1. I took my bride on a date last night. It's always good to get away without the kids.
2. Cale isn't feeling very well. Thanks for praying for him.
3. I really like what God is doing at PC right now.
4. Our Executive Team has been making some strategic decisions recently. These decisions will take us to the next level.
5. I dislike having loose ends. Right now, there are several things that I am ready to see fall into place. It will happen, but for me, it never happens quickly enough.
6. I can tell that I have grown over the years. I use to rush on certain decisions. Now I value taking my time and making sure we get it right.
7. I have lost all of the weight I picked up during the holidays.
8. It's weird, but I lost all of the weight during the all church fasting week and right after the fast gained most of it back. I'm glad to have the weight back off.
9. I've been working out consistently at the gym.
10. The main thing is I have been eating right. Sometimes, I can get into bad eating habits.
11. I haven't had diet soda in three weeks. I never used to drink soda until Brian, our Programming Director, told me that diet soda didn't have any calories. I know, I'm goofy for not already knowing that. But I had no clue that diet soda didn't have any calories until last year.
12. After I found out that diet soda didn't have any calories, I started drinking it. Then, I found out that it's still not very good for you. You can't win for losing. :)
13. Today is my family day. I'm excited to read books to the kids, wrestle on the floor with the kids, laugh with the kids and hang out with my sexy bride!
14. Church family, let's pack out the 8:45AM experience!
15. Have a GREAT weekend!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Tiffany Cooper's Raw & Candid Thoughts About Ministry pt. 2
PK TO PW
If you read my previous post, you’ll know what PK to PW means. I was born in Grand Island, Nebraska. That's where my parents were on staff at a church until I was 10 years old. We then moved to Menomonie, WI, where my parents took a Senior Pastor position. After graduating from high school, I moved to Springfield, Missouri, for college, and that's where I met the man beyond my dreams...Herbert. Herbert was already an evangelist and continued to travel and speak full-time for many years. He still travels on occasion as he speaks at churches and conferences. I thought I would add a few more aspects of being a PK that have positively impacted my role as a PW!
3. Go it Alone...to church that is: The only times my family went to church together in the same car and sat together in the same service were when we were visiting family over the holidays. Dad had to be at church earlier than the rest of us, on occasions my siblings and I would go early to help dad with communion, etc.
As a PW, it's always more challenging to get out the door on Sundays, especially with four little kiddos. I was prepared as a PK to have the realistic expectation of not having daddy helping on Sunday mornings.
4. Happy Easter a Day Early: If you try to celebrate everything on the day others do, you may wind up frustrated and bitter. Many normal holiday events take place on ministry days. We grew up celebrating these special times when it was good for our family, and I have carried that over into my own family.
5. MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder): If I tried to be everything that everybody thought I should be, then I would wind up to be one messed up woman with MPD. As a PK, I felt that there were expectations of what I should be like, thankfully not from my parents. There were periods when I didn't navigate through these pressures very well. Over time, I realized I can only be who I am and not what fits others ideal. As a PW, I live authentic to who I am and who God has called me to be as a woman in ministry. It's very freeing!
6. Weekends Mean Work: While many families enjoy the leisure of the weekend, ministry families are spending much of that time preparing and ministering. So much more goes into preparing for the service than it does for those who come to attend the service. Pastors put out so much personal energy that they come home drained on many Saturdays/Sundays, but it's worth it!
7. People Act Differently Around You: Have you ever walked into a room and everyone stops what they're doing? Well, this happens a lot if you're a PW. Of course, it doesn't happen with my friends or people who really know me, but it does happen in certain situations both church and non-church related. I witnessed this as a PK, so I knew what was going on when I became a PW.
8. Pedestal Thinking: On another note, there are some people that feel PW's are infallible and perfect, and they put them on this pedestal of super-stardom. When they see me, it's like I am a superstar. It always makes me laugh a little because I don't look at myself like this at all! I do appreciate their intentions and kind actions toward me...I just hope they discover that I am not super woman.
If you read my previous post, you’ll know what PK to PW means. I was born in Grand Island, Nebraska. That's where my parents were on staff at a church until I was 10 years old. We then moved to Menomonie, WI, where my parents took a Senior Pastor position. After graduating from high school, I moved to Springfield, Missouri, for college, and that's where I met the man beyond my dreams...Herbert. Herbert was already an evangelist and continued to travel and speak full-time for many years. He still travels on occasion as he speaks at churches and conferences. I thought I would add a few more aspects of being a PK that have positively impacted my role as a PW!
