Dream 2020 & Paradigm Shifting Posted by aprilolive on 17 May 2013, 3:46 pm
With Cornerstone’s Dream 2020 project underway, I’ve been having lots of conversations with small groups and individuals about what they dream for Cornerstone’s impact in their lives, their families, their friends, their communities, and their world. It’s been easy for those conversations to roll from dreaming for “what could be” to “why isn’t it?” This has involved a lot of great dynamic conversations about what is the purpose of “the church,” often challenging our traditional experiences or views of church. In particular, we are talking a lot about what we expect the church to provide for us. If you grew up in or have been attending church for a long time, you have likely become accustomed to programming – by that. […]Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | aprilolive
"Let present privilege awaken us to present duty, and now while life lasts, let’s spend and be..." Posted by (author unknown) on 15 May 2013, 12:52 pm
“Let present privilege awaken us to present duty, and now while life lasts, let’s spend and be spent for our sweet Lord Jesus.” - Spurgeon, Morning and EveningSource: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | (author unknown)
Mother… Posted by aprilolive on 10 May 2013, 9:35 pm
Mother’s Day is almost upon us, and I have to laugh – if the past 24 hours doesn’t scream the Mom Life, I don’t know what does. I’ve been ignoring not feeling tip top the past couple of days, and last night, yeah, felt way worse. But I was optimistic with a solid night’s sleep and did the following: 5am – Got up with my Middle Schooler to see him off on his much anticipated Band Trip 7am – Took the 4th Grader to school 7:15am – Hmmm. I ain’t feeling super. My back is achy. 7:30am – Oh man, I feel awful. 8am – Hit the urgent care. Oh, joy, I have a Kidney Stone. 11am – Pass said Kidney Stone. 12pm – Help 9th Grader prep for Sailing Trip weekend. Pack 4th grader to visit cousins. Run errands. Start laundry. You kno. […]Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | aprilolive
A Mother’s Heart Posted by aprilolive on 9 May 2013, 3:51 am
Today was one of those hard mom days. A day that a process of physical healing begins for one of my children, but is complicated with feelings, emotions, anxiety, sadness. In the overall picture is hope and joy for the prognosis and the availability of treatment, but on this beginning day it feels heavy and overwhelming for my child. This mother’s heart feels heavy and overwhelmed that I can’t walk this path FOR my child. What’s the saying about parenthood -”To make the decision to forever have your heart go walking around outside your body?” To be profoundly vulnerable. But I can walk it WITH my child. Tomorrow and each day after is faced TOGETHER. And I’ve sat here tonight considering that gift – that we face this together,. […]Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | aprilolive
Uganda 2013: Encourage the Fainthearted Posted by aprilolive on 25 Apr 2013, 1:54 pm
(This post is 2nd in a series looking back on my recent trip to Uganda. See the first here.) So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 2. Encourage the fainthearted. It was really beautiful to see this play out over the week in women whose lives are lived on 2 continents. I watched as we went about our daily plans, and I saw women take time to connect with each other, walk together, share their stories, their dreams, their hurts, their struggles. It wasn’t at a conference or in a church on Sunday morning. It was in quiet and simplicity, in friendship. Our Ugandan friends needed it, we needed it. I listened to my sweet Ugandan friend share about how hard it is to live. […]Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | aprilolive
Earth’s Crammed With Heaven Posted by aprilolive on 23 Apr 2013, 1:55 pm
And truly, I reiterate, nothing’s small! No lily-muffled hum of a summer bee, But finds some coupling with the spinning stars; No pebble at your foot, but proves a sphere; No chaffinch, but implies the cherubim; And (glancing on my own thin, veined wrist), In such a little tremor of the blood The whole strong clamour of a vehement soul Doth utter itself distinct. Earth’s crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God; But only he who sees, takes off his shoes, The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries And daub their natural faces unaware. ~Elizabeth Barrett Browning from ‘Aurora Leigh’Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | aprilolive
Uganda 2013: Boys Are Boys No Matter Where In The World They Are Posted by aprilolive on 17 Apr 2013, 5:21 pm
Let me start off by saying, so sorry I was not able to blog more from this trip as we went along. For one reason or another, it just didn’t seem to work out. Sometimes we couldn’t get online, sometimes it was impossible to load pictures, and on one occasion, poor Lindsey had written a very detailed description on a couple days of our trip, and poof, it disappeared. Well, it seems like ages ago that Lindsey and I were on our Ugandan journey. For me this was my 3rd trip to Uganda since Oct 2011, and I found it to be distinctly different than my last two. I could say easily that it was because this time I travelled with one of my children, or that I was with Sixty Feet this time instead of Cornerstone, or that it was because I was in Uga. […]Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | aprilolive
Fixing My Eyes on Jesus Posted by aprilolive on 3 Apr 2013, 7:54 pm
