Kenny Hibbard

After a meeting this morning, I went to the barbershop to get my hair cut. I have been going to the same guy in this “old-school” barber shop for eight years. It reminds me of my uncle’s barber shop in my small home town.

I know some of you are wondering why a suburban young pastor of a “cool” church goes to an old-school country style barber shop….two reasons. First, I have been getting the same style hair-cut since I first saw Top Gun in the 9th grade. Secondly, it is the cheapest cut in town. There is no way I am paying someone 20 plus dollars to cut my hair.

Anyways, as usual, while I am there you have the men who go there talking about everything from politics, sex, hunting, trucks, football and “religion.” I ALWAYS just sit and listen and enjoy the rhetoric. I can close my eyes and be transplanted to my uncle’s shop as a kid and teenager growing up.

Today’s topic was the sad state of the school system and how the administration is letting the kids and their over controlling and whining parents (their words not mine) run the schools. They believe the teachers are helpless to discipline the kids or hold them accountable for their actions. Of course, the Tommy Knotts story came up and the sentiment in the shop was that a great coach/teacher of 24 years should not be fired because he defended himself and his honor to a drunk parent that was screaming at him through a fence. On and on….the conversation swirled.

As I listened to their talking…I realized that no one really had a good suggestion of what the solution could or should be. (Although one older guy in his 70′s suggested they go back to spanking the kids and forcefully throwing them out of the “school-house.”)

What is the solution to our apparent cultural problem with many kids today? I don’t have all the answers, but I do believe it starts first in the home and the principles and values need to come from God’s word. I believe the trouble we see in our schools and in our kids in general (even home-schooled kids) stem from a parenting issue.

I will give you a few verses to chew on while you contemplate your own parenting skills. The book of Proverbs says this about what the truths and principles in this great book can do!

Proverbs 1:1-2 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, the king of Israel. For attaining WISDOM and DISCIPLINE; for UNDERSTANDING words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the YOUNG.

This Sunday we will mine the parenting truths of this book as we apply it to how we should be raising our kids to work hard and be responsible.

PS…If you are a CSF Player and attend the 10:30 service PLEASE sit up front. Our ushers had to seat a family of 5 that were guest…in the front row. Not good for your first time in a strange place.

I was told that our first little “out of the nest” parenting talk was being discussed greatly in the Porch Cafe. I know we sold all the books too!

I had a few parents tell me that the reason they love CSF is that we teach on real issues and when they leave on Sunday morning that they, their family and friends have much to discuss. During these conversations in the Porch Cafe, many people were asking about buying a CD of the message and the series. Remember….with technology we no longer have a large overhead expense with reproducing the messages. So, we just offer them for FREE on our website. You can listen in multiple ways via our website.

You can also send the messages for free to people who you think might benefit from one of our messages. I hope you enjoy this FREE tool to help share the good news of Christ and how he can radically help and change our everyday life!

One other thing about The Porch Cafe conversations. I mentioned to all three services that I like sharing personal stories from my home and about my kids that help teach a point. I will share the good and the bad. However, my only request is that you DO NOT go up to my children (right now it is only Peyton who can understand anything you say) and talk to him about what I said. He does not attend our Encounter Services and has no clue what I am saying. Let’s keep it that way….Thanks!

In today’s Charlotte Observer, there is a story about the growing trend of Helicopter Parents…..check this article out.

http://www.charlotte.com/171/story/348896.html

You are going to love this…..While typing this Chalk Talk BLOG, I get a call from Peyton. Said he forgot his trombone for music class and wanted to know if we would bring it to him….Uh No…….

He said, “everyone’s parents bring their instruments when they forget them on music day!” Exactly……..

What are you doing this weekend? Are you expecting to have fun? Planning to relax. Preparing to enjoy the beautiful crisp fall days here in the Carolinas? There are times over the weekend that you can really enjoy yourself without doing one of these three things…expecting, planning or preparing. However, not too often do you stumble into a good experience…especially if your attitude is poor and you are not expecting to enjoy yourself.

How do you approach Sunday morning? Do you come expecting a great worship experience? Do you come planning to learn and be touched by the Encounter Service? Do you prepare yourself and your family for the best possible morning?

Here are some quick hitters that I think can help make your Sunday morning the best it can be EACH Sunday!

Be prepared and get everyone together so that you can arrive 15 minutes BEFORE the service starts. Arriving late makes you rush. You don’t have time to talk to friends, get a cup of coffee and hear the opening songs that always sets the tone for the service.

Come expecting to hear from God about the topic. Whisper a prayer like this…”God, today we are learning about how to prepare our kids to be successful adults. Speak to me specifically about what I need to know.” One reason we advertise what the service will be about is so you can come expecting to be impacted.

Plan to bring a friend, neighbor or co-worker. The anticipation level goes way up when you know you have an unchurched friend with you. You personally know that the stakes are high and you are prayed up for your friends.

Come expecting a great morning. Your attitude will directly effect your enjoyment of the morning. However, even if the morning does not go well on your way to CSF….whisper this kind of prayer..”Lord, you know this morning has been a nightmare. My head tells me to just give up and stay home…however, my heart knows I need to Encounter you this morning, so I am going to go and I am in need of your grace and love today! NOW!”

Even a desparation prayer like that shows that you expect God to touch you in a special way.

Be prepared, plan ahead and come with Great Expectations! Bring a friend and we will see you Sunday!

Psalm 8:1-3

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”

Last thing….GO BUTLER!