3. Go it Alone...to church that is: The only times my family went to church together in the same car and sat together in the same service were when we were visiting family over the holidays. Dad had to be at church earlier than the rest of us, on occasions my siblings and I would go early to help dad with communion, etc.
As a PW, it's always more challenging to get out the door on Sundays, especially with four little kiddos. I was prepared as a PK to have the realistic expectation of not having daddy helping on Sunday mornings.
4. Happy Easter a Day Early: If you try to celebrate everything on the day others do, you may wind up frustrated and bitter. Many normal holiday events take place on ministry days. We grew up celebrating these special times when it was good for our family, and I have carried that over into my own family.
5. MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder): If I tried to be everything that everybody thought I should be, then I would wind up to be one messed up woman with MPD. As a PK, I felt that there were expectations of what I should be like, thankfully not from my parents. There were periods when I didn't navigate through these pressures very well. Over time, I realized I can only be who I am and not what fits others ideal. As a PW, I live authentic to who I am and who God has called me to be as a woman in ministry. It's very freeing!
6. Weekends Mean Work: While many families enjoy the leisure of the weekend, ministry families are spending much of that time preparing and ministering. So much more goes into preparing for the service than it does for those who come to attend the service. Pastors put out so much personal energy that they come home drained on many Saturdays/Sundays, but it's worth it!
7. People Act Differently Around You: Have you ever walked into a room and everyone stops what they're doing? Well, this happens a lot if you're a PW. Of course, it doesn't happen with my friends or people who really know me, but it does happen in certain situations both church and non-church related. I witnessed this as a PK, so I knew what was going on when I became a PW.
8. Pedestal Thinking: On another note, there are some people that feel PW's are infallible and perfect, and they put them on this pedestal of super-stardom. When they see me, it's like I am a superstar. It always makes me laugh a little because I don't look at myself like this at all! I do appreciate their intentions and kind actions toward me...I just hope they discover that I am not super woman.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tiffany Cooper Shares Raw, Candid Insight About Ministry
PK TO PW
You may be asking yourself, "What is PK to PW?" Well, here it is broken down for you: PK (Pastor's Kid) to PW (Pastor's Wife). I was born in the ministry, and I married into the ministry! How's that for transition?
My call in life was evident to me at a very young age. There was no doubt in my mind that I would be in the ministry, it was my purpose in life. I remember knowing this as young as 6 years old, and I recall a night in the 5th grade that still lingers fresh in my mind. I was in my bedroom, located in the basement of the house, and I was talking to God with tears rolling off my chin, "God, I will do whatever you ask; I will go wherever you send me." At that time, I thought I would live in another country as a missionary. It didn't matter to me what I was doing, I just wanted to make a difference in people's lives for the better. This call never left my heart. I never abandoned my devotion to God even when I went through some challenges in my adolescent years.
All these years later, it is still a joy for me to think back on the pivotal moments of my childhood. I am a Pastor's Wife to the hubby I love to brag on, and I am truly in the thick of ministry. Let me tell you something that you may or may not know...this is a role that takes some adjusting to! But, I had an advantage that not all PW's have at the start of ministry---I was a PK (Pastor's Kid)!!!
How being a PK helps me as a PW:
1. Life in the Fish Bowl: I have lived my entire life in the "Fish Bowl" so to speak. As a child, I was very conscious that my actions reflected on my parents and the church. This created unwanted pressure at points in my life but also prepared me for the next level of intense "Fish Bowl" existence. As a PW, my life is looked at through a magnifying glass. I have navigated through these challenges well and give much credit to growing up in a "Fish Bowl".
2. People are People: It's plain and simple, people are people and some people do things that hurt you. This is not inclusive of the church family; this includes the community as a whole. While some hurtful actions are intentional, others are unintentional. As a PK, I learned that there are moments when the people you think love you will actually hurt you. In addition, there are those in the community who want you to know that they aren't for you or the call God's given to you. Thankfully, I've learned that hurt can come from misunderstandings, people's past experiences, unhealed hurt in their lives, etc. I don't take hurtful statements or actions personally, I trust in God. I had to do this a PK, and it has helped me as a PW.
