Dr. Jim Burns teaches 10 traits for a healthy family and it is fantastic and essential!!! 1. The Power of Being There- Your children regard your very presence as a sign of caring and connectedness. 2. Express Affirmation, Warmth and Encouragement- Parents who practice AWE-based parenting, as opposed to shame-based parenting, will create a home where children and spouses feel more secure. 3. Build Healthy Morals and Values- The decisions kids make today will often affect them for the rest of their lives. 4. Discipline with Consistency- Clearly expressed expectations and consistent follow-through produce responsible kids. 5. Ruthlessly Eliminate Stress- The unbalanced life will not be kind to the areas we neglect. 6. Communication is the Key- Positive communication is the language of love for our children. 7. Play is Necessary for a Close-Knit Family- There is nothing like play to bring about family togetherness and communication. 8. Love Your Spouse- A loving marriage brings hope and security to the children. 9. The Best Things in Life Are Not Things- Healthy stewardship and sound financial decisions produce positive family priorities. 10. Energize Your Family's Spiritual Growth- Your greatest calling in life is to leave a spiritual legacy for your children. I hope that this list encourages you who are doing a lot of these things, and gives us a sense of urgency in how we care for our kids.

Place Your Life Before God

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Romans 12: 1-2 (message)

If you are interested in PEACE in Asia, attend the China Vision Night at the Irvine Campus on Friday, February 26 at 6:30pm.

China Vision Night is a special session of our monthly Asia Night. Instead of the usual potluck where members who have a heart for Asia gather to fellowship, share their PEACE trip experiences, and pray, we are dedicating the entire evening to the PEACE vision for China. Simon Ho is a member who will unveil this lay-led vision. We will have worship, and food will be provided.

Last week over 1,500 people checked out the new [INSIDE] OUT website that Pastor Scott and his wife, Lisa, launched for their campus in San Clemente. The site’s intent is to get people who read short articles about the Bible online, send them to your friends, with the ability to leave comments for others to read.

If you are interested in journeying through the book of Proverbs this year to gain wisdom or want to travel with Lisa and hundreds of other woman to ‘simplicity’ check out www.scotthitzel.com


 

SAVE $$$ on your next grocery bill…by purchasing a pre-packaged box of food for your family, friends…for anyone you know who has a need.

$30 buys between $75-$100 of high quality grocery store brand food.

Pre-packaged box contains 22-27 lbs of high quality frozen foods, of which 10-12 lbs of proteins (ie. chicken, beef, pork & seafood). The box also includes veggies, fruits, a side dish & a dessert.

How the program works?

Pre-payment on the patio for the food boxes (cash or charge) 3-4 weeks in advance. 4th Saturday of the month, the boxes are available for pickup at the San Clemente Ministry Center. ALL ORDERS CAN ONLY BE PLACED AT THE WEEKEND SERVICES ON THE PATIO or website: www.thetreasurebox.org .  Monthly menu posted on the patio.

 

Volunteer or info contact: Tina Jenkins at braydenmalea@mac.com  or 949-294-8096

2010 MONTHLY ORDER AND DELIVERY SCHEDULE

MONTH	ORDER DEADLINE	DELIVERY DATE
February	2/7/2010	2/27/2010
March	3/7/2010	3/27/2010
April	4/4/2010	4/24/2010
May	5/9/2010	5/29/2010
June	6/6/2010	6/26/2010
July	7/11/2010	7/31/2010
August	8/8/2010	8/28/2010
September	9/5/2010	9/25/2010
October	10/3/2010	10/23/2010
November	11/7/2010	11/20/2010
December	12/5/2010	12/18/2010

February Menu!

