Teamwork

At church today, I had the privilege of ministering along side part of our awesome children's ministry team. They led about 20 energy filled 1st to 3rd graders in fun games, refreshing worship to God, and anointed teaching. Troy, Tricia, and Megan passionately pour out their energy and love upon these future leaders. They represent three of the over seventy children ministers in our church that nurture infants, teach young minds God's Word, and share wisdom with pre-teens.

Children's ministry is only one area of ministry @ FC. Various teams including adult worship, hospitality, community groups, re:mix, outreach and others all do their part to make an eternal difference in the lives of others.

As I think of all the great people @ FC, it reminds me of something our lead pastor has often mentioned, "When everyone does a little, much is accomplished." My family and I are challenged and excited to do our part.

Increase

Recently, Annette and I have been blessed in many ways. We have been astounded by how God has poured out so much. Our hearts are fulled with thanks.

As the blessing come, I realize that wisdom must increase in our lives. With any good increase in life, it dictates that we must be responsible and invest it carefully with must thought and prayer. As my pastor has often taught, "Are you going to plant your seed or eat it. Planting will multiple, eating will be short-lived."

God, as you bring increase, bring double the wisdom on what to do with it.

Fatherhood

It is Christmas night.

Today, Annette and I had the privilege of hosting most of my family at our home for Christmas dinner. We all had an enjoyable day of opening gifts, feasting on to much great food, and spending wonderful time with each other. The day began with the reading of Christ birth from Luke 2 and ended with my children playing with their new toys. All my extended family have gone to their homes now ... my immediate family has fallen asleep ... well of course except me.

As I make this entry, I can hear the rest filled breathing of my one year old. It is part deep breathing and part snoring. I look upon his nearly bald head on to his handsome young face, and I think, "I am blessed to be a father".

Fatherhood is filled with joys & frustrations, laughter & pain, it rarely gets dull and it is never without its challenges. It is a privilege, a responsibility, and a calling. And wow; it is awesome. I would not trade it for anything.

Fathers, even with all the ups and downs it brings, I encourage you to give thanks to God with me for the honor of being called Dad.

The Candy Cane

On this windy, cold Sunday morning I found myself enjoying warm conversation in our cozy lobby prior to church. Eddie, a warm hearted Faith Church regular approached me from across the crowded room. Before I could say hello, he extended his friendly hand and gave me a candy cane. He gave it with a kind hello, a joyful smile, and a turn as he went to find someone else to share his gifts.

As an associate pastor, my family was blessed with many sweet treats, thoughtful cards, and much appreciated gifts this Christmas. All coming from our loving church family. But, today, it was the simple candy cane that most touched my heart. As I enjoyed its minty refreshment, I was reminded how the simple things in life sometimes make the most impact.

Christmas

I love Christmas. It is a time where we celebrate the birth of Christ. I look forward to Christmas Sunday @ Church, seeing family, and enjoying the family traditions that are so special to my wife and I.

Most years we enjoy Christmas Eve @ my mother-in-laws, trips to Ft.Wayne waterpark / hotel, and some quality time with family and friends. I hope you enjoy this season as much as my family and I.

Have a blessed Christmas season.

Bio

Welcome to Carl's eHome.

A little about myself. Annette, my wonderful wife of 14 1/2 years, and I have 4 awesome kids, Savannah 8, Elliott 6, Spencer 5, and Cooper 1

I am the church ministries pastor at Faith Church where I have served for nearly 13 years. I enjoy life due primarily to my relationships. The first and most important is with God who gives life to the fullest. My family and friends are a great enhancement to my life as well.

I really enjoy running which I am sure I will be writing about in later posts. Again, welcome to my ehome. I hope you enjoy the journey of life as much as me.