It should come as no surprise to me that yesterday and today were the most difficult for our team on this trip. These days have been filled with spending time with children who fit the phrase “the least and the last.” Most of these children have moved from one difficult situation to just another difficult situation, and it’s hard to know which situation is worse – the past or the present. Days like these are physically exhausting but so much more emotionally. Every team I have been with that visits these places, struggles to know what to do with what they have witnessed and even more that they have had to leave behind. Mamas especially. Just about everyone of us spent time with a child that reminded us of one of our own. When our re. […]Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | aprilolive
TIA…This is Africa Posted by aprilolive on 1 Apr 2013, 8:12 pm
Fishing Village near Entebbe Lindsey and I send greetings from beautiful Uganda! We left on Friday, the 29th at 1:00pm Atlanta time, and did not put our heads to pillows until 3:00am Sunday morning Uganda time. We were incredibly exhausted, but so glad to be reunited with our good friends Patrick and Eddie. Lindsey and I are here together with a team of 18 mothers and daughters with the ministry Sixty Feet. We left the guesthouse at 9am to go to celebrate Easter Sunday with Gateway Church in Bwerenga. It was a wonderful morning to spend with our friends, and it continued on through the afternoon. Mama Catherine and so many others prepared a feast for us to share together with a host of family, friends and children. We spread out on the porc. […]Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | aprilolive
Easter and Adoption Posted by Lee Cadden on 26 Mar 2013, 12:24 pm
At first you may not immediately put these two words together. However, once becoming a father I believe that the Spirit of God changes something inside a man that can never be reversed. Now, when I think about the cross, the coming of Jesus to ransom sons and daughters and bring them to glory, I think about Finley. Would I send her to die for you? In short the answer is no. you may be shocked to hear or read that, but the truth is that only our Heavenly Father is capable of doing what has been done. Only the Son was righteous and selfless enough to come and die so that you and I may live. I absolutely love the way Paul describes the coming of Jesus and the consequent outcome for those who believe on him in faith: But when the fullness of t. […]Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | Lee Cadden
Weekly Noteworthy 3.2.2013 Posted by aprilolive on 4 Mar 2013, 7:27 pm
A couple days late! I was too busy having a great time at the Verge Conference in Austin this weekend. Here’s something I’m really excited about – this book is releasing on April 9th. I love books, I love cooking, I love people and the beauty of God’s love we experience through relationships. Lots of winning with this one for me: favorite iPhone photo this week: being present this week: Sunset at Spicers Music We didn’t try any new recipes this week, but I tried this at Salt Lick BBQ and it was the Best BBQ Sandwich I’ve EVER had. EVER. EVER. video shared by Ben and Erin this week: So much from the Verge Conference this weekend. I may end up doing a Verge Review after having some time to think it through for awhile. This guy was. […]Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | aprilolive
large gathering // small gathering Posted by bslash on 4 Mar 2013, 3:22 am
Two significant events happened today in Auburn/Opelika. The first was the Church of the Highlands gathered in their brand new building which looks amazing. I haven’t been on the inside, but if it looks as good as the outside, it’s awesome. The parking lot was packed and from what I know about the Highlands, they were passionately celebrating Jesus in there. The second was that Cornerstone Church gathered at the Bred Pub in Opelika with about 35 people. The building looks distinctly different and the crowd was different, but we worshiped the same Jesus. All of us equally broken and in need. All of us rescued by the same Christ. One gospel that has breathed life into us. As I drove home today, and passed by what I think was the Highlands. […]Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | bslash
Reflection: Passion Kampala Posted by aprilolive on 27 Feb 2013, 2:11 pm
Just about 6 months ago, I was back in Uganda, and was a volunteer at Passion Kampala. In time of quiet and prayer this morning, my thoughts returned to the time we spent there worshipping with that crowd of 30,000. So I thought I would share a glimpse at what that experience was like, though this video just can’t do it justice. It was simply beautiful listening to all those voices blended together as one, worshipping and celebrating Jesus. He is worthy!Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | aprilolive
Weekly Noteworthy 2.23.13 Posted by aprilolive on 22 Feb 2013, 4:07 pm
Joy and pain, they are but two arteries of the one heart that pumps through all those who don’t numb themselves to really living. ~Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts I’m posting this a day early. We are heading out today for a birthday trip to New Orleans. We are celebrating Ben’s 13th birthday, which is Monday! Wow. I CANNOT believe that. favorite iPhone photo this week: our lost pup’s homecoming being present this week: being present is referencing “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp recipe Lindsey & I tried this week: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Green Peppers Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Green Peppers - it was pretty good, she says needed more seasoning another recipe I tried this week. family loved it: Tortellini Soup favorite v. […]Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | aprilolive
