tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-557263598530006632024-02-19T17:08:09.002-08:00Pastor Tim Smith - Blog from the 'BurbsPastor Tim Smith from Cornerstone Christian Center in Torrance, California. Cornerstone is a growing, non-denominational and multi-racial church in suburban Los Angeles. This is my official blog space.Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-79362930680450546842018-10-26T13:12:00.000-07:002018-10-27T07:21:54.965-07:00Schooled Again!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yesterday was one of those days. My dogs got me out of bed, even before the Sun decided to join us, not caring a bit that I was full-on in the throes of a hangover -- a Disneyland hangover – which had been induced by walking 8 miles in the 80+ degree “Autumn” heat, interspersed with head-spinning, stomach-churning “Thrill Rides” and too many food items that I normally wouldn’t ingest. In fact, I’m still feeling the effects this Friday morning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Funny aside: Upon arriving home Wednesday Night, following the full day of Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure, my 90-year old mother asked me what my favorite ride was, and without skipping a beat, I deadpanned; “the ride home.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Disney Hangover must be genetic -- it's all because of my parents. Yep, I'm putting the blame on them completely. It's 100% due to my folks... Father Time and Mother Nature.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">That person at the door happened to be from SoCal Gas. They had discovered a small leak at our meter and he was going to fix it. It only took him about an hour or so and he was done. However, because of the leak fix at the meter, SoCal Gas would be sending someone by to check every gas connection in the house. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While waiting for the gas Inspector to show up, Karlene hollered at me from the upstairs that my phone keeps going off. Several calls had been missed and 3 voicemails had been left from my son’s apartment. My son always calls me (and his mother) frequently – just never from his landline. So, something was up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was an emergency, a calamity, an earth-shattering event. He had broken his mobile phone. He can’t live without it – what will he do?! “I need to have a phone, dad!” Trying to calm him down, I told him we would take care of it and not to freak-out. Fortunately, his classes on Thursdays are afternoon and evening only, so I told him that I would drive over to Long Beach, pick him up and take him to the phone store at around 11:00am.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Just then, the doorbell rang again which set the Paw Patrol in motion again (and drove the neighbors up the wall again). It was the SoCal Gas Inspector. I was pleasantly surprised that he had arrived so quickly. I apprised him of the canine situation and then proceeded to put 2 of the dogs in the back yard, while Karlene took the other one and headed for the Groomer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I then brought the inspector into the house and led him around to all the gas outlets. The fireplace was first. It was a fail. At least it was a minor fail. Next, we went to the kitchen and checked the new Range. Pass! Yay me! He then complemented me on our beautiful and modern-looking 1 year-old kitchen. Double yay me! Next was the gas Dryer in the laundry room. I was concerned, because while we were at Disney the day before, our daughter came by to check on the dogs and brought her laundry. She still doesn’t know how to use the lint trap (as she’s only been doing laundry for a dozen years or so) and I hadn’t checked it before the inspector arrived. Now I’m sweating bullets. Pass. Whew! I was relieved.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I took him into the garage, where the tank-less water heater resides. Now, due to my previous interactions with my Plumber about this water heater, (which was originally installed improperly by another plumbing company), I’m a bit anxious of this inspection. Turns out that I had good reason to be concerned. Fail, big time. The unit has exhaust issues and is not properly vented. Violation. Dangerous. Could cause an explosion. He shuts the unit down and red-tags it. I wasn’t surprised -- I wasn't happy, either. He apologized and told me the obvious – to get a plumbing/heating specialist out to repair the exhaust issue, a.s.a.p. Ironically, the reason it got red-tagged was that two different plumbing/heating professionals had previously made a mess of it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Once finished, he had me sign off on his inspection and went on his way. I jumped in my car and went on my way, too. Headed to pick up my son and go get him a new phone. Now I must interject that I have a great plumber. Unfortunately, though, I was unable to get ahold of my plumber.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By the time I had navigated the Great Phone Calamity of 2018 and dropped Zachary off back at his college, it was early afternoon. Karlene had left something in my car and so I swung back by the office to give it to her and I brought along a late lunch also. By the time I got back to the house, it was around 3:30pm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I came into the house, my mother started stressing about the lack of hot water and though she didn’t need it right then, she was going to be needing that hot water that night to wash her clothes and take a shower. “We’ve got to have that hot water, Tim! You’ve got to get that fixed!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now, in our neck of the woods, good plumbers are at a premium and are difficult to get on an emergency basis. You can get a plumbing company (insert name of choice) to come out on an emergency, but I’ve been there, done that, and purchased the T-shirt. I needed that T-shirt, too, because of the fact that I lost my shirt when they billed me! So I waited for my plumber and waited some more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After feeding my dogs their dinner, it was about 5pm and still I’ve heard nothing. I said to myself, “drastic times call for drastic measures.” So I went into the garage and sized up the situation -- the job that would need to be done to get the tank-less water heater safely operational. Then I said to myself, “you can do this!” Full of faith and the knowledge that my wife wouldn’t be home until at least 9pm, I headed off to the Lowes home improvement superstore. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8P27rlgtbW09iWUiTUPIHyHc9vdOmh5LASqefJV-Kh9AZ1QqiOmX-lnc1Y11VwLxgd7-YwlfLFS1n48Gojn8TlpnHvVNwU2zrJotZP1EoOPyTDqv1RlJmzrmv9hWSUfun2NIhOj5Ooho/s1600/VentPipe2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="269" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8P27rlgtbW09iWUiTUPIHyHc9vdOmh5LASqefJV-Kh9AZ1QqiOmX-lnc1Y11VwLxgd7-YwlfLFS1n48Gojn8TlpnHvVNwU2zrJotZP1EoOPyTDqv1RlJmzrmv9hWSUfun2NIhOj5Ooho/s200/VentPipe2.JPG" width="135" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With my plastic bag full of freshly-picked connecters and adjustable vent pipe, I set about to get it fixed and fixed right. I tried this configuration and that. Added and removed vent pipe. No matter what I tried, I just couldn’t get it to work. So, I washed up, jumped back in the car and headed back to Lowes. I just need one connecter/spacer of a certain size, I had figured. Just in case my math was more of the Common Core variety, I bought two different spacers and headed back home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now hours into it, I am starting to feel the pressure. After much sweat, trial and error, I realize that the spacers, that I just bought, aren’t going to work. Nothing is fitting in the space and weird configuration needed to make it work. A thought pops into my head that tells me, “If the installer couldn’t do it and the plumber that you hired to fix it couldn’t do it, what makes you think that you can do it?!” I said to myself, “Get behind me, Mind Monsters! I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.” Then and there, it hits me. In the midst of my frustration, up on a ladder in the corner of the garage, with aching back and cramping hands, I stop everything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After a long pause and I deep breath, I did what I should’ve done from the start. I prayed. I asked God for help. I prayed, “Jesus, please help me to figure out how to make this work.” In a manner of seconds, it dawned on me what I needed to do. I went and got a pair of pliers and set to doing what needed to be done and “Bam”, just like that, the whole thing went right together. I taped all the joints with aluminum tape and that was that. I had a safely-working-with-no-leaks exhaust vent – and one that would make Dr. Seuss proud, to boot.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTVpuGCk1_Ux1WJNRgqb1S97c5W6MG7xK3muSW2ym4OsVglQKhvSKH5AxmphGzdAgbCgmZLUFrvYlvmNxWKtMvoKJaHiR4QE-9EnRxnlYeWhvwduTssTrpGdcvAt6hJIGdRX5oM7bAwg/s1600/James42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTVpuGCk1_Ux1WJNRgqb1S97c5W6MG7xK3muSW2ym4OsVglQKhvSKH5AxmphGzdAgbCgmZLUFrvYlvmNxWKtMvoKJaHiR4QE-9EnRxnlYeWhvwduTssTrpGdcvAt6hJIGdRX5oM7bAwg/s320/James42.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After all of that, I wondered, “Why did I wait so long to ask God to help?” Why didn’t I pray first? I could have saved myself a lot of time, stress, and struggle, not to mention an extra trip to Lowes. All for the asking is ours, but we don’t ask. The Lord is near, but we do not call on Him. In the Bible, James had it right when he said, “you do not have, because you do not ask” (James 4:2).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Schooled again!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yep, I’m still in school. Even at my age, I’m still learning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know I need help. I know I need the Lord. I know He loves me. I know He is there for me. I know that he answers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I just need to ask.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Help me Lord.</span></div>
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Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com0Torrance, CA, USA33.8358492 -118.3406287999999933.730331199999995 -118.50199029999999 33.9413672 -118.17926729999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-66268743023629614132017-08-29T09:32:00.003-07:002017-08-29T20:54:58.727-07:00To Kook, with Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">My earliest memories of life in this
world include Kook.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Throughout the 60's and most of the 70's, he was my best friend. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SUwZAobvlkhM4_ZBKSjDbsNKVh8XtT1-00eHkLOUrnAZ4qILm1J8ole19gF81dY8dyZ5ev0I3Fyx87CLBM68Zbjc4h1M6SRVgDk7eQRIrAxwNamwi-URL_gBJJDUw6idigxcvgLUDH8/s1600/CharlesYoung.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="196" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SUwZAobvlkhM4_ZBKSjDbsNKVh8XtT1-00eHkLOUrnAZ4qILm1J8ole19gF81dY8dyZ5ev0I3Fyx87CLBM68Zbjc4h1M6SRVgDk7eQRIrAxwNamwi-URL_gBJJDUw6idigxcvgLUDH8/s200/CharlesYoung.jpg" width="153" /></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Kook lived two doors up the street from us and was a fixture at the Smith's
house, as was I at his house. We played together, ate together, rode bikes
together, spent the night together, fished together, got in trouble together...
we grew up together. He even went on vacation with me and my family when we
were kids. Friends? No, we were best friends. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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His name was Charles, but his dad nick-named him "Kook" because of
the "Kooky" things that he did when he was very small. The name
stuck. So, he was known by all in the neighborhood as Kook or Kooky. In the
late 60's, he had long hair and his dad gave him a new nickname, "Charlie,
the Hippie." Eventually, he just became known by his real name, Charles.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Today, Charles passed away. Instantaneously. Heart Attack.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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I am writing this at 3:00 in the morning. I can't sleep. My own way of
grieving, I guess.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Upon hearing the sobering news earlier today, I have been flooded with memories
of days gone by... A suburban childhood in the Sixties -- the vast
majority of which was spent with Charles. Memories such as, walking down
to Toshi's Market and getting a 16oz bottle of Strawberry Nesbitt's or RC Cola
and a Carnation Vanilla Malt (with attached wooden spoon) for .25 cents.
