By Ryan Coggins

Few people have left such a profound impression on my life as my grandpa. It wasn’t through his words or lectures, for neither were necessary to impact my life. It was through his tangible devotion to Christ that I saw what it meant to be a follower of Christ and a pastor.

I remember going to the grocery store or to a restaurant, and without fail, he would share his faith in Christ with someone. It was never forced, but through simple conversation, genuine care, and meeting felt needs, he left a mark on this world. He lived out the great commission daily.

I remember living with him and my grandma one summer in college, and I was astonished by how many hours he spent reading the Bible and praying. He told he he had read the Bible cover to cover four times that year and it was only May! This is a man who pastored for fifty years, and was a student of theology. He could probably quote most of the Bible. And yet, he would tell me (and still tells me) about things he never before saw in scripture. His love for the word was rich and deep.

I remember hearing stories from my mom of the humble lifestyle she grew up in, as the daughter of a church-planter. Most of her upbringing was spent literally in church, because her bedroom in the church doubled as a Sunday School classroom on the weekend. My grandfather truly laid down his lifestyle for the sake of the call.

To this day, I have never heard my grandpa pray (which has been countless times) without crying. Although he’s built like a lumberjack, his heart is melted by the love and grace of his creator.

I’ve encountered many pastors in my life. I’ve known thousands of Christ Followers. But my grandpa showed me what it meant to be a pastor and follower of Christ like no one else. My prayer is that these words would one day be said of me.

By David Osterhaus

Last week my wife and I welcomed our second child, a son. My wife and I were thrilled; our two-year-old daughter was blind-sided. The following parenting quotes (most by Bill Cosby) have kept my wife and I entertained during this past sleep deprived week:

“Even when freshly washed and relieved of all obvious confections, children tend to be sticky.”

“The quickest way for a parent to get a child’s attention is to sit down and look comfortable.”

“Always end the name of your child with a vowel, so that when you yell, the name will carry.”

“The truth is that parents are not really interested in justice. They just want quiet.”

“Having a child is surely the most beautifully irrational act that two people in love can commit.”

“The arrival of a baby coincides with the departure of our minds.”

“I guess the real reason that my wife and I had children is the same reason that Napoleon had for invading Russia: it seemed like a good idea at the time.”

All joking aside, I feel blessed to be a father and am overjoyed to have added a new member to my family. Especially since he is a boy! God is so incredibly good, and even during these sleepless nights I am reminded of his love for me and the responsibility of showing God’s love to my growing family.

Photo: Phil’s family

By Philip Voisin

I love family. My family has always been close, even as we have continued to grow. When Cassie and I got married, I then had the privilege of being able to start my own family with her AND I got to join hers! We’ve laughed together, cried together, shared our struggles, mourned together, learned from one another, and strengthened each other. I love the way family teaches me about God. God created the family in the garden, and through that left pieces of himself in the family. The family teaches us how God truly loves us. 

As a son, I experienced the unconditional love the father has for his son. When I did something wrong, my father still loved me. When I disappointed him, he still loved me.  I can’t thank him enough for the Godly example he set for me.

As a husband, I got to experience love in a different way. Love is not just a feeling but an action. It’s a choice. We, as Christians, are called the bride of Christ. Jesus loves us regardless of our actions. He continues to see us as his perfect bride, loves us as if we could do no wrong. I am still learning the true meaning of unconditional love (Cassie makes it easy), but God has shown me how truly limitless his love is for us.

Soon I will learn what it means to BE a father. I get to experience love from a different angle. I get to show the love of a father and at the same time learn how the Father loves me. Although this will be tough at times, I pray God gives me the strength to love unconditionally. I am so excited to be the example of this aspect of God’s unconditional love.
 

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God,” 1 John 3:1.

By Kevin Ganiere

Recently my family and I rid ourself of cable and discovered Netflix streaming. I am not receiving any monetary kickback from Netflix for this, but IT IS AWESOME! 

The best thing about Netflix is all the old shows you can watch. From old Dennis the Menance to the A-team, to my favorite, The Cosby Show. The show is truly a “family” show. I remember the show from when it was on network television. Back then, I thought it was mildly funny and tolerable, but as a parent , it is downright hysterical! So many situations on the show are one I have felt as a parent and can relate to. One of my favorite lines is where Dr. Huxtable says, “My wife and I have been married for 20 years and we grow closer everyday… Mainly because we are scared of the kids!”

There are so many great moments on the show, but what I am also finding is the way the Huxtables parent their children is a lost art. Here are some examples:

1. Respect is expected. Have you noticed on today’s sitcoms, the kids are super disrespectful? Well, not the Huxtables. The kids may talk back, but not without consequences.

2. Parents act as a team. Parents on today’s sitcoms are pushovers and most of the time are pitted against each other. Cliff and Claire are a team. They do not take sides and all decisions are mutual.

3. Wise (not frivolous) use of money is encouraged. Although both Cliff and Claire have high-paying careers, they value wise money choices over indulging in fads or trends. Theo, their oldest son, always tries to keep up with fashion trends, but Mr. Huxtable frequently reminds him to make wise decisions. 

4. Parents keep the romance alive in their relationship. Cliff and Claire continue to date each other. In one episode Cliff takes her out for a date night and tells her it is a “you’re not a mom night”. My wife thought that was pretty funny and has suggested we make date night “we’re are not parents night”.

5. When all else fails use humor! When your kids are throwing fits or sad or are crying, break out your Yoda voice or Fozzy the Bear voice and see what happens!

By Courtney Etzel

My husband, Brad, and I are excited and blessed to have a new addition to our family, a beautiful baby girl. She was born in November, and it was love at first sight! 

