Blake Bouldin

Are Dogs Included?

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28: "If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest."  Are dogs included?  My new boxer puppy Lexi thinks so.

Shout Out of the week!!

  OK, I know I said I would write about my experience at the James Taylor concert yesterday, but it was so dog gone good it took me 2 days to recover.  No joking, JT was the best he has ever been.  3 encores were what it took to finally keep the crowd from becoming a "mob". 

One of the best parts of the night for Angie and me was getting to spend time with our good friends Jen and Andy Boswell.  It is amazing how God orchestrates friendships, but we met Jen and Andy through their son Taylor (AKA Frodo).  From the moment we sat down for a conversation with them, it was very apparent that there was a connection. Suffice it to say, this is a couple Angie and I adore.  Andy and Jen...here is a shout out to you from Blake and Angie.  We love and appreciate you guys more than you know.

When we were leaving, one of the songs that I said I wished JT had sung was "The Secret of Life."  I love the lyrics because they so eloquently describe the simple truth about life and friendship.  Jen and Andy...these are for you.

The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time
Any fool can do it
There ain't nothing to it
Nobody knows how we got to
The top of the hill
But since we're on our way down
We might as well enjoy the ride

The secret of love is in opening up your heart
It's okay to feel afraid
But don't let that stand in your way
'cause anyone knows that love is the only road
And since we're only here for a while
Might as well show some style
Give us a smile

Thanks for the smiles.  Thanks for a wonderful night.  Thanks for the friendship.

Blake

Random Thoughts and Welcome Josh!

Here are some random thoughts from a Thursday afternoon.

• I am loving working with the staff we have.  Of course Mary and Marty are the absolute best.  And then we've got Denise Sieges that has literally taken the office by storm.  John Brannon has joined us as our new worship coordinator. Jody Cowen is leading our youth.  And Mark Patterson is our recently hired Executive Pastor.  All these guys are great and the camaraderie is unbelievable.

• Speaking of staff, WCC recently brought on a guy by the name of Josh Adams to be our summer youth intern.  Josh comes to us from Nashville, Tennessee and has quite a bit of experience working with youth.  I sat down to talk with Josh yesterday just to get to know him a little better and I can honestly say he is in the top 3 of the most eccentric people I know.  I love that about him.  I also love his passion.  Today I stepped into the office with my North Carolina Tar Heels shirt on and already he is up in my grill about how Carolina doesn't compare to Kentucky when it comes to basketball.  We spent about 5 minutes verbally sparring. He knows his stuff.  Heck, I even asked him who Kentucky played back in 1978 when they won the national championship. He answered without even having to think.  He even knew who was the leading scorer. Do you? Kudos to anyone who can respond without having to look it up. Anyway here are my thoughts about Josh: If this guy is as passionate about God as he is about Kentucky basketball, things should be exciting this summer.

• Mark just walked into my office and handed me a present that his daughter Kareena wanted me to have.  It's a refrigerator magnet that says Kentucky on it.  What is up with all the Kentucky lovers?  Kareena, I know you don't read my blog, but thank you anyway.  The Muffin Man is deeply touched.  Ask me later.

• Oh, guess where Angie and I are going tonight?  How about to a "Sweet Baby James" concert.  Yea, this will be the third or fourth time Angie and I have gone to see James Taylor.  I love his music and I love my wife. I wouldn't miss it for the world. Alot went into me being able to attend this concert. I had to cancel an Elders meeting. I had to ask my assistant to coach my little league team's first tournament game.  And then finally, I had to turn Mark Patterson's offer to a ping pong tournament down.  He texted me this morning and said that I was invited to an invitation only, no dress requirements, winner takes all ping pong tournament.  When I told him that Angie and I were going to see JT, he texted me back these words, "Don't forget to wear your pink WAM shirt."  I laughed my head off and am still laughing as I type these words.  Mark, just because everybody doesn't like Axel Rose and Guns and Roses doesn't mean they are sissy's.  I have got a lot of mentoring to do with Mark.

• Last thing....does school ever officially get out for the summer anymore?  My goodness, my two oldest children have more school activities planned over this summer than they did during the year.  What's worse is these activities cost money.  Can anyone else identify?

Ok, that's all for now.  Off to see JT in an hour.  I'll fill you in tomorrow on how it goes.

Leadership and Criticism....they go hand in hand

Author, artist, and educator Chuck Vosburgh said this, "Leadership attracts criticism, therefore the price of leadership is criticism."  He is so right!  Anybody that has ever been in a leadership role knows this.  I personally know it.  One of the hardest things that I have had to deal with as I have planted and now pastored WCC over the last 7 years is the constant criticism. I'm not the only one.

I read recently where Rick Warren said that "We live in a day and age when anybody can say anything and the criticism is global, instant, and permanent thanks to Google."  Certainly, Rick Warren knows what it is like to be criticized.  My goodness, do a search on Google and you'll see what I am talking about.  On second thought, forget the search.  Instead check out these statements that Warren offers on criticism.


1. If you wrestle with a pig you'll both get dirty.

2. Define yourself or others will.

3. Bless those who curse you.

4. Separate fact from opinion.

5. Hurt people hurt people.

6. Insults are insecurities.

I love all of those.  Here are a few I will add.

1. 90% of success is just showing up.  Not many are willing to show up and do what you do or they'd do it.

2. How you handle criticism is much more important than the criticism itself.

3. Over analyzing criticism wastes valuable time that could be spent on accomplishing something worthwhile.

I love what Andy Stanley, another great man of God who has been criticized for his leadership, says.  If you are a leader under fire, I hope these words encourage and inspire you like they did me.  Stanley wrote in his book Visioneering, "Criticism strikes an emotional chord in all of us.  That emotion must go somewhere.  To reflect back on our critics is to play their game.  To bottle it up inside can result in depression or ulcers.  Another option is to dump it out on someone completely unrelated to the situation: spouse, friends, employees, your children.  That only complicates things.

The only healthy and profitable thing to do is to pour out your heart to your heavenly Father.  R-rated words and all.  After all, he knows what's in your heart anyway.  And hey, he's been around.  He can handle a little venting.  He is honored when we take our deepest frustrations and hurts to him.  To do so is an expression of trust.  That kind of honest communication is necessary if you are going to develop intimacy with the Father."

to blog or not to blog

Hey, this is not blake, but his wife, otherwise known as the "blog hater." I do read blake's blog at times b/c he loves feedback.  But, even when he doesn't ask for it, i sometimes feel the need to affirm what he says.  it's not the blog i hate, but the fact that it is yet another way to consume one's time and energy.  it's like anything else that is supposed to be good and enjoyable.  when used in moderation, and with good intention, it can certainly be a good thing.  however, when it becomes a burden, an obligation, a time waster, a means of manipulating - that's when i get mad.   i've been subject to it - reading a blog from someone in texas that i don't know from adam, looking at pictures of her family and then proceeding to her favorite blog, etc. etc. only to realize i have wasted half of my morning on the computer.  i went as far as to send myself an email reminder to "stop wasting time" and make every minute count.

Speaking of making things count, have you heard the song "say" by john mayer?  that is really all that i wanted to say to blake in this guest blog attempt.  sometimes we spend a lot of time saying things that we feel others want to hear, or maybe we hold back for whatever reason.  john mayer has a way of writing simple lyrics that have profound meaning.  check it out, and blake, blog on baby.  i know you love to speak your mind :)  just set your timer...

Defining Hero

The dictionary defines the word hero like this: a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for their brave deeds and noble qualities.

I define hero like this: Abbie Barbour.  At age 13, my niece Abbie, was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  She lost her hair.  She lost her ability to play sports.  She lost every bit of normalcy she had.  But one thing she didn't lose was her heart.  She fought back.  She never gave up.  She looked her diagnosis square in the eyes and declared, "I will not be beaten!"  Look at her today.  This is Abbie at 16 going to her prom.  In my opinion there is no one I know who has more courage or is braver or who I admire more than Abbie.

