9 out of 10 Americans get married...
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The average engaged couple spends more time planning for their wedding day than for the actual marriage itself. It’s no surprise that around 40% of 1st time marriages end in divorce. Some go into marriage naively thinking the relationship just won’t be that challenging for them. But most simply have no idea how to prepare for marriage; maybe never even really thought about it? Join this week at Crave for week 2 of “Spicy” and learn what you can be doing NOW to prepare yourself for THEN.  Â
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Worship Experiences begin at 7:15 and 9:15pm.Â
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Wednesday
March
10
2010
12:00 AM
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"Our View" will be a panel of women from all generations with different views, strengths and backgrounds discussing how to live IN the world, but not be OF the world. This month, Crave's Lisa Bee will be on the panel! Please join us and invite a friend!
This month's topic is called "unveiling beauty." Who is the most beautiful person you know?  What does it mean to be beautiful?   Does physical appearance matter to you?  To what degree?  Does it matter to God?
We try so hard to be beautiful, but what does God call beauty? Join us as we discuss accepting our value and beauty as daughters in Christ, realizing that we don't need to try to be beautiful...we just need to accept that we are beautiful in his eyes! We'll look at some movie clips, take audience questions, and have a great night!Â
Join us in the Refinery Auditorium from 7 to 8pm for this free event!
Please e-mail Stephanie Buckman at sbuckman@saddleback.com if you have any questions!
Tuesday
March
09
2010
1:05 PM
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This Easter will be like none before! We will gather with the entire Saddleback Church family on Sunday April 4th at 10am in Angel Stadium to celebrate the power of Jesus to change lives! We have the priveledge of hosting this milestone event, and want to invite you to serve with us! Everyone who volunteers will be given a section of the stadium to host. We will be greeting, giving out prizes, etc.--it will be super easy and super fun! All you need to do is email Jason Pogue, at jpogue@saddleback.com and more information will come your way soon.Â
See you on Easter Sunday!
Tuesday
March
09
2010
12:39 PM
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Haiti Event
Friday, March 26th
$10
Performances By:
Special Guest Kathryn McCormick of So You Think You Can Dance, Season 6!
Special Guest Annie Lobert of "The Whosoevers"
Testimony by Ryan Ries, founder of "The Whosevers" and son of Pastor Raul Ries
Hip/Hop by New Era (featuring Rod Jonas)
Street Kingdom
Singer/Song-Writer Nicole Vaughn
the band Camaria
Spoken Word by Nick Macedo
Spire Dance Company, featuring choreography by Jessica Wanstreet
Fabienne Levenson performing the award-winning dance "the barre"
Tuesday
March
09
2010
12:00 AM
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Ladies of Crave,
I am so excited to share with you "OUR STORY," a women's-only retreat April 23 and 24, 2010 in the Refinery Auditorium.
WOMEN AT SADDLEBACK presents a retreat designed to rest, receive, and respond to what God wants to do through your life. Join us as we share our journeys of faith and hear stories of how Christ uses every season of our lives for his glory.
SPEAKER--Jennifer Strickland. Jennifer is a speaker, author, and former professional model. She loves to inspire women and girls to discover a beauty and value that truly lasts. Open, honest, funny, and real, Jennifer engages her audience with her incredible story of coming to faith in a world obsessed with outward appearance. But most of all, she unveils the lies the media is telling us about beauty, our bodies, and our source of self-worth, replacing those lies with the truth of who we are in God's eyes.
WORSHIP--Sarah Kelly. 2-time Grammy-nominated worship leader Sarah credits God with helping her let go of her fears and share her talent with the world. She is now a woman who knows who she is, who she belongs to, and what her life and music are supposed to be about.
HOST--Debbie Eaton, director of Women's Ministries at Saddleback.
COST: $65. Includes meals, book, study guide and surprises!
LADIES...THERE IS LIMITED AVAILABILITY FOR THIS EVENT. Chelsea, Nicole, and I have already signed up and we want you to join us! PLEASE sign up online:
go to www.saddlebackfamily.com
click on calendar/events
click on 4/23 Women's Retreat
OR get a registration form from Lisa Bee in the Crave office or at the info booth after Crave services.
SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY--
Check-in (begins at 4pm)
Session: Chapter 1
Dinner (included!)
Session: Chapter 2
"Sweet" celebration of fun (fancy dessert buffet)
SATURDAY--
Breakfast
Session: Chapter 3
The End
ACCOMODATIONS: Should you wish to make this a sleep over retreat, the Ayres Hotel and Spa of Mission Viejo is offering a special Saddleback rate of $109. Please call 949-305-7200 for reservations.
