Blake Bouldin

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

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

Get Ready To Rumble!

One of the things that I have experienced my whole life is that after I have gone to a spiritual mountain with God, Satan always attacks.  For instance, two weeks ago I had a spiritually exhilarating experience when I went to camp BigStuf with our youth.  I mean every day it just seemed like that God was noticeably present and speaking into my life.  However, that all changed when I got back from the trip.  I can't explain what happened or why it happened other than to say that I believe that Satan will do anything to try and stop us from experiencing God like I did at camp.  I know many of you who read this blog probably have experienced the same thing.  One moment God is moving in extraordinary ways in your life and then Satan attacks.  Below is a list of things that help me minimize what Satan tries to do.

1. Making sure I get enough rest.  One of the things I am confident that Satan capitalizes on is our exhaustion.  Any time we are mentally, physically or spiritually exhausted, Satan has an easier time of having his way.

2. Staying busy.  I know this seems like a contradiction to #1, but a full schedule with little idol time helps defeat the adversary. Whenever we know that we are vulnerable, getting busy and focused on productive tasks keeps us from from being easy prey.

3. Being held accountable.  Recently I downloaded a tool called "Covenant Eyes" to my laptop.  This is a program that enables my accountability partner to see wherever I have been on the Internet.  I did this not because I struggle with porn or going to sites that I shouldn't.  I did it to make sure that I never will.  Having someone holding us accountable to living a Godly life is essential to keeping the adversary at bay.

4. Making sure I don't forsake going to church.  Interestingly enough, one of the optimum times for people to stay away from church is after they have been on a spiritual retreat. Heck, I almost didn't go the Sunday I got back from BigStuf.  Mark Patterson was preaching and my rationale was that I had had enough spiritual stuff for the week.  It wouldn't have hurt me to stay home and rest on that Sunday, but it certainly didn't hurt me to go either.  I am convinced that the discipline of going to church and being around others who can encourage us in our faith is essential to defending ourselves against Satan's onslaught.

I hope this helps any of you who feel like you have been under attack lately.  Remember, the Bible makes it clear that if we "Submit ourselves to God and resist the devil then he will flee from us." James 4:7.  You and I can be more than conquerors if we are prepared and ready to rumble when Satan comes knocking. 

God Bless.

Blake

Monday Reflections and Random Thoughts

What a packed weekend starting with Friday night and our Amazing Pet Show. Who in the world would have thought that so many people would have shown up?  I was literally amazed at the hundreds and hundreds of people who came out and even more amazed at all the dogs. Good Grief!  Here are some more of my reflections about this weekend.

• Mary Padgett and Marty Barrett are without a doubt the greatest Children's/Family Ministry Leaders in all of Charlotte. The coordination and excellence in which they put together the Amazing Pet Show was phenomenal.  I don't know if the people at WCC realize what we have in these two women....but they are the BOMBS!  Love you guys!
• Oh, and how about my boy Mark Patterson yesterday!!  Mark finished up the series on Seismic Shifts and absolutely blew it out of the water.  Angie and I sat down on the front row to offer our support and from the get go, Mark had me captivated with his humor and authentic style of communicating.  Mark, I hope you know this, but you are a fantastic communicator and leader.  God has some awesome things in store for you bro.  I am so excited to have the opportunity to serve along side you. You da MAN!
• My daughter Brianna and her boyfriend Zach just stopped by to say hi.  Both agree that WCC is in the best SEASON we have ever had.  They commented on all the excitement they feel.  I was blown away. I love my girl Bri and I am so thankful they are enjoying WCC right now.
• Speaking of excitement....just wait until you see what we have up our sleeves for July.  Holy Cow...what we are going to announce and attempt to do is going to absolutely blow your socks off.  In all my life, I have never been a part of a church or organization that has attempted something as BOLD OR CHRIST HONORING.  Just hold on to your hats is all I can say.
• A random thought just popped into my head.  Here it is. What is the deal with "Twitter"?  Have any of you heard about it or seen it?  It's this site that allows people to communicate what they are doing on line throughout the day.  For instance, some pastor's I read or know of are doing it and they will leave messages like, "Just left Starbucks to head back to the office to study."  I am sorry, but do people really want to know what other people are doing throughout the day?  The only people I really am concerned about are my family. I don't know, I just think it's crazy. Another way to waste time.
• Last thing....WCC's staff will be out of pocket until Wednesday as we head out together for a couple of days to gear up for some of the amazing stuff we are about to do.  Pray for us while we are away.  Pray for our Church.  Thank God for all He is doing!  Thank God for the amazing staff we have assembled.  I am so grateful to be along for the ride.
• One more last thing.  I am bumbed the UNC Tarheels lost to Fresno State last night in the College World Series.  Carolina fought hard but couldn't come back from losing a game early on.  Oh well, there is always next year.  All I can say now is Go DAWGS!

Ahhh....rain at last.

Thank you, Lord.

rain, please.

OK, so it's june and the first day of summer for my kids.  The grass on the parkway to our neighborhood is fried already.  Can you believe how hot it is?

I have a hard time understanding the climate these days.  I mean, I was really looking forward to summer.  I was looking forward to my children getting a break and enjoying their time off.  Bryson had football practice tonight and all I could think about was his ability to stand the heat.