One Word: Breathe 2.2013 Posted by aprilolive on 22 Feb 2013, 2:21 pm
One Word: Breathe Taking time to quiet my mind and meditate this morning, this song came to mind. It is healing and beautiful. May you know today that He loves you so! He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree, Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy. When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory, And I realise just how beautiful You are, And how great Your affections are for me. Oh how he loves, Yeah, He loves us, Oh! how He loves us, Oh! how He loves us, Oh! how He loves. And we are His portion and He is our prize, Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes, If His grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking. And Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss, And my heart turns violently insi. […]Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | aprilolive
Through New Eyes Posted by Lee Cadden on 22 Feb 2013, 5:28 am
Several things are going on this Lent season, not the least of which is being a new Papa to our daughter Finley. With each day, God brings us new joy, challenges, confusion, and smiles. While things are evolving for our family as she grows, so our church is going through a stretching season. We have been challenged to pray for the 40 days of Lent about the future of the church and for God to stir in his people at Cornerstone His dreams and plans for us. So, in order to go with and as the people of Cornerstone Church, our staff has taken on the task of praying collectively throughout Lent (and hopefully beyond if I get my way ) each week. This past Monday, we spent an incredible hour of praising the Lord, praying for one another, for our l. […]Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | Lee Cadden
imitation // discipleship Posted by bslash on 21 Feb 2013, 1:01 pm
“Imitation is coded deeply within our children.” – Mike Breen. This phrase gripped me this week. The context it was spoken in was about a thought that in some ways has had me bent out of shape recently: How do we raise our children to love Jesus? When Mike spoke these words, lightbulbs and buzzers started going off inside. It’s not that the idea is so profound that I had never thought about it. It was just that in that moment, the way it was said, the Holy Spirit finally shook me a little to say, “Just do what I do, and then he’ll imitate you.” Thinking back to my childhood, that’s all I wanted, was to be like my dad. I couldn’t wait to shave, I couldn’t wait to shoot the gun, or drive, or grill, or operate the lawn mowe. […]Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | bslash
Tortellini Soup Posted by aprilolive on 19 Feb 2013, 2:27 pm
Tortellini Soup Here’s a recipe that I made yesterday. I adapted it from this Tastykitchen recipe. I added a bit of mild Italian ground sausage. It was easy to make, pretty inexpensive, and my family loved it. I was able to make it ahead in the afternoon, which was great. I knew I would be gone most of the evening with Lindsey at LAX practice, so I was able to have something for the rest of the family already made, and something for she and I when we got home late. I’m super happy to be able to avoid takeout/eating out, especially when we don’t have to do sandwiches. Just nice to have something simple with flavor. If you want something along with the soup, some garlic bread would be great or an easy salad. *I doubled this recipe f. […]Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | aprilolive
Weekly Noteworthy 2.16.13 Posted by aprilolive on 16 Feb 2013, 7:51 pm
The brave who focus on all things good and all things beautiful and all things true, even in the small, who give thanks for it and discover joy even in the small, who give thanks for it and discover joy even in the here and now, they are the change agents who bring fullest Light to all the world. ~Ann Voskamp favorite photo this week: Valentine’s Breakfast Date being present this week: snapped this picture at my home on Friday (juvenile redtail hawk #1000gifts) in reference to One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp funny this week: best adoption announcement favorite video shared by Ben and Erin this week: Lindsey and I tried this recipe this week: Asian Chicken Noodle Soup ~ Pam Anderson favorite blogposts this week: So You Think You’re To. […]Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | aprilolive
Lent 2013 Posted by aprilolive on 13 Feb 2013, 9:03 pm
Let the things of this world fall away so the soul can fall in love with God. God only comes to fill the empty places and kenosis is necessary – to empty the soul to know the filling of God. ~ Ann Voskamp Lent for me this year: *Ash Wednesday Service at Cornerstone *Fully observe the Sabbath for Lent, from sundown on Friday through Saturday. *40 Days of Prayer *Doing Lent This Year ~Ann Voskamp (with family friendly resources) *Praying the Hours *40 Day Challenge: The Wonder of Scripture ~Margaret Feinberg * Book of Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals ~Shane Claiborne Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every. […]Source: "staff blogs" via Scott in Google Reader | aprilolive