Playing War or Cowboys & Indians. Watching Jonny Quest on Saturday
mornings. Catching tadpoles in Coffee cans. Trick-or-Treating together as long
and late as we could go on Halloween, filling up our pillow cases with candy
and treats. Dumpster diving throughout the neighborhood apartments for the new
-- and valuable -- Aluminum Cans that we could recycle for cash. Playing catch
or over-the-line at the school across the street. As teens, fishing at King
Harbor in our inflatable rafts. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
list is long and goes on and on.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2wwZUPJT_8sv5pqWWeEfSlAa3Fhr76F2nxYUQPDM1tZx0gxojdBnmdQGQG9tO7qeu7CMr07sEzJA2VT3_eaKMuVeKYUxcHqtrrCqWr5P82DxrNhWbH4h6BoQrtS677fFhSAHy_CO0L4/s1600/Charles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2wwZUPJT_8sv5pqWWeEfSlAa3Fhr76F2nxYUQPDM1tZx0gxojdBnmdQGQG9tO7qeu7CMr07sEzJA2VT3_eaKMuVeKYUxcHqtrrCqWr5P82DxrNhWbH4h6BoQrtS677fFhSAHy_CO0L4/s1600/Charles.jpg" /></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">In our
adult lives, we went our separate ways. However, we remained friends.
Unfortunately, he ended up in prison. I wrote to him, sent him a Bible with
Bible Studies and tried to encourage him. He rededicated his life to God while
in there. Upon his release, he came to church -- albeit sporadically.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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I saw Charles a couple of months ago -- ran into him at the grocery store. We
talked. We reminisced. We laughed. It was great to see him and spend time with
him. Little did I realize that it would be the last time I would see him.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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I am fortunate.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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I'm fortunate to have the childhood that I did. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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I'm fortunate to be blessed with good friends and family.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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I'm fortunate to have so many wonderful memories of simpler times. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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I'm fortunate that I grew up with Kook, Charlie the Hippie, and Charles -- my
best friend.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
<br />
I miss him already.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com1Torrance, CA 90501, USA33.8291867 -118.316971433.776425700000004 -118.3976524 33.8819477 -118.2362904tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-73271371991361227522016-01-22T00:50:00.001-08:002016-01-22T00:50:41.252-08:00I'm Back!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It is January 21st, 2016. My birthday. I turned 55 today. Yep, you read it right, 55. It's late at night and kind of sinking in. Which is making me a bit introspective. Maybe a lot introspective. So here I am, typing away at the keypad again, sharing thoughts and feelings again, bangin' out the blog again.<br />
<br />
Much has happened in the 2 & 1/2 years that I have been away from my blog. I think I will share some of that soon. But for now, it's about aarp and me! Dealing with the double nickels and living life to its fullest, while it is yet day.<br />
<br />
More to come...<br />
<br />
<img src="webkit-fake-url://c202edf0-b324-4865-83ae-ccc43049a4f0/imagejpeg" /></div>
Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-7780280507289981382013-06-06T00:51:00.001-07:002013-06-06T07:40:04.646-07:00Death of a Deacon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPow7US0t0tb-1g1xZsx2K1acOtZEXz1DNHan7rWKvyBofzvhPnLmKFGmv4YVOl3sOjcRrmi5GSXGhExV9lgL7eBHWJuAj8OectZF8rlESbMmB2yv74DFe-BWygRY_Pd4sVn3u6ksepM/s1600/0c309cd9b6b5c612330f6a7067008f2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPow7US0t0tb-1g1xZsx2K1acOtZEXz1DNHan7rWKvyBofzvhPnLmKFGmv4YVOl3sOjcRrmi5GSXGhExV9lgL7eBHWJuAj8OectZF8rlESbMmB2yv74DFe-BWygRY_Pd4sVn3u6ksepM/s400/0c309cd9b6b5c612330f6a7067008f2b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yesterday's news of the passing of Deacon Jones, the Hall-of-Fame defensive end of the Los Angeles Rams, brought back several memories to my mind. Deacon Jones was a bookend of the legendary Rams defensive line from the 1960's known as the "Fearsome Foursome" (that also included Lamar Lundy, Merlin Olsen, and Rosey Grier). Deacon actually coined the football term "sack" and probably had more quarterback sacks than anyone in NFL history, including modern-day players, had they kept such records back in the days when he played.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZs2c1Gu5CTjOzyENLVRMf-uKpl7jfjTMLYj3oISd35PqKqYrcq8QMmffY5NFffANlNHbWNqSx9m3hAxzuS3FgJ17xXOFGLP3Fw1Bff3pQcRH1r2u5vnFtUZkTsdh05ZH-P7YujrQDw-Y/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZs2c1Gu5CTjOzyENLVRMf-uKpl7jfjTMLYj3oISd35PqKqYrcq8QMmffY5NFffANlNHbWNqSx9m3hAxzuS3FgJ17xXOFGLP3Fw1Bff3pQcRH1r2u5vnFtUZkTsdh05ZH-P7YujrQDw-Y/s320/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="232" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My introduction to professional football came on my 10th birthday. My father purchased us tickets to the first NFC vs. AFC Pro Bowl, Which would be played a few days later, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Which, in retrospect, was quite a feat for my father, who was a pastor and had to sandwich taking me to the afternoon football game in-between Church Services on Sunday morning and Sunday evening.</span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_pCTewpvqE7swhdao5RK6vTPxSy9e2JgsCXYyF11FlJJfyO-A9VfO0aKkfcQkuiIx5OjbMIiz0ewQbFoYr5IaSvDZCjZPxBMoohQNs8PMFGGrvqmN8hPDUILA-S9EngJ5hfQTezeKZ4/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_pCTewpvqE7swhdao5RK6vTPxSy9e2JgsCXYyF11FlJJfyO-A9VfO0aKkfcQkuiIx5OjbMIiz0ewQbFoYr5IaSvDZCjZPxBMoohQNs8PMFGGrvqmN8hPDUILA-S9EngJ5hfQTezeKZ4/s320/images.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That Pro Bowl was historic, not that I knew it at the time, for the AFL had just merged into the NFL and it was their first all-star game. I wasn't overly impressed at the time. The game at the half-empty Coliseum was actually pretty boring, until the fourth quarter when Mel Renfro (Dallas Cowboys) took two punts back for touchdowns. In fact, the highlight of the game for me was the halftime show that featured Evel Knievel -- who was a bigger deal than the NFL in 1971 -- riding 100-yard wheelies, both sitting and standing on his motorcycle. Though I remember being kind of bummed that he didn't jump anything.</span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In spite of the lame game, I did become a Rams fan after meeting a very cool Jack Snow (Wide Receiver, '65-'75) and remained one until the day they moved to Saint Louis.</span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The "Fearsome Foursome" is now down to one... The Preacher, Rosey Grier. Lamar, Merlin, and now the Deacon are all gone. However, the memories I have -- of sport, childhood, my father and days gone by -- still remain. They live on, forever with me in the annals of my mind.</span></div>
</div>
Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-50718495627986576022013-06-01T10:58:00.000-07:002013-06-01T10:58:38.533-07:00Leading or Following?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="p1">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiscLyJakp_13mjOQ6OLVsZzbtc4axm4taKNm1qYhObOxku-d_Gj_TQDhMwGqklh0jONzT0IAHfueCytNO6BWm9BMHe0EqoJfKOlEB6fF3NgR6CL4aFg0ADwKEYtyct9ydK-zK9wiSdas/s1600/lead-follow-or-get-out-of-the-way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiscLyJakp_13mjOQ6OLVsZzbtc4axm4taKNm1qYhObOxku-d_Gj_TQDhMwGqklh0jONzT0IAHfueCytNO6BWm9BMHe0EqoJfKOlEB6fF3NgR6CL4aFg0ADwKEYtyct9ydK-zK9wiSdas/s320/lead-follow-or-get-out-of-the-way.jpg" width="228" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last night, my son, Zac, and I went for a walk with our dog, Roxy. Roxy is a miniature Dachshund -- with a mind of her own. Considering Roxy, we could really use a visit from Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer. Truth be told, we don't really walk Roxy, but she walks us. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Roxy likes being in the front, leading the way. The only problem is, she doesn't know where her Master is taking her -- so she makes many directional mistakes. Therefore, she is constantly being urged -- by her Master -- to re-adjust her route, in order to get her back on the right path. She expends a lot of needless energy, pulling at her harness and straining to get ahead when it would be a much-easier, and less-stressful, journey if she would just get in step and follow.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think that many Christians, including myself at times, have the same attitude as Roxy. However, the truth of the matter is that being a "Christian" means that we are to "follow" Christ. Jesus called his disciples, saying, "Follow me." We are called to follow His word, His will, and His way. We get ourselves into trouble, when we get out of position -- going where we want to go, instead of going where Jesus wants to takes us.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let me encourage you today to take a look at who you are and where you are right now. If you are out-of-position, out-of-sorts, and out-of-step, take the time today to re-adjust your walk. Remember that Jesus wants to lead you to a better place -- let Him.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have to remind myself that I was called to follow Christ, not the other way around. He is the ultimate leader and knows the direction that I need to go in. To get where I need to be, I need to follow the Way -- and Jesus is the Way.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hopefully, on my journey, I will have more of a teachable spirit than Roxy does.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbY8xttUapdDU4jlFP2JFdMAjuK2j9kQPBRgLTGZHllQxs-4vAFsqUERK6tDYDUx8c8Af21UIUMJBZp4E2blSqpBl00lh4hUJ6OhY4kuZ8gBr9dEFPkXE92Q4sRbGs-2fZeEDd73vlsYo/s1600/33444_1521200584982_8094200_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbY8xttUapdDU4jlFP2JFdMAjuK2j9kQPBRgLTGZHllQxs-4vAFsqUERK6tDYDUx8c8Af21UIUMJBZp4E2blSqpBl00lh4hUJ6OhY4kuZ8gBr9dEFPkXE92Q4sRbGs-2fZeEDd73vlsYo/s320/33444_1521200584982_8094200_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Psalm 37:23</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives."</i></span></div>
</div>
Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-2702052475639262672012-10-05T09:39:00.000-07:002012-10-05T09:41:07.105-07:00But, I Prayed About It!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSkvhqjy3ehyphenhyphenK11jVTCoksvHGYQ1VuLNmamv9IfLEhT5aJylqHLFMRHUKKz1xd0p36pixPmpwf1tmwwBN8ea20ChjPn1iwIcjx8b0GljwJAbIZ7J_XvkmO49Cq9bZFkFmpJcaJYdiRRE/s1600/PrayingGuy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSkvhqjy3ehyphenhyphenK11jVTCoksvHGYQ1VuLNmamv9IfLEhT5aJylqHLFMRHUKKz1xd0p36pixPmpwf1tmwwBN8ea20ChjPn1iwIcjx8b0GljwJAbIZ7J_XvkmO49Cq9bZFkFmpJcaJYdiRRE/s320/PrayingGuy.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: large;">Prayer's Overlooked Partner</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In Prayer, we release our cares TO God, and receive answers FROM God. Simply put, prayer is the dialogue that a person has with God.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But there is a difference between praying individually by ourselves and praying corporately as a body -- and both are important.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1) Individual prayer is an acknowledgment of God's </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Authority in our lives and our Dependence on Him. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> This type of prayer is private and personal.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2) Corporate Prayer, in Church, is public and demonstrates </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> a thing called "Humility." </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Bringing our requests and petitions to the Lord, openly </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> before others, really tends to slam our ego and pride -- </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> which is a good thing.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Why is this important? Prayer is the vehicle, but Humility is the avenue by which we release
our cares to God and receive His grace. You may have a nice car, but
unless you're on the right road, it won't take you where you need to
go.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Notice what the Scriptures teach about humility and prayer going hand-in-hand:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">2
Chronicles 7:14;<i> "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble
themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal
their land."</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1
Peter 5:5-7; <i>"...all of you be submissive to one another, and be
clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, But gives grace to the
humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that
He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>for He
cares for you."</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Also,
Jesus made this very clear in His teachings. Specifically, when He
spoke of the prayers of two men, a Publican and a Pharisee in Luke
18:9-14.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To
some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on
everyone else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple
to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee
stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other
people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I
fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax
collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but
beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' <i>"I tell you
that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.
