Archive for March, 2010

Learning How To Grow In My Faith

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

At the beginning of the year we took a survey at 97West.  You the people voiced that the topic of study most intriguing to you (other than sex and relationships) is “Learning How to Grow in My Faith.”

Is your personal growth (be it spiritual, emotional or social) a science?  Is there a magic formula that enables you to be a better and more mature person one month from now? Here is a hint: Growth is a natural byproduct of health.

Join us tonight – and for a few weeks to follow – as we discuss whether God designed growth to be a “program” or an “environment.”  This could be the beginning of your biggest growth spurt.

gary

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Low Battery

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

Low Battery.  We’ve all been warned of the looming loss of power on the computer, cell phone, or an iPod.  Sometimes it’s a message that appears on the screen, and other times it’s a beep or a flashing icon.  It warns you to connect to a power source.  Soon.

In life we all experience those times when we grow weary, tired, low.  I sorta wish human fatigue was signaled by a flashing icon; instead, low batteries in life are revealed in a curt reply, cynicism, a sigh, apathy, an extra drink, anxiety, stress headaches, and the like.

A man named Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  Bring your low battery self tonight as we begin figuring how to (re)connect to a Power Source.

gary

PS. Save the Date:

Service Project– 3/27– Sign up tonight!

Singles Retreat–5/21-5/23– Sarasota, FL– register online http://tinyurl.com/yegf9gs

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Oneness

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

A couple summers ago I got sunburned on my back.  The worst part was not the pain of my shirt against my skin; what I found far worse was the healing process when I was ravaged with an itch that I couldn’t reach to scratch.  I would contort my arms in an attempt to reach that slim section in my middle back, straining to get just one fingernail across that relentless itch.

Relationships scratch an itch for oneness in a way that nothing else can compare.  You are most likely in one of a couple places in life right now: you have been burned by a relationship, or you are frustrated by this itch that most relationships have yet to satisfy.

Join me tonight as a sunburned sojourner.  We will address that itch we all have for what the Bible calls “oneness.”

gary

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Swing for the Fences

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

This is my son’s first year in Kid Pitch baseball.  When a 7 year old is pitching, often only 2 out of 73 pitches are hittable.  This means that getting on base is very easy, if you are willing to stand there, never swing, and receive a walk every time you come to the plate.

My son fouled off a couple pitches in his game last night.  He eventually struck out when he swung at a pitch that was about 7 feet out of the strike zone.  I asked him how he felt about not getting on base.  His response was immediate and clear: Dad, I want to hit the ball, not stand there.

We gather on Tuesday nights as a group of people who refuse to walk monotonously through life.  We believe we are on this earth to make a difference, and that means occasionally swinging at some tough pitches. Tonight we will all be challenged to swing for the fences.

Tonight’s opening pitch is at 7:30.

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Maxim-ize Your Love Life–Speed Limits

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

I wouldn’t say that I’m addicted to speed, but rather addicted to speed limits.  I’m old enough now that the thought of driving really fast just doesn’t do it for me as it once did.  But like I said, I am addicted to speed limits, meaning that I may not want to go really fast BUT I want to at least go the maximum allowable speed.

I’ve often wished that speed limits were more clearly marked in relationships.  Perhaps they are, but I’ve failed to see the signs.

Drive over to 97 W Biscayne tonight.  Hang out with us for worship, teaching, and a sense of belonging.  Tonight we learn about reading the signs.  You may find yourself more confident and relaxed behind the wheel, driving a different speed on your next date.

gary

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