Keep On Keepin' On

6 things to consider while persevering in God's purposes, plans and projects for your life.

1. YOUR EXAMPLE AFFECTS PEOPLE- When no one seems to be getting IT, they are, by your example. Our actions speak loudly.

2. FIND YOUR PEOPLE- Find the people that support, energize and encourage you and spend time with them. Walk with the wise and grow wise.

3. GET GOD’S PLANS- Don't try to figure out life on your own. We only have one life, figure out what its for, and make it happen.

4. KEEP THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE- It could always get worse. There is always someone that is dealing with more than you and doing it with a better attitude.

5. PERSEVERANCE PREPARES US- Strength comes through overcoming challenges. Don't miss out on how God wants to use your current challenge to prepare you for his next project.

6. FINISH THE PROJECT- Don't give up! God is a rewarder of those that seek and serve him with perseverance.

The Power of Story

The Power of Story: Comments on Acts 22:22

Paul bursts into this story of his life seemingly out of no where. He starts to explain to the people in his hometown the amazing story that God has been authoring through his life. Their reaction was not a welcoming one but rather one of great resistance.

The story that God was writing through Paul's life was one that was shaking history. A story that was confronting culture, convicting people of their prejudice and one that was calling people to be courageous and stand against the gravity of the cultural norms, in doing that he placed himself in grave danger. When we stand against the wave of culture (especially religious culture) and share our unconventional story that God is writing through our life we place ourselves in the crosshairs of the enemy and at the mercy of our listeners.

Paul set us an example of how to walk through misunderstanding, others unbelief, opposition and persecution. Share your story, share your story, share your story! Let others hear the context of your life and how you ended up where you are now!!

A Look Back at 2010

I think it is important not only to set goals and resolutions for the new year but also to look back and celebrate personal and professional accomplishments. The following is a list of things I am extremely grateful to have been a part of in 2010.

1. I am extremely grateful for being given the opportunity to serve at Bayside Plumas Lake in 2010. I feel my time there was blessed and that I experienced some great personal accomplishments there. I am also very grateful for all the friends we made while serving. I am proud of the fact that we transitioned out of that position well and left on a good note with the leadership. If you ever find yourself in Plumas Lake on a Sunday be sure to go and visit Bayside (http://www.baysideplumaslake.org/) tell Pastor Randy & Hansi Sherwood we said hello, they are amazing pastors, leaders and friends!

2. In 2010 I began a new job as the Youth Pastor at Renaissance Church (http://www.renchurch.tv/) We have experienced varying degrees of success so far with this ministry. One event I feel very blessed to have been a part of was our Back To School Party. It ended up being the most successful youth event I have ever put on. We had over 65 students, my brother-in-laws band (http://www.methodecho.com/) played, along with many decisions from students to follow Christ. It was definitely a highlight for me this year!

3. Vanessa made it through pregnancy number two with very few complications (especially compared to last time) and blessed our family with Moses Timothy Coburn. Moses has brought so much joy to our home. I am still so amazed that God has entrusted two boys to Vanessa and I to raise! We are very excited to see them grow and develop in this new year.

4. Working at The Greenhouse (http://www.thegreenhousecenter.org/) has been a great adventure this year. I feel so encouraged to see one of my former students stepping into a position at The Greenhouse. He is leading a project with the Youth Action Team. It has been incredible seeing him challenge himself, grow and develop as a leader and influencer in his neighborhood and generation.

5. I am very excited about our family not only growing but also growing closer. This year has been filled with trips to the park, Art Beast, the beach, cousin & friend play dates, and family church events. We have also had multiple trips to Mimi & Papas, Mami & Grandpa Jays, Uncle Josh and Auntie Wendy's, and Grammygrampy's house. We were able to take some time off of work to bond with baby Moses which was a huge blessing! Vanessa and I have had some great date nights, conversations, parties and coffee time with friends, as well as going through a marriage series called iMarriage together, coupled with times of prayer, lots of podcasts and some bible study we feel closer not only to each other but also to our God than ever before.

5. This last one is less of an accomplishment and more of something I am looking forward to in this new year. The church we attend and I serve at (Renaissance Church) is in the process of selling their building and going mobile. We are going to be starting a mobile church plant in Roseville and are in the process of figuring out the details of where, when and how, as I write this. I am very excited to be a part of this and look forward to seeing what God has planned for the new year!

Praying for a HAPPY NEW YEAR for you and yours!