For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble
themselves will be exalted."</i> (Luke 18:9-14 NIV)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Prayer is never about how good I am, but always about how good God is. Humility is truly a great reality-check for us. That's
basically what the great revivalist, Charles Spurgeon, meant when he
wrote, <i>"Humility is to make a right estimate of one's self."</i> Pastor and
Author, Rick Warren said it this way, <i>"Humility isn't thinking less of
yourself, it's thinking of yourself less."</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This
is the attitude we must bring, when we come before The Lord in prayer.
it is necessary that we come humbly before our God. I believe that Jesus
was reminding us of this in the closing line of "The Lord's Prayer" --
which is really a pattern for us to pray by -- that HIS <i>"is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory."</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">James wrote
that we need to be careful, because we can pray wrongly (James
4:3). When our attitude is wrong, our prayers tend to be wrong also. By the way, those
prayers do not get answered. We simply need to remember that it's less
about us and more about the great God with whom we are communicating.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Finally,
I believe that the following is a good, scriptural attitude-checker: <i>"...the LORD has told you
what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right,
to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God"</i> (Micah 6:8). We need to follow Micah's advice, simple as that.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Just a thought today to remind us to keep it real and keep praying. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Have a blessed day.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-44612209526458069762012-06-19T12:08:00.001-07:002012-06-19T12:11:01.908-07:00Healer in the House!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The pain was excruciating and I doubled-over because of it…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfsmbt0jn0D9Nk2ppQaZWrAc4nE1d7nEsxr_AYcPm_12EbuWBNi6JJwNCVqnQbJ0OXuBFkZp2KlepK_z1awnYWjOr0zigophT1NHH-Nd6ACxugi46EaHTMrol1FUiKCdEMOp_wSQXMB4/s1600/HeartBeats.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfsmbt0jn0D9Nk2ppQaZWrAc4nE1d7nEsxr_AYcPm_12EbuWBNi6JJwNCVqnQbJ0OXuBFkZp2KlepK_z1awnYWjOr0zigophT1NHH-Nd6ACxugi46EaHTMrol1FUiKCdEMOp_wSQXMB4/s320/HeartBeats.jpeg" width="320" /></a>After a busy week of graduations, celebrations and parties,
I was actually looking forward to having a guest speaker in for Father’s Day at
Cornerstone – I felt like I needed the break. It had been a long and stressful,
but fun and successful week. I was just spent. Done. So, it was really exciting
to have our first-time guest, John Morgan in to speak to the church (and to me)
and we truly ended up having a great day at C3 – of which I was thankful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday morning arrived and my daughter needed help with her
car, so I went with her to the Auto Repair to have her car checked out and the
oil changed. As they were servicing the car, I took Tara next door to the Boba
Shop to get a drink. She got an Oreo
Boba Milkshake and I got a Strawberry-Banana Smoothie. For some reason, it
seemed to take forever to get the drinks. So after standing around the Boba
shop for what-seemed-to-be forever, I told Tara I was going back to the Auto
Repair and she could bring my drink to me -- if we ever get it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before long, Tara brought my Smoothie to me and as I was
finishing it, I was jolted by a sharp pain in my chest. The pain was
excruciating and I doubled-over because of it, which freaked-out my daughter.
The car was about finished and soon Tara was driving me home as quickly as she
could. I had a difficult time getting out of the car because of the intense
pain. Tara helped me into the house and over to the couch. Karlene asked what
was going-on and so I told her of my chest pain. She quickly got me some
aspirin, some antacid and had me lay down on the couch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When she came back into the living room a few minutes later,
she said “I’m taking you to the Hospital!” By that time, my face was contorted and as white as a sheet.
My left hand was numb, also. She put me in the car and rushed me to ER. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I must not have looked too good, because upon arrival at the
Emergency Room, they immediately took me back and hooked me up to an EKG. Then
they took my vital signs and drew several vials of blood. The next thing I know
is they carted me off and put me in my own room.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1nnliebgHysFIb1RgA_j480Axb8bpJah87rosdQUPrEOzq9rvgfaBqzdRVyxsgCrgA78vpdQK0g-dnlf_hLJsGxyNwfCVEeu7FaY8OSYfw_Ed7bfo9-oMl3Swvtc5FG2z5QZSGC-AkU/s1600/2012-06-18+15.09.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1nnliebgHysFIb1RgA_j480Axb8bpJah87rosdQUPrEOzq9rvgfaBqzdRVyxsgCrgA78vpdQK0g-dnlf_hLJsGxyNwfCVEeu7FaY8OSYfw_Ed7bfo9-oMl3Swvtc5FG2z5QZSGC-AkU/s320/2012-06-18+15.09.16.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was blessed to have a great team of nurses, doctors and
specialists taking care of me. I
was poked, prodded, hooked up, x-rayed, <span style="background-color: white;">phlebotomized,</span> tested and re-tested. Around
mid-afternoon, the doctor told me that, depending on the test results, I could
be going home around 10:00pm or so. He actually wrote a diagramed timeline (on
my bedsheet) while explaining everything to Karlene and I.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Karlene had been with me the whole time. She was in constant
contact with friends and family, giving updates and requesting prayer. I'm blessed to have an amazing wife. I
understand that people were praying for me all around the world. That knowledge
is humbling and encouraging at the same time. Richard and Darlene Welling came
to the hospital to pray for me. My Mother did also. I appreciate all the
prayers and believe that they truly made the difference. The pain in my chest had
subsided dramatically.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At around 6:30 in the evening, I told Karlene to go and get herself
some dinner. The Cafeteria was near the ER, so she didn’t have to go very far.
