Doug’s Foggiest Ideas

Hey guys -

I wanted to put something on your radar.  Every year Beth and I head up to Camp Timberline, outside of Estes Park, to be part of a parent’s panel for the new batch of summer counselors.  It is a wonderful time for the counselors to begin to develop a better understanding of the “parent’s perspective” related to dropping your kids off at summer camp.

I also get to speak to the counselors for their night session as well.  I love doing this!  If I can help them be prepared to use their talents and abilities the very best they can, then there will be thousands of kids who’s lives will be touched and changed for eternity.

Camp T is an amazing camp for kids of all ages.  I know they are nearly full for the summer already, but if you are looking for a great place for your kids to go to camp THIS IS IT!!

If you think of it I would appreciate your prayers today.

Journey Group Questions
Pt. 6

1. What were your thoughts about the “rock video” from this weekend?

2. Why do you think that we often struggle to forgive?  What do you think we typically hope to accomplish by not forgiving?

3. Read Matthew 18:21-22 have you ever felt like you had reached the limit of your ability/choice to forgive?

4.  Read these verses and talk with your group about the complete forgiveness that we have been shown by God.  (Romans 3:10, Colossians 1:20-22, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13)

5. Re-read the parable that we looked at this week.  Matthew 18:21-35.  We talked about this “New Standard of Forgiveness”.

• I am EXPECTED to forgive.
• I am ACCOUNTABLE to forgive.

When you reflect back on these, how does this impact your heart related to the way you typically forgive?

6. What can you do this week to intentionally “put down your rock of un-forgiveness”?

7. Conclude your time together by praying for each other that you will develop a style of forgiveness that will honor God.

Journey Group Questions
Pt. 5

1. Have someone in your group share about a time in your life when you received or gave love in an extravagant way.

2. Re-read John 13:35 Why do you think that “loving well” exemplifies to our world that we are Christ followers?

3.  This week we talked about three 3 ways to activate loving deeper. Read John 12:1-8 and talk about how Mary…

• Loved UNEXPECTEDLY
• Loved EXTRAVAGANTLY
• Loved URGENTLY

When you reflect back on these, which one sticks out to you the most?  Why?

4. God provided the greatest example of loving “unexpectedly, extravagantly & urgently”. Read Romans 5:6-8 again and talk about how He has done this for us.

5. Why do you think that following Christ’s example by loving “unexpectedly, extravagantly & urgently” surprises people so much?  How can you be intentional to love others like this?  How does our way of “loving others” direct people’s attention to God?

6. It is critical that each of us personally begin to take seriously the challenge to love deeply. Before you conclude, take the time together as a group pray for each other to intentionally love deeper this week.

Journey Group Questions

1.  Pair off in you group and talk about a time in your life when you felt “loved deeply”.

2. If you feel comfortable, share about a time in your life where you creatively expressed your love for someone else.

3. Read John 13:35 & talk about how important it is to “love well”?

4.  This week we talked about three 3 ways (we actually only got to the first one) to activate loving deeper. Read John 12:1-8 and talk about how Mary…

• Loved UNEXPECTEDLY

Can you remember a time in your life when you received un-expectant love?  When you reflect back on what Mary did, why do you think it is important to love un-expectantly?

5.   We talked briefly about how each of us must learn to “live missionally”.  We do this well when we understand God’s love for us and begin to love each other with this same kind of love.  Read Romans 5:6-8 & spend a few minutes sharing your observations related to God’s love for us.

6. What are some creative things you can do this week to love in this type of way?

7. It is critical that each of us personally begin to take seriously the challenge to love deeply.  When we collectively do this together as a church a significant impact can be made.  Before you conclude, take the time together as a group pray for our church to leave a legacy of loving deeper.

Hey Plum Creek Men…if you are looking for an opportunity to get together and meet some of the other men that come to Plum Creek then you need to plan to come to Mandate.  We have been talking about this event for several weeks at church and the day has finally arrived.