2.5 lb.                         SPLIT CHICKEN BREASTS

1.8 lb.                         CHICKEN THIGHS

1.5 lb.                         BEEF FAJITA MEAT

1 lb.                            TILAPIA

5 lb.                            BEEF IN CREAMY SAUCE

2 lb.                            CHICKEN BOLOGNA

1.6 lb.                         MEXICAN ENTRÉE

1 lb.                            BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP

1 lb.                            TOMATO BASIL SOUP

2.5 lb.                         GREEN BEANS

13.27 oz.                     FAJITA VEGETABLE BLEND

2 lb.                            EXTRA LONG GRAIN RICE

1.4 lb.                         HASH BROWN PATTIES

1 lb.                            FRENCH TOAST STICKS

11 oz.                          FLOUR TORTILLA, 8 CT

1 each                         DESSERT

*Menu substitutions may be made if necessary.

American Red Cross would like to thank the members of our church who stopped by and gave blood this weekend. They collected enough units that up to 75 people’s lives can be saved. With it being a 45 minute process from start to finish I just wanted to share how appreciative they were with you all.
 
Scott J. Hitzel
saddleback san clemente

Living in San Clemente, I constantly find myself surrounded by beauty.  Whether I am at the beach surfing or relaxing on the sand or up in the mountains on my mountain bike, I am reminded of what an amazing place God has created for us.
 
Recently Scott and I were on a mountain ride that lead us to a location that overlooked Dana Point Harbor down to San Clemente Pier and beyond.  I remember how clear the day was, Catalina Island clearly stood out as a dark silhouette against the bright blue sky.  
 
As far back as I can remember, I have enjoyed the outdoors.   Often times I think that if I were in a situation that Bear Grylls, television survival specialist from Discovery’s “Man vs. Wild”  was in, I might be able to make it… Ok, so maybe not that intense, however, I do feel that I could survive overnight and it would be a blast trying to hunt for my own food!
 
Needless to say. whenever I find myself out in nature, where the sound of traffic fades away and it is just me and the breeze I am reminded of God.  I see His great creation and I am humbled that the God who created all of this loves me and wants me to spend time with Him.  
 
Where is a place that you can spend time and really marvel in the Creator, God and the love that he has specifically for you!  Where is a place that you can look around and enjoy the beauty that God has created for our pleasure?
 
Take some time today and enjoy God’s creation!

-Randy
 
“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky.  Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature.  So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” Romans 1:20

 

Whether you love the game of golf or not; men know who Tiger Woods is. He revolutionized the sport (television ratings up over 50% each tournament he is in) and it could be debated if he or Michael Jordan did more for their sport. I once paid a ridiculous amount of money to sit in the lower section of Madison Square Garden's to watch MJ play the Knicks and truthfully it was worth it as I felt I was watching history. Many felt the same way when it came to watching Tiger play golf. 

I've never met Tiger. I probably never will. But from afar there are lessons and warnings that exposed themselves as his personal life has been exposed and his marriage is falling apart:

1.      Tiger wanted privacy, but apparently lacked personal accountability. Being isolated to an extreme is dangerous. Are you connected?

2.      Tiger had it all; but it apparently wasn't enough. Maybe stuff can't bring satisfaction. Are you content?

3.      Tiger thought he could manage his pains and cover up his additions; but apparently that was a lie. With over a dozen woman coming forward alleging they were sexually involved with Tiger since he has been married and accusations that range from pregnancy's to millions of dollars paid out to be silent, whatever the truth is, it's a mess. Are you able to identify your hurts, habits, and hang-ups? And if so, what are you doing about them?

Clearly the temptations a man faces are 'common' and the promises of scripture that state "we have everything we need to live a life of godliness' are true; the only question is how are we managing those truths.

Thrilled we have a men's ministry that helps us be the men we want to be and God needs.
Scott

Hi Everyone,

We had a blessed year in 2009. Thanks to many of you, we were able to  
reestablished a weekly outreach to share the love of Christ with San  
Clemente's people in need at the Algodon Motel. Now we need to sign up  
groups to help carry us through the first quarter of 2010.

All ages are welcome to participate, just ask your friends, family,  
small group, or co-workers if they want to help you bring a ray of  
hope to those who live in a state of uncertainty. We do our best to  
make it simple by providing everything but the food. If you want to  
help someone else's group as an individual let us know so we can pair  
you up.

