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10 years is a long time. I'm glad that the past 10 years have been long because so much has happened. So many amazing things; three beautiful gifts from God. All along, I have been so lucky to have been able to experience these 10 years with an amazing partner. I love my wife. Tomorrow is our 10 year anniversary. Here's to a lifetime ahead of us!
Previously, I mentioned that I felt compelled to thank a few certain individuals that have played a crucial role in my growth through the past 10 years at Abbeville Assembly of God/New Life Church. There are truly many to thank. The next few posts will serve to thank a few people who have been mentors to me...whether they realize it or not.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3
Sun. Gravity. Life. Death. Good. Evil.
Jesus.
There are things in life that are absolute. They don't change. They're not up for debate. They just are. These are constants in life. We can be sure that the sun will rise in the east every morning just as we can be sure that gravity will continue to restrain us. Life is certain; so is death. We see glimpses of good and hear of evil in our backyard and around the world.
These won't change; neither will Jesus. Jesus spent his whole life here on Earth turning the system up on its head...deconstructing the code...redeeming the wrong and the righteous.
How? Constantly.
His delight (joy and reason) was in the instruction and way of God. Jesus centered his life on it...daily, moment-by-moment, decision-by-decision.
There are a few people that I know that I think of as living this way. One couple, in particular, I will forever be indebted to. I know a man that reminds me of a tree planted by streams of water. Life always seems to be near and fruit always seems to be growing. He may tell you a different story of doubt, fear and unbelief, during seasons in his life, but the fruit is constant...he is constant. More importantly, the Source in his life is constant.
This example has guided me and given me a pattern on how to stay constant. It is the constant that overcome. They never go away. In good and bad, life and death, certain and uncertain, they remain. They don't leave. They love.
Thank you, Dale and Michelle.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3
Sun. Gravity. Life. Death. Good. Evil.
Jesus.
There are things in life that are absolute. They don't change. They're not up for debate. They just are. These are constants in life. We can be sure that the sun will rise in the east every morning just as we can be sure that gravity will continue to restrain us. Life is certain; so is death. We see glimpses of good and hear of evil in our backyard and around the world.
These won't change; neither will Jesus. Jesus spent his whole life here on Earth turning the system up on its head...deconstructing the code...redeeming the wrong and the righteous.
How? Constantly.
His delight (joy and reason) was in the instruction and way of God. Jesus centered his life on it...daily, moment-by-moment, decision-by-decision.
There are a few people that I know that I think of as living this way. One couple, in particular, I will forever be indebted to. I know a man that reminds me of a tree planted by streams of water. Life always seems to be near and fruit always seems to be growing. He may tell you a different story of doubt, fear and unbelief, during seasons in his life, but the fruit is constant...he is constant. More importantly, the Source in his life is constant.
This example has guided me and given me a pattern on how to stay constant. It is the constant that overcome. They never go away. In good and bad, life and death, certain and uncertain, they remain. They don't leave. They love.
Thank you, Dale and Michelle.
Obama's Inauguration
The intolerance of extreme leftists is ironic, isn't it? That's a huge problem with our nation. There seems to be too many people standing only for their viewpoints and individualism rather than the whole. I'm no political thinker and I certainly don't claim to have figured it out. But I am a firm believer in community, the whole.
I have little concern what political views my neighbor has. In fact, I feel compelled to attach myself to way; to love and accept without strings. I came across a question recently that I've been thinking a whole lot about.
Did Jesus ever talk to a prostitute?
No? Yes, the answer is no.
We know that Jesus intentionally encountered people who were searching, lost, hopeless, confused and 'good'. This sets a pace and tone for us, as CHRISTians, to both follow and emulate. Jesus never talked to a prostitute because he didn't see a prostitute. He saw a person created in his image needing love and acceptance.
With all of the division and tension in our nation and around the world, I can't help but think that it's a great time to be alive. It's a great time to live for a Kingdom.
The intolerance of extreme leftists is ironic, isn't it? That's a huge problem with our nation. There seems to be too many people standing only for their viewpoints and individualism rather than the whole. I'm no political thinker and I certainly don't claim to have figured it out. But I am a firm believer in community, the whole.
I have little concern what political views my neighbor has. In fact, I feel compelled to attach myself to way; to love and accept without strings. I came across a question recently that I've been thinking a whole lot about.
Did Jesus ever talk to a prostitute?
No? Yes, the answer is no.
We know that Jesus intentionally encountered people who were searching, lost, hopeless, confused and 'good'. This sets a pace and tone for us, as CHRISTians, to both follow and emulate. Jesus never talked to a prostitute because he didn't see a prostitute. He saw a person created in his image needing love and acceptance.
