research...but was THIS really necessary?!? The outcomes were WAY predictable. I could have saved someone a lot of time and money and just told them what to expect from their surveys.

(sorry Southern Baptists...looks like those pesky Catholics will beat you guys again this year -- keep pushing for a playoff system -- polls are no way to crown a champion)

Hey There

Ok, it's late, I'm tired, and a big week is just ahead. So, here's my Sunday night post. Yep, a picture of me and the honey. The background is some river in Chattanooga...I should probably know which one it is...oh well. This was taken on our first ever staff retreat a few weeks ago.

Quick update: Service went swell today. I'm so excited every week to meet families who tell me they are hopping on board b/c they have finally found a place that fits for them...and many are doing so b/c their kids are begging them to come back. Great job Dana!

For the 2 or 3 of you that actually read and comment on my infamous blog...drive over/up/down/whatever to C'ville one Sunday morning. Would love to have you visit!

Ready for Sunday

Looking forward to this Sunday at OLC. We are in the middle of a series called "MythBusters". This week's myth: Sin is no big deal.

Not Near Perfect

I'm not near organized enough. I drink too much coke. I don't get enough sleep. I complain too much. I'm weird. I'm a creative freak. I'm 29 going on 23. I'm an impatient driver. I'm selfish. I'm usually dishonest when people ask me how I'm doing. I struggle with consistency. I repeat myself. I struggle with consistency. Playing church is a stressor. True Christian fellowship is a delight. I'm a slow learner.

Happy Thursday.