Author Archives: Carl Simmons

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About Carl Simmons

See the About Me page on my site, if you want to know more about ME. Otherwise, hopefully you'll know more about Jesus and some of his followers by reading here. And thanks for stopping by.

Making What You Know… Known

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Read the sentence below, repeatedly.  In fact, each time, emphasize a different word in the sentence  until you’ve tried all six versions. Ready? Go: “I didn’t say you were ugly.” What different meanings did you get out of this one … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your Agenda — some opening fragments

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Carl Simmons

We want to do the right thing, but very often we don’t know what the right thing is. Oddly enough, this is often when prayer is most effective. There are times where God gives us the confidence to pray for … Continue reading →

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Let’s Welcome a New Voice….

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Carl Simmons

You’ll notice a new member of our blog roll today… and if not, I’m here to make you notice. 🙂 Justin Morrisroe—whose blog Between 2 Trees… now graces our rolls—is a youth director/minister out of Tampa, who comes from ridiculously … Continue reading →

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Temper, Temper

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Even if you’re not into “chick flicks” (present company included), there’s a great scene in the movie Fried Green Tomatoes  that sets today’s message up perfectly. Watch here, have a good laugh, then let’s get down to business: • What … Continue reading →

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Getting Healthy Together

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Last week we explored how we’re all members of the body of Christ, and that we all have our parts to play within it. Let’s take one more look at that idea before moving forward today. Think about a time … Continue reading →

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fragments of Lay Down Your Gifts

Posted on August 12, 2011 by Carl Simmons

There will likely come a time where we will have to lay down our very calling before Jesus—it will likely be because our identities have become so wrapped up in what we’ve been called to do by Jesus that our … Continue reading →

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How to Lead Without Being the Boss

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Carl Simmons

We know a gifted leader when we see one. We recognize that God has given that person certain abilities or character traits that make him or her the obvious (or at least easiest) choice to lead others. What we may … Continue reading →

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Locating the Body

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Carl Simmons

One tricky thing about leadership is… well, somebody has to be the leader. At the same time, you’re still a member of the team you’re leading. You don’t get to completely separate the two. And it can be difficult to … Continue reading →

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Lay Down What’s Done, Part 2

Posted on August 5, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Our experiences, to a large degree, have made us who we are. But we are more than just our experiences, let alone our negative ones. There is a life in Christ waiting for us that goes beyond what we would … Continue reading →

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How Has God Gifted You, and for What?

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Carl Simmons

When you hear the phrase “spiritual gifts,” what comes to mind? Why that reaction? No matter what your reaction: When we each use the gifts God’s given us, together, He’s able to create something unique that can bring joy to … Continue reading →

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