With all of the division and tension in our nation and around the world, I can't help but think that it's a great time to be alive. It's a great time to live for a Kingdom.
Yesterday, I mentioned that I felt compelled to thank a few certain individuals that have played a crucial role in my growth through the past 10 years at Abbeville Assembly of God/New Life Church. There are truly many people to thank. The next few posts will serve to thank a few people who have been mentors to me...whether they realize it or not.
This first thank you goes back beyond 10 years...
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
This first thank you goes back beyond 10 years...
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
Proverbs 13:14 (NIV)
There was a time in my life when I had no idea who I was, where I was going, what I was doing or why I was even doing it. It was confusing. It was stressful. I didn't like it. I had just finished my first year of Bible college, and I still had no idea. I'm OK with you knowing this about me. In fact, I would've loved for someone to tell me back then that there was a time when they were lost. I had many people telling me what they thought I should be doing or what they felt God was leading me to do. Mostly, this led to more confusion, and helplessness, for that matter. Then someone asked me a question, "What do you want to do?"
I was home on break from college. I was enjoying being home with friends and a refreshing lack of responsibility, but the unknown lingered. It haunted me. All I could think was that I still didn't really know what I was doing. Sure, I was a college student with a major figured out and all, but something wasn't right. I didn't really feel like I fit into the scene of things at the school that I attended. I mean, everyone there seemed to have their life mapped out. Everyone seemed to possess the ability to see into the future...the potential of what they were becoming. They talked like it and acted like it. I decided I wasn't going back. I was going to transfer to another school. It is in this moment, that I had a conversation that would help me see it.
I went to hangout at the church and spend time asking God to help me figure out what in the world I was doing. It didn't go so well.
I knelt.
I paced.
I read.
I thought.
I sat there.
Nothing.
As I knelt there by a pew, suddenly I heard a voice...a familar voice...not God's voice. (Well, I guess that depends on how you look at it.) A conversation followed that helped to shape my direction, drive and passion. I hope to never forget that conversation. It helped me (and still helps guide me) to begin to navigate from point A to point B and to understand that the path is more fluid than it is linear.
Amidst many voices speaking to me of direction (well intended voices, I believe), there was one that rose above the rest. It was a question that empowered me to think, pray and decide.
"What do you want to do?"
So thank you, Marty and Jackie. Thank you for that simple conversation. It was a catalyst for me. I've used it many times in conversations with others. I want to use it with my own kids when they're ready.
15 days...
As our time at New Life Church quickly comes to an end, I have been reflecting quite a bit on the past 10 years. There is so much that has happened...so much to say...so many to thank.
Let me start by thanking all of you. Community means so much to me that this seems the most appropriate way to begin saying thank you. To those of you who know me and my family, thank you for accepting us for who we are and who we are not. To those of you who I do not know quite as well, thank you for not holding it against me.
In 10 years, my marriage has grown from clueless newlyweds setting out on an adventure together to a little-less-clueless newlyweds setting out on an adventure with a team. Thank you for accepting my wife. She calls this her home.
In 10 years, my family has grown from just me and Marianne to all 5 of us...Elizabeth, Emily and Chloe. I love my family dearly. Thank you for helping me by giving me an amazing place to begin raising my daughters. You have loved them, cared for them, taught them and put up with them. They'll never forget that.
In 10 years, you have allowed me to be me. You have been patient, encouraging, supporting, cooperative, communal and loving. I will always love this community.
Within the framework of Abbeville Assembly of God and New Life Church, there have been individuals who have added to me. I will thank you individually in upcoming posts.
Graciously,
Guy Delcambre
16 days and counting....
Let me start by thanking all of you. Community means so much to me that this seems the most appropriate way to begin saying thank you. To those of you who know me and my family, thank you for accepting us for who we are and who we are not. To those of you who I do not know quite as well, thank you for not holding it against me.
In 10 years, my marriage has grown from clueless newlyweds setting out on an adventure together to a little-less-clueless newlyweds setting out on an adventure with a team. Thank you for accepting my wife. She calls this her home.
In 10 years, my family has grown from just me and Marianne to all 5 of us...Elizabeth, Emily and Chloe. I love my family dearly. Thank you for helping me by giving me an amazing place to begin raising my daughters. You have loved them, cared for them, taught them and put up with them. They'll never forget that.
In 10 years, you have allowed me to be me. You have been patient, encouraging, supporting, cooperative, communal and loving. I will always love this community.
Within the framework of Abbeville Assembly of God and New Life Church, there have been individuals who have added to me. I will thank you individually in upcoming posts.
