New Year - New You

What would you change about yourself if you could? I'm not one to make New Year's resolutions per se but, like most people, I embrace the fresh start that January 1 brings. As you ring in the new year tonight, won't there be some secret part of you that hopes in ring in a new you? That's the optimist in us. The realist recalls the broken resolutions of the past and figures what's the use?

It seems to me that God holds the key to a new you in the new year. Connecting with Him early and often in 2006 will be the single most important thing any of us could do to make this year a success. At our weekend gatherings, we're going to unpack the so-called Lord's Prayer. In it, Jesus gives us a template for connecting meaningfully with God. If prayer is new to you or if your prayer life has crashed and you're looking to reboot it, this message is for you.

Remember that Calvary Austin is a multi-site church and that our schedule of gatherings is modified for New Year's weeekend. We won't be in Cedar Park or Round Rock Saturday evening but we will be in Austin Sunday morning. Next weekend we resume our regular schedule. Four gatherings. Three sites. Two days. One church.

It only happens once a year

Christmas only happens once a year. Of course it's weeks coming! Seems like I started seeing Christmas stuff in stores in October. The cool thing about Christmas is that it doesn't have to happen only once a year. The same God who invaded time and space two thousand years ago wants to invade our lives each and every day. That's why I want to encourage you to join us on Christmas Eve for either of two 60-minute worship gatherings at our North Austin campus. The seasonal music and inspiring message will add meaning not only to your celebration of Christmas but will set the tone for the new year. What if God were at the center of your life this weekend? And next? And throughout the new year? Saturday evening, Christmas Eve, is the time to begin.

Listening skills

Two ears. One mouth. Might mean we should listen twice as much as we talk. Truth is most of us aren't very good listeners. Experts say we talk at 100-175 words per minute (WPM). Problem is we listen at 600-800 WPM. So what do we do with all that extra time? It takes skills. Listening skills. What happens when we don't have spiritual listening skills? When we haven't learned to listen to God? That's what we're talking about this weekend. Join us at any one of four weekend gatherings to learn more.

State of the heart

Maybe it's an iPod digital audio and video player. Or a RAZR V3 mobile phone. Or a Xbox 360 video game console. For the geek on your Christmas list, it is all about state of the art. But what about the state of the heart? Your heart? My heart? Some people's hearts are like a fruitcake. Other people's hearts are like fresh-cut Christmas trees. Still other people's hearts are like difficult to open, wrap-rage-provoking gifts. Then there are those people who's hearts are like a flowering poinsettia. Not sure what I mean? Join us this weekend as we explore a story told by Jesus. An earthly story with heavenly meaning. A story about the state of the heart.