Leaving the hospital was very surreal; we had a baby and we were on our own. There were no nurses to help us or turn to for a quick question. Coming home was a huge adjustment. Brad was able to stay home for a few days but then had to go back to work. Then it was just me, our daughter, a research paper and four exams.  

At times it was difficult learning about a new baby, and trying to finish everything during finals week. I found myself questioning if I could work full time, be a full time student and a mom. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through.” 

I recently read a friend’s post that said, “God doesn’t give us what we can handle; God helps us handle what we are given.”  

We all find ourselves facing new challenges or struggles, wondering if we will make it through or if we will fail. This verse reminded me that no matter how difficult things may be, God will always be there to help me.

No matter what struggle or challenge you are facing, know that you are not alone and remember that God will never let you down. My hope is that this verse will bring you comfort knowing that with God’s help you can embrace any challenge.

By Cassie Voisin

A couple weeks ago I attended the Life Group, Proverbs 31 Woman, with some amazing women from the West Campus. We were talking about Pastor’s message on obstacles and how we grow when we do the possible and trust God to do the impossible. 

One of my big God-sized dreams has been to see some of my family members come to faith in Christ. I have had this dream for seven years (since my salvation) and lately all I have been seeing is obstacles. Patience does not come naturally to me so it truly was a blessing to have these ladies from my Life Group partner in prayer with me and give me the accountability to continue praying, investing and inviting, and letting God put the super on my natural. 

My mother is a perfect example… Growing up we never went to church and I didn’t really believe in God. I figured if God existed, why do bad things happen? Wouldn’t He stop them? Well, everything in my life came to the forefront in 2003. I found myself failing in college, losing my music scholarship, having panic attacks and drinking. This was not the life I wanted to live and I felt that I lost my place in my own story. 

I decided to move back home with my Mom and her boyfriend to do some “self analyzing” and get my life back together. One day my mother and now step dad walked by Life Church and saw how friendly and happy people were coming out of service. They hadn’t stepped in a church for ten years but decided to check it out anyway. They received Christ the very first time they attended. I began to see them changing before my eyes and I was shocked. They stopped drinking, swearing, and they were happier. I couldn’t understand it. 

My mom would invite me EVERY weekend and I would always say no and give some excuse. “I haven’t been to church in years, people are going to think I am stupid.” “What would God want with someone like me?” One morning my mom woke me up and said “If you don’t try out a service once, I am kicking you out. I can’t explain it, there is something about this church and I feel like God has big plans for you here. Try it once and I will stop bothering you.” God was speaking to her heart and through prayer she knew that this was the weekend to really take it to the next level.

That one service was all I needed. I felt like Pastor Aaron was talking right to me and after the message I raised my hand and received Christ for the first time. My life changed a lot after that.  First I stopped drinking, and then the panic attacks went away. I felt like I had a purpose and was worthwhile. 

God really worked on me the next couple of years. I was called into the ministry, came on staff at Life Church, met my amazing husband in a Life Group here at Life Church, and now I have BIG GOD SIZED DREAMS. 

We all have people we know who are far away from God. Parents, siblings, family members, friends, co-workers, etc. Never give up! Do your part by doing the possible (investing, inviting, praying) and let God do the impossible. 

Here’s a picture of me and my mother. I can’t thank her enough for not giving up on me and letting God work through her! 

Does your life feel chaotic? Are you frantic and stressed? A recent study reported that sixty percent of Americans admit to living a life that’s out of control. Being “busy” has become a national status symbol.

But the Bible cautions against this kind of lifestyle. “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap,” (Luke 21:34). 

 You know you’re too busy, if you can’t finish the book you just purchased on stress.

When life gets chaotic, it’s easy to become scattered and not do anything well. It’s also easy to become reactive; suddenly what’s urgent takes the place of what’s important. You become frantic and stressed, which takes a toll both emotionally and physically.

Job put it this way, “My days are swifter than a runner; they fly away without a glimpse of joy,” (Job 9:25).

But God has a better plan.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls,” (Matthew 11:28-29).

God wants to help us make the most of our time. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom,” (Psalm 90:12).

DROP THE MASK OF CHAOS: 4 STEPS TO SANITY

1. *Identify your unique values. Ask yourself what you value as a family and what you want to accomplish. “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls…,” (Jeremiah 6:16).

2. Identify your single most important objective. What’s the one thing you could do during the next six months that would advance your family forward? Also, remember: You can do anything you want, but you can’t do everything. What will last? “A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth,” (Proverbs 17:24).

3. Check your progress regularly. Evaluate where things are going. “Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind,” (Proverbs 21:5, MSG).

4. Focus on the eternal.  At the end of life, nobody ever says, “I wish I could’ve spent another day at the office or one more night out with the boys.” Ask yourself: “What difference does what I’m doing make in light of eternity?”

The secret to living a life of intentionality and purpose is to focus on the eternal.

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is,” (Ephesians 5:15-17).

************************************************

* Steps one through three taken from “The Three Big Questions for a Frantic Family” by Patrick Lencioni.

By Kevin Ganiere

Parenting is hard … That is kind of like saying “snow is white.” When did I realize that parenting involved more than making sure my kids were fed, somewhat clean, and had basic necessities, you might ask?

A few years ago, my wife, Charonne, and I went grocery shopping with our then three-year-old son, Ryan. While walking up and down the aisles picking out all sorts of deliciousness, a little person came down the aisle.

Ryan didn’t notice her at first, but as we passed she caught his eye. I was holding him and I felt him well up and get excited to tell us something. I had a feeling it was about the little person so I tactfully covered his mouth and ran around to the next aisle. When I finally removed my hand he shouted, “I just want to see the little lady”! Embarrassed, I realized then that parenting involved more than just meeting our child’s basic needs. More importantly, I realized I would need help.

Read More