To learn more about this opportunity and/or share it with your small  
group go to: http://BreakfastOutreach.com You will find more details  
and a short introduction video that will help learn about what we do.

The first step is picking a Sunday that works best for your group's  
schedule. We need help every Sunday in 2010, starting this Sunday.

'When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they  
were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he  
said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are  
few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into  
his harvest field." -Matthew 9:36-38

Thank you in advance for serving the Lord in 2010!

Max & Tristen McGhee
Breakfast Together Outreach
twitter.com/LocalOutreach
facebook.com/BreakfastOutreach

Let’s keep the residents of Albay, Philippines in prayer---

The Mayon volcano is threatening to erupt, again! Our team last year visited Albay, saw the damage and met the people who have had to deal with so many natural disasters. Please lift them up in prayer.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/12/15/philippines.volcano.mayon/index.html <http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/12/15/philippines.volcano.mayon/index.html>

-Kim

Christmas is one of my most favorite times of the year.  I love the cold December winter that we celebrate Christmas within, I love the cherished time with family, and I absolutely love all of the food that we get to feast upon during the holiday season.  All of these things are absolutely wonderful, but the most important thing to celebrate, cherish, and remember during this season is found laying in a manger.  It is a baby boy named Jesus and He changed our world.  He made a way for us when there was no way, He is the reason for Christmas.    

During this season, take the time and read the story of Christmas.  Remember the miracle that is with us today and that came to save us.    Do not be so quick to rush through this season that you race past the manger, but humble yourself and kneel before it and worship the One who lies within the manger.

Matthew 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (KJV)

With the Christmas season here I thought I would pass along a resource that has been helpful for me.  The website is:

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/

I know that many of your kids will be asking for video games and movies and this site helps us to make informed decisions about what they are asking for. 

I also read an article on how to survive Christmas in this economy and thought that I would pass that on.

Know that as Christmas is coming I am praying for you and your families.

Mike Brook


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


10 Tips for Surviving Christmas Without Going Broke
Author Jim Liebelt


The consequences of the recent economic crisis have hit many families hard. Sure, there have been economic downturns before that have affected many. But, in my years as an adult, I have never seen such widespread financial impact and uncertainty.

I am reminded that in Christ, there is no reason to be afraid. As Christ-followers, we know that God is still on His throne, and we have much for which we can be thankful. As we enter in upon the Christmas season, all of the economic bad news ought not to affect our celebration that “Unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given.”

But this Christmastime, perhaps more than any other in our lifetimes, we need to be wise in our approach to our Christmas celebrations and traditions, to ensure that we take economic realities into consideration and put our families in the best posture to weather the difficult financial times we might well face in 2009.

Here then, are some practical ideas for surviving the holidays without going broke.

1. Establish a Budget for Christmas Spending. Make a quick list of everyone you feel you need to “gift” this Christmas. Then, take a look at the state of your finances, and decide how much you can afford to spend on Christmas gifts. Set this amount as your limit. Write it down. Finally, take a look at your gift list again, and begin making some decisions on specific dollar amounts to allocate to each person. Remember, not every gift needs to be one that has been purchased.
 
2. Stick to Your Budget. Christmas tends to bring out the best in people in terms of feelings of generosity toward their loved-ones. But, once you’ve set your Christmas gift budget, stick to it. Don’t budge. Once you reach your budget limit, you’ll need to say, “That’s all. No more.”
 
3. Resist the Urge to Buy on Impulse. One of the biggest reasons people break their Christmas spending budgets is that there is a strong urge for us to buy on impulse. We go out looking to buy a certain gift for someone. We pick it up in the store and then as we’re headed toward the checkout stand, we see a special super duper sale on turnip twaddlers and think what a great gift it would make, as well. So, we end up buying something we wouldn’t have otherwise purchased. I don’t know how to completely avoid having an urge to buy on impulse. But, what we need to remind ourselves of is this: Whomever you purchase an item from has a vested interest in seeing that you buy more. They’ll advertise, market, and display with their goal, to create that impulse within you to buy, on sight.
 