Side Note: My church family is incredible. I continually feel their love and support. I am a blessed PW!!!
I REALLY LOVE MINISTRY and could talk about it all day long, but this post is getting long, so I will post PART 2 tomorrow! Until then, have a fantastic day!
You may be asking yourself, "What is PK to PW?" Well, here it is broken down for you: PK (Pastor's Kid) to PW (Pastor's Wife). I was born in the ministry, and I married into the ministry! How's that for transition?
My call in life was evident to me at a very young age. There was no doubt in my mind that I would be in the ministry, it was my purpose in life. I remember knowing this as young as 6 years old, and I recall a night in the 5th grade that still lingers fresh in my mind. I was in my bedroom, located in the basement of the house, and I was talking to God with tears rolling off my chin, "God, I will do whatever you ask; I will go wherever you send me." At that time, I thought I would live in another country as a missionary. It didn't matter to me what I was doing, I just wanted to make a difference in people's lives for the better. This call never left my heart. I never abandoned my devotion to God even when I went through some challenges in my adolescent years.
All these years later, it is still a joy for me to think back on the pivotal moments of my childhood. I am a Pastor's Wife to the hubby I love to brag on, and I am truly in the thick of ministry. Let me tell you something that you may or may not know...this is a role that takes some adjusting to! But, I had an advantage that not all PW's have at the start of ministry---I was a PK (Pastor's Kid)!!!
How being a PK helps me as a PW:
1. Life in the Fish Bowl: I have lived my entire life in the "Fish Bowl" so to speak. As a child, I was very conscious that my actions reflected on my parents and the church. This created unwanted pressure at points in my life but also prepared me for the next level of intense "Fish Bowl" existence. As a PW, my life is looked at through a magnifying glass. I have navigated through these challenges well and give much credit to growing up in a "Fish Bowl".
2. People are People: It's plain and simple, people are people and some people do things that hurt you. This is not inclusive of the church family; this includes the community as a whole. While some hurtful actions are intentional, others are unintentional. As a PK, I learned that there are moments when the people you think love you will actually hurt you. In addition, there are those in the community who want you to know that they aren't for you or the call God's given to you. Thankfully, I've learned that hurt can come from misunderstandings, people's past experiences, unhealed hurt in their lives, etc. I don't take hurtful statements or actions personally, I trust in God. I had to do this a PK, and it has helped me as a PW.
Side Note: My church family is incredible. I continually feel their love and support. I am a blessed PW!!!
I REALLY LOVE MINISTRY and could talk about it all day long, but this post is getting long, so I will post PART 2 tomorrow! Until then, have a fantastic day!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
ICY DAY
Yesterday and today there is an ice storm in Oklahoma! It's dangerous outside. Yesterday there were over 140 wrecks and two people killed. Folks, if you live in Oklahoma and you don't have to get out of the house, work from home. Even if you are a great driver, stay home and work. The issue isn't you, it's the other drivers that you don't have any control over.
Thank God for lap tops, cell phones and all of the other wonderful technology we can use at home!
BE SAFE!
Thank God for lap tops, cell phones and all of the other wonderful technology we can use at home!
BE SAFE!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Weekend Highlights
1. On Friday, my family went on a family date together. The kids absolutely look forward to and love their family dates with dad and mom.
2. On Saturday, we laid low around the house. I did some studying for Sunday's message and played with the kids, and my wife made an early Spaghetti dinner.
3. I started to feel better on Saturday and was 95 percent better by Sunday morning. I hate having a cold.
4. We had another off-the-charts Sunday at People's Church.
5. Attendance was great! The excitement and hunger for God was great. Worship was great.
6. The message was thought-provoking and was a very challenging message. I pray everybody puts the message into practice.
7. There were 63 people who made a decision for Christ. WOW! That is an off-the-chart number of salvations! GO, GOD!
8. I can taste the momentum. God's hand is upon our church. God is positioning PC for some phenomenal things in 2009.
9. Thanks again to those of you who have committed to attending the 8:45AM experience until we move into our new facility. You are awesome! Once again, I want to pack out the 8:45AM experience. Let's do it!
10. I want to say a BIG thank you to all of our volunteers. You all are incredible! You are impacting many lives.
11. Thank you, PC, for your faithfulness to give to the CRAZY Campaign over and above the Lord's tithe. Because of your faithfulness, many more lives are going to be changed by the power of Christ.