Graciously,
Guy Delcambre
16 days and counting....
I went to bed late last night thinking about all the busy chatter I heard earlier in the evening of expectant hearts wishing for snow. I quickly dismissed them, even laughed at them...maybe even scoffed at them. "Snow in south LOUISIANA," I laughed condescendingly. As I went to bed, I noticed how cold it was outside. I thought about what everyone said, thought about what the possible implications of snow in south Louisiana on a global scale, repented of any forgotten sins just to make sure, then went to bed feeling good about how realistic and smart I really was.
When morning came, the first thing I heard was theme song from Nacho Libre. That's my wife's ringtone that she assigned to her alarm clock on her phone. Cool for the first few seconds, but quickly became extremely annoying as I unsuccessfully searched to find the off button. The next thing that I noticed was just how cold it still was outside. I didn't notice anything that resembled snow on the ground. Of course, it was still dark outside, but I still felt smarter than the rest. As I walked to the coffee pot to wake up, I looked out of the window and noticed it. "Are you kidding me?!"
SNOW IN SOUTH LOUISIANA!
My kids quickly wrapped up in their coats and boots and ran outside to enjoy the winter miracle. They ran around and screamed, "It's a miracle!" They asked to build a snow man. I told them we couldn't. There was barely enough snow to make a couple of snow balls, but they were amazed and ecstatic.
If you wondering...we are 22 days away from our big move and our new beginning!
When morning came, the first thing I heard was theme song from Nacho Libre. That's my wife's ringtone that she assigned to her alarm clock on her phone. Cool for the first few seconds, but quickly became extremely annoying as I unsuccessfully searched to find the off button. The next thing that I noticed was just how cold it still was outside. I didn't notice anything that resembled snow on the ground. Of course, it was still dark outside, but I still felt smarter than the rest. As I walked to the coffee pot to wake up, I looked out of the window and noticed it. "Are you kidding me?!"
SNOW IN SOUTH LOUISIANA!
My kids quickly wrapped up in their coats and boots and ran outside to enjoy the winter miracle. They ran around and screamed, "It's a miracle!" They asked to build a snow man. I told them we couldn't. There was barely enough snow to make a couple of snow balls, but they were amazed and ecstatic.
If you wondering...we are 22 days away from our big move and our new beginning!
We are just about 23 days away from our big move.
What move?
We are moving to Denton, TX, to begin our journey as church planters. Actually much has been happening lately, and we feel compelled to change our new status from church planters to 'cultural missionaries'. I try not to put so much emphasis on labels. After all, we're all part of the same Kingdom and we all have the same goal...build the Kingdom. But as Marianne and I continued to talk about it and pray about what we are beginning to do, we felt that cultural missionary better described our hearts. I don't plan on printing business cards that describe me as a cultural missionary; I'm a pastor. It's just the best way we can describe what we feel in our hearts that God is leading us to do.
I will be chronicling our journey on this blog. Feel free to follow us. You can subscribe to this blog and receive email notifications for all new posts. Look to the right of this page and you'll notice where to subscribe. Help in any way that you feel led to. Pray as often as you think about us.
More about all of this soon. Peace and love.
What move?
We are moving to Denton, TX, to begin our journey as church planters. Actually much has been happening lately, and we feel compelled to change our new status from church planters to 'cultural missionaries'. I try not to put so much emphasis on labels. After all, we're all part of the same Kingdom and we all have the same goal...build the Kingdom. But as Marianne and I continued to talk about it and pray about what we are beginning to do, we felt that cultural missionary better described our hearts. I don't plan on printing business cards that describe me as a cultural missionary; I'm a pastor. It's just the best way we can describe what we feel in our hearts that God is leading us to do.
I will be chronicling our journey on this blog. Feel free to follow us. You can subscribe to this blog and receive email notifications for all new posts. Look to the right of this page and you'll notice where to subscribe. Help in any way that you feel led to. Pray as often as you think about us.
More about all of this soon. Peace and love.
Hopefully you're enjoying the holidays with family and friends.
Be intentional. Say what you mean. Live on purpose.
adventconspiracy.org
Be intentional. Say what you mean. Live on purpose.
adventconspiracy.org
Quotes intrigue me.
They give you the slightest amount of insight into someone's heart that says volumes about who they are and what they're all about.
"You'll never know that God is all you need until God is all you've got."
I love this quote in a new and different way lately. I've always tried to pray and live from this position...where God is all I need. It's easy to stand in front of people and teach along these lines while everything is safe and secure. But, for me, these words were never fully alive. They couldn't be. Not because of anything else but me and everything else that I depended on except the One thing that I always needed.
