Last elevation
Allison and I are sitting our last Elevation listening to Tommy teach on parenting. It’s worth a listen to this weekend at http://www.saddlebackfamily.com
Next week…First Coppell!
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claytoncoates
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claytoncoates
Jolanda’s rocks!
So I know I have blogged about it before, but this is the BEST BREAKFAST place in all of the O.C.!
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claytoncoates
An Ah-ha moment for me tonight
I have had a few days full of saying “good-bye” to people who I love…very much. I don’t know about you but that always leads me to be a bit introspective and I attempt to fight off too much emotion. I was reading some incredible words that friends had written to us and I remembered something. I remember when I left my last church, one of my best friends in life said this to me. He said, “Clayton Saddleback doesn’t need you…we need you.” Those words echoed in my head as there were days when I realized that in so many ways…Saddleback really didn’t “need” us. But tonight I realized, it may not have been “Saddleback” the church that needed us to do anything great…but rather God had specific people in mind for us to specifically love and be loved by. These people, some of whom are reading this blog entry, are our friends and will forever be our friends.
I am not saying that we didn’t do what God called us to do at Saddleback (vocationally), but what I am saying is that God brought us here for much more than just a job-
There was an older pastor who hired a “young gun” to come in and do a job. One Sunday morning, as the lobby was packed with people, the older pastor witnessed the young minister running about here and there, tending to all of the details. The following Sunday the old pastor witnessed the same thing but this time went over and asked the young minister, “son, what are you in such a hurry for?” The young minister said, ” pastor, I have ministries to tend to!” The old pastor put his arm around the young minister and turned him around to look at the lobby full of people and said, “son…look at those faces….you are walking right past your ministry.”
In ministry, I can’t walk past my “ministry” to get to my “job.” Relationships are so tough…tough to begin…tougher to leave…but ooo….sooooo worth it!
– Just a word from a new “old pastor.” -
claytoncoates
What we won’t miss in the O.C.
This morning I took Tatum with me to the grocery store. We are in the midst of cleaning the fridge out and trying to make sure that things don’t go to waste….those who have been in this situation know exactly what I am talking about. As we were walking up and down the isle looking for things that we could eat/ use that didn’t take refrigeration nor plates…we came across this nicely displayed setup……need I say more? Just one things we won’t miss…unless this is now on the “back-to-school” list for Texas!
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Jessica
They only recently started pre-packaging those. When I was in elementary school, we had to put our own together. But that was the best part of the last day of school cause we never needed them so we got to eat it all! Oh man, things have sure come a long way… that was back when Pluto was also a planet.
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claytoncoates
I guess we could sale “tornado emergency packs!” Don’t tell anybody…I could make a fortune off of that! Anything based on Fear as a Motivator- sales… : -)
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Jim & Kristina Halley
Too late, you buy them from us now. That’s how we make gas money.
Jim & Kristina
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claytoncoates
the new-ness of moving and the sadness of letting go
The Coates family is in the midst of a lot of different emotions. We are so excited, unbelievably excited, about our present and future move to lead FBC Coppell. Yet at the same time, we have (and are welcoming) the sad emotions of having to let go of so many wonderful relationships that we have built here in the O.C.
I saw a friend at Starbucks (I wonder how many times that phrase is blogged on a daily basis) and was talking to him about the move and everything. I told him that moving and saying “good-bye” was a hazard of the job. We know it going in to each situation that God has prepared for us. We know that more than likely, at some point God will move us on to another task….but it is still worth building the relationships with people. We need relationships and each one of these brings glory to God.
We know that all of our relationships will change…but never end and that brings great joy to our hearts!
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Natalie
You’re right, the relationship changes, but never ends. Look at us…All these years later and you’re STILL stuck with me!
Love you guys and praying for you!
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claytoncoates
Crazy emotional for women’s gymnastics???
O.K. – so I am literally wiping tears away as I watch Nastia and her father during the women’s all-around at the Olympics. I am thinking to myself, “self, why in the world are you emotional?” I answered self, “self, its because you always get emotional when you see a daughter interact in such a loving way with her father.” I mean, can you imagine how many times they have probably been at odds with one another? Her father is not only her father but also her coach. I am sure there were so many times that he had to push his daughter to a near breaking point because he knew it was going to be the best for her in the future as it would prepare her for a moment such as last night. Wow! It reminds me of that old tv show “Father knows best.”
I know you know where I am going with this. God loves us so much…much more deeply than we will ever fully recognize or comprehend. His love for us moves Him to grow us and prepare us for the challenges that life has to offer. His desire is to see us up on the podium of life as we are rewarded with the very crown of life which is eternity. And as we are going through our ups and downs, twists and turns, spills, falls and the like, He is right there watching us, ready to catch us if we fall, ready to hold us, ready to tell us exactly what we need even if it is not what we “want to hear.”