12. It's weird coming home after church and not watching football. I love watching football on Sunday afternoons. Next Sunday will be the last Sunday to watch NFL football. Next Sunday is Super bowl Sunday. After next Sunday, I will have a 7 month break before I start my junkie habit again!
13. PC IS ALL ABOUT LIFE CHANGE! Jesus changes lives!
14. Have a great attitude on this last Monday of January 2009!
2. On Saturday, we laid low around the house. I did some studying for Sunday's message and played with the kids, and my wife made an early Spaghetti dinner.
3. I started to feel better on Saturday and was 95 percent better by Sunday morning. I hate having a cold.
4. We had another off-the-charts Sunday at People's Church.
5. Attendance was great! The excitement and hunger for God was great. Worship was great.
6. The message was thought-provoking and was a very challenging message. I pray everybody puts the message into practice.
7. There were 63 people who made a decision for Christ. WOW! That is an off-the-chart number of salvations! GO, GOD!
8. I can taste the momentum. God's hand is upon our church. God is positioning PC for some phenomenal things in 2009.
9. Thanks again to those of you who have committed to attending the 8:45AM experience until we move into our new facility. You are awesome! Once again, I want to pack out the 8:45AM experience. Let's do it!
10. I want to say a BIG thank you to all of our volunteers. You all are incredible! You are impacting many lives.
11. Thank you, PC, for your faithfulness to give to the CRAZY Campaign over and above the Lord's tithe. Because of your faithfulness, many more lives are going to be changed by the power of Christ.
12. It's weird coming home after church and not watching football. I love watching football on Sunday afternoons. Next Sunday will be the last Sunday to watch NFL football. Next Sunday is Super bowl Sunday. After next Sunday, I will have a 7 month break before I start my junkie habit again!
13. PC IS ALL ABOUT LIFE CHANGE! Jesus changes lives!
14. Have a great attitude on this last Monday of January 2009!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Friday's Download
1. I've been fighting a cold all week. BLAAAA
2. It was a very productive week.
3. I have been doing a lot of coaching, planning and restructuring with my team.
4. Cade, my three-year-old, is a nut right now. He is so loud and is coming out of his shell. I love seeing his personality.
5. Caris, my two-year-old girl, has always been a nut. She is so rambunctious. She is miss personality plus.
6. Cale, my five-year-old, is loving school. He loves to learn, and I love watching and listening to him as he expands his horizons.
7. Case, my six-month-old, is the happiest little baby in the world. He is such a smiley baby.
8. I absolutely love being a dad and raising God-fearing kids.
9. Tiffany is doing well. She is volunteering a bunch on the kids’ Leadership Team. She loves providing leadership to our church family. She is so gifted. God couldn't have picked a better partner for me to share my life with.
10. Church family, I need you to attend the 8:45AM experience. God is doing CRAZY things at PC, and we need to free up seats for more people to have their lives changed by the power of Christ. Thank you so much for you passion to see more changed lives!
11. I'm living my dream. I love my life. I love serving God. I love being a pastor. I love my day off! I'm going to hang with my family today!
12. Have a SUPER GREAT WEEKEND!
2. It was a very productive week.
3. I have been doing a lot of coaching, planning and restructuring with my team.
4. Cade, my three-year-old, is a nut right now. He is so loud and is coming out of his shell. I love seeing his personality.
5. Caris, my two-year-old girl, has always been a nut. She is so rambunctious. She is miss personality plus.
6. Cale, my five-year-old, is loving school. He loves to learn, and I love watching and listening to him as he expands his horizons.
7. Case, my six-month-old, is the happiest little baby in the world. He is such a smiley baby.
8. I absolutely love being a dad and raising God-fearing kids.
9. Tiffany is doing well. She is volunteering a bunch on the kids’ Leadership Team. She loves providing leadership to our church family. She is so gifted. God couldn't have picked a better partner for me to share my life with.
10. Church family, I need you to attend the 8:45AM experience. God is doing CRAZY things at PC, and we need to free up seats for more people to have their lives changed by the power of Christ. Thank you so much for you passion to see more changed lives!
11. I'm living my dream. I love my life. I love serving God. I love being a pastor. I love my day off! I'm going to hang with my family today!
