Church, Jesus, Tolerance, and Internet Addiction

I decided not to call this Get Linked Up anymore.  It sounded kind of weird.  Here's 4 links that got my brain churning..

The first row of google images when I typed in the title of this post...

Today millions of people need their church staff to not start planning CHURCH next Sunday until they show them CHURCH today. I hope you never feel like this at CCC, but I'm also realistic enough to know that it happens.  Seriously, give us a call and let us know when we can walk with you through anything.

Missing the Guy in the Empty Chair A lot of us know the nuts and bolts of faith, but the idea of a relationship with a guy who isn't here on earth... difficult.  This article offers up a fresh idea for your time with God.

Why tolerance should never be practiced Remember Dave Kibler who spoke during our recent revival?  He blogs too!  I was worried when I read his title, but as usual, some thought provoking words from Dave.

The Chemicals of Internet Addiction I'm a nerd that loves when science and theology collide.  Some really great new studies coming out about our brains and internet addiction.  The problem?  I would guess that this is a much bigger problem than we realize.

Have articles that you feel make an impact?  Send them Blake's way.

Have a great weekend and see you back on the blog Monday.

Taking Root,
Blake

You Get 2 Things...

On Facebook I recently saw a good family friend and father of 2 boys make a comment about the way they've handled kids extracurricular activities:

"You Get 2 Things"

This isn't necessarily the small clubs or the groups that meet on occasion.  Instead, it's the more involved activities that require practices or a continued in-depth commitment.

Let me start by admitting, I have never been good about following this advice in my own life.  However, as I peer into the future of my own children's lives, I'm starting to consider if this is chocked full of wisdom.

What is it that drives us to be involved in numerous activities?  Do we do it simply for application filler?  If so, would a scholarship committee or college still be impressed if we did a few things well instead of being over-committed?  Is it a result of our children's desire to be recognized and needed?  If so, are we doing our role as a parent to meet that desire?  Is it parent's living vicariously through their children?

As evidenced by the previous paragraph, I have more questions than answers.  I know that the answers for each are unique.  There are some over-arching ideas, however, that I think should play into how you answer the question of, "To do or not to do?"

1. Is this healthy for our family?  Physically, emotionally, AND spiritually, is participating in this going to be a healthy option for EACH member of the home?  There are times when we have to make sacrifices, but take time to consider if this is asking too much of any one member or the whole family unit.
   
2. Does this nurture or utilize my child's giftedness? As children reach their pre-teen and teen years, you can really start to identify the gifts and abilities that God has given them.  Will the activity they are interested in help grow and use what God has blessed them with?
   
3. What will this teach my child about priorities? I believe that priorities is the #1 thing that is caught not taught to our children.  The way we live our lives and the things we choose to do will impact how your children make decisions forever.  What will joining this team or leading this club teach your kid about the priorities in their life?  Also, are you willing to live out the same priorities that you expect your kids to have?

I'm really interested to hear back from you as I prepare for the onslaught of sign-ups, permission slips, and registration fees!  I'm a young dad in need of your help:

Is the "Rule of 2" a good one?

Is the "Rule of 2" practical or possible?

Comment below!

Taking Root,

Blake

What's Up Wednesday

New Series in FUEL: Masks

Tonight we finish up our current series, Logos.  After fall break we return for a 3 week series entitled Masks.  We'll spend a week each digging into these 3 concepts:

1. Masks Hide who Christ intended for us to be.
2. Masks Change our thoughts about ourself.
3. Masks can be Removed.

The 3rd week (Oct. 24) will be a big night as we challenge students to take their masks off!  This night will also be a great night to invite friends to as we plan to present the gospel in a really clear way.

Fall Break Events

The next 2 Sunday nights are different because of Fall Break.

September 30 - Trip to Heavenly Haven Farm
October 7 - Fall Festival at CCC

Taking Root,
Blake

Taking a Deeper Look: Study

Over the next 6 weeks, I plan to take a deeper look at our 6 areas of growth from Rooted in God's Love.  I'll clarify it's biblical basis, discuss the progression of growth we have developed in the formational goals, and provide some self-evaluation questions for you to gauge your strength in that particular growth area.  Hope you use this to grow!

This Week's Wins

Another week of being part of God's Story!  Here's some of the chapters that were written at CCC...

I am probably enjoying our Logos series in FUEL too much!  It has challenged me even in teaching it.  Here was a video we used this week, that pushed me to reach deeper in my devotion to Him!

Our Junior High ministry is rocking!  Special thanks to all the adults who chaperoned the trip to Elizabethtown for the concert, and to the Burton's who organized it!  Also, pretty awesome to have 31 in Sunday school this week!  We are building a GREAT team of volunteers in our Middle school ministry and are looking/needing to expand.  Ask God in your prayer time if he wants to use you to minister to this special age and then call me if he says yes!

For more pictures from the concert, click here!

Check out www.rodneybooe.com for more on the Ordination yesterday!  Here's my pic:

4 New Deacons being prayed over Sunday

Always exciting to look over and see youth leaders building relationships!  These 2 guys were rocking it last Wednesday night during the meal! 

A Picture of Discipleship

Taking Root,

Blake