God’ love for us is so BIG yet His love for Himself is ever BIGGER…and that’s O.K. because HE is GOD and HE makes the rules! You see, in the end, as He looks at us on the podium of life, He is the one that receives the most GLORY!
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Natalie
I was crying too! Such a sweet and amazing moment for those two!
And when I sit and iamgine my Heavenly Father looking at me with such amazing love and pride and embracing me the way Nastia’s father did, I tear up all over again!
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claytoncoates
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TiNA
Sorry this wasn’t better quality… I don’t get it. I made the DVD with the same file and it was really clear. Oh well. The video went over really well. Thanks for doing it… it really shows your heart and love for us. Wish you the best in your adventures in Texas.
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brianshaw
Stumbled onto your blog. Watched your pastor tonight on a replay of the Saddleback Civil Forum and of course read the book (who hasn’t?). What a ministry to “move through!”
God bless you and your family on your next journey in Texas. Not sure what part of Texas but you may need to trade the “Earthquake Kit” for a Hurricane Kit.
Again, God bless. And smoke less, it wreaks havoc on your back among other things (sorry, I’m a nurse for a Spine Surgeon).
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JG
Dude … have a safe move. Love you, man. JG
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claytoncoates
Change is Coming….And God Knows It
Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
I was just sitting on my bed thinking this morning and this verse popped into my head. I say popped but what happened is that God placed it there to remind me that the transition that me and my family are going through, the transition Saddleback is going through, and the transition FBC Coppell is going through is all initiated by God….and was initiated by God before I was even born. You see, God created me, He called me, He has prepared me, He has equipped me for this good work. He has done the same for Saddleback, FBCC and my family. We would not be making this transition if God had not been doing the same exact work in Allison’s life. It is amazing to realize that when Allison and I said “I Do,” God knit together two people to whom He had placed the sam future road…and all the twists and turns.
As we seek God daily, we enter in to those works which God planned in advance for us to do…and we WALK IN THEM. I think it’s pretty signigicant that God uses the word walk and not RUN! Life is a journey and we have to pace ourselves. Now as I write this I am so convicted because I live life as a series of sprints. In track growing up I was a sprinter. My goal was to finish the race as fast as I could, stand on the platform, and receive my medal. As I have grown in ministry over the past 14 years, I have realized that pace is so important…Pace allows me to listen to God and follow Him instead of getting out in front of Him.
The reason this has always been dificult for me is because of the urgency of the gospel and of time. We don’t know when Christ will return and we don’t know when our life or someone’s life we know will end. I want to be as diligent as I can so that one day I, and the people I lead, can stand before God and hear the words “Well Done.” This journey, even this tension, is a work in my life that God planned before I was born and desires for me to walk through it. And as I walk, its not the other side that is my focus, its God.
Change is Coming….And God Knows It so we will all walk in FAITH, knowing that the future is in God’s hand, knowing that there is excitement for the unknown, and great joy because we are witnessing God moving and stirring in an amazing way. We must all Walk Together!
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cindi
Thanks,Clayton, for the reminder that this journey is not a sprint, but a marathon. I have begun over the past few years to see the truth of “the journey” in my own life–the process of sanctification being accomplished in me. I still struggle with the “striving” to work to make it happen (that’s why Keith Green’s When I Hear the Praises Start is ever in my head). I am still learning to “be” and not just “do” as I live the journey. Expecting that my faith will be challenged and will also grow as we see God continue to work, we’re all walking with ya, Brother.
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Clayton
Good word Cindy! The end has already been determined as you have said, “YES” to Jesus. What’s left is all the stuff in the middle that is called “Life.” Life is fully of the tension between “already” and “not yet.” That tension is full of lessons in patience which lead to our maturity in Christ.
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yeidy
That is so beautifully said but it is still sad, no doubt about it. At least for me it is. I like how you discussed the fact that our path, for those of us sureendered to His will, it is established before we were born. It is our choice to live that “abundant” life by not being comfortable and following what He wants for us instead of what we want for ourselves.
God also says on His word I MAKE you lie down on the green pastures and I firmly believe that some of us have to be MADE to “lie down” wether that “lying down” is illness, unemployment seasons or whatever it is part of Him making us seat down before we WALK into the work he has already prepared for us.
We will miss you and your bautiful family so much. -
Natalie
Okay, I’m lost…(I know, what else is new?) but what I gather from this post is that you’re moving to Coppell and taking a position at FBCC? Did I deduce correctly?
Because if I did, yhen I’m thrilled…Because…My aunt and uncle live in Coppell and we are there ALL THE TIME! Granted, they are members of another church in Coppell but still…I could easily pop in at FBCC with the purpose of seeing you guys! That is, IF all of this is a correct guess…Either way, send me an e-mail and fill me in on what’s going on!
