Archive for the 'marriage' Category

It Changed Everything

Last night during dinner we were talking about “Christmas Vacation” and the C3 devo for the night.  The discussion turned as a couple of the kids began to have “more intense discussion” (don’t know if that ever happens w/your family during dinner).  It stopped when I said, “Nate, say something nice about Kayleigh.“  Then every person at the table, one at a time said something nice about her.  Of course, everyone wanted to be next.  We spent some time with each person hearing something nice from everyone at the table.

I watched something happen.

I saw the power of words.

What I saw was more moving that what I heard.  I watched the countenance of faces change, the atmosphere became lighter.  Last night at dinner every person in my family was encouraged - I heard things I really needed to hear, and I believe each person did.  It struck me that we had each heard more kind things last night than many people hear in week… or much longer.

Our home is crazy hectic - a pastor’s home with 4 full of energy kids and a bride with a million talents, and a husband that’s got to be worth 4 more kids - it really is crazy… but it’s crazy good.  This Christmas season I pray that in all the business we take the time to love and encourage those who mean so much.

C3 - Sunday’s flyin at us - invest and invite!!!

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.

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!!!

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…

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!).