It is sort of ironic how Jesus, that which we call center point in our lives, can also insulate us from the life that we are expected to live. I should clarify what I mean by that. Jesus doesn't insulate us from culture, life and people around us. Take another look at the Gospels. Jesus exposes us to life all around us. What does this look like? Hurt, isolation, depression, confusion, just to name a few. Too often, instead of our churches being communities that go out and be among the culture, we allow our 'understanding' of Christ to insulate us from it. It's just too easy to write a check to United Way, give food to a food bank or donate clothes. It helps us feel good...like we're making a difference.
We've all been there.
I've been there.
I'm there.
I'm leaving there.
It is our re-creation of who Jesus is and what He is all about that separates us from life and living.
I saw a cartoon depiction of this awhile back.
It was a cartoon picture of Adam and had a caption that read, "And on the eighth day, man made God in his image."
So what this is really all about is me recognizing holes in my life where security and safety have become a little too important. Let me just say that I believe this is a common tension within all of our lives. This doesn't necessarily mean that we all run out and plant churches or jump on the first plane to a foreign country. However, this does mean that there is life to be lived, an adventure to be taken, a journey to be completed.
It costs everything. Most importantly, getting ourselves to a place where God is all we have.
Live a life that requires faith.
My family and I leave Louisiana in 3 weeks. We're leaving behind dear friends and family, along with a lot of security. We're taking with us the only thing we have...or better yet we are following what has us.
They give you the slightest amount of insight into someone's heart that says volumes about who they are and what they're all about.
"You'll never know that God is all you need until God is all you've got."
I love this quote in a new and different way lately. I've always tried to pray and live from this position...where God is all I need. It's easy to stand in front of people and teach along these lines while everything is safe and secure. But, for me, these words were never fully alive. They couldn't be. Not because of anything else but me and everything else that I depended on except the One thing that I always needed.
It is sort of ironic how Jesus, that which we call center point in our lives, can also insulate us from the life that we are expected to live. I should clarify what I mean by that. Jesus doesn't insulate us from culture, life and people around us. Take another look at the Gospels. Jesus exposes us to life all around us. What does this look like? Hurt, isolation, depression, confusion, just to name a few. Too often, instead of our churches being communities that go out and be among the culture, we allow our 'understanding' of Christ to insulate us from it. It's just too easy to write a check to United Way, give food to a food bank or donate clothes. It helps us feel good...like we're making a difference.
We've all been there.
I've been there.
I'm there.
I'm leaving there.
It is our re-creation of who Jesus is and what He is all about that separates us from life and living.
I saw a cartoon depiction of this awhile back.
It was a cartoon picture of Adam and had a caption that read, "And on the eighth day, man made God in his image."
So what this is really all about is me recognizing holes in my life where security and safety have become a little too important. Let me just say that I believe this is a common tension within all of our lives. This doesn't necessarily mean that we all run out and plant churches or jump on the first plane to a foreign country. However, this does mean that there is life to be lived, an adventure to be taken, a journey to be completed.
It costs everything. Most importantly, getting ourselves to a place where God is all we have.
Live a life that requires faith.
My family and I leave Louisiana in 3 weeks. We're leaving behind dear friends and family, along with a lot of security. We're taking with us the only thing we have...or better yet we are following what has us.
In just 4 short weeks me and my family are packing up and heading off to the future. We have thoroughly enjoyed the past 10 years being on staff at our home church here in Abbeville, LA, and our experiences have helped to prepare us for what's ahead. In January, we will begin the process of planting a church in the Denton, TX, area...thankfully along with 2 other brave couples who are tremendous friends and family! So as we begin to transition, please keep us in your prayers as I'm sure we'll make plenty of mistakes along the way. But it'll be those mistakes that further prepare us for the greatest victories.
On a side note, if you'd like to help...well you'll be hearing plenty more about that. However, I am searching for a job in the Denton (Dallas) area.
Needless to say, I've been thinking a lot about church. Not the building but the body. Not the organization but the organism.
Two thoughts that are helping to shape the concept:
All thoughts are very much encouraged and welcome.
On a side note, if you'd like to help...well you'll be hearing plenty more about that. However, I am searching for a job in the Denton (Dallas) area.
Needless to say, I've been thinking a lot about church. Not the building but the body. Not the organization but the organism.
Two thoughts that are helping to shape the concept:
- We don't have to do it in ways we've seen before.
- We don't have to reinvent the wheel.
I dream of a church where...
All thoughts are very much encouraged and welcome.
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