Karlene wasn’t gone 5 minutes when another Doctor popped in to my room and
asked me how I was doing. She was
the Chief and she started ordering the nurses to do this and that. She checked
my test results, examined me, called for another EKG, etc. Then she stated, rather
matter-of-factly, “You didn’t have a heart attack. In fact, according to what I can see from the test results, your heart is fine.” She then told me, “You don’t need to be
here, you just need to go home and rest.” The next thing I know is that they were
disconnecting and discharging me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still waiting for Karlene to return, I took my time getting
dressed and then I thanked all the nurses and staff for their excellent care
before heading to the exit. A bit after 7:00pm, I headed out, looking for
Karlene, who was quite surprised to see me walking about. She actually couldn't believe it -- she had a funny look on her face when she saw me. Then we both gave God the glory! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am now home resting – per Doctor’s Orders – trying to take
it easy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is much more to this story – the prognosis going from
bad to good, the differing opinions of the doctors, and other things. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One thing I do know is that God has touched me! I went from Heart Issue to NO Heart Issue whatsoever, in a matter of hours. I am extremely thankful for the Lord's healing virtue and great grace in my body and my life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes,
God is Good… All the time! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-8316537874676022012012-05-10T10:06:00.003-07:002012-05-10T10:06:41.768-07:00The Tale of the ZAX<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Zax = </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by Dr. Seuss</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One day making tracks<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />In the prairie of Prax,<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Came a North-Going Zax<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And a South-Going Zax.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And it happened that both of them came to a place<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Where they bumped. There they stood.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Foot to foot. Face to face.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“Look here, now!” the North-Going Zax said, “I say!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You are blocking my path. You are right in my way.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I’m a North-Going Zax and I always go north.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Get out of my way, now, and let me go forth!”</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tcCE-qhM-m9g7MMrL_uLt3WCx4oyfvzot_yS7x7gTOSAhg8vVPjxWPsR4psR3obh1PvhByXxxGRqxmCVGEXGbYUIOvcu3WW7JEW2bV1o-2U00ejuVNocYVBHaneNCyi8pYMFLzqN-rg/s1600/zax.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tcCE-qhM-m9g7MMrL_uLt3WCx4oyfvzot_yS7x7gTOSAhg8vVPjxWPsR4psR3obh1PvhByXxxGRqxmCVGEXGbYUIOvcu3WW7JEW2bV1o-2U00ejuVNocYVBHaneNCyi8pYMFLzqN-rg/s1600/zax.png" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“Who’s in whose way?” snapped the South-Going Zax.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“I always go south, making south-going tracks.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />So you’re in MY way! And I ask you to move<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And let me go south in my south-going groove.”<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Then the North-Going Zax puffed his chest up with pride.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“I never,” he said, “take a step to one side.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And I’ll prove to you that I won’t change my ways<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />If I have to keep standing here fifty-nine days!”<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“And I’ll prove to YOU,” yelled the South-Going Zax,<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“That I can stand here in the prairie of Prax<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />For fifty-nine years! For I live by a rule<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />That I learned as a boy back in South-Going School.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Never budge! That’s my rule. Never budge in the least!<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Not an inch to the west! Not an inch to the east!<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I’ll stay here, not budging! I can and I will<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />If it makes you and me and the whole world stand still!”</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well…</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Of course the world didn’t stand still. The world grew.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />In a couple of years, the new highway came through<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And they built it right over those two stubborn Zax<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And left them there, standing un-budged in their tracks.</span></span></div>
</div>Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-79040621467975207482012-04-26T08:58:00.000-07:002012-04-26T09:18:16.479-07:00Seasonal Surprises<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGy-EZx_02kmOJIFF4yxCXANPUGQv71i02OWJ3s_NQdzGqHOmT75d6dQF6VQ5JotpBFquzn2EYi6IppW4VZWeTbGP2fsI9G-TH3D5g-plxUYnCRn_oA06CpsqOYiCheKfqrFb7n_ZFtYc/s1600/IMG_2312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGy-EZx_02kmOJIFF4yxCXANPUGQv71i02OWJ3s_NQdzGqHOmT75d6dQF6VQ5JotpBFquzn2EYi6IppW4VZWeTbGP2fsI9G-TH3D5g-plxUYnCRn_oA06CpsqOYiCheKfqrFb7n_ZFtYc/s200/IMG_2312.JPG" title="" width="150" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">"There's a reason </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">for the sun shiny sky</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">And there's a reason </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">why I'm feelin' so high</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Must be the season..."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Several years ago, I spent a few days in Colorado Springs, CO, on business. It was late Summer and i was enjoying the near-perfect weather in the high 70's. It was simply beautiful and I was having a great trip. The day before I was to fly back home, I played in a golf tournament wearing a hat and sunscreen -- appreciating the wonderful vistas of the majestic Rocky Mountains contrasting the clear blue skies above and the fertile green valley below me on an incredible God-painted canvas that i was privileged to personally witness. It was in a word, picture perfect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I slept soundly that night, entranced in the sweet Summer aroma of nature. The sights, sounds and scents of that day lingered on my mind pleasantly to the next morning. Upon waking at the Holiday Inn that next morning, I opened the shades to discover a blanket </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">of white had covered the ground as snow was falling from the sky!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The same sky that, a day earlier, had been blue, beautiful and bright, had suddenly turned dark and ominously threatening. Had the season changed? No, it was still late-Summer. Had my position changed? No, I was in the same place that I had been for three days. Had I changed? I wondered, so I pinched myself and let out an "ouch!" I was still the same. I wasn't dreaming.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">In life, there are "seasonal surprises." Everything is beautiful, everything is going well, you are in the right place at the right time and all-of-a-sudden, wham! Suddenly, you find yourself in the middle of a storm.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">When this happens -- and it will -- remember the season. Your season. Know this, the "surprise" will pass. It didn't come to last, it came to pass! So some snow fell on your Summertime. You'll be back in the sunshine again, and soon.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Don't allow the "surprises" to spoil your season. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Don't let them throw you off your game or derail your faith.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Remind yourself that God is for you and God is in you. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">That means God is with you -- </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">and God with you, supersedes any of life's surprises.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">"I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished" - Philippians 1:6</span><br />
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Numbers 27:12; "the LORD said to Moses, "Go up this mountain in the Abarim range and see..."<br />
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Yesterday, (Monday, the 23rd of April), was a dreary and drizzly day in the Los Angeles basin. It didn't really rain, but was just a gray and threatening day punctuated with intermittent sprinkles. Just one of THOSE days.<br />
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It was our day off, so Karlene and I headed up to our mountain home. After a stop at Starbucks to fuel up and warm up, we began our ascent up into the San Bernardino mountains. As we headed upward, the weather worsened and it became a much more difficult drive. The higher we climbed, the foggier it became, and coupled with the light rain, made it hard to see where we were going. We were forced to slow down and proceed with caution.<br />
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Oftentimes, life is like that. In our attempt to climb higher, the storms seem to worsen and the ascent becomes even more difficult. However, for those situations, let me offer one piece of advice -- KEEP GOING. Many times, the worst thing one can do is stop in the middle of the storm.<br />
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1) Stopping can get you stuck.<br />
One of the new experiences that we have had, since frequenting the mountains, is driving in snow and ice. When driving in those conditions, you just have to go slow, but the key word is "go." It may be a little slippery, and you may not feel as in-control as you would like to, but the important thing is to keep moving. Stopping is the worst thing you can do when you hit a rough patch because if you stop, you'l get stuck. Keep moving slowly, but surely and you will get where you need to be.<br />
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2) Stopping can get you hurt.<br />
One of the major reasons for accidents in the fog, is caused by people stopping on the road because they can't see the road good enough. Again, it's important to keep moving slowly and cautiously. Stopping on the road or the side of the road in the fog is extremely dangerous.<br />
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So yesterday, in the middle of the storm, fog and rain, we continued onward and upward toward our destination. No, we didn't stop -- even though we were in the midst of the storm. We didn't give-up simply because we couldn't see our way clearly enough. We didn't quit because the way was somewhat treacherous, but we continued on. On journey was slowed and more stressful than usual, but onward we went.<br />
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Then, once we reached an altitude of 5,300 feet above sea level, something wonderful happened. We drove right out of the storm and the fog and the rain and into the bright, beautiful sunshine! In a moment, our storm turned into blue skies. We could see clearly -- and for miles! The rain was behind us and beneath us. The change was immediate and amazing.<br />