I don't know about you, but it makes me long for better days.  I cling to the verses left for us that give us hope about the future.  I love to think about the promise that Jeremiah left:  "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."  (Jeremiah 29:11)

Hope....can you imagine?  Let's focus on that this week.  There is "hope" that Christ offers us, despite our circumstances, despite the conditions...Christ promises a plan that is good for us.  We just need to trust and believe in His grace.   Partner with me in believing in and claiming this promise as we press on towards the goal in Christ Jesus...

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.

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.

Random Thoughts....

I thought Sunday was a good day.  I love seeing our youth helping out with our children. 

The Middle School Basketball team that Brett Vines and I coach for WCC is absolutely tearing it up.  We are now officially 7-0.  I don't know if this is good or bad, but we beat a team so bad Saturday night the other team's coach got mad at Brett and me.  What do you do? I blamed it on Brett and his over the top competitive nature. Ha.....

We have more new faces walking through our doors recently at WCC than we have ever had in the life of our church. Thank you for investing and inviting!!

I had a friend of mine attend church on Sunday for the first time.  This guy is studying to be a minister and so he spends a lot of time checking out other churches.  I asked him to grade us out.  He used the word UNBELIEVABLE to describe his experience.  I love that compliment!!

Are Mary Padgett and Marty Montague blowing the top off or what?  My goodness they are getting the job done with our children!  Sunday, I asked my 9 year old son Brad and his friend Logan what they thought of the children's experience and in their exact words they both said, "We loved it!"  You have no idea how much that rocked my world.

I have enjoyed our series on anger these past two weeks.  This week we are going to start a series that deals with fear and anxiety.  If the response is anything like I have received as I have talked about anger, it should be a great series to help people deal with some significant stuff. 

Frankly, I am blown away by the relevance of the Bible.  I mean, I have grown up being taught the Bible, but each time I begin to study a different topic, it amazes me that I haven't found one yet that the Bible doesn't address.  The Bible is not an antiquated, out dated, irrelevant book no matter what anybody says. 

I love the way our greeter team has stepped it up lately.  I have heard that people make a decision about whether or not they will return to a church they are visiting within the first 5 minutes.  Having a greeter team trained and doing their job is so important.  I am so thankful for those we have at WCC.

Speaking of being grateful, I am so grateful for Weddington High School.  When I think about the fact that they have allowed us to basically take over their school every Sunday for the last 6 years, it blows me away.  This Sunday we are planning on taking up a love offering to show our appreciation.  I hope you will come prepared to be generous.

Woke up this morning to a phone call from my sister in law.  She informed my wife and me that my father in law had been admitted to the hospital with chest pains.  I spent the day with him as he had a plethora of tests run.  Everything checked out OK.  Thank God.

Last but not least, my son Brett, pictured at the top of the page, made the Sun Valley Middle School baseball team.  Those of you who know me well, know that that was a huge prayer request of mine.  Brett was in need of a self esteem boost.  Apparently God decided to give him a double dose of good news.  Not only did he make the baseball team, but he also was selected to be on an All Star basketball team in his rec league.  Does it seem like I am bragging?  I am!  I am so proud of my boy!

Random Thoughts.....

It's Friday and this has been a crazy busy week. Insane busy!  WCC has so much going on!  These are really exciting times.  I thought I would finish the week with just some random thoughts. 

I have never had as many hits on my blog as I have in the last week.  Yesterday alone I had over 300 hits.  Unbelievable.  What surprise can I come up with next?  And yes BR,(you know who you are) it was a ploy to get people to go to my blog and guess what?  It worked!

Had my first official staff meeting with Mary and Marty (M&M) yesterday and all I can say is we are sooooooo blessed. Wait until you see what they already have planned.

Met with a guy today that recently lost his job at a Mega Church for "political" reasons. Yea right!  This guy was unbelievable.  As we sat and talked I thought this guy needs to be on staff somewhere soon. I am praying that God will open that door for him.

I hate to lose Rod Millett.  He was a huge asset.  And just for clarity's sake, because there are always people out there who wonder, Rod made the decision to leave solely based on the needs of his family at this time.  WCC did not want nor ask him to go.  Heck, my prayer is that he'll come back. Rod, I know you read this blog because you always tell me how good it is(laughs), the door will be open my friend.

Have had several people ask me what is going on with the land?  We are still negotiating with Grace Baptist.  When things are finalized the congregation will be the first to know.

My oldest son Bryson has had 4 basketball games this week.  My second son Brett has two.  I am completely basket balled out.  Don't get me wrong, I love basketball, but 6 games in a week is over the top.  Not to mention, it cost me every time I go.

Speaking of Bryson, I just signed him up for drivers ed.  Because he plays basketball he has to take it on the weekends.  It's costing me $350 bucks.  Ridiculous right?  I am already paying out the wazoo for my daughter's insurance and now here comes Bryson.  They need jobs!  If anyone needs a good babysitter call Brianna....please!

How about this?  Jeff Darr, a member at our church, came over on New Year's day and cleaned my carpet.  With 4 kids and 2 dogs every now and then it's good to do a major cleaning.  Jeff did just that.  Here's to you Jeff.  Angie was so excited and impressed.  I was too.  New Years day...unbelievable. You the Man!

This Sunday I am speaking on the topic is God Pro-Choice or Is God Pro-Life?  It should be really good.  Trevor has a great worship set, Mary and Marty will be joining us.  We have more people coming than we ever have.  I am excited.  If you like messages on hot topics in America, you'll like this one.  Oh..next week I will be preaching on the topic Is God Homophobic?  Don't miss it.

That's it for this week.  Have a great weekend.