7th Annual Church Retreat

Each year since the our church began, we have taken an all church retreat. It has always been a fun time. Everybody pitches in to make the weekend happen. Some people put in a lot of work.
We stay up late.
We play games.
We walk a lot.
We have a popcorn campfire.
Children get sick and there are many minor injuries.
Teenagers get loud and competitive.
Adults get worn out.
Memories are made.

Each year it is a blessing to spend time together being challenged spiritually and growing in our relationships with each other.

I thank God for the church family that He has blessed me with. It is good to know that you are not alone.

What do you appreciate about your local church?

Kingdom Minded

Our family doctor is a Christian. She opened her own private practice as a ministry. It is called Cornerstone Family Health. The office is a distinctively Christian setting and all of her employees are believers. After each visit she offers to pray for her patient whether they are a believer or not. The local newspaper recently wrote an article about her unique practice.

It is encouraging to me to know people who use their vocational calling as a direct ministry to others.

How have you seen people using their profession to glorify God?

Gratefulness

Yesterday at church, we were challenged by Deshaun to be thankful. I know that this is something that I consistently feel God calling me to. This is also something that Lisa and I have been teaching our children over and over again.

I don't like it when children whine and complain about every little thing. Unfortunately, my children are still learning in this area. The sad thing is that many adults have this same problem. They always see the cup as half empty. They always see the 5% that is wrong instead of the 95% that is going well.

What a miserable life they have chosen for themselves.

One of the things that Deshaun said yesterday was that many people like to "compare and complain". He pointed out that often people look at others and complain about how their life could be better. He also pointed us to three things to be thankful for: relationships, our church, and our salvation.

What are you thankful for?

Don't Waste Your Life Video

I know that I want my life to matter. Don't waste your life. Make your time count!

Food

This topic alone makes many of us interested. Most of us like to eat.

Have you ever wondered what God thinks about food? What is it's purpose? Why does it exist? Some things are obvious, but not all.

To survive
To give us energy
For nutrition?
To enjoy?
To foster relationships?
To share?

For many in the world, food is only for survival. People hope to get just enough to keep them alive. Should this fact affect how we perceive food?
Is it wrong to enjoy eating food that we like?
When does food become an idol?

We know that gluttony is a sin. Do you know what gluttony is? When does eating become gluttony? Is our thinking about food more defined by our culture or by God? Where does God talk about food and what does He say?

Any thoughts?

Thank you for the cross

Do you know Him?

Chick-fil-A

I must admit that Lisa and I are both huge fans of Chick-fil-a. If we could open one up in Chicago, we would be interested in making the investment. So we both really enjoyed this song.

Legacy Conference 2009 - Don't miss it!

Is Jay Cutler the answer?

For the first time in my lifetime, the Bears have a legitimate Pro Bowl quarterback. The QB position has always been an issue for the Bears. Even with the Bears great defense and the up and coming Matt Forte, I still wonder whether getting a good quarterback is all the Bears need. I am wondering: who will he throw the ball too and who will block for him? These are still concerns.

Do you think that signing Jay Cutler makes the Bears a legitimate Super Bowl contender?