Monthly Archive for November, 2008

Making the Impossible Reality

This Sunday begins a whole new level for C3 Church.  This morning as I was at our storage units helping to load two trucks with food and supplies, I was deeply moved with gratitude for the people of C3.  It takes a true passion for Christ to put others first, to sacrifice time and to give beyond logic.

Years ago God put a deep vision in my heart to be a part of a movement that truly makes a difference - to lead a church that actually impacts the community and brings hope to the hurting.  People are suffering all around us and the vast majority have decided that church is not the answer to their pain.  In fact, research shows that while many are searching for God, the majority have decided that church is not where you find him.  How could we look so different than the one we claim to love and follow?  It will be through following the words of Christ - “loving God and loving others” that we will capture their attention and then their hearts.

The people of C3 are doing the unthinkable.  In a struggling economy when we have less, they are giving more.  We (Christ-followers) have an unprecedented opportunity to show what we care about.  It all comes down to us or others, what’s comfortable and sensible or what pushes us to the edge of our faith - a place of hope without all the answers.  C3 has chosen.  We are not about building an institution, we are all about advancing a movement.

As we’ve been reminded this week to be thankful, and we move into the celebration of the birth of Christ, this year can be more than the past.  For C3, 100 families who have real needs are going to be helped.  We are going to help feed and provide basic necessities for 100 families for an entire month.  Then, on December 21 these 100 families will come to C3 as we celebrate the birth of Christ, and each of their kids will get a Christmas present, and many of them will receive the greatest gift in all of life.

It just makes me wonder… if 11 men changed the world, what could a few hundred do?  Or… what could hundreds of thousands do if we truly loved God and loved others.

C3, we’re about to change the world!  I’ve never been more grateful for a group of people - you’re awesome!

Published
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Byron Bledsoe
on November 29, 2008
in C3 Church, Church, Faith, Friends, Future, Life, Past, Random, Sunday, Thankful, Thoughts, Vision, feed the children, finances, love, money, timeless and transitioning church
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Last Night…

Last night the sky was incredible.  Angie has always had this thing about beautiful sunsets/sunrises - just the colors of the sky, nature… life in general.  It’s always a reminder of the depth of beauty that only God can create.

So, yesterday evening when the sun was setting she goes flying out the backdoor with Kayleigh’s camera but couldn’t get a great shot.  She then climbs on top of the Excursion to capture what moved her.  I saw a beauty greater than the colors of the sky… I saw this:

Today I’m thankful for the beautiful things only God can create, my bride and my kids.  Life is great.

Published
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Byron Bledsoe
on November 27, 2008
in Family, Life, Past, Random, Thoughts, love, marriage and women
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Time For This…

Wow… the blog needs a little love.  It’s been a crazy few days.  Here are just a few things flying through my mind:

  • I can’t wait for Sunday.  C3 begins the Food For Families Christmas ministry (we’re helping to feed and provide other basic items to 100 families in need for an entire month!).
  • I love Thanksgiving!  It’s just a simple reminder that there’s so much to be grateful for.
  • The kids have been out of school for half a week now… the kids still have half a week left being out of school… (seriously, they’re a blast!).
  • My parents are here from Texas - they experienced C3 for the first time last Sunday.
  • Angie got these new furry boots… don’t need to say anymore about that.
  • I sold the Harley on Ebay - don’t need to say anything else about that right now either.
  • I can’t wait for our Christmas Series which launches on Dec. 7 - “Christmas Vacation” - it’s going to be life-changing!!!

Published
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Byron Bledsoe
on November 26, 2008
in C3 Church, Church, Faith, Family, Friends, Future, Life, Life Lessons, Past, Random, Sunday, Thankful, Thoughts, Vision, feed the children, finances and marriage
. 1 Comment

You Asked…

Sunday @ C3 we talked about “Great Sex.”  I’ve gotten a ton of questions/emails/facebook messages about issues people are wrestling with.  Here are a few questions you asked:

1.  How do I tell my spouse I have an STD?  You know you have to tell them.  Without knowing more (how long this has been an issue, if it’s the result of an affair, the mindset/emotional state of your spouse, etc.) this isn’t a simple answer.  If you asked this question please email or contact our office and we’ll do all we can to help you.  The bottom line is they deserve to know now, but how you tell them depends on many factors.

2.  How do you save your marriage after infidelity?  This is challenging for many reasons.  You’ve experienced such a deep level of betrayal, but there is hope.  Forgiveness is both a choice and a process.  To restore trust and intimacy takes time and effort from both.  For restoration to take place will not only take time, but a deep commitment from both - saving the marriage becomes a real priority.  There is no set formula, I would encourage you to get some help - seek Christian counseling.  If you don’t know anyone, contact us and well put you in touch with someone who can help.

3.  As an unmarried woman, I was not given the choice when I lost my virginity.  I want to know, does God blame me and does he expect me to save myself still for my future husband, even though now it means nothing to me? As you’ve found out, feeling violated steals something from you but that’s not why God wants you to save yourself.  Often women think there suppose to save themselves for their husbands because it’s best for the husband.  It’s also best for you.  While the first experience was not your choice, this one is.  God doesn’t blame you for something that wasn’t your choice, and God can help you heal from that.  It does mean something to you, perhaps more than you even know.  Your no less special, I believe God not only loves you, but has a great plan for your future.

This series has reminded me how so many have been so hurt in life.  Often we wrestle with deep issues that we’re afraid to voice.  You don’t have to spend your life wondering… God does love you and wants to be close to you.

If you have a middle school or high school student make sure they’re at Crave this week (Wed pm) - I’ll be speaking about an issue all of our teens deal with.  Students - I’m pumped about being with you this week!

This Sunday we’ll wrap up “Google” - don’t miss this week, it will be awesome!  Invest and Invite…

Published
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Byron Bledsoe
on November 18, 2008
in C3 Church, Church, Faith, Friends, Future, Life, Past, Random, Sunday, Thoughts, Vision, fear, love, marriage, questions and women
. 1 Comment

Great Sex


Google - Great Sex from C3 Church on Vimeo.

This Sunday @ C3 we’re continuing the “Google” series.  One of the hottest topics people are interested in is sex.  How do you have great sex?  Sunday I’m going to be brutally honest about this often misunderstood and misused subject.  Many adults, and teens, and had sex, but what is Great Sex and is it attainable?  Is there something more than what you’ve experienced?  Don’t miss this Sunday @ C3 as we “Google” Great Sex.

(I’ll also be answering some of your questions in the message… - invite people like crazy!).

Published
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Byron Bledsoe
on November 12, 2008
in C3 Church, Church, Future, Life, Random, Thoughts, love and marriage
. 1 Comment