Real Life is messy

How come when you order ribs they give you one of those wet wipe things but if you order a taco you are on your own?
Life is messy. Sometimes you can see it coming and other times it just ends up on your shirt. I think God is teaching me to not focus on the mess but on my reaction to the mess. Do I look to him to help or do I let my sticky mess get all over everything?
I am absolutely convinced that God can handle my mess.

I watched " Evan Almighty" with the family last night. One of the themes of the movie is that what God does - He does because he loves us. That's a powerful truth to remember when life lands on my shirt.

Livin Real
Jeff

Penny for your thoughts

So how is your thought life this week? It seems that I have had to put forth a little extra effort this week but it has been worth it. When I think about God and his goodness to me my eyes seem to open to all kinds of positive things- good friends-family- my dog Sadie- a great church that lives an honest life before each other- no games- man that is huge for me. I feel I can be real with everyone, I don't have to put on a happy face if my day bites. More importantly I am encouraged to draw close to God.

We are planning some stuff in the coming weeks so we can just be together- picnic June 24th. I know this is easier for some then others but please make the effort. You can be a real blessing to others as well as making new friends. We really are in this together.

Livin REAL 24/7/365

Jeff

Reminder to be real

Do you ever notice that the garage never stays clean? Every time I want to do something out there I have to clean up after myself first. I wish I could blame Shelley and the girls but the truth is 90% of the mess is mine. Oh well that's life.

This week I have been reminded that our lives are like my garage, they need constant attention to keep it functional, sometimes we like to pretend that things are better then they are and try to work in the midst of the mess - now that is a recipe for frustration and disappointment. I have tried this week to be real with God, telling him my frustrations and my disappointments - it feels good to be transparent with Him. But I am also learning that to be REAL requires action on my part. I have to do what I know to do... that sounds simple but it take purpose and effort. For me to be real is to be honest, transparent and active not passive. A new phrase at the Austin household is finish the task! When you start something do the whole job. God is really teaching me something here about my service to Him... I will let you know how that goes. I want to remind you to be real and be active with God. His blessings await all who seek him.

God is Good!

Jeff

Deep Impact

I am starting a new series this week called Deep Impact. I have been impressed with how little things make such a big impact in my life, a word, an action, a look, for good and for ill! But it makes a difference. Life is not neutral- I mean everything has an impact. The question that comes to mind made me a little queasy- What impact am I having on the church, on my family, on my friends, on the people that I come into contact will- see what I mean- big question. I also see the impact God is having on me- little things creating deep change in my life. I am excited about exploring this together- see you Sunday- I'm sure it will have a deep impact.

Jeff

Sun's out

You might have noticed that bright orb in the sky- we haven't seen it in a while. Isn't it interesting how something so far away can effect (is it effect or affect I seem to always get it wrong) us in so many ways. People are out walking around, waving at the neighbors, or just sitting staring at the bright orb with there eyes closed. The sun makes us feel good. But just you wait, those same people will be complaining about how hot it is and when are we going to get some rain cause my lawn is dying? It is a close margin from cold to comfortable to hot.

I think how we treat each other is kinda like that. We can be too distant and cold or we can be overbearing and hot. But everyone, and I do mean everyone, is looking for the warmth of true love and friendship. I think maybe God wants RLCC to be like this nice spring day: warm and inviting - touching everyone. Well.... let your love shine for all the world to see.

Really enjoying the rays at Real Life

Jeff

Eternal love

Hi everyone,
I loved talking about heaven on Sunday, Hell was a little tougher. God really does love us! I know I shouldn't be so surprised by that but I am - every day it just blows me away. I am really tired this week- Might be from the two trips to Idaho in 48 hours- Thanks for being a church that cares for other people. I always feel so good about invited people to join us on Sunday because I know how they will be received by you. It's God working in you. You are his "A" team!!!!

People are waiting for an invitation to be a part of something- I seem to be reminded of that everyday...

I am looking forward to Mother's Day. All you Moms out there are amazing- the influence you have is life changing... you are the real super heroes...

See you Sunday

Many Different faces

What a great day! Both services really encouraged me. I can see God moving in so many ways. You know it is not so much God moving over all of us but God moving uniquely in individual lives and all that combined makes this great musical of God's love- I know that is a little cheesy- but I think you get the point.

I really enjoy team teaching. I can see the truth and the power of God's word touch others and touch me. This week seemed to be all about different relationships. I had so many different opportunities to see the great need people have. I know God can help them if they just open themselves up to him. Some people were open to hear about how much God cares about them and some people were closed off by fear and pain. My heart breaks for them, but I keep my eyes open for opportunities.

I had a this great moment on Friday I stopped by to see a friend -from real life- and he was telling me about this person who was in great need and how he listened to God and simply responded to meet the need. As it turned out, I was able to meet this person and see first hand how this act of compassion opened this person up to God's Love. Way Cool to see God move.

Everyone is seeking something - check out the picture. Keep being Real. God is using everyday people to do extraordinary things. God is Good. Jeff

Lessons learned

Today I was reflecting on Sunday. I was reminded how generous God is. To be able to come to a church where I feel such love and openness. It just lifts me up to come into the parking lot....Reality check...there is a lot of heart ache in the seats each week, real stuff you know? I was just praying -God please help them, meet their needs, encourage them, bring someone to walk with them so they don't feel alone. I can feel overwhelmed, but as we sang I was reminded God is God and that is enough.

As I was driving to Corvallis after the service to be with Maggie I was thinking about what kind of cup I want to use to get blessings from God and to be a blessing to others. Real Life, what would happen if we loved the "Venti Life" you know what I mean? What could God do with that? Lives could be changed, marriages could be saved, hope could return to the hopeless. Man I was getting all excited and fired up as my imagination was going wild....Reality check... I got out of the truck at OSU to watch Maggie's volleyball team. The morning had been difficult and they had lost a couple of close games... they were a little discouraged. Bracket play was about to begin, they still could win the tournament (if they could win the next 4 three game matches) they would have to forget the morning and focus on what was ahead... they had to overcome difficulty... fatigue... doubt... mistakes... five and a half hours and four matches later they where CHAMPIONS! What an achievement for them and what a LESSON FOR ME. For me to be what God wants me to be I have to overcome difficulty...fatigue...doubt...mistakes and God is right there cheering me on...Man God is opening my eyes to what He has in store for RLCC.

talk some more later.

TOTALLY REAL

Jeff