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Don't allow your surroundings stop your ascent in life. Things may not be what you want them to be right now, but keep climbing. Like God told Moses in the opening verse, if you want to "see" -- get to the top of the mountain. I would encourage you to do like Moses did, keep moving onward and upward -- before you know it the circumstances and the scenery will change, and it will change for the better.<br />
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"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." (Galatians 6:9 NLT)</div>Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-81498151549621334172012-04-10T10:37:00.006-07:002012-04-10T12:23:06.007-07:00What Happened to the Power?The rhapsody was rapturous as LifeStyle Praise Band belted-out one of my very favorite songs, (Glorious Day by Casting Crowns), during one of the largest Celebration Services of the year, on Easter Sunday no less, at Cornerstone. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CW9XxIpO9EMEKVRBwcy51-pvjaxurEA4lZWm2yJOmA50BmMhAx4Ia9-CFRSSXYK2q3mmdll4bOjzpEaDDg0N-GLxZigRRST77u6l33h7oq4xxCsoSMy4w6-rCovH3aCKyEofI0Xio0c/s1600/unplugged.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CW9XxIpO9EMEKVRBwcy51-pvjaxurEA4lZWm2yJOmA50BmMhAx4Ia9-CFRSSXYK2q3mmdll4bOjzpEaDDg0N-GLxZigRRST77u6l33h7oq4xxCsoSMy4w6-rCovH3aCKyEofI0Xio0c/s320/unplugged.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729854117536131170" /></a>The congregation was moved, as the powerful song built to a worshipful crescendo when the unthinkable (and unplanned-for) happened, the power went out. A myriad of questions and thoughts went through my mind in a manner of seconds, such as, "A Powerless Resurrection Service?”, "Really, on Easter Sunday?", and "Why, Why, Why?!!" <br /><br />Thankfully, the Worship Band didn't miss a beat, as they continued with the two acoustic guitars taking the lead and LifeStyle bravely kept singing without the benefit of the Sound System. Meanwhile, the tech, media and usher teams scrambled in a frantic fire drill trying desperately to find the culprit and get the power back on in short order. In a matter of minutes, the blown breaker was reset and order (and power) restored.<br /><br />It was one of a Pastors' worst nightmares -- a blown Breaker right in the middle of church. Not the worst -- I've seen worse and no, I won't divulge what they are (at least not today). Suffice it to say, it was bad enough and to top it off it was on EASTER SUNDAY! I mean, c'mon, Easter Sunday?! Easter is the big church day of the year. The day that you are trying to reach the crowd of CEO's, (Christmas Easter Only) in the audience. It's the day you want to make an impression on the guests -- a favorable impression, that is. It's the day you want everything to be perfect.<br /><br />Life's like that. <br /><br />Everything seems to be going great -- you're in the middle of your moment, the celebration is on, and then, out of left field, something happens. You get unplugged. Something or someone blows your breaker. Next thing you know, you’re disconnected.<br /><br />Your reaction and subsequent actions in those moments of life will determine your success or failure – moving forward or backward.<br /><br />So what are you to do in those moments of life?<br /><br />Here are a few suggestions:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1) Re-Connect Quickly.</span><br />When you experience a blow-out on the road of life that drains you and threatens to get you off-course, as quickly as you can, go to the Power Source and reconnect. The Bible encourages Christians to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). Jesus is the Christian’s source of power and strength. Disconnecting from Him is the worst thing that can happen to you.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2) Find the Culprit and Eradicate it.</span><br />Whatever is “blowing your breaker” needs to be removed or changed in your life. If not, it will continue to happen, over and over again. You can’t just reconnect and expect everything to be fine – you must deal with the issue that keeps zapping and sapping you.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3) Add a Surge Protector to the Line.</span><br />Get some good and Godly people in your life that can help you keep the power flowing, in spite of life’s ups and downs. Proverbs 11:14 says “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Good advice for all of us.<br /><br />So, one of my worst nightmares on Easter Sunday turned into a great illustration for my Easter sermon, “Follow.” The end result was positive with several people choosing to follow Jesus and many more reconnecting with Him. What could have been a curse, instead became a blessing.<br /><br />When life deals you lemons, you can get sour or you can make lemonade.<br /><br />Easter Sunday at Cornerstone ended up being as your “outage” can…<br />powerfully refreshing.Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-70178100733313877102012-02-09T07:36:00.000-08:002012-02-09T10:30:12.350-08:00Drama, Dreams & The Music ManIt's a clear and beautiful Thursday winter morning. As I sit here in the kitchen sipping my cup of tea, my mind is still filled with, and fueled by, the thoughts of the great Service we enjoyed last night at C3. We are presently in the middle of a series based on Kevin Gerald's book entitled "Forces that Form Your Future" and the session last night was on "the Power of a Dream." We learned why dreams are important, how dreams need to be nurtured, and what to do when facing "dream thieves." it was a powerful evening at Cornerstone.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny1fXZgUNI1e88m7zm0en2rOVbaVHtrEH-gJ4iZ1HYZBaCfMUXpUNjmgbpfU4w3No9oHMkK8CJlJI2fpChg3VmqigauNF4-rDF-9iQjOuqSsGRv-Y4qBGxweTu_2_qnSTrD15NkTyj9k/s1600/MusicMan.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 186px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny1fXZgUNI1e88m7zm0en2rOVbaVHtrEH-gJ4iZ1HYZBaCfMUXpUNjmgbpfU4w3No9oHMkK8CJlJI2fpChg3VmqigauNF4-rDF-9iQjOuqSsGRv-Y4qBGxweTu_2_qnSTrD15NkTyj9k/s320/MusicMan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707184227052059986" /></a>Upon returning home and getting ready for bed, I turned on the tv and began flipping through the channels. I ended up landing right in the middle of "The Music Man," the 1962 classic featuring Robert Preston and Shirley Jones, which may be my all-time favorite in a genre that I'm not really into -- musicals. This is one of those rare gems of a film that puts a smile on my face every time I see it. Robert Preston was at the top of his game portraying "professor" Harold Hill. Surprising that he did not get a Best Actor nomination with his performance. As a side note, the movie was nominated for Best Picture that year, though neither it, nor, another one of my all-time favorites, "To Kill a Mockingbird," won that year -- thanks to the epic "Lawrence of Arabia."<br /><br />Back to the story. "The Music Man" is a wonderful tale about a con man by the name of Harold Hill, who comes to the conservative town of River City intending to cheat the community with his oft-played scam of offering to equip and train a boy's marching band, then skip town with the money (since he has no music skill anyway). However, while running his scam, he ends up falling for the beautiful town librarian which provides the conflict in the story. Does he take the money and run, or does he stay and face the music?<br /><br />In the movie, the "Professor's" charismatic, musical scam, actually brings hope, life and vitality to the people of River City. We know it's a con-game, but is that all it is? In the latter part of the film, there is a great scene where Robert Preston, the con man, is on a bridge waiting for his love-interest, Shirley Jones. He looks down into the water and a marching band appears -- which he begins to lead. We now get to see what most people in the film could not see -- Harold Hill's DREAM. What was driving him, down deep inside, was the dream of having a band and leading a band! We realize that Hill wasn't a terrible person after all -- just a dreamer who had lost his way. The wonderful story ends with the redemption and reclamation of Harold Hill and his dream!<br /><br />What about the story of your life? What about your dreams? Have they been forsaken, forgotten, or lost? God has planted dreams of a better future and a brighter tomorrow in the human heart that need to be embraced and nurtured. In the Bible, it took Joseph years of challenging obstacles before he realized his dream. Don't let life's challenges cause you to let go of your dreams. Don't be hindered by doubt, fear, and time. Keep believing in the God who believes in you! Keep the dream alive -- you can still make beautiful music after all!Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-33607233090572933592011-11-23T08:00:00.000-08:002011-11-23T08:21:39.098-08:00Our All-Access Pass<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg6AwKhKOEEz8mTSHxotoiVjkzEE5NIH8zUrhywJ1zaVcEcUtEciCzwHZynG2eURAeMbtraoz9OOGDOSwhVMI_mjxe5Zt7koRXN-xVF5Fvwxli4Kg7U6Zu1BP4PKv3jnfVk5FT1_MV6w/s1600/AllAccessBadge.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg6AwKhKOEEz8mTSHxotoiVjkzEE5NIH8zUrhywJ1zaVcEcUtEciCzwHZynG2eURAeMbtraoz9OOGDOSwhVMI_mjxe5Zt7koRXN-xVF5Fvwxli4Kg7U6Zu1BP4PKv3jnfVk5FT1_MV6w/s320/AllAccessBadge.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678226558070515346" /></a><div>Last night, my son, Zac and I went to the L.A. Auto Show. As we exited the parking structure, we were between the Convention Center (where the Auto Show was held) and the Staples Center. There was a huge line, about a block long, at the Staples Center. We found out that it was for a Katy Perry concert. As we walked further, I noticed a much shorter line at a smaller entrance. It was a VIP entrance and the sign said "All-Access Pass-holders Only". That got me thinking about something that my friend, pastor Phil Munsey, had shared about thanksgiving and it dawned on me that "Thanksgiving" is really our "All-Access Pass"! </div><div><br /></div><div>The attitude and action of being thankful, gets you "in"...</div><div><br /></div><div>1) It gets you INtimacy with God. </div><div> "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." - Psalm 100:4</div><div><br /></div><div>2) It brings you INfluence with man.</div><div> "Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone." - Colossians 4:6 (NLT)</div><div><br /></div><div>3) It gives you INtuition for living life.</div><div> At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way. - Luke 10:21 (NLT)</div><div><br /></div><div>You can be a VIP. Live life with an attitude of gratitude. Not just during this time of year, but every day. You will open your life to new opportunities and joys by simply living with a thankful heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever." -Psalm 118:1</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Thanksgiving.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-88394214697173246942011-04-29T00:08:00.000-07:002011-04-29T14:27:21.009-07:00Dad's Photo AlbumIt is Thursday afternoon, April 28th, 2011. Once again, I am back with my Dad at his bedside during this final vigil. After staying with, and watching, him throughout the night, the morning-shift team, (consisting of my wife and mother), arrived and made me go get some sleep. It has been a long time since I have had a completely sleepless night – and those few hours of sleep this morning were refreshingly welcome.<br /><br />As I sit here, I am looking at Dad’s collection of photo albums. One of them, in particular, has caught my interest. It is an album of “friends.” As I turn the over-filled pages, I see faces that I haven’t seen in years. Leo Upton, Sam Cagle, Winifred Black, Glen Harvey, Carl Adams, Gordon Mallory, James Larson, Terry Black, Jonathon Cupoli, Robert Bibb, Bob Baglin… and so many more. All of them, in this one book, are Ministers, Pastors and Missionaries. Some of whom have already passed-on before him.