stress

How do you handle it? Carla and I, both for different reasons, have been under some stress lately. We have been talking together about how to, and not to, handle stress. We both long to just "let go and let God." But that is so much easier said than done. How do you just give it over to Him and get some sleep? How do you "cast your cares on Him" and walk by faith? Those are not rhetorical questions! Whaddya think?

Please help our outreach effort!

Carla and I have decided to reach out to help the Davidson family. They are really struggling with some family issues and so we've been looking for ways to help them out. After a lot of deep thought and prayer, we have decided to adopt one of the kids. They probably won't be moving in with us until January, but we've been working diligently to set up their own room in our garage. We are very excited, and we appreciate any financial help you might want to give to help us help the poor Davidson family. For the sake of anonymity, we won't share the first name here but it starts with an "H." Thanks for helping. We'll be sure to make certain that the money is only used to help this Davidson child in need. Below is a picture...please put this need on your fridge to remind you and you may make any contributions payable directly to us. Thank you.

Can I brag?

Our senior high student ministry, known as J-Walkers (Jesus-walkers...get it?) is making me mighty proud. For the past few years, our kids have been sitting around sharing in Bible studies and stuff about how to live a faithful Christian life. But we realized how selfish we were being...it became all about us.

So this year, we stepped out and decided that our youth ministry would consist of ministry to others. So every other Sunday afternoon, we load up and head to the streets of Beaver Falls to pick up trash, hang out with whomever we meet, serve a meal with the Salvation Army, and just love on people.

We have 12 of our high school students involved...which is almost all the high school students we have! You would think that young people wouldn't give up their snacks and games and comfort for this, but they have...BIG TIME. I am SO proud of them, and of their parents. This truly is Kingdom living...J-Walking, as it were. And as Jesus brother put it: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

That's IT! We're Changing Our Name!!!!

I have decided, after much thought and prayer of course, that Cornerstone Church is changing our name. We are now....drumroll please....

CORNERSTONE CHURCH 3100!

I got this inspiration from the toilet paper dispenser in Panera's restroom.

This is the GP "Never Out 3000". The name caught my eye because it has a number after it...a big number! This must be one incredible toilet paper dispenser.

So I thought, hey, that's it! Name our church with a big number! Cornerstone 3100!!! I'll keep you posted on how new marketing approach works, but I have big hopes!

See, I am doing a new thing!

God, in Isaiah 43:18-19: "Forget the former things;do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

He is always about doing new things. So it stands to reason that if we are His people, we should be all about doing new things! The question is how. A friend of mine attended the Catalyst event in Atlanta last week. He came home charged up and ready to lead forward. He is 20 years old, and he told me that Andy Stanley said that the new generation must lead the new generation forward. He also told me that he realized that his next 10 years or so would be his most productive for the kingdom and he didn't want to waste it. Now Andy Stanley is 50 years old, and I am 43. If what Andy says is true, perhaps Andy and I need to step aside so that the next generation can step in. And I'm serious.

In our denomination, United Methodism, we value age and experience. Now, we value that all-the-while seeing that our youngest pastors are generally doing the most kingdom-influencing work. That effectiveness wanes with age. For real. So when are we going to step aside to let the younger generation lead?

I have always prayed about what God has in store for me next. My friend's comments have really forced me to pray about that afresh and anew. What about you?

I gotsta do stuff with my hands...

You know, I'm increasingly realizing how important it is for me to be able to work with my hands. I'm not very much of a thinker unless I'm doing something at the same time. Yesterday, I was just beat tired. I went home early and did some reading, took a little nap, and continued looking at our candidates for the Director of Operations. But it wasn't long before I was climbing the walls. I went out and changed the oil in both cars, mowed the lawn, redd up the garage (ode to Pittsburgh), and tore the bathroom sink drain apart and cleaned it so that it would drain properly. Then, and only then, did I feel refreshed. Then did I feel like I was able to think straight again. I guess I'm a just a hopeless kinesthetic!!!!

Monday, Monday

Is it just me? I hope so...I have the Monday blues. Last week was a pretty exhausting week, and although I had Saturday off, I am starting this week off in the doldrums. I need to spend some time at the foot of the cross today, and I need to allow the joy of the Lord to be my strength.