2007 November » russbutcher.com

Raising Children: Champions Under Construction

Nov 132007

Just over a week ago I was invited to attend a capital campaign vision banquet for Loganville Christian Academy as a community pastor. We have a number of families with children at LCA and at the invitation of Kevin Gibson I was excited to be a part. After receiving the invitation, I became aware that the guest speaker was Pat Williams, co-founder and Senior Vice President of the NBA Orlando Magic basketball franchise. I was even more excited. Pat Williams is a great leader, a father, and is known for his testimony as a follower of Jesus.

With the banquet being focused on LCA’s vision of raising up children that follow Christ, Pat Williams talk was titled, “Champions Under Construction”. Here is an overview of what he shared. This is valuable stuff for parents and those working with children and teens. Don’t miss the pic below!

Champions Under Construction:

1. Think the right kind of thoughts. “Garbage in – Garbage Out” Cultivate a love of reading in the life of your child. Set a goal to read one hour a day for the rest of your life. Men should read more. 85% of all books are read by women. Only 5% of the American population will ever go into a bookstore.

2. Say the right kind of words. Who can tame the tongue? The words you use will become reality in your life.

3. Are specific specific in goal setting. A clear cut definite goal is a powerful motivator. Goals need deadlines. Set BHAG’s “Big Hairy Audacious Goals” The key to being a great goal-setter is DISCIPLINE!

4. Understand they are responsible! Champions understand what it means to ask, “What is the wisest thing for me to do in this situation?” and then they take full responsibility for their decisions. “The only thing I have complete control over is my attitude.”

5. Seek out the right kind of friends. “Show me your friends, and I will show you your future.” Proverbs 13.20

6. Take their hurts, pain and suffering and turn it into strengths. “Don’t Waste Your Suffering.”

7. Go the second mile. They do more than is expected of them. You simply have to get up and go to work every day. The two most important words from second milers is “What else?”

8. Never Give Up! Do not grow weary in well doing! “Perseverance is defined as “stubbornness with a purpose” Rich DeVos.

9. Know Character Counts! Honesty-Tell the truth; Integrity-#1 looked up word on Webster site; Humility-Humble spirit.

10. Live their life by the faith phenomenon! Most of what we do in life requires a measure of faith. Do everything in love!

Monday Morning Download

Church at the Grove, Random Thoughts No Responses »

Nov 122007

A few thoughts on the last few days:

I have to be honest: I have been so consumed with immediate needs and issues, it has been hard to look beyond the immediate to consider long term vision and direction for CATGrove and our ministry here in the community. I am look forward to a pace for dreaming and vision in the next week or two.
Some of our students went to a homeless shelter on Friday night to minister and learn. They said it was awesome and they can’t wait until they get to go back. I am so proud of our students and the leadership provided to them by Nathan and Katelyn.
Yesterday was really a great day. I am easily preoccupied with how people might respond when I teach about finances and money. I am even more convinced that we owe it to people and what is in their best interest to address the issue. I am more convicted that I need to worry more about what God thinks and desires than anything else. Having said all that, the response has been great. If someone isn’t pleased with what we are doing, I haven’t heard about it.
I was thankful to see an old friend yesterday at our gathering. Hank and his wife Laurie came to worship with us along with their little girl and little boy. Hank is a great guy and works in the school system here in Walton County. We go way back and I have such pleasant memories of doing youth ministry together.
I am thankful for Lance Boyd. He worked like a dog to make yesterday happen with the sound. We had some major issues with the sound but by the second service we had most of the kinks out. It affirms how important sound is to what we do.
I am thankful for Chris Orr. He is a long time friend and an incredible worship leader and most importantly, he is a godly guy with a great heart. While David was in Virginia leading worship at an event, Chris stepped up to help us. I know it had to be frustrating with all of our sound issues but Chris persevered through it and did a great job.
I really enjoyed meeting Adam and Jennifer yesterday. Jennifer joined Chris in leading worship and Adam joined in with the jimbay. They are an awesome couple and they love God.
I challenged all of our people to bring a tithe offering next week to see for one week what our potential would be if everyone was giving on a percentage basis. I can’t wait to see how God works through this.
BACK IN BLACK! I can’t wait to talk to all of my Auburn friends this week. Of course it will be to offer encouragement and support after their loss. The DAWGS surprised me with their burst of offense in the game against a very good Auburn team. I was worried in the third quarter. What has gotten into Coach Mark Richt?
Next week will be interesting when UGA plays Kentucky. Our Media Shout guy is Tom Kirby and he is a crazed Kentucky fan. We are planning a wager on the game. We might plan on the loser wearing the colors of the winner on Sunday morning. If UGA wins, Tom will be brought up to the platform to show off his Red and Black on Sunday morning.
A BIG, HUGE thank you to Brian Peart for sharing some of his story and sharing about his ministry yesterday in our services. Brian is a godly guy and has an incredible ministry to help people out of financial bondage and to teach them biblical principles regarding finances and giving. Check out Brian’s ministry at BiblicalPrinciplesInc. Brian is going to be an incredible resource in our church and community. God is already using his ministry nationwide! Thanks Brian.
Lots of stuff going on! I need lots of prayer!
Please pray for my son Caleb. He has really been sick the last few days.
We enter the holiday season in a couple of weeks. Normally it gets busier and busier for families this time of year. Is it possible to slow down and enjoy this season at a slower pace? Give it some thought!

You guys make me sick!

Church, Culture, Missional 2 Responses »

Nov 102007

I was eating lunch with one of the leaders in our church at a great restaurant in downtown Atlanta. It called “Fire of Brazil”. It was great food and I was hanging out with a great Friend named Chad Spinks.

We talked a lot about our church and specifically what we had done with skittles that week. It related to the topic of the sermons I am doing on money and possessions, so we were talking about money and finances and God’s goodness in all the midst of this.

Chad said he loved it but some people don’t love to over-hear other people talk to each other about issues they may enjoy. While eating we talked a lot and maybe we were loud in some of our conversation.

A guy at the closest table overheard what we were talking about, God; money; blessing.

He wrote a note saying:

“You guys Make Me Sick”

(From “The Lord Sword”)

God doesn’t need your money or need men like you!

I felt so encouraged! I sensed his love and simply offered it back to him.

Actually He was mean and has a pretty limited agenda. Here’s the point: When you talk to people in public, you should reflect the character of Jesus toward other people. That is hard, much less having to put up with religious freaks that challenge you about your beliefs.

In situations like that: Don’t argue; Keep quiet and give simple encouraging answers and make it short. Remember to think, “He or she needs to see Jesus in me right now.”

Front Yard Halloween Fest

Community, Missional No Responses »

Nov 102007

For the second year in a row, Jill and I have set up a couple of big inflatable games in our front yard for some Halloween fun. Over a week ago on Wednesday night was incredible. We had several of our CATGrove families join us along with neighbors in our subdivision. We simply gather some chairs on the lawn, have plenty of candy to give out and wait for the trick-or-treating to start.

We have a great neighborhood for trick-or-treating. It is well lit, it has a lot of families with young kids, and it is small enough for kids to walk from house to house.

By the time it was getting dark, the streets were filled with parents and children walking down the street. The children would stop, pick up some candy and then play for a while. While the kids played, all the parents would stand on the lawn and talk. For the second year in a row, we have had a great opportunity to meet many of the families that live in our neighborhood. Unfortunately, we are often too busy to stop and talk during our normally busy days.

Last night was great! We had some great conversations with some great families. I love hanging out in our neighborhood!

Check out the pics: