Blake Bouldin

No Pain, No Gain

That's easy for me to say...but when 6 am rolls around every morning and you have to get up for weight lifting the end result is far from sight.  My son, Bryson, has quickly learned that to be a key leader on a winning team you must train hard.  Every morning, despite how late he was up doing homework, Bryson crawls out of bed and heads off to be at the mercy of Coach Scott Stein.  After that it's a full day of honors classes at Sun Valley High, and then another 3 1/2 hours of football practice, rain or shine.  Home by 7 pm, he inhales left over dinner, showers and it's on to homework, bed and another 6:00 am.  Dang, writing this makes me tired.  Truth is, Bryson knows what it takes.  He knows what's required to be successful.  He knows that the pain he feels today will pay off come Friday night.  His perseverance will produce strength, and will please his "master."

Isn't that the way it is with God?  God doesn't desire for his children to be lazy.  Rather, it is that we work hard, train diligently, experience a little pain. After all, how are we supposed to identify with Christ if our life is free of pain?

Listen to this passage: 

"Fix this picture firmly in your mind: Jesus, descended from the line of David, raised from the dead. It's what you've heard from me all along. It's what I'm sitting in jail for right now—but God's Word isn't in jail! That's why I stick it out here—so that everyone God calls will get in on the salvation of Christ in all its glory. This is a sure thing:

If we die with him, we'll live with him;
If we stick it out with him, we'll rule with him;
If we turn our backs on him, he'll turn his back on us;
If we give up on him, he does not give up—
for there's no way he can be false to himself.

Repeat these basic essentials over and over to God's people. Warn them before God against pious nitpicking, which chips away at the faith. It just wears everyone out. Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won't be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple. Stay clear of pious talk that is only talk. Words are not mere words, you know. If they're not backed by a godly life, they accumulate as poison in the soul." (2 Timothy 2:11-14)

So there you go.  No pain, no gain.  I'm opting for pain for the glory of my master, Jesus Christ.

 

Friday Night Football

I don't know about you, but this scene gives me goosebumps. Being under the lights at a high school football game with the sun setting and the air cooling down is "it" for me. Watching kids apply everything they have learned from football camp while the coach gets red in the face firing them up rocks my world. Add to that the crazy parents screaming from the stands to encourage their kids, or dispute bad calls and you have Friday Night Football in full swing. You can tell when the season is new. There's a fresh excitement in the air and the cheerleaders love their job. Hotdogs and nachos never tasted so good. It's one of my favorite times of the year, and I am looking forward to a great season! Of course, I'm a little partial to my Sun Valley varsity with Bryson playing and Brianna cheering. It will be the only year they fight for the same team, so GO SPARTANS!!! Last night's victory was well deserved. Let's go all the way!

Shout out to YOU - WCC!!

I was wondering what I could blog about tonight and all I could think about was how proud I am of you and the commitment you make to WCC.  I have been in church all of my life and summer has always been a tough time.  People tend to slack off during vacation months and church falls way behind on the list of priorities.  I have been pleasantly surprised at how awesome your faithfulness, attendance and giving has been over these past few months.  I fully expected to go through a drought season where giving was way low and attendance was sparse.  On the contrary, our summer months have been some of the best I can remember in the last 6 years and your giving has been abundant and generous!!  I am so grateful for a church that truly "gets it" and shows up when it'd be easier to sleep in.  Thank you for your faithfulness and your commitment to the "cause" of reaching people.  I pray God's richest blessing on your life!!

Remember this Saturday will be another opportunity to give back to our community as we clean up the Weddington High School Campus.  We will meet early Saturday morning to do our part in serving and in return save our fellowship significant expenses for the rent we incur each week.  I hope you'll join my family and me as we serve together for the glory of our heavenly Father.

Have a great weekend!!
For "the  Cause"
Blake

Life is Good

I just got back from a belated anniversary getaway with Angie.  At first when she told me we were going to Gatlinburg, TN I thought, "oh great.  Sounds like a blast."  She was so excited and convinced me to go and try to have fun.  I learned some valuable lessons on this brief time away.  Here are just a few:

The Great Smokey Mountains are breathtaking!  Angie insisted that we pull over on the Blue Ridge Parkway and take a gander at the view.  I can't count how many times I've done this, but this time was different.  When you stop and actually take in the majesty of the mountains it is unbelievable.  And this is just a slice of what's out there.  3 hours away and you can bask in a world of grandeur.
Time away from the chaos is invaluable.  It's really hard for me to take even a day away, much less 4.  I wish I could be more laid back, but it's not easy.  However, anytime I do take the time I realize how much I needed it.  We can get so caught up in meaningless, trivial things or even important things that we think can't wait and miss out on some great memories.  This trip made me realize that things can wait, and things will be fine while I'm away - so go.  I came back a better, more relaxed man.
My kids are so responsible! Angie and I decided to farm our 2 youngest out to grandparents and let the older two stay at home alone.  Brianna is 17 and could handle a few days on her own.  Despite a few incidents from Crazy Lexi (our boxer puppy) they handled things great.  The laundry was done, the house was clean and we enjoyed a family reunion when we got back in town.  I am blessed to have such awesome kids and being away made me realize it more.
My wife is my best friend - and she's a free spirit.  From the minute we left Indian Trail, Angie wanted us to have fun - the type of fun we had back in the 80's.  She even bought me cd's of Eddie Money, Lionel Richie and Kenny Loggins for our anniversary.  The type of fun we enjoyed together was simple - walking through Gatlinburg studying people, trying crazy hot sauces from a place called "Pepper Palace" (which I almost died from a horseradish called "Nasal Napalm"), daring me to take a helicopter ride or ride a monster truck in Sevierville, rummaging through stones and antiques at remote shops in the country, eating footlong corn dogs at Fannie Farkels...I realized that life with Angie isn't that complicated.  But it took slowing down long enough to recognize and appreciate the gift she is to me.
God will take care of the church.  It's especially hard for me to be away on a Sunday without worrying that things will go smooth.  I have come to realize that this is not my church, but God's and He will protect His bride.  I am fortunate to have an awesome staff that can carry the load while I'm away.  I am especially grateful for Denise as she insisted that I go, and for Mark as he rocked the house on Sunday.  I have learned that WCC was not my plan, but God's from the get go, and His plans are big.  I'm standing on this promise:   "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (phillipians 1:6)  I can't work myself to misery hoping this church will survive.  This time away was God's way of giving me rest and putting important things in perspective.
So now it's back to reality.  School starts next week and a new season is approaching.  I'm back and ready to face new challenges.  Thank you for the time away.  Thank you, God, for small lessons in life - for the Cause!
Blake

Random Thoughts On A Friday.....

Today I am going to post some random thoughts simply because I have nothing that I really want to blog about.  Here goes.

• I have been reading a blog by a guy by the name of Alex Shalman lately. He had an interesting question.  Check it out.  He said: "My whole life I wondered how it is that, all things being equal, two people in the same situation can be happy and unhappy, respectively. It puzzled me how some people gravitated toward happiness in dire situations, while others, who seemingly had everything, were constantly depressed.  What made the difference?"  What do you think makes the difference?

• Worked in the yard all day today.  In High School I worked for a local construction company in Charlotte and my job was yard maintenance.  I loved it back then and still love it today.  I don't know why this is, but mowing the grass is one of the biggest stress relievers I have.  I also like the immediate sense of accomplishment I feel when I finish.

• Last night Angie and I drove up to Lake Norman to watch Sun Valley play football in a round robin jamboree.  Bryson, my oldest son, made the varsity team in the 10th grade.  Needless to say I am a very proud dad.  I was surprised at how much playing time he got last night.  I hope it continues.

• My middle son Brett and I played dodge ball this past Wednesday night at Weddington Methodist.  I remember as a child how much I used to love playing dodge ball. That's why when Josh Adams, our youth summer intern, invited me to play this past Wednesday, I couldn't say no.  I had, without reservation, one of the funnest nights of my life.  About 25 to 30 people showed up.  We split into 3 teams and played until we couldn't play any more.  After it was over, I was spent and today my arm still feels like I threw 9 innings in a baseball game.  I hate getting old!!

• This coming Sunday, Mark Patterson is going to be preaching on community and then giving communion.  It should be an awesome experience.  I have said it once and I will say it again, there is nothing as good as having a capable staff that knows how to bring it.  Having Mark speak on a regular basis is so refreshing.  The fact that he is a great speaker as well is just icing on the cake.

• My sister Betsy got on me for not watching the Olympics recently and so I have been trying to keep up.  Last night I watched Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson win the gold and silver medals in the women's individual all around.  I was so pumped!  Michael Phelps has been amazing too.  And what about those crazy women playing water polo.  How in the world can anyone tread water so long?  Those ladies are flippin unbelievable.

• Getting ready to go to my small group summer get together tonight.  We are going to be having ribs and BBQ.  I can't wait.  After working out in the yard all day, I have a huge appetite about now. 

I hope everyone that reads this blog has a great weekend.  I hope you are feeling as blessed as I am.   If you are a member or regular attender of WCC, make sure you come this weekend to worship with us.  I guarantee you you'll be blessed.

Blake

Ahhh, cool summer nights (and burgers)

  One of my favorite times of summer is when temperatures drop in the evenings and you can finally enjoy sitting outside.  Last night was one of those times.  Angie and I met my sister, Betsy and her husband, Steve for a very belated date night.  We had planned to do this at Christmas - ha!  We have 8 children combined and life for us spins out of control most of the time.  It was such a great night getting together with them and catching up.  We have discovered a place that serves unusual toppings for burgers and the best sweet potato fries in town.  But I'm keeping it a secret so you'll have to figure it out on your own...

Betsy and Steve, last night was a blast!  You guys are great friends, awesome parents and faithful partners in doing God's work.  I hope the next time we do this isn't next summer!  Love you guys!

How Pastors Feel on Sunday Night

 

I remember when I was growing up, my Dad, who was a pastor, would come home from our Sunday night service and put on a green pair of Bermuda shorts, a white t-shirt, grab a snack and veg out in his favorite blue chair.  It didn't matter what was on TV, Dad would just sit there and stare.  If you asked him he would tell you that this was his favorite time of the week.  It was his opportunity to relax and unwind before the week got cranked back up and he had to do it all over again.

I don't think people understand how much energy it takes for Pastors to do what they do.  It's funny, but I have people say to me from time to time, "It must be nice only having to work on Sunday."  Ha...I laugh and think, if they only knew.  Before I entered the ministry I didn't know.  Now I do.  Here are some of the things that make Sunday such a rigorous day for Pastors and explain why on Sunday night Pastors feel like the picture above.

• Preparing And Then Delivering A Sermon With Passion.  Just like anything else that you do on a consistent basis, sermon preparation and preaching can become a grind.  I mean, when you aren't the pastor you can wake up Sunday morning and if you aren't feeling well or if you have had a fight with your wife or a tough morning with the kids, you can decide to forgo going to church this Sunday.  When you are the pastor, it doesn't matter what is going on in you life, you are expected to show up and deliver a well thought out and passionate message.  This is just part of the job and pastors know it is expected.  But it isn't easy week after week after week.

• Unmet Expectations.  Every pastor that cares about the church he pastors has expectations.  He has expectations about how he wants to perform.  He has expectations about attendance.  He has expectations about giving.  He has expectations about his staff.  He has expectations on how he thinks the service should flow. He has expectations about the life change that he would like to see take place. The list could literally go on and on.  Now, sometimes every single one of the pastors expectations will be met and that makes for a "Great Sunday"....at least in his mind.  But, sometimes his expectations aren't met.  Maybe attendance is off, or maybe giving is down, or maybe someone criticized his sermon.  Whatever the case may be, you can just bank on the fact that whenever the particular expectations of the pastor aren't met....he feels worn down. 

• Exhausted Emotional Energy.  Part of being a pastor is listening.  Sunday, because it is the day that "the Church" gathers corporately, is the day many pastor's have to listen the most.  Sometimes they hear about unbelievable problems that people are going through.  Sometimes they hear about how God has answered prayer.  Sometimes they hear about where someone thinks the Church should be headed and what programs need to be tweaked or added.  Sometimes they hear about what a great leader someone thinks they are.  Sometimes they hear about what a lousy leader someone thinks they are.  Most of the time they get a variety of all of the above.  If a pastor cares about what people think, and most do, even when they say they don't, listening to everything people have to say is exhausting.  Growing up my  Dad would often say when he got home on a Sunday night that he felt like he had just dug a ditch.  I would secretly laugh and think, how hard can it be?  I don't laugh anymore.

• Spiritual Warfare. The Message translation says in Ephesians 6:12 that "this is no afternoon athletic contest that we are in, but rather a life or death battle with Satan."  As soon as an individual answers the call the be a pastor, that battle gets even more intense.  I had people say to me prior to going into full time ministry that I needed to prepare myself for the adversary's attacks.  I shrugged those comments off many times thinking, "how rough can it be."  Well, I have since learned that the battle is far more intense than I ever imagined it to be.  And one of the days the battle rages the most fiercely is Sunday.  Anything that Satan can do to steal the passion, kill the joy, and destroy the momentum of a pastor, he will attempt to do it on Sunday morning.

Dad used to say to me, "Blake, if you aren't called into ministry, don't go.  You won't last long."  I didn't really understand what he meant.  I do now!  I love what I do and I thank God He called me but I still feel like my dog, Brandy on Sunday nights.

20 YEARS OF BLISS....

Some say that love at first sight doesn't happen.  I strongly disagree!  On a Sunday night at Carmel Baptist Church some 30 plus years ago I looked down from the choir and saw a little 6th grade girl named Angie Cooper. My heart started beating fast and my palms started sweating and I had enough nerve to wink at her.  I told my dad on the way home that night that one day I would marry her.  He laughed, but I was serious.

On August 6th, 1988 I was good for my word.  It wasn't easy convincing a beautiful girl that could have any guy she wanted to go out with me, but she finally said yes.  We have never looked back.  4 kids and 20 years later she is still the one who makes my heart beat fast and my palms sweat.  I love her more today than ever.  To say that these last 20 years have been bliss is a huge understatement.

Angela Dawn, I love you!  Happy 20th anniversary!  You are and always will be the love of my life.

Blakely

Happy Birthday Sunshine!

17 years ago today Brianna Grace Bouldin was born.  I never will forget the first time I held her in my arms.  I couldn't believe how much hair she had.  I couldn't believe how chubby she was.  I couldn't believe she was my little girl.  Growing up, one of the things that I always knew I wanted was a big family.  Don't ask me why, but from the time I was a child, I always dreamed of one day having children and being able to love them and spend time with them.  God gave me my hearts desire 4 times.  There is no way I could possibly put into words what each child has meant to me.  Each one is so special and that is especially true of Brianna..aka Sissy. 

If I had to describe Brianna, the only word that comes to mind is "perfect".  I know, I know, she is my little girl, but if you could only understand.  In 17 years I don't think I have had to raise my voice at her more than a handful of times.  She's responsible, she's smart, she's beautiful, and I think most importantly she has a relationship with God.  I never dreamed that I would ever love someone so much.  From the moment I first laid eyes on her, she had my heart.  Every day for 17 years she has been my sunshine. I couldn't have asked for anything more!! 

Brianna, Sissy, Sunshine....Happy Birthday.  Daddy loves you!

Golf and other random thoughts...

Sorry about the lack of blogging this week. I just haven't been in the mood. Honestly, sometimes I think blogging wastes time for me. Especially when I have a lot going on and I feel pressure to blog.  At times I just need to pause and live life.  As I thought about what I would write today, I decided to just mention some random thoughts.  Here goes.

• Today I played golf with two of my favorite friends in the world.  The guys that I played with have been good friends of mine for a long time.  They have helped me walk through some really heavy stuff.  They have encouraged me when I was down.  They have cautioned me when I thought I had the answers.  We have literally laughed together and cried together.  We have been there for each other when our families were going through crisis.  These two men are what I would call "lifers".  I love them and while I had a miserable time playing, catching up with two of my favorite people was awesome.  Hey home boys...you know who you are...if you ever mention my golf score to anyone...well you know what the consequences will be.  See you in two weeks at Wendy's.

• Had a great staff meeting this week.  In the book Good To Great Jim Collins says one of the secrets of success in any organization is getting the right people on the bus, getting the wrong people off, and then deciding where you want to drive it.  We have that at WCC right now and it is so incredible to be able to assemble a group of people who all are dreaming big dreams and wanting to move in the same direction.  I love it.  I love my staff and I believe God is going to do incredible things at WCC.

• My son, Bryson just got home from  a 4 day football camp last night.  Sun Valley had a tradition called "Midnight Madness" that happens at the end of this grueling week for the teams.  The parents prepare a big "pot luck" dinner and when their boys arrive they drop off their stuff, change into Spartan Football tshirts and make a grand entrance into the cafeteria where they are welcomed back and honored.  After dinner they rest in the gym and at midnight they conduct a two hour practice for the fans - complete with fog tunnel and all.  Our whole family sat out until 2 in the morning watching a group of exhausted teenage boys reach down deep and practice yet one more time before going home.  I thought to myself while I watched them play, if Christians were as committed to reaching the world for Christ as these boys are to winning, man who knows where Christianity would be.  I appreciate Coach Scott Stein and the prestigious program he has developed.  I am especially proud of Bryson for working hard to earn a spot on the Varsity Spartan team and having a chance to play for such a great school!

• Can't wait for Church on Sunday.  Just so you know, the staff has been praying that God would continue to do great things at WCC.  This past summer has been the best in terms of attendance and giving that we have ever had.  Every week I am absolutely blown away at all the people that are showing up and the spirit that they bring with them.  Thanks for being such an awesome Church!  I love you guys and anticipate that this Sunday will be our best of the summer.

See you then!

Blake