12. Have a SUPER GREAT WEEKEND!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Do Not Burn Bridges
6. Because it's not what you know it's who you know
7. Because nobody gets to the top all by themselves
8. Because life is way too short to create enemies
9. Because when you burn one bridge you actually burn many because people talk
10. Because treating people the way you want to be treated is always best
7. Because nobody gets to the top all by themselves
8. Because life is way too short to create enemies
9. Because when you burn one bridge you actually burn many because people talk
10. Because treating people the way you want to be treated is always best
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Do Not Burn Bridges
1. Because those below you today could be above you tomorrow
2. Because the person you burn today could be friends with the person you need tomorrow
3. Because you never know when you might need to cross that bridge again to get to the other side
4. Because you reap what you sow
5. Because having a good name is more valuable than riches.
2. Because the person you burn today could be friends with the person you need tomorrow
3. Because you never know when you might need to cross that bridge again to get to the other side
4. Because you reap what you sow
5. Because having a good name is more valuable than riches.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Do Not Burn Bridges
Here are some ways to burn bridges:
1. Gossip about people
2. Don't return phone calls
3. Be dishonest
4. Only talk to people when you want something from them
5. Be unreliable
6. Talk big and never follow through
7. Degrade others
8. Be self-centered
9. Treat people bad when their down and out
10. Look down on people who are below you in their career, position, economic status, etc.
11. Be a know it all
1. Gossip about people
2. Don't return phone calls
3. Be dishonest
4. Only talk to people when you want something from them
5. Be unreliable
6. Talk big and never follow through
7. Degrade others
8. Be self-centered
9. Treat people bad when their down and out
10. Look down on people who are below you in their career, position, economic status, etc.
11. Be a know it all
Monday, January 19, 2009
Weekend Highlights
1. It was another great day at People's Church.
2. We almost set another non-Easter attendance record.
3. People's Church is pumped up about inviting their friends and family to experience real life change through Christ.
4. Many people gave their lives to Christ.
5. I want to say a BIG, BIG thank you to all of you who are now worshipping in the 8:45AM experience. We had really great attendance in the 8:45AM experience. It may have been a non-Easter record. Let's keep it up.
6. PC, let's continue to free up more seats and kids’ space for those seeking a relationship with Christ. I want us to pack out the 8:45AM experience.
7. It was a really long Sunday for me. I have been fighting a cold since Thursday.
8. All of the drainage from the cold made it a little more difficult to speak.
9. After preaching four times at PC, I headed to Owasso, Oklahoma, a suburb of Tulsa, to preach for a pastor to encourage and inspire their church. I was wiped out last night.
10. I love to help pastors and churches, but I will not preach on Sunday nights very often. It's too much wear and tear on my body to preach another message in another city after preaching four times at PC.
11. I really believe that God did a great work in the hearts of people yesterday.
12. Lynn Wheeler dedicated our fourth baby to the Lord in the fourth experience. Lynn has dedicated all four of our kids to the Lord.
13. PC, I'm honored to be your pastor!
14. Have a super Monday!
2. We almost set another non-Easter attendance record.
3. People's Church is pumped up about inviting their friends and family to experience real life change through Christ.
4. Many people gave their lives to Christ.
5. I want to say a BIG, BIG thank you to all of you who are now worshipping in the 8:45AM experience. We had really great attendance in the 8:45AM experience. It may have been a non-Easter record. Let's keep it up.
6. PC, let's continue to free up more seats and kids’ space for those seeking a relationship with Christ. I want us to pack out the 8:45AM experience.
7. It was a really long Sunday for me. I have been fighting a cold since Thursday.
8. All of the drainage from the cold made it a little more difficult to speak.
9. After preaching four times at PC, I headed to Owasso, Oklahoma, a suburb of Tulsa, to preach for a pastor to encourage and inspire their church. I was wiped out last night.
10. I love to help pastors and churches, but I will not preach on Sunday nights very often. It's too much wear and tear on my body to preach another message in another city after preaching four times at PC.
11. I really believe that God did a great work in the hearts of people yesterday.
12. Lynn Wheeler dedicated our fourth baby to the Lord in the fourth experience. Lynn has dedicated all four of our kids to the Lord.
13. PC, I'm honored to be your pastor!
14. Have a super Monday!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