4. Don’t Buy Yourself Anything. According to the last statistic I’ve read, the majority of people who go Christmas shopping end up buying items for themselves. Many don’t take this into account when they set up their Christmas spending budgets. So, either be smart from the start by including an amount for purchases you want to make for yourself, or, simply choose not to buy yourself anything this year.
 
5. Shop for Bargains. In a struggling economy, retailers will be discounting items (but not everything, mind you). Help stretch your dollar by being a comparison shopper. Take advantage of sales. Lots of bargains can also be found online, and keep in mind that you might actually find your best price there. But, one caveat: Often times, online retailers may give you a real bargain, but charge horrendous amounts for shipping, and in the end, you might even pay more for that item online than if you had purchased it locally. Finally, there are lots of non-name-brand items that are made with decent quality. So, even if a purchase is not as “cool” without that popular name-brand, during times of economic hardship, non-name-brand items can provide good choices for saving some money.
 
6. Pay in Cash. Give the credit cards a rest this Christmas. Pay by cash, check or debit card. Or, as a last resort, only use credit cards for items included in the Christmas spending budget, and pay off amounts charged for Christmas gifts the following month, so as not to incur any additional finance charges.
 
7. Think Creatively. When it comes to gifts for Christmas, do some creative brainstorming on what you can give that won’t cost you money, or at least minimize costs. What can you make or bake that would be meaningful? What service might you provide? One father, for example, gave a simple print out of coupons to his son for Christmas, entitling his son to forgo certain expected household chores, which Dad would do for him instead. The son could use the coupons whenever he wanted and when the coupons had been used up, the son was expected to comply with the rest of his responsibilities.
 
8. Remember, the Best Things in Life Are Not Things. This tip follows closely with the “Think Creatively” concept. Remember that more than “things,” people yearn for close relationships and the gift of your presence in their lives. So, for example, perhaps one gift to your family might be to schedule monthly family nights where everyone can hang out together and enjoy each other’s company. In this scenario, each family member can take a turn making a decision regarding what the activity for the evening will be for the current month (like a game night, watch a movie together on the television, go out for ice cream, etc.)
 
9. It’s Okay to Cut Back. If your family goes to great lengths in celebrating Christmas, it might be tough to decide to cut back this year. But, understand that the family will survive if you do. There will always be a “next” Christmas, and as financial conditions improve, you can move back into a more “regular” Christmas experience for your family. Make the most of what you are able to do this year. Strive to keep family morale high, and place the focus on “the reason for the season.”
 
10. Think Through Other Holiday Expenses. There are a lot of other little Christmas season related expenses that typically aren’t considered. So, this year, take some time to make a list of what those expenses are and how you can save by cutting back or doing things differently. For example, perhaps you’re used to making Christmas dinner for your entire extended family and over the years you’ve provided all of the food and fixings. To cut back on your expenses, have family members who will attend bring an appetizer, or provide other parts of the meal. Maybe this year, you can cut back on your outside light displays to save some money on electricity. Buy a smaller Christmas tree. You might choose to write handwritten notes instead of buying Christmas cards, or send Christmas emails instead of sending out Christmas cards. The idea is to think through your Christmas-related expenses and make cuts wherever practical.

Tonight I pulled out a book my wife and I have read to our children for the past 3 years as we approach Christmas. I wanted to recommend it to any parents of young children at home as a way to mold our children towards the true meaning of Christmas. The book is called "Advent Storybook; 24 stories to share before Christmas" written by Antonie Schneider. The story is about Benjamin Bear who is impatient for Christmas to come, so his mom shares 24 stories that take him on a journey to Bethlehem and on the path to discovering baby Jesus.

Making traditions is an important part of our parenting, so consider picking this up as we all begin counting down the days to the birth of Christ.

