By Darrel Proffitt, Lead Pastor
Our series on James continues this weekend.  The message will focus on James 1: 12-18:
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures."
Remaining "steadfast under trial" is actually a choice one can make.  We feel overwhelmed and often out of control when it comes to trials and temptations.  James makes it clear that there are specific steps we can take to move from being a victim to a victor.  If you have ever felt defined by failure every time you face a trial or temptation, then this message is incredibly important.  See you this weekend!

By Paula Willbrant
On Memorial Day I watched a tribute to our Veterans and my heart swelled with appreciation for all who have given their lives in war so that we can enjoy our freedom. With gratitude I give thanks to God for the blessing of living in a country where we are free to love and worship God and to live lives of freedom. I pray for those who are not so fortunate. I pray for God’s peace upon all.

By Darrel Proffitt, Lead Pastor,
Have you ever read something quite by accident, that ended up being just what you needed to hear?  One might say, it wasn't an accident!  God knows what you need before you do.
Here's a quote from a book that articulated something I've been thinking about: "what is the one aspect of this broken world that, when you see it, touch it, or get near it, you just can't stand?  What reality is so troubling that it thrusts you off the couch and into action?"  The author says that it is in those moments that you might hear God say: "I feel the exact same way about this situation.  Now, let's go solve it together!"
Amazing, isn't it?  It's amazing that God might just plant a holy discontent in our heart so that we could work with Him to do something about it!  Where do you find that holy discontent in your heart?  Is God asking you to do something about it?  If so, why are you waiting?

By Antionette Chew
This is my very first blog, ever. At first I was very nervous about writing a blog. Many questions swirled in my head as I imagined having to write something for many people to read. What should I say? How can I write, I am not a writer? What will people think? Do I have to be inspirational? So many questions and yet here I am writing my very first blog. I decided I should write about something that I hope will give you some great ideas to make this the best summer yet with your children.
With school coming to a close for this year, parents will be scrambling to find things to do with their children this summer. I love summer time. I love having my kids home and all the time we get to spend together seeing new things and returning to some of our favorite places. I wanted to give all my readers a top ten favorite places to visit over the summer. Many are just a short drive away and others will give you lots of family bonding time in the car. Seriously, get a DVD player if the trip is more than 2 hours. It will keep everyone sane for at least a couple hours.
10. A  day trip to Austin, TX. Lots of great sites to see and outdoor activities for the whole family. I suggest a trip to the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary. It is located on a beautiful piece of land. The mission of Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary is to assist animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education. 
9. A day trip to New Braunfels, TX and a visit to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. On the Safari you get up close and personal with many different animals. As you drive through the ranch, the animals come up and feed right out of your car. It is awesome to see these animals just roaming around freely.
8. A day trip to New Braunfels and a visit to the Natural Bridge Caverns. This a Texas's Largest Underground Adventure. It is really  a blast for the whole family.
7.  Cool off with a visit to the Blue Bell Ice Creamery is Brenham, TX. This is a great way to see one of America's favorite deserts being made. The tour ends with a tasty treat of ice cream. It is a great way to spend a day.
6. Picnic and flying kites. Do people even fly kites anymore. Well we do and it is always a great time for everyone. Pack yourself a yummy lunch and some kites and find yourself a park or really anywhere that has a big open space. Watch out for trees.
5. A trip to the Downtown Aquarium. Sharks, White Tigers, Ferris Wheel, a Huge Aquarium, and a Touch Tank with Sting Rays and Baby Sharks. Your kids will love this adventure.
4. A stay at home movie marathon. This is a day when everyone stays in their pajamas all day and you get out all of your favorite movies and watch them back to back. It is truly one of our favorite days in the summer. Everyone gets to pick their favorite movie and then we pick some that we all like.
3. All day swim, then karaoke and BBQ night. Enough said!!!
2.  A trip to Galveston. My family and I love Moody Gardens. If you haven't checked out Palm Beach you are missing out on a lot of fun. Wave pool, lazy river, giant slides, kids splash zone, and white sandy beaches. What could be better then that?
1. A trip to Destin, FL. This was the best trip that we have ever taken as a family. It is a little bit of a drive but so worth it. The beaches are magnificent, the water is clear and beautiful. If your family is in need of real rest and relaxation this summer, this is the trip for you. We honestly did nothing all day but sit on the beach and swim in the ocean. The hardest decision we had to make all day was where to eat for dinner.
Take time this summer to check out some of my families favorite places or find some of your own. As my oldest goes into her sophomore year of high school next year, I am reminded that our kids grow up so fast. Before we know it they will be in college and starting families of their own. Make memories with them now. The memories from any trip are sure to last a lifetime.