Love you girls,
Lisa Bee
lisab@saddleback.com
Friday
March
05
2010
12:38 PM
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Sex and Dating: You’d be hard pressed to find a hotter topic among college students and 20-somethings. After nearly 8 years as a college-age pastor, I’ve noticed that most of the people who really damage their hearts in dating don’t ask the right questions at the beginning of the process.
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In Proverbs 4:23 we are warned to vigilantly watch and guard our hearts. Granted, there is just no way to completely remove the element of RISK inherent with any relationship (courting and arranged marriage is no exception). However, if we could figure out how to diminish that risk, we’d be foolish not to. After all, this is our hearts we are talking about here. Frankly I am sick and tired of seeing people I care about, people who deeply love God and want to follow him passionately, get sidelined for months by a needless heartbreak. What if we backed up a couple of steps and asked the tough questions before we ventured into the dicey waters of dating? What if we did some, if not all, of the following...
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#1. Think “group” first!
 A few years back, I had a student approach me after I spoke to introduce herself. When she shook my hand she let out a muffled gasp. When I inquired about it she said, “Brad...you just look different up close.” Our new high definition cameras make this a none-issue now, but back then I could (although weird) understand her reaction. She probably didn’t notice my crooked noose, yellowing teeth and large facial pores from 50 feet away. The point is, she had a moment when the reality of what I really looked like settled in. In dating this is undoubtedly part of the problem. You see someone you think looks good, start dating them, get close to them and then begin to see who they really are. Spending time in groups FIRST helps have a much more realistic picture of the person they are considering pursuing a relationship with. This is HUGE. Half the nasty break-ups wouldn’t happen if people would just take the time to observe how people interact in a group setting first! Save yourself the heartache by weeding out people that simply don’t yet have the character to date.Â
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#2. Know your deal-breakers
It’s crazy but some of us don’t have clearly defined dating “deal-breakers.” We’ll jump into and stay in a relationship with just about anyone so long as we feel enough initial “connection” (not to sure what that word means other than two people that find each other extremely physically attractive). Believers dating non-believers. Sweet innocent women dating abusive addicts. Solid Christian young men dating promiscuous women who have no intent of re-evaluating their behavior. Connected and solid people who decide to date the isolated and lethargic cynics who show no desire to change or grow. WHY??? People don’t decide beforehand what removes some off their “date potential” list. As a follower of Jesus (assuming you are one) you probably shouldn’t be pursuing a relationship with the following...
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-A non-believer (you might be a part of bringing this person to Christ but don’t use dating to do it)
-A person who is struggling with an addiction (they need time to recover, not time with you!)
-A person who is known to lie and deceive (look for a pattern)
-A person who likes to date for the sport of it. They aren’t looking for a real relationship but simply to have fun (hmmm...fun might not be so fun when your heart gets involved they are ready to move on a find the next thrill)
-A person who is sexually promiscuous and shows no signs of change or growth.
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Is the person bitter with life, extremely apathetic, recovering from a major life tragedy or isolated from others? This person will only pull you into their mess and isn’t capable of being a strong partner in a relationship. GIVE IT SOME TIME! Ask questions about timing, maturity and motivation. Ask these questions of your self and the person you are considering dating.Â
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#3. Put God in the middle of the process! (from the start)
Far too many people start a relationship and don’t invite God to be a part of the process until something goes wrong. Don’t let this be true of you. Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit for a reason; we all desperately need his guidance. Far too many of us are ignoring his counsel because we get caught in the vortex of hormones and emotions stirred up by rushing into something. Give God time to speak to you about a relationship BEFORE you ever commit to it. God will speak through his word, through wise friends (not the one with 20 botched relationships under their belt) and through the rest and peace given to us deep inside when we wait on God.  How is it that we trust God with our eternal salvation but don’t trust him when it comes to dating? Â
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God wants to write your love story. Don’t rush ahead of him! He’s got a plan and you can trust him in this area. If you’re a follower of Jesus then this area of your life needs to reflect that. Let God reassure you that if you’re truly patient and allow him to lead you through this process you’ll be rewarded with the amazing gift of a godly wife or husband or the reassurance that you’re called to a life of singleness.Â
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In Matthew 11:28 Jesus states, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”                                                                   Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
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Do you think that verse applies only to things we’ve previously labeled in our mind as spiritual? In other words, does Jesus want to teach us how to pray, tithe and care for the hurting but when it comes to dating we’re on my own. NO! Jesus came to give us life and life to the fullest. A big part of most of our lives will be a relationship with a special someone. And you better believe that God wants to show us a better way...his way.Â
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Recommended Reading...
