mckaycaston.com - helping folks like me come alive to the wonder of the gospel because a continual rediscovery of God's grace in Jesus is the fuel for spiritual life
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March 14, 2010

New (Tentative) Weekly Schedule

Now that Creekstone has launched, I've been putting a lot of thought into how to spend my time. The above schedule lists the primary ministry focus areas for each day. Even thought this does not list things such as leading the men's study, leading team meetings, social gatherings, youth activities, etc., I think having a primary focus each day will help keep things "between the lines." Pray that it really does help, and that if it does, that I will stick to it. Thanks!

Filed under  //   creekstone   personal   schedule   time management  

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January 2, 2010

Hiking the Georgia AT in 2010

One of my goals for 2010 is to hike the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail, with the aim of doing the whole thing (to Maine) over the next 10 years. Here is a map of the 76 mile GA portion, which I hope to enjoy with my son through a combination of day and overnight hikes.

Filed under  //   hiking   personal  

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December 30, 2009

"...as Christ Loved the Church"

Every now and then the reality sinks in of my complete failure to love my wife well. I am naturally task oriented, quite unthoughtful of others, and often completely self-absorbed with myself. Yes, I know. Why did she marry me in the first place? Well, our "dark sides" often do not manifest themselves fully until we are comfortable enough around our spouses to let the "real me" out. Then it's too late for them to turn back! : )  

Anyway, as I have reflected upon what it means to love a wife well (particularly mine), I began thinking of tasks and personality improvements/alterations that I need to make—all law changes. Then the passage that covers it all, and makes marriage counseling quite simple, hit me: "Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church, and gave himself up for her." Crud. Now it's even worse than I thought. So what now?  How about some fresh repentance (to put me in my place- the sinners seat)? How about some fresh faith in the saving work of Jesus (who took my place in the sinners seat)?  After all, I am part of that church whom Jesus loved to death. That is how well he loved me—with a gospel love. 

You know, how often have I used that expression, "I love her to death." Really?  Not yet. Well, Jesus did. And the more I can embrace that dying love for me, the more likely it will be that I will be able to love my wife well. Perfectly? I'm afraid not. But love well? By grace, I hope so. 

Filed under  //   devotional   ephesians   personal  

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December 19, 2009

Reflections at 41

While enjoying a birthday rest yesterday afternoon, in a state of semi-grogishness I began to reflect on being 41. Here are some of those thoughts. They are not necessarily deep or profound, nor in any particular order... and I'll probably add a few more before the day is out.

  1. I've finally made enough mistakes to have some helpful experience.
  2. Unfortunately, I realize that I have lots of mistakes left in me... so those folks who are 81 are the ones to look to for the most helpful experience. After all, Moses didn't even really get out of the gate until 80.
  3. "Assuming" is almost always a mistake.
  4. I think I know myself better than ever, which is scary. When I was in my 20s, I thought I was kind of okay. Now I have discovered what a mess I really am. 
  5. I'm realizing that I'll never read all of the books that I want to read, nor write all the books that I want to write. So relax, McKay. Go take that nap by the fire.
  6. I think I just might be mortal after all. 
  7. I wish I had prayed more– not ritually or formally, but relationally to God as my Abba, Father... just talking, being real, honest, needy. Why not begin now?
  8. I do not feel old. Tired, yes. But not necessarily "old." Maybe 40 really is the new 30.
  9. Sentimental idealism is slowly being replaced with biblical realism. 
  10. The world (especially my own heart) looks darker and more evil that it used to, but the gospel is looking brighter and more hopeful than it used to as well.
  11. I have come to hate duty bound, legalistic, rule-oriented, petty, ingrown, spirit-less, two-faced, hypocritical religion; mainly because feeling quite comfortable in that context is one of my biggest sins.
  12. I long for a church that "glorifies God by helping people come alive to the wonder of the gospel"... period.
  13. I am thankful for a wife who loves me the way the Bible defines love, not as reward, but as grace.
  14. I am grateful for my children. I believe that they genuinely love Jesus because they know Jesus genuinely loves them.  And though they struggle with their own sin natures, I see the Spirit cultivating a real desire to obey and honor me. I don't deserve it, but they still desire it, and express it in so many thoughtful ways.
  15. Some decisions that I would NOT change if I had the chance: asking Kristy to be my wife, going to seminary to study, becoming a teaching pastor, having our children, and choosing to live and plant a new church in Dahlonega, GA, my "briar patch."
  16. I'd like to cut down on my face-time with my email, and replace that with face-time with my wife and kids.
  17. I don't just want to preach "good sermons," but raw and uncut messages that storm Golgatha, because the cross is our only hope.
  18. I want to be more of an evangelist for the gospel than I am for my Mac. 

Filed under  //   birthday   personal   reflections  

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December 18, 2009

"You Say It's Your Birthday..."

Thanks for all the facebook birthday wishes. I'm feelin' the love!

Filed under  //   personal  

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December 12, 2009

It Once Was Lost...

I am rejoicing in Luke 15 fashion tonight after finding my lost Mino video camera. It has a lot of family footage that I have yet to upload to Vimeo. It once was lost, but now is found!

Filed under  //   personal  

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October 26, 2009

Monday Morning Reflections

After Creekstone's first gathering last night, I have had a few thoughts. I'm sure as the day wears on, I'll have more clarity. Or maybe not. All that matters today is that Jesus lived for me, died for me, rose for me, reigns over me, and is returning for me... and that, by sheer grace, I am his and he is mine. I am forgiven and accepted and loved. The gospel is true. I have hope.

Here are the Monday morning reflections:

1. I am so thankful to be doing what I am doing. Thank you, Jesus, for letting me be a church planter in Dahlonega. It is such a huge, huge privilege to be called upon to lead in the planting of a new church community that focuses on the God's grace/the gospel like a laser. I am already waiting for this coming Sunday! Of course, the guys' fight club on Wednesday is going to be my mid-week gospel oasis. So looking forward to hanging with y'all again in just two days!  And I've been looking forward for weeks to teaching for Campus Outreach this Wednesday night. You students fire me up with you enthusiasm to know, live and celebrate the gospel.

2. I am stunned by the number of people who are showing interest... and showing up. God is at work. That is the only way I can explain this.

3. I am so completely unworthy.

4. I am a foolish vessel for God to use in this role. I would not choose me. So maybe God will be glorified in this thing after all.

5. The greatest gift I can give these folks as a leader/mentor/pacesetter/example is my own need for Jesus.

Filed under  //   creekstone   monday reflections   personal  

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