By Trish Thompson, Ministry Pastor of Groups
The below small group leader training caught my eye because I often hear that Bible study can’t be fun.  The pastor being interviewed refutes the idea because fun is necessary to build relationships.
When I talk with members and potential leaders, their initial thought of a small group is the gathering of people for Bible education.  Individuals feel ill equipped to lead because they don’t know enough about the Bible.  Others won’t join the conversation for fear their lack of knowledge will single them out.  This is the wrong approach according to James Grogan, Executive Teaching Pastor at Eastlake Church.  He says “The goal of our gatherings should be relationship, not information.”  He further explains that “relationships are the pipeline to discipleship.”  Being connected with others and living out Biblical principles is how transformation occurs.  It is the combination of information with application.
Fun is an essential part of relationships.  You may recognize the statement “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”  A group that only studies together would likewise be dull.  Grogan encourages his small groups to have a balance of fun and study to better build relationships.  COTHA member Nelda de Hoyos listened to the training and endorsed the concept.  She said, “As a leader of teachers in my position in the schools, I always included fun along with any training that I gave.  The goal was for everyone to relax with each other, so that they would be open to learning, then to get them in groups to reflect on how the learning could be relative to the teaching environment.”
I enjoy the camaraderie in my group.  Tomorrow we are poolside as we talk about James and Being a Doer of The Word.  Looking to connect with others and God, call me for information on small groups gathering this summer.
http://www.smallgroupnetwork.com/are-your-small-groups-fun-should-they-be/

By Darrel Proffitt, Lead Pastor,
Have you ever wondered what it meant to be a disciple in Jesus' day?  Perhaps we could learn something about our own call to discipleship if we understood what it meant when Jesus told those who would become His disciples, to leave what they were doing and follow Him. If a person desired to become a disciple of a particular teacher (rabbi) he would leave his family and spend all his time following, listening, and modeling the teacher.  They would walk from one place to another and the disciple would simply do life together with the teacher.  The rabbi would teach, the disciple would listen.  The disciple would study and work alongside his rabbi.  There was time spent on reading, discussing and memorizing Scripture.  The disciple would learn from the rabbi about how to apply Scriptures to everyday life.
It was said that a disciple was to  “cover himself in the dust of [the rabbi's] feet,” soaking up all that he could from the teachings and example of the teacher. The disciple would follow his rabbi so closely that he
would “walk in his dust.” It was understood that this was the only way that the disciple could become like his teacher.
In responding to our call to discipleship, as a Jesus follower, we need to also “walk in His dust.” How do we do that?  The same way the first disciples of Jesus did: studying what He says and does, reading and meditating on His word, and applying these learnings to our everyday life.

By Darrel Proffitt, Lead Pastor,
At the very end of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is about to leave His disciples to ascend into heaven.  He has directed them to go to Galilee. to the top of a mountain.  As they gather, He speaks to them for the last time.  Matthew records His words:  "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28: 18-20)
The command of Jesus is referred to as the "Great Commission."  This command is at the core of all our efforts to make disciples at COTHA. It is easy to lose our focus and do a whole lot of other things other than this.  But to lose focus is to ignore what Jesus commanded us to do.  Of course you can't give to anyone that which you yourself don't have.  As part of COTHA, are you building a life of discipleship?  Are you practicing the daily habits of a disciple?  In other words, are you doing what Jesus did?  Do you set aside time to read God's Word?  Is prayer an integral part of your life?  Are you a giver (in both time and money)? Do you spend time with other believers outside of Sunday morning?  Is worship at the center of your life?
I urge you to not neglect your own discipleship.  As you grow in spiritual maturity, God will call you to share with others.  It starts with you, then it moves you into the lives of others.  This is the Great Commission and this is who we are at COTHA.

James begins his letter with these words: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1: 2-4).
I can only imagine the how these words were received by those who heard them. James tells us that he is writing to the "twelve tribes in the Dispersion" which means that the audience of his letter had gone through much. They were Jewish Christians that had been scattered throughout the world by both the Assyrians and Babylonians. They were far from home.
We can resonate with this because as disciples, we also are far from home. Our home, since our adoption as sons and daughters of God, is not here. We have citizenship in a land far from here. We are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. And because we are not home, we go through much. James will help us see why we should count it as all joy.
This weekend we begin to unpack the timeless treasure of the book of James. For five weeks we will listen carefully as people of the Dispersion, finding hope and direction to live a life pleasing to God. See you this weekend!

By Richard Hunt
I love Mondays!
Still with me?  Really I do.  They bring a sense of newness and excitement into my week.  My little brain is thinking what is going to be new and different and challenging for me this week..... 
There is this book I read many years back called "Eating Problems for Breakfast."  


Eating Problems for Breakfast: A Simple,
Creative Approach to Solving Any Problem
 by Tim Hansel
Permalink: http://amzn.com/0849931266
In the book Tim Hansel lays out a plan to adjust your attitude, gives tools for problem solving, and teaches you to deal with your daily challenges.  His personal story is compelling and pulls you into his message.  One of the big take aways is [problem-solving is a life long process.]
So today I saw this youtube video on wimp.com (lovely waste of time.)  And this puppy was so excited about eating his food that he actually ended up in the bowl of food.  I would like to elevate my Mondays to being so jacked up about the week to find myself in my bowl of cereal with the puppy.  Anyone want a milk face? 
​