On June 20^th I began an eight week long journey known as a sabbatical. During my time away from every day ministry responsibilities, I was able to relax, reflect and most importantly renew. God met me and ministered to me many times during those weeks. He reminded me of who He is and who I am because of Him. I can’t say that my entire eight weeks away was a day in and day out experience of basking in the glory of God. There was work that God needed to do deep within me. Intense periods of my sanctification (becoming Christ like) that were hard, but necessary. He reminded me of His great unconditional love for me. I was able to reflect upon His goodness and grace toward me. Due to the nature and pressures of ministry it was good to be reminded of God’s calling in my life. It is my greatest desire to serve Him well. I want to be faithful and available to Him and for Him. I am learning more and more just how insignificant I am and how significant God is. I NEED HIM! He is my all in all. I often will say “it is my desire for God to be glorified in and through my life.” That requires brokenness, humility, desperation for God, a hunger and thirst for Him alone. If I really want His will over mine, then I must deny myself, take up my cross and be willing to follow Him (Luke 9:23). He revealed to me some deficient areas of my life. Some areas that I had accepted as routine and therefore was blinded to the negative impact they were having and would have on my life. I am striving to live my life for an audience of one and long to be satisfied in Him alone. I want to wake every morning with a renewed sense of purpose and passion, as though I am on a mission with God. He is infusing within me a greater purpose, more courage and necessary strength to accomplish all that He has called me to.

Some of the things that He taught me and reminded me of through His Word, books, prayer, travel and quietness before His throne:

Be for Him and not do for Him; Live in and under the promises of God; Do not fear; Be strong and courageous; Be bold; Lead with confidence; Follow Him no matter what; Be myself not who others want me to be; Seek approval from Him alone; Listen… no really listen; Deal with dysfunction in my own life and in the church; Be quiet; Be patient; Be spirit filled; Be holy; Be set apart; offer myself as a living sacrifice for His glory; Live as though I am on a mission for God; make decisions with His glory in mind not my own; Be honest with God and myself; address my motives….

In many ways I am changed...different than I was before. I find myself more reflective, more guided by the spirit of God within me, giving more time and attention to what matters most. I am growing daily in my relationship with God, my wife and those who are closest to me. Success to me is having God approve of me and having those who are closest to me love and appreciate me. The rest of life is details, of which I no longer want to get lost in!

Simply said… I want my life to be a reflection of His glory while I live a life that is Fully Alive in Him!

Who doesn’t love June???   The start of summer, longer days, warm temperatures but not TOO hot, the grill is out, weddings are happening…need I go on?   

Here at LCC, we have a JAMPACKED JUNE!    Want to take a peek at the schedule of events just for the month of June with me?  Take a deep breath and here we go:   A seniors’ lunch, a new young adult singles group cookout, an all-church Luau picnic, VBS volunteer meeting, Worship Together, a men’s paintball outing for all men and their sons,  2 nights of men’s  golf,  our annual Vacation Bible School,  a Haiti Benefit Car Show,  women’s ministry  at Gray’s Lake,  community group gatherings, Senior High youth group, a Senior High bonfire night, Jr. High youth group, a Junior High bonfire night,  AND a week- long trip to the Challenge Conference in Ohio for the senior highers!!    

See what I mean?   There is truly “something for everyone” this summer at LCC!   For kids and adults alike.  There are numerous volunteer opportunities involved too – outdoor lawn/building needs, helpers for the picnic, VBS workers needed, children’s church volunteers, and MORE!     Whether it’s a one-time event or an on-going ministry, our prayer is that you would get plugged in.   Summers provide a great chance to serve and use your talents and gifts.   Not sure where you could best be used?   Get in touch with any of the staff members and we can get you connected with the right person.     We hope to see you on Sundays for worship, of course,  and also at an event or two!   Let’s enjoy our Jampacked June together ! 

Ahhh… with the promise of 80+ degree days, I can finally see that summer is certainly drawing near!  I knew it would happen, but in the heart of the cold and snowy days of winter, it was soooo hard to imagine.  Summer holds so many exciting opportunities for families, whether it is spending long warm days just relaxing by the pool with your kids, hanging out at the ball fields, going on picnics, camping, riding bikes, taking a vacation or holding a lemonade stand in the front yard, summer is meant to be spent and enjoyed with your family.  Often there are so many great and worthwhile activities that attending church and enjoying fellowship with other believers can fall into the background.   1 Corinthians 12:12 says… The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. (NIV)  Because the body of Christ is one unit, just as our body is one unit, we feel it when our brothers and sisters in Christ aren’t at church (even if it is only for those dog days of summer)… wouldn’t you miss your foot if suddenly it disappeared?  So… my prayer for the congregation of Lighthouse Community Church this summer is that we would do all the fun things like hanging at the ball field, vacationing and holding a lemonade stand, but that our growth in Christ would continue through our desire to meet with His people in His church.

-Kristan