Scott Hitzel

Major Typhoons Bombarded the Philippines!

Come learn how PEACE does disaster relief.
All are welcome.

PEACE Relief Training
Monday, November 23rd, 7:00 p.m.
SC Ministry Center
Contact kimv@saddleback.com or 609-8235

Don Thompson (from Lake Forest Campus) will be teaching
along with a team that just returned from the Philippines.
 
A San Clemente team will be returning to the Philippines April 2010
Join US!

Okay so Pastor Rick always tells us to never stop learning, leaders are learners, all living things grow, and on and on it goes……. so…….. if you are looking to learn something today and are ready to laugh, you need to check out wikihow.com

 

It’s amazing! Things you never knew you wanted and needed to know J

 

A few of my favorites are

 

How To:

1. Survive a Freestyle Rap battle

2. Find a job in China

3.  Draw Bubble Letters

4. Get an upgrade to First Class

5. Smile

 

Okay so most aren’t essential to life, but learning is learning right? And most of these are amusing and some of them could actually be interesting to talk about at social gatherings!  If you learn something new today let me know about it!

The Military Ministry and Soul Surfing School launched an "after-school Christian surf camp" at Camp Pendleton last month. This program includes a :20 Bible study and surf instruction for children who have signed up for the camp for a nominal fee.

Manna made the news this week!

Check it out!


http://www.ocregister.com/articles/box-food-riley-2610182-boxes-time

Please be praying for our brothers and sisters in the Philippines, they are facing the worst typhoon season in 50 years! There is flooding everywhere and hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced from their homes with no food or clean water. We have talked with our contacts who are rallying the churches and providing for their people, but they need our prayers! We have a team that will be heading out in January to equip, empower, and encourage.

So we are on week 3 of Life’s Healing Choices...

Growing up my Dad would always say, “You can have, say, or do anything in life, but you have to be willing to pay the consequences”... every time we came to him with a choice we needed to make or even worst when we came to him after we made a bad one, he would remind us that life is about choices, each one has impact and implications...  that thought can be daunting, but if you know Jesus it can actually free you.

When we realize each decision is a new moment in Christ to do the right thing, to do the thing that God wants, it sets you free… free to live as God intended when he sent his son to die for all our sin. We all have “stuff” in our lives that hurts us, controls us, stops us from doing what we know is right. Every decision we make can be a decision to heal, a chance to do what God wants.

As I read through the LHC book and connect with my small group, I’m reminded daily to give it to God and allow him to work out the details. I’ve officially crossed out the title in my book and instead of Life’s Healing Choices it says Kim’s Healing Choices to remind me to choose Him, His way, His love, His forgiveness... connecting myself rightly to Him moment by moment, day by day!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on LHC, send us your feedback!
I hope you’re fully experiencing LHC and loving it!

Kim

 

3 resources for our members and your friends out of work

1.    Here is a link for free, downloadable unemployment resources. http://www.biblica.com/outreach/unemployment

2.    We offer a job fair the first Monday of every month at our Lake Forest campus. Hundreds of people attend who are looking for a position as well as people who can be a resource and offer jobs. Please dress Biz casual and have resumes on hand. People can be hired on the spot! Call 609.8000 if you have any questions.

3.    Purchase groceries through Saddleback. You can purchase $100 worth of food for $30!! Sign up at the “Manna” table on our patio after a weekend service or sign up online https://www.thetreasurebox.org <https://www.thetreasurebox.org/> (after you click order, enter your zip code, and select Saddleback San Clemente). We receive the food once a month and you can purchase as much as you like in $30 increments.


Remember that you can always donate a “manna” box for someone else here in the community. We’ve had multiple individuals and families start attending the church because others gave them a timely gift like this, and I even had the chance to lead someone to the Lord over the phone who called the church just to say thank you! So thank you for loving on our community in times of need.
 