Boundaries in Dating by Cloud and Townsend
How To Ruin Your Dating Life by Turner and Pomarolli
Undressed by Jason Illian
Wait for Me by Rebecca St. James
Passion and Purity by Elizabeth Elliott
Wednesday
March
03
2010
12:00 AM
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It’s time to get away and let God revive your heart! You’re encouraged to spend as much time as you want in the House of Prayer leading up to Easter Sunday April 4. The plan is to keep it going 24 hours a day for all 40 days.
What will we do in the House of Prayer? You might feel led to play worship music, or worship with your guitar or read Scripture in the resting area. You might want to kneel at the foot of the cross and talk to God or write a note of praise on the Praise Wall. You might want to just sit and soak in God’s presence for the hour. It’s up to you! You’re free to worship however the Holy Spirit leads you. The idea is to maintain a reverent atmosphere of prayer, praise and worship for 40 days straight.
Some important things to keep in mind during the 40 days:
1. Please turn off your phone while in the House of Prayer. If you need to have a conversation with someone, we ask that you step outside.
2. If you’re coming or going after dark and would like an escort to your car, you may call security at (949) 235-3147.
3. Please refrain from bringing food into the House of Prayer. Bottled water is OK.
4. You are free to bring in your own music, but we ask that you only play worship music.
5. We’d love to hear about your experience! You are encouraged to leave a message in the guest book on your way out.
"These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer…for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." Isaiah 56:7
Blessings,
Kristine Noelle
Saddleback House of Prayer Leader
kristinen@saddleback.com
Tuesday
March
02
2010
10:00 AM
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Spicy—Honoring God When Relationships Heat Up
Few things consume our attention more than relationships with the opposite sex. But our initial excitement and attraction can quickly lead to compromise, disillusionment, and heartache. After dealing with relational drama, we are often left thinking, “there must be a better way.” This provocative and controversial series is designed to help you find that “better way.” Join us for the next 4 weeks and discover how to honor God when relationships turn spicy!
Series begins Thursday March 4th
Tuesday
March
02
2010
12:00 AM
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Friday
February
26
2010
12:00 AM
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WOMEN'S ENRICHMENT
Monday, March 1, 6:30-8:00pm - TENT 2 - Worship,
and teaching by Debbie Eaton - "Being God's Woman - Character"
To register CLICK
HERE
Women's Enrichment is for all women, all ages and
stages of life. It will equip you to model strength, courage, faith,
authenticity and love for others.
These sessions are intended to encourage your
spiritual growth, provide opportunities to discover your gifts and where you
can use them to serve others. We want to encourage you to take the next step in
this shared journey of faith.
Friday
February
26
2010
12:00 AM
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Tuesday
February
23
2010
12:00 AM
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Hi friends...some exciting news to pass your way. As
of this Thursday Night you'll have 2 options when it comes to a Crave
worship experience. In addition to our typical 7:15 experience, a 9:15
late night option will also be available; same heartfelt worship and
engaging message BUT at a NEW TIME. We realize work and school often
make it difficult for you to get to Crave each week. Hopefully this
new service time will eliminate this scheduling conflict for many of
you.
This Thursday we conclude "Crescendo" a series about living beyond the status-quo.
Next week we begin a fun new series entitled "Spicy-Honoring God When Relationships Heat Up."
Few things consume our attention more than
relationships with the opposite sex. But our initial excitement and
attraction can quickly lead to compromise, disillusionment, and
heartache. After dealing with relational drama, we are often left
thinking, "there must be a better way." This provocative and
controversial series is designed to help you find that "better way."
Join us for the next 4 weeks and ask the questions that will help you
honor God when relationships turn spicy!
Congratulation Jamie, Lindsey, Danielle, Kelsey, Cynthia and Kate on being baptized last Thursday!!!
Much Love,
Brad B.
Just a couple of things to put on your calendar...
February 25th--Crave goes to 2 worship experiences (7:15 AND 9:15)
February 27th--Compton Work Day (NicoleL@saddleback.com)
February 28th--Join us for our weekly time of extended worship and prayer (8pm in the Crave Offices)
March 14th--Super Saturday...all 4 of Saddleback's Classes are offered on 1 day. http://www.saddlebackfamily.com/events
April 4th--Saddleback Church celebrates 30 years--10AM at Angles Stadium!!! (this is a must)
Join or start a Small Group today (JimS@saddleback.com)
Want to Serve in the office or on a Thursday Night? (LisaB@saddleback.com)
Haiti Needs Us--Join us every Wednesday from 11-12:30
at the Crave office to pray for Haiti and plan our awareness/benefit
event for March 26th.
1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month join us at the
Emmanuel House to spend time with people who are positive with HIV/AIDS
(NicoleL@saddleback.com)
Tuesday
February
23
2010
12:00 AM
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Wednesday
February
03
2010
12:00 AM
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Wednesday
January
06
2010
12:00 AM
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Wednesday
December
23
2009
12:00 AM
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