Moving with the times

I heard a recent conversation where two Christians were discussing whether or not it is right to entertain kids at church. One person said, "I don't want to do this. I think the Bible and Jesus is enough". I've given this some thought and have concluded several things. First, Church is about teaching people the Word of God, not entertaining them. But, shame on us if we continue to do so in a dated fashion. Every generation has had their primary way of communicating. At one time in history it was oral. At another time it was written. In our day computers seem to have replaced even the phone! I think the best teaching can be a bit entertaining, and certainly not boring. There are ways to teach other than standing at podiums and lecturing. I think what we resist is making the church a "dog and pony" show. I agree! I also believe the "dog and pony" can be used for some real creative ways to teach. Just a thought?

You Forgot!

My son Grayson did the coolest thing the other night. After I put him to bed I heard him yelling, "Dad, Daddy, Dad..." I went into his room and said, "Grayson what do you want?" He said, "Dad you forgot". When I saw him reaching for me I knew what I had forgotten - a good night kiss.

We shouldn't forget these things and enjoy these precious moments becauseI know that these times quickly pass and they grow up so fast.

"Smokin"!

I just wanted to share with you my feelings about our printed material and our website. I looked at one of our Creekside newsletters this week and came to a conclusion. It is "smokin"! It is one of the best church newsletters I have ever encountered.

Also, I used to be ashamed of our website, but now I encourage people to visit it. Our website is "smokin"! There has been such a dramatic improvement to our newsletter and website that I must say to all those involved THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK. IT REALLY HAS PAID OFF!

Recovering Pharisee

Have you ever found yourself not liking the Pharisees when reading about them in the Bible? Why do we not like them? I believe the main reasons are their "showy religion" and lack of compassion for others. They are religious people but very cold and mean spirited toward others. They also strike me as the type people who would always have to be right. Does this sound like some "Christians" you have met?

I believe the Pharisees are in the Bible for at least 2 reasons:

1. To show us what living for God does not look like. Jesus said He came to "give us life..." and He uses the Pharisees as examples of what this life is not.

2. To remind us that on our best day there is a Pharisee in us all.

I confess, I am a Pharisee to the Pharisee. I am angered so easily by their hypocrisy but fail to see my own. All joking aside, I struggle being around "religious" people. It's easier for me to hang out with people who's lives are full of sin that realize it than people who look at others condescendingly because they are self-righteous. This is why I am spending the next few months blogging about the life of Jesus. As much as we dislike the Pharisee in the Bible, we will like, yes even love, Jesus when we see Him for who He really is.

Fascination

I went to the practice round at Augusta National on Tues. The Masters truly is the "super-bowl" of golf. I imagined what it would be like to hit a shot from those fairways or putt on those greens. I guess for now it will remain a question. Who knows, someone may invite me to play some day. I could become the head coach at USC and have a membership there. Maybe I'll keep improving my game and make the senior tour and receive and invite. I think I'll just go with the hopes someone will invite me.

things have changed

I've noticed one big change in my life that has occured within the last 6 months. I typically sleep about six hours each night. This has been the norm for me for years. But lately I can go to bed at 9:00 pm and sleep until 8:00 am with no problem. I inquired a Dr. friend about this and he said I'm sleeping well because I am at peace within. I hope he's right! So peace out!

joy, joy, joy

I really enjoy leading worship in the 10:45 service. I am working with the best group of people you could imagine. Everyone is "low-maintenance". Seriously, they are very flexible. I look forward to the times we will meet together and worship. Jocelyn has wanted me to do this for a long time, so here you have it girl.

now I understand

OK so I lied! But it was an honest lie. I said i was finished blogging until Angela Carter informed me of what blogging really is. The other day I mentioned several things to staff members that I had been thinking about. Angela said, "David, why don't you just blog about these things and we can selectively hear what we want to from you. This way we don't have to listen to all the stuff you want to talk about." So this is what I will do! I'll write down what's on my mind instead of sharing it verbally with everyone. Thanks Angela, I understand blogging.