Scott Hitzel
Campus Pastor

We all know how difficult and time consuming it can be, when moving, to find a good church in your new area. In the past week we have had two different families who have moved across the United States ask for help in locating a church that models themselves like Saddleback Church.  The link below is a resource that Saddleback Church has developed years ago in which an individual can input information on what they are looking for in a church in their area.  This information will be matched up with Saddleback’s data base on any church that has gone through one of our newer campaigns. While this doesn’t guarantee that the church will be like Saddleback, it does help individuals refine their search a bit and gives them an option of where to check out first.  If you are looking for a church in your area I hope this helps you find the right church for you and your family.
 
Please note, just like in any search engine the more specific you are the more refined your results will be if you have trouble finding churches in your area, I suggest you make the search more broad.
 
http://www.purposedrivenchurch.com/en-US/ChurchFinder/ChurchFinder.htm
 
God Bless
 
 
 
Randy Craft
saddleback church- san clemente

Manna News!

Now you can order your "food box" online! If you can't make it to the patio on Sunday, don't worry about it...just go to https://www.thetreasurebox.org and click on ORDER. Enter your zip code and choose "Saddleback Church San Clemente" (there may be other sites closer to you depending on where you live)...and order as many boxes as you like. So, rain or shine...morning or night...you place your order and get your boxes not only for yourself... for your neighbors, friends and family!!! Let your friends know!

 
Basic Info Below:

Manna Ministry

Saving money on your next grocery bill not only makes sense, it just can’t be passed up. Providing an opportunity for anyone to pre-purchase food boxes for their neighbors, co-workers, family and friends. Food boxes can be purchased online or on the patio on Sundays at the San Clemente High School from 8:30 to 12:15pm for $30 (cash or charge).

Tina Jenkins, braydenmalea@mac.com, 949.294.8096

A Saddleback SC Small Group recently took on a Local PEACE Project and helped to make over a local shelter for homeless moms. Here’s what the coordinator at the shelter had to say,

 “EVERYONE at Toby's House thanks you so so very much for your hard work, dedication and extremely skillful painting of our Capo Home!! The house looks brand new! I cannot believe what a difference it has made to the whole property!!

I have not met each of you personally, but know that the impact you have made on me, my staff and our moms living here is huge.  You have inspired all of us!  You have also made us feel good about our mission and the work we do.  We feel cared for and validated which means more than I can express in an email.  By painting our home, you have made all of us feel loved. You are all true blessings from God!”

If you and your small group are interested in getting involved in a local project email Brenda scpeace@saddleback.com

One of my good friends and Saddleback church member, Hugh Allen, was on CBS news with Katie Couric. His great (x4) grandfather, Paul Jennings, was responsible for saving an American Treasure when the British tried to burn down the White House 190 years ago. Besides saving the famous painting of George Washington and being an author, Mr. Jennings reveals a depth of character that should inspire us when he aided the First Lady who wrongly sold him into slavery.  
                                                                                                                                                                                           
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5263185n&tag=related;photovideo
 
 
 
Scott J. Hitzel
saddleback san clemente

10. Little people come up to you everywhere you go and say, “Hi, I know you from church” …..so great!

9. Candy flows from everywhere and it is embraced and appreciated….. by the kids

8. You make people smile….. a lot!

7. People don’t expect you to be serious and solve life’s most difficult problems…. They take that over to pastoral care or counseling

6. Playing video games, watching silly movies, and telling stupid jokes is all part of the fun!

5. You get to sing and dance in a very ostentatious manner, and it is totally acceptable

4. You can be loud--- really loud!

3. Every event and celebration has balloons and bounce houses!

2. You get to have fun and act like a kid …… all the time!

1. You get to teach children about Jesus and be part of building a foundation of truth, love and hope that will last generations. Many times you get to be there for the single most important decision a child/person will ever make (accepting Jesus into their heart).

 

If you would like to be apart of this awesome ministry—We would love to have you join our team! Just call or email Kim (949)609-8235 or kimv@saddleback.com