We will be getting together at the Grange in the Meadows tonight at 6:00pm.

The Grange in the Meadows
3692 Meadows Blvd
Castle Rock, CO 80109

Bring your own meat to BBQ and a side to share.

This will be a great event for getting to know other men from Plum Creek and if you are interested in joining a men’s group, new groups will be forming that night.

Today is a special day that reminds us that we live in the greatest nation in the world.  Today all over our great country we set aside some time to gather together in public places for an intentional time of prayer.  What a privilege.

I encourage all of you that are able to join with many other Christ Followers today at the Court House at “high noon” to spend a few minutes together praying.  Anytime we break our routine to pray it is a good thing.  Whether you are able to join the crew that will be praying together downtown Castle Rock or not please pause sometime today and invest a few moments praying!

Happy National Day of Prayer!

Yesterday was a good and yet challenging day.  This was the first time that I have had the opportunity to visit my dad since we had to put him in an Alzheimer’s Unit in a Nursing Home.  It is very difficult to watch dad’s mind and life slip away.

He has always been such an incredible dad and I have been blessed to have the parents that I have.

Mom is doing well and it is so awesome to see her as well.  I appreciate your prayers.  I get to go and see him every day for the next several days, so I will enjoy the time together.

I am heading back to Chicago to see my parents.  It has been a couple of months.  My dad isn’t doing well physically and it is always tough to see him in his condition.  He has always been such an incredible dad and an a huge influence in m life.  My memories are full of my dad when he was vibrant and able to function.

I am excited to see my mom, my brother and his family.  We don’t get to see each other enough.  I would appreciate your prayers for this time away.  I will see you all on Sunday.

Journey Group Questions – 5/3/09

1. Technology is constantly coming up with new ways to “get connected”.  Share with your group your own “evolvement” in the technological world.  When did you:  Get your first cell phone, email address, Facebook account, etc.  Why?  What have been some of the practical benefits of being instantly connected?

2. In Genesis 2:18, God said, “It is not good for man to be alone.”  What benefits have you experienced from being in relationship in others in a small group?

3. This week we talked about 4 Word Pictures in the Bible that describe how we can “love deeper” by being connected.

I will experience “loving deeper” when I get connected like…

• A.    A BRICK in a BUILDING. Because the connected parts SUPPORT EACH OTHER.

Read Ephesians 2:20-22
How have you experienced supporting each other?  Why was this important?

• B.  A PART of a BODY.  Because…the parts GROW TOGETHER.

Read Romans 12:4-5
How have you experienced growing together? Why was this important?

• C.  A SHEEP in a FLOCK.  Because sheep are PROTECTED and CARED for.

Read Psalm 100:3 and John 10:11
How have you experienced being protected and cared for? Why was this important?

• D.    A MEMBER of a FAMILY. Because…families LOVE each other.

Read Ephesians 3:14-15 and Romans 12:10
How have you experienced loving each other? Why was this important?

4.  Which one of these Word Pictures resonated with you the most and why?

5.  Who will be the people at your funeral?  What will they share about you?  Who would take care of your spouse/family if you died suddenly?  Are you okay with that?

6.    Assuming you are already in a group because you are reading these questions, what would you say to those who are considering joining a group or are not in a group yet?

7.    If there is room in your group, share with the others someone you might consider inviting to join your group.  Pray together about asking them to join your group this week.

8.    Is anyone in your group interested in leading their own group?  If so, please pray for them and encourage them to attend the Group Leaders Training on Sunday, May 10th at 9:15am in Theater 9.

It was 17 years ago yesterday that Beth & I got married.  Time flies when you are having fun.  I have been so blessed to have you in my life babe!  We have been through a lot, but knowing that you are by my side and that you love me the way you do has been more of an inspiration than anything I have ever experienced.

Thanks for being my best friend, my confidant and so much more.  I love you so much.  Happy Anniversary!