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claytoncoates
When God is Ready
I was thinking about God’s timing and God’s will the other day in comparison to my timing and my will. I wonder if David, when he was younger, ever thought about doing more or being used more for God’s kingdom….so I shot this vlog of some thoughts today…
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Lily
Just saw your singleness video. You are so right pastor, thank you so much! I ment a lot to me. God Bless
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claytoncoates
Gold Medal for KYLE LOZA!!!
How cool was it to see Kyle win the gold medal last night at X-Games ‘08! If you didn’t catch it…here is a ripped-off copy from YouTube…I am sure it won’t be up for too long… If you don’t know, Kyle’s dad is on staff at Saddleback where the family goes to church in the Overdrive venue. Kyle practices on campus in what we call “the pit.” -
yeidy, 
Jen Chavez and one other person are discussing. 
Jessica are discussing. 
Lily is discussing. 
TiNA 9:53 pm on August 25, 2008 Permalink |
I love what you shared today. As a child whose parent’s loved housing interns and family members… it always seemed like I was saying goodbye. This became a fear… if I don’t think someone will be in my life for very long, I shy away from a deep relationship with them. But oh what that makes me miss out on. I realize I feel deeply b/c I love deeply… and that is not wrong… that is really really right. Know the trillion of tears so far are of gratitude for getting this time with you and your family… and for the frustration of the uncertainty of how that will look like in times ahead. Your ability to “see people” has always inspired me… and will continue to challenge me to be a better servant and minister.
Jen Chavez 5:04 pm on August 26, 2008 Permalink |
Hi there, it’s your OCD/ADD (because I already sent you one note and somehow deleted it) friend from Small Group. The “extra grace required one”. Yeah, I finally figured out since it was none of you, it had to be me!! Saw your blog today and it really touched me. You are very modest. You never shared that you had blogs (or was I not paying attention). I love what Tina had to say…..what a beautiful writer she is. And of course I got to bond with Tina during move #3 for the Coates in Cali!
Ok, so I have really been having a hard time with this saying good-bye thing…..words that come to mind are “scared, sad, bitter, lonely Christmas (yeah random), and abandoned. Where are these selfish thoughts coming from I keep asking myself? Then talking through it with some girlfriends, I was able to realize that I have never been “left behind” and don’t care for it, AT ALL! I have lived in CA my whole life. Still spend time with my closest childhood friends. Most of my family lives in OC and the only friend that ever moved (and I can only think of one), went away to college so that seemed very normal. Leave it to the Coates to break the mold!
I really liked what you said about Saddleback not “needing you” (although that is far from the truth) but it was the people……man you hit it on the head! I am so thankful to you and your family. The day I was invited to attend our first Small Group on Pueblo was amazing……..thanks to that invitation, I have no doubt that someone on Klondike will make it to heaven because of you. We aren’t there yet, but we will be. I know it! And on behalf of the two boys and myself, we thank you with all of our hearts. God used you in our lives in so many ways……through prayer, serving others, baptism, hospitality and leadership! And leave it to you to teach J-Dawg that hanging out with a Pastor and going to church could be “cool”. Very impressive Mr. Coates! You and Allison have such a way of leading by example. I personally have learned so much by watching your interaction with each other, your parenting style and your humor! And if we end up with a 3rd child, that may have something to do with your example as well.
We have no doubt that God is using you to do more great things! Your ability to teach, inspire and be a blessing to others is way too large to keep in one spot for too long! Now it is time for you to go back to Texas and love on new faces and re-connect with old ones (they are so lucky to have you back).
Love,
Jen
claytoncoates 7:12 am on August 27, 2008 Permalink |
Thanks for your words Jen. It is pretty amazing that you have lived you life up to this point and never had to really go through someone close to you leaving….WOW! That is pretty special. We love your family and always will. We look forward to how we will connect again….either vacationing in Hawaii, meeting you in Vegas, seeing you when we are out here in SoCal, etc., etc., – Look forward to seeing you guys tomorrow night- we already miss you guys tons-
yeidy 10:05 pm on August 29, 2008 Permalink |
C- you know I appreciate you. Only ou would drive 104 miles AND eat weird “goat sandwiches” just to show the Saddleback LA peeps and me that you care. I do not take that and you for granted and you will just be so missed. The first time I saw you at church I knew I could trust you but we did not meet for months. I remember you were reading portions of your journal to an Africa promotion meeting. I was thinking, this guy is “legit” not one of those pastors trying to be cool but a guy with a true heart for Jesus. I could see it in your readings so i am honored to have met you and that you were the one who prayed for me and commissioned me on my first international trip.