<br /><br />The interesting thing to me, however, is that on every page, and most of the pictures, Dad has left a hand-written “Sticky-note Story” describing whom the photo is of, perhaps with the occasion or event noted, also. Out of dozens and dozens of photographs, a few of them have an even greater distinction, one that sets them apart from the rest. At the bottom of the sticky-note, Dad paid his highest compliment.<br /><br />He simply wrote this one word: “FRIENDS.”<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCd_-AV8vHXHKJZ3KvNq01x6garuj9U549eyvhcw1u4aUIWhs_svWyE1NIhVpxs6BJaL8w-ma_69G4AEuoVZJBGJKoKaS16K_isuVuII3pa6W9LslhUezYLS7fhrT9lxQQX1WXTjVC7tI/s1600/DadsAlbumPage.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCd_-AV8vHXHKJZ3KvNq01x6garuj9U549eyvhcw1u4aUIWhs_svWyE1NIhVpxs6BJaL8w-ma_69G4AEuoVZJBGJKoKaS16K_isuVuII3pa6W9LslhUezYLS7fhrT9lxQQX1WXTjVC7tI/s400/DadsAlbumPage.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601120136473672946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtbqAfx41SnsRLqZn0TXnoqDSrphWBjKslIMZOnhaGV3hpLWFcETnIdmwCYoP6pi7RGAcbEmzjVeuB-CId87v5KdpLtJWCTRgVY7VBWAlTazzvtOda44_pVM241QWAR11nsVGS0-k37A/s1600/DadsPhotoNotes.jpg"><br /></a>Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-71977302834989645292011-04-28T22:19:00.000-07:002011-04-28T22:28:21.599-07:00Afternoon & the AfterlifeThe Sun is smiling today, in a cloudless sky of technicolor blue. Birds are chirping joyfully as the wind imposes it's will, gently, but insistently, upon the rustling branches of the trees. It is a beautiful Spring day -- being absorbed and appreciated from the Box Seats of Dad's room as I peer into the colorful world that is just beyond the glass in the peaceful confines of the backyard.<br /><br />The bedroom blinds are open to the simple spectacle of nature that is unmatched by anything that can be produced by the hands of man. Dad has his head turned toward this great theater of life, featuring today's unique production, commercial-free, courtesy of the Creator. There is a far-away look in his eyes and eternity in his heart. He is still here, yet...<br /><br />As I deeply exhale a cleansing breath, I realize this special place has a name.<br /><br />It's called peace.<br /><br />What a gift.<br /><br /> <br />-Tim Smith<br /><br />Torrance, California, on Thursday, April 28th at 3 O'clock in the afternoon.Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-22140060733766779172011-04-28T00:43:00.000-07:002011-04-28T02:13:56.779-07:00Watching and WaitingIt's past one o'clock in the morning. I'm at my parent's house, sitting in my father's room. Gospel music is playing through his television which has the volume turned down. My wife is here as is my sister and mother -- they're all sleeping, worn-out. We are on an around the clock vigil for my 81 year-old father who is nearing the end of his life's journey on this earth. He has been on home care for the past couple of months and last week was put on hospice care. <br /><br />There is a certain finality to "hospice" which emotionally hit home with me today as the nurse, quite matter-of-factly, apprised us that Dad would most likely pass tonight. That news affected all of us and turned today (actually yesterday, now) into an extremely taxing day for the entire family. A day of tears and laughter, singing and praying, worship and worry, memories and mysteries, faith and family -- a day unlike any other that I have experienced. I am just thankful for the grace of God, by which I stand.<br /><br />So here I am, last man standing. Well, sitting, actually. Doing whatever is needed to help make Dad more comfortable. Praying constantly for him, talking to him and just basically loving on this great man who has "fought a good fight, and finished his course."<br /><br />The closing of this chapter is near, as is the beginning of a new one... a glorified, eternal one. Heaven awaits.Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-78182647389202852412011-01-07T14:41:00.000-08:002011-01-07T15:09:15.008-08:00This Church is for the Birds!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRkMBusgKYUgrMkXxvsqXaDBhRHaBs12mpRAh9ZAGTicMKYzIAcnzHVkDxP6k6_jcUSPS5MdutYqksN9neztjMbJEHRKWWbTlvvxZ5XLF_E-D-SAgihtkB-urww7caxYHax4vIR1NBAc/s1600/raven01.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRkMBusgKYUgrMkXxvsqXaDBhRHaBs12mpRAh9ZAGTicMKYzIAcnzHVkDxP6k6_jcUSPS5MdutYqksN9neztjMbJEHRKWWbTlvvxZ5XLF_E-D-SAgihtkB-urww7caxYHax4vIR1NBAc/s200/raven01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559584929563731426" /></a>An amazing thing has been happening at our church this first week of 2011. Birds are trying to get in to the church. More specifically they are Ravens wanting to get in to our church. <br /><br />The other day, my administrative assistant heard a knocking on the glass doors in our lobby and went out to see who it was and there were only birds. Yesterday it happened again, only this time she grabbed her camera and videoed the ravens knocking on the doors. You can see the video below.<br /><br />There are several theories flying around about these occurrences, including the following...<br /><br />1) The birds are trying to escape the extreme cold weather that we have been having this week in Southern California. (They are L.A. Birds who can't handle cold weather.)<br /><br />2) The birds have heard about the massive bird die-offs that have happened this week in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Sweden. They are stressed about it and feel the urgency to go to church.<br /><br />3) It’s God trying to get our attention, just as He did with His prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 17, by sending the ravens in. (When the man of God thought he was all alone in his serving and worshiping of God, God let him know otherwise by sending the Ravens to sustain him. Hmmm.)<br /><br />There are many questions remaining...<br />What do the birds know that we don’t? What are they after? Why are they so intent on coming into the church during a time when so many people are apathetic about coming to church? What is the air-speed velocity of an unladen raven? <br /><br />Whatever the case, I find it interesting (and entertaining) that these Ravens keep trying to come to church at Cornerstone. Since this didn't happen on a Sunday, perhaps they are Early Birds. Maybe we will begin to see people flock into the church as well – that would certainly be a welcome sight at C3.<br /><br />Some people think that church is for the birds. However, in this case, it seems the birds are for the church.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy-M2xwX-pHsy1Th_TWcWwq2SHufzXsHIvh1clUQLmvvxSfNZDTr6iYbCTq0d6TvLBZYXA8BJDqJ5t3VCSH' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-90018156548212727572010-07-09T11:08:00.000-07:002010-07-09T17:42:46.166-07:00Just Say "HA!"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6PDLSgDXEeYPzpymgTY0ij7w4f22oD6uEtdHUncRkf6SU-daYaM_87kxOezCFYSjXXG95m19LL9H0Wvnh3WLxSkiCxw0d6T0EHpQ1aNVkoOhOTQdB3Y4AvKYeorgi5Cfx0kSBn483RU/s1600/BlogHA.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6PDLSgDXEeYPzpymgTY0ij7w4f22oD6uEtdHUncRkf6SU-daYaM_87kxOezCFYSjXXG95m19LL9H0Wvnh3WLxSkiCxw0d6T0EHpQ1aNVkoOhOTQdB3Y4AvKYeorgi5Cfx0kSBn483RU/s200/BlogHA.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491981814801925682" /></a>Too often, we overlook one of the greatest keys to victorious living. I like to call it "HA!" It is an acronym for living life with an attitude that simply says; "Hallelujah, Anyhow!" No matter what, God is good. No matter what, God loves me. No matter what, God is STILL God! It is living life with the knowledge that God is greater than any circumstance or situation that I may encounter.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />It Starts with Gratitude</span><br /><br />The first necessary step to living the "HA!" life, is to have a thankful heart and grateful spirit. In Colossians 2:7, the apostle Paul, encouraged Christians to "Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving." <br /><br />Two men were walking through a field one day when they spotted an enraged bull. Instantly they darted toward the nearest fence. The storming bull followed in hot pursuit, and it was soon apparent they wouldn't make it. <br />Terrified, the one shouted to the other, "Say a prayer, John. We're in for it!" <br />John answered, "I can't. I've never made a public prayer in my life."<br />"But you must!" implored his companion. "The bull is gonna catch us."<br />"All right," panted John, "I'll say the only prayer I know, the one my father used to repeat at the table: 'O Lord, for what we are about to receive, make us truly thankful!'" <br /><br />One of the greatest privileges of being a Christian is to have the capacity to give thanks regardless of the circumstances. It is easy to be thankful when things are going our way, but a Christian can rise above any situation to thank God for causing all things to work together for good. Paul, the apostle, was a man who suffered a great deal of pain and yet he wrote, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (I Thes. 5: 16-18)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Why is it God's Will for us to give thanks in everything?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1) When We Thank God in Every Circumstance, We Focus on God and not the Circumstance.<br /></span><br />Paul wrote this from prison: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)" Paul was living what he was encouraging others to do -- he was focusing on the greatness of God, not his present circumstance. Stop looking at the problem and look at God!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />2) When We Thank God in Every Circumstance, we are Declaring God’s Greatness.</span><br /><br />In Job 1:21, in the Bible, Job was able to say; “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." He was declaring God's greatness in spite of his own personal loss. The more that we declare how great God truly is, the more we have faith to believe that He will make a way for us through our present difficulty.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3) When We Thank God in Every Circumstance, we Defeat the attitudes of Defeat.<br /></span><br />The psalmist made an interesting statement in the Bible. He penned, “I complain, and my spirit is overwhelmed" (Psalms 77:3-WEB). When we grumble, complain and whine about our circumstances, our spirit gets overwhelmed. It is overwhelmed by negative attitudes that are defeating. When we give God thanks, the opposite is true -- our spirit is encouraged and strengthened. That's why we also read in the Psalms, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD! (92:1)”<br /><br />God has given us an incredible tool to live victorious, overcoming and abundant lives in Him -- It is the "Hallelujah anyhow" attitude of living. Not predicated on human circumstance, but God's divine providence. <br /><br />Start using the "Hallelujah, anyhow" attitude in your life today.<br />Just say; "HA!"