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

______

Mission Viejo

A Note From Kyle

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JESUS > Fear…Worry…Doubt…Hurt…Addiction…

On Tuesday, our staff gathered to reflect and celebrate the freedom God is bringing to our church, our community, you, and me, as Doug kicked off our powerful weekend message series, Greater Than. In Port Mariners, over 30 kids said “I Believe,” trusting Jesus as their Savior and Leader of their life.

The surrender reflected in the words written by our church family was a beautiful acknowledgement of how God wants to move in our lives – and an honest invitation for Him to make a change in us, so we can change the world around us. I’m so excited about this series and the way it will shape our hearts and lives as we head toward the Thanksgiving season.

peace,

kyle

i thought you might enjoy reading a few of the responses we received from both students and adults last weekend.

JESUS  >
me
sports
school
friends
money
staying in my comfort zone
electronics
loneliness
busy schedules
music
popularity
unemployment
career
what people think of me

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