Abbie Lou, I hope you know you are my hero!  You epitomize everything I would like to be.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Uncle Blake

I Saw God Today

Sunday night my family and I hunkered down in front of the TV to watch the CMA awards where the years best country music artist were honored.  I, personally, love the show because I love country music.  One of the things I like best about the CMA awards as opposed to the AMA's is that the artist seem to legitmately care about their fans as well as the way they present themselves.  For instance, I didn't hear one artist stand up and say the proverbial, "I just want to give thanks to God who made all this possible" and then have every other word bleeped out because it's profane. 

While we were watching George Straight sang a song entitled, "I Saw God Today".  After it was over my daughter looked at me and said you ought to put those lyrics on your blog.  I agreed.  So, here you go.  Whether you love country music or not, these lyrics are great because they remind us that the God of the universe is in the "little things" we so often take for granted. 

I Saw God Today

Just walked down the street to the coffee shop
Had to take a break
I've been by her side for 18 hours straight
Saw a flower growing in the middle of the sidewalk
Pushing up through the concrete
Like it was planted right there for me to see
The flashing lights, the honking horns
All seemed to fade away
In the shadow of that hospital at 508
I saw God today.

I've been to church, I've read the book
I know he's here but I don't look
Near as often as I should (Yeah I know I should)
His fingerprints are everywhere
I just slowed down to stop and stare
Opened my eyes and man I swear
I saw God today

Saw a couple walking by
They were holding hands
Man she had that glow
Yeah I couldn't help but notice she was starting to show
Stood there for a minute taking in the sky
Lost in the sunset
A splash of amber melted into shades of red

I've been to church, I've read the book
I know he's here but I don't look
Near as often as I should (Yeah I know I should)
His fingerprints are everywhere
I just slowed down to stop and stare
Opened my eyes and man I swear
I saw God today

Got my face pressed up against the nursery glass
She's sleeping like a rock
My name on her wrist wearing tiny pink socks
She's got my nose, she's got her mamas eyes
My brand new baby girl
She's a miracle
I saw God today........

I am a thief!

Several days ago I made the comment in one of my blogs that it is hard coming up with ideas to blog about.  I then offered the opportunity for those who read this blog to respond with whatever interest you.  My sister Betsy was the only response I received.  This is what she said. She said, "I think the best blogs are just life lessons that you learn everyday from what you encounter on a daily basis.  I'm always encouraged when I get to share stories with others and learn from how they dealt with something or realize I'm not alone in dealing with stress, parenting, and all the craziness we all have to deal with in life!!"  I love that.  She does a great job of sharing her stories on her blog which can be found at www.atimetoloveatimetolearn.blogspot.com  Check it out!!  Anyway, her most recent post was about 6 random things that maybe no one knew about her.  I like the idea so much I am stealing it today.  Ha, Betsy, I am stealing your stuff again. It reminds me of all the times growing up that you would go to the refrigerator looking for leftovers that you had saved only to find that I had stolen them.  You weren't too forgiving back then.  I hope that has changed.

OK, here are 6 Random Things About Me:

1. My favorite school year growing up was 8th grade.  I don't know why, but my fondest memories as a teenager are from 8th grade.  I went to Quail Hollow Jr. High School and had a bunch of great friends.  My baseball teams, both school and Babe Ruth, won championships.  I hit one of only 3 home runs I ever hit that year.  I had a girlfriend named Angie.  (This BTW isn't the Angie I married and she wasn't nearly as cute as my Angie now :)  My youth group at church was really fun.  Life was good in 1981 for Blake Bouldin.

2. I love to be alone.  This may surprise some people, but the way I rejuvenate myself is by being alone.  Being a pastor one might think that I am a people person that just thrives on ministering to and being with people.  The reality is, people exhaust me.  Angie and I have differing personalities when it comes to this area of our lives and she is rejuvenated by being with her good friends.  I, on the other hand, HAVE to make time to get alone and be all by myself.  The fact is, I put so much energy into being with people all week that, after Sunday services, the thing I like to do the most is go home and lie on my bed without anyone around and watch muted TV.  Maybe I am weird, but that's me.

3. I have to have a fan on at all times.  Betsy wrote that she has to have a fan on when she sleeps, but I have to have a fan on 24/7.  In fact, right now in my office I have a fan on high blowing directly on me.  Not sure if this is a form of neurosis or not, but fans comfort my soul.  I can remember when Angie and I first got married how mad she would get in the dead of winter because I had to have a fan blowing on me.  Today, she isn't a big advocate of having a fan blowing directly on her, but the sound a fan makes is something even she can't do with out now.

4. Watching men beat each other up relaxes me.  Everyone who knows me knows that I am an absolute UFC fanatic.  For those of you who don't know what UFC stands for, that is Ultimate Fighting Championship.  My boys and I watch it religiously whenever it comes on.  Thursday nights are usually when it airs, but I have to keep close tabs on the website because sometimes that differs.  Anyway, growing up my father used to watch fights on ESPN and comment about how my grandfather had been a boxer and taught my dad to love the sport of boxing.  I was intrigued by the stories dad would tell, but I can remember, even as a kid, watching fights and just loving it.  Today, I would have to say that some of the best times that my boys and I have are sitting back and watching guys like Tito Ortiz and Chuck Lidell and Rampage Jackson go at it with each other.

5. I have ADD.  I had no idea what ADD was when I was growing up but I did know that I had a really hard time sitting still and paying attention.  My mom was a school teacher and used to sit down with me and try and tutor me in some of the subjects I was struggling with.  I can remember how frustrated she would get as she would begin to explain things and look at me to see if I was paying attention, and of course, I wasn't.  Until about 4 years ago, I never really could understand why I was like I was until someone showed me the symptoms of ADD.  When I read them, I thought that describes me perfectly.

6. If I wasn't a preacher/minister I would be a teacher/coach.  I just love being around kids and enjoy teaching, so a logical thing for me to be if I weren't a minister would be a teacher.  Growing up I never even entertained the idea.  I always thought I wanted to be a minister, but having been in the ministry for awhile, the thought has crossed my mind, especially on those difficult days that being a teacher would be fulfilling.

OK there you have it whether you wanted it or not.  6 random things about me.  Have a great weekend.

Day two with Lexi....Dang it!

OK...yesterday Angie and I drove to Durham, not Raleigh, and picked up our second boxer named Lexi.  She is so sweet, but I have to admit, I am not as in love with dogs as Angie.  Yesterday on the way home all Angie could do was hold Lexi and talk baby talk to her about how much she was loved.  That was OK for the first 30 minutes or so, but hearing Angie say.."You are soooo cute Lexi...I love you..yes I do" 100 times can start to grind on anyone's nerves.  Lexi finally fell asleep and Angie began texting all our children and her friends with pictures of Lexi.  I said, "You want to come up in the front seat and talk for awhile?"  She didn't.  Dang it!

Last night around the Bouldin home was a Lexi-fest.  When my two youngest sons Brad and Brett got home I said, "Hey guys, did you have a good day?"  Their response was "where is Lexi?"  They then proceeded to spend the next several hours fighting over who gets to hold her next.  Then Brianna and Bryson got home and the oohing and awwing started all over again.  In an effort to garner some attention from my family I went to Kami and bought Brianna and Angie Sushi, their favorite, and the boys and I ate our favorite off the menu. After the obligatory thank you it was back to Lexi. American Idol even played second fiddle to Lexi last night which is wild because American Idol is priority on Tuesday and Wednesday night at the Bouldin house. It's only day 2 and I am thinking enough of Lexi already.  Oh, and David Archuleta over Syesha just ain't right.  Give me a break! Dang it!

Bed time found me trying to convince Angie that Lexi was going to have to sleep in her crate so that we could train her for when we aren't home.  Angie reluctantly agreed and so I put Lexi in her crate and hopped into bed.  That lasted all of about 3 minutes because Angie couldn't take the yelping.  As a result, Lexi wound up sleeping in my bed next to my wife the whole night.  There is nothing like rolling over to give your wife a good night kiss and smelling puppy breath.  Dang it!

Don't get me wrong, I love dogs and I love Lexi.  I am just feeling a little left out about now.  Who knows what tonight will hold.  I hope I don't find myself sleeping in the crate while Lexi takes my side of the bed.  You never know, the way yesterday unfolded that is a real possibility. 

Angie's Mother's Day gift.....Lexi