Now What?
Like many of you I participated in the American ritual of Super Bowl Sunday. During the game my house was a mess. The dishes kept piling higher in the sink, the new toys I bought my daughter to keep her busy during the game, were scattered all over the house. I distinctly remember her saying, "Daddy loves football" over and over. I also remember partaking in a rather large amount of cheese in various forms.
After the game I had an empty feeling, which is surprising after eating so much food. This empty feeling was more than dissatisfaction with the games' outcome. It reminded me how I use to feel as a kid the day after Christmas. There was a little voice inside of me that said, "The start of the next football season is so far away." A subtle sinking feeling warned things were going to dull until the fall, that the football off season would make the sun shine less brightly, the food taste more bland, and the cool spring air less crisp. Sounds dramatic, right? What a lie! Of course there is much more to life than football and the huge buildup to the climax of its season!
This year's super bowl letdown was a great reminder for me to review my life. What better time than now to recalibrate, refocus, and reengage with life, family, and God? I'm looking forward to this year's Ignite Men's Conference. It's a great time for me to reconnect with what's important. The theme is fully alive. What turns your switch on, energizes you, and flames your passion? I'm willing to bet that if you look beneath the surface, those passions point directly to God.
I am looking forward to surrounding myself with a bunch of guys aligning their hearts with purpose, life, and God's voice. Taking time to listen to God's voice in a community of men powerfully affects the trajectory of my whole year! Over my time at Shoreline Church, I've learned that the men's conference is something not to be missed. I hope you will make plans to be there too.
Click here to learn more about the Ignite Men's Conference
© 2011 by Mike Collins. All rights reserved.
 Mike is Marie's husband and Ella's dad. He serves as the youth pastor at Shoreline Church and does a mean pantomime. He blogs at http://mikecollinsblog.com
As You Wish
I want the fairy-tale not the fireswamp
As….you…..wiiiiish! The words fumbled out as Westley tumbled down the hill. Recognizing the voice of her beloved farm boy, Buttercup dives headlong after him. What's next for our young couple? Together, they face the fireswamp. We all want happily-ever-after, but in the middle of nearly every fairy-tale is some dark trial. Maybe you recognize the three terrors of the fireswamp in your marriage.
Flamespurts These are the little things that pop up – disagreements, irritations and frustrations. They seem insignificant. It's tempting to sweep them under the rug, but that rug is going to get torched. The trick is to learn the warning signs. Take a deep breath. Remember to treat your spouse with the kindness and dignity you wish to be shown.
Lightningsand One false step and it sweeps you off your feet and underground. Nothing takes your breath away like the sting of betrayal. Whether that betrayal is financial, emotional or sexual, your world is shaken. I love the scene where Westley's hand reaches out of the quicksand as Buttercup clings to him. Betrayal doesn't have to mean the end, but it will require hard work to move beyond it.
ROUSes (Rodents of Unusual Size) There is an enemy of every relationship, and it's not your spouse! Jesus said the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. When you've given access to the enemy, your only hope is to defeat him together. Link arms and stand united in the battle for your future.
There's no doubt; you will be transformed in the fireswamp. You will discover your strength. You will learn the depth of the vows you shared. The important thing is that you don't pitch a tent! Keep walking. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and you will make it through!
Click here to learn more about the Shoreline Marriage Ministry
© 2011 by Lynn Cherry. All rights reserved.
 Lynn Marie Cherry is a ministry assistant at Shoreline Church, where she is also part of the worship team. Lynn and her husband David have been married for almost 20 years. They have two amazing boys. Together, they walked through the pain of betrayal and will share their story of hope and restoration in a break out session during Love Month at Shoreline -Wednesday night February16th at 7pm in the West Balcony classroom.
Monthly Devotional
Fear: It's a Smooth Criminal
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 (New Living Translation)
Knowledge to Build On
You do not have to read the bible for long before coming to an account of someone overcoming fear to walk out his or her destiny. From Esther to Joshua, Daniel to Timothy, each one of these people could have argued that the road they were being asked to walk was not rational or was even foolish based on what they stood to lose. Despite the risk to reputation, livelihood or even their own life, they surged on to save a nation, defeat an enemy, become King and spread the gospel.
Life in the Now
We may not all easily relate to the lives of these people, but we can relate to fear. If it is the fear that keeps us out of oncoming traffic or the fear that keeps us from falling, fear can be there. What I think deserves a second look is fear that masquerades as wisdom or good sense . More times than we maybe aware of, we have been "hit by" or "struck by" fear and not even know that the wisdom we think is keeping us from failing could really be a smooth criminal backing us into a corner, stealing away our victory and purpose. If we are not moving forward in a situation, it may be a good idea to take a closer look at what is keeping us from advancing,making sure all our wisdom is true and from the Lord and not fear in disguise.
Think about it
Does the fruit of this wisdom match God's word? (power, love, self –discipline, fruits of the spirit)
Does this wisdom value the ideas of man above God?
Prayer
Father, Give us eyes to see any places fear has come in. Give us the courage to hold to your wisdom and trust you. Fill us with your peace and allow your presence to bring us all we need in this area. In Jesus name.
Additional Scriptures
Proverbs 29:25
Proverbs 2:10
Proverbs 2:6
Click here to read Shoreline's statement of faith
© 2011 by Coby Gonzales. All rights reserved.
 Coby is a business owner, mother of three and best friend to her husband, Mario. Anyone that knows her, can say she is a "fighter!" As a woman with many talents, she's a role model for fighting to keep her family first in her life.
If you would like to submit an article for the Shoreline E-newsletter, please email heather.frierson@shoreline.net
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