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJ9CrsgOek1_AaDcaUfhc90GTPtsVm_eMLvr7Di68SYQsFWDdRsP_gdnKipeJxY6QOLYUXMPQJNL6tDGVZ70UGftdGMYl2DAq1AanbL-_o23NTTHd5V6NBlrHmgGf_Gq_QyZWrwidIOg/s1600/HallelujahAnyhow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJ9CrsgOek1_AaDcaUfhc90GTPtsVm_eMLvr7Di68SYQsFWDdRsP_gdnKipeJxY6QOLYUXMPQJNL6tDGVZ70UGftdGMYl2DAq1AanbL-_o23NTTHd5V6NBlrHmgGf_Gq_QyZWrwidIOg/s400/HallelujahAnyhow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492071449859565218" /></a>Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-24345670940109502692010-03-31T13:17:00.000-07:002010-03-31T13:31:02.248-07:00Making the Most of Your Easter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03XE2q3tbELwToZd0er8jZqLz-K8a3le8wps087Cn9K8n-HFSzoREi5UgI9Cvn3EFDfmVDJNjJrcIclWhRug8n9JC4VuwBVWuFwDap0GhCIcittYy4CcHtQEjh90xhjFH87DNi_6wqvk/s1600/event1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03XE2q3tbELwToZd0er8jZqLz-K8a3le8wps087Cn9K8n-HFSzoREi5UgI9Cvn3EFDfmVDJNjJrcIclWhRug8n9JC4VuwBVWuFwDap0GhCIcittYy4CcHtQEjh90xhjFH87DNi_6wqvk/s200/event1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454898118663797138" /></a>This Sunday will be your best opportunity to get your lost friends to visit Church with you in 2010. Why? Simply because they believe or at least respect the idea of Easter. The fact of the matter is, Easter changes everything. The empty tomb has implications for spirituality, morality, parenting, work, you name it. Most unbelievers, and many believers are oblivious to this fact. Nevertheless, for whatever reason they are open to attending Church somewhere on this “Holy” day. Statistics show that 82% of people who are actually invited to Church will go. 100% of them will be impacted by it.<br /><br />Here are some ideas to help you connect with them:<br /><br /> 1. Plan an egg hunt for the kids after Church (Let them know that there is one for Kids at CCC, also).<br /> <br /> 2. Offer food – For whatever reason free food still works. Have a nice seasonal meal for your invited friends after church.<br /><br /> 3. Consider inviting a few people who may not have extended family to celebrate with. Everyone likes good food and hang out time.<br /><br /> 4. Have your kids invite their friends from school, little league, soccer, etc.<br /><br /> 5. It’s always nice to attend Church as a family on Easter, so mention to those you invite that they are welcome to invite their extended family.<br /><br /> 6. Bring the office – if you work at an area where people aren’t committed to a particular Church, invite the whole group to attend together.<br /><br /> 7. Take advantage of social media – start now using your profiles on various social media venues to invite people to attend.<br /><br />If you have other ideas, you can share them in the comments section. The main thing you need to keep in mind is that LOTS of people are going to go to Church this one day out of the year somewhere. You want them to attend at a place where they will be honestly confronted with the claims of true Biblical Christianity. Remember, the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSllMHdS1Qt52w04YIW6l6P2CmXVvxs6VgMMTXp2qNHNtyG-dfZD4MgT9yiPdTGld9QKf1dcNnzsRYOWY86K_lcKzlxZ1GHkEWx1KjiwOcQYaPoFZuvXF3kYvpj2K0zgTeJoaZPJOy99g/s1600/EasterWidePR2010a.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSllMHdS1Qt52w04YIW6l6P2CmXVvxs6VgMMTXp2qNHNtyG-dfZD4MgT9yiPdTGld9QKf1dcNnzsRYOWY86K_lcKzlxZ1GHkEWx1KjiwOcQYaPoFZuvXF3kYvpj2K0zgTeJoaZPJOy99g/s400/EasterWidePR2010a.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454897621159537778" /></a>Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-62874122668832799852010-02-11T23:59:00.000-08:002010-02-12T00:50:51.837-08:00Surviving the Storms<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgna9PDiHjD-HL6ichzdHX_qGFjpMK5-URrSgjn7_y0ZgSmX4S4R_EuQu1GE0Qt6TWGRO4l1bRX-P91oB4CnOv-4tUAKa3wmJBDNKDtVQntviakjU2HxmfawL_0qs2Bd75zTmAPA3c1Bic/s1600-h/SurvivingStorm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgna9PDiHjD-HL6ichzdHX_qGFjpMK5-URrSgjn7_y0ZgSmX4S4R_EuQu1GE0Qt6TWGRO4l1bRX-P91oB4CnOv-4tUAKa3wmJBDNKDtVQntviakjU2HxmfawL_0qs2Bd75zTmAPA3c1Bic/s320/SurvivingStorm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437276489058419042" /></a>It's been a stormy winter across much of America. As record snows continue to blanket the east, we are even experiencing severe weather in Southern California. A storm that blew through here the other night, spawned a few tornado's and left a swath of debris behind it -- including a massive tree that was uprooted, just a block from my house, flattening a passenger van.<br /><br />As America has been getting hammered, weather-wise, it seems but a metaphor for the people that have been getting hammered by the terrible recession that we are mired in. It's been a "stormy winter" for a lot of people who have lost jobs, homes, income, etc. Unfortunately, many people feel that the prospects of coming out the storm are bleak. Things seem to be getting worse, not better and hope seems to be but a pipe-dream.<br /><br />For Christians, however, we must be reminded whose we are. We are not "nobodies," but we are the people of God. It is He who has made us and it is He who will keep us. We need to understand that seasons come and seasons go, but the Word of the Lord stands forever. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">How to Swim, Not Sink -- In the Midst of the Storm</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1) Live with God’s Kingdom as the priority – keep Christ first in your heart, home and finances.</span> “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all of these things shall be added unto you"(Jesus in Matthew 6:33). What "things" you ask? Jesus was responding to those who were worried about their clothes, food, and provisions. His promise was that those who keep the kingdom a priority will be taken care of. What kingdom is a priority with you?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2) Live with confidence in God, not in fear of the circumstances around you.</span><br />“Don’t cast away your confidence which has great reward.” (Hebrews 10:35)<br />The writer had previously encouraged the Christian to “Hold fast to confidence” in Hebrews 3:6. In the 27th Psalm, David said; "The Lord is my light and my salvation... in this will I be confident." We have to live with the confidence that God is with us and that God is for us.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3) Live by faith.</span> Don’t panic. Continue to do those things that are good, wise and right. Keep on keeping on. Paul told the Christians, “We walk by faith, and not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). We are not to live according to what we see, but rather by what we believe. Don't allow your circumstances or surroundings dictate your actions -- let your actions follow your faith.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4) Live with the knowledge that this, too, shall pass.</span> One of the most encouraging scriptures in the Bible; “it came to pass!” Tough times don’t last, tough people do. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us; “To everything there is a season." Remember that storms are seasonal. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning!"<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Conclusion:</span><br />I do believe that our best days are still ahead of us. I am prayerful that our worst are behind us. One thing that I do know, is, that if God is for us, we will be victorious. Live mindful of David's attitude during a difficult time in his life. In Psalm 27:13-14, he proclaimed; “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Be strong, take heart, and wait for the Lord." <br /><br />Make a faith-declaration like David did. The end-result for David? He realized what he had confidence in -- the salvation of the Lord. He did get to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living -- and so can you! Be a storm-survivor by trusting in the Savior.Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-3591361519830336322010-02-04T14:11:00.000-08:002010-02-05T12:30:03.639-08:00Mounting Up With Eagle's Wings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4n2QGx66vCQkd2DgYm95XjKXB30hjYBIXy-mVHeviC3dQ2M-y7muzPzEB5hV64MIq3jZSRx7_72VTeTWyHzQ0NdKifMbbsG4KiCK5hgMWzgIzkMJnzZVUGNtoAB6Cd1EAAlRkWFk4iik/s1600-h/EagleMountUp.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4n2QGx66vCQkd2DgYm95XjKXB30hjYBIXy-mVHeviC3dQ2M-y7muzPzEB5hV64MIq3jZSRx7_72VTeTWyHzQ0NdKifMbbsG4KiCK5hgMWzgIzkMJnzZVUGNtoAB6Cd1EAAlRkWFk4iik/s200/EagleMountUp.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434532679560948034" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint.”</span> -Isaiah 40:31<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Fly Like an Eagle</span><br /><br />Christians today need to know where their strength is. It is not found in their own physical, spiritual or mental prowess, but rather in the Lord. He is the source of strength, help and power that each of us need to be connected to in our lives. In the Bible, David stated that <span style="font-style:italic;">"The Lord is the strength of my life"</span> (Psalm 27:1). Then, expounding on this further, David boldly declared that <span style="font-style:italic;">"The Lord will give strength to His people"</span> (Psalm 29:11). Again, he re-iterates the fact that God gives strength to His people in Psalm 68:35, and then adds that God gives them <span style="font-style:italic;">"power"</span> also.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Turbulent Winds Don't Bother Eagles</span><br /><br />God does not permit adversity for the purpose of defeating us, but for the purpose of benefiting us. God designed the eagle to thrive in the face of adversity. The same Creator designed you to thrive also -- living an abundant life. The blustery winds and stormy clouds of circumstance are an opportunity for you to see how big and strong your God truly is!<br /><br />1. Turbulent winds cause the eagle to fly higher.<br />There is great lifting power in the thermal updrafts of turbulent winds. These updrafts do not defeat the eagle, but rather they cause the eagle to soar to new heights!<br /><br />2. Turbulent winds give the eagle a better view.<br />The higher the eagle fly's, the better his viewpoint -- for his perspective changes, it is enlarged. As He soars to higher places is then able to see more than before. What you can see from a mile high is much different than a ground level perspective.<br /> <br />3. Turbulent winds lift the eagle above harassment.<br />At lower elevations, the eagle has to contend with crows, hawks and other birds. Those other birds will do their best to harass the eagle, swooping on him and pestering him with the hope that he will leave their territory. As he flies higher they are left behind.<br /><br />4. Turbulent winds allow the eagle to use less effort.<br />The wings of an eagle are designed for gliding in the wind. The feather structure on the eagle's wings, prevents stalling and reduces drag. He was created with soaring in mind.<br /><br />5. Turbulent winds allow the eagle to stay up longer.<br />The eagle uses the power of the strong winds to his advantage and can soar -- riding the wind for long periods of time. God gives strength and power to His people so that they can enjoy "up" lives. "Up" is where the people of god belong.<br /><br />6. Turbulent winds help the eagle to fly faster.<br />Normally, the eagle flies at a speed of 50 mph. However, when he rides the wind currents, he can go from 80 to 100mph.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Let God’s Power Work in You.</span><br /><br />The power of the Christian to be able to rise above the circumstances, pressures and temptations of life, comes from our identification with, and connection to, Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul commanded Christians to <span style="font-style:italic;">"be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might"</span> Ephesians 6:10). It is His power that works through us and His strength that lifts us. He’s got all the power that we need to succeed -- no matter what the storm, circumstance or situation that we may encounter in life! Our strength for soaring is renewed, when we trust in the Lord.<br /><br />When facing the blowing winds of this life, don't fear or fret, but remember whose you are. You are a child of God! Boldly proclaim God's word, (Philippians 4:13), in faith; <span style="font-style:italic;">"I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!"</span> Mount up! You were created to soar!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i9Ag0c-8EwkJwGE2CkKcc6P61ANeDRaR0wpSvW99C6imGVNgIOVct47rnhciBXzgfOWrR4JnimPBD2xyd06qwZDu7hwMXAUnrwp8eluBf_LS8US0PuPKntDH4ERW0WTe8ZeSl7HT1pk/s1600-h/SoaringEagle.