Category Archives: Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach

A Note From Caleb

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Mariners HB…

It’s beginning to look (a little) like Christmas!

I took Hilary to Home Depot this weekend and we got our tree. She’s passionate about Christmas. So passionate, in fact, that she convinced me to bring an 8 ft tree into our condo! Our place is 1200 sq ft, and I think this tree occupies 200 of those sq ft. But, the lights and ornaments are up, and Christmas music plays.

I hope you’re getting excited about something in this special season. We are! As your church family, we are preparing to make this a Christmas to remember. A couple highlights to watch for:

  • Women’s Christmas Tea (Dec 1)
  • Flash Mob Christmas Carol, Downtown HB (Dec 11)
  • Family pics on the patio (Dec 16, 23, 24)
  • Mariners HB band at Bella Terra (Dec 21)
  • Live artist in service (Dec 16)
  • Cameo appearance of a (tall) Christmas Elf
  • Christmas Eve tamales
  • Four Christmas Eve services at convenient times for your family and friends (Dec 23, 24)

This weekend we kick off a December series called “Comfort & Joy.” Joy and comfort are two things we’re all desperate for, whether we realize it or not. But for many in this season, both comfort and joy become especially elusive. Join us this Sunday for an encouraging look at how we can receive genuine comfort and abundant joy.

Get pumped!

Don’t miss a week.

Start inviting. People in your life are desperate for comfort and joy…and community. Let’s welcome them.

God’s blessings on you and your family,
caleb

Huntington Beach

A Note From Caleb

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Ingratitude will shorten your life.

Actual studies (not just me asking questions in line at Chipotle) have found that people who are genuinely grateful live longer and enjoy a better quality of life than others who focus on the negative side of things.

Are you thankful today? We’re creeping up on Thanksgiving. It’s an historical holiday, but it has little practical relevance to most people.

But to you and me… HUGE relevance.

Don’t miss this Sunday. In fact, try not to miss between now and Christmas. Our lives and agendas have a way of crowding out the things that matter most–ESPECIALLY in this season.

Be well… and see you soon,
caleb

______

Huntington Beach

A Note From Caleb

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Legends of the Fall

I didn’t actually see the movie, but I do have a MYTH for your fall. It goes like this: “Having MORE will make you happy.”

We find ourselves in the middle of the two busiest times of the year: the start of school and Christmas. So, here we are… keeping our heads above water… wondering when the lights go up… if the homework’s getting done… if we have enough of everything for everyone…

We’re two weeks from Thanksgiving and I want to encourage you to pause, NOW, and begin to be thankful.

Don’t believe the hype. You don’t need more. More is never enough. Ever-illusive contentment is found when you’re grateful for what you have and you put it to work.

I read in Matthew 25 recently about three managers. Jesus talked about an Owner (God) who entrusted money to three managers (us). Two of the managers put the money to work and doubled the Owner’s investment. One buried the money in fear and with a scarcity mentality. Here’s the thing: The Owner praised the two who understood the value of what they had and put it to work. In fact, the Owner gave those two managers MORE as a result. “If you’re trustworthy with a little, I can give you a lot!”

Slow down…

Be thankful for what you have…

Consider how to make the most of it…

Remember that God owns it all, and we’re just managers of what’s His.

Here’s a list of things I’m grateful for today:
– my wife
– our unborn baby
– burrito bowls
– our church
– a safe home
– friends
– socks in pairs

caleb