Sunday, May 27, 2018

Memorial, Mess, & Mystery

     Memorial Day has been one of my favorite holidays over the last few years.  Our tradition has been to wake up early each Memorial Day to go fishing with a veteran at church; then cap the day off with a fish fry with church family.  For some, however, conversation of Memorial Day has become a mess of a moral dilemma.
     Pacifists argue that Christians should be about peace citing Jesus' words in John 16:33, "in me you may have peace" and Matthew 5:39 "turn the other cheek."  Militarists counter with Jesus words in Matthew 10:34, "I did not come to bring peace but the sword" and Romans 13:4 "For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer."  Our generations aren't the first to struggle with these moral messes.
     How do we wrestle with living in a fallen world in light of this dilema?  How do we deal with Memorial Day, a day as old as the Civil War, that honors the sacrifice of soldiers? 
     For me, on Memorial Day, I simply strive to honor the words of Jesus in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."  For anyone who has sacrificed life for your freedom, you can rest assured that honor is due them.  Whatever your hand finds to do on Memorial Day, at least spend time honoring the greatest soldier in the Lord's Army to lay down His life for you, Jesus Christ.

by: Topher Wiles

Sunday, May 20, 2018

A President with Pluck


A President With Pluck
by: Topher Wiles
As we begin our conversations of elders and deacons within the growing church, we would be remiss if we ignored the prominent (yet humble) church and national leader, James A. Garfield.  Garfield began his service as the 20th president of the United States in 1881.   
Garfield left us with many inspiring quotes including:
     “If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should not grow old.”
     “A pound of pluck is worth a ton of luck.” 
     “Man does not live by bread alone; he must have peanut butter.”
While I am joined with President Garfield in my love of peanut butter, his noteworthy servitude in the church gives me the most respect for this man.  

Image result for james a garfield
The first week after his inauguration as President of the United States, a member of his cabinet insisted on an urgent meeting at 10:00 Sunday morning to handle a threatened national crisis.  Garfield refused to attend because he had a more important appointment.  The cabinet member demanded to know what it was.  The president replied, “I will be as frank as you are.  My engagement is with the Lord to meet Him in His house at His table at 10:00 tomorrow, and I shall be there.”

James A. Garfield resigned as an elder of the church of Christ in 1881 to take office as President.  It is reported on that occasion he said, “I resign the highest office in the land to become President of the United States.”

Possessing a youthful spirit, a taste for peanut butter, and service as elder in the Lord’s church, President Garfield’s efforts are an inspiration to those who would follow in his footsteps.  May you be inspired as we continue our conversations of the God ordained servant leadership in our church.
History primarily from http://www.therestorationmovement.com.

Friday, May 18, 2018

Warriors Baseball 2018 Slideshow Video



Here's our highlight video of the Warriors Baseball 2018 season. You can watch it on Youtube or Vimeo (if you don't like ads, thanks Central Church of Christ).
The video begins a little calmer to give senior photos a bit of time, then at the 3 minute mark it really picks up it's pace. Enjoy!
0:14 - Seniors
3:06 - Sunglasses
3:22 - The Fans
3:41 - Team Life
6:02 - Team Photos
6:49 - Coaches
7:15 - Coach Floyd's 100th Win
7:22 - Pitching
8:33 - Fielding
11:05 - Base Running
11:35 - Batting
13:10 - Mental Training
https://vimeo.com/270707538

It is also embedded on the Baseball Website homepage.
http://www.wchswarriorsbaseball.com/home


Baseball families, thank you for the kind gifts and words at the banquet last night. I'm honored to be a part of the Warrior Baseball family. Thanks also for asking me to make the video. It was fun to relive some of these great moments in our season! I hope you enjoy remembering them too.
Here are some of my final thoughts from 2018 season:
1) Don't snort wasabi, not even for $20.
2) If you want some girl's phone number, ask me to help, not Coach JP.
3) It's a great day to play baseball!
4) Remember the 7 P's. Always put People as a Priority over Prestige, Possessions, Properties, Policies, & Politics.
We hope to see you next season!
"I thank my God every time I remember you." - Philippians 1:3