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i9Ag0c-8EwkJwGE2CkKcc6P61ANeDRaR0wpSvW99C6imGVNgIOVct47rnhciBXzgfOWrR4JnimPBD2xyd06qwZDu7hwMXAUnrwp8eluBf_LS8US0PuPKntDH4ERW0WTe8ZeSl7HT1pk/s400/SoaringEagle.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434531815481285154" /></a>Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-38226805990080794902010-01-07T09:21:00.000-08:002010-01-07T13:34:05.279-08:00The Big Eraser<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBOYFTQXNsPU8Hj9mVrkAPZF82TL9bAkNwbbRvgRQzWFDnJI1Sb1brNXpN42k2PJ5OlHu-iJ7UfOAcisL4wVT3UaobiolcrLr25LplxZ5SiJfiCvEcHOVtVRDuHlcuCe9iB8rHG7T68Y/s1600-h/BigEraserCover.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBOYFTQXNsPU8Hj9mVrkAPZF82TL9bAkNwbbRvgRQzWFDnJI1Sb1brNXpN42k2PJ5OlHu-iJ7UfOAcisL4wVT3UaobiolcrLr25LplxZ5SiJfiCvEcHOVtVRDuHlcuCe9iB8rHG7T68Y/s400/BigEraserCover.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424051493474434034" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">It is time to Leave Behind 2009!</span><br />On the first Sunday of 2010 at Cornerstone, we recognized how difficult the year 2009 was for so many of the people in our church and community. It was not a good year. It was a year of loss. Loss of family, loss of friends, loss of jobs, loss of finances, loss of sleep, loss of a sense of security, loss of health… The list goes on and on. It was a year filled with many struggles and much stress. It was a year that most of us are more than happy to see go.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">It’s a Brand New Year!</span><br />Thankfully, 2009 is behind us and we have been presented with a brand-new year. Now it’s up to each of us to erase the past and start fresh with a clean slate in 2010. In the classic TV series “Star Trek,” the common recurring enemy of the Enterprise and its crew were the “Klingons.” Ironically, we have to constantly battle an enemy of the same name in order to move forward in our lives. The problem is that many of the old habits, struggles, and issues of the past will “cling-on” to our lives unless we deal with them. That is why we need to have our past and sins “erased.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Some of the Reasons that we all need an Eraser…</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. Everybody Makes Mistakes.</span><br />James 3:2 <span style="font-style:italic;">“We all make many mistakes.”</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />2. Everybody Has Hard Times.</span><br />Ecclesiastes 7:14; <span style="font-style:italic;">When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3. Everybody Experiences Trouble.</span><br />Psalms 138:7; <span style="font-style:italic;">Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAfmP_XsPmjSIibCEF80EPPVXswqnP_j6e4WpR4Q9HF3CkIx5YaLrkbbKaY-xNAu_mhw4hV-zlSHPXTVpei5neVwSudHwnJ-HUE1c6B2VD2VeEQDrJKEWJBLtOS3OROKOKV47lXKyqdo/s1600-h/GraceErase.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAfmP_XsPmjSIibCEF80EPPVXswqnP_j6e4WpR4Q9HF3CkIx5YaLrkbbKaY-xNAu_mhw4hV-zlSHPXTVpei5neVwSudHwnJ-HUE1c6B2VD2VeEQDrJKEWJBLtOS3OROKOKV47lXKyqdo/s400/GraceErase.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424051057466917714" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Good News:</span><br />It’s comforting to know that our God has a big eraser! He is ready, willing, and able to cleanse us from ALL sin and unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9; <span style="font-style:italic;">“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”</span> His grace is indeed sufficient for each and every one of us. He can erase our past and give us a new future – if we will simply allow Him to!<br /><br />It’s a New Day - a New Year - a New Decade. It's a fresh opportunity for all of us -- you included -- to allow God's amazing Grace to give a brand-new start! Let's put the past far behind us. Let it be forgiven and forgotten. Let's move ahead in our lives, ahead in our faith, ahead into the promises of God that are awaiting us!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">It’s Time to Win in 2010!</span>Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-76484323579716610672010-01-05T16:12:00.000-08:002010-01-05T16:23:21.835-08:00T-Rex Christians<span style="font-weight:bold;">This was too funny not to re-post!</span><br />Have you run across any of these beasts?!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcGWjHRned1doJ7NtilLHIOnMMvBFRm4rcFAenUnG3YQ7db7HAToEI9ViMrtZ7QOQt-o8R7qmIunPLbXiIqTEWWkDqjoAcOK9N8qSzt10wsekXzJNmX2-w2pGQ7KSxQ4EbUotbLpFivc/s1600-h/trex+christianity.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 377px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcGWjHRned1doJ7NtilLHIOnMMvBFRm4rcFAenUnG3YQ7db7HAToEI9ViMrtZ7QOQt-o8R7qmIunPLbXiIqTEWWkDqjoAcOK9N8qSzt10wsekXzJNmX2-w2pGQ7KSxQ4EbUotbLpFivc/s400/trex+christianity.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423413562666617074" /></a><br /><a href="http://tominthebox.blogspot.com/2010/01/t-rex-christianity.html">Thanks to http://tominthebox.blogspot.com/2010/01/t-rex-christianity.html</a>Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-1641401902700973422009-12-31T23:16:00.000-08:002010-01-01T00:33:30.104-08:00The Tree that Wouldn't ChangeIt has become a fall and winter ritual for me to talk to, or more likely about, the tree that is in my front yard. You see, the tree is not an evergreen, but it wants to be -- really bad! Every year it is the same old routine. The trees on our street begin to change the colors of their leaves and then they slowly dispense them, generally into my yard. I end up raking more leaves out of my yard that come from my neighbor's trees than I do of the tree that sits squarely in the middle of my yard. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Resistant to Change</span><br />I have come to realize that my tree, like many people, doesn't like change. In fact, it is incredibly resistant to change. Some years, it does not shed its leaves at all. Even though it is surrounded by other trees that actually know what season it is, it adamantly fights to keep it's green coat.<br /><br />A few mornings back, Karlene and I went out in front of the house and took pictures of our delusional tree and also our neighbor's trees (that do not seem to have the same allusions of grandeur). You can see the trees that are across the street in photos 1, 2, and 3. But take a look at our tree -- clearly it has issues.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvReHV2ywDzSuxNlmRL2iZfjtcXqN21DMCfh0FpgEZqWBIT76sBg6fm-JssXmefb7PrR5nMAabMlaw941GFI9iGDP-EyB6ydq-4vADY_BUBDZ_bc35LKrlqHmiOvYCNW22FMdm_7Op5k/s1600-h/TREES4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvReHV2ywDzSuxNlmRL2iZfjtcXqN21DMCfh0FpgEZqWBIT76sBg6fm-JssXmefb7PrR5nMAabMlaw941GFI9iGDP-EyB6ydq-4vADY_BUBDZ_bc35LKrlqHmiOvYCNW22FMdm_7Op5k/s400/TREES4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421682033587705138" /></a><br />As I am writing this, it is but a few minutes away from a new year and a new decade. Nothing that I can do will stop the inevitable march of time. Change comes whether we want it or not and whether we like it or not. In fact, change is constant. It is continual. So why is it that people (like my tree) are so resistant to change? Here are a few reasons...<br /><br />1. People misunderstand why they must change.<br /><br />2. People lack ownership in the changing process.<br /><br />3. People don’t like to change their habit patterns.<br /><br />4. People feel the new is not worth the price.<br /><br />5. People resist when they are threatened with the loss of something valuable.<br /><br />6. People are satisfied or comfortable with the old.<br /><br />7. Tradition: we have never done it that way before.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Change is the Price All of Us Must Pay for Growth.</span> <br />Growth equals change; you cannot grow unless you change. Too often, people confuse immobility with stability. Just because one remains entrenched in the status quo doesn't mean that things are stable as a result. Time keeps on ticking and change keeps on happening -- no matter what we think or do. It takes place in spite of us.<br /><br />It's important to recognize that in order to go "up" we must give up. Don't fight change, curse change or fear change. Instead, remember that the author of change is the very one who, by nature, is unchangeable (Malachi 3:6). He is the one who set the "times and seasons" in order!<br /><br />Don't be like the tree in my yard and fight change, but be a change agent! This new year, make those changes that you need to make in order to move forward in your faith, in your family and in life. You can do it! Start today!Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55726359853000663.post-11733763436393523802009-11-02T15:20:00.000-08:002009-11-02T15:29:01.149-08:00Translating the Language of Church-HoppersI haven't posted in awhile, but this was too humorous to not re-post. So, I thought I would pass on this top ten list I saw on a blog by Josh Reich, a young pastor in Tuscon, Arizona. Below is his post on a book by Bob Franquiz entitled, Zero to Sixty. It has a chapter on Church Hoppers. Here is how to spot a church hopper and what they mean:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. “But my old church…”</span><br />This usually means they want your church to be like their old church.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2. “I just need time to be fed.”</span> <br />This means, “I don’t want to do anything. I’m here just to sit and see what I can get out of this church, so don’t expect me to serve in any way, shape, or form.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3. “I’m looking for a church that teaches the Word.”</span><br />This means, “I’m looking for a church that dispenses lots of information without challenging me to do anything.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4. “We came here because we are looking for deep teaching.”</span><br />This usually means their last church focused too much on actually obeying the Word. They want a church that just talks about the Rapture, the Second Coming, who the Hittites were and the identity of Theophilus.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5. “I should know my pastor.”</span><br />This means, “In my last church, I got to know the pastor, but when the church grew, and the pastor couldn’t have dinner with us every Tuesday night, I left and came here.”<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />6. “We want a church that’s focused on discipling people.”</span><br />This means, “I want a church that’s focused on me, not people who are lost.”<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />7. “I wish you wouldn’t focus so much on what people need to do.” </span><br />This means they don’t like commitment, they don’t like to be told the Bible actually tells them how to live and follow Jesus. They want to come to church, live in their sin and have no one tell them this is wrong.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />8. “I wish you wouldn’t talk about money.”</span><br />This is the best way to tell a pastor “I don’t give.”<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />9. “My old church/pastor was…” </span><br />The way people come to your church is how they will leave. If your first conversation with them is all about their last church and pastor, that is how they will leave your church and how they will go to their next church.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">10. “Pastor, I’ve been talking to a lot of people and they all say…”</span><br />Translation: “Me, my spouse and my mother think…” If they start this way, 99.9% of the time they have no one else who thinks this way, it is just the best way to complain. If someone has a complaint and uses this line with me, they need to list all of the names or my best assumption is they talked to the same person 10 times.Pastor Tim Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03806132562529269207noreply@blogger.com1