Archive for the 'women' 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!!!

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Byron Bledsoe
on December 12, 2008
in C3 Church, Christmas, Family, Future, Life, Past, Random, Sunday, Thankful, Thoughts, love, marriage and women
. 2 Comments

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.

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

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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

It’s Just A Love/Hate Relationship

My mind is fried today.  It was just an intense week last week.  Tomorrow should be interesting (Monday’s usually are…).  Just a few things are rolling around in my head as I’m winding down:

  • I love Sundays, but hate when it’s over.
  • I love when the Cowboys win, but hate watching them play (but I can’t help myself).
  • I love this time of year as it begins to cool off, but hate that the days end earlier.
  • I love chillin with my bride watching tv, but …”love a little less” watching British comedies.
  • I love my kids, but hate that I have to get up so bloomin early to get them ready for the day.
  • I love the Longhorns, but I hate that Pete Wilson doesn’t (I still pray for him :-) )

Seriously, there are so many things I love.  I’m so grateful for all that God’s doing in the movement that is C3.

C3 - pray for me this week.  We’ve got some significant meetings as we finalize some next steps in our strategy. There are some huge things coming that I’ll be sharing with our volunteers on November 7, then with the entire church shortly after.  God is setting the stage for us to make an even greater difference in lives.

Also, I’ll be connecting with a church staff from out of town this week.  I love spending time with guys who are leading churches to make a difference. Their coming to O-Town to connect and I’m really pumped about the opportunity.

Finally, please pray that God will use next Sunday big time in people’s lives.  Remember, compassion and condemnation never exist in the same moment - let’s be compassionate this week - invest and invite like crazy! Every person God has place in your life who doesn’t know Christ needs to be at C3 next Sunday.  I can’t wait.  Let’s purpose to invite someone each day this week!

Oh yeah, Ladies, don’t forget the Girls Night Out.  Angie is hosting it - click the logo for for info:

Published
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Byron Bledsoe
on October 12, 2008
in C3 Church, Church, Faith, Future, Life, Random, Sunday, Thankful, Vision, church leadership, love, pastors, prayer, transitioning church and women
. 1 Comment

Happy Birthday Ashley!

Today my baby girl turns 16.  It really is so hard to believe.  I remember vividly this day 16 years ago.  It was one of the greatest and also most challenging days of my life.  When Ashley was born it was touch and go for a little while.  But, as Doctor said, “she’s a fighter.”

Ashley, you’ve brought unbelievable joy to our lives.  As I’m watching you grow up, I’m also watching your passion for Christ grow.  I love you dearly and I’m very proud of you.  Happy Birthday!!!

Love,

Dad

Published
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Byron Bledsoe
on October 4, 2008
in Family, Future, Past, Random, Thankful, love and women
. 0 Comments